bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development Plan of Metaverse through Game Industry: Focusing on the Comparison between Games and Game-Based Metaverses
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Taehwan
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze the problems of metaverse, which has recently become less interested, and to present development plans. Among the various types of metaverse, game-type metaverse has the highest user interest and has many similarities to games in terms of appearance. Accordingly, this study analyzed the characteristics, similarities, and differences between games and game-type metaverse, and suggested the problems and development plans of metaverse, which is currently less interested, through interviews with related experts. As a result of the study, problems include the lack of high-quality content, structural limitations of metaverse and slow hardware technology development, the characteristics of the industrial life cycle, the emergence of ChatGPT, abuse of NFT transactions, and weakness in privacy. Based on this, it suggested the need for killer content and continuous content production support, increased technology investment for early implementation of metaverse content expert training and technology, maintenance of related systems to protect creations, active research on privacy and ethics, and the introduction and utilization of artificial intelligence in metaverse.
A Brief Analysis of Singing Girls’ Poetry in the Complete Collection of Song Ci Poetry
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Yun Hyeji , Hong Byunghye
Published: August 2023

This study explores the characteristics of 28 singing girls and their 33 Ci works in the “Complete Collection of Song Ci Poetry”. These singing girls were mainly active in the Xishu (西蜀) and Wuyue(吳越) regions, and their works were recorded in the writings and novels of the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. The prevalent poetic structure used was 4, 5, 6, and 7-word verses suitable for singing. Their works can be categorized into for responding to literati's poetry, expressing sorrow in parting, and composed for specific individuals or in response to requests from local officials. Although the number of works left by the singing girls of the Song Dynasty is not large, they contributed to the development of Ci poetry and created a space for enjoying this literary genre. Through their performances and collaborations with literati, they integrated the beauty of common people into mainstream Ci poetry, shaping a distinctive and influential style.
A Study on the Influence of Adult's Motivation to Use SNS on the Level of Digital Citizenship Behavior: The Moderating Effect of SNS Usage Time
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Kang Suk
Published: August 2023

In this study, examined the impact of adults' motivation to use SNS on their level of digital citizenship behavior and analyzed whether SNS usage time controls this influence relationship. To this end, a survey was conducted on 240 adults living in Korea who normally use SNS for a total of 30 days from April 1 to 30, 2023, and the results of the study statistically processed using the SPSS program based on the collected data were derived as follows. First, adults' motivation to use SNS had a significant effect on the level of digital citizenship behavior, play motivation had a negative effect, and information-seeking motivation had a positive effect. Second, SNS usage time did not mediating the relationship between SNS usage motivation and digital citizenship behavior level. Based on these research results, future cultural content policies and research implications centered on SNS argued.
A Study on Disaster and Safety Management Perception Differences between Men and Women in Seoul
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Jeewung , Kim Sangwoon
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this paper is to present disaster safety management policy improvement measures in order to reduce damage from disasters by gender and to develop response capabilities through disaster, accident and safety management awareness surveys. Due to rapid development, our society is becoming more and more complex and large, so disasters and accidents can cause great damage. In order to prevent and prepare for this in advance, previous studies on women's disaster vulnerability and disaster safety management from a gender-sensitive perspective were reviewed, and statistical techniques were analyzed based on the Seoul Institute's survey on Seoul citizens' awareness of disaster and accident risks. As a result, it was proved that there is a difference in awareness about the risk of disasters and accidents according to gender, and that the disaster safety management policy needs to be improved.
A Study on Teaching Methods of Reason·Cause Conjunctive Ending for Novice Learners of Korean: Focusing on Analysis of Meaning and Function of ‘-eoseo, -nikka’
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Park Jungsoon
Published: August 2023

