bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory heart diseases in children
Authors: Gavrilović-Elez Tatjana , Čančar Vladimir , Avram Nada
Published: January 2020

Myocarditis is a limited or diffuse inflammation of the heart muscle, the cause of which might be infectious (viruses, bacteria, fungi, rickettsiae, parasites, protozoas) or non-infectious (systemic diseases, metabolic diseases, toxins). There are types of myocarditis the etiological factor of which cannot be determined and therefore are classified into the group of idiopathic myocarditis. The clinical picture depends on the intensity of the inflammatory process and the lesion topography, varying from a mild form of the disease to severe malignant myocarditis followed by the development of cardiac insufficiency as well as by fatal outcome within a few days. Resting is recommended as the basic method of therapy in all of the patients with suspected myocarditis. If there are signs and symptoms of cardiac insufficiency, an anticongestive therapy must be introduced (diuretics, vasodilators, digitalis). If the conventional therapy does not produce the desired results, it is necessary to introduce continuous intravenous inotropes (dobutamine or phosphodiesterase inhibitors). Rhythm disorders in patients with myocarditis require an appropriate antiarrhythmic drug therapy that should be given as soon as possible. Acute pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium characterized by chest pain, pericardial friction rub, and serial electrocardiogram (ECG) changes. Awareness of the disease has increased due to the introduction of noninvasive diagnostic techniques such as echocardiography, CT scanning, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) . The disease can be severe and even lethal, especially in immunosuppressed children. The disease causative agent can usually be identified from the pericardial fluid by culture or more sensitive tests (e.g. polymerase chain reaction - PCR or from pericardial biopsy samples).
Gestión cinegética de la cabra montés en la provincia de Granada: cupos de capturas y evolución poblacional
Authors: Ontiveros Diego
Published: January 2020

The populations of Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica Schinz, 1838) settled in the mountain ranges of the Iberian Peninsula have been intensively studied, but there are scarce data of populations outside these areas or studies that quantify the hunting management. In the present study, we analyzed: 1) the hunting quotas of all hunting reserves of Granada province and 2) the management strategy of 96 out of them with presence of the species. During the 2005-2016 period, we found a significant increase in the number of hunted ibex in the 415 hunting reserves analyzed (rs = 0.87, P <0.001) that ranged from 174 individuals in 2005 to 911 in 2016. In hunting reserves with exhaustive hunting control (n = 96), we verified that 76.5% of the quota of authorized males and 60.2% of females were completed, and the obligation to hunt females was fulfilled in 89.5% on them. The annual growth rate of ibex population was 9.2%, which was higher in recent colonization territories than in the traditionally occupied territories, increasing significantly from 1.5 individuals/km2 in 2005 to 5.0 individuals/km2 in 2018 (rs= 0.86, P= 0.00006; N= 80). The population grew continuously until 2014, when a stability period began (average = 5.2 ± 0.38 individuals/km2; period 2014-2018) after reach the 900 individuals/ season hunted in the province. In spite of this data, the population of Iberian ibex in the hunting reserves exceeding the 25,000 individuals in 2018.
Kvifor ikkje nynorsk?
Authors: Wold Ingrid
Published: January 2020

Statistikken slår fast at mange sluttar å bruke nynorsk som hovudmål etter grunn­skulen eller i løpet av vidaregåande. Dette gjeld spesielt i område der nynorsken tidlegare har stått sterkt, og no er under særleg press frå bok­mål. Kvifor vel så mange bort nynorsk? Dette er språkval som gjerast av mange ulike individ som ein del av ein større samanheng. Den tospråk­lege situasjonen i Noreg der dei to språka ikkje har same status i praksis, er sentral i forståinga av denne trenden. Tidlegare har det berre vore gjort geografisk avgrensa enkeltstudiar av slike språkbortval ved skular, medan føremålet med denne artikkelen er å sjå systematisk på eit samla datagrunnlag, og dermed kunne seie noko samla om denne prosessen. Denne artikkelen bygger på data frå sju enkeltstudiar om språkval i randsoner. Materialet inkluderer ei undersøking av nynorsk som hovudmål gjort i Hordaland, Telemark og Rogaland, ein studie frå Oppland (Valdres), og fem masteroppgåver med data frå skular i Hordaland, Møre og Romsdal og Agder. Gjennom ein kvantitativ metaanalyse og ein diskurs­analyse freistar eg å svare på kva årsakene er til at så mange byter til bokmål, og tilby ei forklaring på trenden. For å svare på dette er både summen av grunngjevingane til informantane kartlagde og kvantifiserte, og utsegner i intervju og spørjeundersøkingar analyserte. Det viser seg at svært mange elevar i desse områda oppgir mangel på kompetanse som ein grunn til at dei byter til bokmål. I tillegg ser det ut til at stigmatiserande haldningar til nynorsk, og at nynorsk blir sett på som mindre viktig, er sentrale faktorar bak kvifor desse vala blir gjort.
The complete chloroplast genome of Microcycas calocoma (Miq.) A. DC. (Zamiaceae, Cycadales) and evolution in Cycadales
Authors: Chang Aimee Caye G. , Lai Qiang , Chen Tao , Tu Tieyao , Wang Yunhua , Agoo Esperanza Maribel G. , Duan Jun , Li Nan
Published: January 2020

