bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of ultra‐stable perovskite–polymer fibre membranes by electrospinning technology and its application to light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Bi Huan , Liu Fangyu , Wang Mian , Mao Zhu , Zhai Yuehui , Li Wei , Wang Shiwei , Zhang Mingyao
Published: August 2020

Recently, organometallic halide perovskites have shown attractive application prospects in photoelectric devices depending on their excellent electro‐optic properties. However, their poor stability has greatly limited their practical applications. Here, methylammonium lead tribromide (MAPbBr3) crystals are protected by polystyrene (PS) fibre membranes using electrospinning technology. The MAPbBr3@PS composite fibre membranes fabricated in this work not only show strong photoluminescence properties but also excellent stability: 70% of the fluorescence intensity of MAPbBr3@PS is maintained after soaking in water for 30 days, 85% after leaving at 95 °C for 350 min, and 90% after irradiating under UV light for 100 h. The excellent stability of the MAPbBr3@PS fibre membranes may be attributed to the hydrogen bonds between the MAPbBr3 crystal and the PS fibre. In addition, a high‐brightness white‐light‐emitting diode based on MAPbBr3@PS fibre was fabricated, which fully demonstrates its application prospects in the field of colour conversion. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
The Effect of Repeated abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport®) Injections on Walking Velocity in Persons with Spastic Hemiparesis Caused by Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Esquenazi Alberto , Brashear Allison , Deltombe Thierry , Rudzinska‐Bar Monika , Krawczyk Malgorzata , Skoromets Alexander , O'Dell Michael W. , Grandoulier Anne‐Sophie , Vilain Claire , Picaut Philippe , Gracies Jean‐Michel
Published: August 2020

Background

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections were shown to improve muscle tone of limbs in patients with spasticity. However, limited data are available regarding the effects of repeated BoNT injections on walking ability.

Objective

To assess changes in walking velocity (WV), step length, and cadence under different test conditions after repeated treatment with abobotulinumtoxinA (aboBoNT‐A; Dysport) in spastic lower limb muscles.

Design

Secondary analysis of an open‐label, multiple‐cycle extension (National Clinical Trials number NCT01251367) to a phase III, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐treatment cycle study, in adults with chronic hemiparesis (NCT01249404).

Setting

Fifty‐two centers across Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, and the United States.

Patients

352 Ambulatory adults (18‐80 years) with spastic hemiparesis and gait dysfunction caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury, with a comfortable barefoot WV of 0.1 to 0.8 m/s.

Interventions

Up to four aboBoNT‐A treatment cycles, administered to spastic lower limb muscles.

Main Outcome Measurements

Changes from baseline in comfortable and maximal barefoot and with shoes WV (m/s), step length (m/step), and cadence (steps/minutes).

Results

At Week 12 after four injections, WV improved by 0.08 to 0.10 m/s, step length by 0.03 to 0.04 m/step, and cadence by 3.9 to 6.2 steps/minutes depending on test condition (all P < .0001 to .0003 vs baseline). More patients (7% to 17%) became unlimited community ambulators (WV ≥0.8 m/s) across test conditions compared with baseline, with 39% of 151 patients classified as unlimited community ambulators in at least one test condition and 17% in all four test conditions.

Conclusions

Clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in WV, step length, and cadence under all four test conditions were observed in patients with spastic hemiparesis after each aboBoNT‐A treatment cycle.
Lung ultrasound predicts histological lung injury in a neonatal model of acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Elsayed Yasser N. , Hinton Martha , Graham Ruth , Dakshinamurti Shyamala
Published: August 2020

Rationale

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is used to evaluate pulmonary edema in adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Its use has not been validated in neonatal models.

Objectives

We compared an in vivo lung ultrasound score against clinical and histological markers of acute lung injury, in a neonatal animal model, hypothesizing that POCUS would sensitively diagnose early acute lung injury in neonates and discern its severity.

Methods

Fifteen anesthetized, ventilated 3‐day‐old neonatal piglets were divided into controls, moderate lung injury, or severe lung injury by graded treatment with oleic acid. Degree of lung injury was quantified at baseline, immediately after oleic acid administration, and 1 hour after the evolution of acute lung injury, by blood gases, ventilation parameters and calculated oxygenation deficit; hemodynamic indices by echocardiography, and lung ultrasound obtained in an 8‐region grid of anterior and posterior zones, semi‐quantitatively analyzed by a blinded observer. Lungs were inflation‐fixed postmortem at last mean airway pressure, for histological assessment.

Results

Acute lung injury manifested in oleic acid‐treated groups as dose‐dependent capillary leak causing intravascular depletion and cardiac failure, hypoxemia with increasing intrapulmonary shunt fraction, decreased lung compliance, and resistance. Ultrasound scores of anterior regions distinguished moderate from severe injury; scores in posterior regions reached maximum values immediately after lung injury. POCUS score correlated with calculated intrapulmonary shunt fraction (R2 = .65) and with histological injury score (R2 = .61),P < .01.

