bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legal aspects of exercising discretionary authority of the prosecutor
Authors: Kovalev Artem Aleksandrovich
Published: April 2021

The subject of this research is the materials of the prosecutorial, law enforcement and judicial practice, norms of procedural legislation and legislation on the prosecutor's office, which regulate social relations emerged in exercising discretionary powers by the prosecutor in the context of oversight activity over execution of laws by the entities under supervision, as well as the positions formed on this matter. The object of this research is the social relations that arise in exercising discretionary powers by the prosecutor in the context of his oversight activity over execution of laws by the entities under supervision, essence, principles and limits, as well as the problems of their implementation occurring in prosecutorial activity. The study of discretionary authority of government branches lately receives increasing attention due ti the fact that limitless exercise of such authorities can invoke corruptive behavior. Examination of the questions of legal regulation of discretionary authority of the prosecutor is of prime importance as the prosecutor's office oversights the execution of laws and observance of rights of the citizens. The existing legal constructs that allow the exercise of discretion by the prosecutor are far from perfect, which causes the problems of law enforcement and violations of rights of the subjects under supervision. Therefore, the author explored the views of the scholars on the possibility of application and the scope of discretionary authority in the work of the prosecutor’s office and other government branches, effective legislation that regulates the discretionary authority of the prosecutor along with the practical aspects of its use. The novelty of this work and the author’s special contribution consist in the fact that based on the obtained results, the author offers a definition of the discretionary authority of the prosecutor, principles and limits of their application, as well as the way the legal constructs involving such authority should be structured.
Consumo sob duas rodas: a bicicleta e o incremento da economia local
Authors: Albuquerque Larissa Cavalcante , Amorim Karla Vanessa Nogueira Maia , Sousa Evangelina da Silva , Fontenele Raimundo Eduardo Silveira
Published: April 2021

Tendo em vista as políticas de mobilidade urbana e a problemática ambiental que resultaram na criação de infraestrutura para a disseminação da bicicleta como alternativa sustentável para locomoção e de fomento a economia urbana local, esta pesquisa buscou delinear o perfil dos sujeitos usuários de bicicleta, investigar os segmentos de mercado fomentados pela economia da bicicleta e identificar a percepção dos empresários em relação aos usuários de bicicleta como clientes, na cidade de Fortaleza (CE). A metodologia utilizada é de cunho quali-quantitativa. A técnica utilizada para tratamento dos dados qualitativos foi análise de conteúdo, e os dados quantitativos foram suportados pela estatística descritiva e análise de cluster. Foi aplicado um questionário com 132 usuários de bicicletas e realizadas entrevistas com proprietários ou gerentes de estabelecimentos que atuam na comercialização e serviços de manutenção de bicicletas. Como resultados foram identificados dois clusters distintos, sendo o cluster 1 formado por respondentes que possuem bicicleta, predominantemente do gênero feminino, enquanto no cluster 2, também prevalecem respondentes do gênero feminino, no entanto, são mais jovens e não possuem bicicleta própria. O segmento de mercado mais fomentado pelos usuários é do ramo de ciclismo, pois identificaram-se aquisições em maiores proporções que os demais segmentos. Apenas os comerciantes especializados em venda e serviços de bicicletas perceberam incrementos nos seus negócios, devido à expansão da infraestrutura específica e à cultura de mobilidade urbana instituída pelas políticas públicas da Prefeitura de Fortaleza nos últimos anos.
Modelo de gestão estratégica de TI por meio de linguagem orientada a objetivos: uma proposta para institutos federais de educação
Authors: Gonçalves Dayene Mendes Silva , Leal Andre Luiz de Castro , Castro Maria Cristina Drumond e
Published: April 2021

Este estudo empreende uma investigação da Gestão Estratégica de TI a partir da verificação da realidade da área de Tecnologia da Informação (TI) nos Institutos Federais (IF), trata aspectos que envolvem planejamento, estratégias e alta gestão, partindo do pressuposto da existência de um gap entre o universo da Governança Institucional de TI e de Gestão de TI. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como uma abordagem descritiva de cunho qualitativo, por meio de pesquisas bibliográficas, documentais e embasou-se em resultados de estudos já publicados acerca do tema.  Teve como objetivo o levantamento e mapeamento de informações, e como o resultado final, a proposição dos modelos Istar SD e SR como norteadores para a reestruturação da TI e inclusão dessa área como estratégica e de alto nível nos IF. Umas das principais constatações que esta investigação obteve está relacionada à necessidade de inclusão de representantes da área de TI nas decisões estratégicas institucionais visando elevar o grau de Governança de TI.
Gestão de riscos trabalhistas e previdenciários nos contratos de terceirização do setor público: estudo de caso em uma autarquia federal
Authors: Guimarães Duanne Emanuel Leal , Soares Cristiano Sausen , Dos Santos Edicreia Andrade
Published: April 2021

