bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the Responses of Functional Leaf Traits to Global Warming: An in situ Temperature Manipulation Design Using Iris pumila L.
Authors: Jovanović Sanja Manitašević , Hočevar Katarina , Vuleta Ana , Tucić Branka
Published: July 2023

Phenotypic plasticity is widely acknowledged as one of the most common solutions for coping with novel environmental conditions following climate change. However, it is less known wheth-er current amounts of trait plasticity, which is sufficient for matching with contemporary climate, will be adequate when global temperatures exceed historical levels. We addressed this issue by ex-ploring the responses of functional and structural leaf traits in Iris pumila clonal individuals to ex-perimentally increased temperature (~1.5°C), using an open top chamber (OTC) design. We de-termined phenotypic values of specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, specific leaf water con-tent and leaf thickness in leaves sampled from the same clone inside and outside of the OTC de-ployed on it, over seasons and years within two natural populations. We analyzed the data by a repeated multivariate analysis of variance, which is primarily focused on profiles (reaction norms, RNs) of a variable gathered from the same individual at several different time points. We found that the mean RNs of all analyzed traits were parallel regardless of experienced temperatures, but differed in the level and the shape. The populations RNs were similar as well. Since the amount of plasticity in analyzed leaf trait was adequate for coping with elevated temperatures inside the OTCs, we predict that it will be also sufficient for responding to increased temperatures if they exceed the 1.5°C target.
Saudi Kindergarten Teachers and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD): Concept and Practice
Authors: Alnasib Badiah
Published: July 2023

This study examined the status of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) practices and the understanding of Sustainable Development (SD) among Saudi kindergarten teachers in a specific governorate. Two hundred twenty-seven kindergarten teachers participated, and data was collected through a questionnaire. The results indicated that most kindergarten teachers (89.9%) were unaware of SD. The overall status of ESD practices among the participating teachers was weak, with an average score of 2.60 out of 4. Among the different dimensions, values (2.74), competencies (2.69), and practice (2.65) obtained relatively higher scores, while the content dimension (2.49) received the lowest score. Significant differences were found in the mean scores of ESD practices based on teachers’ qualifications and the type of school. However, no differences were observed based on experience. The lack of awareness regarding SD emerged as the primary barrier to implementing ESD in kindergarten institutions. Expanding teacher training was identified as the most crucial step in promoting ESD in kindergartens. The findings highlight the importance of raising awareness among Saudi kindergarten teachers about SD, providing professional development opportunities to enhance ESD implementation in classrooms, and creating teaching materials aligned with ESD principles.
Helmet Shape and Phylogeography of the Treehopper Membracis mexicana
Authors: De-la-Mora Marisol , Pinero Daniel
Published: July 2023

Membracis mexicana (Hemiptera: Membracidae) is distributed in four biogeographic provinces of Mexico, field observations indicate that there are different forms of this species but so far it has not been recorded how the different forms are and how they are distributed. The aim of this study was to quantify the phenotypic and genetic variation of M. mexicana and determine if the config-uration of biogeographic provinces impacts the distribution of this variation. To do this we ana-lyzed 307 photographs using 19 landmarks and geometric morphometrics to quantify the pheno-typic variation in helmets. We sequenced five molecular markers for 205 individuals to describe the phylogeographic pattern. As a result, we identified three morphological configurations of the helmet of M. mexicana and two genetic lineages. The morphotypes are 1) large and wide helmet with small dorsal spots, 2) small and narrow helmet with large dorsal spots, and 3) small and narrow helmet with small spots. Genetic lineages are distributed at southeast and western of Mexico. The western lineage corresponds to two helmet morphotypes (1 and 2) and the southeast lineage to morphotype 3. We found that the larger helmets correspond the western lineage and are distributed in Transmexican Volcanic Belt and Pacific lowlands provinces whereas the smallest helmets correspond to the southeast lineage and are present in Veracruzan and Yucatan Peninsula provinces.
Entre os tempos de ouro da Antiguidade e a criminalização da política no Brasil contemporâneo: consciência histórica, saberes escolares e representações sociais
Authors: Gregori Alessandro Mortaio
Published: July 2023

Este artigo apresenta um estudo daaprendizagem histórica de estudantesdo Ensino Médio a partir do conceitoconsciência histórica e sua possível integraçãocom a teoria das representaçõessociais. Por meio da coleta de ideias préviase um exercício de entrecruzamentode fontes de épocas diversas (Antiguidadee Tempo Presente), investigamos odesenvolvimento do pensamento históricode estudantes em uma escola públicada região do ABC paulista. Com oobjetivo de compreender como a dimensãodo político é aprendida pelosjovens durante o estudo sobre os antigosromanos, realizou-se uma pesquisade caráter qualitativo, a qual reveloudados que indicam que a aprendizagemhistórica resulta do relacionamento entreconteúdo curricular, percepção datemporalidade e realidade vivida.
A economia antiga como possibilidade de construção da alteridade no ensino da História Antiga
Authors: Carvalho Alexandre Galvão , Girardi Lucas Werlang
Published: July 2023

