bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No such thing as a free lunch: widening participation in English higher education for those on free school meals
Authors: Pickering Nathaniel
Published: November 2019

Government policy is committed to increasing the representation of students that come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds at selective universities in England. However, access and participation of this group remain stratified and unequal. Focusing on free school meals
as a proxy for socio-economic disadvantage, this article will examine how successful the Government has been in influencing 25 of the most selective universities in England to change their widening participation policies in relation to free school meal students. Drawing on the Stephen J. Ball
conceptualisation of policy as text and policy as discourse, a macro-level policies were enacted at a micro-level. Findings indicate that the Government has had some success at influencing some local practices of the sampled institutions. However, universities have also deployed strategies
that are based on established and dominant discourses to maintain their elite and selective position in society.
The model of selecting multimodal technologies for the transport of perishable products
Authors: Leleń Paweł , Wasiak Mariusz
Published: November 2019

The main goal of this paper is to provide an original model of selecting multimodal technologies for the transport of perishable goods. The model in particular refers to the transportability of cargoes. The features of cargoes that have the most impact on transportability were specified. Formal representations of the key elements of the model were presented and characterized, including: perishable cargoes, form of transported goods (solid, liquid, etc.), means of handling (including loading devices and transport means), transport routes, categories of human labor, multimodal technologies and transportation tasks. A formal representation of decision variables, as well as constrains and a criterion function were provided. The model bases on two main solution assessment criteria: cost criterion and cargo safety criterion. A cargo safety criterion in the model is composed of 18 partial criterion functions. Each of these functions directly affects one safety aspect of the transported cargo. The exemplary partial criteria of cargo safety included in the model are: acceptable transport time, minimum or maximum temperature in the cargo’s direct surroundings, resistance to mechanical damage. In order to present a practical application of the presented mathematical model the paper shows also an example of selecting one of the multimodal technologies for the transport of perishable goods from the set of pre-defined types of multimodal transport technologies. The developed method uses different elements of the mathematical model provided in the paper, depending on the considered problem (including characteristics of cargo and their transport forms). For a significant group of perishable cargoes, it is not required to consider all defined criteria associated with cargo safety. The developed model allows for the accurate selection of transport technology for perishable cargoes for most transportation tasks. It should help to increase the efficiency of selection of multimodal transport technology for perishable products. The selected technology will then be characterized by the lowest transport cost and will ensure the safety of transported cargoes, as well as will meet other requirements determined by the transport task. As part of further work, it is possible to develop proposed method by considering additional characteristics of perishable cargoes.
School expectations expressed in testimonies of students finishing third grade of primary school
Authors: Ćwikła Edyta
Published: November 2019

Descriptive assesme nt is an important element of school practice. The student’s image adopted by the teacher is very important when formulating a descriptive assessment. Unfortunately, the pattern that emerged during the analysis of the testimonials of students completing the third grade is the pattern of the student as “performer of activities”. Teachers realisticall y translate their expectations into the practice of descriptive assessment, so a good descriptive assessment should show the comprehensive development and progress of the child. During its formulation, a balance should be
maintained between social, emotional and cognitive development. Unfortunately, the analysis of the certifi cates showed that evaluation of the achievements of nine-year old childern mainly boils down to cognitive development.
Young children's mothers' beliefs about the role and literacy methods at kindergarten and first year of primary school
Authors: Stellakis Nektarios
Published: November 2019

This study presents the findings of a survey regarding the beliefs of parents of children in early childhood education about the role that, in their opinion, kindergarten plays in the literacy of their children and the possible differences in teaching practices between kindergarten and primary school. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews of 15 mothers. The research was carried out at Patras, in the spring of 2017. The data was analyzed with the content analysis method and the results show a variety of beliefs about the parents’ expectations regarding the literacy methods at kindergarten, prevalent of which is the belief that children should be taught the mechanics of reading written work at kindergarten through games and without placing emphasis on the learning outcome. On the other hand, the participants seem to have accepted the emphasis of systematic teaching at year one of primary school.
Desenvolvendo o Pensamento Computacional no Ensino Fundamental com o uso do Scratch
Authors: Santana Sivaldo Joaquim de , Oliveira Wilk
Published: November 2019

O desenvolvimento do Pensamento Computacional possibilita a aquisição de habilidades essenciais para resolver problemas do mundo real. No entanto, abordagens para o desenvolvimento dessa habilidade ainda são raros no cenário educacional e um grande desafio a ser superado nas escolas brasileiras. Este artigo tem por objetivo relatar a experiência de uso da ferramenta Scratch com 137 estudantes do Ensino Fundamental. Para isso, foi utilizada uma abordagem de pesquisa mista (quantitativa e qualitativa). Como resultados, observou-se que houve desempenho positivo em conceitos fundamentais do Pensamento Computacional, além da ampliação da interação entre os estudantes e da promoção do desenvolvimento de habilidades importantes para o crescimento profissional e social dos estudantes.
A promoção de inclusão digital de estudantes da Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) através da Extensão Universitária
Authors: Silva José Vitor de Abreu , Soares Rendrikson , Garcia Lucas Lima de Oliveira , Rodrigues Carlos Eugênio da Silva , Lima Waleska Davino , Silva André Almeida
Published: November 2019

