bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Newtonian heating and Fourier and Fick’s laws on a magnetohydrodynamic dusty Casson nanofluid flow with variable heat source/sink over a stretching cylinder
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Shaheen Naila , Chung Jae Dong , Kadry Seifedine , Chu Yu-Ming , Howari Fares
Published: January 2021

The present investigation aims to deliberate the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) dusty Casson nanofluid with variable heat source/sink and modified Fourier’s and Fick’s laws over a stretching cylinder. The novelty of the flow model is enhanced with additional effects of the Newtonian heating, activation energy, and an exothermic chemical reaction. In an exothermic chemical reaction, the energy of the reactants is higher than the end products. The solution to the formulated problem is attained numerically by employing the MATLAB software function bvp4c. The behavior of flow parameters versus involved profiles is discussed graphically at length. For large values of momentum dust particles, the velocity field for the fluid flow declines, whereas an opposite trend is perceived for the dust phase. An escalation is noticed for the Newtonian heating in the temperature profile for both the fluid and dust-particle phase. A comparison is also added with an already published work to check the validity of the envisioned problem.
Low-dose Drosera rotundifolia induces gene expression changes in 16HBE human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Arruda-Silva Fabio , Bellavite Paolo , Marzotto Marta
Published: January 2021

Drosera rotundifoliahas been traditionally used for the treatment of respiratory diseases in phytotherapy and homeopathy. The mechanisms of action recognized so far are linked to the known effects of specific components, such as flavonoids, but are not completely understood. In this study, the biological functions ofD. rotundifoliawere explored in vitro following the treatment of bronchial epithelial cells, which are the potential targets of the pharmacological effects of the herbal medicine. To do so, the whole plant ethanolic extract was 1000-fold diluted in water (D. rotundifolia3×) and added to a 16HBE human cell line culture for 3 h or 6 h. The effects on gene expression of the treatments and corresponding controls were then investigated by RNA sequencing. The differentially expressed genes were validated through RT-qPCR, and the enriched biological functions involved in the effects of treatment were investigated.D. rotundifolia3× did not impair cell viability and was shown to be a stimulant of cell functions by regulating the expression of dozens of genes after 3 h, and the effects were amplified after 6 h of treatment. The main differentially expressed genes encoded ligands of epithelial growth factor receptor, proteins involved in xenobiotic detoxification and cytokines, suggesting thatD. rotundifolia3× could stimulate self-repair systems, which are impaired in airway diseases. Furthermore,D. rotundifolia3× acts on a complex and multifaceted set of genes and may potentially affect different layers of the bronchial mucosa.
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy induces distinctive transcriptomic responses in liver, fat and muscle
Authors: Ahn Chang Ho , Choi Eun Hye , Lee Hyunjung , Lee Woochan , Kim Jong-Il , Cho Young Min
Published: January 2021

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is the most commonly performed bariatric/metabolic surgery, exhibiting a high rate of diabetes remission in humans. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of VSG, we performed transcriptomic analysis of the liver, fat, and muscle in VSG mice. C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet were randomly assigned to sham or VSG surgery. The sham-operated mice were fed ad libitum (sham group) or pair-fed (sham-PF group) matching their food intake to the VSG-operated mice. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of the liver, fat, and muscle using RNA sequencing was performed. VSG reduced body weight and improved glucose tolerance compared to the sham group, but not more than the sham-PF group. Improvement in fatty liver and adipose tissue inflammation was comparable between VSG and sham-PF. However, global gene expression profiles showed distinctive changes in the liver, fat, and muscle of the VSG group compared to both the sham or sham-PF groups. The liver showed the most prominent gene expression changes. Immune response-related pathways were commonly upregulated in the three organs of the VSG group compared to the sham or sham-PF. VSG induces organ-specific gene expression changes in the liver, fat, and muscle, which may play critical roles in metabolic improvements after VSG.
Growth factor dependent changes in nanoscale architecture of focal adhesions
Authors: Legerstee Karin , Abraham Tsion E. , van Cappellen Wiggert A. , Nigg Alex L. , Slotman Johan A. , Houtsmuller Adriaan B.
Published: January 2021

Focal adhesions (FAs) are flat elongated structures that mediate cell migration and link the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. Along the vertical axis FAs were shown to be composed of three layers. We used structured illumination microscopy to examine the longitudinal distribution of four hallmark FA proteins, which we also used as markers for these layers. At the FA ends pointing towards the adherent membrane edge (heads), bottom layer protein paxillin protruded, while at the opposite ends (tails) intermediate layer protein vinculin and top layer proteins zyxin and VASP extended further. At the tail tips, only intermediate layer protein vinculin protruded. Importantly, head and tail compositions were altered during HGF-induced scattering with paxillin heads being shorter and zyxin tails longer. Additionally, FAs at protruding or retracting membrane edges had longer paxillin heads than FAs at static edges. These data suggest that redistribution of FA-proteins with respect to each other along FAs is involved in cell movement.
Brain structural and functional substrates of ADGRL3 (latrophilin 3) haplotype in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Moreno-Alcázar Ana , Ramos-Quiroga Josep A. , Ribases Marta , Sánchez-Mora Cristina , Palomar Gloria , Bosch Rosa , Salavert Josep , Fortea Lydia , Monté-Rubio Gemma C. , Canales-Rodríguez Erick J. , Milham Michael P. , Castellanos F. Xavier , Casas Miquel , Pomarol-Clotet Edith , Radua Joaquim
Published: January 2021

