bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Figuraciones de autor en Javier Marías y Cervantes: una nueva perspectiva sobre los narradores del Quijote
Authors: Sánchez Sempere Irene
Published: May 2024

This article draws on analyses of the concept of textual authority, authorial figurations, and the relationship between fiction and nonfiction to offer a new hypothesis about the configuration of narrative voices in Don Quijote. This critical approach focuses specifically on the transition between the eighth and ninth chapters of the First Part in order to explain the nature of the second author as a self-figuration of Cervantes, to justify his intrusion as a resource aimed at avoiding the identification between him and the first author, and to give an account of the voice appearing at the end of the eighth chapter as belonging to Cervantes himself. The narrative voice introduced by Javier Marías in Todas las almas serves as a reference for our argumentation.
Irene Hidalgo de la Guía y Elena Garayzábal Heinze, "Aplicación clínica y judicial de la fonética y la fonología"
Authors: García Pérez Humberto
Published: May 2024

Irene Hidalgo de la Guía and Elena Garayzábal Heinze, "Aplicación clínica y judicial de la fonética y la fonología". Madrid: Arco Libros, 2023. 95 pages. ISBN: 978-84-7133-885-3.
The Effect of Family Empowerment on the Self-Reliance of Adults with Developmental Disabilities: Focusing on the Mediating Effects of Positive Contributions of Persons with Disabilities
Authors:   Korean Academy Welfare Counselling, Jang Hye Yun , You Young-Jun
Published: May 2024

This study analyzes the impact of the empowerment of disabled families on the independent lives of adults with developmental disabilities and verifies the mediating effect of the positive contributions of disabled people in these relationships. For this purpose, a survey was conducted on 201 family members of people with developmental disabilities living in Daegu Metropolitan City and the results were analyzed. As a result of the analysis, family empowerment of disabled families was found to have a positive impact on the independent lives of adults with developmental disabilities. This shows that the degree of independent living of disabled children increases as family empowerment is obtained from the family system and community system. In addition, the positive contribution of disabled people was found to have a mediating effect in the relationship between family empowerment of disabled families and independent living of adults with developmental disabilities. These research results confirm that in order to improve the independent living of adults with developmental disabilities, it is necessary to increase the level of family empowerment along with supporting independent living for the disabled, and to strengthen awareness of the positive contribution to the disabled. Implications can be found.
A Study of Demanding Support for Mentoring Program between Juniors and Seniors in Response to the Difficulties in the Academic Adjustment of Pre-service Early Childhood Teachers
Authors:   Korean Academy Welfare Counselling, Won Kyeson , Ahn Mi-Young , Lee Hyuo Won
Published: May 2024

This study was conducted with the aim of gaining basic information for the development of seniors and juniors mentoring program to help students adapt to the department and perform their studies in the 3-year early childhood education department. The subjects of this study were 168 students in the department of three-year early childhood education at H University. Questionnaires, journal writing, and focus group interviews were conducted to find out the difficulties of early childhood education, adaptation, and academic performance, and necessary support in the mentoring program for seniors and juniors. Data analysis was not conducted after all data was collected, but both were rather done simultaneously. Primary data analysis was performed after conducting a questionnaire on difficulties and necessary support related to departmental adaptation and academic performance. Based on this, a list of questions for focus group interview was extracted, and an in-depth interview was conducted. The subjects were then asked to write a journal about their experience of the existing mentoring program. By repetitively collecting and analyzing data in this way, the data analysis results were revised and supplemented. As a result of the study, the difficulties of current students of 3-year early childhood education and demands for necessary support for them in the mentoring program were analyzed into five categories: study, human relations, time and self-management, school life, and career path. Early childhood education students’ difficulties concerning departmental adaptation diversified as they moved to the next grade. And the categories that they required help through mentoring for seniors and juniors decreased as they moved to the next grade. Based on the above results, ways to organize a mentoring program for seniors and juniors was suggested.
Fabrication strategies and microscale sensing functionalities of mechanochromic colloidal photonic crystals for underwater applications
Authors: Qi Feng-Lian
Published: May 2024

