bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate-change literacy of first year prospective physics teacher about long dry season phenomenon in Indonesia
Authors: Deta Utama Alan , Arisanti Aini , Laila Luthfiyaul , Sasmi Rinda Rahmanisa , Lestari Nurita Apridiana , Saregar Antomi , Mubarok Husni
Published: March 2024

Indonesia has characteristics of increasing temperatures that have yet to be widely known. Sudden temperature changes have brought many losses to Indonesians. The study was intended to analyze the level of scientific literacy on the climate-change material for prospective physics teachers in Indonesia. The study employs a qualitative methodology. The study also utilized descriptive analysis techniques by administering surveys to gather participant data. This study uses descriptive analysis techniques through the administration of surveys to collect data from participants. Increased emissions of greenhouse gases are a contributing factor to changes in temperature and climate. The escalation of greenhouse gas emissions in Indonesia leads to climate change as these gases envelop the Earth and trap the sun's heat, intensifying the greenhouse effect. The outcome entails elevated mean temperatures, alterations in precipitation patterns, and occurrences of severe weather events such as floods and droughts. Evaluating climate or temperature changes necessitates education. Education imparts knowledge about the significance of safeguarding the planet to maintain its well-being. Education plays a crucial role in addressing the challenge of climate change, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Pengembangan Media Game PERSIK “Perkalian Asik” pada Muatan Matematika Materi Perkalian Kelas II Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Handayani Hanifah , Nuraini Ni Luh Sakinah , Roebyanto Goenawan
Published: March 2024

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to produce a persik game media “perkalian asik” which is valid according to media and material experts as well as practical and fun according to users (teachers and students). The model used in this research is using the ADDIE model which consists of 5 stages: (1) analysis, (2) design, (3) development, (4) implementation, (5) evaluation. The instrument in this study was a questionnaire and then analyzed using quantitative data analysis and qualitative data. The result of the development is persik game media product "perkalian asik" which is used in the mathematical content of multiplication material. This media is in the form games that can be accessed anytime and anywhere. This game is also equipped with a user guide that can be accessed online or offline. The result of the persik game product validation testshow the level of validity, namely the average value of media expert validators is 95 percent which is categorized as very valid and the average value of material expert validators is 77 percent which is categorized as valid. The results of the practicality test by the teacher obtained a score of 98 percent and the test to students obtained a score of 97 percent which was included in the very practical and fun category. Based on the percentage results, it can be seen that the persik game is valid, practical and fun, so that it can be used in the learning process in second grade elementary school.
Abstrak: Tujuan dilakukannya penelitian ini untuk menghasilkan media game persik “perkalian asik” yang valid menurut ahli media dan materi serta praktis maupun menyenangkan menurut pengguna (guru dan peserta didik). Model yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu menggunakan model ADDIE yang terdiri dari 5 tahap: (1) analysis, (2) design, (3) development , (4) implementation , (5) evaluation. Adapun Instrumen pada penelitian ini adalah angket dan selanjutnya dianalisis menggunakan analisis data kuantitatif dan data kualitatif. Hasil pengembangan berupa produk media game persik “perkalian asik” yang digunakan pada muatan matematika materi perkalian. Media ini berupa game online yang dapat diakses kapanpun dan dimanapun. Game ini juga dilengkapi dengan buku petunjuk yang dapat diakses secara online maupun offline. Hasil uji validasi produk game persik menunjukkan tingkat kevalidan yaitu menghasilkan nilai rata-rata dari validator ahli media sebesar 95 persen yang dikategorikan sangat valid dan nilai rata-rata validator ahli materi sebesar 77 persen yang dikategorikan valid. Hasil uji kepraktisan oleh guru memperoleh nilai sebesar 98 persen dan uji coba kepada siswa memperoleh nilai sebesar 97 persen yang termasuk kategori sangat praktis dan menyenangkan. Berdasarkan hasil persentase tersebut, terlihat bahwa media game persik valid dan praktis serta menyenangkan, sehingga dapat dimanfaatkan dalam proses pembelajaran di kelas II sekolah dasar.
Pembelajaran Kooperatif dalam Pendidikan Fisika: Sistematik Literatur Review
Authors: Ayu Hena Dian , Rismawati Astri Yuni , Kristiyaningsih Else , Wulandari Elvina Tri , Wahyuningtyas Astri , Hudha Muhammad Nur
Published: March 2024

