bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF THE PRACTICAL ON-SITE COOPERATION MODEL (POCoM) FOR IMPROVING SCIENCE TEACHING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Authors: Park Jongwon , Kim Youngmin , Park Young-Shin , Park Jongseok , Jeong Jin-Su
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to improve science teaching in a practical way by activating teachers’ potential teaching expertise or professional knowledge. We developed an alternative in-service approach, the Practical On-site Cooperation Model (POCoM), according to the following principles: (1) the “bottom-up” approach, where observed problems in science classes are improved practically and immediately without any pre-determined teaching plan or materials; (2) “cooperation” between researchers and teachers to improve teaching; (3) “naturalistic settings” where various real problems occur in actual teaching and learning situations; and (4) “gradual improvement” rather than revolutionary change. The POCoM was applied with three science teachers, and 24 classes were observed. We found about 65%–96% teaching improvement. The analysis of the cooperation processes and science teaching in classrooms identified seven types of successful improvements and five types of unsatisfactory cases, including their reasons and features. Key words: cooperative model, in-service teacher, observational protocol, professional development, science teaching.
BITARA-STEMTM TRAINING OF TRAINERS’ PROGRAMME: IMPACT ON TRAINERS’ KNOWLEDGE, BELIEFS, ATTITUDES AND EFFICACY TOWARDS INTEGRATED STEM TEACHING
Authors: Mohd Shahali Edy Hafizan , Halim Lilia , Rasul Sattar , Osman Kamisah , Ikhsan Zanaton , Rahim Faszly
Published: September 2021

The Bitara-STEMTM Training of Trainer Programme is a short-term professional development programme aimed to increase STEM teachers or facilitators’ abilities to teach integrated STEM education and to increase their efficacy, beliefs and attitudes of integrated STEM teaching. The programme involves 35 facilitators, representing a broad spectrum of STEM fields. Pre- and post-test results of the participants’ beliefs, attitudes, perceived efficacy and content knowledge in the context of integrated STEM teaching revealed significant changes. The findings also revealed (i) knowledge of integrated STEM teaching to be related to facilitators’ efficacy for teaching integrated STEM and (ii) facilitators’ attitudes to be related to beliefs of integrated STEM teaching. The outcomes of this study provide evidence that a relatively short-term professional development can have a significant impact on facilitators’ beliefs, attitudes, efficacy and knowledge of integrated STEM teaching and STEM concepts.
Key words: attitudes, beliefs, integrated STEM teaching, STEM Education, STEM facilitators.
Distribution Pattern and Phytosociological Study of Agroforestry Trees in Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: Manzoor J , Jazib MJ
Published: September 2021

