bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of face flexible bolting and grouting technology for longwall face support under difficult geological conditions
Authors: Yang Shengli , Li Meng , Song Gaofeng , Yang Yi , Xie Fei 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLongwall face fall in the open face area is one of the most difficult ground control problems in mining thick coal seams in China especially under difficult geological conditions. This paper has proposed a new flexible bolting and grouting technology for face support. The flexible support method includes face support using flexible coir ropes and face grouting with cement and accelerator mixtures. Numerical and laboratory studies of pullout tests are performed to further improve the flexible support performance including optimization of boreholes and flexible bolts diameters, and selection of grouting materials. The results show that (a) The optimized rope‐borehole diameter ratio is around 0.5 to ensure the best face reinforcement; (b) The grouting material (a mixture of ultrafine cement, mineral powder and sodium silicate) shows advantages of low cost, effective waste disposal, reduced setting time, and good pullout limit force and is recommended for industrial application with sodium silicate at a proportion of 10% by weight and mineral powder at 30%. The application of the new flexible bolting and grouting method in Chenmanzhuang mine shows improved face stability and reduced capital cost.
A review on spectral converting nanomaterials as a photoanode layer in dye‐sensitized solar cells with implementation in energy storage devices
Authors: Mehra Sonali , Bishnoi Swati , Jaiswal Ankit , Jagadeeswararao Metikoti , Srivastava Avinash K. , Sharma Shailesh N. , Vashishtha Parth 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe present review article aims at the application of rare‐earth‐based titanium dioxide nanocrystals as spectral converters in photovoltaic devices, with special focus on dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Additionally, the implementation of DSSCs in energy storage, more importantly, DSSCs and lithium‐ion batteries (LIB) integrated devices are systematically described. The absorption in DSSCs is mainly confined to the visible solar spectrum, which is one of the main reasons behind its limited power conversion efficiency. This has led to shifting of research focus on broadening the light absorption range of DSSCs, which can further lead to enhancement in overall power conversion efficiency. TiO2, doped with rare‐earth (RE) ions, is often used as an electron transport layer (ETL) in DSSCs to overcome this absorption‐related issue. This article gives a detailed review of TiO2 doped with different RE ions, as an electron transport layer in DSSCs. More importantly, we have summarized all the recent important findings with the application of DSSCs in LIB and photocapacitors.
Forecasting under model uncertainty: Non‐homogeneous hidden Markov models with Pòlya‐Gamma data augmentation
Authors: Koki Constandina , Meligkotsidou Loukia , Vrontos Ioannis 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe consider finite state‐space non‐homogeneous hidden Markov models for forecasting univariate time series. Given a set of predictors, the time series are modeled via predictive regressions with state‐dependent coefficients and time‐varying transition probabilities that depend on the predictors via a logistic/multinomial function. In a hidden Markov setting, inference for logistic regression coefficients becomes complicated and in some cases impossible due to convergence issues. In this paper, we aim to address this problem utilizing the recently proposed Pólya‐Gamma latent variable scheme. Also, we allow for model uncertainty regarding the predictors that affect the series both linearly — in the mean — and non‐linearly — in the transition matrix. Predictor selection and inference on the model parameters are based on an automatic Markov chain Monte Carlo scheme with reversible jump steps. Hence the proposed methodology can be used as a black box for predicting time series. Using simulation experiments, we illustrate the performance of our algorithm in various setups, in terms of mixing properties, model selection and predictive ability. An empirical study on realized volatility data shows that our methodology gives improved forecasts compared to benchmark models.
