bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Des peuples de l’écrit aux peuples des écrans : entre copiage, complémentarité et remplacement
Authors: Le Ray Éric
Published: May 2021

Plus Internet et le numérique se répandent et se démocratisent sur diverses interfaces mobiles et convergentes, plus l’écran prend une place centrale dans nos échanges et dans notre vie. Le livre numérique, après la musique, fut un des premiers secteurs touchés par cette révolution numérique avec le secteur de la presse.

Cet article fait le point sur l’écran et le marché du livre numérique aujourd’hui, et sur comment ce marché se développe au Québec et ailleurs dans le monde par rapport à celui des livres imprimés. On constate que le livre imprimé continue à se maintenir et surtout à progresser même si le livre numérique continue, lui aussi, à se développer et à progresser, mais plus lentement. Le temps des hommes devient le temps de la technologie et vice-versa, en particulier à l’ère de l’informatique cellulaire. Mais, paradoxalement, si l’écriture et la lecture numérique se développent, le livre numérique voit ses ventes reculer, car lire ne veut pas forcément dire acheter. On redécouvre le rôle fondamental des bibliothèques pour développer le goût de l’écriture et de la lecture. Elle offre une multitude de services, dont celui de prêt gratuit de livre numérique encouragé par l’impact de la pandémie qui force les gens à rester chez eux. Cela crée quelques conflits, mais aussi des opportunités de collaboration avec les éditeurs qui eux doivent vendre leurs publications.
Repenser le soutien des transitions scolaires pour les jeunes Autochtones en milieu urbain
Authors: Blanchet-Cohen Natasha , Robert-Careau Flavie , Pinsonneault Audrey
Published: May 2021

Cet article présente les résultats d’une recherche collaborative ayant comme objectif la compréhension des transitions scolaires des élèves autochtones au primaire et au secondaire en milieu urbain. Au total, 117 personnes, soit 29 jeunes d’âge primaire et secondaire, 52 parents, 21 membres du personnel de Centres d’amitié autochtones et 15 intervenantes et intervenants scolaires ont participé à des entrevues ou à des groupes de discussion dans cinq villes du Québec. Les 71 lignes du temps réalisées par les participantes et les participants autochtones illustrant leur parcours scolaire et personnel mettent en lumière l’hypermobilité des jeunes. La majorité de ces derniers, soit près de 80 %, vivent d’ailleurs de multiples allers-retours entre les écoles en ville et celles en communauté, ainsi qu’entre différentes villes. Il en découle des transitions particulièrement complexes qui impliquent des enjeux qui vont bien au-delà des changements de cycles. Or, pour favoriser l’accueil des Autochtones au sein des écoles québécoises, il existe peu de services spécifiques. Cette étude fait valoir que soutenir les transitions « harmonieuses » nécessite une implication de la part des milieux urbain, scolaire et communautaire. Des pratiques prometteuses empreintes d’une sensibilisation, d’un rapprochement, d’un environnement pédagogique culturellement sensible et sécurisant, ainsi que d’un soutien du contexte familial et de la culture sont relevées pour faciliter ces transitions.
T’es métis, toi?! Des réflexions d’étudiantes et d’étudiants universitaires franco-manitobains métis à propos de leur identité culturelle, de la réconciliation et de l’éducation
Authors: Sims Laura , Gagné Roxane , Carrière Adrien , Vandal Amy , Fowler Anna , Brémault Camille , Grégoire Stéphane
Published: May 2021

L’idée centrale de cet article est d’explorer les complexités que vivent les étudiantes et les étudiants quant à leur cheminement identitaire, comme francophones et comme Métis, et éducatif, comme étudiantes et étudiants à la Faculté d’éducation de l’Université de Saint-Boniface. Les perspectives liées à leur identité culturelle sont présentées, soit comment mieux la comprendre et mieux saisir leurs rôles dans le processus de réconciliation. Cela est suivi par leur réflexion sur leur cheminement identitaire et éducatif à la suite du coursPerspectives autochtones en contexte scolaireet de leur passage à l’Université de Saint-Boniface. À la lumière des écrits pertinents, la discussion souligne le fait que ce questionnement autour de leur identité culturelle métisse francophone est commun. Elle explore comment ces étudiantes et ces étudiants cherchent à mieux comprendre leur identité métisse et à s’affirmer. En guise de conclusion, nous proposons des pistes d’action pour bonifier ce cours ainsi que pour mieux appuyer les étudiantes et les étudiants métis francophones de l’Université de Saint-Boniface, et ceux d’autres établissements universitaires.
Rationalité scientifique, disciplinarité et interdisciplinarité
Authors: Laflamme Simon
Published: May 2021

Cet article interroge la possibilité d’une interdisciplinarité qui serait pratiquée en dehors du champ scientifique. Pour apporter quelque réponse, il montre comment la philosophie est intrinsèquement associée à la subjectivité, comment la science se détache progressivement de la philosophie, comment cette distanciation favorise la division du savoir, comment la division du savoir appelle l’interdisciplinarité. Cela posé, il présente quelques requêtes d’une interdisciplinarité non scientifique puis montre que ses aspirations sont davantage celles de la philosophie que celles de l’interdisciplinarité.
Density functional theory study of supercapacitor for energy storage electrode materials
Authors: Xu Qiang , Si Xue , She Wei-Han , Yang Guang-Min ,   College of Prospecting and Surveying Engineering, Changchun Institute of Technology, Changchun 130021, China,   College of Physics, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, China
Published: May 2021

