bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast hybrid tempered ensemble transform filter formulation for Bayesian elliptical problems via Sinkhorn approximation
Authors: Ruchi Sangeetika , Dubinkina Svetlana , de Wiljes Jana
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Identification of unknown parameters on the basis of partial and noisy data is a challenging task, in particular in high dimensional and non-linear settings. Gaussian approximations to the problem, such as ensemble Kalman inversion, tend to be robust and computationally cheap and often produce astonishingly accurate estimations despite the simplifying underlying assumptions.
Yet there is a lot of room for improvement, specifically regarding a correct approximation of a non-Gaussian posterior distribution.
The tempered ensemble transform particle filter is an adaptive Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) method,
whereby resampling is based on optimal transport mapping.
Unlike ensemble Kalman inversion, it does not require any assumptions regarding the posterior distribution and hence has shown to provide promising results for non-linear non-Gaussian inverse problems. However, the improved accuracy comes with the price of much higher computational complexity, and the method is not as robust as ensemble Kalman inversion in high dimensional problems.
In this work, we add an entropy-inspired regularisation factor to the underlying optimal transport problem that allows the high computational cost to be considerably reduced via Sinkhorn iterations. Further, the robustness of the method is increased via an ensemble Kalman inversion proposal step before each update of the samples, which is also referred to as a hybrid approach.
The promising performance of the introduced method is numerically verified by testing it on a steady-state single-phase Darcy flow model with two different permeability configurations. The results are compared to the output of ensemble Kalman inversion, and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods results are computed as a benchmark.
La formación de alumnado con discapacidad visual en el marco de los conservatorios de música en España
Authors: Sánchez Sánchez Luis , Muñoz Sánchez Práxedes
Published: January 2021

El presente artículo informa sobre la investigación realizada entre 2013 y 2017 acerca de la enseñanza de alumnado con discapacidad visual en los Conservatorios de Música, recogiendo los recursos y buenas prácticas más destacadas que se revelaron sobre el fomento de la inclusión para estos centros, siendo también muchas de ellas extrapolables a las escuelas de música y/o las agrupaciones musicales que integran ciegos. Se parte de las dificultades de la temática en la reducida bibliografía y que el profesorado de música no cuenta con la suficiente información, experiencia y formación previa para instruir a estudiantes invidentes (Chaves, Godall y Zattera, 2015; Chávez, 2010; Dias, 2010). La metodología de la investigación fue la etnografía a partir de un diálogo de saberes entre alumnado con discapacidad visual, sus familias y docentes junto a especialistas de este campo. Para la evaluación de los resultados se conectó con la metodología del “juicio de expertos”, que evaluaron las estrategias y los recursos. Finalmente esta investigación visibiliza las prácticas que son útiles para el desarrollo de una educación inclusiva musical para alumnado con discapacidad visual.
Creación musical colectiva: análisis de prácticas pedagógicas disruptivas en Educación Superior
Authors: Ocaña-Fernández Almudena , Montes-Rodríguez Ramón , Reyes-López María Luisa
Published: January 2021

Este texto se centra en un proceso de investigación llevado a cabo en un proyecto de creatividad musical colectiva en el plan de formación inicial de 142 futuros docentes de Educación Primaria. El objetivo del estudio es comprender cómo se conforman sus procesos de aprendizaje durante su paso por una experiencia musical creativa y potencialmente disruptiva. Para ello hemos utilizado una metodología de estudio de caso, que mediante análisis de contenido y de los discursos de informes del alumnado, grabaciones de clases y diarios de investigación nos ha permitido comprender las perspectivas del estudiantado desde una mirada profunda y reflexiva. Los principales resultados señalan que utilizar elementos creativos artísticos y musicales en Educación Superior resulta disruptivo para los estudiantes, que el alumnado mayoritariamente pasa de estados iniciales de incertidumbre y confusión a estados de motivación y de compromiso hacia la propia práctica, y que este tipo de proyectos que fomentan la creatividad en la Universidad a través de otros lenguajes como la música dinamizan y potencian aprendizajes más reales y significativos en docentes en formación.
Blockchain para la transparencia, gestión pública y colaboración
Authors: Benitez Eyzaguirre Lucía
Published: January 2021

Se describen aquí las aplicaciones innovadoras de blockchain para la gobernanza y otros modelos económicos, de cara al emprendimiento social en la resolución de problemas de ámbito local, dentro de las iniciativas de la colaboración público-privada propias del Gobierno Abierto, así como los riesgos identificados y los efectos no contemplados del modelo propuesto.
Evaluation of the Effect of Cannabidiol on Naturally Occurring Osteoarthritis-Associated Pain: A Pilot Study in Dogs
Authors: Mejia Sebastian , Duerr Felix Michael , Griffenhagen Gregg , McGrath Stephanie
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to provide preliminary data describing the safety and effect of cannabidiol (CBD) for symptom relief of canine osteoarthritis-associated pain in a clinical setting using objective outcome measures. Twenty-three client-owned dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis of appendicular joints completed this prospective, double-blinded, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Baseline data were acquired for 4 wk, followed by random allocation to either placebo or CBD treatment for 6 wk, followed by 6 wk with the opposite treatment. Outcome measures included objective gait analysis, activity counts (via accelerometry) and clinical metrology instruments. There were no differences noted between groups at any time point for any of the recorded outcome measures. Adverse events associated with CBD administration included elevation in liver enzymes (n = 14) and vomiting (n = 2).
Features of Information Coverage of Regional Environmental Policy on the Instance of the Republic of Tatarstan
Authors: Morozova Galina Viktorovna , Porfireva Irina Dmitrievna
Published: January 2021

