bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano-Graphene Enclosed Multi Nitrogen: Dynamic Hierarchical Self-Assemble Property for Lithium Ion Storage
Authors: He Ao-Lin , Wang Zhou , Liu Rui-Jiang
Published: October 2019

Led to significant capacity improvement to 1800 mA/h after 100 cycles for nano-graphene-N4, which is the first report for a carbonaceous materials anode. In addition, the doping level, id est, number of nitrogen atoms, had a significant influence on the molecular self-assembled
structures through hierarchical self-assembly. As the nitrogen concentration increased, the d-space between the nanosheets increased from 3.4 to 4.3. The capacity of the nano-graphene increased greatly from 500 mAh/g for nano-graphene without N-doping to 1800 mAh/g for nano-graphene
with nanographene-N4, indicating that the capacity is related to the structures, and was defined and the relationship between performance and structure was determined.
Superacid-Catalyzed Preparation of Highly Dispersible Zirconium Oxide and Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles Without Hydrocarbon Units
Authors: Nakahara Taishi , Kaneko Yoshiro
Published: October 2019

Highly dispersible, hydrocarbon-free zirconium oxide and titanium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2–NTf2– NP and TiO2–NTf2–NP) were successfully prepared via the simple sol–gel reactions of zirconium tetra-n-butoxide
and titanium tetra-n-butoxide, respectively, using a water/methanol mixed solution of the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide superacid. ZrO2–NTf2–NP could be dispersed in acetone, ethanol, methanol, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and
water, whereas TiO2–NTf2–NP could be dispersed in acetone, DMF, DMSO, and water. The number-average particle sizes of ZrO2–NTf2–NP and TiO2–NTf2–NP were determined to be 3.6±0.6 nm
and 5.8±1.1 nm; these values were obtained by dynamic light-scattering measurements of the acetone dispersions (1.0 w/v%). Highly dispersible ZrO2 nanoparticles could be prepared using other acid catalysts containing trifluoromethyl groups, such as trifluoromethanesulfonic
acid and trifluoroacetic acid. In contrast, dispersible TiO2 nanoparticles could not be prepared using these acid catalysts.
A Novel Type of Magnetic Fe2O3/Fe3O4 Heterogeneous Microparticles Prepared via the Ethanol-Water Reflux and Rapid Combustion Process
Authors: Liu Jia , Wang Zhou , Wang Yanyan
Published: October 2019

A novel type of magnetic Fe2O3/Fe3O4 heterogeneous microparticles with ellipsoidal macropores was prepared via the ethanol-water reflux and rapid combustion process. The experimental results showed that the volume of absolute ethyl alcohol
and the calcination temperature were the key factors to the grain sizes and the magnetic properties, the calcination temperature largely affected the saturation magnetization and the grain size of Fe2O3/Fe3O4 heterogeneous microparticles, and the
amount of absolute ethyl alcohol also tremendously affected the saturation magnetization, however, the amount of absolute ethyl alcohol affected little on the grain size. Fe2O3/Fe3O4 heterogeneous microparticles calcined at 200 °C for 1 h with
absolute ethyl alcohol of 20 mL had the largest saturation magnetization of 90.1 Am2/kg.
Actinobacterial-Mediated Fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Broad Spectrum Antibacterial Activity Against Clinical Pathogens
Authors: Devagi Poongazhalselvan , Suresh Thirunavukarasu Chitrikha , Sandhiya Revathi Vedachalam , Sairandhry Mohan , Bharathi Selvaraj , Velmurugan Palanivel , Radhakrishnan Manikkam , Sathiamoorthi Thangavelu , Suresh Gopal
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study is to fabricate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using actinobacterial strain isolated from lawn soil. Among six isolates, one isolate named AS-3 was potent in AgNPs production; hence it was identified deployed on gene sequence (16S rRNA) as Streptomyces spongiicola
AS-3 (99.8% similarity). Actinobacteria mediated synthesized AgNPs were analyzed using UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), which showed a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) at around λ = 443 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed the occurrence of predominant spherical
AgNPs with polydispersed, with an average size of 22 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) established the existence of silver component. While the Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) evidenced the occurrence of proteins as the bio reduction and topping agents over the
AgNPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination confirmed the obtained AgNPs were in crystalline planes of the face centric cubic. The S. spongiicola AgNPs antibacterial activity showed a broad spectrum antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholera, Shigella sp., and Salmonella typhi were confirmed by disc diffusion test and MIC analysis.
Frequency Dependent Charge Transport and Spin State Switching Characteristics of Fe(phen)2(NCS)2 in Polymer
Authors: Mondal Chaitali , Nanda Goswami M. L. , Mandal Swapan K.
Published: October 2019

