bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of Molecular Self‐Assembly of Short Peptides at Liquid–Solid Interfaces – Effect of Charged Amino Acid Point Mutations
Authors: Yurtsever Ayhan , Hirata Kaito , Kojima Ryohei , Miyazawa Keisuke , Miyata Kazuki , Kesornsit Sanhanut , Zareie Hadi , Sun Linhao , Maeda Katsuhiro , Sarikaya Mehmet , Fukuma Takeshi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSelf‐organizing solid‐binding peptides on atomically flat solid surfaces offer a unique bio/nano hybrid platform, useful for understanding the basic nature of biology/solid coupling and their practical applications. The surface behavior of peptides is determined by their molecular folding, which is influenced by various factors and is challenging to study. Here, the effect of charged amino acids is studied on the self‐assembly behavior of a directed evolution selected graphite‐binding dodecapeptide on graphite surface. Two mutations, M6 and M8, are designed to introduce negatively and positively charged moieties, respectively, at the anchoring domain of the wild‐type (WT) peptide, affecting both binding and assembly. The questions addressed here are whether mutant peptides exhibit molecular crystal formation and demonstrate molecular recognition on the solid surface based on the specific mutations. Frequency‐modulated atomic force microscopy is used for observations of the surface processes dynamically in water at molecular resolution over several hours at the ambient. The results indicate that while the mutants display distinct folding and surface behavior, each homogeneously nucleates and forms 2D self‐organized patterns, akin to the WT peptide. However, their growth dynamics, domain formation, and crystalline lattice structures differ significantly. The results represent a significant step toward the rational design of bio/solid interfaces, potent facilitators of a variety of future implementations.
Strong variation in Brook Trout trends across geology, elevation, and stream size in Shenandoah National Park
Authors: Childress Evan S. , Demarest E. David , Wofford John E. B. , Hitt Nathaniel P. , Letcher Benjamin H. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
Landscape context structures fish abundance and dynamics, and understanding trends in fish abundance across the landscape is often prerequisite for effective conservation. In this study, we evaluated the status and trends of Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis in Shenandoah National Park to understand how these are structured across bedrock geology, elevation, and stream size.

Methods
We used long-term monitoring data from 94 sites in Shenandoah National Park to evaluate trends in Brook Trout abundance over a 27-year period (1996–2022) and assess the importance of local environmental covariates using a hierarchical Bayesian N-mixture model based on depletion sampling. Focal covariates were chosen for their demonstrated importance in structuring fish populations in Shenandoah National Park and elsewhere. Bedrock geology controls sensitivity to acid deposition, watershed area is related to stream habitat features such as complexity and flow variability, and elevation creates gradients in temperature.

Result
Models revealed significant decreases in adult Brook Trout abundance over time (95% credible intervals &lt; 0) for 31 of 94 sites (33%), and at least three sites exhibited apparent extirpations over the study period. Estimated Brook Trout abundance declined by 50% or more in approximately 70% of streams across the park over the study period. Sites with the warmest water temperatures exhibited the fastest declines in abundance. However, large watersheds on poorly buffered bedrock exhibited significant gains in abundance over time, suggesting some recovery from acid deposition due to improvements in air quality.

