bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identidad, educación, género y nación. A Galiza imaxinada a través de la prensa gallega de la emigración (1915-1936)
Authors: Bolaño Amigo María Eugenia
Published: May 2020

This work examines the representations of the Galiza imaxinada – Galicia imagined - that, through texts and images related to education and childhood, are portrayed by the press produced by Galician emigrants. For this purpose, we analyze the content of a sample that includes all the numbers published between 1915 and 1936 of Céltiga (Buenos Aires, Argentina) and Eco de Galicia (La Habana, Cuba), magazines that specifically address the representations of identity that go beyond the notions of gender, social class and nation.
Education, school and cultural processes in contemporary Italy
Authors: Canales Serrano Antonio Francisco
Published: May 2020

Review of the book by Sani, Roberto.  Education, school and cultural processes in contemporary Italy. Macerata: Edizioni Università di Macerata, 2018
Beneficios de la aplicación del paradigma de líneas de productos software para generar dashboards en contextos educativos
Authors: Vázquez-Ingelmo Andrea , Therón Roberto
Published: May 2020

Los datos son cruciales para mejorar la toma de decisiones y obtener mayores beneficios en cualquier tipo de actividad. Sin embargo, la gran cantidad de información generada debido a las nuevas tecnologías ha convertido el análisis de los datos y la generación de conocimiento a partir de ellos en una tarea compleja. Numerosas herramientas han surgido para facilitar esta generación de conocimiento, como es el caso de los dashboards o paneles de información. Aunque los paneles de control sean herramientas muy potentes, su efectividad puede verse afectada por un mal diseño o por no tener en cuenta el contexto en el que se encuadran. Por ello, es necesario diseñar y crear paneles de control a medida en función de la audiencia y dominio de los datos. Crear paneles de control personalizados puede ser muy beneficioso, pero también un proceso costoso en lo que al tiempo y recursos se refiere. Este trabajo presenta una aplicación del paradigma de líneas de productos software para generar paneles de control adaptados a cualquier contexto de manera más sencilla, reutilizando tanto componentes software como conocimiento. Uno de los contextos que puede verse especialmente favorecido por este enfoque es el contexto educativo, donde la analítica del aprendizaje y el análisis de datos sobre el rendimiento de los estudiantes se está popularizando. Contar con paneles de control personalizables para cualquier rol (estudiante, profesor, administrador, etc.) puede mejorar los procesos de toma de decisiones, mostrando a cada usuario la información que más le interesa de la forma que mejor le permita comprenderla.
Achievements and challenges in learning analytics in Spain: The view of SNOLA
Authors: Martínez Monés Alejandra , Dimitriadis Damoulis Yannis , Acquila-Natale Emiliano , Álvarez Ainhoa , Caeiro Rodríguez Manuel , Cobos Pérez Ruth , Conde González Miguel Ángel , García Peñalvo Francisco José , Hernández Leo Davinia , Menchaca Sierra Iratxe , Muñoz-Merino Pedro José , Ros Salvador , Sancho Vinuesa Teresa
Published: May 2020

Tal y como ocurre en otros campos de investigación, el desarrollo de la analítica del aprendizaje está influido por las redes de investigadores que contribuyen al mismo. Este artículo describe una de estas redes: la Red Española de Analítica de Aprendizaje (SNOLA). El artículo presenta las líneas de investigación de los miembros de SNOLA, así como los principales retos que la analítica del aprendizaje tiene que afrontar en los próximos años desde la visión de estos investigadores. Este análisis está basado en datos de archivo de SNOLA y en una encuesta realizada a los actuales miembros de la red. Aunque esta aproximación no cubre toda la actividad relacionada con analítica del aprendizaje en España, los resultados proporcionan una visión general representativa del estado de la investigación relacionada con analítica del aprendizaje en dicho contexto. El artículo muestra cuáles son estas tendencias y los principales retos, entre los que se encuentran la necesidad de adoptar un compromiso ético con los datos, desarrollar sistemas que respondan a las necesidades de los usuarios y alcanzar mayor impacto institucional.
Naphthalene Removal with Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Butenko Eleonora , Dan Olena , Kapustin Alexey , Neverova-Dziopak Elena
Published: May 2020

Naphthalene is a hazardous pollutant. It has a negative impact on human health and environment. Its manufacturing process is accompanied by gaseous naphthalene emissions into the air of the premises and then into the atmosphere, thus polluting the environment. There is currently no existing method to remove naphthalene from the gas phase which is capable of meeting the required environmental standards. The goal of this research was to investigate the mechanism of naphthalene removal from the gas phase by the sorption method using Mg/(Al+Mg) layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and to develop naphthalene removal technology to meet the required environmental standards. The methods for obtaining selective sorbents of naphthalene and its derivatives have been investigated. The technology of naphthalene removal from gas phase using Mg/(Al+Mg) LDHs has been developed. The technological parameters of reactors have been calculated. The final concentration of naphthalene of 12 mg/m3 was obtained which appeared to be lower than the maximum allowed concentration. The efficiency of naphthalene sorption with LDHs was found to be over 95%.
A Methodological Evaluation of the Polish Land Administration System Using the Fit‑For‑Purpose Approach
Authors: Dawidowicz Agnieszka , Zysk Elżbieta , Źróbek Ryszard
Published: May 2020

