bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Franz Kafka lido por Hannah Arendt: cultura, formação e política
Authors: Eccel Daiane
Published: May 2019

De todos os literatos citados por Arendt, interessa-nos investigar suas relações com os escritos de Franz Kafka. Nosso objetivo neste texto é: (i) averiguar o impacto que a obra de Kafka exerce sobre Arendt e (ii) em que medida os problemas da cultura e da formação (Bildung) se põem no centro das reflexões arendtianas sobre Kafka. Para tanto, nos ocuparemos de dois textos de 1944 escritos por Arendt, a saber, O judeu como pária: uma tradição oculta e, sobretudo, Franz Kafka: uma reavaliação. Por ocasião do vigésimo aniversário de sua morte.
Subjetivação e veridição no cristianismo e na antiguidade greco-romana
Authors: Portocarrero Vera
Published: May 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é fazer uma introdução à pesquisa foucaultiana, por um lado, das diferentes formas de relação do sujeito consigo mesmo e com os outros, as técnicas de si que podem ser encontradas, em todas as culturas, de modos diferentes, principalmente aquelas imanentes à produção da verdade no Ocidente; por outro lado, dos deslocamentos teóricos e práticos do dizer verdadeiro da Antiguidade greco-romana para o cristianismo. O método utilizado foi o de análise de textos relevantes para o tema proposto. A hipótese, confirmada, é que o recuo genealógico de Foucault ao cristianismo demonstra diferentes regimes de sexualidade marcando flutuações e grandes diferenças quanto à atualidade, que não traçam uma herança da qual não poderíamos nos desembaraçar.
Structure encoding in DNA
Authors: Van der Mude Antony
Published: May 2019

It is proposed that transposons and related long non–coding RNA define the fine structure of body parts. Although morphogens have long been known to direct the formation of many gross structures in early embryonic development, they do not have the necessary precision to define a structure down to the individual cellular level. Using the distinction between procedural and declarative knowledge in information processing as an analogy, it is hypothesized that DNA encodes fine structure in a manner that is different from the genetic code for proteins. The hypothesis states that repeated or near–repeated sequences that are in transposons and non–coding RNA define body part structures. As the cells in a body part go through the epigenetic process of differentiation, the action of methylation serves to inactivate all but the relevant structure definitions and some associated cell type genes. The transposons left active will then physically modify the DNA sequence in the heterochromatin to establish the local context in the three–dimensional body part structure. This brings the encoded definition of the cell type to the histone. The histone code for that cell type starts the regulatory cascade that turns on the genes associated with that particular type of cell, transforming it from a multipotent cell to a fully differentiated cell. This mechanism creates structures in the musculoskeletal system, the organs of the body, the major parts of the brain, and other systems.
Automated language essay scoring systems: A literature review
Authors: Hussein Mohamed Abdellatif , Hassan Hesham Ahmed , Nassef Mohamed
Published: May 2019

Background. Writing composition is a significant factor for measuring test-takers’ ability in any language exam. However, the assessment (scoring) of these writing compositions or essays is a very challenging process in terms of reliability and time. The need for objective and quick scores has raised the need for a computer system that can automatically grade essay questions targeting specific prompt. Automated Essay Scoring (AES) systems are used to overcome the challenges of scoring writing tasks by using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning techniques. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature for the AES systems used for grading the essay questions.

Methodology. We have reviewed the existing literature using Google Scholar, EBSCO and ERIC to search the terms “AES”, “Automated Essay Scoring”, “Automated Essay Grading”, or “Automatic Essay”, and two categories have been identified: handcrafted features and automatic featuring AES systems. The systems of the first category are closely bonded to the quality of the designed features. On the other hand, the systems of the other category are based on the automatic learning of the features and relations between an essay and its score without any handcrafted features. We reviewed the systems of the two categories in terms of system primary focus, technique(s) used in the system, training data (y/n), instructional application (feedback system), and the correlation between e-scores and human scores. The paper is composed of three main sections. Firstly, we present a structured literature review of the available Handcrafted Features AES systems. Secondly, we present a structured literature review of the available Automatic Featuring AES systems. Finally, we draw a set of discussions and conclusions.

Results. AES models have been found to utilize a broad range of manually-tuned shallow and deep linguistic features. AES systems have many strengths in reducing labour-intensive marking activities, ensuring a consistent application of marking criteria, and facilitating equity in scoring. Although many techniques have been implemented to improve the AES systems, three primary challenges have been concluded: they lack the sense of the rater as a person, they can be tricked into assigning a lower or higher score to an essay than it deserved or not, and they cannot assess the creativity of the ideas and propositions and evaluating their practicality. Many techniques have been used to address the first two challenges only.
A Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Coating and Dusting Technologies on Fortification of Acha (Digitaria exilis) Grains
Authors: Chika Chinedu Ann , Sunday E. Atawodi , Charles Umeh Chisom , Chechet Kahu Jerry
Published: May 2019

Background: Reports have shown that consumption of acha (Digitaria exilis) is beneficial to both diabetic and hypertensive patients considering its low glycaemic index, if fortified could assist to improve health and in combating hidden hunger.

