bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-service teachers’ challenges to implementing an approach to critical thinking and critical reading in Chile
Authors: Veliz Leonardo
Published: February 2022

The present study reports on the challenges of implementing an approach to critical thinking and critical reading in English language teaching (ELT) in Chile. Participants in this research are in-service teachers of English enrolled in a Master’s course in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in Chile. In order to develop and construct a thorough understanding of the participants’ past and present academic literacy experiences, they were invited for one-to-one meetings (semi-structured interviews) where, rather than reminiscing about past literacy experiences, they were encouraged to engage in narratives about their experiences with and challenges of developing a socially critical awareness of literacy at university, and in their current teaching practices. Analysis of the participants’ accounts revealed, first and foremost, the pervasive presence of literacy practices that reflect and favor a strong culture of compliance over critical reflection, and, secondly, great concerns about the lack of systematic preparation in English teacher education (ETE) programs to develop and implement a more critical stance toward critical thinking and critical reading. The paper concludes by interrogating and challenging current university practices that, based on the participants’ views, seem to replicate a culture that reproduces both social and cultural inequalities.
Effect of Particle Size and Solid-to-Solvent Ratio on Yield, Piperine Content, Volatile and Non-Volatile Contents of Black Pepper Oleoresin Extracts
Authors: Induruwa Vidana Arachchige Don Chaminda Sampath Induruwa , Jittanit Weerachet
Published: February 2022

Highlights

The extraction of black pepper oleoresin was investigated by varying particle size and solid-to-solvent ratio.

The oleoresin extraction yield and piperine content were improved by decreasing particle size of pepper powder.

An increase of solid-to-solvent ratio from 1:5 to 1:10 resulted in the greater oleoresin extraction yield.

Suitable particle size and solid-to-solvent ratio for extraction are below 0.125 mm and 1:10, respectively.

Abstract. Black pepper oleoresin is extensively applied as a natural flavoring ingredient in the food industry. It contains piperine which has various benefits for human health. However, limited research has been conducted on black pepper oleoresin extraction, especially regarding the influence of key parameters on the yield and quality of the oleoresin product. Therefore, this research determined the effect of particle size and the solid-to-solvent ratio on the yield and quality of black pepper oleoresin extracted using the soxtec method. Four different particle sizes and four solid-to-solvent ratios were evaluated using ethanol as the solvent. The moisture content of black pepper powder, the oleoresin yield, the piperine content and the volatile oil and non-volatile oil contents were determined. The moisture content of the black pepper powder was 12.5% whereas the oleoresin and volatile oil contents of black pepper were 16.2% d.b. and 3.9% d.b., respectively. Both the yield and piperine content of oleoresin significantly increased with decreasing particle size from 0.5 to <1 mm to smaller than 0.125 mm. A decrease in the solid-to-solvent ratio from 1:5 to 1:10 significantly increased the oleoresin yield; however, a ratio lower than 1:10 did not provide any significant increase in the oleoresin yield. Decreasing the solid-to-solvent ratio led to a significant increase in the piperine content of oleoresin only when the ratio decreased from 1:5 to 1:20. There were no significant effects of particle size or the solid-to-solvent ratio on the volatile oil and non-volatile oil contents in the oleoresin. A suitable particle size and solid-to-solvent ratio were below 0.125 mm and 1:10, respectively, regarding increased yield and piperine content in the oleoresin. These results have contributed to a better understanding of the key factors affecting the yield and piperine content of black pepper oleoresin and of the conditions suitable for black pepper oleoresin extraction which can be utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Keywords: Black pepper oleoresin, Particle size, Piperine, Solid-to-solvent ratio, Soxtec method.
Effects of Different Potassium Supply Levels on Potassium Fertilizer of Bananas under Drip Irrigation
Authors: Zheng Chao , Yang Xiaofei , Liu Kexing , Huang Yongxiang
Published: February 2022

Highlights

The effects of different potassium levels on banana production were investigated under drip irrigation.

The most economical and rational potassium level for Brazil 118 was recommended to be 675 kg/ha.

Fertilization plays an important role in improving the potassium fertilizer efficiency of bananas.

Abstract.Applying potassium with water is an effective way to meet the potassium needs of banana and improve the utilization efficiency of potassium fertilizer. This paper aims to explore the fertilizer effect of different potassium levels on banana production under drip irrigation to provide a theoretical basis for the efficient and rational utilization of potassium fertilizer in banana production. Brazilian banana was used in the field experiment in this study. Under the condition of applying nitrogen fertilizer (N 750 kg/ha) and phosphate fertilizer (P2O5 450 kg/ha), five potassium supply levels of CK (without potassium fertilizer), K1 (K2O 225 kg/ha), K2 (450 kg/ha), K3 (675 kg/ha), and K4 (900 kg/ha) were employed to study the effects of drip irrigation on banana yield, fruit quality and economic benefits. The results showed that drip irrigation with potassium application could significantly increase the pseudo-stem diameter, fruits per comb, and green leaves of bananas (P<0.05). The banana yield with K3 treatment was 45.11 t/ha, which was 73.97%, 37.87%, 11.11%, and 5.67% higher than those with CK, K1, K2, and K4, respectively. The net cash income with K3 treatment was 122400 Chinese yuan/ha, increased by 57.32% compared with the CK treatment, and the output/input ratio increased from 1.41:1 to 3.11:1. Considering the increasing yield and economic benefits of bananas, application of drip irrigation coupled with the optimized potassium dosage (K2O 675 kg/ha) could achieve the highest banana production. Keywords: Banana, Drip irrigation, Economic benefit, Fruit quality, Potassium application level.
6G Mobile Communication Networks: Key Services and Enabling Technologies
Authors: Kumar Sanjay
Published: February 2022

