bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteinase bone morphogenetic protein 1, but not tolloid‐like 1, plays a dominant role in maintaining periodontal homeostasis
Authors: Wang Jun , Xie Xudong , Muench Nicole A. , Massoudi Dawiyat , Xu Chunmei , Greenspan Daniel S. , Feng Jian Q.
Published: November 2020

Background

Periodontitis is caused by multiple factors involving a bacterial challenge and a susceptible host, although there is no report on gene mutation directly linked to this common disease. Mutations in the proteinase bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1) were identified in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, who display some dentin defects and alveolar bone loss. We previously reported essential roles of BMP1 and tolloid‐like 1 (TLL1), two closely related extracellular proteinases with overlapping functions, in mouse periodontium growth by simultaneous knockout (KO) of both genes, although the separate roles of BMP1 and TLL1 have remained unclear. Here, we have investigated whether and how BMP1 and TLL1 separately maintain periodontal homeostasis by comparing single Bmp1 KO and Tll1 KO with double KO (dKO) phenotypes.

Methods

Floxed Bmp1 and/or Tll1 alleles were deleted in transgenic mice via ubiquitously expressed CreERT2 induced by tamoxifen treatment starting at 4‐weeks of age (harvested at 18‐weeks of age). Multiple approaches, including X‐ray, micro‐CT, calcein and alizarin red double‐labeling, scanning electron microscopy, and histological and immunostaining assays, were used to analyze periodontal phenotypes and molecular mechanisms.

Results

Both Bmp1 KO and double KO mice exhibited severe periodontal defects, characterized by periodontal ligament (PDL) fiber loss and ectopic ossification in the expanded PDL area, and drastic reductions in alveolar bone and cementum volumes, whereas Tll1 KO mice displayed very mild phenotypes. Mechanistic studies revealed a sharp increase in the uncleaved precursor of type I collagen (procollagen I), leading to defective extracellular matrices.

Conclusions

BMP1, but not TLL1, is essential for maintaining periodontal homeostasis. This occurs at least partly via biosynthetic processing of procollagen I, thereby maintaining appropriate levels of procollagen I and its activated products such as mature collagen I.
Single‐Particle Analysis on Plasmonic Nanogap Systems for Quantitative SERS
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Sim Kyunjong , Cha Seungsang , Oh Jeong‐Wook , Nam Jwa‐Min
Published: November 2020

With advances in the design, synthesis and analysis of various metallic nanoparticles and substrates, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with plasmonic nanostructures has been extensively studied, and numerous SERS applications have been demonstrated in various applications including biomedical applications; however, the mechanism of SERS is not completely understood yet, and many challenges, including structural and spectral reproducibility, exist to achieve quantitative SERS analysis for practical and reliable use of SERS. Since SERS signal reproducibility mainly stems from structural reproducibility of targeted nanostructures, single‐particle SERS analysis is highly beneficial in understanding SERS signals generated from different plasmonic nanostructures and provides analytical insights that cannot be obtained with ensemble‐average spectrum‐based analysis. Single‐particle analysis is typically composed of single‐particle images and spectra, and the statistical results show the single‐particle SERS enhancement factor distribution of SERS signals and precise structure‐spectrum relationship. In particular, studying and evaluating single‐molecule SERS results require single‐particle analysis to fully understand how single‐particle images and spectra are correlated with how the position, orientation and resonance of a Raman dye affect single‐molecule SERS signals from individual nanoparticles, and this is often correlated with computational simulation results. In this mini‐review, we introduce key issues for quantitative SERS and present the fundamental SERS features obtained by single‐particle analysis, focused on plasmonic nanogap structures since these structures offer the very strong electromagnetic field‐based SERS signals with high controllability in structure and signal. We categorized the nanogap particle‐based SERS platforms into two different classes – plasmonic nanogap strctures with an intergap (the gap between two structures; intergap nanoparticles) and plasmonic nanogap structures with an intragap (the gap formed inside a single particle; intragap nanoparticles). Finally, we discuss the challenges and perspectives in designing and synthesizing nanogap structures that deliver strong, reproducible, and reliable SERS signals for the quantitative SERS analysis.
Socioeconomic Status Drives Racial Disparities in HPV‐negative Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes
Authors: Lenze Nicholas R. , Farquhar Douglas , Sheth Siddharth , Zevallos Jose P. , Blumberg Jeffrey , Lumley Catherine , Patel Samip , Hackman Trevor , Weissler Mark C. , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Zanation Adam M. , Olshan Andrew F.
Published: November 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine drivers of the racial disparity in stage at diagnosis and overall survival (OS) between black and white patients with HPV‐negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Data were examined from of a population‐based HNSCC study in North Carolina. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess racial disparities in stage at diagnosis and OS with sequential adjustment sets.

