bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eller, Uneven Group - Appalachia Since 1945
Authors: Ready Milton
Published: May 2024

The poet William Blake once wrote that "Great things are done when men and mountains meet. This is not done by jostling on the street." Ron Eller quietly has done "great things" for those who live in Appalachia, assuredly through intense "jostling" with academics, local leaders, poverty agencies, environmental groups, and with state and national policy makers and planners. As a former Director of the Appalachian Center at the University of Kentucky and also as a scholar, activist, advocate, and writer, he uniquely is qualified to tell us much of what has occurred in Appalachia since 1945. In all, he has devoted most of his adult life to studying and examining the nexus between Federal antipoverty programs and their impact upon the lives of those who live in Appalachia. The title of his latest work, Uneven Ground, reflects his belief that those designs and plans frequently have an ill-matched yield.
Reichard And Dickson, Eds., America On The World Stage - A Global Approach To U.S. History
Authors: Percy Thomas
Published: May 2024

After reading America on the World Stage: A Global Approach to U.S. History, one might feel depressed and excited simultaneously. Depressed at how little you might be covering in your own survey course, but excited at the prospect of incorporating many of the concepts and teaching strategies contained in the book. Fourteen essays, all previously published in the Organization of American Historians Magazine of History, accompanied by teaching strategies that offer practical approaches to incorporate the essay's content into the survey class urge historians to rethink American history in a global age and how they teach the survey course.
Teaching The Complexity Of Slavery
Authors: Kotzin Daniel
Published: May 2024

The history of slavery in the antebellum South is a challenging topic to teach on a variety of levels. It is a complex subject with a rich historiography that informs issues of race in contemporary America. Students walking into the American history survey, however, tend to have simplistic understandings of American slavery, understandings that they do not shed easily. Instructors of the U.S. history survey, meanwhile, attentive to "coverage" issues, struggle to adequately address the complexity of slavery in a few class sessions.
Historians have discussed the views students have about slavery for some time. In the 1990s Ellen Swartz and Peter Kolchin complained about how slavery was presented in American history textbooks. Textbooks, they found, neither revealed that slavery is a complicated subject constantly being reinterpreted nor addressed important "underlying issues" of slavery. More recently, Russell Olwell stressed that students too often understand slavery in very basic terms, as a "unified, static, unchanging institution." Similarly, Tracey Weis found that students tend to have crude "Gone With the Wind" views of slavery. Ira Berlin maintains that "stereotypes ... fixed the history of slavery." These stereotypes prevent students from gaining a thorough understanding of slavery because they see slavery only in terms of narratives about the Civil War and lack a sense of "historical agency." What all these scholars have shown is that students tend to conceptualize slavery in narrow one-dimensional terms instead of understanding that slavery has a history that cannot be reduced to simplistic characteristics.
Ten Commandments For Enhancing Lecturing In History
Authors: Heitzmann Ray
Published: May 2024

Consistent and constant criticism of the lecture method remains a staple of discussion and writing in academia. And most of the time it's deserved! The lecture has a history dating back to the first time that people needed to disseminate information. The birth and expansion of the early universities of the middle ages saw the growth of the lecture as a means to transfer knowledge. Fortunately it was joined at many colleges by "disputation," usually conducted once a week. This permitted students to engage in questions and discussion with the master (the "professor"). Despite Johann Gutenberg's invention of moveable type permitting greater distribution of knowledge, the lecture lived on. As institutions of higher learning greatly expanded worldwide in the following several centuries (particularly the twentieth), commitment to the lecture has shown no sign of slowing. Those interested in improving this aspect of their teaching might wish to consider some or all of the following suggestions for enhancing their lectures.
Artificial intelligence technologies in information and library systems
Authors: Moiseeva N. A.
Published: May 2024

The effectiveness of innovative scientific and educational activities largely relies on the technologies of the library industry, including modern information and library systems. Academic and research libraries introduce new technologies in an effort to improve the quality of their services. Artificial intelligence is one of the key technologies for digital transformation of the library industry. The study is aimed at identifying trends in the use of artificial intelligence in information and library service technologies. The author applied the general dialectical method, theoretical analysis and generalization of the content of special, scientific and technical literature, regulatory documents in the field of digitalization of librarianship and artificial intelligence. The results of the study have revealed the role of the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into information and library systems, which lies in the fact that they contribute to the formation of national intellectual libraries, computerization of the routine library services, and structuring innovative academic digital space for the users. Using the example of integration of context awareness technology into some information and library systems, the ability of a digital system to make “reasonable” decisions to extract relevant information for learning and self-education is demonstrated, which also allows to find educational materials on the topic being studied, and to build explicit educational route for a user.
Adaptaciones curriculares para la inclusión de estudiantes con discapacidad a la carrera de Pedagogía de la Actividad Física y Deporte
Authors: Toledo Cueva Mauro , Velarde Bermeo Carlos Estuardo , Loaiza Dávila Lenin Esteban , Giceya de la Caridad Maqueira Caraballo
Published: May 2024

