bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of colloidal haze protein in Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing Huangjiu) mainly by matrix‐assisted laser ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Xie Guangfa , Han Jiongping , Han Xueyuan , Peng Qi , Fu Jianwei , Shen Chi , Sun Jianqiu , Sun Junyong , Lu Jian , Lu Yin , Li Guolong
Published: June 2020

As one of the three most famous brewed wines in the world, Chinese rice wine is made from rice and husked millet, containing 14 percent to 20 percent alcohol. Highly original, yellow wine brewing techniques are regarded as the model of the wine brewing industry in Asia. Shaoxing Huangjiu is produced in Zhejiang province and remains the oldest and most representative Chinese rice wine. During storage, Shaoxing Huangjiu is susceptible to environmental disturbance and produces colloidal haze to result in turbidity. In this study, the main composition and source of colloidal haze protein in Shaoxing Huangjiu were analyzed by two‐dimensional electrophoresis and matrix‐assisted laser ionization time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS). The results showed that the proteins in colloidal haze mainly consisted of oat protein b1, oat‐like protein, di‐amylase inhibitor, pathogenesis‐related protein, pathogenesis‐related protein‐4, chitinase II derived from wheat and oat‐like protein, and beta‐amylase derived from rice. The amino acid composition and secondary structure of haze protein and supernatant protein in Huangjiu were further explored by high‐performance liquid chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The study has broadened knowledge of the main composition and source of colloidal haze protein in Shaoxing Huangjiu. The corresponding results indicated that the amino acid composition from colloidal haze had the main characteristics of high hydrophobicity and low water solubility.
The developmental neural substrates of Hebb repetition learning and their link with reading ability
Authors: Attout Lucie , Ordonez Magro Laura , Szmalec Arnaud , Majerus Steve
Published: June 2020

Hebb repetition learning is a fundamental learning mechanism for sequential knowledge, such as language. However, still little is known about its development. This fMRI study examined the developmental neural substrates of Hebb repetition learning and its relation with reading abilities in a group of 49 children aged from 6 to 12 years. In the scanner, the children carried out an immediate serial recall task for syllable sequences of which some sequences were repeated several times over the course of the session (Hebb repetition sequences). The rate of Hebb repetition learning was associated with modulation of activity in the medial temporal lobe. Importantly, for the age range studied here, learning‐related medial temporal lobe modulation was independent of the age of the children. Furthermore, we observed an association between regular and irregular word reading abilities and the neural substrates of Hebb repetition learning. This study suggests that the functional neural substrates of Hebb repetition learning do not undergo further maturational changes in school age children, possibly because they are sustained by implicit sequential learning mechanisms which are considered to be fully developed by that age. Importantly, the neural substrates of Hebb learning remain significant determinants of children's learning abilities, such as reading.
Rapid eye movement sleep patterns of brain activation and deactivation occur within unique functional networks
Authors: Uitermarkt Brandt D. , Bruss Joel , Hwang Kai , Boes Aaron D.
Published: June 2020

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a paradoxical state where the individual appears asleep while the electroencephalogram pattern resembles that of wakefulness. Regional differences in brain metabolism have been observed during REM sleep compared to wakefulness, but it is not known whether the spatial distribution of metabolic differences corresponds to known functional networks in the brain. Here, we use a combination of techniques to evaluate the networks associated with sites of REM sleep activation and deactivation from previously published positron emission tomography studies. We use seed‐based functional connectivity from healthy adults acquired during quiet rest to show that REM‐activation regions are functionally connected in a network that includes retrosplenial cingulate cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, and extrastriate visual cortices, corresponding to components of the default mode network and visual networks. Regions deactivated during REM sleep localize to right‐lateralized fronto‐parietal and salience networks. A negatively correlated relationship was observed between REM‐activation and deactivation networks. Together, these findings show that regional activation and deactivation patterns of REM sleep tend to occur in distinct functional connectivity networks that are present during wakefulness, providing insights regarding the differential contributions of brain regions to the distinct subjective experiences that occur during REM sleep (dreaming) relative to wakefulness.
Multi‐omics analysis reveals the functional transcription and potential translation of enhancers
Authors: Wu Yingcheng , Yang Yang , Gu Hongyan , Tao Baorui , Zhang Erhao , Wei Jinhuan , Wang Zhou , Liu Aifen , Sun Rong , Chen Miaomiao , Fan Yihui , Mao Renfang
Published: June 2020