The process of economic development of countries and the set of economic policies in recent decades has been such that environmental challenges have become one of the most important concerns of policymakers. Therefore, it can be important to study the role and impact of government economic policies on environmental quality. The pervasiveness of environmental consequences is one of the factors that make it necessary to examine its various dimensions in a wide range of political actions of governments. Therefore, many country leaders and environmental activists are trying to make policies to improve the environmental situation of their country. Environmental policy refers to commitments on environmental issues by organizing laws, regulations, policies and other political mechanisms. These issues generally include air, water, waste management, ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, natural resource conservation, wildlife and endangered species. By monitoring human activities, these policies can prevent harmful effects on the biophysical environment and natural resources, as well as environmental changes and their harmful effects on human life. This study examines the environmental policies of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation.
Financial Deepening and Economic Growth in Nigeria: A Johannsen and Error Correction Model Techniques
Authors: Okafor Victoria , Bowale Ebenezer , Onabote Ademola , Afolab Adedeji , Ejemeyovwi Jeremiah
Published: January 2021

The desire to ascertain the kind of relationship between finance and growth is not new among scholars. This study attempted to give a better understanding of the type of relationship by analysing post-SAP (Structural Adjustment Programme) time-series data since the notable financial reforms began with SAP in Nigeria. The study employed the Johannsen Cointegration, error correction and granger causality as estimation techniques to determine the nexus between financial deepening and economic growth. The variables contained in the model include the ratio of credit to the private sector to gross domestic product (CPS) which proxy bank-based financial deepening, the proportion of market capitalisation to gross domestic product (MCAP) which proxy for stock market development. The result of the analysis revealed that the Nigerian economic growth is influenced by financial deepening positively and significantly, especially the bank-based financial depth.
Effect of dietary supplementation of β-mannanase on growth performance, carcass characteristics, excreta microflora, blood constituents, and nutrient ileal digestibility in broiler chickens
Authors: Mohammadigheisar Mohsen , Shouldice Victoria L. , Balasubramanian Balamuralikrishnan , Kim In Ho
Published: January 2021

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of β-mannanase on growth performance, carcass characteristics, excreta microflora, blood constituents, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 680 one-d-old Ross 308 (as hatched) broiler chickens were used in a 35-d growth assay. Chicks were sorted into pens with 17 birds/pen and 10 pens/treatment. Treatment diets were contained either 44% or 48% crude protein (CP) soybean meal (SBM) with or without β-mannanase. Results: Using SBM containing 48% CP led to an improvement (p<0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR) from d 1 to 14. Addition of β-mannanase to the diets significantly improved body weight gain (BWG) and FCR from d 1 to 14. During overall experimental period, BWG was affected (p<0.05) by CP level of SBM and inclusion of β-mannanase, but FCR and feed intake were not affected. Carcass characteristics were not influenced by treatment diets. The results showed that digestibility of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and energy was not affected by CP level of SBM and/or inclusion of β-mannanase. Among essential amino acids (EAA) apparent digestibility of valine, methionine, and leucine improved (p<0.05) by the addition of β-mannanase to the diets. The results demonstrated that ileal digestibility of DM, N, and energy was not affected by treatment diets. Among EAA, the ileal digestibility of valine and arginine was higher (p<0.05) in the diets containing 48% CP SBM and/or β-mannanase. Excreta Lactobacillus count increased (p<0.05) by the addition of β-mannanase to the diets. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and total protein level were not affected by treatments. Conclusion: Feeding chickens with diets containing 44% CP SBM resulted in detrimental effects on growth performance and digestibility of nutrients, but addition of β-mannanase to the 44% CP diet improved the growth performance of chickens without any effects on carcass characteristics.
A regression for estimating metabolizable glucose in diets of weaned piglets for optimal growth performance
Authors: Lv Liangkang , Feng Zhi , Zhang Dandan , Lei Long , Zhang Hui , Liu Zhengya , Ren Ying , Zhao Shengjun
Published: January 2021

