bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Application Process: An Analysis of the Applicant Experience
Authors: Ramkumar Prem N. , Navarro Sergio M. , Chughtai Morad , Haeberle Heather S. , Taylor Samuel A. , Mont Michael A.
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

Orthopaedic surgery residency positions are highly sought after. The purpose of this survey study was to report the following components of the applicant experience: (1) the number of programs to which applicants applied and interviewed, (2) the performance criteria associated with receiving interviews, (3) the way applicants respond to e-mail interview offers, (4) the pre- and post-interview communication between applicants and programs, (5) the importance of interview day activities and the determinants of the applicant rank order list (ROL), and (6) the financial cost of the application process.

Methods:

An online survey was administered and entirely completed by a representative sample of 100 orthopaedic surgery residency applicants for the 2015 to 2016 cycle during the 3-week period between the last interview of the application season and the deadline for ROL certification. The survey included 45 questions: 7 for background, 7 for competitiveness, 15 for the interaction between applicants and programs, 15 for the importance of interview day experience and the determinants of the applicant ROL, and 1 for the cost of attending each interview.

Results:

Students applied to 83 ± 27 programs, received 17 ± 10 interviews, and attended 12 ± 5 interviews. Interview offers correlated with, in descending order, Alpha Omega Alpha status, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, and Step 1. The mean time to reply of interview offer was 17 minutes, yet 25% of the applicants lost at least one interview despite having at least one other person monitor the applicant's e-mail account. Applicants and programs frequently contacted each other to express interest. Although evaluating current residents was the most valuable aspect of interview day to applicants, the strongest determinants for applicants' ROLs were location and surgical experience, with research the least important factor. The cost of interview season was >$7,000 per applicant, excluding away externships.

Conclusion:

Applying to orthopaedic surgery residency is a complex, competitive, and costly experience for applicants. The application process may benefit from better expectation management of applicant candidacy and a more prohibitive communication policy between applicants and programs after the interview day.
Relationship between obesity and thyroid function in adults
Authors: EKİNCİ Ferhat , MERDER-COŞKUN Demet , TUNCEL Bilge , ATİLA Dinçer , YILDIZ Hüseyin , UZUNER Arzu
Published: June 2018

Objectives: Obesity affects prognosis of many comorbid diseasesnegatively. This study was conducted to investigate the relationshipbetween obesity and thyroid function.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conductedbetween December 2011 and December 2012. Consecutively selectedadults who applied to the outpatient clinics of Family Medicine andInternal Medicine, at Marmara University Hospital were recruited inthe study. Height and weight were measured and body mass index(BMI) was calculated. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), freethyroxine (fT4), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL),high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride and glucose levels weremeasured for every participant. According to their BMI, participantswere divided into three groups as normal weight (<25), overweight (25-30) and obese (≥30).Results: Data of 618 participants (53% female/47% male)was analyzed. Mean age was 43±15. There were 175 (28.3%)participants in normal weight, 242 (39.2%) in overweight and 201(32.5%) in obese groups. No statistically significant differencewas found between groups in terms of TSH or fT4. Statisticallysignificant difference was found in terms of lipid profiles andblood glucose between groups. Atherogenic lipid levels (totalcholesterol, LDL and triglyceride) and blood glucose werehigher and HLD levels were lower in overweight or obese groups (P<0.05) but there were no statistically significant differencesbetween overweight and obese groups (P>0.05).Conclusion: This study is one of the few studies in theliterature showing that there is no relationship between obesity andthyroid function.
A case of Krukenberg tumor, eight years after treatment of gastric cancer
Authors: KARAGÜL Servet , SÜMER Fatih , ONUR Asım , TARDU Ali , DAĞLI Adile Ferda , KAYAALP Cuneyt
Published: June 2018

Krukenberg tumor is a rare metastatic tumor of the ovary. Theprimary tumors are usually gastrointestinal cancers. Most of theKrukenberg tumors reported in the literature occurred within thefirst 2 years after treatment of the primary disease. Herein, wepresent a case of Krukenberg tumor in a 37-year-old woman whopreviously underwent surgery and chemotherapy for stomachcancer. This patient is noteworthy because it is one of the fewdocumented cases of ovarian metastasis appearing after a diseasefreeperiod of 8 years following treatment of the primary tumor.Krukenberg tumors are associated with poor prognosis; therefore,regular gynecological examination in female patients with historyof gastric cancer is very important for the early diagnosis andtreatment of this disease.
Leveraging chromatography based physicochemical properties for efficient drug design
Authors: Goetz Gilles H. , Shalaeva Marina
Published: June 2018

Applications of chromatography derived lipophilicity, polarity, and 3D concepts such as conformational states, exposed polarity and intramolecular hydrogen bonds (IMHB), are discussed along with recently developed methods for incorporating these concepts into drug design strategies. In addition, the drug design process is described with examples and practices used at Pfizer, as well as experimental and computed parameters used for parallel optimization of properties leading to drug candidate nominations.
2018 top trends in academic libraries: A review of the trends and issues affecting academic libraries in higher education
Authors: Research Planning and Review Committee ACRL
Published: June 2018