A terceirização de serviços públicos ganha espaço na Administração Pública brasileira por representar uma opção de mão de obra de baixo custo, em relação aos servidores públicos concursados, além de permitir um maior foco nas atividades-fim do Estado. Nessa conjuntura, o estudo tem por objetivo analisar a adoção da Conta Vinculada e do Pagamento por Fator Gerador como mecanismos de gestão de riscos trabalhistas e previdenciários dos contratos de serviços terceirizados com emprego de mão de obra em regime de dedicação exclusiva no setor público, sob a percepção dos gestores e fiscais de contrato. Para tanto, desenvolveu-se um estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, apoiado em um estudo de caso em uma autarquia federal com a aplicação de questionário, cujos dados foram tratados com aplicação de estatísticas descritivas. Os resultados do estudo apontam para a pouca utilização do instrumento do Pagamento por Fato Gerador, dentre as unidades analisadas, bem como o potencial dessas ferramentas na redução de riscos trabalhistas e previdenciários inerentes aos contratos de terceirização. Contudo, tais metodologias não são consideradas suficientes para solucionar os problemas de mitigação de riscos na instituição, sendo necessários avanços no setor para garantir maior eficiência.
Effectiveness of Self Instructional Module on Knowledge Regarding Vision Hazards while Playing Online Games among Junior College Students
Authors: Sakharkar Sheetal Namdeorao , Wankhede Payal Chandrashekhar , Teltumbade Rupali Prakash , Haridasthool Supriya , Wankhede Pallavi Dipakrao , Wandile Bhushan Vidyadhar
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Playing online games has become a most popular leisure activity in many parts of the world, which may impact people's health as a result of excessive gaming, most commonly among students. Some computer-related and vision-related researches have measured the physical and ocular effects and binocular vision separately. India has second largest number of users of cell phones. In India, few studies conducted to assess its impact on health. Presently, the incidence of internet gaming disorder among the adolescent group was between 1.3% to 19.9%. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of self-instructional module on knowledge regarding vision hazards while playing online games among junior college students. Materials and Methods: A pre-experimental pre-test, post-test research design was used to conduct this study. The study was conducted during September 2019 to February 2020 and the setting was selected in the New English junior college, Wardha (Maharashtra) after getting ethical permission. (Ref. no: DMIMS (DU)/IEC/Sept-2019/8494). Purposive sampling was the sampling method used to collect data from junior college students (11th standard students) on the basis of structured knowledge questionnaire. After collecting pre-test data, self-instructional module was given for intervention of vision hazards while playing online games to junior college students. Seven days were provided to the samples for utilising self-instructional module which was organised for 45-50 minutes. Post-test information was gathered after seven days from the day of intervention. The data were described by frequency, percentage and t-test was used to describe the difference between pre-test and post-test knowledge score. Chi-square test was also used to find out the association between knowledge of junior college students regarding vision hazards while playing online games and selected demographic variables. Results: There was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test knowledge scores interpreted that self-instructional module on knowledge regarding vision hazards while playing online games among junior college students were effective. Mean value of pre-test was 7.82 and post-test was 15.62 and standard deviation values of pre-test was ±1.88 and post-test was ±0.58. The calculated t-value was 39 and p-value was 0.0001. Conclusion: The study was effective because the post-test knowledge score improved than the pre-test knowledge score. So, the self-instructional module has proved to improve junior college student’s knowledge regarding vision hazards while playing online games.
Ocular Parameters Evaluation in Relation to the Refractive Error using Optical Coherence Topography
Authors: Maqsood Farah , Al-Matrafi Menwah , Al-Muaither Nourah
Published: April 2021

Introduction:The increasing prevalence of myopia has become a major public health impact due to its potentially blinding ocular complications. This study was done to evaluate the choroidal and retinal thickness, depth of the anterior chamber and the curvature of the cornea using 3D Optical Coherence Topography (OCT) and Optical Coherence Biometry instrument (Zeiss IOLMaster 700) among Saudi female adults with emmetropia, low and moderate myopia. Aim:To evaluate the choroidal thickness, foveal retinal thickness, depth of anterior chamber, Axial Length (AL) and curvature of the cornea between myopic and emmetropic individuals. Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was done in the female section of Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Science, King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia. Hundred and four eyes of healthy females between the ages of 19-26 years who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected. There was no gender preference; only female subjects were included because this study was done in the female college. The subjects were categorised into emmetropic groups (Spherical Equivalent (SE) ≤ -0.25 D), mild myopic groups (SE between -0.50 to -3.00 D) and moderate myopic groups (SE between -3.00 to -6.00 D). The foveal retinal and subfoveal choroidal thickness was measured using 3D OCT, however AL, Anterior Chamber Depth (ACD) and corneal radius were measured using IOL master. Results:The foveal retinal thickness of moderate myopia (205.55±15.35 μm) was found the same as in emmetropia (204.12±15.44 μm) and mild group (204.64±14.29 μm) with p>0.05. The significant difference was not found in the subfoveal choroidal thickness between these three groups. The mean AL of moderate myopia (25.03±0.75 mm) was significantly higher than mild myopia (23.99±0.74 mm) and emmetropia group (23.15±0.98 mm). There was highly significant difference in the ACD between the emmetropic and myopic groups. However, no significant difference was observed in the mean of corneal radius (K-reading) among the three groups (p>0.05). The corneal radius in total myopic eyes had a weak negative correlation with the AL. Conclusion:This study demonstrated that the foveal retinal and subfoveal choroidal thickness did not differ significantly in emmetropic and myopic groups. Also, positive correlation was noted between the ACD and AL. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) in ACD and AL for emmetropic group was found 0.28 and 0.48 for the moderate myopic group.
Role of Helicobacter Pylori Infection on Diabetic and Lipid Profile in Pre-diabetic Patients
Authors: Chaudhary Akash , Ansari Abdullah
Published: April 2021

