bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legality Aspect Of Conducting Documents Only Arbitration In Indonesia
Authors: Wiko Garuda , Kinanti Fatma Muthia
Published: February 2022

Documents-Only Arbitration (DOA) is a type of arbitration that is carried out entirely by written documents-only. DOA is beneficial when the burden and substance of the dispute are relatively simple and when there are obstacles to conduct a face-to-face proceeding (instance in the Covid-19 Pandemic or limitation of cost). This study examined the DOA trial method and how it is based on Law No. 30 Year1999 concerning Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution as the lex arbitri in Indonesia. Regulations, Rules, and Procedures from arbitration institutions, both national and international are also studied to better understand the problem. This study aimed to explain the legality of arbitration based on Documents-Only Arbitration in Indonesia. This study concluded that the conduct of DOA is very possible to be implemented in Indonesia and does not conflict with Law No. 30 Year 1999 concerning Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (Arbitration Law).
Legal Certainty Of Aggregate Data Utilization In The Design Of Personal Data Protection Bill
Authors: Sinulingga Desi Ariani
Published: February 2022

The government has prepared Bill on Personal Data Protection (PDP Bill) that comprehensively regulates the personal data protection of society. One of the provisions in the PDP Bill, which is considered to be an obstacle in digital economy growth is an exclusion of the rights of Personal Data holders and the obligations of Personal Data processors for Aggregate Data, which are only intended for the purpose of state administration. As a result, the utilization of Aggregate Data for various purposes both research and business cannot be carried out by the community. In this study, a research method with the normative juridical and analytical descriptive approach is used that focuses on laws and regulations, and library materials such as literature and journals. The regulation of Aggregate Data in the PDP Bill is contrary to the theory and Aggregate Data rules in other countries, which argues that Aggregate Data is not Personal Data. Therefore, Aggregate Data as a whole is excluded or removed from the regulation of Personal Data Protection, whether intended for the Government interest or other purposes.
Short Note on P vs NP
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: February 2022

Under the assumption of certain hypothesis, we show that $P \neq NP$. In this way, we provide another possible tool to prove the $P$ versus $NP$ problem.
Co-production of Climate Services : A diversity of approaches and good practice from the ERA4CS projects (2017–2021)
Authors: Máñez Costa Maria , Oen Amy M. P. , Schmid Neset Tina-Simone , Celliers Loius , Suhari Mirko , Huang-Lachmann Jo-Ting , Pimentel Rafael , Blair Berill , Jeuring Jelmer , Rodriguez-Camino Ernesto , Photiadou Christiana , Columbié Yairen Jerez , Gao Chuansi , Tudose Nicu , Cheval Sorin , Votsis Athanasios , West Jennifer Joy ( , Lee Kaylin , Shaffrey Len , Auer Cornelia , Hoff Holger , Menke Inga , Walton Peter , Schuck-Zöller Susanne
Published: February 2022

This guide presents a joint effort of projects funded under the European Research Area for Climate Services (ERA4CS) (http://www.jpi-climate.eu/ERA4CS), a co- funded action initiated by JPI Climate with co-funding by the European Union (Grant 690462), 15 national public Research Funding Organisations (RFOs), and 30 Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) from 18 European countries. This guide sets out to increase the understanding of different pathways, methods, and approaches to improve knowledge co-production of climate services with users as a value-added activity of the ERA4CS Programme. Reflecting on the experiences of 16 of the 26 projects funded under ERA4CS, this guide aims to define and recommend good practices for transdisciplinary knowledge co-production of climate services to researchers, users, funding agencies, and private sector service providers. Drawing on responses from ERA4CS project teams to a questionnaire and interviews, this guide maps the diversity of methods for stakeholder identification, involvement, and engagement. It also conducts an analysis of methods, tools, and mechanisms for engagement as well as evaluation of co-production processes. This guide presents and discusses good practice examples based on the review of the ERA4CS projects, identifying enablers and barriers for key elements in climate service co-production processes. These were: namely (i) Forms of Engagement; (ii) Entry Points for Engagement; and, (iii) Intensity of Involvement. It further outlines key ingredients to enhance the quality of co-producing climate services with users and stakeholders. Based on the analysis of the lessons learned from ERA4CS projects, as well as a review of key concepts in the recent literature on climate service co-production, we provide a set of recommendations for researchers, users, funders and private sector providers of climate services.
Analysis of Breakthrough Reactions in 1,143 Desensitization Procedures in a Single Tertiary Hospital Using a One-Bag Desensitization Protocol
Authors: Kim Hyun Hwa , Seo Jeongmin , Ahn Yoon Hae , Kim Hyunjee , Yoon Jeong-Eun , Suh Jang Ho , Kang Dong Yoon , Lee Suh Young , Kang Hye-Ryun
Published: February 2022

Background

Drug desensitization is helpful for patients who have experienced significant hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to antineoplastic agents. One-bag desensitization protocols, attracting attention in recent years, need to be validated on their safety and efficacy in a large number.

Methods

One-bag desensitization procedures conducted from 2018 to 2020 were analyzed; their outcomes and the risk factors for breakthrough reactions (BTRs) were assessed in desensitization procedures to major drug types (platins, taxanes, and monoclonal antibodies).

