bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFE AND PROFESSIONAL STRATEGIES
Authors: Кyrylenko Valentyna
Published: February 2023

The implementation of the research goal, which was to determine the main functional characteristics of a person's life and professional strategy, was carried out on the basis of the analysis of the results of his own research. The article substantiates the essence of the concept of "life strategies", "professional strategies" based on the analysis of scientific psychological literature. On the basis of the author's own research, a characterization of the professional strategies inherent in people of different age periods was carried out. In the structure of the characteristics, the following parameters were selected: the age of education seekers, the form of education, the strategy of choosing a profession and an educational institution, the presence of a profession and the presence of professional experience. Based on the analysis of the results of the author's research, the following characteristics were identified: the ability to adapt to the conditions of the profession and life, stress resistance, readiness for professional development, readiness to achieve professional success, professional activity, professional mobility, attitude to the profession as the implementation of a life plan. Combinations of these features made it possible to distinguish professional strategies: a strategy of cooperation, a strategy of professional creativity, a strategy of professional development and professional health.
Keywords: life strategies, professional strategies, professional development, personal development, helping professions
Percepción ciudadana en el proceso de selección de personal en el sector público ecuatoriano: propuesta metodológica
Authors: Benítez Troya Fausto , Hernández Ramos Yamilet
Published: February 2023

Introducción: el presente artículo de investigación está basado en la elaboración de una metodología para conocer la percepción ciudadana en el proceso de selección de persona en el sector público ecuatoriano. Objetivos: desarrollar una propuesta metodológica que involucre al ciudadano que fue parte de un proceso de selección de personal para poder conocer la opinión del participante después de un proceso de selección con el propósito de mejorar el proceso de selección por la institución que lo haya realizado. Metodología: la propuesta metodológica es un cuestionario cuya base de información fue tomada a partir de la revisión de la norma técnica del subsistema de selección de personal y este cuestionario está conformado por 12 ítems que enmarcan el proceso de selección de personal desde la convocatoria hasta seleccionar a la persona idónea que haya superado todos los pasos del proceso de selección. En esta investigación se utilizó el método de cálculo Alfa de Cronbach que es un coeficiente utilizado para medir la fiabilidad de una prueba y en el cual participaron 45 personas que respondieron a la encuesta realizada según su experiencia personal durante un proceso de selección de personal en el que participaron. Resultados: con la información que se obtuvo y a través del Alfa de Cronbach y un análisis de Likert en cada ítem se validó el cuestionario desarrollado obteniendo una puntuación de 0,94. Conclusiones: la herramienta tiene una alta confiabilidad también en la presente investigación y se propone que en algún momento la herramienta pueda ser de utilidad para su implementación en los departamentos de talento humano en las instituciones de carácter público y por ende mejorar el proceso de selección de personal y evidenciar las posibles falencias. Área de estudio: Talento Humano.
Revisión de normas de diseño para mampostería confinada en Latinoamérica: propuestas para la Norma Ecuatoriana de Construcción
Authors: Quinde John , Jiménez-Pacheco Juan , Ortega-Guamán Erika
Published: February 2023

La edificación de mampostería confinada (MC) es una tipología estructural de uso extendido en Latinoamérica para viviendas de baja a mediana altura, puesto que, con un adecuado diseño y ejecución en obra, ha mostrado un buen desempeño sísmico. Es importante extraer lecciones del comportamiento de esta tipología ante terremotos recientes y actualizar las normas de diseño de acuerdo al estado del conocimiento. Precisamente, la Norma Ecuatoriana de la Construcción (NEC) se encuentra en un proceso de actualización. Con tal motivación, el presente trabajo se planteó como una revisión comparativa entre los capítulos de la NEC encargados del diseño de MC y varias normas latinoamericanas. Se contrastaron las disposiciones más importantes de tres secciones específicas: 1) materiales, 2) requerimientos constructivos y 3) resistencia a carga lateral de los muros. Considerando la realidad tecnológica y la práctica constructiva del país, se identificaron deficiencias y limitaciones en la NEC. Además, con base en resultados experimentales, se corroboró la mayor fiabilidad de la fórmula con un enfoque Coulomb para estimar la resistencia a carga lateral de los muros de MC. Finalmente, se plantearon conclusiones y recomendaciones para la actualización de la norma nacional en lo tocante a MC.
Un Método Exacto para el Problema de Equiparticionamiento de Grafos en Componentes Conexas
Authors: Viteri Negrete Estéfano , Torres Ramiro
Published: February 2023

En el presente trabajo, el problema de equiparticionamiento de grafos en componentes conexas es estudiado. El problema consiste en particionar un grafo no dirigido con costos sobre las aristas en un número fijo de componentes conexas, tal que el número de nodos en cada componente difiera en a lo más una unidad y el costo total de las aristas con nodos finales en la misma componente sea minimizado. Se presentan varios modelos de programación lineal entera usando diferentes enfoques (maximización de los costos de las aristas del corte y minimización de los costos de las aristas en cada componente conexa) y sus resultados son comparados. Además, se exponen varias familias de desigualdades válidas asociadas a los poliedros de estas formulaciones, junto con un algoritmo exacto tipo Branch & Cut. Finalmente, se reportan resultados computacionales basados en instancias simuladas de diferentes tamaños.
Modelo de Confiabilidad, Disponibilidad y Mantenibilidad Operacional para una Planta Compresora de Gas
Authors: Ronceros Morales Cristhian , Pomblas Ramón
Published: February 2023

