bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of PbI2:KI Alloys on the Performance of Sequentially Deposited Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Xiaoyan , Zhou Qin , Xu Jianbin , Liang Lusheng , Wang Xiaobing , Wu Jihuai , Gao Peng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAs univalent cation to the ammonium ions, alkali metal ions become vital alternatives or additives for the A‐site ions of lead halide perovskites. They were reported to construct new perovskite structures or bring new features like reduced defect density, suppressed hysteresis, improved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), stability, etc. In this work, by making an alloyed film of PbI2:KI in the first step of the sequential deposition, we find that a low concentration of KI can improve the roughness and microstructure of the PbI2 film, facilitating the intercalation of ammonium salt into PbI2. In comparison, a higher concentration of KI will lead to the formation of K2PbI4 clusters, resulting in perovskite films with decreased quality and high VOC loss in devices. The best‐performing device based on one PbI2:KI alloy shows an enhanced PCE from 19.60 % to 21.18 %. The study can provide a referential insight into the influence of K+ on the formation of perovskite films and the performance of corresponding devices.
Fabrication and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanowire Based Two‐electrode Capacitive Biosensors on Flexible Substrates for Estimating Glucose Content in a Sample
Authors: Chakraborty Subhadip , Saha Rajib , Karmakar Anupam , Chattopadhyay Sanatan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe present work deals with fabrication and characterization of the zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire based novel two‐electrode capacitive biosensors on flexible Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates for accurate estimation of glucose by analyzing the fundamental dielectric nature of the relevant sample. The morphology and crystalline quality of grown nanowires are analyzed by using field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), respectively. Current and capacitance values of the device have been studied for ten different glucose concentrations relevant to the physiological standards. The analytical performance of the devices in terms of enzyme activity, reliability and flexibility has also been evaluated.
Helpers compensate for age-related declines in parental care and offspring survival in a cooperatively breeding bird
Authors: Hammers Martijn , Kingma Sjouke A. , van Boheemen Lotte A. , Sparks Alexandra M. , Burke Terry , Dugdale Hannah L. , Richardson David S. , Komdeur Jan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOffspring from elderly parents often have lower survival due to parental senescence. In cooperatively breeding species, where offspring care is shared between breeders and helpers, the alloparental care provided by helpers is predicted to mitigate the impact of parental senescence on offspring provisioning and, subsequently, offspring survival. We test this prediction using data from a long-term study on cooperatively breeding Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis). We find that the nestling provisioning rate of female breeders declines with their age. Further, the total brood provisioning rate and the first-year survival probability of offspring decline progressively with age of the female breeder, but these declines are mitigated when helpers are present. This effect does not arise because individual helpers provide more care in response to the lower provisioning of older dominant females, but because older female breeders have recruited more helpers, thereby receiving more overall care for their brood. We do not find such effects for male breeders. These results indicate that alloparental care can alleviate the fitness costs of senescence for breeders, which suggests an interplay between age and cooperative breeding.
The effect of yogurt fortified with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium sp. probiotic in patients with lactose intolerance
Authors: Masoumi Seyed Jalil , Mehrabani Davood , Saberifiroozi Mehdi , Fattahi Mohammad Reza , Moradi Fariba , Najafi Masoud 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study assessed the effect of probiotic yogurt fortified with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium sp. in patients with lactose intolerance. Fifty‐five patients suffering from lactose intolerance were randomly divided into control group of 28 lactose intolerance patients who received nonprobiotic yogurt (100 ml) and experimental group consisted of 27 lactose intolerance patients who received probiotic yogurt fortified (100 ml) with L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium sp. Each individual received yogurt for one week. Lactose intolerance was confirmed when the patients received 75 g lactose and were positive after 30 min until 3 hr for lactose intolerance symptoms and by hydrogen breath test (HBT). After intervention, the hydrogen level was lower in experimental group in comparison with the control group. Lactose intolerance symptoms in experimental group were much less than the control group. Our findings revealed that probiotic yogurt fortified with L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium sp. could safely and effectively decrease lactose intolerance symptoms and HBT, so our probiotic can be recommended as a treatment of choice in lactose intolerance patients.