The deployment of 5G (fifth generation mobile communication) network has already started. Although, 5G will offer significant improvements over the existing systems, but will not be able to fulfil the emerging future demands. Therefore, development of communication networks beyond 5G will be required, leading to 6G. 6G will satisfy unprecedented requirements and expectations that 5G cannot meet. This paper highlights various new services to be offered by 6G, and a few enabling technologies for 6G development.
Adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy of in vivo human retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Tang Janet A. H. , Granger Charles E. , Kunala Karteek , Parkins Keith , Huynh Khang T. , Bowles-Johnson Kristen , Yang Qiang , Hunter Jennifer J.
Published: February 2022

The intrinsic fluorescence properties of lipofuscin – naturally occurring granules that accumulate in the retinal pigment epithelium – are a potential biomarker for the health of the eye. A new modality is described here which combines adaptive optics technology with fluorescence lifetime detection, allowing for the investigation of functional and compositional differences within the eye and between subjects. This new adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope was demonstrated in 6 subjects. Repeated measurements between visits had a minimum intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.59 Although the light levels were well below maximum permissible exposures, the safety of the imaging paradigm was tested using clinical measures; no concerns were raised. This new technology allows for in vivo adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime imaging of the human RPE mosaic.
Phase noise mitigation by a realistic optical parametric oscillator
Authors: Notarnicola Michele N. , Genoni Marco G. , Cialdi Simone , Paris Matteo G. A. , Olivares Stefano
Published: February 2022

We address the exploitation of an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) in the task of mitigating, at least partially, phase noise produced by phase diffusion. In particular, we analyze two scenarios where phase diffusion is typically present. The first one is the measurement of the phase of a noisy optical field, while the second involves a quantum estimation scheme of a phase shift imposed on a noisy probe. In both cases, we prove that an OPO may lead to a partial or full compensation of the noise.
Thermally induced entanglement of atomic oscillators
Authors: Laha Pradip , Slodička Lukáš , Moore Darren W. , Filip Radim
Published: February 2022

Laser cooled ions trapped in a linear Paul trap are long-standing ideal candidates for realizing quantum simulation, especially of many-body systems. The properties that contribute to this also provide the opportunity to demonstrate unexpected quantum phenomena in few-body systems. A pair of ions interacting in such traps exchange vibrational quanta through the Coulomb interaction. This linear interaction can be anharmonically modulated by an elementary coupling to the internal two-level structure of one of the ions. Driven by thermal energy in the passively coupled oscillators, which are themselves coupled to the internal ground states of the ions, the nonlinear interaction autonomously and unconditionally generates entanglement between the mechanical modes of the ions. We examine this counter-intuitive thermally induced entanglement for several experimentally feasible model systems and propose parameter regimes where state-of-the-art trapped ion systems can produce such phenomena. In addition, we demonstrate a multiqubit enhancement of such thermally induced entanglements.
Coexistence of surface lattice resonances and bound states in the continuum in a plasmonic lattice
Authors: Trinh Quoc Trung , Nguyen Sy Khiem , Nguyen Dinh Hai , Tran Gia Khanh , Le Viet Hoang , Nguyen Hai-Son , Le-Van Quynh
Published: February 2022

We present a numerical study on a 2D array of plasmonic structures covered by a subwavelength film. We explain the origin of surface lattice resonances (SLRs) using the coupled dipole approximation and show that the diffraction-assisted plasmonic resonances and formation of bound states in the continuum (BICs) can be controlled by altering the optical environment. Our study shows that when the refractive index contrast Δn < −0.1, the SLR cannot be excited, while a significant contrast (Δn > 0.3) not only sustains plasmonic-induced resonances but also forms both symmetry-protected and accidental BICs. The results can aid the streamlined design of plasmonic lattices in studies on light–matter interactions and applications in biosensors and optoelectronic devices.
Relationship between axial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio in optical coherence tomography
Authors: Harper Danielle J. , Vakoc Benjamin J.
Published: February 2022

In optical coherence tomography (OCT), axial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are typically viewed as uncoupled parameters. We show that this is true only for mirror-like surfaces and that in diffuse scattering samples such as biological tissues there is an inherent coupling between axial resolution and measurement SNR. We explain the origin of this coupling and demonstrate that it can be used to achieve increased imaging penetration depth at the expense of resolution. Finally, we argue that this coupling should be considered during OCT system design processes that seek to balance the competing needs of resolution, sensitivity, and system/source complexity.
Breathing dynamics of symmetry-broken temporal cavity solitons in Kerr ring resonators
Authors: Xu Gang , Hill Lewis , Fatome Julien , Oppo Gian-Luca , Erkintalo Miro , Murdoch Stuart G. , Coen Stéphane
Published: February 2022

