bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new auroral phenomenon, the anti-black aurora
Authors: Nel A. E. , Kosch M. J. , Whiter D. , Gustavsson B. , Aslaksen T.
Published: January 2021

Black auroras are small-scale features embedded in the diffuse background aurora, typically occurring post-substorm after magnetic midnight and with an eastward drift imposed. Black auroras show a significant reduction in optical brightness compared to the surrounding diffuse aurora, and can appear as slow-moving arcs or rapidly-moving patches and arc segments. We report, for the first time, an even more elusive small-scale optical structure that has always been observed occurring paired with $$\sim$$
∼
10% of black aurora patches. A patch or arc segment of enhanced luminosity, distinctly brighter than the diffuse background, which we name the anti-black aurora, may appear adjacent to the black aurora. The anti-black aurora is of similar shape and size, and always moves in parallel to the drifting black aurora, although it may suddenly switch sides for no apparent reason. The paired phenomenon always drifts with the same average speed in an easterly direction. From the first dual-wavelength (427.8 nm and 844.6 nm) optical observations of the phenomenon recorded on 12 March 2016 outside Tromsø Norway, we show that the anti-black and black auroras have a higher and lower mean energy, respectively, of the precipitating electrons compared to the diffuse background.
Circulating IL-10 is compromised in patients predisposed to developing and in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Barker Tyler , Rogers Victoria E. , Henriksen Vanessa T. , Trawick Roy H. , Momberger Nathan G. , Lynn Rasmussen G.
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this investigation was to identify if serum interleukin (IL)-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations and their ratio (IL-10/TNF-α) are altered in subjects predisposed to developing knee osteoarthritis following ligamentous injury and in those with severe knee osteoarthritis. Serum IL-10 and TNF-α concentrations were measured in four groups of subjects (n = 218): (1) reportedly-healthy and non-injured control subjects (CON; n = 92), (2) subjects scheduled to undergo anterior cruciate ligament surgery (ACL; n = 42), (3) non-surgical subjects with knee osteoarthritis (OA; n = 60), and (4) subjects with knee osteoarthritis scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA; n = 24). X-ray images were used to grade the severity of knee osteoarthritis. Serum IL-10 and the serum IL-10/TNF-α ratio were significantly lower while serum TNF-α was not significantly perturbed with severe compared to moderate knee osteoarthritis (i.e., Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 vs. 3, respectively). Serum IL-10 was significantly lower in the absence of serum TNF-α alterations in the ACL group. We conclude that serum IL-10 concentrations are compromised in subjects predisposed to developing knee osteoarthritis following ligamentous trauma and in subjects with radiographic evidence of severe knee osteoarthritis.
Role of CASP7 polymorphisms in noise-induced hearing loss risk in Han Chinese population
Authors: Ruan Yanmei , Zhang Jinwei , Mai Shiqi , Zeng Wenfeng , Huang Lili , Gu Chunrong , Liu Keping , Ma Yuying , Wang Zhi
Published: January 2021

Genetic factors and gene-environment interaction may play an important role in the development of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). 191 cases and 191 controls were selected by case–control study. Among them, case groups were screened from workers exposed to noise in binaural high-frequency hearing thresholds greater than 25 dB (A). Workers with hearing thresholds ≤ 25 dB (A) in any binaural frequency band were selected to the control group, based on matching factors such as age, exposure time to noise, and operating position. The blood samples from two groups of workers were subjected to DNA extraction and SNP sequencing of CASP3 and CASP7 genes using the polymerase chain reaction ligase detection reaction method. Conditional logistic regression correction was used to analyze the genetic variation associated with susceptibility to NIHL. There was an association between rs2227310 and rs4353229 of the CASP7 gene and the risk of NIHL. Compared with the GG genotype, the CC genotype of rs2227310 reduced the risk of NIHL. Compared with CC genotype, the TT genotype of rs4353229 reduced the risk of NIHL. Workers carrying the rs2227310GG and rs4353229CC genotype had an increased risk of NIHL compared to workers without any high-risk genotype. There were additive interaction and multiplication interaction between CASP7rs2227310 and CNE, and the same interaction between CASP7rs4353229 and CNE. The interaction between the CASP7 gene and CNE significantly increased the risk of NIHL. The genetic polymorphisms of CASP7rs2227310GG and CASP7rs4353229CC were associated with an increased risk of NIHL in Han Chinese population and have the potential to act as biomarkers for noise-exposed workers.
Combining serology with case-detection, to allow the easing of restrictions against SARS-CoV-2: a modelling-based study in India
Authors: Mandal Sandip , Das Hemanshu , Deo Sarang , Arinaminpathy Nimalan
Published: January 2021

India’s lockdown and subsequent restrictions against SARS-CoV-2, if lifted without any other mitigations in place, could risk a second wave of infection. A test-and-isolate strategy, using PCR diagnostic tests, could help to minimise the impact of this second wave. Meanwhile, population-level serological surveillance can provide valuable insights into the level of immunity in the population. Using a mathematical model, consistent with an Indian megacity, we examined how seroprevalence data could guide a test-and-isolate strategy, for fully lifting restrictions. For example, if seroprevalence is 20% of the population, we show that a testing strategy needs to identify symptomatic cases within 5–8 days of symptom onset, in order to prevent a resurgent wave from overwhelming hospital capacity in the city. This estimate is robust to uncertainty in the effectiveness of the lockdown, as well as in immune protection against reinfection. To set these results in their economic context, we estimate that the weekly cost of such a PCR-based testing programme would be less than 2.1% of the weekly economic loss due to the lockdown. Our results illustrate how PCR-based testing and serological surveillance can be combined to design evidence-based policies, for lifting lockdowns in Indian cities and elsewhere.
The quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects with driving fields in the weak and strong coupling regimes
Authors: Majeed Mehwish , Chaudhry Adam Zaman
Published: January 2021