A economia antiga tem sido relegada asegundo plano no ensino da HistóriaAntiga, presente na proposta da BNCC.Seu caráter generalizante e pouco aprofundadonão contribui para uma perspectivaque acentue a alteridade das atividadeseconômicas da Antiguidade,além de não incitar formas de comparaçãoentre diferentes sociedades. O objetivodeste artigo é refletir sobre os conceitose práticas econômicas, como astrocas, o comércio e o mercado à luz dasnovas perspectivas historiográficas, comouma forma de aprofundar a propostade Ensino de História presente naBNCC e superar visões eurocêntricasatreladas à História e à Antiguidade.
Gestión de Talento Humano y Creatividad en Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas, provincia de Loja – Ecuador
Authors: Ochoa Carrión Alba Mireya , Estela Estela Adán Humberto
Published: July 2023

Los propósitos de esta investigación están destinados a optimizar el desarrollo del talento humano, cuyo factor esencial es traer innovación para generar competencias, abriendo nuevos mercados. El objetivo es determinar como la Gestión del Talento Humano contribuye con la creatividad de las Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas. La investigación es aplicada de tipo cuantitativo, descriptivo, correlacional con diseño no experimental y transaccional. La muestra compuesta por 349 participantes PyMEs de la provincia de Loja. El cuestionario utilizado está compuesto por tres dimensiones de 33 preguntas cerradas con escala de cinco opciones. Los resultados fueron alentadores al poner a prueba de Hipótesis estadística no paramétrica de Friedman. Concluyó que, en las correlaciones entre dimensiones e indicadores, se encontró algunas diferencias y se comprobó que las tres dimensiones de Gestión del Talento Humano influyen en la Creatividad de las PyMEs de la provincia de Loja.
Instrumento para la medición de la percepción del profesorado sobre el valor de los videojuegos como recurso de aprendizaje
Authors: González López Ignacio , Reche Urbano Eloísa , Quintero Ordóñez Belén
Published: July 2023

El desarrollo de la sociedad digital ha supuesto la incorporación de una serie de herramientas tecnológicas, algunas catalogadas de emergentes, a la dinámica de las aulas con el fin de acercar la educación a la vida diaria de los estudiantes. Al amparo del proyecto FEDER denominado “Diseño de indicadores de logro de la competencia digital mediada por tecnologías emergentes en alumnado de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria” (1380801-R), cuya finalidad es conocer la percepción del profesorado sobre el valor de los videojuegos como recurso de apoyo en el aprendizaje del alumnado, se presentan las fases (juicio de expertos y pilotaje) que han dado lugar a la validación del instrumento clave para recopilar información que permita dar respuesta a la meta indicada.
Strategi Komunikasi Efektif dalam Pembelajaran Anak Usia Dini di RA Tahfizh Al Furqon Ponorogo
Authors: Ariska Candra Yuliana  , Verian NVerian Nurhuda  , Mambaul Ngadhimah  , Umar Sidiq
Published: July 2023

Pembelajaran pada anak usia dini dikatakan berhasil apabila tujuannya telah tercapai maksimalnya sesuai dengan tahapan pertumbuhan dan perkembangan anak. Beragam cara penerapan pembelajaran anak usia dini khususnya di lingkungan sekolah telah dilakukan oleh guru. Mengingat peran sentral guru dalam memaksimalkan pembelajaran anak usia dini, diperlukan bentuk komunikasi yang memberikan rasa aman dan nyaman bagi anak. Komunikasi efektif merupakan bentuk komunikasi positif sebagai sarana dalam mewujudkan efektivitas dan efisiensi pembelajaran. RA Tahfizh Al Furqon Ponorogo menjadi kajian peneliti dalam menerapkan komunikasi efektif anak usia dini. Dengan menerapkan komuniasi efektif diharapkan dapat memberikan rasa aman dan nyaman bagi anak. Kenyamanan dan keamanan anak usia dini dibutuhkan dalam mempermudah dan memaksimalkan proses pembelajaran. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan strategi komunikasi efektif dalam pembelajaran anak usia dini di RA Tahfizh Al Furqon Ponorogo. Penelitian ini termasuk penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dengan pendekatan studi kasus di RA Tahfizh Al Furqon Ponorogo. Teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara secara mendalam dan observasi. Teknik analisis dengan model interaktif yang dilakukan dengan empat tahapan, yaitu : pengumpulan data, display data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil peneliti ini menghasilkan temuan : (1) penerapan strategi komunkikasi efektif dalam pebelajaran di RA Tahfizh Al Furqon Ponorogo. (2) Implikasi komunikasi dalam meningkatkan citra RA Tahfizh Al Furqon Ponorogo.
Heat Transfer Included Simulation of Carbonate Rock Acidizing Using Two-Scale Continuum Model with Varying Rock Physics Curves
Authors: Nami M. H. , Ahmadi M. , Sharifi M.
Published: July 2023

Matrix acidizing is the commonly used method to enhance permeability of a damaged zone around the well. Acid injection will dissolve the rock, creating narrow, high-permeability channels, called wormholes, to bypass the damaged zone. The pattern of wormhole generation indicates the efficiency of the well stimulation process. Although the injection rate has the most important role in this process, there are other factors such as rock properties, presence of an immiscible phase, and temperature variation that could also affect the dissolution pattern. A few studies have considered the simultaneous effects of all phenomena involved in the acidizing process. We have developed a two-phase heat transfer model coupled with a two-scale continuum model considering capillary and gravity forces for the first time, to simulate the wormhole dissolution pattern. It could be used to analyze the dissolution phenomenon of carbonate rock. A new two-phase relative permeability model is implemented to take the effect of dissolution on relative permeability curves into account. The influence of acid-rock temperature difference, reaction heat, nonisothermal condition, phase saturation, formation porosity, intrinsic permeability and heterogeneity on dissolution pattern, and number of injected pore volumes (PVs) before acid breakthrough is investigated in the developed model.