Conclusion

We conclude that POCUS may be valuable in neonates for early quantification of acute lung injury or ARDS; and that nondependent ultrasound regions clearly distinguish severity of pulmonary edema.
Bioactivities and modes of action of VUAA1
Authors: Yang Liu , Demares Fabien , Norris Edmund J , Jiang Shiyao , Bernier Ulrich R , Bloomquist Jeffrey R
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The compound 2‐((4‐ethyl‐5‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)thio)‐N‐(4‐ethylphenyl) acetamide (VUAA1) is reported to be an odorant receptor co‐receptor (Orco) agonist in insects with potential use as an insect repellent. For this study, the biological activity of VUAA1 was investigated in several bioassays with Aedes aegypti, including adult contact, spatial repellency, and larval repellency assays, as well as topical, injection, and feeding toxicity assays. Neurophysiological action was further explored by analysis of fruit fly central nervous system firing, cockroach axon recordings, patch clamp analysis of Kv2 potassium channel, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition studies. Finally, the metabolic impact on the toxicity of VUAA1 was explored by applying it in combination with established metabolic synergists.

RESULTS

In repellency and bite protection screens, VUAA1 showed little activity against adult mosquitoes, apparently due to its low volatility, since its effectiveness was increased by heating or mixing with transfluthrin acid and citronella oil. It did produce measurable repellency of mosquito larvae that was more potent than N,N‐diethyl‐m‐toluamide (DEET). Overall, VUAA1 showed low acute toxicity to both insects and mice, and it was weakly synergized by triphenyl phosphate. There was no observed cross‐resistance in a pyrethroid‐resistant strain of Anopheles gambiae. VUAA1 showed a two‐phase effect on the central nervous system, with neuroexcitation at 1 μmol L‐1 and an inhibitory effect at 100 μmol L‐1 that may relate to block of Kv2 potassium channels.

CONCLUSIONS

VUAA1 presented low toxicity, similar to other insect repellents. Its limited solubility, low volatility, and resulting poor adult repellency without additional adjuvants may restrict the utility of VUAA1 in typical public health applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
RNAi‐mediated silencing of ferritin genes in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens affects survival, growth and female fecundity
Authors: Shen Yan , Chen Yuan‐Zhi , Zhang Chuan‐Xi
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is the most destructive rice insect pest. To exploit potential target genes for applications in transgenic rice to control this sap‐sucking insect pest, three ferritin genes were functionally characterized in this study.

RESULTS

In this study, three ferritin genes, that is, ferritin 1 Heavy Chain (NlFer1), ferritin 2 Light Chain (NlFer2) and soma ferritin (Nlsoma‐Fer), were identified from BPH. Tissue‐specific analyses showed that all three genes were highly expressed in the gut. Although double‐stranded RNA injection‐mediated RNA inference (RNAi) of Nlsoma‐Fer expression resulted in only < 14% mortality in BPH, knockdown of NlFer1 or NlFer2 led to retarded growth and 100% mortality in young nymphs, and downregulation of NlFer1 and NlFer2 in newly emerged female adults caused undeveloped ovaries and severely inhibited oocyte growth, resulting in extremely low fecundity and a zero hatching rate. Knockdown of NlFer1 and NlFer2 caused similar phenotypes in BPH, indicating that they function together, as in many other animals. The results demonstrated that NlFer1 and NlFer2 were essential for BPH development and reproduction. BPHs showed high sensitivity to both dsNlFer1 and dsNlFer2, and injection of only 0.625 ng dsNlFer1 per BPH resulted in 100% mortality. Additionally, the effectiveness of feeding dsNlFer1 and dsNlFer2 to BPH nymphs was further proven.

CONCLUSION

NlFer1 and NlFer2 are essential for BPH development and reproduction, and the insect is highly sensitive to their depletion, suggesting that the two gut‐highly‐expressed genes are promising candidates for application in RNAi‐based control of this destructive pest.
Functional and evolutionary characterization of chemosensory protein CSP2 in the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Li Fengqi , Dewer Youssef , Li Du , Qu Cheng , Luo Chen
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are thought to play essential roles in insect chemical communication, but their exact physiological functions remain unclear.

RESULTS

In this study, we investigated the functions of the CSP2 gene in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci using protein expression and the binding affinity spectrum of CSP2 to different types of odor molecules. Moreover, the evolutionary characteristics of the CSP2 gene were studied. The data obtained using binding assay showed that the CSP2 protein can bind to a broad range of plant volatiles including the homoterpene (E)‐3,8‐dimethyl‐1,4,7‐nonatriene (DMNT) and its analogs. In addition, using a behavioral experimental approach we identified that DMNT can repel the selection and oviposition of B. tabaci. Furthermore, protein structure modeling, molecular docking analyses and a functional mutation experiment were carried out resulting in the final identification of key amino acid residue Y11, which displayed important roles in the binding of CSP2 to DMNT. The results also showed that Y11 is located in the pocket region where CSP2 has a pi‐alkyl interaction with DMNT. Meanwhile, comparative and evolutionary analyses indicated that CSP2 shared a high sequence similarity with CSPs of other insect family members such as Sternorrhyncha and Auchenorrhyncha including aphids, whiteflies and planthoppers.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that CSP2 likely contributes to mediating responses of B. tabaci to plant volatiles, which may play a pivotal role in its feeding and oviposition preferences. Moreover, these findings could provide key information for exploring efficiency monitoring and integrated pest management strategies of B. tabaci.
Estimation of wildlife damage from federal crop insurance data
Authors: McKee Sophie C , Shwiff Stephanie A , Anderson Aaron M
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Wildlife damage to crops is a persistent and costly problem for many farmers in the USA. Most existing estimates of crop damage have relied on direct assessment methods such as field studies conducted by trained biologists or surveys distributed to farmers. In this paper, we describe a new method of estimating wildlife damage that exploits federal crop insurance data. We focused our study on four crops: corn, soybean, wheat, and cotton, chosen because of their economic importance and their vulnerability to wildlife damage.

