bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symmetric high order microplane model for damage localization and size effect in quasi‐brittle materials
Authors: Lale Erol , Cusatis Gianluca
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the so‐called symmetric high‐order microplane (SYHOM) model for the simulation of damage localization and size effect in quasi‐brittle materials. Contrarily to its predecessor, the high order microplane (HOM) model, SYHOM is formulated without rotational degrees of freedom, does not require couple stresses, and solves stability issues created by the antisymmetric components of stress and high order stress tensors. Furthermore, the formulation features variable, damage‐dependent localization limiter and nonlocal characteristic length that allows reproducing correctly size and shape of the fracture process zone during the entire softening process: from crack initiation to the formation of a stress‐free fracture. The paper highlights the implementation of SYHOM via isogeometric analysis with quadratic shape functions and presents several numerical simulations to demonstrate SYHOM's ability to simulate damage evolution during softening. Finally, SYHOM is validated by simulating experimental data relevant to the size effect on structural strength of notched concrete samples.
Synthesis of benzyl chlorine‐free poly(4‐acetoxystyrene) via cationic polymerization followed by Friedel‐Crafts alkylation
Authors: Wen Shuai , Liu Qiang , Liang Wentian
Published: March 2021

The linear benzyl chlorine‐free poly(4‐acetoxystyrene) (PSTO) with low polydispersity (Mw/Mn = 1.3) is obtained through anisole quenching of the living polymerization of 4‐acetoxystyrene initiated with the St–Cl/SnCl4/n‐Bu4NBr system in CH2Cl2. The alkylation reaction rate increases with increasing anisole concentration and temperature. With a 4‐fold excess of anisole over the initiator, end‐chlorine groups are completely capped by anisole in 30 minutes at −15°C through adding extra SnCl4 prior to the alkylation reaction. In addition, by using 2‐methylanisole and 2,6‐dimethylanisole as capping agents, it is verified that both para‐ and ortho‐positions substitution of living PSTO cations to the anisole occur during alkylation reactions.
Element‐Specific Magnetization Damping in Ferrimagnetic DyCo5 Alloys Revealed by Ultrafast X‐ray Measurements
Authors: Abrudan Radu , Hennecke Martin , Radu Florin , Kachel Torsten , Holldack Karsten , Mitzner Rolf , Donges Andreas , Khmelevskyi Sergii , Deák András , Szunyogh László , Nowak Ulrich , Eisebitt Stefan , Radu Ilie
Published: March 2021

The dynamic response of magnetically ordered materials to an ultrashort external stimulus depends on microscopic parameters, such as magnetic moment, exchange, and spin–orbit interactions. Whereas it is well established that, in multicomponent magnetic alloys and compounds, the speed of demagnetization and spin switching processes has an element‐specific character, the magnetization damping was assumed to be a universal parameter for all constituent magnetic elements irrespective of their different spin–orbit couplings and electronic structure. Herein, experimental and theoretical evidence for an element‐specific magnetic damping parameter is provided by investigating the ultrafast magnetization response of a high‐anisotropy ferrimagnetic DyCo5 alloy to femtosecond laser excitation. Strikingly different demagnetization and remagnetization dynamics of Dy and Co magnetic moments is revealed by employing femtosecond laser pump–X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism probe measurements combined with atomistic spin dynamics (ASD) simulations using ab initio calculated parameters. These observations, fully corroborated by the ASD simulations, are linked to the element‐specific spin–orbit coupling strengths of Dy and Co, which are incorporated in the phenomenological magnetization damping parameters. These findings can be used as a recipe for tuning the speed and magnitude of laser‐driven magnetic processes and consequently allow control over various dynamic functionalities in multicomponent magnetic materials.
Effects of microstructural tailoring on Na storage performance of graphene
Authors: Yao Li‐Hua , Zhao Jian‐Guo , Li Jing‐Wei
Published: March 2021

We probe the effects of microstructural tailoring on Na storage performance of graphene by using the density functional theory (DFT). The results indicate that four types of graphenes with microstructural tailoring, that is, B‐doped‐graphene (B‐graphene), O‐doped‐graphene (O‐graphene), vacancy graphene (V‐graphene) and pyrrolic graphene (D‐graphene) exhibit improved Na storage performance involve adsorption energy, theoretical specific capacity, electronic structure and average potentials. These four types of graphenes exhibit reduced adsorption energies of −3.250, −4.347, −2.666, and −4.531 eV, and increased theoretical specific capacities of 634, 683, 720, and 720 mA h/g, respectively. Graphene with microstructural tailoring by N doping (N‐graphene) shows a poor Na storage performance (the adsorption energy is −1.161 eV and the theoretical specific capacity is 275 mA h/g). This is due to the strong interactions between B‐graphene, O‐graphene, V‐graphene, and D‐graphene and Na, which can be rationalized by the observed orbital hybridizations. The results suggest that the four types of microstructural tailoring (B‐graphene, O‐graphene, V‐graphene, and D‐graphene) are expected to improve the Na storage performance of graphene.
In silico search for planar hexacoordinate silicon atom: A kinetically viable species
Authors: Kalita Amlan J. , Rohman Shahnaz S. , Kashyap Chayanika , Ullah Sabnam S. , Baruah Indrani , Mazumder Lakhya J. , Guha Ankur K.
Published: March 2021

