bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Struktur Geologi Terhadap Endapan Nikel Laterit Di Kabupaten Konawe Utara, Sulawesi Tenggara
Authors: Hasria Hasria , Anshari Erwin , Restele La Ode , Deniyatno Deniyatno , Firdaus Firdaus , Muliddin Muliddin , Okto Ali , Suparwi Suparwi
Published: December 2021

Abstrak: Penelitian yang dilakukan di daerah Morombo, Kabupaten Konawe Utara  Sulawesi Tenggara, Indonesia  bertujuan untuk mengindentifikasi struktur geologi yang berkembang dan menganalisis hubungan struktur geologi dengan kadar nikel (Ni) dan besi (Fe) pada endapan nikel laterit daerah penelitian. Penelitian ini melakukan  pengamatan dan pengambilan sampel yang representatif secara langsung di lapangan pada bulan Juli-Desember tahun 2019.  Sampel dianalisis menggunakan analisis X-Ray Fluoresence (XRF), untuk mengetahui sebaran kadar nikel (Ni) dan (Fe) dan pengaruh struktur terhadap endapan nikel laterit. Hasil analisis  menunjukkan bahwa sebaran kadar  Ni dan Fe sangat bervariasi dengan kadar rata-rata sebesar 15.42 %.  Struktur geologi yang berkembang  adalah kekar berupa kekar gerus dan kekar tarik. Hasil analisis tegasan umum struktur geologi dengan kadar Ni dan  Fe menunjukkan bahwa kadar  Ni  meningkat  pada daerah yang memiliki struktur dengan mengikuti orientasi struktur geologi karena unsur ini memiliki tingkat daya larut yang tinggi sehingga mudah bergerak ke arah sepanjang struktur geologi. Sebaliknya, kadar Fe tidak terlalu berpengaruh terhadap orientasi struktur geologi karena unsur ini bersifat immobile dan tidak mudah larut karena memiliki kestabilan yang lebih tinggi. Kata Kunci : Struktur geologi, nikel, besi, nikel laterit, X-Ray Fluoresence.
Pemetaan Fenomena Urban Heat Island Di Kota Kendari Dengan Menggunakan Citra Resolusi Menengah
Authors: Wardana Fatimah , Golok Jaya Laode Muh. , Saleh Fitra , Karim Jufri
Published: December 2021

Abstrak: Fenomena Urban Heat Island dapat dipetakan dengan parameter Suhu Permukaan Tanah (SPT) dan indeks kerapatan vegetasi (NDVI). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis Urban Heat Island di Kota Kendari menggunakan Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS dan menganalisis kondisi eksisting sebaran fenomena Urban Heat Island di Kota Kendari. Proses dilakukan dengan mengolah data citra Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS perekaman 30 Agustus 2017. Analisis dilakukan dengan menggunakan algoritma Syariz untuk penentuan SPT yang kemudian dikorelasikan dengan nilai NDVI yang dihasilkan dari kaliberasi band 4 dan band 5 pada citra Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan suhu permukaan tanah di kota Kendari berkisar antara 15,27 hingga 33,34. Dimana suhu 15 hingga 22adalah suhu daerah yang tidak terdeteksi atau tertutup awan. Persebaran suhu didominasi suhu antara 23-27 dengan luas 21.492,46 Ha atau 81,02% dari luas wilayah, dengan wilayah yang teridentifikasi sebagaui daerah UHI dengan suhu diantara 28-33 seluas 2.968,57 Ha atau 11,01% dari total luas wilayah Kota Kendari. Nilai korelasi antara SPT dan NDVI berada pada angka -0,66 yang berarti bahwa tingkat kerapatan vegetasi berbanding terbalik dengnan nilai suhu permukaan tanah atau semakin rendah indeks kerapatan vegetasinya, maka semakin tinggi suhu permukaan tanahnya.Kata kunci: Urban Heat Island, suhu permukaan tanah, Landsat 8, NDVIAbstract: The Urban Heat Island phenomenon can be mapped with the parameters of Land Surface Temperature (LST) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). This study aims to analyze Urban Heat Island in Kendari City using Landsat 8 OLI / TIRS and analyze the existing conditions of the distribution of the Urban Heat Island phenomenon in Kendari City. The process is done by processing Landsat 8 OLI / TIRS image recording data on August 30, 2017. The analysis carried out using the Syariz algorithm to determine LST which is then correlated with NDVI values resulting from band 4 and band 5 in Landsat 8 OLI / TIRS images. The results showed that the  land surface temperature in Kendari ranged from 15.27°C to 33.34°C. The 15 to 22°C is the temperature of the clouded or undetected area. The temperature distribution is dominated by temperatures between 23-27 ° C with an area of 21,492.46 Ha or  81.02% of the total area, with areas identified as UHI are the areas with temperatures between 28-33 ° C with an area of 2,968.57 Ha or 11.01% of the total area of  Kendari City. The correlation value between SPT and NDVI is at -0.66, which means that the vegetation density level is inversely proportional to the value of the land surface temperature value or the lower the vegetation index value, the higher the surface temperature of the land.Keywords: Urban Heat Island, land surface temperature, Landsat 8, NDVI
Leading Intergenerational Learning in Organizations: An Example from Turkey
Authors: Polöat Soner , Günçavdı Gizem , Yılmaz Yılmazer
Published: December 2021

