bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEVELOPING GABILPANET-BASED NUMBER LINE LEARNING MEDIA TO ENHANCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONCEPT OF INTEGERS COUNTING OPERATION AT GRADE VI
Authors: Zakiah Farida , Sukirman Sukirman , Utaminingsih Sri
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this research was to analyze the effectiveness of gabilpanet-based number line learning media to enhance elementary school students’ understanding of the concept of integer counting operations at grade IV in Kabupaten Jepara. This research was a development research using Borg & Gall model. The development steps included: 1) researching the existing products, 2) studying the literature, 3) planning the product development, 4) designing the product, 5) conducting limited trial, 6) conducting main field trial, 7) conducting operational field trial. The subjects of this study were sixth grade students at SDN 4 Tulakan, SDN 2 Bandungharjo, SDN 3 Bandungharjo, and SDN 4 Bandungharjo. Data were collected through observation, questionnaires, tests, and interviews. Then, the validation results were analyzed by accumulating the scores and the statistical test of the effectiveness was carried out with SPSS version 26. Data on the effectiveness of gabilpanet-based number line learning media were analyzed through normality and homogeneity tests at a significance level of 0.05. The finding revealed that gabilpanet-based number line learning media was effective and useful to be utilized in learning activities in order to enhance studetns’ understanding of the concept of integer counting operations. Based on the data obtained, the average score of students’ learning activities was 0.76 with a percentage of 76%. Moreover, the result of students’ learning outcome based on the average score of n-Gain was 0.69 with an average pre-test score of 43.00 and the average post test 82.50.
THE EFFECT OF SNOWBALL THROWING AND PROBLEM BASED LEARNING MODELS ON STUDENTS’ SOCIAL SCIENCE LEARNING MOTIVATION AT GRADE IV SUNAN AMPEL DEMAK CLUSTER
Authors: Kurniawati Kurniawati , Santoso Santoso , Utomo Slamet
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to analyze the effect of Snowball Throwing (X1) and Problem Based Learning (X2) models on the students’ social science learning motivation at grade IV elementary schools. The results showed that the snowball throwing model increased the students’ learning motivation based on the value of Sig. (2-tailed) showing that 0.000 <0.05 or t-count 10.660> t-table 1.69236. moreover, problem based learning model also increased the students’ learning motivation based on the value of Sig. (2-tailed) showing that 0.000 <0.05 or t-count 9.603> t-table 1.68957. The results demonstrated that there were differences in the effect of Snowball Throwing model and Problem Based Learning model on students’ social science learning motivation at grade IV in the public elementary schools. This was supported by the mean score of the posttest in experiment 1 which was 74.93 and the mean score of the posttest in experiment 2 which was 71.94.
IMPROVING STUDENTS’ SPEAKING SKILLS THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF EVERY ONE IS A TEACHER HERE LEARNING STRATEGY
Authors: Asriadi Asriadi
Published: September 2021

This research was motivated by the students’ low ability in communication. Considering the small number of students, it seemed appropriate to apply Everyone is a Teacher Here learning strategy so that students became active in learning process, especially in speaking. This research was a classroom action research conducted to sixth grade students at SDN 020 Karya Tani, Kecamatan Kempas. There were 7 students consisting of 2 male students and 5 female students. The instruments used in this research were observation sheets and the speaking ability. The results showed that the average score of the students' speaking ability in cycle I was 69.71% which was in the medium category. Then, in the second cycle, it increased to 82.85% which was in the high category. Based on the research results, it was concluded that Everyone is a Teacher Here learning strategy improved students' speaking skills.
THE EFFECT OF ROLE PLAYING AND SNOWBALL THROWING LEARNING MODEL ON STUDENTS’ SPEAKING SKILL AT GRADE III ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN GUGUS RA KARTINI
Authors: Yusmi Yusmi , Su‘ad Su‘ad , Murtono Murtono
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to describe the influence of role playing and snowball throwing learning models on students’ speaking skills at third grade elementary school in RA Kartini cluster. This research was an experimental research. The population in this study were students at grade III of elementary schools in RA Kartini cluster. From this population, the research samples were 60 grade III elementary school students. Data collection techniques included giving questionnaires, observation and documentation. The final analysis utilized descriptive analysis and inferential analysis. Inferential analysis was coducted by operating independent sample t-test to determine the influence role playing and snowball throwing models. The results of the analysis of the first hypothesis test between the role playing class and the conventional class showed a significance value of 0,000 (0,000 <0.05) and the tcount value was 3,943, while the ttable value was 2.024 (3,943> 2,024), meaning that Ha1 was accepted. This indicated that role paying had an effect on speaking skills. The second hypothesis test between the snowball throwing class and the conventional class showed a significance value of 0.02 (0.02 <0.05) and the t-count value of 3.370, while the t-table value was 2.024 (3,370> 2,024) meaning that Ha2 was accepted. This confirmed that the snowball model throwing significantly influenced the students’ speaking skills. The third hypothesis test showed that between the role playing and snowball throwing learning models the significance value of speaking skills was 0.017 (0.017 < 0.05) and the t-count value was 2.498 while the t-table value was 2.024 (2.498> 2.024). Referring to the hypothesis testing, Ha was accepted and Ho3 was rejected while Ha3 was accepted. Thus, it was concluded that role playing learning model was more influential than snowball throwing learning on the students’  speaking skills at the second grade of elementary school in Gugus RA Kartini.
DEVELOPING INTEGRATIVE THEMATIC MATERIALS BASED ON LOCAL WISDOM ON SCIENCE SUBJECT OF THEME 3, HEALTHY FOOD, AT GRADE V
Authors: Shofa Ahmad , Su’ad Su’ad , Murtono Murtono
Published: September 2021

