bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct role of Klotho in long bone and craniofacial bone: skeletal development, repair and regeneration
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Wei Yali , Li Zucen , Zhou Chenchen , Fan Yi
Published: October 2024

Bone defects are highly prevalent diseases caused by trauma, tumors, inflammation, congenital malformations and endocrine abnormalities. Ideally effective and side effect free approach to dealing with bone defects remains a clinical conundrum. Klotho is an important protein, which plays an essential role in regulating aging and mineral ion homeostasis. More recently, research revealed the function of Klotho in regulating skeleton development and regeneration. Klotho has been identified in mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts in different skeleton regions. The specific function and regulatory mechanisms of Klotho in long bone and craniofacial bone vary due to their different embryonic development, ossification and cell types, which remain unclear and without conclusion. Moreover, studies have confirmed that Klotho is a multifunctional protein that can inhibit inflammation, resist cancer and regulate the endocrine system, which may further accentuate the potential of Klotho to be the ideal molecule in inducing bone restoration clinically. Besides, as an endogenous protein, Klotho has a promising potential for clinical therapy without side effects. In the current review, we summarized the specific function of Klotho in long bone and craniofacial skeleton from phenotype to cellular alternation and signaling pathway. Moreover, we illustrated the possible future clinical application for Klotho. Further research on Klotho might help to solve the existing clinical difficulties in bone healing and increase the life quality of patients with bone injury and the elderly.
Una cámara sencilla y de reducido coste para medir flujos de CO2 en humedales muy someros
Authors: Ruiz-Nieto Miriam , Warren-Jiménez Paula , Moreno-Ostos Enrique
Published: October 2024

En esta nota presentamos una cámara diseñada por el Grupo de Ecología Marina y Limnología de la Universidad de Málaga, que permite la determinación fiable de flujos de CO2 en humedales muy someros, con profundidades de entre 0.5 y 5.5 cm. La ventaja de este diseño es que garantiza la renovación del agua en el interior de la cámara durante el tiempo de medida, a la vez que evita cualquier riesgo de varamiento en el sedimento que pueda favorecer la entrada o salida de gas de la misma. Esta cámara permite determinar flujos de CO2 resultantes del intercambio entre el sistema sedimento-lámina de agua y la atmósfera. Además, nuestro diseño es de reducido coste (~250 euros) en comparación con sistemas comerciales, que suelen tener precios un orden de magnitud superior.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Transmission of Vector-borne Diseases and Drug Administration: A Review
Authors: Donkor Bismark Senyo , Sedeafor Richard , Mensah Griffin Agyekum , Amponsah Melchizedek Asamoah
Published: October 2024

Climate change continues to be a big threat to humanity, particularly due to its significant impacts on human health. Although there have been some studies on the impacts of climate change on human health, there is a huge gap on its prospective effects on the transmission of vector-borne diseases and drug administration. Therefore this review provides a comprehensive impacts of climate change on the transmission of vector-borne diseases and drug administration It is estimated that the global temperature on average will potentially rise by 1.0 – 3.0 oC, thus increasing the chance of the emergent and increased rate of transmission of vector-borne diseases. Climate change continues to have a significant impact on overly poor and vulnerable populations across tropical and sub-tropical regions across the world. Some studies have established the influence of climate change on the transmission of diseases due to increasing changes in weather patterns such as rainfall and increase in temperature, as a result of global warming. It is believed that climate change will have a long-term effect on the propagation of diseases, and subsequently affect treatment from drug administration. Rising temperatures and global warming due to climate change can alter disease patterns, drug stability and change drug properties, thus potentially increasing drug toxicity and reducing drug efficacy.
Network Sampling and Its Application to the Prevalence of Abortion among Female Students in Nigeria Tertiary Institution
Authors: T.O Alakija, , S. T Oyeyemi, , O.T Arowolo, , M.I Ekum, , O.D Adeparusi, , O Dairo,
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of abortion among female students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria and its impact on the students. The network sampling technique which makes use of an initial subject to refer other subjects with similar characteristics was used as sampling method for data collection. Data was collected from 150 students using a well-structured questionnaire, and statistical analysis using the logistic regression to determine the Wald statistics and odd ratio was conducted to conclude. The chi square was also used to determine the model adequacy which shows that the model is a good fit. The study found that factors such as rape, pressure to complete education, criticism from peers, and fear of parental reaction were influencing students' decisions to undergo abortion. Additionally, the study revealed that complications and untimely deaths were among the negative consequences of abortion. The most common age bracket for students involved in abortion was 21-25 years, accounting for 48% of cases, and the estimated prevalence of students engaged in abortion was 92.7%. Based on these findings, the study suggests promoting the use of contraceptives, such as condoms, and encouraging abstinence, especially among new students. The study also recommends that parents and guardians take an active role in monitoring their children and wards.
Design of Digital Lux Meter Based on Arduino Using EL7900 Photodiode Sensor
Authors: Made Satriya Wibawa, I , Ketut Putra, I , Gunawan Anak Agung Ngurah
Published: October 2024

