bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring student perceptions and use of face-to-face classes, technology-enhanced active learning, and online resources
Authors: Lewohl Joanne M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe current cohort of undergraduate students is often said to value technology and is assumed to prefer immersive, interactive, and personalized learning experiences. In contrast, many educators recognise the value of face-to-face classes and believe that attending class positively impacts student performance. A novel teaching strategy, including traditional lectures and interactive workshops using an educational technology platform were implemented in an undergraduate neurobiology course. Attendance in class and use of lecture capture recording were associated with improved student performance. Further, student attitudes toward the teaching strategy were evaluated via a survey. The survey respondents included those that regularly attended class and those that did not. Overall, irrespective of attendance, students thought that face-to-face classes were beneficial to their learning and the use of active learning activities helped them to understand the course content. The most common reasons for non-attendance in class were attributed to factors such as the class schedule, work and family commitments and were not related to the availability of class recordings and other online resources. In contrast, the most common reasons for attendance in class included the perceived benefit, the standard of teaching and the level of interest in the course. The novel teaching strategy had a positive impact on student learning, and can be used for in-person, online and asynchronous learning, providing a mechanism for educators to cater for students who wish to attend in-person classes as well as providing options for flexible delivery.
Graphical Abstract
The Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factor BcDIC affects the asexual reproduction of Botrytis cinerea by regulating pectinesterase genes
Authors: Lu Shasha , Zhang Xiaokang , He Chang , Li Guangjin , Chen Tong , Li Boqiang , Tian Shiping , Zhang Zhanquan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBotrytis cinerea is one of the most destructive plant pathogens, causing great economic losses in a wide variety of crops. It is difficult to control the pathogen because of its flexible mode of infection, high reproduction, genetic plasticity and strong stress resistance. There are more than 400 genes encoding transcription factors in the genome of B. cinerea, among which Zn(II)2Cys6(C6) transcription factors constitute the largest family. However, the mechanisms of Zn(II)2Cys6(C6) transcription factors regulating the development and pathogenicity of B. cinerea are largely unknown. In this study, we identified an important C6 transcription factor BcDIC that regulates the asexual reproduction and pathogenicity of B. cinerea. The virulence of the knockout mutant ΔBcDIC was reduced on various hosts. Especially, ΔBcDIC completely lost the ability of conidiation. By analyzing the transcriptome data, we found that deletion of ΔBcDIC enhanced the expression of pectinesterase family genes in B. cinerea. Furthermore, the results of yeast-one-hybrid and dual-LUC reporter assay suggested that BcDIC could bind to the promoter of two pectinesterase genes and suppress their expression. In this work, we identified a C6 transcription factor involved in the pathogenesis and asexual reproduction of B. cinerea, and the results implied that the capacity of pectin degradation was closely related with the reproduction process.
Gastrointestinal Delivery of an mRNA Vaccine Using Immunostimulatory Polymeric Nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Hyunjoon , Kirtane Ameya R. , Kim Na Yoon , Rajesh Netra Unni , Tang Chaoyang , Ishida Keiko , Hayward Alison M. , Langer Robert , Traverso Giovanni 
Published: August 2023

AbstractmRNA vaccines can be translated into protein antigens, in vivo, to effectively induce humoral and cellular immunity against these proteins. While current mRNA vaccines have generated potent immune responses, the need for ultracold storage conditions (− 80 °C) and healthcare professionals to administer the vaccine through the parenteral route has somewhat limited their distribution in rural areas and developing countries. Overcoming these challenges stands to transform future deployment of mRNA vaccines. In this study, we developed an mRNA vaccine that can trigger a systemic immune response through administration via the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is stable at 4 °C. A library of cationic branched poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) polymers was synthesized and characterized, from which a polymer with high intracellular mRNA delivery efficiency and immune stimulation capacity was down-selected. mRNA vaccines made with the lead polymer-elicited cellular and humoral immunity in mice. Furthermore, lyophilization conditions of the formulation were optimized to enable storage under refrigeration. Our results suggest that PBAE nanoparticles are potent mRNA delivery platforms that can elicit B cell and T cell activation, including antigen-specific cellular and humoral responses. This system can serve as an easily administrable, potent oral mRNA vaccine.
Graphical Abstract
Central Disorders of Hypersomnolence
Authors: Blattner Margaret , Maski Kiran 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Objective
The goals of this article are to describe the clinical approach to and management of patients with central disorders of hypersomnolence, and to understand and differentiate available diagnostic tools.