Every other year, the ACRL Research Planning and Review Committee produces a document on top trends in higher education as they relate to academic librarianship. Topics in this edition of ACRL Top Trends will be familiar to some readers who will hopefully learn of new materials to expand their knowledge. Other readers will be made aware of trends that are outside of their experience. This is the nature of trends in our current technological and educational environments: change is continual, but it affects different libraries at different rates. The 2018 top trends share several overarching themes, including the impact of market forces, technology, and the political environment on libraries.
Visualizing virtual users through art: Usage statistics in outreach and marketing
Authors: Henle Alea , Jaquez Andrea , Gray Hannah
Published: June 2018

Most modern academic libraries have physical and virtual spaces—and patrons. Physical users can be hard to miss, but virtual users often leave only traces behind. It’s all too easy, and misleading, to assess library use based on bodies in chairs. While online resources provide statistics documenting use, these numbers may seem unreal to administrators and funding agencies. Western New Mexico University’s Miller Library designed an art installation, “A Year of Virtual Research,” as a large-scale physical data visualization project to make virtual library use more present and real to the university community.
Grants and Acquisitions
Authors: Galloway Ann-Christe
Published: June 2018

The Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) has been awarded $1.12 million by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to implement a sustainable, extensible digital library platform and set of curatorial processes to federate records relating to the cultural heritage of the Middle East. CLIR and its Digital Library Federation program will work with technical partners at Stanford University and content providers worldwide to build on the Digital Library of the Middle East (DLME) prototype and create processes to extend the DLME. DLME is envisioned as a nonproprietary, multilingual library of digital objects providing greater security for, preservation of, and access to digital surrogates of cultural heritage materials.
Fast Facts
Authors: Pattillo Gary
Published: June 2018

Enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutionsRight to be forgottenUniversity press salesBurden of higher education costsTV vs. YouTube
Las tecnologías digitales emergentes entran en la Universidad: RA y RV
Authors: Cabero Almenara Julio , Fernández Robles Bárbara
Published: June 2018

En la última década están emergiendo un conjunto de tecnologías que se están acercando a la educación universitaria como no había sucedido en épocas anteriores. Muchas de estas tecnologías pueden ser consideradas como disruptivas, puesto que están transformando y mejorando los escenarios formativos. Entre las tecnologías que están tomando mayor impulso e importancia encontramos la realidad aumentada y la realidad virtual, tal y como han puesto de manifiesto diversos informes Horizon y Edutrens. A pesar de que las investigaciones sobre la integración de estas tecnologías se encuentran en un estado incipiente, podemos afirmar que las realizadas hasta el momento demuestran los grandes beneficios que aportan al proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Entre estas contribuciones podemos destacar la mejora de la motivación, de la satisfacción y del rendimiento de los alumnos. En el presente artículo mostramos el estado actual de la Universidad en lo que a integración de TIC respecta, haciendo alusión a las tecnologías que están irrumpiendo con mayor fuerza en los últimos tiempos. Además nos centramos en dos de las tecnologías “realidad aumentada y realidad virtual” que están teniendo mayor repercusión en los últimos años, demostrando evidencias al respecto y haciendo mención a su incorporación en el ámbito universitario.
¿Hacia la Ubersidad? Conflictos y contradicciones de la universidad digital
Authors: Adell Segura Jordi , Castañeda Quintero Linda , Esteve Mon Francesc
Published: June 2018

La universidad es una institución con una larga historia, que ha propiciado y sobrevivido a múltiples cambios a lo largo de los siglos. En las últimas décadas, los cambios parecen acelerarse, ligados en parte a la tecnología. La digitalización está teniendo un gran impacto en cómo desarrolla sus funciones la universidad. Pero dichos procesos no son lineales ni simples, sino que se traducen en cambios complejos, ambivalentes y conflictivos. En este trabajo se pretende analizar algunos de los efectos más relevantes de la implementación de las tecnologías digitales en la docencia e investigación universitarias desde un punto de vista socio-material. Es decir, no nos centraremos en esas tecnologías como objetos, ni en la realidad de las personas en ese contexto, sino en cómo las relaciones establecidas entre sujetos y objetos afectan a la acción que tiene lugar en la universidad, como realidad compleja. Para ello, el presente artículo plantea un análisis que va de lo particular a lo general. En primer lugar,se tratará brevemente cómo afecta “lo digital” a la docencia y la investigación. A continuación, se esbozarán algunas ideas sobre futuros posibles ligados a la tecnología digital y, para finalizar, se propondrán algunas ideas sobre cómo analizar el impacto de la tecnología en la universidad desde una perspectiva crítica.
Hacia la universidad digital: ¿dónde estamos y a dónde vamos?
Authors: Area Moreira Manuel
Published: June 2018

Las instituciones universitarias se encuentran actualmente en una etapa de tránsito de un modelo de enseñanza decimonónico basado con la transmisión del conocimiento empaquetado en objetos culturales impresos y en la lección magistral del docente hacia un modelo pedagógico apoyado en el aprendizaje activo y constructivo del alumnado interaccionando con recursos digitales. Este número monográfico aborda el análisis de la transformación digital de la universidad guiado por cuestiones como ¿Hacia dónde debiera evolucionar la educación universitaria? ¿Qué sentido pedagógico tiene la entrada de la digitalización en la enseñanza universitaria? ¿Cómo transforma la tecnología la profesionalidad docente, lo que debe aprender el alumnado, o los entornos y las metodologías de eLearning?
La déclinaison de la professionnalisation dans le secteur de l’enseignement au Cameroun
Authors: Abdourhaman Ibrahim
Published: June 2018

