bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental Images that Preschool Teachers Have Regarding the Concept of “Mathematics”
Authors: AKSOY Pınar
Published: October 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı, okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin “matematik” kavramına ilişkin sahip olduğu zihinsel imgelerin ortaya çıkarılmasıdır. Bu çalışma, Amasya, Sivas ve Tokat illerinin merkezinde görev yapmakta olan ölçüt örnekleme yöntemi
ulaşılan 52 okul öncesi öğretmeni üzerinde yürütülmüştür. Çalışma grubunda yer alan okul öncesi öğretmenlerine “Mathematik…….gibidir/benzer. Çünkü………” ifadesinin yer aldığı bir form verilmiş ve okul öncesi öğretmenleri tarafından
doldurulmuş bu formlar “dökümanlar” olarak çalışmada veri toplama amacıyla kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada elde edilen veriler içerik analizi ile analiz edilmiştir. Okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin “matematik” kavramına ilişkin zekâ küpü(6),
hesap makinası(2), kum(2), lego(2), meyve(2), nar(2), rakam (2), sonsuzluk işareti(2), yap-boz(2) ve ayrıca abaküs, domino taşları, dünya, isveç çakısı, kilitli bir kutu, labirent, mandalina, masa, mıktanıs, tahta çubuk ve tangram
gibi zihinsel imgelere sahip olduğu saptanmıştır. Bu zihinsel imgeler kategorilerine dayalı olarak değerlendirildiğinde, okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin matematiği “kendine özgü bir sistem olarak matematik”, “çok yönlü bir süreç olarak
matematik”, “somutlaştırılarak öğretilebilen bir alan olarak matematik”, “karmaşık bir alan olarak matematik”, “yaşamın içerisinde var olan bir alan olarak matematik”, “sonsuzluk içeren bir yapı olarak matematik” ve “sevdirerek
öğretilmesi gereken bir alan olarak matematik” şeklinde açıkladıkları belirlenmiştir. Okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin “matematik” kavramına ilişkin bilgi, beceri, deneyim ve farkındalıklarının artırılması son derece önemli görülmüştür.
Investigation of the Relationship Between Motivations for Science Learning and Metacognitive Learning Skills
Authors: OKUMUŞ Seda
Published: October 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı ortaokul öğrencilerinin fen öğrenmeye yönelik motivasyonları ve bilişüstü öğrenme becerilerinin cinsiyet ve sınıf seviyesi değişkenine göre tespiti ve öğrencilerin fen öğrenmeye yönelik motivasyonları ile bilişüstü
öğrenme becerileri arasındaki ilişkinin ortaya çıkarılmasıdır. Bu amaçla nicel yaklaşımlardan ilişkisel tarama deseni kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklemini 151 (72 kız, 79 erkek) ortaokul öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Veri toplamak
amacıyla Dede ve Yaman (2008) tarafından geliştirilen Fen Öğrenmeye Yönelik Motivasyon Ölçeği (FÖYMÖ) ve Yıldız, Akpınar, Tatar ve Ergin (2009) tarafından geliştirilen Bilişüstü Ölçeği (BÜÖ) kullanılmıştır. Ölçeklerin güvenirlik
çalışmaları tekrar edilmiş ve güvenirlik katsayısı α, FÖYMÖ için .89; BÜÖ için .92 olarak belirlenmiştir. Verilerin analizi için Mann Whitney U testi, bağımsız örneklem t testi, tek yönlü ANOVA, Kruskall Wallis testi ve Pearson
momentler çarpımı korelasyonu yapılmıştır. Araştırmada öncelikle, her iki ölçek için öğrencilerin sınıf seviyeleri ve cinsiyet değişkenlerine göre veriler analiz edilmiş, ardından fen öğrenmeye yönelik motivasyon ile bilişüstü
öğrenme becerileri arasındaki ilişki incelenmiştir. Buna göre fen öğrenmeye yönelik motivasyonlarda kız öğrenciler lehine anlamlı bir farklılık görülürken (p<.05), sınıf seviyesi değişkenine göre gruplar arasında anlamlı bir
farklılık belirlenmemiştir (p>.05). Bilişüstü öğrenme becerileri bakımından cinsiyet ve sınıf seviyesi değişkenine göre gruplar arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık görülmemiştir (p>.05). Fen öğrenmeye yönelik
motivasyon ve bilişüstü beceriler arasında ise hem sınıflar düzeyinde hem de araştırmaya katılan tüm öğrenciler bakımından pozitif yönde anlamlı bir ilişki belirlenmiştir (p<.05).
An Examination of Obsession, Superstition, and Thought Controls of Professional Football Players: The Sample of Football Clubs in Anatolian Part of Istanbul
Authors: KAVİ Onur , KARAGÜN Elif
Published: October 2020