Cycadales is an extant group of seed plants occurring in subtropical and tropical regions comprising putatively three families and 10 genera. At least one complete plastid genome sequence has been reported for all of the 10 genera except Microcycas, making it an ideal plant group to conduct comprehensive plastome comparisons at the genus level. This article reports for the first time the plastid genome of Microcycas calocoma. The plastid genome has a length of 165,688 bp with 134 annotated genes including 86 protein-coding genes, 47 non-coding RNA genes (39 tRNA and eight rRNA) and one pseudogene. Using global sequence variation analysis, the results showed that all cycad genomes share highly similar genomic profiles indicating significant slow evolution and little variation. However, identity matrices coinciding with the inverted repeat regions showed fewer similarities indicating that higher polymorphic events occur at those sites. Conserved non-coding regions also appear to be more divergent whereas variations in the exons were less discernible indicating that the latter comprises more conserved sequences. Phylogenetic analysis using 81 concatenated protein-coding genes of chloroplast (cp) genomes, obtained using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference with high support values (>70% ML and = 1.0 BPP), confirms that Microcycas is closest to Zamia and forms a monophyletic clade with Ceratozamia and Stangeria. While Stangeria joined the Neotropical cycads Ceratozamia, Zamia and Microcyas, Bowenia grouped with the Southern Hemisphere cycads Encephalartos, Lepidozamia and Macrozamia. All Cycas species formed a distinct clade separated from the other genera. Dioon, on the other hand, was outlying from the rest of Zamiaceae encompassing two major clades—the Southern Hemisphere cycads and the Neotropical cycads. Analysis of the whole cp genomes in phylogeny also supports that the previously recognized family—Stangeriaceae—which contained Bowenia and Stangeria, is not monophyletic. Thus, the cp genome topology obtained in our study is congruent with other molecular phylogenies recognizing only a two-family classification (Cycadaceae and Zamiaceae) within extant Cycadales.
An international stakeholder survey of the role of chiropractic qualifying examinations: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Green Bart N. , Johnson Claire D. , Brown Richard , Korporaal Charmaine , Lawson Doug , Russell Eric , Fujikawa Ricardo
Published: January 2020

Objective:

Many countries require examinations as a gateway to chiropractic licensure; however, the relevance of these exams to the profession has not been explored. The purposes of this study were to analyze perceptions of international stakeholders about chiropractic qualifying examinations (CQEs), observe if their beliefs were in alignment with those that society expects of professions, and suggest how this information may be used when making future decisions about CQEs.

Methods:

We designed an electronic survey that included open-ended questions related to CQEs. In August 2019, the survey was distributed to 234 international stakeholders representing academic institutions, qualifying boards, students, practitioners, association officers, and others. Written comments were extracted, and concepts were categorized and collapsed into 4 categories (benefits, myths, concerns, solutions). Qualitative analysis was used to identify themes.

Results:

The response rate was 56.4% representing 43 countries and yielding 775 comments. Perceived benefits included that CQEs certify a minimum standard of knowledge and competency and are part of the professionalization of chiropractic. Myths included that CQEs are able to screen for future quality of care or ethical practices. Concerns included a lack of standardization between jurisdictions and uncertainty about the cost/value of CQEs and what they measure. Solutions included suggestions to standardize exams across jurisdictions and focus on competencies.

Conclusion:

International stakeholders identified concepts about CQEs that may facilitate or hinder collaboration and efforts toward portability. Stakeholder beliefs were aligned with those expected of learned professions. This qualitative analysis identified 9 major themes that may be used when making future decisions about CQEs.
Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers Participation in Collective Marketing and the Extent of Participation in Improved Indigenous Chicken Markets in Baringo, Kenya
Authors: Kiprop Emmanuel , Okinda Cedric , Wamuyu Samuel , Geng Xianhui
Published: January 2020

Smallholder farmer collective action not only provides a solution to farmer’s constraints such as lack of market accessibility and inability to take advantage of available market opportunities but also holds the potential to diversify their incomes and increase agricultural productivity translating to enhanced food security and poverty eradication. This research aimed at investigating the role of farmer marketing groups in smallholder market participation using a sample of 198 farmers, sampled from a population of 395 smallholder improved indigenous chicken farmers in Baringo, Kenya, using Probit and Tobit models. The study findings established that farmers' involvement in collective action is predominantly determined by; Education level, household size, distance to extension, cost of transport, and the price per chicken. The extent of participation in improved indigenous chicken markets was positively related to; education level of the household head and farm size while negatively and significantly influenced by off-farm income and the cost of farming. The results of this study provide evidence that farmer collective action has the potential of strengthening market participation among smallholder farmers.
Evaluating the Synergistic Activity of Metformin and Apple Cider Vinegar in Type 2 Diabetics
Authors: Abid Momina , Ahmed Farah , Shaheen Shehla , Memon Zahida , Shaikh M. Zaman , Agha Faiza
Published: January 2020

Aims: The aim of this study was to observe the effect of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in combination with Metformin on the Body Mass Index (BMI) and glycemic control of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients.