Introducción.  La presencia de estudiantes con discapacidad en la Educación Superior constituye uno de los principales retos de los sistemas educativos actuales, siendo necesario el establecimiento de manifiestos pertinentes que establezcan políticas y estatutos de carácter inclusivo, sin excepción de carrera alguna como es el caso de la Pedagogía de la Actividad Física y Deporte. Objetivo.  Indagar las adaptaciones curriculares que promueven la inclusión de estudiantes con diferentes discapacidades en la Carrera de Pedagogía de la Actividad Física y Deporte en el contexto ecuatoriano. Metodología. Diseño de investigación: enfoque mixto de investigación, en su planteamiento cuantitativo diseño no experimental, descriptivo, de campo y de corte trasversal.  En su planteamiento cualitativo se planteó un diseño fenomenológico. Población y muestra: 39 docentes de la Carrera de Pedagogía de la Actividad Física y Deporte de 18 universidades del Ecuador. Técnicas e instrumentos: Se aplicó la técnica cuantitativa de la encuesta y como instrumento un cuestionario auto administrado sobre los tipos de discapacidad y las adaptaciones curriculares que aplican los docentes en la carrera de Pedagogía de la Actividad Física y Deporte. En el desarrollo del planteamiento cualitativo se aplicó entrevistas en profundidad a un estudiante representante de cada tipo de discapacidad, abordando los siguientes tópicos a través de una pregunta abierta. Tratamiento estadístico de los datos: Paquete estadístico SPSS versión 25, desarrollando un análisis de valores medios y desviaciones estándares para las variables de origen cuantitativo y un análisis de frecuencias y porcentajes para las variables de origen cualitativo. Resultados. Se determinaron las adaptaciones curriculares aplicadas por los docentes en relación con la discapacidad física, visual e intelectual. Categorías generales, axiales y ejecutivas que determinaron una teoría emergente en base a las percepciones y experiencias comunicadas por parte de los sujetos intervenciones en el proceso de investigación. Conclusión.  Se han realizado avances significativos en adaptaciones curriculares para estudiantes con discapacidades en la carrera de Pedagogía de la Actividad Física y Deporte, existen brechas notables en términos de inclusión efectiva y sensibilización de la comunidad educativa.  Área de estudio general: Educación. Área de estudio específica: Educación Física.
Heterogeneric Diversity and Richness of Avifauna in a Degraded Landscape of Arial Beel in Bangladesh
Authors: Naher Habibon , Parvin Mursida , Begum Mustari , Khan Shawkat Imam
Published: May 2024

Bird diversity and richness reflect the habitat quality of ecosystems. The species composition, diversity, and richness of birds were studied at Shologhar Union, a degraded landscape of Arial Beel, from March 2016 to February 2017, using line transect and point count methods. A total of 75 species of birds belonging to 14 orders and 35 families were recorded; most of them were residents (83%). Non-passerine birds were predominant (40 species, 53% of total species), with 18 families and 38 genera. Only one near-threatened species (Yellow Wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus) was recorded. Among resident birds, Baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus) was dominant, and the Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) was predominant among migratory birds. Most species were terrestrial (51 spp., 68% of total birds), contributing only 23% of the population. The individual rarefaction revealed the highest species richness in March and the lowest in May and June. The highest population was recorded in winter (38%), and insectivore species (40%) were the highest. No significant seasonal variation occurred in the richness of birds (Kruskal-Wallis test: K = 0.05 df = 2, p = 0.971) and in different feeding guilds (Kruskal-Wallis test: K = 0.86, df = 5, p = 0.65). Ardeidae and Sturnidae represented the highest diversified families (6 species in each, RDi = 8), and Baya Weaver contributed the highest (26%) population. The presence of different species of birds suggests that this site could provide a suitable habitat for wild birds, and restoration management of this part of Arial Beel should require conserving the habitat of avifauna.
Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 9(1): 19-44, 2023 (June)
Effect of Temporal Decentration of Orthokeratologic Lens on Corneal Aberrations in Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Heo Jung Sun , Moon Nam Ju , Kim Kyoung Woo
Published: May 2024

