bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agricultural Aspiration of Rural Youth
Authors: Gomase A. S. , Tekale V. S.
Published: January 2022

The present study was carried out on the aspirations of rural youth engaged in agriculture farming. The study was undertaken in six taluks of Yavatmal and Nagpur district of Vidarbha in Maharashtra state during 2020-21, to analyze the aspirations of rural youth towards agriculture. The data were collected from a sample selected by random sampling methods 150 rural youth from (Pusad, Umarkhed and Mahagaon taluks) Yavatmal district and other 150 rural youth from (Nagpur, Ramtek and Savner talukas) Nagpur district by using a pre-tested interview schedule. Standardized scales were used to the assessment of the aspirations of rural youth towards agriculture in the study. In this study, the majority (56.33%) of them aspired to take up improved agriculture occupation, 47.00 per cent of them aspired to take up dairy/poultry enterprise, 32.33 per cent of them aspired to the establishment of the poly house as protected cultivation, 47.00 per cent of them aspired to avail a sprinkler/ drip irrigation facility, 43.67 per cent of them aspired to enhance their land holdings by 2-4 acres, enhance their income by 50-75 per cent (42.33%), 37.33 per cent of them aspired to enhance their credit access by up to 33.00 per cent, 52.33 per cent of them aspired to acquire additional knowledge on crop production aspect, 41.00 per cent aspired to provide education to their children up to primary/middle school level education at the village level, and 56.33 per cent aspired to use KVKs /Agriculture Department/Agriculture University for having sources of information regarding market information/intelligence. The overall result was that more than half (58.66%) of the rural youth were involved in agriculture had a medium level of aspirations followed by a equal percentage of rural youth (20.67%) in each low and high levels of aspirations.
Assessment Practices among Inclusive School Teachers: A Case from Basic Schools in the Volta Region of Ghana
Authors: Adzanku Jacob , Attia Isaac , Agbetorwoka Ambrose
Published: January 2022

Assessment techniques in special education provide information on how teachers can evaluate learners with special educational needs to ease educational placement and instructional decisions. This paper aimed at investigating assessment techniques used by teachers in assessing learners with special educational needs in inclusive schools in the Volta Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was employed for the study. The study involved 80 teachers in all selected pilot inclusive schools in the region, which was the study's target population. A questionnaire with closed-ended items was developed for data collection. Percentages and frequencies were used as statistical tools to analyse the research data generated from the questionnaire. The findings revealed that most teachers have insufficient knowledge and did not use appropriate assessment techniques in assessing learners with special educational needs in the schools. Based on the results, some recommendations were made for the Ghana Education Service through the Ministry of Education to organise in-service training and seminars for trained and untrained teachers on assessment techniques in special education.
The Immediate Effect of Steam Bath and Sauna Bath on Heart Rate Variability and Body Composition in Obese Individuals: A Comparative Study
Authors: Tripathi Mayank , Sujatha K. J. , Shetty Prashanth
Published: January 2022

Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the immediate effects of steam bath and sauna bath on body composition and Heart Rate Variabilities in individuals with obesity.

Study Design: Prospective randomised comparative trial.

Materials and Methods: Participants visiting Shantivana Nature cure hospital with age ranging from 18 to 32, without any comorbidities and Body Mass Index (BMI) more than 31 kg/m2 were appraised about the study protocol and after getting informed consent were divided into Steam bath group (n = 50) and Sauna bath group (n = 50) and were administered one sitting of Steam bath and sauna bath for 15 minutes. The Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Body Fat Analyser data was recorded before and after one sitting of treatment. The data was analysed using JASP (version 0.14.1.0) software and parametric and non-parametric tests were employed based on the normal distribution. 

Results: Marked changes were observed in BMI (p= 0.022), Total Body Water (TBW; p<0.0001), Heart Rate (HR; p= 0.002), RR Interval (p< 0.001), NN50 (p=0.013), pNN50 (p=0.0001), variables in the Steam bath group after comparing with the baseline. In the Sauna bath group significant changes (in %) were seen in Body weight (BW; p<0.001), BMI (p<0.001), Free-Fat Mass (FFM; p= 0.004), Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR; p< 0.001), Systolic Blood Pressure SBP; p= 0.008), HR (p<0.001), Mean RR (p<0.0001), RMSSD (p=0.005), pNN50 (p<0.0001), Very low frequency (VLF; p<0.0001), Low Frequency (LF; p<0.001), High Frequency (HF; p<0.001), LF/HF (p<0.001). When comparing steam bath with sauna bath group, the variables Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP; p=0.002), HR (p= 0.021), RMSSD (p<0.001), RMSSD (p<0.001), NN50 (p<0.001), pNN50 (p<0.001), VLF (p<0.001) showed significant changes.