Previous studies have shown that the gene encoding the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor L3 (ADGRL3; formerly latrophilin 3, LPHN3) is associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Conversely, no studies have investigated the anatomical or functional brain substrates of ADGRL3 risk variants. We examined here whether individuals with different ADGRL3 haplotypes, including both patients with ADHD and healthy controls, showed differences in brain anatomy and function. We recruited and genotyped adult patients with combined type ADHD and healthy controls to achieve a sample balanced for age, sex, premorbid IQ, and three ADGRL3 haplotype groups (risk, protective, and others). The final sample (n = 128) underwent structural and functional brain imaging (voxel-based morphometry and n-back working memory fMRI). We analyzed the brain structural and functional effects of ADHD, haplotypes, and their interaction, covarying for age, sex, and medication. Individuals (patients or controls) with the protective haplotype showed strong, widespread hypo-activation in the frontal cortex extending to inferior temporal and fusiform gyri. Individuals (patients or controls) with the risk haplotype also showed hypo-activation, more focused in the right temporal cortex. Patients showed parietal hyper-activation. Disorder-haplotype interactions, as well as structural findings, were not statistically significant. To sum up, both protective and risk ADGRL3 haplotypes are associated with substantial brain hypo-activation during working memory tasks, stressing this gene’s relevance in cognitive brain function. Conversely, we did not find brain effects of the interactions between adult ADHD and ADGRL3 haplotypes.
The effects of bone marrow stem and progenitor cell seeding on urinary bladder tissue regeneration
Authors: Bury Matthew I. , Fuller Natalie J. , Sturm Renea M. , Rabizadeh Rebecca R. , Nolan Bonnie G. , Barac Milica , Edassery Sonia S. , Chan Yvonne Y. , Sharma Arun K.
Published: January 2021

Complications associated with urinary bladder augmentation provide the motivation to delineate alternative bladder tissue regenerative engineering strategies. We describe the results of varying the proportion of bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to CD34 + hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) co-seeded onto synthetic POC [poly(1,8 octamethylene citrate)] or small intestinal submucosa (SIS) scaffolds and their contribution to bladder tissue regeneration. Human BM MSCs and CD34 + HSPCs were co-seeded onto POC or SIS scaffolds at cell ratios of 50 K CD34 + HSPCs/15 K MSCs (CD34-50/MSC15); 50 K CD34 + HSPCs/30 K MSCs (CD34-50/MSC30); 100 K CD34 + HSPCs/15 K MSCs (CD34-100/MSC15); and 100 K CD34 + HSPCs/30 K MSCs (CD34-100/MSC30), in male (M/POC; M/SIS; n = 6/cell seeded scaffold) and female (F/POC; F/SIS; n = 6/cell seeded scaffold) nude rats (n = 96 total animals). Explanted scaffold/composite augmented bladder tissue underwent quantitative morphometrics following histological staining taking into account the presence (S+) or absence (S−) of bladder stones. Urodynamic studies were also performed. Regarding regenerated tissue vascularization, an upward shift was detected for some higher seeded density groups including the CD34-100/MSC30 groups [F/POC S− CD34-100/MSC30 230.5 ± 12.4; F/POC S+ CD34-100/MSC30 245.6 ± 23.4; F/SIS S+ CD34-100/MSC30 278.1; F/SIS S− CD34-100/MSC30 187.4 ± 8.1; (vessels/mm2)]. Similarly, a potential trend toward increased levels of percent muscle (≥ 45% muscle) with higher seeding densities was observed for F/POC S− [CD34-50/MSC30 48.8 ± 2.2; CD34-100/MSC15 53.9 ± 2.8; CD34-100/MSC30 50.7 ± 1.7] and for F/SIS S− [CD34-100/MSC15 47.1 ± 1.6; CD34-100/MSC30 51.2 ± 2.3]. As a potential trend, higher MSC/CD34 + HSPCs cell seeding densities generally tended to increase levels of tissue vascularization and aided with bladder muscle growth. Data suggest that increasing cell seeding density has the potential to enhance bladder tissue regeneration in our model.
Prediction of gas velocity in two-phase flow using developed fuzzy logic system with differential evolution algorithm
Authors: Babanezhad Meisam , Zabihi Samyar , Behroyan Iman , Nakhjiri Ali Taghvaie , Marjani Azam , Shirazian Saeed
Published: January 2021