En partant des différentes acceptions du concept de professionnalisation et de ses dimensions, la présente étude propose d’analyser le sens qu’en a donné le gouvernement camerounais et les actions qui en ont découlé. Un corpus documentaire constitué des plans quinquennaux, des plans d’ajustement structurel, des stratégies globales de développement et des stratégies sectorielles de l’éducation concernant la période de 1960 à 2020, complété par des entretiens avec des personnes-ressources, a été soumis à une analyse du contenu. Il ressort de cette analyse que deux grandes dimensions de la professionnalisation sont mises en oeuvre au Cameroun, celle de l’enseignement, pris comme corporation, et celles des enseignements. La première a fait l’objet de plusieurs politiques publiques, sans pour autant être officiellement désignée sous le terme professionnalisation. Quant à la seconde, elle est présente dans le discours officiel depuis le milieu des années 1970. Elle vise une meilleure gestion des flux d’élèves et une insertion facile des jeunes dans la vie active. La présente étude suggère un examen plus approfondi du rapport entre « professionnalisation des enseignements » et « professionnalisation du personnel enseignant ».
Laudos e pareceres psicológicos e práticas de poder
Authors: Brandão Eduardo Ponte
Published: June 2018

O trabalho do psicólogo no campo jurídico consolidou-se a partir do advento do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (Lei 8069/90), inserindo-se nas práticas realizadas por equipes interprofissionais. Opsicólogo é frequentemente demandado a realizar perícias e confeccionar laudos e pareceres. Através do método da genealogia de Foucault, verifica-se que apesar da herança medicalizante da qual a perícia é portadora, essa se mantém como prática mesmo num campo doutrinário de proteção integral dos direitos da criança e do adolescente. Conclui-se que o direito serve de vetor e, ao mesmo tempo, camuflagem para as estratégias de normalização e disciplina, de modo que a demanda por laudos e pareceres servem a diversas linhas de força, entre as quais, o resgate do poder simbólico do juiz que até então poderia ser afrontada pela corrente medicalizante.
De algozes a vítimas: dos direitos cegos e nulos à mulher gestante em situação de cárcere
Authors: Calhiari Eliane , Santos Leticia Rodrigues da Silva , Brunini Bárbara Cossetin Costa Beber
Published: June 2018

Este artigo problematiza os ambientes carcerários como instituições totais e de disciplinamento dos corpos, independente do gênero a que se destina. Faz-se uma crítica à falência das instituições carcerárias que deixaram há muito tempo de exercer seu papel fundamental, o de “ressocialização dos sujeitos”. Os métodos utilizados para imposição do poder naturalizam expressões e formas de estar no mundo, inviabilizando corpos que se permitem romper as fronteiras territoriais do sistema empobrecido binário que reduzem as possibilidades humanas. Tem-se uma atenção especial ao corpo feminino que ao movimentar-se entre as fronteiras passa a sofrer processos de exclusão, a partir do momento em que rompe com as normas impostas ao gênero feminino. Os estigmas aumentam quando esse corpo está em situação de cárcere em período gestacional e de amamentação. Cabe ao profissional Psi um posicionar-se criticamente e com estratégias que possibilite o empoderamento dessas mulheres em conhecer seus direitos, denunciando a negligência que o sistema comete com as mulheres em situação de cárcere. Através da pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, este trabalho pretende ser um convite a problematização do corpo feminino gestante em cárcere bem como a ausência daqueles direitos humanos ditos por lei direitos adquiridos.
Subjetividade pós moderna e relações sociais: implicações para a efetividade do sistema de justiça
Authors: De Carvalho Maria Cristina , Barbosa Claudia Maria
Published: June 2018

O desafio da efetividade do sistema de justiça atual é de alta complexidade, pois apesar de ser competência do âmbito jurídico, vários campos de conhecimento estão implicados, sendo necessária escolha de paradigma adequado para análise. Aborda-se o tema mediante revisão de literatura sob a ótica do paradigma da complexidade, onde Ciências Sociais, Psicologia e Direito se entrelaçam, considerando a pós-modernidade como contexto que circunscreve o funcionamento do sistema de justiça. O objetivo é demonstrar a influência da subjetividade contemporânea no funcionamento do sistema de justiça. Para isso,apresenta-se o mundo contemporâneo regido por novos ditames, o que propicia que a subjetividade e conduta dos indivíduos, respondam a uma lógica maior que determina sua forma de ser-no-mundo sendo ordem social específica. Na contemporaneidade os indivíduos buscam bem-estar a qualquer preço, seja pelo consumo excessivo, uso de drogas, manipulação de regras, ou seja acionando o sistema de justiça na procura da sua justiça. Na medida em que indivíduos se libertam das amarras sociais na busca de viver de acordo com seu Eu , mais suas relações complicam, criando inúmeras demandas judiciais pelo comportamento consumista e desdobramentos das desigualdades e violação de direitos. Conclui-se que os desafios da efetividade do sistema de justiça talvez impliquem em descompassos entre o que seria efetividade para esse sistema e para a demanda dos sujeitos pós-modernos que o procuram, a qual é resultante de funcionamento social específico.
Choice of choice models: Theory of signal detectability outperforms Bradley-Terry-Luce choice model
Authors: Kornbrot Diana E , Georgiou George J , Page Mike
Published: June 2018