In silico search for planar hexacoordinate silicon center has been initiated by global minimum screening with density functional theory and energy refinement using coupled cluster theory. The search resulted in a local minimum of SiAl3Mg3H2+structure which contains a planar hexacoordinate silicon center (phSi). The phSi structure is 5.8 kcal/mol higher in energy than the global minimum. However, kinetic studies reveal that the local minimum structure has enough stability to be detected experimentally. Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the phSi structure can be maintained up to 20 ps at 400 K. The formation of multiple bonds between the central silicon atom and framework aluminum atom is the key stabilizing factor for the planar structure.
Professional Development on Digital Literacy and Transformative Teaching in a Low‐Income Country: A Case Study of Rural Kenya
Authors: Kerkhoff Shea N. , Makubuya Timothy
Published: March 2021

In recent years, the government of Kenya has implemented programs with the hope of moving the country to middle‐income status. The government has implemented the Digital Literacy Programme, distributing tablets to schools across the country, and also a new curriculum, promoting innovative teaching that includes digital literacy, learner‐centered teaching, and relevance to students’ lives. Our purpose in this research was to explore culturally sustaining teaching methods in line with the Kenyan government’s push for innovative teaching and digital literacy attainment for all students. We used case study methods to describe Kenyan teachers’ perceptions of innovative teaching and digital literacy while participating in the Inquiry Initiative, a three‐day professional development series. Participants included preschool, primary, and secondary teachers from Trans Nzoia County. Data sources were pre‐ and post‐surveys, participant‐generated artifacts, and interviews. Our participants perceived the following needs: new literacies for learners, creativity for learners, collaboration and group work, and creativity to overcome technological challenges. Overall, participants embraced learner‐centered teaching theoretically but found that the lack of technological resources created barriers to teaching digital literacy in a learner‐centered fashion. We found that teachers reported mostly using technology for teaching preparation and record keeping rather than engaging students in digital literacy practices. To solve technological challenges, teachers described having students work in groups and using smartphones. Future research could share more creative solutions to technical challenges in low‐income countries.
21 000 birds in 4.5 h: efficient large‐scale seabird detection with machine learning
Authors: Kellenberger Benjamin , Veen Thor , Folmer Eelke , Tuia Devis
Published: March 2021

We address the task of automatically detecting and counting seabirds in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery using deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Our study area, the coast of West Africa, harbours significant breeding colonies of terns and gulls, which as top predators in the food web function as important bioindicators for the health of the marine ecosystem. Surveys to estimate breeding numbers have hitherto been carried out on foot, which is tedious, imprecise and causes disturbance. By using UAVs and CNNs that allow localizing tens of thousands of birds automatically, we show that all three limitations can be addressed elegantly. As we employ a lightweight CNN architecture and incorporate prior knowledge about the spatial distribution of birds within the colonies, we were able to reduce the number of bird annotations required for CNN training to just 200 examples per class. Our model obtains good accuracy for the most abundant species of royal terns (90% precision at 90% recall), but is less accurate for the rarer Caspian terns and gull species (60% precision at 68% recall, respectively 20% precision at 88% recall), which amounts to around 7% of all individuals present. In sum, our results show that we can detect and classify the majority of 21 000 birds in just 4.5 h, start to finish, as opposed to about 3 weeks of tediously identifying and labelling all birds by hand.
Rapid Electrochemical Quantification for In Vitro Release Trait of Ophthalmic Drug Loaded within Mucoadhesive Metal Organic Framework (MOF)
Authors: Chansi  , Upreti Shikha , Punya  , Singh Jay , Ghosh Madhumita P , Basu Tinku
Published: March 2021

Limited residence time of drugs in the ocular surface, poor bioavailability and side effects are the major challenges in ophthalmic treatment. From the last decade, the pharmaceutical industry is in search of a reliable ophthalmic drug delivery system. In the present study, we demonstrate amine‐functionalized mucoadhesive MIL88B(FeMOF) as a drug delivery cargo to encapsulate ophthalmic drug Timolol (TM) at a rate of 195 μg/mg. Invitro release of TM (only upto 63 %) from loaded FeMOF (TM@FeMOF) within 10 h without burst effect was a noticeable feature that anticipates enhanced preocular retention by the sustained release of TM through extensive H‐bonding of the amine group of MOFs with mucin. A novel and facile approach using Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) were harnessed for rapid quantification of TM during in‐vitro release studies, further validated by HPLC measurement(<10 % deviation). The encouraging results from in‐vitro studies forecast the success story of TM@FeMOF as a biocompatible, biodegradable, and sustainable ophthalmic drug delivery system.
Oxidation Adsorptive Desulfurization of Jet Fuel Using Mesoporous Sieve Loaded with TiO2
Authors: Zhang Zongwei , Wei Keheng , Li Chao , Deng Zhenhong , Chu Feixue
Published: March 2021

