bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verbal fluency in schizophrenia: The role of semantic clustering in category instance generation
Authors: Robert PH , Migneco V , Marmod D , Chaix I , Thauby S , Benoit M , Beau CH , Darcourt G
Published: July 2002

The aim of this study was to determine whether schizophrenic patients' impairment in semantic verbal fluency tasks is due to difficulties in organizing their search or, in other words, in organizing output in terms of clusters of meaningfully related words. Consecutive association of words belonging to subcategories of the semantic task was defined as semantic clustering. A categorical verbal fluency task was first administered to 100 healthy subjects and then to 22 schizophrenic patients and 22 healthy subjects matched for sex, age and education. In the normal population, semantic clustering was found to be involved in word generation. A large number of semantic clusters indicated efficient organization of semantic knowledge and led to better word production. Schizophrenic patients showed impaired verbal fluency and generated a smaller number of semantic clusters than the control subjects. These findings point to a defect in self-initiation of semantic categorization in schizophrenia.
Survival and Prognosis: Investigation of Crataegus Extract WS 1442 in congestive heart failure (SPICE) — rationale, study design and study protocol
Authors: Holubarsch Christian J.F. , Colucci Wilson S. , Meinertz Thomas , Gaus Wilhelm , Tendera Michal
Published: July 2002

SPICE is the first, international, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study to investigate the influence of the herbal drug Crataegus Special Extract WS 1442 (hawthorn leaves with flowers) on mortality of patients suffering from congestive heart failure.

Background

In vitro and experimental animal studies have suggested the following pharmacological modes of action of standardized Crataegus extracts: (1) cAMP‐independent positive inotropy; (2) peripheral and coronary vasodilation; (3) protection against ischemia‐induced ventricular arrhythmias; (4) antioxidative properties; and (5) anti‐inflammatory effects.

Study design

In this randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, international trial (approximately 120 investigational centers in seven European countries), up to 2300 patients with congestive heart failure, New York Heart Association class II and III and markedly impaired left ventricular function, will be enrolled and treated over a period of 24 months. During this time patients receive either two film‐coated tablets of 450 mg of the Special Extract WS 1442 standardized to 84.3 mg of oligomeric procyanidines or matched placebo per day in addition to standard therapy for congestive heart failure, such as diuretics, digoxin or digitoxin, β‐adrenoceptor blockers and angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitors. The primary outcome variable is the combined endpoint of cardiac death, non‐lethal myocardial infarction, and hospitalization due to progression of heart failure. Secondary outcome variables are total mortality, exercise duration, echocardiographic parameters, quality of life as well as pharmacoeconomic parameters. The first patient was included in October 1998. The trial is expected to be completed at the end of 2002.
A COMPARISON OF TWO TIME INTERVALS FOR THE AUSCULTATED ACCELERATION TEST
Authors: Paine Lisa L. , Zanardi Lynn R. , Johnson Timothy R. B. , Rorie Jo‐Anna L. , Barger Mary K.
Published: July 2002

Objective: Interest in an inexpensive, easy‐to‐administer antenatal screening test that did not rely on the use of electronic fetal monitoring led to development of the fetoscope administered auscultated acceleration test (AAT) in the late 1980s. More recent efforts have been directed toward providing those who may use the AAT with important information about the most effective and clinically appropriate AAT procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine the screening test validity performance of two AAT time intervals—6 minutes and 10 minutes.

Methods: Two auscultated acceleration tests (AAT6 and AAT10) were simultaneously performed using different time intervals on 205 women with high‐risk pregnancies undergoing simultaneous nonstress tests (NSTS) who were referred to a tertiary care unit for antepartum testing. Standard measurements of screening test validity were calculated for each test in the prediction of selected perinatal outcomes. NST findings were included for comparative purposes.

Results: The AAT6 yielded an overall higher specificity as compared with the AAT10 at the expense of a slightly lower sensitivity for most perinatal outcomes; these differences were not significant at the .05 level. Relative risk ratios were similar for the AAT6 and AAT10 for both fetal distress and neonatal morbidity, with both AAT being a more effective predictor of neonatal morbidity than for fetal distress. Both tests yielded better sensitivity when compared with NST.

Conclusions: Even though there was a nonsignificant trend toward higher sensitivities and lower specificities for the 10‐minute AAT, this study showed that the differences in prediction of perinatal outcomes between the 6‐minute and 10‐minute AAT were minimal. In view of the added labor required for the 10‐minute AAT in the absence of enhanced screening test validity, the 6‐minute AAT is clinically preferred. This study has prompted new research questions for the continued development of the AAT as a low‐technology fetal assessment technique with potential usefulness by midwives and their colleagues in a variety of settings worldwide.
What monomeric nucleotide binding domains can teach us about dimeric ABC proteins
Authors: Ford Robert C. , Hellmich Ute A.
Published: September 2020

The classic conceptualization of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter function is an ATP‐dependent conformational change coupled to transport of a substrate across a biological membrane via the transmembrane domains (TMDs). The binding of two ATP molecules within the transporter's two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) induces their dimerization. Despite retaining the ability to bind nucleotides, isolated NBDs frequently fail to dimerize. ABC proteins without a TMD, for example ABCE and ABCF, have NBDs tethered via elaborate linkers, further supporting that NBD dimerization does not readily occur for isolated NBDs. Intriguingly, even in full‐length transporters, the NBD‐dimerized, outward‐facing state is not as frequently observed as might be expected. This leads to questions regarding what drives NBD interaction and the role of the TMDs or linkers. Understanding the NBD–nucleotide interaction and the subsequent NBD dimerization is thus pivotal for understanding ABC transporter activity in general. Here, we hope to provide new insights into ABC protein function by discussing the perplexing issue of (missing) NBD dimerization in isolation and in the context of full‐length ABC proteins.
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Authors: Little David
Published: September 2020

