bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Surface Passivation by Wet Texturing, Ozone‐Based Cleaning, and Plasma‐Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition Processes for High‐Efficiency Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Morales-Vilches Anna Belen , Wang Er-Chien , Henschel Tobias , Kubicki Matthias , Cruz Alexandros , Janke Stefan , Korte Lars , Schlatmann Rutger , Stannowski Bernd
Published: December 2019

Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells rely on excellent surface passivation of the crystalline wafer. This article reports on the development of wet chemical processes varying the texturing and optimizations of the final clean processes for Czochralski–silicon wafers used in SHJ solar cells. Three different additives are used to modify both the pyramid size and the texture homogeneity on the wafers. As an alternative to standard Radio Corporation of America (RCA) sequence, ozonized deionized (DI) water‐based procedures are used to clean the silicon surfaces, reducing process time and the amount of chemicals to obtain the same cleaning quality. In addition, two different amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) passivation stacks are discussed in this article demonstrating an improvement in the open‐circuit voltage, Voc, by 15 mV. Combining these wet chemistry improvements with optimized process conditions for the passivating a‐Si:H layers deposited by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), allows to obtain high‐efficiency devices both in small‐ and full‐area solar cells. On 6 in. full‐area solar cells (215.3 cm2 aperture area), open‐circuit voltages, fill factors, and efficiency values of 738 mV, 81.4%, and 23.2% are obtained, respectively; for 4 cm2 cell size, the best obtained values in equivalent devices are 741 mV, 80.6%, and 23.2%.
Research Toward a Heterogeneously Integrated InGaN Laser on Silicon
Authors: Kamei Toshihiro , Kamikawa Takeshi , Araki Masahiro , DenBaars Steven P. , Nakamura Shuji , Bowers John E.
Published: December 2019

A heterogeneously integrated InGaN laser diode (LD) on Si is proposed as a path toward visible wavelength photonic integrated circuits (PICs) on Si. Herein, InGaN films are vertically stacked on a TiO2 waveguide (WG) fabricated on a Si wafer by bonding. In the light propagation direction, it is composed of a hybrid InGaN/TiO2 section, a TiO2 WG, an adiabatic taper, and mirrors that can form a cavity. As the refractive index of GaN is well matched with that of TiO2, the optical transverse mode extends to both the GaN and TiO2 in a hybrid mode. Modes between a hybrid InGaN/TiO2 and a pure TiO2 WG can transfer with an adiabatic taper structure. The coupling loss is calculated to be less than 0.5 dB with fairly short taper length of 78 μm and tip width of 200 nm. GaN substrate removal and bonding are critical fabrication steps of this LD and PIC. The substrate removal is successfully done by photoelectrochemical etching. Although direct bonding of GaN wafers with thermal oxide on Si is successful, GaN epitaxial wafers are more difficult. An implication and remedy of this is discussed in terms of surface roughness of GaN epitaxial film.
Enhancement of 2D Electron Gas Mobility in an AlN/GaN/AlN Double‐Heterojunction High‐Electron‐Mobility Transistor by Epilayer Stress Engineering
Authors: Patwal Shashank , Agrawal Manvi , Radhakrishnan K. , Seah Tian Long Alex , Dharmarasu Nethaji
Published: December 2019

Herein, 2D electron gas (2DEG) enhancement in an AlN/GaN/AlN double‐heterojunction high‐electron‐mobility transistor (DH‐HEMT) is achieved by epilayer stress engineering. The epistructures are grown on a SiC substrate using plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA‐MBE). The stress in the AlN buffer is systematically studied as a function of the III/V ratio. An optimized AlN buffer layer with the relaxation of 66% and a smooth surface morphology with a root mean square (RMS) roughness of 0.5 nm is grown using the two‐step growth method with recovery via metal consumption. It is observed that the stress in the GaN channel is influenced by the stress in the AlN buffer nonlinearly. Furthermore, the carrier mobility increases as the stress in the GaN channel is increased. However, the 2DEG density remains unchanged. An optimized AlN/GaN/AlN DH‐HEMT epistructure with very high 2DEG sheet carrier density of 4.1 × 1013 cm−2 and carrier mobility of 613 cm2  V−1 s−1 is achieved, which leads to higher device output power density.
Luminescent, Scintillation, and Photoconversion Properties of Micro‐Pulling‐Down‐Grown Single Crystals of Ce3+‐Doped Gd3−xLuxAl5−yGayO12 Garnets
Authors: Gieszczyk Wojciech , Bilski Paweł , Mrozik Anna , Fedorov Alexander , Markovskyi Anton , Zorenko Tetiana , Zorenko Yuriy
Published: December 2019