Results

A total of 1,143 procedures of one-bag desensitization were performed in 228 patients with 99% completion rate. BTRs occurred in 26% of the total desensitization procedures—34% in platins, 12% in taxanes, and 18% in mAbs. BTR occurrence rate decreased along the desensitization process with 80% of BTRs occurring within the 6th desensitization attempts. Severe BTR occurred more frequently with severe initial HSRs (1% in mild to moderate initial HSRs vs. 16% in severe). Severe initial HSR was also a significant risk factor for moderate to severe BTR in platins (odds ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–2.29, p = 0.025). The use of steroid was also associated with lower occurrence of moderate to severe BTR (odds ratio 0.50, 95% CI 0.35–0.72, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Most patients with HSRs to antineoplastic agents can safely receive chemotherapy through a one-bag desensitization protocol. Further studies on each drug with larger sample size can help verify the risk factors of BTRs and evaluate the efficacy of steroid premedication in improving the safety of desensitization in high-risk patients.
Very Early Corona Treatment-Mediated Artificial Incubation of Silkworm Eggs and Germline Transformation of Diapause Silkworm Strains
Authors: Zhang Yu-Li , Huang Yang , Wang Ping-Yang , Li Qiang , Bi Li-Hui , Zhao Ai-Chun , Xiang Zhong-Huai , Long Ding-Pei
Published: February 2022

Diapause is an important biological characteristic for many insect species to adapt to adverse environmental conditions and maintain the continuity of the race. Compared with the traditional hydrochloric acid or/and cold storage treatment methods, the artificial corona incubation technology of silkworm (Bombyx mori) eggs has many advantages including, the absence of pollution, easy operation and safety. However, this technology has not yet been applied in sericulture. In this study, we developed a novel artificial corona instrument to successfully disrupt the diapause of newly laid and refrigerated eggs from various Chinese and Japanese lineage silkworm strains. Subsequently, we invented a very early corona treatment (VECT) strategy to prevent the diapause of newly laid silkworm eggs within 4 h of oviposition. The hatching rates of the larvae were more than 95% in all diapause silkworm strains, which was comparable to the effect of the traditional HCl treatment strategy. In addition, we developed a combination strategy of VECT and pre-blastoderm microinjection and successfully created transgenic silkworms in various diapause strains. The results of the current study can aid in improving the corona artificial incubation technology and promote its application in sericulture.
Research Progress and Prospects for Polymeric Nanovesicles in Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Li Dan , Zhang Xi , Chen Xiao , Li Wei
Published: February 2022

Polymeric vesicles served as the most promising candidates of drug delivery nanocarriers are attracting increasing attention in cancer therapy. Significant advantages have been reported, including hydrophilic molecules with high loading capacity, controllable drug release, rapid and smart responses to stimuli and versatile functionalities. In this study, we have made a systematic review of all aspects of nano-vesicles as drug delivery vectors for cancer treatment, mainly including the following aspect: characteristics of polymeric nanovesicles, polymeric nanovesicle synthesis, and recent progress in applying polymeric nanovesicles in antitumor drug delivery. Polymer nanovesicles have the advantages of synergistic photothermal and imaging in improving the anticancer effect. Therefore, we believe that drug carrier of polymer nanovesicles is a key direction for cancer treatment.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Glycolysis-Related Gene Prognostic Signature and Immune Infiltration in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Yang Xiao , Li Xingchen , Cheng Yuan , Zhou Jingyi , Shen Boqiang , Zhao Lijun , Wang Jianliu
Published: February 2022

Glucose metabolic reprogramming and immune imbalance play important roles in the progression of cancers. The purpose of this study is to develop a glycolysis-related prognostic signature for endometrial cancer (EC) and analyze its relationship with immune function. The mRNA expression profiling of the glycolysis-related genes and clinical data of EC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We identified a glycolysis-related gene prognostic signature for predicting the prognosis of EC by using The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression and found the patients in the high-risk group had worse survival prognosis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the gene signature was an independent prognostic factor for EC. The ROC curve confirmed the accuracy of the prognostic signature (AUC = 0.730). Then, we constructed a nomogram to predict the 1–5 years survival rate of EC patients. The association between the gene signature and immune function was analyzed based on the “ESTIMATE” and “CIBERSORT” algorithm, which showed the immune and ESTIMATE scores of patients in the high-risk group were lower, while the low immune and ESTIMATE scores were associated with a worse prognosis of patients. The imbalance of immune cells was also found in the high-risk group. Further, the protein of CDK1, a gene in the signature, was found to be closely related to prognosis of EC and inhibition of CDK1 could inhibit migration and promote apoptosis of EC cells. This study reveals a link between glycolysis-related gene signature and immunity, and provides personalized therapeutic targets for EC.
Multi-Omics Prognostic Signatures Based on Lipid Metabolism for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sun YuanLin , Liu Bin , Chen YuJia , Xing YanPeng , Zhang Yang
Published: February 2022

Background: The potential biological processes and laws of the biological components in malignant tumors can be understood more systematically and comprehensively through multi-omics analysis. This study elaborately explored the role of lipid metabolism in the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) from the metabonomics and transcriptomics.