O avanço das Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação (TDIC) traz transformações nas mais diversas áreas de conhecimento, como a Educação, que aperfeiçoa seus processos de ensino e aprendizagem. Mas, a escola pública ainda é deficiente no ensino dessas tecnologias. Este artigo mostra a experiência dos autores no projeto de extensão "A tecnologia e a escola pública: aumentando as possibilidades de ensino usando equipamentos básicos de informática que objetivou incluir digitalmente estudantes da Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA). Os resultados mostram a importância do papel da extensão universitária e do ensino das TDIC na educação pública, tornando a escola mais interativa e inclusiva (digital e socialmente).
Robótica na educação não é um bicho-papão: relato de experiência na rede pública municipal
Authors: Almeida Aline , Raabe André , Voigt Nayara
Published: November 2019

A robótica educacional é uma ferramenta inovadora de aprendizagem significativa que traz benefícios para aquisição de conceitos, de forma interdisciplinar. O objetivo foi verificar a contribuição da robótica como ferramenta metodológica no processo ensino-aprendizagem, através de oficinas. Utilizou-se uma abordagem qualitativa, com diário de bordo e observação participante para coleta de dados. Concluiu-se que a robótica aplicada em uma escola pública traz benefícios desde a autonomia e protagonismo até a ressignificação de papéis de professores e alunos, proporcionando o desenvolvimento de habilidades e competências que transcendem a delimitação das disciplinas escolares.
Contribuições do Software Scratch para Aprendizagem de Crianças com Deficiência Intelectual
Authors: Zednik Herik , Takinami Olga , Brasil Ronald , Sales Selma Bessa , Araujo Sibere
Published: November 2019

O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar uma experiência com desenvolvimento de jogos por meio do programa Scratch, como estratégia didática para potencializar o aprendizado de crianças com Deficiência Intelectual (DI) que frequentam a sala de Atendimento Educacional Especializado. Durante a experiência, buscou-se desenvolver habilidades de atenção, concentração, percepção, coordenação motora fina e ampla por meio de jogos personalizados às necessidades específicas dos alunos. A experiência trouxe resultados positivos, que levam a inferir que o uso de jogos colabora com o desenvolvimento da aprendizagem de crianças com DI. A análise qualitativa mostrou também que os jogos podem ter um impacto emocional positivo para os alunos, por favorecerem atividades divertidas, atraentes e dinâmicas.
O Pensamento Computacional no Ensino Fundamental I
Authors: Castilho Marcos , Grebogy Elaine , Santos Icleia
Published: November 2019

Este artigo apresenta o resultado de um experimento pratico do Pensamento Computacional aplicado em uma Escola Municipal do Ensino Fundamental I. Exercitar nos alunos a capacidade de resolver problemas, exercer protagonismo e autoria na vida pessoal e coletiva foram fatores que motivaram a pesquisa, a qual teve como objetivos adicionais, sondar o grau de interesse dos alunos na proposta e analisar a capacidade de resolução dos problemas apresentados. Como critérios para avaliação, utilizou-se o desempenho na execução das atividades, as possíveis alterações de comportamento e o engajamento dos alunos com a proposta. Os resultados demonstram o interesse por parte dos alunos e a pertinência das atividades na faixa etária proposta.
Tecendo Espaços e Experiências no Campo da Robótica Educacional para Fomentar o Interesse de Meninas pela área de Computação
Authors: Santos Cristina Paludo , Da Silva Denilson , Roque Alexandre , Lima Juliana Weinert de , Ben Marina de Souza Dal
Published: November 2019

Este artigo descreve uma experiência realizada com alunas do ensino médio de escolas públicas e privadas em um município do Rio Grande do Sul, com o intuito de estimular o pensamento computacional e aproximá-las da área de computação. A estratégia utilizada concentra-se na aplicação da robótica educacional como forma de ampliar as possibilidades, buscando o aprendizado por meio da reflexão individual e da interação em grupo. Uma descrição da metodologia aplicada e dos resultados alcançados é apresentada de modo que a experiência possa ser aprimorada e replicada.
Elevating acetyl-CoA levels reduces aspects of brain aging
Authors: Currais Antonio , Huang Ling , Goldberg Joshua , Petrascheck Michael , Ates Gamze , Pinto-Duarte António , Shokhirev Maxim N , Schubert David , Maher Pamela
Published: November 2019

Because old age is the greatest risk factor for dementia, a successful therapy will require an understanding of the physiological changes that occur in the brain with aging. Here, two structurally distinct Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug candidates, CMS121 and J147, were used to identify a unique molecular pathway that is shared between the aging brain and AD. CMS121 and J147 reduced cognitive decline as well as metabolic and transcriptional markers of aging in the brain when administered to rapidly aging SAMP8 mice. Both compounds preserved mitochondrial homeostasis by regulating acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) metabolism. CMS121 and J147 increased the levels of acetyl-CoA in cell culture and mice via the inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), resulting in neuroprotection and increased acetylation of histone H3K9 in SAMP8 mice, a site linked to memory enhancement. These data show that targeting specific metabolic aspects of the aging brain could result in treatments for dementia.
Seasonal plasticity in GABAA signaling is necessary for restoring phase synchrony in the master circadian clock network
Authors: Rohr Kayla E , Pancholi Harshida , Haider Shabi , Karow Christopher , Modert David , Raddatz Nicholas J , Evans Jennifer
Published: November 2019