Repeated measurements in quantum mechanics can freeze (the quantum Zeno effect) or enhance (the quantum anti-Zeno effect) the time-evolution of a quantum system. In this paper, we present a general treatment of the quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects for arbitrary driven open quantum systems, assuming only that the system–environment coupling is weak. In particular, we obtain a general expression for the effective decay rate of a two-level system subjected to arbitrary driving fields as well as periodic measurements. We demonstrate that the driving fields change the decay rate, and hence the quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno behavior, both qualitatively and quantitatively. We also extend our results to systems consisting of more than one two-level system, as well as a two-level system strongly coupled to an environment of harmonic oscillators, to further illustrate the non-trivial effect of the driving fields on the quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects.
A dynamic prediction model for prognosis of acute-on-chronic liver failure based on the trend of clinical indicators
Authors: Yu Zhenjun , Zhang Yu , Cao Yingying , Xu Manman , You Shaoli , Chen Yu , Zhu Bing , Kong Ming , Song Fangjiao , Xin Shaojie , Duan Zhongping , Han Tao
Published: January 2021

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a dynamic syndrome, and sequential assessments can reflect its prognosis more accurately. Our aim was to build and validate a new scoring system to predict short-term prognosis using baseline and dynamic data in ACLF. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients with ACLF from three different hospitals in China. To construct the model, we analyzed a training set of 541 patients from two hospitals. The model’s performance was evaluated in a validation set of 130 patients from another center. In the training set, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age, WGO type, basic etiology, total bilirubin, creatinine, prothrombin activity, and hepatic encephalopathy stage were all independent prognostic factors in ACLF. We designed a dynamic trend score table based on the changing trends of these indicators. Furthermore, a logistic prediction model (DP-ACLF) was constructed by combining the sum of dynamic trend scores and baseline prognostic parameters. All prognostic scores were calculated based on the clinical data of patients at the third day, first week, and second week after admission, respectively, and were correlated with the 90-day prognosis by ROC analysis. Comparative analysis showed that the AUC value for DP-ACLF was higher than for other prognostic scores, including Child–Turcotte–Pugh, MELD, MELD-Na, CLIF-SOFA, CLIF-C ACLF, and COSSH-ACLF. The new scoring model, which combined baseline characteristics and dynamic changes in clinical indicators to predict the course of ACLF, showed a better prognostic ability than current scoring systems. Prospective studies are needed to validate these results.
Enhanced impact-resistance of aeronautical quasi-isotropic composite plates through diffused water molecules in epoxy
Authors: Ahmad Furqan , Abbassi Fethi , Ul-Islam Mazhar , Jacquemin Frédéric , Hong Jung-Wuk
Published: January 2021

In order to elucidate the hygroscopic effects on impact-resistance of carbon fiber/epoxy quasi-isotropic composite plates, low-velocity impact tests are conducted on dry and hygroscopically conditioned plates, respectively, under identical configurations. For the impact tests, plates were immersed in the hot water at 80 °C to absorb a different amount of moisture content (MC). Experimental results reveal that the presence of the MC plays a pivotal role by improving the impact-resistance of composite plates. Plates with higher percentage of MC could behave elastically to a larger strain, yielding larger deflection under impact loading. From SEM fractographies, it is observed that small disbanding grows at the interface of epoxy and carbon fiber due to absorbed MC. After absorbing MC, most of impact energy is dissipated in hygroscopic conditioned composite plates through elastic deformation and overall less damage is induced in wet composite plates compare to the dry plate. We can postulate that the presence of MC increases the elastic limit as well as ductility of the epoxy by promoting chain segmental mobility of the polymer molecules, which eventually leads to the enhancement of the impact-resistance of wet quasi-isotropic composite plates in comparison with the dry plate.
Artificial intelligence accuracy assessment in NO2 concentration forecasting of metropolises air
Authors: Shams Seyedeh Reyhaneh , Jahani Ali , Kalantary Saba , Moeinaddini Mazaher , Khorasani Nematollah
Published: January 2021

Air quality has been the main concern worldwide and Nitrous oxide (NO2) is one of the pollutants that have a significant effect on human health and environment. This study was conducted to compare the regression analysis and neural network model for predicting NO2 pollutants in the air of Tehran metropolis. Data has been collected during a year in the urban area of Tehran and was analyzed using multi-linear regression (MLR) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural networks. Meteorological parameters, urban traffic data, urban green space information, and time parameters are applied as input to forecast the daily concentration of NO2 in the air. The results demonstrate that artificial neural network modeling (R2 = 0.89, RMSE = 0.32) results in more accurate predictions than MLR analysis (R2 = 0.81, RMSE = 13.151). According to the result of sensitivity analysis of the model, the value of park area, the average of green space area and one-day time delay are the crucial parameters influencing NO2 concentration of air. Artificial neural network models could be a powerful, effective and suitable tool for analysis and modeling complex and non-linear relation of environmental variables such as ability in forecasting air pollution. Green spaces establishment has a significant role in NO2 reduction even more than traffic volume.
The comparative effectiveness of mpMRI and MRI-guided biopsy vs regular biopsy in a population-based PSA testing: a modeling study
Authors: Getaneh Abraham M. , Heijnsdijk Eveline A. M. , de Koning Harry J.
Published: January 2021