This study focuses on distribution pattern, diversity and phytosociology of tree species associated with traditional agroforestry in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Data was collected from fifty quadrats (10×10m) sized thrown randomly in agriculture fields. Twenty six tree species belonging to 16 families and 21 genera were encountered. Grewia optiva, Pyrus persica and Celtis australis were the dominant tree species. Grewia optiva was the most dense tree species 3.88 stem/ha followed by Pyrus persica with 3.74 stem/ha. Buxus wallichiana was recorded as the least dense species (0.82 stem/ha). The study revealed that the area has vast potential sites for the plantation of various agroforestry tree species to solve fuel, fodder and timber.
J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2020, 6(2): 77-82
UJI KUALITAS AIR PADA SUMBER MATA AIR WAIPIDI DESA WAIRASA KECAMATAN UMBU RATU NGGAY BARAT KABUPATEN SUMBA TENGAH
Authors: Seran Maria Sarwati , Blegur Willem A , Daud Yanti
Published: September 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji kualitas air pada sumber Mata Air Waipidi, Desa Wairasa Kecamatan, Umbu Ratu Nggay Barat, Kabupaten Sumba Tengah dengan uji 3 parameter yaitu fisik, kimia, dan biologi. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kuantitatif dengan membandingkan data hasil pengukuran dari masing-masing parameter air dengan nilai baku mutu PP No. 82 Tahun 2001. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian pada Mata Air Waipidi, hasil analisis uji kualitas air ditemukan parameter yang memenuhi standar baku mutu  yaitu: parameter fisik meliputi: Suhu (23⁰C), TDS (187 mg/L), TSS (O,OO24 mg/L); parameter kimia meliputi: pH (7,52 mg/L), BOD (0,32 mg/L), nitrat (5,5 mg/L), nitrit (0,049 mg/L), sulfat (7 mg/L), dan parameter biologi meliputi: uji total coliform (<1,8 ml). Parameter yang tidak memenuhi standar baku mutu yaitu: parameter kimia yang meliputi: DO (4,77 mg/L), besi (0,77 mg/L), mangan (0,117 mg/L), fosfat (0,54 mg/L), klorin (0,24 mg/L), sianida (0,14 mg/L), dan tembaga (0,45 mg/L). Faktor-faktor yang menyebabkan beberapa indikator tidak memenuhi standar baku mutu air disebabkan oleh limbah dari irigasi pertanian, pembusukan daun, dan aktivitas alam seperti erosi, dan pelapukan bebatuan. Mata air Waipidi dikategorikan tidak memenuhi standar baku mutu air kelas 1 berdasarkan PP No. 82 tahun 2001 yang dapat digunakan sebagai air minum namun mata air Waipidi disarankan untuk digunakan sebagai prasarana/sarana rekreasi air, pembudidayaan ikan air tawar, peternakan, dan mengairi budidaya tanaman.
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN ROLE PLAYING BERBANTUAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN KOMIK DIGITAL TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR SISWA PADA MATA PELAJARAN IPA TERPADU KELAS VIII SMP NEGERI MANDALA RAIMANUK TAHUN AJARAN 2018/2019
Authors: Isa Viktoria , Meha Agus Maramba , Manggoa Melkias
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of role playing learning models assisted by digital comic learning media on student learning outcomes. The method used is quasi experiment. The research design used was posttest only control design. Data collection techniques using the Learning Outcomes Test. Data management and analysis using the polled variance t-test formula with SPSS version 16 statistical test. Based on the results of data analysis, it shows that there is a significant effect with tcount greater than ttable, 6.488> 1.674, it can be concluded that H1 is accepted and H0 is rejected, meaning there is a significant influence in the use of role playing learning models assisted by digital comic learning media towards student learning outcomes.
Analisis kandungan vitamin c pada kandungan buah enau ( a. pinnata ) di desa nekmese
Authors: Rianghepat Felyxcia Cyndi Claudia , Rafael Andriani , Ballo Apriliana
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTPalm trees (Arenga pinnata (wurmb.) Merr.) Are plantation crops that have the potential to be cultivated in the future, because they have high economic value and are prospective for commercial development given the diverse uses. Enau is a plant that was developed from generation to generation on Timor Island. Communities in the village of Nekmese still manage traditional palm trees. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is one of the vitamins made from hexose derivatives which is water soluble and easily oxidized. The purpose of this study was to determine the vitamin C content of palm meat (A. pinnata). This research was conducted in May 2019 at the TPH Laboratory of the State Polytechnic of Kupang. Determination of vitamin C content in the sample is determined by titration using a solution of iodine. From the results of the study showed that the content of vitamin C in the flesh of the most palm fruit is found at a temperature of 5 ° C and 10 ° C while the content of vitamin C which is the least amount is at a temperature of 15 ° C.Keywords: palm plant and vitamin C
Modelling perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) persistence and productivity for the Upper North Island under current and future climate
Authors: Beukes Pierre , Babylon Andrea , Griffiths Wendy , Woodward Simon , Kalaugher Electra , Sood Abha , Chapman David
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study was to predict the future performance of perennial ryegrass in the Upper North Island, New Zealand. The Basic Grassland model, BASGRA, was used with historic, current and future daily climate data as input, and soil water holding capacity, to predict changes in perennial ryegrass performance in space and time. The study focussed on land of ≤7° slope north of the town of Tokoroa and considered two potential warming pathways to the end of the 21st century. Persistence was defined as the time in years for the ryegrass sward to decline to 50% ground cover. The results for the two climate pathways were largely consistent with each other. Persistence should remain in the medium category (2.5-3.4 years, 10-12 t DM/ha) for the rest of this century for Bay of Islands, Whangarei, South Waikato/Tokoroa, and Rotorua. Persistence is predicted to change from medium to predominantly low (0-2.4 years, <10 t DM/ha) for Far North, Dargaville, DairyFlat/Rodney, Waiuku/Pukekohe and northern and central parts of Waikato. Coastal regions of Bay of Plenty were predicted to be poorly suited to perennial ryegrass and to remain so into the rest of the century. Large parts of the Upper North Island that are currently borderline for perennial ryegrass are predicted to become unsuitable for the species.
Pandemic, policy, and pedagogy: analyzing the tripartite role of covid 19 pandemics, national education policy 2020, and pedagogical innovations vis-a-vis educational implications
Authors: Idnani Deepa , Aditi -
Published: September 2021

The paper draws interlinkages between three factors, i.e., COVID 19 pandemic, the release of National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 by the Government of India, and the need for pedagogical changes and innovations concerning their educational implications the Indian context. The paper argues that COVID 19 pandemic has been a major setback for the ailing academic infrastructure in India. The immediate outcome might cause the severity of the pandemic and the increasing cases of infections across the nation, and the closure of schools and other educational institutions. However, to overcome further educational losses and compromises, the schools and colleges alternatively moved to online modes haphazardly. Initially, this push from the government came as a shock to many teachers and learners, bearing in mind the circumstances and ground realities in India, wherein this sudden ‘top-down’ transition appeared more as an imposition. Ever since this transition happened, everyone has been trying to adapt to this new ‘normal. Despite the relentless working of stakeholders at various levels owing to these unprecedented times, the situation does not look inspiring. Though NEP 2020 was envisioned as a sigh of relief and a major game-changer in metamorphosing the educational system in India, it is inept in addressing the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic, and there is a long way to go in its effective implementation. Therefore, policymakers and researchers have to deal with the compounded challenges. The most critical one can assess and address the learning gaps induced due to the ongoing pandemic. This paper attempts to look into the dynamics of the major debates emerging as a result of the anxieties and upheavals posed by the COVID 19 pandemic; the response of various stakeholders such as administrators, policymakers, teachers, educators, learners etc. The pedagogical implications for the teachers and educators due to these uncertain circumstances derive insights and strategies that will help make the educational system more resilient, resource-rich, and prepared to tackle future crises.
LONELINESS AND ALCOHOL ADDICTION: CASE STUDY
Authors: FERLAI Alexandra Mihaela
Published: September 2021

