bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
高等学校就业指导与求职培训体系构建与优化
Authors: 李昌奎
Published: May 2024

本培训项目旨在通过系统化、模块化的培训，全面提升高校教师的就业指导能力和学生的求职技能，以提高毕业生的职业竞争力和职业素养。项目涵盖八大模块，包括定向人才培养方法、实习指导与管理、就业市场分析与职业指导、校企合作模式与案例研究、职业技能提升、就业实习准备、求职面试技巧和职业生涯规划。通过理论讲解、案例分析、互动讨论和实际操作训练，项目促进校企合作，优化职业规划，提高职业指导和实习管理水平，最终实现高质量就业目标。This training program aims to systematically and modularly enhance the employment guidance capabilities of higher education teachers and the job-seeking skills of students, thereby improving graduates' career competitiveness and professional qualities. The program encompasses eight modules: targeted talent cultivation methods, internship guidance and management, job market analysis and career guidance, school-enterprise cooperation models and case studies, professional skills enhancement, internship preparation, job interview skills, and career planning. Through theoretical explanations, case studies, interactive discussions, and practical training, the program promotes school-enterprise cooperation, optimizes career planning, improves employment guidance and internship management, and ultimately achieves the goal of high-quality employment.
Pistolagem no campo: o autor mediato no banco dos réus e sua punibilidade em face da teoria do domínio do fato
Authors: Ferreira Adegmar José , Souza Cristiano de Freitas
Published: May 2024

O art. 29 do Código Penal não diferencia autor imediato e mediato de forma objetiva, ficando a cargo dos manuais de direito penal promover essas distinções e demonstrar sua forma de configuração. E isso, no âmbito dos crimes de homicídios perpetrados por meio da ação de um mandante e de um executor, expõe as fragilidades de um sistema criminal direcionado a promover a justiça e a pacificação social. Nesse sentido, teve-se por objetivo analisar a lei penal relacionada a indicar a conduta, no contexto do concurso de pessoas, de autores (diretos e indiretos), partícipes, coautores e, estritamente, compreender se é possível o emprego da teoria do domínio do fato para propiciar a cisão entre autor direto e indireto referente a pistolagem no campo. Desse modo, fez-se uso da metodologia bibliográfica, amparada em livros e no diploma penal repressivo. Constatou-se a existência de várias teorias discutindo a presente abordagem, sem, contudo, resolver a problemática exposta. E, somado a isso, a teoria do domínio do fato não se aplica a todos os casos envolvendo a ação de um mandante e um executor, demonstrando a necessidade de aperfeiçoamento do Código Penal.
Fundamentos da culpabilidade e o debate biologicista sobre o livre-arbítrio: o direito penal posto à prova, ou um falso problema interdisciplinar?
Authors: Horta Frederico , Romero Paulo
Published: May 2024

Cientistas como Robert Sapolsky têm questionado os fundamentos do direito penal, vislumbrando sua superação, diante da hipótese de que os atos humanos seriam predeterminados biologicamente. Procura-se responder a tais pretensões, a partir dos fundamentos da culpabilidade e das razões da pena, analisando o sentido ou a dimensão do livre-arbítrio que releva para o direito de punir. Rememoram-se as dicotomias culpabilidade e pena; periculosidade e medida de segurança, na evolução das ideias penais, assim como a importância da autodeterminação para a teoria do delito, notadamente no desenvolvimento do conceito de culpabilidade. São sintetizados os obstáculos que Sapolsky opõe ao livre-arbítrio e as suas propostas para um novo sistema de justiça criminal. Suas ideias são confrontadas com outras perspectivas, no campo das neurociências, sobre o papel da consciência na determinação dos atos e sobre a eficácia da pena como instrumento de controle social. Então, considerando que para a responsabilização dos imputáveis importam mais as condições externas dos seus atos, e que a consciência sobre as consequências destes atos, inclusive sobre a pena, influi na determinação (ainda que biológica) da vontade, demonstra-se a diminuta importância do debate sobre o livre-arbítrio para o direito penal, concluindo-se que tal questão não abala os seus fundamentos.
O direito ao sossego: uma alternativa ao falso bem jurídico “sentimento”
Authors: Vianna Túlio , Miranda Lucas
Published: May 2024

No presente artigo procuramos fundamentar o reconhecimento do sossego como bem jurídico passível de tutela penal em um Estado liberal. A partir da ideia de que sentimentos não podem ser considerados bens jurídicos, desenvolvemos uma alternativa para a criminalização de condutas como a ameaça (art. 147 do CPB), a partir da capacidade que esses atos têm de impedir a decisão da vítima quanto à alocação de sua atenção. Defendemos que o argumento de que a ameaça é criminalizada por ocasionar uma restrição à liberdade é excessivamente empírico e não engloba situações como da ameaça simples. Desse modo, o referencial do sossego nos parece mais adequado para justificar a tipificação. Por fim, demonstramos que a verificação da lesividade a esse bem jurídico está condicionada ao binômio expectativa de sossego e intensidade da agressão. Condutas que atingem as vítimas em determinados locais e horários em que há maior expectativa de sossego apresentam grau de lesividade mais alto que aquelas que os atingem em locais em que se espera a interrupção da atenção. De igual maneira, condutas repetitivas ou prolongadas atingem a capacidade de alocação da atenção de forma mais intensa que meras importunações pontuais.
Acordo de não persecução penal em crime de insider trading no curso do processo administrativo sancionatório da CVM: novas perspectivas a partir do princípio da independência entre as instâncias penal e administrativa
Authors: Filho Ademar Borges de Sousa
Published: May 2024