Enhanced airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic children and mice with A(H1N1)pdm09 infection
Authors: Ariyoshi Taira , Tezuka Junichiro , Yasudo Hiroki , Sakata Yasufumi , Nakamura Tamaki , Matsushige Takeshi , Hasegawa Hideki , Nakajima Noriko , Ainai Akira , Oga Atsunori , Itoh Hiroshi , Shirabe Komei , Toda Shoichi , Atsuta Ryo , Ohga Shouichi , Hasegawa Shunji 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundSevere asthma exacerbation is an important comorbidity of the 2009 HIN1 pandemic (A(H1N1)pdm09) in asthmatic patients. However, the mechanisms underlying severe asthma exacerbation remain unknown. In this study, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was measured in pediatric asthma patients infected with A(H1N1)pdm09. We also evaluated AHR in asthmatic mice with A(H1N1)pdm09 infection and those with seasonal influenza for comparison.MethodsAHRs in asthmatic children were defined as the provocative acetylcholine concentration causing a 20% reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (PC20). To investigate the pathophysiology using animal models, BALB/c mice aged 6‐8 weeks were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. Either mouse‐adapted A(H1N1)pdm09, seasonal H1N1 virus (1 × 105 pfu/20 μl), or mock treatment as a control was administered intranasally. At 3, 7, and 10 days after infection, each group of mice was evaluated for AHR by methacholine challenge using an animal ventilator, flexiVent. Lung samples were resected and observed using light microscopy to assess the degree of airway inflammation.ResultsAHRs in the children with bronchial asthma were temporarily increased, and alleviated by 3 months after discharge. AHR was significantly enhanced in A(H1N1)pdm09‐infected asthmatic mice compared to that in seasonal H1N1‐infected mice (p < .001), peaking at 7 days postinfection and then becoming similar to control levels by 10 days postinfection. Histopathological examination of lung tissues showed more intense infiltration of inflammatory cells and severe tissue destruction in A(H1N1)pdm09‐infected mice at 7 days postinfection than at 10 days postinfection.ConclusionOur results suggest that enhanced AHR could contribute to severe exacerbation in human asthmatic patients with A(H1N1)pdm09 infection.
Financial innovation characteristics and banking performance: The mediating effect of risk management
Authors: Zouari‐Hadiji Rim 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSeveral studies dealing with the direct relationship between financial innovation and bank performance have reported mixed results. The risk management incurred by the bank, as a mediating variable in this relationship, has not been investigated by researchers. In this context, the present work contribution consists in highlighting the important role of risk management to explain the interaction between financial innovation characteristics and bank performance. The present work is conducted concerning a sample involving seven privately owned Tunisian banks, relevant to the period ranging from 2009 to 2018. The hierarchical multiple regressions analysis turns out to indicate the noticeable effect of risk management on the relationships binding financial innovation characteristics (the risk level, innovations' horizon and specificity) and banking performance. In fact, private Tunisian banks appear to respond positively to the banking products and service‐associated technological developments, in a bid to effectively manage bank risks and promote banking performance.
Longitudinal associations between internalizing symptoms and driving avoidance in newly licensed adolescents
Authors: Beck Haley B. , McManus Benjamin , Underhill Andrea , Stavrinos Despina 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundExtensive literature assesses risky adolescent driving, but nothing examines what makes teens avoid driving. Many assume teenagers are eager to drive, but evidence suggests internalizing symptoms lead some to avoid driving.AimsThis study tested whether depressive and anxious symptomology predicted longitudinal driving avoidance in novice teen drivers.Materials and MethodsN = 56 16‐year‐olds (52% female; 48% Black/African American) completed three observations over 6 months. At Time 1, participants reported depressive (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression 10‐item Scale) and anxious (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐item Scale) symptomologies, and driving avoidance (Driving Habits Questionnaire [DHQ]), repeating DHQ at Times 2 and 3. Multiple linear regression tested whether symptomologies predicted avoidance at licensure. Linear mixed models tested associations between symptomologies and avoidance over time.ResultsHigh anxiety predicted greater avoidance at baseline and over 6 months. Depressive symptoms did not predict avoidance.DiscussionFindings warrant an assessment of anxious adolescents' barriers to driving and avoidance impacts on crash risk.