Latest Developments
Updated clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of central disorders of hypersomnolence and narcolepsy specifically highlight new treatment options. Approval for a lower-sodium oxybate formulation that contains 92% less sodium than the standard sodium oxybate for the treatment of narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia adds to the number of medications available for these disorders, allowing for a more tailored management of symptoms.

Essential Points
Central disorders of hypersomnolence are characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness that impacts daily functions. These disorders can be differentiated by obtaining a detailed clinical sleep history and by a thoughtful interpretation of sleep diagnostic testing. Tailoring treatment approaches to meet the needs of individuals and accounting for medical and psychiatric comorbidities may improve quality of life.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and Other REM Parasomnias
Authors: Malkani Roneil 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
This article reviews rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and other REM sleep parasomnias, particularly recurrent isolated sleep paralysis and nightmare disorder.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
People with RBD have dream enactment behaviors that can be distressing and cause injuries to themselves or a bed partner. Diagnosis of RBD still requires video polysomnography but new evaluative techniques are emerging. Automatic scoring of REM sleep without atonia, the polysomnographic RBD feature, has led to clearer diagnostic cutoff values. Isolated RBD is strongly linked with neurodegenerative disorders, particularly α-synucleinopathies, with a median latency to neurodegenerative disease diagnosis of 8 years. Mounting imaging, electrophysiologic, and pathologic evidence supports neurodegenerative changes in patients with isolated RBD. Safety precautions should be reviewed with patients to reduce the risk of injury. Clonazepam and melatonin are first-line agents for RBD symptoms, and rivastigmine appears to be beneficial for RBD in people with mild cognitive impairment. For nightmare disorder, image rehearsal therapy is effective and can be delivered through online platforms.

ESSENTIAL POINTS
While RBD symptoms can often be managed, patients with isolated RBD should be monitored for signs and symptoms of impending neurodegenerative disease. Individuals who wish to know about the associated risk should be counseled accordingly to allow planning and involvement in research if they choose. Exercise may have some neuroprotective effects, although no treatment has been shown to modify the neurodegenerative risk.
Comparative Analysis of Surgical Working Corridors for Meckel Cave Trigeminal Schwannomas: A Quantitative Anatomic Study
Authors: Luzzi Sabino , Giotta Lucifero Alice , Baldoncini Matías , Galzio Renato , Campero Alvaro 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Volumetric analysis of the working corridors of the interdural approach to the Meckel cave may lead to a selection of routes which are anatomically more advantageous for trigeminal schwannoma resection. The herein-reported anatomic study quantitively compares the infratrochlear (IT) transcavernous, anteromedial (AM), and anterolateral (AL) corridors, highlighting their feasibility, indications, advantages, and limitations.

METHODS:
Anatomic boundaries and depth of Meckel cave, porus trigeminus, IT transcavernous, AM, and AL corridors were identified in 20 formalin-fixed latex-injected cadaveric heads and were subsequently measured. The corridor areas and volumes were derived accordingly. Each opening angle was also calculated. Angles and volumes were compared using analysis of variance. Statistical significance was set at a P-value <.05.

RESULTS:
The IT transcavernous corridor volume was greater than that of the AM and AL. The opening angle of the AM middle fossa triangle was wider than the other 2.