Introduction:Helicobacter Pylori (H.pylori) infection is related to gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric cancers and Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue lymphomas (MALT). It is also associated with several extra-gastrointestinal pathologies owing to its association with increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, bacterial virulence factors and environmental factors. It may have an effect on onset of diabetes mellitus and alter lipid profile. Aim: To find the effect of H.pylori infection on diabetic and lipid profile in pre-diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: A single centre, cross-sectional study was conducted over a period from January 2019 to June 2020, on pre-diabetic patients (HbA1c 5.7-6.4%.). A total of 118 patients were recruited in the study and divided into two groups based on the H.pylori positive (group A) and negative (group B) results. HbA1c, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) were investigated at baseline, six months and 12 months and the results of the two groups were compared using student’s t-test. Supply Support Planning and Execution (SSPE) Software version 20.0 were used for analysis of the collected data. A p-value<0.05 to be considered significant. Results: Of the 118 patients, 96 (mean age 48.3 years) completed the study. There 59 (61.5%) were males and 37 (38.5%) were females. A total of 54 (56%) of the study population tested positive for the H.pylori colonisation. The study showed that patients infected with H.pylori (group A) had comparative rapid increase in the HbA1c levels (p-value=0.048) when compared with the non-infective group (group B). The group A also had statistically significant increase in the LDL cholesterol levels (p-value=0.032) and decrease in HDL cholesterol levels (p-value=0.02) than group B. Conclusion: Infection with H.pylori is associated with increase in the level of HbA1c in pre-diabetics. It is also associated with increase in the LDL cholesterol levels and decrease in the HDL cholesterol levels. Eradication of the pathogen may help in preventing or delaying the progression of pre-diabetes and dyslipidemia. However, larger studies without any confounding factors are needed to establish the association between H.pyloriinfection and its effect on diabetic and lipid profile.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Presenting with Recurrent Pleural Effusion: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Shah Kusum V , Dsilva Jerin J , Kumar Saket , Shah Arti D , Rana Yash
Published: April 2021

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of carcinoma which usually begins with lymph nodes. Pathogenesis of pleural fluid formation and reabsorption is also associated with pulmonary lymphatic system. Usually pleural effusions are encountered as complications due to infective aetiologies and non-infective causes. Pleural fluid formation and reabsorption in pulmonary lymphatic system are associated with pathogenesis. Authors present here a case report of a patient who presented with left sided severe chest pain investigated to have recurrent pleural effusion, and different clinico-radiological presentations. Computed Tomography (CT) scan showed a mediastinal mass from which CT guided biopsy was done and suggestive of Lymphoma. The patient responded to pleurodesis and chemotherapy.
Mortality Rates of EUS-Guided Biliary Drainage (EUS-BD) in Malignant Biliary Obstruction Patients in EUS-BD Era versus Non-EUS-BD Era: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Boonmee Chaloemphon , Summart Ueamporn , Tantraworasin Apichat , Khorana Jiraporn , Meesoi Pachararin , Arayajarernwong Niramon , Pareesri Wattana , Srikoolwong Tuangpraj
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Most of the Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients are commonly found in an advanced stage and often presents with Malignant Biliary Obstruction (MBO). Palliative treatment using biliary drainage plays a major role in the treatment modalities. However, only a few studies with small number of subjects have reported their long term outcomes. Aim: To compare the mortality rates of MBO patients in Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Biliary Drainage (EUS-BD) era versus non-EUS-BD era. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective cohort study which enrolled 132 MBO patients who had received palliative treatment between January 2014 to August 2020 at Thabo Crown Prince Hospital, Nong Khai, Thailand. The patients were treated either with EUS-BD (group l, n=30) or non-EUS-BD (group ll, n=94). Due to imbalance of follow-up time between two groups, the Overall Survival (OS) rates were compared using parametric survival analysis with restricted mean difference at 12 months follow-up, adjusted by other covariates, and presented in term of Kaplan-Meier curve, Hazard Ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval. Results: Most of the patients (99.19%) were having CCA. The clinical characteristics between the two groups showed no significant difference, except the mean follow-up time that group II was shorter than group I (2.43 vs. 7.12 months; p<0.001). At 12 months after treatment, the OS rate of group I remained significantly higher than group II (mean difference=2.23; 95%CI: 0.54-3.92; p=0.010). The parametric-Cox proportional hazard model showed that the 1-year mortality of patients in group I were 63% less than those in group II, the parametric model between two groups showed statistical significance with p-value=0.043. Conclusion: From present study it can be concluded that EUS-BD in MBO patients achieves lower mortality rate at one year follow-up. For conclusive findings of the benefit of EUS-BD, a prospective long term study with larger numbers of subjects should be performed.
Upregulation of ZHX2 predicts poor prognosis and is correlated with immune infiltration in gastric cancer
Authors: Cheng Anqi , Guo Xiong , Dai Xinglong , Wang Ziwei
Published: April 2021

