bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between severe chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury in predicting mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Insights from the Italian Clinical Service Project
Authors: Adamo Marianna , Provini Martino , Fiorina Claudia , Giannini Cristina , Angelillis Marco , Testa Luca , Barbanti Marco , Merlanti Bruno , Poli Arnaldo , Ferrara Erica , Latib Azeem , Reimers Bernhard , Maffeo Diego , Bruschi Giuseppe , Montorfano Matteo , Petronio Anna Sonia , Bedogni Francesco , Tamburino Corrado , Metra Marco , Curello Salvatore
Published: July 2020

Aims

We aim at exploring whether severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) may modify the impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) post‐transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on early, mid, and long‐term mortality.

Methods and results

The analysis included 2,733 TAVI patients from the Italian Clinical Service Project. The population was stratified in four groups according to the presence of baseline severe CKD and postprocedural AKI. All‐cause mortality was the primary end point. Postprocedural AKI is associated with an increased risk of early and mid‐term mortality after TAVI regardless of baseline severe CKD. Preprocedural severe CKD is associated with an increased risk of long‐term mortality after TAVI regardless of postprocedural AKI. No interaction between preprocedural severe CKD and postprocedural AKI was observed in predicting mortality at both 30‐day (CKD: hazard ratio [HR] = 2.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15–6.12; no‐CKD: HR = 3.83, 95% CI = 2.23–6.58; Pint = .129) and 1‐year (CKD: HR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.37–3.82; no‐CKD: HR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.75–3.49; Pint = .386). Preprocedural severe CKD is an independent predictor of postprocedural AKI (HR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.56–3.03; p < .001) as well as general anesthesia and access alternative to femoral. Among no‐AKI patients, those with severe CKD at admission underwent kidney function recovery after TAVI (serum creatinine at baseline 2.24 ± 1.57 mg/dL and at 48‐hr 1.80 ± 1.17 mg/dL; p = .003).

Conclusions

Preprocedural severe CKD did not modify the impact of postprocedural AKI in predicting early and mid‐term mortality after TAVI. Closely monitoring of serum creatinine and strategies to prevent AKI post‐TAVI are needed also in patients without severe CKD at admission.
Fluorinated Oleophilic Electrochromic Copolymer Based on 3‐(N‐Trifluoroacetamido)thiophene and 3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT)
Authors: Wang Hu , Shen Yiyao , Ma Peihua , Bonnefont Antoine , Lv Yaokang , Ruhlmann Laurent , Ni Hang , Liu Wuchan , Zhang Cheng
Published: July 2020

A new fluorine‐containing monomer 3‐(N‐trifluoroacetamido)thiophene (F‐TH) was synthesized and characterized for the first time. Its molecular structure was determined through a single‐crystal X‐ray study. F‐TH functions as a building block in electropolymerization with 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and subsequently gives a novel conjugated copolymer P(F‐TH : EDOT). Compared with the parent homopolymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) film, the sponge‐like nanoporous P(F‐TH : EDOT) film has a slightly larger band gap with a reduced hydrophilic and increased oleophilic surface. Spectroelectrochemical analysis results reveal that P(F‐TH : EDOT) exhibits excellent electrochromic performances with a higher optical contrast (55 %) and much shorter coloring time (0.70 s) than that of PEDOT (43 %, 1.54 s). The coloration efficiency value of P(F‐TH : EDOT) achieves up to 167.9 cm2/C, 55 % higher than that of PEDOT (108.1 cm2/C). These improved electrochromic properties of P(F‐TH : EDOT) are probably related with the enhanced wettability to electrolyte solution.
A novel Axin2 knock‐in mouse model for visualization and lineage tracing of WNT/CTNNB1 responsive cells
Authors: van de Moosdijk Anoeska Agatha Alida , van de Grift Yorick Bernardus Cornelis , de Man Saskia Madelon Ada , Zeeman Amber Lisanne , van Amerongen Renée
Published: July 2020

Wnt signal transduction controls tissue morphogenesis, maintenance and regeneration in all multicellular animals. In mammals, the WNT/CTNNB1 (Wnt/β‐catenin) pathway controls cell proliferation and cell fate decisions before and after birth. It plays a critical role at multiple stages of embryonic development, but also governs stem cell maintenance and homeostasis in adult tissues. However, it remains challenging to monitor endogenous WNT/CTNNB1 signaling dynamics in vivo. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a new knock‐in mouse strain that doubles as a fluorescent reporter and lineage tracing driver for WNT/CTNNB1 responsive cells. We introduced a multi‐cistronic targeting cassette at the 3′ end of the universal WNT/CTNNB1 target gene Axin2. The resulting knock‐in allele expresses a bright fluorescent reporter (3xNLS‐SGFP2) and a doxycycline‐inducible driver for lineage tracing (rtTA3). We show that the Axin2P2A‐rtTA3‐T2A‐3xNLS‐SGFP2 strain labels WNT/CTNNB1 responsive cells at multiple anatomical sites during different stages of embryonic and postnatal development. It faithfully reports the subtle and dynamic changes in physiological WNT/CTNNB1 signaling activity that occur in vivo. We expect this mouse strain to be a useful resource for biologists who want to track and trace the location and developmental fate of WNT/CTNNB1 responsive stem cells in different contexts.
Wolbachia have made it twice: Hybrid introgression between two sister species of Eurema butterflies
Authors: N. Miyata Mai , Nomura Masashi , Kageyama Daisuke
Published: July 2020