This paper aims to analyze the meaning and function of ‘-eoseo’ and ‘-nikka’ in relation to the specific error patterns observed when Korean learners use connection endings for reasons and causes. It also proposes educational measures to minimize these errors. The addressed error occurs when Korean learners use ‘-nikka’ to express reasons or causes, which may be perceived as impolite or disrespectful. While previous research has extensively focused on ‘-eoseo’ and ‘-nikka’ this specific error has received limited attention and lacks sufficient explanation. In addition, these errors also appear in learners who have learned Korean for a long time, and it is difficult to correct the errors only with the educational items currently used. This paper argues that when ‘-nikka’ is used in response to ‘Why?’, it conveys an additional meaning of [+of course]. By educating learners, the occurrence of this error can be significantly reduced.
Cognitive Linguistic Analysis of Loanwords of Korean Language: Focusing on the English Loanwords ‘Konglish’
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Chulwoo
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this paper is to interpret cognitive linguistically the method of word formation of ‘Konglish’, English loanwords with two etymological origins. According to the etymology of Konglish and the etymology of the original English language, it is classified into Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3, and it is intended to examine that most of the mechanisms of word formation are formed in the way of metonymy. In particular, among the methods of metonymy, it can be seen that a lot of Konglish was formed centering on the shape of objects and aspects of human behavior, which proves that the most simple thing to think about when words are created is visual phenomena. However, if you look at Konglish from the perspective of conceptual blending, you can see that word formation is made in a different way from the original English language. In other words, while the original English language focuses on the result of using a certain object or the function or use of an object, Konglish focuses on the primary form that is visually visible.
A Study on Age Group Variations of Regressive Aspiration: Focusing on the Busan Regional Language
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Jihyun
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this paper is to examine the characteristic realization patterns of regressive aspiration that appear in the Busan regional language and examine the causes thereof. To this end, free speech used by speakers of various ages was used as data. The actualization pattern of regressive aspiration was different depending on the enviroment. The composition of Chinese characters was almost realized in all age groups, and the '-hi' connection type showed a similar pattern. The '-hata' connection type showed a loser realization rate of regressive aspiration as the age group increased, and the 'hako' connection type showed a very low realization rate. The failure to realize regressive aspiration is due to the binding force between the connected morphemes. In addition, it was confirmed that regressive aspiration is generally progressing in the direction of realization.
The Significance of Religious Narratives in Transnational Novel: Focusing on the Hindu Narrative in Park Beom-shin’s
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Younga
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this paper is to examine the characteristics of Hindu narratives that have not been addressed in the study of  from a transnational point of view.  is an expression of hospitality and applies a narrative point of view that conveys Hindu thoughts through dialogue and thoughts of the speaker. Hindu words are used in subtitle. In terms of content, it effectively depicts transnational acceptance and change by using the Hindu concepts of karma and bardo. In particular, it deals with karma in depth enough to be considered a narrative of the process of intertwining each other's karma. The transnational ideal society is expressed effectively and very emotionally through the imagination of the Hindu ideal world of Kailas. In conclusion, the Hindu narrative using Hindu thoughts and perceptions in the narrative of  can be said to be an intentional device to reveal the transnational.
IMPLEMENTASI PENINGKATAN KUALITAS PERENCANAAN PEMBANGUNAN DAERAH OLEH BADAN PERENCANAAN PEMBANGUNAN, PENELITIAN DAN PENGEMBANGAN DAERAH DI KABUPATEN SUMEDANG
Authors: Amrin Amrin , Mahmud Mahmudah Kamal , Nurfurkon Ardika
Published: August 2023

Perencanaan pembangunan merupakan proses dalam menetapkan suatu capaian yang terarah dengan adanya program dan sasaran, implementasi dan evaluasi. Masalah tersebut telah menunjukkan bagaimana Bappppeda sebagai perangkat daerah dalam implementasi peningkatan kualitas perencanaan pembangunan daerah. Kami menganalisis kualitas perencanaan berdasarkan indikator yang diimplementasikan pada Bappppeda Kabupaten Sumedang dan memberikan hasil yang akan berkontribusi pada pengembangan bidang perencanaan pembangunan. Dalam artikel ini, kami berpendapat bahwa kualitas perencanaan pembanguan yang baik dapat dilihat dengan penerapan prinsip-prinsip tata kelola perencanaan yang baik. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini diperoleh dari studi literatur dan data sekunder (peraturan perundang-undangan, dokumen dan laporan perencanaan). Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa adanya kualitas perencanaan pembangunan pada Bappppeda Kabupaten Sumedang dapat diunggulkan dengan adanya peningkatan pada keterlibatan unsur pemangku kepentingan dan peningkatan intensitas koordinasi perencanaan antar perangkat daerah yang terlibat dengan Bappppeda. Sedangkan hambatan yang ditemui yaitu proses pemantauan dan evaluasi terutama pada optimalisasi quality control data.

 

Kata Kunci: Perencanaan Pembangunan, Kualitas Perencanaan, Implementasi Pembangunan
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KEBERANIAN MAHASISWA TEKNIK SIPIL – POLITEKNIK NEGERI MALANG UNTUK BERKOMUNIKASI DALAM BAHASA INGGRIS
Authors: Salam Nur , Helmy Abdullah , Nourma Putri Aulia
Published: August 2023