Aims: To design and manufacture a digital lux meter to the illumination intensity (E) detection tool that is more efficient, relatively cheaper, and can be carried because it has a smaller shape and size compared to tools on the market.
Study Design: Design of lux meter digital based on Arduino uno using an EL 7900 sensor.
Place and Duration of Study: Physics Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Udayana University, from June 2024 to September 2024.
Methodology: The method used is to design electronic components so that it can become a digital lux meter. The main processor uses Arduino. The microcontroller functions as a data processor which is the output of the EL 7900 sensor. The HC-SR04 sensor is a distance sensor whose function is to measure the distance measured on the design tool. The detection results from the sensor are then processed in the microcontroller and displayed on the OLED.
Results: Lux meter digital based on Arduino uno using EL 7900 sensors has been produced. The results of the research show that the further the measurement distance from the light source, the illumination intensity (E) decreases. This research also finds that the illumination intensity will increase if the source power is increased. Based on calibration testing between the design tool and the reference tool, it shows very good results with an error rate of 0.06%. Field test results showed that the level of accuracy of the illumination intensity between the design tool and the reference tool at a distance of 150 cm from the light source with different light source power reached 99.48%.
Conclusion: In this research, digital lux meter to the illumination intensity (E) detection tool, relatively cheaper and can be carried because it has a smaller shape and size compared to tools on the market. Based on calibration testing, it shows very good results with an error rate of 0.06%.
Assessment and Delineation of GPS-GIS Based Soil Fertility Maps of Instructional Farm, Malegaon Tehsil Baramati
Authors: Gaikwad Suyash C. , Tambe Balasaheb N. , Pondkule Reshma G. , Gaikwad Rani D. , Palve Shubham S. , Balpande Aishwarya V.
Published: October 2024

The present investigation was conducted in the year 2023-24 at division of Soil Science, Dr. Sharadchandra Pawar College of Agriculture, Baramati with an objectives to assess the soil available nutrient status and delineation of GIS based maps of soil available nutrients. Using Arc-GIS 10, Version 10.8, fertility maps of the available macro nutrients were created. The area under the Instructional Farm had soil pH ranged from 7.11 to 8.32, categorized into the slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline categories while the EC varied from 0.21 to 1.99 dSm-1, indicating that most of the soils were non-saline. The soil's organic carbon and calcium carbonate contents ranged from 0.21 to 0.97 per cent and 1.50 to 19.75 per cent and they were classified into low to high and low to very high categories respectively. In the Instructional Farm, the ranges of available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content were 85.50 to 360.75, 23.29 to 80.08 and 202.5 to 968.68 kg ha-1 respectively. The Instructional Farm soils had very low to moderate levels of available nitrogen, moderately high to very high levels of available phosphorus and moderately high to very high levels of available potassium. The implementation of GPS-GIS-based techniques for soil sampling represents a significant advancement that will allow researchers and institute officials to track changes in soil fertility over the years. The soil fertility maps created for the Instructional Farm will be invaluable for establishing a scientifically sound fertilization schedule.
Ethnopharmacological Insights into the Use of Chenopodium ambrosioides for Cough Treatment among Togolese Traditional Healers
Authors: Akpadja Kodjo , Koudouvo Koffi , Dahounom Aboudou Azizou , Esseh Komlanvi , Ouro-Djéri Hafez , Poro Kpatcha Edjarew , Togbenou Komlantsè , Tchacondo Tchadjobo , Agbonon Amégnona
Published: October 2024

Togo has an ethnobotanical potential with a great diversity of medicinal plants widely used to treat human diseases. Cough associated with respiratory diseases is one of the pathologies traditionally treated with medicinal plants in Togo. Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.) is a species used in the traditional treatment of cough in Togo. The aim of this study was to document the ethnopharmacological uses of Chenopodium ambrosioides in Togolese traditional medicine for treatment of cough. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted using the semi-structured interview method among Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) from six health districts spread across four health regions. The ethnopharmacological and ethnobotanical data collected were analyzed using the User Value (UV) and Frequency of Citation (FC) of medicinal plants associated with the species. A total of 127 TMPs participated in this study and 96 (76%) of them were male and 31 (34%) were female. 73% of the informants claimed usually use Chenopodium ambrosioides in the cough treatment compared to 27% who claimed to not use it to treat cough. Chenopodium ambrosioides was used in combination with fifty-two (52) other botanical species in the treatment of cough and in the study area, Abrus precatorius Linn. (13.59%) followed by Ocimum gratissimum Linn. (11.58%), Zingiber officinale Rosc. Trans. Linn. (9.73%), Mangifera indica Linn. (6.21%), Eucalyptus citriodora Hooker (4.87%), Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (4.36%) and Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb. (4.19%) were the most popular plants used for cough treatment among the plants recorded. Sixteen (16) other pathologies including pulmonary infections are also treated by Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.). Abscesses, intestinal parasitic diseases, incurable wounds, stomach aches and headaches are the most pathologies commonly treated by this plant. The whole plant (72%) and leaves (22%) are the primary parts utilized for medicinal purposes. Decoction (77.50%) is the main preparation method, with oral (80.83%) and cutaneous (10.83%) routes being the most common modes of administration. The findings from this study provide a solid ethnopharmacological foundation for future pharmacological and toxicological investigations into Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.).
Field Demonstration of Indigenous Strains Bacillus thuringiensis and Beauveria bassiana for Sustainable Management of Spodoptera litura in Groundnut
Authors: Pradeep M. , Swamy G. Narayana , Reddy P. Pedda Nagi , Jyothi G.L. Siva
Published: October 2024