Methods: We performed K-means unsupervised clustering algorithm and t test to identify the differential lipid metabolites determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the serum of 236 CRC patients of the First Hospital of Jilin University (JLUFH). Cox regression analysis was used to identify prognosis-associated lipid metabolites and to construct multi-lipid-metabolite prognostic signature. The composite nomogram composed of independent prognostic factors was utilized to individually predict the outcome of CRC patients. Glycerophospholipid metabolism was the most significant enrichment pathway for lipid metabolites in CRC, whose related hub genes (GMRHGs) were distinguished by gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis were utilized to develop the prognostic signature.

Results: Six-lipid-metabolite and five-GMRHG prognostic signatures were developed, indicating favorable survival stratification effects on CRC patients. Using the independent prognostic factors as variables, we established a composite nomogram to individually evaluate the prognosis of CRC patients. The AUCs of one-, three-, and five-year ROC curves were 0.815, 0.815, and 0.805, respectively, showing auspicious prognostic accuracy. Furthermore, we explored the potential relationship between tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune infiltration. Moreover, the mutational frequency of TP53 in the high-risk group was significantly higher than that in the low-risk group (p < 0.001), while in the coordinate mutational status of TP53, the overall survival of CRC patients in the high-risk group was significantly lower than that in low-risk group with statistical differences.

Conclusion: We identified the significance of lipid metabolism for the prognosis of CRC from the aspects of metabonomics and transcriptomics, which can provide a novel perspective for promoting individualized treatment and revealing the potential molecular biological characteristics of CRC. The composite nomogram including a six-lipid-metabolite prognostic signature is a promising predictor of the prognosis of CRC patients.
Exosomes Mediate APP Dysregulation via APP-miR-185-5p Axis
Authors: Ding Lu , Yang Xiaoyu , Xia Xiaohuan , Li Yunxia , Wang Yi , Li Chunhong , Sun Yiyan , Gao Ge , Zhao Shu , Sheng Shiyang , Liu Jianhui , Zheng Jialin C.
Published: February 2022

APP misexpression plays a crucial role in triggering a complex pathological cascade, leading to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). But how the expression of APP is regulated in pathological conditions remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that the exosomes isolated from AD mouse brain promoted APP expression in neuronal N2a cells. Moreover, exosomes derived from N2a cells with ectopic expression of APP (APP-EXO) also induced APP dysregulation in normal N2a cells. Surprisingly, the effects of APP-EXO on APP expression in recipient cells were not mediated by the direct transferring of APP gene products. Instead, the effects of APP-EXO were highly likely mediated by the reduction of the expression levels of exosomal miR-185-5p. We found that the 3′UTR of APP transcripts binds to miR-185-5p, therefore inhibiting the sorting of miR-185-5p to exosomes. N2a cell-derived exosomes with less amount of miR-185-5p exert similar roles in APP expression to APP-EXO. Lastly, we demonstrated a significant decline of serum exosomal miR-185-5p in AD patients and AD mice, versus the corresponding controls. Together, our results demonstrate a novel mechanism in the exosome-dependent regulation of APP, implying exosomes and exosomal miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for AD treatment and diagnosis, respectively.
Role of Mitochondrial Nucleic Acid Sensing Pathways in Health and Patho-Physiology
Authors: Chowdhury Arpita , Witte Steffen , Aich Abhishek
Published: February 2022

Mitochondria, in symbiosis with the host cell, carry out a wide variety of functions from generating energy, regulating the metabolic processes, cell death to inflammation. The most prominent function of mitochondria relies on the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. OXPHOS heavily influences the mitochondrial-nuclear communication through a plethora of interconnected signaling pathways. Additionally, owing to the bacterial ancestry, mitochondria also harbor a large number of Damage Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs). These molecules relay the information about the state of the mitochondrial health and dysfunction to the innate immune system. Consequently, depending on the intracellular or extracellular nature of detection, different inflammatory pathways are elicited. One group of DAMPs, the mitochondrial nucleic acids, hijack the antiviral DNA or RNA sensing mechanisms such as the cGAS/STING and RIG-1/MAVS pathways. A pro-inflammatory response is invoked by these signals predominantly through type I interferon (T1-IFN) cytokines. This affects a wide range of organ systems which exhibit clinical presentations of auto-immune disorders. Interestingly, tumor cells too, have devised ingenious ways to use the mitochondrial DNA mediated cGAS-STING-IRF3 response to promote neoplastic transformations and develop tumor micro-environments. Thus, mitochondrial nucleic acid-sensing pathways are fundamental in understanding the source and nature of disease initiation and development. Apart from the pathological interest, recent studies also attempt to delineate the structural considerations for the release of nucleic acids across the mitochondrial membranes. Hence, this review presents a comprehensive overview of the different aspects of mitochondrial nucleic acid-sensing. It attempts to summarize the nature of the molecular patterns involved, their release and recognition in the cytoplasm and signaling. Finally, a major emphasis is given to elaborate the resulting patho-physiologies.
Gene Expression Regulation in Airway Pathogens: Importance for Otitis Media
Authors: Janoušková Martina , Straw Megan Laura , Su Yu-Ching , Riesbeck Kristian
Published: February 2022