In the past fifteen years, many countries have been making intensive preparations towards the creation of a modern Land Administration System (LAS).  These systems are a part of multi‑functional spatial data infrastructure (SDI)  which supports land administration. These efforts are complex since the harmonization of spatial data from various independent databases requires significant funding and time. In Poland, national LAS referred to as the Integrated  Real Estate Information System (IREIS) has been developed since 2013. In light of the above, this article aims to methodologically determine whether the Polish land administration system meets fit‑for‑purpose criteria. The research approach takes into account the following criteria in the assessment of the Polish LAS: focus on the purpose, flexibility, ability to cover land tenure and land use, affordability, reliability in terms of information, attainability, and upgradeability with regard to incremental improvement. These criteria were estimated in three panels: spatial framework, legal framework, institutional framework.  The results of our research indicate that the IREIS project has achieved global standards and is fit for purpose and they can be used to monitor the further development of the ZSIN.
The Potential to Use Smartphone‑based GNSS Receivers for Surveying
Authors: Gabryszuk Justyna
Published: May 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the possibility of using smartphone‑grade GNSS receivers for surveying purposes and to examine their accuracy in terms of positioning. The paper presents an analysis of the results of test measurements made using two smartphones: a Huawei P8 lite, powered by Android 6.0 and an iPhone 6s, operating on IOS 10.1.1. Both devices were equipped with GPS and GLONASS modules and had the supporting system, A-GPS. Measurements were made on two test parcels of different shapes and sizes. The test procedure encompassed three measurement series (I–III),  each of which consisted of five determinations. The determinations were done at 5-min time intervals and each new measuring session began after 90 min from the previous one. Measurements with the Huawei P8 lite were taken using the  Locus Map app, and measurements with the iPhone 6s were performed with the use of Map‑o‑meter. The study consisted of determining the positioning accuracy of the test smartphones by comparing the results with reference coordinates obtained from RTN measurements using the Topcon HiPer V receiver with Magnet Tools software. Determinations of the reference coordinates were done with the help of the TPI NetPro network real‑time service corrections.
Legal Conditions and Data Provision for Land Property Exchange in the Processes of Land Consolidation and Land Compensation in Bulgaria
Authors: Moteva Milena
Published: May 2020

Land consolidation and land compensation require the evaluation of the productivity of the exchanged or recompensed areas. A serious deficiency in land consolidation regulations set by the Agricultural Land Ownership and Use  Act, 1991 is the 10% restriction on the difference in the exchanged areas before and after land consolidation. The simultaneous action of the current methodology for equating lands by their quality, together with the legal restrictions of this Act, limits the implementation of land consolidation to only highly productive lands of the 1st to the 3rd land category. The objective of this paper is to suggest a method for extending the implementation of land consolidation to larger areas and to recommend a fairer calculation method in equating lands by their quality. Two approaches to landed property exchange are united. One of them is based on the mean estimates of land productivity per land category (MLPE) (considering the Bulgarian Land Categorization System), the other one – on the detailed land productivity estimates of each landed property (DLPE). The adapted FAO Land Suitability Classification is suggested to identify areas suitable for land consolidation. Regression analysis and expert assessment were used. The data required for GIS processing are specified and systemized. A proposal for the improvement of the legal framework is given.
Apical length governs computational diversity of layer 5 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Galloni Alessandro R , Laffere Aeron , Rancz Ede
Published: May 2020

Anatomical similarity across the neocortex has led to the common assumption that the circuitry is modular and performs stereotyped computations. Layer 5 pyramidal neurons (L5PNs) in particular are thought to be central to cortical computation because of their extensive arborisation and nonlinear dendritic operations. Here, we demonstrate that computations associated with dendritic Ca2+ plateaus in mouse L5PNs vary substantially between the primary and secondary visual cortices. L5PNs in the secondary visual cortex show reduced dendritic excitability and smaller propensity for burst firing. This reduced excitability is correlated with shorter apical dendrites. Using numerical modelling, we uncover a universal principle underlying the influence of apical length on dendritic backpropagation and excitability, based on a Na+ channel-dependent broadening of backpropagating action potentials. In summary, we provide new insights into the modulation of dendritic excitability by apical dendrite length and show that the operational repertoire of L5PNs is not universal throughout the brain.
Knowledge synthesis of 100 million biomedical documents augments the deep expression profiling of coronavirus receptors
Authors: Venkatakrishnan AJ , Puranik Arjun , Anand Akash , Zemmour David , Yao Xiang , Wu Xiaoying , Chilaka Ramakrishna , Murakowski Dariusz K , Standish Kristopher , Raghunathan Bharathwaj , Wagner Tyler , Garcia-Rivera Enrique , Solomon Hugo , Garg Abhinav , Barve Rakesh , Anyanwu-Ofili Anuli , Khan Najat , Soundararajan Venky
Published: May 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic demands assimilation of all biomedical knowledge to decode mechanisms of pathogenesis. Despite the recent renaissance in neural networks, a platform for the real-time synthesis of the exponentially growing biomedical literature and deep omics insights is unavailable. Here, we present the nferX platform for dynamic inference from over 45 quadrillion possible conceptual associations from unstructured text, and triangulation with insights from single-cell RNA-sequencing, bulk RNA-seq and proteomics from diverse tissue types. A hypothesis-free profiling of ACE2 suggests tongue keratinocytes, olfactory epithelial cells, airway club cells and respiratory ciliated cells as potential reservoirs of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor. We find the gut as the putative hotspot of COVID-19, where a maturation correlated transcriptional signature is shared in small intestine enterocytes among coronavirus receptors (ACE2, DPP4, ANPEP). A holistic data science platform triangulating insights from structured and unstructured data holds potential for accelerating the generation of impactful biological insights and hypotheses.
Phagocytic glia are obligatory intermediates in transmission of mutant huntingtin aggregates across neuronal synapses
Authors: Donnelly Kirby M , DeLorenzo Olivia R , Zaya Aprem DA , Pisano Gabrielle E , Thu Wint M , Luo Liqun , Kopito Ron R , Panning Pearce Margaret M
Published: May 2020

Emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that pathogenic protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases spread from cell to cell through the brain in a manner akin to infectious prions. Here, we show that mutant huntingtin (mHtt) aggregates associated with Huntington disease transfer anterogradely from presynaptic to postsynaptic neurons in the adult Drosophila olfactory system. Trans-synaptic transmission of mHtt aggregates is inversely correlated with neuronal activity and blocked by inhibiting caspases in presynaptic neurons, implicating synaptic dysfunction and cell death in aggregate spreading. Remarkably, mHtt aggregate transmission across synapses requires the glial scavenger receptor Draper and involves a transient visit to the glial cytoplasm, indicating that phagocytic glia act as obligatory intermediates in aggregate spreading between synaptically-connected neurons. These findings expand our understanding of phagocytic glia as double-edged players in neurodegeneration—by clearing neurotoxic protein aggregates, but also providing an opportunity for prion-like seeds to evade phagolysosomal degradation and propagate further in the brain.
Farming by soil in Europe: status and outlook of cropping systems under different pedoclimatic conditions
Authors: Tóth Gergely , Kismányoky Tamás , Kassai Piroska , Hermann Tamás , Fernandez-Ugalde Oihane , Szabó Brigitta
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite of the importance of soils in agronomy, to date no comprehensive assessment of cropping in Europe has been performed from the viewpoint of the soil variability and its relationship to cropping patterns. In order to fill this knowledge gap, we studied the cropping patterns in different soils of European climate zones with regards to the shares of their crop types in a comparative manner. The study highlights the main features of farming by soil in Europe. Farming by soil in this context means the consideration of soil characteristics when selecting crop types and cropping patterns.

Methods

We first assessed the dissimilarity between the cropping compositions of different pedoclimatic zones in Europe. Next, we assessed the differences of crop distribution in the climate zones by soil types and main crop types by analyzing the degree of association of crops to soil types. A detailed country scale assessment was performed using crops-specific soil productivity maps and land use survey data from Hungary.

Results

Results suggest that, in general, farmers consciously take pedoclimatic condition of farming into account when selecting their cropping patterns. In other words, farming by soil is a common practice in the different climatic regions of Europe. However, we have strong reasons to believe that soil suitability-based cropping is not practiced to its full potential over the continent. For example, the findings of our European assessment suggest that production areas of legumes are not always optimized for the local pedoclimatic conditions in some zones. These findings also underline that economic drivers are decisive, when farmers adopt their cropping (eg. oil crops on Albeluvsiols in Europe). Win-win situations of economic considerations and soil suitability based management are observed in all pedoclimatic zones of Europe. The country analysis shows that cropping is progressively practiced on more suitable areas, depending also the crop tolerance to variable pedoclimatic conditions In conclusion, we can assume that pedoclimatic conditions of cropping are respected in most of Europe and farmers crops according to edaphic conditions whenever economic considerations do not override the ecological concerns of farming.
The tetrapod fauna of the upper Permian Naobaogou Formation of China: 5. Caodeyao liuyufengi gen. et sp. nov., a new peculiar therocephalian
Authors: Liu Jun , Abdala Fernando
Published: May 2020

The upper Permian Naobaogou Formation has been the goal of recent contributions that notably increased the knowledge of its terrestrial vertebrate fauna and unravelled a hidden late Permian therocephalian diversity in China. Two very different species of therocephalians have been documented in the Naobaogou Formation and they were recovered as basal akidnognathids in cladistic analyses. In this contribution we describe Caodeyao liuyufengi gen. et sp. nov., represented by a partial skull and mandible, and a humerus. The new taxon features a short, high snout and a wide temporal opening with the coronoid process of the mandible separated by a wide space medially to the zygomatic arch. The latter feature is only recognized in the Russian therocephalian Purlovia maxima and it is also characteristic of non-mammaliaform cynodonts. Phylogenetic analysis indicates a close relationship of the new Chinese taxon with Purlovia maxima, producing a monophyletic Laurasian group in therocephalian phylogeny. With the representation of three different species, the Naobaogou Formation is now the most prolific unit documenting therocephalian late Permian diversity in China.
The impact of smog on the concentration of particulate matter in the antelope house in the Silesian zoological garden
Authors: Pawlak Krzysztof , Nieckarz Zenon
Published: May 2020

