bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Latitude Distribution and Evolution of Even and Odd Sunspot Cycles
Authors: Takalo Jouni
Published: March 2020

We study the latitudinal distribution and evolution of sunspot areas of Solar Cycles 12 – 23 (SC12–23) and sunspot groups of Solar Cycles 8 – 23 (SC8–23) for even and odd cycles. The Rician distribution is the best-fit function for both even and odd sunspots group latitudinal occurrence. The mean and variance for even northern/southern butterfly wing sunspots are 14.94/14.76 and 58.62/56.08, respectively, and the mean and variance for odd northern/southern wing sunspots are 15.52/15.58 and 61.77/58.00, respectively. Sunspot groups of even cycle wings are thus at somewhat lower latitudes on average than sunspot groups of the odd cycle wings, i.e. about 0.6 degrees for northern hemisphere wings and 0.8 degrees for southern hemisphere wings.

The spatial analysis of sunspot areas between SC12–23 shows that the small sunspots are at lower solar latitudes of the Sun than the large sunspots for both odd and even cycles, and also for both hemispheres.

Temporal evolution of sunspot areas shows a lack of large sunspots after four years (exactly between 4.2 – 4.5 years), i.e. about 40% after the start of the cycle, especially for even cycles. This is related to the Gnevyshev gap and is occurring at the time when the evolution of the average sunspot latitudes crosses about 15 degrees. The gap is, however, clearer for even cycles than odd ones. Gnevyshev gap divides the cycle into two disparate parts: the ascending phase/cycle maximum and the declining phase of the sunspot cycle.
Relaxed Weighted Path Order in Theorem Proving
Authors: Jakubův Jan , Kaliszyk Cezary
Published: March 2020

We propose an extension of the automated theorem prover E by the weighted path ordering (WPO). WPO is theoretically stronger than all the orderings used in E Prover, however its parametrization is more involved than those normally used in automated reasoning. In particular, it depends on a term algebra. We integrate the ordering in E Prover and perform an evaluation on the standard theorem proving benchmarks. The ordering is complementary to the ones used in E prover so far. Furthermore, first-time presented here, we propose a relaxed variant of the weighted path order as an approximation of the standard WPO definition. A theorem prover strategy with a relaxed order can be incomplete, which is, however, not an issue as completeness can be easily regained by switching to a complete strategy. We show that the relaxed weighted path order can have a huge impact on an improvement of a theorem prover strategy.
Using Feedback to Mitigate Coordination and Threshold Problems in Iterative Combinatorial Auctions
Authors: Vangerven Bart , Goossens Dries R. , Spieksma Frits C. R.
Published: March 2020

Package bids, i.e., bids on sets of items, are an essential aspect of combinatorial auctions. They can allow bidders to accurately express their preferences. However, bidders on packages consisting of few items are often unable to outbid provisionally winning bids on large packages. To resolve this, both coordination as well as cooperation are needed. Coordination, since smaller bidders need to bid on packages that are disjoint; cooperation, since typically bid increases from more than one bidder are required to overcome the threshold to outbid a larger package bid. The authors design an information system that supports the implementation of an iterative combinatorial auction; this system is specifically aimed at helping bidders overcome coordination and threshold problems. They study the effect of information feedback on the behavior of bidders in different auction settings.
The authors test this in an experimental setting using human bidders, varying feedback from very basic information about provisionally winning bids/prices, to providing more advanced concepts such as winning and deadness levels, and coalitional feedback. The experiment indicates that coalitional feedback has a positive impact on economic efficiency in cases where difficult threshold problems arise; however, it appears to have an adverse effect when threshold problems are easy.
Mental Health, Work Engagement and Meaningful Work-Role Fit of Industrial Psychologists: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: van Zyl Llewellyn Ellardus , Rothmann Sebastiaan , Nieman Carmine
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to identify distinctive mental health profiles for industrial psychologists based on the Mental Health Continuum. Further, it aimed to determine how these profiles differ with respect to work-role fit, meaningfulness and work engagement. It also aimed to investigate whether industrial psychologists within managerial or specialist differ in respect of different types of mental health. An online cross-sectional survey design was employed to draw a census sample (n = 274) from all South African industrial psychologists. A biographical questionnaire, the Work-Role Fit Scale, the Psychological Meaningfulness Scale, the Work Engagement Scale, and the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form were administered. Descriptive statistics, correlations, latent profile analysis, MANOVAs and ANOVAs were computed. Three mental health profiles for industrial psychologists were identified: languishing, moderately mentally healthy and flourishing. Significant differences between the three mental health profiles and experiences of meaningful work-role fit and work engagement were found, but not between experiences of managerial roles. The results show that individuals with different mental health profiles, experience work and its related outcomes, differently. Therefore, in order to enhance meaningful work-role fit and work engagement of industrial psychologists, a one-size-fits-all model may not be appropriate.
Automated Classification of Building Roofs for the Updating of 3D Building Models Using Heuristic Methods
Authors: Roschlaub Robert , Möst Karin , Krey Thomas
Published: March 2020