Abstract: Learning activities can occur effectively and be fun for students if the teacher can apply a learning model centered on their students. Student interest in learning in class is also influenced by the teacher's ability to manage the class and use appropriate learning models. One strategy for enlivening classroom learning can be done by applying a cooperative learning model. In this research, a literature study was carried out using the Systemic Literature Review (SLR) method from Scopus data sources. A total of 21 articles have been studied with a focus on the effect of applying the cooperative learning model in physics classes on learning outcomes, learning skills, collaboration, communication, concept mastery, process involvement, problem-solving, and training leadership. The study results show that cooperative learning is effectively implemented in physics learning and can improve learning outcomes, study skills, collaboration, communication, mastery of concepts, process involvement, problem-solving, and leadership training.
Abstrak: Kegiatan pembelajaran dapat berlangsung secara efektif dan menyenangkan bagi siswa apabila guru dapat menerapkan model pembelajaran yang berpusat kepada peserta didiknya. Ketertarikan peserta didik terhadap pembelajaran di kelas juga dipengaruhi oleh kemampuan guru dalam mengelola kelas dan penggunakan model pembelajaran yang sesuai. Salah satu strategi menghidupkan pembelajaran dikelas dapat dilakukan dengan menerapkan model pembelajaran kooperatif. Pada penelitian ini dilakukan sebuah studi literatur dengan metode Systemic Literature Review (SLR) dari sumber data Scopus. Sebanyak 21 artikel telah dikaji dengan fokus bahasan pada pengaruh penerapan model pembelajaran kooperatif di kelas fisika terhadap hasil belajar, keterampilan belajar, kerjasama, komunikasi, penguasaan konsep, keterlibatan proses, pemecahan masalah, dan melatih kepemimpinan. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa pembelajaran kooperatif efektif diterapkan dalam pembelajaran fisika dan mampu meningkatkan hasil belajar, keterampilan belajar, kerjasama, komunikasi, penguasaan konsep, keterlibatan proses, pemecahan masalah, dan melatih kepemimpinan.
Pengaruh Dukungan Sosial dan Religiusitas Terhadap Psychological Well Being Guru Mata Pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam
Authors: Dewi Shonia Rachma , Rahmawati Novi , Laili Ummiy Fauziah
Published: March 2024

Abstract: The study aims to examine the influence of social support and religiosity on the psychological well-being of Islamic Religious Education subject teachers at the Hang Tuah Foundation in Surabaya. The research method used was quantitative with ex post facto research, and the data collection method used was a questionnaire. The results show that the social support and religiosity of the subject teachers of Islamic Religious Education at the Hang Tuah Foundation, Surabaya, are high. However, social support did not have an influence on psychological well-being, while religiosity did. The simultaneous influence of social support and religiosity on psychological well-being was 70.5 percent.
Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh dukungan sosial dan religiusitas terhadap kesejahteraan psikologis guru mata pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di Yayasan Hang Tuah Surabaya. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuantitatif dengan penelitian ex post facto, dan metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah kuesioner. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dukungan sosial dan religiusitas guru mata pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di Yayasan Hang Tuah Surabaya tinggi. Namun, dukungan sosial tidak berpengaruh terhadap kesejahteraan psikologis, sedangkan religiusitas berpengaruh. Pengaruh simultan dukungan sosial dan religiusitas terhadap kesejahteraan psikologis sebesar 70,5 persen.
How to study - supporting university students in their design of digital Personal Learning Environments
Authors: Leistner Marie Urte , Hansen Jens Jørgen
Published: March 2024

Personal Learning Environments are a promising phenomenon that holds various benefits for students at universities. There is however a need for adequate support and guidance to successfully design a Personal Learning Environment. Existing models and design principles are usually not actively addressing students therefore making it difficult for university students to effectively create and maintain a PLE. In this project, a Design-based Case Study was conducted to gain insights into students decision-making process when designing a Personal Learning Environment and develop a student-centred design model. Created for students, this design model will focus on equipping students with PLE designing skills for an improved (lifelong) learning experience.
Fjernundervisningsrutiner på Maskinmesterskolen
Authors: Olesen Nichlas , Kiær Karina
Published: March 2024

Denne artikel udforsker fjernundervisningsrutiner hos undervisere og studerende på en maskinmesterskole. Med afsæt i forskning og teori om dynamiske organisatoriske rutiner analyseres, hvordan artefakter som teknologier påvirker og repræsenterer fjernundervisningsrutiners dynamikker (Feldman, 2021; Feldman et al., 2021; Feldman & Pentland, 2003; Pentland & Feldman, 2008). Artiklens empiriske grundlag er en etnografisk casestudieundersøgelse fra foråret 2021, bestående af skyggeobservationer af og interviews med tre undervisere og fire studerende. Artiklen præsenterer ny praksisnær viden om udvikling af fjernundervisningsrutiner blandt undervisere og studerende og diskuterer betydningen af organisatoriske rutiner. Artiklen konkluderer, at studerende og undervisere reparerer, udvider og stræber mod forandring af fjernundervisningsrutinen. Det kan forklares ved, at fjernundervisningsrutinens ostensive aspekt, på den ene side begrænser og muliggør udførelsen af rutinen, men selve udførelsen ikke altid skaber og genskaber fjernundervisningens ostensive aspekt. Dynamikken mellem fjernundervisningsrutinens ostensive og performative aspekt er afgørende for udvikling af den organisatoriske kapacitet.
Economic Aspects of Cash Access Problems
Authors:   Faculty of Management, University of Warsaw, Poland, Manikowski Arkadiusz
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The aim of the article is to examine if difficulty of access to cash may influence the financial exclusion in Poland. Design/methodology/approach: The analysis was performed using microdata collected in the survey on payment habits of Polish consumers and spatial data on ATMs locations. Estimated distance to points where cash can be withdrawn together with feature of respondents of the state of possession of a payment account helps to identify relationships between access to cash and financial exclusion. To prove significance of the relationship, a statistical test is used. Findings: The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the existence of a real risk associated with the problem of the physical availability of cash. which is caused by the systematic reduction of the network of ATMs and commercial bank branches handling cash, which are the main points where consumers can withdraw it. This may consequently lead to financial and social exclusion of certain groups of consumers for whom cash is the main, or even the only, means of making payments. Results support the thesis that payment account without (real) option of easy access to cash may discourage consumers from opening the account and contribute to increased financial exclusion. It is especially visible in rural regions and small towns where we observe high level of exclusion (lack of payment accounts) and longer distance to the nearest ATM. Research limitations/implications: The presented results were based on simple statistical analyses. Further research should include econometric modeling using logit/probit models. Originality/value: The obtained results are the first on the impact of access to cash on financial exclusion in Poland and consistent with the situation in other European countries. The results allow to show the importance of access to physical money in a broader context than just having means of payment to pay for purchases.
ECDIS Cyber Security Dynamics Analysis based on the Fuzzy-FUCOM Method
Authors: Kayişoğlu Gizem , Güneş Bünyamin , Bolat Pelin
Published: March 2024

