bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnography of Communication as a Research Perspective
Authors: Smart Graham
Published: December 2020

The ethnography of communication offers qualitative researchers a methodology for studying the complex interrelationship between language and sociocultural context within the lifeworld of a particular social group. Originating in the work of linguistic anthropologist and sociologist Dell Hymes, the ethnography of communication allows a researcher to study the distinctive configuration of discursive conventions, possibilities, and constraints—that is, the “ways of speaking”—that structure the communicative activities and interactions of any given social group. An approach combining ethnography, the description and analysis of culture, with linguistics, the description and analysis of language, the ethnography of communication centers on the concept of the “speech community”—a group of people sharing a linguistic code as well as norms of discursive interaction, expression, and interpretation. In the decades since Hymes conceived the ethnography of communication, researchers in the same tradition, most notably Muriel Saville‐Troike, have used the methodology to describe and explain the ways of speaking of many different speech communities over a wide geographical range, while also contributing concepts and theories to a larger meta‐understanding of communicative patterns across human cultures.
Form‐Focused Instruction
Authors: Collins Laura , Ruivivar June
Published: December 2020

Form‐focused instruction(FFI) refers to any pedagogical practice aimed at drawing learners' attention to language form. The “form” may consist of phonological (sound), morphosyntactic (word form, word order), lexical, pragmatic, discourse, or orthographical aspects of language. The term owes its origin to a distinction betweenfocus on forms, where a set of predetermined features (e.g., articles, verb tenses) is taught and practiced, andfocus on form, where attention to language is integrated into primarily communicative activities. FFI was originally considered an equivalent of focus on form, but its definition has expanded to include planned focus on structures expected to pose challenges in communication.

Much contemporary research on FFI focuses on how different aspects of FFI impact learning. These include comparisons between the benefits of focus on form versus focus on forms, and implicit versus explicit attention to language. Although there is more evidence in favor of explicit techniques, researchers have noted a need for more investigations of effective implicit instruction techniques, and of effective measures of implicit knowledge. Other issues motivating FFI research include whether it is more effective or necessary for certain forms than for others, its timing with respect to learners' developmental readiness, its use with younger learners, the impact of individual learner differences, and social and contextual factors that may influence teachers' and learners' perspectives on FFI.
Pronunciation Teaching Methods and Techniques
Authors: Goodwin Janet
Published: December 2020

This entry addresses four main aspects of pronunciation teaching. First, teachers need a basic understanding of the pronunciation features of the language being taught and how these features contribute to overall intelligibility (in this entry, English is used as an example). Next, teachers need to set realistic goals for learner achievement, which generally means communicating with ease and success in the target language rather than attaining some idealized native speaker mastery. Third, teachers are guided to plan their instruction in a systematic way by first making learners aware of new patterns in the target language and then moving through a series of gradually less controlled tasks and activities. With this foundation, the reader is then introduced to a variety of techniques, tools, and technology along with available research on their effectiveness.
Polycrystalline and Single‐Crystalline Edge Layer of Mg–Gd–TM (TM=Ni, Ag) Alloys Prepared by Ion Thinner
Authors: Hao Yiqiang , Chen Xia , Li Xian , Deng Zhuo , Li Yangyang , Chen Bin
Published: December 2020

The different segregation and lattice structure in the sample edge layer (SEL) of Mg–Gd–TM (TM: solute element, mainly Ni or Ag) alloys prepared by ion thinner have been investigated in this study. The result displays that the polycrystalline phase, Mg2GdNi9, is found in the SEL zone of Mg–Gd–Ni alloys, and the single‐crystalline phase, MgGdAg2, is found in the SEL zone of Mg–Gd–Ag alloys. The investigation of different lattice structures contributes to the distinguishment and analysis of the illusionary phases in the SEL zone of Mg–Gd–TM ternary alloys by electron microscopy sampling.
An Iridium (III) Complex Bearing a Donor–Acceptor–Donor Type Ligand for NIR‐Triggered Dual Phototherapy
Authors: Zhao Jian , Yan Kaiwen , Xu Gang , Liu Xue , Zhao Qiang , Xu Chenjie , Gou Shaohua
Published: December 2020

Iridium(III) complexes are an important group of photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). This work constructs a donor–acceptor–donor structure‐based iridium(III) complex (IrDAD) with high reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation efficiency, negligible dark toxicity, and synergistic PDT and photothermal therapy (PTT) effect under near‐infrared (NIR) stimulation. This complex self‐assembles into metallosupramolecular aggregates with a unique aggregation‐induced PDT behavior. Compared with conventional iridium(III) photosensitizers, IrDAD not only achieves NIR light deep tissue penetration but also shows highly efficient ROS and heat generation with ROS quantum yield of 14.6% and photothermal conversion efficiency of 27.5%. After conjugation with polyethylene glycol (PEG), IrDAD is formulated to a nanoparticulate system (IrDAD‐NPs) with good solubility. In cancer phototherapy, IrDAD‐NPs preferentially accumulate in tumor area and display a significant tumor inhibition in vivo, with 96% reduction in tumor volume, and even tumor elimination.
Electrowetting‐Controlled Dropwise Condensation with Patterned Electrodes: Physical Principles, Modeling, and Application Perspectives
Authors: Hoek Harmen , Dey Ranabir , Mugele Frieder
Published: December 2020

