bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gambling behavior versus moral behavior: methodological perspectives in neuroeconomic decision-making
Authors: Balconi Michela , Angioletti Laura
Published: November 2020

Within the neuroeconomics field, there are two evident situations in which decisionmaking process do not respect the rule of expected utility: gambling and moral behaviors. In the case of gambling behavior, a tendency to engage in risky decision-making could lead to choose disadvantageous options (loss vs gain) and long-term negative economic consequences. Regarding moral behavior, subjects prefer options not always related to their expected utility, but more to their social and ethical significance (fair vs unfair). This commentary discusses both the theoretical and empirical basis of these behaviors, focusing on neurophysiological methods adopted to investigate commonalities and differences in physiological and behavioral subjects’ responses. The dichotomy between emotions and rationality will be explored considering two popular economics games, Iowa Gambling Task and Ultimatum Game, and will be discussed in the light of somatic marker hypothesis frame. We propose a multidimensional approach to describe more in-depth real-world decision-making situations in neuroeconomics.
Cognitive neuroscience applied to law. A neurolaw introduction
Authors: Tormen Federico
Published: November 2020

Legal reasoning, from the decision of United Chambers of Supreme Court, through the legal assistance activity carried out by a lawyer, to the purchase of an object on Amazon by a common citizen (which integrates a contractual constraint), contains in itself assessments of opportunity and moral evaluation, problem solving, decision making and, in general, a cognitive activation very wide ranging. Thanks to the multidisciplinary vocation of neuroscience, in particular focused at the cognitive field in legal practice, the aim of the research in cognitive neuroscience applied to law is to help to bridge the lack of in-depth analysis in the decision-making processes that the main players of the law, such as judges and lawyers, are informed. And all this, taking into account the ethical issues that occur above all in the comparative analysis of neuroscience-law interaction.
Trabalho, saúde e adoecimento mental: percursos na rede de atenção do SUS
Authors: Reis Adriana de Paula
Published: November 2020

Este livro é resultado de uma pesquisa sobre a assistência prestada, no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), aos usuários com questões de saúde mental relacionadas às suas vivências nos ambientes de trabalho. Com referencial teórico-metodológico apoiado em Vygotsky, Politzer e inspirado na abordagem pluridimensional de Le Guillant, reúne de forma sensível algumas narrativas de usuários e trabalhadores de saúde de uma cidade da Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte (MG). São variadas e complexas as histórias e percursos de trabalho, saúde e adoecimento mental dos usuários do SUS. Dentre outras constatações, o estudo aponta para a importância do compartilhamento dos saberes entre profissionais e usuários e para a necessidade do aprimoramento da comunicação entre os pontos da rede de saúde, por meio de articulações intra e intersetorial. No processo da referida pesquisa, o trabalho é deslocado de uma quase invisibilidade no conjunto da queixa dos usuários, para a condição de categoria de análise e intervenção, visando a saúde do trabalhador. Constitui-se, dessa forma, em uma relevante contribuição à área da Saúde Mental e Trabalho.
Recent research progress of interface for polyethylene oxide based solid state battery
Authors: Liu Yu-Long , Xin Ming-Yang , Cong Li-Na , Xie Hai-Ming ,   National & Local United Engineering Laboratory for Power Battery, Faculty of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
Published: November 2020

Polyethylene oxide(PEO) based solid-state batteries have high safety and high energy density, making them suitable for next-generation energy storage devices. However, their energy density reaches a limitation due to the narrow electrochemical window of PEO solid electrolyte. The electrode materials that are compatible with PEO electrolyte is less, thus handering it from being put into wide application. At the PEO/electrode interface, there are side reactions between anode/PEO and PEO cathode. Some strategies are proposed to reduce the side reactions, electrochemical performances of solid-state batteries are improved. To understand the change of interface, several advanced characterizations are employed, which can offer scientific evidence of increasing the interface stability in the future.
Effect of edge on nonlinear optical property of graphene quantum dots
Authors: Li Hai-Peng , Zhou Jia-Sheng , Ji Wei , Yang Zi-Qiang , Ding Hui-Min , Zhang Zi-Tao , Shen Xiao-Peng , Han Kui ,   School of Materials Science and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Published: November 2020

