bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metoder för återkoppling – en kraftfull professionskunskap för matematikundervisning inom vuxenutbildningen
Authors: Pettersson Annika , Liljekvist Yvonne
Published: December 2023

Matematik är ett ämne som många elever studerar inom kommunal vuxenutbildning. Det är samtidigt det ämne inom vuxenutbildningen som har flest avhopp, lägst betyg och högst andel underkända. I denna studie arbetar en yrkesverksam lärare och en forskare tillsammans för att öka kunskapen om hur metoder för återkoppling kan påverka både elevers lärande och lärares undervisning inom vuxenutbildningen. Specifikt studeras hur vuxna elevers engagemang och studieteknik påverkas av två olika metoder för återkoppling. Studien är ett aktionsforskningsprojekt, som tar sin utgångspunkt i en pågående praktik, där läraren under flera år har utvecklat och testat olika metoder för återkoppling. Resultatet visar att metoderna stödjer lärares arbete i den komplexa undervisningssituation som vuxenundervisning innebär. Metoderna verkar även stödja elevernas lärande när de används frekvent och systematiskt i undervisningen, och verkar vara gynnsamt för engagemang och studieteknik.

ENGLISH:

Methods for feedback: A powerful professional knowledge for teaching mathematics in adult education

Mathematics is a subject that many students study in municipal adult education. Still, it is the subject in adult education that has the most dropouts, the lowest grades and the highest percentage of failing grades. In this study, a professional teacher and a researcher work together to increase knowledge about how feedback methods can affect both student's learning och teacher's teaching in adult education. How adult students' commitment and study techniques are affected by two different methods of feedback is studied specifically. The study is an action research project, taking starting point in an ongoing practice, where the teacher has developed and tested different methods for feedback over several years. The results show that the methods support teachers' work in the complex teaching situation that adult education entails. The methods also seem to support student learning when they are used frequently and systematically, and seem to be beneficial for engagement and study techniques.

Keywords: Adult learning, Feedback, Responsive teaching
Design för kontextualiserad grammatikundervisning
Authors: Strandberg Agnes , Lundström Stefan
Published: December 2023

Den här artikeln utgår från en designbaserad forskningsansats där forskare och lärare i samverkan har skapat och genomfört kontextualiserad grammatikundervisning. I artikeln analyseras vilka förutsättningar som designelementen induktiva arbetssätt, diskussion, visualisering och integrering skapar för att arbeta med gymnasieelevers metalingvistiska förståelse. Materialet består av fokusgruppsamtal med lärarna, elevenkäter och observationsanteckningar av forskaren. Den kvalitativa innehållsanalysen visar att den öppna ingång som de induktiva gruppövningarna innebar, skapade goda förutsättningar för att tala om språkets form och funktion, men också att den utmanade lärarens roll som kunskapsförmedlare. Användningen av färgkoder i undervisningen visade sig även fungera som ett gemensamt språk när elever är i färd med att utveckla metalingvistisk förståelse. Grammatikens integrering till andra innehållsmoment i svenskundervisningen skapade slutligen ett helhetsperspektiv på språket och därmed svenskämnet.
ANÁLISIS CONTRASTIVO DE LA INVITACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL Y EN CHINO
Authors: Liu Wenying
Published: December 2023

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo hacer un análisis contrastivo del acto de habla de invitación en español y en chino, basándose en la pragmática intercultural. Concretamente, indagamos tanto las diferentes estrategias que emplean los hablantes nativos españoles y chinos cuando realizan el acto de habla de invitación como los factores socioculturales subyacentes. Como resultado del análisis, se observan diferencias notables en el uso de los marcadores de apertura, los actos nucleares, las modificaciones internas, los movimientos de apoyo y la insistencia en invitación en ambas comunidades. En líneas generales, podemos concluir que los hablantes nativos de español son más sensibles al parámetro de la distancia relacional, en tanto que los hablantes nativos de chino son más susceptibles al parámetro de poder social.
RELACIÓN ENTRE EL SEXO Y LAS ESTRUCTURAS NARRATIVAS EN EL CORPUS PRESEEA-MEDELLÍN
Authors: Cediel Gómez Yulia Katherine
Published: December 2023

Este texto hace parte de una investigación doctoral acerca de las estructuras narrativas y las estrategias evaluativas utilizadas por los hablantes medellinenses. La metodología es mixta, se trabaja con el subcorpus de narrativas construido para la investigación a partir de la extracción de narrativas presentes en el Corpus Sociolingüístico de Medellín, el cual se enmarca en el proyecto PRESEEA; la unidad de análisis es la cláusula y se tiene como referente principal para el análisis la sociolingüística laboviana. Los resultados obtenidos hasta el momento dan cuenta de la existencia de patrones narrativos diferentes al patrón clásico y la influencia de las variables de sexo, edad, nivel de estudios y clase social en la construcción de las narrativas. En este texto se presentan, exclusivamente, las diferencias, de acuerdo con la variable sexo, entre las estructuras de las narrativas extraídas de la sección de Familia y Amistad de las entrevistas. Se identificaron cuatro patrones narrativos presentes en los textos estudiados, a saber, patrón cronológico, patrón clásico, patrón cronológico con orientación dispersa y patrón cronológico con evaluación dispersa. Se concluye que la variable sexo afecta la estructuración de las narrativas en términos de número de cláusulas, dado que los hombres presentan un promedio más alto que las mujeres, y en patrones narrativos, ya que el patrón cronológico con orientación dispersa solo es usado por las hablantes.
VISUALIZANDO EL CONFLICTO DISCURSIVO A TRAVÉS DE LA EXPRESIÓN FÓNICA: UN ESTUDIO A PARTIR DE DOS CONVERSACIONES
Authors: Estellés Arguedas Maria
Published: December 2023