ECDIS is one of the most important pieces of navigational and information equipment on board ships, as well as a vital component of the ship's cyberspace. ECDIS has cyber vulnerabilities because of its connections to external systems like RADAR or GPS, sensors via serial (IEC61162-1/2), analogue, and digital interfaces, as well as onboard Wi-Fi, internet, and LAN technologies. This study identifies and ranks the cyber risks that cause ECDIS control loss, as well as the barriers that can be put in place to stop them, the potential consequences if they are not stopped, and the mitigations that can be utilised to avoid them. Due to a lack of historical data and research on identifying and prioritising ECDIS cyber security dynamics in the literature and the fact that this field necessitates specialised knowledge in terms of computer science and operational maritime navigation, the Fuzzy Triangular Full Consistency Method (FUCOM-F), based on expert opinion, is used in this study. Then, a bow-tie framework is employed to visualize the dynamics of ECDIS cyber security and their hierarchical classification from the analysis as a cyber-architecture. The results indicate that the primary cyber threat for ECDIS is "malware infection via the internet and intranet (M1)." The primary potential consequence, in the event that these cyber threats targeting ECDIS cannot be prevented, is the unavailability of the system (O1). The most efficient barriers against M1 attacks are “up-to-date virus protection” and “scanning software," while the most crucial measure to prevent the impact of O1 is "network segregation." Consequently, in addition to its strong methodological foundation, this research offers significant benefits to maritime professionals and cybersecurity experts by providing valuable insights on preventing cyber-attacks on bridge system infrastructure, particularly ECDIS.
Neural Correlates of Perceptual Similarity Masking in Primate V1
Authors: Chen Spencer C. , Chen Yuzhi , Geisler Wilson S. , Seidemann Eyal
Published: March 2024

Visual detection is a fundamental natural task. Detection becomes more challenging as the similarity between the target and the background in which it is embedded increases, a phenomenon termed “similarity masking”. To test the hypothesis that V1 contributes to similarity masking, we used voltage sensitive dye imaging (VSDI) to measure V1 population responses while macaque monkeys performed a detection task under varying levels of target-background similarity. Paradoxically, we find that during an initial transient phase, V1 responses to the target are enhanced, rather than suppressed, by target-background similarity. This effect reverses in the second phase of the response, so that in this phase V1 signals are positively correlated with the behavioral effect of similarity. Finally, we show that a simple model with delayed divisive normalization can qualitatively account for our findings. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that a nonlinear gain control mechanism in V1 contributes to perceptual similarity masking.
Deletion of FNDC5/Irisin modifies murine osteocyte function in a sex-specific manner
Authors: Shimonty Anika , Pin Fabrizio , Prideaux Matt , Peng Gang , Huot Joshua R , Kim Hyeonwoo , Rosen Clifford J , Spiegelman Bruce M , Bonewald Lynda F
Published: March 2024

Irisin, released from exercised muscle, has been shown to have beneficial effects on numerous tissues but its effects on bone are unclear. We found significant sex and genotype differences in bone from wildtype (WT) mice compared to mice lacking
Fndc5
(KO), with and without calcium deficiency. Despite their bone being indistinguishable from WT females, KO female mice were partially protected from osteocytic osteolysis and osteoclastic bone resorption when allowed to lactate or when placed on a low-calcium diet. Male KO mice have more but weaker bone compared to WT males, and when challenged with a low-calcium diet lost more bone than WT males. To begin to understand responsible molecular mechanisms, osteocyte transcriptomics was performed. Osteocytes from WT females had greater expression of genes associated with osteocytic osteolysis and osteoclastic bone resorption compared to WT males which had greater expression of genes associated with steroid and fatty acid metabolism. Few differences were observed between female KO and WT osteocytes, but with a low calcium diet, the KO females had lower expression of genes responsible for osteocytic osteolysis and osteoclastic resorption than the WT females. Male KO osteocytes had lower expression of genes associated with steroid and fatty acid metabolism, but higher expression of genes associated with bone resorption compared to male WT. In conclusion, irisin plays a critical role in the development of the male but not the female skeleton and protects male but not female bone from calcium deficiency. We propose irisin ensures the survival of offspring by targeting the osteocyte to provide calcium in lactating females, a novel function for this myokine.
A novel bioinformatics pipeline for the identification of immune inhibitory receptors as potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Singh Akashdip , Bedate Alberto Miranda , von Richthofen Helen J. , van der Vlist Michiel , Kuhn Raphael , Yermanos Alexander , Kuball Jurgen , Keşmir Can , Pascoal Ramos M. Ines , Meyaard Linde
Published: March 2024

