bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A learner‐centered approach for designing visuohaptic simulations for conceptual understanding of truss structures
Authors: Walsh Yoselyn , Magana Alejandra , Will Hector , Yuksel Tugba , Bryan Lynn , Berger Edward , Benes Bedrich 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the process of designing a visuohaptic simulation for learning structural analysis following a learner‐centered approach (LCD). Our implementation of an LCD approach followed a three‐part iterative process: (1) requirements analysis and specification, (2) multimedia application design, and (3) prototype inspection. In designing the learning tasks, we employed a three‐phase pedagogical approach of prediction, experimentation, and confirmation. We found that designing a visuohaptic simulation for learning purposes is a complex process that requires considering the learners' building of knowledge from different perspectives (e.g., prior knowledge, nonnormative conceptions, cognitive load, and modalities). A total of 51 participants interacted with the visuohaptic simulation following one of two sequenced approaches: (1) haptic feedback and minimal visual information followed by enhanced visual and haptic feedback, or (2) enhanced visual and kinesthetic feedback followed by enhanced visual and haptic feedback. Results suggest that the visuohaptic simulations promoted learners' exploration of structural analysis concepts, improved their intuition about the forces acting on the member of the structure—compression, tension, and zero‐force members, and facilitated knowledge transfer. However, we concluded that our approach did not challenge participants to revise nonnormative conceptions and representational competencies. Implications for teaching and learning of our findings are discussed.
“You never feel so Black as when you're contrasted against a White background”: Black students' experiences at a predominantly White institution in the UK
Authors: Osbourne Lateesha , Barnett Julie , Blackwood Leda 
Published: April 2021

Abstract“Old” universities in the UK are typically populated with White middle‐class students who hail from White majority hometowns, whilst “new” universities have more diverse cohorts from diverse hometowns. Our research conducted with 17 Black students at a predominantly White university, examined the initial encounters in which Black students first realise their minority status on campus. We found that White numerical dominance combined with White students' racialised place‐based assumptions about who belongs where, had an immediate and powerful impact on our participants. Importantly, our findings suggest that for Black students coming from diverse hometowns, experiences such as being the only Black person in lecture halls, being told that you are the first Black person your peers have met, and being expected to use urban street slang and sell drugs constituted both a denial of their student identity and a misrecognition of their Black identity. Our analysis highlights the importance of considering the diversity within institutions alongside Black and White students' place‐based histories with diversity; and how these are consequential for Black students' experiences of (mis)recognition and (non)belonging on campuses. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Variety of Nucleotide Polymerase Mutants Aiming to Synthesize Modified RNA
Authors: Ohashi Sana , Hashiya Fumitaka , Abe Hiroshi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSignificant efforts have been made to develop therapeutic RNA aptamers that exploit synthetic RNA to capture target molecules. However, ensuring RNA aptamers are resistant against intrinsic nucleases remains an issue and restricts their use as therapeutics. Introduction of chemical modifications to the 2′ sugar moiety of RNA improves their stability effectively and can be achieved by chemical synthesis using modified phosphoramidites; however, this approach is not suitable for preparing long RNA molecules. Although recombinant nucleotide polymerases can transcribe RNA, these polymerases cannot synthesize modified RNA because they do not recognize 2′ modified nucleoside triphosphates. In this review, we focus on several polymerase mutants that tolerate substrates containing modifications of the 2′ sugar moiety to synthesize RNA, and the problems that must be overcome to prepare chemically modified RNA with high efficacy by in vitro transcription.