El presente analisis estudia la variación fónica en conversaciones conflictivas y, a partir de dos conversaciones espontáneas del corpus ESPRINT_VLC, y utilizando el pitch y la dirección de los intercambios como indicadores, presenta dos métodos de visualización. Los gráficos de dispersión con Z-Scores permiten rastrear anomalías fónicas en el tiempo, identificando acumulaciones de tonos altos o bajos y correlacionándolos con eventos conversacionales significativos. Los diagramas de red ilustran la interacción entre hablantes, incluyendo la tendencia de cada participante a modificar su pitch y la duración de sus turnos, proporcionando una "radiografía" de las conversaciones Así, la metodología propuesta tiene aplicaciones en terapia de conflictos y comunicación intercultural, puesto que permite detectar patrones conversacionales e interactivos, como el de ‘perseguidor’ y ‘evitador’, que se relacionan con dinámicas interaccionales negativas.
Silencing long-descending inter-enlargement propriospinal neurons improves hindlimb stepping after contusive spinal cord injuries
Authors: Shepard Courtney T , Brown Brandon L , Van Rijswijck Morgan A , Zalla Rachel M , Burke Darlene A , Morehouse Johnny R , Riegler Amberly S , Whittemore Scott R , Magnuson David SK
Published: December 2023

Spinal locomotor circuitry is comprised of rhythm generating centers, one for each limb, that are interconnected by local and long-distance propriospinal neurons thought to carry temporal information necessary for interlimb coordination and gait control. We showed previously that conditional silencing of the long ascending propriospinal neurons (LAPNs) that project from the lumbar to the cervical rhythmogenic centers (L1/L2 to C6), disrupts right-left alternation of both the forelimbs and hindlimbs without significantly disrupting other fundamental aspects of interlimb and speed-dependent coordination (Pocratsky et al., 2020). Subsequently, we showed that silencing the LAPNs after a moderate thoracic contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) resulted in better recovered locomotor function (Shepard et al., 2021). In this research advance, we focus on the descending equivalent to the LAPNs, the long descending propriospinal neurons (LDPNs) that have cell bodies at C6 and terminals at L2. We found that conditional silencing of the LDPNs in the intact adult rat resulted in a disrupted alternation of each limb pair (forelimbs and hindlimbs) and after a thoracic contusion SCI significantly improved locomotor function. These observations lead us to speculate that the LAPNs and LDPNs have similar roles in the exchange of temporal information between the cervical and lumbar rhythm generating centers, but that the partial disruption of the pathway after SCI limits the independent function of the lumbar circuitry. Silencing the LAPNs or LDPNs effectively permits or frees-up the lumbar circuitry to function independently.
Zn2+ is essential for Ca2+ oscillations in mouse eggs
Authors: Akizawa Hiroki , Lopes Emily M , Fissore Rafael A
Published: December 2023

Changes in the intracellular concentration of free calcium (Ca2+) underpin egg activation and initiation of development in animals and plants. In mammals, the Ca2+ release is periodical, known as Ca2+ oscillations, and mediated by the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1). Another divalent cation, zinc (Zn2+), increases exponentially during oocyte maturation and is vital for meiotic transitions, arrests, and polyspermy prevention. It is unknown if these pivotal cations interplay during fertilization. Here, using mouse eggs, we showed that basal concentrations of labile Zn2+ are indispensable for sperm-initiated Ca2+ oscillations because Zn2+-deficient conditions induced by cell-permeable chelators abrogated Ca2+ responses evoked by fertilization and other physiological and pharmacological agonists. We also found that chemically or genetically generated eggs with lower levels of labile Zn2+ displayed reduced IP3R1 sensitivity and diminished ER Ca2+ leak despite the stable content of the stores and IP3R1 mass. Resupplying Zn2+ restarted Ca2+ oscillations, but excessive Zn2+ prevented and terminated them, hindering IP3R1 responsiveness. The findings suggest that a window of Zn2+ concentrations is required for Ca2+ responses and IP3R1 function in eggs, ensuring optimal response to fertilization and egg activation.
The reciprocal regulation between mitochondrial-associated membranes and Notch signaling in skeletal muscle atrophy
Authors: Ito Yurika , Yamagata Mari , Yamamoto Takuya , Hirasaka Katsuya , Nikawa Takeshi , Sato Takahiko
Published: December 2023

