bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormalities in the genes that encode Large Amino Acid Transporters increase the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Cascio Lauren , Chen Chin‐Fu , Pauly Rini , Srikanth Sujata , Jones Kelly , Skinner Cindy D. , Stevenson Roger E. , Schwartz Charles E. , Boccuto Luigi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder whose molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Several studies have shown an association between ASD and abnormalities in the metabolism of amino acids, specifically tryptophan and branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs).MethodsNinety‐seven patients with ASD were screened by Sanger sequencing the genes encoding the heavy (SLC3A2) and light subunits (SLC7A5 and SLC7A8) of the large amino acid transporters (LAT) 1 and 2. LAT1 and 2 are responsible for the transportation of tryptophan and BCAA across the blood–brain barrier and are expressed both in blood and brain. Functional studies were performed employing the Biolog Phenotype Microarray Mammalian (PM‐M) technology to investigate the metabolic profiling in lymphoblastoid cell lines from 43 patients with ASD and 50 controls with particular focus on the amino acid substrates of LATs.ResultsWe detected nine likely pathogenic variants in 11 of 97 patients (11.3%): three in SLC3A2, three in SLC7A5, and three in SLC7A8. Six variants of unknown significance were detected in eight patients, two of which also carrying a likely pathogenic variant.The functional studies showed a consistently reduced utilization of tryptophan, accompanied by evidence of reduced utilization of other large aromatic amino acids (LAAs), either alone or as part of a dipeptide.ConclusionCoding variants in the LAT genes were detected in 17 of 97 patients with ASD (17.5%). Metabolic assays indicate that such abnormalities affect the utilization of certain amino acids, particularly tryptophan and other LAAs, with potential consequences on their transport across the blood barrier and their availability during brain development. Therefore, abnormalities in the LAT1 and two transporters are likely associated with an increased risk of developing ASD.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor promoter polymorphisms are associated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients from Southern Mexico
Authors: Santoscoy‐Ascencio Guillermo , Baños‐Hernández Christian Johana , Navarro‐Zarza José Eduardo , Hernández‐Bello Jorge , Bucala Richard , López‐Quintero Andres , Valdés‐Alvarado Emmanuel , Parra‐Rojas Isela , Illades‐Aguiar Berenice , Muñoz‐Valle José Francisco 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundMacrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine capable of stimulating inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase production from macrophages and synovial fibroblasts, which leads to persistent inflammation and bone degradation, two of the major pathological processes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of MIF promoter polymorphisms (−794CATT5‐8 rs5844572 and −173G > C, rs755622), circulating MIF levels, and mRNA expression with RA susceptibility and disease activity.MethodsA case–control study was conducted in 200 RA patients and 200 control subjects (CS) from Southern Mexico. Genotyping was performed by conventional PCR and PCR‐RFLP methods. MIF mRNA expression was quantified by real‐time PCR and MIF serum levels were determined by an ELISA kit.ResultsThe 7,7 (−794CATT5‐8) and −173CC (−173G > C) genotypes were associated with higher disease activity in RA patients. MIF serum levels were increased, and MIF mRNA expression was reduced in RA patients as compared to CS. In addition, RA patients with moderate disease activity had higher MIF levels than those with low disease activity. The −794CATT5‐8 and −173G > C MIF polymorphisms were not associated with RA susceptibility.ConclusionThese results suggest an important role of MIF polymorphisms and MIF serum levels with disease activity in RA.
A comparative study on Monte Carlo simulations of electron emission from liquid water
Authors: Mehnaz  , Yang L.H. , Zou Y.B. , Da B. , Mao S.F. , Li H.M. , Zhao Y.F. , Ding Z.J. 