Graphene is a two-dimensional material with single-layer honeycomb lattice structure formed by sp2 hybrid connection of carbon atoms. Graphene has excellent optical, electrical, thermal and mechanical properties, and it is considered to be an ideal material for future flexible optoelectronic devices. In recent years, the nonlinear optical properties and regulation of graphene nanostructures have attracted experimental and theoretical interest. Graphene has good delocalization of π-electrons and its unique plane structure, showing good nonlinear optical properties. Graphene quantum dots can be regarded as small graphene nanoflakes. Their unique electronic structure is closely related to the non-bond orbitals on the boundary/edge. Therefore, it is very important to study the boundary/edge effect on the electronic and optical properties of nanographene. In this paper, effects of the number of edge C=C double bonds and Borazine (B3N3) doping on the nonlinear optical properties and UV-Vis absorption spectrum of graphene quantum dots are studied by the quantum chemical calculation methods, respectively. It is found that the symmetry of hexagonal graphene quantum dots decreases and the symmetry of charge distribution is broken when C=C double bond is introduced into the armchair edge, which leads the second-order nonlinear optical activity to be enhanced. During the transition from armchair to zigzag edge, the polarizability and the second hyperpolarizability of hexagonal graphene quantum dots and B3N3-doped graphene quantum dots increase linearly with the number of introduced C=C double bonds incrrasing. In addition, the edge also has an important influence on the absorption spectrum of graphene quantum dots. For graphene quantum dots and B3N3-doped graphene quantum dots, the introduction of C=C double bond at the armchair edge increases the highest occupied molecular orbital energy level and also reduces the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level, which reduces the energy gap between the frontier molecular orbitals, and thus resulting in the red-shift of the maximum absorption wavelength. The doping of B3N3 ring will increase the energy gap between molecular frontier orbitals of graphene quantum dots, leading the UV-Vis absorption spectrum of graphene quantum dots to be blue-shifted. This study provides theoretical guidance for controlling the nonlinear optical response of graphene quantum dots by edge modification.
Comprehensive genomic analysis of microenvironment phenotypes in ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Jingshu , Zhang Tingting , Yang Lina , Yang Gong
Published: November 2020

Background

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in women. The incidence of ovarian cancer is insidious, and the recurrence rate is high. The survival rate of ovarian cancer has not significantly improved over the past decade. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors such as those targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, or PD-L1 have been used to treat ovarian cancer. Therefore, a full analysis of the immune biomarkers associated with this malignancy is necessary.

Methods

In this study, we used data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to analyze the infiltration patterns of specific immune cell types in tumor samples. Data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used for external validation. According to the invasion patterns of immune cells, we divided the ovarian cancer microenvironment into two clusters: A and B. These tumor microenvironment (TME) subtypes were associated with genomic and clinicopathological characteristics. Subsequently, a random forest classification model was established. Differential genomic features, functional enrichment, and DNA methylation were analyzed between the two clusters. The characteristics of immune cell infiltration and the expression of immune-related cytokines or markers were analyzed. Somatic mutation analysis was also performed between clusters A and B. Finally, multivariate Cox analysis was used to analyze independent prognostic factors.

Results

The ovarian cancer TME cluster A was characterized by less infiltration of immune cells and sparse distribution and low expression of immunomodulators. In contrast, cytotoxic T cells and immunosuppressive cells were significantly increased in the ovarian cancer TME cluster B. Additionally, immune-related cytokines or markers, including IFN-γ and TNF-β, were also expressed in large quantities. In total, 35 differentially methylated and expressed genes (DMEGs) were identified. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that the DMEGs in cluster B participated in important biological processes and immune-related pathways. The mutation load in cluster B was insignificantly higher than that of cluster A (p = 0.076). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that TME was an independent prognostic factor for ovarian cancer (hazard ratio: 1.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.75, p = 0.041).

Conclusion

This study described and classified basic information about the immune invasion pattern of ovarian cancer and integrated biomarkers related to different immunophenotypes to reveal interactions between ovarian cancer and the immune system.
Sensation of the tiniest kind: the antennal sensilla of the smallest free-living insectScydosella musawasensis(Coleoptera: Ptiliidae)
Authors: Diakova Anna V. , Polilov Alexey A.
Published: November 2020

Miniaturization is a major evolutionary trend prominent in insects, which has resulted in the existence of insects comparable in size to some unicellular protists. The adaptation of the complex antennal multisensory systems to extreme miniaturization is a fascinating problem, which remains almost unexplored. We studied the antennal sensilla ofScydosella musawasensisHall, 1999 (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae), the smallest free-living insect, using scanning electron microscopy. The antenna ofS. musawasensisbears 131 sensilla; no intraspecific variation in the number or position of the sensilla has been revealed. Nine different morphological types of sensilla are described according to their external morphological features and distribution: four types of sensilla trichodea, one type of sensilla chaetica, two types of sensilla styloconica, and two types of sensilla basiconica. Morphometric analysis of the sensilla ofS. musawasensis, based on measurements of the lengths and diameters of sensilla and their location and number, showed the absence of significant differences between females and males. Comparative allometric analysis ofS. musawasensisand larger Coleoptera showed that the number of sensilla and the size of sensilla chaetica decrease with decreasing body size. However, the number of the types of sensilla and the length and diameter of the multiporous sensilla basiconica revealed no correlation with the body size. Comparison of the acquired data with the results of our earlier study of the antennal sensilla of some of the smallest parasitic wasps is used to put forward hypotheses on the common principles of miniaturization of the antennal sensory systems of insects.
La epistemología y metodología de la investigación exploratoria en ciencias sociales: cruzando Popper con Marcuse
Authors: Reiter Bernd
Published: November 2020

