bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aplicaciones Contextuales, parte I
Authors: González Sancho Marcos
Published: December 2019

Las aplicación contextuales acompañan al usuario en toda la experiencia de uso, de manera que con una sensación de continuidad, el usuario emplea diferentes versiones de una misma herramienta que se adapta para facilitarle la vida en cada contexto, solventando las limitaciones inherentes a cada uno de ellos, y aprovechando las ventajas propias de los mismos.
Mitchell Baker
Authors: Córcoles César
Published: December 2019

César Córcoles entrevista a Mitchell Baker, gerente del proyecto Mozilla desde 1999, quien ha ayudado a dar forma a la licencia bajo la cual se publicó el código fuente de Netscape. Como Presidenta de la Fundación Mozilla, a lo largo de la entrevista Mitchell mantiene su compromiso con un ideal de web abierta e innovadora y las infinitas posibilidades que presenta.
10 años de Mosaic, ¡encendemos la vela!
Authors: Casado Martínez Carlos , Giménez Ferran , Blasco Laia
Published: December 2019

Mosaic está a punto de cumplir 10 años de actividad y es el momento de que el equipo directivo de Mosaic –formado por Ferran Giménez, Laia Blasco y Carlos Casado- haga balance de estos 10 años vividos y nos descubra algunas de las sorpresas preparadas para la celebración del décimo aniversario.
Aplicaciones Contextuales, parte II
Authors: González Sancho Marcos
Published: December 2019

Para lograr crear una aplicación contextual que acompañe al usuario en toda la experiencia de uso con una sensación de continuidad, empleando versiones de una misma solución que se adapta a cada contexto, el desarrollador, como nos explica Marcos González, se enfrenta a ciertos retos técnicos comunes a este tipo de aplicaciones.
El principio de la invariancia aplicado en Fireworks CS4
Authors: Broto Daniel
Published: December 2019

Daniel Broto comparte una de sus prácticas de la asignatura Diseño Gráfico del Grado Multimedia. El ejercicio consistía en crear una composición a partir de un objeto geométrico simple, al que se le debía aplicar diferentes variaciones utilizando las herramientas de Fireworks CS4. Gracias a la experiencia de Daniel aprenderemos a desarrollar el concepto del principio perceptivo de la invariancia.
Guión para un producto interactivo multimedia
Authors: Hidalgo Medrano Óscar
Published: December 2019

El punto de partida de la práctica sobre el guión interactivo multimedia, de la asignatura de Narrativa interactiva, es una historia y personajes ya creados anteriormente en las PAC’s sobre el guión secuencial. Dada la importancia adquirida de aplicaciones interactivas en dispositivos como: smartphones, tablets, Ipods,… , el objetivo era transformar esta historia inicial en el guion para un producto interactivo multi...
Predictive Modeling of the Syngas Production from Methane Dry Reforming over Cobalt Catalyst with Statistical and Machine Learning Based Approaches
Authors: ELMAZ Furkan , YÜCEL Özgün , MUTLU Ali Yener
Published: December 2019

Dry reforming of methane is a promising method
to reduce the emission of CO2 and to use it in various type of
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and production of syngas. In order to obtain
desirable products efficiently, the effect of reactants on the products must be
known precisely. For this purpose, several studies have published for modeling
the dry reforming of methane process with artificial intelligence-based
data-driven prediction models. Due to lack of investigating overfitting problem
and deficient and/or biased performance evaluations, actual potential of
proposed methods have not been revealed for predicting certain outputs of the
process. In this paper, we employed three regression methods and developed
prediction models using a dataset with 57 observations. Performance evaluations
of the models are performed with 10-fold cross-validation to ensure unbiased
results. Proposed methods’ both training and testing performances are
separately investigated, further applicability is discussed.
Investigation of Structural, Spectral, Biological Activity of Monohydrous Dihydrogen Phosphate Salt of Ciprofloxacin: Computational and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: AYCAN Tuğba , ÖZTÜRK Filiz , ÖZDEMİR Nilgün , PAŞAOĞLU Hümeyra
Published: December 2019

The present study
describes the synthesis, spectroscopic and biological activity of Monohydrous
Dihydrogen Phosphate Salt of Ciprofloxacin (MDPSC). The asymmetrical part of
the unit cell contains one ciprofloxacin cation, one dihydrogen phosphate anion
and one water molecule.
The techniques used for the characterization are single crystal X-ray
diffraction and spectroscopic method (IR, UV) and thermal analysis. The molecular structure was theoretically optimized using
DFT/B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) methods for ground state, and compared with experimental
values. Scaled theoretical vibrational frequencies are compared with
experimental values. The UV-Vis results that experimentally obtained are
compared with the calculated electronic properties such as HOMO and LUMO
energies and the MEP are also investigated. The vibrational frequences has been
studied by comparing the characteristic bands related to the functional groups
of the compound and the ciprofloxacin. Thermal properties have been
investigated with TGA. Biological study of the complex against Staphylococcus
aerous, Escherichia coli, Candida Albicans, Bacillus Subtilis, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa and Aspergillus Flavus showed very strong antibacterial
activity with MIC values ranging from 512 µg mL-1 to 1 µg mL-1.
The optimized complex is docked to the 5J9B, 5BMM, 5HTG, 1ZUV, 4F0V and 4YNU.
İdiyopatik Hipogonadotropik Hipogonadizme Neden Olan GNRH1 c.99delA Delesyonunun Klinik ve Genetik İncelemesi
Authors: KOTAN GEDİK Leman Damla , EREN Erdal , TURAN İhsan , MENGEN Eda , YÜKSEL Bilgin , TOPALOĞLU Ali Kemal
Published: December 2019