Herein, the development of phosphor‐converted white light‐emitting diodes (pc‐WLED) and scintillators based on the crystals of Ce3+‐doped multicomponent garnets, grown by the micro‐pulling‐down (MPD) method is studied. The combined technique of the “bandgap engineering” and “positioning of Ce3+ 5d‐levels” is applied to the crystals of Gd3−xLuxAl5−yGayO12 (x = 0–1.5 and y = 2–3) mixed garnets for improving their color‐rending properties in pc‐WLEDs application as well as their scintillation figure of merit. The absorption, cathodoluminescence, photoluminescence, photoconversion (PC), and also the scintillation light yield and scintillation decay time measurements under excitation by α‐particles of 239Pu radioisotope are used for the characterization of the crystals. Among all the investigated garnet compounds, the best photoconverting properties are observed in Gd3−1.5Lu0−1.5Al5−yGayO12:Ce crystals at x = 0–1.5 and y = 2.5–3. Meanwhile, the best scintillation characteristics are found in Gd3−xLuxAl5−yGayO12 crystals at x = 0–1.5 and y = 2–2.5.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Al‐RE Phase Formation in AZ91‐RE (Ce, Y, Gd) Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Cai Huisheng , Guo Feng , Su Juan , Liu Liang
Published: December 2019

The Al‐RE intermetallic compounds formed by adding rare earth elements into AZ magnesium alloy have important effects on the microstructure and properties of alloy. Based on classical thermodynamic theory and Miedema model and Toop model, the heat of formation of compounds in Mg‐Al‐RE (Ce, Y, Gd) ternary alloy and Gibbs free energy of Al‐RE (Al4Ce, Al2Y, and Al2Gd) compounds are calculated theoretically, the order of formation of compounds in alloys and the formation process of Al‐RE compounds are analyzed. The results show that, Al‐RE (Al4Ce, Al2Y, and Al2Gd) compounds are preferentially formed in Mg‐Al‐RE (Ce, Y, Gd) alloys, Al‐RE compounds are mainly formed before the crystallization of α‐Mg solid solution; meanwhile, with the crystallization of α‐Mg solid solution, Al‐RE compounds can still be formed sustainably. The order of Al‐RE compounds formation ability is Al4Ce, Al2Gd, and Al2Y, but the order of formation ability is Al2Gd, Al2Y, and Al4Ce, when adding the same mass fraction of rare earth (Ce, Y, Gd). In as‐cast structure of AZ91‐0.9 wt%; RE (Ce, Y, Gd) experimental alloys, Al‐RE compounds mainly distributes at grain boundaries of alloys at two different scales, and the amount of β‐Mg17Al12 phase in alloys decreases relative to that of alloys without RE.
Cytomegalovirus colitis associated with use of clozapine
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: December 2019

Clozapine is primarily used for patients with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia. Despite the drug's efficacy, its usefulness is limited by the occurrence of significant side effects, such as neutropenia and agranulocytosis, which occur in 1 to 2% of patients. The presence of an immunocompromised state in a clozapine‐treated patient could put the individual at a higher risk of infection. The following case described the occurrence of clozapine‐associated cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis in a patient who was immunocompetent.
Surface characterizations of membranes and electrospun chitosan derivatives by optical speckle analysis
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Ganjkhani Yasaman , Farzam Rad Vahideh , Bazzar Maasoomeh , Yar Muhammad , Yahya Rosiyah , Moradi Ali‐Reza
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we show that laser speckle pattern provides useful information toward revealing discrimination between nanofibers and membranes. Chitosan materials particularly organosoluble chitosan derivatives have a number of applications. The surface characteristics of these materials are very critical for specific applications. The analysis of laser speckles, both numerical and graphical, includes information about the surface structure. The development of digital electronics brought the ease of image processing and has opened new perspectives for a spectrum of laser speckle analysis (LASCA) applications. Our results show reasonable differences between the LASCA parameters of nanofibers and membranes. The methodology may be considered as a quantitative assessment tool for similar samples.
Fabricating Biomimetic Antireflective Coating Based on TiO2 Pyramids by Soft Lithography
Authors: Jin Xuan , Shi Gang , Zhu Haiyan , Ni Caihua , Li Ying
Published: December 2019

The micro‐pyramid structure exhibits outstanding antireflection, but this structure only focuses on the field of monocrystalline silicon. Here, the novel TiO2 pyramids were fabricated by soft imprinting. Then, the polyaniline nanoparticles were loaded on the surface of TiO2 pyramids to form biomimetic compound eyes with P/N heterojunction. The composite coatings could reduce the reflection of incident light and enhance separation efficiency of photoinduced charges, which were applied to the photocatalytic degradation of organism dye.
Self‐Coupling Reaction of Benzylamine to Form Thioamides and Amides by Elemental Sulfur
Authors: Zhan Zhenzhen , Luo Nan , Ma Haojie , He Jianping , Lu Guoqiang , Cui Xinfeng , Huang Guosheng
Published: December 2019

An efficient self‐coupling reaction of benzylamines has been developed for the synthesis of thioamides and amides by elemental sulfur. By controlling the reaction time, we can not only obtain the corresponding amide product, but also get the intermediate thioamide of the reaction. This reaction could validly avoid the shortcomings of metal catalysts and conforms to the concept of modern atomic economy. The amide products could be obtained in moderate to good yields under the suitable conditions.
Electrochromic Properties of Electrospun Fibers Based on Bis‐Thiomethylcyclohexanone Derivatives
Authors: Turgut Cin Günseli , Nohut Maşlakcı Neslihan , Biçer Abdullah , Yakalı Gül , Uygun Öksüz Ayşegül
Published: December 2019