Objective: Two experiments were conducted to provide a new approach for evaluating feed nutritional value by metabolizable glucose (MG) in piglet diets with different levels of starch and crude fiber. In Exp 1, a regression equation for MG was generated. In Exp 2, the equation was verified, and the optimal growth performance of piglets under appropriate MG levels was tested.Methods: In Exp 1, 20 weaned piglets (7.74±0.81 kg body weight [BW]) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments, including the basal diet containing different levels of MG (starch, 25.80%, 31.67%, 45.71%, 49.36%; crude fiber, 1.23%, 1.35%, 1.80%, 1.51%). The piglets were implanted with an ileal fistula, cannulation of the carotid artery, portal vein, and mesenteric artery. The chyme from the ileum fistula and blood samples were collected. In Exp 2, 30 weaned piglets (8.96±0.50 kg BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments, including the experimental diets with different levels of MG (37.6, 132.5, 300.0, 354.3, and 412.5 g/kg). The piglets’ BW, and feed consumption were recorded to calculate growth performance during the 28-d experiment.Results: In Exp 1, the MG levels in 4 diets were 239.62, 280.68, 400.79, and 454.35 g/kg. The regression equation for the MG levels and dietary nutrients was: Y (MG) = 12.13×X1 (starch)+23.18×X2 (crude fiber)−196.44 (R2 = 0.9989, p = 0.033). In Exp 2, treatments with 132.5 and 300.0 g/kg MG significantly (p<0.05) increased average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency of weaned piglets, increased digestibility of crude fat, and had no effect on digestibility of crude protein compared to 300.0 to 412.5 g/kg MG.Conclusion: The pig model combining the ileum fistula and cannulation of blood vessels was successfully used to determine the dietary MG levels. The recommended MG level in weaned pig diets is 132.5 to 300.0 g/kg.
Effects of corn particle size on energy and nutrient digestibility in diets fed to young pigs and adult sows
Authors: Ma Dongli , Zhu Tao , Yang Fengjuan , Zhang Shuai , Huang Chengfei
Published: January 2021

Objective: This research was carried out to investigate the effects of corn particle size on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients fed to pigs at four different growth stages and therefore to provide basis for better application of corn in pig feeds.Methods: Eighteen weanling piglets, 18 growing barrows, 24 gestating sows and 24 lactating sows were used in this study. Within each stage, pigs were allotted to 1 of 3 or 4 corn-soybean meal diets which were formulated with different corn particle size in a completely randomized design with 6 replicate pigs per diet. Each stage lasted for 19 days, including 7 days for cages adaptation, 7 days for adaptation to diets and followed by 5 days for total collection of feces and urine.Results: For nursery and growing stages, the results showed that digestible energy content and ATTD of gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was increased (p<0.05) as the corn particle size reduced. Meanwhile, the metabolizable energy content and ATTD of crude protein (CP) tended to increase. For gestating sows, no differences were found in the ATTD of nutrients among dietary treatments. As for lactating sows, there were linear and quadratic increases (p<0.05) in the ATTD of DM, GE, NDF as the corn being finer milled. Quadratic response in ATTD of ADF and CP (p<0.05) were observed as sows fed with four different diets.Conclusion: Reducing corn particle size can increase digestibility of nutrients fed to young pigs and lactating sows. No effects were observed in present experiment when gestating sows were fed with different particle sized corn.
Nonlinear mixed models for characterization of growth trajectory of New Zealand rabbits raised in tropical climate
Authors: de Sousa Vanusa Castro , Biagiotti Daniel , Sarmento José Lindenberg Rocha , Sena Luciano Silva , Barroso Priscila Alves , Barjud Sued Felipe Lacerda , Almeida Marisa Karen de Sousa , Santos Natanael Pereira da Silva
Published: January 2021

Objective: The identification of nonlinear mixed models that describe the growth trajectory of New Zealand rabbits was performed based on weight records and carcass measures obtained using ultrasonography.Methods: Phenotypic records of body weight (BW) and loin eye area (LEA) were collected from 66 animals raised in a didactic-productive module of cuniculture located in the southern Piauí state, Brazil. The following nonlinear models were tested considering fixed parameters: Brody, Gompertz, Logistic, Richards, Meloun 1, modified Michaelis-Menten, Santana, and von Bertalanffy. The coefficient of determination (R2), mean squared error, percentage of convergence of each model (%C), mean absolute deviation of residuals, Akaike information criterion (AIC), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) were used to determine the best model. The model that best described the growth trajectory for each trait was also used under the context of mixed models, considering two parameters that admit biological interpretation (A and k) with random effects.Results: The von Bertalanffy model was the best fitting model for BW according to the highest value of R2 (0.98) and lowest values of AIC (6,675.30) and BIC (6,691.90). For LEA, the Logistic model was the most appropriate due to the results of R2 (0.52), AIC (783.90), and BIC (798.40) obtained using this model. The absolute growth rates estimated using the von Bertalanffy and Logistic models for BW and LEA were 21.51g/d and 3.16 cm2, respectively. The relative growth rates at the inflection point were 0.028 for BW (von Bertalanffy) and 0.014 for LEA (Logistic).Conclusion: The von Bertalanffy and Logistic models with random effect at the asymptotic weight are recommended for analysis of ponderal and carcass growth trajectories in New Zealand rabbits. The inclusion of random effects in the asymptotic weight and maturity rate improves the quality of fit in comparison to fixed models.
Isolation and characterization of cultured chicken oviduct epithelial cells and in vitro validation of constructed ovalbumin promoter in these cells
Authors: Yang Hyeon , Lee Bo Ram , Lee Hwi-Cheul , Jung Sun Keun , Kim Ji-Youn , No Jingu , Shanmugam Sureshkumar , Jo Yong Jin , Lee Haesun , Hwang Seongsoo , Byun Sung June
Published: January 2021