We report on the bistability in spin states of spin crossover (SCO) compound Fe(phen)2(NCS)2 in polymer (polypyrrole) by frequency (1–100 kHz) and temperature dependent (305–457 K) electrical conductivity measurements. The structure and growth of SCO
compounds in conducting polymer are obtained by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and optical absorption measurements. The thermal dependence of ac conductivity σ(ω) shows the clear formation of a hysteresis loop in its cooling and heating cycle due
to the difference in conductivity in high spin and low spin state. The size, shape and width of the hysteresis loops are found to be critically dependent on the applied frequency and/or the ratio between SCO and polymer. The ac conductivity is found to exhibit a dispersive behavior following
Jonscher’s law: σ(ω) ∝ ωn below a critical frequency ωc, above which it is found to monotonically decrease with increasing frequency. The thermal dependence of the exponent n and ωc
is also explored. The charge transport phenomena are explained in the framework of hopping of charge carriers. The data reveals that addition of polymer can play an important role to tune the conductivity of SCO compounds and its spin state dependence characteristics which may be quite helpful
for fabricating future spin-based devices. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurement also confirms the spin transition behavior of the SCO/ppy composite samples. These SCO/ppy composite samples can be taken as the reliable nanomaterials fabricated with the concept of future
spin based nanoarchitectonics.
White Emitting Magic Sized CdSe Nanoclusters Using Edible Oils: A Green Approach
Authors: Khanna Pawan K. , Jadhav Aditi , More Priyesh V.
Published: October 2019

Herein; we present a green synthesis method for magic sized nanoclusters (MSNCs) of CdSe. The formation of MSNCs was examined using various edible oils viz; olive oil; mustard oil; castor oil; coconut oil and cod liver oil as capping agents. The source of Selenium is cyclo-octeno-1;2;3-selenadiazole
which was decomposed (typically at 150 °C) in high boiling solvent. The comparative study has been carried out to verify the effect of different edible oils as capping agents on formation of CdSe to form MSNCs. We observed that only a certain capping agent (oil) delivers MSNCs of CdSe
with stable white light emission for more than 12 months. The so-generated CdSe MSNCs show bright white light emission when excited with 365 nm light. Finally; the long term stability of as-prepared MSNCs using certain oil as capping agent is reported.
Carbon Nanotubes-Supported Pt Electrocatalysts for O2 Reduction Reaction—Effect of Number of Nanotube Walls
Authors: Kuang Haohua , Cheng Yi , Cui Cheng Qiang , Jiang San Ping
Published: October 2019

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the most common catalysts supports for the development of electrocatalysts for O2 reduction reaction (ORR) of electrochemical devices such as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and metal-air batteries due to their high electrical
conductivity and high stability. In addition to the electrical conductivity and stability, the number of inner tubes or walls also influence the electrocatalytic activity of the supported catalysts. Here we study the electrocatalytic activity of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) supported on CNTs (Pt/CNTs)
as a function of number of walls towards ORR in both alkaline and acid solutions. The results indicate that the mechanism of ORR on Pt/CNTs does not change with the number of walls of CNTs support but the number of walls of CNTs supports has a significant effect on the electrocatalytic activity
of supported Pt NPs. Pt NPs supported on double-walled CNTs (DWCNTs) exhibit a much better activity for ORR, as compared with that supported on single-walled and multi-walled CNTs (SWCNTs and MWCNTs). The high electrocatalytic activity of DWCNTs-supported Pt NPs is contributed to the fast
electron transfer between the outer wall and inner tubes of DWCNTs for ORR through electron tunnelling process under the electrochemical polarization driving force.
Self-Assembled Polymer Thin Films Towards Nanoarchitectonics for Respiration Monitoring
Authors: Jayaraman Premkumar , Sengottaiyan Chinnasamy , Krishnan Karthik
Published: October 2019

Manipulation of ionic transport in the self-assembled polymer thin films using nanoarchitectonics approach can open the door for the development of novel electronic devices with ultrafast operation and low-power consumption. Here, we demonstrate a highly sensitive and ultrafast responsive
flexible humidity sensor for human respiration monitoring. Humidity sensing behavior of the polymerbased planar devices, in which a polyethylene oxide-phosphotungstic acid (PEO-PWA) thin film is placed between an opposing inert electrodes, have been investigated by optimizing the device configuration
and PWA salt concentration in the PEO matrix. The ultrafast response (~50 ms) and recovery (~52 ms) of the humidity sensor enabled us to study the real-time human respiration monitoring. Using morphological analysis, it is proposed that the ultrafast response-recovery time for this sensor
is ascribed to their self-assembled lamellar-like structures of the PEO-PWA matrix polymer, which provides long-range continuous proton transport path in the polymer interface.
Preparation and Characterization of Epoxy/Alumina Nanocomposites
Authors: Wu Minjie , Lu Linfeng , Yu Linhai , Yu Xiaoyan , Naito Kimiyoshi , Qu Xiongwei , Zhang Qingxin
Published: October 2019

Nano-alumina (Al2O3, 30 nm) particles were employed to reinforce and toughen epoxy resin. The effects of Al2O3 nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated by tensile and impact tests. It shows that the mechanical
properties of epoxy nanocomposites have been improved significantly. For the prepared nanocomposite with 3.0 wt.% of Al2O3 addition, the tensile strength, elongation at break and impact strength reached 74.83 MPa, 10.63% and 13.79 kJ/m2, and were improved by
82.60%, 33.38% and 63.58%, respectively, compared with those of pure epoxy resin. The epoxy/Al2O3 nanocomposites also show good dielectric properties and excellent thermal stability under nitrogen atmosphere. Investigation of fractured surface of the obtained nanocomposites
was carried out to study the dispersion of nanoarchitectonics Al2O3 with scanning electron microscopy.
A Chromone Based Fluorescent Probe for the Effective Detection of Aluminium Ion
Authors: Kim Hyorim , Manivannan Ramalingam , Son Young-A
Published: October 2019