La presente investigación tuvo como finalidad el desarrollo de un modelo de confiabilidad, disponibilidad y mantenibilidad operacional que permitió el cálculo de disponibilidad y estimaciones de confiabilidad de equipos y sistemas pertenecientes a la planta compresora Jusepín 12 de Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) Compresión Gas Maturín, ubicada en el Complejo Jusepín de PDVSA. El estudio consistió en una investigación de campo, descriptiva, no experimental de tipo proyecto factible. Para el desarrollo del modelo se utilizaron herramientas basadas en el Análisis de Confiabilidad, Disponibilidad y Mantenibilidad (CDM). Para facilitar el manejo del histórico de fallas, se utilizó el software XAMPP (MySQL, PHP, APACHE); para el desarrollo de bases de datos y en el diseño y simulación del modelo se utilizaron los softwares Crystal Ball y Raptor. El resultado fue un modelo que permitió realizar los cálculos de disponibilidad y proyecciones de confiabilidad de la planta, mediante la generación de un número preestablecido de escenarios y la realización de análisis de sensibilidad, que fijó el impacto de cada componente del sistema en los factores de disponibilidad, todo esto como requerimiento para la realización de planes de mantenimiento predictivo.
Proses Penyuluhan Agama Hindu Di Kabupaten Bengkayang Dan Kota Pontianak Dalam Pembinaan Umat Pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Jaya Andi Irawan , Suhardi Untung , Budha I Wayan
Published: February 2023

Penelitian ini menguraikan proses penyuluhan yang dilakukan dengan adanya media yang digunakan dalam bentuk pemanfaatan IT, namun dalam penerapannya banyak umat yang tidak dapat dapat mengaksesnya. Pokok permasalahannya adalah proses pembinaan umat Hindu yang ada di Kabupaten Bengkayang dan Pontianak. Metode yang digunakan kualitatif dengan teori media baru dan dalam mengumpulan datanya dengan menggunakan wawancara, observasi, dan studi dokumen.  Hasil penelitian ini adalah 1) Pemanfaatan IT untuk pembinaan umat hal ini dapat dilakukan dengan adanya masyarakat virtual yang dalam masa pandemic mengharuskan jaga jarak dan menggunakan media virtua berupa zoom, WA dan media social lainnya. Selain itu adanya keterbukaan informasi dari umat sehingga tidak hanya daring saja dalam pembinaan namun sekali waktu adanya pertemuan terbatas sesuai dengan protokol kesehatan. 2) Program penyuluh dan kebutuhan umat, dalam hal ini dilakukan dengan adanya pembinaan yang dibutuhkan oleh umat dan bersifat berlanjut serta adaptasi dari lingkungan dan media yang ada dalam konteks kearifan local yang ada. 3) Pembinaan dan praktik langsung di lapangan hal ini diharapkan untuk memperdalam proses pembinaan yang berlingkup tri kerangka dasar keagamaan Hindu yang berlingkup pada tattwa, susila dan acara. 4) Pelatihan dan kompetensi penyuluh sebagai kunci dalam pemahaman penyuluh sebagai garda terdepan umat untuk pembinaan umat dengan tetap menghormati situasi, kondisi dan keadaan.
MODERN MEANS OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN OF THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE AND THE NATIONAL GUARD OF UKRAINE: PRESENT AND PROSPECTS OF APPLICATION
Authors:   The National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine, Iokhov O. , Lavrut O. ,   National Academy of Ground Forces named after Hetman Pyotr Sahaidachny, Lavrut T. ,   National Academy of Ground Forces named after Hetman Pyotr Sahaidachny, Florin O. ,   The National academy of the National Guard of Ukraine
Published: February 2023

A brief analysis of modern means of communication and information communication technologies in the Armed Forces and the National Guard of Ukraine was conducted. Determination of the main directions of development and prospects for the use of information and communication technologies in the Armed Forces and the National Guard of Ukraine. The construction of a communication system that integrates the functions of troop management, weapons, intelligence, radio-electronic warfare, as well as communication, navigation, orientation, should be created in accordance with the concept of troop management adopted in NATO countries on the basis of the construction of a single information space. Brief conclusions are given regarding the assessment of the possibility of organizing the interaction of the Armed Forces and the National Guard of Ukraine. Modern complex communication hardware of the Armed Forces and field telecommunication nodes and complex telecommunication hardware at NSU were considered. It was determined that according to their purpose and composition, they have the same characteristics and are intended to ensure communication, automatic switching and routing of digital flows between communication nodes of control points of different ranks, for the organization (deployment) of subscriber networks of telephone communication and data transmission , provision of telecommunication control points of all management units of the Armed Forces and NGU, other law enforcement agencies of special purpose in all types of combat for the services of operational staff on channels created by various means of communication. A promising concept of a single information space combining modern digital means of communication of Harris for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Aselsan for the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the same time in the framework of Mesh and MANET technology is proposed for consideration.
Avaliação de um manual para orientação de antibioticoterapia em pacientes com doença renal crônica dialítica na graduação de medicina
Authors: Oliveira Zuila Rafaella Cavalcante de , Rabelo Jayanne Antonia Ferreira , Santos Rafael Alves Bezerra , Costa Silvia Mara Rodrigues , Aguiar Lia Cordeiro Bastos , Medeiros Melissa Soares
Published: February 2023