Blocking inhibitory receptors like PD-1 and CTLA-4 has revolutionized cancer treatment in recent years. However, despite major successes in melanoma and lung cancer, the majority of cancer types are not responsive to these immunotherapies. As such, there is an ongoing need for the identification of novel inhibitory receptors as drug targets. Most inhibitory receptors signal via immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) and previous studies have estimated that our genome contains over 1600 ITIM-bearing transmembrane proteins. However, further testing and development of this large number of candidates requires increased understanding of their expression patterns and likelihood to function as inhibitory receptor.To assist in the selection of novel inhibitory receptor as therapeutic targets, we designed a novel bioinformatics pipeline integrating machine learning-guided structural predictions and sequence-based likelihood models to identify 51 known and 390 putative inhibitory receptors. Using publicly available transcriptomics data of immune cells, we determined the expression of these novel inhibitory receptors, and classified them into previously proposed functional categories.Known and putative inhibitory receptors were expressed across a wide variety of immune cells, and we found cell type-specific patterns in expression of these receptors. We used our pipeline to study inhibitory receptor expression patterns in single cell transcriptomics data of tumour infiltrating T cells. We determined that putative immune inhibitory receptors were expressed differentially in CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cell subsets, including exhausted CD8
+
T cells and CD4
+
memory T cells, which could allow for subset-specific targeting.In conclusion, we present an inhibitory receptor pipeline that identifies 51 known and 390 novel inhibitory receptors. This pipeline will support future drug target selection across diseases where therapeutic targeting of immune inhibitory receptors is warranted.
The intrinsically disordered N-terminus of SUMO1 is an intramolecular inhibitor of SUMO1 interactions
Authors: Richter Sebastian M , Jin Fan , Ritterhoff Tobias , Fergin Aleksandra , Maurer Eric , Frank Andrea , Daube Michael , Hajnal Alex , Klevit Rachel , Gräter Frauke , Flotho Annette , Melchior Frauke
Published: March 2024

Ubiquitin-related proteins of the SUMO family are reversibly attached to thousands of proteins in eukaryotic cells. Many SUMO substrates, effectors and enzymes carry short motifs (SIMs) that mediate low affinity interactions with SUMO proteins. How specificity is achieved in target selection, SUMO paralogue choice and SUMO-dependent interactions is largely unknown. A unique but poorly understood feature of SUMO proteins is their intrinsically disordered N-terminus. We reveal a function for N-termini of human,
C. elegans,
and yeast SUMO proteins as intramolecular inhibitors of SUMO- SIM interactions. Mutational analyses, NMR spectroscopy, and Molecular Dynamics simulations indicate that SUMO’s N-terminus can inhibit SIM binding by fast and fuzzy interactions with SUMO‘s core. Deletion of the
C. elegans
SUMO1 N-terminus leads to p53-dependent apoptosis during germline development, indicating an important role in DNA damage repair. Our findings reveal a mechanism of disorder-based autoinhibition that contributes to the specificity of SUMOylation and SUMO-dependent interactions.
Dependence of Nucleosome Mechanical Stability on DNA Mismatches
Authors: Ngo Thuy T. M. , Liu Bailey , Wang Feng , Basu Aakash , Wu Carl , Ha Taekjip
Published: March 2024

The organization of nucleosomes into chromatin and their accessibility are shaped by local DNA mechanics. Conversely, nucleosome positions shape genetic variations, which may originate from mismatches during replication and chemical modification of DNA. To investigate how DNA mismatches affect the mechanical stability and the exposure of nucleosomal DNA, we used an optical trap combined with single-molecule FRET and a single-molecule FRET cyclization assay. We found that a single base-pair C-C mismatch enhances DNA bendability and nucleosome mechanical stability. The increase in force required for DNA unwrapping from the histone core is observed for single base-pair C-C mismatches placed at three tested positions: at the inner turn, at the outer turn, or at the junction of the inner and outer turn of the nucleosome. The results support a model where nucleosomal DNA accessibility is reduced by mismatches, potentially explaining the preferred accumulation of single nucleotide substitutions in the nucleosome core and serving as the source of genetic variation during evolution and cancer progression. Mechanical stability of the nucleosome is also dependent on the species as we find that yeast nucleosomes are mechanically less stable and more symmetrical in the outer turn unwrapping compared to Xenopus nucleosomes.
SUTrans-NET: a hybrid transformer approach to skin lesion segmentation
Authors: Li Yaqin , Tian Tonghe , Hu Jing , Yuan Cao
Published: March 2024

