bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Philosophizing with’
Authors: Dohn Nina Bonderup
Published: November 2018

In this essay, I shall present key points from my dr.phil thesis (Higher Doctorate/Habilitation), Epistemological concerns – querying the learning field from a philosophical point of view (Dohn, 2017).1 The aim is to provide an overview of the thesis and to present its main argument for a form of applied philosophy where philosophy takes on the role of dialogue partner with a voice of its own. By way of illustration, I shall highlight some of the issues I have engaged with in this role as well as the answers which dialogue with other disciplines has led me to as regards these issues. First, I present the field, aim, and structure of the thesis. Second, I explicate what I mean by ‘philosophizing with’ and point out four different ways in which one can undertake this venture. Philosophy may dialogue with many disciplines in many areas; the ones I have engaged with fall within the learning field. To further the comprehensibility of my more specific concerns within this field, in the third section I articulate the philosophical outset from which I speak: With inspiration from Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, Wittgenstein and Dreyfus, I hold a view of human existence as being-in-the-world and an approach to knowledge as fundamentally involving tacit aspects. This outset is developed throughout the thesis, in dialogue with other disciplines. In section four, I briefly present the resulting philosophical view of knowledge. In section five, I articulate more specifically a number of the issues within the learning field which have helped me develop this view. Section six conversely summarizes some key points which my philosophizing with on these issues have led me to contribute to the disciplines. I end with a few concluding remarks on concerns to engage with in continuation from the results of my thesis.
Xarxes socials i companyia robòtica: Tecnologia, ciència i ciència-ficció
Authors: Torras Carme
Published: November 2018

Les tecnologies de la informació s’han instal·lat en la nostra quotidianitat i vehiculen cada vegada més les relacions laborals i personals, quan no les substitueixen. Aquesta creixent interacció amb màquines planteja un seguit de qüestions sobre les quals no hi ha experiència, i tampoc una predicció fiable per saber com influiran en l’evolució de la societat. Això ha propiciat la confluència de tecnociència i humanitats en un debat ètic que comença a donar fruits, no sols amb l’establiment de normatives i estàndards, sinó també amb iniciatives educatives, tant de docència universitària com de millora professional i formació d’opinió pública. Sovint la ciència-ficció hi representa un paper especulatiu destacat, que ressalta els pros i contres de possibles escenaris futurs.
A fast Iris recognition system through optimum feature extraction
Authors: Rana Humayan Kabir , Azam Md. Shafiul , Akhtar Mst. Rashida , Quinn Julian , Moni Mohammad Ali
Published: November 2018

With an increasing demand for stringent security systems, automated identification of individuals based on biometric methods has been a major focus of research and development over the last decade. Biometric recognition analyses unique physiological traits or behavioral characteristics, such as an iris, face, retina, voice, fingerprint, hand geometry, keystrokes or gait. The iris has a complex and unique structure that remains stable over a person's lifetime, features that have led to its increasing interest in its use for biometric recognition.

In this study, we proposed a technique incorporating Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based on Discrete Wavelet Transformation (DWT) for the extraction of the optimum features of an iris and reducing the runtime needed for iris templates classification. The idea of using DWT behind PCA is to reduce the resolution of the iris template. DWT converts an iris image into four frequency sub-bands. One frequency sub-band instead of four has been used for further feature extraction by using PCA. Our experimental evaluation demonstrates the efficient performance of the proposed technique.
Host genetic selection for cold tolerance shapes microbiome composition and modulates its response to temperature
Authors: Kokou Fotini , Sasson Goor , Nitzan Tali , Doron-Faigenboim Adi , Harpaz Sheenan , Cnaani Avner , Mizrahi Itzhak
Published: November 2018

The hologenome concept proposes that microbes and their host organism are an independent unit of selection. Motivated by this concept, we hypothesized that thermal acclimation in poikilothermic organisms, owing to their inability to maintain their body temperature, is connected to their microbiome composition. To test this hypothesis, we used a unique experimental setup with a transgenerational selective breeding scheme for cold tolerance in tropical tilapias. We tested the effects of the selection on the gut microbiome and on host transcriptomic response. Interestingly, we found that host genetic selection for thermal tolerance shapes the microbiome composition and its response to cold. The microbiomes of cold-resistant fish showed higher resilience to temperature changes, indicating that the microbiome is shaped by its host's selection. These findings are consistent with the hologenome concept and highlight the connection between the host and its microbiome's response to the environment.
Reconstructing the functions of endosymbiotic Mollicutes in fungus-growing ants
Authors: Sapountzis Panagiotis , Zhukova Mariya , Shik Jonathan Z , Schiott Morten , Boomsma Jacobus J
Published: November 2018

