bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the range of reported dream lucidity
Authors: Mallett Remington , Carr Michelle , Freegard Martin , Konkoly Karen , Bradshaw Ceri , Schredl Michael
Published: May 2021

Dream lucidity, or being aware that one is dreaming while dreaming, is not an all-or-none phenomenon. Often, subjects report being some variant of “a little lucid” as opposed to completely or not at all. As recent neuroimaging work begins to elucidate the neural underpinnings of lucid experience, understanding subtle phenomenological variation within lucid dreams is essential. Here, we focus on the variability of lucid experience by asking participants to report their awareness of the dream on a 5-point Likert scale (from not at all to very much). Participants implemented a combination of mnemonic training lucid dream induction methods at home for one week and provided detailed reports about their dream experiences each morning. Consistent with previous research, cognitive induction methods led to about half of participants reporting at least one lucid dream and about half of all dreams including some level of lucidity. However, we also show that induction success rate varies significantly depending on the minimum criteria for lucidity. Participants also reported how much they adhered to specific components of each induction method, and the amount of mnemonic rehearsal during a brief early awake period was predictive of lucidity level. Furthermore, lucidity levels were positively correlated with dream control, dream bizarreness, and next-morning positive affect. Lastly, we asked participants open-ended questions about why they chose particular levels of lucidity. We focus a qualitative discussion on responses to those “semi-lucid” dreams (rated just a little, moderately, or pretty much lucid) to explore why participants rate their dreams as having intermediate levels of awareness. Together, the present study explores the frequency of semi-lucid dreams, what they are, why they might arise, their correlates, and how they impact methodological concerns in lucid dreaming research.
PROGRAM PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER DALAM PENGEMBANGAN KEWIRAUSAHAAN SISWA SEKOLAH MENENGAH SCHOOL OF UNIVERSE BOGOR
Authors: Setiawan Irfan , Suhardi Eka , Sumardi Sumardi
Published: May 2021

CHARACTER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF UNIVERSE BOGOROne of the facts of the problem in our country recently is the large number of unemployed, due to lack of employment. Based on CNBC Indonesia's news source, October 30, 2019 the Indonesian (society) prefers to become an online motorcycle or taxi driver because of the gap in applying for another job. People who already got a job often become an online motorcycle or taxi drivers for additional income. To overcome these various problems of education, this people need an educational method which is most effective in character building. Nowadays, there are many educational experts in some regions in Indonesia managing to develop educational institutions which are certainly unique and able to stimulate student character formation. Entrepreneurship is one of the educational characters which can be the point of economic movement of the nation. Entrepreneurship is needed for the progress of the nation's economy, because by entrepreneurship the nation will be able to build up an individual independency attitude. It is aimed to reducing the sense of the dependent on others, thus providing a great opportunity to create jobs and reduce unemployment. The School of Universe (SoU) to combining some methods that should be carried out by a school that requaring his pupil progression by using the concept of nature and directing students to their interests and talents. In this case, SoU focuses students on entrepreneurship development with a number of views on some world prominent business and also supported by technology facilities. By these programs, Indonesia is expected to get a generation that will be able to create jobs so as to reduce the number of unemployement.  It is also expected to be a new breakthrough idea of Indonesia to organize a better education system. The administer of entrepreneurship development system of The school of Universe covered some  contents of learning processes, learning resources, and the collaborative networks with institutions that support the school.
How State and Protester Violence Affect Protest Dynamics
Authors: Steinert-Threlkeld Zachary , Chan Alexander , Joo Jungseock
Published: May 2021

How do state and protester violence affect whether protests grow or shrink? Previous research finds conflicting results for how violence affects protest dynamics. This paper argues that expectations and emotions should generate an n-shaped relationship between the severity of state repression and changes in protest size the next day. Protester violence should reduce the appeal of protesting and increase the expected cost of protesting, decreasing subsequent protest size. Since testing this argument requires precise measurements, a pipeline is built that applies convolutional neural networks to images shared in geolocated tweets. Continuously valued estimates of state and protester violence are generated per city-day for 24 cities across five countries, as are estimates of protest size and the age and gender of protesters. The results suggest a solution to the repression-dissent puzzle and join a growing body of research benefiting from the use of social media to understand subnational conflict.
A construção da esquistossomose como um problema de saúde pública em dois períodos na história das ciências da saúde no Brasil (1910-1950)
Authors: Chaves Bráulio
Published: May 2021

O artigo analisa dois momentos que marcam a construção da esquistossomose como um problema de saúde pública no Brasil. No primeiro, na década de 1910, abordam-se as controvérsias em torno das definições da doença que envolve o médico baiano Pirajá da Silva, personagem de uma disputa com círculos internacionais da produção médico-científica. No segundo, reflete-se sobre as mobilizações na década de 1950, em que ela entra na agenda das doenças de massa do projeto político desenvolvimentista. O argumento central é que, diante de um campo instável que marca a parasitologia e o enquadramento da doença, diversos atores são arrolados em jogos de legitimação que atuam na definição da esquistossomose como problema de saúde pública. As fontes para o trabalho são livros e compêndios de parasitologia, artigos, anais de simpósios e congressos, estudos diversos sobre a esquistossomose dos períodos, legislações e projetos oficiais sobre a doença.
O “papel transformador” de uma profissão: a economia moral dos epidemiologistas no Brasil (1970-2000)
Authors: Araújo Neto Luiz Alves
Published: May 2021

