bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Student achievement against national minimum standards for reading and numeracy in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9: A regression discontinuity analysis
Authors: Adams Emma K. , Hancock Kirsten J. , Taylor Catherine L. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLiteracy and numeracy are essential for success in life. In Australia, students’ academic achievement is monitored using the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). One of the aims of NAPLAN is that results will drive student improvement by identifying which students are underperforming against national minimum standards and who require additional learning support. This study investigated the performance trajectories of students who were identified as “below the national minimum standards”, relative to students above the national minimum standards. This study used standardised reading and numeracy test scores for Australian students and regression discontinuity methods to investigate whether students who performed below the national minimum standards showed improved performance in subsequent years compared with similar students above the national minimum standards threshold. On average, achievement gaps between students below the standards and students at or above the standards persisted across year levels. Labelling students below the national minimum standards had no significant effects on later reading or numeracy achievement. The results suggest the NAPLAN national minimum standards labelling is not driving student improvement, highlighting the need for effective early identification and interventions for children who do not meet school year benchmarks for literacy and numeracy.
Apolipoprotein E4 disrupts the neuroprotective action of sortilin in neuronal lipid metabolism and endocannabinoid signaling
Authors: Asaro Antonino , Carlo‐Spiewok Anne‐Sophie , Malik Anna R. , Rothe Michael , Schipke Carola G. , Peters Oliver , Heeren Joerg , Willnow Thomas E. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionApolipoprotein E (apoE) is a carrier for brain lipids and the most important genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). ApoE binds the receptor sortilin, which mediates uptake of apoE‐bound cargo into neurons. The significance of this uptake route for brain lipid homeostasis and AD risk seen with apoE4, but not apoE3, remains unresolved.MethodsCombining neurolipidomics in patient specimens with functional studies in mouse models, we interrogated apoE isoform–specific functions for sortilin in brain lipid metabolism and AD.ResultsSortilin directs the uptake and conversion of polyunsaturated fatty acids into endocannabinoids, lipid‐based neurotransmitters that act through nuclear receptors to sustain neuroprotective gene expression in the brain. This sortilin function requires apoE3, but is disrupted by binding of apoE4, compromising neuronal endocannabinoid metabolism and action.DiscussionWe uncovered the significance of neuronal apoE receptor sortilin in facilitating neuroprotective actions of brain lipids, and its relevance for AD risk seen with apoE4.
Glycine Receptor Autoantibodies Impair Receptor Function and Induce Motor Dysfunction
Authors: Rauschenberger Vera , von Wardenburg Niels , Schaefer Natascha , Ogino Kazutoyo , Hirata Hiromi , Lillesaar Christina , Kluck Christoph J. , Meinck Hans‐Michael , Borrmann Marc , Weishaupt Andreas , Doppler Kathrin , Wickel Jonathan , Geis Christian , Sommer Claudia , Villmann Carmen 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveImpairment of glycinergic neurotransmission leads to complex movement and behavioral disorders. Patients harboring glycine receptor autoantibodies suffer from stiff‐person syndrome or its severe variant progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus. Enhanced receptor internalization was proposed as the common molecular mechanism upon autoantibody binding. Although functional impairment of glycine receptors following autoantibody binding has recently been investigated, it is still incompletely understood.MethodsA cell‐based assay was used for positive sample evaluation. Glycine receptor function was assessed by electrophysiological recordings and radioligand binding assays. The in vivo passive transfer of patient autoantibodies was done using the zebrafish animal model.ResultsGlycine receptor function as assessed by glycine dose–response curves showed significantly decreased glycine potency in the presence of patient sera. Upon binding of autoantibodies from 2 patients, a decreased fraction of desensitized receptors was observed, whereas closing of the ion channel remained fast. The glycine receptor N‐terminal residues 29A to 62G were mapped as a common epitope of glycine receptor autoantibodies. An in vivo transfer into the zebrafish animal model generated a phenotype with disturbed escape behavior accompanied by a reduced number of glycine receptor clusters in the spinal cord of affected animals.InterpretationAutoantibodies against the extracellular domain mediate alterations of glycine receptor physiology. Moreover, our in vivo data demonstrate that the autoantibodies are a direct cause of the disease, because the transfer of human glycine receptor autoantibodies to zebrafish larvae generated impaired escape behavior in the animal model compatible with abnormal startle response in stiff‐person syndrome or progressive encephalitis with rigidity and myoclonus patients. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:544–561
Revealing Crystallization‐Induced Blue‐Shift Emission of a Di‐Boron Complex by Enhanced Photoluminescence and Electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Wong Jonathan M. , Zhang Ruizhong , Xie Peidong , Yang Liuqing , Zhang Minlin , Zhou Ruixue , Wang Ruiyao , Shen Yue , Yang Bing , Wang Hong‐Bo , Ding Zhifeng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractElucidating the effects of crystallization‐induced blue‐shift emission of a newly synthesized di‐boron complex (DBC) by enhanced photoluminescence (PL) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) in the annihilation pathway was realized for the first time. The 57 nm blue‐shift and great enhancement in the crystalline lattice relative to the DBC solution were attributed to the restriction of intramolecular rotation (RIR) and confirmed by PL imaging, X‐ray diffraction, as well as DFT calculations. It was discovered that ECL at crystalline film/solution interfaces can be further enhanced by means of both co‐reactant route and RIR. The RIR contributions with co‐reactant increased ECL up to 5 times more. Very interestingly, the co‐reactant system was found to give off a red‐shifted light emission. Mechanistic studies reveal that a difference between location of the ECL in the co‐reactant route and that in the annihilation pathway leads to an alternative emission wavelength.
Integration of GPR and TLS for investigating the floor of the ‘Salone dei Cinquecento’ in Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, Italy
Authors: Pieraccini Massimiliano , Miccinesi Lapo , Conti Alessandro , Fiorini Lidia , Tucci Grazia , Pieri Ilaria , Corazzini Stefano 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGround penetrating radar (GPR) is a powerful non‐destructive investigation tool widely used in archaeology. Its capabilities are greatly enhanced when it is operated in combination with a terrestrial laser scanner. This article reports on the radar investigation of the floor of Palazzo Vecchio's Great Hall. This monumental hall has been decorated by the most prominent artists of Italian Renaissance and it has radically changed at least twice since the 15th century. The aim of this investigation is to find features inside and under the floor that can contribute to a better reconstruction of the history of this monument. The main findings of this prospection have been the detection of a transversal girder not known on the south side of the Great Hall and a hemicycle structure under the floor. Both are probably remains of the works for adapting the hall to be used as the National Parliament of Italy between 1865 and 1870.
Spectrofluorometric determination of alogliptin an antidiabetic drug in pure and tablet form using fluorescamine, a fluorogenic agent: application to content uniformity test
Authors: Derayea Sayed M. , Gahlan Ahmed A. , Omar Mahmoud A. , Saleh Gamal A. , Haredy Ahmed M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAlogliptin is an antidiabetic drug that belongs to a group called dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 enzyme inhibitors. As the drug contains a primary amino group in its structure, it readily reacts with fluorescamine in slightly alkaline medium (borate buffer, pH 8.8) to form a highly fluorescent product. Emission of this product was measured at 477 nm (λex= 387 nm). The linear range between the fluorescence intensity and the drug concentration was 0.1–0.5 μg ml−1with a good correlation coefficient (0.9986). Limits of detection and quantitation were 22 and 72 ng ml−1, respectively. Guidelines of the International Conference for Harmonisation were followed to validate the developed method with acceptable results. Alogliptin content was determined successfully in its commercial dosage form using the fluorescamine method with good recovery (98.60–101.26%). The method has excellent levels of accuracy and precision compared with the reported method as assessed using Student’st‐test and Fisher’s exact test. The method was applied successfully for the content uniformity test with high recovery and low relative standard deviation.