Within the fact that there are members of different generations in organizations nowadays, intergenerational learning in organizations has become more and more important. Some managers are observed to confuse about how to lead intergenerational learning environments in their organizations which makes important to conduct a research on this problem. Thus, this study was conducted and it aimed to understand the intergenerational learning process and how to lead it in a production facility in Turkey. The study group includes 61 people who are employees, team leaders, department directors, field directors and instructors. The study was carried out in the phenomenological research design. The data were gathered through interviews and analysed with content analysis. The results brought out six main themes, which are which are creating zone, acting according to generational differences, increasing motivation, supporting personal development, recording and managing “know-how”, and creating intergenerational respect and understanding.
Hubungan Paritas dengan Kejadian Rupture Perineum pada Persalinan Normal
Authors: Subriah Subriah , Agustina Ayu , Puspita Erika Wanda , Rahmawati Novi , Nurfatimah Nurfatimah
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Even though labor was going normally, after giving birth the mother had various risks of complications that might occur, such as bleeding due to uterine atony, retained placenta, and perineal ruptur. Objective: to see the relationship between parity and the incidence of perineal ruptur in normal delivery. Methods: this type of research uses an analytical method based on a cross sectional design. The population is all mothers who give birth at the Kassi Kassi Health Center Makassar City can use 30 people. The sampling technique used was Consecutive Sampling. Results: The results showed 76.7% of respondents experienced perineal tears, of which 26.7% of respondents experienced 1st degree perineal tears and 50.0% of respondents had grade 2 perineal tears. 23.3% of respondents did not experience perineal tears. From the results of the chi-square test with a value of p=0.05, the probability of the result is greater than a significant tarf of 5% (0.071> 0.05), meaning that there is no parity relationship with perineal tears in mothers with normal delivery at the Kassi-Kassi Community Health Center, Makassar City. 2020. The strength of the relationship between variables is rather low, the value of the Phi coefficient (μ) = 0.488 or 48.8%. Conclusion: Based on the results of the research that has been done, it can be denied that there is no relationship between parity and perineal tearing in normal delivery.
Pengaruh Penggunaan Video Ilustrasi Family Planning Terhadap Pengetahuan Akseptor KB Sebagai Upaya Pencegahan Baby Boom di Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Kusniyanto Rahayu Eryanti , Sampara Nurqalbi , Sudirman Jumrah
Published: December 2021

Pelayanan kesehatan salah satunya pelayanan keluarga berencana di fasilitas kesehatan juga terdampak Covid-19, dikhawatirkan bahwa akseptor KB kemungkinan khawatir untuk datang ke fasilitas kesehatan sehingga timbul risiko putus-pakai pemakaian kontrasepsi. Vidio edukasi berbasis ilustrasi menjadi salah satu metode yang dapat membantu mencegah ledakan penduduk selama pandemi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menilai pengaruh penggunaan vidio ilustrasi family planning terhadap  pengetahuan akseptor KB dalam penggunaan kontrasepsi selama masa pandemi Covid-19. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan metode penelitian Quasi Eksperiment dengan pendekatan pretest-posttest with control group. Pada penelitian ini terbagi menjadi dua kelompok yaitu intervensi dengan pemberian edukasi dengan vidio ilustrasi dan kontrol menggunakan edukasi konvensional atau menggunakan lembar balik.  Hasil penelitian yaitu akseptor KB yang diberikan edukasi vidio ilustrasi family planning memiliki pengetahuan dengan nilai  rata-rata ± SD yaitu 58, 89 ± 15,86, sedangkan pada kelompok kontrol didapatkan nilai rata-rata± SD yaitu 45,47± 4,31. Hasil uji t independent menunjukkan ada pengaruh video ilustrasi  family planning  terhadap pengetahuan akseptor KB di Puskesmas Wilayah Kota Makassar (P =0,012). Video ilustrasi family planning efektif terhadap pengetahuan akseptor KB di Puskesmas Wilayah Kota Makassar khususnya di masa pandemi covid-19 saat ini
Total Fenol dan Aktivitas Anti-Inflamasi Jamur Sawit (Volvariella sp)
Authors: Saputri Nur Endah , Dhayan Rosa , Harsanti Brigita R. , Putri Dea M. , Fadly Dzul
Published: December 2021

Jamur sawit (Volvarialla sp) merupakan bahan pangan dengan produktivitas tinggi dan ekonomis, Namun, bukti empiris mengenai manfaat bahan pangan ini masih terbatas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuktikan secara empiris kandungan total fenol dan aktifitas anti-inflamasi jamur sawit. Jamur sawit yang diperoleh dari Pontianak, diekstraksi menggunakan etanol absolut untuk memperoleh ekstrak etanol dan air untuk memperoleh ekstrak air. Kedua ekstraksi kemudian analisis total fenol melalui metode Folin Ciocalteu dan anti-inflamasinya pada sel darah merah kelinci. Pada penelitian ini, ditemukan bahwa ekstrak air memiliki kadar total fenol dan aktivitas anti-inflamasi yang signifikan lebih tinggi (total fenol: 31,9 mg GAE/g dan IC50 aktivitas anti-inflamasi: 106,218 ppm) dari ekstrak etanol (total fenol: 17,4 mg GAE/g dan IC50 aktivitas anti-inflamasi: 125,306 ppm). Jamur sawit berpotensi sebagai pangan anti-inflamasi yang baik bagi tubuh, berdasarkan ektraksinya, ekstrak air dari jamur sawit memiliki kadar fenol dan aktivitas anti-inflamasi lebih baik dibandingkan dengan ekstrak etanol. Dengan demikian makan bahan pangan ini dapat menjadi salah satu pilihan bagi peningkatan imunitas dan pangan dengan sifat anti-inflamasi bagi masyarakat
Cryo-EM Analyses Permit Visualization of Structural Polymorphism of Biological Macromolecules
Authors: Chang Wei-Hau , Huang Shih-Hsin , Lin Hsin-Hung , Chung Szu-Chi , Tu I-Ping
Published: December 2021

