bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
¡Quiero ser programadora de contenido en YouTube!
Authors: Clares Gavilán Judith
Published: March 2020

Hace unos meses publiqué un artículo sobre la protección de los menores en internet a raíz de la revisión de la nueva Directiva de Televisión sin Fronteras. En ese artículo prestaba especial atención al contenido audiovisual que los menores tienen a disposición a través de internet y en concreto a través de plataformas abiertas como YouTube. Desde entonces en casa hice algunos cambios en las tabletas, incorporando medidas de control parental. Debo admitir que mi primer impulso fue desinstalar YouTube de la tableta, pero a las pocas horas la app volvía a estar instalada, así que mi siguiente paso fue instalar Youtube Kids.
'Eppur si muove': 10 cosas que pasan en la comunicación científica
Authors: López-Borrull Alexandre
Published: March 2020

A menudo parece que algunos de los pilares de la comunicación científica (como las revistas científicas, la revisión por expertos, los artículos y la evaluación de la calidad) son monolíticos y estancos, que no han evolucionado desde la aparición de las primeras revistas científicas, hace ya más de trescientos cincuenta años. Pero esto no es verdaderamente así. Desde la aparición de internet, viejas y nuevas profecías han anunciado el fin de las revistas y los monopolios editoriales. Muchos vaticinios no se han cumplido y otros acontecimientos que sí han ido teniendo lugar reconfiguran, poco a poco, un sector, un mercado, que está en constante evolución sin prever aún, según mi punto de vista, el punto final, el de llegada. Os planteo diez novedades de los últimos doce meses que pienso que pueden marcar algunas de las tendencias. Como en toda elección, de nuevo, los criterios de selectividad son propios, y no hay un orden de prioridad:
Buenos modales en la mesa
Authors: Estanyol i Casals Elisenda , Medina Xavier
Published: March 2020

La forma como comemos y nos comportamos en la mesa depende de cada cultura y de las costumbres y las tradiciones establecidas. A lo largo de la historia, podemos ver como estas han evolucionado, dando pie a una mayor flexibilización.
'Eppur si muove' (y II): 5 cosas que también pasan en la comunicación científica y 5 visiones de futuro
Authors: López-Borrull Alexandre
Published: March 2020

En mi anterior artículo en esta misma revista describía diez cosas que estaban pasando en el ámbito de la gestión de la información científica que creía que eran relevantes y que nos situaban en una dimensión que parece un preludio para el cambio. Como esas tormentas que se anuncian con pequeños sonidos, pequeños olores y movimientos de los pájaros, parecería que algo está moviéndose, a veces bastante desapercibidamente, a veces de forma más que superficial. En este nuevo artículo, lo que haré será apuntar cinco cosas más que considero que pueden marcar tendencias, y apuntaré cinco conclusiones preliminares de cómo los diferentes actores y productos están evolucionando.
Redes sociales: 'thinkers dead & asshole alive'
Authors: Lara Pablo
Published: March 2020

Atreverse a decir que el mundo es gilipollas y encontrar una respuesta afirmativa en Google con más de 3 millones de resultados en 0,38 segundos nos obliga a reflexionar sobre el momento de falsos positivos que vivimos en la era de la información interpelada por la tecnología.
The landscape of coadaptation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Cui Yujun , Yang Chao , Qiu Hongling , Wang Hui , Yang Ruifu , Falush Daniel
Published: March 2020

Investigating fitness interactions in natural populations remains a considerable challenge. We take advantage of the unique population structure of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a bacterial pathogen of humans and shrimp, to perform a genome-wide screen for coadapted genetic elements. We identified 90 interaction groups (IGs) involving 1,560 coding genes. 82 IGs are between accessory genes, many of which have functions related to carbohydrate transport and metabolism. Only 8 involve both core and accessory genomes. The largest includes 1,540 SNPs in 82 genes and 338 accessory genome elements, many involved in lateral flagella and cell wall biogenesis. The interactions have a complex hierarchical structure encoding at least four distinct ecological strategies. One strategy involves a divergent profile in multiple genome regions, while the others involve fewer genes and are more plastic. Our results imply that most genetic alliances are ephemeral but that increasingly complex strategies can evolve and eventually cause speciation.
The membrane periodic skeleton is an actomyosin network that regulates axonal diameter and conduction
Authors: Costa Ana Rita , Sousa Sara C , Pinto-Costa Rita , Mateus José C , Lopes Cátia DF , Costa Ana Catarina , Rosa David , Machado Diana , Pajuelo Luis , Wang Xuewei , Zhou Feng-quan , Pereira António J , Sampaio Paula , Rubinstein Boris Y , Mendes Pinto Inês , Lampe Marko , Aguiar Paulo , Sousa Monica M
Published: March 2020

