bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suppressing Strong Exciton–Phonon Coupling in Blue Perovskite Nanoplatelet Solids by Binary Systems
Authors: Peng Shaomin , Wei Qi , Wang Bingzhe , Zhang Zhipeng , Yang Hongcheng , Pang Guotao , Wang Kai , Xing Guichuan , Sun Xiao Wei , Tang Zikang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractQuasi‐two‐dimensional (2D) perovskites are promising candidates for light generation owing to their high radiative rates. However, strong exciton–phonon interactions caused by mechanical softening of the surface act as a bottleneck in improving their suitability for a wide range of lighting and display applications. Moreover, it is not easily available to tune the phonon interactions in bulk films. Here, we adopt bottom‐up fabricated blue emissive perovskite nanoplatelets (NPLs) as model systems to elucidate and as well as tune the phonon interactions via engineering of binary NPL solids. By optimizing component domains, the phonon coupling strength can be reduced by a factor of 2 driven by the delocalization of 2D excitons in out‐of‐plane orientations. It shows the picosecond energy transfer originated from the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiently competes with the exciton–phonon interactions in the binary system.
Continuous Tuning of Au–Cu2O Janus Nanostructures for Efficient Charge Separation
Authors: Xu Wenjia , Jia Jia , Wang Ti , Li Chao , He Bowen , Zong Jianpeng , Wang Yawen , Fan Hong Jin , Xu Hongxing , Feng Yuhua , Chen Hongyu 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn photocatalysis, the Schottky barrier in metal–semiconductor hybrids is known to promote charge separation, but a core–shell structure always leads to a charge build‐up and eventually shuts off the photocurrent. Here, we show that Au–Cu2O hybrid nanostructures can be continuously tuned, particularly when the Cu2O domains are single‐crystalline. This is in contrast to the conventional systems, where the hybrid configuration is mainly determined by the choice of materials. The distal separation of the Au–Cu2O domains in Janus nanostructures leads to enhanced charge separation and a large improvement of the photocurrent. The activity of the Au–Cu2O Janus structures is 5 times higher than that of the core–shell structure, and 10 times higher than that of the neat Cu2O nanocubes. The continuous structural tuning allows to study the structure–property relationship and an optimization of the photocatalytic performance.
3D printing of copper particles and poly(methyl methacrylate) beads containing poly(lactic acid) composites for enhancing thermomechanical properties
Authors: Vu Minh Canh , Jeong Tae‐Hyeong , Kim Jun‐Beom , Choi Won Kook , Kim Dae Hoon , Kim Sung‐Ryong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPoly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite filaments with different copper (Cu) contents as high as 40 and 20 wt% of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) beads have been fabricated by twin‐screw extruder for 3D printing. A fused‐deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology has been used to print the PLA composites containing hybrid fillers of Cu particles and PMMA beads. The morphology, mechanical, and thermal properties of the printed PLA composites were investigated. The tensile strength was slightly decreased, but storage modulus and thermal conductivity of PLA composites were significantly improved by adding Cu particles in the presence of PMMA beads. The PLA composites with hybrid fillers of 40 wt% of Cu particles and 20 wt% of PMMA beads resulted in thermal conductivity of 0.49 W m−1 K−1 which was three times higher than that of the bare PLA resin. The facilitation of the segregated network of high‐thermally conductive Cu particles with the PMMA beads in PLA matrix provided thermally conductive pathways and resulted in a remarkable enhancement in thermal conductivity.
Transparency‐tunable and moderate‐temperature healable thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer based on bisphenol A chain‐extender
Authors: Xiang Chuanxi , Chen Hongxiang , Wang Wanwan , Dai Qiaoli , Liu Zhiqiang , Yang Bing , Zhou Yu , Zhou Yang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTransparent self‐healing polymers have a promising future, but the research on the relationship among transparency, self‐healing, and structure is still challenging. The thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers containing aryl carbamate were prepared by the reaction of isocyanate‐terminated prepolymer and chain‐extender bisphenol A (BPA). On the one hand, the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer could heal at a relatively low temperature due to the exchange of aryl carbamate, and exhibits 83% of healing efficiency at 90°C for 2 h. On the other hand, two methyl groups of BPA hinder the crystallization of hard segments in polyurethane, so the domain of hard segments is amorphous, while the microcrystals of soft segments dispersed in the polyurethane are affected by the content of hard segments, therefore, the transparency of polyurethane can be tailored by the content of hard segments. It provides a simple design and a feasible preparation method for transparent self‐healing polymer.