Results

A total of 340 black patients and 864 white patients diagnosed with HPV‐negative HNSCC were included. In the unadjusted model, black patients had increased odds of advanced T stage at diagnosis (OR 2.0; 95% CI [1.5–2.5]) and worse OS (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6) compared to white patients. After adjusting for age, sex, tumor site, tobacco use, and alcohol use, the racial disparity persisted for advanced T‐stage at diagnosis (OR 1.7; 95% CI [1.3–2.3]) and showed a non‐significant trend for worse OS (HR 1.1, 95% CI 0.9–1.3). After adding SES to the adjustment set, the association between race and stage at diagnosis was lost (OR: 1.0; 95% CI [0.8–1.5]). Further, black patients had slightly favorable OS compared to white patients (HR 0.8, 95% CI [0.6–1.0]; P = .024).

Conclusions

SES has an important contribution to the racial disparity in stage at diagnosis and OS for HPV‐negative HNSCC. Low SES can serve as a target for interventions aimed at mitigating the racial disparities in head and neck cancer.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1301–1309, 2021
Simple, Rapid Lipidomic Analysis of Triacylglycerols in Bovine Milk by Infusion‐Electrospray Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Bukowski Michael R. , Picklo Matthew J.
Published: November 2020

Bovine milk is a complex mixture of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and other factors of which lipids comprise 3–5% of the total mass. Rapid analysis and characterization of the triacylglycerols (TAG) that comprise about 95% of the total lipid is daunting given the numerous TAG species. In the attached methods paper, we demonstrate an improved method for identifying and quantifying TAG species by infusion‐based “shotgun” lipidomics. Because of the broad range of TAG species in milk, a single internal standard was insufficient for the analysis and required sectioning the spectrum into three portions based upon mass range to provide accurate quantitation of TAG species. Isobaric phospholipid interferences were removed using a simple dispersive solid‐phase extraction step. Using this method, > 100 TAG species were quantitated by acyl carbon number and desaturation level in a sample of commercially purchased bovine milk.
LASER IONIZATION MASS SPECTROMETRY AT 55: QUO VADIS?
Authors: Azov Vladimir A. , Mueller Larissa , Makarov Alexander A.
Published: November 2020

Laser ionization mass spectrometry (LIMS) was one of the first practical methods developed for in situ analysis of the surfaces of solid samples. This review will encompass several aspects related to this analytical method. First, we will discuss the process of laser ionization, the influence of the laser type on its performance, and imaging capabilities of this method. In the second chapter, we will follow the historic development of LIMS instrumentation. After a brief overview of the first‐generation instruments developed in 1960–1990 years, we will discuss in detail more recent designs, which appeared during the last 2–3 decades. In the last part of our review, we will cover the recent applications of LIMS for surface analysis. These applications include various types of analyses of solid inorganic, organic, and heterogeneous samples, often in combination with depth profiling and imaging capability.
Role of lanthanum in microstructure evolution and enhanced magnetic properties of cerium‐containing sintered magnets
Authors: Wei Z. , Ying L. , Jun L. , Lele L. , Xi G.
Published: November 2020

In this study, lanthanum was applied to strip cast Ce−Fe−B alloy to improve its phase composition and microstructure. The results reveal that lanthanum doping can significantly enhance the proportion of 2 : 14 : 1 phase and improve the microstructure of Ce−Fe−B alloy. Besides, the influence of the starting alloys structure on the microstructure and magnetic properties of final multi‐phases cerium‐containing magnets was also systematically investigated. Compared to the multi‐phases magnet without lanthanum addition, a pronounced coercivity increment could be distinguished in lanthanum‐doping multi‐phases magnet, which could be attributed to the finer grain size together with ideal grain boundary. In this work, the superior performance of Hcj = 701.28 kA/m Br = 1.30 T, and (BH)max = 313.70 kJ/m3 were obtained by blending Nd−Fe−B alloy with (La0.35Ce0.65)‐Fe−B alloy to meet 25.0 wt.% lanthanum‐cerium utilization content, suggesting that the possibility to develop high abundant rare earth permanent magnetic materials.
China's quest for economic dominance and energy consumption: Can Asian economies provide natural resources for the success of One Belt One Road?
Authors: Bashir Muhammad Farhan , MA Benjiang , Shahzad Luqman , Liu Biao , Ruan Qiangjia
Published: November 2020

This research extends the research into foreign direct investments (FDIs) from emerging economies by integrating locational advantage perspective and institution‐based view to empirically analyze the interactive effect of resource endowment in a host economy and how institutional regulations impact on location choice of investors from emerging economies. Our analysis is based on Chinese outward FDI in 36 Asian and Oceanian economies. Empirical findings indicate that resource endowment is contingent upon regulatory institutions from both home and host country settings. Whereas the political risk bears positive influence over FDI and resource endowment, institutional distance and economic freedom have negative impact, which indicates that resource endowment is more appealing to investments from Chinese firms when institutional distance and economic freedom are low and political risk is high.
A compact folded SIW multibeam antenna array for 5G millimeter wave applications
Authors: Cheng Yang , Dong Yuandan
Published: November 2020