In this investigation, differential evolution (DE) algorithm with the fuzzy inference system (FIS) are combined and the DE algorithm is employed in FIS training process. Considered data in this study were extracted from simulation of a 2D two-phase reactor in which gas was sparged from bottom of reactor, and the injected gas velocities were between 0.05 to 0.11 m/s. After doing a couple of training by making some changes in DE parameters and FIS parameters, the greatest percentage of FIS capacity was achieved. By applying the optimized model, the gas phase velocity in x direction inside the reactor was predicted when the injected gas velocity was 0.08 m/s.
Obesity is not a risk factor for either mortality or complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystitis
Authors: Enami Yuta , Aoki Takeshi , Tomioka Kodai , Hakozaki Tomoki , Hirai Takahito , Shibata Hideki , Saito Kazuhiko , Takano Yojiro , Seki Junichi , Oae Sonoko , Shimada Shoji , Nakahara Kenta , Takehara Yusuke , Mukai Shumpei , Sawada Naruhiko , Ishida Fumio , Murakami Masahiko , Kudo Shin-ei
Published: January 2021

Obesity is a positive predictor of surgical morbidity. There are few reports of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) outcomes in obese patients. This study aimed to clarify this relationship. This retrospective study included patients who underwent LC at Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital between January 2017 and April 2020. A total of 563 cases were examined and divided into two groups: obese (n = 142) (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and non-obese (n = 241) (BMI < 25 kg/m2). The non-obese group had more female patients (54%), whereas the obese group had more male patients (59.1%). The obese group was younger (56.6 years). Preoperative laboratory data of liver function were within the normal range. The obese group had a significantly higher white blood cell (WBC) count (6420/μL), although this was within normal range. Operative time was significantly longer in the obese group (p = 0.0001). However, blood loss and conversion rate were not significantly different among the groups, neither were surgical outcomes, including postoperative hospital stay and complications. Male sex and previous abdominal surgery were risk factors for conversion, and only advanced age (≥ 79 years) was an independent predictor of postoperative complications as observed in the multivariate analysis. Although the operation time was prolonged in obese patients, operative factors and outcomes were not. Therefore, LC could be safely performed in obese patients with similar efficacy as in non-obese patients.
Acquisition and consolidation processes following motor imagery practice
Authors: Ruffino Célia , Truong Charlène , Dupont William , Bouguila Fatma , Michel Carine , Lebon Florent , Papaxanthis Charalambos
Published: January 2021

It well-known that mental training improves skill performance. Here, we evaluated skill acquisition and consolidation after physical or motor imagery practice, by means of an arm pointing task requiring speed-accuracy trade-off. In the main experiment, we showed a significant enhancement of skill after both practices (72 training trials), with a better acquisition after physical practice. Interestingly, we found a positive impact of the passage of time (+ 6 h post training) on skill consolidation for the motor imagery training only, without any effect of sleep (+ 24 h post training) for none of the interventions. In a control experiment, we matched the gain in skill learning after physical training (new group) with that obtained after motor imagery training (main experiment) to evaluate skill consolidation after the same amount of learning. Skill performance in this control group deteriorated with the passage of time and sleep. In another control experiment, we increased the number of imagined trials (n = 100, new group) to compare the acquisition and consolidation processes of this group with that observed in the motor imagery group of the main experiment. We did not find significant differences between the two groups. These findings suggest that physical and motor imagery practice drive skill learning through different acquisition and consolidation processes.
Methods and open-source toolkit for analyzing and visualizing challenge results
Authors: Wiesenfarth Manuel , Reinke Annika , Landman Bennett A. , Eisenmann Matthias , Saiz Laura Aguilera , Cardoso M. Jorge , Maier-Hein Lena , Kopp-Schneider Annette
Published: January 2021

Grand challenges have become the de facto standard for benchmarking image analysis algorithms. While the number of these international competitions is steadily increasing, surprisingly little effort has been invested in ensuring high quality design, execution and reporting for these international competitions. Specifically, results analysis and visualization in the event of uncertainties have been given almost no attention in the literature. Given these shortcomings, the contribution of this paper is two-fold: (1) we present a set of methods to comprehensively analyze and visualize the results of single-task and multi-task challenges and apply them to a number of simulated and real-life challenges to demonstrate their specific strengths and weaknesses; (2) we release the open-source framework challengeR as part of this work to enable fast and wide adoption of the methodology proposed in this paper. Our approach offers an intuitive way to gain important insights into the relative and absolute performance of algorithms, which cannot be revealed by commonly applied visualization techniques. This is demonstrated by the experiments performed in the specific context of biomedical image analysis challenges. Our framework could thus become an important tool for analyzing and visualizing challenge results in the field of biomedical image analysis and beyond.
Alterations in the histological features of the intestinal mucosa in malnourished adults of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Shabab , Begum S. M. Khodeza Nahar , Rahman M. Masudur , Mazumder Ramendra Nath , Parvez Mashud , Gazi Md. Amran , Hasan Md. Mehedi , Fahim Shah Mohammad , Das Subhasish , Mahfuz Mustafa , Sarker Shafiqul Alam , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: January 2021