In this work, the electrochromic (EC) application of the hybrid fibers based on bis‐thiomethylcyclohexanone derivatives is evaluated. For this purpose, two new bis‐thiomethylcyclohexanone derivatives, 2,6‐bis(phenyl(phenylthio)methyl)cyclohexanone (PPTMC) and 2,6‐bis((2,6‐dichlorophenyl)(phenylthio)methyl)cyclohexanone (CPPTMC), were synthesized by thio‐Michael addition and characterized by spectroscopic methods and X‐ray diffraction. The hybrid fibers based on bis‐thiomethylcyclohexanone and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were successfully prepared with electrospinning. The surface morphology and elemental compositions of these hybrid fibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). The electrochemical, optical and electrochromic behaviors of indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrates coated with those fibers were evaluated using spectrophotometry techniques. Moreover, the electrochromic devices (ECDs) based on PPTMC‐PMMA and CPPTMC‐PMMA hybrid fibers showed reversible color change from the transparent state to light brown by switching from +3.0 to −3.0 V. The calculated coloration efficiency of the hybrid fibers based on PPTMC‐PMMA was found to be 207.27 cm2/C whereas a higher coloration efficiency was obtained for the hybrid fibers based on CPPTMC‐PMMA (273.31 cm2/C). Our results show that hybrid fibers based on PPTMC‐PMMA and CPPTMC‐PMMA are potential materials for optical and electrochromic applications.
Punching shear tests of post‐tensioned flat slabs supported on edge columns
Authors: Barbán Vladimir V. , Melo Guilherme S. , Carvalho Alessandra L.
Published: December 2019

This paper describes an experimental study of the punching resistance of unbonded post tensioned flat slabs supported on edge columns. Fifteen slabs rectangular in plain, with sides of 2 m by 1.2 m and 120 mm thick were tested, supported on square columns with sides of 200 mm and with length of 600 mm at the top and at the bottom. The main variables are the eccentricity (Mu/Vu) of the shear force, which is obtained varying the relation between loads parallel and perpendicular to the free edge; the amount of unbonded tendons (4 or 6 tendons perpendicular to the free edge and 3 or 2 tendons parallel to the free edge with the column); and the non‐prestressed flexural reinforcement detailing. The behavior of slabs is discussed in terms of vertical displacements, strains on concrete and on non‐prestressed rebars, forces on the unbonded tendons, cracking pattern and ultimate shear forces. The increase of the eccentricity (Mu/Vu) changes the failure mode from punching to flexure and torsion associated to punching.
Unpacking the Relationship Between Formulaic Sequences and Speech Fluency on Elicited Imitation Tasks: Proficiency Level, Sentence Length, and Fluency Dimensions
Authors: Yan Xun
Published: December 2019

Previous research has provided ample evidence for the processing advantage of formulaic sequences, leading researchers and teachers to argue for its facilitation of speech fluency. However, few studies have examined how the processing of formulaic sequences interacts with speaker proficiency and task difficulty; even fewer studies have investigated how formulaic sequences facilitate different dimensions of speech fluency. To address these gaps, this study examined the impact of formulaic sequences on speech fluency for both first and second language speakers (N= 269) across proficiency levels on elicited imitation tasks. Participants' speech fluency was measured on both rate and pausing features. Results from linear mixed‐effects models reveal that formulaic sequences had a significant effect on the reduction of pauses, but not on speech rate. The effect on pausing was stronger in the processing of long sentences and on intermediate second language speakers. These results suggest that formulaic sequences have differential impacts on the rate and pausing dimensions of speech fluency, and the impacts are further conditioned by speaker proficiency and task difficulty. Findings of this study have both theoretical and pedagogical implications regarding the acquisition of formulaic sequences and the development of speech fluency.
Functional genomic approaches to elucidate the role of enhancers during development
Authors: Ryan Genevieve E. , Farley Emma K.
Published: December 2019

Successful development depends on the precise tissue‐specific regulation of genes by enhancers, genetic elements that act as switches to control when and where genes are expressed. Because enhancers are critical for development, and the majority of disease‐associated mutations reside within enhancers, it is essential to understand which sequences within enhancers are important for function. Advances in sequencing technology have enabled the rapid generation of genomic data that predict putative active enhancers, but functionally validating these sequences at scale remains a fundamental challenge. Herein, we discuss the power of genome‐wide strategies used to identify candidate enhancers, and also highlight limitations and misconceptions that have arisen from these data. We discuss the use of massively parallel reporter assays to test enhancers for function at scale. We also review recent advances in our ability to study gene regulation during development, including CRISPR‐based tools to manipulate genomes and single‐cell transcriptomics to finely map gene expression. Finally, we look ahead to a synthesis of complementary genomic approaches that will advance our understanding of enhancer function during development.

This article is categorized under:

Physiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and Disease

Developmental Biology > Developmental Processes in Health and Disease

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Genetic/Genomic Methods
The F -term problem and other challenges of stringy quintessence
Authors: Hebecker Arthur , Skrzypek Torben , Wittner Manuel
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We attempt a systematic analysis of string-theoretic quintessence models as an alternative to metastable de Sitter vacua. It appears that, within the boundaries of what is known, large-volume type-IIB flux compactifications are preferred. Here the quintessence scalar is the ratio of certain 4-cycle volumes. It has already been noticed that the volume modulus, which must be stabilized, tends to remain too light. One may call this the “light volume problem”. In addition, we identify an “F-term problem”: the positive energy density of standard-model SUSY breaking is higher than the depth of all known negative contributions. We discuss what it would take to resolve these issues and comment on partially related challenges for axionic quintessence. In particular, large cancellations between positive and negative potential terms appear unavoidable in general. As a further challenge, one should then explain why a small de-tuning cannot be used to uplift into a deep slow-roll regime, violating de Sitter swampland conjectures.
Randomized Controlled Trial on Autologous Platelet‐Rich Plasma Versus Saline Dressing in Treatment of Non‐healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Elsaid Ahmed , El‐Said Mohammed , Emile Sameh , Youssef Mohamed , Khafagy Wael , Elshobaky Ayman
Published: December 2019

Background

This randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess the role of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) gel as a treatment of clean non‐healing diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in comparison with regular dressing with saline as a control.