Patterning the wettability of solid surfaces is a successful strategy to control the dropwise condensation of vapor onto partially wetting solid surfaces. The condensation of water vapor onto electrowetting‐functionalized surfaces is studied with structured co‐planar electrodes. A detailed analysis of the experimental distribution of millions of drops reveals that despite the presence of contact angle hysteresis and the occurrence of random drop coalescence events, the preferential drop positions closely follow the numerically calculated local minima of the electrostatic energy for variable drop size. Even subtle transitions between competing preferred locations are properly reproduced by the model. Based on this quantitative understanding of the condensation patterns, a series of important follow‐up steps that need to be taken to demonstrate a reliable performance gain in various applications focusing in particular on enhanced heat transfer is discussed.
Fabrication of Unmodified Bionic Copper Surfaces with Highly Stable Hydrophobicity and Anti‐Icing Properties via a Transfer with Zr‐Based Metallic Glasses
Authors: Liu Xiangkui , Wang Tianchi , Tong Wei , Xu Qinqin , Kong Jian
Published: December 2020

Bioinspired surfaces with micro/nanostructures have attracted tremendous scientific interests in the aspect of anti‐icing due to their extreme stability and hydrophobicity. Nevertheless, poor durability and stability have greatly hindered their applications. Here, the copper surfaces with four kinds of wood morphologies are obtained via Zr‐based metallic glasses (MGs) as the intermediate template, i.e., thermoplasticity of MGs in the supercooled liquid region (SCLR) matters. These as‐prepared copper surfaces show excellent water repellency and remarkably can delay the freezing process. Compared with a smooth copper surface with a water contact angle (WCA) of 39.5 ± 2.0°, these as‐prepared copper surfaces exhibit WCAs of 120 ± 2.2, 132 ± 1.8, 127 ± 1.7, and 123 ± 1.5°, respectively, and their freezing temperatures decrease significantly, from 0 to −5.6, −9.8, −7.2, and −6.8 °C, respectively. Notably, the hydrophobic copper surfaces maintain good stability without losing hydrophobicity while undergoing heat treatments at 200 or 400 °C for 5 h, showing an extreme stability. In contrast, many hydrophobic surfaces prepared by chemical treatments become weak at such high temperatures. Thus, the MGs‐transferred wooden structures provide a time‐saving and low‐cost approach for the preparation of the stable and hydrophobic copper surfaces with anti‐icing, self‐cleaning, and corrosion resistance.
Photo‐Electrochemical Device Enabling Luminescence Switching of LaPO4:Ce,Tb Nanoparticle Layers
Authors: Klein Jonas , Beladi‐Mousavi Seyyed Mohsen , Schleutker Marco , Taffa Dereje Hailu , Haase Markus , Walder Lorenz
Published: December 2020

The luminescence properties of LaPO4:Ce,Tb nanoparticles are known to depend on the oxidation state of the cerium ions. However, their assembly into thin films exhibiting reasonable fast Ce3+/4+ electrochemistry is not trivial. Herein, the electrochemical luminescence switching of LaPO4:Ce,Tb nanoparticles, assembled as nonconducting thin films, using two electrocatalytic processes, is demonstrated. Due to the insulating nature of these nanoporous films, redox shuttles are used to access the redox active Ce3+/4+ species for electrochemical reactions. A series of redox shuttles with various redox potentials are employed to investigate their capability to electrochemically oxidize Ce3+ within the nanoparticles. Thereby the formal redox potential of the Ce3+/4+ couple in LaPO4:Ce,Tb nanoparticles is determined to lie within 0.89 and 1.15 V versus Ag/AgCl. In situ observation of repetitive luminescence switching is realized by assembling a device that allows UV light to enter the nanoparticle layer. With two redox shuttles present in the electrolyte, one for the oxidation of Ce3+ and the other for reduction of Ce4+, quenching and restoration of the luminescence is monitored. The resulting device represents the first down‐sizable logical AND gate with UV light and voltage inputs and a vis light output based on a solid state LaPO4:Ce,Tb layer.
The Progress of Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Chiral Purely Organic Materials
Authors: Li Xiaoning , Xie Yujun , Li Zhen
Published: December 2020

Purely organic circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) materials have attracted much attention owing to their fascinating photophysical properties and potential applications in the fields of optical data storage, smart sensors/probers, high‐resolution 3D display, and so on. With the development of photophysical science, the emergence of some novel emission phenomena, such as thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP), have become hot topics and enriched CPL materials. However, there is no systematic review that summarizes the recent development of chiral small organic molecules (SOMs) with TADF and RTP characters. In this minireview, the progress of purely organic CPL materials in the last 5 years is reviewed by categorizing into chiral fluorescence molecules, chiral TADF molecules, and chiral RTP molecules. Furthermore, the design strategy of chiral TADF emitters is discussed and the correlation between chirality and RTP properties is concluded.
Fluidic and Mechanical Thermal Control Devices
Authors: Klinar Katja , Swoboda Timm , Muñoz Rojo Miguel , Kitanovski Andrej
Published: December 2020