The objectives of this study were 1) to analyze teachers’ input to develop Integrated Thematic Materials Based on Local Wisdom on Science subject Theme 3: Healthy Food, for Grade 5 Elementary School, 2) to find out how to prepare Integrated Thematic Materials Based on Local Wisdom for Science subject Theme 3: Healthy Food, for Grade 5 Elementary School , and 3) to reveal the effectiveness of the Integrated Thematic Materials Based on Local Wisdom on Science Subject Theme 3: Healthy Food, for Grade 5 Elementary School. This research was Research and Development (R & D) adapted from Sugiyono including ten steps. The validation of teaching materials wascarried out by proficient material experts and media experts. The results showed that the products in this development research were declared feasible and effective to be used as supporting teaching materials for grade V. The feasibility of this thematic module product was based on the validation results of material experts which obtained a total score of 73 in very good category and the results of validation by media experts which obtained a total score of 116 in very good category. The feasibility of the thematic module product was also strengthened by the results of the effectiveness test (N-Gain) on the product trial which obtained a score of 85.2968 or 85.30% in effective category for the experimental class, and the effectiveness test (N-Gain) on the trial which obtained a score of 88, 5386 or 88.54% with the effective category.
IMPROVING STUDENTS’ LEARNING OUTCOMES THROUGH JIGSAW LEARNING MODEL AT GRADE VI SD NEGERI 066050 MEDAN
Authors: Siagian Mangara Halomoan , Simarmata Ester Julinda , Sinaga Reflina , Silaban Patri Janson
Published: September 2021

The learning model refers to a learning that encourages students to be active and help each other in mastering the subject. This study aimed to improve students’ learning outcomes at grade VI SD Negeri 066050 Medan Denai for the academic year 2020/2021. This research was Classroom Action Research. The results of the study revealed that for the pretest,6 students (23.07%) reached the target score with an average score of 63.45. In cycle I, there were 11 students (42.30%) who reached the target, with an average of 67.94%. In cycle II, there were 21 students (84.61%) who reached the target with an average of 82.56%. The learning implementation was categorized as good. This was seen from the results of observations of teachers’ activities in cycle I for 64% and in cycle II it increased to 82%. Then, the implementation of learning was good. This was seen from the results of students’ observation activities in cycle I for 60% and in cycle II it increased to 88%. Thus, the results of the study showed an increase in students’ learning outcomes on the theme of Bumiku, the sub-themes of Earth, the Sun and the Moon of learning 1 and learning 2 at grade VI SD for the academic year 2020/2021 . In short, implementing Jigsaw learning model improved students’ learning outcomes.
THE EFFECT OF BLENDED LEARNING MODEL WITH TELEGRAM APPLICATION ON STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING ABILITY AND LEARNING OUTCOMES ON SOCIAL STUDIES SUBJECT AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Authors: Wahyuningtias Santi , Riyanto Yatim , Setyowati Rr Nanik
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to determine the effect of blended learning model with telegram application on students’ critical thinking skills and learning outcomes for social studies subjects at fifth grade of SDN Semambung Sidoarjo. The blended learning model with the telegram application was carried out online and offline; this also became a solution due to the covid-19 pandemic so that the learning process could still be carried out. This research was an experimental research with a pretest post test control group design. The subject of this research was the fifth grade students of SDN Semambung Sidoarjo. Data were collected through critical thinking ability test and learning outcomes tests. Furthermore, the data were tested by using validity and reliability tests, while the learning tools were tested by expert validation. Data analysis test was conducted through normality test and homogeneity test. The analytical technique used was t test. The results of this study indicated that (1) there was an effect of blended learning model with telegram application on the students’ critical thinking skills at fifth grade elementary school in social studies subject; (2) there was an effect of blended learning model with telegram application on the students’ learning outcomes at the fifth grade elementary school in social studies subject. For teachers who faced problems in implementing online learning accompanied by low critical thinking skills and students’ learning outcomes, it was recommended to use a blended learning model with telegram application.
DEVELOPING COMIC MEDIA ABOUT HUMAN INTERACTION WITH THE ENVIRONMENT TO IMPROVE CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
Authors: Fitriah Lailatul , Roesminingsih Maria Veronica , Suhanadji Suhanadji
Published: September 2021

