bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An In-Vitro Analysis of Peri-Implant Mucosal Seal Following Photofunctionalization of Zirconia Abutment Materials
Authors: Razali Masfueh , Ngeow Wei Cheong , Omar Ros Anita , Chai Wen Lin
Published: January 2021

The presence of epithelial and connective tissue attachment at the peri-implant–soft tissue region has been demonstrated to provide a biological barrier of the alveolar bone from the oral environment. This barrier can be improved via surface modification of implant abutment materials. The effect of photofunctionalization on creating a bioactive surface for the enhancement of the epithelial and connective tissue attachment of zirconia implant abutment’s peri-implant mucosal interface using organotypic model has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the soft tissue seal around peri-implant mucosa and to understand the effect of photofunctionalization on the abutment materials. Three types of abutment materials were used in this study; yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), alumina-toughened zirconia, and grade 2 commercially pure titanium (CPTi) which were divided into nontreated (N-Tx) and photofunctionalized group (UV-Tx). The three-dimensional peri-implant mucosal model was constructed using primary human gingival keratinocytes and fibroblasts co-cultured on the acellular dermal membrane. The biological seal was determined through the concentration of tritiated water permeating the material–soft tissue interface. The biological seal formed by the soft tissue in the N-Tx group was significantly reduced compared to the UV-treated group (p < 0.001), with YSZ exhibiting the lowest permeability among all materials. Photofunctionalization of implant abutment materials improved the biological seal of the surrounding soft tissue peri-implant interface.
Melanoma Cell Resistance to Vemurafenib Modifies Inter-Cellular Communication Signals
Authors: Tabolacci Claudio , Cordella Martina , Mariotti Sabrina , Rossi Stefania , Senatore Cinzia , Lintas Carla , Levati Lauretta , D’Arcangelo Daniela , Facchiano Antonio , D’Atri Stefania , Nisini Roberto , Facchiano Francesco
Published: January 2021

The therapeutic success of BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) and MEK inhibitors (MEKi) in BRAF-mutant melanoma is limited by the emergence of drug resistance, and several lines of evidence suggest that changes in the tumor microenvironment can play a pivotal role in acquired resistance. The present study focused on secretome profiling of melanoma cells sensitive or resistant to the BRAFi vemurafenib. Proteomic and cytokine/chemokine secretion analyses were performed in order to better understand the interplay between vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells and the tumor microenvironment. We found that vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells can influence dendritic cell (DC) maturation by modulating their activation and cytokine production. In particular, human DCs exposed to conditioned medium (CM) from vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells produced higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines—that potentially facilitate melanoma growth—than DCs exposed to CM derived from parental drug-sensitive cells. Bioinformatic analysis performed on proteins identified by mass spectrometry in the culture medium from vemurafenib-sensitive and vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells suggests a possible involvement of the proteasome pathway. Moreover, our data confirm that BRAFi-resistant cells display a more aggressive phenotype compared to parental ones, with a significantly increased production of interferon-γ, interleukin-8, vascular-endothelial growth factor, CD147/basigin, and metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2). Plasma levels of CD147/basigin and MMP-2 were also measured before the start of therapy and at disease progression in a small group of melanoma patients treated with vemurafenib or vemurafenib plus cobimetinib. A significant increment in CD147/basigin and MMP-2 was observed in all patients at the time of treatment failure, strengthening the hypothesis that CD147/basigin might play a role in BRAFi resistance.
Increased Risk of Hospitalization for Pancreatic Cancer in the First 8 Years after a Gestational Diabetes Mellitus regardless of Subsequent Type 2 Diabetes: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Simon Julien , Goueslard Karine , Arveux Patrick , Bechraoui-Quantin Sonia , Petit Jean-Michel , Quantin Catherine
Published: January 2021

The aim of this large retrospective cohort study was to use a quasi-exhaustive national medico-administrative database of deliveries in France to determine the risk of developing pancreatic cancer (PC) in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This nationwide population-based study included women aged 14–55 who gave birth between 1st January 2008 and 31 December 2009. The women were followed-up epidemiologically for eight years. Survival analyses using Cox regression models, adjusted for age, subsequent type 2 diabetes, and tobacco consumption, were performed on the time to occurrence of hospitalization for PC. The onset of GDM, tobacco consumption and subsequent type 2 diabetes were considered as time-dependent variables. Among 1,352,560 women included, 95,314 had a history of GDM (7.05%) and 126 women were hospitalized for PC (0.01%). Over the eight years of follow-up, GDM was significantly associated with a higher risk of hospitalization with PC in the first Cox regression model adjusted for age and subsequent type 2 diabetes (HR = 1.81 95% CI [1.06–3.10]). The second Cox regression model adjusted for the same covariates, plus tobacco consumption, showed that GDM was still significantly associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for PC with nearly the same estimated risk (HR = 1.77 95% CI [1.03–3.03]). Gestational diabetes was significantly associated with a greater risk of hospital admission for pancreatic cancer within eight years, regardless of subsequent type 2 diabetes.
Catalytic Activity of Beta-Cyclodextrin-Gold Nanoparticles Network in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Quach Qui , Biehler Erik , Elzamzami Ahmed , Huff Clay , Long Julia M. , Abdel-Fattah Tarek M.
Published: January 2021

