bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The university language centre as an open-badge issuer: New directions in ESP assessment and accreditation
Authors: Spencer Alice , Bussi Anna
Published: February 2021

In the present article, we demonstrate the utility of Open Badge certifications in documenting ESP, EAP and EMI courses. Open Badges are online records of achievement which document field-specific, soft and technical skills. They consist of a visual image and a set of embedded metadata, they are endorsed by the institution which issues them and are recognized at an international level. The information packaged within the badge image file is provided in an open source format and can be shared on social media platforms, as part of an online e-portfolio, as a link on an electronic CV, and on the platform which hosts the Badge. As of 2019, Turin University Language Centre offers Badges in “English for the Social Services” (B1 and B2), “English for Administrative Purposes” (A2, B1 and B2), “Academic Writing and Presentation Skills” (B2 and C1) and “English Medium Instruction” (B2 and C1). We will argue that Open Badge certifications are particularly suited to ESP, since they provide a record of specific hard and soft skills and of innovative teaching and learning practices which go undocumented in conventional certifications and on academic transcripts. We will emphasize the “glocal” quality of these certifications, inasmuch as they are internationally recognized awards tailored by local providers in response to local demands. We will suggest that this perspective is valuable for ESP training. Although ESP learners need to be able to share their credentials on international platforms, using a common language, it is important that we do not lose sight of the specific characteristics of professional activities at a local level. We will further argue that the University Language Centre is, in many ways, ideally suited to issue these kinds of certification.
Dialect vocabulary changes over 100 years. Standardization and new dialect forms in Hamaogi glossary
Authors: Inoue Fumio , Hanzawa Yasushi
Published: February 2021

This paper treats linguistic changes over a long time span, covering 100 years in terms of the birth years of the informants and over 250 years since the compilation of a dialect glossary. Data from seven generations about 20 years apart were acquired. We compare the absolute time of linguistic change in lexical items recorded in Hamaogi, a dialect glossary, with the results of a large-scale sociolinguistic survey in Tsuruoka City. For lexical phenomena, the change seems to be continuous over the 250 years. Lexical changes occurred in the feudal ages, after modernization, after WWII and even recently. New dialect is discussed as a symbol of language change in the opposite direction to language standardization. A “glottogram map” or “3D glottogram” presents concrete data of the spatial diffusion of the new dialect form, ganpo. We offer concrete observations of the development of new dialect, which is part of a language change in progress. More than 250 years seem to be necessary from the beginning to the end of a lexical change. This suggests that many dialect forms will remain until the 22nd century..
Improving diagnosis by feedback and deliberate practice: one-on-one coaching for diagnostic maturation
Authors: Sinha Pranay , Pischel Lauren , Sofair André N.
Published: February 2021

Reflective practice is essential for the ongoing maturation of clinicians and requires regular self-evaluation in association with ongoing mentoring and feedback. Currently, most resident physicians do not have access to educational experiences that fulfill these needs. We present a novel model for structured one-on-one longitudinal coaching using the principles of deliberate practice to improve diagnostic skills. This is an easily implementable educational model that can be replicated in residencies across the country to improve clinical reasoning. Skills learned through this program have the potential not only to bolster the academic approach to patients but to also directly improve the clinical assessment and care of patients under the trainee’s care.
A multi-band planar antenna for biomedical applications
Authors: Yeap Kim Ho , Tan Eileen Mei Foong , Hiraguri Takefumi , Lai Koon Chun , Hirasawa Kazuhiro
Published: February 2021

We present the design of a compact tri-band adhesive planar antenna which operates as a gateway for biomedical applications. Operating in the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band (2.4–2.5 GHz), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.6 Wireless Body Area Network Ultra-Wide Band (WBAN UWB) (3.1–10.6 GHz) and the IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network or WLAN (WLAN) band (5.15–5.725 GHz), the antenna is useful in the context of body-signal monitoring. The ISM band is used for in-body communication with the implanted medical devices, whereas the WBAN and WLAN bands are for off-body communication with the base station and central medical server, respectively. We have designed our antenna to operate at 2.34/3.20/4.98 GHz. The simulation results show that the antenna has 10 dB bandwidths of 420 MHz (2.07–2.49 GHz), 90 MHz (3.16–3.25 GHz), and 460 MHz (4.76–5.22 GHz) to cover the ISM, WBAN, and WLAN bands, respectively. The proposed antenna is printed on a flexible Rogers RT/duroid 5880 epoxy substrate and it occupies a compact volume of 24 × 24 × 0.787 mm. The designed antenna is simulated using HFSS and the fabricated antenna is experimentally validated by adhering it to a human skin. The simulated and measured performance of the antenna confirms its omnidirectional radiation patterns and high return losses at the three resonant bands.
Research and application of seismic porosity inversion method for carbonate reservoir based on Gassmann’s equation
Authors: Liu Kaiyuan , Qin Li , Zhang Xi , Liu Liting , Wu Furong , Li Le
Published: February 2021