Students' critical thinking has not been maximally trained in learning since learning activities are only memorizing to meet the demands of passing the assessment. Students are less able to understand, build, and criticize arguments about a problem, especially in social studies learning. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of comic media material about human interaction with the environment to improve the critical thinking skills of fifth grade students. This type of research was research and development (Research and Development) with a 4D model. This research was conducted online using Zoom platform, Google forms, and Ms. Teams that was carried out synchronously and asynchronously due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Data were collected through the expert validation stage and observation sheets, student response questionnaires and critical thinking tests (pretest and posttest) for the teacher and student activity. Furthermore, the data were analyzed by quantitative and descriptive techniques. The results showed that: (1) comic media was in the very feasible category with a percentage of 82%, (2) it was practical based on teacher activity observations with a percentage of 94% with very active category, 95% for student activity with very active category and student response questionnaires was 93% with very good category, (3) it was effective based on the result of N-gain on the critical thinking test, which was 0.53 (medium category). Thus, comic media in social studies learning was declared valid, practical and effective in improving students’ critical thinking skills at fifth grade of elementary school.
Bone Marrow Regulatory T Cells Are a Unique Population, Supported by Niche-Specific Cytokines and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells, and Required for Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Control
Authors: Nicholls Jemma , Cao Benjamin , Le Texier Laetitia , Xiong Laura Yan , Hunter Christopher R. , Llanes Genesis , Aguliar Ethan G. , Schroder Wayne A. , Phipps Simon , Lynch Jason P. , Cao Huimin , Heazlewood Shen Y. , Williams Brenda , Clouston Andrew D. , Nefzger Christian M. , Polo Jose M. , Nilsson Susan K. , Blazar Bruce R. , MacDonald Kelli P. A.
Published: September 2021

Regulatory T cell (Treg) reconstitution is essential for reestablishing tolerance and maintaining homeostasis following stem-cell transplantation. We previously reported that bone marrow (BM) is highly enriched in autophagy-dependent Treg and autophagy disruption leads to a significant Treg loss, particularly BM-Treg. To correct the known Treg deficiency observed in chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) patients, low dose IL-2 infusion has been administered, substantially increasing peripheral Treg (pTreg) numbers. However, as clinical responses were only seen in ∼50% of patients, we postulated that pTreg augmentation was more robust than for BM-Treg. We show that BM-Treg and pTreg have distinct characteristics, indicated by differential transcriptome expression for chemokine receptors, transcription factors, cell cycle control of replication and genes linked to Treg function. Further, BM-Treg were more quiescent, expressed lower FoxP3, were highly enriched for co-inhibitory markers and more profoundly depleted than splenic Treg in cGVHD mice.In vivoour data are consistent with the BM and not splenic microenvironment is, at least in part, driving this BM-Treg signature, as adoptively transferred splenic Treg that entered the BM niche acquired a BM-Treg phenotype. Analyses identified upregulated expression of IL-9R, IL-33R, and IL-7R in BM-Treg. Administration of the T cell produced cytokine IL-2 was required by splenic Treg expansion but had no impact on BM-Treg, whereas the converse was true for IL-9 administration. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) within the BM also may contribute to BM-Treg maintenance. Using pDC-specific BDCA2-DTR mice in which diptheria toxin administration results in global pDC depletion, we demonstrate that pDC depletion hampers BM, but not splenic, Treg homeostasis. Together, these data provide evidence that BM-Treg and splenic Treg are phenotypically and functionally distinct and influenced by niche-specific mediators that selectively support their respective Treg populations. The unique properties of BM-Treg should be considered for new therapies to reconstitute Treg and reestablish tolerance following SCT.
Flexible Temperature Sensors
Authors: Liu Ruping , He Liang , Cao Meijuan , Sun Zhicheng , Zhu Ruiqi , Li Ye
Published: September 2021

Temperature reflects the balance between production and dissipate of heat. Flexible temperature sensors are primary sensors used for temperature monitoring. To obtain real-time and accurate information of temperature, different flexible temperature sensors are developed according to the principle of flexible resistance temperature detector (FRTC), flexible thermocouple, flexible thermistor and flexible thermochromic, showing great potential in energy conversion and storage. In order to obtain high integration and multifunction, various flexible temperature sensors are studied and optimized, including active-matrix flexible temperature sensor, self-powered flexible temperature sensor, self-healing flexible temperature sensor and self-cleaning flexible temperature sensor. This review focuses on the structure, material, fabrication and performance of flexible temperature sensors. Also, some typical applications of flexible temperature sensors are discussed and summarized.
Equation-of-Motion Coupled-Cluster Cumulant Green’s Function for Excited States and X-Ray Spectra
Authors: Vila F. D. , Kas J. J. , Rehr J. J. , Kowalski K. , Peng B.
Published: September 2021

