Relevance of Factorization Method to Differential and Integral Equations Associated with Hybrid Class of Polynomials

This article has a motive to derive a new class of differential equations and associated integral equations for some hybrid families of Laguerre–Gould–Hopper-based Sheffer polynomials. We derive recurrence relations, differential equation, integro-differential equation, and integral equation for the Laguerre–Gould–Hopper-based Sheffer polynomials by using the factorization method.

SMOG 2 and OpenSMOG: Extending the limits of structure-based models

Applying simulations with structure-based (Go-like) models has proven to be an effective strategy for investigating the factors that control biomolecular dynamics. The common element of these models is that some (or all) of the intra/inter-molecular interactions are explicitly defined to stabilize an experimentally-determined structure. To facilitate the development and application of this broad class of models, we previously released the SMOG 2 software package. This suite allows one to easily customize and distribute structure-based (i.e. SMOG) models for any type of polymer-ligand system. Since its original release, user feedback has driven the implementation of numerous enhancements. Here, we describe recent extensions to the software and demonstrate the capabilities of the most recent version, SMOG v2.4. Changes include new tools that aid user-defined customization of force fields, as well as an interface with the OpenMM simulation libraries (OpenSMOG v1.0). To illustrate the utility of these advances, we present several applications of SMOG2 and OpenSMOG, which include systems with millions of atoms, long polymers and explicit ions. We also highlight how one can incorporate non-structure-based (e.g. AMBER-based) energetics to define a hybrid class of models. The representative applications include large-scale rearrangements of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, the HIV-1 capsid in the presence of explicit ions, and crystallographic lattices of ribosomes and proteins. In summary, SMOG 2 and OpenSMOG provide robust support for researchers who seek to apply structure-based models to large and/or intricate biomolecular systems.

A Scaffolding Framework for Social Annotation in Online Classes

Web annotation is a genre of information technology that allows a user to annotate information in a shared document and anchor a discussion to the annotated information. When it is used socially in online classes, web annotation can support social reading, group sensemaking, knowledge construction, and community building (Chen, 2019; Kalir et al., 2020, Zhu et.al, 2020).To support several University of Minnesota instructors’ pivot to online teaching , we conducted a study that was focused on engaging undergraduate students in reading and discussing course materials in online classes. Following a co-design approach, we worked closely with instructors to design a generic scaffolding framework for social annotation activities and supported them to implement the framework, with course-specific customizations, in their classes. All participating courses are piloting a web annotation tool named Hypothes.is that is integrated in Canvas and allows students to read and annotate socially. This document describes the scaffolding framework, an important outcome of the study, which can be applied in various online/hybrid class settings.

Genomic Screening Reveals That the Endangered Eucalyptus paludicola (Myrtaceae) Is a Hybrid

A hybrid origin for a conservation listed taxon will influence its status and management options. Here, we investigate the genetic origins of a nationally endangered listed taxon—Eucalyptus paludicola—a tree that is restricted to the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island of South Australia. Since its description in 1995, there have been suggestions that this taxon may potentially be a stable hybrid species. Using a high throughput sequencing approach, we developed a panel of polymorphic loci that were screened across E. paludicola and its putative parental species E. cosmophylla and E. ovata. Bayesian clustering of the genotype data identified separate groups comprising E. ovata and E. cosmophylla while E. paludicola individuals were admixed between these two, consistent with a hybrid origin. Hybrid class assignment tests indicate that the majority of E. paludicola individuals (~70%) are F1 hybrids with a low incidence of backcrossing. Most of the post-F1 hybrids were associated with revegetation sites suggesting they may be maladapted and rarely reach maturity under natural conditions. These data support the hypothesis that E. paludicola is a transient hybrid entity rather than a distinct hybrid species. We briefly discuss the conservation implications of our findings.

Southern Song Freelance Painters (1127–1279): Commerce Between the Imperial Court and the Linan Art Market

This article makes visible the complex social position of a previously overlooked class of Southern Song artists: freelance painters, who worked for the imperial court on a temporary, as-needed basis, but who have been mischaracterized as permanent, official “court painters” by post-Song historiographers. Through an analysis of the careers of freelance painters such as Chen Qingbo and Li Dong, I posit a hybrid class of adjunct-artists, who made their livings by operating fan shops in the capital's streets but at times also contracted with the court. How did the emperor exploit contingent artists while simultaneously allowing market agents (guilds and brokers) to protect their benefits? How did the freelance painters increase their profits by developing entrepreneurial relations with the court and by competing with other freelancers in a fierce market? By exploring how the Southern Song court mobilized non-court painters through consensual contracts, this article differentiates freelancers from court painters, thereby dismantling long-held myths about the Southern Song painting academy.