The benefit of prostate cancer screening is counterbalanced by the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. The use of a multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) test after a positive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test followed by magnetic resonance imaging-guided biopsy (MRIGB) may reduce these harms. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of mpMRI and MRIGB vs the regular screening pathway in a population-based prostate cancer screening setting. A micro-simulation model was used to predict the effects of regular PSA screening (men with elevated PSA followed by TRUSGB) and MRI based screening (men with elevated PSA followed by mpMRI and MRIGB). We predicted reduction of overdiagnosis, harm-benefit ratio (overdiagnosis per cancer death averted), reduction in number of biopsies, detection of clinically significant cancer, prostate cancer death averted, life-years gained (LYG), and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained for both strategies. A univariate sensitivity analysis and threshold analysis were performed to assess uncertainty around the test sensitivity parameters used in the MRI strategy.In the MRI pathway, we predicted a 43% reduction in the risk of overdiagnosis, compared to the regular pathway. Similarly a lower harm-benefit ratio (overdiagnosis per cancer death averted) was predicted for this strategy compared to the regular screening pathway (1.0 vs 1.8 respectively). Prostate cancer mortality reduction, LY and QALYs gained were also slightly increased in the MRI pathway than the regular screening pathway. Furthermore, 30% of men with a positive PSA test could avoid a biopsy as compared to the regular screening pathway. Compared to regular PSA screening, the use of mpMRI as a triage test followed by MRIGB can substantially reduce the risk of overdiagnosis and improve the harm-benefit balance, while maximizing prostate cancer mortality reduction and QALYs gained.
Usefulness of 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT to localize the culprit tumor inducing osteomalacia
Authors: Lee Dong Yun , Lee Seung Hun , Kim Beom-Jun , Kim Wanlim , Yoon Pil Whan , Lee Sang Ju , Oh Seung Jun , Koh Jung-Min , Ryu Jin-Sook
Published: January 2021

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is an uncommon paraneoplastic syndrome presenting with sustained hypophosphatemia. Treatment of choice is removal of the tumor causing the TIO, but identification of the culprit tumor by routine imaging is challenging. This study aimed to assess the usefulness of somatostatin receptor imaging, called 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT, in the management of patients with TIO. Twelve patients who were suspected of having TIO underwent 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT. Lesion detectability and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) were determined and retrospectively compared with the clinical/imaging surveillance and histopathologic diagnosis. The median duration of suspected TIO with hypophosphatemia was 7.8 years (range 2.1–21.0). Conventional radiologic and/or nuclear medicine images failed to identify the culprit tumors. However, 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT scans showed that 8 of the 12 patients had positive lesions, suggesting the presence of focal culprit tumors. The SUVmax of positive tumors was 1.9–45.7 (median: 11.5). Six skeletal lesions and two extra-skeletal lesions were identified. Seven of the lesions were pathologically confirmed as potential culprits of TIO. Hypophosphatemia was resolved in five patients who underwent lesion excision. The 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT is a useful whole-body imaging modality for the detection of causative tumors in patients with suspected TIO.
Multiple bacteria associated with the more dysbiotic genitourinary microbiomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zha Hua , Liu Fengping , Ling Zongxin , Chang Kevin , Yang Jiezuan , Li Lanjuan
Published: January 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) influences the human health and can cause significant illnesses. The genitourinary microbiome profiles in the T2DM patients remain poorly understood. In the current study, a series of bioinformatic and statistical analyses were carried out to determine the multiple bacteria associated with the more dysbiotic genitourinary microbiomes (i.e., those with lower dysbiosis ratio) in T2DM patients, which were sequenced by Illumina-based 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. All the genitourinary microbiomes from 70 patients with T2DM were clustered into three clusters of microbiome profiles, i.e., Cluster_1_T2DM, Cluster_2_T2DM and Cluster_3_T2DM, with Cluster_3_T2DM at the most dysbiotic genitourinary microbial status. The three clustered T2DM microbiomes were determined with different levels of alpha diversity indices, and driven by distinct urinalysis variables. OTU12_Clostridiales and OTU28_Oscillospira were likely to drive the T2DM microbiomes to more dysbiotic status, while OTU34_Finegoldia could play a vital role in maintaining the least dysbiotic T2DM microbiome (i.e., Cluster_1_T2DM). The functional metabolites K08300_ribonuclease E, K01223_6-phospho-beta-glucosidase and K00029_malate dehydrogenase (oxaloacetate-decarboxylating) (NADP+) were most associated with Cluster_1_T2DM, Cluster_2_T2DM and Cluster_3_T2DM, respectively. The characteristics and multiple bacteria associated with the more dysbiotic genitourinary microbiomes in T2DM patients may help with the better diagnosis and management of genitourinary dysbiosis in T2DM patients.
Evaluation of transfer learning in deep convolutional neural network models for cardiac short axis slice classification
Authors: Ho Namgyu , Kim Yoon-Chul
Published: January 2021