GNRH1, gonadotropin salgılatıcı hormon
ailesinin üyesi olan bir preprohormonu kodlamaktadır ve idiyopatik
hipogonadotropik hipogonadizm (IHH) hastalık modeli için nedensel genler arasındadır.
Bugüne kadar hastalıkla ilişkili olarak GNRH1’de
oldukça sınırlı sayıda mutasyon bildirilmesine rağmen, homozigot c.99delA delesyonu
farklı etnik kökenlere sahip IHH’li ailelerde tekrarlayan şekilde raporlanmıştır.
Bu çalışmada, GNRH1 c.99delA
mutasyonu taşıyan IHH tanılı üç bağımsız aileden toplam dört hastada ayrıntılı genetik
ve klinik inceleme amaçlanmıştır. Bu ailelerdeki her üç proband da IHH’nin
klinik olarak en ağır manifestasyonu sayılan inmemiş testis/mikropenis ile
başvurmuştur. GNRH1 mutasyonunu
komşulayan homozigot segmentlerin her üç ailede de farklı olması mutasyonun
ortak bir atadan kalıtılmış (founder mutation) olmak yerine, mutasyona eğilimli
bir bölge (mutational hotspot) nedeniyle oluşmuş olduğunu düşündürmektedir. GNRH1 homozigot mutasyonları IHH için
halen nadir görülen nedenlerden biri olmasına rağmen hastalarda nedensel GNRH1 taraması yapılırken c.99delA
mutasyonu öncelikli bakılması gereken noktaların başında gelmektedir.
The association between mental rotation capacity and motor impairment in children with obesity—an exploratory study
Authors: Deconinck Frederik J.A. , D’Hondt Eva , Caeyenberghs Karen , Lenoir Matthieu , Augustijn Mireille J.C.M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Motor impairments are relatively common in children with obesity and evidence suggests that these difficulties go beyond those expected based on the extra weight. This study aimed to investigate the mental rotation capacity in children with obesity, i.e., the ability to mentally view and rotate spatial information, which is a function of both visual-spatial and action representation processes. In particular, we examined whether children with obesity solved mental hand rotation tasks using an egocentric perspective (i.e., motor imagery) and if performance was related to their motor competence.

Methods

Fifty children (age range: 7–11 y) of which 19 with obesity and motor impairments (OB-) as assessed by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (2nd version), 13 with obesity without motor impairments (OB+) and 18 control children with a healthy weight (HW) and normal motor competence, were submitted to a classic hand rotation task. Sitting at a desk the children were instructed to indicate the laterality of a picture of a hand displayed on a monitor as quickly and as accurately as possible.

Results

The results indicate no differences in response time between groups (2,648 ms, 2,558 ms, 2,664 ms for OB-, OB+ and HW respectively). The OB- group, however, had significantly lower accuracy rates and inverse efficiency scores than the HW group (Accuracy: 72% vs. 89%; Inverse efficiency: 4,428 vs. 3,238). No difference was observed in accuracy and inverse efficiency between the OB+ and HW group (Accuracy: 86%; Inverse efficiency: 3,432). In all groups, slower and more error-prone responses were observed when the angle of rotation was larger and when the hand on display was incongruent with the posture of the participants, which indicates that judgments were made from an egocentric perspective and involved motor imagery.

Conclusion

All children, including those with obesity, appear to engage in motor imagery. This notion needs to be investigated further in children with obesity and motor impairments, given their generally lower accuracy and decreased efficiency, which may indicate a reduced mental rotation capacity.
Identification of miRNA precursors in the phloem of Cucurbita maxima
Authors: Tolstyko Eugeny , Lezzhov Alexander , Solovyev Andrey
Published: December 2019

Plant development and responses to environmental cues largely depend on mobile signals including microRNAs (miRNAs) required for post-transcriptional silencing of specific genes. Short-range cell-to-cell transport of miRNA in developing tissues and organs is involved in transferring positional information essential for determining cell fate. Among other RNA species, miRNAs are found in the phloem sap. Long-distance transport of miRNA via the phloem takes a part in regulation of physiological responses to changing environmental conditions. As shown for regulation of inorganic phosphorus and sulfate homeostasis, mature miRNAs rather than miRNAs precursors are transported in the phloem as signaling molecules. Here, a bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomic data for Cucurbita maxima phloem exudate RNAs was carried out to elucidate whether miRNA precursors could also be present in the phloem. We demonstrated that the phloem transcriptome contained a subset of C. maxima pri-miRNAs that differed from a subset of pri-miRNA sequences abundant in a leaf transcriptome. Differential accumulation of pri-miRNA was confirmed by PCR analysis of C. maxima phloem exudate and leaf RNA samples. Therefore, the presented data indicate that a number of C. maxima pri-miRNAs are selectively recruited to the phloem translocation pathway. This conclusion was validated by inter-species grafting experiments, in which C. maxima pri-miR319a was found to be transported across the graft union via the phloem, confirming the presence of pri-miR319a in sieve elements and showing that phloem miRNA precursors could play a role in long-distance signaling in plants.
Pattern of Otorhinolaryngological Disorders in HIV Positive Paediatric Patients at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH)
Authors: Vincent C. M. , Lilly-Tariah O. B. da , Onotai L. O. , Paul N. I.
Published: December 2019

