bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced use of gaze cue in a face-following task after brief trial experience in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Fukui Takao , Chakrabarty Mrinmoy , Sano Misako , Tanaka Ari , Suzuki Mayuko , Kim Sooyung , Agarie Hiromi , Fukatsu Reiko , Nishimaki Kengo , Nakajima Yasoichi , Wada Makoto
Published: May 2021

Eye movements toward sequentially presented face images with or without gaze cues were recorded to investigate whether those with ASD, in comparison to their typically developing (TD) peers, could prospectively perform the task according to gaze cues. Line-drawn face images were sequentially presented for one second each on a laptop PC display, and the face images shifted from side-to-side and up-and-down. In the gaze cue condition, the gaze of the face image was directed to the position where the next face would be presented. Although the participants with ASD looked less at the eye area of the face image than their TD peers, they could perform comparable smooth gaze shift to the gaze cue of the face image in the gaze cue condition. This appropriate gaze shift in the ASD group was more evident in the second half of trials in than in the first half, as revealed by the mean proportion of fixation time in the eye area to valid gaze data in the early phase (during face image presentation) and the time to first fixation on the eye area. These results suggest that individuals with ASD may benefit from the short-period trial experiment by enhancing the usage of gaze cue.
GRK2 contributes to glucose mediated calcium responses and insulin secretion in pancreatic islet cells
Authors: Snyder Jonathan , Lackey Atreju I , Brown G. Schuyler , Diaz Melisa , Yuzhen Tian , Sato Priscila Y.
Published: May 2021

Diabetes is a metabolic syndrome rooted in impaired insulin and/or glucagon secretory responses within the pancreatic islets of Langerhans (islets). Insulin secretion is primarily regulated by two key factors: glucose-mediated ATP production and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) signaling. GPCR kinase 2 (GRK2), a key regulator of GPCRs, is reported to be downregulated in the pancreas of spontaneously obesogenic and diabetogenic mice (ob/ob). Moreover, recent studies have shown that GRK2 non-canonically localizes to the cardiac mitochondrion, where it can contribute to glucose metabolism. Thus, islet GRK2 may impact insulin secretion through either mechanism. Utilizing Min6 cells, a pancreatic ß-cell model, we knocked down GRK2 and measured glucose-mediated intracellular calcium responses and insulin secretion. Silencing of GRK2 attenuated calcium responses, which were rescued by pertussis toxin pre-treatment, suggesting a Gαi/o-dependent mechanism. Pancreatic deletion of GRK2 in mice resulted in glucose intolerance with diminished insulin secretion. These differences were due to diminished insulin release rather than decreased insulin content or gross differences in islet architecture. Furthermore, a high fat diet feeding regimen exacerbated the metabolic phenotype in this model. These results suggest a new role for pancreatic islet GRK2 in glucose-mediated insulin responses that is relevant to type 2 diabetes disease progression.
Real-time, automatic, open-source﻿﻿ sleep stage classification system using single EEG for mice
Authors: Tezuka Taro , Kumar Deependra , Singh Sima , Koyanagi Iyo , Naoi Toshie , Sakaguchi Masanori
Published: May 2021

We developed a real-time sleep stage classification system with a convolutional neural network using only a one-channel electro-encephalogram source from mice and universally available features in any time-series data: raw signal, spectrum, and zeitgeber time. To accommodate historical information from each subject, we included a long short-term memory recurrent neural network in combination with the universal features. The resulting system (UTSN-L) achieved 90% overall accuracy and 81% multi-class Matthews Correlation Coefficient, with particularly high-quality judgements for rapid eye movement sleep (91% sensitivity and 98% specificity). This system can enable automatic real-time interventions during rapid eye movement sleep, which has been difficult due to its relatively low abundance and short duration. Further, it eliminates the need for ordinal pre-calibration, electromyogram recording, and manual classification and thus is scalable. The code is open-source with a graphical user interface and closed feedback loop capability, making it easily adaptable to a wide variety of end-user needs. By allowing large-scale, automatic, and real-time sleep stage-specific interventions, this system can aid further investigations of the functions of sleep and the development of new therapeutic strategies for sleep-related disorders.
Clinical factors associated with discontinuation of ts/bDMARDs in rheumatic patients from the BIOBADASER III registry
Authors: Prior-Español A. , Sánchez-Piedra C. , Campos J. , Manero F. J. , Pérez-García C. , Bohórquez C. , Busquets-Pérez N. , Blanco-Madrigal J. M. , Díaz-Torne C. , Sánchez-Alonso F. , Mateo L. , Holgado-Pérez S.
Published: May 2021

Biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (ts/bDMARDs) play a pivotal role in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Persistence of therapy provides an index of a drug’s overall effectiveness. The objective of the study was to identify factors associated with discontinuation of ts/bDMARDs in a real-world dataset. The study population comprised patients diagnosed with RA, PsA, and AS included in the BIOBADASER registry for whom follow-up data were available until November 2019. Patient features and treatment data were included in the analysis. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to study survival of the different drugs according to the reason for discontinuation. Factors associated with discontinuation were studied using Cox regression models and bivariate and multivariate analyses. P values of less than 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. The study population comprised 4,752 patients who received a total of 8,377 drugs, of which 4,411 (52.65%) were discontinued. The Kaplan–Meier curves showed that survival for first-line treatment was greater in all 3 groups (p < 0.001). Patients with RA had a greater risk of discontinuation if they were younger (HR, 0.99; 95% CI 0.99–1.00), if they were receiving anti-TNFα agents (HR, 0.61; 95% CI 0.54–0.70), and if they had more comorbid conditions (HR, 1.09; 95% CI 1.00–1.17). Patients with PsA had a higher risk if they were women (HR, 1.36; 95% CI 1.15–1.62) and if they were receiving other ts/bDMARDs (HR, 1.29; 95% CI 1.05–1.59). In patients with AS, risk increased with age (HR, 1.01; 95% CI 1.00–1.02), as did the number of comorbid conditions (HR, 1.27; 95% CI 1.12–1.45). The factors that most affected discontinuation of ts/bDMARDs were line of treatment, age, type of drug, sex, comorbidity and the year of initiation of treatment. The association with these factors differed with each disease, except for first-line treatment, which was associated with a lower risk of discontinuation in all 3 diseases.
A system for controlling vocal communication networks
Authors: Rychen J. , Rodrigues D. I. , Tomka T. , Rüttimann L. , Yamahachi H. , Hahnloser R. H. R.
Published: May 2021

Animal vocalizations serve a wide range of functions including territorial defense, courtship, social cohesion, begging, and vocal learning. Whereas many insights have been gained from observational studies and experiments using auditory stimulation, there is currently no technology available for the selective control of vocal communication in small animal groups. We developed a system for real-time control of vocal interactions among separately housed animals. The system is implemented on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and it allows imposing arbitrary communication networks among up to four animals. To minimize undesired transitive sound leakage, we adopted echo attenuation and sound squelching algorithms. In groups of three zebra finches, we restrict vocal communication in circular and in hierarchical networks and thereby mimic complex eavesdropping and middleman situations.
Immune spleen cells attenuate the inflammatory profile of the mesenteric perivascular adipose tissue in obese mice
Authors: da Silva Renée de Nazaré Oliveira , Santos-Eichler Rosangela Aparecida , Dias Carolina , Rodrigues Stephen Fernandes , Skiba Dominik S. , Landgraf Richardt Gama , de Carvalho Maria Helena Catelli , Guzik Tomasz , Fock Ricardo Ambrósio , Akamine Eliana Hiromi
Published: May 2021

The perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) differs from other fat depots and exerts a paracrine action on the vasculature. The spleen has an important role in the immune response, and it was observed to have either a protective role or a contribution to obesity-related diseases. However, the relation between spleen and PVAT is elusive in obesity. We investigated the role of spleen in the inflammatory profile of the mesenteric PVAT (mPVAT) from mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. Male C57Bl/6 mice were sham-operated or splenectomized (SPX) and fed a HFD for 16 weeks. mPVAT morphology was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, infiltrated immune cells were evaluated by flow cytometry, inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by ELISA and the splenic cell chemotaxis mediated by mPVAT was evaluated using a transwell assay. In SPX mice, HFD induced adipocyte hypertrophy and increased immune cell infiltration and proinflammatory cytokine levels in mPVAT. However, none of these effects were observed in mPVAT from sham-operated mice. Spleen from HFD fed mice presented reduced total leukocytes and increased inflammatory markers when compared to the spleen from control mice. Chemotaxis of spleen cells mediated by mPVAT of HFD fed mice was reduced in relation to standard diet fed mice. The spleen protects mPVAT against the effects of 16-week HFD. This information was missing, and it is important because PVAT is different from other fat depots and data cannot be extrapolated from any type of adipose tissue to PVAT.
Vitamin D stimulates miR-26b-5p to inhibit placental COX-2 expression in preeclampsia
Authors: Cao Yang , Jia Xiaotong , Huang Yujia , Wang Jiao , Lu Chunmei , Yuan Xiaolei , Xu Jie , Zhu Hui
Published: May 2021

Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Increased placental cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity was proposed to contribute to the inflammatory response in preeclampsia. This study was to investigate if vitamin D can benefit preeclampsia by inhibiting placental COX-2 expression. Placenta tissues were obtained from 40 pregnant women (23 normotensive and 17 preeclampsia). miR-26b-5p expression was assessed by quantitative PCR. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and COX-2 expression were determined by immunostaining and Western blot. HTR-8/SVneo trophoblastic cells were cultured in vitro to test anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D in placental trophoblasts treated with oxidative stress inducer CoCl2. 1,25(OH)2D3 was used as bioactive vitamin D. Our results showed that reduced VDR and miR-26b-5p expression, but increased COX-2 expression, was observed in the placentas from women with preeclampsia compared to those from normotensive pregnant women. Transient overexpression of miR-26b-5p attenuated the upregulation of COX-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production induced by CoCl2 in placental trophoblasts. 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment inhibited CoCl2-induced upregulation of COX-2 in placental trophoblasts. Moreover, miR-26b-5p expression were significantly upregulated in cells treated with 1,25(OH)2D3, but not in cells transfected with VDR siRNA. Conclusively, downregulation of VDR and miR-26b-5p expression was associated with upregulation of COX-2 expression in the placentas from women with preeclampsia. 1,25(OH)2D3 could promote miR-26b-5p expression which in turn inhibited COX-2 expression and PGE2 formation in placental trophoblasts. The finding of anti-inflammatory property by vitamin D through promotion of VDR/miR-26b-5p expression provides significant evidence that downregulation of vitamin D/VDR signaling could contribute to increased inflammatory response in preeclampsia.
Development of comorbidities in type 2 diabetes between 2005 and 2017 using German claims data
Authors: Safieddine Batoul , Sperlich Stefanie , Epping Jelena , Lange Karin , Geyer Siegfried
Published: May 2021