In recent years, intensive studies on thermal control devices have been conducted for the thermal management of electronics and computers as well as for applications in energy conversion, chemistry, sensors, buildings, and outer space. Conventional cooling or heating techniques realized using traditional thermal resistors and capacitors cannot meet the thermal requirements of advanced systems. Therefore, new thermal control devices are being investigated to satisfy these requirements. These devices include thermal diodes, thermal switches, thermal regulators, and thermal transistors, all of which manage heat in a manner analogous to how electronic devices and circuits control electricity. To design or apply these novel devices as well as thermal control principles, this paper presents a systematic and comprehensive review of the state‐of‐the‐art of fluidic and mechanical thermal control devices that have already been implemented in various applications for different size scales and temperature ranges. Operation principles, working parameters, and limitations are discussed and the most important features for a particular device are identified.
Toward the Scale‐Up of Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries: The Gaps between Lab‐Level Cells and Practical Large‐Format Batteries
Authors: Xu Lei , Lu Yang , Zhao Chen‐Zi , Yuan Hong , Zhu Gao‐Long , Hou Li‐Peng , Zhang Qiang , Huang Jia‐Qi
Published: December 2020

The scale‐up process of solid‐state lithium metal batteries is of great importance in the context of improving the safety and energy density of battery systems. Replacing the conventional organic liquid electrolytes (OLEs) with solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) opens a new path for addressing increasing energy demands. Advanced approaches have been validated in lab‐scale cells, but only a few successful results can be applied on the practical scale. Herein, the battery systems enabled by SSEs are briefly reviewed and the difficulties and challenges for both lab‐level cells and large‐scale batteries from the perspective of SSEs, cathodes, anodes, and battery configurations, are described. On this foundation, promising opportunities to eliminate problems are also summarized and evaluated. The key gaps between lab‐level cells and practical batteries in the integral technology chains including electrolyte preparation, layer fabrication, cell design, and assembly processes are then identified. Finally, feasible future strategies are summarized and possible development directions are described, which will provide guidance for follow‐up research.
Locally Ordered Graphitized Carbon Cathodes for High‐Capacity Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Kai , Liu Qirong , Zheng Yongping , Yin Hang , Zhang Shanqing , Tang Yongbing
Published: December 2020

Dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) inherently suffer from limited energy density. Proposed here is a strategy to effectively tackle this issue by employing locally ordered graphitized carbon (LOGC) cathodes. Quantum mechanical modeling suggests that strong anion–anion repulsions and severe expansion at the deep‐charging stage raise the anion intercalation voltage, therefore only part of the theoretical anion storage sites in graphite is accessible. The LOGC interconnected with disordered carbon is predicted to weaken the interlaminar van der Waals interactions, while disordered carbons not only interconnect the dispersed nanographite but also partially buffer severe anion–anion repulsion and offer extra capacitive anion storage sites. As a proof‐of‐concept, ketjen black (KB) with LOGC was used as a model cathode for a potassium‐based DIB (KDIB). The KDIB delivers an unprecedentedly high specific capacity of 232 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1, a good rate capability of 110 mAh g−1 at 2000 mA g−1, and excellent cycling stability of 1000 cycles without obvious capacity fading.
Efficient Separation of Acetylene and Carbon Dioxide in a Decorated Zeolite
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Han Xue , Chai Yuchao , Wu Guangjun , Li Weiyao , Li Jiangnan , da Silva Ivan , Manuel Pascal , Cheng Yongqiang , Daemen Luke L. , Ramirez‐Cuesta Anibal J. , Shi Wei , Guan Naijia , Yang Sihai , Li Landong
Published: December 2020

The almost identical molecular sizes and volatilities of acetylene and carbon dioxide make their separation extremely challenging in industry. Reported here is the efficient separation of acetylene and carbon dioxide (v/v=2/1, which is relevant to that in the industrial cracking stream) in faujasite zeolites decorated with atomically‐dispersed copper(II) sites under ambient conditions. In situ neutron powder diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering confirm that the confined copper(II) site displays chemoselective yet reversible binding to acetylene, whereas adsorbed carbon dioxide molecules are stabilized by weak host–guest supramolecular interactions with the framework oxygen centers, thus resulting in the efficient separation of these two gases under flow conditions. A designed adsorption‐purging‐desorption system based upon Cu@FAU is established for the recovery of high purity acetylene (98–99 %) from the mixture of acetylene and carbon dioxide, offering an unprecedented separation factor of 22.2 with an effective dynamic uptake of acetylene of 1.51 mmol g−1 at 298 K.
Calix[4]pyrrole‐Crosslinked Porous Polymeric Networks for the Removal of Micropollutants from Water
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Xie Linhuang , Lin Kunhua , Ma Weibin , Zhao Tian , Ji Xiaofan , Alyami Mram , Khashab Niveen M. , Wang Hongyu , Sessler Jonathan L.
Published: December 2020

Calix[4]pyrrole‐based porous organic polymers (P1–P3) for removing organic micropollutants from water were prepared. A bowl‐shaped α,α,α,α‐tetraalkynyl calix[4]pyrrole and diketopyrrolopyrrole monomer were crosslinked via Sonogashira coupling to produce a 3D network polymer, P1. P1 proved too hydrophobic for use as an adsorbent and was converted to the corresponding neutral polymer P2 (containing carboxylic acid groups) and its anionic derivative P3 (containing carboxylate anion groups). Anionic P3 outperformed P2 in screening studies involving a variety of model organic micropollutants of different charge, hydrophilicity and functionality. P3 proved particularly effective for cationic micropollutants. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacity (qmax,e) of P3 reached 454 mg g−1 for the dye methylene blue, 344 mg g−1 for the pesticide paraquat, and 495 mg g−1 for diquat. These uptake values are significantly higher than those of most synthetic adsorbent materials reported to date.
Molecular hydrogen (H2) as a potential treatment for acute and chronic fatigue
Authors: Lucas Kurt , Rosch Moritz , Langguth Peter
Published: December 2020

