bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Active Hydrogenation Catalysts Based on Pd Nanoparticles Dispersed along Hierarchical Porous Silica Covered with Polydopamine as Interfacial Glue
Authors: Ródenas Miguel , El Haskouri Jamal , Ros-Lis José Vicente , Marcos M. Dolores , Amorós Pedro , Úbeda M. Ángeles , Pérez-Pla Francisco
Published: April 2020

New catalysts based on Pd(0) nanoparticles (Pd NPs) on a bimodal porous silica of the UVM-7/polydopamine (PDA) support have been synthesized following two preparative strategies based on the sequential or joint incorporation of two components of the composite (Pd and PDA). We analyzed the role played by the PDA as ‘interfacial glue’ between the silica scaffold and the Pd NPs. The catalysts were tested for the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol using (NEt4)BH4 as the hydrogenating agent. In addition to the palladium content, the characterization of the catalysts at the micro and nanoscale has highlighted the importance of different parameters, such as the size and dispersion of the Pd NPs, as well as their accessibility to the substrate (greater or lesser depending on their entrapment level in the PDA) on the catalytic efficiency. Staged sequential synthesis has led to better catalytic results. The most active Pd(0) centers seem to be Pd NPs of less than 1 nm on the PDA surface. The efficiency of the catalysts obtained is superior to that of similar materials without PDA. A comprehensive comparison has been made with other catalysts based on Pd NPs in a wide variety of supports. The TOF values achieved are among the best described in the literature.
MIL-101(Cr) for CO2 Conversion into Cyclic Carbonates, Under Solvent and Co-Catalyst Free Mild Reaction Conditions
Authors: Akimana Emmanuelia , Wang Jichao , Likhanova Natalya V. , Chaemchuen Somboon , Verpoort Francis
Published: April 2020

Mild reaction conditions (nearly room temperature and atmospheric CO2 pressure) for the cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides to produce cyclic carbonates were investigated applying MIL-101(Cr) as a catalyst. The MIL-101 catalyst contains strong acid sites, which promote the ring-opening of the epoxide substrate. Moreover, the high surface area, enabling the adsorption of more CO2 (substrate), combined with a large pore size of the catalyst is essential for the catalytic performance. Additionally, epoxide substrates bearing electron-withdrawing substituents or having a low boiling point demonstrated an excellent conversion towards the cyclic carbonates. MIL-101(Cr) for the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide with epoxides is demonstrated to be a robust and stable catalyst able to be re-used at least five times without loss in activity.
Preparation and Performances of ZIF-67-Derived FeCo Bimetallic Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation to Light Olefins
Authors: Dong Zichao , Zhao Jie , Tian Yajie , Zhang Bofeng , Wu Yu
Published: April 2020

A novel sodium-promoted Fe-Co/NC catalyst prepared by incipient-wet-impregnation method using ZIF-67 as a support was employed to convert CO2 to light olefins through hydrogenation reaction. Properties of the synthesized catalysts calcinated at various temperatures (from 400 to 700 °C) were investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM and Mӧssbauer spectroscopy. Characterization results showed that the support could be fully converted into carbon support above 500 °C, which could anchor metal particles, thus resulting in a uniform dispersion of active components. Furthermore, the Fe-Co alloy was formed during N2 calcination, and was converted into active components, such as Fe3O4, Fe5C2, and Co2C during the reaction. The reaction result indicated that FeCo/NC-600 catalyst exhibited the highest selectivity of light olefins (C2= − C4=, 27%) and CO2 conversion could reach around 37% when this catalyst pyrolyzed at 600 °C in N2. The highest selectivity for light olefins may be related to the combination of suitable particle size and sufficient active sites of iron carbide.
UV-Catalyzed Persulfate Oxidation of an Anthraquinone Based Dye
Authors: Krawczyk Kamil , Wacławek Stanisław , Kudlek Edyta , Silvestri Daniele , Kukulski Tomasz , Grübel Klaudiusz , Padil Vinod V. T. , Černík Miroslav
Published: April 2020

Wastewater from the textile industry has a substantial impact on water quality. Synthetic dyes used in the textile production process are often discharged into water bodies as residues. Highly colored wastewater causes various of problems for the aquatic environment such as: reducing light penetration, inhibiting photosynthesis and being toxic to certain organisms. Since most dyes are resistant to biodegradation and are not completely removed by conventional methods (adsorption, coagulation-flocculation, activated sludge, membrane filtration) they persist in the environment. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) have been proven to decolorize only some of the dyes from wastewater by photocatalysis. In this article, we compared two very different photocatalytic systems (UV/peroxydisulfate and UV/H2O2). Photocatalyzed activation of peroxydisulfate (PDS) generated sulfate radicals (SO4•−), which reacted with the selected anthraquinone dye of concern, Acid Blue 129 (AB129). Various conditions, such as pH and concentration of PDS were applied, in order to obtain an effective decolorization effect, which was significantly better than in the case of hydroxyl radicals. The kinetics of the reaction followed a pseudo-first order model. The main reaction pathway was also proposed based on quantum chemical analysis. Moreover, the toxicity of the solution after treatment was evaluated using Daphnia magna and Lemna minor, and was found to be significantly lower compared to the toxicity of the initial dye.
Sustainable Method for the Synthesis of Alternative Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Terephthalate Plasticizer in the Presence of Protic Ionic Liquids
Authors: Grymel Aleksander , Latos Piotr , Matuszek Karolina , Erfurt Karol , Barteczko Natalia , Pankalla Ewa , Chrobok Anna
Published: April 2020