Study Design: Single arm pre post quasi experimental clinical trial.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine of a tertiary care hospital and a Diabetes and Endocrinology clinic, based in Karachi, Pakistan from April to July 2019.

Methodology: A total of 30 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled in the study (Males: 17; females: 13; age range: 27-55 years) after obtaining written informed consent. The parameters of Body weight, BMI, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of each patient were assessed before and after 12 weeks of treatment with Metformin 750 mg plus 2 tablespoons of ACV per day. The baseline and post treatment values of the aforementioned were compared with each other.

Results: In all the 30 patients assessed after 12 weeks of treatment, the weight was significantly reduced from 85.66±18.30 kg. to 82.96±18.43 kg with a consequently significant change in the BMI from 29.38±5.08 kg/m2 to 28.43±5.16 kg/m2. Moreover, the glycemic control, assessed as FBS and HbA1c also showed significant reduction in the FBS (127.76±9.17 to 121.23±9.54) and HbA1c (7.14±0.29 to 6.92±0.29) after 12 weeks of treatment in all 30 patients (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Apple Cider Vinegar seems to be effective therapy in combination with metformin for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients in improving glycemic control as well as augmenting weight reduction.
Maintenance solutions for the conservation of sunflower inflorescences
Authors: Sanches Alex Guimarães , Elaine Gleice Silva Moreira Maryelle Barros da Silva, , Cordeiro Carlos Alberto Martins
Published: January 2020

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an ornamental plant of great acceptance in the market, however, as cut flower has its limited useful life, about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. In order to prolong shelf life and preserve post-harvest quality was evaluated the effect of maintenance solutions on sunflower cv.  Oasis for 10 days storage at 25 °C. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 5x6, correspondendo a cinco tratamentos/soluções de manutenção (distilled water (control), sucrose, citric acid, gibberellic acid and  benzylaminopurine to 5%) and six evaluation times (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days). The effect of treatments on fresh mass, inflorescence turgescence, stem curvature, relative petal water content, respiratory rate and carbohydrate content was investigated. The results showed that the solutions with sucrose and gibberellic acid significantly (p<0.05) preserved the quality of the inflorescences as a function of the control of respiratory activity and water absorption, thereby reducing the physiological processes related to senescence. It is recommended to use sucrose 5% as a maintenance solution due to the low cost to producers and consumers.
Evolution of the Processed Tomato Sector in Portugal and Spain: Comparative Analysis
Authors: De Oliveira Maria de Fátima Martins Lorena , Cepeda Mariano Suárez de , Bernabéu Rodolfo
Published: January 2020

World production of processed tomato has shifted from the traditional producing countries to others that were previously importers, thereby increasing competition between companies and slowing down agro-industrial and trade growth. Portugal, one of the world’s leading producers of processed tomato has not been immune to this trend, as witnessed by its decline in international competitiveness over the period from 1981 to 2013. The aim of the present study is thus twofold. On the one hand, using various standardized indicators, the determinants of the business competitiveness of processed tomato are analyzed, and, on the other, we perform a comparative analysis between Spain and Portugal. The standardized indicators used in this study are the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), the Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) and the Grubel-Lloyd indicator (GL). The results show that price continues to be the primary determinant in processed tomato exports. Specifically, while trade in tomato paste in Portugal is inter-industry, trade in other tomato products is horizontal intra-industry in nature. In conclusion, the relationship between agro-industrial development and technological innovation in Portugal and Spain is key to reducing costs as a strategy to bring competitive and sustainable products to the market.
Impact of foliar fertilization with nanosized zinc hydroxy nitrate on maize yield and quality
Authors: Ivanov Krasimir , Tonev Tonyo , Nguyen Nguyen , Peltekov Alexander , Mitkov Anyo
Published: January 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of foliar zinc application in the form of zinc hydroxy nitrate suspensions on maize grain yield and quality and on zinc distribution in the plant organs. The preparation of the zinc hydroxide nitrate (Zn5(OH)8(NO3)2·2H2O) was performed by pouring a NaOH solution into Zn(NO3)2·6H2O under vigorous stirring. All samples were characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry to determine their content, morphology and physicochemical properties. The field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm, Agricultural University, Bulgaria, via a randomized block design with eight variants in 3 replications. A significant (p < 0.05) effect on Zn accumulation in the maize stems and leaves by foliar zinc application during the first growth stage was found. The accumulation of zinc was followed by its remobilization from the stems to other plant organs during the second growth stage. It was concluded that the synthesized zinc hydroxy nitrate has potential as a long-term foliar fertilizer. Ensuring the optimal concentration of Zn at different times during the vegetative period lead to a substantial increase in the grain yield along with an improvement in the quality of the corn grain for all variants compared to those of the control.
Global Performance Indices for Dynamic Crystals as Organic Thermal Actuators
Authors: Karothu Durga Prasad , Mahmoud Halabi Jad , Li Liang , Colin‐Molina Abraham , Rodríguez‐Molina Braulio , Naumov Panče
Published: January 2020

