bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sars CoV2, una experiencia de la bioquímica en contexto para la enseñanza de conceptos asociados a las proteínas
Authors: Rodríguez Cepeda Rodrigo , Cortés Parra María José
Published: October 2021

El presente artículo muestra los resultados de una intervención didáctica en el marco de la enseñanza de la bioquímica en contexto, con el fin de enseñar algunos conceptos asociados a las proteínas, para un grupo de estudiantes del programa de Licenciatura en Química de la Universidad Pedagógica Nacional. Por esta razón, se abordó el tema del Covid 19, especialmente las proteínas del coronavirus Sars CoV 2 con el fin de enseñar conceptos como: aminoácidos, enlace peptídico, proteínas, estructura primaria y secundaria de las proteínas. De ahí que, los estudiantes trabajaron alrededor de videos explicativos del coronavirus, lecturas de artículos académicos sobre la estructura del virus, conferencias, así como el uso de la bioinformática para diseñar estructuras y predecir las estructuras primaria y secundaria de las proteínas. El desempeño académico de los estudiantes fue determinado mediante un cuestionario inicial, otro final y un resumen escrito en forma de artículo, cuya comparación sugiere que el uso de estas herramientas didácticas, aplicadas en el contexto de la pandemia, mejora el desempeño académico de los estudiantes.

This article shows the results of a didactic intervention in the field of teaching biochemistry in context, to teach some concepts associated with proteins. The participants were fourteen students enrolled in the Bachelor of Chemistry program of the National Pedagogical University, with whom the subject of COVID 19 was worked, and emphasis was placed on the proteins of the coronavirus Sars CoV 2, to teach concepts such as amino acids, peptide bond, proteins, primary, and secondary protein structures. Thus, activities such as explanatory videos of the coronavirus, readings of academic articles on the structure of the virus, lectures, as well as the use of bioinformatics tools to design and predict protein structures were carried out. The academic performance of the students was evaluated through mental maps, initial and final questionnaires, as well as an essay. As a result, it could suggest that the use of these didactic tools, applied in the context of the pandemic, improves academic performance, assimilation of new concepts, and increases the interest by learning new topics.
El cambio pedagógico en la docencia universitaria en los tiempos de Covid-19
Authors: Dorfsman Marcelo Ignacio , Horenczyk Gabriel
Published: October 2021

Antecedentes: La aparición del virus COVID-19 ha generado una de las mayores disrupciones mundiales de los sistemas educativos (entre otros) en generaciones Propósito: Este estudio examina el impacto de la inmersión involuntaria de profesores de la Universidad Hebrea en entornos de aprendizaje digital debido a la pandemia COVID-19 y su impacto en las prácticas pedagógicas, de los instructores universitarios durante esta crisis. Metodología / Enfoque: Nuestra investigación siguió un enfoque de métodos mixtos, combinando componentes cualitativos con cuantitativos. Nuestro presente estudio pone especial énfasis en los componentes cualitativos de la investigación. Resultados / Conclusiones: En nuestro trabajo analizamos el modelo de aceptación de tecnologías desarrollado por Venkatesh y colaboradores (modelo UTAUT), y lo enriquecemos con una tipología de aceptación del cambio pedagógico (TACP) que permite comprender la situación planteada y actuar en consecuencia. El estudio encontró que existes dos dimensiones en la disposición al cambio pedagógico genuino en los docentes universitarios: Una es su nivel de alfabetización digital antes de la crisis; la segunda es su concepción pedagógica de enseñanza.  Implicaciones: Nuestro modelo se puede aplicar a diferentes situaciones de crisis y puede ser útil para la formación y desarrollo del profesorado universitario en el campo de la alfabetización digital.

Background: The emergence of the COVID-19 virus has generated one of the largest global disruptions of education systems. Purpose: This study examines the impact of the involuntary immersion of Hebrew University professors in digital learning environments due to the COVID-19 pandemic on pedagogical practices of university instructors during this crisis. Methodology / Approach: Our research followed a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative components. Our current study places special emphasis on the qualitative components of the research. Results / Conclusions: In our work we analyze the model of acceptance of technologies developed by Venkatesh and colleagues (2008), and we enrich it with a typology of acceptance of pedagogical change (TACP) that allows us to understand the situation and act accordingly. The study identified two dimensions in the disposition to genuine pedagogical change in university teachers: One is their level of digital literacy before the crisis; the second is his pedagogical conception of teaching. Implications: Our model can be applied to different crisis situations and can be useful for the training and development of university teachers in the field of digital literacy.
Analyse expérimentale du comportement des producteurs de céréales sèches face au risque financier dans un contexte de changement climatique
Authors: Diakhate Pape Bilal
Published: October 2021

Cette étude a un double objectif : caractériser les exploitants agricoles suivant leur niveau d’aversion au risque financier et analyser les facteurs explicatifs de leur propension à prendre un risque financier. En utilisant un système de loteries inspiré des travaux d’Allais (1953) sur 540 exploitants agricoles choisis dans le Bassin arachidier du Sénégal, les résultats montrent que 81,38 % des producteurs présentent une aversion au risque financier et seulement 8,57 % sont « risquophiles ». Les estimations avec le modèle probit binomial montrent également que la propension à prendre un risque financier diminue si l’exploitant agricole se fixe un niveau élevé de perte de production tolérable. Ces résultats suggèrent de prendre en compte les composantes de la demande dans les politiques publiques de financement et d’assurance agricole.
L'émergence du référentiel marchand dans la tarification des cliniques privées algériennes : privatisation du financement et changement de paradigme
Authors: Zehnati Ahcène
Published: October 2021