Carbonate rocks frequently exhibit less predictable seismic attribute–porosity relationships because of complex and heterogeneous pore geometry. Pore geometry plays an important role in carbonate reservoir interpretation, as it influences acoustic and elastic characters. So in porosity prediction of carbonate reservoirs, pore geometry should be considered as a factor. Thus, based on Gassmann’s equation and Eshelby–Walsh ellipsoidal inclusion theory, we introduced a parameter C to stand by pore geometry and then deduced a porosity calculating expression from compressional expression of Gassmann’s equation. In this article, we present a porosity working flow as well as calculate methods of every parameter needed in the porosity inverting equation. From well testing and field application, it proves that the high-accuracy method is suitable for carbonate reservoirs.
Predicting the gas resource potential in reservoir C-sand interval of Lower Goru Formation, Middle Indus Basin, Pakistan
Authors: Mughal Muhammad Rizwan , Akhter Gulraiz
Published: February 2021

The integrated study of seismic attributes and inversion analysis can provide a better understanding for predicting the hydrocarbon-bearing zones even in extreme heterogeneous reservoirs. This study aims to delineate and characterize the gas saturated zone within the reservoir (Cretaceous C-sand) interval of Sawan gas field, Middle Indus Basin, Pakistan. The hydrocarbon bearing zone is well identified through the seismic attribute analysis along a sand channel. The sparse-spike inversion analysis has efficiently captured the variations in reservoir parameter (P-impedance) for gas prospect. Inversion results indicated that the relatively lower P-impedance values are encountered along the predicted sand channel. To further characterize the reservoir, geostatistical techniques comprising multiattribute regression and probabilistic neural network (PNN) analysis are applied to predict the effective porosity of reservoir. Comparatively, the PNN analysis predicted the targeted property more efficiently and applied its estimations on entire seismic volume. Furthermore, the geostatistical estimations of PNN analysis significantly predicted the gas-bearing zones and confirmed the sand channel as a major contributor of gas accumulation in the area. These estimates are in appropriate agreement with each other, and the workflow adopted here can be applied to various South Asian regions and in other parts of the world for improved characterization of gas reservoirs.
Impulse noise treatment in magnetotelluric inversion
Authors: Hidalgo-Silva Hugo , Gómez-Treviño Enrique
Published: February 2021

The problem of model recovering in the presence of impulse noise on the data is considered for the magnetotelluric (MT) inverse problem. The application of total variation regularization along with L1-norm penalized data fitting (TVL1) is the usual approach for the impulse noise treatment in image recovery. This combination works poorly when a high level of impulse noise is present on the data. A nonconvex operator named smoothly clipped absolute deviation (TVSCAD) was recently applied to the image recovery problem. This operator is solved using a sequence of TVL1 equivalent problems, providing a significant improvement over TVL1. In practice, TVSCAD requires the selection of several parameters, a task that can be very difficult to attain. A more simple approach to the presence of impulse noise in data is presented here. A nonconvex function is also considered in the data fitness operator, along with the total variation regularization operator. The nonconvex operator is solved by following a half-quadratic procedure of minimization. Results are presented for synthetic and also for field data, assessing the proposed algorithm’s capacity in model recovering under the influence of impulse noise on data for the MT problem.
Tensile properties of finger-jointed lumber under high-temperature and oxygen-free conditions
Authors: Yue Kong , Wang Feng , Lu Weidong , Tang Zhongqiu , Chen Zhangjing , Liu Weiqing
Published: February 2021

A model for engineered wood was developed that considers the parallel-to-grain tensile strength of finger-jointed lumber at high temperatures relevant to fire conditions. The finger-jointed lumber was composed of Douglas fir, larch, and poplar wood with phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde (PRF) as an adhesive. The tensile properties of the finger-jointed lumber were evaluated at high temperatures under oxygen-free conditions, i.e. in a nitrogen atmosphere. A combination of chemical and thermal-physical property analysis of the PRF adhesive and microscopic observations on the glueline was used to discuss the reduction of tensile strength of the parallel-to-grain finger-jointed lumber at variable temperature. The results show that the tensile strength of the finger-jointed lumber decreased linearly with increasing temperature. The parallel-to-grain tensile strength of the PRF finger-jointed samples at 20 and 280 °C were 84 and 5% of the tensile strength of the solid wood at 20 °C, respectively. The thermal-physical properties and scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the pyrolysis intensity of the PRF adhesive was lower than that of the wood at 220 °C or higher.
Changes in serum levels of Apo AIV in patients with newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism: a preliminary study
Authors: Kaykhaei Mahmoud Ali , Ghezel Avadan , Ansari-Moghaddam Alireza , Sandoughi Mahnaz , Sheikhi Vahid , Heidari Zahra
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Apolipoprotein AIV has a role in chylomicrons and lipid secretion and catabolism. Also, Apo-AIV plays a role in the regulation of appetite and satiety. Previous studies on rats have shown that hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are associated with significant changes in Apo-AIV serum levels. There has been no research on serum Apo-AIV changes in hyper and hypothyroidism in humans.

Methods

This case-control study was performed on new patients with hyper and hypothyroidism. Eighteen patients with hyperthyroidism and 18 patients with hypothyroidism enrolled in the study. After 12 weeks treatment blood samples were recruited. If euthyroidism was achieved, serum Apo-AIV level was measured. Eighteen euthyroid healthy individuals without thyroid disease were chosen as the control group from general population.