Mechanochromic colloidal photonic crystals (PCs), which typically integrate a self-assembled PC array with highly elastic medium, exhibit the ability to reversibly respond to external mechanical stimuli by altering the periodicity of PC structures. Nowadays, leveraging visible indications and optical signals for mechanical forces, mechanochromic colloidal PCs have been widely used in reflecting body motion, health monitoring, and communications in daily life. However, despite their extensive applications on land, it is vital to explore the potential of mechanochromic sensing applications under water, where message transmission mainly relies on body gestures and motions. This review comprehensively examines recent advancements in mechanochromic colloidal PCs and their underwater applications. The first part introduces the response mechanism of mechanochromic colloidal PCs, emphasizing the main principles that facilitate sensing on the micro scale. The second part describes the fabrication strategies for constructing mechanochromic colloidal PCs, demonstrating various approaches to establish optical sensors with specific functionalities. The final section discusses the confronted challenges and summarizes the potential opportunities in developing mechanochromic colloidal PCs for underwater sensing applications.
Development of small molecule drugs targeting immune checkpoints
Authors: Chen Luoyi , Zhao Xinchen , Liu Xiaowei , Ouyang Yujie , Xu Chuan , Shi Ying
Published: May 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are used to relieve and refuel anti-tumor immunity by blocking the interaction, transcription, and translation of co-inhibitory immune checkpoints or degrading co-inhibitory immune checkpoints. Thousands of small molecule drugs or biological materials, especially antibody-based ICIs, are actively being studied and antibodies are currently widely used. Limitations, such as anti-tumor efficacy, poor membrane permeability, and unneglected tolerance issues of antibody-based ICIs, remain evident but are thought to be overcome by small molecule drugs. Recent structural studies have broadened the scope of candidate immune checkpoint molecules, as well as innovative chemical inhibitors. By way of comparison, small molecule drug-based ICIs represent superior oral bioavailability and favorable pharmacokinetic features. Several ongoing clinical trials are exploring the synergetic effect of ICIs and other therapeutic strategies based on multiple ICI functions, including immune regulation, anti-angiogenesis, and cell cycle regulation. In this review we summarized the current progression of small molecule ICIs and the mechanism underlying immune checkpoint proteins, which will lay the foundation for further exploration.
Advances in MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Shen Lin , Peng Zhi
Published: May 2024

Gastric cancer is among the most frequently occurring cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Because gastric cancer is highly heterogenous and comprised of different subtypes with distinct molecular and clinical characteristics, the management of gastric cancer calls for better-defined, biomarker-guided, molecular-based treatment strategies. MET is a receptor tyrosine kinase mediating important physiologic processes, such as embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, and wound healing. However, mounting evidence suggests that aberrant MET pathway activation contributes to tumour proliferation and metastasis in multiple cancer types, including gastric cancer, and is associated with poor patient outcomes. As such, MET-targeting therapies are being actively developed and promising progress has been demonstrated, especially with MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This review aims to briefly introduce the role of MET alterations in gastric cancer and summarize in detail the current progress of MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors in this disease area with a focus on savolitinib, tepotinib, capmatinib, and crizotinib. Building on current knowledge, this review further discusses existing challenges in MET alterations testing, possible resistance mechanisms to MET inhibitors, and future directions of MET-targeting therapies.
Stari rascjepi i nove stranke
Authors: Henjak Andrija , Čular Goran
Published: May 2024

Parlamentarni izbori 2020. godine potvrdili su dotadašnji trend pojave novih ‎stranaka na izborima, sad uzduž cijelog političkog spektra. Koristeći anketne ‎podatke, rad pokušava identificirati izvore izborne podrške novim strankama ‎te utvrditi koliko se nove stranke uklapaju u tradicionalne političke rascjepe. ‎Rad nalazi da se birači novih stranaka razlikuju od birača starih stranaka prije ‎svega po odnosu prema načinu na koji politika funkcionira u Hrvatskoj te da ‎dolaze iz mlađih generacija. Istovremeno, birači novih stranaka ljevice, od‎nosno desnice u svom su odnosu prema tradicionalnim rascjepima vrlo slični ‎biračima starih stranaka ljevice, odnosno desnice, što ukazuje da su rascjepi ‎temeljeni na odnosu prema povijesti, religiji i tradiciji i dalje dominantni. U ‎drugom koraku analiza uključuje i izborne apstinente te pokazuje da su izbor‎ni apstinenti slični biračima novih stranaka u svom odnosu prema politici, ali ‎da se od njih razlikuju po tome što su puno manje uvjereni da mogu utjecati ‎na političke događaje.‎
Fetišizam i ideologija u svjetlu Bidetove meta/strukturne teorije
Authors: Lasić Ivan
Published: May 2024

Fetišizam je jedan od temeljnih pojmova Marxove kritike političke ekonomije. ‎Cilj ovoga rada jest istražiti odnos između pojma fetišizma i pojma ideologije, ‎to jest razmotriti na koje se načine pojam fetišizma može povezati s teorijama ‎ideologije koje su razvili sam Marx i marksistički teoretičari. Poimanje fetišiz‎ma u Marxovoj kritici političke ekonomije prikazuje se u prvom dijelu rada, ‎dok drugi dio istražuje različite marksističke interpretacije ideologije, s nagla‎skom na razlikovanje između kritike ideologije i teorije ideologije. Treći se dio ‎rada fokusira na poimanje moderne koje je razvio suvremeni marksistički teo‎retičar Jacques Bidet. Njegova teorija, koja se uvelike oslanja na Marxove uvi‎de, pruža originalno rješenje problema odnosa između ideologije i fetišizma.‎
Sraz struke, politike i javnosti: pogled biomedicinske i zdravstvene struke na krizu izazvanu pandemijom bolesti COVID-19
Authors: Brajdić Vuković Marija
Published: May 2024