No contexto atual, sabe-se que a prevalência da doença renal crônica (DRC) está aumentando em todo o mundo, o que também eleva os custos para o tratamento adequado desses pacientes. Diante desse cenário, processos infecciosos agudos representam importante causa de morbimortalidade em pacientes com DRC. A utilização da tecnologia digital surge como potencial instrumento no auxílio para orientar sobre qual o melhor tratamento com antibiótico para a infecção de cada sítio iria melhorar o tratamento desses indivíduos. Com revisões de fontes nacionais e internacionais atualizadas, foi desenvolvido manual móvel, de uso fácil e prático, para auxiliar o ensino quanto às opções de tratamento individualizado mais adequadas, levando em consideração características clínicas, laboratoriais e sociais dos pacientes com doença renal crônica. O manual foi avaliado por 40 contribuintes, média de idade de 24,2 anos, feminino sendo 56,4%.  o material do manual foi considerado adequado para ser utilizado em consultas para a escolha dos antibióticos em pacientes com doença renal crônica em 92,5% das respostas, sendo também capaz de contribuir para uma boa prestação de cuidados a esses pacientes, representando 90% dos resultados. o manual foi classificado com 89,7% das respostas por uma apresentação clara, simples e objetiva e, um percentual de 90% em relação ao cientificamente adequado para a área médica. Concluiu-se que o manual é um suporte aos profissionais de saúde, que demonstrou boa aceitação, tendo em vista a praticidade de utilização, a satisfação e a utilização simples e rápida para ensino de estudantes e profissionais de saúde.
Conhecimento dos enfermeiros intensivistas de um hospital público de São Paulo sobre os cuidados prestados a pacientes submetidos a cineangiocoronariorafia
Authors: Lemos Fernanda Abade , Diamente Loraine Martins
Published: February 2023

Objetivo: analisar o conhecimento dos enfermeiros intensivistas em relação aos cuidados prestados a pacientes submetidos a cineangiocoronariografia. Método: trata-se de uma pesquisa de campo, de cunho descritivo-exploratório, e abordagem qualitativa, realizada entre junho e agosto de 2022 em 2 Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Adulto de um Hospital Público do Município de São Paulo, utilizando o Google Forms©. Resultados: a pesquisa realizada entrevistou um total de 21 enfermeiros, número correspondente a 100% dos profissionais atuantes no plantão diurno. A média de acertos das questões fechadas foi de 60%, em relação as questões dissertativas as respostas foram significativas. Discussão: percebeu-se que os enfermeiros apesar de conhecerem sobre a temática estudada, necessitam de atualização, bem como, participar de educação permanente sobre cineangiocoronariografia. Conclusão: é de suma importância que o enfermeiro enquanto profissional desenvolva meios seguros e eficazes de cuidar e procure se aperfeiçoar com as metodologias de assistência em enfermagem, buscando fundamentar se no conhecimento, almejando promover um cuidado holístico, humanizado e resolutivo.
Avaliação da percepção da amamentação relatada pelas lactantes comparadas com o LATCH em uma ala materno infantil do Hospital Universitário do Oeste do Paraná
Authors: Burgarelli Juliana Almeida , Vilagra José Mohamud , Albuquerque Carlos Eduardo de , Schaefer Alessandro , Abramovecht Janaina , Pastorio Daiane Maria , Magnante Jéssica , Almeida Caio Fernandes de , Oliveira Gustavo Yudi Orikassa de , Ferreira Bruna Paludo
Published: February 2023

O aleitamento materno, é um fator primordial para o desenvolvimento e crescimento do bebê, principalmente nos primeiros seis meses de vida. Quando se aborda as questões sobre aleitamento materno e desmame precoce, há fatores relevantes como os traumas mamilares, pois acarretará diretamente no aleitamento materno. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a percepção da amamentação relatada pelas lactantes e comparar com o questionário LACTH, em uma amostra de lactentes de uma ala materno infantil do Hospital Universitário do Oeste do Paraná. A presente pesquisa se trata de um estudo transversal, desenvolvido com neonatos nascidos na Maternidade do Hospital Universitário do Oeste do Paraná – HUOP, no período de junho a setembro de 2022, com aplicação do questionário LATCH e entrevista dirigida. A amostra final desta pesquisa foi composta por 82 indivíduos recém-nascidos vivos de ambos os sexos e idade gestacional ≥ 37 semanas.  Com relação aos recém-nascidos que apresentaram dificuldades na amamentação houve nível de significância (p = 0,0029). Fatores isolados podem compreender a fase de adaptação durante o aleitamento materno, porém devem ser sanados as dificuldades, como meio de fortalecimento do vínculo materno com o recém-nascido. Conclui-se que os recém-nascidos sem dificuldade apresentaram um LATCH significativamente maior.
O saber escolar e acadêmico: pensar e discutir a educação ambiental para a construção de uma sociedade crítica
Authors: Silva Emanuelly Cristovão Barbosa da , Borges Igo Marinho Serafim , Virginio Laryssa Kelly de Almeida , Fernandes Amanda Cristiane Gonçalves , Martins Miriam Souza , Pessoa Dihego de Souza , Santos Magna Jussara Rodrigues , Maciel Jasmyne Karla Vieira Souza , Silva Maria Hozana da , Freire João Guilherme Tejo Barros
Published: February 2023