Conclusion: The present study concludes that single dose of steam bath and sauna bath reduces the body weight by acting on the total body water percentage, reduces diastolic blood pressure, and causes vagal dominance. Sauna bath also increases basal metabolic rate which further helps in improving metabolism in the body and further helps in reducing body weight.
Crystallographic characterization of a marine invertebrate ferritin from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Wu Yan , Ming Tinghong , Huo Chunheng , Qiu Xiaoting , Su Chang , Lu Chenyang , Zhou Jun , Li Ye , Su Xiurong
Published: January 2022

Ferritin is considered to be an ubiquitous and conserved iron‐binding protein that plays a crucial role in iron storage, detoxification, and immune response. Although ferritin is of critical importance for almost all kingdoms of life, there is a lack of knowledge about its role in the marine invertebrate sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus). In this study, we characterized the first crystal structure of A. japonicus ferritin (AjFER) at 2.75 Å resolution. The structure of AjFER shows a 4‐3‐2 symmetry cage‐like hollow shell composed of 24 subunits, mostly similar to the structural characteristics of other known ferritin species, including the conserved ferroxidase center and 3‐fold channel. The 3‐fold channel consisting of three 3‐fold negative amino acid rings suggests a potential pathway in which metal ions can be first captured by Asp120 from the outside environment, attracted by His116 and Cys128 when entering the channel, and then transferred by Glu138 from the 3‐fold channel to the ferroxidase site. Overall, the presented crystal structure of AjFER may provide insights into the potential mechanism of the metal transport pathway for related marine invertebrate ferritins.
Evolutionarily relevant aggressive functions: Differentiating competitive, impression management, sadistic and reactive motives
Authors: Dane Andrew V. , Lapierre Kiana R. , Andrews Naomi C. Z. , Volk Anthony A.
Published: January 2022

This study investigated early adolescents' (ages 9–14; M = 11.91) self‐reported, evolutionarily relevant motives for using aggression, including competitive, impression management, sadistic, and reactive functions, and examined differential relations with a range of psychosocial characteristics. As expected, competitive functions were associated with aggression and victimization in which the perpetrator had equal or less power than the victim, in line with the view that these are aversive and appetitive motives related to competition with rivals. Impression management and sadistic functions were associated with bullying and coercive resource control strategies (the latter for boys only), consistent with expectations that these are appetitive motives, with the former being more goal‐directed and the latter somewhat more impulsive. Finally, as hypothesized, reactive functions were associated with emotional symptoms, hostility, victimization by bullying, and aggression by perpetrators with equal or less power than the victim, consistent with theory and research conceptualizing reactive aggression as an impulsive, emotion‐driven response to provocation. The benefits of studying a wide range of evolutionarily relevant aggressive functions are discussed.
The fading affect bias is disrupted by false memories in two diary studies of social media events
Authors: Gibbons Jeffrey A. , Dunlap Spencer , Friedmann Emma , Dayton Clare , Rocha Gabriela
Published: January 2022

Unpleasant affect fades faster than pleasant affect, and this phenomenon is referred to as the fading affect bias (FAB). The FAB is moderated and mediated by many variables, including rehearsal and memory specificity, and researchers have emphasized the importance of memory for the FAB, but research has not evaluated the link of the FAB to objective memory measures. Using diary methodology across the span of 1 week, the current study examined the relation of event memory to the FAB for (1) social media events in Experiment 1 (n = 30) and (2) social media and non‐social media events with longer titles in Experiment 2 (n = 63) than in Experiment 1. The FAB was negatively predicted by false memories for (1) social media events in Experiment 1 and (2) both social media and non‐social media events in Experiment 2. These relations were mediated by rehearsals in both experiments. Implications are discussed.
Modulating the Ferroelectricity of Hafnium Zirconium Oxide Ultrathin Films via Interface Engineering to Control the Oxygen Vacancy Distribution
Authors: Lee Joonbong , Song Myeong Seop , Jang Woo‐Sung , Byun Jinho , Lee Hojin , Park Min Hyuk , Lee Jaekwang , Kim Young‐Min , Chae Seung Chul , Choi Taekjib
Published: January 2022

Hafnium oxides‐based ferroelectric materials are promising for applications in nonvolatile memory devices. To control the ferroelectricity of such materials, it is necessary to tune their polymorphism, interfacial features, and defect (oxygen vacancy) distribution. A strategy is described for enhancing the ferroelectric properties of polycrystalline hafnium zirconium oxide (HZO) ultrathin films by modifying the oxygen pressure during the device preparation stage, which involves thermal annealing of TiN electrodes that serve as oxygen reservoirs. Microstructural and chemical characterizations along with theoretical analysis reveal that interfacial layers of TiO2−x (or TiOxNy) can characteristically form between the TiN electrode and the HZO thin film, depending on the oxygen treatment conditions. These interfacial layers directly affect the polymorphic distribution of the as‐deposited HZO. In particular, the engineered interfacial TiO2−x layer facilitates the generation and stabilization of ferroelectric orthorhombic phase HZO by promoting the uniform distribution of oxygen vacancies. Electric field cycling tests further highlight the enhanced ferroelectric polarization and coercive voltage following interfacial engineering. The results presented herein demonstrate successful tuning of the structural and interfacial properties of polycrystalline HZO devices, thus enabling control over their ferroelectric characteristics, which is critical for the fabrication of devices with designed functionality.
Investigations of Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding Effect of a Polymer Brush Modified Silicon in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hailu Alem Gebrelibanos , Ramar Alagar , Wang Fu‐Ming , Wu Nae‐Lih , Yeh Nan‐Hung , Hsu Chun‐Chuan , Chang Yung‐Jen , Tiong Pei‐Wan Lester , Yuwono Rio Akbar , Khotimah Chusnul , Wang Chun‐Chieh
Published: January 2022