Este artigo apresenta um estudo acerca do modo como o princípio da independência entre as instâncias penal e administrativa opera nos casos de oferecimento de acordo de não persecução penal para investigados pelo crime de insider trading antes da conclusão do processo administrativo sancionador perante a CVM. A ideia central defendida, com base no princípio da proporcionalidade, é a de que o oferecimento do acordo de não persecução penal antes da conclusão do processo administrativo sancionador somente será válido se (i) estiver vocacionado à realização de interesse constitucionalmente legítimo, (ii) realizando o meio menos gravoso para atingi-lo e (iii) produzindo resultados juridicamente mais relevantes do que as restrições aos direitos fundamentais impostas ao investigado. O artigo está baseado em duas perspectivas teóricas extensamente desenvolvidas pelo professor Luís Greco, homenageado neste periódico: (i) a compreensão das modalidades de acessoriedade administrativa e da sua relação com a definição do âmbito de proibição da norma penal e (ii) a utilização escrupulosa do parâmetro da proporcionalidade na identificação da legitimidade da imposição de restrições aos direitos fundamentais dos investigados e réus no campo penal, desde que previamente autorizadas pelo legislador.
Adiar a morte do direito penal liberal: pena, crime e processo na obra de Luís Greco
Authors: Leite Alaor , Teixeira Adriano
Published: May 2024

O presente texto propõe-se a descrever (e a defender) o incumprido projeto de um direito penal liberal, à luz de sua tentativa contemporânea mais ambiciosa, impressionante e bem-acabada: a obra (ainda em incessante e vigoroso movimento) de Luís Greco. Para cumprir esse propósito, visitam-se as reflexões do autor homenageado sobre os três males carentes de legitimação em um Estado liberal: o mal da pena, o mal do crime e o mal do processo.
Social, Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Hydroelectric Power Plant: A Literature Review
Authors: Motalib Jalaloden
Published: May 2024

Hydroelectric power plants are increasingly viewed as a viable source of sustainable renewable energy in various countries, including the Philippines, given its extensive archipelagic landscape. Despite their pivotal role, there is a notable scarcity of research on the sustainability aspects of hydroelectric power plants. This study aimed to assess the impact of hydroelectric power plants on the lives of residents in the Philippines by examining their social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The research employed a literature review that scrutinized existing scientific literature about the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of hydroelectric power plants. Content analysis was utilized to categorize articles based on content grouping, encompassing topics such as the water quality of Lake Lanao, sustainability variables, and the overarching policies of the Philippine government concerning the sustainability of hydropower dams. The literature review revealed adverse effects of hydroelectric power plants, particularly on the social, economic, and environmental aspects associated with these projects. Concerns were identified, ranging from issues related to the water quality of Lake Lanao and the river to the lack of adequate waste management systems among residents. Compounding these challenges were forced evictions and a reduction in job opportunities, resulting in a diminished contribution to industrial processes. These findings underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive examination of the Agus Phase 1 Hydroelectric Power Plant, considering all three major variables—social, economic, and environmental—in the context of policy modification.
Teachers’ Methods of Instructions and Learners’ Instructional Preference: Predictors of Students’ Academic Performance in English 8
Authors: Balasabas Ria Joy
Published: May 2024

The study aimed to identify the method of instruction dominantly used in English 8 classes. The study also wanted to investigate the impact of the methods of instruction dominantly employed by the teachers and the student preferences on the latter’s academic performance. The researcher utilized the descriptive-correlational survey design. The respondents of the study were the 300 randomly selected Grade 8 students from 10 high schools of Santa Catalina Districts 1, 2, 3, and 4. The researcher used a standardized questionnaire and employed the weighted mean, percent, Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, and Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient in treating the data. The results revealed that the extent of teachers’ utilization of and the extent of preference for the five learning methods of instruction in their English class is “high.” The data also indicated that, among all methods of instruction, teacher-centered instruction demonstrated the strongest correlation with teachers' utilization and with students' preferences. The students’ academic performance also improved as teachers used more teacher-centered instruction and increased with a higher preference for teacher-centered instruction. These findings highlight the effectiveness of tailoring and employing classroom instructions and diverse methods in English language teaching that align with students' preferred methods of learning, to enhance their knowledge and academic achievement.
A retrospective analysis of outcomes and complications of living- and deceased-donor split-liver transplantation in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Crawford R , Loveland J , Gaylard P , Fabian J , Kinandu K , Bobat B , Mahomed A , Parbhoo D , Beretta M , Berkenfeld S , Rambarran S , Van der Schyff F , Brannigan L , Strobele B
Published: May 2024