Ovaj rad bavi se pitanjem odnosa znanosti i politike te društvene odgovorno‎sti znanosti tijekom društvenih kriza koje imaju posljedice za preživljavanje ‎i dobrobit građana. Temelji se na analizi podataka devet intervjua provedenih ‎s hrvatskim biomedicinskim stručnjacima koji su tijekom pandemije korona‎virusa (2020-2022) bili na samoj fronti, bilo da su bili uključeni u donošenje ‎pandemijskih mjera, bilo da su se bavili ublažavanjem posljedica. Rezultati ‎pokazuju da je znanost tijekom krize imala unutarnje rasprave, no najviše u ‎fokus dolazi kompleksan odnos politike i znanosti te znanosti i medija, a po‎sljedično se teškoće iz tih odnosa pretaču na odnos znanosti i javnosti – gra‎đana. Rad te nalaze razmatra u kontekstu različitih argumentacija društvene ‎odgovornosti znanosti, ali podvlači i važnost razumijevanja društveno-politič‎kog konteksta i upravljanja politikama u stalnom razgovoru sa svim važnim ‎sektorima društva.‎‎
Occurrence of Tetracampos sp. (Cestoda) and Paracamallanus sp. and Rhabdochona sp. (Nematoda) in the catfish Clarias gariepinus in Ouémé River in Benin (West Africa)
Authors: Tossavi Nounagnon Darius , Attindéhou Sabbas , Oké Vincent , Bouko Bernadin , Sakiti Nestor
Published: May 2024

The sharptooth fish Clarias gariepinus is widespread throughout tropical swamps, lakes, and rivers in Africa. Among the parasites related to this fish, there is a large number of helminths. This study investigated the most abundant helminths from C. gariepinus comprising two Nematoda and one Cestoda species, and aimed to provide prevalence, seasonal fluctuation, and analytic-specific description of these parasites. Fish were collected from Agonlin-Lowé and investigated for parasites over 12 months. Of the 339 specimens of C. gariepinus examined, 1,207 individuals of the nematodes Paracamallanus sp. (Paracamallanidae) and Rhabdochona sp. (Rhabdochonidae) were collected. For the cestode Tetracampos sp. (Bothriocephalidae), 294 individuals were identified. A short description was performed for each parasite species based on micrographs provided by photomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The total prevalence was found to be 80.53% comprising 72.56% of C. gariepinus infected by at least two parasites among the three investigated. No significant difference was revealed in seasonal parasite occurrence either in males (χ2 = 2.241; df = 3; p = 0.524) or in females (χ2 = 0.287; df = 3; p = 0.962). Climatic season change did not influence host infection neither in sexes nor in body weight. Water physicochemical quality is not correlated with infection prevalence. Helminthes infecting C. gariepinus are mostly represented by these three species. Their prevalence was not influenced by environmental or fish morphometric parameters. The specific identification should be improved with genetics.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 4 по 10 мая 2024 г.
Authors: Дмитриева Людимила , Чумачкова Елена , Краснов Ярослав , Осина Наталья , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: May 2024

В обзоре представлена информация по циркулирующим в настоящее время вариантам вируса SARS-COV-2 Omicron вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID за неделю с 4 по 10 мая 2024 г.
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 04.05.2024 г. по 10.05.2024 г.
Authors: Зимирова Анастасия , Поспелов Михаил , Иванова Александра , Дмитриева Людмила , Чумачкова Елена , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: May 2024

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19 за неделю с 04.05.2024 г. по 10.05.2024 г.
Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Osteopetrosis
Authors: Poursalehian Mohammad , Bahmani Mohaddeseh , Ghorbanzadeh Mohammad , Mortazavi Seyed Mohammad Javad
Published: May 2024

Case:

Two patients with osteopetrosis underwent conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) after failure of internal fixation due to hip fractures. We experienced challenges, including difficulty of hardware removal, remaining of previous broken screws in the canal, difficulty in finding the femoral canal, and an intraoperative acetabulum fracture. Despite complications, both patients achieved satisfactory functional outcome after surgery at the latest follow-up.

Conclusion:

Our cases showed that previous hip fracture and failed internal fixation make conversion THA more complex and unpredictable in patients with osteopetrosis. This in turn underscores the critical need for advanced preoperative planning, intraoperative flexibility, and meticulous postoperative care.
Enhancing Global Teacher Performance Through Administrative Digitalization
Authors: Sambiono Daris , Setiyono Wisnu Panggah
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the impact of management and administrative digitalization on teacher performance, moderated by work motivation, in three educational institutions within Perguruan Muhammadiyah Porong. Utilizing Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression analysis through SmartPLS 3.0 software, the research reveals that while digitalization of administration significantly enhances teacher performance, digitalization of management does not. Additionally, the interaction between digitalization and work motivation does not significantly influence performance. These findings emphasize the importance of administrative digitalization in improving teacher performance and suggest implications for educational institutions aiming to optimize digitalization strategies to enhance overall educational quality.
Hightligh:

Administrative digitalization improves teacher performance significantly.
Work motivation's moderation on digitalization's impact is insignificant.
Administrative digitalization crucial for enhancing overall educational quality.