Are Anatomy PhDs Nearing Extinction or Adapting to Change? United States Graduate Education Trends in the Anatomical Sciences
Authors: Wilson Adam B. , Kaza Niroop , Singpurwalla Darius J. , Brooks William S. 
Published: August 2020

Faculty qualified to teach in the anatomical sciences are growing scarce just as the need for trained anatomists is greater than ever. Enrollments are surging in anticipation of a large physician shortfall; meanwhile, many anatomists are reaching retirement age. Who will fill the teaching gap? This study assessed trends in doctorates awarded in Anatomy and related fields within the United States (US) since 1969 and evaluated modern graduate education in the anatomical sciences. Data were compiled from the National Science Foundation Survey of Earned Doctorates. The total number of doctorates in the anatomical sciences and number of doctorates by sex and race/ethnicity were plotted for trend analysis. The number of PhD anatomy training programs within US medical schools was also assessed. Curricula and major characteristics of all active programs were evaluated through website searches and program director interviews. While doctorates in cell biology, developmental biology, and neuroscience have grown, the number of PhDs awarded in Anatomy has declined, on average, by 3.1 graduates per year to a 50‐year low of only 8 graduates in 2017. Currently, 21 active doctoral programs in anatomy operate within US medical schools and fall into three general categories: anatomy education (n = 8), classic anatomy (n = 8), and anthropology/evolutionary anatomy (n = 5). Without a concerted effort by stakeholders to address the shortage, anatomists may face extinction. Expansion of the anatomy education doctoral degree may represent a necessary evolution of the field to meet job market needs and to thwart the extinction threat.
Verbal aptitude hurts children's economic decision‐making accuracy
Authors: Bruyneel Sabrina , Cherchye Laurens , Cosaert Sam , De Rock Bram , Dewitte Siegfried 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe impact of children's decision making increases with age and has relatively increased through time. Although a lot is known about cognitive development, less is known about how this development impacts decision accuracy in economic situations. This study builds on revealed preference theory to study the impact of cognitive aptitude on economic decision‐making accuracy and explores the intervening role of decision heuristics. In a study (n = 100) where children from three age groups had to make choices between combinations of products, we found that decision accuracy was lower for kindergarteners than for children from the third and sixth grade, replicating and validating older findings. We found that one aspect of cognitive aptitude, namely, verbal aptitude, hurts rather than helps decision accuracy. Further explorations suggested that this relation was due to the decreased use of the “more is better” heuristic, a child's preference for options with many units, which decreased with increasing verbal aptitude but increased rational decision making. We discuss the implications of the negative effect of verbal aptitude on economic decision‐making accuracy.
Using online simulations to teach biochemistry laboratory content during COVID‐19
Authors: Costabile Maurizio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAt the University of South Australia (UniSA), Biochemistry is a second year undergraduate course. The student cohort is diverse, with students enrolled in courses with a laboratory focus, such as Laboratory Medicine, Medical Science, Nutrition and Food Science and Pharmaceutical Science. The course is taught in a traditional manner, with weekly lectures, fortnightly tutorials and three practical sessions. In response to the growing numbers of COVID‐19 cases, in mid‐March the University leadership moved to cease face‐to‐face teaching. By this time, 58 of 96 students had completed the first two (of three) face‐to‐face laboratory practicals. In response to this decision, teaching of all practical based content was moved online for all students. The first question was, how do we teach practical content online? And secondly, how do we teach hands‐on skills? The first question was addressed using a suite of online simulations, progressively developed since 2013. Simulations are widely used and shown to be useful as teaching aids in STEM. A total of five simulations were introduced each covering key aspects of laboratory practice, including fundamental mathematical skills, reading, and setting a pipette, basic Biochemistry assays, protein quantification, and enzyme kinetics. The second issue of teaching hands on skills was addressed once restrictions were eased. Students were invited to attend the laboratory to learn the kinesthetic skills with instructor guidance. Both approaches used proved to be highly effective and can be readily adapted not only to teaching Biochemistry, but any aspect of science education.