Aims: This work was aimed at establishing the technology of fortifying acha (Digitaria exilis) grains with vitamin A, Iron, copper and zinc by comparing the effectiveness of coating and dusting technologies and analysing the vitamin A, iron, zinc and copper levels of acha grains fortified by both methods.

Methodology: Vitamin A was quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method, while iron, zinc and copper were quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) method. 

Results: Vitamin A was undetected in unfortified grain, but present at 29,904.18 IU/kg and 29,657.66 IU/kg in coated and dusted grains respectively. The iron content(58 mg/kg) in unfortified grain increased by 22% and 15% for coated and dusted respectively, Copper increased by 25% and 14%  and Zinc by 32% and 45% with coating and dusting respectively.

Conclusion: This study suggests that coating is a more promising technology for fortifying acha grains with Vitamin A, iron and copper, which will assist in delivering these critical micronutrients in the vulnerable population and also be used as a strategy for dietary improvement.
Accessing Barriers and Determinants of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) Services at Public Teaching Hospitals in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Kate Umeobieri Ancilla , Chikee Aniwada Elias , Ikechukwu Obi Emmanuel , Chuka Agunwa
Published: May 2019

Introduction: The most effective means of reducing Mother-to-Child transmission of HIV is to provide suppressive HAART. Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) directly affects the achievement of Sustainable Development goals just. The unmet need for PMTCT services in Nigeria, particularly in Enugu state, is unacceptably high. This study aimed to assess factors associated with access barriers and determinants to PMTCT services in public health facilities in Enugu, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: The study design was a facility-based analytical cross-sectional study. HIV positive nursing mothers who were accessing PMTCT services were studied. Questionnaire was used. Chi-square test and Binary logistic regression was done to for determinants of experience of any access barrier.  Level of significance was determined at a p-value of ≤ 0.05.

Results: A total of 2275 participants were reported on. A higher proportion of participants were in 30-34 years age group 124 (45.1%), attained secondary education 144(52.4%) and provided for by their husbands 174(63.3%) The major barriers identified were; long waiting time at the facility 184(66.9%), distance of facility 161(58.5%), PMTCT being far away from other units/departments 155(56.4%), Health workers talking to the clients with no respect 151(54.9%), Stigma and discrimination from friends/neighbours 163(59.3%) and from health workers 123(44.7%) as well as being too busy with household chores 130(47.3%). There were statistically significant association between experience of barriers with age in categories (χ2=11.741, p =0.008), religion (χ2=5.381, p =0.020), source of income (χ2= 8.817, p=0.032) and ethnicity (χ2=9.240, p=0.026).

Conclusion: Over ninety percent of respondents experienced a form of barrier. The major barriers include; long waiting time, distance to facility, location of PMTCT units, Health workers attitude, Stigma and discrimination from health workers as well as being too busy with household chores. There was no identified predictor of access barrier.
Statistical Software
Authors: Schissler Alfred G. , Nguyen Hung , Nguyen Tin , Petereit Juli , Gardeux Vincent
Published: May 2019

This article discusses selected statistical software, aiming to help readers find the right tool for their needs. We categorize software into three classes:Statistical Packages, Analysis Packages with Statistical Libraries, and General Programming Languages with Statistical Libraries. Statistical and analysis packages often provide interactive, easy‐to‐use workflows while general programming languages are built for speed and optimization. We emphasize each software's defining characteristics and discuss trends in popularity. The concluding sections muse on the future of statistical software including the impact of Big Data and the advantages of open‐source languages.
Acceptable Use Policies
Authors: O'Byrne W. Ian
Published: May 2019

Acceptable use policies are a set of rules applied by the owner, creator, or administrator of a network, website, or service. These policies are a set of strategies that allow for notification of technology users of expected behaviors and set forth the consequences of misuse. These policies and the expectations and limitations they place on Internet usage have an impact on use and acquisition of media literacy. This has implications for educators, researchers, and practitioners as they encounter these use policies and agreements in their everyday work.
Arts Education with iPads
Authors: Dezuanni Michael
Published: May 2019

This entry focuses on the impact of iPads and similar touchscreen devices on education by suggesting that they have disrupted media literacy and arts education in at least three ways: the iPad is central to an active participation in convergence culture that sees media production and consumption occur across a range of media platforms in everyday life; as a mobile and personal device, the iPad changes the relationship between individuals and screens, for instance by making it easier to create and socially circulate digital materials; and the iPad requires new understandings about young people's cultural experiences and about how to include media literacy experiences in schools most effectively.
Civic Media
Authors: Gordon Eric , Mugar Gabriel
Published: May 2019

Civic media describes a set of media practices that seek to challenge the norms of the institutions that mediate civic life, including government, the press, and civil society. Civic media practice strives to achieve a strong social infrastructure and longevity through caring practices over time. This entry explains the nature of caring practices and articulates a vision for identifying and assessing civic media at a time of deep distrust in civic institutions.
Coding as Literacy
Authors: Martin Crystle
Published: May 2019