Suatu penelitian ilmiah membuktikan bahwa mahasiswa Teknik Sipil Politeknik Negeri Malang menginginkan Ketrampilan Berbicara daripada tiga ketrampilan berbahasa yang lain: Ketrampilan Membaca, Ketrampilan Mendengarkan, dan Ketrampilan Menulis. Namun, walaupun mereka mendambakan untuk mampu berbicara atau berkomunikasi dalam Bahasa Inggris, mereka tidak mempunyai cukup keberanian untuk mengemukakan pendapatnya dalam Bahasa Inggris karena: 1) mereka tidak mempunyai cukup pengetahuan tentang Struktur Kalimat Bahasa Inggris, 2) sulitnya memilih kata-kata Bahasa Inggris yang tepat, dan 3) mereka tidak mempunyai keberanian untuk menyampaikan idenya dalam Bahasa Inggris. Penelitian ini mencari tahu apa yang menyebabkan mahasiswa Jurusan Teknik Sipil Politeknik Negeri Malang enggan berkomunikasi dalam Bahasa Inggris atau tidak berani berbicara dalam Bahasa Inggris padahal mereka berminat untuk menguasai ketrampilan berbicara. Sebelum penelitian ini memperoleh jawabannya, peneliti menentukan dulu responden yang akan dilibatkan dalam penelitian ini. Peneliti tidak menentukan kemahiran calon responden dalam berbahasa Inggris tetapi peneliti hanya memilih melalui penelitian awal calon responden yang memang berminat memiliki ketrampilan berbicara dalam Bahasa Inggris tetapi enggan untuk berbicara. Penelitian ini melibatkan 28 mahasiswa yang diambil dari 14 kelas yang terdiri dari 7 kelas D3 dan 7 kelas D3. Masing-masing kelas diambil 2 mahasiswa yang terdiri dari 1 mahasiswa laki-laki dan mahasiswa perempuan. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa Ketrampilan Berbicara dalam Bahasa Inggris merupakan ketrampilan yang paling diminati oleh para mahasiswa. Walaupun demikian, mereka mempunyai beberapa kesulitan, antara lain: penguasaan tata bahasa Bahasa Inggris (English Structure), penguasaan kosa kata Bahasa Inggris (English vocabularies), pelafalan (pronunciation), pembentukan coherence dan unity dan pengembangan kalimat topik (topic sentence). Ternyata bukan hanya kelemahan dalam bidang kebahasaan saja yang menyebabkan mahasiswa enggan berkomunikasi dalam Bahasa Inggris tetapi juga ada faktor lain di luar kebahasaan tadi, yaitu kurangnya dukungan dari dosen agar mahasiswa mau dan berani menyampaikan idenya dalam Bahasa Inggris, merasa malu jika membuat kesalahan, dan takut akan memberikan kesan negatif. Selain itu, tidak sedikit yang kurang mampu mengenali isi tugas yang diberikan oleh dosen sehingga mereka kurang percaya diri untuk berbicara di hadapan mahasiswa yang ia anggap jumlah cukup besar. Cara mengatasinya mereka mengusulkan agar dosen cepat membantu mahasiswa saat kesulitan mencari kata-kata yang tepat untuk membuat kalimat dan memberikan cara untuk mengurangi rasa kurang percaya diri, mahasiswa yang lain tidak menertawakan jika mereka lupa melanjutkan kalimatnya tapi mau memotivasinya agar trampil berbicaranya. Selain itu, mereka berharap lawan bicaranya bisa meresponse agar komunikasi bisa berjalan dengan baik.
Immunologic, genetic, and ecological interplay of factors involved in allergic diseases
Authors: Falcon Robbi Miguel G. , Caoili Salvador Eugenio C.
Published: August 2023

An allergic or type I hypersensitivity reaction involves a misdirected immune overreaction to innocuous environmental and dietary antigens called allergens. The genetic predisposition to allergic disease, referred to as atopy, can be expressed as a variety of manifestations—e.g., allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, anaphylaxis. Globally, allergic diseases are one the most common types of chronic conditions. Several factors have been identified to contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of the disease, leading to distinctively variable clinical symptoms. The factors which can attenuate or exacerbate allergic reactions can range from genetic heterozygosity, the prominence of various comorbid infections, and other factors such as pollution, climate, and interactions with other organisms and organism-derived products, and the surrounding environment. As a result, the effective prevention and control of allergies remains to be one of the most prominent public health problems. Therefore, to contextualize the current knowledge about allergic reactions, this review paper attempts to synthesize different aspects of an allergic response to describe its significance in the global health scheme. Specifically, the review shall characterize the biomolecular mechanisms of the pathophysiology of the disease based on underlying disease theories and current findings on ecologic interactions and describe prevention and control strategies being utilized. An integrated perspective that considers the underlying genetic, immunologic, and ecologic aspects of the disease would enable the development of more effective and targeted diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for the management and control of allergic diseases.
Interaction of calcium responsive proteins and transcriptional factors with the PHO regulon in yeasts and fungi
Authors: Martín Juan F.
Published: August 2023

