bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying Autism Using Untargeted Metabolomics in Newborn Screening Samples
Authors: Courraud Julie , Ernst Madeleine , Svane Laursen Susan , Hougaard David M. , Cohen Arieh S.
Published: January 2021

Main risk factors of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include both genetic and non-genetic factors, especially prenatal and perinatal events. Newborn screening dried blood spot (DBS) samples have great potential for the study of early biochemical markers of disease. To study DBS strengths and limitations in the context of ASD research, we analyzed the metabolomic profiles of newborns later diagnosed with ASD. We performed LC-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics on DBS from 37 case-control pairs randomly selected from the iPSYCH sample. After preprocessing using MZmine 2.41, metabolites were putatively annotated using mzCloud, GNPS feature-based molecular networking, and MolNetEnhancer. A total of 4360 mass spectral features were detected, of which 150 (113 unique) could be putatively annotated at a high confidence level. Chemical structure information at a broad level could be retrieved for 1009 metabolites, covering 31 chemical classes. Although no clear distinction between cases and controls was revealed, our method covered many metabolites previously associated with ASD, suggesting that biochemical markers of ASD are present at birth and may be monitored during newborn screening. Additionally, we observed that gestational age, age at sampling, and month of birth influence the metabolomic profiles of newborn DBS, which informs us on the important confounders to address in future studies.
SEOM clinical guideline in ovarian cancer (2020)
Authors: Redondo A. , Guerra E. , Manso L. , Martin-Lorente C. , Martinez-Garcia J. , Perez-Fidalgo J. A. , Varela M. Q. , Rubio M. J. , Barretina-Ginesta M. P. , Gonzalez-Martin A.
Published: January 2021

Despite remarkable advances in the knowledge of molecular biology and treatment, ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer. In the last decade, there have been important advances both in systemic and surgical treatment. However, there is no doubt that the incorporation of PARP inhibitors as maintenance after the response to platinum-based chemotherapy, first in recurrent disease and recently also in first line, will change the natural history of the disease.

The objective of this guide is to summarize the current evidence for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of ovarian cancer, and to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice.
Investigating cattle husbandry in the Swiss Late Neolithic using different scales of temporal precision: potential early evidence for deliberate livestock “improvement” in Europe
Authors: Wright Elizabeth
Published: January 2021

Cattle were the most common domestic livestock animal throughout much of the Neolithic period in the area now occupied by modern day Switzerland, home to a significant number of sites dating to between approximately 4400 and 2500 cal BC. Many of these sites were located in wetland locations, resulting in very well-preserved large faunal assemblages which can be dated using dendrochronology with rare precision. This region is also particularly important for our knowledge of the spread of culture and innovation through Central Europe during the Neolithic period—its topography results in a natural corridor through which influences travelled from both the east and west. This study is the first to combine cattle data from across the whole of Switzerland, focusing on %NISP and biometrical data, in order to investigate how cattle husbandry changed over time, comparing the east and west of the region. A number of different temporal scales are used in order to look for broad patterns and then focus in for more detail. Results indicate that there is a clear correlation between %NISP and body size of cattle throughout much of the Swiss Neolithic and that cattle husbandry changed broadly in line with perceived cultural changes in both the east and west. Of particular interest is a clear increase in both %NISP and body size around the time of the introduction of the Corded Ware culture, contrary to the general pattern of cattle body size decrease seen across Europe at this time. This change is seen, however, in the west of Switzerland prior to the east and raises questions around alternative origins and areas of influence. Either way, the most likely explanation for the increase in cattle size is the introduction of a new population (or populations) of larger cattle into the region, which are incorporated into herds over a few hundred years, providing perhaps some of the earliest evidence for cattle “improvement” in Europe.
The origins and evolution of Cypriot glazed ware productions during the thirteenth to seventeenth centuries CE
Authors: Ting Carmen , Rehren Thilo , Vionis Athanasios , Kassianidou Vasiliki
Published: January 2021

This paper challenges the conventional characterisation of glazed ware productions in the eastern Mediterranean, especially the ones which did not feature the use of opaque or tin-glazed technology, as technologically stagnant and unsusceptible to broader socio-economic developments from the late medieval period onwards. Focusing on the Cypriot example, we devise a new approach that combines scientific analyses (thin-section petrography and SEM-EDS) and a full consideration of thechaîne opératoirein context to highlight the changes in technology and craft organisation of glazed ware productions concentrating in the Paphos, Famagusta and Lapithos region during the thirteenth to seventeenth centuries CE. Our results indicate that the Paphos production was short-lived, lasting from the establishment of Frankish rule in Cyprus in the thirteenth century to the aftermath of the fall of the Crusader campaigns in the fourteenth century. However, glazed ware production continued in Famagusta and Lapithos from the late thirteenth/fourteenth centuries through to the seventeenth century, using technical practices that were evidently different from the Paphos production. It is possible that these productions were set up to serve the new, local demands deriving from an intensification of commercial activities on the island. Further changes occurred to the technical practices of the Famagusta and Lapithos productions around the 16th/17th centuries, coinciding with the displacement of populations and socio-political organisation brought by the Ottoman rule.
Automatic Expansion of Domain-Specific Affective Models for Web Intelligence Applications
Authors: Weichselbraun Albert , Steixner Jakob , Braşoveanu Adrian M.P. , Scharl Arno , Göbel Max , Nixon Lyndon J. B.
Published: January 2021