Coding is a vital skill in the 21st century. Learning to code is like learning a language, with syntax and grammar. Coding is an everyday activity, on a par with reading and writing, because code makes many devices we interact with on a daily basis. It should be treated as an ordinary activity, not as a special or strange phenomenon. Computational thinking, described as the way computer programmers think, is the literacy of coding; it involves problem‐solving, experimentation, and critical thinking, all of which include complex interpretation skills.
Girl Culture and Their Literacies
Authors: O'Quinn Elaine J.
Published: May 2019

In order to understand more completely how girls use the many forms of literacy available to them to help define their world, it is imperative to understand their history of literacy in general. This entry explores how girls have moved literacy around in the world of play, social contexts, academics, and personal and public representations. Developmental, psychological, philosophical, and anthropological insights and the impact they have had on perceptions of youths and girls in particular are also considered. Finally, the influence of cultural studies as relates to girls and the subcultures they may inhabit and how they move against the grain to resist, respond, act, and sometimes rebel through their use of literacy is discussed as an important way of understanding their growth. As daughters, sisters, friends, nieces, and students, girls continue as they always have to explore and perform their literacy in a variety of ways.
Hypertext and Hypermedia Writing
Authors: Hicks Troy
Published: May 2019

Hypertext and hypermedia refer to compositions that are created with and read/viewed by digital technologies such as computers, tablets, or smartphones. In addition to having textual elements (words, sentences, paragraphs), hypertexts contain links to other documents available on the Internet. In addition, hypermedia is distinguished from hypertext in that it includes images, audio, and video. The evolution of hypertexts and hypermedia stretches from initial ideas developed during World War II, into the 1960s and the emergence of the United States Defense Department's initial work on ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), into the explosive growth of the public Internet in the late 1990s and early 2000s and today's broadband and mobile web.
Literacy, Technology, and Media
Authors: Ranieri Maria
Published: May 2019

Over the years, the notion of literacy has progressively expanded from a narrow definition identifying it with a set of psycholinguistic skills to a wider understanding of its semantic content linking it to the particular sociocultural contexts within which literacy is practiced. In this expanding process media and technology have played a pivotal role. Indeed, literacy is now largely considered as an expressive form no longer and is linked not only to paper but also to the media and digital landscape of the new electronic communication environments, where new practices of meaning‐making are taking shape. The increasingly widespread use of terms like “media literacy” or, more recently, “digital literacy” reflects this evolution and calls for a better understanding of their meaning, particularly focusing on their differences and similarities as well as their potential contaminations.
Open Educational Resources
Authors: Belikov Olga M. , Kimmons Royce
Published: May 2019

This article introduces Open Educational Resources (OER) in a practitioner context. The article reviews a brief history of OER, as well as defines the qualifications and capacities of OER which provides an understanding of what qualities and capacities accompany OER. Information on where to find various OER and repositories is provided, with additional information on licensing considerations that will allow practitioners to find and adopt OER.
Production in the Pedagogic Project of Media Literacy
Authors: Zalipour Arezou
Published: May 2019

In recent years, access to various digital production tools and devices has provided rather easy ways of making media. One of the key principles of media literacy education, to create one's own media, has been pedagogically developed by investing substantially in the broad interests and opportunities that contemporary media technologies have offered to learn and increase production skills. In the media literacy process, production covers a wide range of skills, knowledge, and competencies to manipulate and create with media. In view of the increasing importance of media production in the pedagogic projects of media literacy, this entry discusses various aspects of production that are most central to the media literacy process.
School Censorship Appropriateness
Authors: Linford Michelle , Jolls Tessa
Published: May 2019

Although concern about censorship and appropriateness may be considered by some to be a relatively recent phenomenon, societal conflicts around these topics have existed since ancient times. Today expanded access to information, on‐ and offline, court rulings, and student activism are prompting school communities to reconsider norms around censorship and appropriateness. As schools move from offering a content‐heavy pedagogy to more process‐centered learning characteristic of media literacy education, they can help students prepare to live in and be contributors in their spheres of influence. Also, as media literacy experts collaborate with other experts and with all members of the school community—including youths and parents—they can help build media literacy awareness in schools, while also fostering a more expansive media literacy culture around schools. A stronger media literacy culture in general could help people navigate the tensions around school censorship and appropriateness more effectively.
Magnetization Configurations and Reversal in Small Magnetic Elements
Authors: Reeve Robert M. , Vafaee Mehran , Kläui Mathias
Published: May 2019