Theory‐oriented Synthesis of 2D/2D BiVO4/MXene Heterojunction for Simultaneous Removal of Hexavalent Chromium and Methylene Blue
Authors: Liu Peng , Yi Jianhong , Bao Rui , Zhao Heng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPrecise catalyst discovery by theoretical calculation is currently providing novel and promising approach to fine design and fabricate efficient photocatalysts. We demonstrated a possibility of designing 2D/2D BiVO4/MXene heterojunction with excellent charge separation efficiency by density functional theory (DFT) and realized the preparation by hydrothermal method based on the theoretical results. As expected, the as‐constructed composites exhibited an unprecedented photocatalytic activity for simultaneous removal of hexavalent chromium (83.6 %) and methylene blue (88.7 %) within 120 minutes under visible light by photogenerated electrons and holes respectively, which were 2.17‐ and 3.67‐times compared with pristine BiVO4. This significant improvement is ascribed to the strong interfacial interaction within the unique 2D/2D heterojunction, which greatly improves the lifetime of charge carriers by reducing the recombination and shortening the transmission distance. The present work demonstrates a good example to firstly design reasonable catalyst by theoretical calculation and then efficiently improve the activity for environment remediation by solar‐light driven photocatalysis.
Oligomers Intermediates in Between Two New Distinct Homonuclear Uranium(IV) DOTP Complexes**
Authors: Dovrat Gev , Pevzner Svetlana , Berthon Claude , Lerner Ana , Maimon Eric , Vainer Radion , Karpasas Mark , Ben‐Elyiahu Yeshayahu , Moisy Philippe , Bettelheim Armand , Zilbermann Israel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTwo new aqueous UIV complexes were synthesized by the interaction between the tetravalent uranium cation and the (1,4,7,10‐Tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) (DOTP) macrocyclic ligand. Two distinct homonuclear complexes were identified; the first was characterized by X‐ray crystallography as a unique “out‐of‐cage”, [U(DOTPH6)2] complex, in which the UIV cation is octa‐coordinated to 4 phosphonic arms from each ligand in a square anti‐prism geometry, with a C4 symmetry. The second is the “in‐cage” [U(DOTPH4)] complex, in which the tetravalent cation is located between the macrocycle O4 and N4 planes. With the help of UV‐Vis absorption, 1H/31P NMR, ATR‐IR, and MALDI‐TOFMS analytical techniques, the chemical interchange between both species is presented. It is shown that the one‐way transition is governed by the formation of a multiple number of soluble oligomeric species consisting of varied stoichiometric ratios of both characterized homonuclear complexes.
Synthesis of Gold(I)−Trifluoromethyl Complexes and their Role in Generating Spectroscopic Evidence for a Gold(I)−Difluorocarbene Species
Authors: Vanden Broeck Sofie M. P. , Nelson David J. , Collado Alba , Falivene Laura , Cavallo Luigi , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Van Hecke Kristof , Nahra Fady , Cazin Catherine S. J. , Nolan Steven P. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractReadily prepared and bench‐stable [Au(CF3)(NHC)] compounds were synthesized by using new methods, starting from [Au(OH)(NHC)], [Au(Cl)(NHC)] or [Au(L)(NHC)]HF2 precursors (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene). The mechanism of formation of these species was investigated. Consequently, a new and straightforward strategy for the mild and selective cleavage of a single carbon/fluorine bond from [Au(CF3)(NHC)] complexes was attempted and found to be reversible in the presence of an additional nucleophilic fluoride source. This straightforward technique has led to the unprecedented spectroscopic observation of a gold(I)−NHC difluorocarbene species.
Paramagnetic Solid‐State NMR to Localize the Metal‐Ion Cofactor in an Oligomeric DnaB Helicase
Authors: Zehnder Johannes , Cadalbert Riccardo , Terradot Laurent , Ernst Matthias , Böckmann Anja , Güntert Peter , Meier Beat H. , Wiegand Thomas 
Published: April 2021

AbstractParamagnetic metal ions can be inserted into ATP‐fueled motor proteins by exchanging the diamagnetic Mg2+ cofactor with Mn2+ or Co2+. Then, paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) or pseudo‐contact shifts (PCSs) can be measured to report on the localization of the metal ion within the protein. We determine the metal position in the oligomeric bacterial DnaB helicase from Helicobacter pylori complexed with the transition‐state ATP‐analogue ADP:AlF4− and single‐stranded DNA using solid‐state NMR and a structure‐calculation protocol employing CYANA. We discuss and compare the use of Mn2+ and Co2+ in localizing the ATP cofactor in large oligomeric protein assemblies. 31P PCSs induced in the Co2+‐containing sample are then used to localize the DNA phosphate groups on the Co2+ PCS tensor surface enabling structural insights into DNA binding to the DnaB helicase.