The current climate crisis warrants investigation into alternative fuel sources. The hydrolysis reaction of an aqueous hydride precursor, and the subsequent production of hydrogen gas, prove to be a viable option. A network of beta-cyclodextrin capped gold nanoparticles (BCD-AuNP) was synthesized and subsequently characterized by Powder X-Ray Diffraction (P-XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-VIS) to confirm the presence of gold nanoparticles as well as their size of approximately 8 nm. The catalytic activity of the nanoparticles was tested in the hydrolysis reaction of sodium borohydride. The gold catalyst performed best at 303 K producing 1.377 mL min−1 mLcat−1 of hydrogen. The activation energy of the catalyst was calculated to be 54.7 kJ/mol. The catalyst resisted degradation in reusability trials, continuing to produce hydrogen gas in up to five trials.
Development of V-Based Oxygen Carriers for Chemical Looping Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane
Authors: Wu Tianwei , Yu Qingbo , Wang Kun , van Sint Annaland Martin
Published: January 2021

Two different preparation methods, viz. incipient impregnation and mechanical mixing, have been used to prepare V-based oxygen carriers with different V loadings for chemical looping oxidative dehydrogenation of propane. The effect of the preparation method, V loading, and reaction temperature on the performance of these oxygen carriers have been measured and discussed. It was found that the VOx species can be well distributed on the support when the V loading is low (5 wt.% and 10 wt.%), but they may become aggregated at higher loadings. For oxygen carriers with a higher V loading, the oxygen transport capacity of the oxygen carrier, propane conversion and COx selectivities increase, while the propylene selectivity decreases. With a V-loading of 10 wt.%, the maximum propylene yield was achieved. The VOx species were better distributed over the support when applying the impregnation method; however, at higher V loadings the V-based oxygen carriers prepared by mechanical mixing showed a larger oxygen transport capacity. The oxygen carriers prepared by impregnation showed a better performance for the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODHP) and re-oxidation reactions compared to oxygen carriers prepared by mechanical mixing. Higher reaction temperatures are favorable for the re-oxidation reaction, but unfavorable for the propylene production.
Selective Modification of Aliphatic Hydroxy Groups in Lignin Using Ionic Liquid
Authors: Suzuki Shiori , Kurachi Shimon , Wada Naoki , Takahashi Kenji
Published: January 2021

A facile, sustainable method for the selective modification of aliphatic hydroxy (R–OH) groups in Kraft lignin was developed using an ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimOAc), as a solvent and catalyst. Selective R–OH modification was achieved by a one-pot, two-step homogeneous reaction: (i) acetylation of R–OH and aromatic OH (Ar–OH) groups with isopropenyl acetate (IPAc) as an acyl donor and (ii) subsequent selective deacetylation of the generated aromatic acetyl (Ar–OAc) groups. In step (i), IPAc reacts rapidly with Ar–OH but slowly with R–OH. The generated Ar–OAc is gradually deacetylated by heating in EmimOAc, whereas the aliphatic acetyl (R–OAc) groups are chemically stable. In step (ii), all R–OH is acetylated by IPAc and Ar–OAc which is a better acyl donor than IPAc, contributing to the rapid acetylation of the remaining R–OH, and selective deacetylation of the residual Ar–OAc is completed by adding a tiny amount of water as a proton source. This two-step reaction resulted in selective R–OH modification (>99%) in Kraft lignin with the remaining being almost all Ar–OH groups (93%). Selectively modified Kraft lignin was obtained with an acceptably high isolated yield (85%) and repeatability (N = 3). Furthermore, despite the lower substitution degree, it exhibited solubility in common solvents, heat-meltability, and thermal stability comparable to completely acetylated Kraft lignin.
The Cycling of Intracellular Calcium Released in Response to Fluid Shear Stress Is Critical for Migration-Associated Actin Reorganization in Eosinophils
Authors: Son Kiho , Hussain Amer , Sehmi Roma , Janssen Luke
Published: January 2021

The magnitude of eosinophil mobilization into respiratory tissues drives the severity of inflammation in several airway diseases. In classical models of leukocyte extravasation, surface integrins undergo conformational switches to high-affinity states via chemokine binding activation. Recently, we learned that eosinophil integrins possess mechanosensitive properties that detect fluid shear stress, which alone was sufficient to induce activation. This mechanical stimulus triggered intracellular calcium release and hallmark migration-associated cytoskeletal reorganization including flattening for increased cell–substratum contact area and pseudopodia formation. The present study utilized confocal fluorescence microscopy to investigate the effects of pharmacological inhibitors to calcium signaling and actin polymerization pathways on shear stress-induced migration in vitro. Morphological changes (cell elongation, membrane protrusions) succeeded the calcium flux in untreated eosinophils within 2 min, suggesting that calcium signaling was upstream of actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. The inhibition of ryanodine receptors and endomembrane Ca2+-ATPases corroborated this idea, indicated by a significant increase in time between the calcium spike and actin polymerization. The impact of the temporal link is evident as the capacity of treated eosinophils to move across fibronectin-coated surfaces was significantly hampered relative to untreated eosinophils. Furthermore, we determined that the nature of cellular motility in response to fluid shear stress was nondirectional.
Unravelling Heterogeneity of Amplified Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells Sub-Populations
Authors: Casciaro Francesca , Zia Silvia , Forcato Mattia , Zavatti Manuela , Beretti Francesca , Bertucci Emma , Zattoni Andrea , Reschiglian Pierluigi , Alviano Francesco , Bonsi Laura , Follo Matilde Yung , Demaria Marco , Roda Barbara , Maraldi Tullia
Published: January 2021