Applying active learning in a virtual classroom such as a molecular biology escape room
Authors: Alonso Gabriela , Schroeder Kersten T. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe transition to remote‐teaching online for Molecular Biology has forced active learning exercises like Escape Rooms to also move online. In the past, Escape Rooms have been an effective tool for students to help reinforce concepts they learned in Molecular Biology. We propose that there is a way for Escape Rooms to be moved to an online setting and still be an effective avenue for students to learn the material in a fun and interactive way.
A lab‐on‐a‐chip model of glaucoma
Authors: Nafian Fatemeh , Kamali Doust Azad Babak , Yazdani Shahin , Rasaee Mohammad Javad , Daftarian Narsis 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsWe developed a glaucoma‐on‐a‐chip model to evaluate the viability of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) against high pressure and the potential effect of neuroprotection.MethodsA three‐layered chip consisting of interconnecting microchannels and culture wells was designed and fabricated from poly‐methyl methacrylate sheets. The bottom surface of the wells was modified by air plasma and coated with different membranes to provide a suitable extracellular microenvironment. RGCs were purified from postnatal Wistar rats by magnetic assisted cell sorting up to 70% and characterized by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. The cultured RGCs were exposed to normal (15 mmHg) or elevated pressure (33 mmHg) for 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hr, with and without adding brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or a novel BDNF mimetic (RNYK).ResultsMultiple inlet ports allow culture media and gas into the wells under elevated hydrostatic pressure. PDL/laminin formed the best supporting membrane. RGC survival rates were 85%, 78%, 70%, 67%, and 61% under normal pressure versus 40%, 22%, 18%, 12%, and 10% under high pressure at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hr, respectively. BDNF and RNYK separately reduced RGC death rates about twofold under both normal and elevated pressures.ConclusionThis model recapitulated the effects of elevated pressure over relatively short time periods and demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of BDNF and RNYK.
Behavioral changes and gene profile alterations after chronic 1,950‐MHz radiofrequency exposure: An observation in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Jeong Ye Ji , Son Yeonghoon , Choi Hyung‐Do , Kim Nam , Lee Yun‐Sil , Ko Young‐Gyu , Lee Hae‐June 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionDue to public concerns about deleterious biological consequences of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMF), the potential effects of RF‐EMF on the central nervous system have received wide consideration.MethodsHere, two groups of C57BL/6 mice, aged 2 and 12 months, were exposed to 1,950‐MHz RF‐EMF at a specific absorption rate of 5.0 W/kg for chronic periods (2 hr/day and 5 days/week for 8 months). Behavioral changes were then assessed in the mice at 10 months (sham‐ or RF‐10M) and 20 months (sham‐ or RF‐20M), on the open‐field test, the Y‐maze test, and an object recognition memory task, while biological effects were analyzed via microarray gene profiling of the hippocampus.ResultsOpen‐field test results showed a decrease in the time duration spent at the center while there was a decrease in enhanced memory shown by the Y‐maze test and the novel object recognition test in the RF‐20M mice, compared to sham‐exposed mice, but no significant changes in the RF‐10M group. Based on a 2‐fold change cutoff, the microarray data revealed that 15 genes, which are listed as being involved in neurogenesis on Gene Ontology, were altered in both groups. Quantitative real‐time PCR for validation showed increased expression of Epha8 and Wnt6 in the hippocampi of RF‐20M group mice, although 13 additional genes showed no significant changes following RF‐EMF exposure.ConclusionTherefore, cognitive enhancement following chronic exposure for 8 months to RF‐EMF from middle age may be associated with increases in neurogenesis‐related signals in the hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice.
