bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age, size and body condition do not equally reflect population response to habitat change in the common spadefoot toadPelobates fuscus
Authors: Cogălniceanu Dan , Stănescu Florina , Székely Diana , Topliceanu Theodor-Sebastian , Iosif Ruben , Székely Paul
Published: July 2021

Urbanization impacts biodiversity both directly through physical expansion over land, and indirectly due to land use conversion and human behaviors associated with urban areas. We assessed the response of a common spadefoot toad population (Pelobates fuscus) to habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from urban development by studying changes in size, body condition and age parameters. We compared samples collected in the early 2000s (sample A) and later on during 2012–2014 (sample B). The terrestrial habitats in the study area were severely reduced and fragmented due to the expansion of the human settlement. We found no significant differences in the age parameters between the two sampling periods; the median lifespan shortened from 3.5 (sample A) to 3.0 years (sample B), while the other age parameters were similar in both samples. In contrast, snout-vent length, body mass and body condition experienced a significant decrease over time. Our results suggest that changes in body size and body condition, rather than age parameters, better reflect the response of the common spadefoot toad population to declining habitat quality. Therefore, body measurements can provide reliable estimates of the impact of habitat degradation in amphibian populations.
Time series data analysis and ARIMA modeling to forecast the short-term trajectory of the acceleration of fatalities in Brazil caused by the corona virus (COVID-19)
Authors: James Akini , Tripathi Vrijesh
Published: July 2021

Objective

This paper incorporates the concept of acceleration to fatalities caused by the coronavirus in Brazil from time series data beginning on 17th March 2020 (the day of the first death) to 3rd February 2021 to explain the trajectory of the fatalities for the next six months using confirmed infections as the explanatory variable.

Methods

Acceleration of the cases of confirmed infection and fatalities were calculated by using the concept of derivatives. Acceleration of fatality function was then determined from multivariate linear function and calculus chain rule for composite function with confirmed infections as an explanatory variable. Different ARIMA models were fitted for each acceleration of fatality function: the de-seasonalized Auto ARIMA Model, the adjusted lag model, and the auto ARIMA model with seasonality. The ARIMA models were validated. The most realistic models were selected for each function for forecasting. Finally, the short run six-month forecast was conducted on the trajectory of the acceleration of fatalities for all the selected best ARIMA models.

Results

It was found that the best ARIMA model for the acceleration functions were the seasonalized models. All functions suggest a general decrease in fatalities and the pace at which this change occurs will eventually slow down over the next six months.

Conclusion

The decreasing fatalities over the next six-month period takes into consideration the direct impact of the confirmed infections. There is an early increase in acceleration for the forecast period, which suggests an increase in daily fatalities. The acceleration eventually reduces over the six-month period which shows that fatalities will eventually decrease. This gives health officials an idea on how the fatalities will be affected in the future as the trajectory of confirmed COVID-19 infections change.
Investigating the Computational Thinking Ability of Young School Students Across Grade Levels in Two Different Types of Romanian Educational Institutions
Authors: Katai Zoltan , Osztian Erika , Lorincz Beata
Published: July 2021

Over the last decade, continuous efforts have been made to bring computational thinking (CT) closer to K-12 education. These focused endeavors implicitly suggest that the current curricula do not sufficiently contribute to the development of learners’ CT. On the other hand, since CT is a combined skill with cross-disciplinary implications, one might conclude that even without an explicit focus on CS education, students’ CT might develop latently as they advance with the current curriculum. We have proposed to test whether differences exist in how 3rd-, 5th-, 7th- and 9th-grade learners from two Romanian educational institutions (girls vs. boys from Art vs. Theoretical school; 214 subjects with no prior experience in CT) relate to learning tasks that require a certain level of CT. The testing tool was inspired by the AlgoRythmics dance choreography illustration of the linear search algorithm and has the potential to reveal different levels of abstracting. Findings emphasize the need for a purposeful and coordinated CS infusion into K-9 education in order to accelerate students’ CT development.
An Approach to Co-Design and Self-Regulated Learning in Technological Environments. Systematic Review
Authors: Villatoro Moral Sofía , de Benito Barbara
Published: July 2021

Present-day society calls for new student-centred didactic methodologies that make the student an active participant in their learning process. Strategies aimed at training citizens and professionals must adapt and respond to a society that is constantly changing. In this context, self-regulated learning and educational co-design emerge as key concepts in the development of new educational approaches. The present study seeks to identify the elements shared by models of self-regulation and educational co-design in technology-enhanced learning environments. To this end, a systematic review of the scientific literature during the period 2014-2019 has been conducted. The search was carried out using five databases: (1) Ebsco Host; (2) Web of Science; (3) Scopus; (4) ERIC; (5) Dialnet. A total of 830 references and 21 papers meeting the criteria for inclusion were identified. An analysis of the studies selected enabled us to identify the self-regulation models associated with co-design learning processes, as well as the elements they have in common. These include planning, motivation, cognition, task management, collaboration, and degree of success. The results provide the first steps for the construction of a co-design model, which includes guidelines for the creation of personalised learning pathways in technology-enhanced environments.
Multimedia Annotations for Practical Collaborative Reasoning
Authors: Cebrián-de-la-Serna Manuel , Gallego-Arrufat María Jesús , Cebrián-Robles Violeta
Published: July 2021