Discute a história da Epidemio-logia e dos epidemiologistas no Brasil, principalmente entre 1970 e 2000. A partir da década de 1970, a especial-zação e a institucionalização da Epidemiologia como uma disciplina mobilizaram o surgimento da figura do epidemiologista, um profissional de saúde cuja atuação é pautada na concepção coletiva do processo saúde-doença. Argumento que a conformação da figura do epidemiologista envolveu a constituição de uma economia moral desses profissionais, pautada na crença do caráter transformador da disciplina, na articulação de métodos quantitativos e análises sociais, no engajamento na defesa da saúde pública, e na centra-lidade da desigualdade como tema. Essa constelação de valores morais, episte-mológicos, metodológicos e políticos, entretanto, foi experimentada de diferentes formas pelos epidemiologis-tas. Acompanho a emergência da figura do epidemiologista desde os anos 1970 até o início dos anos 2000, observando como os elementos que constituíram a economia moral foram discutidos e projetados por atores e instituições.
O suicídio indígena Guarani-Kaiowá no antropoceno: solastalgia e schlammbugrismo
Authors: Estellita-Lins Carlos
Published: May 2021

Partindo da discussão sobre o antropoceno, o trabalho busca apresentar um panorama contemporâneo da prevenção do suicídio, destacando sociedades tradicionais, especialmente os Guarani-Kaiowá. A enorme pressão, confronto e luta com a cultura ocidental europeia dos colonizadores é constitutiva da situação. A proposta de um contrato natural na filosofia de Michel Serres e o advento de conceitos como a solastalgia permitem estender a com-preensão de saúde mental até objetos e animais. Considerando novos aspectos no estudo do suicídio nestas sociedades, a contribuição etnológica se mostra imprescindível, especialmente no senti-do da tradução de experiências. Duas vertentes são exploradas: a questão do pertencimento a terra e ao espaço cosmológico da aldeia e da casa, onde podemos situar as questões ecológicas contemporâneas; e a relação com o branco, em sua gama de questões políticas, incluindo a ciência. Ambas que fazem da experiência indígena algo especial e promissor a partir do xamanismo e do perspectivismo ameríndio.
A extensão universitária na Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ): no combate às desigualdades sociais e raciais
Authors: Rodrigues Solange Alves de Souza , Gonçalves Maria Alice Rezende
Published: May 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo descrever as primeiras ações extensionistas, iniciadas na década de 1980, na UFRJ, focadas no atendimento das comunidades carentes no entorno do campus do Fundão até o desenvolvimento de ações de combate às desigualdades raciais a partir dos anos 2000. Durante a década de 1980, a extensão buscou um diálogo que visava o atendimento das demandas das classes populares apesar da sobrerrepresentação dos negros em situação de pobreza. Estimulada pelas políticas de ação afirmativa, nos anos 2000, a extensão passa a desenvolver projetos que atendam às demandas da população negra reconhecendo as desigualdades raciais estruturais presentes na sociedade brasileira.
Prospects for Using RNAi as Control for Ants
Authors: Allen Margaret L.
Published: May 2021

RNA interference (RNAi) has inspired insect scientists to aim toward the development of this technology for protection against insect pests. The RNAi mechanism works at the intracellular level by exploiting a mode of action specific to the expression of genes, interrupting the transcription to translation process. Many of the limitations of RNAi technology are being addressed to adapt it for insect pest application. However, most of the insect pest problems for which RNAi is being developed involve direct plant-insect interactions, primarily in monocultures. Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are important agricultural pests that generally do not feed directly on crops, yet have dramatic impact on agroecosystems such as pastures, orchards, and nurseries. The application of RNAi to pest ants is complicated by the social nature of ants. Here the goal is to examine the potential application of RNAi to ant pests, especially invasive ants, which present distinct challenges with regard to delivery, targeting, efficacy, and risks.
Flexible Flaps Inspired by Avian Feathers Can Enhance Aerodynamic Robustness in low Reynolds Number Airfoils
Authors: Murayama Yuta , Nakata Toshiyuki , Liu Hao
Published: May 2021