Inexpensive Brønsted acidic ionic liquids based on trimethylamine and sulfuric acid are proposed as both solvents and catalysts in the synthesis of alternative plasticizer bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, which has a broad spectrum of applications in plasticization processes. The utilization of 50 mol % of Brønsted ionic liquid led to the full conversion of terephthalic acid after 8 h of reaction at 120 °C. Additionally, a 100% selectivity of bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate was obtained. The advantage of the presented reaction system is based on the formation of a biphasic system during the reaction. The bottom phase consists of an ionic liquid and water, and the upper phase is created by the ester and unreacted alcohol. This phenomenon helps overcome the equilibrium of the reaction and drives it towards a high yield of product. The presented new approach is proposed as a safe, cost-effective, and alternative method to conventional processes with organometallic compounds that, in turn, leads to greener and a more economically viable technology.
Insights into P-Glycoprotein Inhibitors: New Inducers of Immunogenic Cell Death
Authors: Kopecka Joanna , Godel Martina , Dei Silvia , Giampietro Roberta , Belisario Dimas Carolina , Akman Muhlis , Contino Marialessandra , Teodori Elisabetta , Riganti Chiara
Published: April 2020

Doxorubicin is a strong inducer of immunogenic cell death (ICD), but it is ineffective in P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-expressing cells. Indeed, Pgp effluxes doxorubicin and impairs the immunesensitizing functions of calreticulin (CRT), an “eat-me” signal mediating ICD. It is unknown if classical Pgp inhibitors, designed to reverse chemoresistance, may restore ICD. We addressed this question by using Pgp-expressing cancer cells, treated with Tariquidar, a clinically approved Pgp inhibitor, and R-3 compound, a N,N-bis(alkanol)amine aryl ester derivative with the same potency of Tariquidar as Pgp inhibitor. In Pgp-expressing/doxorubicin-resistant cells, Tariquidar and R-3 increased doxorubicin accumulation and toxicity, reduced Pgp activity, and increased CRT translocation and ATP and HMGB1 release. Unexpectedly, only R-3 promoted phagocytosis by dendritic cells and activation of antitumor CD8+T-lymphocytes. Although Tariquidar did not alter the amount of Pgp present on cell surface, R-3 promoted Pgp internalization and ubiquitination, disrupting its interaction with CRT. Pgp knock-out restores doxorubicin-induced ICD in MDA-MB-231/DX cells that recapitulated the phenotype of R-3-treated cells. Our work demonstrates that plasma membrane-associated Pgp prevents a complete ICD notwithstanding the release of ATP and HMGB1, and the exposure of CRT. Pharmacological compounds reducing Pgp activity and amount may act as promising chemo- and immunesensitizing agents.
Structural and Biophysical Insights into the Function of the Intrinsically Disordered Myc Oncoprotein
Authors: Beaulieu Marie-Eve , Castillo Francisco , Soucek Laura
Published: April 2020

Myc is a transcription factor driving growth and proliferation of cells and involved in the majority of human tumors. Despite a huge body of literature on this critical oncogene, our understanding of the exact molecular determinants and mechanisms that underlie its function is still surprisingly limited. Indubitably though, its crucial and non-redundant role in cancer biology makes it an attractive target. However, achieving successful clinical Myc inhibition has proven challenging so far, as this nuclear protein is an intrinsically disordered polypeptide devoid of any classical ligand binding pockets. Indeed, Myc only adopts a (partially) folded structure in some contexts and upon interacting with some protein partners, for instance when dimerizing with MAX to bind DNA. Here, we review the cumulative knowledge on Myc structure and biophysics and discuss the implications for its biological function and the development of improved Myc inhibitors. We focus this biophysical walkthrough mainly on the basic region helix–loop–helix leucine zipper motif (bHLHLZ), as it has been the principal target for inhibitory approaches so far.
The Emerging Role of MicroRNAs in NAFLD: Highlight of MicroRNA-29a in Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Beyond
Authors: Lin Hung-Yu , Yang Ya-Ling , Wang Pei-Wen , Wang Feng-Sheng , Huang Ying-Hsien
Published: April 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of chronic liver disease and ranges from steatosis to steatohepatitis and to liver fibrosis. Lipotoxicity in hepatocytes, elevated oxidative stress and the activation of proinflammatory mediators of Kupffer cells, and fibrogenic pathways of activated hepatic stellate cells can contribute to the development of NAFLD. MicroRNAs (miRs) play a crucial role in the dysregulated metabolism and inflammatory signaling connected with NAFLD and its progression towards more severe stages. Of note, the protective effect of non-coding miR-29a on liver damage and its versatile action on epigenetic activity, mitochondrial homeostasis and immunomodulation may improve our perception of the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Herein, we review the biological functions of critical miRs in NAFLD, as well as highlight the emerging role of miR-29a in therapeutic application and the recent advances in molecular mechanisms underlying its liver protective effect.
Association Analysis of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and Proteomics Reveals a Vital Role of Ca2+ Signaling in the Determination of Skeletal Muscle Development Potential
Authors: Qiu Kai , Xu Doudou , Wang Liqi , Zhang Xin , Jiao Ning , Gong Lu , Yin Jingdong
Published: April 2020