Green’s function methods provide a robust, general framework within many-body theory for treating electron correlation in both excited states and x-ray spectra. Conventional methods using the Dyson equation or the cumulant expansion are typically based on theGWself-energy approximation. In order to extend this approximation in molecular systems, a non-perturbative real-time coupled-cluster cumulant Green’s function approach has been introduced, where the cumulant is obtained as the solution to a system of coupled first order, non-linear differential equations. This approach naturally includes non-linear corrections to conventional cumulant Green’s function techniques where the cumulant is linear in theGWself-energy. The method yields the spectral function for the core Green’s function, which is directly related to the x-ray photoemission spectra (XPS) of molecular systems. The approach also yields very good results for binding energies and satellite excitations. The x-ray absorption spectrum (XAS) is then calculated using a convolution of the core spectral function and an effective, one-body XAS. Here this approach is extended to include the full coupled-cluster-singles (CCS) core Green’s function by including the complete form of the non-linear contributions to the cumulant as well as all single, double, and triple cluster excitations in the CC amplitude equations. This approach naturally builds in orthogonality and shake-up effects analogous to those in the Mahan-Noizeres-de Dominicis edge singularity corrections that enhance the XAS near the edge. The method is illustrated for the XPS and XAS of NH3.
Promising Thermoelectric Performance in Two-Dimensional Semiconducting Boron Monolayer
Authors: Hu Yonglan , Li Ding , Liu Rongkun , Li Shichang , Feng Chunbao , Li Dengfeng , Ding Guangqian
Published: September 2021

A heavy element is a special character for high thermoelectric performance since it generally guarantees a low lattice thermal conductivity. Here, we unexpectedly found a promising thermoelectric performance in a two-dimensional semiconducting monolayer consisting of a light boron element. Using first-principles combined with the Boltzmann transport theory, we have shown that in contrast to graphene or black phosphorus, the boron monolayer has a low lattice thermal conductivity arising from its complex crystal of hexagonal vacancies. The conduction band with an intrinsic camelback shape leads to the high DOS and a high n-type Seebeck coefficient, while the highly degenerate valence band along with the small hole effective mass contributes to the high p-type power factor. As a result, we obtained the p-type thermoelectric figure of merit up to 0.96 at 300 K, indicating that the boron monolayer is a promising p-type thermoelectric material.
Injectable Hydrogel Based on Modified Gelatin and Sodium Alginate for Soft-Tissue Adhesive
Authors: Xing Yuhang , Qing Xueqin , Xia Hao , Hao Shiqi , Zhu Haofang , He Yiyan , Mao Hongli , Gu Zhongwei
Published: September 2021

To assist or replace the traditional suture techniques for wound closure, soft-tissue adhesives with excellent adhesion strength and favorable biocompatibility are of great significance in biomedical applications. In this study, an injectable hydrogel tissue adhesive containing adipic acid dihydrazide–modified gelatin (Gel-ADH) and oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) was developed. It was found that this tissue adhesive possessed a uniform structure, appropriate swelling ratio, good injectability, and excellent hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. The adhesion capacity of the developed adhesive with optimized component and concentration was stronger than that of the commercial adhesive Porcine Fibrin Sealant Kit. All these results suggested that the developed hydrogel was a promising candidate for a soft-tissue adhesive.
Continuous Synthesis of Uniformly Dispersed Mesoporous SBA-15 Supported Silver Nanoparticles in a Coiled Flow Inverter Reactor
Authors: Zhu Hai , Wu Ke-Jun , He Chao-Hong
Published: September 2021

Mesoporous silica supported nanocatalysts have shown great potential in industrial processes due to their unique properties, such as high surface area, large pore volume, good chemomechanical stability and so on. Controllable and tunable synthesis of supported nanocatalysts is a crucial problem. Continuous synthesis of supported nanoparticles has been reported to get uniformly dispersed nanomaterials. Here, a method for continuous synthesis of uniformly dispersed mesoporous SBA-15 supported silver nanoparticles in a coiled flow inverter (CFI) microreactor is described. Compared to Ag/SBA-15 synthesized in the conventional batch reactor and Ag synthesized in continuous flow, mesoporous silica nanocatalysts synthesized in continuous flow are found to have smaller average size (7–11 nm) and narrower size distribution. The addition of capping agents can effectively change the characteristic of catalysts. Moreover, two kinds of support with different surface area and pore size have been added into the continuous synthesis. This method can provide further understandings for the synthesis of uniformly dispersed supported nanocatalysts in continuous flow, especially for mesoporous nanomaterials, which provides the possibilities of large-scale yield process of supported nanocatalysts in industry.
Recent Advances in Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensors Based on Metal and Metal Oxide Nanostructures for Diabetes Management- A Review
Authors: Naikoo Gowhar A. , Salim Hiba , Hassan Israr U. , Awan Tasbiha , Arshad Fareeha , Pedram Mona Z. , Ahmed Waqar , Qurashi Ahsanulhaq
Published: September 2021