Otitis media (OM) is an inflammatory disorder in the middle ear. It is mainly caused by viruses or bacteria associated with the airways. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis are the three main pathogens in infection-related OM, especially in younger children. In this review, we will focus upon the multifaceted gene regulation mechanisms that are well-orchestrated in S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis during the course of infection in the middle ear either in experimental OM or in clinical settings. The sophisticated findings from the past 10 years on how the othopathogens govern their virulence phenotypes for survival and host adaptation via phase variation- and quorum sensing-dependent gene regulation, will be systematically discussed. Comprehensive understanding of gene expression regulation mechanisms employed by pathogens during the onset of OM may provide new insights for the design of a new generation of antimicrobial agents in the fight against bacterial pathogens while combating the serious emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
Silencing of Opisthorchis viverrini Tetraspanin Gene Expression Results in Reduced Secretion of Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Chaiyadet Sujittra , Sotillo Javier , Krueajampa Watchara , Thongsen Sophita , Smout Michael , Brindley Paul J. , Laha Thewarach , Loukas Alex
Published: February 2022

Inter-phylum transfer of molecular information is exquisitely exemplified in the uptake of parasite extracellular vesicles (EVs) by their target mammalian host tissues. The oriental liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini is the major cause of bile duct cancer in people in Southeast Asia. A major mechanism by which O. viverrini promotes cancer is through the secretion of excretory/secretory products which contain extracellular vesicles (OvEVs). OvEVs contain microRNAs that are predicted to impact various mammalian cell proliferation pathways, and are internalized by cholangiocytes that line the bile ducts. Upon uptake, OvEVs drive relentless proliferation of cholangiocytes and promote a tumorigenic environment, but the underlying mechanisms of this process are unknown. Moreover, purification and characterization methods for helminth EVs in general are ill defined. We therefore compared different purification methods for OvEVs and characterized the sub-vesicular compartment proteomes. Two CD63-like tetraspanins (Ov-TSP-2 and TSP-3) are abundant on the surface of OvEVs, and could serve as biomarkers for these parasite vesicles. Anti-TSP-2 and -TSP-3 IgG, as well as different endocytosis pathway inhibitors significantly reduced OvEV uptake and subsequent proliferation of cholangiocytes in vitro. Silencing of Ov-tsp-2 and tsp-3 gene expression in adult flukes using RNA interference resulted in substantial reductions in OvEV secretion, and those vesicles that were secreted were deficient in their respective TSP proteins. Our findings shed light on the importance of tetraspanins in fluke EV biogenesis and/or stability, and provide a conceivable mechanism for the efficacy of anti-tetraspanin subunit vaccines against a range of parasitic helminth infections.
Tissue Models for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Research—From 2D to 3D
Authors: Heydarian Motaharehsadat , Rühl Eva , Rawal Ravisha , Kozjak-Pavlovic Vera
Published: February 2022

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human-specific pathogen that causes gonorrhea, the second most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Disease progression, drug discovery, and basic host-pathogen interactions are studied using different approaches, which rely on models ranging from 2D cell culture to complex 3D tissues and animals. In this review, we discuss the models used in N. gonorrhoeae research. We address both in vivo (animal) and in vitro cell culture models, discussing the pros and cons of each and outlining the recent advancements in the field of three-dimensional tissue models. From simple 2D monoculture to complex advanced 3D tissue models, we provide an overview of the relevant methodology and its application. Finally, we discuss future directions in the exciting field of 3D tissue models and how they can be applied for studying the interaction of N. gonorrhoeae with host cells under conditions closely resembling those found at the native sites of infection.
“We Use English But Not Like All the Time Like”—Discourse Marker Like in UAE English
Authors: Lorenz Eliane
Published: February 2022

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is characterized by extensive language contact. Although Arabic is the official language, practically all communication in general as well as in higher education, in particular, takes place in English. The current study reports from the larger projectLanguage, Attitudes, and Repertoires in the Emirates(LARES, 2019–2021) and investigates the use of English as a lingua franca (ELF) among university students in Sharjah, one of the seven sovereign emirates of the UAE. A spoken corpus based on 58 semi-structured interviews is used to examine the use of the discourse markerlike. It has been shown to be a ubiquitous feature of English no longer confined to American English and occurs frequently in the corpus. It doubtlessly is a prominent discourse marker in the type of English spoken among the heterogeneous group of multicultural university students considered here. Although a large individual variation with respect to normalized frequencies oflikecan be observed, none of the social variables (i.e., gender, citizenship, L1, year of birth, number of languages, college, self-assessed proficiency in English, and English usage score) included in the analysis account for this variability. Instead, I argue thatlikeas a discourse marker is part of the English repertoire of all students and appears to be even more frequently used than in other English varieties. This supports previous research arguing for an intensification of language change in ELF contexts as well as high individual variation as a characteristic of multilingual ELF users.
Human Decidual Mesenchymal Stem Cells Obtained From Early Pregnancy Improve Cardiac Revascularization Postinfarction by Activating Ornithine Metabolism
Authors: Chen Kegong , Bai Long , Lu Jingtong , Chen Wei , Liu Chang , Guo Erliang , Qin Xionghai , Jiao Xuan , Huang Mingli , Tian Hai
Published: February 2022

Background

Compared with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), decidual mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) are easy to obtain and exhibit excellent angiogenic effects, but their role in cell transplantation after myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear.