Objective: Transgenic hens hold a great promise to produce various valuable proteins. Through virus transduction into stage X embryo, the transgene expression under the control of constructed chicken ovalbumin promoters has been successfully achieved. However, a validation system that can evaluate differently developed ovalbumin promoters in in vitro, remains to be developed. Methods: In the present study, chicken oviduct epithelial cells (cOECs) were isolated from oviduct tissue and shortly cultured with keratinocyte complete medium supplemented with chicken serum. The isolated cells were characterized with immunofluorescence, western blot, and flow cytometry using oviduct-specific marker. Chicken mutated ovalbumin promoter (Mut-4.4-kb-pOV) was validated in these cells using luciferase reporter analysis. Results: The isolated cOECs revealed that the oviduct-specific marker, ovalbumin protein, was clearly detected by immunofluorescence, western blot, and flow cytometry analysis revealed that approximately 79.40% of the cells contained this protein. Also, luciferase reporter analysis showed that the constructed Mut-4.4-kb-pOV exhibited 7.1-fold (p<0.001) higher activity in the cOECs. Conclusion: Collectively, these results demonstrate the efficient isolation and characterization of cOECs and validate the activity of the constructed ovalbumin promoter in the cultured cOECs. The in vitro validation of the recombinant promoter activity in cOECs can facilitate the production of efficient transgenic chickens for potential use as bioreactors.
Representing and Linking Dunhuang Cultural Heritage Information Resources Using Knowledge Graph
Authors: Wang Xiaoguang , Chang Wanli , Tan Xu
Published: January 2021

This study employs a knowledge graph approach to realize the representation and association of information resources, promote the research, teaching, and dissemination of Dunhuang cultural heritage (CH). The Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes is a UNESCO world CH site, and digitization of Dunhuang CH has produced a large amount of information resources. However, these digitized resources continue to lack the systematic granular semantic representation required to correlate Dunhuang cultural heritage information (CHI) in order to facilitate efficient research and appreciation. To respond to this need, new approaches for representing CHI are being developed. This study identifies five facets and their semantic relationship to Dunhuang CH, constructs an ontology model to regulate the entities, attributes, and relationships of Dunhuang CH knowledge, and subsequently processes the resulting data using various techniques (such as semantic annotation and entity association) to facilitate rendering the data in a knowledge graph construction. Finally, we constructed a DH-oriented knowledge graph service platform in order to provide a user friendly visual display and semantic retrieval service.
Local Blood Supply Chain Optimization: A Case Study
Authors: Babazadeh Reza , Sabbaghnia Ali , Shafipour Fatemeh
Published: January 2021

: Blood and its products play an undeniable role in human life. In recent years, although both academics and practitioners have investigated blood-related problems, further enhancement is still warranted. In this study, a mixed-integer linear programming model was proposed for local blood supply chain management. A supply network, including temporary and fixed blood donation facilities, blood banks, and blood processing centers, was designed regarding the deteriorating nature of blood. The proposed model was applied in a real case in Urmia, Iran. The numerical results and sensitivity analysis of the key model parameters ensured the applicability of the proposed model.
Teacher education and critical thinking: Systematizing theoretical perspectives and formative experiences in Latin America
Authors: Fandiño Parra Yamith José , Muñoz Barriga Andrea , López Díaz Rodolfo Alberto , Galindo Cuesta Jairo Alberto
Published: January 2021

Dentro del marco teórico de la formación del profesorado y el pensamiento crítico, este trabajo de sistematización de experiencias formativas buscó rastrear tendencias e identificar perspectivas en Latinoamérica a través de la recolección de datos mediante dos etapas: revisión documental y análisis de una encuesta cualitativa en línea. Los resultados sugirieron que el enfoque cognitivo predominó en la conceptualización del pensamiento crítico, asumiéndolo como un proceso de adquisición y desarrollo de habilidades mentales a trabajar mediante una formación con enfoque crítico en la lectura y la escritura. No obstante, se observó una ausencia de propuestas que abordaran asuntos actitudinales, motivacionales y emocionales.

Within the theoretical framework of teacher education and critical thinking, this work of systematization of educational experiences sought to track trends and describe perspectives in Latin America through documentary reviews and qualitative surveys. The data were analyzed through techniques such as reduction, representation and interpretation (Rodríguez, Gil & García, 1999). The results suggest that the cognitive approach predominates in the conceptualization of critical thinking, assuming it as a process of acquisition and development of mental abilities, which can be developed through critical training in reading and writing. However, there is an absence of proposals that address attitudinal, motivational and emotional issues.
Memy internetowe jako nowoczesne formy komunikacji multimodalnej i nośniki pamięci zbiorowej. Marta Wójcicka (2020): Mem internetowy jako multimodalny gatunek pamięci zbiorowej. Lublin: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej, 203 ss.
Authors: Jakosz Mariusz
Published: January 2021