Double electric layer capacitor is a kind of supercapacitor with high power density, but has relatively low energy density. Improving the quantum capacitances of materials will be a new way to increase their total interface capacitances. We design a two-dimensional electrode material with a high specific capacity and stable crystal structure. Due to the quantum confinement effect and the density of states, the quantum capacitances of two-dimensional materials such as graphene and silicene approach to zero when they are near the Fermi level. On the basis of the first principles of density functional theory, doping and adsorption can effectively modulate the electronic structure of two-dimensional electrode material such as graphene. It promotes the formation of the local state of the electrode material near the Dirac point and/or the movement of the Fermi level, thereby improving the quantum capacitance. Compared with the quantum capacitance of Ti (Au, Ag, Cu, Al), and 3-B (N, P, S) doped single-vacancy graphene (silicene, germanene), the quantum capacitance of 3-N doped single-vacancy graphene and of Ti atom adsorbed single-vacancy silicene/germanene are both significantly improved, and their quantum capacitances are as high as 118.42 μF/cm2, 79.84 μF/cm2, and 76.54 μF/cm2. The concentration effects of 3N-doped three kinds of alkenes are studied, and the results show that the quantum capacitance is enhanced with the doping concentration increasing. It is also found by studying the thermodynamic stability of the doped systems that Ti is the most stable adsorbed atom because of the strong bond between Ti atom and C atom. The S is the most stable doping atom in B, N, P, S doped single-vacancy silicene and germanene. For graphene, N doping has the lowest formation energy and the best quantum capacitance. This study intends to clarify the controversy regarding the energy storage enhancement of two-dimensional double-layer supercapacitor materials, and to improve the quantum capacitance. The research results provide the guidance for understanding the quantum effects caused by optimizing the structure of two-dimensional electrode material. The above theoretical calculation of the mentioned two-dimensional electrode material provides some research ideas for improving the low energy density of electric double-layer supercapacitors.
Rapid adaptation of endocytosis, exocytosis, and eisosomes after an acute increase in membrane tension in yeast cells
Authors: Lemière Joël , Ren Yuan , Berro Julien
Published: May 2021

During clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) in eukaryotes, actin assembly is required to overcome large membrane tension and turgor pressure. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the actin machinery adapts to varying membrane tension remain unknown. In addition, how cells reduce their membrane tension when they are challenged by hypotonic shocks remains unclear. We used quantitative microscopy to demonstrate that cells rapidly reduce their membrane tension using three parallel mechanisms. In addition to using their cell wall for mechanical protection, yeast cells disassemble eisosomes to buffer moderate changes in membrane tension on a minute time scale. Meanwhile, a temporary reduction in the rate of endocytosis for 2–6 min and an increase in the rate of exocytosis for at least 5 min allow cells to add large pools of membrane to the plasma membrane. We built on these results to submit the cells to abrupt increases in membrane tension and determine that the endocytic actin machinery of fission yeast cells rapidly adapts to perform CME. Our study sheds light on the tight connection between membrane tension regulation, endocytosis, and exocytosis.
Propensity for somatic expansion increases over the course of life in Huntington disease
Authors: Kacher Radhia , Lejeune François-Xavier , Noël Sandrine , Cazeneuve Cécile , Brice Alexis , Humbert Sandrine , Durr Alexandra
Published: May 2021

Recent work on Huntington disease (HD) suggests that somatic instability of CAG repeat tracts, which can expand into the hundreds in neurons, explains clinical outcomes better than the length of the inherited allele. Here, we measured somatic expansion in blood samples collected from the same 50 HD mutation carriers over a twenty-year period, along with post-mortem tissue from 15 adults and 7 fetal mutation carriers, to examine somatic expansions at different stages of life. Post-mortem brains, as previously reported, had the greatest expansions, but fetal cortex had virtually none. Somatic instability in blood increased with age, despite blood cells being short-lived compared to neurons, and was driven mostly by CAG repeat length, then by age at sampling and by interaction between these two variables. Expansion rates were higher in symptomatic subjects. These data lend support to a previously proposed computational model of somatic instability-driven disease.
Cannabinoids from inflorescences fractions of Trema orientalis (L.) Blume (Cannabaceae) against human pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Napiroon Tiwtawat , Tanruean Keerati , Poolprasert Pisit , Bacher Markus , Balslev Henrik , Poopath Manop , Santimaleeworagun Wichai
Published: May 2021

Background

Cannabinoids; tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN), might show antibacterial activity. Trema orientalis is a species in the Cannabaceae that is closely related to Cannabis through plastome phylogenetic evidence. This species is widely distributed throughout tropical Asia and is used as traditional medicine, particularly for the treatment of infectious diseases. However, no studies on the antibacterial activity of cannabinoid-containing inflorescences extracts are available. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine cannabinoid content and antibacterial activity of inflorescences fractions from T. orientalis native to Thailand.

Methods

We hypothesized that inflorescences from T. orientalis might display cannabinoids similar to Cannabis because of their close taxonomic relationship. We extracted the mature inflorescences and infructescence of T. orientalis in three disparate populations from different Thailand floristic regions. Extractions were subsequently partitioned into hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions using distilled water and chloroform. The lipophilic extracts were further fractionated by the column chromatography with gradient elution and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Characterized cannabinoids were used in bioassays with multidrug-resistance bacteria.

