bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An update on human astrocytes and their role in development and disease
Authors: de Majo Martina , Koontz Mark , Rowitch David , Ullian Erik M.
Published: January 2020

Human astrocytes provide trophic as well as structural support to the surrounding brain cells. Furthermore, they have been implicated in many physiological processes important for central nervous system function. Traditionally astrocytes have been considered to be a homogeneous class of cells, however, it has increasingly become more evident that astrocytes can have very different characteristics in different regions of the brain, or even within the same region. In this review we will discuss the features of human astrocytes, their heterogeneity, and their generation during neurodevelopment and the extraordinary progress that has been made to model these fascinating cells in vitro, mainly from induced pluripotent stem cells. Astrocytes' role in disease will also be discussed with a particular focus on their role in neurodegenerative disorders. As outlined here, astrocytes are important for the homeostasis of the central nervous system and understanding their regional specificity is a priority to elucidate the complexity of the human brain.
Human iPSC‐derived microglia: A growing toolset to study the brain's innate immune cells
Authors: Hasselmann Jonathan , Blurton‐Jones Mathew
Published: January 2020

Recent advances in the generation of microglia from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have provided exciting new approaches to examine and decipher the biology of microglia. As these techniques continue to evolve to encompass more complex in situ and in vivo paradigms, so too have they begun to yield novel scientific insight into the genetics and function of human microglia. As such, researchers now have access to a toolset comprised of three unique “flavors” of iPSC‐derived microglia: in vitro microglia (iMGs), organoid microglia (oMGs), and xenotransplanted microglia (xMGs). The goal of this review is to discuss the variety of research applications that each of these techniques enables and to highlight recent discoveries that these methods have begun to uncover. By presenting the research paradigms in which each model has been successful, as well as the key benefits and limitations of each approach, it is our hope that this review will help interested researchers to incorporate these techniques into their studies, collectively advancing our understanding of human microglia biology.
Variations in glacier volume and snow cover and their impact on lake storage in the Paiku Co Basin, in the Central Himalayas
Authors: Zhang Xingxing , Wang Rui , Yao Zhijun , Liu Zhaofei
Published: January 2020

Glaciers and snow cover are important constituents of the surface of the Tibetan Plateau. The responses of these phenomena to global environmental changes are sensitive, rapid and intensive due to the high altitudes and arid cold climate of the Tibetan Plateau. Based on multisource remote sensing data, including Landsat images, MOD10A2 snow product, ICESat, Cryosat‐2 altimetry data and long‐term ground climate observations, we analysed the dynamic changes of glaciers, snow melting and lake in the Paiku Co basin using extraction methods for glaciers and lake, the degree‐day model and the ice and lake volume method. The interaction among the climate, ice‐snow and the hydrological elements in Paiku Co is revealed. From 2000 to 2018, the basin tended to be drier, and rainfall decreased at a rate of −3.07 mm/a. The seasonal temperature difference in the basin increased, the maximum temperature increased at a rate of 0.02°C/a and the minimum temperature decreased at a rate of −0.06°C/a, which accelerated the melting from glaciers and snow at rates of 0.55 × 107 m3/a and 0.29 × 107 m3/a, respectively. The rate of contribution to the lake from rainfall, snow and glacier melted water was 55.6, 27.7 and 16.7%, respectively. In the past 18 years, the warmer and drier climate has caused the lake to shrink. The water level of the lake continued to decline at a rate of −0.02 m/a, and the lake water volume decreased by 4.85 × 108 m3 at a rate of −0.27 × 108 m3/a from 2000 to 2018. This evaluation is important for understanding how the snow and ice melting in the central Himalayas affect the regional water cycle.
Threshold effects in the relationship between financial development and income inequality
Authors: Chakroun Mohamed
Published: January 2020

This paper investigates the existence of nonlinearities in the relationship between financial development and income inequality, using the instrumental variable threshold regression introduced by Caner and Hansen in2004. It is shown, on the basis of cross‐sectional data of 60 developed and developing countries, that there is a significant financial development threshold effect in the finance–inequality nexus. Particularly, our findings are consistent with the Greenwood and Jovanovic hypothesis of an inverted U‐shaped relationship between banking sector development and inequality. However, there is no evidence for an inverted U‐shaped relationship between stock market development and inequality. Besides, our estimates lead to inconclusive results regarding the impact of stock market development on income distribution in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries. Our results show that under the lower regime, the weight of the market is very light and its contribution to income distribution does not matter, whereas under the higher regime, market expansion leads to more inequity.
A Model‐Based Approach to Design, Organize, and Monitor Dismantling and Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities
Authors: Lafon Maxence , Chapurlat Vincent , Milot Jean‐François , Moitrier Cyril
Published: January 2020