There is an undeniable growing number of diabetes cases worldwide that have received widespread global attention by many pharmaceutical and clinical industries to develop better functioning glucose sensing devices. This has called for an unprecedented demand to develop highly efficient, stable, selective, and sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensors (NEGS). Interestingly, many novel materials have shown the promising potential of directly detecting glucose in the blood and fluids. This review exclusively encompasses the electrochemical detection of glucose and its mechanism based on various metal-based materials such as cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), iridium (Ir), and rhodium (Rh). Multiple aspects of these metals and their oxides were explored vis-à-vis their performance in glucose detection. The direct glucose oxidation via metallic redox centres is explained by the chemisorption model and the incipient hydrous oxide/adatom mediator (IHOAM) model. The glucose electrooxidation reactions on the electrode surface were elucidated by equations. Furthermore, it was explored that an effective detection of glucose depends on the aspect ratio, surface morphology, active sites, structures, and catalytic activity of nanomaterials, which plays an indispensable role in designing efficient NEGS. The challenges and possible solutions for advancing NEGS have been summarized.
The Clinical Impact of Proton Pump Inhibitors When Co-Administered With Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients Having Acute Myocardial Infarction With Low Risk of Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Insights From the China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry
Authors: Shi Wence , Ni Lin , Yang Jingang , Fan Xiaoxue , Yu Mei , Yang Hongmei , Yu Mengyue , Yang Yuejin ,   China Acute Myocardial Infarction (CAMI) Registry study group
Published: September 2021

Background: The latest guidelines recommend the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to minimize gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), even though this co-administration may increase the risk of ischemia due to drug interactions. We have noticed that there are few studies conducted on patients with a lower risk of GIB. Therefore, we investigated the clinical effect of co-administration of PPI on DAPT patients with low GIB risk.

Methods and Results: From January 2013 to September 2014, a total of 17,274 consecutive patients on DAPT from 108 hospitals with low risk for GIB in the China Acute Myocardial Infarction (CAMI) registry were analyzed. The primary endpoints were GIB and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Multivariate logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the effect of PPIs use. Of the analyzed patients, 66.6% (n = 11,487) were treated with PPIs. PPI use did not show an extra gastrointestinal protective effect in patients with low risk for GIB who were hospitalized and on follow-up after 2 years. Moreover, it was associated with an increased risk of stroke during the 2-year follow-up [hazard ratio (HR) 2.072, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.388–3.091, p = 0.0003] and an increased risk of MI after 6 months (HR 1.580, 95% CI 1.102–2.265, p = 0.0119). We found the same results after propensity score matching.

Conclusion: PPI use is prevalent in DAPT patients with low GIB risk. PPIs did not show an extra gastrointestinal protective effect, while an increased risk of stroke was observed during the 2-year follow-up.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT01874691.
Sex-Specific Exposure–Effect Relationship Between Physical Activity and Incident Atrial Fibrillation in the General Population: A Dose–Response Meta-Analysis of 16 Prospective Studies
Authors: Wan Qin , Zhou Yue , Zhu Wengen , Liu Xiao
Published: September 2021

Background: Since evidence regarding the relationship between physical activity (PA) and atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence is inconsistent among studies, we performed a dose–response meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the exposure–effect association between PA and incident AF and the potential sex difference in the general population.

Methods: The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for eligible studies published up to July 2020 (PROSPERO: CRD42018091692). The non-linear or linear exposure–effect relationship between PA and AF was examined using the robust error meta-regression method.

Results: A total of 16 prospective studies involving 1,449,017 individuals and 39,884 AF cases were included. We observed an inverse non-linear association between PA level and incident AF (I2 = 0%, pnon−linearity < 0.001). In the linear model, a 5 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-h/week increase in PA was associated with a decreased risk of AF [risk ratio (RR) = 0.992, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.988–0.996, I2 = 0%]. In the sex-stratified analysis, we observed an inverse non-linear relationship between PA level and AF risk in females (I2 = 90%, pnon−linearity < 0.0001) but not in males (I2 = 0%, pnon−linearity = 0.40). In the linear model, a 5 MET-h/week increase in PA was associated with a reduced risk of AF in females (RR = 0.982, 95% CI: 0.975–0.989, I2 = 71%) but not in males (RR = 0.998, 95% CI: 0.994–1.002, I2 = 0%), with a significant interaction observed between the two groups (pinteraction < 0.0001).

Conclusion: There was an inverse non-linear relationship between PA level and incident AF in the general population. The beneficial effect of PA in reducing AF risk might be predominantly observed in females.
Evaluation of the Structure and Health Impacts of Exercise-Based Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Prehabilitation for Individuals With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rickard Julia N. , Eswaran Arun , Small Stephanie D. , Bonsignore Alis , Pakosh Maureen , Oh Paul , Kirkham Amy A.
Published: September 2021