Silicon (Si) has the maximum capacity compared with the conventional graphite, which can dramatically increase the energy density of the battery. However, due to some tremendous drawbacks of Si material such as electrochemical irreversibility and volume expansion on alloy reaction, pure Si cannot be used in large quantities in the anode electrode. In this research, a polymer brush core‐shell structure (PBCS) on Si nanoparticle provides three significant functions because of the intramolecular effect of hydrogen bonding with PBCS and the binder delivers a good dispersion in the slurry, a mechanical protection during cycling, and excellent ionic conductivity for high‐rate tests. The carbonyl groups of polymer brush on Si surface are fabricated to enhance lithium‐ion diffusion and the adjustment of attraction and repulsion by intramolecular hydrogen bonding effect with binder in between each Si particles. The PBCS‐Si electrode shows the first coulombic efficiency is 87.1%; the retentions are 92.5% (0.1C/ 0.1C) for 200 cycles and 86.2% (0.5C/ 0.5C) for 400 cycles. Operando TXM displays that the PBCS structure significantly protects the nano Si from cracking owing to the high elastic function and intramolecular hydrogen bonding effect of the PBCS. With this novel PBCS‐Si material, a high energy density lithium‐ion battery can be expected.
Progress and Trends in Nonaqueous Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries
Authors: Shen Linghua , Du Xianfeng , Ma Mingbo , Wang Shixin , Huang Shan , Xiong Lilong
Published: January 2022

It is important to research new energy storage technology for substituting the deficiencies of current energy storage devices, i.e., the poor energy density of lead‐acid batteries, the high cost of lithium‐ion batteries, etc. Rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) are regarded as one of the most promising storage devices due to the abundance of the materials required, superior security, and decent energy density of aluminum anodes. Nevertheless, there are some significant challenges, such as the developing energy density of cathodes, corrosion, and the high cost of electrolytes, which set obstacles to the industrialization of RABs. For avoiding the pitfalls of RABs research and boosting the development of RABs, the recent progress and trends in RABs covering mechanisms, components of RABs (electrodes, electrolytes, separators, and current collectors) and technology of assembly and packaging of devices are summarized and proposed.
2D Polymer Nanosheets for Membrane Separation
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Zhao , Shakir Imran , Yu Chengbing , Xu Yuxi
Published: January 2022

Since the discovery of single‐layer graphene in 2004, the family of 2D inorganic nanosheets is considered as ideal membrane materials due to their ultrathin atomic thickness and fascinating physicochemical properties. However, the intrinsically nonporous feature of 2D inorganic nanosheets hinders their potential to achieve a higher flux to some extent. Recently, 2D polymer nanosheets, originated from the regular and periodic covalent connection of the building units in 2D plane, have emerged as promising candidates for preparing ultrafast and highly selective membranes owing to their inherently tunable and ordered pore structure, light weight, and high specific surface. In this review, the synthetic methodologies (including top–down and bottom–up methods) of 2D polymer nanosheets are first introduced, followed by the summary of 2D polymer nanosheets‐based membrane fabrication as well as membrane applications in the fields of gas separation, water purification, organic solvent separation, and ion exchange/transport in fuel cells and lithium‐sulfur batteries. Finally, based on their current achievements, the authors’ personal insights are put forward into the existing challenges and future research directions of 2D polymer nanosheets for membrane separation. The authors believe this comprehensive review on 2D polymer nanosheets‐based membrane separation will definitely inspire more studies in this field.
Genetic Aberrations and Interaction of NEK2 and TP53 Accelerate Aggressiveness of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Feng Xiangling , Guo Jiaojiao , An Gang , Wu Yangbowen , Liu Zhenhao , Meng Bin , He Nihan , Zhao Xinying , Chen Shilian , Zhu Yinghong , Xia Jiliang , Li Xin , Yu Zhiyong , Li Ruixuan , Ren Guofeng , Chen Jihua , Wu Minghua , He Yanjuan , Qiu Lugui , Zhou Jiaxi , Zhou Wen
Published: January 2022

It has been previously shown that (never in mitosis gene A)‐related kinase 2 (NEK2) is upregulated in multiple myeloma (MM) and contributes to drug resistance. However, the mechanisms behind this upregulation remain poorly understood. In this study, it is found that amplification of NEK2 and hypermethylation of distal CpG islands in its promoter correlate strongly with increased NEK2 expression. Patients with NEK2 amplification have a poor rate of survival and often exhibit TP53 deletion, which is an independent prognostic factor in MM. This combination of TP53 knockout and NEK2 overexpression induces asymmetric mitosis, proliferation, drug resistance, and tumorigenic behaviors in MM in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, delivery of wild type p53 and suppression of NEK2 in TP53−/− MM cell lines inhibit tumor formation and enhance the effect of Bortezomib against MM. It is also discovered that inactivating p53 elevates NEK2 expression genetically by inducing NEK2 amplification, transcriptionally by increased activity of cell cycle‐related genes like E2F8 and epigenetically by upregulating DNA methyltransferases. Dual defects of TP53 and NEK2 may define patients with the poorest outcomes in MM with p53 inactivation, and NEK2 may serve as a novel therapeutic target in aggressive MM with p53 abnormalities.
Transcriptome‐wide identification and analysis of the KT/HAK/KUP family in black goji under NaCl stress
Authors: Wei Jia , Tiika Richard John , Ma YanJun , Yang HongShan , Cui GuangXin , Tian FuPing , Zhang YongTao , Duan HuiRong , Ma Rui
Published: January 2022