Conclusion
Our analysis revealed large and divergent changes in Brook Trout abundance over recent decades and suggests the importance of local water temperature and acid sensitivity as probable causal mechanisms. These results highlight the importance of considering local factors when evaluating long-term trends in stream fish populations. Results of this study can assist the development of targeted conservation actions within Shenandoah National Park and elsewhere.
Guidelines for culturally and linguistically responsive instruction in higher education
Authors: Kim Hyunjin Jinna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGiven the internationalization of higher education and the increasingly diversifying student population in higher education institutions worldwide, it is critical to reevaluate the teaching and learning environment in higher education classrooms. Although inclusion and inclusive pedagogy emerged as essential orientations in education, gaps in educational opportunities, access, and achievements persist. This practical guide is intended to inform and promote inclusive pedagogy, specifically for culturally and linguistically diverse students in higher education settings across various disciplines. The guidelines for culturally and linguistically responsive instruction in higher education offer a brief outline of the theoretical foundation and practical self‐reflective questions with recommended strategies to implement in curriculum, assessment, and instructional designs. With the hope of providing a welcoming classroom for culturally and linguistically diverse students where their knowledge and experiences are valued, the article ends with discussions to establish a more inclusive higher education learning ecology.
Post‐treatment of soft drink industrial wastewater using a new antibacterial ultra‐filtration membrane prepared of Polyethersulfone blended with boehmite–tannic acid–graphene quantum dot
Authors: Moradi Sahar , Zinatizadeh Ali Akbar , Zinadini Sirus 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPolymeric membranes have garnered great interest in wastewater treatment; however, fouling is known as their main limitation. Therefore, the blending of hydrophilic nanoparticles in polymeric membranes' structure is a promising approach for fouling reduction. Herein, a hydrophilic boehmite–tannic acid–graphene quantum dot (BM‐TA‐GQD) nanoparticle was synthesized and blended in a polyethersulfone polymeric membrane in different percentages. The fabricated membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) images, water contact angle, porosity measurement, and antibacterial and antifouling properties. Surface SEM images of the modified membranes showed good dispersion of nanoparticles up to 0.5 wt%, which resulted in hydrophilicity and pure water flux enhancement. Based on AFM images, the mean roughness (Sa) of the fabricated membranes decreased from 2.07 to 0.84 nm for the bare and optimum membranes, respectively. In terms of performance, increasing the nanoparticle percentages up to 0.5 wt% resulted in the flux recovery ratio developing from 44.58% for the bare membrane to 71.35% for the 0.5 wt% BM‐TA‐GQD/PES membrane (optimum membrane). The antibacterial property of fabricated membranes was studied against biologically treated soft drink industrial wastewater (BTSDIW) as a bacterial source. The results showed that the turbidity of solutions containing permeated wastewater from the modified membranes (0.1, 0.5, and 1 wt% of BM‐TA‐GQD) was lower than that obtained from the unmodified membrane. These results confirmed the antibacterial properties of fabricated membranes. Finally, the optimal membrane (0.5 wt% BM‐TA‐GQD) was examined for post‐treatment of the BTSDIW. An effluent COD of 13 mg/L and turbidity of 2 NTU showed a successful performance of the filtration process.Practitioner Points