This study is aimed at exploring the mechanism underlying the homeostasis between myogenesis and adipogenesis in skeletal muscle using a special porcine model with a distinct phenotype on muscle growth rate and intramuscular fat deposition. Differentiation potential of muscle-derived Myo-lineage cells of lean-type pigs was significantly enhanced relative to obese-type pigs, while that of their Adi-lineage cells was similar. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that lean-type pigs reserved a higher proportion of Myo-lineage cells in skeletal muscle relative to obese-type pigs. Besides, Myo-lineage cells of the lean-type pig settled closer to the original stage of muscle-derived progenitor cells. Proteomics analysis found that differentially expressed proteins between two sources of Myo-lineage cells are mainly involved in muscle development, cell proliferation and differentiation, ion homeostasis, apoptosis, and the MAPK signaling pathway. The regulation of intracellular ion homeostasis, Ca2+ in particular, significantly differed between two sources of Myo-lineage cells. Ca2+ concentration in both cytoplasm and endoplasmic reticulum was lower in Myo-lineage cells of lean-type pigs relative to obese-type pigs. In conclusion, a higher proportion and stronger differentiation capacity of Myo-lineage cells are the main causes for the higher capability of myogenic differentiation and lower intramuscular fat deposition. Relative low concentration of cellular Ca2+ is advantageous for Myo-lineage cells to keep a potent differentiation potential.
Mechanistic Paradigms of Natural Plant Metabolites as Remedial Candidates for Systemic Lupus Erythromatosus
Authors: Balkrishna Acharya , Thakur Pallavi , Singh Shivam , Chandra Dev Swami Narsingh , Varshney Anurag
Published: April 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder involving a dysregulated immune response which ultimately leads to multiple organ failure. Several immunological and cellular checkpoints are available as drug targets. However, the available chemosynthetic drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids provide limited therapy with extreme toxicities. Moreover, the disease heterogeneity in SLE is very difficult to manage by a single drug component. Hence, it is imperative to utilize the holistic capabilities of natural plant products as immunomodulators and intracellular signaling regulators, thereby providing an auxiliary option of treatment. Additionally, the herbal drugs also serve as symptomatic relief providers, thereby serving as a prophylactic remedy in case of cerebrovascular, hepatic, nephropathological, hematological, cardiopulmonary, mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations of SLE. The present review attempts to showcase the current state of knowledge regarding the utility of plant-derived phyto-metabolites with their probable mechanistic roles in treating SLE, by means of targeting the signaling cascade, proinflammatory cytokine production and B–T cell co-stimulation. It is hoped that further preclinical and clinical studies will be embarked upon in order to understand the underlying therapeutic and mechanistic aspects of these medicinal herbs.
Intraglomerular Monocyte/Macrophage Infiltration and Macrophage–Myofibroblast Transition during Diabetic Nephropathy Is Regulated by the A2B Adenosine Receptor
Authors: Torres Ángelo , Muñoz Katherin , Nahuelpán Yessica , R. Saez Angelo-Paolo , Mendoza Pablo , Jara Claudia , Cappelli Claudio , Suarez Raibel , Oyarzún Carlos , Quezada Claudia , San Martín Rody
Published: April 2020

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is considered the main cause of kidney disease in which myofibroblasts lead to renal fibrosis. Macrophages were recently identified as the major source of myofibroblasts in a process known as macrophage–myofibroblast transition (MMT). Adenosine levels increase during DN and in vivo administration of MRS1754, an antagonist of the A2B adenosine receptor (A2BAR), attenuated glomerular fibrosis (glomerulosclerosis). We aimed to investigate the association between A2BAR and MMT in glomerulosclerosis during DN. Kidneys/glomeruli of non-diabetic, diabetic, and MRS1754-treated diabetic (DM+MRS1754) rats were processed for histopathologic, transcriptomic, flow cytometry, and cellular in vitro analyses. Macrophages were used for in vitro cell migration/transmigration assays and MMT studies. In vivo MRS1754 treatment attenuated the clinical and histopathological signs of glomerulosclerosis in DN rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated a decrease in chemokine-chemoattractants/cell-adhesion genes of monocytes/macrophages in DM+MRS1754 glomeruli. The number of intraglomerular infiltrated macrophages and MMT cells increased in diabetic rats. This was reverted by MRS1754 treatment. In vitro cell migration/transmigration decreased in macrophages treated with MRS1754. Human macrophages cultured with adenosine and/or TGF-β induced MMT, a process which was reduced by MRS1754. We concluded that pharmacologic blockade of A2BAR attenuated some clinical signs of renal dysfunction and glomerulosclerosis, and decreased intraglomerular macrophage infiltration and MMT in DN rats.
Exploring Biased Agonism at FPR1 as a Means to Encode Danger Sensing
Authors: Gröper Jieny , König Gabriele , Kostenis Evi , Gerke Volker , Raabe Carsten , Rescher Ursula
Published: April 2020