Purpose: This study used anterior segment swept-source optical coherence tomography (AS SS-OCT) to explore the effect of temporal decentration within the orthokeratologic lens treatment zone on corneal aberrations.Methods: After lens placement, AS SS-OCT was used to evaluate anterior, posterior, and total corneal astigmatism and the magnitudes of the individual 1st- to 4th-order aberrations of the anterior and entire corneal fields. Also, the 4th-to 7th-order root mean square (RMS), and the low- and high-ordered RMSs of both the anterior and entire corneal areas were recorded. We compared subjects lacking (the no decentration [ND] group) to those exhibiting (the temporal decentration [TD] group) temporal decentration.Results: In all, 61 eyes of 32 patients (44 eyes in the ND group and 17 in the TD group) were included. In the TD group, the average temporal decentration was 0.74 ± 0.15 mm. The baseline axial length, spherical equivalent, anterior mean corneal power, and anterior corneal astigmatism did no difference between the two groups. However, the TD group exhibited more anterior and total corneal horizontal tilts, and horizontal coma, than the ND group. That group also had less with-the-rule (WTR)/against-therule (ATR) astigmatism, elevated anterior and total corneal 5th-order RMS values, and greater low- and high-ordered RMS levels. However, despite these differences, the extent of myopia correction did not significantly differ between the groups.Conclusions: Although myopia reduction was not significantly compromised by temporal decentration of an orthokeratologic lens, the anterior and total corneal low- and high-ordered RMS values increased. In terms of individual aberrations, the low-ordered horizontal tilt and the high-ordered horizontal coma increased.
In situ Scleral Suture Fixation of an Injector-delivered Intraocular Lens
Authors: Kim Ho Joong , Cho Yang Kyung
Published: May 2024

Purpose: We evaluated a novel surgical technique for managing the intraocular lens (IOL) through in situ scleral fixation and its outcomes.Case summary: This retrospective case series included three eyes of three patients treated with the in situ scleral fixation technique for IOL. Our method involves suturing the haptics of an already intraocularly injected IOL in situ using a Siepser sliding knot suture, while the other haptic is tied externally. Notably, no intraoperative or postoperative complications, such as cystoid macula edema, were observed.Conclusions: This novel technique is a user-friendly and effective approach to improve IOL-capsular bag stability, requiring minimal intraocular intervention or preoperative preparation compared to conventional IOL scleral fixation methods. Furthermore, it is particularly effective for addressing concerns related to IOL-capsular bag stability following IOL insertion, as it eliminates the possibility of performing the typical IOL scleral fixation due to the absence of preoperative preparation and evaluation.
DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEM TRANSFORMATION OF NEW STUDENT ADMISSION SERVICES AND VALUE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Astuti Widi , Sarasati Fajar
Published: May 2024

Service activities at Tegal Dinamika Vocational School still use a manual system which has a high risk of data being lost and the authenticity of its value is doubtful. Based on these conditions, it is necessary to create a web-based grade processing information system to help convey information on student grades and attendance, as well as online registration data. The aim of this research is to provide a breakthrough in the transformation of services at Vocational School Dinamika Tegal in terms of registering new students, conveying information on exam results and attendance recaps to students and parents, which can be accessed online via the website, so that all users, even people with physical limitations, can access the website. that easily. The research method for web design uses the SDLC waterfall method. Apart from that, to determine website performance, researchers conducted sample usability testing to find out whether the website was user friendly. The results of this research with the creation of this application, the process of conveying value information from teachers to students has become more effective and efficient, this evidence can be seen from the distribution of questionnaires in the school environment which shows that 97% agree with this research, increasing the success of data processing and making it easier for the administrative side to be more organized and no more data errors. The uniqueness of this research focuses on more disability-friendly web design and user experiences that are accessible to all individuals including those with disabilities. The conclusion of this research is that the website is able to manage grade data and student attendance recaps that have been input by the teacher, making it easier for prospective new students to obtain registration information and register online and can be accessed anywhere and at any time through the system
Lexical Reciprocal Verbs
Authors:   , Kruitwagen Imke
Published: May 2024