In computer-aided analysis of cardiac MRI data, segmentations of the left ventricle (LV) and myocardium are performed to quantify LV ejection fraction and LV mass, and they are performed after the identification of a short axis slice coverage, where automatic classification of the slice range of interest is preferable. Standard cardiac image post-processing guidelines indicate the importance of the correct identification of a short axis slice range for accurate quantification. We investigated the feasibility of applying transfer learning of deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) as a means to automatically classify the short axis slice range, as transfer learning is well suited to medical image data where labeled data is scarce and expensive to obtain. The short axis slice images were classified into out-of-apical, apical-to-basal, and out-of-basal, on the basis of short axis slice location in the LV. We developed a custom user interface to conveniently label image slices into one of the three categories for the generation of training data and evaluated the performance of transfer learning in nine popular deep CNNs. Evaluation with unseen test data indicated that among the CNNs the fine-tuned VGG16 produced the highest values in all evaluation categories considered and appeared to be the most appropriate choice for the cardiac slice range classification.
The antimicrobial potential of cannabidiol
Authors: Blaskovich Mark A. T. , Kavanagh Angela M. , Elliott Alysha G. , Zhang Bing , Ramu Soumya , Amado Maite , Lowe Gabrielle J. , Hinton Alexandra O. , Pham Do Minh Thu , Zuegg Johannes , Beare Neil , Quach Diana , Sharp Marc D. , Pogliano Joe , Rogers Ashleigh P. , Lyras Dena , Tan Lendl , West Nicholas P. , Crawford David W. , Peterson Marnie L. , Callahan Matthew , Thurn Michael
Published: January 2021

Antimicrobial resistance threatens the viability of modern medicine, which is largely dependent on the successful prevention and treatment of bacterial infections. Unfortunately, there are few new therapeutics in the clinical pipeline, particularly for Gram-negative bacteria. We now present a detailed evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of cannabidiol, the main non-psychoactive component of cannabis. We confirm previous reports of Gram-positive activity and expand the breadth of pathogens tested, including highly resistantStaphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus pneumoniae, andClostridioides difficile. Our results demonstrate that cannabidiol has excellent activity against biofilms, little propensity to induce resistance, and topical in vivo efficacy. Multiple mode-of-action studies point to membrane disruption as cannabidiol’s primary mechanism. More importantly, we now report for the first time that cannabidiol can selectively kill a subset of Gram-negative bacteria that includes the ‘urgent threat’ pathogenNeisseria gonorrhoeae. Structure-activity relationship studies demonstrate the potential to advance cannabidiol analogs as a much-needed new class of antibiotics.
Scaffold-free human mesenchymal stem cell construct geometry regulates long bone regeneration
Authors: Herberg Samuel , Varghai Daniel , Alt Daniel S. , Dang Phuong N. , Park Honghyun , Cheng Yuxuan , Shin Jung-Youn , Dikina Anna D. , Boerckel Joel D. , Rolle Marsha W. , Alsberg Eben
Published: January 2021

Biomimetic bone tissue engineering strategies partially recapitulate development. We recently showed functional restoration of femoral defects using scaffold-free human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) condensates featuring localized morphogen presentation with delayed in vivo mechanical loading. Possible effects of construct geometry on healing outcome remain unclear. Here, we hypothesized that localized presentation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 to engineered hMSC tubes mimicking femoral diaphyses induces endochondral ossification, and that TGF-β1 + BMP-2-presenting hMSC tubes enhance defect healing with delayed in vivo loading vs. loosely packed hMSC sheets. Localized morphogen presentation stimulated chondrogenic priming/endochondral differentiation in vitro. Subcutaneously, hMSC tubes formed cartilage templates that underwent bony remodeling. Orthotopically, hMSC tubes stimulated more robust endochondral defect healing vs. hMSC sheets. Tissue resembling normal growth plate was observed with negligible ectopic bone. This study demonstrates interactions between hMSC condensation geometry, morphogen bioavailability, and mechanical cues to recapitulate development for biomimetic bone tissue engineering.
Fractional re-distribution among cell motility states during ageing
Authors: Phillip Jude M. , Zamponi Nahuel , Phillip Madonna P. , Daya Jena , McGovern Shaun , Williams Wadsworth , Tschudi Katherine , Jayatilaka Hasini , Wu Pei-Hsun , Walston Jeremy , Wirtz Denis
Published: January 2021

Ageing in humans is associated with the decreased capacity to regulate cell physiology. Cellular properties, such as cell morphology and mechanics, encode ageing information, and can therefore be used as robust biomarkers of ageing. Using a panel of dermal fibroblasts derived from healthy donors spanning a wide age range, we observe an age-associated decrease in cell motility. By taking advantage of the single-cell nature of our motility data, we classified cells based on spatial and activity patterns to define age-dependent motility states. We show that the age-dependent decrease in cell motility is not due to the reduced motility of all cells, but results from the fractional re-distribution among motility states. These findings highlight an important feature of ageing cells characterized by a reduction of cellular heterogeneity in older adults relative to post-adolescent/adults. Furthermore, these results point to a mechanistic framework of ageing, with potential applications in deciphering emergent ageing phenotypes and biomarker development.
Molecular basis of IRGB10 oligomerization and membrane association for pathogen membrane disruption
Authors: Ha Hyun Ji , Chun Hye Lin , Lee So Yeon , Jeong Jae-Hee , Kim Yeon-Gil , Park Hyun Ho
Published: January 2021