In the Bavarian Surveying Administration, remote sensing methods are applied in the context of nationwide airborne surveys for the acquisition of aerial photographs and airborne laser scanning for the derivation of the digital terrain model (DTM). At the Bavarian Agency for Digitisation, High-Speed Internet and Surveying (LDBV = Landesamt für Digitalisierung, Breitband und Vermessung), image-based digital surface models (bDOM) and digital orthophotos without building lean (trueDOP) are produced using the dense image matching (DIM) method. Buildings and their roofs are displayed in the trueDOP in the correct position to the cadastral ground plan. Based on these data, an expert system was developed for the investigation of construction cases and for the updating of 3D building models, which automatically calculates change notices and makes them available to the Agencies for Digitisation, High-Speed Internet and Surveying (ADBV = Amt für Digitalisierung, Breitband und Vermessung). The reliable detection of buildings plays a decisive role here. Representative reference classes for the classification of building roofs in the RGB colour space are formed and frequencies are calculated across the boundaries of the photo-flights. The classification is carried out with the aid of a normalized digital surface model (nDOM), which is calculated from the height differences between the bDOM and the DTM, and with heuristically defined threshold values for the colours in the representative RGB colour spaces. The presented method is transferable to all federal states.
Who Benefits from Mobility as a Service? A GIS-Based Investigation of the Population Served by Four Ride-Pooling Schemes in Hamburg, Germany
Authors: Aberle Christoph
Published: March 2020

The emergence of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) holds the potential to satisfy passengers’ needs more flexibly than conventional public transport, while being more affordable than traditional taxi services. This paper examines the potential benefits of ride-pooling schemes for low-income urbanites. Using a GIS-based method, I examine four schemes in Hamburg regarding their coverage of public welfare recipients. Three out of four schemes potentially serve a population with a lower share of public welfare recipients compared to the Hamburg average. Furthermore, the populations in their service areas have a lower share of elderly people. One scheme stands out regarding both welfare recipient share and elderly resident share. Due to municipal requirement, its fare is much lower than the other schemes’ fares. From a low-income population’s perspective, only this scheme holds the potential to enable the urban poor to partake in MaaS.
Knowledge and attitude towards pain relief in labor among final year midwifery students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Endalew Nigussie Simeneh , Tawuye Hailu Yimer , Melesse Debas Yaregal
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Poor attitudes and lack of knowledge about labor pain has long been demonstrated to burden the health professionals, as well as the women. In developing countries, labor analgesia practice is not well established and undermined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore final year midwifery students' knowledge and attitudes towards pain relief during labor.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among final year undergraduate midwifery students using structured, and self-administered questionnaire (N = 130). Descriptive statistics were performed. Results were presented using narrations, means and standard deviations, percentage, figure and tables. Univariate analysis was used to assess the association between demographic variables with poor knowledge and attitudes.

Results:

of 130 students participated, the majority, 88% of respondents understood that women can feel moderate to severe pain during labor. However, only less than half of the participants had knowledge of labor pain should be relieved. The majority, 70% of students did not have awareness about the methods of labor analgesia.

Conclusions:

Although the majority of final year midwifery students were agreed with women can feel moderate to severe labor pain, almost more than half of the students were not aware of the painless labor in the hospital. Most of the students believed that pharmacological methods of labor analgesia will affect the labor, baby, and mother. Therefore, considerable attention in preservice teaching and training about labor pain and analgesia for midwifery students is recommended.

Highlights:
Data Protection Impact Assessments as rule of law governance mechanisms
Authors: Harris Swee Leng
Published: March 2020

Rule of law principles are essential for a fair and just society and apply to government activities regardless of whether those activities are undertaken by a human or automated data processing. This article explores how Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) could provide a mechanism for improved rule of law governance of data processing systems developed and used by government for public purposes in civil and administrative areas. Applying rule of law principles to two case studies provides a sketch of the issues and concerns that this article’s proposals for DPIAs seek to address. The article undertakes comparative analysis to find relevant principles and concepts for governance of data processing systems, looking at human rights impact assessments, administrative law, and process rights in environmental law. Drawing on this comparative analysis to identify specific recommendations for DPIAs, the article offers guidance on how DPIAs could be used to strengthen the governance of data processing by government in rule of law terms.
A Probabilistic Approach to Epistemic Safety from the Perspective of Ascribers
Authors: Xu Yingjin
Published: March 2020

“Epistemic safety” refers to an epistemic status in which the subject acquires true beliefs without involving epistemic luck. There is a tradition of cashing out safety-defining modality in terms of possible world semantics (as put forward by Duncan Pritchard), and even Julian Dutant's and Martin Smith's normalcy-based notions of safety also take this semantics as a significant component of them. However, such an approach has to largely depend on epistemologists’ ad hoc intuitions on how to individuate possible worlds and how to pick out “close” worlds. In contrast, I propose a probabilistic approach to safety to maximally preclude the preceding type of ad hoc-ness. The main idea is as follows: Each epistemic vignette wherein a subject S holds a true belief p has to be evaluated by a safety-ascriber, hence, S holds a true belief p safely iff according to the safety-ascriber's evaluation (which is based on her background knowledge), the probability of the occurrence of the truth-maker of p is above a pre-fixed “safety threshold”. My theory will be applied to Lottery Cases, Gettierized Cases and Skeptical Cases to test the scope of its applicability.
STABILITY, COHOMOLOGY VANISHING, AND NONAPPROXIMABLE GROUPS
Authors: DE CHIFFRE MARCUS , GLEBSKY LEV , LUBOTZKY ALEXANDER , THOM ANDREAS
Published: March 2020