Karl Popper demuestra que la inducción no lleva a la verdad y sugiere la deducción como única forma de llegar a propuestas científicas. Al mismo tiempo deja claro que teorías y hipoteses son modelos mentales que no pueden ser probadas con evidencia empírica. Por consequencia, la deducción, al igual a la inducción, no es capaz de producir “la verdad.” Con esto, y tomando en cuenta los avanzes en epistemología feminista sobre “standpoints” y los trabajos recientes sobre estudios de caso, vale la pena re-evaluar la inducción y los estudios heurísticos-explorativos. Este artigo elabora los criterios bajo las cuales la investigación explorativa puede ser efectuada de forma rigorosa y sistematica. Los resultados de una investigación explorativa ejecutada de forma transparente, auto-reflexiva, y honesta pueden ser objectivos – mismo que parciales. En esto, la dialéctica ofrece una forma de aproximarse a la realidad frutifera, porque apunta para contradicciones como puntos de entrada para la investigación empírica.
Participación Ciudadana a nivel local: plebiscitos comunales y elección directa de Consejeros Regionales
Authors: Silva Jiménez Ana María
Published: November 2020

La sociedad demanda cada vez más espacios de participación, y donde mejor pueden darse es en el ámbito local y regional. Por ello, este trabajo es una revisión de la legislación sobre participación ciudadana, a saber, los plebiscitos comunales y la elección directa de los Consejeros Regionales.
Intrusion of Dacron Sutures and A Recurrent Vitreous Hemorrhage: Rare Complication of Scleral Buckle
Authors: Gala Jignesh Manshibhai , Narayanan Raja
Published: November 2020

We present a case of intrusion of a Dacron suture 8 years after scleral buckling surgery. Though rare, scleral buckle has to be removed if it is associated with complications like intrusion or extrusion, infection, or anterior segment ischemia. In this report we highlight a case of intrusion of Dacron sutures and high buckle indent leading to retinal ischemia, neovascularization and recurrent vitreous hemorrhage. We managed this case by buckle removal but we could not remove the subretinal Dacron sutures.
The Impacts of El-Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on Agriculture and Coping Strategies in Rural Communities of Ethiopia: Systematic Review Article
Authors: Gitima Ginjo , Mersha Mengiste
Published: November 2020

The principal cause of drought in Ethiopia is asserted to be the fluctuation of the global atmospheric circulation, which is triggered by Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly (SSTA), occurring due to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. It can make extreme weather events more likely in certain regions in Ethiopia. ENSO episodes and events, and related weather events have an impact on seasonal rainfall distribution and rainfall variability over Ethiopia. Thus, the main aim of this review was to identify and organize the major impacts of El-Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on agriculture and adaptation strategies of rural communities in Ethiopia. Most of the rural communities in the country depend on rain-fed agriculture, and millions of Ethiopians have lost their source of food, water, and livelihoods due to drought triggered by ENSO. The coping strategies against ENSO induced climate change are creating a collective risk analysis, and Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) at the national level. In addition, community-based coping strategies for ENSO are integrated with watershed management, livelihood diversification and land rehabilitation to better cope with erratic rainfall and drought risks in the country.
Plant Growth Regulators Affecting Leaf Traits of Loquat Seedling
Authors: Surya Muhammad Imam , Ismaini Lily , Normasiwi Suluh , Putri Dwinda Mariska , Kurniawan Vandra
Published: November 2020

Leaf is a key functional traits that shows respond of changes in plant physiology. This experiment aimed to study the changes on the leaf traits of loquat seedling that treated with plant growth regulators (PGRs). Three types of PGRs, auxin (naphthalene acetic acid/NAA), gibberellin (gibberellic acid/GA3) and cytokinin (benzylaminopurine/BA) with four doses (0, 25, 50, 100 ppm) were sprayed onto the leaves of loquat seedling. We observed nine parameters, PGRs treatments were significantly affecting eight parameters, while there were one parameter is not significantly affected. The results showed that either in mature or young leaves, PGRs treatments were significantly affecting in eight parameters the growth and development of leaves, such as leaf surface area, specific leaf area, fresh and dry weight leaf, water content, number of stomata, size of stomata, chlorophyll and transpiration rate compared to control. These results gave general view that PGRs treatment might stimulate leaf growth and development including photosynthesis and respiration. However, PGRs was not significantly affecting the number of stomata in young leaves. The application of PGRs doses was not always inline with the mean value of each parameters and it could be linear or quadratic models. The findings of this research could provide the recommendation for application of PGRs during seedling growth, and theoretical basis for comparison between mature and young leaves after PGRs application.
Blood Cellular Changes Associated with Bacteremia and Malaria Co-morbidity among Children in Western, Kenya
Authors: Ogulla Godfrey , Mwalimu Stephen , Muturi Margaret , Ouma Collins
Published: November 2020

Background: Malaria and bacteremia co-morbidity in children cause changes in blood cellular components. Complete blood count from children whose haemoglobin genotypes and bacteremia tests are not known, greatly influence clinical management and interpretation of the haematology results in resource limited healthcare facilities.

Objectives: We investigated cellular components from children with bacteremia and malaria co-morbidity. We also analysed the haemoglobin genotypes and bacteria isolates from children with haemoglobin AA, SS and AS in western Kenya.