Background. South African transplant centres are faced with significant challenges in meeting the need for liver transplantation, owing to the low and ever-decreasing number of deceased-donor organs. To increase organ utility, deceased-donor split-liver transplant (DDSLT) and living-donor liver transplant (LDLT) programmes were initiated in the Wits Transplant Unit.
Objective. To evaluate outcomes of the LDLT and DDSLT programmes.
Methods. A retrospective analysis of de-identified recipient and donor variables from all adult and paediatric DDSLTs and LDLTs conducted between 2013 and 2021 was performed. Comparison of categorical study variables between graft types was done with the χ2 test. Continuous variables were compared by means of the independent samples t-test. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to examine the effect of graft type on recipient and graft survival. All comparisons were made unadjusted, and adjusted for recipient age, recipient ethnicity, donor sex, and graft-weight-to-recipient-weight ratio (GWRWR) (for the paediatric cohort); and for donor age and GWRWR (for the adult cohort).
Results. A total of 181 paediatric and 48 adult liver transplants have been performed since the inception of the two programmes. Chronic liver failure, specifically intra- and extrahepatic cholestatic disease, was our main indication for liver transplantation in both cohorts. There were no significant differences between the DDSLTs and LDLTs in respect of pre- or post-discharge intervention, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and recipient or graft survival within both the paediatric and adult groups. Our overall 1- and 3-year survival estimates (95% confidence intervals) were 77% (70% - 83%) and 71% (64% - 78%) for the paediatric cohort, and 77% (62% - 87%) and 66% (50% - 78%) for the adult cohort, respectively.
Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrate comparable outcomes between DDSLT and LDLT, indicating that both methods are effective approaches to optimise organ utilisation for liver transplantation within our setting.
Two decades of recipient and donor referrals for heart transplantation to Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa: A retrospective study
Authors: Kanyongo R , Calligaro G , Cupido B , Scherman J , Brooks A , Ofoegbu C , Da Silva N , Ryan A , Mofamadi M , Seele K , Human P , Brink J , Zilla P , Pennel T
Published: May 2024

Background. Heart transplantation in South Africa faces numerous challenges related to organ scarcity and unequal access to advanced heart therapy. There is an urgent need to analyse the current transplant referral pathway to optimise equitable access to transplantation.
Objectives. To provide an audit of heart transplant referrals to Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, over a 23-year period, focusing on patient demographics, indications for referral, waiting-list dynamics, and transplant referral outcomes.
Methods. The study utilised a retrospective patient folder review for the period 1 January 1997 - 31 December 2019 and audited the trends in heart transplant referrals and associated outcomes of the referral at a tertiary academic hospital.
Results. A total of 625 recipients were referred for heart transplantation, with the majority being male (n=412; 65.9%), while gender was undocumented for 69 cases (11.0%). The mean age was 38.1 (14.6) years, and 153 (24.5%) were listed for transplant, while 215 (34.4%) were deemed ineligible for listing. Contraindications for listing included social (n=106; 49.3%), medical (n=83; 38.6%) and psychological (n=26; 12.0%) factors, while 134 patients (21.4%) were considered too well. Poor social circumstances (n=38; 39.6%), poor insight (n=28; 29.2%) and poor compliance (n=21; 21.9%) were the most common non-medical reasons for not listing recipients, while obesity (n=30; 31.3%) and smoking (n=23; 24.0%) were notable medical contraindications. Forty-nine patients (7.8%) died during work-up, while 130 (85.0%) of the listed patients received a heart transplant. Of the 429 donor referrals, 139 (32.4%) were accepted for organ procurement. Reasons for declining donors included unsuitability for transplantation (30.3%), lack of capacity (1.8%), and recipient-donor mismatch (66.9%).
Conclusion. Three-quarters of the referred patients were deemed unsuitable for heart transplantation for medical and/or social reasons. The ratio of referral to listing has decreased over time. However, once listed, the likelihood of receiving a transplant was high.
Impact of Teachers’ Professional Development on the Reading Achievement of Canadian Allophone Students
Authors: Azovide Yesifa , Bouchamma Yamina , Basque Marc
Published: May 2024

This study examines the impact of teachers’ professional development on Canadian allophone students’ learning and reading performance levels. We used the data from the Pan-Canadian Assessment Program 2016 involving Grade 8/Secondary II Canadian allophone students (N = 2,244) and teachers in French and English Language Arts (N = 598). Our correlation results show that Canadian allophone students’ reading achievement was positively associated with teachers’ professional development activities such as academic pursuits (e.g., university courses) and marking or scoring sessions. The correlations also demonstrate that teachers’ professional practice of curriculum development had a positive influence on the learning levels of Canadian allophone students who were born in Canada, while teachers’ participation in professional learning communities had a positive effect on Canadian allophone students who were not born in Canada.
A small review on polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Salmonella species
Authors: Deb Jayanta , Gupta Saurabh , Debnath Sanjit
Published: May 2024

Salmonella identification from blood samples is crucial for rapid detection and efficient medication of typhoid and paratyphoid fever. Because of its remarkable sensitivity and specificity, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a broadly applied technology. The goal of this analysis of 16 papers concentrating on PCR-based Salmonella species identification in blood samples is to identify the most common and successful PCR techniques. The review covers a variety of PCR methods, such as one-step differential detection PCR, nested PCR, multiplex PCR, and real-time PCR. The effectiveness of many PCR primers, including those for the flagellin gene, hilA gene, invA gene, and iroB gene, in detecting Salmonella was examined. The examined studies consistently showed that the PCR techniques used had good sensitivity (95%–100%) and specificity (97%–100%). In addition, PCR was effectively used by the researchers to identify particular species of Salmonella serovars, which comprise Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella paratyphi A, and Salmonella enteritidis. Notably, multiplex PCR became a useful technique for detecting many Salmonella serovars at the same time. The use of PCR in identifying antibiotic resistance in Salmonella isolates is also emphasized in the review. The collective results highlight the remarkable specificity and sensitivity of PCR-based techniques for Salmonella species identification from blood samples. Of them, real-time PCR and multiplex PCR are the most widely used because of their increased efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity.
Enhancing radiation safety and efficiency in nuclear medicine through automated drug dispensing systems: A feasibility study with staff acceptance analysis
Authors: Chandran Sanoop , Rama Annamalai , Govindan Induja , Kailas Anjana A. , Hebbar Srinivas , Naha Anup , Rani Usha
Published: May 2024