Persistent negligence in the field of environmental protection in Poland as well as strong dependance of the energy sector on the fossil fuels have led to serious pollution of the air with particulate matter, which at high concentrations is capable of penetrating into the buildings. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of particulate airborne pollution on the concentration of particulate matter inside the antelope house in the Silesian Zoological Garden located within the Upper Silesia in Poland. The research was conducted from February to May in 2018. The records taken in the research period show that the concentration of PM10 exceeded the level of 50 µg/m3 outside the building during 26 days and 11 days when it comes to the concentration of particulate matter inside the antelope house. The quantity of particulate matter in the antelope house is strongly correlated with the concentration of the particles in the air. Despite fitting existing ventilation system with a filter that reduces the dust level by 60% during the highest level of smog, particulate matter concentration in the antelope house exceeded acceptable limit for PM10 more than twofold. Particle size-fraction analysis revealed that as much as 85% of the particles detected in the studied compartment constitute PM2.5.
Consequences of removal of exotic species (eucalyptus) on carbon and nitrogen cycles in the soil-plant system in a secondary tropical Atlantic forest in Brazil with a dual-isotope approach
Authors: Teixeira Milena Carvalho , Vitória Angela Pierre , de Rezende Carlos Eduardo , de Almeida Marcelo Gomes , Nardoto Gabriela B.
Published: May 2020

The impact of exotic species on heterogeneous native tropical forest requires the understanding on which temporal and spatial scales these processes take place. Functional tracers such as carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopic composition in the soil-plant system might help track the alterations induced by the exotic species. Thus, we assess the effects from the removal of the exotic species eucalyptus (Corymbia cytriodora) in an Atlantic forest Reserve, and eucalyptus removal on the alteration of the nutrient dynamics (carbon and nitrogen). The hypotheses were: (1) the eucalyptus permanence time altered δ13C and δ15N in leaves, soils and litter fractions (leaves, wood, flowers + fruits, and rest); and (2) eucalyptus removal furthered decomposition process of the soil organic matter. Hence, we determined the soil granulometry, the δ13C and δ15N in leaves, in the superficial soil layer, and litter in three sites: a secondary forest in the Atlantic forest, and other two sites where eucalyptus had been removed in different times: 12 and 3 months ago (M12 and M3, respectively). Litter samples presented intermediate δ13C and δ15N values in comparison with leaves and soil. In the M3, the greater δ13C values in both litter rest fraction and soil indicate the presence, cycling and soil incorporation of C, coming from the C4 photosynthesis of grassy species (Poaceae). In the secondary forest, the soil δ15N values were twice higher, compared with the eucalyptus removal sites, revealing the negative influence from these exotic species upon the ecosystem N dynamics. In the M12, the leaves presented higher δ13C mean value and lower δ15N values, compared with those from the other sites. The difference of δ13C values in the litter fractions regarding the soil led to a greater fractioning of 13C in all sites, except the flower + fruit fractions in the secondary forest, and the rest fraction in the M3 site. We conclude that the permanence of this exotic species and the eucalyptus removal have altered the C and N isotopic and elemental compositions in the soil-plant system. Our results suggest there was organic matter decomposition in all litter fractions and in all sites. However, a greater organic matter decomposition process was observed in the M3 soil, possibly because of a more intense recent input of vegetal material, as well as the presence of grassy, easily-decomposing herbaceous species, only in this site. Therefore, the dual-isotope approach generated a more integrated picture of the impact on the ecosystem after removing eucalyptus in this secondary Atlantic forest, and could be regarded as an option for future eucalyptus removal studies.
Cultivation and Utilization of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.), a Neglected Plant in Cameroon
Authors: Temegne Nono Carine , Dooh Jules Patrice Ngoh , Nbendah Pierre , Ntsomboh-Ntsefong Godswill , Taffouo Victor Desiré , Youmbi Emmanuel
Published: May 2020

In order to improve the production and commercialization of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc.) in Cameroon, an inventory on the use of available resources and peasant agronomic practices is a necessary prerequisite. Their understanding can help to establish efficient strategies to enhance this neglected crop. The objective of this work was therefore to identify the uses and the peasant knowledge on the Bambara groundnut in Cameroon. To this effect, a survey on the use of Bambara groundnut was carried out through interviews and direct discussions with farmers in the main production areas (Far North, Adamawa, Littoral (Coastal), Centre, North-West and West) of Cameroon. The survey revealed that in Cameroon, Bambara groundnut is mainly grown by women (74%). Monoculture (60%) is the most widely used cropping system; 40% of farmers associate it with other crops such as groundnuts, maize, sesame, okra, millet, sorghum, beans, egusi or pumpkin, and tubers. It is produced mainly on small land areas by the elderly. It is mainly cultivated by the poor peasants and without soil amendments. Several landraces are cultivated, the preferred varieties varying according to the production basins. Seed storage is mainly done with chemicals in closed containers. Weeds, lack of improved varieties, low yields, diseases and pests (insects, rodents) are the main production constraints identified. Results of this study could be exploited for the improvement and vulgarization of Bambara groundnut in Cameroon.
Determination of Iron Content in Indigenous Vegetables in South West Nigeria
Authors: Dawodu O. G. , Olanike J. O. , Akanbi R. B.
Published: May 2020