Mollicutes, a widespread class of bacteria associated with animals and plants, were recently identified as abundant abdominal endosymbionts in healthy workers of attine fungus-farming leaf-cutting ants. We obtained draft genomes of the two most common strains harbored by Panamanian fungus-growing ants. Reconstructions of their functional significance showed that they are independently acquired symbionts, most likely to decompose excess arginine consistent with the farmed fungal cultivars providing this nitrogen-rich amino-acid in variable quantities. Across the attine lineages, the relative abundances of the two Mollicutes strains are associated with the substrate types that foraging workers offer to fungus gardens. One of the symbionts is specific to the leaf-cutting ants and has special genomic machinery to catabolize citrate/glucose into acetate, which appears to deliver direct metabolic energy to the ant workers. Unlike other Mollicutes associated with insect hosts, both attine ant strains have complete phage-defense systems, underlining that they are actively maintained as mutualistic symbionts.
Bright multicolor labeling of neuronal circuits with fluorescent proteins and chemical tags
Authors: Sakaguchi Richi , Leiwe Marcus N , Imai Takeshi
Published: November 2018

The stochastic multicolor labeling method ‘Brainbow’ is a powerful strategy to label multiple neurons differentially with fluorescent proteins; however, the fluorescence levels provided by the original attempts to use this strategy were inadequate. In the present study, we developed a stochastic multicolor labeling method with enhanced expression levels that uses a tetracycline-operator system (Tetbow). We optimized Tetbow for either plasmid or virus vector-mediated multicolor labeling. When combined with tissue clearing, Tetbow was powerful enough to visualize the three-dimensional architecture of individual neurons. Using Tetbow, we were able to visualize the axonal projection patterns of individual mitral/tufted cells along several millimeters in the mouse olfactory system. We also developed a Tetbow system with chemical tags, in which genetically encoded chemical tags were labeled with synthetic fluorophores. This was useful in expanding the repertoire of the fluorescence labels and the applications of the Tetbow system. Together, these new tools facilitate light-microscopy-based neuronal tracing at both a large scale and a high resolution.
Accelerating open science: The collaborative replications and education project (CREP)
Authors: Pfuhl Gerit , Grahe Jon
Published: November 2018

Watch the VIDEO.Recent years have seen a revolution in publishing, and large support for open access publishing. There has been a slower acceptance and transition to other open science principles such as open data, open materials, and preregistration. To accelerate the transition and make open science the new standard, the collaborative replications and education project (CREP; http://osf.io/wfc6u/)) was launched in 2013, hosted on the Open Science Framework (osf.io). OSF is like a preprint, collecting partial data with each individual contributors project. CREP introduces open science at the start of academic research, facilitating student research training in open science and solidifying behavioral science results. The CREP team attempts to achieve this by inviting contributors to replicate one of several replication studies selected for scientific impact and suitability for undergraduates to complete during one academic term. Contributors follow clear protocols with students interacting with a CREP team that reviews the materials and video of the procedure to ensure quality data collection while students are learning science practices and methods. By combining multiple replications from undergraduates across the globe, the findings can be pooled to conduct meta-analysis and so contribute to generalizable and replicable research findings. CREP is careful to not interpret any single result. CREP has recently joined forces with the psychological science accelerator (PsySciAcc), a globally distributed network of psychological laboratories accelerating the accumulation of reliable and generalizable results in the behavioral sciences. The Department of Psychology at UiT is part of the network and has two ongoing CREP studies, maintaining open science practices early on. In this talk, we will present our experiences of conducting transparent replicable research, and experience with preprints from a supervisor and researcher perspective.
Numbers that tell a story: Measuring the impact of open access books
Authors: Emery Christina , Lucraft Mithu , Morka Agata , Prandi Matteo , Pyne Ros
Published: November 2018

Open access book publishing is gaining momentum, with more than 10,000 titles published worldwide. But compared to the overall number of academic books that are produced, this is still a small percentage. With much research on the benefits to society from open access publication, what can we do to encourage more book authors to choose open access?Springer Nature is a leading academic book publisher – to date, we have published more than 550 open access books since launching OA book options in 2012. Feedback from our OA book authors has shown that metrics are important to them, as the data helps demonstrate the impact of their research to funders, and also supports conversations with their institutions for career progression. However, as highlighted in our white paper ‘The OA effect: How does open access affect the usage of scholarly books?’, some authors feel that there is a lack of information around metrics and book performance. This information may be critically important in helping authors consider the benefits of choosing to publish their book open access.Authors also state that one of the main obstacles to publishing more OA books through the gold route is funding; access to which varies globally and by discipline – a central theme that emerged at our researcher event during Academic Book Week 2018.Meanwhile, funders interviewed for ‘The OA Effect’ told us that they were keen to understand the impact of the OA books they had supported, but few had actually done so; many commented on the difficulties of measuring the impact of research.  In light of these findings, in 2018 we piloted a new “impact report”, based on metrics for an individual funder of OA books. The outcomes of this pilot impact report project will help the scholarly communications community to better understand how publishers can inform funders, authors and their institutions about the impact of their research, and on a wider scale. What are the challenges of sharing the benefits of OA book publishing with researchers across different disciplines, and how can we overcome these challenges?Our poster shows excerpts from the pilot impact report, quotes from authors and funders about research impact, and considers next steps.
Open Science, Excellent Science! EC policies and initiatives in support of open science
Authors: Tsoukala Victoria
Published: November 2018