Human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs) are broadly multipotent immature progenitor cells with high self-renewal and no tumorigenic properties. These cells, even amplified, present very variable morphology, density, intracellular composition and stemness potential, and this heterogeneity can hinder their characterization and potential use in regenerative medicine. Celector® (Stem Sel ltd.) is a new technology that exploits the Non-Equilibrium Earth Gravity Assisted Field Flow Fractionation principles to characterize and label-free sort stem cells based on their solely physical characteristics without any manipulation. Viable cells are collected and used for further studies or direct applications. In order to understand the intrapopulation heterogeneity, various fractions of hAFSCs were isolated using the Celector® profile and live imaging feature. The gene expression profile of each fraction was analysed using whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNAseq). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis identified significant differential expression in pathways related to Stemness, DNA repair, E2F targets, G2M checkpoint, hypoxia, EM transition, mTORC1 signalling, Unfold Protein Response and p53 signalling. These differences were validated by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and differentiation assays. Interestingly, the different fractions showed distinct and unique stemness properties. These results suggest the existence of deep intra-population differences that can influence the stemness profile of hAFSCs. This study represents a proof-of-concept of the importance of selecting certain cellular fractions with the highest potential to use in regenerative medicine.
CD112 Regulates Angiogenesis and T Cell Entry into the Spleen
Authors: Russo Erica , Runge Peter , Haghayegh Jahromi Neda , Naboth Heidi , Landtwing Angela , Montecchi Riccardo , Leicht Noémie , Hunter Morgan Campbell , Takai Yoshimi , Halin Cornelia
Published: January 2021

Junctional adhesion proteins play important roles in controlling angiogenesis, vascular permeability and leukocyte trafficking. CD112 (nectin-2) belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and was shown to engage in homophilic and heterophilic interactions with a variety of binding partners expressed on endothelial cells and on leukocytes. Recent in vitro studies suggested that CD112 regulates human endothelial cell migration and proliferation as well as transendothelial migration of leukocytes. However, so far, the role of CD112 in endothelial cell biology and in leukocyte trafficking has not been elucidated in vivo. We found CD112 to be expressed by lymphatic and blood endothelial cells in different murine tissues. In CD112-deficient mice, the blood vessel coverage in the retina and spleen was significantly enhanced. In functional in vitro studies, a blockade of CD112 modulated endothelial cell migration and significantly enhanced endothelial tube formation. An antibody-based blockade of CD112 also significantly reduced T cell transmigration across endothelial monolayers in vitro. Moreover, T cell homing to the spleen was significantly reduced in CD112-deficient mice. Overall, our results identify CD112 as a regulator of angiogenic processes in vivo and demonstrate a novel role for CD112 in T cell entry into the spleen.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus Clinical Trials: Lessons Learned and Future Directions
Authors: Smith Aisling , EL-Khuffash Afif
Published: January 2021

The identification of an optimal management strategy for the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the context of extreme prematurity remains elusive. Observational studies have reported a persistent association between PDA and neonatal adverse outcomes, but by and large, no clinical trial, to date, has demonstrated that treating a PDA results in a reduction of those morbidities. This discrepancy has led many to assume that the PDA is an innocent bystander in the physiological mechanisms responsible for such complications and a reluctance to actively pursue shunt elimination. It would be remiss to discount the volume of evidence available clearly documenting a strong association between longstanding PDA exposure and negative outcomes. There needs to be a radical change in the design, patient selection and possible outcome assessment in any further trials addressing the PDA. The purpose of this review is to explore the reasons that preclude existing clinical trials from definitively ascribing a causal relationship between PDA patency and adverse outcomes in the context of extreme prematurity, why previous studies have failed to demonstrate significant beneficial effects following PDA treatment and how future research may be conducted to allow us to draw concrete conclusions regarding the potential merits of ductal closure.
Effect of Linear and Nonlinear Pedagogy Physical Education Interventions on Children’s Physical Activity: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (SAMPLE-PE)
Authors: Crotti Matteo , Rudd James R. , Roberts Simon , Boddy Lynne M. , Fitton Davies Katie , O’Callaghan Laura , Utesch Till , Foweather Lawrence
Published: January 2021