In this article, we present an overview of various static magnetization configurations and their dynamic reversal modes for elements of typical sizes from a few nanometers to a few micrometers. Initially, commonly employed techniques for the magnetic imaging and characterization of such systems are briefly reviewed. We then concisely outline the basic theoretical details of micromagnetism and in particular the main energy terms that determine the formation and dynamics of different states. To describe the simplest case of a single‐domain system, we present Stoner–Wohlfarth theory and compare its predictions to experimental studies. For larger elements, we discuss the formation of nonuniform and multidomain states, based on a fine balance of the aforementioned energy terms. In particular, for the most widely studied high‐symmetry geometries, the interplay between these energy terms and the element shape for the formation of the prevalent states is discussed. Next, the dynamic reversal of the elements is presented, beginning with the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation that governs uniform dynamics of single‐domain systems. Further reversal modes including curling, buckling, and domain wall motion are presented for nonuniform states, by a number of case studies. The work is primarily motivated from a fundamental standpoint, but links to potential device applications are highlighted throughout.
A Microfluidic Human Model of Blood–Brain Barrier Employing Primary Human Astrocytes
Authors: Lauranzano Eliana , Campo Elena , Rasile Marco , Molteni Raffaella , Pizzocri Marco , Passoni Lorena , Bello Lorenzo , Pozzi Davide , Pardi Ruggero , Matteoli Michela , Ruiz‐Moreno Ana
Published: May 2019

The neurovascular unit (NVU) is the most important biological barrier between vascular districts and central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma, which maintains brain homeostasis, protects the CNS from pathogens penetration, and mediates neuroimmune communication. T lymphocytes migration across the blood–brain barrier is heavily affected in different brain diseases, representing a major target for novel drug development. In vitro models of NVU could represent a primary tool to investigate the molecular events occurring at this interface. To move toward the establishment of personalized therapies, a patient‐related NVU‐model is set, incorporating human primary astrocytes integrated into a microfluidic platform. The model is morphologically and functionally characterized, proving to be an advantageous tool to investigate human T lymphocytes transmigration and thus the efficacy of potential novel drugs affecting this process.
Cryogenic Forming of Al‐Mg Alloy Sheet for Car Outer Body Applications
Authors: Grabner Florian , Österreicher Johannes A. , Gruber Belinda , Papenberg Nikolaus , Gerstner Florian , Kirnstötter Stefan , Schlögl Carina M.
Published: May 2019

During deep‐drawing of Al‐Mg sheet at room temperature, stretcher‐strain marks can appear on the material's surface. Such parts are not suitable for car outer body applications because the visually unappealing marks are still visible after painting. In this paper, the occurrence of surface marks on a miniaturized engine hood is significantly reduced by deep‐drawing at approximately −180 °C. Yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and tensile elongation are significantly higher at cryogenic temperature and the Portevin–Le Chatelier effect disappears. Scanning electron microscopy of fracture surfaces reveals that the ductile fracture mechanism is similar at cryogenic temperature and room temperature. However, the localized ductility is reduced at cryogenic temperatures, resulting in a finer structure of the fracture surface. In summary, cryogenic forming permits the use of Al‐Mg alloys for producing outer body car parts with acceptable surface quality.
Metallo‐Hydrogel‐Assisted Synthesis and Direct Writing of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Zang Xining , Hohman J. Nathan , Yao Kaiyuan , Ci Penghong , Yan Aiming , Wei Minsong , Hayasaka Takeshi , Zettl Alex , Schuck P. James , Wu Junqiao , Lin Liwei
Published: May 2019

Two dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted interest for their compelling nanoscale new properties and numerous potential applications including fast optoelectronic devices, ultrathin photovoltaics, and high‐performance catalysts. Large‐scale growth of uniform TMDC materials is essential for investigating their physics and for their integration into devices. However, the wafer scale deposition of TMDCs on arbitrary nonselective substrates is still beyond the current state‐of‐the‐art. In this article, a method to synthesize layered TMDCs (MoS2 and WS2) at the wafer‐scale by sulfurization of transition metal ions (Mo5+ and W6+) in a gelatin template (metallo‐hydrogel) is reported. This process is adaptable to versatile substrates, including amorphous silicon oxide, high‐temperature quartz, and silicon. Although the products are nominally few layer materials, direct band photoluminescent (≈1.8 eV), similar to single‐ or decoupled multilayer MoS2 is observed. Finally, the solution‐based deposition enables contact printing of TMDC channels to be useable for device applications including thin film transistors with printed silver contacts using the same process.
Sub‐3 V ZnO Electrolyte‐Gated Transistors and Circuits with Screen‐Printed and Photo‐Crosslinked Ion Gel Gate Dielectrics: New Routes to Improved Performance
Authors: Zare Bidoky Fazel , Tang Boxin , Ma Rui , Jochem Krystopher S. , Hyun Woo Jin , Song Donghoon , Koester Steven J. , Lodge Timothy P. , Frisbie C. Daniel
Published: May 2019