Dismantling and Decommissioning (D&D) of nuclear facilities involves complex operations, requiring various activities’ many stakeholders to collaborate, and must address numerous significant constraints. The CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission), is conducting research to better pilot these operations, reduce their costs and timeframes, and improve overall performance. However, many issues remain, leading to studying and implementing, in the form of a method with appropriate tools, systemic principles and complex project and systems engineering. This method first formalizes and specifies the entire requirement set to consider. Second, based on these requirements, the method will enable the project team to structure, check, and demonstrate the project's coherence and feasibility from both the technological and organizational viewpoints. Lastly, the method should permit a constant D&D strategy and product management re‐evaluation, depending on the possible D&D project evolution. Developing demonstration software aims to provide the functionalities requested for the design, and future enterprise software implementation and maintenance, which should provide a complete D&D project Digital Mock‐Up being interoperable and connected to the tools and databases of the stakeholders’ information systems.
On the Mastering of Modelling Activities Development in Engineering
Authors: Simo Freddy Kamdem , Ernadote Dominique , Lenne Dominique
Published: January 2020

This paper summarizes programmatic work challenges, propositions, and its components aiming to master modelling activities development in systems engineering.
The implication of the notch signaling pathway in biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic‐induced ectopic bone formation: A preliminary experiment
Authors: Guo Xiaoshuang , Jiang Haiyue , Zong Xianlei , Du Le , Zhao Jingyi , Zhang Dong , Song Guodong , Jin Xiaolei
Published: January 2020

Calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramic is a promising material in bone regeneration because it was proved biocompatible, osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and effective. Although it manifests favorable characteristics in critical‐sized bone defects repair, the mechanism of its osteoinduction is still unclear. In the present study, we studied the mechanism of ectopic bone formation, with interest in the Notch signaling pathway. BCP ceramics with or without Notch signaling inhibitor RO4929097 were cocultured with bone marrow‐derived stem cells in vitro. The expression of osteogenesis (OPN/Col/Runx2) and Notch signaling pathway‐related genes (Hes1/Jagged/Notch1) were increased in the BCP group compared with the control group without BCP but significantly decreased after adding RO4929097. Furthermore, a higher level of alkaline phosphatase activity was observed in the BCP group compared with RO4929097 and control group separately. For further confirmation, the intramuscularly ectopic implantation models of Beagle dogs were used. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed a similar trend with the in vitro experiment. Histological and histomorphometric analysis indicated that bone formation was delayed by RO4929097. These findings illustrated that the Notch signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in bone formation induced by BCP; Notch signaling pathway may positively influence ectopic bone formation by promoting BMSCs to differentiate toward osteoblasts.
Regenerative engineered vascularized bone mediated by calcium peroxide
Authors: Daneshmandi Leila , Laurencin Cato T.
Published: January 2020

One of the main challenges hindering the clinical translation of bone tissue engineering scaffolds is the lack of establishment of functional vasculature. Insufficient vascularization and poor oxygen supply limit cell survival within the constructs resulting in poor osseointegration with the host tissue and eventually leading to inadequate bone regeneration. Inspired by cues from developmental biology, we regenerative engineered a composite matrix by incorporating calcium peroxide (CaO2) into poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) microsphere‐based matrices and sought to assess whether the delivery of the byproducts of CaO2 decomposition, namely O2, Ca2+, and H2O2 could enhance the regeneration of vascularized bone tissue. The composite microspheres were successfully fabricated via the oil‐in‐water emulsion method. The presence and encapsulation of CaO2 was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X‐ray powder diffraction. The microspheres were further heat sintered into three‐dimensional porous scaffolds and characterized for their degradation and release of byproducts. The in vitro cytocompatibility of the matrices and their ability to support osteogenic differentiation was confirmed using human adipose‐derived stem cells. Lastly, an in vivo study was performed in a mouse critical‐sized calvarial defect model to evaluate the capacity of these matrices in supporting vascularized bone regeneration. Results demonstrated that the presence of CaO2 increased cellularization and biological activity throughout the matrices. There was greater migration of host cells to the interior of the matrices and greater survival and persistence of donor cells after 8 weeks, which in synergy with the composite matrices led to enhanced vascularized bone regeneration.
Vitamin D3 and calcium cosupplementation alleviates cadmium hepatotoxicity in the rat: Enhanced antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory actions by remodeling cellular calcium pathways
Authors: El‐Boshy Mohamed , Refaat Bassem , Almaimani Riyad A. , Abdelghany Abdelghany H. , Ahmad Jawwad , Idris Shakir , Almasmoum Hussain , Mahbub Amani A. , Ghaith Mazen M. , BaSalamah Mohammad A.
Published: January 2020