Melanoma is a malignant skin tumor that threatens human life and health. Early detection is essential for effective treatment. However, the low contrast between melanoma lesions and normal skin and the irregularity in size and shape make skin lesions difficult to detect with the naked eye in the early stages, making the task of skin lesion segmentation challenging. Traditional encoder-decoder built with U-shaped networks using convolutional neural network (CNN) networks have limitations in establishing long-term dependencies and global contextual connections, while the Transformer architecture is limited in its application to small medical datasets. To address these issues, we propose a new skin lesion segmentation network, SUTrans-NET, which combines CNN and Transformer in a parallel fashion to form a dual encoder, where both CNN and Transformer branches perform dynamic interactive fusion of image information in each layer. At the same time, we introduce our designed multi-grouping module SpatialGroupAttention (SGA) to complement the spatial and texture information of the Transformer branch, and utilize the Focus idea of YOLOV5 to construct the Patch Embedding module in the Transformer to prevent the loss of pixel accuracy. In addition, we design a decoder with full-scale information fusion capability to fully fuse shallow and deep features at different stages of the encoder. The effectiveness of our method is demonstrated on the ISIC 2016, ISIC 2017, ISIC 2018 and PH2 datasets and its advantages over existing methods are verified.
EPI-SF: essential protein identification in protein interaction networks using sequence features
Authors: Saha Sovan , Chatterjee Piyali , Basu Subhadip , Nasipuri Mita
Published: March 2024

Proteins are considered indispensable for facilitating an organism’s viability, reproductive capabilities, and other fundamental physiological functions. Conventional biological assays are characterized by prolonged duration, extensive labor requirements, and financial expenses in order to identify essential proteins. Therefore, it is widely accepted that employing computational methods is the most expeditious and effective approach to successfully discerning essential proteins. Despite being a popular choice in machine learning (ML) applications, the deep learning (DL) method is not suggested for this specific research work based on sequence features due to the restricted availability of high-quality training sets of positive and negative samples. However, some DL works on limited availability of data are also executed at recent times which will be our future scope of work. Conventional ML techniques are thus utilized in this work due to their superior performance compared to DL methodologies. In consideration of the aforementioned, a technique called EPI-SF is proposed here, which employs ML to identify essential proteins within the protein-protein interaction network (PPIN). The protein sequence is the primary determinant of protein structure and function. So, initially, relevant protein sequence features are extracted from the proteins within the PPIN. These features are subsequently utilized as input for various machine learning models, including XGB Boost Classifier, AdaBoost Classifier, logistic regression (LR), support vector classification (SVM), Decision Tree model (DT), Random Forest model (RF), and Naïve Bayes model (NB). The objective is to detect the essential proteins within the PPIN. The primary investigation conducted on yeast examined the performance of various ML models for yeast PPIN. Among these models, the RF model technique had the highest level of effectiveness, as indicated by its precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC values of 0.703, 0.720, 0.711, and 0.745, respectively. It is also found to be better in performance when compared to the other state-of-arts based on traditional centrality like betweenness centrality (BC), closeness centrality (CC), etc. and deep learning methods as well like DeepEP, as emphasized in the result section. As a result of its favorable performance, EPI-SF is later employed for the prediction of novel essential proteins inside the human PPIN. Due to the tendency of viruses to selectively target essential proteins involved in the transmission of diseases within human PPIN, investigations are conducted to assess the probable involvement of these proteins in COVID-19 and other related severe diseases.
A responsabilidade social e o comprometimento organizacional no setor hoteleiro: o papel moderador da cultura organizacional
Authors: Chagas Vitória Santos , Neves José Gonçalves das , Duarte Ana Patrícia , Santos Neusa Maria Bastos Fernandes dos , Nunes Danilo
Published: March 2024

Em meio à globalização e às questões relacionadas ao desenvolvimento sustentável, que impactam diretamente nas políticas sociais e econômicas, as organizações vêm enfrentando desafios e mudanças recorrentes. Sua adaptação e sucesso dependem cada vez mais de suas ações voltadas para a responsabilidade social, o comprometimento organizacional e, principalmente, o papel da cultura organizacional como moderadora nesse processo. As principais referências para este artigo foram o modelo europeu de RSO (2001), o modelo teórico tridimensional de CO de Meyer e Allen (1991) e o quadro de valores concorrentes de Quinn - CULT (1983).
Transient Anti PM-Scl75 Antibody Positive Acral Ischemia Syndrome in a 15 Years-Old Girl
Authors: Bittmann Stefan , Luchter Elisabeth , Moschüring-Alieva Elena
Published: March 2024

In 1862, the French doctor Maurice Raynaud published his dissertation in Paris titled "Sur l’asphyxie locale et la gangrène symétrique des extrémités" (On local asphyxia and symmetrical gangrene of the extremities). In it, he described a series of cases in which there were episodes of acral ischemia. The phenomenon later named after him typically involves changes in skin color from white to blue-livid to red, caused by a vasospasm of acral arteries (white phase) followed by reactive vasodilation. Acral ischemia is present in different clinical conditions as stated in this manuscript. We report a case of a transient anti PM-Scl75 antibody positive acral ischemia syndrome in a 15 years-old girl.
Integrated Nutrient Management for Enhancing Cereal Crop Production: A Review
Authors: Surve Vaishali , Patel Payal , Patel Tushar , Jinjala Hitesh
Published: March 2024

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is a holistic approach that aims to optimize nutrient use efficiency in cereal crop production by combining various sources of nutrients, including organic and inorganic fertilizers. The integration of organic materials, such as crop residues and manures, with chemical fertilizers is emphasized to enhance soil fertility, improve nutrient availability, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The synergistic effects of combining different nutrient sources contribute to balanced nutrition, reduced environmental impact, and increased resilience to changing climatic conditions. This abstract highlights the significance of integrated nutrient management as a comprehensive strategy for achieving higher cereal crop yields while addressing the challenges of nutrient management and environmental sustainability in modern agriculture. Integrated Nutrient Management not only boosts the growth, yield attributes, overall yield, and quality parameters of cereal crops but also fosters soil health, thereby fostering long-term agricultural sustainability.
Practical Applications of Teaching Methodologies in Human Anatomy
Authors: Taitson Paulo Franco , Santiago Laura Furletti , Sarkis Marcela Cançado , Vasconcelos Fernanda Oliveira Prado de , Elias Clara Fraga
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study is to underscore the significance of utilizing cadavers, artificial anatomical models, and innovative methodologies in Human Anatomy education, such as digital tables and 3D glasses. Additionally, it seeks to highlight the most effective approach for studying the female pelvis anatomically.