University education requires students to be trained both at university and at external internship centres. Because of Covid-19, the availability of multimedia resources and examples of practical contexts has become vital. Multimedia annotation can help students reflect on the professional world, collaborating and interacting with colleagues online. This study aims to encourage collaborative practical thinking by using new video annotation technologies. 274 students participated in an experiment of task design focusing on the analysis of a technology-based, award-winning educational innovation project. With mixed research design, qualitative and quantitative data exported from the video annotation platform used was collected and analysed. The results show differences in the quality and quantity of the answers: in the tasks with broad Folksonomy they are more numerous but more dispersed in their analysis, and vice versa. The quality of the answers given with narrow Folksonomy is also higher in both texts and videos modes. Producing multimedia annotations is a practical way to encourage students to practise reflective reasoning about the professional reality.
Children’s Right to Play and Its Implementation: A Comparative, International Perspective
Authors: Payà Rico Andrés , Bantulà Janot Jaume
Published: July 2021

The child’s right to play is specifically addressed in the framework of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The international recognition of this right is the central theme of this study. Through a documentary analysis of the reports of the States Parties to the Convention and the Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the study assesses the recognition of this right. The entry into force of General Comment 17 on the right of the child to rest, recreation, play, recreational activities, cultural life and the arts (art. 31) in 2013 should have marked a turning point in policies on children in the States Parties, but this did not occur. Policies cannot be developed in favour of children where play is ignored. Identifying the difficulties in exercising this right is also a challenge. Play should be part of the objectives, goals and strategies of action plans for children.
The Power of Expectations on Students’ Years of Schooling
Authors: Lopez-Agudo Luis Alejandro , Prieto-Latorre Claudia , Marcenaro-Gutierrez Óscar David
Published: July 2021

Both students and parents have expectations about students’ academic future. The present study analyses the influence of both sets of expectations when students are at age 15–16 on the level of education achieved by students when they are 23–24 years old. For this purpose, a structural equation model is estimated by three-stage least squares, using panel data for the most populated Spanish region (Andalusia). Results show that when both students and parents expect degree level education (i.e. 16 years of schooling) the student appears to come quite close to achieving that level. They also show that socio-cultural variables, together with students’ cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes, seem to explain the mechanism of formation of expectations and students’ completed years of schooling.
The Gender Gap Among EduTubers and the Factors Significantly Influencing It
Authors: Pattier Daniel
Published: July 2021

An increased use of YouTube in education has resulted in the emergence of a large number of audiovisual educational content creators known as EduTubers. Our research considers gender as a relevant variable within this group by analysing the 204 most successful channels in Spain so as to identify the existence of models and reference points throughout the area of informal education. The study methodology is based on a qualitative analysis instrument that provides descriptive statistics and contingency tables. The results provide original evidence on the topic. We reflect on the possible existence of a gender gap among EduTubers, concluding that there is actually one. After identifying the significant factors regarding to this inequality, they were grouped together into four categories: media exposure level; women’s participation in the educational stages that are most in demand on YouTube; elements and factors determining the success of videos; and time spent on the channel as a content creator. A suggestion is made of possible steps to reduce this gender gap through emotional support and training aimed at women who wish to become EduTubers, as well as via social change that facilitates the presence of women as influential figures in informal education.
Characterisation of Plasmids in Multidrug Resistant Uropathogenic Gram-negative Bacterial Isolates
Authors: Ranjan Manish , Kumar Mahadevan , Sen Sourav , Das Parijat , Lahiri Kunal Kanti
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are one of the commonest conditions for which people seek medical care with an estimated 150 million episodes per annum worldwide. An unprecedented upsurge in the rate of development of antimicrobial resistance has reduced the therapeutic options leading to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, development of complications. Majority of these infections are attributable to Gram negative bacteria which have now acquired resistance to almost all classes of antibiotics. Aim: To analyse the plasmid-mediated drug resistance and characterise the major plasmid families that are in circulation. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study comprising of a total of 95 non consecutive multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacterial isolates were subjected to Plasmid based replicon typing from January 2017 to June 2018. The 18 major replicons were divided in five multiplex and three uniplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) formats and the samples were subjected for plasmid characterisation and further sequencing of the plasmid Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). The data obtained was analysed by Microsoft Excel software. Results: Escherichia coli, accounted for maximum n=51 (53.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae n=19 (20%), Citrobacter sp n=11 (11.6%), miscellaneous gram negative n=14 (14.7%) The isolates exhibited a high degree of resistance to almost all tested antibiotics, sparing a few like Fosfomycin, Chloramphenicol, Imipenem, Amikacin. A total of 154 different plasmid families were detected from the 95 isolates. FIB replicon (24%), FIA (21%), F, W (20%), FIC, B/O (14%), Y (12%), I1 replicon (10.5%) were the major plasmid families detected in the present study. Conclusion: Many isolates exhibited the presence of more than one Incompatibility (Inc.) group plasmids, conferring multidrug resistance to the isolates. The study highlights the need for further research to study the association between plasmid families and their respective antibiotic resistance profiles for a given geographical niche and the need to devise further methods to target these epidemic plasmids.
A Review on Pregnancy during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Prern Snigdha
Published: July 2021

