bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rancang Bangun Teknologi Augmented Reality pada Pengenalan Sistem Pencernaan Manusia
Authors: Rahayu Raden Erwin Gunadhi , Fitriani Leni , Hambali Cecep Iqbal
Published: March 2022

Sistem pencernaan manusia merupakan proses bagaimana berjalannya makanan didalam tubuh yang dimulai dari pencernaan makanan didalam mulut sampai makanan berakhir di anus. Proses tersebut bertujuan untuk memisahkan zat-zat gizi seperti protein, lemak, karbohidrat, vitamin dan mineral yang diserap oleh tubuh selanjutnya sisa-sisa pencernaan yang tidak digunakan tubuh masuk dan berakhir di anus. Pada kegiatan pembelajaran sistem pencernaan manusia yang biasanya dilakukan sekolah masih menerapakan sistem ceramah serta masih menggunakan buku sebagai acuan pembelajaran sehingga membuat murid merasa jenuh dalam proses pembelajarannya karena sifatnya yang kuang menarik. Penggunaan media pembelajaran diperlukan untuk mengatasi masalah yang muncul dalam proses pembelajaran sistem pencernaan manusia. Aplikasi pengenalan system pencernaan manusia dengan menggunakan teknologi augmented reality di butuhkan untuk memudahkan proses pembelajaran di sekolah serta menjadi solusi dalam pembelajaran dimasa pandemic, dengan menggunakan teknologi Augmented Reality yang sifatnya menggabungkan objek 3 dimensi kedalam lingkungan nyata dan memproyeksikannya kedalam dunia maya berupa objek 3 dimensi yang menggambarkan sistem pencernaan dari manusia. Tujuan penelitian ini Merancang Bangun teknologi Augmented Reality pada pengenalan sistem pencernaan manusia. Metode pengembangan sistem yang digunakan dalam pembuatan aplikasi ini menggunakan metode MDLC (Multimedia Development Life Cycle). Adapun tahapan yang dilakukan pada metode ini diantaranya konsep (concept), perancangan (desain), pengumpulan data (material collecting), pembuatan (assembly), pengujian (testing), dan distribusi (distribution). Hasil dari penelitian ini berupa aplikasi sistem pencernaan manusia dengan memanfaatkan teknologi Augumented Reality untuk menarik minat siswa dalam belajar.
Support Children to Develop Desire in Science, Technical and Technology Education: The Case of Kinondoni Pre-Primary Classroom, Tanzania
Authors: Kibani Leoncia Henerico
Published: March 2022

Recent studies have shown that science, technical and technological fields are underrepresented academically and professionally from school to university level. The interests in learning such fields can be traced back from early childhood education to higher learning levels. Recent studies have shown that science, technical and technological fields are underrepresented academically and professionally from school to university level. The interests in learning such fields can be traced back from early childhood education to higher learning levels. Studies revealed that teaching and learning materials either guided or free when integrated into children's games and plays become valuable resources that create desires int learning these subjects. This study therefore, explored on the supportive teaching and learning materials employed by teachers and parents in children's game and plays to build their desire and interests of learning the subjects. The study was conducted in Kinondoni district, Tanzania. The study employed a mixed method approach based on descriptive survey design. The study collected data from 230 participants in 20 pre-primary classes. Purposive sampling was for teachers and parents. Random stratifies sampling technique adopted to get pre-primary classes. Findings revealed that children curiosity and interest in learning science, technical and technological elements are impacted by improper and inadequate supportive learning materials. Also, types of plays and games engaged in, classroom environment, parent's participation in children plays and communication done to children. Majority 20 (100%) teacher were employing certain common games and plays those bored children. Many 16 (80%) teachers do not implement recommended supportive materials effectively. The study concluded that supported children demonstrate curiosity and interest which build foundation for future professionals, expertise and specialists. The study recommends for positive support to children's ideas, natural curiosity and perspectives to enhance their interest in learning science, technical and technology aspects.
Theoretical analysis of ADP molecule in gas phase and aqueous solution: a DFT and PCM/TD-DFT study
Authors: EKİNCİOĞLU Yavuz
Published: March 2022

This paper has reported some theoretical results for the geometry optimization in ground state (S0) and the first excited state (S1), the frontier molecular orbitals, the global chemical reactivity descriptor, the excited states, the absorption and emission spectra in gas phase and aqueous solution of protonated Adenosine diphosphate molecule. Also, the excited state intramolecular proton transfer process was reported between O37-H38∙∙∙N13 bonds. Then, the results obtained have been compared with the experimental data reported and, therefore, available in literature. All calculations were carried out using density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory method with B3LYP functional with 6-311+G (d, p) basis set. As well as, the solvent effects were investigated using Polarizable Continuum Model. As a conclusion, it has been indicated that the theoretical results obtained in this work are all in well agreement with experimental counterparts taken from literature.
Scott's Ghost-Seeing
Authors: Duncan Ian
Published: March 2022