A new chromone moiety fused with phenyl hydrazine carboxamide as a binding site for metal ion was designed and synthesized as a colorimetric/fluorimetric probe for selective sensing of Al3+ ion. The absorption and fluorescence spectral results showed selective and sensitive
recognition of Al3+ with no significant interference from other competitive metal ions. The addition of Al3+ to R brought a prompt color change from colorless to yellow and the turn-on fluorescence response with Al3+ among different cations was
studied. The visible color change and turn-on fluorescence Al3+ ion with R was attributed to the intra molecular charge transfer transition. The plausible binding nature of the receptor with Al3+ has also been anticipated by the results of 1H
NMR and mass spectral analysis. For the practical effectiveness, test strip prepared using probe R was successfully applied to monitor the presence of Al3+ ion in aqueous medium.
Controllable Synthesis of Flower-Like MoS2 and Its Quick Photodegradation of Methylene Blue Under Visible Irradiation
Authors: Pei Zhen-Zhao , Liu Ya-Bao , Jia Heng , Zhou Jia-Xin , Li Feng , Wang Xiao , He Xiao-Hu
Published: October 2019

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was synthesized via hydrothermal process under the assistance of citric acid, which exhibited high photocatalytic property in the application of methylene blue (MB) degradation. The flower ball microstructure of MoS2 changed with different
amounts of citric acid. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra have been employed to characterize the samples. It improved the photocatalytic efficiency nearly 19.77% compared to MoS2 without citric acid. When H2O2
was added, the synergistic effect of MoS2 and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was observed in photocatalytic reaction system, which degraded MB completely within 40 min under visible light irradiation.
Characterization of a Holmium 4,4′-Biphenyldicarboxylate Metal-Organic Framework and Its Potential as a Holmium Carrier System
Authors: Vizuet Juan P. , Lewis Abigail L. , McCandless Gregory T. , Balkus Kenneth J.
Published: October 2019

There is growing interest in Holmium carriers for radiotherapeutic applications. In this work, a holmium-based metal-organic framework (MOF) using the 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid (H2BPDC) linker was synthesized and characterized to explore its potential as a radiotherapeutic
carrier. The 3D MOF [Ho(BPDC)2]·(CH3)2NH2 was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, FTIR, TGA and PXRD. A challenge to overcome in lanthanide-based MOFs is the deformation or collapse of the framework that can occur after evacuation
of the pores. This structure displays high thermal stability and no collapse was observed when the molecules confined in the pores were removed. The coordination around the holmium center (CN = 8) is the key to this stability since only the organic linker and no solvent molecules coordinate
to the metallic center. The porosity of the material was confirmed by high-pressure carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption–desorption analysis. The stability of the MOF, its holmium content (28 wt%) and its porosity are features that make this material a potential holmium carrier
for radiotherapeutic applications.
Fabrication of Nanosticks-Like CdS Sensitizer for the Application of Solar Cells
Authors: Hossain M. F.
Published: October 2019

The novelty of this work is to fabricate the Nanosticks (NSs) like CdS sensitizer on the surface of TiO2 electrode by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method with a very high vacuum annealed at 350 °C for 30 min. Whereas, nanocrystalline TiO2 electrodes have
been prepared on FTO (SnO2: F) glass by a spin-coating method with high purity (99.99%, Degussa P25) TiO2 powder. The surface of the CdS layer has been covered by NSs like structures which are confirmed by the scanning electron microscope image. The 100 nm of platinum-coated
FTO substrate and polysulfide-based electrolyte are used to assemble the Grätzel Solar cell (GSC). The performance of solar cell (SC) based on NSs like CdS has been compared with the nanoparticles (NPs) based CdS sensitized SC, where CdS NPs has synthesized by CBD without any post-annealing.
The efficiency of NSs like CdS sensitized SC exhibits 2.44%, which is 2 folds of the efficiency of the CdS NPs sensitized SC. The NSs like CdS sensitized SC shows the highest photocurrent 20.24 mA/cm2 compared to CdS NPs based SC.
Surfactant-Assisted Mesostructural Variation by the Molecular Structure of Frameworks
Authors: Wakabayashi Ryutaro , Kimura Tatsuo
Published: October 2019

Typical syntheses for the mesostructural design were performed with strategic deviations, being substantially powerful for changing the molecular structure of frameworks, from the synthetic conditions optimized for the preparation of lamellar and 2-d hexagonal mesostructured materials
where the frameworks were constructed by aluminophosphate (AlPO) like units with and without organic groups in the molecular scale. A series of the materials such as mesostructured aluminum organophosphonate (AOP) and AlPO type ones were investigated according to the molecular structure and
crystallinity of inorganic–organic hybrid and non-hybrid inorganic frameworks. Considering a uniqueness of AlPO based frameworks, a rational insight on strength of interactions between crystalline/amorphous AlPO based units and cationic surfactant molecules was surveyed as one of the
most significant factors for understanding the mesostructural variation.
Atmospheric Predictability of the Tropics, Middle Latitudes, and Polar Regions Explored through Global Storm-Resolving Simulations
Authors: Judt Falko
Published: October 2019