CONCLUSION:
The IT corridor can be advantageous for Meckel cave schwannomas invading the cavernous sinus and those with a notable extension into the posterior fossa because the transcavernous approach maximizes the working space into the retrosellar area. The AM middle fossa corridor is strategic in schwannomas confined to the Meckel cave with a minor extension into the posterior fossa. It raises the chance of total resection with a single approach involving the porus trigeminus opening.
The dual lipid desaturase/hydroxylase DEGS2 controls phytoceramide levels necessary to counter intestinal inflammation
Authors: Song Ran , Fond Aaron , Li Xiaohong , Tang Miao , Zhan Xiaoming , Gordillo Ruth , Moresco Eva Marie Y. , Beutler Bruce , Turer Emre E. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Intestinal immunity is dependent on barrier function to maintain quiescence. The mechanisms for the maintenance of this barrier are not fully understood. Delta 4-desaturase, sphingolipid 2 (DEGS2) is a lipid desaturase and hydroxylase that catalyzes the synthesis of ceramide and phytoceramide from dihydroceramide. Using a forward genetic approach, we found and validated a mutation in Degs2 as causative of increasing susceptibility to colitis and altering the phytoceramide balance in the colon. DEGS2 is expressed in the intestinal epithelium, and the colitis phenotype is dependent on the non-hematopoietic compartment of the mouse. In the absence of DEGS2, the colon lacks phytoceramides and accumulates large amounts of the precursor lipid dihydroceramide. In response to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, colonic epithelial cells in DEGS2-deficient mice had increased cell death and decreased proliferation compared to those in wild-type mice. These findings demonstrate that DEGS2 is needed to maintain epithelial integrity, protect against DSS-induced colitis and maintain lipid balance in vivo.
Visual guidance of honeybees approaching a vertical landing surface
Authors: Goyal Pulkit , Baird Emily , Srinivasan Mandyam V. , Muijres Florian T. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Landing is a critical phase for flying animals, whereby many rely on visual cues to perform controlled touchdown. Foraging honeybees rely on regular landings on flowers to collect food crucial for colony survival and reproduction. Here, we explored how honeybees utilize optical expansion cues to regulate approach flight speed when landing on vertical surfaces. Three sensory-motor control models have been proposed for landings of natural flyers. Landing honeybees maintain a constant optical expansion rate set-point, resulting in a gradual decrease in approach velocity and gentile touchdown. Bumblebees exhibit a similar strategy, but they regularly switch to a new constant optical expansion rate set-point. In contrast, landing birds fly at a constant time to contact to achieve faster landings. Here, we re-examined the landing strategy of honeybees by fitting the three models to individual approach flights of honeybees landing on platforms with varying optical expansion cues. Surprisingly, the landing model identified in bumblebees proved to be the most suitable for these honeybees. This reveals that honeybees adjust their optical expansion rate in a stepwise manner. Bees flying at low optical expansion rates tend to increase their set-point stepwise, while those flying at high optical expansion rates tend to decrease it stepwise. This modular landing control system enables honeybees to land rapidly and reliably under a wide range of initial flight conditions and visual landing platform patterns. The remarkable similarity between the landing strategies of honeybees and bumblebees suggests that this may also be prevalent among other flying insects. Furthermore, these findings hold promising potential for bioinspired guidance systems in flying robots.
The glutamatergic drive to breathe is reduced in severe but not moderate hypoxia in Damaraland mole-rats
Authors: Devereaux Maiah E. M. , Chiasson Sarah , Brennan Kate F. , Pamenter Matthew E. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Damaraland mole-rats (Fukomys damarensis) are a hypoxia-tolerant fossorial species that exhibit a robust hypoxic metabolic response (HMR) and blunted hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR). Whereas the HVR of most adult mammals is mediated by increased excitatory glutamatergic signalling, naked mole-rats, which are closely related to Damaraland mole-rats, do not utilize this pathway. Given their phylogenetic relationship and similar lifestyles, we hypothesized that the signalling mechanisms underlying physiological responses to acute hypoxia in Damaraland mole-rats are like those of naked mole-rats. To test this, we used pharmacological antagonists of glutamatergic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), combined with plethysmography, respirometry and thermal RFID chips, to non-invasively evaluate the role of excitatory AMPAR and NMDAR signalling in mediating ventilatory, metabolic and thermoregulatory responses, respectively, to 1 h of 5 or 7% O2. We found that AMPAR or NMDAR antagonism have minimal impacts on the HMR or hypoxia-mediated changes in thermoregulation. Conversely, the ‘blunted’ HVR of Damaraland mole-rats is reduced by either AMPAR or NMDAR antagonism such that the onset of the HVR occurs in less severe hypoxia. In more severe hypoxia, antagonists have no impact, suggesting that these receptors are already inhibited. Together, these findings indicate that the glutamatergic drive to breathe decreases in Damaraland mole-rats exposed to severe hypoxia. These findings differ from other adult mammals, in which the glutamatergic drive to breathe increases with hypoxia.
Mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative stress in the tropical cockroach under fluctuating thermal regimes
Authors: Lubawy Jan , Chowański Szymon P. , Colinet Hervé , Słocińska Małgorzata 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
The cockroach Gromphadorhina coquereliana can survive at low temperatures under extensive periods of cold stress. To assess energy management and insect adaptation in response to cold, we measured mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress in muscle and fat body tissues from G. coquereliana under a fluctuating thermal regime (FTR; stressed at 4°C for 3 h on 3 consecutive days, with or without 24 h recovery). Compared with our earlier work showing that a single exposure to cold significantly affects mitochondrial parameters, here, repeated exposure to cold triggered an acclimatory response, resulting in unchanged mitochondrial bioenergetics. Immediately after cold exposure, we observed an increase in the overall pool of ATP and a decrease in typical antioxidant enzyme activity. We also observed decreased activity of uncoupling protein 4 in muscle mitochondria. After 24 h of recovery, we observed an increase in expression of antioxidant enzymes in muscles and the fat body and a significant increase in the expression of UCP4 and HSP70 in the latter. This indicates that processes related to energy conversion and disturbance under cold stress may trigger different protective mechanisms in these tissues, and that these mechanisms must be activated to restore insect homeostasis. The mitochondrial parameters and enzymatic assays suggest that mitochondria are not affected during FTR but oxidative stress markers are decreased, and a 24 h recovery period allows for the restoration of redox and energy homeostasis, especially in the fat body. This confirms the crucial role of the fat body in intermediary metabolism and energy management in insects and in the response to repeated thermal stress.
Au13 Superatom Bearing Two Terpyridines at Coaxial Positions: Photoluminescence Quenching via Complexation with 3d Metal Ions
Authors: Kito Naoki , Takano Shinjiro , Masuda Shinya , Harano Koji , Tsukuda Tatsuya 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A gold cluster [Au13(dppe)5(EPTpy)2]3+ (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, EPTpy-H = 4′-(4-ethynylphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine) was synthesized by ligand exchange reaction of [Au13(dppe)5Cl2]3+. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that two terpyridyl moieties were σ-bonded to the coaxial positions of the icosahedral Au13 core. These two terpyridyl moieties were coordinated with 3d metal ions M2+ (M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) in acetonitrile solution under ambient conditions. The photoluminescence (PL) of [Au13(dppe)5(EPTpy)2]3+ with a quantum yield of 0.17 at ∼780 nm was almost completely quenched by coordination with Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+, while the PL was not affected by Zn2+ coordination. The metal-dependent PL quenching behavior is ascribed to the difference in the electronic structure of the metal ions. The energy transfer from the Au13 chromophore to the coordinated Co2+, Ni2+, or Cu2+ with an open electronic structure proceeds efficiently via an electron exchange mechanism, while the process is prohibited for Zn2+ with a closed electronic structure.
Kinetics of naturally induced binding and neutralising anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and potencies among SARS-CoV-2 infected Kenyans with diverse grades of COVID-19 severity: an observational study
Authors: Kimotho John , Sein Yiakon , Sayed Shahin , Shah Reena , Mwai Kennedy , Saleh Mansoor , Wanjiku Perpetual , Mwacharo Jedidah , Nyagwange James , Karanja Henry , Kutima Bernadette , Gitonga John N. , Mugo Daisy , Karanu Ann , Moranga Linda , Oluoch Viviane , Shah Jasmit , Mutiso Julius , Mburu Alfred , Nneka Zaitun , Betti Peter , Usyu Mutinda Wanzila , Issak Abdi Abdirahman , Bejon Philip , Isabella Ochola-Oyier Lynette , M.Warimwe George , Nduati Eunice W. , M. Ndungu Francis 
Published: August 2023