Ligand-based selectivity in signal transduction (biased signaling) is an emerging field of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) research and might allow the development of drugs with targeted activation profiles. Human formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) is a GPCR that detects potentially hazardous states characterized by the appearance of N-formylated peptides that originate from either bacteria or mitochondria during tissue destruction; however, the receptor also responds to several non-formylated agonists from various sources. We hypothesized that an additional layer of FPR signaling is encoded by biased agonism, thus allowing the discrimination of the source of threat. We resorted to the comparative analysis of FPR1 agonist-evoked responses across three prototypical GPCR signaling pathways, i.e., the inhibition of cAMP formation, receptor internalization, and ERK activation, and analyzed cellular responses elicited by several bacteria- and mitochondria-derived ligands. We also included the anti-inflammatory annexinA1 peptide Ac2-26 and two synthetic ligands, the W-peptide and the small molecule FPRA14. Compared to the endogenous agonists, the bacterial agonists displayed significantly higher potencies and efficacies. Selective pathway activation was not observed, as both groups were similarly biased towards the inhibition of cAMP formation. The general agonist bias in FPR1 signaling suggests a source-independent pathway selectivity for transmission of pro-inflammatory danger signaling.
Chlorpromazine Induces Basolateral Aquaporin-2 Accumulation via F-Actin Depolymerization and Blockade of Endocytosis in Renal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Bouley Richard , Yui Naofumi , Terlouw Abby , Cheung Pui W. , Brown Dennis
Published: April 2020

We previously showed that in polarized Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is continuously targeted to the basolateral plasma membrane from which it is rapidly retrieved by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. It then undertakes microtubule-dependent transcytosis toward the apical plasma membrane. In this study, we found that treatment with chlorpromazine (CPZ, an inhibitor of clathrin-mediated endocytosis) results in AQP2 accumulation in the basolateral, but not the apical plasma membrane of epithelial cells. In MDCK cells, both AQP2 and clathrin were concentrated in the basolateral plasma membrane after CPZ treatment (100 µM for 15 min), and endocytosis was reduced. Then, using rhodamine phalloidin staining, we found that basolateral, but not apical, F-actin was selectively reduced by CPZ treatment. After incubation of rat kidney slices in situ with CPZ (200 µM for 15 min), basolateral AQP2 and clathrin were increased in principal cells, which simultaneously showed a significant decrease of basolateral compared to apical F-actin staining. These results indicate that clathrin-dependent transcytosis of AQP2 is an essential part of its trafficking pathway in renal epithelial cells and that this process can be inhibited by selectively depolymerizing the basolateral actin pool using CPZ.
Temperamental Development among Preterm Born Children. An RCT Follow-Up Study
Authors: Landsem Inger Pauline , Handegård Bjørn Helge , Ulvund Stein Erik
Published: April 2020

A randomized controlled trial study recruited 146 preterm born children, either to participate in a modified version of the Mother–Infant Transaction Program (MITP-m) or to receive the usual follow-up services, before and after discharge from a neonatal intensive care unit. This follow-up study investigates whether MITP participation is associated with parental perceptions of child temperament from two to seven years. Children’s temperament was reported by mothers and fathers separately at children’s ages of 2, 3, 5, and 7 years. Parents in the MITP-m group reported lower levels of negative emotionality in their children compared to the control group. In maternal reports, a group effect (F(1, 121) = 9.7, p = 0.002) revealed a stable difference in children’s negative emotionality from two to seven years, while a group-by-time interaction related to an increasing difference was detected in reports from fathers (F(1, 94) = 4.8, p = 0.03). Another group difference appeared in fathers’ reports of children’s soothability (F(1, 100) = 14.2, p < 0.0005). MITP-m fathers seemed to perceive their children as easier to soothe at all ages as no interaction with time appeared. Parental reports on children’s sociality, shyness, and activity did not differ between the groups.
The Corrosion Performance and Mechanical Properties of Mg-Zn Based Alloys—A Review
Authors: Jiang Pingli , Blawert Carsten , Zheludkevich Mikhail L.
Published: April 2020

Magnesium alloys have shown great potential for applications as both structural and biomedical materials due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and good biodegradability and biocompatibility, respectively. Among them, Mg-Zn based alloys are attracting increasing interest for both applications. As such, this article provides a review of the corrosion performance and mechanical properties of Mg-Zn based alloys, including the influence of environment and processing on both of them. The strategies for tailoring corrosion resistance and/or mechanical properties by microstructure adjustment and surface treatment are discussed.
Entropy Analysis of an MHD Synthetic Cilia Assisted Transport in a Microchannel Enclosure with Velocity and Thermal Slippage Effects
Authors: Munawar Sufian , Saleem Najma
Published: April 2020