Black goji (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) is a typical salt‐tolerant plant that can maintain normal growth under high NaCl treatment and is distributed in saline areas in northwestern China. The KT/HAK/KUP (KUP) gene family plays an essential role in K absorption and transport process. However, the role of the KUP gene family in the salt tolerance of black goji has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the objective was to identify the members of LrKUPs in black goji by bioinformatics based on Illumina sequencing transcriptome data. Moreover, the expression profiles of LrKUPs under different NaCl treatments were analyzed based on fragments per kilobase of exons per million mapped reads (FPKM) values above 5, using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). A total of 31 LrKUPs were identified, and 19 LrKUPs containing the same K+ transporter domain were used to construct a phylogenetic tree and classified into four clusters. Six LrKUPs with full‐length sequences were discovered by open reading frame (ORF). They were localized to the plasma membrane and the predicted transmembrane regions were 12–14. The selected LrKUPs exhibited different expression patterns under NaCl stresses. It is noteworthy that LrKUPs (‐4, ‐9, ‐11, ‐31) from leaves and stems could withstand higher concentration and longer duration of salt stress compared with roots. In the present study, the KUP gene family was discovered as a potential stress resistance regulator for black goji growth and development, this provides candidate genes for future functional research of LrKUPs.
Synthesis and properties of a novel autocatalytic phthalonitrile monomer and its copolymerization with multi‐functional fluorene‐based benzoxazine monomers
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Zi‐long , Dayo Abdul Qadeer , Shi Cheng‐yu , Liu Hui‐bo , Pan Zhong‐cheng , Gorar Athar Ali Khan , Wang Jun , Zhou Heng , Liu Wen‐bin
Published: January 2022

A novel autocatalytic phthalonitrile monomer [4,4′‐(((((oxy‐bis [4,1‐phenylene]) bis (azanediyl)) bis (methylene)) bis (2‐methoxy‐4,1‐phenylene)) bis (oxy)) diphthalonitrile, OPD] is obtained by nucleophilic substitution of 4‐nitro‐phthalonitrile and bisphenol compound [4,4′‐(((oxy bis [4,1‐phenylene]) bis (azanylylidene)) bis (methanylylidene)) bis (2‐methoxyphenol)]. Bisphenol compound is a reductant with secondary amine groups of Schiff base derived from the reaction of vanillin and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylether. The OPD monomer has a self‐catalytic polymerizing reaction. OPD monomer has good processability, and the processing window was 130°C. Moreover, OPD polymer [poly(OPD)] shows higher glass‐transition temperature (345°C). The 5% and 10% thermal decomposition temperatures of poly(OPD) and char yield at 800°C are 407, 451°C, and 69%, respectively. To further improve the properties of poly(OPD), the OPD monomer was modified by multi‐functional fluorene‐based benzoxazine monomers (MFFB) due to their excellent reaction activities. The results showed that OPD/MFFB systems had high reaction activities. The similar thermal stabilities between OPD and MFFB can give stable and excellent thermal stability to the poly(OPD/MFFB). Compared with poly(OPD), the Tg values of poly(OPD/MFFB) were significantly increased, and their stiffness values were reduced. The tensile, flexural, and impact properties for poly(OPD/MFFB) were improved significantly.
The mitochondrial genome of Chelonus formosanus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with novel gene orders and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Yuan Rui‐Zhong , Zhou Jin‐Jin , Shu Xiao‐Han , Ye Xi‐Qian , Tang Pu , Chen Xue‐Xin
Published: January 2022

Chelonus formosanus Sonan is an important egg‐larval parasitoid of noctuid moths and a potential candidate for understanding interactions between host and parasitoid mediated by polydnavirues (PDVs). We sequenced and annotated the mitochondrial genome of C. formosanus, which is 15,466 bp in length and possesses 38 mitochondrial genes. However, unlike most animal mitochondrial genomes, it contains one extra trnF gene. There are five transfer RNA (tRNA) rearrangement events compared with the ancestral gene order, which is a novel rearrangement type in Hymenoptera for all published mitogenomes so far. Phylogenetic trees supported C. formosanus from the subfamily Cheloninae was closely related to the subfamily Cardiochilinae and Microgastrinae.
Quick‐switch inspection scheme based on the overall process capability index for modern industrial web‐based processing environment
Authors: Wang To‐Cheng , Hsu Bi‐Min , Shu Ming‐Hung
Published: January 2022