Herein we report a simple process involving catalytic adsorptive desulfurization (CADS) of model jet fuel under mild conditions with H2O2 using TiO2 loaded on MCM‐41, SBA‐15, or multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) prepared by ultrasonic assisted initial wetting impregnation. The removal of dibenzothiophene (DBT) was investigated in terms of the oxygen/sulfur ratio, temperature, loading capacity, competitive components and adsorption kinetics. The adsorption capacity and adsorption strength of TiO2/MCM‐41 were higher than those of TiO2/SBA‐15, which are related to the higher SBET of MCM‐41, or the presence of numerous silanol groups. The TiO2/MWCNTs also showed excellent DBT adsorption capacities. TiO2/MCM‐41 exhibited better selectivity toward the oxidative‐adsorptive desulfurization of DBT owing to the weak influence of competitive adsorption of aromatics; this was explained by the lack of micropores in the one‐dimensional mesoporous structure. The sample with 1 % TiO2/MCM‐41 showed a high DBT adsorption capacity and rapid kinetics, and thus proved to be an inexpensive and effective desulfurization adsorbent for producing clean jet fuel.
Novel Magnetic Mesoporous Micro‐nano Particles Immobilized with Palladium Complex: An Efficient and Recyclable Catalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction in Ethanol
Authors: Cao Bingbing , Deng Qinyue , Zuo Bin , Li Wanfang , Huang Mingxian
Published: March 2021

Novel and stable magnetic mesoporous silica micro‐nano catalyst immobilized with palladium complex of N‐heterocyclic carbene were readily synthesized with a well‐designed process, which exhibited extremely high catalytic activity in Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions in ethanol. The double‐template micelle system was used to prepare the mesoporous silica coating layer, which has the characteristics of a large specific surface area and adjustable pore size. Remarkably, the catalyst could be recycled 14 times without significant decrease in activity. It reflects the effectiveness of our strategy of combining the activity of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) with specificity of the mesoporous silica to improve the catalyst catalytic activity and load stability.
The Motifs from Isocytosine and Fused Isocytosine with Quinazoline: Organocatalytic Cascade Reaction of β‐Ketoamides
Authors: Üngören Ş. Hakan , Öztürk Merve , Değerli E. Aysel
Published: March 2021

A method for the synthesis of isocytosine analogs from β‐ketoamides was investigated. Application of the method to β‐ketoamides including a 2‐cyanoaryl group leads to isocytosine fused quinazolines by the organocatalytic Cascade reaction. 20 examples of pyrimidone derivatives were synthesized in different patterns.
Encapsulation and Delivery of Dimethylcurcumin by Using Nanoparticles of a Polyethylene‐Glycol‐Based Dimethylcurcumin Prodrug
Authors: Lai Chao , Hu Hang , Xu Defeng
Published: March 2021

Dimethylcurcumin (DMC) is a synthetic curcuminoid which can enhance androgen receptor (AR) degradation to suppress AR‐associated cancers. However, the extremely poor water solubility and low biocompatibility of DMC significantly limit its biomedical applications. Herein, a water soluble DMC prodrug mPEG‐DMC (7.4 %) with DMC loading content of 7.4 % was synthesized and further used for preparation of free DMC loaded nanoparticles (NPs) for delivery of both covalently bound and free DMC. mPEG‐DMC (7.4 %) can self‐assemble into nanoparticles in aqueous solution and can encapsulate free DMC with high drug loading content and encapsulation efficiency. The average hydrodynamic diameters of the prepared NPs are between 90 and 140 nm, and increase with increasing DMC loading content. The in vitro drug release study shows that the DMC@mPEG‐DMC (15.5 %) and DMC@mPEG‐DMC (18.6 %) NPs exhibit pH‐triggered DMC release behaviors. The cellular uptake study shows that DMC@mPEG‐DMC (18.6 %) NPs exhibit enhanced cellular uptake as compared to free DMC and DMC@mPEG‐DMC (15.5 %) NPs. DMC@mPEG‐DMC (15.5 %) and DMC@mPEG‐DMC (18.6 %) NPs exhibit similar cytotoxicity and AR protein suppression effect on HepG2 cells and 22Rv1 cells as compared to free DMC. The DMC@mPEG‐DMC (15.5 %) and DMC@mPEG‐DMC (18.6 %) NPs developed in this work provide two water soluble and effective nanoformulations of DMC.
The Formation and Conducting Mechanism of Imidazole‐Gold Molecular Junctions
Authors: Li Shi , Jiang Yuxuan , Wang Yongfeng , Hou Shimin
Published: March 2021

The formation mechanism and electronic transport properties of imidazole sandwiched between gold electrodes are investigated using the non‐equilibrium Green's function formalism combined with density functional theory. Our calculations show that the imidazole radical bridges the gold electrodes and the covalent Au−N bonds formed at the molecule‐electrode interfaces enhance the junction stability. In contrast, adding one more electron to the junction, which corresponds to the imidazole radical anion, will increase the antibonding orbital population and thus weaken the junction stability. The calculated low‐bias conductance values of junctions with a single imidazole radical and two imidazole radicals linked in series through one gold atom are in excellent agreement with the experimental measurements, which are mainly contributed by the σ‐type Au−N bonds. These findings deepen our understanding of the structure‐property relationship of imidazole‐gold molecular junctions and facilitate the design of future imidazole‐based molecular electronic devices.
Battling COVID‐19 with dysfunctional federalism: Lessons from India
Authors: Choutagunta Abishek , Manish G. P. , Rajagopalan Shruti
Published: March 2021