Background: HIV is a worldwide disease and affects all systems of the body. Despite the high burden of Paediatric HIV in Nigeria, few studies have been done on Otolaryngological disorders in children living with HIV. This study aimed to determine the pattern and prevalence of Otorhinolaryngological disorders among HIV positive paediatric patients and to compare them with age and sex-matched control.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional case-control study carried out among 130 HIV positive and 130 HIV negative children aged 6 to 15 years at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Eligible patients were recruited via a systematic sampling method and matched with HIV negative controls and an interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to extract relevant information. All patients had Otorhinolaryngological examination and CD4 count determination, while children with tonsillar enlargement underwent X-ray of the post nasal space. HIV patients were graded for severity using WHO clinical Staging.

Results: A higher proportion of the HIV positive patients had allergic rhinitis (66.9% vs.30.8%, p=0.01), pharyngitis (40.8% vs.18.5%, p=0.01), tonsillitis (34.6% vs.20.8%, p=0.013), adenotonsilar disease (24.6% vs. 13.8%, p=0.028), cervical lymphadenopathy (15.4% vs. 5.4%, p=0.001) and otitis media (5.4% vs. 0.8%, p=0.031). There was a significantly higher prevalence of ORL disorders among HIV positive children (95.4%) compared to HIV negative children (78.5%). (P=0.001).

Conclusion: Pattern of ORL disorder appeared similar in both HIV-positive and -negative children. However, the overall high prevalence of the findings among the HIV-positive children required regular ORL assessment in these children.
Dynamics of a Heterotrophic Dinoflagellate, Protoperidinium divergens, in the South-Eastern Coastal Waters of the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Khan Saleha , Jahan Roksana , Ahmed Moin Uddin , Rahman M. Aminur , Haque Md. Mahfuzul , Alom M. Zahangir
Published: December 2019

This research is the first attempt to present temporal distribution of heterotrophic dinoflagellate Protoperidinium divergens and their relationship with diatom and environmental factors in the Maheshkhali channel, south-east coast of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. The initiation of higher abundances of P. divergens were observed in October and reached its peak in November when diatoms were the most abundant phytoplankton. Protoperidinium divergens preferred comparatively low temperature from 20-22°C and high concentration of phosphate-phosphorus from 31-37 µM. It had insignificant relationship with nitrate-nitrogen. Lower abundances of P. divergens were observed during pre-monsoon and monsoon due to lower abundances of diatom and higher water temperature (>23°C). Protoperidinium divergens, therefore, were mainly controlled by the availability of diatom abundance at comparatively lower temperature and higher concentration of phosphate-phosphorus. This research is important to estimate the potential trophic impact of P. divergens in the Maheshkhali channel.
Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Begait Lambs Fed Diets of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Hay, Wheat Bran and their Mixtures
Authors: Gebrekidan Gebreslasie , Teklebrhan Tsegay , Tesfay Zelealem
Published: December 2019

The study was conducted at Humera agricultural research centre farm, northern Ethiopia aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) hay (CPH), wheat bran (WB) and their mixtures on feed intake, average daily gain (ADG)  and carcass characteristics of Begait lambs fed grass hay (GH) as a basal diet. The experimental lambs were divided into five groups based on initial body weight and randomly assigned to the five treatments. Treatments were ad libitum feeding of GH and supplemented with 300 g CPH, 225 g CPH + 75 g WB, 150 g CPH + 150 g WB, 75 g CPH + 225 g WB and 300 g WB DM/day for T1, T2, T3, T4  and  T5, respectively. Total DM intake was 687.1, 669.4, 719.4, 631.0 and 673.47 gd-1 for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively and significantly higher (p<0.001) and lower (p< 0.001) for T3 and T4, respectively and intermediate for others. The ADG was 36.4, 43.6, 52.9, 43.1 and 42.4 gd-1 for lambs in T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively was higher (p<0.001) for T3. Consequently, the value for hot carcass weight (kg) was significantly higher for T3 (12.92) than T2 (12.61), T1 (11.92), T4 (11.96) and T5 (12.42). Therefore, from the findings of this study, it can be suggested that feeding mixture of 150 g of cowpea hay and 150 g of wheat bran improved sheep performance.
Mapping pathogenic processes contributing to neurodegeneration in Drosophila models of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bergkvist Liza , Du Zhen , Elovsson Greta , Appelqvist Hanna , Itzhaki Laura S. , Kumita Janet R. , Kågedal Katarina , Brorsson Ann‐Christin
Published: December 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting millions of people and currently lacking available disease‐modifying treatments. Appropriate disease models are necessary to investigate disease mechanisms and potential treatments. Drosophila melanogaster models of AD include the Aβ fly model and the AβPP‐BACE1 fly model. In the Aβ fly model, the Aβ peptide is fused to a secretion sequence and directly overexpressed. In the AβPP‐BACE1 model, human AβPP and human BACE1 are expressed in the fly, resulting in in vivo production of Aβ peptides and other AβPP cleavage products. Although these two models have been used for almost two decades, the underlying mechanisms resulting in neurodegeneration are not yet clearly understood. In this study, we have characterized toxic mechanisms in these two AD fly models. We detected neuronal cell death and increased protein carbonylation (indicative of oxidative stress) in both AD fly models. In the Aβ fly model, this correlates with high Aβ1–42 levels and down‐regulation of the levels of mRNA encoding lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 1, lamp1 (a lysosomal marker), while in the AβPP‐BACE1 fly model, neuronal cell death correlates with low Aβ1–42 levels, up‐regulation of lamp1 mRNA levels and increased levels of C‐terminal fragments. In addition, a significant amount of AβPP/Aβ antibody (4G8)‐positive species, located close to the endosomal marker rab5, was detected in the AβPP‐BACE1 model. Taken together, this study highlights the similarities and differences in the toxic mechanisms which result in neuronal death in two different AD fly models. Such information is important to consider when utilizing these models to study AD pathogenesis or screening for potential treatments.
Global Hospitals in 2050—A review of the historical development of hospital building studies from a global perspective
Authors: Nagasawa Yasushi
Published: December 2019