Against the background of increasing life expectancy over time, several hypotheses have been proposed on the way morbidity has been developing. In type 2 diabetes (T2D), previous research suggests that morbidity compression could be ruled out due to increasing prevalence and life expectancy with T2D over time. Understanding how the health state in individuals with T2D is developing would help identify whether morbidity expansion or a dynamic equilibrium pattern applies for this disease. This study aims to answer the following questions: (1) How do the number and the prevalence of T2D concordant comorbidities develop over time? (2) What does this imply in terms of morbidity development in T2D in Germany? The study used claims data from a statutory health insurance provider in Lower Saxony, Germany. Period prevalence of T2D concordant comorbidities was examined for the periods 2005–2007, 2010–2012 and 2015–2017 in 240,241, 295,868 and 308,134 individuals with T2D respectively. The effect of time period on the number and prevalence of comorbidities was examined by means of (ordered) logistic regression. The age-adjusted predicted probabilities of more severe cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) decreased over the three periods while those of less severe CVDs and other vascular diseases increased significantly in men and women and among all examined age-groups. Predicted probability of having at least one more comorbidity over time also increased significantly among all examined groups. While less and more severe CVDs exhibited different developmental patterns, the results of the study point towards morbidity expansion in T2D. Future studies should focus on mechanisms that contribute to these trends.
Whole-genome resequencing of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) reveals the population structure and signatures of environmental adaptation
Authors: Kon Tetsuo , Pei Liyi , Ichikawa Ryota , Chen Chunyan , Wang Ping , Takemura Ikuyo , Ye Yingying , Yan Xiaojun , Guo Baoying , Li Weiye , Lauden Hagai Nsobi , Tabata Hiromasa , Pan Hao , Omori Yoshihiro , Ogura Atsushi , Jiang Lihua
Published: May 2021

Large yellow croaker is an economically important fish in China and East Asia. Despite its economic importance, genome-wide adaptions of domesticated large yellow croaker are largely unknown. Here, we performed whole-genome resequencing of 198 individuals of large yellow croaker obtained in the sea or from farmers in Zhoushan or Ningde. Population genomics analyses revealed the genetic population structure of our samples, reflecting the living environment. Each effective population size is estimated to be declining over generations. Moreover, we identified genetically differentiated genomic regions between the sea-captured population in the Zhoushan Sea area and that of the Ningde Sea area or between the sea-captured population and the farmed population in either area. Gene ontology analyses revealed the gene groups under selective sweep for the adaptation to the domesticated environment. All these results suggest that individuals of the large yellow croaker populations show genomic signatures of adaptation to different living environments.
Hyperradiance by a stream of phase-correlated atomic dipole pairs traversing a high-Q cavity
Authors: Han Junseok , Kim Jinuk , Oh Seung-hoon , Son Gibeom , Ha Junseo , An Kyungwon
Published: May 2021

Hyperradiance in which radiation rate exceeds that of superradiance has been theoretically investigated in various coherently-coupled emitter-field systems. In most cases, either proposed setups were experimentally challenging or the mean photon number in a cavity was limited. In this paper, with numerical simulations and analytic calculations, we demonstrate that significant hyperradiance with a large mean photon number can occur in a microlaser system, where pairs of two-level atoms prepared in quantum superposition states traverse a high-Q cavity in the presence of a pump field intersecting the cavity mode. Hyperradiance is induced when the intracavity-pump Rabi frequency is out of phase with respect to the atom-cavity coupling so that the reduction of atomic polarization by the atom-cavity coupling is compensated by the pump Rabi frequency in the steady state to maximize atomic photoemission.
Insights of antiparasitic activity of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate against different strains of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: de Freitas Oliveira Johny Wysllas , Torres Taffarel Melo , Moreno Cláudia Jassica Gonçalves , Amorim-Carmo Bruno , Damasceno Igor Zumba , Soares Ana Katarina Menezes Cruz , da Silva Barbosa Jefferson , Rocha Hugo Alexandre Oliveira , Silva Marcelo Sousa
Published: May 2021

Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and affects thousands of people. Drugs currently used in therapy are toxic and have therapeutic limitations. In addition, the genetic diversity of T. cruzi represents an important variable and challenge in treatment. Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC) is a compound with pharmacological versatility acting as metal chelators and ROS generation. Thus, the objective was to characterize the antiparasitic action of DETC against different strains and forms of T. cruzi and their mechanism. The different strains of T. cruzi were grown in LIT medium. To evaluate the antiparasitic activity of DETC, epimastigote and trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi were used by resazurin reduction methods and by counting. Different response patterns were obtained between the strains and an IC50 of DETC ranging from 9.44 ± 3,181 to 60.49 ± 7.62 µM. Cell cytotoxicity against 3T3 and RAW cell lines and evaluated by MTT, demonstrated that DETC in high concentration (2222.00 µM) presents low toxicity. Yet, DETC causes mitochondrial damage in T. cruzi, as well as disruption in parasite membrane. DETC has antiparasitic activity against different genotypes and forms of T. cruzi, therefore, representing a promising molecule as a drug for the treatment of Chagas disease.
Nationwide population-based study of prevalence and trend of borderline ovarian tumors in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Ouh Yung-Taek , Kang Dongwoo , Kim Hoseob , Lee Jae Kwan , Hong Jin Hwa
Published: May 2021

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) represent noninvasive tumors with uncertain malignant potential. They have a favorable prognosis although they can also recur or be fatal. There are limited population-based data on BOTs, its incidence and surgical treatment approach. We sought to analyze these trends in South Korea between 2014 and 2018. Data from patients diagnosed with BOT between 2014 and 2018 were obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service/National Inpatient Sample in South Korea. Treatment was analyzed by using codes including adnexal surgery with or without hysterectomy. Data from 4,636,542 women were entered into the database between 2014 and 2018. Data from 5,109 women with BOT, and 537 women with surgery were extracted for analysis. The highest prevalence of BOT occurred in women 40–44 years old. In logistic regression analysis, age was significantly correlated with the prevalence of BOT (p < 0.05). The prevalence of BOT was lower in individuals over 50 than it was in those under 50 years (odds ratio (OR), 0.400 in 2014; OR, 0.457 in 2015; OR, 0.419 in 2016; OR, 0.355 in 2017; OR, 0.347 in 2018). The prevalence of BOT varies significantly with age, and is most common in women in their 40 s.
Viral-mediated transduction of auditory neurons with opsins for optical and hybrid activation
Authors: Richardson Rachael T. , Thompson Alex C. , Wise Andrew K. , Ajay Elise A. , Gunewardene Niliksha , O’Leary Stephen J. , Stoddart Paul R. , Fallon James B.
Published: May 2021

Optical stimulation is a paradigm-shifting approach to modulating neural activity that has the potential to overcome the issue of current spread that occurs with electrical stimulation by providing focused stimuli. But optical stimulation either requires high power infrared light or genetic modification of neurons to make them responsive to lower power visible light. This work examines optical activation of auditory neurons following optogenetic modification via AAV injection in two species (mouse and guinea pig). An Anc80 viral vector was used to express the channelrhodopsin variant ChR2-H134R fused to a fluorescent reporter gene under the control of the human synapsin-1 promoter. The AAV was administered directly to the cochlea (n = 33) or posterior semi-circular canal of C57BL/6 mice (n = 4) or to guinea pig cochleae (n = 6). Light (488 nm), electrical stimuli or the combination of these (hybrid stimulation) was delivered to the cochlea via a laser-coupled optical fibre and co-located platinum wire. Activation thresholds, spread of activation and stimulus interactions were obtained from multi-unit recordings from the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus of injected mice, as well as ChR2-H134R transgenic mice (n = 4). Expression of ChR2-H134R was examined by histology. In the mouse, transduction of auditory neurons by the Anc80 viral vector was most successful when injected at a neonatal age with up to 89% of neurons transduced. Auditory neuron transductions were not successful in guinea pigs. Inferior colliculus responses to optical stimuli were detected in a cochleotopic manner in all mice with ChR2-H134R expression. There was a significant correlation between lower activation thresholds in mice and higher proportions of transduced neurons. There was no difference in spread of activation between optical stimulation and electrical stimulation provided by the light/electrical delivery system used here (optical fibre with bonded 25 µm platinum/iridium wire). Hybrid stimulation, comprised of sub-threshold optical stimulation to ‘prime’ or raise the excitability of the neurons, lowered the threshold for electrical activation in most cases, but the impact on excitation width was more variable compared to transgenic mice. This study demonstrates the impact of opsin expression levels and expression pattern on optical and hybrid stimulation when considering optical or hybrid stimulation techniques for neuromodulation.
Structures in G proteins important for subtype selective receptor binding and subsequent activation
Authors: Jelinek Volker , Mösslein Nadja , Bünemann Moritz
Published: May 2021

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) selectively couple to specific heterotrimeric G proteins comprised of four subfamilies in order to induce appropriate physiological responses. However, structural determinants in Gα subunits responsible for selective recognition by approximately 800 human GPCRs have remained elusive. Here, we directly compare the influence of subtype-specific Gα structures on the stability of GPCR-G protein complexes and the activation by two Gq-coupled receptors. We used FRET-assays designed to distinguish multiple Go and Gq-based Gα chimeras in their ability to be selectively bound and activated by muscarinic M3 and histaminic H1 receptors. We identify the N-terminus including the αN/β1-hinge, the β2/β3-loop and the α5 helix of Gα to be key selectivity determinants which differ in their impact on selective binding to GPCRs and subsequent activation depending on the specific receptor. Altogether, these findings provide new insights into the molecular basis of G protein-coupling selectivity even beyond the Gα C-terminus.
3D hierarchical porous N-doped carbon quantum dots/vanadium nitride hybrid microflowers as a superior electrode material toward high-performance asymmetric capacitive deionization
Authors: Zhao Jingxuan , Zhao Zhibo , Sun Yang , Ma Xiangdong , Ye Meidan , Wen Xiaoru
Published: May 2021