Published: November 2019

PurposeLiquid water being the major constituent of the human body, is of fundamental importance in radiobiological research. Hence, the knowledge of electron‐water interaction physics and particularly the secondary electron yield is essential. However, to date, only very little is known experimentally on the low energy electron interaction with liquid water because of certain practical limitations. The purpose of this study was to gain some useful information about electron emission from water using a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation technique that can numerically model electron transport trajectories in water.MethodsIn this study, we have performed MC simulations of electron emission from liquid water in the primary energy range of 50 eV–30 keV by using two different codes, i.e., a classical trajectory MC (CMC) code developed in our laboratory and the Geant4‐DNA (G4DNA) code. The calculated secondary electron yield and electron backscattering coefficient are compared with experimental results wherever applicable to verify the validity of physical models for the electron‐water interaction.ResultsThe secondary electron yield vs. primary energy curves calculated using the two codes present the same generic curve shape as that of metals but in rather different absolute values. G4DNA underestimates the secondary electron yield due to the application of one step thermalization model by setting a cutoff energy at 10 eV so that the low energy losses due to phonon excitations are omitted. Our CMC code, using a full energy loss spectrum to model electron inelastic scattering, allows the simulation of individual phonon scattering events for very low energy losses down to 10 meV, which then enables the calculated secondary electron yields much closer to the experimental data and also gives quite reasonable energy distribution curve of secondary electrons.ConclusionsIt is concluded that full dielectric function data at low energy loss values below 10 eV are recommended for modeling of low energy electrons in liquid water.
Convergence analysis for parallel‐in‐time solution of hyperbolic systems
Authors: De Sterck Hans , Friedhoff Stephanie , Howse Alexander J. M. , MacLachlan Scott P. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryParallel‐in‐time algorithms have been successfully employed for reducing time‐to‐solution of a variety of partial differential equations, especially for diffusive (parabolic‐type) equations. A major failing of parallel‐in‐time approaches to date, however, is that most methods show instabilities or poor convergence for hyperbolic problems. This paper focuses on the analysis of the convergence behavior of multigrid methods for the parallel‐in‐time solution of hyperbolic problems. Three analysis tools are considered that differ, in particular, in the treatment of the time dimension: (a) space–time local Fourier analysis, using a Fourier ansatz in space and time; (b) semi‐algebraic mode analysis, coupling standard local Fourier analysis approaches in space with algebraic computation in time; and (c) a two‐level reduction analysis, considering error propagation only on the coarse time grid. In this paper, we show how insights from reduction analysis can be used to improve feasibility of the semi‐algebraic mode analysis, resulting in a tool that offers the best features of both analysis techniques. Following validating numerical results, we investigate what insights the combined analysis framework can offer for two model hyperbolic problems, the linear advection equation in one space dimension and linear elasticity in two space dimensions.
Hyperpolarization of Pyridyl Fentalogues by Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE)
Authors: Robertson Thomas B. R. , Antonides Lysbeth H. , Gilbert Nicolas , Benjamin Sophie L. , Langley Stuart K. , Munro Lindsey J. , Sutcliffe Oliver B. , Mewis Ryan E. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFentanyl, also known as ‘jackpot’, is a synthetic opiate that is 50–100 times more potent than morphine. Clandestine laboratories produce analogues of fentanyl, known as fentalogues to circumvent legislation regarding its production. Three pyridyl fentalogues were synthesized and then hyperpolarized by signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) to appraise the forensic potential of the technique. A maximum enhancement of ‐168‐fold at 1.4 T was recorded for the ortho pyridyl 1H nuclei. Studies of the activation parameters for the three fentalogues revealed that the ratio of ligand loss trans to hydride and hydride loss in the complex [Ir(IMes)(L)3(H)2]+ (IMes=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)imidazole‐2‐ylidene) ranged from 0.52 to 1.83. The fentalogue possessing the ratio closest to unity produced the largest enhancement subsequent to performing SABRE at earth's magnetic field. It was possible to hyperpolarize a pyridyl fentalogue selectively from a matrix that consisted largely of heroin (97 : 3 heroin:fentalogue) to validate the use of SABRE as a forensic tool.