La convergence tarifaire participe à la privatisation progressive du système de santé algérien amorcée depuis la fin des années 80. Le passage d’une logique de gratuité à une logique marchande pour accéder aux soins représente un bouleversement pour les patients. Afin d’appréhender la formation des tarifs dans le secteur de l’hospitalisation privée, nous avons mixé une enquête qualitative par entretiens semi-directifs auprès de 16 fondateurs de cliniques privées et l’administration d’un questionnaire auprès de 40 médecins permanents de ces cliniques disposant d’une activité à plein temps. Nos résultats montrent que l’absence d’une grille officielle de tarification des prestations de soins au niveau des cliniques privées algériennes a favorisé la mise en place de modes de tarification et de systèmes de rémunération conventionnels adoptés par les différents acteurs afin de pallier le déficit de régulation du secteur privé des soins. On observe une forte adhésion collective aux dispositifs tarifaires, sans pour autant sacrifier la liberté des médecins en tant que professionnels autonomes quant à la fixation de leurs propres normes de tarification. Cette privatisation émergente du système de santé algérien s’inscrit dans une dynamique internationale d’ensemble qui nécessiterait un changement progressif de paradigme de l’action publique.
MONITORING THE GROWTH AND QUALITY OF JAPANESE GREEN TEA BY UAV IMAGERY
Authors: SEKIYAMA Ayako , SATO Kiyohisa , SHIMADA Sawahiko , FUJIKAWA Tomonori
Published: October 2021

The optimal harvest season of Japanese green tea in Japan is judged by individual farmers based on their experiences. To confirm that optimal season, it requires a lot of efforts such as sampling of tea flushes by plucking, chemical component measuring by near-infrared spectroscopic analysis. Thus, an efficient method to determine the optimal season which can cover a wide area at once is considered highly helpful for farmers. This research measured normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of tea flushes by a multi-spectrum sensor mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle. At the same time, chemical component of tea flushes was measured to compare with the result of NDVI. The result showed that the value of NDVI for the optimal harvest season of tea-leaf is 0.6 to 0.7. The result of chemical component measuring showed the increase of total free amino acids and reduction of total free sugars while tea-leaf ripens. Therefore, there was a positive relation between the value of NDVI, and total free amino acids and total free sugars. It indicates a high possibility to predict the optimal harvest season of tea flushes by NDVI.
AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR BEE COLONY WEIGHT MONITORING
Authors: KVIESIS Armands , ZACEPINS Aleksejs , FIEDLER Sascha , KOMASILOVS Vitalijs , LACEKLIS-BERTMANIS Janis
Published: October 2021

Real time, continuous and remote monitoring of the honeybee colonies with application of information and communication technologies (ICT) is becoming increasingly frequent in industry and in a scientific research. Combination of ICT and beekeeping led to the development of the Precision Beekeeping approach. Successful implementation of the Precision Beekeeping system includes development of the bee colony monitoring hardware solution and computer software for data collection and further analysis. This paper describes developed and implemented bee colony monitoring unit for weight and temperature monitoring. Bee colony weight is one of the key metrics of the strength of a colony. Changes in weight can reflect the productivity rate of the colony, as well as its health and state. Developed monitoring system is based on Raspberry Pi Zero W single board computer with several connected sensors for bee colony temperature and environmental parameter monitoring. Weight is measured using single point load cell with possibility to measure weight up to 200kg, which is enough for the beehive measurements. Data transfer from the remote bee colony is provided by the external 3G router. For data storage and analysis cloud-based data warehouse is developed. Collected data is accessible in the web system with user friendly interface for data visualisation and reporting. Within this research scale calibration process is described and accuracy of the weighting is evaluated and possible challenges are discussed. Described monitoring system is developed within the Horizon 2020 project SAMS, which is funded by the European Union within the H2020-ICT-39-2016-2017 call. To find out more visit the project website https://sams-project.eu/.
DETERMINANTS AND STRATEGIES OF FARMERS’ ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE: THE CASE OF MEDENINE GOVERNORATE, TUNISIA
Authors: ARIBI Fatma , SGHAIER Mongi
Published: October 2021

Climate change is a worldwide environmental issue to all economic sectors, mainly the agricultural sector. Tunisia is one of the countries adversely affected by climate change because of its low adaptive capacity. Adapting to climate threat is the main goal of farmers, who are the primary stakeholders in agriculture, to increase the resilience of their farming systems. Based on a survey between March and May 2018 with 100 agricultural households from the governorate of Medenine, which belongs to Southeast Tunisia, this paper examined the main adaptive measures to climate change used by farmers, the factors influencing their choice of measures and the constraints to adaptation. To explore the factors affecting the choice of adaptive measures, this study employed a multinomial logit regression. Results showed that irrigation, crop diversification, integration of crop with livestock and shifting from farm to non-farm activities were the main adaptive measures implemented by farmers in the study area. Further, the multinomial logit model indicated that the factors influencing the choice of adaptive measures included household head age, access to extension services, household income, number of years of experience of the household head in agriculture, and the distance to the market. The results demonstrated also that adaptation to climate change was hindered by many factors such as constrained resources, lack of money, and water shortage. The findings of this research suggest the need for improving the access to extension services, to water, and to means of production to enhance the resilience of vulnerable agricultural households and to improve their wellbeing.
STUDY OF MELLIFEROUS PLANTS VISITED BY THE WORKER HONEYBEE, APIS MELLIFERA INTERMISSA IN BOUMERDES, ALGERIA
Authors: BELAID Messaouda , MOHAMMEDI Arezki , CHAHBAR Nora , ACHEUK Fatma , ABBAD-BENNOUR Malika , IGHIL AMEUR Amel
Published: October 2021