RESULTS

We determined crop‐raiding hot spots across the USA over the 2015–2019 period and identified the eastern and southern regions of the USA as being the most susceptible to wildlife damage. We estimated lower bounds for dollar and percent losses attributable to wildlife to these four crops. The combined loss across four crops was estimated at $592.6 million. The highest total estimated losses to wildlife were incurred by soybeans ($323.9 million) and corn ($194.0 million) and the highest percentage losses were estimated for soybeans (0.87%) and cotton (0.72%).

CONCLUSION

We believe the proposed method is a reliable way to evaluate geographic and temporal heterogeneity in damages for the coming years. Accurate information on damages benefits various management agencies by allowing them to allocate management resources to crops and regions where the problem is relatively severe. A better understanding of damage heterogeneity can also help guide research and development of new management techniques.
Multidirectional Intrinsic Piezoelectricity of 2D Metal Chalcogen–Diphosphate ABP2X6 Monolayers
Authors: Jiang Shujuan , Yin Huabing , Li Jingyu , Liu Lu , Shi Xiaobo , Yan Yuli , Liu Chang , Zheng Guang-Ping , Liu Peng-Fei
Published: August 2020

Due to the simultaneously broken inversion symmetries along multiple directions, ABP2X6 (A = Cu or Ag, B = In or Bi, and X = S or Se) monolayers exhibit the coexistence of sizable piezoelectric coefficients d11, d21, and d31, under unidirectional in‐plane strains or stresses, as determined from first‐principles calculations. Remarkably, the AgBiP2S6 and AgBiP2Se6 monolayers possess d11 coefficients of 17.33 and 17.25 pm V−1, respectively; these are much higher than those of extensively studied 2D piezoelectric materials. Meanwhile, the out‐of‐plane d31 coefficient of AgBiP2Se6 is as high as 0.36 pm V−1. The ABP2X6 monolayers possessing unique multidirectional piezoelectricity pave novel avenues for the application of piezoelectric devices with multiple functions.
What localizes beneath: A metric multisensor localization and mapping system for autonomous underground mining vehicles
Authors: Jacobson Adam , Zeng Fan , Smith David , Boswell Nigel , Peynot Thierry , Milford Michael
Published: August 2020

Robustly and accurately localizing vehicles in underground mines is particularly challenging due to the unavailability of GPS, variable and often poor lighting conditions, visual aliasing in long tunnels, and airborne dust and water. In this paper, we present a novel, infrastructure‐less, multisensor localization method for robust autonomous operation within underground mines. The proposed method integrates with existing mine site commissioning and operation procedures and includes both an offline map‐building process and an online localization algorithm. The approach combines the strengths of visual‐based place recognition, LIDAR‐based localization, and odometry in a particle filter fusion process. We provide an extensive experimental validation using new large data sets acquired in two operational Australian underground hard‐rock mines (including a 600m‐deep multilevel mine with approximately 33 km of mapping data and 7 km of vehicle localization) by actual mining vehicles during production operations. We demonstrate a significant increase in localization accuracy over prior state‐of‐the‐art SLAM research systems and real‐time operation, with processing times in the order of 10 Hz. We present results showing a mean error of 0.68 m from the Queensland Mine data set and 1.32 m from the New South Wales Mine data set and at least 86% reduction in error compared with prior state of the art. We also analyze the impact of the particle filter parameters with respect to localization accuracy. Together this study represents a new approach to positioning systems for currently deployed autonomous vehicles within underground mine environments.
Are camera traps a reliable method for estimating activity patterns? A case study comparing technologies for estimating brown hyaena activity curves
Authors: Edwards Sarah , Noack Jenny , Heyns Louis , Rodenwoldt Diethardt
Published: August 2020

Camera traps and radio‐tags are both frequently and widely used sampling methods for deriving wildlife activity patterns. While radio‐tags continuously monitor a limited number of tagged individuals, camera traps have the potential to monitor all population members, albeit from spatially restricted, fixed points. Such differences might result in differing activity pattern estimates between the two sampling methods. However, few studies have compared the activity patterns derived from simultaneously employed sampling methods, or explored if using combinations of techniques might reveal greater insights into activity patterns. To address this, we compared the activity patterns derived from camera traps placed at latrines and den sites, both in combination and separately, to those from movement rates and the activity sensor collected by GPS collars on brown hyaena Parahyaena brunnea. The activity curve produced by combined camera traps showed a relatively high level of overlap with those produced by the movement rates and activity sensor; 0.88 (95% CI’s 0.87–0.89) and 0.85 (95% CI’s 0.83–0.86) respectively. However, camera traps reflected higher levels of activity from 00:00 to 06:00, than the radio‐tag methods, with data from den sites alone producing this higher level of activity. The results suggest that although hyaenas were active during the 00:00 to 06:00 period, they were so mainly at small, localized den sites, which reflected as lower levels of activity as derived by movement rates and activity sensors. Although our results reflect data from a single species and season, they illustrate the value of using a combination of techniques to disentangle complex behavioural activity patterns.
Risk management and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Kim Sol , Lee Geul , Kang Hyoung‐Goo
Published: August 2020