Phosphate and calcium ions are nutrients that play key roles in growth, differentiation and the production of bioactive secondary metabolites in filamentous fungi. Phosphate concentration regulates the biosynthesis of hundreds of fungal metabolites. The central mechanisms of phosphate transport and regulation, mediated by the master Pho4 transcriptional factor are known, but many aspects of the control of gene expression need further research. High ATP concentration in the cells leads to inositol pyrophosphate molecules formation, such as IP3 and IP7, that act as phosphorylation status reporters. Calcium ions are intracellular messengers in eukaryotic organisms and calcium homeostasis follows elaborated patterns in response to different nutritional and environmental factors, including cross-talking with phosphate concentrations. A large part of the intracellular calcium is stored in vacuoles and other organelles forming complexes with polyphosphate. The free cytosolic calcium concentration is maintained by transport from the external medium or by release from the store organelles through calcium permeable transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels. Calcium ions, particularly the free cytosolic calcium levels, control the biosynthesis of fungal metabolites by two mechanisms, 1) direct interaction of calcium-bound calmodulin with antibiotic synthesizing enzymes, and 2) by the calmodulin-calcineurin signaling cascade. Control of very different secondary metabolites, including pathogenicity determinants, are mediated by calcium through the Crz1 factor. Several interactions between calcium homeostasis and phosphate have been demonstrated in the last decade: 1) The inositol pyrophosphate IP3 triggers the release of calcium ions from internal stores into the cytosol, 2) Expression of the high affinity phosphate transporter Pho89, a Na+/phosphate symporter, is controlled by Crz1. Also, mutants defective in the calcium permeable TRPCa7-like ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeshown impaired expression of Pho89. This information suggests that CrzA and Pho89 play key roles in the interaction of phosphate and calcium regulatory pathways, 3) Finally, acidocalcisomes organelles have been found in mycorrhiza and in some melanin producing fungi that show similar characteristics as protozoa calcisomes. In these organelles there is a close interaction between orthophosphate, pyrophosphate and polyphosphate and calcium ions that are absorbed in the polyanionic polyphosphate matrix. These advances open new perspectives for the control of fungal metabolism.
Bone angiocrine factors
Authors: Ribatti Domenico , d’Amati Antonio
Published: August 2023

Angiogenesis in the bone is unique and involves distinctive signals. Whether they are created through intramembranous ossification or endochondral ossification, bones are highly vascularized tissues. Long bones undergo a sequence of processes known as endochondral osteogenesis. Angiogenesis occurs during the creation of endochondral bone and is mediated by a variety of cells and factors. An initially avascular cartilage template is invaded by blood vessels from the nearby subchondral bone thanks to the secreted angiogenic chemicals by hypertrophic chondrocytes. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of several angiogenic molecules, is a significant regulator of blood vessel invasion, cartilage remodeling, and ossification of freshly created bone matrix; chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy are facilitated by the production of VEGFA and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), which is stimulated by fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). NOTCH signaling controls blood capillaries formation during bone maturation and regeneration, while hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1-a) promotes chondrocyte development by switching to anaerobic metabolism. To control skeletal remodeling and repair, osteogenic cells release angiogenic factors, whereas endothelial cells secrete angiocrine factors. One of the better instances of functional blood vessels specialization for certain organs is the skeletal system. A subpopulation of capillary endothelial cells in the bone regulate the activity of osteoprogenitor cells, which in turn affects bone formation during development and adult homeostasis. Angiogenesis and osteogenesis are strictly connected, and their crosstalk is essential to guarantee bone formation and to maintain bone homeostasis. Additionally, pathological processes including inflammation, cancer, and aging include both bone endothelial cells and angiocrine factors. Therefore, the study and understanding of these mechanisms is fundamental, because molecules and factors involved may represent key targets for novel and advanced therapies.
Advancing California's microgrid communities through anticipatory energy resilience
Authors: Aczel Miriam R. , Peffer Therese E.
Published: August 2023

Given the uncertainty around climate change and the need to design systems that anticipate future needs, risks, and costs or values related to resilience, the current rules-based regulatory and policy frameworks designed for the centralized system of large-scale energy generation and delivery may not be ‘fit for purpose' for smaller scale local installations centered on community microgrids. This research examines regulatory challenges and potential impediments to implementing a multi-customer community-based microgrid in California through discussion of lessons learned in current pilot projects supported in part by initiatives of the California Energy Commission's Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC). The extent to which regulation has the flexibility to anticipate future needs and risks and support experimentation is evaluated in light of the state's complex and evolving energy system requirements. To illustrate challenges, two case studies of EPIC-supported projects are included. Multiple uncertainties, including future impacts of climate change, energy demands, and advances in technology, highlight the potential need to rethink best approaches to energy regulation. Principles drawn from Resilience Thinking and Anticipatory Regulation are discussed for their potential value in supporting development of new models for community-scale energy production, distribution, and use. Drawing on the experiences of the pilot projects, suggested principles to guide a new regulatory regime specific to microgrids are proposed.
Maternal health posts shared on Instagram: a content analysis of popular birthing and parenting accounts
Authors: George Nerissa , de Long Rachel , Ahmed Rukhsana , Kacica Marilyn , Manganello Jennifer A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Recent studies have found that maternal health knowledge gaps exist among Black women, especially related to postpartum complications. The prenatal period is a key time when pregnant women have direct access to evidence-based sources, such as healthcare providers, to obtain maternal health and pregnancy information. Yet, Black pregnant women are also more likely to forgo or engage in prenatal care later than their White counterparts. In recent years, social media has become an essential source of pregnancy-related information and has been shown to effectively improve pregnancy knowledge. Social media has the potential to inform pregnant women about important pregnancy and postpartum health information. Yet, no studies to date have explored the type of maternal health content Black women are exposed to on popular pregnancy and parenting Instagram accounts.

Methods

This content analysis sought to identify what pregnancy topics appear and whether diverse birthing women's representation exists on Instagram accounts popular among birthing women. Instagram posts from three social media accounts commonly used for pregnancy and parenting information from 5/1/18 to 4/30/21 were collected and then screened for maternal health content.