Identifying the best framework for two-choice decision-making has been a goal of psychology theory for many decades (Bohil, Szalma, & Hancock, 2015; Macmillan & Creelman, 1991). There are two main candidates: the theory of signal detectability (TSD) (Swets, Tanner Jr, & Birdsall, 1961; Thurstone, 1927) based on a normal distribution/probit function, and the choice-model theory (Link, 1975; Luce, 1959) that uses the logistic distribution/logit function. A probit link function, and hence TSD, was shown to have a better Bayesian Goodness of Fit than the logit function for every one of eighteen diverse psychology data sets (Open-Science-Collaboration, 2015a), conclusions having been obtained using Generalized Linear Mixed Models (Lindstrom & Bates, 1990; Nelder & Wedderburn, 1972) . These findings are important, not only for the psychology of perceptual, cognitive and social decision-making, but for any science that use binary proportions to measure effectiveness, as well as the meta-analysis of such studies.
Adequate statistical power in clinical trials is associated with the combination of a male first author and a female last author
Authors: Otte Willem M , Tijdink Joeri K , Weerheim Paul L , Lamberink Herm J , Vinkers Christiaan H
Published: June 2018

Clinical trials have a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of new treatments and interventions in medicine. A key characteristic of a clinical trial is its statistical power. Here we investigate whether the statistical power of a trial is related to the gender of first and last authors on the paper reporting the results of the trial. Based on an analysis of 31,873 clinical trials published between 1974 and 2017, we find that adequate statistical power was most often present in clinical trials with a male first author and a female last author (20.6%, 95% confidence interval 19.4-21.8%), and that this figure was significantly higher than the percentage for other gender combinations (12.5-13.5%; P<0.0001). The absolute number of female authors in clinical trials gradually increased over time, with the percentage of female last authors rising from 20.7% (1975-85) to 28.5% (after 2005). Our results demonstrate the importance of gender diversity in research collaborations and emphasize the need to increase the number of women in senior positions in medicine.
Asymmetric activation mechanism of a homodimeric red light-regulated photoreceptor
Authors: Gourinchas Geoffrey , Heintz Udo , Winkler Andreas
Published: June 2018

Organisms adapt to environmental cues using diverse signaling networks. In order to sense and integrate light for regulating various biological functions, photoreceptor proteins have evolved in a modular way. This modularity is targeted in the development of optogenetic tools enabling the control of cellular events with high spatiotemporal precision. However, the limited understanding of signaling mechanisms impedes the rational design of innovative photoreceptor-effector couples. Here, we reveal molecular details of signal transduction in phytochrome-regulated diguanylyl cyclases. Asymmetric structural changes of the full-length homodimer result in a functional heterodimer featuring two different photoactivation states. Structural changes around the cofactors result in a quasi-translational rearrangement of the distant coiled-coil sensor-effector linker. Eventually, this regulates enzymatic activity by modulating the dimer interface of the output domains. Considering the importance of phytochrome heterodimerization in plant signaling, our mechanistic details of asymmetric photoactivation in a bacterial system reveal novel aspects of the evolutionary adaptation of phytochromes.
The cell sets the tone
Authors: Alanko Jonna , Sixt Michael
Published: June 2018

In zebrafish larvae, it is the cell type that determines how the cell responds to a chemokine signal.
Growth, biochemical response and liver health of juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fed fermented and non-fermented tuna hydrolysate as fishmeal protein replacement ingredients
Authors: Siddik Muhammad A.B. , Howieson Janet , Ilham Ilham , Fotedar Ravi
Published: June 2018

Conventional aquaculture feed materials available in Australia are expensive, which has prompted the search for alternatives that would be cost-effective and locally available. The present study was undertaken in order to maximize the use of a tuna hydrolysate (TH), which was produced locally from the tuna-processing discards. The growth performance, biochemical status, antioxidant capacity and liver health of juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer) were assessed. Two series of isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets labelled as TH50, TH75 (non-fermented tuna hydrolysate) and FTH50, FTH75 (fermented tuna hydrolysate) were formulated to replace FM at 50% and 75%, respectively. A basal diet without the TH supplementation was used as a control. The experimental diets were fed to the triplicate groups of fish three times a day for 56 days. The results of the experiment revealed that fish fed on both fermented and non-fermented TH-containing diets significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the final body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate compared to the control. The highest apparent digestibility coefficients for dry matter, protein and lipid were obtained in the control group, and decreased with the increasing level of TH in the diets. However, the whole-body proximate compositions and the blood biochemical indices of fish were not affected by the TH inclusion in the diets. The fish fed on TH diets of TH50, FTH50 and TH75 exhibited reduced (p < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity compared to the control; whereas the FTH75 exhibited no difference with the control. The excessive inclusion of TH in the diets of TH75 and FTH75 resulted in cytoplasmic vacuolization, with an increased amount of lipid accumulation, and necrosis in the liver tissue. These results indicated that the replacement of the FM protein with TH at 50% and 75% inclusion levels negatively affected the growth performance, feed utilization, and digestibility in juvenile barramundi; and it also increased the potential risk of hepatic failure in the fish. Further investigation is, therefore, required in order to optimize the TH levels in the fish diets which would be suitable for the growth of fish, as well as for maintaining the enhanced biochemical response in juvenile barramundi.
Discovery of digestive enzymes in carnivorous plants with focus on proteases
Authors: Ravee Rishiesvari , Mohd Salleh Faris ‘Imadi , Goh Hoe-Han
Published: June 2018