Research Summary

We introduce an innovative method of identifying the risk‐management benefit of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Option‐implied volatility captures the financial markets' expectations of a firm's future risk, so if CSR is related to risk‐management benefits, it should be related to lower implied volatility. We find that CSR is associated with low implied volatility and that CSR's insurance benefit is larger for firms that have high leverage, growth opportunities, or uncertainty. However, CSR as an insurance mechanism is less beneficial to firms that are already sound (i.e., those that have high market value and good accounting and financial performance). The results reveal the “terms” of a CSR‐as‐insurance contract, confirm that CSR creates risk‐management benefits, and suggest that financial markets price this benefit in economically significant ways.

Managerial Summary

We suggest a practical technique of evaluating a firm's CSR policy. For example, a manager would simply check how a firm's implied volatility changes as its CSR policy changes. Or, the manager can compare a firm's and its comparable firms' implied volatilities to knowhow financial markets perceive the firm's CSR differently. Option implied volatilities could guide a firm to identify proper CSR‐based risk‐management policies because they have the advantage of being ex ante, real‐time, and objectively observable market‐pricing information in identifying the risk‐management benefit of CSR. Our results also illustrate how a financial expert can use the valuable insight of strategic management literature about CSR‐as‐insurance to price derivative contracts.
Exploration and exploitation in complex search tasks: How feedback influences whether and where human agents search
Authors: Billinger Stephan , Srikanth Kannan , Stieglitz Nils , Schumacher Terry R.
Published: August 2020

Research Abstract

Exploration and exploitation in strategic decision‐making entails decisions about whether and where to search for new alternatives to improve the status quo. Prior research has not explored how decisions about whether to continue search (vs. stop search or satisfice) and where to search (near vs. far) are interrelated. We report laboratory experiment results on how individuals decide whether and where to search in a complex, combinatorial task. We find that different feedback variables influence the decision to stop search from decisions regarding how broadly to search. Our results suggest that not accounting for the decision to continue (or stop) searching, separately from breadth of search, can lead to incorrect predictions regarding how feedback influences search behavior.

Managerial Abstract

Managers concerned about the performance of their company face two challenges—they have to find out what potential performance is feasible given their business environment and which organizational policies to implement to realize it. We use a stylized laboratory experiment to better understand how feedback from experimentation informs such a learning process. We find that early‐stage feedback has a lasting impact on performance aspirations and managerial expectations about feasible performance. Superior early feedback thereby motivates more sustained experimentation with organizational policies. In contrast, more recent feedback guides the extent to which managers are willing to engage in more radical policy adjustments, especially in the latter stages of a learning process.
Unveiling Photovoltaic Performance Enhancement Mechanism of Polymer Solar Cells via Synergistic Effect of Binary Solvent Additives
Authors: Li Pandeng , Zhang Yuliang , Yu Ting , Zhang Qingzhe , Masse Jean-Philippe , Yang Yingguo , Izquierdo Ricardo , Sun Baoquan , Ma Dongling
Published: August 2020

Binary solvent additive engineering is an effective strategy to optimize photoactive films for high‐efficiency organic solar cells, however, the effect of single components on device performance and the combination principle of binary solvent additives remain unclear. Herein, synchrotron‐based grazing incident X‐ray diffraction, Derjaguin–Muller–Toporov modulus imaging, and plasmon energy shift imaging acquired by scanning transmission electron microscopy to investigate the effect of new binary solvent additive of 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO) and less‐toxic and p‐anisaldehyde (AA) on device performance of solar cells based on poly[(5,6‐difluoro‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazol‐4,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(3,3‴‐di(2‐octyldodecyl)2,2′;5′,2″;5″,2‴‐quaterthio‐phen‐5,5‴‐diyl)] (PffBT4T‐2OD) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) are used. It is found that AA mainly favors polymer order and high crystallinity of PffBT4T‐2OD. Differently, DIO mainly enables PC61BM diffusing into PffBT4T‐2OD polymer matrix, leading to enlarged donor–acceptor (D–A) interface. As expected, by combining AA and DIO, the composite film provides large D–A interface and more balanced charge carrier transport. Consequently, their beneficial synergistic effect results in enhanced short circuit current and fill factor, and thereby increased power conversion efficiency of 10.64%, improved by 16% with respect to the control device. Herein, a general mechanism of enhancing device performance via the combination of solvent additives with different contributions to photoactive film is unveiled.
Enhanced Charge Transfer in Atom‐Thick 2H–WS2 Nanosheets’ Electron Transport Layers of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Malek Nurul Ain Abd , Alias Nabilah , Umar Akrajas Ali , Zhang Xin , Li Xiaoguo , Saad Siti Khatijah Md , Abdullah Nur Adliha , Zhang Haijuan , Weng Zhenhua , Shi Zejiao , Li Chongyuan , Rosli Mohd Mustaqim , Zhan Yiqiang
Published: August 2020