Methods

BMSCs and DMSCs were harvested from healthy donors. The effects of both cell types on angiogenesis were observed in vitro. Metabonomics analysis was performed to compare different metabolites and screen critical metabolic pathways. A murine model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was established, which was randomized into five groups (control, BMSC, DMSC, DMSC + ODCshRNA and BMSC + ODC consisting of 50 animals, equally divided into each group). The therapeutic effect of DMSCs on MI in rats was assessed based on neovascularization and cardiac remodeling.

Results

DMSCs exhibited a better angiogenic effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) than BMSCs in vitro. In addition, ornithine metabolism, which is associated with vascularization, was significantly increased in DMSCs. The transplantation of DMSCs in the rat MI model significantly enhanced angiogenesis of the infarct border area and improved cardiac remodeling and dysfunction postinfarction compared with BMSCs. Furthermore, inhibition of ornithine metabolism by silencing ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in DMSCs partly abolished the benefits of DMSC transplantation.

Conclusion

Compared with BMSCs, DMSCs exhibited better efficacy in improving revascularization and heart remodeling post-MI via the activation of ODC-associated ornithine metabolism.
Application of Stream Conductivity to Activity of Potential Large-Scale Landslide
Authors: Tsai Yuan Jung , Chen Yi Jing , Weng Chieh Hsuan , Syu Fang Tsz , Hsu Kun-An , Lee Wei Lin
Published: February 2022

Underclimate changes, extreme rainfall events can cause catastrophic sediment-related disasters such as large-scale landslides. To work on disaster prevention, the government has investigated the location of potential large-scale landslides by a geological and geomorphological approach. However, the activity of potential large-scale landslides has to rely on expensive on-site monitoring system, for example, observed drill hole of groundwater and underground displacement. Recently, the variation of stream electronic conductivity has been proposed to investigate the activity of large-scale landslide in Japan. Therefore, this study applied this concept in Taiwan. First, the temporal and spatial variations of stream electronic conductivity near the potential large-scale landslide have been surveyed. Accordingly, an interesting finding is that the spring water from the potential large-scale landslide can increase the concentration of chemical ion, and thus, the value of stream electronic conductivity increases. Second, the comparison of rainfall data, stream electronic conductivity, and ground surface displacement has been analyzed. There is a sound agreement between stream electronic conductivity and ground surface displacement. This result implied that stream electronic conductivity could be a possible index to monitoring the activity of potential large-scale landslides indirectly.
Adaptive Learning Technology in Primary Education: Implications for Professional Teacher Knowledge and Classroom Management
Authors: Moltudal Synnøve Heggedal , Krumsvik Rune Johan , Høydal Kjetil Laurits
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study is to explore the introduction of Adaptive Learning Technology (ALT) and inherent Learning Analytics (LA) in the classroom management and professionalism of teachers in a primary education real-life context. ALT is characterized by an inherent opportunity to personalize curriculum and learning experiences for each individual learner and to support teacher-facilitated learning. In this mixed methods study, we explore upper-primary teachers understanding of ALT application in real-life context, and we take a closer look at their experiences with ALT in their own context and practice through three different methodological lenses. The study offers insight into how teachers think and reason as they integrate ALT in their practice and addresses advantages and disadvantages of using ALT technology in primary education learning ecologies. The study also aims to discuss some more general implications of applying ALT and LA in primary and secondary level learning ecologies and concludes that automated system affordances and constraints can create new challenges for teachers, which exceeds teachers’ digital competence and ability to make use of certain real and perceived affordances.
The Relationship Between Diabetes Mellitus and Cancers and Its Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Zhu Bing , Qu Shen
Published: February 2022

Epidemiological studies suggest associations between diabetes mellitus and some cancers. The risk of a number of cancers appears to be increased in diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, some cancer and cancer therapies could lead to diabetes mellitus. Genetic factors, obesity, inflammation, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, cancer therapies, insulin and some oral hypoglycemic drugs appear to play a role in the crosstalk between diabetes mellitus and cancers. This review summarized the associations between various types of diabetes and cancers and updated available evidence of underlying mechanisms between diabetes and cancers.
Point of Care Measurement of Body Mass Index and Thyroid Nodule Malignancy Risk Assessment
Authors: Ahmadi Sara , Pappa Theodora , Kang Alex S. , Coleman Alexandra K. , Landa Iñigo , Marqusee Ellen , Kim Matthew , Angell Trevor E. , Alexander Erik K.
Published: February 2022

Background

Large scale epidemiology studies have suggested obesity may increase the risk of thyroid cancer, though no prospective analyses using real-world measurement of BMI at a time proximate to initial thyroid nodule evaluation have been performed.

