bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vapor phase fabrication of three‐dimensional arrayed BiI3 nanosheets for cost‐effective solar cells
Authors: Zhu Yiyi , Zhang Qianpeng , Kam Matthew , Poddar Swapnadeep , Gu Leilei , Liang Shijun , Qi Pengfei , Miao Feng , Fan Zhiyong
Published: December 2019

Multilayered photovoltaic absorbers have triggered widespread attention for their unique structure and properties. However, multilayered materials in the randomly oriented polycrystalline thin‐film lead to ineffective carrier transport and collection, which hinders the process of achieving high‐performance solar cells. Herein, this issue is tackled by producing the three‐dimensional (3D) heterojunction BiI3 nanosheets (NSs) solar cells, which embed vertically aligned monocrystalline BiI3 NSs into spiro‐OMeTAD. The preferred orientation of BiI3 NSs and large p‐n junction areas of 3D heterojunction structure enable a strong light absorption and effective carrier transport and collection, and thus a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.45% was achieved. Moreover, this PCE is the highest ever reported for BiI3 based solar cells to our best knowledge. Moreover, the nonencapsulated device remained 96% of the initial PCE after 24 h continuous one sun illumination at ~70% humidity condition, and 82% of the initial PCE after 1‐month storage at ~30% humidity condition.

image
Forecasting stock returns with model uncertainty and parameter instability
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , He Qiang , Jacobsen Ben , Jiang Fuwei
Published: December 2019

We compare several representative sophisticated model averaging and variable selection techniques of forecasting stock returns. When estimated traditionally, our results confirm that the simple combination of individual predictors is superior. However, sophisticated models improve dramatically once we combine them with the historical average and take parameter instability into account. An equal weighted combination of the historical average with the standard multivariate predictive regression estimated using the average windows method, for example, achieves a statistically significant monthly out‐of‐sampleof 1.10% and annual utility gains of 2.34%. We obtain similar gains for predicting future macroeconomic conditions.
Determination of invert syrup adulterated in acacia honey by terahertz spectroscopy with different spectral features
Authors: Liu Wen , Zhang Yuying , Li Ming , Han Donghai , Liu Wenjie
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Invert syrup is a common adulterant in honey falsification, thus generating risk for consumers. Most of the methods developed are tedious and time‐consuming for manufactures and consumers. However, terahertz spectroscopy provides analytical information in a simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly manner. Subsequently, 3 kinds of terahertz spectroscopic characteristics data, the absorption coefficient, the slope of the absorption coefficient spectra, and the area of the absorption coefficient spectra, were employed for determination of acacia honey adulterated with invert syrup.

RESULTS

Single linear regression (SLR) models with different terahertz spectroscopic features were adopted to predict the syrup adulterant proportion in acacia honey. The best SLR model used the area of the absorption coefficient, displaying an adjusted correlation coefficient of 0.985 and a root‐mean‐square error of 3.201. Meanwhile, multiple linear regression (MLR) models using a successive projections algorithm for variables selection were implemented. The MLR model considered the integral area of the absorption coefficient spectra, as the inputs yielded the best result with less variables selected, higher and , lower root‐mean‐square error of calibration and prediction, as well as higher residual predictive deviation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate terahertz spectroscopy combined with the integral area of the absorption coefficient spectra is reliable enough for invert syrup proportion quantification in acacia honey and is also a rapid and nondestructive determination method for other honey adulterants. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Low‐Fouling Electrosprayed Hemoglobin Nanoparticles with Antioxidant Protection as Promising Oxygen Carriers
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Jansman Michelle M. T. , Thulstrup Peter W. , Mendes Ana C. , Chronakis Ioannis S. , Hosta‐Rigau Leticia
Published: December 2019

Despite all the attempts to create advanced hemoglobin (Hb)‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) employing an encapsulation platform, major challenges including attaining a high Hb loading and long circulation times still need to be overcome. Herein, the fabrication, for the first time, of nanoparticles fully made of Hb (Hb‐NPs) employing the electrospray technique is reported. The Hb‐NPs are then coated by antioxidant and self‐polymerized poly(dopamine) (PDA) to minimize the conversion of Hb into nonfunctional methemoglobin (metHb). The PDA shell is further functionalized with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to achieve stealth properties. The results demonstrate that the as‐prepared Hb‐NPs are hemo‐ and biocompatible while offering antioxidant protection and decreasing the formation of metHb. Additionally, decoration with PEG results in decreased protein adsorption onto the Hb‐NPs surface, suggesting a prolonged retention time within the body. Finally, the Hb‐NPs also preserve the reversible oxygen‐binding and releasing properties of Hb. All in all, within this study, a novel HBOCs with high Hb content is fabricated and its potential as an artificial blood substitute is evaluated.
Effect of Two‐Step Chain Extension using Joncryl and PMDA on the Rheological Properties of Poly (lactic acid)
Authors: Yahyaee Nasrin , Javadi Azizeh , Garmabi Hamid , Khaki Amir
Published: December 2019