Background: School-based interventions are a key opportunity to improve children’s physical activity (PA); however, there is lack of evidence about how pedagogical approaches to motor learning in physical education (PE) might affect PA in children. Therefore, this study aimed to assess how different pedagogical approaches in PE might affect children’s PA. Methods: Participants (n = 360, 5–6 years) from 12 primary schools within the SAMPLE-PE randomized controlled trial were randomly allocated to either Linear Pedagogy (LP: n = 3) or Nonlinear Pedagogy (NP: n = 3) interventions, where schools received a 15-week PE intervention delivered by trained coaches, or to a control group (n = 6), where schools followed usual practice. ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers were used to assess PA metrics (moderate-to-vigorous PA, mean raw acceleration and lowest acceleration over the most active hour and half hour) over whole and segmented weeks at baseline, immediately post-intervention and 6 months follow-up. Intention to treat analysis employing multilevel modelling was used to assess intervention effects. Results: LP and NP interventions did not significantly affect children’s PA levels compared to the control group. Conclusion: PE interventions based on LP and NP alone might not be effective in improving habitual PA in children.
Indium Tin Oxide Thin Film Deposition by Magnetron Sputtering at Room Temperature for the Manufacturing of Efficient Transparent Heaters
Authors: Txintxurreta Jago , G-Berasategui Eva , Ortiz Rocío , Hernández Oihane , Mendizábal Lucía , Barriga Javier
Published: January 2021

Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films are widely used as transparent electrodes in electronic devices. Many of those electronic devices are heat sensitive, thus their manufacturing process steps should not exceed 100 °C. Manufacturing competitive high-quality ITO films at low temperature at industrial scale is still a challenge. Magnetron sputtering technology is the most suitable technology fulfilling those requirements. However, ITO layer properties and the reproducibility of the process are extremely sensitive to process parameters. Here, morphological, structural, electrical, and optical characterization of the ITO layers deposited at low temperature has been successfully correlated to magnetron sputtering process parameters. It has been demonstrated that the oxygen flow controls and influences layer properties. For oxygen flow between 3–4 sccm, high quality crystalline layers were obtained with excellent optoelectronic properties (resistivity <8 × 10−4 Ω·cm and visible transmittance >80%). The optimized conditions were applied to successfully manufacture transparent ITO heaters on large area glass and polymeric components. When a low supply voltage (8 V) was applied to transparent heaters (THs), de-icing of the surface was produced in less than 2 min, showing uniform thermal distribution. In addition, both THs (glass and polycarbonate) showed a great stability when exposed to saline solution.
Mechanical Characteristics and Adhesion of Glass-Kevlar Hybrid Composites by Applying Different Ratios of Epoxy in Lamination
Authors: Hussian Siyal Sajid , Ali Jogi Subhan , Muhammadi Salman , Ahmed Laghari Zubair , Ali Khichi Sadam , Naseem Khalida , Saad Algarni Tahani , Alothman Asma , Hussain Shahid , Javed Muhammad
Published: January 2021

Hybrid composites have great potential for specific strength and specific stiffness, effective in aerospace industries, submarines, and light-weight automotives. The mechanical strength and adhesiveness of hybrid laminates can be enhanced by effective use of matrix materials in different ratios of epoxy resin and epoxy hardener. Gentle use of resin and hardener in the fabrication of hybrid composites can alter tensile modulus, the bonding strength between matrix and fabric. Spectacular progress has been achieved by the selection of appropriate amounts of resin and hardener in the hybridization of composite laminate. Hybridization was made by Kevlar inorganic/organic fabrics and glass fabrics stacked with epoxy matrix material. To achieve the combination of mechanical properties and bonding strength, transparent epoxy resin and hardener of commercial grades mixed in various ratios are incorporated as matrix material to fabricate laminate. Three different sheets, named A (3:2), B (4:1), and C (2:3), were embedded by the hand layup method to prepare a hybrid composite. Experimental tests, according to ASTM 3039, were performed to determine the tensile mechanical properties. Peel tests, according to ASTM 6862-11, were performed to investigate the interlaminar strength between Kevlar and glass layers. Shore A and Shore C hardness durometers were used to find out the hardness of the specimens at different spots using the ASTM D-2240 standard. Finally, physical testing, such as density and then water absorption, was carried out using the ASTM D-570 standard to check the swelling ratio of the different specimens. The results obtained highlight that the specimen of the glass/Kevlar hybrid embedded in the ratio 3:2 in lamination has the best mechanical properties (tensile strength and hardness) and the lowest swelling ratio, while the material system in the ratio 4:1 shows the best interlaminar properties and adhesion capabilities.
Adsorption Properties of Soft Hydrophobically Functionalized PSS/MA Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Jarek Ewelina , Krasińska-Krawet Zofia , Kruk Tomasz , Lamch Łukasz , Ronka Sylwia , Wilk Kazimiera A. , Warszyński Piotr
Published: January 2021