Methods

We performed a prospective, cohort analysis over 3 years of consecutive patients presenting for thyroid nodule evaluation. We measured BMI proximate to the time of initial evaluation and correlated this with the final diagnosis of benign or malignant disease. We further correlated patient BMI with aggressivity of thyroid cancer, if detected.

Results

Among 1,259 consecutive patients with clinically relevant nodules, 199(15%) were malignant. BMI averaged 28.6 kg/m2 (SD: 6.35, range:16.46-59.26). There was no correlation between the measurement of BMI and risk of thyroid cancer (p=0.58) as mean BMI was 28.9 kg/m2 and 28.6 kg/m2 in cancerous and benign cohorts, respectively. Similarly, BMI did not predict aggressive thyroid cancer (p=0.15). While overall nodule size was associated with increased BMI (p<0.01), these data require further validation as obesity may hinder nodule detection until large.

Conclusion

In contrast to findings published from large scale association studies drawn from national databases, these prospective data of consecutive patients presenting for nodule evaluation detect no association of obesity (as measured by BMI) with thyroid cancer. Real time measurement of BMI at the time of thyroid nodule evaluation does not contribute to cancer risk assessment.
Factors Affecting Electric Bike Adoption: Seeking an Energy-Efficient Solution for the Post-COVID Era
Authors: Yasir Ammar , Hu Xiaojian , Ahmad Munir , Alvarado Rafael , Anser Muhammad Khalid , Işık Cem , Choo Ali , Ausaf Ali , Khan Irfan Ali
Published: February 2022

Sustainability think tanks such as the United Nations Organization have a strong focus on achieving economic and environmental sustainability goals globally. On the road to sustainable development, electric bike (E-bike) adoption is crucial. Nevertheless, research on the factors associated with E-Bike use, especially the psychological, financial, and capacity factors, has remained unexplored. This paper extends the theory of planned behavior with six novel factors related to individual choices to analyze E-bike adoption behavior. A sample of 507 Chinese bike riders is collected through the snowball sampling technique. The sample is estimated through structural equation modeling. The key findings are as follows: first, speed capacity, mileage capacity, and real-time camera positively drove E-bike adoption intention. Second, price differentiation negatively affected E-bike adoption intention. Third, the theory of planned behavior factors, including perceived relative advantage, cost savings, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitudes toward E-bike adoption, proved to be drivers of E-bike adoption intention. Finally, cost savings are the most critical factor of E-bike adoption intention, whereas perceived behavior control is the least critical factor. These results will help green transportation companies and emerging economies promote E-bike adoption to reach the environmental sustainability goals of the United Nations.
Design Optimization of Biocrust-Plant Spatial Configuration for Dry Ecosystem Restoration Using Water Redistribution and Erosion Models
Authors: Maggioli Lisa , Rodríguez-Caballero Emilio , Cantón Yolanda , Rodríguez-Lozano Borja , Chamizo Sonia
Published: February 2022

Land degradation is one of the main threats to dryland sustainability in the next decades, hence restoration of the degraded land from drylands is an urgent need to maintain ecosystem functionality and their ability to provide ecosystem services. To achieve this goal, restoration practices should pursue the recovery of the main ground components, arranged in an optimal spatial configuration, to mimic undisturbed natural conditions. Drylands function as complex ecohydrologically coupled systems in which interplant source areas, frequently covered by biocrusts, act as sources of runoff and nutrients to adjacent vegetation, which act as sinks for these resources. Thus, one way to increase dryland restoration success is through an optimal spatial configuration of biocrusts and plants that maximizes an efficient use of the limited resources within the system. In this study, we selected a degraded slope from a limestone quarry located in Almería province (SE Spain) and modeled how active restoration of the biocrust through soil inoculation with cyanobacteria and its combination with different spatial configurations of vegetation affected runoff redistribution and erosion. For that, we applied the spatially distributed Limburg Soil Erosion Model (LISEM) which was able to predict the erosion measured on the slope during the study period with low error (RMSE = 17.8%). Modeling results showed that the introduction of vegetation on the degraded slope reduced runoff between 2 and 24% and erosion between 4 and 17% for the scenario with plants compared to the one without restoration management. Of all the vegetation spatial configurations tested, the one that provided better results was the scenario in which plants were located in the areas of higher water accumulation (higher topographic wetness index). Moreover, we found that active biocrust restoration by cyanobacteria inoculation significantly reduced erosion by 70–90%, especially during the first stages of plant development, while maintaining water supply to vegetation. These findings highlight the potential of water redistribution and erosion simulation models to identify the most optimal spatial configuration of ground covers that maximizes water and nutrient supply to vegetation, while minimizes water, sediment, and nutrient losses by erosion, thus serving as an efficient tool to plan restoration actions in drylands.
Seasonal Changes in Locomotor Activity Patterns of Wild Social Natal Mole-Rats (Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis)
Authors: Finn Kyle T. , Janse van Vuuren Andries K. , Hart Daniel W. , Süess Tobias , Zöttl Markus , Bennett Nigel C.
Published: February 2022