The transcriptional repressor zinc finger homeobox 2 (ZHX2) is reported to regulate tumor progression in several human cancers, although little is known about its role in gastric cancer (GC). In the present study, we investigated the expression of ZHX2 and its relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of GC patients, and we also examined the effect of ZHX2 overexpression in GC cell lines. We used UALCAN (http://ualcan.path.uab.edu) and the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (http://cistrome.org/TIMER) to examine ZHX2 mRNA expression, and also used Kaplan–Meier Plotter (https://kmplot.com) to determine whether ZHX2 expression was related to GC prognosis. Expression of ZHX2 protein was detected using immunohistochemical staining assays. Cell proliferation was evaluated using a cell counting kit‐8 and colony formation assays, whereas apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect cell migration and invasion. We also performed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (https://www.gsea‐msigdb.org) and used The Cancer Genome Atlas database (https://www.genome.gov/Funded‐Programs‐Projects/Cancer‐Genome‐Atlas) to examine the correlation of ZHX2 with immune infiltration. We report that ZHX2 is highly expressed in GC tissues and is significantly associated with clinical characteristics. Upregulation of ZHX2 predicted poor prognosis in GC. Furthermore, ZHX2 overexpression can promote the proliferation, invasion and migration, but inhibit apoptosis, of GC cells. High expression of ZHX2 in GC is correlated with the presence of infiltrating immune cells, including B cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. Our data suggest that high expression of ZHX2 in GC predicts poor prognosis. In addition, ZHX2 may promote malignant behaviors of GC cells, and immune infiltration might be related to the oncogenic role of ZHX2 in GC.
Reconstruction of Muscle Fascicle‐Like Tissues by Anisotropic 3D Patterning
Authors: Jin Yoonhee , Jeon Eun Je , Jeong Sohyeon , Min Sungjin , Choi Yi Sun , Kim So Hyun , Lee Jung Seung , Shin Jisoo , Yu Ji Hea , Ahn Da‐Hee , Kim Yun‐Gon , Yang Hee Seok , Kang Taek Jin , Cho Sung‐Rae , Choi Nakwon , Cho Seung‐Woo
Published: April 2021

Tissue engineering of skeletal muscle has been proposed as a potential regenerative treatment for extensive muscle damage. In this regard, the highly organized structure of skeletal muscles makes the alignment of cells especially indispensable in muscle tissue engineering. However, achieving the desired alignment continues to prove challenging, particularly in 3D engineered tissue constructs. In this study, a biomimetic approach for the generation of functional skeletal muscle fascicle‐like tissues by recapitulating 3D muscle‐like cellular and extracellular organization, is demonstrated. Anisotropic 3D alignment of muscle extracellular matrix (MEM) nanofibrils capable of providing a pro‐myogenic microenvironment by regulating the kinetics of fibrillogenesis in a stretchable elastomeric chip, is achieved. Reprogrammed muscle progenitor cells develop myofibers along the aligned MEM nanofibrils in a 3D configuration, culminating in the structural and functional maturation of skeletal muscle. The resultant 3D muscle fascicle‐like constructs support de novo muscle regeneration and induce functional restoration of injured muscles in animal models inflicted with volumetric muscle loss and congenital muscular dystrophy. This study not only highlights the fundamental roles of the muscle–mimetic structural guidance cues for 3D muscle tissue engineering, but also unveils the clinical potential of artificial muscle constructs in regenerative medicine.
Ni1−xCoxSe2C/ZnIn2S4 Hybrid Nanocages with Strong 2D/2D Hetero‐Interface Interaction Enable Efficient H2‐Releasing Photocatalysis
Authors: Chao Yuguang , Zhou Peng , Lai Jianping , Zhang Weiyu , Yang Huawei , Lu Shiyu , Chen Hui , Yin Kun , Li Menggang , Tao Lu , Shang Changshuai , Tong Meiping , Guo Shaojun
Published: April 2021

Designing a semiconductor‐based heterostructure photocatalyst for achieving the efficient separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs is highly important for enhancing H2 releasing photocatalysis. Here, a new class of Ni1−xCoxSe2–C/ZnIn2S4 hierarchical nanocages with abundant and compact ZnIn2S4 nanosheets/Ni1−xCoxSe2C nanosheets 2D/2D hetero–interfaces, is designed and synthesized. The constructed heterostructure photocatalyst exposes rich hetero‐junctions, supplying the broad and short transfer paths for charge carriers. The close contacts of these two kinds of nanosheets induce a strong interaction between ZnIn2S4 and Ni1−xCoxSe2C, improving the separation and transfer of photo‐generated electron‐hole pairs. As a consequence, the distinctive Ni1−xCoxSe2C/ZnIn2S4 hierarchical nanocages without using additional noble‐metal cocatalysts, display remarkable H2‐relaesing photocatalytic activity with a rate of 5.10 mmol g−1 h−1 under visible light irradiation, which is 6.2 and 30 times higher than those of fresh ZnIn2S4 nanosheets and bare Ni1−xCoxSe2C nanocages, respectively. Spectroscopic characterizations and theory calculations reveal that the strong interaction between ZnIn2S4 and Ni1−xCoxSe2C 2D/2D hetero‐interfaces can powerfully promote the separation of photo‐generated charge carriers and the electrons transfer from ZnIn2S4 to Ni1−xCoxSe2C.
Biocompatible Nanomotors as Active Diagnostic Imaging Agents for Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Tumor Tissues In Vivo
Authors: Zheng Shaohui , Wang Yong , Pan Sihao , Ma Enhui , Jin Shang , Jiao Min , Wang Wenjun , Li Jingjing , Xu Kai , Wang Hong
Published: April 2021