Keywords: Digitalization, Management, Administration, Teacher Performance, Work Motivation
Study of Multi-stress Factors for Biomass and Lipid Enhancement in Chlorella Pyrenoidosa and Scenedesmus Abundans Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Chellamboli Chelladurai , Perumalsamy Muthiah , Arshath Mohamed
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to identify algal species that sustain biofuel production under stress conditions. C. pyrenoidosa and S. abundans can be stressed by supplementing or starving multiple nutrients at different light intensities according to response surface methodology. This study showed that algae yield improved during nutrient starvation. The resultant dry biomasses of C. pyrenoidosa and S. abundans were 98.26 and 110 mg/L, respectively, and the lipid yields were approximately 22.47 and 29.06%, respectively, under optimum conditions. The optimized parameters for C. pyrenoidosa were 0.805 g/L NaNO3, 0.052 g/L K2HPO4, 0.099 g/L KH2PO4, 17 days of culture and 5168.39 lux of light, whereas S. abundans had 1.065 g/L NaNO3, 0.071 g/L K2HPO4, 0.058 g/L KH2PO4, 22 days of culture and 2897 lux of light. Studies have confirmed that both species are considered sustainable sources for biodiesel production.
Evaluating genomic selection and speed breeding for Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat using stochastic simulations
Authors: Nannuru Vinay Kumar Reddy , Dieseth Jon Arne , Lillemo Morten , Meuwissen Theo H.E.
Published: May 2024

Genomic selection-based breeding programs offer significant advantages over conventional phenotypic selection, particularly in accelerating genetic gains in plant breeding, as demonstrated by simulations focused on combating Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat. FHB resistance, a crucial trait, is challenging to breed for due to its quantitative inheritance and environmental influence, leading to slow progress in conventional breeding methods. Stochastic simulations in our study compared various breeding schemes, incorporating genomic selection (GS) and combining it with speed breeding, against conventional phenotypic selection. Two datasets were simulated, reflecting real-life genotypic data (MASBASIS) and a simulated wheat breeding program (EXAMPLE). Initially a 20-year burn-in phase using a conventional phenotypic selection method followed by a 20-year advancement phase with three GS-based breeding programs (GSF2F8, GSF8, and SpeedBreeding + GS) were evaluated alongside over a conventional phenotypic selection method. Results consistently showed significant increases in genetic gain with GS-based programs compared to phenotypic selection, irrespective of the selection strategies employed. Among the GS schemes, SpeedBreeding + GS consistently outperformed others, generating the highest genetic gains. This combination effectively minimized generation intervals within the breeding cycle, enhancing efficiency. This study underscores the advantages of genomic selection in accelerating breeding gains for wheat, particularly in combating FHB. By leveraging genomic information and innovative techniques like speed breeding, breeders can efficiently select for desired traits, significantly reducing testing time and costs associated with conventional phenotypic methods.
Characterization of Spinal Cord Tissue-derived Extracellular Vesicles in Neuroinflammation
Authors: Jank Larissa , Kesharwani Ajay , Ryu Taekyung , Joshi Deepika , Ladakis Dimitrios C. , Smith Matthew D. , Singh Saumitra , Arab Tanina , Witwer Kenneth W , Calabresi Peter A. , Na Chan-Hyun , Bhargava Pavan
Published: May 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by all cells, can cross the blood-brain barrier, and have been shown to play an important role in cellular communication, substance shuttling, and immune modulation. In recent years EVs have shifted into focus in multiple sclerosis (MS) research as potential plasma biomarkers and therapeutic vehicles. Yet little is known about the disease-associated changes in EVs in the central nervous system (CNS). To address this gap, we characterized the physical and proteomic changes of mouse spinal cord-derived EVs before and at 16 and 25 days after the induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a neuroinflammatory model of MS. Using various bioinformatic tools, we found changes in inflammatory, glial, and synaptic proteins and pathways, as well as a shift in the predicted contribution of immune and glial cell types over time. These results show that EVs provide snapshots of crucial disease processes such as CNS-compartmentalized inflammation, re/de-myelination, and synaptic pathology, and might also mediate these processes. Additionally, inflammatory plasma EV biomarkers previously identified in people with MS were also altered in EAE spinal cord EVs, suggesting commonalities of EV-related pathological processes during EAE and MS and overlap of EV proteomic changes between CNS and circulating EVs.
Evaluating the effects of remineralizing agents on early carious lesions
Authors: Jettanacheawchankit Suwimon , Pongpradit Tuksaporn , Euapokai Amornrat , Eiamsakul Auchchara , Wongmoon Kritsa , Wayakanon Kornchanok
Published: May 2024