Exercise-based, multimodal rehabilitation programming similar to that used in the existing models of cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation or prehabilitation is a holistic potential solution to address the range of physical, psychological, and existential (e.g., as their diagnosis relates to potential death) stressors associated with a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the structure and format of any type of exercise-based, multimodal rehabilitation programs used in individuals with cancer and the evidence base for their real-world effectiveness on metrics of physical (e.g., cardiorespiratory fitness, blood pressure) and psychological (e.g., health-related quality of life) health. Very few of the 33 included exercise-based, multimodal rehabilitation programs employed intervention components, education topics, and program support staff that were multi-disciplinary or cancer-specific. In particular, a greater emphasis on nutrition care, and the evaluation and management of psychosocial distress and CVD risk factors, with cancer-specific adaptations, would broaden and maximize the holistic health benefits of exercise-based rehabilitation. Despite these opportunities for improvement, exercise-based, multimodal rehabilitation programs utilized under real-world settings in individuals with cancer produced clinically meaningful and large effect sizes for cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak, ±2.9 mL/kg/min, 95% CI = 2.6 to 3.3) and 6-minute walk distance (+47 meters, 95% CI = 23 to 71), and medium effect sizes for various measures of cancer-specific, health-related quality of life. However, there were no changes to blood pressure, body mass index, or lung function. Overall, these findings suggest that exercise-based, multimodal rehabilitation is a real-world therapy that improves physical and psychological health among individuals with cancer, but the holistic health benefits of this intervention would likely be enhanced by addressing nutrition, psychosocial concerns, and risk factor management through education and counselling with consideration of the needs of an individual with cancer.
Simulation for a Mems-Based CTRNN Ultra-Low Power Implementation of Human Activity Recognition
Authors: Emad-Ud-Din Muhammad , Hasan Mohammad H. , Jafari Roozbeh , Pourkamali Siavash , Alsaleem Fadi
Published: September 2021

This paper presents an energy-efficient classification framework that performs human activity recognition (HAR). Typically, HAR classification tasks require a computational platform that includes a processor and memory along with sensors and their interfaces, all of which consume significant power. The presented framework employs microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based Continuous Time Recurrent Neural Network (CTRNN) to perform HAR tasks very efficiently. In a real physical implementation, we show that the MEMS-CTRNN nodes can perform computing while consuming power on a nano-watts scale compared to the micro-watts state-of-the-art hardware. We also confirm that this huge power reduction doesn't come at the expense of reduced performance by evaluating its accuracy to classify the highly cited human activity recognition dataset (HAPT). Our simulation results show that the HAR framework that consists of a training module, and a network of MEMS-based CTRNN nodes, provides HAR classification accuracy for the HAPT that is comparable to traditional CTRNN and other Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) implantations. For example, we show that the MEMS-based CTRNN model average accuracy for the worst-case scenario of not using pre-processing techniques, such as quantization, to classify 5 different activities is 77.94% compared to 78.48% using the traditional CTRNN.
Numerical Investigation of the Fracturing Effect Induced by Disturbing Stress of Hydrofracturing
Authors: Zhao Xinglong , Huang Bingxiang , Grasselli Giovanni
Published: September 2021

Fracturing induced by disturbing stress of hydraulic fracturing is the frontier common core scientific problem of reservoir stimulation of coal bed methane and shale gas. The finite-discrete element method, numerical calculation method, is used to analyze the basic law of shear failure and tension failure of natural fractures induced by the disturbing stress of the hydraulic fracture. The simulation results show that when natural fractures and other weak structures exist on the front or both sides of hydraulic fracture, the shear stress acting on the surface of natural fracture will increase until the natural fracture failure, which is caused by the disturbing stress of hydraulic fracturing. The seepage area on the front and both sides of the hydraulic fracture did not extend to the natural fracture while the natural fracture failure occurred. It indicates that the shear failure of natural fractures is induced by the disturbing stress of hydraulic fracturing. When the hydraulic fracture propagates to the natural fracture, the hydraulic tension fracture and disturbed shear fractures are connected and penetrated. As the fluid pressure within the natural fracture surface increases, the hydraulic fracture will continue to propagate through the natural fracture. Meanwhile, due to the action of fluid pressure, a tensile stress concentration will occur at the tip of the natural fracture, which will induce the airfoil tension failure of the natural fracture. With the increase of the principal stress difference, the range of the disturbing stress area and the peak value of the disturbing stress at the front of the hydraulic fracture tip increase, as well as the shear stress acting on the natural fracture surface. During the process of hydraulic fracture approaching natural fracture, the disturbing stress is easier to induce shear failure of natural fracture. With the increase of the cohesive force of natural fracture, the ability of natural fractures to resist shear failure increases. As the hydraulic fracture approaches natural fractures, the disturbing stress is more difficult to induce shear failure of natural fracture. This study will help to reveal the formation mechanism of the fracture network during hydraulic fracturing in the natural fractures developed reservoir.
Using Clumped Isotopes to Reconstruct the Maximum Burial Temperature: A Case Study in the Sichuan Basin
Authors: Li Pingping , Duan Jinbao , Cheng Zhongzhen , Zou Huayao
Published: September 2021