There is paucity of knowledge on the histological features of the intestinal mucosa in malnourished adults of Bangladesh. The purpose of the study was to explore the histological features of the intestinal mucosa in malnourished adults of Bangladesh and to compare the findings with their well-nourished counterparts. 64 adults (37 malnourished with body mass index, BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 and 27 controls with BMI > 18.5 kg/m2) from the Bangladesh Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (BEED) study, who underwent upper-gastrointestinal endoscopy, were selected for this study. With a view to address the association of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) with malnutrition, upper-gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed and mucosal biopsies from the distal duodenum were studied for histopathology. Villous height, crypt depth, and presence of inflammatory infiltrates in lamina propria were investigated. Bivariate analysis was performed to quantify the relation between malnutrition and the histological features. About 95% adults, irrespective of nutritional status, were diagnosed to have chronic non-specific duodenitis on histopathology. Malnourished adults suffered significantly more from chronic active duodenitis compared to their well-nourished counterparts (p = 0.003). Malnourished adults also had significantly higher frequency of subtotal villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia and marked cellular infiltration in the lamina propria than the healthy controls (p < 0.05).
No significant association of serum klotho concentration with blood pressure and pulse wave velocity in a Chinese population
Authors: Liang Wan-Ying , Wang Li-Hong , Wei Jian-Hang , Li Qing-Lu , Li Qi-Yan , Liang Quan , Hu Nai-Qing , Li Li-Hua
Published: January 2021

Klotho, an important anti-aging protein, may be related to elevated blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness. We aimed to investigate associations between the serum klotho concentration and peripheral/central BP and arterial stiffness based on the carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in a Chinese population. We invited all inhabitants aged ≥ 18 years in two Dali communities for participation. The SphygmoCor system was used to record radial arterial waveforms. Aortic waveforms were derived using a generalized transfer function. The central BP was assessed by calibrating the brachial BP, which was measured using an oscillometric device. The serum klotho concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and logarithmically transformed. Of the 716 participants (mean age: 51.9 ± 12.6 years), 467 (65.2%) were women. The median serum klotho concentration was 381.8 pg/mL. The serum klotho concentration did not significantly differ between patients with and without hypertension (P > 0.05) and between those with and without arterial stiffness (cfPWV ≥ 10 m/s) (P > 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, the serum klotho concentration was not significantly associated with the peripheral or central BP (P > 0.05) and cfPWV (P > 0.05). Our data indicated that the serum klotho concentration was not associated with BP or cfPWV in the general Chinese population.
A century of decoupling size and structure of urban spaces in the United States
Authors: Uhl Johannes H. , Connor Dylan S. , Leyk Stefan , Braswell Anna E.
Published: January 2021

Most cities in the United States of America are thought to have followed similar development trajectories to evolve into their present form. However, data on spatial development of cities are limited prior to 1970. Here we leverage a compilation of high-resolution spatial land use and building data to examine the evolving size and form (shape and structure) of US metropolitan areas since the early twentieth century. Our analysis of building patterns over 100 years reveals strong regularities in the development of the size and density of cities and their surroundings, regardless of timing or location of development. At the same time, we find that trajectories regarding shape and structure are harder to codify and more complex. We conclude that these discrepant developments of urban size- and form-related characteristics are driven, in part, by the long-term decoupling of these two sets of attributes over time.
Porphyrin-based metal coordination polymers with self-assembly pathway-dependent properties for photodynamic and photothermal therapy
Authors: Miao Yuyang , Lv Shibo , Zheng Daoyuan , Liu Yuhan , Liu Dapeng , Song Fengling
Published: January 2021

During the self-assembly process of porphyrin-based metal coordination polymers, two different nanoaggregates were discovered. The nanoaggregates exhibited pathway-dependent properties and showed different applications in phototherapy.
Synthesis of an azadioxa-planar triphenylborane and investigation of its structural and photophysical properties
Authors: Kitamoto Y. , Oda K. , Ogino K. , Hiyama K. , Kita H. , Hattori T. , Oi S.
Published: January 2021

An azadioxa-planar triphenylborane was synthesized for the first time and it was found that bridging groups have a critical role in changing its molecular properties.
A general model to optimise CuIIlabelling efficiency of double-histidine motifs for pulse dipolar EPR applications
Authors: Wort Joshua L. , Ackermann Katrin , Norman David G. , Bode Bela E.
Published: January 2021

A multi-site speciation model facilitates double-histidine motif labelling efficiency optimisation for pulse dipolar EPR measurements. Results suggest affinities differing by a factor of 10 between an α-helical and a β-sheet double-histidine motif.
Towards bridging the structure gap in heterogeneous catalysis: the impact of defects in dissociative chemisorption of methane on Ir surfaces
Authors: Zhou Xueyao , Zhang Yaolong , Guo Hua , Jiang Bin
Published: January 2021

The negatively activated region in CH4 dissociation is attributed to a precursor-mediated mechanism involving surface defects.
Highly efficient ITO-free organic solar cells with a column-patterned microcavity
Authors: Huang Jiang , Zhao Dan , Dou Zifan , Fan Qingshan , Li Na , Peng Shuihai , Liu Haoran , Jiang Yadong , Yu Junsheng , Li Chang-Zhi
Published: January 2021

Highly efficient organic solar cells (OSCs) are demonstrated with the new design of column-patterned microcavity, which allows enhancing the external quantum efficiencies of both visible and near-infrared range of indium tin oxide free OSCs.
Physicochemical properties of polysaccharides from Ligusticum chuanxiong and analysis of their anti-tumor potential through immunoregulation
Authors: Zhong Cheng , Liu Zijing , Zhang Xuyu , Pu Youwei , Yang Zhongwei , Bao Yixi
Published: January 2021