The goal of this contribution is to review and to discuss the content of the publication by Marta Wójcicka (2020): Mem internetowy jako multimodalny gatunek pamięci zbiorowej. Lublin: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej, 203 ss.
The supporting role of business models in the promotion of sustainable innovations in the energy sector: an explorative study in the Italian SMEs
Authors: ANNUNZIATA ELEONORA , RIZZI FRANCESCO , FREY MARCO
Published: January 2021

Purpose of the paper: This paper aims to analyze how small-medium enterprises (SMEs) contribute to the development of a sustainable innovations in the energy sector such as geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) by implementing effective sustainable business models. Methodology: The study carried out an exploratory multiple case study with 8 SMEs operating in the Italian GHP market on the role of sustainable business models in supporting the development of sustainable innovations. Results: The analysis shows that sustainable business models exert a supporting function between sustainable innovation and sustainable value creation thanks to their ability to overcome the existing barriers to adopt sustainable innovations (i.e. GHP systems). This supporting role thus results from the firms’ capabilities and knowledge to assess and promote the peculiarities of selected sustainable innovation. Moreover, the analyzed business models foresee an ongoing support of customers before and after the adoption of sustainable innovation by communicating potential environmental benefits and providing additional services. Research limits: The main limitation is that the findings derive from a national case study with specific market conditions for GHPs which might influence the development of sustainable business models. Practical implications: The study supports firms aiming to develop and implement business models for boosting sustainable innovations through an effective assessment of selected sustainable innovation and dialogue with policy makers. Originality of the paper: The study opens the black box of unexplored relationships between sustainability innovations and business models by analyzing their main components (value proposition, supply chain and public institutions, customer interface and financial model).
Quantum transport in topological matters under magnetic fields
Authors: Qiang Xiao-Bin , Lu Hai-Zhou ,   Shenzhen Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, Department of Physics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China,   Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Quantum Science and Engineering, Shenzhen 518055, China
Published: January 2021

Topological matters include topological insulator, topological semimetal and topological superconductor. The topological semimetals are three-dimensional topological states of matter with gapless electronic excitations. They are simply divided into Weyl, Dirac, and nodal-line semimetals according to the touch type of the conduction band and the valence band. Their characteristic electronic structures lead to topologically protected surface states at certain surfaces, corresponding to the novel transport properties. We review our recent works on quantum transport mainly in topological semimetals. The main theories describing the transport behavior of topological matters are given in different magnetic regions.
Hybrid wavelet-based learning method of predicting effective thermal conductivities of hybrid composite materials
Authors: Kou Wen-Bo , Dong Hao , Zou Min-Qiang , Han Jun-Yan , Jia Xi-Xi ,   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xidian University, Xi’an 710071, China,   School of Mechano-Electronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi’an 710071, China,   School of Computer Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi’an 710071, China
Published: January 2021

The hybrid composite materials are a new type of composite material. Due to their complex microscopic structures, it is very challenging to predict the equivalent thermal conductivities of hybrid composites. In this paper, an innovative hybrid wavelet-based learning method assisted multiscale analysis is developed to predict the effective thermal conductivities of hybrid composite materials with heterogeneous conductivity by the asymptotic homogenization method, wavelet transform method, and machine learning method. This innovative approach mainly includes two parts: off-line multi-scale modeling and on-line machine learning. Firstly, the material database about thermal transfer performance of hybrid composites is established by the asymptotic homogenization method and off-line multi-scale modeling, and then the off-line material database is preprocessed by the wavelet transform method. Secondly, the artificial neural network and support vector regression method are employed to establish the on-line machine learning model for predicting the equivalent heat conduction properties of hybrid composites. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid wavelet-based learning method is verified by numerical experiments on the periodic and random hybrid composites. The numerical results show that the hybrid wavelet-based artificial neural network method owns the optimal capability of parameter prediction and anti-noise. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the hybrid wavelet-based learning method can not only extract the important features of off-line material database for random hybrid composites with high-dimensional large-scale data features, but also significantly reduce the quantity of input data for ensuring the successful on-line supervised learning and improve the training efficiency and anti-noise performance of the machine learning model. The established hybrid wavelet-based learning method in this paper can not only be used to evaluate the equivalent thermal conductivities of hybrid composite materials, but also further extend to the predicting of the equivalent physical and mechanical properties of composite materials.
A new caimanine alligatorid from the Middle Eocene of Southwest Texas and implications for spatial and temporal shifts in Paleogene crocodyliform diversity
Authors: Stocker Michelle R. , Brochu Christopher A. , Kirk E. Christopher
Published: January 2021