Annual changes in the environment threaten survival, and numerous biological processes in mammals adjust to this challenge via seasonal encoding by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). To tune behavior according to day length, SCN neurons display unified rhythms with synchronous phasing when days are short, but will divide into two sub-clusters when days are long. The transition between SCN states is critical for maintaining behavioral responses to seasonal change, but the mechanisms regulating this form of neuroplasticity remain unclear. Here we identify that a switch in chloride transport and GABAA signaling is critical for maintaining state plasticity in the SCN network. Further, we reveal that blocking excitatory GABAA signaling locks the SCN into its long day state. Collectively, these data demonstrate that plasticity in GABAA signaling dictates how clock neurons interact to maintain environmental encoding. Further, this work highlights factors that may influence susceptibility to seasonal disorders in humans.
Hematological convergence between Mesozoic marine reptiles (Sauropterygia) and extant aquatic amniotes elucidates diving adaptations in plesiosaurs
Authors: Fleischle Corinna V. , Sander P. Martin , Wintrich Tanja , Caspar Kai R.
Published: November 2019

Plesiosaurs are a prominent group of Mesozoic marine reptiles, belonging to the more inclusive clades Pistosauroidea and Sauropterygia. In the Middle Triassic, the early pistosauroid ancestors of plesiosaurs left their ancestral coastal habitats and increasingly adapted to a life in the open ocean. This ecological shift was accompanied by profound changes in locomotion, sensory ecology and metabolism. However, investigations of physiological adaptations on the cellular level related to the pelagic lifestyle are lacking so far. Using vascular canal diameter, derived from osteohistological thin-sections, we show that inferred red blood cell size significantly increases in pistosauroids compared to more basal sauropterygians. This change appears to have occurred in conjunction with the dispersal to open marine environments, with cell size remaining consistently large in plesiosaurs. Enlarged red blood cells likely represent an adaptation of plesiosaurs repeated deep dives in the pelagic habitat and mirror conditions found in extant marine mammals and birds. Our results emphasize physiological aspects of adaptive convergence among fossil and extant marine amniotes and add to our current understanding of plesiosaur evolution.
Improved Estimator of Finite Population Variance Using Coefficient of Quartile Deviation
Authors: Javed Komal , Jamal Nasir , Hanif Muhammad , Ali Muhammad , Shahzad Usman , Victoria Garcia Luengo Amelia
Published: November 2019

This study introduces a new, better, class of ratio estimators for the estimation of population variance of the study variable by using the coefficient of quartile deviation of auxiliary variable. Bias and mean square error of the proposed class of estimators are also derived. The conditions of efficiency comparison are also obtained. Simulation and different secondary data sets are used to evaluate the efficiency of proposed class of variance estimators over existing class of estimators. The empirical study shows that the suggested class of estimators is more efficient the existing class of estimators for the population variance.
Awareness, Perception to Immunisation Reminders and Recall among Caregivers of Infants in Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Eze N. C. , Azuogu B. N. , Nwonwu E. U. , Agu A. P.
Published: November 2019

Background: Effective vaccination communication with parents is critical in efforts to overcome barriers to childhood vaccination, tackle vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination coverage. Health workers should be able to provide information to caregivers and support them in decision making about vaccinating their children. Limited information exists regarding the awareness, perceptions to childhood immunisation reminders and recall system in Abakaliki. This study, therefore, assessed the awareness, perceptions of caregivers to childhood immunisation reminders and recall system in improving immunisation coverage in Abakaliki.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive analytical study design comparing two large health facilities (Mile-Four and St.Vincent Hospitals in Ebonyi and Izzi Local Government Areas respectively) in Ebonyi State was used for the survey. The study duration was three months. Sample size was determined using the formula for comparing two proportions. Data were collected using semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire from 145 caregiver-child pair from each group. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22 was used for analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research and Ethics Committee (REC) of the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA), Nigeria. 

Results: The mean age of respondents in Mile-Four and St.Vincent hospitals were 26.6 ±4.9 years and 27.1±4.2 years respectively. Higher proportion of caregivers in Mile-Four group (18.6%) than in St.Vincent group (14.5%) had ever heard of immunisation reminders and recalls prior to this study. Similarly, only 8.3% of caregivers in Mile-Four and 4.8% in St.Vincent had ever been reminded and/or recalled on the course of their children’s immunisation uptake. A comparable proportion of respondents in Mile-Four (93.1%) and St.Vincent (94.5%) perceived reminders and recalls very important. There was a significant relationship between respondent's marital and educational status and positive perception about immunisation reminders and recalls in Mile-Four and respondent’s age and marital status and positive perception about immunisation reminders and recalls in St.Vincent (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Respondents’ awareness was low but positive perception to reminders and recall was found. It is pertinent for health policy makers and programme managers to understand these factors when implementing immunisation communication system.
Prevalence and Predictors of Perceived Stress: A Study among Medical Students of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria
Authors: Ossai Edmund Ndudi , Alo Alo Tobechukwu , Onwe Basil Chukwubuikem , Okoro Divinewill Onyinyechi , Ezeagu Ngozi Eucharia , Ogbonnaya Lawrence Ulu
Published: November 2019

Aims: To determine the prevalence and predictors of perceived stress among medical students of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria.

Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria between February and March 2018.

Methodology: All medical students of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki who have spent at least one full academic session in the university were included in the study. Information was obtained using a validated questionnaire which was self-administered. The Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, (PSS-10) was used to determine the prevalence of stress. Chi square test of statistical significance and multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression were used in the analysis and the level of statistical significance was determined by a p value of <0.05.

Results: A total of 385 medical students participated in the study representing a response rate of 83.7%. The mean age of respondents was 23.2±3.4 years and majority, 64.2% were males. The mean perceived stress scale score was 19.8±5.9. The prevalence of high stress among the students was 51.9%. The fifth level class had the highest proportion of students who were stressed, (58.2%). Predictors of perceived high stress among the students included being a male student, (AOR= 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4- 0.9), being satisfied with medical training, (AOR= 0.6, 95% CI: 0.3- 0.8) and willingness to study Medicine again, (AOR= 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3- 0.8).

Conclusion: The prevalence of high stress among the students was high. There is the need to appropriately manage stress in the medical school especially among the female students. Also, ensuring the satisfaction of medical students with their training though subjective will be of immense benefit. The inner resolve of the students to become medical doctors may be the most important factor in the pursuit of their career.
Epidemiological and Clinical Profiles of Children Aged 0-71 Months Suffering from Acute Diarrhea at Kalembe-lembe Pediatric Hospital in Kinshasa City, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Mbadiko Clément M. , Bongo Gédéon N. , Mbuyi Gracia K. , Kemfine Landry L. , Claudine Tshiama R. , Nsutier Oscar K. , Kanika Jacques M. , Ngando Teddy B. , Bomoi Jacques M. , Bamvingana Cyprien K. , Mutambel’Hity S. N.
Published: November 2019

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological, clinical and etiological profile of children aged 0-71 months suffering from acute diarrhea, admitted at the Kalembe-lembe Pediatric Hospital in 2015.

Study Design: This study used a retrospective design whereby medical records of children aged 0-71 months were used.

Place and Duration of Study: This survey was carried out at the Kalembe-lembe Pediatric           Hospital in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo between January 1 and December 31, 2015.

Methodology: This study used a questionnaire to collect information whereby 337 cases of acute diarrhea diagnosed at the Kalembe-lembe Pediatric Hospital were recorded, of which 324 cases were selected. The information was collected on a case-by-case basis by consulting the patient records. Data collected were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 10 while the association measures between different qualitative variables were evaluated using Chi-square test and the p-value was 0.05.

Results: A predominance of cases (60.49%) was observed in children under 12 months and potentially in males (55.24%) while the majority of deaths was recorded in this same age group. The mean age of admitted children was 12.4 months and vomiting was the most reported symptom associated with diarrhea (75.61%), followed by hyperthermia (70.37%). Most of children emitted liquid stools (65.12%) and the average number of stools issued per day was 6 times with extremes ranging from 3-45 stools/day. However, we recorded high levels of identified etiologic agents in children with diarrhea compared to those reported in other countries. The identification of etiologic agents of diarrhea was performed only in 56.48% of cases. Rotaviruses, bacteria and parasites were found in 48.08%, 32.78% and 26.77% respectively.

Conclusion: Further studies are needed to study the antibiotic resistance of these pathogens causing acute diarrhea and identify using molecular techniques new strains of bacteria precisely responsible for acute diarrhea and assess their epidemiological and clinical influence.
Extreme Value Distributions on Closing Quotations and Returns of Islamabad Stock Exchange
Authors: Anas Muhammad , Jamal Nasir , Hanif Muhammad , Shahzad Usman
Published: November 2019

This study is an experimental test done on the secondary data of banking sector of Islamabad Stock Exchange for year 2017 and applied different techniques on the given data record by using Generalized Extreme Value Distribution (GEV), Gumble Distribution (GBL), Generalized Pareto Distribution (GPD), Exponential Distribution (EXP), Gamma Distribution (GAM), Weibull Distribution (WBL) on the data of four banks Habib Bank, Allied Bank, Bank Alfalah and Askari Bank. This data is concerning the closing quotations and returns of four banks registered in Islamabad Stock Exchange. We try to fit different distributions on the data and founnd the best fit distribution.

We estimated the parameters of each distribution and also find the standard deviations of each distribution by using R Language and find which distribution is the best fit distribution on the basis of standard deviation distribution. We analyzed that shape wise GEV is the most suitable distribution, scale wise EXP distribution the best and location wise the best one is Gumbal distribution. This article shows that the overall GEV is the best distribution to model correctly the data.
Distribution of Some Antibiotics Resistance Genes in Multi-drug Resistant E. coli Isolates from the Urogenitals of Women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Kpalap Josephine Anem , Nwokah Easter Godwin , Alo Moses Nnaemeka
Published: November 2019

Aim: The problem of antibiotics resistance has assumed a global emergency status. Whereas Multidrug Resistant (MDR) E. coli infection is common among human population in Port Harcourt metropolis of Nigeria, the genetic background of E. coli isolates in our locality is not well elucidated, hence this study.