The functions of biological macromolecules are often associated with conformational malleability of the structures. This phenomenon of chemically identical molecules with different structures is coined structural polymorphism. Conventionally, structural polymorphism is observed directly by structural determination at the density map level from X-ray crystal diffraction. Although crystallography approach can report the conformation of a macromolecule with the position of each atom accurately defined in it, the exploration of structural polymorphism and interpreting biological function in terms of crystal structures is largely constrained by the crystal packing. An alternative approach to studying the macromolecule of interest in solution is thus desirable. With the advancement of instrumentation and computational methods for image analysis and reconstruction, cryo-electron microscope (cryo-EM) has been transformed to be able to produce “in solution” structures of macromolecules routinely with resolutions comparable to crystallography but without the need of crystals. Since the sample preparation of single-particle cryo-EM allows for all forms co-existing in solution to be simultaneously frozen, the image data contain rich information as to structural polymorphism. The ensemble of structure information can be subsequently disentangled through three-dimensional (3D) classification analyses. In this review, we highlight important examples of protein structural polymorphism in relation to allostery, subunit cooperativity and function plasticity recently revealed by cryo-EM analyses, and review recent developments in 3D classification algorithms including neural network/deep learning approaches that would enable cryo-EM analyese in this regard. Finally, we brief the frontier of cryo-EM structure determination of RNA molecules where resolving the structural polymorphism is at dawn.
Using a Digital Twin of an Electrical Stimulation Device to Monitor and Control the Electrical Stimulation of Cells in vitro
Authors: Zimmermann Julius , Budde Kai , Arbeiter Nils , Molina Francia , Storch Alexander , Uhrmacher Adelinde M. , van Rienen Ursula
Published: December 2021

Electrical stimulation for application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has received increasing attention in recent years. A variety of stimulation methods, waveforms and amplitudes have been studied. However, a clear choice of optimal stimulation parameters is still not available and is complicated by ambiguous reporting standards. In order to understand underlying cellular mechanisms affected by the electrical stimulation, the knowledge of the actual prevailing field strength or current density is required. Here, we present a comprehensive digital representation, a digital twin, of a basic electrical stimulation device for the electrical stimulation of cells in vitro. The effect of electrochemical processes at the electrode surface was experimentally characterised and integrated into a numerical model of the electrical stimulation. Uncertainty quantification techniques were used to identify the influence of model uncertainties on relevant observables. Different stimulation protocols were compared and it was assessed if the information contained in the monitored stimulation pulses could be related to the stimulation model. We found that our approach permits to model and simulate the recorded rectangular waveforms such that local electric field strengths become accessible. Moreover, we could predict stimulation voltages and currents reliably. This enabled us to define a controlled stimulation setting and to identify significant temperature changes of the cell culture in the monitored voltage data. Eventually, we give an outlook on how the presented methods can be applied in more complex situations such as the stimulation of hydrogels or tissue in vivo.
Mechanobiological Implications of Cancer Progression in Space
Authors: Kim Hyondeog , Shin Yun , Kim Dong-Hwee
Published: December 2021