The theme of loneliness is one with a very long history, in ancient times being debated by philosophers and usually regarded from a positive point of view. The present work does not highlight the positive aspects of loneliness, but aproaches loneliness as a negative experience that accompanies the use of alcohol. Thus, we discuss about loneliness as the way in which individuals perceive, experience and evaluate the lack of communication with others. Then, we examine the relationship between loneliness and alcohol use, either as a cause, effect or maintenance factor. The paper highlights the interplay between loneliness and alcohol use and its importance in specialised treatment of the alcoholics. Also, the purpose of this paper is to illustrate the imperative need for the specialists to adress the problems that our clients deal with, from more that just a biological perspective. The case study illustrates a female's three attempts to escape alcohol dependence, each of the three attempts, enriching the intervention in order to compose a multi-faceted intervention, that we hope it will, ultimately, prove to be complete.
Expression and Refolding of the Plant Chitinase From Drosera capensis for Applications as a Sustainable and Integrated Pest Management
Authors: Sinelnikov Igor G. , Siedhoff Niklas E. , Chulkin Andrey M. , Zorov Ivan N. , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Davari Mehdi D. , Sinitsyna Olga A. , Shcherbakova Larisa A. , Sinitsyn Arkady P. , Rozhkova Aleksandra M.
Published: September 2021

Recently, the study of chitinases has become an important target of numerous research projects due to their potential for applications, such as biocontrol pest agents. Plant chitinases from carnivorous plants of the genus Drosera are most aggressive against a wide range of phytopathogens. However, low solubility or insolubility of the target protein hampered application of chitinases as biofungicides. To obtain plant chitinase from carnivorous plants of the genus Drosera in soluble form in E.coli expression strains, three different approaches including dialysis, rapid dilution, and refolding on Ni-NTA agarose to renaturation were tested. The developed « Rapid dilution » protocol with renaturation buffer supplemented by 10% glycerol and 2M arginine in combination with the redox pair of reduced/oxidized glutathione, increased the yield of active soluble protein to 9.5 mg per 1 g of wet biomass. A structure-based removal of free cysteines in the core domain based on homology modeling of the structure was carried out in order to improve the soluble of chitinase. One improved chitinase variant (C191A/C231S/C286T) was identified which shows improved expression and solubility in E. coli expression systems compared to wild type. Computational analyzes of the wild-type and the improved variant revealed overall higher fluctuations of the structure while maintaining a global protein stability. It was shown that free cysteines on the surface of the protein globule which are not involved in the formation of inner disulfide bonds contribute to the insolubility of chitinase from Drosera capensis. The functional characteristics showed that chitinase exhibits high activity against colloidal chitin (360 units/g) and high fungicidal properties of recombinant chitinases against Parastagonospora nodorum. Latter highlights the application of chitinase from D. capensis as a promising enzyme for the control of fungal pathogens in agriculture.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analyses of Antibiotic-Treated and Normally Reared Bactrocera dorsalis Reveals a Possible Gut Self-Immunity Mechanism
Authors: Fu Jiajin , Zeng Lingyu , Zheng Linyu , Bai Zhenzhen , Li Zhihong , Liu Lijun
Published: September 2021

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a notorious agricultural pest worldwide, and its prevention and control have been widely studied. Bacteria in the midgut of B. dorsalis help improve host insecticide resistance and environmental adaption, regulate growth and development, and affect male mating selection, among other functions. Insects have an effective gut defense system that maintains self-immunity and the balance among microorganisms in the gut, in addition to stabilizing the diversity among the gut symbiotic bacteria. However, the detailed regulatory mechanisms governing the gut bacteria and self-immunity are still unclear in oriental fruit flies. In this study, the diversity of the gut symbiotic bacteria in B. dorsalis was altered by feeding host fruit flies antibiotics, and the function of the gut bacteria was predicted. Then, a database of the intestinal transcriptome of the host fruit fly was established and analyzed using the Illumina HiSeq Platform. The gut bacteria shifted from Gram negative to Gram positive after antibiotic feeding. Antibiotics lead to a reduction in gut bacteria, particularly Gram-positive bacteria, which ultimately reduced the reproduction of the host flies. Ten immunity-related genes that were differentially expressed in the response to intestinal bacterial community changes were selected for qRT-PCR validation. Peptidoglycan-recognition protein SC2 gene (PGRP-SC2) was one of the 10 immunity-related genes analyzed. The differential expression of PGRP-SC2 was the most significant, which confirms that PGRP-SC2 may affect immunity of B. dorsalis toward gut bacteria.
Down-Regulation of CXXC5 De-Represses MYCL1 to Promote Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Dong Wenhui , Kong Ming , Ren Haozhen , Wang Jinglin , Shang Longcheng , Zhu Zhengyi , Zhu Wei , Shi Xiaolei
Published: September 2021