Although vitamin D (VD) and calcium (Ca) attenuate cadmium (Cd) metabolism, their combined antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory actions against Cd toxicity have not been previously explored. Hence, this study measured the protective effects of VD ± Ca supplements against Cd hepatotoxicity. Forty adult male rats were distributed to: negative controls (NCs), positive controls (PCs), VD, Ca, and VD3 and Ca (VDC) groups. All groups, except NC, received CdCl2 in drinking water (44 mg/L) for 4 weeks individually or concurrently with intramuscular VD3 (600 IU/kg; three times per week) and/or oral Ca (100 mg/kg; five times per week). The PC group showed abnormal hepatic biochemical parameters and increase in cellular cytochrome C, caspase‐9, and caspase‐3 alongside the apoptotic/necrotic cell numbers by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling technique. The PC hepatic tissue also had substantially elevated pro‐oxidants (malondialdehyde [MDA]/H2O2/protein carbonyls) and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1β [IL‐1β]/IL‐6/IL17A/tumor necrosis factor‐α), whereas the anti‐inflammatory (IL‐10/IL‐22) and antioxidants (glutathione [GSH]/GPx/catalase enzyme [CAT]) markers declined. Hypovitaminosis D, low hepatic tissue Ca, aberrant hepatic expression of VD‐metabolizing enzymes (Cyp2R1/Cyp27a1/cyp24a1), receptor and binding protein alongside Ca‐membrane (CaV1.1/CaV3.1), and store‐operated (RyR1/ITPR1) channels, and Ca‐binding proteins (CAM/CAMKIIA/S100A1/S100B) were observed in the PC group. Both monotherapies decreased serum, but not tissue Cd levels, restored the targeted hepatic VD/Ca molecules' expression. However, these effects were more prominent in the VD group than the Ca group. The VDC group, contrariwise, disclosed the greatest alleviations on serum and tissue Cd, inflammatory and oxidative markers, the VD/Ca molecules and tissue integrity. In conclusion, this report is the first to reveal boosted protection for cosupplementing VD and Ca against Cd hepatotoxicity that could be due to enhanced antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and modulation of the Ca pathways.
Effect of citronellol on NF‐kB inflammatory signaling molecules in chemical carcinogen‐induced mammary cancer in the rat model
Authors: Jayaganesh Rajendran , Pugalendhi Pachaiappan , Murali Raju
Published: January 2020

Inflammation plays a vital role in the process of carcinogenesis and anti‐inflammatory properties of phytochemicals are gaining more attention in the chemoprevention of cancer. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory potential of citronellol (CT) on 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)‐induced mammary carcinogenesis in rats. The inflammation‐associated gene and protein markers were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot techniques. Markers such as nuclear factor‐kB (NF‐kB), tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), cyclooxygenase‐2, macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase are upregulated in DMBA‐alone–treated mammary tumor tissues. The oral administration of CT (50 mg/kg BW) to DMBA‐treated rats significantly downregulated the expression NF‐kB and other inflammatory markers, and also increased the level of IL‐10 in mammary tissues. The results suggested that the anti‐inflammatory potential of CT prevented the incidence of chemical carcinogen‐induced mammary cancer in rats.
Monitoring of intracellular localization of Hepatitis B virus P22 protein using Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy and Airyscan
Authors: Deroubaix Aurélie , Moahla Bongani , Penny Clement
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to assess nucleo‐cytoplasmic protein localization to better understand the exact intracellular localization of viral proteins involved with infections. Having determined the general protein localization of hepatitis B virus P22 precore protein, the aim was to more specifically resolve its intracellular organization. This was done using both laser scanning microscopy and Airyscan techniques. Using a 63× objective, the resolution obtained with Airyscan was increased by 1.5‐fold as compared to confocal microscopy (p value <.00001).
The local climate impact of an African city during clear‐sky conditions—Implications of the recent urbanization in Kampala (Uganda)
Authors: Brousse Oscar , Wouters Hendrik , Demuzere Matthias , Thiery Wim , Van de Walle Jonas , van Lipzig Nicole P. M.
Published: January 2020

This study aims at assessing and understanding the impact of recent urbanization on the (surface) urban heat island ((S)UHI) under clear‐sky conditions in a tropical African city using different sources of remotely sensed data sets together with an urban climate model (UCM). The observed SUHI during clear sky conditions is found to be about 4°C on average over the capital city of Kampala, Uganda. The UCM, consisting of TERRA_URB embedded in COSMO‐CLM, represents the SUHI well during night but overestimates it by about 3°C in the mean during day. Moreover, a systematic warm land surface temperature bias of about 4°C is identified by night. Improved urban input parameters—derived from Local Climate Zones following the World Urban Database and Access Portal Tool (WUDAPT) framework—lead to a more realistic representation of spatial land surface temperatures patterns. In addition, this parameterization of the UCM can properly represent atmospheric variables such as air temperature, specific and relative humidity, as observed by the automated weather stations. A model sensitivity study furthermore demonstrates that the stronger urban heat island induced by the recent urbanization of Kampala over the past 15 years strongly interacts with the lake–land breeze circulation. Stronger daytime convection over the hotter city leads to areas of convergence that amplify the afternoon lake breeze in the Southern parts of the metropolis. Overall, this study demonstrates that the city of Kampala has a tangible effect on the regional climate that needs to be considered when studying present and future climate impacts.
Development and application of multiscale models of acute viral infections in intervention research
Authors: Garira Winston , Mathebula Dephney
Published: January 2020

