bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residual polymer stabiliser causes anisotropic electrical conductivity during inkjet printing of metal nanoparticles
Authors: Trindade Gustavo F. , Wang Feiran , Im Jisun , He Yinfeng , Balogh Adam , Scurr David , Gilmore Ian , Tiddia Mariavitalia , Saleh Ehab , Pervan David , Turyanska Lyudmila , Tuck Christopher J. , Wildman Ricky , Hague Richard , Roberts Clive J.
Published: May 2021

Inkjet printing of metal nanoparticles allows for design flexibility, rapid processing and enables the 3D printing of functional electronic devices through co-deposition of multiple materials. However, the performance of printed devices, especially their electrical conductivity, is lower than those made by traditional manufacturing methods and is not fully understood. Here, we reveal that anisotropic electrical conductivity of printed metal nanoparticles is caused by organic residuals from their inks. We employ a combination of electrical resistivity tests, morphological analysis and 3D nanoscale chemical analysis of printed devices using silver nanoparticles to show that the polymer stabiliser polyvinylpyrrolidone tends to concentrate between vertically stacked nanoparticle layers as well as at dielectric/conductive interfaces. Understanding the behaviour of organic residues in printed nanoparticles reveals potential new strategies to improve nanomaterial ink formulations for functional printed electronics.
Decoupling manufacturing from application in additive manufactured antimicrobial materials
Authors: Wales Dominic J. , Miralles-Comins Sara , Franco-Castillo Isabel , Cameron Jamie M. , Cao Qun , Karjalainen Erno , Alves Fernandes Jesum , Newton Graham N. , Mitchell Scott G. , Sans Victor
Published: May 2021

Decoupling the photopolymerisation of polymerisable ionic liquids (PILs) from the photoreduction of AgSbF6 to form Ag nanoparticle-loaded antimicrobial devices. Antimicrobial and fungicidal properties have been demonstrated.
Injectablein situforming hydrogel gene depot to improve the therapeutic effect of STAT3 shRNA
Authors: Kim Da Yeon , Ju Hyeon Jin , Kim Jae Ho , Choi Sangdun , Kim Moon Suk
Published: May 2021

Efficient intratumoral injectablein situforming hydrogel (MP-NH2) is used a gene depot to suppress signal transducer and activity of transcription 3 (Stat3).
Propane dehydrogenation over PtZn localized at Ti sites on TS-1 zeolite
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxiao , Wang Xinping , Su Yunpeng
Published: May 2021

PtZn localized at Ti sites on TS-1 zeolite exhibited high activity (58.09 molC3H6 gPt−1 h−1) and durability (kd = 0.0158 h−1, 96.8 h time on stream at 600 °C) for propane dehydrogenation.
Joint effects of antibiotics and quorum sensing inhibitors on resistance development in bacteria
Authors: Ning Qing , Wang Dali , You Jing
Published: May 2021

QSIs attenuated the effects of antibiotics on bacterial resistance mutations through promoting DNA damage repair (mutS and uvrD).
Bioavailability and toxicity of nanoscale/bulk rare earth oxides in soil: physiological and ultrastructural alterations in Eisenia fetida
Authors: Adeel Muhammad , Shakoor Noman , Ahmad Muhammad Arslan , White Jason C. , Jilani Ghulam , Rui Yukui
Published: May 2021

The accumulation of rare earth oxides (REOs) in soil beyond 50–100 mg kg−1 adversely impacts earthworms and soil health.
A binary PMMA/PVDF blend film modified substrate enables a superior lithium metal anode for lithium batteries
Authors: Xiong Xiaosong , Zhi Ruoyu , Zhou Qi , Yan Wenqi , Zhu Yusong , Chen Yuhui , Fu Lijun , Yu Nengfei , Wu Yuping
Published: May 2021

An electrospun PMMA/PVDF gel layer with high ionic conductivity and sufficient mechanical robustness leads to a lithium metal anode with great improvements.
Design, synthesis, and catalytic performance of modified graphene oxide based on a cobalt complex as a heterogenous catalyst for the preparation of aminonaphthoquinone derivatives
Authors: Mirheidari Mahnaz , Safaei-Ghomi Javad
Published: May 2021

GO@f-SiO2@Co is a heterogenous catalyst composed of spherical silica particles grafted on the surface of graphene oxide with ethylenediamine ligands and coordination with Co(ii). We assessed the activity of the catalyst for the synthesis of aminonaphthoquinones.
The exploration of the crystal nucleation parameters and physico-chemical analysis of a single crystal: 2-amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidinium hydrogen (2R,3R)-tartrate 2-amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidine
Authors: Era Paavai , Jauhar RO. MU. , Viswanathan V. , Madhangi M. , Vinitha G. , Ahamed M. Basheer , Murugakoothan P.
Published: May 2021

This paper discusses the structural orientations and the physico-chemical properties of a single crystal of 2-amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidinium hydrogen (2R,3R)-tartrate 2-amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidine (2ADT).
High-performance layered potassium vanadium oxide for K-ion batteries enabled by reduced long-range structural order
Authors: Niu Xiaogang , Qu Jiale , Hong Youran , Deng Leqing , Wang Ruiting , Feng Meiying , Wang Jiangwei , Zeng Liang , Zhang Qianfan , Guo Lin , Zhu Yujie
Published: May 2021