Immunity-related GTPase B10 (IRGB10) belongs to the interferon (IFN)-inducible GTPases, a family of proteins critical to host defense. It is induced by IFNs after pathogen infection, and plays a role in liberating pathogenic ligands for the activation of the inflammasome by directly disrupting the pathogen membrane. Although IRGB10 has been intensively studied owing to its functional importance in the cell-autonomous immune response, the molecular mechanism of IRGB10-mediated microbial membrane disruption is still unclear. In this study, we report the structure of mouse IRGB10. Our structural study showed that IRGB10 bound to GDP forms an inactive head-to-head dimer. Further structural analysis and comparisons indicated that IRGB10 might change its conformation to activate its membrane-binding and disruptive functions. Based on this observation, we propose a model of the working mechanism of IRGB10 during pathogen membrane disruption.
A metal oxide affinity probe derived from MIL-125 for selective enrichment of endogenous phosphopeptides
Authors: Zhao Yameng , Zhang Lingyi , Cao Licheng , Zhang Lei , Zhang Weibing
Published: January 2021

Highly effective enrichment of endogenous phosphopeptides from complex biological samples is an essential and crucial theme in the analysis of phosphopeptidomics.
Dry storage of multiple reagent types within a paper microfluidic device for phenylalanine monitoring
Authors: Wentland Lael , Polaski Rachel , Fu Elain
Published: January 2021

Demonstration of robust reagent stability for three types of reagents in a phenylalanine monitor.
Identifying cysteine residues susceptible to oxidation by photoactivatable atomic oxygen precursors using a proteome-wide analysis
Authors: Isor Ankita , Chartier Benjamin V. , Abo Masahiro , Currens Emily R. , Weerapana Eranthie , McCulla Ryan D.
Published: January 2021

Evaluation of O(3P)-mediated cysteine oxidation in the proteome of a cell using dibenzothiophene-S-oxide derivatives as O(3P)-precursors.
Near-infrared photon-excited energy transfer in platinum(ii)-based supramolecular polymers assisted by upconverting nanoparticles
Authors: Gao Zhao , Shi Lulu , Ling Xiao , Chen Ze , Mei Qingsong , Wang Feng
Published: January 2021

A hybrid supramolecular system with near-infrared photon-excited energy transfer has been successfully constructed, relying on the assistance of upconversion nanoparticles in platinum(ii)-based supramolecular polymers.
Co, Fe codoped holey carbon nanosheets as bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Zhang Xueting , Zhu Zhenye , Tan Yuanbo , Qin Ke , Ma Fei-Xiang , Zhang Jiaheng
Published: January 2021

CoFe@HNSs exhibited bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic activity, and exhibit a high-power density of 131.3 mW cm−2 and long-term stability over 140 h.
Diffusivity and band offset analysis of a graphene interlayer at the back contact of a copper zinc tin sulphide solar cell
Authors: Chong Yau-Lun Felix , Zhu Junyi
Published: January 2021

The proposed algorithm confirms the beneficial band alignment of a graphene interlayer that blocks sulphur diffusion at the Cu2ZnSnS4 back contact.
Cooperation and competition between magnetism and chemisorption
Authors: Bhattacharjee Satadeep , Lee Seung-Cheol
Published: January 2021

Phase diagram showing the appearance of ferromagnetism on a non-magnetic metal surface as a result of chemisorption.
Metal–organic frameworks for the removal of the emerging contaminant atenolol under real conditions
Authors: Rojas Sara , Navarro Jorge A. R. , Horcajada Patricia
Published: January 2021

A defective Metal-Organic Frameworks as an improved material for the construction of a fixed-bed system working under continuous flow conditions for the removal of the emerging contaminant atenolol.
A biomass-derived metal-free catalyst doped with phosphorus for highly efficient and selective oxidation of furfural into maleic acid
Authors: Zhang Huifa , Wang Shaolin , Zhang Huixian , Clark James H. , Cao Fahai
Published: January 2021

The P–C-T carbon catalyst derived from abundant biomass molecule phytic acid exhibited a remarkable catalytic activity for maleic acid (MA) synthesis from furfural.
Passivation-driven speciation, dealloying and purification
Authors: Martin Andrew , Chang Boyce , Cutinho Joel , Shen Liyang , Ward Thomas , Cochran Eric W. , Thuo Martin M.
Published: January 2021

Kinetics of passivating oxide growth can drive nanoscale surface order/speciation. Combined with oxide growth and thermal expansion, trapped oxide crystals (‘ship-in-a-bottle’) or extrusion of metal fingerlings (‘spiky particles’) can be achieved.
Fully in situ Nb/InAs-nanowire Josephson junctions by selective-area growth and shadow evaporation
Authors: Perla Pujitha , Fonseka H. Aruni , Zellekens Patrick , Deacon Russell , Han Yisong , Kölzer Jonas , Mörstedt Timm , Bennemann Benjamin , Espiari Abbas , Ishibashi Koji , Grützmacher Detlev , Sanchez Ana M. , Lepsa Mihail Ion , Schäpers Thomas
Published: January 2021