Episodes of ghost-seeing radicalize a key device of Walter Scott’s historical novels, in which cultural difference submits to a developmental logic of historical difference. The spectral apparition signals not only the ghost-seer’s imminent death but also a historical extinction, that of the life-world in which supernatural phenomena count as real. This essay considers the complication of this historicist logic in The Bride of Lammermoor (1819) and The Monastery (1820). In the former, ghostliness is endemic to a time of pure liminality, unmoored from historical purpose: the suspension of the present between a past that fails to pass and a future that fails to arrive empties it of ontological substance. In The Monastery, the ghost rudely resists exorcism by rational explanation. Scott’s White Lady indexes the severity of the historical breach inflicted by the Protestant Reformation: a discontinuity more violent, in its impact upon knowledge, belief and the imagination, than revolutions of dynasties or political systems.
Fights and Flights: Two Underrated ‘Alternatives’ to Dominant Readings intafsīr
Authors: Saeed Sohaib
Published: March 2022

Does Q. 2:178 legislate retaliation for murder? Was Abraham commanded to chop up some birds according to Q. 2:260? This paper examines two cases in which a dominant view in Muslim exegesis has existed alongside an alternative that is minimised or criticised, while arguably being a closer fit to the text and context of the verse. The first, a ‘historicist’ reading of the qiṣāṣ verse (Q. 2:178), was picked up and advocated by the influential Ibn Taymiyya (d. 728/1328), yet it has even less of a footprint in exegetical works subsequent to him. The second, a ‘naturalist’ reading of the birds verse (Q. 2:260) advanced by Abū Muslim al-Iṣfahānī (d. 322/934), has been adopted by some modern exegetes and translators, but largely dismissed as strained and contrary to consensus. As well as charting the reception of these competing views, I analyse them comparatively, phrase by phrase, and argue that these alternatives are more plausible, and indeed fruitful, than the commonly accepted interpretations. The juxtaposition of these cases invites closer examination of key hermeneutical concepts in the tafsīr tradition.
EFEKTIVITAS SISTEM PENILAIAN KINERJA APARATUR PADA BIRO ADMINISTRASI UMUM DAN KEUANGAN INSTITUT PEMERINTAHAN DALAM NEGERI
Authors: Putra Bintan Nugraha
Published: March 2022

The title of this research is “EFFECTIVENESS OF APARATURE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM IN GENERAL AND FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION BUREAU GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTE WITHIN COUNTRY”. The research approach used in this study is the inductive approach. The theory used is DeLone and McLean's theory proposed by Sutan Kayo who divides it into 5 (five) dimensions, namely basic knowledge, technical ability, mental attitude, professionalism, and objectivity. The research design used is a qualitative research with a descriptive approach.The results of this study found that of the six dimensions measuring the effectiveness of an information system only a few have problems, namely the quality of information and net benefits, but can still be implemented.

Key words : Effectiveness, Assessment System
PENERAPAN SISTEM ANTRIAN PELAYANAN (SIAP)
Authors: Setyono Gusty
Published: March 2022

SIAP (Service Queuing System) application is an innovation in terms of service queues. SIAP is an android based application developed as a form of innovation for better service by considering technological developments to the public. This application provides a registration menu to people who want to do service. By entering the ID number, name and type of service, the registrant (community) can get a queue number. After the community registers, the registrants will be verified by the administrator. After being verified, the registrant gets a queue number. After the registrant gets a queue number then he can immediately come to the Administrative Services and Civil Registration Service to receive services in accordance with the order of the queue number in the SIAP Application. After carrying out the service, the community can see the service status. In addition, there is also a feature of complaints from the public if there are irregularities in the service that are directly conveyed to the leadership without going through the administrator or staff.

Keyword : SIAP (Service Queuing System), service, application, administrator.
IMPLEMENTASI APLIKASI E-COURT DALAM MEWUJUDKAN PELAYANAN PUBLIK YANG BAIK DI PENGADILAN NEGERI KOTA MALANG
Authors: Azzahiroh Mumtaza , Zamahsari Hasan Alfi , Mahameru Yan
Published: March 2022

All the arrangements of human life are connected with the internet network that is so massive due to an industrial revolution 4.0. The development of existing technology has an impact on government service systems, namely the service approach to the community. If the service is associated with technological development, it will make the service process effective if the government can allocate it through changes in existing technology properly and correctly. E-Court is an instrument in court as a form of service to the community in terms of online case registration, online payment, online summons, and online trial. Prior to the application of the E-Court, the community tended to experience difficulties in carrying out court activities because the community had to come to the place of court before which would take a lot of time and money, this made the lack of efficiency and effectiveness of services in the registration and trial process. , seeing the difficulties of this society, an E-Court application was launched based on Supreme Court regulations that are useful to facilitate the public in conducting court-based technology activities that save time and excessive costs in order to realize the ideals in efficient and effective public services. This study aims to determine the implementation of e-court applications in services in the Malang District Court. This type of research used in this research is qualitative research with a literature study approach.