Therapeutic alternative of the ketogenic Mediterranean diet to improve mitochondrial activity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Caplliure‐Llopis Jordi , Peralta‐Chamba Thalía , Carrera‐Juliá Sandra , Cuerda‐Ballester María , Drehmer‐Rieger Eraci , López‐Rodriguez María Mar , de la Rubia Ortí Jose Enrique 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease which is pathogenically based on the mitochondrial alteration of motor neurons, causing progressive neuron death. While ALS is characterized by enormous oxidative stress, the Mediterranean diet has been seen to have high antioxidant power. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine how the Mediterranean diet can improve mitochondrial activity, establishing the specific nutrients and, in addition, observing the pathogenic mechanisms related to the disease that would achieve this improvement. To this end, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed using PubMed. KBs have been observed to have a neuroprotective effect to improve energy balance, increasing survival and the number of motor neurons. This ketogenesis can be achieved after following a Mediterranean diet which is associated with great benefits in other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ALS. These benefits are due to the high antioxidant power especially based on polyphenols contained mainly in olive oil, wine, nuts, or berries. In short, KBs could be considered as a promising option to treat ALS, representing an alternative source to glucose in motor neurons by providing neuroprotection. In addition, treatment results can be improved as ketogenesis can be achieved (increase in KBs) by following a Mediterranean diet, thanks to the high antioxidant properties which, at the same time, would improve the high oxidative stress that characterizes the disease.
Mutant C9orf72 human iPSC‐derived astrocytes cause non‐cell autonomous motor neuron pathophysiology
Authors: Zhao Chen , Devlin Anna‐Claire , Chouhan Amit K. , Selvaraj Bhuvaneish T. , Stavrou Maria , Burr Karen , Brivio Veronica , He Xin , Mehta Arpan R. , Story David , Shaw Christopher E. , Dando Owen , Hardingham Giles E. , Miles Gareth B. , Chandran Siddharthan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMutations in C9orf72 are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Accumulating evidence implicates astrocytes as important non‐cell autonomous contributors to ALS pathogenesis, although the potential deleterious effects of astrocytes on the function of motor neurons remains to be determined in a completely humanized model of C9orf72‐mediated ALS. Here, we use a human iPSC‐based model to study the cell autonomous and non‐autonomous consequences of mutant C9orf72 expression by astrocytes. We show that mutant astrocytes both recapitulate key aspects of C9orf72‐related ALS pathology and, upon co‐culture, cause motor neurons to undergo a progressive loss of action potential output due to decreases in the magnitude of voltage‐activated Na+ and K+ currents. Importantly, CRISPR/Cas‐9 mediated excision of the C9orf72 repeat expansion reverses these phenotypes, confirming that the C9orf72 mutation is responsible for both cell‐autonomous astrocyte pathology and non‐cell autonomous motor neuron pathophysiology.
Defining Temporally Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment: A Review
Authors: Sohn Joshua , Kalbar Pradip , Goldstein Benjamin , Birkved Morten 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Durable goods last for years, decades, or even centuries. The environmental implications of the changing social, economic, and material conditions in which these goods are embedded can be overlooked by conventional life cycle assessment (LCA) that assumes a static world. To avoid this oversight, methods such as dynamic LCA (DLCA) are increasingly being used. Despite the growing use of DLCA, numerous questions remain, including how this dynamism is incorporated and what aspects of any given DLCA are dynamic. To answer these questions, we performed a review of 56 DLCAs, of which 44 propose a framework for DLCA covering all International Organization for Standardization phases of an LCA or that carry out a DLCA. Three types of LCA dynamism are identified and assessed for the reviewed literature: dynamic process inventory, dynamic systems, and dynamic characterization, while a further 2 types of LCA dynamism, dynamic scope and dynamic weighting, are proposed but not applied in the assessed literature. We found that the implementation of DLCA varies widely, and inventories accounting for dynamic characteristics are by far the most prevalent expression of DLCA. To reduce confusion surrounding the discussion of DLCA, we propose a definition of DLCA and its subtypes: full DLCA, partial DLCA, and prospective LCA. It is concluded that, among the current array of DLCA definitions, the implementation of partially dynamic LCA (PDLCA), which applies dynamism in only some parts of the LCA, is common and likely to continue. This is because PDLCA offers quantifiable marginal utility in terms of increased validity of the assessment, in relation to conventional LCA methods, but caution is needed in applying PDLCA because of potential for introducing bias into the LCA. To avoid this problem, we propose incorporating system dynamism as part of a sensitivity analysis, particularly in PDLCA that are limited by missing data. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:314–323. © 2019 SETAC
KEY POINTS
The application of dynamism in life cycle assessment varies significantly due to a lack of definition and methodological guidelines. Incorporation of dynamics in a life cycle assessment can significantly alter results. By incorporating dynamism as a type of sensitivity analysis instead of in the reported results, when data are not available to incorporate dynamism in the entire system, inadvertent bias can be avoided while maintaining the benefits of dynamic assessment. We define dynamic life cycle assessment as well as 3 distinct subtypes that were encountered in the literature.