The capacity degradation mechanism of layered potassium vanadium oxide K0.5V2O5 towards K-ion storage was unveiled and the cycling stability of this material was enhanced by reducing its long-range structural order.
Merged interface construction toward ultra-low Voc loss in inverted two-dimensional Dion–Jacobson perovskite solar cells with efficiency over 18%
Authors: Wu Haotian , Lian Xiaomei , Li Jun , Zhang Yingzhu , Zhou Guanqing , Wen Xinbo , Xie Zengqi , Zhu Haiming , Wu Gang , Chen Hongzheng
Published: May 2021

By introducing a pretreatment combined with a merged annealing method, a dual-function PC61BM, which passivates interface defects and improves charge transport, was achieved to boost the PCE of 2D Dion–Jacobson perovskite solar cells to over 18%.
Impact of space charge polarization on light-soaking phenomena in non-fullerene organic solar cells
Authors: Si Yichuan , Xie Yuan , Liu Sha , Liang Quanbin , Wu Hongbin
Published: May 2021

Light soaking is found to originate from the effect of space charge polarization in an active layer in the non-fullerene OCSs, resulting in improved mobility and charge carrier lifetime, and thus improved device performance.
Effects of orlistat combined with enzalutamide and castration through inhibition of fatty acid synthase in a PC3 tumor-bearing mouse model
Authors: Tyan Yeu-Sheng , Lee Yen-Po , Chuang Hui-Yen , Wang Wei-Hsun , Hwang Jeng-Jong
Published: May 2021

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is one of the typical treatments used for patients with prostate cancer (PCa). ADT, however, may fail when PCa develops castration-resistance. Fatty acid synthase (FASN), a critical enzyme involved in fatty acid synthesis, is found to be up-regulated in PCa. Since enzalutamide and ADT are frequently used for the treatment of PCa, the present study aimed to unravel the underlying mechanism of combination of orlistat, an FASN inhibitor, and enzalutamide using PC3 cell line; and orlistat and castration in PC3 tumor-bearing animal model. Cytotoxicity was determined by AlamarBlue assay. Drug effects on the cell cycle and protein expressions were assayed by the flow cytometry and Western blot. Electromobility shift assay was used to evaluate the NF-κB activity. The tumor growth delay, expressions of the signaling-related proteins, and histopathology post treatments of orlistat and castration were evaluated in PC3 tumor-bearing mouse model. The results showed that orlistat arrested the PC3 cells at the G1 phase of the cell cycle and enhanced the cytotoxic effects of enzalutamide synergistically. Pretreatment with orlistat combined with castration inhibited the tumor growth significantly compared with those of castration and orlistat treatments alone in PC3 tumor-bearing mice. Combination treatment reduced both FASN and NF-κB activities and their downstream effector proteins. The present study demonstrated the synergistic effects of orlistat combined with enzalutamide in vitro and castration in vivo on human PCa.
Perennial groundcovers: an emerging technology for soil conservation and the sustainable intensification of agriculture
Authors: Schlautman Brandon , Bartel Cynthia , Diaz-Garcia Luis , Fei Shuizhang , Flynn Scott , Haramoto Erin , Moore Ken , Raman D Raj
Published: May 2021

Integrating perennial groundcovers (PGC) — sometimes referred to as living mulches or perennial cover crops — into annual cash-crop systems could address root causes of bare-soil practices that lead to negative impacts on soil and water quality. Perennial groundcovers bring otherwise absent functional traits — namely perenniality — into cash-crop systems to preserve soil and regenerate water, carbon, and nutrient cycles. However, if not optimized, they can also cause competitive interactions and yield loss. When designing PGC systems, the goal is to maximize complementarity — spatial and temporal separation of growth and resource acquisition — between PGC and cash crops through both breeding and management. Traits of interest include complementary root and shoot systems, reduced shade avoidance response in the cash-crop, and PGC summer dormancy. Successful deployment of PGC systems could increase both productivity and profitability by improving water- and nutrient-use-efficiency, improving weed and pest control, and creating additional value-added opportunities like stover harvest. Many scientific questions about the inherent interactions at the cell, plant, and ecosystem levels in PGC systems are waiting to be explored. Their answers could enable innovation and refinement of PGC system design for multiple geographies, crops, and food systems, creating a practical and scalable pathway towards resiliency, crop diversification, and sustainable intensification in agriculture.
Euclid : Effects of sample covariance on the number counts of galaxy clusters
Authors: Fumagalli A. , Saro A. , Borgani S. , Castro T. , Costanzi M. , Monaco P. , Munari E. , Sefusatti E. , Amara A. , Auricchio N. , Balestra A. , Bodendorf C. , Bonino D. , Branchini E. , Brinchmann J. , Capobianco V. , Carbone C. , Castellano M. , Cavuoti S. , Cimatti A. , Cledassou R. , Conselice C. J. , Corcione L. , Costille A. , Cropper M. , Degaudenzi H. , Douspis M. , Dubath F. , Dusini S. , Ealet A. , Fosalba P. , Franceschi E. , Franzetti P. , Fumana M. , Garilli B. , Giocoli C. , Grupp F. , Guzzo L. , Haugan S. V. H. , Hoekstra H. , Holmes W. , Hormuth F. , Jahnke K. , Kiessling A. , Kilbinger M. , Kitching T. , Kümmel M. , Kunz M. , Kurki-Suonio H. , Laureijs R. , Lilje P. B. , Lloro I. , Maiorano E. , Marggraf O. , Markovic K. , Massey R. , Meneghetti M. , Meylan G. , Moscardini L. , Niemi S. M. , Padilla C. , Paltani S. , Pasian F. , Pedersen K. , Pettorino V. , Pires S. , Poncet M. , Popa L. , Pozzetti L. , Raison F. , Rhodes J. , Roncarelli M. , Rossetti E. , Saglia R. , Scaramella R. , Schneider P. , Secroun A. , Seidel G. , Serrano S. , Sirignano C. , Sirri G. , Taylor A. N. , Tereno I. , Toledo-Moreo R. , Valentijn E. A. , Valenziano L. , Wang Y. , Weller J. , Zamorani G. , Zoubian J. , Brescia M. , Congedo G. , Conversi L. , Mei S. , Moresco M. , Vassallo T.
Published: May 2021

Aims. We investigate the contribution of shot-noise and sample variance to uncertainties in the cosmological parameter constraints inferred from cluster number counts, in the context of the Euclid survey.