Results

A total of 212 maternal health posts were identified. Maternal health content represented 5% (219 out of 4,572 posts) of all posts shared by all accounts. About 35% (69 out of 196) of the images shared on all of the accounts included people but lacked diversity.

Conclusion

These results highlight significant missed opportunities to share maternal health and Black maternal health content to educate and promote diversity among women who utilize these popular parenting Instagram accounts. Social media can be a viable and innovative solution to help create and promote maternal health information equity.
Case report: Video-assisted minimally invasive mitral and pulmonary valve replacement as reoperation in patient with situs inversus totalis
Authors: Salamate Saad , El-Sayed Ahmad Ali , Bayram Ali , Sirat Sami , Bakhtiary Farhad
Published: August 2023

Dextrocardia with situs inversus totalis is a rare congenital condition. We report herein a first experience of video-assisted minimally invasive mitral and pulmonary valve replacement through right anterior mini-thoracotomy as reoperation in patient with this complex anomaly. The good clinical and cosmetic results demonstrate that this innovative technique can be safely performed even in difficult anatomical conditions.
Chemotherapy induced right ventricular cardiomyopathy; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Theetha Kariyanna Pramod , Kumar Ashish , Jayarangaiah Amog , Shetty Mrinali , Chowdhury Yuvraj , Das Sushruth , Jayarangaiah Apoorva
Published: August 2023

Background

Left ventricular dysfunction and cardiomyopathy are well documented adverse effects associated with chemotherapy agents. Limited information exists regarding the impact of chemotherapeutic agents on the integrity and function of the right ventricle (RV).

Objectives

The current metanalysis compared pre- chemotherapy versus post- chemotherapy RV parameters measured on 2D echocardiography in patients receiving anthracycline and/or trastuzumab across all breast cancer patients.

Methods

A systematic search across PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were performed from inception of the databases until November 2021 for relevant studies. We used the inverse variance method with a random effect model and DerSimonian and Laird method of Tau2 generation to calculate mean difference [MD] with 95% confidence interval [CI]. The analysis was carried out using RevMan Version 5.3 (Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014).

Results

Fifteen studies, constituting total of 644 patients, met the inclusion criteria, with most studies having a follow up period of less than 12 months from initiation of chemotherapy. Anthracycline and/or Trastuzumab chemotherapy resulted in a statistically significant reduction in right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) at follow-up [MD: 2.70, 95% CI: 0.27 to 5.13, P-value- 0.03, I2- 71%, χ2P-value < 0.05]. Treatment with Anthracycline and/or Trastuzumab chemotherapy resulted in a significant reduction in RV fractional area change (RVFAC) at follow-up [MD: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.33 to 6.15, P-value < 0.01, I2- 68%, χ2P-value < 0.05]. RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) was lower at baseline, while LVEF was significantly reduced at follow-up [MD: -1.00, 95% CI: -1.86 to -0.15, P-value < 0.05, I2- 0%, χ2P-value-0.40], [MD: 4.04, 95% CI: 2.08 to 6.01, P-value < 0.01, I2- 91%, χ2P-value < 0.05], respectively. However, treatment with Anthracycline and/or Trastuzumab chemotherapy had no statistically significant effect on Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) at follow-up [MD: 0.53, 95% CI: -0.11 to 1.17, P-value-0.11, I2- 98%, χ2P-value < 0.05].

Conclusions

Chemotherapy with anthracyclines and trastuzumab negatively affects right ventricular function leading to decline in RVEF, RVFAC, RVFWLS and LVEF.
Novel mesothelin antibodies enable crystallography of the intact mesothelin ectodomain and engineering of potent, T cell-engaging bispecific therapeutics
Authors: Lin Ida , Rupert Peter B. , Pilat Kristina , Ruff Raymond O. , Friend Della J. , Chan Man Kid , Clarke Midori , Hoffstrom Benjamin G. , Carter Jane , Meshinchi Soheil , Bandaranayake Ashok D. , Mehlin Christopher , Olson James M. , Strong Roland K. , Correnti Colin E.
Published: August 2023

Mesothelin is a glypiated, cell-surface glycoprotein expressed at low levels on normal mesothelium but overexpressed by many cancers. Implicated in cell adhesion and multiple signaling pathways, mesothelin’s precise biological function and overall structure remain undefined. Antibodies targeting mesothelin have been engineered into immunotoxins, antibody-drug conjugates, CAR-T cells, or bispecific T cell engagers as candidate therapeutics but most face challenges, including binding epitopes that are not optimal for selected modalities. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of a novel anti-mesothelin antibody, 1A12, including crystallographic mapping of the 1A12 epitope in relation to other antibodies (amatuximab, anetumab). 1A12 possesses uniquely favorable properties, including a membrane-proximal epitope, and enabled structure determination of the complete mesothelin ectodomain. We incorporated 1A12 into two different bispecific T cell engaging architectures with various anti-CD3 co-targeting elements as candidate therapeutics, demonstrating in vitro functionality and potency.
Population spatialization in Zhengzhou city based on multi-source data and random forest model
Authors: Liu Lingling , Cheng Gang , Yang Jie , Cheng Yushu
Published: August 2023