We investigate theoretically and experimentally the instabilities of symmetry-broken, vectorial, bright cavity solitons (CSs) of two-mode nonlinear passive Kerr resonators. Through comprehensive theoretical analyses of coupled Lugiato–Lefever equations, we identify two different breathing regimes where the two components of the vectorial CSs breathe respectively in-phase and out-of-phase. Moreover, we find that deep out-of-phase breathing can lead to intermittent self-switching of the two components, spontaneously transforming a soliton into its mirror-symmetric state. In this process, solitons are also sometimes observed to decay. All our theoretical predictions are confirmed in experiments performed in an optical fiber ring resonator, where CS symmetry breaking occurs across the polarization modes of the resonator. To the best of our knowledge, our study constitutes the first experimental report of breathing instabilities of multi-component optical solitons of driven nonlinear resonators.
Design, fabrication, and characterization of an optofluidic phase
modulator array based on the piezoelectric effect
Authors: Wei Xian , Zhao Rui , Liang Zhongcheng , Kong Meimei , Chen Tao
Published: February 2022

In this paper, an optofluidic phase modulator array based on the piezoelectric effect is designed, fabricated, and characterized. This array is composed of three piezoelectric ceramics arranged on the vertices of an equilateral triangle. A transparent liquid fills the inner cavity of the ceramics. Due to the inverse piezoelectric effect, the length of the transparent liquid is changed at different voltages, which contributes to the optical phase modulation. According to experiment results, it is found that our modulator arrays exert continuous optical phase adjustment ability. When the voltage ranges from 0 to 135 V, the relative length variation reaches up to 9.286 µm, and consequently our proposed modulator arrays perform about 9.685 π optical phase modulation.
Phase modulators in hybrid silicon and lithium niobate thin films
Authors: Li Qingyun , Zhu Houbin , Zhang Honghu , Cai Lutong , Hu Hui
Published: February 2022

The hybridization of mono-crystalline silicon and lithium niobate thin films (Si-LNOI) can combine the physical properties of Si and the optical properties of LN, and it has emerged as a new material platform for integrated photonics. In this paper, phase modulators in Si-LNOI were demonstrated. First, the phase modulator was designed. According to the simulation, the Si loading strip waveguide had a small mode area due to the large refractive index of Si. This allowed a small electrode gap that resulted in enhancement of the overlap of the optical field and the electrostatic field, and the VπL of the phase modulator could be as small as 3.3 V·cm. Second, phase modulators with a Si loading strip waveguide with a top width of 0.5 μm were fabricated by plasma etching, and the VπL of the phase modulator was measured to be 4.74 V·cm. This study provides useful information for the devices in the Si-LNOI.
Picosecond-resolution single-photon time lens for temporal mode quantum processing
Authors: Joshi Chaitali , Sparkes Ben M. , Farsi Alessandro , Gerrits Thomas , Verma Varun , Ramelow Sven , Nam Sae Woo , Gaeta Alexander L.
Published: February 2022

Techniques to control the spectro-temporal properties of quantum states
of light at ultrafast time scales are crucial for numerous
applications in quantum information science. In this work, we report
an all-optical time lens for quantum signals based on Bragg-scattering
four-wave mixing with picosecond resolution. Our system achieves a
temporal magnification factor of 158 with single-photon level inputs,
which is sufficient to overcome the intrinsic timing jitter of
superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. We demonstrate
discrimination of two terahertz-bandwidth, single-photon-level pulses
with 2.1 ps resolution (electronic jitter corrected resolution of
1.25 ps). We draw on elegant tools from Fourier optics to further show
that the time-lens framework can be extended to perform complex
unitary spectro-temporal transformations by imparting optimized
temporal and spectral phase profiles to the input waveforms. Using
numerical optimization techniques, we show that a four-stage
transformation can realize an efficient temporal mode sorter that
demultiplexes 10 Hermite–Gaussian (HG) modes. Our time-lens-based
framework represents a new toolkit for arbitrary spectro-temporal
processing of single photons, with applications in temporal mode
quantum processing, high-dimensional quantum key distribution,
temporal mode matching for quantum networks, and quantum-enhanced
sensing with time-frequency entangled states.
Augmented Reality und Virtual Reality – Einsatz im Kontext von Arbeit, Forschung und Lehre
Authors: Knoll Matthias , Stieglitz Stefan
Published: February 2022

Technologien zur Unterstützung von Augmented Reality (AR) und Virtual Reality (VR) setzen sich mit zunehmender Geschwindigkeit am Markt durch und ermöglichen so das seit vielen Jahren bekannte AR-/VR-Konzept in vielfältigen industriellen, dienstleistungsorientierten, hochschulischen und privaten Einsatzbereichen zu betriebswirtschaftlich sinnvollen Rahmenbedingungen anzuwenden. Insbesondere im Endkundenmarkt erschließen sich einschlägige Anwendungen einen stark wachsenden Markt. AR und VR werden über die bislang in diesem Bereich dominierende Spieleindustrie hinaus „alltagstauglich“.

Für eine vertiefende Diskussion einzelner Einsatzbereiche und Herausforderungen ist es daher zunächst hilfreich, die Begrifflichkeiten voneinander abzugrenzen und die mit dem Einsatz verbundenen begleitenden Chancen und Risiken im konkreten Projektkontext adressieren zu können.