The human body is normally adapted to maintain homeostasis in a terrestrial environment. The novel conditions of a space environment introduce challenges that changes the cellular response to its surroundings. Such an alteration causes physical changes in the extracellular microenvironment, inducing the secretion of cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β) from cancer cells to enhance cancer malignancy. Cancer is one of the most prominent cell types to be affected by mechanical cues via active interaction with the tumor microenvironment. However, the mechanism by which cancer cells mechanotransduce in the space environment, as well as the influence of this process on human health, have not been fully elucidated. Due to the growing interest in space biology, this article reviews cancer cell responses to the representative conditions altered in space: microgravity, decompression, and irradiation. Interestingly, cytokine and gene expression that assist in tumor survival, invasive phenotypic transformation, and cancer cell proliferation are upregulated when exposed to both simulated and actual space conditions. The necessity of further research on space mechanobiology such as simulating more complexin vivoexperiments or finding other mechanical cues that may be encountered during spaceflight are emphasized.
Hsa_circ_0062682 Promotes Serine Metabolism and Tumor Growth in Colorectal Cancer by Regulating the miR-940/PHGDH Axis
Authors: Sun Shengbai , Li Chaoqun , Cui Kaisa , Liu Bingxin , Zhou Mingyue , Cao Yulin , Zhang Jia , Bian Zehua , Fei Bojian , Huang Zhaohui
Published: December 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies globally. Increasing evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a pivotal role in various cancers. The present study focused on exploring the role of a functionally unknown circRNA, hsa_circ_0062682 (circ_0062682), in CRC. By online analyses and experimental validations, we showed that circ_0062682 expression was aberrantly increased in CRC tissues compared with paired normal tissues. Increased expression of circ_0062682 in CRC notably correlated with a poor prognosis and advanced tumor stage. Functional experiments showed that circ_0062682 knockdown reduced CRC growth both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we revealed that circ_0062682 could sponge miR-940 and identified D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), a key oxidoreductase involved in serine biosynthesis, as a novel target of miR-940. Silencing miR-940 expression could mimic the inhibitory effect of circ_0062682 knockdown on CRC proliferation. The expression of PHGDH was downregulated in circ_0062682-depleted or miR-940 overexpressing CRC cells at both the mRNA and protein levels. Circ_0062682 knockdown suppressed CRC growth by decreasing PHGDH expression and serine production via miR-940. Taken together, these data demonstrate, for the first time, that circ_0062682 promotes serine metabolism and tumor growth in CRC by regulating the miR-940/PHGDH axis, suggesting circ_0062682 as a potential novel therapeutic target for CRC.
High-Sensitive Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging Biosensor Based on Dual-Wavelength Differential Method
Authors: Zeng Youjun , Zhou Jie , Sang Wei , Kong Weifu , Qu Junle , Ho Ho-Pui , Zhou Kaiming , Gao Bruce Zhi , Chen Jiajie , Shao Yonghong
Published: December 2021

Intensity interrogation surface plasmon resonance (ISPR) sensing has a simple schematic design and is the most widely used surface plasmon resonance technology at present. However, it has relatively low sensitivity, especially for ISPR imaging (ISPRi). In this paper, a new technique for the real-time monitoring of biomolecule binding on sensor surfaces via ISPRi detection is described. The technique is based on the interrogation of the differential value of two intensities at two specific wavelengths from the reflected light spectrum. In addition, we also optimized the selection of dual-wavelength parameters under different circumstances to achieve the highest sensitivity. The new technique achieved a refractive index resolution (RIR) of 2.24 × 10–6 RIU, which is far beyond that of traditional ISPRi technique. Moreover, our new ISPRi technique also realized the real-time detection of high-throughput biomolecular binding. This study is expected to promote the development of faster and more accurate SPRi technologies.
Chains of Spatial and Temporal Precipitation Occurrence Predictability Across the Continental U.S.
Authors: Goodwell Allison , Chapagain Ritzwi
Published: December 2021

Both spatial and temporal information sources contribute to the predictability of precipitation occurrence at a given location. These sources, and the level of predictability they provide, are relevant to forecasting and understanding precipitation processes at different time scales. We use information theory-based measures to construct connected “chains of influence” of spatial extents and timescales of precipitation occurrence predictability across the continental U.S, based on gridded daily precipitation data. These regions can also be thought of as “footprints” or regions where precipitation states tend to be most synchronized. We compute these chains of precipitation influence for grid cells in the continental US, and study metrics regarding their lengths, extents, and curvature for different seasons. We find distinct geographic and seasonal patterns, particularly longer chain lengths during the summer that are indicative of larger spatial extents for storms. While synchronous, or instantaneous, relationships are strongest for grid cells in the same region, lagged relationships arise as chains reach areas farther from the original cell. While this study focuses on precipitation occurrence predictability given only information about precipitation, it could be extended to study spatial and temporal properties of other driving factors.
The Polysemy and Hyponymy of Mandarin Spatial Prepositions and Localisers: Building Semantic Maps from the Ground up
Authors: Ursini Francesco-Alessio , Rao Qi , Zhang Yue Sara
Published: December 2021

The goal of this paper is to offer an overview of polysemy patterns in Mandarin’s chief spatial categories: prepositions (e.g.,zai) and simple and compound localisers (respectively,qianandqian-mian). The paper presents data from an elicitation study that shows how speakers can access multiple senses and hyponymy relations for the vocabulary items belonging to these categories. The paper shows that while prepositions can potentially cover different spatial relations in the opportune context (e.g.,zai“at”), localisers select increasingly specific senses (e.g.,qian“front” andqian-mian“front side”). The paper also shows how speakers can access hyponym-like sense relations emerging from these patterns (e.g.,qian-biancovering a more specific sense thanqian). Semantic dimensions such as “distance” and “location type” determine the strength of these hyponymy relations. The paper offers an account of these data based on the “semantics maps” model, which captures polysemy and hyponymy patternsviathe clusters of locations they refer to. It is shown that this novel model is consistent with previous works on the polysemy of spatial categories and sheds light on how Mandarin offers a unique organisation of this domain.
Clusters of the Risk Markers and the Pattern of Premature Coronary Heart Disease: An Application of the Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Jahangiry Leila , Abbasalizad Farhangi Mahdieh , Najafi Mahdi , Sarbakhsh Parvin
Published: December 2021

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the major cause of mortality in the world with a significant impact on the younger population. The aim of this study was to identify prematurity among patients with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) based on the clustering of CHD risk factors.