The Council of Europe's
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
(CEFR) describes communicative proficiency in terms of language use. It has two dimensions: communicative language activities and the competences on which successful communication depends. “Can do” descriptors are used to define proficiency at six levels: A1 and A2 (basic user), B1 and B2 (independent user), C1 and C2 (proficient user). The CEFR represents the culmination of three decades of work on language education designed to promote democratic participation and international communication and exchange. Although it does not advocate any particular pedagogical approach, the CEFR strongly implies that language use should play a central role in language learning. This is reflected in the European Language Portfolio, developed in parallel with the CEFR, and is made explicit in the
Companion Volume
that the Council of Europe published online in 2018.
Neurolinguistic Implications for L2 Learning and Teaching
Authors: Angelovska Tanja , Roehm Dietmar
Published: September 2020

Even though the field of neurolinguistics provides evidence of how second languages (L2s) are represented in learners' brains, only a limited number of attempts have been put forward with sound suggestions of how these findings can help improve effective L2 teaching. This entry will focus on current theoretical perspectives positing different roles for the declarative (explicit) and procedural (implicit) memory systems in relation to the various instructional conditions: explicit and implicit learning, the first approximating traditional grammar‐focused classroom and the second, approximating immersion settings and/or input‐based instructional interventions. Further, it will focus on how these mediate the L2 neural representation. In addition, we discuss how learner's individual differences may differently impact L2 learners' sensitivity to violations and how they are related to L2 learning and teaching. Finally, we suggest directions for future research that should bridge the gap between neurosciences and language teaching.
From L3 Acquisition to Teaching English
Authors: Angelovska Tanja
Published: September 2020

It is known that some languages, such as those which are minority languages in the countries of origin, tend to be hidden in some educational contexts with monolingual practices. Although the relatively new field of (instructed) third language (L3) acquisition has developed within the recent years as a field on its own, it has not yet had much impact on mainstream pedagogical approaches. Similarly, even if teachers possess knowledge about multilingual pedagogies, applying it into classroom practices remains a challenge. This is taken as a starting point to fill in the existing gap of how theory can inform L3 teaching and vice versa. Starting from the existing results and non‐results, this entry includes accounts of the current state of the art theory and practice on predicting possible transfer phenomena, guidelines for methods and interventions that take into consideration the role of transfer in instructed third language acquisition (IL3A).
Raters of Subjectively‐Scored Tests
Authors: Rossi Olena , Brunfaut Tineke
Published: September 2020

The crucial importance of valid and reliable scores in performance assessment has led to a range of measures taken to reduce rater variability. These include training and monitoring of raters, statistical adjustment of scores, and approaches that advocate the necessity of plural opinions on a performance sample and involve communal rating sessions to resolve rater differences. Rater reliability and scoring validity are not only major concerns of large‐scale language testing, but are equally important in classroom language assessment. Accordingly, this entry discusses ways in which teachers can improve the reliability and validity of the scores they award to their students' speaking and writing test responses.
The Changing Linguistic Landscape: Immigration, Identity, Challenges, and Pedagogy
Authors: Kaufman Dorit
Published: September 2020

The global linguistic and cultural landscape is changing at a rapid rate, losing its richness and diversity. Initiatives to rejuvenate indigenous languages, while challenging, provide models for emulation in other parts of the world. In recent decades, immigration has enriched the linguistic and cultural diversity in cities and communities around the globe. Yet, these resources are fast depleting and maintaining them has proved challenging. Growing interest in heritage language learning presents new opportunities for language revival. Advanced technologies, virtual learning platforms, and social networks present infinite opportunities for innovative pedagogical approaches and enhanced community‐wide and global partnerships in heritage language revival.
Gaming in the Classroom and Beyond: Breaking Down the Barriers to Gamified Language Learning
Authors: Liontas John I.
Published: September 2020

From elementary school through adult education, learning through experience has a long‐standing tradition in the foreign and second language classroom. Even so, game‐based learning, regardless of type or configuration, is not commonplace in the lessons that teachers teach or that learners learn. As a result, neither teachers nor students are able to reap the many benefits that games afford their users, despite the universal appeal of games and the variety of innovative games available to date for instruction. Still, the research literature on gaming has continuously shown that active student involvement with the intent to learn leads to prolonged student engagement, focused attention, and increased knowledge recall and motivation. To this end, this entry first highlights the primary components comprising the developmental framework of well‐designed games to frame gaming in the classroom and beyond in all its complexity within accepted parameters of learning that do not stifle intellectual vitality or individual exploration. It then offers some critical theoretical considerations surrounding the developmental framework of incorporating games into curricular lessons. Thereafter, five key pedagogical implications are addressed for both language and content‐based instruction. These implications, it is argued, have the potential to revitalize the learning environment in significant ways and, moreover, infuse the classroom with extemporaneous fun without sacrificing basic pedagogical principles of either teaching or learning.
Isosphaeraceae
Authors: Dedysh Svetlana N. , Ivanova Anastasia A.
Published: September 2020

I.so.sphae.ra.ce'ae. N.L. fem. n.
Isosphaera
type genus of the family; ‐
aceae
ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Isosphaeraceae
the
Isosphaera
family.

