bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary networks from RADseq loci point to hybrid origins of Medicago carstiensis and Medicago cretacea
Authors: Blanco‐Pastor José Luis , Bertrand Yann J. K. , Liberal Isabel María , Wei Yanling , Brummer E. Charles , Pfeil Bernard E. 
Published: September 2019

PremiseAlthough hybridization has played an important role in the evolution of many plant species, phylogenetic reconstructions that include hybridizing lineages have been historically constrained by the available models and data. Restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) has been a popular sequencing technique for the reconstruction of hybridization in the next‐generation sequencing era. However, the utility of RADseq for the reconstruction of complex evolutionary networks has not been thoroughly investigated. Conflicting phylogenetic relationships in the genus Medicago have been mainly attributed to hybridization, but the specific hybrid origins of taxa have not been yet clarified.MethodsWe obtained new molecular data from diploid species of Medicago section Medicago using single‐digest RADseq to reconstruct evolutionary networks from gene trees, an approach that is computationally tractable with data sets that include several species and complex hybridization patterns.ResultsOur analyses revealed that assembly filters to exclusively select a small set of loci with high phylogenetic information led to the most‐divergent network topologies. Conversely, alternative clustering thresholds or filters on the number of samples per locus had a lower impact on networks. A strong hybridization signal was detected for M. carstiensis and M. cretacea, while signals were less clear for M. rugosa, M. rhodopea, M. suffruticosa, M. marina, M. scutellata, and M. sativa.ConclusionsComplex network reconstructions from RADseq gene trees were not robust under variations of the assembly parameters and filters. But when the most‐divergent networks were discarded, all remaining analyses consistently supported a hybrid origin for M. carstiensis and M. cretacea.
Morphological Analysis of Size and Shape (MASS): An integrative software program for morphometric analyses of leaves
Authors: Chuanromanee Tya S. , Cohen James I. , Ryan Gillian L. 
Published: September 2019

PremiseMorphometric analysis is a common approach for comparing and categorizing botanical samples; however, completing a suite of analyses using existing tools may require a multi‐stage, multi‐program process. To facilitate streamlined analysis within a single program, Morphological Analysis of Size and Shape (MASS) for leaves was developed. Its utility is demonstrated using exemplar leaf samples from Acer saccharum, Malus domestica, and Lithospermum.MethodsExemplar samples were obtained from across a single tree (Acer saccharum), three trees in the same species (Malus domestica), and online, digitized herbarium specimens (Lithospermum). MASS was used to complete simple geometric measurements of samples, such as length and area, as well as geometric morphological analyses including elliptical Fourier and Procrustes analyses. Principal component analysis (PCA) of data was also completed within the same program.ResultsMASS is capable of making desired measurements and analyzing traditional morphometric data as well as landmark and outline data.DiscussionUsing MASS, differences were observed among leaves of the three studied taxa, but only in Malus domestica were differences statistically significant or correlated with other morphological features. In the future, MASS could be applied for analysis of other two‐dimensional organs and structures. MASS is available for download at https://github.com/gillianlynnryan/MASS.
Kind warriors: A qualitative study of a compassion‐based intervention for children
Authors: Karr Jordan , Roberson Cyrell , Tiura Michael 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundCompassion‐based interventions support participants in cultivating greater compassion for the purposes of improving their psychological functioning and well‐being. Meta‐analytic findings indicate that compassion‐based interventions may decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults, but few studies have examined the feasibility of using compassion‐based interventions to support elementary‐aged students.AimThe purpose of this study was to collect detailed descriptions of participants’ interactions during a compassion‐based group intervention targeting internalising symptoms. Given the intervention's focus on compassion cultivation, we concentrated on participants’ responses to negative emotions and analysed how these interactions evolved over the whole intervention.MethodEthical approval was secured prior to the beginning of the study. Five fourth‐grade students participated in the 10‐week intervention. All of the group sessions were audio‐recorded. On each occasion that a participant expressed a negative emotion, the corresponding audio‐recording was revisited and a segment of that recording was transcribed. Transcripts were anonymised and subject to thematic analysis.FindingsThree major themes were identified from the analysis of transcripts: (a) a culture of compassion and humour, (b) experiential learning and (c) conflicting values.ConclusionFindings suggested participants gained familiarity with affiliative states by practising skills learned in the group. The data also revealed a need to improve the cultural humility of the intervention. The study was limited by the role of the first author who both facilitated the intervention and led the qualitative analysis. However, the findings offer important insights for researchers and practitioners hoping to design or deliver compassion‐based interventions with children.