Background

Carnivorous plants have been fascinating researchers with their unique characters and bioinspired applications. These include medicinal trait of some carnivorous plants with potentials for pharmaceutical industry.

Methods

This review will cover recent progress based on current studies on digestive enzymes secreted by different genera of carnivorous plants:Drosera(sundews),Dionaea(Venus flytrap), Nepenthes(tropical pitcher plants),Sarracenia(North American pitcher plants), Cephalotus(Australian pitcher plants), Genlisea(corkscrew plants),andUtricularia(bladderworts).

Results

Since the discovery of secreted protease nepenthesin inNepenthespitcher, digestive enzymes from carnivorous plants have been the focus of many studies. Recent genomics approaches have accelerated digestive enzyme discovery. Furthermore, the advancement in recombinant technology and protein purification helped in the identification and characterisation of enzymes in carnivorous plants.

Discussion

These different aspects will be described and discussed in this review with focus on the role of secreted plant proteases and their potential industrial applications.
Coupling GIS spatial analysis and Ensemble Niche Modelling to investigate climate change-related threats to the Sicilian pond turtle Emys trinacris, an endangered species from the Mediterranean
Authors: Iannella Mattia , Cerasoli Francesco , D’Alessandro Paola , Console Giulia , Biondi Maurizio
Published: June 2018

The pond turtle Emys trinacris is an endangered endemic species of Sicily showing a fragmented distribution throughout the main island. In this study, we applied “Ensemble Niche Modelling”, combining more classical statistical techniques as Generalized Linear Models and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines with machine-learning approaches as Boosted Regression Trees and Maxent, to model the potential distribution of the species under current and future climatic conditions. Moreover, a “gap analysis” performed on both the species’ presence sites and the predictions from the Ensemble Models is proposed to integrate outputs from these models, in order to assess the conservation status of this threatened species in the context of biodiversity management. For this aim, four “Representative Concentration Pathways”, corresponding to different greenhouse gases emissions trajectories were considered to project the obtained models to both 2050 and 2070. Areas lost, gained or remaining stable for the target species in the projected models were calculated. E. trinacris’ potential distribution resulted to be significantly dependent upon precipitation-linked variables, mainly precipitation of wettest and coldest quarter. Future negative effects for the conservation of this species, because of more unstable precipitation patterns and extreme meteorological events, emerged from our analyses. Further, the sites currently inhabited by E. trinacris are, for more than a half, out of the Protected Areas network, highlighting an inadequate management of the species by the authorities responsible for its protection. Our results, therefore, suggest that in the next future the Sicilian pond turtle will need the utmost attention by the scientific community to avoid the imminent risk of extinction. Finally, the gap analysis performed in GIS environment resulted to be a very informative post-modeling technique, potentially applicable to the management of species at risk and to Protected Areas’ planning in many contexts.
Comparison of artificial rearing systems using clinical and hematological parameters: A preliminary study
Authors: Galotta Maria Laura , Moscuzza Carlos Hernan , Ambros Luis , Fernández Cirelli Alicia
Published: June 2018

AbstractComparison of clinical and hematological profile of Anglo Nubian kids was performed under three different rearing systems. Animals were separated from their dams and rearing from birth until pre-weaning at 24 days of age. Kids were fed with goat milk, reconstituted cow powder milk and reconstituted cow powder milk with enrofloxacin in a sutbherapeutical doses. Clinical exam and blood analysis were performed at 3, 10 and 21 days of treatment. Body weight did not show significant differences between treatments. Values of heart rate, cholesterol, urea, serum alkaline phosphatase and segmented neutrophils (%) were outside reference values. However, changes could be explained by physiological state and age of the animals. The use of diet supplemented with enrofloxacin did not generate substantial benefits in the animals that received it. In addition, the use of antibiotics in farms needs to be reconsidered in order to avoid negative environmental effects.
Population density and structure of diurnal primates in Pandam wildlife park, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Authors: Yager Gabriel Ortyom , Bukie James Oshita , Kaa Avalumun Emmanuel
Published: June 2018