3D hierarchical porous NCQDs/VN hybrid microflowers were first demonstrated as an advanced electrode for an asymmetric capacitive deionization of saline water.
Development of curcumin loaded core–shell zein microparticles stabilized by cellulose nanocrystals and whey protein microgels through interparticle interactions
Authors: Wei Yang , Guo Aixin , Liu Zikun , Zhang Liang , Liao Wenyan , Liu Jinfang , Mao Like , Yuan Fang , Gao Yanxiang
Published: May 2021

Curcumin loaded zein-CNC-WPM multilayered core–shell microparticles.
TMT-based quantitative proteomics analysis reveals the effect of bovine derived MFG-E8 against oxidative stress on rat L6 cells
Authors: Guan Kaifang , Li He , Chen Haoran , Qi Xiaofen , Wang Rongchun , Ma Ying
Published: May 2021

The procedure of TMT-based quantitative proteomics analysis and the subsequent verification of MFG-E8 on oxidative stress response.
Electrically driven formation and dynamics of swallow-tail solitons in smectic A liquid crystals
Authors: Shen Yuan , Dierking Ingo
Published: May 2021

Multi-dimensional particle-like solitons are formed in a smectic A liquid crystal driven by electric fields. The solitons are localized deformations of smectic layers and travel perpendicular to the smectic layers with a constant speed.
Preparation and biomedical application of injectable hydrogels
Authors: Gao Fengyuan , Jiao Caicai , Yu Bing , Cong Hailin , Shen Youqing
Published: May 2021

The preparation of multifunctional injectable hydrogels, as well as the classification of injectable hydrogels according to different functions, most summarize the applications of injectable hydrogels in different biomedical fields.
Effective enantiomeric identification of aromatic amines by tyrosine-modified pillar[5]arenes as chiral NMR solvating agents
Authors: Liu Luzhi , Ma Cuiguang , He Qin , Huang Yan , Duan Wengui
Published: May 2021

Two novel tyrosine-modified pillar[5]arenes have been synthesized and applied as chiral NMR solvating agents to establish an efficient 1H NMR method for enantioselective recognition and configuration assignment towards α-aromatic ethylamines.
MgAl LDH nanosheets loaded with Ni nanoparticles: a multifunctional filler for improving the energy storage performance of PVDF-based nanocomposites
Authors: Ye Tong , Li Hongye , Du Mingyue , Ma Xiaowei , Liu Xiaolin , Wen Lixiong
Published: May 2021

The dielectric constant and breakdown strength of the PVDF-based nanocomposites can be increased simultaneously by adding multifunctional Ni–MgAl LDH nanosheets, thus the nanocomposites can exhibit excellent energy storage performance.
Effective inhibition and eradication of pathogenic biofilms by titanium dioxide nanoparticles synthesized using Carum copticum extract
Authors: Altaf Mohammad , Zeyad Mohammad Tarique , Hashmi Md Amiruddin , Manoharadas Salim , Hussain Shaik Althaf , Ali Abuhasil Mohammed Saeed , Almuzaini Mohammed Abdulaziz M.
Published: May 2021

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles inhibits and eradicates the biofilms of pathogenic bacteria.
Application of MXene-based materials in hybrid capacitors
Authors: Li Le , Zhang Dan , Deng Jianping , Gou Yuchun , Fang Junfei , Cui Hong , Zhang Changming , Cao Minghui
Published: May 2021

In this article, the latest research progress on hybrid capacitors using MXene-based materials is assessed based on the modification and composition of MXene-based materials.
Thickness of the particle-free layer near charged interfaces in suspensions of like-charged nanoparticles
Authors: Kosior Dominik , Gvaramia Manuchar , Scarratt Liam R. J. , Maroni Plinio , Trefalt Gregor , Borkovec Michal
Published: May 2021

When a suspension of charged nanoparticles is in contact with a like-charged water–solid interface, next to this interface a particle-free layer is formed.
Microstructure and lattice strain control towards high-performance ambient green-printed perovskite solar cells
Authors: Fang Junjie , Ding Zicheng , Chang Xiaoming , Lu Jing , Yang Tinghuan , Wen Jialun , Fan Yuanyuan , Zhang Yalan , Luo Tao , Chen Yonghua , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Zhao Kui
Published: May 2021

High-quality methylammonium lead iodide-based perovskite layer with large crystal grains and relaxed lattice strain is demonstrated via simple ambient blade-coating from green solvents, with an efficiency of 20.21% in solar cells.
Suppression of short channel effects in ferroelectric Si junctionless transistors with a sub-10 nm gate length defined by helium ion beam lithography
Authors: Chang Teng-Jan , Wang Ting-Yun , Wang Chin-I , Huang Zheng-da , Jiang Yu-Sen , Chou Chun-Yi , Kao Wei-Chung , Chen Miin-Jang
Published: May 2021