Microscopic analysis of the inhibition of staphylococcal biofilm formation by Escherichia coli and the disruption of preformed staphylococcal biofilm by bacteriophage
Authors: Manoharadas Salim , Altaf Mohammad , Alrefaei Abdulwahed Fahad , Hussain Shaik Althaf , Devasia Rajesh Mamkulathil , Badjah Hadj Ahmed Yacine M , Abuhasil Mohammed Saeed Ali 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe formation of bacterial biofilms is a severely encountered problem in clinical and industrial settings. Most of the naturally occurring bacterial strains are capable of forming mono or mixed biofilms. In this study, we evaluated the potentiality of three clinically relevant species in forming mono and mixed biofilms over glass surface. In addition, we also appraised the efficiency of bacteriophages in alleviating preformed mono and mixed biofilm. Our initial study focused on the ability of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in forming biofilm on glass cover slip. All the three strains were able to form mono biofilm, although at varying intensities. Interestingly, E. coli inhibited the formation of S. aureus biofilm in a mixed culture. Specific bacteriophages ɸ44AHJD and ɸX174 completely disrupted S. aureus and E. coli preformed biofilm structure after 72 hr of incubation. However, addition of either of the bacteriophage to the mixed E. coli–S. aureus promoted the formation of biofilm by the alternate strain that was not affected by the phage. Our findings elicit the potentiality of common bacterial strains in forming biofilms on smooth glass surface. In addition, these results are very promising for the development of effective drugs using intact bacteriophages for the removal of complicated bacterial biofilms formed in clinically relevant glass surfaces. The observations further complemented the earlier finding of competitive inhibition of S. aureus biofilm development by E. coli.
Mitochondrial replacement therapy: Genetic counselors' experiences, knowledge, and opinions
Authors: Aryamvally Anjali , Myers Melanie F. , Huang Taosheng , Slone Jesse , Pilipenko Valentina , Hartmann Julianne E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMitochondrial disorders affect at least 1 in 5,000 individuals worldwide and are often incurable and fatal. Mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) is an in vitro fertilization technique used to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial disorders. Currently, MRT is the only approach that provides mothers who carry a pathogenic variant in their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the opportunity to have a biological child without a mitochondrial disease. MRT involves the combination of nuclear DNA from the egg of the carrier mother and the cytoplasm from an oocyte donor, which contains healthy mitochondria. While MRT was approved for use in the UK in 2015, the ban on congressional funding for research on ‘heritable genetic modification’ has made MRT unavailable within the US borders. This survey‐based study aimed to describe genetic counselors' experience, knowledge, and opinions about MRT. Additionally, we also assessed whether genetic counselors' comfort discussing MRT with patients, and feelings about clinical use of MRT in the United States changed after providing information about MRT compared with baseline. Responses were received from 139 genetic counselors in North America. Findings indicate low awareness and knowledge about MRT among participants. However, more participants expressed comfort with discussing MRT with patients and more participants were able to form opinions about statements about MRT after they were provided with information about MRT. This study is the first to assess genetic counselors' opinions toward MRT and suggests the need for more education about novel technologies such as MRT among genetic counselors.