The magnitude of shear stress at the ciliated wall is considered as the measure of efficiency of cilia beatings as it describes the momentum transfer between the medium and the cilia. Under high shear rate, some non-Newtonian fluids behave as visco-inelastic fluids. We consider here a ciliated channel coated with Prandtl fluid, a visco-inelastic fluid, with Hartmann layer under momentum and thermal slip effects. The flow in the channel is produced due to beatings of cilia that obey an elliptic path of motion in the flow direction. An entropy analysis of the flow is also conducted in wave frame. After introducing lubrication approximations in the governing equation, the perturbation solutions are calculated. The data for pressure rise per metachronal wavelength and frictional force at the ciliated wall are obtained by numerical integration. The analysis reveals that the higher values of cilia length and velocity slip parameters support fluid flow near the channel wall surface. Fluid temperature is an increasing function of thermal slip but a decreasing function of cilia length and slip parameters. Entropy in the channel can be minimized with an increase in cilia length and slip effect at the boundary. The magnitude of the heat transfer coefficient decreases by taking the substantial slippage and tiny cilia in length at the microchannel wall.
Oxidation Behavior and Structural Transformation of (CrTaTiVZr)N Coatings
Authors: Chang Zue-Chin , Liang Jun-Yang
Published: April 2020

(CrTaTiVZr)N coatings were prepared on Si substrates through the reactive magnetron sputtering system to investigate the oxidation behaviors and structural evolution of the coatings at different annealing temperatures in air. The (CrTaTiVZr)N coating had a face-centered cubic structure with an oxidation temperature of up to 300 °C, but its surface changed into the amorphous oxide phase and then into the rutile TiO2 phase when the annealing temperature was increased to 500 °C. The rutile TiO2 phase continued to grow, and an additional solid solution phase of body-centered tetragonal I41/amd was formed at annealing temperatures beyond 600 °C. The high annealing temperature promoted the oxidation to progress along the thickness direction and synergistically developed the porosity. As a result, the hardness and the electrical performance of the coating deteriorated. The hardness decreased from 34.30 GPa to 1.52 GPa, and the electrical resistivity increased from 142 µΩ·cm to 17.5 Ω·cm.
Study of Particle Properties of Different Steels Sprayed by Arc Spray Process
Authors: Vaz Rodolpho F. , Pukasiewicz Anderson G. M. , Fals Hipólito D. C. , Lourençato Luciano A. , Paredes Ramon S. C.
Published: April 2020

Thermally sprayed coatings are employed for many purposes, as corrosion protection, wear resistance improvement, resistance to high temperatures, and others. The coating performance depends on its morphology, which is composed by splats, pores, oxide inclusions, and entrapped unmelted or resolidified particles. In arc spray process (ASP), the heat source is the arc electric obtained from the contact of two consumable metallic wires with different electric potentials, and the carrier gas is the compressed air. The velocity, dimensions, and thermal characteristics of the droplets sprayed are related to the morphology and properties of the coating. The main goal of this research is to evaluate how the velocity, temperature, and particle size are modified by the chemical composition of different materials (carbon steel, stainless steels, and FeMnCrSiNi alloy). The intention is to predict how the modification of the process parameters will change the particles properties. The materials had similar behavior tendencies during the flight: the velocity increased to a peak value then decreased, but this maximum value was different for materials with different particle size. The particles’ size did not present significant differences during the flight; and the particles cooled down as they moved away from the gun, except the austenitic stainless steel and the FeMnCrSiNi alloy, which increased the droplets temperature during the travel. These alloys also presented more variation in chemical composition during flight.
Regulating Mechanical Properties of Al/SiC by Utilizing Different Ball Milling Speeds
Authors: Almotairy Saud M. , Alharthi Nabeel H. , Abdo Hany S.
Published: April 2020

Advanced materials with high strength are in great demand for structural applications, such as in aerospace. It has been proved that fabrication strategy plays a vital role in producing composites to satisfy these needs. This study explores new strategies for flake powder metallurgy, with the aim of designing an effective strategy to achieve the highest possible mechanical strength for a metal matrix nanocomposite without changing the reinforcement fraction. Different strategies were used to regulate the mechanical properties for similar composites based on shift speed ball milling. Ultra-ductile composites on one hand, and ultra-strong composites on the other hand, were fabricated using similar composites. The results demonstrate that shifting the ball milling speed can be used to manipulate the mechanical properties of the composite to achieve the desired properties for any specific application.
The First Fossil Owl (Aves, Strigiformes) From the Paleogene of Africa
Authors: Smith N. Adam , Stidham Thomas A. , Mitchell Jonathan S.
Published: April 2020

The relatively extensive fossil record of owls (Aves, Strigiformes) in North America and Europe stands in stark contrast to the paucity of fossil strigiformes from Africa. The first occurrence of a fossil owl from the Paleogene of Africa extends the fossil record of this clade on that continent by as much as 25 million years, and confirms the presence of large-sized owls in Oligocene continental faunas. The new fossil is tentatively referred to the Selenornithinae, a clade of large owls previously restricted to Europe. This new fossil owl was likely similar in size to the extant Eagle Owls of the genus Bubo, and suggests that the niche of large, volant, terrestrial avian predator, although relatively rare throughout avian evolutionary history, may be an ecological role that was more common among extinct owls than previously recognized.
Deep-Time Demographic Inference Suggests Ecological Release as Driver of Neoavian Adaptive Radiation
Authors: Houde Peter , Braun Edward L. , Zhou Lawrence
Published: April 2020