Iron, Copper and Nitrogen Co‐doped Carbon with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity towards Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Song Sheng , Zhang Xiaoming , Xu Xinlong , Wu Chuchu , Li Huanqiao , Xia Zhangxun , Yu Shansheng , Wang Suli , Sun Gongquan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIron‐nitrogen‐doped carbon (Fe‐NC) is an ideal candidate to replace Pt‐based oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts due to its low cost and comparably high intrinsic activity. To further enhance the ORR performance of Fe‐NC electrocatalysts, efforts have been focused on two main methods. One is to enhance the intrinsic activity of FeNx sites through electronic and geometric regulation, and the other is to increase the density of active sites by introducing high‐nitrogen‐containing precursors or co‐doping methods. Herein, we report a strategy to further increase the Fe loading through the introduction of a trace amount of Cu atoms. Significant enhancement of the electrocatalytic ORR property is observed in the as‐prepared Fe and Cu co‐doped electrocatalyst with superior half‐wave potential (E1/2) in both alkaline and acid electrolyte. Experimental and theoretical study reveals that the introduction of a trace amount of Cu atoms is beneficial for the formation of FeN4 sites, owing to the reduced formation energy. This work opens up a wide avenue to further increase the Fe loading in Fe‐NC electrocatalysts through bimetal co‐doping method.
Cu Atomic Chain Supported on Graphene Nanoribbon for Effective Conversion of CO2 to Ethanol
Authors: Shen Haoming , Sun Qiang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCu catalysts are well‐known for their good performance in CO2 conversion. Compared to CO and CH4 production, C2 products have higher volumetric energy densities and are more valuable in industrial applications. In this work, we screened the catalytic ability of C2 production on several 1D Cu atomic chain structures and find that Cu edge‐decorated zigzag graphene nanoribbons (Cu−ZGNR) are capable of catalyzing CO2 conversion to ethanol, and CH3CH2OH is the main C2 product with a maximum free energy change of 0.60 eV. The planar tetracoordinate carbon structures in Cu‐ZGNR provide unique chemical bonding features for catalytic reaction on the Cu atoms. Detailed mechanism analyses with transition states search show that CO* dimerization is favored against CHO* formation in the reaction. By adjusting the CO* coverage, the selectivity of the C2 product can be enhanced owing to less pronounced steric effects for COCHO*, which is feasible under experimental conditions. This study expands the catalyst family for C2 products from CO2 based on nano carbon structures with new features.
An Oligonucleotide Delivery Platform to Enable Assessment of Intracellular Transcripts in Live Cells by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Packard Beverly Z. , Wrightson James A. , Komoriya Akira 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe measurement of mRNA transcripts in live cells has been limited by inefficient delivery vehicles for oligonucleotides. Using a delivery platform which utilizes fluorophores capable of forming intramolecular H‐type excitonic dimers, we show that antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) can be delivered across the plasma membrane directly into the cytosol without receptor mediation. With HIV infection of CD4+ lymphocytes as a model system, we quantitate the level of viral infection present in live single cells with flow cytometry by measuring the hybridization of ASOs to viral sequences; we then compare this measurement with a standard HIV analysis, that is, binding of an antibody against the HIV cell surface protein gp120. The nucleic acids delivery platform described herein also enables inhibition of HIV infection by addition of ASO constructs targeting sequences in the virus' highly conserved 5′‐untranslated region. Our analysis quantitates the level of inhibition by comparing both the MFI values and the mean fluorescence intensity as calculated by integration under each curve. Thus, a means for measuring intracellular transcripts at the live single cell level and the potential for delivery of a new class of antiviral agents is described. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Soil organic matter content and its aliphatic character define the hydrophobicity of biocrusts in different successional stages
Authors: Drahorad Sylvie L. , Jehn Florian U. , Ellerbrock Ruth H. , Siemens Jan , Felix‐Henningsen Peter 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn humid areas, biocrusts cover topsoils of inland dunes and influence soil characteristics, which, in turn, may affect the hydrophobicity of soils. The hydrophobicity of topsoils typically increases with increasing organic matter content. In addition, the soil organic matter quality, for example, described by the ratio of its hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups, also influences hydrophobicity. Because biocrust development goes along with an increase in the organic matter content and a shift in microbial community composition, the chemical character of soil organic matter likely changes over time, which, in turn, affects the hydrophobicity of the crusts. We hypothesize that the hydrophobicity of biocrusts increases during succession because of increasing amounts and aliphatic character of organic matter. We compared organic matter contents and Fourier‐transform infrared spectra of cyanobacterial biocrusts and moss‐dominated biocrusts at two European inland dunes. The organic carbon content as well as the hydrophobicity increased during crust development at both sites. Older moss‐dominated biocrusts showed the highest hydrophobicity and the highest organic carbon content. Moreover, at one study site, the hydrophobicity of the biocrusts did increase with decreasing ratio between hydrophilic and hydrophobic (i.e., aliphatic) moieties of soil organic matter. At the second study site, this effect was only visible for the moss‐dominated biocrust. We conclude that biocrust development and organic matter accumulation go ahead with changes in the organic matter composition and induce increased hydrophobicity with a strong impact on water redistribution in inland dune ecosystems. This knowledge will help to improve nature protection strategies in rare ecosystems.