A novel compact multilayer multibeam antenna array based on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) is proposed in this letter for 5G millimeter wave (mm‐wave) applications. A multimode beam forming network (BFN) cascaded by phase compensation and coupling structures is folded to make the antenna array more compact. The phase difference between the output ports of traditional multimode beamforming network is very unstable, which would seriously affect the multibeam performance of antenna array. Therefore, the compensating phase shifter adopts the SIW transmission line structure with unequal length and width, which enables the multimode BFN achieving better performance in the bandwidth of 27–29 GHz. Four slot arrays are employed as the radiation structure. The overall structure of the proposed antenna consists of three parts, including a multimode beamforming network, a compensated phase shifter, and an SIW slot array. If these components are cascaded directly, the size of the antenna would be very large and the aperture efficiency will be low. So the proposed antenna is folded into three layers, one part for each layer. The overall antenna size is 66.7 mm × 47.5 mm (6.23λ × 4.44λ at 28 GHz). The antenna array is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured results show that four deflected beams are realized in the band of 27–29 GHz. The radiation beams demonstrate a wide azimuthal coverage of ±48 deg, and a peak gain of 16.8 dBi for Port 1 excitation and 17.3 dBi for Port 2 excitation. The simulated radiation efficiency is better than –2 dB from 27 to 29 GHz. The proposed antenna features a compact size, low profile, good radiation performance, which is well suited for applications in the 5G mm‐wave communication systems.
Fluid stabilization of the u−w Biot's formulation at large strain
Authors: Navas Pedro , Pastor Manuel , Yagüe Angel , Stickle Miguel Martín , Manzanal Diego , Molinos Miguel
Published: November 2020

Dynamic problems of fluid‐saturated soils have to be assessed through a complete formulation where dynamic terms take place. The main dynamic Biot's formulation, the , is employed widely in the literature in order to accurately study the dynamic phenomena. However, depending on the spatial discretization this formulation is utilizing, numerical errors may appear within this approach. The proposed methodology, which is presented in this research, aims to solve the aforementioned problems within an elegant algorithm. Two interesting environmental applications, a consolidation of a fluid‐saturated soil and the seepage of the water through an earth dam, are presented in this paper.
Exact solutions of convective–diffusive Cahn–Hilliard equation using extended direct algebraic method
Authors: Rehman Hamood Ur , Ullah Naeem , Asjad Muhammad Imran , Akgül Ali
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we apply the extended direct algebraic method to examine the soliton solutions as well as hyperbolic and trigonometric functions solutions of convective–diffusive Cahn–Hilliard equation describing the dynamic of separation phase for ternary iron alloys of (Fe ‐ Cr ‐ Mo) and (Fe ‐ X ‐ Cu). The outcomes reveal that our technique is very dynamic and straightforward. It is observed that the obtained exact solutions of this model are new in the literature. Moreover, various 2D and 3D graphs of the obtained solutions are presented to examine the physical understanding of the obtained results.
Electronic cigarette use is negatively associated with body mass index: An observational study of electronic medical records
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammed M. , Alanazi Abdullah M. M. , Almutairi Abdulaziz S. , Pavela Gregory
Published: November 2020

Objective

Vaping is advertised as a method to mitigate weight gain after smoking cessation; however, while there is an established inverse association between conventional tobacco use and body mass index (BMI), there is little research on the relationship between e‐cigarettes and BMI. This research tested whether e‐cigarette use was associated with BMI.

Methods

A secondary data analysis of 207,117 electronic medical records from the UAB was conducted. Patient data from 1 September 2017 through 1 June 2018 were extracted. To be included in the analysis, a patient's record had to include measures of e‐cigarette use and key sociodemographic information. Ordinary least squares regression was used to test the association between e‐cigarette use and BMI, controlling for covariates; unconditional quantile regression was used to determine whether the association varied by BMI quantile. For comparison with tobacco smoking, the association between current tobacco smoking and BMI was estimated in a sample from the same population.

Results

Respondents in the sample had an average BMI of 30.8 and average age of 50.0 years when BMI was measured. The sample was 51% female, 49.7% white, 46.7% black, and 1.0% Hispanic; 16.4% of the sample had less than a college education and approximately 5% reported currently using e‐cigarettes. Individuals who reported using e‐cigarettes had, on average, a lower BMI compared to those who did not report currently using e‐cigarettes; results indicated that this association did not significantly vary by BMI quantile. Individuals who reported being current smokers had a lower BMI, on average.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that using e‐cigarettes is associated with a lower BMI in a population of individuals seeking health care, consistent with the association between conventional tobacco use and BMI. This study is a springboard for future research investigating the associations between e‐cigarette use, BMI, and risk of obesity in the general population.
Polymorphism of a semi‐crystalline diketopyrrolopyrrole‐terthiophene polymer
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Leenaers Pieter J. , Li Junyu , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: November 2020

Few semiconducting polymers are known that possess more than one semi‐crystalline structure. Guidelines for rationalizing or creating polymorphism in these materials do not exist. Two different semi‐crystalline polymorphs, β1 and β2, and an amorphous α phase have recently been identified for alternating diketopyrrolopyrrole‐quaterthiophene copolymers (PDPP4T). The polymorphs differ structurally by the π–π stacking distance, and electronically by the optical bandgap and charge carrier mobility. Here we investigate the corresponding terthiophene (PDPP3T) derivatives, to study the effect of the relative orientation of adjacent DPP units on the polymorphism. In PDPP3T, the relative orientation of DPP units alternates along the chain, while in PDPP4T it is constant. We show that the two polymorphs, β1 and β2, can also be generated for a PDPP3T polymer in solution and thin film. Interestingly, compared to PDPP4T, more solvents can induce the two distinct semi‐crystalline polymorphs for PDPP3T via a β1 → α → β2 polymorphic transition.
Variability and stability of coping styles among breast cancer survivors: A prospective study
Authors: Schou‐Bredal Inger , Ekeberg Øivind , Kåresen Rolf
Published: November 2020