Watch the VIDEO.Victoria will focus on discussing  existing EC policies and recent policy developments designed to support open science across Europe. She will present the current open access policy and the plans of the Commission for open science in Horizon Europe, the revised Recommendation on access to and preservation of scientific information and research data in the proposed revision of the PSI directive. She will discuss Plan S and its possible implementation in the context of the current and future FP requirements, the initiative of the EC for an open access publishing platform and the launch of the European Open Science Cloud.
Assessing the OA impact effect for hybrid journals
Authors: Oefelein Timon
Published: November 2018

This poster showcases the key findings from two multidisciplinary studies that explore the impact advantage of OA in hybrid journals. The studies were recently carried out by Springer Nature in collaboration with Digital Science and are available in the form of a White Paper.The first study takes a global look and compares the impact - as measured by citations, downloads, and altmetric data - of 70 921 non-OA articles to 3004 OA articles. Both article sets were published in the same time frame and journal portfolio. The second study takes a country focus on articles published by corresponding authors affiliated with the United Kingdom: over 3087 OA articles are compared to 6027 non-OA articles. The global studies contain controls for: journal impact factor, subject field, institutional ranking, and geography. Key results include descriptive statistical data as well as predictive models.Both studies are based on Springer Nature’s hybrid journal portfolio, which allows researchers globally to continue to publish in the same journals as each other regardless of their funder or country’s position on open access, supporting the cohesion of scientific communities and author choice.
Communicating uncertainty of scientific studies: focusing on 50 shades of gray rather than an accept-and-reject world
Authors: Hamel Sandra , Yoccoz Nigel Gilles
Published: November 2018

Evidence from most studies is based on a black and white requirement of statistical significance, completely neglecting the uncertainty. This deterministic thinking is problematic because statistical significance on its own tells nothing about the magnitude of the effect, its practical significance, and the uncertainty around this evidence, thereby resulting in a high chance of making an interpretation mistake or taking the wrong decision. Through examples, we highlight the problems when assessing scientific evidence under a deterministic thinking and suggest how we can move from this black and white razor blade to a continuous gradient of 50 shades of grey, which allows for a more holistic assessment of evidence. We propose judging scientific evidence by focusing on the uncertainty around the evidence. We show how uncertainty can be presented and assessed with confidence intervals using an example from weather forecasting, by calculating the risks of Type S (sign) and Type M (magnitude) errors using an example from survival analysis, and by evaluating the reliability and validity of the results obtained using an example from wildlife management. We hope to raise awareness and prompt researchers to build better study designs, take better measurements, and make better use of statistics for inferring and judging scientific evidence.
Understanding Educational Leadership and Curriculum Reform
Authors: Uljens Michael
Published: November 2018

On a state level both curriculum policy work and educational leadership are increasingly challenged by new transnational phenomena in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas alike: expanding cultural neo-national-ism, more populist politics, economic protectionism, new forms of self-centered identity formation, reli-gious fundamentalism, mistrust in democratic political participation, and decreasing respect for knowledge institutions and established media. These developments have many roots but appear partly as consequences of neoliberally driven policy initiatives and globalization. Consequently, there is increasing mistrust as to whether curriculum, leadership, and evaluation initiatives driven by a global neoliberal policy may provide sustainable solutions for guiding reforms in the public sector, including education. Not surprisingly, also the existing curriculum and educational leadership theory are under scrutiny. This article provides openings pointing to a hermeneutic and systems-oriented, multilevel and professional approach for reorienting na-tional systems with respect to collaborative work on curriculum, leadership, and evaluation. Such a Bild-ung-centered view on human identity, growth, and citizenship is congruent with a non-affirmative educa-tion theory (NAT). It provides a conceptualization that is able to deal with curriculum and leadership gen-uinely based on an idea of education. Such a position grounds educational leadership, curriculum, and pol-icy work, as well as evaluation and school reform, in education theory. As a general education theory the non-affirmative position is able to bring together an analysis of educational aims, contents, and methods of schooling, teacher professionalism, and leadership. In addition, NAT frames an understanding of how cur-riculum work at different levels is initiated, implemented, and enacted. In bridging these perspectives, it is argued that critical and hermeneutic NAT provides a theoretically productive approach to present-day local, national, and global education problems. As a foundational frame of reference, NAT allows us to perceive curriculum discourses as different forms of mediating, hermeneutic invitations, and summoning to self-activity and self-formation (Bildung), within and for a democratic polity.
An Information‐Theoretic Approach for the Evaluation of Surrogate Endpoints
Authors: Abad Ariel A.
Published: November 2018

A unifying information‐theoretic approach for the evaluation of surrogate endpoints is discussed. This methodological framework offers an intuitive yet rigorous definition of surrogacy and provides a general metric that can be applied across different scenarios to quantify the validity of a surrogate, within both the meta‐analytic and causal‐inference paradigms.
Effect of Chemical Bonding Characteristics on Ordering Structure in Li Spinel Oxides
Authors: Ryoo Hyewon , Lee Sang‐Gil , Kim Jin‐Gyu , Chung Sung‐Yoon
Published: November 2018