The objective of this study is to advance two frontiers in multiscale modelling of acute viral infections, which are (a) the mathematical technology or technical frontier, where we present a new method for development of multiscale models of acute viral infections using influenza A virus (IAV) as a paradigm in which a new set of metrics to measure both individual level and community level infectiousness are introduced, and (b) the scientific applications frontier, where we demonstrate the implementation of multiscale modelling in evaluating the comparative effectiveness of IAV health interventions from efficacy data. The multiscale model is developed by integrating the within‐host scale and the between‐host scale. Using the example of IAV as a paradigm, we demonstrate the utility and process by which multiscale modelling can be used to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of health interventions that operate at different scale domains. The multiscale modelling is general enough to be applicable to other acute viral infections.
Pointwise structure of a radiation hydrodynamic model in one‐dimension
Authors: Deng Shijin , Yang Xiongfeng
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we study the nonlinear stability and the pointwise structure around a constant equilibrium for a radiation hydrodynamic model in 1‐dimension, in which the behavior of the fluid is described by a full Euler equation with certain radiation effect. It is well‐known that the classical solutions of the Euler equation in 1‐D may blow up in finite time for general initial data. The global existence of the solution in this paper means that the radiation effect stabilizes the system and prevents the formation of singularity when the initial data is small. To study the precise effect of the radiation in this model, we also treat the pointwise estimates of the solution for the original nonlinear problem by combining the Green's function for the linearized radiation hydrodynamic equations with the Duhamel's principle. The result in this paper shows that the pointwise structure of this model is similar to that of full Navier‐Stokes equations in 1‐D.
On a two‐phase Stefan problem with convective boundary condition including a density jump at the free boundary
Authors: Briozzo Adriana C. , Natale María F.
Published: January 2020

We consider a two‐phase Stefan problem for a semi‐infinite body
with a convective boundary condition including a density jump at the free boundary with a time‐dependent heat transfer coefficient of the type
,
whose solution was given in D. A. Tarzia, PAMM. Proc. Appl. Math. Mech. 7, 1040307–1040308 (2007). We demonstrate that the solution to this problem converges to the solution to the analogous one with a temperature boundary condition when the heat transfer coefficient
. Moreover, we analyze the dependence of the free boundary respecting to the jump density.
An 11‐band multimode antenna for sub‐6 GHz applications in metal‐rimmed mobile terminals
Authors: An Zhirong , Wang Youcheng , He Mang
Published: January 2020

A multimode antenna for sub‐6 GHz applications in metal‐rimmed mobile terminals is presented. The proposed antenna is composed of a multibranch driven strip, a parasitic grounded strip, and an integrated metal rim that is connected to the ground through two shorting stubs. The proposed antenna occupies a 5‐mm clearance area, featuring simple design without lumped components. The working principle of the antenna is analyzed in detail in terms of its multiple resonant modes and current distributions. The resultant |S11| ≤ −6 dB impedance bandwidth of the antenna covers the LTE 700/2300/2500, UMTS, GSM 850/900, DCS, PCS, and recently proposed n77 to n79 5G NR frequency bands. The prototype of the antenna is fabricated and the design is well validated by experimental results.
Broadband mm‐wave propagation characterization of planar groove gap waveguide
Authors: Oyedokun Titus , Geschke Riana H. , Stander Tinus
Published: January 2020

We present, experimental broadband propagation characterization of a planar groove gap waveguide (PGGWG) from 29 to 40 GHz. The transmission line Q‐factor is found to vary from 110 to 130 over the band, which is shown by comparison of measurement data to be comparable to substrate integrated waveguide (SIW). PGGWG is found to have a phase constant of nearly double that of SIW using the same materials and manufacturing process. This is a significant result for system miniaturization.
Anti‐tumour immune response in GL261 glioblastoma generated by Temozolomide Immune‐Enhancing Metronomic Schedule monitored with MRSI‐based nosological images
Authors: Wu Shuang , Calero‐Pérez Pilar , Villamañan Lucia , Arias‐Ramos Nuria , Pumarola Martí , Ortega‐Martorell Sandra , Julià‐Sapé Margarida , Arús Carles , Candiota Ana Paula
Published: January 2020