The simulation results show that both optimum injection rate and required PV of acid to breakthrough are strongly dependent on acid and rock temperatures. High formation temperature increases both the optimum injection rate and the optimum number of injected PVs before breakthrough. Injection of acid at lower temperatures will decrease both the optimum injection rate and the optimum number of injected PVs to break through. Simulation results show that the optimum number of injected PVs to break through is 8% higher when reaction heat is considered. Formation properties and degree of heterogeneity influence the number of required injected PVs to breakthrough. Low porosity formations with high heterogeneity correspond to the lowest number of injected PVs to breakthrough. The results indicated that formations with higher permeability will have a higher optimum number of injected PVs to break through and an optimum injection rate. Simulated results show that increasing the initial water saturation will increase the volume of acid to breakthrough. Variation in initial water saturation has a minor effect on wormhole shape, but it does not change the dissolution regime.
Adaptive Basis Function Selection Enhanced Multisurrogate-Assisted Evolutionary Algorithm for Production Optimization
Authors: Wang Jialin , Zhang Kai , Zhang Liming , Wang Jian , Peng Wenfeng , Yan Xia , Wang Haochen , Zhang Huaqing , Yang Yongfei , Sun Hai , Liu Piyang , Chen Haichuan , Fang Xiaokun
Published: July 2023

Surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithms (SAEAs) have become a popular approach for solving reservoir production optimization problems. The radial-basis-function network (RBFN) is a robust surrogate model technology suitable for reservoir development with numerous wells and a long production lifetime. There are several types of basis functions for constructing RBFN models. However, existing research shows that selecting the basis function with competitive performance for the current optimization problem is challenging without prior knowledge. In conventional SAEAs, the basis function is often predetermined, but its prediction accuracy for the problem at hand cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, canonical SAEAs usually employ only one surrogate model for the entire optimization process. However, relying on a single surrogate model for optimization increases the probability of search direction misdirection due to prediction deviations. In this paper, a novel method named adaptive basis function selection enhanced multisurrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithm (ABMSEA) is introduced for production optimization. This method mainly includes two innovations. First, by training and testing different types of basis functions, the one with the best prediction performance is adaptively selected. Second, the ensemble model is constructed using the bootstrap sampling method, comprising multiple global surrogate models based on the selected best basis function. To search for a set of solutions that perform well on multiple surrogates, we employ an efficient multiobjective optimization (MOO) algorithm called nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II). This algorithm uses the surrogates themselves as objective functions, aiming to find solutions that yield favorable results across multiple surrogates. The proposed method improves the efficiency of production optimization while enhancing global search capabilities. To evaluate the effectiveness of ABMSEA, we conduct tests on four 100D benchmark functions, a three-channel model, and an egg model. The obtained results are compared with those obtained from differential evolution (DE) and three other surrogate-model-based methods. The experimental results demonstrate that ABMSEA exhibits an accurate selection of competitive basis functions for the current optimization period while maintaining high optimization efficiency and avoiding local optima. Consequently, our method enables optimal well control, leading to the attainment of the highest net present value (NPV).
High-intensity exercise increases breast milk adiponectin concentrations: a randomised cross-over study
Authors: Holmen Mads , Giskeødegård Guro F , Moholdt Trine
Published: July 2023

Adiponectin plays a role in glucose and fat metabolism and is present in breast milk. Circulating adiponectin increases acutely after endurance exercise. The purpose of this randomised, cross-over study was to determine the acute effects of exercise on adiponectin concentrations in human breast milk. Participants (N = 20) completed three conditions in the lab: 1) Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), 2) High-intensity interval training (HIIT), and 3) No activity (REST). At each condition, we collected breastmilk at 07:00 hours (before exercise/rest), 11:00 hours (immediately after exercise/rest), 12:00 hours (1 hour after exercise/rest), and 15:00 (4 hours after exercise/rest) and determined adiponectin concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We compared changes in adiponectin concentrations after MICT and HIIT, adjusted for the morning concentration on each test day, with those after REST, using paired t-tests. Adiponectin concentrations increased 1 hour after HIIT, from 4.6 (± 2.2) μg/mL in the 07:00 hours sample to 5.6 (± 2.6) μg/mL. This change was 0.9 μg/mL (95% confidence interval 0.3 to 1.5) greater than the change between these two timepoints in the REST condition (p= .025). There were no other statistically significant changes in adiponectin concentrations. HIIT may increase adiponectin concentrations in breast milk acutely after exercise.
Formin-like 1 β phosphorylation at S1086 is necessary for secretory polarized traffic of exosomes at the immune synapse
Authors: Izquierdo Manuel , Ruiz-Navarro Javier , Fernández-Hermira Sara , Sanz-Fernández Irene , Barbeito Pablo , Garcia-Gonzalo Francesc , Calvo Víctor
Published: July 2023