Dieser Beitrag definiert daher zunächst die zentralen Begriffe und stellt anschließend grundlegende Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und wichtige Einsatzgebiete vor. Er unterstützt zudem bei der Betrachtung von Vor- und Nachteilen, insbesondere im Kontext der Suche nach passenden Lösungen und des Risikomanagements und schließt mit Hinweisen für den Einstieg in Technologie und Anwendung.
Cortical signatures of auditory object binding in children with autism spectrum disorder are anomalous in concordance with behavior and diagnosis
Authors: Bharadwaj Hari , Mamashli Fahimeh , Khan Sheraz , Singh Ravinderjit , Joseph Robert M. , Losh Ainsley , Pawlyszyn Stephanie , McGuiggan Nicole M. , Graham Steven , Hämäläinen Matti S. , Kenet Tal
Published: February 2022

Organizing sensory information into coherent perceptual objects is fundamental to everyday perception and communication. In the visual domain, indirect evidence from cortical responses suggests that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have anomalous figure–ground segregation. While auditory processing abnormalities are common in ASD, especially in environments with multiple sound sources, to date, the question of scene segregation in ASD has not been directly investigated in audition. Using magnetoencephalography, we measured cortical responses to unattended (passively experienced) auditory stimuli while parametrically manipulating the degree of temporal coherence that facilitates auditory figure–ground segregation. Results from 21 children with ASD (aged 7–17 years) and 26 age- and IQ-matched typically developing children provide evidence that children with ASD show anomalous growth of cortical neural responses with increasing temporal coherence of the auditory figure. The documented neurophysiological abnormalities did not depend on age, and were reflected both in the response evoked by changes in temporal coherence of the auditory scene and in the associated induced gamma rhythms. Furthermore, the individual neural measures were predictive of diagnosis (83% accuracy) and also correlated with behavioral measures of ASD severity and auditory processing abnormalities. These findings offer new insight into the neural mechanisms underlying auditory perceptual deficits and sensory overload in ASD, and suggest that temporal-coherence-based auditory scene analysis and suprathreshold processing of coherent auditory objects may be atypical in ASD.
Relationship between lay and expert perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine development timelines in Canada and USA
Authors: Kane Patrick Bodilly , Moyer Hannah , MacPherson Amanda , Papenburg Jesse , Ward Brian J. , Broomell Stephen B. , Kimmleman Jonathan
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Compare lay expectations of medical development to those of experts in the context of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development.

Methods

A short online survey of experts and lay people measuring when participants believe important vaccine milestones would occur and how likely potential setbacks were. Samples of US and Canadian lay people recruited through Qualtrics. The expert sample was created through a contact network in vaccine development and supplemented with corresponding authors of recent scholarly review articles on vaccine development.

Results

In aggregate, lay people gave responses that were within 3 months of experts, tending to be later than experts for early milestones and earlier for later milestones. Median lay best estimates for when a vaccine would be available to the public were 08/2021 and 09/2021 for the US and Canadian samples, compared with 09-10/2021 for the experts. However, many individual lay responses showed more substantial disagreement with expert opinions, with 54% of lay best estimates of when a vaccine would be available to the public being before the median expert soonest estimate or after the median expert latest estimate. Lay people were much more pessimistic about vaccine development encountering setbacks than experts (median probability 59% of boxed warning compared with only 30% for experts). Misalignment between layperson and expert expectations was not explained by any demographic variables collected in our survey.

Conclusion

Median lay expectations were generally similar to experts. At the individual level, however, lay people showed substantial variation with many believing milestones would occur much sooner than experts. Lay people were in general much more pessimistic about the prospect of setbacks than were experts.
Unveiling teachers’ beliefs on visual cognition and learning styles of deaf and hard of hearing students: A Portuguese-Swedish study
Authors: Rodrigues Filipa M. , Rato Joana R. , Mineiro Ana , Holmström Ingela
Published: February 2022

Vision is considered a privileged sensory channel for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students to learn, and, naturally, they recognize themselves as visual learners. This assumption also seems widespread among schoolteachers, which led us to analyse the intersection between teachers’ beliefs on deaf and hard of hearing students’ academic achievement, visual skills, attentional difficulties, and the perceived importance of image display in class. An online survey was designed to analyse the beliefs of the schoolteachers about the deaf and hard of hearing students learning in educational settings from Portugal and Sweden. Participated 133 teachers, 70 Portuguese and 63 Swedish, from the preschool to the end of mandatory education (ages 3–18) with several years of experience. The content analysis and the computed SPSS statistical significance tests reveal that surveyed teachers believe that deaf and hard of hearing students have better visual skills when compared with their hearing peers yet show divergent beliefs about visual attentional processes. Within the teachers’ perceptions on learning barriers to DHH students, the distractibility and cognitive effort factors were highlighted, among communicational difficulties in class. Conclusions about the prevalence of learning misconceptions in teachers from both countries analysed, corroborate previous studies on neuromyths in education, and bring novelty to Deaf Education field. The work of translation of scientific knowledge, teacher training updating, and partnership between researchers and educators are also urgently needed in special education.
Association between the saphenous vein diameter and venous reflux on computed tomography venography in patients with varicose veins
Authors: Choi Ji Yoon , Lee Ju-Hee , Kwon Oh Jung
Published: February 2022