This work allows to establish a list of melliferous plants visited by the worker bee, Apis mellifera intermissa in Boumerdes through melissopalynological analysis. Eight samples of honey were collected in summer from different regions of Boumerdes province in Algeria: Mizrana (H1), Tizéruine (H2), Tagdempt (H3), Sherraba (H4), Baghlia (H5), Boudouaou (H6), Sidi Daoud (H7) and Si Mustapha (H8). For the analysis, we adopted the classical method of Louveaux et al., (1970). The results obtained showed that the melissopalynological analysis indicated the pollen grains of Eucalyptus were numerous as more than 45% of the pollen in six (6) of the eight samples of Boumerdes (H1, H2, H3, H4, H7 and H8). The pollen of Hedysarum coronarium was dominant in the sample H5 (67.60%). In seven samples honey recognized multifloral by beekeepers, Eucalyptus and Citrus taxa were respectively super represented and underrepresented in the honey H7 (87.46%) and H6 (19.80%). Thus, the number of taxa listed in the honeys studied varies from 14 to 19. The total number of pollen grains counted for the 8 samples varied from 646 to 3580.
scAAVengr, a transcriptome-based pipeline for quantitative ranking of engineered AAVs with single-cell resolution
Authors: Öztürk Bilge E , Johnson Molly E , Kleyman Michael , Turunç Serhan , He Jing , Jabalameli Sara , Xi Zhouhuan , Visel Meike , Dufour Valérie L , Iwabe Simone , Pompeo Marinho Luis Felipe L , Aguirre Gustavo D , Sahel José-Alain , Schaffer David V , Pfenning Andreas R , Flannery John G , Beltran William A , Stauffer William R , Byrne Leah C
Published: October 2021

Background:

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapies are rapidly advancing to the clinic, and AAV engineering has resulted in vectors with increased ability to deliver therapeutic genes. Although the choice of vector is critical, quantitative comparison of AAVs, especially in large animals, remains challenging.

Methods:

Here, we developed an efficient single-cell AAV engineering pipeline (scAAVengr) to simultaneously quantify and rank efficiency of competing AAV vectors across all cell types in the same animal.

Results:

To demonstrate proof-of-concept for the scAAVengr workflow, we quantified – with cell-type resolution – the abilities of naturally occurring and newly engineered AAVs to mediate gene expression in primate retina following intravitreal injection. A top performing variant identified using this pipeline, K912, was used to deliver SaCas9 and edit the rhodopsin gene in macaque retina, resulting in editing efficiency similar to infection rates detected by the scAAVengr workflow. scAAVengr was then used to identify top-performing AAV variants in mouse brain, heart, and liver following systemic injection.

Conclusions:

These results validate scAAVengr as a powerful method for development of AAV vectors.

Funding:

This work was supported by funding from the Ford Foundation, NEI/NIH, Research to Prevent Blindness, Foundation Fighting Blindness, UPMC Immune Transplant and Therapy Center, and the Van Sloun fund for canine genetic research.
Antimicrobials from a feline commensal bacterium inhibit skin infection by drug-resistant S. pseudintermedius
Authors: O'Neill Alan M , Worthing Kate A , Kulkarni Nikhil , Li Fengwu , Nakatsuji Teruaki , McGrosso Dominic , Mills Robert H , Kalla Gayathri , Cheng Joyce Y , Norris Jacqueline M , Pogliano Kit , Pogliano Joe , Gonzalez David J , Gallo Richard L
Published: October 2021

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) is an important emerging zoonotic pathogen that causes severe skin infections. To combat infections from drug-resistant bacteria, the transplantation of commensal antimicrobial bacteria as a therapeutic has shown clinical promise. We screened a collection of diverse staphylococcus species from domestic dogs and cats for antimicrobial activity against MRSP. A unique strain (S. felis C4) was isolated from feline skin that inhibited MRSP and multiple gram-positive pathogens. Whole genome sequencing and mass spectrometry revealed several secreted antimicrobials including a thiopeptide bacteriocin micrococcin P1 and phenol-soluble modulin beta (PSMβ) peptides that exhibited antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. Fluorescence and electron microscopy revealed that S. felis antimicrobials inhibited translation and disrupted bacterial but not eukaryotic cell membranes. Competition experiments in mice showed that S. felis significantly reduced MRSP skin colonization and an antimicrobial extract from S. felis significantly reduced necrotic skin injury from MRSP infection. These findings indicate a feline commensal bacterium that could be utilized in bacteriotherapy against difficult-to-treat animal and human skin infections.
Wikispeech
Authors: Wettin Karl
Published: October 2021

