bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analítica del aprendizaje significativo d-learning aplicado en la enseñanza de la física de la educación secundaria
Authors: Salica Marcelo Augusto
Published: May 2021

El inédito contexto de incertidumbre provocado por la enfermedad de COVID-19 tensiona el sistema educativo de la escuela secundaria. El aislamiento y distanciamiento social obligó el cambio de la educación presencial por una formación remota de emergencia para garantizar la continuidad pedagógica. Ante este cambio de modalidad, las analíticas del aprendizaje como método de investigación de los modelos tecnopedagógicos d-learning permiten evaluar sus efectos en el desarrollo del aprendizaje significativo. La presente investigación se realizó en un grupo de 69 estudiantes con una edad promedio de 16,06 años. El modelo tecnopedagógico se basó en el uso de las aplicaciones de las herramientas de colaboración de Google Suit for Education. Los contenidos fueron desarrollados para la enseñanza de las Leyes del Movimiento de Newton desde un enfoque interdisciplinar (Física y Educación Física) fundamentado en la perspectiva Ciencia, Tecnología y Sociedad. El acopio de datos del proceso de aprendizaje se realizó durante un periodo de tres meses. Para analizarlo se aplicaron cuatro categorías de las analíticas: contexto instruccional, la motivación, contenido y discurso. En los resultados se identifica el desarrollo de competencias metacognitivas: metaaprendizaje y metaconocimiento. Desde la discusión se arriba a la idea de una analítica del aprendizaje significativo que permita transformar las tecnologías de la información y comunicación en tecnologías del aprendizaje y conocimiento metacognitivo.
Auditorías virtuales en el Programa de Sellos Internacionales de Calidad (SIC) de ANECA en tiempos de pandemia
Authors: Bonilla-Calero Ana Isabel , Serrano-García María Ángeles
Published: May 2021

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo reflexionar sobre cómo se abordan las auditorías virtuales de las acreditaciones internacionales de programas universitarios de ingeniería, informática y química, gestionadas por la Agencia Nacional de Evaluación de la Calidad y Acreditación (ANECA), en colaboración con el Instituto de Ingeniería de España (IIE), el Consejo General de Colegios Profesionales de Ingeniería Informática (CCII), los Colegios Oficiales de Ingeniería Técnica en Informática (CONCITI) y la Real Sociedad Española de Química (RSEQ), dentro del Programa de Sellos Internacionales de Calidad (SIC), en las que se conceden sellos internacionales de ingeniería, informática y química, a aquellos programas que demuestran el cumplimiento de los criterios de evaluación establecidos por las agencias europeas European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE), European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education (EQANIE) y European Chemistry Thematic Network Association (ECTN), respectivamente, basados en resultados de aprendizaje seleccionados por académicos/as y profesionales de diferentes países. Materiales y Métodos: Los datos utilizados en este estudio se han obtenido de las evaluaciones realizadas por ANECA durante la convocatoria 2020. Resultados y discusión: 55 programas formativos distribuidos en 23 universidades españolas y una mexicana, que se han evaluado completamente por la modalidad virtual durante la convocatoria 2020, debido a la pandemia provocada por la COVID-19. Hasta ese momento estas evaluaciones se desarrollaban por la modalidad presencial.
Teachers’ Mathematics Learning Opportunities During One-on-One Coaching Conversations
Authors: Saclarides Evthokia Stephanie , Lubienski Sarah Theule
Published: May 2021

Coaching is a popular, yet costly, professional development structure. Therefore, understanding the learning opportunities coaching provides is essential. Following a framework by Campbell and Griffin (2017), we explore five elementary school teachers’ learning opportunities during 15 meetings and 23 lessons with two instructional coaches in two schools. Using Greeno’s (2005) situative perspective, we focus on coach–teacher dyads, examining the substance and depth (Coburn, 2003) of their conversations. Results indicate that most coach–teacher talk centered on logistics, whereas mathematics conversations were rare. We consider institutional contexts that shaped the dyads’ discussions, ultimately viewing the coaches and teachers as “sensible beings" (Leatham, 2006) with valid reasons for focusing discussions as they did. Coaching implications and directions for research are discussed.
Student Actions for Social Justice-Oriented Mathematical Tasks
Authors: Jung Hyunyi , Brand Sarah
Published: May 2021

Five approaches led to multiple valid solutions, considered students’ real-world knowledge, and increased students’ interest.
Promoting Inquisitiveness
Authors: Manousaridis Tracy
Published: May 2021

A third-grade subtraction exploration in a learning community adds curiosity, productive struggle, discourse, engagement, and fun.
An Introduction to REALM
Authors: Martinez Ricardo
Published: May 2021

REALM is a mathematics summer program for minoritized high school age students that brings together history, culture, and youth agency to commit to positive action upon the world. This poem was written as a reflection of how students engaged in and with mathematics during the summer program.
El cisne 'negro' ambiental: enseñanzas que nos deja la pandemia (desde el punto de vista ambiental)
Authors: Cafferatta Nestor
Published: May 2021

Para entender el presente y el futuro del derecho ambiental, no puede prescindirse de la consideración de la crisis de la teoría filosófica cartesiana donde se modeló y se sustentó el derecho positivo moderno, caracterizada por un marcado acento antropocéntrico, y del avance actual hacia una visión cada día más ecocéntrica, que plantea una nueva interpretación de la relación del Hombre con la Naturaleza, rompiendo la hegemonía de la idea del dualismo ontológico, para comprender al ser humano como parte de la naturaleza que interactúa en un modo sistémico de interrelación permanente y dinámico con los demás seres vivos, conformando una cosmogénesis que comparte no solo su origen sino también su destino.