Enhancer can transcribe RNAs, however, most of them were neglected in traditional RNA‐seq analysis workflow. Here, we developed a Pipeline for Enhancer Transcription (PET, http://fun-science.club/PET) for quantifying enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) from RNA‐seq. By applying this pipeline on lung cancer samples and cell lines, we showed that the transcribed enhancers are enriched with histone marks and transcription factor motifs (JUNB, Hand1‐Tcf3 and GATA4). By training a machine learning model, we demonstrate that enhancers can predict prognosis better than their nearby genes. Integrating the Hi‐C, ChIP‐seq and RNA‐seq data, we observe that transcribed enhancers associate with cancer hallmarks or oncogenes, among which LcsMYC‐1 (Lung cancer‐specific MYC eRNA‐1) potentially supports MYC expression. Surprisingly, a significant proportion of transcribed enhancers contain small protein‐coding open reading frames (sORFs) and can be translated into microproteins. Our study provides a computational method for eRNA quantification and deepens our understandings of the DNA, RNA and protein nature of enhancers.
Outcomes of a 2‐year, 5 cohort faculty development program
Authors: Sabato Emily H. , Fenesy Kim E.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

A grant‐funded faculty development program, From Practice to Preceptor (FP2P), sought to recruit and train diverse general and pediatric dentists to become dental faculty from 2012–2018. This study is an evaluation of this completed initiative and offers an initial review of long‐term outcomes of the program.

Methods

Over 5 entering cohorts, 133 practitioners applied to the program and 45 were accepted. A 2‐year training program used classroom and hands‐on training to prepare practitioners for the occupational demands of academia. Program participants were offered pre‐ and post‐surveys to evaluate their perceived preparedness in faculty competencies identified by the program. Participants were also sent an alumni survey, and employment was tracked by the host institution.

Results

Most (43 of 45) participants completed the program. Pre‐ and post‐survey results were received from 24 of 30 (80%) participants in Cohorts 2, 3, and 5, and used for this analysis. The results suggest the program participants’ perception of their ability to work effectively as faculty members in administrative, teaching, and clinical arenas increased. Over half of the program completers obtained employment as dental faculty. A majority of (19/26, 73%) program completers who responded to the alumni survey indicated the skills and knowledge gained in the program were useful to their current employment.

Conclusion

The FP2P program evaluation results indicate a long‐term faculty training program may be a useful methodology for recruiting and training current dentists to work in academic dentistry.
High dropout rate from aftercare program of antihepatitis C therapy for patients with history of injection drug use
Authors: Tamori Akihiro , Uchida‐Kobayashi Sawako , Kozuka Ritsuzo , Motoyama Hiroyuki , Yoshida Kanako , Odagiri Naoshi , Kotani Kohei , Kawamura Etsushi , Fujii Hideki , Hagihara Atsushi , Enomoto Masaru , Kawada Norifumi
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

We assessed direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and a history of injection drug use (IDU) in Japan.

Method

This retrospective observational study was based on clinical records. Overall, 804 DAA‐naïve HCV‐infected patients were enrolled, treated with a 12‐week regimen of DAAs, and had available information about a history of IDU. Anti‐HCV efficacy was defined as a sustained viral response 12 weeks post‐treatment (SVR12) only in patients who were assessed after 12 weeks [modified intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analyses]. We compared the antiviral effect between patients with (past‐IDU) and without a history of IDU (non‐IDU). We also evaluated the characteristics of each group, including the overall dropout rate and economic background.

Results

Overall, 78 (9.7%) patients had a history of IDU. Compared to the non‐IDU group at baseline, the past‐IDU group consisted of predominantly male and younger patients infected with HCV genotype 2. Overall, 3% (3/78) and 16% (116/726) of the patients had cirrhosis in the past‐IDU and non‐IDU group, respectively. There was a significantly higher rate of welfare recipients in the past‐IDU group. SVR rate was 97% (59/61) in the past‐IDU group and 99% (689/699) in the non‐IDU group. The cumulative rate of dropout from an aftercare program was high in the past‐IDU group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

DAAs had a remarkable anti‐HCV effect in patients with past‐IDU who continued in an aftercare program. It is necessary to understand the characteristics of past‐IDU patients to establish a support system for aftercare programs.
Bilateral dependency and supplier performance ambiguity in supply chain contracting: Evidence from the railroad industry
Authors: Bhardwaj Akhil , Ketokivi Mikko
Published: June 2020

Research on supply chain relationships tends to focus on power and asymmetric dependency. Our objective is to complement this by examining contractual challenges in the context of bilateral dependency. Our specific empirical focus is on how Indian Railways, one of the largest railroads in the world, manages warranty claims related to engine failures. Warranty resolution is complex, because failures typically involve the simultaneous failure of several engine subsystems provided by different suppliers, giving rise to supplier performance ambiguity. Through a combination of theoretical reflection rooted in transaction cost economics and an empirical analysis of Indian Railways' supply chain, we argue that in the case of bilateral dependency, “the benign approach” is more efficient than “the muscular approach,” to use Oliver Williamson's terminology. Specifically, while the latter is founded on unilateral decisions by the comparatively more powerful party, the former is based on voluntary long‐term cooperation, and calls for mutual credible commitments and joint problem‐solving. Additionally, we highlight that even if dependency is asymmetric at the outset, it can develop bilateral features over time. Theoretically, our research offers an enhanced understanding of trust in buyer–supplier relationships, emphasizing its organizational as opposed to personal basis.
Pharmacological management of anaemia in pregnancy: a review
Authors: Shand Antonia , Austin Kathryn , Nassar Natasha , Kidson‐Gerber Giselle
Published: June 2020

