bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ignoring non‐English‐language studies may bias ecological meta‐analyses
Authors: Konno Ko , Akasaka Munemitsu , Koshida Chieko , Katayama Naoki , Osada Noriyuki , Spake Rebecca , Amano Tatsuya
Published: May 2020

Meta‐analysis plays a crucial role in syntheses of quantitative evidence in ecology and biodiversity conservation. The reliability of estimates in meta‐analyses strongly depends on unbiased sampling of primary studies. Although earlier studies have explored potential biases in ecological meta‐analyses, biases in reported statistical results and associated study characteristics published in different languages have never been tested in environmental sciences. We address this knowledge gap by systematically searching published meta‐analyses and comparing effect‐size estimates between English‐ and Japanese‐language studies included in existing meta‐analyses. Of the 40 published ecological meta‐analysis articles authored by those affiliated to Japanese institutions, we find that three meta‐analysis articles searched for studies in the two languages and involved sufficient numbers of English‐ and Japanese‐language studies, resulting in four eligible meta‐analyses (i.e., four meta‐analyses conducted in the three meta‐analysis articles). In two of the four, effect sizes differ significantly between the English‐ and Japanese‐language studies included in the meta‐analyses, causing considerable changes in overall mean effect sizes and even their direction when Japanese‐language studies are excluded. The observed differences in effect sizes are likely attributable to systematic differences in reported statistical results and associated study characteristics, particularly taxa and ecosystems, between English‐ and Japanese‐language studies. Despite being based on a small sample size, our findings suggest that ignoring non‐English‐language studies may bias outcomes of ecological meta‐analyses, due to systematic differences in study characteristics and effect‐size estimates between English‐ and non‐English languages. We provide a list of actions that meta‐analysts could take in the future to reduce the risk of language bias.
Improving the surface roughness in stereolithography by controlling surface angle, hatch spaces, and postcuring time
Authors: Khodaii Javad , Rahimi Abdolreza
Published: May 2020

Stereolithography is considered as a well‐known rapid prototyping technique that is widely used for injection molding and vacuum casting manufacturing regarding its higher dimensional accuracy and part strength. However, the extensive application of this process has been restricted due to the higher surface roughness and appearance of stair‐step phenomenon. In this article, the influences of process parameters and part orientation on the surface finish are investigated. For this purpose, parts are fabricated with different surface angle, hatch space, and postcuring time. The surface roughness of the parts are measured by contact and noncontact methods. In noncontact method, a digital microscope is used for obtaining the surface profile, and then surface roughness is calculated using MATLAB software. The results showed that the surface roughness was affected by the hatch space, whereas postcuring time had insignificant and negligible effect on the surface roughness. By increasing the surface angle, a sharp increase of surface roughness in up‐facing plane was observed, which was followed by a drop. Finally, with the help of analysis of variance, a mathematical model has been developed considering the process parameters and the responses. Moreover, maximum average estimation error of 14% was obtained between the experimental results of surface roughness values and the estimated
ones.
Application of artificial neural network for forecasting standardized precipitation and evapotranspiration index: A case study of Nigeria
Authors: Ogunrinde Akinwale T. , Oguntunde Phillip G. , Fasinmirin Johnson T. , Akinwumiju Akinola S.
Published: May 2020

The necessity to perform an accurate prediction of future characteristics of drought requires a robust and efficient technique that can deduce from historical data the stochastic relationship or dependency between history and future. In this study, the applicability of the artificial neural network (ANN) is used for forecasting the standardized precipitation and evapotranspiration index (SPEI) at 12‐month timescale for five candidate stations in Nigeria using predictive variable data from 1985 to 2008 (training) and tested data between 2009 and 2015. The predictive variables are monthly average precipitation, average air temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean speed, mean solar radiation, sunshine hours, and two large‐scale climate indices (Southern Oscillation Index and North Atlantic Oscillation). From the several combinations of the input variables, training algorithms, hidden, and output transfer functions, a total of eight model runs stood out using a three‐layer ANN network. The most efficient ANN model architecture had 9,8,1 as the input, hidden, and output neurons, respectively, trained using the Levenberg‐Marquardt training algorithm and tansig as the activation and hidden transfer functions. Assessment on the efficiency of the model based on statistics indicate that the coefficient of determination, root mean square error, Nash‐Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency and the mean absolute error ranges between 0.51 and 0.82; 0.57 and 0.75; 0.28 and 0.79; 0.44 and 0.56, respectively, during the testing period. The output of these findings shows that ANN modeling technique can play a significant role as a data‐driven model in forecasting monthly SPEI time series and drought characteristics in the study area, thereby leading to the development of an early warning system for the country.
Decision makers’ preferences of policy instruments
Authors: Veselý Arnošt , Petrúšek Ivan
Published: May 2020

The article empirically tests the theoretical propositions on instrument choice articulated by Linder and Peters and their followers. It examines whether decision makers tend to prefer some policy instruments over others, what the patterns of these preferences are, and how they can be explained. Using a survey of Czech ministerial and regional public officials involved in strategic policymaking (N = 1,112), the findings confirm that individuals exhibit clear patterns of instrument preference that are similar to theoretical typologies. However, the data do not confirm most other theoretical expectations: decision makers do not tend to prefer some instruments over others and their preference of policy instruments cannot be explained by educational background or the organization in which they work. Other factors so far unnoticed in theory (such as sex, age, or job task) seem to play a more significant role, which calls for reconsideration of instrument choice theory.
Morphological and molecular alterations of reactive astrocytes without proliferation in cerebral cortex of an APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model and Alzheimer's patients
Authors: Li Kun‐Yu , Gong Pi‐Fang , Li Jia‐Tong , Xu Nan‐Jie , Qin Song
Published: May 2020