Methods: Patients were recruited from an existing cohort of candidates for CABG surgery named Tehran Heart Center Coronary Outcome Measurement (THC-COM). A latent class analysis (LCA) model was formed using 11 potential risk factors as binary variables: cigarette smoking, obesity, diabetes, family history of CHD, alcohol use, opium addiction, hypertension, history of stroke, history of myocardial infarction (MI), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and hyperlipidemia (HLP). We analyzed our data to figure out how the patients are going to be clustered based on their risk factors.

Results: For 566 patients who were studied, the mean age (SD) and BMI of patients were 59.1 (8.9) and 27.3 (4.1), respectively. The LCA model fit with two latent classes was statistically significant (G2 = 824.87, df = 21, p < 0.0001). The mean (SD) age of patients for Class I and Class II was 55.66 (8.55) and 60.87 (8.66), respectively. Class I (premature) was characterized by a high probability of smoking, alcohol consumption, opium addiction, and a history of MI (P < 0.05), and class II by a high probability of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

Conclusion: Latent class analysis calculated two groups of severe CHD with distinct risk markers. The younger group, which is characterized by smoking, addiction, and the history of MI, can be regarded as representative of premature CHD.
Effect of Aneurysm and Patient Characteristics on Intracranial Aneurysm Wall Thickness
Authors: Acosta Jason M. , Cayron Anne F. , Dupuy Nicolas , Pelli Graziano , Foglia Bernard , Haemmerli Julien , Allémann Eric , Bijlenga Philippe , Kwak Brenda R. , Morel Sandrine
Published: December 2021

Background: The circle of Willis is a network of arteries allowing blood supply to the brain. Bulging of these arteries leads to formation of intracranial aneurysm (IA). Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to IA rupture is among the leading causes of disability in the western world. The formation and rupture of IAs is a complex pathological process not completely understood. In the present study, we have precisely measured aneurysmal wall thickness and its uniformity on histological sections and investigated for associations between IA wall thickness/uniformity and commonly admitted risk factors for IA rupture.

Methods: Fifty-five aneurysm domes were obtained at the Geneva University Hospitals during microsurgery after clipping of the IA neck. Samples were embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to measure IA wall thickness. The mean, minimum, and maximum wall thickness as well as thickness uniformity was measured for each IA. Clinical data related to IA characteristics (ruptured or unruptured, vascular location, maximum dome diameter, neck size, bottleneck factor, aspect and morphology), and patient characteristics [age, smoking, hypertension, sex, ethnicity, previous SAH, positive family history for IA/SAH, presence of multiple IAs and diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease (PKD)] were collected.

Results: We found positive correlations between maximum dome diameter or neck size and IA wall thickness and thickness uniformity. PKD patients had thinner IA walls. No associations were found between smoking, hypertension, sex, IA multiplicity, rupture status or vascular location, and IA wall thickness. No correlation was found between patient age and IA wall thickness. The group of IAs with non-uniform wall thickness contained more ruptured IAs, women and patients harboring multiple IAs. Finally, PHASES and ELAPSS scores were positively correlated with higher IA wall heterogeneity.

Conclusion: Among our patient and aneurysm characteristics of interest, maximum dome diameter, neck size and PKD were the three factors having the most significant impact on IA wall thickness and thickness uniformity. Moreover, wall thickness heterogeneity was more observed in ruptured IAs, in women and in patients with multiple IAs. Advanced medical imaging allowing in vivo measurement of IA wall thickness would certainly improve personalized management of the disease and patient care.
Evolution of Holdfast Diversity and Attachment Strategies of Ediacaran Benthic Macroalgae
Authors: Wang Xiaopeng , Wu Mengyin , Wan Bin , Niu Changtai , Zheng Wentao , Guan Chengguo , Pang Ke , Chen Zhe , Yuan Xunlai
Published: December 2021

Holdfast morphologies and attachment strategies of benthic macroalgae are somewhat flexible and controlled by both the substrate condition and species. Six forms (tapered base, globose holdfast, composite globose holdfast, discoidal holdfast, rhizoids and horizontal rhizomes) of attachment structures of Ediacaran benthic macroalgae are recognized from the early Ediacaran Lantian biota and late Ediacaran Miaohe biota in South China based on functional morphology. Each form is considered either adapted to firm substrates that dominate the Precambrian seafloor, or soft substrates that are more common in the Phanerozoic. The results show a diversification in both holdfast morphology and attachment strategies of macroalgae during the Ediacaran Period. In the early Ediacaran Lantian biota, none of the benthic macroalgae is adapted to soft substrates, while in the late Ediacaran Miaohe biota, a considerable number (41%) of species are adapted to relatively soft substrates. This shift might be an adaptive response to the diversification of macroalgae and a changing substrate condition during the Ediacaran Period: the decline of microbial mats and increase of water content in the sediments in the Ediacaran.
Interactions of Feelings of Competence and Motivation of Pre-Service Science Teachers in Their Laboratory Course: A Dynamic Multilevel Modeling Approach
Authors: Smit Robbert , Rietz Florian , Robin Nicolas
Published: December 2021