Glioblastomas (GB) are brain tumours with poor prognosis even after aggressive therapy. Improvements in both therapeutic and follow‐up strategies are urgently needed. In previous work we described an oscillatory pattern of response to Temozolomide (TMZ) using a standard administration protocol, detected through MRSI‐based machine learning approaches. In the present work, we have introduced the Immune‐Enhancing Metronomic Schedule (IMS) with an every 6‐d TMZ administration at 60 mg/kg and investigated the consistence of such oscillatory behaviour. A total of n = 17 GL261 GB tumour‐bearing C57BL/6j mice were studied with MRI/MRSI every 2 d, and the oscillatory behaviour (6.2 ± 1.5 d period from the TMZ administration day) was confirmed during response. Furthermore, IMS‐TMZ produced significant improvement in mice survival (22.5 ± 3.0 d for controls vs 135.8 ± 78.2 for TMZ‐treated), outperforming standard TMZ treatment. Histopathological correlation was investigated in selected tumour samples (n = 6) analyzing control and responding fields. Significant differences were found for CD3+ cells (lymphocytes, 3.3 ± 2.5 vs 4.8 ± 2.9, respectively) and Iba‐1 immunostained area (microglia/macrophages, 16.8% ± 9.7% and 21.9% ± 11.4%, respectively). Unexpectedly, during IMS‐TMZ treatment, tumours from some mice (n = 6) fully regressed and remained undetectable without further treatment for 1 mo. These animals were considered “cured” and a GL261 re‐challenge experiment performed, with no tumour reappearance in five out of six cases. Heterogeneous therapy response outcomes were detected in tumour‐bearing mice, and a selected group was investigated (n = 3 non‐responders, n = 6 relapsing tumours, n = 3 controls). PD‐L1 content was found ca. 3‐fold increased in the relapsing group when comparing with control and non‐responding groups, suggesting that increased lymphocyte inhibition could be associated to IMS‐TMZ failure. Overall, data suggest that host immune response has a relevant role in therapy response/escape in GL261 tumours under IMS‐TMZ therapy. This is associated to changes in the metabolomics pattern, oscillating every 6 d, in agreement with immune cycle length, which is being sampled by MRSI‐derived nosological images.
An analysis of motivation strategies used within the small‐group Accelerating Mathematics Performance through Practice Strategies (AMPPS‐SG) program
Authors: Begeny John C. , Codding Robin S. , Wang Jiayi , Hida Rahma M. , Patterson Sierra L. , Kessler Sarah , Fields‐Turner Felicia , Ramos Kimberly A.
Published: January 2020

More than half of students in the USA perform below a proficient level in math. Although evidence suggests that intervention in elementary school is critical to supporting struggling learners, and there are several research‐supported instructional practices to support students with math difficulties, the existing research is limited with regard to the impact of motivational strategies designed to improve students’ math skills. This study examined the effectiveness of specific motivational strategies used in the small‐group Accelerating Mathematics Performance through Practice Strategies (AMPPS‐SG) intervention program. A multiple baseline design was used with three instructional groups of second grade students to compare the relative effectiveness of three different conditions on students’ math computation skills. Condition 1 included all of the AMPPS‐SG instructional components. Condition 2 included all instructional procedures as well as goal‐setting, performance feedback, and reinforcement for performance. Condition 3 included all components used in Condition 2, as well as a group‐based reward contingency. Results showed that students’ performance during Condition 3 was significantly better than performance during Conditions 1 and 2.
Registration of ‘KS Venada’ hard white winter wheat
Authors: Zhang Guorong , Martin Terry J. , Fritz Allan K. , Regan Rebecca , Bai Guihua , Chen Ming‐Shun , Bowden Robert L. , Jin Yue , Chen Xianming , Kolmer James A. , Seabourn Bradford W.
Published: January 2020

‘KS Venada’ (Reg. no. CV‐1159, PI 690467) hard white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed at the Agricultural Research Center–Hays, Kansas State University, and released by the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2018. KS Venada was selected from a single cross HV9W05‐415W/Fred‐2‐18‐2 made in 2007 at Hays, KS. The objective of this cross was to develop a hard white winter wheat cultivar with adaptation to dryland production in Kansas. KS Venada was developed using a modified bulk breeding method. KS Venada is an F5‐derived line with experimental number KS13HW92‐3, and it was tested in the Kansas Intra‐state Nursery for 4 yr. KS Venada is medium late and medium tall, with high grain volume weight. KS Venada was released because of its competitive grain yield in central and western Kansas, good end‐use quality and disease resistance, and improved preharvest sprouting tolerance and straw strength.
Profiling the Protein Targets of Unmodified Bio‐Active Molecules with Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability and Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hwang Hui‐Yun , Kim Tae Young , Szász Marcell A. , Dome Balazs , Malm Johan , Marko‐Varga Gyorgy , Kwon Ho Jeong
Published: January 2020

Identifying the target proteins of bioactive small molecules is a key step in understanding mode‐of‐action of the drug and addressing the underlying mechanisms responsible for a particular phenotype. Proteomics has been successfully used to elucidate the target protein profiles of unmodified and ligand‐modified bioactive small molecules. In the latter approach, compounds can be modified via click chemistry and combined with activity‐based protein profiling. Target proteins are then enriched by performing a pull‐down with the modified ligand. Methods that utilize unmodified bioactive small molecules include the cellular thermal shift assay, thermal proteome profiling, stability of proteins from rates of oxidation, and the drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) determination (or read‐out). This review highlights recent proteomic approaches utilizing data‐dependent analysis and data‐independent analysis to identify target proteins by DARTS. When combined with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, DARTS enables the identification of proteins that bind to drug molecules that leads to a conformational change in the target protein(s). In addition, an effective strategy is proposed for selecting the target protein(s) from within the pool of analyzed candidates. With additional complementary methods, the biologically relevant target proteins that bind to the small bio‐active molecules can be further validated.
Solution‐Processed, Insoluble Thin Films through In Situ Chemical Polymerization of Semiconducting Native Polythiophene
Authors: Lebert Jenny , Kratzer Eva M. , Herzig Eva M.
Published: January 2020