Results

Lipophilic extracts and fractions of inflorescences from all Thailand floristic regions consistently displayed cannabinoids (THC, CBD and CBN) in various quantities. These extracts exhibited inhibitory activity for Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii strains with minimum inhibitory concentration values varying from 31.25 to 125 µg/mL.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to report cannabinoid detection in extracts from inflorescences of T. orientalis, a species in the Cannabaceae. These extracts and their fractions containing cannabinoids showed pronounced antibacterial activity. The use of analytic methods also demonstrated reproducible cannabinoid extraction.
Aesthetic Conflict and Eating Behaviour in Adolescent Girls of an Urban Slum- A Community Based Mixed Method Design
Authors: Debasish Lopamudra , Premarajan Kariarath Cheriath , Murugan Vignesh
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Body image is correlated to self-esteem and eating behaviour and is often skewed in adolescence. The social pressure to be thin and the stigma of obesity lead to unhealthy eating practices. Dieting could be a corollary to body dissatisfaction reflecting skewed perception. Aim: To study the perception of body image among the adolescent girls of our study area and to explore if it affected their eating behaviour. Materials and Methods: An explanatory mixed method design (Quantitative Descriptive - Qualitative) was conducted in a sample of 250 adolescent girls after obtaining ethical clearance. The adolescents’ ‘Self perceptions of body shape’ (compared with their actual body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), World Health Organisation (WHO) Asian standards), their ‘perceptions of a healthy body shape’ and their practices were collected quantitatively. Qualitative exploration {Focus Group Discussions (FGD)} of their beliefs and practices pertaining to their perceptions of body image were summarised and the data was analysed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 13.0) and N Vivo 8 (Demo version). Results: The ‘self-perception of body shape’ in adolescent girls was compared with their BMI. Of those who felt that they were normal, 57.3% were underweight (BMI ≤18.5) and among those who perceived their self-image as fat, about 29.4% were normal and even about 33.3% were underweight (kappa 0.116, p<0.001). About 7% of the adolescent girls did dieting for maintaining body shape. The respondent’s various perspectives of a fatty body shape were related to dietary factors and few beliefs predominant in their community. Those who were ‘very thin’ wanted to be ‘normal’ but never ‘fat’ at any cost (Qualitative). Additionally, those who perceived themselves as ‘thin’ did not diet. For those who were on diet, being ‘thin’ was considered healthy (91%) but for none (0%), being ‘fat’ was healthy. Conclusion: Body image dissatisfaction and negative self-perception is observed in adolescent girls and impacts their eating behaviour. They should be positively counselled and their food habits must be shaped with sustained motivation as these tend to persist till adulthood.
Double Inlet Left Ventricle (DILV) with Mal-posed Great Vessels: A Challenge in a Developing World
Authors: Chinawa Josephat M. , Chinawa Awoere T. , Duru Chika O. , Aronu Ann E.
Published: May 2021

Background: Double Inlet Left Ventricle (DILV) with transposition of the great vessels is rare in children with congenital heart disease. We present two cases seen at a paediatric echocardiography centre.

Baby ND is a 28-day old female who presented with respiratory distress and cyanosis from the first day of life. Echocardiography showed a double inlet left ventricle and mal-posed great vessels.

MB is a seven-month-old female who presented with breathlessness and cyanosis from the first day of life. Examination showed a soft pan-systolic murmur of grade 2 variety at the mid sternal boarder. ECG showed left ventricular dominance and abnormal T changes. Echocardiography revealed a double inlet left ventricle and mal-posed great vessels. 

Conclusion: Double inlet left ventricle and mal-posed great vessels is a rare complex cardiac  anomaly of univentricular physiology. A high index of suspicion (especially if the new born presents with first day history of cyanosis and breathlessness) is necessary for quick referral and surgical intervention.
Assessing the Current States of Logistics Management and Training on Family Planning Services in Nigerian Healthcare Facilities
Authors: Onoja Ali Johnson , Sanni Felix Olaniyi , Akogu Simon Peterside , Abiodun Paul Olaiya , Onoja Sheila Iye , Lemah Samuel Ayorinde
Published: May 2021

Background: Management of Family planning (FP) commodities is a significant problem that is not limited to compromising the quality of FP services but also results in economic burden especially in developing countries.  Some facilities may have ample FP commodities while others have a shortage if FP logistics are managed poorly. Hence, assessing the FP commodities logistic management is relevant to inform decision-makers.

Methods: This survey was a cross-section study of 763 public primary and secondary healthcare facilities in Nigeria. The study involved facility assessment and quantitative interview of key personnel in each facility, using a structured questionnaire. The study was conducted from May to July 2019. The data collected were analysed with IBM-SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were performed, Chi-Square and linear logistics regression were used to establish significant associations; p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: About half (51.4%) of primary and 33.5% of secondary healthcare facilities were not using forms for reporting FP supplies. Also, 23.8% of primary and 18.8% of secondary facilities waited for more than two months before receiving orders. The facilities have an average of 2-3 trained personnel on FP services. FP staff who were trained had their last training over a year ago (primary-31.9%); secondary-37.4%). Secondary facilities were 2.102(95% CI:1.567–2.820) times more likely to use log forms, 1.845(95% CI: 1.076–3.165) times more likely to have cold chains, and 4.785(95% CI: 3.207–7.139) more likely to have trained staff on insertion and removal of implants than primary facilities (p<0.05).