Unlike rigid rotors of drones, bird wings are composed of flexible feathers that can passively deform while achieving remarkable aerodynamic robustness in response to wind gusts. In this study, we conduct an experimental study on the effects of the flexible flaps inspired by the covert of bird wings on aerodynamic characteristics of fixed-wings in disturbances. Through force measurements and flow visualization in a low-speed wind tunnel, it is found that the flexible flaps can suppress the large-scale vortex shedding and hence reduce the fluctuations of aerodynamic forces in a disturbed flow behind an oscillating plate. Our results demonstrate that the stiffness of the flaps strongly affects the aerodynamic performance, and the force fluctuations are observed to be reduced when the deformation synchronizes with the strong vortex generation. The results point out that the simple attachment of the flexible flaps on the upper surface of the wing is an effective method, providing a novel biomimetic design to improve the aerodynamic robustness of small-scale drones with fixed-wings operating in unpredictable aerial environments.
Sequential Simulations of Steel Frame Buildings Under Multi-Phase Hazardous Loads During Earthquake and Tsunami
Authors: Isobe Daigoro , Tanaka Seizo
Published: May 2021

Based on the experience of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the following tsunami, this study aims to develop effective analytical tools that can comprehensively be applied to buildings under multi-phase hazardous loads such as seismic motion, fluid force, and debris impact. Simulations by two kinds of analytical tools were conducted. First, a structural collapse analysis of a steel frame building under successive applications of varying loads was performed using the ASI (Adaptively Shifted Integration)-Gauss code, which simulates behaviors of structures by simple modeling. The steel frame building model was first excited under an acceleration record observed in Kesennuma-shi during the earthquake, and fluid forces due to a tsunami wave were applied. Then, the collapse behavior of the building was investigated by implementing a sophisticated contact algorithm in the numerical code to express a collision between debris and a building. It became evident that the damage to the building intensifies if a head-on collision occurs under a tsunami flow with a lower inundation height, and the damage to the building becomes larger if sideway collisions occur under a tsunami flow with a higher inundation height and higher velocity. The second simulation was conducted by using the stabilized finite element method based on the volume of fluid method, to estimate a drag coefficient of an actual tsunami evacuation building with openings. The practicability of an estimated wave force using the drag coefficient was confirmed by comparing with the wave force obtained from the fluid analysis. Finally, a sequential structural analysis, with a debris collision phase at the end, was conducted using the ASI-Gauss code to simulate the washout behavior of the building.
Bone Cells Differentiation: How CFTR Mutations May Rule the Game of Stem Cells Commitment?
Authors: Dumortier Claire , Danopoulos Soula , Velard Frédéric , Al Alam Denise
Published: May 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF)-related bone disease has emerged as a significant comorbidity of CF and is characterized by decreased bone formation and increased bone resorption. Both osteoblast and osteoclast differentiations are impacted by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutations. The defect of CFTR chloride channel or the loss of CFTR’s ability to interact with other proteins affect several signaling pathways involved in stem cell differentiation and the commitment of these cells toward bone lineages. Specifically, TGF-β, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), PI3K/AKT, and MAPK/ERK signaling are disturbed by CFTR mutations, thus perturbing stem cell differentiation. High inflammation in patients changes myeloid lineage secretion, affecting both myeloid and mesenchymal differentiation. In osteoblast, Wnt signaling is impacted, resulting in consequences for both bone formation and resorption. Finally, CFTR could also have a direct role in osteoclast’s resorptive function. In this review, we summarize the existing literature on the role of CFTR mutations on the commitment of induced pluripotent stem cells to bone cells.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Microsensor Based on Molecularly Imprinted Chitosan Film Grafted on a 4-Aminophenylacetic Acid (CMA) Modified Gold Electrode, for the Sensitive Detection of Glyphosate
Authors: Zouaoui Fares , Bourouina-Bacha Saliha , Bourouina Mustapha , Alcacer Albert , Bausells Joan , Jaffrezic-Renault Nicole , Zine Nadia , Errachid Abdelhamid
Published: May 2021

A novel electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) microsensor was implemented for the dosage of traces of glyphosate, in real and synthetic water samples. Molecularly imprinted chitosan was covalently immobilized on the surface of the microelectrode previously modified with 4-aminophenylacetic acid (CMA). The characterization of the resulting microelectrodes was carried out by using cyclic voltammetry measurement (CV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS). EIS responses of the CS-MIPs/CMA/Au microsensor toward GLY was well-proportional to the concentration in the range from 0.31 × 10−9 to 50 × 10−6 mg/mL indicating a good correlation. The detection limit of GLY was 1 fg/mL (S/N = 3). Moreover, this microsensor showed good reproducibility and repeatability, high selectivity, and can be used for the detection of GLY in river water.
How Many Is Enough? - Challenges of Multinucleated Cell Division in Malaria Parasites
Authors: Simon Caroline S. , Stürmer Vanessa S. , Guizetti Julien
Published: May 2021