The structure and the electronic properties of the electron‐transport layer (ETL) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) govern the interfacial charge transfer and charge transportation to the electrode. The ETLs of two dimensions, that are atom thick, and have a planar structure that possesses special electronic properties, such as the surface collective motion of excitons or charge transfer–driven defect state relief, that is 2D transition metal dichalcogenide, allow a highly energetic carrier dynamic process for enhanced photovoltaic effect. Herein, it is discovered that planar, few‐atom‐thick 2H–WS2 nanosheets' ETLs drive ultrafast charge transfer and transportation along the ETL during the photovoltaic process. Time‐resolved photoluminescence and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis results indicate that the charge transfer from the perovskite to the ETL occurs as fast as 5.9 ns with charge transfer resistance as low as 25.6 Ω. This allows the PSC device to produce a power conversion efficiency of 18.21% with short‐circuit current density, open‐circuit voltage, and fill factor as high as 22.24 mA cm2, 1.12 V, and 0.731, respectively. The PSC retains 96.87% of its performance when being aged in nitrogen atmosphere for 33 days. Atom‐thick planar WS2 ETL nanosheets can be the basis for the development of high‐performance PSC devices.
Numerical Analysis of Pb‐Free Perovskite Absorber Materials: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Walkons Curtis , Murshed Rubaiya , Bansal Shubhra
Published: August 2020

Optoelectronic properties of organic–inorganic halide perovskites are exceptional with solar cells showing efficiency comparable with conventional photovoltaic technologies. However, with issues of material stability and toxicity of Pb, it is important to understand if Pb can be replaced while maintaining the high power conversion efficiencies of (FA,MA,Cs)Pb(I,Br)3. Herein, practical efficiency limits of Pb and Pb‐free perovskite absorbers are analyzed using a 1D simulator for n‐i‐p or p‐i‐n device structures. SCAPS‐1D baseline models for perovskite absorber materials with and without Pb are developed to numerically reproduce the experimental current density–voltage (JV) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of champion devices from literature. From these baseline models, the efficiency limits are determined based on optimizing the interface band alignments, reduction in midgap defect density, increased absorption coefficient, and no parasitic losses. SCAPS‐1D simulations suggest that 1) theoretically determined efficiency limit of Cs2PtI6 perovskites is comparable with (FA,MA,Cs)Pb(I,Br)3 perovskites, 2) FA4GeSbCl12 is a promising photoabsorber; and 3) for efficient photoconversion with Sn‐, Ge‐, Ti‐, or Ag‐based compounds, a reduction of defect density and increase in absorption coefficient is needed.
Energy Matching for Boosting Water Evaporation in Direct Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Mu Xiaojiang , Gu Yufei , Wang Pengfei , Shi Jiaqi , Wei Anyun , Tian Yongzhi , Zhou Jianhua , Chen Yulian , Zhang Jiahong , Sun Zhiqiang , Liu Jing , Peng Biaolin , Miao Lei
Published: August 2020

Energy matching strategy is verified as an effective method for significant improvement of evaporation rate in direct solar steam generation (DSSG). By adjusting the solid–liquid interface through bilayer structure, the water transport speed from reservoir to evaporation surface is controlled to reduce the required energy (RE) for closely matching with that of input energy (IE). The highest evaporation rate can reach up to 2.22 kg m−2 h−1 under one‐sun illumination, which is improved by 40% through energy matching. A solar‐to‐vapor energy conversion efficiency of 93.2% is obtained. It is also highly effective in practical applications including desalination, sewage treatment, oil–water separation, and heavy metal ions treatment. This concept displays a balance between the energy needed for water waiting to be evaporated and the IE. It can inspire more ideas for researchers to accelerate the development of DSSG.
Tooth eruption in the Early Cretaceous British mammal Triconodon and description of a new species
Authors: Jäger Kai R. K. , Cifelli Richard L. , Martin Thomas
Published: August 2020

Triconodon mordax, from the lowest Cretaceous (Berriasian) part of the Purbeck Group, Dorset, is known by an ontogenetic series of specimens that document aspects of tooth eruption and replacement. Based on micro‐computed tomography of four specimens we refer one mandible to a new species, Triconodon averianovi, which differs from T. mordax in having a more slender, curved c; p4 notably low crowned with slender main cusp and smaller accessory cusps; and molars with weak cingula, m4 being notably smaller with weak cusps a and c. T. mordax is variable in the number of mental foramina and posterior jaw morphology. Scans reveal an earlier developmental stage (p3 in early eruption) than previously recognized for Triconodon, and demonstrate sequential, anteroposterior replacement of premolars; it remains unclear whether p1–2 were replaced. Scans also support an earlier hypothesis that m4 erupted late in life. Onset of m4 mineralization is likely to have coincided with eruption of p3, followed by replacement of dp4 by p4 and eruption of c. The m4 developed within the lingual side of the coronoid process, well above the tooth row. It remained in position and was subsequently accommodated in the active tooth row through unusually prolonged and localized growth of the posterior part of the mandible. This pattern is seen in some later triconodontids and appears to be unique to the family.
Listening to Marginalized Voices: Paradigmatic, Philosophical, and Ethical Bases of Inclusive Inquiry Practices in Student Affairs
Authors: Broido Ellen M. , Ro Hyun Kyoung
Published: August 2020