From model to low noise amplifier monolithic microwave integrated circuit: 0.03–2.6 GHz plastic quad‐flat no‐leads packaged Gallium‐Nitride low noise amplifier monolithic microwave integrated circuit
Authors: Osmanoglu Sinan , Ozbay Ekmel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper describes an air cavity quad‐flat no‐leads (QFN) over‐molded plastic packaged cascode broadband GaN LNA Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) with resistive feedback fabricated with 0.25 μm GaN HEMT technology. The single stage QFN packaged GaN LNA MMIC achieves a bandwidth of 0.03–2.6 GHz with a typical gain of 11.5 dB and less than 1.5 dB noise figure. The low noise amplifier (LNA) design is based on a model of a concept transistor, the cascode transistor used in the design, that has not been fabricated previously. The concept transistor is fabricated for the first time along with the GaN LNA MMIC. The fabricated GaN LNA MMIC is housed in a 12‐lead 3 × 3 mm2 air cavity QFN over‐molded plastic package and mounted on an application board. The measurements taken with the application board represent a good convergence with the design that is based on a concept transistor model. The measurement results and 50 Ω internal matching on both ports without the need for additional matching components make this LNA attractive for many applications.
Staphylococcal infection prevention using antibiotic‐loaded mannitol–chitosan paste in a rabbit model of implant‐associated osteomyelitis
Authors: Harrison Zoe L. , Pace Leslie R. , Brown Madison N. , Beenken Karen E. , Smeltzer Mark S. , Bumgardner Joel D. , Haggard Warren O. , Amber Jennings J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAntibiotic‐loaded chitosan pastes have shown advantages in the treatment and coverage of complex musculoskeletal defects. We added mannitol, previously shown to increase antibiotic susceptibility of biofilm, to an injectable chitosan/polyethylene glycol paste for delivery of antibiotics. Ground sponges (0.85% acetic acid solution, 1% chitosan, 0% or 2% mannitol, 1% polyethylene glycol) were hydrated using phosphate‐buffered saline with 10 mg/ml amikacin and 10 mg/ml vancomycin added to form pastes. We inoculated rabbit radial defects with 105 colony‐forming units of Staphylococcus aureus (UAMS‐1) and inserted titanium pins into the cortical bone. Groups compared included mannitol blend pastes, non‐mannitol blends, antibiotic‐loaded bone cement, vancomycin powder, and no treatment controls. We harvested tissue samples and retrieved the pins retrieved at 3 weeks. All antibiotic‐loaded groups lowered bacterial growth and colony‐forming unit counts in soft and bone tissue and on titanium pins in in vivo studies. The results indicate this biomaterial is capable of eluting active antibiotics at concentrations that reduce bacterial growth on biomaterials and tissue, which, in turn, may prevent biofilm formation. Blends of chitosan and mannitol may be useful in prevention and treatment of osteomyelitis and implant‐associated infections.
Salinity resistance as a function of NH4+:NO3- ratio and its impact on yield and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad , Naz Urooj , Abid Muhammad , Shahzad Sher Muhammad , Aziz Ahsan , Akhtar Naeem , Naeem Asif , Mühling Karl Hermann 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground: Adequate regulation of plant nutrients may constitute a promising approach to overcome the deleterious effects of salinity on plant growth and development. Among these nutrients, nitrogen (N) can be a stand out option to improve plant adaptation to saline environment. However, plant response to N under salinity stress may vary depending upon ratio in the growth medium.Aims: The present study aimed to determine the efficiency of different ratios for improving salt resistance of tomato under alkaline conditions.Methods: Experimental plan comprised of five ratios 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, and three salinity levels (no salinity, moderate salinity of 7 dS m−1, and high salinity of 10 dS m−1), with five replications. Plants were grown up to maturity and fruits were harvested for quality analysis.Results: ratios produced a differential response in ameliorating salinity toxicity. Plant growth and fruit yield characteristics reduced with salinity but the extent of reduction varied significantly with ratio under both salinity levels compared to respective ratio without salinity. Physiological characteristics viz. chlorophyll, photosynthesis, malondialdehyde, glutathione, electrolyte leakage and relative water content were also got optimized in favor of the high plant growth and yield by ratio of 50:50 under salinity stress. Among different ratios, 50:50 had greater potential not only to reduce Na+ and Cl− but also to promote N, K+, and Ca2+ accumulation in roots, shoots, and fruits, and thus gave more protection against the deleterious effects of salinity. Fruit quality characteristics improved with salinity, except for vitamin C. Shoot N correlated positively with photosynthesis (R2 = 0.94) and fruit yield (R2 = 0.98).Conclusions: Overall, ratios ranked in order of 50:50 > 0:100 > 25:75 > 75:25 > 100:0 to regulate the growth, yield and physiological characteristics of tomato under salinity stress, however best fruit quality characteristics were recorded in 100:0 ratio.