Methods. By analysing 1000 Euclid-like light cones, produced with the PINOCCHIO approximate method, we validated the analytical model of Hu & Kravtsov (2003, ApJ, 584, 702) for the covariance matrix, which takes into account both sources of statistical error. Then, we used such a covariance to define the likelihood function that is better equipped to extract cosmological information from cluster number counts at the level of precision that will be reached by the future Euclid photometric catalogs of galaxy clusters. We also studied the impact of the cosmology dependence of the covariance matrix on the parameter constraints.

Results. The analytical covariance matrix reproduces the variance measured from simulations within the 10 percent; such a difference has no sizeable effect on the error of cosmological parameter constraints at this level of statistics. Also, we find that the Gaussian likelihood with full covariance is the only model that provides an unbiased inference of cosmological parameters without underestimating the errors, and that the cosmology-dependence of the covariance must be taken into account.
A global view on star formation: The GLOSTAR Galactic plane survey
Authors: Nguyen H. , Rugel M. R. , Menten K. M. , Brunthaler A. , Dzib S. A. , Yang A. Y. , Kauffmann J. , Pillai T. G. S. , Nandakumar G. , Schultheis M. , Urquhart J. S. , Dokara R. , Gong Y. , Medina S-N. X. , Ortiz-León G. N. , Reich W. , Wyrowski F. , Beuther H. , Cotton W. D. , Csengeri T. , Pandian J. D. , Roy N.
Published: May 2021

Context. The Central Molecular Zone (CMZ), a ∼200 pc sized region around the Galactic Centre, is peculiar in that it shows a star formation rate (SFR) that is suppressed with respect to the available dense gas. To study the SFR in the CMZ, young stellar objects (YSOs) can be investigated. Here we present radio observations of 334 2.2 μm infrared sources that have been identified as YSO candidates.

Aims. Our goal is to investigate the presence of centimetre wavelength radio continuum counterparts to this sample of YSO candidates which we use to constrain the current SFR in the CMZ.

Methods. As part of the GLObal view on STAR formation (GLOSTAR) survey, D-configuration Very Large Array data were obtained for the Galactic Centre, covering −2° < l < 2° and −1° < b < 1° with a frequency coverage of 4–8 GHz. We matched YSOs with radio continuum sources based on selection criteria and classified these radio sources as potential H II regions and determined their physical properties.

Results. Of the 334 YSO candidates, we found 35 with radio continuum counterparts. We find that 94 YSOs are associated with dense dust condensations identified in the 870 μm ATLASGAL survey, of which 14 have a GLOSTAR counterpart. Of the 35 YSOs with radio counterparts, 11 are confirmed as H II regions based on their spectral indices and the literature. We estimated their Lyman continuum photon flux in order to estimate the mass of the ionising star. Combining these with known sources, the present-day SFR in the CMZ is calculated to be ∼0.068 M⊙ yr−1, which is ∼6.8% of the Galactic SFR. Candidate YSOs that lack radio counterparts may not have yet evolved to the stage of exhibiting an H II region or, conversely, are older and have dispersed their natal clouds. Since many lack dust emission, the latter is more likely. Our SFR estimate in the CMZ is in agreement with previous estimates in the literature.
Conception d’une séquence d’introduction dynamique du produit scalaire via une approche constructiviste intégrant la mécanique et les TIC
Authors: Raouf Khadija , Benkenza Najia , El Aydi M’hamed , Anaya Mohamed , Ennaciri Khalid
Published: May 2021

Le travail que nous présentons dans cet article vise la redynamisation de l’enseignement-apprentissage du produit scalaire via la conception d’une séquence d’introduction de cette notion au lycée et des modalités de sa mise en oeuvre par l’enseignant. Cet intérêt est justifié par le manque d’activités motivantes dans les manuels marocains que nous avons consultés et par le fait que la construction de cette notion mobilise des objets mathématiques susceptibles de cumuler des difficultés d’apprentissages telles que les notions de vecteur et de produit. La démarche adoptée dans cette recherche, se base sur le constructivisme comme théorie d’apprentissage, l’approche interdisciplinaire pour donner plus de sens aux savoirs construits et l’intégration de la géométrie dynamique permettant de conjecture du résultat dans sa généralité en couvrant tous les cas de figures possibles et la construction éventuelle des figures dynamiques par les apprenants. Ainsi ; nous avons choisi comme activité d’approche une situation authentique dont la résolution fait appel essentiellement à la notion de résultante de deux forces que les apprenants ont déjà abordée en mécanique, et aux notions de somme de deux vecteurs et le théorème de Pythagore vus en mathématiques.
Que représente le concept d’intégrale définie chez les étudiants à l’entrée à l’université?
Authors: Akrouti Inen
Published: May 2021