This research considers a two‐step chain extension reaction in the presence of two chain extenders, Joncryl and Pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), as a solution for poor melt properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA). The aim of adding PMDA is to increase the carboxyl groups via the anhydride ring‐opening reaction so that the reaction between PLA and Joncryl could be facilitated since the reactivity between the epoxy and carboxyl group is more than epoxy and hydroxyl group. The reactions are confirmed by measuring the acid value, and a two‐step reaction mechanism is suggested. Shear and elongational rheological properties of the samples are investigated; furthermore, gel permeation chromatography analyses and tensile tests are exploited for studying the molecular weight and tensile properties, respectively. The results show that the chain extension reactions lead to an increase in the storage modulus, complex viscosity, and molecular weight. Also, the PLA chains which are extended utilizing both chain extenders simultaneously evince a synergistic improvement in the shear and elongational rheological properties due to longer segments between branching points on the structure.
An investigation on solidification path and hot tearing tendency of Mg−2Zn−3Y−xAl alloys
Authors: Zhang G. , Liu Z. , Wang Y. , Liu S. , Mao P.
Published: December 2019

Based on the improved Clyne‐Davies’ model (CSCT), the hot tearing tendency of Mg−2Zn−3Y−xAl (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 2, wt.%) alloys were predicted. The concretion path, the solidification characteristic temperature, the dendrite coherent solid fraction were studied by the double thermocouples thermal analysis. The curve of solidification contraction stress with temperature (or time) was measured with a “T” type hot tearing permanent‐mold. The experimental results show that the modified Clyne‐Davies’ model prediction values are in good agreement with the experimental results. Al2Y phase can be used as the heterogeneous nucleation core of α‐Mg matrix and refine the α‐Mg grain size. It is found that Al2Y increases, grain refinement is more obvious, dendrite coherence is postponed, and the hot tearing susceptibility of the alloy decreases significantly with increasing aluminum content.
Effect of pin offset on the mechanical properties of friction stir welded AA 6013 aluminum alloy plates
Authors: Kasman Ş. , Ozan S.
Published: December 2019

In this study, AA 6013 aluminum plates were butt‐welded with friction stir welding via pin offset technique. Macrostructural observations revealed that kissing bonds, originated from the broken oxide layers, were found to occur in the welded joints. The fracture location of welded joints after tensile tests was found to be outside the joint area, revealing that kissing bonds which were formed in the stir zone exhibited no detrimental effect on the mechanical properties of joints. Microstructural observations revealed that phases belonging to Mg2Si, Al4Cu2Mg8Si7 and Al(MnFe)Si were observed in the x‐ray diffraction pattern of friction stir welded joints. The highest tensile strength with a value of 206 MPa was achieved with the process parameters of 1.5 mm pin offset towards the advancing side and 500 min−1 tool rotational speed, leading the ratio of tensile strength of joint to ultimate tensile strength of base metal, also known as joint efficiency, to reach 74 %.
Quantitative Evaluation of Iron Content in Idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Sun Junyan , Lai Zhaoyu , Ma Jinghong , Gao Linlin , Chen Meijie , Chen Jie , Fang Jiliang , Fan Yangyang , Bao Yan , Zhang Dongling , Chan Piu , Yang Qi , Ye Chenfei , Wu Tao , Ma Ting
Published: December 2019

Background

Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder is an early sign of neurodegenerative disease. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate iron content in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder patients using quantitative susceptibility mapping and to examine the potential of this technique to identify the prodromal stage of α‐synucleinopathies.

Methods

Twenty‐five idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder patients, 32 Parkinson's disease patients, and 50 healthy controls underwent quantitative susceptibility mapping. The mean magnetic susceptibility values within the bilateral substantia nigra, globus pallidus, red nucleus, head of the caudate nucleus, and putamen were calculated and compared among groups. The relationships between the values and the clinical features of idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and Parkinson's disease were measured using correlation analysis.

Results

Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder patients had elevated iron in the bilateral substantia nigra compared with healthy controls. Parkinson's disease patients had increased iron in the bilateral substantia nigra, globus pallidus, and left red nucleus compared with healthy controls and had elevated iron levels in the bilateral substantia nigra compared with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder patients. Mean magnetic susceptibility values were positively correlated with disease duration in the left substantia nigra in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder patients.