Nuclear medicine, a vital component of modern healthcare, harnesses the power of radioactive isotopes to enable precise diagnoses and treatments. However, the handling of radioactive materials poses inherent risks. This study introduces an automated drug dispensing system (ADDS) within a nuclear medicine department to enhance safety and efficiency. The research comprehensively evaluates ADDS implementation’s financial and operational feasibility, considering staff perceptions and acceptance. Findings reveal that RESCUEDOSE, an ADDS solution, offers a cost-effective, safety-enhancing option with rapid investment returns. Staff members exhibit favorable acceptance, contingent on adequate training. This study contributes to the broader trend of automation in healthcare, emphasizing its potential to elevate patient care and radiation safety.
Structure and function of the ROR2 cysteine-rich domain in vertebrate noncanonical WNT5A signaling
Authors: Griffiths Samuel C , Tan Jia , Wagner Armin , Blazer Levi L , Adams Jarrett J , Srinivasan Srisathya , Moghisaei Shayan , Sidhu Sachdev S , Siebold Christian , Ho Hsin-Yi Henry
Published: May 2024

The receptor tyrosine kinase ROR2 mediates noncanonical WNT5A signaling to orchestrate tissue morphogenetic processes, and dysfunction of the pathway causes Robinow syndrome, brachydactyly B, and metastatic diseases. The domain(s) and mechanisms required for ROR2 function, however, remain unclear. We solved the crystal structure of the extracellular cysteine-rich (CRD) and Kringle (Kr) domains of ROR2 and found that, unlike other CRDs, the ROR2 CRD lacks the signature hydrophobic pocket that binds lipids/lipid-modified proteins, such as WNTs, suggesting a novel mechanism of ligand reception. Functionally, we showed that the ROR2 CRD, but not other domains, is required and minimally sufficient to promote WNT5A signaling, and Robinow mutations in the CRD and the adjacent Kr impair ROR2 secretion and function. Moreover, using function-activating and -perturbing antibodies against the Frizzled (FZ) family of WNT receptors, we demonstrate the involvement of FZ in WNT5A-ROR signaling. Thus, ROR2 acts via its CRD to potentiate the function of a receptor super-complex that includes FZ to transduce WNT5A signals.
Circulating Small Extracellular Vesicle RNA Profiling for the Detection of T1a stage Colorectal Cancer and Precancerous Advanced Adenoma
Authors: Min Li , Bu Fanqin , Meng Jingxin , Liu Xiang , Guo Qingdong , Zhao Libo , Li Zhi , Li Xiangji , Zhu Shengtao , Zhang Shutian
Published: May 2024

It takes more than twenty years for normal colorectal mucosa to develop into metastatic carcinoma. The long time window provides a golden opportunity for early detection to terminate the malignant progression. Here we aim to enable liquid biopsy of T1a stage colorectal cancer (CRC) and precancerous advanced adenoma (AA) by profiling circulating small extracellular vesicle (sEV)-derived RNAs. We exhibited a full RNA landscape for the circulating sEVs isolated from 60 participants. A total of 58,333 annotated RNAs were detected from plasma sEVs, among which 1,615 and 888 sEV-RNAs were found differentially expressed in plasma from T1a stage CRC and AA compared to normal controls (NC). Then we further categorized these sEV-RNAs into 6 modules by a weighted gene coexpression network analysis and constructed a 60-gene t-SNE model consisting of the top 10 RNAs of each module that could well distinguish T1a stage CRC/AA from NC samples. Some sEV-RNAs were also identified as indicators of specific endoscopic and morphological features of different colorectal lesions. The top-ranked biomarkers were further verified by RT-qPCR, proving that these candidate sEV-RNAs successfully identified T1a stage CRC/AA from NC in another cohort of 124 participants. Finally, we adopted different algorithms to improve the performance of RT-qPCR-based models and successfully constructed an optimized classifier with 79.3% specificity and 99.0% sensitivity. In conclusion, circulating sEVs of T1a stage CRC and AA patients have distinct RNA profiles, which successfully enable the detection of both T1a stage CRC and AA via liquid biopsy.
Natural genetic variation underlying the negative effect of elevated CO2 on ionome composition in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Cassan Oceane , Pimpare Lea-Lou , Mozzanino Timothy , Fizames Cecile , Devidal Sebastien , Roux Fabrice , Milcu Alexandru , Lebre Sophie , Gojon Alain , Martin Antoine
Published: May 2024