Today, in Industry 4.0 and sensor‐rich environments, web‐based processing, and cloud computing have played significant roles in the quality systems designed to ensure product quality and reliability. Among quality validation technologies, variables acceptance sampling plans are essential tools in supply chain channels, where the variables quick‐switch sampling (VQSS) system is among the efficient schemes. The VQSS system comprises normal and tightened inspections that can provide a dynamic adjusting mechanism for lot disposition. Recently, the VQSS system regulated on process capability indices (PCIs) has been developed to integrate consumers' requirements into manufacturing processes. Unfortunately, the existing PCI‐based VQSS systems only consider a single, critical quality characteristic of the product. With advanced sensor technologies, cost‐efficiently measuring multiple quality characteristics (MQCs) has become a reality in today's manufacturing environments. Therefore, in this article, we emphasize developing the VQSS system with MQCs according to the overall PCI for lot disposition. By comparing the existing sampling plans, the proposed overall PCI‐based VQSS system can reduce the required sample size significantly. The results also demonstrate that the proposed system can accommodate both normal and tightened inspections' strengths to obtain a superior lot‐discrimination power. Furthermore, we have developed web‐based architecture and tools for practitioners to execute our proposed system efficiently in the cloud. They can be used to construct automation and semi‐automation applications for the lot disposition, which is appropriate in Industry 4.0 environments. Finally, a case of ultra‐mini chip resistors is illustrated to demonstrate the applicability of our designed VQSS system.
The us in reUSe. Theorizing the how and why of the circular economy
Authors: Figge Frank , Thorpe Andrea Stevenson , Manzhynski Siarhei , Gutberlet Melissa
Published: January 2022

Despite considerable interest into circular economy, it remains undertheorized and underdeveloped. In response, this article advances circular economy by drawing on two theories to explain how firms can increase the circularity of resource use and why they are incentivized to do so. We refer to Modern Portfolio Theory to link the resource use of individual companies to the resource use of a group of firms. In doing so, we show how—and under which conditions—resource use decreases when circulated at the group level. We then refer to principles from evolutionary biology to explain why it is beneficial to structure resource flows at the group level, even when the resource‐reducing effect might not materialize for individual firms. In combining both perspectives we challenge entrenched ways of “doing” circular economy: We offer an integrated theoretical approach that helps inform managers' decision‐making on circular resource use in practice.
Feasibility of 3.5 mm C2 pedicle screws in children: A computerized tomography analysis
Authors: Chen Jiarui , Cen Jiemei , Ma Teng , Du Yuwang , Liang Tuo , Liao Shian , Yu Chaojie , Sun Xuhua , Li Jiakun , Jiang Jie , Chen Tianyou , Li Hao , Chen Wuhua , Ye Zhen , Yao Yuanlin , Guo Hao , Zhan Xinli , Liu Chong
Published: January 2022

There have been no studies with large sample sizes on growth of the pedicle of C2 in children. In the present study we measured the pedicle of C2 through computed tomography (CT) imaging in children aged less than 14 years and evaluated the suitability of the 3.5‐mm screw for the pedicle in such children. The study was conducted on CT morphometric images of 420 children in our hospital between June 2018 and June 2020. The width (D1), length (D2), height (D3), inclination angle (α), and tail angle (β) of the C2 pedicle were measured. One‐way analysis of variance and Student's t test were used for statistical analyses. The least‐square method was used to analyze the curve fitting the trend of anatomical change in the pedicle. The largest degree of goodness of fit determined the best‐fitting curve. The size of the pedicle of C2 increased with age. The median ranges of D1, D2, D3, α, and β were 3.312–5.431 mm, 11.732–23.645 mm, 3.597–8.038 mm, 32.583°–36.640°, and 24.867°–31.567°, respectively. The curves fitting the trends of D1 and D3 were power functions, whereas D2 was fitted by a logarithmic curve. However, no curve fitted α or β. A 3.5‐mm screw can be placed in the pedicle of C2 in children aged more than 1 year. The growth and development trend of this pedicle can provide an anatomical reference for deciding on posterior cervical surgery and for selecting and designing pedicle screws for children.
Small group learning/assessment sessions: A method using test enhanced learning to increase engagement in a basic medical science neuroanatomy course
Authors: Nolan Michael F. , McNamara John P.
Published: January 2022

Previous research has shown that test‐enhanced learning with structured feedback facilitates durable learning. We describe a small group learning/assessment activity using these approaches intended to increase engagement and engagement with the course material. We divided our class into six groups of seven students each that worked together in the activity. During each weekly session, course related multiple choice questions were projected and each group instructed to work independently to arrive at a consensus answer for each question. After each question is considered, a faculty facilitator then randomly selects one group to share their choice with the other groups and provide and rationale for their choice. A different group or groups are then called upon to share their choice. When differences emerge, the instructor then facilitates discussion among the groups in an effort to resolve confusion or incomplete or incorrect understanding that becomes evident. We found that attendance for these sessions was greater than for the more traditional lecture based session also included in the course and that students were actively engaged in this learning activity. The success of the small group learning/assessment session is dependent on several factors including the difficulty of the questions and their relatedness to the course objectives, the timing and placement of the session or sessions within the course and the skill of the faculty facilitator in encouraging active participation while ensuring a safe environment in which students can openly share their sometimes incomplete or incorrect understanding of the material.
Three‐year survival of transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in dialysis
Authors: Ogami Takuya , Kurlansky Paul , Takayama Hiroo , Ning Yuming , Zimmermann Eric , Zhu Roger C. , Ali Ziad A. , Nazif Tamim M. , Vahl Torsten P. , Avgerinos Dimitrios V. , Smith Craig R. , Leon Martin B. , Kodali Susheel K. , George Isaac
Published: January 2022