Conclusions

Quantitative susceptibility mapping can detect increased iron in the substantia nigra in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, which becomes more significant as the disorder progresses. This technique has the potential to be an early objective neuroimaging marker for detecting α‐synucleinopathies. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Mathematical and numerical analysis of a three‐species predator‐prey model with herd behavior and time fractional‐order derivative
Authors: Ghanbari Behzad , Djilali Salih
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we investigate with a time fractional‐order derivative in a three‐species predator‐prey model with the presence of prey social behavior. A new approximation for predator‐prey interaction in the presence of prey social behavior has been considered. For the model analysis, the study has been divided into two principal parts. First of all, we study the local stability of the equilibria and the existence of Hopf bifurcation. Then, for the numerical analysis, the Caputo fractional derivative operator is utilized to approximate the numerical solution of the model. An excellent agreement is seen between the numerical results and the theoretical predictions.
Oxidized Pork Induces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation by Altering Gut Microbiota in Mice
Authors: Ge Yueting , Lin Shiman , Li Bowen , Yang Yuhui , Tang Xue , Shi Yonghui , Sun Jin , Le Guowei
Published: December 2019

Scope

Reduced digestibility of foods containing oxidized proteins and the subsequent excessive accumulation of undigested components in the colon may cause changes in the intestinal flora composition. This study evaluates the characteristics of this change and the potential adverse effects on organisms.

Methods and results

Pork is cooked using sous‐vide or at high temperature and pressure (HTP), then freeze‐dried, resulting in different levels of oxidized damage. Mice are fed diets containing low‐ (LOP), medium‐ (MOP), or high‐oxidative damage pork (HOP) for 12 weeks. HOP intake increases mice body weight, induces inflammatory response, and causes oxidative stress, as indicated by the accumulation of oxidative products. Increased serum LPS levels and downregulation of tight junction‐related genes in the mucosa suggest mucosal barrier damage. Alterations in the cecal microbiota include reduced relative abundance of the mucin‐degrading bacteria Akkermansia, beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and H2S‐producing bacteria Desulfovibrio and increased relative abundance of the pro‐inflammatory bacteria Escherichia‐Shigella and pathobiont Mucispirillum.

Conclusion

HOP intake causes the accumulation of oxidative products, increases body weight, damages the intestinal barrier, and induces oxidative stress and inflammatory response, likely by altering gut microbiota through protein oxidation (POX).
Mass Spectrometry Reveals New Insights into the Production of Superoxide Anions and 4‐Hydroxynonenal Adducted Proteins in Human Sperm
Authors: Netherton Jacob Kendal , Hetherington Louise , Ogle Rachel Anne , Gavgani Marum Mazloumi , Velkov Tony , Villaverde Ana Izabel Bilbin , Tanphaichitr Nuch , Baker Mark Andrew
Published: December 2019

The free‐radical theory of male infertility suggests that reactive oxygen species produced by the spermatozoa themselves are a leading cause of sperm dysfunction, including loss of sperm motility. However, the field is overshadowed on several fronts, primarily because: i) the probes used to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) are imprecise; and ii) many reports suggesting that oxygen radicals are detrimental to sperm function add an exogenous source of ROS. Herein, a more reliable approach to measure superoxide anion production by human spermatozoa based on MS analysis is used. Furthermore, the formation of the lipid‐peroxidation product 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE) during in vitro incubation using proteomics is also investigated. The data demonstrate that neither superoxide anion nor other free radicals that cause 4‐HNE production are related to the loss of sperm motility during incubation. Interestingly, it appears that many of the 4‐HNE adducted proteins, found within spermatozoa, originate from the prostate. A quantitative SWATH analysis demonstrate that these proteins transiently bind to sperm and are then shed during in vitro incubation. These proteomics‐based findings propose a revised understanding of oxidative stress within the male reproductive tract.
The effect of terminal groups and halogenation of KLVFF peptide on its activity as an inhibitor of β‐amyloid aggregation
Authors: Khalili Samani Elnaz , Mofid Mohammad Reza , Malakoutikhah Morteza
Published: December 2019

The aggregation of Aβ peptide into amyloid fibrils in the brain is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Inhibition of Aβ aggregation seemed a potential treatment for AD. It was previously shown that a short fragment of Aβ peptide (KLVFF, 16‐20) bound Aβ inhibited its aggregation. In this work, using KLVFF peptide, we synthesized two peptide families and then evaluated their inhibitory capacities by conventional assays such as thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence spectroscopy, turbidity measurement, and the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS). The effect of peptide terminal groups on its inhibitory activity was first studied. Subsequently, the influence of halogenated amino acids on peptide anti‐aggregation properties was investigated. We found that iodinated peptide with amine in the N and amide in the C termini, respectively, was the best inhibitor of Aβ fibers formation. Halogenated peptides seemed to decrease the number of Aβ fibrils; however, they did not reduce Aβ cytotoxicity. The data obtained in this work seemed promising in developing potential peptide drugs for treatment of AD.
CUSUM control charts with variable sampling interval for monitoring the ratio of two normal variables
Authors: Nguyen Huu Du , Tran Kim Phuc , Heuchenne Henri L.
Published: December 2019