Ultrafiltration PES membranes were modified by different loadings of BM‐TA‐GQD.
Hydrophilicity improvement was achieved by adding BM‐TA‐GQD nanoparticles.
Expansion of size and number of macro‐voids in modified membranes was confirmed.
Membrane roughness was reduced in the BM‐TA‐GQD blended membranes.
The optimum membrane was efficient in COD and turbidity removal.
Introduction: The Changing World of Pedagogy in Diverse Cultural Contexts
Authors: Dobson Stephen , Svoen Brit 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this book we are interested in how learning inclusion in a digital age can lead to an enhanced voice and sense of belonging for all participants. We are also interested in how this entails the establishment of what we would call cultures of learning inclusion. The emphasis is upon culture; we mentioned the Norwegian anthropologist Frederik Barth in the Preface who highlighted the importance of the weave of individuals in social relationships as a foundation for inclusion. This weave gives rise to different forms of community, digital or otherwise and, by extension, accompanying cultures with different markers that offer ways of expressing and understanding others, setting expectations and making possible a sense of belonging and voice for participants. Cultures of inclusion are shared ways of being together through the weave of activities taking place. But what might culture mean in an educational sense for cultures of learning inclusion? Let us consider some examples.
Towards Wellbeing-Ness as an Experience of Inclusion, Belonging and Voice in a Digital (Post-Covid) World of Global Change
Authors: Dobson Stephen , Hardy Pip 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis chapter considers what it means to learn and create personal and shared experiences of wellbeing-ness, where inclusion, belonging and finding a voice are defining moments. Only a few years ago this might have been understood in terms such as social and emotional learning (SEL), but now the buzz word globally and especially in a country such as New Zealand is ‘wellbeing’. The challenge is twofold: firstly, how to conceptualise and practice wellbeing-ness in a more digitally informed COVID world, such as through digital storytelling and, secondly, how to assess and put a value on it and, in so doing, show how a taxonomy of the emotions might support an understanding of inclusion.
Non-geometric BPS branes on T-folds
Authors: Bianchi Massimo , Bossard Guillaume 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We give a detailed (microscopic) description of the geometric and non-geometric fundamental branes and their bound states in Type II superstring compactifications preserving $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 6 supersymmetry. We consider general boundary states that couple to the twisted sector and compute the relevant annulus amplitudes. We check consistency of the construction by relating the ‘transverse’ channel, corresponding to closed-string ‘tree-level’ exchange, with the ‘direct’ open-string loop channel. Focussing on the Type IIA frame, we show that D0-D4 have the expected tension for a geometric brane, while the non-geometric D2-D6 boundary states have a tension equal to $$ 1/\sqrt{K} $$
1
/

