bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clasificación motivacional de los nombres de pila basada en la relación estructura–referente
Authors:   Universidad Central Marta Abreu de Las Villas, Campo Yumar Luis Ramón , Rabelo Fresno Evelyn Linet ,   Universidad Central Marta Abreu de Las Villas
Published: January 2021

Among the multiple lines of research that have as their object the name of a person, one of the least studied is the one related to the motivations present in the selection of the first name. Certain factors influencing data collection and the inability to know the true reasons for the choice from the most accessible sources complicate these studies. In the present work, the interview and the questionnaire are explored, within the multiple sources, as fundamental ways to obtain data on the motivations and references used. As a result of previous research and the considerations raised in this article, a motivational classification of first names based on the structure - referent relationship is proposed. This classification was applied to a small corpus of names, obtaining favorable results.
Aportaciones a la historia del género ambiguo en español: a propósito del sustantivo deverbal tizne
Authors:   Universidad de Extremadura, Spain, Montero Curiel Pilar
Published: January 2021

The New Grammar of the Spanish Language (2009) defines ambiguous nouns in terms of gender as those that refer to the same inanimate entity, both male and female, «but do not usually designate sexed beings». Some can be analyzed as late developments, after the restructuring of gender that followed the loss of neutral and casual flexion, together with verbs roots that show similar vacillations to those originated after the evolutionary processes that emerged in the transition from Latin into Romance languages. Among them we find the case of the word tizne, whose variations throughout the history of the Spanish language will be the fundamental object of the present study.
GAMIFICATION AS A MECHANISM OF PATRIOTIC EDUCATION OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION
Authors:   Ulyanovsk State Pedagogical University named after I.N. Ulyanov, Belonogova Lyudmila N. , Sokolov Aleksey M. ,   Governor's lyceum № 101 at Ulyanovsk state pedagogical university named after I. N. Ulyanova, Bogatova Svetlana V. ,   Ulyanovsk State Pedagogical University named after I.N. Ulyanov
Published: January 2021

The article presents the experience of using gaming technologies and gamification in the patriotic education of the younger generation. The authors consider the features of Z generation (iGeneration), parameters for their successful learning. The article presents approaches to patriotic education. In the article the basis and purpose of patriotic education are considered as patriotic consciousness as a result of the development of the initial concrete-sensory perception of the surrounding world. The authors disclose the criteria for the formation of patriotic consciousness – motivationalvalue, cognitive and behavioral. The author's set of games is presented, the mechanics of which are universal and can be applied in the patriotic education of preschool and school age children in any region of the Russian Federation. The complex of games is united in the project «Welcome to the city of Technoinnovations», which is part of the system of additional education and is designed to instill love and interest in the native land through the use of information technology, to provide a wide range of additional knowledge and help to form the necessary social and 4K competencies. The complex includes the following elements: conducting a city tour using robotics and QR-coding technology; creation of virtual city tours for schoolchildren; development of educational board games of regional content using Photoshop; design of the Simbirsk national ornament using the Scratch programming language; creation of the ABC of the hometown using the Power Point program; creating puzzles «Hometown Streets» using a puzzle generator. The implementation of these network projects contributes to the formation of motivational-value, cognitive and behavioral components of patriotism in the younger generation.
STATUS AND PROSPECTS OF RUSSIAN-CHINESE REGIONAL COOPERATION
Authors:   Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the Academy of Social Sciences, the People's Republic of China, Cheng Yijun
Published: January 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of the state and prospects of Russian-Chinese regional cooperation, a historical overview of the main stages of more than a decade of Sino-Russian regional cooperation, which starts since the signing of the “Plan of Cooperation between the North-East of the People's Republic of China and the Far East of the Russian Federation and Eastern Siberia (2009-2018)” in 2009. The article considers the development of the Northeast region as a key national strategy of China, and the development of the Far East and Eastern Siberia as an important aspect of Russian policy; it analyses the policy documents of the Chinese Government aimed at making the North-East region an internationally competitive industrial base for the production of equipment, new raw materials and energy resources, vital commodities and agricultural production, as well as important national technologies; here is characterized by the federal target program for the economic and social development of the Far East and Transbaikalia approved by the Government of the Russian Federation and the “Strategy for the socio-economic development of the Far East and the Baikal region until 2025”, as well as the “Plan for cooperation between the northeast region of the People's Republic of China and the Far East and Eastern Siberia of the Russian Federation”, where regional cooperation is positioned as a logical choice for economic development. The article analyzes the results of regional cooperation: the construction of infrastructure and transport facilities connecting the ports of the two parties, the construction of industrial complexes, cooperation in the field of forestry and agriculture, etc. The article comments on the main problems of Sino-Russian regional cooperation and ways to solve them, defines the prospects for the development of this cooperation in the context of the “Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China on cooperation to combine the construction of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Silk Road Economic Belt”. The article concludes that in today's highly developed Sino-Russian strategic partnership, regional cooperation is very important for further strengthening economic ties between the two countries, deepening mutual understanding between the two peoples and promoting the comprehensive development of bilateral relations.
Identidade profissional de futuros professores de matemática
Authors: Rodrigues Paulo Henrique , Cyrino Márcia Cristina de Costa Trindade
Published: January 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar aspectos do autoconhecimento mobilizados por futuros professores no Vaivém, no que diz respeito ao movimento de constituição de sua Identidade Profissional (IP). O vaivém é um instrumento de comunicação escrita entre formador e (futuro) professor em formação. O estudo trata de uma pesquisa qualitativa, de cunho interpretativo, sobre os vaivéns produzidos por futuros professores em duas disciplinas (ministradas no terceiro e no quarto ano) de um curso de Matemática – Licenciatura. Foi possível observar que o vaivém se configurou como uma oportunidade de os futuros professores analisarem acerca de elementos pessoais e profissionais de modo articulado, de entenderem suas ações como estudantes e professores, de refletirem sobre suas próprias escolhas e desejos profissionais e de pensarem em seu futuro profissional. Tais reflexões e análises foram apoiadas no fato de o vaivém ser interativo, questionador, temporal e problematizar toda produção escrita dos futuros professores. Nessa direção, o vaivém se revela como um potencial instrumento para analisar aspectos do movimento de constituição da IP de futuros professores de Matemática, principalmente quanto a uma de suas dimensões: autoconhecimento.
O Mágico de Oz, o Mito da Caverna e os currículos de matemática
Authors: Amaris Ruidiaz Paola , Godoy Elenilton Vieira , Silva Marcio Antonio da
Published: January 2021