An ordered configuration between atoms is frequently observed in many alloys and complex ionic compounds, as the ordering structure is energetically more stable in terms of the lattice enthalpy. However, when the entropy effect becomes dominant with increasing temperature, the ordered configurational symmetry is subject to be thermally perturbed, resulting in a transition to a random distribution of atoms at elevated temperature. By comparing two Li(B′B″)2O4‐type spinel oxides having an identical space group and analogous compositions, it can be elucidated that the locally distinct chemical bonding characteristics, which are substantially covalent versus highly ionic, make a significant contribution to the formation of ordering. More importantly, such ordering structure is considerably robust without perturbation even at very high temperature near the melting point. The findings in this work suggest that the locally different bonding nature is one of the critical structure‐determining factors in complex oxides with multiple cations, emphasizing the significance of in‐depth understanding of the correlation of electronic configurations with the overall crystalline structure.
From Nanofibers to Nanorods: Nanostructure of Peptide‐Drug Conjugates Regulated by Polypeptide‐PEG Derivative and Enhanced Antitumor Effect
Authors: Chen Rui , Wang Jingjing , Qian Chen , Ji Yujie , Zhu Chenqi , Wu Li , Li Weidong , Bi Xiaolin , Wang Yutong , Cao Gang , Chen Zhipeng
Published: November 2018

Peptide‐drug conjugates (PDCs) are a type of self‐assembled prodrug with good potential for drug delivery due to their excellent biocompatibility, high drug loading, and permanent controllable release. However, most PDCs tend to self‐assemble into filamentous nanostructures in water and under physiological conditions, making them unsuitable as intravenous formulations due to the entanglement of long fibers and the risk of thrombus. Injected PDCs also face challenges in overcoming the complex physiological environment to reach the target site. To expand their clinical use, it is necessary to control the properties of PDC, including the self‐assembled structure and physiological performance, to avoid the above problems. Based on assembly mechanism studies of PDCs, a new method for regulating PDC morphology is developed by controlling intermolecular interactions in the assembly process. This method can alter the final morphology of PDCs from nanofibers to nanorods, and the introduced macromolecules endow the PDC with new characteristics that facilitate stable and high‐efficiency access to the target site.
Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution via Pt@Au NRs/C3N4 Nanotubes under Visible‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Zhang Longshuai , Ding Ning , Lou Licheng , Iwasaki Kodai , Wu Huijue , Luo Yanhong , Li Dongmei , Nakata Kazuya , Fujishima Akira , Meng Qingbo
Published: November 2018

Au nanorods (NRs) decorated carbon nitride nanotubes (Au NRs/CNNTs) photocatalysts have been designed and prepared by impregnation–annealing approach. Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peaks of Au NRs can be adjusted by changing the aspect ratios, and the light absorption range of Au NRs/CNNTs is extended to longer wavelength even near‐infrared light. Optimal composition of Pt@Au NR769/CNNT650 has been achieved by adjusting the LSPR peaks of Au NRs and further depositing Pt nanoparticles (NPs), and the photocatalytic H2 evolution rate is 207.0 µmol h−1 (20 mg catalyst). Preliminary LSPR enhancement photocatalytic mechanism is suggested. On one hand, LSPR of Au NRs is beneficial for visible‐light utilization. On the other hand, Pt NPs and Au NRs have a synergetic enhancement effect on photocatalytic H2 evolution of CNNTs, in which the local electromagnetic field can improve the photogenerated carrier separation and direct electron transfer increases the hot electron concentration while Au NRs as the electron channel can well restrain charge recombination, finally Pt as co‐catalyst can boost H+ reduction rate. This work provides a new way to develop efficient photocatalysts for splitting water, which can simultaneously extend light absorption range and facilitate carrier generation, transportation and reduce carrier recombination.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric Michael Addition of Rhodanines to Azadienes for Assembling of Sulfur‐containing Tetrasubstituted Carbon Stereocenters
Authors: Lin Wei , Zhang Chen , Xu Wen , Cheng Yuyu , Li Pengfei , Li Wenjun
Published: November 2018

The squaramide catalyzed enantioselective Michael addition of rhodanines to 2‐arylidene‐N‐tosylbenzofuran‐3(2H)‐imines has been established, which enables the formation of benzofurans bearing both rhodanine and sulfur‐containing tetrasubstituted stereocenter structural motif in good to high yields with good to excellent enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities.

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Gated Materials: Installing Macrocyclic Arenes‐Based Supramolecular Nanovalves on Porous Nanomaterials for Controlled Cargo Release
Authors: Lou Xin‐Yue , Li Yu‐Peng , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: November 2018

Supramolecular nanovalves are an emerging class of important elements that are functionalized on the surfaces of inorganic or hybrid nanocarriers in the constructions of smart cargo delivery systems. Taking advantage of the pseudorotaxane structure via host‐guest complexation and the dynamic nature of supramolecular interactions, macrocyclic arene‐based supramolecular nanovalves have shown great promise in the applications of drug delivery and controlled release. Careful selection of diverse external stimuli, such as pH variations, temperature changes, redox, enzymes, light irradiation, and competitive binding, can activate the opening and closing of the nanovalves by altering the supramolecular structure or binding affinities. Meanwhile, the porous solid supports in controlled release systems also play an important role in the functionalities of the nanocarriers, which include, but not limited to, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), core‐shell nanomaterials, and rare‐earth porous nanomaterials. The elaborate decoration by macrocyclic arenes‐based supramolecular nanovalves on porous nanomaterials has provided intelligent controlled release platforms. In this review, we will focus on the overview of supramolecular nanovalves based on two typical macrocyclic arenes, that is, calixarenes and pillarenes, and their operation manners in the controlled release processes.
Elucidation of The Influence of Cu Promoter on Carburization Prior to Iron‐Based Fischer‐Tropsch Synthesis: an In situ X‐Ray Diffraction Study
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Liu Xingwu , Liu Jinjia , He Yurong , Yin Junqing , Song Chang , Lv Zhengang , Bai Yiling , Li Yong‐Wang , Yang Yong , Wen Xiao‐Dong
Published: November 2018