We investigated the adsorption properties of the newly synthesized, hydrophobically functionalized polyelectrolyte (HF-PE), poly(4-styrenesulfonic-co-maleic acid) copolymer (PSS/MA). The hydrophobic alkyl side chains (C12 or C16) were incorporated into the polyelectrolyte backbone via the labile amid linker to obtain the soft HF-PE product with the assumed amount of 15% and 40% degree of grafting for every length of the alkyl chain, i.e., PSS/MA-g-C12NH2 (15% or 40%) as well as PSS/MA-g-C16NH2 (15% or 40%). In the present contribution, we determined both the effect of grafting density and the length of alkyl chain on adsorption at water/air and water/decane interfaces, as well as on top of the polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) deposited on a solid surface. The dependence of the interfacial tension on copolymer concentration was investigated by the pendant drop method, while the adsorption at solid surface coated by poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)/poly(styrene sulphonate) PEM by the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and contact angle analysis. We found that surface activity of the hydrophobized copolymer was practically independent of the grafting ratio for C16 side chains, whereas, for C12, the copolymer with a lower grafting ratio seemed to be more surface active. The results of QCM-D and FTIR-ATR experiments confirmed the adsorption of hydrophobized copolymer at PEM along with the modification of water structure at the interface. Finally, it can be concluded that the hydrophobically modified PSS/MA can be successfully applied either as the efficacious emulsifier for the formation of (nano)emulsions for further active substances encapsulation using the sequential adsorption method or as one of the convenient building blocks for the surface modification materials.
Spirulina for Skin Care: A Bright Blue Future
Authors: Ragusa Irene , Nardone Giulia Nerina , Zanatta Samuele , Bertin Walter , Amadio Emanuele
Published: January 2021

Spirulina stands out as a sustainable bioactive microalga with health-promoting properties, and an important active ingredient of natural cosmetics products. Currently, Spirulina has been incorporated in topical skin-care formulations, such as a moisturizing, antiwrinkles, antiaging and antiacne agent. Furthermore, this microalga is used by cosmetic formulators to promote healthy sunscreen protection, to treat skin pigmentation disorders and to heal wounds. Most of commercial cosmetics claim a large range of Spirulina properties, including antioxidant, revitalizing, remineralizing, moisturizing, protecting alongside cleansing and shining action, both for hair and for skin. In this review, recent cosmetic applications of Spirulina are revised, by highlighting its ability in improving skin appearance and health. Additionally, the analysis of the Spirulina cosmetic benchmark is discussed. Looking at the current emergence of the beauty industry, many Spirulina extracts and dry powder/flakes, both the starting ingredient and final Spirulina-based cosmetic products, are available on the market. In this industrial field, Spirulina—mainly Spirulina platensis and Spirulina maxima—is used either as a powder, like in the case of cheaper products, or as a phycocyanin-rich blue extract, particularly in the luxury market. It is likely that, in the coming years, diversity, quality and topical applications of Spirulina will rapidly increase.
Textures of Nematic Liquid Crystal Cylindric-Section Droplets Confined by Chemically Patterned Surfaces
Authors: Bao Peng , Paterson Daniel , Peyman Sally , Jones J. , Sandoe Jonathan , Bushby Richard , Evans Stephen , Gleeson Helen
Published: January 2021

The director fields adopted by nematic liquid crystals (LCs) that are confined by the surface to form long, thin droplets are investigated using polarising optical microscopy. Samples are produced by de-wetting of the LC on a surface patterned with alternating high-surface energy and low-surface energy stripes of 10–30 μm width. The droplets obtained are expected to adopt a profile which is that of a longitudinal section of a cylinder and, as this suggests, the director fields observed are variants in the case where the LC is constrained in a cylindrical capillary or fibre. Hence, when there is normal anchoring at the air interface, the textures observed are related to the well-known escaped radial texture (for the nematic LC mixture E7) or plane polar texture (for the LC mixture MLC6609). More surprising is the observation that the nematic LC mixture MLC7023, which is anchored in a planar or tilted manner at the air interface, also gives what appears to be an escaped radial director field. As an exploration of the possibility of using these systems in creating sensors, the effects of adding a chiral dopant and of adding water to the substrates are also investigated.
Device and Circuit Exploration of Multi-Nanosheet Transistor for Sub-3 nm Technology Node
Authors: Seon Yoongeun , Chang Jeesoo , Yoo Changhyun , Jeon Jongwook
Published: January 2021

A multi-nanosheet field-effect transistor (mNS-FET) device was developed to maximize gate controllability while making the channel in the form of a sheet. The mNS-FET has superior gate controllability for the stacked channels; consequently, it can significantly reduce the short-channel effect (SCE); however, punch-through inevitably occurs in the bottom channel portion that is not surrounded by gates, resulting in a large leakage current. Moreover, as the size of the semiconductor device decreases to several nanometers, the influence of the parasitic resistance and parasitic capacitance increases. Therefore, it is essential to apply design–technology co-optimization, which analyzes not only the characteristics from the perspective of the device but also the performance from the circuit perspective. In this study, we used Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) simulation to analyze the characteristics of the device and directly fabricated a model that describes the current–voltage and gate capacitance characteristics of the device by using Berkeley short-channel insulated-gate field-effect transistor–common multi-gate (BSIM–CMG) parameters. Through this model, we completed the Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) simulation for circuit analysis and analyzed it from the viewpoint of devices and circuits. When comparing the characteristics according to the presence or absence of bottom oxide by conducting the above research method, it was confirmed that subthreshold slope (SS) and drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) are improved, and power and performance in circuit characteristics are increased.
A Web-Based Tool for Simulating Molecular Dynamics in Cloud Environments
Authors: Nicolas-Barreales Gonzalo , Sujar Aaron , Sanchez Alberto
Published: January 2021