To understand the present and the future of environmental law, one cannot do without considering the crisis of Cartesian philosophical theory where modern positive law was modeled and sustained, characterized by a strong anthropocentric accent, and the current advance towards a vision Every day more ECOCENTRIC, which proposes a new interpretation of the relationship of Man with Nature, breaking the hegemony of the idea of ontological dualism, to understand the human being as part of nature that interacts in a systemic way of permanent and dynamic interrelation with other living beings, forming a cosmogenesis that shares not only its origin but also its destiny
Reflexiones sobre la Guía bioética para asignación de recursos limitados de medicina crítica en situación de emergencia en México
Authors: Espinosa de los Monteros Rodríguez Adolfo , López Guiarte José , Ramírez Robles Edna
Published: May 2021

El presente artículo es una reflexión sobre las propuestas de la Guía bioética para asignación de recursos limitados de medicina crítica en situación de emergencia, emitidas en México. Se expone el tratamiento de acceso a la salud de los adultos mayores en tiempos de COVID-19, en el que se proponen elementos para la construcción de un andamiaje normativo que privilegie la autonomía, la dignidad y el respeto a los derechos humanos de las personas, frente a otras consideraciones instrumentales.

This article is a reflection on the bioethical guide proposals for the allocation of limited resources for critical medicine in emergency situations issued in Mexico. It presents the access to health treatment of the elderly COVID-19 times. Additionally, it proposes elements to build a normative scaffolding that privileges autonomy, dignity and respect of human rights.
Metrological traceability frequently asked questions and NIST policy
Authors: Possolo Antonio , Bruce Sally S , Watters Jr, Robert L
Published: May 2021

The NIST policy on metrological traceability (NIST P 5800.00, which became effective on May 31st, 2019) is transcribed and supplemented with a review of relevant terminology and with a list of frequently asked questions and answers. This list updates and amplifies a similar list originally prepared by a team organized and led by Richard Kayser, which was published in the World Wide Web, and comprises questions about: metrological traceability in general; establishing metrological traceability; NIST and NIST's role in metrological traceability; NIST products and services; and international aspects of traceability.
Dissolving the ‘Sacred Union’? The Disestablishment of the Church in Ireland
Authors: Brown Stewart J.
Published: May 2021

In 1869, Parliament disestablished the Church of Ireland, dissolving what Benjamin Disraeli called the ‘sacred union’ of church and state in Ireland. Disestablishment involved fundamental issues – the identity and purpose of the established church, the religious nature of the state, the morality of state appropriation of church property for secular uses, and the union of Ireland and Britain – and debate was carried on at a high intellectual level. With disestablishment, the Church of Ireland lost much of its property, but it recovered, now as an independent Episcopal church with a renewed mission. The idea of the United Kingdom as a semi-confessional Protestant state, however, was dealt a serious blow.
Engraved Clerical Portraiture in England, c. 1660–1850
Authors: Sharp Richard
Published: May 2021

Architecture and visual arts in general have been subjects of a growing body of recent scholarship connected with the ecclesiastical history of the ‘Long Eighteenth Century’, but little attention has been given to portraiture. Although honourable mention should be made of pioneering work by John Ingamells on painted episcopal portraits, and by Peter Forsaith, very recently, on Methodist portrait prints, other aspects of this extensive subject still await investigation. The article outlines the development of engraved portrayal of clergy, mainly of the Church of England, during the two centuries before production of multiple images was taken over by photography, and indicates how the quantity, variety, and dissemination of such material can provide some index of the priorities of a pre-photographic age. It does not aim to be a comprehensive or a complete survey of the corpus of engraved portraiture; nevertheless, this article provides an initial guide to the abundance of previously unexplored illustrative material, and may suggest a framework for further exploration. It is hoped that future scholars will build on this initial work to enable a complete catalogue of such images to be developed and further explored.
First complete mitogenomes of Diamesinae, Orthocladiinae, Prodiamesinae, Tanypodinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) and their implication in phylogenetics
Authors: Zheng Chen-Guang , Zhu Xiu-Xiu , Yan Li-Ping , Yao Yuan , Bu Wen-Jun , Wang Xin-Hua , Lin Xiao-Long
Published: May 2021

Background

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) has been extensively used for phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis in Diptera, but the study of mitogenome is still scarce in the family Chironomidae.

Methods

Here, the first complete mitochondrial genomes of four Chironomid species representing Diamesinae, Orthocladiinae, Prodiamesinae and Tanypodinae are presented. Coupled with published mitogenomes of two, a comparative mitochondrial genomic analysis between six subfamilies of Chironomidae was carried out.

