bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Civics curriculum in Arab schools: Teachers facing ethical and ideological dilemmas in the classroom
Authors: Halabi Rabah 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe goal of this research is to gain an understanding of how Arab civics teachers in Israel teach material that is inconsistent with their beliefs and aspirations. To this end, I conducted qualitative research employing interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings show that different teachers find different ways to deal with the challenge. One group of teachers concentrates on teaching the programme as it is in order to avoid getting into trouble. Another group cautiously introduces creative strategies to expose the students to the Arab narrative that does not appear in the programme. A third group deals with the challenge directly.
Cross polarization conversion metasurface for fixed wireless and ku‐band applications
Authors: Abdullah  , Kamal Babar , Ullah Sadiq , Khan Bilawal , Ali Horia , Rahim Tariq 
Published: November 2021

SummaryA dual broadband cross‐polarization‐conversion (CPC) metasurface is designed, simulated, fabricated and results are experimentally verified. The designed patch of metasurface unit cell is composed of a triangular loop connected with two arcs at both ends. The metasurface is made of 44 × 44 unit cells arranged periodically on 1.6‐mm‐thick FR4 dielectric substrate, backed by a metallic copper sheet as a reflector surface on the back side of the dielectric substrate. The surface achieves CPC in two bands (7–8.5 GHz) and (13–19 GHz), in the microwave regime. The simulation results show that the polarization conversion ratio (PCR) is almost 90% for both x polarized (TM) and y polarized (TE) electromagnetic (EM) waves. The proposed metasurface is fabricated on 308 × 308 mm2 FR4 substrate plane. The simulated results are validated and are found in close covenant with the measured results.
Foundations of form and function: A synthesis‐based curriculum for introductory‐level organismal biology
Authors: Kloepper Laura N. , Young Vanessa K Hilliard 
Published: November 2021

AbstractFirst‐year majors organismal biology courses are frequently taught as survey courses that promote memorization rather than synthesis of biological concepts. To address the shortcomings of this approach, we redesigned the organismal portion of our introductory biology curriculum to create a “Foundations of Form and Function” course. Foundations of Form and Function introduces different organismal forms and focuses on the relationship between those forms and the execution of key physiological functions. Goals of our new course include the following: developing student recognition of common characteristics that unite living organisms as well as features that distinguish taxonomic groups, facilitating student understanding of how organisms accomplish similar functions through different forms, and reinforcing course themes with independent student research. In this paper, we describe course learning outcomes, organization, content, assessment, and laboratory activities. We also present student perspectives and outcomes of our course design based on data from four years of student evaluations. Finally, we explain how we modified our course to meet remote learning and social‐distancing challenges presented by the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
Larval sites of the mosquito Aedes aegypti formosus in forest and domestic habitats in Africa and the potential association with oviposition evolution
Authors: Xia Siyang , Dweck Hany K. M. , Lutomiah Joel , Sang Rosemary , McBride Carolyn S. , Rose Noah H. , Ayala Diego , Powell Jeffrey R. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAdaptations to anthropogenic domestic habitats contribute to the success of the mosquito Aedes aegypti as a major global vector of several arboviral diseases. The species inhabited African forests before expanding into domestic habitats and spreading to other continents. Despite a well‐studied evolutionary history, how this species initially moved into human settlements in Africa remains unclear. During this initial habitat transition, African Ae. aegypti switched their larval sites from natural water containers like tree holes to artificial containers like clay pots. Little is known about how these natural versus artificial containers differ in their characteristics. Filling this knowledge gap could provide valuable information for studying the evolution of Ae. aegypti associated with larval habitat changes. As an initial effort, in this study, we characterized the microenvironments of Ae. aegypti larval sites in forest and domestic habitats in two African localities: La Lopé, Gabon, and Rabai, Kenya. Specifically, we measured the physical characteristics, microbial density, bacterial composition, and volatile chemical profiles of multiple larval sites. In both localities, comparisons between natural containers in the forests and artificial containers in the villages revealed significantly different microenvironments. We next examined whether the between‐habitat differences in larval site microenvironments lead to differences in oviposition, a key behavior affecting larval distribution. Forest Ae. aegypti readily accepted the artificial containers we placed in the forests. Laboratory choice experiments also did not find distinct oviposition preferences between forest and village Ae. aegypti colonies. These results suggested that African Ae. aegypti are likely generalists in their larval site choices. This flexibility to accept various containers with a wide range of physical, microbial, and chemical conditions might allow Ae. aegypti to use human‐stored water as fallback larval sites during dry seasons, which is hypothesized to have initiated the domestic evolution of Ae. aegypti.