A facile, high‐resolution patterning process is introduced for fabrication of electrolyte‐gated transistors (EGTs) and circuits using a photo‐crosslinkable ion gel and stencil‐based screen printing. The photo‐crosslinkable gel is based on a triblock copolymer incorporating UV‐sensitive terminal azide functionality and a common ionic liquid. Using this material in conjunction with conventional photolithography and stenciling techniques, well‐defined 0.5–1 μm thick ion gel films are patterned on semiconductor channels as narrow as 10 μm. The resulting n‐type ZnO EGTs display high electron mobility (>2 cm2 Vs−1) and on/off current ratios (>105). Further, EGT‐based inverters exhibit static gains >23 at supply voltages below 3 V, and five‐stage EGT ring oscillator circuits display dynamic propagation delays of 50 μs per stage. In general, the screen printing and photo‐crosslinking strategy provides a clean room‐compatible method to fabricate EGT circuits with improved sensitivity (gain) and computational power (gain × oscillating frequency). Detailed device analysis indicates that significantly shorter delay times, of order 1 μs, can be obtained by improving the ion gel conductance.
Effect of the Density of Reactive Sites in P(S‐r‐MMA) Film during Al2O3 Growth by Sequential Infiltration Synthesis
Authors: Caligiore Federica E. , Nazzari Daniele , Cianci Elena , Sparnacci Katia , Laus Michele , Perego Michele , Seguini Gabriele
Published: May 2019

Sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS) consists in a controlled sequence of metal organic precursors and coreactant vapor exposure cycles of polymer films. Two aspects characterize an SIS process: precursor molecule diffusion within the polymer matrix and precursor molecule entrapment into polymer films via chemical reaction. In this paper, SIS process for the alumina synthesis is investigated using trimethylaluminum (TMA) and H2O in thin films of poly(styrene‐random‐methyl methacrylate) (P(S‐r‐MMA)) with variable MMA content. The amount of alumina grown in the P(S‐r‐MMA) films linearly depends on MMA content. A relatively low concentration of MMA in the copolymer matrix is enough to guarantee the volumetric growth of alumina in the polymer film. In pure polystyrene, metal oxide seeds grow in the subsurface region of the film. In situ dynamic spectroscopic ellipsometry analyses provide quantitative information about TMA diffusivity in pristine P(S‐r‐MMA) matrices as a function of MMA fraction, allowing further insight into the process kinetics as a function of the density of reactive sites in the polymer film. This work improves the understanding of infiltration synthesis mechanism and provides a practical approach to potentially expand the library of polymers that can be effectively infiltrated by introducing reactive sites in the polymer chain.
The application value of modified thyroid imaging report and data system in diagnosing medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Jialin , Li Xing , Wei Xi , Yang Xueling , Zhao Jing , Zhang Sheng , Guo Zhi
Published: May 2019

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is highly malignant and quite different from the most common papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, most of the ultrasonic evaluation systems mainly aim at PTC at present. This study aims to evaluate the applicability of modified TI‐RADS in diagnosing MTC and compare the sonographic differences of MTC, PTC, and benign nodules. Three thousand two hundred and forty‐two thyroid nodules images confirmed by pathology were categorized according to modified TI‐RADS and ACR TI‐RADS classification. The performances of two TI‐RADS were assessed by ROC curves. The correlations between classifications with the pathology and the consistency of different doctors were evaluated. The ultrasonic differences of MTC, PTC, and benign nodules were analyzed. As a result, the number of high suspicious US features increased, the malignant risk of nodules also increased of two classifications, with significant differences between categories (P < 0.001). Spearman correlation coefficients were 0.751 (modified TI‐TADS) and 0.744 (ACR TI‐RADS). Areas under the ROC curve of the modified TI‐RADS and ACR TI‐RADS were 0.960 and 0.872 (P < 0.001). At Best cut off points, the diagnostic value of modified TI‐RADS was higher than that of ACR TI‐RADS with a higher specificity, PPV, accuracy, and Youden index). By using modified TI‐RADS to diagnose MTC and PTC, the sensitivity, specificity, NPV, accuracy, and Youden index were higher in MTC than PTC. The Kendall's correlation coefficients were 0.962, 0.930, and 0.987. MTC had special ultrasonography characters compared with PTC and benign nodules. These results suggest that modified TI‐RADS is better than ACR TI‐RADS in diagnosing thyroid carcinomas. Diagnostic value to MTC of modified TI‐RADS is slightly higher than that to PTC, and the categorical results of different doctors were consistent. MTC had several particular features contrast to PTC and benign nodules.
In Situ Synthesis and Electrocatalytic Performance of Fe/Fe2.5C/Fe3N/Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Yan Ping , Kong Dewang , Yuan Wenjing , Xie Anjian , Shen Yuhua
Published: May 2019

In this study, a novel one‐dimensional iron‐based nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotube (N‐CNT) nanocomposite (Fe/Fe2.5C/Fe3N/N‐CNT) was successfully synthesized in situ by using a facile and low‐cost method. In alkaline media, the typical product (Fe/Fe2.5C/Fe3N/N‐CNT‐30) showed an good onset potential (Eonset=0.93 V vs RHE), half‐wave potential (E1/2=0.79 V vs RHE), and current density (J=6.62 mA cm−2 at 0.2 V vs RHE), especially compared to the commercial 20 % Pt/C catalyst (0.95 V, 0.82 V, 5.61 mA cm−2, respectively). In acidic medium, it also exhibits a good oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. Moreover, Fe/Fe2.5C/Fe3N/N‐CNT‐30 exhibited superior long‐term durability and methanol tolerance compared to Pt/C in both alkaline and acidic media. The excellent electrocatalytic performance of this material is attributed to the abundant carbon defects in the carbon structure, the high content doping of pyridinic N and graphitic N into the CNTs, the multi‐model Fe species as active sites, and the fact that most Fe species within the CNTs avoid corrosion from electrolyte. This study paves a new way for highly active ORR electrocatalysts and promotes the rapid development of CNTs in some frontier fields.
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling to Support the Re‐approval of Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin
Authors: Fostvedt Luke K. , Hibma Jennifer E. , Masters Joanna C. , Vandendries Erik , Ruiz‐Garcia Ana
Published: May 2019