For strata that have experienced continual burial in the early stage and uplift in the late stage, the present-day temperature is lower than the maximum burial temperature (MBT), which is a key parameter for studying the hydrocarbon generation history of source rocks in petroliferous basins. In this paper, a new method for reconstructing the MBT is proposed based on the solid-state reordering model of carbonate clumped isotopes (Δ47). The MBT reconstructed using the Δ47 was compared with the MBT constrained using the traditional Easy%Ro model. The clumped isotope temperature (TΔ47) of the Permian micritic limestone from the Xibeixiang outcrop (about 62°C) is much higher than its initial formation temperature (20–25°C), suggesting that the limestone experienced partial solid-state reordering during the late burial process. The MBT of the calcite obtained from the solid-state reordering model is 139–147°C, which is quite similar to the MBT determined using the Easy%Ro model (139.5–147.5°C). TΔ47 of the Permian and Triassic limestone and calcite cements in the Puguang gas field are 150–180°C, while TΔ47 of the micritic dolostone is about 70°C, suggesting that the Δ47 of the limestone and calcite cements experienced complete solid-state reordering and the dolostone only experienced partial solid-state reordering. The MBT of the dolomite determined using the solid-state reordering model is 200–220°C, which is also similar to the MBT determined using the Easy%Ro model (202–227°C). Therefore, the case studies from the Sichuan Basin suggest that Δ47 can be used to reconstruct the MBT of ancient carbonate strata lacking vitrinite and detrital zircon data. However, different types of carbonate samples should be used to reconstruct the MBT for strata that have experienced different temperature histories. Micritic limestone and very finely crystallized dolostone can be used to reconstruct the MBT of strata that have experienced MBTs of <150–200°C and >200–250°C, respectively.
Reconstructing Long-Term Changes in Avian Populations Using Lake Sediments: Opening a Window Onto the Past
Authors: Duda Matthew P. , Hargan Kathryn E. , Michelutti Neal , Blais Jules M. , Grooms Christopher , Gilchrist H. Grant , Mallory Mark L. , Robertson Gregory J. , Smol John P.
Published: September 2021

The lack of long-term monitoring data for many wildlife populations is a limiting factor in establishing meaningful and achievable conservation goals. Even for well-monitored species, time series are often very short relative to the timescales required to understand a population’s baseline conditions before the contemporary period of increased human impacts. To fill in this critical information gap, techniques have been developed to use sedimentary archives to provide insights into long-term population dynamics over timescales of decades to millennia. Lake and pond sediments receiving animal inputs (e.g., feces, feathers) typically preserve a record of ecological and environmental information that reflects past changes in population size and dynamics. With a focus on bird-related studies, we review the development and use of several paleolimnological proxies to reconstruct past colony sizes, including trace metals, isotopes, lipid biomolecules, diatoms, pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs, invertebrate sub-fossils, pigments, and others. We summarize how animal-influenced sediments, cored from around the world, have been successfully used in addressing some of the most challenging questions in conservation biology, namely: How dynamic are populations on long-term timescales? How may populations respond to climate change? How have populations responded to human intrusion? Finally, we conclude with an assessment of the current state of the field, challenges to overcome, and future potential for research.
Response of Background Herbivory in Mature Birch Trees to Global Warming
Authors: Nakamura Masahiro , Minoshima Moeko , Terada Chisato , Takagi Kentaro , Makoto Kobayashi , Shibata Hideaki , Hiura Tsutom
Published: September 2021

Given the time scale based on the duration of exposure to global warming, natural climate-gradient studies and experimental manipulations have detected long-term (decades to centuries) and short-term (years to decades) ecological responses to global warming. Combination of these two complementary approaches within a single study may enable prediction of the likely responses of ecological processes to global warming. To understand how global warming affects plant–herbivore interactions within a canopy of Erman’s birch, we combined an elevational gradient study and a warming experiment involving mature birch trees in which the soil and tree branches were warmed separately. In the elevational gradient study, herbivory by chewing insects and plant growth increased as elevation decreased, and the concentrations of condensed tannins and total phenolics in the leaves decreased. In the warming experiment, soil warming alone increased herbivory, and the addition of branch warming amplified the effect on herbivory. Soil warming alone decreased the tannin concentration, and the addition of branch warming led to a further reduction. The variation in herbivory was best explained by the tannin content of leaves. Our experimental results demonstrate that the decreased tannin content of leaves due to a combination of soil and branch warming was an important driver of increased herbivory in the canopy of the mature birch trees. The similar tendencies in the short- and long-term responses imply that global warming is likely to increase background herbivory in mature birch trees by decreasing the tannin content of leaves in the canopy.
Identification and Validation of EMT-Related lncRNA Prognostic Signature for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Li Danfeng , Lin Xiaosheng , Chen Binlie , Ma Zhiyan , Zeng Yongming , Wang Huaiming
Published: September 2021

Background: This study aimed to explore the biological functions and prognostic role of Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (Epithelial-mesenchymal transition)-related lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas database was applied to retrieve gene expression data and clinical information. An EMT-related lncRNA risk signature was constructed relying on univariate Cox regression, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selector Operation (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression analysis of the EMT-related lncRNA expression data and clinical information. Then, an individualized prognostic prediction model based on the nomogram was developed and the predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomogram were determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration curve. Finally, a series of analyses, such as functional analysis and unsupervised cluster analysis, were conducted to explore the influence of independent lncRNAs on CRC.