T-cell receptor stimulation by antigen bound to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on an antigen-presenting cell (APC) induces protein kinase C (PKC) activation and the formation of the immune synapse (IS), followed by depletion of filamentous actin (F-actin) at the central region of the IS (cIS) and the polarization of multivesicular bodies (MVB) and the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) to the IS. These events lead to polarized exosome secretion at the IS. These exosomes are involved in several crucial immune responses such as autocrine activation-induced cell death (AICD) of T lymphocytes and citotoxicity. We analysed here how formin-like 1 β (FMNL1β), an actin cytoskeleton-regulatory protein, regulates MTOC/MVB polarization and exosome secretion at the IS in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. IS formation was associated with transient recruitment of FMNL1β to the IS, which was independent of protein kinase C δ (PKCδ). Simultaneous RNA interference of all FMNL1 isoforms prevented MTOC/MVB polarization and exosome secretion, which was restored by FMNL1β expression. However, expression of the non-phosphorylatable mutant FMNL1βS1086A did not restore neither MTOC/MVB polarization nor exosome secretion to control levels, supporting the crucial role of S1086 phosphorylation in MTOC/MVB polarization and secretion. In contrast, the phosphomimetic mutant, FMNL1βS1086D, restored MTOC/MVB polarization and exosome secretion. Conversely, FMNL1βS1086D mutant did not recover the deficient MTOC/MVB polarization occurring in a PKCδ-interfered clone, indicating that S1086 phosphorylation alone is not sufficient for MTOC/MVB polarization and exosome secretion. FMNL1 interference inhibited the depletion of F-actin at the cIS, which is necessary for MTOC/MVB polarization. FMNL1β and FMNL1βS1086D, but not FMNL1βS1086A expression, restored F-actin depletion at cIS. Thus, actin cytoskeleton reorganization at the IS underlay the effects of all these FMNL1β variants on polarized secretory traffic. Taken together, these results point out a crucial role of S1086 phosphorylation in FMNL1β activation, leading to cortical actin reorganization and subsequent control of MTOC/MVB polarization and exosome secretion.
Gut Microbiota Regulates the Metabolic Benefits of Resistance Exercise Intervention via BCAAs Biosynthesis
Authors: Cai yunpeng , zhang kai , Shen Siting , Duan Jueni , Li Meng , Yuan Haihua , Huang Yuan , Gao Xuefeng
Published: July 2023

Weight-loss outcomes of overweight/obese individuals upon exercise programs are inconsistent across studies, and the functional determinants underlying this heterogeneous phenomenon remain unclear. Here, we conducted a 12-week exercise intervention program with a longitudinal collection of body composition, serum metabolites, and fecal microbiome data from 62 subjects to investigate the physiological and microbial responses to resistance exercise. Distinct weight loss trajectories and high inter-individual variability on multiple clinical parameters in response to exercise were observed. The baseline gut branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) biosynthesis capacity and serum BCAAs metabolites-based predictor were significantly outperformed the taxa-based P/B-value marker on intervention response prediction. Fecal microbial transplantation validated that the metabolic responsiveness was driven by the engrafting of the hub taxa of Oscillospira and Ruminococcus. This data suggest that gut microbiota was both the driver for individualized responsiveness to exercise and the mediator conferring the effect of metabolic benefits on body weight.
Rotational vibration energy harvesting enhancement with the combinations of centrifugal effect, gravity effect and bi-stable restoring effect
Authors: WANG Guangqing , Zhou Yuyang , Hou Lugang , Li Guangbo , Jiang Yifan
Published: July 2023

Bi-stable piezoelectric-magnetic-elastic energy harvester (BPEH) has been widely investigated to improve the harvesting performance of low-frequency vibration energy. The centrifugal effect, gravity effect and bi-stable restoring effect and their combinations on the BPEH’s potential wells and dynamic behaviors in rotational motions are completely different from those in low-frequency ambient vibrations, and they have not yet been well explored. This article presents a rotational bi-stable piezoelectric-magnetic-elastic energy harvester (R-BPEH) to enhance the rotational vibration energy harvesting with the combinations of the centrifugal effect, gravity effect and bi-stable restoring effect. A theoretical model considering the centrifugal effect, gravity effect and bi-stable restoring effect was established to describe the dynamic response behaviors of the R-BPEH. The centrifugal effect caused by the centrifugal force, gravity effect induced by the gravity of tip magnet, bi-stable restoring effect induced by the nonlinear magnetic force and their combinations on the potential energy wells, dynamic performance and power generation are theoretically explored under different system parameters, such as magnetic distance, rotating radius and rotational speed, etc. The results show that the centrifugal hardening stiffness induced by the centrifugal force of the R-BPEH can increase the oscillating frequency and harvesting voltage in high rotational speed range, but narrows the working bandwidth of inter-well motion; The gravity component in transverse direction generates additional periodical excitation force on the R-BPEH to produce high energy generations, the gravity component in axial direction softens the centrifugal hardening effect to enhance the energy generation in low rotational speed range. In addition, their combination leads to the appearances of asymmetric potential wells which further enhance the dynamic and electrical performances of the R-BPEH. Experiments are conducted to show good agreement with the theoretical results. The maximum harvested voltage and power generation of the R-BPEH achieves 2.5 V and 0.59 µW when the rotational speed ranges from 150 rpm to 540 rpm.
Rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 using the RHAM technology
Authors: Xiao Zhuo , Liu Xiaoli , Kang Xiaolong , Feng Yaoheng , Zheng Lijun , Chen Chong
Published: July 2023