Anaemia in pregnancy is defined as a haemoglobin (Hb) level of <110 g/L before 20 weeks' gestation or <105 g/L at or after 20 weeks' gestation. Anaemia is a common complication of pregnancy and is associated with maternal, foetal and infant morbidity and in rare circumstances mortality. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anaemia in Australian pregnant women, although other causes should be considered. Prevention of IDA and adequate treatment for all pregnant women with IDA is recommended. First line treatment of IDA in pregnancy is oral iron replacement. Recent knowledge has suggested lower doses of iron supplementation may be as effective as higher doses. Intravenous iron is a second line treatment for IDA. We present a review of the causes of anaemia, a suggested algorithm for investigation of anaemia in pregnancy and a review of treatment options reflecting current understanding of the physiology of iron absorption.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of the Pericranial Flap and Its Local Effects Following Endoscopic Craniofacial Resection
Authors: Xu Xinni , Lwin Sein , Ting Eric , Ong Yew Kwang
Published: June 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of the pericranial flap, changes in the pericranial flap thickness over time, presence of frontal sinus opacification, and presence of frontal lobe herniation into the nasal cavity.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Seventeen consecutive endoscopic craniofacial resections with pericranial flap reconstruction performed at a tertiary hospital from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed. Sixty‐eight serial MRI scans were evaluated.

Results

All pericranial flaps consistently featured a homogenous appearance on T1‐weighted sequence and enhanced with contrast. On T2‐weighted sequence, the skull base reconstruction demonstrated four layers of alternating hypo‐ and hyperintensity, which corresponded with the inlay synthetic graft or neodura (hypointense), loose areolar tissue (hyperintense), fibrous pericranium (hypointense), and nasal mucosa or granulation tissue (hyperintense). The mean pericranial flap thickness was 9.9 mm. In thicker flaps, the loose areolar layer contributed the bulk of the thickness. Of 13 patients who underwent three or more serial MRI scans, 11 flaps (84.6%) were stable and two (15.4%) had >50% reduction in their original thickness over time. Thirteen of 17 (76.5%) patients had frontal sinus opacification on follow‐up. None developed frontal sinus mucoceles or frontal lobe herniation.

Conclusions

The pericranial flap has a distinctive MRI appearance, especially on T2‐weighted sequence. The thickness of the flap remains relatively stable over time for most patients even following radiotherapy. It is a sturdy flap that is able to support the frontal lobe. Frontal sinus obstruction is common, although complications from this appear to be rare.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E90–E97, 2021
Parkinson's Disease, NOTCH3 Genetic Variants, and White Matter Hyperintensities
Authors: Ramirez Joel , Dilliott Allison A. , Binns Malcolm A. , Breen David P. , Evans Emily C. , Beaton Derek , McLaughlin Paula M. , Kwan Donna , Holmes Melissa F. , Ozzoude Miracle , Scott Christopher J.M. , Strother Stephen C. , Symons Sean , Swartz Richard H. , Grimes David , Jog Mandar , Masellis Mario , Black Sandra E. , Joutel Anne , Marras Connie , Rogaeva Ekaterina , Hegele Robert A. , Lang Anthony E. ,   Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative Investigators
Published: June 2020

Background

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) on magnetic resonance imaging may influence clinical presentation in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), although their significance and pathophysiological origins remain unresolved. Studies examining WMH have identified pathogenic variants in NOTCH3 as an underlying cause of inherited forms of cerebral small vessel disease.

Methods

We examined NOTCH3 variants, WMH volumes, and clinical correlates in 139 PD patients in the Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative cohort.

Results

We identified 13 PD patients (~9%) with rare (<1% of general population), nonsynonymous NOTCH3 variants. Bayesian linear modeling demonstrated a doubling of WMH between variant negative and positive patients (3.1 vs. 6.9 mL), with large effect sizes for periventricular WMH (d = 0.8) and lacunes (d = 1.2). Negative correlations were observed between WMH and global cognition (r = −0.2).