Wikispeech is a free and open text-to-speech (TTS) solution that runs on MediaWiki. Wikispeech will make the Wikimedia projects speak – for anyone, illiterate, blind, or just belonging to the quarter of the world's population who prefer learning from listening rather than reading. 
In the true Wikimedia fashion, volunteers will be able to improve the quality of Wikispeech. Errors and flaws can be corrected, and in the long run, new voices and languages can be added. 
As part of the project, tools for collecting speech data will be developed. With this data, new voices can be created. And both the tools and the data will of course be released under a free license, so that they can be used in other speech technology projects too.
Upright walking has driven unique vascular specialization of the hominin ilium
Authors: Zirkle Dexter , Meindl Richard S. , Lovejoy C. Owen
Published: October 2021

Background

A novel physis in hominins modulates broadening and shortening of the ilium. We report analysis of a vascular canal system whose origin may be associated with this physis and which appears to be also unique to hominins. Its presence is potentially identifiable in the fossil record by its association with a highly enlarged foramen that is consistently present in modern humans and hominin fossils.

Methods

We measured the diameter of this foramen in humans, fossil hominins, and African great apes and corrected for body size.

Results

The mean relative human foramen diameter is significantly greater than those of either Pan or Gorilla. Moreover, eight of the nine values of the Cohen’s d for these differences in ratios are highly significant and support the ordering of magnitudes: Pan < Gorilla < Homo. The relative foramen diameter of A.L. 288-1 is above the 75th percentile of all other hominoids and at the high end of humans. The foramen is also present in ARA-VP-6/500.

Conclusions

We posit that the presence and significant enlargement of this foramen in fossils can reasonably serve as an indicator that its anterior inferior iliac spine emerged via the unique hominin physis. The foramen can therefore serve as an indicator of hominin iliac ontogenetic specialization for bipedality in fossil taxa.
Genome-wide association study and population structure analysis of seed-bound amino acids and total protein in watermelon
Authors: Joshi Vijay , Nimmakayala Padma , Song Qiushuo , Abburi Venkata , Natarajan Purushothaman , Levi Amnon , Crosby Kevin , Reddy Umesh K.
Published: October 2021

Background

Watermelon seeds are a powerhouse of value-added traits such as proteins, free amino acids, vitamins, and essential minerals, offering a paleo-friendly dietary option. Despite the availability of substantial genetic variation, there is no sufficient information on the natural variation in seed-bound amino acids or proteins across the watermelon germplasm. This study aimed to analyze the natural variation in watermelon seed amino acids and total protein and explore underpinning genetic loci by genome-wide association study (GWAS).

Methods

The study evaluated the distribution of seed-bound free amino acids and total protein in 211 watermelon accessions of Citrullus spp, including 154 of Citrullus lanatus, 54 of Citrullus mucosospermus (egusi) and three of Citrullus amarus. We used the GWAS approach to associate seed phenotypes with 11,456 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated by genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS).

Results

Our results demonstrate a significant natural variation in different free amino acids and total protein content across accessions and geographic regions. The accessions with high protein content and proportion of essential amino acids warrant its use for value-added benefits in the food and feed industries via biofortification. The GWAS analysis identified 188 SNPs coinciding with 167 candidate genes associated with watermelon seed-bound amino acids and total protein. Clustering of SNPs associated with individual amino acids found by principal component analysis was independent of the speciation or cultivar groups and was not selected during the domestication of sweet watermelon. The identified candidate genes were involved in metabolic pathways associated with amino acid metabolism, such as Argininosuccinate synthase, explaining 7% of the variation in arginine content, which validate their functional relevance and potential for marker-assisted analysis selection. This study provides a platform for exploring potential gene loci involved in seed-bound amino acids metabolism, useful in genetic analysis and development of watermelon varieties with superior seed nutritional values.
A Study of Bacteriological Profile of Pleural Fluid and Antibiogram of Isolates at Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Medical College Andhospital College, Rajkot
Authors: Solanki Dolly , Kothari Krupali
Published: October 2021

Background: The bacteriology of thoracic empyema has been changing since the introduction of antibiotics. Gram stain and culture has for decades been the “gold standard” for the detection of microorganisms in pleural fluid samples. The present retrospective study was designed to review our experience with the microbial causes of empyema and their antibiotic sensitive patterns. The knowledge of likely prevalent strains along with their antimicrobial sensitive pattern helps in the framing of antibiotic policy and better management of patients.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was including 500 cases suspected of bacteriological infection of pleural fluid in patients admitted in ward of PDU Government Hospital, Rajkot. The performa include serial number, register number, age, sex, ward, clinical features of patients and investigation. All the samples were inoculated into Blood agar and MacConkey agar and Nutrient agar. All the plates were incubated aerobically at 370 C and results were read after 24 hours. If no growth present it is further incubated for next 24 hours. One smear was prepared on clean glass slide, then air dried and was heat fixed. Gram staining was done by standard technique.

Results: This study include 500 cases of pleural effusion from January 2015 to July 2016, out of which 87 cases show positive Bacterial culture growth and 232 cases were adenosine deaminase positive. In total 87 positive bacterial cultures, 20(22%) show bacterial pathogens in gram stain. Total positive culture found in 17.4%. Among them; most common Bacteria isolated was Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 40 (45%)  patients, this was followed by Klebsiella pneumonaie in 21 (24%), Staphylococcus aureus in 10 (11.49%), Acinetobacter spp. in 4 (4.59%), Proteus spp.in 3 (3.44%) and Providencia in 1 (1.14%).