Conclusion: We advocate that the government and donor agencies carry out urgent interventions such as regular supply of contraceptives, regular training of FP service providers, provide sufficient manpower, carry out regular monitoring and evaluation of FP services and create awareness on the need to use FP services among grassroots citizens.
Estimation of Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphate (ALP) and Aspartate (AST) Irrespective of Dietary Supplementation, Body Mass Index and Nature of Exercise
Authors: Khan Alamgir , Butt Muhammad Zafar Iqbal , Manan Abdul , Asghar Ejaz , Jamil Muhammad , Khan Samiullah
Published: May 2021

Purpose: This research study was conducted for the assessment of liver enzymes i.e. Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphate (ALP) and Aspartate (AST) irrespective of dietary supplementation, body mass index and nature of the exercise.

Methods: A randomized control trails were taken and thus Sixty (60) subjects ageing 20 to 30 years, (Twenty (20) from low-intensity exercise (EXG-II), Twenty (20) from high-intensity exercise (EXG-III) and Twenty (20) subjects as a control group (CG-III) were included in the study by using International Physical Activity Scale (IPAQ).5ml blood samples were collected from the subjects for the determination of liver functions and blood redox status. Each blood sample was marked with a separate identification mark. After the collection of blood samples, three particular liver enzymes tests i.e. ALT, ALP and AST were performed. The results of the samples test proceeded through the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 23.

Results: The P-Value of the low-intensity exercise group (EXG-II) in term of ALT was less than the high-intensity exercise group ( EXG-III) ( p >.05), The P-Value of the low-intensity exercise group (EXG-II) in term of ALP was less than the high-intensity exercise group ( EXG-III) ( p >.05). The P-Value of low-intensity exercise group (EXG-II) in term of AST was less than high-intensity exercise group (EXG-III) (p >.05).

Conclusion: Based on findings, it was concluded that low-intensity exercise with dietary supplementation positively affects the functions of the liver i.e. Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphate (ALP) and Aspartate (AST) as compared to high-intensity exercise. Similarly high-intensity exercise with dietary supplementation also positively influence as compared to performers of high-intensity exercise without dietary supplementation.
Effect of Zinc and Boron Application on Lycopene and Nutritional Qualities of Tomato
Authors: Mallick Supti , Das R. C. , Zakir H. M. , Alam M. S.
Published: May 2021

A pot experiment was conducted in the net house of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, to examine the effect of different levels of Zn and B on the major biochemical and nutritional quality of tomato fruits. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 replications along with two treatment factors viz., (i) four levels of Zn- like control, Zn @ 4.0 kg ha-1, Zn @ 6.0 kg ha-1 and Zn @ 8.0 kg ha-1; and (ii) three levels of B- like control, B @ 2.0 kg ha-1 and B @ 3.0 kg ha-1. Among the biochemical parameters- lycopene, total acidity, and vitamin C contents in tomato fruits ranged from 3.24-3.76 mg 100 g-1, 0.26-0.36%, and 21.76-26.40 mg 100 g-1 samples, respectively. The study results revealed that the highest amounts of lycopene and vitamin C were recorded from B @ 2.0 kg ha-1. Combined Zn and B applications showed a highly significant effect on total acidity, lycopene, and vitamin C contents of tomato fruits. Similarly, the application of Zn and B alone or in combination significantly affected the major nutrient contents of tomato fruits. The highest amounts of Ca, Mg, Na, K, and P were obtained from the application of Zn @ 4.0 kg ha-1, while the maximum amounts of Fe and Zn were recorded from Zn @ 8.0 kg ha-1 treatment. However, the application of B alone significantly reduced the contents of Ca, P, S, Fe, and Zn in tomato fruits while the contents of Mg, K, and Na remained almost unchanged. Finally, the study results concluded that the combined application of Zn and B (@ 4.0 and 2.0 kg ha-1, respectively) had a significant effect on major nutrients and biochemical characters of tomato fruits.
Toward Wafer‐Scale Production of 2D Transition Metal Chalcogenides
Authors: Wang Peijian , Yang Deren , Pi Xiaodong
Published: May 2021

2D transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) have attracted tremendous interest from both the scientific and technological communities due to their variety of properties and superior tunability through layer number, composition, and interface engineering. Wafer‐scale production of 2D TMCs is critical to the industrial applications of these materials. Extensive efforts have been bestowed to the large‐area growth of 2D TMCs through various approaches. In this review, recent advances in obtaining large‐area 2D TMCs by different methods such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), metal–organic CVD, and physical vapor deposition are first highlighted and their advantages and disadvantages are also evaluated. Then, strategies for the control of the grains, morphology, layer number, and phase to achieve controllable and uniform thicknesses and large crystal domains for 2D TMCs are discussed. Applications of large‐area 2D TMCs in electronics, optoelectronics, spintronics, etc., are also introduced. Finally, ideas and prospects for the future developments of wafer‐scale 2D TMCs are provided.
Translation and psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Elderly People (HoNOS65+)
Authors: Omranifard Victoria , Abounoori Mahdi , Babakhanian Masoudeh , Ebrahimi Amrollah , Akouchekian Shahla , Shafiei Katayoun , Khosravifar Shaghayegh
Published: May 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Elderly People (HoNOS65+) in Iran's elderly population.