Wolbachia, cytoplasmically inherited endosymbionts of arthropods, are known to hijack their host reproduction in various ways to increase their own vertical transmission. This may lead to the selective sweep of associated mitochondria, which can have a large impact on the evolution of mitochondrial lineages. In Japan, two different Wolbacahia strains (wCI and wFem) are found in two sister species of pierid butterflies, Eurema mandarina and Eurema hecabe. In both species, females infected with wCI (C females) produce offspring with a nearly 1:1 sex ratio, while females infected with both wCI and wFem (CF females) produce all‐female offspring. Previous studies have suggested the historical occurrence of hybrid introgression in C individuals between the two species. Furthermore, hybrid introgression in CF individuals is suggested by the distinct mitochondrial lineages between C females and CF females of E. mandarina. In this study, we performed phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA markers of E. hecabe with previously published data on E. mandarina. We found that the nuclear DNA of this species significantly diverged from that of E. mandarina. By contrast, mitochondrial DNA haplotypes comprised two clades, mostly reflecting Wolbachia infection status rather than the individual species. Collectively, our results support the previously suggested occurrence of two independent historical events wherein the cytoplasms of CF females and C females moved between E. hecabe and E. mandarina through hybrid introgression.
Giant cell myocarditis in an older patient – reassessing the threshold for endomyocardial biopsy
Authors: Dusík Milan , Daud Anees , Šmíd Ondřej , Havránek Štěpán , Vítková Ivana , Revelo Monica Patricia , Stehlik Josef , Linhart Aleš , Bělohlávek Jan
Published: July 2020

Giant cell myocarditis is a rare form of autoimmune myocarditis with high morbidity and mortality that affects mainly middle‐aged adults. We report a case study of a 70‐year‐old man on chronic immunosuppression who presented with sustained ventricular tachycardia and symptoms of acute systolic heart failure, both with poor response to standard measures. A decision to pursue endomyocardial biopsy established the diagnosis of GCM and lead to initiation of immunosuppressive therapy and a favourable outcome. Our case illustrates that a low threshold for endomyocardial biopsy in new onset heart failure can lead to actionable information even in patients of advanced age.
Optimization of athletic pasta formulation by D‐optimal mixture design
Authors: Kamali Rousta Leila , Ghandehari Yazdi Amir Pouya , Amini Mahdi
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to produce an athletic pasta by the addition of various sources of protein. For this purpose, D‐optimal mixture design used for optimization of formulation of athletic pasta and protein with considering the hardness as main parameter. Various properties of the optimized formulation were evaluated. The optimal formulation contained 45.41% of semolina, 24% of pea protein isolate (PPI), 18% of oat flour (OF), 5% of soy protein isolate (SPI), 5% whey protein isolate (WPI), and 2% of gluten (G). In optimized formulation, the protein content increased by more than 2.9 times compared to control with the hardness in the range (569 g). Hardness, optimal cooking time, and cooking loss of products increased as the level of protein increased. The optimal formulation had a higher sensory acceptance than the control, which is probably related to color changes. Due to the amount and biological value of the proteins used and the high acceptance obtained, this formulation can be suggested for athletes. The obtained results indicated that production of athletic pasta with high biological value by using mixture of SPI, PPI, WPI, OF, and G is possible.
Tightening the retinal glia limitans attenuates neuroinflammation after optic nerve injury
Authors: Lefevere Evy , Salinas‐Navarro Manuel , Andries Lien , Noterdaeme Lut , Etienne Isabelle , Van Wonterghem Elien , Vinckier Stefan , Davis Benjamin M. , Van Bergen Tine , Van Hove Inge , Movahedi Kiavash , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E. , Moons Lieve , De Groef Lies
Published: July 2020

Increasing evidence suggests that functional impairments at the level of the neurovascular unit (NVU) underlie many neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. While being part of the NVU, astrocytes have been largely overlooked in this context and only recently, tightening of the glia limitans has been put forward as an important neuroprotective response to limit these injurious processes. In this study, using the retina as a central nervous system (CNS) model organ, we investigated the structure and function of the glia limitans, and reveal that the blood–retina barrier and glia limitans function as a coordinated double barrier to limit infiltration of leukocytes and immune molecules. We provide in vitro and in vivo evidence for a protective response at the NVU upon CNS injury, which evokes inflammation‐induced glia limitans tightening. Matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3) was found to be a crucial regulator of this process, thereby revealing its beneficial and immunomodulatory role in the CNS. in vivo experiments in which MMP‐3 activity was deleted via genetic and pharmacological approaches, combined with a comprehensive study of tight junction molecules, glial end feet markers, myeloid cell infiltration, cytokine expression and neurodegeneration, show that MMP‐3 attenuates neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration by tightening the glia limitans, thereby pointing to a prominent role of MMP‐3 in preserving the integrity of the NVU upon injury. Finally, we gathered promising evidence to suggest that IL1b, which is also regulated by MMP‐3, is at least one of the molecular messengers that induces glia limitans tightening in the injured CNS.
Seeing is believing? When scanning electron microscopy (SEM) meets clinical dentistry: The replica technique.
Authors: Naves Lucas Zago , Gerdolle David‐Alain , de Andrade Oswaldo Scopin , Markus Maria Gresnigt Marco
Published: July 2020