Conclusion: Pleural space infection continues to be prevalent in our country particularly in the lower socioeconomic strata due to the delay in seeking medical care, inappropriate antibiotics and dosages and duration of antibiotic treatment. All gram positive bacteria isolate were 100% sensitivity to Rifampicin, Vancomycin, Linezolid.
Synergistic Cascade Hydrogen Evolution Boosting via Integrating Surface Oxophilicity Modification with Carbon Layer Confinement
Authors: Bao Feixiang , Yang Zhilong , Yuan Yuliang , Yu Penglin , Zeng Gangming , Cheng Yi , Lu Yangfan , Zhang Jiawei , Huang Hongwen
Published: October 2021

The lack of highly efficient catalysts severely hinders large‐scale application of electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for hydrogen production from water. Herein, synergistic cascade hydrogen evolution boosting by combining the strategies of carbon layer confinement and surface oxophilicity modification is realized. The carbon layers confined ultrafine RuCr nanoparticles (RuCr@C) exhibit outstanding HER activity (j10 = 19 mV, turnover frequency = 4.25 H2 s‐1), surpassing the benchmark Pt/C and most of the reported HER catalysts. Combined experimental verifications and theoretical simulations reveal that surface adsorption modification and electronic structure regulation synergistically boosts the HER kinetics over the RuCr@C catalyst. The Volmer step is accelerated by stabilizing the final state of water dissociation (*H and *OH) through Cr doping, and the Heyrovsky step is promoted via carbon layers confinement. As such, this work highlights a synergistic cascade strategy to boost HER kinetics which is of fundamental importance to accelerate future advances in electrocatalysis.
A High‐Performance, Sensitive, Wearable Multifunctional Sensor Based on Rubber/CNT for Human Motion and Skin Temperature Detection
Authors: Lin Mengzhuan , Zheng Zhongjie , Yang Li , Luo Mingshan , Fu Lihua , Lin Baofeng , Xu Chuanhui
Published: October 2021

Recently, flexible wearable electronic devices have attracted immense interest as an alternative for conventional rigid metallic conductors in personal healthcare monitoring, human motion detection, and sensory skins, owing to their intrinsic characteristics. However, the practical applications of most wearable sensors are generally limited by their poor stretchability and sensitivity, unsatisfactory strength, lower conductivity, and single sensory function. Here a hydrogen bond cross‐linked network based on carboxylic styrene butadiene rubber (XSBR) and hydrophilic sericin (SS) non‐covalently modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is rationally designed and then fabricated into multi‐functional sensors. The resultant versatile sensors are able to detect both weak and large deformations, which owns a low detection limit of 1% strain, high stretchability up to 217%, superior strength of 12.58 MPa, high sensitivity with a gauge factor up to 25.98, high conductivity of 0.071 S m−1, and lower percolation threshold of 0.504 wt%. Moreover, the prepared sensors also possess an impressively thermal response (0.01636 °C−1) and realize the application in the measurement of human body temperature. The multifunctional and scalable XSBR/SSCNT sensor with the integrated tracking capabilities of real‐time and in situ physiological signals, providing a promising route to develop wearable artificial intelligence in human health and sporting applications.
Large‐Scale Multiplexed Azopolymer Gratings with Engineered Diffraction Behavior
Authors: Oscurato Stefano L. , Reda Francesco , Salvatore Marcella , Borbone Fabio , Maddalena Pasqualino , Ambrosio Antonio
Published: October 2021

The diffraction of polychromatic light from periodic superficial structures is often responsible for the structural colors observed in Nature. Similarly, engineered microtextures fabricated on metallic or dielectric surfaces can be used to design diffracted optical patterns with desired shapes and colors. To this aim, advanced diffraction gratings with exceptional design and functionality are continuously proposed, and new fabrication methods follow to stay abreast with the improving design capabilities. Multiplexed surface reliefs, acting as complex gratings with tunable diffraction behavior, can be readily produced on films of azobenzene containing materials by exposing the surface to controlled sequences of holographic interference patterns. This work fully investigates, both theoretically and experimentally, the use of light‐induced surface relief on azopolymers for the realization of large‐scale multiplexed gratings with optimized diffraction performances. The reconfigurable diffraction gratings able to diffract polychromatic light in the same direction with controllable relative color intensities by tuning exposure parameters in a switchable two‐beam interference setup are designed and fabricated. The results can be generalized to more complex diffractive devices, usable in emerging display application areas.
3D‐Zipped Interface: In Situ Covalent‐Locking for High Performance of Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Liang Xian , Ge Xiaolin , He Yubin , Xu Mai , Shehzad Muhammad A. , Sheng Fangmeng , Bance‐Soualhi Rachida , Zhang Jianjun , Yu Weisheng , Ge Zijuan , Wei Chengpeng , Song Wanjie , Peng Jinlan , Varcoe John R. , Wu Liang , Xu Tongwen
Published: October 2021

