bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Results From 16 Years of Quality Surveillance of Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio Testing for a National Indigenous Point-of-Care Testing Program
Authors: Regnier Tamika , Shephard Mark , Shephard Anne , Graham Peter , DeLeon Rizzi , Shepherd Samantha 
Published: October 2020

Context.—The burden of chronic kidney disease in Indigenous Australians is 7.3 times higher than that of non–Indigenous Australians. If chronic kidney disease is detected early and managed, deterioration in kidney function can be reduced. Urine albumin to creatinine ratio is a key marker of early renal damage.Objective.—To report on 16 years of analytic quality of urine albumin to creatinine ratio testing on Siemens DCA devices enrolled in the national Quality Assurance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Services point-of-care testing program.Design.—Quality Assurance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Services participants are required to test 2 quality assurance samples each month across two 6-monthly testing cycles per year. Participants also test 2 quality control samples monthly.Results.—The percentage of urine albumin, creatinine, and albumin to creatinine ratio results for quality assurance point-of-care testing that were within assigned allowable limits of performance averaged 96.9%, 95.9%, and 97.5%, respectively. The percentage acceptable quality control results for urine albumin and creatinine averaged 93.5% and 86.8%. The median imprecision for urine albumin, creatinine, and albumin to creatinine ratio quality assurance testing averaged 5.5%, 4.1%, and 3.3%, respectively, and the median within-site imprecision for quality control testing averaged 5.4%, 4.3%, and 5.7%, respectively, for the low sample and 4.0%, 4.1%, and 4.5%, respectively, for the high sample.Conclusions.—For 16 years the DCA system has proven to be reliable and robust and operators at Aboriginal medical services have demonstrated they are able to conduct point-of-care testing for urine albumin to creatinine ratio that consistently meets analytic performance standards.
Geografía y docencia en el legado del profesor José Estébanez Álvarez = Geography and Teaching in the Legacy of Professor José Estébanez Álvarez
Authors: Martín-Roda Eva 
Published: October 2020

El profesor D. José Estébanez Álvarez desarrolló a lo largo de treinta años una fructífera carrera docente e investigadora en el campo geográfico, aunque destaca su producción científica en el campo de la geografía urbana nunca abandonó otras ramas geográficas. Los espacios agrarios ocupan un lugar importante tanto en sus publicaciones como en sus proyectos de investigación. Su aporte fundamental al campo geográfico fue, en un momento de transición generacional y de reflexión metodológica en la Geografía española, la introducción de las nuevas corrientes geográficas que estaban acaeciendo allende nuestras fronteras, como son la Geografía de la Percepción y la Geografía Cuantitativa, temas en los que fue pionero en España. También tuvieron un gran peso los temas epistemológicos, siendo un tema recurrente a lo largo de sus trabajos. Como docente, también reflexionó sobre la docencia en Geografía, no sólo en los ámbitos universitarios, en los que la ejercía, sino también en la formación secundaria.AbstractProfessor D. José Estébanez Álvarez developed over 30 years a fruitful teaching and research career in the geographical field, although his major scientific production in the field of urban geography never left other geographical branches. Agricultural spaces occupy an important place in their publications and in their research projects. His fundamental contribution to the geographical field was, at a time of generational transition and methodological reflection in Spanish Geography, the introduction of the new geographical currents that were happening beyond our borders, such as the Geography of Perception and Quantitative Geography, issues in those who pioneered in Spain. Epistemological issues also had a great weight, being a recurring theme throughout his work. As a teacher, he also reflected on teaching in Geography, not only in university settings, where he was practicing, but also in secondary education.
A promoção da acessibilidade linguística ao docente surdo na UFG/Regional Catalão
Authors: Souza Kássia Mariano de , De Paula Maria Helena 
Published: October 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar como a Universidade se posiciona frente aos desafios legais para a implementação da acessibilidade linguística aos docentes surdos, principalmente no que tange à contratação do profissional intérprete como meio de inclusão do professor no contexto acadêmico. Assim, buscamos analisar as políticas públicas voltadas à acessibilidade deste profissional, tendo em vista que é recorrente sua inserção nas salas de aula e, sobretudo, nas universidades. O objeto de pesquisa desse trabalho é discutir sobre a promoção da acessibilidade linguística ao docente surdo na UFG/Regional Catalão, onde há uma atuação frequente de educadores com surdez. A fundamentação teórica do estudo se valeu das obras de autores que atuam na área da inclusão e acessibilidade da pessoa surda como Schubert (2012) e Quadros (2004; 2005). Realizamos ainda uma pesquisa documental sobre as medidas tomadas para tornar o ambiente acadêmico mais acessível a esses profissionais na instituição. Além disso, analisamos a legislação que abrange assuntos concernentes à acessibilidade que legalmente deve ser oferecida às pessoas surdas como suporte para correlacionar às informações obtidas. A pesquisa revelou que a Universidade ainda não está preparada para incluir o profissional surdo como parte constituinte da instituição.