Keyword : E-Court, Implementation and Public Service
A Knowledge-Aided Robust Ensemble Kalman Filter Algorithm for Non-Linear and Non-Gaussian Large Systems
Authors: Lopez-Restrepo Santiago , Yarce Andres , Pinel Nicolás , Quintero O. L. , Segers Arjo , Heemink A. W.
Published: March 2022

This work proposes a robust and non-Gaussian version of the shrinkage-based knowledge-aided EnKF implementation called Ensemble Time Local H∞Filter Knowledge-Aided (EnTLHF-KA). The EnTLHF-KA requires a target covariance matrix to integrate previously obtained information and knowledge directly into the data assimilation (DA). The proposed method is based on the robust H∞filter and on its ensemble time-local version the EnTLHF, using an adaptive inflation factor depending on the shrinkage covariance estimated matrix. This implies a theoretical and solid background to construct robust filters from the well-known covariance inflation technique. The proposed technique is implemented in a synthetic assimilation experiment, and in an air quality application using the LOTOS-EUROS model over the Aburrá Valley to evaluate its potential for non-linear and non-Gaussian large systems. In the spatial distribution of the PM2.5concentrations along the valley, the method outperforms the well-known Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF), and the non-robust knowledge-aided Ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF-KA). In contrast to the other simulations, the ability to issue warnings for high concentration events is also increased. Finally, the simulation using EnTLHF-KA has lower error values than using EnKF-KA, indicating the advantages of robust approaches in high uncertainty systems.
A Novel Adjustable EndoButton Fixation Assisted by 3D Printing Technology for Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injury: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Zhang Lei , Xu Junjie , Tang Xiangyu , Zhou Xin , Li Bingkun , Wang Guoyou
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The recommendations for surgical fixation of tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries are increasingly challenging for many clinical orthopedists, as international consensus has not been published for the optimal treatment of the injury. Thus, we have created a 3D-printed navigation template for a precise bone tunnel and a novel adjustable EndoButton fixation (NAE) for the ideal treatment. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the accuracy of the 3D-printed navigation template and explore the biomechanical performance of the NAE technique by comparing it with the intact syndesmosis, screw technique, and TightRope (TR) technique.

Methods: Twenty-four human cadaveric legs were randomly allocated to four groups: the NAE group (n = 6), TR group (n = 6), screw group (n = 6), and intact group (n = 6). A personalized navigation template based on computed tomography scans was designed, and 3D printing models were generated for the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. The NAE, TR, and screw group were performed via 3D-printed navigation template, respectively. All groups were tested under increasing loading forces including axial loading (from 100 N to 700 N) and torsional loading (from 1 N to 5 N), which were performed in different ankle positions. The displacements of the tibiofibular syndesmosis were analyzed using the Bose Electroforce 3510-AT biomechanical testing equipment.

Results: Surgical fixations were conducted successfully through a 3D-printed navigation template. Both in axial or torsional loading experiments, no statistically significant difference was observed in the displacements among the NAE, TR, and intact groups in most situations (p > 0.05), whereas the screw group demonstrated obviously smaller displacements than the abovementioned three groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The 3D printing technology application may become beneficial and favorable for locating and making the bone tunnel. Also, the NAE fixation provides the performance of complete ligaments; it also restores physiologic micromotion and avoids insufficient or excessive reduction when compared to the TR and screw technique. This may offer a new fixation for the treatment of tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries that is desirable for clinical promotion.
Prostaglandin E2 and Receptors: Insight Into Tumorigenesis, Tumor Progression, and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Chao , Guan Jun , Gu Xinyu , Chu Qingfei , Zhu Haihong
Published: March 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common primary liver cancer with ∼750,000 annual incidence rates globally. PGE2, usually known as a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is over-expressed in various human malignancies including HCC. PGE2 binds to EP receptors in HCC cells to influence tumorigenesis or enhance tumor progression through multiple pathways such as EP1-PKC-MAPK, EP2-PKA-GSK3β, and EP4-PKA-CREB. In the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, PGE2 can promote the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells by affecting hepatocytes directly and the tumor microenvironment (TME) through ERK/COX-2/PGE2 signal pathway in hepatic stellate cells (HSC). For the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, there are drugs such as T7 peptide and EP1 antagonist ONO-8711 targeting Cox-2/PGE2 axis to inhibit tumor progression. In conclusion, PGE2 has been shown to be a traditional target with pleiotropic effects in tumorigenesis and progression of HCC that could be used to develop a new potential clinical impact. For the treatment study focusing on the COX-PGE2 axis, the exclusive usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) or COX-2-inhibitors may be replaced by a combination of selective EP antagonists and traditional anti-tumoral drugs to alleviate severe side effects and achieve better outcomes.
Presence of H3K4me3 on Paternally Expressed Genes of the Paternal Genome From Sperm to Implantation
Authors: Ishihara Teruhito , Griffith Oliver W. , Suzuki Shunsuke , Renfree Marilyn B.
Published: March 2022