Materials and Methods: To achieve this, 600 questionnaires administered between March and October 2023 were analyzed.

Results: Anatomical models emerged as the predominant practical teaching method in Human Anatomy, accounting for all 600 cases (100%). Cadavers were utilized in 504 cases, representing 84% of the studies. The digital table was employed in 312 cases (52%), and 3D glasses were referenced in 144 cases (24%). When assessing the method most conducive to studying the female pelvis, the majority of respondents cited cadavers (82%), followed by artificial anatomical models (11.5%), the digital table (5%), and 3D glasses (1.5%).

Conclusions: The popularity of anatomical models can be attributed to their accessibility, ease of handling, and durability. However, cadavers were deemed the most beneficial for studying the female pelvis due to their ability to provide a comprehensive three-dimensional perspective, facilitating understanding of the spatial relationships between genital structures and other pelvic organs. Furthermore, practical anatomy sessions utilizing cadavers offer valuable emotional preparation for future clinical encounters, fostering a deeper appreciation for the human body beyond mere academic study.
Factors Hindering Church Growth in Rwanda: A Case Study of the Lutheran Church of Rwanda (LCR)
Authors: Murisa Emmanuel
Published: March 2024

There are several factors that can cause the church not to grow. Some of these factors include lack of enthusiasm for evangelism, internal squabbles, weak discipleship, pastors who are not developed in leadership and weak stewardship. In order for the church to adhere to the great commission, it is imperative for church growth. “Church Growth” is the discipline that seeks to analyse how Christian churches grow, both numerically and spiritually. Numerical growth can include attendance at worship, membership and the number of congregations. Spiritual growth is measured by how people seek the love of God and practices to the neighbours. However, it is harder to quantify, but it is an essential part of the subject. The findings revealed that lack of strategic plan for evangelism, lack of Christian stewardship and lack of leadership skills are among the factors that contributed to making the LCR not to grow. It is therefore recommended that there should be a proper plan for evangelism methods like house to house evangelism, open air meetings and seminars. It is further recommended that Christians of the LCR should take their responsibilities to ensuring that they use their gifts, time, money and talents to make sure that the church grows both spiritually and numerically. The research concludes that the LCR has all the potentiality to grow spiritually and numerically. The church has to take advantage of the growing number of the citizens in Rwanda especially in big cities like Kigali to expand and grow. For this to happen, new strategies for evangelism and discipleship together with mutual relationships between leaders and congregants are most needed.
Analysis of incipience of nucleate boiling in a reboiler tube
Authors: Kamil M. , Shamsuzzoha M. , Hakeem M. Abdul
Published: November 2006

An analysis has been carried out to predict the boiling incipience with natural circulation flow in a reboiler tube. An equation has been proposed to estimate the wall superheat for different types of liquids covering a wide range of thermo physical properties. Incipience in liquid films is influenced both by turbulent eddies and liquid submergence. This approach utilizes physical parameters of commonly accepted incipience models and takes into account the effects of turbulent eddies and submergence. The results predicted from the theoretical analysis were found to be consistent with the experimental data, having average absolute relative error of 15.42 percent. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Immunität im Reagenzglas: Die Zauberkugel wird Wirklichkeit
Authors: Lerner Richard A.
Published: November 2006

Nach über einhundert Jahren immunologischer Forschung ist Paul Ehrlichs Konzept der Zauberkugel heute Realität. Gegenwärtig sind therapeutische Antikörper die wohl wichtigste Klasse von neuen Wirkstoffen zur Behandlung vieler Erkrankungen, darunter der Alzheimer‐Krankheit und Krebs. Die Entwicklung von therapeutischen Antikörpern war auf Fortschritte in der Immunchemie angewiesen, die erst die Erzeugung von Antikörpern in vitro ermöglichten. Das Herzstück dieser neuen Technik ist die kombinatorische Antikörperbibliothek, die die Synthese eines künstlichen Immunsystems ermöglicht, das die Diversität des Antikörperrepertoires der Natur übertrifft. Der Aufbau einer solchen Bibliothek ausgehend vom natürlichen Immunsystem als Startpunkt musste als schwierig gelten, da Verfahren erforderlich sind, die den zu konventionellen Klonierungsverfahren umgekehrten Weg beschreiten. Bei der Genklonierung beginnt man mit einem komplexen System und vereinfacht dieses zu einem singulären System. Bei der Erzeugung von Diversität durch Aufbau einer kombinatorischen Antikörperbibliothek beginnt man dagegen mit einer Ansammlung von Klonen, erhöht in regelloser Weise deren Komplexität und bringt sie dann wieder zur Singularität zurück. Mit den Methoden, die für diese anspruchsvolle Aufgabe entwickelt worden sind, können Antikörper für jedes Antigen im Reagenzglas erzeugt werden. Diese synthetischen Antikörper können den natürlichen Antikörpern qualitativ und quantitativ überlegen sein.
Modification of carbon black through grafting multihydroxyl hyperbranched polyether onto its surface
Authors: Yang Qiang , Wang Li , Xiang Weidong , Zhou Junfeng , Jiang Guohua
Published: November 2006