Many diseases as well as acute conditions can lead to fatigue, which can be either temporary or chronic in nature. Acute fatigue develops frequently after physical exercise or after alcohol hangover, whereas microbial infections such as influenza or COVID‐19 and chronic diseases like Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis are often associated with chronic fatigue. Oxidative stress and a resulting disturbance of mitochondrial function are likely to be common denominators for many forms of fatigue, and antioxidant treatments have been shown to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of fatigue. In this study, we review the role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in fatigue and the antioxidant effects of the intake of molecular hydrogen. We propose that molecular hydrogen is well suited for the treatment of temporary and chronic forms of oxidative stress‐associated fatigue.
Distributed adaptive online learning for convex optimization with weight decay
Authors: Shen Xiuyu , Li Dequan , Fang Runyue , Zhou Yuejin , Wu Xiongjun
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates an adaptive gradient‐based online convex optimization problem over decentralized networks. The nodes of a network aim to track the minimizer of a global time‐varying convex function, and the communication pattern among nodes is captured as a connected undirected graph. To tackle such optimization problems in a collaborative and distributed manner, a weight decay distributed adaptive online gradient algorithm, called WDDAOG, is firstly proposed, which incorporates distributed optimization methods with adaptive strategies. Then, our theoretical analysis clearly illustrates the difference between weight decay and L2 regularization for distributed adaptive gradient algorithms. The dynamic regret bound for the proposed algorithm is further analyzed. It is shown that the dynamic regret bound for convex functions grows with order of
, where T and n represent the time horizon and the number of nodes associated with the network, respectively. Numerical experiments demonstrate that WDDAOG works well in practice and compares favorably to existing distributed online optimization schemes.
Li‐ion Capacitor via Solvent‐Co‐Intercalation Process from Spent Li‐ion Batteries
Authors: Divya Madhusoodhanan Lathika , Lee Yun‐Sung , Aravindan Vanchiappan
Published: December 2020

Li‐intercalation into graphite is the key underlying mechanism in the energy storage process. However, the intercalation of solvated Li‐ion/co‐intercalation of Li‐ion into graphite is considered unfitting, as it can initiate exfoliation of graphene layers. But later, it is revealed that co‐intercalation of Li does not destroy graphene layers and the compatibility of graphite host; moreover, the type of lithiated solvent molecule decides the reversibility of co‐intercalation process. Here, we report the fabrication of glyme‐based Li‐ion capacitors (LIC). The battery‐type electrode, graphite, is recovered from a spent Li‐ion battery (LIB) and serves as an anode, active along with a commercial activated carbon cathode. The assembled LIC with a co‐intercalation mechanism could deliver a maximum energy density of ∼46.40 Wh kg−1at ambient temperature conditions. In addition, the performance of LIC is studied at various temperature conditions to ensure compatibility at different environmental conditions. The developed dual‐carbon LICs with low cost and high performance using recovered graphite as the anode can be considered as a real solution for recycling spent LIBs in an effective way by incorporating the waste‐to‐wealth approach.
An All‐Solid‐State Bromide‐Ion Battery
Authors: Inoishi Atsushi , Hokazono Masahiro , Kashiwazaki Eiko , Setoguchi Naoko , Sakai Takaaki , Sakamoto Ryo , Okada Shigeto
Published: December 2020

Bromide‐ion batteries can provide higher energy densities compared to conventional lithium‐ion batteries, but the high water solubility of bromide salts may require all‐solid‐state cells. Fortunately, the low Young's modulus of bromide salts is an advantage in terms of fabricating high‐performance all‐solid‐state cells. The present study provides the first‐ever demonstration of an all‐solid‐state bromide‐ion battery. In this work, a novel, single‐phase, K‐doped PbBr2 electrolyte was prepared by mechanical milling, and highly dense pellets were readily obtained from this material by uniaxial cold pressing, because of its low modulus. An initial discharge capacity equal to 87 % of the theoretical capacity was exhibited by an experimental battery when using a BiBr3 positive electrode. This concept of a bromide shuttle battery is expected to promote the research of next‐generation batteries incorporating new active materials and based on conversion‐type reactions.
Sauergasbasierte stoff‐ und energieautarke Trocknung von Klärschlamm und Gärresten
Authors: Pätzold Carsten , Zurbel Alexander , Bertau Martin
Published: December 2020

Bei der Verarbeitung von Biomasse sowie bei der Abwasserreinigung fallen Reststoffe mit hohem Wasseranteil an. Im Vorfeld einer thermischen Verwertung müssen sie daher getrocknet werden. Klassische Trocknungsprozesse nutzen dabei oftmals fossile Rohstoffe zum Aufbringen der dafür notwendigen Energiemengen. Mit der sauergasbasierten Trocknung auf der Basis von Kohlendioxid/Luft‐Gemischen wird eine Alternative vorgestellt, die CO2 als Wertstoff (second life) betrachtet und prozesstechnisch zur Trocknung von Klärschlamm und Gärresten verwendet. Dabei wurden insbesondere bei der Gärresttrocknung deutliche Unterschiede im Trockensubstanzgehalt (TS) gemessen, die vereinzelt bei gleicher Trocknungszeit bis zu 35 % TS betrugen. Dies äußert sich u. a. in einem höheren Kohlenstoffanteil von 0,42 Gew.‐% (wf) im Trockengut, einhergehend mit einem um mehr als 1 MJ kg−1 höheren Heiz‐ und Brennwert.
Cardiology clinic visit increases likelihood of evidence‐based cholesterol prescribing in severe hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Groth Nicole A. , Stone Neil J. , Benziger Catherine P.
Published: December 2020

Background

Patients with phenotypic severe hypercholesterolemia (SH), low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐c) ≥ 190 mg/dl, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or adults 40–75 years with diabetes with risk factors or 10‐year ASCVD risk ≥20% benefit from maximally tolerated statin therapy. Rural patients have decreased access to specialty care, potentially limiting appropriate treatment.