Rapid and sensitive detection of pathogens is of utmost importance in interrupting the transmission chain of infectious diseases. In recent years, this has proven to be vital during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic that put countless lives at risk. Numerous molecular diagnostic methods were used, including RT-PCR, NASBA, E-SDA, E-RCA, LAMP, and RPA. However, these technologies potentially require primer optimization and complex instruments. Here, we propose the RHAM (RNase Hybridization-Assisted amplification) system as a rapid, specific, and sensitive molecular diagnosis platform. Combining the LAMP and RNase HII-mediated fluorescent reporter, the RHAM system can amplify and visualize the target in one isothermal system with high sensitivity (5×102 copies/mL). There was no cross-reactivity with other common respiratory viruses. Analysis of clinical samples revealed the RHAM system to generate positive signals within 15 minutes without false positive or negative results. The present study shows that RHAM is not only an ideal platform for detecting pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 but can be potentially applied in POCT settings.
Normalization of Gene Expression for Acute Leukemia Studies: Selecting a Set of Endogenous Genes Control
Authors: Pessoa Flávia Melo Cunha de Pinho , Viana Vitória Beatriz de Jesus , Oliveira Marcelo Braga , Ribeiro Rodrigo Monteiro , Oliveira Deivide Sousa , Lopes Germison Silva , Filho Manoel Odorico Moraes , Moraes Maria Elisabete Amaral , Montenegro Raquel Carvalho , Moreira Fabiano Cordeiro , Khayat André Salim , Moreira-Nunes Caroline Aquino
Published: July 2023

Reference genes are used as internal reaction control for gene expression analysis and for this they are considered reliable and must meet several important criteria. In view of the absence of studies regarding the best reference gene for the analysis of acute leukemia patients, a panel of genes commonly used as endogenous was selected from the literature for analysis of stability: GAPDH, ABL, HPRT1, RPLP0, ACTB and TBP. The stability of candidate reference genes was analyzed according to four statistical methods of assessment, namely, NormFinder, GeNorm and R software. From this study’s analysis it was possible to identify that the endogenous set composed by ACTB, ABL, TBP and RPLPO demonstrated good performances and stable expressions between the analyzed groups. Besides that, the GAPDH and HPRT genes could not be classified as good reference genes, considering that they presented a high standard deviation and great variability between groups, indicating low stability. Given these findings, this study suggests the main endogenous set for use as control/reference for the analysis of gene expression in peripheral blood and bone marrow samples from patients with acute leukemias, is composed by the ACTB, ABL, TBP and RPLPO genes.
Efficient Reduction of Casimir Forces by Self-assembled Bio-molecular Thin Films
Authors: Sedmik René , Urech Alexander , Zalevsky Zeev , Carmeli Itai
Published: July 2023

Casimir forces, related to London-van der Waals forces, arise if the spectrum of electromagnetic fluctuations is restricted by boundaries. There is great interest both from fundamental science and technical applications to control these forces on the nano scale. Scientifically, the Casimir effect being the only known quantum vacuum effect manifesting between macroscopic objects, allows to investigate the poorly known physics of the vacuum. In this work, we experimentally investigate the influence of self-assembled molecular bio and organic thin films on the Casimir force between a plate and a sphere. We find that molecular thin films, despite being a mere few nanometers thick, reduce the Casimir force by up to 14%.
To identify the molecular characteristics leading to this reduction, five different bio-molecular films with varying chemical and physical properties were investigated. Spectroscopic data reveal a broad absorption band whose presence can be attributed to the mixing of electronic states of the underlying gold layer and those of the molecular film due to charge rearrangement in the process of self-assembly. Using Lifshitz theory we calculate that the observed change in the Casimir force is consistent with the appearance of the new absorption band due to the formation of molecular layers. The desired Casimir force reduction can be tuned by stacking several monolayers, using a simple self-assembly technique in a solution. The molecules - each a few nanometers long - can penetrate small cavities and holes, and cover any surface with high efficiency. This process seems compatible with current methods in the production of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), which cannot be miniaturized beyond a certain size due to `stiction' caused by the Casimir effect. Our approach could therefore readily enable further miniaturization of these devices.
Scalable and efficient grating couplers on low-index photonic platforms enabled by cryogenic deep silicon etching
Authors: Lomonte Emma , Stappers Maik , Krämer Linus , Pernice Wolfram H.P. , Lenzini Francesco
Published: July 2023

Efficient fiber-to-chip couplers for multi-port access to photonic integrated circuits are paramount for a broad class of applications, ranging, e.g., from telecommunication to photonic computing and quantum technologies. Grating-based approaches are often desirable for providing out-of-plane access to the photonic circuits. However, on photonic platforms characterized by a refractive index ≃2 at telecom wavelength, such as silicon nitride or thin-film lithium niobate, the limited grating strength has thus far hindered the achievement of coupling efficiencies comparable to the ones attainable in silicon photonics. Here we present a flexible strategy for the realization of highly efficient grating couplers on such low-index photonic platforms. To simultaneously reach a high scattering efficiency and a near-unitary modal overlap with optical fibers, we make use of self-imaging gratings designed with a negative diffraction angle. To ensure high directionality of the diffracted light, we take advantage of a metal back-reflector patterned underneath the grating structure by cryogenic deep reactive ion etching of the silicon handle. Using silicon nitride as a testbed material, we experimentally demonstrate coupling efficiency up to -0.55 dB in the telecom C-band with high chip-scale device yield.
Status of professional mental health help-seeking intention and associated factors among medical students: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Qiu Lei , Wangzhou Kaixin , Liu Yudan , Ding Jindong , Li Hui , Ma Jinhui
Published: July 2023