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo, enxergar as múltiplas compreensões acerca das discussões tecidas sobre o meio ambiente e sobre as lógicas de desenvolvimento que estão sendo cada dia mais exploradas. Buscando compreender as diversas perspectivas e abordagens, dentro e fora dos muros que guardam a comunidade acadêmica da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Metodologicamente, sua estruturação contou tanto com os aspectos quantitativos, ao passo que houve a coleta de dados por meio de questionários no Google Forms, quanto com os aspectos qualitativos, por meio do uso de um segundo perfil de pesquisa, de caráter exploratória, por meio de fontes diversas, como e-books, teses de doutorado e artigos voltados para a área. Portanto, ao longo da pesquisa, pudermos observar o nível de conhecimento dos acadêmicos e da sociedade civil como um todo acerca das temáticas propostas, bem como, do seu nível de complexidade Ao longo da sessão referente aos resultados e discussões, poderemos nos debruçar sobre os dados coletados e suas particularidades, que externam o ponto de vista limitado sobre conhecimentos da educação ambiental e uso de energias renováveis, apresentando não entendimento ou entende muito superficial sobre a importância mundial que possui a temática, bem como, do impacto homérico que ambos conseguem causar na vida dos indivíduos, direta ou indiretamente sem falar na conscientização e preservação do meio ambiente. Conclui-se que, a educação ambiental deve ser mais trabalhadas nos anos inicias para que as pessoas consigam refletir que é o dever de todos respeitar as limitações dos recursos naturais.
Single-cell phenotypes of peripheral blood immune cells in early and late stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Waller Kathryn Jane , Saihi Hajar , Li Wenhao , Brindley James Hallimond , De Jong Anja , Syn Wing-kin , Bessant Conrad , Alazawi William
Published: February 2023

Background/Aims: Immune and inflammatory cells respond to multiple pathological hits in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. Relatively little is known about how their type and function change through the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) spectrum. Here we used multi-dimensional mass cytometry and a tailored bioinformatic approach to study circulating immune cells sampled from healthy individuals and people with NAFLD.Methods: Cytometry by time of flight using 36 metal-conjugated antibodies was applied to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from biopsy-proven NASH fibrosis (late disease), steatosis (early disease), and healthy patients. Supervised and unsupervised analyses were used, findings confirmed, and mechanisms assessed using independent healthy and disease PBMC samples.Results: Of 36 PBMC clusters, 21 changed between controls and disease samples. Significant differences were observed between diseases stages with changes in T cells and myeloid cells throughout disease and B cell changes in late stages. Semi-supervised gating and re-clustering showed that disease stages were associated with fewer monocytes with active signalling and more inactive NK cells; B and T cells bearing activation markers were reduced in late stages, while B cells bearing co-stimulatory molecules were increased. Functionally, disease states were associated with fewer activated mucosal-associated invariant T cells and reduced toll-like receptor-mediated cytokine production in late disease.Conclusions: A range of innate and adaptive immune changes begin early in NAFLD, and disease stages are associated with a functionally less active phenotype compared to controls. Further study of the immune response in NAFLD spectrum may give insight into mechanisms of disease with potential clinical application.
Chronic hepatitis B with concurrent metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: Challenges and perspectives
Authors: Huang Shang-Chin , Liu Chun-Jen
Published: February 2023