Background
Initial carious lesions are reversible, and fluoride-containing reagents effectively promote tooth enamel remineralization in the initial carious lesions. Numerous remineralizing agents are promoted, some containing fluoride and others containing alternatives, due to fluoride toxicity concerns. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of three remineralizing agents; fluoride varnish (5% NaF, Duraphat®), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate paste (CPP-ACP, Tooth Mousse®), and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride paste (CPP-ACPF, Tooth Mousse Plus®), on the initial carious lesions.
Methods
Forty sound human maxillary premolar teeth were randomized into four experimental groups (n = 10): distilled water, fluoride varnish, CPP-ACP, and CPP-ACPF. All forty teeth were cut in half mesiodistally. Vicker’s microhardness test was performed on the buccal half of each tooth, and the lingual half was examined with both a spectrophotometer for color dimension and an Atomic Force Microscope to evaluate roughness. The four experimental groups of teeth were first systematically demineralized, and then remineralized using one of the four remineralizing agents. During the experiments, each tooth’s microhardness, color, and roughness were examined a total of three times: 1) Before treatment, 2) After demineralization, and 3) After remineralization. At each stage, a scanning electron microscope was used to examine surface features and enable EDX chemical composition analysis.
Results
Demineralization carried out in preparation for testing of the agents caused enamel hardness to decrease significantly. Enamel roughness increased, although not significantly. After remineralization, each of the three remineralizing agents had significantly increased both hardness and lightness (L*), compared to the demineralized enamel. Each agent decreased enamel roughness, but again the roughness change was not significant. Comparing the three remineralizing agents, there were no significant differences between the agents in effectiveness.
Conclusion
Each of the three remineralizing agents significantly increased hardness and lightness (L*) in decalcified enamel, and the three agents were equally effective in doing so.
Investigating the Epidermal Anti-inflammatory Properties of Paris Polyphylla through Network Pharmacology and Experimental Studies
Authors: Wang Yiyu , Wang Siyi , Yang Lingli , Pan Haihao , Yu Jiayi , Feng Xuejiao , Yang Jiahui , Quan Qianghua , Liu Wei , Cai Hong
Published: May 2024

Background: Epidermal inflammation, often triggered by environmental exposure or pathological conditions, is intricately associated with tissue damage and various skin diseases.
Methods:This study employed network pharmacology and cell experiments to validate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Paris polyphylla.
Results: Paris polyphylla targets crucial inflammation-related genes such as IL6, IL-1B, TNF, and CXCL8 within its protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment not only in inflammatory factor processes but also in toll-like receptor, MAPK, and NF-κB pathways. Key nodes in the PPI network include TLR4, MAPK3, and MYD88. Molecular docking demonstrated robust binding of Polyphyllin H, a component of Paris polyphylla, with MAPK3 and MYD88, suggesting its potential in modulating skin inflammation. Paris polyphylla exhibited the ability to attenuate the upregulation of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in both UVA-damaged and LPS-bacteria stimulated HaCat models.
Conclusions: Thus, Paris polyphylla may regulate the TLR4 pathway through MYD88 and MAPK3, alleviating epidermal inflammation induced by MAPK pathway and NFκB activation. These findings underscore the promise of Paris polyphylla in ameliorating skin damage and diseases, underscoring its significance in dermatology and cosmetics.
IMU-based joint axis identification method for arbitrary joints in OpenSim - a simulation study
Authors: Wechsler Iris , Shanbhag Julian , Wartzack Sandro , Koelewijn Anne D. , Miehling Jörg
Published: May 2024

In musculoskeletal simulation, individualized joint axes enhance the accuracy and reliability of kinematic and kinetic simulation results. We investigated the correctness and performance of an analytical method for identifying the instantaneous axis of rotation between two bodies based on motion data in OpenSim. The instantaneous center of rotation is the point at which two bodies have the same velocity. The relative linear and angular velocity between the two bodies, as well as their relative position to each another, are required as inputs to calculate it. Using the instantaneous center of rotation, fixed or moving joint centers of rotation can be identified. To prove the general applicability of the method, the instantaneous centers of rotation of a revolute joint of a simple double pendulum model and the hip and knee joint of a more complex musculoskeletal model were investigated. The hip joint is defined as a ball joint. The knee joint is defined as an OpenSim custom joint which describes the motion of the child segment in relation to the parent segment as a function of generalized coordinates. To verify the correctness of the approach in OpenSim, the moving centers of rotation were calculated using synthetic noisefree data. The results were compared to the implementation of the respective joints in the model which act as the ground truth. White Gaussian noise was added to the synthetic data to analyze its effect on the quality of the calculated centers of rotation. We were able to correctly identify the center of rotation of each joint using noisefree data. In the case of noisy data, joint centers of rotation can be determined by applying additional filtering or optimization methods to the calculated instantaneous centers of rotation. Consequently, we are able to determine the center of rotation for arbitrary joints based on noisy synthetic data. This approach is applicable for both fixed and moving centers of rotation which distinguishes it from commonly used methods in the field of biomechanical simulation.
A Novel Narrow Region Detector for Sampling-Based Planners' Efficiency: Match Based Passage Identifier
Authors: Şahiner Yafes Enes , Gündoğdu Esat Yusuf , Sezer Volkan
Published: May 2024