Influence of pH value and salts on the adsorption of lysozyme in mixed‐mode chromatography
Authors: Kreusser Jannette , Jirasek Fabian , Hasse Hans 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMixed‐mode chromatography (MMC) is an interesting technique for challenging protein separation processes which typically combines adsorption mechanisms of ion exchange (IEC) and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC). Adsorption equilibria in MMC depend on multiple parameters but systematic studies on their influence are scarce. In the present work, the influence of the pH value and ionic strengths up to 3000 mM of four technically relevant salts (sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, ammonium chloride, and ammonium sulfate) on the lysozyme adsorption on the mixed‐mode resin Toyopearl MX‐Trp‐650M was studied systematically at 25℃. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms at pH 5.0 and 6.0 were measured and compared to experimental data at pH 7.0 from previous work. For all pH values, an exponential decay of the lysozyme loading with increasing ionic strength was observed. The influence of the pH value was found to depend significantly on the ionic strength with the strongest influence at low ionic strengths where increasing pH values lead to decreasing lysozyme loadings. Furthermore, a mathematical model that describes the influence of salts and the pH value on the adsorption of lysozyme in MMC is presented. The model enables predicting adsorption isotherms of lysozyme on Toyopearl MX‐Trp‐650M for a broad range of technically relevant conditions.
Highly efficient reduction of CO2 by magnesium and calcium hydride producing H2‐mixed CH4: Effect of the particle size and the molar ratio of reactant
Authors: Wang Jin‐Peng , Mao Guo‐Cui , Zhao Juan , Wei Yin‐Fan , Liu Wen‐Long , Teng Yun‐Lei 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the reduction of CO2 using magnesium and calcium hydride (AeH2, Ae = Mg or Ca), in the process of which clean H2‐mixed CH4 fuel is produced. The result of this investigation shows that the particle size of AeH2 and AeH2/CO2 molar ratio can greatly affect the molar percentage value and reaction yield of methane. In general, the magnesium or calcium hydride as‐milled for 2 hr is enough active for reduction of CO2 to CH4. When the molar ratio of AeH2/CO2 is set to 2:1, the methanation effect is optimal for both reaction systems. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An investigation of Fe‐Ti, V in the north‐east Karbi Hills, Shillong Plateau, north‐east India: Implication for mineralization
Authors: Majumdar Dilip , Gogoi Abhijit , Ghatak Arundhuti 
Published: November 2021

The Kulamati gabbro‐anorthosite complex in the Karbi Hills of the Shillong Plateau, north‐east India is a newly discovered stratified Fe‐Ti‐V‐bearing magmatic body that has been classified as a titano‐magnetite ore. The host gabbro‐anorthosite is found intruded into the Mesoproterozoic Shillong Group. The stratified Fe‐Ti‐V oxide body consists mostly of magnetite‐rich and magnetite‐poor layers. The magnetite‐rich bands are composed of titanomagnetite, haematite, ilmenite, and coulsonite with minor Al‐spinel, while the mineral constituents of silicate bands contain plagioclase, clinopyroxene, olivine, apatite, and chlorite. Titaniferous magnetites display a wide variety of subsolvus features, including Al‐spinel–magnetite–ulvöspinel exsolutions and crystallographically oriented ilmenite exsolutions, but magnetites are exclusively vanadiferous. Comprehensive chemical analyses show that the ore is rich in TiO2 (10.98–12.78 wt%) and V2O5 (1.32–1.47 wt%). Ti is attributed by the presence of rutile, titanite, and ilmenite, while V is attributed by coulsonite as a solid solution component in the titanomagnetite. It records moderate to high Al2O3 (4.51–5.46 wt%), with enrichment of FeO and Fe2O3 (26.22–28.32 wt% and 39.34–42.86 wt%, respectively), which can be attributed to the presence of magnetite‐spinel‐ulvospinel. Higher Fe2O3 and lower FeO are indicative of oxidizing conditions of the ore‐forming environment. The rare earth element (REE) patterns have (La/Yb)N and (Ce/Yb)N ratios comparable to an evolved basaltic melt, with light REE being enriched compared to heavy REE and a positive Eu anomaly. The electron probe micro analyser data of magnetite is conformable with the bulk chemistry, and shows consistently high FeO (70.87–88.06 wt%), Cr2O3 (1.02–2.44 wt%), TiO2 (0.16–6.20 wt%), and V2O3 (1.47–2.26 wt%), with trace amounts of Al, Si, Mg, Mn, and PGE. As per targeted parameters, the ore occurrence distinctly belongs to a stratified Fe‐Ti‐V class, where alternate thick (>1.0 m) and thin (<20 cm) strata resulted from the late magmatic crystallization of the original tholeiitic composition.