An inorganic route to decorate graphene oxide with nanosilica and investigate its effect on anti‐corrosion property of waterborne epoxy
Authors: Song Bojun , Shi Yuanchang , Liu Qingdong 
Published: November 2019

This paper reported an inorganic route that uses potassium silicate, which is one type of alkali silicate as an inorganic modifier, taking advantage of its instability and water condensation to decorate graphene oxide (GO) with nano‐SiO2. The ingredients of prepared nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the thermodynamic property was tested by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the morphology of SiO2‐GO nanocomposites. All the analyses above revealed the nano‐SiO2 (<100 nm) was deposited on the surface of GO by chemical bonds. In the meantime, the dispersion test illustrated that nano‐SiO2 played an important role in improving the dispersity of GO. The effect of SiO2‐GO nanocomposites on barrier and corrosion protection performance of SiO2‐GO nanocomposites was tested by immersion experiment and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicated that GO was helped to block the corrosion of aggressive medium; moreover, SiO2‐GO nanocomposites had the best anticorrosion performance and the slowest rate of corrosion because of its good dispersity with waterborne epoxy coatings.
Two‐terminal Perovskite silicon tandem solar cells with a high‐Bandgap Perovskite absorber enabling voltages over 1.8 V
Authors: Bett Alexander J. , Schulze Patricia S.C. , Winkler Kristina M. , Kabakli Özde S. , Ketterer Ines , Mundt Laura E. , Reichmuth S. Kasimir , Siefer Gerald , Cojocaru Ludmila , Tutsch Leonard , Bivour Martin , Hermle Martin , Glunz Stefan W. , Goldschmidt Jan Christoph 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPerovskite silicon tandem solar cells are a promising technology to overcome the efficiency limit of silicon solar cells. Although highest tandem efficiencies have been reported for the inverted p‐i‐n structure, high‐efficiency single junction perovskite solar cells are mostly fabricated in the regular n‐i‐p architecture. In this work, regular n‐i‐p perovskite solar cells with a high‐bandgap mixed cation mixed halide absorber suitable for tandem solar cells are investigated by compositional engineering and the open‐circuit voltage is improved to over 1.12 V using a passivating electron contact. The optimized perovskite solar cell is used as a top cell in a monolithic perovskite silicon tandem device with a silicon heterojunction bottom cell allowing for voltages up to 0.725 V. The tandem solar cells with an active area of 0.25 cm2 achieve record open‐circuit voltages of up to 1.85 V and have efficiencies over 20%. Analyzing the perovskite absorber by spatially resolved photoluminescence measurements shows a homogenous and stable emission at ~ 1.7 eV which is an optimal value for tandem applications with silicon. The tandem solar cells are mainly limited due to a low current. A spectrometric characterization reveals that the perovskite solar cell is current limiting which could be improved by a thicker perovskite absorber.
Cancer‐related communication during sessions of family therapy at the end of life
Authors: Zaider Talia I. , Kissane David W. , Schofield Elizabeth , Li Yuelin , Masterson Melissa 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesA goal of family‐focused therapies in oncology is to help families communicate effectively about illness and its management. Yet there has been no examination of whether and how conjoint sessions are conducive to this process. In this study, we (a) described the extent of cancer‐specific communication during family sessions at the end of life; (b) identified characteristics associated with SC; and (c) determined the association between SC and longer‐term family bereavement outcomes.MethodsData were collected as part of a randomized controlled trial of Family Focused Grief Therapy (FFGT) for advanced cancer patients and their families. Demographics, depressive symptoms, and family functioning were assessed at baseline. Cancer‐specific communication, perceived responsiveness to communication, and therapeutic alliances were reported after each session. At 13‐month bereavement, surviving families were assessed for symptoms of depression and prolonged grief disorder (PGD).ResultsParticipants were 257 advanced cancer patients and family members receiving FFGT at the end of life. On average, participants perceived significantly more cancer‐related communication in session (SC) than at baseline. Both therapist‐family and within‐family alliances were associated with SC, especially for those with more severe depressive symptoms at baseline. Long‐term outcomes were moderated by perceived responsiveness to in‐session communication: for those who perceived high responsiveness, SC was associated with fewer depressive and PGD symptoms in bereavement.ConclusionsConjoint family sessions can effectively increase communication about cancer at the end of life. Clinicians should consider key contextual factors in their effort to facilitate this process: perceived responsiveness, family role, alliances with therapist, and within‐family.