Methods

The scale English version translated to Persian using a forward and backward translation method. The scale was filled for two elderly population groups (inpatient and outpatients) (N = 300). Simultaneously with HoNOS+65, the Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI) was completed. Two separate therapists were filled HoNOS+65 for thirty‐one patients (inter‐rater reliability test). In general, content validity, consistency, confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), convergent validity, and criterion validity were examined.

Results

Using exploratory factor analysis, three factors were extracted. Inter‐rater reliability in some items has a slight agreement. Content validity ratio (0.75) and index (0.90) were calculated for each item. Cronbach's alpha total score was 0.82. According to the largest modification indices, CFA showed satisfactory fit indices. The convergent validity between HoNOS +65 and CGI was (r = 0/71, sig = 0.000). Finally, the optimal cut‐off point was achieved 13. Sensitivity and specificity for the HoNOS +65 were 88.89% and 81.16%, respectively, with the Youden index of 0.7005.

Conclusion

The Persian version of HoNOS65+ has high reliability, validity, specificity, and sensitivity in multidimensional assessment of Iranian geriatric mental health.
The earliest depictions of a PIK3CA‐Related Overgrowth Spectrum disorder: 17th‐18th century prints of women with severe limb overgrowth
Authors: Heyne Thomas F. , Neri Giovanni , Lin Angela E.
Published: May 2021

We report two prints (a woodcut from the 17th century and an engraving from the 18th century) that likely show individuals with PIK3CA‐Related Overgrowth Spectrum (PROS). These prints are likely the earliest known depictions of this complex condition.
An Ultra‐Long‐Lived Triplet Excited State in Water at Room Temperature: Insights on the Molecular Design of Tridecafullerenes
Authors: Ramos‐Soriano Javier , Pérez‐Sánchez Alfonso , Ramírez‐Barroso Sergio , Illescas Beatriz M. , Azmani Khalid , Rodríguez‐Fortea Antonio , Poblet Josep M. , Hally Cormac , Nonell Santi , García‐Fresnadillo David , Rojo Javier , Martín Nazario
Published: May 2021

Suitably engineered molecular systems exhibiting triplet excited states with very long lifetimes are important for high‐end applications in nonlinear optics, photocatalysis, or biomedicine. We report the finding of an ultra‐long‐lived triplet state with a mean lifetime of 93 ms in an aqueous phase at room temperature, measured for a globular tridecafullerene with a highly compact glycodendrimeric structure. A series of three tridecafullerenes bearing different glycodendrons and spacers to the C60 units have been synthesized and characterized. UV/Vis spectra and DLS experiments confirm their aggregation in water. Steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence experiments suggest a different degree of inner solvation of the multifullerenes depending on their molecular design. Efficient quenching of the triplet states by O2 but not by waterborne azide anions has been observed. Molecular modelling reveals dissimilar access of the aqueous phase to the internal structure of the tridecafullerenes, differently shielded by the glycodendrimeric shell.
All‐Inorganic Quantum‐Dot LEDs Based on a Phase‐Stabilized α‐CsPbI3 Perovskite
Authors: Wang Ya‐Kun , Yuan Fanglong , Dong Yitong , Li Jiao‐Yang , Johnston Andrew , Chen Bin , Saidaminov Makhsud I. , Zhou Chun , Zheng Xiaopeng , Hou Yi , Bertens Koen , Ebe Hinako , Ma Dongxin , Deng Zhengtao , Yuan Shuai , Chen Rui , Sagar Laxmi Kishore , Liu Jiakai , Fan James , Li Peicheng , Li Xiyan , Gao Yuan , Fung Man‐Keung , Lu Zheng‐Hong , Bakr Osman M. , Liao Liang‐Sheng , Sargent Edward H.
Published: May 2021

The all‐inorganic nature of CsPbI3 perovskites allows to enhance stability in perovskite devices. Research efforts have led to improved stability of the black phase in CsPbI3 films; however, these strategies—including strain and doping—are based on organic‐ligand‐capped perovskites, which prevent perovskites from forming the close‐packed quantum dot (QD) solids necessary to achieve high charge and thermal transport. We developed an inorganic ligand exchange that leads to CsPbI3 QD films with superior phase stability and increased thermal transport. The atomic‐ligand‐exchanged QD films, once mechanically coupled, exhibit improved phase stability, and we link this to distributing strain across the film. Operando measurements of the temperature of the LEDs indicate that KI‐exchanged QD films exhibit increased thermal transport compared to controls that rely on organic ligands. The LEDs exhibit a maximum EQE of 23 % with an electroluminescence emission centered at 640 nm (FWHM: ≈31 nm). These red LEDs provide an operating half‐lifetime of 10 h (luminance of 200 cd m−2) and an operating stability that is 6× higher than that of control devices.
The First High‐Temperature Supramolecular Radical Ferroics
Authors: Huang Chao‐Ran , Li Yibao , Xie Yongfa , Du Ye , Peng Hang , Zeng Yu‐Ling , Liu Jun‐Chao , Xiong Ren‐Gen
Published: May 2021