Neurons have a membrane periodic skeleton (MPS) composed of actin rings interconnected by spectrin. Here, combining chemical and genetic gain- and loss-of-function assays, we show that in rat hippocampal neurons the MPS is an actomyosin network that controls axonal expansion and contraction. Using super-resolution microscopy, we analyzed the localization of axonal non-muscle myosin II (NMII). We show that active NMII light chains are colocalized with actin rings and organized in a circular periodic manner throughout the axon shaft. In contrast, NMII heavy chains are mostly positioned along the longitudinal axonal axis, being able to crosslink adjacent rings. NMII filaments can play contractile or scaffolding roles determined by their position relative to actin rings and activation state. We also show that MPS destabilization through NMII inactivation affects axonal electrophysiology, increasing action potential conduction velocity. In summary, our findings open new perspectives on axon diameter regulation, with important implications in neuronal biology.
A dynamic charge-charge interaction modulates PP2A:B56 substrate recruitment
Authors: Wang Xinru , Garvanska Dimitriya H , Nasa Isha , Ueki Yumi , Zhang Gang , Kettenbach Arminja N , Peti Wolfgang , Nilsson Jakob , Page Rebecca
Published: March 2020

The recruitment of substrates by the ser/thr protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is poorly understood, limiting our understanding of PP2A-regulated signaling. Recently, the first PP2A:B56 consensus binding motif, LxxIxE, was identified. However, most validated LxxIxE motifs bind PP2A:B56 with micromolar affinities, suggesting that additional motifs exist to enhance PP2A:B56 binding. Here, we report the requirement of a positively charged motif in a subset of PP2A:B56 interactors, including KIF4A, to facilitate B56 binding via dynamic, electrostatic interactions. Using molecular and cellular experiments, we show that a conserved, negatively charged groove on B56 mediates dynamic binding. We also discovered that this positively charged motif, in addition to facilitating KIF4A dephosphorylation, is essential for condensin I binding, a function distinct and exclusive from PP2A-B56 binding. Together, these results reveal how dynamic, charge-charge interactions fine-tune the interactions mediated by specific motifs, providing a new framework for understanding how PP2A regulation drives cellular signaling.
A Whirlwind Tour of Some Community-supported Features
Authors: Myers James D.
Published: March 2020

A presentation from the European Dataverse Workshop 2020.
Substrate rugosity and temperature matters: patterns of benthic diversity at tropical intertidal reefs in the SW Atlantic
Authors: Mazzuco Ana Carolina de A. , Stelzer Patricia Sarcinelli , Bernardino Angelo F.
Published: March 2020

Modeling and forecasting ocean ecosystems in a changing world will require advances in observational efforts to monitor marine biodiversity. One of the observational challenges in coastal reef ecosystems is to quantify benthic and climate interactions which are key to community dynamics across habitats. Habitat complexity (i.e., substrate rugosity) on intertidal reefs can be an important variable explaining benthic diversity and taxa composition, but the association between substrate and seasonal variability is poorly understood on lateritic reefs in the South Atlantic. We asked if benthic assemblages on intertidal reefs with distinct substrate rugosity would follow similar seasonal patterns of succession following meteo-oceanographic variability in a tropical coastal area of Brazil. We combined an innovative 3D imaging for measuring substrate rugosity with satellite monitoring to monitor spatio-temporal patterns of benthic assemblages. The dataset included monthly in situ surveys of substrate cover and taxon diversity and richness, temporal variability in meteo-oceanographic conditions, and reef structural complexity from four sites on the Eastern Marine Ecoregion of Brazil. Additionally, correlation coefficients between temperature and both benthic diversity and community composition from one year of monitoring were used to project biodiversity trends under future warming scenarios. Our results revealed that benthic diversity and composition on intertidal reefs are strongly regulated by surface rugosity and sea surface temperatures, which control the dominance of macroalgae or corals. Intertidal reef biodiversity was positively correlated with reef rugosity which supports previous assertions of higher regional intertidal diversity on lateritic reefs that offer increased substrate complexity. Predicted warming temperatures in the Eastern Marine Ecoregion of Brazil will likely lead to a dominance of macroalgae taxa over the lateritic reefs and lower overall benthic diversity. Our findings indicate that rugosity is not only a useful tool for biodiversity mapping in reef intertidal ecosystems but also that spatial differences in rugosity would lead to very distinct biogeographic and temporal patterns. This study offers a unique baseline of benthic biodiversity on coastal marine habitats that is complementary to worldwide efforts to improve monitoring and management of coastal reefs.
Impact of breast surgery on survival of patients with stage IV breast cancer: a SEER population-based propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Lin Yuxiang , Huang Kaiyan , Zeng Qiang , Zhang Jie , Song Chuangui
Published: March 2020

Background

Breast surgery for stage IV breast cancer remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of breast surgery on survival of stage IV breast cancer patients based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2015.

Methods

In total, 13,034 patients were selected and divided into surgery and non-surgery groups. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine factors related to survival. Propensity score matching method was utilized to achieve balanced covariates across different groups. One-to-one (1:1) PSM was conducted to construct a matched sample consisting of pairs of surgery and non-surgery subjects. Breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) of the two groups were assessed by Kaplan–Meier plots and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Stratified analysis according to different variables was also performed.