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg; Pfizer, New York, NY) was the first antibody–drug conjugate to be approved for CD33‐positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, it was voluntarily withdrawn from the US market due to lack of clinical benefit in the confirmatory phase III trial. In 2012, several investigator cooperative studies using a different dosing regimen showed efficacy, but pharmacokinetic (PK) data were not collected in these trials. Through simulation of expected concentrations for new dosing regimens, PK/pharmacodynamic modeling was able to support the safety and efficacy of these regimens. Significant exposure–response relationships were found for the attainment of complete remission with and without platelet recovery, attainment of blast‐free status, the time course of myelosuppression, several grade ≥ 3 hepatic adverse events, and veno‐occlusive disease. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin received full approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2017 for newly diagnosed and relapsed AML in adult patients and relapsed AML in pediatric patients aged 2–17 years.
A Quantitative Justification of Similarity in Placebo Response Between Adults and Adolescents With Acute Exacerbation of Schizophrenia in Clinical Trials
Authors: Kalaria Shamir N. , Zhu Hao , Farchione Tiffany R. , Mathis Mitchell V. , Gopalakrishnan Mathangi , Uppoor Ramana , Mehta Mehul , Younis Islam
Published: May 2019

Early‐onset schizophrenia, or “adolescent schizophrenia,” has a global incidence ranging up to 4% of all schizophrenia cases. Clinical data from antipsychotic programs were collected from new drug applications submitted to the US Food and Drug administration from 1993 to 2015. A placebo response–dropout model was developed to describe the time course of total positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) scores in adults and adolescents. The final model in both populations suggested that patients with higher baseline scores exhibited a greater absolute reduction from baseline. Higher baseline total PANSS, enrollment in US trials, and increases or small improvements in total PANSS were found to be predictors of dropout in both populations. Simulated adolescent data using the final adult placebo response model resembled the observed adolescent data. By confirming similar changes in disease symptomology during an acute exacerbation, efficient regulatory pathways for adolescents can be facilitated by using the extrapolation paradigm.
Exploring the Possibility of Excited State Keto‐Enolate Transformation of the Oxyluciferin‐Luciferase Complex with QM/MM Free Energy Simulations
Authors: Chung Seyoung , Choi Sun Mi , Rhee Young Min
Published: May 2019

Firefly bioluminescence has been widely studied due to its high quantum yield and its broad range of color modulation, but debates on the origin of its color modulation and the exact chemical form of the emitter are still ongoing. Herein, the keto‐enolate transformation of the oxyluciferin–luciferase complex is investigated using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) free energy simulations. We find that the free energy profile of this transformation largely depends on the protonation state of the phenoxy oxygen in oxyluciferin. Although the keto‐enolate transformation can be facilitated by protonation of this oxygen atom, the overall transformation is still unlikely and only the keto form will predominantly exist along our hypothesized reaction path. Nevertheless, we show with additional calculations with a modestly modified protein electric field that the energetics of the transformation can be heavily modulated with the protein electrostatics. This suggests that carefully modeling the protein–ligand interaction is key to understanding the reaction mechanism of the firefly bioluminescence and that it is not yet appropriate to completely rule out the possibility of having enolate participation.
Stromatolites, so what?! A tribute to Robert N. Ginsburg
Authors: Suosaari Erica P. , Reid R. Pamela , Andres Miriam S.
Published: May 2019

In tribute to Dr. Robert N. Ginsburg (1925–2017), we examine his 1991 seminal paper Controversies about Stromatolites: Vices and Virtues, which summarized current ideas about stromatolites including controversies of definition, whether ancient stromatolites should be interpreted as sedimentary structures and mechanisms of carbonate fixation. The accepted model of stromatolite morphogenesis in 1991 was that biology controls microscale internal structure whereas environment controls macroscale morphology. Ginsburg, however, predicted that biology and environmental influences on stromatolite growth were closely coupled at macro, meso and micro scales. Recent research in Hamelin Pool and the Bahamas has advanced our understanding of the inherent duality of stromatolites and associated controversies. These studies suggest that at the macroscale, when physical forces are strong, the environment is the main control on the morphology; however, when physical forces are weak, biological communities become the main drivers of morphology. Therefore, stromatolites can be considered both as fossils and as sedimentary structures dependent on the energy in the environment of deposition. At the mesoscale, as predicted by Trompette, stromatolite fabrics are influenced equally by environment and biology. As the degree of lamination is often unknown or heterogeneous, a generic genetic term such as ‘microbialite’ is considered the most appropriate terminology for structures of probable microbial origin. At the microscale, stromatolite microfabrics reflect environmentally driven cycling of microbial communities, reflecting both biology and environment. With respect to carbonate fixation, research on modern stromatolites provides a model for biofilm precipitation of micritic laminae lacking microfossils in ancient stromatolites. As pointed out by Ginsburg, the inherent duality of environmental and biological controls of morphogenesis at all scales is at the root of many long‐standing controversies. Recent investigations corroborate the foresight of Ginsburg nearly 30 years ago, further confirming well‐preserved stromatolites can provide insight into both biology and environmental factors in ancient ecosystems.
Signals of positive selection in mitochondrial protein‐coding genes of woolly mammoth: Adaptation to extreme environments?
Authors: Ngatia Jacob Njaramba , Lan Tian Ming , Dinh Thi Dao , Zhang Le , Ahmed Ahmed Khalid , Xu Yan Chun
Published: May 2019