Results

Mitogenomes of Chironomidae are conserved in structure, each contains 37 typical genes and a control region, and all genes arrange the same gene order as the ancestral insect mitogenome. Nucleotide composition is highly biased, the control region displayed the highest A + T content. All protein coding genes are under purifying selection, and the ATP8 evolves at the fastest rate. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis covering six subfamilies within Chironomidae was conducted. The monophyly of Chironomidae is strongly supported. However, the topology of six subfamilies based on mitogenomes in this study is inconsistent with previous morphological and molecular studies. This may be due to the high mutation rate of the mitochondrial genetic markers within Chironomidae. Our results indicate that mitogenomes showed poor signals in phylogenetic reconstructions at the subfamily level of Chironomidae.
IoT an Overview: Advantage, Disadvantage and Applications
Authors: Charan Patel Bhagwati , Shankar Tripathi Ram , Goel Naveen
Published: May 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) is a well-known term that has gained massive encouragement over a few years. The future of the human race will be significantly influenced by the application of IoT over the coming years. The Internet is everywhere and touched almost every corner of the globe affecting our lives in previously unimagined ways. As a living entity, the Internet is constantly evolving, and now, an era of widespread connectivity through various smart devices (i.e., things) that connect with the Internet has begun. IoT looks more like an umbrella covering many protocols, technologies, and concepts that depend on specific industries. It will lead to the development of efficient mechanisms with high scalability and interoperability features among the things or objects. IoT is a reality that is progressing day by day, connecting billions of people and things to form a vast global network. IoT has applications in various domains like agriculture, industry, military, and personal spaces. There are potential research challenges and issues in IoT that act as a hurdle in the complete exploration of IoT in real-time implementation.
Hombre y máquina: relación sujeto-industria en imágenes de revistas técnicas chilenas (1929-1939)
Authors:   Universidad de Chile, Departamento de Diseño, Vera Manríquez Rodrigo Andrés , Perelli Bruno ,   Universidad de Chile, Departamento de Diseño
Published: May 2021

El presente artículo se enmarca en una investigación que aborda la historia del diseño en Chile desde la perspectiva historiográfica de la historia cultural. Dicha investigación estu­dia el binomio conceptual arte-técnica, explorando las publicaciones artísticas e industriales editadas en Chile entre 1929 y 1939. La propuesta que aquí se presenta indaga, por medio de la metodología de análisis semiológico planteada por Roland Barthes, los antecedentes sobre el tipo de relación entre el hombre y la máquina que es­tablecían las imágenes contenidas en este material visual, intentando comprender la manera en que los gremios industriales pro­yectaban este binomio productivo. El marco teórico está constituido por el concepto de material visual de Ivan Gaskell, la noción de objeto técnico de Gilbert Simondon y la relación entre diseño y máquina que propo­ne Wilhem Flusser. Como principales con­clusiones, se sostiene que la relación entre el hombre y la máquina se presenta de una manera armónica y como ideal de progreso, lo que se expresa tanto en fotografías como en ilustraciones.
Perspectivas en antropología, feminismo y género para las historias de las técnicas y la tecnología: Entrevista a Francesca Bray
Authors:   The University of Edinburgh, Escuela de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales, Antropología Socia, Bray Francesca , Cristi Nicole ,   University College London, Departamento de Antropología
Published: May 2021

En esta entrevista, Bray se refiere a las posibilidades que ofrece el hecho de aproximarse a la historia (o historias) de las técnicas y la tecnología desde un enfoque situado, para así desafiar las teleologías eurocéntricas y hegemónicas que la rodean. A partir de su investigación en la China Imperial, Bray explica de qué manera un enfoque que entrelace estu­dios de género, teorías feministas y un punto de vista antro­pológico podría contribuir, en términos analíticos y meto­dológicos, a la historia de la tecnología, con el fin de ampliar sus márgenes de comprensión más allá de sus recurrentes relatos modernos y binarios.
The Effect of Revenue from Taxation on Gross Domestic Product and Human Development Index in Nigeria
Authors: Isaac Odogu Laime , Anderson Obalakumo Pereowei , Dan Odoko , Maxwell Dadowei Opritari
Published: May 2021

Aims: This study investigates the effect of revenue from taxation on gross domestic product and human development index in Nigeria. Secondary data is used from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the World Bank, and Federal Inland Revenue Service for this study.

Study Design: The Ex-post facto research design was used for the study.

Methodology: The study used secondary data and was conducted via the relevant econometric tests.

Result: The study reveals that revenues from taxation have effects on gross domestic product and human development index. Based on the result, the study concluded that taxation is an essential component of fiscal policy that the Nigerian government can use to stimulate economic development. Based on the conclusion, the study made the following recommendations amongst others that, government need to improve on the personal income tax collection process to enable more individuals disclose their income for tax assessment. This is because most self employed (skilled workers such as carpenters, bricklayers, welders, etc) Nigerians don’t pay income tax voluntarily. There should be an improvement in the value added tax administration in Nigeria to reduce the lack of accountability of VAT by the agents. The tax officials and other agents of the relevant tax authorities need to reduce their fraudulent activities with tax payers to increase the amount of tax collected for the economic growth of Nigeria.
Evaluation of the Pollution Status of Lagos Coastal Waters and Sediments, using Physicochemical Characteristics, Contamination Factor, Nemerow Pollution Index, Ecological Risk and Potential Ecological Risk Index
Authors: Ajani Gloria Ekaete , Popoola Samuel Olatunde , Oyatola Otolorin Opeyemi
Published: May 2021