Acarbose-metformin is more effective in glycemic variability control than repaglinide-metformin in T2DM patients inadequately controlled with metformin: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Du Guoli , Xie Wanrun , Su Yinxia , Ma Yao , Gao Xiaoming , Jiang Sheng , Liang Huazheng 
Published: October 2020

Background
Acarbose and repaglinide are widely used either by themselves or in combination with other medications. However, their efficacy in diabetes control has not been compared when used in combination with metformin.

Methods
The present study aimed to compare their effects on glycemic variability (GV) control when taken with metformin for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with metformin alone. In this retrospective cohort study, T2DM patients who were treated with either acarbose-metformin or repaglinide-metformin combination were recruited. Either acarbose 100 mg or repaglinide 2 mg triple daily was taken for the subsequent 12 weeks in combination with metformin. Demographic data, biochemical data and 7-point glycemic self-monitoring conducted with capillary blood (SMBG) data were reviewed after one week and 12 weeks. The primary outcome including glucose control and changes in GV as well as other factors affecting GV and the incidence of hypoglycemia were also analyzed.

Results
Of the 305 T2DM patients enrolled, data from 273 subjects, 136 in the acarbose-metformin group (M+A) and 137 in the repaglinide-metformin group (M+R) were analyzed. Both regimens improved glycemic control at 12 weeks post commencement of new medications. GV, expressed as the mean amplitude of plasma glycemic excursions (MAGE, 5.0 ± 2.6 vs. 2.8 ± 1.6 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+A; 5.1 ± 2.5 vs. 2.9 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+R), standard deviation of blood glucose (SDBG, 3.6 ± 1.3 vs. 2.0 ± 0.9 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+A; 3.7 ± 1.3 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3 p < 0.001 in M+R), coefficient of variation of blood glucose (CVBG, (0.30 ± 0.09 vs. 0.21 ± 0.1, p < 0.001 in M+A; 0.31 ± 0.09 vs. 0.24 ± 0.12, p < 0.001 in M+R), postprandial amplitude of glycemic excursions (PPGE, 5.2 ± 2.6 vs. 2.8 ± 1.6 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+A; 5.3 ± 2.5 vs. 2.9 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+R) or largest amplitude of glycemic excursions (LAGE, 9.8 ± 3.6 vs. 5.4 ± 2.4 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+A; 10.1 ± 3.4 vs. 6.3 ± 3.2 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+R) decreased significantly after the addition of acarbose or repaglinide (p < 0.05 respectively). Compared with repaglinide-metformin, acarbose-metformin was more effective in GV control at 12 weeks post commencement of new medications (p < 0.05). This study indicates that both acarbose-metformin and repaglinide-metformin combinations could effectively reduce GV and the acarbose-metformin combination seems to be more effective than the repaglinide-metformin combination. However, this conclusion should be confirmed by future large-scaled and more comprehensive studies due to the limitations of the present study.
Analysis of Profit Efficiency of Sesame Production in Yobe State, Nigeria: A Stochastic Translog Profit Function Approach
Authors: Jonah S. E. , Shettima B. G. , Umar A. S. S. , Timothy E. 
Published: October 2020

Aims: Sesame productions are constantly bedeviled with menace because of inadequate supply of quality seed, extension services, credit facilities, presence of inefficiencies among others. The capacity of sesame producers to accept new innovation and achieve sustained production relies upon the level of profit efficiency, generally dictated by variable input and output prices including the cost of fixed factors of production. Physical profitability contemplations such technical, allocative and economic efficiency are significant in improving production proficiency but profit efficiency will result to higher profit to sesame farmers. This paper examined the profit efficiency of sesame production in Yobe State, Nigeria.