The Indian federation is highly centripetal, and historically, this has left states without the requisite legislative and fiscal authority to take independent action and initiate policies of significance. Consequently, India's response to the global COVID‐19 pandemic was to impose a very severe countrywide lockdown using the mandate of the Union (federal) government. This centralized one‐size‐fits‐all diktat was imposed despite high variations across states in resources, healthcare capacity, and incidence of COVID‐19 cases. We argue that India's dysfunctional federalism is the reason for the centralized lockdown, preventing state and local governments from tailoring a policy response to suit local needs. Using mobility data, we demonstrate the high variation in curtailing mobility in different states through the centralized lockdown. We find that India's centralized lockdown was at best a partial success in a handful of states, while imposing enormous economic costs even in areas where few were affected by the pandemic.
Biomimetic Ultra‐Black Sponge Derived from Loofah and Co‐MOF for Long‐Term Solar‐Powered Vapor Generation and Desalination
Authors: Wang Hongqiang , Zhang Chen , Zhang Zhihua , Zhou Bin , Shen Jun , Du Ai
Published: March 2021

Designing ultra‐black materials with strong and broadband light absorption and efficient photothermal conversion properties is of great importance in many fields, including camouflage, catalysis, thermal therapy, and solar energy conversion. The West African Gaboon viper (Bitis rhinoceros), a master of camouflage, features black spots on its dorsal scales. The crest‐ridge structure in its black scales has been proven to be a typical antireflection structure. Herein, an artificial biomimetic ultra‐black sponge (BUBS) that imitates the crest‐ridge structure in the black scales of B. rhinoceros is successfully fabricated through growth of vertically aligned carbon nanosheet arrays derived from cobalt‐based metal–organic framework (Co‐MOF) on a loofah sponge. The vertically aligned carbon nanosheet arrays result in enhanced broadband light absorption (up to 97.08% on average) and photothermal conversion (equilibrium temperature of 80.7 °C under 1 sun illumination) of BUBS. Benefiting from its efficient light absorption and photothermal conversion, the BUBS is incorporated into solar‐powered vapor generation and desalination devices. The BUBS shows a higher water evaporation rate and efficiency of 1.93 kg m−2 h−1 and 98.5%, respectively, compared with other state‐of‐the‐art devices under 1 sun illumination. Furthermore, the BUBS also shows continuous and high water evaporation rates and excellent salt‐rejection in various brines, ensuring its potential application in solar‐powered desalination.
Examining student environmental science agency across school science contexts
Authors: Harris Emily M. , Ballard Heidi L.
Published: March 2021

To address the limited time and support for elementary science, science instruction is sometimes distributed among classroom teachers, science specialists, and informal science educators, creating a complex school science culture. We investigate how student agency may be enabled and constrained when school science learning happens simultaneously across multiple school contexts. Using a social practice theory lens, we examine how three third‐grade students with a strong interest in science attempt to pursue their own interest‐driven inquiries across the classroom, school garden, and science lab and how the culture and resources of those contexts may enable or constrain students' understanding and use of environmental science in their lives and communities, or environmental science agency (ESA). Drawing on observations, videos, and interview data, we found that the particular culture of the different science learning settings appeared to enable or constrain students' ESA. The classroom teacher allowed for narrow forms of participation in science practice, and both she and the students reinforced these norms, which seemed to constrain ESA across all three settings. The science teacher allowed for broader forms of student participation, which appeared to support student ESA in the science lab. Students drew on flexible activity structures as well as access to scientific tools, living organisms, and citizen science resources to take actions to pursue their own inquiries. We found ESA for students in the garden was supported by garden resources but narrow forms of participation reinforced by the classroom teacher, garden teacher, and students transferred to the garden context. While this study explored student agency over 2 months, these findings have broader application because students receiving conflicting messages about who one can be in science can have implications for possible futures they might imagine for themselves.
Modeling and Simulation of Electromagnetic Field of Electromagnetic Coil Launcher
Authors: Guan Xiaocun , Shi Jingbin , Guan Shaohua , Wang Shuai
Published: March 2021

Electromagnetic coil launcher is a kind of special linear motor. In order to study the trigger principles of multi‐stage electromagnetic coil launcher, based on the electromagnetic field theory, the paper deduced the field‐circuit coupling magnetic field control equations of multi‐stage synchronous inductive coil with the consideration of inter‐stage coupling, and analyzed the distribution law of magnetic lines of force, air‐gap magnetic field and current density for multi‐stage electromagnetic coil launcher. The following conclusions were reached: the largest part of magnetic flux was at the intermediate stages of multi‐stage electromagnetic coil launcher; each stage of drive coil compensates for the magnetic field of the upper coil, thus making a stable air‐gap magnetic field; the induced current density was mainly distributed in the tail and surface of the armature; according to anti‐electromagnetic shock design principle of multi‐stage electromagnetic coil launcher (namely, the requirement for small fluctuation of electromagnetic force), the basic principle of multistage trigger was summarized, that is the principle of keeping air‐gap magnetic field and induced current constant. Thus, the design foundation was laid for the operation of multistage electromagnetic coil launcher. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Prediction of salting‐out in liquid‐liquid two‐phase systems with ePC‐SAFT: Effect of the Born term and of a concentration‐dependent dielectric constant
Authors: Ascani Moreno , Held Christoph
Published: March 2021