To highlight the trends of surgical (open) aortic valve replacement (SAVR) as well as to compare the outcome between transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and SAVR in elderly dialysis patients. TAVR has evolved as an effective alternative to surgery (SAVR) for aortic stenosis. We identified dialysis‐dependent patients who underwent SAVR or TAVR from 2000 to 2015 from the United States Renal Data System using ICD‐9 codes. We defined high‐risk surgical patients as age over 70 or older. The primary endpoint was survival at 3 years and we compared the outcome between SAVR and TAVR groups using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). A total of 4332 and 1280 dialysis patients underwent SAVR and TAVR, respectively, during the study period. Among SAVR cohort, 3312 patients underwent SAVR before June 2012 and 1020 after June 2012. In‐hospital mortality was significantly worse before 2012 (14.6% vs. 11.3% after 2012, p = 0.007) as well as estimated 3‐year mortality (69.1% vs. 60.3% after 2012, p < 0.001). After June 2012, the TAVR cohort was older and had more comorbidities including coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure compared to the SAVR cohort. After IPTW, in‐hospital mortality was significantly lower after TAVR versus SAVR (odds ratio 0.38 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27–0.52], p < 0.001). However, TAVR had a significantly higher risk of 3‐year mortality than SAVR (hazard ratio 1.24 [95% CI 1.1–1.39], p < 0.001). TAVR may be a reasonable and potentially preferable alternative to SAVR in the elderly dialysis population in the short‐term period.
Overview of FDA Circulatory System Devices Panel virtual meeting on TriGUARD 3 cerebral embolic protection
Authors: Aladin Amer I. , Case Brian C. , Wermers Jason P. , Rogers Toby , Waksman Ron
Published: January 2022

Despite advances in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology, periprocedural stroke remains a complication of TAVR procedures. The TriGUARD 3 device is designed to be positioned in the aortic arch to deflect debris away from the brachiocephalic, left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries during TAVR. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assembled the Circulatory System Devices Panel to review safety and effectiveness data for the TriGUARD 3 device. Because of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, this meeting was held virtually. In this manuscript, we summarize the data presented by both the sponsor and FDA, as well as the panel discussion.
Peroxidase‐Mimetic Copper‐Doped Carbon‐Dots for Oxidative Stress‐Mediated Broad‐Spectrum and Efficient Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Wang Yuhui , Yao Jiechen , Cao Zhanglei , Fu Pan , Deng Chen , Yan Shifeng , Shi Shuai , Zheng Jianping
Published: January 2022

Carbon dots (CDs) have recently emerged as antibacterial agents and have attracted considerable attention owing to their fascinating merits of small size, facile fabrication, and surface functionalization. Most of them are involved in external light activation or hybridization with other functional nanomaterials. Herein, we present peroxidase‐like Cu‐doped CDs (Cu‐CDs) for in vitro antibacterial applications. The unique peroxidase‐mimicking property of the Cu‐CDs was demonstrated by tetramethylbenzidine chromogenic assay, electron paramagnetic resonance spectra, and hydroxy radical probe. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were chosen as representative gram‐negative/positive models against which Cu‐CDs exhibited superior antimicrobial activity even at a dosage down to 5 μg/mL. A possible mechanism of action was that the Cu‐CDs triggered a catalytic redox reaction of endogenous H2O2 and glutathione depletion in the bacteria cells, with subsequent oxidative stress and membrane disruption. This work provides a new strategy for the design of microenvironment‐responsive antimicrobial nano‐agents.
Peptide‐Catalyzed Stereoselective Conjugate Addition Reaction of Aldehydes to C‐Substituted Maleimides
Authors: Vastakaite Greta , Grünenfelder Claudio E. , Wennemers Helma
Published: January 2022

Catalytic stereoselective additions with maleimides are useful one‐step reactions to yield chiral succinimides, molecules that are widespread among therapeutically active compounds but challenging to prepare when the maleimide is C‐substituted. We present the tripeptide H‐Pro‐Pro‐Asp‐NHC12H25 as a catalyst for conjugate addition reactions between aldehydes and C‐substituted maleimides to form succinimides with three contiguous stereogenic centers in high yields and stereoselectivities. The peptidic catalyst is so chemoselective that no protecting group is needed at the imide nitrogen of the maleimides. Derivatization of the succinimides was straightforward and provided access to chiral pyrrolidines, lactones, and lactams. Kinetic studies, including a Hammett plot, provided detailed insight into the reaction mechanism.
Photocatalytic Activity of Radial Rutile Titanium(IV) Oxide Microspheres for Aerobic Oxidation of Organics
Authors: Kojima Ryota , Ohtani Bunsho , Tada Hiroaki
Published: January 2022

The front cover artwork is provided by the group of Prof. Hiroaki Tada (Kindai University, Japan). The image shows the open route for multiple oxygen reduction reaction in radial rutile TiO2‐nanorod microsphere by the surface modification with iron oxide clusters. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cphc.202100793.
Constructing Soluble Anthracene‐Based Blue Emitters Free of Electrically Inert Alkyl Chains for Efficient Evaporation‐ and Solution‐Based OLEDs
Authors: Noda Taito , Sasabe Hisahiro , Owada Tsukasa , Sugiyama Ryo , Arai Ayato , Kumada Kengo , Tsuneyama Hisaki , Saito Yu , Kido Junji
Published: January 2022