A partir da apresentação de dois cenários fictícios — O Mágico de Oz e o Mito da Caverna —, o objetivo é argumentar que os currículos de Matemática, os currículos, a Educação Matemática, a Educação, a Pedagogia, entre outros campos de pesquisa, são fortemente inspirados na metáfora do desejo pela falta. No caso do “Mágico de Oz” e das idealidades do “Mito da Caverna”, nos prendendo ao que é desejável, sempre apontando para um futuro que nunca chega. Com isso, talvez pudéssemos pensar na possibilidade de agir molecularmente, nas nossas salas de aula, nas nossas pesquisas, nas nossas falas e nos nossos textos para que possamos não buscar o desejável ideal de estudante, de professor, de aula de matemática, de escola, de currículo; mas que façamos o que é possível fazer, a partir de um posicionamento político que nos dê clareza de que é possível construir uma outra ética da existência.
Towards Achieving Net Zero Carbon Dioxide by Sequestering Biomass Carbon
Authors: Amelse Jeffrey
Published: January 2021

Many corporations aspire to become Net Zero Carbon Dioxide by 2030-2050. This paper examines what it will take. It requires understanding where energy is produced and consumed, the magnitude of CO2 generation, and the Carbon Cycle. Reviews are provided for prior technologies for reducing CO2 emissions from fossil to focus on their limitations and to show that none offer a complete solution. Both biofuels and CO2 sequestration reduce future CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. They will not remove CO2 already in the atmosphere. Planting trees has been proposed as one solution. Trees are a temporary solution. When they die, they decompose and release their carbon as CO2 to the atmosphere. The only way to permanently remove CO2 already in the atmosphere is to break the Carbon Cycle by growing biomass from atmospheric CO2 and sequestering biomass carbon. Permanent sequestration of leaves is proposed as a solution. Leaves have a short Carbon Cycle time constant. They renew and decompose every year. Theoretically, sequestrating a fraction of the world’s tree leaves can get the world to Net Zero without disturbing the underlying forests. This would be CO2 capture in its simplest and most natural form. Permanent sequestration may be achieved by redesigning landfills to discourage decomposition. In traditional landfills, waste undergoes several stages of decomposition, including rapid initial aerobic decomposition to CO2, followed by slow anaerobic decomposition to methane and CO2. The latter can take hundreds to thousands of years. Understanding landfill chemistry provides clues to disrupting decomposition at each phase.
Strain Rate Sensitivity of the Additive Manufacturing Material Scalmalloy®
Authors: Jakkula Puneeth , Ganzenmüller Georg , Gutmann Florian , Pfaff Aron , Mermagen Jörg , Hiermaier Stefan
Published: January 2021

This work investigates the influence of strain rate on the stress/strain behaviour of Scalmalloy. This material is an aluminium-scandium-magnesium alloy, specifically developed for additive manufacturing. The bulk yield stress of the material processed by Selective Laser Melting is approximately 340 MPa which can be increased by heat-treating to approximately 530 MPa. These numbers, combined with the low mass density of 2.7 g/cm3, make Scalmalloy an interesting candidate for lightweight crash-absorbing structures. As this application is inherently dynamic, it is of interest to study the loading rate sensitivity, which is difficult to predict: Al-Sc alloys exhibit classic strain rate sensitivity with an increased yield stress at elevated strain rates. However, Al-Mg alloys are known to show the contrary effect, they exhibit less strength as strain rate is increased. To answer the question how these effects combine, we study the dynamic behaviour at four different strain rates ranging from 10−3 /s to 1000 /s using servo-hydraulic and Split-Hopkinson testing methods. The resulting data is analysed in terms of strain rate sensitivity of tensile strength and failure strain. A constitutive model based on a simplified Johnson-Cook approach is employed to simulate the tensile tests and provides good agreement with the experimental observations.
Metabolic Reprogramming, Meaning and Implications
Authors: Jacquet Pierre , Stéphanou Angélique
Published: January 2021