The predictability of the atmosphere has important implications for weather prediction, because it determines what forecast problems are potentially tractable. Even though our general understanding of error growth and predictability has been increasing, relatively little is known about the detailed structure of atmospheric predictability, such as how it varies between climate regions. The present study addresses this issue by exploring error growth and predictability in three latitude zones, using model output from a previous global storm-resolving predictability experiment by Judt published in 2018. It was determined that the tropics have longer predictability than the middle latitudes and polar regions (tropics, >20 days; middle latitudes and polar regions, a little over 2 weeks). Each latitude zone had distinct error growth characteristics, and error growth was broadly consistent with the underlying dynamics of each zone. Evidence suggests that equatorial waves play a role in the comparatively long predictability of the tropics; specifically, equatorial waves seem to be less prone to error growth than middle-latitude baroclinic disturbances. Even though the generality of the findings needs to be assessed in future studies, the overall conclusions agree with previous work in that current numerical weather prediction procedures have not reached the limits of atmospheric predictability, especially in the tropics. One way to exploit tropical predictability is to reduce model error, for example, by using global storm-resolving models instead of conventional models that parameterize convection.
Reconstructing Upper-Ocean Vertical Velocity Field from Sea Surface Height in the Presence of Unbalanced Motion
Authors: Qiu Bo , Chen Shuiming , Klein Patrice , Torres Hector , Wang Jinbo , Fu Lee-Lueng , Menemenlis Dimitris
Published: October 2019

Reconstructability of upper-ocean vertical velocity w and vorticity ζ fields from high-resolution sea surface height (SSH) data is explored using the global 1/48° horizontal-resolution MITgcm output in the context of the forthcoming Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. By decomposing w with an omega equation of the primitive equation system and by taking into account the measurement design of the SWOT mission, this study seeks to reconstruct the subinertial, balanced w and ζ signals. By adopting the effective surface quasigeostrophic (eSQG) framework and applying to the Kuroshio Extension region of the North Pacific, we find that the target and reconstructed fields have a spatial correlation of ~0.7 below the mixed layer for w and 0.7–0.9 throughout the 1000-m upper ocean for ζ in the error-free scenario. By taking the SWOT sampling and measurement errors into account, the spatial correlation is found to decrease to 0.4–0.6 below the mixed layer for w and 0.6–0.7 for ζ, respectively. For both w and ζ reconstruction, the degradation due to the SWOT errors is more significant in the surface layer and for smaller-scale signals. The impact of errors lessens with the increasing depth and lengthening horizontal scales.
Indigenous Perspectives on Help-Seeking for Family Violence: Voices From an Australian Community
Authors: Fiolet Renee , Tarzia Laura , Owen Renee , Eccles Corrina , Nicholson Kayley , Owen May , Fry Syd , Knox Jasmine , Hegarty Kelsey
Published: October 2019

Indigenous peoples experience high rates of family violence (FV) yet are said to access support at lower rates than their non-Indigenous counterparts. There is an absence of Indigenous voices regarding their help-seeking behaviors for FV, particularly concerning men’s views. The aim of this research was to seek Indigenous perspectives on their help-seeking behaviors for FV. Individual, face-to-face semistructured interviews took place with 23 Indigenous Australians (14 women and 9 men) recruited from one large community in Victoria, Australia. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Data were categorized and organized, and themes were identified using thematic analysis. Five main themes emerged from the data. “You’re Aboriginal, so that’s just how it is” describes the experiences with discrimination and judgment that create general barriers for Indigenous peoples to access services. The second theme “putting a big blanket over it” articulates the role that shame plays in deterring support-seeking for FV. “How do you trust somebody?” defines the fear in the hearts and minds of Indigenous participants who contemplate help-seeking. A further main theme of “someone that they could have a yarn with” explores what occurs when participants initially decide to seek support. Their thoughts on what participants want from interactions with formal services are explored in the final theme “a safe space.” Significant barriers to seeking support for FV exist for Indigenous peoples, including discrimination, shame, and fear. Service providers need to work on addressing these barriers through an increased understanding of Indigenous experiences and beliefs in an effort to encourage help-seeking behaviors. Interventions to assist kin in dealing with FV and for service providers to create safe spaces are urgent. More research informed by Indigenous voices is needed.
Neuroanatomical Abnormalities in Older Depressed Adults With Apathy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pimontel Monique A. , Kanellopoulos Dora , Gunning Faith M.
Published: October 2019

Objective:

Apathy is a common phenomenon in late-life depression and is associated with poor outcomes. Apathy is often unrecognized in older depressed adults, and efficacious treatment options are lacking. This review provides a systematic review of the neuroanatomical abnormalities associated with apathy in late-life depression. In addition, the review summarizes the neuroimaging findings from studies of neurodegenerative and focal brain injury conditions that frequently present with apathy. The goal is to elucidate cerebral network abnormalities that give rise to apathy in older adults with mood disturbances and to inform future treatment targets.

Method:

Systematic literature review.