Sentic computing relies on well-defined affective models of different complexity—polarity to distinguish positive and negative sentiment, for example, or more nuanced models to capture expressions of human emotions. When used to measure communication success, even the most granular affective model combined with sophisticated machine learning approaches may not fully capture an organisation’s strategic positioning goals. Such goals often deviate from the assumptions of standardised affective models. While certain emotions such asJoyandTrusttypically represent desirable brand associations, specific communication goals formulated by marketing professionals often go beyond such standard dimensions. For instance, the brand manager of a television show may considerfearorsadnessto be desired emotions for its audience. This article introduces expansion techniques for affective models, combining common and commonsense knowledge available in knowledge graphs with language models and affective reasoning, improving coverage and consistency as well as supporting domain-specific interpretations of emotions. An extensive evaluation compares the performance of different expansion techniques: (i) a quantitative evaluation based on the revisitedHourglass of Emotionsmodel to assess performance on complex models that cover multiple affective categories, using manually compiled gold standard data, and (ii) a qualitative evaluation of a domain-specific affective model for television programme brands. The results of these evaluations demonstrate that the introduced techniques support a variety of embeddings and pre-trained models. The paper concludes with a discussion on applying this approach to other scenarios where affective model resources are scarce.
Falling through the Cracks: Dealing with the Problem of the Unclassifieds in RELTRAD
Authors: Burge Ryan P. , Djupe Paul
Published: January 2021

Background

RELTRAD is the most popular and widely used classification scheme for sorting religious traditions in the social sciences, however it struggles with how to sort non-denominational Protestants into one of the existing categories, with a growing number falling into an often ignored “unclassified” category.

Purpose

To demonstrate the growing problem of excluding non-denominational protestants who attend infrequently in the current iteration of RELTRAD. We assess the assumption that the “unclassified” respondents are akin to those who select a “don't know” option and should be excluded. We also propose several ways to reintroduce low attending non-denominationals back into the larger sample.

Methods

As a means to assess the political and religious characteristics of these “unclassified” respondents, we compare non-denominationals to a prototypical evangelical denomination—the Southern Baptist Convention and a prototypical mainline denomination—the United Methodist Church using General Social Survey data from 2000 to 2018. We also re-run models of social and political phenomena, originally shown by Steensland et al. (Soc Forces 79:291, 2000), with the new and old RELTRAD categories.

Results

Analyses indicate that non-denominational Protestants who attend church at least once a month have similar characteristics to evangelicals, justifying their current classification. However, non-denominationals who attend less frequently are more difficult to sort cleanly as they are more conservative than United Methodists but more liberal than Southern Baptists. However, the gaps caused by attendance among the three groups is comparable, undermining the RELTRAD assumption that low attending non-denominationals should be excluded from the sample.

Conclusions and Implications

We reject the decision to exclude low attending non-denominationals from samples. Combined with other analyses of non-denominational Christians that show differences by denominationalism, we conclude that the best way forward may be creating an entirely new RELTRAD category for non-denominational Protestants that would solve the problem of the unclassifieds and not lose measure specificity. This choice brings new questions into focus as researchers can acknowledge the rapidly growing non-denominational category and assess the degrees of overlap and distinction with traditional religious families in the United States.
Left and right ventricular dysfunction in patients with COVID-19-associated myocardial injury
Authors: Bieber Stéphanie , Kraechan Angelina , Hellmuth Johannes C. , Muenchhoff Maximilian , Scherer Clemens , Schroeder Ines , Irlbeck Michael , Kaeaeb Stefan , Massberg Steffen , Hausleiter Joerg , Grabmaier Ulrich , Orban Mathias , Weckbach Ludwig T.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

SARS-COV-2 infection can develop into a multi-organ disease. Although pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19-associated myocardial injury have been studied throughout the pandemic course in 2019, its morphological characterisation is still unclear. With this study, we aimed to characterise echocardiographic patterns of ventricular function in patients with COVID-19-associated myocardial injury.

Methods

We prospectively assessed 32 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 and presence or absence of elevated high sensitive troponin T (hsTNT+ vs. hsTNT-) by comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) and strain echocardiography.