Nb/InAs-nanowire Josephson junctions are fabricated in situ by a special shadow evaporation scheme for the superconducting Nb electrode. The junctions are interesting candidates for superconducting quantum circuits requiring large magnetic fields.
Novel cocrystals of the potent 1,2,4-thiadiazole-based neuroprotector with carboxylic acids: virtual screening, crystal structures and solubility performance
Authors: Surov Artem O. , Voronin Alexander P. , Vasilev Nikita A. , Ilyukhin Andrey B. , Perlovich German L.
Published: January 2021

Five new multicomponent solid forms of the biologically active 1,2,4-thiadiazole derivative (TDZH) with dicarboxylic and hydroxybenzoic acids have been discovered by combined virtual/experimental cocrystal screening.
Newly discovered graphyne allotrope with rare and robust Dirac node loop
Authors: Yan Pinglan , Ouyang Tao , He Chaoyu , Li Jin , Zhang Chunxiao , Tang Chao , Zhong Jianxin
Published: January 2021

Newly discovered carbon monolayer 123-E8Y24-1 presents a semimetal nature and possesses robust Dirac nodal line states.
Regioselectivity and stereoselectivity of intramolecular [2 + 2] photocycloaddition catalyzed by chiral thioxanthone: a quantum chemical study
Authors: Zhou Tai-Ping , Zhong Fangrui , Wu Yuzhou , Liao Rong-Zhen
Published: January 2021

Chiral photosensitizer-catalyzed stereoselective olefin cyclization has shown its significance in organic synthesis.
Drug dual-release matrix proprieties and the correlations with nanostructure aggregation kinetics for siloxane-polyether/hydrogel nanocomposites
Authors: Medeiros Salviano Santos Mac-Kedson , Sousa Marcelo Henrique , Chaker Juliano Alexandre
Published: January 2021

Nanostructure and drug dual-release properties correlation for siloxane-polyether nanocomposite.
Vibrational band-structures caused by internal rotations of the boron Wankel rotor B11−
Authors: Xu Yonghong , Wang Huihui , Yang Yonggang , Li Changyong , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: January 2021

The band structures of the vibrational energy levels of B11− lead to corresponding spectral broadening. The vibrational band-structures of planar boron rotors are caused by internal rotations.
In silico design of peptides with binding to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 and their utility in bio-sensor development for SARS-CoV-2 detection
Authors: Badhe Yogesh , Gupta Rakesh , Rai Beena
Published: January 2021

The protocol for peptide design and testing for its usage as a sensor.
Nanochannel-based sensor for the detection of lead ions in traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Tu Jiyuan , Zhou Zhongshi , Liu Yanju , Li Tingxian , Lu Shumin , Xiao Ling , Xiao Pingping , Zhang Guojun , Sun Zhongyue
Published: January 2021

The nanochannel-based sensor is able to achieve detection of Pb2+in TCM samples.
Simultaneous and continuous particle separation and counting via localized DC-dielectrophoresis in a microfluidic chip
Authors: Song Yongxin , Han Xiaoshi , Li Deyu , Liu Qinxin , Li Dongqing
Published: January 2021

The first report that particle counting and separation can be achieved simultaneously. Separation and counting of polystyrene particles of two and three different sizes with 1 μm resolution were demonstrated experimentally.
Degradation of ammonia gas by Cu2O/{001}TiO2 and its mechanistic analysis
Authors: Zhu Jiaming , Jian Yue , Long Dingbiao , Wang Hao , Zeng Yaqiong , Li Jigang , Xiao Rong , Pu Shihua
Published: January 2021

Appropriate composite ratio is beneficial to improve the degradation performance of the catalyst.
In-depth first-principle study on novel MoS2 polymorphs
Authors: Eidsvåg Håkon , Rasukkannu Murugesan , Velauthapillai Dhayalan , Vajeeston Ponniah
Published: January 2021

14 new MoS2 polymorphs were studied using first-principle calculations based on density functional theory. We found a new promising MoS2 candidate for photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications.
Structural elucidation of a methylenation reagent of esters: synthesis and reactivity of a dinuclear titanium(iii) methylene complex
Authors: Kurogi Takashi , Kuroki Kaito , Moritani Shunsuke , Takai Kazuhiko
Published: January 2021

Transmetallation of a zinc methylene complex [ZnI(tmeda)]2(μ-CH2) with a titanium(iii) chloride [TiCl3(tmeda)(thf)] produced a titanium methylene complex.
Phase transition characterization of poly(oligo(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate) brushes using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation
Authors: Guntnur Rohini Thevi , Muzzio Nicolas , Morales Madison , Romero Gabriela
Published: January 2021

This work investigates the thermodynamic phase transition of poly(oligo(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate) brushes using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation for applications in programmable and controllable drug delivery.
Functionalized metallic transition metal dichalcogenide (TaS2) for nanocomposite membranes in direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Beydaghi Hossein , Najafi Leyla , Bellani Sebastiano , Bagheri Ahmad , Martín-García Beatriz , Salarizadeh Parisa , Hooshyari Khadijeh , Naderizadeh Sara , Serri Michele , Pasquale Lea , Wu Bing , Oropesa-Nuñez Reinier , Sofer Zdeněk , Pellegrini Vittorio , Bonaccorso Francesco
Published: January 2021

Novel nanocomposite proton-exchange membranes based on sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and functionalized tantalum disulfide (S-TaS2) overcome the dichotomy of the properties of SPEEK membranes for direct methanol fuel cells.
Laser-assisted two dimensional material electronic and optoelectronic devices
Authors: Su Bao-Wang , Zhang Xi-Lin , Xin Wei , Guo Hao-Wei , Zhang Yu-Zhe , Liu Zhi-Bo , Tian Jian-Guo
Published: January 2021

Laser processing techniques have been utilized to achieve high-performance 2D material electronic and optoelectronic devices. Herein, various 2D material electronic and optoelectronic devices fabricatedvialaser processing are reviewed.
High-pressure structural phase transition and metallization in Ga2S3 under non-hydrostatic and hydrostatic conditions up to 36.4 GPa
Authors: Yang Linfei , Jiang Jianjun , Dai Lidong , Hu Haiying , Hong Meiling , Zhang Xinyu , Li Heping , Liu Pengfei
Published: January 2021

The vibrational, electrical and structural properties of Ga2S3 were explored by Raman spectroscopy, EC measurements, HRTEM and First-principles theoretical calculations under different pressure environments up to 36.4 GPa.
Subclinical Auditory Dysfunction: Relationship Between Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions and the Audiogram
Authors: Bramhall Naomi F. , McMillan Garnett P. , Mashburn Amy N.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and audiometric thresholds have been used to account for the impacts of subclinical outer hair cell (OHC) dysfunction on auditory perception and measures of auditory physiology. However, the relationship between DPOAEs and the audiogram is unclear. This study investigated this relationship by determining how well DPOAE levels can predict the audiogram among individuals with clinically normal hearing. Additionally, the impacts of age, noise exposure, and the perception of tinnitus on the ability of DPOAE levels to predict the audiogram were evaluated.

Method

Suprathreshold DPOAE levels from 1 to 10 kHz and pure-tone thresholds from 0.25 to 16 kHz were measured in 366 ears from 194 young adults (19–35 years old) with clinically normal audiograms and middle ear function. The measured DPOAE levels at all frequencies were used to predict pure-tone thresholds at each frequency. Participants were grouped by age, self-reported noise exposure/Veteran status, and self-report of tinnitus.

Results

Including DPOAE levels in the pure-tone threshold prediction model improved threshold predictions at all frequencies from 0.25 to 16 kHz compared with a model based only on sample mean pure-tone thresholds, but these improvements were modest. DPOAE levels for
f
2
frequencies of 4 and 5 kHz were particularly influential in predicting pure-tone thresholds above 4 kHz. However, prediction accuracy varied based on participant characteristics. On average, predicted pure-tone thresholds were better than measured thresholds among Veterans, individuals with tinnitus, and the oldest age group.

Conclusions

These results indicate a complex relationship between DPOAE levels and the audiogram. Underestimation of pure-tone thresholds for some groups suggests that additional factors other than OHC damage may impact thresholds among individuals within these categories. These findings suggest that DPOAE levels and pure-tone thresholds may differ in terms of how well they reflect subclinical OHC dysfunction.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13564745
Emergent Literacy Assessment in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Who Have Limited Verbal Communication Skills: A Tutorial
Authors: Clendon Sally , Paynter Jessica , Walker Sue , Bowen Rachael , Westerveld Marleen F.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at increased risk of experiencing difficulties with the development of literacy, including the emergent literacy skills recognized to underpin conventional literacy success. Comprehensive assessment is essential. Characteristics of ASD can make assessment challenging, and this can be compounded when children are unable to demonstrate their skills using spoken language. The purpose of this clinical tutorial is to outline the process of emergent literacy assessment for children with ASD who have limited verbal communication skills. A case example of a 5-year-old boy is presented.

Method

Pertinent literature is reviewed around the literacy profiles of children with ASD, the subgroup of children with ASD who have limited verbal communication skills, key components of emergent literacy, and previous research examining the emergent literacy abilities of children with ASD. The case report is described in depth and emphasizes the key factors to consider when designing an assessment battery and protocol.

Results

The case example information is interpreted, and its application is discussed. Key outcomes are highlighted including a greater understanding of the child's literacy strengths and needs and the implications for individualized instruction.

Conclusion

The clinical tutorial highlights the need for a comprehensive, well-planned assessment approach that involves all members of the educational team, and that is considerate to the needs of the individual child and responsive to their communication needs.
Forum: Serving African American English Speakers in Schools Through Interprofessional Education & Practice
Authors: Mills Monique T.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

African American English (AAE) speakers often face mismatches between home language and school language, coupled with negative attitudes toward AAE in the classroom. This forum, Serving African American English Speakers in Schools Through Interprofessional Education & Practice, will help researchers, parents, and school-based practitioners communicate in ways that are synergistic, collaborative, and transparent to improve educational outcomes of AAE speakers.

Method

The forum includes a tutorial offering readers instructions on how to engage in community-based participatory research (Holt, 2021). Through two clinical focus articles, readers will recognize how AAE develops during the preschool years and is expressed across various linguistic contexts and elicitation tasks (Newkirk-Turner & Green, 2021) and identify markers of developmental language disorder within AAE from language samples analyzed in Computerized Language Analysis (Overton et al., 2021). Seven empirical articles employ such designs as quantitative (Byrd & Brown, 2021; Diehm & Hendricks, 2021; Hendricks & Jimenez, 2021; Maher et al., 2021; Mahurin-Smith et al., 2021), qualitative (Hamilton & DeThorne, 2021), and mixed methods (Mills et al., 2021). These articles will help readers identify ways in which AAE affects how teachers view its speakers' language skills and communicative practices and relates to its speakers' literacy outcomes.