Several well-known open questions (such as: are all groups sofic/hyperlinear?) have a common form: can all groups be approximated by asymptotic homomorphisms into the symmetric groups$\text{Sym}(n)$(in the sofic case) or the finite-dimensional unitary groups$\text{U}(n)$(in the hyperlinear case)? In the case of$\text{U}(n)$, the question can be asked with respect to different metrics and norms. This paper answers, for the first time, one of these versions, showing that there exist finitely presented groups which arenotapproximated by$\text{U}(n)$with respect to the Frobenius norm$\Vert T\Vert _{\text{Frob}}=\sqrt{\sum _{i,j=1}^{n}|T_{ij}|^{2}},T=[T_{ij}]_{i,j=1}^{n}\in \text{M}_{n}(\mathbb{C})$. Our strategy is to show that some higher dimensional cohomology vanishing phenomena impliesstability, that is, every Frobenius-approximate homomorphism into finite-dimensional unitary groups is close to an actual homomorphism. This is combined with existence results of certain nonresidually finite central extensions of lattices in some simple$p$-adic Lie groups. These groups act on high-rank Bruhat–Tits buildings and satisfy the needed vanishing cohomology phenomenon and are thus stable and not Frobenius-approximated.
Diagnostic and predictive values of plasma connective tissue growth factor in children with pulmonary hypertension associated with CHD
Authors: Hella Eslam , El Amrousy Doaa , El-Serogy Hesham , Zoair Amr
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the diagnostic and predictive values of plasma connective tissue growth factor in children with pulmonary hypertension (PH)-related CHD.

Patients and methods:

Forty patients with PH-related CHD were enrolled as group I, and 40 patients with CHD and no PH served as group II. Forty healthy children of matched age and sex served as a control group. Echocardiographic examinations and plasma connective tissue growth factor levels were performed for all included children. Cardiac catheterisation was performed for children with CHD only.

Results:

Plasma connective tissue growth factor levels were significantly higher in children with PH-related CHD compared to CHD-only patients and to control group and this elevation went with the severity of PH. There was a significant positive correlation between connective tissue growth factor levels and mean pulmonary pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and right ventricular diameter. A significant negative correlation was noticed between connective tissue growth factor levels, oxygen saturation, and right ventricular diastolic function. The sensitivity of plasma connective tissue growth factor as a diagnostic biomarker for PH was 95%, and the specificity was 90% at a cut-off value ≥650 pg/mL. The predictive value of plasma connective tissue growth factor for adverse outcome had a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 83% at a cut-off value ≥1900 pg/mL.

Conclusion:

Connective tissue growth factor is a promising biomarker with good diagnostic and predictive values in children with PH-related CHD.
Religious Patterns of Neoconservatism in Latin America
Authors: Vaggione Juan Marco , Machado Maria Das Dores Campos
Published: March 2020

During the last four decades, Latin America has witnessed the political strengthening of collective actors with conflicting agendas: feminist and LGBTQ+ movements on one side, and Catholic and Pentecostal Evangelical sectors on the other. While the first two movements focus on gender equality and the extension of sexual and reproductive rights, the Pentecostal and Catholic sectors have also adopted a political identity, but with an agenda prioritizing the defense of religious freedom and Christian sexual morality. Far from being a holdover from the past, the political strategies employed by these religious sectors continue to affect public debate across much of Latin America today.
Twin Data: The Lives That Drive the Findings/Twin Research Reviews: Twin Concordance for Kleine–Levin Syndrome; Twin Study of Political Discussion; Twin Relationship Quality and Urinary Cortisol Level; Twin Research Guide/In the News: Twins’ Same Day Deliveries; Death of a Twin Holocaust Survivor; Identical Vindman Twins; Twin Festival in France; Tiniest Twins
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: March 2020

Twin data and the results generated by research are driven by the behavioral and physical attributes of twin participants. However, many investigators working with twin data have limited personal contact with actual twin-pairs. This situation may be limiting with respect to interpretation of results and formulation of new hypotheses. In an attempt to rectify this issue, key aspects of the interconnected lives of co-twins in three monozygotic male twin-pairs are presented. The section that follows includes a review of twin research on Kleine–Levin syndrome, political discussion, twin relationship quality and urinary cortisol level, and guidelines for determining sample sizes. The final part of this report presents twin-related news items relating to twins’ same day deliveries, death of a twin Holocaust survivor, the Vindman twins, a twin festival in France and the tiniest twins on record.
Hotspots in Psychology – 2020 Edition
Authors: Bošnjak Michael , Wedderhoff Nadine
Published: March 2020

Abstract. This editorial gives a brief introduction to the six articles included in the fourth “Hotspots in Psychology” of the Zeitschrift für Psychologie. The format is devoted to systematic reviews and meta-analyses in research-active fields that have generated a considerable number of primary studies. The common denominator is the research synthesis nature of the included articles, and not a specific psychological topic or theme that all articles have to address. Moreover, methodological advances in research synthesis methods relevant for any subfield of psychology are being addressed. Comprehensive supplemental material to the articles can be found in PsychArchives ( https://www.psycharchives.org ).
Super‐Earth Internal Structures and Initial Thermal States
Authors: Boujibar A. , Driscoll P. , Fei Y.
Published: March 2020