Skeletal muscle atrophy and the inhibition of muscle regeneration are known to occur as a natural consequence of aging, yet the underlying mechanisms that lead to these processes in atrophic myofibers remain largely unclear. Our research has revealed that the maintenance of proper mitochondrial-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAM) is vital for preventing skeletal muscle atrophy in microgravity environments. We discovered that the deletion of the mitochondrial fusion protein Mitofusin2 (MFN2), which serves as a tether for MAM, in human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells or the reduction of MAM in differentiated myotubes caused by microgravity interfered with myogenic differentiation process and an increased susceptibility to muscle atrophy, as well as the activation of the Notch signaling pathway. The atrophic phenotype of differentiated myotubes in microgravity and the regenerative capacity of Mfn2-deficient muscle stem cells in dystrophic mice were both ameliorated by treatment with the gamma-secretase inhibitor DAPT. Our findings demonstrate how the orchestration of mitochondrial morphology in differentiated myotubes and regenerating muscle stem cells plays a crucial role in regulating Notch signaling through the interaction of MAM.
Shared structure facilitates working memory of multiple sequences
Authors: Huang Qiaoli , Luo Huan
Published: December 2023

Daily experiences often involve the processing of multiple sequences, yet storing them challenges the limited capacity of working memory (WM). To achieve efficient memory storage, relational structures shared by sequences would be leveraged to reorganize and compress information. Here, participants memorized a sequence of items with different colors and spatial locations and later reproduced the full color and location sequences one after another. Crucially, we manipulated the consistency between location and color sequence trajectories. First, sequences with consistent trajectories demonstrate improved memory performance and a trajectory correlation between reproduced color and location sequences. Second, sequences with consistent trajectories show neural reactivation of common trajectories, and display spontaneous replay of color sequences when recalling locations. Finally, neural reactivation correlates with WM behavior. Our findings suggest that a shared common structure is leveraged for the storage of multiple sequences through compressed encoding and neural replay, together facilitating efficient information organization in WM.
On the pH-dependence of α-synuclein amyloid polymorphism and the role of secondary nucleation in seed-based amyloid propagation
Authors: Frey Lukas , Ghosh Dhiman , Qureshi Bilal M , Rhyner David , Guerrero-Ferreira Ricardo , Pokharna Aditya , Kwiatkowski Witek , Serdiuk Tetiana , Picotti Paola , Riek Roland , Greenwald Jason
Published: December 2023

The aggregation of the protein α-synuclein is closely associated with several neurodegenerative disorders and as such the structures of the amyloid fibril aggregates have high scientific and medical significance. However, there are dozens of unique atomic-resolution structures of these aggregates, and such a highly polymorphic nature of the α-synuclein fibrils hampers efforts in disease-relevant in vitro studies on α-synuclein amyloid aggregation. In order to better understand the factors that affect polymorph selection, we studied the structures of α-synuclein fibrils in vitro as a function of pH and buffer using cryo-EM helical reconstruction. We find that in the physiological range of pH 5.8–7.4, a pH-dependent selection between Type 1, 2, and 3 polymorphs occurs. Our results indicate that even in the presence of seeds, the polymorph selection during aggregation is highly dependent on the buffer conditions, attributed to the non-polymorph-specific nature of secondary nucleation. We also uncovered two new polymorphs that occur at pH 7.0 in phosphate-buffered saline. The first is a monofilament Type 1 fibril that highly resembles the structure of the juvenile-onset synucleinopathy polymorph found in patient-derived material. The second is a new Type 5 polymorph that resembles a polymorph that has been recently reported in a study that used diseased tissues to seed aggregation. Taken together, our results highlight the shallow amyloid energy hypersurface that can be altered by subtle changes in the environment, including the pH which is shown to play a major role in polymorph selection and in many cases appears to be the determining factor in seeded aggregation. The results also suggest the possibility of producing disease-relevant structure in vitro.
Comparative analysis of mitogenomes among three species of grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acridoidea: Gomphocerinae) and their phylogenetic implications
Authors: Wang Li , Chen Jianyu , Xue Xiaobao , Qin Guoqing , Gao Yuanyi , Li Kai , Zhang Yulong , Li Xin-Jiang
Published: December 2023

Whole mitochondrial genomes have been widely used in phylogenetic analysis, population genetics and biogeography studies. This study sequenced and characterized three complete mitochondrial genomes (Dasyhippus peipingensis, Myrmeleotettix palpalis, Aeropedellus prominemarginis) and determined their phylogenetic position in Acrididae. The length of the mitochondrial genomes ranged from 15,621–15,629 bp and composed of 13 PCGs, 2 rRNA, 22 tRNA genes and an AT control region. The arrangement and structure of the mitochondrial genomes were similar to those of other invertebrates. Comparative genomics revealed that the three mitochondrial genomes were highly conserved in terms of gene size, structure, and codon usage, all PCGs were purified selections with an ATN start codon and a TAN stop codon. All tRNAs could be folded into the typical clover-leaf structure, except tRNA Ser (AGN) that lacked a dihydrouridine (DHU) arm. Phylogenetic analysis based on 13 PCGs of 34 Acrididae species and seven outgroup species revealed that differences in the shape of antennae within the family Acrididae should be given less weight as a taxonomic character for higher-level classification. Moreover, the divergence time estimates indicates that in Gomphocerinae, the species with clubbed antennae were formed within the nearest 18 Mya, and Pacris xizangensis is more ancient.
Effect of Soil Amendments and Nutrient Management on Growth and Growth Attributes of Tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) in the South-Central Laterites (AEU 9) of Kerala, India
Authors: Sreena K. S. , Shalini Pillai P. , Aparna B.
Published: December 2023