Results: A total of 581 patients were enrolled and an eleven-EMT-related lncRNA risk signature was identified relying on the comprehensive analysis of the EMT-related lncRNA expression data and clinical information in the training cohort. Then, risk scores were calculated to divide patients into high and low-risk groups, and the Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that low-risk patients tended to have better overall survival (OS). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the EMT-related lncRNA signature was significantly associated with prognosis. The results were subsequently confirmed in the validation dataset. Then, we constructed and validated a predictive nomogram for overall survival based on the clinical factors and risk signature. Functional characterization confirmed this signature could predict immune-related phenotype and was associated with immune cell infiltration (i.e., macrophages M0, M1, Tregs, CD4 memory resting cells, and neutrophils), tumor mutation burden (TMB).

Conclusions: Our study highlighted the value of the 11-EMT-lncRNA signature as a predictor of prognosis and immunotherapeutic response in CRC.
Development and Validation of a Novel Gene Signature for Predicting the Prognosis by Identifying m5C Modification Subtypes of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Yu Jing , Liang Lei-Lei , Liu Jing , Liu Ting-Ting , Li Jian , Xiu Lin , Zeng Jia , Wang Tian-Tian , Wang Di , Liang Li-Jun , Xie Da-Wei , Chen Ding-Xiong , An Ju-Sheng , Wu Ling-Ying
Published: September 2021

Background: 5-Methylcytidine (m5C) is the most common RNA modification and plays an important role in multiple tumors including cervical cancer (CC). We aimed to develop a novel gene signature by identifying m5C modification subtypes of CC to better predict the prognosis of patients.

Methods: We obtained the expression of 13 m5C regulatory factors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA all set, 257 patients) to determine m5C modification subtypes by the “nonnegative matrix factorization” (NMF). Then the “limma” package was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different subtypes. According to these DEGs, we performed Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis to establish a novel gene signature in TCGA training set (128 patients). We also verified the risk prediction effect of gene signature in TCGA test set (129 patients), TCGA all set (257 patients) and GSE44001 (300 patients). Furthermore, a nomogram including this gene signature and clinicopathological parameters was established to predict the individual survival rate. Finally, the expression and function of these signature genes were explored by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion assays.

Results: Based on consistent clustering of 13 m5C-modified genes, CC was divided into two subtypes (C1 and C2) and the C1 subtype had a worse prognosis. The 4-gene signature comprising FNDC3A, VEGFA, OPN3 and CPE was constructed. In TCGA training set and three validation sets, we found the prognosis of patients in the low-risk group was much better than that in the high-risk group. A nomogram incorporating the gene signature and T stage was constructed, and the calibration plot suggested that it could accurately predict the survival rate. The expression levels of FNDC3A, VEGFA, OPN3 and CPE were all high in cervical cancer tissues. Downregulation of FNDC3A, VEGFA or CPE expression suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of SiHa cells.

Conclusions: Two m5C modification subtypes of CC were identified and then a 4-gene signature was established, which provide new feasible methods for clinical risk assessment and targeted therapies for CC.
Construction of a Prognostic Model in Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Ferroptosis-Related Genes
Authors: Liang Min , Chen Mafeng , Zhong Yinghua , Singh Shivank , Singh Shantanu
Published: September 2021

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors of the respiratory system, ranking first in morbidity and mortality among all cancers. This study aims to establish a ferroptosis-related gene-based prognostic model to investigate the potential prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods: We obtained gene expression data with matching clinical data of lung adenocarcinoma from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) were downloaded from three subgroups in the ferroptosis database. Using gene expression differential analysis, univariate Cox regression, and LASSO regression analysis, seven FRGs with prognostic significance were identified. The result of multivariate Cox analysis was utilized to calculate regression coefficients and establish a risk-score formula that divided patients with lung adenocarcinoma into high-risk and low-risk groups. The TCGA results were validated using GEO data sets. Then we observed that patients divided in the low-risk group lived longer than the overall survival (OS) of the other. Then we developed a novel nomogram including age, gender, clinical stage, TNM stage, and risk score.

Results: The areas under the curves (AUCs) for 3- and 5-years OS predicted by the model were 0.823 and 0.852, respectively. Calibration plots and decision curve analysis also confirmed the excellent predictive performance of the model. Subsequently, gene function enrichment analysis revealed that the identified FRGs are important in DNA replication, cell cycle regulation, cell adhesion, chromosomal mutation, oxidative phosphorylation, P53 signaling pathway, and proteasome processes.

Conclusions: Our results verified the prognostic significance of FRGs in patients with lung adenocarcinoma, which may regulate tumor progression in a variety of pathways.