Crystal adaptronics is an emergent materials science discipline at the intersection of solid‐state chemistry and mechanical engineering that explores the dynamic nature of mechanically reconfigurable, motile, and explosive crystals. Adaptive molecular crystals bring to materials science a qualitatively new set of properties that associate long‐range structural order with softness and mechanical compliance. However, the full potential of this class of materials remains underexplored and they have not been considered as materials of choice in an engineer's toolbox. A set of general performance metrics that can be used for quantification of the performance of these prospective dynamic materials as micro‐ and macroactuators is presented. The indices are calculated on two selected representatives of thermosalient solids—materials that undergo rapid martensitic transitions accompanied with macroscopic locomotion. Benchmarking of their performance against extensive set of data for the existing actuator classes and visualization using materials property charts uncover the hidden potential and advantages of dynamic crystals, while they also reveal their drawbacks for actual application as actuators. Altogether the results indicate that, if the challenges with fabrication and implementation in devices are overcome, adaptive molecular crystals can have far‐reaching implications for emerging fields such as smart microelectronics and soft microrobotics.
Enamel Repair with Amorphous Ceramics
Authors: Wei Yan , Liu Shaojia , Xiao Zuohui , Zhao Hewei , Luo Jun , Deng Xuliang , Guo Lin
Published: January 2020

Developing high‐performance materials in physiological conditions to clinically repair stiff tissue for long lifespan remains a great challenge. Here, an enamel repair strategy is reported by efficiently growing a biocompatible ZrO2 ceramic layer on defective enamel through controllable hydrolysis of Zr4+ in oral‐tolerable conditions. Detailed analysis of the grown layer indicates that the grown ZrO2 ceramic is amorphous without grain boundary and dislocation, which endows the repaired enamel with natural enamel comparable mechanical performance (modulus ≈82.5 GPa and hardness ≈5.2 GPa). Besides, the strong chemical connection between unsaturated coordinated Zr4+ in amorphous structure and PO43− greatly strengthen the crystalline–amorphous interface of the repaired enamel to endure the long‐time mastication damage. Moreover, these ZrO2 ceramics provide hydrophilic, electronegative, and smooth surfaces to resist the adhesion and proliferation of cariogenic bacteria. The hybrid amorphous–crystalline interface design with advantages in biomechanical compatibility would promote the evolution of a variety of cutting‐edge functional materials for medical and engineering application.
Interfaceless Strain and Pressure‐Sensitive Stretchable Capacitor Based on Self‐Bonding and Surface Morphology Control of a Reversibly Crosslinkable Silicone Elastomer
Authors: Choi Su Bin , Han Chul Jong , Lee Cheul‐Ro , Kim Jong‐Woong
Published: January 2020

A typical capacitive mechanical sensor implemented using a layer of soft dielectric polymer sandwiched between two flexible electrodes, where the capacitance is formed, suffers from unintended buckling instability upon repeated stretch‐and‐release owing to different mechanical characteristics of constituent materials and unstable interfaces. Here, a stretchable, healable, and transparent strain/pressure‐sensitive capacitor is successfully fabricated by hybridizing Ag nanowires (AgNWs) with a polydimethylsiloxane containing maleimide‐derived Diels–Alder (DA) adducts as reversible crosslinkers. AgNWs formed on the surface of the cured polymer sheet are impregnated under the surface of the film by utilizing the vaporized solvent‐assisted retro‐DA reaction. Two identical films with fully impregnated AgNWs under the polymer surface are subjected to lamination with the insulated areas facing each other to implement a sandwich‐structure with a centering dielectric layer. Owing to the retro‐DA and reversible crosslinking during heating, two films in contact are fully integrated as if the architecture is originally made of a single film. The sensitivity to pressure under the stretching condition increases by about 320% compared to that without stretching.
Extremely Low Dark Current MoS2 Photodetector via 2D Halide Perovskite as the Electron Reservoir
Authors: Wang Haoliang , Wang Xudong , Chen Yan , Zhang Shukui , Jiang Wei , Zhang Xin , Qin Jiajun , Wang Jiao , Li Xiaoguo , Pan Yiyi , Liu Fengcai , Shi Zejiao , Zhang Haijuan , Tu Luqi , Wang Hailu , Long Huabao , Li Dapeng , Lin Tie , Wang Jianlu , Zhan Yiqiang , Shen Hong , Meng Xiangjian , Chu Junhao
Published: January 2020