Autonomous technology, which has become widespread today, appears in many different configurations such as mobile robots, manipulators, and drones. One of the most important tasks of these vehicles during autonomous operations is path planning. In the literature, path planners are generally divided into two categories: probabilistic and deterministic methods. In the analysis of probabilistic methods, the common problem of almost all methods is observed in narrow passage environments. In this paper, a novel sampler is proposed that deterministically identifies narrow passage environments and accordingly increases the amount of sampling in these regions. The codes of the algorithm is provided as open source. To evaluate the performance of the algorithm, benchmark studies are conducted in three distinct categories: specific and random simulation environments, and a real-world environment. As a result, it is observed that our algorithm provides higher performance in planning time and number of milestones compared to the baseline samplers.
Empowering Doctoral Academic Research: Artificial Intelligence-driven Insights from Large Language Models
Authors: Yuan Yihuan , Harun Jamalludin
Published: May 2024

The ever-expanding volume and complexity of academic research pose significant challenges for researchers, particularly doctoral students. In response to these challenges, utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs) has emerged as a promising alternative solution. Such LLMs as ChatGPT, Bing Chat and Google Bard are applied in academic research. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with 50 PhD students and used thematic analysis to explore the application of LLMs in academic research. The results indicate that LLMs assist literature reading by extracting main content, providing research topics, and making reading convenient; assist research design by generating research design ideas; assist academic writing by generating writing ideas, polishing writing, analyzing and visualizing data; assist knowledge construction by offering subject matter expertise and promoting science; assist admin works by writing admin emails. Based on these, a five-dimensional framework of AI-assisted academic research (AIAAR) has been established to explain the assistance of LLMs in academic research. This research not only sheds light on the practical benefits of integrating LLMs in academic research but also provides insights into optimizing their usage for enhanced scholarly productivity and knowledge advancement.
Cloning and bioinformatics analysis of key gene ShOMT3 of podophyllotoxin biosynthesis pathway in Sinopodophyllum hexandrum
Authors: Gao Haona , Zhao Dan , Li Lu , Zhao Xiufang , Zhang Zheng , Liu Wei
Published: May 2024

Sinopodophyllum hexandrum (S. hexandrum) is an endangered traditional Chinese medicine as abundant podophyllotoxin with powerful anticancer activity. In this study, the rootstalks of S. hexandrum from different geographical locations in China [S1 (Gansu) and S2 (Shaanxi)] were used as research materials to clone the key gene pluviatolide O-methyltransferase 3 (ShOMT3) in the podophyllotoxin biosynthetic pathway. Subsequently, bioinformatics analysis of the ShOMT3 gene and its encoded protein was subjected to bioinformatics analysis using various analysis software including ProtParam, Tmhmm Server 2.0, SubLoc, Signal-P 5.0, and Swiss-model. The results of the analysis revealed that the CDS region of the ShOMT3 gene is 1119 bp long, encoding 372 amino acids. The theoretical molecular weight of the ShOMT3 protein is 41.32784 kD, and the theoretical isoelectric point (pI) is 5.27. The instability coefficient of the protein is 46.05, the aliphatic index is 93.58, and the grand average of hydropathicity (GRAVY) is 0.037, indicating that it is an unstable hydrophobic protein. The protein does not contain transmembrane domains or signal peptides, indicating that it is a non-secreted protein. Secondary structure prediction results suggests that the protein consists of alpha helices, random coils, extended strands, and beta-turns. Tertiary structure prediction results suggests that the protein functions as a monomer. In the phylogenetic tree, the ShOMT3 protein has the highest homology with Podophyllum peltatum (P. peltatum). The successful cloning and bioinformatics analysis of the ShOMT3 gene provide theoretical basis and excellent genetic resources for the molecular regulatory mechanism analysis of the podophyllotoxin biosynthetic pathway and molecular breeding in S. hexandrum.
Replacement of acetic acid with ammonium acetate boosts triacylglycerol productivity without significant growth retardation in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Sittisaree Wattanapong , Berkban Tanayos , Yokthongwattana Chotika , Yokthongwattana Kittisak
Published: May 2024