The use of multilayer, solution‐processed organic thin film devices can benefit strongly from the controlled deposition of insoluble thin films. Here, a solution‐based in situ polymerization technique for semiconducting polythiophene thin films based on nonchlorinated solvents forming a range of large‐scale structured or homogeneous, insoluble thin films is systematically developed. The high‐quality nature of the resulting polythiophene thin films is demonstrated by successfully implementing the films in the active layer of bilayer heterojunction solar cells. It is possible to transfer this protocol to large‐scale processing without additional changes to the material system.
Characterization of Au/As2Se3 Multifunctional Tunneling Devices
Authors: Qasrawi Atef Fayez
Published: January 2020

Herein, the physical design and characterization of the Au/As2Se3 Schottky barrier that is prepared under a vacuum pressure of 10−5 mbar are reported. The Schottky diodes are characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, current–voltage characteristics, and conductivity, capacitance, and impedance spectroscopy. It is observed that the Schottky barriers exhibit a biasing‐dependent large rectification ratio with current conduction mechanisms dominated by the electric field‐assisted quantum mechanical tunneling through a barrier height of 0.29 eV and depletion width of 13.3 nm. While the spectral analysis of the alternating current (AC) conductivity reveals mixed conduction with the contribution of both of the tunneling and correlated barriers hopping mechanisms, the capacitance spectra display resonance–antiresonance phenomena at 0.201 GHz. A wide range (0.21–1.80 GHz) of negative capacitance (NC) effects is observed in devices. In addition, the impedance spectroscopy analyses show that the Au/As2Se3 devices exhibit band‐stop features with a notch frequency of 1.14 GHz and return loss value of 16 dB. The NC effect, resonance–antiresonance, filtering features, as well as the high rectification ratio at a relatively low biasing voltage (≈0.30 V) nominate the Au/As2Se3 devices for applications which require noise reduction, parasitic effect cancellations, and microwave filtering.
A flexible procedure for mixture proportion estimation in positive‐unlabeled learning
Authors: Lin Zhenfeng , Long James P.
Published: January 2020

Positive‐unlabeled (PU) learning considers two samples, a positive set P with observations from only one class and an unlabeled set U with observations from two classes. The goal is to classify observations in U. Class mixture proportion estimation (MPE) in U is a key step in PU learning. Blanchard et al. showed that MPE in PU learning is a generalization of the problem of estimating the proportion of true null hypotheses in multiple testing problems. Motivated by this idea, we propose reducing the problem to one‐dimension via construction of a probabilistic classifier trained on the P and U data sets followed by application of a one‐dimensional mixture proportion method from the multiple testing literature to the observation class probabilities. The flexibility of this framework lies in the freedom to choose the classifier and the one‐dimensional MPE method. We prove consistency of two mixture proportion estimators using bounds from empirical process theory, develop tuning parameter free implementations, and demonstrate that they have competitive performance on simulated waveform data and a protein signaling problem.
Preservice secondary science teachers’ understanding of academic language: Moving beyond “just the vocabulary”
Authors: Meier Valerie , Aminger Walter , McLean Mandy , Carpenter Stacey L. , Moon Sungmin , Hough Sarah , Bianchini Julie A.
Published: January 2020

To prepare preservice secondary science teachers to teach English learners (ELs), teacher education programs must provide sustained coursework and experiences in principles and strategies found effective in supporting ELs’ learning of science. In the context of a teacher education program recognized for its attention to ELs, we investigated seven preservice secondary science teachers’ understanding of academic language and of how to support EL students’ use of academic language. More specifically, over the course of their 13‐month program, we examined changes in (a) preservice teachers’ understanding of the three levels of academic language (i.e., lexical, or vocabulary; syntactic, or sentence; and discursive, or message) and (b) the types of instructional support they reported using at each level (e.g., peer collaboration at the discursive level). We also compared their understanding of academic language and instructional support both to their experienced cooperating teachers’ understanding and to their actual classroom practice. From qualitative analysis of data collected, we found that preservice teachers understood academic language as more than just vocabulary—as spanning lexical, syntactic, and discursive levels—although they reported implementing more types of supports at the lexical and discursive levels than at the syntactic level. We also found that preservice teacher participants’ understanding of academic language and instructional support resonated with that of their cooperating teachers and with their own classroom practice. We close with discussion of ways teacher education programs can deepen and broaden preservice secondary science teachers’ understanding of the role of academic language in ELs’ science learning
Exploring the role of coherence in science teachers’ sensemaking of science‐specific formative assessment in professional development
Authors: Heredia Sara C.
Published: January 2020