The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has increased among the general population and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients worldwide. Although fatty liver disease is a well-known risk factor for adverse liver outcomes like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, its interactions with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and clinical impacts seem complex. The presence of hepatic steatosis may suppress HBV viral activity, potentially leading to attenuated liver injury. In contrast, the associated co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus or obesity may increase the risk of developing adverse liver outcomes. These findings implicate that components of MAFLD may have diverse effects on the clinical manifestations of CHB. To this end, a clinical strategy is proposed for managing patients with concurrent CHB and MAFLD. This review article discusses the updated evidence regarding disease prevalence, interactions between steatosis and HBV, clinical impacts, and management strategies, aiming at optimizing holistic health care in the CHB population.
Neuropilins as potential biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review of basic and clinical implications
Authors: Fernández-Palanca Paula , Payo-Serafín Tania , Méndez-Blanco Carolina , San-Miguel Beatriz , Tuñón María J. , González-Gallego Javier , Mauriz José L.
Published: February 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide and is characterized by complex molecular carcinogenesis. Neuropilins (NRPs) NRP1 and NRP2 are the receptors of multiple proteins involved in key signaling pathways associated with tumor progression. We aimed to systematically review all the available findings on their role in HCC. We searched the Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases for articles evaluating NRPs in preclinical or clinical HCC models. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022349774) and include 49 studies. Multiple cellular and molecular processes have been associated with one or both NRPs, indicating that they are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in HCC patients. Mainly NRP1 has been shown to promote tumor cell survival and progression by modulating several signaling pathways. NRPs mainly regulate angiogenesis, invasion and migration and have shown to induce invasion and metastasis. They also regulate the immune response and tumor microenvironment, showing a crucial interplay with the hypoxia response and microRNAs in HCC. Altogether, NRP1 and NRP2 are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, providing novel insight into the clinical landscape of HCC patients.
Factors associated with unrecognized cirrhosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lee Yi-Te , Karim Mohammad A. , Kum Hye Chung , Park Sulki , Rich Nicole E. , Noureddin Mazen , Singal Amit G. , Yang Ju Dong
Published: February 2023

Background/Aims: Cirrhosis is the most important risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and patients with cirrhosis are recommended to receive semiannual surveillance for early HCC detection. However, early cirrhosis is often asymptomatic and can go undiagnosed for years, leading to underuse of HCC surveillance in clinical practice. We characterized the frequency and associated factors of unrecognized cirrhosis in a national sample of patients with HCC from the United States.Methods: HCC patients aged 68 years and older, diagnosed during 2011 to 2015 were included from the SEERMedicare Linked Database. If cirrhosis was diagnosed within 6 months immediately preceding HCC diagnosis or after HCC diagnosis, cases were categorized as unrecognized cirrhosis. Factors associated with unrecognized cirrhosis were identified using logistic regression analyses. Factors associated with overall survival were evaluated using Cox regression analyses.Results: Among 5,098 HCC patients, 74.8% patients had cirrhosis. Among those with cirrhosis, 57.4% had unrecognized cirrhosis, with the highest proportion (76.3%) among those with NAFLD-related HCC. Male sex (aOR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.83–2.46), non-Hispanic Black race (aOR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.45–2.57), and NAFLD etiology (aOR: 4.46, 95% CI: 3.68–5.41) were associated with having unrecognized cirrhosis. Among NAFLD-related HCC patients, male sex (aOR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.71–3.14) was associated with unrecognized cirrhosis. Unrecognized cirrhosis was independently associated with worse overall survival (aHR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.08–1.27) compared to recognized cirrhosis.Conclusions: Unrecognized cirrhosis is common in NAFLD-related HCC, particularly among male and Black patients, highlighting these groups as important intervention targets to improve HCC surveillance uptake and outcomes.
Optical and Optoelectronic Properties of Bi2Te3, Sb2Te3, and Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 Flakes
Authors: Jo Hyeun Seung , Kim Ju Won , Kim Sang-iL , Kim TaeWan
Published: February 2023

In this study, a mechanical exfoliation method was developed for the synthesis of high purity Bi2Te3, Sb2Te3, and Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 flakes. The synthesized Bi2Te3, Sb2Te3, and Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 flakes were characterized by atomic force microscope, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL). The effect of the thickness of the Bi2Te3, Sb2Te3, and Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 flakes on PL and Raman spectra was investigated. As the thickness increased in the Bi2Te3 flakes, the out of plane vibration mode (A21g) shows a blue shift. For the thicker Sb2Te3 flakes, the A11g and E2g modes indicated a blue shift and a red shift, respectively. When the thickness of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 flakes decreased, the in-plane vibration mode (E2g) shifted to lower frequencies. A new Raman peak has been observed in Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 flakes, which is not active in the thin films. PL measurements of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 flakes with various thickness revealed PL peaks in the range of 2.15 - 2.54 eV at room temperature (300 K). A Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 flakes-based photodetector exhibited photoresponsivity as high as 661.5 A/W at a 0.02 mW power density with an 1800 nm laser at room temperature (300 K). Compared to the optoelectronic properties of Bi2Te3 flake, a twice higher responsivity at a wavelength of 1800 nm was observed with the Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 flake-based photodetector.
Effective Removal Method for Layer of FIB-Induced Surface Damage in Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Jin Hyung-Ha , Ryu I Seul
Published: February 2023

There is substantial concern about the phase change to artificial ferrite or martensite in commercial austenitic stainless steels during intense focused-ion-beam milling. In this work, severe Ga ion milling to prepare microscale samples was found to produce thin transformed layers on the surface of austenitic stainless steel. The surface BCC phase transformation layer was clearly distinguished on the specimen processed with the focused ion beam using cross-sectional analysis. It was determined that Ga ions had accumulated in the surface BCC layer. However, it was also confirmed that the Ga ion accumulation was localized at the top of the surface. This is expected to be caused by the decrease in the formation energy of the body-centered crystalline phase, which may result from the considerable changes in chemical composition and stress state by the accumulation of implanted Ga atoms. We propose an effective method to overcome the phase change problem caused by FIB, by using low-energy Ar ion milling. It was determined that low-energy FIB milling was insufficient by itself to clear the phase transformation layer. High quality micro-scale experimental samples of austenitic stainless steels can be achieved by additional low-energy Ar ion milling at an energy of 1 keV or less after high-energy FIB milling.
Photo Seebeck Effect of Air Stable MAPbI3
Authors: Kim Yuseong , Park Byoungnam
Published: February 2023