Microalgal cultivation is one of the main factors restricting biomass production as well as energy fuel production. It is widely known that nitrogen starvation condition triggers triacylglycerol accumulation in many green algae. Yet, such a condition suppresses growth of the algae. It is of our interest to develop culture conditions and cultivation systems for TAGs induction that does not hamper growth. We report in this study that the substitution of acetic acid with ammonium acetate in the modified TAP medium could trigger significant amount of TAG in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii while not drastically reducing growth. Application of ammonium acetate in semi-continuous cultivation showed that microalgal growth and TAG productivity could be maintained for up to 5 rounds. This finding could lead to further studies and optimizations to apply ammonium acetate for microalgal cultivation for TAG production.
When standards fall short: The use of discretion and just allocation of long-term care services
Authors: Tingvold Laila , Hellesø Ragnhild , Obstfelder Aud Uhlen , Stokke Randi
Published: May 2024

Background Care administrators in long-term care (LTC) are ‘gatekeepers’ to the services and handle applications, investigate care needs, and decide if, what and how much services applicants are entitled to receive. Various models of service allocation have been in operation in the Nordic counties since the inception of LTC services in the 1970s. The main drivers of the development of allocation models have been concerns about service inequality among users, quality of care, patient safety, and the overall efficiency within healthcare settings. While care administrators have several laws and guidelines to aid their decision making, the use of professional discretion is known to be widespread but less investigated. In the context of Norway, this article seeks to explore: What guides care administrators in reaching decisions? How and in which circumstances is the use of discretion needed in making decisions? Method Qualitative in-depth interviews with 5 managers in care administration and 13 care administrators in 5 municipalities. The material was analysed using thematic analysis. Results Solid professional competence, experience from the health and care sector and personal strength to handle complex situation were seen as prerequisites guiding care administration. Laws governing access to services are broad and general, and more specific service standards were developed in the municipalities to guide the work of the care administrators. Discretion was applied constantly and regarded as both a necessary and valuable tool. Cases typically negotiated by discretion involved cases where there were disagreements about the need for care, diffuse care needs, or difficulties in predicting which service would be the best or most effective for the service applicants. Conclusion We argue that the care administrators hold a substantial responsibility and are often challenged to allocate equal and just services. The use of discretion is a valuable and necessary part of handling care applications and contributes to the integrity and trustworthiness of the care administrators and the care services. However, reforms and standardisations put a heavy pressure on care administrators and may restrict the freedom entrusted to them since they must comply with more and stricter criteria in service allocation. This might hamper care administrators’ opportunity to apply discretion and act in the best interests of the service applicant (‘principle of fiduciary’).
Celiac in the 21st century – the change in BMI of children at diagnosis over the last two decades
Authors: Sliman Rim Kasem Ali , Stein Nili , Alter Yigal Elenberg
Published: May 2024

Purpose: This study examined the prevalence of different BMI categories among newly diagnosed pediatric Celiac Disease (CD) patients in Israel from 2002 to 2018.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study using the database of Clalit Health Services in Israel included 5,520 newly diagnosed CD children aged 2-18 between 2002-2018. Data on BMI, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES) were collected and analyzed.
Results: Of the 5,520 CD patients, 57.5% were female, 39.7% had low SES, and 77.1% were Jewish. At diagnosis, 13.1% were underweight, 73% had normal BMI, 9.1% overweight, and 4.8% were obese. Underweight and obese patients tended to be older at diagnosis (9 years) compared to normal and overweight patients (8 years) (P<0.001). A higher proportion of Arab patients were underweight, while more Jewish patients were obese. Lower SES was significantly associated with increased underweight risk (P<0.001). Over time, diagnosed patients had improved SES and were less underweight (P<0.001). Male gender increased obesity risk (OR 1.36 [95% CI 1.06-1.74], P=0.017), while Arab ethnicity was protective for obesity (OR 0.67 [95%CI, (0.45 -0.99)], P=0.047).
Conclusion:Underweight prevalence significantly decreased in the second decade, but no significant change in overweight and obesity was noted. Underweight was associated with older age at diagnosis, poverty, and Arab ethnicity. Obesity was associated with older age and was more frequent in Jewish and male patients. Physicians should have a low threshold for CD screening regardless of BMI status to enable timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term health consequences
Climate change impacts the dispersal of annual plants: a mechanistic approach
Authors: Manzaneda Antonio , Valenzuela-Polo Victor , Bolaños-Jiménez Rocío , Rey Pedro J. , Alcantara Julio
Published: May 2024