We investigated the extraction, purification, physicochemical properties and biological activity of Ligusticum chuanxiong polysaccharides (LCXPs).
Chemosensitivity enhanced by autophagy inhibition based on a polycationic nano-drug carrier
Authors: Li Na , Han Shangcong , Ma Baohua , Huang Xia , Xu Lisa , Cao Jie , Sun Yong
Published: January 2021

With increasing understanding of the role of autophagy in tumorigenesis and development, studies have demonstrated that both excessive induction and inhibition of autophagy could improve the efficacy against tumors during cytotoxic or molecularly targeted drug therapy.
A seed-mediated and double shell strategy to realize large-size ZnSe/ZnS/ZnS quantum dots for high color purity blue light-emitting diodes
Authors: Yang Zhiwen , Wu Qianqian , Zhou Xiaochuan , Cao Fan , Yang Xuyong , Zhang Jianhua , Li Wanwan
Published: January 2021

Blue ZnSe/ZnS/ZnS quantum dots were prepared using a seed-mediated and double shell strategy, and the quantum dot-based light-emitting diode with electroluminescence spectrum peaked at 446 nm and full widths at half-maximum of 16 nm was fabricated.
A pH/ultrasonic dual-response step-targeting enterosoluble granule for combined sonodynamic-chemotherapy guided via gastrointestinal tract imaging in orthotopic colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Ruo-Yun , Cheng Kai , Xuan Yang , Yang Xiao-Quan , An Jie , Hu Yong-Guo , Liu Bo , Zhao Yuan-Di
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a new pH/US step-targeting precisely controlled-released system with oral administration is designed for a combined sonodynamic-chemotherapy providing a novel approach for the theranostics of orthotopic colorectal cancer.
In situ TEM study of edge reconstruction and evolution in monolayer black phosphorus
Authors: Yao Fenfa , Xiao Zhangru , Qiao Jingsi , Ji Wei , Xie Rong-Jun , Jin Chuanhong
Published: January 2021

Monolayer black phosphorus edges were in situ constructed inside a microscope, and spontaneous edge reconstruction occurred in all types of as-prepared edges that include ZZ[1, 0], ZZ[1, 0](K), DG[1, 1], and DG[1, 1](K) edges.
QM/MM and molecular dynamics investigation of the mechanism of covalent inhibition of TAK1 kinase
Authors: Toviwek Borvornwat , Gleeson Duangkamol , Gleeson M. Paul
Published: January 2021

This work describes a study which elucidates the reaction mechanism of TAK1 kinase, an important target implicated in aberrant cellular signaling, towards irreversible inhibitors using hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical methods.
Catalyst-free synthesis of 3,1-benzoxathiin-4-ones/1,3-benzodioxin-4-ones
Authors: Muthusamy Sengodagounder , Malarvizhi Muthukumar , Suresh Eringathodi
Published: January 2021

An unambiguous and precise method for the synthesis of 3,1-benzoxathiin-4-ones/1,3-benzodioxin-4-ones by the reaction of propargylic alcohols and salicylic/thiosalicylic acids under a catalyst-free and open-air atmosphere is described.
Covalent functionalization of two-dimensional black phosphorus nanosheets with porphyrins and their photophysical characterization
Authors: Thurakkal Shameel , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: January 2021

Photoactive porphyrins are covalently attached onto black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) through a direct phosphorus–carbon linkage using diazonium chemistry. This hybrid material is further studied using different characterization techniques.
Changes in teaching beliefs of early-career chemistry faculty: a longitudinal investigation
Authors: Popova Maia , Kraft Annika , Harshman Jordan , Stains Marilyne
Published: January 2021

Literature at the secondary level has demonstrated a tight interconnectedness between one's beliefs about teaching and learning and one's instructional practices. Moreover, this research indicates that personal and contextual factors influence beliefs and that growth and changes in beliefs are most notable during the early years of one's teaching experience. Despite the substantial influence of teaching beliefs on educational decisions, very little research has been conducted at the post-secondary level in both characterizing and monitoring changes in beliefs over time of early-career faculty members. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating (1) the changes over two and half years in the beliefs of early-career chemistry professors in the United States, and (2) patterns between changes in beliefs and personal and contextual factors as defined in the Teacher-Centered Systemic Reform Model. Nine faculty were interviewed using the modified Luft and Roehrig's Teaching Beliefs Interview protocol in Fall 2016/Spring 2017 and then again in Spring 2019. Combination of constant-comparative analysis and cluster analysis were utilized to characterize faculty beliefs after each data collection cycle. Faculty also completed four surveys over the course of this longitudinal study. These surveys were analyzed to identify personal and contextual factors that could relate to changes in faculty beliefs over time. Overall, the participants expressed more unique beliefs about teaching and learning during the second interview. Despite this increase, the substance and the message of the beliefs remained fairly similar to the beliefs expressed during the first interview, which suggests that beliefs do not change as an artifact of teaching experience. Four of the faculty demonstrated a desirable shift to student-centered thinking, while three did not change and two shifted toward teacher-centered. Analysis of the survey data revealed that access and use of chemical education research journal and researchers, repeated opportunities to teach the same course, and instructor's continued learning efforts with respect to teaching were more pronounced among faculty who shifted toward student-centered thinking.
Control of the hydration layer states on phosphorus-containing mesoporous silica films and their reactivity evaluation with biological fluids
Authors: Yamada Shota , Kobashi Takaki , Tagaya Motohiro
Published: January 2021