The presence of a planetary magnetic field is an important ingredient for habitability. The coexistence of a solid and a liquid core can facilitate the maintenance of a compositionally driven dynamo; however, the likelihood of such a configuration in super‐Earths is unknown. Recently, shock experiments and ab initio calculations have constrained the stability, equations of state, and melting properties of ultrahigh pressure core and mantle phases. Here, we investigate the internal structure of super‐Earth exoplanets with a range of total masses and core mass fractions ranging from that of Mars (0.2) to Mercury (0.68), including an Earth‐like bulk composition. We examine the effect of the initial core‐mantle boundary temperature (TCMB) on their internal structure and identify regimes with coexisting solid and liquid cores, and deep mantle melting. We find that the range of TCMB for which an inner core is growing increases with the total planet mass and even more with the core mass fraction. Therefore, our results suggest that super‐Earths should have a crystallizing core over a large temperature range. We also find that the presence of a growing inner core is likely to be accompanied by a partially liquid lower mantle, which will likely influence planetary thermal evolution. We estimate the initial CMB temperature after super‐Earth accretion by assuming an accretional heat retention efficiency similar to Earth. We find that massive super‐Earths are expected to have an initial internal temperature consistent with a partially liquid core, allowing for the possibility of thermal and compositional dynamo action.
Genetic testing of GCK-MODY identifies a novel pathogenic variant in a Chinese boy with early onset hyperglycemia
Authors: Poon Kok-Siong , Tan Karen Mei-Ling , Koay Evelyn Siew-Chuan , Sng Andrew
Published: March 2020

Glucokinase-maturity-onset diabetes of the young (GCK-MODY or MODY 2), caused by a heterozygous inactivating variant in the Glucokinase (GCK) gene, is a common form of MODY. Here, we present a case of GCK-MODY in a young Chinese boy, his sister and his father with a novel pathogenic variant in exon 8 of the GCK gene, NM_000162.5:c.1015del, p.(Glu339Argfs*14), which is predicted to cause a significant change in protein structure and function.
Identification of cell surface markers and establishment of monolayer differentiation to retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Plaza Reyes Alvaro , Petrus-Reurer Sandra , Padrell Sánchez Sara , Kumar Pankaj , Douagi Iyadh , Bartuma Hammurabi , Aronsson Monica , Westman Sofie , Lardner Emma , André Helder , Falk Anna , Nandrot Emeline F. , Kvanta Anders , Lanner Fredrik
Published: March 2020

In vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into functional retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells provides a potentially unlimited source for cell based reparative therapy of age-related macular degeneration. Although the inherent pigmentation of the RPE cells have been useful to grossly evaluate differentiation efficiency and allowed manual isolation of pigmented structures, accurate quantification and automated isolation has been challenging. To address this issue, here we perform a comprehensive antibody screening and identify cell surface markers for RPE cells. We show that these markers can be used to isolate RPE cells during in vitro differentiation and to track, quantify and improve differentiation efficiency. Finally, these surface markers aided to develop a robust, direct and scalable monolayer differentiation protocol on human recombinant laminin-111 and −521 without the need for manual isolation.
Magnon bound states versus anyonic Majorana excitations in the Kitaev honeycomb magnet α-RuCl3
Authors: Wulferding Dirk , Choi Youngsu , Do Seung-Hwan , Lee Chan Hyeon , Lemmens Peter , Faugeras Clément , Gallais Yann , Choi Kwang-Yong
Published: March 2020

The pure Kitaev honeycomb model harbors a quantum spin liquid in zero magnetic fields, while applying finite magnetic fields induces a topological spin liquid with non-Abelian anyonic excitations. This latter phase has been much sought after in Kitaev candidate materials, such as α-RuCl3. Currently, two competing scenarios exist for the intermediate field phase of this compound (B = 7 − 10 T), based on experimental as well as theoretical results: (i) conventional multiparticle magnetic excitations of integer quantum number vs. (ii) Majorana fermionic excitations of possibly non-Abelian nature with a fractional quantum number. To discriminate between these scenarios a detailed investigation of excitations over a wide field-temperature phase diagram is essential. Here, we present Raman spectroscopic data revealing low-energy quasiparticles emerging out of a continuum of fractionalized excitations at intermediate fields, which are contrasted by conventional spin-wave excitations. The temperature evolution of these quasiparticles suggests the formation of bound states out of fractionalized excitations.
A Novel Relative Permeability Model for Gas and Water Flow in Hydrate-Bearing Sediments With Laboratory and Field-Scale Application
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Myshakin Evgeniy M. , Seol Yongkoo
Published: March 2020