Results:

The few studies that have directly examined the neuroanatomical abnormalities of apathy in late-life depression suggest disturbances in the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, orbital and dorsal prefrontal cortex, striatum, and limbic structures (ie, amygdala, thalamus, and hippocampus). Studies examining the neuroanatomical correlates of apathy in other aging populations are consistent with the pattern observed in late-life depression.

Conclusions:

Apathy in late-life depression appears to be accompanied by neuroanatomical abnormalities in the salience and reward networks. These network findings are consistent with that observed in individuals presenting with apathy in other aging-related conditions. These findings may inform future treatments that target apathy.
Hindi LupusPRO: cross cultural validation of disease specific patient reported outcome measure of lupus
Authors: Pinto B , Jolly M , Dhooria A , Grover S , Raj J M , Devilliers H , Sharma A
Published: October 2019

Background

LupusPRO is a SLE specific patient reported outcomes measure developed and validated in the USA. This study aimed to validate the Hindi version of LupusPRO in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in India.

Methods

Disease activity and damage were assessed using SELENA–SLEDAI and SLICC/ACR damage Index respectively. Demographic and clinical features were recorded. The Hindi Version of LupusPRO and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were administered for assessment of quality of life. Depression, anxiety and fatigue were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD7) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) respectively. Internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, convergent and discriminant validity (against corresponding domains of the SF-36, fatigue, depression and anxiety), criterion validity (against disease activity and damage) and known group validity were tested.

Results

A total of 144 (140 females) patients with SLE with a mean age of 32.48 ± 7.26 years participated in the study. The median (interquartile range) SELENA SLEDAI was 2 (5.5). The internal consistency reliability of the LupusPRO domains was >0.7 for most domains (except for lupus symptoms, lupus medication, procreation and social support).We noted good convergent validity of LupusPRO domains with corresponding domains of SF-36, pain vitality with fatigue (FSS) and emotional health domain with depression (PHQ9) and anxiety (GAD7). Criterion validity of lupus symptoms with disease activity was observed. Known group validity of the LupusPRO domains with patient reported health status was observed. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit.

Conclusion

The Hindi LupusPRO has fair psychometric properties among Indian patients with SLE.
Diagnosing the Financial Distress in Oil Drilling and Exploration Sector of India through Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Nandi Anita , Sengupta Partha Pratim , Dutta Abhijit
Published: October 2019

The present study is mainly devoted to the bankruptcy prediction models and their ability to assess a bankruptcy probability for oil drilling and exploration sector of Indian. The study puts an effort to determine the financial health of 12 selected companies from this sector of India for a period of 5 years. These companies serve the backbone of many other industries such as transport industry, manufacturing industry, automobile industry and so on of the Indian economy. The study has taken the reference of Altman’s Z-score model, where ratios such as working capital to total asset, retained earnings to total asset, earnings before interest and tax to total assets, market value of equity to book value of debt and sales to total assets have been taken. The discriminant analysis is conducted to validate the outcomes of Altman’s model to predict group membership and to forecast the overall industry condition. The study reveals that 75 per cent of the companies are in financially healthy zone. The results indicate that working capital/total assets can very well explain the Z-score. The research on financial health using Altman’s score is very limited in Indian context. Therefore, this study will add value to the existing body of literature for financial risk.
Total corneal refractive power and shape in Down syndrome
Authors: Asgari Soheila , Mehravaran Shiva , Fotouhi Akbar , Makateb Ali , Hashemi Hassan
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

To determine the total corneal refractive power in 1–8 mm corneal zones and the 8 mm Q-value in non-keratoconic patients with Down syndrome and normal subjects aged 10–30 years.

Methods:

Right eye data from 203 Down syndrome patients (mean ± standard deviation age: 17.0 ± 4.7 years) and 189 age- and gender-matched normal subjects (17.1 ± 4.5 years) were compared. Main extracted Pentacam indices were total corneal refractive power in steep and flat axes, and mean and difference (corneal astigmatism) total corneal refractive power in 1–8 mm zones.

Results:

Mean total corneal refractive power in 1–8 mm zones was 45.17–45.74 D and 42.91–43.52 D in Down and normal group, respectively (all p < 0.001). The coefficients of variation of total corneal refractive power from the center to the periphery were similar in the two groups (p = 0.855). None of the mean total corneal refractive powers significantly correlated with age, and all of them were significantly higher in females (p < 0.001). Mean total corneal refractive power–based corneal astigmatism in these zones changed from 1.46 to 1.66 D in Down syndrome patients and 1.64 to 1.99 D in normal group. All corneal astigmatism indices were similar between two groups (all p > 0.05). The prevalence of against the rule and oblique astigmatism in all zones were higher in the Down syndrome group (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Adolescent and young non-keratoconic patients with Down syndrome have a more prolate cornea and a homogeneous keratometry distribution. In this population, females have a steeper cornea.
The Roles of N6-Methyladenosine in Human Diseases
Authors: An Shanshan , Zhang Jiaming , Wang Yuchuan , Zhang Ying , Liu Qiuyun
Published: October 2019