En Tunisie, les élèves rencontrent le concept d’intégrale définie pour la première fois à la fin du secondaire. Il est introduit à partir de l’aire sous la courbe, défini par le Théorème Fondamental de l’Analyse et appelé, dans l’activité mathématique des élèves, sous forme de primitive. Un retour sur le manuel scolaire permet de remarquer que les méthodes d’approximations sont quasi absentes sauf peut-être dans quelques exercices de fin du chapitre. Ces choix institutionnels influencent le travail des élèves et dirigent l’activité mathématique qu’ils entreprennent vers des choix spécifiques [1]. Par ailleurs, ils pourraient amener plus tard les étudiants à développer des interprétations particulières de l’intégrale définie [2]. Dans cet article, nous envisageons de développer cette idée par l’étude de l’impact des choix institutionnels sur les conceptions des étudiants à l’entrée à l’université avant le nouveau cours d’intégration. Notre analyse s’appuie sur la typologie de conceptions développée par Jones [3]. En fait, ce dernier en a défini quatre types: il s’agit des conceptions d’aire, de primitive, de somme et de limite de somme. Nous nous limitons seulement à trois conceptions, et expliquons les raisons de notre choix.
Le clivage entre notions des mathématiques et des sciences physiques au programme scolaire marocain
Authors: Sbaa Mohammed , El Aydi M’Hamed , Elfatini Mohammed , Nachit Brahim , Benyouness Bettioui , Faouzi Latifa
Published: May 2021

Ce travail scientifique et actionnelle consiste à étudier l’incompatibilité et l’incohérence entre les programmes des mathématiques et la physique dans le système éducatif marocain. Sur la base des pratiques enseignantes, en particulier dans La deuxième année du Baccalauréat sciences expérimentales ; On a procédé par définir la relation entre les mathématiques et la physique à savoir que le clivage entre la Physique et les Mathématiques est accentué par le fait que les intuitions du physicien ne sont validées que par le recours à l’expérience tandis que celles du mathématicien ne le sont que par des preuves théoriques rigoureuses [1]. Les mathématiques contribuant grandement à la représentation de concepts physiques et parfois la physique aide à plus appréhender et cerner des objets mathématiques » [2]. Une analyse des programmes scolaires et les orientations pédagogiques du terminale Baccalauréat au Maroc [3][4] et des questionnaire pour les professeurs pratiquants et les élèves; nous ont permet de conclure le manque de compatibilité et de complémentarité, et que l’ordre des leçons pour les deux matières crée un ensemble de difficultés qui entravent le bon déroulement de la démarche éducative, la capacité à maîtriser les mathématiques est l’un des aspects les plus importants pour bien aborder les phénomènes physique. En fin pour remédier à cette situation nous détaillerons une gamme de solutions proposées.
Perceptions des enseignants et des étudiants de première année licence SVT envers les caractéristiques l’enseignant et de l’enseignement
Authors: Mkhdramine Said , Essafi Khadija
Published: May 2021

Le but de cette étude descriptive concerne l’identification des caractéristiques de l’enseignant efficace et de l’enseignement efficace considérées comme très importantes de point de vue des enseignants et des étudiants de première année de la licence SVT. L’étude a été menée auprès de 41 enseignants et 290 étudiants, du département de Biologie de la Faculté de sciences Dhar El Mehraz. Ils ont été sollicités classer 60 items selon leur degré d’importance sur une échelle Likert. Les données issues des réponses au questionnaire montrent que les deux groupes participants expriment des points de vue similaires mais pas tout à fait identiques.
Résolution de problèmes mathématiques ouverts dans un espace virtuel 3D: Cas de l’environnement ANIPPO
Authors: Cabassut Richard , Magot Claude-Alexandre , Pacurar Ecaterina , Solon Yohan
Published: May 2021

Des recherches ont montré l’intérêt et les limites de la manipulation dans l’enseignement des mathématiques [1]. Dans le contexte de l’apparition d’environnements virtuels et de la place centrale de la résolution de problèmes, nous étudions la manipulation virtuelle, dans la résolution de problèmes ouverts de mathématiques, dans l’environnement ANIPPO, par des élèves de la fin de l’école primaire. La méthodologie permet de comparer un groupe expérimental dans l’environnement ANIPPO avec un groupe de contrôle dans l’environnement traditionnel. Nous décrivons le cadre théorique des problèmes ouverts, des registres de représentations sémiotiques, de la collaboration et de la motivation. Nous précisons comment les résultats de la pré-expérimentation montrent les difficultés des apprentissages dans un environnement virtuel a-didactique et influencent les conditions de l’expérimentation à venir, pour l’appropriation de l’environnement ANIPPO, la prise en compte des procédures des élèves et la progressivité des problèmes à résoudre.
Évaluation de la qualité du processus de référentialisation des Classes de BTS au Maroc au regard des huit principes de la qualité de la Norme ISO9001 version 2008
Authors: El Khalifi Hicham , Dahmani Lakhlifa , Elmahni Lahoussine
Published: May 2021

Cet article présente l’étude de l’évaluation de la qualité du processus de référentialisation des formations BTS au Maroc déclenché suite à la mise en place d’une réforme pédagogique (2007-2010) choisissant d’opérationnaliser l’approche par compétences (APC). La réforme BTS, et plus particulièrement son processus de référentialisation, possède divers éléments qualitatifs qui lui confèrent tous les caractéristiques d’un système « quasi-qualité ». Pour analyser ces éléments nous nous appuyons sur les huit principes qualité adopté par la norme ISO 9001 version 2008. Lors de cette analyse, nous présentons chaque principe, l’adéquation de la réforme audit principe, et éventuellement les points faibles à améliorer
Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in spinal surgery
Authors: Shawky Abdelgawaad Ahmed , El Sadik Mohammed Hassaan Mohamed , Hassan Khalid Mohammed , El-Sharkawi Mohammad
Published: May 2021