Novel approach to estimate endurance limits in intermittent tasks
Authors: Fu Jiawei , Zhang Qidi , Ma Liang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractEndurance limit is essential for intermittent physical operations, as physical task designs with inappropriate endurance estimation could potentially lead to work‐related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Here, we propose a general approach to estimate the endurance limits of the duration and workload in intermittent operations, namely the endurance time (ET) and maximum acceptable exertion (MAE). This general endurance limit approach was developed based on physiology‐based muscle fatigue and recovery models, considering task parameters and individual fatigue attributes. This approach was preliminarily validated by (1) conducting experimental studies to check the feasibility of predicting individual and group ETs in simplified isometric intermittent operations, and (2) demonstrating its utility in interpreting existing empirical MAE models and their experimental results. The findings suggest that the proposed model offers a promising approach to estimate the endurance limits in intermittent physical operations, and could help future studies aimed at modeling the relationship between endurance limits and intermittent task characteristics.
Analysis of effective thermal conductivity for circular tubes made with porous media based on fractal theory
Authors: Yu Di , Qi Shihong , Niu Baolian , Li Yinglin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAccurately evaluating the relation between heat transfer performance and the complex structure of porous media is still a difficult task. Most previous fractal models of effective thermal conductivity (ETC) are developed to describe the heat‐conducting characteristics of a unit cell or a representative elementary volume in porous media, and few models have paid attentions to the ETC for practical circular tubes made with a porous structure based on fractal theory. This paper proposes a new ETC model for a circular tube made with porous media based on fractals, and the validity of the present model is proved by previous models and testing data in the literature, then the effects of intrinsic thermo‐physical properties of each component and pore structures on the ETC are discussed. The analysis results indicate that a circular tube made with porous media can improve its heat‐insulating performance by about 25% compared with a common parallel circular tube. This can supply an alternative scheme for pipe insulation design in cold/hot fluid supplying systems or air conditioning systems.
The circumstances affecting local government public information systems development in East Malaysia
Authors: Nasirin Syed , Wen Ying Lim 
Published: November 2021

AbstractNumerous studies in the field of public enterprise have significantly exhibited that local government public information systems (LGPIS) development has furnished eminent short and long‐term organizational profits. Essentially, the system's commissioning has witnessed vast expansions through the local governments' operations and bring forth major enhancements in their connections with the public. In this phenomenology‐based case study, the authors put forward developers' standpoints in developing LGPIS. The case study utilized in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews, encapsulating a local context that would be substantially required to impart relevant details to developers involved for future strengthening and development measures. The aim is to illustrate a list of notable factors that set out to be building blocks obstructing the future smooth development of the system, predominantly in the less‐developed regions of East Malaysia. Four very recent emerging factors representing LGPIS development in local governments are presented in a development model, stretching the boundary of present literature in the area. The depth and substance of the development model are established on account of how it was constructed through the experience of experts involved in the development process.