This paper aims to discuss the problems in the field of architectural planning and design and possible solutions to these problems by studying hospital buildings that have been developing in the latter half of the 20th century to meet the changing needs of healthcare provision for the super aging society in these days. The methodology used in this study involves reviewing the historical development of hospital building studies from a global perspective. This is followed by an explanation of the need underlying the search for a healing environment through the author's study of hospital ward planning for over 30 years. This study analyzed the author's personal global experience and engaged with an exchange of ideas emanating from discussions with several colleagues and friends in the field of healthcare from all over the world. The key focus of this study is the Global University Programs in Healthcare Architecture (GUPHA). This study discusses potential global perspectives on hospital architectural planning and design that will manifest in 2050. It aims at breaking the lack of access to Japanese researches on hospital architectural planning and design, since most such researches were published in Japanese and were thus inaccessible to the English‐speaking world.
Toward High‐Throughput Texturing of Polymer Foils for Enhanced Light Trapping in Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells Using Roll‐to‐Roll Hot Embossing
Authors: Soldera Marcos , Wang Qiong , Soldera Flavio , Lang Valentin , Abate Antonio , Lasagni Andrés Fabián
Published: December 2019

A path to further increase the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells is maximizing sunlight absorption using patterned substrates with enhanced light‐trapping capabilities. However, to be competitive with traditional solar cells, especially in niche markets, low‐cost texturing methods have to be developed. Herein, a roll‐to‐roll hot embossing method to pattern flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foils is presented as a proof of concept. The cylindrical mold for the embossing process is structured with periodic grooves by picosecond direct laser interference patterning (DLIP). The optical characterization of the textured PET shows a tenfold increase in the haze factor (diffuse‐to‐global transmittance ratio) compared with flat PET due to the high‐intensity diffracted beams. Flexible triple cation perovskite cells deposited onto these patterned substrates show on average an 8% (relative) higher efficiency than similar devices deposited on a reference flat PET substrate. This enhancement can be attributed to the increase in light trapping provided by the textured substrate. Finally, a cost analysis model shows that the additional cost of integrating the proposed hot embossing step into a perovskite solar module manufacturing facility will represent less than 0.35% of the initial fabrication cost.
Recent Advances in the Design of Self‐Delivery Amphiphilic Drugs and Vaccines
Authors: Xi Jingchao , Liu Haipeng
Published: December 2019

Amphiphilic drugs are molecular drugs or drug conjugates possessing both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties. Representative amphiphilic drugs are composed of a pharmaceutical payload, a linker, and an appropriate amphiphilic modification. The physicochemical properties of amphiphilic drugs can be tailored by structure‐based engineering, which ultimately determine the drug molecules’ self‐assemble ability, bioavailability, protein binding, membrane anchoring, organ and intracellular distributions, side effects, and biological efficacy. Unlike the traditional carrier‐assistant drug delivery system, many of the amphiphilic drugs are carrier‐free and can self‐deliver to target sites/cells and access intracellular organelles without an external delivery carrier. This is achieved by molecular designs that control the delivery pathways of amphiphilic drugs at organ/tissue, cellular, and intracellular levels. In this review the recent advances in self‐delivery amphiphilic drugs and vaccines are highlighted, with emphasis on the underlying design principles and emerging applications.
Oral Delivery of Multicompartment Nanomedicines for Colorectal Cancer Therapeutics: Combining Loco‐Regional Delivery with Cell‐Target Specificity
Authors: Akhter Dewan T. , Simpson Joshua D. , Fletcher Nicholas L. , Houston Zachary H. , Fuchs Adrian V. , Bell Craig A. , Thurecht Kristofer J.
Published: December 2019

Nanomaterials for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics have received significant attention owing to their potential to enhance the accumulation of therapeutics in diseased tissue. However, in diseases with poor vascularization, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), intravenously injected materials have reduced access to the site of interest. To overcome this challenge, oral administration of targeted nanomedicines is highly desirable. Here, a multicomponent drug delivery system incorporating a degradable alginate microcapsule, formulated to encapsulate micelles targeted to the CD44 receptor is presented. Functional micelles are generated by coupling hyaluronic acid (to target CD44 receptor) to block copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylate and poly(methyl methacrylate). When encapsulated into alginate microcapsules, these micelles form the basis of a novel oral delivery system that offers protection from degradative compartments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and regio‐specific release. The microcapsules demonstrate desirable site‐specific degradation properties in an orthotopic CRC xenograft mouse model, yielding enhanced accumulation of micelles within CD44+ colorectal tumors. The results illustrate that such materials successfully navigate the GIT, regio‐specifically release targeted micelles at the tumor site, and consequently accomplish enhanced accumulation within tumor tissue. Such multi‐component nanomaterials offer a promising means for addressing challenges in treating CRC and difficult to treat diseases.
2D Layered Materials for Memristive and Neuromorphic Applications
Authors: Wang Chen‐Yu , Wang Cong , Meng Fanhao , Wang Pengfei , Wang Shuang , Liang Shi‐Jun , Miao Feng
Published: December 2019