Research Methods: Multistage sampling procedure is utilized to choose the farmers. A structured questionnaire is administered to 180 respondents spread across 12 Local Government Areas to acquired essential information. Descriptive statistics used includes mean, frequency and percentage. The inferential statistic used is stochastic translog profit function.
Findings: The result of levels of profit efficiency shows the mean profit efficiency of 0.8828. The result of the translog profit function indicates the sigma square to be 0.249 and variance of 0.909. All the cost variables has negative coefficients and significant at one percent level except for cost of farmlands. The inefficiency variables levels of education, Access to Extension Services, Access to credits among others reduce inefficiency while off-farm income and access to market information increase inefficiency.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that inefficiency exist in the utilization of resources. All the input cost variable decreases profit efficiency and all the socioeconomic characteristics decreases profit inefficiency with the exception of, off-farm income and access to market information which were found to increase profit inefficiency.
Endocrine Markers of Fertility Potential in Reproductive Age Women with Idiopathic Hyperprolactinemia
Authors: Atalyan Alina Valerievna , Shelokhov Leonid Fedorovich , Kolesnikova Lyubov Ilinichna 
Published: October 2020

Background: Hyperprolactinemia (HP) is a common endocrine gynecological disorder in women of reproductive age manifested with menstrual irregularity and sterility subfertility among the majority of women with this disorder.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the endocrinal markers of inferility in premenopausal women with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia.
Materials and Metahodology: The study included 82 women: 27 healthy women, 22 fertile women with idiopathic HP and 33 patients with endocrine sub fertility with idiopathic HP. All women underwent a standard history taking, clinical examinations. Lab tests were performed in all women and included the detection of the concentrations of prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, cortisol, gonadotrophic hormones, testosterone, and estradiol by ELISA method.

Results: The study results demonstrated that subfertile women with HP are characterized by an increase of follicle-stimulating hormone and free triiodothyronine and a decrease of estradiol and cortisol when compared with fertile patients with HP and Healthy patients.
Conclusion: The better glucocorticoid and ovarian function of fertile women with HP supposed to be an essential issue in their reproductive ability.
Adaptive prescribed performance tracking control for uncertain strict‐feedback Multiple Inputs and Multiple Outputs nonlinear systems based on generalized fuzzy hyperbolic model
Authors: Yang Zhong‐Jun , Zong Xue‐Jun , Wang Guo‐Gang 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThis article proposes an adaptive prescribed performance tracking control methodology for a class of strict‐feedback Multiple Inputs and Multiple Outputs nonlinear systems. A combination of backstepping technique and the generalized fuzzy hyperbolic model was used in recursive design of adaptive controller. A novel performance constraint function guarantees the tracking control performance. Lyapunov stability analysis proves that the designed controller can ensure the predefined transient and all signals within the closed‐loop systems are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded. In the end, simulation results illustrate the validity of the proposed approach.
A 3D Cu‐Naphthalene‐Phosphonate Metal–Organic Framework with Ultra‐High Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Peeples Craig A. , Kober Delf , Schmitt Franz‐Josef , Tholen Patrik , Siemensmeyer Konrad , Halldorson Quinn , Çoşut Bünyemin , Gurlo Aleksander , Yazaydin Ahmet Ozgur , Hanna Gabriel , Yücesan Gündoğ 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA conductive phosphonate metal–organic framework (MOF), [{Cu(H2O)}(2,6‐NDPA)0.5] (NDPA = naphthalenediphosphonic acid), which contains a 2D inorganic building unit (IBU) comprised of a continuous edge‐sharing sheet of copper phosphonate polyhedra is reported. The 2D IBUs are connected to each other via polyaromatic 2,6‐NDPA's, forming a 3D pillared‐layered MOF structure. This MOF, known as TUB40, has a narrow band gap of 1.42 eV, a record high average electrical conductance of 2 × 102 S m−1 at room temperature based on single‐crystal conductivity measurements, and an electrical conductance of 142 S m−1 based on a pellet measurement. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the conductivity is due to an excitation from the highest occupied molecular orbital on the naphthalene‐building unit to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital on the copper atoms. Temperature‐dependent magnetization measurements show that the copper atoms are antiferromagnetically coupled at very low temperatures, which is also confirmed by the DFT calculations. Due to its high conductance and thermal/chemical stability, TUB40 may prove useful as an electrode material in supercapacitors.