The hydroxy methyl groups were introduced onto the pristine carbon black surface through the reaction between unsaturated hydrogen atoms of the polycondensed aromatic rings of carbon black and formaldehyde in alkali condition. Using the resultant hydroxy methyl groups on the carbon black surface as the growth point, multihydroxyl hyperbranched polyether was grafted onto the carbon black surface by cationic ring‐opening polymerization of 3‐ethyl‐3‐(hydroxymethyl)‐oxetane in the presence of BF3·OEt2 to improve its dispersion ability in solvents. It was found that the modified carbon black could be dispersed in polar solvents, such as ethanol, chloroform, and DMF. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2086–2092, 2007
Chemical and Constitutional Influences in the Self‐Assembly of Functional Supramolecular Hydrogen‐Bonded Nanoscopic Fibres
Authors: Puigmartí‐Luis Josep , Minoia Andrea , Pérez del Pino Ángel , Ujaque Gregori , Rovira Concepció , Lledós Agustí , Lazzaroni Roberto , Amabilino David B.
Published: November 2006

A new series of secondary amides bearing long alkyl chains with π‐electron‐donor cores has been synthesized and characterised, and their self‐assembly upon casting at surfaces has been studied. The different supramolecular assemblies of the materials have been visualized by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is possible to obtain well‐defined fibres of these aromatic core molecules as a result of the hydrogen bonds between the amide groups. Indeed, by altering the alkyl‐chain lengths, constitutions, concentrations and solvent, it is possible to form different rodlike aggregates on graphite. Aggregate sizes with a lower limit of 6–8 nm width have been reached for different amide derivatives, while others show larger aggregates with rodlike morphologies which are several micrometers in length. For one compound that forms nanofibres, doping was performed by using a chemical oxidant, and the resulting layer on graphite was shown to exhibit metallic‐like spectroscopy curves when probed with current‐sensing AFM. This technique also revealed current maps of the surface of the molecular material. Fibre formation not only takes place on the graphite surface: nanometre scale rods have been imaged by using TEM on a grid after evaporation of solutions of the compounds in chloroform. Molecular modelling proves the importance of the hydrogen bonds in the generation of the fibres, and indicates that the constitution of the molecules is vital for the formation of the desired columnar stacks, results that are consistent with the images obtained by microscopic techniques. The results show the power of noncovalent bonds in self‐assembly processes that can lead to electrically conducting nanoscale supramolecular wires.
Rational Design of Sterically and Electronically Easily Tunable Chiral Bisimidazolines and Their Applications in Dual Lewis Acid/Brønsted Base Catalysis for Highly Enantioselective Nitroaldol (Henry) Reactions
Authors: Ma Kuoyan , You Jingsong
Published: November 2006

A new addition to the rational design of sterically and electrically easily tunable chiral bis(imidazoline) ligands from chiral amino alcohols has been developed. Vast structural variation of chiral bis(imidazoline) ligands can be simply achieved by the choice of both the 1,2‐amino alcohol and its N‐1 R1 substituent. A small library of chiral bisimidazolines (1 a–h) has been constructed. The method has provided an easy and simplified route to a diverse set of air‐stable and water‐tolerant chiral bis(imidazoline) ligands on 10 g scales. The dual Lewis Acid/Brønsted base catalytic system generated from the (S)‐1 a/Cu(OTf)2 complex and Et3N was able to catalyze Henry reactions between aldehydes and nitromethane effectively at room temperature, and also to tolerate a wide scope of aldehydes with excellent enantiomeric excesses. Not only aromatic aldehydes but also aliphatic aldehydes afforded the nitroalcohol products, with enantiomeric excesses in the 93–98 % range. This dual catalytic system is among the most effective systems so far reported for the asymmetric parent Henry reactions. This work also represents the first members of the class of chiral bisimidazolines to have been demonstrated to achieve excellent enantioselectivities.
Actin deficiency induces cofilin phosphorylation: Proteome analysis of HeLa cells after β‐actin gene silencing
Authors: Liu Ning , Academia Katrina , Rubio Teresa , Wehr Tim , Yeck Todd , Jordan Liz , Hamby Keith , Paulus Aran
Published: November 2006