Regulating the number of progeny generated by replicative cell cycles is critical for any organism to best adapt to its environment. Classically, the decision whether to divide further is made after cell division is completed by cytokinesis and can be triggered by intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Contrarily, cell cycles of some species, such as the malaria-causing parasites, go through multinucleated cell stages. Hence, their number of progeny is determined prior to the completion of cell division. This should fundamentally affect how the process is regulated and raises questions about advantages and challenges of multinucleation in eukaryotes. Throughout their life cycle Plasmodium spp. parasites undergo four phases of extensive proliferation, which differ over three orders of magnitude in the amount of daughter cells that are produced by a single progenitor. Even during the asexual blood stage proliferation parasites can produce very variable numbers of progeny within one replicative cycle. Here, we review the few factors that have been shown to affect those numbers. We further provide a comparative quantification of merozoite numbers in several P. knowlesi and P. falciparum parasite strains, and we discuss the general processes that may regulate progeny number in the context of host-parasite interactions. Finally, we provide a perspective of the critical knowledge gaps hindering our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying this exciting and atypical mode of parasite multiplication.
A Comparative Study on the Skill of CMIP6 Models to Preserve Daily Spatial Patterns of Monsoon Rainfall Over India
Authors: Mitra Adway
Published: May 2021

South Asian monsoon is a phenomena that plays out during June-September every year, due to the northward shift of the ITCZ which causes heavy rainfall over many countries of South Asia, including India. These rains are directly related to the lives and economic well-being of over a billion people. Indian monsoon is highly heterogeneous, due to the vast physiographic variations across the country. There is considerable interest among scientists and other stake-holders about possible future changes to Indian monsoon due to worldwide climate change. Simulations of future climate by global climate models under various scenarios can provide important clues for this. However, simulations of Indian monsoon in the historical period by global climate models under the CMIP5 family were found to be inaccurate in several aspects. Simulations by the new global climate models from the CMIP6 family are now available, and scientists are evaluating their ability to simulate Indian monsoon. In this work, we focus on one particular aspect of simulations by these models: the spatial distribution over daily rainfall over the Indian landmass during monsoon. We use a Machine Learning based probabilistic graphical model that can identify frequent spatial patterns of rainfall after creating a binary representation of rainfall. This model also helps us to identify spatial clusters, i.e., homogeneous regions within the Indian landmass with similar temporal characteristics of rainfall. We identify such frequent spatial patterns and spatial clusters from observed monsoon rainfall data, and also from simulations of monsoon rainfall by different CMIP6 models during the period 2000–2014. We evaluate the models by comparing the patterns and clusters identified from their simulations with those identified from observed data. We find that some of the CMIP6 models can simulate the spatial distribution of monsoon rainfall to a reasonable degree, but there are various limitations—most models underestimate extreme rainfall events and are unable to reproduce the regions of the landmass that are homogeneous with respect to rainfall.
Visual Representations of Science in a Pandemic: COVID-19 in Images
Authors: Delicado Ana , Rowland Jussara
Published: May 2021

This article aims to contribute to the understanding of the social dimensions of the 2020 pandemic, with a particular emphasis on the visual practices of science communication in times of health emergency, by analyzing how the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is being visually represented. It seeks to identify the format and content of images used to illustrate online information about the pandemic, in particular, from websites of policy institutions, research promoters, and media in Portugal and Spain. By examining a sample containing 600 images, it aims to identify the messages being conveyed and the effects these images intend to provoke and to illuminate the differences in representations among the three sources of communication. Differences and similarities with visual images of previous pandemics (influenza, AIDS) are examined. This article ascertains that policy websites aim to be mostly prescriptive, relying on infographics to convey prevention and care instructions to its audiences. On the other hand, science websites rely mostly on stock photos and images from scientific articles to illustrate current research, while newspaper websites are the most diversified in terms of the images they use and the topics they cover. This study concludes that representations of science are still very much based on stereotypical imagery of labs and white coats, that representations of the medical side of the pandemic are focused on images of intensive care that aim to generate fear and stimulate responsible behavior, and that the social aspects of the pandemic are illustrated by images that focus either on pandemic prevention (e.g., washing hands) or on the impacts of the pandemic itself (e.g., empty streets during lockdown).
Sex and Heart Failure Treatment Prescription and Adherence
Authors: Farrero Marta , Bellumkonda Lavanya , Gómez Otero Inés , Díaz Molina Beatriz
Published: May 2021

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in developed countries. Heart failure (HF) contributes to significant morbidity and mortality and continues to remain on the rise. While advances in pharmacological therapies have improved its prognosis, there remain a number of unanswered questions regarding the impact of these therapies in women. Current HF guidelines recommend up-titration of neurohormonal blockade, to the same target doses in both men and women but several factors may impair achieving this goal in women: more adverse drug reactions, reduced adherence and even lack of evidence on the optimal drug dose. Systematic under-representation of women in cardiovascular drug trials hinders the identification of sex differences in the efficacy and safety of cardiovascular medications. Women are also under-represented in device therapy trials and are 30% less likely to receive a device in clinical practice. Despite presenting with fewer ventricular arrythmias and having an increased risk of implant complications, women show better response to resynchronization therapy, with lower mortality and HF hospitalizations. Fewer women receive advanced HF therapies. They have a better post-heart transplant survival compared to men, but an increased immunological risk needs to be acknowledged. Technological advances in mechanical circulatory support, with smaller and more hemocompatible devices, will likely increase their implantation in women. This review outlines current evidence regarding sex-related differences in prescription, adherence, adverse events, and prognostic impact of the main management strategies for HF.
Echocardiographic Prognosis Relevance of Attenuated Right Heart Remodeling in Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Zhao Qin-Hua , Gong Su-Gang , Jiang Rong , Li Chao , Chen Ge-Fei , Luo Ci-Jun , Qiu Hong-Ling , Liu Jin-Ming , Wang Lan , Zhang Rui
Published: May 2021