In many industrial manufacturing processes, the ratio between two normal random variables plays a key role in ensuring quality of products. Thus,  monitoring this ratio is an important task that is well worth considering. In this paper, we combine a variable sampling interval (VSI) strategy with a cumulative sum (CUSUM) scheme to create a new type of control chart for purpose of tracking the ratio between two normal variables. The average time to signal (ATS) and the expected average time to signal (EATS) criteria are used to evaluate the performance of the new VSI CUSUM RZ control chart. The  numerical results show that the proposed control chart has much more attractive performance in comparison with the standard CUSUM‐RZ control chart and the VSI EWMA‐RZ control chart.
A theoretical study of the structural, thermoelectric, and spin‐orbit coupling influenced optoelectronic properties of CsTmCl3 halide perovskite
Authors: Ali Malak Azmat , Alam Neda ,   Meena, Ali Sonbal , Dar Sajad Ahmad , Khan Afzal , Murtaza G. , Laref A.
Published: December 2019

This first principles study explores the structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of the CsTmCl3 halide perovskite using density functional theory. The structural and thermoelectric properties are calculated without considering the spin‐orbit coupling (SOC), while both the electronic and optical properties are calculated with and without the SOC effect. A comparison of the results obtained with and without SOC reveals that inclusion of the SOC effect reduces the band gap from 1.18 to 0.99 eV due to shifting of the Tm‐d states toward the Fermi level. However, direct nature of the band gap remains the same in both the cases. The effect of SOC on the optical properties is, however, only visible in shifting of the third characteristic peak to lower energies. Strong optical absorption in the visible and ultraviolet regions shows effectiveness of CsTmCl3 in the optical devices working in these regions. Moreover, the calculated transport properties reveal CsTmCl3 as a useful thermoelectric material at room temperature.
Uncertainty contribution of derivatization in gas chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis
Authors: Vilbaste Martin , Tammekivi Eliise , Leito Ivo
Published: December 2019

Rationale

The purpose of the current work is to realistically assess the uncertainty contribution in gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis originating from less‐than‐ideal derivatization efficiency.

Methods

As the exemplary analytical method a two‐step derivatization method with KOH and BSTFA (N,O‐bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide), applied for the analysis of fatty acid triglycerides (using real measurement data), was selected. The derivatization efficiencies were in the range 0.89–1.04. In this study, two approaches for bottom‐up uncertainty evaluation were compared: the traditional GUM approach and the Monte Carlo method (MCM). Both were used with and without taking correlation between input quantities into account.

Results

The most reliable uncertainty estimates were in the range 0.07–0.08 (expanded uncertainties at 95% coverage probability). A strong negative correlation was found between the slope and intercept of the calibration graph (r = −0.71) and it markedly influenced the uncertainty estimate of derivatization efficiency. The MCM was found to give somewhat higher uncertainty estimates, which are considered more realistic.

Conclusions

Derivatization directly affects the analysis result. Thus, in the case of this exemplary analysis, just derivatization alone (i.e. if all other uncertainty sources are neglected) causes relative expanded uncertainty around 8%, being thus an important and in some cases the dominant uncertainty contributor.
A comparative DFT study of Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions adsorption on (100) and (110) surfaces of pyrite: An electrochemical point of view
Authors: Nourmohamadi Hossein , Aghazadeh Valeh , Esrafili Mehdi D.
Published: December 2019

Pyrite acts as a catalyst in the mineral processing, and the speed of ferric ion reduction and mineral decomposition increases with increasing cathodic points. In this study, the ferric ion interaction on the (100) and (110) surfaces of pyrite was studied using the density functional theory calculations. The analysis of stability, density of states, and electron density were performed to understand the interaction between the ferric ion and pyrite surfaces. The results showed that pyrite surface is chemically active and tends to absorb ferric ion between two surface sulfur atoms. The hyperconjugation between the 3d orbital of ferric ion and the 3p or 3d orbitals of surface atoms provides the conditions for the Fe3+ ion adsorption. The molecular orbital (MO) and electron density analyses indicate that the 3p orbitals of S atoms play a more important role in bonds formations relative to the 3d orbitals. The (110) surface is more active, and the adsorption energy is larger than that of surface (100), which is the result of decreased cation coordination and the presence of sulfur at the surface. Subsequently, the interaction of the Fe2+ ion, as product of Fe3+ ion reduction and its competitor for adsorption, on the surfaces was studied. The Fe2 + ion adsorbs stronger at the surface of (110), and the adsorption energies at (100) and (110) surfaces were obtained as −24 and −47 kcal/mol, respectively. In general, the Fe3+ ion is a stronger oxidizing agent than Fe2+ on pyrite surfaces.
Extending the mixed‐effects model to consider within‐subject variance for Ecological Momentary Assessment data
Authors: Nordgren Rachel , Hedeker Donald , Dunton Genevieve , Yang Chih‐Hsiang
Published: December 2019