Amaç, İstanbul ili Anadolu Yakasında bulunan kulüplerde oynayan profesyonel futbolcuların; batıl inanç, takıntı ve düşünce kontrollerini belirlemektir. Belirlenen bu özelliklerin de; yaş, eğitim düzeyi, medeni durum, kardeş sayısı,
uyruğu, lisanslı futbol oynama yılı, profesyonel olarak futbol oynama yılı ve lig seviyesi gibi değişkenler açısından değişip değişmediğini incelemektir. Araştırmanın amacı doğrultusunda, Türkiye Futbol Federasyonunun resmi internet
sitesinden İstanbul İli Anadolu yakasında süper lig, 1., 2. ve 3. Ligde mücadele eden toplam 7 profesyonel futbol kulübü olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ardından Kocaeli Üniversitesi Klinik Araştırmalar Girişimsel Olmayan Etik Kurulundan
etik onay alınmış ve profesyonel spor kulüpleriyle iletişime geçilmiştir. Anadolu Yakası’nda bulunan profesyonel ligde mücadele eden 7 takımda çalışan toplam 233 profesyonel futbolcuya; Bilgi Formu, Sporda Batıl İnanç ve Davranış
Envanteri; Mausley Obsesif Kompulsif Ölçeği ve Düşünceleri Kontrol Etme Ölçeği uygulanmıştır. Veriler analiz edildiğinde normal dağılıma uyduğundan; parametrik testlerden İkili grupların karşılaştırılmasında bağımsız örneklem T
testi, çoklu grupların karşılaştırılmasında ise varyans analizi kullanılmıştır. Sonuçta; futbolcuların; yaş, eğitim durumu, medeni durum açısından obsesif kompulsif bozukluk, düşüncelerini kontrol etme ve batıl inençlar ölçeklerinin
hiç birinde anlamlı bir farklılık görülmemiştir. Ancak batıl inanç ve davranışları; oynadıkları lig, totem ve uyruklarına göre anlamlı bir değişim gösterirken, Düşünce kontrol düzeyleri; profesyonel futbol oynama yılı, lig ve uyruk
değişkenlerine göre, Obsesif kompulsif bozukluk ise profesyonel futbol oynama yılı, lig, totem ve uyruk değişkenlerine göre anlamlı farklılık göstermiştir. Bu sonuçlar ışığında literatürde yapılan çalışmalara rastlanılmamış olması
nedeniyle detaylı çalışmaların yapılması önerisinin uygun olacağı düşünülmüştür.
Connection Between the Fact of Reason and the Moral Feeling: A Critique of Kant’s Morality
Authors: KOVANLIKAYA Aliye KARABÜK
Published: October 2020

Kant’ın tüm düşünce sistemini şekillendiren aklın teorik ve pratik faaliyetleri ayrımı, hareket noktası bakımından problematiktir. Ayrımın kesinleşmesi için önce aklın teorik faaliyetinin, sonra ondan ayrı bir pratik faaliyeti olduğunun
temellendirilmesi gerekir. Aklın teorik faaliyeti Saf Aklın Eleştirisi’nde temellendirilir. Teorik faaliyet tecrübe ile sınırlıdır. Bunun nedeni insanın bilebileceklerinin malzemesini sadece hissetmeyle alabilmesi, aklı bakımından
hiçbir şeyin verili olmamasıdır. Pratik faaliyetin temellendirilmesi aklın pratik açıdan eleştirilmesini, pratik yasayı da aklın koyduğunun gösterilmesini gerektirir. Kant pratik yasayı, sonsuz akıllı varlık da dahil olmak üzere
tüm akıllı varlıklar için geçerli olmak şartıyla, yani hissetmeden tamamen bağımsız olarak ve aklın tek olgusunu teşkil edecek şekilde tesis eder. Bu yasanın, sonlu fakat akıllı varlık olarak insan iradesini nasıl belirlediğini,
bu belirlemenin sonuçlarını dikkate alarak açıklamaya çalışır ve bu açıklamaya aklın pratik faaliyetinin teyit edilmesi işlevini yükler. Tek akıl olgusu olan ahlak yasası bilincinin ilk sonucu yasaya saygıdır; ilgi ve ödev başta
olmak üzere ahlak kavramları yasaya saygıdan türetilir. İnsanda ahlak yasasına saygıdan başka a priori duygu yoktur. Akıl olgusu ile tek ahlak duygusu olan saygı arasındaki bağı açıklamaya çalışmak, Kant’ın teorik akıl için belirlediği,
tecrübeyle çizilen sınırın ihlal edilmesini veya insan görüsünün sadece hissî olması gibi en temel kabullerinin sorgulanmasını gerektirir. Bu nedenle ahlak kavramlarının saygı üzerinde temellendirilmesi, Kant’ın öngördüğünün aksine,
teorik ve pratik akıl ayrımını teyit etme işlevini yerine getirmekten uzaktır.
Application of Platelet Rich Fibrin, Platelet Rich Plasma, Plasma Rich Growth Factors in Different Fields of Dentistry: An Overview
Authors: Singh Geetanjali , Kumari Bhawna , Grover Harangad Singh , Mahajan Akriti , Jabeen Farhat , Kumar Ajay
Published: October 2020

A huge number of studies have demonstrated that platelet-rich preparations applied to surgical sites, injuries, or wounds are effective way to promote soft tissue healing and bone growth. The potential use of  platelet rich preparations like Platelet - rich plasma and Platelet - rich fibrin are new boon to dentistry termed under the general acronyms PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin), is an important current transversal field of research across many fundamental and clinical disciplines.The third important is PRGF.  Plasma Rich in Growth Factor (or PRGF) is a type of plasma enriched of proteins and circulating growth factors able to aid the bone and soft tissue regeneration. PRGF includes plasma proteins and coagulative factors and is then more valuable compared to PRP. There are many scientific literature which cover one or other concise aspect of platelet rich preparation. This review aims at covering all basic definitions, key element, history, preparation, differences between PRF and PRP and applications in a simplified manner.
An Efficient Method for The Synthesis of Dihydropyridine by Hantzsch Reaction with Fe/SiO2 Nano Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Rahman Ateeq , Nehemia P. N. , Nyambe Moola M.
Published: October 2020