The World is going through a tough situation and that is a pandemic caused by the Novel Corona virus which originated in the Wuhan Province of China in December 2019. During this tough and critical situation, one of the major concerns is dealing with pregnant women across the globe. As we have been noticing in the past one year of observation in our country, the number of active pregnancies has been increasing during the period of lockdown in the country. Pregnant women getting affected by COVID-19 can be a risk to them and their babies. They may show symptoms or can be asymptomatic, which makes it difficult to diagnose in the very first place. In the whole scenario, patients undergoing this situation expect distinguished attention from the medical fraternity. So, to deal with this pandemic, it is important to meet up to the increasing demand of emergency medical services so that the situation remains under control and helps in providing the necessary medical treatment required to pregnant women of the society.
Association between occupations and selected noncommunicable diseases: A matched case-control among Thai informal workers
Authors: Tipayamongkholgul Mathuros , Kongtip Pornpimol , Woskie Susan
Published: July 2021

Objectives

We conducted a matched case-control study of informal workers to determine the association between occupational classification and selected types of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Method

We extracted data of patients aged ≥18 years from the Thai National Health Security Office database (NHSO) during 2011-2014. Cases were patients who had a primary diagnosis of: diabetes mellitus (E10-E14), hypertension (I10-I15), ischemic heart disease (I20-I25) or stroke (I60-69), or thyroid gland disorder (E00-E07). Controls were patients who had a primary diagnosis of intestinal or parasitic infections (A00-A09 and B25-B99), and were randomly matched 1:1 with cases of the same age and residential area. The four-digit occupation codes recorded in the NHSO were grouped and recoded based on the submajor groups of International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08) as follows: agricultural workers, unskilled workers, service, and sales workers. Analysis was performed using multivariable conditional logistic regression.

Results

Occupation and sex inequalities were present among all the selected NCDs. Higher risk for the four selected NCDs was found among unskilled workers. Stronger risk for cardiovascular disease was present among males, while females had a higher risk for metabolic disorders.

Conclusions

There is a need to understand what are the key factors that increase the risk for NCDs among informal sector workers. Health promotion campaigns are needed to raise awareness among economically and social disadvantaged informal workers about the risk for NCDs. This will require collaboration between public health and the workforce, and allocation of government budgets to address the needs of these workers.
Stakeholders engagement as an important step for the long‐term monitoring of wild ungulate populations
Authors: Carvalho João , Leite Pedro , Valente Ana M. , Fonseca Carlos , Torres Rita T.
Published: July 2021

Monitoring trends in animal populations is essential for the development of appropriate wildlife management strategies. However, long‐term studies are difficult to maintain mainly due to the lack of continuous funding. In this scenario, the collaboration between local stakeholders and researchers can be a fruitful partnership to monitor game species for long periods and vast territories.

We present an experimental framework with the involvement of researchers, local hunters and game managers for the continuous monitoring of wild ungulate populations. By combining vehicle‐based counts with distance sampling techniques, we implemented and validated a sampling scheme able to provide demographic information for the effective management of wild ungulate populations. Here, we used an Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus) population as a model.

The project implementation involved 30 participants including 24 stakeholders and 6 field technicians/data analysts with experience in monitoring wild ungulates. A total of eight teams covered 29 itineraries, synchronously, in two periods of ecological relevance for red deer, early summer and early autumn. Density estimates were consistent among sampling periods and characterized by acceptable coefficients of variation (approximately 20%). Our results prove that the application of the proposed framework is feasible (three to four itineraries per team), cost‐ and time‐effective (one week per sampling period) and produce population estimates fit for management. Being based on direct observations, the method would provide important demographic indicators (e.g. population density, age structure and fawn recruitment, and group size) about wild ungulate populations.

Apart from engaging interested stakeholders, the success of our proposal relies on three key actions including the theoretical and field instruction of participants, the definition of timely and unbiased survey designs and the maintenance of participants’ motivation. The implementation of rigorous and standardized sampling protocols is pivotal for data integration through time and space. In the absence of continuous funding, the voluntary collaboration between entities should be fostered to study and mitigate the potential threats to wild ungulate populations resulting from disease, unregulated hunting and environmental changes.
Design of a vehicle height and body posture adjustment hybrid automaton of electronically controlled air suspension
Authors: Hu Qiguo , Lu Wei , Jiang Jingzhen
Published: July 2021