Toward pursuing high‐performance photodetectors based on 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), it is desirable to reduce the high dark current and sluggish response time. Here, in multilayer MoS2‐based photodetectors, a 2D halide perovskite, (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbI4 ((PEA)2PbI4), is introduced as a bifunctional material: both as electron reservoir to reduce free carriers and passivation agent to passivate defects. Surprisingly, dark current is suppressed by six orders of magnitude after coating a (PEA)2PbI4 thin layer onto pristine MoS2 photodetector, with the dark current decreased to 10−11 A. This huge reduction of dark current suggests an efficient interlayer charge transfer from MoS2 to (PEA)2PbI4, which is further verified by photoluminescence quenching phenomenon. It indicates that (PEA)2PbI4 serves as electron reservoir to reduce carrier density of MoS2, resulting in ultrahigh detectivity (1.06 × 1013 Jones). Moreover, the response speed is also accelerated by more than 100‐fold due to passivation by 2D perovskite. In addition, it is found that this type of photodetectors can further work at self‐power mode (with the bias of 0 V). Therefore, the strategy of applying 2D perovskite on the surface of TMDs provides a novel way to fabricate high‐performance photodetectors.
Low‐Power Phase Transition of Chalcogenide Glass Using Au Nanoparticle Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Cao Tun , Liu Kuan , Lu Li , Liu Jianxun , Liu Yan Jun , Qin Kai Rong , Chui Hsiang Chen , Simpson Robert E.
Published: January 2020

Chalcogenide materials are attractive for all‐photonic phase‐change memories owing to their large optical contrast between amorphous and crystalline structural phases. However, high‐power heating pulses are required to switch these structural phases, which can limit the cyclability. To reduce power, Au nanoparticles (NPs) are embedded in a typical chalcogenide phase‐change material, Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST). Raman analysis shows that a GST film crystallizes at a low optical power of 2 mW, which is almost 10 times lower than that of materials not embedded with NPs. This lower power is owing to the enhanced light absorptance through the strongly localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the Au NPs. The Au NPs embedded in the GST film scatter light at λ = 587 nm, which is close to Au NP's LSPR of ≈535 nm. Laser light at 532 nm is used to measure Raman scattering from the Au–GST system. The Raman scattering is enhanced by a factor 12 compared with a bare GST film. This study indicates that the GST film–Au NP system is suitable for high‐speed, low‐power, phase‐change memory and for a new type of tunable surface‐enhanced Raman scattering substrate.
Lattice‐Enhanced Fano Resonances from Bound States in the Continuum Metasurfaces
Authors: Tan Thomas C. W. , Plum Eric , Singh Ranjan
Published: January 2020

Fano resonances in metamaterials are known for their high quality (Q) factor and high sensitivity to external perturbations, which makes them attractive for sensors, lasers, and nonlinear and slow light devices. However, Fano resonances with higher Q factors obtained through structural optimization of individual resonators are accompanied by lower resonance intensity, thereby limiting the overall figure of merit (FoM) of the resonance. Here, a strategy for simultaneously enhancing the Q factor and FoM of Fano resonances in terahertz metamaterials is reported. Coupling of the Fano resonance, which arises from a symmetry‐protected bound state in continuum, to the first‐order lattice mode of the metamaterial array leads to stronger field confinement and substantial enhancement of both Q factor and FoM. As such enhancement occurs in planar metamaterials independently of the resonator geometry, the proposed approach can be utilized for a wide range of high‐Q and high‐sensitivity terahertz metadevices.
Metastable Refractive Index Manipulation in Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon for Reconfigurable Photonics
Authors: Mohammed Mahir Asif , Melskens Jimmy , Stabile Ripalta , Pagliano Francesco , Li Chenhui , Kessels Wilhelmus M. M. , Raz Oded
Published: January 2020

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) is known for exhibiting light‐induced metastable properties that are reversible upon annealing. While these are commonly associated with the well‐known deleterious Staebler–Wronski effect in the field of thin‐film silicon solar cells, the associated changes in optical properties have not been well studied. Emerging reconfigurable photonic devices and applications can benefit from metastable optical properties where two states of the material are reversibly accessible without the need for continuous stimulation. The study demonstrates a light‐induced 0.3% increase of the metastable refractive index of a‐Si:H that is reversed upon annealing over several cycles using a highly sensitive Fabry–Pérot interferometric technique. Utilizing this technique, a metastable optical switch based on a micro‐ring resonator is demonstrated with reversible distinct switching states separated by 0.3 nm between the light‐soaked and annealed states, a switching extinction exceeding 20 dB and an unchanged Q‐factor, suggesting no excess discernible optical loss. Furthermore, metastable strain changes in a‐Si:H‐based freestanding membrane structures are linked to the observed metastable optical properties and present a possible route to stable photonic devices. Our proof‐of‐concept demonstration showcases a‐Si:H‐based reconfigurable photonics that support multiple purpose photonic integrated circuits, reconfigurable metamaterials, and advanced optomechanical devices.
Impedance Spectroscopy Revisited
Authors: Miyano Kenjiro , Yanagida Masatoshi , Shirai Yasuhiro
Published: January 2020

Impedance spectroscopy has been widely used in characterizing the electronic properties of semiconductors. Its application in the perovskite photovoltaic research is a natural extension of the well‐established methodology in the new semiconducting material. However, it turns out that the published results are sometimes very strange, difficult to interpret, or the interpretations contradict each other. It is now clear that most of these troubles stem from the dominating influence of ionic contributions. Herein, some of the published data are reviewed and the possible problems are identified, which can be reconciled by taking into account the explicit contribution of the ionic behavior.
Efficient Hybrid Tandem Solar Cells Based on Optical Reinforcement of Colloidal Quantum Dots with Organic Bulk Heterojunctions
Authors: Aqoma Havid , Imran Imil Fadli , Mubarok Muhibullah Al , Hadmojo Wisnu Tantyo , Do Young Rag , Jang Sung‐Yeon
Published: January 2020