Ecological Momentary Assessment data present some new modeling opportunities. Typically, there are sufficient data to explicitly model the within‐subject (WS) variance, and in many applications, it is of interest to allow the WS variance to depend on covariates as well as random subject effects. We describe a model that allows multiple random effects per subject in the mean model (eg, random location intercept and slopes), as well as random scale in the error variance model. We present an example of the use of this model on a real dataset and a simulation study that shows the benefit of this model, relative to simpler approaches.
Type III seesaw for neutrino masses in U(1)B−L model with multi-component dark matter
Authors: Biswas Anirban , Borah Debasish , Nanda Dibyendu
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We propose a B − L gauged extension of the Standard Model where light neutrino masses arise from type III seesaw mechanism. Unlike the minimal B − L model with three right handed neutrinos having unit lepton number each, the model with three fermion triplets is however not anomaly free. We show that the leftover triangle anomalies can be cancelled by two neutral Dirac fermions having fractional B − L charges, both of which are naturally stable by virtue of a remnant ℤ2
×

$$ {\mathbb{Z}}_2^{\prime } $$

ℤ
2
′

symmetry, naturally leading to a two component dark matter scenario without any ad-hoc symmetries. We constrain the model from all relevant phenomenological constraints including dark matter properties. Light neutrino mass and collider prospects are also discussed briefly. Due to additional neutral gauge bosons, the fermion triplets in type III seesaw can have enhanced production cross section in collider experiment.
Correction to: Etablierung der § 64 LFGB Arbeitsgruppen „NGS – Bakteriencharakterisierung“ und „NGS – Speziesidentifizierung“
Authors: Szabo Kathrin , Malorny Burkhard , Stoyke Manfred
Published: December 2019

The article Etablierung
Cas12a mediates efficient and precise endogenous gene tagging via MITI: microhomology-dependent targeted integrations
Authors: Li Pan , Zhang Lijun , Li Zhifang , Xu Chunlong , Du Xuguang , Wu Sen
Published: December 2019

Efficient exogenous DNA integration can be mediated by Cas9 through the non-homology end-joining pathway. However, such integrations are often imprecise and contain a variety of mutations at the junctions between the external DNA and the genomic loci. Here we describe a microhomology-dependent targeted integration method, designated MITI, for precise site-specific gene insertions. We found that the MITI strategy yielded higher knock-in accuracy than Cas9 HITI for the insertion of external DNA and tagging endogenous genes. Furthermore, in combination with negative selection and four different CrRNAs targeting donor vectors and genome-targeted sites with a CrRNA array, MITI facilitated precise ligation at all junctions. Therefore, our Cas12a-based MITI method increases the repertoire of precision genome engineering approaches and provides a useful tool for various gene editing applications.
Effect of positive/negative electrode ratio on cold metal transfer welding of 6061 aluminum alloy
Authors: Zhang Peilei , Li Guojin , Yan Hua , Tian Yingtao
Published: December 2019

Variable polarity cold metal transfer (VPCMT) is a newly developed welding process and has drawn extensive interests because of its potential in further reducing the heat input, offering greater gap bridging ability, and improving the deposition rate. Using 6061 aluminum alloy as an example, this paper systematically investigated the influences of the key parameter in VPCMT, i.e., “positive/negative electrodes ratio (EP/EN Balance),” on weld formation, microstructure, and mechanical properties. It was found that, with the increase of the EP/EN Balance value, the duty cycle of the negative phase was reduced but the peak current and maximum temperature of the weld pool were both increased resulting in a higher heat input. The positive/negative electrode ratio had little impact on the grain misorientation angle in the fusion zone. Hardness of the joint was higher with larger positive duty cycles because of the precipitate phase and small grain size. An increased negative duty cycle resulted in lower heat input leading to insufficient melting of the material and deterioration of the mechanical strength of the welds.
Existence of Meromorphic Solutions of First-Order Difference Equations
Authors: Korhonen Risto , Zhang Yueyang
Published: December 2019

It is shown that if $$\begin{aligned} f(z+1)^n=R(z,f), \end{aligned}$$f(z+1)n=R(z,f),where R(z, f) is rational in f with meromorphic coefficients and $$\deg _f(R(z,f))=n$$degf(R(z,f))=n, has an admissible meromorphic solution, then either f satisfies a difference linear or Riccati equation with meromorphic coefficients, or the equation above can be transformed into one in a list of ten equations with certain meromorphic or algebroid coefficients. In particular, if $$f(z+1)^n=R(z,f)$$f(z+1)n=R(z,f), where the assumption $$\deg _f(R(z,f))=n$$degf(R(z,f))=n has been discarded, has rational coefficients and a transcendental meromorphic solution f of hyper-order $$<1$$<1, then either f satisfies a difference linear or Riccati equation with rational coefficients, or the equation above can be transformed into one in a list of five equations which consists of four difference Fermat equations and one equation which is a special case of the symmetric QRT map. Solutions to all of these equations are presented in terms of Weierstrass or Jacobi elliptic functions, or in terms of meromorphic functions that are solutions to a difference Riccati equation. This provides a natural difference analogue of Steinmetz’ generalization of Malmquist’s theorem.
Whole genome sequencing of orofacial cleft trios from the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Consortium identifies a new locus on chromosome 21
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Nandita , Bishop Madison , Mortillo Michael , Chopra Pankaj , Hetmanski Jacqueline B. , Taub Margaret A. , Moreno Lina M. , Valencia-Ramirez Luz Consuelo , Restrepo Claudia , Wehby George L. , Hecht Jacqueline T. , Deleyiannis Frederic , Butali Azeez , Weinberg Seth M. , Beaty Terri H. , Murray Jeffrey C. , Leslie Elizabeth J. , Feingold Eleanor , Marazita Mary L.
Published: December 2019

Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are among the most prevalent craniofacial birth defects worldwide and create a significant public health burden. The majority of OFCs are non-syndromic, and the genetic etiology of non-syndromic OFCs is only partially determined. Here, we analyze whole genome sequence (WGS) data for association with risk of OFCs in European and Colombian families selected from a multicenter family-based OFC study. This is the first large-scale WGS study of OFC in parent–offspring trios, and a part of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program created for the study of childhood cancers and structural birth defects. WGS provides deeper and more specific genetic data than using imputation on present-day single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) marker panels. Genotypes of case–parent trios at single nucleotide variants (SNV) and short insertions and deletions (indels) spanning the entire genome were called from their sequences using human GRCh38 genome assembly, and analyzed for association using the transmission disequilibrium test. Among genome-wide significant associations, we identified a new locus on chromosome 21 in Colombian families, not previously observed in other larger OFC samples of Latin American ancestry. This locus is situated within a region known to be expressed during craniofacial development. Based on deeper investigation of this locus, we concluded that it contributed risk for OFCs exclusively in the Colombians. This study reinforces the ancestry differences seen in the genetic etiology of OFCs, and underscores the need for larger samples when studying for OFCs and other birth defects in populations with diverse ancestry.
Design of a New Peptide Substrate Probe of the Putative Biomarker Legumain with Potential Application in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Ex Vivo
Authors: Mathur Sunil , Turnbull Agnes , Akaev Iolia , Stevens Craig , Agrawal Neerja , Chopra Mridula , Mincher David
Published: December 2019

The lysosomal endoprotease legumain (asparaginyl endoprotease) has been proposed as a putative biomarker in prostate tumours, in which the enzyme is markedly overexpressed. Overexpression, coupled with highly selective specificity for cleavage of substrates at the C-terminus of asparagine (Asn) residues, make legumain an attractive biochemical target for potential diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. We report the design, synthesis, characterisation and preliminary evaluation of a new rhodamine-B (Rho-B)-labelled legumain peptide substrate probe5[Rho-Pro-Ala-Asn-PEG-AQ(4-OH)] and its selective targeting to lysosomes in PC3 prostate cancer cells. Probe5was efficiently activated by recombinant human legumain to afford the high quantum yield reporter fluorophore tripeptide4b(Rho-Pro-Ala-Asn-OH) with concomitant release of intense fluorescence. Furthermore, probe5was activated upon incubation with homogenates derived from fresh-frozen tissue material of prostatectomy specimens. Probe5represents a new viable biochemical tool for probing the activity of legumain with the potential to be used in ex vivo diagnostics in the cancer pathology laboratory.
Partial or total knee replacement? Identifying patients’ information needs on knee replacement surgery: a qualitative study to inform a decision aid
Authors: Smith Stephanie , Alvand Abtin , Locock Louise , Ryan Sara , Smith James , Bayliss Lee , Wilson Hannah , Price Andrew
Published: December 2019

Purpose

For patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis, joint replacement is a widely used and successful operation to help improve quality-of-life when non-operative measures have failed. For a significant proportion of patients there is a choice between a partial or total knee replacement. Decision aids can help people weigh up the need for and benefits of treatment against possible risks and side-effects. This study explored patients’ experiences of deciding to undergo knee replacement surgery to identify information priorities, to inform a knee replacement decision aid.

Methods

Four focus groups were held with 31 patients who were candidates for both partial and total knee replacement surgery. Two focus groups included patients with no prior knee replacement surgery (pre-surgery); two with patients with one knee already replaced and who were candidates for a second surgery on their other knee (post-surgery). Data were analysed using Framework Analysis.

Results

Participants described a process of arriving at ‘readiness for surgery’ a turning point where the need for treatment outweighed their concerns. Referral and personal factors influenced their decision-making and expectations of surgery in the hope to return to a former self. Those with previous knee surgery offered insights into whether their expectations were met. ‘Information for decisions’ details the practicality and the optimal timing for the delivery of a knee replacement decision aid. In particular, participants would have valued hearing about the experiences of other patients and seeing detailed pictures of both surgical options. Information priorities were identified to include in a decision aid for knee replacement surgery.