The vehicle height and body posture adjustment of electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS) poses great challenges to hybrid control, since it involves discrete events of solenoid valve (SV) switching and dynamic evolutions of continuous variables. This article investigates in the modeling and verification of the vehicle height and body posture adjustment control system. A nonlinear mechanism model of the ECAS which considers the pneumatic characteristics of the SV is established. On the basis of mixed logical dynamical (MLD) modeling approach, a hybrid automaton describing on–off statuses transition equations of charging SV, discharging SV and four air spring SVs is established and then is compiled into the standard MLD model by using hybrid system descriptions language, realizing the coordinated control between the vehicle height and body posture by directly adjusting the SV on–off statuses. Simulation tests and bench tests are conducted and the results are presented to show how the designed hybrid automaton can be successfully applied to solve the difficulties that exist in the ECAS.
Plasmomechanical Systems: Principles and Applications
Authors: Koya Alemayehu Nana , Cunha Joao , Guerrero‐Becerra Karina Andrea , Garoli Denis , Wang Tao , Juodkazis Saulius , Proietti Zaccaria Remo
Published: July 2021

Extreme confinement of electromagnetic waves and mechanical displacement fields to nanometer dimensions through plasmonic nanostructures offers unprecedented opportunities for greatly enhanced interaction strength, increased bandwidth, lower power consumption, chip‐scale fabrication, and efficient actuation of mechanical systems at the nanoscale. Conversely, coupling mechanical oscillators to plasmonic nanostructures introduces mechanical degrees of freedom to otherwise static plasmonic structures thus giving rise to the generation of extremely large resonance shifts even for minor position changes. This nanoscale marriage of plasmonics and mechanics has led to the emergence of a new field of study called plasmomechanics that explores the fundamental principles underneath the coupling between light and plasmomechanical nanoresonators. In this review, both the fundamental concepts and applications of plasmomechanics as an emerging field of study are discussed. After an overview of the basic principles of plasmomechanics, the active tuning mechanisms of plasmonic nano‐mechanical systems are extensively analyzed. Moreover, the recent developments on the practical implications of plasmomechanic systems for such applications as biosensing and infrared detection are highlighted. Finally, an outlook on the implications of the plasmomechanical nanosystems for development of point‐of‐care diagnostic devices that can help early and rapid detection of fatal diseases are forwarded.
A Ca‐Ion Electrochromic Battery via a Water‐in‐Salt Electrolyte
Authors: Tong Zhongqiu , Kang Tianxing , Wan Yingpeng , Yang Rui , Wu Yan , Shen Dong , Liu Shihao , Tang Yongbing , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: July 2021

Multivalent‐ion batteries with electrochromic functionality are an emerging green technology for development of low‐carbon society. Compared to Mg2+, Zn2+ and Al3+, Ca2+ has a low polarization strength similar to that of Li+, therefore Ca2+ for electrochromism and battery can avoid kinetic issues caused by other multivalent‐ions with high polarization strength. Here, by exploiting Ca‐ion carriers for electrochromism and a water‐in‐salt (WIS) Ca(OTF)2 electrolyte for the first time, a new and safe aqueous Ca‐ion electrochromic battery (CIEB) has been demonstrated. The WIS Ca(OTF)2 electrolyte demonstrates enhanced anion‐cation interactions and decreased water activity. Vanadium oxide (VOx) and indium hexacyanoferrate (InHCF) films are respectively developed as anode and cathode because of their stable and high‐rate Ca2+ insertion/extraction, as well as matched electrochromism. The CIEB demonstrates a stable and high‐rate capability, a high energy density of 51.4 mWh m−2 at a power density of 1737.3 mW m−2, and a greenish yellow‐to‐black electrochromism. The presented results are beneficial for understanding redox kinetics in WIS electrolytes, and inspire researches on batteries and electrochromism with multivalent‐ions.
Diagnostic Radionuclides Labeled on Biomimetic Nanoparticles for Enhanced Follow‐Up Photothermal Therapy of Cancer
Authors: Yi Xuan , Shen Mengling , Liu Xinpei , Gu Jingyu , Jiang Zewei , Xu Lixing , Yang Kai
Published: July 2021

Imaging‐guided local therapy is the most effective strategy to treat primary cancers in patients. However, the local therapeutic effect should be further improved under the premise of absence of induction of additional side effects. It would be meaningful to analyze the potential assistance of nuclear imaging to the follow‐up treatments. In this study,cancer‐targeted copper sulfide nanoparticles with 99mTc labeling (99mTc‐M‐CuS‐PEG) are prepared using‐cancer cell membranes as a synthesis reactor and applied for the potential single‐photon emission computed tomography/photoacoustic imaging‐guided and 99mTc‐amplified photothermal therapy of cancer. Owing to the homologous targeting capability of the cancer cell membrane, M‐CuS‐PEG selectively accumulates in homologous tumor sites. After labeling with 99mTc, M‐CuS‐PEG with a high near‐infrared light absorbance can realize bimodal imaging‐guided photothermal therapy of cancer. Furthermore, the labeled 99mTc significantly enhances the cell uptake of M‐CuS‐PEG by inducing G2/M arrest of the cell cycle, further improving the photothermal antitumor effect, which is positively correlated with endocytosis of the photothermal conversion reagent. Therefore, a novel cancer‐targeted theranostic nanoplatform is developed and it is revealed that the labeled 99mTc can not only guide but also amplify the subsequent therapy of cancer, providing a conceptual strategy for cancer theranostics with a high biosafety.
Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Self‐Powered Wound Healing
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Xiao Xiao , Nashalian Ardo , Libanori Alberto , Fang Yunsheng , Li Xiyao , Chen Jun
Published: July 2021