Results

A minority (34.3%) of patients had normal ventricular function, whereas 65.7% had left and/or right ventricular dysfunction defined by impaired left and/or right ventricular ejection fraction and strain measurements. Concomitant biventricular dysfunction was common in hsTNT+ patients. We observed impaired left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with myocardial injury (-13.9% vs. -17.7% for hsTNT+ vs. hsTNT-, p = 0.005) but preserved LV ejection fraction (52% vs. 59%, p = 0.074). Further, in these patients, right ventricular (RV) systolic function was impaired with lower RV ejection fraction (40% vs. 49%, p = 0.001) and reduced RV free wall strain (-18.5% vs. -28.3%, p = 0.003). Myocardial dysfunction partially recovered in hsTNT + patients after 52 days of follow-up. In particular, LV-GLS and RV-FWS significantly improved from baseline to follow-up (LV-GLS: -13.9% to -16.5%, p = 0.013; RV-FWS: -18.5% to -22.3%, p = 0.037).

Conclusion

In patients with COVID-19-associated myocardial injury, comprehensive 3D and strain echocardiography revealed LV dysfunction by GLS and RV dysfunction, which partially resolved at 2-month follow-up.

Trial registration

COVID-19 Registry of the LMU University Hospital Munich (CORKUM), WHO trial ID DRKS00021225.
Risk Factors for Contra-Lateral Secondary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cronström Anna , Tengman Eva , Häger Charlotte K.
Published: January 2021

Background

The risk of sustaining a contra-lateral anterior cruciate ligament (C-ACL) injury after primary unilateral ACL injury is high. C-ACL injury often contributes to a further decline in function and quality of life, including failure to return to sport. There is, however, very limited knowledge about which risk factors that contribute to C-ACL injury.

Objective

To systematically review instrinsic risk factors for sustaining a C-ACL injury.

Methods

A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Sport Discus) were searched from inception to January 2020. Inclusion criteria were prospective or retrospective studies investigating any intrinsic risk factor for future C-ACL injury. Meta-analysis was performed and expressed as odds ratios (OR) if two or more articles assessed the same risk factor.

Results

44 moderate-to-high quality studies were eventually included in this review, whereof 35 studies were eligible for meta-analysis, including up to 59 000 individuals. We identified seven factors independently increasing the odds of sustaining a C-ACL injury (in order of highest to lowest OR): (1) returning to a high activity level (OR 3.26, 95% CI 2.10–5.06); (2) Body Mass Index < 25 (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.73–4.36); (3) age ≤ 18 years (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.51–3.88); (4) family history of ACL injury (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.54–2.80); (5) primary ACL reconstruction performed ≤ 3 months post injury (OR 1.65, 95% CI: 1.32–2.06); (6) female sex (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14–1.61); and (7) concomitant meniscal injury (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03–1.42). The following two factors were associated with decreased odds of a subsequent C-ACL injury: 1) decreased intercondylar notch width/width of the distal femur ratio (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.25–0.69) and 2) concomitant cartilage injury (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.69–1.00). There were no associations between the odds of sustaining a C-ACL injury and smoking status, pre-injury activity level, playing soccer compared to other sports or timing of return to sport. No studies of neuromuscular function in relation to risk of C-ACL injury were eligible for meta-analysis according to our criteria.

Conclusion

This review provides evidence that demographic factors such as female sex, young age (≤ 18 years) and family history of ACL injury, as well as early reconstruction and returning to a high activity level increase the risk of C-ACL injury. Given the lack of studies related to neuromuscular factors that may be modifiable by training, future studies are warranted that investigate the possible role of factors such as dynamic knee stability and alignment, muscle activation and/or strength and proprioception as well as sport-specific training prior to return-to-sport for C-ACL injuries.

PROSPERO: CRD42020140129.
Period-doubling bifurcation analysis and chaos control for load torque using FLC
Authors: Moustafa Eman , Sobaih Abdel-Azem , Abozalam Belal , Mahmoud Amged Sayed A.
Published: January 2021

Chaotic phenomena are observed in several practical and scientific fields; however, the chaos is harmful to systems as they can lead them to be unstable. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to analyze the bifurcation of permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor and develop a controller that can suppress chaotic behavior resulted from parameter variation such as the loading effect. The nonlinear behaviors of PMDC motors were investigated by time-domain waveform, phase portrait, and Floquet theory. By varying the load torque, a period-doubling bifurcation appeared which in turn led to chaotic behavior in the system. So, a fuzzy logic controller and developing the Floquet theory techniques are applied to eliminate the bifurcation and the chaos effects. The controller is used to enhance the performance of the system by getting a faster response without overshoot or oscillation, moreover, tends to reduce the steady-state error while maintaining its stability. The simulation results emphasize that fuzzy control provides better performance than that obtained from the other controller.
The Epidemiology of Cystic Fibrosis in Arab Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hammoudeh Samer , Gadelhaq Wessam , Hani Yahya , Omar Nadia , El Dimassi Darine , Elizabeth Cynthia , Pullattayil Abdul Kareem , Chandra Prem , Janahi Ibrahim A.
Published: January 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic autosomal recessive disease that involves multiple systems. Both life quality and expectation are affected by the debilitating multi-system involvement of the disease which includes pulmonary, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and endocrine symptoms. Very few studies have covered the epidemiological aspects of the disease among Arab countries. To systematically review the available epidemiological literature on cystic fibrosis in order to describe the epidemiological state of this disease in the Arab world, this review used PubMed to search for relevant articles related to patients with cystic fibrosis, with no restriction on gender or age. Google scholar and the snowballing technique were used to locate further articles. A total of 17 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. These articles were from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates. The articles scored 1.5–6.5 out of 8 on the quality assessment. The epidemiological data reported varied based on country and type of study. The establishment of CF registries is definitely a priority in the region, as well as the need for more research involving CF patients particularly those involving the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of these patients.
Placental Mitochondrial Abnormalities in Preeclampsia
Authors: Vangrieken Philippe , Al-Nasiry Salwan , Bast Aalt , Leermakers Pieter A. , Tulen Christy B. M. , Schiffers Paul M. H. , van Schooten Frederik J. , Remels Alex H. V.
Published: February 2021