Methods: A total number of 384 children were recruited and complete blood counts done with an automated cell counter. Microscopy was used to determine malaria infections, while bacteremia was determined by blood culture. The haemoglobin genotypes were analysed using the electrophoresis technique.

Results: Children with haemoglobin AA and AS had elevated granulocyte counts. Most of the bacteria isolates were from children with malaria and haemoglobin AS. The bacteria isolated from blood culture included non-typhi salmonella, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes and Viridans.

Salmonella species and staphylococcus aureus were the most prevalent bacteria isolates associated with bacteremia in children with haemoglobin AS and malaria positive.

Conclusion: Children with Hb AS have higher chances of malaria and bacterial co-infection which leads to lymphocytopenia, erythrocytopenia and thrombocytopenia. Bacteria responsible for most of malaria co-infections in this region are Salmonella species and Staphylococcus aureus. The malaria and bacterial co-infection in pre-school children initiate differential cellular changes which should be investigated further.
Correlation and Path Analysis Study in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Genotypes
Authors: Srinivas Jogdhande , Reddy K. Ravinder , Saidaiah P. , Anitha K. , Pandravada S. R. , Balram M.
Published: November 2020

The present investigation on study of Correlation and path analysis study in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes was carried out during during rabi crop are that sown in winter season, in the year 2016-17. The study was under taken on 30 genotypes of chilli using randomized block design (RBD) with three replication. The result on phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficient revealed that fresh fruit yield per plant was significantly and positively correlated with total number of fruits per plant, fruit diameter, fruit pedicel length, fresh fruit weight, dry fruit weight, seed content, ascorbic acid content, oleoresin content, capsanthin content and capsaicin content. However anthracnose resistance, number of primary branches per plant, number of flowers per axil and fruit length showed significantly and negatively correlated with Fresh fruit yield per plant. The path coefficient analysis different yield and yield contributing traits on fruit diameter, length of fruit, fruits per plant and fresh weight of fruit exhibited positive direct effects on Fresh fruit yield per plant these characters play a major role in recombination breeding and suggested that direct selection based on these traits will be rewarded for crop improvement of chilli.
Prognostics and Health Monitoring Methodologies and Approaches: A Review
Authors: Bjaili Hasan A. , Rushdi Ali M.
Published: November 2020

Prognostics is a term that engineering borrowed from medicine to refer to the discipline concerned with the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of an engineering device. This paper surveys the RUL prediction techniques and classifies them into four categories of model-based techniques,knowledge-based techniques, experience-based techniques, and data-driven techniques. A comparative review is given for the main features, prominent advantages, potential shortcomings and main subcategories for each of these categories. The survey is supported by an extensive listfor up-to-date references.
Menstrual Irregularities Frequency in Reproductive Age Women with Chronic Parenteral Viral Hepatitis and Insufficiency of Antioxidant Factors
Authors: Rashidova M. A. , Sholokhov L. F. , Darenskaya M. A. , Kolesnikov S. I. , Kolesnikova L. I.
Published: November 2020

Background: Our previous study of the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system (LPO-AOS) state in women with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) showed the content of fat-soluble vitamin alpha tocopherol significant reduction. Reproductive health of women with CVH needs special attention. The objectives of this study was to determine the frequency of menstrual disorders in the group of women with CVH with marked alpha tocopherol insufficiency.

Study Design:  A case-control study.

Place and Duration of Study: A study was conducted at Scientific Centre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems and in the hepatological department of the Irkutsk clinical hospital of infectious diseases from 2010 to 2014. This work was performed with the use of equipment of Collective research centre “Center for the development of progressive personalized technologies for health” SC FHHRP, Irkutsk.

Methods and Results: Our study included 44 reproductive age women with CVH and comparable age 28 healthy women. All women underwent clinical examination and questionary survey. We found alpha tocopherol insufficiency in 95.5% cases of patients with CVH and menstrual disorders.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that menstrual disorders in patients with CVH may be associated with alpha tocopherol insufficiency.
Drought Monitoring Using Rainfall, Evapotranspiration and Streamflow Data: A Case Study of Kaduna River Catchment Area (Nigeria)
Authors: Dare A. , Zakka E. J. , Samson Maikano , Afolabi A. O. , Okechalu S. O. , Amos B.
Published: November 2020

Drought is defined as the lack of adequate precipitation, either rain or snow that causes reduced soil moisture or groundwater, diminished streamflow, crop damage and a general water shortage. The objective of this study focuses on meteorological and hydrological drought monitoring in river Kaduna catchment area. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI) drought indices were used to characterize meteorological drought while Streamflow Drought Index (SDI) was used for hydrological drought monitoring for a period of 34 years (1967 – 2001). DrinC software, a drought indices calculator, was used for the calculation of SPI, RDI, and SDI respectively. The drought severity classification based on meteorological and hydrological drought indices gave 33% and 37% drought conditions period with the year 1967 – 2001. Based on these indexes, the drought characteristics of the catchment area were investigated by analyzing meteorological data from 1967 to 2001. The results of this analysis show that more non-drought/normal conditions were predominant than drought conditions. During the period under study (34 years), only one-year return period of extreme drought condition.
Dispersal by gray ratsnakes: Effects of sex, age and time
Authors: Blouin‐Demers Gabriel , Weatherhead Patrick J.
Published: November 2020