Study design: Complete audit cycle.Introduction: To highlight the unjustified overuse of perioperative antibiotics in clean non-instrumented lumbar spinal surgeries. To convince orthopedic surgeons in a methodological way of local field comparison between common practice on the use of perioperative antibiotics prophylaxis (PAP) in clean non-instrumented lumbar spinal surgeries and the ideal practice according to “The guidelines published by North American Spine Society (NASS)”.Methods: A complete audit cycle had been done. One hundred and eight patients underwent clean non-instrumented lumbar spinal surgeries in a tertiary spine center, during the period from the 1st of April to the 31st of June 2017 (primary audit period) and during the period from the 8th of May to the 21st of November 2018 (re-audit period). Group I: audit group (n = 54) was given the usual regimen (IV first-generation cephalosporin for 1–6 days, followed by oral antibiotics, till the removal of stitches) and Group II: re-audit group (n = 54) received only the IV antibiotics for one day). The study protocol was approved by our institution’s Ethical Committee (17100582).Results: This study showed a wide gap between international standards and local prescribing practices and calls for multiple interventions to improve our practice. Out of the 108 patients, only one case (1.85%) developed surgical site infection (SSI) in the audit group (Group I). The difference in infection rates between the two groups was statistically insignificant.Conclusion: A single-day postoperative dose of antibiotics effectively prevents postoperative wound infection following non-instrumented lumbar spinal surgery and is not associated with a higher infection rate.
Netzwerke Junger Muskuloskelettaler Forscher*Innen
Authors: Herrmann Marietta , Barth Benjamin , Foessl Ines , Genest Franca , Linhart Christoph , Stein Merle , Schwab Andrea , Boeker Kai Oliver , Schmidt Felix
Published: May 2021

Für junge Forscher*innen am Beginn des Karriereweges sind Instrumente der Nachwuchsförderung und -vernetzung von großer Bedeutung. Unterstützung ist hier in vielen Bereichen notwendig, vom Erwerb sogenannter Soft Skills, der Ausweitung von persönlichen Fähigkeiten und Fachkompetenz, dem Kontakt zu Kollegen*innen und dem Aufbau eines eigenen Netzwerkes bis hin zur Planung des Karriereweges. In einem breiten Themenbereich wie der muskuloskelettalen Forschung sind hier interdisziplinäre und Fachgesellschaften-übergreifende Angebote von großer Bedeutung. In diesem Artikel stellen wir Nachwuchsnetzwerke für den muskuloskelettalen Nachwuchs im deutschsprachigen Bereich vor, die ein breites Spektrum an Symposien, Forschungsförderung und Mentoring anbieten, vor allem aber eine Plattform zur Vernetzung junger Forscher darstellen. Dies sind insbesondere die MuSkITYR (Muskuloskeletal Interdisciplinary Translational Young Researcher), das Junge Forum O und U, die AGA-Studenten (Gesellschaft für Arthroskopie und Gelenkchirurgie) sowie das Junge Forum ÖGU (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie) und die SSB + RM (Swiss Society for Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine) Young Scientists.
The Association between Prolonged Antibiotic Use in Culture Negative Infants and Length of Hospital Stay and Total Hospital Costs
Authors: Sourour Wesam , Sanchez Valeria , Sourour Michel , Burdine Jordan , Lien Elizabeth Rodriguez , Nguyen Diana , Jain Sunil K.
Published: May 2021

Objective This study aimed to determine if prolonged antibiotic use at birth in neonates with a negative blood culture increases the total cost of hospital stay.

Study design This was a retrospective study performed at a 60-bed level IV neonatal intensive care unit. Neonates born <30 weeks of gestation or <1,500 g between 2016 and 2018 who received antibiotics were included. A multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to determine if clinical factors contributed to increased hospital cost or length of stay.

Results In total, 190 patients met inclusion criteria with 94 infants in the prolonged antibiotic group and 96 in the control group. Prolonged antibiotic use was associated with an increase length of hospital stay of approximately 31.87 days, resulting in a $69,946 increase in total cost of hospitalization.

Conclusion Prolonged antibiotics in neonates with negative blood culture were associated with significantly longer hospital length of stay and increased total cost of hospitalization.

Key Points
Kirschner Wire Fixation in Dorsally Displaced Distal Radius Fractures: A Biomechanical Evaluation
Authors: Sanders Liam , Johnson Nick , Dias Joseph J.
Published: May 2021

Background There is currently no consensus for the optimum configuration and number of Kirschner wires (K-wires) to use for the stabilization of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. In this biomechanical study, we compared the load to failure and stiffness of four common K-wire configurations to identify the strongest construct for use in extra-articular dorsally displaced distal radius fractures.

Case Description We created a standard distal radius fracture model in turkey tarsometatarsi which was stabilized using two or three K-wires (1.6 mm) in four different configurations. Following a power calculation, 10 fracture models of each configuration underwent testing in cantilever bending and axial compression.

Literature Review Recent randomized trials have shown no evidence that volar locking plates are superior to K-wires for the treatment of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. This has led to an increase in the popularity of much cheaper K-wires. Several different K-wire techniques have been described but there is no strong evidence to determine which is the optimal configuration and number of wires.

Clinical Relevance The three-wire interfragmentary configuration was stiffer than the three-wire Kapandji in axial compression and cantilever bending. There was no difference in load to failure in cantilever bending or axial compression. The three-wire interfragmentary technique is the stiffest configuration of K-wires for dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. The two-wire Kapandji technique was significantly weaker than the other configurations, especially in cantilever bending.