Conclusions

Patients’ experiences of surgical decision-making have much in common with the Necessity-Concerns Framework. Whilst originally developed to understand drug treatment decisions and adherence, it provides a useful lens to understand decision-making about surgery. The use of a decision aid could enhance decision-making on knee replacement surgery. Ultimately, patients’ understanding of the risks and benefits of both surgical options could be improved and in turn, help informed decision-making. The knee replacement decision aid is perceived as a useful tool to be associated with other detailed information resources as recommended.
Differences between predictive factors for early neurological deterioration due to hemorrhagic and ischemic insults following intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator
Authors: Tanaka Koji , Matsumoto Shoji , Furuta Konosuke , Yamada Takeshi , Nagano Sukehisa , Takase Kei-ichiro , Hatano Taketo , Yamasaki Ryo , Kira Jun-ichi
Published: December 2019

Early neurological deterioration (END) following intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment is a serious clinical event that can be caused by hemorrhagic or ischemic insult. We investigated the differences in predictive factors for END due to hemorrhagic and END due to ischemic insults. Consecutive patients from four hospitals who received 0.6 mg/kg intravenous rt-PA for acute ischemic stroke were retrospectively recruited. END was defined as a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥ 4 points within 24 h compared with baseline. END was classified into those due to hemorrhagic (ENDh) or ischemic (ENDi) insult based on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging. Risk factors associated with ENDh and ENDi were investigated by comparison with non-END cases. A total of 744 patients (452 men, median 75 years old) were included. END was observed in 79 patients (10.6%), including 22 ENDh (3.0%) and 57 ENDi (7.7%), which occurred within a median of 7 h after treatment. Multivariate analyses showed that higher pretreatment NIHSS score (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.13) and pretreatment with antiplatelets (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.08–7.72) were associated with ENDh. Extensive early ischemic change (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score ≤ 7 on CT or ≤ 6 on diffusion-weighted imaging; OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.36–5.64) and large artery occlusions (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.53–6.57) were associated with ENDi. Distinct factors were predictive for the END subtypes. These findings could help develop preventative measures for END in patients with the identified risk factors.
What makes mathematical word problem solving challenging? Exploring the roles of word problem characteristics, text comprehension, and arithmetic skills
Authors: Pongsakdi Nonmanut , Kajamies Anu , Veermans Koen , Lertola Kalle , Vauras Marja , Lehtinen Erno
Published: December 2019

In this study we investigated word-problem (WP) item characteristics, individual differences in text comprehension and arithmetic skills, and their relations to mathematical WP-solving. The participants were 891 fourth-grade students from elementary schools in Finland. Analyses were conducted in two phases. In the first phase, WP characteristics concerning linguistic and numerical factors and their difficulty level were investigated. In contrast to our expectations, the results did not show a clear connection between WP difficulty level and their other characteristics regarding linguistic and numerical factors. In the second phase, text comprehension and arithmetic skills were used to classify participants into four groups: skilful in text comprehension but poor in arithmetic; poor in text comprehension but skilful in arithmetic; very poor in both skills; very skilful in both skills. The results indicated that WP-solving performance on both easy and difficult items was strongly related to text comprehension and arithmetic skills. In easy items, the students who were poor in text comprehension but skilful in arithmetic performed better than those who were skilful in text comprehension but poor in arithmetic. However, there were no differences between these two groups in WP-solving performance on difficult items, showing that more challenging WPs require both skills from students.
Self-Reported Sleep and Exercise Patterns in Patients with Schizophrenia: a Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Kiwan Nancy , Mahfoud Ziyad , Ghuloum Suhaila , Chamali Rifka , Yehya Arij , Hammoudeh Samer , Hani Yahya , Amro Iman , Al-Amin Hassen
Published: December 2019

Background

Adequate sleep and physical activity have been linked to the overall well-being of both medical and psychiatric patients. Patients with schizophrenia have shown abnormal sleep patterns and decreased physical activity that were linked to their psychopathology and physical health. These phenomena are not studied yet in Arab patients with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study is to study the sleep and exercise patterns in Arab patients with schizophrenia compared with those of healthy controls.

Method

A total of 99 patients with schizophrenia and 101 controls were recruited. Arabic versions of sleep, exercise, socio-demographic, and clinical questionnaires were administered as well as the validated scales to measure psychopathology, depression, and suicidality in these participants.

Results

The majority of patients with schizophrenia slept more than 8 h per day and exercised less when compared with controls. Sleep quality was worse in those with higher depression score and higher suicidality scores were seen in patients with lower sleep duration. Multinomial regression showed that patients with schizophrenia have higher odds of sleeping more than 8 h even after controlling for the intake of antipsychotics, age, gender, smoking status, and other confounding factors.

Conclusion

Our results showed that Arab patients with schizophrenia are at increased risk of having longer sleep duration with inadequate physical activity, which are correlating with worsening of depressive symptoms and suicidality. Thus, more attention should be paid to the changes in sleep patterns and level of exercise when treating Arab patients with schizophrenia.
Information Theoretic Model to Simulate Agent-Signage Interaction for Wayfinding
Authors: Dubey Rohit K. , Thrash Tyler , Kapadia Mubbasir , Hoelscher Christoph , Schinazi Victor R.
Published: December 2019

