bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análisis de la participación escolar en la gestión de un espacio natural. Estudio de casos del Proyecto de Apadrinamiento del Parque Natural del Turia
Authors: Santana Martín Diana
Published: October 2016

El Proyecto de Apadrinamiento de las riberas del Turia ha permitido desarrollar una investigación cualitativa para estudiar el carácter de la participación escolar fomentada  a partir de la relación que este tipo de proyectos genera entre los ámbitos de la educación formal y no formal. Se plantea una primera fase diagnóstica a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y posteriormente una intervención mediante una investigación cuasiexperimental para conocer la percepción que sobre esta cuestión poseen técnicos, docentes y el propio alumnado. Los resultados evidencian la necesaria coherencia entre el modelo didáctico-evaluativo alternativo y el proyecto curricular sociocrítico para fomentar la participación escolar auténtica a partir de una mayor implicación en la gestión de este espacio natural a favor de una ciudadanía activa.
What is Anti-Enlightenment?
Authors: Gasparyan Diana
Published: October 2016

It is well known that postmodern philosophy primarily focuses on the experience of re-thinking of the ideals of the Enlightenment. An extensive Post-Enlightenment turns into Anti-Enlightenment development is, in fact, the true underlying concept lying at the heart of this philosophy. In other words, postmodern philosophy primarily focuses on the experience of re-thinking of the ideals of the Enlightenment. However the point from which the Enlightenment is being criticized can be described fairly accurately. Ultimately, the prefix “anti” can be interpreted in two ways. The Anti-Enlightenment is, on the one hand, weeping over the failed Enlightenment, but on the other hand, a rebellion against the Enlightenment, which, though having been accomplished, fell short of hopes and expectations associated with it. The current research explores this question.
Os pensamentos sobre a verdadeira estimação das forças vivas e o surgimento de motivos críticos no pensamento de Kant
Authors: Kosbiau Trevisan Diego
Published: October 2016

O objetivo do presente artigo é duplo: em primeiro lugar, problematizar a Entstehungsgeschichte ou história do surgimento da filosofia crítica a partir de um expediente interpretativo bem definido, a saber, a identificação de certos motivos críticos que auxiliam na determinação de continuidades e rupturas no desenrolar do pensamento de Kant. Em segundo lugar, analisar a primeira obra de Kant, os Pensamentos sobre a verdadeira estimação das forças vivas, buscando aplicar a ela o expediente interpretativo discutido anteriormente e, assim, reconhecer alguns motivos críticos que definem importantes linhas de continuidade na filosofia de Kant.
Kant,1 Scientific Pietism, and Scientific Naturalism
Authors: Hanna Robert
Published: October 2016

The doctrine of Kantian natural piety says that rational human animals are essentially at home in physical nature. In this essay, I apply the doctrine of Kantian natural piety directly to the natural sciences, and especially physics, by showing how they have a cognitive, epistemic, metaphysical, practical/moral, aesthetic/artistic, religious, and sociocultural/political grounding in Kantian sensibility, both pure and empirical. This is what I call Kantian scientific pietism, and it is to be directly and radically opposed to scientific naturalism
Assessing psychology students’ difficulties in elementary variance analysis
Authors: D. Vera Osmar , Batanero Carmen , Díaz Carmen , Del Mar López-Martín Maria
Published: October 2016

In this paper we present a study directed to assess the students’ difficulties in understanding elementary variance analysis. Responses from 224 undergraduate psychology students who had previously studied this topic to a questionnaire are analysed. Contents of the questionnaire include the selection of a variance analysis model, understanding of assumptions and the associated linear model in this procedure, the computations involved in variance analysis and the interpretation of results. While the understanding of computations, the selection of the model, and the understanding of the decomposition of the variance in the linear model were easy, the students had difficulties in understanding the assumptions of variance analysis and in interpreting the results in the problem context. These results provide information in an area where little prior research is available.
EL CURRÍCULO DE LA COMPETENCIA CIENTÍFICA EN PERU Y PORTUGAL ANTE PISA 2012
Authors: Turpo-Gebera Osbaldo
Published: October 2016

El abordaje curricular aproxima a una explicación sobre las diferencias de resultados de la competencia científica de Perú y Portugal ante los resultados de PISA 2012. En tal propósito, se siguió un proceso de revisión y análisis del contenido de los componentes de la competencia científica declarada en los diseños curriculares de ambos países. Los resultados evidencian, en el caso de la capacidades, que Portugal prioriza ampliamente a la explicación científica; mientras que Perú a la identificación de las cuestiones científicas. Respecto al conocimiento, Portugal incide en los sistemas físicos y de la tierra y del espacio por sobre el realce de la tecnología en Perú; mientras que en las actitudes, varían ligeramente. Las diferencias de organización curricular, hacen apreciables las disparidades en los tiempos curriculares; dado que Portugal destina mayores periodos que Perú; que explicaría el interés por dicha competencia.
“Especialmente dedicada aos futuros espaçonautas”: discursos modernizadores nos artigos da Campanha de Matemática da Revista do Ensino/RS (1961)
Authors: Franco Rios Diogo , Bueno Fischer Maria Cecilia
Published: October 2016