In restorative dentistry, the in situ replication of intra‐oral situations, is based on a non‐invasive and non‐destructive scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation method. The technique is suitable for investigation restorative materials and dental hard‐ and soft‐tissues, and its interfaces. Surface characteristics, integrity of interfaces (margins), or fracture analysis (chipping, cracks, etc.) with reliable resolution and under high magnification (from ×50 to ×5,000). Overall the current study aims to share detailed and reproducible information about the replica technique. Specific goals are: (a) to describe detailed each step involved in producing a replica of an intra‐oral situation, (b) to validate an integrated workflow based on a rational sequence from visual examination, to macrophotography and SEM analysis using the replica technique; (c) to present three clinical cases documented using the technique. A compilation of three clinical situations/cases were analyzed here by means the replica technique showing a wide range of possibilities that can be reached and explored with the described technique. This guidance document will contribute to a more accurate use of the replica technique and help researchers and clinicians to understand and identify issues related to restorative procedures under high magnification.
Restoration Potential of Bighorn Sheep in a Prairie Region
Authors: Devoe Jesse D. , Lowrey Blake , Proffitt Kelly M. , Garrott Robert A.
Published: July 2020

Efforts to recover Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) throughout western North America have had limited success with the majority of current populations remaining in small and isolated areas on a fraction of their historical range. Prairie environments with rugged topography throughout the Northern Great Plains ecoregion were historically occupied by relatively robust bighorn sheep populations. We predicted there is likely unrealized potential habitat for restoring bighorn sheep to these areas; however, relatively little attention has been devoted to identifying habitat in unoccupied prairie regions. We used global positioning system (GPS)‐collar data collected from 43 female bighorn sheep in 2 populations located in the eastern Montana, USA, portion of the Northern Great Plains during 2014–2018 to estimate a population‐level annual resource selection model and identify the important factors affecting bighorn sheep resource selection. We extrapolated model predictions across eastern Montana's prairie region and identified potential habitat to understand restoration potential and assist with future translocations of bighorn sheep. Resource selection of bighorn sheep was most strongly associated with terrain slope and ruggedness, tree canopy cover, and a normalized difference vegetation index metric. Within currently unoccupied areas of the historical range, the model extrapolation predicted 7,211 km2 of habitat, with most owned and managed by private landowners (44%), Bureau of Land Management (33%), and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (15%). Our results provide an empirical evaluation of landscape covariates influencing resource selection of bighorn sheep occupying prairie environments and provide a habitat model that may be generalizable to other areas in the Northern Great Plains ecoregion. We demonstrate substantial potential for restoration opportunities of bighorn sheep in the Northern Great Plains ecoregion. Broad restoration of bighorn sheep across the ecoregion would likely require strong collaboration among and between public resource managers, private landowners, and livestock producers given the heterogeneous land ownership patterns, management strategies, and domestic sheep distributions. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
A meta‐analysis of primary productivity and rain use efficiency in terrestrial grassland ecosystems
Authors: Yang Zhongling , Collins Scott L. , Bixby Rebecca J. , Song Hongquan , Wang Dong , Xiao Rui
Published: July 2020

A comprehensive understanding of annual net primary productivity (ANPP) and rain‐use efficiency (RUE) along precipitation gradients is critial for grassland conservation under climate change. However, how ANPP and RUE respond to changes in precipitation at different spatial and temporal scales remains uncertain. The aim of this research was to clarify these things. Using data from 21 field experiments, with an average sampling period of 14.3 years in 32 sites, 18 of which are in China, we evaluated the relationship of mean annual precipitation (MAP) with ANPP and RUE across spatial and temporal scales in grassland ecosystems. Our study showed different degrees of sensitivity of ANPP and RUE to changing precipitation spatially and temporally. First, analysis supports the well‐known positive linear relationship between ANPP and MAP. Second, we found that ANPP increases with increasing precipitation regardless of the actual precipitation amount of the study sites, whereas ANPP increased 0.2 g m−2 more than it declined per 1 mm change in precipitation. Third, RUE increased with increasing MAP across sites, whereas RUE generally decreased with annual precipitation within most sites. Finally, the temporal variation in RUE within sites is lower than the overall spatial pattern of variation across sites. The lack of consistency in ANPP and RUE among years and across sites in response to interannual variation in precipitation indicates the complexity of ecological indicators characterizing precipitation changes. These findings highlight the prevalence of site‐specific variation in precipitation‐ANPP relationships.
Amino acid profile, pasting, and sensory properties of croissant snacks produced from wheat‐fermented Bambara flour
Authors: Arise Abimbola K. , Taiwo Ganiyat O. , Malomo Sunday A.
Published: July 2020