This study by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nellore, evaluates the efficacy of biopesticides Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Beauveria bassiana formulations against S. litura compared to conventional insecticides over two growing seasons (2018-19 and 2019-20). Twenty Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) involving 20 farmers were conducted, with treatments applied when leaf damage exceeded 25%. Results indicated significant reductions in leaf damage (8.40% for biopesticides vs. 8.89% for insecticides) and larval populations. Specifically, larval counts decreased substantially after treatment, with average counts at 50 DAS dropping from 21.29 (FP) to 3.37 (Demo) in 2018-19 and from 22.15 (FP) to 3.53 (Demo) in 2019-20. Economic analysis revealed comparable net returns and benefit-cost ratios for both treatments (1.92 and 1.93 for biopesticides and insecticides, respectively). These findings support the economic viability of adopting biopesticide, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and profitability in groundnut cultivation.
Production and Characterization of Mineral-Enriched Nadep Composts for Enhanced Soil Fertility
Authors: Shirin K.S. A. , Aparna B. , Rani B. , Mini V. , Bindhu J.S , Sreelekshmi M.
Published: October 2024

Aim: Production and characterization of NADEP composts using aquatic weeds as substrates and enriched with different minerals, were conducted to evaluate its feasibility for agricultural purpose.
Study Design: The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design comprising 12 treatments and three replications.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the model organic Farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, between December 2023 and January 2024.
Methods: Aquatic weeds, Limnocharis flava and Eichhornia crassipes, were collected from Vellayani lake and mixed with banana pseudostem in different proportions for compost preparation. Once the compost reached maturity, it was enriched with minerals such as calcium apatite and epsom salt. The resultant compost was then analyzed for its physical, chemical, and biological properties.
Results: The NADEP compost, made from a 1:1 mixture of L. flava and E. crassipes and enriched with calcium apatite and epsom salt, was found to be the most effective treatment. It showed higher levels of macro and micronutrients, an ideal C: N ratio, improved enzyme activity, and a significant microbial load.
Conclusion: NADEP composting has emerged as a highly effective and environmentally sustainable approach to producing high-quality compost in a prompt and efficient way. This method transforms aquatic weeds, such as Limnocharis and Eichhornia crassipes, which pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems, into valuable compost, thereby promoting effective waste management and advancing sustainable agricultural practices.
Magnetized Irrigation and its Potential in Sustainable Agriculture: A Review
Authors: Saju Sandra Maria , T Sajitha Rani , P Shalini Pillai
Published: October 2024

Magnetisation in agriculture is not a conventional method. It has tremendous implications in the crop production as well as mitigating the poor quality soil and water conditions. This reviews looks into the changes that occur in the properties of water on magnetization and the changes in the physico-chemical of soil that are affected by magnetic water. The practical application of magnetic irrigation in agriculture are reviewed based on recent researches. Magnetisaton positively influences the seed germination, seedling establishment, vegetative growth and yield of treated plants. Magnetic irrigation boosts the anti-oxidant and enzyme activity, enhances the plant metabolism and synthesis of plant pigments for coping up the adverse growth conditions. The remediation of poor quality irrigation water and waste water management are another fields where magnetization can be effectively utilized. Magnetic water can be used to alleviate abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought stresses. Magnetised irrigation is a suitable alternative for reduced water requirement and improved water use efficiency.   Hence magnetised irrigation is a promising scientific method to boost crop production, while being sustainable and environmentally safe.
The Unheard Voices of the Subaltern in Harshankar Jaladas’s Ramgolam
Authors: Azam A S M Iftekarul , Taium Saima
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the class struggle of the Harijans (Hindu sweepers) in Bangladesh as portrayed in Harishankar Jaladas’s Ramgolam. Due to society-imposed identifier of ‘untouchability’, the scavengers in Bangladesh have historically been subjected to discrimination and marginalization. They have been deprived of choices such as free selection of occupation, access to housing, education and other rights. Contending with the conventional notion that Hinduism maintains social order by caste hierarchies and divisions of labour, Jaladas shows how the desperate poor people respond to the notion of untouchability and show resistance to caste discrimination. The protagonist Ramgolam occupies a significant place in Bangla literature through his unique leadership and for his escapade towards freedom from social supremacy. It is arguable that it is not only by Hindu religious ideology but also through historical, colonial, economic, political and social aspects of castebased discrimination that eventually leads them to raise their voices in a world where no one is there to hear them. Through qualitative research methodology, this paper concludes in implying the never-ending struggle of the Harijan sweepers which remains unnoticed to the civilized world and the subaltern are not capable enough to deal with the hegemony imposed by bureaucracy and political conspiracy
Power Dividers
Authors: Branner George R.
Published: November 2017