Rift Valley Fever Virus: Propagation, Quantification, and Storage
Authors: Smith MaRyka R. , Schirtzinger Erin E. , Wilson William C. , Davis A. Sally 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an arthropod‐borne, zoonotic disease endemic to sub‐Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Outbreaks of Rift Valley fever have had up to 100% mortality rates in fetal and neonatal sheep. Upon infection of ruminant and human hosts alike, RVFV infection causes an at times severe hepatitis and pathology in many other organs. The enveloped virion contains a tripartite, predominantly negative‐sense, single‐stranded RNA genome, which codes for the proteins the virus needs to replicate both in mammalian hosts and insect vectors. Endemic countries often use attenuated RVFV strains for vaccination of livestock but there are no commercially licensed vaccines for humans or livestock in non‐endemic areas. In the laboratory, RVFV can be readily propagated and manipulated in vitro using cell culture systems. Presented in this article are techniques routinely used in RVFV research that have proven successful in our laboratories. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Basic Protocol 1: Propagation of Rift Valley fever virus in mammalian cellsBasic Protocol 2: Quantification of Rift Valley fever virus by plaque assayBasic Protocol 3: Quantification of Rift Valley fever virus by 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) assayBasic Protocol 4: Quantification of Rift Valley fever virus by focus‐forming assayBasic Protocol 5: Storage and disinfectionAlternate Protocol 1: Propagation of Rift Valley fever virus in MRC‐5 cellsAlternate Protocol 2: Propagation of RVFV in mosquito‐derived cellsAlternate Protocol 3: TCID50 detection using fluorescence visualizationSupport Protocol 1: Calculation of the amount of virus needed to infect a flask at a chosen multiplicity of infectionSupport Protocol 2: Calculation of the virus titer by plaque assay or focus‐forming assaySupport Protocol 3: Calculation of the TCID50 titer by the method of Reed and MuenchSupport Protocol 4: Calculation of the antibody volume for the focus‐forming assay
A More Sustainable and Cheaper One‐Pot Route for the Synthesis of Hydrophobic Ionic Liquids for Electrolyte Applications
Authors: Simonetti Elisabetta , De Francesco Massimo , Bellusci Mariangela , Kim Guk‐Tae , Wu FangLin , Passerini Stefano , Appetecchi Giovanni Battista 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAn innovative one‐pot synthetic process that uses water as the only processing solvent was used to obtain ionic liquids (ILs) in a yield of approximately 95 mol % and purity greater than 99.3 wt % (<2 ppm each of lithium, bromide and moisture) in a processing time of 1 h. Since no heating is needed for carrying out the reaction and no purification through sorbents is required, energy, time and chemicals can be saved to minimize waste production. The physicochemical and electrochemical validation, including tests in batteries, reported herein shows that the above‐mentioned ILs have properties analogous to those of ILs prepared by standard reported procedures and show high performance without any further purification step through sorbents. These characteristics, in combination with low cost, easy execution and scale‐up, sustainability and versatility, make the one‐pot process even more appealing, especially for industrial‐scale applications.