Results

Serum levels of Apo-AIV before treatment in hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and in the control group were 85.61, 110.66 and 33.51 mg/dL respectively (p<0.001), which was significantly higher in hyperthyroid patients than hypothyroidism and control group. In patients with hyperthyroidism there was a significant decrease in serum levels of Apo-AIV after treatment (p=0.044). However in hypothyroidism a non-significant elevation in serum levels of Apo-AIV was observed (p=0.403). Furthermore, serum levels of Apo-AIV after treatment were significantly higher in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in comparison to control group (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The results of this study for the first time showed that the serum level of Apo-AIV is increased in patients with hyperthyroidism and is decreased in patients with hypothyroidism, and after treatment, there was a significant difference with the control group.
Electrolytic synthesis of ZrSi/ZrC nanocomposites from ZrSiO4 and carbon black powder in molten salt
Authors: Ming Li , Xiufeng Wu
Published: February 2021

ZrSi/ZrC nanocomposites have stable high-temperature properties, where conventional materials cannot meet increasingly demanding high-temperature environments. In this paper, the microstructure and electrochemical reduction mechanism of ZrSi/ZrC nanocomposites have been studied. A mixture of ZrSiO4 and carbon black powder was processed using ball grinding, sheet pressing, and sintering, and cylindrically-sintered sheet was prepared as the cathode for the electrolytic work. A high purity graphite rod was utilized as the anode.The microstructure of the electrolytic product was characterized and analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The experimental results showed that the diameter of the as-synthesized ZrSi/ ZrC fibers typically range between 100-400 nm when produced by the electrolysis of sintered pellets in equimolar CaCl2-NaCl molten salt at 850°C with a cell voltage of 2.8 V for 20 h under an argon atmosphere. The nanofibers were formed in core-shell microstructures that overlap and grow.
The functions of language mixing in the social networks of Singapore students
Authors: Botha Werner
Published: February 2021

In the context of multilingualism, there is still a dearth of research on the language practices of individuals and the social factors that explain their linguistic behaviour, particularly in the Singapore context. This article discusses the dynamics underlying a particular feature of vernacular Singapore speech – language mixing – and how such mixing practices form part of the social identity of the interactions between speakers in their respective social networks. The approach to this current study was adapted from Milroy’s research on social networks (Milroy, Lesley. 1989 [1980]. Language and social networks, 2nd edn. Oxford: Blackwell.) in order to provide access to subjects’ most natural use of languages – that is, their “vernacular” in the Labovian sense. This study investigates various aspects of the multilingual language practices of students in Singapore and reports on the social motivations and the social contexts of language mixing in the personal lives of these speakers in the context of other languages and language varieties.
All optical NAND/NOR and majority gates using nonlinear photonic crystal ring resonator
Authors: Mamnoon-Sofiani Hassan , Javahernia Sahel
Published: February 2021

All optical logic gates are building blocks for all optical data processors. One way of designing optical logic gates is using threshold switching which can be realized by combining an optical resonator with nonlinear Kerr effect. In this paper we showed that a novel structure consisting of nonlinear photonic crystal ring resonator which can be used for realizing optical NAND/NOR and majority gates. The delay time of the proposed NAND/NOR and majority gates are 2.5 ps and 1.5 ps respectively. Finite difference time domain and plane wave expansion methods were used for simulating the proposed optical logic gates. The total footprint of the proposed structure is about 988 μm2.
Introduction and contents for special issue of Multimodal Communication 10 (1)
Authors: Matelau-Doherty Tui , Pirini Jesse
Published: February 2021

In this article we introduce this special issue of Multimodal Communication. We briefly describe the founding of the Multimodal Research Centre and the journal Multimodal Communication before introducing each of the articles featured in this issue.
Body tail adaptive kernel density estimation for nonnegative heavy-tailed data
Authors: Ziane Yasmina , Zougab Nabil , Adjabi Smail
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we consider the procedure for deriving variable bandwidth in univariate kernel density estimation for nonnegative heavy-tailed (HT) data.
These procedures consider the Birnbaum–Saunders power-exponential (BS-PE) kernel estimator and the bayesian approach that treats the adaptive bandwidths.
We adapt an algorithm that subdivides the HT data set into two regions, high density region (HDR) and low-density region (LDR), and we assign a bandwidth parameter for each region.
They are derived by using a Monte Carlo Markov chain (MCMC) sampling algorithm.
A series of simulation studies and real data are realized for evaluating the performance of a procedure proposed.
miR-142-5p promotes cervical cancer progression by targeting LMX1A through Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Ke Lijuan , Chen Yanping , Li Yiying , Chen Zheng , He Yihui , Liu Jiahua , Zhuang Yingfeng
Published: February 2021

Background

Previous work has shown that miR-142-5p in cervical cancer tissues increased significantly compared with adjacent normal tissues. However, the function and the mechanism of miR-142-5p in cervical cancer have not been reported.

Methods

Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the gene expression levels. MTT, flow cytometry, and transwell assays were performed to explore the functions of miR-142-5p in HeLa cells. The potential target gene of miR-142-5p was investigated via luciferase reporter assays. The protein expression levels were analyzed by Western blotting.