Power dividers are one of the most fundamental and important passive components in engineering systems that are basically used for splitting or combining power at a junction. Specifically, electrical power divider systems have the added complexity of operating at frequencies ranging from very low (dc) to very high (optical) frequencies. Hence, over the years, circuit application over a wide spectrum has led to the development of diverse structural configurations such ascoaxial,two wire,waveguide,microstrip,stripline, coplanar waveguide, andoptical fiber, which perform the same function of power division/combining, although at different frequency bands. These structures also vary in power handling capacity, which is defined by the system, ranging from low‐power electronics to high‐power radar systems. Efficient power divider design also requiresmatchingat the junction to ensure smooth flow of power between the various ports of the device, which may have different input/output impedances.

This article starts with a discussion of the basic theory andS‐parameter analysis of electrical power dividers in equal and unequal configuration, followed by specific applications to different transmission line structures such as coaxial, waveguide, and microstrip. This introductory section is followed by details of analytical and computer optimization methods to design equal and unequal power dividers, including empirical formulas for techniques such astaperingandsteppingto obtain increased bandwidth of operation. Finally, the article concludes with an overview of current trends and innovations in power divider design.
Evolving Systems: Review
Authors: Angelov Plamen , Iglesias Jose A.
Published: November 2017

In this article, we describe the research area of evolving systems starting with a brief history, the basic concepts, and definitions and moving to classes of evolving systems. We further provide illustrative examples of evolving systems to various problems. The research area of evolving systems is closely related to adaptive systems, machine learning, mathematical modeling, data science, and computer systems. Some systems with such properties emerged at the end of last century, but the area was formed and recognized in the current century. The importance of this research – which is now a recognized niche topic with its own scientific journal (Evolving Systems), annualIEEEconferences, technical committees, etc. – is even clearer now when the era of Big Data, data streams, machine learning, and intelligence is a topic not only of research but also of publicity. The importance of evolving systems was stressed at the very beginning of its formation as a subdiscipline because a true intelligence can only be evolving. Indeed, the majority of the real processes and phenomena that people are interested in, such as modeling, predicting, classifying, controlling, or simply monitoring, are nonstationary; they are complex, nonlinear, and dynamically evolving. This includes climate, human behavior, social and biomedical systems, and even contemporary technical systems. The reality in which we are living now, couple of decades after the appearance of evolving systems, is characterized not only by a huge volume of exponentially growing data but also by their dynamically evolving nature, heterogeneous form, uncertainty, and often lack of structure. The classical theories and practical toolset (techniques, algorithms, and methods) have their own limitations and often rely on unrealistic assumptions. The concept of evolving systems was revolutionary and broke a number of these assumptions bringing the results closer to the reality of the problems, processes, and phenomena we study. One such key restrictive assumption usually made is about the fixed structure of the model of the system that describes processes or phenomena we are interested in. This is closely linked with the millennia old principle of approaching complex issues – “divide et Impera.” Adding to it “evolve” is vital.
Confirmation of Elevated Methane Emissions in Utah's Uintah Basin With Ground‐Based Observations and a High‐Resolution Transport Model
Authors: Foster C. S. , Crosman E. T. , Holland L. , Mallia D. V. , Fasoli B. , Bares R. , Horel J. , Lin J. C.
Published: November 2017

Large CH4 leak rates have been observed in the Uintah Basin of eastern Utah, an area with over 10,000 active and producing natural gas and oil wells. In this paper, we model CH4 concentrations at four sites in the Uintah Basin and compare the simulated results to in situ observations at these sites during two spring time periods in 2015 and 2016. These sites include a baseline location (Fruitland), two sites near oil wells (Roosevelt and Castlepeak), and a site near natural gas wells (Horsepool). To interpret these measurements and relate observed CH4 variations to emissions, we carried out atmospheric simulations using the Stochastic Time‐Inverted Lagrangian Transport model driven by meteorological fields simulated by the Weather Research and Forecasting and High Resolution Rapid Refresh models. These simulations were combined with two different emission inventories: (1) aircraft‐derived basin‐wide emissions allocated spatially using oil and gas well locations, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and (2) a bottom‐up inventory for the entire U.S., from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At both Horsepool and Castlepeak, the diurnal cycle of modeled CH4 concentrations was captured using NOAA emission estimates but was underestimated using the EPA inventory. These findings corroborate emission estimates from the NOAA inventory, based on daytime mass balance estimates, and provide additional support for a suggested leak rate from the Uintah Basin that is higher than most other regions with natural gas and oil development.
A Positive Feedback Process Between Tropical Cyclone Intensity and the Moisture Conveyor Belt Assessed With Lagrangian Diagnostics
Authors: Fujiwara Keita , Kawamura Ryuichi , Hirata Hidetaka , Kawano Tetsuya , Kato Masaya , Shinoda Taro
Published: November 2017