The limited penetration of imaging agents in solid tumor tissue and cells remains a great challenge to achieve ideal visibility in cancer diagnosis. Herein, a near infrared (NIR) light‐driven Janus mesoporous silica nanomotor (JMS nanomotor) to promote magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in vivo is developed. The JMS nanomotors are prepared by depositing Au on the half‐sphere surface of gadolinium‐doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Under NIR irradiation, the nanomotors achieve efficient propulsion through thermophoresis in biological media. To prove the ability of nanomotors as active diagnostic imaging agents, both in vitro and in vivo experiments are carried out. In vitro studies confirm that NIR light can actively propel the JMS nanomotors to effectively seek, adhere to, and mechanically perforate the tumor cells to enhance the cellular uptake and MR imaging. To move a step further, in vivo investigations show that the JMS nanomotors also exhibit improved accumulation and deep penetration in the solid tumor model when exposed to NIR laser, where the MR imaging contrast is significantly enhanced in the majority of tumor tissue. Such JMS nanomotors provide new insight in precise cancer diagnosis and meanwhile MR imaging offers a new tool for real‐time tracking of nanomotors in vivo.
Nanosilver‐Promoted Trimetallic Ni–Co–Mn Perovskite Fluorides for Advanced Aqueous Supercabatteries with Pseudocapacitive Multielectrons Phase Conversion Mechanisms
Authors: Ying Danfeng , Li Yi , Ding Rui , Shi Wei , Xu Qilei , Huang Yongfa , Jia Ziyang , Yu Wujiang , Sun Xiujuan , Gao Ping , Liu Enhui , Wang Xianyou
Published: April 2021

Aqueous supercapacitors (ASCs) and batteries (ABs) have drawn great attention as promising energy storage devices. However, the key issues of limited energy density of ASCs and inferior power density/poor cycling life of ABs discourage their further application. Herein, a new concept of advanced aqueous supercabatteries (ASCBs) realized by nanosilver‐promoted trimetallic Ni–Co–Mn perovskite fluorides (K1.0Ni0.4Co0.2Mn0.4F3.2 (KNCMF‐10#)/Ag(37%), denoted as 10#/Ag(37%)) electrode materials is proposed, integrating with the respective superior specific power/cycling behavior and energy density of ASCs and ABs. A pseudocapacitance‐dominated multielectrons phase conversion mechanism of the 10#/Ag(37%) electrode materials can be deduced by ex situ characterizations and electrochemical techniques. The constructed ASCBs by matching 10#/Ag(37%) cathode with activated carbon (AC)/Bi(17%) anode achieve great energy density without sacrifice of power density and cycling life in wide temperatures, benefiting from the synergistic energy storage superiority of ASCs and ABs containing capacitive, pseudocapacitive, and Faradaic response in electrochemical processes. Overall, this work highlights the new idea of nano‐Ag‐promoted trimetallic Ni–Co–Mn perovskite fluorides with a pseudocapacitive multielectrons phase conversion mechanism as a new pop star for advanced ASCBs, showing a great significance in the context of designing advanced electrode materials and in‐depth understanding of their complicated charge storage mechanisms for aqueous electrochemical energy storage systems.
Hydrous Proton Transfer through Graphene Interlayer: An Extraordinary Mechanism under Magnifier
Authors: Zakertabrizi Mohammad , Hosseini Ehsan , Habibnejad Korayem Asghar , Razmjou Amir
Published: April 2021

Balancing ionic selectivity against permeability in filters made from graphene remains a challenge today. Interlayer distance, as the most important factor, dominates nearly all aspects of the flow inside the channel, from the formation of water molecules to the hydration shell of the ions. Unraveling the effects of the interlayer distance on the proton diffusion process helps lay a foundation for the cutting‐edge proton conduction technology. Here, the reactive molecular dynamics simulations are used to probe the proton flow through a series of hydrated graphene channels with different interlayer distance values. The results show that the proton‐selectivity experiences a sharp increase when the channel height is reduced to values under 8 Å, which is near the end of the hydration radii range of the monovalent and divalent cations. Reducing the interlayer distance also decreases the number of confined water molecules, consequently reducing the proton diffusion rate as the hopping platform fades. This way, spatial hindrance combined with the proton‐selective Grotthuss mechanism provide a proton‐exclusive membrane. The outputs of this work can be used for the optimization of proton‐exclusive nanochannels and to serve affordable proton‐exchange membranes (PEMs) for technological advancement in diverse fields from PEM fuel cells to storing liquid hydrogen.
Understanding Transient Photoluminescence in Halide Perovskite Layer Stacks and Solar Cells
Authors: Krückemeier Lisa , Krogmeier Benedikt , Liu Zhifa , Rau Uwe , Kirchartz Thomas
Published: April 2021

While transient photoluminescence (TPL) measurements are a very popular tool to monitor the charge‐carrier dynamics in the field of halide perovskite photovoltaics, interpretation of data obtained on multilayer samples is highly challenging due to the superposition of various effects that modulate the charge‐carrier concentration in the perovskite layer and thereby the measured photoluminescence (PL). These effects include bulk and interfacial recombination, charge transfer to electron‐ or hole transport layers, and capacitive charging or discharging. Here, numerical simulations with Sentauraus TCAD, analytical solutions, and experimental data with a dynamic range of ≈7 orders of magnitude on a variety of different sample geometries, from perovskite films on glass to full devices, are combined to present an improved understanding of this method. A presentation of the decay time of the TPL decay that follows from taking the derivative of the photoluminescence at every time is proposed. Plotting this decay time as a function of the time‐dependent quasi‐Fermi‐level splitting enables distinguishing between the different contributions of radiative and non‐radiative recombination as well as charge extraction and capacitive effects to the decay.
Formation of CsPbI3 γ‐Phase at 80 °C by Europium‐Assisted Snowplow Effect
Authors: Alberti Alessandra , Smecca Emanuele , Deretzis Ioannis , Mannino Giovanni , Bongiorno Corrado , Valastro Salvatore , Sanzaro Salvatore , Fisicaro Giuseppe , Jena Ajay Kumar , Numata Youhei , Guo Zhanglin , Spinella Corrado , Miyasaka Tsutomu , La Magna Antonino
Published: April 2021