Hypothesis

Prior visit with cardiology will improve treatment of severe hypercholesterolemia.

Methods

We used an electronic medical record‐based SH registry defined as ever having an LDL‐c ≥ 190 mg/dl since January 1, 2000 (n = 18 072). We excluded 3205 (17.7%) patients not alive or age 20–75 years. Patients defined as not seen by cardiology if they had no visit within the past 3 years (2017–2019).

Results

We included 14 867 patients (82.3%; mean age 59.7 ± 10.3 years; 58.7% female). Most patients were not seen by cardiology (n = 13 072; 72.3%). After adjusting for age, sex, CVD, hypertension, diabetes and obesity, patients seen by cardiology were more likely to have any lipid‐lowering medication (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.29–1.65), high‐intensity statin (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.61–2.03), or proprotein convertase subtilisin‐kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor (OR = 5.96, 95% CI: 3.34–10.65) compared to those not seen by cardiology. Mean recent LDL‐c was lower in patients seen by cardiology (126.8 ± 51.6 mg/dl vs. 152.4 ± 50.2 mg/dl, respectively; p < .001).

Conclusion

In our predominantly rural population, a visit with cardiology improved the likelihood to be prescribed any statin, a high‐intensity statin, or PCSK9 inhibitor. This more appropriately addressed their high life‐time risk of ASCVD. Access to specialty care could improve SH patient's outcomes.
Research on four‐wheel independent steering intelligent control strategy based on minimum load
Authors: Chen Huipeng , Chen Sen , Zhou Rougang , Huang Xiaoyan , Zhu Shaopeng
Published: December 2020

Around the new four‐wheel independent steering system, the adjustment principle of Akman angle is studied in this article. In order to improve steering stability and reduce tire wear, a new algorithm for optimal Ackerman angle allocation at full speed is proposed. Furthermore, combined with the minimum load rule, the four‐wheel rotation angle and driving force are optimized. In this process, Carsim vehicle model and MATLAB/Simulink force and angle allocation algorithm model are established. The final system simulation and performance evaluation demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed force and angle distribution algorithm for vehicle stability and tire wear optimization.
Reinforcing Magnetorheological Fluids with Highly Anisotropic 2D Materials
Authors: Rendos Abigail , Li Ran , Woodman Stephanie , Ling Xi , Brown Keith A.
Published: December 2020

Magnetorheological fluids (MRF) are suspensions of magnetic particles that solidify in the presence of a magnetic field. While non‐magnetic additives could improve MRF performance, explorations into such additives have not coalesced into an understanding of their influence, and particularly the role of additive morphology. Here, we explore α‐Ni(OH)2 2D sheets, with aspect ratios of ∼25,000, as highly anisotropic MRF additives. Experiments studying pressure‐driven flow of an MRF with and without these sheets show that their addition can increase the saturation pressure by as much as 46 %. However, shear‐mode rheology reveals that they can also weaken the MRF by inhibiting the chaining of the iron particles at low field strengths and have no effect at higher field strengths. In order to reconcile the strikingly different results, we propose that 2D materials introduce a non‐Newtonian handle to modify smart fluids in a manner that depends on the curvature of the shearing strain rate profile. Specifically, we identify a modification to the Buckingham‐Reiner model of pressure‐driven flow for a Bingham plastic in which the sheets widen the solidified plug. This work highlights the subtle interaction between particles in smart fluids and flows while emphasizing the opportunity for using anisotropy to tune this interaction.
Probing the Fluorescence Behavior of DNA‐Stabilized Silver Nanoclusters in the Presence of Biomolecules
Authors: Gambucci Marta , Zampini Giulia , Quaglia Giulia , Vosch Tom , Latterini Loredana
Published: December 2020

DNA‐stabilized silver nanoclusters (DNA‐AgNCs) have promising properties for biosensing and bioimaging applications. However, in order to enhance the applicability in these fields, a detailed understanding of the interactions that occur between DNA‐AgNCs and other biomolecules is essential. In this work, the spectroscopic properties of red‐emitting DNA‐AgNCs have been investigated in the presence of three biomolecules, namely lysozyme, bovine serum albumin and ss‐DNA, which have been selected in order to have either a different biological nature (two proteins and one nucleic acid) or different net charge at physiological pH (one positive and two negative). The systematic characterization of the steady‐state absorption and emission spectra, combined with time‐resolved fluorescence and anisotropy decay measurements, of DNA‐AgNCs in the presence of each biomolecule, allowed to establish the nature of the interactions that affect the photophysical properties of the DNA‐AgNCs.
Rich and abundant spider communities result from enhanced web capture breadth and reduced overlap in urban greenspaces
Authors: Gardiner Mary M. , Delgado de la flor Yvan A. , Parker Denisha M. , Harwood James D.
Published: December 2020