The expression "metabolic reprogramming" is more and more encountered in the literature since the mid-1990s. It seems to encompass several notions depending on the author, but the lack of a clear definition allows it to be used as a "catch-all" expression. With the increased interest in metabolism, and more specifically, in the Warburg effect in cancer research, it seems appropriate to discuss this expression and related concepts in detail.
Polarization Anisotropies in Strain-Free, Asymmetric and Symmetric Quantum Dots Grown by Droplet Epitaxy
Authors: Abbarchi Marco , mano takaaki , kuroda takashi , sakoda kazuaki
Published: January 2021

We provide an extensive and systematic investigation of exciton dynamics in droplet epitaxial quantum dots comparing the cases of (311)A, (001) and (111)A surfaces. In spite of a similar s-shell exciton structure common to the three cases, the absence of a wetting layer for (311)A and (111)A samples leads to a larger carrier confinement with respect to (001), where a wetting layer is present. Moreover, this leads to a more pronounced dependence of the binding energies of s-shell excitons on the quantum dot size and to a strong anti-binding character of the positive charged exciton for smaller quantum dots. In-plane geometrical anisotropies of (311)A and (001) quantum dots lead to a large electron-hole fine interaction (fine structure splitting, FSS ~ 100 ueV) whereas for the three-fold symmetric (111)A counterpart this figure of merit is reduced of about one order of magnitude. In all these cases we do not observe any size dependence of the fine interactions. Heavy-hole/light-hole mixing is present in all the studied cases leading to a broad spread of linear polarization anisotropy (from 0 up to about 50%) irrespective of surface orientation (symmetry of the confinement), fine interactions and nanostructure size. These results are important for the further development of ideal single and entangled photon sources based on semiconductor quantum dots.
Hormonal Regulation of Oligodendrogenesis II: Implications for Myelin Repair
Authors: Breton Jocelyn , Long Kimberly , Barraza Matthew , Litvin Olga , Kaufer Daniela
Published: January 2021

Alterations in myelin, the protective and insulating sheath surrounding axons, affect brain function, as is evident in demyelinating diseases where the loss of myelin leads to cognitive and motor dysfunction. Recent evidence suggests that changes in myelination, including both hyper- and hypo-myelination, may also play a role in numerous neurological and psychiatric diseases. Protecting myelin and promoting remyelination is thus crucial for a wide range of disorders. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are the cells that generate myelin, and oligodendrogenesis (OLgenesis), the creation of new OLs, continues throughout life and is necessary for myelin plasticity and remyelination. Understanding the regulation of OLgenesis and myelin plasticity within disease contexts is therefore critical for the development of novel therapeutic targets. In our companion manuscript [1], we review literature demonstrating that multiple hormone classes are involved in the regulation of OLgenesis under physiological conditions. The majority of hormones enhance OLgenesis, increasing oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and inducing maturation and myelin production in OLs. Thus, hormonal treatments present a promising route to promote remyelination. Here, we review literature on hormonal regulation of OLgenesis within the context of disorders. We focus on steroid hormones, including glucocorticoids and sex hormones, peptide hormones such as insulin-like growth factor 1, and thyroid hormones. For each hormone, we describe whether they aid in OL survival, differentiation, or remyelination, and we discuss their mechanisms of action, if known. Several of these hormones have yielded promising results in both animal models and in human conditions; however, a better understanding of hormonal effects, interactions, and their mechanisms will ultimately lead to more targeted therapeutics for myelin repair.
Carbon-Based Nanomaterials: Promising Antiviral Agents to Combat COVID-19 in the Microbial Resistant Era
Authors: Serrano-Aroca Ángel , Takayama Kazuo , Tuñón-Molina Alberto , Seyran Murat , Hassan Sk. Sarif , Pal Choudhury Pabitra , N. Uversky Vladimir , Lundstrom Kenneth , Adadi Parise , Palù Giorgio , A. A. Aljabali Alaa , Chauhan Gaurav , Kandimalla Ramesh , M. Tambuwala Murtaza , Lal Amos , D. Uhal Bruce , M. Brufsky Adam
Published: January 2021

Therapeutic options for the highly pathogenic human Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing the current pandemic Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are urgently needed. COVID-19 is associated with viral pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome causing significant morbidity and mortality. The proposed treatments for COVID-19, such as hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir and lopinavir/ritonavir, have shown little or no effect in the clinic. Additionally, bacterial and fungal pathogens contribute to the SARS-CoV-2 mediated pneumonia disease complex. The antibiotic resistance in pneumonia treatment is increasing at an alarming rate. Therefore, carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs), such as fullerene, carbon dots, graphene, and their derivatives constitute a promising alternative due to their wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, biodegradability and capacity to induce tissue regeneration. Furthermore, the antimicrobial mode of action is mainly physical (e.g. membrane distortion), which is characterized by a low risk of antimicrobial resistance. In this review, we evaluated the literature on the antiviral activity and broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties of CBNs. CBNs had antiviral activity against 12 enveloped positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2. CBNs with low or no toxicity to the humans are promising therapeutics against COVID-19 pneumonia complex with other viruses, bacteria and fungi, including those that are multidrug-resistant.
Kewajiban Penggunaan Vaksin: Antara Legalitas dan Formalitas dalam Pandangan Maqashid Al-Syariah
Authors: Hafidzi Anwar
Published: January 2021