Preeclampsia complicates 5–8% of all pregnancies worldwide, and although its pathophysiology remains obscure, placental oxidative stress and mitochondrial abnormalities are considered to play a key role. Mitochondrial abnormalities in preeclamptic placentae have been described, but the extent to which mitochondrial content and the molecular pathways controlling this (mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy) are affected in preeclamptic placentae is unknown. Therefore, in preeclamptic (n = 12) and control (n = 11) placentae, we comprehensively assessed multiple indices of placental antioxidant status, mitochondrial content, mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, and mitochondrial fusion and fission. In addition, we also explored gene expression profiles related to inflammation and apoptosis. Preeclamptic placentae were characterized by higher levels of oxidized glutathione, a higher total antioxidant capacity, and higher mRNA levels of the mitochondrial-located antioxidant enzyme manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase 2 compared to controls. Furthermore, mitochondrial content was significantly lower in preeclamptic placentae, which was accompanied by an increased abundance of key constituents of glycolysis. Moreover, mRNA and protein levels of key molecules involved in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis were lower in preeclamptic placentae, while the abundance of constituents of the mitophagy, autophagy, and mitochondrial fission machinery was higher compared to controls. In addition, we found evidence for activation of apoptosis and inflammation in preeclamptic placentae. This study is the first to comprehensively demonstrate abnormalities at the level of the mitochondrion and the molecular pathways controlling mitochondrial content/function in preeclamptic placentae. These aberrations may well contribute to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia by upregulating placental inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.
The Role of Sexual Desire, Sexual Satisfaction, and Relationship Satisfaction in the Sexual Function of Arab Couples Living in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Attaky Atia , Schepers Jan , Kok Gerjo , Dewitte Marieke
Published: January 2021

Introduction

This study is one of the first to examine the association between relationship and sexual variables as approached from a dyadic perspective in Saudi Arabian couples. Theoretical models assign an important role to relationship factors in women's sexuality.

Aim

We examined the role of sexual and relationship satisfaction relative to sexual desire in explaining sexual function in a sample of clinical versus nonclinical couples.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional, observational study in a sample of 50 heterosexual couples with sexual problems and 50 control couples without problems (N = 100 couples; 200 men and women).

Main Outcome Measure

All participants completed an Arabic version of measures of relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, sexual distress, and sexual function.

Results

Results showed that in the clinical group, sexual function of women was predicted by their own and their partner's level of sexual satisfaction, and their own level of solitary and dyadic sexual desire. Men's sexual function was predicted by their own sexual satisfaction and their partner's relationship satisfaction. In the control group, the sexual function of women was predicted only by their level of sexual satisfaction. In men, sexual function was predicted by their own sexual satisfaction and their level of dyadic sexual desire.

Conclusion

These results suggest that sexual desire rather than relationship satisfaction plays an important role in women's sexual dysfunction. Being the most consistent determinant of male and female sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction is an important target of intervention in Arabian couples.
TWO-VARIABLE LOGIC HAS WEAK, BUT NOT STRONG, BETH DEFINABILITY
Authors: ANDRÉKA HAJNAL , NÉMETI ISTVÁN
Published: February 2021

We prove that the two-variable fragment of first-order logic has the weak Beth definability property. This makes the two-variable fragment a natural logic separating the weak and the strong Beth properties since it does not have the strong Beth definability property.
Conservation status and biology of the Ultramarine Lorikeet Vini ultramarina in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Authors: DOUKAS TAMMY , ZIEMBICKI MARK
Published: February 2021

Classified as Critically Endangered, the Ultramarine Lorikeet Vini ultramarina is one of the world’s most threatened lorikeet species. Endemic to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia, the species was formerly distributed over most islands in the archipelago, but is today found primarily on the island of Ua Huka, its range having contracted significantly in recent decades. Habitat alteration and loss, and over-exploitation of natural resources, are cited as impacting the Ultramarine Lorikeet, but the influence of introduced black rats Rattus rattus as predators has been implicated as the primary threat to the species. To assess population status and document aspects of the species biology, including habitat preferences and diet, we conducted the first systematic surveys of the species during two independent surveys spaced seven years apart (2002 and 2009). Population estimates of 2,011 ± 284 (in 2002) and 1,922 (in 2009) individuals on Ua Huka suggest the population was relatively healthy and stable between these periods. However, surveys and searches of other islands in the species’ contemporary range, where black rats occur, either failed to document the species or noted very few individuals. These findings highlight the critical importance of Ua Huka as a rat-free refuge and the value of our surveys as baseline estimates of the population status of the species. We discuss the conservation implications of our findings and propose recommendations to secure the species’ future survival.
GALA peptide improves the potency of nanobody–drug conjugates by lipid-induced helix formation
Authors: Chen Ya Jie , Deng Qi Wen , Wang Li , Guo Xiao Chun , Yang Jian Yuan , Li Ting , Xu Zhengshuang , Lee Hon Cheung , Zhao Yong Juan
Published: January 2021