K

the one of a geometric brane for the ZK orbifold. This is consistent with Fricke T-duality of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 6 model.
A progesterone derivative linked to a stable phospholipid activates breast cancer cell response without leaving the cell membrane
Authors: Font-Mateu Jofre , Sanllehí Pol , Sot Jesús , Abad Beatriz , Mateos Nicolas , Torreno-Pina Juan Andres , Ferrari Roberto , Wright Roni H. G. , Garcia-Parajo Maria F. , Joglar Jesús , Goñi Félix M. , Beato Miguel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn hormone-responsive breast cancer cells, progesterone (P4) has been shown to act via its nuclear receptor (nPR), a ligand-activated transcription factor. A small fraction of progesterone receptor is palmitoylated and anchored to the cell membrane (mbPR) forming a complex with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). Upon hormone exposure, either directly or via interaction with ERα, mbPR activates the SRC/RAS/ERK kinase pathway leading to phosphorylation of nPR by ERK. Kinase activation is essential for P4 gene regulation, as the ERK and MSK1 kinases are recruited by the nPR to its genomic binding sites and trigger chromatin remodeling. An interesting open question is whether activation of mbPR can result in gene regulation in the absence of ligand binding to intracellular progesterone receptor (iPR). This matter has been investigated in the past using P4 attached to serum albumin, but the attachment is leaky and albumin can be endocytosed and degraded, liberating P4. Here, we propose a more stringent approach to address this issue by ensuring attachment of P4 to the cell membrane via covalent binding to a stable phospholipid. This strategy identifies the actions of P4 independent from hormone binding to iPR. We found that a membrane-attached progestin can activate mbPR, the ERK signaling pathway leading to iPR phosphorylation, initial gene regulation and entry into the cell cycle, in the absence of detectable intracellular progestin.
Geometric error compensation method using the Laser R-test
Authors: Hsieh Tung-Hsien , Jywe Wen-Yuh , Zeng Jheng-Jhong , Hsu Chia-Ming , Chang Yu-Wei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTraditional methods for measuring geometric errors in machine tools, including interferometry and Double Ball Bar (DBB), are known to be expensive and time-intensive. Consequently, a non-contact calibration system called the “Laser R-test” has been developed. This innovative system is designed to measure both position-independent geometric errors (PIGEs) and position-dependent geometric errors (PDGEs) efficiently. Since its development in 2000, this tool has been instrumental in analyzing eccentricity errors, angular position errors, and simultaneous trajectory errors. Through extensive research, it has been determined that the total error in a five-axis machine tool can be controlled to below 40 µm after compensating for eccentricity parameters and angular position errors. However, reducing this error to below ± 10 µm is challenging, primarily due to wobble errors in the orientation of the rotary axis without compensating. In this study, a new methodology based on Laser R-test and Rodrigues’ rotation formula has been developed to establish a PIGE model of rotary axis. Based on the methodology, the 8 PIGEs can be analyzed by measuring 5 coordinate positions. The compensation of 8 PIGEs in the rotary axis is completed within 30 min using the inspection path. Compatibility with ISO-10791–6 standards for BK1, BK2, and BK4 path tests is confirmed, validating the compensation effects. A precision of below ± 10 µm is achieved, with inspection time reduced by over 50%. This system can complete multiple errors by simply using the different paths. This greatly reduces the setup time for future users, enhancing its commercial applicability.
A unified approach to inverse robust optimization problems
Authors: Berthold Holger , Heller Till , Seidel Tobias 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA variety of approaches has been developed to deal with uncertain optimization problems. Often, they start with a given set of uncertainties and then try to minimize the influence of these uncertainties. The reverse view is to first set a budget for the price one is willing to pay and then find the most robust solution. In this article, we aim to unify these inverse approaches to robustness. We provide a general problem definition and a proof of the existence of its solution. We study properties of this solution such as closedness, convexity, and boundedness. We also provide a comparison with existing robustness concepts such as the stability radius, the resilience radius, and the robust feasibility radius. We show that the general definition unifies these approaches. We conclude with an example that demonstrates the flexibility of the introduced concept.
Coverage for the vascular pedicle of a free fasciocutaneous flap using split thickness skin graft with auxiliary procedure to achieve a safe method with no impairment of vessels: a case series and literature review
Authors: Garutti Leonardo , Kaciulyte Juste , Velazquez-Mujica Jonathan , Spadoni Davide , Marcasciano Marco , Cherubino Mario , Valdatta Luigi , Zerbinati Nicola , Chen Shih-Heng , Chen Hung-chi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The vascular pedicle of a free flap is the most critical structure that determines its viability. Most of the times it is covered with local skin flaps raised from the recipient site or with part of the free flap itself. However, there are conditions in which the vascular pedicle can be covered with skin graft. The purpose of the present study is to describe our experience in the use of split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) as an auxiliary procedure for pedicle coverage.