This dissertation studied the semantic relation between the different forms of the reciprocal alternation: unary collective sentences (Carrie and Aidan fought), binary sentences (Carrie fought Aidan) and “with” sentences (Carrie fought with Aidan). Results of the experiments that I reported show that, in contrast to the common assumption in the literature, the reciprocal alternation does not show a unidirectional entailment from unary and “with” to binary reciprocal sentences but has a more complex semantics. I have argued that the semantic relation between the different reciprocal alternates can be accounted for by a threshold model of the kind that is common in cognitive theories of concepts (Hampton 2007). The new experimental work on reciprocal verbs supports the proposed implementation of the threshold model. In this implementation, a verbal root has a conceptual core that specifies the main attributes of the verb’s lexical meaning. We have especially focused on the kind of Activity and Intentionality that is required for the verb’s agent. These attributes are shared between different alternate forms of the reciprocal verb, though their weights vary between those alternations. The typicality of an event for a sentence like Carrie fought Aidan is determined by the Activity and Intentionality of Carrie towards Aidan in that event. A typicality value makes the sentence true if it exceeds a pragmatically given threshold. This treatment is reminiscent of Dowty’s (1991) proto-role analysis. Standard thematic roles like agent and patient and the partner role proposed by Rákosi (2008) are indirectly defined by the functions of Activity and Intentionality that are specified for the verbal root, instead of being fixed roles. These functions specify typicality values for pairs of individuals in an event, hence giving rise to the typicality values of binary forms, “with” forms and unary forms using different arithmetic operations relying on different weights. The different semantic behaviors of these forms are explained by these different weights, while the similarities between them are due to the use of the same conceptual core of the root: the same activity and intentionality. From this threshold model we deduced a number of entailments and non-entailments between sentences with reciprocal alternates. The main prediction of the threshold model is that, in contrast to the common assumption in the literature, unary reciprocal sentences such as Carrie and Aidan fought and “with” sentences like Carrie fought with Aidan do not require symmetric participation from their arguments. All predicted entailments and non-entailments of the threshold model were tested and supported experimentally by collecting truth value judgements on reciprocal sentences in various situations.
Application of Polymer Sheets in the Conditions of Southern Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Rysbekova E. , Kazybaeva A. , Koshmamatuulu K.
Published: May 2024

One of the strategic directions in Kyrgyzstan is accelerated housing construction, as well as modernization and acceleration of construction work, based on modern innovative building materials and technologies. In the modern world, a special place is occupied by the rapid development of industrial, highly innovative, waste-free technologies, such as synthetic and natural polymer materials, to create a variety of architectural and construction products. This includes the use of polymeric materials derived from both synthetic and natural sources in the creation of a variety of architectural elements. Research into trends in the development and use of polymer sheets in architectural and construction practice is especially important in the context of Southern Kyrgyzstan, demonstrating their effectiveness in the region. The issues of analysis and effective use of polymer sheets in the conditions of the South of Kyrgyzstan are considered.
Ecological State of Industrial Waste from the Kadamzhai Antimony Plant
Authors: Anarbaikyzy S. , Topchubaev A.
Published: May 2024

Sources of release of harmful substances during enrichment are emissions from ore crushing, as well as enrichment tailings. Dusty air from places of dust formation is taken by an aspiration device and purified in a dust settling chamber with wet collection. At a metallurgical plant, there are dust and gas collectors in ore-thermal furnaces. Dust and gases from furnaces are sent for sequential cleaning and collection (water-cooled cyclones, bag filters). At this stage, dust-containing gases leak. A particular danger to the environment is the storage of waste electrolyte accumulated in salt storage tanks. The area of salt storage tanks is 76.1 thousand m2. Salt storage tanks consist of 7 cards with a total volume of 249.95 thousand m3. Currently, the environmental situation in the area of salt storage tanks for industrial waste of the Kadamzhai Antimony Plant remains critical. All the existing 7 salt accumulator cards have expired, are in disrepair, and leak industrial wastewater into the soil. Salt accumulators No. 5 and No. 8, although they have not reached the end of their service life, are also in disrepair.
Formation of a Digital Economy Model in the Kyrgyz Republic
Authors: Semenov S. , Semenov N.
Published: May 2024

The article discusses the issues of the digital economy model of the Kyrgyz Republic, based on the economic and legal framework of information relations aimed at the development of digital processes. National legislation must have legal mechanisms capable of regulating information relations in the field of digital transformation of the economy. The construction of a modern digital infrastructure should contribute to the development of the country’s digital economy and provide communication with global information data, which will contribute to digital transformation at the level of modern developed infrastructure. The experience of creating and directing the digital transformation of the economy of the Kyrgyz Republic was studied, based on the development and adoption of national programs and strategies that should be aimed at developing an index for measuring the digital economy, including displaying indicators and tools for assessing the digital development of the Kyrgyz Republic. It has been determined that the digital economy should be built on a developed information infrastructure with a mandatory process of modernization of all sectors of the economy. Proposals were made to further improve the direction of development of the digital economy in the near future.
Aperture a cambiamenti nel discorso: il caso di Dario
Authors: Bonadiman Chiara , Macchioni Elena
Published: May 2024

Usando la prospettiva comognitiva, l’articolo presenta la nozione di profilo di apprendimento matematico e mostra come possa essere identificato attraverso l’analisi di un’intervista. Inoltre, viene esplorata l’ipotesi della modificabilità di tale profilo, nel caso di identità di fallimento, tramite l’implementazione di un percorso di introduzione al pensiero algebrico, progettato per il recupero di difficoltà in matematica. Nello specifico, analizzeremo il caso di Dario, uno studente con una storia di persistenti difficoltà in matematica, frequentante la seconda classe della scuola secondaria di secondo grado.
Ostacoli allo sviluppo dell’anticipazione in contesto algebrico
Authors: Fiorini Erica , Maffia Andrea
Published: May 2024