Dual‐channel type tunable field‐effect transistors based on vertical bilayer WS2(1 − x)Se2x/SnS2 heterostructures
Authors: Zheng Biyuan , Li Dong , Zhu Chenguang , Lan Jianyue , Sun Xingxia , Zheng Weihao , Liu Huawei , Zhang Xuehong , Zhu Xiaoli , Feng Yexin , Xu Tao , Sun Litao , Xu Gengzhao , Wang Xiao , Ma Chao , Pan Anlian 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLayered semiconductor heterostructures are essential elements in modern electronic and optoelectronic devices. Dynamically engineering the composition of these heterostructures may enable the flexible design of the properties of heterostructure‐based electronics and optoelectronics as well as their optimization. Here, we report for the first time a two‐step chemical vapor deposition approach for a series of WS2(1 − x)Se2x/SnS2 vertical heterostructures with high‐quality and large areas. The steady‐state photoluminescence results exhibit an obvious composition‐related quenching ratio, revealing a strong coherence between the band offset and the charge transfer efficiency at the junction interface. Based on the achieved heterostructures, dual‐channel back‐gate field‐effect transistors were successfully designed and exhibited typical composition‐dependent transport behaviors, and pure n‐type unipolar transistors to ambipolar transistors were realized in such systems. The direct vapor growth of these novel vertical WS2(1 − x)Se2x/SnS2 heterostructures could offer an interesting system for probing new physical properties and provide a series of layered heterostructures for high‐quality devices.image
EVALUATION OF AQUACROP MODEL IN SIMULATING BITTER GOURD WATER PRODUCTIVITY UNDER SALINE IRRIGATION
Authors: Soomro Kamran Baksh , Alaghmand Sina , Shahid Muhammad Rizwan , Andriyas Sanyogita , Talei Amin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe agricultural sector, globally, faces multifaceted challenges to produce more with a minimum amount of water to enhance water productivity (WP). In this regard, crop modelling is an efficient approach for estimating WP and plays a significant role in addressing water management strategies. The present research has been conducted in Malir, Karachi—a semi‐arid region in the Sindh Province of Pakistan. The aim was to evaluate the effects of two different qualities of irrigation water including, fresh quality (IT1 0.56 dS m−1) and saline groundwater (IT2 2.89 dS m−1) on canopy cover (CC), biomass, crop yield and water productivity (WP) of bitter‐gourd. The AquaCrop model was used for the first time for bitter gourd in a semi‐arid region under drip irrigation. Simulations were carried out for two cropping seasons (i.e. season one (summer) and season two (winter). The modelled values were slightly higher than the measured biomass and yield values in both calibration and validation procedures. The performance of the AquaCrop model was estimated through different statistical indicators such as model efficiency (E), root mean square error (RMSE), and index of agreement (dindex). These indicators revealed that the model simulated bitter gourd biomass and crop yield well. In addition, the model's performance was good under all irrigation treatments, with RMSE in the range 1.2–3.7, 0.5–1.8, dindex 0.94–0.98 and E 0.93–0.97. The model also overestimated the biomass and crop yield. Overall, the AquaCrop model overestimated biomass and crop yield for both seasons. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo efficacy of calcium phosphate‐based synthetic‐bone‐mineral on bone loss resulting from estrogen and mineral deficiencies
Authors: Srinivasan Kritika , Mijares Dindo Q. , Janal Malvin N. , Aranya Anupama K. , Zhang Denzil S. , LeGeros Racquel Z. , Zhang Yu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOsteopenia and osteoporosis affect over 40 million US adults 50 years and older. Both diseases are strongly influenced by estrogen and nutritional–mineral deficiencies. This study investigates the efficacy of orally delivered synthetic‐bone‐mineral (SBM), a newly developed calcium phosphate based biomaterial, on reversing bone loss induced by these two critical deficiencies. Thirty 3‐month‐old female rats were randomly allocated to either control—sham surgery on normal diet; or one of the four experimental groups: Sham surgery on a low mineral diet (LMD), ovariectomized (OVX) on LMD, OVX on LMD with SBM with/without fluoride (F). The rats were sacrificed after 6 months, at 9‐month‐old. After 6 months, although all groups lost bone mineral density relative to controls, the supplemented OVX rats showed higher bone mineral density than their unsupplemented counterparts. The 2 SBM supplemented groups improved bone loading capacity by 28.1 and 35.4% compared to the OVX LMD group. Bones from supplemented rats exhibited higher inorganic/organic ratios. The addition of F did not have a significant influence on bone loss. Our findings suggest that SBM supplement is effective in maintaining bone health and offsetting the deleterious effects of estrogen and/or mineral deficiencies on bone density, microarchitecture, and strength.
Continuous conversion of CO2to alcohols in a TiO2photoanode‐driven photoelectrochemical system
Authors: Castro Sergio , Albo Jonathan , Irabien Angel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe recycling of CO2by photoelectrochemical reduction has attracted wide interest due to its potential benefits when compared to electro‐ and photo‐catalytic approaches. Among the various available semiconductors, TiO2is the most employed material in photoelectrochemical cells. Besides, Cu is a well‐known electrocatalyst for the production of alcohols from CO2reduction.RESULTSA photoelectrochemical cell consisting of a TiO2‐based membrane electrode assembly (MEA) photoanode and a Cu plate is employed to reduce CO2to methanol and ethanol continuously under UV illumination (100 mW cm−2). A maximum increment of 4.3 mA cm−2in current between the illuminated and dark conditions is achieved at −2 VversusAg/AgCl. The continuous photoelectrochemical reduction process in the filter‐press cell is evaluated in terms of reaction rate (r), as well as Faradaic efficiency (FE) and energy efficiency (EE). At −1.8 VversusAg/AgCl, a maximum reaction rate ofr= 9.5 μmol m−2s−1,FE= 16.2% andEE= 5.2% for methanol andr= 6.8 μmol m−2s−1,FE= 23.2% andEE= 6.8% for ethanol can be achieved.CONCLUSIONSThe potential benefits of the photoanode‐driven system, in terms of yields and efficiencies, are observed when employing a TiO2‐based MEA photoanode and Cu as dark cathode. The results demonstrate first the effect of UV illumination on current density, and then the formation of alcohols from the continuous photoreduction of CO2. Increasing the external applied voltage leads to an enhanced production of methanol, but decreases ethanol formation. The system outperforms previous photoanode‐based systems for CO2‐to‐alcohols reactions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of parallel measures to assess HIV stigma and discrimination among people living with HIV, community members and health workers in the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial in Zambia and South Africa
Authors: Stangl Anne L , Lilleston Pamela , Mathema Hlengani , Pliakas Triantafyllos , Krishnaratne Shari , Sievwright Kirsty , Bell‐Mandla Nomhle , Vermaak Redwaan , Mainga Tila , Steinhaus Mara , Donnell Deborah , Schaap Ab , Bock Peter , Ayles Helen , Hayes Richard , Hoddinott Graeme , Bond Virginia , Hargreaves James R ,   on behalf of the HPTN 071 (PopART) Study Team