Results

We found that miR-142-5p expression was elevated but LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 alpha (LMX1A) was decreased in cervical cancer tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-142-5p or knockdown of LMX1A inhibited cell apoptosis, promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion abilities, and activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. However, knockdown of miR-142-5p or overexpression of LMX1A showed opposite results. LMX1A was identified as a direct target of miR-142-5p by luciferase reporter assays. Finally, rescue experiments demonstrated that LMX1A overexpression attenuated the carcinogenic effect of miR-142-5p mimic on HeLa cells.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that miR-142-5p might be a cervical cancer oncogene and could serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cervical cancer.
Correlation between kinematic sagittal parameters of the cervical lordosis or head posture and disc degeneration in patients with posterior neck pain
Authors: Lee Hyo Jeong , Jeon Dae Geun , Park Jung Hyun
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to examine the degrees of the cervical disc degeneration and the parameters of cervical sagittal balance in plain radiographs, representing cervical lordosis or head posture in subjects with posterior neck pain. A total of 113 patients with posterior neck pain with or without radiating pain were analyzed. The kinematic sagittal parameters of cervical radiographs were obtained at the occipito–cervical (O–C2) angle, sagittal Cobb’s angles of C1–C2, C2–C7, and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) of C1–C7 and C2–C7. Cervical disc degeneration was evaluated using the sum of Pfirrmann grades and total modified Matsumoto scores calculated from MRI of the cervical spine. A significant positive correlation was found for the C2–C7 angle using the sum of the Pfirrmann grades and total modified Matsumoto scores, whereas the O–C2 angle and the C1–C2 angle were negatively correlated. The sagittal cervical parameters representing cervical kyphosis and jaw lifting posture were found to be significantly correlated with the degree of cervical disc degeneration. These findings suggest that the loss of the natural sagittal lordosis of the cervical spine may contribute to the progression of disc degeneration, rather than the forward head posture.
Expression and clinical significance of CMTM1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Song Xin , Zhang Shidong , Tian Run , Zheng Chuanjun , Xu Yuge , Wang Tianxian , Bei Chunhua , Zhang Huixia , He Xiao , Zhu Xiaonian , Tan Shengkui
Published: February 2021

Background

CKLF Like Marvel Transmembrane Domain Containing 1 (CMTM1) plays a role in breast cancer and lung cancer, but studies on the occurrence and development of CMTM1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been reported.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect CMTM1 expression in HCC tissues. The relationship between CMTM1 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of HCC patients was analyzed by chi-square test, and the relationship between CMTM1 expression and the prognosis of HCC patients was tested by the Kaplan–Meier model.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis showed that the mRNA expression of CMTM1 was upregulated in HCC tissues, and low expression of CMTM1 is associated with longer disease-free survival in patients with HCC. Similarly, the survival time of HCC patients in CMTM1 high expression group was significantly shorter than that in CMTM1 low expression group. IHC detection indicated that CMTM1 protein was highly expressed in both HCC and adjacent non-tumor tissues, with a positive expression in 84% (63/75) of HCC tissues and 89.3% (67/75) of adjacent non-tumor tissues. Moreover, CMTM1 expression was related to family history and TNM stage of HCC patients (P < 0.05), but had no relationship with other clinicopathological characteristics. The survival analysis based on IHC results showed that the prognosis of HCC patients in CMTM1 negative group was significantly poorer than that in CMTM1 positive group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

CMTM1 has a high expression in HCC tissues and is related to the prognosis of HCC patients.
A novel approach for the production of zinc borate (4ZnO·B2O3·H2O) using a single-step hydrothermal method
Authors: Yalçın Ali , Gönen Mehmet
Published: February 2021

Zinc borate having the formula of 4ZnO·B2O3·H2O has been used as a fire retardant for polymers requiring high processing temperatures since it has a high dehydration temperature (around 415°C). The effects of reaction time, reaction temperature were investigated on the heterogeneous reaction between solid zinc oxide and boric acid solution. A stoichiometric amount of zinc oxide and 5.0% excess boric acid were used in experiments and the other parameters, mixing speed (1700 rpm), the solid-liquid ratio of 20%, and the amount of seed crystal (3.9% wt) were kept constant for all experiments. A 91.1% conversion was obtained at 120°C for 5 h of reaction time. Precipitated product was filtered and washed by hot water to remove the excess boric acid. Finally it was dried until reaching to a constant mass in an air circulating oven at 105°C. Powder products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR spectrum and XRD pattern of powders are consistent with data of the zinc borate given in the literature. According to SEM analysis, whiskers are less than 1 μm in diameter and their lengths are in the range of 1–10 μm.
Synthesis and structure of 2,8-dimethyl-10,10-dichlorophenoxatellurine
Authors: Mostaghimi Farzin , Duvinage Daniel , Lork Enno , Beckmann Jens
Published: February 2021

The condensation of 4,4’-dimethyldiphenylether with tellurium tetrachloride yielded 2,8-dimethyl-10,10-dichlorophenoxatellurine (3), which was characterized by X-ray diffraction. Unlike the parent phenoxatellurine (1) and the 10,10,-dichlorophenoxatellurine (2) showing butterfly conformations, 3 reveals a planar ring structure.
Variable combinations of organophosphines in PtP3X derivatives: Structural aspects
Authors: Melník Milan , Mikuš Peter
Published: February 2021