In a producing gas hydrate reservoir the effective porosity available for fluid flow constantly changes with dissociation of gas hydrate. Therefore, accurate prediction of relative permeability using legacy models (e.g. Brooks-Corey (B-C), van Genuchten, etc.) that were developed for conventional oil and gas reservoirs would require empirical parameters to be calibrated at various Sh over its range of variation, but such calibrations are precluded because of lack of experimental relative permeability data. This study proposes a new relative permeability model for gas hydrate-bearing media that is a function of maximum capillary pressure, capillary entry pressure, pore size distribution index, residual saturations, hydrate saturation, and four other constants. The three novel features of the proposed model are: (i) requires fitting its six empirical parameters only once using experimental data from any single Sh, and the same set of empirical parameters predict relative permeability at all Sh, (ii) includes the effect of capillarity, and (iii) includes the effect of pore-size distribution. From practical standpoint, the model can be used to simulate multiphase flow in gas hydrate-bearing sediments where the proposed relative permeability can account for the evolving hydrate saturation. The proposed model is implemented in a numerical simulator and the wall time required to perform simulations using the proposed model is shown to be similar to the time it takes to run same simulations with the B-C model. The proposed model is a step forward towards achieving the goal of physically accurate modeling of multiphase flow for gas hydrate-bearing sediments that accounts for the effect of gas hydrate saturation change on relative permeability.
Role of rs454214 in Personality mediated Depression and Subjective Well-being
Authors: Hou Binyin , Ji Lei , Chen Zhixuan , An Lin , Zhang Naixin , Ren Decheng , Yuan Fan , Liu Liangjie , Bi Yan , Guo Zhenming , Ma Gaini , Xu Fei , Yang Fengping , Yu Shunying , Yi Zhenghui , Xu Yifeng , He Lin , Liu Chuanxin , Bai Bo , Wu Shaochang , Zhao Longyou , Cai Changqun , Yu Tao , He Guang , Shi Yi , Li Xingwang
Published: March 2020

Happiness and depression are interlinked and both heritable, while personality, as an important predictor of them, shares the genetic basis with them. We conjecture that genetic factors of depression can affect both depressive symptoms (DS) and subjective well-being (SWB), while personality traits play important roles in mediating this process. In this study, 878 Han Chinese college freshmen and 384 Han Chinese patients with the major depressive disorder (MDD) were included. SNPs were genotyped using AGENA MassARRAY iPLEX technology and we investigated an important MDD variant rs454214. Correlation, association and mediation analysis were employed, aiming to decipher the complex relationship between SWB, DS, personality traits and the genetic variant. Association study indicated that rs454214 was not only associated with both SWB and DS (P < 0.05), but also possibly linked to MDD. Mediational analysis showed that rs454214 had no direct effect on SWB and DS, but had a significant indirect effect through personality traits, i.e., Extraversion, Neuroticism, Agreeableness and Openness to Experience or SWB, Extraversion, Neuroticism and Agreeableness for DS. This study found a shared genetic basis for happiness and depression; the causal process could be better explained if personality traits are taken as mediating factors.
Copper(II)-binding equilibria in human blood
Authors: Kirsipuu Tiina , Zadorožnaja Anna , Smirnova Julia , Friedemann Merlin , Plitz Thomas , Tõugu Vello , Palumaa Peep
Published: March 2020

It has been reported that Cu(II) ions in human blood are bound mainly to serum albumin (HSA), ceruloplasmin (CP), alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M) and His, however, data for α2M are very limited and the thermodynamics and kinetics of the copper distribution are not known. We have applied a new LC-ICP MS-based approach for direct determination of Cu(II)-binding affinities of HSA, CP and α2M in the presence of competing Cu(II)-binding reference ligands including His. The ligands affected both the rate of metal release from Cu•HSA complex and the value of KD. Slow release and KD = 0.90 pM was observed with nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), whereas His showed fast release and substantially lower KD = 34.7 fM (50 mM HEPES, 50 mM NaCl, pH 7.4), which was explained with formation of ternary His•Cu•HSA complex. High mM concentrations of EDTA were not able to elicit metal release from metallated CP at pH 7.4 and therefore it was impossible to determine the KD value for CP. In contrast to earlier inconclusive evidence, we show that α2M does not bind Cu(II) ions. In the human blood serum ~75% of Cu(II) ions are in a nonexchangeable manner bound to CP and the rest exchangeable copper is in an equilibrium between HSA (~25%) and Cu(II)-His-Xaa ternary complexes (~0.2%).
Survival stratification in childhood rhabdomyosarcoma of the extremities: a derivation and validation study
Authors: Zhu Linchao , Sun Ying , Wang Xuhui , Wang Lin , Zhang Shufeng , Meng Qinglei , Wang Xiaohui
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study was to estimate overall survival in children with extremity rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). In addition, we attempted to construct a nomogram to predict the prognosis in such patients using a population-based cohort. The national Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry was used to identify a cohort of childhood RMS patients. A total of 197 patients with RMS were ultimately included. Multivariable analysis identified age group, N classification, M classification, and treatment combinations as independent predictive factors for patient overall survival. Candidate variables such as age group, N classification, M classification, and treatment combinations were used to fit the model. For overall survival, the bootstrap-adjusted c-index was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.73–0.80) for the nomogram. Furthermore, we performed recursive partitioning analysis for risk stratification according to overall survival, and 3 prognostic subgroups were generated (low, intermediate and high risk). Finally, we evaluated multimodal treatment based on the risk stratification according to the nomogram and IRSG prognostic stratification model. With regard to the entire cohort, overall survival in patients who received surgery and radiation was superior to that in patients who received surgery or radiation (p = 0.001). Regarding RPA and IRSG prognostic stratification, we found that the differences remained significant (p < 0.05) in patients with low-intermediate risk. However, the difference disappeared in patients with high risk (p > 0.05). We performed a population-based analysis of data from the SEER registry in an effort to identify prognostic factors and develop a nomogram in children with extremity RMS. The nomogram appears to be suitable for the survival stratification of children with RMS and will help clinicians identify patients who may be at a reduced probability of survival and assist them in making treatment and surveillance decisions. More studies concerning overall survival in children with RMS are needed to confirm and update our findings.
Comparative investigation of reusable and single–use flexible endoscopes for urological interventions
Authors: Eisel Maximilian , Strittmatter Frank , Ströbl Stephan , Freymüller Christian , Pongratz Thomas , Sroka Ronald
Published: March 2020