Objectives

We aimed to examine: (1) the long‐term association between coping styles and psychological distress, (2) if women diagnosed with breast cancer have a predominant coping style, (3) stability of coping styles, (4) predictors of changes in coping styles, (5) if maladaptive coping adversely impacts disease‐free survival (DFS).

Methods

This prospective study included women diagnosed with primary breast cancer during 2006–2009. Patients completed questionnaires for the Norwegian Mini‐Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale, which includes positive attitude (PA), helplessness/hopelessness (HH), anxious preoccupation (AP), and avoidance (AV), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at diagnosis and 1, 3, and 5 years postdiagnosis.

Results

Two hundred and ninety‐three of 367 women (79.8%) completed the questionnaires at all time points. Anxiety and depression were moderately to strongly correlated with HH and AP coping styles (r = 0.31 to r = 0.69) at all time points. The predominant coping style was PA (23.4–29.9%). Stability for PA and cognitive AV styles was found at the group level, but not at an individual level. Chemotherapy and comorbidity were predictors for HH, AP, and AV 5 years postdiagnosis (p < 0.05). Maladaptive coping was not associated with DFS.

Conclusions

HH and AP were associated with higher psychological distress at all times. Group level coping remained stable over time for PA and AV. Coping style stability at an individual level was not observed. Having received chemotherapy and experienced adverse events affected coping at 5 years postdiagnosis. Maladaptive coping was not associated with DFS.
Flow‐synchronized NIPPV with double‐inspiratory loop cannula: An in vitro study
Authors: Moretti Corrado , Lista Gianluca , Carnielli Virgilio , Gizzi Camilla
Published: November 2020

Background

Although short binasal prongs (SBP) are the most common interface for noninvasive ventilation, the “double‐inspiratory loop cannulas” (DILC) have recently been introduced into many neonatal intensive care units. DILC show advantages over SBP, including reduced nasal trauma and increased comfort. However, their higher intrinsic resistance may compromise ventilation. Our aim was to test a new, low resistance DILC interface.

Methods

A test lung was programmed to simulate preterm neonates (500–2000 g BW) with moderate‐to‐severe respiratory distress syndrome. The artificial nose was designed to keep prongs‐to‐nares leaks to around 30%. Giulia® ventilator (GINEVRI srl) was used to provide nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) and flow synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). NCPAP was set at 4–10 cmH2O and synchronized‐NIPPV (SNIPPV) at peak inspiratory pressure, 15–20–25 cmH2O; inspiratory time, 0.3–0.5 s; and positive end‐expiratory pressure, 5–8 cmH2O. Four sizes of Sync‐flow Cannula® (GINEVRI srl) were tested. The Sync‐flow Cannula® was compared with Neotech RAM® cannula and Ginevri SBP®. The outcome measures were the flow/pressure relationship through the four Sync‐flow Cannula® sizes, the difference in resistance, the drop in ventilator‐alveoli pressure measured by the test lung and the system response time during flow‐SNIPPV.

Results

The smaller DILC sizes had the lowest flow‐pressure ratio. The resistance of the RAM® cannula was significantly higher compared to the other interfaces (p < .001). With 30% leaks, there was a 4–38% ventilator‐alveoli drop in pressure, depending on interface size. The system response time was excellent (~65–70 ms).

Conclusions

With about 30% leaks, the Sync‐flow Cannula® interfaces result in good pressure transmission and give optimal performance for flow‐SNIPPV. Clinical studies are needed to confirm the clinical relevance of these data.
Spectral Responsivity Characteristics of Front‐Side Illumination InGaAs PhotoFETs on Si
Authors: Oishi Kazuaki , Ishii Hiroyuki , Chang Wen Hsin , Ishii Hiroto , Endoh Akira , Fujishiro Hiroki , Maeda Tatsuro
Published: November 2020

InGaAs photo field‐effect transistor (photoFET) on Si is the most promising candidate for a high responsivity shortwave infrared (SWIR) photodetector toward monolithic integration with Si‐LSI. To evaluate spectral responsivity characteristics of front‐side illumination (FSI) InGaAs photoFETs integrated on Si wafer, the photocurrent measurement system with a wide area SWIR illumination is developed. This allows us to extract more accurate incident power density illuminating on the whole sensing area. From the incident power dependence of the responsivity, the spectral responsivity characteristics at a constant incident power are derived. It is found that the spectral responsivity characteristics of InGaAs photoFETs on Si present higher and broader responsivity than that of InGaAs photodiode.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Thin Film with Strong Optical Nonlinearity
Authors: Heidari Behzad , Ghamsari Morteza Sasani , Salmani Somayeh , Ahmadi Mehrnoush , Majles‐Ara Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2020