Anthracene derivatives are one of the most promising blue emitters employed in organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) because of their electrochemical and thermal stabilities. However, their high crystallinity owing to their large π‐planar structures severely impedes the progress in the development of solution‐based systems. In this work, we developed two types of highly soluble multifunctional anthracene derivatives terminated with ortho‐biphenyl and triphenylamine moieties and showed high solubility in general organic solvents such as toluene, tetrahydrofuran, and cyclohexanone at high concentrations (>10 mg mL−1), and showed blue emission with a peak wavelength of ∼465 nm and a high photoluminescence quantum yield that ranges up to 81 %. Notably, these emitters are suitable for fabricating both evaporation‐ and solution‐based systems. The evaporation‐based system OLED achieved a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 5.4 %. While the solution‐processed system realized 4.8 %, exhibiting the best performance among the anthracene‐based solution‐processed OLEDs so far.
Identification of a specific immunophenotype associated with a consistent pattern of genetic mutations including SRFS2 and gene expression profile in MDS
Authors: Weiß Elisabeth , Walter Wencke , Meggendorfer Manja , Baer Constance , Haferlach Claudia , Haferlach Torsten , Kern Wolfgang
Published: January 2022

Background

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) comprise a heterogeneous group of diseases classified by comprehensive diagnostics. Identification of homogeneous subgroups is desirable to understand differences in clinical course and to develop targeted treatment approaches. We identified a specific CD11b/CD16 expression pattern in granulocytes associated with reduced CD45 expression in myeloid progenitor cells (MPC) in MDS cases and assessed its genetic background by whole genome (WGS) and whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS).

Methods

The cohort consisted of 32 MDS cases with the specific aberrant immunophenotype. Since all these 32 cases were found to be SRSF2 mutated additional 51 SRSF2 mutated MDS cases without this specific immunophenotype were selected as controls. For all cases WGS and WTS were performed.

Results

The immunophenotype newly identified in SRSF2 mutated MDS patients is characterized (1) by a specific maturation pattern, i.e. an increase of CD11b expression without CD16 expression followed by an increase in CD16 expression without further CD11b expression and (2) by only dim CD45 expression of MPC. STAG2 mutations were exclusively found in MDS cases with the specific immunophenotype (17/32, 53% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Hence, >50% of cases with the specific immunophenotype were characterized by co‐mutations in SRSF2 and STAG2. In addition, cluster analysis revealed a specific gene expression profile of such cases.

Conclusion

We here for the first time describe a specific immunophenotype which defines MDS cases with SRSF2 mutations and a consistent and specific mutational and gene expression profile. This comprehensive data warrants analysis of further such cases to assess the feasibility of defining a new sub‐entity of MDS.
Designing and implementing a novel graduate program to develop transdisciplinary leaders in urban sustainability
Authors: Wallen Megan M. , Guerra‐Lopez Ingrid , Meroueh Louay , Mohamed Rayman , Sankar Andrea , Sopory Pradeep , Watkins Ryan , Kashian Donna R.
Published: January 2022

Urban settings, where >50% of the world's population resides, are increasingly faced with environmental challenges that threaten their sustainability. Aging infrastructure, water and air pollution, and increasing recognition of environmental injustices highlight the need for professionals to employ complex scientific reasoning across disciplines where they can effectively address the multifaceted issues of urban sustainability. Here we present an innovative model for preparing the next generation of public, private, and academic leaders to address complex problems in urban sustainability. Specifically, we outline the design and implementation of an integrated, adaptable graduate training program, with the goals of science leadership, curriculum relevancy, community impact, broader applicability, establishing a career development pathway in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, and program sustainability. This program addresses human‐ecosystem challenges using a transdisciplinary approach to produce scientific products in partnership with local communities, businesses, industries, scientists, and policy makers, while providing a mechanism to understand and overcome contemporary societal and ecological challenges. Students receive rigorous training in their home disciplines, coupled with training across disciplinary lines and developmental experiences, to prepare them to communicate, collaborate, and innovate in a variety of contexts. Training success is evaluated across measurable competency domains including problem definition, research methods, communication, collaboration, and problem‐solving. After 3 years the program expanded relationships across fields and professions, successfully established 18 internship opportunities with community partners, created a new dual‐title PhD program open to students in five academic departments, and facilitated the coproduction of knowledge with external partners. This model bridges the gaps between research, education, and application, providing an integrated, rigorous graduate training program that fosters collaborative problem‐solving between STEM graduate students and the broader community of professionals conducting sustainability work in a postindustrial urban setting.
Landscape structure is a major driver of plant and arthropod diversity in natural European forest fragments
Authors: Gallé Róbert , Tölgyesi Csaba , Császár Péter , Bátori Zoltán , Gallé‐Szpisjak Nikolett , Kaur Hardeep , Maák István , Torma Attila , Batáry Péter
Published: January 2022