An efficient method for the synthesis of dihydropyridines (DHPs) by Hantzsch reaction with Fe/SiO2 heterogeneous catalysts was developed. The Fe/SiO2 catalysts was prepared by impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by IR and SEM instruments. The SEM results indicated that Fe/SiO2 nano spheres were formed. The reaction procedure involved reaction of aldehyde, ethyl acetoacetate (EAA), ammonium acetate (NH4OAc) and ethanol under reflux. The study was focused on optimizing reactions conditions: Standardization of catalyst, substrate of study and solvent study. In order to identify the best active catalysts, five different ratios of catalyst were synthesized and evaluated for the title reaction under similar conditions. To standardize the active catalysts, different temperature conditions (i.e. room temperature, 60 ºC and 80 ºC) as well as catalysts amounts were evaluated. Under these established conditions, 2.5% Fe/SiO2 was the best active catalysts that resulted. Benzaldehyde and p-anisaldehyde were used to study the effect of having various substrates on the conversion and reaction time, especially the substituted aldehydes. The best results were obtained by reacting p-anisaldehyde with EAA, NH4OAc and ethanol at 60 ºC with 0.3 grams of 2.5% Fe/SiO2 heterogeneous catalysts. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) monitoring of the reaction mixture showed no selectivity at high temperatures (80 ºC) with 15% Fe/SiO2. Standardization of solvent study was executed with two solvents, ethanol and acetonitrile. The product dihydropyridines were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The melting points of the products were compared with authentic samples reported in the literature. Hence, the Fe/SiO2 catalysts is eco-friendly and economically developed for the title reaction. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Natural Clay of Pasaman Barat Enriched by CaO of Chicken Eggshells as Catalyst for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Syukri Syukri , Septioga Kevin , Arief Syukri , Putri Yulia Eka , Efdi Mai , Septiani Upita
Published: October 2020

This study uses broiler chicken eggshells to enhance catalytic activity of clay obtained from Pasaman Barat (West Sumatra, Indonesia) in lab-scale biodiesel production. The eggshell is a source of calcium oxide (CaO) which operates as a catalyst when mixed with the clay (Ca-Clay). Two other catalysts were also prepared as comparisons by 1) heating the clay at 800 oC for 6 hours (P-Clay), 2) mixing the P-Clay with KOH (K-Clay). An X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) showed the elemental composition of Ca-Clay contained Ca, Si, Al, and Fe. An X-ray Diffraction (XRD) showed the formation of highly crystalline CaO in the Ca-Clay with the main peak at 2θ = 37.27o. The Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectrum showed an absorption peak in the range of 700-900 cm-1 indicating Ca-O stretching demonstrating successful incorporation of the CaO into the clay. The catalytic activity test showed the Ca-Clay had a higher catalytic performance than P-Clay and K-Clay in terms of the yield of biodiesel produced (73%). Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Synthesis of Ziegler-Natta Catalyst using Malaysian Ilmenite Derived TiCl4 via Recrystallization Method: A Statistical Approach
Authors: Udayakumar Sanjith , Ibrahim Najwa , Chien Chan Yong , Shaik Abdul Wahab Shaikh Abdul Rahman , Mohd Noor Ahmad Fauzi , Ramakrishnan Sivakumar
Published: October 2020

In the current study, Ziegler-Natta (Z-N) catalyst was synthesized via recrystallization method using MgCl2 as a support, AlCl3 as an activator and TiCl4 as a transition metal source. The TiCl4 used in the study was derived from Malaysian ilmenite through a sequential pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical process of ilmenite concentrate conversion to TiCl4. The recrystallization method of synthesis of the heterogeneous Z-N catalyst was studied by varying the synthesis parameters, such as the combined amount of MgCl2 and AlCl3, temperature, and amount of TiCl4, using statistical design of experiments. The investigation aimed at determining the best conditions for synthesizing the heterogeneous Z-N catalyst. The synthesis conditions posed a significant influence on the Ti content present in the catalyst product. The morphological and elemental analysis of SEM-EDX showed good spherical nature of the prepared catalysts. The XRD phase analysis detected the peaks of MgCl2, MgCl2-Ethanol, MgCl2/TiClx, and TiO2. The IR spectra confirmed the presence of the Mg-Cl bond at 1635 cm−1 and Ti-Cl bonds at 602 cm-1 and 498 cm-1. The produced catalyst contained a small amount of TiO2, which could be due to the seepage of moisture during the analysis or storage of the sample. The most favourable combination of the studied parameters was determined based on the Ti content in the catalyst product. Therefore, the best conditions for synthesizing the heterogeneous Z-N catalyst with high Ti content (181.1 mg/L) was at a combined amount of 2 g of MgCl2 for 6 g of AlCl3, crystallization temperature of 80 °C, and 2 mL dosage of TiCl4. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Production of Acetaldehyde via Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethanol over AgLi/SiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Mukda Narawich , Autthanit Chaowat , Praserthdam Piyasan , Jongsomjit Bunjerd
Published: October 2020

Three AgLi/SiO2 catalysts containing different types of silica supports [small particle size (SPS), medium particle size (MPS) and large particle size (LPS)] were prepared by incipient wetness co-impregnation techniques and tested in oxidative dehydrogenation of ethanol into acetaldehyde. The catalysts were characterized and evaluated by various characterization techniques (e.g. XRD, N2 physisorption, SEM-EDX, UV-Visible spectroscopy, H2-TPR, and CO2-TPD). This study reveals that the catalyst with the best performance is AgLi/SiO2-LPS with a yield in acetaldehyde of 76.8% at 300 °C. The results obtained with the tested catalysts are discussed, and the reasons of performance improvement caused by the presence of the dispersion of active components, the interaction between active components and silica supports, the textural properties of catalysts and reducibility, are raised. Besides, the cooperation of redox properties (Agnδ+  cluster and Ag0) and weak basic density played a pivotal role in promoting the formation of acetaldehyde from ethanol oxidative dehydrogenation. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Isothermal Solid‐State Transformations of Inconel 718 Alloy Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Huang Wenpu , Wang Zemin
Published: October 2020