Astrocytes are fundamental for maintaining brain homeostasis and are commonly involved in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In response to injury or toxic material, astrocytes undergo activation that results in hypertrophy and process ramification. Although numerous studies have shown that reactive astrocytes are intimately related to the pathogenesis of AD, their characteristic features including morphological and molecular alterations that occur during different stages of AD progression remain to be elucidated. Here, we crossed astrocyte‐specific reporter mice hGFAP‐CreERT2;Rosa‐tdTomato with APP/PS1 mice, and then used genetic tracing to characterize the morphological profiles and expression of molecular biomarkers associated with progressive β‐amyloid deposits in the cortical region of AD mice. Expression of glutamine synthetase (GS) was lower in cortical reactive astrocytes, in contrast to the higher expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, of APP/PS1 mice and AD patients relative to that in cortical astrocytes of wild‐type mice and age‐matched controls, respectively. GS activity was also decreased obviously in the cortex of APP/PS1 mice at 6 and 12 months of age relative to that in the wild‐type mice of the same ages. Furthermore, cortical reactive astrocytes in APP/PS1 mice and AD patients did not undergo proliferation. Finally, based on RNA‐sequencing analysis, we identified differentially expressed transcripts of signal transduction molecules involved in early induction of reactive astrocytes in the cortex of APP/PS1 mice. These findings provide a morphological and molecular basis with which to understand the function and mechanism of reactive astrocytes in the progression of AD.
The ENIGMA‐Epilepsy working group: Mapping disease from large data sets
Authors: Sisodiya Sanjay M. , Whelan Christopher D. , Hatton Sean N. , Huynh Khoa , Altmann Andre , Ryten Mina , Vezzani Annamaria , Caligiuri Maria Eugenia , Labate Angelo , Gambardella Antonio , Ives‐Deliperi Victoria , Meletti Stefano , Munsell Brent C. , Bonilha Leonardo , Tondelli Manuela , Rebsamen Michael , Rummel Christian , Vaudano Anna Elisabetta , Wiest Roland , Balachandra Akshara R. , Bargalló Núria , Bartolini Emanuele , Bernasconi Andrea , Bernasconi Neda , Bernhardt Boris , Caldairou Benoit , Carr Sarah J.A. , Cavalleri Gianpiero L. , Cendes Fernando , Concha Luis , Desmond Patricia M. , Domin Martin , Duncan John S. , Focke Niels K. , Guerrini Renzo , Hamandi Khalid , Jackson Graeme D. , Jahanshad Neda , Kälviäinen Reetta , Keller Simon S. , Kochunov Peter , Kowalczyk Magdalena A. , Kreilkamp Barbara A.K. , Kwan Patrick , Lariviere Sara , Lenge Matteo , Lopez Seymour M. , Martin Pascal , Mascalchi Mario , Moreira José C.V. , Morita‐Sherman Marcia E. , Pardoe Heath R. , Pariente Jose C. , Raviteja Kotikalapudi , Rocha Cristiane S. , Rodríguez‐Cruces Raúl , Seeck Margitta , Semmelroch Mira K.H.G. , Sinclair Benjamin , Soltanian‐Zadeh Hamid , Stein Dan J. , Striano Pasquale , Taylor Peter N. , Thomas Rhys H. , Thomopoulos Sophia I. , Velakoulis Dennis , Vivash Lucy , Weber Bernd , Yasuda Clarissa Lin , Zhang Junsong , Thompson Paul M. , McDonald Carrie R. ,   ENIGMA Consortium Epilepsy Working Group
Published: May 2020

Epilepsy is a common and serious neurological disorder, with many different constituent conditions characterized by their electro clinical, imaging, and genetic features. MRI has been fundamental in advancing our understanding of brain processes in the epilepsies. Smaller‐scale studies have identified many interesting imaging phenomena, with implications both for understanding pathophysiology and improving clinical care. Through the infrastructure and concepts now well‐established by the ENIGMA Consortium, ENIGMA‐Epilepsy was established to strengthen epilepsy neuroscience by greatly increasing sample sizes, leveraging ideas and methods established in other ENIGMA projects, and generating a body of collaborating scientists and clinicians to drive forward robust research. Here we review published, current, and future projects, that include structural MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and resting state functional MRI (rsfMRI), and that employ advanced methods including structural covariance, and event‐based modeling analysis. We explore age of onset‐ and duration‐related features, as well as phenomena‐specific work focusing on particular epilepsy syndromes or phenotypes, multimodal analyses focused on understanding the biology of disease progression, and deep learning approaches. We encourage groups who may be interested in participating to make contact to further grow and develop ENIGMA‐Epilepsy.
Recovery of value‐added glycopeptides from edible bird's nest (EBN) co‐products: enzymatic hydrolysis, physicochemical characteristics and bioactivity
Authors: Ling Jin Wei Alvin , Chang Lee Sin , Babji Abdul Salam , Lim Seng Joe
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Processing of edible bird's nest (EBN) requires extensive washing to remove impurities and produces huge amounts of EBN co‐products, which contain mainly feathers with glycoproteins attached, which are usually discarded. This study was conducted to recover the valuable EBN glycoproteins from the waste material. Enzymatic hydrolysis was applied to recover EBN glycopeptides from EBN co‐products (EBNcoP) and processed cleaned EBN (EBNclean) was used as control, which were then freeze‐dried into EBN hydrolysates (EBNhcoP and EBNhclean, respectively).