The mammoths originated in warm and equatorial Africa and later colonized cold and high‐latitude environments. Studies on nuclear genes suggest that woolly mammoth had evolved genetic variations involved in processes relevant to cold tolerance, including lipid metabolism and thermogenesis, and adaptation to extremely varied light and darkness cycles. The mitochondria is a major regulator of cellular energy metabolism, thus the mitogenome of mammoths may also exhibit adaptive evolution. However, little is yet known in this regard. In this study, we analyzed mitochondrial protein‐coding genes (MPCGs) sequences of 75 broadly distributed woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius) to test for signatures of positive selection. Results showed that a total of eleven amino acid sites in six genes, namely ND1, ND4, ND5, ND6, CYTB, and ATP6, displayed strong evidence of positive selection. Two sites were located in close proximity to proton‐translocation channels in mitochondrial complex I. Biochemical and homology protein structure modeling analyses demonstrated that five amino acid substitutions in ND1, ND5, and ND6 might have influenced the performance of protein–protein interaction among subunits of complex I, and three substitutions in CYTB and ATP6 might have influenced the performance of metabolic regulatory chain. These findings suggest metabolic adaptations in the mitogenome of woolly mammoths in relation to extreme environments and provide a basis for further tests on the significance of the variations on other systems.
Sn4P3/TiC Composites as Li‐Ion Battery Anode with High Volumetric Capacity and Good Rate Capability
Authors: Zhang Jiaolong , Wang Wenhui , Li Baohua
Published: May 2019

Sn4P3 is a potential high‐capacity anode material for a Li‐ion battery; however, its practical application is hindered by the fast capacity decay due to insufficient electronic conductivity, large volume expansion, and progressive tin agglomeration upon cycling. Herein, it is demonstrated that the highly conductive but inactive TiC can serve as an efficient additive to address the aforementioned issues, thus resulting in largely enhanced cycle stability and rate capability of Sn4P3. More importantly, the incorporation of high‐density TiC does not result in sacrifice in the volumetric capacity of the electrode. The Sn4P3/30TiC electrode delivers an initial volumetric capacity of ≈953.7 Ah L−1. After 100 cycles, a capacity of ≈701.0 Ah L−1 is maintained, which corresponds to a retention of ≈73.5%. This finding provides a feasible and effective strategy for designing stable anode materials with a high volumetric capacity.
Hydrogen Production from Natural Gas Using an Iron‐Based Chemical Looping Technology: Process Modeling, Heat Integration, and Exergy Analysis
Authors: Kong Fanhe , Li Chunyi , Zhang Yitao , Gu Yu , Kathe Mandar , Fan Liang-Shih , Tong Andrew
Published: May 2019

H2 production under a carbon‐constrained scenario attracts intensive research focus. Currently, the state‐of‐art H2 production technology with CO2 capture is the steam‐methane reforming (SMR) process with downstream CO2 sequestration. However, the need for combusting additional natural gas to supplement the endothermic heat for the reformer and the complexity of downstream H2 purification and CO2 separation processes make SMR less efficient and economical. As an alternative, an iron‐based three‐reactor chemical looping technology to convert natural gas to H2 (NTH) with 90% CO2 capture was designed and the process modeling was presented in previous publications. This work continues the study by focusing on the heat integration and exergy analysis of the process using ASPEN PLUS and ASPEN Energy Analyzer as simulation tools. Parametric studies of varying operating parameters are conducted, and the heat exchanger network of the NTH process is designed. Finally, the performance of the NTH process is compared with SMR, showing a 4.3% (percentage point) increase in the exergy efficiency.
Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses of incinerability index
Authors: Sebastian Roshni M. , Kumar Dinesh , Alappat Babu J.
Published: May 2019