Inclusive inquiry in student affairs is necessary for both values‐based and pragmatic reasons. In this chapter we detail philosophical arguments for inclusive assessment, explain influences challenging inclusive assessment, and explore how different paradigms can be used in inclusive assessment.
Implementing Inclusive Interfaith Assessment: Considerations and Challenges
Authors: Snipes Jeremy T. , Correia‐Harker Benjamin P.
Published: August 2020

Addressing the inclusivity of culturally relevant evaluation and interfaith assessment, we propose several methodological considerations for designing quantitative and qualitative assessment. We conclude the chapter with a call to transformative interfaith work.
Ableism and Assessment: Including Students With Disabilities
Authors: Brown Kirsten R. , Broido Ellen M.
Published: August 2020

In this chapter, we address accessibility of assessment. We focus on the process of assessment and offer guidelines for practitioners to consider as they design and implement assessments, analyze data, and use assessment data to make decisions. We explore these considerations through examples from recent multi‐institutional studies.
Conducting Assessments for Medical Students
Authors: McIntosh Kadian L. , Navarro Benavides Victoria , Zaragoza Cazandra
Published: August 2020

This chapter identifies strategies for conducting assessments in medical schools. We make recommendations for planning, methodology, dissemination, and follow‐up.
Exploring the Role of Emotions in Assessing Queer and Trans Collegians
Authors: Garvey Jason C.
Published: August 2020

Using vignettes from survey design and use, this chapter explores researchers’ emotions as a central component for research and assessment in higher education and student affairs, particularly related to queer and trans topics.
Expanding Our Methodological Toolkit: Effect Coding in Critical Quantitative Studies
Authors: Ro Hyun Kyoung , Bergom Inger
Published: August 2020

Following Mayhew and Simonoff's recent work (2015), we describe effect coding, an alternative to dummy coding, and present an example of its application for research and assessment in higher education and student affairs.
Hearing and Responding to Marginalized Voices: Tangible Guidance for Comprehensive Inclusive Assessment
Authors: Ro Hyun Kyoung , Broido Ellen M.
Published: August 2020

Integrating a comprehensive assessment process and synthesizing the guidance and examples of the chapters within this volume, we offer key implications for the conduct of inclusive assessment practices to achieve social justice and equity in higher education institutions.
Canine atopic dermatitis: Role of luteolin as new natural treatment
Authors: Gugliandolo Enrico , Palma Ernesto , Cordaro Marika , D’Amico Ramona , Peritore Alessio Filippo , Licata Patrizia , Crupi Rosalia
Published: August 2020

Background

Luteolin has been demonstrated to possess numerous biological effects. However, the effect of luteolin on LPS (Lipopolysaccharides) stimulation in CPEK cells has not been investigated.

Hypothesis/Objectives

An in vitro model of atopic canine dermatitis was used to identify the antioxidant effect of luteolin as a new treatment that is capable of improving the conditions of veterinary patients.

Methods

CPEK cells were treated with or without luteolin in the presence or absence of LPS. A cell viability assay was performed to test luteolin toxicity and the protective effect of luteolin after LPS stimulation. Additionally, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to detect the levels of IL‐33, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8.

Results

Luteolin was capable to significantly decrease levels expression of IL‐33, IL 1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Luteolin could be a new pharmacological treatment for canine atopic dermatitis.
Revisiting steady viscous flow of a generalized Newtonian fluid through a slender elastic tube using shell theory
Authors: Anand Vishal , Christov Ivan C.
Published: August 2020

A flow vessel with an elastic wall can deform significantly due to viscous fluid flow within it, even at vanishing Reynolds number (no fluid inertia). Deformation leads to an enhancement of throughput due to the change in cross‐sectional area. The latter gives rise to a non‐constant pressure gradient in the flow‐wise direction and, hence, to a nonlinear flow rate–pressure drop relation (unlike the Hagen–Poiseuille law for a rigid tube). Many biofluids are non‐Newtonian, and are well approximated by generalized Newtonian (say, power‐law) rheological models. Consequently, we analyze the problem of steady low Reynolds number flow of a generalized Newtonian fluid through a slender elastic tube by coupling fluid lubrication theory to a structural problem posed in terms of Donnell shell theory. A perturbative approach (in the slenderness parameter) yields analytical solutions for both the flow and the deformation. Using matched asymptotics, we obtain a uniformly valid solution for the tube's radial displacement, which features both a boundary layer and a corner layer caused by localized bending near the clamped ends. In doing so, we obtain a “generalized Hagen–Poiseuille law” for soft microtubes. We benchmark the mathematical predictions against three‐dimensional two‐way coupled direct numerical simulations (DNS) of flow and deformation performed using the commercial computational engineering platform by ANSYS. The simulations show good agreement and establish the range of validity of the theory. Finally, we discuss the implications of the theory on the problem of the flow‐induced deformation of a blood vessel, which is featured in some textbooks.
Magnetoelastic thin films at large strains
Authors: Davoli Elisa , Kružík Martin , Piovano Paolo , Stefanelli Ulisse
Published: August 2020

