bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Corynebacterium silvaticum genomes from Portugal reveals a single cluster and a clade suggested to produce diphtheria toxin
Authors: Viana Marcus Vinicius Canario , Galdino José Henrique , Profeta Rodrigo , Oliveira Manuela , Tavares Luís , de Castro Soares Siomar , Carneiro Paulo , Wattam Alice Rebecca , Azevedo Vasco
Published: March 2023

Background

Corynebacterium silvaticum is a pathogenic, gram-positive bacterial species that causes caseous lymphadenitis in wild boars, domestic pigs and roe deer in Western Europe. It can affect animal production and cause zoonosis. Genome analysis has suggested that one strain from Portugal and one from Austria could probably produce the diphtheria toxin (DT), which inhibits protein synthesis and can cause death.

Methods

To further investigate the species genetic diversity and probable production of DT by Portuguese strains, eight isolates from this country were sequenced and compared to 38 public ones.

Results

Strains from Portugal are monophyletic, nearly identical, form a unique cluster and have 27 out of 36 known Corynebacterium virulence or niche factors. All of them lack a frameshift in the tox gene and were suggested to produce DT. A phylogenetic analysis shows that the species has diverged into two clades. Clade 1 is composed of strains that were suggested to have the ability to produce DT, represented by the monophyletic strains from Portugal and strain 05-13 from Austria. Clade 2 is composed of strains unable to produce DT due to a frameshifted tox gene. The second clade is represented by strains from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Ten genome clusters were detected, in which strains from Germany are the most diverse. Strains from Portugal belong to an exclusive cluster. The pangenome has 2,961 proteins and is nearly closed (α = 0.968). Exclusive genes shared by clusters 1 and 2, and Portuguese strains are probably not related to disease manifestation as they share the same host but could play a role in their extra-host environmental adaptation. These results show the potential of the species to cause zoonosis, possibly diphtheria. The identified clusters, exclusively shaded genes, and exclusive STs identified in Portugal could be applied in the identification and epidemiology of the species.
Research on the Educational Logic and High-Quality Development of Vocational Education Theory in the New Era
Authors: Pengju LIANG
Published: March 2023

With the development and transformation of China's economy, vocational education plays an increasingly important role in cultivating high-quality labor force and promoting economic development. This article aims to discuss the educational logic and high-quality development of vocational education theory in the new era, and put forward some strategies and suggestions to deal with the challenges of the new era. This article first introduces the background and significance of vocational education in the new era, and then discusses the educational logic of vocational education theory, including practical training and experience, adaptability and innovation. Next, this article puts forward some strategies and suggestions for the development of vocational education in the new era, including strengthening cooperation with industry, improving the quality of teachers, and promoting high-quality development. Finally, this article takes Zhejiang Mechanical and Electrical Vocational and Technical College as a case to introduce its successful high-quality development experience and innovative measures.
Innovation and QoS Performance Evaluation Analysis of Real-Time Sharing Platform of Intelligent Courses in Colleges
Authors: Xiang Zhu
Published: March 2023

With the gradual rise of online MOOC teaching platforms, real-time sharing algorithms and QoS performance evaluation systems for online intelligent courses in colleges and universities are becoming more and more important. First of all, introduce the intelligent cloud teaching method with cloud classroom app tools as the core application, and use the smart campus platform to "fancy teaching" classrooms, MOOCs, live broadcasts and other popular forms such as animations, micro-videos, WeChat and other popular forms and language communication management. Knowledge and principles, followed by autonomous and intelligent methods used in implementing QoS decision-making and control in a cognitive network environment, to solve the problems of poor adaptability and comprehensiveness of dynamic and changeable networks. It can effectively improve the utilization rate of network resources and ensure the end-to-end QoS of the network. The results show that: NET, XML and other key technologies, on this basis, the intelligent teaching platform solution of NET, the framework and overall design of the teaching platform are introduced.
Construcción y validación del instrumento de medición de intenciones conductuales del profesorado hacia la evaluación de aprendizajes : una aplicación de la teoría de conducta planificada
Authors:   , Rodríguez Morales Gabriela Francisca
Published: March 2023

El objetivo de este estudio es construir y validar un instrumento que mida las intenciones conductuales del profesorado hacia la evaluación de aprendizajes. Inicialmente se construyeron 684 ítems, basados en literatura especializada en evaluación de aprendizajes y en la Teoría de Conducta Planificada. A partir del juicio de expertos y de la realización de un pretest cognitivo, se seleccionaron 80 ítems para una aplicación masiva del cuestionario a una muestra de 509 docentes de Enseñanza Básica y Media del sistema escolar chileno. Se realizaron análisis sobre la capacidad discriminativa de los ítems y de diferencia entre grupos, además de estudiar la consistencia interna y la estructura factorial del instrumento. Considerando dicha información, se propuso una versión final del cuestionario conformada por 30 ítems y tres escalas: Componentes de la intención conductual (Actitud, Norma subjetiva y Control percibido), Intención conductual y Conducta. El instrumento completo presentó un índice de consistencia interna óptimo (alfa de Cronbach de 0,868). En más de un 75% de los reactivos se obtuvo un índice de capacidad discriminativa sobre 0,30; además, ninguno de los ítems seleccionados presentó diferencias significativas entre grupos de acuerdo al género y a la región. En consecuencia, se obtuvieron indicadores psicométricos aceptables para el cuestionario completo y para sus dimensiones, logrando con ello evidencia a favor de su validez. De este modo, el cuestionario construido y validado en este estudio, demuestra ser un instrumento robusto para la medición de intenciones conductuales del profesorado hacia la evaluación de aprendizajes.
Analisando os stakeholders das universidades
Authors: Gesser Graziele Alano , Cardoso Thuine Lopes , Moraes Mário César Barreto , De Melo Pedro Antônio
Published: March 2023