A survey of diurnal primate species in Pandam wildlife park, Nigeria was conducted to determine its population density and structure. Eight transect lines (2.0km length, 0.02km width) at interval of 1.0km were located as representative samples in the park within the three range stratum (riparian forest, savannah woodland and, swampy area) based on proportional to size in providing information on the primate’s species present in the park. These include (Cercopithecus mona, Erythrocebus pata, Papio anubis and, Chlorocebus tantalus). Direct method of animal sighting was employed. Data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and diversity indices. The result showed that savannah woodland strata had more number of individual species encountered (132) and the lowest was the swampy area. Also the savannah woodland had the highest species diversity and richness while the riparian forest strata had the highest number of species evenness. More so, Cercopithecus tantalus was widespread throughout the park among other primates and Cercopithecus mona is most likely to decline even more rapidly than others since they inhabit the very tall trees. However, the variation in mean value of species sampled were not statistically significance (P>0.05). Generally, atleast one primate can be sighted in every km2 of range strata covered within the park. This census provides update information on the status of primate diversity and numbers within the park which can help to direct conservation efforts of the primates and other animals by the state government. This will further enhance the sustainability and elevation of the park to a National park.Keywords:  Population status, Diurnal Primates, ecology, Pandam Wildlife Park,
Facile Fabrication of Eco‐Friendly Durable Superhydrophobic Material from Eggshell with Oil/Water Separation Property
Authors: He Jinmei , He Jiao , Yuan Mingjuan , Xue Menghui , Ma Xuerui , Hou Lingang , Zhang Tianjun , Liu Xiangrong , Qu Mengnan
Published: June 2018

Most superhydrophobic surfaces are fragile and even lose their functions under harsh conditions especially in outdoor applications. In this study, we have demonstrated a facile strategy for fabricating eco‐friendly and mechanical durable superhydrophobic material from eggshell. The as‐prepared superhydrophobic materials possess not only excellent self‐cleaning property and under oil superhydrophobicity, but also high‐efficient oil/water separation capability. More importantly, the obtained materials show outstanding and mechanical durable water repellency, which can maintain superhydrophobicity after 360 cm abrasion length of sandpaper. In addition, the materials also show durable superhydrophobic toward strong acidic/alkali solutions, UV irradiation, and water droplet impact, which demonstrates the outstanding chemical and environmental stability. This facile fabrication of the mechanical durable superhydrophobic materials and the utilization of daily garbage will provide the new ideas for engineering materials and accelerate the real application of the super‐repellent materials.
Aligned Nanofiber Topographies Enhance the Differentiation of Adult Renal Stem Cells into Glomerular Podocytes
Authors: Sciancalepore Anna G. , Moffa Maria , Iandolo Donata , Netti Giuseppe S. , Prattichizzo Clelia , Grandaliano Giuseppe , Lucarelli Giuseppe , Cormio Luigi , Gesualdo Loreto , Pisignano Dario
Published: June 2018

The use of adult stem/progenitor cells is a challenge in current research about kidney functional regeneration. In this framework, material‐induced stem cell differentiation can become a new paradigm to promote advances in therapies. Here, the effects of both isotropic and anisotropic fibrous topographies on the podocyte differentiation of adult renal stem cells (RSCs) from human donors are investigated. The proliferation rate of RSCs is analyzed, immunofluorescence and genetic analyses of specific podocyte markers (Wilms’ tumor 1 gene, nephrin, and podocin) are performed to assess the differentiation level on the scaffolds. The studied markers are over‐expressed in RSCs cultured on aligned fibers compared to cells cultured on either protein‐functionalized films or randomly oriented fibers. In addition, RSCs cultured on aligned fibers are found to differentiate toward podocyte precursors even in basal medium conditions, thus highlighting scaffold‐induced commitment without exogenous chemicals or cellular reprogramming. Aligned polymer fiber scaffolds which provide instructive cues for RSC differentiation might lead to new biomimetic systems for renal stem cell engineering.
High‐Performance Microwave‐Derived Multi‐Principal Element Alloy Coatings for Tribological Application
Authors: Nair Rakesh Bhaskaran , Arora Harpreet Singh , Mandal Priya , Das Santanu , Grewal Harpreet Singh
Published: June 2018

The authors report the development of AlxCoCrFeNi (x = 0.1 to 3) high entropy alloy (HEA) coatings using a simple and straightforward microwave technique. The microstructure of the developed coatings is composed of a cellular structure and diffused interface with the substrate. The microstructure of the HEA coatings varies as a direct function of Al content. An increase in Al fraction shows structural transformation from FCC to BCC along with the evolution of σ and B2 as the major secondary phases. The diffusion of Mo from the substrate enhances the mixing entropy and promotes σ‐phase formation. The HEA coatings show significantly high hardness compared to SS316L substrate steel (227 HV) with a maximum value of 726 HV observed for three‐molar composition. The fracture toughness exhibits an inverse correlation with the Al fraction with the highest value of around 49 MPa m1/2 observed for Al0.1CoCrFeNi coating. The equimolar coating composition shows lowest erosion rates among all the tested samples due to optimum combination of the mechanical properties. The erosion resistance of the equimolar coating is 2 to 5 times higher than steel substrate and around 1.5 times higher than the non‐equimolar counterparts depending upon the impingement angles.
Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Al3Ti/Al Composites Produced In Situ by High Shearing Technology
Authors: Zeng Yan , Himmler David , Randelzhofer Peter , Körner Carolin
Published: June 2018