Assessing the applicability of theory to major adaptive radiations in deep time represents an extremely difficult problem in evolutionary biology. Neoaves, which includes 95% of living birds, is believed to have undergone a period of rapid diversification roughly coincident with the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary. We investigate whether basal neoavian lineages experienced an ecological release in response to ecological opportunity, as evidenced by density compensation. We estimated effective population sizes (Ne) of basal neoavian lineages by combining coalescent branch lengths (CBLs) and the numbers of generations between successive divergences. We used a modified version of Accurate Species TRee Algorithm (ASTRAL) to estimate CBLs directly from insertion–deletion (indel) data, as well as from gene trees using DNA sequence and/or indel data. We found that some divergences near the K-Pg boundary involved unexpectedly high gene tree discordance relative to the estimated number of generations between speciation events. The simplest explanation for this result is an increase in Ne, despite the caveats discussed herein. It appears that at least some early neoavian lineages, similar to the ancestor of the clade comprising doves, mesites, and sandgrouse, experienced ecological release near the time of the K-Pg mass extinction.
A Multi-Factor Analysis of Forecasting Methods: A Study on the M4 Competition
Authors: Agathangelou Pantelis , Trihinas Demetris , Katakis Ioannis
Published: April 2020

As forecasting becomes more and more appreciated in situations and activities of everyday life that involve prediction and risk assessment, more methods and solutions make their appearance in this exciting arena of uncertainty. However, less is known about what makes a promising or a poor forecast. In this article, we provide a multi-factor analysis on the forecasting methods that participated and stood out in the M4 competition, by focusing on Error (predictive performance), Correlation (among different methods), and Complexity (computational performance). The main goal of this study is to recognize the key elements of the contemporary forecasting methods, reveal what made them excel in the M4 competition, and eventually provide insights towards better understanding the forecasting task.
HRCT Patterns of Drug-Induced Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Review
Authors: Distefano Giulio , Fanzone Luigi , Palermo Monica , Tiralongo Francesco , Cosentino Salvatore , Inì Corrado , Galioto Federica , Vancheri Ada , Torrisi Sebastiano E. , Mauro Letizia A. , Foti Pietro V. , Vancheri Carlo , Palmucci Stefano , Basile Antonio
Published: April 2020

Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs) represent a heterogeneous group of pathologies, which may be related to different causes. A low percentage of these lung diseases may be secondary to the administration of drugs or substances. Through the PubMed database, an extensive search was performed in the fields of drug toxicity and interstitial lung disease. We have evaluated the different classes of drugs associated with pulmonary toxicity. Several different high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) patterns related to pulmonary drug toxicity have been reported in literature, and the most frequent ILDs patterns reported include Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP), Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP), Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP), Organizing Pneumonia (OP), Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and Diffuse Alveolar Damage (DAD). Finally, from the electronic database of our Institute we have selected and commented on some cases of drug-induced lung diseases related to the administration of common drugs. As the imaging patterns are rarely specific, an accurate evaluation of the clinical history is required and a multidisciplinary approach—involving pneumologists, cardiologists, radiologists, pathologists, and rheumatologists—is recommended.
Thyroid Pathology in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Cotoi Laura , Borcan Florin , Sporea Ioan , Amzar Daniela , Schiller Oana , Schiller Adalbert , Dehelean Cristina A. , Pop Gheorghe Nicusor , Borlea Andreea , Stoian Dana
Published: April 2020

Objectives: Chronic kidney disease is a rising cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries, including end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The prevalence of thyroid comorbidities in persons with chronic kidney disease is documented higher than in normal population. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of morphological and functional thyroid disorders in patients with chronic kidney disease, with renal replacement therapy (hemodialysis). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 123 consecutive patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5, on hemodialysis during a period of one month (May 2019–June 2020). All patients were enrolled for maintenance hemodialysis in B Braun Hemodialysis Center Timisoara and were examined on conventional 2B ultrasound. Thyroid blood tests were done, including serum free thyroxin (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) at the time of starting hemodialysis. Results: We evaluated 123 patients (male to female ratio 70/53) mean age 62.2 ± 11.01, mostly above 65 years old, enrolled in the end-stage renal disease program, on renal replacement therapy. From the cohort, 76/123 presented thyroid disease, including autoimmune hypothyroidism, nodular goiter or thyroid cancer. Among them, 63 patients presented nodular goiter, including 3 thyroid cancers, confirmed by surgery and histopathological result, 22 patients had thyroid autoimmune disease. The serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels found in the cohort was 3.36 ± 2.313 mUI/mL, which was in the normal laboratory reference range. The thyroid volume was 13 ± 7.18 mL. A single patient in the cohort presented Graves Basedow disease, under treatment and three patients present subclinical hyperthyroidism. We have found that thyroid disease risk is increased by 3.4-fold for the female gender and also the increase of body mass index (BMI) with one unit raises the risk of developing thyroid disease with 1.083 times (p = 0.018). Conclusion: To conclude, this study aimed to quantify the prevalence of thyroid disease in end-stage kidney disease population, especially nodular goiter, important for differential diagnosis in cases with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Thyroid autoimmune disease can be prevalent among these patients, as symptoms can overlap those of chronic disease and decrease the quality of life. We have found that thyroid disease has a high prevalence among patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. Thyroid goiter and nodules in ESRD patients were more prevalent than in the general population. Clinical surveillance and routine screening for thyroid disorders can improve the quality of life in these patients.
Increased Tissue Expression of Lectin-Like Oxidized LDL Receptor-1 (LOX-1) Is Associated with Disease Severity in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Nishida Manabu , Takeno Sachio , Takemoto Kohta , Takahara Daisuke , Hamamoto Takao , Ishino Takashi , Kawasumi Tomohiro
Published: April 2020