Dispersal is one of the most fundamental components of ecology. Dispersal is also particularly relevant in an era of unprecedented habitat loss and climate change. We used a unique dataset to examine dispersal in gray ratsnakes (Pantherophis spiloides). Over a decade, we marked and released >1,500 hatchlings while monitoring the population of ratsnakes over a large area (≈1,900 ha). We tested the hypotheses that dispersal should be (a) largely restricted to within the local population given previous genetic evidence of limited gene flow at greater distances and (b) male biased because male gray ratsnakes are under strong sexual selection. We recaptured 69 gray ratsnakes that had been marked as hatchlings after periods ranging from 1 day to 11 years. We found that dispersal distance increased with time, but was not significantly sex‐biased, and that gray ratsnakes are extremely faithful to their communal hibernacula (only 2.8% of 497 juvenile and adult ratsnakes captured at least twice at communal hibernacula changed sites between years). Thus, dispersal is largely limited to the period from hatching until an individual joins a communal hibernaculum. Based on the spatial patterns of dispersal we observed, the most plausible explanation for dispersal is that hatchling ratsnakes disperse from their natal site to join a neighboring communal hibernaculum. Our study yielded the most reliable data on dispersal distances from birth by a snake to date.
Regenerating Hair in Prevascularized Tissue Space Formed by a Controllable Foreign Body Reaction
Authors: Yang Lunan , Miao Yong , Liu Yuqing , Chen Shiyi , Chen Yuxin , Liu Weiwen , Wang Jin , Zhong Wen , Wang Quan , Hu Zhiqi , Xing Malcolm
Published: November 2020

Intracutaneous transplantation of trichogenic cells is a currently endorsed strategy to realize hair regeneration in vivo. However, skin is not the most advantageous transplant site due to the robust mechanical property and deficient physiological perfusion. Herein, a subcutaneous space made of prevascularized collagen fibers (PVCF) generated by controlling the duration of in situ foreign body reaction is reported. In contrast to skin, an optimally preprogrammed PVCF presents a larger tissue volume (171 mm3), low Young's modulus (1/2‐fold), high flexibility high mechanical energy dissipation rate (1.3‐fold), highly permeable surface structure, and plentiful vascular network. Remarkably, cells transplanted into PVCF suffer less apoptosis and necrosis, and generate more mature hairs (≈289 per site) than that in intracutaneous transplantation (≈177 per site). The RNA‐sequencing profiling indicates similar trends under molecular level. This work provides a promising strategy to improve graft site microenvironment physiologically and mechanically, with a low‐cost and simple fabrication process.
Amphiphilic Polyelectrolyte Graft Copolymers Enhance the Activity of Cyclic Dinucleotide STING Agonists
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Chuong , Shae Daniel , Pagendarm Hayden M. , Becker Kyle W. , Wehbe Mohamed , Kilchrist Kameron V. , Pastora Lucinda E. , Palmer Christian R. , Seber Pedro , Christov Plamen P. , Duvall Craig L. , Wilson John T.
Published: November 2020

Cyclic dinucleotide (CDN) agonists of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) hold great therapeutic potential, but their activity is hindered by poor drug‐like properties that restrict cytosolic bioavailability. Here, this challenge is addressed through the synthesis and evaluation of a novel series of PEGMA‐co‐DEAEMA‐co‐BMA copolymers with pH‐responsive, membrane‐destabilizing activity to enhance intracellular delivery of the CDN, cGAMP. Copolymers are synthesized with PEGMA of two different molecular weights (300 and 950 Da) and over a range of PEG mass fraction and polymer molecular weight, and relationships between copolymer structure, self‐assembly, endosomal escape, and cGAMP activity are elucidated. A subset of polymers that self‐assembled into 50–800 nm nanoparticles is identified, which can be loaded with cGAMP via a simple mixing strategy, resulting in significantly enhanced immunostimulatory activity. Increased cGAMP activity is found to be highly correlated with the capacity of carriers to enhance intracellular CDN uptake and to promote endosomal destabilization, findings that establish efficient cytosolic delivery as a criterion for CDN carriers. Additionally, it is demonstrated that a lead CDN carrier formulation can enhance STING activation in vivo in a model of intratumoral immunotherapy. Collectively, these investigations demonstrate the utility of PEGMA‐co‐DEAEMA‐co‐BMA copolymers as carriers for CDNs and potentially other cytosolically‐acting drug cargo.
Selective Area Growth and Transfer of High Optical Quality MoS2 Layers
Authors: Mohapatra Pranab K. , Ranganathan Kamalakannan , Ismach Ariel
Published: November 2020