Genomic imprinting, parent-of-origin-specific gene expression, is controlled by differential epigenetic status of the parental chromosomes. While DNA methylation and suppressive histone modifications established during gametogenesis suppress imprinted genes on the inactive allele, how and when the expressed allele gains its active status is not clear. In this study, we asked whether the active histone-3 lysine-4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) marks remain at paternally expressed genes (PEGs) in sperm and embryos before and after fertilization using published data. Here we show that mouse sperm had the active H3K4me3 at more than half of known PEGs, and these genes were present even after fertilization. Using reciprocal cross data, we identified 13 new transient PEGs during zygotic genome activation. Next, we confirmed that the 12 out of the 13 new transient PEGs were associated with the paternal H3K4me3 in sperm. Nine out of the 12 genes were associated with the paternal H3K4me3 in zygotes. Our results show that paternal H3K4me3 marks escape inactivation during the histone-to-protamine transition that occurs during sperm maturation and are present in embryos from early zygotic stages up to implantation.
Small Extracellular Vesicles Derived From MSCs Have Immunomodulatory Effects to Enhance Delivery of ASO-210 for Psoriasis Treatment
Authors: Zhang Weixian , Lin Jingxiong , Shi Peilin , Su Dandan , Cheng Xiaoli , Yi Wenkai , Yan Jian , Chen Hongbo , Cheng Fang
Published: March 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been increasingly used for treating autoimmune diseases due to their immune modulation functions, but inefficient homing to the target tissue and safety issues limits their wide application. Recently, increasing studies demonstrate small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) as key mediators of MSCs to exert their immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we found that sEVs derived from human umbilical cord MSCs stimulated by IFN-γ (IFNγ-sEVs) inhibited proliferation and activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T cells in vitro. Furthermore, we confirmed that IFNγ-sEVs reduced psoriasis symptoms including thickness, erythema, and scales of skin lesions; exhausted Th17 cells, increased Th2 cells; and reduced enrichment of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17A, IFN-γ, IL-6, and TNF-α in both spleen and skin lesions in vivo. Importantly, IFNγ-sEVs significantly improved the delivery efficiency and stability of ASO-210, the antisense oligonucleotides of miR-210 block the immune imbalance and subsequent psoriasis development. Our results reveal MSC-sEVs as promising cell-free therapeutic agents and ideal delivery vehicles of antisense oligonucleotides for psoriasis treatment.
Functional Nano-Objects by Electrostatic Self-Assembly: Structure, Switching, and Photocatalysis
Authors: Krieger Anja , Zika Alexander , Gröhn Franziska
Published: March 2022

The design of functional nano-objects by electrostatic self-assembly in solution signifies an emerging field with great potential. More specifically, the targeted combination of electrostatic interaction with other effects and interactions, such as the positioning of charges on stiff building blocks, the use of additional amphiphilic, π−π stacking building blocks, or polyelectrolytes with certain architectures, have recently promulgated electrostatic self-assembly to a principle for versatile defined structure formation. A large variety of architectures from spheres over rods and hollow spheres to networks in the size range of a few tenths to a few hundred nanometers can be formed. This review discusses the state-of-the-art of different approaches of nano-object formation by electrostatic self-assembly against the backdrop of corresponding solid materials and assemblies formed by other non-covalent interactions. In this regard, particularly promising is the facile formation of triggerable structures, i.e. size and shape switching through light, as well as the use of electrostatically assembled nano-objects for improved photocatalysis and the possible solar energy conversion in the future. Lately, this new field is eliciting an increasing amount of understanding; insights and limitations thereof are addressed in this article. Special emphasis is placed on the interconnection of molecular building block structures and the resulting nanoscale architecture via the key of thermodynamics.
Post-Translational Modifications of G Protein–Coupled Receptors Revealed by Proteomics and Structural Biology
Authors: Zhang Bingjie , Li Shanshan , Shui Wenqing
Published: March 2022

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a protein superfamily comprising >800 members that regulate numerous cellular and physiologic responses. GPCRs represent the largest class of therapeutic targets with implications in various diseases. Although advances in GPCR structural and pharmacological research have significantly improved our knowledge of GPCR signaling mechanisms, mapping diverse post-translational modifications (PTMs) of GPCR proteins and understanding their regulatory roles have received much less attention. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics has become the most popular technology for profiling protein PTMs in a systematic manner. Herein we provide an overview of PTM types, locations, crosstalk and dynamic regulation for different GPCRs that are characterized using proteomic and/or biochemical approaches. Our main focus is on glycosylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination and palmitoylation that are known to modulate receptor folding, biosynthesis, trafficking, dimerization and signaling. Furthermore, we discuss the locations of specific PTM sites in the structure of a given GPCR and its signaling complex to highlight the importance of PTM regulation in the molecular basis of GPCRs, which may shed new light on structure-based drug discovery.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Induces Increases in Branched-Chain Amino Acid Levels and Exacerbates Liver Injury Through livh/livk
Authors: Wu Leng , Shi Rui , Bai Huimin , Wang Xingtong , Wei Jian , Liu Chengcheng , Wu Yafei
Published: March 2022