Results

Patients treated with breast surgery were more likely to be younger, smaller tumor size, more advanced nodal status, higher histology grade and higher proportion of bone-only metastasis. Those who received chemotherapy and radiotherapy also tended to be treated with surgery. After adjustment for potential confounders, breast surgery group exhibited a better survival both in BCSS (HR = 0.557, 95% CI [0.523–0.594], p < 0.001) and OS (HR = 0.571, 95% CI [0.537–0.607], p < 0.001). After propensity score matching, the surgery and non-surgery group consisted of 2,269 patients respectively. The median survival time was 43 months for the surgery group and 27 months for the non-surgery group. Kaplan–Meier curves indicated that breast surgery could clearly improve both the BCSS and OS for patients with stage IV breast cancer. On multivariate analysis, surgery group was associated with a better survival compared with the non-surgery group (BCSS: HR = 0.542, 95% CI [0.499–0.589], p < 0.001; OS: HR = 0.555, 95% CI [0.512–0.601], p < 0.001). Furthermore, this survival advantage persisted in all subgroups irrespective of age, race, tumor size, nodal status, histology grade, molecular subtype, chemotherapy status, radiotherapy status or status of distant metastasis.

Conclusion

Our study provided additional evidence that patients with stage IV breast cancer could benefit from breast surgery and it might play a more important role in multimodality therapy.
Icariin affects cell cycle progression and proliferation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells via enhancing expression of H19
Authors: Zhang Yibing , Li Min , Han Xue
Published: March 2020

Background

Aberrant proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells under pathologic condition results in the occurrence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Icariin (ICA)-a flavonol glucoside-has been shown to inhibit proliferation of many cell types, but the effect on RPE cells is unknown. This study aimed to clarify the inhibitory effects of ICA on RPE cells against platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced cell proliferation, and discuss the regulatory function of H19 in RPE cells.

Methods

MTS assay was conducted to determine the effects of ICA on cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to detect cell cycle progression. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot assay were used to measure the expression patterns of genes in RPE cells.

Results

ICA significantly suppressed PDGF-BB-stimulated RPE cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, since administration of ICA induced cell cycle G0/G1 phase arrest, the anti-proliferative activity of ICA may be due to G0/G1 phase arrest in RPE cells. At molecular levels, cell cycle regulators cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6, p21 and p53 were modulated in response to treatment with ICA. Most importantly, H19 was positively regulated by ICA and H19 depletion could reverse the inhibitory effects of ICA on cell cycle progression and proliferation in PDGF-BB-stimulated RPE cells. Further mechanical explorations showed that H19 knockdown resulted in alternative expressions levels of cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6, p21 and p53 under ICA treatment.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that ICA was an effective inhibitor of PDGF-BB-induced RPE cell proliferation through affecting the expression levels of cell cycle-associated factors, and highlighted the potential application of ICA in PVR therapy. H19 was described as a target regulatory gene of ICA whose disruption may contribute to excessive proliferation of RPE cells, suggesting that modulation of H19 expression may be a novel therapeutic approach to treat PVR.
The combined effects of temperature and aromatase inhibitor on metamorphosis, growth, locomotion, and sex ratio of tiger frog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) tadpoles
Authors: Tang Yun , Chen Zhi-Qiang , Lin You-Fu , Chen Jing-Yi , Ding Guo-Hua , Ji Xiang
Published: March 2020

Background

The tiger frog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) is widely raised by many farms in southern region of China as an economically edible frog. The growth, development, and sexual differentiation of amphibians are influenced by temperature and steroid hormone level. However, the problem of hormone residues is caused by the addition of exogenous hormones in frog breeding, it is worth considering whether non-sterol aromatase inhibitors can be used instead of hormones.

Methods

In our study,H. rugulosustadpoles were subjected to two water temperatures (29 °C and 34 °C) and three letrozole concentrations in the feed (0, 0.1 and 1 mg/g) to examine the effects of temperature, aromatase inhibitor and their interaction on metamorphosis, locomotion, and sex ratios. AG-test and contingency table were used to analyze the metamorphosis rate of tadpoles and the survival rate of froglets after feeding for 90 days. AG-test was also used to analyze sex ratios in different treatment groups.

Results

Metamorphosis time and body size (snout–vent length, body mass and condition factor) were significantly different between the two temperature treatments. Metamorphosis time was longer and body size was increased at 29 °C compared to those at 34 °C. Letrozole concentration and the temperature × letrozole interaction did not affect these variables. The jumping distance of froglets following metamorphosis was positively associated with the condition factor; when controlling for condition factor, jumping distance was not affected by temperature, letrozole concentration and their interaction. Temperature and letrozole concentration also did not affect metamorphosis and survival rate. Sex ratio of the control group (0 mg/g letrozole) was 1:1 at 29 °C, but there were more males at 34 °C. The sex ratios ofH. rugulosustreated with letrozole at 29 °C and 34 °C were significantly biased toward males, and male ratio increased as letrozole concentration increased. Furthermore, more males were produced at 34 °C than at 29 °C at each letrozole concentration.
Identification of key gene modules and hub genes of human mantle cell lymphoma by coexpression network analysis
Authors: Guo Dongmei , Wang Hongchun , Sun Li , Liu Shuang , Du Shujing , Qiao Wenjing , Wang Weiyan , Hou Gang , Zhang Kaigang , Li Chunpu , Teng Qingliang
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare and aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is incurable with standard therapies. The use of gene expression analysis has been of interest, recently, to detect biomarkers for cancer. There is a great need for systemic coexpression network analysis of MCL and this study aims to establish a gene coexpression network to forecast key genes related to the pathogenesis and prognosis of MCL.