Aim
Low professional help-seeking intention (PHSI) hinders effective treatment of mental illness. PHSI among Chinese students is still understudied and under-recognized. This study aimed to evaluate the status of PHSI and its associated risk factors among Chinese medical students.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Hainan province, South China, between January 1, 2021, and May 31, 2021. A total of 2182 medical students was recruited and surveyed via an anonymous structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with PHSI.
Results
Among the 2182 medical students (mean age 21.0 years (SD = 3.70), 61.5% females), those with and without PHSI were 72.0% and 28.0%, and 16.4% with moderate to severe depression. Regression analysis revealed that those students who were male (OR = 1.5), with a high level of depression stigma (OR = 2.0), had serious family dysfunction (OR = 2.1), with heavy dependence on mobile phones (OR = 1.7), were more likely not to seek for professional mental health help.
Conclusions
Interventions concentrating on increasing medical students' PHSI should focus on reducing depression stigma, reliance on mobile phone use, and improving their family function.
Effects of Symptom Burdens on the Quality of Life in Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Chiou Ling-Jan , Lin Yun-Yen , Lang Hui-Chu
Published: July 2023

Purpose:This study aimed to examine the symptom burden conditions and quality of life in patients with lung cancer.
Methods: A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data from patients with lung cancer at a medical center. Demographic information of the patients was obtained, and their symptom burden and quality of life (QOL) were assessed using the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13 instruments. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was employed to estimate the relationship between lung cancer-related symptom burden and quality of life.
Results: A total of 159 patients completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the patients was 63.12±11.4 years, with 64.8% of them being female. The Global Quality of Life score on the QLQ-C30 was 67.87±22.24. The top five lung cancer-related symptoms reported were insomnia, dyspnea, fatigue (from the QLQ-C30), and coughing and dyspnea (from the QLQ-LC13). The multiple regression analysis revealed that appetite loss was significantly associated with global quality of life (β = -0.32; adjusted R2: 27%) and cognitive function (β = -0.15; adjusted R2: 11%). Fatigue was associated with role function (β = -0.35; adjusted R2: 43%), emotional function (β = -0.26; adjusted R2: 9%), and social function (β= -0.26; adjusted R2: 27%). Dyspnea was associated with physical function (β= -0.45; adjusted R2: 42%).
Conclusion: The main contributors to symptom burdens and reduced quality of life in lung cancer patients were appetite loss, fatigue, and dyspnea. Alleviating these symptoms can potentially improve the quality of life and overall survival outcomes for patients with lung cancer.
A Machine Learning based Two-Step Cascading Method for Severe Pertussis Prediction
Authors: Hong Haoyang , Kang Limin , Mi Rong , Hou Xinlin , Hong Shenda
Published: July 2023

Background
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe complications, particularly in children. However, predicting which patients with pertussis are at risk of developing severe symptoms remains a challenge in clinical practice. In this study, we developed a two-step cascading machine learning pipeline to predict severe pertussis in patients with the disease.
Study Design
This work retrospectively involved both outpatients and inpatients with pertussis between March 2011 and December 2018 from Capital Institute of Pediatrics. We developed a two-step cascading prediction pipeline for severe pertussis in both outpatients and inpatients based on logistic regression models and nomograms. The pipeline selected potential severe pertussis patients with high sensitivity in the first step and predicted severe pertussis patients with high specificity in the second step using additional information. Further, the second step of pipeline was tested on a held-out test set of 17 inpatients with pertussis patients enrolled since December 2018.
Results
This work split the enrolled patients into training cohort and validation cohort in a 7:3 ratio. The first-step machine learning models included onset age (months) as a predictor and achieved a sensitivity of 0.923 (95% CI, 0.778-1.00) in the validation cohort. The second-step machine learning model consisted of five variables: white blood cell count, globulin usage, fever, paroxysmal cyanosis, and increased leukocyte levels. The validation cohort showed an accuracy of 0.797, AUC of 0.920 (95% CI, 0.832-1.000), sensitivity of 0.647 (95% CI, 0.413-0.827), and specificity of
0.846 (95% CI, 0.725-0.920). Nomograms were developed based on the machine learning models, and the calibration curves indicated a good fit.
Conclusion
This study developed a severe pertussis prediction pipeline using machine learning models, which demonstrated high sensitivity in the first step and high accuracy in the second step. The pipeline provides a useful screening and prediction workflow for severe pertussis patients, and the inclusion of nomograms enhances its practicality for clinical use. Overall, this pipeline has potential to improve the early identification and management of severe pertussis cases.
Effect of delayed cord clamping on maternal and neonatal outcome in twin pregnancies
Authors: Yoon Suin , Jin Yookyung , Kim Yejin , Sung Ji-Hee , Choi Suk-Joo , Oh Soo-young , Roh Cheong-Rae
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study was to compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes following delayed cord clamping (DCC) versus immediate cord clamping (ICC) in twin pregnancies. This was a retrospective cohort study of 705 twin pregnancies who delivered at ≥ 24 weeks of gestation. Maternal and neonatal hemoglobin levels, blood transfusion, and neonatal outcomes were compared between DCC (n = 225) and ICC (n = 480) groups. Mean maternal predelivery and postpartum hemoglobin levels and the rate of postpartum hemoglobin drop ≥ 20% or maternal blood transfusion were comparable between the two groups. The DCC group had a significantly higher mean neonatal hemoglobin level (DCC vs. ICC: 17.4 ± 3.5 vs. 16.6 ± 2.7 g/dl, P = 0.010) but significantly lower rates of neonatal blood transfusion (DCC vs. ICC: 3.3% vs. 8.8%, P < 0.001) and respiratory distress syndrome (DCC vs. ICC: 6.7% vs. 15.2%, P < 0.001) than the ICC group. In conclusion, DCC compared with ICC in twin pregnancy was not associated with an increase of maternal postpartum bleeding complications, but it was associated with higher neonatal hemoglobin level and lower risks of neonatal blood transfusion and respiratory distress syndrome.
Eggshells derived Nano-hydroxyapatite doped with Si and Zn as novel bone regenerative material in critical-sized bone defects – in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Alashi Shaza , kouri Isam , Alghoraibi Ibrahim , Kochaji Nabil , Houri Abdullah
Published: July 2023