Urbanization is a key contributor to biodiversity loss, but evidence is mounting that cities can support rich arthropod communities, including rare and threatened species. Furthermore, greenspace is growing within hundreds of “shrinking cities” that have lost population resulting in a need to demolish an overabundance of infrastructure creating vacant land. Efforts are underway to transform vacant lots, often viewed as blighted areas, into habitats that promote biodiversity and generate ecosystem services, such as urban agroecosystems. To understand how reconfiguring these greenspaces might influence species conservation, elucidation of the factors that drive the distribution of an urban species pool is needed. In particular, the importance of species interactions in structuring urban communities is poorly understood. We tested hypotheses that (1) greater breadth of prey captured by web‐building spiders and reduced overlap of prey capture among individuals facilitates the conservation of genera richness and abundance and (2) heterogeneity within a greenspace patch facilitates enhanced dietary niche breadth and greater resource partitioning. In 2013 and 2014, the abundance, breadth and degree of overlap in prey capture of sheet web spiders (Linyphiidae) was measured using web mimic traps at 160 microsites (0.25 m2) situated in four urban vacant lots and four urban farms in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Within a subset of 40 microsites, we used vacuum sampling and hand collection to measure the abundance and genera richness of Linyphiidae. Spider richness and abundance were significantly reduced within urban farms relative to vacant lots. The distribution of spiders and prey was explained by habitat structure, with microsites dominated by tall grasses and flowering plants, with a high bloom abundance and richness, supporting greater prey capture and a higher genera richness and abundance of spiders. In 2014, web capture overlap was significantly greater within microsites dominated by bare ground. These findings illustrate that urban greenspace conservation efforts that focus on reducing bare ground and incorporating a diversity of grasses and flowering plant species can promote linyphiid spiders, potentially by relaxing exploitative competition for shared prey.
Psychometric properties of the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire and psychopathology in Japanese patients with eating disorders
Authors: Otani Makoto , Hiraide Maiko , Horie Takeshi , Mitsui Tomoyo , Yoshida Toshiyuki , Takamiya Shizuo , Sakuta Ryoichi , Usami Masahide , Komaki Gen , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro
Published: December 2020

Objective

The Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) is one of the most widely used tools to assess the core psychopathology of eating disorders (ED). However, recent empirical findings did not support the original four‐factor structure. The aims of the present study were to investigate the factor structure of the EDE‐Q in Japanese ED patients, to test the reliability and convergent validity of the EDE‐Q, to examine group differences between various ED groups and healthy participants, and to explore the main behavioral features of Japanese ED patients using the newly developed Japanese version of EDE‐Q.

Method

A total of 148 ED patients and 469 healthy participants completed the EDE‐Q, Eating Attitudes Test‐26 (EAT‐26), and Eating Disorder Inventory‐2 (EDI‐2). The factor structure, reliability, and validity of the EDE‐Q were assessed in ED patients. Group differences were assessed using the new Japanese version of the EDE‐Q (EDE‐Q‐J).

Results

The EDE‐Q‐J had three factors. Cronbach's alphas ranged from 0.83 to 0.93. Total score and subscale scores of “Dieting” and “Bulimia and Food Preoccupation” of EAT‐26 and of “Drive for Thinness,” “Body Dissatisfaction,” and “Bulimia” of EDI‐2 correlated with the global score and three subscale scores of the EDE‐Q‐J.

Discussion

For Japanese female ED patients, the EDE‐Q‐J had three subscales that were not consistent with the original subscales, but were interpretable. It demonstrated sufficient reliability and validity. Japanese female patients with restricting‐type anorexia nervosa (AN‐R) displayed less dissatisfaction with shape and weight than healthy participants. AN‐R patients in Japan might present with a non‐fat‐phobic symptom profile.
Copper bis(thiosemicarbazone) Complexes with Pendent Polyamines: Effects of Proton Relays and Charged Moieties on Electrocatalytic HER
Authors: Calvary Caleb A. , Hietsoi Oleksandr , Hofsommer Dillon T. , Brun Henry C. , Costello Alison M. , Mashuta Mark S. , Spurgeon Joshua M. , Buchanan Robert M. , Grapperhaus Craig A.
Published: December 2020

A series of new bis(thiosemicarbazonato) Cu(II) complexes with pendent polyamines, diacetyl‐(N, ‐dimethylethylenediaminothiosemicarbazonato)‐(N’‐methyl‐3‐thio‐semicarbazonato)butane‐2,3‐diimine)‐copper(II) (Cu‐1), diacetyl‐bis(N‐dimethylethylenediamino‐3‐thiosemicarbazonato)butane‐2,3‐diimine)‐copper(II) (Cu‐3), and their cationic derivatives Cu‐2 and Cu‐4, have been synthesized and fully characterized by spectroscopic, electrochemical, and X‐ray diffraction methods. Complexes Cu‐1–Cu‐4 are analogues of Cu(ATSM), which contains a similar N2S2 donor core with terminal non‐coordinating amines. Substitution of the methyl group(s) of the terminal amines of H2ATSM with N,N‐dimethylethylenediamine followed by alkylation generates a charged quaternary amine in the ligand framework. The charged site tunes the redox potentials of the complexes with minimal changes in their physical and electronic properties. The HER activity of all four copper complexes were evaluated in acetonitrile with glacial acetic acid. All of the complexes have lower HER overpotentials than Cu(ATSM), which is attributed to charge effects. The pendent amines of Cu‐1 and Cu‐3 have the lowest HER overpotential as the pendent tertiary amine also serves as a proton relay to enhance proton rearrangement under catalytic conditions. Complex Cu‐3 showed the highest activity with a TOF of 12 × 103 s−1, an overpotential of 0.65 V, and faradaic efficiency of 100 %.
Nanotechnology: Current applications and future scope in food
Authors: Sahoo Monalisa , Vishwakarma Siddharth , Panigrahi Chirasmita , Kumar Jayant
Published: December 2020