Herein, the convenient interplay between Eu incorporation and morphology to form the perovskite (PSK) γ‐phase of CsPbI3 at 80 °C (low temperature [LT] γ‐phase) is unveiled. In contrast, CsPbI3 without Eu exists in a mixture of γ‐phase and non‐PSK δ‐phase at 65 °C or in a fully δ‐phase at 80 °C. Based on experimental and theoretical findings, an argument about a double beneficial role of Eu is presented. On one hand, it assists in the formation of the γ‐phase either by substituting Pb or by occupying interstitial positions in the CsPbI3 lattice. On the other hand, it indirectly promotes the formation of a fine‐grained layer at LT wherein the high surface‐to‐volume ratio makes the establishment of the δ‐phase unfavorable. Strain accommodation in the fine‐grained matrix and the formation of a gluing intergrain‐self‐material during the kinetics of reaction (snowplow effect) cooperate in extending the lifetime of the LT γ‐phase to ≈40 h at 65 °C compared to only ≈10–15 min in the sample without Eu for the complete phase transformation. The disclosed phenomena draw a method for the stabilization of PSK‐CsPbI3 layers based on a self‐generated thin frame of exceeding material filling the gaps between small‐sized grains that can be used hereinafter to further extend the PSK lifetime.
Genetic diversity and distinctness based on morphological and SSR markers in peanut
Authors: Hong Yanbin , Pandey Manish K. , Lu Qing , Liu Hao , Gangurde Sunil S. , Li Shaoxiong , Liu Haiyan , Li Haifen , Liang Xuanqiang , Varshney Rajeev K. , Chen Xiaoping
Published: April 2021

The morphological and molecular diversity of 101 peanut varieties from South China were analyzed to identify distinctness among these varieties. No significant difference was observed for six morphological characteristics whereas a range of 0.25–0.51 of diversity index was observed for 11 morphological characteristics, with an average value of 0.39. Molecular characterization with 40 highly polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSRs) generated a total of 167 alleles ranging from two to six alleles per marker with average 4.18 alleles per marker. The polymorphism information content (PIC) of these markers varied from 0.79 to 0.26 with an average value of 0.55 per marker. The diversity analysis using morphological and genotyping data grouped all the varieties into seven and six clusters, respectively, and varieties released by the same province tended to be grouped in the same cluster. Mantel testing revealed that the correlations between the similarity coefficient matrixes of the morphological characteristics and SSR markers of different varieties were weak (r = .347), implying that deployment of more SSR markers is needed for achieving distinctness among these peanut varieties. Nevertheless, the combination of morphological characteristics and SSR markers will effectively increase the accuracy of distinctiveness identification.
Resolution of sclerotic lesions of dysosteosclerosis due to biallelic SLC29A3 variant in a Turkish girl
Authors: Uludağ Alkaya Dilek , Akpınar Evren , Bilguvar Kaya , Tüysüz Beyhan
Published: April 2021

Dysosteosclerosis is a group of sclerosing bone dysplasia characterized by short stature, increased bone fragility, osteosclerosis, and platyspondyly. It is a genetically heterogeneous disorder caused by biallelic mutations in the SLC29A3, TNFRSF11A, TCIRG1, and CSF1R genes. To date, four dysosteosclerosis patients with SLC29A3 mutations have been reported. Here, we report biallelic SLC29A3 (c.303_320dupCTACTTTGAGAGCTACCT) variant in a three‐year‐old girl. She had large anterior fontanelle, fracture history, short stature, camptodactyly, elbow contracture, and melanocytic nevus. Initial skeletal radiographs revealed platyspondyly, dense vertebral endplates (sandwich appearance of the vertebral bodies), diffuse sclerosis of the peripheral side of the pelvic bones, sclerosis of metaphysis and diaphysis of the long bones, metaphyseal widening, and diaphyseal cortical thickening. Mild sclerosis was also present in the skull base, maxilla, rib, scapula, and phalanges. Notably, we observed that sandwich vertebrae appearance significantly resolved and sclerosis of ribs, scapula, pelvis, and long bone metaphysis regressed over a 2.5‐year period. However, platyspondyly, metaphyseal widening, and diaphyseal cortical thickening persisted. In conclusion, this study demonstrates spontaneous resolution of osteosclerosis, which was not described previously in patients with dysosteosclerosis.
A Facile and Efficient Method for the Synthesis of Labeled and Unlabeled Very Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Hamberg Mats
Published: April 2021