High risk and low uptake of pre‐exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV acquisition in a national online sample of transgender men who have sex with men in the United States
Authors: Reisner Sari L , Moore Chiara S , Asquith Andrew , Pardee Dana J , Sarvet Aaron , Mayer Gal , Mayer Kenneth H 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIntroductionTrans masculine people who have sex with cisgender (“cis”) men (“trans MSM”) may be at‐risk for HIV infection when they have cis MSM partners or share needles for hormone or recreational drug injection. Limited data are available characterizing indications and uptake of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in trans MSM. The aim of this study was to assess PrEP indication and uptake as a means of primary HIV prevention for adult trans MSM in the U.S.MethodsBetween November and December 2017, a national convenience sample of trans MSM in the U.S. (n = 857) was recruited using participatory methodologies and completed an online survey of demographics, HIV risk, PrEP, behavioural and psychosocial factors. Self‐reported receptive anal sex or frontal/vaginal sex (with or without a condom) with a cis male sex partner in past six months was an eligibility criterion. A multivariable logistic regression procedure was used to model PrEP indications (yes/no) per an interpretation of U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention recommendations among those without HIV (n = 843).ResultsThe diverse sample was 4.9% Black; 22.1% Latinx ethnicity; 28.4% non‐binary gender identity; 32.6% gay‐identified; 82.7% on testosterone. Overall, 84.1% had heard of PrEP. Of these, 33.3% reported lifetime PrEP use (21.8% current and 11.5% past). Based on HIV behavioural risk profiles in the last six months, 55.2% of respondents had indications for PrEP. In a multivariable model, factors associated with PrEP indication included where met sex partners, not having sex exclusively with cismen, higher perceived HIV risk, greater number of partners and high cis male partner stigma (all p < 0.05).DiscussionThe majority of trans MSM in this sample had a PrEP indication. Stigma was associated with risk for HIV acquisition and represents a critical target for HIV biobehavioural prevention interventions for trans MSM, who appear to be underutilizing PrEP.ConclusionsResults from this study support the full inclusion of trans MSM in HIV biobehavioural prevention efforts. Public health interventions and programmes are needed to reach trans MSM that attend to general MSM risk factors as well as to vulnerabilities specific to trans MSM, including the context of stigma from cis male sexual partners.
Computational Analysis of Non‐covalent Interactions in Phycocyanin Subunit Interfaces
Authors: Breberina Luka M. , Zlatović Mario V. , Nikolić Milan R. , Stojanović Srđan Đ. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractProtein‐protein interactions are an important phenomenon in biological processes and functions. We used the manually curated non‐redundant dataset of 118 phycocyanin interfaces to gain additional insight into this phenomenon using a robust inter‐atomic non‐covalent interaction analyzing tool PPCheck. Our observations indicate that there is a relatively high composition of hydrophobic residues at the interfaces. Most of the interface residues are clustered at the middle of the range which we call “standard‐size” interfaces. Furthermore, the multiple interaction patterns founded in the present study indicate that more than half of the residues involved in these interactions participate in multiple and water‐bridged hydrogen bonds. Thus, hydrogen bonds contribute maximally towards the stability of protein‐protein complexes. The analysis shows that hydrogen bond energies contribute to about 88 % to the total energy and it also increases with interface size. Van der Waals (vdW) energy contributes to 9.3 %±1.7 % on average in these complexes. Moreover, there is about 1.9 %±1.5 % contribution by electrostatic energy. Nevertheless, the role by vdW and electrostatic energy could not be ignored in interface binding. Results show that the total binding energy is more for large phycocyanin interfaces. The normalized energy per residue was less than −16 kJ mol−1, while most of them have energy in the range from −6 to −14 kJ mol−1. The non‐covalent interacting residues in these proteins were found to be highly conserved. Obtained results might contribute to the understanding of structural stability of this class of evolutionary essential proteins with increased practical application and future designs of novel protein‐bioactive compound interactions.