L’anticipazione è un processo cognitivo che agisce in numerose consegne matematiche, incluso il trattamento di espressioni algebriche. Tuttavia, alcuni studenti mostrano difficoltà nello sviluppo di questo tipo di abilità che possono essere ricondotte ad ostacoli di diversa natura: ontogenetico, epistemologici e didattici. Attraverso la somministrazione di un questionario e dei successivi focus group, si mette in evidenza che, nello sviluppo dell’anticipazione per studenti di scuola secondaria, intervengono ostacoli di tutti e tre i tipi e si suggerisce che alcuni di questi (quelli didattici in particolare) potrebbero essere prevenuti o risolti con opportuni interventi didattici.
Ahead of the Count: An Algorithm for Probabilistic Prediction of Instant Runoff (IRV) Elections
Authors: Kapoor Nick , Staecker Christopher
Published: May 2024

How can we probabilistically predict the winner in a ranked-choice election without all ballots being counted? We study and introduce a novel algorithm designed to predict outcomes in Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) elections. The algorithm takes as input a set of discrete probability distributions describing vote totals for each candidate ranking and calculates the probability that each candidate will win the election. In fact, we calculate all possible sequences of eliminations that might occur in the IRV rounds and assign a probability to each. The algorithm is effective for elections with a small number of candidates with fast execution on typical consumer computers. The run-time is short enough for our method to be used for real-time election night modeling where new predictions are made continuously as more and more vote information becomes available. We demonstrate the algorithm in abstract examples, and also using real data from the 2022 Alaska elections.
Translation from German to English of: ‘Zur Kenntniss der Resorption einfacher, im besonderen stereoisomer Zucker in Dünndarm’ By Junzo Nagano
Authors: Richards Thomas , McAleer Kevin , Kilias Estelle
Published: May 2024

Here we present a translation from German to English of a scientific paper from 1902 titled ‘On the knowledge of the absorption of simple, in particular stereoisomeric sugars in the small intestine’ published in the journal Pflugers Arch. 90:389–404. We provide the translation because this work represents an important contribution to the historical research record focusing on cell membrane function. We have included a brief foreword highlighting some of the context of the work both scientifically and historically.
The Akkadian Vocabulary of Noah’s Ark and its Allegorical and Ritual Significance
Authors: Maranz Nezer
Published: May 2024

The Genesis account of Noah’s Ark has long engendered a debate over the relationship between the Hebrew story and the older cuneiform flood myths. In English, this famed craft is called “the ark”. However, the phrase used in the Hebrew text is “התבה” (htbh, Masoretic ha-tebah), for which no Hebrew etymology exists. Here I present evidence that “תבה” transcribes Akkadian “Tabû”, represented by the logograms “ZI” and “I.ZI.A”—which have the constituent Sumerian meanings of “Life”, “To Lead out Life (from) Water” and “To Overcome Annihilation”. It is part of a cuneiform semantic field that identifies the Great Flood as a repurposed metaphor for the destruction of Israel. The language details signal that the Hebraic version was originally conceptualized in cuneiform during the 6th century BC as part of a ritual invoking the rescue of the nation from exile in Babylon.
Exploring the diversity of cancer-associated fibroblasts: insights into mechanisms of drug resistance
Authors: Kazakova Anastasia N. , Lukina Maria M. , Anufrieva Ksenia S. , Bekbaeva Irina V. , Ivanova Olga M. , Shnaider Polina V. , Slonov Andrey , Arapidi Georgij P. , Shender Victoria O.
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Among the various stromal cell types within the tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) emerge as the predominant constituent, exhibiting a diverse array of oncogenic functions not intrinsic to normal fibroblasts. Their involvement spans across all stages of tumorigenesis, encompassing initiation, progression, and metastasis. Current understanding posits the coexistence of distinct subpopulations of CAFs within the tumor microenvironment across a spectrum of solid tumors, showcasing both pro- and antitumor activities. Recent advancements in single-cell transcriptomics have revolutionized our ability to meticulously dissect the heterogeneity inherent to CAF populations. Furthermore, accumulating evidence underscores the pivotal role of CAFs in conferring therapeutic resistance to tumors against various drug modalities. Consequently, efforts are underway to develop pharmacological agents specifically targeting CAFs.

Methods: This review embarks on a comprehensive analysis, consolidating data from 36 independent single-cell RNA sequencing investigations spanning 17 distinct human malignant tumor types.

Results: Our exploration centers on elucidating CAF population markers, discerning their prognostic relevance, delineating their functional contributions, and elucidating the underlying mechanisms orchestrating chemoresistance.