Organic radical ferroics such as TEMPO have attracted widespread interest. However, the relatively low Curie temperature of 287 K and melting point of 311 K severely hinder its application potential. Despite extensive interest, high‐temperature radical ferroics have not yet been found. Here, taking advantage of chemical design and supramolecular radical chemistry, we designed two high‐temperature organic supramolecular radical ferroics [(NH3‐TEMPO)([18]crown‐6)](ReO4) (1) and [(NH3‐TEMPO)([18]crown‐6)](ClO4) (2), which can retain ferroelectricity up to 413 K and 450 K, respectively. To our knowledge, they are both the first supramolecular radical ferroics and unprecedented high‐temperature radical ferroics, where the supramolecular component is vital for the stabilization of the radical and extending the working temperature window. Both also have paramagnetism, non‐interacting spin moments, and excellent piezoelectric and electrostrictive behaviors comparable to that of LiNbO3.
Leakage‐Proof Electrolyte Chemistry for a High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Ju Jiangwei , Dong Shanmu , Cui Yanyan , Zhang Yanfen , Tang Ben , Jiang Feng , Cui Zili , Zhang Huanrui , Du Xiaofan , Lu Tao , Huang Lang , Cui Guanglei , Chen Liquan
Published: May 2021

Electrolyte leakage is a severe safety concern in lithium batteries. With highly volatile 1,2‐dimethoxyethane as solvent, the leakage related hazards are more pronounced in lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. To address this concern, a leakage‐proof electrolyte is delicately designed through functionalizing the commercial electrolyte by Li6PS5Cl‐grafted poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate), which can interact readily with the aluminum‐plastic packing through hydrogen bond to immobilize the electrolyte. The moisture from ambient can also catalyze a further polymerization of the macromolecules to seal the leaking points and thereby to solve the leakage issue, endowing Li‐S batteries superior safety even in an artificial cut pouch cell. With a bare S loading of 4.9 mg cm−2, the battery can deliver good endurance owing to the suppressed polysulfide shuttle by its polar groups. This work enlightens the design of leakage‐proof electrolyte and makes a milestone for high performance Li‐S batteries.
Herausforderungen der Zukunft: Strategien zur Verstärkung von Betonbrücken im Bestand
Authors: Novák Balthasar , Boros Vazul , Reinhard Jochen
Published: May 2021

In Deutschland nähert sich die Brückengeneration der Nachkriegszeit dem Ende ihrer geplanten Lebensdauer. Daher haben die Bundesregierung und die Straßenbauämter der Länder umfangreiche Infrastrukturprojekte in die Wege geleitet, um den Brückenbestand zu beurteilen und anschließend, falls erforderlich, Verstärkungen oder Ersatzneubauten vorzunehmen. Häufig muss dabei die Nutzungsdauer von maroden Brücken bis zum Zeitpunkt der Inbetriebnahme eines Ersatzneubaus ausgedehnt werden. Am Beispiel von drei Talbrücken werden wirksame Maßnahmen zur Verstärkung und Verlängerung der Nutzungsdauer von Bestandsbrücken präsentiert. Das erste Beispiel zeigt, wie mittels externer Vorspannung die Ermüdungstragfähigkeit einer 50 Jahre alten Spannbetonbrücke gesteigert werden konnte. Eine zweite Talbrücke mit Defiziten im Bereich der Querkrafttragfähigkeit wurde durch geneigte Stahlstreben an den Pfeilern verstärkt, die durch verbleibende Hydraulikpressen aktiviert werden. Der Einfluss von Zwangsbeanspruchungen durch das unterschiedliche Werkstoffverhalten wird durch Federelemente reduziert. Kritische Stegbereiche wurden durch zusätzliche Bügel verstärkt und mit Aufbeton geschützt. Beim dritten Bauwerk traten Ermüdungserscheinungen an den Koppelfugen auf. Durch die Unterstützung der kritischen Koppelfugen konnte jedoch die Nutzungsdauer verlängert werden. Eine Waagebalkenkonstruktion mit Gegengewichten, die auf einem Stahlturm angebracht ist, gewährleistet hierbei eine konstante Kraft.
Simulating longitudinal data from marginal structural models using the additive hazard model
Authors: Keogh Ruth H. , Seaman Shaun R. , Gran Jon Michael , Vansteelandt Stijn
Published: May 2021

Observational longitudinal data on treatments and covariates are increasingly used to investigate treatment effects, but are often subject to time‐dependent confounding. Marginal structural models (MSMs), estimated using inverse probability of treatment weighting or the g‐formula, are popular for handling this problem. With increasing development of advanced causal inference methods, it is important to be able to assess their performance in different scenarios to guide their application. Simulation studies are a key tool for this, but their use to evaluate causal inference methods has been limited. This paper focuses on the use of simulations for evaluations involving MSMs in studies with a time‐to‐event outcome. In a simulation, it is important to be able to generate the data in such a way that the correct forms of any models to be fitted to those data are known. However, this is not straightforward in the longitudinal setting because it is natural for data to be generated in a sequential conditional manner, whereas MSMs involve fitting marginal rather than conditional hazard models. We provide general results that enable the form of the correctly specified MSM to be derived based on a conditional data generating procedure, and show how the results can be applied when the conditional hazard model is an Aalen additive hazard or Cox model. Using conditional additive hazard models is advantageous because they imply additive MSMs that can be fitted using standard software. We describe and illustrate a simulation algorithm. Our results will help researchers to effectively evaluate causal inference methods via simulation.
Multi‐institutional, prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase IIb trial of the tumor lysate, particle‐loaded, dendritic cell (TLPLDC) vaccine to prevent recurrence in high‐risk melanoma patients: A subgroup analysis
Authors: Chick Robert C. , Faries Mark B. , Hale Diane F. , Kemp Bohan Phillip M , Hickerson Annelies T. , Vreeland Timothy J. , Myers John W. , Cindass Jessica L. , Brown Tommy A. , Hyngstrom John , Berger Adam C. , Jakub James W. , Sussman Jeffrey J. , Shaheen Montaser , Clifton Guy T. , Park Hyohyun , Sloan Amanda J. , Wagner Thomas , Peoples George E.
Published: May 2021

Background

Checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) in combination with cell‐based vaccines may produce synergistic antitumor immunity. The primary analysis of the randomized and blinded phase IIb trial in resected stage III/IV melanoma demonstrated TLPLDC is safe and improved 24‐month disease‐free survival (DFS) in the per treatment (PT) analysis. Here, we examine efficacy within pre‐specified and exploratory subgroups.