Enhanced generally weighted moving average variance charts for monitoring process variance with individual observations
Authors: Huang Chi‐Jui , Lu Shin‐Li , Chen Jen‐Hsiang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe generally weighted moving average variance (GWMAV) chart is effective in detecting increases in process variance when only individual observations are available. Recently, the combination of exponentially weighted moving average and cumulative sum (CUSUM) charts for the effective detection of small process shifts has emerged. Inspired by the features, we propose the mixed GWMAV‐CUSUM chart and its reverse order CUSUM‐GWMAV to enhance the detection ability of the GWMAV chart and compare with the existing counterparts. Numerical simulation revealed that the mixed GWMAV‐CUSUM and mixed CUSUM‐GWMAV charts are sensitive to small upward shifts in the process variance and efficient structures compared with their prototypes and their separate charts, that is, GWMAV and CUSUM charts. An industrial dataset was used to illustrate the application of the proposed mixed charts.
Quantum Interference Measurements and Their Application to Analysis of Ultrafast Photocarrier Dynamics in Semiconductor Solar Cell Materials
Authors: Tahara Hirokazu , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko 
Published: November 2019

AbstractQuantum interference measurement is a powerful method to analyze electronic dynamics using phase information of optical fields and electronic states during various types of optical excitation processes. This method is particularly useful for accurate measurements of photocarrier generation processes in semiconductor solar cell materials. Two quantum interference methods, namely photocurrent beat spectroscopy and phase‐locked pulses transient absorption spectroscopy, are recently developed to analyze ultrafast photocarrier generation processes. This review describes how these two techniques can be employed to identify electronic states contributing to photon‐to‐current conversion processes in solar cell materials. Two types of states are highlighted: (i) localized levels within the bandgaps of bulk crystals and thin films leading to photocarrier generation, and (ii) exciton complexes in nanocrystals whose ultrafast dynamics directly influence the efficiency of photoabsorption processes. Since quantum interference measurements provide quantum phase information that is not accessible by other conventional methods, they can also be utilized for advanced evaluation and optimization of optoelectronic materials and devices.
CombX: Design and experimental characterizations of a haptic device for surgical teleoperation
Authors: Zhao Bin , Zhang Shu'an , Wu Zhonghao , Yang Bo , Xu Kai 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundHaptic devices with active translation and orientation outputs are highly preferred in surgical teleoperation. However, commercial products are expensive, while state‐of‐the‐art research prototypes are difficult to reproduce outside the original laboratories.MethodsThis paper presents the design and experimental characterizations of two styluses for the CombX, a haptic device with both force and torque outputs constructed from two TouchX haptic devices, which have only force outputs at their styluses. The arrangement was optimized to improve the specifications. Additional functions for surgical teleoperation were also integrated.ResultsThe CombX has a translation workspace larger than 160 × 160 × 160 mm3. After calibration, it can provide force outputs of up to 16.32 N and torque outputs of up to 316 mNm. The CombX has also been successfully used to teleoperate a continuum surgical manipulator for two surgical tasks.ConclusionThe results show that the CombX is a viable option for surgical teleoperation.