Three-dimensional computed tomography venography is a useful tool to identify increased saphenous vein diameter and provides a complementary road map for surgery in patients with varicose veins. In this study, we investigated the correlation between saphenous vein diameter on computed tomography venography and venous reflux detected on duplex ultraonography. We enrolled 152 patients (213 extremities) who underwent endovenous laser ablation therapy, following high ligation of the saphenofemoral junction between January 2014 and December 2019. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography venography evaluation. The saphenous vein diameter was measured on computed tomography venography, and venous reflux was evaluated in the operating room using Doppler ultrasonography. Among the 152 patients included in the study, 61 showed varicose veins affecting the bilateral extremities. Among the 213 extremities investigated, 165 (77.5%) and 48 (22.5%) extremities showed varicosities involving the greater and lesser saphenous veins, respectively. Among all extremities, venous reflux was detected in 172 (80.8%). The mean diameter of the greater saphenous vein measured 5 cm distal to the saphenofemoral junction was 8.07±1.82 mm in patients with reflux and 5.11±1.20 mm in patients without reflux (p < .05). The small saphenous vein diameter measured 5 cm distal to the saphenopopliteal junction was 7.65±1.74 mm in patients with reflux and 5.04±1.80 mm in patients without reflux (p < .05). Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, the greater saphenous vein threshold diameter of 5.880 mm measured 5 cm distal to the saphenofemoral junction was the optimal cut-off value to predict reflux (sensitivity 91.4%, specificity 81.8%). The lesser saphenous vein diameter of 5.285 mm measured 5 cm distal to the saphenopopliteal junction was the optimal cut-off value to predict reflux (sensitivity 94.9%, specificity 75.0%). Vein diameter cannot be used as an absolute reference for venous reflux; however, it may have predictive value in patients with varicose veins. Computed tomography venography based measurements of vein diameter may serve as a useful diagnostic tool to predict venous reflux and recommend treatment.
Psychosocial outcome and health behaviour intent of breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 and PALB2 pathogenic variants unselected by a priori risk
Authors: Padmanabhan Heamanthaa , Hassan Nur Tiara , Wong Siu-Wan , Lee Yong-Quan , Lim Joanna , Hasan Siti Norhidayu , Yip Cheng-Har , Teo Soo-Hwang , Thong Meow-Keong , Mohd Taib Nur Aishah , Yoon Sook-Yee
Published: February 2022

There is an increasing number of cancer patients undertaking treatment-focused genetic testing despite not having a strong family history or high a priori risk of being carriers because of the decreasing cost of genetic testing and development of new therapies. There are limited studies on the psychosocial outcome of a positive result among breast cancer patients who are at low a priori risk, particularly in women of Asian descent. Breast cancer patients enrolled under the Malaysian Breast Cancer Genetic Study between October 2002 and February 2018 were tested for BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 genes. All 104 carriers identified were invited by a research genetic counsellor for result disclosure. Of the 104 carriers, 64% (N = 66) had low a priori risk as determined by PENN II scores. Psychosocial, risk perception and health behaviour measures survey were conducted at baseline (pre-result disclosure), and at two to six weeks after result disclosure. At baseline, younger carriers with high a priori risk had higher Cancer Worry Scale scores than those with low a priori risk but all scores were within acceptable range. Around 75% and 55% of high a priori risk carriers as well as 80% and 67% of low a priori risk carriers had problems in the “living with cancer” and “children” psychosocial domains respectively. All carriers regardless of their a priori risk demonstrated an improved risk perception that also positively influenced their intent to undergo risk management procedures. This study has shown that with sufficient counselling and support, low a priori risk carriers are able to cope psychologically, have improved perceived risk and increased intent for positive health behaviour despite having less anticipation from a family history prior to knowing their germline carrier status.
Secondary primary malignancy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: 27-year experience from the perspective of diagnostic tools
Authors: Wang Shih-Wei , Chan Leong-Perng , Wang Ling-Feng , Wu Che-Wei , Lin Sheng-Hsuan , Huang Tzu-Yen , Lee Ka-Wo
Published: February 2022

Background

The survival rate of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients with secondary primary malignancy (SPM) showed no significant improvement for decades, however, the impact of advances in diagnostic tools is rarely mentioned. This study investigated the clinical characteristic of HNSCC with SPM over a 27-year period especially from the perspective of diagnostic tools.

Methods

This study evaluated 157 HNSCC patients with SPM. The patients were divided into two groups according to the time of SPM diagnosis (Group A:1992–2003; Group B: 2004–2014). Age, gender, stage of first primary malignancy (FPM), SPM interval, overall survival, and disease-free survival were compared between groups.

Results

Group B had significantly more SPM developed rate (p = 0.002), more SPM patients with advanced stage of FPM (p = 0.001), synchronous SPM (p = 0.006), and shorter SPM interval (p<0.001) compared to Group A. The survival rate in Group B was not significantly better than Group A.