With many fantastic properties, memristive devices are a top candidate for next‐generation memory and neuromorphic computing chips. Significant research progress has been made in improving the performance of individual memristive devices and in demonstrating functional applications based on small‐scale memristive crossbar arrays. However, practical deployment of large‐scale traditional metal‐oxide‐based memristive crossbar arrays has been challenging due to several issues, such as high power consumption, poor device reliability, and low integration density. To solve these issues, new materials that exhibit superior properties are required. 2D layered materials exhibit many unique physical properties and show great promise in solving these challenges, further providing new opportunities to implement practical applications in neuromorphic computing. Recent research progress in 2D layered‐material‐based memristive device applications is reviewed. An overview of the progress in and challenges for the use of 2D layered materials to solve the issues of conventional memristive devices and to realize more complex functionalities in neuromorphic computing is provided. Additionally, an outlook of exploitation of the unique properties of 2D layered materials and van der Waals heterostructures for developing new types of memristive devices and artificial neural microcircuits is given.
Polarons in Metal Halide Perovskites
Authors: Meggiolaro Daniele , Ambrosio Francesco , Mosconi Edoardo , Mahata Arup , De Angelis Filippo
Published: December 2019

The peculiar optoelectronic properties of metal‐halide perovskites, partly underlying their success in solar cells and light emitting devices, are likely related to the complex interplay of electronic and structural features mediated by formation of polarons. In this paper the current status of polaron physics in metal‐halide perovskites is reviewed based on a first‐principles computational perspective, which has delivered hitherto noaccessible insights into the electronic and structural features associated with polaron formation in this materials class. The role of organic (dipolar) versus inorganic (spherical) A‐site cations is extensively analyzed, these cations are related to modulation of the energetics and structural extension of polarons in lead‐halide perovskites. Further tuning of polaron energetics is achieved by individual variations in metal (e.g., Pb → Sn) and halide (e.g., I → Br), showing a transition from a semilocalized to a localized polaron regime in which charge holes can be trapped at isolated Sn centers. The vastly varying and tunable nature of charge lattice interactions represents a peculiarity of metal‐halide perovskites that should be taken into account when designing novel materials or targeting specific compositional engineering of existing perovskites.
Spatially and Spectrally Resolved Absorptivity: New Approach for Degradation Studies in Perovskite and Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Nguyen Hieu T. , Gerritsen Sven , Mahmud Md Arafat , Wu Yiliang , Cai Ziyuan , Truong Thien , Tebyetekerwa Mike , Duong The , Peng Jun , Weber Klaus , White Thomas P. , Catchpole Kylie , Macdonald Daniel
Published: December 2019

Instability in perovskite solar cells is the main challenge for the commercialization of this solar technology. Here, a contactless, nondestructive approach is reported to study degradation across perovskite and perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. The technique employs spectrally and spatially resolved absorptivity at sub‐bandgap wavelengths of perovskite materials, extracted from their luminescence spectra. Parasitic absorption in other layers, carrier diffusion, and photon smearing phenomena are all demonstrated to have negligible effects on the extracted absorptivity. The absorptivity is demonstrated to reflect real degradation in the perovskite film and is much more robust and sensitive than its luminescence spectral peak position, representing its optical bandgap, and intensity. The technique is applied to study various common factors which induce and accelerate degradation in perovskite solar cells including air and heat exposure and light soaking. Finally, the technique is employed to extract the individual absorptivity component from the perovskite layer in a monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem structure. The results demonstrate the value of this approach for monitoring degradation mechanisms in perovskite and perovskite/silicon tandem cells at early stages of degradation and various fabrication stages.
Stress Distortion Restraint to Boost the Sodium Ion Storage Performance of a Novel Binary Hexacyanoferrate
Authors: Li Weijie , Han Chao , Wang Wanlin , Xia Qingbing , Chou Shulei , Gu Qinfen , Johannessen Bernt , Liu HuaKun , Dou Shixue
Published: December 2019

Mn‐based hexacyanoferrate NaxMnFe(CN)6 (NMHFC) has been attracting more attention as a promising cathode material for sodium ion storage owing to its low cost, environmental friendliness, and its high voltage plateau of 3.6 V, which comes from the Mn2+/Mn3+ redox couple. In particular, the Na‐rich NMHFC (x > 1.40) with trigonal phase is considered an attractive candidate due to its large capacity of ≈130 mAh g−1, delivering high energy density. Its unstable cycle life, however, is holding back its practical application due to the dissolution of Mn2+ and the trigonal‐cubic phase transition during the charge–discharge process. Here, a novel hexacyanoferrate (Na1.60Mn0.833Fe0.167[Fe(CN)6], NMFHFC‐1) with Na‐rich cubic structure and dual‐metal active redox couples is developed for the first time. Through multiple structural modulation, the stress distortion is minimized by restraining Mn2+ dissolution and the trigonal‐cubic phase transition, which are common issues in manganese‐based hexacyanoferrate. Moreover, NMFHFC‐1 simultaneously retains an abundance of Na ions in the framework. As a result, Na1.60Mn0.833Fe0.167[Fe(CN)6] electrode delivers high energy density (436 Wh kg−1) and excellent cycle life (80.2% capacity retention over 300 cycles), paving the way for the development of novel commercial cathode materials for sodium ion storage.
A gas pressure gradient‐dependent subgrid drift velocity model for drag prediction in fluidized gas–particle flows
Authors: Jiang Ming , Chen Xiao , Zhou Qiang
Published: December 2019