The study was conducted to assess the effect of soil amendments and nutrient management on growth and growth attributes of tannia during the period from Feb-Dec 2021 in a farmer’s field (AEU 9) at Kollam district. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with 13 treatments (4 x 3 + 1) and three replications. The treatments included soil amendments [a1: Dolomite (80 g plant-1), a2: Phosphogypsum (50 g plant-1), a3: Compost (1kg plant-1) + dolomite, and a4 : Compost (1kg plant-1)  + phosphogypsum ] and nutrient management [n1: RDN + borax (10 kg ha-1) at 4 MAP + solubor (0.1%) at 5, 6 and 7 MAP, n2: RDN + ZnSO4 (20 kg ha-1) at 4 MAP + ZnSO4 (1%) at 5, 6 and 7 MAP and n3: RDN + borax (10 kg ha-1) + ZnSO4 (20 kg ha-1) at 4 MAP + solubor (0.1%) +  ZnSO4 (1%) at 5,6 and 7 MAP] and control (KAU POP). The soil was sandy loam in texture, strongly acidic in reaction (surface soil-5.45 and sub soil-5.05). Cormel pieces (100 g) of local variety planted with a spacing of 90 x 90 cm. The plant height and number of leaves per plant increased up to 6 MAP, and after that it declined in all the treatments up to harvest. The treatment a4 and n3 resulted in the tallest plants (114.37 cm and 100.06 cm) with more number of leaves per plant (8.34 and 7.20) at 6 MAP. The treatment combination a4n3 recorded higher dry matter production (4.92 t ha-1) which was on par with a4n2, a3n3, and a4n1 and found superior to KAU POP. Subsoil acidity is the most chemical impediment in tuber development. Therefore, improving acidic soil with the right amendments and nutrients was essential for tannia’s growth and development.
The Moon and the Bonfire
Authors: Bradley Richard
Published: December 2023

This volume presents the result of three excavations and two field walking surveys in Aberdeenshire. They were intended to shed new light on the character, chronology and structural development of the distinctive recumbent stone circles which are such a feature of north-east Scotland. Although the monuments share certain elements with other traditions of prehistoric architecture, and, in particular, with the Clava Cairns of the inner Moray Firth, no excavations at these sites had been published since the 1930s and their wider contexts had not been investigated by field survey. The new project took advantage of techniques which had not been used before, including pollen analysis and soil micromorphology, in an attempt to interpret these monuments in their wider chronological and geographical contexts. In that respect this work was the sequel to an earlier investigation of the Clava Cairns.
Concerns That May Limit the Utility of Zuranolone
Authors: Prasad Vinay , Allely David
Published: December 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the evidence base of the US Food and Drug Administration approval of zuranolone.
Trends in Incident Dementia Diagnosis Before and After Medicare Risk Adjustment
Authors: Zissimopoulos Julie M. , Joyce Geoffrey F. , Jacobson Mireille
Published: December 2023

This cohort study examines rates of new diagnosis of Alzheimer disease and related dementias among beneficiaries of Medicare Advantage plans vs traditional Medicare from 2016 through 2020.
SAMHSA issues advisory telling providers to give “low barrier” treatment for SUDs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2023

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which regulates opioid treatment programs (OTPs), buprenorphine prescribing, and funds the block grant for publicly funded treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) has called on providers to make treatment easier to access. In SAMHSA's “Advisory: Low Barrier Models of Care for Substance Use Disorders,” released quietly on Dec. 8, the federal agency said research proves that “low barrier” care — a phrase from advocates who wanted fewer restrictions to buprenorphine (most of which have now been removed) — is effective. The document calls patients “clients” (most of the time), and cites research supporting bridge clinics, syringe services programs, and “culturally responsive and trauma‐informed care.” Although the advisory is not limited to opioids, much of the content, and references, are, with a special focus on buprenorphine. Mutual support organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous, which is free, are not mentioned.
Peer workforce continues to grow, but role not always maximized
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2023

Some might use the term “alphabet soup” or even the more derisive “wild, wild West” to characterize the growth of the peer recovery support workforce in substance use treatment. Amid the array of training and credentialing opportunities offered to individuals who want to give back, but not in a clinician role, it is unmistakable that the peer has become a more influential presence both within and outside of mainstream treatment operations.
Thorough Optimization for Intrinsically Stretchable Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Zheng Xiangjun , Wu Xiaoling , Wu Qiang , Han Yunfei , Ding Guanyu , Wang Yiming , Kong Yibo , Chen Tianyi , Wang Mengting , Zhang Yiqing , Xue Jingwei , Fu Weifei , Luo Qun , Ma Changqi , Ma Wei , Zuo Lijian , Shi Minmin , Chen Hongzheng
Published: December 2023