Nanotechnology is the new frontier in the transformation of conventional agriculture and food sector into an emerging form for development of food industry. Innovations in nanofood, nanosensors, nanopackaging, nanofertilizers, and nanopesticides are the major recent advancements of nanoscience and technology. Nanoscience‐based technology has a vibrant impact on food quality, food safety, and food packaging aspects including nanofood drug delivery, nanonutraceuticals, and functional food. Application of nanotechnology facilitates food preservation, nutrition enhancement, and safe delivery of micronutrients and bioactive components. Recent trends and advancement of nanotechnology and its promising opportunities and challenges in food processing sector are discussed in this review. Synthesis of nano material and their application to food sectors with concerned health regulatory and risk assessment issues are addressed. Although nanotechnology is a promising prospect and has advancement application in food industry, still efforts are required for intensive research in nanofood system and creating public consumer awareness.
Surgical rehabilitation of swallowing with polydimethylsiloxane injections after open partial horizontal laryngectomy: Long‐term functional results and quality of life
Authors: Mattioli Francesco , Fernandez Ignacio Javier , Bassano Edoardo , Luppi Maria Pia , Bonali Marco , Ghidini Angelo , Trebbi Marco , Bergamini Giuseppe , Presutti Livio , Botti Cecilia
Published: December 2020

Background

Swallowing disorders are common problems after partial laryngectomy. The aim of this study is to illustrate the long‐term functional results of rehabilitation of swallowing by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) injection.

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients with dysphagia after partial laryngectomy who underwent injection of PDMS for rehabilitation of swallowing were included in the study. Impairment of swallowing and quality of life (QoL) were investigated with questionnaires: M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer (PSS‐HNC). Functional results at fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) were analyzed using a modified penetration‐aspiration scale.

Results

Mean follow‐up was 8.5 years. Twenty‐six patients showed an improvement at questionnaires (p < 0.001). Median improvement was 6 (p < 0.001) in the modified penetration‐aspiration scale. Total laryngectomy was required in one patient.

Conclusions

PDMS injection is a good option for rehabilitation of swallowing in case of dysphagia after partial laryngectomy. It improves QoL and the results persist after a long follow‐up period.
Conducting an asylum evaluation focused on female genital mutilation/cutting status or risk
Authors: Mishori Ranit , Ottenheimer Deborah , Morris Elise
Published: December 2020

Background

Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is considered a human rights violation and is practiced all over the world. It has been used as a basis for seeking asylum in various countries, including in the USA since 1996, and the precedent‐setting matter of Kissindja. Clinicians in the USA and elsewhere who perform asylum evaluations may be called upon to evaluate women who seek asylum based on their FGM/C status or risk. In this manuscript, we provide expert‐informed best practices to conduct asylum evaluations based specifically on FGM/C. We review evidence‐based history taking, physical examination unique to the population of women and girls affected by FGM/C, and consider the evaluation in the context of trauma‐informed care.

Conclusion

Although general clinical skills often suffice to perform asylum evaluations, FGM/C represents a unique niche within the field of gynecological asylum evaluations and requires additional background knowledge and clinical competencies.

Ethical approval

As this is a clinical review and does not involve patients or research subjects no ethical approval was sought or was necessary.
Physical methods for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: A systematic review
Authors: Sarmento Ayane C. A. , Lírio Juliana F. , Medeiros Kleyton S. , Marconi Camila , Costa Ana P. F. , Crispim Janaina C. , Gonçalves Ana K.
Published: December 2020

Background

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) negatively affects sexual function and quality of life. Techniques like laser and radiofrequency are being used to manage GSM, particularly in women with contraindications for hormone therapy.

Objectives

To verify whether the physical methods of laser and radiofrequency can be recommended as safe and effective options for the treatment of GSM/urinary urgency or incontinence in pre‐ and postmenopausal women.

Search strategy

Databases were comprehensively searched using combinations of the following keywords in any language: “postmenopause”; “genitourinary syndrome of menopause”; “vaginal atrophy”; “radiofrequency”; and “laser.”

Selection criteria

Full articles of case‐control, cross‐sectional, cohort, randomized clinical trials, and quasi‐randomized or controlled clinical trials were included.

Data collection and analysis

All authors independently evaluated the design of the studies for quality of reporting, risk of bias, and quality of evidence.

Main results

Of the included 49 studies, 37 were on the CO2 laser, 10 on the Erbium laser, and two on radiofrequency.