Planctomycetes / Planctomycetia / Isosphaerales / Isosphaeraceae

The family
Isosphaeraceae
accommodates stalk‐free planctomycetes with spherical cells, which can be assembled in short chains, long filaments, or shapeless aggregates. Cells are covered with crateriform pits, which are scattered all over the cell surface. Cell division occurs by means of budding; daughter cells are nonmotile. Members of this family are chemoorganotrophic aerobes, although some representatives are capable of growth in microoxic conditions. Growth occurs on various sugars and polysaccharides. This family includes the genera
Isosphaera
,
Aquisphaera
,
Paludisphaera
,
Singulisphaera
,
Tundrisphaera
, and
Tautonia
. Representatives of the family are common inhabitants of soils and wetlands but also occur in freshwater habitats.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 61–70 (
T
m
and genome sequence).

Type genus
:
Isosphaera
Giovannoni et al. 1987, VL54.
Thiohalomonas
Authors: Sorokin Dimitry Y. , Merkel Alexander Y. , Muyzer Gerard
Published: September 2020

Thi.o.halo.mo'nas Gr. neut. n.
thion
sulfur; Gr. masc. n.
hals, halos
salt of the sea; Gr. fem. n.
monas
unit, monad; N.L. fem. n.
Thiohalomonas
halophilic sulfur‐utilizing monad.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / “Thiohalomonadales” / “Thiohalomonadaceae” / Thiohalomonas

The genus
Thiohalomonas
was originally classified as a member of an unaffiliated deep lineage of the
Gammaproteobacteria
. It includes moderately halophilic and neutrophilic chemolithoautotrophs utilizing reduced sulfur compounds as the energy sources/electron donors and O
2
and nitrate as the electron acceptors. CO
2
is assimilated via the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle. The genus currently includes two species,
Thiohalomonas denitrificans
, which is the type species, and
Thiohalomonas nitratireducens
. The habitat is hypersaline lakes with neutral pH.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 58–60 (
T
m
and genome of the type strain).

Type species
:
Thiohalomonas denitrificans
Sorokin et al. 2007a
VP
.
Candidatus
Haloredivivus
Authors: Oren Aharon
Published: September 2020

Ha.lo.re.di.vi'vus. Gr. masc. n.
hals
,
halos
salt; L. masc. adj.
redivivus
renewed, renovated; N.L. masc. n.
Haloredivivus
a reconstructed salty organism.

Nanohaloarchaeota / “Incertae sedis” / “Incertae sedis” / “Incertae sedis” /
Candidatus
Haloredivivus

The genus
Candidatus
Haloredivivus was established based on a sequence of a single‐cell‐amplified genome recovered from a solar saltern pond of intermediate salinity in Spain.
Ca
. Haloredivivus is phylogenetically affiliated with members of the
Candidatus
Nanohaloarchaeota branch (
Candidatus
Nanosalina,
Candidatus
Nanosalinicola corrig., and
Candidatus
Nanopetraeus corrig.) of the archaeal DPANN superphylum. Analysis of the ∼1.2 Mb genome of
Ca
. Haloredivivus with 42.1% G + C suggests that the organism leads a photoheterotrophic lifestyle and may be able to degrade different polysaccharides. The low median isoelectric point for the predicted proteins suggests a “salt‐in” strategy for osmotic balance. Gene sequences affiliated with
Ca
. Haloredivivus were recovered from a salt lake in Romania and from soda lakes in Siberia.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 42.0–42.1 (genome sequence).

Type species
: Not assigned.
Candidatus
Nanosalina
Authors: Oren Aharon
Published: September 2020

Na.no.sa.li'na. Gr. masc. n.
nanos
dwarf; N.L. masc. adj.
salinus
salty; N.L. fem. n.
Nanosalina
a dwarf‐size salty organism.

Nanohaloarchaeota / “Incertae sedis” / “Incertae sedis” / “Incertae sedis” /
Candidatus
Nanosalina

The genus
Candidatus
Nanosalina was established based on a sequence from a metagenome recovered from the hypersaline Lake Tyrrell in Victoria, Australia.
Ca
. Nanosalina is phylogenetically affiliated with members of the
Candidatus
Nanohaloarchaeota branch (
Candidatus
Nanosalinicola corrig.,
Candidatus
Nanopetraeus corrig., and
Candidatus
Haloredivivus) of the archaeal DPANN superphylum. On the basis of fluorescence
in situ
hybridization, cells are ∼0.6 μm in diameter. Analysis of the ∼1.23 Mb genome of
Ca
. Nanosalina J07AB43 with 43.5% DNA G + C suggests that the organism possesses an aerobic, photoheterotrophic lifestyle. The high proportion of acidic amino acids of the predicted proteins suggests a “salt‐in” strategy for osmotic balance. Gene sequences affiliated with
Ca
. Nanosalina have been recovered from coastal salterns in Australia and California, USA.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 43.5 (genome sequence).

Type species
: Not assigned.
Candidatus
Nanopetraeus
Authors: Oren Aharon , DiRuggiero Jocelyne
Published: September 2020

Na.no.pe.trae'us. Gr. masc. n.
nanos
a dwarf; L. masc. adj.
petraeus
(from Gr. masc. adj.
petraios
) living on or among the rocks; N.L. masc. n.
Nanopetraeus
small organism growing inside rocks. The originally proposed name
Nanopetramus
was corrected to
Nanopetraeus
.