The heavy metals and physicochemical properties of Lagos coastal waters and sediments, Southwestern Nigeria were investigated in 5 stations (station 1-5), to determine their levels, distributions and pollution index. The observed ranges of physicochemical characteristics from the study area are: dissolved oxygen (DO): 2.15-11.3 mg/L; pH: 6-7.7; temperature (Temp): 28.05-29.25°C; biochemical oxygen demand (BOD): 1.6-110.1 mg/L; electrical conductivity (EC): 1.8-29.8 mS/cm; salinity (SAL): 0.02-2.05ppt; total dissolved solids (TDS): 211.8-1210.2 mg/L and total suspended solids (TSS): 12.13-117.95 mg/L. The analyzed physicochemical properties from all the stations are within the desired values for healthy marine ecosystems when compared with Federal ministry of environment (FMENV) Nigeria and World Health organization permissible limits (DO:>5 mg/L; pH:6.5-9; TEMP:<40°C; BOD: 50 mg/L; EC:900 mS/cm; TDS:1000mg/L and TSS:600 mg/L), with the exception of low DO at station 1 and station 5; and high BOD at; station 2 and station 3 respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals present in the water samples followed the sequence: Fe > Pb > Cu > Cr > Zn > Cd, and showed high values for Pb, Cd and Cr, relative to the standard permissible limits according to FMENV (Pb 0.001; Zn 50 mg/L; Cd < 0.0018; Cu 2-4 mg/L and Cr 0.02-2.0 mg/L). The calculated contamination factor (CF) in the sediment samples showed low-moderate contamination for the analyzed heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Cu and Pb), except for cadmium (Cd) that showed extremely severe contamination (CF > 6) values across the sampling stations. The calculated Nemerow pollution index (NPI) and ecological risk index (RI) showed heavily polluted (NPI > 10) values and very high ecological risk (RI > 380) values at Apapa (location 1), Iddo (location 2) and Makoko (location 3). The potential ecological risk factor (Eir) confirmed Cd as the highest polluted heavy metals (Eir >320), with the greatest potential threat to the marine ecosystems in the Lagos coastal waters. The study highlights the impacts of anthropogenic pollutions on the coastal ecosystems and human health.
Hepatitis C Treatment by Directly Acting Antiviral Agents and Its Impact on Glycemic Control
Authors: Kumar Darshan , Mobin Ahsan , Shaikh Hafeezullah , Kashif Syed Mohammad , Nawaz Zunaira , Iqbal Muhammad Arif , Shaikh Ubedullah
Published: May 2021

Objective: To evaluate Hepatitis C treatment by directly acting antiviral agents and its impact on glycemic control.           

Study Design: This is an observational study.

Setting: This study was conducted in Medicine department Civil Hospital Karachi from March 2018 to December 2019.

Materials and Methods: Patients visiting the outpatient department of the hospital having documented HCV infection having type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the study. All participants were given directly acting antiviral treatment for 12 weeks. After treatment they were assessed for achievement of sustained virological response (SVR). Pre-treatment and post treatment fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c levels were checked. SVR is defined as serum HCV RNA which is undetectable (<50IU/ml) after 12 weeks of antiviral treatment.

Results: Around 332 patients matched our inclusion criteria. Amongst these there were 219 males and 113 females. The mean age of patients was 39.44 ± 2.19 years. All the selected participants started therapy on Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir (pangenotypic NS5A-NS5B inhibitor single-pill combination regimen that has potent activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.) plus ribavirin. After treatment with directly acting antiviral therapy 231 (69.57%) patients achieved sustained virological response. Patients who achieved SVR showed improved glycaemic control than those who didn’t. Patients with cirrhosis showed decreased chances of attainment of SVR. Fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c were also decreased, decreasing the amount of insulin required for diabetes control. 

Conclusion: Our study showed that treatment with directly acting antiviral treatment improved glycaemic control in HCV infected patients. Other factors like BMI, presence of cirrhosis, mean serum HCV RNA levels and adherence to treatment were major predictors for achievement of SVR.
Substrate‐Independent Design of Liquid‐Infused Slippery Surfaces via Mussel‐Inspired Chemistry
Authors: Chiera Salvatore , Bittner Carina , Vogel Nicolas
Published: May 2021

Self‐cleaning and repellent coatings ensure enduring performance of surfaces in many areas of technology and everyday life. An ideal repellent coating is efficient in removing contaminations, yet easy to apply on a wide range of surface materials. To devise such a coating, two bioinspirations are combined that show opposing interfacial properties: the peristome of a pitcher plant and the versatile mussel‐inspired chemistry of polydopamine (PDA). The possibility of PDA to bind to different surface materials is taken to provide a material‐independent coating strategy. Its reactivity toward amines to cofunctionalize the coating with monoaminopropyl‐polydimethylsiloxane is utilized to control the surface chemistry. This process, in effect, adheres silicone polymer chains to any desired surface material. Finally, inert silicone oil is added to the reaction mixture to provide in situ lubrication of the coating. Together, the process creates lubricant‐infused surfaces in a one‐step process independent of the underlying substrate. It is shown that the reaction mixture can be deposited by dip or spray coating, providing procedures to coat large surfaces and complex samples such as textiles and wood. The combination of the mussel‐inspired chemistry with the pitcher plant‐inspired control of wettability provides an experimentally simple coating process to impart efficient repellency and self‐cleaning characteristics to virtually any surface material.
Tunable Drop Splashing on Magnetoactive Elastomers
Authors: Kravanja Gaia , Belyaeva Inna A. , Hribar Luka , Drevenšek‐Olenik Irena , Jezeršek Matija , Shamonin Mikhail
Published: May 2021