Using a cloud‐resolving regional model and Lagrangian diagnostics, we assess a positive feedback process between tropical cyclone (TC) intensity and the moisture conveyor belt (MCB), which connects a TC and the Indian Ocean (IO), the South China Sea (SCS), and the Philippine Sea (PS) vapors, from a macroscopic view. We performed sensitivity experiments that modified the observed sea surface temperature field over the IO and the SCS to regulate the MCB behavior, and we examined the remote response of a prototypical TC. The results show that the connection between MCB formation and TC development is very robust, which was also observed in another TC's case. The MCB plays a vital role in transporting lots of moist air parcels toward the TC from the IO, SCS, and PS regions. The transported parcels, which further gained the underlying ocean vapor along the MCB, are easily trapped in the inner core by radial inflow in the atmospheric boundary layer and, subsequently, release latent heat around the eyewall, resulting in the TC's intensifying. This acts to further penetrate the moist parcels of remote ocean origin into the inner core through the enhanced and expanded inflow. An additional experiment suggested that the MCB is not formed unless the westward propagation of equatorial waves induced by TC heating overlaps with the background monsoon westerlies. These findings support the reliability and validity of TC–MCB feedback.
Vertical Structure of Aerosols and Mineral Dust Over the Bay of Bengal From Multisatellite Observations
Authors: Lakshmi N. B. , Nair Vijayakumar S. , Suresh Babu S.
Published: November 2017

The vertical distribution of aerosol and dust extinction coefficient over the Bay of Bengal is examined using the satellite observations (Cloud Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)) for the period from 2006 to 2017. Distinct seasonal pattern is observed in the vertical structure of both aerosol and dust over the Bay of Bengal with an enhancement of 24% in the aerosol extinction above 1 km from winter (December, January and February) to premonsoon (March, April, and May). Significant contribution of dust is observed over the northern Bay of Bengal during premonsoon season where 22% of the total aerosol extinction is contributed by dust aerosols transported from the nearby continental regions. During winter, dust transport is found to be less significant with fractional contribution of ~10%–13% to the total aerosol optical depth over the Bay of Bengal. MODIS‐derived dust fraction (fine mode based) shows an overestimation up to twofold compared to CALIOP dust fraction (depolarization based), whereas the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport‐simulated dust fraction underestimates the satellite‐derived dust fractions over the Bay of Bengal. Though the long‐term variation in dust aerosol showed a decreasing trend over the Bay of Bengal, the confidence level is insufficient in establishing the robustness of the observed trend. However, significant dust‐induced heating is observed above the boundary layer during premonsoon season. This dust‐induced elevated heating can affect the convection over the Bay of Bengal which will have implication on the monsoon dynamics over the Indian region.
Design and Anchorage Dependence of Shape Memory Alloy Actuators on Enhanced Voiding of a Bladder
Authors: Hassani Faezeh Arab , Gammad Gil Gerald Lasam , Mogan Roshini Priya , Ng Tze Kiat , Kuo Tricia Li Chuen , Ng Lay Guat , Luu Percy , Thakor Nitish V. , Yen Shih‐Cheng , Lee Chengkuo
Published: November 2017

The use of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to restore voiding of bladder for myogenic under active bladder (UAB) patients is proposed recently. Even though previous work show the unique capability of this technology for bladder voiding, the low voiding volume and high energy consumption of the device limit the advancement of this technique. This study proposes a novel approach using an interlaced configuration to overcome these limitations. In this device, SMA actuators are threaded through rigid anchor points of the flexible vest. The novel anchorage of SMA actuators provides more conformability for the vest and lower energy consumption for the device, while the new interlaced configuration enhances the voiding volume. The device is tested initially on a rubber model for the bladder, then it is implanted in an anesthetized rat, and a voiding volume of more than 20% at 4 V is successfully achieved. A commercial force sensor is integrated with the device to make it suitable for neurogenic UAB patients. The sensor provides a feedback control signal to the patient to initiate the actuation of the device upon fullness of bladder. The overall system is a promising advance over the state‐of‐the‐art providing bladder voiding in UAB patients.
Tailoring the Nanostructure of TiO2 Photoanodes for Efficient Co(II)/Co(III)‐Mediated Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Iacobellis Rosabianca , Giannuzzi Roberto , Grisorio Roberto , Qualtieri Antonio , Scarfiello Riccardo , Mannino Giovanni , Cozzoli Pantaleo Davide , Suranna Gian Paolo , De Marco Luisa
Published: November 2017