Advancing preuniversity students' computational thinking skills through an educational project based on tangible elements and virtual block‐based programming
Authors: Trilles Sergio , Granell Carlos 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUniversity students enroling in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)‐related studies such as computer science continue to decline, even though worldwide educational policy reports warn about the need for this type of professionals in the immediate future. Promoting computer science studies among preuniversity students seems the most direct solution to reverse this issue. In this context, we present the Sucre4Kids project whose main objectives are to engage young people into computational thinking and programming concepts using tangible elements and social interaction. We apply the Sucre4Kids approach to introductory courses of computational thinking and programming concepts to high‐school students. The main results of the 3‐year intervention in the classroom with 256 high‐school students reached suggest that tangible elements and social interaction in groups are determining factors in increasing students' motivation to learn to code and to raise their interest in STEM disciplines.
Paperclickers: Affordable solution for classroom response systems
Authors: de Oliveira Eduardo , Bindá Jomara , Valle Eduardo , Lopes Renato 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe propose paperclickers, a low‐cost classroom response system requiring a single mobile device for the teacher and cards with printed codes for the students, which results in a low‐cost, easy‐to‐deploy solution that aims at broadening the adoption of active learning techniques in developing countries. We implemented paperclickers as a smartphone application, whose development history, with pitfalls and lessons learned, we describe in this paper. We also describe the results of the first round of usability tests we performed on the first prototype, indicating the feasibility of paperclickers, the opportunities for design improvement, and how they affected the current version of the software. A beta release of paperclickers is available for the public.
Which patients to sample in clinical cohort studies when the number of events is high and measurement of additional markers is constrained by limited resources
Authors: Edelmann Dominic , Ohneberg Kristin , Becker Natalia , Benner Axel , Schumacher Martin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposeWe consider an existing clinical cohort with events but limited resources for the investigation of a further potentially expensive marker. Biological material of the patients is stored in a biobank, but only a limited number of samples can be analyzed with respect to the marker. The question arises as to which patients to sample, if the number of events preclude standard sampling designs.MethodsModifications of the nested case‐control and the case‐cohort design for the proportional hazards model are applied, that allow efficient sampling in situations where standard nested case‐control and case‐cohort are not feasible. These sampling designs are compared to simple random sampling and extreme group sampling, the latter including only patients with extreme outcomes, ie either with an event early in time or without an event until at least a point later in time.ResultsThe modified nested case‐control design and the modified case‐cohort design provide powerful methods for sampling in a clinical cohort with many events. The simple random sampling usually is less efficient. If focus is on precise estimation of a potential effect in terms of a hazard ratio, extreme group sampling is not competitive. If focus is on screening for important biomarkers, extreme group sampling markedly outperforms the other sampling designs.ConclusionsWhen it is not feasible to sample all events, a modified nested case‐control design or case‐cohort design leads to efficient effect estimates in the proportional hazards model. If screening for important biomarkers is the primary objective, extreme group sampling is preferable.
Reduced liver cancer mortality with regular clinic follow‐up among patients with chronic hepatitis B: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Shim Jae‐Jun , Kim Gi‐Ae , Oh Chi Hyuk , Kim Jung Wook , Myung Jisun , Kim Byung‐Ho , Oh In‐Hwan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundRegular clinic follow‐up is a prerequisite for optimal antiviral therapy and surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, adherence to regular follow‐up stays low in practice. This study investigated whether regular follow‐up is associated with decreased liver cancer mortality in CHB patients.MethodsA nationwide population‐based historical cohort study was conducted using customized data from the National Health Insurance Service of Korea. The number of hospital visits every 3‐month interval was counted for 2 years from the date of CHB diagnosis. Patients were classified into three follow‐up groups: regular (four to eight visits), irregular (one to three visits), and no follow‐up. The risk of liver cancer mortality was compared among the groups using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.ResultsOf the 414 074 CHB patients, 22.9% had regular follow‐up. In multivariable analysis, regular follow‐up was independently associated with decreased risk of liver cancer mortality compared to no follow‐up (hazard ratio [HR], 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50‐0.63, P < .001). Regular follow‐up was also associated with the lowest risk of all‐cause mortality (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.57‐0.63, P < .001). Patients with regular follow‐up received more curative treatment (23.1% vs 15.1%, P < .001). Patients were less motivated when they were female, >60 years, of low socioeconomic status, disabled, lived in a rural area, had a higher comorbidity rate, or did not have cirrhosis.ConclusionsRegular follow‐up at least every 3‐6 months is significantly associated with reduced liver cancer mortality in patients with CHB.