Herein, a simple, low‐cost, and scalable process is developed to prepare the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) thin films (TFs) with strong optical nonlinearity. To do so, a chemical reduction method (using inorganic agent hydroiodic acid) and drop‐casting technique are used. Optical nonlinearity of the prepared thin rGO film is measured by the Z‐scan technique at low light intensity (continuous‐wave wavelength of 632 nm). The result of optical nonlinearity responses is illustrated by a remarkable nonlinear refraction index (n2 ≈ 10−4 cm2 W−1) as well as a considerable nonlinear absorption coefficient (β = 1.43 × 10−8 cm2 W–1) compared with similar reported results. Moreover, experimental results show that the prepared film enjoys a positive nonlinear refractive index with strong optical nonlinearity. Results also confirm that the changes made in optical absorption of rGO TFs are due to state filling effects and the optical nonlinearity proportional to the carriers’ density is in fact due to thermal effects of SiO2 substrate.
Exploring new horizons in health care: A mechanistic review on the potential of Unani medicines in combating epidemics of infectious diseases
Authors: Fazil Mohammad , Nikhat Sadia
Published: November 2020

The 20th and 21st centuries have witnessed epidemics and pandemics of various infectious agents. The development of effective antimicrobials in the 20th century has been complemented with the emergence of resistant and mutant strains. In this context, we present a comprehensive overview of the preventive measures described in Unani medicine during epidemics. Unani medicine is a traditional medicine system included in the Indian Systems of Medicine. Unani medicine has an extensive description of epidemic infections and preventive and therapeutic measures for the same. Certain factors like environment, season, and geographical location of a place are known to determine the extent of infections, and their escalation to epidemics. Maintenance of general health, immune‐stimulation, and disinfecting of the environment are advised as protective measures, for which many drugs are prescribed. In the case of illness, specific antimicrobial drugs of natural origin are prescribed. Herein we discuss these measures in detail, along with the scientific evidences of anti‐microbial, immunomodulatory, and health‐protective actions of these drugs.
Mostar indices of SiO2 nanostructures and melem chain nanostructures
Authors: Akhter Shehnaz , Imran Muhammad , Iqbal Zahid
Published: November 2020

Very recently, a bond‐additive topological invariant, known as the Mostar index, has been described as a measure of peripherality in networks and graphs. Since then, more versions of this index have been introduced and named the total Mostar index and the edge Mostar index. In this paper, we derive the Mostar indices of SiO2 nanostructures and C8 layer structures. Furthermore, we have also provided results related to the Mostar indices of melem chain nanostructures.
Fatigue and fatigue resistance in S1 excited state diarylethenes in electric fields
Authors: Nie Xing , Yang Yong , Xu Tianlv , Kirk Steven R. , Jenkins Samantha
Published: November 2020

The effect of a directional electric‐field on the bonding of the undoped and sulfur doped diarylethene (DTE) switch molecule is investigated using next generation QTAIM (NG‐QTAIM). We introduce chemical bonding concepts in the form of the least and most preferred directions of charge density accumulation relative to a bond‐path, namely the precessions K and K′ that are demonstrated to be much more responsive to the electric‐field than the Laplacian ∇2ρ(rb). A concept of bond fatigue is presented in terms of the tendency for a bond‐path to rupture that provides directional versions of familiar bonding QTAIM concepts. Examples of fatigue resistance and fatigue are included where the applied electric‐field reduces and increases the tendency toward bond‐path rupture respectively. A brief discussion is undertaken of applications of the precessions K and K′ including switches, ring opening reactions and molecular rotary motors in the presence of fields that cause a redistribution of ρ(r).
Predicting soil moisture content over partially vegetation covered surfaces from hyperspectral data with deep learning
Authors: Zhang Fangfang , Wu Shiwen , Liu Jie , Wang Changkun , Guo Zhiying , Xu Aiai , Pan Kai , Pan Xianzhang
Published: November 2020

Previous studies for retrieving soil moisture content (SMC) from visible and near‐infrared hyperspectral data over vegetation‐covered surfaces using spectral unmixing, non‐negative matrix factorization, and albedo/vegetation coverage in trapezoid spaces have required mass spectral preprocessing and offered only limited improvements in prediction accuracy. Recently, deep learning has triggered some improvements in soil properties prediction from hyperspectral data because of its automatic feature extraction and high accuracy. In this study, hyperspectral data in a simulation experiment with different vegetation coverages, SMCs, and soil types were acquired. Deep learning models, one‐dimensional convolutional neural network (1D‐CNN), and long short‐term memory network (LSTM) are proposed to predict SMC. The results showed that two deep learning models achieved excellent predictions (residual prediction deviation [RPD] > 2.5) using the unpreprocessed mixed spectra and partial least squares regression (PLSR) had a good prediction (RPD = 1.88). The 1D‐CNN (R2p = .91) and LSTM (R2p = .90) significantly outperformed PLSR (R2p = .72), which demonstrated that deep learning could improve SMC prediction over partially vegetation‐covered surfaces. However, when only using bare soil spectra, the prediction accuracy was commensurate, whether through the 1D‐CNN, LSTM, or PLSR models; additionally, 1D‐CNN and LSTM had better performance on all mixed spectra than bare soil spectra. These results indicated that deep learning had no advantage on smaller datasets. We also found that SMC prediction with deep learning was affected by vegetation coverage and soil type but was still very good. The 1D‐CNN and LSTM are effective models for predicting SMC with large hyperspectral datasets acquired from complex soil surface conditions.
Fine grinding is needed to maintain the high accuracy of mid‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for soil property estimation
Authors: Wijewardane Nuwan K. , Ge Yufeng , Sanderman Jonathan , Ferguson Richard
Published: November 2020