Liver fibrosis is mediated by myofibroblasts, a specialized cell type involved in wound healing and extracellular matrix production. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the major source of myofibroblasts in the fibrotic livers. In the present study we investigated the involvement of CXXC-type zinc-finger protein 5 (CXXC5) in HSC activation and the underlying mechanism. Down-regulation of CXXC5 was observed in activated HSCs compared to quiescent HSCs both in vivo and in vitro. In accordance, over-expression of CXXC5 suppressed HSC activation. RNA-seq analysis revealed that CXXC5 influenced multiple signaling pathways to regulate HSC activation. The proto-oncogene MYCL1 was identified as a novel target for CXXC5. CXXC5 bound to the proximal MYCL1 promoter to repress MYCL1 transcription in quiescent HSCs. Loss of CXXC5 expression during HSC activation led to the removal of CpG methylation and acquisition of acetylated histone H3K9/H3K27 on the MYCL1 promoter resulting in MYCL1 trans-activation. Finally, MYCL1 knockdown attenuated HSC activation whereas MYCL1 over-expression partially relieved the blockade of HSC activation by CXXC5. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel transcriptional mechanism contributing to HSC activation and liver fibrosis.
LncRNA RP11-499E18.1 Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Process of Ovarian Cancer Cells by Dissociating PAK2–SOX2 Interaction
Authors: Yang Juan , Peng Shuping , Zhang Keqiang
Published: September 2021

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC)is a deadly gynecological malignancy worldwide. It is urgent to identify diagnostic biomarkers of OC to disclose the underlying mechanism.

Methods and Materials: Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify target genes. Gene expression was detected and altered by qRT-PCR and cell transfection, respectively. The interaction between RP11-499E18.1 and PAK2, as well as that between PAK2 and SOX2, was determined using RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assay, respectively. Localizations of RP11-499E18.1, PAK2, and SOX2 were respectively determined employing immunohistochemical (IHC), IF, and FISH. The regulatory effects of RP11-499E18.1, PAK2, and SOX2 on OC cell proliferation, migration, colony formation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factor expression, and SOX2 nuclear translocation were determined. Finally, the effects of RP11-499E18.1 and PAK2 expression on the tumor growth in nude mice were determined.

Results: RP11-499E18.1, PAK2, and SOX2 were selected in our study. RP11-499E18.1 was downregulated, while PAK2 and SOX2 was upregulated in OC tissues and cells. RP11-499E18.1 coexists in the nucleus and cytoplasm of OC cells. There is an interaction between RP11-499E18.1 and PAK2, as well as PAK2 and SOX2 in OC cells. Alteration of RP11-499E18.1 and PAK2 expression both had no influence on PAK2 and SOX2 levels, but PAK2 upregulation notably augmented p-SOX2 level. RP11-499E18.1 overexpression suppressed OC cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation, as well as SOX2 nuclear translocation. Besides, it inhibited tumor growth in nude mice. However, these effects were notably reversed by PAK2 upregulation and eventually offset by SOX2 knockdown. Additionally, RP11-499E18.1 overexpression reduced PAK2–SOX2 interaction and SOX phosphorylation, and increased the binding of RP11-499E18.1 by PAK2.

Conclusion: These lines of evidence demonstrated that RP11-499E18.1 might play its tumor suppressor roles in OC via regulation of the RP11-499E18.1–PAK2–SOX2 axis. This research indicated that RP11-499E18.1 might be used as a diagnostic biomarker for OC in the future.
Cochlear Sox2+ Glial Cells Are Potent Progenitors for Spiral Ganglion Neuron Reprogramming Induced by Small Molecules
Authors: Chen Zhen , Huang Yuhang , Yu Chaorong , Liu Qing , Qiu Cui , Wan Guoqiang
Published: September 2021

In the mammalian cochlea, spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) relay the acoustic information to the central auditory circuits. Degeneration of SGNs is a major cause of sensorineural hearing loss and severely affects the effectiveness of cochlear implant therapy. Cochlear glial cells are able to form spheres and differentiate into neurons in vitro. However, the identity of these progenitor cells is elusive, and it is unclear how to differentiate these cells toward functional SGNs. In this study, we found that Sox2+ subpopulation of cochlear glial cells preserves high potency of neuronal differentiation. Interestingly, Sox2 expression was downregulated during neuronal differentiation and Sox2 overexpression paradoxically inhibited neuronal differentiation. Our data suggest that Sox2+ glial cells are potent SGN progenitor cells, a phenotype independent of Sox2 expression. Furthermore, we identified a combination of small molecules that not only promoted neuronal differentiation of Sox2– glial cells, but also removed glial cell identity and promoted the maturation of the induced neurons (iNs) toward SGN fate. In summary, we identified Sox2+ glial subpopulation with high neuronal potency and small molecules inducing neuronal differentiation toward SGNs.
Liver Fibrosis: Therapeutic Targets and Advances in Drug Therapy
Authors: Tan Zui , Sun Hongbao , Xue Taixiong , Gan Cailing , Liu Hongyao , Xie Yuting , Yao Yuqin , Ye Tinghong
Published: September 2021