While colloidal quantum dot photovoltaic devices (CQDPVs) can achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ≈12%, their insufficient optical absorption in the near‐infrared (NIR) regime impairs efficient utilization of the full spectrum of visible light. Here, high‐efficiency, solution‐processed, hybrid series, tandem photovoltaic devices are developed featuring CQDs and organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) photoactive materials for front‐ and back‐cells, respectively. The organic BHJ back‐cell efficiently harvests the transmitted NIR photons from the CQD front‐cell, which reinforces the photon‐to‐current conversion at 350–1000 nm wavelengths. Optimizing the short‐circuit current density balance of each sub‐cell and creating a near ideal series connection using an intermediate layer achieve a PCE (12.82%) that is superior to that of each single‐junction device (11.17% and 11.02% for the CQD and organic BHJ device, respectively). Notably, the PCE of the hybrid tandem device is the highest among the reported CQDPVs, including single‐junction devices and tandem devices. The hybrid tandem device also exhibits almost negligible degradation after air storage for 3 months. This study suggests a potential route to improve the performance of CQDPVs by proper hybridization with NIR‐absorbing photoactive materials.
Emergency Medicine Career Outcomes and Scholarly Pursuits: The Impact of Transitioning From a Three‐year to a Four‐year Niche‐based Residency Curriculum
Authors: Ehmann Michael R. , Klein Eili Y. , Kelen Gabor D. , Regan Linda
Published: January 2020

Objectives

In 2008, our emergency medicine (EM) residency program transitioned from a 3‐year to a 4‐year format. We analyzed the effect that this change had on the scholarly productivity and career choice of graduates, hypothesizing that it would lead residents to be more scholarly productive and graduates to more frequently obtain academic appointments and leadership roles in their first postresidency positions.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of graduates (N = 95) from a single residency program that underwent a curriculum change from a 3‐year to a 4‐year format. Three cohorts prior to (n = 36) and five cohorts after (n = 59) this transition were included. The primary outcome of interest was the setting of graduates’ first postresidency position. Secondary outcomes included completion of scholarly activity during training and attaining a leadership role in the first postresidency position.

Results

Of the 4‐year program graduates, 44% obtained an academic position compared to 28% of 3‐year program graduates. After confounders were controlled for, this difference was statistically discernible only if fellowships were excluded (including fellowship, odds ratio [OR] = 2.25, 95% CI = 0.87 to 5.78; excluding fellowship, OR = 3.53, 95% CI = 1.13 to 11.05). Four‐year graduates were more likely to obtain a leadership position immediately after graduation (OR = 13.72, 95% CI = 2.45 to 76.99). Compared to residents in the 3‐year program, residents in the 4‐year format had a similar likelihood of producing any scholarly work by graduation (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 0.49 to 5.80) but were more likely to publish peer‐reviewed manuscripts (OR = 3.92, 95% CI = 2.25 to 6.83).

Conclusions

Compared to 3‐year residency graduates, graduates of our 4‐year curriculum were more likely to obtain nonfellowship academic appointments and leadership positions immediately after graduation and to publish their scholarly work during residency. This study suggests that residency applicants seeking to be academically productive during residency and leaders in the field of EM should consider training in a 4‐year program with similar goals.
Significant polyomic and functional upregulation of the PAPP‐A/IGFBP‐4/5/IGF‐1 axis in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Mueller Sarina K. , Nocera Angela L. , Workman Alan , Libermann Towia , Dillon Simon T. , Stegmann Achim , Wurm Jochen , Iro Heinrich , Wendler Olaf , Bleier Benjamin S.
Published: January 2020

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is associated with epithelial expansion and polyp survival. However, the molecular mechanism of this aberrant proliferation is unclear. The purpose of this study was to interrogate derangements of the pappalysin‐A/insulin‐like growth factor binding protein/insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (PAPP‐A/IGFBP‐4/5/IGF‐1 axis) as a major contributing factor to polyp growth in CRSwNP.

Methods

Matched tissue and exosomal proteomic arrays including PAPP‐A, IGFBP‐4, IGFBP‐5, and IGF‐1 were quantified using aptamer‐based methods/Western blots for proteomic analysis and whole‐transcriptome sequencing/quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for transcriptomic analysis in CRSwNP and control patients. Functional PAPP‐A assays were then performed in both tissue and exosomes (set 1: n = 20 per group; validation set 2: n = 26 per group).

Results

Tissue and exosomal PAPP‐A was significantly overexpressed in CRSwNP compared to controls on both a transcriptomic and proteomic level (p < 0.0001). Known inhibitors of PAPP‐A (stanniocalcin‐1/‐2) were significantly downregulated (p < 0.0001) as were PAPP‐A cleavage products (IGFBP‐5 p < 0.0001). PAPP‐A function was shown to be increased 5‐fold to 6‐fold in tissue and exosomes.