Esse artigo teve como objetivo analisar o estado da arte dos estudos publicados no Brasil sobre a relação entre as universidades e seus stakeholders. Trata-se de um estudo predominantemente qualitativo, descritivo e bibliográfico que utilizou a técnica de Revisão Sistemática da Literatura. Para a seleção do portfólio bibliográfico, a busca por publicações foi realizada na base Scielo, com os vocábulos “stakeholder” e “universidade” e suas variações. Seguindo o protocolo de pesquisa, a busca retornou um portfólio composto por 30 artigos. Após uma pré-análise dessa amostra, primeiramente a partir da exclusão das publicações duplicadas, seguida da leitura dos resumos, restaram apenas treze artigos para análise. Embora somente três artigos do portfólio tenham apresentado os termos stakeholder(s) ou ator(es) em seus objetivos ou questões, notou-se que todos eles abordaram uma temática específica da gestão da universidade sob a perspectiva de um ou mais grupos de interesse específicos. A presente pesquisa revelou uma diversidade de atores principais evidenciados em cada estudo, o que resulta dos diversos micro-ambientes (unidades acadêmicas e administrativas) e seus stakeholders específicos. Concluiu-se que a multiplicidade de atores e grupos de interesse com diferentes objetivos e demandas, exige das IES o desenvolvimento de estratégias para gestão específicas, conforme a percepção dos atores envolvidos.
Analysis of the Scientific Production of Nursing in Older People with Cancer in Palliative Care: Bibliometric Study
Authors: Carvalho Dayara de Nazaré Rosa de , Orlandi Fabiana de Souza , Aguiar Viviane Ferraz Ferreira de , Pavarini Sofia Cristina Iost , Bendelaque Dandara de Fátima Ribeiro , Baia Monique Lindsy de Souza , Pereira Luana Cunha Galvão , Dergan Marcela Raíssa Asevedo , Peixoto Ivonete Vieira Pereira
Published: March 2023

Aims: to analyze and map the international production on Nursing Care for the elderly with cancer in palliative care, between 2000 and July 2021.

Methods: this is a descriptive, exploratory and mixed-approach study that can be classified both a bibliometric and scientometric research. Data collection took place from June to July 2021, in the Scopus (Elsevier) database. After defining the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the collection began, which resulted in the final sample consisting of 198 publications. After the entire selection process, the dataset was saved in a single file in CSV Excel format, where it was later exported to the VOSviewer® software.

Results: it was shown that most selected publications are concentrated between the years 2019 with 44 (22.22%) publications, 2018 with 37 (18.69%) publications. The United States appears as the country with the largest majority of co-authors, with 81 (40.91%) documents and 750 citations, and the first 15 authors who most published on the subject are from the United States, followed by authors from Canada and Sweden.

Conclusion: this review showed that publications covering the subject are still limited when related to nursing. However, despite the few existing publications, there is a growing increase in the quantity of publications over the years, which indicates the relevance that the topic has gained in the academic world.
Impact of Climate Change on Banana Production in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala, India
Authors: Bhausaheb Takale Asmita , Lazarus T. Paul , Vijayan Aswathy , Sathayan Archana R. , Joseph Brigit
Published: March 2023

Global climate change has considerable implications in indian agriculture and hence food security and farmers livelihood. As a result there will be a threatened in food security. In this context, a study on “Impact of climate change on banana production in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India” was undertaken. The objective of the study was to quantify the impact of climate change on yield of banana in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India. The impact of climate change on banana production was quantified by using multiple linear regression model for Thiruvananthapuram district. Quarterly data on climatic variables such as temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and wind speed for a period of 31 years from 1991 to 2021 were taken as independent variables and that of production of banana from Thiruvananthapuram was taken as the dependent variable. To determine the growth trend and variability, CAGR and coefficient of variation were calculated for the area, production, productivity, and climatic variables. It showed that Q4 (October to December) temperature was positively influencing and significant at 1 per cent level of significance. This means that one per cent increase in temperature during Q4 will increase the production by 13.9 per cent and one per cent increase in rainfall during Q4 will increase the production of banana by 0.42 per cent due to optimum temperature and rainfall. Positive trend in the growth of area (5.35 per cent per annum) and production (2.86 per cent per annum) were observed in spite of having a negative trend in productivity (-2.36 per cent per annum). The impact of climate change has positive effect on banana production in Thiruvananthapuram district. Increase in Q4 temperature resulted in increased production of banana in the district.
The Bio Geosystem Strategy for Sustainable Irrigated Agriculture in Africa
Authors: Okuku Kennedy
Published: March 2023