RESULTS

The recovery yield for EBNhclean and EBNhcoP were 89.09 ± 0.01% and 47.64 ± 0.26%, respectively, indicating nearly 50% of glycopeptide can be recovered from the waste material. Meanwhile, N‐acetylneuraminic acid, a major acid sugar in EBN glycoproteins, of EBNhcoP increased by 229% from 58.6 ± 3.9 to 192.9 ± 3.1 g kg−1, indicating the enzymatic hydrolysis removed impurities and thus enhanced the N‐acetylneuraminic acid content. Total soluble protein was more than 330 g kg−1 for all the samples. Colour parameter showed that hydrolysate samples have greater L* (lightness) values. Chroma result indicates the intensity of all the samples were low (< 11). Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum displayed that the EBNhcoP exhibited similar functional groups with EBNhclean, indicating that the EBNcoP has similar functionality as EBNclean. Significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activities were reported in EBNhcoP after the enzymatic reaction.

CONCLUSION

EBNhcoP were successfully recovered from low value EBNcoP with enhanced antioxidant activities. The findings of this work are beneficial for the EBN industry to reduce wastage and enhance economic values of EBN co‐products, both economically and nutritionally. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Low‐dose rapamycin‐induced autophagy in cochlear outer sulcus cells
Authors: Saegusa Chika , Hosoya Makoto , Nishiyama Takanori , Saeki Tsubasa , Fujimoto Chisato , Okano Hideyuki , Fujioka Masato , Ogawa Kaoru
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Autophagy is an intracellular housekeeping process that degrades cytoplasmic organelles, damaged molecules, and abnormal proteins or pathogens and is essential for normal hearing. Recent studies revealed the essential roles of autophagy in hearing and balance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activation state of rapamycin‐induced autophagy in cochlear outer sulcus cells (OSCs).

Methods

We used autophagy reporter transgenic mice expressing the green fluorescent protein‐microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 (GFP‐LC3) fusion protein and counted GFP‐LC3 puncta in cochlear OSCs to evaluate the activation state of autophagy after oral administration of rapamycin.

Results

We observed basal level GFP‐LC3 expression and an increase in the number of GFP‐LC3 puncta in cochlear OSCs by oral administration of rapamycin. This increase was detected when the daily rapamycin intake was as low as 0.025 mg/kg, and it was dose dependent. The increased number of puncta was more at the basal turn than the apical turn.

Conclusion

Oral intake of low‐dose rapamycin activates autophagy in cochlear OSCs.

Level of evidence

NA.
THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF THE MASS SPECTROMETRY‐BASED INVESTIGATION OF THE EXOSOME LANDSCAPE
Authors: Xu Lian , Gimple Ryan C. , Lau Wayne Bond , Lau Bonnie , Fei Fan , Shen Qiuhong , Liao Xiaolin , Li Yichen , Wang Wei , He Ying , Feng Min , Bu Hong , Wang Wei , Zhou Shengtao
Published: May 2020

Exosomes are critical intercellular messengers released upon the fusion of multivesicular bodies with the cellular plasma membrane that deliver their cargo in the form of extracellular vesicles. Containing numerous nonrandomly packed functional proteins, lipids, and RNAs, exosomes are vital intercellular messengers that contribute to the physiologic processes of the healthy organism. During the post‐genome era, exosome‐oriented proteomics have garnered great interest. Since its establishment, mass spectrometry (MS) has been indispensable for the field of proteomics research and has advanced rapidly to interrogate biological samples at a higher resolution and sensitivity. Driven by new methodologies and more advanced instrumentation, MS‐based approaches have revolutionized our understanding of protein biology. As the access to online proteomics database platforms has blossomed, experimental data processing occurs with more speed and accuracy. Here, we review recent advances in the technological progress of MS‐based proteomics and several new detection strategies for MS‐based proteomics research. We also summarize the use of integrated online databases for proteomics research in the era of big data. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev
The delineation of largely deformed brain midline using regression‐based line detection network
Authors: Wei Hao , Tang Xiangyu , Zhang Minqing , Li Qingfeng , Xing Xiaodan , Sean Zhou Xiang , Xue Zhong , Zhu Wenzhen , Chen Zailiang , Shi Feng
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The human brain has two cerebral hemispheres that are roughly symmetric and separated by a midline, which is nearly a straight line shown in axial computed tomography (CT) images in healthy subjects. However, brain diseases such as hematoma and tumors often cause midline shift, where the degree of shift can be regarded as a quantitative indication in clinical practice. To facilitate clinical evaluation, we need computer‐aided methods to automate this quantification. Nevertheless, most existing studies focused on the landmark‐ or symmetry‐based methods that provide only the existence of shift or its maximum distance, which could be easily affected by anatomical variability and large brain deformations. Intuitive results such as midline delineation or measurement are lacking. In this study, we focus on developing an automated and robust method based on the fully convolutional neural network for the delineation of midline in largely deformed brains.