Study Design: This was a randomized study of women, with indications of Urogenital infections, attending Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) Port Harcourt, Nigeria between July and December, 2017.

Methodology: Ninety-Seven (97) samples comprising of urine, high vaginal swabs, end ocervical swabs were collected from patients to assess for the presence of some antibiotic resistance genes in multi-drug resistant E. coli. Samples were processed following standard microbiological protocols. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed on all E. coli isolates. Following this, all Multiple Drug Resistant E. coli were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the detection of some antibiotic resistance-encoding genes- SHV, CTX-M, TEM. 

Results: Seventy-three (73) isolates, including 36 E. coli, were recovered from all the clinical specimens. Twenty-four (24) E. coli isolates were found to be multi-drug resistant. Sulphydryl Variable (SHV) was the most frequent resistant gene and was detected in 15 isolates. This was followed by Cefotaximase (CTX-M) in 10 isolates and Temoniera (TEM) in 5 isolates. Some isolates haboured more than one resistance gene. About 20% of the isolates haboured SHV/CTX-M; 2.5% haboured CTX-M/TEM, while no target was detected in one isolate.

Conclusion: This present study revealed that most E. coli isolates from the urogenitals of women within our locality, possess the ESBL genes which confers on them the Multidrug resistant status and this is a major challenge to maternal health.
Automated planning of whole breast irradiation using hybrid IMRT improves efficiency and quality
Authors: Guo Bingqi , Shah Chirag , Xia Ping
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To develop an automated workflow for whole breast irradiation treatment planning using hybrid intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) approach and to demonstrate that this workflow can improve planning quality and efficiency when compared to manual planning.

Methods

The auto planning framework was built based on scripting with MIM and Pinnacle systems. MIM workflows were developed to automatically segment normal structures and targets, identify landmarks for beam placement, select beam energies, and set beam configurations. Pinnacle scripts were generated from the MIM workflow to create hybrid IMRT plans automatically. Each hybrid IMRT plan included two prescriptions: a three‐dimensional (3D) prescription consisted of two open tangent beams, and an IMRT prescription consisted of two step‐and‐shoot IMRT beams. The 3D prescription delivered a full prescription dose to the maximum dose point, and the IMRT prescription was optimized to deliver a uniform dose to the entire breast while sparing dose to the normal structures. For 30 patients, the auto plans were compared with clinically accepted manual plans using the paired sample t‐test.

Results

The auto planning process took approximately 8 min to complete. The mean dice coefficients between auto‐segmentation and manual contours were 0.98, 0.94 and 0.88 for the lungs, heart, and PTVeval_Breast, respectively. The MUs of the auto plans was on average 13% higher than that of the manual plans. Auto planning improved plan quality significantly: percentage volume receiving 95% of the prescription dose (V95%) of the PTVeval_Breast increased from 91.5% to 93.2% (P = 0.001), V105% of the PTVeval_Breast decreased from 7.2% to 1.2% (P = 0.013), V20Gy of the ipsilateral lung decreased from 13.1% to 10.4% (P = 0.001) and mean heart dose for left‐sided breast patients decreased from 1.2 Gy to 0.9 Gy (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

An automated treatment planning process can make the planning process efficient with improved plan quality.
Ferroelectric Poling of Methylammonium Lead Iodide Thin Films
Authors: Röhm Holger , Leonhard Tobias , Hoffmann Michael J. , Colsmann Alexander
Published: November 2019

Seemingly contradictory reports on polar domains and their origin have surrounded the controversial discussion about the ferroelectricity of the methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) thin films that are commonly employed in perovskite solar cells. In this work, microscopic modulations of the polar domain patterns upon application of an electric poling field are correlated with macroscopic changes to the currents through the MAPbI3 layer. Piezoresponse force microscopy is used to monitor the widening, narrowing, generation or extinction of polar domains, as well as shifts of the domain walls at room temperature under an in‐plane electric poling field that is applied between two laterally organized electrodes. This poling leads to a net polarization of individual grains and the thin film itself. Macroscopically, this net polarization results in a persistent shift of the diode characteristics that is measured across the channel between the electrodes. Both the modulation of the polar domains upon electric poling and the concurrent persistent shift of the electric currents through the device are the unambiguous hallmarks of ferroelectricity, which demonstrate that MAPbI3 is a ferroelectric semiconductor.
Mild Innate Immune Activation Overrides Efficient Nanoparticle‐Mediated RNA Delivery
Authors: Lokugamage Melissa P. , Gan Zubao , Zurla Chiara , Levin Joel , Islam Fatima Z. , Kalathoor Sujay , Sato Manaka , Sago Cory D. , Santangelo Philip J. , Dahlman James E.
Published: November 2019