Background: Given the low levels of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine coverage in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA), despite high levels of natural severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposures, strategies for extending the breadth and longevity of naturally acquired immunity are warranted. Designing such strategies will require a good understanding of natural immunity. Methods: We measured whole-spike immunoglobulin G (IgG) and spike-receptor binding domain (RBD) total immunoglobulins (Igs) on 585 plasma samples collected longitudinally over five successive time points within six months of COVID-19 diagnosis in 309 COVID-19 patients. We measured antibody-neutralising potency against the wild-type (Wuhan) SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in a subset of 51 patients over three successive time points. Binding and neutralising antibody levels and potencies were then tested for correlations with COVID-19 severities. Results: Rates of seroconversion increased from day 0 (day of PCR testing) to day 180 (six months) (63.6% to 100 %) and (69.3 % to 97%) for anti-spike-IgG and anti-spike-RBD binding Igs, respectively. Levels of these binding antibodies peaked at day 28 (p<0.0001) and were subsequently maintained for six months without significant decay (p>0.99). Similarly, antibody-neutralising potencies peaked at day 28 (p<0.0001) but declined by three-fold, six months after COVID-19 diagnosis (p<0.0001). Binding antibody levels were highly correlated with neutralising antibody potencies at all the time points analysed (r>0.6, p<0.0001). Levels and potencies of binding and neutralising antibodies increased with disease severity. Conclusions: Most COVID-19 patients generated SARS-CoV-2 specific binding antibodies that remained stable in the first six months of infection. However, the respective neutralising antibodies decayed three-fold by month-six of COVID-19 diagnosis suggesting that they are short-lived, consistent with what has been observed elsewhere in the world. Thus, regular vaccination boosters are required to sustain the high levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 naturally acquired neutralising antibody potencies in our population.
Multilevel Lot-Sizing with Inventory Bounds
Authors: Hwang Hark-Chin , van den Heuvel Wilco , Wagelmans Albert P. M. 
Published: August 2023