Nanohaloarchaeota / “Incertae sedis” / “Incertae sedis” / “Incertae sedis” /
Candidatus
Nanopetraeus

The genus
Candidatus
Nanopetraeus corrig. (originally named
Candidatus
Nanopetramus) was established based on a genome sequence found in the metagenome of halite endoliths sampled at Salar Grande in the northern Atacama Desert, Chile. A species name was not proposed.
Candidatus
Nanopetraeus is phylogenetically affiliated with members of the
Ca
. Nanohaloarchaeota branch (
Candidatus
Haloredivivus,
Candidatus
Nanosalina, and
Candidatus
Nanosalinicola corrig.) of the archaeal DPANN superphylum. Analysis of the 1.1 Mb genome of
Ca
. Nanopetraeus SG9 with 46.4% DNA G + C suggests that the organism has a photoheterotrophic lifestyle, based on the presence of archaeal genes for carbohydrate metabolism and rhodopsin biosynthesis. The low median isoelectric point for the predicted proteins suggests a “salt‐in” strategy for osmotic balance. 16S rRNA gene sequences affiliated with
Ca
. Nanopetraeus were recovered from saltern ponds and hypersaline lakes worldwide.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 46.4 (metagenome‐assembled genome sequence).

Type species
: Not assigned.
Melt Electrowritten In Vitro Radial Device to Study Cell Growth and Migration
Authors: Bakirci Ezgi , Schaefer Natascha , Dahri Ouafa , Hrynevich Andrei , Strissel Pamela , Strick Reiner , Dalton Paul D. , Villmann Carmen
Published: September 2020

The development of in vitro assays for 3D microenvironments is essential for understanding cell migration processes. A 3D‐printed in vitro competitive radial device is developed to identify preferred Matrigel concentration for glioblastoma migration. Melt electrowriting (MEW) is used to fabricate the structural device with defined and intricate radial structures that are filled with Matrigel. Controlling the printing path is necessary to account for the distance lag in the molten jet, the applied electric field, and the continuous direct‐writing nature of MEW. Circular printing below a diameter threshold results in substantial inward tilting of the MEW fiber wall. An eight‐chamber radial device with a diameter of 9.4 mm is printed. Four different concentrations of Matrigel are dispensed into the radial chambers. Glioblastoma cells are seeded into the center and grow into all chambers within 8 days. The cell spreading area demonstrates that 6 and 8 mg mL−1 of Matrigel are preferred over 2 and 4 mg mL−1. Furthermore, topographical cues via the MEW fiber wall are observed to promote migration even further away from the cell seeding depot. Previous studies implement MEW to fabricate cell invasive scaffolds whereas here it is applied to 3D‐print in vitro tools to study cell migration.
Inspired by Nature: Facile Design of Nanoclay–Organic Hydrogel Bone Sealant with Multifunctional Properties for Robust Bone Regeneration
Authors: Lee Chung‐Sung , Hwang Hee Sook , Kim Soyon , Fan Jiabing , Aghaloo Tara , Lee Min
Published: September 2020

Bone repair is a complex process involving the sophisticated interplay of osteogenic stem cells, extracellular matrix, and osteoinductive factors, and it is affected by bacterial toxins and oxidative stress. Inspired by the nature of plant‐derived phytochemicals and inorganic–organic analogues of the bone extracellular matrix, herein, the facile design of a nanoclay–organic hydrogel bone sealant (NoBS) that integrates multiple physicochemical cues for bone regeneration into a single system is reported. Assembly of phytochemical‐modified organic chitosan and silica‐rich inorganic nanoclay serves as highly biocompatible and osteoconductive extracellular matrix mimics. The decorated phytochemical exerts inherent bactericidal and antioxidant activities, and acts as an intermolecular networking precursor for gelation with injectable and self‐healing capabilities. Moreover, the NoBS exerts osteoinductive effects mediated by the nanoclay, which regulates the Wnt/b‐catenin pathway, along with the addition of osteoinductive signals, resulting in bone regeneration in a nonhealing cranial defect. Engineering of this integrated bone graft substitute with multifunctional properties inspired by natural materials may suggest a promising and effective approach for creating a favorable microenvironment for optimal bone healing.
Reversible Functionalization of Clickable Polyacrylamide Gels with Protein and Graft Copolymers
Authors: Neira Hector D. , Jeeawoody Shaheen , Herr Amy E.
Published: September 2020

Modular strategies to fabricate gels with tailorable chemical functionalities are relevant to applications spanning from biomedicine to analytical chemistry. Here, the properties of clickable poly(acrylamide‐co‐propargyl acrylate) (pAPA) hydrogels are modified via sequential in‐gel copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions. After optimization, in‐gel CuAAC reactions proceed with rate constants of ≈0.003 s−1, ensuring uniform modifications for gels <200 μm thick. Using the modular functionalization approach and a cleavable disulfide linker, pAPA gels are modified with benzophenone (BP) and acrylate groups. BP groups allow gel functionalization with unmodified proteins using photoactivation. Acrylate groups enable copolymer grafting onto the gels. To release the functionalized unit, pAPA gels are treated with disulfide reducing agents, triggering ≈50% release of immobilized protein and grafted copolymers. The molecular mass of grafted copolymers (≈6.2 kDa) is estimated by monitoring the release process, expanding the tools available to characterize copolymers grafted onto hydrogels. Investigation of the efficiency of in‐gel CuAAC reactions revealed limitations of the sequential modification approach, as well as guidelines to convert the singly functional pAPA gels into gels with three distinct functionalities. Taken together, this modular framework to engineer multifunctional hydrogels benefits application of hydrogels in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and separation science.
MoS2/Polymer Heterostructures Enabling Stable Resistive Switching and Multistate Randomness
Authors: Chai Jianwei , Tong Shiwun , Li Changjian , Manzano Carlos , Li Bing , Liu Yanpeng , Lin Ming , Wong Laimun , Cheng Jianwei , Wu Jing , Lau Aaron , Xie Qidong , Pennycook Stephen J. , Medina Henry , Yang Ming , Wang Shijie , Chi Dongzhi
Published: September 2020