Conclusion

Upregulated tissue and exosomal PAPP‐A signaling is significantly associated with CRSwNP and may be an important factor in the promotion of epithelial proliferation and polyp growth. These data lend further support to the emerging concept of exosomal functional and polyomic analyses as a method to study sinonasal pathology.
Neuroinflammatory markers associate with cognitive decline after major surgery: Findings of an explorative study
Authors: Danielson Mattias , Wiklund Andreas , Granath Fredrik , Blennow Kaj , Mkrtchian Souren , Nellgård Bengt , Oras Jonatan , Jonsson Fagerlund Malin , Granström Anna , Schening Anna , Rasmussen Lars S. , Erlandsson Harris Helena , Zetterberg Henrik , Ricksten Sven‐Erik , Eriksson Lars I.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Long‐term cognitive decline is an adverse outcome after major surgery associated with increased risk for mortality and morbidity. We studied the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum biochemical inflammatory response to a standardized orthopedic surgical procedure and the possible association with long‐term changes in cognitive function. We hypothesized that the CSF inflammatory response pattern after surgery would differ in patients having long‐term cognitive decline defined as a composite cognitive z score of ≥1.0 compared to patients without long‐term cognitive decline at 3 months postsurgery.

Methods

Serum and CSF biomarkers of inflammation and blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity were measured preoperatively and up to 48 hours postoperatively, and cognitive function was assessed preoperatively and at 2 to 5 days and 3 months postoperatively.

Results

Surgery was associated with a pronounced increase in inflammatory biomarkers in both CSF and blood throughout the 48‐hour study period. A principal component (PC) analysis was performed on 52 inflammatory biomarkers. The 2 first PC (PC1 and PC2) construct outcome variables on CSF biomarkers were significantly associated with long‐term cognitive decline at 3 months, but none of the PC construct serum variables showed a significant association with long‐term cognitive decline at 3 months. Patients both with and patients without long‐term cognitive decline showed early transient increases of the astroglial biomarkers S‐100B and glial fibrillary acidic protein in CSF, and in BBB permeability (CSF/serum albumin ratio).

Interpretation

Surgery rapidly triggers a temporal neuroinflammatory response closely associated with long‐term cognitive outcome postsurgery. The findings of this explorative study require validation in a larger surgical patient cohort. Ann Neurol 2020;87:370–382
The Role of Odd‐Frequency Pairing in Multiband Superconductors
Authors: Triola Christopher , Cayao Jorge , Black‐Schaffer Annica M.
Published: January 2020

Recent progress in the understanding of multiband superconductivity and its relationship to odd‐frequency pairing are reviewed herein. The discussion begins by reviewing the emergence of odd‐frequency pairing in a simple two‐band model, providing a brief pedagogical overview of the formalism. Several examples of multiband superconducting systems are examined, in each case describing both the origin of the band degree of freedom and the nature of the odd‐frequency pairing. Throughout, it is attempted to convey a unified picture of how odd‐frequency pairing emerges in these materials and propose that similar mechanisms are responsible for odd‐frequency pairing in several analogous systems: layered 2D heterostructures, double quantum dots, double nanowires, Josephson junctions, and systems described by isolated valleys in momentum space. In addition, experimental probes of odd‐frequency pairing in multiband systems are reviewed, focusing on hybridization gaps in the electronic density of states, paramagnetic Meissner effect, and Kerr effect.
Quantum Pairing Time Orders
Authors: Balatsky Alexander V. , Sukhachov Pavel O. , Bandyopadhyay Sumanta
Published: January 2020

The concept of the time‐independent correlators for the even‐ and odd‐frequency pairing states that can be defined for both bosonic and fermionic quasiparticles is proposed. These correlators explicitly capture the existence of two distinct classes of pairing states and provide a direct probe of the hidden Berezinskii order. This concept is illustrated in the cases of pairings for Majorana fermions and quasiparticles in Dirac semimetals. It is shown that the time‐independent correlator is able to effectively capture the energy scale relevant for pairing.
Influence of bioconversion on pore structure of bituminous coal
Authors: Lu Yiyu , Chai Chengjuan , Zhou Zhe , Ge Zhaolong , Yang Mengmeng
Published: January 2020

Microbial‐enhanced coalbed methane is a feasible technique to improve gas recovery and achieve antipenetration, and the coal pores determine the gas‐adsorption capacity and permeability. To study the pore structure of bituminous coal before and after microbial treatment mercury intrusion porosimetry, nitrogen‐gas adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy was used. The results showed that the microbial treatment increased the macropores volume of the high volatile bituminous coal and sub‐bituminous coal, and decreased the micropore and mesopore volume. The porosity increased by 33.80% and 22.89% for the high volatile bituminous coal and sub‐bituminous coal, respectively. The effect of bioconversion on the pore structure increases as the degree of coal evolution increases. Because of bioconversion, the oxygen‐containing functional groups and the degree of coal crystallization were reduced and the organic matter was degraded, which lead to an enhancement of the pore connectivity. The optimal pH of the nutrient solution for microbial changes to the pore structure was 7. Compared with pure water, the reference of mine water to configure the nutrient solution was more conducive to microbial activity and had a greater impact on the pore structure.
Thermoplastic elastomer blend based on EMA and NBR; optimization of process parameters
Authors: Murugan Narayanan , Amrishkumar Padmakumar , Nando Golok Behari , Singha Nikhil Kumar
Published: January 2020