Methods

The microarray dataset GSE93291 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We systematically identified coexpression modules using the weighted gene coexpression network analysis method (WGCNA). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis were performed on the modules deemed important. The protein–protein interaction networks were constructed and visualized using Cytoscape software on the basis of the STRING website; the hub genes in the top weighted network were identified. Survival data were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and were compared using the log-rank test.

Results

Seven coexpression modules consisting of different genes were applied to 5,000 genes in the 121 human MCL samples using WGCNA software. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis identified the blue module as one of the most important modules; the most critical pathways identified were the ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation and proteasome pathways. The hub genes in the top weighted network were regarded as real hub genes (IL2RB, CD3D, RPL26L1, POLR2K, KIF11, CDC20, CCNB1, CCNA2, PUF60, SNRNP70, AKT1 and PRPF40A). Survival analysis revealed that seven genes (KIF11, CDC20, CCNB1, CCNA2, PRPF40A, CD3D and PUF60) were associated with overall survival time (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The blue module may play a vital role in the pathogenesis of MCL. Five real hub genes (KIF11, CDC20, CCNB1, CCNA2 and PUF60) were identified as potential prognostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets with clinical utility for MCL.
Effect of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Kinetin on Seed Germination of Sesbania sesban L. and Sesbania rostrata L. (Fabaceae)
Authors: Mensah S. I. , Ekeke C. , Ibeagi N. K.
Published: March 2020

We investigated the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) and kinetin on seed germination of S. sesban L. and S. rostrata L. The matured seeds used for this study were obtained from International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, Nigeria. The seeds were harvested in 2014 and stored dry in a glass container and kept (15°C) in the refrigerator. The viability of the seeds were determined by floating the intact seeds in water and water uptake (imbibition) was carried out. Four replicates of 20 seeds per replicate were germinated and the seeds observed daily and final count was recorded after 14 days of incubation at 30°C. Intact seeds were soaked in gibberellic acid (GA3) and kinetin for 24h and germination percentage taken. The results from the water absorption demonstrated that the seeds of S. rostrata is more permeable compared to S. sesnban as indicated by higher water absorption of seeds of S. rostrata (70%) to S. sesban (25.4%) after 24hrs of incubation. The anatomy of the seed coats indicated the presence of water and gas impermeable tissues namely cuticle, macrosclereids, osteosclereids and disintegrated parenchyma layer. Generally, 0.1 mM kinetin and GA3 enhanced significant germinations compared to the control with 0% germination for the 14 days period of germination. The percentage germination of seeds of S. sesban and S. rotrata subjected to different treatments and germinated in 0.1 mM GA3 and water showed a progressive decrease in germination. From our study, 0.1 mM GA3 and Kinetin significantly enhanced seed germination of S. sesban and S. rostrata.
Dust Pollution Reduced Stomatal Conductance and Photosynthetic Pigments of Selected Medicinal Plants Growing at Lokpa Ukwu Quarry Site in Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbonna C. E. , Nwafor F. I. , Nweze N. O.
Published: March 2020

Aims: We investigated the influence of dust pollution on stomatal conductance and photosynthetic pigments in some medicinal plants growing at Lokpa Ukwu quarry site, Abia State, Nigeria.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from Lokpa Ukwu, Abia State while laboratory analyses were carried out in the Department of Pharmacognosy and Environmental Medicines, University of Nigeria, Nsukka between February and April, 2019.

Methodology: A total of nine (9) plants were sampled for the study. Leaf epidermises were prepared by clearing method and stomata were observed and studied quantitatively. Stomatal conductance was estimated from the anatomical variables following standard procedures. Total chlorophyll and β-carotene contents were also analysed and compared with control groups.

Results: We observed some physiological changes in the plants from dust-polluted site such as stretched epidermal cells, deformed stomata and plasmolysed guard cells. It reduced the potential conductance indices (PCI) of the plants by 87.4% in Aspilia africana and 67% in Chromolaena odorata. The least reduction in PCI was observed in Celosia trigyna (7.2%). Operating conductance (gop) and maximum conductance (gmax) were reduced by 69.2% and 72.3% in C. odorata and A. africana respectively. Celosia trigyna was least affected with percentage reductions of 18.3% and 1.4% for gop and gmax respectively. Reduction in PCI and gmax followed the order: C. trigyna ˂ C. papaya ˂ P. discoideus ˂ D. oliveri ˂ T. rhomboidea ˂ T. orientalis ˂ V. doniana ˂ C. odorata ˂ A. africana. Total chlorophyll and β-carotene contents were reduced the most in V. doniana (45.73%) and C. odorata (40.31%) respectively and least reduced in T. orientalis by 19.54% and 13.24% respectively.

Conclusion: Our findings validate previous reports of negative effects of dust pollution from quarry industries on both humans and plants alike.
Serodetection Bovine Herpesvirus Types 1, 4 and Bovine Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 Infections in Milk of Cows with Clinical Mastitis Based in Dairy Cattle Management in Turkey
Authors: Celik Bayram , Kale Mehmet
Published: March 2020

Aims: The present study aimed to Searching Bovine Herpesvirus Types 1, 4 and Bovine Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 Infections in Milk of Cows with Clinical Mastitis Based in Dairy Cattle Managements.

Study Design: In 35 managements around Burdur region, milk of 123 cows with clinical mastitis was searched for Bovine Herpesvirus Types 1 (BHV-1), 4 (BHV-4) and Bovine Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (BPIV-3) infections.