Wound healing, one of the most complex processes in the human body, involves the spatial and temporal synchronization of a variety of cell types with distinct roles. Slow or nonhealing skin wounds have potentially life‐threatening consequences, ranging from infection to scar, clot, and hemorrhage. Recently, the advent of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has brought about a plethora of self‐powered wound healing opportunities, owing to their pertinent features, including wide range choices of constitutive biocompatible materials, simple fabrication, portable size, high output power, and low cost. Herein, a comprehensive review of TENGs as an emerging biotechnology for wound healing applications is presented and covered from three unique aspects: electrical stimulation, antibacterial activity, and drug delivery. To provide a broader context of TENGs applicable to wound healing applications, state‐of‐the‐art designs are presented and discussed in each section. Although some challenges remain, TENGs are proving to be a promising platform for human‐centric therapeutics in the era of Internet of Things. Consequently, TENGs for wound healing are expected to provide a new solution in wound management and play an essential role in the future of point‐of‐care interventions.
Concurrent Enhancement of Conductivity and Stability in Water of Poly(3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly(Styrenesulfonate) Films Using an Oxetane Additive
Authors: Jorge Sara M. , Santos Luís F. , Galvão Adelino , Morgado Jorge , Charas Ana
Published: July 2021

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is the most used conducting polymer in organic electronics and bioelectronics owing to its high conductivity combined with high optical transparency and availability as a stable colloidal aqueous dispersion, that can be processed as a conducting ink to produce thin and flexible films and electrodes. In this work, water‐resistant films of PEDOT:PSS showing enhanced conductivity are prepared by solely adding one reagent, 3‐methyl‐3‐oxetanemethanol, to PEDOT:PSS aqueous dispersions. The stability of the resultant thin films in water is attributed to the covalent cross‐linking of benzene rings anchored in PSS chains to polyether chains originated from the polymerization of oxetane groups, as indicated by NMR studies. A phase‐segregation within the PEDOT:cross‐linked PSS film is suggested to facilitate charge transport within the PEDOT network and to be at the origin of the improved conductivity. When immersed in water, the films exhibit increased water‐resistance towards resuspension and delamination and exhibit an increase of conductivity, by two to three orders of magnitude, depending on the used raw PEDOT:PSS formulation. The method described in this work is advantageous in originating water‐stable and highly conducting thin films of PEDOT:PSS as it does not involve high temperatures nor strong acids.
Hybrid Amino Acid‐TiO2 Materials with Tuneable Crystalline Structure and Morphology for Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Sarigul Gamze , Chamorro‐Mena Ignacio , Linares Noemi , García‐Martínez Javier , Serrano Elena
Published: July 2021

A method to produce hybrid organotitanias, both as thin films and suspensions, showing excellent photocatalyic activity in the degradation of organic dyes in aqueous solutions under visible light irradiation is disclosed. This method is based on the in situ incorporation of an amino acid, l‐tyrosine, during the synthesis of the titanias owing to its coordination and co‐condensation with the titania precursor under acidic conditions. This methodology allows the fine ‐tuning of their crystalline structure, size, and shape by simply varying the pH of the synthesis gel, leading to anatase nanoparticles of ≈5 nm and surface areas of ≈200 m2 g−1 at pH = 2.2, while highly crystalline rutile nanorods are formed at pH = 0. The incorporation of l‐tyrosine to both anatase nanoparticles and rutile nanorods enables these materials to absorb light in the visible range due to both the decrease in their band gap, as compared to the reference materials, and the presence of additional absorption edges at wavelengths higher than 400 nm. Consequently, the photocatalytic activity of both hybrid anatase nanoparticles and rutile nanorods exhibits a 120% enhanced photocatalytic efficiency, as compared to that of l‐Tyr‐free titanias and the commercial P25, which confirms their potential application in water remediation.
An Aqueous Anti‐Freezing and Heat‐Tolerant Symmetric Microsupercapacitor with 2.3 V Output Voltage
Authors: Jin Xuting , Song Li , Dai Chunlong , Xiao Yukun , Han Yuyang , Zhang Xinqun , Li Xiangyang , Bai Congcong , Zhang Jiatao , Zhao Yang , Zhang Zhipan , Jiang Lan , Qu Liangti
Published: July 2021