Blood pressure reduction and anti‐hypertensive treatment choice: A post‐hoc analysis of the SPRINT trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Gregson John , Böhm Michael , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez , Pocock Stuart J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundUncontrolled blood pressure (BP) increases the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. In SPRINT an intensive versus standard BP lowering strategy resulted in a lower rate of cardiovascular events and death. Whether BP reduction only or also the choice of anti‐hypertensive drugs is associated with outcomes remains to be elucidated.AimsWe aim to study the association of BP and different anti‐hypertensive drugs with several cardiovascular outcomes.MethodsTime‐updated Cox and mixed‐effects models. The primary outcome was a composite of first myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, heart failure, or cardiovascular death.ResultsA total of 9361 patients were included. The anti‐hypertensive agents most frequently used were ACEi/ARBs, with an almost 20% higher prescription rate in the intensive arm (80% vs. 61%), followed by thiazide‐type diuretics (65% vs. 42%), calcium‐channel blockers (57% vs. 39%), and beta‐blockers (52% vs. 26%). Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists were rarely used (≤7% of the observations). In multivariate analysis, the use of ACEi/ARBs, especially in combination with thiazides, were independently associated with a lower primary outcome event‐rate (HR [95%CI] 0.75 [0.61–0.92], p = .006), whereas a DBP <60 mmHg was independently associated with a higher event‐rate (HR [95%CI] 1.36 [1.07–1.71], p = .011). SBP <120 mmHg was associated with lower rate of cardiovascular and all‐cause death on intensive treatment but not on the standard arm (interaction p < .05 for both).ConclusionsIn SPRINT, an intensive therapy strategy achieving SBP <120 mmHg with a DBP ≥60 mmHg, and using ACEi/ARBs plus thiazides was associated with a lower event‐rate.
Nitrogen and Boron Co‐Doped Carbon Spheres for Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction
Authors: Cheng Chunfeng , Shao Jiaqi , Wei Pengfei , Song Yanpeng , Li Hefei , Gao Dunfeng , Wang Guoxiong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) powered by renewable electricity is a promising route to close the carbon cycle, but it suffers from low product selectivity and high overpotential. Here we develop nitrogen and boron co‐doped hollow carbon spheres (NB−CS) through the pyrolysis of a mixture comprising low‐molecular‐weight phenolic resols, melamine and boric acid. The optimized NB−CS catalyst presents high CO2RR performance and achieves a CO Faradaic efficiency of 95.1% at a low overpotential of 310 mV, superior to carbon spheres doped with nitrogen or boron alone. Structural and electrochemical characterizations indicate that the efficient CO2RR to CO over the NB−CS catalyst is likely ascribed to the unique graphitized architecture along with high conductivity, large surface area and high density of exposed N and B reactive sites. This work highlights opportunities to use cost‐effective and readily available carbon nanomaterials as efficient CO2RR catalysts.
Computational simulation of pacifier deformation and interaction with the palate
Authors: Lee Christopher L. , Costello Michael , Tesini David A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study is to demonstrate that computational finite element models can be used to reliably simulate dynamic interaction between a pacifier, the palate, and the tongue during nonnutritive sucking (NNS). The interactions can be quantified by the results of finite element analyses which include deformation, strain, stress, contact force, and contact area.Materials and MethodsA finite element model was created based upon CAD solid models of an infant pacifier and palate. The silicone pacifier bulb is represented by a hyperelastic constitutive law. Contact surfaces are defined between the pacifier and palate. A time and spatially varying pressure load is applied to the bulb representing peristaltic interaction with the tongue. A second time‐varying, periodic pressure representing NNS is applied to the model simultaneously. A large displacement, nonlinear transient dynamic analysis is run over two NNS cycles.ResultsResults from the finite element analysis show the deformed shape of the bulb with maximum principal elastic strain of 0.23 and a range of maximum principal stress on the palate from 0.60 MPa (tensile) to −0.27 MPa (compressive) over the NNS cycles. The areas of contact between the pacifier and the palate are shown in surface contour plots.ConclusionsA nonlinear transient dynamic finite element model can simulate the mechanical behavior of a pacifier and its interaction with the tongue and contact with the palate subject to NNS. Quantitative results predicting deformation, strain, stress, contact force, and contact area can be used in comparative studies to provide insight on how pacifiers cause changes in dental, orthognathic, and facial development.