A composite indicator for incinerability called incinerability index or i‐Index has been developed to quantify the incinerability of municipal solid waste (MSW) as a unique numerical figure on a scale of 0–100. Due to the absence of guidelines for the formulation of a composite indicator, the reliability of the quantified incinerability and the incinerability‐based rankings might be debatable. To ascertain the suitability of the methodology in developing the indicator for incinerability, uncertainty, and sensitivity analyses are essential. This article aims to carry out the uncertainty analysis of the various stages of the formulation of i‐Index, namely, relative weightage determination of input parameters, normalization of parameters and their aggregation. Sensitivity analysis is also done to determine the extent of influence an input has on the quantified incinerability. The robustness and the transparency of i‐Index can be assessed and improved by this approach.
Biological activities of a garlic–Cirsium setidens Nakai blend fermented with Leuconostoc mesenteroides
Authors: Daliri Eric Banan‐Mwine , Choi Sun‐Il , Cho Bong‐Yeon , Jo Hyeon Yeong , Kim Se‐Hun , Chelliah Ramachandran , Rubab Momna , Kim Joong‐Hark , Oh Hyun‐Taek , Lee Ok‐Hwan , Oh Deog‐Hwan
Published: May 2019

In this study, we investigated the antioxidant‐ and immune‐stimulating activities of various garlic–Cirsium setidens Nakai blends (fermented and unfermented). The levels of S‐allyl cysteine increased by 2.5 times while pectolinarigenin (an anti‐inflammatory compound) increased about six times (from 1.1 ± 0.04 mg/g to 6.70 ± 0.12 mg/g) after the garlic–Cirsium setidens Nakai (80:20%, respectively) blend (S4) was fermented with Leuconostoc mesenteroides KCTC 13302. The ferric reducing ability and DPPH radical scavenging activities of all the samples increased significantly after fermentation. Ethanolic extracts of the fermented samples significantly enhanced RAW 264.7 macrophage proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner and induced nitric oxide production. Among the samples, S6 and S8 stimulated the highest levels of nitric oxide (NO) production. S6 significantly induced proinflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐1β as well as an anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 relative to control. Since the resolution of an infection would require a harmonized interplay of proinflammatory factors and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, consumption of S6 could be helpful in promoting health.
Sexual risk associated with gambling among the youth in Rubaga Division, Kampala
Authors: Kiwujja Victor , Mugisha John Francis
Published: May 2019

The status of sexual and reproductive health of youths and adolescents in urban areas across the globe is alarming. Evidence from Uganda Aids Indicator Survey 2011 indicates that over 31% youths who have never married are engaged in sexual intercourse but have never tested for HIV. Gambling is clearly on the increase in major towns and cities drawing in several youths. However, the risk that this practice poses on the youth's sexual behavior has not been investigated in Uganda. This study intended to fill this gap. This study examined the sexual risk associated with gambling among youths in Rubaga Division of Kampala Capital City of Uganda. The study employed a quantitative cross sectional design to survey 397 youths aged 15 to 24 years. It employed a systematic sampling scheme in selecting households with youths who responded to the household survey questionnaire. Results showed that more male than female youths are engaged in gambling, majority of whom start gambling below 18 years. Most of the gambling youths are pulled by competition with peers and desire to earn money. Compared with nongambling youths, gambling youths have more sexual encounters, initiate sexual activity at a young age, have unprotected sex, have sex with more than one partner whom they do not know their HIV status, and have sex under the influence of alcohol. The study recommends for government to form and enforce policies to regulate gambling with a view of minimizing its associated risks especially unsafe sex. Through the ministry of health and civil society organizations, government can create programs to reach the gambling youths with sexual reproductive health services.
Tethered‐liquid omniphobic surface coating reduces surface thrombogenicity, delays clot formation and decreases clot strength ex vivo
Authors: Roberts Teryn R. , Leslie Daniel C. , Cap Andrew P. , Cancio Leopoldo C. , Batchinsky Andriy I.
Published: May 2019

Hemocompatible materials for extracorporeal life support (ECLS) technology are investigated to mitigate thrombotic complications associated with this therapy. A promising solution is an omniphobic bilayer coating, tethered liquid perfluorocarbon (TLP), which utilizes an immobilized tether to anchor a mobile, liquid surface lubricant that prevents adhesion of blood components to the substrate. In this study, we investigated the effects of TLP on real‐time clot formation using thromboelastography (TEG). TLP was applied to TEG cups, utilizing perfluorodecalin (PFD) or FluorLube63 as the liquid layer, and compared to uncoated cups. Human blood (n = 10) was added to cups; and TEG parameters (R, K, α‐angle, MA, LY30, LY60) and adherent thrombus weight were assessed. TLP decreased clot amplification (α‐angle), clot strength (MA), and adherent clot weight (p < .0001). These effects were greater with FluorLube63 versus PFD (α‐angle p < .0001; MA p = .0019; clot weight p < .0001). Reaction time (R) was longer in TLP‐coated cups versus control cups with liquid lubricant added (p = .0377). Percent fibrinolysis (LY30 and LY60) was greater in the TLP versus controls at LY30 (p < .0001), and in FluoroLube63 versus controls at LY60 (p = .0021). TLP significantly altered clot formation, exerting antithrombogenic effects. This reduction in surface thrombogenicity supports TLP as a candidate for improved biocompatibility of ECLS materials, pending further validation with exposure to shear stress.