The development of intrinsically stretchable organic photovoltaics (is‐OPVs) with a high efficiency is of significance for practical application. However, their efficiencies lag far behind those of rigid or even flexible counterparts. To address this issue, an advanced top‐illuminated OPV is designed and fabricated, which is intrinsically stretchable and has a high performance, through systematic optimizations from material to device. First, the stretchability of the active layer is largely increased by adding a low‐elastic‐modulus elastomer of styrene‐ethylene‐propylene‐styrene tri‐block copolymer (SEPS). Second, the stretchability and conductivity of the opaque electrode are enhanced by a conductive polymer/metal (denoted as M‐PH1000@Ag) composite electrode strategy. Third, the optical and electrical properties of a sliver nanowire transparent electrode are improved by a solvent vapor annealing strategy. High‐performance is‐OPVs are successfully fabricated with a top‐illuminated structure, which provides a record‐high efficiency of 16.23%. Additionally, by incorporating 5–10% elastomer, a balance between the efficiency and stretchability of the is‐OPVs is achieved. This study provides valuable insights into material and device optimizations for high‐efficiency is‐OPVs, with a low‐cost production and excellent stretchability, which indicates a high potential for future applications of OPVs.
Conductive Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets Constructed Hierarchical Water Transport Biological Channel for High‐Performance Interfacial Seawater Evaporation
Authors: Qian Yongqiang , Xue Guanfeng , Chen Luzhuo , Xu Gang , Wang Guan‐E
Published: December 2023

Solar interfacial water evaporation shows great potential to address the global freshwater scarcity. Water evaporation being inherently energy intensive, Joule‐heating assisted solar evaporation for addressing insufficient vapor under natural conditions is an ideal strategy. However, the simultaneous optimization of low evaporation enthalpy, high photothermal conversion, and excellent Joule‐heating steam generation within a single material remain a rare achievement. Herein, inspired by the biological channel structures, a large‐area film with hierarchical macro/microporous structures is elaborately designed by stacking the nanosheet of a conductive metal–organic framework (MOF), Ni3(HITP)2, on a paper substrate. By combining the above three features in one material, the water evaporation enthalpy reduces from 2455 J g−1 to 1676 J g−1, and the photothermal conversion efficiency increases from 13.75% to 96.25%. Benefiting from the synergistic photothermal and Joule‐heating effects, the evaporation rate achieves 2.60 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun plus input electrical power of 4 W, surpassing the thermodynamic limit and marking the highest reported value in MOF‐based evaporators. Moreover, Ni3(HITP)2‐paper exhibits excellent long‐term stability in simulated seawater, where no salt crystallization and evaporation rate degradation are observed. This design strategy for nanosheet films with hierarchical macro/microporous channels provides inspiration for electronics, biological devices, and energy applications.
What do we know about the value and market impact of the US Department of Agriculture reports?
Authors: Massa Olga Isengildina , Karali Berna , Irwin Scott H.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review the literature on the value and impact of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports and discuss theoretical issues and empirical evidence. Only a handful of studies provide direct estimates of the welfare benefits of USDA information using a rational expectations framework in storable commodity markets. Most studies examine partial evidence of welfare benefits associated with market response to USDA information. These studies include examinations of the impacts of USDA report releases on cash and futures price volatility and other market dynamics, impacts of report releases on options implied volatility, impacts of unanticipated information in USDA reports, as well as informational value, returns, and survey‐based studies. We discuss the methodological and empirical contributions of these studies as well as their shortcomings and potential opportunities for future work.
Silyloxymethylation of Aryl Halides via Metallaphotoredox Catalyzed Desulfinative Cross‐Coupling with Silyl Rongalite
Authors: Keum Minjung , Kim Dae‐Kwon , Um Hyun‐Suk , Lee Junsang , Lee Chulbom
Published: December 2023

A visible‐light‐triggered silyloxymethylation of aryl halides has been developed by the merger of photoredox and transition metal catalysis. Under the Ru/Ni dual catalytic conditions, sodium tert‐butyl‐dimethylsilyloxymethanesulfinate (SOMS) undergoes facile extrusion of sulfur dioxide to engender a silyloxymethyl radical that engages in the cross‐coupling with a range of aryl halides to produce benzyl silyl ether derivatives. The protocol is also effective with alkenyl halides and triflates, thus offering an efficient synthetic approach to the silyl‐protected allylic alcohols.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Carbonylation of Diarylamines for the Synthesis of Acridone Derivatives
Authors: Guo Wenting , Wu Wenting , Huang Jiali , Zhang Chengyan , Wang Huiyan , Zhou Hualan , Hu Weiming
Published: December 2023

A Pd‐catalyzed oxidative dual C−H carbonylation has been developed starting from commercially available diarylamines, in which the Cr(CO)6 served as a safe carbonyl source. This method provides a facile and atom‐economic approach toward diversified acridone derivatives in moderate to good yields, which features with good functional group compatibility, operational safety and easy scale‐up.
Direct Analysis of Complex Reaction Mixtures: Formose Reaction
Authors: Briš Anamarija , Baltussen Mathieu G. , Tripodi Guilherme L. , Huck Wilhelm T. S. , Franceschi Pietro , Roithová Jana
Published: December 2023