Due to the linear correlation between the subgrid drift velocity and the filtered drag force, modeling the drift velocity would be an alternative way to obtain the filtered drag force for coarse‐grid simulations. This work aims to improve the predictability of models for the drift velocity using a new effective marker, the filtered gas pressure gradient, which is identified by momentum balance analysis. New models are constructed based on conditional averaging of the results obtained from fine‐grid two‐fluid model simulations of three‐dimensional unbounded fluidized systems. A priori assessment is presented with the comparison between the proposed models and the best available Smagorinsky‐type model with dynamic adjustment technique proposed in the literature. Results show that the proposed models give satisfactory performance. More important, the proposed models are demonstrated to have a better adaptability for cases under various physical conditions than the Smagorinsky‐type model.
Expanded Carbaporphyrinoids
Authors: Szyszko Bartosz , Latos‐Grażyński Lechosław
Published: December 2019

This Review outlines the progress in the field of synthetic expanded carbaporphyrinoids. The evolution of this topic is demonstrated with expanded porphyrin‐inspired systems with a variety of incorporated entities that introduce one or more carbon atoms into the cavity. The discussion starts with platyrins—the macrocycles that were identified as parent molecules of not only the expanded carbaporphyrinoids, but the carbaporphyrinoid class in general. After historic considerations, the plethora of expanded porphyrin‐like macrocycles containing N‐confused or neo‐confused pyrrole motifs and different carbocyclic subunits are presented. Special emphasis is given to applications of expanded carbaporphyrinoids in different areas, including organometallic chemistry, switching systems, or aromaticity, concluding with the demonstration of a covalent cage based on an expanded carbaporphyrinoid.
Pulsed laser ablated zeolite nanoparticles: A novel nano‐catalyst for the synthesis of 1,8‐dioxo‐octahydroxanthene and N‐aryl‐1,8‐dioxodecahydroacridine with molecular docking validation
Authors: Abdelghany A.M. , Menazea A.A. , Abd‐El‐Maksoud Mansoura A. , Khatab Tamer K.
Published: December 2019

There is an increasing interest in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) from bulk metals using pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL), as it offers an easy and simple synthesis route. In this work, zeolite NPs (molecular sieve 4A) were successfully synthesized by the PLAL technique, and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. Data obtained confirm the formation of the crystalline phase of zeolite. The synthesized catalyst (zeolite molecular sieve 4A) was used as an efficient and facile promotor for the synthesis of xanthene and acridine derivatives. Molecular docking of the synthesized compounds was validated using quinone reductase 2 (NQO2) and acridine orange as the ligand, with the synthesized molecules showing good drug–ligand interaction on the active site of NQO2, compared with that of acridine orange.
Getting ready to reduce the digital divide: Scenarios of Lithuanian public libraries
Authors: Manžuch Zinaida , Macevičiūtė Elena
Published: December 2019

Digital exclusion is high on the international agenda and covers a variety of inequalities in access to and use of digital technologies, and in the skills and motivation needed for their adoption. This research contributes to the discussion on solving digital exclusion issues by addressing the emergent roles and challenges of Lithuanian public libraries in reducing the digital divide. The article combines a multilevel model of the digital divide with the concept of business idea and analyzes the future scenarios of Lithuanian public libraries. The findings highlight the public libraries' importance in conducting training, consultancy, and experiential learning to stimulate digital inclusion. Potentially, libraries can motivate users to adopt digital technologies, but this role is still not sufficiently visible. The findings show that libraries face challenges of redefining their social value and obtaining the sustaining funds, skills, and infrastructure necessary for digital inclusion programs. However, they can use collaboration networks, effective cost management, and external expertise to overcome these obstacles.
Positional Effect of the Triphenylamine Group on the Optical and Charge‐Transfer Properties of Thiophene‐Based Hole‐Transporting Materials
Authors: Hao Mengyao , Chi Weijie , Li Zesheng
Published: December 2019

Hybrid organic‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown significant potential for use in the energy field. Typically, hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) play an important role in affecting the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs. A deep understanding of the structure‐property relationship plays a vital role in developing efficient HTMs. Herein, the relationship between the structure and properties of two small organic HTMs H2,5 and H3,4 were systematically investigated in terms of the electronic and optical properties, the hole‐transporting behavior by using density functional theory (DFT) and Marcus electron transfer theory. The results demonstrated that the high power conversion efficiency of the H2,5‐based PSC was caused by strong interactions with the perovskite material on the interface and an enhanced hole mobility in H2,5 compared with H3,4. The strong interaction derives from the short bond length of O atom of HTM and Pb atom of perovskite material, and the highly hole mobility derives from the quasi‐planar conjugated conformation and tight packing model of neighboring molecules in H2,5. In addition, we found that the planar structure enhances the intermolecular interaction between HTM and perovskite materials compared with the ′V′‐shaped molecule. Importantly, we also note that the HOMO level of the isolated molecule is not always proportional to the open‐circuit voltages of PSCs since the HOMO level might move toward a higher level when the interaction between HTM and interface of perovskite was included. The work gives essential information for rational designing efficient HTMs.
Do Cell Membranes Flow Like Honey or Jiggle Like Jello?
Authors: Cohen Adam E. , Shi Zheng
Published: December 2019