Conclusion

The NOTCH3 rare variants in PD may significantly contribute to increased WMH burden, which in turn may negatively influence cognition. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Quality control and gap‐filling methods applied to hourly temperature observations over central Italy
Authors: Cerlini Paolina B. , Silvestri Lorenzo , Saraceni Miriam
Published: June 2020

Given the regional surface network of the Umbria region, a mountainous area located in central Italy, the observed hourly temperature time series from 2010 to 2017 were analysed by applying basic and extended quality control procedures following World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards. The validation procedure consisted of automatic quality control, producing validated data with metadata subsequently recorded in the NetCDF format. After these controls, data were checked manually and an extended procedure was applied to reconstruct the temperature time series for missing data. The spatiotemporal method used to reconstruct the data was a linear interpolation for 1 hr gaps and the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) algorithm for gaps ≥ 2 hr. The introduction of a complete and homogeneous data set of hourly reanalysis ERA5 (from the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts—ECMWF) allowed for the reconstruction of the longest gaps with statistical and physical consistency. The final product of the study is a continuous station time series of hourly temperatures that will be available to the public by the end of 2020; a daily version of the original time series is already available on the regional website.
CHD7 missense variants and clinical characteristics of Chinese males with infertility
Authors: Li Leilei , Wang Ruixue , Yu Yang , Zhang Hongguo , Jiang Yuting , Yang Xiao , Liu Ruizhi
Published: June 2020

Background

Isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and Kallmann syndrome (KS) are rare genetic diseases that cause male infertility. The chromodomain helicase DNA‐binding protein 7 (CHD7) gene is commonly associated with KS and IHH. We speculated that CHD7 variants may be associated with male infertility.

Methods

Two hundred males with azoospermia and 120 with oligozoospermia were recruited. The patients underwent clinical examination and reproductive hormone testing. A panel of genes including CHD7 and others related to spermatogenic failure was sequenced by targeted‐gene exome sequencing.

Results

Three patients with severe oligozoospermia had CHD7 variants (a detection rate of 0.94% (3/320)). After prediction software analysis, two of the variants c.3464G>A (p.R1155H) and c.4516G>A (p.G1506S) were predicted to be likely pathogenic. Although predicted to be benign, the variants of c.2824A>G (p.T942A) located in the chromodomain 2 could not be excluded as disease causing. The patients with variants had small testicular volumes. In particular, the testes of the patient with a p.G1506S variant varied in size (left, 8 ml; right, 4.5 ml). Two patients (patients 31 and 120) had low E2 levels and two (patients 83 and 120) had low T levels. Ultimately, these variants were classified as “variants of unknown significant” that may be associated with male infertility.

Conclusions

There may be a relationship between the CHD7 gene missense variants and male infertility. These variants are easier to find in patients with azoospermia and severe oligospermia whose testosterone levels are decreased.
Design and performance analysis of a CPW‐fed circularly polarized implantable antenna for 2.45 GHz ISM band
Authors: Gupta Vipan Kumar , Thakur Deepali
Published: June 2020

A CPW‐fed, circularly polarized (CP)antenna operating at 2.45 GHz ISM band is investigated for in‐body biotelemetry. Antenna has compact volume of 98mm3 (14 mm × 14 mm × 0.5 mm) and printed on RO 3010 substrate. By using inverted z‐shaped radiator with square ring‐shaped ground, wide impedance bandwidth of 450 MHz (2.25‐2.7 GHz).In addition, it also contributes to excite two orthogonal modes (TM01 and TM10) for CP generation and 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth of 170 MHz (2.39‐2.56 GHz)is achieved. Results are simulated in muscle tissue, three‐layer rectangular and cylindrical phantom tissues and measured in pork tissue. Proposed structure demonstrates robust performance in heterogeneous bio‐environment. High gain of −15.96 dB confirms good radiation characteristics, low SAR value of 0.494 W/Kg and radiation efficiency of 2.83% make antenna suitable for low power in‐body bio‐telemetry.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and young adults—Beyond 5‐year survival
Authors: Ben‐Ami Tal , Ash Shifra , Ben‐Harosh Miri , Gavriel Herzel , Weintraub Michael , Revel‐Vilk Shoshana , Ben‐Arush Myriam
Published: June 2020

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare and locally aggressive form of childhood cancer. Treatment of NPC includes chemotherapy and radiotherapy. With current treatment protocols, survival rates for patients with nonmetastatic disease is over 80%. Data regarding very late events including long‐term treatment‐related morbidities and second malignancies are scarce. We present our data on 42 patients with NPC treated in Israel between 1989 and 2014, and followed until 2019. During follow up, five patients had disease recurrence, and four children developed secondary malignancy. Median time to diagnosis of secondary malignancy was 105 months. Eighty‐eight percent of patients have long‐term treatment‐related morbidities.
Trait resilience and mental health in older adults: A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Färber Francesca , Rosendahl Jenny
Published: June 2020

Objectives

This study aims to systematically review research on the association between resilience as a personality trait and mental health in older adults and to meta‐analytically quantify this relation.

Methods

We included studies assessing older adults (mean age 60 years or older), measuring trait resilience with a version of the Resilience Scale (RS) by Wagnild and Young and mental health. We conducted a comprehensive search in Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, PubPsych, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Full Text database and the theses database of the German National Library for eligible studies. Study data on associations between resilience and mental health were aggregated using a random‐effects model.