This review covers over fifty Pt (II) complexes of the compositions PtP3X (X = H, OL, NL, BL, Cl, SL, Br, or I). These complexes crystallized in three crystal classes: monoclinic (23 examples) triclinic (17 examples) and orthorhombic (11 examples). The PtP3Cl is most common with 23 examples. There are variable combinations of organophosphines monodentate – P; bidentate- P,P; P,N; P,B; and tridentate – P,P,P; P,O,P; P,N,P; and P,S,P. The structural parameters (Pt–L, L–Pt–L) are analyzed and discussed with an attention to the distortion of a square-planar geometry about the Pt (II) atoms as well as of trans-influence. The sums of Pt–L (x4) bond distances growing with covalent radius of the X-atoms.
Exponential trigonometric convex functions and Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities
Authors: Kadakal Mahir , İşcan İmdat , Agarwal Praveen , Jleli Mohamed
Published: February 2021

In this manuscript, we introduce and study the concept of exponential trigonometric convex functions and their some algebraic properties. We obtain Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for the newly introduced class of functions. We also obtain some refinements of the Hermite-Hadamard inequality for functions whose first derivative in absolute value, raised to a certain power which is greater than one, respectively at least one, is exponential trigonometric convex function. It has been shown that the result obtained with Hölder-İşcan and improved power-mean integral inequalities give better approximations than that obtained with Hölder and improved power-mean integral inequalities.
Ultra-high frequency induction and conventional sintering of Al-SiO2 composites: A comparative study
Authors: Çavdar Uğur Ç , Gül Burak , Gezici Levent Ulvi , Ayvaz Mehmet
Published: February 2021

In this study, it was aimed to determine and compare the sinterability of aluminum-SiO2 composites by conventional and fast sintering methods and to examine their tribological properties after the sintering process. For this purpose, 1, 3, 5, 9, and 15 wt.-% SiO2 reinforced aluminum matrix composites were sintered by a conventional and induction sintering method at 600 °C after uniaxial cold pressing under 200 MPa pressure. The sintering was performed for 30 minutes for the traditional method and 5 minutes for induction sintering. After the sintering, the microstructures of the samples were examined, and their sintered densities and hardness were determined. In addition, the tribological properties of the samples were investigated by the pin-on-disc method, and the worn surfaces were examined after the tests.
Preparation and swelling behavior of end-linked hydrogels prepared from linear poly(ethylene glycol) and dendrimer-star polymers
Authors: Wang Jun , Qu Guangna , Liu Xiangbin , Yu Qin , Zhang Na
Published: February 2021

Linear diepoxide-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) of molar mass 600, 1000 and 2000 g mol−1 was end-linked with dendrimer-star polymer (PAMAM) of generations 1.0 in water to prepare architecturally well-defined copolymer hydrogels. The structures and properties of the products were characterized using infrared, 1H NMR, DSC measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and swelling behavior tests. The swelling behavior of these hydrogels was tested in distilled water at constant temperature and the equilibrium swelling ratio (ESR) was determined for structurally different hydrogels and various environmental conditions, which showed that ESR was influenced by the molecular weight of PEG, the molar ratio of H amine groups/epoxy groups, temperature and pH. Higher ESR was obtained for either longer-chain PEG, non-stoichiometric H amine/epoxy groups ratio, acidic pH or lower temperatures. When the hydrogel was switched from 10 °C to 65 °C and pH 3.5 to 11.5, the swelling behavior of the hydrogels showed good reversibility for swelling–deswelling. When the molecular weight of PEG was changed in the range of 600–2000, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of hydrogel increased from 30 to 40 °C. When the molar ratio of H amine/epoxy groups was changed, the LCST was not significantly changed.
Patient-derived iPSCs, a reliable in vitro model for the investigation of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Amponsah Asiamah Ernest , Guo Ruiyun , Kong Desheng , Feng Baofeng , He Jingjing , Zhang Wei , Liu Xin , Du Xiaofeng , Ma Zhenhuan , Liu Boxin , Ma Jun , Cui Huixian
Published: February 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and a common cause of dementia among elderly individuals. The disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, accumulation of senile amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Human-derived cell models of AD are scarce, and over the years, non-human-derived models have been developed to recapitulate clinical AD, investigate the disease’s pathogenesis and develop therapies for the disease. Several pharmacological compounds have been developed for AD based on findings from non-human-derived cell models; however, these pharmacological compounds have failed at different phases of clinical trials. This necessitates the application of human-derived cell models, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in their optimized form in AD mechanistic studies and preclinical drug testing. This review provides an overview of AD and iPSCs. The AD-relevant phenotypes of iPSC-derived AD brain cells and the usefulness of iPSCs in AD are highlighted. Finally, the various recommendations that have been made to enhance iPSC/AD modelling are discussed.
Neurological involvement of COVID-19: from neuroinvasion and neuroimmune crosstalk to long-term consequences
Authors: Septyaningtrias Dian Eurike , Susilowati Rina
Published: February 2021