Methods

Patients with DFU were randomly assigned to one of two equal groups: group I received dressing with PRP gel and group II received regular saline dressing. The main outcomes of the study were percent reduction in the dimensions of the DFU, healing of DFU, and complications at 20 weeks of follow‐up.

Results

Twenty‐four patients were included to the study. The mean age of patients was 55.2 ± 6.4 years. Only three (25%) patients in group I achieved complete healing versus none of group II patients. In total, 8.3% of group I and 41.6% of group II patients did not show any response to treatment. The percent of reduction in the longitudinal and horizontal dimensions of the DFU was significantly greater in group I than group II (43.2% vs 4.1%) and (42.3% vs 8.2%), respectively. The time required to maximum healing was significantly shorter in group I than group II (6.3 ± 2.1 vs 10.4 ± 1.7 weeks, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The use of PRP gel as a dressing for chronic DFU resulted in a more significant reduction in the size of the ulcer when compared to regular saline dressing. Also the time to reach the point of maximal possible healing with the least wound dimensions was significantly shorter when using PRP as a dressing protocol.
Minimal invasive pocket technique for magnet bone implant hearing aid without fixation
Authors: Dolhen Pierre , Lipski Samuel , Touijar Rachid , Van Bogaert Juliette
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The BAHA (bone-anchored hearing aid) Attract is a magnetic transcutaneous bone conduction device anchored into the temporal bone. The standard surgical technique for BAHA Attract is a multi-tools time-consuming process, which requires a large cutaneous incision. The objective of this study is to describe and test the feasibility of a minimally invasive pocket (MIP) technique for Magnet Bone Implant Hearing Aid (MBIHA) with a modified magnet of BAHA Attract without fixation and without any tissue reduction. We use a 3-cm vertical skin incision and a subperiosteal pocket.

Method

A study of 10 patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss who benefited from a MBIHA using the MIP technique is presented. The pure tone average (PTA) (dB) for air-conduction thresholds and the speech recognition threshold (SRT) (dB) in speech audiometry in quiet are calculated. The Entific Medical Systems (EMS) questionnaire and the postoperative clinical outcomes are realized.

Results

We found a significant improvement of 33.8 dB on average for the PTA and 44.8 dB for the SRT with MBIHA at 3 months, compared with unaided situation. No implant was removed or displaced after 2 years of follow-up. The skin condition remains intact in all the cases.

Conclusion

The minimally subperiosteal pocket surgical technique MIP without fixation and with tissue preservation for the MBIHA is safe, rapid and effective for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss. It opens new perspectives of development and modify conventional concept in magnetic coupling of bone-conducted device.
A cross-sectional study on uric acid levels among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Lu Jie , Sun Wenyan , Cui Lingling , Li Xinde , He Yuwei , Liu Zhen , Li Hailong , Han Lin , Ji Aichang , Wang Can , Zhang Hui , Ji Xiaopeng , Ren Wei , Wang Xuefeng , Li Changgui
Published: December 2019

Background

The prevalence of hyperuricemia is increasing in adults, while the prevalence among adolescents is seldom reported.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey by multistage, stratified sampling method was carried out in Shandong Province during 2017–2018. A total of 9371 adolescents aged from 13 to 19 years were randomly sampled and analyzed in this survey.

Results

The overall mean serum uric acid (sUA) concentration was 6.08 ± 1.57 mg/dL and overall hyperuricemia prevalence was 25.4% and 60.5% (when hyperuricemia was defined as sUA ≥ 7 mg/dL or ≥ 5.5 mg/dL). Prevalence were 42.3% (male) and 8.0% (female) when limit was 7 mg/dL and prevalence were 82.1% (male) and 38.4% (female) when limit was 5.5 mg/dL. Male gender, increased body mass index, increased waist circumstance, increased triglycerides, increased fasting blood glucose, increased systolic blood pressure, decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate, and positive family gout history were associated with the enhanced risk of hyperuricemia according to univariate and/or multivariate logistic regression analysis. Food intake frequency of carbonate beverage, mutton, and other kinds varied between hyperuricemia adolescents and normal sUA ones.