Clinical mRNA delivery remains challenging, in large part because how physiology alters delivery in vivo remains underexplored. For example, mRNA delivered by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) is being considered to treat inflammation, but whether inflammation itself changes delivery remains understudied. Relationships between immunity, endocytosis, and mRNA translation lead to hypothesize that toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation reduced LNP‐mediated mRNA delivery. Therefore, LNP uptake, endosomal escape, and mRNA translation with and without TLR4 activation are quantified. In vivo DNA barcoding is used to discover a novel LNP that delivers mRNA to Kupffer cells at clinical doses; unlike most LNPs, this LNP does not preferentially target hepatocytes. TLR4 activation blocks mRNA translation in all tested cell types, without reducing LNP uptake; inhibiting TLR4 or its downstream effector protein kinase R improved delivery. The discrepant effects of TLR4 on i) LNP uptake and ii) translation suggests TLR4 activation can “override” LNP targeting, even after mRNA is delivered into target cells. Given near‐future clinical trials using mRNA to modulate inflammation, this highlights the need to understand inflammatory signaling in on‐ and off‐target cells. More generally, this suggests an LNP which delivers mRNA to one inflammatory disease may not deliver mRNA to another.
Anatase TiO2 Confined in Carbon Nanopores for High‐Energy Li‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors Operating at High Rates and Subzero Temperatures
Authors: Fu Wenbin , Zhao Enbo , Ma Ruiying , Sun Zifei , Yang Yang , Sevilla Marta , Fuertes Antonio B. , Magasinski Alexandre , Yushin Gleb
Published: November 2019

Li‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (Li‐HSCs) hold great promise in future electrical energy storage due to their relatively high power and energy density. However, a major challenge lies in the slow kinetics of Li‐ion intercalation/extraction within metal‐oxide electrodes. Here, it is shown that ultrafast charge storage is realized by confining anatase TiO2 nanoparticles in carbon nanopores to enable a high‐rate anode for Li‐HSCs. The porous carbon with interconnected pore walls and open channels not only works as a conductive host to protect TiO2 from structural degradation but also provides fast pathways for ion/electron transport. As a result, the assembled cells exhibit remarkable rate capabilities with a specific capacity of ≈140 mAh g−1 at a slow charge and ≈60 mAh g−1 at a 3.5 s fast charge. While the charge/discharge process can be completed as fast as that of state‐of‐the‐art electrical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs), the produced nanocomposites show three to seven times higher volumetric capacitance than activated carbons used in commercial EDLCs with acetonitrile‐based electrolytes. Equally important for some applications in cold climates or the space, the Li‐HSCs can operate at subzero temperatures as low as −40 °C, which is likely only limited by thermal properties of the acetonitrile (melting point of −45 °C).
Workshop summary: Potential usefulness and feasibility of a US National Mesothelioma Registry
Authors: Cummings Kristin J. , Becich Michael J. , Blackley David J. , Deapen Dennis , Harrison Robert , Hassan Raffit , Henley S. Jane , Hesdorffer Mary , Horton D. Kevin , Mazurek Jacek M. , Pass Harvey I. , Taioli Emanuela , Wu Xiao‐Cheng , Zauderer Marjorie G. , Weissman David N.
Published: November 2019

The burden and prognosis of malignant mesothelioma in the United States have remained largely unchanged for decades, with approximately 3200 new cases and 2400 deaths reported annually. To address care and research gaps contributing to poor outcomes, in March of 2019 the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation convened a workshop on the potential usefulness and feasibility of a national mesothelioma registry. The workshop included formal presentations by subject matter experts and a moderated group discussion. Workshop participants identified top priorities for a registry to be (a) connecting patients with high‐quality care and clinical trials soon after diagnosis, and (b) making useful data and biospecimens available to researchers in a timely manner. Existing databases that capture mesothelioma cases are limited by factors such as delays in reporting, deidentification, and lack of exposure information critical to understanding as yet unrecognized causes of disease. National disease registries for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the United States and for mesothelioma in other countries, provide examples of how a registry could be structured to meet the needs of patients and the scientific community. Small‐scale pilot initiatives should be undertaken to validate methods for rapid case identification, develop procedures to facilitate patient access to guidelines‐based standard care and investigational therapies, and explore approaches to data sharing with researchers. Ultimately, federal coordination and funding will be critical to the success of a National Mesothelioma Registry in improving mesothelioma outcomes and preventing future cases of this devastating disease.
Comparison of steroid‐releasing stents vs nonabsorbable packing as middle meatal spacers
Authors: Rawl Jordan W. , McQuitty Robert A. , Khan Mashfee H. , Reichert Lara K. , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Chaaban Mohamad R.
Published: November 2019

Background

A randomized controlled trial was held to compare nonabsorbable packs to steroid‐eluting absorbable stents as middle meatal spacers after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

CRS patients were randomly assigned to receive either nonabsorbable Merocel packs wrapped in non‐latex glove material (packing type A) or Propel steroid eluting stents (packing type B). Twenty‐two–item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores were collected preoperatively and postoperatively during the initial 4 debridements up to 3 months. Recording of the nasal endoscopy was also collected during all postoperative visits. In addition, Lund‐Kennedy scores and middle turbinate lateralization scores, using a new visual analogue scale, were compared between the 2 types of packing.