One‐Pot Preparation of Methyl N‐Phenyl Carbamate and Zn(OAc)2/SiO2 Catalyst with Enhanced Stability
Authors: Li Fang , Li Song , Jia Aizhong , Gao Liya , Xue Wei , Zhang Yanhua , Wang Yanji 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe one‐pot preparation of methyl N‐phenyl carbamate (MPC) and supported Zn(OAc)2/SiO2‐OP was investigated. Zn(OAc)2 and SiO2 were added to the reaction between dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and aniline upon which MPC and Zn(OAc)2/SiO2‐OP were obtained simultaneously. The co‐prepared Zn(OAc)2/SiO2‐OP showed superior catalytic performance for MPC synthesis, giving a aniline conversion of 96.3% and a MPC selectivity of 99.7%. Compared with catalyst prepared by incipient impregnation, Zn(OAc)2/SiO2‐OP was more stable during the reaction, and the aniline conversion was 85.0% with MPC selectivity of 88.2% for the seventh time. The catalyst was characterized and the results suggested that Zn(OAc)2, Zn5(OH)8(OAc)2⋅2H2O, ZnO and Zn4O(OAc)6 are present on SiO2 surface. Zn(OAc)2 and Zn4O(OAc)6 are the active sites for MPC synthesis. The superior stability of the Zn(OAc)2/SiO2‐OP catalyst came from the presence of Zn4O(OAc)6.
Synthesis of 4‐Aryl‐1,2,3‐Thiadiazoles via NH4I‐Catalyzed Cyclization of N‐Tosylhydrazones with Sulfur
Authors: Li Weiwei , He Jing , Liu Ping , Zhang Jie , Dai Bin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA simple and practical NH4I‐catalyzed cyclization of N‐tosylhydrazones with sulfur in the presence of TBHP as organic oxidant was developed. 4‐aryl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole were obtained in moderate to excellent yields, even on gram scale. This methodology has great advantages including cheap iodine source, avoiding the use of inorganic oxidant, short reaction time, wide substrate scope, and high functional groups tolerance.
Synergistic Intra‐ and Intermolecular Noncovalent Interactions for Ultralong Organic Phosphorescence
Authors: Li Xiao‐Ning , Yang Mingxue , Chen Xu‐Lin , Jia Ji‐Hui , Zhao Wan‐Wan , Wu Xiao‐Yuan , Wang Sa‐Sa , Meng Lingyi , Lu Can‐Zhong 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMetal‐free ultralong organic phosphorescence (UOP) materials have attracted significant attention owing to their anomalous photophysical properties and potential applications in various fields. Here, three pyrimidine‐based organic luminogens, 9‐(pyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐9H‐carbazole, 9‐(4,6‐dimethylpyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐9H‐carbazole, and 9‐(5‐bromopyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐9H‐carbazole are designed and synthesized, which show efficient yellow UOP with the longest lifetimes up to 1.37 s and the highest absolute phosphorescence quantum yields up to 23.6% under ambient conditions. Theoretical calculations, crystal structures, and photophysical properties of these compounds reveal that intramolecular hydrogen bonding, intermolecular π–π interactions, and intermolecular electronic coupling are responsible for forming dimers and generating highly efficient UOP. Their efficacy as solid materials for data encryption is demonstrated.
The first pre‐Quaternary fossil record of the clade Mabuyidae with a comment on the enclosure of the Meckelian canal in skinks
Authors: Čerňanský Andrej , Syromyatnikova Elena V. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe here describe the first Neogene record of the squamate clade Mabuyidae. Although this clade has a cosmopolitan distribution today, no pre‐Quaternary fossil record of these reptiles has so far been documented. The material comes from the locality Solnechnodolsk (Russia) and is dated to the late Miocene (MN 13). Although it comprises only jaw elements, it constitutes the first evidence of the occurrence of fossil skinks around the area of the Black Sea. The material is identical to Heremites vittatus, showing the existence of this lineage as early as the late Miocene. Thus, it may be used as a potential calibration point for further studies. The comparative anatomy of the structures of lower jaw in selected scincomorph taxa with a special reference to Mabuya group is presented. The closure of the Meckelian canal is the condition at the basal node of the clade Sphenomorphidae + Eugongylidae + Egerniidae + Mabuyidea, whereas the closed canal in Acontias (Acontidae) evolved independently. However, Sphenomorphidae (Asymblepharus and Scincella) + Eugongylidae (Ablepharus) retain a large anterior opening of the Meckelian canal, whereas only a small opening characterizes the basal node of Egerniidae and Mabuyidae, except for H. vittatus and H. septemtaeniatus. The closure of the Meckelian canal in these two taxa is less well developed in comparison with other mabuyid skinks. Thus, a heterochronic pedomorphic process might have played a role in the evolution of these skinks. The Meckelian canal condition supports the monophyly of Heremites.