Short channel effects in Si junctionless transistors with a gate length below 10 nm are reduced by the ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2gate oxide.
Optimization of bright, highly flexible, and humidity insensitive porphyrin-based oxygen-sensing materials
Authors: Li Xiaolei , Roussakis Emmanuel , Cascales Juan Pedro , Marks Haley L. , Witthauer Lilian , Evers Michael , Manstein Dieter , Evans Conor L.
Published: May 2021

Optimal oxygen-sensing materials have been developed with high brightness, fast response, humidity insensitivity, high photostability, and flexibility, which can serve as good resources for oxygen-sensing devices in medical applications.
Self-assembly of functionalized Echinops-like Rh porous nanostructure electrocatalysts for highly efficient seawater splitting
Authors: Jiang Xue , Dong Zemeng , Wang Jing , Zhang Ning , Xu Guang-Rui , Zhang Wen , Lai Jianping , Li Zhenjiang , Wang Lei
Published: May 2021

The electrolyzer assembled with bifunctional Echinops-like Rh PNNS catalysts exhibited a low cell voltage of 1.61 V at 10 mA cm−2, which is superior to that of Pt black‖RuO2couples.
Distinguishing wavelength using two parallelly stacking graphene/thin Si/graphene heterojunctions
Authors: Luo Lin-Bao , Fang Ting , Xie Chao , Wang Li , Wu Di , Liang Feng-Xia
Published: May 2021

The device geometry of a wavelength sensor which is composed of two parallelly stacking Gr/thin Si/Gr heterojunctions, and the diagram of wavelength dependent photocurrent ratios under illumination with various light intensities.
The Value of Speech-Language Pathologists in Auditory Rehabilitation for Adults With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Ray Christin , Taylor Erin , Vasil Kara J. , Zombek Lindsay , Baxter Jodi H. , Moberly Aaron C.
Published: May 2021

Background

Standards for auditory rehabilitation are currently lacking for adults who receive cochlear implants. Speech recognition outcomes are highly variable, and many adults with cochlear implants present with suboptimal performance. Functional real-life communication abilities are not routinely measured clinically and are not strongly linked to performance on traditional measures of speech recognition. In fact, even individuals with relatively good speech recognition outcomes often present with persistent communication difficulties. In contrast to pediatric cochlear implant users, speech-language pathologists are not routinely involved in the rehabilitation of adults who receive cochlear implants.

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe the value of including a speech-language pathologist in a comprehensive approach to auditory rehabilitation for adults with cochlear implants.

Method

The theoretical and clinical foundations of incorporating a speech-language pathologist into an adult auditory rehabilitation program are discussed. A description of the skills and potential roles of the speech-language pathologist for providing adult cochlear implant rehabilitation services is presented, along with potential barriers to implementation.

Conclusion

Person-centered management of postlingually deafened adults with cochlear implants can be augmented by a more complete approach utilizing the skill set of a speech-language pathologist.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14669652
Specific radar emitter identification based on two stage multiple kernel extreme learning machine
Authors: Shi Ya , Yuan Ming‐Dong , Ren Junlin , Xu Shengjun
Published: May 2021

To make full use of the discriminative information containing in the whole ambiguity function (AF) plane, a novel two stage multiple kernel extreme learning machine (TSMKELM) method for specific radar emitter identification is proposed. Firstly, the AF plane is segmented into the non‐overlapping Doppler shift stripes and each stripe is encoded as a kernel. Next, the discrimination of these stripes is evaluated and sorted according to the kernel discriminant ratio (KDR) criterion, which is in line with the large margin principle of KELM. Then, only the stripes with large KDRs are kept and the combined kernel is calculated by directly using the normalized KDRs as combination weights. At last, the KELM classifier is employed to fulfil the individual identification task. The proposed algorithm, named as KDR‐TSMKELM, solves the kernel combination weights and kernel classifier parameter separately, bringing much efficiency in practice. Experiments on two real radar datasets validate the proposed algorithm.
Single session per oral endoscopic myotomy and trans oral incisionless fundoplication – can we prevent reflux in patients with achalasia?
Authors: Benias Petros C. , Kumbhari Vivek , Kumta Nikhil A. , Sethi Amrita , D’Souza Lionel S. , Tyberg Amy , Brewer Gutierrez Olaya , Miller Larry S. , Carr-Locke David L. , Khashab Mouen A.
Published: May 2021

Background and study aims The rate of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is concerning. Endoscopic anti-reflux methods, such as Trans Oral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF), are crucial for the long-term success of POEM, especially if they can be performed in the same session.

Methods We completed a proof-of-concept canine pilot study (n = 6) to assess safety and feasibility of POEM and TIF in a single session (POEM-TIF). Subsequently, POEM-TIF was also performed in patients with achalasia (n = 5). Herein, we report on the safety, technical and clinical success of the first-in-human cases with symptom follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months and pH testing at 6 months.

Results POEM was completed successfully in six canines (3 anterior and 3 posterior myotomies), followed by TIF in the same session. Necropsy and extensive testing demonstrated no evidence of mucosal injury and no leaks. The reconstructed valve was 220 to 240 degrees, 3 to 4 cm in length, and resulted in concomitant esophageal lengthening (2–5 cm). Using similar principles, the first-in-human cases were performed without intraprocedural or delayed adverse events. pH testing at 6 months showed that four of five patients had no evidence of GERD (DeMeester > 14.72), and in one case, there was evidence of esophagitis.