This study was done to determine the level of iron in selected indigenous vegetables (grown in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria) using colorimetric method. The six indigenous and  three common ones selected for the study are; Basella alba (Amunututu), Ocimum gratissium (Efirin), Talinum fruticosum (Gbure), Amaranthus hybridus (Tete adayeba), Amaranthus hybridus (Tete olowojeja), Corchorus olitorius (Ewedu), Telfairia occidentalis (Ugwu), Celosia argentea (Soko) and finally Amaranthus hybridus (Tete). The vegetables were ashed and iron content of the vegetables was determined colorimetrically at 470 nm. The results showed that, amongst the indigenous vegetables the iron concentration ranged from 0.094 to 0.66 ppm with Amaranthus hybridus (Tete adayeba) and the Basella alba (Amunututu) recording the highest and lowest levels respectively. The common vegetables had iron levels ranging from 0.0304 to 0.703 ppm with Amaranthus hybridus (Tete) recording the lowest level and Telfairia occidentalis (Ugwu) recording the highest level respectively. The findings showed that the sampled indigenous vegetables are a good source of iron in diet.
The Rate of Adherence to Antibiotics and Reasons for Non-adherence among the Public
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: May 2020

Aim: Poor adherence to antibiotics is common and related to poorer clinical outcomes such as increasing the bacterial resistance. To explore the rate of adherence to antibiotics and to know the reasons that lead to antibiotic non-adherence among the public.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study include an online questionnaire survey for the participants who were prescribed oral antimicrobial drugs during the last year. The data was collected and analyzed using Excel sheet software and the Descriptive data were presented by frequencies and percentages.

Results: The majority of the respondents stated that they sometimes forget to take their antibiotics. Moreover, 78.3% of them said that sometimes they forget to carry their drugs when they go out. They reported many reasons for noncompliance but the major reasons were “they do not need to continue treatment once the condition improves” followed by “they are too busy in study or work”.

Conclusion: Numerous factors lead to antibiotic noncompliance, but the main reasons were related to the public knowledge and attitude. Therefore, antimicrobial stewardship programs should focus on the patient education to solve the problem of non-compliance.
Mood and Anxiety Disorders among the Public
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Alrawili Abdulrahman S. , Alkhawaja Faisal Z.
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Mood disorder is one of the most prevalent and the most disabling disorders that affect humankind health, so it is important to know its symptoms, how it is treated suitably and how it can be assessed. This study aims to assess the mood of the public.

Methodology: This study includes an online questionnaire, the questionnaire questions were prepared using the mood self-assessment of NHS and after that converted to online google form

Results: About 20.8% of the respondents reported that they have been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless in nearly every day. About 59% of them reported that they experienced an anxiety attack.

Conclusion: The results of this study show a high percentage of anxiety and depression among the public. It is important to increase the public awareness about anxiety and depression and how to deal with these disorders.
What will radiation oncology look like in 2050? A look at a changing professional landscape in Europe and beyond
Authors: Baumann Michael , Ebert Nadja , Kurth Ina , Bacchus Carol , Overgaard Jens
Published: May 2020

The number of newly diagnosed cancers per year is predicted to almost double in the next two decades worldwide, and it remains unclear if and when this alarming trend will level off or even reverse. As such, cancer is very likely to continue to pose a major threat to human health. Radiation oncology is an indispensable pillar of cancer treatment and a well‐developed discipline. Nevertheless, key trends in cancer research and care, including improved primary prevention, early detection, integrated multidisciplinary approaches, personalized strategies at all levels of care, value‐based assessments of healthcare systems, and global health perspectives, will all shape the future of radiation oncology. Broader scientific advances, such as rapid progress in digitization, automation, and in our biological understanding of cancer, as well as the wider societal view of healthcare systems will also influence radiation oncology and how it is practiced. To stimulate a proactive discussion on how to adapt and reshape our discipline, this review provides some predictions on what the role and practice of radiation oncology might look like in 30 years’ time.
A practical method for predicting patient‐specific collision in radiotherapy
Authors: Miao Junjie , Niu Chuanmeng , Liu Zhiqiang , Tian Yuan , Dai Jianrong
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To develop a practical method for predicting patient‐specific collision during the treatment planning process.