This study explores the role of conceptual coherence in science teacher learning of science‐specific formative assessment. Conceptual coherence refers to the alignment of ideas about teaching and learning and may be difficult with certain teaching practices, like formative assessment, that have a central role in accountability mechanisms in schools. The case study analyzes how one department of science teachers surfaced and managed issues of coherence as they developed and implemented science‐specific formative assessments during a 3‐year, job‐embedded professional development program. The issues of coherence shifted over the course of the 3 years of professional development as organizational changes happened at the district and the school. These shifting sources of incoherence resulted in varied uptake and use of the resources provided through professional development. When the source of incoherence was with changes introduced by the district or the school administration, the teachers did not leverage the resources provided by the professional development team. However, when the teachers surfaced issues of coherence in their classroom instruction, the science teachers relied on the professional development resources in their sensemaking. The results of this study have implications for the design of science teacher professional learning to provide teachers opportunities to manage sources of incoherence as they work to implement new instructional practices in their classrooms.
Ultraviolet‐Durable Flexible Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells Realized by a Hybrid Nanostructured Transparent Electrode
Authors: Xu Tao , Gong Chunliu , Wang Shuanglong , Lian Hong , Lan Weixia , Lévêque Gaëtan , Grandidier Bruno , Plain Jerôme , Bachelot Renaud , Wei Bin , Zhu Furong
Published: January 2020

A significant enhancement in ultraviolet (UV)‐durable indium tin oxide (ITO)‐free flexible nonfullerene organic solar cells (OSCs) is demonstrated using a hybrid nanostructured flexible transparent electrode (FTE), comprising a mixture of 0D silver nanoparticles, 1D Ag nanowires, and 2D exfoliated graphene sheets. The FTE exhibits high optical transparency and electric conductivity, good air stability, and full solution fabrication capability at a low processing temperature. An average power convention efficiency of 8.15% is obtained for the flexible nonfullerene OSCs, based on the blend of poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene))‐alt‐(5,5‐(1′,3′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐5′,7′‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1′,2′‐c:4′,5′‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione)] (PBDB‐T): 3,9‐ bis(2‐methylene‐(3‐(1,1‐dicyanomethylene)‐indanone))‐5,5,11,11‐tetrakis(4‐hexylphenyl)‐dithieno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′] dithiophene (ITIC). The flexible PBDB‐T:ITIC OSCs exhibit an excellent UV durability compared with the ITO‐based control cell, realized by incorporating an FTE with a tailored absorption at wavelengths <380 nm. The novel FTE developed in this work provides a promising alternative to ITO for use in UV‐durable flexible OSCs, serving as a built‐in UV filter to impede an inevitable UV‐induced degradation in ITO‐based OSCs.
A novel sensorless current shaping control approach for SVPWM inverter with voltage disturbance rejection in a dc grid–based wind power generation system
Authors: Sahoo Buddhadeva , Routray Sangram Keshari , Rout Pravat Kumar
Published: January 2020

A novel sensorless current shaping (CS) control strategy is proposed to avail better power quality (PQ) of a dc grid–based wind power generation system (WPGS) used on a poultry farm by generating an appropriate reference current for space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) inverter. The proposed CS strategy also offers adequate control for parallel operation of multiple generators and inverter applications, without requiring voltage and frequency synchronization. Further, to control the poultry farm–based WPGS, a two‐stage control loop is implemented such as energy flow control loop (EFCL) and harmonic control loop (HCL). The first loop is used to regulate the power flow, and the second loop is used to compensate harmonics. A mathematical current decomposition technique is suggested for an appropriate resistance emulation to realize a better power flow, higher harmonic rejection, and better inverter operation. In this planned approach for attaining constant wind speed, an electric ventilation fan in the poultry farm is used. A combined hybrid dc and ac grid approaches are suggested for facilitating variable load integration in a poultry farm–based microgrid system. Moreover, for achieving better power management during the islanded mode of operation, the battery energy storage (BES) device is integrated with the dc grid through a bidirectional converter. The proposed WPGS design and control approach has been simulated through MATLAB/Simulink software under various test conditions, to demonstrate the operational capability, to achieve better PQ, and to increase the flexibility and reliability in the microgrid operation.
Composition of iron oxides in Archean and Paleoproterozoic mafic-ultramafic hosted Ni-Cu-PGE deposits in northern Fennoscandia: application to mineral exploration
Authors: Moilanen M. , Hanski E. , Konnunaho J. , Törmänen T. , Yang S.-H. , Lahaye Y. , O’Brien H. , Illikainen J.
Published: January 2020

Using electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), we analyzed major and trace element compositions of iron oxides from Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposits hosted by mafic-ultramafic rocks in northern Fennoscandia, mostly focusing on Finland. The main research targets were the Archean Ruossakero Ni-(Cu) deposit; Tulppio dunite and related Ni-PGE mineralization; Hietaharju, Vaara, and Tainiovaara Ni-(Cu-PGE) deposits; and Paleoproterozoic Lomalampi PGE-(Ni-Cu) deposit. In addition, some reference samples from the Pechenga (Russia), Jinchuan (China), and Kevitsa (Finland) Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposits, and a barren komatiite sequence in the Kovero area (Finland) were studied. Magnetite and Cr-magnetite show a wide range of trace element compositions as a result of the variation of silicate and sulfide melt compositions and their post-magmatic modification history. Most importantly, the Ni content in oxide shows a positive correlation with the Ni tenor of the sulfide phase in equilibrium with magnetite, regardless of whether the sulfide assemblage is magmatic or post-magmatic in origin. The massive sulfide samples contain an oxide phase varying in composition from Cr-magnetite to magnetite, indicating that Cr-magnetite can crystallize directly from sulfide liquid. The Mg concentration of magnetites in massive sulfide samples is lowest among the samples analyzed, and this can be regarded as a diagnostic feature of an oxide phase crystallized together with primitive Fe-rich MSS (monosulfide solid solution). Our results show that magnetite geochemistry, plotted in appropriate discrimination diagrams, together with petrographical observations could be used as an indicator of potential Ni-(Cu-PGE) mineralization.
Diagnosis and management of Sandifer syndrome in children with intractable neurological symptoms
Authors: Mindlina Irina
Published: January 2020