Results: In the study, the highest seropositivity was detected against BPIV-3. The highest seropositivity on infection distribution according to age was found against every four viruses in animals within the three-year-old group. The highest seropositivity in this group and other age groups was detected against BPIV-3. Seropositivity against these viruses was found in the highest right anterior one and the lowest left posterior one out of determined udder lobes. The highest seropositivity was found in semi-outdoor managements with concrete and dirty grounds where cleaning/disinfection of teats before and after milking was performed, mastitis treatment and viral vaccination was not applied, the ground of stable was cleaned monthly, only feces was collected from the grounds, water was used for cleaning of milking machines and hands and iodised disinfectant was used. During udder inspection evaluation of animals with clinical mastitis, the highest seropositivity was detected in the ones having normal udder, teat and skin appearance. Out of udder and teat skin lesions, the highest seropositivity was found in crushed ones. In the evaluation of udder palpation in animals with clinical mastitis, the highest seropositivity was detected in the ones with teat tissue thickening and with elastic teat sinuses and lobes. In the milk of these animals, the highest seropositivity was found in the ones showing coagulation.

Conclusion: It was stated that viruses took a vital part in clinical mastitis cases, the structure, practice, cleaning and disinfection of managements was really important, udder and teat skin lesions, tissue thickening, elastic teat sinuses and lobes and coagulation of milk was also crucial. Besides, the appearance of udder, teat and skin was not relevant.
Effect of Drilling Wastes on Urease Activities and Substrate Induced Respiration (SIR) in Wetland Soil of Delta and Bayelsa States, South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Mirinn E. , Berezi E. P. , Nwauche K. T.
Published: March 2020

The effect of drilling waste on urease activities and substrate-induced respiration in wetland soil of Niger Delta of Nigeria was investigated, using Fadama, mangrove and meander soils respectively. Urease activity and substrate-induced respiration (SIR) were measured after 1, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 105 and 140 days of incubation to evaluate the effects of drilling waste on soil biochemical perimeters. Results obtained indicated that Fadama soil urease activities varied from 13.5 to 2.10 mg NH4 – Hg-1 dry soil in drilling waste. Mangrove soil varied from 13.5 to 2.22 mg NH4 – Ng-1 dry soil in drilling waste. Meander soil activities varied from 14.7 to 3.10 mg NH4 – Ng-1 dry soil in drilling waste. Also, the substrate-induced respiration in Fadama and mangrove soil range from 2.05 to 0.05 ml CO2 kg-1 24 h-1 in drilling waste respectively. Analysis of enzyme activities indicated positive relationship between urease activities and SIR (r = 0.78, p < 0.05 Fadama (r = 1, P < 0.05 Mangrove) and (r = 0.83, P < 0.05 Meander). There was also a positive relationship between 5%, 10% and 15% treatment levels in Fadama, meander and mangrove soils.
Development of a Virtual Faculty Network Using Flipgrid
Authors: Quimba Maria , Lee Pascale
Published: March 2020

The new landscape of contingent employment in higher education has presented unique challenges for educational institutions preparing working professionals to assume roles as educators. Unlike their traditional counterparts, adjunct faculty possess disciplinary knowledge and expertise but lack formal, academic preparation for teaching (Anderson, 2009; Cangelosi, Crocker, & Sorrell, 2009; Girard, 2003; Spencer, 2013). Consequently, adjunct faculty require additional tools for on-going development and to feel connected to the organization (AACN, 2017; McDonald, 2010). Such faculty supports influence employee motivation and workplace engagement (Bauer, 2011; Meixner, Kruck, & Madden, 2010) and are positively correlated with job satisfaction and organizational commitment (Gappa, 2000; Lew, 2009). To address the complex needs of adjunct nursing and health professions faculty, the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has implemented an approach to faculty development using Flipgrid, a video discussion platform. Most commonly used in K-12 education as a learning tool for students, the platform was “flipped” to engage adjunct faculty across health disciplines in a virtual faculty network. Twelve faculty participated in a beta test over the course of a semester to evaluate accessibility, functionality, and overall usefulness of the platform to influence faculty engagement. Results were consistent with the literature pertaining to faculty work engagement (Forbes, Hickey, & White 2010; McDonald, 2010; Raman, 2015). Faculty reported that the professional development activity promoted a sense of community among educators and encouraged collaboration. Ability to engage in meaningful dialog, outside of traditional meetings, was reported as a major theme influencing the sharing of best practices.
Preparing Psychology Undergraduates for the Future
Authors: Terry Laura , Chesniak-Phipps Laura
Published: March 2020

The American Psychological Association (APA) separates student learning outcomes into two categories: foundational and baccalaureate. Foundational outcomes are generally built into the lower level course curriculum of the major and typically include an introductory course as well as a methods course (American Psychological Association, 2013). Baccalaureate indicators include specific expectations that a student who does not plan to continue their education needs in order to perform in the field at the completion of the bachelor’s degree (APA, 2013). In 2014, when a programmatic review was conducted on the undergraduate psychology program, a need for change was identified to ensure the program aligned to guidelines set forth by the APA for undergraduate programs. The guidelines help to confirm that students are prepared for a career in the field or graduate school. For this reason, changes to the curriculum included the addition of a foundational course focusing on research, Introduction to Psychological Research and Ethics. To ensure relevancy, a Cognitive Neuroscience course was added to the program. Finally, baccalaureate courses are to incorporate “expectations for performance at the completion of the major” for students who plan to further their education and for those who do not (APA, 2013, p. 4). For this reason, a Professional Capstone Project course was added to the program. With instructor guidance, the capstone course provides students the opportunity to explore and solidify choices post-graduation. This course has been successful; therefore, it has been used as a model to create capstone courses in other disciplines in the college (Freeman, 2012). However, improvements can still be made to ensure that students are prepared to transition to life post-graduation.