Mixed Surfactant‐Based Reverse Micellar Extraction Studies of Bovine Lactoperoxidase
Authors: Karanth Shwetha , Iyyaswami Regupathi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe suitability of reverse micellar extraction for recovery of bovine lactoperoxidase (LP) from aqueous solution was evaluated using systems formed by ionic and nonionic surfactant mixtures. The influence of ionic surfactant concentration, organic solvent, and pH on the extraction of LP into the reverse micellar phase was studied. The Tween® series surfactants with Aerosol‐OT (bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate) showed better extraction of LP in the reverse micelles (RM) compared to the Triton® and Span® series of surfactants. Complete extraction of LP from an aqueous phase of initial concentration 25 mg L−1 occurred with the RM formed by 90 mM Aerosol‐OT/8 mM Tween® 80 in isooctane. The optimal pH, ionic strength, and positively charged ionic surfactant concentration for back extraction were also studied and a maximum of 95.5% back extraction efficiency and 66% LP activity recovery was obtained for a pH of 10.5,1 M KCl and 60 mM cetyltrimethylammonium bromide system.
Estimating the Helmholtz–Kohlrausch effect in natural images considering the decreasing brightness‐to‐luminance ratio with increasing lightness
Authors: Nakagawa Kota , Hayami Yuki , Aoyanagi Hisakazu , Takamatsu Hiroaki , Shimodaira Yoshifumi , Ohashi Gosuke 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFor colors with the same luminance, increasing the saturation increases the color brightness. This phenomenon, known as the Helmholtz–Kohlrausch (H–K) effect, is a characteristic of human vision. In our estimations of the H–K effect in natural images, we found that the brightness‐to‐luminance (B/L) ratio decreases with increasing the lightness. However, the estimation was not enough for high lightness images containing a large amount of cyan. We, therefore, propose an estimation equation considering the decreasing B/L ratio with increasing the lightness. This estimation method takes into account the characteristic that the B/L ratio is 1.0 or higher. First, we create a function that reflects the decrease of the magnitude of the H–K effect with respect to the increase of the lightness at each hue. Then, the difference between the lightness and the standard lightness (the lightness used in Nayatani's estimation equation) is multiplied. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified in a subjective‐evaluation experiment of high‐lightness images containing a large amount of cyan. Moreover, the method improved the accuracy of the estimation, and we confirmed the decrease in B/L ratio with increasing the lightness by excluding B/L values below 1.0.
Heterotopic Cesarean Scar Pregnancy
Authors: Ouyang Yan , Chen Hui , Lin Ge , Xiang Shuanglin , Qin Jiabi , Gong Fei , Li Xihong 
Published: January 2021

SummaryWe report a series of 20 cases of heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy in this study. The results show that transvaginal sonography offers highly accurate diagnoses of heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy during the first trimester. Careful exclusion of cesarean scar pregnancy is of great clinical importance for patients with a history of cesarean section after in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer, even when an intrauterine pregnancy has been detected. We recommend single embryo transfer for patients with a history of cesarean section. Expectant management may provide the opportunity for a live cesarean scar pregnancy to develop, albeit at high risks of placenta accreta and hemorrhage, and this needs further verification in the future.