Platforms for the people: Enabling civic crowdfunding through the cultivation of institutional infrastructure
Authors: Logue Danielle , Grimes Matthew 
Published: November 2019

AbstractResearch SummaryDigital platforms offer a promising contemporary means for encouraging social innovation through cross‐sector collaboration. Yet although such “social‐mission platforms” are equipped to facilitate a high number of arms‐length transactions, they are conversely ill‐equipped to provide the necessary consensus which typically characterizes successful examples of cross‐sector collaboration. Employing an in‐depth archival case study of a civic crowdfunding platform, we surface a process model of social‐mission platform creation, which exposes the dilemmas such platforms encounter as they attempt to navigate user growth, and the importance of institutional infrastructure for overcoming these dilemmas. These findings and our emergent model thus contribute new theory regarding the creation of digital platforms for enabling cross‐sector collaboration and social innovation, while bridging the emerging body of research on platforms with institutional theory.Managerial SummaryDeveloping a digital platform for social good requires operators to maintain control over their mission as they grow, while working with actors from across sectors. While the economics of the platform may be clear, the social infrastructure to ensure effective and mission‐aligned interaction between different segments of the platform needs to be developed. In our case study of a civic crowdfunding platform, we demonstrate how this platform strategically generates and promotes understandings of its boundaries, creates bridges between diverse stakeholders necessary for participation, and provides blueprints to shape and standardize platform interactions. We also discuss the potential susceptibility of social‐mission platforms to experience mission drift as they grow, the existential threat that such drift poses in this context, and the ways that organizations might overcome this threat.
Bad bets: Nonlinear incentives, risk, and performance
Authors: de Figueiredo Rui J. P. , Rawley Evan , Shelef Orie 
Published: November 2019

AbstractResearch SummaryThis article examines the consequences of incentive slope and shape on performance and risk‐taking. It focuses on how slope—incentive intensity—influences risk‐taking, and how shape—nonlinearity—influences performance. We use quasi‐random variation in the context of the hedge‐fund industry to separate slope and shape effects. Our results demonstrate that shape has large and important effects on performance, and that slope affects risk‐taking. The evidence suggests that poor performance in the industry is often due to bad bets—excessive risk‐taking that reduces performance—taken in response to nonlinear incentives. The findings suggest that, although nonlinear incentives are widely used, they can, under certain circumstances, predictably produce pernicious effects on organizational performance.Managerial SummaryThis article examines how nonlinear incentive contracts—such as contracts that reward performance above a threshold substantially more than below it—influence managerial behavior. Using the hedge‐fund industry, in which nonlinear incentives are ubiquitous, as a laboratory, we find that nonlinear incentive schemes cause managers who are “close” to, but below, the performance threshold to take bad bets—excessive risk‐taking that reduces performance. The findings suggest that, although nonlinear incentives are widely used, they can, under certain circumstances, predictably produce pernicious effects on organizational performance.
Room‐Temperature Sustainable Synthesis of Selected Platinum Group Metal (PGM = Ir, Rh, and Ru) Nanocatalysts Well‐Dispersed on Porous Carbon for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution and Oxidation
Authors: Ming Mei , Zhang Yun , He Chao , Zhao Lu , Niu Shuai , Fan Guangyin , Hu Jin‐Song 
Published: November 2019

AbstractElectroless deposition via a spontaneous redox reaction between the metal precursor and support is believed to be a promising approach for the syntheses of supported metal nanoparticles (SMNPs). However, its widespread applications are significantly prohibited by the low reductivity and high cost of support. To overcome these shortcomings, a porous carbon (PC) is herein developed as a promising matrix for the electroless deposition of metal NPs. Benefiting from abundant oxygen‐based surface functional groups, the PC shows stronger reducibility (low redox potential) than conventional carbon substrate such as carbon nanotubes or graphene oxide, enabling a facile electroless deposition of Ir, Rh, and Ru NPs on its surface. These SMNPs exhibit an impressive electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) or hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). For example, the Rh NP/PC can deliver an HER current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a small overpotential of 21 mV in 0.5 m H2SO4, while the Ru NP/PC exhibits excellent HOR activity in 0.1 m KOH in terms of high mass and surface specific exchange current density of 263 A g−1Ru and 0.227 mA cm−2Ru. The present strategy may open up opportunities for mass production of efficient supported NPs for diverse applications.