Phosphorus-containing mesoporous silica films were synthesized by the introduction of phosphoric acid. The hydration layers on the films had the asymmetric stretching vibration of water molecules to provide the specific fibronectin adsorption.
Pentafluorophenyl substituted fulleropyrrolidine: a molecule enabling the most efficient flexible electrochromic device with fast switching
Authors: Chaudhary Anjali , Sivakumar Gangala , Pathak Devesh K. , Tanwar Manushree , Misra Rajneesh , Kumar Rajesh
Published: January 2021

A polythiophene-pentafluorophenyl substituted fulleropyrrolidine based solid state electrochromic device fabricated on a solid as well as flexible substrate showing fast, improved and one of the most efficient electrochromic performances.
Non-monotonic magnetic anisotropy behavior as a function of adsorbate coverage in Fe ultrathin films near the spin reorientation transition
Authors: Quesada A. , Chen G. , N'Diaye A. T. , Wang P. , Wu Y. Z. , Schmid A. K.
Published: January 2021

Carbon monoxide (CO) adsorption on ultrathin fcc Fe films is known to result in the rotation of magnetization from out-of-plane to in-plane.
Exclusive formation of a meridional complex of a tripodand and perfect suppression of guest recognition
Authors: Morita Hiroki , Akine Shigehisa , Nakamura Takashi , Nabeshima Tatsuya
Published: January 2021

A meridional tripodal complex was quantitatively synthesized. The concomitant structural change was applied to the suppression of guest binding.
Organic-solvent-free electromembrane extraction based on semi-interpenetrating polymer networks
Authors: Mei Hang , Liu Huajing , Shang Qianqian , Dong Ying , Pedersen-Bjergaard Stig , Huang Chuixiu , Shen Xiantao
Published: January 2021

A versatile organic-solvent-free electromembrane extraction (EME) system, which could be successfully used for the extraction of both basic and acidic analytes, is proposed based on semi-interpenetrating polymer networks.
Retraction: TRIM22 functions as an oncogene in gliomas through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘TRIM22 functions as an oncogene in gliomas through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway’ by Shi-lei Tang et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 30894–30901, DOI: 10.1039/C8RA05684F.
Retraction: Knockdown of long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 suppresses cell proliferation and migration in ox-LDL-induced human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVMSCs) through targeting miR-152-3p/PAPPA axis
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Knockdown of long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 suppresses cell proliferation and migration in ox-LDL-induced human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVMSCs) through targeting miR-152-3p/PAPPA axis’ by Xiangya Yang et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 32499–32509, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA06614D.
Retraction: Long noncoding RNA HOTAIR promotes cell apoptosis by sponging miR-221 in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Long noncoding RNA HOTAIR promotes cell apoptosis by sponging miR-221 in Parkinson’s disease’ by Fan Zhou et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 29502–29510, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA06107J.
Retraction: Long noncoding RNA DLEU1 promotes cell proliferation and migration of Wilms tumor through the miR-300/HOXC8 axis
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Long noncoding RNA DLEU1 promotes cell proliferation and migration of Wilms tumor through the miR-300/HOXC8 axis’ by Wen’an Ge et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 40240–40247, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA07215B.
Retraction: RNA-sequencing identified miR-3681 as a negative regulator in the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer cells via the posttranscriptional suppression of HGFR
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘RNA-sequencing identified miR-3681 as a negative regulator in the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer cells via the posttranscriptional suppression of HGFR’ by Fan Shi et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 22376–22383, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA01785B.
An up-conversion luminophore with high quantum yield and brightness based on BaF2:Yb3+,Er3+ single crystals
Authors: Madirov Eduard I. , Konyushkin Vasilii A. , Nakladov Andrey N. , Fedorov Pavel P. , Bergfeldt Thomas , Busko Dmitry , Howard Ian A. , Richards Bryce S. , Kuznetsov Sergey V. , Turshatov Andrey
Published: January 2021

Optical properties of BaF2 single crystals doped with Yb3+ and Er ions are studied. The highest ϕUC value of 10.0% was demonstrated for the BaF2:Er3+ (2 mol%) /Yb3+ (3 mol%) sample under 490 W cm−2 of 976 nm excitation.
Integrated bioinformatics analysis identified MTHFD1L as a potential biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Junhui , Yang Jie , Xu Qingchun , Wang Zhenyu , Wu Jun , Pan Liukui , Huang Kai , Wang Chen
Published: January 2021