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells can generate high power using a potentially green fuel (H2) and zero emissions of greenhouse gas (CO2). However, significant mass transport resistances in the interface region of the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), between the membrane and the catalyst layers remains a barrier to achieving MEAs with high power densities and long‐term stabilities. Here, a 3D‐interfacial zipping concept is presented to overcome this challenge. Vinylbenzyl‐terminated bi‐cationic quaternary‐ammonium‐based polyelectrolyte is employed as both the anionomer in the anion‐exchange membrane (AEM) and catalyst layers. A quaternary‐ammonium‐containing covalently locked interface is formed by thermally induced inter‐crosslinking of the terminal vinyl groups. Ex situ evaluation of interfacial bonding strength and in situ durability tests demonstrate that this 3D‐zipped interface strategy prevents interfacial delamination without any sacrifice of fuel cell performance. A H2/O2 AEMFC test demonstration shows promisingly high power densities (1.5 W cm−2 at 70 °C with 100% RH and 0.2 MPa backpressure gas feeds), which can retain performances for at least 120 h at a usefully high current density of 0.6 A cm−2.
Divergent Aminocarbonylations of Alkynes Enabled by Photoredox/Nickel Dual Catalysis
Authors: Zhao Xian , Feng Xiaoliang , Chen Fan , Zhu Shengqing , Qing Feng‐Ling , Chu Lingling
Published: October 2021

A metallaphotoredox‐catalyzed strategy for the selective and divergent aminocarbonylation of alkynes with amines and 1 atm of CO is reported. This synergistic protocol not only enables the Markovnikov‐selective hydroaminocarbonylation of alkynes to afford α,β‐unsaturated amides, but also facilitates a sequential four‐component hydroaminocarbonylation/radical alkylation in the presence of tertiary and secondary alkyl boronate esters, which allows for straightforward conversion of alkynes into corresponding amides. Preliminary mechanistic studies disclose that a photoinduced oxidative insertion of aniline and CO into nickel followed by a migratory insertion of (carbamoyl)nickel species could be involved.
Two mono‐ and dinuclear Cu (II) complexes derived from 3‐ethoxy salicylaldehyde: X‐ray structures, spectroscopic, electrochemical, antibacterial activities, Hirshfeld surfaces analyses, and time‐dependent density functional theory studies
Authors: Chai Lan‐Qin , Chai Yong‐Mei , Li Cheng‐Guo , Zhou Ling
Published: October 2021

The quinazoline‐type ligand 2‐(3‐ethoxy‐2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4‐methyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinazolin 3‐oxide (HL1, H is the deprotonatable hydrogen) was synthesized. Two mono‐ and dinuclear Cu (II) complexes, [Cu(L2)2]·2CH3OH (1), and [Cu4(L2)4(NO3)2] (2) (HL2 = 1‐(2‐{[(E)‐(3‐ethoxy‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene]amino}phenyl)ethanone oxime), were obtained via complexation of HL1 with Cu (II) acetate monohydrate or Cu (II) nitrate trihydrate in methanol. HL1 and both complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic methods. The structures of complexes were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography and the ratio of ligand to metal in 1 was 2:1 whereas 2 was 1:1. In the crystal structures, hexa‐coordinated Cu (II) complex 1 was assembled into an infinite 1‐D, 2‐D network and 3‐D supramolecular framework. Complex 2 included four deprotonated (L2)− units, four coordinated Cu (II) and two coordinated nitrate anions, forming an infinite 2‐D layer and interesting butterfly‐shaped 3‐D supramolecular skeleton. Specifically, the Cu1 and Cu4 centers were four‐coordinated, while the Cu2 and Cu3 centers were penta‐coordinated in 2. Furthermore, electrochemical properties and antibacterial activities of both complexes were also investigated. In addition, the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of 1 and 2 were also studied. The optimal geometries, HOMO‐LUMO energies and molecular electrostatic potential diagrams of two complexes were calculated using density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP, and specific electronic transitions in the UV–vis spectra of 1 and 2 were recorded by time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) calculations. Additionally, the noncovalent interactions between both complexes were also confirmed by Hirshfeld surfaces.
Cranial anatomy of the Galápagos marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus (Squamata: Iguanidae)
Authors: Paparella Ilaria , Caldwell Michael W.
Published: October 2021

Amblyrhynchus cristatus, the marine iguana, is unique among the ~7,000 species of living limbed lizards as it has successfully evolved adaptations that allow it to live in both terrestrial and marine environments. This species is endemic to the Galápagos Archipelago and has evolved a specialized feeding behavior, consuming primarily the algae that grow on the rocky seafloor. The intriguing questions arising around the evolution of the marine iguana concerns the use of exaptations of terrestrial features for aquatic and specifically marine adaptations. However, the lack of fundamental information about its anatomy currently prevents us from understanding how it became adapted to such a peculiar lifestyle in comparison to all other iguanids. The goal of this study is to provide the first ever description of the skull, mandible, and hyoid of Amblyrhynchus. We examined several specimens of marine iguana, including skeletal, wet, and ct‐scanned material, and individuals at different ontogenetic stages. We also analyzed specimens of all other modern iguanid genera (Conolophus, Iguana, Ctenosaura, Cyclura, Dipsosaurus, Brachylophus, Sauromalus) in order to make comparisons between Amblyrhynchus and its closest relatives. We were able to identify several autapomorphic features that distinguish the marine iguana from all other iguanids. These unique morphologies are mostly associated with the modified configuration of the snout (nasal chamber), increased muscle attachments in the temporal‐postorbital region of the skull, and dentition. Since Amblyrhynchus is the only nonophidian squamate currently able to exploit the ocean at least for some vital functions (i.e., feeding), we used comparisons to fossil marine lizards (e.g., mosasaurids) to discuss some of these unique traits. The new cranial features described for Amblyrhynchus may represent a source of novel morphological characters for use in future phylogenetic analyses of iguanian (or squamate) relationships, which will then serve as the foundation for the exploration of evolutionary patterns and processes that led to the development of such unique adaptations.
Numeracy, numeric attention, and number use in judgment and choice
Authors: Tiede Kevin E. , Bjälkebring Pär , Peters Ellen
Published: October 2021