The concentration of the soil solution is ideal for plant nutrition, and the stomatal apparatus of the plant is in a mode of regulation where there is no excessive transpiration, evaporation, or percolation of water from the soil root zone. By incorporating nutrients and soil-structuring materials such as dispersed industrial, agricultural, and biological waste, biochar, waste from the gasification of biological products, etc. into the soil, waste recycling is provided during the milling processing of the soil's illuvial horizon and intra-soil pulse continuous-discrete watering of plants. The bio-geosystem strategy is promising for agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, forestry, the spread and stability of the biosphere, the production of food, raw materials, and renewable biofuels. It also provides long-term stable high productive soil evolution, freshwater conservation, environmentally safe waste recycling, and expanded high-rate biological carbon phase in the biosphere. This review examines the adoption of the bio-geosystem strategy how effective it can be adopted to improve irrigated agriculture in Africa.
Effect of Iron, Molybdenum and Rhizobium on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Summer Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Loamy Sand Soil
Authors: Gaur Divya , Jadav N. J. , Maheta Aishwarya , Gaur Shruti
Published: March 2023

A field experiment was carried out to see the effect of different levels of iron, molybdenum and Rhizobium inoculation on growth, yield attributes and yield in summer groundnut. The experiment comprised eighteen treatment combinations with three levels of iron (0, 5 and 10 kg Fe ha-1), three levels of molybdenum (0, 1 and 2 kg Mo ha-1) and two levels of Rhizobium (without Rhizobium and with Rhizobium inoculation) were studied with GG-34 variety of groundnut in randomized block design as factorial with three replications. Among different treatments, the application of 10 kg Fe ha-1, 1.0 kg Mo ha-1 and seed inoculation with Rhizobium increased pod yield by 12.7%, 10.4% and 6.1%, respectively.
Performance of Six Generations on Two Rice Crosses under Submergence Stress and Non-stress Conditions
Authors: Ehirim B. O. , Gana A. S. , Tolorunse K. D. , Tsado E. K. , Salihu B. Z.
Published: March 2023

Submergence tolerance has long been regarded as an important breeding objective for rain-fed lowland and deep water rice area. Despite this recognition, there has been limited success in developing rice with improved submergence tolerance in Africa. The present research was aimed at assessing performance of crosses under submergence stressed and non-stressed conditions in Nigeria. Six generations of the crosses were evaluated under optimum and submerged conditions in a complete randomized block design with three replications. Submergence screening was performed in controlled conditions that allowed flooding at a water depth of 1.0 meter for a period of 14 days.  The results revealed that significant difference among the generations of the two crosses evaluated. The observed survival rate (%) in Cross I of the generations ranged between 0.00% - 100% while in Cross II, it ranged between 0.00% and 95.24%. The Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation (PCV) and the Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) for 100 grain weight were moderate to high under the two conditions. Low to moderate PCV and GCV coefficients of variation were observed for the grain width and grain length under both conditions in the two crosses. High heritability (0.96% respectively) and high genetic advance as percentage of mean were recorded for the grain yield and grain weight in the two crosses. The variability observed among the generations was optimum however, advancement of the segregating generations coupled with adequate selection criteria could lead to identification of superior and stable genotypes for farmers’ use.
Nonlinear FE Prediction of Shear Strength of RC T-Beams with Flange in Compression Zone
Authors: Ramadan Osman M. O. , Abdel-Kareem Ahmed H. , Abousafa Hala R. , El-Azab Ibrahim A.
Published: March 2023

This research predicts the shear strength of reinforced concrete T-beams with flanges under compression stresses using nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis. A FE model is developed and verified against specially designed experiments (beams with varying flange width and depth). Results of the FE models were found to be in excellent agreement with their corresponding experimental results. The average load capacity and deflections (FE/experiments) ratios were 1.03 and 0.87, respectively. We then conducted an extensive parametric study to investigate the structural performance of flanged beams under the effect of two concentrated point loads.  This parametric study examined four parameters: flange dimensions, longitudinal reinforcement in flange, concrete compressive strength, and shear span to depth ratio. Our findings indicated that the presence of compressed flanges in T-beams increases the shear strength by up to 260% of the shear strength of the web alone. The shear strength of flanged beams increases with the increase in flange dimensions, where the effect of flange thickness is more pronounced than that of flange width. Moreover, the presence of longitudinal reinforcement in the flange enhanced the beam's shear strength by up to 40%, compared to similar beams without flange reinforcement. Additionally, the shear strength increased up to three-fold for various beam conditions when the shear span to depth ratio was reduced from 2.0 to 0.5. These findings provide valuable insights for designing and constructing reinforced concrete T-beams with flanges under compression stresses.
Observer-based Finite-time Event-triggered Asynchronous Sliding Mode Control for Interval Type-II Fuzzy Semi-Markov Jump Systems with Quantization and Fading Channels
Authors: Jiang Jinhua , Luo Mengzhuo , Lin Sisi
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we investigate the finite-time event-triggered sliding mode control(SMC) issue of a class of interval type-II fuzzy semi-Markov jump systems affected by quantization and fading channels. Firstly, the data needs to be quantized by logarithmic quantizers before being transmitted over the channel. To alleviate network pressure, a periodic event-triggered scheme is introduced to govern whether the data are sent to the sensor-tocontroller(S/C) channel or not. As the transmitted data passes through the S/C channel, it could undergo fading. Then, considering the asynchronous issue between the system mode and the controller mode, an asynchronous control scheme is applied; Thereafter, a feasible fuzzy observer-based SMC law is developed, which enables the state trajectories of the system to reach the specified sliding surface within finite-time; And with the aid of the time partition strategy, sufficient conditions for the system to be bounded in finite-time during the arrival and sliding stages are derived. Besides, by means of the linear matrix inequality(LMI) toolbox, the controller and the observer gains are computed. Finally, the advantages of the SMC strategy are validated by emulation products.
Sınıf Eğitiminde Farklı Uzmanlaşma Modellerinin Öğrencilere Yansımaları: Dört Yıllık Boylamsal Bir Çalışma
Authors: AY Yasin , BUMEN Nilay
Published: March 2023