Novel nanostructured films employing hyperbranched and all‐linear TiO2 nanorods have been developed with the aim to overcome the impediments to the diffusion of bulky redox shuttles in photo‐electrochemical devices. The porosity of the working electrodes has been tailored by appropriately selecting the nanocrystal building blocks to study how the electrode features affect the electrochemical parameters underlying the charge‐transport phenomena and the photovoltaic properties of dye‐sensitized solar cells. An optimized combination of porosity, light‐harvesting capability, and enhanced electron‐transport properties leads to a remarkable improvement of the device efficiency from 1.3% to 8.6%. These results suggest that it is indeed possible to properly design photoanodes based on shape‐engineered nanocrystals, which can be suitable for different electrochemical devices such as fuel cells or storage devices employing viscous or quasi‐solid electrolytes.
Zigzag‐Elongated Fused π‐Electronic Core: A Molecular Design Strategy to Maximize Charge‐Carrier Mobility
Authors: Yamamoto Akito , Murata Yoshinori , Mitsui Chikahiko , Ishii Hiroyuki , Yamagishi Masakazu , Yano Masafumi , Sato Hiroyasu , Yamano Akihito , Takeya Jun , Okamoto Toshihiro
Published: November 2017

Printed and flexible electronics requires solution‐processable organic semiconductors with a carrier mobility (μ) of ≈10 cm2 V−1 s−1 as well as high chemical and thermal durability. In this study, chryseno[2,1‐b:8,7‐b′]dithiophene (ChDT) and its derivatives, which have a zigzag‐elongated fused π‐electronic core (π‐core) and a peculiar highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) configuration, are reported as materials with conceptually new semiconducting π‐cores. ChDT and its derivatives are prepared by a versatile synthetic procedure. A comprehensive investigation reveals that the ChDT π‐core exhibits increasing structural stability in the bulk crystal phase, and that it is unaffected by a variation of the transfer integral, induced by the perpetual molecular motion of organic materials owing to the combination of its molecular shape and its particular HOMO configuration. Notably, ChDT derivatives exhibit excellent chemical and thermal stability, high charge‐carrier mobility under ambient conditions (μ ≤ 10 cm2 V−1 s−1), and a crystal phase that is highly stable, even at temperatures above 250 °C.
Quantitative Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique for the Analysis of a Model System with Applications in Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Dibden James W. , Meddings Nina , Owen John R. , Garcia‐Araez Nuria
Published: November 2017

The galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) is a powerful characterization tool for batteries, which provides key thermodynamic and kinetic information about battery performance. However, the quantitative analysis of GITT measurements for lithium−sulfur batteries has so far been limited to the evaluation of the internal resistance of the cell and the equilibrium voltage profiles. In this work, we provide the mathematical framework to characterize the mass‐transport kinetics in lithium−sulfur batteries from GITT data, and we demonstrate the validity of the approach through the application to a model and well‐behaved system, ethyl viologen, whose diffusion coefficient is corroborated by cyclic voltammetry data. The present approach is also advantageous for the analysis of ion‐insertion electrodes, where non‐linearity of concentration and voltage changes would produce unrealistic evaluations of the diffusion coefficient by the classical analysis of GITT data.
Statistical challenges in high‐dimensional molecular and genetic epidemiology
Authors: Bull Shelley B. , Andrulis Irene L. , Paterson Andrew D.
Published: November 2017

Molecular and genetic association studies conducted in well‐characterized longitudinal cohorts offer a powerful approach to investigate factors influencing disease course or complex trait expression. As measurement technologies continue to develop and evolve, studies based on existing cohorts raise methodological challenges. Five such challenges are illustrated in two long‐term inter‐disciplinary collaborations. In one, molecular genetic prognostic factors in the natural history of node‐negative breast cancer are investigated using a combination of hypothesis‐testing and hypothesis‐generating molecular approaches. In the other, genome‐wide association methods are applied to identify genes for multiple traits in extended follow‐up data from participants of a therapeutic RCT in type 1 diabetes. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 46: 24–40; 2018 © 2017 Statistical Society of Canada
Rapid Screening of the Endodermal Differentiation Potential of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Siller Richard , Sullivan Gareth J.
Published: November 2017

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) hold tremendous promise for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, toxicology screening, and developmental biology. These applications are hindered due to inherent differences in differentiation potential observed among different hPSC lines. This is particularly true for the differentiation of hPSCs toward the endodermal lineage. Several groups have developed methods to screen hPSCs for their endodermal differentiation potential (EP). Particularly notable studies include (i) the use of WNT3A expression as a predictive biomarker, (ii) an embryoid body–based screen, and (iii) a transcriptomics‐based approach. We recently developed a rapid screen to access the EP of hPSCs solely based on morphological analysis. The screen takes 4 days to perform and yields results that are easy to interpret. As the screen is based on our recently developed small molecule protocol for hepatocyte like cell (HLC) differentiation of hPSCs, this method is extremely cost‐effective compared to the aforementioned approaches. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Single‐Cell Functional Analysis of Stem‐Cell Derived Cardiomyocytes on Micropatterned Flexible Substrates
Authors: Kijlstra Jan David , Hu Dongjian , van der Meer Peter , Domian Ibrahim J.
Published: November 2017