Hydroxyapatite Nano-particles are the most abundant inorganic compound found in bone tissue. Nano-hydroxyapatite (N-HA) was synthesized by different methods to be used as bone substitution material due to its favorable biocompatibility and biological activity. To mimic the natural structure of bone inorganic phase, N-HA has been doped with several ions to enhance its degradation and cell interaction. In this work, using the wet chemical precipitation method, N-HA was synthesized from eggshells as a bio-waste source and doped with silicon (Si+ 4) and zinc (Zn+ 2). Spherical Nano-sized particles of hydroxyapatite (HA) were obtained with a high surface area and an interconnected porous structure. The average particle size was 239 nm, and the average porosity of 20%. The substitution of Si+ 4 and Zn+ 2 into N-HA crystal lattice affected physical features by decreasing the particle size and crystallinity. The crystal size of N-HA decreased from 61 nm to 46 nm after the dual doping. Doping ions also improved the biological behavior of N-HA by increasing the cell viability of N-HA in vitro. Synthesis of N-HA from eggshells seemed to affect the phase purity of the material, a phase of whitlockite (WH) appeared in N-HA powder even after was sintered at a high temperature of 1200○c. The in vivo results demonstrated the ability of Si –Zn doped HA to well integrate into bone tissue and induce bone regeneration in critical-sized bone defects. Histological analysis showed that the mean value of newly-formed bone area (total bone area/total area) measured via histomorphometric reached 69%±0.015% after 12 weeks in grafted defects. Furthermore, significant differences in bone formation were found between grafted and control samples. We present our study to be a starting point for more investigation into the ability to synthesize a biomimicry bone substitution martial that meets the renewable requirements in the bone regeneration field.
Bioprinting of human pluripotent stem cell derived corneal endothelial cells with hydrazone crosslinked hyaluronic acid bioink
Authors: Grönroos Pyry , Mörö Anni , Puistola Paula , Hopia Karoliina , Huuskonen Maija , Ilmarinen Tanja , Skottman Heli
Published: July 2023

Background:
Human corneal endothelial cells lack regenerative capacity through cell division in vivo. Thus, in the case of trauma or dystrophy, the only treatment modality currently available is corneal tissue or primary corneal endothelial cell transplantation from cadaveric donor with high global shortage. Our ultimate goal is to use the state-of-the-art 3D-bioprint technology for automated production of human partial and full-thickness corneal tissues using human stem cells and functional bioinks. Here, we explored the possibility to bioprint corneal endothelium using human pluripotent stem cell derived corneal endothelial cells and hydrazone crosslinked hyaluronic acid bioink.
Methods:
Corneal endothelial cells differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells were bioprinted using optimized hydrazone crosslinked hyaluronic acid based bioink. Before bioprinting, the biocompatibility of the bioink with cells was first analyzed with transplantation on ex vivo denuded porcine corneas and on denuded human Descemet membrane. Then bioprinting was proceeded and the viability of human pluripotent stem cell derived corneal endothelial cells after bioprinting was verified with live/dead stainings. Histological and immunofluorescence stainings with ZO1, Na+/K+-ATPase and CD166 were used to confirm corneal endothelial cell phenotype in all experiments and STEM121 marker was used to identify human cells from the ex vivo porcine corneas.
Results:
The bioink modified for human pluripotent stem cell derived corneal endothelial cells successfully supported the viability and printability of the cells. After 10 days of ex vivo transplantations, STEM121 positive cells were verified on the Descemet membrane of porcine cornea showing the biocompatibility of the bioink. Furthermore, biocompatibility was confirmed on denuded human Descemet membrane showing corneal endothelial like characteristics. Seven days after bioprinting, the corneal endothelial like cells were viable and showed polygonal morphology with expression and native-like localization of ZO-1, Na+/K+-ATPase and CD166. Nevertheless, mesenchymal-like cells in some parts of the cultures were evident and those cells spread underneath the corneal endothelial-like cell layer.
Conclusions:
Our results demonstrate that human pluripotent stem cell derived corneal endothelial cells can be bioprinted in covalently crosslinked hyaluronic acid bioink. This approach has potential as a corneal endothelium transplant and furthermore, can be used in the mission of bioprinting the full-thickness human cornea.
Deciphering Aphanomyces eutieches-pea-biocontrol bacterium interactions through untargeted metabolomics
Authors: Hossain Zakir , Zhao Shuang , Liu Kui , Li Liang , Hubbard Michelle
Published: July 2023