In order to evaluate the technical adaptability of a type of disposable endoscope compared to reusable flexible endoscopes, in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted. A disposable digital ureteroscope (“chip on tip”) and two reusable endoscopes were investigated with respect to spatial resolution, geometric distortion in air and water the maximum. Additionally, the clinical performance of the disposable device was tested during clinical procedures (n = 20). The disposable endoscope showed an optical resolution of 6.72 lines/mm at 10 mm distance, similar to the other devices. In comparison, the disposable endoscope showed a barrel-shaped image distortion in air of −24.2%, which is in the middle range, but was best under water (−8.6%). The bendability of 297° (275 µm fiber) and 316° (empty channel, 1.5 F basket) and the maximum irrigation (1 m: 58.1 ml/min, 2 m: 91.9 ml/min) were convincing. Clinically the maneuverability was very good in (13/20), good or satisfactory in (7/20). Visibility was evaluated as very good in (11/20), just in (1/20) either satisfactory or sufficient. The consistency of visibility was not affected in (19/20). In all cases there were no adverse events. The technical examination and clinical application of the disposable endoscope are of equal quality compared to reusable devices. Disposable endoscopes can be an alternative to reusable devices, but economic aspects such as reduction of repair costs, sterilization effort and additional waste must be taken into account.
Size-dependent inhibitory effects of antibiotic nanocarriers on filamentation ofE. coli
Authors: Songkiatisak Preeyaporn , Ding Feng , Cherukuri Pavan Kumar , Xu Xiao-Hong Nancy
Published: March 2020

Multidrug membrane transporters exist in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and cause multidrug resistance (MDR), which results in an urgent need for new and more effective therapeutic agents.
An Fe-doped ZnO/BiVO4 heterostructure-based large area, flexible, high-performance broadband photodetector with an ultrahigh quantum yield
Authors: Veeralingam Sushmitha , Yadav Pinki , Badhulika Sushmee
Published: March 2020

Fe doped ZnO/BiVO4 heterostructure based large area, flexible, high-performance broadband photodetector with ultrahigh quantum yield.
Oxygen vacancy modulation of titania nanotubes by cathodic polarization and chemical reduction routes for efficient detection of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Gakhar Teena , Hazra Arnab
Published: March 2020

In this work, we have synthesized a highly ordered TiO2 nanotube array by an electrochemical anodization method.
Thymosin β4 cytoplasmic/nuclear translocation as a new marker of cellular stress. A Caco2 case study
Authors: Coni Pierpaolo , Piras Monica , Mateddu Anna , Piludu Marco , Orru Germano , Scano Alessandra , Cabras Tiziana , Piras Valentina , Lachowicz Joanna Izabela , Jaremko Mariusz , Faa Gavino , Castagnola Massimo , Pichiri Giuseppina
Published: March 2020

Biomarkers of cell stress are important for proper diagnosis, and in studies of how cells respond to drug treatment.
pH-Controllable regeneration and visible-light photocatalytic redox of carbon and nitrogen co-doped Zn3Nb2O8 towards degradation of multiple contaminants
Authors: Bai Ping , Wu Niri , Wang Yuanjiang , Yang Ting , Li Hui , Zhang Jingyu , Chai Zhanli , Wang Xiaojing
Published: March 2020

N/C–Zn3Nb2O8 with a compatible band structure and negative surface demonstrates enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity and stability in degradation of multiple pH-sensitive contaminants.
Aerobic oxidation of 1,6-hexanediol to adipic acid over Au-based catalysts: the role of basic supports
Authors: Capece Noemi , Sadier Achraf , Palombo Ferraz Camila , Thuriot-Roukos Joëlle , Pietrowski Mariusz , Zieliński Michał , Paul Sébastien , Cavani Fabrizio , Wojcieszak Robert
Published: March 2020

1,6-Hexanediol is a relevant building blocks that could be obtained from biomass and transformed under base free conditions into adipic acid used for polymer synthesis.
High doping efficiency in p-type Al-rich AlGaN by modifying the Mg doping planes
Authors: Qiu Xinjia , Chen Yingda , Han Enze , Lv Zesheng , Song Zhiyuan , Jiang Hao
Published: March 2020

High doping efficiency of the Mg dopant in Al-rich AlGaN is highly desired for AlGaN based deep ultraviolet optoelectronics.
The surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering of dye molecules adsorbed on two-dimensional titanium carbide Ti3C2Tx (MXene) film
Authors: Elumalai Satheeshkumar , Lombardi John R. , Yoshimura Masahiro
Published: March 2020

The resonance Raman signal enhancement of crystal violet dyes onto the two-dimensional MXene–Ti3C2Tx film, so called MXenes-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (MERRS), is reported with a calculated enhancement factor of 3.42 × 109.
Oriented attachment mechanism of triangular Ag nanoplates: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Balankura Tonnam , Yan Tianyu , Jahanmahin Omid , Narukatpichai Jenwarin , Ng Alan , Fichthorn Kristen A.
Published: March 2020