Croissants are wheat flour‐based delicious bakery products that are usually consumed as part of breakfast or lunch meals. In this study, fermented bambara groundnut was used to supplement wheat flour in the following ratios (5:95%; 10:90%; 15:85%; 20:80%, and 25:75%, respectively) to produce croissant snacks. The results of the functional properties of the flour blends revealed an increase in water absorption capacity (81–92%) and bulk densities (0.81–1.20 g/cm3) with an increased added ratio of fermented Bambara flour. Contrarily, increasing the Bambara groundnut in the blend resulted in the decreased oil absorption capacity (70–63%) and the swelling capacity (0.75–0.4%). The pasting characteristics data revealed an increase in pasting temperature and setback viscosity and a decrease in peak, breakdown, and final viscosities, as well as trough and peak time with an increase in the addition of fermented Bambara flour. Proximate composition of the croissant showed an increase in protein, fiber, ash, moisture, and fat content and a decrease in carbohydrate content. Physical properties data showed an increase in loaf weight but a decrease in loaf volume and specific volume of the snacks. The amino acid profile showed an increase in the amount of essential amino acids in the enriched croissants (28.66/100 g protein) compared with the control sample (24.05/100 g protein). The sensory attributes obtained for the croissants showed that the products were highly acceptable by the panelists. Hence, the affirmation that the acceptable quality and high nutritional croissants could be produced from wheat‐fermented Bambara groundnut flour blends.
Navigating telemedicine for facial trauma during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Said Mena , Ngo Victoria , Hwang Joshua , Hom David B.
Published: July 2020

Importance

The COVID‐19 pandemic is changing how health care providers practice. As some telemedicine and telecommunication support tools have been incorporated into the otolaryngology practice in response to safety and access demands, it is essential to review how these tools and services can help facilitate facial trauma evaluation during a time when clinical resources are limited.

Objective

To review applications of telemedicine for the evaluation of facial trauma to better direct utilization of these methods and technologies during times of limited access to clinical resources such as the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science.

Results

After screening 158 titles and abstracts, we identified 16 eligible studies involving facial trauma evaluation using telemedicine. Telemedicine opportunities for facial trauma evaluation have the potential to be developed in the areas of multidisciplinary remote consultations, facial trauma triage, patient engagement, and postoperative follow‐up.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic is posing obstacles for both providers and patients in the delivery of health care at a time of limited clinical resources. Telemedicine may provide a potential useful tool in the evaluation and triage of facial injuries and patient engagement.
On the well‐posedness of coupled forward–backward stochastic differential equations driven by Teugels martingales
Authors: Guerdouh Dalila , Khelfallah Nabil , Mezerdi Brahim
Published: July 2020

We deal with a class of fully coupled forward–backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs), driven by Teugels martingales associated with a general Lévy process. Under some assumptions on the derivatives of the coefficients, we prove the existence and uniqueness of a global solution on an arbitrarily large time interval. Moreover, we establish stability and comparison theorems for the solutions of such equations. Note that the present work extends known results proved for FBSDEs driven by a Brownian motion, by using martingale techniques related to jump processes, to overcome the lack of continuity.
From immersion to intention? Exploring advances in prosocial storytelling
Authors: Pressgrove Geah , Bowman Nicholas David
Published: July 2020

Little empirical work has explored the psychological processes triggered by immersive technologies and how they might lead to more effective desirable prosocial outcomes. Thus, the current study explores two different modalities for presenting 360 videos—YouTube and head‐mounted display (HMD)—as strategies for engaging audiences with cause‐related stories. Across three stories, using these technologies led to the highest levels of presence, but there was no association between presence and increased attitudes towards the story content. Only narrative engagement impacted prosocial attitudes towards the video content. Data suggest that regardless of the technology used, telling engaging narratives that increase the viewer's self‐efficacy is key to behavioral intentions—immersive technologies help viewers feel closer to the physical location of the narrative, but not the narrative itself.
Systematic Optimization of the iMALDI Workflow for the Robust and Straightforward Quantification of Signaling Proteins in Cancer Cells
Authors: Froehlich Bjoern C. , Popp Robert , Sobsey Constance A. , Ibrahim Sahar , LeBlanc Andre M. , Mohammed Yassene , Aguilar‐Mahecha Adriana , Poetz Oliver , Chen Michael X. , Spatz Alan , Basik Mark , Batist Gerald , Zahedi René P. , Borchers Christoph H.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Immuno‐MALDI (iMALDI) combines immuno‐enrichment of biomarkers with MALDI‐MS for fast, precise, and specific quantitation, making it a valuable tool for developing clinical assays. iMALDI assays are optimized for the PI3‐kinase signaling pathway members phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and PI3‐kinase catalytic subunit alpha (p110α), with regard to sensitivity, robustness, and throughput. A standardized template for developing future iMALDI assays, including automation protocols to streamline assay development and translation, is provided.

Experimental Design

Conditions for tryptic digestion and immuno‐enrichment (beads, bead:antibody ratios, incubation times, direct vs. indirect immuno‐enrichment) are rigorously tested. Different strategies for calibration and data readout are compared.