Due to its low density, high strength, and stiffness the intermetallic phase Al3Ti is a good candidate as reinforcement for Al alloys. In this work, in situ Al3Ti particle reinforced Al composites are fabricated from Ti particles and Al melt via melt stirring with a high shearing mixer. Microstructure and mechanical properties are investigated. The results indicate that, owing to the high shearing effect and intensive macroscopic flow of the melt, reinforced particles are distributed homogeneously on the microscopic and macroscopic scale. Furthermore, Al3Ti particles are proved to be effective nuclei for heterogeneous nucleation of α‐Al, thus the grain size of the Al matrix is significantly decreased. As a result of the fine grains and the uniform distribution of Al3Ti particles, E‐modulus, yield, and tensile strength of the composites are enhanced.
Control of the Surface Morphology of Ceramic/Polymer Composite Inks for Inkjet Printing
Authors: Mikolajek Morten , Reinheimer Timo , Muth Markus , Hohwieler Paul , Hoffmann Michael J. , Binder Joachim R.
Published: June 2018

The use of organic/inorganic composite inks in the Drop on Demand inkjet printing technology is a promising as well as demanding approach for the fabrication of composite thick films. Therefore, a versatile ceramic/polymer composite ink system for inkjet printing is developed in this study, containing Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 (BST) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). When developing such inks suitable for a one‐step fabrication, the major challenge is to fulfill the requirements of the inkjet printing technology and to obtain homogeneous surface morphologies after drying. Thus, possible influencing factors like the solvent composition, the solids content, and the ratio of ceramic to polymer are investigated to obtain a detailed knowledge for the general ink development. The fluid mechanical properties, viscosity, density, and surface tension are characterized. The main focus of this study lies on the drying behavior of the different inks, with the interactions of the ceramic particles, and the dissolved polymer molecules being highlighted. Furthermore, the drying behavior depending on the ink composition is shown. This study provides new insights into the possibility of using composite inks for the inkjet printing process and the fabrication of printed composite thick films in a single process step.
Watermelon‐Like Structured SiOx–TiO2@C Nanocomposite as a High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Li Zhaolin , Zhao Hailei , Lv Pengpeng , Zhang Zijia , Zhang Yang , Du Zhihong , Teng Yongqiang , Zhao Lina , Zhu Zhiming
Published: June 2018

A unique watermelon‐like structured SiOx–TiO2@C nanocomposite is synthesized by a scalable sol–gel method combined with carbon coating process. Ultrafine TiO2 nanocrystals are uniformly embedded inside SiOx particles, forming SiOx–TiO2 dual‐phase cores, which are coated with outer carbon shells. The incorporation of TiO2 component can effectively enhance the electronic and lithium ionic conductivities inside the SiOx particles, release the structure stress caused by alloying/dealloying of Si component and maximize the capacity utilization by modifying the Si–O bond feature and decreasing the O/Si ratio (x‐value). The synergetic combination of these advantages enables the synthesized SiOx–TiO2@C nanocomposite to have excellent electrochemical performances, including high specific capacity, excellent rate capability, and stable long‐term cycleability. A stable specific capacity of ≈910 mAh g−1 is achieved after 200 cycles at the current density of 0.1 A g−1 and ≈700 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 for over 600 cycles. These results suggest a great promise of the proposed particle architecture, which may have potential applications in the improvement of various energy storage materials.
Ultralow Impedance Graphene Microelectrodes with High Optical Transparency for Simultaneous Deep Two‐Photon Imaging in Transgenic Mice
Authors: Lu Yichen , Liu Xin , Hattori Ryoma , Ren Chi , Zhang Xingwang , Komiyama Takaki , Kuzum Duygu
Published: June 2018

The last decades have witnessed substantial progress in optical technologies revolutionizing our ability to record and manipulate neural activity in genetically modified animal models. Meanwhile, human studies mostly rely on electrophysiological recordings of cortical potentials, which cannot be inferred from optical recordings, leading to a gap between our understanding of dynamics of microscale populations and brain‐scale neural activity. By enabling concurrent integration of electrical and optical modalities, transparent graphene microelectrodes can close this gap. However, the high impedance of graphene constitutes a big challenge toward the widespread use of this technology. Here, it is experimentally demonstrated that this high impedance of graphene microelectrodes is fundamentally limited by quantum capacitance. This quantum capacitance limit is overcome by creating a parallel conduction path using platinum nanoparticles. A 100 times reduction in graphene electrode impedance is achieved, while maintaining the high optical transparency crucial for deep two‐photon microscopy. Using a transgenic mouse model, simultaneous electrical recording of cortical activity with high fidelity is demonstrated while imaging calcium signals at various cortical depths right beneath the transparent microelectrodes. Multimodal analysis of Ca2+ spikes and cortical surface potentials offers unique opportunities to bridge our understanding of cellular dynamics and brain‐scale neural activity.
Targeting Cooling for Quantum Dots in White QDs‐LEDs by Hexagonal Boron Nitride Platelets with Electrostatic Bonding
Authors: Xie Bin , Liu Haochen , Hu Run , Wang Chaofan , Hao Junjie , Wang Kai , Luo Xiaobing
Published: June 2018