Inconel 718 samples have been fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) and subjected to a series of heat treatments to study the isothermal precipitation behaviors of δ, γ′, and γ″ phases. A time–temperature–transformation (TTT) diagram for as‐built Inconel 718 is finally plotted. The morphology, size, and distribution of δ phase are studied, and the corresponding transformation kinetics is analyzed by Avrami equation. The results demonstrate that the transformation rate at 900 °C is the highest, though the nose of the TTT curve occurs at 860 °C after an incubation period of 10 min. As the aging temperature increases (620–820 °C), the precipitation rate of γ′/γ″ increases and the time to reach peak hardness decreases. The nose of the TTT curve for γ′/γ″ precipitation occurs at 820 °C after only 32 s. Nevertheless, when aged above 720 °C, the peak hardness decreases. In addition, the age hardening can be described by Avrami equation when δ phase is absent (620–770 °C). In summary, SLMed Inconel 718 exhibits a faster precipitation kinetics compared with wrought material, whereas their phase transition temperatures are similar.
Thermally Activated Jamming in Ultrasonic Powder Compaction
Authors: Ward Austin A. , Hareland Christopher A. , Palmerio Nathan E. , Cordero Zachary C.
Published: October 2020

Herein, the role of thermal softening in ultrasonic powder compaction is assessed by comparing the densification behaviors of nominally pure Cu and a thermally stable CuTa alloy. These materials have similar thermal properties, but pure Cu softens at much lower temperatures than does the CuTa alloy. Using a specialized ultrasonic powder compaction setup, in situ measurements of relative density, sonotrode power consumption, and temperature are collected, which together provide a time‐dependent geometric hardening parameter that reflects the structure of the compact. The geometric hardening data for the pure Cu powder reveal three distinct stages of densification: an initial particle rearrangement stage; a jamming transition where strong junctions develop between particles; and a final stage characterized by compatible plastic deformation. By contrast, the geometric hardening data for the thermally stable CuTa powder show that it remains a weak fluidized granular medium, despite experiencing higher normal pressures, oscillation amplitudes, and temperatures. The contrasting behaviors of the Cu and the CuTa powders suggest that a thermally activated jamming transition drives interparticle junction growth and densification in ultrasonic powder compaction.
Design and Optimization of Lamellar Phase Change Composites for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Tamraparni Achutha , Hoe Alison , Deckard Michael , Zhang Chen , Elwany Alaa , Shamberger Patrick J. , Felts Jonathan R.
Published: October 2020

Phase change materials offer thermal energy storage (TES) and are often integrated with high conductivity materials to increase power density. However, the design and optimization of such composites are historically based on intuition, as the computational techniques used to predict behavior in these systems are generally too expensive to perform parametric studies. Herein, a general design framework is developed and demonstrated that is optimized for TES in parallel lamellar structures, to identify the critical pitch required to treat the composite as a single effective medium and the optimum volume fraction of high conductivity material in the lamellar composite. The optimization criteria is tested experimentally using 3D printed AlSi12 alloy and octadecane. The composite system exhibits a critical pitch between a lamella of 1 mm and the optimum volume fraction for the high conductivity material is 0.6–0.8. The design principles demonstrated here show that the size and volumes of conductive materials are much larger than the current state of the art, and this framework provides a holistic approach to design for such future materials for TES applications.
SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD Neutralizing Antibody Induction is Enhanced by Particulate Vaccination
Authors: Huang Wei‐Chiao , Zhou Shiqi , He Xuedan , Chiem Kevin , Mabrouk Moustafa T. , Nissly Ruth H. , Bird Ian M. , Strauss Mike , Sambhara Suryaprakash , Ortega Joaquin , Wohlfert Elizabeth A. , Martinez‐Sobrido Luis , Kuchipudi Suresh V. , Davidson Bruce A. , Lovell Jonathan F.
Published: October 2020

The receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein is a candidate vaccine antigen that binds angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), leading to virus entry. Here, it is shown that rapid conversion of recombinant RBD into particulate form via admixing with liposomes containing cobalt‐porphyrin‐phospholipid (CoPoP) potently enhances the functional antibody response. Antigen binding via His‐tag insertion into the CoPoP bilayer results in a serum‐stable and conformationally intact display of the RBD on the liposome surface. Compared to other vaccine formulations, immunization using CoPoP liposomes admixed with recombinant RBD induces multiple orders of magnitude higher levels of antibody titers in mice that neutralize pseudovirus cell entry, block RBD interaction with ACE2, and inhibit live virus replication. Enhanced immunogenicity can be accounted for by greater RBD uptake into antigen‐presenting cells in particulate form and improved immune cell infiltration in draining lymph nodes. QS‐21 inclusion in the liposomes results in an enhanced antigen‐specific polyfunctional T cell response. In mice, high dose immunization results in minimal local reactogenicity, is well‐tolerated, and does not elevate serum cobalt levels. Taken together, these results confirm that particulate presentation strategies for the RBD immunogen should be considered for inducing strongly neutralizing antibody responses against SARS‐CoV‐2.
Self‐Synthesizing Nanorods from Dynamic Combinatorial Libraries against Drug Resistant Cancer
Authors: Cao Yu , Yang Jian , Eichin Dominik , Zhao Fangzhe , Qi Dawei , Kahari Laura , Jia Chunman , Peurla Markus , Rosenholm Jessica M. , Zhao Zhao , Jalkanen Sirpa , Li Jianwei
Published: October 2020