Cell membranes experience frequent stretching and poking: from cytoskeletal elements, from osmotic imbalances, from fusion and budding of vesicles, and from forces from the outside. Are the ensuing changes in membrane tension localized near the site of perturbation, or do these changes propagate rapidly through the membrane to distant parts of the cell, perhaps as a mechanical mechanism of long‐range signaling? Literature statements on the timescale for membrane tension to equilibrate across a cell vary by a factor of ≈106. This study reviews and discusses how apparently contradictory findings on tension propagation in cells can be evaluated in the context of 2D hydrodynamics and poroelasticity. Localization of tension in the cell membrane is likely critical in governing how membrane forces gate ion channels, set the subcellular distribution of vesicle fusion, and regulate the dynamics of cytoskeletal growth. Furthermore, in this study, it is proposed that cells can actively regulate the degree to which membrane tension propagates by modulating the density and arrangement of immobile transmembrane proteins. Also see the video abstract here https://youtu.be/T6K7AIAqqBs.
Plasma metabolomics analysis of endogenous and exogenous metabolites in the rat after administration of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos
Authors: Li Lili , Ma Shuangshuang , Wang Daijie , Chen Long , Wang Xiao
Published: December 2019

Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (LJF) is a typical herbal medicine and is used as a functional food. LJF, which has complex chemical compounds, has various biological effects. The global metabolomics, focusing on both the endogenous and exogenous metabolites, have not yet been investigated for LJF in normal healthy rats using LC–MS. In this study, plasma metabolomics was analyzed after the administration of LJF at different time intervals, and the exogenous metabolites were identified. Partial least squares discriminant analysis showed significant differences in chemical content in the dosed rats. Cholic acid, indoleacrylic acid, indolelactic acid, hippuric acid, N‐acetyl‐phenylalanine, and N‐acetyl‐serotonin significantly accumulated in the dosed rats. Lysophosphatidylethanolamine and lysophosphatidylcholine content, including plasmalogen, increased. There were 25 components of LJF, including 15 prototypes and 10 metabolites, that were identified. The 15 prototypes included phenolic acids, flavonoids, and iridoids, and their contents decreased with an increase in the administration time. Glucuronidation and sulfation of polyphenols were found for LJF. The exogenous glucuronide and sulfate metabolites—including dihydrocoumaric acid‐sulfate, dihydrocaffeic acid‐sulfate, dihydroferulic acid‐sulfate, apigenin‐glucuronide, apigenin‐glucuronide‐sulfate, isorhamnetin‐glucuronide‐sulfate, and others—were identified with a neutral loss of 176 and 80, respectively. The metabolic differences found in the study may serve as biomarkers of LJF consumption and promote the understanding of the mechanism of action of LJF.
LC–MS/MS analysis of puerarin and 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid in human plasma after oral administration of Samso‐eum and its application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Lee Seon Yu , Jeong Ji Hyun , Kim Bo Na , Park So Jung , Park Yang‐Chun , Lee Guk Yeo
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to confirm pharmacokinetic screening of multiple components in healthy Korean subjects after oral administration of Samso‐eum and perform quantitation of active components in the human plasma. Thirteen potential bioactive components [puerarin (PRR), daidzin, nodakenin, ginsenoside Rb1, 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid (18β‐GTA), 6‐shogaol, naringin, glycyrrhizin, hesperidin, platycodin D, naringenin, hesperetin, and 6‐gingerol] were screened based on literature. The results showed that three analytes (daidzin, naringenin, and hesperetin) were detected in trace amounts. In addition, PRR and 18β‐GTA were detected in human plasma after the oral administration of Samso‐eum. In this study, a liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry method was validated for the simultaneous determination of PRR and 18β‐GTA in human plasma. This was the first study to evaluate pharmacokinetics of PRR and 18β‐GTA after the usual oral dose of Samso‐eum (30 g containing 102.48 mg PRR, 48.18 mg glycyrrhizin) in human subjects.
A simplified method for therapeutic drug monitoring of mitotane by gas chromatography‐electron ionization‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Ando Motozumi , Hirabatake Masaki , Yasui Hisateru , Fukushima Shoji , Sugioka Nobuyuki , Hashida Tohru
Published: December 2019

Mitotane is a key drug for the treatment of adrenal cortical carcinoma. Due to its narrow therapeutic window, 14–20 μg/mL, monitoring its concentration is crucially important. In this study, a simplified method for measuring mitotane in plasma using gas chromatography‐electron ionization‐mass spectrometry (GC‐EI‐MS) was developed. Through deproteination and liquid–liquid extraction, mitotane and an internal standard (IS) were extracted from plasma samples. GC‐EI‐MS yielded retention times of 8.2 and 8.7 min, for mitotane and the IS, respectively, with a total run time of 12 min. Selectivity and intra‐/inter‐batch accuracy and precision analyses provided a lower limit of quantification of 0.25 μg/mL, and a calibration curve between 0.25 and 40 μg/mL had good linearity (coefficient of determination = 0.992). The matrix effect factor and percent recovery of the method had good precision. Additionally, long‐term sample stability was observed below 4°C. In a clinical setting, mitotane levels in plasma from an adrenal cortical carcinoma patient were within calibration range. Therefore, this simplified method can be applied to routine therapeutic drug monitoring of mitotane, which may contribute to improved treatment of adrenal cortical carcinoma.
RIPK4 suppresses the TGF‐β1 signaling pathway in HaCaT cells
Authors: Dinçer Tuba , Boz Er Asiye Büşra , Er İdris , Toraman Bayram , Yildiz Gokhan , Kalay Ersan
Published: December 2019