Conclusions

The studied adolescent population showed sUA level and hyperuricemia prevalence which are even higher than those of adults in China. The epidemic of youth hyperuricemia may pose a future threat of gout attacks and other hyperuricemia-related diseases, which alarms the public, health professionals and health policy makers to prepare the future health challenges.
Elosan-Therapie
Authors: Hoederath Petra , Kuhnke Olaf , Bohn Wolfgang
Published: December 2019

Hintergrund

Die neue Elosan-Therapie ist geeignet, Patienten mit chronischen Schmerzen Linderung zu verschaffen, ihre Lebensqualität zu verbessern und den Verbrauch von Schmerzmittel zu reduzieren. Zum Nachweis der Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit der neuen Therapie musste zur Zertifizierung als Medizinprodukt eine klinische Pilotstudie durchgeführt werden, da kein vergleichbares Produkt oder eine vergleichbare Therapie aus der Literatur als Datenquelle identifiziert werden konnte.

Methodik

In einer offenen, randomisierten klinischen Vergleichsstudie an 3 schmerzmedizinischen Zentren in der Schweiz wurden insgesamt 39 Patienten mit chronischen Schmerzen (Dauer seit >6 Monaten; Intensität >50 mm VAS n. Borg) in 2 Gruppen (21 Verum, 18 Kontrolle) in die Studie eingeschlossen. Die Verumgruppe erhielt über einen Zeitraum von 28 Tagen zweimal/Woche eine 4‑minütige Elosan-Therapie zusätzlich zur weiter applizierten individuellen Standardtherapie. Die Kontrollgruppe erhielt nur ihre individuelle Standardtherapie. Als primärer Zielparameter wurde festgelegt, dass die Schmerzreduktion in der Verumgruppe nach 8 Behandlungen mindestens 20 mm (100 mm-teilige VAS-Schmerzskala) mehr aufweisen sollte als in der Kontrollgruppe. Sekundäre Zielparameter waren: die Veränderung der Lebensqualität und eine Reduktion von Schmerzmitteln.

Ergebnisse

Das wichtigste Ergebnis war die gruppeninterne Schmerzreduktion (gemessener VAS-Score), die in der Elosan-Gruppe hoch signifikant war (p = 0,001). Die Behandlungswirkung entsprach im Durchschnitt einer Schmerzreduktion von fast 25 % bei gleichzeitiger Weitergabe der medikamentösen Standardtherapie. 2,5-mal mehr Patienten in der Elosan-Gruppe im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe erfuhren eine Reduktion des VAS-Scores von mehr als 20 mm (= Schmerzreduktion von mindestens 30 %). Trotzdem wurde im primären Endpunkt die statistische Signifikanz nicht ganz erreicht (p = 0,102). Wirksamkeit zeigte das Ergebnis des SF-12-Fragebogens im körperlichen Bereich, Unterpunkt „Körperlicher Schmerz“, der sich in der Verumgruppe signifikant verbesserte (p = 0,001). Der Gesamtwert des SF-12 im mentalen Bereich war in der Elosan-Behandlungsgruppe signifikant besser als in der Referenzgruppe (p = 0,016). Die Verbesserung der Schmerzempfindung war in der Verumgruppe hoch signifikant besser (p = 0,001). Es konnten viermal mehr Patienten in der Elosan-Gruppe ihre Schmerzmittel gegen Ende der Studie reduzieren.
The role of virtual reality on outcomes in rehabilitation of Parkinson’s disease: meta-analysis and systematic review in 1031 participants
Authors: Triegaardt Joseph , Han Thang S. , Sada Charif , Sharma Sapna , Sharma Pankaj
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is managed primarily by dopamine agonists and physiotherapy while virtual reality (VR) has emerged recently as a complementary method. The present study reviewed the effectiveness of VR in rehabilitation of patients with PD.

Methods

Literature search up to June 2019 identified ten studies (n = 343 participants) suitable for meta-analysis and 27 studies (n = 688 participants) for systematic review. Standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random effects model.

Results

In meta-analysis, compared with active rehabilitation intervention, VR training led to greater improvement of stride length, SMD = 0.70 (95%CI = 0.32–1.08, p = 0.0003), and was as effective for gait speed, balance and co-ordination, cognitive function and mental health, quality of life and activities of daily living. Compared with passive rehabilitation intervention, VR had greater effects on balance: SMD = 1.02 (95%CI = 0.38–1.65, p = 0.002). Results from single randomised controlled trials showed that VR training was better than passive rehabilitation intervention for improving gait speed SMD = 1.43 (95%CI = 0.51–2.34, p = 0.002), stride length SMD = 1.27 (95%CI = 0.38–2.16, p = 0.005) and activities of daily living SMD = 0.96 (95%CI = 0.02–1.89). Systematic review showed that VR training significantly (p < 0.05) improved motor function, balance and co-ordination, cognitive function and mental health, and quality of life and activities of daily living.

Conclusion

VR used in rehabilitation for patients with PD improves a number of outcomes and may be considered for routine use in rehabilitation.
Managing the complexity of centres of excellence: accommodating diversity in institutional logics
Authors: Larsen Katarina
Published: December 2019