The significant effect of an external dc magnetic field on the splashing behavior of ethanol drops impacting on the unstructured (flat) surface of soft magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) is reported. The Weber number corresponding to the transition between the deposition and the splashing regime is reduced by ≈20% in a moderate magnetic field of ≈300 mT. Alongside this effect, a two‐fold increase of the initial deceleration of the ejection sheet is observed for the softest sample. The main underlying mechanism for the observed phenomena is believed to be the magnetic‐field‐induced stiffening of the MAEs. Further possible mechanisms are magnetically induced changes in the surface roughness and magnetic‐field‐induced plasticity (magnetic shape memory effect). The potential application areas are magnetically regulable wetting and magneto‐responsive surfaces for controlling the drop splashing.
Balancing the Transmittance and Carrier‐Collection Ability of Ag Nanowire Networks for High‐Performance Self‐Powered Ga2O3 Schottky Photodiode
Authors: Tan Pengju , Zhao Xiaolong , Hou Xiaohu , Yu Yangtong , Yu Shunjie , Ma Xiaolan , Zhang Zhongfang , Ding Mengfan , Xu Guangwei , Hu Qin , Gao Nan , Sun Haiding , Mu Wenxiang , Jia Zhitai , Tao Xutang , Long Shibing
Published: May 2021

Self‐powered solar‐blind photodiodes with convenient operation, easy fabrication, and weak‐light sensitivity, are highly desired in environmental monitoring and deep space exploration. Ga2O3 with its bandgap directly corresponding to solar‐blind waveband is a promising candidate material for solar‐blind photodetection. However, ever‐reported self‐powered Ga2O3 photodiodes suffer unsatisfactory photoresponse performance, owing to unideal interface and electrode transmittance. Here, Ag nanowire (AgNW) networks with excellent solar‐blind ultraviolet transmittance are introduced to form self‐powered AgNW–Ga2O3 photodiodes with sharp Schottky interfaces. The tradeoff between solar‐blind ultraviolet transmittance and carrier‐collection ability of the sparse AgNW network is systematically studied and the AgNW density is optimized for the best photoresponse. Expansion of depletion region outwards the AgNW–Ga2O3 contact and the field crowding effect facilitate the high photoresponse. As a result, the champion AgNW–Ga2O3 Schottky photodiode exhibits excellent sensitivity for weak‐light detection, including considerable responsivity of 14.8 mA W–1, ultrahigh photo‐to‐dark‐current ratio above 1.2 × 105, high rejection ratio (R254 nm/R365 nm) of 2.6 × 103, and fast response speed (rise/decay time of 20/24 ms) under self‐powered mode. Balancing the transmittance and carrier‐collection ability of elaborate electrode provides an alternative strategy to achieve high‐performance self‐powered Ga2O3 photodetectors for future weak‐light‐sensitive optoelectronic systems.
Energetic Arguments on the Microstructural Analysis in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kobayashi Takeshi , Smiatek Jens , Fyta Maria
Published: May 2021

The interaction of ionic liquids (ILs) with additives or impurities is crucial for the performance of ILs in technological applications. In order to understand the interaction between these, an insight onto the microscopic arrangement of molecules is needed. As a representative case, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([EMIM]+[DCA]−) mixtures are studied with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and water in bulk phase using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Different molar fractions of DMSO and water are studied to elucidate the influence of the molecular solute concentration on the structuring of the ILs. The results indicate that DMSO‐[EMIM]+[DCA] and water‐[EMIM]+[DCA]− mixtures are defined by quite distinct molecular interactions between the species. By increasing the DMSO or water concentration, in the former the solute molecules are repelled from the ions, while in the latter they accumulate closer to the ions. The differences arise from the weakening of the interactions between the ions imposed by the presence of the water molecules whereas DMSO promotes a strengthening of these interactions. Accordingly, this study provides a deep understanding of the IL behavior in combination with neutral solute molecules and allows for a proper selection of IL‐solute combinations in view of specific technological applications.
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: Diagnosis with ultrasound
Authors: Piotto Lino , Taranath Ajay
Published: May 2021