Sandifer syndrome is a rare complication of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when a patient presents with extraoesophageal symptoms, typically neurological. The aim of this study was to review the existing literature and describe a typical presentation and most appropriate investigations and management for the Sandifer syndrome. A comprehensive literature search was performed via PubMed, Cochrane Library and NHS Evidence databases. Twenty-seven cases and observational studies were identified. The literature demonstrates that presenting symptoms of Sandifer’s may include any combination of abnormal movements and/or positioning of head, neck, trunk and upper limbs, seizure-like episodes, ocular symptoms, irritability, developmental and growth delay and iron-deficiency anaemia. A 24-h oesophageal pH monitoring was positive in all the cases of Sandifer’s where it was performed, while upper GI endoscopy ± biopsy and barium swallow were diagnostic only in a subset of cases. Successful treatment of the underlying gastro-oesophageal pathology led to a complete or near-complete resolution of the neurological symptoms in all of the cases.

Conclusion: It is evident from the literature that many patients with Sandifer syndrome were originally misdiagnosed with various neuropsychiatric diagnoses that led to unnecessary testing and ineffective medications with significant side effects. Earlier diagnosis of Sandifer’s would have allowed to avoid them.What is Known:• Sandifer syndrome is a rare complication of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when a patient presents with extraoesophageal symptoms, typically neurological.• It may be difficult to recognise due to its non-specific presentation and lack of gastrointestinal symptoms.What is New:• Based on the review of 44 clinical cases of suspected Sandifer syndrome, the clinical picture was clarified: the presenting symptoms of Sandifer’s may include any combination of abnormal movements and/or positioning of head, neck, trunk and upper limbs, seizure-like episodes, ocular symptoms, irritability, developmental and growth delay and iron-deficiency anaemia.• Successful treatment of the underlying gastro-oesophageal pathology led to a complete or near-complete resolution of the neurological symptoms in all of the reviewed cases.
Gas trap stability in the Zechstein Limestone from the Rudna Copper Mine (SW Poland)
Authors: Poszytek Anna , Rybak-Ostrowska Barbara , Łukaszewski Paweł , Włodarczyk Marcin
Published: January 2020

A gas and crashed rock burst in 2009 in the Rudna Copper Mine was the motivation to re-investigate the dolomite succession of the first Permian cyclothem (Werra), which covers the ceiling section of the excavations. Gas traps were recognized by previous research; however, the stability of gas traps during mining operations has not been studied yet. Mitigation of future gas bursts requires a complex analysis of these gas traps, involving petrological, petrophysical and mechanical analysis of the reservoir dolomite facies. The results indicate the significant influence of dolomite texture, porosity and extent of late diagenetic dolomite cement on the reservoir and geomechanical properties, and the induced failure pattern of the dolomite facies. The mechanism of dolomite failure allowed for interpreting the degree of dolomite degassing during and after mining operations.
Autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children with cerebral palsy: results from screening in a population-based group
Authors: Påhlman Magnus , Gillberg Christopher , Wentz Elisabet , Himmelmann Kate
Published: January 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more common in children with cerebral palsy (CP) than in the general population, but may still be underdiagnosed. This study aimed to estimate screen-positive ASD and ADHD in a population-based group of 264 school-aged children with CP born 1999–2006 from the CP register of western Sweden. Validated parent-completed questionnaires were used at a median age of 12 years 11 months (range 8–17 years). Three different scales were used to detect signs of ASD and ADHD, respectively. Response rate was 88% (232/264). In 19 children, all in the most disabled group, the screening procedure was not feasible due to too few questionnaire items completed, leaving 213 for analyses. One third (74/213) of the children screened positive for ASD and half of the children (106/213) for ADHD, which was about twice as often as ASD/ADHD diagnoses had been clinically identified. Children with intellectual disability, epilepsy and/or impaired speech ability more often screened positive for ASD as well as ADHD. Severe motor impairment was more frequently associated with screen-positive ASD, but not ADHD. Neither sex nor CP type was associated with screen-positive ASD/ADHD. In conclusion, school-aged children with CP very often screened positive for ASD and/or ADHD. The prevalence of ASD and ADHD is most likely underestimated in children with CP. These screening findings require further investigations.