We consider a single-item multilevel lot-sizing problem with a serial structure where one of the levels has an inventory capacity (the bottleneck level). We propose a novel dynamic programming algorithm combining Zangwill’s approach for the uncapacitated problem and the basis-path approach for the production capacitated problem. Under reasonable assumptions on the cost parameters the time complexity of the algorithm is [Formula: see text] with L the number of levels in the supply chain and T the length of the planning horizon. Computational tests show that our algorithm is significantly faster than the commercial solver Cplex applied to a standard formulation and can solve reasonably sized instances up to 48 periods and 12 levels in a few minutes. History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms–Discrete. Funding: This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education [Grant 2014R1A1A2058513].
Digitale Transformation im Retoureneingang: Klassifikationsmodell zur Vorsortierung von Retourenpaketen
Authors: Stevenson Anthony Boyd , Rieck Julia 
Published: August 2023

ZusammenfassungDie vorliegende Arbeit präsentiert die Entwicklung eines Klassifikationsmodells und eines Software-Systems zur Vorsortierung von Retourenpaketen bei einem B2C-E-Commerce Versandhändler, dessen Rücksendungen durch die Verwendung von Retourenscheinen bearbeitet werden. Im Rahmen der Klassifikation wird mithilfe vorhandener Daten und unter Verwendung eines dreistufigen Berechungsschemas die Artikelanzahl in einem Retourenpaket vorhergesagt. Hierdurch wird eine präzisere Klassifikation gegenüber dem ersten Prototyp aus einer früheren Arbeit für die Prozessoptimierung ermöglicht. Eine Evaluierung des Systems zeigt eine signifikante Verbesserung gegenüber dem Prototyp. Das System wurde kostengünstig in die bestehende IT-Infrastruktur integriert und trägt zur Steigerung der Digitalisierung des Retourenlagers bei. Die vorgestellte Case Study belegt den Nutzen des Software-Systems und zeigt, dass Unternehmen, insbesondere KMUs, durch den Einsatz von Logistik‑4.0‑Technologien ihre Effizienz steigern und wettbewerbsfähig bleiben können. Zudem wird diskutiert, ob durch das Software-System ein Paradigmenwechsel zu Logistik 5.0 im Retoureneingang erreicht wird.