Discussion: Finally, we deliberate on the therapeutic potential of harnessing CAFs as promising targets for intervention strategies in clinical oncology.
Influence of extensional strike-slip fault systems on hydrocarbon accumulation: case studies from Huanghekoudong and Miaoxi’nan sub-sags
Authors: Fu Sheng , Wang Deyu , Yang Haifeng , Song Lijun , Ma Ming , Wang Kaiyu
Published: May 2024

Extensional strike-slip basins have unique structural features that influence both sub-sags and traps. Despite previous investigations into the extension-strike-slip fault system, there remains a gap in the comprehensive analysis of its influence on sub-sag formation and trap development. The Huanghekoudong and Miaoxi’nan sub-sags within the Bohai Bay Basin, intersected by the Tan-Lu Fault Zone, offer exemplary cases for examining the interplay between strike-slip and extensional tectonic regimes. The neotectonic strike-slip movements along the Tan-Lu Fault Zone have given rise to various extensional strike-slip overlap zones in these sub-sags, rendering these locales ideal for investigating the dynamics of strike-slip and extensional tectonic processes. Employing three-dimensional seismic data, well logs, and a newly constructed sequence stratigraphic framework, our research delineates the geometric and kinematic phenomena characteristic of the extensional strike-slip fault system, including the dynamics of extensional fault deformation and interaction through time. By scrutinizing the fault system’s vital role in shaping sub-sag evolution and trap genesis, we present a comprehensive model that significantly contributes to our understanding of structural trapping dynamics. This model not only fine-tunes existing trapping models but also offers invaluable insights for future exploration strategies within the Bohai Bay Basin and other similar extensional strike-slip basins worldwide. Our findings highlight the novel and significant implications of the extensional strike-slip fault system in controlling sub-sag and trap features, thus bridging a notable gap in existing geotechnical knowledge.
Assessment of bidirectional relationships between hypothyroidism and endometrial cancer: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Bolin , Luo Yuxi , Liu Tianxin , Xu Shengnan , Pei Jinli , Liu Jie , Yu Jinming
Published: May 2024

Objective

Hypothyroidism, characterized by reduced thyroid hormone levels, and endometrial cancer, a prevalent gynecological malignancy, have been suggested to have a potential association in previous observational studies. However, the causal relationship between them remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between hypothyroidism and endometrial cancer using a bilateral Mendelian randomization approach.

Methods

A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study was conducted using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies to identify genetic variants associated with hypothyroidism and endometrial cancer. The inverse variance weighting method was used as the main analysis, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate the MR results.

Results

The results of our analysis did not support a causal effect of hypothyroidism (OR: 0.93, p=0.08) or autoimmune hypothyroidism (OR: 0.98, p=0.39) on endometrial cancer risk. In the reverse MR analysis, we did not find a significant causal effect of endometrial cancer on hypothyroidism (OR: 0.96, p=0.75) or autoimmune hypothyroidism (OR: 0.92, p=0.50). Based on subgroup analysis by pathological subtypes of endometrial cancer, the above findings were further substantiated (all p-value >0.05).

Conclusions

Our Mendelian randomization analysis suggests a lack of causal association between hypothyroidism and endometrial cancer. To gain a deeper understanding of this association, it is essential to conduct large-scale randomized controlled trials in the future to validate our findings.
Diagnostic value of FNAC combined with BRAFV600E mutation detection in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis complicated with papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Fu Jingyao , Yin Xiangdang , Wang Xiaochun , Xiao Siqi , Wu Xianji , Duan Chengcheng , Yu Wenxi , Zhang Guang
Published: May 2024

Background

This study aimed to analyze the effect of preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) combined with BRAFV600E mutation detection as compared to that of fine needle aspiration cytology alone on the diagnostic performance of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) combined with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT).

Method

Patients with thyroid nodules in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, who underwent fine-needle aspiration cytology examination and BRAFV600E mutation detection in the puncture eluate at the outpatient clinic, were selected. Finally, 122 patients received surgical treatment and were included in the study. We used postoperative pathological results as the gold standard. Accordingly, we compared the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of preoperative FNAC alone and FNAC combined with BRAFV600E mutation detection in for the diagnosis of PTC combined with HT.

Results

For PTC patients with HT, the sensitivity of FNAC diagnosis was 93.69%, the specificity was 90.90% and the accuracy was 93.44%. However, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of FNAC combined with BRAFV600E mutation detection were 97.30%, 90.90% and 96.72%, respectively. Therefore, combined detection can improve the sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosis (p<0.05).