Molecular dynamics simulations take advantage of supercomputing environments, e.g., to solve molecular systems composed of millions of atoms. Supercomputers are increasing their computing and memory power while they are becoming more complex with the introduction of Multi-GPU environments. Despite these capabilities, the molecular dynamics simulation is not an easy process. It requires properly preparing the simulation data and configuring the entire operation, e.g., installing and managing specific software packages to take advantage of the potential of Multi-GPU supercomputers. We propose a web-based tool that facilitates the management of molecular dynamics workflows to be used in combination with a multi-GPU cloud environment. The tool allows users to perform data pipeline and run the simulation in a cloud environment, even for those who are not specialized in the development of molecular dynamics simulators or cloud management.
Deep RNN-Based Photovoltaic Power Short-Term Forecast Using Power IoT Sensors
Authors: Ahn Hyung Keun , Park Neungsoo
Published: January 2021

Photovoltaic (PV) power fluctuations caused by weather changes can lead to short-term mismatches in power demand and supply. Therefore, to operate the power grid efficiently and reliably, short-term PV power forecasts are required against these fluctuations. In this paper, we propose a deep RNN-based PV power short-term forecast. To reflect the impact of weather changes, the proposed model utilizes the on-site weather IoT dataset and power data, collected in real-time. We investigated various parameters of the proposed deep RNN-based forecast model and the combination of weather parameters to find an accurate prediction model. Experimental results showed that accuracies of 5 and 15 min ahead PV power generation forecast, using 3 RNN layers with 12 time-step, were 98.0% and 96.6% based on the normalized RMSE, respectively. Their R2-scores were 0.988 and 0.949. In experiments for 1 and 3 h ahead of PV power generation forecasts, their accuracies were 94.8% and 92.9%, respectively. Also, their R2-scores were 0.963 and 0.927. These experimental results showed that the proposed deep RNN-based short-term forecast algorithm achieved higher prediction accuracy.
Threat Degree Classification According to Habitat Quality: A Case Study from the Czech Republic
Authors: Lustyk Pavel , Vahalík Petr
Published: January 2021

Important sources of information in the field of nature protection are red lists, which define the degree of threat to individual species. In practice, an assessment of the quality of the habitats in which a species occurs is used to a very limited extent in the preparation of red lists of vascular plants. At the same time, this parameter is usually essential to determine their degree of threat. At present, habitat quality data are available for the territory of the Czech Republic; these were obtained during Natura 2000 habitat mapping in the years 2000–2019. In this paper we propose the use of habitat quality data to determine the degree of threat to selected species of vascular plants and to compile a national red list. Nine plant species from three habitat types were selected for this study: meadows and wetland habitats in the alluvium of large rivers (Cardamine matthioli Moretti, Gratiola officinalis L., Teucrium scordium L.), fen habitats (Carex appropinquata Schumach., C. cespitosa L., C. lepidocarpa Tausch) and ecotone shrub habitats (Rosa agrestis Savi, R. micrantha Borrer ex Sm., R. spinosissima L.). For these species, the quality of the habitats in which they occur was analysed and grid maps were created, which present (1) the level of knowledge of habitat quality and (2) the average habitat quality. The results were compared with the degree of threat in the current national red list. Habitat quality analysis should also be used in the future to detect threatened species, which today are outside the red list and this assessment may be useful in compiling another updated red list of vascular plants of the Czech Republic.
Changes in the Food-Related Behaviour of Italian Consumers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fanelli Rosa Maria
Published: January 2021

The principal aim of this study is to explore the effects of the first lockdown of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on changes in food consumption and food-related behaviour on a diverse sample of Italian consumers aged ≥18 years. To achieve this aim, the research path starts with an investigation of some of the first few studies conducted on Italian consumers. It then reports the findings of a pilot survey carried out on a small sample of Italian consumes who live in Molise. The studies chosen for investigation were published as articles or research reports. In total, six relevant studies were chosen, each involving a different sized sample of Italian consumers. The average number of respondents is 2142, with a standard deviation of 1260.56. A distinction is made between the results of the articles, the research reports, and the pilot survey. The latter was conducted to develop and validate the components of a new questionnaire and, furthermore, to assess changes in the eating habits of individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results suggest that the effects of the pandemic on consumer behaviour can, above all, be grouped into changes related to shopping for food, eating habits, and food-related behaviour. This article can serve as the basis for future research in this area as it identifies and highlights key changes, in addition to comparing the earliest evidence available, using a critical approach.
Parties’ Preferences for Office and Policy Goals
Authors: Bassi Anna
Published: January 2021