Knowledge on phase equilibria is of crucial importance in designing industrial processes. However, modeling phase equilibria in liquid‐liquid two‐phase systems (LLTPS) containing electrolytes is still a challenge for electrolyte thermodynamic models and modeling still requires a lot of experimental input data. Further, modeling electrolyte solutions requires accounting for different physical effects in the electrolyte theory, especially the change of the dielectric properties of the medium at different compositions and the related change of solvation free energy of the dissolved ions. In a previous work, the Born term was altered by combining it with a concentration‐dependent dielectric constant within the framework of electrolyte Perturbed‐Chain Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (ePC‐SAFT), and hence called ‘ePC‐SAFT advanced’. In the present work, ePC‐SAFT advanced was validated against liquid‐liquid equilibria (LLE) of LLTPS water+organic solvents+alkali halides as well as aqueous two‐phase systems containing the phase formers poly (propylene glycol) and an ionic liquid. All the ePC‐SAFT parameters were used as published in the literature, and each binary interaction parameter between ion‐solvent was set to zero. ePC‐SAFT advanced allowed quantitatively predicting the salt effect on LLTPS without adjusting binary interaction parameters, while classical ePC‐SAFT or meaningless mixing rules for the dielectric constant term failed in predicting the phase behavior of the LLTPS.
First yield in the Maugis‐adhesive contact of elastic spheres
Authors: Leroy Jean‐Emmanuel , Willert Emanuel
Published: March 2021

We analyze the onset of plastic yield in the Maugis‐adhesive contact of elastic spheres. Written in proper dimensionless variables, the problem solution depends on Poisson's ratio, the Tabor parameter and a non‐dimensional adhesion strength. The influences of adhesion range and strength are studied in detail. First yield can either occur inside the bodies on the axis of symmetry (for long range adhesion) or at the contact boundary (for short range adhesion). Adhesion significantly reduces the external load necessary to initiate plastic yield. A simple analytic solution for the critical load in the DMT‐limit of adhesion is being derived. Our results are quantitatively similar to previously published findings based on the double Hertz model of adhesion and can for example be applied to study an adhesive spherical microcontact in the contact of rough surfaces.
Amino Acid Nutrition and Metabolism in Chickens
Authors: He Wenliang , Li Peng , Wu Guoyao
Published: March 2021

Both poultry meat and eggs provide high-quality animal protein [containing sufficient amounts and proper ratios of amino acids (AAs)] for human consumption and, therefore, play an important role in the growth, development, and health of all individuals. Because there are growing concerns about the suboptimal efficiencies of poultry production and its impact on environmental sustainability, much attention has been paid to the formulation of low-protein diets and precision nutrition through the addition of low-cost crystalline AAs or alternative sources of animal-protein feedstuffs. This necessitates a better understanding of AA nutrition and metabolism in chickens. Although historic nutrition research has focused on nutritionally essential amino acids (EAAs) that are not synthesized or are inadequately synthesized in the body, increasing evidence shows that the traditionally classified nutritionally nonessential amino acids (NEAAs), such as glutamine and glutamate, have physiological and regulatory roles other than protein synthesis in chicken growth and egg production. In addition, like other avian species, chickens do not synthesize adequately glycine or proline (the most abundant AAs in the body but present in plant-source feedstuffs at low content) relative to their nutritional and physiological needs. Therefore, these two AAs must be sufficient in poultry diets. Animal proteins (including ruminant meat & bone meal and hydrolyzed feather meal) are abundant sources of both glycine and proline in chicken nutrition. Clearly, chickens (including broilers and laying hens) have dietary requirements for all proteinogenic AAs to achieve their maximum productivity and maintain optimum health particularly under adverse conditions such as heat stress and disease. This is a paradigm shift in poultry nutrition from the 70-year-old “ideal protein” concept that concerned only about EAAs to the focus of functional AAs that include both EAAs and NEAAs.
Engaging Teachers in Dialogic Teaching as a Way to Promote Cultural Literacy Learning: A Reflection on Teacher Professional Development
Authors: Hofmann Riikka , Vrikki Maria , Evagorou Maria
Published: March 2021

Effective teacher professional development (PD) is an important part of successfully implementing educational innovations. However, research has shown that not all PD is effective, largely because it has not been developed based on theoretical understandings around teacher professional learning, such as reflective practice, teacher collaboration and teacher agency and inquiry. This chapter concerns the PD program developed as part of the DIALLS project. The chapter places particular emphasis on the ways in which the PD program was informed by the literature on teacher professional learning and effective features of PD, as well as the literature on promoting dialogic pedagogy.
Creative Ways to Approach the Theme of Cultural Diversity in Wordless Picturebooks Through Visual Reading and Thinking
Authors: Rodosthenous-Balafa Marina , Chatzianastasi Maria , Stylianou-Georgiou Agni
Published: March 2021