Background: Right ventricular (RV) function is a great determination of the fate in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Monitoring RV structure back to normal or improvement should be useful for evaluation of RV function. The aims of this study were to assess the prognostic relevance of changed right heart (RH) dimensions by echocardiography and attenuated RH remodeling (ARHR) in idiopathic PAH (IPAH).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 232 consecutive adult IPAH patients at baseline assessment and included RH catheterization and echocardiography. ARHR at the mean 20 ± 12 months' follow-up was defined by a decreased right atrium area, RV mid-diameter, and left ventricular end-diastolic eccentricity index. The follow-up end point was all-cause mortality.

Results: At mean 20 ± 12 months' follow-up, 33 of 232 patients (14.2%) presented with ARHR. The remaining 199 surviving patients were monitored for another 25 ± 20 months. At the end of follow-up, the survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 89, 89, and 68% in patients with ARHR, respectively, and 84, 65 and 41% in patients without ARHR (log-rank p = 0.01). ARHR was an independent prognostic factor for mortality. Besides, ARHR was available to further stratify patients' risk assessment through the French PAH non-invasive-risk criteria.

Conclusions: Echocardiographic ARHR is an independent determinant of prognosis in IPAH at long-term follow-up. ARHR might be a useful tool to indicate the RV morphologic and functional improvement associated with better prognostic likelihood.
Case Reports: Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy Presenting as a Heart Rhythm Disorders in Children
Authors: Kovalchuk Tatiana , Yakovleva Elena , Fetisova Svetlana , Vershinina Tatiana , Lebedeva Viktoriya , Lyubimtseva Tamara , Lebedev Dmitriy , Mitrofanova Lubov , Ryzhkov Anton , Sokolnikova Polina , Fomicheva Yuliya , Kozyreva Alexandra , Zhuk Sergey , Smolina Natalia , Zlotina Anna , Pervunina Tatiana , Kostareva Anna , Vasichkina Elena
Published: May 2021

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is inherited muscle dystrophy often accompanied by cardiac abnormalities in the form of supraventricular arrhythmias, conduction defects and sinus node dysfunction. Cardiac phenotype typically arises years after skeletal muscle presentation, though, could be severe and life-threatening. The defined clinical manifestation with joint contractures, progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, as well as cardiac symptoms are observed by the third decade of life. Still, clinical course and sequence of muscle and cardiac signs may be variable and depends on the genotype. Cardiac abnormalities in patients with EDMD in pediatric age are not commonly seen. Here we describe five patients with different forms of EDMD (X-linked and autosomal-dominant) caused by the mutations in EMD and LMNA genes, presented with early onset of cardiac abnormalities and no prominent skeletal muscle phenotype. The predominant forms of cardiac pathology were atrial arrhythmias and conduction disturbances that progress over time. The presented cases discussed in the light of therapeutic strategy, including radiofrequency ablation and antiarrhythmic devices implantation, and the importance of thorough neurological and genetic screening in pediatric patients presenting with complex heart rhythm disorders.
Improving Learning: Using a Learning Progression to Coordinate Instruction and Assessment
Authors: Wilson Mark , Lehrer Richard
Published: May 2021

We describe the development and implementation of a learning progression specifying transitions in reasoning about data and statistics when middle school students are inducted into practices ofvisualizing,measuring, andmodelingthe variability inherent in processes ranging from repeated measure to production to organismic growth. A series of design studies indicated that inducting students into these approximations of statistical practice supported the development of statistical reasoning. Conceptual change was supported by close coordination between assessment and instruction, where changes in students’ ways of thinking about data and statistics were illuminated as progress along six related constructs. Each construct was developed iteratively during the course of design research as we became better informed about the forms of thinking that tended to emerge as students were inducted into how statisticians describe and analyze variability. To illustrate how instruction and assessment proceeded in tandem, we consider progress in one construct, Modeling Variability. For this construct, we describe how learning activities supported the forms of conceptual change envisioned in the construct, and how conceptual change was indicated by items specifically designed to target levels of the construct map. We show how student progress can be monitored and summatively assessed using items and empirical maps of items’ locations compared to student locations (called Wright maps), and how some items were employed formatively by classroom teachers to further student learning.
The Role and Value of Out-of-School Environments in Science Education for 21st Century Skills
Authors: Berg Thomas Bjørneboe , Achiam Marianne , Poulsen Kristian Mandrup , Sanderhoff Lene Bech , Tøttrup Anders P.
Published: May 2021