Receptor‐interacting serine/threonine kinase 4 (RIPK4) and transforming growth factor‐β 1 (TGF‐β1) play critical roles in the development and maintenance of the epidermis. A negative correlation between the expression patterns of RIPK4 and TGF‐β signaling during epidermal homeostasis‐related events and suppression of RIPK4 expression by TGF‐β1 in keratinocyte cell lines suggest the presence of a negative regulatory loop between the two factors. So far, RIPK4 has been shown to regulate nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), protein kinase C (PKC), wingless‐type MMTV integration site family (Wnt), and (mitogen‐activated protein kinase) MAPK signaling pathways. In this study, we examined the effect of RIPK4 on the canonical Smad‐mediated TGF‐β1 signaling pathway by using the immortalized human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line. According to our results, RIPK4 inhibits intracellular Smad‐mediated TGF‐β1 signaling events through suppression of TGF‐β1‐induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation, which is reflected in the upcoming intracellular events including Smad2/3‐Smad4 interaction, nuclear localization, and TGF‐β1‐induced gene expression. Moreover, the kinase activity of RIPK4 is required for this process. The in vitro wound‐scratch assay demonstrated that RIPK4 suppressed TGF‐β1‐mediated wound healing through blocking TGF‐β1‐induced cell migration. In conclusion, our results showed the antagonistic effect of RIPK4 on TGF‐β1 signaling in keratinocytes for the first time and have the potential to contribute to the understanding and treatment of skin diseases associated with aberrant TGF‐β1 signaling.
TGF‐β1 sustains germ cell cyst reservoir via restraining follicle formation in the chicken
Authors: Zhou Shuo , Zhao Dan , Liu Shuqi , Zeng Weidong , Zhang Caiqiao
Published: December 2019

The transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) superfamily members are important molecules that regulate many ovarian functions under normal physiological and pathological conditions. TGF‐β1 and its receptors are highly expressed in the ovarian cells of many species. However, the effect of TGF‐β1 on the capacity of the avian germ cell reservoir remains unknown. In this study, 5‐day‐old chicks were injected with TGF‐β1 (2.5, 12.5, and 62.5 μg/kg body weight) for 3 days to assess the effect of TGF‐β1 on early follicle development. Morphological analysis showed that treatment with TGF‐β1 (12.5 μg/kg) increased the number of germ cell cysts and reduced the number of primordial and growing follicles. The diameter and area of oocytes and follicles were decreased after TGF‐β1 treatment. Immunohistochemical staining of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen revealed that the ratios of the positive somatic and granulosa cells were decreased by 16.2% and 2.48%, respectively. Furthermore, more apoptotic cells were observed in the TGF‐β1 group than those of the control by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. In addition, we cultured the 5d chicken ovaries for 3 days in vitro and found that treatment with TGF‐β1 (10 ng/mL) manifested similar results as the in vivo experiment. However, the negative effect of TGF‐β1 on early ovary development was rescued by treatment with a TGF‐βR1 inhibitor SD208, resulting in increased expression of steroidogenic enzymes and cell cycle‐regulating proteins. In conclusion, TGF‐β1 could maintain the germ cell reservoir by restraining follicle activation involving reduced cell proliferation and steroidogenic enzymes gene expression at the early stage of ovarian development.
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in severe anorexia nervosa: A case series
Authors: Watters Ashlie , Gibson Dennis , Dee Elizabeth , Mascolo Margherita , Mehler Philip S.
Published: December 2019

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome presents with nonspecific GI complaints, hindering weight restoration in those with anorexia nervosa. Diagnosis is made with radiologic testing, and treatment requires only weight restoration, negating the need for surgical intervention.
Ruthenium Complexes in Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysis for Electroreduction of CO2
Authors: Das Biswanath , Jia Chen , Ching Karin , Bhadbhade Mohan , Chen Xianjue , Ball Graham E. , Colbran Stephen B. , Zhao Chuan
Published: December 2019

We have studied two structurally related, water‐insoluble ruthenium complexes [RuII(tpy*)(phenCO2)](PF6) (1) (tpy*=5,4′,5′′‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′;6′,2′′‐terpyridine; phenCO2H=1,10‐phenanthroline‐2‐carboxylic acid) and [RuII(tpy)(dmphen)(Cl)](PF6) (2) (tpy=2,2′;6′,2′′‐terpyridine; dmphen=2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline, also known as neocuproine) and their electrocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction in acetonitrile and after immobilization on the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in water (pH 7.2). Under homogeneous conditions (in CO2 saturated acetonitrile solution), characteristic major CO2 reduction waves indicate ∼280 mV lower overpotential upon changing the catalyst from 1 to 2. The higher CO2 electroreduction performance of 2 is also reflected on the heterogeneous rGO surfaces.