Resistive random‐access memories (ReRAMs) based on transition metal dichalcogenide layers are promising physical sources for random number generation (RNG). However, most ReRAM devices undergo performance degradation from cycle to cycle, which makes preserving a normal probability distribution during operation a challenging task. Here, ReRAM devices with excellent stability are reported by using a MoS2/polymer heterostructure as active layer. The stability enhancement manifests in outstanding cumulative probabilities for both high‐ and low‐resistivity states of the memory cells. Moreover, the intrinsic values of the high‐resistivity state are found to be an excellent source of randomness as suggested by a Chi‐square test. It is demonstrated that one of these cells alone can generate ten distinct random states, in contrast to the four conventional binary cells that would be required for an equivalent number of states. This work unravels a scalable interface engineering process for the production of high‐performance ReRAM devices, and sheds light on their promising application as reliable RNGs for enhanced cybersecurity in the big data era.
Blocking Ion Migration Stabilizes the High Thermoelectric Performance in Cu2Se Composites
Authors: Yang Dongwang , Su Xianli , Li Jun , Bai Hui , Wang Shanyu , Li Zhi , Tang Hao , Tang Kechen , Luo Tingting , Yan Yonggao , Wu Jinsong , Yang Jihui , Zhang Qingjie , Uher Ctirad , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Tang Xinfeng
Published: September 2020

The applications of mixed ionic–electronic conductors are limited due to phase instability under a high direct current and large temperature difference. Here, it is shown that Cu2Se is stabilized through regulating the behaviors of Cu+ ions and electrons in a Schottky heterojunction between the Cu2Se host matrix and in‐situ‐formed BiCuSeO nanoparticles. The accumulation of Cu+ ions via an ionic capacitive effect at the Schottky junction under the direct current modifies the space‐charge distribution in the electric double layer, which blocks the long‐range migration of Cu+ and produces a drastic reduction of Cu+ ion migration by nearly two orders of magnitude. Moreover, this heterojunction impedes electrons transferring from BiCuSeO to Cu2Se, obstructing the reduction reaction of Cu+ into Cu metal at the interface and hence stabilizes the β‐Cu2Se phase. Furthermore, incorporation of BiCuSeO in Cu2Se optimizes the carrier concentration and intensifies phonon scattering, contributing to the peak figure of merit ZT value of ≈2.7 at 973 K and high average ZT value of ≈1.5 between 400 and 973 K for the Cu2Se/BiCuSeO composites. This discovery provides a new avenue for stabilizing mixed ionic–electronic conduction thermoelectrics, and gives fresh insights into controlling ion migration in these ionic‐transport‐dominated materials.
Reduced Graphene Oxide‐Encapsulated Microfiber Patterns Enable Controllable Formation of Neuronal‐Like Networks
Authors: Wang Juan , Wang Haoyu , Mo Xiumei , Wang Hongjun
Published: September 2020

Scaffold‐guided formation of neuronal‐like networks, especially under electrical stimulation, can be an appealing avenue toward functional restoration of injured nervous systems. Here, 3D conductive scaffolds are fabricated based on printed microfiber constructs using near‐field electrostatic printing (NFEP) and graphene oxide (GO) coating. Various microfiber patterns are obtained from poly(l‐lactic acid‐co‐caprolactone) (PLCL) using NFEP and complexity is achieved via modulating the fiber overlay angles (45°, 60°, 75°, 90°), fiber diameters (15 to 148 µm), and fiber spatial organization (spider web and tubular structure). Upon coating GO onto PLCL microfibers via a layer‐by‐layer (L‐b‐L) assembly technique and in situ reduction into reduced GO (rGO), the obtained conductive scaffolds, with 25–50 layers of rGO, demonstrate superior conductivity (≈0.95 S cm−1) and capability of inducing neuronal‐like network formation along the conductive microfibers under electrical stimulation (100–150 mV cm−1). Both electric field (0–150 mV cm−1) and microfiber diameter (17–150 µm) affect neurite outgrowth (PC‐12 cells and primary mouse hippocampal neurons) and the formation of orientated neuronal‐like networks. With further demonstration of such guidance to neuronal cells, these conductive scaffolds may see versatile applications in nerve regeneration and neural engineering.
One‐Step Synthesis of Charge‐Transfer Salt Nanosensors on Microelectrode Patterns
Authors: Yu Xuecheng , Kilani Mohamed , Siddiqui Abdurrafay , Mao Guangzhao
Published: September 2020