This study shows that Indonesian Umrah or Hajj pilgrims have used the Meningitis Vaccine with the Maqashid al-Sharia approach. This study differs from other studies in the methodology used as a justification for the desire to use vaccinations as a pre-condition for carrying out worship in Mecca. Although this vaccine is permitted, researchers see that there are other loopholes that could expose the use of the vaccine for the purposes of sharia. This study is focused on normative analysis and the MUI Fatwa No: 06 of 2010 regarding the Use of Hajj and Umrah Pilgrim Meningitis Vaccines. This study demonstrates that meningitis vaccinations with different amounts and substances are conditionally approved. This condition is specified in the Saudi Arabia government's implementation and does not interfere with the Sharia aims that can endanger one another. Vaccines are not only a formality, they are often intended to protect and avoid infectious diseases and are compulsory before they are used for Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia.

Abstrak  

Penelitian ini akan mengungkap pengunaan vaksin meningitis yang selama ini sudah digunakan oleh jamaah umrah atau haji Indonesia dengan pendekatan Maqashid al-Syariah. Penelitian ini berbeda dengan peneliti lainnya pada pendekatan yang digunakan sebagai alasan kebolehan menggunakan vaksin sebagai pra-syarat melaksanakan ibadah ke Mekkah. Meskipun vaksin ini diperbolehkan, tapi peneliti melihat bahwa ada celah lain yang dapat mengungkap penggunaan vaksin dari tujuan syariah. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kajian normatif dan Fatwa MUI Nomor: 06 Tahun 2010 tentang Penggunaan Vaksin Meningitis bagi Jamaah Haji dan Umrah. Penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa kebolehan vaksin meningitis dengan berbagai kadar dan kandungan zatnya dianggap dibolehkan dengan syarat. Persyaratan ini dinyatakan dalam implementasi pemerintah Saudi Arabia dan tidak bertentangan dengan tujuan-tujuan syariah yang bisa membahayakan diri sendiri dan orang lain.
Behavioral Sensitization Induced by Methamphetamine Causes Differential Alterations in Gene Expression and Histone Acetylation of the Prefrontal Cortex in Rats
Authors: Li Hui , Chen Jing-An , Ding Qian-Zhi , Lu Guan-Yi , Wu Ning , Su Rui-Bin , Li Fei , Li Jin
Published: January 2021

Background: Methamphetamine (METH) is one of the most widely abused illicit substances worldwide; unfortunately, its addiction mechanism remains unclear. Based on accumulating evidence, changes in gene expression and chromatin modifications might be related to the persistent effects of METH on the brain. In the present study, we took advantage of METH-induced behavioral sensitization as an animal model that reflects some aspects of drug addiction and examined the changes in gene expression and histone acetylation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of adult rats.Methods: We conducted mRNA microarray and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) coupled to DNA microarray (ChIP-chip) analyses to screen and identify changes in transcript levels and histone acetylation patterns. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, were performed to analyze the differentially expressed genes. We then further identified alterations in ANP32A (acidic leucine-rich nuclear phosphoprotein-32A) and POU3F2 (POU domain, class 3, transcription factor 2) using qPCR and ChIP-PCR assays.Results: In the rat model of METH-induced behavioral sensitization, METH challenge caused 275 differentially expressed genes and a number of hyperacetylated genes (821 genes with H3 acetylation and 10 genes with H4 acetylation). Based on mRNA microarray and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, 24 genes may be involved in METH-induced behavioral sensitization, and 7 were confirmed using qPCR. We further examined the alterations in the levels of the ANP32A and POU3F2 transcripts and histone acetylation at different periods of METH-induced behavioral sensitization. H4 hyperacetylation contributed to the increased levels of ANP32A mRNA and H3/H4 hyperacetylation contributed to the increased levels of POU3F2 mRNA induced by METH challenge-induced behavioral sensitization, but not by acute METH exposure.Conclusions: The present results revealed alterations in transcription and histone acetylation in the rat PFC by METH exposure and provided evidence that modifications of histone acetylation contributed to the alterations in gene expression caused by METH-induced behavioral sensitization.
Etiology, clinical characteristics and coinfection status of bronchiolitis in Suzhou
Authors: Tan Jiahong , Wu Jinfeng , Jiang Wujun , Huang Li , Ji Wei , Yan Yongdong , Wang Meijuan , Shao Xuejun
Published: January 2021