Results

Forty CRS patients were prospectively enrolled in this institutional review board (IRB)‐approved study. Patients with packing type A had significantly lower middle turbinate lateralization scores at their first (∼10 days) postoperative visit (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, for left and right sides, respectively). This difference disappeared by later postoperative visits (from 20 days to 3 months). Overall, patients receiving packing type A had significant lower SNOT‐22 scores at 20 days postsurgery (p = 0.05). This difference also disappeared at 1 and 3 months postoperation. There were no statistically significant differences in Lund‐Kennedy scores.

Conclusion

In this study, nonabsorbable packing materials showed significant superior middle meatal spacing capacities as evidenced by greater middle turbinate medialization capability at the first postoperative visit. Additionally, patients with this type of packing saw improvements in their SNOT‐22 scores at the 20‐day postoperative visit. This study showed that there was no significant improvement in postoperative outcomes with drug‐eluting stents when compared to nonabsorbable packing.
Chameleon Metals: Autonomous Nano‐Texturing and Composition Inversion on Liquid Metals Surfaces
Authors: Martin Andrew , Kiarie Winnie , Chang Boyce , Thuo Martin
Published: November 2019

Studies on passivating oxides on liquid metals are challenging, in part, due to plasticity, entropic, and technological limitations. In alloys, compositional complexity in the passivating oxide(s) and underlying metal interface exacerbates these challenges. This nanoscale complexity, however, offers an opportunity to engineer the surface of the liquid metal under felicitous choice of processing conditions. We inferred that difference in reactivity, coupled with inherent interface ordering, presages exploitable order and selectivity to autonomously present compositionally biased oxides on the surface of these metals. Besides compositional differences, sequential release of biased (enriched) components, via fractal‐like paths, allows for patterned layered surface structures. We, therefore, present a simple thermal‐oxidative compositional inversion (TOCI) method to introduce fractal‐like structures on the surface of these metals in a controlled (tier, composition, and structure) manner by exploiting underlying stochastic fracturing process. Using a ternary alloy, a three‐tiered (in structure and composition) surface structure is demonstrated.
Photoswitchable Sol–Gel Transitions and Catalysis Mediated by Polymer Networks with Coumarin‐Decorated Cu24L24 Metal–Organic Cages as Junctions
Authors: Oldenhuis Nathan J. , Qin K. Peter , Wang Shu , Ye Hong‐Zhou , Alt Eric A. , Willard Adam P. , Van Voorhis Troy , Craig Stephen L. , Johnson Jeremiah A.
Published: November 2019

Photoresponsive materials that change in response to light have been studied for a range of applications. These materials are often metastable during irradiation, returning to their pre‐irradiated state after removal of the light source. Herein, we report a polymer gel comprising poly(ethylene glycol) star polymers linked by Cu24L24 metal–organic cages/polyhedra (MOCs) with coumarin ligands. In the presence of UV light, a photosensitizer, and a hydrogen donor, this “polyMOC” material can be reversibly switched between CuII, CuI, and Cu0. The instability of the MOC junctions in the CuI and Cu0 states leads to network disassembly, forming CuI/Cu0 solutions, respectively, that are stable until re‐oxidation to CuII and supramolecular gelation. This reversible disassembly of the polyMOC network can occur in the presence of a fixed covalent second network generated in situ by copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), providing interpenetrating supramolecular and covalent networks.
Photoactivated Fluorescence Enhancement in F,N‐Doped Carbon Dots with Piezochromic Behavior
Authors: Jiang Lei , Ding Haizhen , Lu Siyu , Geng Ting , Xiao Guanjun , Zou Bo , Bi Hong
Published: November 2019

Photoactivation in CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) on UV/Vis light exposure improves photoluminescence (PL) and photostability. However, it was not observed in fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CDs). Now, photoactivated fluorescence enhancement in fluorine and nitrogen co‐doped carbon dots (F,N‐doped CDs) is presented. At 1.0 atm, the fluorescence intensity of F,N‐doped CDs increases with UV light irradiation (5 s–30 min), accompanied with a blue‐shift of the fluorescence emission from 586 nm to 550 nm. F,N‐doped CDs exhibit photoactivated fluorescence enhancement when exposed to UV under high pressure (0.1 GPa). F,N‐doped CDs show reversible piezochromic behavior while applying increasing pressure (1.0 atm to 9.98 GPa), showing a pressure‐triggered aggregation‐induced emission in the range 1.0 atm–0.65 GPa. The photoactivated CDs with piezochromic fluorescence enhancement broadens the versatility of CDs from ambient to high‐pressure conditions and enhances their anti‐photobleaching.
An Inorganic Biopolymer Polyphosphate Controls Positively Charged Protein Phase Transitions
Authors: Wang Xin , Shi Chenke , Mo Jianbin , Xu Yun , Wei Wei , Zhao Jing
Published: November 2019

Polyphosphate (PolyP) is one of the most compact inorganic polyanionic biopolymers that participates in various physiological processes. However, the mechanism of the interaction between polyP and proteins remains poorly understood. Herein, we report that polyP can interact with positively charged green fluorescent protein, +36GFP, resulting in liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) by intermolecular electrostatic interactions in cells. Upon nutrient deprivation, genetically engineered Citrobacter freundii accumulates intracellular polyP at a rate of 210 μm min−1, resulting in the compartmentation of +36GFP at the cell poles within 1 h. Medium chain‐length polyP (60‐mer) could induce the formation of +36GFP coacervates in vitro at a protein concentration as low as 200 nm, which is of the same magnitude as native proteins. In contrast, shorter polyP (14‐mer) could not induce LLPS under the same conditions. This may offer a general approach to manipulate protein–protein interactions through LLPS.
Social status and modern‐type depression: A review
Authors: Komori Takashi , Makinodan Manabu , Kishimoto Toshifumi
Published: November 2019