In mid‐infrared diffuse reflectance (MIR) soil spectroscopy, grinding is one major step that can have pronounced effects on spectra and model calibrations. The reported literature on the effects of fine grinding on spectroscopic model performance have been inconsistent, likely in part because of limitations in sample set and model calibrations in previous studies. This study was focused on answering the question whether fine grinding is necessary for MIR spectroscopy in order to minimize model uncertainty. The main goal of this study was to compare model performance with and without fine grinding for eight soil properties using two different modeling techniques: partial least squares regression (PLS) and artificial neural networks (ANN). Approximately 500 soil samples were extracted from a large MIR spectral library in the United States to obtain spectra at non‐fine ground (NG, <2 mm,) and fine‐ground (FG, <0.18 mm,) states. Performance of calibration models built using subsets of the 500 FG and 500 NG spectra were compared with models built using the entire FG spectral library (n > 40,000). All the model calibrations and validations were repeated 100 times to evaluate the uncertainty of the model performances. The results showed that PLS performed similar to ANN for the smaller dataset, but the best model performance was obtained with the FG full spectral library with ANN models. Predictions on the FG spectra always outperformed predictions on the NG spectra in terms of goodness‐of‐fit and variance of statistics. Overall, this study confirmed the importance of fine grinding to ensure the best MIR spectroscopic model performance.
Subgroup analysis in the heterogeneous Cox model
Authors: Hu Xiangbin , Huang Jian , Liu Li , Sun Defeng , Zhao Xingqiu
Published: November 2020

In the analysis of censored survival data, to avoid a biased inference of treatment effects on the hazard function of the survival time, it is important to consider the treatment heterogeneity. Without requiring any prior knowledge about the subgroup structure, we propose a data driven subgroup analysis procedure for the heterogeneous Cox model by constructing a pairwise fusion penalized partial likelihood‐based objective function. The proposed method can determine the number of subgroups, identify the group structure, and estimate the treatment effect simultaneously and automatically. A majorized alternating direction method of multipliers algorithm is then developed to deal with the numerically challenging high‐dimensional problems. We also establish the oracle properties and the model selection consistency for the proposed penalized estimator. Our proposed method is evaluated by simulation studies and further illustrated by the analysis of the breast cancer data.
Hierarchical 3D Oxygenated Cobalt Vanadium Selenide Nanosheets as Advanced Electrode for Flexible Zinc–Cobalt and Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Tuan , Balamurugan Jayaraman , Kim Do Hwan , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: November 2020

Highly flexible quasi solid‐state batteries are promising in next‐generation energy storage sectors due to their high energy density, power density, and low manufacturing cost. However, poor cycle life seriously limits their application in industrial sectors. Herein, a novel strategy is established to design the oxygenated cobalt vanadium selenide (O‐CoxV1‐xSe2) nanostructures for high‐performance quasi solid‐state (QSS) zinc–cobalt batteries (ZCBs) and zinc–air batteries (ZABs). Density functional theory (DFT) calculation reveals that the doping effect of Co2+ into O‐VSe2 nanostructure could increase the density of states near the edge of the conduction band, demonstrating ultrafast electron transport kinetics. Most interestingly, the optimal O‐Co0.33V0.67Se2 cathode‐based QSS‐ZCB exhibits an ultrahigh specific capacity of 422.7 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, excellent energy density of 186.4 Wh kg−1, tremendous power density of 5.65 kW kg−1, and ultralong cycle life (86.9% capacity retention after 3000 cycles). Furthermore, O‐Co0.33V0.67Se2 air‐cathode based QSS‐ZAB delivers a peak power density of 162 mW cm−2 and ultralong cycle life over 100 h. These experimental and theoretical studies indicate that the electrochemically induced, cobalt stabilizes the vanadium is essential to boost the energy storage properties and cycle life of both ZCBs and ZABs.
Actuating Supramolecular Shape Memorized Hydrogel Toward Programmable Shape Deformation
Authors: Lu Huanhuan , Wu Baoyi , Yang Xuxu , Zhang Jiawei , Jian Yukun , Yan Huizhen , Zhang Dachuan , Xue Qunji , Chen Tao
Published: November 2020