Keywords: professional capstone, undergraduate, psychology, career preparation
Reflective Practice on Social Loafing in College-Level Group Projects
Authors: Sherif Dalia
Published: March 2020

While reflecting on my teaching strategies and researching social loafing for my dissertation, I realized this endeavor has given me a stronger grasp of the pedagogical approaches to facilitate cooperative learning. Observing, sharing, and reflecting on specific social loafing experiences using Gibbs’ reflective framework allowed me, with time, to better conceptualize the dynamics of university-level group projects. Leveraging my experience and insightful research analysis on group dysfunctionalities inside and outside the classroom has gradually reshaped my understanding of the social loafing phenomenon. Nurturing my professional development through this reflective practice allowed me to create an ongoing coaching relationship with students (and later with faculty), and to generate a list of best practices for cooperative learning that can result in higher group achievements and improved learning outcomes.

Key words: Teaching, learning, Graham Gibbs’ reflective framework, reflective practice, social loafing, team-based learning, cooperative learning, groups, teams, John Dewey reflective theory, group projects, Stephen Brookfield lenses.
Ripples of Change in Honduran Communities
Authors: Seeley Charles , Florentina Sierra Solórzano Elida , Ramirez Karen , Alvarez Osorno Norbertina , Maldonado Mary , Garcia Lenis
Published: March 2020

Electronic news media from around the world declare the problem: “Honduran migrant group treks north as US calls for tighter borders” (Palencia, 2018), and “Trump warns Honduras over migrant caravan now in Guatemala” (Perez, 2018). Thousands flee poverty and crime in Honduras to pursue the dream of a better life in the US; a life that few of these determined migrants will ever enjoy. While it is commendable that news outlets highlight this dire situation, few will publish stories of those who remain in Honduras, overcome the day-to-day challenges, and take steps to change their lives, the lives of family members, the lives of community members, and ultimately the country of Honduras. This community engagement portfolio fills a gap in the literature and in the global news media. This paper describes a portfolio of community engagement initiatives that begins at The Leadership Center in rural Honduras with ripples continuing out to communities across Honduras. Three graduates and two students of The Leadership Center serve as co-authors on this paper, telling their personal stories and the stories of their engagement in their communities.
Postdoctoral Research and Informal Mentoring: A Reflective Inquiry
Authors: Van Lieu Sandi , Li Manyu
Published: March 2020

This article reflects on an informal mentoring project that took place between an established faculty member with grant-writing and research experience and another faculty member who was finishing her doctoral degree and had no experience in applying for grants or submitting to peer-reviewed publications. After the project, the doctoral student reflected on her experience using Graham Gibbs’ reflective model and discovered why this mentor/mentee relationship was effective despite the fact that all communication took place via email. The results were the authors concluding how important mentorships are for doctoral students.
The Role of Value Judgment in Congruent Personalities, Trait Authenticity, and Authentic Leadership
Authors: North Malcolm , Nelson Julie , Hurst Clifford
Published: March 2020

Research in value-behavior relations has yet to explore the role of value judgment in predicting authentic trait and behaviors. This study explored how individual value orientation and judgment relate to psychological maturity in the development of an authentic and congruent personality. A regression analysis with 346 working professionals examined if value judgment predicts psychological congruence and authenticity in personal and professional contexts. In addition, the relationship between value judgment and trait authenticity in 157 working adults and 83 supervisors from education, health, and non-profit organizations in the U.S was explored. Value judgment was measured by two profiles of the Hartman Value Profile (HVP), a judgment profiling instrument delineating the thinking, evaluation, problem-solving patterns, and orientation in 52 indices in personal (HVPII) and social domains (HVPI). Trait authenticity was measured with the Authenticity Scale (AS) comprising of three subscales measuring authentic living, self-alienation, and capacity to resist external influence. Support was found for all hypotheses testing for associations between value judgment and authenticity, and if value judgment predicted psychological congruence and authentic leadership and further identifies the type of value judgment used in the constructs of congruence and authenticity.
Cold-Related Deaths in the US
Authors: Liu Michael , Patel Vishal R. , Wadhera Rishi K.
Published: December 2024

This study examines trends in cold-related mortality overall and by demographic characteristics between 1999 and 2022 in the US.
Trends in Private Equity Acquisition of Pain Management Practices
Authors: Bejarano Geronimo , Eubanks James E. , Braun Robert T.
Published: December 2024

This cross-sectional study of US health care market databases examines geographic patterns in the acquisition of pain management practices by private equity.
Prenatal Tobacco Exposure, Brain Subcortical Volumes, and Gray-White Matter Contrast
Authors: Puga Troy B. , Doucet Gaelle E. , Thiel Grace E. , Theye Elijah , Dai Hongying Daisy
Published: December 2024

Importance

Maternal tobacco use during pregnancy (MTDP) remains a major public health challenge. However, the complete spectrum of effects of MTDP is not fully understood.