Fine-scale population map plays an essential role in numerous fields, including resource allocation, urban planning, disaster prevention and response. Point of Interest (POI) data is widely used for population spatialization, but the types of POI are ignored. Since different types of POI data have different impacts on population distribution, this paper used typed POI data and other multi-source data to map population distributions at fine scales. At the township level, three random forest models were used to generate the population maps of 150 m, 300 m, and 500 m in 2020, enabling the downscaling of county-level population distribution to the grid level. The main influencing factors of population distribution were extracted and analyzed based on the feature importance output from the model. Zhengzhou city was used as a case for study. The experiments show the results of population spatialization for all three scales in this study have better fitting accuracy than that of the GPWv4 and LandScan datasets. The coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.8333 for 150 m gridded population, 0.8295 for 300 m, and 0.8224 for 500 m; POI types related to residence information have greater contributions to population spatialization than other features; typed POI data are more conducive to population spatialization.
Are eruptions reliable precursors to marine volcano collapses?
Authors: Furst Séverine , Urlaub Morelia , Klein Elisa , Bonanati Christina
Published: August 2023

Volcanoes are sources of numerous threats including lava flows, pyroclastic flows, ash dispersal and landslides or sector collapses. In addition to these commonly known volcanic hazards, volcano-induced tsunamis can occur in the marine environment, introducing a major hazard that can affect populations located far away from the volcanoes. Existing tsunami warning systems generally do not account for volcano-generated tsunamis, due to the multiple source mechanisms that can cause such tsunamis, a limited understanding of precursory signals for these events, and the need for local detection rather than remote sensing. Among these source mechanisms of volcanic tsunamis, sector and lateral collapses are at the high risk-low frequency extreme of risk matrices. Marine volcanoes grow in specific environments, with factors like marine clays, constant full saturation, sediment transport and remobilization, interaction with ocean dynamics, and sea level changes that may impact edifice stability in distinct ways. The majority of historically documented marine volcano collapses occurred at erupting volcanoes, suggesting that eruptions could serve as a remotely detectable warning signal for collapses. However, careful examination of temporal sequences of these examples reveals that collapses do not always follow eruptions. Consequently, there is a need for identifying other, more robust precursors to volcano collapse, in particular in the marine environment, where the consequences of collapses may be widespread.
A radiative transfer deep learning model coupled into WRF with a generic fortran torch adaptor
Authors: Mu Bin , Chen Lu , Yuan Shijin , Qin Bo
Published: August 2023

Advances in deep learning have created new opportunities for improving traditional numerical models. As the radiation parameterization scheme is crucial and time-consuming in numerical models, researchers sought to replace it with deep learning emulators. However, progress has been hindered at the offline emulation stage due to the technical complexity of the implementation. Additionally, the performance of the emulators when coupled with large-scale numerical models has yet to be verified. In this paper, we have developed a new tool called the Fortran Torch Adaptor (FTA) to facilitate this process and coupled deep learning emulators into the WRF model with it. The performance of various structured AI models was tested in terms of accuracy, generalization ability, and efficiency in different weather forecasting scenarios. Our findings revealed that deep learning models outperformed ordinary feedforward neural networks (FNN), achieving greater accuracy both online and offline, and leading to better overall forecasting results. When it came to unusual extreme weather events, all models were affected to some extent, but deep learning models exhibited less susceptibility than other models. With the assistance of FTA, deep learning models on GPU could achieve significant acceleration, ranging from 50x to 300x depending on the parameterization scheme replacing strategy. In conclusion, this research is crucial for both the theoretical and practical development of radiation transfer deep learning emulators. It demonstrates the emerging potential for using deep learning-based parameterizations in operational forecasting models.
Capturing the multidimensionality of immigrant students' acculturation patterns in Germany
Authors: Lilla Nanine
Published: August 2023

Acculturation has been shown to be relevant to immigrant students' school adjustment and academic achievement. However, there are methodological constraints to the literature, and only little is known about immigrant students' acculturation patterns as such and their distribution across different demographic groups in Germany. Conceptualizing acculturation as a multidimensional construct, this study aimed to empirically capture acculturation patterns of immigrant students living in Germany considering affective, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of acculturation. Latent profile analysis identified six distinct profiles of acculturation evocative of strong assimilation, assimilation, integration, strong separation, separation, and marginalization. Taking the two assimilationist and separationist profiles into consideration, assimilation was most prevalent (41% of the sample), followed by separation (38% of the sample), and integration and marginalization each only accounted for ~11% of the sample. Inspection of demographics showed significant differences between profiles regarding gender, generation status, and ethnic group. Findings from research indicate that careful consideration of the operationalization of acculturation is necessary to draw valid conclusions about its relevance to school-related outcomes for immigrant students. This study can serve as a starting point showing the use of latent profile approaches, which give an expanded perspective on immigrant students' acculturation experiences.
A SMART decade: outcomes of an integrated, inclusive, first-year college-level STEM curricular innovation
Authors: Jones Shannon , Blake Alexis , Corado-Santiago Lesly , Crenshaw Jasmine , Goldman Emma , Gomez Fernando , Hall Chelsea , Hoke Harry , Holmes Stephen , Kornegay Benjamin , Kwarteng Priscilla , Lawson Barry , Leber Meghan , Leconte Georges , Modeste Erica , Nolin Kristine , Norris Michael , Santinni Roma Jose , Swackhammer Addison , Torres Marcella , Wares Joanna , Williams Dominique Ebony , Hill April , Hoke Kathy , Parish Carol , Pierce B. Daniel
Published: August 2023