The elevation of atmospheric CO2 leads to a decline in plant mineral content, which might pose a significant threat to food security in coming decades. Although few genes have been identified for the negative effect of elevated CO2 on plant mineral composition, several studies suggest the existence of genetic factors. Here, we performed a large-scale study to explore genetic diversity of plant ionome responses to elevated CO2, using six hundred Arabidopsis thaliana accessions, representing geographical distributions ranging from worldwide to regional and local environments. We show that growth under elevated CO2 leads to a global decrease of ionome content, whatever the geographic distribution of the population. We observed a high range of genetic diversity, ranging from the most negative effect to resilience or even to a benefit in response to elevated CO2. Using genome-wide association mapping, we identified a large set of genes associated with this response, and we demonstrated that the function of one of these genes is involved in the negative effect of elevated CO2 on plant mineral composition. This resource will contribute to understand the mechanisms underlying the effect of elevated CO2 on plant mineral nutrition, and could help towards the development of crops adapted to a high-CO2 world.
A mitochondrial carrier transports glycolytic intermediates to link cytosolic and mitochondrial glycolysis in the human gut parasite Blastocystis
Authors: Pyrihová Eva , King Martin S , King Alannah C , Toleco M Rey , van der Giezen Mark , Kunji Edmund RS
Published: May 2024

Stramenopiles form a clade of diverse eukaryotic organisms, including multicellular algae, the fish and plant pathogenic oomycetes, such as the potato blight Phytophthora, and the human intestinal protozoan Blastocystis. In most eukaryotes, glycolysis is a strictly cytosolic metabolic pathway that converts glucose to pyruvate, resulting in the production of NADH and ATP (Adenosine triphosphate). In contrast, stramenopiles have a branched glycolysis in which the enzymes of the pay-off phase are located in both the cytosol and the mitochondrial matrix. Here, we identify a mitochondrial carrier in Blastocystis that can transport glycolytic intermediates, such as dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, across the mitochondrial inner membrane, linking the cytosolic and mitochondrial branches of glycolysis. Comparative analyses with the phylogenetically related human mitochondrial oxoglutarate carrier (SLC25A11) and dicarboxylate carrier (SLC25A10) show that the glycolytic intermediate carrier has lost its ability to transport the canonical substrates malate and oxoglutarate. Blastocystis lacks several key components of oxidative phosphorylation required for the generation of mitochondrial ATP, such as complexes III and IV, ATP synthase, and ADP/ATP carriers. The presence of the glycolytic pay-off phase in the mitochondrial matrix generates ATP, which powers energy-requiring processes, such as macromolecular synthesis, as well as NADH, used by mitochondrial complex I to generate a proton motive force to drive the import of proteins and molecules. Given its unique substrate specificity and central role in carbon and energy metabolism, the carrier for glycolytic intermediates identified here represents a specific drug and pesticide target against stramenopile pathogens, which are of great economic importance.
Target-agnostic identification of human antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum sexual forms reveals cross-stage recognition of glutamate-rich repeats
Authors: Amen Axelle , Yoo Randy , Fabra-García Amanda , Bolscher Judith , Stone William JR , Bally Isabelle , Dergan-Dylon Sebastián , Kucharska Iga , de Jong Roos M , de Bruijni Marloes , Bousema Teun , King C Richter , MacGill Randall S , Sauerwein Robert W , Julien Jean-Philippe , Poignard Pascal , Jore Matthijs M
Published: May 2024

Circulating sexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) can be transmitted from humans to mosquitoes, thereby furthering the spread of malaria in the population. It is well established that antibodies can efficiently block parasite transmission. In search for naturally acquired antibodies targets on sexual stages, we established an efficient method for target-agnostic single B cell activation followed by high-throughput selection of human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) reactive to sexual stages of Pf in the form of gametes and gametocyte extracts. We isolated mAbs reactive against a range of Pf proteins including well-established targets Pfs48/45 and Pfs230. One mAb, B1E11K, was cross-reactive to various proteins containing glutamate-rich repetitive elements expressed at different stages of the parasite life cycle. A crystal structure of two B1E11K Fab domains in complex with its main antigen, RESA, expressed on asexual blood stages, showed binding of B1E11K to a repeating epitope motif in a head-to-head conformation engaging in affinity-matured homotypic interactions. Thus, this mode of recognition of Pf proteins, previously described only for Pf circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP), extends to other repeats expressed across various stages. The findings augment our understanding of immune-pathogen interactions to repeating elements of the Plasmodium parasite proteome and underscore the potential of the novel mAb identification method used to provide new insights into the natural humoral immune response against Pf.
A review on cultivating effective learning: synthesizing educational theories and virtual reality for enhanced educational experiences
Authors: Mallek Fatma , Mazhar Tehseen , Faisal Abbas Shah Syed , Ghadi Yazeed Yasin , Hamam Habib
Published: May 2024

Immersive technology, especially virtual reality (VR), transforms education. It offers immersive and interactive learning experiences. This study presents a systematic review focusing on VR’s integration with educational theories in higher education. The review evaluates the literature on VR applications combined with pedagogical frameworks. It aims to identify effective strategies for enhancing educational experiences through VR. The process involved analyzing studies about VR and educational theories, focusing on methodologies, outcomes, and effectiveness. Findings show that VR improves learning outcomes when aligned with theories such as constructivism, experiential learning, and collaborative learning. These integrations offer personalized, immersive, and interactive learning experiences. The study highlights the importance of incorporating educational principles into VR application development. It suggests a promising direction for future research and implementation in education. This approach aims to maximize VR’s pedagogical value, enhancing learning outcomes across educational settings.
A comprehensive review of deep learning in EEG-based emotion recognition: classifications, trends, and practical implications
Authors: Ma Weizhi , Zheng Yujia , Li Tianhao , Li Zhengping , Li Ying , Wang Lijun
Published: May 2024