Actin‐binding proteins regulate the dynamic structure and function of actin filaments in the cell. Much is known about how manipulation of the actin‐binding proteins affects the structure and function of actin filaments; however, little is known about how manipulation of actin in the cell affects actin‐binding proteins. We addressed this question by utilizing two technologies: RNA interference and 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. We knocked down β‐actin expression in HeLa cells using short interfering RNA and applied 2‐DGE to examine alterations in the HeLa cell proteome. We revealed a 2–5 fold increases of four protein spots on 2‐D gels and identified these proteins by mass spectrometry. Three of the four proteins were actin‐binding proteins, including cofilin, which promotes both disassembly and assembly of actin filaments but becomes inactivated when phosphorylated. Further examination revealed that the cofilin total protein level barely increased, but the phosphorylated cofilin level increased dramatically in HeLa cells after β‐actin siRNA treatment. These results suggest that in response to siRNA‐induced β‐actin deficiency HeLa cells inactivate cofilin by phosphorylation rather than down‐regulate its protein expression level. This study also demonstrates that the combination of RNA interference and 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis technologies provides a valuable method to study protein interactions in a specific cellular pathway. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Survival and toxicity differences between 5‐day and weekly cisplatin in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Einstein Mark H. , Novetsky Akiva P. , Garg Madhur , Hailpern Susan M. , Huang Gloria S. , Glueck Arielle , Fields Abbie L. , Kalnicki Shalom , Goldberg Gary L.
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND.

Cisplatin (CDDP) administration concomitant with radiotherapy (RT) for the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer has evolved from an inpatient 5‐day every 21‐day regimen to a weekly outpatient regimen. This study was designed to test for differences in progression‐free survival (PFS) and toxicity between the 2 regimens.

METHODS.

In all, 77 consecutive patients at a single institution with stage IB2‐IV cervical cancer were included in this analysis (using the International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians staging system). All patients were treated with CDDP, external beam RT, and 2 9‐Gy high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy treatments. Two cohorts were compared: 1) 5‐day, patients treated from 1995 to 2001 with CDDP 20 mg/m2 × 5 days every 21 days concomitant with RT; 2) weekly, treated after May 2001 with CDDP 40 mg/m2 weekly concomitant with RT.

RESULTS.

In all, 50 patients were treated with the 5‐day regimen and 27 patients with the weekly regimen. There were no significant demographic differences between the groups. Overall 3‐year PFS, controlling for stage, was 90% and 76% for 5‐day and weekly groups, respectively (P = .01). Adjusting for stage, age, and completion of treatment, the risk of treatment failure among the weekly group was 3.46 times higher than the 5‐day group (P = .02). The weekly group had a 3.43 times higher risk of developing acute toxicities than the 5‐day group (P = .02) in advanced‐stage patients.

CONCLUSIONS.

Patients who received weekly CDDP have a shorter 3‐year PFS. Patients with advanced‐stage cervical cancer who received weekly CDDP had significantly more acute toxicities. These data should be confirmed in a multiinstitutional, randomized, controlled study. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Differential mRNA distribution of components of the ERK/MAPK signalling cascade in the adult mouse brain
Authors: Di Benedetto Barbara , Hitz Christiane , Hölter Sabine M. , Kühn Ralf , Vogt Weisenhorn Daniela M. , Wurst Wolfgang
Published: November 2006

The mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), also called extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs), are a group of serine/threonine terminal protein kinases activated downstream of a pleiotrophy of transmembrane receptors. Main intracellular components of the MAPK signalling pathway are the RAF, MEK, and ERK proteins, which work in a cascade of activator and effector proteins. They regulate many fundamental cellular functions, including cell proliferation, cell survival, and cell differentiation by transducing extracellular signals to cytoplasmic and nuclear effectors. To reveal more details about possible activation cascades in this pathway, the present study gives a complete description of the differential expression of Braf, Mek1, Mek2, Mek5, Erk1, Erk2, Erk3, and Erk5 in the adult murine brain by way of in situ hybridization analysis. In this study, we found that each gene is widely expressed in the whole brain, except for Mek2, but each displays a very distinct expression pattern, leading to distinct interactions of the MAPK components within different regions. Most notably we found that 1) Braf and Erk3 are coexpressed in the hippocampus proper, confirming a possible functional interaction; 2) in most forebrain areas, Mek5 and Erk5 are coexpressed; and 3) in the neurogenic regions of the brain, namely, the olfactory bulb and the dentate gyrus, Braf is absent, indicating that other activator proteins have to take over its function. Despite these differences, our results show widespread coexpression of the pathway components, thereby confirming the hypothesis of redundant functions among several MEK and ERK proteins in some regions of the brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 500:542–556, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystal Structure, Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopic and Photoluminescence Studies of Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Materials (HL)6[Ge6(OH)6(hedp)6]·2(L)·H2O, L = hqn or phen (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 23/2006)
Authors: Mafra Luís , Almeida Paz Filipe E. , Shi Fa‐Nian , Sá Ferreira Rute A. , Carlos Luís D. , Trindade Tito , Fernandez Christian , Klinowski Jacek , Rocha João
Published: November 2006

The cover picture shows the three‐dimensional supramolecular arrangement of 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) residues in compound (Hphen)6[Ge6(OH)6(hedp)6]·2(phen)·20H2O (where H4hedp stands for etidronic acid). Protonated organic residues, Hphen+, π‐π‐stack along the [101] direction of the unit cell, which leads to the formation of columns that are interconnected through a series of weak C–H···π interactions with neighbouring 1,10‐phenanthrolines. The resulting organic framework is highly porous and contains charge‐balancing centrosymmetric hexameric anionic [Ge6(ν2‐OH)6(C2H4O7P2)6]6– moieties within the channels and a large number of highly disordered water molecules (total available volume of ca. 2462 Å3 per unit cell). Details are discussed in the article by J. Rocha et al. on p. 4741 ff.