Methods

We propose a novel regression‐based line detection network (RLDN) for the robust midline delineation, especially in largely deformed brains. Specifically, to improve the robustness of delineation in largely deformed brains, we regard the delineation of the midline as the skeleton extraction task and then use the multiscale bidirectional integration module to acquire more representative features. Based on the skeleton extraction, we incorporate the regression task into it to delineate more accurate and continuous midline, especially in largely deformed brains. Our study utilized the public CQ 500 dataset (128 subjects) for training with hold‐out validation on 61 subjects from a private cohort accrued from a local hospital.

Results

The mean line distance error and F1‐score were 1.17 ± 0.72 mm with 0.78 on CQ 500 test set, and 4.15 ± 3.97 mm with 0.61 on the private dataset. Besides, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed between our method and other comparative ones on these two datasets.

Conclusions

This work provides a novel solution to acquire robust delineation of the midline, especially in largely deformed brains, and achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance on the public and our private dataset, which makes it possible for automated diagnosis of relevant brain diseases in the future.
Wind turbine induced seismic signals: the large‐scale SMARTIE1 experiment and a concept to define protection radii for recording stations
Authors: Lerbs Nikolaus , Zieger Toni , Ritter Joachim , Korn Michael
Published: May 2020

Wind turbines produce mechanical energy that can propagate to the ground and disturb sensitive measurements such as seismic recordings. The aim of the large‐scale experiment Seismic Monitoring And Research of wind Turbine Induced Emissions (SMARTIE1) at a single wind turbine in Pfinztal (SW Germany) is to understand how wind turbines emit seismic signals under different operating conditions and how these seismic signals propagate through the local subsurface. The main objectives of SMARTIE1 are the investigation of wind turbine induced seismic signals, the characteristics of their propagation behaviour, as well as the radiation pattern of a single wind turbine as defined using particle motions. Moreover, we quantify the emission of the wind turbine induced seismic signals with respect to the wind speed. The combination of the wind turbine's emission into the subsurface and the attenuation behaviour of the seismic signals (ground motion velocity) can be used to estimate protection radii around seismic stations to ensure the recording of seismic signals without noticeable influences of the wind turbines. In this study, we detect several discrete wind turbine induced frequency peaks ranging from 1 to 10 Hz. We identify a radiation pattern of the wind turbine, which could give further insights into the interaction between the movement of the wind turbine's nacelle and the generation of the wind turbine induced seismic signals. Using profile measurements with a maximum distance of almost 3 km each, we fit a power‐law decay for power spectral density proportional to . The attenuation factor, , ranges from 0.7 to 1.3 for lower frequencies between 1 and 4 Hz, and increases to = 2.3 for the higher frequency peak around 5.25 Hz. Finally, we present an example of estimation of a protection radius around the seismic station of the Collm Observatorium that is part of the German Regional Seismic Network. The example protection radius around Collm Observatorium regarding this single wind turbine is reached at a minimum distance of 3.7 km.
Influenza vaccine effectiveness and disease burden in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease: 2012‐2017
Authors: Kao Carol M. , Lai Kristina , McAteer John M. , Elmontser Mohnd , Quincer Elizabeth M. , Yee Marianne E.M. , Tippet Ashley , Jerris Robert C. , Lane Peter A. , Anderson Evan J. , Bakshi Nitya , Yildirim Inci
Published: May 2020

Background

Data are limited on the burden of influenza and seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Methods

We used a prospectively collected clinical registry of SCD patients 6 months to 21 years of age to determine the influenza cases per 100 patient‐years, vaccination rates, and a test‐negative case‐control study design to estimate influenza VE against medically attended laboratory‐confirmed influenza infection. Influenza‐positive cases were randomly matched to test‐negative controls on age and influenza season in 1:1 ratio. We used adjusted logistic regression models to compare odds ratio (OR) of vaccination in cases to controls. We calculated VE as [100% × (1 − adjusted OR)] and computed 95% confidence intervals (CIs) around the estimate.

Results

There were 1037 children with SCD who were tested for influenza, 307 children (29.6%) had at least one influenza infection (338 infections, incidence rate 3.7 per 100 person‐years; 95% CI, 3.4‐4.1) and 56.2% of those tested received annual influenza vaccine. Overall VE pooled over five seasons was 22.3% (95% CI, −7.3% to 43.7%). Adjusted VE estimates ranged from 39.7% (95% CI, −70.1% to 78.6%) in 2015/2016 to −5.9% (95% CI, −88.4% to 40.4%) in the 2016/17 seasons. Influenza VE varied by age and was highest in children 1‐5 years of age (66.6%; 95% CI, 30.3‐84.0). Adjusted VE against acute chest syndrome during influenza infection was 39.4% (95% CI, −113.0 to 82.8%).