People higher (vs. lower) in objective numeracy—the ability to use probabilistic and mathematical concepts—use numeric information more when making decisions. Specifically, they are more sensitive to numeric levels than the less numerate and use more numeric versus nonnumeric information. Greater attention to numbers may explain this effect, but little is known about objective numeracy's relation to numeric attention and possible subsequent effects on choice. Therefore, we investigated whether numeracy is related to greater attention to numbers and greater use of numbers in consumer judgments and choices. Crucially, we tested whether numeric attention mediated number use in choices. In three experiments, we provided participants with information about different consumer products (e.g., dishwasher). Participants received either numbers‐only or both numbers and verbal information. In Study 1 (N = 548), participants were asked to rate product attractiveness. In Studies 2a and 2b (N = 187 and 399), participants instead chose between product pairs. Attention was recorded using Mouselab. Greater objective numeracy was not related to sensitivity to numbers, but it was related to using numeric (instead of verbal) information more when making choices. The association of numeracy and attention was inconsistent across studies, although a meta‐analysis combining the studies revealed a weak but significant relation between numeracy and frequency of attending to numbers. This attention variable mediated the association of numeracy and number use in the more powered Study 2b (but not 2a). Our research highlights the potential of considering attention when studying numeracy and provides insights for designing decision aids.
A review of the syntheses of (thio)flavones, 4‐quinolones, (thio)aurones, and azaaurones from 2′‐substituted alkynones
Authors: In Lee Jae
Published: October 2021

Flavones have been prepared by the 6‐endo cyclization of o‐alkynoylphenols, cyclization/deprotection of 2′‐protected alkynones, or carbonylative coupling of 2‐halophenols with arylacetylenes and subsequent cyclization. (Z)‐Aurones have been prepared by the 5‐exo cyclization of o‐alkynoylphenols or oxidation of (Z)‐benzylidenebenzofuran‐3‐ols with MnO2. Thioflavones have been prepared by deprotection/6‐endo cyclization of S‐protected alkynones or by the addition of sulfur to 2′‐halo(methoxy)alkynones and subsequent cyclization. Deprotection and 5‐exo cyclization of S‐benzylated alkynones using HCOOH afforded (Z)‐thioaurones. 2‐Phenyl‐4‐quinolones have been prepared by the 6‐endo cyclization of 2′‐aminoalkynones or by the addition of amines to 2′‐haloalkynones and subsequent cyclization. Furthermore, the treatment of 2′‐aminoalkynones with triphenylphosphine afforded (Z)‐azaaurones by 5‐exo cyclization.
Counsellors’ competency to counsel refugees: A constructivist grounded theory study
Authors: Atiyeh Shadin , Gray Geneva
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this constructivist grounded theory study was to explore how counsellors perceive their preparedness to counsel refugee clients and how they conceptualise multicultural competence when doing so. Although the findings point to the complexity and challenges involved when counselling refugees, all participants emphasised the ethical imperative to do so. Therefore, counsellors are able and obligated to contribute to the health and wellness of refugees through providing integrated and holistic approaches.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a Stable Isostere of Malonyllysine**
Authors: Jing Yihang , Bergholtz Sarah E. , Omole Anthony , Kulkarni Rhushi A. , Zengeya Thomas T. , Yoo Euna , Meier Jordan L.
Published: October 2021

Lysine malonylation is a recently characterized post‐translational modification involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and gene expression. One unique feature of this post‐translational modification is its potential susceptibility to decarboxylation, which poses possible challenges to its study. As a step towards addressing these challenges, we report the synthesis and evaluation of a stable isostere of malonyllysine. First, we find that synthetic substitution of the malonyl group with a tetrazole isostere results in amino acid's resistant to thermal decarboxylation. Next, we demonstrate that protected variants of this amino acid are readily incorporated into peptides. Finally, we show that tetrazole isosteres of malonyllysine can be recognized by anti‐malonyllysine antibodies and histone deacylases, validating their ability to mimic features of the endogenous lysine modification. Overall, this study establishes a new chemical strategy for stably mimicking a metabolite‐derived post‐translational modification, providing a foothold for tool development and functional analyses.
Synergy of Iron Doping and Cyano Groups for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production over C3N4
Authors: Xiao Jie , Zhang Jing‐Wen , Zhang Jiaxiang , Pan Lun , Shi Chengxiang , Zhang Xiangwen , Zou Ji‐Jun
Published: October 2021