Conclusion

The goal of the forum is to make a lasting contribution to the discipline with a concentrated focus on how to assess and address communicative variation in the U.S. classroom.
Robust cascade‐free predictive speed control for PMSM drives based on Extended State Observer
Authors: He Chun , Hu Jianhui , Li Yong
Published: January 2021

The direct predictive speed controller (DPSC) deals with the prediction of the motor speed based on precise mechanical parameters. However, the mechanical parameters are dependent on the practical applications and may not match with their actual values, which leads to inaccurate prediction of the motor behaviour and deteriorates the performance of the predictive algorithm. A three‐order Extended State Observer is designed for a permanent magnet synchronous motor to observe the unknown overall disturbance of the system and compensate the speed prediction error, which reduces the usage of the mechanical constants and improves the robustness of the system against parameter uncertainties, accurate mechanical parameters become unessential. To improve the current dynamics, by using proper weighting of the position angle observation error, along with the overall disturbance, a new current controller is incorporated in the control law of developed PSC strategy. The proposed strategy is evaluated through experimental results with a two‐level voltage source inverter. Finally, the proposed work is experimentally compared with a predictive speed control, by considering several performance indices.
Revised planet brightness temperatures using the Planck/LFI 2018 data release
Authors: Maris Michele , Romelli Erik , Tomasi Maurizio , Gregorio Anna , Sandri Maura , Galeotta Samuele , Tavagnacco Daniele , Frailis Marco , Maggio Gianmarco , Zacchei Andrea
Published: January 2021

Aims. We present new estimates of the brightness temperatures of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune based on the measurements carried in 2009–2013 by Planck/LFI at 30, 44, and 70 GHz and released to the public in 2018. This work extends the results presented in the 2013 and 2015 Planck/LFI Calibration Papers, based on the data acquired in 2009–2011.

Methods. Planck observed each planet up to eight times during the nominal mission. We processed time-ordered data from the 22 LFI radiometers to derive planet antenna temperatures for each planet and transit. We accounted for the beam shape, radiometer bandpasses, and several systematic effects. We compared our results with the results from the ninth year of WMAP, Planck/HFI observations, and existing data and models for planetary microwave emissivity.

Results. For Jupiter, we obtain Tb = 144.9, 159.8, 170.5 K (± 0.2 K at 1σ, with temperatures expressed using the Rayleigh-Jeans scale) at 30, 44 and 70 GHz, respectively, or equivalently a band averaged Planck temperature Tb(ba) = 144.7, 160.3, 171.2 K in good agreement with WMAP and existing models. A slight excess at 30 GHz with respect to models is interpreted as an effect of synchrotron emission. Our measures for Saturn agree with the results from WMAP for rings Tb = 9.2 ± 1.4, 12.6 ± 2.3, 16.2 ± 0.8 K, while for the disc we obtain Tb = 140.0 ± 1.4, 147.2 ± 1.2, 150.2 ± 0.4 K, or equivalently a Tb(ba) = 139.7, 147.8, 151.0 K. Our measures for Uranus (Tb = 152 ± 6, 145 ± 3, 132.0 ± 2 K, or Tb(ba) = 152, 145, 133 K) and Neptune (Tb = 154 ± 11, 148 ± 9, 128 ± 3 K, or Tb(ba) = 154, 149, 128 K) agree closely with WMAP and previous data in literature.
Polytropic spheres modelling dark matter haloes of dwarf galaxies
Authors: Novotný Jan , Stuchlík Zdeněk , Hladík Jan
Published: January 2021

Context. Dwarf galaxies and their dark matter (DM) haloes have velocity curves of a different character than those in large galaxies. These velocity curves are modelled by a simple pseudo-isothermal model containing only two parameters, which do not give us insight into the physics of the DM halo.

Aims. We seek to obtain some insight into the physical conditions in DM haloes of dwarf galaxies by using a simple physically based model of DM haloes.

Methods. To treat the diversity of the dwarf galaxy velocity profiles in a unifying framework, we applied polytropic spheres characterised by the polytropic index n and the relativistic parameter σ as a model of dwarf-galaxy DM haloes and matched the velocity of circular geodesics of the polytropes to the velocity curves observed in the dwarf galaxies from the LITTLE THINGS ensemble.

Results. We introduce three classes of the LITTLE THINGS dwarf galaxies in relation to the polytrope models due to the different character of the velocity profile. The first class corresponds to polytropes that have n < 1 with linearly increasing velocity along the whole profile, the second class has 1 < n < 2 and the velocity profile becomes flat in the external region, the third class has n > 2, and the velocity profile reaches a maximum and demonstrates a decline in the external region. The σ parameter has to be strongly non-relativistic (σ < 10−8) for all dwarf galaxy models; this parameter varies for the models of each class, but these variations have negligible influence on the character of the velocity profile.

Conclusions. Our results indicate a possibility that at least two different kinds of DM are behind the composition of DM haloes. The matches of the observational velocity curves are of the same quality as those obtained by the pseudo-isothermal, core-like models of dwarf galaxy DM haloes.