Emerging Memristive Artificial Synapses and Neurons for Energy‐Efficient Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Choi Sanghyeon , Yang Jehyeon , Wang Gunuk 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMemristors have recently attracted significant interest due to their applicability as promising building blocks of neuromorphic computing and electronic systems. The dynamic reconfiguration of memristors, which is based on the history of applied electrical stimuli, can mimic both essential analog synaptic and neuronal functionalities. These can be utilized as the node and terminal devices in an artificial neural network. Consequently, the ability to understand, control, and utilize fundamental switching principles and various types of device architectures of the memristor is necessary for achieving memristor‐based neuromorphic hardware systems. Herein, a wide range of memristors and memristive‐related devices for artificial synapses and neurons is highlighted. The device structures, switching principles, and the applications of essential synaptic and neuronal functionalities are sequentially presented. Moreover, recent advances in memristive artificial neural networks and their hardware implementations are introduced along with an overview of the various learning algorithms. Finally, the main challenges of the memristive synapses and neurons toward high‐performance and energy‐efficient neuromorphic computing are briefly discussed. This progress report aims to be an insightful guide for the research on memristors and neuromorphic‐based computing.
In Situ Monitoring of Alkanethiol Self‐Assembly onto Zinc Selenide: The Role of Substrate Pretreatment and Its Implication in Bacterial Attachment
Authors: Yunda Elena , Quilès Fabienne , Horwat David , Gago Raúl , Ghanbaja Jaafar , Alem Halima 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe interface between pioneer sessile bacteria and a supporting substrate can be probed in situ and at the molecular scale by infrared spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflection mode (ATR‐FTIR). Here, a self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) of amino‐terminated alkanethiol is formed on the internal reflection element (IRE) composed of zinc selenide, and the attachment of model bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is subsequently studied. The impact of the beforehand surface preparation of the IRE on the SAM is studied on ZnSe substrates (i) cleaned by exposure to ozone/UV, (ii) acid cleaned, or (iii) coated with a thin gold film. The surface properties of the obtained substrates are analyzed by atomic force and electron microscopies, and elastic ion backscattering spectrometry. The kinetics of the formation and the organization of the formed SAMs are strongly surface dependent, as evidenced with ATR‐FTIR. Acid‐cleaned and gold‐coated IREs are the least and most favorable substrates for alkanethiol SAM formation, respectively. Regardless of differences in SAM properties, the average degree of LGG attachment is similar on all functionalized substrates. The molecular organization of LGG cells, however, is substrate‐dependent suggesting a possible effect of SAM organization on the bacteria–substrate interface.
An Antigen‐Delivery Protein Nanoparticle Combined with Anti‐PD‐1 Checkpoint Inhibitor Has Curative Efficacy in an Aggressive Melanoma Model
Authors: Neek Medea , Tucker Jo Anne , Butkovich Nina , Nelson Edward L. , Wang Szu‐Wen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibition is a promising alternative treatment to standard chemotherapies; however, it fails to achieve long‐term remission in a significant portion of patients. A previously developed protein nanoparticle‐based platform (E2 nanoparticle) delivers cancer antigens to increase antigen‐specific tumor responses. While prior work has focussed on prophylactic conditions, the objectives in this study are therapeutic. It is hypothesized that immune checkpoint inhibition, when augmented by antigen delivery using E2 nanoparticles containing CpG oligonucleotide 1826 (CpG) and a glycoprotein 100 (gp100) melanoma antigen epitope (CpG‐gp‐E2), would synergistically elicit antitumor responses. To identify a regimen primed for obtaining effective treatment results, immune benchmarks in the spleen and tumor are examined. Conditions that lead to significant immune activation, including increases in gp100‐specific interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), CD8 T cells in the spleen, tumor‐infiltrating CD8 T cells, and survival time are identified. Based on the findings, the resulting combination of CpG‐gp‐E2 and anti‐programmed cell death protein 1 (anti‐PD‐1) treatment in tumor‐challenged mice yield significantly increased long‐term survival; more than 50% of the mice treated with combination therapy were tumor‐free, compared with 0% and ≈5% for CpG‐gp‐E2 and anti‐PD‐1 alone, respectively. Evidence of a durable antitumor response is also observed upon tumor rechallenge, pointing to long‐lasting immune memory.