Conclusion The authors recommend to always use three wires for percutaneous pinning and never to use two intrafocal wires alone.
How Enlightening and Reliable Are Cancer-Related Posts on Social Media Platforms? Opinions of a Sample of Nigerians
Authors: Nwafor Jacob Njideka , Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem , Amoo Babatunde Abiodun
Published: May 2021

Introduction On social media, several pieces of cancer-related information are being shared among people. This study aims to survey the Nigerian public, exploring their opinions on the influence (as per enlightenment) of cancer-related information on social media on them, and explore their opinions on the reliability of cancer-related posts they see on social media platforms.

Methods This study was a descriptive cross-sectional online survey of 236 Nigerians, using an e-questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software (IBM Corp, New York, NY, United States).

Results The majority (56.4%) of the respondents were females, 66.5% were within the age range of 20 to 29 years, and 92.4% had tertiary level of education. Virtually all (98.7%) of them had an Internet-enabled phone, and 99.6% were users of social media. The most used social media platform among them was WhatsApp while the most educative social media platform, according to them, was Facebook. Also, 96.6% (227/235) of those respondents who were social media users were of the opinion that social media is very useful for cancer education. However, only 68.5% (161/235) of them had learnt something new about cancer on social media platforms, of which 23.0% (37/161) rated the cancer information they have accessed on social media to be somewhat reliable.

Conclusion Social media is highly influential in educating Nigerians on issues pertaining to cancer. However, not all cancer-related information posted on various social media platforms is reliable; hence, social media users should always take extra caution while consuming cancer-related posts on social media platforms.
A Monte Carlo simulation of water + oil + ABA block copolymer ternary system. I. Patterns in thermal equilibrium
Authors: Sugimura Natsuko , Ohno Kaoru
Published: May 2021

We carried out a large-scale lattice Monte Carlo simulation of a ternary system comprising water/oil/ABA triblock copolymers with hydrophilic A and hydrophobic B blocks to investigate the dependence of the pattern on the volume fraction of the components. The attractive interaction energies due to hydrogen bonding between the hydrophilic A block and water and between waters were defined as the relative values to the van der Waals bonding between water and oil. We created a phase diagram at thermal equilibrium. At low polymer concentrations, the water and oil were perfectly immiscible. As the polymer concentration increased, the pattern changed from one characterized by macro-phase separation to one characterized by micro-domain structures. At intermediate polymer concentrations, the pattern changed from water-in-oil micellar to lamellar to layer–passage structures as the water concentration increased. A bicontinuous pattern emerged when the concentrations of the polymer and water were the greatest. At low water concentrations, micelles formed at various copolymer concentrations. These pattern changes were approximately and qualitatively similar to those of pre-existing experimental phase diagrams of water/oil/ABA block copolymers. In our model, the lamellar structure comprised a lipid bilayer, and the area where ordered structures such as lamella appeared was limited to the narrow area of the phase diagram. The formation of ordered structures was due to the confinement of the system by the parallel walls and depended on the choice of a suitable ratio of the three components and the appropriate polymer length to produce ordered patterns commensurate with the distance between the walls.
Self-aligned myofibers in 3D bioprinted extracellular matrix-based construct accelerate skeletal muscle function restoration
Authors: Lee Hyeongjin , Kim WonJin , Lee JiUn , Park Kyung Soon , Yoo James J. , Atala Anthony , Kim Geun Hyung , Lee Sang Jin
Published: May 2021

To achieve rapid skeletal muscle function restoration, many attempts have been made to bioengineer functional muscle constructs by employing physical, biochemical, or biological cues. Here, we develop a self-aligned skeletal muscle construct by printing a photo-crosslinkable skeletal muscle extracellular matrix-derived bioink together with poly(vinyl alcohol) that contains human muscle progenitor cells. To induce the self-alignment of human muscle progenitor cells, in situ uniaxially aligned micro-topographical structure in the printed constructs is created by a fibrillation/leaching of poly(vinyl alcohol) after the printing process. The in vitro results demonstrate that the synergistic effect of tissue-specific biochemical signals (obtained from the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix-derived bioink) and topographical cues [obtained from the poly(vinyl alcohol) fibrillation] improves the myogenic differentiation of the printed human muscle progenitor cells with cellular alignment. Moreover, this self-aligned muscle construct shows the accelerated integration with neural networks and vascular ingrowth in vivo, resulting in rapid restoration of muscle function. We demonstrate that combined biochemical and topographic cues on the 3D bioprinted skeletal muscle constructs can effectively reconstruct the extensive muscle defect injuries.
Immediate and sustained killing effects of atmospheric-pressure plasma on young and mature biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Tang Xuezhi , Shi Qi , Zhang Zhixiang , Zhang Hanyong , Du Tianfeng , Cao Yingguang
Published: May 2021