Background: Bronchiolitis is a clinical syndrome commonly encountered in practice, particularly among infants and young children. To investigate the prevalence of pathogens in hospitalized children with bronchiolitis and study the clinical characteristics of bronchiolitis with or without coinfections. Methods: We investigated the respiratory specimens and clinical data of 1012 children with bronchiolitis who were treated at the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University between November 2011 and December 2018. The nasopharyngeal aspirates were examined to detect viruses by direct immunofluorescence assay or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) was tested by PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Of the 1134 children less than 2 years with bronchiolitis, 122 were excluded by exclusion criteria. Causative pathogen was detected in 83.4% (842 of 1012). The majority of these (614 [72.9%] of 842) were single virus infection. The most common pathogens detected were respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (44.4%), MP (15.6%), and human rhinovirus (HRV) (14.4%). Coinfection was identified in 13.5% (137 of 1012) of the patients. Coinfection included mixed virus infection and virus infection with MP infection. Children with single virus infection had a higher rate of oxygen therapy compared with single MP infection. Conclusions: The most common pathogen detected in children with bronchiolitis is RSV, followed by MP and HRV. Coinfection leads to a longer period of illness, increased severity of the symptoms and increased risk of hypoxemia.
Early Patellofemoral Articular Cartilage Degeneration in a Rat Model of Patellar Instability is Associated with Activation of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lin Wei , Kang Huijun , Dai Yike , Niu Yingzhen , Yang Guangmin , Niu Jinghui , Li Ming , Wang Fei
Published: January 2021

Background: Patellar instability (PI) often increases the possibility of lateral patellar dislocation and early osteoarthritis. The molecular mechanism of early articular cartilage degeneration during patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) still requires further investigation. However, it is known that the NF-κB signaling pathway plays an important role in articular cartilage degeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the NF-κB signaling pathway and patellofemoral joint cartilage degeneration. Methods: We established a rat model of PI-induced PFOA. Female 4-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats (n=120) were randomly divided into two groups: the PI (n=60) and control group (n=60). The distal femurs of the PI and control group were isolated and compared 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. The morphological structure of the trochlear cartilage and subchondral bone were evaluated by micro-computed tomography and histology. The expression of NF-κB, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, collagen X, and TNF-ɑ were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: In the PI group, subchondral bone loss and cartilage degeneration were found 4 weeks after surgery. Compared with the control group, the protein and mRNA expression of NF-κB and TNF-ɑ were significantly increased 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery in the PI group. In addition, the markers of cartilage degeneration MMP-13 and collagen X were more highly expressed in the PI group compared with the control group at different time points after surgery.Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that early patellofemoral joint cartilage degeneration can be caused by PI in growing rats, accompanied by significant subchondral bone loss and cartilage degeneration. In addition, the degeneration of articular cartilage may be associated with the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and can deteriorate with time as a result of PI.
Low-cost, scalable, highly stable Si-based metal-insulator-semiconductor photoanodes for water oxidation fabricated using thin-film reactions and electrodeposition
Authors: Lee Soonil , Ji Li , Yu Edward
Published: January 2021

Metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structures have been widely used in Si-based solar water-splitting photoelectrodes to protect the Si layer from corrosion. Typically, there is a tradeoff between efficiency and stability when optimizing insulator thickness. Moreover, lithographic patterning is often required for fabricating MIS photoelectrodes. In this study, we demonstrate improved Si-based MIS photoanodes with thick insulating layers fabricated using thin-film reactions to create localized conduction paths through the insulator and electrodeposition to form metal catalyst islands. These fabrication approaches are low-cost and highly scalable, and yielded MIS photoanodes with low onset potential, high saturation current density, and excellent stability. By combining this approach with a p+n-Si buried junction, further improved oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance was achieved with an onset potential of 0.7 V versus RHE and saturation current density of 32 mA/cm2. Moreover, in stability testing in 1M KOH aqueous solution, a constant photocurrent density of ~ 22 mA/cm2 was maintained at 1.3 V versus RHE for 7 days.
Non-contact Local Conductivity Measurement of Metallic Nanowires Based on Semi-near-field Reflection of Microwave Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Tong Bo , Hirabayashi Takahiro , Toku Yuhki , Morita Yasuyuki , Ju Yang
Published: January 2021

In this study, a non-contact and quantitative evaluation method was developed to measure the conductivity of metallic nanowires with a nanometer-scale spatial resolution. A coaxial probe was experimentally fabricated; using this probe, microwave images of the Al, Ag, and Cu nanowires and their topography images were simultaneously obtained via microwave atomic force microscopy (M-AFM) in the non-contact mode. A semi-near-field reflection model was established to describe the spatial distribution of a microwave between the tip of the probe and the sample. The local conductivities of metallic nanowires on the nanometer-scale can be quantitatively evaluated in a single scan, using a metal strip substrate to calibrate the reflection signal.
Truly Sparse Neural Networks at Scale
Authors: Curci Selima , Mocanu Decebal Constantin , Pechenizkiy Mykola
Published: January 2021

Recently, sparse training methods have started to be established as a de facto approach for training and inference efficiency in artificial neural networks. Yet, this efficiency is just in theory. In practice, everyone uses a binary mask to simulate sparsity since the typical deep learning software and hardware are optimized for dense matrix operations. In this paper, we take an orthogonal approach, and we show that we can train truly sparse neural networks to harvest their full potential. To achieve this goal, we introduce three novel contributions, specially designed for sparse neural networks: (1) a parallel training algorithm and its corresponding sparse implementation from scratch, (2) an activation function with non-trainable parameters to favour the gradient flow, and (3) a hidden neurons importance metric to eliminate redundancies. All in one, we are able to break the record and to train the largest neural network ever trained in terms of representational power -- reaching the bat brain size. The results show that our approach has state-of-the-art performance while opening the path for an environmentally friendly artificial intelligence era.
Direct propylene epoxidation with oxygen enabled by photo-electro-heterogeneous catalytic system
Authors: Ko Myohwa , Kim Yongseon , Woo Jinwoo , Mehrotra Rashmi , Sharma Pankaj , Kim Jinjong , Jeong Hu Young , Joo Sang Hoon , Jang Ji-Wook , Kwak Ja Hun
Published: January 2021