Results

Twenty‐seven studies with 13 444 participants were included. Trait resilience and mental health were strongly interrelated (r = 0.40, 95% CI [0.36; 0.44]) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 83%). Published studies revealed larger associations between resilience and mental health (r = 0.41 [0.37; 0.45]) than unpublished studies (r = 0.25 [0.11; 0.38]).

Conclusions

Higher levels of resilience are associated with better mental health in older persons. Because associations were solely assessed cross‐sectionally, longitudinal studies are highly needed to draw causal inferences. © 2020 The Authors Personality and Mental Health Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Effect of Composite Emulsifiers on Thermal Decomposition Characteristics and Detonation Velocity of HANFO Emulsion Matrices
Authors: Li Hong‐wei , Lei Zhan , Gui Ji‐chang
Published: June 2020

To study the effect of composite emulsifiers on the thermal decomposition characteristics and detonation velocity of heavy ammonium nitrate‐fuel oil (HANFO) emulsion matrices, the thermal decomposition process of the emulsion matrices prepared by five different composite emulsifiers was studied by thermogravimetry−differential thermogravimetry (TG‐DTG) under four heating rates. The thermodynamic parameters such as activation energy and pre‐exponential factor of the five emulsion matrices were calculated by the Ozawa method and the Kissinger method, and the mechanism function was solved by the Šatava‐Šesták method. The detonation velocity of HANFO emulsion matrices was measured using a discrete‐point electric method. The results showed that the decomposition onset temperature of the HANFO emulsion matrix first increased and then decreased with the addition of emulsifier T152. The emulsion matrix with a Span80 : T152 ratio of 1 : 2 exhibited the highest decomposition onset temperature of 171 °C. Among the five samples, sample 4 had the highest activation energy (108.71 kJ mol−1), indicating that the thermal stability of sample 4 was greater than those of the other four samples. The detonation velocity test results revealed that the composite emulsifier strongly affected the detonation performance of HANFO. The sample with a Span‐80 : T‐152 ratio of 1 : 2 had a higher detonation velocity than the other four samples.
Immigrants' selectivity and their socio‐economic outcomes in the destination country: The Italian case
Authors: Brunori Claudia , Luijkx Ruud , Triventi Moris
Published: June 2020

We use a multiple‐origins single destination design to understand how the premigration socio‐economic status (SES) and immigrants' selectivity affect their labour market outcomes and the educational success of their offspring in Italy. Premigration SES is measured using socio‐economic status in the country of origin. The degree of immigrants' selectivity on unobserved characteristics (e.g., ability and motivations) is proxied by an indicator of relative education, measured as the individual's relative position in the age/gender‐specific distribution of educational qualifications in the country of origin. The analysis is conducted using logistic and ordinary least squares (OLS) linear regression models applied to high‐quality data from the 2011–2012 ISTAT Survey on ‘Social condition and integration of foreign citizens’. Results indicate that relative education increases the risk of being unemployed, especially for migrants who recently arrived in Italy, and it does affect SES attained in the destination country, but only among tertiary‐educated individuals. Furthermore, it affects the educational integration of immigrants' offspring by reducing the risk of early school leaving.
Settling down in time and place? Changing intimacies in mobile young people's migration and life courses
Authors: Harris Anita , Baldassar Loretta , Robertson Shanthi
Published: June 2020

Transnational mobility is increasingly presented to middle‐class youth globally as a way to secure economic futures in precarious times by enhancing educational and employment opportunities. However, little is said about the benefits and impacts of mobility for social and intimate life and specifically how it is situated within, disruptive of, or incorporated into young people's ideas about relationships as they navigate uncertain pathways to adulthood. This paper critically reviews and integrates migration and youth studies scholarship to consider how contemporary youth mobility can be understood as disrupting standard migration‐ and life‐course conventions about intimate relationships. It focuses particularly on questions of temporality, proximity and synchronicity or orthodoxies of ‘the right time’ and ‘the right place’ to ‘settle down’, in the construction and maintenance of both intimate connections to people and attachments to places. It explores how contemporary youth mobility can be seen to complicate notions of the appropriate staging and chronology for establishing different relationships. It raises questions about synchronicity, continuity and proximity as conditions of intimacy and considers how mobility potentially disrupts gendered and heteronormative life courses to provide both welcome freedoms and new challenges, as well as the emergence of new processes of transnational intergenerational care circulation.
Resistance Switching Peculiarities in Nonfilamentary Self‐Rectified TiN/Ta2O5/Ta and TiN/HfO2/Ta2O5/Ta Stacks
Authors: Kuzmichev Dmitry S. , Chernikova Anna G. , Kozodaev Maxim G. , Markeev Andrey M.
Published: June 2020