Background: The oxidative stress, induced by both environmental and intrinsic stimuli, underlies the onset and persistency of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Scavenger receptors (SRs) are a broad family of transmembrane receptors involved in a dysfunctional host–environment interaction through a reaction with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Objective: We hypothesized possible roles of two major SRs in CRS pathology that can translate to clinical phenotypes or histological subtypes: lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) receptor-1 (LOX-1) and scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1). Patients and Methods: We collected ethmoid sinus mucosa specimens and blood samples from patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP; n = 31) or CRS without NP (CRSsNP; n = 13) and 19 control subjects. We performed an RT-PCR analysis, ELISA assay, and immunostaining to determine the expressions and distributions of LOX-1 and SR-B1. Results: The CRSwNP group showed a significant increase in LOX-1 mRNA expression compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in SR-B1 mRNA levels among the three groups. The LOX-1 mRNA levels were positively correlated with the sinus computed tomography (CT) scores. Sinus tissue, but not serum samples, showed elevated concentrations of LOX-1 protein in the CRSwNP group versus the control group. The LOX-1 protein distribution was localized in inflammatory cells and vascular endothelial cells. Conclusion: LOX-1 is a major receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein produced by oxidative stress. This is the first study to report alterations in LOX-1 expression and production triggered by persistent inflammatory processes in CRSwNP patients. Our findings reveal complex but important roles for SRs that may contribute to the onset of different CRS phenotypes.
Understanding Assessment Processes for Communicative Competence through an Analysis of Teachers’ Reported Practice
Authors: Guzmán-Simón Fernando , Torres-Gordillo Juan Jesús , Caballero Katia
Published: April 2020

This research addresses the types of assessment tasks, the assessment criteria, instruments and procedures of communicative competence used by primary school teachers in Andalusia. This multiple-case study drew on the experiences of teachers from four schools in the south of Spain. The data source has been the focus groups in which the teachers took part. The transcripts were analysed thematically by three researchers who devised a system of categories designed through an iterative process. The findings reveal the paucity of tasks used to assess reading, listening and oral expression. The study also shows the diverse problems faced by teachers when it comes to evaluating communicative competence. This paper highlights the need to rethink the curricular contents and the methods applied to assess communicative competence in primary schools.
A Learning Community Involving Collaborative Course-Based Research Experiences for Foundational Chemistry Laboratories
Authors: Rubush David M. , Stone Kari L.
Published: April 2020

Numerous American national committees have recommended the replacement of traditional labs with a more engaging curriculum that inspires inquiry and enhances scientific skills (examples include the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)’s Engage to Excel program and American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Vision and Change, among others), due to a large body of evidence that shows significant enhancements in student learning and affective outcomes. The implementation of Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) is a creative way to scale up the deployment of authentic research experiences to students. Another highly regarded high-impact practice in postsecondary education is the addition of learning communities. The integration of a three-course learning community and authentic research experiences to laboratory courses adds both a community of scholarship and a development of scientific communication and process skills. This study describes a course that blends these two high-impact practices in higher education in order to promote greater post-course gains in essential elements of a CURE curriculum. This collaborative course shows large post-course gains in essential elements, such as scientific communication and working collaboratively.
Research in Moral Education: The Contribution of P4C to the Moral Growth of Students
Authors: García-Moriyón Félix , González-Lamas Jara , Botella Juan , González Vela Javier , Miranda-Alonso Tomás , Palacios Antonio , Robles-Loro Rafael
Published: April 2020

Moral education and moral growth are very important topics, and have been so as much in the fields of moral psychology and moral education as in the policies of governments and international institutions over the past decades. These two topics are also central themes within the educational proposal of Philosophy for Children (P4C), as seen in theoretical reflection and in educational research. It is necessary to start from a more global approach to moral growth, focused on the development of capacities. Such abilities are to be understood as virtues or personality traits that enable us to achieve a full life, that is, to become good people. The transformation of classrooms into communities of philosophical inquiry, following the educational guidelines of P4C, can contribute to the achievement of this objective. Here we present the psychological and methodological underpinnings of an educational research project that we are applying to a small sample that includes two groups—experimental and control—in a typical classroom environment. We are administering tests at the beginning and the end of the application of a moral education model according to the basic principles of Philosophy for Children. The objective is to verify that our research design could be used to evaluate the contribution of this educational model to the students’ moral growth, understood as the consolidation of the students’ moral habits and competences.
Using Reflexive, Introspective and Storytelling Tools: Towards Becoming More Autoethnographic in Academia
Authors: Au-Yong-Oliveira Manuel
Published: April 2020