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone periodontal pathogen, has emerged as a risk factor for systemic chronic diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To clarify the mechanism by which this pathogen induces such diseases, we simultaneously analyzed the transcriptome of intracellular P. gingivalis and infected host cells via dual RNA sequencing. Pathway analysis was also performed to determine the differentially expressed genes in the infected cells. Further, the infection-induced notable expression of P. gingivalis livk and livh genes, which participate in branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) transfer, was also analyzed. Furthermore, given that the results of recent studies have associated NAFLD progression with elevated serum BCAA levels, which reportedly, are upregulated by P. gingivalis, we hypothesized that this pathogen may induce increases in serum BCAA levels and exacerbate liver injury via livh/livk. To verify this hypothesis, we constructed P. gingivalis livh/livk-deficient strains (Δlivk, Δlivh) and established a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed murine model infected with P. gingivalis. Thereafter, the kinetic growth and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production rates as well as the invasion efficiency and in vivo colonization of the mutant strains were compared with those of the parental strain. The serum BCAA and fasting glucose levels of the mice infected with either the wild-type or mutant strains, as well as their liver function were also further investigated. It was observed that P. gingivalis infection enhanced serum BCAA levels and aggravated liver injury in the HFD-fed mice. Additionally, livh deletion had no effect on bacterial growth, EPS production, invasion efficiency, and in vivo colonization, whereas the Δlivk strain showed a slight decrease in invasion efficiency and in vivo colonization. More importantly, however, both the Δlivk and Δlivh strains showed impaired ability to upregulate serum BCAA levels or exacerbate liver injury in HFD-fed mice. Overall, these results suggested that P. gingivalis possibly aggravates NAFLD progression in HFD-fed mice by increasing serum BCAA levels, and this effect showed dependency on the bacterial BCAA transport system.
Higher Maximum Temperature Increases the Frequency of Water Drinking in Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei)
Authors: Wright Edward , Eckardt Winnie , Refisch Johannes , Bitariho Robert , Grueter Cyril C. , Ganas-Swaray Jessica , Stoinski Tara S. , Robbins Martha M.
Published: March 2022

Water plays a vital role in many aspects of sustaining life, including thermoregulation. Given that increasing temperatures and more extreme weather events due to climate change are predicted to influence water availability, understanding how species obtain and use water is critical. This is especially true for endangered species in small isolated populations which are vulnerable to drought and the risk of extinction. We examined the relationship between the frequency of water drinking and maximum temperature and rainfall in 21 groups of wild gorillas from the two mountain gorilla populations (Bwindi and Virunga), between 2010 and 2020. In both populations, we found that the frequency of water drinking significantly increased at higher maximum temperatures than cooler ones, but we found no consistent relationship between water drinking and rainfall. We also found that Virunga gorillas relied more on foods with higher water content than Bwindi gorillas, which in part likely explains why they drink water much less frequently. These findings highlight that even in rainforest mammals that gain most of their water requirements from food, access to free-standing water may be important because it likely facilitates evaporative cooling in response to thermoregulatory stress. These results have important implications for conservation and behavior of mountain gorillas in the face of continued increases in temperature and frequency of extreme weather events associated with climate change.
Evolving Our Understanding and Practice in Addressing Social Conflict and Stakeholder Engagement Around Conservation Translocations
Authors: Glikman Jenny Anne , Frank Beatrice , Bogardus Michelle , Meysohn Samantha , Sandström Camilla , Zimmermann Alexandra , Madden Francine
Published: March 2022

The conservation field has evolved to include an understanding of human values and attitudes toward wildlife; however, there is still too little emphasis on, and prioritization of, building understanding of the complex and context-specific social conflicts among people and groups involved with or impacted by conservation actions, including translocation. Both foci add value, but the latter is critical for building receptivity for conservation efforts and more thoughtfully designing appropriate context-specific processes for stakeholder engagement and shared decision-making. A deeper analysis of the social conflict dynamics involving the human relationships among individuals and groups engaged in a conservation conflict is needed as a first step in paving the way for the long-term success of conservation projects. Using a “Levels of Conflict” model offers a starting place for the analysis of social conflict often underpinning conservation translocation efforts. Further, we recommend employing a Conservation Conflict Transformation approach when considering conservation translocations to ensure that stakeholder engagement processes sufficiently engage the system, reconcile deep-rooted conflict among those involved and offer the best chance for shared progress and conservation success.
Integration of Photovoltaic Generation Within a Modeling Framework for Energy Hubs
Authors: Ramos-Teodoro Jerónimo , Rodríguez Francisco , Berenguel Manuel
Published: March 2022

Energy efficiency is a topic with many publications related to resource exploitation at a local scale; via well-performed energy management, substantial environmental and economic benefits can be achieved. In this article, the models used to forecast the photovoltaic power yield in two distinct facilities are described. These facilities are part of the same production plant, which makes use of different heterogeneous resources (carbon dioxide, water, thermal energy, and electricity) and has already been analyzed in a problem that consists in finding the set of variables that minimize the operation cost. In order to predict the power production for both photovoltaic fields, the expressions for radiation on sloped surfaces and the equivalent circuit for solar cells are employed, and the inverters and wire-transmission loss effects are considered. Furthermore, their integration within a general-purpose modeling framework for energy hubs is demonstrated. The comparison between validation results and production real data shows that despite the slight overestimation of the energy yield, the models are suitable to forecast the production of both facilities with a suitable accuracy, as the R2 coefficients of both facilities lie between 0.95 and 0.96.
Development and Validation of Prediction Models for Hypertensive Nephropathy, the PANDORA Study
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Zhou Bingqing , Zhou Li , Cui Liufu , Zeng Jing , Wang Shuo , Shi Weibin , Zhang Ye , Luo Xiaoli , Xu Chunmei , Xue Yuanzheng , Chen Hao , Chen Shuohua , Wang Guodong , Guo Li , Jose Pedro A. , Wilcox Christopher S. , Wu Shouling , Wu Gengze , Zeng Chunyu
Published: March 2022

Importance

Hypertension is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but currently, those at risk are poorly identified.