Liver fibrosis is an abnormal wound repair response caused by a variety of chronic liver injuries, which is characterized by over-deposition of diffuse extracellular matrix (ECM) and anomalous hyperplasia of connective tissue, and it may further develop into liver cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. To date, chronic liver diseases accompanied with liver fibrosis have caused significant morbidity and mortality in the world with increasing tendency. Although early liver fibrosis has been reported to be reversible, the detailed mechanism of reversing liver fibrosis is still unclear and there is lack of an effective treatment for liver fibrosis. Thus, it is still a top priority for the research and development of anti-fibrosis drugs. In recent years, many strategies have emerged as crucial means to inhibit the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis including anti-inflammation and liver protection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and proliferation, reduction of ECM overproduction and acceleration of ECM degradation. Moreover, gene therapy has been proved to be a promising anti-fibrosis method. Here, we provide an overview of the relevant targets and drugs under development. We aim to classify and summarize their potential roles in treatment of liver fibrosis, and discuss the challenges and development of anti-fibrosis drugs.
Potential Role of S-Palmitoylation in Cancer Stem Cells of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yitong , Li Fenglan , Fu Kexin , Liu Xiqing , Lien I-Chia , Li Hui
Published: September 2021

S-palmitoylation, catalyzed by a family of 23 zinc finger Asp-His-His-Cys (DHHC) domain-containing (ZDHHC) protein acyltransferases localized on the cell membrane. However, stemness genes modulated by ZDHHCs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain to be defined. Previously, we have constructed a network of cancer stem cell genes, including INCENP, based on mRNA stemness indices (mRNAsi) of LUAD. INCENP has the function of a chromosomal passenger complex locating to centromeres, which is performed by the conserved region of its N-terminal domain. INCENP protein with a deletion of the first non-conserved 26 amino acid sequence failed to target centromeres. However, the exact function of the deleted sequence has not been elucidated. To identify novel cancer stem cell-relevant palmitoylated proteins and responsible ZDHHC enzymes in LUAD, we analyzed multi-omics data obtained from the database of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA). ZDHHC5 is distinguished from the ZDHHC family for being up-regulated in mRNA and protein levels and associated with malignant prognosis. ZDHHC5 was positively associated with INCENP, and the correlation score increased with LUAD stages. CSS-Palm results showed Cys15 was the S-palmitoylation site of INCENP. Interestingly, Cys15 locates in the 1–26 aa sequence of INCENP, and is a conserved site across species. As INCENP is a nuclear protein, we predicted that the nuclear localization signal of ZDHHC5 was specific to the importin αβ pathway, and the result of immunofluorescence proves that ZDHHC5 is located in the nucleoplasm, in addition to the plasma membrane. Therefore, our study indicates the S-palmitoylation of INCENP mediated by ZDHHC5 as a potential mechanism of S-palmitoylation to modulate CSCs in LUAD.
“Longitudinal Fecal Microbiome Study of Total Body Irradiated Mice Treated With Radiation Mitigators Identifies Bacterial Associations With Survival”
Authors: Li Kelvin , Epperly Michael W. , Barreto Gabriella Acosta , Greenberger Joel S. , Methé Barbara A.
Published: September 2021

Total body irradiation (TBI) has been demonstrated to alter the intestinal microbiome, but the effects of successful small molecule ionizing radiation mitigators on the intestinal microbiome are not well-known. Our survival experiments examined the effects of anti-cell death radiation mitigators on and in conjunction with the host’s microbiota. Mice received 9.25 Gy TBI and then were administered radiation mitigators 24 hours later. Passed stool were collected pre-irradiation, then on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 30 post-irradiation for 16S rRNA gene (V4 region) sequencing. The Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model was fit with taxonomic composition (time varying covariates) and treatment as predictors. In the first experiment, mice were administered drugs for “granulocyte stimulation and anti-apoptosis” in four protocol combinations: JP4-039 (anti-apoptosis), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, granulopoietic precursor cell stimulator), both mitigators, and control. Survival improved relative to control (30.0%) for G-CSF (80%, p-value = 0.025), G-CSF/JP4-039 (70%, p-value = 0.084), but not for JP4-039 (50.0%). In the second experiment, mice were administered mitigation drugs “inhibiting programmed cell death” pathways: JP4-039 (anti-apoptosis), necrostatin-1 (anti-necroptosis), and baicalein (anti-ferroptosis), in eight combinations. The survival of JP4-039/baicalein (60.0%, p-value = 0.010) and JP4-039/baicalein/necrostatin-1 (60.0%, p-value = 0.06) treatment combinations were significantly different from the control (26.7%). The JP4-039/necrostatin-1 (46.7%) and baicalein/necrostatin-1 (40.0%) and singlet treatment combinations (26.7%) were not significantly different from the control. Despite differences between the baseline microbiota compositions of the two experiments, consistent changes in composition after irradiation were found: Lactobacillus decreased post-irradiation, relative to baseline. By day 7, microbiota perturbations had incompletely reversed, and no drug-specific differences were identifiable. The CPH model identified Lactobacillus and members of Ruminococcaceae, including Ruminococcus, as protective and Akkermansia as deleterious. By day 30, the microbiota of surviving mice had not returned to baseline, but the differences between experiments suggest the resultant microbiota composition of the survivors are stochastic or batch specific in nature, rather than a requirement for survival. In conclusion, the study determined that key taxa identified in fecal samples, when applied towards the prediction of TBI survival, improves the survival model relative to treatment information alone.
Integrated Analysis of Microbiome and Transcriptome Data Reveals the Interplay Between Commensal Bacteria and Fibrin Degradation in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Li Chao , Gu Ye , He Qizhi , Huang Jian , Song Yunfeng , Wan Xiaoping , Li Yiran
Published: September 2021