Symmetric aqueous microsupercapacitors (MSCs) generally show a low working voltage (≤1 V) and narrow operating temperature window in the vicinity of 25 °C due to the poor temperature tolerance and instability of conventional aqueous electrolytes under high voltage. It is challenging to develop MSCs that can offer a high‐voltage output (>2 V) under complex ambient temperature. In this work, a symmetric MSC is fabricated by using the anti‐freezing and heat‐tolerant aqueous polyacrylamide polyelectrolyte (HVTT‐PAM‐10.5) and carbon nanotube microelectrodes, which achieves a record high output voltage of 2.3 V and the widest operating temperature window of −40 to 100 °C among the aqueous MSCs reported previously. It can deliver an ultrahigh areal energy density of above 4.9 μWh cm−2 at temperatures from −40 to 100 °C, outperforming the previous carbon‐based MSCs with aqueous electrolytes at room temperature. Additionally, even after 324 000 cycles at −40 °C and 10 000 cycles at 100 °C, the MSC still retains the high capacitance retention of 92.6% and 90.4%, respectively. Impressively, the HVTT‐PAM‐10.5 polyelectrolyte can also be paired with other electrode materials such as CNT/polyaniline to obtain the highest energy density of 48.6 μWh cm−2 among all symmetric/asymmetric MSCs with aqueous electrolytes.
Electrochemical Modulation of Carbon Monoxide‐Mediated Cell Signaling
Authors: Park Jimin , Zeng Joy S. , Sahasrabudhe Atharva , Jin Kyoungsuk , Fink Yoel , Manthiram Karthish , Anikeeva Polina
Published: July 2021

Despite the critical role played by carbon monoxide (CO) in physiological and pathological signaling events, current approaches to deliver this messenger molecule are often accompanied by off‐target effects and offer limited control over release kinetics. To address these challenges, we develop an electrochemical approach that affords on‐demand release of CO through reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolved in the extracellular space. Electrocatalytic generation of CO by cobalt phthalocyanine molecular catalysts modulates signaling pathways mediated by a CO receptor soluble guanylyl cyclase. Furthermore, by tuning the applied voltage during electrocatalysis, we explore the effect of the CO release kinetics on CO‐dependent neuronal signaling. Finally, we integrate components of our electrochemical platform into microscale fibers to produce CO in a spatially‐restricted manner and to activate signaling cascades in the targeted cells. By offering on‐demand local synthesis of CO, our approach may facilitate the studies of physiological processes affected by this gaseous molecular messenger.
Preparation of Pd/PANI/ITO composite electrode and its degradation of tetracycline wastewater
Authors: Zhang Jian , Jiang Yuting , Wang Ziyi , Yang Xue , Zhang Mingrui , Wang Bing , Zhang Lanhe , Li Zheng , Liang Zilong , Liu Congze , Wu Hao
Published: July 2021

In order to treat antibiotics organic pollutants in the water environment, the Pd/PANI/ITO composite electrode was prepared by the galvanostatic electrodeposition method in this paper. The surface morphology and electrocatalytic activity of the electrode were analyzed and tested. Using the degradation rate of electrocatalytic tetracycline wastewater as an indicator, the optimal parameter conditions for preparing the composite electrode were screened out: the optimal deposition current of PANI was 2 mA, and the deposition time was 10 min. The optimal deposition current for Pd is 2 mA, and the deposition time is 10 min. The optimal current for the degradation of tetracycline wastewater is 10 mA, and the relationship between the degradation current and the degradation time conforms to the pseudo‐first‐order reaction kinetics. The existence of ·OH in the degradation process of tetracycline was verified by the coumarin fluorescence detection technology. Finally, the degradation process of tetracycline wastewater is analyzed. The results show that the intermediate products produced during the degradation of tetracycline are gradually cleavage of tetracycline molecules, and they are eventually converted into CO2 and H2O.
Identification of nonlinear system composed of parallel coupling of Wiener and Hammerstein models
Authors: Brouri Adil , Kadi Laila , Lahdachi Kenza
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a new method for the identification of nonlinear system composed by the Wiener and Hammerstein models connected in parallel is presented. This block‐oriented nonlinear system is a more general nonlinear model than Wiener and Hammerstein ones. The proposed nonlinear structure can easily describe the Wiener and Hammerstein models. Then, most of existing works are focused on the identification of one of the two models or the cascade connection of these two models. In this study, the parameters identification of linear and nonlinear blocks can be performed using one stage. Then, simple sine or multi‐sine waves were applied to the system input. Unlike several other methods, the linear elements can be parametric or not.
Adaptive output feedback control for a class of switched stochastic nonlinear systems under event‐triggered mechanism
Authors: Yuan Manman , Zhai Junyong
Published: July 2021

This article investigates the adaptive output feedback control problem for a class of switched stochastic nonlinear systems via an event‐triggered strategy. By virtue of the dynamic gain technique, a novel event‐triggered adaptive output feedback controller is designed. It is proved that all states of the closed‐loop system are globally asymptotically stable in probability. Two examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Has tumor doubling time in breast cancer changed over the past 80 years? A systematic review
Authors: Dahan Meryl , Hequet Delphine , Bonneau Claire , Paoletti Xavier , Rouzier Roman
Published: July 2021