Conclusions

Influenza VE in patients with SCD varies by season and age. Multicenter prospective studies are needed to better establish and monitor influenza VE among children with SCD.
Targeting renal OATs to develop renal protective agent from traditional Chinese medicines: Protective effect of Apigenin against Imipenem‐induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Huo Xiaokui , Meng Qiang , Wang Changyuan , Wu Jingjing , Zhu Yanna , Sun Pengyuan , Ma Xiaodong , Sun Huijun , Liu Kexin
Published: May 2020

Imipenem (Imp) is a widely used broad‐spectrum antibiotic. However, renal adverse effects limit its clinical application. We previously reported that organic anion transporters (OATs) facilitated the renal transport of Imp and contributed its nephrotoxicity. Natural flavonoids exhibited renal protective effect. Here, we aimed to develop potent OAT inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and to evaluate its protective effect against Imp‐induced nephrotoxicity. Among 50 TCMs, Tribuli Fructus, Platycladi Cacumen, and Lycopi Herba exhibited potent inhibition on OAT1/3. After screening their main components, Apigenin strongly inhibited Imp uptake by OAT1/3‐HEK293 cells with IC50 values of 1.98 ± 0.36 μM (OAT1) and 2.29 ± 0.88 μM (OAT3). Moreover, Imp exhibited OAT1/3‐dependent cytotoxicity, which was alleviated by Apigenin. Furthermore, Apigenin ameliorated Imp‐induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits, and reduced the renal secretion of Imp. Apigenin inhibited intracellular accumulation of Imp and sequentially decreased the nephrocyte toxicity in rabbit primary proximal tubule cells (rPTCs). Apigenin, a flavone widely distributed in TCMs, was a potent OAT1/3 inhibitor. Through OAT inhibition, at least in part, Apigenin decreased the renal exposure of Imp and consequently protected against the nephrotoxicity of Imp. Apigenin can be used as a promising agent to reduce the renal adverse reaction of Imp in clinic.
Hydrogen/deuterium adsorption and absorption properties on and in palladium using a combined plane wave and localized basis set method
Authors: Sakagami Hiroki , Tachikawa Masanori , Ishimoto Takayoshi
Published: May 2020

Detailed information on the H/D isotope effects for adsorption on the surface and absorption in the bulk is important for understanding the nuclear quantum effect. To achieve this, we developed a new theoretical approach, namely, the combined plane wave and localized basis set (CPLB) method. By using the multicomponent quantum chemical method, which takes into account the quantum effect of a proton or deuteron, with the localized part of the CPLB method, direct analysis of the H/D isotope effect about adsorption and absorption is carried out. In this study, we performed a theoretical investigation of the H/D isotope effects for adsorption on a Pd(111) surface and absorption in bulk Pd. We clearly showed an H/D isotope effect on geometry during adsorption and absorption. Our developed CPLB approach is a powerful tool for analyzing the quantum nature of H/D in surface, bulk, and inhomogeneous systems.
Over 7% Efficiency of Sb2(S,Se)3 Solar Cells via V‐Shaped Bandgap Engineering
Authors: Li Kanghua , Lu Yue , Ke Xiaoxing , Li Sen , Lu Shuaicheng , Wang Chong , Wang Siyu , Chen Chao , Tang Jiang
Published: May 2020

Antimony chalcogenides (including Sb2S3, Sb2Se3, and Sb2(S,Se)3 alloy) have emerged as promising solar absorber materials. Notably, the Sb2(S,Se)3 alloy possesses continuously tunable bandgap from 1.1 to 1.7 eV, which covers the ideal bandgap for single‐junction photovoltaics governed by the Shockley–Queisser theory. Moreover, the bandgap gradient provides effective ways for photogenerated carriers collection and has the potential for high‐efficient Sb2(S,Se)3 alloy solar cells. Herein, a V‐shaped distributional bandgap in Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells is reported through a simple dual‐source vapor transport deposition process, enabling the synergetic increase of the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and short‐circuit current (JSC). Through careful optimization, a power conversion efficiency of 7.27% under AM1.5G illumination is obtained, with VOC and JSC of 0.46 V and 29.6 mA cm−2, respectively. This V‐shaped bandgap engineering provides an effective method to enhance the device performance and can be extended to other chalcogenide thin‐film solar cells such as Sn–X, Ge–X, Cu–Sb–X (X = S and Se), and so on.
Variations in water content of soil in apricot orchards in the western hilly regions of the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Shi Dongping , Tan Hongbing , Rao Wenbo , Liu Zihao , Elenga Hartman Issombo
Published: May 2020

Large changes in land use and land cover types have been occurring in the hill and gully regions of the Loess Plateau since the end of the 1990s. This study revealed dynamic variations of soil water in different layers of representative land use and land cover types under different annual precipitation regimes and assessed the effects on soil water circulation in large areas of apricot [Armeniaca sibirica (L.) Lam.] trees, which have extensive and deep root systems. The results show distinct soil water deficit with a water content of generally <17% (60% of field capacity) in the deep layers of the soil profile of the apricot orchards. Several years after afforestation, perennial soil water deficit layers have subsequently developed around the root zone or even extended to deeper soil layers in the apricot orchards. In the soil profiles, increasing Cl contents are not related to increasing δ2H and δ18O values. This finding suggests that the extreme deficit of soil water and dry layer developments is mainly caused by intense transpiration, rather than by evaporation alone. The occurrence and development of soil water deficit layers in the deep soil profiles were the dominant factors that caused tree growth degradation and gradual death, due to lack of adequate stored soil water in the deep layers for use during a long arid time. Thus, the large‐scale establishment of arbor trees will likely lead to long‐term soil desiccation in the arid or semiarid regions on the Loess Plateau.
Multi-scale Modeling of Partially Stabilized Zirconia with Applications to TRIP-Matrix Composites
Authors: Rajendran Mohan Kumar , Budnitzki Michael , Kuna Meinhard
Published: May 2020