Dramatic early Cenozoic climatic shifts resulted in faunal reorganization on a global scale. Among vertebrates, multiple groups of mammals (e.g., adapiform and omomyiform primates, mesonychids, taeniodonts, dichobunid artiodactyls) are well known from the Western Interior of North America in the warm, greenhouse conditions of the early Eocene, but a dramatic drop in the diversity of these groups, along with the introduction of more dry-tolerant taxa, occurred near the Eocene–Oligocene boundary. Crocodyliforms underwent a striking loss of diversity at this time as well. Pre-Uintan crocodyliform assemblages in the central Western Interior are characterized by multiple taxa, whereas Chadronian assemblages are depauperate with onlyAlligator prenasalispreviously known. Crocodyliform diversity through the intervening Uintan and Duchesnean is not well understood. The middle Eocene Devil’s Graveyard Formation (DGF) of southwest Texas provides new data from southern latitudes during that crucial period. A new specimen from the middle member of the DGF (late Uintan–Duchesnean) is the most complete cranial material of an alligatorid known from Paleogene deposits outside the Western Interior. We identify this specimen as a caimanine based on notched descending laminae of the pterygoids posterior to the choanae and long descending processes of the exoccipitals that are in contact with the basioccipital tubera. UnlikeEocaiman cavernensis, the anterior palatine process is rounded rather than quadrangular. The relationships and age of this new taxon support the hypothesis that the modern distribution of caimanines represents a contraction of a more expansive early Cenozoic distribution. We hypothesize that the range of caimanines tracked shifting warm, humid climatic conditions that contracted latitudinally toward the hothouse-icehouse transition later in the Eocene.
Investigation through New Approach on Plants with Antihypertensive Properties Used by the Herbalists in the Maritime Region of Togo
Authors: Compaoré Souleymane , Koudouvo Koffi , Bancé Alimata , Boly Raïnatou , Belemnaba Lazare , Ouédraogo Noufou , Ouédraogo Sylvin
Published: January 2021

Like other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, hypertension is currently a public health problem in Togo. To decrease the insufficient of the methods previously used, a new survey technique, namely ATRM (Achat en Triplet des Recettes Médicinales), has been proposed. This study aims to contribute to a better knowledge of traditional remedies for their safe and sustainable use in the management of hypertension. ATRM method applied with 34 herbalists of 17 markets in maritime and Lomé-Commune health regions. Plant species and parts used, preparation and administration methods and market characteristics of plants were collected. In total, 62 plant species (56 genera and 30 families) were identified from 102 collected recipes. These recipes included 70% single plant recipes and 30% associated plant recipes, showing the influence of the ATRM method in reducing the number of plants in the recipes. Lippia multiflora Moldenke (23.50%) was the most used plant species followed by Uvaria chamae P. Beauv (8.20%), Acanthospermum hispidum DC. (4.92%), Lannea kerstingii A. Rich. (3.83%), Vitex doniana Sweet (3.83%), and Senna sieberiana DC. (3.28%). Leafy stems (33.33%), roots (20.83%) and trunk bark (16.67%) were the most used organs. The recipes were mainly prepared as a decoction and administered orally. In the transit market, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (7.12 USD/kg), Senna occidentalis (L.) Link (4.98 USD/kg), Senna angustifolia Vahl (3.73 USD/kg) and Gardenia aqualla Stapf. & Hutch. (3.56 USD/kg) were the most expensive plants. 59.18% of the plant parts sold were roots, fruits, seeds, trunk bark and whole plants. These results suggest, on the one hand, an extensive biological investigation for effective management of hypertension. On the other hand, there is an urgent need to preserve the species whose vital organs were heavily sold.
The Potential Therapeutic Advantage of Abrus precatorius Linn. an Alternative to Glycyrrhiza glabra: A Review
Authors: Oladimeji Ashaolu Victoria , Valan M. F.
Published: January 2021

Far back since the existence of the human race, plant species have been used as herb or medicine to either treat, suppress or cure the human numerous sicknesses. This poses the truth that green medicine is safe, cost-efficient, and effective with little or no side effects. Up-till date, the medicinal plant has gained world attraction which has led to global development and discovery of new drug formulations. The beneficial features of plant medicine are enormous and should not be under-estimated. However, in this study, Abrus precatorius Linn., an alternative to Glycyrrhiza glabra has been extensively reviewed to expose this herb secret to the scientific research world for the development of possible novel drug formulations in response to the present global diseases around the globe.
Identification of chemical compounds regulating PD‐L1 by introducing HiBiT‐tagged cells
Authors: Uchida Yutaro , Matsushima Takahide , Kurimoto Ryota , Chiba Tomoki , Inutani Yuki , Asahara Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

Programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) is a co‐inhibitory molecule expressed on tumor cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors focusing on the PD‐L1 mechanism are now being studied for the treatment of various cancer types. However, the regulatory mechanism of PD‐L1 is yet to be fully clarified, and a high‐throughput system for comparing the abilities of small compounds in regulating PD‐L1 has not yet been established. Therefore, we created a HiBiT‐tagged lung adenocarcinoma cell line, PC9‐KI, for easier and faster detection of changes in PD‐L1 protein expression. Using PC9‐KI cells, we screened 1280 chemical compounds from the Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds and identified microtubule polymerization inhibitors and thapsigargin as PD‐L1 upregulators and a p97 inhibitor as a PD‐L1 downregulator.
Electrophysiological Phenotype Characterization of Human iPSC‐Derived Neuronal Cell Lines by Means of High‐Density Microelectrode Arrays
Authors: Ronchi Silvia , Buccino Alessio Paolo , Prack Gustavo , Kumar Sreedhar Saseendran , Schröter Manuel , Fiscella Michele , Hierlemann Andreas
Published: January 2021