The immediate killing effect of atmospheric-pressure plasma (APP) has been frequently investigated, but its sustained killing activity is poorly understood. The goal of the present study is to evaluate both the immediate and sustained killing effects of APP on Enterococcus faecalis. The APP jet was evaluated by optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIF). Hydroxyapatite (HA) discs coated with bovine dermal type I collagen were used as substrates for bacterial growth. After the formation of E. faecalis biofilms on the HA discs for seven days or three weeks, the samples were treated with (A) 2 ml of saline, (B) APP, or (C) 2 ml of 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) for 5 min. The treated samples were then cultured for three or seven days, after which they were examined by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The OES results showed that typical reactive oxygen and nitrogen species were included in the full spectrum. The fitted curve indicated that the rotation temperature of N2 was close to room temperature. The LIF results showed that the maximal O and OH intensities occurred at 5 mm from the nozzle. For both the seven-day and three-week biofilms, the CHX and APP treatments had significant sterilization results (P < 0.05) compared to the saline group in terms of immediate and sustained killing effects. APP demonstrated excellent potential for use as an alternative approach for the treatment of periapical diseases.
Replacing maize with low tannin sorghum grains: lamb growth performance, microbial protein synthesis and enteric methane production
Authors: Soltan Yosra , Abdalla Filho Adibe , Abdalla Adibe , Berenchtein Bernardo , Schiavinatto Patricia , Costa Ciniro
Published: May 2021

Context Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) grain with low tannin content may be suitable as an alternative to maize (Zea mays L.) grain in ruminant diets in terms of input costs and drought tolerance, and effects on growth performance and mitigation of methane (CH4) emissions. Aims The study aimed to evaluate the effects of substitution of maize with sorghum grain at different rates on ruminal microbial protein synthesis, CH4 formation and liveweight gain in growing ruminants. Methods Twenty-five Santa Inês lambs (bodyweight 19.0 ± 1.5 kg) were randomly divided into five dietary treatments. Control diet components (on a dry matter basis) were Tifton-85 hay (400 g/kg), maize (405 g/kg), soybean meal (165 g/kg) and commercial mineral supplement (30 g/kg). Sorghum diets comprised the basal diet with the maize grain proportionately substituted with sorghum grain at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (diets S25–S100). Lamb feed intake, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis and CH4 emission were measured during an experimental period of 70 days. Key results Negligible variations of chemical composition were observed among the experimental diets, although numerical increases in condensed tannins were observed with increasing levels of sorghum replacement. There was no significant effect of level of sorghum inclusion on feed intake. Partial substitution of maize with sorghum grain increased lamb average daily gain linearly (P = 0.02) and quadratically (P = 0.002) compared with diets based on either grain alone, with the S50 lambs having the highest values. A linear decrease in dry matter digestibility (P = 0.02), organic matter (P = 0.02) and acid detergent fibre (P = 0.002) was observed for lambs receiving sorghum diets compared with the control. A significant linear (P = 0.023) effect was observed for retained nitrogen (g/day), with lambs fed S25 and S50 having higher values than those in other treatments. All partially substituted diets (S25, S50 and S75) reduced CH4 per unit bodyweight gain in a linear trend (P = 0.03), by 35%, 29% and 33%, respectively, and tended to increase (linear effect, P = 0.09) the calculated amounts of absorbed microbial protein compared with the control diet. Conclusions Low tannin sorghum grains can replace maize grains by up to 75% to maximise ruminal microbial biomass production for optimal lamb growth performance and reduced CH4 emission. Implications Animal productivity can be enhanced while mitigating the environmental impact of livestock production through the partial substitution of maize by low tannin sorghum grains in ruminant diets.
transcription factor behaves differently in metallicolous and non-metallicolous populations of
Authors: Fasani Elisa , DalCorso Giovanni , Furini Antonella
Published: May 2021

In Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., MYB59 transcription factor participates in regulating Ca homeostasis and signal transduction and is induced by Cd excess. To investigate its role in the facultative metallophyte Arabidopsis halleri ssp. halleri (L.) O’Kane and Al-Shehbaz, MYB59 expression was investigated under Cd treatment or Ca depletion in three populations belonging to distinct phylogeographic units (metallicolous PL22 and I16 and non-metallicolous I29), and compared with the expression in A. thaliana. In control conditions, MYB59 transcription in A. thaliana and the non-metallicolous population I29 follow a comparable trend with higher expression in roots than shoots, whereas in metallicolous populations I16 and PL22 its expression is similar in roots and shoots, suggesting a convergent evolution associated with adaptation to metalliferous environments. After 6 h of Ca depletion, MYB59 transcript levels were very high in I16 and PL22 populations, indicating that the adaptation to metalliferous environments requires tightly regulated Ca homeostasis and signalling. Cd treatment caused variability in MYB59 expression. In I29, MYB59 expression, as in A. thaliana, is likely associated to stress response, whereas its modulation in the two metallicolous populations reflects the different strategies for Cd tolerance and accumulation. In conclusion, MYB59 regulation in A. halleri is part of the network linking mineral nutrition and Cd tolerance/accumulation.
Miniaturized scintillator dosimeter for small field radiation therapy
Authors: Gonod Mathieu , Chacon Avila Carlos , Angel Suarez Miguel , Crouzilles Julien , Laskri Samir , Vinchant Jean-François , Aubignac Léone , Grosjean Thierry
Published: May 2021