N 6-Methyladenosine methylations and demethylations are associated with a number of human diseases. A chemical and biochemical perspective can complement the biological view of the epigenetic mechanism. The orbital of imino nitrogen and nitrogen-hydrogen orbital displays p-π conjugation and σ-σ hyperconjugation. The electron delocalization attenuates secondary chemical bonding, resulting in low affinities on the imino nitrogen atom to cations. Reduced proton accumulation via N 6-methyladenosine correlates to lower cellular proton levels which may reflect cell physiology and pathogenesis. The lower affinity of the imino nitrogen to divalent cations in the methylated form versus the nonmethylated form may lead to reduced formation of insoluble and rigid calcium oxalate, which was proposed to be the cause of many diseases. The chemical and biochemical attributes of N 6-methyladenosine crosstalk with biological pathways upregulating and/or downregulating gene expressions to give rise to various physiological and biochemical outcomes at the cellular levels and the organismal levels.
Computerized neuropsychological assessment devices in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review
Authors: Wojcik Curtis M , Beier Meghan , Costello Kathleen , DeLuca John , Feinstein Anthony , Goverover Yael , Gudesblatt Mark , Jaworski Michael , Kalb Rosalind , Kostich Lori , LaRocca Nicholas G , Rodgers Jonathan D , Benedict Ralph HB ,   National MS Society Cognition Work Team
Published: October 2019

Background:

The proliferation of computerized neuropsychological assessment devices (CNADs) for screening and monitoring cognitive impairment is increasing exponentially. Previous reviews of computerized tests for multiple sclerosis (MS) were primarily qualitative and did not rigorously compare CNADs on psychometric properties.

Objective:

We aimed to systematically review the literature on the use of CNADs in MS and identify test batteries and single tests with good evidence for reliability and validity.

Method:

A search of four major online databases was conducted for publications related to computerized testing and MS. Test–retest reliability and validity coefficients and effect sizes were recorded for each CNAD test, along with administration characteristics.

Results:

We identified 11 batteries and 33 individual tests from 120 peer-reviewed articles meeting the inclusion criteria. CNADs with the strongest psychometric support include the CogState Brief Battery, Cognitive Drug Research Battery, NeuroTrax, CNS-Vital Signs, and computer-based administrations of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test.

Conclusion:

We identified several CNADs that are valid to screen for MS-related cognitive impairment, or to supplement full, conventional neuropsychological assessment. The necessity of testing with a technician, and in a controlled clinic/laboratory environment, remains uncertain.
Dilemmas of a subculture: An analysis of BDSM blogs about Fifty Shades of Grey
Authors: Drdová Lucie , Saxonberg Steven
Published: October 2019

Recently, much has been written in the mass media about the novel and film Fifty Shades of Grey. It was widely portrayed as an example of BDSM (a common abbreviation for the terms bondage, discipline, dominance, submissivity, sadism and masochism) subculture and used as a symbol of sadomasochistic identity. But is this public view based on the self image of BDSM subcultural members or is it a figment of the imagination of writers and journalists? This article presents the voice of BDSM activists, who are silenced and excluded from the public debate. Using a virtual ethnographic method, we analyse the BDSM blogosphere as a platform for subcultural expressions of opinion. We combine this with a documentary analysis. In doing so, we examine how BDSM subculture members perceive themselves in contrast to the mainstream view of them pictured in the book Fifty Shades of Grey. This article investigates to what extent the subcultural conception of BDSM corresponds to the book's depiction and where it differs fundamentally.
A case study of applying text analysis to identify possible adverse drug interactions: The case of Adalat (Nifedipine)
Authors: Gefen David , Ben-Assuli Ofir , Shlomo Nir , Robertson Noreen , Klempfner Robert
Published: October 2019

Adalat (Nifedipine) is a calcium-channel blocker that is also used as an antihypertensive drug. The drug was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1985 but was discontinued in 1996 on account, among other things, of interactions with other medications. Nonetheless, Adalat is still used in other countries to treat congestive heart failure. We examine all the congestive heart failure electronic health records of the largest medical center in Israel to discover whether, possibly, taking Adalat with other medications is associated with patient death. This study examines a semantic space built by running latent semantic analysis on the entire corpus of congestive heart failure electronic health records of that medical center, encompassing 8 years of data on almost 12,000 patients. Through this semantic space, the most highly correlated medications and medical conditions that co-occurred with Adalat were identified. This was done separately for men and women. The results show that Adalat is correlated with different medications and conditions across genders. The data also suggest that taking Adalat with Captopril (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) or Rulid (antibiotic) might be dangerous in both genders. The study thus demonstrates the potential of applying latent semantic analysis to identify potentially dangerous drug interactions that may have otherwise gone under the radar.
Police, personality and the ability to deceive
Authors: Semrad Monica , Scott-Parker Bridie
Published: October 2019

Effectiveness as an undercover operative or human source (informant) handler relies on the believability of police in fictious roles, yet the use of deception by law enforcement in covert fields of policing and criminal interviews remains relatively underexplored in the literature. Moreover, selection processes for these critical police roles do not currently include a test of deception ability. This study investigates the lie production and truth production ability of 50 Australian police officers-in-training by comparing their results on a game of deception with their personality traits as tested by the HEXACO-PI-R-100 item version, the Short-D3 and the MSCEIT. Results indicate that sex, age, dark triad traits and emotional intelligence have no relationship with either truth or lie production. HEXACO results indicate low social self-esteem was related to high lie production ability. Further research is needed to explore extraversion, social skills, and confidence as they relate to the credibility of a ‘storyteller’.
Amino Acids Responsible for Decreased 2, 3-Biphosphosphoglycerate Binding to Fetal Hemoglobin
Authors: Adachi Kazuhiko , Konitzer Patrick , Pang Jian , Reddy Konda S. , Surrey Saul
Published: October 2019