This article discusses how Centres of Excellence (CoE) and the existence of several logics in these centres can contribute to the differentiation of the strategic profiles of universities. The study sees research centres as a way to organize research activities in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in order to target both excellence but also societal challenges through focused thematic research. It reveals how societal challenges and their interpretation by these centres contribute to the differentiation of the strategic profiles of universities. Studies of centres of excellence programs in Sweden and Japan reveal differences in how their mission is formulated for relevance and excellence. The results indicate that contrasting missions of HEIs are accommodated through the dual logics of these centres relating both to autonomy and industry collaboration. The study shows that long-term funding gives these centres flexibility to set the agenda and focus on their strategic core activities. In other words, a logic of autonomy guides their strategic choices of research activities over the long-run as well as collaborators. Nevertheless, these centres are also developing strategies to cope with dilemmas stemming from the excellence-relevance and evaluation templates that emerge in the nexus of their collaborative ties with industry, government and universities.
In situ Raman spectroscopic quantification of CH4–CO2 mixture: application to fluid inclusions hosted in quartz veins from the Longmaxi Formation shales in Sichuan Basin, southwestern China
Authors: Qiu Ye , Wang Xiao-Lin , Liu Xian , Cao Jian , Liu Yi-Feng , Xi Bin-Bin , Gao Wan-Lu
Published: December 2019

We re-evaluate the Raman spectroscopic quantification of the molar ratio and pressure for CH4–CO2 mixtures. Firstly, the Raman quantification factors of CH4 and CO2 increase with rising pressure at room temperature, indicating that Raman quantification of CH4/CO2 molar ratio can be applied to those fluid inclusions (FIs) with high internal pressure (i.e., > 15 MPa). Secondly, the v1(CH4) peak position shifts to lower wavenumber with increasing pressure at constant temperature, confirming that the v1(CH4) peak position can be used to calculate the fluid pressure. However, this method should be carefully calibrated before applying to FI analyses because large discrepancies exist among the reported v1(CH4)-P curves, especially in the high-pressure range. These calibrations are applied to CH4-rich FIs in quartz veins of the Silurian Longmaxi black shales in southern Sichuan Basin. The vapor phases of these FIs are mainly composed of CH4 and minor CO2, with CO2 molar fractions from 4.4% to 7.4%. The pressure of single-phase gas FI ranges from 103.65 to 128.35 MPa at room temperature, which is higher than previously reported. Thermodynamic calculations supported the presence of extremely high-pressure CH4-saturated fluid (218.03–256.82 MPa at 200 °C), which may be responsible for the expulsion of CH4 to adjacent reservoirs.
Review of recently used techniques and materials to improve the efficiency of orally administered proteins/peptides
Authors: Ibrahim Yousif H-E. Y. , Regdon Géza , Hamedelniel Elnazeer I. , Sovány Tamás
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The main objective of present review is to explore and evaluate the effectiveness of recently developed methods to improve the bioavailability of orally administered biopharmaceutical drugs.

Methods

A systematic search of sciencedirect, tandfonline and Google Scholar databases based on various sets of keywords was performed. All results were evaluated based on their abstracts, and irrelevant studies were neglected during further evaluation.

Results

At present, biopharmaceuticals are used as injectable therapies as they are not absorbed adequately from the different routes of drug administration, particularly the oral one. Their insufficient absorption is attributed to their high molecular weight, degradation by proteolytic enzymes, high hydrophilicity and rigidity of the absorptive tissues. From industrial aspect incorporation of enzyme inhibitors (EIs) and permeation enhancers (PEs) and mucoadhesive polymers into conventional dosage forms may be the easiest way of formulation of orally administered macromolecular drugs, but the effectiveness of protection and absorption enhancement here is the most questionable. Conjugation may be problematic from regulatory aspect. Encapsulation into lipid-based vesicles sufficiently protects the incorporated macromolecule and improves intestinal uptake but have considerable stability issues. In contrast, polymeric nanocarriers may provide good stability but provides lower internalization efficacy in comparison with the lipid-based carriers.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the combination of the advantages of mucoadhesive polymeric and lid-based carriers in hybrid lipid/polymer nanoparticles may result in improved absorption and might represent a potential means for the oral administration of therapeutic proteins in the near future.
A Multicentre Study in UK Voice Clinics Evaluating the Non-invasive Reflux Diagnostic Peptest in LPR Patients
Authors: Dettmar Peter W. , Watson Mark , McGlashan Julian , Tatla Taran , Nicholaides Andreas , Bottomley Kirsty , Jarad Nabil , Stapleton Emma , Lenham Rhianna K. , Fisher Jeanine , Woodcock Andrew D.
Published: December 2019

Questionnaires and invasive diagnostic tests are established for diagnosing gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) but shown not to be sensitive or specific for diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) where vast majority of reflux events are weakly acidic or non-acidic. The research question addressed in the current multicentre study was to determine if the measurement of salivary pepsin is a sensitive, specific and reliable diagnostic test for LPR. Five UK voice clinics recruited a total of 1011 patients presenting with symptoms of LPR and a small group of subjects (n = 22) recruited as asymptomatic control group. Twenty-six patients failed to provide demographic information; the total patient group was 985 providing 2927 salivary pepsin samples for analysis. Study participants provided 3 saliva samples, the first on rising with two samples provided post-prandial (60 min) or post-symptom (15 min). The control group provided one sample on rising and two post-prandial providing a total of 66 samples. Pepsin analysis was carried out using Peptest as previously described. High prevalence of pepsin in patient groups (75%) represents a mean pepsin concentration of 131 ng/ml. The greatest prevalence for pepsin was in the post-prandial sample (155 ng/ml) and the lowest in the morning sample (103 ng/ml). The mean pepsin concentration in the control group was 0 ng/ml. Patients across all 5 clinics showed high prevalence of salivary pepsin (ranging from 69 to 86%), and the overall sensitivity was 76.4% and specificity 100%. Pepsin was shown to be an ideal biomarker for detecting airway reflux and LPR.
Simultaneous, hybrid single-molecule method by optical tweezers and fluorescence
Authors: Ma Guoteng , Hu Chunguang , Li Shuai , Gao Xiaoqin , Li Hongbin , Hu Xiaotang
Published: December 2019