The global “wicked” problems we face in the 21st century call for 21st century competencies. The formal education system is hard pressed to foster these competencies within the science curriculum. Accordingly, we argue that out-of-school science education can function as an alternative pathway to 21st century competencies among learners. We present four distinct community case stories on teaching science in out-of-school environments and link them to a number of key challenges linked to achieving 21st century competencies. Natural history museums have been the foundation of science for four centuries and have served as the basis upon which nomenclature of all living species and the concept of evolution has been developed, hence our first case takes place within this frame. Without fieldwork natural history museums would not have any collections and Case 2 takes us out there where it all begins. Humans affect the entire globe and all living matters. Case 3 tells the story of how waste becomes authentic and debatable during a visit to a wastewater plant. Finally, new technologies in the service of natural science is the scope for Case 4 where students collect and analyze their samples of eDNA at university lab facilities in collaboration with scientists, generating valuable real data for research projects. We summarize by discussing how, to meet the challenges of the future, there is a need to strengthen the content and context of curriculums as well as the skills of the learners within natural sciences. The four cases address different themes and skills connected to the highly complex problems like climate change and loss of biodiversity, that may be difficult to comprehend for the greater public but are urgent to teach the adults of tomorrow.
Berberine Slows the Progression of Prediabetes to Diabetes in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats by Enhancing Intestinal Secretion of Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 and Improving the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Wang Ying , Liu Haiyi , Zheng Miaoyan , Yang Yanhui , Ren Huizhu , Kong Yan , Wang Shanshan , Wang Jingyu , Jiang Yingying , Yang Juhong , Shan Chunyan
Published: May 2021

Background

Berberine is a plant alkaloid that has multiple beneficial effects against intestine inflammation. In our previous study, we have found that berberine also possesses an antidiabetic effect. However, whether berberine is useful in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through its effect on intestine endocrine function and gut microbiota is unclear.

Aim

To investigate the effects of berberine in the prevention of T2DM, as well as its effects on intestine GLP-2 secretion and gut microbiota in ZDF rats.

Methods

Twenty Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats were fed a high-energy diet until they exhibited impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). The rats were then divided into two groups to receive berberine (100 mg/kg/d; berberine group) or vehicle (IGT group) by gavage for 3 weeks. Five Zucker Lean (ZL) rats were used as controls. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed, and the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Intestinal expression of TLR-4, NF-κB, TNF-α, mucin, zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin were assessed (immunohistochemistry). Plasma levels and glutamine-induced intestinal secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and GLP-2 were measured (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level was measured. Fecal DNA extraction, pyrosequencing, and bioinformatics analysis were performed.

Results

After 3 weeks of intervention, diabetes developed in all rats in the IGT group, but only 30% of rats in the berberine group. Treatment with berberine was associated with reductions in food intake, FBG level, insulin resistance, and plasma LPS level, as well as increases in fasting plasma GLP-2 level and glutamine-induced intestinal GLP-2 secretion. Berberine could increase the goblet cell number and villi length, and also reverse the suppressed expressions of mucin, occludin, ZO-1 and the upregulated expressions of TLR-4, NF-κB and TNF-α induced in IGT rats (P<0.05). Berberine also improved the structure of the gut microbiota and restored species diversity.

Conclusion

Berberine may slow the progression of prediabetes to T2DM in ZDF rats by improving GLP-2 secretion, intestinal permeability, and the structure of the gut microbiota.
Long Working Hours and Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII
Authors: Song Eyun , Kim Jung A. , Roh Eun , Yu Ji Hee , Kim Nam Hoon , Yoo Hye Jin , Seo Ji A. , Kim Sin Gon , Kim Nan Hee , Baik Sei Hyun , Choi Kyung Mook
Published: May 2021

Background

The global incidence of NAFLD is rising sharply due to various risk factors. As previous studies reported adverse health impact of long working hours on metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and obesity, it is plausible that NAFLD is also associated with working excessive hours. However, data regarding this issue is limited.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII, 5,661 working adults without previous liver disease or heavy alcohol drinking habits were included. The subjects were categorized into three groups according to working hours: 36–42, 43–52, and 53–83 hours/week. NAFLD was defined using the hepatic steatosis index (HSI), which is a validated prediction model for determining NAFLD.

Results

The prevalence of NAFLD (HSI ≥36) increased with longer working hours: 23.0%, 25.6%, and 30.6% in the 36–42, 43–52, and 53–83 hours/week group, respectively (p <0.001). Subjects who worked 53–83 hours/week had higher odds for NAFLD than those who worked the standard 36–42 hours/week (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.02–1.50, p = 0.033) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, alcohol, exercise, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, serum triglyceride, and total cholesterol. This association was consistent across subgroups according to working schedule (daytime vs. shift workers) or occupation type (office vs. manual workers). In particular, the relationship between long working hours and NAFLD was pronounced in workers aged <60 years and in female workers.