Solvent‐Dependent Singlet Fission in Diketopyrrolopyrrole Dimers: A Mediating Charge Transfer versus a Trapping Symmetry‐Breaking Charge Separation
Authors: Papadopoulos Ilias , Álvaro‐Martins Maria João , Molina Desiré , McCosker Patrick M. , Keller Paul A. , Clark Timothy , Sastre‐Santos Ángela , Guldi Dirk M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThree diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) dimers, linked via different dithienylphenylene spacers, ortho‐DPP (o‐DPP), meta‐DPP (m‐DPP), and para‐DPP (p‐DPP), are synthesized, characterized, and probed in light of intramolecular singlet fission (i‐SF). Importantly, the corresponding DPP reference (DPP‐Ref) singlet and triplet excited state energies of 2.22 and 1.04 eV, respectively, suggest that i‐SF is thermodynamically feasible. The investigations focus on the impact of the relative positioning of the DPPs, and give compelling evidence that solvent polarity and/or spatial overlap govern i‐SF dynamics and efficiencies. Polar solvents make the involvement of an intermediate charge transfer (CT) state possible, followed by the population of 1(T1T1) and subsequently (T1 + T1), while spatial overlap drives the mutual interactions between the DPPs. In o‐DPP, the correct balance between polar solvents and spatial overlap leads to the highest triplet quantum yield (TQY) of 40%. Notable is the superimposition of CT and triplet excited states, preventing an accurate TQY determination. For m‐DPP, poorer spatial overlap correlates with weaker CT character and manifests in a TQY of 11%. Strong CT character acts as a trap and prevents i‐SF, as found with p‐DPP. The DPP separation is decisive, enabling a symmetry‐breaking charge‐separated state rather than CT formation, shutting down the formation 1(T1T1).
Biotriboelectric Nanogenerators: Materials, Structures, and Applications
Authors: Li Xunjia , Jiang Chengmei , Ying Yibin , Ping Jianfeng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn recent years, as the rising contradiction between the increase of energy demand and intensifying of depleting fossil resources, the development of new energy sources has received more and more attention. Among them, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with the characteristics of low‐cost, high durability, and high processability are becoming the new star in the field of energy sources. In particular, the addition of biomaterials as triboelectric materials makes TENGs more environmentally friendly, giving biomaterial‐based TENGs (bio‐TENGs) great potential in the field of Internet of Things (IoT), wearable devices, and implantable devices. This review covers the latest advances in bio‐TENGs, including the special properties of biomaterials, the innovative structure, and application scenarios of bio‐TENGs, and explores the future and limitations of bio‐TENGs.
Surface Reconstruction and Phase Transition on Vanadium–Cobalt–Iron Trimetal Nitrides to Form Active Oxyhydroxide for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Liu Dong , Ai Haoqiang , Li Jielei , Fang Mingliang , Chen Mingpeng , Liu Di , Du Xinyu , Zhou Pengfei , Li Feifei , Lo Kin Ho , Tang Yuxin , Chen Shi , Wang Lei , Xing Guichuan , Pan Hui 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a pivotal process for renewable energy technologies, such as water splitting. The discovery of efficient, durable, and earth‐abundant electrocatalysts for water oxidation is highly desirable. Here, a novel trimetallic nitride compound grown on nickel foam (CoVFeN @ NF) is demonstrated, which is an ultra‐highly active OER electrocatalyst that outperforms the benchmark catalyst, RuO2, and most of the state‐of‐the‐art 3D transition metals and their compounds. CoVFeN @ NF exhibits ultralow OER overpotentials of 212 and 264 mV at 10 and 100 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH, respectively, together with a small Tafel slop of 34.8 mV dec−1. Structural characterization reveals that the excellent catalytic activity mainly originates from: 1) formation of oxyhydroxide species on the surface of the catalyst due to surface reconstruction and phase transition, 2) promoted oxygen evolution possibly activated by peroxo‐like (O22−) species through a combined lattice‐oxygen‐oxidation and adsorbate escape mechanism, 3) an optimized electronic structure and local coordination environment owing to the synergistic effect of the multimetal system, and 4) greatly accelerated electron transfer as a result of nitridation. This study provides a simple approach to rationally design cost‐efficient and highly catalytic multimetal compound systems as OER catalysts for electrochemical energy devices.