Inspired by nature, diverse biomimetic hydrogel actuators are fabricated and become one of the most essential components of bionics research. Usually, the anisotropic structure of a hydrogel actuator is generated at the early fabrication process, only a specific shape transformation behavior can be produced under external stimuli, and thus has limited the development of hydrogel actuators toward the biomimetic shape deformation behavior. Herein, a novel bilayer hydrogel having a thermoresponsive actuating layer and a metal ion‐responsive memorizing layer is proposed, therefore, a 2D hydrogel film can be fixed into various 3D shapes via supramolecular metal‐ligand coordination, with further realizing programmable 4D shape deformation under the stimulus of temperature. By manipulating the temporary shapes via shape memory behavior, various temporary anisotropic structures can be obtained via the bilayer hydrogel, thus producing diverse reversible shape deformation performances, which is expected to promote the development of intelligent polymeric materials.
Experimental investigation on the hysteretic behavior of precast concrete walls with energy‐dissipated dry connections
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Hongnan , Chen Xuanyi , Li Chao
Published: November 2020

A new method of assembling precast concrete (PC) wall panels is proposed to establish a stable and reliable earthquake‐resistant system. The dry‐connection method is recommended by welding energy‐absorbing connectors with mild steel plates at the vertical joints between adjacent walls. The connectors replace cast‐in‐place (CIP) constructions to rapidly and efficiently connect wall panels and utilize the deformations occurring due to the vertical relative displacement of the wall panels to dissipate energy and mitigate an excessive seismic response. To evaluate the effectiveness of the new connection approach, CIP and connector‐wall assembly specimens with different aspect ratios were designed and tested under cyclic lateral force‐displacement controlled loading. Evaluation of the measured experimental results indicate that the proposed dry‐connection method can be adopted to achieve proper ductility and energy dissipation levels while maintaining a sufficient level of connection strength and stiffness of the PC wall system.
Tacrines as Therapeutic Agents for Alzheimer's Disease. V. Recent Developments
Authors: Bautista‐Aguilera Óscar M. , Ismaili Lhassane , Iriepa Isabel , Diez‐Iriepa Daniel , Chabchoub Fakher , Marco‐Contelles José , Pérez Marta
Published: November 2020

Herein we have reviewed our recent developments for the identification of new tacrine analogues for Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy. Tacrine, the first cholinesterase inhibitor approved for AD treatment, did not stop the progression of AD, producing only some cognitive improvements, but exhibited secondary effects mainly due to its hepatotoxicity. Thus, the drug was withdrawn from the clinics administration. Since then, many publications have described non‐hepatotoxic tacrines, and in addition, important efforts have been made to design multitarget tacrines by combining their cholinesterase inhibition profile with the modulation of other biological targets involved in AD.
Polyhydroxy Fullerene‐loaded ZIF‐8 Nanocomposites for Better Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Lin Wenxin , Gong Jianqiu , Ye Wei , Huang Xiajuan , Chen Jianjun
Published: November 2020

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been received broad attentions as a cancer treatment, and fullerenes are potential photosensitizer owing to their unique electronic structures. However, fullerenes show insolubility in water for the special structure, which will induce aggregation to hinder the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the size of fullerenes is not conducive to reach the tumors through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Herein, a polyhydroxy fullerene‐loaded metal‐organic framework is designed and prepared to address the mentioned problems encountering with fullerenes as photosensitizers. The nanocomposite PHF@ZIF‐8, which is synthesized by a simple one‐pot method, displays great biocompatibility and outstanding photodynamic performance under the 448 nm laser irradiation. This work provides strong evidence for PHF@ZIF‐8 as a promising photosensitizer candidate.
Synthesis and characterization of copper complexes with tripodal ligands bearing amino acid groups
Authors: Gawlig Christopher , Jung Jannis , Mollenhauer Doreen , Schindler Siegfried
Published: November 2020

The tripodal ligand (2‐aminoethyl)bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (uns‐penp), known for its Cu/O2 intermediates, was modified at one side arm by a selection of amino acids. With L‐Tyrosine (Tyr), L‐Histidine (His) and L‐Lysine (Lys) it was possible to introduce chirality into the tripodal ligand system and to investigate the corresponding copper(I) complexes [Cu{L‐His(BPh3)uns‐penp}], [Cu(L‐Lys)uns‐penp]OTf and [Cu(L‐Tyr)uns‐penp]OTf. [Cu{L‐His(BPh3)uns‐penp}] could be structurally characterized and represents the first example of a copper(I) complex with a coordinated imidazole ring of the histidine ligand. Furthermore, these complexes demonstrated catalytic activity for the oxygenation of thioanisole with hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant.
A Multidisciplinary Perspective on Animation Design and Use in Science Education
Authors: Unsworth Len
Published: November 2020

This introductory chapter briefly outlines the factors that motivate this book to provide a catalyst for advancing transdisciplinary research in the use of animation in science education. Fundamental among these is the ongoing development of animation as a resource for scientific investigation and for the representation and communication of knowledge about complex processes in new areas of scientific discovery, which means that science teaching as inducting students into the disciplinary discourse of science necessarily entails developing their competence in the interpretation and creation of science animation. Related to this is the growing recognition by science education researchers of the efficacy of interfacing different disciplinary perspectives, especially those of social semiotics, digital technology and science pedagogy, to investigate the development of innovative approaches to enhancing student engagement and learning. With this orientation, an overview is then provided of the three chapters in each of the four parts of the book, namely (I) Educational Semiotics and the Representation of Knowledge in Science Animation, (II) Learning from Viewing Science Animations, (III) Learning through Creating Science Animations, and (IV) Using Animation in Assessing Students’ Science Learning.
Internationalization of Higher Education, Challenges and Opportunities for the Next Decade
Authors: de Wit Hans , Deca Ligia
Published: November 2020