The aim of this article is to show how autoethnography is a useful and revealing research methodology that should be encouraged in academia, especially in higher education. With objectivity, autoethnography, which is a relatively new approach, may be a path toward deeper cultural discussions that are so important in everyday life. Moreover, autoethnography leads to important reflexive and critical observations made by students. Autoethnography is a readily accessible, low-cost methodology and thus very appealing to students and younger researchers. With this article, the author exemplifies autoethnographic accounts and narrates three different stories that occurred while trekking with three different trekking guides in Patagonia (El Chaltén), Argentina. Argentinian culture, in South America, is the focus. Researchers need to be careful of misleading statements in the literature, such as that in Argentina modesty is apparently not tolerated. We found that two of our guides and leaders – Mariano and Liz – both had modest (and pleasant) demeanors. Hence, we conclude that it is important to maintain an open mind and resist categorizing people. This is a vital point of cultural studies that is often not taken seriously. Cultures are made up of individuals and thus many differences can be found in the midst of an attempted standardization, and the desire to put everyone in the same “basket”.
Performance Analysis of Cooperative Low-Power Wide-Area Network for Energy-Efficient B5G Systems
Authors: You Chang Seok , Yeom Jeong Seon , Jung Bang Chul
Published: April 2020

Low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs) have received extensive attention from both academia and industry, since they can efficiently provide massive connectivity to internet of things (IoT) devices in wide geographical areas with low cost and low power consumption. Recently, it was shown that macro-diversity among multiple gateways significantly improves the performance of uplink LPWANs by coherently combining multiple received signals at gateways. We call such networks cooperative LPWANs. In this paper, the error performance of an uplink cooperative LPWAN is mathematically analyzed in terms of outage probability, bit error rate (BER), and diversity order. It is assumed that there exist multiple (two or more) gateways that have multiple antennas and are located at arbitrary positions in the LPWAN area. Each gateway exploits the optimal maximum-ratio combining (MRC) technique to decode the received signal, and then the signals after MRC are delivered to the cloud fusion center for coherent combining in the cooperative LPWAN. The main results, the closed-form expressions of outage probability and BER, were derived by utilizing the hyper-Erlang distribution. Furthermore, the macro-diversity order was mathematically derived. The mathematical analysis was validated through extensive computer simulations. It worth noting that the mathematical analysis of the error performance of cooperative LPWANs is the first theoretical result in the literature to the best of our knowledge.
On-Site and External Energy Harvesting in Underground Wireless
Authors: Raza Usman , Salam Abdul
Published: April 2020

Energy efficiency is vital for uninterrupted long-term operation of wireless underground communication nodes in the field of decision agriculture. In this paper, energy harvesting and wireless power transfer techniques are discussed with applications in underground wireless communications (UWC). Various external wireless power transfer techniques are explored. Moreover, key energy harvesting technologies are presented that utilize available energy sources in the field such as vibration, solar, and wind. In this regard, the Electromagnetic (EM)- and Magnetic Induction (MI)-based approaches are explained. Furthermore, the vibration-based energy harvesting models are reviewed as well. These energy harvesting approaches lead to design of an efficient wireless underground communication system to power underground nodes for prolonged field operation in decision agriculture.
Mobile Oriented Future Internet (MOFI): Architectural Designs and Experimentations
Authors: Koh Seok-Joo
Published: April 2020

With the explosive growth of smart phones and Internet-of-Things (IoT) services, the effective support of seamless mobility for a variety of mobile devices and users is becoming one of the key challenging issues [...]
An Efficient Hardware Implementation of Residual Data Binarization in HEVC CABAC Encoder
Authors: Tran Dinh-Lam , Tran Xuan-Tu , Bui Duy-Hieu , Pham Cong-Kha
Published: April 2020

HEVC-standardized encoders employ the CABAC (context-based adaptive binary arithmetic coding) to achieve high compression ratios and video quality that supports modern real-time high-quality video services. Binarizer is one of three main blocks in a CABAC architecture, where binary symbols (bins) are generated to feed the binary arithmetic encoder (BAE). The residual video data occupied an average of 75% of the CABAC’s work-load, thus its performance will significantly contribute to the overall performance of whole CABAC design. This paper proposes an efficient hardware implementation of a binarizer for CABAC that focuses on low area cost, low power consumption while still providing enough bins for high-throughput CABAC. On the average, the proposed design can process upto 3.5 residual syntax elements (SEs) per clock cycle at the maximum frequency of 500 MHz with an area cost of 9.45 Kgates (6.41 Kgates for the binarizer core) and power consumption of 0.239 mW (0.184 mW for the binarizer core) with NanGate 45 nm technology. It shows that our proposal achieved a high overhead-efficiency of 1.293 Mbins/Kgate/mW, much better than the other related high performance designs. In addition, our design also achieved a high power-efficiency of 8288 Mbins/mW; this is important factor for handheld applications.