Objectives

To examine the longitudinal associations of MTDP and children’s brain morphometric subcortical volume and gray-white matter contrast (GWC) development.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Cohort study of children aged 9 to 10 years at wave 1 (October 2016 to October 2018) and at a 2-year follow-up (wave 2; August 2018 to January 2021; aged 11-12 years) across 21 US sites in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Data were analyzed from October 2023 to October 2024.

Exposure

MTDP.

Main outcomes and measures

Morphometric brain measures of subcortical volume and GWC.

Results

Among the 11 448 children (51.5% male; 13.1% Black; 24.0% Hispanic; and 52.9% White) at wave 1, 1607 (16.6%; 95% CI, 13.0%-20.2%) were identified with MTDP exposure. At wave 1, children with MTDP exposure (vs no exposure) exhibited lower GWC in widespread brain regions primarily located in the frontal (eg, superior frontal; regression coefficient [B] = −0.0019; SE, 0.0006; P = .004), parietal (eg, supramarginal; B = −0.0021; SE, 0.0007; P = .002) and temporal lobes (eg, middle temporal; B = −0.0024; SE, 0.0007; P < .001). These differences in GWC continued to be significant at wave 2. In regard to subcortical volume, children with MTDP exposure demonstrated smaller volume of the lateral ventricle (B = −257.5; SE, 78.6; P = .001) and caudate (B = −37.7; SE, 14.0; P = .01) in the left hemisphere at wave 1, and lower volume of the caudate in both left (B = −48.7; SE, 15.9; P = .002) and right hemisphere (B = −45.5; SE, 16.1; P = .01) at wave 2.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that MTDP exposure was associated with lower GWC across the whole cortex and smaller caudate nuclei volume compared with no exposure, signifying the importance of preventing MTDP and necessitating further research on this topic.
Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Executive Function in Children Who Snore
Authors: Yu Phoebe K. , Cook Kaitlyn , Tapia Ignacio E. , Ross Kristie R. , Ibrahim Sally , Amin Raouf , Ishman Stacey L. , Hassan Fauziya , Chervin Ronald D. , Liu Christopher , Mitchell Ron B. , Stone Laura , Taylor H. Gerry , Radcliffe Jerilynn , Redline Susan , Baldassari Cristina M.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Mild sleep-disordered breathing (mSDB) in children is associated with both neurobehavioral morbidity and reduced quality of life (QOL). However, the association between symptom burden and QOL with executive function is not well understood, and it is not known whether QOL and symptom burden may help identify children with neurocognitive dysfunction.

Objective

To assess associations among executive function, QOL, and symptom burden in children with mSDB.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of the multicenter Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy Trial for Snoring, which included children aged 3 to 12 years randomized to watchful waiting or adenotonsillectomy for mSDB (snoring and an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index <3) between June 29, 2016, and February 1, 2021. The data for this report were analyzed between December 22, 2020, and October 3, 2024.

Exposure

Pediatric mSDB.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Quality of life was assessed using the Obstructive Sleep Apnea–18 (OSA-18), and symptom burden was assessed using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire–Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder Scale (PSQ-SRBD). Executive function, including self-control and working memory, was measured using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Global Executive Composite (BRIEF GEC), and inhibitory control and sustained attention were measured by the GoNoGo vigilance test. Partial Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression models were used to assess the associations among QOL, symptoms, and executive function.

Results

The sample included 459 children (mean [SD] age, 6.1 [2.3] years; 230 female [50.1%]). Moderate correlations were found between the BRIEF GEC and the PSQ-SRBD and OSA-18 (r = 0.58 [95% CI, 0.51-0.64] and 0.59 [95% CI, 0.52-0.64], respectively). After adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, body mass index percentile, household income, maternal education, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, test characteristics, and disease severity, both OSA-18 and PSQ-SRBD scores were associated with the BRIEF GEC (β = 0.41 [95% CI, 0.36-0.47] and 3.66 [95% CI, 3.17-4.15], respectively). In the fully adjusted model, PSQ-SRBD was also associated with GoNoGo inhibitory control (β = −0.04 [95% CI, −0.08 to −0.01]) and sustained attention (β = −0.05 [95% CI, −0.10 to −0.01]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, disease-specific QOL and symptom burden were associated with executive function in children with mSDB. These findings may be useful in identifying those children who are at risk for neurocognitive dysfunction.
Engineered Bacteria Manipulate Cysteine Metabolism to Boost Ferroptosis‐Based Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Therapy
Authors: Qiao Chaoqiang , Wang Lexuan , Huang Chuting , Jia Qian , Bao Weier , Guo Peilin , Tan Dengxu , Chen Zhuang , Shi Changhong , Rao Zhiping , Zhang Ruili , Wei Wei , Wang Zhongliang
Published: December 2024