Molecular self‐assembly has been widely used to develop nanocarriers for drug delivery. However, most of them have unsatisfactory drug loading capacity (DLC) and the dilemma between stimuli‐responsiveness and stability, stagnating their translational process. Herein, we overcame these drawbacks using dynamic combinatorial chemistry. A carrier molecule was spontaneously and quantitatively synthesized, aided by co‐self‐assembly with a template molecule and an anti‐cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) from a dynamic combinatorial library that was operated by disulfide exchange under thermodynamic control. The highly selective synthesis guaranteed a stable yet pH‐ and redox‐ responsive nanocarrier with a maximized DLC of 40.1 % and an enhanced drug potency to fight DOX resistance in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggested that harnessing the interplay between synthesis and self‐assembly in complex chemical systems could yield functional nanomaterials for advanced applications.
Backbone‐Bridging Promotes Diversity in Heteroleptic Cages
Authors: Wu Kai , Zhang Bo , Drechsler Christoph , Holstein Julian J. , Clever Guido H.
Published: October 2020

The combination of shape‐complementary bis‐monodentate ligands LA and LB with PdII cations yields heteroleptic cages cis‐[Pd2LA2LB2] by self‐sorting. Herein, we report how such assemblies can be diversified by introduction of covalent backbone bridges between two LA units. Together with solvent and guest effects, the flexibility of these linkers can modulate nuclearity, topology, and number of cavities in a family of four structurally diverse assemblies. Ligand LA1, with flexible linker, reacts in CH3CN with its LB counterpart to a tetranuclear dimer D1. In DMSO, however, a trinuclear pseudo‐tetrahedron T1 is formed. The product of LA2, with rigid linker, looks similar to D1, but with a rotated ligand arrangement. In presence of an anionic guest, this dimer D2 transforms and a hexanuclear prismatic barrel P2 crystallizes. We demonstrate how controlling a ligand's coordination mode can trigger structural differentiation and increase complexity in metallo‐supramolecular assembly.
Fish species redundancy in estuaries: A major conservation concern in temperate estuaries under global change pressures
Authors: Whitfield Alan K. , Harrison Trevor D.
Published: October 2020

Fish assemblages in estuaries have a much lower species richness (number of taxa) when compared with the combined numbers of freshwater and marine species from adjacent aquatic ecosystems. This is primarily because of the relatively harsh and fluctuating physico‐chemical conditions in estuaries compared with the more stable freshwater and marine environments.

A comprehensive fish survey of estuaries in South Africa is used as a basis to determine fish species richness in subtropical, warm temperate, and cool temperate systems along the coast, and to assess the degree of redundancy in the different biogeographic regions.

In general, only one or two species belonging to each of the detritivorous, piscivorous, zoobenthivorous, and zooplanktivorous fish guilds are numerically well represented in the larger cool temperate estuaries, but between four and 10 species in each of these guilds are usually recorded in the larger subtropical estuaries.

Although the overall low redundancy of fish species groups in estuaries has already been formally recognized in the literature, this short note highlights the sensitivity of certain trophic guilds in temperate South African estuaries to any form of redundancy, a characteristic that may be equally applicable, based on declining species richness with increasing latitude, to temperate estuaries in other parts of the world.
Coniferyl Alcohol Radical Detection by the Dirigent Protein AtDIR6 Monitored by EPR
Authors: Modolo Camille , Ren Lu , Besson Eric , Robert Viviane , Gastaldi Stéphane , Rousselot‐Pailley Pierre , Tron Thierry
Published: October 2020

Plant dirigent proteins (DIRs) control the stereoselectivity of the monolignol coniferyl alcohol radical coupling. The main mechanistic hypothesis on this chemo‐ and stereoselective reaction invokes a binding of coniferyl alcohol radical substrates in the dirigent protein active site so that only one enantiomeric form can be produced. We have studied the influence of the Arabidopsis thaliana AtDIR6 protein on the transient coniferyl alcohol radical by EPR. Herein, we show that AtDIR6 stabilizes coniferyl alcohol radicals prior to directing their coupling towards the formation of (−)‐pinoresinol.
Fluorescent Peptide Biosensor for Probing CDK6 Kinase Activity in Lung Cancer Cell Extracts
Authors: Soamalala Jessica , Diot Sebastien , Pellerano Morgan , Blanquart Christophe , Galibert Mathieu , Jullian Magali , Puget Karine , Morris May C.
Published: October 2020

CDK6 kinase regulates cell‐cycle progression in G1, together with CDK4, but has cell‐, tissue‐ and developmentally distinct functions associated with transcription, angiogenesis and metabolism. Although CDK6 makes an attractive cancer biomarker and target, there are no means of assessing its activity in a complex environment. In this study, we describe the design, engineering and characterisation of a fluorescent peptide biosensor derived from 6‐phosphofructokinase that reports on CDK6 kinase activity through sensitive changes in fluorescence intensity. This biosensor can report on CDK6 activity in a dose‐dependent fashion, thereby enabling quantification of differences in kinase activity in complex and physiologically relevant environments. Further implementation of this biosensor in different lung and melanoma cell lines, as well as in mesothelioma cell lines derived from patients together with a CDK4 biosensor highlighted differences in kinase activity between CDK6 and CDK4 kinase. This work demonstrates the utility of these selective tools for monitoring two closely related kinases comparatively and simultaneously in the same samples, thereby offering attractive perspectives for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Dengue fever complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: Report of 2 cases and bone marrow findings
Authors: Chang Chee Yik , Rajappan Mahaletchumi , Zaid Masliza , Ong Edmund L. C.
Published: October 2020