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an extremely rare connective tissue disease, diagnosed by genetic testing. This is the first report in English literature wherein an ultrasound examination suggested this specific diagnosis. In this case, a two month old girl presented with bi‐parieto‐occipital swellings that were being managed as subgaleal
haematoma. The parents were anxious that there was no resolution of the swellings. The suspicion of FOP was raised during the ultrasound examination where a review of the images prompted a questioning of the parents about other lesions in the body. Ultrasound examination of a lump in the thigh revealed calcifications in the vastus lateralis muscle. The appearances on the ultrasound combined with the presence of hallucis valgi suggested a diagnosis of FOP. The diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by genetic studies. This case highlights the need for good communication between the physician, patient and the imaging department.
Long‐term renal functional outcomes following ureteroureterostomy performed during multi‐organ resection for non‐urothelial cancers
Authors: Pisters Phillip W. , Ranasinghe Weranja , Wei Wei , Wood Christopher G. , Matin Surena F. , Ward John F. , Pisters Louis L.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the long‐term renal function outcomes after ureteroureterostomy (UU) in patients undergoing multi‐organ resection for non‐urothelial cancers. The secondary aim was to examine the length of ureteric defect that can be successfully bridged with UU.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who underwent UU between 1995 and 2012 at our institution. Renal imaging studies performed before and after UU were used to determine whether hydronephrosis was present. Renal function was assessed by comparing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before and at the last follow‐up after UU.

Results

Nineteen patients underwent UU during multi‐organ resection for non‐urothelial cancers. Median follow‐up time was 62 months. Overall, UU had a high success rate, with one patient (5.2%) developing progressive hydronephrosis with a >20% drop in eGFR from baseline due to UU failure. Four additional patients developed progressive hydronephrosis due to cancer recurrence involving the UU. There were no statistically significant differences between pre‐ and post‐UU eGFR in these patient cohort. All patients with a ureteric defect of ≤5 cm underwent successful reconstruction.

Conclusions

UU maintains long‐term renal function in the majority of patients undergoing multi‐organ resection for non‐urothelial cancers and can be successfully utilized if the resected ureteric length is ≤5 cm.
Temporal lobe epilepsy alters neural responses to human and avatar facial expressions in the face perception network
Authors: Kegel Lorena Chantal , Frühholz Sascha , Grunwald Thomas , Mersch Dieter , Rey Anton , Jokeit Hennric
Published: May 2021

Background and Objective

Although avatars are now widely used in advertisement, entertainment, and business today, no study has investigated whether brain lesions in neurological patients interfere with brain activation in response to dynamic avatar facial expressions. The aim of our event‐related fMRI study was to compare brain activation differences in people with epilepsy and controls during the processing of fearful and neutral dynamic expressions displayed by human or avatar faces.

Methods

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we examined brain responses to dynamic facial expressions of trained actors and their avatar look‐alikes in 16 people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and 26 controls. The actors' fearful and neutral expressions were recorded on video and conveyed onto their avatar look‐alikes by face tracking.

Results

Our fMRI results show that people with TLE exhibited reduced response differences between fearful and neutral expressions displayed by humans in the right amygdala and the left superior temporal sulcus (STS). Further, TLE was associated with reduced response differences between human and avatar fearful expressions in the dorsal pathway of the face perception network (STS and inferior frontal gyrus) as well as in the medial prefrontal cortex.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings suggest that brain responses to dynamic facial expressions are altered in people with TLE compared to neurologically healthy individuals—regardless of whether the face is human or computer‐generated. In TLE, areas sensitive to dynamic facial features and associated with processes relating to the self and others are particularly affected when processing dynamic human and avatar expressions. Our findings highlight that the impact of TLE on facial emotion processing must be extended to artificial faces and should be considered when applying dynamic avatars in the context of neurological conditions.
Gastric pneumatosis in a patient with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Nishioka Hiroaki
Published: May 2021

Gastric pneumatosis can be caused by mechanical force, pulmonary disease, bacterial infection, and ischemic condition. It can be managed conservatively, however, according to the etiology, surgery may be required.
Hypopituitarism secondary to a pituitary metastasis in a young woman with an invasive breast carcinoma
Authors: Oueslati Ibtissem , Ayari Sabrina , Yazidi Meriem , Bouali Sofiene , Khessairi Nadia , Chihaoui Melika
Published: May 2021

Hypopituitarism secondary to a pituitary metastasis is rare and difficult to diagnose since its symptoms are nonspecific. The presence of visual deficits and nerve palsies should suggest the presence of a pituitary metastasis in a cancer patient.
Highly Sensitive Hydrogen Peroxide Biosensor Based on Tobacco Peroxidase Immobilized on p‐Phenylenediamine Diazonium Cation Grafted Carbon Nanotubes: Preventing Fenton‐like Inactivation at Negative Potential
Authors: Ciogli Leonardo , Zumpano Rosaceleste , Poloznikov Andrey A. , Hushpulian Dmitry M. , Tishkov Vladimir I. , Andreu Rafael , Gorton Lo , Mazzei Franco , Favero Gabriele , Bollella Paolo
Published: May 2021