Conclusions

Long working hours was significantly associated with NAFLD. Further prospective studies are required to validate this finding with causal relationship.
Clinical and Radiological Predictors of Biochemical Response to First-Line Treatment With Somatostatin Receptor Ligands in Acromegaly: A Real-Life Perspective
Authors: Nista Federica , Corica Giuliana , Castelletti Lara , Khorrami Keyvan , Campana Claudia , Cocchiara Francesco , Zoppoli Gabriele , Prior Alessandro , Rossi Diego Criminelli , Zona Gianluigi , Ferone Diego , Gatto Federico
Published: May 2021

Background

First-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (fg-SRLs) represent the first-line medical treatment for acromegaly, recommended in patients with persistent disease after neurosurgery, or when surgical approach is not feasible. Despite the lack of strong recommendations from guidelines and consensus statements, data from national Registries report an increasing use of medical therapy as first-line treatment in acromegaly.

Objective

We retrospectively evaluated the potential role of a large number of clinical and radiological parameters in predicting the biochemical response to 6-month treatment with fg-SRLs, in a cohort of naïve acromegaly patients referred to a single tertiary center for pituitary diseases.

Methods

Univariable and multivariable logistic regression and linear regression analyses were performed. Biochemical response was defined based on IGF-1 levels, represented as both categorical (tight control, control, >50% reduction) and continuous (linear % reduction) variables.

Results

Fifty-one patients (33 females, median age 57 years) were included in the study. At univariable logistic regression analysis, we found that younger age (≤ 40 years; OR 0.04, p=0.045) and higher BMI (OR 0.866, p=0.034) were associated with a lower chance of achieving >50% IGF-1 reduction. On the contrary, higher IGF-1 xULN values at diagnosis (OR 2.304, p=0.007) and a T2-hypointense tumor (OR 18, p=0.017) were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of achieving >50% IGF-1 reduction after SRL therapy. Of note, dichotomized age, IGF1 xULN at diagnosis, and T2-hypointense signal of the tumor were retained as significant predictors by our multivariable logistic regression model. Furthermore, investigating the presence of predictors to the linear % IGF-1 reduction, we found a negative association with younger age (≤ 40 years; β -0.533, p<0.0001), while a positive association was observed with both IGF-1 xULN levels at diagnosis (β 0.330, p=0.018) and the presence of a T2-hypointense pituitary tumor (β 0.466, p=0.019). All these variables were still significant predictors at multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Dichotomized age, IGF-1 levels at diagnosis, and tumor T2-weighted signal are reliable predictors of both >50% IGF-1 reduction and linear % IGF-1 reduction after 6 month fg-SRL treatment in naïve acromegaly patients. These parameters should be considered in the light of an individualized treatment for acromegaly patients.
Transcriptomic Profiling of Human Placenta in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at the Single-Cell Level
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Guo Fang , Peng Yue , Chen Rong , Zhou Wenbo , Wang Huihui , OuYang Jun , Yu Bin , Xu Zhengfeng
Published: May 2021

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Increasing evidence shows that placentation defects may play important roles in GDM. However, our understanding of the human placenta remains limited. In this study, we generated a comprehensive transcriptomic profile of cellular signatures and transcriptomes in the human placenta in GDM using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), constructed a comprehensive cell atlas, and identified cell subtypes and subtype-specific marker genes. In addition, we investigated the placental cellular function and intercellular interactions in GDM. These findings help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of GDM, and may facilitate the development of new approaches to GDM treatment and prevention.
Diffusion of High-Temperature and High-Pressure CH4 Gas in SiO2 Nanochannels
Authors: Cui Shuheng , Fu Jianfeng , Guo Minling , Zhao Zhixiang , Sun Chengzhen , Wang Yujun
Published: May 2021

Fundamental understandings of nanoconfined methane (CH4) are crucial to improving the exploitation of tight gas. In this study, diffusivity, one of the key transport properties of high-temperature and high-pressure methane gas, is examined under confinement in the silica nanochannels by using molecular dynamics simulations by employing Einstein diffusion equation. It was found that the diffusivity of nanoconfined methane is obviously anisotropic, namely, the perpendicular diffusion coefficient is lower than that in the longitudinal direction. The anisotropic diffusivity of nanoconfined methane is attributed to the restricted effect of potential interactions from the atoms of walls, which is verified by analyzing the diffusivity of methane molecules in the potential wells with Lagrangian dynamics. The diffusion coefficients of nanoconfined methane decrease with the increase of atomic potentials in the wall, which can be explained by the density distributions of methane in the nanochannels. Furthermore, we reveal the dependence of the diffusivity of nanoconfined methane on the channel height and confining effect of the wall on the diffusivity of methane molecules. The obtained results can provide a molecular insight into the transport properties of methane confined in nanospace and a theoretical guidance for the efficient extraction of tight gas.
Pore Structure Regulation and Electrochemical Performance Characterization of Activated Carbon for Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Shijie , Xing Tao , Wang Yilin , Lu Pengwei , Kong Weixue , Li Shenao , Su Xiaomin , Wei Xinkuan
Published: May 2021