Impact of Collaborative Course Design on Instructors’ Practices and Students’ Academic Outcomes
Authors: Nihuka Kassimu A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe potential of collaborative course design for promoting instructors’ professional development in relation to e-learning implementation and subsequent improvement of students’ academic outcomes has been widely reported. However, efforts to harness such potential in sub-Saharan Africa’s universities have been inadequate. In this study, collaborative course design was used to prepare instructors for e-learning course design and delivery. The impact of collaborative course design on instructors’ instructional practices and students’ academic outcomes was examined. Results showed that collaborative course design (i) contributed to instructors’ preparedness for course design and delivery using e-learning technologies and (ii) improved instructors’ instructional practice. On the part of students, results indicated that a majority of students were satisfied with their experience with the courses because e-learning delivery addressed the challenges of print-based delivery and had a positive impact on their academic outcomes.
Tracing Teachers’ Professional Growth from Updating Polytechnic Courses in Design Teams
Authors: Bakah Marie A. B. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis chapter traces the professional development of polytechnic teachers who were involved in design teams that aimed to update their courses based on recent developments in industry. For 14 weeks, three design teams updated their courses and conducted teaching tryouts. The professional development of six teachers (two from each design team) was traced using Clarke and Hollingsworth’s ((2002). Teaching and Teacher Education, 18, 947–967) Interconnected Model of Professional Growth (IMPG). Analysis of interview data revealed that the teachers’ professional growth was facilitated by engagement in curriculum design and classroom implementation. The IMPG helped unearth in-depth understanding of teacher learning and change; it provided an analytical lens into the intertwined changes in the individual teachers’ knowledge and the sensitivity of these changes to complex interactions with content and teaching. Implications for teacher professional development are discussed.
From Needs Analysis to Large-Scale Implementation: Using Collaborative Design to Support ICT Integration
Authors: Agyei Douglas D. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe new mathematics curriculum for senior high school in Ghana encourages teachers to make use of the calculator and the computer for problem solving and investigations of real life situations. The goal is to help students acquire the habit of analytical thinking and the capacity to apply knowledge in solving practical problems. As a result, the government and other institutions have invested huge sums of money in procurement of computers and establishment of computer labs in most senior high schools; however, there still exists a gap between this new concept of teaching with ICT as specified in curriculum and policy documents and the use of ICT in practice. Important questions such as “what can teachers do with computers to extend their instructional methods and improve students’ outcomes?” remain unanswered. This chapter describes three iterations of an instructional course for pre-service mathematics teachers in Ghana aimed at addressing this type of question. The course design was based on Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge as a conceptual framework for the course content and Learning Technology by Design as the course method. This chapter shows how evaluations informed the design of the successive iterations, and proposes a set of guidelines for design of similar courses in similar contexts.
Teachers as Co-designers: Scientific and Colloquial Evidence on Teacher Professional Development and Curriculum Innovation
Authors: Westbroek Hanna , de Vries Bregje , Walraven Amber , Handelzalts Adam , McKenney Susan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTeachers are increasingly acting as co-designers of curriculum materials, because this process can positively affect their professional development while also yielding resources that are relevant and useful for their teaching practice. This study explores evidence related to the claim that involving teachers in collaborative design is worth the effort. We used two data sources: papers from scientific journals, reflecting the researcher’s perspective, and from professional journals, providing a colloquial corpus reflecting the teacher’s perspective. We conclude that the colloquial corpus justifies our claim that co-design is gaining momentum, but that the scientific corpus is still limited in number of articles. We were able to identify common patterns across the professional articles that complement the patterns identified in the scientific corpus. At the same time, two distinct pictures of design teams emerge from these two corpora, with different process characteristics as well as reported effects.