Aphanomyces euteiches causes root rot in pea, leading to significant yield losses. However, the metabolites involved in this pathosystem have not been thoroughly studied. This study aimed to fill this gap and explore mechanisms of bacterial suppression of A. euteiches via untargeted metabolomics using pea grown in a controlled environment. Chemical isotope labeling (CIL), followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), was used for metabolite separation and detection. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed clear separation of metabolites from pathogen-treated pea roots and roots from other treatments. A three-tier approach positively or putatively identified 5249 peak pairs or metabolites. Of these, 403 were positively identified in tier 1; 940 were putatively identified with high confidence in tier 2. There were substantial changes in amino acid pool, and fatty acid and phenylpropanoid pathway products. More metabolites, including salicylic and jasmonic acids, were upregulated than downregulated in A. euteiches-infected roots. 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid and 12-oxophytodienoic acid were upregulated in A. euteiches + bacterium-treated roots compared to A. euteiches-infected roots. Most of the metabolites upregulated in response to A. euteiches infection were not different from control levels in A. euteiches + bacterium-treated plants. The results of this study could facilitate improved disease management.
Stochastic Ground Motion Simulation of the 26 September 2019 Mw 5.8 Silivri (Istanbul) Earthquake
Authors: Yenihayat Nesrin , Çaktı Eser , Şeşetyan Karin
Published: July 2023

The aim of using simulation techniques to provide generated ground motion data is to extend our knowledge on the effect of earthquakes and understanding their physical properties. Moreover, to fill the seismic gaps in case of insufficient recorded data in any region, ground motion simulations are widely used for earthquake engineering and seismology purposes. High-frequency accelerations have incoherent behavior because of unpredictable irregularities and heterogeneities associated with faulting and wave prpopagation. Simulations of ground motions frequencies beyond > 1 Hz can be represented with stochastic methods using simplified model representations of source, path and site effects. In this paper, stochastic simulations are performed for the recordings of the 26 September 2019 Silivri, Istanbul earthquake, using a finite fault simulation approach with a dynamic corner frequency. The main target is to create a valid synthetic model database with consistent source, path, and site parameters in the region that can be implemented in future simulation efforts. In calibration, we have used the recordings at 59 widely distributed stations in Istanbul located on different site conditions with epicentral distances ranging from 23 to 101 km. Four different frequency-dependent Q models were tested to obtain the best fit with the observations. By comparing generated ground motions to the observed ones, optimum source parameters and crustal characteristics were estimated. The calibrated model parameters have been obtained from the set of best-fit data with observed ground motion in frequency domain. Synthetic PGAs have been compared with the NGA-West2 Ground Motion Models (GMMs). Furthermore, spatial distributions of the ground motion intensity parameters were obtained and compared with available damage observations in Istanbul due to this earthquake. In conclusion, the results of the simulation were in good agreement with the recorded ones, both in time and frequency domains. The results indicate that the proposed stochastic model can be used to simulate ground motion distributions in Istanbul and beyond from past and future events in the region.
Vertical land motion component is underestimated in sea-level projections from northern Spain
Authors: Li Tanghua , García-Artola Ane , Shaw Timothy , Peng Dongju , Walker Jennifer , Cearreta Alejandro , Horton Benjamin
Published: July 2023

Coastal populations are susceptible to relative sea-level (RSL) rise and accurate projections are necessary for coastal adaptation. Local RSL rise may deviate from the global mean sea-level rise because of vertical land motion (VLM) but this is often inadequately estimated. Here, we estimated the VLM for the Oka estuary, northern Spain and compared it to the VLM component of sea-level projections in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) and the Spanish National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (NCCAP). To estimate VLM, we updated the late Holocene RSL data from the Atlantic coast of Europe and compared it with two 3D glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) models. Both models fit well with RSL data except in the Oka estuary. We derived a VLM rate of -0.96 mm/yr for the Oka estuary using the residuals of GIA misfits and further validated this rate with nearby Global Navigation Satellite Systems, satellite altimetry and tide gauge data. Incorporating the updated estimate of VLM in IPCC AR6 RSL projections under a moderate emissions scenario increased the rate of RSL rise by 14.4% by 2030, 10.6% by 2050, and 9.9% by 2150 compared to the original IPCC AR6 projections, and also increased the magnitude of RSL rise by ~ 60% by 2035 and 2090 compared with projections from the Spanish NCCAP. Our study demonstrates the potential and capability of late Holocene RSL data to constrain the VLM component of sea-level projections.