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to be a multidimensional threat to humanity, more evidence of neurological involvement associated with it has emerged. Neuroimmune interaction may prove to be important not only in the pathogenesis of neurological manifestations but also to prevent systemic hyperinflammation. In this review, we summarize reports of COVID-19 cases with neurological involvement, followed by discussion of possible routes of entry, immune responses against coronavirus infection in the central nervous system and mechanisms of nerve degeneration due to viral infection and immune responses. Possible mechanisms for neuroprotection and virus-associated neurological consequences are also discussed.
Anticipated BSDEs driven by two mutually independent fractional Brownian motions with non-Lipschitz coefficients
Authors: Aidara Sadibou , Sagna Yaya
Published: February 2021

This paper deals with a class of anticipated backward stochastic differential equations driven by two mutually independent fractional Brownian motions. We essentially establish the existence and uniqueness of a solution in the case of Lipschitz coefficients and non-Lipschitz coefficients. The stochastic integral used throughout the paper is the divergence-type integral.
Joint origins of speech and music: testing evolutionary hypotheses on modern humans
Authors: Ravignani Andrea , de Boer Bart
Published: February 2021

How music and speech evolved is a mystery. Several hypotheses on their origins, including one on their joint origins, have been put forward but rarely tested. Here we report and comment on the first experiment testing the hypothesis that speech and music bifurcated from a common system. We highlight strengths of the reported experiment, point out its relatedness to animal work, and suggest three alternative interpretations of its results. We conclude by sketching a future empirical programme extending this work.
Messunsicherheitsbetrachtungen an einem fünfachsigen Nano-Koordinatenmessgerät NMM-5D nach einem vektoriellen Ansatz
Authors: Fern Florian , Füßl Roland , Manske Eberhard , Schienbein Ralf , Theska René , Ortlepp Ingo , Leineweber Johannes
Published: February 2021

Dieser Beitrag zeigt ein Konzept für eine fünfachsige Nano-Koordinatenmessmaschine zur Messung auf stark gekrümmten asphärischen und frei geformten optischen Oberflächen in einem Messvolumen von

25

mm
×
25

mm
×
5

mm

25\hspace{0.1667em}\text{mm}\times 25\hspace{0.1667em}\text{mm}\times 5\hspace{0.1667em}\text{mm}

mit einem maximal möglichen Neigungswinkel von bis zu 60° zur Hochachse und einer maximalen Rotation von 360° um die Hochachse. Dabei wird die Probe translatorisch bewegt und der Sensor in seiner Orientierung verändert. Unter Einhaltung des Abbe-Komparatorprinzips für alle Messachsen wird die Bewegungsabweichung des Sensors bei der Rotation durch ein in-situ-Referenzmesssystem erfasst. Dieses besteht aus drei kartesisch angeordneten Fabry-Pérot-Interferometern mit dem Ursprung im Antastpunktes des Sensors, die den Abstand zu einer hemisphärischen Referenzfläche messen. Die Messunsicherheitsbetrachtung des Gesamtsystems erfolgt nach dem guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement in einem vektoriellen Ansatz und liefert unter konservativen Annahmen eine Unsicherheit des Antastpunktes von maximal 72 nm (

k
=
1

k=1

).
The intertextual nature of embedded email communication for contract negotiation activities
Authors: Townley Anthony
Published: February 2021

Emails have become the institutionalised communication medium for many discourse activities in work contexts. Sociolinguistic research in this area has mainly focused on the textual and communicative conventions of emails, as defined by disciplinary cultures and practices. This study is the first to analyse the intertextual nature of email communication for commercial contract negotiation purposes, with a particular focus on the communicative function of embedded emails. This concept relates to a genre of email discourse, which embeds the meaning of a series of messages generated by different participants in response to the original email, hence the name ‘embedded emails’. This study uses discourse and genre analysis to examine how a geographically dispersed team of legal and business professionals in Europe exploited the dialogic nature of embedded emails to negotiate amendments to contracts pertaining to an international Merger & Acquisition (M&A) transaction in English. The findings of this study show that embedded emails facilitate transparent collaboration between the individual professionals, by enabling them to monitor the exchange of proposals and counter-proposals during the negotiation process. This documented ability to trace and participate in contract negotiation activities through intertextual chains of embedded email communication is a key feature of professional communicative competence.
Blood lead level in school going children of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Sharma Shailja , Mitra Prasenjit , Bhardwaj Pankaj , Sharma Praveen
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Lead exposure in children contributes to 600,000 new cases of intellectual disabilities every year with maximum occurrence in developing countries. Currently limited information is available on the blood lead level (BLL) in children of India. The aim was to estimate BLL in the school going children of local population of Jodhpur.

Methods

Four hundred twenty-six primary school children of government and private schools participated in this cross sectional study. Information regarding possible lead exposure was collected. BLL was estimated on Lead Care II analyser (Magellan Diagnostics, USA).

Results

The mean and median BLL were 4.25 ± 1.75 μg/dL (<3.3–22.6 μg/dL) and 3.5 μg/dL (Inter Quartile Range 0.9). BLL was higher in children of illiterate mothers, those residing near traffic dense areas, urban region and studying in government schools of urban region.