Although parties’ preferences for office and policy goals have been featured by many rational choice models of party behavior and a majority of coalition theories, the literature still lacks a measure and a comprehensive analysis of how parties’ preferences vary among parties and across countries. This study aims to fill this gap by presenting the results of an original expert survey protocol, which finds that parties pursue both goals simultaneously as office is sought both as and an end and as a means to affect policy, and that the degree to which they prefer policy versus office objectives varies across parties and countries. I provide an application of the preference ratings for policy versus office in the context of government formation, by using the ratings to solve for and predict the equilibrium coalition that should have formed in Spain after the 2015 elections. The government predicted by the model matches the government that formed, providing evidence of the ability of the preference ratings to generate reliable predictions of the composition of government coalitions.
Responses to Low- and High-Intensity Exercise in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes in Relation to Their Level of VO2 Max
Authors: Myśliwiec Artur , Skalska Maria , Michalak Arkadiusz , Chrzanowski Jędrzej , Szmigiero-Kawko Małgorzata , Lejk Agnieszka , Jastrzębska Joanna , Radzimiński Łukasz , López-Sánchez Guillermo F. , Gawrecki Andrzej , Jastrzębski Zbigniew
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) on the glycemic changes during low and high intensity exercises in young type 1 diabetic patients. Twenty boys (age: 14.3 ± 1.6 years; height: 171.0 ± 11.3 cm; weight; 59.5 ± 12.8 kg) were divided into low-fit group (LFG, n = 10) and high-fit group (HFG, n = 10). According to the experimental design, participants performed three physical efforts (VO2 max test, mixed aerobic–anaerobic effort and aerobic effort) on the cycloergometer, during which real-time glycemia was measured. Mixed aerobic–anaerobic exercise demanded significantly smaller carbohydrate supplementation (0.2 ± 0.2 g/kg during exercise) than the aerobic test session (0.4 ± 0.3 g/kg during exercise). Moreover, patients with higher VO2 max had lower tendency for glycemic changes during the aerobic effort. The results of the current study suggest that young type 1 diabetic patients should perform different intensity activities using continuous glycemic monitoring system to avoid acute and chronic complications of the disease.
The Impact on Nursing Students of Creating Audiovisual Material through Digital Storytelling as a Teaching Method
Authors: Rodríguez-Almagro Julián , Prado-Laguna María del Carmen , Hernández-Martínez Antonio , Monzón-Ferrer Adrián , Muñoz-Camargo Juan Carlos , Martín-Lopez Mairena
Published: January 2021

The creation of videos in teaching has a high educational potential and is a challenge that can motivate students. There is little evidence on the use of this method when applied to the creation of digital stories. Thus, the aim of this study was to measure student satisfaction with the creation of audiovisual material through digital storytelling, measure its usefulness, and evaluate its impact on their motivation to study the subject. As a secondary objective, we intended to determine the influence of this learning experience on raising awareness of society toward mental illnesses by measuring the impact by the number of views on social networks. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. The participants were 90 third-year nursing students enrolled in the subject “Psychiatric Nursing”. The students created eight themed videos (depression, suicide, anxiety, anorexia, mobile phone addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder, drug addiction, schizophrenia). The students were then asked to complete an ad hoc questionnaire on the matter. A total of 90% of the nursing students thought that creating the videos improved the acquisition of nursing knowledge, 91.2% replied that they would like to use the method in other subjects on the degree in nursing syllabus, and 67.8% thought that their clinical skills improved after using narrated digital stories to create videos. Students acknowledged that this training activity helped them feel better prepared and helped them better understand the subject. They believe that this teaching technique is more stimulating and more enjoyable than the conventional system, giving them more motivation to study the subject. Students acknowledge that the experience gained from this initiative has helped them feel better prepared and helped them better understand the subject, and they think that it will be a useful resource in the future as it has improved the process of the creation of audiovisual material through digital storytelling.
Association between Friends’ Use of Nicotine and Cannabis and Intake of both Substances among Adolescents
Authors: Herold Rachel , Boykan Rachel , Eliscu Allison , Alcalá Héctor E. , Goniewicz Maciej L.
Published: January 2021

Nicotine and cannabis use are common among adolescents and may be associated with behavioral problems, poor academic outcomes and use disorders. The goals of this analysis were the following: (1) Describe the influence of friends’ nicotine and cannabis smoking and vaping on self-reported use. (2) Describe the relationship between friends’ nicotine and cannabis use on participants’ urinary biomarkers of nicotine (cotinine) and cannabis (11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ⁹tetrahydrocannabinol=THC-COOH). This is a secondary analysis of survey and biomarker data collected in adolescents aged 12–21 between April 2017 and April 2018, in Long Island, New York. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted using SPSS 26. A cutoff value of ≥10 ng/mL was used to signify recent usage for urinary cotinine and THC-COOH levels. Over one-third of the 517 surveyed adolescents reported using tobacco and one-third reported using cannabis. A significant relationship between friends’ substance use and self-use was found. For both tobacco and cannabis, over 90% (p < 0.01) of participants with urinary biomarker levels above cutoff had friends who used the respective substance. Friends’ nicotine and friends’ cannabis use were each independently associated with urinary biomarker levels for those substances (for nicotine, beta = 88.29, p = 0.03; for cannabis, beta = 163.58, p = 0.03). Friends’ use of nicotine and cannabis is associated with adolescents’ intake, as well as the physiological exposure to those substances. These findings underscore the importance of including peer influence in the discussion with adolescents about tobacco and cannabis use.
Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence in Pregnancy: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Román-Gálvez Rosario M. , Martín-Peláez Sandra , Martínez-Galiano Juan Miguel , Khan Khalid Saeed , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora
Published: January 2021