Bu çalışmanın amacı, sınıf öğretmenlerinin uzmanlaşmasına dayalı modellerin öğrencilere yönelik yansımalarının dört yıl boyunca izlenerek karşılaştırılmasıdır. Bu bağlamda, a) bütünsel ve dört yıllık döngüsel (Model-1 /geleneksel), b) bütünsel, üç yıllık döngüsel ve branşlaşmış (Model-2) ve c) bütünsel, iki yıllık döngüsel ve branşlaşmış (Model-3) modele göre öğretim yapan okullardaki öğrencilerin bilişsel (matematik, fen bilgisi, Türkçe başarısı) ve duyuşsal özellikleri (okul kaygısı, okula bağlanma, okumaya yönelik tutum) karşılaştırılmıştır. Boylamsal desenlerden panel araştırmasıyla yürütülen çalışmaya, 2017-2021 yılları arasında altı özel okulda öğrenim gören ilkokul öğrencileri (ilk yıl 402/ dördüncü yıl 223 kişi) katılmıştır. Bulgulara göre, Model 1’de öğrenim gören öğrencilerin Türkçe, matematik ve fen bilimleri derslerinde diğer modellerdeki öğrencilerden anlamlı düzeyde daha başarılı olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca Model-3’te bulunan öğrencilerin birinci ve üçüncü sınıf okul kaygısı puanları diğer iki modeldeki öğrencilerden anlamlı olarak daha yüksek; Model-1 öğrencilerinin dördüncü sınıf okumaya yönelik tutum puanları Model-3 öğrencilerinden anlamlı olarak daha yüksektir. Son olarak, Model-1 ve Model-2 öğrencilerinin üçüncü sınıf okula bağlanma puanlarının, Model-3 öğrencilerinden daha yüksek olduğu belirlenmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar doğrultusunda, Model 1’in (geleneksel, bütünsel ve dört yıllık döngüsel model), öğrencilerin hem duyuşsal hem de bilişsel özellikleri kazanmasında en başarılı model olduğu, duyuşsal özellikler açısından Model 3’ün daha zayıf kaldığı söylenebilir.
Developing a Framework and Electronic Tool for Communicating Diagnostic Uncertainty in Primary Care
Authors: Khazen Maram , Mirica Maria , Carlile Narath , Groisser Alissa , Schiff Gordon D.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Communication of information has emerged as a critical component of diagnostic quality. Communication of diagnostic uncertainty represents a key but inadequately examined element of diagnosis.

Objective

To identify key elements facilitating understanding and managing diagnostic uncertainty, examine optimal ways to convey uncertainty to patients, and develop and test a novel tool to communicate diagnostic uncertainty in actual clinical encounters.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A 5-stage qualitative study was performed between July 2018 and April 2020, at an academic primary care clinic in Boston, Massachusetts, with a convenience sample of 24 primary care physicians (PCPs), 40 patients, and 5 informatics and quality/safety experts. First, a literature review and panel discussion with PCPs were conducted and 4 clinical vignettes of typical diagnostic uncertainty scenarios were developed. Second, these scenarios were tested during think-aloud simulated encounters with expert PCPs to iteratively draft a patient leaflet and a clinician guide. Third, the leaflet content was evaluated with 3 patient focus groups. Fourth, additional feedback was obtained from PCPs and informatics experts to iteratively redesign the leaflet content and workflow. Fifth, the refined leaflet was integrated into an electronic health record voice-enabled dictation template that was tested by 2 PCPs during 15 patient encounters for new diagnostic problems. Data were thematically analyzed using qualitative analysis software.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Perceptions and testing of content, feasibility, usability, and satisfaction with a prototype tool for communicating diagnostic uncertainty to patients.

Results

Overall, 69 participants were interviewed. A clinician guide and a diagnostic uncertainty communication tool were developed based on the PCP interviews and patient feedback. The optimal tool requirements included 6 key domains: most likely diagnosis, follow-up plan, test limitations, expected improvement, contact information, and space for patient input. Patient feedback on the leaflet was iteratively incorporated into 4 successive versions, culminating in a successfully piloted prototype tool as an end-of-visit voice recognition dictation template with high levels of patient satisfaction for 15 patients with whom the tool was tested.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this qualitative study, a diagnostic uncertainty communication tool was successfully designed and implemented during clinical encounters. The tool demonstrated good workflow integration and patient satisfaction.
Comparison of Health Care Worker Satisfaction Before vs After Implementation of a Communication and Optimal Resolution Program in Acute Care Hospitals
Authors: Friedson Andrew I. , Humphreys Abigail , LeCraw Florence , Pelletreau Barbara , Vierra Priscilla , Mroz Thomas A.
Published: March 2023

This case-control study investigates the association between a communication and optimal resolution program to address unexpected adverse patient outcomes and measures of health care worker satisfaction.
Severe Corneal Involvement Associated With Mpox Infection
Authors: Doan Serge , Houry Renan , Cristea Ioana , Boughar Boualem , Cochereau Isabelle , Gabison Eric E. , Guindolet Damien
Published: March 2023

This article discusses 2 cases of severe corneal involvement during mpox.
Incidence and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy in American Indian and Alaska Native Individuals Served by the Indian Health Service, 2015-2019
Authors: Fonda Stephanie J. , Bursell Sven-Erik , Lewis Drew G. , Clary Dawn , Shahon Dara , Cavallerano Jerry
Published: March 2023

Importance

Estimates of diabetic retinopathy (DR) incidence and progression in American Indian and Alaska Native individuals are based on data from before 1992 and may not be informative for strategizing resources and practice patterns.