Anthropogenic climate change (ACC) significantly impacts plant populations, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. The survival of plant species hinges on their ability to adapt or migrate in pace with shifting climate niches, which is key for maintaining gene flow and habitat colonization in changing environments. This study investigates the mechanistic basis of how ACC affects seed dispersal. Here, we specifically model how elevated atmospheric CO2 levels, temperature, and drought collectively influence dispersal trait plasticity and potential across multiple species. We identified essential diaspore dispersal predictors using climate chamber experiments, fluid dynamic modelling, and wind tunnel assays. Our findings indicate a predicted dispersal distance reduction of 40% for temperate annual plants in warmer, drier, and CO2-rich conditions. Our results highlight the importance of inherent limits of plasticity in multiple traits for facing environmental change and the need to consider multiple environmental factors to understand dispersal in future climates.
A 360-degree evaluation of the professionalism and communication skills of technologists working in the radiology department of a public sector tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Rafiq Nida , Naz Nasreen , Memon Rutaba , Shoukat Jaweria , Kumari Kalpana , Shaikh Huma
Published: May 2024

Background: Radiologic technologists (RTs) are at the forefront of radiology departments and require optimal skills to demonstrate professionalism and effective provider–patient communication. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the reliability of 360-degree evaluation as a feedback tool to improve competencies in this crucial workforce.
Methods: A planned 360-degree evaluation was conducted using a 10-item scale to evaluate communication skills and professionalism among radiological technologists working at Dow University Hospital, Karachi. In total, 311 evaluations of fifteen radiological technologists were conducted while performing various diagnostic radiology procedures at the radiology department of Dow University Hospital. The data were analysed using SPSS version 26 to compute the evaluation scores and the reliability of 360-degree evaluation.
Results: A total of 311 RT-patient interactions were recorded over 48 days, with scores from all three raters. The evaluation tool was found to have good internal consistency for patients, faculty, and RT, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.89, 087, and 0.74, respectively. The study found an intraclass correlation of 0.66 (95% CI; 0.58–0.72), showing moderate reliability of the 360-degree assessment across different evaluators.
Conclusion: We conclude that 360-degree evaluation is a valid and reliable tool for determining the professionalism and communication skills of radiologic technologists and should be incorporated into training programs for formative and summative assessments. However, large-scale multicenter studies are crucial for generalizing these findings and incorporating 360 evaluations in radiological technologist training programs for formative and summative assessments.
Acute sympathetic activation blunts the hyperemic and vasodilatory response to passive leg movement
Authors: Hanson Brady E , Lee Joshua F , Garten Ryan S , O'Keefe Zachary Barrett , Layec Gwenael , Ruple Bradley A , Wray D. Walter , Richardson Russell S , Trinity Joel D
Published: May 2024

Heightened muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) contributes to impaired vasodilatory capacity and vascular dysfunction associated with aging and cardiovascular disease. The contribution of elevated MSNA to the vasodilatory response during passive leg movement (PLM) has not been adequately addressed. This study sought to test the hypothesis that elevated MSNA diminishes the vasodilatory response to PLM in healthy young males (n = 11, 25 ± 2 year). Post exercise circulatory occlusion (PECO) following 2 min of isometric handgrip (HG) exercise performed at 25% (ExPECO 25%) and 40% (ExPECO 40%) of maximum voluntary contraction was used to incrementally engage the metaboreceptors and augment MSNA. Control trials were performed without PECO (ExCON 25% and ExCON 40%) to account for changes due to HG exercise. PLM was performed 2 min after the cessation of exercise and central and peripheral hemodynamics were assessed. MSNA was directly recorded by microneurography in the peroneal nerve (n = 8). Measures of MSNA (i.e., burst incidences) increased during ExPECO 25% (+ 15 ± 5 burst/100 bpm) and ExPECO 40% (+ 22 ± 4 burst/100 bpm) and returned to pre-HG levels during ExCON trials. Vasodilation, assessed by the change in leg vascular conductance during PLM, was reduced by 16% and 44% during ExPECO 25% and ExPECO 40%, respectively. These findings indicate that elevated MSNA attenuates the vasodilatory response to PLM and that the magnitude of reduction in vasodilation during PLM is graded in relation to the degree of sympathoexcitation.
Numerical investigation of the thermal response and Mechanical Behavior of Water Distribution Pipelines subjected to extreme Cold Wave
Authors: Qunfang Hu , Ayinde Olawale , Fei Wang , Delu Che , Zhan Su
Published: May 2024

Water distribution pipelines play a critical role in delivering safe drinking water to communities, yet their susceptibility to extreme climate events presents significant safety and structural challenges. Recent observations have noted an increase in pipe failures during cold waves, underscoring the need to address these risks. While much research has focused on statistical analysis of pipe failures due to low temperatures, limited attention has been given to the mechanical behavior of pipelines under thermal-induced stress during cold waves. This study addresses this gap by developing a 3D finite element model to investigate the thermal responses and mechanical behavior of buried water distribution pipelines under cold wave conditions. Key parameters including temperature differences, soil temperature reduction rates, pipe wall thickness, and internal water pressure are examined to understand their effects on pipeline stress, strain, and displacement. Results show that as pipe temperature decreases, the pipe contracts, particularly impacting the springline. