bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choice for reinforced behavioral variability in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Galizio Ann , Higbee Thomas S. , Odum Amy L.
Published: March 2020

Although individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to behave repetitively, certain reinforcement contingencies (e.g., lag schedules) can be used to increase behavioral variability. In a lag schedule, reinforcers only follow responses that differ from recent responses. The present study was designed to promote variable play behavior in preschoolers with ASD interacting with playsets and figurines and to assess preference for variability and repetition contingencies. Data have shown a preference for variability in pigeons and college students, but this effect has not been explored in clinical populations. In this experiment, preschoolers with ASD were taught to discriminate between variability and repetition contingencies. Only play behaviors that met a lag schedule were reinforced in the presence of one color, and only repetitive behaviors were reinforced in the presence of another. After differential performance was established, participants experienced a concurrent chains schedule. Participants chose between the colors taught in training and then completed a play session with the selected contingency. One participant selected variability and repetition equally. The other participants showed a slight preference for variability. These results indicate that some individuals with ASD may play repetitively, not because they prefer repetition, but because they require additional teaching to play variably.
Leaching of hexavalent chromium from young chromite ore processing residue
Authors: Matern Katrin , Weigand Harald , Kretzschmar Ruben , Mansfeldt Tim
Published: March 2020

Chromite ore processing residue (COPR) is a waste derived from the chromate extraction from roasted ores and is deposited in some countries in landfills. The objective of this study was to investigate the leaching characteristics of hexavalent Cr [Cr(VI)] from two COPR samples obtained from unlined landfills in the Kanpur area of northern India. Column experiments were conducted under water‐saturated conditions to simulate Cr release from the wastes caused by tropical heavy‐rain events. Leached Cr(VI) decreased from 1,800 to 300 mg L−1 (Rania site) and 1,200 to 163 mg L−1 (Chhiwali site) during exchange of 12 pore volumes, which approximately corresponds to 2 yr of monsoon precipitation. Flow interruptions for 10, 100, and 1,000 h had little effect on Cr(VI) concentrations in the leachate, suggesting that Cr(VI) leaching was not limited by slow release kinetics. Calcium aluminum chromium oxide hydrates (CAC), and highly soluble phases such as Na2CrO4 may play a role in controlling Cr(VI) concentration in the leachates. The amount of Cr(VI) leached from the columns accounted for 16% of the total Cr(VI) present in both COPR samples. A decrease in the solid‐phase Cr(VI)/Crtotal ratio along the column was identified by X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. Consistently, the smallest Cr(VI)/Crtotal ratios were found in the lower column section closest to the inflow. Our results suggest that Cr(VI) leaching from the unlined COPR landfills will continue for centuries, highlighting the urgent need to remediate these dumpsites.
Nutrient loss from floodplain soil with controlled subsurface drainage under forage production
Authors: Nash Patrick R. , Singh Gurbir , Nelson Kelly A.
Published: March 2020

Expansion of subsurface drainage into forage production may have a deleterious effect on surface waters due to increased nitrogen and phosphorus loading. The impact of controlled subsurface drainage (CD) on nitrogen and phosphorus loss compared with free subsurface drainage (FD) in tile drainage water has been explored to a lesser extent from forage production systems. This study quantifies the effects of CD and FD on average seasonal concentrations and cumulative loads of the total suspended solids (TSS), nitrate nitrogen (NO3–N), and dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) in subsurface drainage water from a poorly drained floodplain soil in a cereal rye (Secale cereale L.)–sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] rotation with rotational cattle grazing. During all crop seasons of sorghum production (2010–2013), CD had 6.03–9.63 mg L−1 less NO3–N than FD. Mean DRP concentration was significantly higher for CD than for FD during all seasons except for sorghum in 2012–2013. Average cumulative discharge was 38 and 314 m3 ha−1 less for CD than for FD during sorghum and cereal rye growing seasons, respectively. Controlled drainage had 0.68–6.14 kg ha−1 lower cumulative NO3–N loads than FD. The DRP loads were dependent on discharge. During sorghum growing seasons, TSS and DRP loads were 79–90% lower in CD compared with FD. The ability to reduce drainage water flow from tiles and subsequent nitrogen and phosphorus loading with CD compared with FD in a floodplain soil indicates that CD can be effective best management practice for forage production systems.
Editorial for “Prostate Cancer Risk Stratification in Men With a Clinical Suspicion of Prostate Cancer Using a Unique Biparametric MRI and Expression of 11 Genes in Apparently Benign Tissue: Evaluation Using Machine‐Learning Techniques”
Authors: Moses Daniel A.
Published: March 2020

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1554–1555.
Association of Body Composition, Physical Functioning, and Protein Intake in Adult Patients With Mitochondrial Diseases
Authors: Zweers Heidi E. E. , Bordier Valentine , in ‘t Hulst Jeanne , Janssen Mirian C. H. , Wanten Geert J. A. , Leij‐Halfwerk Susanne
Published: March 2020

Background

Whether decreased physical functioning of patients with mitochondrial disease (MD) is related to altered body composition or low protein intake needs clarification at the background of the nutrition state.

Methods

In this 2‐site cross‐sectional study, MD patients were age‐, body mass index (BMI)–, and gender‐matched to controls. Body composition was assessed by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Physical functioning was measured by handgrip strength, 6‐minute walking test, 30‐second sit‐to‐stand test (30SCT), and 6‐minute mastication test. Total daily protein intake was calculated by 3‐day food records. Malnutrition was assessed by Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment and the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and sarcopenia by the 2018 consensus. Data were analyzed using independent samples t‐tests, Fisher exact test, and Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

Thirty‐seven MD patients (42 ± 12 years, BMI: 23 ± 4 kg/m2, 59% females) and 37 matched controls were included. Handgrip strength was moderate, inversely related to fat mass index in both MD patients and controls, whereas it correlated with fat‐free mass index in controls solely. Protein intake was associated with muscle strength (handgrip strength and 30SCT) in MD patients but not in controls. Twenty‐seven MD patients (73%) were malnourished, and 5 (14%) were classified as sarcopenic.

Conclusions

Muscle strength is related to body composition and protein intake in MD patients. This, in combination with the high incidence of both malnutrition and sarcopenia, warrants individual nutrition assessment in MD patients.
Analog LCOS SLM devices for AR display applications
Authors: Fan‐Chiang Kuan‐Hsu , Huang Shang‐Hao , Shen Che‐Yung , Wang Hsing‐Lung , Li Yuet‐Wing , Tsai Hsien‐Chang , Huang Yi‐Pai
Published: March 2020

Liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) device is a potential candidate for spatial light modulators (SLMs) due to its high resolution and the wide range of tunable phase retardation. Besides the telecom applications, SLM is also very promising for display applications, especially for the augmented reality (AR) displays. In this paper, we will discuss the advantages of analog LCOS SLM compared with the digital one. A 0.6‐in short‐loop sample test result with precise cell gap controlled is discussed. A fast liquid crystal with high birefringence that attains less than 2.5‐ms full‐on–full‐off response time is also introduced. Regarding the computer‐generated hologram (CGH), a new algorithm called multiconstraints angular spectrum algorithm (MASA) is proposed to enhance the image quality of dual‐plane holographic projection.
Bitcoin's dynamic peer‐to‐peer topology
Authors: Essaid Meryam , Park Sejin , Ju Hong‐Taek
Published: March 2020

Topology discovery is a prerequisite when investigating the network properties; with the enormous number of Bitcoin users and performance issues, it becomes critical to analyse the network in a fashion that makes it possible to detect all Bitcoin's nodes and understand their behaviour. In massive, dynamic, and distributed peer‐to‐peer (P2P) networks like Bitcoin, where thousands of updates occur per second, it is hard to obtain an accurate topology representing the structure of the network as a graph with nodes and links by using the traditional local measurement approaches based on batches, offline data, or on the discovery of the topology around a small set of nodes and then combine them to discover an approximate network topology. All of which present some limitation when applying them on blockchain‐based networks. In this paper, we propose a topology discovery system that performs a real‐time data collection and analysis for Bitcoin P2P links, which assembles incoming nodes information for deeper graph analysis processing. The topology discovery system allows us to gain knowledge on the Bitcoin network size, the network stability in terms of reachable, churn, and well‐connected nodes, as well as some data regarding the effects of some countries' Internet infrastructure on Bitcoin traffic.
Effect of surfactant molecular structure on the electrical and thermal performance of epoxy/functionalized‐graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Vryonis Orestis , Andritsch Thomas , Vaughan Alun S. , Lewin Paul L.
Published: March 2020

In this study, three different moieties containing amino‐groups were incorporated into graphene oxide (GO) in order to modify interfacial interactions within an epoxy matrix. The GO was functionalized with two bifunctional molecules of different molar masses (d230 and d4000) and a trifunctional (t440). The resulting functionalized GO (fGO) systems were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which demonstrated the presence of the functionalizer groups. Analysis of nanocomposites including the above three fGOs by microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated that the presence of the functionalizer moieties served to improve the platelet distribution within the matrix and to affect the local fGO/matrix interfacial interactions perturbing the epoxy curing reactions; we suggest that these changes stem from the fGO surface structure and the introduction of additional reactive amine nitrogen. X‐ray diffraction revealed reduced graphitic stacking with increased functionalizer molar mass. The electrical conductivity of the fGO‐filled epoxy was enhanced with increasing functionalizer molecular weight, an effect we relate to the influence of this on platelet stacking. The thermal conductivity was, however, adversely affected by all reagents at low fGO contents.
Control of the particle microstructure during the synthesis of bulk‐polymerized transparent methacrylate‐acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene resin
Authors: Xu Lu , Liu Baijun , Zhang Mingyao , Bai Yang , Zhang Jinming , Song Jiayin
Published: March 2020

A series of methacrylate‐acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (MABS) resins was prepared using bulk polymerization. The polarity of the continuous phase and the compatibility of two phases were changed by adjusting the methyl methacrylate (MMA) content, choosing values that were close to styrene‐butadiene rubber solubility value. The possibility of controlling the microstructure of the MABS resin by changing the polarity of the components and the compatibility of two phases was assessed. The dynamic mechanical analysis shows that the compatibility of two phases varies with the MMA content. The morphological analysis shows that increasing MMA contents results in a gradual decrease in the sub‐inclusion structure with a network skeleton of rubber particles, and that all the particles become solid rubber when the MMA content reaches 75%. The sub‐inclusion structure reappears but does not have a network skeleton when the MMA content is 90%. The impact strength and morphological analysis indicate that the solid rubber particles and the sub‐inclusion structure with a network skeleton provide excellent toughness, while the sub‐inclusion structure without a network skeleton does not. In contrast, the transmittance of the ABS resin first increased and then decreased with increasing MMA content.
Mapping p38α mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling by proximity‐dependent labeling
Authors: Prikas Emmanuel , Poljak Anne , Ittner Arne
Published: March 2020

Mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling is central to multiple cellular responses and processes. MAP kinase p38α is the best characterized member of the p38 MAP kinase family. Upstream factors and downstream targets of p38α have been identified in the past by conventional methods such as coimmunoprecipitation. However, a complete picture of its interaction partners and substrates in cells is lacking. Here, we employ a proximity‐dependent labeling approach using biotinylation tagging to map the interactome of p38α in cultured 293T cells. Fusing the advanced biotin ligase BioID2 to the N‐terminus of p38α, we used mass spectrometry to identify 37 biotin‐labeled proteins that putatively interact with p38α. Gene ontology analysis confirms known upstream and downstream factors in the p38 MAP kinase cascade (e.g., MKK3, MAPKAPK2, TAB2, and c‐jun). We furthermore identify a cluster of zinc finger (ZnF) domain‐containing proteins that is significantly enriched among proximity‐labeled interactors and is involved in gene transcription and DNA damage response. Fluorescence imaging and coimmunoprecipitation with overexpressed p38α in cells supports an interaction of p38α with ZnF protein XPA, a key factor in the DNA damage response, that is promoted by UV irradiation. These results define an extensive network of interactions of p38α in cells and new direct molecular targets of MAP kinase p38α in gene regulation and the DNA damage response.
Machine Learning Gauged Supergravity
Authors: Krishnan Chethan , Mohan Vyshnav , Ray Soham
Published: March 2020

Type IIB string theory on a 5‐sphere gives rise to gauged supergravity in five dimensions. Motivated by the fact that this is the context of the most widely studied example of the AdS/CFT correspondence, we undertake an investigation of its critical points. The scalar manifold is an coset, and the challenge is that it is 42‐dimensional. We take a Machine Learning approach to the problem using TensorFlow, and this results in a substantial increase in the number of known critical points. Our list of 32 critical points contains all five of the previously known ones, including an supersymmetric point identified by Khavaev, Pilch and Warner.
Computational Studies on the Interaction of Formaldehyde Vapor with δ‐Phosphorene Nanosheet: A DFT Insight
Authors: Sabitha Ramasamy , Nagarajan Veerappan , Chandiramouli Ramanathan
Published: March 2020

We investigated the electronic properties and the structural firmness of δ‐phosphorene nanosheet (δ‐P) based on density functional theory. δ‐P shows semiconductor nature with a band gap of 0.363 eV. We used δ‐P sheets to adsorb formaldehyde vapors. The adsorption energy infers the physisorption type of interaction between formaldehyde and δ‐P. The charge transfer analysis reveals that δ‐P acts as acceptor of electrons. The density of state spectrum and band structure maps shows the variation in the energy bandgap of δ‐P, which results from the adsorption of formaldehyde. Also, a noticeable variation in the electron densities has been observed due to formaldehyde interaction with δ‐P. Thus, the result shows that δ‐P sheets can be used as a base substrate for formaldehyde vapors.
Surface Engineering of Organic Polymers by Photo‐induced Free Radical Coupling with p‐Dimethylaminophenyl Group as A Synthesis Block
Authors: Liao Qingyu , Chen Dong , Zhang Xianhong , Ma Yuhong , Yang Biao , Zhao Changwen , Yang Wantai
Published: March 2020

This contribution presents a versatile strategy to transfer unactivated surface C–H bonds of polymeric substrates to C–R–F groups (R stands for a spacer and F stands for functional group) by UV light‐assisted surface free radical coupling. With p‐dimethylaminophenyl radical as a building block, various reactive groups, such as –CHO, –SH, –B(O)OH, –CN and –SO3−, are successfully grafted onto typical commercial polymer substrates including biaxially oriented polypropylene, polyethylene phthalate, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer and dimethyl silicone rubber. Fluorencence microscope images, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV‐vis and fluorescence spectra support that the above functional groups are covalently bonded to the polymer substrates. The concentration of the reactive groups immobilized on the different substrates is in the order of 10−8 to 10−7 mmol mm−2 determined by UV‐vis spectrometry. In addition, as a proof‐of‐concept, the introduced functional groups are demonstrated by their special reactions, for example, –CHO reacting with –NH2 to synthesize Schiff base, –SH to detect silver ions, and the complexes of –C=N and Zn2+ to degrade Rhodamine B. The results indicate that one can fabricate an integrated molecular library on the surface of polymeric substrates at the molecular level by selecting the building blocks.
Effect of the Post‐Treatment of HZSM‐5 on Catalytic Performance for Methanol to Aromatics
Authors: Li Hui , Dong Peng , Ji Dong , Zhao XinHong , Li Chunqiang , Cheng Chunhui , Li Guixian
Published: March 2020

The preparation of aromatic by methanol was the most effective way for rational utilization of resources. However, the catalyst for MTA reaction has not yet been successfully studied. Therefore, highly active and shape‐selective HZSM‐5 zeolite‐based catalysts were designed and synthesized by post‐treatments of desilication, dealumination, surface‐passivation and hydrothermal treatment tuning pore structure and acid amount and acid concentration of catalysts. XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, NH3‐TPD and Py‐IR were used for research and analysis the structure‐activity relationship between the catalysts and MTA reaction. The results showed that the total acid amount of catalyst shown a significant role in increasing the BTX selectivity. The selectivity of aromatics increased from 33 % to 58.1 % after hydrothermal treatment compared to the parent HZSM‐5 zeolite due to the decreased of total acid amount. Nevertheless the weak acid sites were crucial in increasing the p‐xylene selectivity. The selectivity of p‐xylene reached 63.8 % and 70.1 % after hydrothermal treatment and surface‐passivation due to the increased of weak acid sites, respectively. Modified HZSM‐5 zeolite‐base catalysts showed good application prospects in producing aromatics from methanol.
A New Generation of Platinum‐Copper Electrocatalysts with Ultra‐Low Concentrations of Platinum for Oxygen‐Reduction Reactions in Alkaline Media
Authors: Parkash Anand , Jia Zhou , Tian Tang , Ge Zhang , Yu Chen , Chunli Xu
Published: March 2020

In order to reduce the cost and enhance the performance of the cathode catalyst for fuel cell, support‐less, ultra‐low Pt contents based nanostructured platinum copper (Pt−Cu) nanoparticles (NPs), with differential Pt‐contents, were prepared using CTAB‐reduction approach and avoiding utilization of high Pt contents, while keeping high electrocatalytic activity and durability. The novelty of present work lies in the suggested synthesis method for support‐free Pt−Cu NPs with lower Pt loadings (0.04‐0.25 wt.%). Pt0.25Cu NPs (Eo 0.98 V vs. RHE) exhibits high ORR performance compared to Pt/C (20 wt.%) (Eo 0.97 V vs. RHE). The synthesis method of our Pt−Cu NPs will find wide application in the preparation of bimetallic nanocatalysts.
Hydroxypropyl β‐Cyclodextrin Solubilizing Hydrophobic Initiator to Initiate Copper‐Mediated RDRP of NIPAM in Aqueous Media
Authors: Lu Hang , Gao Ming , Song Ronghao , Ye Lin , Zhang Ai‐Ying , Feng Zeng‐Guo
Published: March 2020

The copper mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization (Cu0‐RDRP) can realize the precise synthesis of vinyl polymers in aqueous media. To our best of knowledge, there are few hydrophobic initiators directly utilized to perform the aqueous Cu0‐RDRP because the heterogeneity usually causes the polymerization to go out of control. This article first describes a very small number of hydroxylpropyl β‐cyclodextrins (HP‐β‐CDs) enabling to solubilize a bifunctional hydrophobic initiator tetraethylene glycol bis(2‐bromoisobutyrate) (T2B) into water to initiate the homogeneous Cu0‐RDRP of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) giving rise to well‐defined poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). The solubilization action is arisen from the inclusion complexation of HP‐β‐CDs with T2B as evidenced by 2D NOESY and 2D DOSY NMR analyses. Furthermore these entrapped HP‐β‐CDs show little effect on the polymerization process as they all skip off the initiator at the very beginning of the polymerization as determined by GPC and 1H NMR measurements.
Melamine‐Induced N,S‐Codoped Hierarchically Porous Carbon Nanosheets for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Tian Wen‐Wen , Ren Jin‐Tao , Lv Xian‐Wei , Gao Li‐Jiao , Yuan Zhong‐Yong
Published: March 2020

Exploring an efficient strategy to enhance the catalytic oxygen reduction performance of carbon‐based catalysts is of great significance in the field of electrocatalysis. In this work, through a facile polymerization‐carbonization approach under the regulation of melamine, N,S‐codoped hierarchically porous carbon nanosheets with controllable morphology are fabricated by using polyaniline as the precursor. The resultant catalysts have favorable features of the synergetic effect of N,S co‐doping and the advanced structural property with high specific surface area and hierarchical pore structure, contributing to an encouraging onset potential (Eonset = 0.94 V) in alkaline media, comparable to that of Pt/C catalysts, as well as excellent electrochemical stability and methanol tolerance. By rationally adjusting the experimental parameters, the mechanism of melamine on the formation of final porous nanosheet structure during high‐temperature pyrolysis is clarified, and the optimal experimental conditions for the superior catalysts are also discussed. Furthermore, a rechargeable Zn‐air battery constructed with the resulting materials exhibits desirable performance with low charge‐discharge gap and impressive life‐span. This contribution would supply some novel inspiration to design carbon‐based materials with desired features for energy‐related technologies.
Calcium Carbide as Acetylene Source in Cascade Assemblies of Hydroxypyrrolines and 3H‐Pyrroles from Ketoximes
Authors: Shabalin Dmitrii A. , Dubovtsev Alexey Yu. , Schmidt Elena Yu. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: March 2020

Two types of rare five‐membered aza‐heterocycles, namely 3,3‐disubstituted‐3H‐pyrroles and 5‐hydroxypyrrolines, were synthesized from calcium carbide and available sec‐alkyl (het)aryl ketoximes in the MOH/DMSO (M=Na, K) superbase systems. In contrast to the known procedures implemented with acetylene gas, the modified method is expedient and much safer that makes these intriguing aza‐heterocycles accessible for any laboratory without facilities working with acetylene gas.
An Efficient Acetalization Method for Biomass‐Derived Furfural with Ethanol Using γ‐Al2O3‐Supported Catalysts
Authors: Castellanos‐Blanco Nahury , Taborda Gonzalo , Cobo Martha
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the mono and bimetallic catalysts of Rh, Pt and Ni supported on γ‐Al2O3were tested for the selective acetalization of furfural to produce furfural diethyl acetal in a mixture containing furfural diluted in ethanol. Ni1.5Rh1.5/γ‐Al2O3exhibited the highest catalytic activity among all the tested catalysts, with an 85% furfural conversion and 100% furfural diethyl acetal selectivity at 100 °C and 30 min of reaction. Catalyst characterization showed that Ni1.5Rh1.5/γ‐Al2O3presented particle sizes smaller than 1.2 nm, and the active metals were partially oxidized (RhIIIand NiII). A direct correlation between conversion and weak acidity of mono and bimetallic catalysts was obtained. Interestingly, despite exhibiting strong acidity, γ‐Al2O3alone was little active in the process, which evidenced the role of the metal in acetalization of furfural into ethanol.In‐situDRIFTS experiments indicated that furfural is easily adsorbed onto these small particles as Niδ+‐(η1‐O,C‐FFR) and Rhδ+‐ethoxide species and rapidly transforms into furfural diethyl acetal and water. The catalyst was recycled four times, with a loss in catalytic activity of approximately 19%. The Ni1.5Rh1.5/γ‐Al2O3catalyst was also successfully applied in the condensation of a variety of biomass derivatives.
Chemical and Colloidal Dynamics of MnO2 Nanosheets in Biological Media Relevant for Nanosafety Assessment
Authors: Gray Evan P. , Browning Cynthia L. , Vaslet Charles A. , Gion Kyle D. , Green Allen , Liu Muchun , Kane Agnes B. , Hurt Robert H.
Published: March 2020

Many layered crystal phases can be exfoliated or assembled into ultrathin 2D nanosheets with novel properties not achievable by particulate or fibrous nanoforms. Among these 2D materials are manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanosheets, which have applications in batteries, catalysts, and biomedical probes. A novel feature of MnO2 is its sensitivity to chemical reduction leading to dissolution and Mn2+ release. Biodissolution is critical for nanosafety assessment of 2D materials, but the timing and location of MnO2 biodissolution in environmental or occupational exposure scenarios are poorly understood. This work investigates the chemical and colloidal dynamics of MnO2 nanosheets in biological media for environmental and human health risk assessment. MnO2 nanosheets are insoluble in most aqueous phases, but react with strong and weak reducing agents in biological fluid environments. In vitro, reductive dissolution can be slow enough in cell culture media for MnO2 internalization by cells in the form of intact nanosheets, which localize in vacuoles, react to deplete intracellular glutathione, and induce cytotoxicity that is likely mediated by intracellular Mn2+ release. The results are used to classify MnO2 nanosheets within a new hazard screening framework for 2D materials, and the implications of MnO2 transformations for nanotoxicity testing and nanosafety assessment are discussed.
Boosting Efficiency and Stability of Planar Inverted (FAPbI3)x(MAPbBr3)1−x Solar Cells via FAPbI3 and MAPbBr3 Crystal Powders
Authors: Wang Jiantao , Meng Fanxu , Li Ruxue , Chen Shaoqing , Huang Xiaoyu , Xu Jing , Lin Xiaosong , Chen Rui , Wu Hongkai , Wang Hsing-Lin
Published: March 2020

Solution‐processed perovskite precursors, especially for MAPbBr3‐assisted FAPbI3 crystallization, has been noted to achieve high power conversion efficiency (PCE) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, this low‐temperature processed (FAPbI3)x(MAPbBr3)1−x typical precursor derived from commercial products (FAI, PbI2, MABr, and PbBr2) suffers from environmental sensitivity, poor film crystallinity and less than ideal device reproducibility. Herein, (FAPbI3)x(MAPbBr3)1–x (0.80 ≤ x ≤ 0.90)‐based planar inverted PSCs are fabricated, employing grinded monocrystalline MAPbBr3 and powdered polycrystalline FAPbI3 as precursors. The champion device with optimal molar ratio x = 0.85 comprising highly crystalline larger‐grained perovskite film with enhanced carrier transport kinetics and reduced trap‐state density exhibits boosted efficiency reaching 20.50%, which shows a 22.90% improvement over typical precursors with a PCE of 16.68%. In addition, the crystal powder precursor yields obvious film stability under ambient conditions (23 °C, 65–85% humidity) for 150 days and improved device storage stability in the glove box within two months. This protocol using stock crystal powders for perovskite precursor formulation provides a relatively facile and reproducible device fabrication route for the commercialization of PSCs.
Effects of metformin on recognition memory and hippocampal neuroplasticity in rats with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Muñoz‐Arenas Guadalupe , Pulido Guadalupe , Treviño Samuel , Vázquez‐Roque Rubén , Flores Gonzalo , Moran Carolina , Handal‐Silva Anabella , Guevara Jorge , Venegas Berenice , Díaz Alfonso
Published: March 2020

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a health problem that is characterized by body fat accumulation, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia; recently, it has been demonstrated that MS also damages memory processes. The first‐line drug in the treatment of MS and type 2 diabetes mellitus is metformin, which is an antihyperglycemic agent. This drug has been shown to produce neuroprotection and to improve memory processes. However, the mechanism involved in this neuroprotection is unknown. A 90‐day administration of metformin improved the cognitive processes of rats with MS as evaluated by the novel object recognition test, and this finding could be explained by an increase in the neuronal spine density and spine length. We also found that metformin increased the immunoreactivity of synaptophysin, sirtuin‐1, AMP‐activated protein kinase, and brain‐derived neuronal factor, which are important plasticity markers. We conclude that metformin is an important therapeutic agent that increases neural plasticity and protects cognitive processes. The use of this drug is important in the minimization of the damage caused by MS.
Effects of Kampo therapy on prognosis in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (report 1)
Authors: Homma Yukihiko , Ohtsuka Yoshinori
Published: March 2020

Aim

We retrospectively examined the effects of Kampo therapy on survival rate in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs), who were treated in our institute for over 40 years, from 1978 to 2018.

Method

Main phenotype of IIPs was IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and f‐NSIP (nonspecific interstitial pneumonia). Fifty‐nine (37 men, 22 women) patients were included in this study with an average age at onset of 63.6 years. Kampo formulas were prescribed according to the patients' pathophysiological characteristics. A combination of saireito plus keishibukuryogan was one of the most frequently used formulas prescribed for IIPs. Saireito, which suppresses inflammation in various diseases, is usually used for hypochondriac discomfort and distension and keishibukuryogan is used for elimination of blood stasis.

Results

The median survival time with Kampo therapy was 169.6 months (95% CI: 119.5–219.8). Adding this median survival time to the average age at onset (63.6 years old) of this study group gives an age of 77.8, which is close to the average life span of the Japanese.

Conclusion

This result is better than the expected period of survival (median survival) in previously published studies. This result suggests the efficacy of Kampo therapy for IIPs, especially IPF and f‐NSIP.
Genomic prediction of maternal haploid induction rate in maize
Authors: Almeida Vinícius Costa , Trentin Henrique Uliana , Frei Ursula Karoline , Lübberstedt Thomas
Published: March 2020

Genomic prediction (GP) might be an efficient way to improve haploid induction rate (HIR) and to reduce the laborious and time‐consuming task of phenotypic selection for HIR in maize (Zea mays L.). In this study, we evaluated GP accuracies for HIR and other agronomic traits of importance to inducers by independent and cross‐validation. We propose the use of GP for cross prediction and parental selection in the development of new inducer breeding populations. A panel of 159 inducers from Iowa State University (ISU set) was genotyped and phenotyped for HIR and several agronomic traits. The data of an independent set of 53 inducers evaluated by the University of Hohenheim (UOH set) was used for independent validation. The HIR ranged from 0.61 to 20.74% and exhibited high heritability (0.90). High cross‐validation prediction accuracy was observed for HIR (r = 0.82), whereas for other traits it ranged from 0.36 (self‐induction rate) to 0.74 (days to anthesis). Prediction accuracies across different sets were higher when the larger panel (ISU set) was used as a training population (r = 0.54). The average HIR of the 12,561 superior predicted progenies (μSP) ranged from 1.00–18.36% and was closely related to the corresponding midparent genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV). A predicted genetic variance (VG) of reduced magnitude was observed in the twenty crosses with highest midparent GEBV or μSP for HIR. Our results indicate that although GP is a useful tool for parental selection, decisions about which cross combinations should be pursued need to be based on optimal trade‐offs between maximizing both μSP and VG.
Liouville type Theorems for the 3D stationary Hall‐MHD equations
Authors: Li Zhouyu , Niu Pengcheng
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this paper is to establish the Liouville type theorems for the stationary Hall‐MHD equations on . We prove that the velocity and magnetic fields, belonging to some Lorentz spaces, must be zero. In particular, we also show Liouville type results for 3D stationary Navier‐Stokes equations. Our results extend and generalize previous result contained in Kozono, et al., (2017) [15].
Interaction between a screw dislocation and a completely coated semi‐infinite anticrack
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: March 2020

We use complex variable methods to derive analytic solutions to the problem associated with the interaction between a screw dislocation and a completely coated semi‐infinite anticrack. The two sides of the anticrack or rigid line inclusion are perfectly bonded to the surrounding coating, which is also perfectly bonded to its neighboring matrix. The screw dislocation can be located anywhere in the composite structure. We obtain explicit expressions for the resultant stress intensity factor characterizing the square root singularity in the stress distribution at the anticrack tip, the resultant anticrack contraction force, which is always negative, and the image force acting on the screw dislocation.
Some results on $$\mathcal {L}$$-commutative semigroups
Authors: Gigoń Roman S.
Published: March 2020

We prove first that every$$\mathcal {H}$$H-commutative semigroup is stable. Using this result [and some results from the standard text (Nagy, Special classes of semigroups, Kluwer, Dordrecht, 2001)], we give two equivalent conditions for a semigroup to be an archimedean$$\mathcal {H}$$H-commutative semigroup containing an idempotent element. It turns out that this result can be partially extended to$$\mathcal {L}$$L-commutative semigroups and quasi-commutative semigroups.
Diagnostic Performance of Neck Ultrasonography in the Preoperative Evaluation for Extrathyroidal Extension of Suspicious Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Ramundo Valeria , Di Gioia Cira Rosaria Tiziana , Falcone Rosa , Lamartina Livia , Biffoni Marco , Giacomelli Laura , Filetti Sebastiano , Durante Cosimo , Grani Giorgio
Published: March 2020

Background

A preoperative neck ultrasound (US) is recommended for all patients with suspected thyroid cancer, to identify features potentially changing surgical extent. The extrathyroidal extension (ETE) is considered an indication for total thyroidectomy, but there is limited consensus on its US definition, and the interobserver reliability is low. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of neck US for ETE before surgery and to estimate the diagnostic performance of different US findings, evaluated during real‐time examinations.

Methods

Patients referred to surgery between November 1, 2015, and May 31, 2019, for a suspicious thyroid cancer underwent a preoperative neck US, with systematic assessment for ETE. Three definitions were tested: very restrictive (capsular disruption with suspicious images of surrounding tissues invasion), restrictive (including also capsular abutment with evidence of capsular disruption), and nonrestrictive (capsular abutment is sufficient). Histopathology report of ETE involving at least soft tissues was considered positive. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated.

Results

The study cohort included 128 patients, with 102 (79.7%) confirmed malignancies, and 44 (43.1%) histological ETE. The nonrestrictive definition had good sensitivity (86.4%) but low specificity (29.8%), with an NPV of 80.6%; the restrictive definition had higher specificity (81%), while the very restrictive had specificity and PPV of 100%.

Conclusions

A more extensive surgical approach should not be based on US suspicion of ETE alone, with the possible exception of gross invasion appearance. The absence of any sign of ETE, on the other hand, has a substantial negative predictive value.
Management of functional neurological disorder
Authors: Gilmour Gabriela S. , Nielsen Glenn , Teodoro Tiago , Yogarajah Mahinda , Coebergh Jan Adriaan , Dilley Michael D. , Martino Davide , Edwards Mark J.
Published: March 2020

Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a common cause of persistent and disabling neurological symptoms. These symptoms are varied and include abnormal control of movement, episodes of altered awareness resembling epileptic seizures and abnormal sensation and are often comorbid with chronic pain, fatigue and cognitive symptoms. There is increasing evidence for the role of neurologists in both the assessment and management of FND. The aim of this review is to discuss strategies for the management of FND by focusing on the diagnostic discussion and general principles, as well as specific treatment strategies for various FND symptoms, highlighting the role of the neurologist and proposing a structure for an interdisciplinary FND service.
The membrane of Liliequist—a safe haven in the middle of the brain. A narrative review
Authors: Volovici V. , Varvari I. , Dirven C. M. F. , Dammers R.
Published: March 2020

Background

The membrane of Liliequist is one of the best-known inner arachnoid membranes and an essential intraoperative landmark when approaching the interpeduncular cistern but also an obstacle in the growth of lesions in the sellar and parasellar regions. The limits and exact anatomical description of this membrane are still unclear, as it blends into surrounding structures and joins other arachnoid membranes.

Methods

We performed a systematic narrative review by searching for articles describing the anatomy and the relationship of the membrane of Liliequist with surrounding structures in MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar. Included articles were cross-checked for missing references. Both preclinical and clinical studies were included, if they detailed the clinical relevance of the membrane of Liliequist.

Results

Despite a common definition of the localisation of the membrane of Liliequist, important differences exist with respect to its anatomical borders. The membrane appears to be continuous with the pontomesencephalic and pontomedullary membranes, leading to an arachnoid membrane complex around the brainstem. Furthermore, Liliequist’s membrane most likely continues along the oculomotor nerve sheath in the cavernous sinus, blending into and giving rise to the carotid-oculomotor membrane.

Conclusion

Further standardized anatomical studies are needed to clarify the relation of the membrane of Liliequist with surrounding structures but also the anatomy of the arachnoid membranes in general. Our study supports this endeavour by identifying the knowledge hiatuses and reviewing the current knowledge base.
Iterated Extensions and Uniserial Length Categories
Authors: Eriksen Eivind
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we study length categories using iterated extensions. We fix a fieldk, and for any familySof orthogonalk-rational points in an Abeliank-category$\mathcal {A}$A, we consider the categoryExt(S) of iterated extensions ofSin$\mathcal {A}$A, equipped with the natural forgetful functor$\mathbf {Ext}(\mathsf {S}) \to \mathbf {\mathcal {A}}(\mathsf {S})$Ext(S)→A(S)into the length category$\mathbf {\mathcal {A}}(\mathsf {S})$A(S). There is a necessary and sufficient condition for a length category to be uniserial, due to Gabriel, expressed in terms of the Gabriel quiver (or Ext-quiver) of the length category. Using Gabriel’s criterion, we give a complete classification of the indecomposable objects in$\mathbf {\mathcal {A}}(\mathsf {S})$A(S)when it is a uniserial length category. In particular, we prove that there is an obstruction for a path in the Gabriel quiver to give rise to an indecomposable object. The obstruction vanishes in the hereditary case, and can in general be expressed using matric Massey products. We discuss the close connection between this obstruction, and the noncommutative deformations of the familySin$\mathcal {A}$A. As an application, we classify all graded holonomicD-modules on a monomial curve over the complex numbers, obtaining the most explicit results over the affine line, whenDis the first Weyl algebra. We also give a non-hereditary example, where we compute the obstructions and show that they do not vanish.
Disclosure of Same-Sex Sexual Practices to Family and Healthcare Providers by Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Nigeria
Authors: Kokogho Afoke , Amusu Senate , Baral Stefan D. , Charurat Manhattan E. , Adebajo Sylvia , Makanjuola Olumide , Tonwe Veronica , Storme Casey , Michael Nelson L. , Robb Merlin L. , Ake Julie A. , Nowak Rebecca G. , Crowell Trevor A. ,   for the TRUST/RV368 Study Group
Published: March 2020