Molecular dynamics simulations predict that PVP-capped silver nanoplates exhibit lateral oriented attachment.
Phytochemical species intercalated into layered double hydroxides: structural investigation and biocompatibility assays
Authors: Cunha Vanessa R. R. , Petersen Philippe A. D. , Souza Rodrigo B. , Martins Ana Maria C. R. P. F. , Leroux Fabrice , Taviot-Gueho Christine , Petrilli Helena M. , Koh Ivan H. J. , Constantino Vera R. L.
Published: March 2020

The compound p-coumaric acid (HCou) is found in many foods and presents action in the suppression of chronic diseases and protective effects on neurodegenerative disorders.
Facile synthesis of ternary PtPdCu alloy hexapods as highly efficient electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation
Authors: Gao Na , Wu Xingqiao , Li Xiao , Huang Jingbo , Li Dongsheng , Yang Deren , Zhang Hui
Published: March 2020

PtPdCu hexapods with tunable compositions were synthesized and exhibited substantially enhanced catalytic properties for MOR relative to Pt/C.
Correction: Flexible potentiometric pH sensors for wearable systems
Authors: Manjakkal Libu , Dervin Saoirse , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: March 2020

Correction for ‘Flexible potentiometric pH sensors for wearable systems’ by Libu Manjakkal et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 8594–8617.
Adjusting the active sites of Cu and ZnO by coordination effect of H3BTC and its influence on enhanced RWGS reaction
Authors: Hu Xin , Hu Xiaosong , Guan Qingxin , Li Wei
Published: March 2020

Cu and Zn species were readjusted by coordination and etching of H3BTC to obtain efficient catalysts for RWGS reaction.
Plasma-reduced Co(OH)2 with activated hydrogen evolution and overall water splitting performance
Authors: Jiang Junxiang , Tang Yuanhao , Dong Lin , Zhang Wenhao , Wu Haobin , Yu Xin-Yao
Published: March 2020

An Ar/H2 plasma reduction strategy is developed to accelerate the HER and overall water splitting performance of Co(OH)2.
A green approach to the fabrication of a TiO2/NiAl-LDH core–shell hybrid photocatalyst for efficient and selective solar-powered reduction of CO2 into value-added fuels
Authors: Jo Wan-Kuen , Moru Satyanarayana , Tonda Surendar
Published: March 2020

A green approach is proposed to fabricate a TiO2/LDH core–shell hybrid as a potential catalyst for photoreduction of CO2 to solar fuels with high activity and selectivity.
Piezofibers to smart textiles: a review on recent advances and future outlook for wearable technology
Authors: Mokhtari Fatemeh , Cheng Zhenxiang , Raad Raad , Xi Jiangtao , Foroughi Javad
Published: March 2020

Recent advances in smart textiles and wearable technologies based on piezoelectric fibers as wearable energy harvesters.
A Co(ii)-coordination polymer for ultrahigh superprotonic conduction: an atomistic insight through molecular simulations and QENS experiments
Authors: Pal Shyam Chand , Chand Santanu , Kumar Anaparthi Ganesh , Mileo Paulo G. M. , Silverwood Ian , Maurin Guillaume , Banerjee Susanta , Elahi Syed Meheboob , Das Madhab C.
Published: March 2020

A superprotonic conducting coordination polymer PCM-1 was synthesized. Joint experimental/modeling study revealed water-assisted proton dynamics through the formation of a long-range H-bonded network mediated by the Teixeira jump-diffusion model.
An energy and charge transfer synergetic donor–acceptor heterostructure 2D-COF in photovoltaics
Authors: Yao Linli , Zhang Yuexing , Wang Hang-Xing , Guo Yun , Zhuang Zi-Min , Wen Wei , Zhang Xiuhua , Wang Shengfu
Published: March 2020

The marriage of fluorescence resonance energy transfer and a charge transfer synergetic D–A heterostructure and a wafer-scale 2D-COF film offers unparalleled advantages in high-efficiency organic photovoltaics (OPV).
Significantly enhanced electron transport of a nonfullerene acceptor in a blend film with a high hole mobility polymer of high molecular weight: thick-film nonfullerene polymer solar cells showing a high fill factor
Authors: Wang Zhen , Jiang Haiying , Liu Xuncheng , Liang Jiahao , Zhang Lianjie , Qing Lechi , Wang Qian , Zhang Wei , Cao Yong , Chen Junwu
Published: March 2020

Higher electron mobility was achieved with a high hole mobility polymer based nonfullerene active layer.
Encapsulating insoluble antifungal drugs into oleic acid-modified silica mesocomposites with enhanced fungicidal activity
Authors: Zhu Ping , Zhou Liuzhu , Song Yiyan , Cai Ling , Ji Minghui , Wang Jun , Ruan Gang , Chen Jin
Published: March 2020

Oleic acid-modified silica mesocomposites as an insoluble antifungal drug cargo matrix with enhanced fungicidal activity.
Lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystalline phase transitions as a novel assay platform using birefringence as the visual signal output
Authors: Liu Qingtao , Xiao Yunxin , Hawley Adrian , Boyd Ben J.
Published: March 2020

Digestible amphiphilic lipids offer an opportunity to use birefringence of self-assembled lipid phases as a signal for a new class of electronics-free and colour-free visual biosensor.
A cost-device efficiency balanced spiro based hole transport material for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Hajikhanmirzaei Leila , Shahroosvand Hashem , Pashaei Babak , Monache Gabriele Delle , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Pilkington Melanie
Published: March 2020