Backgrounds

Social hierarchy is one of the most influential social structures employed by social species. While dominants in such hierarchies can preferentially access rich resources, subordinates are forced into lower social statuses and lifestyles with inferior resources. Previous studies have indicated that the social rank regulates social behaviors and emotion in a variety of species, whereby individual organisms live within the framework of their ranks. However, in human societies, people, particularly young men, who cannot accept their own social status may show social withdrawal behaviors such as hikikomori to avoid confronting their circumstances.

Methods

This article reviews the neural mechanisms underlying social status identified in animal studies with rodents and primates, and assesses how social rank affects animal's social behaviors and emotion which may be relevant to modern type depression.

Results

Several brain regions such as medial prefrontal cortex are implicated in the formation of animal's social status, which leads to the differences in vulnerability and resilience to social stress.

Conclusion

On the basis of these findings, we propose that physical interventions such as voluntary exercise, diet, transcranial direct current stimulation, and psychotherapy, rather than psychotropic drugs, may be useful therapeutic approaches for modern type depression, which is a typical example of social status conflict and a phenotype of adjustment disorder to the traditional hierarchical social order.
Th17 cells and their cytokines serve as potential therapeutic target in experimental autoimmune neuritis
Authors: Liu Shuping , Liu Yin , Xiao Zheman , Pan Sijia , Gong Qiaoyu , Lu Zuneng
Published: November 2019

Background

Accumulating evidence has pointed that T helper 17 cells and their cytokines are pathogenic in Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). However, little is known concerning the IL‐17 expression change trend during the whole course of disease, and whether drugs specially targeting Th17 cells or their cytokines have potential effects on experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is uncertain.

Methods

We explored the IL‐17 and receptor‐related orphan receptor‐gamma‐t (RORγt) expression change trends in EAN rats to identify the stage of effect of Th17 pathway in EAN, and further, we investigated the effect of RORγt inhibitors by assessing clinical score, histological staining, and IL‐17 and RORγt expression change trends in serum and tissues.

Results

The expression level of IL‐17 and RORγt in serum and tissues increased with the progression of the disease in the EAN group and decreased after the disease reaching its peak. RORγt‐IN‐1 treatment strikingly reduced the neurological deficits by ameliorating inflammatory cell infiltration, deceased the serum IL‐17 and RORγt levels, and further downregulated the expression of IL‐17 and RORγt mRNA in spleen, lymphnodes, and sciatic nerve.

Conclusions

Th17 cells and their cytokines are closely associated with the onset of GBS and the novel RORγt inhibitors may be prospective strategies in treating GBS.
Synaptotagmin‐4 promotes dendrite extension and melanogenesis in alpaca melanocytes by regulating Ca2+ influx via TRPM1 channels
Authors: Jia Qiong , Hu Shixiong , Jiao Dingxing , Li Xiuqing , Qi Shuhui , Fan Ruiwen
Published: November 2019

Synaptotagmin‐4 (SYT4) is a membrane protein that regulates membrane traffic in neurons in a calcium‐dependent or calcium‐independent manner. In melanocytes, the intracellular free calcium ion (Ca2+) may be important for dendrite growth and melanogenesis. Mammalian melanocytes originating from neural crest cells produce melanins. Therefore, we predicted that SYT4 might play a role in melanogenesis and the dendrite morphology of melanocytes. To investigate whether SYT4 is involved in melanocyte physiology, SYT4 was overexpressed in alpaca melanocytes and B16‐F10 cells. The results showed that SYT4 overexpression resulted in a phenotype consistent with melanogenesis and dendrite extension. At the molecular level, SYT4 interacted with extracellular regulated MAP kinase (ERK) to decrease p‐ERK activity, which negatively regulated CREB expression. Furthermore, cyclic AMP‐responsive element‐binding protein (CREB) was upregulated and caused the downregulation of the expression of melanogenic regulatory proteins, including microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 (TYRP1), dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), and transient receptor potential melastatin 1 (TRPM1). Intracellular free Ca2+ promoted the upregulation of calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase IV (CAMK4) expression, which phosphorylated CREB (p‐CREB). In turn, p‐CREB participated in the transcription of MITF. These results demonstrated that SYT4 promoted melanogenesis through dendrite extension and tyrosinase activity, during which the regulation of Ca2+ influx via the TRPM1 channel was a key factor.

Significance of the study

Intracellular Ca2+ is important for the function and survival of melanocytes and melanoma cells. SYT4 stimulated melanogenesis through calcium. These results provide evidence that SYT4 regulates Ca2+ influx through TRPM1 to cause melanogenesis and axonal elongation in alpaca melanocytes and further suggesting that the growth and metastasis of melanoma is controlled by the inhibited expression of SYT4 in melanoma cells.