Emotion recognition utilizing EEG signals has emerged as a pivotal component of human–computer interaction. In recent years, with the relentless advancement of deep learning techniques, using deep learning for analyzing EEG signals has assumed a prominent role in emotion recognition. Applying deep learning in the context of EEG-based emotion recognition carries profound practical implications. Although many model approaches and some review articles have scrutinized this domain, they have yet to undergo a comprehensive and precise classification and summarization process. The existing classifications are somewhat coarse, with insufficient attention given to the potential applications within this domain. Therefore, this article systematically classifies recent developments in EEG-based emotion recognition, providing researchers with a lucid understanding of this field’s various trajectories and methodologies. Additionally, it elucidates why distinct directions necessitate distinct modeling approaches. In conclusion, this article synthesizes and dissects the practical significance of EEG signals in emotion recognition, emphasizing its promising avenues for future application.
Using Chemotherapeutic Drugs to Trigger Hematopoietic Stem Cell Activation and Determine Hematological Toxicity
Authors: Boles Nathan
Published: February 2011

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) replenish blood cells throughout the lifetime of an animal. Maintaining the HSC pool is of paramount importance to the survival of the organism. Thus, when treating a patient or an animal with chemotherapeutic agents, all care must be taken to ensure that the HSC pool is minimally damaged while simultaneously eradicating the target population. Discussed here is a method to assess the potency of chemotherapeutic drugs on the hematopoietic system, their ability to activate the HSC compartment, and the damage done to the HSC pool. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 47:22.1.1‐22.1.6. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cognitive–behavioral mechanisms in a pain‐avoidance and a pain‐persistence treatment for high‐risk fibromyalgia patients
Authors: van Koulil S. , Kraaimaat F. W. , van Lankveld W. , van Helmond T. , Vedder A. , van Hoorn H. , Donders A. R. T. , Thieme K. , Cats H. , van Riel P. L. C. M. , Evers A. W. M.
Published: February 2011

Objective

The heterogeneity of cognitive–behavioral patterns in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) has been proposed to underlie the variability in treatment outcomes. It has previously been shown that pain‐avoidance and pain‐persistence treatments tailored to the patient's pattern are effective in improving physical and psychological functioning and overall impact in high‐risk patients with heigthened psychological distress. In the present study, the cognitive–behavioral effects of these treatments were evaluated to provide insight into the main proposed mechanisms, specifically pain‐avoidance behaviors and activity pacing in the pain‐avoidance and pain‐persistence treatments, respectively.

Methods

High‐risk FM patients were classified into 2 groups, pain avoidance and pain persistence, and randomized in groups to the relevant treatment or waiting‐list control condition. The pain‐avoidance and pain‐persistence treatments both comprised 16 twice‐weekly sessions of cognitive–behavioral therapy and exercise training. Cognitive–behavioral factors assessed at pre‐ and posttreatment and 6 months of followup were evaluated using linear mixed models.

Results

A significant treatment effect was found for pain‐avoidance behavior in the pain‐avoidance treatment and for activity pacing in the pain‐persistence treatment, showing improvements in the treatment condition relative to the controls. Furthermore, the effect on functioning was mediated by changes in pain‐avoidance behavior in the pain‐avoidance treatment and by changes in activity pacing in the pain‐persistence treatment. Both treatments also showed significant improvements in other relevant cognitive–behavioral factors.

Conclusion

Both the pain‐avoidance and pain‐persistence treatments are effective in improving cognitive–behavioral factors in high‐risk FM patients. Pain‐avoidance behavior and activity pacing might be important mediating mechanisms for beneficial outcomes in pain‐avoidance and pain‐persistence treatments, respectively.
Bioinspired Strong and Highly Porous Glass Scaffolds
Authors: Fu Qiang , Saiz Eduardo , Tomsia Antoni P.
Published: February 2011

The quest for more efficient energy‐related technologies is driving the development of porous and high‐performance structural materials with exceptional mechanical strength. Natural materials achieve their strength through complex hierarchical designs and anisotropic structures that are extremely difficult to replicate synthetically. We emulate nature’s design by direct‐ink‐write assembling of glass scaffolds with a periodic pattern, and controlled sintering of the filaments into anisotropic constructs similar to biological materials. The final product is a porous glass scaffold with a compressive strength (136 MPa) comparable to that of cortical bone and a porosity (60%) comparable to that of trabecular bone. The strength of this porous glass scaffold is ∼100 times that of polymer scaffolds and 4–5 times that of ceramic and glass scaffolds with comparable porosities reported elsewhere. The ability to create both porous and strong structures opens a new avenue for fabricating scaffolds for a broad array of applications, including tissue engineering, filtration, lightweight composites, and catalyst support.
Multifunctional Nanoparticles Composed of A Poly( dl‐lactide‐coglycolide) Core and A Paramagnetic Liposome Shell for Simultaneous Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Targeted Therapeutics
Authors: Liao Zhenyu , Wang Hanjie , Wang Xiaodong , Zhao Peiqi , Wang Sheng , Su Wenya , Chang Jin
Published: February 2011