Herein, Ta2O5/Ta interface‐based TiN/Ta2O5/Ta and TiN/HfO2/Ta2O5/Ta resistance switched (RS) stacks are investigated. The stacks reveal area‐dependent RS behavior indicating nonfilamentary (homogeneous) current transport. The nonfilamentary nature of the stacks provides high reproducibility of current–voltage hysteresis loops and the absence of electroforming. It is demonstrated that the nature of the current hysteresis in single Ta2O5‐based stacks obeys space‐charge‐limited conduction, and the space charge responsible for this behavior is formed by filled/emptied traps at the Ta/Ta2O5 interface. Due to the high potential barrier at the TiN/HfO2 interface, as measured using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, sufficiently thick HfO2 (≈4 nm) blocks the trapping/detrapping process, thereby reducing the current hysteresis. The evaluated current mechanism results in a high rectification ratio of the TiN/Ta2O5/Ta device of ≈1.6 × 104. However, relatively short retention is inherent to the observed switching mechanism.
Mesenchymal stem cells as a multimodal treatment for nervous system diseases
Authors: Badyra Bogna , Sułkowski Maciej , Milczarek Olga , Majka Marcin
Published: June 2020

Neurological disorders are a massive challenge for modern medicine. Apart from the fact that this group of diseases is the second leading cause of death worldwide, the majority of patients have no access to any possible effective and standardized treatment after being diagnosed, leaving them and their families helpless. This is the reason why such great emphasis is being placed on the development of new, more effective methods to treat neurological patients. Regenerative medicine opens new therapeutic approaches in neurology, including the use of cell-based therapies. In this review, we focus on summarizing one of the cell sources that can be applied as a multimodal treatment tool to overcome the complex issue of neurodegeneration—mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Apart from the highly proven safety of this approach, beneficial effects connected to this type of treatment have been observed. This review presents modes of action of MSCs, explained on the basis of data from vast in vitro and preclinical studies, and we summarize the effects of using these cells in clinical trial settings. Finally, we stress what improvements have already been made to clarify the exact mechanism of MSCs action, and we discuss potential ways to improve the introduction of MSC-based therapies in clinics. In summary, we propose that more insightful and methodical optimization, by combining careful preparation and administration, can enable use of multimodal MSCs as an effective, tailored cell therapy suited to specific neurological disorders.
The impact of technological innovation and public‐private partnership investment on sustainable environment in China: Consumption‐based carbon emissions analysis
Authors: Khan Zeeshan , Ali Muhsin , Kirikkaleli Dervis , Wahab Salman , Jiao Zhilun
Published: June 2020

The present study investigates the effect of public‐private partnership investment in energy and technological innovation on consumption‐based carbon emissions for China from 1990Q1‐2017Q2. This study employs generalized least square (GLS) based unit root test, Maki cointegration test, fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS), dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS), canonical cointegration regression (CCR) and frequency domain causality test. The finding of this study shows that (a) the cointegrating relationship among public‐private partnership investment in energy, technological innovation, renewable energy consumption, exports, imports, and consumption‐based carbon emissions is proved; (b) exports, renewable energy consumption and technological innovation are helpful to lower consumption‐based carbon emissions; (c) both public‐private partnership investment in energy, GDP and imports leads to increased consumption‐based carbon emissions; (d) in the long term, public‐private partnership investment and technological innovation cause consumption‐based carbon emissions in China. This study recommends technological innovation for the cleaner production process and public‐private partnership investment in renewable energy.
Recent Progress in Single‐Atom Catalysts for Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Qiaoqiao , Guan Jingqi
Published: June 2020

Photocatalytic water splitting can realize a direct conversion from solar energy into green hydrogen energy, which is conducive to effectively mitigate energy crisis and environmental issues. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have shown great potential in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, with unique geometric and electronic structures that help to boost mass and charge transfer during photocatalytic processes. Herein, recent advances of SACs in photocatalytic water splitting are focused upon. To decrease aggregation and realize sufficient utilization of metal atoms, different synthesis strategies for SACs are documented. For photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, the catalytic performances, active sites, and structure–property relationships of SACs including Al, Co, Ni, Pd, Ag, and Pt single sites are highlighted. The existing challenges and future directions of SACs in photocatalytic water splitting are provided.
Feasibility of using Continuously Cast Round Bloom as a Substitute to Cast Ingot in the Manufacture of Heavy Forgings
Authors: Kim Namyong , Ko Dae-Cheol , Kang Namhyun , Oh Il Yeong , VanTyne Chester J. , Moon Young Hoon
Published: June 2020