Propylene oxide (PO) is a crucial feedstock in the plastic industry. The direct epoxidation of propylene using O2 is considered to be the most promising means of producing PO, but it remains challenging. Here, we report on an integrated photo-electro-heterogeneous catalytic system for propylene epoxidation with O2. Bismuth vanadate (or TiO2) photocatalyst and Co-based electrocatalyst produce H2O2 and titanium silicalite-1 heterogeneous catalyst epoxidises propylene to PO with the in situ generated H2O2. This system enables PO production with O2 as the sole oxidising agent under light irradiation without using H2, a sacrificial agent, or external bias. It stably produces PO for 24 h with high selectivity (≥ 98%) under ambient conditions. These results demonstrate the potential of this new catalytic system to produce chemical compounds in an environmentally benign manner.
ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 protection against SARS-CoV-2 in rhesus macaque and ferret challenge models
Authors: Lambe Teresa , Spencer Alexandra , Thomas Kelly , Thomas Stephen , White Andrew , Humphries Holly , Wright Daniel , Thakur Nazia , Conceicao Carina , Alden Leonie , Allen Lauren , Aram Marilyn , Bewley Kevin , Brunt Emily , Brown Phillip , Cavell Breeze , Cobb Rebecca , Fotheringham Susan , Gilbride Ciaran , Harris Debbie , Ho Catherine , Hunter Laura , Kennard Chelsea , Leung Stephanie , Lucas V , Ngabo Didier , Ryan Kathryn , Sharpe Hannah , Sarfas Charlotte , Sibley Laura , Slack Gillian , Ulaszewska Marta , wand Nadina , Wiblin Nathan , Gleeson Fergus , Bailey Dalan , Sharpe Sally , Charlton Sue , Salguero Francisco , Carroll Miles , Gilbert Sarah
Published: January 2021

Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are urgently required. Here we report detailed immune profiling after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) and subsequent challenge in two animal models of SARS-CoV-2 mediated disease. We demonstrate in rhesus macaques the lung pathology caused by SARS-CoV-2 mediated pneumonia is reduced by prior vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 which induced neutralising antibody responses after a single intramuscular administration. In a second animal model, ferrets, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 reduced both virus shedding and lung pathology. Antibody titers were boosted by a second dose. Data from these challenge models and the detailed immune profiling, support the continued clinical evaluation of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19.
Induction of Th1/Th2-Balanced Protection Against SARS-CoV-2 Through Mucosal Delivery of An Adenovirus Vaccine Expressing an Engineered Spike Protein
Authors: Chung Nai-Hsiang , Chen Ying-Chin , Yang Shiu-Ju , Lin Yu-Ching , Dou Horng-Yunn , Liao Ching-Len , Chow Yen-Hung
Published: January 2021

We developed a series of recombinant human type 5 adenoviruses that express the full-length or membrane-truncated spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 (AdCoV2-S or AdCoV2-SdTM, respectively). We tested the immunoprotective efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 via intranasal (i.n.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) immunization in a rodent model following two-dose immunizations. Mucosal delivery of adenovirus (Ad) vaccines could induce anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA in the serum and in the mucosal, respectively as indicated by vaginal wash (vw). Serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG but not IgA was induced in the vw by s.c. injection of AdCoV2-S. Intranasal administration of AdCoV2-S was able to induce higher anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels than s.c. injection. Immunization with AdCoV2-SdTM induced a lower antibody response than AdCoV2-S. In addition, the degree of neutralization of clinically isolated SARS-CoV-2 in the serum correlated with the above anti-SARS-CoV-2 responses; the most potent neutralizing activity was observed in the AdCoV2-S i.n. group, and less viral neutralizing activity was observed in response to AdCoV2-S s.c. and AdCoV2dTM i.n. Novelty, S-specific IgG1 which represented Th2-mediated humoral response was dominantly induced in Ad i.n.-immunized serum in contrast to more IgG2a which represented Th1-mediated cellular response found in Ad s.c.-immunized serum. The activation of S-specific IFN-ɣ and IL-4 in Th1 and Th2 cells, respectively, was observed in the AdCoV2s i.n. and s.c. groups, indicating the Th1/Th2-balenced immunity was activated. During the protection study, two doses of i.n. AdCoV2-S or i.n. AdCoV2-SdTM significantly prevented body weight loss and reduced pulmonary viral loads in hamsters. A significant reduction in inflammation in the lungs was observed in AdCoV-S-immunized hamsters following a SARS-CoV-2 challenge. It correlated to Th1 cytokine but no inflammatory cytokines secretions found in i.n. AdCoV-immunized respiratory tract. These results indicate that intranasal delivery of AdCoV2-S vaccines is safe and potent at preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections.
The Risk of Clinical Complications and Death among Pregnant Women with COVID-19 
Authors: Qeadan Fares , Mensah Nana , Tingey Benjamin , Stanford Joseph
Published: January 2021