Although quantum dots (QDs) show excellent advantages in flexible wavelength‐tuning and high color rendering capability in white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) lighting and display applications, the less‐than‐one quantum efficiency inevitably gives rise to a non‐negligible heat generation problem, which induces high‐temperature quenching issues of QDs and severely hinders their potential applications. Efficient heat dissipation for these nanoscale QDs is challenging since these nanoparticle “heat sources” are usually embedded in a low‐thermal conductivity polymer matrix. In this work, this problem is attempted by targeting cooling of the QDs in the silicone matrix by electrostatically bonding the hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) platelets onto QDs without sacrificing the optical performance of WLEDs. The red‐emissive QDs/hBN composites are mixed with yellow‐emissive phosphor to fabricate QDs/hBN‐WLEDs. Due to the effective heat transfer channels established by the QDs/hBN in the silicone, the heat could be dissipated efficiently to ambient air, and the working temperature of WLEDs is reduced by 22.7 °C at 300 mA. The QDs/hBN‐WLEDs still maintain a high luminous efficiency of 108.5 lm W−1 and a high color rendering index of Ra > 95, R9 > 90, showing that the present strategy can improve heat dissipation without sacrificing the optical performance.
2D MXene Nanofilms with Tunable Gas Transport Channels
Authors: Shen Jie , Liu Guozhen , Ji Yufan , Liu Quan , Cheng Long , Guan Kecheng , Zhang Mengchen , Liu Gongping , Xiong Jie , Yang Jian , Jin Wanqin
Published: June 2018

2D materials' membranes with well‐defined nanochannels are promising for precise molecular separation. Herein, the design and engineering of atomically thin 2D MXene flacks into nanofilms with a thickness of 20 nm for gas separation are reported. Well‐stacked pristine MXene nanofilms are proven to show outstanding molecular sieving property for H2 preferential transport. Chemical tuning of the MXene nanochannels is also rationally designed for selective permeating CO2. Borate and polyethylenimine (PEI) molecules are well interlocked into MXene layers, realizing the delicate regulation of stacking behaviors and interlayer spacing of MXene nanosheets. The MXene nanofilms with either H2‐ or CO2‐selective transport channels exhibit excellent gas separation performance beyond the limits for state‐of‐the‐art membranes. The mechanisms within these nanoconfined MXene layers are discussed, revealing the transformation from “diffusion‐controlled” to “solution‐controlled” channels after chemical tuning. This work of precisely tailoring the 2D nanostructure may inspire the exploring of nanofluidics in 2D confined space with applications in many other fields like catalysis and energy conversion processes.
Porous Metal–Organic Framework@Polymer Beads for Iodine Capture and Recovery Using a Gas‐Sparged Column
Authors: Valizadeh Bardiya , Nguyen Tu N. , Smit Berend , Stylianou Kyriakos C.
Published: June 2018

Iodine (I2) capture and recovery is an important process in many industrial practices. Conventional materials for I2 capture include Ag0‐based aerogels and zeolites and C‐based aerogels and powders, which suffer from expensive and/or inefficient recovery. Recently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown potential as good adsorbents for I2 capture with high capacity, fast uptake, and good recyclability. The powder form of MOFs, however, often makes them impractical in large‐scale applications. Herein, a versatile method based on the phase inversion technique is presented to fabricate millimeter‐sized spherical MOF@polymer composite beads, and the use of these beads for I2 capture and recovery is demonstrated. Besides preserving the crystallinity and pore accessibility of the embedded MOFs in the polymeric matrix, the beads exhibit higher capacity and faster uptake rate for I2 in both vapor and liquid phases compared to the bulk MOF powder. In order to showcase the applicability of these beads, a gas‐sparged column is used as a proof‐of‐concept device that can efficiently capture and recover more than 99% of I2 from the feeding solution. The beads can be recycled and reused multiple times, which in combination with their easy handling and storage highlights their superiority compared to MOF powders in adsorption applications.
Tailoring Rod‐Like FeSe2 Coated with Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon for High‐Performance Sodium Storage
Authors: Ge Peng , Hou Hongshuai , Li Sijie , Yang Li , Ji Xiaobo
Published: June 2018

Designing potential anodes for sodium‐ion battery with both remarkable durability and high‐rate capability has captured enormous attention so far. The engineering of size and morphology is deemed as an effective manner to boost the electrochemical properties. Owing to the anisotropic self‐assembly of iron selenide, rod‐like FeSe2 coates with nitrogen‐doped carbon is prepared through the thermal reaction of Prussian blue with selenium. Notably, the cyano groups are effectively transformed into N‐doped carbon with FeNC bonds, which uniformly coats FeSe2, prompting Na+ transportations. Interestingly, the particle size is tailored by heating rates, along with increased carbon content, leading to broadened energy levels for redox reaction. Bestowed by these advantages, the FeSe2/N‐C as Na‐storage anode delivers impressive electrochemical properties. Even at a rather high rate of 10.0 A g−1, a considerable capacity of 308 mAh g−1 is yielded over 10 000 loops. Supported by the detailed analysis of kinetic features, reduced size of particles could bring about the enhanced contributions of pseudocapacitive and quickening rate of ions transferring. The phase evolutions are further investigated by in situ EIS and ex‐situ technologies. The work is expected to provide a new strategy to prepare metal‐selenide with controllable size and induce the faster kinetic of high‐rate materials.