Objective

To develop and validate a prediction model for the development of hypertensive nephropathy (HN).

Design, Setting, and Participants

Individual data of cohorts of hypertensive patients from Kailuan, China served to derive and validate a multivariable prediction model of HN from 12, 656 individuals enrolled from January 2006 to August 2007, with a median follow-up of 6.5 years. The developed model was subsequently tested in both derivation and external validation cohorts.

Variables

Demographics, physical examination, laboratory, and comorbidity variables.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Hypertensive nephropathy was defined as hypertension with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or proteinuria.

Results

About 8.5% of patients in the derivation cohort developed HN after a median follow-up of 6.5 years that was similar in the validation cohort. Eight variables in the derivation cohort were found to contribute to the risk of HN: salt intake, diabetes mellitus, stroke, serum low-density lipoprotein, pulse pressure, age, hypertension duration, and serum uric acid. The discrimination by concordance statistics (C-statistics) was 0.785 (IQR, 0.770-0.800); the calibration slope was 1.129, the intercept was –0.117; and the overall accuracy by adjusted R2 was 0.998 with similar results in the validation cohort. A simple points scale developed from these data (0, low to 40, high) detected a low morbidity of 7% in the low-risk group (0–10 points) compared with >40% in the high-risk group (>20 points).

Conclusions and Relevance

A prediction model of HN over 8 years had high discrimination and calibration, but this model requires prospective evaluation in other cohorts, to confirm its potential to improve patient care.
Deep Learning Networks Accurately Detect ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Culprit Vessel
Authors: Wu Lin , Huang Guifang , Yu Xianguan , Ye Minzhong , Liu Lu , Ling Yesheng , Liu Xiangyu , Liu Dinghui , Zhou Bin , Liu Yong , Zheng Jianrui , Liang Suzhen , Pu Rui , He Xuemin , Chen Yanming , Han Lanqing , Qian Xiaoxian
Published: March 2022

Early diagnosis of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and early determination of the culprit vessel are associated with a better clinical outcome. We developed three deep learning (DL) models for detecting STEMIs and culprit vessels based on 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) and compared them with conclusions of experienced doctors, including cardiologists, emergency physicians, and internists. After screening the coronary angiography (CAG) results, 883 cases (506 control and 377 STEMI) from internal and external datasets were enrolled for testing DL models. Convolutional neural network-long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM) (AUC: 0.99) performed better than CNN, LSTM, and doctors in detecting STEMI. Deep learning models (AUC: 0.96) performed similarly to experienced cardiologists and emergency physicians in discriminating the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Regarding distinguishing RCA from LCX, DL models were comparable to doctors (AUC: 0.81). In summary, we developed ECG-based DL diagnosis systems to detect STEMI and predict culprit vessel occlusion, thus enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of STEMI diagnosis.
Air Quality Forecast by Statistical Methods: Application to Portugal and Macao
Authors: Mendes Luísa , Monjardino Joana , Ferreira Francisco
Published: March 2022

Air pollution is a major concern issue for most countries in the world. In Portugal and Macao, the values of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O3) are frequently above the concentration thresholds accepted as “good air quality.” Portugal follows the European Union (EU) legislation (Directive 2008/50/EC) on air quality and Macao the air quality guidelines (AQG) from the WHO. Air quality forecasts are very important mitigation tools because of their ability to anticipate pollution events, and issue early warnings, allowing to take preventive measures and reduce impacts, by avoiding exposure. The work presented here refers to the statistical forecast of air pollutants for three regions: Greater Lisbon Area, Madeira Autonomous Region (both located in Portugal), and Macao Special Administrative Region (in Southern China). The presented statistical approach combines Classification and Regression Tree (CART) and multiple regression (MR) analysis to obtain optimized regression models. This consolidated methodology is now in operation for more than a decade in Portugal, and is subject to regular updates that reflect the ongoing research and the changes in the air quality monitoring network. Recently, the same methodology was applied to Macao in collaboration with the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG). Here, a statistical approach for air quality forecasting is described that has been proven to be successful, being able to forecast PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and O3 concentrations, for the next day, with a good performance. In general, all the models have shown a good agreement between the observed and forecasted concentrations (with R2 from 0.50 to 0.89), and were able to follow the concentration evolution trend. For some cases, there is a slight delay in the prediction trend. Moreover, the results obtained for pollution episodes have proven that statistical forecast can be an effective way of protecting public health.
The CDKAL1 rs7747752-Bile Acids Interaction Increased Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Jing , Leng Junhong , Li Weiqin , Liu Jinnan , Yan Xiaoyan , Yu Zhijie , Hu Gang , Ma Ronald C. W. , Fang Zhongze , Wang Ying , Yang Xilin
Published: March 2022

Aims

The study aimed to explore additive interactions of CDKAL1 rs7747752 and GUDCA/DCA for GDM risk and whether the interactive effects on the risk of GDM was mediated via increasing lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC) 18:0 and/or saturated fatty acid (SFA) 16:0.