O texto analisa artigos publicados na Revista do Ensino do Rio Grande do Sul, os quais abordam a Campanha de Matemática, contribuição do Departamento de Educação Primária da Secretaria Geral de Educação e Cultura do Rio de Janeiro. A Campanha apresentou propostas para o Ensino Primário, com atividades que visavam à melhoria da aprendizagem das crianças. Em particular, são analisados três artigos, publicados no ano de 1961, relacionados ao tema “Conquistas da Matemática”, apresentando propostas para as quatro séries do primário, nas quais se identifica uma associação direta entre a matemática e o desenvolvimento tecnológico espacial. As propostas destacam a aprendizagem da matemática como fator indispensável às novas conquistas científicas e colocam em questão o conceito de cotidiano que, na Campanha, assume uma dimensão mais ampla do que aquela relacionada à vida prática da criança, mas bastante presente no contexto cultural da época.
Cultural Adaptation, Validity, and Factor Structure of the Jalowiec Coping Scale in Iranian Women with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Saffari Mohsen , Sanaeinasab Hormoz , Hashempour Mahrokh , Pakpour Amir H. , Lovera Jesus F. , Al Shohaib Saad
Published: October 2016

Background:

The aims of this study were to evaluate the Jalowiec Coping Scale (JCS) psychometrically in Iranian women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to identify the most frequent and efficacious coping strategies.

Methods:

A total of 306 women with MS participated in a cross-sectional study. A demographics questionnaire, the JCS, and the Perceived Stress Scale were administered. Forward-backward translation was used to achieve a Persian version of the scale. Cronbach α and test-retest were assessed for reliability. Convergent and discriminant validity were tested using an item-scaling procedure. The association of the JCS with perceived stress was examined using multiple regression. The factor structure was also explored using rotated exploratory factor analysis.

Results:

Participants had a mean (SD) age of 32.0 (6.6) years, and nearly half reported visual impairment as the first symptom of disease. Cronbach α for the scale was 0.898 and for the subscales ranged from 0.254 to 0.778. Relatively good convergent and discriminant validity were achieved (success rate ≥69%). Subscales assessing optimistic, fatalistic, and emotive coping predicted stress levels. A four-factor solution explained 30% of the total variance. Optimistic and supportive coping styles were the most common and effective styles, respectively, reported.

Conclusions:

The JCS may be useful in assessing coping strategies in Iranian women with MS. Further studies are needed to better understand how coping styles used in practice are similar to their theoretical constructs.
Taxonomía de la comunicación violenta y el discurso del odio en Internet
Authors: Miró Llinares Fernando
Published: October 2016

Aunque el Derecho siempre se ha ocupado de las palabras ofensivas, lesivas, de odio o que incitan a la violencia, en los últimos años ha crecido la preocupación social relacionada con la capacidad del ciberespacio de incrementar los efectos nocivos de algunas expresiones o formas de comunicación violenta. El presente trabajo aborda la cuestión a partir de la observación y el análisis de más de 250.000 tuits publicados en español tras los ataques sufridos por los responsables y trabajadores del semanario satírico francés Charlie Hebdo en París. Tras varios cribados y la lectura de los tuits se han identificado las diferentes tipologías de comunicación con contenido violento y de odio en la red social Twitter, lo que ha permitido la construcción de una taxonomía de la comunicación violenta y el discurso del odio en Internet. Además, se analizan los resultados de prevalencia comprobando que la comunicación violenta es más bien testimonial incluso en eventos violentos como los analizados y que las formas más graves son menos representativas que otras formas de expresión de mal gusto o que afectan a la sensibilidad social.
Macrophage PPARγ inhibits Gpr132 to mediate the anti-tumor effects of rosiglitazone
Authors: Cheng Wing Yin , Huynh HoangDinh , Chen Peiwen , Peña-Llopis Samuel , Wan Yihong
Published: October 2016

Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) significantly contributes to cancer progression. Human cancer is enhanced by PPARγ loss-of-function mutations, but inhibited by PPARγ agonists such as TZD diabetes drugs including rosiglitazone. However, it remains enigmatic whether and how macrophage contributes to PPARγ tumor-suppressive functions. Here we report that macrophage PPARγ deletion in mice not only exacerbates mammary tumor development but also impairs the anti-tumor effects of rosiglitazone. Mechanistically, we identify Gpr132 as a novel direct PPARγ target in macrophage whose expression is enhanced by PPARγ loss but repressed by PPARγ activation. Functionally, macrophage Gpr132 is pro-inflammatory and pro-tumor. Genetic Gpr132 deletion not only retards inflammation and cancer growth but also abrogates the anti-tumor effects of PPARγ and rosiglitazone. Pharmacological Gpr132 inhibition significantly impedes mammary tumor malignancy. These findings uncover macrophage PPARγ and Gpr132 as critical TAM modulators, new cancer therapeutic targets, and essential mediators of TZD anti-cancer effects.
Defect distribution and Schottky barrier at metal/Ge interfaces: Role of metal-induced gap states
Authors: Sasaki Shogo , Nakayama Takashi
Published: October 2016