Results

Digestion using 1:2 protein:trypsin (wt:wt) for 1 h yielded high and consistent peptide recoveries. Direct immuno‐enrichment (antibody‐bead coupling prior to antigen‐enrichment) yielded 30% higher peptide recovery with a 1 h shorter incubation time than indirect enrichment. Immuno‐enrichment incubation overnight yielded 1.5‐fold higher sensitivities than 1 h incubation. Quantitation of the endogenous target proteins is not affected by the complexity of the calibration matrix, further simplifying the workflow.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This optimized and automated workflow will facilitate the clinical translation of high‐throughput sensitive iMALDI assays for quantifying cell‐signaling proteins in individual tumor samples, thereby improving patient stratification for targeted treatment.
Photoelectrical and Photodegradation Characteristics Using Zirconyl Oxychloride as an Efficient Catalyst in Various Forms: A Comparison Study
Authors: Farag A. A. M. , Hussien Mai S. A. , Roushdy N.
Published: July 2020

In the present work, zirconyl oxychloride (ZOC) thin films were prepared by using the thermal evaporation technique under a vacuum of 5×10−6 Torr. The surface and crystalline investigation of the prepared films were done by using a scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction technique. The optical absorption coefficient was evaluated to find the type of transition which is indirectly allowed with an energy gap value of 3.45 eV. The photoresponse characteristics of the In/ZOC/In and Cu/ZOC/In diodes were examined by transient photocurrent measurements. Besides, ZOC, In/ZOC/In and Cu/ZOC/In was also used as a photocatalyst for an LBR textile dye removal under various conditions. Moreover, the photocatalytic degradation of aqueous LBR dye with the prepared catalysts was investigated under UV‐light irradiation. The results confirmed that Cu/ZOC/In photocatalyst is superior over the known photocatalyst and has high stability and reusability.
Shape‐Controlled Synthesis of Multicomponent‐Encapsulating Alginate Microparticles: Peanut‐, Spherical‐, and Disc‐Shaped Transformations
Authors: Bai Meng‐Yi , Wang Ting‐Teng , Chen Shiu‐Hsin , Wang Yu‐Chi , Yu Mu‐Hsien
Published: July 2020

Multicomponent‐encapsulating alginate microparticles were prepared using an electrospray system. The resultant particles were subject to stirring (varied from 0–1000 rpm) and cross‐linking processes with various concentrations of calcium chloride (varied from 2–16 wt %). We determined that a balance should be maintained between the stirring rate (related to the shear force) and cross‐linking degree (related to the hardness of the particle) to reach the shape control. The shape of the particle can be varied from a peanut shape to a disc shape, with up to 95.43 %±1.84 % monodispersed shape distribution. A microparticle drug encapsulation efficiency of 98 % was achieved, and the cell toxicity effect of reduction of 20–40 % growth toward ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV‐3 and CP70 by using the disk‐shape microparticle‐treated group was achieved, which is similar to that of 1/3 freeform dosage treatment group. Hyperthermia can be incorporated and integrated with chemotherapeutic treatment by applying an alternating magnetic field to multicomponent‐encapsulated alginate microparticles to further enhance the efficacy of treatment. The results of this study indicate that alginate particles can be used as drug carriers for ovarian cancer treatment and potentially for treatment of intraperitoneal metastatic carcinoma via spraying these disk‐shaped microparticles for internal lining attachment.
Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction on Pd‐Ni(OH)2 Composite Electrocatalysts in an Alkaline Electrolyte
Authors: Zhao Yawen , Wang Gongwei , Xiao Li , Lu Juntao , Zhuang Lin
Published: July 2020

Exploring the mechanism of hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkaline media is essential for the development of alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells (APEFCs). In this work, a series of Pd−Ni(OH)2 composites with different Pd/Ni atomic ratios (Pd : Ni=1:0 (without Ni addition), 7 : 1, 5 : 1, 3 : 1, 1 : 1) have been synthesized via wet chemical reduction method, and their corresponding HOR activities have been systematically evaluated with rotating disk electrode (RDE) technique. A good linear relationship between the HOR activities (described as the mass activity and exchange current density) and the surface oxophilicities (assessed by the oxidation current at 0.3 V vs. RHE in CO stripping voltammetry) is observed, indicating a bifunctional mechanism for HOR. The present study offers a direction for further improving the activity of Pd‐based HOR electrocatalyst.
Synthesis of Hydrophilic Aromatic Polyesteramide Porous Bodies Having Controlled Structures and Characteristics from Submicron‐Sized Particles
Authors: Yoshioka Yayoi
Published: July 2020

Crosslinked aromatic polyesteramide porous bodies with hydroxyl and amino groups are prepared by reacting m‐phthalyl chloride and 4,4′‐diamino‐3,3′‐dihydroxybiphenyl in acetone solutions containing pyridine and water via a one‐step precipitation polymerization method. These materials show meso and macroporous structures in which spherical particles with average diameters of 60–160 nm are aggregated and bonded. The pore diameter, particle diameter, copolymerization ratio, concentrations of functional groups, and degree of crystallinity depend on the proportions of water and pyridine in the reaction mixture. Pyridine accelerates both the esterification and amidation reactions while water promotes only the amidation. The degree of crystallinity is significantly affected not only by the monomer ratio in the copolymer but also by the environment during crystallization. The addition of water has a pronounced effect on the crystallization mechanism, although the porous bodies have crosslinked structures.
Screen‐Printed Borosilicate Glass Derived from Sol–Gel Materials for Back‐Contact Back‐Junction Solar Cells
Authors: Huyeng Jonas D. , Efinger Raphael , Keding Roman J. , Doll Oliver , Clement Florian
Published: July 2020