Human pluripotent stem–cell derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC‐CMs) hold great promise for applications in human disease modeling, drug discovery, cardiotoxicity screening, and, ultimately, regenerative medicine. The ability to study multiple parameters of hPSC‐CM function, such as contractile and electrical activity, calcium cycling, and force generation, is therefore of paramount importance. hPSC‐CMs cultured on stiff substrates like glass or polystyrene do not have the ability to shorten during contraction, making them less suitable for the study of hPSC‐CM contractile function. Other approaches require highly specialized hardware and are difficult to reproduce. Here we describe a protocol for the preparation of hPSC‐CMs on soft substrates that enable shortening, and subsequently the simultaneous quantitative analysis of their contractile and electrical activity, calcium cycling, and force generation at single‐cell resolution. This protocol requires only affordable and readily available materials and works with standard imaging hardware. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Biomass‐Derived Carbonyls over Hafnium‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Rojas‐Buzo Sergio , García‐García Pilar , Corma Avelino
Published: November 2017

A series of highly crystalline, porous, hafnium‐based metal–organic frameworks (Hf‐MOFs) have been shown to catalyze the transfer hydrogenation reaction of levulinic ester to produce γ‐valerolactone by using isopropanol as a hydrogen donor. The results are compared with their zirconium‐based counterparts. The role of the metal center in Hf‐MOFs has been identified and reaction parameters optimized. NMR studies using isotopically labeled isopropanol provide evidence that the transfer hydrogenation occurs through a direct intermolecular hydrogen transfer route. The catalyst, Hf‐MOF‐808, can be recycled several times with only a minor decrease in catalytic activity. The generality of the procedure has been demonstrated by accomplishing the transformation with aldehydes, ketones, and α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds. The combination of Hf‐MOF‐808 with the Brønsted‐acidic Al‐Beta zeolite gives the four‐step one‐pot transformation of furfural to γ‐valerolactone in good yield of 75 %.
Senescence and carryover effects of reproductive performance influence migration, condition, and breeding propensity in a small shorebird
Authors: Weithman Chelsea , Gibson Daniel , Hunt Kelsi , Friedrich Meryl , Fraser James , Karpanty Sarah , Catlin Daniel
Published: November 2017

Breeding propensity, the probability that an animal will attempt to breed each year, is perhaps the least understood demographic process influencing annual fecundity. Breeding propensity is ecologically complex, as associations among a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors may interact to affect an animal's breeding decisions. Individuals that opt not to breed can be more difficult to detect than breeders, which can (1) lead to difficulty in estimation of breeding propensity, and (2) bias other demographic parameters. We studied the effects of sex, age, and population reproductive success on the survival and breeding propensity of a migratory shorebird, the piping plover (Charadrius melodus), nesting on the Missouri River. We used a robust design Barker model to estimate true survival and breeding propensity and found survival decreased as birds aged and did so more quickly for males than females. Monthly survival during the breeding season was lower than during migration or the nonbreeding season. Males were less likely to skip breeding (range: 1–17%) than females (range: 3–26%; βsex = −0.21, 95% CI: −0.38 to −0.21), and both sexes were less likely to return to the breeding grounds following a year of high reproductive success. Birds that returned in a year following relatively high population‐wide reproductive output were in poorer condition than following a year with lower reproductive output. Younger adult birds and females were more likely to migrate from the breeding area earlier than older birds and males; however, all birds stayed on the breeding grounds longer when nest survival was low, presumably because of renesting attempts. Piping plovers used a variety of environmental and demographic cues to inform their reproduction, employing strategies that could maximize fitness on average. Our results support the “disposable soma” theory of aging and follow with predictions from life history theory, exhibiting the intimate connections among the core ecological concepts of senescence, carryover effects, and life history.
Cortical nociceptive processes are reduced by visual alpha‐band entrainment in the human brain
Authors: Ecsy K. , Brown C.A. , Jones A.K.P.
Published: November 2017

Background

Acute noxious stimuli induce a suppression of cortical alpha activity, yet little is known about whether increasing alpha activity affects the processing of noxious stimuli. We have previously shown that visual alpha stimulation reduces experimental pain. Here, we demonstrate that increasing alpha power causes a reciprocal suppression of acute nociceptive processing.

Methods

We attempted to increase cortical alpha activity through visual entrainment at 8 Hz, 10 Hz and 12 Hz to investigate the influence on the electrophysiological pain response. Moderately painful laser‐heat stimuli were delivered following 10 minutes of visual entrainment across the alpha range.