Dynamic structural equation modeling was applied to examine feelings of competence and in the moment motivation among pre-service science teachers (N = 101) enrolled in a course on practical biology during their second semester. The student teachers completed a short questionnaire 18 times, and the interaction between their feelings of competence and momentary motivation over time was examined in relation to control-value theory. The autoregressive values of both variables were significant, and a pattern was observed of low competence at the beginning of the course session, combined with low motivation in the moment. Feelings of competence increased by the end of each course session but returned to a low level at the beginning of the next session. Momentary motivation followed this back-and-forth shifting somewhat but showed more carryover effects. The student teachers’ motivation depended on their feelings of competence from the previous moment in the biology course session, but feelings of competence did not depend on their motivation.
Discourses on Learning in Education:Making Sense of a Landscape of Difference
Authors: Davis Brent , Francis Krista
Published: December 2021

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of “theories of learning” at play in the field of education. Given scant agreements on the meaning of “learning” and the purpose of “theory,” such quantity is perhaps unsurprising. Arguably, however, this situation is indefensible and debilitating in an academic domain so focused on interpreting and influencing learning. We describe our own efforts to come to terms with this matter. Oriented by Conceptual Metaphor Theory and network theory, we are attempting to “map” contemporary treatments of learning—whether implicit or explicit, written or spoken, descriptive or prescriptive, formal or informal, scientific or folk. We report on our iterative process, evolving design, and emergent insights. We discuss the potential relevance of this and similar efforts for the future of educational research and practice.
Neuroendocrine Carcinoma as an Independent Prognostic Factor for Patients With Prostate Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Yao Jiping , Liu Yanning , Liang Xue , Shao Jiajia , Zhang Yina , Yang Jing , Zheng Min
Published: December 2021

Background

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a rare and highly malignant variation of prostate adenocarcinoma. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of NEC in prostate cancer.

Methods

A total of 530440 patients of prostate cancer, including neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) and adenocarcinoma from 2004 to 2018 were obtained from the national Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity score matching (PSM), multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, Kaplan‐Meier method and subgroup analysis were performed in our study.

Results

NEPC patients were inclined to be older at diagnosis (Median age, 69(61-77) vs. 65(59-72), P< 0.001) and had higher rates of muscle invasive disease (30.9% vs. 9.2%, P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (32.2% vs. 2.2%, P < 0.001), and distal metastasis (45.7% vs. 3.6%, P < 0.001) compared with prostate adenocarcinoma patients. However, the proportion of NEPC patients with PSA levels higher than 4.0 ng/mL was significantly less than adenocarcinoma patients (47.3% vs. 72.9%, P<0.001). NEPC patients had a lower rate of receiving surgery treatment (28.8% vs. 43.9%, P<0.001), but they had an obviously higher rate of receiving chemotherapy (57.9% vs. 1.0%, P<0.001). A Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the NEPC patients faced a remarkably worse OS (HR = 2.78, 95% CI = 2.34–3.31, P < 0.001) and CSS (HR = 3.07, 95% CI = 2.55–3.71, P < 0.001) compared with adenocarcinoma patients after PSM. Subgroup analyses further suggested that NEPC patients obtained significantly poorer prognosis across nearly all subgroups.

Conclusion

The prognosis of NEPC was worse than that of adenocarcinoma among patients with prostate cancer. The histological subtype of NEC is an independent prognostic factor for patients with prostate cancer.
Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Partially Cystic Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas
Authors: Fang Fengkai , Gong Yi , Liao Liyan , Ye Fei , Zuo Zhongkun , Qi Zhang , Li Xiaodu , Niu Chengcheng
Published: December 2021

Partially cystic papillary thyroid carcinomas (PCPTCs) are rarely reported papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) and are usually misdiagnosed as benign nodules. The objective of this study was to provide the various sonographic characteristics of partially cystic thyroid nodules for differentiation between malignant and benign nodules, including those for conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Twenty-three PCPTC patients and 37 nodular goiter patients were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the size, cystic percentage, solid echogenicity, calcification, vascularity, and CEUS parameters for each nodule. The final diagnosis of all patients was confirmed via surgery. Univariate analysis demonstrated that compared with benign nodular goiters, PCPTCs more frequently presented with calcification, hypoechogenicity of the solid part, hypoenhancement, heterogeneous enhancement, centrifugal perfusion, peak intensity index <1, time to peak index ≥1, and area under the curve index <1 on preoperative US and CEUS. Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that heterogeneous enhancement, centrifugal perfusion, and peak intensity index <1 are independent CEUS characteristics related to malignant PCPTCs and can be used for their differentiation from benign nodular goiters (all p < 0.05). Our study indicated that preoperative CEUS characteristics may serve as a useful tool to distinguish malignant PCPTCs from benign thyroid nodules.
Elevated Anti-Müllerian Hormone Is an Independent Risk Factor for Preterm Birth Among Patients With Overweight Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Du Mingze , Zhang Junwei , Yu Xiaona , Guan Yichun
Published: December 2021

Objective

To explore whether elevated anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels affect the rate of preterm birth (PTB) among PCOS patients with different BMIs.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, patients with PCOS who had undergone IVF/ICSI from January 2017 to December 2019 were included for potential evaluation. A total of 2368 singleton live births from PCOS patients were included. According to the BMI, all the PCOS patients were divided into two groups: BMI<24 kg/m2 and BMI≥24 kg/m2. In total, 1339 PCOS patients with a BMI<24 kg/m2 were grouped according to their serum AMH levels: ① <2.71 ng/ml (n=333), ② 2.71-4.08 ng/ml (n=330), ③ 4.09-6.45 ng/ml (n=351), and ④ >6.45 ng/ml (n=325). Additionally, 1029 cycles of patients with a BMI≥24 kg/m2 were grouped according to the serum AMH level: ① <2.71 ng/ml (n=255), ② 2.71-4.08 ng/ml (n=267), ③ 4.09-6.45 ng/ml (n=239), and ④ >6.45 ng/ml (n=268), with <2.71 ng/ml being considered the reference group. The grouping was based mainly on the interquartile range of serum AMH levels. The primary outcome of the study was PTB. The secondary outcomes were low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), macrosomia and large for gestational age (LGA).