Methods
All patients who underwent microvascular fasciocutaneous free flap reconstruction at the Department of Plastic Surgery of China Medical University Hospital in Taichung from 1986 to 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients who met all of the following criteria were eligible for the study: microvascular free flap reconstruction of any region of the body with a fasciocutaneous flap and cases where tension was detected during skin closure over the pedicle of the flap and STSG was applied as a cover.

Results
There were 14 cases in this series treated from 1986 to 2021. Among them, 11 cases had no additional skin at the proximal end of the free flap, nor local flap at disposal in the recipient site to cover the vessels. In 3 other cases a vascular bridge flap was used for cross-leg flap transfer without possibility of tension free tubulization to protect the vessels. All reconstruction were successful.

Conclusions
During microvascular transfer of free flaps, if no skin flap is available to cover the vascular pedicle, skin graft can be used to protect the vessels without compromising the circulation of the flap. Our results, in accordance with the literature, supports the safety of this technique when direct closure of the skin above and near the pedicle is not possible.

Level of evidence
Level IV, Therapeutic.
Assessing erosion and sediment removal in the Isla Salamanca coastal barrier: implications for the Barranquilla-Ciénaga highway and coastal marine biodiversity – Colombia
Authors: Manzolli Rogério Portantiolo , Cantillo-Sabalza Mulfor , Portz Luana 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe Isla Salamanca coastal barrier on the Colombian Caribbean coast faces significant erosion, driven by climate change-induced, sea level rise and human activities such as highway construction. The Barranquilla-Ciénaga highway, particularly at kilometers 19 and 29, is at risk, with severe consequences for the region’s socio-economic and environmental well-being. Human interventions like the highway construction and seawall installations have disrupted the natural coastal dynamics, leading to increased erosion rates. The study, conducted between 2004 and 2021, reveals that the Isla Salamanca coastal barrier is experiencing substantial transgression, with erosion rates peaking at -16.1 m·yr− 1. The highway protection measures, with seawall construction, have proven inadequate, exacerbating erosion downstream. The mangrove loss due to hydrological changes and increased salinity is further threatening the fragile ecosystem. The research emphasizes the importance of considering biodiversity loss in the context of rapid erosion rates. The region, declared a Ramsar Site and Biosphere Reserve, hosts vital ecosystems like mangroves and dunes, whose destruction negatively impacts marine biodiversity. The study suggests the relocation of the highway, acknowledging the challenges of preserving wetlands and mangroves in the process. Balancing the need for infrastructure with ecological preservation is essential, and the study proposes comprehensive solutions, including shoreline management, ecosystem-based protection, and community involvement. The goal is to mitigate erosion’s adverse effects on biodiversity, habitat integrity, and the overall health of this ecologically sensitive region.
On the impact of net-zero forcing Q-flux change
Authors: Eiselt Kai-Uwe , Graversen Rune Grand 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNumerical climate model simulations suggest that global warming is enhanced or hampered by the spatial pattern of the warming itself. This phenomenon is known as the “pattern effect” and has in recent years become the most promising explanation for the change over time of climate sensitivity in climate models. Under historical global warming, different patterns of surface-temperature change have emerged, notably a yet unexplained cooling in the Southern Ocean and the East Pacific. Historical climate model simulations notoriously fail to reproduce this cooling, which may contribute to the deviation of the simulated global-mean warming from the observed record. Here we qualitatively investigate the potential impact of historical and other surface-temperature pattern changes by changing the ocean heat transport convergence (Q-flux) in a slab-ocean model. The Q-flux changes are always implemented such that in the global mean they impose no net forcing. Consistent with earlier studies we find that the impact of a negative Q-flux change in the Southern Ocean has a stronger effect than in other regions because of a feedback loop between sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) and clouds in the Southern Ocean and the stably stratified regions in the tropics. The SST-cloud feedback loop facilitates the expansion of the Antarctic sea ice, indeed taking the model into a Snowball-Earth state. The intensity of this effect is found to be model dependent, especially due to differences in the cloud parametrisation. In experiments with deactivated sea ice the impact of the negative Q-flux change is much weaker.
Α coherent optimization course of the silicon nitride nanofiller load in medical grade isotactic polypropylene for material extrusion additive manufacturing: Rheology, engineering response, and cost-effectiveness
Authors: Vidakis Nectarios , Michailidis Nikolaos , Argyros Apostolos , Mountakis Nikolaos , Papadakis Vassilis , Spiridaki Mariza , Moutsopoulou Amalia , Sfakiotakis Evangelos , Petousis Markos 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBy enabling the development of complex structures with adaptable qualities, techniques for additive manufacturing have opened new routes for material development and research. In this research, silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic nanoparticles are incorporated into polypropylene (PP) matrices. Various loading levels and standardized test specimens that adhere to ASTM criteria are created. The main goal is to thoroughly characterize these composites with an emphasis on their mechanical capabilities. The rheological, thermomechanical, and morphological properties of 3D-printed PP/Si3N4 composites created using material extrusion (MEX) 3D printing are examined. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry are exploited to study thermal stability and phase transitions in composite materials. Mechanical testing is conducted to determine mechanical qualities, such as flexural and tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. For detailed characterization of the nanocomposites, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy are also performed. The results provide insight into the impact of Si3N4 nanoparticles on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and rheological behavior of PP/Si3N4 composites. The 2 wt% Si3N4 filler showed overall the best performance improvement (21% in the tensile modulus of elasticity, 15.7% in the flexural strength, and high values in the remaining properties assessed). The nanocomposite with the maximum Si3N4 loading of wt% showed a 33.6% increased microhardness than the pure PP thermoplastic, showing a promising wear resistance for the parts built with it. This research reveals the ability of Si3N4 ceramic nanoparticles to improve the mechanical characteristics of PP-based compounds produced by MEX 3D printing.
Graphical Abstract