A multifunctional nanoscale platform that is self‐assembled from a hydrophobic poly( dl‐lactide‐coglycolide)(PLGA) core and a hydrophilic paramagnetic‐folate‐coated PEGylated lipid shell (PFPL; PEG=polyethylene glycol) is designed for simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and targeted therapeutics. The nanocomplex has a well‐defined core‐shell structure which is studied using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The paramagnetic diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid‐gadolinium (DTPA‐Gd) chelated to the shell layer exhibits significantly higher spin–lattice relaxivity (r1) than the clinically used small‐molecular‐weight MRI contrast agent Magnevist®. The PLGA core serves as a nanocontainer to load and release the hydrophobic drugs. From a drug‐release study, it is found that the modification of the PLGA core with a polymeric liposome shell can be a useful tool for reducing the drug‐release rate. Cellular uptake of folate nanocomplex is found to be higher than that of non‐folate‐nanocomplex due to the folate‐binding effect on the cell membrane. This work indicates that the multifunctional platform with combined characteristics applicable to MRI and drug delivery may have great potential in cancer chemotherapy and diagnosis.
Determining the impact factors of secondary journals: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lokker Cynthia , Haynes R. Brian , McKibbon K. Ann , Wilczynski Nancy L.
Published: February 2011

Secondary journals such as Evidence‐Based Medicine, ACP Journal Club, and Evidence‐Based Nursing summarize, from over 150 clinical journals, articles that pass criteria for scientific merit, clinical relevance, and interest to practicing clinicians. We performed a retrospective cohort study to validate the selection process used to produce the secondary journals by calculating the 2007 impact factors for these journals using articles that were abstracted and originally published in 2005–2006. The ‘impact factors’ for the secondary journals were calculated using 2007 citations to included articles. These were compared to the published impact factors and mean citations of the source journals. 2005/2006 articles in the secondary journals were originally published in 82 journals with ISI impact factors (median 4.1, range 0.85–52.9). The calculated impact factors for the secondary journals were 39.5 for ACP Journal Club, 30.2 for Evidence‐Based Medicine, and 9.3 for Evidence‐Based Nursing. Limitations include articles coming from only 150 journal titles and the inclusion of these articles may in fact stimulate citations. We conclude that evidence‐based secondary journals include articles at the time of publication that go on to garner more citations on average than other articles in the source publications.
Die ‘Krüppelfürsorge’ in der Weimarer Republik. Zwischen eigenem Standpunkt und diskursiver Anschlussfähigkeit an eugenische Argumentationsstrukturen
Authors: Weinert Sebastian
Published: February 2011

The ‘Krüppelfürsorge’ during the Weimar Republic. Oscillating between an Own Position and the Adoption of Eugenic Arguments. This article examines the discourse about physical disability led by the German ‘Krüppelfürsor‐ge’. It deals with the exhibition GeSoLei (Gesundheitspflege, soziale Fürsorge and Leibesübungen), which took place in Düsseldorf in 1926. The GeSoLei was one of the most popular platforms of the healthy and aesthetic body in the 1920s. It stood in the context of the German ‘national recovery’ after World War I and collected all types of medical, social and athletic professionals to expose their work to a broader audience. Also representatives of the so called ‘Krüppelfürsorge’ presented themselves and at the same time their perspective on people with physical disabilities on this exhibition. The article points out the ambivalent character of their perspective and shows the mixture of including and excluding people with physical disabilities, which was typical for the view of the ‘Krüppelfürsorge’. It demonstrates that the ‘Krüppelfürsorger’ on the one hand were quite progressive towards people with disabilities, but on the other hand showed a striking openness towards eugenic values.
Biophysikalisches Doppelleben, 1939–1946. Oder: Räume der Lange‐weile. Zur (Nicht‐)Zäsur des ‘Informationsdiskurses’
Authors: Stadler Max
Published: February 2011

Biophysical Double‐lives, 1939–1946. Or: Spaces of Boredom. On ‘Information Discourse’ and (Dis)continuities in the Life Sciences. Arguably, few things have shaped the historiography of the mid‐twentieth century psy‐sciences (and indeed, of the life sciences and science/technology/intellectual life quite generally) more profoundly than the story of cybernetics. This essay aims to undermine this technofuturistic picture of epistemological upheavals, of cyborg regimes of knowing, and of the incipient post‐human, by reinserting back into the story the rather dull and unspectacular lives (and occupations) of the great majority of British, ‘diverted’ biologists during World War II. Instead of Ratio Clubbers or Macy‐Conference frequenters, this essay is concerned with a much larger population of would‐be biologists and their most pedestrian appropriations of, and exposures to, electronics. What I argue is that the prevalence and systematicity of such exposures in the course of the personnel‐hungry radio‐war points to a very different – low‐key – picture of the war/technology‐induced deflections of biological science at mid‐century. As an example of how deeply at odds narrations of cybernetic's ascent tend to sit with developments on ground level, special attention will be devoted to the physiologists‐turned‐radar‐scientists Alan Hodgkin and Andrew Huxley, and their war‐time, or more properly, spare‐time investigations into the biophysics of nerve. The latter – technical, difficult, and utterly unphilosophical – while absent from the cyber‐theme‐focused historiography, provided the basis for the tremendous impact Hodkgin and Huxley would in fact have on the mainstream, disciplinarily conservative physiological sciences; the larger aim however is to weave these far from peculiar biographical trajectories into a somewhat bigger picture of the intersections between radar electronics and biological science: a picture which does not centre on sensational discourses but on mundane electronic practices; and thus, on the generational experience of those who were known at the time as “ex radar folk with biological leanings”.
Correction of confounding bias in non‐randomized studies by appropriate weighting
Authors: Schmoor Claudia , Gall Christine , Stampf Susanne , Graf Erika
Published: February 2011