Borosilicate glass films deposited by chemical vapor deposition are used as boron dopant sources in silicon solar‐cell manufacturing, to reduce the fabrication costs of, e.g., back‐contact back‐junction (BCBJ) solar cells. Herein, an alternative dopant source is investigated, which can replace such layers by a printing step. The necessary paste is synthesized by the sol–gel method and optimized for screen printing as demonstrated. The liquid paste can be converted to a glass by thermal annealing, as evaluated by spectroscopic investigations of the resulting thin films. The resulting layers are uniform and crack‐free with a thickness of around 150 nm on silicon surfaces. It is shown that such layers can act as boron dopant sources on silicon, sufficient for the fabrication of BCBJ solar cells, as demonstrated by prototype devices.
An Ambient and Pervasive Personalized Learning Ecosystem: “Smart Learning” in the Age of the Internet of Things
Authors: Betts Anastasia , Thai Khanh-Phuong , Gunderia Sunil , Hidalgo Paula , Rothschild Meagan , Hughes Diana
Published: July 2020

Despite recent advances in technology, personalized learning to address diverse needs of students remains difficult to achieve at scale. With the availability and affordability of smart devices in the era of the Internet of Things, learners, parents, and educators are more “connected” than ever before. Education stakeholders and technology developers can leverage these advances to collect data about, inform, deliver, and improve education for all learners. In this paper, we review the core components of a Smart Learning framework and describe a personalized mastery-based learning system that leverages the framework to deliver personalized learning at scale. In the context of Smart Learning in the Internet of Things, we propose an Ambient and Pervasive Personalized Learning Ecosystem (APPLE), a learner-centered approach that uses Bloom’s Four Agents of Change in the Internet of Things ecosystem to provide learners a comprehensive and personalized learning experience. This ecosystem uses people, processes, data, things, and networked connections to create new capabilities, richer learning experiences, and unprecedented educational opportunities for learners, educators, and families. We further discuss the challenges surrounding the implementation of such an ecosystem, specifically calling for applications of learning engineering approaches, the need of interoperability across systems and components, and the importance of ethical considerations.
An approach for optimizing multi-objective problems using hybrid genetic algorithms
Authors: Maghawry Ahmed , Hodhod Rania , Omar Yasser , Kholief Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Optimization problems can be found in many aspects of our lives. An optimization problem can be approached as searching problem where an algorithm is proposed to search for the value of one or more variables that minimizes or maximizes an optimization function depending on an optimization goal. Multi-objective optimization problems are also abundant in many aspects of our lives with various applications in different fields in applied science. To solve such problems, evolutionary algorithms have been utilized including genetic algorithms that can achieve decent search space exploration. Things became even harder for multi-objective optimization problems when the algorithm attempts to optimize more than one objective function. In this paper, we propose a hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) that utilizes a genetic algorithm (GA) to perform a global search supported by the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) to perform a local search. The proposed HGA achieved the concept of rehabilitation of rejected individuals. The proposed HGA was supported by a modified selection mechanism based on the K-means clustering algorithm that succeeded to restrict the selection process to promising solutions only and assured a balanced distribution of both the selected to survive and selected for rehabilitation individuals. The proposed algorithm was tested against 4 benchmark multi-objective optimization functions where it succeeded to achieve maximum balance between search space exploration and search space exploitation. The algorithm also succeeded in improving the HGA’s overall performance by limiting the average number of iterations until convergence.
The effects of mutant Ras proteins on the cell signalome
Authors: Takács Tamás , Kudlik Gyöngyi , Kurilla Anita , Szeder Bálint , Buday László , Vas Virag
Published: July 2020

The genetic alterations in cancer cells are tightly linked to signaling pathway dysregulation. Ras is a key molecule that controls several tumorigenesis-related processes, and mutations in RAS genes often lead to unbiased intensification of signaling networks that fuel cancer progression. In this article, we review recent studies that describe mutant Ras-regulated signaling routes and their cross-talk. In addition to the two main Ras-driven signaling pathways, i.e., the RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, we have also collected emerging data showing the importance of Ras in other signaling pathways, including the RAC/PAK, RalGDS/Ral, and PKC/PLC signaling pathways. Moreover, microRNA-regulated Ras-associated signaling pathways are also discussed to highlight the importance of Ras regulation in cancer. Finally, emerging data show that the signal alterations in specific cell types, such as cancer stem cells, could promote cancer development. Therefore, we also cover the up-to-date findings related to Ras-regulated signal transduction in cancer stem cells.
The Role of Mental Effort in Fostering Self-Regulated Learning with Problem-Solving Tasks
Authors: van Gog Tamara , Hoogerheide Vincent , van Harsel Milou
Published: July 2020