The gut-uterus axis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer (EC). However, the correlations between the endometrial microbiome and endometrial tumor transcriptome in patients with EC and the impact of the endometrial microbiota on hematological indicators have not been thoroughly clarified. In this prospective study, endometrial tissue samples collected from EC patients (n = 30) and healthy volunteers (n = 10) were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing of the microbiome. The 30 paired tumor and adjacent nontumor endometrial tissues from the EC group were subjected to RNAseq. We found thatPelomonasandPrevotellawere enriched in the EC group with a high tumor burden. By integrating the microbiome and hematological indicators, a correlation was observed betweenPrevotellaand elevated serum D-dimer (DD) and fibrin degradation products (FDPs). Further transcriptome analysis identified 8 robust associations betweenPrevotellaand fibrin degradation-related genes expressed within ECs. Finally, the microbial marker ofPrevotellaalong with DD and FDPs showed a high potential to predict the onset of EC (AUC = 0.86). Our results suggest that the increasing abundance ofPrevotellain endometrial tissue combined with high serum DD and FDP contents may be important factors associated with tumor burden. The microbe-associated transcripts of host tumors can partly explain howPrevotellapromotes DD and FDPs.
An Analysis of Personalized Learning Opportunities in 3D VR
Authors: Horváth Ildikó
Published: September 2021

Due to its constantly developing technological background, VR and AR technology has been gaining increasing popularity not just in industry or business but in education as well. Research in the field of Cognitive Infocommunications (CogInfoCom) shows that using existing digital technologies, online collaboration and cooperation technologies in 3D VR supports cognitive processes, including the finding, processing, memorization and recalling of information. 3D VR environments are also capable of providing users with a much higher level of comprehension when it comes to sharing and interpreting digital workflows. The paper presents a study carried out with the participation of 90 students. The aim of this study is to investigate how the application of 3D VR platforms as personalized educational environments can also increase VR learning efficiency. Besides considering participants’ test performance, metrics such as results on visual, auditory and reading-based learning tests for information acquisition, as well as responses on Kolb’s learning styles questionnaires are taken into consideration. The participants’ learning styles, information acquisition habits were also observed, allowing us to create and offer a variety of learning pathways based on a variety of content types in the 3D VR environment. The students within the study were divided into two groups: a test group receiving personalized training in the MaxWhere 3D VR classroom, and a control group that studied in a general MaxWhere 3D VR space. This research applies both quantitative and qualitative methods to report findings. The goal was to create adaptive learning environments capable of deriving models of learners and providing personalized learning experiences. We studied the correlation between effectiveness of the tasks and Kolb’s learning styles. The study shows the major importance of choosing the optimal task type regarding each Kolb learning style and personalized learning environment. The MaxWhere 3D spaces show a high potential for personalizing VR education. The non-intrusive guiding capabilities of VR environments and of the educational content integrated in the 3D VR spaces were very successful, because the students were able to score 20 percent higher on the tests after studying in VR than after using traditional educational tools. Students also performed the same tasks with 8-10 percent faster response times.
Three-Year Review of the 2018–2020 SHL Challenge on Transportation and Locomotion Mode Recognition From Mobile Sensors
Authors: Wang Lin , Gjoreski Hristijan , Ciliberto Mathias , Lago Paula , Murao Kazuya , Okita Tsuyoshi , Roggen Daniel
Published: September 2021

The Sussex-Huawei Locomotion-Transportation (SHL) Recognition Challenges aim to advance and capture the state-of-the-art in locomotion and transportation mode recognition from smartphone motion (inertial) sensors. The goal of this series of machine learning and data science challenges was to recognize eight locomotion and transportation activities (Still, Walk, Run, Bus, Car, Train, Subway). The three challenges focused on time-independent (SHL 2018), position-independent (SHL 2019) and user-independent (SHL 2020) evaluations, respectively. Overall, we received 48 submissions (out of 93 teams who registered interest) involving 201 scientists over the three years. The survey captures the state-of-the-art through a meta-analysis of the contributions to the three challenges, including approaches, recognition performance, computational requirements, software tools and frameworks used. It was shown that state-of-the-art methods can distinguish with relative ease most modes of transportation, although the differentiating between subtly distinct activities, such as rail transport (Train and Subway) and road transport (Bus and Car) still remains challenging. We summarize insightful methods from participants that could be employed to address practical challenges of transportation mode recognition, for instance, to tackle over-fitting, to employ robust representations, to exploit data augmentation, and to exploit smart post-processing techniques to improve performance. Finally, we present baseline results to compare the three challenges with a unified recognition pipeline and decision window length.
Association of the Monocyte–to–High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio With Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Tang Xixiang , Tan Ying , Yang Yi , Li Mei , He Xuemin , Lu Yan , Shi Guojun , Zhu Yanhua , Nie Yuanpeng , Li Haicheng , Mu Panwei , Chen Yanming
Published: September 2021

Background: Chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an essential contributor to the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The monocyte–to–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) is a novel and simple measure related to inflammatory and oxidative stress status. However, little is known regarding the role of the MHR in evaluating the development of DR.