As studies on life sciences progress toward the single-molecule level, new experiments have put forward more requirements for simultaneously displaying the mechanical properties and conformational changes of biomolecules. Optical tweezers and fluorescence microscopy have been combined to solve this problem. The combination of instruments forms a new generation of hybrid single-molecule technology that breaks through the limitations of traditional biochemical analysis. Powerful manipulation and fluorescence visualization have been widely used, and these techniques provide new possibilities for studying complex biochemical reactions at the single-molecule level. This paper explains the features of this combined technique, including the application characteristics of single-trap and dual-traps, the anti-bleaching method, and optical tweezers combined with epi-fluorescence, confocal fluorescence, total internal reflection fluorescence, and other fluorescence methods. Using typical experiments, we analyze technical solutions and explain the factors and principles that instrument designers should consider. This review aims to give an introduction to this novel fusion technology process and describe important biological results.
Mortality of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients: A 10-Year Follow-up Pilot Study in Shanghai
Authors: Zhang Yue-Qi , Wang Chun-Fang , Xu Gang , Zhao Qian-Hua , Xie Xin-Yi , Cui Hai-Lun , Wang Ying , Ren Ru-Jing , Guo Qi-Hao , Wang Gang
Published: December 2019

Background:

Identifying risk factors and mortality of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) could have important implications for the clinical management of AD.

Objective:

This pilot study aimed to examine the overall mortality of AD patients over a 10-year surveillance period in Shanghai, China. This study is an extension of our previous investigation on mortality of neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods:

One hundred and thirty-two AD patients recruited from the memory clinics of two hospitals in Shanghai in 2007 were followed up until December 31, 2017 or death, representing a follow-up period of up to 10 years. Overall standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated, and predictors for survival at recruitment were estimated.

Results:

Sixty-seven patients had died by December 31, 2017, and the SMR at 10 years of follow-up was 1.225 (95% confidence interval 0.944–1.563). Employing Cox’s proportional hazard modeling, lower Mini-Mental State Examination score, and comorbid diabetes predicted poor survival in this cohort.

Conclusion:

This pilot study suggests a similar survival trend of patients with AD compared to the general population in Shanghai urban region. Poor cognitive status and comorbid diabetes had a negative impact on the survival of AD patients.
The neural correlates of ideation in product design engineering practitioners
Authors: Hay L. , Duffy A. H. B. , Gilbert S. J. , Lyall L. , Campbell G. , Coyle D. , Grealy M. A.
Published: December 2019

In product design engineering (PDE), ideation involves the generation of technical behaviours and physical structures to address specific functional requirements. This differs from generic creative ideation tasks, which emphasise functional and technical considerations less. To advance knowledge about the neural basis of PDE ideation, we present the first fMRI study on professional product design engineers practising in industry. We aimed to explore brain activation during ideation, and compare activation in open-ended and constrained tasks. Imagery manipulation tasks were contrasted with ideation tasks in a sample of 29 PDE professionals. The key findings were: (1) PDE ideation is associated with greater activity in left cingulate gyrus; (2) there were no significant differences between open-ended and constrained tasks; and (3) a preliminary association with activity in the right superior temporal gyrus was also observed. The results are consistent with existing fMRI work on generic creative ideation, suggesting that PDE ideation may share a number of similarities at the neural level. Future work includes: functional connectivity analysis of open-ended and constrained ideation to further investigate potential differences; investigating the effects of aspects of design expertise/training on processing; and the use of novelty measures directly linked to the designer’s internal processing in fMRI analysis.
“I WAS NOT WARM IN THE COLD”. ANOTHER OLD BABYLONIAN PROVERBIAL COLLECTION
Authors: Streck M. P. , Wasserman N.
Published: December 2019

BM 108868, an unpublished Old Babylonian tablet containing a collection of moral and existential sayings is edited here for the first time, accompanied by a commentary, photos and a hand-copy. With this discovery, the existence of a solid 2nd millennium tradition of monolingual Akkadian proverbial sayings is established.
THE LATEST LAYARD ARCHIVE: NEW DOCUMENTS FROM NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY
Authors: Ermidoro S.
Published: December 2019

This article provides the first detailed overview of an archive that once belonged to Austen Henry Layard and his family. The collection, deposited in the Special Collections and Archives at Newcastle University, consists of handwritten letters, a dozen books, hundreds of folios, photos, maps, and various other objects: all this material is still unpublished. The archive is particularly interesting due to its nature: it was kept and bequeathed for generations as a family assemblage, and it includes materials that help to better understand several data contained in Layard's publications, his excavations in the ancient Assyrian capitals and his commitment to the dissemination of the knowledge of Assyrian culture. The archive also sheds light on previously unknown private aspects of Layard's wife, Enid Guest, and offers a wealth of information on the cultural legacy left by Layard within his own family, among his descendants.
The ecology of empire
Authors: Figueredo Aurelio José , Peñaherrera-Aguirre Mateo , Fernandes Heitor Barcellos Ferreira , Lomayesva Sara Lindsey , Woodley Michael Anthony , Hertler Steven Charles , Sarraf Matthew Alexandar
Published: December 2019