Objective

To examine incidence and progression of DR in American Indian and Alaska Native individuals.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, and included adults with diabetes and no evidence of DR or mild nonproliferative DR (NPDR) in 2015 who were reexamined at least 1 time during the 2016 to 2019 period. The study setting was the Indian Health Service (IHS) teleophthalmology program for diabetic eye disease.

Exposure

Development of new DR or worsening of mild NPDR in American Indian and Alaska Native individuals with diabetes.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes were any increase in DR, 2 or more (2+) step increases, and overall change in DR severity. Patients were evaluated with nonmydriatic ultra-widefield imaging (UWFI) or nonmydriatic fundus photography (NMFP). Standard risk factors were included.

Results

The total cohort of 8374 individuals had a mean (SD) age of 53.2 (12.2) years and a mean (SD) hemoglobin A1c level of 8.3% (2.2%) in 2015, and 4775 were female (57.0%). Of patients with no DR in 2015, 18.0% (1280 of 7097) had mild NPDR or worse in 2016 to 2019, and 0.1% (10 of 7097) had PDR. The incidence rate from no DR to any DR was 69.6 cases per 1000 person-years at risk. A total of 6.2% of participants (441 of 7097) progressed from no DR to moderate NPDR or worse (ie, 2+ step increase; 24.0 cases per 1000 person-years at risk). Of patients with mild NPDR in 2015, 27.2% (347 of 1277) progressed to moderate NPDR or worse in 2016 to 2019, and 2.3% (30 of 1277) progressed to severe NPDR or worse (ie, 2+ step progression). Incidence and progression were associated with expected risk factors and evaluation with UWFI.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, the estimates of DR incidence and progression were lower than those previously reported for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals. The results suggest extending the time between DR re-evaluations for certain patients in this population, if follow-up compliance and visual acuity outcomes are not jeopardized.
Mesoaciditoga
Authors: L'Haridon Stéphane , Nesbo Camilla , Farrell Anne , Zhaxybayeva Olga
Published: March 2023

Me'so.a.ci.di.to'ga Gr. masc. adj.
mesos
, middle; L. neut. adj.
acidum
, an acid, tart; from L. adj.
acidus ‐a ‐um
, sour; L. fem. n.
toga
, Roman outer garment, toga; N.L. fem. n.
Mesoaciditoga
, a moderately acidophilic toga.

Thermotogota / Thermotogae / Mesoaciditogales / Mesoaciditogaceae / Mesoaciditoga

The genus
Mesoaciditoga
is currently composed of one described species,
Mesoaciditoga lauensis
. It is a member of the phylum
Thermotogota
, class
Thermotogae
, order
Mesoaciditogales
, family
Mesoaciditogaceae
.
M. lauensis
is
thermophilic, slightly acidophilic,
and grows at seawater salinities. These bacteria
ferment sugars and proteinaceous compounds
and
reduce sulfur
to hydrogen sulfide. The cells are short rods with a sheath‐like structure and stain Gram‐negative. Known habitats are deep‐sea hydrothermal vents.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 39.9 (genome sequence).

Type species
:
Mesoaciditoga lauensis
Reysenbach et al. 2013
VP
.
Methylonatrum
Authors: Sorokin Dimitry Y. , Merkel Alexander Y.
Published: March 2023

Me.thy.lo.na'trum; N.L. neut. n.
methylum
, the methyl radical (from French masc. n.
méthyle
; from French masc. n.
méthylène
); from Gr. neut. n.
methy
, wine; from Gr. fem. n.
hylê
, wood; N.L. pref.
methylo
‐, pertaining to the methyl radical; N.L. neut. n.
natron
(arbitrarily derived from the Arabic n. natrun or natron soda; N.L. neut. n.
Methylonatrum
, methyl‐group‐utilizing, soda‐loving bacterium.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Nitrococcales / Aquisalimonadaceae / Methylonatrum

The genus
Methylonatrum
accommodates aerobic methylotrophs utilizing only C
1
and C
2
compounds as energy and carbon sources. The single known species of this genus is
Methylonatrum kenyense
. Members of this genus are high salt‐tolerant obligate alkaliphiles found in aerated sediments of hypersaline soda lakes in Kenya and Siberia. The DNA G + C content is 63.4% (genome sequence). It was originally classified in the order
Chromatiales
, class
Gammaproteobacteria,
while a more recent phylogenomic analysis classifies it in the proposed order “
Nitrococcales
” and family “
Aquisalimonadaceae
.”

DNA G
+
C content (%)
: 63.4 (genome sequence).

Type species
:
Methylonatrum kenyense
Sorokin et al. 2007a
VP
.
Fabrication of Hybrid Supercapacitor by MoCl5 Precursor‐Assisted Carbonization with Ultrafast Laser for Improved Capacitance Performance
Authors: Guo Heng , Qiao Ming , Yan Jianfeng , Jiang Lan , Yu Jiachen , Li Jiaqun , Deng Shengfa , Qu Liangti
Published: March 2023

Hybrid supercapacitors use electric double‐layer capacitance and Faradaic pseudocapacitance as energy storage mechanisms. This type of supercapacitor is becoming a prime candidate for next‐generation energy storage devices, with advantages in terms of energy density, specific capacitance, and life cycle. However, reducing the electrode area and increasing the specific capacitance of hybrid supercapacitors remain challenging. In this study, a MoCl5 Precursor‐assisted Ultrafast Laser Carbonization (MPAULC) method to fabricate symmetric hybrid supercapacitors with improved capacitance and reduced size is proposed. The method uses an ultrafast laser to induce the formation of carbon/MoO3 composite with the assistance of the MoCl5 precursor. This ultrafast laser carbonization method exhibited high processing precision. The role of the precursor in laser processing is studied using time‐resolved imaging and temperature calculations. The specific area capacitance of the C/MoO3 hybrid supercapacitor is 11.85 mF cm−2, 9.2 times higher than that of the laser‐induced carbon supercapacitor without precursor. The MPAULC method provides a reliable pathway for fabricating miniaturized hybrid supercapacitors with carbon/metal oxide composite electrodes on polymer substrates.
Quantum Physics and Deep Learning to Reveal Multiple Dimensional Modified Regulation by Ternary Substitution of Iron, Manganese, and Cobalt on Na3V2(PO4)3 for Superior Sodium Storage
Authors: Sun Shiqi , Liu Shubin , Chen Yanjun , Li Lei , Bai Qiang , Tian Zhen , Huang Que , Wang Yanzhong , Wang Xiaomin , Guo Li
Published: March 2023

Na3V2(PO4)3 is regarded as a promising candidate for sodium ion batteries. Nevertheless, the poor electronic conductivity, low capacities, and unstable structure limit its further investigations. Herein, a new type of Fe/Mn/Co co‐substituted Na3V2(PO4)3 with nitrogen‐doped carbon coating (NFMC) by a facile sol‐gel route is synthesized. The introduced elements feature in both crystal bulk and carbon coating layer. Suitable heteroatom substitution activates more effective Na+ to participate in electrochemical process and reinforce the structure. An extra high voltage platform at 3.8 V resulting from the multi‐element synergy (Mn2+/Mn3+/Mn4+; Co2+/Co3+; V4+/V5+) is stably and reversibly existed in NFMC to supply added capacities, which is investigated by quantum physics calculations. The high flux paths for Na+ migration and spin quantum state distribution in NFMC are demonstrated by molar magneton calculation. Significantly, the generated polyatomic coordination environment of MNC (M = Fe/Co/Mn) in carbon layer is first proposed. The most optimized combination structures are obtained from 69 possible structures and demonstrated by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. The superior electrochemical performance is precisely forecasted by innovative deep learning. Predicted values with high precision are obtained based on a small number of operating data, extremely short development period, and provide real‐time status references for safer use.
Toward the Advanced Next‐Generation Solid‐State Na‐S Batteries: Progress and Prospects
Authors: Ma Jingkang , Wang Mingli , Zhang Hong , Shang Zhoutai , Fu Lin , Zhang Wenli , Song Bin , Lu Ke
Published: March 2023

Although batteries fitted with sodium metal anodes and sulfur cathodes are attractive for their higher energy density and lower cost, the threat of polysulfide migration in organic liquid electrolytes, uncontrollable dendrites, and corresponding safety issues has locked the deployment of the battery system. Introduction of solid‐state electrolytes to replace conventional liquid‐based electrolytes has been considered an effective approach to address these issues and further render solid‐state sodium‐sulfur battery (SSSSB) systems with higher safety and improved energy density. Nevertheless, the practical applications of SSSSB are still hampered by grand challenges, such as poor interfacial contact, sluggish redox kinetics of sulfur conversion, and Na dendrites. Currently, various strategies have been proposed and utilized to negate the problems within the solid‐state battery. Herein, a timely and comprehensive review of emerging strategies to promote the development of SSSSB is presented. The critical challenges that prevent the real application of the SSSSB technique are analyzed initially. Subsequently, various strategies for boosting the development of SSSSB are comprehensively summarized, containing the developing of the advanced cathode and cathode/electrolyte interface, tailoring the solid electrolyte, and designing the stable anode and anode/electrolyte interface. Finally, further perspectives on stimulating the practical application of SSSSB technology are provided.
Launching and Manipulation of Higher‐Order In‐Plane Hyperbolic Phonon Polaritons in Low‐Dimensional Heterostructures
Authors: Lu Guanyu , Pan Zhiliang , Gubbin Christopher R. , Kowalski Ryan A. , De Liberato Simone , Li Deyu , Caldwell Joshua D.
Published: March 2023