Conclusions

Laser and radiofrequency therapy could be promising and safe therapeutic options for GSM/urinary incontinence. However, the study findings cannot be generalized until new randomized clinical trials are performed that confirm the strength of the evidence. This review has been registered with PROSPERO: CRD42020141913.
Machine learning monitoring for laser osteotomy
Authors: Shevchik Sergey , Nguendon Kenhagho Hervé , Le‐Quang Tri , Faivre Neige , Meylan Bastian , Guzman Raphael , Cattin Philippe C. , Zam Azhar , Wasmer Kilian
Published: December 2020

This work proposes a new online monitoring method for an assistance during laser osteotomy. The method allows differentiating the type of ablated tissue and the applied dose of laser energy. The setup analyzes the laser‐induced acoustic emission, detected by an airborne microphone sensor. The analysis of the acoustic signals is carried out using a machine learning algorithm that is pre‐trained in a supervised manner. The efficiency of the method is experimentally evaluated with several types of tissues, which are: skin, fat, muscle, and bone. Several cutting‐edge machine learning frameworks are tested for the comparison with the resulting classification accuracy in the range of 84–99%. It is shown that the datasets for the training of the machine learning algorithms are easy to collect in real‐life conditions. In the future, this method could assist the doctors during laser osteotomy, minimizing the damage of the nearby healthy tissues and provide cleaner pathologic tissue removal.
Predictive value of risk score using Kyoto classification of gastritis a few years prior to diagnosis of early gastric cancer
Authors: Fujimoto Yo , Katayama Yasumi , Gyotoku Yoshinori , Oura Ryosuke , Kobori Ikuhiro , Kitagawa Tomoyuki , Tamano Masaya
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim

Based on past diagnostic classifications of gastritis, the Kyoto classification of gastritis adopts simpler, more objective gastritis findings according to Helicobacter pylori infection status and evaluates the risk of gastric cancer. To clarify whether this score can predict future gastric cancer, we retrospectively examined risk scores obtained using the Kyoto classification of gastritis a few years prior to the diagnosis of early gastric cancer.

Methods

We reviewed data from 50 individuals who had undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy 2–3 years prior to the diagnosis of early gastric cancer in our hospital. Two expert endoscopists evaluated and compared risk scores obtained using the Kyoto classification of gastritis between cancer and control groups.

Results

With regard to the risk score obtained using the Kyoto classification of gastritis in all cases, atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, diffuse redness, and total score were significantly higher among gastric cancer cases. Among H. pylori‐eradicated cases, atrophy score was higher in the gastric cancer group. Among patients for whom H. pylori had been eradicated for >3 years at first endoscopy, atrophy score was still higher in the gastric cancer group.

Conclusion

This retrospective study suggested that the risk score obtained using the Kyoto classification of gastritis was useful for predicting the onset of gastric cancer. In particular, patients with a high atrophy score even after H. pylori eradication may be at high risk of developing gastric cancer.
Detection of functional connectivity in the brain during visuo‐guided grip force tracking tasks: A functional near‐infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Zheng Xinyi , Luo Jie , Deng Lingyun , Li Bing , Li Le , Huang Dong Feng , Song Rong
Published: December 2020

The functional connectivity (FC) between multiple brain regions during tasks is currently gradually being explored with functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). However, the FC present during grip force tracking tasks performed under visual feedback remains unclear. In the present study, we used fNIRS to measure brain activity during resting states and grip force tracking tasks at 25%, 50%, and 75% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) in 11 healthy subjects, and the activity was measured from four target brain regions: the left prefrontal cortex (lPFC), right prefrontal cortex (rPFC), left sensorimotor cortex (lSMC), and right sensorimotor cortex (rSMC). We determined the FC between these regions utilizing three different methods: Pearson's correlation method, partial correlation method, and a pairwise maximum entropy model (MEM). The results showed that the FC of lSMC‐rSMC and lPFC‐rPFC (interhemispheric homologous pairs) were significantly stronger than those of other brain region pairs. Moreover, FC of lPFC‐rPFC was strengthened during the 75% MVC task compared to the other task states and the resting states. The FC of lSMC‐lPFC and rSMC‐rPFC (intrahemispheric region pairs) strengthened with a higher task load. The results provided new insights into the FC between brain regions during visuo‐guided grip force tracking tasks.
Characterization of a highly stable mixed‐mode reversed‐phase/weak anion‐exchange stationary phase based on hybrid organic/inorganic particles
Authors: Walter Thomas H. , Alden Bonnie A. , Field Jessica A. , Lawrence Nicole L. , Osterman Donna L. , Patel Amit V. , DeLoffi Maureen A.
Published: December 2020

We have characterized Atlantis ethylene‐bridged hybrid C18 anion‐exchange, a mixed‐mode reversed‐phase/weak anion‐exchange stationary phase designed to give greater retention for anions (e.g., ionized acids) compared to conventional reversed‐phase materials. The retention and selectivity of this stationary phase were compared to that of three benchmark materials, using a mixture of six polar compounds that includes an acid, two bases, and three neutrals. The compatibility of the ethylene‐bridged hybrid C18 anion‐exchange material with 100% aqueous mobile phases was also evaluated. We investigated the batch‐to‐batch reproducibility of the ethylene‐bridged hybrid C18 anion‐exchange stationary phase for 27 batches across three different particle sizes (1.7, 2.5, and 5 μm) and found it to be comparable to that of one of the most reproducible C18 stationary phases. We also characterized the acid and base stability of the ethylene‐bridged hybrid C18 anion‐exchange stationary phase and the results show it to be usable over a wide pH range, from 2 to 10. The extended upper pH limit relative to silica‐based reversed‐phase/weak anion‐exchange materials is enabled by the use of ethylene‐bridged hybrid organic/inorganic particles. The improved base stability allows Atlantis ethylene‐bridged hybrid C18 anion‐exchange to be used with a wider range of mobile phase pH values, opening up a greater range of selectivity options.