Site‐Specific Phosphorylation of Huntingtin Exon 1 Recombinant Proteins Enabled by the Discovery of Novel Kinases
Authors: Chiki Anass , Ricci Jonathan , Hegde Ramanath , Abriata Luciano A. , Reif Andreas , Boudeffa Driss , Lashuel Hilal A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPost‐translational modifications (PTMs) within the first 17 amino acids (Nt17) of exon 1 of the Huntingtin protein (Httex1) play important roles in modulating its cellular properties and functions in health and disease. In particular, phosphorylation of threonine and serine residues (T3, S13, and/or S16) has been shown to inhibit Htt aggregation in vitro and inclusion formation in cellular and animal models of Huntington's disease (HD). In this paper, we describe a new and simple methodology for producing milligram quantities of highly pure wild‐type or mutant Httex1 proteins that are site‐specifically phosphorylated at T3 or at both S13 and S16. This advance was enabled by 1) the discovery and validation of novel kinases that efficiently phosphorylate Httex1 at S13 and S16 (TBK1), at T3 (GCK) or T3 and S13 (TNIK and HGK), and 2) the development of an efficient methodology for producing recombinant native Httex1 proteins by using a SUMO‐fusion expression and purification strategy.[26] As a proof of concept, we demonstrate how this method can be applied to produce Httex1 proteins that are both site‐specifically phosphorylated and fluorescently or isotopically labeled. Together, these advances should increase access to these valuable tools and expand the range of methods and experimental approaches that can be used to elucidate the mechanisms by which phosphorylation influences Httex1 or HTT structure, aggregation, interactome, and function(s) in health and disease.
Trapping Transient Protein Species by Genetic Code Expansion
Authors: Tinzl Matthias , Hilvert Donald 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNature employs a limited number of genetically encoded amino acids for the construction of functional proteins. By engineering components of the cellular translation machinery, however, it is now possible to genetically encode noncanonical building blocks with tailored electronic and structural properties. The ability to incorporate unique chemical functionality into proteins provides a powerful tool to probe mechanism and create novel function. In this minireview, we highlight several recent studies that illustrate how noncanonical amino acids have been used to capture and characterize reactive intermediates, fine‐tune the catalytic properties of enzymes, and stabilize short‐lived protein–protein complexes.
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence: A case report on the challenges in diagnosing ostial left main stenosis
Authors: Shaik Ayesha , Mosleh Wassim , Dahal Khagendra , Pickett Christopher , Azrin Michael 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBecause left main (LM) coronary artery stenosis is known to have higher mortality and morbidity compared to lesions in other territories, an early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent worse outcomes. Due to limitations of coronary angiography (CA), the diagnosis of ostial LM stenosis solely based on CA may result in underdiagnosis of such lesions. Therefore, additional testing is often needed either by pressure wire or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to make appropriate diagnosis. We, hereby, present a case of left main ostial stenosis in a 56‐year‐old male that was missed on multiple coronary angiograms, and highlights many of the considerations in the diagnosis of LM disease.
Pulvinar sign and abnormally high CSF WBC in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
Authors: Kagabo Whitney , Imam Kamran , Liu Antonio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPosterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a reversible disease process in which cerebral edema is secondary to a trigger causes neurological symptoms. Our case presents an unusual MRI location and CSF analysis in a patient with PRES.