“Mama, Let’s Read!”: Critical Race Perspectives and the Centrality of Language in Everyday Literacies
Authors: Jocson Korina M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe author offers a creative braiding of stories about parenting, race, and language. The stories illuminate everyday literacies and related practices present in multilingual and multigenerational households as informed by critical race scholarship and pedagogies of the home. Implications for practice include questions for parents and educators in rethinking literacy studies in classrooms and beyond.
Peptide GAM immunoadsorption in anti‐PLA2R positive autoimmune membranous nephropathy. The PRISM trial
Authors: Hamilton Patrick , Kanigicherla Durga , Hanumapura Prasanna , Blaikie Kieran , Ritchie James , Sinha Smeeta , Brenchley Paul , Mitra Sandip 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMembranous nephropathy associated with anti‐PLA2R autoantibody is a significant cause of nephrotic syndrome worldwide. Treatment remains empiric with a significant side‐effect burden despite an increase in our understanding of the disease. We studied the effect of selectively removing this pathogenic autoantibody using immunoadsorption in adult patients with biopsy proven anti‐PLA2R membranous nephropathy. This was a multicenter, single‐arm prospective clinical trial carried out in the United Kingdom. Twelve patients underwent five consecutive sessions of peptide GAM immunoadsorption with 12 months follow‐up. Primary outcome was anti‐PLA2R titer at week 2. Secondary outcomes were safety and tolerability of therapy, antibody profile, and change in proteinuria, renal excretory function, serum albumin, total immunoglobulin, and quality of life at weeks 12, 24, and 52. Patients were also stratified by the presence or absence of the high‐risk allele (heterozygous or homozygous for HLA‐DQA1*05). Median pretreatment anti‐PLA2R was 702.50 U/mL, 1045.00 U/mL at week 2 (P‐value .023) and 165.00 U/mL at week 52 (P‐value .017). The treatment was well tolerated and safe. Two patients required rescue immunosuppression during the follow‐up period. There was a significant improvement in serum albumin with a median at baseline of 20.50 g/L rising to 25.00 g/L at week 52 (P‐value <.001). There was no statistical difference over the follow‐up period in proteinuria or renal function. Patients in possession of a high‐risk allele saw improvement in anti‐PLA2R titers, possibly representing a cohort more likely to benefit from immunoadsorption. Immunoadsorption therapy is a safe treatment and well‐tolerated treatment in anti‐PLA2R positive autoimmune membranous nephropathy.
Myricetin inhibits breast and lung cancer cells proliferation via inhibiting MARK4
Authors: Anwar Saleha , Khan Shama , Anjum Farah , Shamsi Anas , Khan Parvez , Fatima Hera , Shafie Alaa , Islam Asimul , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIdentifying novel molecules as potential kinase inhibitors are gaining significant attention globally. The present study suggests Myricetin as a potential inhibitor of microtubule‐affinity regulating kinase (MARK4), adding another molecule to the existing list of anticancer therapeutics. MARK4 regulates initial cell division steps and is a potent druggable target for various cancers. Structure‐based docking with 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation depicted activity of Myricetin in the active site pocket of MARK4 and the formation of a stable complex. The fluorescence‐based assay showed excellent affinity of Myricetin to MARK4 guided by static and dynamic quenching. Moreover, the assessment of enthalpy change (∆H) and entropy change (∆S) delineated electrostatic interactions as a dominant force in the MARK4‐myricetin interaction. Isothermal titration calorimetric measurements revealed spontaneous binding of Myricetin with MARK4. Further, the kinase assay depicted significant inhibition of MARK4 by Myricetin with IC50 = 3.11 µM. Additionally, cell proliferation studies established that Myricetin significantly inhibited the cancer cells (MCF‐7 and A549) proliferation, and inducing apoptosis. This study provides a solid rationale for developing Myricetin as a promising anticancer molecule in the MARK4 mediated malignancies.