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is one of the most frequently occurring primary malignant liver tumors and seriously harms people’s health in the world. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1-like (MTHFD1L) has been shown to be associated with colon cancer cell proliferation, colony formation and invasion. In the present study, a total of 370 LIHC and 51 normal samples data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis showed that MTHFD1L is highly expressed in liver tumors. Correlation analysis suggested the differences of vital status between high- and low-expression MTHFD1L groups of LIHC. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were performed to identify the relationship between clinical characteristics and overall survival (OS). In addition, to explore whether MTHFD1L has an effect on the immune infiltration of LIHC. The correlation between MTHFD1L expression and 24 immune cells were analyzed by ImmuneCellAI database. Furthermore, we combined three databases CIBERSORT, TIMER and ImmuneCellAI to do a comprehensive validation and determined that dendritic cells (DCs) resting, macrophage M0 and macrophage M2 closely related to the expression of MTHFD1L. The results showed that MTHFD1L was a potential prognostic biomarker for LIHC, and could help to elucidate that how the immune microenvironment promotes liver cancer development.
A Comparison of Intervention Intensity and Service Delivery Models With School-Age Children With Speech Sound Disorders in a School Setting
Authors: Byers Beth A. , Bellon-Harn Monica L. , Allen Madeline , Saar Karen Whisenhunt , Manchaiah Vinaya , Rodrigo Hansapani
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study examined intervention intensity and service delivery with school-age children with mild or mild–moderate speech sound disorders. The commonly used business-as-usual (BAU) service delivery model and a shorter, more frequent, individual model (experimental [EXP]) were compared.

Method

A between-subjects group design was selected. In BAU, 11 children received group sessions, 2 times per week, 30 min per session for 6 weeks. In EXP, 11 children received individual session, 3 times per week, 5 min per session for 6 weeks. Group differences on measures of dose (i.e., therapeutic input and production trials) and cumulative treatment intensity were examined. The extent to which children, across both conditions, demonstrated gains in speech sound accuracy and the extent to which gains differed between BAU and EXP were examined.

Results

There was a significant group difference on dose. Children in BAU received more therapeutic input and production trials than children in EXP. Cumulative treatment intensity was not statistically different between groups when dose was calculated as therapeutic input or production trials. Results from both conditions indicated statistically significant differences on measures of speech sound accuracy with large effect sizes. No group differences on gains were noted.

Conclusions

Dose calculated as therapeutic input and production trials plays an important role in understanding the impact of cumulative intervention intensity. Children with mild or mild–moderate speech sound disorders may benefit more from a shorter, frequent, individual service delivery model than a BAU model.
School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists: Confidence in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment
Authors: Sanders Eric J. , Page Thomas A. , Lesher Deborah
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine confidence levels and identify predictors of increased confidence of school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) relative to different aspects of the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment process.

Method

Surveys were completed by 272 school-based SLPs. Questions were designed to capture demographic information and confidence in areas of assessment such as student capabilities, participation, and feature matching.

Results

There were variable levels of confidence across aspects of assessment. Respondents were less confident in tasks related to assessing students with severe physical impairments and incorporating aspects related to cultural and linguistic diversity in their assessment. SLPs were more confident assessing student participation and unaided communication. Additionally, respondents had less confidence in matching the features of high-tech speech-generating devices to their students. Self-identification as an AAC specialist, years of experience, percentage of caseload of students with complex communication needs, and length of longest continuing education experiences all contributed to predicting confidence in most areas of assessment. However, years of experience did not contribute to predicting confidence in feature matching.

Conclusions

Results from this study acknowledge that SLPs are likely to have varied degrees of confidence in aspects of assessment related to preparation, clinical experience, and self-identification of specialty. Findings from this study support increasing training opportunities in AAC assessment. As specialization was the strongest predictor of confidence, further research should investigate the characteristics and preparation of self-identified AAC specialists. This is an important first step in pinpointing ways to increase confidence in school-based SLPs.
Probing 3D and NLTE models using APOGEE observations of globular cluster stars
Authors: Masseron T. , Osorio Y. , García-Hernández D. A. , Prieto C. Allende , Zamora O. , Mészáros Sz.
Published: January 2021

Context. Hydrodynamical (or 3D) and non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) effects are known to affect abundance analyses. However, there are very few observational abundance tests of 3D and NLTE models.

Aims. We developed a new way of testing the abundance predictions of 3D and NLTE models, taking advantage of large spectroscopic survey data.

Methods. We use a line-by-line analysis of the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) spectra (H band) with the Brussels Automatic Code for Characterizing High accUracy Spectra (BACCHUS). We compute line-by-line abundances of Mg, Si, Ca, and Fe for a large number of globular cluster K giants in the APOGEE survey. We compare this line-by-line analysis against NLTE and 3D predictions.

Results. While the 1D–NLTE models provide corrections in the right direction, there are quantitative discrepancies between different models. We observe a better agreement with the data for the models including reliable collisional cross-sections. The agreement between data and models is not always satisfactory when the 3D spectra are computed in LTE. However, we note that for a fair comparison, 3D corrections should be computed with self-consistently derived stellar parameters, and not on 1D models with identical stellar parameters. Finally, we focus on 3D and NLTE effects on Fe lines in the H band, where we observe a systematic difference in abundance relative to the value from the optical. Our results suggest that the metallicities obtained from the H band are more accurate in metal-poor giants.