Background: Pregnant women are potentially a high-risk population during infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, because of physiologic immune suppression in pregnancy. However, data on the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 among pregnant women, compared to nonpregnant women, are sparse and inconclusive. We sought to assess the impact of pregnancy on COVID-19 associated morbidity and mortality, with particular attention to the impact of pre-existing comorbidity.Methods: We used retrospective data from January through June 2020 on female patients aged 18-44 years old utilizing the Cerner COVID-19 de-identified cohort. We used mixed-effects logistic and exponential regression models to evaluate the risk of hospitalization, maximum hospital length of stay (LOS), moderate ventilator dependence, invasive ventilator dependence, and death for pregnant women while adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, insurance, Elixhauser AHRQ weighted Comorbidity Index, diabetes history, medication, and accounting for clustering of results in similar zip-code regions. Results: Out of 22,493 female patients with identified COVID-19, 7.2% (n=1,609) were pregnant. Crude results indicate that pregnant women, compared to non-pregnant women, had higher rates of hospitalization (60.5% vs. 17.0%, P<0.001), higher mean maximum LOS (0.15 day vs. 0.08 day, P<0.001) among those who stayed <1 day, lower mean maximum LOS (2.55 days vs. 3.32 days, P<0.001) among those who stayed ≥1 day, and higher moderate ventilator dependence use (1.7% vs. 0.7%, P<0.001) but showed no significant differences in rates of invasive ventilator dependence or death. After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, pregnant women, compared to non-pregnant women, saw higher odds in hospitalization (aOR: 12.26; 95% CI (10.69, 14.06)), moderate ventilator dependence (aOR: 2.35; 95% CI (1.48, 3.74)), higher maximum LOS among those who stayed <1 day, and lower maximum LOS among those who stayed ≥1 day. No significant associations were found with invasive ventilator dependence or death. For moderate ventilator dependence, differences were seen among age and race/ethnicity groups.Conclusions: Among women with COVID-19 disease, pregnancy confers substantial additional risk of morbidity, but no difference in mortality. Knowing these variabilities in the risk is essential to inform decision-makers and guide clinical recommendations for the management of COVID-19 in pregnant women.
High-resolution characterization of gene function using single-cell CRISPR tiling screen
Authors: Yang Lu , Chan Anthony , Miyashita Kazuya , Delaney Christopher , Wang Xi , Li Hongzhi , Pokharel Sheela , Li Sandra , Li Mingli , Xu Xiaobao , Lu Wei , Liu Qiao , Mattson Nicole , Chen Kevin , Wang Jinhui , Yuan Yate-Ching , Horne David , Rosen Steven , Soto-Feliciano Yadira , Feng Zhaohui , Hoshii Takayuki , Xiao Gang , Müschen Markus , Chen Jianjun , Armstrong Scott , Chen Chun-Wei
Published: January 2021

Identification of novel functional domains and characterization of detailed regulatory mechanisms in cancer-driving genes is critical for advanced cancer therapy. To date, CRISPR (clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats) gene editing has primarily been applied to defining the role of individual genes. Recently, high-density mutagenesis via CRISPR tiling of gene-coding exons has been demonstrated to identify functional regions in genes. Furthermore, breakthroughs in combining CRISPR library screens with single-cell droplet RNA sequencing (sc-RNAseq) platforms have revealed the capacity to monitor gene expression changes upon genetic perturbations at single-cell resolution (e.g., Perturb-seq, CRISP-seq, CROP-seq). Here, we present “sc-Tiling,” which integrates a CRISPR gene-tiling screen with single-cell transcriptomic and protein structural analyses. Distinct from other reported single-cell CRISPR screens focused on observing gene function and gene-to-gene/enhancer-to-gene regulation, sc-Tiling enables the capacity to identify regulatory mechanisms within a gene-coding region that dictate gene activity and therapeutic response.
Effect of isometric exercises on the masseter muscle in older adults with missing dentition: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Takano Satoru , Yamaguchi Kohei , Nakagawa Kazuharu , Yoshimi Kanako , Nakane Ayako , Tohara Haruka , Okumura Takuma
Published: January 2021