Conclusion

Among patients diagnosed with HNSCC recently, more SPMs are diagnosed in a shorter time interval and in a more advanced stage. The overall advances in diagnostic tools cannot significantly improve SPM survival, however, it enables more patients to receive corresponding treatment.
DNAJB1-PRKACA in HEK293T cells induces LINC00473 overexpression that depends on PKA signaling
Authors: Kim Stephanie S. , Kycia Ina , Karski Michael , Ma Rosanna K. , Bordt Evan A. , Kwan Julian , Karki Anju , Winter Elle , Aktas Ranan G. , Wu Yuxuan , Emili Andrew , Bauer Daniel E. , Sethupathy Praveen , Vakili Khashayar
Published: February 2022

Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a primary liver cancer that most commonly arises in adolescents and young adults in a background of normal liver tissue and has a poor prognosis due to lack of effective chemotherapeutic agents. The DNAJB1-PRKACA gene fusion (DP) has been reported in the majority of FLC tumors; however, its oncogenic mechanisms remain unclear. Given the paucity of cellular models, in particular FLC tumor cell lines, we hypothesized that engineering the DP fusion gene in HEK293T cells would provide insight into the cellular effects of the fusion gene. We used CRISPR/Cas9 to engineer HEK293T clones expressing DP fusion gene (HEK-DP) and performed transcriptomic, proteomic, and mitochondrial studies to characterize this cellular model. Proteomic analysis of DP interacting partners identified mitochondrial proteins as well as proteins in other subcellular compartments. HEK-DP cells demonstrated significantly elevated mitochondrial fission, which suggests a role for DP in altering mitochondrial dynamics. Transcriptomic analysis of HEK-DP cells revealed a significant increase in LINC00473 expression, similar to what has been observed in primary FLC samples. LINC00473 overexpression was reversible with siRNA targeting of PRKACA as well as pharmacologic targeting of PKA and Hsp40 in HEK-DP cells. Therefore, our model suggests that LINC00473 is a candidate marker for DP activity.
Cryptic MYC insertions in Burkitt lymphoma: New data and a review of the literature
Authors: Woroniecka Renata , Rymkiewicz Grzegorz , Szafron Lukasz M. , Blachnio Katarzyna , Szafron Laura A. , Bystydzienski Zbigniew , Pienkowska-Grela Barbara , Borkowska Klaudia , Rygier Jolanta , Kotyl Aleksandra , Malawska Natalia , Wojtkowska Katarzyna , Parada Joanna , Borysiuk Anita , Murcia Pienkowski Victor , Rydzanicz Malgorzata , Grygalewicz Beata
Published: February 2022

The occurrence ofMYC-negative Burkitt lymphoma (BL) has been discussed for many years. The real frequency of theMYCinsertion inMYC-negative BL is still unknown. Fine-needle aspiration biopsies of 108 consecutive patients with clinicopathologically suspected BL (suspBL) were evaluated by flow cytometry, classical cytogenetics, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We found 12 cases (11%) without theMYCrearrangement by FISH with a MYC breakapart probe: two patients (1.9%) with crypticMYC/IGHfusion (finally diagnosed as BL) and 10 patients (9.3%) with 11q gain/loss (finally diagnosed as Burkitt-like lymphoma with 11q aberration). The exact breakpoints of the crypticMYC/IGHwere investigated by next-generation sequencing. TheMYCinsertions’ breakpoints were identified inPVT1in the first case, and 42 kb upstream of 5′MYCin the second case. To date, a molecular characterization of theMYCinsertion in BL has only been reported in one case. Detailed descriptions of ourMYCinsertions in a routinely and consecutively diagnosed suspBL cohort will contribute to resolving the issue ofMYCnegativity in BL. In our opinion, the presence of theMYCinsertions in BL and other lymphomas might be underestimated, because routine genetic diagnostics are usually based on FISH only, without karyotyping.
Immunogenic properties of empty pcDNA3 plasmid against zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice
Authors: Montakhab-Yeganeh Hossein , Shafiei Reza , Najm Mehdi , Masoori Leila , Aspatwar Ashok , Badirzadeh Alireza
Published: February 2022

Background

Leishmania(L) parasite, the causative agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), effectively stimulates the mammalian cells to mount strong humoral responses by enhancing T-helper-2 (Th2)-associated cytokines for its survival. The best strategy to decrease the intensity of infection in the host is induction of cellular immunity.

Methods

We evaluated the effects of the empty bacterial pcDNA3 plasmid on mice infected withL.majorand quantified the immune mediators including IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IgG2a, IgG1, arginase activity and nitric oxide (NO) in the mice. Moreover, the footpad lesion size and parasite load were assessed.

Results

We observed that pcDNA3 could modulate the immune responses in favor of host cells and decrease the disease severity. Th2- associated mediators, including arginase, IL-4, and IL-10 are downregulated, while cellular responses are upregulated in line with an increase in the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and interfero-gamma (IFN-γ). Interestingly, pcDNA3 induced specific Th1-associated antibodies, IgG2a isotype; however, it suppressed the production of humoral IgG1. The stimulation of the immune response by the empty pcDNA3 is able to shift the immune function to predominant cellular responses caused by Th1, and it had a positive effect on the treatment of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL).

Conclusions

Altogether, we introduced the pcDNA3 as a potential interfering factor in the modulation of the immune system against ZCL. Since this vector has been widely used as a control group in different studies, we suggest that the potential function of the empty vector should be deeply assessed, as it exerts anti-parasitic effects on mice infected withL.major.
In silico recognition of a prognostic signature in basal-like breast cancer patients
Authors: Conte Federica , Sibilio Pasquale , Grimaldi Anna Maria , Salvatore Marco , Paci Paola , Incoronato Mariarosaria
Published: February 2022

Background

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) display poor prognosis, have a high risk of tumour recurrence, and exhibit high resistance to drug treatments. Based on their gene expression profiles, the majority of TNBCs are classified as basal-like breast cancers. Currently, there are not available widely-accepted prognostic markers to predict outcomes in basal-like subtype, so the selection of new prognostic indicators for this BC phenotype represents an unmet clinical challenge.