Cultural diversity, as one of the most important characteristics of European community in the framework of the DIALLS project (see Chapter 10.1007/978-3-030-71778-0_1 for overview), is integral to notions of cultural identity and cultural literacy. The acknowledgement of identity formation as an ongoing, dynamic process through interaction rather than a pre‐conceived characteristic arises as an imperative need, in order to encourage democracy to thrive through constructive confrontation and integration (Rapanta et al. in The Curriculum Journal, 2020). According to Bland, picturebooks that authentically reflect cultural diversity can move even young readers towards “flexibility of perspective” (CLELE Journal, 4(2):45, 2016). Bishop (Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom, 6(3):ix–xi, 1990) highlights the need for young readers to recognise themselves in books they read, learn about the lives of other people, and be able to cross between groups and worlds. However, reading wordless picturebooks can be a challenging task, because of the ambiguity and open nature of their visually rendered narratives. The affordances of wordless picturebooks and the challenges embedded in their reading are discussed by the authors in Chapter 10.1007/978-3-030-71778-0_5 of this volume. This chapter presents several creative ways to analyze and approach the theme of cultural diversity in class, through various disciplinary lenses and methodological approaches.
Dialogue on Ethics, Ethics of Dialogue: Microgenetic Analysis of Students’ Moral Thinking
Authors: Cedar Talli , Baker Michael J. , Bietti Lucas M. , Détienne Françoise , Nir Erez , Pallarès Gabriel , Schwarz Baruch B.
Published: March 2021

In this chapter we propose a methodological approach: we intend to explore the relations between children’s representations of moral issues as elaborated in dialogue (dialogue on ethics, DoE) and the ethical dimension of the children’s moral conduct towards each other (ethics of dialogue, EoD), where we expect to find interesting relations to explore. For example, if a child expresses tolerance towards a character in a video, to what extent does that child express tolerance towards the ideas and utterances of other children present in the interactive situation? The values we intend to focus on are the three main values at the heart of DIALLS: tolerance, empathy, and inclusion. We will examine the possible reciprocity between talking and doing, form and content, meta-dialogue and dialogue.
Catheter ablation of short-coupled variant of torsade de pointes
Authors: Steinfurt Johannes , Nazer Babak , Aguilar Martin , Moss Joshua , Higuchi Satoshi , Zarse Markus , Trolese Luca , Gressler Alexander , Faber Thomas S. , Odening Katja E. , Zehender Manfred , Bode Christoph , Scheinman Melvin M. , Tedrow Usha B. , Bogossian Harilaos
Published: March 2021

Background

The short-coupled variant of torsade de pointes (sc-TdP) is a malignant arrhythmia that frequently presents with ventricular fibrillation (VF) electrical storm. Verapamil is considered the first-line therapy of sc-TdP while catheter ablation is not widely adopted. The aim of this study was to determine the origin of sc-TdP and to assess the outcome of catheter ablation using 3D-mapping.

Methods and results

We retrospectively analyzed five patients with sc-TdP who underwent 3D-mapping and ablation of sc-TdP at five different institutions. Four patients initially presented with sudden cardiac arrest, one patient experienced recurrent syncope as the first manifestation. All patients demonstrated a monomorphic premature ventricular contraction (PVC) with late transition left bundle branch block pattern, superior axis, and a coupling interval of less than 300 ms. triggering recurrent TdP and VF. In four patients, the culprit PVC was mapped to the free wall insertion of the moderator band (MB) with a preceding Purkinje potential in two patients. Catheter ablation using 3D-mapping and intracardiac echocardiography eliminated sc-TdP in all patients, with no recurrence at mean 2.7 years (range 6 months to 8 years) of follow-up.

Conclusion

3D-mapping and intracardiac echocardiography demonstrate that sc-TdP predominantly originates from the MB free wall insertion and its Purkinje network. Catheter ablation of the culprit PVC at the MB free wall junction leads to excellent short- and long-term results and should be considered as first-line therapy in recurrent sc-TdP or electrical storm.

Graphic abstract
Targeted sequencing panels in Italian ALS patients support different etiologies in the ALS/FTD continuum
Authors: Bartoletti-Stella Anna , Vacchiano Veria , De Pasqua Silvia , Mengozzi Giacomo , De Biase Dario , Bartolomei Ilaria , Avoni Patrizia , Rizzo Giovanni , Parchi Piero , Donadio Vincenzo , Chiò Adriano , Pession Annalisa , Oppi Federico , Salvi Fabrizio , Liguori Rocco , Capellari Sabina ,   BoReALS
Published: March 2021

Background

5–10% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients presented a positive family history (fALS). More than 30 genes have been identified in association with ALS/frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum, with four major genes accounting for 60–70% of fALS. In this paper, we aimed to assess the contribution to the pathogenesis of major and rare ALS/FTD genes in ALS patients.

Methods

We analyzed ALS and ALS/FTD associated genes by direct sequencing or next-generation sequencing multigene panels in ALS patients.

Results

Genetic abnormalities in ALS major genes included repeated expansions of hexanucleotide in C9orf72 gene (7.3%), mutations in SOD1 (4.9%), FUS (2.1%), and TARDBP (2.4%), whereas variants in rare ALS/FTD genes affected 15.5% of subjects overall, most frequently involving SQSTM1 (3.4%), and CHMP2B (1.9%). We found clustering of variants in ALS major genes in patients with a family history for “pure” ALS, while ALS/FTD related genes mainly occurred in patients with a family history for other neurodegenerative diseases (dementia and/or parkinsonism).