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare but severe complication of dengue infection which carries a high mortality. This report highlights the importance of early recognition of this condition as prompt appropriate treatment improves outcomes.
Photoactive Nickel Complexes in Cross‐Coupling Catalysis
Authors: Wenger Oliver S.
Published: October 2020

Transition metal catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions are important in chemical synthesis for the formation of C−C and C‐heteroatom bonds. Suitable catalysts are frequently based on palladium or nickel, and lately the cheaper and more abundant first‐row transition metal element has been much in focus. The combination of nickel catalysis with photoredox chemistry has opened new synthetic possibilities, and in some cases electronically excited states of nickel complexes play a key role. This is a remarkable finding, because photo‐excited metal complexes are underexplored in the context of organic bond‐forming reactions, and because the photophysics and the photochemistry of first‐row transition metal complexes are underdeveloped in comparison with their precious metal‐based congeners. Consequently, there is much potential for innovation at the interface of synthetic‐organic and physical‐inorganic chemistry. This Minireview highlights recent key findings in light‐driven nickel catalysis and identifies essential concepts for the exploitation of photoactive nickel complexes in organic synthesis.
Direct Catalytic Asymmetric Addition of α‐Fluoronitriles to Aldehydes
Authors: Balaji Pandur Venkatesan , Li Zhao , Saito Akira , Kumagai Naoya , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: October 2020

A fluorine‐containing tetrasubstituted stereogenic center is a highly valued structural feature in medicinal chemistry. Herein, we describe the direct coupling of racemic α‐fluoronitriles and aldehydes promoted by a chiral CuI/Barton's base catalytic system, delivering α‐tetrasubstituted α‐fluoro‐β‐hydroxynitriles with satisfactory stereoselection. The stereochemical course was positively biased by the combined use of asymmetrical achiral thiourea as a supplementary ligand for CuI, which significantly enhanced the stereoselectivity. Both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes were implemented to provide densely and stereoselectively functionalized chiral building blocks with aliphatic and aromatic tails.
European heart health survey 2019
Authors: Gaede Luise , Sitges Marta , Neil Johnson , Selvi Eleonara , Woan William , Derks Richard , Möllmann Helge
Published: October 2020

Background

Rising life expectancy in the western population is increasing the prevalence of heart valve diseases (HVD).

Hypothesis

The level of awareness and initial screening for HVD should be sufficient. The potential impact of HVD on the daily activities of the elderly population in Europe might affect our society.

Methods and Results

A survey was conducted, including a total of 12 832 people aged ≥ 60 years in 11 European countries. Of all the people surveyed, 5.6% could correctly describe aortic valve stenosis. Most participants (75.0%) claimed they regularly do activities like sports or social activities, 29.2% provide care for a family member, friend or acquaintance. The majority (69.2%) would be prevented from doing these activities by symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue or shortness of breath. Having chest pain (76.5%) and shortness of breath (57.8%) were reasons for most people to arrange an appointment with their GP, whereas only 26.2% would visit a GP for fatigue. 67.6% of respondents claimed to be checked with a stethoscope by their GP occasionally, never, or only when they ask. The preferred treatment option for HVD is a keyhole procedure (45.8%), whereas open heart surgery would only be preferred by 7.0%.

Conclusion

Knowledge about HVD is still low. Neither appointments with a GP driven by symptoms nor regular use of a stethoscope are a reliable guarantee for early diagnosis. With the over 60s in Europe playing an active role in social life, awareness campaigns and regular heart health checks may guarantee early diagnosis and treatment of HVD.
Real‐World Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Non‐Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants vs. Warfarin in a Developing Country
Authors: Mitsuntisuk Phatcharin , Nathisuwan Surakit , Junpanichjaroen Athirat , Wongcharoen Wanwarang , Phrommintikul Arintaya , Wattanaruengchai Phannita , Rattanavipanon Wipharak , Chulavatnatol Suvatna , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Likittanasombat Khanchit , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: October 2020

We aimed to compare effectiveness and safety of the non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) vs. warfarin for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in a developing country where anticoagulation control with warfarin is suboptimal. A real‐world study was conducted among patients with NVAF in Thailand receiving NOACs and warfarin from 9 hospitals during January 2012 to April 2018. Propensity‐score weighting was used to balance covariates across study groups. Cox regression models were used to compare the risk of thromboembolism, major bleeding, and net adverse clinical events across matched cohorts. A total of 2,055 patients; 605, 604, 441, and 405 patients receiving warfarin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, and apixaban, respectively, were included. Median (interquartile range) time in therapeutic range (TTR) for warfarin users was 49.5% (26.6%–70.3%). Compared with warfarin, NOACs were associated with a significant reduction in major bleeding either when analyzed as a group (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of 0.46 (0.34–0.62) or by each agent. Compared with warfarin users with poor TTR, apixaban (adjusted HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26–0.86, P = 0.013) and dabigatran (adjusted HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21–0.90, P = 0.025) were associated with a lower risk of thromboembolism, in addition to markedly lower risk of major bleeding. In a healthcare system where anticoagulation control with warfarin is suboptimal, use of NOACs was associated with a profound reduction in major bleeding. The effectiveness and safety advantages of NOACs were more pronounced compared with warfarin users with low TTR.
Countermeasures for Preventing and Treating Opioid Overdose
Authors: France Charles P. , Ahern Gerard P. , Averick Saadyah , Disney Alex , Enright Heather A. , Esmaeli‐Azad Babak , Federico Arianna , Gerak Lisa R. , Husbands Stephen M. , Kolber Benedict , Lau Edmond Y. , Lao Victoria , Maguire David R. , Malfatti Michael A. , Martinez Girardo , Mayer Brian P. , Pravetoni Marco , Sahibzada Niaz , Skolnick Phil , Snyder Evan Y. , Tomycz Nestor , Valdez Carlos A. , Zapf Jim
Published: October 2020