Prognostic implications of inferior vena cava haemodynamics in ambulatory patients with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Egbe Alexander C. , Connolly Heidi M. , Miranda William R. , Scott Christopher G. , Borlaug Barry A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsRight atrial pressure (RAP) provides a composite measure of right ventricular diastolic dysfunction, right atrial compliance, and volume status, and these three variables are typically abnormal in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). RAP is a well‐established prognostic metric in patients with pulmonary hypertension, and recent data suggest that RAP is associated with clinical outcomes in TOF. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of inferior vena cava (IVC) haemodynamics (size and collapsibility) for the assessment of RAP and its potential application for risk stratification and prognostication in the TOF population.Methods and resultsAdult TOF patients with echocardiographic assessment of IVC haemodynamics were divided into patients with (derivation cohort, n = 256) and without (validation cohort, n = 492) cardiac catheterization data. We assessed the correlation between IVC haemodynamics, RAP, and disease severity indices [arrhythmias, peak oxygen consumption (VO2), and heart failure hospitalization] in derivation cohort and compared it with the correlations in the validation cohort. IVC haemodynamics correlated with RAP (r = 0.52, P < 0.001), with disease severity indices {atrial arrhythmias [area under the curve (AUC) 0.81], ventricular arrhythmias [AUC 0.67], heart failure hospitalizations [AUC 0.78], and peak VO2 [r = 0.53]}, and with transplant‐free survival in the derivation cohort. Similar correlations between IVC haemodynamics, disease severity indices, and transplant‐free survival were also observed in the validation cohort.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that IVC haemodynamics can potentially be used for risk stratification and prognostication in TOF patients and can complement the current risk models that are based predominately on right ventricular volumes and systolic function.
Undiagnosed adult congenital heart disease presenting with postpartum dyspnoea: a case report
Authors: Thoen Hendrik , Moreel Lien , Adriaenssens Bert , Keuleers Siegmund , Voet Joeri 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPatients with adult congenital heart disease are born with structural heart defects who survived into adulthood. Occasionally, complex lesions remain undiagnosed, potentially causing substantial cardiovascular health problems at young age. Here, the case is presented of a patient with subacute heart failure 1 week postpartum, revealing the diagnosis of aortic coarctation (CoA) with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). A 34‐year‐old woman presented to the emergency department with severe hypertension and exercise‐related dyspnoea 1 week postpartum. An initial diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was made after detection of a solitary opacity in the pulmonary artery (PA) on CT pulmonary angiography. Symptoms persisted despite anticoagulant treatment. Thorough clinical and echocardiographic reassessment unmasked the diagnosis of severe CoA with PDA, which was treated with percutaneous dilatation and stenting. Follow‐up consultation 4 weeks later showed an asymptomatic patient with normalized blood pressure. The puerperium is a high‐risk period to develop hypertensive heart failure for mothers with pre‐existing heart disease, due to mobilization of extracellular fluid to the intravascular compartment. Undiagnosed CoA should always be ruled out in case of unexplained postpartum hypertension. When detecting a solitary opacity in the PA, a PDA with associated heart defects should be excluded by further investigations. This opacity is located at the orifice of the PDA in the PA and is probably a flow effect, which results from the mix of contrast‐free with contrast‐rich blood.