Conclusions

Our data support the presence of two different genetic components underlying ALS pathogenesis, related to the presence of a family history for ALS or other neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, family history may help in optimizing the genetic screening protocol to be applied.
The resurgence of business process re-engineering in public sector transformation efforts: exploring the systemic challenges and unintended consequences
Authors: Weerakkody Vishanth , Janssen Marijn , El-Haddadeh Ramzi
Published: March 2021

The realisation of citizen-centric services in the public sector requires breaking traditional silos and transforming existing institutional structures and processes. Recent transformation efforts undertaken in government institutions have embraced business process re-engineering (BPR) concepts championed by the private sector over decades ago to facilitate such change. While public opinion continues to differ about these transformation efforts' success, there is little evidence to explain the influence of BPR on their success or failure. This paper explores BPR led public sector transformation efforts in two local authorities in Europe to evaluate the outcomes realised for both government and citizens. Empirical evidence reveals that while transformation efforts contributed towards improving efficiency and integrating processes across functions in the public sector, the institutional structures evolved into a collection of reshaped and newly formed siloes, which were distinctly focused on delivering a citizen-centric service.
Annual abundance of common Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) is negatively associated with second generation anticoagulant rodenticides
Authors: Roos Staffan , Campbell Steve T. , Hartley Gill , Shore Richard F. , Walker Lee A. , Wilson Jeremy D.
Published: March 2021

Rats and mice can damage food and agricultural products as well as transmit diseases, thereby requiring control of their numbers. Application of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) often reduces rodent numbers locally. However, predators eating rodents, including non-target species, that have consumed SGARs may be secondarily exposed and potentially lethally poisoned. Here we study whether SGARs may have contributed to the widespread population declines of a rodent-eating raptor, the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in the UK. We show that 161 (66.8%) of the 241 Kestrels submitted for ecotoxicology tests between 1997 and 2012 had detectable levels of at least one SGAR in their livers. Adult Kestrels had significantly higher prevalence of SGARs than juveniles, suggesting accumulation of SGARs through time. The prevalence and concentrations of individual SGARs in Kestrels were significantly higher in England than in Scotland. SGAR prevalence in Kestrels were positively associated with some land cover types, primarilyarable cerealsandbroad-leaved woodland, and negatively associated with mainlymean elevation, probably reflecting variation in SGAR usage across land cover types. By using volunteer-collected data on national Kestrel abundance 1997–2012, we show that there is a negative correlation between the Kestrel population index in a specific year and the concentration of bromadialone as well as the total SGAR concentration in the same year. Although correlative, this is the first study to provide evidence for a potential population-limiting effect of SGARs on a raptor.
HAYDN
Authors: Miglio Andrea , Girardi Léo , Grundahl Frank , Mosser Benoit , Bastian Nate , Bragaglia Angela , Brogaard Karsten , Buldgen Gaël , Chantereau William , Chaplin William , Chiappini Cristina , Dupret Marc-Antoine , Eggenberger Patrick , Gieles Mark , Izzard Robert , Kawata Daisuke , Karoff Christoffer , Lagarde Nadège , Mackereth Ted , Magrin Demetrio , Meynet Georges , Michel Eric , Montalbán Josefina , Nascimbeni Valerio , Noels Arlette , Piotto Giampaolo , Ragazzoni Roberto , Soszyński Igor , Tolstoy Eline , Toonen Silvia , Triaud Amaury , Vincenzo Fiorenzo
Published: March 2021

In the last decade, theKeplerand CoRoT space-photometry missions have demonstrated the potential of asteroseismology as a novel, versatile and powerful tool to perform exquisite tests of stellar physics, and to enable precise and accurate characterisations of stellar properties, with impact on both exoplanetary and Galactic astrophysics. Based on our improved understanding of the strengths and limitations of such a tool, we argue for a new small/medium space mission dedicated to gathering high-precision, high-cadence, long photometric series in dense stellar fields. Such a mission will lead to breakthroughs in stellar astrophysics, especially in the metal poor regime, will elucidate the evolution and formation of open and globular clusters, and aid our understanding of the assembly history and chemodynamics of the Milky Way’s bulge and a few nearby dwarf galaxies.
Thermoplastic Blends Based on Poly(Butylene Succinate-co-Adipate) and Different Collagen Hydrolysates from Tanning Industry—II: Aerobic Biodegradation in Composting Medium
Authors: Altieri Roberto , Seggiani Maurizia , Esposito Alessandro , Cinelli Patrizia , Stanzione Vitale
Published: March 2021