FSATOOL 2.0: An integrated molecular dynamics simulation and trajectory data analysis program
Authors: Shu Zirui , Wu Mincong , Liao Jun , Chen Changjun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMolecular dynamics simulation is important in the computational study of the biomolecules. In this paper, we upgrade our previous FSATOOL to version 2.0. It is no longer a plugin as before. Besides the existed enhanced sampling and Markov state model analysis module, FSATOOL 2.0 has three new features now. First, it contains a molecular dynamics simulation engine on both CPU and GPU device. The engine works with an embedded enhanced sampling module. Second, it can do the free energy calculation by various practical methods, including the weighted histogram analysis method and Gaussian mixture model. Third, it has many subroutines to process the trajectory data, such as principal component analysis, time‐structure based independent component analysis, contact analysis, and Φ‐value analysis. Most importantly, all these calculations are integrated into one package. The trajectory data format is compatible with all the modules. With a proper input parameter file, users can do the molecular dynamics simulation and data analysis work by only a few simplified commands. The capabilities and theoretical backgrounds of FSATOOL 2.0 are introduced in the paper.
Placental metabolic profiling in gestational diabetes mellitus: An important role of fatty acids
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Pan Zhaoping , Guo Fang , Wang Huihui , Long Wei , Wang Huiyan , Yu Bin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder during pregnancy. Accumulating studies have reported metabolites that are significantly associated with the development of GDM. However, studies on the metabolism of placenta, the most important organ of maternal‐fetal energy and material transport, are extremely rare. This study aimed to identify and discuss the relationship between differentially expressed metabolites (DEM) and clinical parameters of the mothers and newborns.MethodsIn this study, metabolites from 63 placenta tissues (32 GDM and 31 normal controls) were assayed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC‐HRMS).ResultsA total of 1297 annotated metabolites were detected, of which 87 significantly different in GDM placenta. Lipids and lipid‐like molecules accounted for 62.1% of DEM as they were significantly enriched via the “biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids” and “fatty acid biosynthesis” pathways. Linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid appeared to be good biomarkers for the prediction and diagnosis of GDM. In addition, the level of PC(14:0/18:0) was negatively correlated with neonatal weight. 14 metabolites significantly different in male and female offspring, with the most increase in female newborns.ConclusionEven if maternal blood glucose level is well controlled, there are still metabolic abnormalities in GDM. Lipids and lipid‐like molecules were the main differential metabolites, especially unsaturated fatty acids.
Pyroptosis: A possible link between obesity‐related inflammation and inflammatory diseases
Authors: Miao Pan , Ruiqing Tai , Yanrong Liu , Zhuwen Sun , Huan Yuan , Qiong Wu , Yongnian Liu , Chao Sun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe main manifestation of obesity is persistent low‐level inflammation and insulin resistance, which is an important factor inducing or promoting other obesity‐related diseases. As a proinflammatory programmed cell death, pyroptosis plays an important role, especially in the activation and regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Pyroptosis is associated with the pathogenesis of many chronic inflammatory diseases and is characterized by the formation of micropores in the plasma membrane and the release of a large number of proinflammatory cytokines. This article mainly introduces the main pathways and key molecules of pyroptosis and focuses on the phenomenon of pyroptosis in obesity. It is suggested that the regulation of pyroptosis‐related targets may become a new potential therapy for the prevention and treatment of systemic inflammatory response caused by obesity, and we summarize the potential molecular substances that may be beneficial to obesity‐related inflammatory diseases through target pyroptosis.