In non‐randomized studies, the assessment of a causal effect of treatment or exposure on outcome is hampered by possible confounding. Applying multiple regression models including the effects of treatment and covariates on outcome is the well‐known classical approach to adjust for confounding. In recent years other approaches have been promoted. One of them is based on the propensity score and considers the effect of possible confounders on treatment as a relevant criterion for adjustment. Another proposal is based on using an instrumental variable. Here inference relies on a factor, the instrument, which affects treatment but is thought to be otherwise unrelated to outcome, so that it mimics randomization. Each of these approaches can basically be interpreted as a simple reweighting scheme, designed to address confounding. The procedures will be compared with respect to their fundamental properties, namely, which bias they aim to eliminate, which effect they aim to estimate, and which parameter is modelled. We will expand our overview of methods for analysis of non‐randomized studies to methods for analysis of randomized controlled trials and show that analyses of both study types may target different effects and different parameters. The considerations will be illustrated using a breast cancer study with a so‐called Comprehensive Cohort Study design, including a randomized controlled trial and a non‐randomized study in the same patient population as sub‐cohorts. This design offers ideal opportunities to discuss and illustrate the properties of the different approaches.
A three‐dimensional in vitro ovarian cancer coculture model using a high‐throughput cell patterning platform
Authors: Xu Feng , Celli Jonathan , Rizvi Imran , Moon Sangjun , Hasan Tayyaba , Demirci Utkan
Published: February 2011

In vitro 3D cancer models that provide a more accurate representation of disease in vivo are urgently needed to improve our understanding of cancer pathology and to develop better cancer therapies. However, development of 3D models that are based on manual ejection of cells from micropipettes suffer from inherent limitations such as poor control over cell density, limited repeatability, low throughput, and, in the case of coculture models, lack of reproducible control over spatial distance between cell types (e.g., cancer and stromal cells). In this study, we build on a recently introduced 3D model in which human ovarian cancer (OVCAR‐5) cells overlaid on Matrigel™ spontaneously form multicellular acini. We introduce a high‐throughput automated cell printing system to bioprint a 3D coculture model using cancer cells and normal fi broblasts micropatterned on Matrigel™. Two cell types were patterned within a spatially controlled microenvironment (e.g., cell density, cell‐cell distance) in a high‐throughput and reproducible manner; both cell types remained viable during printing and continued to proliferate following patterning. This approach enables the miniaturization of an established macro‐scale 3D culture model and would allow systematic investigation into the multiple unknown regulatory feedback mechanisms between tumor and stromal cells and provide a tool for high‐throughput drug screening.
Deep wells integrated with microfluidic valves for stable docking and storage of cells
Authors: Jang Yun‐Ho , Kwon Cheong Hoon , Kim Sang Bok , Selimović šeila , Sim Woo Young , Bae Hojae , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: February 2011

In this paper, we describe a microfluidic mechanism that combines microfluidic valves and deep wells for cell localization and storage. Cells are first introduced into the device via externally controlled flow. Activating on‐chip valves was used to interrupt the flow and to sediment the cells floating above the wells. Thus, valves could be used to localize the cells in the desired locations. We quantified the effect of valves in the cell storage process by comparing the total number of cells stored with and without valve activation. We hypothesized that in deep wells external flows generate low shear stress regions that enable stable, long‐term docking of cells. To assess this hypothesis we conducted numerical calculations to understand the influence of well depth on the forces acting on cells. We verified those predictions experimentally by comparing the fraction of stored cells as a function of the well depth and input flow rate upon activation of the valves. As expected, upon reintroduction of the flow the cells in the deep wells were not moved whereas those in shallow wells were washed away. Taken together, our paper demonstrates that deep wells and valves can be combined to enable a broad range of cell studies.
ChemInform Abstract: New Oxides Showing an Intense Blue Color Based on Mn3+ in Trigonal‐Bipyramidal Coordination.
Authors: Mizoguchi Hiroshi , Sleight Arthur W. , Subramanian M. A.
Published: February 2011

Introduction of Mn3+ into the trigonal‐bipyramidal sites of ScAlMgO4, ScGaMgO4, LuGaMgO4, ScGaZnO4, LuGaZnO4, and LuGaO3(ZnO)2 with YbFe2O4‐related structures is achieved by solid state reactions of M2O3 (M: Mn, Sc, Lu, Al, Ga), MgO and ZnO (1000 °C for 5 h, 1350 °C for 2 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Novel Method for Preparing NH4NiPO4·6H2O: Hydrogen Bonding Coacervate Selective Self‐Assembly.
Authors: Wu Wenwei , Li Shushu , Wu Xuehang , Liao Sen , Cai Jinchao
Published: February 2011

The title compound is synthesized for the first time by room temperature solid state reaction of NiSO4·6H2O and (NH4)3PO4·3H2O in the presence of polyethylene glycol PEG‐400 surfactant (grinding, 40 min).