Starting from the three-dimensional setting, we derive a limit model of a thin magnetoelastic film by means of $$\varGamma $$
Γ
-convergence techniques. As magnetization vectors are defined on the elastically deformed configuration, our model features both Lagrangian and Eulerian terms. This calls for qualifying admissible three-dimensional deformations of planar domains in terms of injectivity. In addition, a careful treatment of the Maxwell system in the deformed film is required.
Prevention of delayed cracking of punched 1.5 GPa ultra-high strength steel sheets by ironing with punched slug
Authors: Mori Ken-ichiro , Abe Yohei , Murai Yusuke
Published: August 2020

Hydrogen-induced delayed cracking of punched 1.5 GPa ultra-high strength steel sheets was prevented by ironing with a slug ejected from punching, because the risk of delayed cracking for sheared 1.5 GPa sheets is very high due to high tensile residual stress and large plastic deformation. To prevent the occurrence of delayed cracking, the sheet was punched, and then, the punched hole was ironed by passing the punched slug. Although the residual stress around the punched edge of the 1.5 GPa sheet was tensile, the stress was turned to compressive stress by slug ironing. In addition, the fracture surface of the sheared edge was changed to a smooth ironed surface. A cathode hydrogen charging test of the punched edge for delayed cracking was performed. Although delayed cracks were caused at the punched hole by hydrogen charging, no cracks occurred at the ironed hole for charging. It was found that slug ironing of the punched hole is effective in preventing delayed cracking.
Genetically determined intelligence and coronary artery disease risk
Authors: Li Ling , Pang Shichao , Zeng Lingyao , Güldener Ulrich , Schunkert Heribert
Published: August 2020

Background

Epidemiological studies have shown inverse association between intelligence and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

Based on 242 SNPs independently associated with intelligence, we calculated the genetic intelligence score (gIQ) for participants from 10 CAD case–control studies (n = 34,083) and UK Biobank (n = 427,306). From UK Biobank, we extracted phenotypes including body mass index (BMI), type 2 diabetes (T2D), smoking, hypertension, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, measured intelligence score, and education attainment. To estimate the effects of gIQ on CAD and its related risk factors, regression analyses was applied. Next, we studied the mediatory roles of measured intelligence and educational attainment. Lastly, Mendelian randomization was performed to validate the findings.

Results

In CAD case–control studies, one standard deviation (SD) increase of gIQ was related to a 5% decrease of CAD risk (odds ratio [OR] of 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93 to 0.98; P = 4.93e–5), which was validated in UK Biobank (OR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99; P = 6.4e–4). In UK Biobank, we also found significant inverse correlations between gIQ and risk factors of CAD including smoking, BMI, T2D, hypertension, and a positive correlation with HDL cholesterol. The association signals between gIQ and CAD as well as its risk factors got largely attenuated after the adjustment of measured intelligence and educational attainment. The causal role of intelligence in mediating CAD risk was confirmed by Mendelian randomization analyses.

Conclusion

Genetic components of intelligence affect measured intelligence and educational attainment, which subsequently affect the prevalence of CAD via a series of unfavorable risk factor profiles.

Graphic abstract
Effects of bifrontal transcranial direct current stimulation on brain glutamate levels and resting state connectivity: multimodal MRI data for the cathodal stimulation site
Authors: Mezger Eva , Rauchmann Boris-Stephan , Brunoni Andre R. , Bulubas Lucia , Thielscher Axel , Werle Jana , Mortazavi Matin , Karali Temmuz , Stöcklein Sophia , Ertl-Wagner Birgit , Goerigk Stephan , Padberg Frank , Keeser Daniel
Published: August 2020

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over prefrontal cortex (PFC) regions is currently proposed as therapeutic intervention for major depression and other psychiatric disorders. The in-depth mechanistic understanding of this bipolar and non-focal stimulation technique is still incomplete. In a pilot study, we investigated the effects of bifrontal stimulation on brain metabolite levels and resting state connectivity under the cathode using multiparametric MRI techniques and computational tDCS modeling. Within a double-blind cross-over design, 20 subjects (12 women, 23.7 ± 2 years) were randomized to active tDCS with standard bifrontal montage with the anode over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the cathode over the right DLPFC. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was acquired before, during, and after prefrontal tDCS to quantify glutamate (Glu), Glu + glutamine (Glx) and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration in these areas. Resting-state functional connectivity MRI (rsfcMRI) was acquired before and after the stimulation. The individual distribution of tDCS induced electric fields (efields) within the MRS voxel was computationally modelled using SimNIBS 2.0. There were no significant changes of Glu, Glx and GABA levels across conditions but marked differences in the course of Glu levels between female and male participants were observed. Further investigation yielded a significantly stronger Glu reduction after active compared to sham stimulation in female participants, but not in male participants. For rsfcMRI neither significant changes nor correlations with MRS data were observed. Exploratory analyses of the effect of efield intensity distribution on Glu changes showed distinct effects in different efield groups. Our findings are limited by the small sample size, but correspond to previously published results of cathodal tDCS. Future studies should address gender and efield intensity as moderators of tDCS induced effects.
Smell and taste function in childhood cancer patients: a feasibility study
Authors: van den Brink Mirjam , IJpma Irene , van Belkom Britt , Fiocco Marta , Havermans Remco C. , Tissing Wim J. E.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Chemotherapy can affect smell and taste function. This has never been investigated in childhood cancer patients during chemotherapy. The objective of this study was to determine whether psychophysical smell and taste tests are suitable for children with cancer. Taste and smell function, fungiform papillae density, and eating behavior were measured before (T1) and after (T2) a cycle of chemotherapy and compared with healthy controls.