Materials and method

Based on geometry information of the accelerator gantry and the location of plan isocenter, the collision‐free space region could be determined. In this study, collision‐free space region was simplified as a cylinder. Radius of cylinder was equal to the distance from isocenter to the collimator cover. The collision‐free space was converted and imported into treatment planning system (TPS) in the form of region of interest (ROI) which was named as ROISS. Collision was viewed and evaluated on the fusion images of patient's CT and ROIs in TPS. If any points of patient's body or couch fell beyond the safety space, collision would occur. This method was implemented in the Pinnacle TPS. The impact of safety margin on accuracy was also discussed. Sixty‐five plans of clinical patients were chosen for the clinical validation.

Results

When the angle of couch is zero, the ROISS displays as a series of circles on the cross section of the patient's CT. When the couch angle is not zero, ROISS is a series of ellipses in the transverse view of patient's CT. The ROISS can be generated quickly within five seconds after a single mouse click in TPS. Adding safety margin is an effective measure in preventing collisions from being undetected. Safety margin could increase negative predictive value (NPV) of test cases. Accuracy obtained was 96.3% with the 3 cm safety margin with 100% true positive collision detection.

Conclusion

This study provides a reliable, accurate, and fast collision prediction during the treatment planning process. Potential collisions can be discovered and prevented early before delivering. This method can integrate with the current clinical workflow without any additional required resources, and contribute to improvement in the safety and efficiency of the clinic.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Electrospinning: Manufacturing Convergence for Next‐Level Applications
Authors: Patel Kapil D. , Kim Hae‐Won , Knowles Jonathan C. , Poma Alessandro
Published: May 2020

Micro‐ and especially nanofiber‐type of materials are extremely attractive for a number of applications, ranging from separation and analysis to drug delivery and tissue engineering, and the majority of them are currently produced worldwide via the extremely popular and effective electrospinning technique. The addition of specific tailored molecular recognition capability to these electrospun materials via the established molecular imprinting technology can be extremely beneficial for a number of applications, as indicated by the number of examples in the literature over the past 15 years. However, the integration of these two technologies has proven to be quite challenging, mainly due to the different processing methodologies which characterize the two approaches. In this progress report, the practical difficulties related to the combination of electrospinning and molecular imprinting and to the production of molecularly imprinted electrospun fibers are addressed, discussing the main aspects to take into consideration when designing and optimizing the experimental protocols, as well as highlighting the most prolific research applications that have been explored thus far, to conclude with a commercial/industrial and economic perspective on the envisaged market for these hybrid products.
Highly Flexible and Twistable Freestanding Single Crystalline Magnetite Film with Robust Magnetism
Authors: An Feng , Qu Ke , Zhong Gaokuo , Dong Yongqi , Ming Wenjie , Zi Mengfei , Liu Zhijie , Wang Yadong , Qi Biyun , Ding Zhen , Xu Jun , Luo Zhenlin , Gao Xingsen , Xie Shuhong , Gao Peng , Li Jiangyu
Published: May 2020

Magnetic materials and devices that can be folded and twisted without sacrificing their functional properties are highly desirable for flexible electronic applications in wearable products and implantable systems. In this work, a high‐quality single crystalline freestanding Fe3O4 thin film with strong magnetism has been synthesized by pulsed laser deposition using a water‐dissolvable Sr3Al2O6 sacrificial layer, and the resulting freestanding film, with magnetism confirmed at multiple length scales, is highly flexible with a bending radius as small as 7.18 µm and twist angle as large as 122°, in sharp contrast with bulk magnetite that is quite brittle. When transferred to a polydimethylsiloxane support layer, the Fe3O4 film can be bent with large deformation without affecting its magnetization, demonstrating its robust magnetism. The work thus offers a viable solution for flexible magnetic materials that can be utilized in a range of applications.
Programmable Reversible Shape Transformation of Hydrogels Based on Transient Structural Anisotropy
Authors: Liu Kangkang , Zhang Yue , Cao Heqing , Liu Haonan , Geng Yuhui , Yuan Wenhua , Zhou Jian , Wu Zi Liang , Shan Guorong , Bao Yongzhong , Zhao Qian , Xie Tao , Pan Pengju
Published: May 2020

Stimuli‐responsive shape‐transforming hydrogels have shown great potential toward various engineering applications including soft robotics and microfluidics. Despite significant progress in designing hydrogels with ever more sophisticated shape‐morphing behaviors, an ultimate goal yet to be fulfilled is programmable reversible shape transformation. It is reported here that transient structural anisotropy can be programmed into copolymer hydrogels of N‐isopropylacrylamide and stearyl acrylate. Structural anisotropy arises from the deformed hydrophobic domains of the stearyl groups after thermomechanical programming, which serves as a template for the reversible globule‐to‐coil transition of the poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) chains. The structural anisotropy is transient and can be erased upon cooling. This allows repeated programming for reversible shape transformation, an unknown feature for the current hydrogels. The programmable reversible transformation is expected to greatly extend the technical scope for hydrogel‐based devices.
Mechanically Asymmetrical Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self‐Powered Monitoring of In Vivo Microscale Weak Movement
Authors: Cheng Bolang , Ma Jianxiu , Li Gaoda , Bai Suo , Xu Qi , Cui Xin , Cheng Li , Qin Yong , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: May 2020