Problem-solving tasks form the backbone of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curricula. Yet, how to improve self-monitoring and self-regulation when learning to solve problems has received relatively little attention in the self-regulated learning literature (as compared with, for instance, learning lists of items or learning from expository texts). Here, we review research on fostering self-regulated learning of problem-solving tasks, in which mental effort plays an important role. First, we review research showing that having students engage in effortful, generative learning activities while learning to solve problems can provide them with cues that help them improve self-monitoring and self-regulation at an item level (i.e., determining whether or not a certain type of problem needs further study/practice). Second, we turn to self-monitoring and self-regulation at the task sequence level (i.e., determining what an appropriate next problem-solving task would be given the current level of understanding/performance). We review research showing that teaching students to regulate their learning process by taking into account not only their performance but also their invested mental effort on a prior task when selecting a new task improves self-regulated learning outcomes (i.e., performance on a knowledge test in the domain of the study). Important directions for future research on the role of mental effort in (improving) self-monitoring and self-regulation at the item and task selection levels are discussed after the respective sections.
The transformation of professors’ careers: standardization, hybridization, and acceleration?
Authors: Benz Pierre , Bühlmann Felix , Mach André
Published: July 2020

Over the recent decades, the turn to managerial governance has thoroughly transformed the European university systems and, by extension, the careers of university professors. Scholars postulated that professors’ careers have undergone an increasing formalization, that disciplinary careers have been hybridized, and that new modes of selection and recruitment (through assistant professorship) have been introduced. This article, based on a case study of the EPFL Lausanne, one of the leading European technical universities, aims to understand these changes by conducting a sequence analytical study of the actual trajectories of professors. By studying the careers of 351 professors who were nominated between 1969 and 2010 at the EPFL, we first develop a typology of professors’ careers. We distinguish between “direct careers,” “seniority careers,” “conversion careers,” and “parallel careers.” We then examine, based on a series of binomial logistic regression models, how career types vary according to the nomination cohort, the discipline, and the recruitment mode. Our results show that slower “seniority careers” within academia have become more important in recent cohorts, that disciplinary logics still shape professors’ careers, and that new recruitment mechanisms, such as assistant professorship, do not necessarily lead to accelerated careers. This article contributes to the literature by showing that beyond the analysis of the institutional setting of academic careers, it is also important to study their actual progression.
Comparing methods to estimate perennial ryegrass biomass: canopy height and spectral vegetation indices
Authors: Togeiro de Alckmin Gustavo , Kooistra Lammert , Rawnsley Richard , Lucieer Arko
Published: July 2020

Pasture management is highly dependent on accurate biomass estimation. Usually, such activity is neglected as current methods are time-consuming and frequently perceived as inaccurate. Conversely, spectral data is a promising technique to automate and improve the accuracy and precision of estimates. Historically, spectral vegetation indices have been widely adopted and large numbers have been proposed. The selection of the optimal index or satisfactory subset of indices to accurately estimate biomass is not trivial and can influence the design of new sensors. This study aimed to compare a canopy-based technique (rising plate meter) with spectral vegetation indices. It examined 97 vegetation indices and 11,026 combinations of normalized ratio indices paired with different regression techniques on 900 pasture biomass data points of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) collected throughout a 1-year period. The analyses demonstrated that the canopy-based technique is superior to the standard normalized difference vegetation index (∆, 115.1 kg DM ha−1 RMSE), equivalent to the best performing normalized ratio index and less accurate than four selected vegetation indices deployed with different regression techniques (maximum ∆, 231.1 kg DM ha−1). When employing the four selected vegetation indices, random forests was the best performing regression technique, followed by support vector machines, multivariate adaptive regression splines and linear regression. Estimate precision was improved through model stacking. In summary, this study demonstrated a series of achievable improvements in both accuracy and precision of pasture biomass estimation, while comparing different numbers of inputs and regression techniques and providing a benchmark against standard techniques of precision agriculture and pasture management.
Lung Cancer Occurrence—Correlation with Serum Chromium Levels and Genotypes
Authors: Baszuk Piotr , Janasik Beata , Pietrzak Sandra , Marciniak Wojciech , Reszka Edyta , Białkowska Katarzyna , Jabłońska Ewa , Muszyńska Magdalena , Lesicka Monika , Derkacz Róża , Grodzki Tomasz , Wójcik Janusz , Wojtyś Małgorzata , Dębniak Tadeusz , Cybulski Cezary , Gronwald Jacek , Kubisa Bartosz , Wójcik Norbert , Pieróg Jarosław , Gajić Darko , Waloszczyk Piotr , Scott Rodney J. , Wąsowicz Wojciech , Jakubowska Anna , Lubiński Jan , Lener Marcin R.
Published: July 2020