Despite extensive research on nanowires and nanosensors, the lack of manufacturing methods limits nanosensor commercialization. Here a new way of making nanowire sensors is demonstrated. Nanowire crystals of charge‐transfer salt, tetrathiafulvalene bromide or (TTF)Br, are electrochemically deposited across lines of microelectrodes made by photolithography to complete the sensor circuitry. A novel concept is the direct synthesis of nanowires on sensor substrates using pre‐existing patterns to direct the nanowire nucleation and crystallization. The gas sensing capability of the nanowire assembly is demonstrated for the detection of ammonia at a concentration range of 1–100 ppm by measuring the changes in its electrical impedance. The selectivity toward ammonia against water vapor, one of the most persistent challenges for wide adoption of nanosensors for gas detection, can be tuned by (TTF)Br nanowire chemical composition during synthesis. This work demonstrates a proof of concept toward scalable manufacturing of nanosensor devices via one‐step, substrate‐directed nucleation and crystallization.
Reprogramming Epoxide Hydrolase to Improve Enantioconvergence in Hydrolysis of Styrene Oxide Scaffolds
Authors: Li Fu‐Long , Qiu Yan‐Yan , Zheng Yu‐Cong , Chen Fei‐Fei , Kong Xu–Dong , Xu Jian‐He , Yu Hui‐Lei
Published: September 2020

Enantioconvergent hydrolysis by epoxide hydrolase is a promising method for the synthesis of important vicinal diols. However, the poor regioselectivity of the naturally occurring enzymes results in low enantioconvergence in the enzymatic hydrolysis of styrene oxides. Herein, modulated residue No. 263 was redesigned based on structural information and a smart variant library was constructed by site‐directed modification using an “optimized amino acid alphabet” to improve the regioselectivity of epoxide hydrolase from Vigna radiata (VrEH2). The regioselectivity coefficient (r) of variant M263Q for the R‐isomer of meta‐substituted styrene oxides was improved 40–63‐fold, and variant M263V also exhibited higher regioselectivity towards the R‐isomer of para‐substituted styrene oxides compared with the wild type, which resulted in improved enantioconvergence in hydrolysis of styrene oxide scaffolds. Structural insight showed the crucial role of residue No. 263 in modulating the substrate binding conformation by altering the binding surroundings. Furthermore, increased differences in the attacking distance between nucleophilic residue Asp101 and the two carbon atoms of the epoxide ring provided evidence for improved regioselectivity. Several high‐value vicinal diols were readily synthesized (>88% yield, 90%–98% ee) by enantioconvergent hydrolysis using the reprogrammed variants. These findings provide a successful strategy for enhancing the enantioconvergence of native epoxide hydrolases through key single‐site mutation and more powerful enzyme tools for the enantioconvergent hydrolysis of styrene oxide scaffolds into single (R)‐enantiomers of chiral vicinal diols.

magnified image
Cucurbit[6]uril‐Derived Nitrogen‐Doped Hierarchical Porous Carbon Confined in Graphene Network for Potassium‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Qiu Daping , Guan Jingyu , Li Min , Kang Cuihua , Wei Jinying , Wang Feng , Yang Ru
Published: September 2020

Potassium‐ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs) have attracted tremendous attention because their energy density is comparable to that of lithium‐ion batteries, whose power density and cyclability are similar to those of supercapacitors. Herein, a pomegranate‐like graphene‐confined cucurbit[6]uril‐derived nitrogen‐doped carbon (CBC@G) with ultra‐high nitrogen‐doping level (15.5 at%) and unique supermesopore‐macropores interconnected graphene network is synthesized. The carbonization mechanism of cucurbit[6]uril is verified by an in situ TG‐IR technology. In a K half‐cell configuration, CBC@G anode demonstrates a superior reversible capacity (349.1 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C) as well as outstanding rate capability and cyclability. Moreover, systematic in situ/ex situ characterizations, and theory calculations are carried out to reveal the origin of the superior electrochemical performances of CBC@G. Consequently, PIHCs constructed with CBC@G anode and KOH‐activated cucurbit[6]uril‐derived nitrogen‐doped carbon cathode demonstrate ultra‐high energy/power density (172 Wh kg−1/22 kW kg−1) and extraordinary cyclability (81.5% capacity retention for 5000 cycles at 5 A g−1). This work opens up a new application field for cucurbit[6]uril and provides an alternative avenue for the exploitation of high‐performance PIHCs.
Alterations of the Human Gut Microbiome in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ren Zhigang , Fan Yajuan , Li Ang , Shen Quanquan , Wu Jian , Ren Lingyan , Lu Haifeng , Ding Suying , Ren Hongyan , Liu Chao , Liu Wenli , Gao Dan , Wu Zhongwen , Guo Shiyuan , Wu Ge , Liu Zhangsuo , Yu Zujiang , Li Lanjuan
Published: September 2020

Gut microbiota make up the largest microecosystem in the human body and are closely related to chronic metabolic diseases. Herein, 520 fecal samples are collected from different regions of China, the gut microbiome in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized, and CKD classifiers based on microbial markers are constructed. Compared with healthy controls (HC, n = 210), gut microbial diversity is significantly decreased in CKD (n = 110), and the microbial community is remarkably distinguished from HC. Genera Klebsiella and Enterobacteriaceae are enriched, while Blautia and Roseburia are reduced in CKD. Fifty predicted microbial functions including tryptophan and phenylalanine metabolisms increase, while 36 functions including arginine and proline metabolisms decrease in CKD. Notably, five optimal microbial markers are identified using the random forest model. The area under the curve (AUC) reaches 0.9887 in the discovery cohort and 0.9512 in the validation cohort (49 CKD vs 63 HC). Importantly, the AUC reaches 0.8986 in the extra diagnosis cohort from Hangzhou. Moreover, Thalassospira and Akkermansia are increased with CKD progression. Thirteen operational taxonomy units are correlated with six clinical indicators of CKD. In conclusion, this study comprehensively characterizes gut microbiome in non‐dialysis CKD and demonstrates the potential of microbial markers as non‐invasive diagnostic tools for CKD in different regions of China.
The Performance‐Determining Role of Lewis Bases in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Employing Copper‐Bisphenanthroline Redox Mediators
Authors: Fürer Sebastian O. , Milhuisen Rebecca A. , Kashif Muhammad K. , Raga Sonia R. , Acharya Shravan S. , Forsyth Craig , Liu Maning , Frazer Laszlo , Duffy Noel W. , Ohlin C. André , Funston Alison M. , Tachibana Yasuhiro , Bach Udo
Published: September 2020