In the early 2000s, our primarily undergraduate, white institution (PUI/PWI), began recruiting and enrolling higher numbers of students of color and first-generation college students. However, like many of our peer institutions, our established pedagogies and mindsets did not provide these students an educational experience to enable them to persist and thrive in STEM. Realizing the need to systematically address our lack of inclusivity in science majors, in 2012 faculty from multiple disciplines developed the Science, Math, and Research Training (SMART) program. Here, we describe an educational innovation, originally funded by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, designed to support and retain students of color, first generation college students, and other students with marginalized identities in the sciences through a cohort-based, integrated, and inclusive first-year experience focused on community and sense of belonging. The SMART program engages first-year students with semester-long themed courses around “real world” problems of antibiotic resistance and viral infections while integrating the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and an optional Computer Science component. In the decade since its inception, 97% of SMART students have graduated or are on track to graduate, with 80.9% of these students earning a major in a STEM discipline. Here, we present additional student outcomes since the initiation of this program, results of the student self-evaluative surveys SALG and CURE, and lessons we have learned from a decade of this educational experience.
Multiple teaching methods in undergraduate surgical training: a blended style may be the optimal choice!
Authors: Zhu Lingling , Zhang Qin , Zhang Yang
Published: August 2023

Background

There are various methods for teaching surgery to undergraduate students. Lecture-based learning (LBL) is a teacher-centered approach that comprehensively, accurately, and systematically conveys knowledge. Team-based, case-based, and problem-based learning methods are student-centered approaches that increase student enthusiasm and subject-related motivation. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted conventional methods for teaching surgery to undergraduate students and its impact continues even today. This research investigates a variety of surgical teaching strategies and suggests optimal strategies for undergraduate students, especially within the context of the COVID-19 crisis.

Methods

Various teaching methods in undergraduate medical education that have emerged over the last 5 years are reviewed and analyzed, specifically those used for surgical training during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Traditional in-person teaching methods have been replaced by novel approaches that increase efficiency, including social media adoption, simulation-based training, flipped-classroom concepts, and “Hand as Foot” teaching. However, traditional and novel approaches can be combined to teach students the fundamentals of science and basic surgical skills, which include incision, suturing and drainage, and chest tube insertion. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages under certain circumstances.

Conclusion

Several alternative teaching strategies and a combination of methods can complement traditional face-to-face learning, promoting the successful dissemination of academic knowledge and the improvement of clinical surgical skills in terms of objectivity, time-efficiency, and feasibility. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the learning context can provide a reference for future teaching in response to unavoidable emergencies.
Self-efficacy for learning beliefs in collaborative contexts: relations to pre-service early childhood teachers’ vicarious teaching self-efficacy
Authors: Yim Eunice Pui-yu
Published: August 2023

The importance of academic self-efficacy generally outweighs social self-efficacy in teacher training in academia. Given the teaching profession is collaborative career, social self-efficacy should play a significant role in the success of teacher training within and outside of academia. Students taking an early childhood teacher training program in a tertiary institute in Hong Kong (N = 513) responded to survey items concerning three personal self-efficacy for learning variables (academic self-efficacy, social self-efficacy and control of learning) and vicarious experiences as a source of teaching self-efficacy. Academic self-efficacy, social self-efficacy and control of learning were found to be (1) related but distinctive to one another, and (2) positively related to vicarious experiences as a source of teaching self-efficacy. Practicum experience was found to have no significant impact on any of the personal self-efficacy for learning variables and the social-oriented vicarious source of teaching self-efficacy. This study suggested that as a source of teaching self-efficacy for pre-service teachers, vicarious experiences could be as important as experiences of teaching skills mastery. Moreover, practicum that does not optimize the interplay of personal self-efficacy for learning variables with vicarious experiences as a source of teaching self-efficacy, and does not fully consider cultural sensitivities, would not contribute significantly to teachers’ learning and social competence. The development of different domains of self-efficacy is not only affected by different sources of teaching self-efficacy but also varies between pre-service and experienced teachers. This study renewed the existing understanding of the reciprocal influences of personal self-efficacy for learning and vicarious experiences as a source of teaching efficacy, which can be fostered by teacher education programs. Future studies will be required to explore the culturalization of sources of teaching self-efficacy, how different components of personal self-efficacy for learning change over career stages and time, and how the transfer of learning between practicum and academia can be further enhanced.
Diabetes-associated neutrophil NETosis: pathogenesis and interventional target of diabetic complications
Authors: Zhu Yuyan , Xia Xuan , He Qian , Xiao Qing-Ao , Wang Decheng , Huang Meirong , Zhang Xiaolin
Published: August 2023