Conclusions. Current 1D–NLTE models provide reliable abundance corrections, but only when the atom data and collisional cross-sections are accurate and complete. Therefore, we call for more atomic data for NLTE calculations. In contrast, we show that 3D corrections in LTE conditions are often not accurate enough, thus confirming that 3D abundance corrections are only valid when NLTE is taken into account. Consequently, more extended self-consistent 3D–NLTE computations need to be made. The method we have developed for testing 3D and NLTE models could be extended to other lines and elements, and is particularly suited for large spectroscopic surveys.
Evaluation Method of Shaft Structure Stability in Coal Mine Raise Boring Engineering
Authors: JING Guo-ye , GAO Feng , CHENG Shou-ye , HAN Bo , LI Junfeng
Published: January 2021

Raise boring method is one of the key technologies for coal mine shaft construction. The typical engineering of raise boring method is two types: large diameter shafts and small diameter gas pipeline shafts. Ensuring the stability of these two types of shaft structures is a key issue that determines the quality of raise boring engineering. In order to solve this problem, a method of evaluating the stability of shaft structure constructed by raise boring method is proposed in this paper. First, for large-diameter shafts, it is clear that the stability of surrounding rock is the key factor. Based on the strength reduction method, the stability coefficient of surrounding rock k0=2.5 is proposed. Secondly, for the small diameter gas pipe shaft, it is clear that the stability of the gas pipe under the pressure of the filling material is the key factor. The functional equations of allowable compressive stress of the pipe material, the initial deviation of the gas pipes and the ultimate pressure are established, and a method with results biased towards safety is proposed for the design and verification of gas pipes.
Research on load modelling of new infrastructure of power system-a case study of electric vehicle
Authors: Yang Shuqiang , Fan Wenyi , Zhao Yang , Zhao Ziheng
Published: January 2021

The continuous rapid development of new infrastructure load represented by electric vehicles (EVs) has brought new opportunities and challenges to the power system, as well as new propositions for traditional power system load modelling. It is of great practical significance to study the planning and operation of power systems considering EVs and other new infrastructure loads. Based on the analysis of the real historical data of EVs, this paper proposes an EV load modelling method based on the charging power scenario model. Based on the key variables of EV charging, the proposed model considers the joint distribution model of the uncertainty and correlation of the key variables of EV charging. Power scenarios are aggregated to obtain the EV load curve. Finally, the actual EV charging power data is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Semantic Segmentation Method for Buffer Layer Defect Detection in High Voltage Cable
Authors: Jun Zhang , Xiaoli Duan , Yi Xie , Jianjia Duan , Fuyong Huang , Zeyu Zeng
Published: January 2021

A semantic segmentation method based on the fully convolutional network is proposed to detect the buffer layer defect in high voltage cable automatically. One hundred seventy-seven high-resolution X-ray images of cables are collected. FCN-8s and VGG16 backbone are adopted. The results indicated that the FCN-8s achieves the mIoU to 0.67 on the test set, proving to be an efficient way to detect the buffer layer defects.
Optimization of shut-in time before drilling for each strata system in the drilling pass area in Block G
Authors: Huang Lijun
Published: January 2021

After the A oilfield enters the ultra-high water cut period, the production level is high, the comprehensive water cut is high and the production level is high. In recent years, the number of new wells has increased considerably, affecting the increase in production year by year. Faced with these two contradictions, a new scientific and effective drilling gateway management model has been explored to reduce the impact of drilling gateways on production. This will have a very important guarantee for the realization of A oilfield's continued stable production. Based on the research and practice of the drill-off area in Block G, this paper determines the minimum injection stop time before drilling-off corresponding to each set of formations according to the bottom hole pressure change law of the injection-stop well.
Evaluation of bearing capacity of reinforced concrete box ribbed arch bridge based on dynamic load test
Authors: He Mao , Fu Xin , Chen Shunchao
Published: January 2021

Dynamic load test is to measure the natural vibration characteristics of the bridge structure or the forced vibration characteristics under dynamic load, and to evaluate the driving performance, driving safety and comfort of the bridge through dynamic load test. In order to evaluate the stress state and working performance of a reinforced concrete box-ribbed arch bridge, the load test of the bridge is carried out. Dynamic load test is used to test the inherent fundamental frequency, damping ratio and impact coefficient of the bridge through pulsation test and sports car test. Through the experiment with the key parts of the stress (strain) and displacement load and other important data, through analysis and study, the comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon of calculation and test, a comprehensive performance evaluation structure and function whether meet the design requirements, to provide technical basis for the safety of the bridge operation, and provide the original material for the bridge maintenance and management in the future.
Application progress of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy in biomass
Authors: Gao Tianliang , Zhao Chuanshan , Ding Qijun
Published: January 2021

As a renewable resource, biomass resources have been widely concerned. The internal structure and changes of the graduate students play an important role in the utilization of biomass. Compared with conventional spectroscopy technology, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) can provide not only the characteristic information of each functional group, but also the interaction information between each functional group. Therefore, the application of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy in biomass has attracted increasing attention. First introduced the 2D-COS technology, focusing on the application progress of 2D-COS in the internal structure of graduate student molecules and molecules, biomass energy utilization technology and other aspects. Finally, the existing problems and future prospects are analyzed.