Conclusions Single session POEM-TIF appears to be safe and feasible. Early clinical human data suggests that it may be able to reduce post POEM GERD, however the additional secondary benefits such as lengthening and straightening of the esophagus, may prove to be equally important for the long-term success of POEM.
Inclusive, Cross-Sectoral and Evidence-Based Decision-Making for Resilience Planning and Decision-Making in a Devolved Context
Authors: Neely C. L. , Bourne M. , Chesterman S. , Vågen T.-G. , Lekaram V. , Winowiecki L. A. , Prabhu R.
Published: May 2021

Successfully achieving the sustainable development goals requires addressing complex, interrelated, wicked problems across multiple scales and contexts and decision-making that tackles nested layers of goals and targets across the interrelated social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability. The Stakeholder Approach to Risk-informed and Evidence-based Decision-making (SHARED) bridges processes, tools and accessible evidence to support inter-sectoral and multi-stakeholder decision-making and implementation aimed at achieving resilience aspirations and associated investments. Adaptive collaborative management and multiple-loop learning serve as a basis for the systematic approach to institutional learning that supports shifts in underlying institutional understanding and values leading to actionable organisational change. This paper describes a contextual application of tailored technical assistance and institutional support to the Turkana County Government in Kenya, a newly devolved governance structure, under conditions of complexity. The SHARED Turkana County decision case demonstrates how the approach responded to a policy aspiration, resulting in greater and more intentional use of evidence in planning and budget allocations, cross-sectoral and multi-stakeholder partnerships, inclusive and transformative projects and a consultative and evidence-based five-year County Integrated Development Plan.
Focusing of flexural waves achieved by pillared metasurface
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: May 2021

A compact, lightweight metasurface consisting of pillars arranged on a flat plate successfully focuses an incident plane flexural wave into a spot.
The mechanisms of a bifunctional fluorescent probe for detecting fluoride and sulfite based on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer and intramolecular charge transfer
Authors: Jia Xueli , Yang Yonggang , Zhai Hongsheng , Zhang Qingqing , He Yuanyuan , Liu Yang , Liu Yufang
Published: May 2021

The mechanisms of 2-(Benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)phenol-based bifunctional probe (HBT-FS) for detecting fluoride (F−) and sulfite (SO32–) based on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) have been theoretically studied. Laplacian bond order of HBT-FS indicates that the F− ion cleaves the Si-O bond and then forms Compound 2 possessing a six-membered ring with a hydrogen bond. Potential energy curves and dynamic simulations confirm that ESIPT in Compound 2 occurs along with this hydrogen bond and forms a keto structure with an emission at 623 nm, which agrees with the observed experimental value (634 nm) after adding F−. Therefore, the fluorescence red-shift (from 498  to 634 nm) of HBT-FS observed in experiment after adding F− is caused by ESIPT. The SO32– ion is added to the C5 site of HBT-FS, which is confirmed by orbital-weighted dual descriptor, and then forms Compound 3 with fluorescence located at 404 nm. The experimentally measured fluorescence at 371 nm after adding SO32– is assigned to Compound 3. Charge transfer analyses indicate that the ICT extent of Compound 3 is relatively weak compared with that of HBT-FS because of the destruction of the conjugated structure by the addition reaction of SO32–, which induces the blue-shift of the fluorescence of HBT-FS from 498 to 371 nm. The different fluorescence responses make HBT-FS a fluorescent probe to discriminatorily detect F− and SO32–.
Structure learning in inverse Ising problems using ℓ
2-regularized linear estimator
Authors: Meng Xiangming , Obuchi Tomoyuki , Kabashima Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2021

The inference performance of the pseudolikelihood method is discussed in the framework of the inverse Ising problem when the ℓ
2-regularized (ridge) linear regression is adopted. This setup is introduced for theoretically investigating the situation where the data generation model is different from the inference one, namely the model mismatch situation. In the teacher-student scenario under the assumption that the teacher couplings are sparse, the analysis is conducted using the replica and cavity methods, with a special focus on whether the presence/absence of teacher couplings is correctly inferred or not. The result indicates that despite the model mismatch, one can perfectly identify the network structure using naive linear regression without regularization when the number of spins N is smaller than the dataset size M, in the thermodynamic limit N → ∞. Further, to access the underdetermined region M < N, we examine the effect of the ℓ
2 regularization, and find that biases appear in all the coupling estimates, preventing the perfect identification of the network structure. We, however, find that the biases are shown to decay exponentially fast as the distance from the center spin chosen in the pseudolikelihood method grows. Based on this finding, we propose a two-stage estimator: in the first stage, the ridge regression is used and the estimates are pruned by a relatively small threshold; in the second stage the naive linear regression is conducted only on the remaining couplings, and the resultant estimates are again pruned by another relatively large threshold. This estimator with the appropriate regularization coefficient and thresholds is shown to achieve the perfect identification of the network structure even in 0 < M/N < 1. Results of extensive numerical experiments support these findings.
Trapped active toy robots: theory and experiment
Authors: Tapia-Ignacio Cecilio , Gutierrez-Martinez Luis L , Sandoval Mario
Published: May 2021