This study demonstrates that monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) can be grown on selective areas of a substrate by creating isolated microcavity reactors throughout the substrate in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The obtained MoS2 in the confined areas can be tuned from isolated triangular domains of few tens of microns to a continuous film with different thicknesses by modulating the growth parameters. In contrast, the growth on the open areas of the substrate leads to an inhomogeneous film. Using the confined‐CVD approach, the area‐selective growth of MoS2 domains and films on arbitrary substrates such as SiO2/Si, sapphire, gold‐patterned SiO2/Si substrates, and SiNx‐membrane‐supported TEM grid is shown. Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy studies reveal that the confined‐CVD‐derived MoS2 layers have high crystal quality and superior optical performance when compared to mechanically exfoliated flakes. A novel and efficient methodology is further introduced for the selective transfer of the confined‐growth areas to pre‐patterned substrates, therefore allowing multiple use of a single growth sample. Finally, field‐effect transistor devices are made on individual domains and mobilities up to ≈6.8 cm2 V−1 s−1 measured. The confined‐CVD approach and the selective area transfer presented here can be implemented on other transition metal dichalcogenides and 2D materials in general.
Plasmon‐Enhanced CO Selective Oxidation in H2 over Pt Nanoclusters Supported on Metallic Molybdenum Dioxide Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhang Qiqi , Yang Zhongshan , Chen Xin , Ning Shangbo , Qi Yuhang , Liu Lequan , Ye Jinhua
Published: November 2020

The localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) excitation in plasmonic nanoparticles is showing great promise in solar‐driven chemical conversions, known as plasmon‐induced catalysis. In exploring its enormous potential, constructing multicomponent structure with both LSPR absorption and catalytic active parts is an ideal way, while most studies are limited to metallic core‐shell structure. Herein, hybrid nanostructure with plasmonic metal oxide (MoO2) and catalytic Pt nanoclusters is successfully designed. Under illumination, it not only demonstrates to be highly active for the preferential oxidation of CO in the presence of H2 (CO‐PROX) but also shows a dramatically wide temperature range for the total conversion of CO. The pathway of plasmon‐energy decay in MoO2 is clarified to selectively dissipate through catalytically active Pt sites in the form of hot carriers, thereby inducing efficient chemical transformation. These results may open an avenue in exploring plasmonic metal oxide materials to drive and modulate plasmon‐induced catalysis under illumination.
Strain Tuning via Larger Cation and Anion Codoping for Efficient and Stable Antimony‐Based Solar Cells
Authors: Nie Riming , Lee Kyoung Su , Hu Manman , Seok Sang Il
Published: November 2020

Strain induced by lattice distortion is one of the key factors that affect the photovoltaic performance via increasing defect densities. The unsatisfied power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of solar cells based on antimony chalcogenides (Sb‐Chs) are owing to their photoexcited carriers being self‐trapped by the distortion of Sb2S3 lattice. However, strain behavior in Sb‐Chs‐based solar cells has not been investigated. Here, strain tuning in Sb‐Chs is demonstrated by simultaneously replacing Sb and S with larger Bi and I ions, respectively. Bi/I codoped Sb2S3 cells are fabricated using poly[2,6‐(4,4‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b']dithiophene)‐alt‐4,7‐(2,1,3‐enzothiadiazole)] as the hole‐transporting layer. Codoping reduced the bandgap and rendered a bigger tension strain (1.76 × 10−4) to a relatively smaller compression strain (−1.29 × 10−4). The 2.5 mol% BiI3 doped Sb2S3 cell presented lower trap state energy level than the Sb2S3 cell; moreover, this doping amount effectively passivated the trap states. This codoping shows a similar trend even in the low bandgap Sb2(SxSe1‐x)3 cell, resulting in 7.05% PCE under the standard illumination conditions (100 mW cm−2), which is one of the top efficiencies in solution processing Sb2(SxSe1‐x)3 solar cells. Furthermore, the doped cells present higher humidity, thermal and photo stability. This study provides a new strategy for stable Pb‐free solar cells.
Determining Multi‐Component Phase Diagrams with Desired Characteristics Using Active Learning
Authors: Tian Yuan , Yuan Ruihao , Xue Dezhen , Zhou Yumei , Wang Yunfan , Ding Xiangdong , Sun Jun , Lookman Turab
Published: November 2020

Herein, we demonstrate how to predict and experimentally validate phase diagrams for multi‐component systems from a high‐dimensional virtual space of all possible phase diagrams involving several elements based on small existing experimental data. The experimental data for bulk phases for known systems represents a sampling from this space, and screening the space allows multi‐component phase diagrams with given design criteria to be built. This approach uses machine learning methods to predict phase diagrams and Bayesian experimental design to minimize experiments for refinement and validation, all within an active learning loop. The approach is proven by predicting and synthesizing the ferroelectric ceramic system (1‐ω)(Ba0.61Ca0.28Sr0.11TiO3)‐ω(BaTi0.888Zr0.0616Sn0.0028Hf0.0476O3) with a relatively high transition temperature and triple point, as well as the NiTi‐based pseudo‐binary phase diagram (1‐ω)(Ti0.309Ni0.485Hf0.20Zr0.006)‐ω(Ti0.309Ni0.485Hf0.07Zr0.068Nb0.068) designed for high transition temperature (ω⩽ 1). Each phase diagram is validated and optimized through only three new experiments. The complexity of these compounds is beyond the reach of today's computational methods.
Polyvinyl alcohol and acidity‐regulating KH2PO4 synergistically accelerated degradation of PBAT/PLA composites
Authors: Liu Hailu , Shen Huayan , Li Fayong , Xie Dong , Chen Junjia
Published: November 2020

Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/polylactic acid (PLA) composites were prepared by water‐soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and degradation‐promoting agent (DPA) which were made from acidity‐regulating KH2PO4 and halloysite by a physical layer‐by‐layer coating method. The effect of PVA and DPA on the biodegradation of PBAT/PLA composites in the cross‐sectional morphology, thermal properties, molecular structure, due to degradation was evaluated using a host of characterization methods. The results showed that PVA had a good solubilizing effect on the composite system and improved the overall compatibility. DPA had little effect on the compatibility, crystallinity, and thermal stability of the composite system, but greatly accelerated the degradation. The interior of composite material containing DPA (Com‐DPA) was shown to be severely damaged after 29 weeks of degradation, which was attributed to preferential degradation of amorphous regions of the composite by ester hydrolysis. Our results demonstrated the PVA and DPA worked synergistically to promote swelling and diffusivity of degradation products, and provided an acid environment for enhancing ester hydrolysis. This technology may have good prospects for accelerated degradation of materials in agricultural applications.
Potential for small RNA production against Bombyx mori latent virus in Bombyx mori ovaries
Authors: Katsuma Susumu , Shoji Keisuke , Suzuki Yutaka , Iwanaga Masashi
Published: November 2020

Bombyx mori latent virus (BmLV) is a positive, single‐stranded insect RNA virus closely related to plant maculaviruses. BmLV was first isolated from Bombyx mori ovary‐derived cell line BmN‐4, and this virus has already infected most B. mori‐derived cultured cell lines. We previously reported that small interfering RNA (siRNA) and PIWI‐interacting RNA (piRNA) pathways function cooperatively to maintain the amount of BmLV RNA for normal BmN‐4 cell growth. On the other hand, BmLV does not propagate in B. mori larvae. Here we conducted BmLV injection into the larval body cavities of B. mori, and examined BmLV accumulation in larval ovaries where siRNA and piRNA pathways are both active, to investigate whether this in vivo resistance is governed by small RNA pathways. Expression levels of RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase, coat protein, and p15 genes in BmLV‐injected larval ovaries were extremely low compared with those in B. mori cultured cells, indicating that B. mori larval ovaries are more resistant to BmLV than B. mori cultured cells. We also sequenced small RNAs prepared from BmLV‐injected larval ovaries and mapped them onto the BmLV genome. Although their amounts were very small, we were able to detect BmLV‐derived small RNAs in the ovaries. According to their length distribution and nucleotide bias, they were likely to be siRNAs and piRNAs. These results suggest that B. mori ovaries can potentially produce small RNAs against BmLV, but the resistance of larval ovaries against BmLV is not dependent on RNA silencing pathways.
Joint interpretation of electrical and seismic data aimed at modelling the foundation soils of the Maredolce monumental complex in Palermo (Italy)
Authors: Cafiso Fabio , Canzoneri Alessandro , Capizzi Patrizia , Carollo Alessandra , Martorana Raffaele , Romano Filippo
Published: November 2020

The monumental complex of Maredolce (Palermo) includes an Arab‐Norman castle that stands on the banks of an artificial lake carved out of the calcarenitic rock that rests on impermeable clays. The lake was originally filled with water, thanks to the channelling of a spring. Over time, the lowering of the water table and the high hydraulic permeability of the calcarenites have caused the lake to dry up. A project to renovate the monumental complex has recently been launched. It also provides the study of a possible restoration of the original conditions of the lake. To this end, a multidisciplinary geophysical study was carried out to investigate the geotechnical conditions of permeability of the land outcropping and provides valid technical solutions for waterproofing the bottom of the lake. For this purpose, a joint interpretation was performed using data acquired with different geophysical techniques, such as seismic refraction tomography, electrical resistivity and induced polarization tomography, multichannel analysis of surface waves and horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio of environmental vibration recording. Joint interpretation, supported by cluster analysis techniques, allowed the reconstruction of the geophysical and geotechnical model of the subsoil of the ancient lake, helpful to suggest appropriate techniques for waterproofing the bottom of the lake.
Long‐Term Safety and Efficacy of Anifrolumab in Adults With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Results of a Phase II Open‐Label Extension Study
Authors: Chatham W. Winn , Furie Richard , Saxena Amit , Brohawn Philip , Schwetje Erik , Abreu Gabriel , Tummala Raj
Published: November 2020