Several methods are available for elongation of fatty acid acyl chains. The present paper describes adaptation to the fatty acid field of a previously published protocol for manganese‐based Wurtz type coupling of alkyl bromides. 22‐Bromo‐3(Z),6(Z),9(Z),12(Z),15(Z),18(Z)‐docosahexaene, easily prepared from 4(Z),7(Z),10(Z),13(Z),16(Z),19(Z)‐docosahexaenoic acid, was coupled to homologous ω‐bromoesters by stirring for 4 hours at 40°C in the presence of manganese powder, a nickel catalyst and terpyridine. This afforded in yields of 70–75% a series of ω3‐hexaenoates of chain lengths of 32–40 carbons. The corresponding fatty acids of >98% purity were obtained following saponification and final purification. By using methyl [2,2,3,3,4,4‐2H6]10‐bromodecanoate as coupling partner it was possible to prepare a very long chain fatty acid in isotopically labeled form, i.e., [2,2,3,3,4,4‐2H6]14(Z),17(Z),20(Z),23(Z),26(Z),29(Z)‐dotriacontahexaenoic acid. Also prepared were the monounsaturated long chain fatty acids 15(Z)‐octadecenoic acid and 15(Z)‐tetracosenoic acid. Very long chain fatty acids have been isolated from retina and other tissues and are of biological relevance. The methodology described will assist in further analytical and biological studies in this field.
A comparative genome‐wide analysis of the ABC transporter gene family among three Gossypium species
Authors: Cui Baolu , Li Yan , Zhang Yanjie
Published: April 2021

ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) proteins are powerful transporters and are involved in countless cellular processes of plant development. In the present study, 315, 169, and 170 ABC genes were identified in Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium raimondii, and Gossypium arboreum, respectively. The ABC genes were clustered into eight subfamilies based on their structural and phylogenetic features. The ABC members within the same subfamily showed similar protein structures and motif composition. Both tandem and segmental duplication events appear to have shaped the extensive expansion of the ABC transporter gene family, with purifying selection being the primary driving force for evolution. Expression profiles derived from transcriptome data exhibited distinct expression patterns of GhABC genes in various tissues and in response to different abiotic stresses. Additionally, analyses of the expression patterns of syntenic GhABC paralog pairs across 10 tissues and at ovule and fiber development stages revealed their functional conservation, subfunctionalization, neo‐functionalization, and pseudogenization during evolution. Finally, the analysis of co‐expressed subnetworks and tissue‐specific expression profiles suggested several ABC gene members might be involved in fiber development. This research provides a comprehensive overview of the ABC transporter gene family and forms the basis for further functional analysis in cotton.
Grid power quality improvement using a vehicle‐to‐grid enabled bidirectional off‐board electric vehicle battery charger
Authors: Lenka Rajesh Kumar , Panda Anup Kumar
Published: April 2021

This paper investigates the application of a vehicle‐to‐grid (V2G)‐enabled bidirectional off‐board electric vehicle (EV) battery charger on the grid current harmonic compensation (GCHC) and reactive power compensation (RPC) and simultaneously uses it as a battery charger and power generator. To generate reference current, the proposed EV charger control algorithm processed the nonlinear residential load current and point of common coupling (PCC) voltage, to estimate the active load current component and synchronizing voltage template, respectively. The EV charger control algorithm uses an adaptive notch filter (ANF) to generate the in‐phase and 90° shifted synchronizing voltage template from PCC voltage. Furthermore, a resonant filter is used to extract the fundamental frequency residential load current component accurately. The extracted fundamental component is sampled and hold at zero crossings of the 90° shifted synchronizing voltage template to estimate the active load current component. As a result, the proposed control algorithm ensures effective performance without depending on any phase‐locked loop (PLL). The charger performance with the proposed control algorithm is validated by the simulation results obtained using MATLAB/Simulink. Furthermore, an off‐board EV battery charger experimental prototype is built in the laboratory to verify the obtained simulation results.
Dynamic Doppler prediction in high‐speed rail using long short‐term memory neural network
Authors: Xiong Lei , Zhang Zhengyu , Yao Dongpin
Published: April 2021

In the high‐speed rail (HSR), wireless communication systems are suffering considerably from the huge Doppler shift caused by the high speed moving of the train. Moreover, the Doppler shift in HSR changes rapidly, and results in the poor Doppler prediction performance on pay‐load symbols. In this paper, a novel Doppler prediction algorithm based on long short‐term memory (LSTM) neural network is proposed. The proposed algorithm is enable to learn the regularity of the Doppler shift by the pretraining and tracking training, and can achieve better prediction performance for high speed moving than traditional algorithms without modification of the communication protocol.
Impact of Aging on Liver Cells and Liver Disease: Focus on the Biliary and Vascular Compartments
Authors: Baiocchi Leonardo , Glaser Shannon , Francis Heather , Kennedy Lindsey , Felli Eric , Alpini Gianfranco , Gracia‐Sancho Jordi
Published: April 2021

The aging process is represented by the time‐dependent decay in physiologic functions of living beings. Major interest has been focused in recent years on the determinants of this progressive condition due to its correlative relationship with the onset of diseases. Several hallmark features have been observed in aging, such as genetic alterations, mitochondrial impairment, and telomere shortening. At the cellular level, a senescent phenotype has been identified in response to aging that is characterized by a flat appearance, proliferative arrest, and production of specific molecules. The net effect of these cells in the course of diseases is an argument of debate. In fact, while the onset of a senescent phenotype may prevent tumor spreading, these cells appear to support pathological processes in some conditions. Several studies are now focused on clarifying the specific molecular pathways of aging/senescence in different cells, tissues, or organs. Biliary and vascular components, within the liver, have emerged as important determinants of some form of liver disease. In this review we summarize the most recent achievements on aging/senescence, focusing on the biliary and vascular liver system. Conclusion: Several findings, in both preclinical animal models and on human liver specimens, converge in supporting the presence of specific aging hallmarks in the diseases involving these hepatic compartments.
Reinduction chemotherapy regimen involved decitabine and cladribine improves the prognosis of patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia: A preliminary study
Authors: Hui Yan , Li Yi , Tong Xiwen , Huang Lifang , Mao Xia , Huang Liang , Zhang Donghua
Published: April 2021

Relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R‐AML) is characterized by a high incidence, short survival and poor prognosis. Presently, no unified effective reinduction chemotherapy regimen has been developed. Therefore, the use of reinduction chemotherapy regimens before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) is controversial. Our study aims to analyze the prognostic factors of R/R‐AML and to evaluate the efficacy of the regimen involved decitabine, cladribine, idarubicin or homoharringtonine, and cytarabine (DCIA/DCHA). Clinical and survival data of 112 R/R‐AML patients were obtained. Among the 102 R/R‐AML patients that were treated with conventional regimens, we found that poor prognosis was related to a greater proportion of bone marrow blasts (>70%) and not achieving complete remission (non‐CR) after the first reinduction chemotherapy. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (of which 89.47% was allo‐HSCT) following CR after the first reinduction chemotherapy often improves the prognosis. Of the 10 R/R‐AML patients that were treated with the DCIA/DCHA regimen, nine patients achieved CR or complete response with incomplete hematopoietic recovery (CRi) after one course of chemotherapy. The median overall survival of the 10 patients was 10.14 (1.23‐29.13) months. In conclusion, non‐CR was associated with poor prognosis in R/R‐AML. Therefore, intensive reinduction chemotherapy should be selected to achieve CR. This creates conditions for allo‐HSCT and improves prognosis of R/R‐AML patients. The DCIA/DCHA regimen showed good efficacy and tolerable adverse reactions in R/R‐AML treatment. This combination may be used as a bridging regimen for allo‐HSCT in R/R‐AML.
The Impact of Telmisartan on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Hypertensive Male Siblings of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Basiak Marcin , Szkróbka Witold , Okopień Bogusław
Published: April 2021

Brothers of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were found to be at increased risk for cardiometabolic disorders. This risk may be exacerbated by concurrent poorly controlled hypertension. Angiotensin II receptor blockers are the most frequently used antihypertensive drugs. The aim of the present study was to compare blood pressure‐lowering and pleiotropic effects of telmisartan between male siblings of PCOS probands and unrelated men. The study included 2 age‐, blood pressure‐, and mass index‐matched groups of men with grade 1 hypertension: 24 brothers of women with PCOS (group A) and 26 brothers of healthy women (group B). All subjects were treated with telmisartan (80 mg daily). Blood pressure, glucose homeostasis markers, and plasma lipids, as well as plasma levels of total testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, androstenedione, uric acid, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), homocysteine, fibrinogen, and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D were measured before and after 12 weeks of therapy. At entry, there were between‐group differences in the degree of insulin resistance, plasma levels of high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, triglycerides, calculated bioavailable testosterone, androstenedione, hsCRP, and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D. Although telmisartan reduced blood pressure in both study groups, this effect was stronger in group B. Irrespective of the study group, the drug improved insulin sensitivity and reduced circulating levels of uric acid and homocysteine, but these effects were more pronounced in group B than group A. Only in group B, telmisartan decreased hsCRP and fibrinogen, as well as increased 25‐hydroxyvitamin D. The obtained results suggest that hypertensive male relatives of PCOS probands may gain less benefit from telmisartan treatment than unrelated hypertensive men.
Does early ethanol exposure increase seeking‐like behavior in zebrafish?
Authors: Pinheiro‐da‐Silva Jaquelinne , Araujo‐Silva Heloysa , Luchiari Ana Carolina
Published: April 2021

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the most common cause of birth defects. The severe variations are in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) but the most frequent cases are alcohol‐related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), which is of a difficult diagnosis. ARND characteristics include impaired social behavior, anxiety and depression prevalence, cognitive deficits, and an increased chance for drug addiction. Here, we aimed to test whether early alcohol exposure leads to later alcohol preference. We hypothesize that early alcohol exposure increases the reinforcing effects on later experiences, raising the chance of addiction in adult life. Lately, the zebrafish has been a valuable model on alcohol research, allowing embryonic exposure and the study of the ontogenetic effects. For this, embryos were exposed to three different alcohol treatments: 0.0%, 0.25% and 0.5%, for 2 hr, at 24‐hr post‐fertilization. Then we evaluated the effects of embryonic alcohol exposure on conditioned place preference in two developmental stage: fry (10 days post‐fertilization (dpf)) and young (90 dpf) zebrafish. Results show that control fish presented alcohol associative learning, which means, changes in place preference due to alcohol exposure, at both ontogenetic phases. However, zebrafish exposed to 0.25 and 0.5% alcohol during embryogenesis did not show conditioning response at any evaluated stage. These results suggest perception and cognitive deficits due to embryonic alcohol exposure that can alter alcohol responsiveness throughout a lifetime. Although low alcohol doses do not provoke malformation, it has been shown to induce several neurological and behavioral changes that are termed as Alcohol‐Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders. These results may contribute to future investigations on how embryonic exposure affects the neurocircuitry related to perception and associative learning processing.