Conclusion

FNAC combined with eluent BRAFV600E mutation detection can improve the sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosis of PTC in the background of HT.
Microbial functional metabolism drives the effects of exogenous additives on carbon storage and degradation during aerobic composting
Authors: Li Mingxiu , Duan Manli , Qin Zhenlun , Zhou Beibei , Wang Quanjiu , Xu Hongbo , Weng Haiyong
Published: May 2024

This study conducted composting experiments using cow manure and wheat straw, employing five different treatment methods (CK, magnetized water treatment-M, magnetized water combined with biochar treatment-SM, magnetized water combined with ferrous sulfate treatment-FM, magnetized water combined with Bacillus megaterium treatment-GM), aiming to accelerate the composting maturation process and reduce carbon loss. The results of the experiments showed that the SM treatment entered the thermophilic phase on the second day and lasted for 9 days, resulting in the best maturation effect. The FM treatment increased the carbon content in the compost, effectively preserving carbon sources. principal component analysis analysis revealed significant differences in microbial community structures due to different treatments. Additionally, structural equation modeling observations indicated that different treatments affected the compost environment, thereby influencing microbial activity and carbon content. Overall, the SM treatment positively affected the compost maturation process, while the FM treatment effectively preserved carbon sources in the compost.
Effects of exogenous chloride ions on the migration and transformation of Cd in a soil-rice system
Authors: Fan Haijin , Tang Shengshuang , Long Jian , He Rujing , Xiao Ziman , Hou Hongbo , Peng Peiqin
Published: May 2024

Soil cadmium (Cd) contamination has emerged as a significant global environmental concern, posing numerous risks to individual organisms and entire ecosystems. Concurrently, the global increase in pesticide usage has elevated the influx of chloride ions (Cl−) into the soil. Given Cl−’s robust ability to coordinate and complex with various heavy metal ions, understanding its influence on the migration and transformation of Cd in soil-rice systems is essential for the rational application of pesticides and the effective mitigation of soil heavy metal pollution. In this paper, we explained the effect of Cl− on the environmental behavior of Cd in the soil-rice system in terms of growth traits, Cd uptake and accumulation by rice, and Cd solid-solution phase interface behavior through pot experiments and sand culture experiments. The results showed that Cd concentrations in all parts of the rice treated with CaCl2 during the filling period were lower than those in the Ca(NO3)2-treated group, with Cd accumulation diminishing as Cl− concentration increased. This suggests that the filling period is critical for Cd uptake and accumulation in rice. Unlike the accompanying anion NO3−, exogenous Cl− reduced Cd concentrations in the soil solution but increased them in rice. Notably, when the Cd/Cl ratio ranged from 0.625 to 2.5, Cl− formed predominantly CdCl+-complexes with free Cd2+ in the soil solution, enhancing the mobilization of Cd bound to soil particles and its subsequent absorption by rice. This study aims to assess Cl−’s effect on Cd migration and transformation in soil-rice systems, providing insights for safe rice production on Cd-contaminated soils and rational use of chlorine-containing pesticides.
Influence of resource gradients and habitat edges on density variation in tiger populations in a multi-use landscape
Authors: Chanchani Pranav , Noon Barry R. , Bista Ashish , Warrier Rekha , Nair Shwetha , Sharma Ruchir , Gupta Mudit , Gerber Brian D.
Published: May 2024

Spatial heterogeneity in the local densities of terrestrial carnivores is driven by multiple interacting biotic and abiotic factors. Space-use patterns of large carnivores reflect the competing demands of resource selection (e.g., exploitation of habitats with abundant prey) and minimization of risks arising from human interactions. Estimating the relative strength of these drivers is essential to understand spatial variation in densities of large carnivores and there are still key knowledge gaps for many large carnivore populations. To better understand the relative roles of environmental and human drivers of spatial variation in tiger (Panthera tigris) densities, we surveyed a 3000 km2 landscape in North India using camera trap data. Over two years, we photo-captured 92 unique adult tigers. Associating spatial covariates with patterns of detection allowed us to test hypotheses about the relative influence of prey abundance, habitat structure and extent, and proximity to habitat edges on spatial variation in tiger densities across a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance. We documented extensive variation in tiger density within and across management units and protected areas. Spatial variation in prey abundance and proximity to grassland habitats, rather than human use (e.g. extent of human-dominated edge habitat and protection status), explained most of the spatial variation in tiger density in two of the five surveyed sites. The region’s largest tiger population occurred in a multi-use forest beyond protected area boundaries, where wild ungulates were abundant. Our results suggest that tigers can occur at high densities in areas with extensive human use, provided sufficiently high prey densities, and tracts of refuge habitats (eg. areas with dense vegetation with low human use). We argue that tiger conservation portfolio can be expanded across multi-use landscapes with a focus on areas that are adaptively managed as “zones of coexistence” and “refuge habitats”. Advancing this conservation strategy is contingent on greatly strengthening systems to effectively and equitably redress human–wildlife conflict and leveraging existing policies to strengthen local participation in conservation planning and forest stewardship. Our insights into the environmental drivers of spatial heterogeneity in tiger populations can inform both local management and guide to species recovery in working landscapes.
Longitudinal method comparison: modeling polygenic risk for post-traumatic stress disorder over time in individuals of African and European ancestry
Authors: Passero Kristin , Noll Jennie G. , Verma Shefali Setia , Selin Claire , Hall Molly A.
Published: May 2024