The understanding of how the microstructure influences the mechanical response is an essential pre-requisite for materials tailored to match specific requirements. The aim of this chapter is to further this understanding in the context of Mg-PSZ-TRIP-steel composites on three different scales using a set of methods ranging from phase-field simulations over micromechanics to continuum constitutive modeling. On the microscale, using a Ginzburg-Landau type phase-field model the effects of cooling- and stress-induced martensitic phase transformation in MgO-PSZ is clearly distinguished. Additionally with this method the role of energy barrier in variant selection and the effect of residual stress contributing to the stability of the tetragonal phase are also investigated. On the mesomechanical scale, an analytical 2D model for the martensitic phase transformation and self-accommodation of inclusions within linear elastic materials has been successfully developed. The influences of particle size and geometry, chemical driving force, temperature and surface energy on the $$t \rightarrow m$$

t
→
m

transformation are investigated in a thermostatic approach. On the continuum scale, a continuum material model for transformation plasticity in partially stabilized zirconia ceramics has been developed. Nonlinear hardening behavior, hysteresis and monoclinic phase fraction during a temperature cycle are analyzed. Finally, The mechanical properties of a TRIP steel matrix reinforced by ZrO$$_2$$

2

particles are analyzed on representative volume elements. Here the mechanical properties of the composite as function of volume fraction of both constituents and the strength of the interface are studied.
Sums of S-units in the solution sets of generalized Pell equations
Authors: Hajdu L. , Sebestyén P.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we give various finiteness results concerning solutions of generalized Pell equations representable as sums ofS-units with a fixed number of terms. In case of one term, our result is effective, while in case of more terms, we are able to bound the number of solutions.
Aktinische Keratosen
Authors: Nashan D. , Hüning S. , Heppt M. V. , Brehmer A. , Berking C.
Published: May 2020

Am 30.06.2019 erfolgte die Veröffentlichung der S3-Leitlinie „Aktinische Keratose und Plattenepithelkarzinom der Haut“. Zeitlich nachfolgend erschienen Publikationen, Übersichtsarbeiten und Metaanalysen mit neuen Fragestellungen zur Vergleichbarkeit von Studiendaten und zur Heterogenität der Auswertungen, die unter anderem durch divergente Messparameter wie auch unzureichende Berücksichtigung von Vorbehandlungen und kombinierten Behandlungen bedingt sind. Im Kontext der Kritik und mit Blick auf notwendige Entwicklungen und Forschung wurde diese prägnante Übersicht verfasst. Thematische Abschnitte zur Epidemiologie, Pathogenese, Prävention, Klinik und Therapie wie auch BK (Berufskrankheit) 5103 wurden erarbeitet. Die Therapie, untergliedert in lokal destruktive und topische arzneimittelgestützte Verfahren, basiert auf den Leitlinienempfehlungen, die als Zitate gekennzeichnet und mit dem zugehörigen Evidenzlevel versehen sind. Für die Umsetzung im Alltag werden Kerndaten, Nebenwirkungen und Besonderheiten der Therapeutika genannt. Die aktuellen Entwicklungen und Fragestellungen zu aktinischen Keratosen werden deutlich.
Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745: A Non-bacterial Microorganism Used as Probiotic Agent in Supporting Treatment of Selected Diseases
Authors: Kaźmierczak-Siedlecka Karolina , Ruszkowski Jakub , Fic Mateusz , Folwarski Marcin , Makarewicz Wojciech
Published: May 2020

The yeast Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 is a unique, non-bacterial microorganism classified as a probiotic agent. In this review article, at first, we briefly summarized the mechanisms responsible for its probiotic properties, e.g. adhesion to and elimination of enteropathogenic microorganisms and their toxins; extracellular cleavage of pathogens’ virulent factors; trophic and anti-inflammatory effects on the intestinal mucosa. The efficacy of S. boulardii administration was tested in variety of human diseases. We discussed the results of S. boulardii CNCM I-745 use in the treatment or prevention of Helicobacter pylori infections, diarrhoea (Clostridium difficile infections, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, and traveller’s diarrhoea), inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, candidiasis, dyslipidemia, and small intestine bacterial overgrowth in patients with multiple sclerosis. In case of limited number of studies regarding this strain, we also presented studies demonstrating properties and efficacy of other strains of S. boulardii. Administration of S. boulardii CNCMI I-745 during antibiotic therapy has certain advantage over bacterial probiotics, because—due to its fungal natural properties—it is intrinsically resistant to the antibiotics and cannot promote the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Even though cases of fungemia following S. boulardii CNCM I-745 administration were reported, it should be treated as a widely available and safe probiotic strain.
FTIR analysis of chemical changes in wood induced by steaming and longitudinal compression
Authors: Báder Mátyás , Németh Róbert , Sandak Jakub , Sandak Anna
Published: May 2020

Pleating is an optimal way to increase bendability of wood used in diverse industrial applications. It results in the excessive buckling of cell walls and modifications of constitutive polymers. However, thoughtful understanding of the physical–chemical mechanisms of that modification process is very limited. The main purpose of the present study was to identify changes in functional groups of wood polymers induced by longitudinal compression. Four types of wood samples prepared from beech and sessile oak (untreated, steamed, longitudinally compressed and fixated for 1 min as well as longitudinally compressed and fixated for 18 h) were assessed by infrared spectroscopy. The spectra interpretation revealed that changes can be observed in hydroxyl as well as in carbon–oxygen single and carbon-hydrogen functional groups of polysaccharides and lignin. Beech wood seems to be more susceptible to investigated modification processes as compared to oak. Detailed interpretation of infrared spectra allows identification of changes in the hygroscopicity of wood as well as alterations in the linkage between structural elements in the polymer matrix of wood induced by the applied treatments.