Two different raw hydrolyzed collagens (HCs), by-products of the Tannery industry, were investigated in blends with a bioplastic, as poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), for the production of thermoplastic items for possible applications in agriculture. Chemical characterization of selected PBSA/HC blends and phytotoxicity assays on garden cress seeds (Lepidium sativum L.), used as spy species, were carried out; in addition, biodegradation and disintegration of specimens were assessed under controlled composting conditions at different temperature (58 and 25 °C). Although one of the HC investigated released sodium chloride in the aqueous extract, all PBSA/HC blends, up to 20 wt.% HC, resulted no-phytotoxic and showed considerable amounts of macro- and micro- nutrients for plants (mainly nitrogen). Regardless the amount added, HCs enhanced the biodegradation rate of PBSA/HC blends in compost at 58 °C compared to pure PBSA; lowering the temperature at 25 °C, as expected, biodegradation rate slightly lowered using the same compost. Most disintegration tests, performed on dog bone samples, corroborated the results of the biodegradation tests, thus suggesting that plastic mixtures could reasonably end their life cycle in a composting facility without decreasing the quality and the safety of the resulting compost. The outcomes achieved encourage the use of raw collagen hydrolysates from tanning industry in the production of PBSA-based thermoplastic blends to produce compostable items (mulching films and/or plant pots) for more sustainable uses in agriculture and/or plant nurseries. In addition, the use of these low-cost by-products can lower the cost of final product and give it fertilizing properties for plants given the presence of organic nitrogen in the hydrolysates.
A tumor-promoting role for soluble TβRIII in glioblastoma
Authors: Burghardt Isabel , Schroeder Judith Johanna , Weiss Tobias , Gramatzki Dorothee , Weller Michael
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily play a key role in the regulation of the malignant phenotype of glioblastoma by promoting invasiveness, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, and maintaining stem cell-like properties. Betaglycan, a TGF-β coreceptor also known as TGF-β receptor III (TβRIII), interacts with members of the TGF-β superfamily and acts as membrane-associated or shed molecule. Shed, soluble TβRIII (sTβRIII) is produced upon ectodomain cleavage of the membrane-bound form. Elucidating the role of TβRIII may improve our understanding of TGF-β pathway activity in glioblastoma

Methods

Protein levels of TβRIII were determined by immunohistochemical analyses and ex vivo single-cell gene expression profiling of glioblastoma tissue respectively. In vitro, TβRIII levels were assessed investigating long-term glioma cell lines (LTCs), cultured human brain-derived microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs), glioblastoma-derived microvascular endothelial cells, and glioma-initiating cell lines (GICs). The impact of TβRIII on TGF-β signaling was investigated, and results were validated in a xenograft mouse glioma model

Results

Immunohistochemistry and ex vivo single-cell gene expression profiling of glioblastoma tissue showed that TβRIII was expressed in the tumor tissue, predominantly in the vascular compartment. We confirmed this pattern of TβRIII expression in vitro. Specifically, we detected sTβRIII in glioblastoma-derived microvascular endothelial cells. STβRIII facilitated TGF-β-induced Smad2 phosphorylation in vitro and overexpression of sTβRIII in a xenograft mouse glioma model led to increased levels of Smad2 phosphorylation, increased tumor volume, and decreased survival

Conclusions

These data shed light on the potential tumor-promoting role of extracellular shed TβRIII which may be released by glioblastoma endothelium with high sTβRIII levels.
BODIPY dimers: structure, interaction, and absorption spectrum
Authors: Rybczynski Patryk , Kaczmarek-Kȩdziera Anna
Published: March 2021

The object of the present study are BODIPY molecules obtained previously by Piskorz et al. (Dyes Pigm. 178:108322, 2020) for their antimicrobial activity. Structural analysis of the BODIPY dimers is presented in context of the aggregation influence on the photophysical properties. The thorough investigation of the nature of intermolecular interaction in the representative BODIPY dimers is provided together with the decomposition of the interaction energy into the components of well-defined origin according to SAPT procedure. For the model BODIPY systems the careful examination of the interaction nature for the dimer structure based on experimental crystal study as well as fully optimized is given. The tendencies observed in the model dimers are further on investigated for two pairs of BODIPY systems designed for biomedical application. The analyzed molecules are shown to maximize the mutual interaction by the optimization of the stacking dispersion contacts between the aromatic rings of the molecules, therefore producing stable dimers. The estimation of SAPT0 interaction energy components confirms the dominating dispersion character arising from mutual BODIPY core contacts. The influence of the dimerization process on the photophysical properties of the systems studied theoretically depends to the high extend on the dimerization mode and is significant for parallel and antiparallel dispersion-governed dimers.
Untying the knot: imagination, perception and their neural substrates
Authors: Cavedon-Taylor Dan
Published: March 2021

How tight is the conceptual connection between imagination and perception? A number of philosophers, from the early moderns to present-day predictive processing theorists, tie the knot as tightly as they can, claiming that states of the imagination, i.e. mental imagery, are a proper subset of perceptual experience. This paper labels such a view ‘perceptualism’ about the imagination and supplies new arguments against it. The arguments are based on high-level perceptual content and, distinctly, cognitive penetration. The paper also defuses a recent, influential argument for perceptualism based on the ‘discovery’ that visual perception and mental imagery share a significant neural substrate: circuitry in V1, the brain’s primary visual cortex. Current neuropsychology is shown to be equivocal at best on this matter. While experiments conducted on healthy, neurotypical subjects indicate substantial neural overlap, there is extensive clinical evidence of dissociations between imagery and perception in the brain, most notably in the case of aphantasia.