We generated a potent nanobody–drug conjugation by fusing GALA, which forms helix induced by lipids, enhances membrane binding, and consequently increase cytotoxicity. We provides new insights into the GALA peptide and might boost the field of NDCs.
Transition metal-mediated B(4)–H hydroxylation/halogenation of o-carboranes bearing a 2-pyridylsulfenyl ligand
Authors: Guo Shu-Ting , Cui Peng-Fei , Yuan Run-Ze , Jin Guo-Xin
Published: January 2021

Regioselective rhodium-induced B(4)–H hydroxylation and halogenation reactions of o-carboranes are reported. The key intermediate has been isolated. Iridium-induced B(3)/B(4)–H activation of o-carboranes has been achieved through steric control.
Biochemical and artificial pathways for the reduction of carbon dioxide, nitrite and the competing proton reduction: effect of 2ndsphere interactions in catalysis
Authors: Amanullah Sk , Saha Paramita , Nayek Abhijit , Ahmed Md Estak , Dey Abhishek
Published: January 2021

Reduction of oxides and oxoanions of carbon and nitrogen are of great contemporary importance as they are crucial for a sustainable environment.
Electronic effects of nano-confinement in functional organic and inorganic materials for optoelectronics
Authors: Ko Jongkuk , Berger Rüdiger , Lee Hyemin , Yoon Hyunsik , Cho Jinhan , Char Kookheon
Published: January 2021

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the electronic effects of nano-confinement (from 1D to 3D geometries) on optoelectronic materials and their applications.
Several carbon-coated Ga2O3 anodes: efficient coating of reduced graphene oxide enhanced the electrochemical performance of lithium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Ke , Ye Wenkai , Yin Weihao , Chai Wenwen , Rui Yichuan , Tang Bohejin
Published: January 2021

Gallium oxide as a novel electrode material has attracted attention because of its high stability and conductivity.
Two-dimensional metal-free boron chalcogenides B2X3 (X = Se and Te) as photocatalysts for water splitting under visible light
Authors: Guan Jintong , Zhang Xirui , Li Qiongyu , Deng Kaiming , Jena Puru , Kan Erjun
Published: January 2021

Finding photocatalysts that fully utilize the visible solar light to split water into hydrogen and oxygen has been a challenging problem for a long time.
Copper-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of glycine derivatives toward 2-substituted benzoxazoles
Authors: Liu Shan , Zhu Zhi-Qiang , Hu Zhi-Yu , Tang Juan , Yuan En
Published: January 2021

A novel and direct intramolecular cyclization of glycine derivatives involving short peptides to 2-substituted benzoxazoles via copper-catalyzed oxidative C–H/O–H cross-coupling was described.
Designing high energy density flow batteries by tuning active-material thermodynamics
Authors: Pahari Shyam K. , Gokoglan Tugba Ceren , Visayas Benjoe Rey B. , Woehl Jennifer , Golen James A. , Howland Rachael , Mayes Maricris L. , Agar Ertan , Cappillino Patrick J.
Published: January 2021

With the cost of renewable energy near parity with fossil fuels, energy storage is paramount. We report a breakthrough on a bioinspired NRFB active-material, with greatly improved solubility, and place it in a predictive theoretical framework.
CO2-Driven diffusiophoresis for maintaining a bacteria-free surface
Authors: Shim Suin , Khodaparast Sepideh , Lai Ching-Yao , Yan Jing , Ault Jesse T. , Rallabandi Bhargav , Shardt Orest , Stone Howard A.
Published: January 2021

Dissolution and dissociation of CO2 in an aqueous phase induce diffusiophoretic motion of charged particles. Such phenomenon can be applied to maintaining a surface free of bacteria, by migrating the nearby cells away from a CO2 source.
Large ferroelectric-polarization-modulated photovoltaic effects in bismuth layered multiferroic/semiconductor heterostructure devices
Authors: Yan Jian-Min , Wang Ke , Xu Zhi-Xue , Ying Jing-Shi , Chen Ting-Wei , Yuan Guo-Liang , Zhang Tao , Zheng Hai-Wu , Chai Yang , Zheng Ren-Kui
Published: January 2021

Ferroelectrics are appealing candidates for photovoltaic applications.
Heterogeneous Co–CN nanofibers with controlled active terminal N sites for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Huang Fuying , Jian Yadan , Zheng Fengying , Li Yancai , Li Shunxing , Chen Jie
Published: January 2021