The defect distribution and Schottky barrier at metal/Ge interfaces were studied using first-principles calculation. It was shown that the defect density markedly increases around the interface owing to the stabilization caused by the hybridization of defect electronic states with metal-induced gap states (MIGS) and by the associated small elastic energy loss around the interface. By comparing the formation energies of various defects at a variety of metal/substrate interfaces, we showed that MIGS not only control the Schottky barrier but also promote a defect-density increase at most metal/semiconductor interfaces. Moreover, we showed that interface oxide layers block MIGS penetration into the Ge substrate and promote the observed breakdown of Fermi-level pinning.
TCP adaptation with network coding and opportunistic data forwarding in multi-hop wireless networks
Authors: Zhang Chen , Chen Yuanzhu , Li Cheng
Published: October 2016

Opportunistic data forwarding significantly increases the throughput in multi-hop wireless mesh networks by utilizing the broadcast nature of wireless transmissions and the fluctuation of link qualities. Network coding strengthens the robustness of data transmissions over unreliable wireless links. However, opportunistic data forwarding and network coding are rarely incorporated with TCP because the frequent occurrences of out-of-order packets in opportunistic data forwarding and long decoding delay in network coding overthrow TCP’s congestion control. In this paper, we propose a solution dubbed TCPFender, which supports opportunistic data forwarding and network coding in TCP. Our solution adds an adaptation layer to mask the packet loss caused by wireless link errors and provides early positive feedbacks to trigger a larger congestion window for TCP. This adaptation layer functions over the network layer and reduces the delay of ACKs for each coded packet. The simulation results show that TCPFender significantly outperforms TCP/IP in terms of the network throughput in different topologies of wireless networks.
Expanding Lightweight Design Potential by Hybrid Joining of Aluminum Sheets with Aluminum Casting Through Compound Sand Casting and Induction Heating
Authors: Locke Christopher , Pichler Raffael , Guggemos Martin , Volk Wolfram , Günther Daniel
Published: September 2024

Combining light metals like aluminum to produce lightweight structures offers a high weight‐saving and contributes to a circular economy in automotive car body construction. Compound casting is a promising process for producing car body parts. Difficulties arise in creating metallic continuity between insert and casting. Insert coatings are used to remove the oxide layer and thereby improve the wettability of the melt. This study uses a hybrid joining method to improve the metallic bond between insert and casting. Induction heating differently influences the strength properties of age‐ and nonage‐hardenable inserts. Compression shear tests characterize the metallic bond strength. Microscopic images show the influence of the process variables on the compound quality. Reproducible sound metallic bonding with low scattering is achieved by enhancing the compound casting process through induction and no insert coating. Cast wall thicknesses down to 4 mm contribute to further lightweight potential as they have the same strength level as the reference sample. A decisive factor is the insert temperature in the compound zone. Thereby, insert preheating conditions play a crucial role. Additional heat treatment of hardenable compounds leads to a further increase in metallic bond strength.
Cellular Automata Coupled with Two‐Phase Lattice Boltzmann Model for Modeling of Kinetics of Formation and Structure of Silica‐Based Sol–Gel Materials
Authors: Gac Jakub M. , Nowak Bartosz , Borzęcka Nina H.
Published: September 2024

A numerical model describing the sol–gel process on a mesoscopic scale is presented. The model is implemented as a cellular automaton‐based system, specifically reaction‐limited aggregation merged with two‐phase lattice Boltzmann method, which allows to describe the sol–gel process together with microscopic phase separation occurring during this process. The influence of model parameters on the structural properties of the resulting gel porosity, mesoporosity, and specific surface area, as well as on the kinetics of the gelation process: the shape of the kinetics curve and the structure formation time, is examined. It is proposed to combine the model parameters with the composition of the reaction mixture (the content of individual reagents and catalysts) and the process conditions.
Preparation, Mechanical and Thermal Insulation Properties of Graphene Oxide/Polydopamine/Polyurethane Foam‐Based Tunnel Insulation Liner Material
Authors: Zhang Jun , Guo Naisheng , Liu Shimeng , Cui Shichao , Chu Zhaoyang , You Zhanping
Published: September 2024

This article designs a novel tunnel insulation liner material based on polyurethane foam (PUF), aiming to improve the liner material's mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, thermal insulation properties and to reduce the self‐weight of the material. Firstly, PUF is self‐made using a one‐step method, and the optimal parameter combination is optimized through the single‐parameter (SP) method. Secondly, based on the optimal parameter combination of PUF, a new process is employed to prepare polydopamine (PDA)/graphene oxide (GO)/PUF. Compression experiments and contact angle tests are conducted to assess the physical mechanical properties of PDA/GO/PUF. Infrared thermography and combustion experiments are employed to characterize the thermal insulation performance of PDA/GO/PUF. Microscopic mechanisms are explained through thermogravimetric analysis (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results show that: the optimal parameter combination of tin(II) bis(2‐ethylhexanoate) (TEH), water (H2O), and toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI) content optimized by the SP method is 4 parts, 2.8 parts, and 19 parts. PUF prepared based on the optimal parameter combination exhibits a dense and uniform cell structure with low density. Under cyclic loading, PDA/GO/PUF composite material exhibits excellent mechanical stability and fatigue resistance; the hydrophobicity, thermal insulation, and thermal stability of PDA/GO/PUF are significantly improved compared to PUF.
Controlling Isotropic Reflectivity with Multi‐Oriented Self‐Assembled Hexagonal Arrays in Plasmonic Metasurfaces
Authors: Cardoso Gil , Hamouda Frédéric , Yam Vy , Dagens Béatrice
Published: September 2024

The fabrication of plasmonic metasurfaces on large surfaces is the next challenge to adapt them to augmented reality systems. The optical properties of a self‐assembled hexagonal plasmonic metasurface, realized with a large‐area compatible approach, are compared at different levels and a correlated‐disorder plasmonic metasurface fabricated by electron‐beam lithography and considered here as the reference: the contribution of plasmonic nanostructure arrangements is studied using the structure factor, physical properties are assessed by optical transmission and reflection measurements, and finally the entire metasurfaces are tested macroscopically in a head‐up display system.
Optical Simulations of Nanotextured All‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Jäger Klaus , Tejada Alvaro , Berwig Sebastian , Hammerschmidt Martin , Tockhorn Philipp , Albrecht Steve , Becker Christiane
Published: September 2024

This numerical study investigates, how textures at various locations of all‐perovskite tandem solar cells affect their optical performance. For this, hexagonal sinusoidal textures with 750 nm period and aspect ratios (height‐to‐period) of 27% (moderate) and 54% (pronounced) are considered. The optical simulations are performed with the finite element method and an algorithm to correct for the thick glass superstrate. The complex refractive index data of the wide‐bandgap (WBG) and narrow‐bandgap (NBG) perovskites with spectroscopic ellipsometry is determined. Texturing between the glass superstrate and the WBG perovskite top cell has an antireflective effect across the whole wavelength region. In contrast, texturing between the WBG perovskite top cell and the NBG perovskite bottom cell has no additional effect for a moderate texture but leads to light trapping in the NBG perovskite for a pronounced texture. Moderate texturing between the NBG perovskite absorber and the metal back contact leads to light trapping in the NBG perovskite but also excites surface plasmons in the copper back contact. Dielectric interlayers between the NBG perovskite and the metal back contact can reduce the plasmonic absorption losses. Texturing potentially allows to increase the current‐matched short‐circuit current density beyond 17 mA .
SIN3B Loss Heats up Cold Tumor Microenvironment to Boost Immunotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhengyan , Tang Yingying , Wang Yu , Xu Junyi , Yang Xiaotong , Liu Mingzhu , Mazzone Massimiliano , Niu Ningning , Sun Yongwei , Tang Yujie , Xue Jing
Published: September 2024

Despite progress significant advances in immunotherapy for some solid tumors, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unresponsive poorly responsive to such interventions, largely due to its highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) with limited CD8+ T cell infiltration. This study explores the role of the epigenetic factor Sin3B in the PDAC TME. Using murine PDAC models, we found that tumor cell‐intrinsic Sin3B loss reshapes the TME, increasing CD8+ T cell infiltration and cytotoxicity, thus impeding tumor progression and enhancing sensitivity to anti‐PD1 treatment. Sin3B‐deficient tumor cells exhibited amplified CXCL9/10 secretion in response to Interferon‐gamma (IFNγ), creating a positive feedback loop via the CXCL9/10‐CXCR3 axis, thereby intensifying the anti‐tumor immune response against PDAC. Mechanistically, extensive epigenetic regulation is uncovered by Sin3B loss, particularly enhanced H3K27Ac distribution on genes related to immune responses in PDAC cells. Consistent with the murine model findings, analysis of human PDAC samples revealed a significant inverse correlation between SIN3B levels and both CD8+ T cell infiltration and CXCL9/10 expression. Notebly, PDAC patients with lower SIN3B expression showed a more favorable response to anti‐PD1 therapy. The findings suggest that targeting SIN3B can enhance cytotoxic T cell infiltration into the tumor site and improve immunotherapy efficacy in PDAC, offering potential avenues for therapeutic biomarker or target in this challenging disease.
Dynamic Reconstruction of Yttrium Oxide‐Stabilized Cobalt‐Loaded Carbon‐Based Catalysts During Thermal Ammonia Decomposition
Authors: Zhu Yi , Pan Hongfei , Li Qi , Huang Xiege , Xi Wei , Tang Haibo , Tu Wenmao , Wang Shihao , Tang Haolin , Zhang Haining
Published: September 2024

Hydrogen production from the decomposition of ammonia is considered an effective approach for addressing challenges associated with hydrogen storage and transportation. However, their relatively high energy consumption and low efficiency hinder practical multi‐scenario applications. In this study, Y2O3‐stabilized catalysts with Co‐loaded onto porous nitrogen‐doped carbon (Y2O3–Co/NC) are synthesized by pyrolysis of Y(NO3)3‐modified ZIF‐67 under an inert atmosphere, followed by annealing in a reducing environment. The introduction of Y2O3 enhanced the recombination and desorption of N atoms and facilitated the gradual dehydrogenation of NHx on the catalyst surface, resulting in improved catalytic activity for the thermal decomposition of ammonia. Benefitting from the electron‐donating properties of Y2O3 and N‐doped carbon, the optimized catalyst achieved a remarkable NH3 conversion efficiency of 92.3% at a high gas hourly space velocity of 20 000 cm3··h−1 with an encouraging H2 production rate of 20.6 mmol··min−1 at 550 °C. Moreover, the synthesized catalyst undergoes a fast‐dynamic reconstruction process, resulting in exceptionally stable catalytic activity during the thermal decomposition of ammonia, rendering it a promising candidate for carbon‐free energy thermocatalytic conversion technology.
Ethnic differences in the prevalence of amyloid positivity and cognitive trajectories
Authors: Jang Hyemin , Chun Min Young , Yun Jihwan , Kim Jun Pyo , Kang Sung Hoon , Weiner Michael , Kim Hee Jin , Na Duk L. , Hong Chang‐Hyung , Son Sang Joon , Roh Hyun Woong , Lee Tae‐Kyeong , Lee Eek‐Sung , Lee Eun Hye , Shin Daeun , Ham Hongki , Gu Yuna , Kim Yeshin , Kim Chi‐Hun , Woo Sook‐young , Seo Sang Won ,   the ADNI, A4 study, and K‐ROAD study groups
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the prevalence of amyloid beta (Aβ) positivity (+) and cognitive trajectories in Koreans and non‐Hispanic Whites (NHWs).

METHODS

We included 5121 Koreans from multiple centers across South Korea and 929 NHWs from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Participants underwent Aβ positron emission tomography and were categorized into cognitively unimpaired (CU), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia stages. Age, sex, education, and apolipoprotein E. genotype were adjusted using multivariable logistic regression and stabilized inverse probability of treatment weights based on the propensity scores to mitigate imbalances in these variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence of Aβ+ was lower in CU Koreans than in CU NHWs (adjusted odds ratio 0.60). Aβ+ Koreans showed a faster cognitive decline than Aβ+ NHWs in the CU (B = −0.314, p = .004) and MCI stages (B = −0.385, p < .001).

DISCUSSION

Ethnic characteristics of Aβ biomarkers should be considered in research and clinical application of Aβ‐targeted therapies in diverse populations.

Highlights

Koreans have a lower prevalence of Aβ positivity compared to NHWs in the CU stage.

The effects of Alzheimer's risk factors on Aβ positivity differ between Koreans and NHWs.

Aβ‐positive (Aβ+) Koreans show faster cognitive decline than Aβ+ NHWs in the CU and MCI stages.
Fabrication of one‐dimensional Zn‐doped Bi2S3 nanorods for photodiode applications
Authors: Arumugam Jayachandhiran , George Amal , Saravanan P. , Rahul Subramani , Raj Alphonse Dhayal , Albeshr Mohammed F. , Johnsundaram Savarenathan , Selvankumar Thangaswamy , Karthika Duraisamy , Kumar Jothi Vinoth
Published: September 2024

In this research, the impact of the different zinc (Zn) concentrations on the physical and optoelectronic properties of Bi2S3 nanorods as self‐powered and photodiode applications was investigated. The performance of P‐N junction photodiodes has been for decades since they are crucial in energy applications. The structure, degree of crystallinity, and shape of Zn‐doped Bi2S3 nanorods of various doping percentages formed onto the indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates by the dip coating technique are investigated using X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and SEM. With increasing illumination time, the current–voltage (I–V) graphs demonstrate a rise in photocurrent. The diode's idealist factor was estimated using the I–V technique under 30 min of light illumination.
A novel coumarin–naphthalimide‐based ratiometric fluorescent probe for efficiently monitoring of hydrazine in environmental water
Authors: Luo Zhong , Yuan Changchun , Li Zhichun , Ma Wenbing
Published: September 2024

A novel coumarin–naphthalimide‐based ratiometric fluorescent probe, called XPT, was synthesized with the aim of achieving high sensitivity and anti‐interference for N2H4 detection. The probe XPT consists of coumarin species and naphthalimide species, which act as the energy donor and acceptor, respectively. The phthalimide group functions as the recognition unit for N2H4. Without the presence of hydrazine, the naphthalimide remains in a non‐fluorogenic phthalimide mode, disrupting the FRET signal. However, the phthalimide group undergoes the Gabriel reaction to an amine, which induces FRET and consequently causes a shift in the emitted fluorescence from 468 to 528 nm when N2H4 was added. The results of the study demonstrated that XPT exhibits high sensitivity with a limit of detection 2.2 μM, as well as selectivity. Furthermore, it is remarkable that the distribution of N2H4 in real water samples can be monitored by XPT.
Parenting the parents: A phenomenological study of parentified adolescents in Pakistan
Authors: Irfan Rabeea , Saleem Sadia , Zahra Sayyeda Taskeen , Jabeen Ayesha
Published: September 2024

The current study aimed to explore the experience, expression and manifestation of parentification among adolescents experiencing parental discord in Pakistan. Interpretative phenomenological analysis design (IPA) was used for the study, and purposive sampling strategy was employed. The sample included eight boys and girls of class 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th of government secondary and higher secondary schools of Lahore, Pakistan, and they were selected by non‐probability purposive sampling. The mean age of the participants was 16.37 and SD was 1.11. In depth, interviews were conducted with each participant. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, and IPA analysis was used for data analysis and interpretation. Three group experiential themes were identified: functional maturation, emotional ramifications and stifling self. The responses revealed that parentified adolescents were assumed accountable for a wide range of responsibilities, including financial contribution, managing household, maintaining familial relationships as well as bringing up younger siblings. This study will help understand the indigenous experience of parentification of Pakistani adolescents, and it will facilitate further elaboration of understanding the nature of the common practice of parentification, as well as its impact upon the adolescents.
Optogenetic Tools for Regulating RNA Metabolism and Functions
Authors: Zheng Ru , Xue Zhaolin , You Mingxu
Published: September 2024

RNA molecules play a vital role in linking genetic information with various cellular processes. In recent years, a variety of optogenetic tools have been engineered for regulating cellular RNA metabolism and functions. These highly desirable tools can offer non‐intrusive control with spatial precision, remote operation, and biocompatibility. Here, we would like to review these currently available approaches that can regulate RNAs with light: from non‐genetically encodable chemically modified oligonucleotides to genetically encoded RNA aptamers that recognize photosensitive small‐molecule or protein ligands. Some key applications of these optogenetic tools will also be highlighted to illustrate how they have been used for regulating all aspects of the RNA life cycle: from RNA synthesis, maturation, modification, and translation to their degradation, localization, and phase separation control. Some current challenges and potential practical utilizations of these RNA optogenetic tools will also be discussed.
Radical Ring‐Opening Polymerization of N‐(Malonyloxy)phthalimide‐Functionalized Vinylcyclopropane: Tuning Material Property via Selective Decarboxylation†
Authors: Li Si‐Qi , Li Ke , Chen Dian‐Feng
Published: September 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Post‐polymerization modification provides an important approach to tuning the material properties of obtained polymers. In this work, we demonstrated a rational design of novel vinylcyclopropane monomer bearing a pendant N‐hydroxylphthalimide redox ester, and explored its radical ring‐opening polymerization behavior under visible‐light conditions. Photochemical decarboxylation of resulted polymer provided unique access to poly(vinylcyclopropane) bearing single ester group in each repeating unit. This decarboxylative modification has greatly reshaped the thermal and mechanical properties, converting a glassy polymer into a soft, ductile, and rubber‐like material.
Associations Between Cardiovascular Health (Life's Essential 8) and Mental Disorders
Authors: Xu Yudi , Ning Wenjing , Zhang Yuyuan , Ba Yuhao , Liu Huimin , Liu Long , Wang Libo , Guo Chunguang , Xu Hui , Weng Siyuan , Zhou Zhaokai , Cai Zongao , Ma Hongxuan , Zhang Ge , Jia Yanjie , Han Xinwei
Published: September 2024

Background

Mental health was closely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to investigate the association between cardiovascular health (CVH), as defined by Life's Essential 8 (LE8), and the presence of depression and anxiety.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that CVH, as defined by LE8, was negatively associated with the prevalence of depression and anxiety.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on participants (≥ 20 years old) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The LE8 score (ranging from 0 to 100) was composed of the health behavior score and the health factor score, which were further categorized into three levels as follows: low (0–49), moderate (50–79), and high (80–100). Weighted multivariable logistic regressions and restricted cubic splines were utilized to assess the association between LE8 and mental disorders.

Results

Among the 13 028 participants included in this research, 1206 were determined to have depression symptoms and 2947 were determined to have anxiety symptoms. In the weighted and adjusted model, LE8 was negatively associated with the prevalence of depression (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61, 0.58–0.65) and anxiety (OR, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.75–0.81). Furthermore, a nonlinear dose–response relationship was observed between LE8 and anxiety.

Conclusions

CVH defined by the LE8 was independently and negatively associated with the prevalence of depression and anxiety. Interventions targeting LE8 components may improve both CVH and mental health.
Human Alzheimer's Disease ATN/ABC Staging Applied to Aging Rhesus Macaque Brains: Association With Cognition and MRI‐Based Regional Gray Matter Volume
Authors: Barnes Carol A. , Permenter Michele R. , Vogt Julie A. , Chen Kewei , Beach Thomas G.
Published: September 2024

The brain changes of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include Abeta (Aβ) amyloid plaques (“A”), abnormally phosphorylated tau tangles (“T”), and neurodegeneration (“N”). These have been used to construct in vivo and postmortem diagnostic and staging classifications for evaluating the spectrum of AD in the “ATN” and “ABC” (“B” for Braak tau stage, “C” for Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease [CERAD] neuritic plaque density) systems. Another common AD feature involves cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). We report the first experiment to examine relationships among cognition, brain distribution of amyloid plaques, CAA, tau/tangles, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐determined volume changes (as a measure of “N”) in the same group of behaviorally characterized nonhuman primates. Both ATN and ABC systems were applied to a group of 32 rhesus macaques aged between 7 and 33 years. When an immunohistochemical method for “T” and “B” was used, some monkeys were “triple positive” on ATN, with a maximum ABC status of A1B2C3. With silver or thioflavin S methods, however, all monkeys were classified as T‐negative and B0, indicating the absence of mature neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and hence neuropathologically defined AD. Although monkeys at extremes of the ATN and ABC classifications, or with frequent CAA, had significantly lower scores on some cognitive tests, the lack of fully mature NFTs or dementia‐consistent cognitive impairment indicates that fully developed AD may not occur in rhesus macaques. There were sex differences noted in the types of histopathology present, and only CAA was significantly related to gray matter volume.
Crossing the Chasm: How to Approach Translational Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Phage Dosing
Authors: Rao Gauri G. , Vallé Quentin , Mahadevan Ramya , Sharma Rajnikant , Barr Jeremy J. , Van Tyne Daria
Published: September 2024