Over the past century, epidemiologic changes and implementation of screening may have had an impact on tumor doubling time in breast cancer. Our study was designed to evaluate changes in tumor doubling time in breast cancer over the past 80 years. A systematic review of published literature and meta‐regression analysis was performed. An online electronic database search was undertaken using the PubMed platform from inception until June 2020. All studies that measured tumor doubling time in breast cancer were included. A total of 151 publications were retrieved. Among them, 16 full‐text articles were included in the qualitative analysis. An exponential growth model was used for quantitative characterization of tumor growth rate. Tumor doubling time has remained stable over the past 80 years. Recent studies have not only identified “fast growing tumor” (grade 3, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐positive, triple‐negative, or tumor with an elevated Ki‐67) but also “inactive breast cancer” feeding the ongoing debate of overdiagnosis due to screening programs. The stability of tumor doubling time over the past 80 years, despite increasing and changing risk factors, supports the validity for our screening guidelines. Prospective studies based on more precise measurement of tumor size and adjustment for tumor characteristics are necessary to more clearly characterize the prognostic and predictive impact of tumor doubling time in breast cancer.
Significantly high expression of NUP37 leads to poor prognosis of glioma patients by promoting the proliferation of glioma cells
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Wang Hongbo , Jia Yulong , Wang Jialin , Wang Yanbiao , Bian Lu , Liu Binfeng , Lian Xiaoyu , Zhang Bo , Ren Zhishuai , Zhang Wang , Dai Weiwei , Gao Yanzheng
Published: July 2021

Background

The carcinogenic effect of NUP37 has been reported recently in a variety of tumors, but its research in the field of glioma has not been paid attention. The main purpose of this study is to reveal the relationship between NUP37 and prognosis or clinical characteristics of glioma patients.

Methods

First, as a retrospective study, this study included thousands of tissue samples based on a variety of public databases and clinicopathological tissues. Second, a series of bioinformatics analysis methods were used to analyze the NUP37 and glioma samples from multiple databases such as the CGGA, TCGA, GEO, HPA, and GEPIA. Third, to analyze the relationship between the expression level of NUP37 in tumor tissues and cells and a variety of clinical prognostic molecular characteristics, whether it can be an independent risk factor leading to poor prognosis in glioma and whether it has clinical diagnostic value; GSEA was used to analyze the cancer‐related signaling pathways that may be activated by high expression of NUP37. Fifth, CMap was used to analyze small molecule drugs that may inhibit NUP37 expression. Finally, the meta‐analysis of thousands of tissue samples from seven datasets and cell proliferation and migration experiments confirmed that NUP37 has a malignant effect on glioma.

Results

NUP37 is highly expressed in glioma patient tissues and glioma cells, significantly correlates with reduced overall survival, and may serve as an independent prognostic factor with some diagnostic value. Silencing NUP37 suppresses malignant biological behaviors of glioma cells. 4 small molecule drugs that had potential targeting inhibitory effects on NUP37 overexpression.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates for the first time a malignant role of NUP37 in glioma and provides a vision to unravel the complex pathological mechanisms of glioma and a potentially valuable biomarker for implementing individualized diagnosis and treatment of glioma.
Chemical Constituents from Aerial Parts of Baccharis sphenophylla and Effects against Intracellular Forms of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Silva Matheus L. , Costa‐Silva Thais A. , Antar Guilherme M. , Tempone Andre G. , Lago João Henrique G.
Published: July 2021

The hexane extract from aerial parts Baccharis sphenophylla Dusén ex Malme (Asteraceae) displayed activity against amastigote forms of Trypanossoma cruzi and was subjected to chromatographic steps to afford one unreported – 7α‐hydroxy‐ent‐abieta‐8(14),13(15)‐dien‐16,12β‐olide (1) and three known diterpenes – ent‐kaur‐16‐en‐19‐oic acid, (2), grandifloric acid (3), and 15β‐tiglinoyloxy‐ent‐kaur‐16‐en‐19‐oic acid (4), two sesquiterpenes – spathulenol (5) and oplopanone (6) – as well as hexacosyl p‐coumarate (7). Isolated compounds were characterized by NMR and ESI‐HR‐MS spectra and were evaluated in vitro for activity against amastigote forms of the parasite T. cruzi – the relevant clinical form in the chronic phase of Chagas disease. In addition, the activity of compounds 1–7 against NCTC cells was evaluated. Compounds 1 and 7 showed effectiveness with EC50 values of 21.3 and 16.9 μM, respectively. Both compounds also exhibited reduced toxicity against NCTC cells (CC50>200 μM) with SI values higher than 9.4 and 11.9. Obtained results suggest that the new ent‐abietane diterpene 1 and alkyl coumarate 7 could be used as prototypes for the development of novel and selective semisynthetic derivatives against intracellular forms of T. cruzi.
Synthesis of KUE‐siRNA Conjugates for Prostate Cancer Cell‐Targeted Gene Silencing
Authors: Yang Chao , Ma Dejun , Lu Liqing , Yang Xing , Xi Zhen
Published: July 2021