Results

Here, we attempted to address this challenging issue by exploiting a bioinformatics pipeline able to integrate transcriptomic, genomic, epigenomic, and clinical data freely accessible from public repositories. This pipeline starts from the application of the well-established network-based SWIM methodology on the transcriptomic data to unveil important (switch) genes in relation with a complex disease of interest. Then, survival and linear regression analyses are performed to associate the gene expression profiles of the switch genes with both the patients’ clinical outcome and the disease aggressiveness. This allows us to identify a prognostic gene signature that in turn is fed to the last step of the pipeline consisting of an analysis at DNA level, to investigate whether variations in the expression of identified prognostic switch genes could be related to genetic (copy number variations) or epigenetic (DNA methylation differences) alterations in their gene loci, or to the activities of transcription factors binding to their promoter regions. Finally, changes in the protein expression levels corresponding to the so far identified prognostic switch genes are evaluated by immunohistochemical staining results taking advantage of the Human Protein Atlas.

Conclusion

The application of the proposed pipeline on the dataset of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-Breast Invasive Carcinoma (BRCA) patients affected by basal-like subtype led to an in silico recognition of a basal-like specific gene signature composed of 11 potential prognostic biomarkers to be further investigated.
Water resources and trade: A research vision
Authors: Debaere Peter , Konar Megan
Published: February 2022

Water is an increasingly scarce resource in our globalized economy. At the same time, it is an essential input in the production of most goods and services enmeshed in an interconnected world economy. A rich literature has examined how water is used both directly in production and indirectly through supply chains and international trade (e.g., virtual water trade). There is now an opportunity to build on our understanding of who is using what water and where, with research that aims to understand why and how it is used. Such research should enlighten the mechanisms driving societal relations with water and inform decision-makers on how to increase water’s productivity, improve its allocation, and enable us to do more with less water. In this essay, we lay out our vision for research on the relationship between water and international trade.
Potentialities of the relationship between tourism and education: Report of experience of the tourism awareness project in the city of São Bernardo, Maranhão
Authors: Amador Alanny Davila Silva , Carvalho Karoliny Diniz
Published: February 2022

The text presents a report of experience of a socio-educational action entitled Tourism Incentive Project (PROINTUR) developed by a group of students in the 6th period of the Bachelor in Tourism Course of the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), São Bernardo campus. The action was developed at the Deborah Correia Lima Teaching Center, and its main goal was to raise awareness among the school community regarding the importance of tourism as a socio-historical, spatial and cultural phenomenon, a factor for promoting economic growth, and an agent for social inclusion. The importance of tourism for community development is discussed, as well as tourism education actions, especially in the school context. This is followed by a presentation of the results achieved by the project.  The work was based on bibliographic research, addressing the relationship between tourism and tourism education (Rabelo, 1998; Ribas, 2008; Fonseca Filho, 2007) and by pedagogical activities such as lectures, group dynamics and conversation circles with tourism and its production chain, tourist potential, and local development as the generating themes. The results of the intervention carried out show that the school community has knowledge about the importance of tourism; however, it has a restricted view of the tourist potential of the municipality of São Bernardo and the functions exercised by the bachelors degree in tourism as a transforming agent of the local reality.
From Analytical Lenses and Social Policies: A Look From the Emotions
Authors: Dettano Andrea
Published: February 2022

Social policies, as well as the ways of observing and defining them, require re-problematizations and revisions in the light of the structuring processes of this century. Because of this, this review aims to recover the central aspects of a recently published book, which addresses social policies from the social studies on emotions, observing how State interventions - with a growing scope and coverage - impact not only on the daily reproduction but also in the ways of feeling of the receiving subjects.
Relationship between hepatic gene expression, intestinal microbiota and inferred functional metagenomic analysis in NAFLD
Authors: Pettinelli Paulina , Arendt Bianca M. , Schwenger Katherine J.P. , Sivaraj Saranya , Bhat Mamatha , Comelli Elena M. , Lou Wendy , Allard Johane P.
Published: February 2022

INTRODUCTION:

We previously reported a lower fecal abundance of Ruminococcus spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Coprococcus spp. in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here we assess the associations between hepatic gene expression, the specific taxa, and bacterial pathways.

METHODS:

The relationships between hepatic genes that were differentially expressed in NAFLD patients vs healthy controls (HC), and the abundance of these specific taxa were studied. Inferred functional metagenomic analysis using Piphillin was also performed to investigate associations with bacterial pathways.

RESULTS:

Fifteen NAFLD and 6 HC participated. Of 728 hepatic genes examined, 176 correlated with the abundance of Ruminococcus spp., 138 with F. prausnitzii, and 92 with Coprococcus spp. For Ruminococcus spp., genes were enriched in Gene Ontology (GO) terms related to apoptotic process, response to external and cytokine stimuli, and regulation of signaling. Several genes related to the KEGG pathway insulin resistance were correlated with F. prausnitzii. The hepatic genes associated with F. prausnitzii were enriched in GO terms related to cellular response to different stimuli, apoptotic process, and regulation of metabolic pathways. For Coprococcus spp., only the GO term response to external stimulus was enriched. There was a distinct pattern of associations between hepatic genes and bacterial taxa in NAFLD versus HC. For bacterial pathways, 65 and 18 hepatic genes correlated with bacterial metabolic functions in NAFLD and HC, respectively.