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Exposure to environmental and occupational carcinogens is an important cause of lung cancer. One of these substances is chromium, which is found ubiquitously across the planet. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified chromium(VI) as a human carcinogen. The aim of this study was to assess whether serum chromium levels, as well as DNA variants in selected genes involved in carcinogenesis, xenobiotic-metabolism, and oxidative stress could be helpful in the detection of lung cancer. We conducted a study using 218 lung cancer patients and 218 matched healthy controls. We measured serum chromium levels and genotyped ten genetic variants in ERCC2, XRCC1, MT1B, GSTP1, ABCB1, NQ01, CRTC3, GPX1, SOD2 and CAT. The odds ratios of being diagnosed with lung cancer were calculated using conditional logistic regression with respect to serum chromium level and genotypes. The odds ratio for the occurrence of lung cancer increased with increasing serum chromium levels. The difference between the quartiles with the lowest vs. highest chromium level was more than fourfold in the entire group (OR 4.52, CI 2.17–9.42, p < 0.01). This correlation was significantly increased by more than twice when specific genotypes were taken into consideration (ERCC–rs12181 TT, OR 12.34, CI 1.17–130.01, p = 0.04; CRTC3–rs12915189 non GG, OR 9.73, CI 1.58–60.10, p = 0.01; GSTP1–rs1695 non AA, OR 9.47, CI 2.06–43.49, p = < 0.01; CAT–rs1001179 non CC, OR 9.18, CI 1.64–51.24, p = 0.01). Total serum chromium levels > 0.1 μg/L were correlated with 73% (52/71) of lung cancers diagnosed with stage I disease. Our findings support the role of chromium and the influence of key proteins on lung cancer burden in the general population.
The risk of QTc-interval prolongation in COVID-19 patients treated with chloroquine
Authors: Sinkeler F. S. , Berger F. A. , Muntinga H. J. , Jansen M. M. P. M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Chloroquine, a quinolone antimalarial drug, is known to potentially inhibit pH-dependent viral replication of the SARS-CoV‑2 infection. Therefore, chloroquine is considered as a treatment option for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Chloroquine is known for prolonging the QT interval, but limited data are available on the extent of this QT-prolonging effect.

Objective

To assess the QTc-prolonging potential of chloroquine in COVID-19 patients and to evaluate whether this prolongation increases with the cumulative dose of chloroquine and is associated with the peak plasma concentration of chloroquine. Furthermore, the number of patients who prematurely discontinued treatment or had an adjustment in dose due to QTc-interval prolongation was established.

Methods

A retrospective, observational study was performed in patients aged over 18 years, hospitalised for a suspected or proven infection with COVID-19, and therefore treated with chloroquine, with a baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) performed prior to the start of treatment and at least one ECG after starting the treatment.

Results

In total, 397 patients were included. The mean increase in QTc interval throughout the treatment with chloroquine was 33 ms. Nineteen out of 344 patients unnecessarily had their treatment prematurely discontinued or adjusted due to a prolonged QTc interval based on the computerised interpretation of the ECG.

Conclusion

Chloroquine treatment in COVID-19 patients gradually increased the QTc interval. Due to a significant number of overestimated QTc intervals by computer analysis, it is advisable to measure the QTc interval manually before adjusting the dose or withdrawing this potentially beneficial medication.
Optimal performance of Cu1.8S1−xTex thermoelectric materials fabricated via high-pressure process at room temperature
Authors: Zhang Rui , Pei Jun , Han Zhi-Jia , Wu Yin , Zhao Zhao , Zhang Bo-Ping
Published: July 2020

Cu1.8S has been considered as a potential thermoelectric (TE) material for its stable electrical and thermal properties, environmental benignity, and low cost. Herein, the TE properties of nanostructured Cu1.8S1−xTex (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.2) bulks fabricated by a facile process combining mechanical alloying (MA) and room-temperature high-pressure sintering (RT-HPS) technique were optimized via eliminating the volatilization of S element and suppressing grain growth. Experimentally, a single phase of Cu1.8S was obtained at x = 0, and a second Cu1.96S phase formed in all Cu1.8S1−xTex samples when 0.05 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.125. With further increasing x to 0.15 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.2, the Cu2−zTe phase was detected and the samples consisted of Cu1.8S, Cu1.96S, and Cu2−zTe phases. Benefiting from a modified band structure and the coexisted phases of Cu1.96S and Cu2−zTe, the power factor is enhanced in all Cu1.8S1−xTex (0.05 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.2) alloys. Combining with a drastic decrease in the thermal conductivity due to the strengthened phonon scatterings from multiscale defects introduced by Te doping and nano-grain boundaries, a maximum figure of merit (ZT) of 0.352 is reached at 623 K for Cu1.8S0.875Te0.125, which is 171% higher than that of Cu1.8S (0.130). The study demonstrates that doping Te is an effective strategy to improve the TE performance of Cu1.8S based materials and the proposed facile method combing MA and RT-HPS is a potential way to fabricate nanostructured bulks.
A kind of artificial intelligence model based on nature without statistic
Authors: Meng Jun , Yu Jie-zhou , Chen Xiao
Published: July 2020

Simple rules can generate complexity and human can also learn fast with rules. Can machines learn in a similar way? Can artificial intelligence be independent of statistics? Machine learning is growing rapidly but models are poorly interpretable and depend on statistics. We propose a method by iteration based on causality which is the real one exists in the system. It is composed of fixed goals and basic rules called DNA rules. These DNA rules can be obtained from the definition and is not statistical rules. The causality in rules promises the process to be precise, because the potential attractor of the system is deterministic, because it is subjected to the rules although the system is complex especially under uncertain interference. Such a model not only works well in the traditional deterministic systems like the stable point and limited circle but also can work in some seemingly random and systems which are considered to be stochastic systems. The model is taken to play a game and it makes the machine learns fast and adaptively, and it is also interpretable with the causality and independent from the amount of data for it is based on causal iteration. It learns and even predicts the seemingly random interference in the game. We found such a model is adaptable, and it works well even in out-of-sample situations. The model is compared with an LSTM network in prediction a seemingly random sequence, the result shows the causality-based model also works well. We think that it may help to solve some problems hard for the traditional statistical method and become an enrichment for the current models.