Cross-sectional data allow the investigation of how genetics influence health at a single time point, but to understand how the genome impacts phenotype development, one must use repeated measures data. Ignoring the dependency inherent in repeated measures can exacerbate false positives and requires the utilization of methods other than general or generalized linear models. Many methods can accommodate longitudinal data, including the commonly used linear mixed model and generalized estimating equation, as well as the less popular fixed-effects model, cluster-robust standard error adjustment, and aggregate regression. We simulated longitudinal data and applied these five methods alongside naïve linear regression, which ignored the dependency and served as a baseline, to compare their power, false positive rate, estimation accuracy, and precision. The results showed that the naïve linear regression and fixed-effects models incurred high false positive rates when analyzing a predictor that is fixed over time, making them unviable for studying time-invariant genetic effects. The linear mixed models maintained low false positive rates and unbiased estimation. The generalized estimating equation was similar to the former in terms of power and estimation, but it had increased false positives when the sample size was low, as did cluster-robust standard error adjustment. Aggregate regression produced biased estimates when predictor effects varied over time. To show how the method choice affects downstream results, we performed longitudinal analyses in an adolescent cohort of African and European ancestry. We examined how developing post-traumatic stress symptoms were predicted by polygenic risk, traumatic events, exposure to sexual abuse, and income using four approaches—linear mixed models, generalized estimating equations, cluster-robust standard error adjustment, and aggregate regression. While the directions of effect were generally consistent, coefficient magnitudes and statistical significance differed across methods. Our in-depth comparison of longitudinal methods showed that linear mixed models and generalized estimating equations were applicable in most scenarios requiring longitudinal modeling, but no approach produced identical results even if fit to the same data. Since result discrepancies can result from methodological choices, it is crucial that researchers determine their model a priori, refrain from testing multiple approaches to obtain favorable results, and utilize as similar as possible methods when seeking to replicate results.
Histone methylation: at the crossroad between circadian rhythms in transcription and metabolism
Authors: González-Suárez Mirna , Aguilar-Arnal Lorena
Published: May 2024

Circadian rhythms, essential 24-hour cycles guiding biological functions, synchronize organisms with daily environmental changes. These rhythms, which are evolutionarily conserved, govern key processes like feeding, sleep, metabolism, body temperature, and endocrine secretion. The central clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), orchestrates a hierarchical network, synchronizing subsidiary peripheral clocks. At the cellular level, circadian expression involves transcription factors and epigenetic remodelers, with environmental signals contributing flexibility. Circadian disruption links to diverse diseases, emphasizing the urgency to comprehend the underlying mechanisms. This review explores the communication between the environment and chromatin, focusing on histone post-translational modifications. Special attention is given to the significance of histone methylation in circadian rhythms and metabolic control, highlighting its potential role as a crucial link between metabolism and circadian rhythms. Understanding these molecular intricacies holds promise for preventing and treating complex diseases associated with circadian disruption.
Enhancing immunotherapy outcomes by targeted remodeling of the tumor microenvironment via combined cGAS-STING pathway strategies
Authors: Huang Mingqing , Cha Zhuocen , Liu Rui , Lin Mengping , Gafoor Naif Abdul , Kong Tong , Ge Fei , Chen Wenlin
Published: May 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a groundbreaking advance in the treatment of malignancies such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer, showcasing substantial therapeutic benefits. Nonetheless, the efficacy of ICIs is limited to a small subset of patients, primarily benefiting those with “hot” tumors characterized by significant immune infiltration. The challenge of converting “cold” tumors, which exhibit minimal immune activity, into “hot” tumors to enhance their responsiveness to ICIs is a critical and complex area of current research. Central to this endeavor is the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, a pivotal nexus between innate and adaptive immunity. This pathway’s activation promotes the production of type I interferon (IFN) and the recruitment of CD8+ T cells, thereby transforming the tumor microenvironment (TME) from “cold” to “hot”. This review comprehensively explores the cGAS-STING pathway’s role in reconditioning the TME, detailing the underlying mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity and highlighting the contributions of various immune cells to tumor immunity. Furthermore, we delve into the latest clinical research on STING agonists and their potential in combination therapies, targeting this pathway. The discussion concludes with an examination of the challenges facing the advancement of promising STING agonists in clinical trials and the pressing issues within the cGAS-STING signaling pathway research.