The new hole-transport material (HTM), spiro-omethoxyimidazole (spiro-OMeIm) and its application in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is presented as a less costly alternative to the benchmark spiro-MeOTAD, working towards the future development of low-cost PSCs.
Towards industrialization of perovskite solar cells using slot die coating
Authors: Verma Anand , Martineau David , Hack Erwin , Makha Mohammed , Turner Erik , Nüesch Frank , Heier Jakob
Published: March 2020

Carbon-based hole transport layer-free mesoscopic perovskite solar cells can be manufactured at industrially relevant speeds on large areas using slot die coating. The cells show efficiencies comparable to those manufactured by screen printing.
High-performance blue perovskite light-emitting diodes based on the “far-field plasmonic effect” of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Tianfei , Li Wei , Wu Xiaoyan , Ahmadi Mahshid , Xu Long , Chen Ping
Published: March 2020

Far-field plasmonic effect of Au nanoparticles was explored for high performance blue-light perovskite electroluminescent devices, achieving maximum luminance and external quantum efficiency as high as ~1110 cd m−2 and 1.64%, respectively.
Laser induced ultrafast combustion synthesis of solution-based AlOx for thin film transistors
Authors: Carlos Emanuel , Dellis Spilios , Kalfagiannis Nikolaos , Koutsokeras Loukas , Koutsogeorgis Demosthenes C. , Branquinho Rita , Martins Rodrigo , Fortunato Elvira
Published: March 2020

Excimer laser annealing (ELA) combined with combustion synthesis leads to high quality metal oxide TFTs in a short processing time.
CM and DM conducted EMI modelling of PMSM VSD system with non‐ideal LISN
Authors: Rahimi Alireza , Kanzi Khalil
Published: March 2020

In this study, a non‐ideal single‐phase 50 Ω, 50/250 μH + 5 Ω V‐network line impedance stabiliser network (LISN) is modelled, to show how the impedance characteristic of the LISN affects the common‐mode (CM) and differential‐mode (DM) conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) modelling and measurements. The equivalent CM and DM single‐phase models of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) variable speed drive (VSD) system are developed based on CM and DM impedance characteristics of different parts of the system. Using the proposed single‐phase CM and DM circuits, the authors introduce the LISN correction factor, which shows the relation between the EMI measured in different frequency ranges and the LISN impedance characteristic. The LISN correction factor is calculated for three different cases. It is shown how the EMI measurement can be modified by the LISN correction factor to have more accurate results. MATLAB Simulink is used for the time‐domain analysis of the system. However, the proposed method can be used in both frequency‐domain and time‐domain analyses. Results given by the proposed method is verified with experimental EMI measurements. The outcome of this study can be used for a more accurate conducted EMI prediction, measurement, and a better EMI filter design.
Lane‐keeping system design considering driver's nervousness via scene analysis
Authors: Li Bin , Zhang Jianwei , Zhang Ce , Pan Wei , Cai Shuo , Liu Yang , Li He
Published: March 2020

To alleviate the driver's nervousness, a lane‐keeping algorithm based on scene analysis is proposed. From the driver's point of view, two key parameters are studied, which are the distance between the traffics car and the lane centreline of the host car, and the time‐gap difference between the host car and the traffic car. The designed scene analysis algorithm is mainly based on these two parameters to screen out dangerous traffic vehicles. To ensure driving comfort when driving states change, a five‐power polynomial is used to plan a smooth path based on the location of the dangerous traffic vehicle. Considering the real‐time and robustness of the control algorithm, this study proposes a feedforward and feedback control architecture combined with the preview‐following theory. To verify the algorithm, a variety of typical tests are designed. The experimental results show that the algorithm can make the vehicle smoothly follow the planning path.
Metrology applications to D&D issues: issues at stake for INSIDER European project
Authors: Roudil Danièle , Crozet Marielle , Picart Sébastien , Russell Ben , Herranz Margarita , Boden Sven , Peerani Paolo , Aldave De Las Heras Laura
Published: March 2020

Nuclear metrology is an essential aspect to consider for further improvements of the initial characterization of sites under decommissioning. The H2020 Euratom project INSIDER in June 2017 aims at improving the management of contaminated materials arising from decommissioning and dismantling (D&D) operations by proposing an integrated methodology for radiological characterization. This methodology is based on advanced statistical processing and modelling, coupled with adapted or innovative measurement methods. A metrological approach supports the qualification of this integrated methodology with a concrete application to real projects representative of the use cases identified in the project. Assessment of the outcomes will be used for providing recommendations and guidance resulting in pre-standardization texts.
Use case 3: post accidental site remediation − CEA
Authors: Desnoyers Yvon , Faucheux Claire , Pérot Nadia
Published: March 2020

Within the H2020 INSIDER project, the main objective of work package 3 (WP3) is to draft a sampling guide for initial nuclear site characterization in constraint environments, before decommissioning, based on a statistical approach. This paper is dedicated to the sampling strategy for use case 3 (UC3) about contaminated soils, in the context of post-incidental remediation of a site. For this use case, the constraint environment comes from the difficulty to collect samples beneath a building on the one hand and the fact that samples were collected in the past with no possibility for additional samples. This task has been initiated by gathering prior knowledge for the contaminated site and analysing the available dataset (historical assessment + available data from non-destructive and destructive analyses).