Results

Regarding PCOS patients with a BMI<24 kg/m2, compared with the PTB rate of the AMH <2.71 ng/ml group, the PTB rates of the different groups were not significantly different (AMH 2.71-4.08, AOR (95% CI)=1.01 (0.52-2.00), P=0.99; AMH 4.09-6.45, AOR (95% CI)=0.93 (0.45-1.91), P=0.85; AMH>6.45, AOR (95% CI)=0.78 (0.35-1.73), P=0.54). Regarding PCOS patients with a BMI ≥24 kg/m2, compared with the PTB rate of the AMH <2.71 ng/ml group, the PTB rate of the AMH>6.45 ng/ml group was significantly higher (OR=2.47; 95% CI=1.34-4.55). After multiple logistic regression analysis, the risk of PTB in the AMH>6.45 ng/ml group was 2.1 times that in the AMH<2.71 ng/ml group (AOR=2.1, 95% CI=1.01-4.37, P=0.04). However, no statistically significant difference was found in the rate of SGA, LBW, macrosomia or LGA among patients in the different serum AMH groups.

Conclusion

For PCOS patients, a BMI≥24 kg/m2 plus serum AMH>6.45 ng/ml (75th percentile) is an independent risk factor for PTB.
Treatments of Thermal Neutron Scattering Data and Their Effect on Neutronics Calculations
Authors: Zu Tiejun , Tang Yongqiang , Huang Zhanpeng , Qin Shuai , Li Jie , He Qingming , Cao Liangzhi , Wu Hongchun
Published: December 2021

In the conventional method to generate thermal scattering cross section of moderator materials, only one of the coherent elastic scattering and incoherent elastic scattering is considered in neutronics calculations. For the inelastic scattering, fixed incident energy grid is used in the nuclear data processing codes. The multipoint linearization method is used to refine the incident energy grid for inelastic scattering. We select ZrHx (zirconium hydride) as an example to analyze the effects of the above described treatments on the reactivity of several critical benchmarks. The numerical results show that the incident energy grid has an obvious effect on the effective multiplication factor (keff) of the analyzed reactors; simultaneously considering the coherent and incoherent elastic scattering also affects keff by tens of pcm.
Thermochromic Materials for Smart Windows: A State-of-Art Review
Authors: Wang Xuanjie , Narayan Shankar
Published: December 2021

Smart windows that regulate solar energy by changing optical characteristics have recently gained tremendous interest for energy-saving and indoor-comfort applications. Among them, thermochromic smart windows are promising because of their simplicity for industrial production and ease of implementation. Although significant advancements have been reported on thermochromic materials, both optical and transition properties remain unsatisfactory. This review focuses on the recent advancement of thermochromic materials for smart windows in terms of operation, performance, and potential for commercialization. It discusses the parameters typically used for gauging performance and provides a summary and comparison of various promising thermochromic materials, including vanadium dioxide, hydrogels, and perovskites. The article also points the challenges in the practical implementation of these materials and provides an outlook for future development.
Turning Water Abundance Into Sustainability in Brazil
Authors: Farjalla Vinicius F. , Pires Aliny P. F. , Agostinho Angelo A. , Amado André M. , Bozelli Reinaldo L. , Dias Braulio F. S. , Dib Viviane , Faria Bias M. , Figueiredo Andrea , Gomes Eli A. T. , Lima Ângelo J. R. , Mormul Roger P. , Ometto Jean P. H. B. , Panosso Renata , Ribeiro Mauro C. L. B. , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Sabino José , Scofield Vinicius , Scarano Fabio R.
Published: December 2021

Brazil is a powerhouse in terms of water resources, which are instrumental to the country’s transition to sustainability. However, to realize this potential, substantial management and conservation hurdles must first be overcome. We propose a novel strategy for the use, management, and conservation of Brazilian water resources. Our approach recognizes the spatial heterogeneity of water abundance and is based on a multisectoral perspective, including energy, food, sanitation, and environmental conservation. The main recommendations are to adopt low-cost local and subnational solutions and to design policy mixes, both based on the logic of the nexus water-food-energy-ecosystem. We offer as examples programs that 1) increase cistern infrastructure in drylands, 2) use constructed wetlands to improve sewage treatment in small cities and vulnerable areas, 3) turn the focus of conservation to aquatic ecosystems, 4) stimulate the adoption of small hydrokinetic turbines for energy generation in sparsely populated river-abundant regions, such as the Amazon Region, 5) diversify the matrix of renewable energy sources by combining hydropower with biomass and wind energy generation, and 6) mixes policies by integrating multiple sectors to improve regulation, use and management of water resources, such as the Brazilian “Water for All” Program. By following these recommendations, Brazil would align itself with the goals established in international agreements and would turn its abundance of water resources into development opportunities.
Limited Range-Filling Among Endemic Forest Herbs of Eastern North America and Its Implications for Conservation With Climate Change
Authors: Erlandson Stephanie K. , Bellemare Jesse , Moeller David A.
Published: December 2021