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are known as extracellular fibers networks consisting of antimicrobial proteins and decondensated chromatin DNA released by activated neutrophils. NETosis is a NETs-induced neutrophilic cell death which is unique from necrosis or apoptosis. Besides its neutralizing pathogen, NETosis plays a crucial role in diabetes and diabetes-related complications. In patients with diabetes, NETs-releasing products are significantly elevated in blood, and these findings confirm the association of NETosis and diabetic complications, including diabetic wound healing, diabetic retinopathy, and atherosclerosis. This article briefly summarizes the mechanisms of NETosis and discusses its contribution to the pathogenesis of diabetes-related complications and suggests new therapeutic targets by some small molecule compounds.
Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization investigating the effects of telomere length on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Han Xinyu , Wu Tianqiang , Liu Chun yan
Published: August 2023

Background

Numerous observational studies have revealed a correlation between telomere length (TL) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). However, the impacts of TL on APOs are still unclear.

Methods

Mendelian randomization (MR) was carried out using summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was employed as the primary analysis to explore the causal relationship between TL and APOs. The exposure data came from a GWAS dataset of IEU analysis of the United Kingdom Biobank phenotypes consisting of 472,174 European participants. Summary-level data for five APOs were obtained from the GWAS datasets of the FinnGen consortium. We also performed multivariate MR (MVMR), adjusting for smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index (BMI), and number of live births. In addition, we conducted a series of rigorous analyses to further examine the validity of our MR findings.

Results

After Bonferroni correction and rigorous quality control, univariable MR (UVMR) demonstrated that a shorter TL was significantly associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion (SA) (odds ratio [OR]: 0.815; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.714–0.930; P = 0.002) and preterm birth (PTB) (OR: 0.758; 95% CI: 0.632-0.908; P = 0.003) in the IVW model. There was a nominally significant relationship between TL and preeclampsia (PE) in the IVW model (OR: 0.799; 95% CI: 0.651-0.979; P = 0.031). However, no significant association was found between TL and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (OR: 0.950; 95% CI: 0.804-1.122; P = 0.543) or fetal growth restriction (FGR) (OR: 1.187; 95% CI: 0.901-1.565; P = 0.223) among the five statistical models. Furthermore, we did not find a significant causal effect of APOs on TL in the reverse MR analysis. MVMR analysis showed that the causal effects of TL on SA remained significant after accounting for smoking, alcohol intake, BMI, and number of live births.

Conclusion

Our MR study provides robust evidence that shorter telomeres were associated with an increased risk of SA. Further work is necessary to investigate the potential mechanisms. UVMR and MVMR findings showed limited evidence that TL affects the risk of PTB, PE, GDM, and FGR, illustrating that the outcomes of previous observational studies may have been confounded.
Different responses of soil element contents and their stoichiometry (C: N: P) to different grazing intensity on the Tibetan Plateau shrublands
Authors: Nie Xiuqing , Li Changbin , Ren Lining , Chen Yongzhe , Du Yangong , Li Xilai , Wang Dong , Zhou Guoying
Published: August 2023

Potentilla fruticosa, a major alpine shrubland type, is widely distributed across the Tibetan Plateau, and grazing is the most common disturbance in the shrublands ofP. fruticosa. However, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (STN), soil total phosphorus (STP), and their stoichiometry under different grazing intensities were unclear. In our study, we explored SOC, STN, STP, their stoichiometry, and their controlling factors in the grazing disturbance of heavy grazing (HG), moderate grazing (MG), light grazing (LG), and no grazing (NG) conditions in the Tibetan PlateauP. fruticosashrublands. The grazing intensities were mainly assessed by considering the shrublands’ ground cover, the indicators of the road density, the distance between sampling sites and cowshed or sheep shed, the amounts of cow and sheep dung, and vegetation that had been gnawed and stampeded. Our results indicated that soil physical properties of soil temperature and bulk density have decreasing trends with decreasing grazing intensities from HG to NG. The SOC, STN, STP, and soil C:N and C:P ratios have increasing trends with decreasing grazing intensities from HG to NG, while the changes in soil N:P ratio were relatively stable along grazing intensities. Our results indicated that HG generally had stronger effects on SOC, STN, and soil C:N and C:P ratios than NG, indicating substantial effects of grazing disturbance on biogeochemical cycles of SOC and STN in the shrubland ecosystems. Therefore, for the alpine shrubland ofP. fruticosa, the HG should be avoided for sustainable cycling of soil nutrients and the balance of soil nutrient stoichiometry. The grazing types can directly affect plant conditions, and plant conditions can directly affect soil physical and chemical properties and litter standing crops. Finally, soil physicochemical properties and litter standing crop resulting from different grazing intensities directly control SOC, STN, and STP. For the soil stoichiometry, the soil’s physical and chemical properties resulting from different grazing intensities have direct impacts on soil C:P and N:P ratios.