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health concern, especially during pregnancy, and needs to be urgently addressed. In order to establish effective actions for the prevention of IPV during pregnancy, authorities must be aware of the real burden of IPV. This review aimed to summarize the existing evidence about IPV prevalence during pregnancy worldwide. Methods: A review of reviews was carried out. All published systematic reviews and meta-analyses published until October 2020 were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The main outcome was the IPV prevalence during pregnancy. Results: A total of 12 systematic reviews were included in the review, 5 of them including meta-analysis. The quality of the reviews was variable. Physical IPV during pregnancy showed a wide range (1.6–78%), as did psychological IPV (1.8–67.4%). Conclusions: Available data about IPV prevalence during pregnancy were of low quality and showed high figures for physical and psychological IPV. The existing evidence syntheses do not capture the totality of the worldwide disease burden of IPV in pregnancy.
The Road More Travelled: The Differential Effects of Spatial Experience in Young and Elderly Participants
Authors: Lopez Antonella , Germani Alessandro , Tinella Luigi , Caffò Alessandro Oronzo , Postma Albert , Bosco Andrea
Published: January 2021

Our spatial mental representations allow us to give refined descriptions of the environment in terms of the relative locations and distances between objects and landmarks. In this study, we investigated the effects of familiarity with the everyday environment, in terms of frequency of exploration and mode of transportation, on categorical and coordinate spatial relations, on young and elderly participants, controlling for socio-demographic factors. Participants were tested with a general anamnesis, a neuropsychological assessment, measures of explorations and the Landmark Positioning on a Map task. The results showed: (a) a modest difference in performance with categorical spatial relations; (b) a larger difference in coordinate spatial relations; (c) a significant moderating effect of age on the relationship between familiarity and spatial relations, with a stronger relation among the elderly than the young. Ceteris paribus, the role of direct experience with exploring their hometown on spatial mental representations appeared to be more important in the elderly than in the young. This advantage appears to make the elderly wiser and likely protects them from the detrimental effects of aging on spatial mental representations.
Analysis of Gait for Disease Stage in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Vila Mᵃ Helena , Pérez Rocío , Mollinedo Irimia , Cancela José Mᵃ
Published: January 2021

Understanding the motor patterns underlying the movement of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is fundamental to the effective targeting of non-pharmacological therapies. This study aimed to analyze the gait pattern in relation to the evolutionary stages I–II and III–IV according to the Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scale in individuals affected by PD. The study was conducted with the participation of 37 PD patients with a mean age of 70.09 ± 9.53 years, and of whom 48.64% were women. The inclusion criteria were (1) to be diagnosed with PD; (2) to be in an evolutionary stage of the disease between I and IV: and (3) to be able to walk independently and without any assistance. Kinematic and spatial-temporal parameters of the gait were analyzed. The results showed differences in speed of movement, cadence, stride length, support duration, swing duration, step width, walking cycle duration, and double support time between the stages analyzed. These results confirmed the differences in PD gait pattern between stages I–II and III–IV. Different behaviors of the same variable were recorded depending on whether the right or left side was affected by PD.
Telework and Social Services in Spain during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Morilla-Luchena Aleix , Muñoz-Moreno Rocío , Chaves-Montero Alfonso , Vázquez-Aguado Octavio
Published: January 2021

This paper analyses teleworking in social services during the state of alarm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. It has a double objective: To analyse the profile of the professional who teleworked in social services and, on the other hand, to analyse the perception of teleworkers of working conditions during this period, as well as the degree to which they have been affected by them depending on whether they work face-to-face or telematically. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to Spanish social service professionals working, obtaining a sample of 560 professionals in the sector. The profile obtained in relation to teleworking may be especially useful when considering the progressive incorporation of more non-presential activity in social services, and the results show that, although teleworking has been perceived as an efficient way of overcoming the limitations to face-to-face work arising from the pandemic, both the positive and negative consequences of the implementation of this modality of work should be carefully assessed.
Analysis of Volatility Volume and Open Interest for Nifty Index Futures Using GARCH Analysis and VAR Model
Authors: Dungore Parizad Phiroze , Patel Sarosh Hosi
Published: January 2021

The generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic model (GARCH) is used to estimate volatility for Nifty Index futures on day trades. The purpose is to find out if a contemporaneous or causal relation exists between volatility volume and open interest for Nifty Index futures traded on the National Stock Exchange of India, and the extent and direction of these relationships. A complete absence of bidirectional causality in any particular instance depicts noise trading and empirical analysis according to this study establishes that volume has a stronger impact on volatility compared to open interest. Furthermore, the impulse originating from volatility of volume and open interest is low.