Methods

A 1:1 age-matched study nested in a prospective cohort of pregnant women (207 pairs) was organized in Tianjin, China. Additive interactions were used to test interaction effects while mediation analyses and Sobel tests were used to test mediation effects of LPC18:0 and SFA16:0 between copresence of rs7747752 and low GUDCA/DCA, and GDM risk.

Results

The CDKAL1 rs7747752 was associated with GDM (P<0.05). The rs7747752 C polymorphism markedly enhanced ORs of low GUDCA from 4.04 (0.72-22.8) to 9.02 (1.63-49.7) and low DCA from 1.67 (0.68-4.11) to 4.24 (1.84-9.76), both with significant additive interactions. Further adjustment for LPC18:0 attenuated the interactive effects of rs7747752 and low DCA, with a significant mediation effect (P=0.003). High SFA16:0 did not mediate the interactive effects of rs7747752 and low DCA/GUDCA on GDM risk.

Conclusions

The CDKAL1 rs7747752 C carrier status and low GUDCA/DCA had significant additive interactions on the risk of GDM with the effect from interaction with DCA being partially mediated via increasing LPC18:0.
Identification of MAGEC2/CT10 as a High Calcium-Inducible Gene in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Beasley Heather K. , Widatalla Sarrah E. , Whalen Diva S. , Williams Stephen D. , Korolkova Olga Y. , Namba Clementine , Pratap Siddharth , Ochieng Josiah , Sakwe Amos M.
Published: March 2022

The expression of the melanoma/cancer-testis antigen MAGEC2/CT10 is restricted to germline cells, but like most cancer-testis antigens, it is frequently upregulated in advanced breast tumors and other malignant tumors. However, the physiological cues that trigger the expression of this gene during malignancy remain unknown. Given that malignant breast cancer is often associated with skeletal metastasis and co-morbidities such as cancer-induced hypercalcemia, we evaluated the effect of high Ca2+ on the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and potential mechanisms underlying the survival of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells at high Ca2+. We show that chronic exposure of TNBC cells to high Ca2+ decreased the sensitivity of CaSR to Ca2+ but stimulated tumor cell growth and migration. Furthermore, high extracellular Ca2+ also stimulated the expression of early response genes such as FOS/FOSB and a unique set of genes associated with malignant tumors, including MAGEC2. We further show that the MAGEC2 proximal promoter is Ca2+ inducible and that FOS/FOSB binds to this promoter in a Ca2+- dependent manner. Finally, downregulation of MAGEC2 strongly inhibited the growth of TNBC cells in vitro. These data suggest for the first time that MAGEC2 is a high Ca2+ inducible gene and that aberrant expression of MAGEC2 in malignant TNBC tissues is at least in part mediated by an increase in circulating Ca2+via the AP-1 transcription factor.
Apelin and Apelin Receptor in Follicular Granulosa Cells of Buffalo Ovaries: Expression and Regulation of Steroidogenesis
Authors: Shokrollahi Borhan , Zheng Hai-Ying , Li Ling-Yu , Tang Li-Ping , Ma Xiao-Ya , Lu Xing-Rong , Duan An-Qin , Zhang Yu , Tan Xiao-Hui , Huang Chen-Xi , Xu Yuan-Yuan , Shang Jiang-Hua
Published: March 2022

Apelin (APLN), as a ligand for APJ (an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor), is an adipokine with pleiotropic effects in many physiological processes of the body. It has an important role in the control of reproduction particularly in females (mainly in control of ovarian function). This study was carried out to investigate the mRNA and protein amounts of APLN/APJ in granulose cells (GCs) of ovarian follicles with small (SF), medium (MF), and large (LF) sizes of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and the effect of IGF1 and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on the expression levels of APLN/APJ. In addition, we evaluated the effect of various doses of APLN (isoforms -13 and -17) singly or in combination with IGF1 and FSH on estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) secretion in GCs. The mRNA and protein abundance of APLN was the highest in GCs of LF while the APJ expression enhanced with follicle enlargement in GCs (p-value <0.01). IGF1 and FSH elevated the mRNA and protein amounts of APLN and FSH, and IGF1 increased the expression of APJ in buffalo GCs (p-value <0.01). Both isoforms of APLN (-13/-17) singly or in the presence of IGF1 or FSH increased the secretion of E2 and P4 with or without preincubation of cells with APJ antagonist (ML221 10 µM), although we had some variation in the effects. Concurrently, APLN-13/-17 significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of CYP19A1 and StAR (p-value <0.01). ML221 substantially diminished the secretion of E2 and P4 and also the expression of CY19A1 and StAR in buffalo GCs (p-value <0.01). We also revealed that APLN-13/-17 (10-9 M), singly or in response to IGF1 and FSH, increased the production of E2 and P4 in different times of stimulation. In conclusion, APLN may play a crucial role in steroidogenesis and follicular development in ovarian GCs of buffalo.
TG: HDL-C Ratio as Insulin Resistance Marker for Metabolic Syndrome in Children With Obesity
Authors: Nur Zati Iwani Ahmad Kamil , Jalaludin Muhammad Yazid , Yahya Abqariyah , Mansor Fazliana , Md Zain Fuziah , Hong Janet Yeow Hua , Wan Mohd Zin Ruziana Mona , Mokhtar Abdul Halim
Published: March 2022

Insulin resistance (IR) is an important variable in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Currently, IR is not part of the existing pediatric definition of MetS, instead elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) is measured as an indicator of hyperglycemia. Arguably, many obese children with severe IR are still able to regulate their FBG well. Hence, this study aimed to assess the utility of triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG : HDL-C) ratio as an IR marker in the modeling of pediatric MetS among children with obesity using structural equation modeling (SEM). A total of 524 blood samples from children with obesity (age 10–16 years old) were analyzed for FBG, lipids, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin. Both exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to examine TG : HDL-C ratio as an IR marker in pediatric MetS. EFA shows that TG: HDL-C ratio (standardized factor loading = 0.904) groups together with homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (standardized factor loading = 0.664), indicating a strong correlation to the IR factor. Replacing FBG with TG: HDL-C ratio improved the modeling of MetS structure in children with obesity. Our MetS model of TG: HDL-C ratio as IR component shows comparable model fitness indices (goodness of fit, Akaike’s information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion) with leptin:adiponectin ratio (platinum standard for adiposity:IR marker) model. The least model fit was seen when using FBG as an IR surrogate. TG : HDL-C ratio performed better as IR surrogate in MetS structures (standardized factor loading = 0.39) compared to FBG (standardized factor loading = 0.27). TG: HDL-C ratio may be considered as an IR component in pediatric MetS.
Testicular Tissue Banking for Fertility Preservation in Young Boys: Which Patients Should Be Included?
Authors: Delgouffe Emily , Braye Aude , Goossens Ellen
Published: March 2022

Due to the growing number of young patients at risk of germ cell loss, there is a need to preserve spermatogonial stem cells for patients who are not able to bank spermatozoa. Worldwide, more and more clinics are implementing testicular tissue (TT) banking programs, making it a novel, yet indispensable, discipline in the field of fertility preservation. Previously, TT cryopreservation was predominantly offered to young cancer patients before starting gonadotoxic chemo- or radiotherapy. Nowadays, most centers also bank TT from patients with non-malignant conditions who need gonadotoxic conditioning therapy prior to hematopoietic stem cell (HSCT) or bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Additionally, some centers include patients who suffer from genetic or developmental disorders associated with prepubertal germ cell loss or patients who already had a previous round of chemo- or radiotherapy. It is important to note that the surgical removal of TT is an invasive procedure. Moreover, TT cryopreservation is still considered experimental as restoration methods are not yet clinically available. For this reason, TT banking should preferably only be offered to patients who are at significant risk of becoming infertile. In our view, TT cryopreservation is recommended for young cancer patients in need of high-risk chemo- and/or radiotherapy, regardless of previous low-risk treatment. Likewise, TT banking is advised for patients with non-malignant disorders such as sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, and bone marrow failure, who need high-risk conditioning therapy before HSCT/BMT. TT retrieval during orchidopexy is also proposed for patients with bilateral cryptorchidism. Since patients with a medium- to low-risk treatment generally maintain their fertility, TT banking is not advised for this group. Also for Klinefelter patients, TT banking is not recommended as it does not give better outcomes than a testicular sperm extraction later in life.
Estrogen Receptor Complex to Trigger or Delay Estrogen-Induced Apoptosis in Long-Term Estrogen Deprived Breast Cancer
Authors: Maximov Philipp Y. , Fan Ping , Abderrahman Balkees , Curpan Ramona , Jordan V. Craig
Published: March 2022

Antiestrogen therapy of breast cancer has been a “gold standard” of treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer for decades. Resistance to antiestrogen therapy may develop, however, a vulnerability in long-term estrogen deprived (LTED) breast cancer cells was discovered. LTED breast cancer cells may undergo estrogen-induced apoptosis within a week of treatment with estrogen in vitro. This phenomenon has been also validated in vivo and in the clinic. The molecular ER-mediated mechanism of action of estrogen-induced apoptosis was deciphered, however, the relationship between the structure of estrogenic ligands and the activity of the ER in LTED breast cancer cells remained a mystery until recently. In this review we provide an overview of the structure-activity relationship of various estrogens with different chemical structures and the modulation of estrogen-induced apoptosis in LTED breast cancer cells resistant to antihormone therapy. We provide analysis of evidence gathered over more than a decade of structure-activity relationship studies by our group on the role of the change in the conformation of the estrogen receptor and the biological activities of different classes of estrogens and the receptor as well in LTED breast cancer.