The function of LncRNAs and their role in the prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis of lung cancer
Authors: Chen Yu , Zitello Emory , Guo Rui , Deng Youping 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLung cancer remains a major threat to human health. Low dose CT scan (LDCT) has become the main method of early screening for lung cancer due to the low sensitivity of chest X‐ray. However, LDCT not only has a high false positive rate, but also entails risks of overdiagnosis and cumulative radiation exposure. In addition, cumulative radiation by LDCT screening and subsequent follow‐up can increase the risk of lung cancer. Many studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) remain stable in blood, and profiling of blood has the advantages of being noninvasive, readily accessible and inexpensive. Serum or plasma assay of lncRNAs in blood can be used as a novel detection method to assist LDCT while improving the accuracy of early lung cancer screening. LncRNAs can participate in the regulation of various biological processes. A large number of researches have reported that lncRNAs are key regulators involved in the progression of human cancers through multiple action models. Especially, some lncRNAs can affect various hallmarks of lung cancer. In addition to their diagnostic value, lncRNAs also possess promising potential in other clinical applications toward lung cancer. LncRNAs can be used as predictive markers for chemosensitivity, radiosensitivity, and sensitivity to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐targeted therapy, and as well markers of prognosis. Different lncRNAs have been implicated to regulate chemosensitivity, radiosensitivity, and sensitivity to EGFR‐targeted therapy through diverse mechanisms. Although many challenges need to be addressed in the future, lncRNAs have bright prospects as an adjunct to radiographic methods in the clinical management of lung cancer.
Node placement optimization using particle swarm optimization and iterated local search algorithm in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chelbi Slaheddine , Dhahri Habib , Bouaziz Rafik 
Published: April 2021

SummaryCoverage and connectivity are the two most challenging issues in target‐based wireless sensor networks (WSNs). For that, node placement is one of the fundamental concerns that affect the performance of coverage and connectivity in WSN. This paper introduces a new approach by combining particle swarm optimization and iterated local search (PSO‐ILS) to have an optimum coverage and connectivity rate with the minimum number of nodes. In one side, to maintain the full coverage of targets, the PSO‐ILS is used to deploy the minimum number of sensor nodes. In other side, to achieve the full connectivity, the optimal position determination (OPD) algorithm was conceived to identify the optimal candidate positions which can be used by the PSO‐ILS to place the minimum number of relay nodes. The obtained results considered over a number of runs are compared with canonical PSO, differential evolution (DE), and genetic algorithms (GAs). The outcomes derived from this comprehensive analysis determine that PSO‐ILS provides an effectual improvement in contrary to the methods PSO, DE, and GA in terms of the selected potential positions to ensure full coverage of target points and the number of relay nodes required to achieve full connectivity.