Although much effort has been put in the studies of weak in vivo microscale movements due to its importance, the real‐time, long‐time, and accurate monitoring is still a great challenge because of the complexity of the in vivo environment. Here, a new type of mechanically asymmetrical triboelectric nanogenerator with ultrashort working distance and high anti‐interference ability is developed to accurately and real‐timely monitor the microscopically weak movement of intestinal motility at low frequencies even around 0.3 Hz. The intestinal status after the glucose absorption, and physiological states in different times also have been monitored successfully in the complex in vivo environment with many kinds of interference and noises. This work gives a new self‐powered, long‐time and in vivo technical way for the real‐timely gastrointestinal motility monitoring, and contributes to the detection of every kind of gentle movements in various complex bio‐systems.
Expanding the phenotype of biallelic RNPC3 variants associated with growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Verberne Eline A. , Faries Sonja , Mannens Marcel M. A. M. , Postma Alex V. , van Haelst Mieke M.
Published: May 2020

Pathogenic variants in components of the minor spliceosome have been associated with several human diseases. Recently, it was reported that biallelic RNPC3 variants lead to severe isolated growth hormone deficiency and pituitary hypoplasia. The RNPC3 gene codes for the U11/U12‐65K protein, a component of the minor spliceosome. The minor spliceosome plays a role in the splicing of minor (U12‐type) introns, which are present in ~700–800 genes in humans and represent about 0.35% of all introns. Here, we report a second family with biallelic RNPC3 variants in three siblings with a growth hormone deficiency, central congenital hypothyroidism, congenital cataract, developmental delay/intellectual deficiency and delayed puberty. These cases further confirm the association between biallelic RNPC3 variants and severe postnatal growth retardation due to growth hormone deficiency. Furthermore, these cases show that the phenotype of this minor spliceosome‐related disease might be broader than previously described.
Selective and solventless oxidation of organic sulfides and alcohols using new supported molybdenum (VI) complex in microwave and conventional methods
Authors: Das Siva Prasad , Boruah Jeena Jyoti
Published: May 2020

A new dioxo‐molybdenum (VI) complex supported on functionalized Merrifield resin (MR‐Mo) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental, scanning electron mcroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, TGA, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, powder‐X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and DRS–UV–vis analysis. The virgin Merrifield resin (MR) was functionalized by carbonylation followed by Schiff base formation with ethanolamine (MR‐SB). Experimental data showed that the Schiff base coordinated with the MoO22+ moiety via O‐ and N‐atoms. The catalytic activity of MR‐Mo was explored under solventless conditions toward the oxidation of organic sulfides and alcohols using 30% aqueous H2O2 as oxidant. The oxidation reactions were conducted under microwave and conventional methods. The microwave‐assisted oxidation reactions were found to be many times faster than the conventional methods. The oxidation reactions were selective and formed sulfoxides or aldehydes as the sole product with superior TOF values among the molybdenum (VI)‐based complexes. Besides these, the MR‐Mo was purely heterogeneous in nature and can be recycled for at least five reaction cycles without the loss of catalytic efficiency and product selectivity.
Solid‐State Electrolyte Materials for Sodium Batteries: Towards Practical Applications
Authors: Ma Qianli , Tietz Frank
Published: May 2020

The huge demand for delocalized energy storage due to the application of fluctuating energy sources leads to a need for low‐cost devices available on a large scale and with high energy density. Solid‐state sodium batteries (SSNBs) show great potential in this field and have recently attracted extensive interest. Several review‐type publications have already discussed fundamental materials properties and more academic aspects related to ionic transport and charge transfer. In contrast, the current Review uses state‐of‐the‐art 18650 Li‐ion batteries as a benchmark and evaluates solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) and corresponding SSNBs in terms of their practical applicability and development status. This Review summarizes recent progress based on key properties of various SSEs, such as ionic conductivities, chemical stabilities, mechanical properties, interface compatibilities with sodium metal, and compares the published SSNBs in detail with respect to galvanostatic cycling and full cell performance. It provides insights and perspectives with respect to SSEs for SSNBs and indicates the direction of future developments for the practical application of SSNBs.
Selective Release of Doxorubicin from Cucurbit[8]uril Stabilized Gold Supra‐Pyramid Host at pH of Small Intestine
Authors: Saini Meenaxi , Ghosh Souvik , Kumar Viney , Roy Partha , Sadhu Kalyan K.
Published: May 2020