Disclosure of same-sex sexual practices by men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) may facilitate appropriate healthcare engagement, including risk assessment for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and negotiation of condom use with partners. However, disclosure may also generate stigma. In these cross-sectional analyses, MSM and TGW were categorized based on self-report of disclosure to family members and healthcare providers (HCP) at enrollment into the TRUST/RV368 study of comprehensive HIV and STI care programs in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to estimate relative risk of disclosure with 95% confidence intervals. Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to compare condom use and stigma indicators by disclosure status. Of 2557 participants who answered baseline questions about disclosure, 384 (15.0%) had ever disclosed to a family member and 733 (28.7%) to HCP, including 192 (7.5%) who disclosed to both. Higher education, prevalent HIV infections, and residence in Lagos were each associated with increased likelihood of disclosure to family and HCP. Older participants were more likely to disclose to HCP but not family. Participants who made a disclosure to family or HCP were more likely to report condom use during anal sex as well as perceived and experienced stigma that included healthcare avoidance, blackmail, assault, and sexual violence as compared to participants who had not disclosed. Improved disclosure practices within safe spaces may enhance engagement of MSM and TGW in healthcare and HIV prevention services.
VR4Health: Personalized teaching and learning anatomy using VR
Authors: Fairén M. , Moyés J. , Insa E.
Published: March 2020

Virtual Reality (VR) is being integrated into many different areas of our lives, from industrial engineering to video-games, and also including teaching and education. We have several examples where VR has been used to engage students and facilitate their 3D spatial understanding, but can VR help also teachers? What are the benefits teachers can obtain on using VR applications? In this paper we present an application (VR4Health) designed to allow students to directly inspect 3D models of several human organs by using Virtual Reality systems. The application is designed to be used in an HMD device autonomously as a self-learning tool and also reports information to teachers in order that he/she becomes aware of what the students do and can redirect his/her work to the concrete necessities of the student. We evaluate both the students’ and the teachers’ perception by doing an experiment and asking them to fill-in a questionnaire at the end of the experiment.
Local Ultrasonic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Demonstration on Plate Inspection
Authors: Rus J. , Grosse C. U.
Published: March 2020

Local ultrasonic resonance spectroscopy (LURS) is a new approach to ultrasound signal analysis, which was necessitated by a novel inspection method capable of the contact-free, localized, broadband generation and detection of ultrasound. By performing a LURS scan, it is possible to detect local mechanical resonances of various features and of the specimen itself. They are highly sensitive to local mechanical properties. By observing different parameters in the frequency spectrum (e.g., resonance amplitude and resonance peak frequency), geometrical, material and condition properties can be visualized for all of the scanning positions. We demonstrate LURS for inspection of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer plate. Local defect resonances of delaminations and a flat-bottom hole were detected in the frequency range from 25 to 110 kHz. Analyzing the higher frequency range (0.3 MHz to 1.5 MHz) of the same scan, the shift of the thickness resonance frequency of the plate and its higher-order resonance frequencies carry the information about the aluminum inclusions. LURS shows an advantage in characterizing the localized features of the specimens via contact-free ultrasonic inspection.
Using olfactory media cues in e-learning – perspectives from an empirical investigation
Authors: Alkasasbeh Anas Ali , Ghinea Gheorghita
Published: March 2020

People interact with computers using their senses. Currently, in a digital context, traditional digital media like videos and images used to convey information to users, and these media can be used as a source of information. However, relatively few studies have been conducted on olfactory media as a source of information in a digital context. In this paper, we report on a study that examined the possibility of using olfactory media as a source of information and whether its usage as informational cues enhances learning performance and user Quality of Experience (QoE). To this end, an olfactory-enhanced quiz (web-based) was developed about four countries. The quiz contained different types of questions employing four types of digital media in their contents: text, image, audio and olfactory media. Four scents were used that were considered to be related to the respective countries. Sixty-four participants were invited to our experiment to evaluate this application. Our results revealed that usage of olfactory media synchronised with traditional digital media had a significant impact on learner performance compared to the case when no olfactory media was employed. In respect of user QoE, it was found that olfactory media influenced users positively; moreover, they were passionate about engaging with enhanced olfactory applications in the future.
An analog of the Dougall formula and of the de Branges–Wilson integral
Authors: Neretin Yury A.
Published: March 2020

We derive a beta-integral over $${\mathbb {Z}}\times {\mathbb {R}}$$

Z
×
R

, which is a counterpart of the Dougall $$_5H_5$$

5

H
5

-formula and of the de Branges–Wilson integral, our integral includes $$_{10}H_{10}$$

10

H
10

-summation. For a derivation we use a two-dimensional integral transform related to representations of the Lorentz group, this transform is a counterpart of the Olevskii index transform (a synonym: Jacobi transform).