Methods: A total of 771 patients with T2DM and 607 healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. MHR determination and eye examination were performed. The association of MHR with the prevalence of DR in T2DM patients was analyzed.

Results: The MHR in patients with DR was significantly higher than that in both non-DR diabetic patients (P < 0.05) and healthy controls (P < 0.01). No significance was observed in the MHR of different DR severity grades. Moreover, the MHR was similar between patients with non-macular oedema and those with macular oedema. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that MHR was independently associated with the prevalence of DR in diabetic patients [odds ratio (OR) = 1.438, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.249–1.655, P < 0.01]. After additional stratification by HbA1c level and diabetic duration, the MHR was still independently associated with the prevalence of DR.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that the MHR can be used as a marker to indicate the prevalence of DR in patients with T2DM.
Relationship Between Change in Serum Uric Acid and Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Tan Qiu-hong , Liu Lin , Huang Yu-qing , Yu Yu-ling , Huang Jia-yi , Chen Chao-lei , Tang Song-tao , Feng Ying-qing
Published: September 2021

Background: Limited studies focused on the association between serum uric acid (SUA) change with ischemic stroke, and their results remain controversial. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between change in SUA with ischemic stroke among hypertensive patients.

Method: This was a retrospective cohort study. We recruited adult hypertensive patients who had two consecutive measurements of SUA levels from 2013 to 2014 and reported no history of stroke. Change in SUA was assessed as SUA concentration measured in 2014 minus SUA concentration in 2013. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank test were performed to quantify the difference in cumulative event rate. Additionally, subgroup analysis and interaction tests were conducted to investigate heterogeneity.

Results: A total of 4,628 hypertensive patients were included, and 93 cases of ischemic stroke occurred during the mean follow-up time of 3.14 years. Participants were categorized into three groups according to their SUA change tertiles [low (SUA decrease substantially): <-32.6 μmol/L; middle (SUA stable): ≥-32.6 μmol/L, <40.2 μmol/L; high (SUA increase substantially): ≥40.2 μmol/L]. In the fully adjusted model, setting the SUA stable group as reference, participants in the SUA increase substantially group had a significantly elevated risk of ischemic stroke [HR (95% CI), 1.76 (1.01, 3.06), P = 0.0451], but for the SUA decrease substantially group, the hazard effect was insignificant [HR (95% CI), 1.31 (0.75, 2.28), P = 0.3353]. Age played an interactive role in the relationship between SUA change and ischemic stroke. Younger participants (age < 65 years) tended to have a higher risk of ischemic stroke when SUA increase substantially.

Conclusion: SUA increase substantially was significantly correlated with an elevated risk of ischemic stroke among patients with hypertension.
Baseline and Cumulative Blood Pressure in Predicting the Occurrence of Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Zuo Yingting , Zheng Deqiang , Chen Shuohua , Yang Xinghua , Yan Yuxiang , Liu Fen , Tian Xue , Wang Meiping , Su Xin , Wen Jing , Zhai Qi , Zhang Yibo , Gaisano Herbert Y. , Wu Shouling , Wang Anxin , He Yan
Published: September 2021

Background: Both baseline blood pressure (BP) and cumulative BP have been used to estimate cardiovascular event (CVE) risk of higher BP, but which one is more reliable for recommendation to routine clinical practice is unclear.

Methods: In this prospective study, conducted in the Kailuan community of Tanshan City, China, a total of 95,702 participants free of CVEs at baseline (2006–2007) were included and followed up until 2017. Time-weighted cumulative BP that expresses the extent of cumulative BP exposure is defined as the sum of the mean of two consecutive systolic or diastolic BP times the interval between the two determinations, then normalized by the total follow-up duration. Incident CVEs during 2006–2017 were confirmed by review of medical records. We performed a competing risk regression analysis to assess CVE risk of the different durations of higher BP exposure. ROC analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of higher BP on CVE occurrence.

Results: We found that when the risk of higher BP on CVE occurrence was estimated based on time-weighted cumulative BP, the hazard ratios (HRs) increased with the increase in duration of higher BP exposure in each of the four BP groups: <120/<80, 120–129/<80, 130–139/80–89, and ≥140/≥90 mmHg; this time trend also occurred across the four different BP groups, with the higher BP group exhibiting CVE risk earlier during the follow-up. These results were confirmed by the same analysis performed on participants without baseline hypertension. However, such reasonable time trends did not occur when a single baseline BP was used as the primary estimation. We also demonstrated that the predictive values of baseline systolic and diastolic BP that predict CVE occurrence were only 0.6–3.2 and 0.2–3.1% lower, respectively, than those of cumulative BP combined with baseline BP during follow-up.