The terminal N sites derived from the thermal fusion process exhibit excellent performance for hydrogen evolution reaction.
Correction: Carbon dots with tunable dual emissions: from the mechanism to the specific imaging of endoplasmic reticulum polarity
Authors: E Shuang , Mao Quan-Xing , Wang Jian-Hua , Chen Xu-Wei
Published: January 2021

Correction for ‘Carbon dots with tunable dual emissions: from the mechanism to the specific imaging of endoplasmic reticulum polarity’ by Shuang E et al., Nanoscale, 2020, 12, 6852–6860, DOI: 10.1039/C9NR10982J.
Origin of D-band emission in a novel Bi3+-doped phosphor La3SnGa5O14:Bi3+
Authors: Liu Xiaoqi , Xiong Puxian , Liu Huailu , Wu Sheng , Liu Quan , Fu Yubin , Ma Zhijun , Peng Mingying , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: January 2021

Origin of D-band emission in a novel Bi3+-doped phosphor La3SnGa5O14:Bi3+.
Improving Facilitation of Student Communication Through Observational Feedback Within a Partner Instruction Model
Authors: Hayes Laura E. , Traughber Matthew C.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to further evaluate an eight-step partner instructional model developed by Kent-Walsh and McNaughton that has been demonstrated to improve implementation quality and fidelity among adults in clinical and educational settings who support the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with complex communication needs.

Method

This study examined the effectiveness of the eight-step model in a K–12 special education setting. Participants included 26 staff and 19 students. Effects on both communication partner modeling and student AAC system use were assessed. The study expanded upon prior research by employing a group design, including largely adolescent participants, and utilizing multiple AAC hardware and software types.

Results

Staff receiving training and coaching via the full eight-step model demonstrated gains in the percentage of utterances modeled, and their student partners increased mean length of utterance. The study failed to find statistically significant differences between the experimental group and a comparison group receiving only Stages 1–5 of the model.

Conclusion

Findings provide additional evidence for the viability of the eight-step instructional model as a methodology to promote the communication skills of students who utilize AAC, and also point to the advanced practice and feedback element of the model as a potential mediator of intervention outcomes.
Leveling Up Regulatory Support Through Community Collaboration
Authors: Laurent Amy C. , Fede Jacquelyn
Published: January 2021

Purpose

No group has more stake in the game than the community that researchers, educators, and practitioners aim to serve. In our field, we must recognize not only that autistic people are those most affected by decisions around programming and policies, but that they are key informants in decisions around the conceptualization, implementation, and evaluation of educational programming for autistic learners. Too often, they are left out of these discussions altogether. To illustrate the process of community collaboration, we discuss emotional and energy regulation (ER), a top priority among autistic people based upon their viewpoints.

Method

In this clinical focus article, we outline what emotional regulation is, why it is relevant and often challenging for the autistic population, the shortcomings of current practice, as well as practical strategies and ways of thinking about supporting ER for autistic learners. We provide theoretical insights as well as firsthand accounts from a diverse group of autistic people. Each autistic person contributing their perspective in this clinical focus article provided written consent for their participation, as well as direction as to how they wanted to be cited and acknowledged. Quotes were gathered from personal communications, social media posts, and online sources. The clinical viewpoint and materials and tools presented throughout the clinical focus article are the works of the authors that have been informed by the autistic community.

Results

Based upon the qualitative data presented in this clinical focus article, incorporating the autistic community voice when devising tools and strategies is validating of their experiences and generates useful supports.

Conclusions

Using a framework similar to the one presented here for engaging the autistic community will help to facilitate the conceptualization of more reliable, valid, and effective supports, goal-setting, and programming overall. Future directions related to the value of empirical study of the tools and strategies developed through such a process are offered.
Measuring three-dimensional shapes of stable solar prominences using stereoscopic observations from SDO and STEREO
Authors: Zhou Chengrui , Xia Chun , Shen Yuandeng
Published: January 2021

Aims. Although the real shapes and trajectories of erupting solar prominences in three dimensions have been intensively studied, the three-dimensional (3D) shapes of stable prominences before eruptions have not been measured accurately so far. We intend to make such a measurement to constrain 3D prominence models and to extend our knowledge of prominences.

Methods. Using multiperspective observations from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager on board the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO), we reconstructed 3D coordinates of three stable prominences: a quiescent, an intermediate, and a mixed type. Based on the 3D coordinates, we measured the height, length, and inclination angle of the legs of these prominences. To study the spatial relationship between the footpoints of prominences and photospheric magnetic structures, we also used the Global Oscillation Network Group Hα images and magnetograms from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the SDO.

Results. In three stable prominences, we find that the axes of the prominence legs are inclined by 68 ± 6° on average to the solar surface. Legs at different locations along a prominence axis have different heights with a two- to threefold difference. Our investigation suggests that over 96% of prominence footpoints in a sample of 70 footpoints are located at supergranular boundaries. The widths of two legs have similar values measured in two orthogonal lines of sight. We also find that a prominence leg above the solar limb showed horizontal oscillations with larger amplitudes at higher locations.