Conclusions

BLL in children residing in Jodhpur is much higher in comparison to western counterparts. Screening and awareness programs regarding potential sources of lead exposure can help in improving BLL.
The potential antiepileptogenic effect of neuronal Cx36 gap junction channel blockage
Authors: Wang Guangliang , Wu Xuemei
Published: February 2021

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders and can result in neuronal injury and degeneration. Consequently, research into new antiepileptic drugs capable of providing protection against neuronal injury and degeneration is extremely important. Neuronal Cx36 gap junction channels have been found to play an important role in epilepsy; thus, pharmacological interference using Cx36 gap junction channel blockers may be a promising strategy for disrupting the synchronization of neurons during seizure activity and protecting neurons. Based on these promising findings, several in vivo and in vitro studies are ongoing and the first encouraging results have been published. The results bring hope that neurons can be protected from injury and degeneration in patients with epilepsy, which is currently impossible.
Effect of solution acidity on the crystallization of polychromates in uranyl-bearing systems: synthesis and crystal structures of Rb2[(UO2)(Cr2O7)(NO3)2] and two new polymorphs of Rb2Cr3O10
Authors: Nazarchuk Evgeny V. , Siidra Oleg I. , Charkin Dmitry O. , Kalmykov Stepan N. , Kotova Elena L.
Published: February 2021

Three new rubidium polychromates, Rb2[(UO2)(Cr2O7)(NO3)2] (1), γ-Rb2Cr3O10 (2) and δ-Rb2Cr3O10 (3) were prepared by combination of hydrothermal treatment at 220 °C and evaporation of aqueous solutions under ambient conditions. Compound 1 is monoclinic,

P

2
1

/
c

$P{2}_{1}/c$

, a = 13.6542(19), b = 19.698(3), c = 11.6984(17) Å, β = 114.326(2)°, V = 2867.0(7) Å3, R
1 = 0.040; 2 is hexagonal,

P

6
3

/
m

$P{6}_{3}/m$

, a = 11.991(2), c = 12.828(3) Å, γ = 120°, V = 1597.3(5) Å3, R
1 = 0.031; 3 is monoclinic,

P

2
1

/
n

$P{2}_{1}/n$

, a = 7.446(3), b = 18.194(6), c = 7.848(3) Å, β = 99.953(9)°, V = 1047.3(7) Å3, R
1 = 0.037. In the crystal structure of 1, UO8 bipyramids and NO3 groups share edges to form [(UO2)(NO3)2] species which share common corners with dichromate Cr2O7 groups producing novel type of uranyl dichromate chains [(UO2)(Cr2O7)(NO3)2]2−. In the structures of new Rb2Cr3O10 polymorphs, CrO4 tetrahedra share vertices to form Cr3O10
2− species. The trichromate groups are aligned along the 63 screw axis forming channels running in the ab plane in the structure of 2. The Rb cations reside between the channels and in their centers completing the structure. The trichromate anions are linked by the Rb+ cations into a 3D framework in the structure of 3. Effect of solution acidity on the crystallization of polychromates in uranyl-bearing systems is discussed.
A mathematical model for thermography on viscous fluid based on damped thermal flux
Authors: Ali Qasim , Riaz Samia , Awan Aziz Ullah , Abro Kashif Ali
Published: February 2021

Thermography is a fully noninvasive technique that discerns the thermal profiles of highly viable rheological parameters in heat and mass transference. In this paper, the free convection flow of viscous fluid among two vertical and parallel plates in the existence of a transverse magnetic field is investigated. The Caputo time-fractional derivative is manipulated for introducing a thermal transport equation along with a weak memory. The analytical and closed-form fractional solution for the temperature and velocity profiles are obtained through Laplace paired in conjunction with the finite Sine-Fourier transforms technique. The solution to the classical model is concluded as a special case for the solutions to the fractional modeled problem when the memory factor (the order of fractional derivative) approaches 1. Also, the solutions are stated in connection with the Mittag–Leffler function. The influences of variations of fractional and material parameters are depicted through MathCad15.
Simon Gerber: Aus der Editionswerkstatt: Schleiermachers Praktische Theologie – Frerichs’ Ausgabe in ihre Quellen zerlegt
Authors: Gerber Simon
Published: February 2021

In 1850, Jacob Frerichs produced the first and until now the only edition of Friedrich Schleiermacher’s important lectures on Practical Theology. It is a mix and compilation of students’ transcripts from six different semesters, redundant and at times contradictory, which doesn’t correspond to Schleiermacher’s actual lectures. Most of the transcripts used by Frerichs are still preserved and have now been evaluated for a new edition of Schleiermacher’s Practical Theology. This article disassembles Frerichs’ edition into its components giving evidence for every text passage from which source Frerichs took it.
Real-Time Closed-Loop Feedback in Behavioral Time Scales Using DeepLabCut
Authors: Sehara Keisuke , Zimmer-Harwood Paul , Larkum Matthew E. , Sachdev Robert N. S.
Published: February 2021