Results

Alpha power increased significantly relative to the 1 Hz control condition following 8 Hz and 10 Hz visual stimulation. Significant reductions in the P2 peak amplitude of the laser‐evoked potential were found following visual entrainment at 10 Hz; the frequency stimulation resulting in the largest reduction in pain perception. Source analysis revealed that, following the 10 Hz stimulation, sources of increased alpha power and decreased nociceptive processing overlapped in precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex, with further reductions in nociceptive processing in insula cortex.

Conclusions

As far as we are aware, this is the first study to provide direct evidence that experimental induction of increased alpha power suppresses the cortical processing of acute pain.

Significance

While it is known that visual stimulation can increase the brain's oscillatory alpha rhythms, here, we show that this increase in alpha power occurs alongside reduced cortical processing of nociception, as measured with EEG. This establishes an objective marker of alpha entrainment‐based analgesia that may be useful in the development of neuromodulatory treatments for clinical pain.
How connectivity is transforming the automotive ecosystem
Authors: Martínez de Aragón Blanca , Alonso‐Zarate Jesus , Laya Andres
Published: November 2017

This paper brings together both a technical and a business approach about the introduction of wireless communications in vehicles and how this is affecting the automotive sector. It also provides complementary insights on how business opportunities can affect the selection of different available wireless technologies. Different perspectives on how the automotive sector is being transformed are also described.
THE epistemologies of parsimony: A review of Ockham's razors: A user's manual by Elliott Sober
Authors: Smith Terry L.
Published: November 2017

Sober analyzes two paradigms of parsimony that have been used successfully in science. These are associated with two interpretations of probability: Bayesian and frequentist. Sober applies these paradigms to problems in biology, psychology, and philosophy. In the chapter on psychology, he argues that objective data consisting of environmental input and two or more concurrent responses could be used to refute empirically the radical behaviorist thesis that probability of learned responses can be accounted for solely on the basis of environmental variables. Sober believes that such data are readily available and offers a thought experiment to illustrate his point. Behavior analysts, however, would want actual experimental data, undoubtedly with animals, before accepting any such refutation. Nonetheless, Sober's philosophical point about the type of experiment that would be capable of refuting this thesis is valid. The behavior analytic program, however, does not depend upon the truth of this thesis.
The Development of Empathic Perspective‐Taking in an Engineering Ethics Course
Authors: Hess Justin L. , Strobel Johannes , Brightman Andrew O.
Published: November 2017

Background

Perspective‐taking, a key component of engineering, is particularly salient in engineering ethics. Yet practices for promoting its development in engineering students both within and outside of ethics education remain largely underexplored.

Purpose

The objective of this investigation was twofold: first, we explored the aspects of an engineering ethics course that contributed to changes in perspective‐taking among graduate‐level engineering students. Second, we explored the nature of these changes.

Design/Method

We used Critical Incident Technique to explore these two research objectives. To enhance the rigor of this qualitative investigation, we implemented Walther, Sochacka, and Kellam's Quality Framework.

Results

The analysis of 24 critical incidents extracted from post‐course interviews resulted in five distinct but related themes representing potential causes of changes in perspective‐taking. Themes included the sharing of diverse perspectives, the challenge of ethical decision‐making, projection exercises, repetitive application of Reflexive Principlism, and experiencing cognitive dissonance. Second, we found four themes representing the nature of perspectivetaking changes, including open‐mindedness, holistic perspective‐taking, principle‐based perspective‐taking, and worldview broadening.

Conclusions

These findings elucidate nuances engineering educators might consider when seeking perspective‐taking development among their students, such as the nature of case study prompts and the relationship between perspective‐taking and ethical reasoning processes.
Student Participation in Engineering Practices and Discourse: An Exploratory Case Study
Authors: Selcen Guzey S. , Aranda Maurina
Published: November 2017

Background

The integration of science and engineering practices in K‐12 science education provides a platform for students to engage in productive classroom discourse supporting deep student understanding and reasoning in a real‐world context. However, the engineering design discourse in K‐12 science classrooms has not yet been fully examined.

Purpose

This article aims to explore the decision‐making processes and verbal interactions of eighth grade students as they engage in a 12‐day engineering design‐based science unit. The following research questions guided the study: (a) How do student discourse patterns and interactions affect design decisions? (b) How do the instructor's discursive interactions in design groups influence student design?

Method

In this exploratory case study, discursive patterns and interaction patterns between four student groups and their instructor were captured through audio and video recordings.

Results

The design discourse structure and patterns differed among groups, affecting their design decisions. There was also a difference in both the number of new ideas generated and, most notably, the level of student engagement in those groups. In addition, the complexity of design decisions varied, with most groups focusing on financial feasibility rather than scientific reasoning. Finally, it was observed that the instructor discourse influenced student engagement in design discourse and the use of scientific reasoning and justifications in small group discussions.

Conclusions

This discourse study offers insight into students’ scientific reasoning in an effort to help educators more effectively structure instruction discourse and practices in engineering design in K‐12 science education.