As a prerequisite elementary step, carburization of iron oxides to form iron carbides is critically important to display activity for iron‐based Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts. The positive role of the Cu promoter to advocate the reduction of the iron oxides has long been known. Nevertheless, its complex influence along the carburization of catalyst precursors remains controversial. Here, we resolve this decades‐long question by using a state‐of‐the‐art in situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) method to elucidate the multi‐role of Cu promoter in modulation of carburization rate, composition of post‐carburization samples, and morphology evolution of prepared iron carbide particles under CO/He (v/v=2 %/98 %) and H2/CO/He (v/v/v=8 %/2 %/90 %) gaseous environment, by excluding the possible interference from promoter components other than Cu. We anticipate that this study enriches current tool box in the research of a specific promoter of the Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis catalysts.
Predicting the biomass conversion performance in a fluidized bed reactor using isoconversional model‐free method
Authors: Patel Madhumita , Oyedun Adetoyese Olajire , Kumar Amit , Gupta Rajender
Published: November 2018

The first objective of this study to analyze the detailed pyrolysis kinetics of four Canadian feedstocks through two techniques: thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) using the isoconversional model‐free method; and fast pyrolysis in a fluidized bed reactor using the simple Arrhenius model. The four biomass feedstocks were pyrolyzed in a fluidized bed reactor at 400–520 °C. The experiments were conducted for three size fractions. The thermogravimetric analysis was performed at four heating rates (2, 5, 10, and 15 °C/min) in an inert atmosphere. TGA experiments showed that the decomposition rate of agricultural residues was significantly lower than woody biomass due to high volatiles and low ash content in the latter. The range of average activation energy from fluidized bed experiments was 150–168 kJ/mol and 160–180 kJ/mol from TGA experiments. The difference is attributed to different methodology in the experiments and the determination of kinetic parameters. The second objective was to apply the global kinetic parameters from the TGA to predict the decomposition of biomass to biochar and to compare it with the experimental biochar left in the fluidized bed reactor at different temperatures. This study also confirmed that at high temperatures for all the feedstocks, average kinetics parameters obtained from the TGA could produce fluidized bed biomass conversion results with an average variation of 4 %.
Gaseous catalytic condensation reaction of methyl propionate and formaldehyde in a fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Li Bin , Qi Xiang , Xie Ming , Wang Guangyuan , Wang Bo , Zhang Le , Shen Lihong
Published: November 2018

A one‐step aldol condensation reaction of methyl propionate and formaldehyde to produce methyl methacrylate is a promising environmentally sustainable strategy. In this work, the aldol condensation reaction was firstly conducted in a fluidized bed reactor using different types of catalysts. Zirconium and cesium‐loaded SiO2 and Al2O3 acid‐base bifunctional catalysts were prepared by wetness impregnation. Experimental results demonstrated the 15 % Cs‐0.05 %Zr/SiO2 (100–200 mesh) catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance. The effects of the supports, reaction temperature, carrier gas flow rate, and feed rate were investigated and optimized. When the flow rate of carrier gas (N2) was 280 cm3/min and the feed rate was 0.6 cm3/min, the methyl propionate conversion was 25.2 % and the methyl methacrylate selectivity could reach 86.1 %. Although the catalytic activity of the 15 %Cs‐0.05 %Zr/SiO2 catalyst dropped with reaction time on stream due to carbon deposition on the surface of catalyst, its activity was restored by a simple regeneration method.
State of the Art of Pharmaceutical Solid Forms: from Crystal Property Issues to Nanocrystals Formulation
Authors: Couillaud Brice Martin , Espeau Philippe , Mignet Nathalie , Corvis Yohann
Published: November 2018

The solid‐form screening of active principal ingredients is a challenge for pharmaceutical drug development, as more than 80 % of marketed drugs are formulated in the solid form. A broad and comprehensive study of the various solid forms of drugs is needed to enhance their translation into the clinic. Therefore, the most suitable solid form must be taken into consideration regarding ex vivo and in vivo stability, targeting, solubility, dissolution rate, and bioavailability. In this review, techniques of solid‐form screening are covered, including differences in solid forms such as polymorphs, solvates, salts, co‐crystals, and amorphous particles. Moreover, solid drug size reduction is also discussed, with insight into the emergence of drug nanocrystal formulations. An overview of the smallest nanocrystals reported in the literature and on the market is also provided, along with their applications and routes of administration.
Non‐Fullerene Organic Electron‐Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Jung Su‐Kyo , Lee David S. , Ann Myung Hyun , Im Sang Hyuk , Kim Jong H. , Kwon O‐Pil
Published: November 2018