Conclusions. With a limited image resolution and number of cases, our measurement suggests that the legs of prominences may have various orientations and do not always stand vertically on the surface of the sun. Moreover, the locations of prominence legs are closely related to supergranules.
Mechanistic investigation on rhodium(III)-catalyzed cycloaddition of 2-vinylphenol derivatives with ethyne or carbon monoxide by DFT study
Authors: Zhang Xing-hui , Wu Xi , Shi Hai-xiong
Published: January 2021

Rhodium-catalyzed cycloaddition reaction was calculated by density functional theory M06-2X method to directly synthesize benzoxepine and coumarin derivatives. In this work, we conducted a computational study of two competitive mechanisms in which the carbon atom of acetylene or carbon monoxide attacked and inserted from two different directions of the six-membered ring reactant to clarify the principle characteristics of this transformation. The calculation results reveal that: (i) the insertion process of alkyne or carbon monoxide is the key step of the reaction; (ii) for the (5+2) cycloaddition reaction of acetylene, higher energy is required to break the Rh−O bond of the reactant, and the reaction tends to complete the insertion from the side of the Rh−C bond; (iii) for the (5+1) cycloaddition of carbon monoxide, both reaction paths have lower activation free energy, and the two will generate a competition mechanism.
Ligand binding and release investigated by contact-guided iterative multiple independent molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Hua Xin-fan , Du Xin-zheng , Zhang Zhi-yong
Published: January 2021

Binding and releasing ligands are critical for the biological functions of many proteins, so it is important to determine these highly dynamic processes. Although there are experimental techniques to determine the structure of a protein-ligand complex, it only provides a static picture of the system. With the rapid increase of computing power and improved algorithms, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have diverse of superiority in probing the binding and release process. However, it remains a great challenge to overcome the time and length scales when the system becomes large. This work presents an enhanced sampling tool for ligand binding and release, which is based on iterative multiple independent MD simulations guided by contacts formed between the ligand and the protein. From the simulation results on adenylate kinase, we observe the process of ligand binding and release while the conventional MD simulations at the same time scale cannot.
Spectroscopic properties of a Cr3+, Er3+ and Pr3+ co-doped CaLu0.2La0.8Ga3O7 single crystal for a 2.7 μm laser
Authors: Liu Yunyun , Pan Fei , Tu Chaoyang , Huang Chuanxin
Published: February 2021

A new laser crystal, Cr/Er/Pr:CaLu0.2La0.8Ga3O7 (Cr/Er/Pr:LuCLGO), was successfully grown by the Czochralski method for the first time. The structural parameters of Cr/Er/Pr:LuCLGO crystal were determined by the x-ray Rietveld refinement method. Optical absorption, fluorescence spectra and lifetime decay profiles were measured for the crystal. The co-doped Cr3+ ion expands the absorption cross-section considerably for 400–700 nm bands, which is beneficial for xenon lamp pumping. Also the co-doped Pr3+ ions decrease the population of the Er3+:4I13/2 energy state effectively. The energy transfer efficiencies of the Er3+:4I11/2 → Pr3+:1G4 and Er3+:4I13/2 → Pr3+:3F4 processes were calculated, showing that Pr3+ ions can play an important role as deactivators for Er3+ ions. Furthermore, the energy transfer mechanisms among Cr3+, Er3+ and Pr3+ ions were studied. The results suggest that Cr/Er/Pr:LuCLGO crystal is a new promising laser medium for 2.7 μm xenon lamp pumping solid-state lasers.
Magnetostriction and spin reorientation in ferromagnetic Laves phase Pr(Ga
x
Fe1–x
)1.9 compounds*
Authors: Zeng Min-Yu , Tang Qing , Mei Zhi-Wei , Lu Cai-Yan , Tang Yan-Mei , Li Xiang , He Yun , Guo Ze-Ping
Published: February 2021

The magnetostriction, magnetization, and spin reorientation properties in Pr(Ga
x
Fe1 – x
)1.9 alloys have been investigated by high-precision x-ray diffraction (XRD) step scanning, magnetization, and Mössbauer spectra measurements. Ga substitution reduces the magnetostriction (λ
||) with magnetic field H ≥ 8 kOe (1 Oe = 1.33322 × 102 Pa), but it also increases the λ
|| value when H ≤ 8 kOe at 5 K. Spin-reorientations (SR) are observed in all the alloys investigated, as determined by the step scanned XRD, Mössbauer spectra, and the abnormal temperature dependence of magnetization. An increase of the spin reorientation temperature (T
SR) due to Ga substitution is found in the phase diagram, which is different from the decrease one in many R(Tx
Fe1 – x
)1.9 (T = Co, Al, Mn) alloys. The present work provides a method to control the easy magnetization direction (EMD) or T
SR for developing an anisotropic compensation system.
Steered coherence and entanglement in the Heisenberg XX chain under twisted boundary conditions*
Authors: Sun Yu-Hang , Xie Yu-Xia
Published: February 2021