Methods

Thirty-one childhood cancer patients treated for a hematological, solid, or brain malignancy (median age 12 years, 16 girls), and 24 healthy controls (median age: 11 years, 10 girls) participated. Smell function was measured using Sniffin’ Sticks, including a threshold, discrimination, and identification test. Taste Strips were used to determine recognition thresholds for sweet, sour, salty, and bitter taste. Papillae density was investigated by counting the fungiform papillae of the anterior tongue. Eating behavior was assessed using the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS).

Results

Smell and taste function could be investigated in more than 90% of the patients, while fungiform papillae density could be determined in 61% of the patients. A significant difference in smell threshold was found between patients and controls (p = 0.001), showing lower thresholds in patients. In patients, sweet taste (p < 0.001), bitter taste (p = 0.028), and total taste function (p = 0.004) were significantly different after a cycle of chemotherapy, with higher scores at T2.

Conclusion

The assessment of smell, taste, and fungiform papillae density is feasible in children with cancer. Results of the current study suggest that smell and taste sensitivity increased in children with cancer.
The association between adverse childhood experiences and mental health problems in young offenders
Authors: Turner Daniel , Wolf Anne Jule , Barra Steffen , Müller Marcus , Gregório Hertz Priscilla , Huss Michael , Tüscher Oliver , Retz Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

High rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs, e.g., abuse and neglect) have been found in young offenders. Furthermore, ACEs seem to increase the risk of developing relevant mental health problems, in non-offending juveniles and adults. However, this association has only seldomly been addressed in offending juveniles and young adults. The present study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of ACEs and mental health problems as well as their association within a sample of male and female young offenders. Altogether, 161 adolescent and young adult offenders (16.8% females) from the youth detention center Worms (Germany) filled out questionnaires concerning ACEs and mental health problems with a focus on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and intermittent explosive disorder. Considerable rates of mental health problems were found, e.g., a prevalence of 35.9% was found for intermittent explosive disorder. Furthermore, a greater proportion of the female offenders fell into the clinically significant category for somatic complaints, anxiety/depression, and attention problems than the male offenders. Female young offenders also reported more frequently about all forms of ACEs compared to the male offenders. Latent class analysis defined three subtypes of young offenders depending on their individual ACE patterns: (1) low ACEs, (2) mainly neglectful ACEs, and (3) multiple ACEs. ACEs were significantly associated with the occurrence of both internalizing and externalizing mental health disturbances, with the multiple-ACE subtype being most likely to report about significant mental health problems. The results of the present study point towards the relevance to routinely assess ACEs in young offenders to identify possible precursors of mental health problems and of future criminal behaviors.
Mood, activity, and sleep measured via daily smartphone-based self-monitoring in young patients with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder, their unaffected relatives and healthy control individuals
Authors: Melbye Sigurd Arne , Stanislaus Sharleny , Vinberg Maj , Frost Mads , Bardram Jakob Eyvind , Sletved Kimie , Coello Klara , Kjærstad Hanne Lie , Christensen Ellen Margrethe , Faurholt-Jepsen Maria , Kessing Lars Vedel
Published: August 2020

Diagnostic evaluations and early interventions of patients with bipolar disorder (BD) rely on clinical evaluations. Smartphones have been proposed to facilitate continuous and fine-grained self-monitoring of symptoms. The present study aimed to (1) validate daily smartphone-based self-monitored mood, activity, and sleep, against validated questionnaires and clinical ratings in young patients with newly diagnosed BD, unaffected relatives (UR), and healthy controls persons (HC); (2) investigate differences in daily smartphone-based self-monitored mood, activity, and sleep in young patients with newly diagnosed BD, UR, and HC; (3) investigate associations between self-monitored mood and self-monitored activity and sleep, respectively, in young patients with newly diagnosed BD. 105 young patients with newly diagnosed BD, 24 UR and 77 HC self-monitored 2 to 1077 days (median [IQR] = 65 [17.5–112.5]). There was a statistically significantly negative association between the mood item on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and smartphone-based self-monitored mood (B = − 0.76, 95% CI − 0.91; − 0.63, p < 0.001) and between psychomotor item on HAMD and self-monitored activity (B = − 0.44, 95% CI − 0.63; − 0.25, p < 0.001). Smartphone-based self-monitored mood differed between young patients with newly diagnosed BD and HC (p < 0.001), and between UR and HC (p = 0.008) and was positively associated with smartphone-based self-reported activity (p < 0.001) and sleep duration (p < 0.001). The findings support the potential of smartphone-based self-monitoring of mood and activity as part of a biomarker for young patients with BD and UR. Smartphone-based self-monitored mood is better to discriminate between young patients with newly diagnosed BD and HC, and between UR and HC, compared with smartphone-based activity and sleep.

Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov NCT0288826