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Understanding the Social Stigma of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: From Theory to Interventions
Authors: Roozen Sylvia , Stutterheim Sarah E. , Bos Arjan E. R. , Kok Gerjo , Curfs Leopold M. G.
Published: May 2020

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). FASD is a spectrum of structural, functional, and neurodevelopmental problems with often lifelong implications, affecting communities worldwide. It is a leading preventable form of intellectual disabilities and therefore warrants effective prevention approaches. However, well-intended FASD prevention can increase stigmatization of individuals with FASD, women who consume or have consumed alcohol during pregnancy, and non-biological parents and guardians of individuals with FASD. This narrative review surveyed the literature on stigmatization related to FASD. Public stigma appears to be the most common form of stigma studied. Less is known about FASD-related self-stigma, stigma by association, and structural stigma. Accordingly, the current literature on FASD-related stigma does not appear to provide sufficient guidance for effectively reducing FASD-related stigma. However, lessons can be learned from other related health topics and the use of a systematic approach for the development of health promotion programs, namely Intervention Mapping.
Formation of Central Mode Water based on two zonal hydrographic sections in spring 2013 and 2016
Authors: Oka Eitarou , Kouketsu Shinya , Yanagimoto Daigo , Ito Daiki , Kawai Yoshimi , Sugimoto Shusaku , Qiu Bo
Published: May 2020

Two zonal high-density hydrographic sections along 41° N and 37.5° N east of Japan were occupied in April 2013 and June 2016 to examine the formation of Central Mode Water (CMW) and Transition Region Mode Water (TRMW) in relation to fronts and eddies. In the 41° N section traversing the meandering subarctic front, the denser variety of CMW (D-CMW) and TRMW was formed continuously on both sides of the front, except for the part of the section located south of the Kuroshio bifurcation front where the lighter variety of CMW (L-CMW) and D-CMW was formed instead. L-CMW and D-CMW were also formed in the eastern part of the 37.5° N section between the Kuroshio Extension front and the Kuroshio bifurcation front, but were hardly formed in the western part of the section west of the bifurcation point of the two fronts. D-CMW and TRMW pycnostads in the western part of the 41° N section observed in April 2013 tended to exhibit more than one core (vertical minimum of potential vorticity), which might be formed by destruction of deep winter mixed layers. Such multiple-core structure was also observed in L-CMW and D-CMW pycnostads in the eastern part of both the sections south of the Kuroshio bifurcation front in June 2016, being particularly abundant in three anticyclonic eddies. It was likely to be formed by the exchange of low-potential vorticity water among the eddies and the ambient region in association with eddy-to-eddy interaction, suggesting a new mechanism of mode water subduction.
A note on the potential impact of aviation emissions on jet stream propagation over the northern hemisphere
Authors: Kossakowska Magdalena , Kaminski Jacek W.
Published: May 2020

The goal of the study was to investigate if aviation emissions could influence the climate and weather by modifying the chemical composition of the atmosphere and subsequently, the radiative balance. To carry out the set objective, we used the global environmental multiscale atmospheric chemistry model with comprehensive tropospheric and stratospheric chemistry that is interactive with the radiation calculations. The model was run for two current climate scenarios, with and without aviation emissions. The results of the study indicate that the most significant difference in the jet stream propagation occurred during the winter season, and the smallest was observed during summer. Changes in the jet stream propagation vary by season and region. During the colder time of the year, the eddy-driven jet stream tends to shift poleward, while during the spring season the equatorward shift was observed in a scenario with aviation emissions. Analysis of regional changes shows that the most noticeable differences occurred over the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Asia. The changes over the oceans changed the occurrence of the North Pacific and Bermuda–Azores Highs. Over Asia (Siberia), a stronger and more poleward drift of the eddy-driven jet stream was observed in a scenario without aviation emission. Dissimilarity in the jet stream velocity was found only during the winter seasons when in a scenario with aviation emission, the jet stream velocity was 10 m/s smaller as compared to the scenario without aviation emission.
Psychometric properties of the benign and malicious envy scale: Assessment of structure, reliability, and measurement invariance across the United States, Germany, Russia, and Poland
Authors: Kwiatkowska Maria Magdalena , Rogoza Radosław , Volkodav Tatiana
Published: May 2020

The Benign and Malicious Envy Scale is a promising self-report measure forming a counterpoint to the unidimensional approach to the assessment of dispositional envy. The goals of the present study were to examine the reliability, structure, and measurement equivalence of the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale across four independent groups from the United States, Germany, Russia, and Poland. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the structure of the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale is two-dimensional and its measurement is reliable. Moreover, multigroup confirmatory factor analysis, supplemented by alignment optimization, revealed that the scale is invariant by country across all factors regardless of whether a linguistic distinction between the two envy types in the respective language exists. The results speak to the current debate about whether envy should be conceptualized as unitary or as an emotion that occurs in two distinct forms, supporting the latter view. Additionally, country-level differences in envy point to cultural differences which merit further research.
Digitalisierung in der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe und im Kinderschutz: Von Risikoeinschätzungsbögen über Fallbearbeitungssoftware bis zu Big Data
Authors: Ackermann Timo
Published: May 2020