We study steered coherence (SC) and entanglement in a three-spin Heisenberg XX model under twisted boundary conditions and show that their strengths can be significantly enhanced by tuning the twist angle. The optimal twist angle θ
opt for achieving the maximum l
1 norm of SC is π in the region of weak field B and decreases gradually from π to 0 when B increases after a critical value, while for the relative entropy of SC, θ
opt equals π in the weak field region and 0 otherwise. The entanglement and the critical temperature above which the entanglement vanishes can also be significantly enhanced by tuning the twist angle from 0 to π.
On the eve of the new leap in measurement science
Authors: Sapozhnikova K , Taymanov R , Kostromina S
Published: February 2021

At the beginning of the 21st century, the multidimensional problems of studying human and society have gone beyond separate sciences. As a result, the need for measuring properties (with providing measurement result traceability), which were considered immeasurable before, has increased. By performing cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary investigations, to meet this requirement has become possible. In recent years, such investigations have received increased attention at the IMEKO congresses and symposia as well as other international congresses and conferences devoted to measurement science. Interaction in a creative team that consists of professionals in various scientific fields, development of common databases, work in the Internet on joint documents, etc. result in new problems. Organization difficulties concerning such investigations, capacities for overcoming them as well as the efficiency and features of collaborative work in a creative team, have been shown using the example of the experience obtained at the D.I. Mendeleyev Institute for Metrology.
Soft measurements of qualitative integral indicators for monitoring quantitative dataset
Authors: Novikova S V , Kremleva E S , Valitova N L , Snegurenko A P
Published: February 2021

In many areas, the criteria for the adoption of certain decisions are not quantitative, but qualitative assessments of some crucial criteria. This applies, in particular, to the integral assessment of the health status of patients, or the assessment of the ecological state of the environment, etc. Therefore, an integral qualitative assessment of an object, based on the known numerical states of its individual elements, is an urgent non-trivial task.

Currently, there are methods for calculating the quantitative integral assessment, which is a kind of “code” for the qualitative assessment. A direct verbal evaluation is obtained, as a rule, by ranking the possible numerical values of the resulting integral code, and assigning to each given interval a certain qualitative definition. However, well-known methods for constructing analytical computational integrated assessment are not effective.

As an alternative, the authors of the article propose an approach consisting in a comprehensive assessment of the state of objects based on the allocation of “similar” groups, and analysis of the basic general properties of objects in the group. Such problems can be solved by cluster analysis methods. Cluster analysis allows you to group (decompose) data that has the property of “similarity” in a given sense and to separate them from “dissimilar” data. By analyzing data in groups, experts can give a high-quality interpretation of homogeneous data in a cluster.

However, when analyzing the obtained groupings by domain experts, a situation often arises when the data in some groups have a sufficient degree of homogeneity in order to give them a qualitative assessment, and in others the mathematical method of clustering does not allow to separate heterogeneous data from each other, and experts cannot give rating.

So the idea to apply step-by-step clusterization when in each step it is decided whether every cluster has a sufficient degree of homogeneity or not. If not, all non-homogeneous clusters should be further decomposed into two or more clusters. It remained to decide which clustering method to choose for the data decomposition. To address this problem, reconnaissance experiments were conducted. As a result, the Kohonen Self-Organizing Map (SOM-cards) method has been proved to be the best.

The proposed algorithm for multilevel clustering was called the Cascade Neural Network Filtering Data. Its effectiveness was confirmed by numerical experiments.
Expert group information formalization based on Z-numbers
Authors: Poleshchuk O M
Published: February 2021

A model for formalizing expert group information with a given level of reliability was developed in the paper. To formalize the information Z-numbers were used, components of which are formalizations (fuzzy numbers) of terms of Full Orthogonal Semantic Scopes (linguistic variables with the properties of completeness and orthogonality). If experts evaluate a characteristic X of objects, then individual expert criteria for evaluating this characteristic are represented as a set of Z-numbers, the first components of which are formalizations of the terms of Full Orthogonal Semantic Scope with the title X, and the second component are formalizations of the terms of Full Orthogonal Semantic Scope with the title “Reliability”. The group expert criterion is also determined in the form of a set of Z-numbers, first components of which satisfy the Pareto condition. For Z-numbers, aggregation segments are determined, which are used to determine the distance between two Z-numbers and to recognize the reliability of the group expert criterion. Reliability recognition and identification with one of the linguistic terms (and, accordingly, with the fuzzy number formalizing this term) of the semantic scope “Reliability” is based on a comparative analysis of the distances between Z-number belonging to the group criterion and Z-numbers, the first component of which coincides with the first component of Z-number from the group criterion, and the second components are formalizations of the terms of semantic scope “Reliability”. The reliability of expert group evaluation (the second component of Z-number from the group criterion) is determined by the linguistic value (and, accordingly the fuzzy number formalizing this value) that corresponds to the minimum distance.