Effectively treating multidrug‐resistant bacterial infections remains challenging due to the limited drug development pipeline and a scarcity of novel agents effective against these highly resistant pathogens. Bacteriophages (phages) are a potential addition to the antimicrobial treatment arsenal. Though, phages are currently being tested in clinical trials for antibiotic‐resistant infections, phages lack a fundamental understanding of optimal dosing in humans. Rationally designed preclinical studies using in vitro and in vivo infection models, allow us to assess clinically relevant phage +/− antibiotic exposure (pharmacokinetics), the resulting treatment impact on the infecting pathogen (pharmacodynamics) and host immune response (immunodynamics). A mechanistic modeling framework allows us to integrate this knowledge gained from preclinical studies to develop predictive models. We reviewed recently published mathematical models based on in vitro and/or in vivo data that evaluate the effects of varying bacterial or phage densities, phage characteristics (burst size, adsorption rate), phage pharmacokinetics, phage–antibiotic combinations and host immune responses. In our review, we analyzed study designs and the data used to inform the development of these mechanistic models. Insights gained from model‐based simulations were reviewed as they help identify crucial phage parameters for determining effective phage dosing. These efforts contribute to bridging the gap between phage therapy research and its clinical translation.
The influence of sample size and sampling design on estimating population‐level intra specific trait variation (ITV) along environmental gradients
Authors: Fluck Isadora E. , Record Sydne , Strecker Angela , Zarnetske Phoebe L. , Baiser Benjamin
Published: September 2024

Understanding the relationship between intraspecific trait variability (ITV) and its biotic and abiotic drivers is crucial for advancing population and community ecology. Despite its importance, there is a lack of guidance on how to effectively sample ITV and reduce bias in the resulting inferences. In this study, we explored how sample size affects the estimation of population‐level ITV, and how the distribution of sample sizes along an environmental gradient (i.e., sampling design) impacts the probabilities of committing Type I and II errors. We investigated Type I and II error probabilities using four simulated scenarios which varied sampling design and the strength of the ITV‐environment relationships. We also applied simulation scenarios to empirical data on populations of the small mammal, Peromyscus maniculatus across gradients of latitude and temperature at sites in the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) in the continental United States. We found that larger sample sizes reduce error rates in the estimation of population‐level ITV for both in silico and Peromyscus maniculatus populations. Furthermore, the influence of sample size on detecting ITV‐environment relationships depends on how sample sizes and population‐level ITV are distributed along environmental gradients. High correlations between sample size and the environment result in greater Type I error, while weak ITV–environmental gradient relationships showed high Type II error probabilities. Therefore, having large sample sizes that are even across populations is the most robust sampling design for studying ITV‐environment relationships. These findings shed light on the complex interplay among sample size, sampling design, ITV, and environmental gradients.
The importance of temporal scale in distribution modeling of migratory Caspian Kutum, Rutilus frisii
Authors: Moëzzi Fateh , Poorbagher Hadi , Eagderi Soheil , Feghhi Jahangir , Dormann Carsten F. , Nergi Sabah Khorshidi , Amiri Kaveh
Published: September 2024

The choice of temporal resolution has high importance in ecological modeling, which can greatly affect the identification of the main drivers of an organism's distribution, considering the spatiotemporal dynamism of environmental predictors as well as organisms’ abundance. The present study aimed to identify the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of Caspian Kutum, Rutilus frisii, along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, north of Iran, evaluating multiple temporal resolutions of data. The boosted regression trees (BRT) method was used to model fish catch distribution using a set of environmental predictors. Three temporal scales of data, including seasonal, sub‐seasonal, and monthly time frames over the catch season (October–April), were considered in our modeling analyses. The monthly models, utilizing more detailed data scales, exhibited the highest potential in identifying the overall distribution patterns of the fish, compared to temporally‐coarse BRT models. The best models were the BRTs fitted using data from March and April, which represented the final months of the catch season with the highest catch levels. In the monthly models, the main determinants of the Kutum's aggregation points were found to be dynamic variables including sea surface temperature, particulate organic and inorganic carbon, as opposed to static topographic parameters such as distance to river inlets. Seasonal and sub‐seasonal models identified particulate inorganic matter and distance to river inlets as the predictors with the highest influence on fish distribution. The geographical distributions of fish biomass hotspots revealed the presence of a stable number of fish aggregation hotspot points along the eastern coast, while some cold‐spot points were identified along the central and western coasts of the Caspian Sea. Our findings indicate that utilizing fine time scales in modeling analyses can result in a more reliable explanation and prediction of fish distribution dynamics. The investigated approach allows for the identification of intra‐seasonal fluctuations in environmental conditions, particularly dynamic parameters, and their relationship with fish aggregation.
Development of a multisensor biologging collar and analytical techniques to describe high‐resolution spatial behavior in free‐ranging terrestrial mammals
Authors: Painter Michael S. , Silovský Václav , Blanco Justin , Holton Mark , Faltusová Monika , Wilson Rory , Börger Luca , Psotta Liza , Ramos‐Almodovar Fabian , Estrada Luis , Landler Lukas , Malkemper Pascal , Hart Vlastimil , Ježek Miloš
Published: September 2024