Invited for this month′s cover is the collaborative team of the groups of O‐Pil Kwon and Jong H. Kim at Ajou University and Sang Hyuk Im at Korea University. The image shows non‐fullerene organic electron transporting materials for perovskite solar cells. The Concept itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201801908.
The truth about burning bridges
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: November 2018

There's an old saying: “Never burn your bridges.” My daddy taught it to me. Maybe yours did too. We get the meaning. Never do something, say something, or act in a way as to not be able to return to a relationship or an organization. I've sometimes agonized over this one, not wanting to disappoint … even a father who has been dead for 30 years.
Advantage of Z‐stacking for teleconsultation between the USA and Colombia
Authors: Mosquera‐Zamudio Andres , Hanna Matthew G. , Parra‐Medina Rafael , Piedrahita Ana C. , Rodriguez‐Urrego Paula A. , Pantanowitz Liron
Published: November 2018

Introduction

There is an emerging need for telecytology in Colombia as the demand for cytopathology has increased. However, due to economic and technological constraints telecytology services are limited. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic feasibility of using whole slide imaging with and without Z‐stacking for telecytology in Colombia, South America.

Methods

Archival glass slides from 17 fine needle aspiration smears were digitized employing whole slide imaging (WSI) (Nanozoomer 2.0 HT, Hamamatsu) in one Z‐plane at 40x, and panoramic digital imaging (Panoptiq system, ViewsIQ) combining low‐magnification digital maps with embedded 40x Z‐stacks of representative regions of interest. Fourteen Colombian pathologists reviewed both sets of digital images. Diagnostic concordance, time to diagnosis, image quality (scale 1–10), usefulness of Z‐stacking, and technical difficulties were recorded.

Results

Image quality scored by pathologists was on average 8.3 for WSI and 8.7 for panoramic images with Z‐stacks (P = .03). However, diagnostic concordance was not impacted by image quality ranking. In the majority of cases (72.4%) pathologists deemed Z‐stacking to be diagnostically helpful. Technical issues related to Z‐stack video performance constituted only a minor proportion of technical problems reported. Slow downloads and crashing of files while viewing were mostly experienced with larger WSI files.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that international telecytology for diagnostic purposes is feasible. Panoramic images had to be acquired manually, but were of suitable diagnostic quality and generated smaller image files associated with fewer technical errors. Z‐stacking proved to be useful in the majority of cases and is thus recommended for telecytology.
Effects of water exchange rate on morphological and physiological characteristics of two submerged macrophytes from Erhai Lake
Authors: Yuan Duan‐yang , Meng Xianghuai , Duan Chang‐qun , Wei Zhi‐Hong , Gao Wei , Chang Jun‐jun , Lv Xing‐ju , Pan Ying
Published: November 2018

Growth patterns of aquatic macrophytes have been shown to vary in response to hydrological properties; however, such properties are typically characterized by water level fluctuation, flow velocity, flooding season, and sedimentation, but not by water exchange rate (WER). Herein, we experimentally investigated how WER (three levels: exchange 0%, 20%, and 40% of total water per day) affects water and sediment properties, and the consequences that these variations have on the individual responses of two submerged macrophytes, Hydrilla verticillata and Myriophyllum aquaticum which were planted in two different sediment types (sand and clay). In the experiment without ramets, it was found that turbidity, pH value, and dissolved carbon dioxide concentration of the system water were statistically unaffected by WER, while water dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration and sediment oxidation–reduction potential (ORP, in both sediments) consistently increased with increasing WER, regardless of experimental time. In the experiment containing ramets, biomass accumulation and relative growth rate (RGR) of both species gradually increased with increasing WER regardless of sediment type. The mechanisms were related to (a) increased oxygen availability, as indicated by gradually increased water DO concentration and sediment ORP; and (b) enhanced phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) absorbing abilities associated with stimulated root growth, reflected in increased mean root length, specific root length, and the root/above‐ground biomass ratio, with increasing WER. Additionally, in the experiments containing ramets, significant linear relationships were consistently detected between sediment ORP and root parameters, root parameters and plant nutrients (N and P), and plant nutrients and plant growth conditions (biomass accumulation and RGR). These results demonstrate that WER plays an important role in determining oxygen availability and thus impacts the growth of submerged macrophytes by altering the ability of roots to absorb nutrients, indicating that ecosystem functions are more sensitive to WER than previously recognized.
Quantitative acoustic differentiation of cryptic species illustrated with King and Clapper rails
Authors: Stiffler Lydia L. , Schroeder Katie M. , Anderson James T. , McRae Susan B. , Katzner Todd E.
Published: November 2018