Conclusions: Baseline BP remains a useful indicator for predicting future occurrence of CVEs. Nevertheless, time-weighted cumulative BP could more reliably estimate the CVE risk of higher BP exposure than baseline BP.
Emerging and Established Histological Techniques for the Analysis of Thrombosis in COVID-19 Lungs
Authors: Spier Addie B. , Evans Colin E.
Published: September 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the potentially lethal disease that is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Patients with COVID-19 have an increased risk of thrombosis, but the role of thrombosis in the pathogenesis and progression of severe COVID-19 remains unclear. A better understanding of the contribution of thrombosis to the development and progression of COVID-19 could lead to the development of novel COVID-19 treatments. For this reason, established and emerging histological techniques have recently been used to analyze COVID-19 lungs quantitatively and visually and in two and three dimensions. The gold standard and novel state-of the-art histological techniques that have been used to assess thrombosis in COVID-19 lungs are described in this Mini Review.
Trends in Snow Cover Duration Across River Basins in High Mountain Asia From Daily Gap-Filled MODIS Fractional Snow Covered Area
Authors: Ackroyd Chelsea , Skiles S. McKenzie , Rittger Karl , Meyer Joachim
Published: September 2021

High Mountain Asia (HMA) has the largest expanse of snow outside of the polar regions and it plays a critical role in climate and hydrology. In situ monitoring is rare due to terrain complexity and inaccessibility, making remote sensing the most practical way to understand snow patterns in HMA despite relatively short periods of record. Here, trends in snow cover duration were assessed using MODIS between 2002 and 2017 across the headwaters of the region’s primary river basins (Amu Darya, Brahmaputra, Ganges, Indus, and Syr Darya). Data limitations, associated with traditional binary mapping and data gaps due to clouds, were addressed with a daily, spatially and temporally complete, snow cover product that maps the fraction of snow in each pixel using spectral mixture analysis. Trends in fractional snow cover duration (fSCD) were calculated at the annual and monthly scale, and across 1,000 m elevation bands, and compared to trends in binary snow cover duration (SCD). Snow cover is present, on average, for 102 days across all basin headwaters, with the longest duration in western basins and shortest in eastern basins. Broadly, snow cover is in decline, which is most pronounced in elevation bands where snow is most likely to be present and most needed to sustain glaciers. Some of the strongest negative trends in fSCD were in the Syr Darya, which has 13 fewer days between 4,000–5,000 m, and Brahmaputra, which has 31 fewer days between 5,000–6,000 m. The only increasing tendency was found in the Indus between 2,000 and 5,000 m. There were differences between fSCD and SCD trends, due to SCD overestimating snow cover area relative to fSCD.
Mapping Potential Zones for Groundwater Recharge Using a GIS Technique in the Lower Khwae Hanuman Sub-Basin Area, Prachin Buri Province, Thailand
Authors: Kaewdum Narongsak , Chotpantarat Srilert
Published: September 2021

The lower Khwae Hanuman sub-basin in Thailand suffers from water shortage during each dry season. As such, groundwater resources are an additional freshwater source in this region, in particular for cultivating activities. Thus, an understanding of the volume of groundwater recharge into the saturated zone is required. The objective of the study is to assess the groundwater recharge potential (GRP) using the weighted overlay analysis method by geographic information system (GIS) and finally checking the reliability of GRP map using observed specific capacity carried out by the Department of Groundwater Resources (DGR). The geological and hydrogeological features that affect groundwater potential are the lithology, land use, lineaments, drainage, slope, and soil. The weighting and rating of these six influencing factors were determined by assessing the interrelationship of the main and minor influences of each factor based on several literature reviews, followed by a weighted overlay analysis with GIS, in association with groundwater recharge. The GRP can be classified in descending order: high, moderate, low, and very low, where about 33.9 km2 (2.26% of the total area of 1,500 km2) had high recharge potentiality, located at the center of the area. Only 12.8% of the total precipitation (271.75 million m3/y or approximately 181.2 mm) infiltrated the groundwater aquifer, while the rest was lost by either surface runoff or evapotranspiration. Based on GRP sensitivity analysis index, lithology was the most efficient influencing factor in GRP mapping. Most groundwater wells (>96% or 369 wells) were classified into the classes of low and moderated, which agree to the GRP zones. The results of calculating the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were 86.0 percent, with relatively good predictive accuracy. The stable baseflow analysis would be used to confirm the amount of GRP by weighting overlay technique. Therefore, the GRP method can be applied in other areas, particular in similar hydrogeological characteristics. The first-hand recharge potential map and groundwater recharge information in this area can be used to establish an effective groundwater exploration program for agricultural activities; it is also used to appropriate sustainable yields from each groundwater basin to provide groundwater over the long-term, without negatively impacting the environment and without affecting the groundwater balance as it has recharge in the rainy seasons, which can use groundwater sustainably. It is in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in goal number six of the UN.
Application of the Spectral-Shift Effect in the Small Lead-Based Reactor SLBR-50
Authors: Zhao Chen , Lou Lei , Peng Xingjie , Zhang Bin , Wang Lianjie
Published: September 2021

In the design of a nuclear reactor, improving fuel utilization and extending burnup are two of the most important goals. A concept design of spectral-shift control rods is presented to extend cycle length and fuel utilization. First, a small lead-based reactor, SLBR-50, is preliminarily designed, and the design rationality is proved. Next, the concept design of spectral-shift control rods is presented and analyzed. Finally, numerical results of the small reactor design show that the burnup depth is extended by 73.3% and the fuel utilization rate for 235U and 238U is improved by 66.6 and 68.4%. All results are calculated using a Monte-Carlo code RMC. These results show advantages of the concept design for the spectral-shift control rod.