To clarify the role of γN-terminal Gly, γ5 Glu, and γ143 Ser in 2, 3-biphosphosphoglycerate (BPG) binding to fetal hemoglobin (Hb F ), we engineered and produced normal human Hb F and two Hb F variants (Hb F γG1V, γS143H, and Hb F γG1V, γE5P, γS143H) using a yeast expression system and then compared their oxygen-binding properties with those of native human Hb F and adult Hb (Hb A). Oxygen affinity of Hb F γG1V, γS143H in the absence of 2, 3-BPG was slightly higher than that of normal Hb F. The decrease in oxygen affinities for Hb F γG1V, γS143H with increasing 2, 3-BPG concentrations was larger than that of normal Hb F, but significantly less than that of Hb A. In contrast, oxygen affinities of Hb F γG1V, γE5P, γS143H in the absence and presence of 2, 3-BPG were much lower than those of Hb F γG1V, γS143H and were similar to those of Hb A. These results indicate that differences between Pro and Glu at the A2 position in the A helix in Hb A and Hb F, respectively, are critical for reduced binding of 2, 3-BPG to Hb F, even though β5 Pro does not interact directly with 2, 3-BPG in Hb A. Hb F variants such as Hb F γG1V, γE5P, γS143H, which exhibit reduced oxygen affinity, should facilitate design of efficient antisickling fetal Hb variants for potential use in gene therapy for sickle cell disease.
Ring sideroblasts in AML are associated with adverse risk characteristics and have a distinct gene expression pattern
Authors: Berger Gerbrig , Gerritsen Mylene , Yi Guoqiang , Koorenhof-Scheele Theresia N. , Kroeze Leonie I. , Stevens-Kroef Marian , Yoshida Kenichi , Shiraishi Yuichi , van den Berg Eva , Schepers Hein , Huls Geert , Mulder André B. , Ogawa Seishi , Martens Joost H. A. , Jansen Joop H. , Vellenga Edo
Published: October 2019

Key Points

Ring sideroblasts in AML are associated with complex karyotypes and TP53 mutations. Gene expression studies in CD34+ AML cells suggest an altered erythroid differentiation program in AML with ring sideroblasts.
The expression of P16 and S100 associated with elastin degradation and fibrosis of the Ligamentum Flavum hypertrophy
Authors: Hu Wei , Kan Shunli , Liu Guang , Cao Zegang , Zhu Rusen
Published: October 2019

Background

One of the characteristics of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is elastin degradation and fibrosis in the ligamentum flavum (LF). However, the biochemical factors that cause these histologic changes is unclear. P16 and S100 participate in scar formation and collagen development in wound healing and fibrosis diseases. In this study, we investigate the association between P16 and S100 expression and the fibrosis of the hypertrophic LF in LSS.

Methods

The LF specimens were surgically obtained from 30 patients with single-segment LSS (SLSS), 30 patients with double-segment LSS (DLSS) and 30 patients with L4/5 lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The LF thickness was measured by axial T1-weighted MRI. The extent of LF elastin degradation and fibrosis were graded based on hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Verhoff’s Van Gieson’s (VVG) stain, respectively. The localization of P16 and S100 was determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The Absolute and relative LF thickness were greater in the DLSS group compared with the SLSS and LDH groups (p <  0.05). The elastic tissue from the dorsal aspect to the dural aspect in SLSS and DLSS groups was significantly increased. The amount of collagen deposition and elastic tissue is significantly higher in the DLSS group compared with the SLSS and LDH groups (p <  0.05). The specimens in the DLSS group showed positive staining of P16, especially in the dorsal layer. Almost all samples in the SLSS group were partially positive for P16. The LDH group showed negative staining of P16 in both the dural and dorsal layers. All the three groups were stained with S100 in the dorsal layer of the LF. On the contrary, S100 staining was absent in the dural layer of the LF in the three groups.

Conclusions

Elastin degradation and fibrosis of the LF in the DLSS patients is more severe compared with the SLSS and LDH patients. Increased expression of P16 associated with LF fibrosis and thickness, suggested that the expression of P16 may related to LF hypertrophy in the patients who suffer with LSS. LF hypertrophy process may not be associated with high expression of S100.
The StarT back screening tool and a pain mannequin improve triage in individuals with low back pain at risk of a worse prognosis – a population based cohort study
Authors: Haglund Emma , Bremander Ann , Bergman Stefan
Published: October 2019

Background

The STarT Back Screening Tool (SBT) identifies patients with low back pain (LBP) at risk of a worse prognosis of persistent disabling back pain, and thereby facilitates triage to appropriate treatment level. However, the SBT does not consider the pain distribution, which is a known predictor of chronic widespread pain (CWP). The aim of this study was to determine if screening by the SBT and screening of multisite chronic widespread pain (MS-CWP) could identity individuals with a worse prognosis. A secondary aim was to analyze self-reported health in individuals with and without LBP, in relation to the combination of these two screening tools.