Continuously cast large round blooms have gained widespread attention due to the improved quality, enhanced economy, higher yields, and lower operating costs obtained through continuous operation. Because the continuous casting (CC) process combines the cleanliness and radial solidification symmetry of the ingot casting process with the higher axial symmetry obtainable through bloom casting, it can deliver a more homogeneous product than conventional ingot casting. Herein, the shop floor manufacturing of a main shaft is discussed to confirm the feasibility of using continuously cast round bloom in the manufacture of heavy forgings. For comparison, the characteristics of a 1000 mm‐diameter continuously cast round bloom are assessed against those of a conventionally cast 20.6 ton ingot. To eliminate cavities at the centerline of the cylindrical bloom, additional studies on void closure efficiency at the center of the billet under various forging die geometries (e.g., flat, V, and round dies) are conducted, and the results reveal that the V‐die geometry is most effective in consolidating centerline voids. A comparison of the respective operational characteristics reveals that the round bloom CC method could be feasibly applied in the manufacture of main shafts.
A review on performance‐based specifications toward concrete durability
Authors: Sangoju Bhaskar , Gopal Ramesh , Bhajantri H Bharatkumar
Published: June 2020

Concrete is the most popular and widely used construction material due to its relatively low cost, versatility, and adaptability. Recent past experiences show that the reinforced concrete (RC) structures deteriorating prior to the expected service life when exposing to aggressive chloride or carbonation‐induced environments. This is because of the general assumption that if the strength criteria are satisfactory, the concrete would be sufficiently durable. This assumption does not take into account the variability in concrete resulting from the actual concreting practices, such as placement, consolidation, finishing, and curing. In other words, concrete in the specimens cast for compressive strength bear little resemblance to the concrete in the actual structure. This paper presents a detailed review on the developments that are taking place globally toward the performance‐based specifications for achieving the long‐term durability of RC structures. Also, based on the in‐house experimental studies and available knowledge, a durability performance criterion is suggested for structures exposed to chloride or carbonation‐induced environments toward enhancing the service life.
Aligning regional and business strategies: Looking inside the Basque Country entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem
Authors: Guerrero Maribel , Martínez‐Chávez Mariangélica
Published: June 2020

The current socio‐economic scenarios have generated several challenges for any organization. Regional authorities have designed policies that combine supply–demand needs and innovative entrepreneurship programs. The alignment between regional and business strategies has become critical to ensure the necessary resources, skills and capabilities in the region. This article analyses the alignment of regional strategies (entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems) and business strategies (development of new entrepreneurial innovations). By adopting mixed theoretical approaches, we proposed a conceptual model to understand the role of institutional strategies on the definition of business strategies. Given the nature of this study, our methodological design combines a case study approach and an action research approach. Our results provide insights into the positive outcomes generated when regional strategies and business strategies are aligned.
Frontal lobe growth is impaired in fetuses with congenital heart disease
Authors: Paladini D. , Finarelli A. , Donarini G. , Parodi S. , Lombardo V. , Tuo G. , Birnbaum R.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to assess whether fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD) have smaller frontal brain areas compared with normal controls. The secondary objective was to evaluate whether there are any differences in frontal brain area between cases with different types of CHD, grouped according to their impact on hemodynamics.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross‐sectional study, including 421 normal fetuses and 101 fetuses with isolated CHD evaluated between 20 and 39 gestational weeks at our fetal medicine and surgery unit in the period January 2016–December 2019. The study group was subdivided, according to the CHD hemodynamics, as follows: (1) hypoplastic left heart syndrome and other forms of functionally univentricular heart defect; (2) transposition of the great arteries; (3) conotruncal defects and other CHDs with large shunts; (4) right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, without a hypoplastic right ventricle; (5) left outflow tract obstruction; (6) others. The transventricular axial view of the fetal head was used as the reference view, on which the frontal lobe anteroposterior diameter (FAPD) and the occipitofrontal diameter (OFD) were measured, assuming the former to be representative of the area of the frontal lobes. The FAPD/OFD ratio was then calculated as FAPD/OFD × 100. These two variables (FAPD and FAPD/OFD ratio) were then evaluated and compared between the study and control groups. Adjustment for gestational age, both via multiple linear regression and by using a‐posteriori matching based on the propensity score, was employed.

Results

In normal fetuses, FAPD showed a linear positive correlation with gestational age. In fetuses with CHD, the FAPD was shorter than in normal fetuses from the 20th gestational week onwards, with the difference increasing after 30 gestational weeks. FAPD/OFD ratio was significantly smaller in fetuses with CHD than in normal fetuses (P < 0.0001) at all gestational ages, with no apparent differences among the various CHD categories, all of which had smaller FAPD/OFD ratio compared with controls.