Hyperbolic phonon polaritons (HPhPs) are stimulated by coupling infrared (IR) photons with the polar lattice vibrations. Such HPhPs offer low‐loss, highly confined light propagation at subwavelength scales with out‐of‐plane or in‐plane hyperbolic wavefronts. For HPhPs, while a hyperbolic dispersion implies multiple propagating modes with a distribution of wavevectors at a given frequency, so far it has been challenging to experimentally launch and probe the higher‐order modes that offer stronger wavelength compression, especially for in‐plane HPhPs. In this work, the experimental observation of higher‐order in‐plane HPhP modes stimulated on a 3C‐SiC nanowire (NW)/α‐MoO3 heterostructure is reported where leveraging both the low‐dimensionality and low‐loss nature of the polar NWs, higher‐order HPhPs modes within 2D α‐MoO3 crystal are launched by the 1D 3C‐SiC NW. The launching mechanism is further studied and the requirements for efficiently launching of such higher‐order modes are determined. In addition, by altering the geometric orientation between the 3C‐SiC NW and α‐MoO3 crystal, the manipulation of higher‐order HPhP dispersions as a method of tuning is demonstrated. This work illustrates an extremely anisotropic low dimensional heterostructure platform to confine and configure electromagnetic waves at the deep‐subwavelength scales for a range of IR applications including sensing, nano‐imaging, and on‐chip photonics.
Ethosomal Nanoformulations for Combinational Photothermal Therapy of Fungal Keratitis
Authors: Sushma Mudigunda V , Sankaranarayanan Sri Amruthaa , Bantal Veeresh , Pemmaraju Deepak B , Rengan Aravind Kumar
Published: March 2023

Fungal keratitis/mycotic keratitis or keratomycosis, is characterized by the inflammation of underlying stroma of corneal epithelium due to fungal infection. Multi‐drug resistance and subsequent recurrence of infection limits the clinical outcomes of anti‐fungal agents such as Amphotericin B and Natamycin; and therefore, demands research on newer anti‐microbial strategies. In this study, the authors have synthesized and characterized ethosomes (IAEs) encapsulating a NIR dye, Indocyanine green (ICG), and an anti‐fungal drug, Amphotericin B, for a combinational photothermal therapy of fungal keratitis. The in vitro anti‐fungal efficacy of the IAEs is validated against Candida albicans by colony formation assay, calcofluor staining, and SEM analysis. The results indicate that the IAEs, upon NIR irradiation, displays a synergistic anti‐fungal efficacy. The IAEs are highly biocompatible when tested using a human corneal epithelial (HCE) cell line model (in vitro) and a Draize eye test model in rabbits (in vivo). Further, it is observed that the IAEs,upon NIR laser exposure significantly eliminate the fungal infection in rat model of occular fungal keratitis. The research indicates that the IAEs nano‐formulation exhibits a synergistic and sustained anti‐fungal effect paving its way for further translation from bench to bedside for the efficient management of fungal keratitis.
Computing the Lattice Thermal Conductivity of Small‐Molecule Organic Semiconductors: A Systematic Comparison of Molecular Dynamics Based Methods
Authors: Vercouter Alexandre , Lemaur Vincent , Melis Claudio , Cornil Jérôme
Published: March 2023

While the Green‐Kubo and non‐equilibrium molecular dynamics methods have been compared quite extensively to calculate the thermal conductivity in inorganic compounds, there is currently a lack of comparison of these algorithms with the more recently developed approach‐to‐equilibrium molecular dynamics (AEMD) method for other types of materials such as organic semiconductors. To fill this gap, this article reports a theoretical description of thermal transport in single crystals made of terthiophene as prototypical system based on the three most popular molecular dynamics approaches. A systematic comparison of the computed values of thermal conductivity and its anisotropy is carried out and the strengths and weaknesses associated with each method are discussed. Although the three algorithms give essentially the same trends, this study points to the “AEMD” approach as the most suitable compromise between accuracy and computing cost. On the material aspects, the theoretical modeling yields an anisotropic character of the thermal transport in crystals whose out‐of‐plane thermal conductivity component is approximately twice larger than the in‐plane components. The AEMD approach is further used to investigate the influence of temperature on thermal transport in terthiophene. The trends are utterly rationalized by relying on the concepts of phonon mean free paths and phonon group velocities.
Glutamine Metabolism Underlies the Functional Similarity of T Cells between Nile Tilapia and Tetrapod
Authors: Li Kang , Wei Xiumei , Jiao Xinying , Deng Wenhai , Li Jiaqi , Liang Wei , Zhang Yu , Yang Jialong
Published: March 2023

As the lowest organisms possessing T cells, fish are instrumental for understanding T cell evolution and immune defense in early vertebrates. This study established in Nile tilapia models suggests that T cells play a critical role in resisting Edwardsiella piscicida infection via cytotoxicity and are essential for IgM+ B cell response. CD3 and CD28 monoclonal antibody crosslinking reveals that full activation of tilapia T cells requires the first and secondary signals, while Ca2+–NFAT, MAPK/ERK, NF‐κB, and mTORC1 pathways and IgM+ B cells collectively regulate T cell activation. Thus, despite the large evolutionary distance, tilapia and mammals such as mice and humans exhibit similar T cell functions. Furthermore, it is speculated that transcriptional networks and metabolic reprogramming, especially c‐Myc‐mediated glutamine metabolism triggered by mTORC1 and MAPK/ERK pathways, underlie the functional similarity of T cells between tilapia and mammals. Notably, tilapia, frogs, chickens, and mice utilize the same mechanisms to facilitate glutaminolysis‐regulated T cell responses, and restoration of the glutaminolysis pathway using tilapia components rescues the immunodeficiency of human Jurkat T cells. Thus, this study provides a comprehensive picture of T cell immunity in tilapia, sheds novel perspectives for understanding T cell evolution, and offers potential avenues for intervening in human immunodeficiency.
Evaluation of Hybrid Perovskite Prototypes After 10‐Month Space Flight on the International Space Station
Authors: Delmas William , Erickson Samuel , Arteaga Jorge , Woodall Mark , Scheibner Michael , Krause Timothy S. , Crowley Kyle , VanSant Kaitlyn T. , Luther Joseph M. , Williams Jennifer N. , McNatt Jeremiah , Peshek Timothy J. , McMillon‐Brown Lyndsey , Ghosh Sayantani
Published: March 2023

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as a prominent new photovoltaic material combining a very competitive power conversion efficiency that rivals crystalline silicon with the added benefits of tunable properties for multijunction devices fabricated from solution which can yield high specific power. Perovskites have also demonstrated some of the lowest temperature coefficients and highest defect tolerance, which make them excellent candidates for aerospace applications. However, MHPs must demonstrate durability in space which presents different challenges than terrestrial operating environments. To decisively test the viability of perovskites being used in space, a perovskite thin film is positioned in low earth orbit for 10 months on the International Space Station, which was the first long‐duration study of an MHP in space. Postflight high‐resolution ultrafast spectroscopic characterization and comparison with control samples reveal that the flight sample exhibits superior photo‐stability, no irreversible radiation damage, and a suppressed structural phase transition temperature by nearly 65 K, broadening the photovoltaic operational range. Further, significant photo‐annealing of surface defects is shown following prolonged light‐soaking postflight. These results emphasize that methylammonium lead iodide can be packaged adequately for space missions, affirming that space stressors can be managed as theorized.
Photochemical Decomposition of Y‐Series Non‐Fullerene Acceptors Is Responsible for Degradation of High‐Efficiency Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Tianran , Burlingame Quinn C. , Ivancevic Marko R. , Liu Xiao , Hu Junnan , Rand Barry P. , Loo Yueh‐Lin
Published: March 2023

Organic photovoltaic cells that employ Y‐series non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) have recently achieved impressive power‐conversion efficiencies (>18%). To fulfill their commercial promise, it is important to quantify their operational lifetimes and understand their degradation mechanisms. In this work, the spectral‐dependent photostability of films and solar cells comprising several Y‐series acceptors and the donor polymer PM6 is investigated systematically. By applying longpass filters during aging, it is shown that UV/near‐UV photons are responsible for the photochemical decomposition of Y‐series acceptors; this degradation is the primary driver of early solar cell performance losses. Using mass spectrometry, the vinylene linkage between the core and electron‐accepting moieties of Y‐series acceptors is identified as the weak point susceptible to cleavage under UV‐illumination. Employing a series of device characterization, along with numerical simulations, the efficiency losses in organic photovoltaic cells are attributed to the formation of traps, which reduces charge extraction efficiency and facilitates non‐radiative recombination as the Y‐series acceptors degrade. This study provides new insights for molecular degradation of organic photovoltaic absorber materials and highlights the importance of future molecular design and strategies for improved solar cell stability.
DNA assays for genetic discrimination of threePhragmites australissubspecies in the United States
Authors: Lindsay Denise L. , Guan Xin , Harms Nathan E. , Cronin James T. , Meyerson Laura A. , Lance Richard F.
Published: March 2023

Premise

To genetically discriminate subspecies of the common reed (Phragmites australis), we developed real‐time quantitative (qPCR) assays for identifyingP. australissubsp.americanus,P. australissubsp.australis, andP. australissubsp.berlandieri.

Methods and Results

Utilizing study‐generated chloroplast DNA sequences, we developed three novel qPCR assays. Assays were verified on individuals of each subspecies and against two non‐target species,Arundo donaxandPhalaris arundinacea. One assay amplifies onlyP. australissubsp.americanus, one amplifiesP. australissubsp.australisand/orP. australissubsp.berlandieri, and one amplifiesP. australissubsp.americanusand/orP. australissubsp.australis. This protocol enhances currently available rapid identification methods by providing genetic discrimination of all three subspecies.

Conclusions

The newly developed assays were validated usingP. australissamples from across the United States. Application of these assays outside of this geographic range should be preceded by additional testing.
Exploring students' experiences of technical and vocational learning in University Technical Colleges during the pandemic
Authors: Deepthi Divya , Exley Sonia
Published: March 2023

University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are newly established (since 2010–11) technical and vocational secondary schools in England, catering for young people aged 14–19. The schools focus strongly on delivering vocational, alongside Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)‐focused academic, qualifications. The colleges have been introduced as a new means of improving technical and vocational education and training—a sector which in England has faced problems of low quality and low esteem—and in a wider international context of STEM‐trained worker shortages. University Technical Colleges have been advertised as offering state‐of‐the‐art vocational learning, involving access for students to the latest equipment and technologies in key industrial sectors, alongside extensive project‐based learning in partnership with employers. However, how have UTC students fared in these respects since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and associated lockdowns in 2020? In this paper we report on results from a survey of 252 students across two UTCs in England, exploring the technical and vocational learning experiences of these students during the exceptional 2019–20 academic year. Findings from the survey reveal lost learning and training opportunities during the pandemic, particularly where courses with practical elements relied on specific equipment and facilities that became inaccessible during lockdown. The survey also highlights disruptions to apprenticeship arrangements, work experience plans and other engagement with employers. Students in some instances have been effectively forced to stay on in education owing to reduced apprenticeship and employment opportunities for school‐leavers. We find evidence of students adapting their aspirations and career goals to the new economic circumstances.