Objective

To investigate long‐term safety and tolerability of anifrolumab, a human monoclonal antibody to the type I interferon (IFN) receptor subunit 1, in patients with moderate‐to‐severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

This 3‐year, multinational, open‐label extension study included adult patients who completed treatment (48 weeks of anifrolumab or placebo; 12‐week follow‐up) in the MUSE phase IIb randomized controlled trial (RCT). Patients initially received 1,000 mg of anifrolumab intravenously every 4 weeks, which was reduced to 300 mg every 4 weeks based on the benefit/risk profile established in the MUSE trial. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed monthly. Exploratory end points included the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI‐2K), Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI), pharmacodynamics, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Results

Of the 246 patients who completed the RCT, 218 (88.6%) enrolled in the open‐label extension study, of which 139 (63.8%) completed 3 years of treatment. Approximately 69.7% of patients reported ≥1 AE during the first year of open‐label extension treatment. Frequency and patterns of serious AEs and AEs of special interest over 3 years were consistent with those reported for 1 year of treatment in the RCT. Few patients (6.9%) discontinued treatment due to AEs. No new safety signals were identified. Improvement in the SLEDAI‐2K was sustained over 3 years. SDI and Short Form 36 health survey scores remained stable. Neutralization of type I IFN gene signatures was maintained in the IFN‐high population, and C3, C4, and anti–double‐stranded DNA showed trends toward sustained improvement.

Conclusion

Long‐term anifrolumab treatment demonstrates an acceptable safety profile with sustained improvement in SLE disease activity, HRQoL, and serologic measures.
Meteorological impacts of a novel debris‐covered glacier category in a regional climate model across a Himalayan catchment
Authors: Potter Emily R. , Orr Andrew , Willis Ian C. , Bannister Daniel , Wagnon Patrick
Published: November 2020

Many of the glaciers in the Nepalese Himalaya are partially covered in a layer of loose rock known as debris cover. In the Dudh Koshi River Basin, Nepal, approximately 25% of glaciers are debris‐covered. Debris‐covered glaciers have been shown to have a substantial impact on near‐surface meteorological variables and the surface energy balance, in comparison to clean‐ice glaciers. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is often used for high‐resolution weather and climate modelling, however representation of debris‐covered glaciers is not included in the standard land cover and soil categories. Here we include a simple representation of thick debris‐covered glaciers in the WRF model, and investigate the impact on the near‐surface atmosphere over the Dudh Koshi River Basin for July 2013. Inclusion of this new category is found to improve the model representation of near‐surface temperature and relative humidity, in comparison with a simulation using the default category of clean‐ice glaciers, when compared to observations. The addition of the new debris‐cover category in the model warms the near‐surface air over the debris‐covered portion of the glacier, and the wind continues further up the valley, compared to the simulation using clean‐ice. This has consequent effects on water vapour and column‐integrated total water path, over both the portions of the glacier with and without debris cover. Correctly simulating meteorological variables such as these is vital for accurate precipitation forecasts over glacierized regions, and therefore estimating future glacier melt and river runoff in the Himalaya. These results highlight the need for debris cover to be included in high‐resolution regional climate models over debris‐covered glaciers.
Heart Rate Variability in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Associations With Medication and Symptom Severity
Authors: Thapa Rinku , Pokorski Izabella , Ambarchi Zahava , Thomas Emma , Demayo Marilena , Boulton Kelsie , Matthews Slade , Patel Shrujna , Sedeli Indra , Hickie Ian B. , Guastella Adam J.
Published: November 2020

Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is considered a common marker of autonomic dysfunction that contributes to poor health outcomes. While some studies have suggested that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show reduced HRV, research is yet to consider whether this may be associated with medication use and symptom severity. This study examined the relationship between resting state HRV, medication use and symptom severity in children diagnosed with ASD. Children with ASD (N = 86), aged between 3 and 12 years (M = 8.09), were compared to 44 neurotypical children of similar age (M = 7.15). Laboratory assessment of HRV involved 5 min of non‐invasive baseline electrocardiogram assessments while participants viewed an age‐appropriate non‐verbal animated video. Time‐domain and frequency‐domain HRV measures were analyzed. ASD symptom severity was assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule‐Second Edition (ADOS‐2) and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS‐2). Results indicated that children with ASD exhibited reduced resting HRV relative to neurotypical children. Subsequent analyses within the ASD group suggested that this group difference was greater in children who were taking psychotropic medication (N = 36). Our data also provides tentative evidence of a relationship between HRV and social impairment symptoms in children with ASD, with more severe repetitive behaviors (as measured by the ADOS‐2) associated with decreased resting HRV. Overall, these findings suggest that HRV may be atypical in children with ASD and suggest the importance of exploring HRV as a risk factor for cardiovascular health in this group.

Lay Summary

Cardiac activity, such as heart rate variability (HRV), can provide insight into the autonomic nervous system. This study reports on the association between resting‐state HRV and autonomic nervous system activity in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to neurotypical children. These results may help us understand what underlies autonomic nervous system dysfunction and the potential pathophysiological mechanisms leading to increased cardiovascular risk in ASD.