Methods

Stage III/IV patients rendered disease‐free by surgery were randomized 2:1 to TLPLDC vaccine versus placebo. The pre‐specified PT analysis included only patients completing the primary vaccine/placebo series at 6 months. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to compare 24‐month DFS among subgroups.

Results

There were no clinicopathologic differences between subgroups except stage IV patients were more likely to receive CPI. In stage IV patients, 24‐month DFS was 43% for vaccine versus 0% for placebo (p = 0.098) in the ITT analysis and 73% versus 0% (p = 0.002) in the PT analysis. There was no significant difference in 24‐month DFS when stratified by use of immunotherapy or CPI. For patients with resected recurrent disease, 24‐month DFS was 88.9% versus 33.3% (p = 0.013) in the PT analysis. All benefit from vaccination was in the PT analysis; no benefit was found in patients receiving up to three doses.

Conclusion

The TLPLDC vaccine improved DFS in patients completing the primary vaccine series, particularly in the resected stage IV patients. The efficacy of the TLPLDC vaccine will be confirmed in a phase III study evaluating adjuvant TLPLDC + CPI versus Placebo + CPI in resected stage IV melanoma patients.
Application of Polycarboxylic Acid Brushes on Polystyrene–Divinylbenzene Microbeads for the Removal of Lead from Water
Authors: Erdem Yayayürük Aslı , Yayayürük Onur , Tukenmez Ece , Karagoz Bunyamin
Published: May 2021

Contamination of the environment with lead (Pb) is of great concern because it is harmful to living organisms even at low concentrations. This work describes a reliable strategy for the effective removal of lead ions using polycarboxylic acid brushes on polystyrene–divinyl benzene (PS–DVB) microbeads. The synthesized material is demonstrated to be a viable sorbent for lead ion adsorption. The following parameters are examined to obtain the optimal sorption conditions: pH of 5, sorbent amount of 10 mg, contact time of 120 min, and sorption temperature of 25 °C. Under these conditions, the maximum removal efficiency and experimental adsorption capability are found to be >93% and 134 mg g−1, respectively. Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second order kinetic models best represent the adsorption process. It is evaluated that an exothermic and spontaneous adsorption mechanism occurs. The method's applicability is demonstrated with spike recovery experiments using real water samples. Overall, the results show that the synthesized material has high removal efficiency (>93%) against lead ions in a variety of water matrixes.
Maximizing cancer prevention through genetic navigation for Lynch syndrome detection in women with newly diagnosed endometrial and nonserous/nonmucinous epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Kim Soyoun Rachel , Tone Alicia , Kim Raymond H. , Cesari Matthew , Clarke Blaise A. , Eiriksson Lua , Hart Tae L. , Aronson Melyssa , Holter Spring , Lytwyn Alice , Maganti Manjula , Oldfield Leslie , Gallinger Steven , Bernardini Marcus Q. , Oza Amit M. , Djordjevic Bojana , Lerner‐Ellis Jordan , Van de Laar Emily , Vicus Danielle , Pugh Trevor J. , Pollett Aaron , Ferguson Sarah E.
Published: May 2021

Background

Despite recommendations for reflex immunohistochemistry (IHC) for mismatch repair (MMR) proteins to identify Lynch syndrome (LS), the uptake of genetic assessment by those who meet referral criteria is low. The authors implemented a comprehensive genetic navigation program to increase the uptake of genetic testing for LS in patients with endometrial cancer (EC) or nonserous/nonmucinous ovarian cancer (OC).

Methods

Participants with newly diagnosed EC or OC were prospectively recruited from 3 cancer centers in Ontario, Canada. Family history questionnaires were used to assess LS‐specific family history. Reflex IHC for MMR proteins was performed with the inclusion of clinical directives in pathology reports. A trained genetic navigator initiated a genetic referral on behalf of the treating physician and facilitated genetic referrals to the closest genetics center.

Results

A total of 841 participants (642 with EC, 172 with OC, and 27 with synchronous EC/OC) consented to the study; 194 (23%) were MMR‐deficient by IHC. Overall, 170 women (20%) were eligible for a genetic assessment for LS: 35 on the basis of their family history alone, 24 on the basis of their family history and IHC, 82 on the basis of IHC alone, and 29 on the basis of clinical discretion. After adjustments for participants who died (n = 6), 149 of 164 patients (91%) completed a genetic assessment, and 111 were offered and completed genetic testing. Thirty‐four women (4.0% of the total cohort and 30.6% of those with genetic testing) were diagnosed with LS: 5 with mutL homolog 1 (MLH1), 9 with mutS homolog 2 (MSH2), 15 with mutS homolog 6 (MSH6), and 5 with PMS2.