The concept of a miniaturized inorganic scintillator detector is demonstrated in the analysis of the small static photon fields used in external radiation therapy. Such a detector is constituted by a 0.25 mm diameter and 0.48 mm long inorganic scintillating cell (1.6 × 10−5 cm3 detection volume) efficiently coupled to a narrow 125 μm diameter silica optical fiber using a tiny photonic interface (an optical antenna). The response of our miniaturized scintillator detector (MSD) under 6 MV bremsstrahlung beam of various sizes (from 1 × 1 cm2 to 4 × 4 cm2) is compared to that of two high resolution reference probes, namely, a micro-diamond detector and a dedicated silicon diode. The spurious Cerenkov signal transmitted through our bare detector is rejected with a basic spectral filtering. The MSD shows a linear response regarding the dose, a repeatability within 0.1% and a radial directional dependence of 0.36% (standard deviations). Beam profiling at 5 cm depth with the MSD and the micro-diamond detector shows a mismatch in the measurement of the full widths at 80% and 50% of the maximum which does not exceed 0.25 mm. The same difference range is found between the micro-diamond detector and a silicon diode. The deviation of the percentage depth dose between the MSD and micro-diamond detector remains below 2.3% within the first fifteen centimeters of the decay region for field sizes of 1 × 1 cm2, 2 × 2 cm2 and 3 × 3 cm2 (0.76% between the silicon diode and the micro-diamond in the same field range). The 2D dose mapping of a 0.6 × 0.6 cm2 photon field evidences the strong 3D character of the radiation-matter interaction in small photon field regime. From a beam-probe convolution theory, we predict that our probe overestimates the beam width by 0.06%, making our detector a right compromise between high resolution, compactness, flexibility and ease of use. The MSD overcomes problem of volume averaging, stem effects, and despite its water non-equivalence it is expected to minimize electron fluence perturbation due to its extreme compactness. Such a detector thus has the potential to become a valuable dose verification tool in small field radiation therapy, and by extension in Brachytherapy, FLASH-radiotherapy and microbeam radiation therapy.
Model based computation of electromagnetic forces in magnetic confinement toroidal devices by using magnetic measurements
Authors: Abate D , Marchiori G , Berton G , Bonotto M , Cordaro L , Grando L , Bettini P
Published: May 2021

In this paper we present a method to compute spatial and time evolution of electromagnetic forces in magnetic confinement fusion devices based on a combination of signal analysis of magnetic measurements with a simple electromagnetic modelling. The method allows analyzing the whole plasma discharge including fast transient phenomena such as fast terminations or disruptions. It has been tested and verified on RFX-mod, an experiment equipped with a non-continuous toroidal passive stabilizing shell, but it can be applied to cases with continuous wall such as tokamak devices, as well. An experimental plasma discharge, with a fast termination phenomenon at the end of the flat-top phase, has been analyzed and the related forces have been computed by using two different sets of data: synthetic magnetic field measurements provided by ANSYS simulation and real experimental ones. The results are in good agreement in all the phases of the plasma discharge. Moreover, because of the very low-computational requirements, it is shown that the presented method can be used as a tool for real-time monitoring of the electromagnetic forces on the shell to be integrated in the protection system of the future RFX-mod2 experiment.
Numerical simulation for bio-convective flow of Sutterby nanofluid by a rotating disk
Authors: Abuzaid Dina , Ullah Malik Zaka
Published: May 2021

Nanofluids play a vital role in the improvement of our practical life. The potential usage of nanomaterials in different applications such as oil recovery, refrigeration systems, a freeze of electrical components in computers, development of liquid displays, cooling spirals, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, heat storage devices and biotechnology. Swimming microorganisms have a crucial role in various areas of life, such as medicines, bioengineering, biofuels and food processing. Microorganisms are used as antibiotics in medicine and help to create a vaccine. Keeping in mind these applications, the current research provides a mathematical model for bioconvection Sutterby nanofluid flowing past the rotating stretching disk with magnetic field, motile microorganisms, chemical reactions and heat generation. The Brownian movement and thermophoresis diffusions are also considered. The governing equation structures are simplified by suitable transformations. A popular bvp4c solver in MATLAB computational software is employed to achieve numerical results for the non-linear model. The flow evaluation for the effects of several prominent numbers on temperature, velocities, concentration and motile microorganism profiles is executed graphically and numerically. The volumetric concentration of nanomaterial rises for thermophoresis number while shows opposite nature for Prandtl and Lewis parameters. The boosting values of bioconvection Lewis number, Peclet number and bioconvection Rayleigh number decay the motile microorganisms’ concentration.
Stokes phenomenon and gravitational particle production — How to evaluate it in practice
Authors: Hashiba Soichiro , Yamada Yusuke
Published: May 2021

We revisit gravitational particle production from the Stokes phenomenon viewpoint, which helps us make a systematic way to understand asymptotic behavior of mode functions in time-dependent background. One of our purposes of this work is to make the method more practical for evaluation of non-perturbative particle production rate. In particular, with several examples of time-dependent backgrounds, we introduce some approximation methods that make the analysis more practical. Specifically, we consider particle production in simple expanding backgrounds, preheating after R2 inflation, and a transition model with smoothly changing mass. As we find several technical issues in analyzing the Stokes phenomenon of each example, we discuss how to simplify the problems while showing the accuracy of analytic estimation under the approximations we make.
Relativistic stars in 4D Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity
Authors: Doneva Daniela D. , Yazadjiev Stoytcho S.
Published: May 2021

In the present paper we investigate the structure of relativistic stars in 4D Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity. The mass-radius relations are obtained for realistic hadronic and for strange quark star equations of state, and for a wide range of the Gauss-Bonnet coupling parameter α. Even though the deviations from general relativity for nonzero values of α can be large enough, they are still comparable with the variations due to different modern realistic equations of state if we restrict ourselves to moderate values of α. That is why the current observations of the neutron star masses and radii alone can not impose stringent constraints on the value of the parameter α. Nevertheless some rough constraints on α can be put. The existence of stable stellar mass black holes imposes √(α) ≲ 2.6 km for α > 0 while the requirement that the maximum neutron star mass should be greater than two solar masses gives √(|α|) ≲ 3.9 km for α < 0. We also present an exact solution describing the structure of relativistic stars with uniform energy density in 4D Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity.