bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Molecular Orbital Energy Levels in OLED Performance
Authors: Yadav Rohit Ashok Kumar , Dubey Deepak Kumar , Chen Sun-Zen , Liang Tzu-Wei , Jou Jwo-Huei 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAbundant molecules enable countless combinations of device architecture that might achieve the desirable high efficiency from organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Due to the relatively high cost of OLED materials and facilities, simulation approaches have become a must in further advancing the field faster and saver. We have demonstrated here the use of state-of-art simulation approaches to investigate the effect of molecular orbital energy levels on the recombination of excitons in OLED devices. The devices studied are composed of 1,1-bis[(di-4-tolylamino)phenyl]cyclohexane (TAPC) as hole transporting material (HTM), 4,4′-Bis(9-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl (CBP) as host, 2,2',2”-(1,3,5-benzinetriyl)-tris(1-phenyl-1-H-benzimidazole) (TPBi) or bathophenanthroline (Bphen) as electron transporting materials. The outcomes reveal that exciton recombination highly sensitive to the energy-level alignment, injection barriers, and charge mobilities. A low energy-barrier (<0.4 eV) between the layers is the key to yield high recombination. The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels of the organic layers have played a more pivotal role in governing the recombination dynamics than the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level do. Furthermore, the Bphen based device shows high exciton recombination across the emissive layer, which is >106 times greater than that in the TPBi based device. The high carrier mobility of Bphen whose electron mobility is 5.2 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 may lead to low charge accumulation and hence high exciton dynamics. The current study has successfully projected an in-depth analysis on the suitable energy-level alignments, which would further help to streamline future endeavours in developing efficient organic compounds and designing devices with superior performance.
Age-associated changes in 4D flow CMR derived Tricuspid Valvular Flow and Right Ventricular Blood Flow Kinetic Energy
Authors: Barker Natasha , Zafar Hamza , Fidock Benjamin , Elhawaz Alaa , Al-Mohammad Abdallah , Rothman Alexander , Kiely David G. , van der Geest R. J. , Westenberg Jos , Swift Andrew J. , Wild James M. , Plein Sven , Garg Pankaj 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAssessment of right ventricular (RV) diastolic function is not routinely carried out. This is due to standard two-dimensional imaging techniques being unreliable. Four-dimensional flow (4D flow) derived right ventricular blood flow kinetic energy assessment could circumvent the issues of the current imaging modalities. It also remains unknown whether there is an association between right ventricular blood flow kinetic energy (KE) and healthy ageing. We hypothesise that healthy ageing requires maintaining normal RV intra-cavity blood flow as quantified using KE method. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of healthy ageing on tricuspid through-plane flow and right ventricular blood flow kinetic energy. In this study, fifty-three healthy participants received a 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scan on 1.5 T Philips Ingenia. Cine segmentation and 4D flow analysis were performed using dedicated software. Standard statistical methods were carried out to investigate the associations. Both RV E-wave KEiEDV (r = −0.3, P = 0.04) and A-wave KEiEDV (r = 0.42, P < 0.01) showed an association with healthy ageing. Additionally, the right ventricular blood flow KEiEDV E/A ratio demonstrated the strongest association with healthy ageing (r = −0.53, P < 0.01) when compared to all RV functional and haemodynamic parameters. Furthermore, in a multivariate regression model, KEiEDV E/A ratio and 4D flow derived tricuspid valve stroke volume demonstrated independent association to healthy ageing (beta −0.02 and 0.68 respectively, P < 0.01). Ageing is independently associated with 4D flow derived tricuspid stroke volume and RV blood flow KE E/A ratio. These novel 4D flow CMR derived imaging markers have future potential for RV diastolic assessment.
Genetic and environmental links between traits of cocoa beans and pods clarify the phenotyping processes to be implemented
Authors: Doaré Fabien , Ribeyre Fabienne , Cilas Christian 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe average weight of cocoa beans is not generally taken into account during breeding processes, although it is a trait of interest. Several studies indicate that the weight of the beans has a high heritability inTheobroma cacao. However, the values obtained from different countries for the same clone often vary. In this study, we analyzed the effect of different factors on the weight of the beans. Apart from the clone effect, three main factors had an impact: i) the number of beans per pod: a good filling of the pod with beans tended to limit the weight of the beans, ii) the position of the beans in the pod: beans in the apical part of the pod were significantly lighter than the others and iii) the longer the duration of the fructification cycle the heavier the beans were (positive genetics correlation). These results lead us to propose protocols aimed at normalizing the phenotypic values of the genetic material. To obtain a reliable estimate of the bean weight, the following is proposed: either to use beans obtained from manual pollination to saturate the pods with beans, or to systematically use the number beans in the pods as a covariable.
Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) analysis in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas based on observation of individual sex changes
Authors: Yue Chenyang , Li Qi , Yu Hong , Liu Shikai , Kong Lingfeng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe diverse modes of sexual reproduction in Bivalvia make it an excellent clade to understand the evolution of sex and sex determination. The cosmopolitan Pacific oysterCrassostrea gigasis an ideal model for bivalve sex determination studies because of its complicated sexuality, including dioecy, sex change and rare hermaphroditism. A major barrier toC. gigassex determination study has been the lack of information on the type of sex determination. To identify its sex-determining system, sex observation by following the same individual in two consecutive years was conducted on 760 oysters from distinct populations. Stable sexuality and sex reversal in both directions were observed, which provides a case against the protandry ofC. gigas. Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) based on 26 samples with unchanged and converted sexualities was carried out for identifying sex-linked marker. One SNP Cgsl-40 was proved to be sex-related, but sex-biased heterozygosity varied between populations for RAD-seq and validation, showing no evidence for sex chromosomes or single-locus models forC. gigasprimary sex determination. Information obtained in our study provides novel insight into sex determination mechanism inC. gigas.
Regional Brain Gray Matter Changes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Roy Bhaswati , Ehlert Luke , Mullur Rashmi , Freeby Matthew J. , Woo Mary A. , Kumar Rajesh , Choi Sarah 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPatients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) show cognitive and mood impairment, indicating potential for brain injury in regions that control these functions. However, brain tissue integrity in cognition, anxiety, and depression regulatory sites, and their associations with these functional deficits in T2DM subjects remain unclear. We examined gray matter (GM) changes in 34 T2DM and 88 control subjects using high-resolution T1-weighted images, collected from a 3.0-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner, and assessed anxiety [Beck Anxiety Inventory], depressive symptoms [Beck Depression Inventory-II], and cognition [Montreal Cognitive Assessment]. We also investigated relationships between GM status of cognitive and mood control sites and these scores in T2DM. Significantly increased anxiety (p = 0.003) and depression (p = 0.001), and reduced cognition (p = 0.002) appeared in T2DM over controls. Decreased GM volumes appeared in several regions in T2DM patients, including the prefrontal, hippocampus, amygdala, insular, cingulate, cerebellum, caudate, basal-forebrain, and thalamus areas (p < 0.01). GM volumes were significantly associated with anxiety (r = −0.456,p = 0.009), depression (r = −0.465,p = 0.01), and cognition (r = 0.455,p = 0.009) scores in regions associated with those regulations (prefrontal cortices, hippocampus, para hippocampus, amygdala, insula, cingulate, caudate, thalamus, and cerebellum) in T2DM patients. Patients with T2DM show brain damage in regions that are involved in cognition, anxiety, and depression control, and these tissue alterations are associated with functional deficits. The findings indicate that mood and cognitive deficits in T2DM patients has brain structural basis in the condition.
2D materials for spintronic devices
Authors: Ahn Ethan C. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract2D materials are attractive for nanoelectronics due to their ultimate thickness dimension and unique physical properties. A wide variety of emerging spintronic device concepts will greatly benefit from the use of 2D materials, leading a better way to manipulating spin. In this review, we discuss various 2D materials, including graphene and other inorganic 2D semiconductors, in the context of scientific and technological advances in spintronic devices. Applications of 2D materials in spin logic switches, spin valves, and spin transistors are specifically investigated. We also introduce the spin-orbit and spin-valley coupled properties of 2D materials to explore their potential to address the crucial issues of contemporary electronics. Finally, we highlight major challenges in integrating 2D materials into spintronic devices and provide a future perspective on 2D materials for spin logic devices.
Biarsenical fluorescent probes for multifunctional site-specific modification of proteins applicable in life sciences: an overview and future outlook
Authors: Pomorski Adam , Krężel Artur 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Fluorescent modification of proteins of interest (POI) in living cells is desired to study their behaviour and functions in their natural environment. In a perfect setting it should be easy to perform, inexpensive, efficient and site-selective. Although multiple chemical and biological methods have been developed, only a few of them are applicable for cellular studies thanks to their appropriate physical, chemical and biological characteristics. One such successful system is a tetracysteine tag/motif and its selective biarsenical binders (e.g. FlAsH and ReAsH). Since its discovery in 1998 by Tsien and co-workers, this method has been enhanced and revolutionized in terms of its efficiency, formed complex stability and breadth of application. Here, we overview the whole field of knowledge, while placing most emphasis on recent reports. We showcase the improvements of classical biarsenical probes with various optical properties as well as multifunctional molecules that add new characteristics to proteins. We also present the evolution of affinity tags and motifs of biarsenical probes demonstrating much more possibilities in cellular applications. We summarize protocols and reported observations so both beginners and advanced users of biarsenical probes can troubleshoot their experiments. We address the concerns regarding the safety of biarsenical probe application. We showcase examples in virology, studies on receptors or amyloid aggregation, where application of biarsenical probes allowed observations that previously were not possible. We provide a summary of current applications ranging from bioanalytical sciences to allosteric control of selected proteins. Finally, we present an outlook to encourage more researchers to use these magnificent probes.
Flavonoids in adipose tissue inflammation and atherosclerosis: one arrow, two targets
Authors: Fardoun Manal Muin , Maaliki Dina , Halabi Nabil , Iratni Rabah , Bitto Alessandra , Baydoun Elias , Eid Ali H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFlavonoids are polyphenolic compounds naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables, in addition to beverages such as tea and coffee. Flavonoids are emerging as potent therapeutic agents for cardiovascular as well as metabolic diseases. Several studies corroborated an inverse relationship between flavonoid consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or adipose tissue inflammation (ATI). Flavonoids exert their anti-atherogenic effects by increasing nitric oxide (NO), reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, flavonoids alleviate ATI by decreasing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as well as by attenuating inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, flavonoids inhibit synthesis of fatty acids and promote their oxidation. In this review, we discuss the effect of the main classes of flavonoids, namely flavones, flavonols, flavanols, flavanones, anthocyanins, and isoflavones, on atherosclerosis and ATI. In addition, we dissect the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of action for these flavonoids. We conclude by supporting the potential benefit for flavonoids in the management or treatment of CVD; yet, we call for more robust clinical studies for safety and pharmacokinetic values.
Impaired insulin exocytosis in chronic hepatitis C infection: contributory role of p38δ MAPK–protein kinase D–golgi complex axis
Authors: Narne Parimala 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are associated with a measurable risk of insulin resistance (IR)/impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)/diabetes mellitus (DM). While loss of hepatic endocrine function contributes to liver cirrhosis in diabetic patients, onset and progression of IR/IGT to diabetes and exacerbation of incident hyperglycemia are ostensibly linked with chronic HCV infection. In this regard, the study by Chen J et al. appearing in Clinical Science (2020) (134(5) https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20190900) attempts to understand the mechanisms underlying the savaging effects of chronic HCV infection on insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells and hence diabetic onset. The study investigated the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38δ–protein kinase D (PKD)–golgi complex axis in impacting insulin exocytosis. It was inferred that an insulin secretory defect of pancreatic β-cells, owing to disrupted insulin exocytosis, to an extent explains β-cell dysfunction in HCV-infected or CHC milieu. HCV infection negatively regulates first-phase and second-phase insulin secretion by impinging on PKD-dependent insulin secretory granule fission at trans-golgi network and insulin secretory vesicle membrane fusion events. This commentary highlights the study in question, that deciphered the contribution of p38δ MAPK–PKD–golgi complex axis to β-cell dysfunction in CHC milieu. This pivotal axis proffers a formidable therapeutic opportunity for alleviation of double burden of glucose abnormalities/DM and CHC.
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Verb Fluency Performance in Individuals With Probable Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Paek Eun Jin , Murray Laura L. 
Published: June 2020

PurposeTo date, verb fluency tasks have been mainly analyzed quantitatively for individuals with dementia. Qualitative analysis, however, such as examining the semantic and psycholinguistic content of the responses might further inform researchers and clinicians about patients' cognitive and linguistic status. Therefore, the current study examined psycholinguistic and lexical characteristics of verb fluency responses in individuals with probable Alzheimer's disease (pAD) and healthy older adults to delineate qualitative and quantitative differences between the two groups.MethodThe verb fluency responses from participants with pAD (amnestic type) were compared to those from age- and education-matched healthy older adults. The responses were analyzed with respect to the number and proportion of correct responses, word frequency, age of acquisition, phoneme and syllable length, and neighborhood density. The verb responses were also categorized into mental state verbs and action verbs. Additionally, a battery of cognitive–linguistic tests was administered, and for each group, relationships between correct verb fluency responses and other cognitive–linguistic skills were investigated using correlation and regression analyses.ResultsSimilar to previous findings regarding noun retrieval in dementia, the results revealed that individuals with pAD not only produced fewer correct verb fluency responses but also generated little to no mental state verbs compared to the control group. The group with pAD also produced verbs with shorter phoneme and syllable lengths, higher word frequency, and earlier age of acquisition ratings relative to the healthy older adults. The number of correct verb fluency responses was mainly predicted by a reading comprehension score in the pAD group and a nonverbal fluency test score in the healthy group.ConclusionThe current quantitative and qualitative findings add support to the contention that lexical–semantic impairments underlie word retrieval problems in pAD and such difficulties present in generative naming paradigms and also across grammatical categories.
Quality, Readability, and Suitability of Hearing Health-Related Materials: A Descriptive Review
Authors: Manchaiah Vinaya , Kelly-Campbell Rebecca J. , Bellon-Harn Monica L. , Beukes Eldré W. 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesThe objective of this descriptive review was to determine the quality, readability, and suitability of ear and hearing health information and materials for patients and their significant others.MethodA literature search was conducted between August 2018 and April 2019 in the databases CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, and PsychInfo. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to shortlist studies. Data regarding quality, suitability, and readability were extracted from the included studies. Data were assessed qualitatively.ResultsThere were 34 studies included in this review. Of those, eight examined quality, 33 assessed readability, and four investigated the suitability of materials. The range of materials assessed included diagnostic reports, patient education materials (PEMs), patient-reported outcome measures, and websites. Quality elements were examined in studies focusing on website information. Findings indicated that most websites were of poor quality. Suitability was examined in studies focusing on PEMs such as hearing aid user guides. Findings indicated that most of the existing materials were not suitable for the intended populations. The reading grade level of information across all four categories was found to be higher than the recommended fifth or sixth reading grade level for health-related materials. Revisions of some diagnostic reports and PEMs showed that improvements are possible.ConclusionsThis review suggests that ear- and hearing-related materials generally have lower quality and suitability with higher readability (more difficult to read). Development of materials that are suitable, of high quality, and at the appropriate readability levels is required to improve accessibility of ear- and hearing-related materials.
Patterns of Conversation Trouble Source and Repair as Indices of Improved Conversation in Aphasia: A Multiple-Case Study Using Conversation Analysis
Authors: Tetnowski Jennifer Thompson , Tetnowski John A. , Damico Jack S. 
Published: June 2020

PurposeSocial approaches to intervention for aphasia are being increasingly employed to address the functional communication barriers experienced by persons with aphasia. One specific approach is the use of conversation-based treatment in both group and two-person dyads. Although there are several methods to measure improvement for stimulation and cognitive neurolinguistic approaches, researchers have consistently indicated a need for outcome measures that can objectively demonstrate improved communication following conversation treatment. This study aims to demonstrate the utility for examining the patterns of conversation trouble source and repair as indices for improved communication as a positive response to intervention.MethodThe conversations of 20 consecutive participants, before and after 3 months, or 40 hr, of group and individual conversation-based treatment, were transcribed using conventions of conversation analysis, and sociolinguistic discourse analysis was applied. Measures of trouble source and repair were aggregated and subjected to statistical analysis.ResultsPersons with aphasia demonstrated statistically significant improvement in patterns of conversation trouble source and repair posttreatment for the rate of conversation trouble source and the length of repair. However, measures of self-initiation and self-completion of repair did not reach significance.ConclusionThe study indicates that, following conversation-based treatment, the conversations of persons with aphasias were more efficient, experiencing fewer trouble sources and shorter repair sequences. These findings suggest that measures of conversation for the rate of trouble source and length of the repair sequence are valid indices of improved conversation.
Revised GLE database: Fluences of solar energetic particles as measured by the neutron-monitor network since 1956
Authors: Usoskin I. , Koldobskiy S. , Kovaltsov G. A. , Gil A. , Usoskina I. , Willamo T. , Ibragimov A. 
Published: June 2020

Aims.Continuous measurements of ground-based neutron monitors (NMs) form the main data source for studying high-energy high-intensity solar energetic particle (SEP) events that are called ground-level enhancements (GLEs). All available data are collected in the International GLE Database (IGLED), which provides formal NM count-rate increases above the constant pre-increase level which is due to galactic cosmic rays (GCR). This data set is used to reconstruct the energy spectra of GLE events. However, the assumption of a constant GCR background level throughout GLE events is often invalid. Here we thoroughly revise the IGLED and provide a data set of detrended NM count-rate increases that accounts for the variable GCR background.Methods.The formal GLE count-rate increases were corrected for the variable GCR background, which may vary significantly during GLE events. The corresponding integral omnidirectional fluences of SEPs were reconstructed for all GLEs with sufficient strength from the detrended data using the effective rigidity method.Results.The database of the detrended NM count rate is revised for GLE events since 1956. Integral omnidirectional fluences were estimated for 58 GLE events and parametrised for 52 sufficiently strong events using the modified Ellison-Ramaty spectral shape.Conclusions.The IGLED was revised to account for the variable GCR background. Integral omnidirectional fluences reconstructed for most of GLE events were added to IGLED. This forms the basis for more precise studies of parameters of SEP events and thus for solar and space physics.