Internationalization has evolved in higher education over the past 30 to 40 years from a marginal aspect to a key aspect of the reform agenda. It also has evolved in different directions and, in that process, some previous values have got lost, and past priorities have been replaced by others. Economic rationales have become more dominant, but as the society is facing extreme challenges, summarized in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, internationalization needs to respond to these challenges and goals.
The Role of Demographic Policies in the Internationalization of Romanian Higher Education
Authors: Santa Robert , Haj Cezar Mihai
Published: November 2020

The internationalization of higher education has been intensely studied at both national and institutional level. However, in recent years, it has been increasingly influenced by national level policies aimed at losing perceived talent gaps emerging in European economies. Several countries have enhanced facilities allowing international students to become permanent residents, even while tightening immigration requirements for other third country nationals. Such policy changes would imply that the international student has become a public policy target from a demographic policy perspective. As part of an enhanced focus on the internationalization of higher education, Romania enacted significant legal changes to its immigration laws in November 2018, altering the conditions under which international students can become permanent or long-term residents. Deploying the use of interviews, as well as a public policy analysis of recent legal and regulatory changes, this paper aims to explore the degree to which universities are using new legal provisions to enhance their internationalization efforts. This should offer a clearer picture of how regulatory changes shape the implementation of internationalization strategies among Romanian universities.
Access to and Experiences of Higher Education Across Europe: The Impact of Social Characteristics
Authors: Brooks Rachel , Abrahams Jessie , Lažetić Predrag , Gupta Achala , Jayadeva Sazana
Published: November 2020

Policymakers across Europe have increasingly emphasised the importance of paying close attention to the social dimension of higher education and taking further steps to ensure that the composition of Europe’s universities more adequately reflects the diversity of the wider population. While there have been a number of studies that have explored this through analyses of European- and national-level policy and others that have assessed a range of quantitative indicators related to student diversity, this chapter assumes, in contrast, an interpretivist stance; it is interested in the perspectives of those studying and working ‘on the ground’ within the European Higher Education Area. Specifically, we seek to answer this research question: To what extent do students and staff, across Europe, believe that higher education access and experiences are differentiated by social characteristics (such as class/family background, race/ethnicity/migration background, gender and age)? In doing so, we draw on data from a large European Research Council-funded project, including 54 focus groups with undergraduate students (a total of 295 individuals) and 72 in-depth individual interviews with members of higher education staff (both academic and non-academic). Fieldwork was conducted in three higher education institutions in each of the following countries: Denmark, UK-England, Germany, Ireland, Poland and Spain—nations chosen to provide diversity with respect to welfare regime, relationship to the European Union and mechanisms for funding higher education. We explore commonalities and differences between staff and students and between different countries, before identifying some implications for policymakers keen to promote further social inclusion within Europe’s higher education institutions (HEIs).
The Integration of Experiential Learning in Higher Education Institutions—An Assessment of the Romanian Universities
Authors: Cărăuşan Mihaela V.
Published: November 2020

This paper presents how Romanian educational strategies are aligned with the policy statements of international organisations for future generations. The research hypothesis is that Romanian higher education institutions (HEI) are not ready to fulfil the needs of future generations. The paper reviews the educational competences of fourteen faculties of public administration and management from nine universities (state and private). The analysis is based on Kolb’s experiential learning cycle elements, and we identified whether educational competences referred directly to them or not. Our findings concentrate on the lack of recognition of experiential learning methods and the gap between the labour market requirements and the educational competences acquired in Romanian HEI. The methodology used to respond to the research questions mixes qualitative (strategies and literature review, structured interviews) and quantitative approaches (assessment of the curricula and information presented in the admission process by Faculties of Public Administration and Management).
Recognizing Student Activism. Analysing Practices in Recognizing Informal Learning in the EHEA
Authors: Gasteiger Marita , Wulz Janine
Published: November 2020

This paper aims to answer the question of how recognition of student engagement as informal learning takes place in HEIs within the EHEA. It identifies challenges, best practices, and lessons learned for the recognition of informal learning in the EHEA in general. Questions of transparency in recognition of informal learning in student activism, their legal basis and ways of implementation as well as student representatives’ experiences are discussed. Analysis was undertaken based on two surveys in the EHEA. The first survey addressed student representatives at national level in 11 countries, aiming for insights in legal conditions and practices of higher education institutions’ recognition of informal learning of student activists. The second survey focussed on student representatives at institutional level (80 respondents), sharing their experiences on formalities, barriers and practicalities within implemented policies of recognition of prior learning in student activism. Based on the collected data, findings and recommendations are presented in the last part of the paper.