Cysteine metabolism is a key determinant of the defense against ferroptosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Blocking cysteine metabolism may trigger potent ferroptosis in PDAC cells by generating lipid peroxides during tumor metabolic processes. However, current methods to limit cysteine availability fall short, failing to efficiently block cysteine metabolism due to inadequate tumor targeting and compensatory cysteine sources. Inspired by sulfur‐metabolizing bacteria, synthetic biology to develop an engineered bacterium capable of directly depleting cysteine to block its metabolism is used. Acting as a living drug, these engineered bacteria colonize the tumor and continuously produce engineered cyst(e)inase enzyme (CGL) under the stimulation of tumor hypoxia. The CGL exhausts the substrate cysteine, completely impeding cysteine metabolism. This process dismantles the ferroptosis defense system in PDAC cells, triggers potent ferroptosis, and achieves efficient treatment. The results demonstrate that engineered bacteria designed for cysteine metabolism modulation possess unparalleled advantages in efficacy, persistence, and precision in blocking cysteine metabolism, making them highly suitable for effective ferroptosis treatment of PDAC.
Molecular Imaging of Ovarian Follicles and Tumors With Near‐Infrared II Bioconjugates
Authors: Wang Yicong , Lu Wenhan , Chen Zi‐Han , Xiao Yan , Wang Yu , Gao Wenhao , Wang Zhiming , Song Ruihu , Fang Zhao , Hu Wei , Tong Xiaoyu , Lee Kuinyu , Pei Zhenle , Xu Minzhen , Zhang Fan , Chen Hao , Feng Yi
Published: December 2024

Follicular tracking is typically conducted using ultrasound technology, but its effectiveness is constrained by limited resolution. High‐resolution imaging of deep tissues can be accomplished using luminescence imaging in the near‐infrared II window (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm); however, the contrast agents that are used lack specificity. Here, it is reported that the FDA‐approved indocyanine green (ICG)‐conjugated recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) protein can target early follicles with long‐term effectiveness. A novel high‐resolution NIR‐II imaging approach is developed for monitoring follicular development as well as ovulation using multi‐color imaging of ovarian vessels with a combination of non‐overlapping downconversion nanoparticles (DCNPs). The results showed that the ability to monitor early follicles of around 50 µm in diameter exceeded the spatial and temporal resolution of ultrasound or MRI without the reproductive damage associated with computed tomography radiation, and this enabled the clinical identification of the follicular reserve in patients with infertility diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In addition, NIR‐II imaging clearly targeted ovarian tumors and showed micro‐metastatic lesions, thus providing a new tool for monitoring tumors in vivo and guiding surgical resection.
Transport of Hydrogen Through Anion Exchange Membranes in Water Electrolysis
Authors: Klinger Andre , Strobl Oscar , Michaels Hannes , Kress Michael , Martic Nemanja , Maltenberger Anna , Britton Benjamin , Belletti Andrew , Eichel Rüdiger‐A. , Schmid Guenter
Published: December 2024

The transport of hydrogen through an anion‐exchange membrane (AEM) is analyzed by in‐line product gas analysis in a large dynamic range (0.1–2 Acm−2) at ambient pressure and correlated to ex situ membrane properties, including volumetric electrolyte uptake, dimensional swelling and diffusivities. A commercial AF3‐HWK9‐75‐X membrane from Ionomr Innovations Inc. is characterized and employed in a 25 cm2 electrolyzer cell, which is operated for 56 h at 60 °C in 1 M KOH solution. A model of the membrane is developed, based on a combination of existing theoretical knowledge regarding liquid electrolytes and measured properties of the membrane. The model is employed to quantify the transport parameters through the membrane and the porous electrode. The hydrogen transport through the membrane is 770 times slower than through the electrode. The anion‐exchange membrane permits a low degree of gas crossover, with a hydrogen‐in‐oxygen concentration of at 2 Acm−2. The model indicates that modifying the membrane's microstructure has a more pronounced effect on the gas crossover than altering the swollen thickness. A correlation is derived to estimate the polymer diffusivity from the derived effective diffusivity through the membrane, which allows the determination of preferred membrane properties to lower hydrogen crossover.
Disulfide Exchange Reactions: The Bridge Between Processability, Performance, and High‐Throughput Recyclability in Crosslinked Elastomers
Authors: Garfias Karla , Odelius Karin , Hakkarainen Minna
Published: December 2024

Developing crosslinked elastomers that are easily produced and easily recyclable is complex, usually requiring a compromise between performance and recyclability. However, combining reversible exchange reactions together with phase separation phenomena appears as a promising approach. Herein, a simple and up‐scalable extrusion process is proposed, involving commercial maleated ethylene propylene rubber (EPRgMA), maleated polypropylene (PPgMA), and a suitable crosslinker. It is shown that a crosslinker enabling disulfide exchange reactions can provide local and long‐range rearrangements required for extrusion, yielding a robust crosslinked blend (BlendSS) with strength of 15 MPa and an impressive elongation of 1000%. Moreover, the presence of the disulfide crosslinker provided the required fast exchanges for three repetitive recycling cycles by extrusion with close to 80% retention of initial properties. In comparison, the use of a crosslinker without the capability to establish reversible reactions (BlendCC), yielded crosslinked blends of marginal compatibility, strength of 4 MPa and only 40% elongation. The absence of reversible reactions restricted chain rearrangements and consecutive recycling is only possible by compression molding. The recycled blends presented even lower compatibility, elasticity and thermomechanical performance, demonstrating that the proper design of interfacial interactions between PPgMA and EPRgMA can build a bridge between processability, performance, and high‐throughput recyclability.