Weather affects post‐fire recovery of sagebrush‐steppe communities and model transferability among sites
Authors: Applestein Cara , Caughlin T. Trevor , Germino Matthew J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAltered climate, including weather extremes, can cause major shifts in vegetative recovery after disturbances. Predictive models that can identify the separate and combined temporal effects of disturbance and weather on plant communities and that are transferable among sites are needed to guide vulnerability assessments and management interventions. We asked how functional group abundance responded to time since fire and antecedent weather, if long‐term vegetation trajectories were better explained by initial post‐fire weather conditions or by general five‐year antecedent weather, and if weather effects helped predict post‐fire vegetation abundances at a new site. We parameterized models using a 30‐yr vegetation monitoring dataset from burned and unburned areas of the Orchard Training Area (OCTC) of southern Idaho, USA, and monthly PRISM data, and assessed model transferability on an independent dataset from the well‐sampled Soda wildfire area along the Idaho/Oregon border. Sagebrush density increased with lower mean air temperature of the coldest month and slightly increased with higher mean air temperature of the hottest month, and with higher maximum January–June precipitation. Perennial grass cover increased in relation to higher precipitation, measured annually in the first four years after fire and/or in September–November the year of fire. Annual grass increased in relation to higher March–May precipitation in the year after fire, but not with September–November precipitation in the year of fire. Initial post‐fire weather conditions explained 1% more variation in sagebrush density than recent antecedent 5‐yr weather did but did not explain additional variation in perennial or annual grass cover. Inclusion of weather variables increased transferability of models for predicting perennial and annual grass cover from the OCTC to the Soda wildfire regardless of the time period in which weather was considered. In contrast, inclusion of weather variables did not affect transferability of the forecasts of post‐fire sagebrush density from the OCTC to the Soda site. Although model transferability may be improved by including weather covariates when predicting post‐fire vegetation recovery, predictions may be surprisingly unaffected by the temporal windows in which coarse‐scale gridded weather data are considered.
Urinary N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide: prognostic value in patients with acute chest pain
Authors: Reynen Stefanie , Schlossbauer Michael , Hubauer Ute , Hupf Julian , Mohr Arno , Orso Evelyn , Zimmermann Markus , Luchner Andreas , Maier Lars S. , Wallner Stefan , Jungbauer Carsten G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsThe objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of urinary N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) compared with plasma NT‐proBNP in patients presenting with acute chest pain in the emergency department.Methods and resultsWe measured simultaneously plasma and urinary NT‐proBNP at admission in 301 patients with acute chest pain. In our cohort, 174 patients suffered from acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A follow‐up (median of 55 months) was performed regarding the endpoints all‐cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (mortality, congestive heart failure, ACS with the necessity of a coronary intervention, and stroke). Fifty‐four patients died during follow‐up; 98 suffered from the combined endpoint. A significant and positive correlation of urinary and plasma NT‐proBNP was found (r = 0.87, P < 0.05). Patients with troponin positive ACS had significantly elevated levels of plasma and urinary NT‐proBNP compared with those with unstable angina pectoris or chest wall syndrome (each P < 0.05). The highest levels of both biomarkers were found in patients with congestive heart failure (each P < 0.05). According to Kaplan–Meier analysis, plasma and urinary NT‐proBNP were significant predictors for mortality and the combined endpoint in the whole study cohort and in the subgroup of patients with ACS (each P < 0.05). Regarding Cox regression analysis, plasma and urinary NT‐proBNP were independent predictors for mortality and the combined endpoint (each P < 0.05).ConclusionsUrinary NT‐proBNP seems to provide a significant predictive value regarding the endpoints all‐cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events in patients with acute chest pain and those with ACS.
Reactivity of Copper(I) Complexes Containing Ligands Derived from (1S,3R)‐Camphoric Acid with Dioxygen
Authors: Stöhr Fabian , Kulhanek Niclas , Becker Jonathan , Göttlich Richard , Schindler Siegfried 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAmine derivatives prepared from camphoric acid were used as ligands for the synthesis of corresponding copper(I) complexes. Their reactivity towards dioxygen was analyzed. The formation of a short‐lived bis(μ‐oxido)copper complex was spectroscopically observed during the reaction of the copper(I) complex with (1R, 3S)‐N1,N1,N3,N3‐Tetramethyl‐1,2,2‐trimethylcyclopentane‐1,3‐diamine as a ligand. Furthermore, a regioselective demethylation of the ligand system was detected. Deuteration of the methyl groups of the ligand allowed crystallization and characterization of the bis(μ‐oxido)copper complex. Derivatives of the ligand with pyridine residues caused suppression of the reactivity of the corresponding copper(I) complexes towards dioxygen. Additionally, the ligand system could be modified for intramolecular oxygenation reactions with benzaldehyde that led to the formation of salicylaldehyde, a selective hydroxylation in ortho position.