Gold supra‐pyramid structures were obtained by the addition of acidic solution of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) to an aqueous solution of citrate stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNP). The reaction resulted in the precipitation of supra‐pyramid from the solution after just 1 min of shaking. Microscopic images confirmed formation of the supra‐pyramid. The stepwise structural transformation towards the supra‐pyramid was examined with variable concentrations of CB[8] to AuNP solution. Anionic counter parts of these acids (Br−, NO3−, SO42−and Cl−) controlled the size of the synthesized supra‐pyramids. These supra‐pyramid hosts showed uptake of three anticancer drugs: oral drugs etoposide, prednisolone and intravenous drug doxorubicin. Releases of drugs from these hosts were emulated at acidic stomach pH, basic small intestinal pH and in the presence of human serum albumin (HSA). The specific release of doxorubicin was confirmed at small intestinal pH 7.4. Poor release of drugs in presence of CB[8] specific guest 1‐adamantanamine confirmed the role of the supra‐pyramid as the exclusive host. The release of doxorubicin from the supra‐pyramid at pH 7.4 was confirmed by fluorescence microscopic imaging with prostate cancer DU‐145 cell line.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of NewN‐Alkylammonium and Carbonate‐Triazole Derivatives within Desosamine of 14‐ and 15‐Membered Lactone Macrolides
Authors: Janas Anna , Pecyna Paulina , Gajecka Marzena , Bartl Franz , Przybylski Piotr
Published: May 2020

Desosamines of azithromycin (AZM) and clarithromycin (CLA) were modified byN‐alkylation or nucleophilic substitution at the carbonyl/CuAAC sequence. Biological studies revealed a higher antibacterial potency of quaternaryN‐alkylammonium bromides of CLA as compared to AZM. SAR studies of CLA salts, including biological, conformation and molecular‐docking analysis, enriched by physicochemical parameters, showed the importance of less bulky and unsaturated substituent for an efficient docking mode at the ribosomal tunnel and good antibacterial potency against clinical and standardStreptococcus pneumoniaeandStreptococcus pyogenesstrains (MICs 0.25 or 0.5 μg/mL). These CLA salts also have an at least threefold lower cytotoxicity than reference antibiotics at comparable antibacterial activity against theS. pneumoniaeclinical strain. Differences in antibacterial effects noted for AZM and CLA salts bearing less bulkyN‐substituents can be better understood when their binding modes in the ribosomal tunnel are considered rather than their common low lipophilicity and excellent water solubility.
Outcomes after progression of disease with anti–PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapy for patients with advanced melanoma
Authors: Patrinely James R. , Baker Laura X. , Davis Elizabeth J. , Song Haocan , Ye Fei , Johnson Douglas B.
Published: May 2020

Background

Greater than one‐half of patients with melanoma who are treated with antibodies blocking programmed cell death protein 1 receptor (anti–PD‐1) experience disease progression. The objective of the current study was to identify prognostic factors and outcomes in patients with metastatic melanoma that progressed while they were receiving anti–PD‐1 therapy.

Methods

The authors evaluated 383 consecutively treated patients who received anti–PD‐1 for advanced melanoma between 2009 and 2019. Patient and disease characteristics at baseline and at the time of progression, subsequent therapies, objective response rate (ORR), overall survival, and progression‐free survival were assessed.

Results

Of 383 patients, 247 experienced disease progression. The median survival after progression was 6.8 months. There was no difference in survival noted after disease progression based on primary tumor subtype, receipt of prior therapy, or therapy type. However, significantly improved survival after disease progression correlated with clinical features at the time of progression, including normal lactate dehydrogenase, more favorable metastatic stage (American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition stage IV M1a vs M1b, M1c, or M1d), mutation status (NRAS or treatment‐naive BRAF V600 vs BRAF/NRAS wild‐type or treatment‐experienced BRAF‐mutant), decreasing tumor bulk, and progression at solely existing lesions. After progression, approximately 54.3% of patients received additional systemic therapy. A total of 41 patients received BRAF/MEK inhibition (ORR of 58.6%, including 70.4% for BRAF/MEK‐naive patients), 30 patients received ipilimumab (ORR of 0%), and 11 patients received ipilimumab plus nivolumab (ORR of 27.3%).

Conclusions

The current study identified prognostic factors in advanced melanoma for patients who experienced disease progression while receiving anti–PD‐1, including lactate dehydrogenase, stage of disease, site of disease progression, tumor size, and mutation status.
Biomechanical behaviour of temporomandibular joints during opening and closing of the mouth: A 3D finite element analysis
Authors: Shu Jingheng , Ma Hedi , Jia Lirong , Fang Hongyang , Chong Desmond Y.R. , Zheng Tinghui , Yao Jie , Liu Zhan
Published: May 2020

Temporomandibular joints (TMJs) constitute a pair of joints that connect the jawbone to the skull. TMJs are bilateral joints which work as one unit in conducting daily functions such as speaking, mastication, and other activities associated with the movement of the jaw. Issues associated with the TMJs may arise due to various factors—one such factor being the internal load on the TMJ. These issues may contribute to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This study aims to evaluate the mandibular trajectories and the associated stress changes during the process of opening the mouth on the TMJs of an asymptomatic subject. The mouth opening motion was recorded by a motion capturing system using models of the mandible and maxilla constructed based on the computed tomography (CT). Two discs constructed based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Finite element analysis was performed on the relative motion of the mandible to the maxilla and validated. The process modelled by these displacements provided less than 10% error in terms of deformation. The simulation results indicate that the lateral intermediate zone—the head and neck of the mandible—and the articular eminence sustained the most significant stresses during the mouth opening motion. The results also suggested that the stresses increase as the range of opening increases with the greatest von Mises stress, tensile, and compressive stress found at the position of maximal opening.