Maintaining oral function is important in older individuals with missing teeth for leading a healthy and independent life. This study aimed to evaluate whether simple isometric exercises can maintain and improve oral function (maximum occlusal force [MOF], masticatory ability [MA]) and masticatory muscle properties (masseter muscle thickness [MMT] and echo intensity [MMEI]) in older adults in the maintenance phase of removable prosthetic treatment. Participants were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. The intervention group was instructed to perform maximum clenching for 10 s, whereas the control group was instructed to tap the teeth at an arbitrary speed for 10 s. Both were repeated five times at an interval of 5 s between each activity and twice a day for 4 weeks. The outcomes were measured after a month of exercise. The intervention group showed significant improvement in MOF, MMT during contraction, and MMEI during contraction. There was no significant difference in the MA and MMEI at rest. In the control group, no improvement was observed in any of the parameters. When the isometric exercises were performed using a mouthpiece, there was improvement in oral function and masseter muscle properties in older individuals with Eichner B status who used dentures.
Increased lethality in Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection is prevented by influenza immunity but not SARS-CoV-2 immunity
Authors: Achdout Hagit , Vitner Einat B. , Politi Boaz , Melamed Sharon , Yahalom-Ronen Yfat , Tamir Hadas , Erez Noam , Avraham Roy , Cherry Lilach , Makdasi Efi , Gur Didi , Aftalion Moshe , Vagima Yaron , Paran Nir , Israely Tomer
Published: January 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic1. The continued spread of SARS-CoV-2 along with the imminent flu season increase the probability of influenza-SARS-CoV-2 dual infection which might result in a severe disease. In this study, we examined the disease outcome of influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection in K18-hACE2 mice. Our data indicates that IAV-infected mice are more susceptible to develop severe disease upon co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 two days post influenza infection. This co-infection results in severe morbidity and nearly uniform fatality as compared to the non-fatal influenza disease, or the partial fatality of SARS-CoV-2 alone. Co-infection was associated with elevated influenza viral load in respiratory organs. Remarkably, prior immunity to influenza, but not to SARS-CoV-2, prevented the severe disease and mortality. These data provide an experimental support that flu intervention by prior vaccination may be valuable in reducing the risk of sever Flu - SARS-CoV-2 comorbidity, and highlight the importance of vaccination.
Computed Tomography Radiographic Measurements and Curative Effect Estimate of Full Endoscopic Surgery in Thoracic Myelopathy Caused by Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum
Authors: He Jialin , Du Qian , Hu Wandong , Cai Menghan , Xin Zhijun , Liao Wenbo
Published: January 2021

Purpose: In this study, computed tomography (CT) radiographic measurements and common clinical scores were used to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous posterior full-endoscopic resection of an ossified thoracic ligamentum flavum. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 16 patients treated with posterior endoscopy from September 2017 to November 2019. Before the operation, 3 days after the operation and 1 year after the operation, the area of ossification in the ligamentum flavum was assessed by sagittal CT scans and transected to evaluate the decompression effect of posterior endoscopic surgery. The clinical efficacy of the surgery was evaluated at the above time points by using the visual analog scale for pain, modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale, ODI and Macnab efficacy evaluation. Results: The area of sagittal ossification in the ligamentum flavum in 16 patients was 116.62±32.72 mm2 before the operation, 15.99±12.54 mm2 3 days after the operation, and 16.78±11.49 mm2 1 year later. The sagittal canal invasive proportions were 48.10±10.04% before the operation, 6.46±4.86% 3 days after the operation, and 6.83±4.48% 1 year later. The area of transected ossification in the ligamentum flavum was 141.59±27.25 mm2 before the operation, 11.72±8.64 mm2 3 days after the operation, and 10.82±7.57 1 year later. The transected spinal canal invasive proportions were 57.58±11.37%, 4.76±3.45% and 4.40±3.01%. The mJOA score were 3.50±1.10, 6.19±0.91 and 9.19±1.38, with a n average recovery rate of 73.96±16.58%. According to the Macnab evaluation, the recovery status of the 16 patients 1 year after the operation was excellent in 9 patients, good in 5 patients, and fair in 2 patients; the excellent and good rate was 87.50%. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Intraoperative dural tears occurred in 2 of 16 patients, but no complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, were observed. Conclusion：The measurements of ossification ligamentum flavum area and spinal canal invasive proportion can appropriately evaluate the degree of spinal canal stenosis in thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum. This method can be used together with other common clinical scores to better evaluate the efficacy of surgery.
Non-aliphatic Protic Ammonia for Post Healing of Formamidinium-containing Perovskite Films
Authors: Pang Shuping , Li Zhipeng , Wang Xiao , Wang Zaiwei , Shao Zhipeng , Hao Lianzheng , Du Xiaofan , Rao Yi , Chen Chen , Liu Dachang , Wang Li , Cui Guanglei
Published: January 2021

The solvents employed for perovskite materials not only play roles in dissolving the precursors but also participate in crystallization process. The high boiling point aprotic solvents with O-donor coordinating ligands have been extensively studied, but a highly uniform film still requires the participation of additives or an additional step to accelerate the nucle-ation rate. The volatile protic aliphatic amines with both coordinating ligands and hydrogen proton facilitate the pro-cessing of pure MAPbX3 perovskite films with higher crystallinity, fewer defects, and easier for large scale fabrication as well. However, their attempts in FA-containing perovskite is challenged heretofore. Here, the degradation mechanism of FA-containing perovskite in aliphatic amines environment has been revealed, and non-aliphatic ammonia was selected to avoid undesired side reactions. In particular, low temperature is proved to be crucial to enable FAPbI3 perovskite material absorb enough NH3 molecules to form a flowable intermediate state, which is the heart for defect healing. As a result, a rough FA-containing perovskite film was effectively healed to a highly uniform, compact one, toward an efficiency of 23.3% with excellent reproducibility. The manipulating of the interaction between perovskite and ammonia opens up a new di-rection for upscaling the fabrication of highly efficient FA-containing perovskite solar cells.