Conclusions

The introduction of a navigated genetic program resulted in a high rate of genetic assessment (>90%) in patients with gynecologic cancer at risk for LS.
Spatially Inhomogeneous Evolutionary Games
Authors: Ambrosio Luigi , Fornasier Massimo , Morandotti Marco , Savaré Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

We introduce and study a mean‐field model for a system of spatially distributed players interacting through an evolutionary game driven by a replicator dynamics. Strategies evolve by a replicator dynamics influenced by the position and the interaction between different players and return a feedback on the velocity field guiding their motion.

One of the main novelties of our approach concerns the description of the whole system, which can be represent‐dimensional state space (pairs (x, σ) of position and distribution of strategies). We provide a Lagrangian and a Eulerian description of the evolution, and we prove their equivalence, together with existence, uniqueness, and stability of the solution. As a byproduct of the stability result, we also obtain convergence of the finite agents model to our mean‐field formulation, when the number N of the players goes to infinity, and the initial discrete distribution of positions and strategies converge.

To this aim we develop some basic functional analytic tools to deal with interaction dynamics and continuity equations in Banach spaces that could be of independent interest. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Energy‐efficient radio resource allocation for dual‐hop relay‐assisted orthogonal frequency division multiple access systems with quality of service provisioning
Authors: Saraiva Juno Vitorino , Lima Francisco Rafael Marques , Pessoa Alexandre Matos , Maciel Tarcisio Ferreira , Freitas Junior Walter da Cruz , Cavalcanti Francisco Rodrigo Porto
Published: May 2021

Besides the conventional spectral efficiency metric, energy efficiency (EE) has been adopted as one of the new mandatory performance metrics for green future mobile networks. In this sense, in this article we study energy‐efficient radio resource allocation for dual‐hop orthogonal frequency division multiple access relay networks considering multiple relays and users. Resource allocation in our scenario is comprised of relay selection, subcarrier pairing, subcarrier assignment, and transmit power allocation. Particularly, in the context of EE with quality of service constraints, three different problems, namely, power consumption minimization, global EE maximization, and minimum individual EE maximization are addressed. For tackling them, first, we demonstrate a property that exploits the use of the decode and forward protocol employed in the relays and we show how it can be applied to simplify the investigated problems. Although some of these problems are nonconvex due to the fractional objective functions and integer optimization domain, optimal solutions are provided using generalized fractional programming theory to transform the fractional objective functions to the subtractive forms. Then, by employing Dinkelbach or bisection methods, we propose iterative algorithms where a parametric problem is solved in each iteration until reaching convergence. By introducing a penalty function to handle integer variables and applying majorization‐minimization approach, we make the parametric problem convex and we propose suboptimal iterative solutions with reduced computational cost. Regarding obtained simulation results, we discuss the performance of the involved solutions in terms of global EE and fairness with respect to different parameters of the system.
“I always walked out with an empty purse.” Older adults’ engagement with electronic gambling machines in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Pitt Hannah , Thomas Samantha L. , Cowlishaw Sean , Randle Melanie , Balandin Susan
Published: May 2021

Issue addressed

Older adults are at an increased risk of experiencing gambling harm, which may be due to their use of high‐intensity gambling products such as electronic gambling machines (EGMs). However, little research has explored the motivations behind older adults’ engagement with EGMs, their understanding of the structural characteristics of EGMs, or their perceptions of risk associated with EGM gambling. This paper aims to address this gap in the literature.

Methods

Focus groups were conducted in Melbourne, Australia with n = 126 adults aged 55+, who had attended a club or pub in the last 12 months. Topics included EGM attitudes and behaviours, structural characteristics of EGMs, and the potential risks associated with EGM gambling. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data.

Results

For most participants, EGM gambling was secondary to their participation in other activities available within venues. Participants identified structural characteristics of EGMs; however, there were some misconceptions about how EGMs operated, including how or why machines paid out. Most participants perceived that they were not at risk of gambling harm because they engaged in “responsible” gambling practices such as setting limits.

Conclusions

Older adults often engaged in EGM gambling because of its availability in community‐based venues. Older adults’ perception that they are implementing responsible gambling practices may be increasing their susceptibility to harm.

So what?

There is a need to reduce the availability and accessibility of EGMs in community settings and develop public education programs that are tailored to the needs of older adults.
Automatic brain tumor segmentation for acomputer‐aideddiagnosis system
Authors: Abdelaziz Mohammed , Cherfa Yazid , Cherfa Assia , Alim‐Ferhat Fatiha
Published: May 2021

Brain structure segmentation, including tumors, in medical imaging has become a necessity to help neurologists correctly diagnose patients' conditions. The complexity of these structures requires the implementation of automatic segmentation methods, often developed by magnetic resonance imaging. This study aims to design and implement an automatic system for detecting and localizing tumor regions by combining three different methods. Firstly, the region of interest, that is, the pixels belonging to the tumor, is detected using Random Forest's algorithm, while the rest of the pixels of the image are considered to belong to the background. Thus, the tumor and background seeds are obtained, automatically, for segmentation using the Graph Cut method. This segmentation allows to obtain the initial contour, for the level set (LVS) segmentation, which refine the previous segmentation. The proposed method was validated on the Multimodal Brain Tumor Segmentation Challenge (BRATS) database (http://braintumorsegmentation.org; 2015).