Die Digitalisierung von Gesellschaft und Sozialer Arbeit schreitet voran. Eine Beschäftigung mit der Thematik erscheint daher für (angehende) Sozialarbeit*innen, wie auch für Wissenschaftler*innen und Lehrende im Feld Sozialer Arbeit geboten. Die Nutzung von Big Data provoziert überzogene Hoffnungen und droht unter dem Deckmantel objektiver Kalkulationen Marginalisierungen zu reproduzieren. Für Soziale Arbeit und Frühe Hilfen wirkte die Einführung des § 8a als Katalysator für die Entwicklung von Risikoeinschätzungsverfahren. Die Verwendung von elektronischen Dokumentations- und Risikoeinschätzungssystemen stellt Ansprüche an individuelle Bearbeitung von Fällen in Frage. Risikoeinschätzungsinstrumente verlangen nach der knappen Aufmerksamkeit der Handelnden. Sie involvieren Praktiker*innen Sozialer Arbeit in intensive Interaktionen. Praktiker*innen und Lehrenden im Feld der Sozialer Arbeit kann nur geraten werden, sich gegenüber Instrumenten der Risikoeinschätzung, seien sie durch Big Data gestützt oder nicht, mit kritisch-forschender Distanz zu verhalten.
Tailoring the Meso-Structure of Gold Nanoparticles in Keratin-Based Activated Carbon Toward High-Performance Flexible Sensor
Authors: Patil Aniruddha B. , Meng Zhaohui , Wu Ronghui , Ma Liyun , Xu Zijie , Shi Chenyang , Qiu Wu , Liu Qiang , Zhang Yifan , Lin Youhui , Lin Naibo , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: May 2020

Flexible biosensors with high accuracy and reliable operation in detecting pH and uric acid levels in body fluids are fabricated using well-engineered metal-doped porous carbon as electrode material. The gold nanoparticles@N-doped carbon in situ are prepared using wool keratin as both a novel carbon precursor and a stabilizer. The conducting electrode material is fabricated at 500 °C under customized parameters, which mimics A–B type (two different repeating units) polymeric material and displays excellent deprotonation performance (pH sensitivity). The obtained pH sensor exhibits high pH sensitivity of 57 mV/pH unit and insignificant relative standard deviation of 0.088%. Conversely, the composite carbon material with sp2 structure prepared at 700 °C is doped with nitrogen and gold nanoparticles, which exhibits good conductivity and electrocatalytic activity for uric acid oxidation. The uric acid sensor has linear response over a range of 1–150 µM and a limit of detection 0.1 µM. These results will provide new avenues where biological material will be the best start, which can be useful to target contradictory applications through molecular engineering at mesoscale.
Intercropping with marigold promotes soil health and microbial structure to assist in mitigating tobacco bacterial wilt
Authors: Li Yanyan , Feng Ji , Zheng Lu , Huang Junbin , Yang Yong , Li Xihong
Published: May 2020

Marigold is reported to have antibacterial activity, and effectively protect crops against soil-borne diseases. However, it is not known whether and how tobacco bacterial wilt (TBW) could be mitigated via intercropping with marigold under field conditions. In this study, a field experiment was performed to measure and compare the occurrence of TBW, the soil chemical properties, and soil microbial composition and diversity between a tobacco-marigold intercropping system and a tobacco monocropping system. At 100 days (d) post-transplantation, the incidence (I) and disease index (DI) for the tobacco-marigold intercropping system were 30.12% and 58.25% lower than that for tobacco monocropping system, respectively. The results showed that Sobs, Shannon and Chao 1 index of soil bacterial communities in the tobacco-marigold intercropping system were 10.34%, 1.41% and 5.13% higher than that in the tobacco monocropping system at 100 d post-transplantation, respectively. It exhibited a higher richness and diversity of soil bacterial communities in the tobacco-marigold intercropping system. The relative abundance of some beneficial genera in tobacco-marigold intercropping system, such as Lysobacter, Burkholderia, Trichoderma, Mortierella, Chaetomium, Penicillium, was 1.50, 1.61, 3.35, 1.67, 4.40 and 4.50 fold higher than that in tobacco monocropping system. The presence of the intercropping system inhibited soil acidification and loss of soil calcium ions. The redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that soil pH and exchange Ca2+ were the main environmental factors which seemed to influence the bacterial and fungal community. The results from this study provided valuable insight into the possible mechanisms enhancing soil health in the tobacco-marigold intercropping system.
Experiences and Practices in the Current Prevention and Control of the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia in China
Authors: Shao Shen , Zhou Zichen , Li Yue , Liu Shuyu , Lu Lu , Hou Shike , Fan Bin , Cao Chunxia , Fan Haojun
Published: May 2020

Since December 2019, several new infectious diseases, mainly lung diseases caused by novel coronavirus infections, have been discovered in Wuhan, Hubei Province. With the spread of the epidemic, cases in other regions of China and abroad have been confirmed. This sudden outbreak of a new type of infectious disease has seriously threatened people’s health and safety, and China has adopted strong prevention and control measures in response. To provide a reference for international health emergency management workers, this article summarizes, from an academic perspective, the main prevention and control measures taken in China.