In order to achieve the purpose of regulating the pore structure characteristics of activated carbon by adjusting the experimental parameters, the effects of carbonization temperature, carbonization time, pre-activation temperature, pre-activation time and impregnation time on the pore structure of sargassum-based activated carbon (SAC) are studied by orthogonal experiment. The gravimetric capacitance of SAC and the relationship between the gravimetric capacitance and specific surface area are also studied. The results show that the SACs prepared at all experimental conditions have developed pore structure and huge specific surface area, reaching 3,122 m2/g. The pore size of SAC is almost all within 6 nm, in which the micropores are mainly concentrated in 0.4–0.8 nm, the mesopores are mainly concentrated in 2–4 nm, and the number of micropores is significantly higher than that of mesopores. During the preparation of SAC, the effect of carbonization temperature on the specific surface area and specific pore volume of SAC is very significant. The effect of carbonization time on the specific surface area of SAC is significant, but the effect on specific pore volume can be ignored. The effects of pre-activation temperature, pre-activation time, and impregnation time on specific surface area and specific pore volume of SAC can be ignored. In addition, SACs show good gravimetric capacitance performance as electrode material for supercapacitors, which can significantly increase the capacitance of supercapacitors and thus broaden their applications. The gravimetric capacitance and specific surface area of SACs show a good linear relationship when the activated carbons have similar material properties and pore size distribution.
The Interplay Between Thematic Resolution, Forest Cover, and Heterogeneity for Explaining Euglossini Bees Community in an Agricultural Landscape
Authors: Carneiro Lázaro da Silva , Aguiar Willian Moura de , Priante Camila de Fátima , Ribeiro Milton Cezar , Frantine-Silva Wilson , Gaglianone Maria Cristina
Published: May 2021

Human activities have modified the landscape composition. The changes in the landscape structure can be evaluated by metrics, which are influenced, among other factors, by the number of cover classes used for the landscape classification (thematic resolution). In high thematic resolutions, landscape covers that can influence biological responses are identified and detailed. In low thematic resolutions, this detail level is lower because it aggregates different landscape covers in a few classes. However, how the thematic resolution influences our ability to understand landscape structure on biodiversity is poorly explored, particularly for pollinators. Here we asked how thematic resolution affects the explanatory power of landscape composition on explaining Euglossini bees (richness and abundance) within 15 landscapes composed mainly of coffee and pasture. To address this issue, we quantified the association between five attributes of the euglossine bee community and landscape composition: landscape cover classes (%) and landscape heterogeneity. Moreover, we also evaluated how the thematic resolution influences bee responses to landscape structure. We found a strong and positive influence of landscape heterogeneity in low thematic resolutions (i.e., few cover classes on maps) over the richness and rare species abundance. We also observed that- in addition to the forest cover in the landscape- the pasture cover (%) quantified in high thematic resolution positively influenced the total abundance and abundance of common and intermediate species. Our study highlights the importance of maintaining compositional heterogeneity for the orchid bee community in agroecosystems, and forest cover for the biological requirements and conservation of these pollinators. Moreover, the use of different thematic resolutions showed how specific types of landscape covers influence the euglossine community attributes. This can highlight the species preferences for habitats and landscape covers. Thus, we call the attention of landscape ecologists to the importance of the definition of thematic resolution, as our ability to quantify the association between biological responses and landscape structure may be influenced by the number of classes used when building thematic maps.
Reproductive Strategies Change With Time in a Newly Founded Colony of Spotless Starlings (Sturnus unicolor)
Authors: Celis Patricia , Graves Jeff A. , Gil Diego
Published: May 2021

Variation in avian reproductive strategies is often studied from a comparative perspective, since even closely-related taxa differ greatly in the degree of polygyny, extra-pair paternity (EPP) or intra-specific brood-parasitism. However, substantial variation at the species level suggests that ecological factors are important in shaping these patterns. In this study, we examined the temporal plasticity of these strategies, following a population from the year of colony formation to 2 years after this. Parentage data from these years shows that polygyny decreased with time, likely as a consequence of increased competition for nesting sites and mates by new recruits, and immigrants of higher quality arriving to the colony as time passed. In parallel to this temporal change, we found an increase in intra-specific brood-parasitism and quasi-parasitism (QP). We interpret these patterns as a consequence of an increase of floaters with time; these birds pursue a mixture of alternative mating strategies to succeed in the population. We also found evidence of conspecific brood parasitism (CBP), by nesting females that laid part of the clutch in another nest or that after losing a partially laid clutch resorted to lay the last eggs in another nest. Analyses of the distance between the main nest and nests containing the secondary polygynous brood or extra-pair or parasitic young showed an avoidance of contiguous nests for conducting these alternative reproductive tactics. At the same time, these secondary nests were closer to the main nest than random distances within the colony, suggesting that access to public information was restricted to a narrow area around the main nest. Our study emphasizes how behavioral patterns are plastic traits that vary not only with individual circumstances, but also with time, tracking changes in density and social structure.