Reliable species identification is vital for survey and monitoring programs. Recently, the development of digital technology for recording and analyzing vocalizations has assisted in acoustic surveying for cryptic, rare, or elusive species. However, the quantitative tools that exist for species differentiation are still being refined. Using vocalizations recorded in the course of ecological studies of a King Rail (Rallus elegans) and a Clapper Rail (Rallus crepitans) population, we assessed the accuracy and effectiveness of three parametric (logistic regression, discriminant function analysis, quadratic discriminant function analysis) and six nonparametric (support vector machine, CART, Random Forest, k‐nearest neighbor, weighted k‐nearest neighbor, and neural networks) statistical classification methods for differentiating these species by their kek mating call. We identified 480 kek notes of each species and quantitatively characterized them with five standardized acoustic parameters. Overall, nonparametric classification methods outperformed parametric classification methods for species differentiation (nonparametric tools were between 57% and 81% accurate, parametric tools were between 57% and 60% accurate). Of the nine classification methods, Random Forest was the most accurate and precise, resulting in 81.1% correct classification of kek notes to species. This suggests that the mating calls of these sister species are likely difficult for human observers to tell apart. However, it also implies that appropriate statistical tools may allow reasonable species‐level classification accuracy of recorded calls and provide an alternative to species classification where other capture‐ or genotype‐based survey techniques are not possible.
Artificial intelligence and recruitment, admission, progression, and retention
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: November 2018

In a previous article on artificial intelligence and its potential impact on higher education (see Nov. 2018 issue), I cited a report, Artificial Intelligence Market in the US Education Sector, that listed an expected 47.5 percent AI use increase in U.S. education from 2017 to 2020.
A parallel implicit domain decomposition algorithm for the large eddy simulation of incompressible turbulent flows on 3D unstructured meshes
Authors: Liao Zi‐Ju , Chen Rongliang , Yan Zhengzheng , Cai Xiao‐Chuan
Published: November 2018

We present a parallel fully implicit algorithm for the large eddy simulation (LES) of incompressible turbulent flows on unstructured meshes in three dimensions. The LES governing equations are discretized by a stabilized Galerkin finite element method in space and an implicit second‐order backward differentiation scheme in time. To efficiently solve the resulting large nonlinear systems, we present a highly parallel Newton‐Krylov‐Schwarz algorithm based on domain decomposition techniques. Analytic Jacobian is applied in order to obtain the best achievable performance. Two benchmark problems of lid‐driven cavity and flow passing a square cylinder are employed to validate the proposed algorithm. We then apply the algorithm to the LES of turbulent flows passing a full‐size high‐speed train with realistic geometry and operating conditions. The numerical results show that the algorithm is both accurate and efficient and exhibits a good scalability and parallel efficiency with tens of millions of degrees of freedom on a computer with up to 4096 processors. To understand the numerical behavior of the proposed fully implicit scheme, we study several important issues, including the choices of linear solvers, the overlapping size of the subdomains, and, especially, the accuracy of the Jacobian matrix. The results show that an exact Jacobian is necessary for the efficiency and the robustness of the proposed LES solver.
Phytochemical profiles and classification of Agave syrups using 1H‐NMR and chemometrics
Authors: Velázquez Ríos Irving O. , González‐García Gerardo , Mellado‐Mojica Erika , Veloz García Rafael A. , Dzul Cauich Jorge G. , López Mercedes G. , García‐Vieyra María I.
Published: November 2018

Background

Agave syrups are natural sweeteners that are highly desirable for human consumption because they have low glycemic index. In this work, we explored the potential of 1H‐NMR‐Chemometrics as a useful tool in the identification and differentiation of Agave syrups. Also, we evaluated the phytochemical screening and antioxidant capacity of Agave syrup compared to other natural sweeteners.

Results

The phytochemical screening stands out for Agave syrups containing higher levels of metabolites with antioxidant activity, mainly saponins, glycosides, and terpenoids. Agave syrup antioxidant activity was in a range from 10% to 53%, while the total phenolic content was from 24 to 300 EAG/100 g, and condensed tannins were between 240 and 1,900 mg CE/g. Additionally, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy was used to characterize syrup profiles and chemometrics. PCA group analyses allowed the sweeteners’ classification by origin and kind of Agave.

Conclusion

Thus, we conclude that 1H‐NMR and chemometrics can be used for identifying, differentiating, and classifying Agave syrups. Besides, Agave syrups contain significant amounts of antioxidative components and can be considered as an effective source of antioxidant.
Genes and Pathways Promoting Long‐Term Liver Repopulation by Ex Vivo hYAP‐ERT2 Transduced Hepatocytes and Treatment of Jaundice in Gunn Rats
Authors: Peterson Esther A. , Polgar Zsuzsanna , Devakanmalai Gnanapackiam S. , Li Yanfeng , Jaber Fadi L. , Zhang Wei , Wang Xia , Iqbal Niloy J. , Murray John W. , Roy‐Chowdhury Namita , Quispe‐Tintaya Wilber , Maslov Alexander Y. , Tchaikovskaya Tatyana L. , Sharma Yogeshwar , Rogler Leslie E. , Gupta Sanjeev , Zhu Liang , Roy‐Chowdhury Jayanta , Shafritz David A.
Published: November 2018