The only medication available currently to prevent and treat opioid overdose (naloxone) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nearly 50 years ago. Because of its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, naloxone has limited utility under some conditions and would not be effective to counteract mass casualties involving large‐scale deployment of weaponized synthetic opioids. To address shortcomings of current medical countermeasures for opioid toxicity, a trans‐agency scientific meeting was convened by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institutes of Health (NIAID/NIH) on August 6 and 7, 2019, to explore emerging alternative approaches for treating opioid overdose in the event of weaponization of synthetic opioids. The meeting was initiated by the Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP), was organized by NIAID, and was a collaboration with the National Institute on Drug Abuse/NIH (NIDA/NIH), the FDA, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). This paper provides an overview of several presentations at that meeting that discussed emerging new approaches for treating opioid overdose, including the following: (1) intranasal nalmefene, a competitive, reversible opioid receptor antagonist with a longer duration of action than naloxone; (2) methocinnamox, a novel opioid receptor antagonist; (3) covalent naloxone nanoparticles; (4) serotonin (5‐HT)1A receptor agonists; (5) fentanyl‐binding cyclodextrin scaffolds; (6) detoxifying biomimetic “nanosponge” decoy receptors; and (7) antibody‐based strategies. These approaches could also be applied to treat opioid use disorder.
Biodegradable Plastics: Standards, Policies, and Impacts
Authors: Filiciotto Layla , Rothenberg Gadi
Published: October 2020

Plastics are ubiquitous in our society. They are in our phones, clothes, bottles, and cars. Yet having improved our lives considerably, they now threaten our environment and our health. The associated carbon emissions and persistency of plastics challenge the fragile balance of many ecosystems. One solution is using biodegradable plastics. Ideally, such plastics are easily assimilated by microorganisms and disappear from our environment. This can help reduce the problems of climate change, microplastics, and littering. However, biodegradable plastics are still only a tiny portion of the global plastics market and require further efforts in research and commercialization. Here, a critical overview of the state of the art of biodegradable plastics is given. Using a material flow analysis, the challenges of the plastic market are highlighted, and with it the large market potential of biodegradable plastics. The environmental and socio‐economic impact of plastics, government policies, standards and certifications, physico‐chemical properties, and analytical techniques are covered. The Review concludes with a personal outlook on the future of bioplastics, based on our own experience with their development and commercialization.
Resilient structure of nature‐based extension programs facilitates transition to online delivery and maintains participant satisfaction
Authors: Main Martin B. , Ober Holly K. , Johnson Shelly A.
Published: October 2020

Restrictions on public gatherings in early 2020 due to the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in cancelation of in‐person outreach programs offered by the Florida Master Naturalist Program and Natural Areas Training Academy, two successful University of Florida extension programs that provide natural history and resource management training to lay and professional audiences. In response, both programs rapidly transitioned to blended or 100% online educational methods to continue offering courses and maintain program operations. To assess participant responses to these changes, we used surveys and course registry data to evaluate and compare course enrollment, satisfaction, and outcomes among courses with new online formats to courses offered prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic. We also examined logistical challenges and key programmatic elements that facilitated the transition of both programs to increased reliance on online education. Course participants responded favorably to classes offered online. Our results revealed an audience exists for online programming, that satisfaction with online courses was high and comparable to that measured for in‐person courses, and that online approaches effectively transferred knowledge and promoted behavior change in participants. The transition to online programming required investments of time, energy, and in some cases, direct costs. However, this transition was greatly facilitated by the existence of well‐defined program protocols, educational curricula, strong partnerships, and feedback mechanisms for both programs. Long‐term investments in program structure, partnerships, and support systems enabled both programs to be resilient and adaptable and successfully implement online programming in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Digital manikins to self‐report pain on a smartphone: A systematic review of mobile apps
Authors: Ali Syed Mustafa , Lau Wei J. , McBeth John , Dixon William G. , van der Veer Sabine N.
Published: October 2020

Background

Chronic pain is the leading cause of disability. Improving our understanding of pain occurrence and treatment effectiveness requires robust methods to measure pain at scale. Smartphone‐based pain manikins are human‐shaped figures to self‐report location‐specific aspects of pain on people's personal mobile devices.

Methods

We searched the main app stores to explore the current state of smartphone‐based pain manikins and to formulate recommendations to guide their development in the future.

Results

The search yielded 3,938 apps. Twenty‐eight incorporated a pain manikin and were included in the analysis. For all apps, it was unclear whether they had been tested and had end‐user involvement in the development. Pain intensity and quality could be recorded in 28 and 13 apps, respectively, but this was location specific in only 11 and 4. Most manikins had two or more views (n = 21) and enabled users to shade or select body areas to record pain location (n = 17). Seven apps allowed personalising the manikin appearance. Twelve apps calculated at least one metric to summarise manikin reports quantitatively. Twenty‐two apps had an archive of historical manikin reports; only eight offered feedback summarising manikin reports over time.