Disentangling the effects of different landscape and local attributes on the biota of habitat patches is often challenging. In Central European forest‐steppe ecosystems the high number of forest fragments and the relatively homogenous matrix between them offer the opportunity to disentangle the effects of habitat size and landscape structure (both landscape composition and landscape configuration) on plant and arthropod biodiversity. We selected 40 forest fragments: 20 forest fragments in extensive, dry, sandy forest‐steppe region and 20 fragments in a mesic forest‐steppe region of Hungary. We classified the detected plant and arthropod species according to their habitat association as forest specialist species or open habitat species. We then tested the effect of fragment size, landscape composition, and landscape configuration on their species richness and abundances. We found that increasing forest fragment size, forest habitat amount, and forest edge length had in general positive effects on forest spider abundance, but negative on open‐habitat arthropod abundances and plant species richness, varying a little among the studied taxa. Most interestingly, the effects of fragment size were often moderated by both landscape composition and landscape configuration, as well as habitat association of species. The fragment size effect was more pronounced in landscapes with low forest habitat amount having positive effects on forest spiders and negative effects on open‐habitat plants. An effective conservation strategy should take into account not only the presence of forest fragments, but also the size and configuration as well as the connectivity of forest fragments, to maximize diversity benefits of forest patches.
Exploring discrepancies between in situ phenology and remotely derived phenometrics at NEON sites
Authors: Donnelly Alison , Yu Rong , Jones Katherine , Belitz Michael , Li Bonan , Duffy Katharyn , Zhang Xiaoyang , Wang Jianmin , Seyednasrollah Bijan , Gerst Katherine L. , Li Daijiang , Kaddoura Youssef , Zhu Kai , Morisette Jeffrey , Ramey Colette , Smith Kathleen
Published: January 2022

In recent decades, the use of satellite sensors, near‐surface cameras, and other remote methods for monitoring vegetation phenology at landscape and higher scales has become increasingly common. These technologies provide a means to determine the timing of phenophases and growing season length at different spatial resolutions; coverage that is not attainable by human observers. However, in situ ground observations are required to validate remotely derived phenometrics. Despite increased knowledge and expertise there still remains the persistent challenge of reconciling ground observations at the individual plant level with remotely sensed (RS) phenometrics at landscape or larger scales. We compared the timing of in situ phenophase estimates (spring and autumn) with a range of corresponding remote sensing (moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer [MODIS], visible infrared imaging radiometer suite [VIIRS], PhenoCam) phenometrics across five terrestrial sites in the United States' NEON (Harvard Forest [MA] [HARV], Onaqui [UT] [ONAQ], Abby Road [WA] [ABBY], Disney Wilderness Preserve [FL] [DSNY], and Ordway‐Swisher Biological Station [FL] [OSBS]) focusing on the 3‐year period from 2017 to 2019. Our main objective was to explore potential reasons for the observed discrepancies between in situ and RS phenometrics and to determine which technologies were better able to capture ground observations. Statistically significant relationships were strongest (p < 0.001) for spring phenophases, while the only RS phenometrics significantly correlated with in situ estimates of autumn phenophases were leaf fall (p < 0.01) and leaves (p < 0.000). In particular, root mean square error (RMSE) (mean bias error [MBE]) for MODIS‐Enhanced Vegetation Index‐2 band (EVI2), VIIRS‐EVI2, and PhenoCam‐green chromatic coordinate (GCC) derived early spring transition dates indicated overall differences of 21.7 days (−4.6 days), 28.4 days (−1.2 days), and 24.1 days (11.9 days) from in situ estimates of early leaf‐out dates. In autumn, RMSE/MBE was smallest (10.9 days/−2.2 days) between phenesse estimates (95th percentile date) of the latest date of in situ leaf fall and VIIRS derived end of senescence, compared to the equivalent phenometric derived from MODIS (13.5 days/7.7 days) and PhenoCam (GCC greenness‐falling) (13.8 days/−5.1 days). Overall, discrepancies between in situ and RS phenology related to scale, species availability, and the short duration of the time series (3 years). However, as the NEON project progresses these challenges are expected to be reduced as more data become available.
Supported Catalysts
Authors: Godard Cyril , Claver Carmen , Albéniz Ana C.
Published: January 2022

The line between homogeneous and heterogeneous is getting continuously thinner, and the bridge that binds them is the support on which the catalyst sits. Supported catalysts have the potential to offer both the activity of molecular catalysts in phase, and the convenience and reusability of catalysts in a difference phase. The variety of research on topics such as nanoparticle supports, coorindated polymers, and teathered metal complexes has increased exponentially in the last decade, and common problems such as leaching are being continuously solved, thus making supported catalysts more and more viable for applied research. In this Editorial, our Guest Editors give a brief account on the research that can be expected in this collection.
Industrial Utilization of Capacitive Deionization Technology for the Removal of Fluoride and Toxic Metal Ions (As3+/5+ and Pb2+)
Authors: Islam Md Rabiul , Gupta Soujit Sen , Jana Sourav Kanti , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: January 2022

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an emerging desalination technology, particularly useful for removing ionic and polarizable species from water. In this context, the desalination performance of fluoride and other toxic species (lead and arsenic) present in brackish water at an industrial scale of a few kilo liters using a CDI prototype built by InnoDI Private Limited is demonstrated. The prototype is highly efficient in removing ionic contaminants from water, including toxic and heavy metal ions. It can remove fluoride ions below the World Health Organization (WHO) limit (1.5 ppm) at an initial concentration of 7 ppm in the input feed water. The fluoride removal efficiency of the electrodes (at a feed concentration of 6 ppm) deteriorates by ≈4–6% in the presence of bicarbonate and phosphate ions at concentrations of 100 ppm each. The removal efficiency depends on flow rate, initial total dissolved solids, and other co‐ions present in the feed water. Interestingly, toxic species (As3+/5+ and Pb2+) are also removed efficiently (removal efficiency > 90%) by this technology. The electrodes are characterized extensively before and after adsorption to understand the mechanism of adsorption at the electrode.