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionIntegrating standardized measures of HIV stigma and discrimination into research studies of emerging HIV prevention approaches could enhance uptake and retention of these approaches, and care and treatment for people living with HIV (PLHIV), by informing stigma mitigation strategies. We sought to develop a succinct set of measures to capture key domains of stigma for use in research on HIV prevention technologies.MethodsFrom 2013 to 2015, we collected baseline data on HIV stigma from three populations (PLHIV (N = 4053), community members (N = 5782) and health workers (N = 1560)) in 21 study communities in South Africa and Zambia participating in the HPTN 071 (PopART) cluster‐randomized trial. Forty questions were adapted from a harmonized set of measures developed in a consultative, global process. Informed by theory and factor analysis, we developed seven scales, with values ranging from 0 to 3, based on a 4‐point agreement Likert, and calculated means to assess different aspects of stigma. Higher means reflected more stigma. We developed two measures capturing percentages of PLHIV who reported experiencing any stigma in communities or healthcare settings in the past 12 months. We validated our measures by examining reliability using Cronbach's alpha and comparing the distribution of responses across characteristics previously associated with HIV stigma.ResultsThirty‐five questions ultimately contributed to seven scales and two experience measures. All scales demonstrated acceptable to very good internal consistency. Among PLHIV, a scale captured internalized stigma, and experience measures demonstrated that 22.0% of PLHIV experienced stigma in the community and 7.1% in healthcare settings. Three scales for community members assessed fear and judgement, perceived stigma in the community and perceived stigma in healthcare settings. Similarly, health worker scales assessed fear and judgement, perceived stigma in the community and perceived co‐worker stigma in healthcare settings. A higher proportion of community members and health workers reported perceived stigma than the proportion of PLHIV who reported experiences of stigma.ConclusionsWe developed novel, valid measures that allowed for triangulation of HIV stigma across three populations in a large‐scale study. Such comparisons will illuminate how stigma influences and is influenced by programmatic changes to HIV service delivery over time.
B cell hyperactivation in an Ackr4-deficient mouse strain is not caused by lack of ACKR4 expression
Authors: Eckert Nadine , Werth Kathrin , Willenzon Stefanie , Tan Likai , Förster Reinhold 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The majority of genetically modified C57BL/6 mice contain congenic passenger DNA around the targeted gene locus as they were generated from 129-derived embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with subsequent backcrossing to the C57BL/6 genetic background. When studying the role of atypical chemokine receptor 4 (ACKR4) in the immune system, we realized that the two available Ackr4-deficient mouse strains (Ackr4−/− and Ackr4GFP/GFP) show profoundly different phenotypes: Compared to wild-type and Ackr4GFP/GFP mice, Ackr4−/− mice show a strong accumulation of plasma blasts in mesenteric lymph node and spleen as well as increased B cell proliferation after in vitro activation. This phenotype was maintained after further backcrossing to C57BL/6 mice and was even present in heterozygous Ackr4+/− animals, suggesting that a gene variant on the targeted chromosome might cause this phenotype. Exome sequencing revealed that a region of approximately 20 Mbp around the Ackr4 locus on chromosome 9 still originates from the 129 background based on high variant density observed. In activated Ackr4−/− and Ackr4GFP/GFP B cells, transcripts of genes around the Ackr4 locus were equally deregulated compared to C57BL/6 B cells, whereas increased expression of IL-6 was selectively observed in B cells of Ackr4−/− mice. Because the gene encoding for IL-6 is placed on chromosome 5 these findings suggest that passenger DNA around the Ackr4 locus has an indirect effect on B cell activation and IL-6 production. Results of the present study should not only lead to the reinterpretation of data from earlier studies using Ackr4−/− mice but should remind the scientific community about the limitations of mouse models using mice created by gene-targeting of nonsyngeneic ESCs.