With increasing interest in energy harvesting using heat as a next-generation eco-friendly energy source, organic-inorganic perovskite materials have emerged as promising materials for thermoelectric devices. In particular, the photo-Seebeck effect of halide perovskite materials has attracted attention due to their wide optical absorption spectrum and large diffusion length, depending on their composition. MAPbI3, a representative organic perovskite component, has been reported to have a Seebeck coefficient of only hundreds of µV/K. In this manuscript, we report a photo-Seebeck effect for bulk MAPbI 3 perovskite in which the magnitude of the Seebeck coefficient significantly increased by 700 µV/K under illumination with a green laser diode. An air-stable perovskite pellet was synthesized using the alcohol substitution synthesis method, and both the Seebeck coefficient and the photocurrent increased in air, proving that enhanced Seebeck coefficient is associated with the formation of excitons in MAPbI3. X-ray diffraction analysis found that the remnant PbI2 led to n/i>-type electronic transport characterized by a negative Seebeck coefficient. Photo-induced electron transfer from MAPbI3 to the PbI2-rich phase under illumination led to dedoping of electrons, to form an MAPbI3 pellet. The significant enhancement in the Seebeck coefficient was found to depend on the composition of the remnant PbI2, which alters the majority carrier type in the bulk MAPbI3.
Critical Thinking and Media Literacy in an Age of Misinformation
Authors: Gilmour Terry
Published: February 2023

The author, working with students in a small, rural West Texas community college, developed modules to help students develop better critical thinking skills and be better consumers of information in this age of misinformation. The modules were created to engage students in topics on critical thinking, fallacies and bias, how to identify reliable information, how to identify the dangers of social media, and conspiracy theories. The modules are now included in all of the Effective Learning classes required for entering freshmen.
Altered brain state during episodic dystonia in tottering mice decouples primary motor cortex from limb kinematics
Authors: Gray Madelyn M. , Naik Anant , Ebner Timothy J. , Carter Russell E.
Published: February 2023

Episodic Ataxia Type 2 (EA2) is a rare neurological disorder caused by a mutation in the CACNA1A gene, encoding the P/Q-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel important for neurotransmitter release. Patients with this channelopathy exhibit both cerebellar and cerebral pathologies, suggesting the condition affects both regions. The tottering (tg/tg) mouse is the most commonly used EA2 model due to an orthologous mutation in the cacna1a gene. The tg/tg mouse has three prominent behavioral phenotypes: a dramatic episodic dystonia; absence seizures with generalized spike and wave discharges (GSWDs); and mild ataxia. We previously observed a novel brain state, transient low-frequency oscillations (LFOs) in the cerebellum and cerebral cortex under anesthesia. In this study, we examine the relationships among the dystonic attack, GSWDs, and LFOs in the cerebral cortex. Previous studies characterized LFOs in the motor cortex of anesthetized tg/tg mice using flavoprotein autofluorescence imaging testing the hypothesis that LFOs provide a mechanism for the paroxysmal dystonia. We sought to obtain a more direct understanding of motor cortex (M1) activity during the dystonic episodes. Using two-photon Ca2+ imaging to investigate neuronal activity in M1 before, during, and after the dystonic attack, we show that there is not a significant change in the activity of M1 neurons from baseline through the attack. We also conducted simultaneous, multi-electrode recordings to further understand how M1 cellular activity and local field potentials change throughout the progression of the dystonic attack. Neither putative pyramidal nor inhibitory interneuron firing rate changed during the dystonic attack. However, we did observe a near complete loss of GSWDs during the dystonic attack in M1. Finally, using spike triggered averaging to align simultaneously recorded limb kinematics to the peak Ca2+ response, and vice versa, revealed a reduction in the spike triggered average during the dystonic episodes. Both the loss of GSWDs and the reduction in the coupling suggest that, during the dystonic attack, M1 is effectively decoupled from other structures. Overall, these results indicate that the attack is not initiated or controlled in M1, but elsewhere in the motor circuitry. The findings also highlight that LFOs, GSWDs, and dystonic attacks represent three brain states in tg/tg mice.
Reactive oxygen species-responsive polymer drug delivery systems
Authors: Liu Jiaxue , Jia Boyan , Li Zhibo , Li Wenliang
Published: February 2023