Copper redox mediators have enabled open‐circuit voltages (VOC) of over 1.0 V in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and have helped to establish DSCs as the most promising solar cell technology in low‐light conditions. The addition of additives such as 4‐tert‐butylpyridine (tBP) to these electrolytes has helped in achieving high solar cell performances. However, emerging evidence suggests that tBP coordinates to the Cu(II) species and limits the performance of these electrolytes. To date, the implications of this coordination are poorly understood. Here, the importance of Lewis base additives for the successful implementation of copper complexes as redox mediators in DSCs is demonstrated. Two redox couples, [Cu(dmp)2]+/2+ and [Cu(dpp)2]+/2+ (with dmp = 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline and dpp = 2,9‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline) in combination with three different Lewis bases, TFMP (4‐(trifluoromethyl)pyridine), tBP, and NMBI (1‐methyl‐benzimidazole), are considered. Through single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, absorption, and 1H‐NMR spectroscopies, the coordination of Lewis bases to the Cu(II) centers are studied. This coordination efficiently suppresses recombination losses and is crucial for high performing solar cells. If, however, the coordination involves a ligand exchange, as is the case for [Cu(dpp)2]+/2+, the redox mediator regeneration at the counter electrode is significantly retarded and the solar cells show current limitations.
Mock Oral Board Examinations via Web‐based Video Teleconferencing in the Era of COVID‐19
Authors: Chhabra Neeraj , Winfield Ashlea , Dyer Sean , Hedayati Tarlan
Published: September 2020

Owing to infection control measures necessitated by the COVID‐19 pandemic, many educational didactic components within residency programs have needed to adapt to virtual formats. We describe and evaluate the transition of an in‐person mock oral board certification examination to an entirely virtual format.

Oral board cases consisting of two single cases and one triple case were adapted to a virtual format using a Web‐based video teleconferencing platform. Faculty examiners underwent 20‐minute training sessions prior to the examination. Both resident examinees and faculty examiners completed postexamination surveys. The system usability scale (SUS) was used to assess the usability of the new format by the faculty examiners.

Fifteen resident examinees completed the mock virtual oral board examination with eight faculty examiners. All faculty members completed the postexamination survey. The mean (±SD) SUS score was 90.6 (±11.5) out of a maximum of 100. Eleven of 15 (73%) resident examinees completed the postexamination survey. All respondents agreed or strongly agreed that examiner instructions were easy to understand and that examiners were adept at using the Web‐based platform. Some technical issues were encountered including audio difficulties for some examiners. Respondents were split regarding personal preference for virtual or in‐person mock oral board formats.

Utilizing video teleconferencing software to provide a virtual, Web‐based alternative to in‐person mock oral board examination was feasible, and the virtual format was shown to have high usability despite minimal training time for experienced faculty examiners.
Gas–liquid flows through porous media in microgravity: The International Space Station Packed Bed Reactor Experiment
Authors: Motil Brian J. , Ramé Enrique , Salgi Paul , Taghavi Mahsa , Balakotaiah Vemuri
Published: September 2020

Experimental results on pressure drop and flow patterns for gas–liquid flow through packed beds obtained in the International Space Station with two types of packing are presented and analyzed. It is found that the pressure drop depends on the packing wettability in the viscous–capillary (V–C) regime and this dependence is compared with previously published results developed using short duration low‐gravity aircraft tests. Within the V–C regime, the capillary contribution is the dominant force contributing to the pressure drop for the wetting case (glass) versus the viscous contribution dominating for the non‐wetting case (Teflon). Outside of the V–C regime, it is also found that hysteresis effects that are often strong in normal gravity gas–liquid flows are greatly diminished in microgravity and pressure drop is nearly independent of packing wettability. A flow pattern transition map from bubble to pulse flow is also compared with the earlier aircraft data.
Local gas–liquid slip velocity distribution in bubble columns and its relationship with heat transfer
Authors: Zhang Xi‐Bao , Luo Zheng‐Hong
Published: September 2020

The knowledge of the local gas–liquid slip velocity distribution can offer a better understanding for the complex transport phenomena in bubble columns. In this work, CFD–PBM simulations are carried out to investigate the effect of superficial gas velocities, axial positions, and scale of bubble columns on the time‐averaged radial profiles of gas–liquid slip velocities. Furthermore, the relationship between local slip velocities and local heat transfer coefficients in pilot‐scale bubble columns at superficial gas velocities of 0.05 m/s, 0.20 m/s, and 0.35 m/s is studied. The results indicate that the slip velocities decrease with the increase of r/R (r‐radial position, R‐column radius), while increase with increasing superficial gas velocities in general. In the fully developed region, the axial positions have small impact on the local slip velocities. A strong linear relation between heat transfer coefficients and slip velocities in the fully flow developed region is observed.
Improving mixing performance by curved‐blade static mixer
Authors: Mahmoodi Hassan , Razzaghi Kiyanoosh , Shahraki Farhad
Published: September 2020