Conclusions

Fetuses with CHD have a shorter FAPD and a smaller FAPD/OFD ratio compared with normal fetuses. This impaired growth of the frontal area of the brain seems to occur in all types of CHD, regardless of their impact on hemodynamics. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Suction cup system‐dependent variable boundary condition: Transient water flow and multicomponent solute transport
Authors: Raij‐Hoffman Iael , Jacques Diederik , Lazarovitch Naftali
Published: June 2020

Suction cups are widely used in agricultural and environmental research and monitoring under the hypothesis that the sample chemistry represents the soil pore water solute composition around the cup location. The objective of this study was to analyze the sampling procedures that lead to the most representative sample for soil aqueous phase composition when using a falling head suction cup. This was achieved by simulating simultaneously the hydraulic and geochemical response of the suction cup sampled soil solution and its immediate surroundings when evacuated by a system‐dependent variable boundary condition. Different soils, water contents, vacuum applications, and suction cup internal volumes, as well as variable hydraulic conductivities of the ceramic cup, were evaluated, and their effects on the sampling rate and sample chemical composition were reported. Model results showed that potential extracted soil solution volume depends on a combination of internal suction cup volume and vacuum applied, independently from soil type or water content. A linear relationship was defined between the ratio of the extracted sample to suction cup volume and the initial applied vacuum, for all simulations. The pH values and general chemistry of the sampled solution were found to be more similar to those in the soil when a porous cup system is filled until hydraulic equilibrium is reached. Following this, a small volume suction cup system with a high initial applied vacuum, which allows for faster sample collection, could be optimal.
Governing climate risks in the face of normative uncertainties
Authors: Taebi Behnam , Kwakkel Jan H. , Kermisch Céline
Published: June 2020

Governing risks is not only a technical matter, but also a matter of ethical and societal considerations. In this article, we argue that in addition to scientific and technical uncertainties, we need to also address normative uncertainties of risk decisions. We define normative uncertainties as situations where there are different partially morally defensible ‐‐ but incompatible ‐‐ options or courses of action, or ones in which there is no fully morally defensible option. We conceptualize normative uncertainties, distinguishing between the four categories of evolutionary, theoretical, conceptual, and epistemic normative uncertainties. We will show different instances of normative uncertainties in climate adaptation strategies. We finally present two methods for identifying and dealing with normative uncertainties, namely, the Wide Reflective Equilibrium and adaptive planning. Situations of normative uncertainties have always been and will continue to be present in risk decisions and they have often been dealt with in an implicit manner. In this article, we make them explicit, which could lead to better morally informed and justified decisions about climate risks.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Ethics and Climate Change.
Bioenergy from biofuel residues and waste
Authors: Sheehan Nathaniel P. , Ng Andrew , Murray Kyle , Martinez Erick , Quell Kimberly , Ouellette Charles , Flagg Timothy , Boyle John
Published: June 2020

This article is a review of the scientific literature published in 2019 on topics relating to bioenergy from biofuel residues and waste. This literature review is divided into the following sections: Feedstocks, Biodiesel, Bioethanol, Hydrogen, Biohydrogen, Biofuel Residues, Microalgae, and Lignocelluloses.
The black hole weak gravity conjecture with multiple charges
Authors: Jones Callum R.T. , McPeak Brian
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We study the effect of higher-derivative corrections on asymptotically flat, four-dimensional, dyonic black holes in low-energy models of gravity coupled to N U(1) gauge fields. For large extremal black holes, the leading

$$ \mathcal{O} $$

O

(1/Q
2) correction to the extremality bound is calculated from the most general low-energy effective action containing operators with up to four derivatives. Motivated by the multi-charge generalization of the Weak Gravity Conjecture, we analyze the necessary kinematic conditions for an asymptotically large extremal black hole to decay into a multi-particle state of extremal black holes. In the large black hole regime, we show that the convex hull condition degenerates to the requirement that a certain quartic form constructed from the Wilson coefficients of the four- derivative effective operators, is everywhere positive. Using on-shell unitarity methods, we show that higher-derivative operators are renormalized at one-loop only if they generate local, on-shell matrix elements that are invariant tensors of the electromagnetic duality group U(N). The one-loop logarithmic running of the four-derivative Wilson coefficients is calculated and shown to imply the positivity of the extremality form at some finite value of Q
2. This result generalizes an argument recently given by Charles [1], and shows that under the given assumptions the multi-charge Weak Gravity Conjecture is not a Swampland criterion.
Technological methods for reducing the content of fructan in rye bread
Authors: Pejcz Ewa , Spychaj Radosław , Gil Zygmunt
Published: June 2020

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that may afflict even 12% of the European population. One of the ways to counteract IBS-related ailments is to implement a diet with reduced contents of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs). The prevailing components from the FODMAPs group that may be found in rye bread include fructans. The study was conducted with endosperm and wholemeal rye flours. Dough was prepared from both flours with the use of two methods: I-stage method—with the addition of dry leavening—and II-stage method with the use of a sourdough produced with Lactobacillus plantarum, and all with fermentation times of 90, 120, 150, and 180 min. After baking, bread loaves were subjected to quality and consumer analysis and fructan content determination. The endosperm rye flour used for bread-making revealed better baking properties. Bread made of this flour had a higher loaf volume and received higher scores in the consumer assessment than bread made with wholemeal. Study results conclude that the content of fructans in bread was significantly affected by the dough-making method, and that it was decreased by the use of the sourdough. In contrast, the extended fermentation time of dough failed to reduce the fructan content of the bread.