Computer vision approaches have made significant inroads into offline tracking of behavior and estimating animal poses. In particular, because of their versatility, deep-learning approaches have been gaining attention in behavioral tracking without any markers. Here, we developed an approach using DeepLabCut for real-time estimation of movement. We trained a deep-neural network (DNN) offline with high-speed video data of a mouse whisking, then transferred the trained network to work with the same mouse, whisking in real-time. With this approach, we tracked the tips of three whiskers in an arc and converted positions into a TTL output within behavioral time scales, i.e., 10.5 ms. With this approach, it is possible to trigger output based on movement of individual whiskers, or on the distance between adjacent whiskers. Flexible closed-loop systems like the one we have deployed here can complement optogenetic approaches and can be used to directly manipulate the relationship between movement and neural activity.
Neurochemically and Hodologically Distinct Ascending VGLUT3 versus Serotonin Subsystems Comprise the r2-Pet1Median Raphe
Authors: Senft Rebecca A. , Freret Morgan E. , Sturrock Nikita , Dymecki Susan M.
Published: February 2021

Brainstem median raphe (MR) neurons expressing the serotonergic regulator genePet1send collateralized projections to forebrain regions to modulate affective, memory-related, and circadian behaviors. SomePet1neurons express a surprisingly incomplete battery of serotonin pathway genes, with somata lacking transcripts for tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2) encoding the rate-limiting enzyme for serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] synthesis, but abundant for vesicular glutamate transporter type 3 (Vglut3) encoding a synaptic vesicle-associated glutamate transporter. Genetic fate maps show these nonclassical, putatively glutamatergicPet1neurons in the MR arise embryonically from the same progenitor cell compartment—hindbrain rhombomere 2 (r2)—as serotonergic TPH2+MRPet1neurons. Well established is the distribution of efferents en masse from r2-derived,Pet1-neurons; unknown is the relationship between these efferent targets and the specific constituent source-neuron subgroups identified as r2-Pet1Tph2-highversus r2-Pet1Vglut3-high. Using male and female mice, we found r2-Pet1axonal boutons segregated anatomically largely by serotonin+versus VGLUT3+identity. The former present in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, and olfactory bulb; the latter are found in the hippocampus, cortex, and septum. Thus r2-Pet1Tph2-highand r2-Pet1Vglut3-highneurons likely regulate distinct brain regions and behaviors. Some r2-Pet1boutons encased interneuron somata, forming specialized presynaptic “baskets” of VGLUT3+or VGLUT3+/5-HT+identity; this suggests that some r2-Pet1Vglut3-highneurons may regulate local networks, perhaps with differential kinetics via glutamate versus serotonin signaling. Fibers from otherPet1neurons (non-r2-derived) were observed in many of these same baskets, suggesting multifaceted regulation. Collectively, these findings inform brain organization and new circuit nodes for therapeutic considerations.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOur findings match axonal bouton neurochemical identity with distant cell bodies in the brainstem raphe. The results are significant because they suggest that disparate neuronal subsystems derive fromPet1+precursor cells of the embryonic progenitor compartment rhombomere 2 (r2). Of these r2-Pet1neuronal subsystems, one appears largely serotonergic, as expected given expression of the serotonergic regulator PET1, and projects to the olfactory bulb, thalamus, and suprachiasmatic nucleus. Another expresses VGLUT3, suggesting principally glutamate transmission, and projects to the hippocampus, septum, and cortex. Some r2-Pet1boutons—those that are VGLUT3+or VGLUT3+/5-HT+co-positive—comprise “baskets” encasing interneurons, suggesting that they control local networks perhaps with differential kinetics via glutamate versus serotonin signaling. Results inform brain organization and circuit nodes for therapeutic consideration.
Age-dependent sex differences in calcium and phosphate homeostasis
Authors: Koek W N H , Campos-Obando N , van der Eerden B C J , de Rijke Y B , Ikram M A , Uitterlinden A G , van Leeuwen J P T M , Zillikens M C
Published: February 2021

Background

Sex differences in calcium and phosphate have been observed. We aimed to assess a relation with age.

Methods

We used the laboratory values of serum calcium, phosphate and albumin from three different samples ( 2005, 2010 and 2014 years) using the hospital information system of Erasmus MC, Rotterdam. The samples were divided into three age groups: 1–17, 18–44 and ≥45 years. Sex differences in calcium and phosphate were analyzed using ANCOVA, adjusting for age and serum albumin. Furthermore, sex by age interactions were determined and we analyzed differences between age groups stratified by sex.

Results

In all three samples there was a significant sex × age interaction for serum calcium and phosphate, whose levels were significantly higher in women compared to men above 45 years. No sex differences in the younger age groups were found. In men, serum calcium and phosphate levels were highest in the youngest age group compared to age groups of 18–44 and ≥45 years. In women, serum calcium levels were significantly higher in the age group 1–17 and the age group ≥45 years compared to the 18–44 years age group. In women, serum phosphate was different between the three different age groups with highest level in the group 1–17 years and lowest in the group 18–44 years.

Conclusion

There are age- dependent sex differences in serum calcium and phosphate. Furthermore, we found differences in serum calcium and phosphate between different age groups. Underlying mechanisms for these age- and sex- differences are not yet fully elucidated.