Biodiversity hotspots host a high diversity of narrowly distributed endemic species, which are increasingly threatened by climate change. In eastern North America, the highest concentration of plant diversity and endemism occurs in the Southern Appalachian Mountains (SAM). It has been hypothesized that this region served as a refugium during Pleistocene glacial cycles and that postglacial migration northward was dispersal limited. We tested this hypothesis using species distribution models for eight forest herb species. We also quantified the extent to which the geography of suitable habitat shifted away from the current range with climate change. We developed species distribution models for four forest herb species endemic to the SAM and four that co-occur in the same SAM habitats but have broader ranges. For widespread species, we built models using (1) all occurrences and (2) only those that overlap the SAM hotspot in order to evaluate the extent of Hutchinsonian shortfalls and the potential for models to predict suitable habitat beyond the SAM. We evaluated the extent to which predicted climatically suitable areas are projected to shift away from their current ranges under future climate change. We detected unoccupied but suitable habitat in regions up to 1,100 km north of the endemic species’ ranges. Endemic ranges are disjunct from suitable northern areas due to a ∼100–150 km gap of unsuitable habitat. Under future climate change, models predicted severe reductions in suitable habitat within current endemic ranges. For non-endemic species, we found similar overall patterns and gap of unsuitability in the same geographic location. Our results suggest a history of dispersal limitation following the last glacial maximum along with an environmental barrier to northward migration. Conservation of endemic species would likely require intervention and assisted migration to suitable habitat in northern New England and Canada.
11 Pressing Research Questions on How Light Pollution Affects Biodiversity
Authors: Hölker Franz , Bolliger Janine , Davies Thomas W. , Giavi Simone , Jechow Andreas , Kalinkat Gregor , Longcore Travis , Spoelstra Kamiel , Tidau Svenja , Visser Marcel E. , Knop Eva
Published: December 2021

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is closely associated with modern societies and is rapidly increasing worldwide. A dynamically growing body of literature shows that ALAN poses a serious threat to all levels of biodiversity—from genes to ecosystems. Many “unknowns” remain to be addressed however, before we fully understand the impact of ALAN on biodiversity and can design effective mitigation measures. Here, we distilled the findings of a workshop on the effects of ALAN on biodiversity at the first World Biodiversity Forum in Davos attended by several major research groups in the field from across the globe. We argue that 11 pressing research questions have to be answered to find ways to reduce the impact of ALAN on biodiversity. The questions address fundamental knowledge gaps, ranging from basic challenges on how to standardize light measurements, through the multi-level impacts on biodiversity, to opportunities and challenges for more sustainable use.
Identifying Gene–Environment Interactions With Robust Marginal Bayesian Variable Selection
Authors: Lu Xi , Fan Kun , Ren Jie , Wu Cen
Published: December 2021

In high-throughput genetics studies, an important aim is to identify gene–environment interactions associated with the clinical outcomes. Recently, multiple marginal penalization methods have been developed and shown to be effective in G×E studies. However, within the Bayesian framework, marginal variable selection has not received much attention. In this study, we propose a novel marginal Bayesian variable selection method for G×E studies. In particular, our marginal Bayesian method is robust to data contamination and outliers in the outcome variables. With the incorporation of spike-and-slab priors, we have implemented the Gibbs sampler based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). The proposed method outperforms a number of alternatives in extensive simulation studies. The utility of the marginal robust Bayesian variable selection method has been further demonstrated in the case studies using data from the Nurse Health Study (NHS). Some of the identified main and interaction effects from the real data analysis have important biological implications.
Recurrence Risk of Liver Cancer Post-hepatectomy Using Machine Learning and Study of Correlation With Immune Infiltration
Authors: Qian Xiaowen , Zheng Huilin , Xue Ke , Chen Zheng , Hu Zhenhua , Zhang Lei , Wan Jian
Published: December 2021

Postoperative recurrence of liver cancer is the main obstacle to improving the survival rate of patients with liver cancer. We established an mRNA-based model to predict the risk of recurrence after hepatectomy for liver cancer and explored the relationship between immune infiltration and the risk of recurrence after hepatectomy for liver cancer. We performed a series of bioinformatics analyses on the gene expression profiles of patients with liver cancer, and selected 18 mRNAs as biomarkers for predicting the risk of recurrence of liver cancer using a machine learning method. At the same time, we evaluated the immune infiltration of the samples and conducted a joint analysis of the recurrence risk of liver cancer and found that B cell, B cell naive, T cell CD4+ memory resting, and T cell CD4+ were significantly correlated with the risk of postoperative recurrence of liver cancer. These results are helpful for early detection, intervention, and the individualized treatment of patients with liver cancer after surgical resection, and help to reveal the potential mechanism of liver cancer recurrence.