Differences in individual locomotor activity patterns may be linked to a number of ecological factors, such as changes in ambient temperature or photoperiod. Observations on subterranean mammals suggest that they exhibit diel rhythms despite the lack of visual cues in their underground burrows, but it is unknown how seasonality and individual characteristics affect their activity. In this study we use RFID technology to monitor daily activity patterns of wild, social Natal mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis) during the summer and winter to investigate how their activity varies with season and whether their activity depends on individual characteristics such as body mass, sex and reproductive status. We found that in winter, individuals were more active during the time with the highest soil temperatures, whereas in summer, they showed a bimodal activity pattern during early morning and late afternoon coinciding with cooler soil temperatures. Individual characteristics, including reproductive status, did not affect general activity indicating that reproductive and non-reproductive individuals contribute equally to cooperative behaviors. We suggest that the activity patterns may be a behavioral adaptation to avoid extreme burrow temperatures and a mechanism to maintain a stable core body temperature. We highlight the advantages of RFID technology to study wild small mammal movements.
Assessment of Grassland Ecosystem Services and Analysis on Its Driving Factors: A Case Study in Hulunbuir Grassland
Authors: Li Minhuan , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Jiancheng
Published: February 2022

Grassland is the largest terrestrial ecosystem in China, and its ecological environment is currently facing several challenges. The service assessment of scientific and effective grassland ecosystem and in-depth analysis of its change mechanism is of great significance to clarify its protection demand and spatial optimization layout. This study used a set of quantitative surrogate biophysical indicators to evaluate the capability of grassland ecosystem services (i.e., carbon fixation, soil protection, water purification and provision, and biodiversity conservation) in the Hulunbuir grassland from 2000 to 2015 and use econometric models to explore their dynamic change mechanism. The results showed that from 2009 to 2012, the grassland ecosystem service value significantly declined, and from 2013 to 2015, its value significantly improved, but the overall level was still lower than that of 2000. The factor that has the highest degree of impact on grassland ecosystem services is the soil potassium content, and there is a significant positive correlation. This is mainly due to the important role of potassium in the photosynthesis of grassland plants; the least influential factors are social economic factors such as population and gross domestic product (GDP). It shows that the sparsely populated grassland ecosystem is not sensitive to these factors. In addition, climate, topography, and grassland management policies all have a significant impact on grassland ecosystem services. Against the backdrop of intensified pressure on ecological grassland protection and surging market demand for livestock products based on grassland resource input, the sustainable development of grassland areas needs to improve the supply capacity of grassland while ensuring its ecological security, so as to realize a win-win situation for its ecological and production functions.
Distribution of a Foliage Disease Fungus Within Canopies of Mature Douglas-Fir in Western Oregon
Authors: Lan Yung-Hsiang , Shaw David C. , Lee E. Henry , Beedlow Peter A.
Published: February 2022

Nothophaeocryptopus gaeumannii is a common native, endophytic fungus of Douglas-fir foliage, which causes Swiss needle cast, an important foliage disease that is considered a threat to Douglas-fir plantations in Oregon. Disease expression is influenced by fungal fruiting bodies (pseudothecia), which plug the stomata and inhibit gas exchange. Trees are impacted when pseudothecia plug stomates on 1-year-old and older needles resulting in early needle abscission. Mature (100 years+) trees appear to be less impacted from disease, and we hypothesize this is due to the greater emergence of pseudothecia on older than younger needles, which allows for more needle retention. We measured the density of pseudothecia occluding stomates across 2- to 5-year-old needles from upper, middle, and lower canopy positions of mature trees at three sites in the Oregon Coast Range and two sites in the western Oregon Cascade Mountains. Binomial generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to test for the effects of canopy position (upper, middle, and lower), sites, needle age (2–5 years old), and years (2016 and 2017), and their interactions on the pseudothecia density. Pseudothecia density varied annually depending on sites, needle age and canopy positions. Pseudothecia density peaked on 3-, and 4-year-old needles, however, needles emerging from the same year, like 2-year-old needles in 2016 and 3-year-old needles in 2017 both emerged in 2014, had consistently similar patterns of pseudothecia density for both years, across site and canopy positions. Canopy position was important for 3-, and 4-year-old needles, showing less pseudothecia in the lower canopy. This research confirms that N. gaeumannii pseudothecia density is greatest in 3- and 4-year old needles in mature trees in contrast to plantations where pseudothecia density usually peaks on 2-year-old needles, and that pseudothecia density (disease severity) is generally lower in mature trees. Something about mature forest canopies and foliage appears to increase the time it takes for pseudothecia to emerge from the needles, in contrast to younger plantations, thus allowing the mature trees to have greater needle retention.
Educational Attainment and Ischemic Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Gao Luyan , Wang Kun , Ni Qing-Bin , Fan Hongguang , Zhao Lan , Huang Lei , Yang Mingfeng , Li Huanming
Published: February 2022