Complex reaction mixtures, like those postulated on early Earth, present an analytical challenge because of the number of components, their similarity, and vastly different concentrations. Interpreting the reaction networks is typically based on simplified or partial data, limiting our insight. We present a new approach based on online monitoring of reaction mixtures formed by the formose reaction by ion‐mobility‐separation mass‐spectrometry. Monitoring the reaction mixtures led to large data sets that we analyzed by non‐negative matrix factorization, thereby identifying ion‐signal groups capturing the time evolution of the network. The groups comprised ≈300 major ion signals corresponding to sugar‐calcium complexes formed during the formose reaction. Multivariate analysis of the kinetic profiles of these complexes provided an overview of the interconnected kinetic processes in the solution, highlighting different pathways for sugar growth and the effects of different initiators on the initial kinetics. Reconstructing the network's topology further, we revealed so far unnoticed fast retro‐aldol reaction of ketoses, which significantly affects the initial reaction dynamics. We also detected the onset of sugar‐backbone branching for C6 sugars and cyclization reactions starting for C5 sugars. This top‐down analytical approach opens a new way to analyze complex dynamic mixtures online with unprecedented coverage and time resolution.
Utilizing the MaxEnt machine learning model to forecast urban heritage sites in the desert regions of southwestern Algeria: A case study in the Saoura region
Authors: Imen Guechi , Halima Gherraz , Ayoub Korichi , Djamel Alkama
Published: December 2023

The Saoura region, a renowned oasis in North Africa with heritage and archaeological significance of both national and universal importance, has witnessed a gradual deterioration over time. This research involves archaeological predictive modelling, aiming to create models capable of predicting the likelihood of discovering archaeological sites, cultural resources or evidence of past landscape use within a specific region. The study specifically focuses on predicting the locations of historical sites in the Sahara Desert, employing the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model and six geo‐environmental criteria, including slope, elevation (digital elevation model [DEM]), distance from water, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), fertility and proximity to palm groves. The research is based on data from 58 historical sites and includes an assessment of the model's accuracy. The study highlights the remarkable significance of the fertility variable, which accounts for 94.1% of the predictive influence, making it the most crucial geo‐environmental factor in forecasting the location of historical sites in the Sahara. This underscores its pivotal role in shaping settlement patterns and subsistence strategies within the region, followed by the distance variable from the palm cove (3.2%) and the distance variable from the river (2.3%). The MaxEnt model proves to be suitable for predicting historical site positions, with an impressive average area under the ROC curve (AUC) score of 0.859, reflecting its effectiveness. Notably, areas with a high prediction probability are predominantly situated near the Saoura Valley. The study's findings hold the potential to assist planners in safeguarding archaeological sites by avoiding areas where historical sites are likely to be present.
Eco‐friendly synchronous fluorescence spectrofluorimetric method for simultaneous determination of montelukast sodium and fexofenadine hydrochloride in their antiallergic rhinitis fixed‐dose combination tablets
Authors: Abdel Hamid Mohamed A. , Mabrouk Mokhtar M. , Michael Mary A.
Published: December 2023

An innovative, simple, accurate, sensitive, and eco‐friendly synchronous fluorescence spectrofluorimetric method has been developed for the simultaneous analysis of montelukast sodium (MON) and fexofenadine hydrochloride (FEX). The method relies on measuring the relative synchronous fluorescence intensity of both drugs using Δλ of 60 nm in methanol at 405 nm for MON and 288 nm for FEX. The experimental parameters influencing the developed method were investigated and optimized. The method was linear over the ranges 0.1–2.0 and 2.0–20.0 μg/ml for MON and FEX, respectively. The limits of detection were 0.018 and 0.441 μg/ml, and the limits of quantitation were 0.055 and 1.336 μg/ml for MON and FEX, respectively. The developed method was applied successfully for the determination of the two drugs in their newly released fixed‐dose combination prescribed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The mean per cent recoveries were found to be 100.680 ± 0.890 and 100.110 ± 0.940 for MON and FEX, respectively. Furthermore, the method was found to be eco‐friendly green as was evaluated according to the Green Analytical Procedure Index tool guidelines and analytical eco‐scale.
The role of tumor‐associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma progression: A narrative review
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Yu Chao , Zhao Siqi , Wang Min , Shang Longcheng , Zhou Jin , Ma Yong
Published: December 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, with complex etiology and mechanism, and a high mortality rate. Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important part of the HCC tumor microenvironment. Studies in recent years have shown that TAMs are involved in multiple stages of HCC and are related to treatment and prognosis in HCC. The specific mechanisms between TAMs and HCC are gradually being revealed. This paper reviews recent advances in the mechanisms associated with TAMs in HCC, concentrating on an overview of effects of TAMs on drug resistance in HCC and the signaling pathways linked with HCC, providing clues for the treatment and prognosis determination of HCC.
The immediate effects of private equity acquisition of urology practices on the management of newly diagnosed prostate cancer
Authors: Faraj Kassem S. , Kaufman Samuel R. , Herrel Lindsey A. , Maganty Avinash , Oerline Mary , Caram Megan E. V. , Shahinian Vahakn B. , Hollenbeck Brent K.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Some worry that physician practices acquired by private equity may increase the use of services to maximize revenue. We assessed the effects of private equity acquisition on spending, use of treatment, and diagnostic testing in men with prostate cancer.

Methods

We used a 20% sample of national Medicare claims to perform a retrospective cohort study of men with prostate cancer diagnosed from 2014 through 2019. The primary outcome was prostate cancer spending in the first 12 months after diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included the use of treatment and a composite measure of diagnostic testing (e.g., imaging, genomics) in the first 12 months after diagnosis. Multilevel modeling was used to adjust for differences in patient and market characteristics. The effect of practice acquisition on each outcome was assessed using a difference‐in‐differences design.