Recent advances in the field of cellular reprogramming have opened a route to studying the fundamental mechanisms underlying common neurological disorders. High‐density microelectrode‐arrays (HD‐MEAs) provide unprecedented means to study neuronal physiology at different scales, ranging from network through single‐neuron to subcellular features. In this work, HD‐MEAs are used in vitro to characterize and compare human induced‐pluripotent‐stem‐cell‐derived dopaminergic and motor neurons, including isogenic neuronal lines modeling Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Reproducible electrophysiological network, single‐cell and subcellular metrics are used for phenotype characterization and drug testing. Metrics, such as burst shape and axonal velocity, enable the distinction of healthy and diseased neurons. The HD‐MEA metrics can also be used to detect the effects of dosing the drug retigabine to human motor neurons. Finally, it is shown that the ability to detect drug effects and the observed culture‐to‐culture variability critically depend on the number of available recording electrodes.
Development of Host‐Orthogonal Genetic Systems for Synthetic Biology
Authors: Zhang Yang , Ding Wentao , Wang Zhihui , Zhao Huimin , Shi Shuobo
Published: January 2021

The construction of a host‐orthogonal genetic system can not only minimize the impact of host‐specific nuances on fine‐tuning of gene expression, but also expand cellular functions such as in vivo continuous evolution of genes based on an error‐prone DNA polymerase. It represents an emerging powerful approach for making biology easier to engineer. In this review, the recent advances are described on the design of genetic systems that can be stably inherited in the host cells and are responsible for important biological processes including DNA replication, RNA transcription, protein translation, and gene regulation. Their applications in synthetic biology are summarized and the future challenges and opportunities are discussed in developing such systems.
Anomalous Low Thermal Conductivity of Atomically Thin InSe Probed by Scanning Thermal Microscopy
Authors: Buckley David , Kudrynskyi Zakhar R. , Balakrishnan Nilanthy , Vincent Tom , Mazumder Debarati , Castanon Eli , Kovalyuk Zakhar D. , Kolosov Oleg , Kazakova Olga , Tzalenchuk Alexander , Patanè Amalia
Published: January 2021

The ability of a material to conduct heat influences many physical phenomena, ranging from thermal management in nanoscale devices to thermoelectrics. Van der Waals 2D materials offer a versatile platform to tailor heat transfer due to their high surface‐to‐volume ratio and mechanical flexibility. Here, the nanoscale thermal properties of 2D indium selenide (InSe) are studied by scanning thermal microscopy. The high electrical conductivity, broad‐band optical absorption, and mechanical flexibility of 2D InSe are accompanied by an anomalous low thermal conductivity (κ). This can be smaller than that of low‐κ dielectrics, such as silicon oxide, and it decreases with reducing the lateral size and/or thickness of InSe. The thermal response is probed in free‐standing InSe layers as well as layers supported by a substrate, revealing the role of interfacial thermal resistance, phonon scattering, and strain. These thermal properties are critical for future emerging technologies, such as field‐effect transistors that require efficient heat dissipation or thermoelectric energy conversion with low‐κ, high electron mobility 2D materials, such as InSe.
Sterilization of Semiconductive Nanomaterials: The Case of Water‐Suspended Poly‐3‐Hexylthiophene Nanoparticles
Authors: Monti Filippo , Manfredi Giovanni , Palamà Ilaria Elena , Kovtun Alessandro , Zangoli Mattia , D'Amone Stefania , Ortolani Luca , Bondelli Gaia , Szreder Tomasz , Bobrowski Krzysztof , D'Angelantonio Mila , Lanzani Guglielmo , Di Maria Francesca
Published: January 2021

In this work, the feasibility of sterilizing a water suspension of poly‐3‐hexylthiophene nanoparticles (P3HT‐NPs) is investigated using ionizing radiation, either γ‐rays or high‐energy electrons (e‐beam). It is found that regardless of the irradiation source, the size, polydispersity, aggregation stability, and morphology of the NPs are not affected by the treatment. Furthermore, the impact of ionizing radiation on the physicochemical properties of NPs at different absorbed radiation doses (10–25 kGy) and dose rates (kGy time−1) is evaluated through different spectroscopic techniques. The results indicate that delivering a high dose of radiations (25 kGy) at a high dose rate, that is, kGy s−1, as achieved by e‐beam irradiation, preserves the characteristics of the polymeric NPs. Differently, the same radiation dose but delivered at a lower dose rate, that is, kGy h−1, as attained by using a γ‐source, can modify the physicochemical properties of the polymer. Sterility tests indicate that an absorbed dose of 10 kGy, delivered either with γ‐rays or e‐beam, is already sufficient for effective sterilization of the colloidal suspension and for reducing the endotoxin content. Finally, NPs irradiated at different doses, exhibit the same cytocompatibility and cell internalization characteristics in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells of NPs prepared under aseptic conditions.
3D Printed Flexible Strain Sensors: From Printing to Devices and Signals
Authors: Liu Haodong , Zhang Hongjian , Han Wenqi , Lin Huijuan , Li Ruizi , Zhu Jixin , Huang Wei
Published: January 2021