Herein, we present a novel electrode platform for H2O2 detection based on the immobilization of recombinant Tobacco Peroxidase (r‐TOP) onto graphite electrodes (G) modified with p‐phenylenediamine (p‐PD) diazonium cation grafted multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The employment of both p‐phenylenediamine moieties and covalent cross‐linking by using glutaraldehyde allowed us to enhance the sensitivity, stability, and selectivity toward H2O2 detection, as well as preventing enzyme inactivation due to the electro‐Fenton reaction. This reaction continuously produces hydroxyl radicals, whose high and unselective reactivity is likely to reduce drastically the operating life of the biosensor. The protection against the electro‐Fenton reaction is mainly ascribed to a beneficial enzyme immobilization leading to a correct orientation achieved through cross‐linking the enzyme in combination with interaction between the uncoupled ‐NH2 groups (mainly uncharged at pH 7, considering a pKa of 4.6) available on the electrode surface and the enzyme. In particular, the electrode based on the r‐TOP/p‐PD/MWCNTs/G platform showed a lower limit of detection of 1.8 μM H2O2, an extended linear range between 6 and 900 μM H2O2, as well as a significant increase in sensitivity (63.1±0.1 μA mM−1 cm−2) compared with previous work based on TOP. Finally, the r‐TOP/p‐PD/MWCNTs/G electrode was tested in several H2O2 spiked food samples as a screening analytical method for the detection of H2O2.
Untersuchung verbesserter Methoden zur Vermeidung von Entrainment in Rektifikationskolonnen
Authors: Merkel Florian Stephan , Michelsen Britt
Published: May 2021

Der unerwünschte Mitriss von Tropfen (Entrainment) in nachfolgende Apparate‐ und/oder Prozessbereiche stellt ein wesentliches Hemmnis für die Gestaltung und den Betrieb von energieeffizienten Gas‐ bzw. Dampf/flüssig‐Trennprozessen, wie Rektifikation, Ab‐ und Desorption oder Verdampfung, dar. Ausgelöst durch Durchsatz‐, Druck‐ und Temperaturschwankungen kommt es des Öfteren zu Betriebszuständen, die zu Tropfenbildung und ‐mitriss führen. Dies resultiert in erheblichen energetischen und wirtschaftlichen Verlusten. Im Rahmen des Verbundprojekts TERESA wurden daher neue Ansätze untersucht, um Entrainment am Beispiel des Rektifikationsprozesses zu reduzieren.
Study of the ultrastructure of Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans incubated with salivary antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Blancas Blanca , Lanzagorta María de Lourdes , Jiménez‐Garcia Luis Felipe , Lara Reyna , Molinari José Luis , Fernández Ana María
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Enterococcus faecalis has been associated with root canal infections, while Streptococcus mutans has a central role in the etiology of dental caries. One of the main reasons of endodontic failure has been associated to the presence of E. faecalis and the formation of biofilms. S. mutans inhabits the oral cavity, specifically the dental plaque, which is a multispecies biofilm formed on the hard surfaces of the tooth. The biofilm formation is the main factor determining the pathogenicity of numerous bacteria. Natural antimicrobial peptides in the saliva protect against pathogenic bacteria and biofilms. The aim of this study was to assess the ultrastructural damage induced by salivary peptides in bacteria involved in biofilms has not been previously studied.

Material and methods

Enterococcus faecalis and S. mutans incubated with cystatin C, chromogranin A, or histatin 5 were morphologically analyzed and counted. The ultrastructural damage was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Results

A decrease in bacterial numbers was observed after incubation with cystatin C, chromogranin A, or histatin 5, compared to the control group (P <  0.001). Ultrastructural damage in E. faecalis and S. mutans incubated with salivary peptides was found in the cell wall, plasma membrane with a decreased distance between the bilayers, a granular pattern in the cytoplasm, and pyknotic nucleoids.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that salivary peptides exert antibacterial activity and induce morphological damage on E. faecalis and S. mutans. Knowledge on the ultrastructural damage inflicted by salivary antimicrobial peptides on two important bacteria causing dental caries and root canal infections could aid the design of new therapeutic approaches to facilitate the elimination of these bacteria.
Practical demonstration of a RRAM memory fuse
Authors: Serb Alexander , Khiat Ali , Prodromakis Themis
Published: May 2021

Since its inception, the resistive random access memory (RRAM) fuse has been a good example of how small numbers of RRAM devices can be combined to obtain useful behaviors unachievable by individual devices. In this work, we link the RRAM fuse concept with that of the complementary resistive switch (CRS), exploit that link to experimentally demonstrate a practical RRAM fuse using TiOx‐based RRAM cells, and explain its basic operational principles. The fuse is stimulated by trains of identical pulses where successive pulse trains feature opposite polarities. In response, we observe a gradual (analogue) drop in resistive state followed by a gradual recovery phase regardless of input stimulus polarity, echoing traditional, binary CRS behavior. This analogue switching property opens the possibility of operating the RRAM fuse as a single‐component step change detector. Moreover, we discover that the characteristics of the individual RRAM devices used to demonstrate the RRAM fuse concept in this work allow our fuse to be operated in a regime where one of the two constituent devices can be switched largely independently from the other. This property, not present in the traditional CRS, indicates that the inherently analogue RRAM fuse architecture may support additional operational flexibility through, for example, allowing finer control over its resistive state.
Indoor exposure to airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: A comparison of stir bar sorptive extraction and pump sampling
Authors: Becker Roland , Heyn Lisa , Jung Christian
Published: May 2021

Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) was compared with standardized pump sampling regarding the prospects to assess airborne levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor environments. A historic railway water tower, which will be preserved as a technical monument for museum purposes, was sampled with both approaches because the built‐in insulation material was suspected to release PAHs to the indoor air. The 16 PAHs on the US EPA list were quantified using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection in filters from pump sampling after solvent extraction and on SBSE devices after thermal desorption. SBSE was seen to sample detectable PAH masses with excellent repeatability and a congener pattern largely similar to that observed with pump sampling. Congener patterns were however significantly different from that in the PAH source because release from the insulation material is largely triggered by the respective congener vapor pressures. Absolute masses in the ng range sampled by SBSE corresponded to airborne concentrations in the ng L−1 range determined by pump sampling. Principle differences between SBSE and pump sampling as well as prospects of SBSE as cost‐effective and versatile complement of pump sampling are discussed.
No effect of very brief exposure to masked food pictures on fear of food in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Palmer Simon , Gronemann Jana , Mattler Uwe , Febry Hagen , Wünsch‐Leiteritz Wally , Leiteritz Andreas , Brockmeyer Timo
Published: May 2021

Objective

Very brief exposure to masked images of spider stimuli can facilitate approach behaviour towards spiders in fearful subjects. We hypothesized that a similar effect might occur for fear of food in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), possibly offering a new treatment approach, with advantages over other methods of food exposure.

Methods

Patients with AN (n = 60) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions and received a single session of exposure to either masked and very briefly presented food images, clearly visible food images, or masked non‐food images (i.e. household items). Effects of the three exposure conditions on fear of food and food avoidance were examined.

Results

Contrary to our expectations, very brief food cue exposure was not superior to the control conditions regarding fear of food and approach behaviour towards food immediately after the intervention and body mass index four weeks later.

Conclusion

This finding suggests important differences between fear of food in AN and specific phobias such as fear of spiders. The absence of an effect reveals limitations of the very brief exposure method, which might be better suited for evolutionarily relevant threat stimuli.
Comparative analysis of thermal runaway characteristics of lithium‐ion battery under oven test and local high temperature
Authors: Zhu Lei , Xu Xiaoming , Zhao Lei , Yuan Qiuqi
Published: May 2021

Lithium‐ion batteries are increasingly used in the field of new energy vehicles. Thermal runaway is the biggest potential safety hazard. In order to achieve safer battery and battery design, it is necessary to fully understand thermal runaway. In this paper, the thermal abuse model of lithium‐ion battery is established, and the accuracy of the model simulation is verified through experiments. The thermal runaway characteristics of the battery under the oven test and local heating conditions are compared and analyzed. The results show that under the condition of 200°C oven test in more than 10 000 seconds to thermal runaway, the local heating under the condition of the thermal runaway in more than 500 seconds, and the oven temperature distribution more uniform on the surface of the test under the condition of the battery, the temperature distribution is almost consistent when thermal runaway. According to the characteristics of local heating mode, the small heating area cannot occur thermal runaway, and found that in the process of thermal runaway battery anode and electrolyte reaction to generate heat is the main cause of thermal runaway battery. This result can be used to guide the effective prevention of thermal runaway of lithium‐ion batteries and prevent spreading.
Transcriptional Analysis of Liver Tissue Identifies Distinct Phenotypes of Indeterminate Pediatric Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Chapin Catherine A , Taylor Sarah A , Malladi Padmini , Neighbors Katie , Melin‐Aldana Hector , Kreiger Portia A , Bowsher Nina , Schipma Matthew J , Loomes Kathleen M , Behrens Edward M , Alonso Estella M
Published: May 2021

Many patients with indeterminate pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) have evidence of T‐cell driven immune injury; however, the precise inflammatory pathways are not well defined. We have characterized the hepatic cytokine and transcriptional signatures of patients with PALF. A retrospective review was performed on 22 children presenting with indeterminate (IND‐PALF; n = 17) or other known diagnoses (DX‐PALF; n = 6) with available archived liver tissue. Specimens were stained for clusters of differentiation 8 (CD8) T cells and scored as dense, moderate, or minimal. Measurement of immune analytes and RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) was performed on whole‐liver tissue. Immune analyte data were analyzed by principal component analysis, and RNA‐seq was analyzed by unsupervised hierarchical clustering, differential gene expression, and gene‐set enrichment analysis. Most patients with IND‐PALF (94%) had dense/moderate CD8 staining and were characterized by Th1 immune analytes including tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL) 1β, IL‐12, C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 9, and CXCL12. Transcriptional analyses identified two transcriptional PALF phenotypes. Most patients in group 1 (91%) had IND‐PALF and dense/moderate CD8 staining. This group was characterized by increased expression of genes and cell subset–specific signatures related to innate inflammation, T‐cell activation, and antigen stimulation. Group 1 expressed significantly higher levels of gene signatures for regulatory T cells, macrophages, Th1 cells, T effector memory cells, cytotoxic T cells, and activated dendritic cells (adjusted P < 0.05). In contrast, patients in group 2 exhibited increased expression for genes involved in metabolic processes. Conclusion: Patients with IND‐PALF have evidence of a Th1‐mediated inflammatory response driven by IFN‐γ. Transcriptional analyses suggest that a complex immune network may regulate an immune‐driven PALF phenotype with less evidence of metabolic processes. These findings provide insight into mechanisms of hepatic injury in PALF, areas for future research, and potential therapeutic targets.