The delivery of siRNAs to selectively target cells poses a great challenge in RNAi‐based cancer therapy. The lack of suitable cell‐targeting methods seriously restricts the advance in delivering siRNAs to extrahepatic tissues. Based on prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA)‐targeting ligands, we have synthesized a series of lysine‐urea‐glutamate (KUE)‐siRNA conjugates and verified their effective cell uptake and gene silencing properties in prostate cancers. The results indicated that the KUE‐siRNA conjugates could selectively enter PSMA+ LNCaP cells, eventually down‐regulating STAT3 expression. Based on post‐synthesis modification and receptor‐mediated endocytosis, this strategy of constructing ligand‐siRNA conjugates might provide a general method of siRNA delivery for cell‐targeted gene silencing.
In situ characterizations of solid–solid interfaces in solid‐state batteries using synchrotron X‐ray techniques
Authors: Lucero Marcos , Qiu Shen , Feng Zhenxing
Published: July 2021

The solid–solid electrode–electrolyte interface represents an important component in solid‐state batteries (SSBs), as ionic diffusion, reaction, transformation, and restructuring could all take place. As these processes strongly influence the battery performance, studying the evolution of the solid–solid interfaces, particularly in situ during battery operation, can provide insights to establish the structure–property relationship for SSBs. Synchrotron X‐ray techniques, owing to their unique penetration power and diverse approaches, are suitable to investigate the buried interfaces and examine structural, compositional, and morphological changes. In this review, we will discuss various surface‐sensitive synchrotron‐based scattering, spectroscopy, and imaging methods for the in situ characterization of solid–solid interfaces and how this information can be correlated to the electrochemical properties of SSBs. The goal is to overview the advantages and disadvantages of each technique by highlighting representative examples, so that similar strategies can be applied by battery researchers and beyond to study similar solid‐solid interface systems.
Management of hyperkalemia in chronic heart failure using sodium zirconium cyclosilicate
Authors: Oshima Akira , Imamura Teruhiko , Narang Nikhil , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: July 2021

Background

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), a newly‐developed selective potassium binder, has been clinically available to treat hyperkalemia. SZC might be a promising option to manage hyperkalemia, particularly in patients with heart failure, who often require potassium‐sparing medications. However, the optimal initial dose of SZC therapy at a loading dose (30 g per day for the initial 2 days) versus a maintenance dose (5 g per day) remains unknown.

Methods

Consecutive patients with heart failure and hyperkalemia who received 2‐day SZC therapy were retrospectively included. Safety and efficacy of SZC therapy were compared between the two strategies (maintenance versus loading).

Results

We had 16 patients (76 years old, 11 men) who received 2‐day SZC therapy (4 maintenance dose group and 12 loading dose group). Serum potassium decreased 0.7 mEqL/L by 2‐day maintenance dose therapy and 1.3 mEq/L by 2‐day loading dose therapy. Following 2‐day SZC therapy, 25% of patients had hypokalemia, which was defined as serum potassium <4.0 mEq/L. Baseline lower serum potassium level was associated with the post‐SZC hypokalemia.

Conclusions

SZC immediately decreases approximately 1.0 mEq/L of serum potassium in patients with heart failure and hyperkalemia. However, caution should be exercised when utilizing SZC at a loading dose specifically in those with mild hyperkalemia to prevent iatrogenic hypokalemia.
The level of sustainability and mutual fund performance in Europe: An empirical analysis using ESG ratings
Authors: Abate Guido , Basile Ignazio , Ferrari Pierpaolo
Published: July 2021

Over recent years, investors' attention on the environment, social responsibility, and governance (ESG) has been growing. At the same time, managers, investors, and regulators are interested in ascertaining whether mutual funds that invest in ESG‐compliant assets perform better than those with a low ESG commitment. The sustainability of funds' portfolios can be measured by ESG ratings, a measure of the financially material ESG factors of the securities held by a fund. Our study therefore aims to verify whether funds with high ESG ratings outperform funds with low ESG ratings, considering the risks taken, including higher moments, and costs borne by investors. Our analysis is carried out on a sample of 634 European mutual funds. By using data envelopment analysis, it provides evidence of the superior efficiency of funds investing in high ESG‐rated securities.
Parametric study of plasma active medium and gain saturation region in a Ne‐like soft X‐ray laser
Authors: Ghani‐Moghadam Ghazaleh , Rezaei Somayeh , Jafari Mohammad J. , Farahbod Amir H.
Published: July 2021

Plasmas created by the interaction of high power optical laser with a target surface can be used as a source of soft X‐ray lasers. Plasma and pump laser characteristics play significant role in achieving high gain coefficient for such plasma based on soft X‐ray lasers. In the present work, the plasma active medium parameters for germanium element at a wavelength of 19.6 nm irradiated by a double‐pulse pump laser have been studied using MED103 hydrodynamic code. For this purpose, first, the effects of laser intensity, pulse width and delay time of two pulses on the gain coefficient have been investigated and the optimum conditions for the maximum gain extent of Ne‐like germanium soft X‐ray laser are obtained. Then, in order to calculate the intensity of such high gain lasers in which Linford equation is invalid, we have adopted the general formula of amplified spontaneous emission intensity, which is valid in all range of intensities even at much higher intensities than saturation intensity. Finally, the soft X‐ray laser intensities in the saturated areas for different plasma lengths have been calculated. The results show that the output of soft X‐ray laser intensity with 294 cm−1 gain coefficient can reach to about several times saturated intensity by applying a 1–2 mm plasma length as the active medium.