Applying reactive polymer materials sensitive to biological stimuli has recently attracted extensive research interest. The special physiological effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on tumors or inflammation and the application of ROS-responsive polymers as drug-delivery systems in organisms have attracted much attention. ROS is a vital disease signal molecule, and the unique accumulation of ROS-responsive polymers in pathological sites may enable ROS-responsive polymers to deliver payload (such as drugs, ROS-responsive prodrugs, and gene therapy fragments) in a targeted fashion. In this paper, the research progress of ROS-responsive polymers and their application in recent years were summarized and analyzed. The research progress of ROS-responsive polymers was reviewed from the perspective of nanoparticle drug delivery systems, multi-responsive delivery systems, and ROS-responsive hydrogels. It is expected that our work will help understand the future development trends in this field.
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)-related lncRNAs signature for predicting prognosis and the immune microenvironment in breast cancer
Authors: Jiang Tongchao , Wang Ying , Chen Xiaoyu , Xia Wen , Xue Shuyu , Gu Liwen , Guo Ling , Lin Huanxin
Published: February 2023

Background: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are closely associated to tumorigenesis and development. However, the relationship between NETs-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and the characteristics of breast tumor remains an enigma. This study aimed to explore the clinical prognostic value of NETs-related lncRNAs, their correlation with the tumor microenvironment (TME) and their predictive ability of drug sensitivity in patients with breast cancer (BC).

Methods: The expression profiles of RNA-sequencing and relevant clinical data of BC patients were extracted from TCGA database. The co-expression network analysis, univariable, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariable Cox algorithms were employed to construct the NETs-related lncRNAs signature. A nomogram was established and validated to explore the clinical application. Furthermore, the immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity for BC with different prognostic risks were explored. Finally, the expression pattern of lncRNAs was validated using qRT-PCR in BC tissues and their adjacent non-cancerous tissues.

Results: Based on NETs-related lncRNAs, a prognostic risk model consisted of 10 lncRNAs (SFTA1P, ACTA2-AS1, AC004816.2, AC000067.1, LINC01235, LINC01010, AL133467.1, AC092919.1, AL591468.1, and MIR200CHG) was established. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the overall survival (OS) was significantly better in low-risk BC patients than in high-risk BC patients (Ptraining cohort < 0.001, Pvalidation cohort = 0.009). The nomogram also showed good predictive accuracy for OS of BC individuals in both training and validation cohorts. The function enrichment analysis revealed that high-risk group was mainly enriched in immune-related functions and pathways, and the tumor mutation burden in this group was markedly higher than that in the low-risk group (p = 0.022). Moreover, significant differences were observed in immune cells, immune functions and immune checkpoint genes among BC patients at different risks (p < 0.05). The response to chemotherapeutic agents and immunotherapy were also closely related with the expression of NETs-related lncRNAs (p < 0.001). The expression of lncRNAs from experimental validation were generally consistent with the bioinformatics analysis results.

Conclusion: Our study provided a novel prognostic model for BC and yielded strong scientific rationale for individualized treatment strategies, elucidating immunotherapy in BC patients.
The quorum quenching enzyme Aii20J modifies in vitro periodontal biofilm formation
Authors: Parga Ana , Muras Andrea , Otero-Casal Paz , Arredondo Alexandre , Soler-Ollé Agnès , Àlvarez Gerard , Alcaraz Luis D. , Mira Alex , Blanc Vanessa , Otero Ana
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Recent studies have revealed the presence of N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) quorum sensing (QS) signals in the oral environment. Yet, their role in oral biofilm development remains scarcely investigated. The use of quorum quenching (QQ) strategies targeting AHLs has been described as efficient for the control of pathogenic biofilms. Here, we evaluate the use of a highly active AHL-targeting QQ enzyme, Aii20J, to modulate oral biofilm formation in vitro.

Methods

The effect of the QQ enzyme was studied in in vitro multispecies biofilms generated from oral samples taken from healthy donors and patients with periodontal disease. Subgingival samples were used as inocula, aiming to select members of the microbiota of the periodontal pocket niche in the in vitro biofilms. Biofilm formation abilities and microbial composition were studied upon treating the biofilms with the QQ enzyme Aii20J.

Results and Discussion

The addition of the enzyme resulted in significant biofilm mass reductions in 30 – 60% of the subgingival-derived biofilms, although standard AHLs could not be found in the supernatants of the cultured biofilms. Changes in biofilm mass were not accompanied by significant alterations of bacterial relative abundance at the genus level. The investigation of 125 oral supragingival metagenomes and a synthetic subgingival metagenome revealed a surprisingly high abundance and broad distribution of homologous of the AHL synthase HdtS and several protein families of AHL receptors, as well as an enormous presence of QQ enzymes, pointing to the existence of an intricate signaling network in oral biofilms that has been so far unreported, and should be further investigated. Together, our findings support the use of Aii20J to modulate polymicrobial biofilm formation without changing the microbiome structure of the biofilm. Results in this study suggest that AHLs or AHL-like molecules affect oral biofilm formation, encouraging the application of QQ strategies for oral health improvement, and reinforcing the importance of personalized approaches to oral biofilm control.
Prognostic value of heart rate variability in atrial fibrillation recurrence following catheter ablation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Enyuan , Liang Shuo , Sun Tianhong , Xu Jing , Lu Fengmin , Wu Dongyan , Zhang Jingkun , He Le , Zhang Fan , Fan Shaobo , Ma Wei
Published: February 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been a worldwide health issue with increasing prevalence and mortality. Recently, increasing attention has been gained to the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and the clinical prognosis of AF catheter ablation. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of HRV in AF recurrence.