Methods

One hundred and nineteen individuals (aged 40–71 years, mean (SD) 59 (8) years), 52 with LBP and 67 references, answered two screening tools; the SBT and a pain mannequin – as well as a questionnaire addressing self-reported health. The SBT stratifies into low, medium or high risk of a worse prognosis. The pain mannequin stratifies into either presence or absence of CWP in combination with ≥7 painful areas of pain (0–18), here defined as MS-CWP (high risk of worse prognosis). The two screening tools were studied one-by-one, and as a combined screening. For statistical analyses, independent t-tests and Chi-square tests were used.

Results

Both the SBT and the pain mannequin identified risk of a worse prognosis in individuals with (p = 0.007) or without (p = 0.001) LBP. We found that the screening tools identified partly different individuals at risk. The SBT identified one individual, while the pain mannequin identified 21 (19%). When combining the two screening methods, 21 individuals (17%) were at high risk of a worse prognosis. When analyzing differences between individuals at high risk (combined SBT and MS-CWP) with those at low risk, individuals at high risk reported worse health (p = 0.013 - < 0.001).

Conclusions

Both screening tools identified individuals at risk, but they captured different aspects, and also different number of individuals at high risk of a worse prognosis. Thus, using a combination may improve early detection and facilitate triage to appropriate treatment level with multimodal approach also in those otherwise missed by the SBT.
Size matters: how sample size affects the reproducibility and specificity of gene set analysis
Authors: Maleki Farhad , Ovens Katie , McQuillan Ian , Kusalik Anthony J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Gene set analysis is a well-established approach for interpretation of data from high-throughput gene expression studies. Achieving reproducible results is an essential requirement in such studies. One factor of a gene expression experiment that can affect reproducibility is the choice of sample size. However, choosing an appropriate sample size can be difficult, especially because the choice may be method-dependent. Further, sample size choice can have unexpected effects on specificity.

Results

In this paper, we report on a systematic, quantitative approach to study the effect of sample size on the reproducibility of the results from 13 gene set analysis methods. We also investigate the impact of sample size on the specificity of these methods. Rather than relying on synthetic data, the proposed approach uses real expression datasets to offer an accurate and reliable evaluation.

Conclusion

Our findings show that, as a general pattern, the results of gene set analysis become more reproducible as sample size increases. However, the extent of reproducibility and the rate at which it increases vary from method to method. In addition, even in the absence of differential expression, some gene set analysis methods report a large number of false positives, and increasing sample size does not lead to reducing these false positives. The results of this research can be used when selecting a gene set analysis method from those available.
Using Apache Spark on genome assembly for scalable overlap-graph reduction
Authors: Paul Alexander J. , Lawrence Dylan , Song Myoungkyu , Lim Seung-Hwan , Pan Chongle , Ahn Tae-Hyuk
Published: October 2019

Background

De novo genome assembly is a technique that builds the genome of a specimen using overlaps of genomic fragments without additional work with reference sequence. Sequence fragments (called reads) are assembled as contigs and scaffolds by the overlaps. The quality of the de novo assembly depends on the length and continuity of the assembly. To enable faster and more accurate assembly of species, existing sequencing techniques have been proposed, for example, high-throughput next-generation sequencing and long-reads-producing third-generation sequencing. However, these techniques require a large amounts of computer memory when very huge-size overlap graphs are resolved. Also, it is challenging for parallel computation.

Results

To address the limitations, we propose an innovative algorithmic approach, calledScalableOverlap-graphReductionAlgorithms (SORA). SORA is an algorithm package that performs string graph reduction algorithms by Apache Spark. The SORA’s implementations are designed to execute de novo genome assembly on either a single machine or a distributed computing platform. SORA efficiently compacts the number of edges on enormous graphing paths by adapting scalable features of graph processing libraries provided by Apache Spark, GraphX and GraphFrames.

Conclusions

We shared the algorithms and the experimental results at our project website,https://github.com/BioHPC/SORA. We evaluated SORA with the human genome samples. First, it processed a nearly one billion edge graph on a distributed cloud cluster. Second, it processed mid-to-small size graphs on a single workstation within a short time frame. Overall, SORA achieved the linear-scaling simulations for the increased computing instances.
Study on ultra-high sensitivity piezoelectric effect of GaN micro/nano columns
Authors: Fu Jianbo , Zong Hua , Hu Xiaodong , Zhang Haixia
Published: October 2019

High-quality GaN micro/nano columns were prepared with self-organized catalytic-free method. Young’s modulus of GaN nanocolumns were measured under both compressive stress and tensile stress. It was found that the Young’s modulus decreases with the increasing of nanocolumn diameter due to the increase of face defect density. Furthermore, we measured the piezoelectric properties and found that there was a 1000-fold current increase under a strain of 1% with a fixed bias voltage of 10 mV. Based on the Schottky Barrier Diode model, we modified it with the effect of polarization charge, image charge and interface state to analyze the experiment results which reveals that the strong piezopolarization effect plays an important role in this phenomenon. Therefore, the GaN nanocolumns has a great prospect to be applied in high-efficiency nanogenerators and high-sensitivity nanosensors.