Biologging has proven to be a powerful approach to investigate diverse questions related to movement ecology across a range of spatiotemporal scales and increasingly relies on multidisciplinary expertise. However, the variety of animal‐borne equipment, coupled with little consensus regarding analytical approaches to interpret large, complex data sets presents challenges and makes comparison between studies and study species difficult. Here, we present a combined hardware and analytical approach for standardizing the collection, analysis, and interpretation of multisensor biologging data. Here, we present (i) a custom‐designed integrated multisensor collar (IMSC), which was field tested on 71 free‐ranging wild boar (Sus scrofa) over 2 years; (ii) a machine learning behavioral classifier capable of identifying six behaviors in free‐roaming boar, validated across individuals equipped with differing collar designs; and (iii) laboratory and field‐based calibration and accuracy assessments of animal magnetic heading measurements derived from raw magnetometer data. The IMSC capacity and durability exceeded expectations, with a 94% collar recovery rate and a 75% cumulative data recording success rate, with a maximum logging duration of 421 days. The behavioral classifier had an overall accuracy of 85% in identifying the six behavioral classes when tested on multiple collar designs and improved to 90% when tested on data exclusively from the IMSC. Both laboratory and field tests of magnetic compass headings were in precise agreement with expectations, with overall median magnetic headings deviating from ground truth observations by 1.7° and 0°, respectively. Although multisensor equipment and sophisticated analyses are now commonplace in biologging studies, the IMSC hardware and analytical framework presented here provide a valuable tool for biologging researchers and will facilitate standardization of biologging data across studies. In addition, we highlight the potential of additional analyses available using this framework that can be adapted for use in future studies on terrestrial mammals.
Spatial Distribution Patterns and Beta Diversity of Fish Communities in a Tropical River Basin of Deccan Plateau
Authors: Dwivedi Arvind Kumar , De Kritish
Published: September 2024

Riverine ecosystems exhibit significant spatial variations in their communities, and understanding of these variances is vital to comprehend the mechanisms that maintain biodiversity. This study was conducted to understand pattern of distribution and beta diversity of fish communities in the Bhima River basin in the Deccan Plateau region of India. Fish distribution data from 59 sites across 11 rivers of the Bhima River basin were collected, and pair‐wise βDissimilarity and site‐wise local contribution to beta diversity (LCβDSorensen) and its components (LCβDTurnover and LCβDNestedness) were calculated. Power function regression was analysed to understand the decay in community similarity with geographical and environmental distances. Redundancy analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between fish distribution and environmental variables. Results indicated that species richness declined with increasing longitude from west to east. A negative relationship was observed between species richness and LCβDSorensen. LCβDTurnover formed Ո‐shaped curve at both ends of the species richness gradient, while LCβDNestedness values exhibited Ս‐shaped curve. No significant difference between mean LCβDTurnover and mean LCβDNestedness across the sites was observed. The distance decay relationship between community similarity and both geographical and environmental distances follows the power law shape, and the slope of this relationship flattened with increasing distance. Precipitation, topography, temperature variation and dissolved oxygen played a pivotal role in shaping fish assemblages. This study provides insight into the spatial distribution of fish communities in the Bhima River basin, which will be helpful to comprehend the ordination of biodiversity in the riverine ecosystem of the Deccan Plateau region.
Mind the information gap: How sampling and clustering impact the predictability of reach‐scale channel types in California (USA)
Authors: Guillon Hervé , Lane Belize , Byrne Colin F. , Sandoval‐Solis Samuel , Pasternack Gregory B.
Published: September 2024

Clustering and machine learning‐based predictions are increasingly used for environmental data analysis and management. In fluvial geomorphology, examples include predicting channel types throughout a river network and segmenting river networks into a series of channel types, or groups of channel forms. However, when relevant information is unevenly distributed throughout a river network, the discrepancy between data‐rich and data‐poor locations creates an information gap. Combining clustering and predictions addresses this information gap, but challenges and limitations remain poorly documented. This is especially true when considering that predictions are often achieved with two approaches that are meaningfully different in terms of information processing: decision trees (e.g., RF: random forest) and deep learning (e.g., DNNs: deep neural networks). This presents challenges for downstream management decisions and when comparing clusters and predictions within or across study areas. To address this, we investigate the performance of RF and DNN with respect to the information gap between clustering data and prediction data. We use nine regional examples of clustering and predicting river channel types, stemming from a single clustering methodology applied in California, USA. Our results show that prediction performance decreases when the information gap between field‐measured data and geospatial predictors increases. Furthermore, RF outperforms DNN, and their difference in performance decreases when the information gap between field‐measured and geospatial data decreases. This suggests that mismatched scales between field‐derived channel types and geospatial predictors hinder sequential information processing in DNN. Finally, our results highlight a sampling trade‐off between uniformly capturing geomorphic variability and ensuring robust generalisation.