DISCUSSION:

Hepatic gene expression related to insulin resistance, inflammation, external stimuli, and apoptosis correlated with bacterial taxa. NAFLD patients showed a higher presence of bacterial pathways associated with lipid metabolism.
O Smartphone Global: para além de uma tecnologia jovem: A Portuguese Translation of The Global Smartphone
Authors: Daniel Miller
Published: February 2022

O smartphone está tão frequentemente debaixo de nosso nariz, que assumimos saber o que ele é. Mas sabemos mesmo? Para descobrir, 11 antropólogos realizaram pesquisa de campo de 16 meses em países da África, Ásia, Europa e América do Sul, tendo como foco pessoas mais velhas. O livro O Smartphone Global apresenta perspectivas inéditas a partir desta pesquisa comparativa. A primeira descoberta é: os smartphones não são mais uma tecnologia restrita aos jovens, estando nas mãos de todos, independente da idade. Além disso, observou-se uma grande ambivalência entre aquilo que as pessoas falam sobre os smartphones e os modos como elas os usam na prática. Os smartphones se tornaram tanto um lugar em que vivemos, como apetrechos que providenciam um tipo de ‘oportunismo perpétuo’, por estarem sempre conosco. Vão além de um ‘repositório de aplicativos’. São um dispositivo sem precedentes em termos de potencial de transformação, assimilando rapidamente valores pessoais. Para compreender esse processo, considerou-se um leque de nuances nacionais e culturais, como a comunicação visual na China e no Japão, o dinheiro móvel em Camarões e Uganda, e acesso a informação sobre saúde no Chile e na Irlanda – juntamente com trajetórias variadas em relação ao envelhecimento em Al-Quds, no Brasil e na Itália. É dessa perspectiva global, e a partir do mapeamento de contextos diversos, que o livro se propõe a responder à pergunta O que é um smartphone? e a analisar suas consequências.
BAHAYA RADIKALISME TERHADAP MORALITAS REMAJA MELALUI TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI (MEDIA SOSIAL)
Authors: Lubis Dahlia , Siregar Husna Sari
Published: February 2022

Perkembangan teknologi yang semakin canggih, tren penggunaan media sosial telah dimanfaatkan oleh kelompok-kelompok radikal untuk menyebarkan pemahaman mereka yang dapat mengancam ideologi Pancasila sebagai negara kesatuan Republik Indonesia. Kenakalan remaja dapat dipengaruhi melalui media dan teknologi informasi. Industri teknologi tidak dapat disangkal lagi karena sebagian besar targetnya adalah remaja, terlepas dari lingkaran atau kelompok mana pun. Semua remaja khususnya dalam penelitian ini adalah pemuda masjid dan pemuda gereja yang pengguna insidental dan pengguna media teknologi informasi termasuk internet. Perlunya counter dari internal dan eksternal remaja ini karena informasi yang datang melalui media informasi dan teknologi begitu cepat, termasuk pemahaman radikal. Sehingga tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menggambarkan realitas empiris di balik fenomena secara mendalam, terperinci dan menyeluruh. Oleh karena itu penggunaan jenis penelitian kualitatif dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mencocokkan kenyataan empiris dengan teori yang berlaku dengan menggunakan metode analisis deskriptif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah analisis naratif, yaitu narasi dan analisis dokumen yang berkaitan dengan penelitian ini. Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah pendekatan psikologis yang ingin melihat bahaya radikalisme terhadap moralitas remaja melalui teknologi informasi (media sosial)
PEMBERDAYAAN MASJID DALAM KEHIDUPAN SOSIAL-AGAMA MASYARAKAT DESA TANJUNGTANI KECAMATAN PRAMBON KABUPATEN NGANJUK
Authors: Basthomi Imam
Published: February 2022

Masjid merupakan tempat peribadatan umat Islam. Pada zaman dahulu masjid menjadi pusat kegiatan umat Islam. Pada masa modern masjid mengalami penurunan dan penyempitan fungsi. Perlu adanya optimalisasi fungsi dan peran masjid agar masjid tidak hanya sebaga i tempat untuk menjalankan salat saja. Desa Tanjungtani berada di Kecamatan Prambon Kabupaten Nganjuk. Desa tersebut terkenal karena banyak pondok pesantren yang didirikan di sana namun masih banyak warga nya yang abangan. Fenomena tersebut mulai berubah ketika berdirinya Masjid Baitul Makmur. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk membahas pemberdayaan Masjid Baitul Makmur dalam Kehidupan sosial-agama masyarakat desa Tanjungtani. Penelitian ini termasuk penelitian kualitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan Historis dan sosial. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik wawancara, observasi, dan studi pustaka. Teori fungsional milik Tallcot Parsons digunakan peneliti sebagai alat analisis data. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pemberdayaan masjid sangat penting dalam kehidupan sosial dan dapat membantu mengoptimalkan fungsi dan peran dari Masjid terhadap kebutuhan masyarakat