The revolutionary and pioneering advancements of flexible electronics provide the boundless potential to become one of the leading trends in the exploitation of wearable devices and electronic skin. Working as substantial intermediates for the collection of external mechanical signals, flexible strain sensors that get intensive attention are regarded as indispensable components in flexible integrated electronic systems. Compared with conventional preparation methods including complicated lithography and transfer printing, 3D printing technology is utilized to manufacture various flexible strain sensors owing to the low processing cost, superior fabrication accuracy, and satisfactory production efficiency. Herein, up‐to‐date flexible strain sensors fabricated via 3D printing are highlighted, focusing on different printing methods based on photocuring and materials extrusion, including Digital Light Processing (DLP), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and direct ink writing (DIW). Sensing mechanisms of 3D printed strain sensors are also discussed. Furthermore, the existing bottlenecks and future prospects are provided for further progressing research.
Liquid Crystal Elastomer‐Based Magnetic Composite Films for Reconfigurable Shape‐Morphing Soft Miniature Machines
Authors: Zhang Jiachen , Guo Yubing , Hu Wenqi , Soon Ren Hao , Davidson Zoey S. , Sitti Metin
Published: January 2021

Stimuli‐responsive and active materials promise radical advances for many applications. In particular, soft magnetic materials offer precise, fast, and wireless actuation together with versatile functionality, while liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are capable of large reversible and programmable shape‐morphing with high work densities in response to various environmental stimuli, e.g., temperature, light, and chemical solutions. Integrating the orthogonal stimuli‐responsiveness of these two kinds of active materials could potentially enable new functionalities and future applications. Here, magnetic microparticles (MMPs) are embedded into an LCE film to take the respective advantages of both materials without compromising their independent stimuli‐responsiveness. This composite material enables reconfigurable magnetic soft miniature machines that can self‐adapt to a changing environment. In particular, a miniature soft robot that can autonomously alter its locomotion mode when it moves from air to hot liquid, a vine‐like filament that can sense and twine around a support, and a light‐switchable magnetic spring are demonstrated. The integration of LCEs and MMPs into monolithic structures introduces a new dimension in the design of soft machines and thus greatly enhances their use in applications in complex environments, especially for miniature soft robots, which are self‐adaptable to environmental changes while being remotely controllable.
Shape‐Memory Metallopolymers Based on Two Orthogonal Metal–Ligand Interactions
Authors: Meurer Josefine , Hniopek Julian , Bätz Thomas , Zechel Stefan , Enke Marcel , Vitz Jürgen , Schmitt Michael , Popp Jürgen , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: January 2021

A new shape‐memory polymer is presented, in which both the stable phase as well as the switching unit consist of two different metal complexes. Suitable metal ions, which simultaneously form labile complexes with histidine and stable ones with terpyridine ligands, are identified via isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements. Different copolymers are synthesized, which contain butyl methacrylate as the main monomer and the metal‐binding ligands in the side chains. Zn(TFMS)2 and NiCl2 are utilized for the dual crosslinking, resulting in the formation of metallopolymer networks. The switching temperature can simply be tuned by changing the composition as well as by the choice of the metal ion. Strain fixity rates (about 99%) and very high strain recovery rates (up to 95%) are achieved and the mechanism is revealed using different techniques such as Raman spectroscopy.
Direct Synthesis and Enhanced Rectification of Alloy‐to‐Alloy 2D Type‐II MoS2(1‐x)Se2x/SnS2(1‐y)Se2y Heterostructures
Authors: Wang Xiaoting , Pan Longfei , Yang Juehan , Li Bo , Liu Yue‐Yang , Wei Zhongming
Published: January 2021

The interfacial tunable band alignment of heterostructures is coveted in device design and optimization of device performance. As an intentional approach, alloying allows band engineering and continuous band‐edge tunability for low‐dimensional semiconductors. Thus, combining the tunability of alloying with the band structure of a heterostructure is highly desirable for the improvement of device characteristics. In this work, the single‐step growth of alloy‐to‐alloy (MoS2(1‐x)Se2x/SnS2(1‐y)Se2y) 2D vertical heterostructures is demonstrated. Electron diffraction reveals the well‐aligned heteroepitaxial relationship for the heterostructure, and a near‐atomically sharp and defect‐free boundary along the interface is observed. The nearly intrinsic van der Waals (vdW) interface enables measurement of the intrinsic behaviors of the heterostructures. The optimized type‐II band alignment for the MoS2(1‐x)Se2x/SnS2(1‐y)Se2y heterostructure, along with the large band offset and effective charge transfer, is confirmed through quenched PL spectroscopy combined with density functional theory calculations. Devices based on completely stacked heterostructures show one or two orders enhanced electron mobility and rectification ratio than those of the constituent materials. The realization of device‐quality alloy‐to‐alloy heterostructures provides a new material platform for precisely tuning band alignment and optimizing device applications.