Hepatocyte transplantation is an attractive alternative to liver transplantation. Thus far, however, extensive liver repopulation by adult hepatocytes has required ongoing genetic, physical, or chemical injury to host liver. We hypothesized that providing a regulated proliferative and/or survival advantage to transplanted hepatocytes should enable repopulation in a normal liver microenvironment. Here, we repopulated livers of DPPIV− (dipeptidyl peptidase‐4) rats and Ugt1a1 (uridinediphosphoglucuronate glucuronosyltransferase 1a1)‐deficient Gunn rats (model of Crigler‐Najjar syndrome type 1), both models without underlying liver injury, for up to 1 year by transplanting lenti‐hYAP‐ERT2 (mutated estrogen receptor ligand‐binding domain 2)‐transduced hepatocytes (YAP‐Hc). Yap (yes‐associated protein) nuclear translocation/function in YAP‐Hc was regulated by tamoxifen. Repopulating YAP‐Hc and host hepatocytes were fluorescence‐activated cell sorting–purified and their transcriptomic profiles compared by RNAseq. After 1 year of liver repopulation, YAP‐Hc clusters exhibited normal morphology, integration into hepatic plates and hepatocyte‐specific gene expression, without dysplasia, dedifferentiation, or tumorigenesis. RNAseq analysis showed up‐regulation of 145 genes promoting cell proliferation and 305 genes suppressing apoptosis, including hepatocyte growth factor and connective tissue growth factor among the top 30 in each category and provided insight into the mechanism of cell competition that enabled replacement of host hepatocytes by YAP‐Hc. In Gunn rats transplanted with YAP‐Hc+tamoxifen, there was a 65%‐81% decline in serum bilirubin over 6 months versus 8%‐20% with control‐Hc, representing a 3‐4‐fold increase in therapeutic response. This correlated with liver repopulation as demonstrated by the presence of Ugt1a1‐positive hepatocyte clusters in livers and western blot analysis of tissue homogenates. Conclusion: Tamoxifen‐regulated nuclear translocation/function of hYAP‐ERT2 enabled long‐term repopulation of DPPIV−/− and Gunn rat livers by hYAP‐ERT2‐transduced hepatocytes without tumorigenesis. This cell transplantation strategy may offer a potential therapy for most of the inherited monogenic liver diseases that do not exhibit liver injury.
Habitat selection and population trends of the Torngat Mountains caribou herd
Authors: Bélanger Édouard , Leblond Mathieu , Côté Steeve D.
Published: November 2018

Understanding why species at risk select certain habitat and what components of their life history influence changes in numbers can help mitigate population declines. The Torngat Mountains caribou (Rangifer tarandus) herd in northern Quebec‐Labrador, Canada, is declining, and few studies have examined the potential causes of this decline. We fitted 9 Argos and 26 global positioning system (GPS)‐collars on 35 adult caribou (25 female, 10 male) between 2011 and 2016 to assess seasonal habitat selection at 2 spatial scales, current and future population trends, and interactions with the neighboring Rivière‐George migratory caribou herd. The caribou of the Torngat Mountains herd selected areas with abundant food resources in winter and where prevalence of insects was lower in summer. They did not avoid areas where predation risk was high during calving. Spatial overlap with the Rivière‐George herd range decreased from 1990 to 2015 and was correlated with the size of the Rivière‐George population, which declined drastically during this period. The decline of the Torngat Mountains population was principally attributed to the low survival of adult females (0.72 annual survival rate) owing to subsistence harvest (9/24) and predation (7/24). Demographic models revealed that the growth rate of the population (λ) could vary from 0.83 (current) to 0.94 following a decrease in harvest pressure. Using demographic scenarios, we showed that the Torngat Mountains herd could continue to decrease if no management actions were taken to increase adult female survival. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Transcriptional Profiling of Dendritic Cells in a Mouse Model of Food‐Antigen‐Induced Anaphylaxis Reveals the Upregulation of Multiple Immune‐Related Pathways
Authors: Rodriguez Maria Jose , Palomares Francisca , Bogas Gador , Torres Maria Jose , Diaz‐Perales Araceli , Rojo Javier , Plaza‐Seron Maria del Carmen , Rodriguez‐Nogales Alba , Orengo Christine , Mayorga Cristobalina , Perkins James Richard
Published: November 2018

Scope

Much of the knowledge about gene expression during anaphylaxis comes from candidate gene studies. Despite their potential role, expression changes in dendritic cells (DCs) have not been studied in this context using high throughput methods. The molecular mechanisms underlying food‐antigen‐induced anaphylaxis are investigated using DCs from an animal model.

Methods and results

RNA sequencing is used to study gene expression in lymph‐node‐derived DCs from anaphylactic mice sensitized intranasally with the major peach allergen Pru p 3 during the acute reaction phase, induced intraperitoneally. In total, 237 genes changed significantly, 181 showing at least twofold changes. Almost three‐quarters of these increase during anaphylaxis. A subset is confirmed using RT‐PCR in a second set of samples obtained from a new batch of mice. Enrichment analysis shows an overrepresentation of genes involved in key immune system and inflammatory processes, including TGF‐β signaling. Comparison with a study using anaphylactic human subjects show significant overlap.

Conclusions

The findings provide a comprehensive overview of the transcriptional changes occurring in DCs during anaphylaxis and help elucidate the mechanisms involved. They add further weight to the putative role of these cells in anaphylaxis and highlight genes that may represent potential therapeutic targets.