Results

There were 409 and 4021 men with prostate cancer managed by urologists in acquired and nonacquired practices, respectively. After acquisition, prostate cancer spending was comparable between acquired and nonacquired practices (difference‐in‐differences estimate $1182, p = 0.36). Acquisition did not affect the use of treatment (difference‐in‐differences estimate 3.7%, p = 0.30) or the use of diagnostic testing in men who were treated (difference‐in‐differences −5.5%, p = 0.12) and those managed conservatively (difference‐in‐differences −2.0%, p = 0.82).

Conclusions

In the year following acquisition of urology practices, private equity did not increase prostate cancer spending, the use of treatment or diagnostic testing in men with prostate cancer. Future work should evaluate the effects of private equity acquisition on practice patterns and quality over a longer time horizon.
A Series of Biguanide Ligands and Their Cu(II) Complexes: Cholinesterase Inhibitory and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Ballı Julide Nacaroglu , Gungor Ozge , Kose Muhammet
Published: December 2023

In this work, a series of biguanide hydrochloride salts and their Cu(II) complexes were synthesized and screened for their acetyl/butyryl choline esterase inhibitory and antimicrobial properties. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterised by common spectroscopic and analytical methods. Biguanide compounds showed considerably lower inhibitory activity compared to the reference drugs donepezil and galantamine. On the other hand, complexation of the biguanide compounds with Cu(II) resulted in dramatic increase in the inhibitory activity. The Cu(II) complexes showed AChE inhibitory activity with the IC50 values of 21.29±0.95–82.53±0.20 μM and those values are comparable to that of donepezil (IC50: 18.54±1.03 μM). The synthesised compounds were also screened for their antimicrobial activity towards gram positive (+) and gram negative (−) bacteria. Compounds (12.50 mg/mL) showed important antibacterial properties with inhibition zones of 8–28 mm diameter against gram‐positive and gram‐negative microorganisms. Compounds A03 and A08 exhibited more antimicrobial properties towards E. coli than standard antibiotics amikacin and gentamicin.
Extracellular vesicles from oral mucosa stem cells promote lipid raft formation in human microglia through TLR4, P2X4R, and αVβ3/αVβ5 signaling pathways
Authors: Romenskaja Diana , Jonavičė Ugnė , Tunaitis Virginijus , Pivoriūnas Augustas
Published: December 2023

Targeting of disease‐associated microglia represents a promising therapeutic approach that can be used for the prevention or slowing down neurodegeneration. In this regard, the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) represents a promising therapeutic approach. However, the molecular mechanisms by which EVs regulate microglial responses remain poorly understood. In the present study, we used EVs derived from human oral mucosa stem cells (OMSCs) to investigate the effects on the lipid raft formation and the phagocytic response of human microglial cells. Lipid raft labeling with fluorescent cholera toxin subunit B conjugates revealed that both EVs and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by more than two times increased lipid raft formation in human microglia. By contrast, combined treatment with LPS and EVs significantly decreased lipid raft formation indicating possible interference of EVs with the process of LPS‐induced lipid raft formation. Specific inhibition of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) with anti‐TLR4 antibody as well as inhibition of purinergic P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) with selective antagonist 5‐BDBD inhibited EVs‐ and LPS‐induced lipid raft formation. Selective blockage of αvβ3/αvβ5 integrins with cilengitide suppressed EV‐ and LPS‐induced lipid raft formation in microglia. Furthermore, inhibition of TLR4 and P2X4R prevented EV‐induced phagocytic activity of human microglial cells. We demonstrate that EVs induce lipid raft formation in human microglia through interaction with TLR4, P2X4R, and αVβ3/αVβ5 signaling pathways. Our results provide new insights about the molecular mechanisms regulating EV/microglia interactions and could be used for the development of new therapeutic strategies against neurological disorders.
Percutaneous coronary intervention with ridaforolimus eluting‐stents in small vessel coronary artery disease
Authors: Arow Ziad , Konigstein Maayan , Vaknin‐Assa Hana , Witberg Guy , Jonas Michael , Kerner Arthur , Cafri Carlos , Rubinshtein Ronen , Segev Amit , Roguin Ariel , Issever Melek Ozgu , Gabarin Mustafa , Pereg David , Assali Abid , Koifman Edward
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The ridaforolimus‐eluting stent (RES) system uses a novel cobalt alloy‐based coronary stent with a durable elastomeric polymer eluting ridaforolimus.

Aim of study

To assess the safety and efficacy of small diameter (2.25 mm) RES (EluNIR) in small coronary artery disease.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter, single‐arm, open‐label clinical trial. Clinical follow‐up was performed at 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year after the procedure. Target lesions were located in native coronary arteries or bypass graft conduits, with visually estimated diameter of ≥2.25 mm to ≤2.5 mm. The primary endpoint was combined device success, defined as final in‐stent residual diameter stenosis <30%, without 30‐day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

A total of 81 patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty‐three patients (28%) had acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at presentation and 37 (46%) had prior myocardial infarction (MI). Most of the target lesions were located in the circumflex coronary artery (44%) and were classified as B2/C grade according to the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology classification. The final mean minimal lumen diameter, mean reference vessel diameter, and mean residual percent diameter stenosis were 2.0 ± 0.2 mm, 2.3 ± 0.1 mm, and 14 + 6.6%, respectively. The primary endpoint of device success without 30‐day MACE was achieved in 98.8% of the patients. Target lesion failure (TLF) at 6 months was 1.2%. Thirty‐day and 1‐year MACE rates were 1.2% and 2.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