Improving the insufficient carrier separation dynamics is still of significance in carbon nitride (C3N4) research. Extensive research has been devoted to improving the carrier separation efficiency through a single strategy, while ignoring the synergistic enhancement effect produced by coupling two or more conventional strategies. Herein, we reported the fabrication of cyano group‐containing Fe‐doped C3N4porous materials via direct co‐calcination of iron acetylacetonate and melamine for synergistically improving the photocatalytic performance. Iron acetylacetonate can promote the generation of cyano groups and form Fe‐doping in C3N4, thereby increasing the visible‐light absorption and reactive sites. Further, the internal donor‐acceptor system formed by cyano groups and Fe‐doped sites promoted charge carrier separation and inhibited the radiation recombination of e−‐h+pairs. The optimized photocatalytic activity of Fe−CN‐2 sample was 4.5 times of bulk C3N4(BCN).
Floor and ceiling effects in the EORTC QLQ‐C30 Physical Functioning subscale among patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Murugappan Meena N. , King‐Kallimanis Bellinda L. , Mangir Christina , Howie Lynn , Bhatnagar Vishal , Beaver Julia A. , Basch Ethan M. , Henson Sydney R. , Kluetz Paul G.
Published: October 2021

Background

The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 Physical Functioning subscale is a widely used patient‐reported outcome measure that quantifies cancer patients' physical functioning. Strong floor/ceiling effects can affect a scale's sensitivity to change. The aim of this study was to characterize floor/ceiling effects of the physical functioning domain in patients with advanced/metastatic breast cancer enrolled in commercial clinical trials and a community‐based trial.

Methods

The clinical trial cohort comprised patients from 5 registrational trials submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for review (2010‐2017). The community cohort comprised a subgroup of patients from the Alliance Patient Reported Outcomes to Enhance Cancer Treatment (PRO‐TECT) trial. The distribution of patient responses to Physical Functioning items and the summed score were assessed at the baseline and 3‐month follow‐up for both cohorts. Descriptive statistics were used to determine floor/ceiling effects at the item and scale levels.

Results

The clinical trial cohort and the community cohort consisted of 2407 and 178 patients, respectively. Twenty‐four percent or more of the respondents reported “not at all” for having trouble/needing help with each Physical Functioning item across both cohorts and measurement time points. Fourteen to twenty percent of the patients scored perfectly (100 of 100) on the Physical Functioning subscale summary measure (where higher scores indicated better physical functioning) across both cohorts and time points.

Conclusions

Minor floor effects and notable ceiling effects were found at the item and scale levels of the Physical Functioning subscale, regardless of cohort, and this creates some uncertainty about its ability to detect changes in physical functioning among high‐functioning patients. Investigators may consider adding additional high‐functioning items from the EORTC's item library to more accurately describe the impact of anticancer treatment on patients' physical functioning.
MaLeFICE: Machine learning support for continuous performance improvement in computational engineering
Authors: Sonmezer Hasan Berk , Muhtaroglu Nitel , Ari Ismail , Gokcin Deniz
Published: October 2021

Computer aided engineering (CAE) practices improved drastically within the last decade due to ease of access to computing resources and open‐source software. However, increasing complexity of hardware and software settings and the scarcity of multiskilled personnel rendered the practice inefficient and infeasible again. In this article, we present a method for continuous performance improvement in computational engineering that combines online performance profiling with machine learning (ML). To test the viability of this method, we provide a detailed analysis for solution time estimation of finite element analysis (FEA) jobs based on multidimensional models. These models combine numerous matrix features (matrix size, density, bandwidth, etc.), solver features (direct‐iterative, preconditioning, tolerance), and hardware features (core count, virtual–physical). We repeat our analysis over different machines as well as docker containers to demonstrate applicability over different platforms. Next, we train supervised and unsupervised ML algorithms over commonly used, realistic FEA benchmarks and compare accuracy of different models. Finally, we design two new ML‐based online batch schedulers called shortest predicted time first (SPTF) and shortest cluster time first (SCTF), which are comparable in performance to the optimal, but offline shortest job first (SJF) scheduler. We find that ML‐based profiling and scheduling can reduce the average turnaround times by 2–5 over other alternatives.
Downregulation of microRNA‐6125 promotes colorectal cancer growth through YTHDF2‐dependent recognition of N6‐methyladenosine‐modified GSK3β
Authors: Li Hongyan , Zhang Ning , Jiao Xueli , Wang Cong , Sun Wenhao , He Yanyu , Ren Ganglin , Huang Shirui , Li Mengjie , Chang Yixin , Jin Zihui , Xie Qipeng , Zhang Xiaodong , Huang Haishan , Jin Honglei
Published: October 2021

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), the key regulator of gene expression, and N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification play a significant role in tumour progression. However, regulation of m6A‐modified mRNAs by miRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC), and its effect on progression of CRC, remains to be investigated.

Methods

Expression of miR‐6125 and YTH Domain‐Containing Family Protein 2 (YTHDF2) was detected by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The effects of miR‐6125 and YTHDF2 on proliferative capacity of CRC cells were analysed using soft agar, ATP, CCK8 and EdU assays, and in animal experiments.

Results

MiR‐6125 expression was downregulated markedly in CRC, and expression correlated negatively with tumour size and prognosis. MiR‐6125 targeted the 3′‐UTR of YTHDF2 and downregulated the YTHDF2 protein, thereby increasing the stability of m6A‐modified glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) mRNA. Increased GSK3β protein levels inhibited the expression of Wnt/β‐catenin/Cyclin D1 pathway‐related proteins, leading to G0‐G1 phase arrest and ultimately inhibiting the proliferation of CRC cells.

Conclusions

MiR‐6125 regulates YTHDF2 and thus plays a critical role in regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, thereby affecting the growth of CRC. Collectively, these results suggest that miR‐6125 and YTHDF2 are potential targets for treatment of CRC.