Methods

We systematically searched Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase from inception until 17 August 2022 to conduct the systematic review and meta-analysis. We included the studies reporting the predictive value of HRV parameters for AF recurrence or in which HRV parameters in AF recurrence and non-recurrence groups were individually reported.

Results

Finally, we enrolled 16 studies, including 2,352 patients. Higher rMSSD could independently predict AF recurrence following catheter ablation (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00–1.04; p = 0.03). Higher HF (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.05–2.28; p = 0.03) and lower LF/HF (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03–1.20; p = 0.004) could independently predict AF recurrence within 1 year. Higher SDNN (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 101–1.02; p = 0.0006) could independently predict AF recurrence among patients with paroxysmal AF. Almost all HRV parameters within 3 days after catheter ablation and lnHF, lnLF, and rMSSD at 3 months after catheter ablation performed significant differences in AF recurrence and non-recurrence groups.

Conclusion

Heart rate variability, especially higher rMSSD (within short-term and long-term periods), was closely related to recurrent AF following catheter ablation, highlighting the clinical importance of HRV in the prognosis of AF following catheter ablation.
Cardiac MRI in Fabry disease
Authors: Umer Muhammad , Kalra Dinesh K.
Published: February 2023

Fabry disease is a rare, progressive X-linked inherited disorder of glycosphingolipid metabolism due to a deficiency of α-galactosidase A enzyme. It leads to the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide within lysosomes of multiple organs, predominantly the vascular, renal, cardiac, and nervous systems. Fabry cardiomyopathy is characterized by increased left ventricular wall thickness/mass, functional abnormalities, valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to avoid cardiac or renal complications that can significantly reduce life expectancy in untreated FD. This review will focus on the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis, clinical decision-making, and monitoring of treatment efficacy.
β subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Loh Kelvin Wei Zhern , Liu Cong , Soong Tuck Wah , Hu Zhenyu
Published: February 2023

Calcium signaling is required in bodily functions essential for survival, such as muscle contractions and neuronal communications. Of note, the voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) expressed on muscle and neuronal cells, as well as some endocrine cells, are transmembrane protein complexes that allow for the selective entry of calcium ions into the cells. The α1 subunit constitutes the main pore-forming subunit that opens in response to membrane depolarization, and its biophysical functions are regulated by various auxiliary subunits–β, α2δ, and γ subunits. Within the cardiovascular system, the γ-subunit is not expressed and is therefore not discussed in this review. Because the α1 subunit is the pore-forming subunit, it is a prominent druggable target and the focus of many studies investigating potential therapeutic interventions for cardiovascular diseases. While this may be true, it should be noted that the direct inhibition of the α1 subunit may result in limited long-term cardiovascular benefits coupled with undesirable side effects, and that its expression and biophysical properties may depend largely on its auxiliary subunits. Indeed, the α2δ subunit has been reported to be essential for the membrane trafficking and expression of the α1 subunit. Furthermore, the β subunit not only prevents proteasomal degradation of the α1 subunit, but also directly modulates the biophysical properties of the α1 subunit, such as its voltage-dependent activities and open probabilities. More importantly, various isoforms of the β subunit have been found to differentially modulate the α1 subunit, and post-translational modifications of the β subunits further add to this complexity. These data suggest the possibility of the β subunit as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases. However, emerging studies have reported the presence of cardiomyocyte membrane α1 subunit trafficking and expression in a β subunit-independent manner, which would undermine the efficacy of β subunit-targeting drugs. Nevertheless, a better understanding of the auxiliary β subunit would provide a more holistic approach when targeting the calcium channel complexes in treating cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this review focuses on the post-translational modifications of the β subunit, as well as its role as an auxiliary subunit in modulating the calcium channel complexes.
Stability analysis of rock slopes using the interface contact model and strength reduction method
Authors: Yang Rui , Li JiaCheng , Bai Xue , Zeng Cheng
Published: February 2023

The assessment of rock slope stability is usually controlled by the presence of discontinuities. The block theory is an established method in practical engineering to predict the stability of rock slopes. A maximum of two discontinuity planes are considered in the application of the block theory. It would lead to inaccurate prediction of slopes with multiple discontinuity planes. A novel method for estimating the safety margin of rock slopes is proposed, which is capable of considering the contribution of all discontinuities to the stability problem. The discontinuity planes are simulated by an interface contact model within the theoretical framework of the finite difference method. The factor of safety is obtained by the strength reduction method. The failure criteria of rock slopes are also discussed. The proposed model can simulate discontinuous planes in a more realistic manner and thus is more effective in engineering practice. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model, several numerical examples are presented, which showcase its superiority for predicting the stability of blocks composed of multiple discontinuities. Several numerical examples are analyzed to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed model and its superiority in stability prediction of blocks formed by multiple discontinuities.