We characterise the diffusion, mean-square speed, mean-square angular displacement, radial and speed probability distributions of toy robots called ‘hexbugs-nano’ that move on a dish antenna (with added surface roughness) simulating a harmonic well. It is observed that a model considering the system’s translational inertia but neglecting its moment of inertia, together with the inclusion of a constant external torque in the orientational motion, suffices to describe the robots’ dynamics. Langevin dynamics simulation are also performed and a good agreement between theory, simulations and experiments is observed.
The development of training course to promote learning activities skill based on the STEM Education concept for elementary school teachers
Authors: Punsrigate Khonjaroen K , Srikoon Sanit
Published: May 2021

The objectives of this research are 1) to develop the training course to promote learning activities skill based on the STEM education concept for elementary school teacher 2) to evaluation of training course effectiveness from teacher’s understanding about learning activities with STEM education and teacher’s skill on learning activity management with STEM education, including of student’s skill on scientific process skills and the ability to use technology. The research method consisted of 4 steps. The step 1 was the developing framework of problems and needs in training course on learning activities with STEM education. Step 2 was the development of the draft training course and quality evaluation of training course. Step 3 was the evaluation of training course effectiveness. Step 4 was the training course improvement and development. The results of the research are as follows: the training course to promote learning activities skill based on the STEM education concept for elementary school teacher consisted of 1) principles 2) objectives 3) learning content 4) the 6 steps training activities were planning, acting, exchange of learning, idea reflection, evaluation and data feedback 5) required materials 6) training assessment. The training course effectiveness was found that the training course had an effectiveness on 1) the teacher’s understanding about learning activities with STEM education after passed the training course was higher than before attend training 2) a teacher’s skill on learning activity management with STEM education was at a high level 3) the students had skills on scientific process higher than defined criteria and 4) the students had a good ability to use technology.
Receiver System Based Student Tracking System using IoT
Authors: Muthulakshmi S , Dhivya dharshini B , Hema Priya S , Jaya priya RR
Published: May 2021

Our work is a result of an insight to a specific problem faced by kindergarten children or kids under 12 years when they are at school and in their everyday life. The ultimate goal of this project is to plan the blue print and related work of RF based Student Tracking System. By using the in and out monitoring records that helps to create the suitable place or environment which helps in maintaining their safety. The proposed system notifies the parents when they enter and leave the school via mobile text messages with the help pf GSM. The system uses fingerprint verification as a part for locking and unlocking the student band which is worn by each and every student. Therefore, with the help of the proposed system safety of the kindergarten children or kids under 12 years (i.e) school student’s is enhanced. The testing is done and the appropriate result is obtained which is used to calculate the intended method.
SAR measurement for different antenna configurations
Authors: Seetharaman R. , Rahul D. , Lakshmanan H. Mani , Anandan K.
Published: May 2021

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a measure of radiation absorbed by the human body. SAR is expressed either as an average value of SAR in a cell of 1 gram or an average value in a cell of 10 grams. The aim of the paper is to study the average SAR value in human head due to the usage of mobile phones. The SAR values are measured and studied using a simulation software. In addition to calculating the SAR value, four different antenna configurations were designed with quarter-wave antennas to obtain the optimal design that has the least SAR value. The Specific Anthropomorphic Mannequin (SAM) phantom was used to simulate the human head and the simulation software was used to design the antennas and mobile phone.
IOT Based Greenhouse Monitoring and Controlling System
Authors: Sujin J S , Murugan R , Nagarjun M , Praveen Akash K
Published: May 2021

Managed areas for the production of plants are greenhouses. Because current greenhouse plants restrict themselves, they are not automatically controlled and have to be manually operated with various documents. The system suggested must be monitored and controlled continuously to ensure optimal growth of plants, e.g. temperature, moisture, soil humidity, light intensity etc. This work shows a management mechanism for children’s nurseries over the Internet of Things (IOT). The System can check for evident conditions, such as humidity, soil immersion, temperature, fire proximity, strength of light, etc. With NodeMCU esp 8266, all data from the environment parameters are sent to the nube. If a parameter exceeds the limit set, the associated actuator is switched on. If the Earth parameter does not meet the required value, the microcontroller turns on the motor. A mobile phone and desktop allows the user to display and monitor parameters.
A Quantum-Based Blockchain Approach to Voting Protocol Using Hyperledger Sawtooth
Authors: Vignesh V , Gopalan S Harihara , Mohan M , Ramya R S , Ananthakumar R
Published: May 2021

Protection measures are essential to present day blockchain innovation ever, since they can exist short of empowered outsider, which implies that there may not be a disclosed trustworthy individual or group responsible for frameworks. Security of the present frameworks depends on estimating the firmness assumptions and large numbers of the benchmark cryptographic functions proven to be powerless for crucial monetary and a variety of applications against the approach of undeniable quantum machines. Upgrading blockchain innovation with the future of quantum states in a shared manner will enhance the degree of protection and security by-laws of physical science, which is never feasible from non-quantum data hypothetical perspectives. In this article, we propose a quantum-built way to deal with harness of security for a democratic application with the execution, utilizing Hyperledger Sawtooth.