Adsorption capacity, isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies on adsorption behavior of malachite green onto natural red clay
Authors: Sevim Fatih , Lacin Omer , Ediz Emre Fatih , Demir Fatih 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe adsorption of Malachite Green onto natural red clay by batch‐adsorption technique is investigated. The effects of initial dye concentration, amount of adsorbent, adsorption time, pH, and temperature are examined. The results of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Thermogravimetry/Differential Thermal Analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller Surface Area Analysis, and Harkins‐Jura Pore Size ‐ Volume Analysis are used for the characterization of adsorbent. The adsorption capacity, isotherm, kinetics, and equilibrium studies are performed. The maximum adsorption has occurred at pH ranging from 6.0 to 10.0. Therefore, the free pH value of 5.16 is chosen as the constant parameter. The pseudo second order kinetic model is found to be in good agreement with the experimental values obtained. The adsorption equilibrium data are analysed using various adsorption isotherm models and the results show that adsorption behavior fits well to the Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity is found to be 84.75 mg/g. From the positive values of ∆Ho and the negative values of ∆Go, it can be said that adsorption processes are carried out with endothermic, physical adsorption, and spontaneous.
Extrusion texturization of cricket flour and soy protein isolate: Influence of insect content, extrusion temperature, and moisture‐level variation on textural properties
Authors: Kiiru Samuel M. , Kinyuru John N. , Kiage Beatrice N. , Martin Anna , Marel Anna‐Kristina , Osen Raffael 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDue to the increasing global population and unsustainable meat production, the future supply of animal‐derived protein is predicted to be insufficient. Currently, edible insects are considered as a potential and “novel” source of protein in the development of palatable meat analogues. This research used high moisture extrusion cooking (HMEC), at a screw speed of 150 rpm, to produce meat analogues using full‐ or low‐fat cricket flours (CF) and soy protein isolate (SPI). Effects of water flow rate (WFR), cooking temperature (9 and 10 ml/min; 120, 140, and 160°C, respectively), and CF inclusions levels of 0, 15, 30, and 45% were analyzed. Cooking temperature and CF inclusion had a significant effect (p < .05) on both tensile stress in parallel and perpendicular directions, while WFR had no significant effect (p = .3357 and 0.7700), respectively. The tensile stress increased with temperature but decreased with CF inclusion at both WFRs. Comparatively, the tensile stress was stronger at WFR of 9 ml/min than at 10 ml/min; however, the tensile stress in parallel was mostly greater than tensile stress in perpendicular directions. Fibrous meat analogues with high anisotropic indices (AIs) of up to 2.80 were obtained, particularly at WFR of 10 ml/min and at inclusions of 30% low‐fat CF. By controlling HMEC conditions, full‐/low‐fat cricket flours at 15% and 30% inclusions can offer an opportunity to partially substitute SPI in manufacturing of fibrous meat analogues.
Effect of ultrasonic treatment on rheological and emulsifying properties of sugar beet pectin
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Dongdong , Yu Yang , Huang Xin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe effects of ultrasonic treatment on rheological and emulsifying properties of sugar beet pectin were studied. Results indicated that intrinsic viscosity ([η]) and viscosity average molecular weight ([Mv]) decreased with the increased time from 0 to 30 min but increased when the duration prolonged to 45 min. The change of apparent viscosity with shear rate of all pectin solutions could be well described by Sisko model (R2 ≥ .996) and the infinite‐rate viscosity (η∞) and the consistency coefficient (ks) values decreased after ultrasonic treatment. Ultrasonic treatment could have an effect on dynamic moduli and activation energy of sugar beet pectin solutions. Particle size of pectin emulsions decreased and absolute zeta potential increased with increased time from 0 to 20 min. Excessive ultrasonic duration (30 and 45 min) could result in the aggregation of oil droplets in pectin emulsion and decrease in emulsifying stability. It could be concluded that ultrasonic treatment could affect the rheological and emulsifying properties of sugar beet pectin. The results have important implications for understanding the ultrasonic modification of sugar beet pectin.