The EluNIR 2.25 mm stent shows excellent results in small coronary artery disease and adds another tool in the treatment of this complex lesion type.
n‐Type Fullerene‐Carbon Dots: Synthesis and Electrochemical and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Ferrer‐Ruiz Andrés , Moreno‐Naranjo Juan Manuel , Rodríguez‐Pérez Laura , Ramírez‐Barroso Sergio , Martín Nazario , Herranz María Ángeles
Published: December 2023

The covalent incorporation of C60 and C70 derivatives of the well‐known n‐type organic semiconductor PCBM ([6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester) onto carbon dots (CD) is described. Morphological and structural characterization reveal combined features of both pristine starting materials (CD and PCBM). Electrochemical investigations evidenced the existence of additional reduction processes to that of CD or PCBM precursors, showing rich electron‐acceptor capabilities, with multistep processes in an affordable and narrow electrochemical window (ca. 1.5 V). Electronic communication in the obtained nanoconjugated species were derived from steady‐state absorption and emission spectroscopies, which showed bathochromically shifted absorptions and emissions well entering the red region. Finally, the lower fluorescence quantum yield of CD‐PCBM nanoconjugates, compared with CD, and the fast decay of the observed emission of CD, support the existence of an electronic communication between both CD and PCBM units in the excited state.
Structural Impact of N‐terminal Pyroglutamate in an Amyloid‐β(3‐42) Fibril Probed by Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Gardon Luis , Becker Nina , Gremer Lothar , Heise Henrike
Published: December 2023

Extracellular amyloid‐β (Aβ) plaques, primarily formed by Aβ(1‐40) and Aβ(1‐42) fibrils, are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The Aβ peptide can undergo a high variety of different post‐translational modifications including formation of a pyroglutamate (pGlu, pE) at N‐terminal Glu3 or Glu11 of truncated Aβ(3‐x) or Aβ(11‐x), respectively. Here we studied structural similarities and differences between pEAβ(3‐42) and LS‐shaped Aβ(1‐42) fibrils grown under identical conditions (pH 2) using solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. We show that the central region of pEAβ(3‐42) fibrils including the turn region around V24 is almost identical to Aβ(1‐42) showing similar β‐strands also at the N‐terminus. The missing N‐terminal residues D1‐A2 along with pE3 formation in pEAβ(3‐42) preclude a salt bridge between K28‐D1' as in Aβ(1‐42) fibrils. G37 and G38 act as highly sensitive internal sensors for the modified N‐terminus, which remains rigid over ~five pH units.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction of a Cyclic Zinc(II) Porphyrin Trimer with an Encapsulated Rhenium(I) Bipyridine Tricarbonyl Complex
Authors: Kuramochi Yusuke , Tanahashi Kotaro , Satake Akiharu
Published: December 2023

We previously reported a cyclic Zn(II) porphyrin trimer in which three Zn porphyrins are alternately bridged by three 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) moieties, enabling the encapsulation of metal complexes within the nanopore formed by the Zn porphyrins. In this study, we introduced a [Re(CO)3Br] fragment into one of the bpy moieties of the cyclic trimer to form the catalytic Re(4,4’‐R2‐bpy)(CO)3Br center (R=methyl ester). The ester groups (R) play an important role in the synthesis of the cyclic structure. However, it was observed that these ester groups significantly deactivated the photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction. Therefore, we converted the ester groups with a suitable reducing reagent into hydroxymethyl groups, followed by acetylation to form acetoxymethyl groups. This modification remarkably enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the cyclic trimer=Re complex system for CO2 reduction. Moreover, in the modified system, the presence of the Re complex induced room‐temperature phosphorescence of the Zn porphyrin. The phosphorescence was significantly quenched by 1,3‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole, indicating that efficient electron transfer mediated by the excited triplet state of the Zn porphyrin occurs during the photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Towards Amplified Probing of Weak Intermolecular Interactions on the External Surfaces of Molecular Capsules
Authors: Lagerna Oleksandra , Shivanyuk Alexander , Dolgonos Grygoriy A. , Shishkina Svetlana , Kienko Tetyana , Poyarkov Alexey , Tarchuk Ivanna , Lukin Oleg , Fetyukhin Volodymyr
Published: December 2023

We report a sensitive method for comparing weak interactions between aryl rings located on the external surfaces of equilibrating homo‐ and heterodimeric capsules. Two identical self‐complementary resorcin[4]arene tetrabenzoate molecules and one tetramethylammonium cation form in CDCl3 hydrogen‐bonded homodimeric capsules whose exteriors are decorated with four tight pairs of weakly interacting aryl rings. The pair wise mixing of six different homodimers establishes their equilibria with the corresponding heterodimeric species in which two types of aryl rings exert on each other some gentle forces. This equilibrium is significantly shifted either towards homo‐ or heterodimers depending on the nature and location of the substituents in the weakly interacting aryl rings. The thermodynamic favorability or disadvantage of the heterodimerization is determined by stronger or weaker aryl‐aryl attractions in the hetero‐ or homodimeric capsules, respectively. The four‐fold amplification of weak aryl‐aryl interactions on the external surfaces of the equilibrating capsules is responsible for high sensitiveness of our approach.