Observational studies have evaluated the potential association of socioeconomic factors such as higher education with the risk of stroke but reported controversial findings. The objective of our study was to evaluate the potential causal association between higher education and the risk of stroke. Here, we performed a Mendelian randomization analysis to evaluate the potential association of educational attainment with ischemic stroke (IS) using large-scale GWAS datasets from the Social Science Genetic Association Consortium (SSGAC, 293,723 individuals), UK Biobank (111,349 individuals), and METASTROKE consortium (74,393 individuals). We selected three Mendelian randomization methods including inverse-variance-weighted meta-analysis (IVW), weighted median regression, and MR–Egger regression. IVW showed that each additional 3.6-year increase in years of schooling was significantly associated with a reduced IS risk (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.41–0.71, and p = 1.16 × 10–5). Importantly, the estimates from weighted median (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.33–0.73, and p = 1.00 × 10–3) and MR–Egger estimate (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.06–0.60, and p = 5.00 × 10–3) were consistent with the IVW estimate in terms of direction and magnitude. In summary, we provide genetic evidence that high education could reduce IS risk.
Fertility Knowledge Among Women Struggling to Conceive Without Medical Intervention: A Brief Report
Authors: Halleran Maria , Chernoff Andie , Gordon Jennifer L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Approximately 1 in 6 women experience infertility. Though medical treatments for infertility exist, they are very costly and highly burdensome for women. It is therefore desirable to optimize women's chances of conception without medical intervention by ensuring that they have adequate knowledge of the female menstrual cycle and the timing of the fertile window. The current study therefore aimed to assess the degree to which women struggling to conceive without medical intervention are knowledgeable about these topics.

Methods

One hundred and two women of reproductive age (18–45 years old) in Canada and the United States who had been struggling to conceive without medical intervention for ≥12 months completed an online survey including a questionnaire assessing knowledge related to reproduction and fertility.

Results

Mean accuracy score on the Fertility Knowledge Questionnaire was 67%. Seventy-two women were not aware that the week before ovulation was associated with the highest chances of conception. Women using cervical mucus tracking to increase chances of conception were more knowledgeable (p = 0.02), as were women with more formal education (p = 0.01). Conversely, women who had been attempting to conceive for longer had lower fertility knowledge (p = 0.03). Age, number of children, and family income were unrelated to fertility knowledge (p > 0.05).

Discussion

Our findings suggest that women who are struggling to conceive would benefit from education related to the timing and identification of the fertile window. Reproductive and primary healthcare providers can play an important role in assessing fertility knowledge and addressing knowledge gaps to improve chances of successful conception.
Inactivation of AUF1 in Myeloid Cells Protects From Allergic Airway and Tumor Infiltration and Impairs the Adenosine-Induced Polarization of Pro-Angiogenic Macrophages
Authors: Gargani Sofia , Lourou Niki , Arapatzi Christina , Tzanos Dimitris , Saridaki Marania , Dushku Esmeralda , Chatzimike Margarita , Sidiropoulos Nikolaos D. , Andreadou Margarita , Ntafis Vasileios , Hatzis Pantelis , Kostourou Vassiliki , Kontoyiannis Dimitris L.
Published: February 2022

The four isoforms of the RNA-binding protein hnRNPD/AUF1 have been proposed to limit the use of inflammatory mRNAs in innate immune cells. Mice engineered to lack AUF1s in all tissues are sensitive to acute inflammatory assaults; however, they also manifest complex degenerations obscuring assessment of AUF1s’ roles in innate immune cells. Here, we restricted a debilitating AUF1 mutation to the mouse myeloid lineage and performed disease-oriented phenotypic analyses to assess the requirement of AUF1s in variable contexts of innate immune reactivity. Contrary to the whole-body mutants, the myeloid mutants of AUF1s did not show differences in their susceptibility to cytokine storms occurring during endotoxemia; neither in type-I cell-mediated reactions driving intestinal inflammation by chemical irritants. Instead, they were resistant to allergic airway inflammation and displayed reductions in inflammatory infiltrates and an altered T-helper balance. The ex-vivo analysis of macrophages revealed that the loss of AUF1s had a minimal effect on their proinflammatory gene expression. Moreover, AUF1s were dispensable for the classical polarization of cultured macrophages by LPS & IFNγ correlating with the unchanged response of mutant mice to systemic and intestinal inflammation. Notably, AUF1s were also dispensable for the alternative polarization of macrophages by IL4, TGFβ and IL10, known to be engaged in allergic reactions. In contrast, they were required to switch proinflammatory macrophages towards a pro-angiogenic phenotype induced by adenosine receptor signals. Congruent to this, the myeloid mutants of AUF1 displayed lower levels of vascular remodeling factors in exudates from allergen exposed lungs; were unable to support the growth and inflammatory infiltration of transplanted melanoma tumors; and failed to vascularize inert grafts unless supplemented with angiogenic factors. Mechanistically, adenosine receptor signals enhanced the association of AUF1s with the Vegfa, Il12b, and Tnf mRNAs to differentially regulate and facilitate the pro-angiogenic switch. Our data collectively demonstrates that AUF1s do not act as general anti-inflammatory factors in innate immune cells but have more specialized roles in regulons allowing specific innate immune cell transitions to support tissue infiltration and remodeling processes.