Conclusions

Several publically available apps incorporated a manikin for pain reporting, but only few enabled recording of location‐specific pain aspects, calculating manikin‐derived quantitative scores, or generating summary feedback. For smartphone‐based manikins to become adopted more widely, future developments should harness manikins’ digital nature and include robust validation studies. Involving end users in the development may increase manikins’ acceptability as a tool to self‐report pain.

Significance

This review identified and characterised 28 smartphone apps that included a pain manikin (i.e. pain drawings) as a novel approach to measure pain in large populations. Only few enabled recording of location‐specific pain aspects, calculating quantitative scores based on manikin reports, or generating manikin feedback. For smartphone‐based manikins to become adopted more widely, future studies should harness the digital nature of manikins, and establish the measurement properties of manikins. Furthermore, we believe that involving end users in the development process will increase acceptability of manikins as a tool for self‐reporting pain.
Integration of 3D large‐scale earthquake simulations into the assessment of the seismic risk of Bogota, Colombia
Authors: Riaño Andrea C. , Reyes Juan C. , Yamín Luis E. , Bielak Jacobo , Taborda Ricardo , Restrepo Doriam
Published: October 2020

Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia, is mostly located on a lacustrine soil deposit surrounded by hills in a central plateau of the eastern cordillera of the Colombian Andes. This highly populated urban area is exposed to a significant seismic hazard from local and regional fault systems. In addition, the potential ground motion amplification during earthquakes due to the presence of soft soil deposits, along with the effects of the surface and subsurface topography, can strongly influence the seismic hazard and consequently the seismic risk to the city. This study aims to develop a physics‐based framework to generate synthetic ground records that can help better understand the seismic response of the basin and other amplification effects during strong earthquake shaking in the region, and to incorporate these effects into the estimation of seismic risk. To this end, a set of simulations were first conducted on Hercules, the wave propagation octree‐based finite element simulator developed by the Quake Group at Carnegie Mellon University, to identify the impacts of hypothetical strong earthquakes scenarios. Then, the results from these simulations were integrated with the exposure and vulnerability information previously developed for the main building constructions in the city to assess the seismic risk in the region under different conditions of analysis. Results from this more detailed model are compared with previously published results from simplified models. Sensitivity analyses help identify critical aspects that should be considered in the future to improve the seismic risk assessment of infrastructure.
Investigation of risk of dementia diagnosis and death in patients in older people's secondary care mental health services
Authors: Kershenbaum Anne , Cardinal Rudolf N. , Chen Shanquan , Underwood Benjamin R. , Seyedsalehi Aida , Lewis Jonathan , Rubinsztein Judy Sasha
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Previous studies have shown increased rates of death and dementia in older people in specific serious mental illnesses (SMI) such as bipolar disorder or depression. We examined the rates of death and dementia in older people referred into a secondary care psychiatric service across a range of SMIs.

Methods

We used an anonymised dataset across 6 consecutive years with 28,340 patients aged 65 years and older from a single secondary care psychiatric trust in the United Kingdom.

We identified deaths and incident dementia in patients with bipolar disorder/mania, schizophrenia, recurrent depression and anxiety disorders. We compared mortality and dementia rates between these diagnostic groups and in different treatment settings. We also examined mortality rates and dementia rates compared with general population rates.

Results

Patients with schizophrenia showed the highest hazard rate for death compared to other groups with SMIs (hazard ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18–2.1, with anxiety group the reference). Survival was reduced in patients referred to liaison psychiatry services. There were no significant differences between the SMI groups in terms of rates of dementia. However, risks of death and dementia were significantly increased compared to the general population (standardized mortality rates with 95% CI, 2.6(2.0–3.3), 3.5(2.6–4.5), 2.5(2.0–3.0) and 1.8 (1.4–2.2) and standardized dementia incidence rates with 95% CI, 2.7(1.5–4.1), 2.9(1.5–4.7), 3.8(2.6–5.2) and 4.3 (3.0–5.7) for bipolar disorder/mania, schizophrenia, recurrent depression and anxiety disorders respectively.

Conclusions

Older adults referred into an old age psychiatry service show higher rates of dementia and death than those reported for the general population.
Approximation to pain‐signaling network in humans by means of migraine
Authors: Hosp Jonas Aurel , Reisert Marco , von Kageneck Charlotte , Rijntjes Michel , Weiller Cornelius
Published: October 2020

Nociceptive signals are processed within a pain‐related network of the brain. Migraine is a rather specific model to gain insight into this system. Brain networks may be described by white matter tracts interconnecting functionally defined gray matter regions. Here, we present an overview of the migraine‐related pain network revealed by this strategy. Based on diffusion tensor imaging data from subjects in the Human Connectome Project (HCP) database, we used a global tractography approach to reconstruct white matter tracts connecting brain regions that are known to be involved in migraine‐related pain signaling. This network includes an ascending nociceptive pathway, a descending modulatory pathway, a cortical processing system, and a connection between pain‐processing and modulatory areas. The insular cortex emerged as the central interface of this network. Direct connections to visual and auditory cortical association fields suggest a potential neural basis of phono‐ or photophobia and aura phenomena. The intra‐axonal volume (Vintra) as a measure of fiber integrity based on diffusion microstructure was extracted using an innovative supervised machine learning approach in form of a Bayesian estimator. Self‐reported pain levels of HCP subjects were positively correlated with tract integrity in subcortical tracts. No correlation with pain was found for the cortical processing systems.