EMA–NBR has been explored to be a potential thermoplastic elastomer blend having good thermal stability as well as oil resistance property. The present investigation reports the optimization of process parameters for the novel polymer blends based on poly(ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate) (EMA) and poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐butadiene) rubber (NBR) with criteria based on the statistical design of experiment (Taguchi L9 orthogonal array). In this case, the polymer blends were prepared by changing the polymer blending conditions such as mixing temperature, mixing time and rotor speed as per Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array. Optimization of the process parameters was carried out based on the physicomechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness, and tensile impact strength of the resulting EMA/NBR blend. Each processing parameter has been optimized from the experimental data, which are converted into signal‐to‐noise ratio. The standard statistical technique of analysis of variance result was used to evaluate the proportional role of the different control variables. It has been found that the mixing temperature play very significant role trailed by rotor speed and mixing time in controlling droplet matrix morphology of the EMA/NBR blends. Predominantly, these factors affect the size of the NBR domain and its distribution in the EMA matrix, which in turn have a notable contribution to the physicomechanical properties of the blends. By the optimization of processing conditions, the NBR matrix domain size greatly decreases, leading to significant improvement in physicomechanical properties of the EMA/NBR blends. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48900.
Considerations in adapting CRISPR/Cas9 in nongenetic model plant systems
Authors: Shan Shengchen , Soltis Pamela S. , Soltis Douglas E. , Yang Bing
Published: January 2020

The past six years have seen the rapid growth of studies of CRISPR/Cas9 in plant genome editing, a method that enormously facilitates both basic research and practical applications. Most studies have focused on genetic model species, but plant species that are not genetic models may also be economically important or biologically significant, or both. However, developing the CRISPR/Cas9 system in a nongenetic model is challenging. Here, we summarize CRISPR/Cas9 applications in 45 plant genera across 24 families and provide a reference for practical application of CRISPR in nongenetic model plant systems. Suggestions for selecting plant species and target genes are given for proof‐of‐principle CRISPR studies, and the processes of vector construction are reviewed. We recommend using transient assays to identify a desired CRISPR/Cas9 system in a nongenetic model. We then review methods of plant transformation and describe approaches, using regenerated transgenic plants, for evaluating CRISPR editing results. Lastly, potential future applications of CRISPR in nongenetic model plant species are discussed. This review provides a road map for developing CRISPR in nongenetic models, an application that holds enormous potential in plant biology.
Biomass as a sustainable resource for value‐added modern materials: a review
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Kaur Manmeet , Punj Shivani , Singh Kulvir
Published: January 2020

Over the past century, the world's population has increased greatly. The growth in the population has increased the global food demand, so the food sector has increased its production. As a result of the increased production and consumption, a huge amount of agro‐food waste is being generated yearly. Rice husk, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, corn husk, peanut shell, eggshell, are just a few examples of agro‐food wastes. As these agro‐food wastes and their by‐products are left unused and unattended, their amount is increasing globally. It is imperative to find ways to put these wastes to environmentally viable use. These wastes find direct uses in biofertilizers, mud houses, animal feed, biofuel, and heat generation in small‐scale industries, etc. After heat generation, ashes are considered as a secondary by‐product, which can be used as a sustainable and renewable resource for synthesizing value‐added products for various applications. This article presents a review of the traditional and advanced methods of utilizing these wastes in household applications, animal feed, fertilizers, fuel generation, pyrolysis, and for the removal of toxic metals from polluted water. These secondary resources can also be used in construction materials and for the synthesis of glasses and glass–ceramics, which can be used in bioengineering, optical, and dielectric materials. Agro‐food wastes can be used as resource materials to develop modern materials with better properties instead of using minerals. This not only reduces the environment‐ and management‐related problem of the wastes but also provides a sustainable alternative way to produce cost‐effective value‐added materials for the benefit of society. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Anxiety‐induced miscalculations, more than differential inhibition of intuition, explain the gender gap in cognitive reflection
Authors: Juanchich Marie , Sirota Miroslav , Bonnefon Jean‐François
Published: January 2020

The Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) is among the most common and well‐known instruments for measuring the propensity to engage reflective processing, in the context of the dual‐process theory of high‐level cognition. There is robust evidence that men perform better than women on this test—but we should be wary to conclude that men are more likely to engage in reflective processing than women. We consider several possible loci for the gender difference in CRT performance, and use mathematical modeling to show, across two studies, that the gender difference in CRT performance is more likely due to women making more mathematical mistakes (partially explained by their greater mathematics anxiety) than due to women being less likely to engage reflective processing. As a result, we argue that we need to use gender‐equivalent variants of the CRT, both to improve the quality of our instruments and to fulfill our social responsibility as scientists.