Signage systems are critical for communicating spatial information during wayfinding among a plethora of noise in the environment. A proper signage system can improve wayfinding performance and user experience by reducing the perceived complexity of the environment. However, previous models of sign-based wayfinding do not incorporate realistic noise or quantify the reduction in perceived complexity from the use of signage. Drawing upon concepts from information theory, we propose and validate a new agent-signage interaction model that quantifies available wayfinding information from signs for wayfinding. We conducted two online crowd-sourcing experiments to compute the distribution of a sign’s visibility and an agent’s decision-making confidence as a function of observation angle and viewing distance. We then validated this model using a virtual reality (VR) experiment with trajectories from human participants. The crowd-sourcing experiments provided a distribution of decision-making entropy (conditioned on visibility) that can be applied to any sign/environment. From the VR experiment, a training dataset of 30 trajectories was used to refine our model, and the remaining test dataset of 10 trajectories was compared with agent behavior using dynamic time warping (DTW) distance. The results revealed a reduction of 38.76% in DTW distance between the average trajectories before and after refinement. Our refined agent-signage interaction model provides realistic predictions of human wayfinding behavior using signs. These findings represent a first step towards modeling human wayfinding behavior in complex real environments in a manner that can incorporate several additional random variables (e.g., environment layout).
Grooming behavior and gene expression of the Indiana “mite-biter” honey bee stock
Authors: Morfin Nuria , Given Krispn , Evans Mathew , Guzman-Novoa Ernesto , Hunt Greg J.
Published: December 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate the Indiana “mite-biter” honey bee stock, which has been selected for increased mutilation of Varroa destructor mites (“mite biting” behavior). A comparison between colonies of the selected stock and colonies of unselected Italian bees showed that the proportion of mutilated mites, the severity of mutilations, and winter colony survival were higher in Indiana mite-biter colonies. Additionally, the number of fallen mites and the rate of mite population growth were lower in the colonies of the selected genotype than in those of the unselected genotype. The expression of a gene associated with grooming behavior, AmNrx-1 (neurexin), was significantly higher in the selected stock. Moreover, AmNrx-1 expression was positively correlated with the proportion of mutilated mites but not with mite population growth. AmNrx-1 may have the potential to be used for marker-assisted selection. This study provides evidence that selection for mite-biting behavior reduces V. destructor infestations, increases colony survival and increases the expression of a grooming behavior–associated gene.
Investigation of carbon monoxide gas adsorption on the Al2O3/Pd(NO3)2/zeolite composite film
Authors: Mozaffari Nastaran , Haji Seyed Mirzahosseini Alireza , Sari Amir Hossein , Fekri Aval Leila
Published: December 2019

In this study, Al2O3/Pd(NO3)2/zeolite composite films have been fabricated by roll coating method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The gas adsorption was tested in an experimental setup by a continuous gas analyzer KIMO KIGAZ 210 at constant temperature and pressure (32 °C and 1.5 bar) and as a function of reaction time (s). The inlet CO gas concentration was 150 mg L−1, and the saturation level of CO gas concentration was 5 mg L−1. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) and maximum adsorption efficiency (%) were calculated as 111.16 mg g−1 and 97%, respectively. Pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intra-particle diffusion models were investigated to kinetic study of CO adsorption on Al2O3/Pd(NO3)2/zeolite adsorbents. Results indicated that CO adsorption follows the pseudo-second-order model well according to regression coefficient value (R2 = 0.98), and the value of pseudo-second-order rate constant of adsorption was obtained as 2 × 10−5 g mg−1 s−1. According to the intra-particle diffusion model, adsorption is affected by only one process. So, adsorption of CO by Al2O3/Pd(NO3)2/zeolite adsorbent indicated an effective adsorption by obtained results.
Vanguards of globalization: Organization and political action among America's pro-trade firms
Authors: Osgood Iain
Published: December 2019

This paper identifies recurrent patterns in the political activity of American corporations that support trade. These firms have made public coalitions a central element of their pro-trade activities, and their collective efforts vastly outstrip those of trade's corporate opponents. This superiority in organization is paired with dramatically greater volumes of lobbying and campaign contributions. I explain these striking divergences by integrating collective action theory into a firm-centred model of trade politics: the heavy concentration of gains from trade among a small number of firms makes both individual and collective political action easier for pro-trade firms than for producers opposed to trade. This explanation is supported in panel analysis of firms’ participation in pro-trade coalitions, which shows that size, multinationality, and heterogeneity in global networks of production and sales drive participation in pro-trade groups. Globally engaged firms have supported trade by matching pro-trade preferences with highly organized political action.
Rethinking Measures of Mergers & Acquisitions Deal Premiums
Authors: Eaton Gregory W. , Liu Tingting , Officer Micah S.
Published: December 2019

Many academic studies use fixed preannouncement event days (e.g., -20,-42, or -63) to measure takeover premiums. In this paper, we show that the use of traditional fixed windows generates premiums that are underestimated by as much as 8 percentage points. This downward bias is especially severe for transactions with long processes (e.g., target-initiated deals). We take account of this bias by hand collecting deal initiation dates and show that using these dates results in measured premiums that give contradictory conclusions to those found in existing literature. We also offer guidance for measuring premiums if hand collecting data is impractical.