We tracked the relative integration and differentiation among life history traits over the period spanning AD 1800–1999 in the Britannic and Gallic biocultural groups. We found that Britannic populations tended toward greater strategic differentiation, while Gallic populations tended toward greater strategic integration. The dynamics of between-group competition between these two erstwhile rival biocultural groups were hypothesized as driving these processes. We constructed a latent factor that specifically sought to measure between-group competition and residualized it for the logarithmic effects of time. We found a significantly asymmetrical impact of between-group competition, where the between-group competition factor appeared to be driving the diachronic integration in Gallic populations but had no significantly corresponding influence on the parallel process of diachronic differentiation in Britannic populations. This suggests that the latter process was attributable to some alternative and unmeasured causes, such as the resource abundance consequent to territorial expansion rather than contraction.
THE QUESTION OF GENRE IN PLUTARCH'SMAXIME CVM PRINCIPIBVS PHILOSOPHO ESSE DISSERENDVM
Authors: Mortensen Jacob P.B.
Published: December 2019

In his book on Plutarch'sMaxime cum principibus philosopho esse disserendumfrom 2009, Geert Roskam takes up the question of the genre of the work. Few scholars have approached this question and they have had little to say. Hence, Roskam's treatment of the question is much appreciated. Among the suggestions previously put forth is the suggestion by F.H. Sandbach, who argued that the work should be regarded as a treatise, while H.N. Fowler stated in the ‘Introduction’ to the Loeb Classical Library translation that the work is an essay. Other suggestions regarding the genre ofMaxime cum principibusinclude the notion that it is a diatribe and aparva disputatio e magisterio orta. Of course, although all four suggestions have something to say for themselves, they are rather imprecise and not actual genres in a specific sense. The diatribe often surfaces as a convenient label for ancient philosophical discourses, but it is a misleading label, since what it picks out was not recognized as a distinctive form or stylistic level in antiquity. In addition, the technical and literary uses of the Greek word διατριβή were entirely different.
‘Northmen, Southmen, comrades all’? The adoption of discourselikeby migrants north and south of the Irish border
Authors: Corrigan Karen P. , Diskin Chloé
Published: December 2019

The Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI) have recently become attractive migrant destinations. Two main dialectal varieties are recognised on the island, but little is known about their adoption by new speakers. Focusing on a panlectal feature, discourselike, we conducted a quantitative sociolinguistic investigation of its adoption by seventeen young Polish and Lithuanian migrants in Armagh (NI), and thirty-six Polish and Chinese adult migrants in Dublin (ROI), with comparator samples drawn from native speakers. Findings show thatlikerates in both cities diverge, but that migrants mirror local frequencies. Clause-finallikeis restricted primarily to native speakers, but is twice as frequent in Armagh than in Dublin. English proficiency has a significant effect on the likelihood of young migrants in Armagh adopting the clause-final variant. The article's significance also stems from the original contribution it makes to our understanding of how sociolinguistic competence is acquired in ‘superdiverse’ settings. (Discourselike, identity, migration, Northern Irish-English, Hiberno-English, Ulster English, Southern Irish-English)*
The Ethics of Kin State Activism: A Cosmopolitan Defense
Authors: Vasilev George
Published: December 2019

A notable feature of nationalism's contemporary resurgence is the increasing eagerness of governments to support and shape the political causes of populations living abroad that are viewed as ethnic kindred. However, global criteria for judging when such kin state activism is and is not acceptable have so far remained elusive, as the objectionable instances of the practice tend to overshadow the legally and morally consistent ones. I argue that the analysis of world affairs and promotion of global justice would benefit from an ethic of transnational conduct that has a rightful place for kin states. I defend a set of cosmopolitan criteria for this purpose, outlining how they enable us to recognize and combat the dangers posed by certain forms of kin state mobilization without forgoing the opportunities presented by certain other forms to overcome minority repression and enhance regional security.
Extremism and Confusion in American Views about the Ethics of War: A Comment on Sagan and Valentino
Authors: McMahan Jeff
Published: December 2019

In their article “Just War and Unjust Soldiers: American Public Opinion on the Moral Equality of Combatants,” Scott Sagan and Benjamin Valentino have revealed a wealth of information about the views of contemporary Americans on the ethics of war. Virtually all they have discovered is surprising and much of it is alarming. My commentary in this symposium seeks mainly to extract a bit more from their data and to draw a few further inferences. Among the striking features of Sagan and Valentino's data are that the views of Americans tend to cluster at the extreme ends of the spectrum of possible views about the ethics of war, that an apparent sympathy for pacifism coexists with harshly punitive views about the treatment of soldiers, and that few of those surveyed appear to have given any thought to the implications of the views they expressed for what it might be permissible for enemies of the United States to do to captured American soldiers. The commentary concludes by arguing that Sagan and Valentino's findings do not, as they argue, support the fear that is sometimes expressed that a wider acceptance of revisionist just war theory, and in particular its incorporation into the law, would make the practice of war even more barbarous than it already is.