This article addresses design modification to a flat‐blade static mixer to enhance mixing performance. The static mixer elements used in this work consist of four blades with curvature made to intensify turbulent‐like flow, while reducing the pressure drop. The blades were mounted on a cylindrical housing with 45° rotation relative to the axial direction. The mixer assembly was used in three different arrangements of 8, 10, and 14 elements for a range of Reynolds number between 600 and 7,000. The coefficient of variance (COV) of samples was used to measure the mixing quality. The curved‐blade mixer provides considerable improvement in mixing quality compared with the flat‐blade mixer and comparable to the SMX mixer. Compared with the flat‐blade static mixer, the new design reduces the COV by up to about 50%. This effect is more pronounced when the number of mixing elements increases. Furthermore, the friction factors for the modified mixer, obtained at a wide range of Reynolds number, were apparently smaller than those for the flat‐blade, SMX, and SMV mixers. The correlation presented for the friction factor, when all mixer arrangements and aspect ratios were considered, supports the experimental data with ±15% deviation.
Multi‐stage economic model predictive control for a gold cyanidation leaching process under uncertainty
Authors: Jia Runda , You Fengqi
Published: September 2020

In order to dynamically operate the gold cyanidation leaching process (GCLP) under uncertainty, a multi‐stage economic model predictive control (EMPC) is proposed for GCLP for the transient and steady‐state economic optimization. The proposed multi‐stage EMPC is composed of two steps. In the first step, the unmeasurable uncertain parameters are estimated by using Tikhonov regularization based method, so as to avoid amplification and propagation of the noise measurements into the estimation. Based on the estimated results, the scenario tree for multi‐stage EMPC is generated from the historical data using a data‐driven approach, and the control inputs are obtained from solving the resulting large nonlinear programming problem (NLP) at each sampling point. The resulting uncertainty model and the probability of each scenario are more consistent with the actual industrial GCLP, and the solutions are less conservative. The efficiency of the proposed multi‐stage EMPC is verified through a simulated industrial GCLP. Compared with other EMPC methods, including classic EMPC and multi‐stage EMPC with box uncertainty region, the proposed method can reduce the economic cost while accounting for the constraints at the same time.
RP2‐associated retinal disorder in a Japanese cohort: Report of novel variants and a literature review, identifying a genotype–phenotype association
Authors: Fujinami Kaoru , Liu Xiao , Ueno Shinji , Mizota Atsushi , Shinoda Kei , Kuniyoshi Kazuki , Fujinami‐Yokokawa Yu , Yang Lizhu , Arno Gavin , Pontikos Nikolas , Kameya Shuhei , Kominami Taro , Terasaki Hiroko , Sakuramoto Hiroyuki , Nakamura Natsuko , Kurihara Toshihide , Tsubota Kazuo , Miyake Yozo , Yoshiake Kazutoshi , Iwata Takeshi , Tsunoda Kazushige ,   Japan Eye Genetics Consortium Study Group
Published: September 2020

The retinitis pigmentosa 2 (RP2) gene is one of the causative genes for X‐linked inherited retinal disorder. We characterized the clinical/genetic features of four patients with RP2‐associated retinal disorder (RP2‐RD) from four Japanese families in a nationwide cohort. A systematic review of RP2‐RD in the Japanese population was also performed. All four patients were clinically diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The mean age at examination was 36.5 (10–47) years, and the mean visual acuity in the right/left eye was 1.40 (0.52–2.0)/1.10 (0.52–1.7) in the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution unit, respectively. Three patients showed extensive retinal atrophy with macular involvement, and one had central retinal atrophy. Four RP2 variants were identified, including two novel missense (p.Ser6Phe, p.Leu189Pro) and two previously reported truncating variants (p.Arg120Ter, p.Glu269CysfsTer3). The phenotypes of two patients with truncating variants were more severe than the phenotypes of two patients with missense variants. A systematic review revealed additional 11 variants, including three missense and eight deleterious (null) variants, and a statistically significant association between phenotype severity and genotype severity was revealed. The clinical and genetic spectrum of RP2‐RD was illustrated in the Japanese population, identifying the characteristic features of a severe form of RP with early macular involvement.
Ocular coloboma: Genetic variants reveal a dynamic model of eye development
Authors: Yoon Kevin H. , Fox Sabrina C. , Dicipulo Renée , Lehmann Ordan J. , Waskiewicz Andrew J.
Published: September 2020

Ocular coloboma is a congenital disorder of the eye where a gap exists in the inferior retina, lens, iris, or optic nerve tissue. With a prevalence of 2–19 per 100,000 live births, coloboma, and microphthalmia, an associated ocular disorder, represent up to 10% of childhood blindness. It manifests due to the failure of choroid fissure closure during eye development, and it is a part of a spectrum of ocular disorders that include microphthalmia and anophthalmia. Use of genetic approaches from classical pedigree analyses to next generation sequencing has identified more than 40 loci that are associated with the causality of ocular coloboma. As we have expanded studies to include singleton cases, hereditability has been very challenging to prove. As such, researchers over the past 20 years, have unraveled the complex interrelationship amongst these 40 genes using vertebrate model organisms. Such research has greatly increased our understanding of eye development. These genes function to regulate initial specification of the eye field, migration of retinal precursors, patterning of the retina, neural crest cell biology, and activity of head mesoderm. This review will discuss the discovery of loci using patient data, their investigations in animal models, and the recent advances stemming from animal models that shed new light in patient diagnosis.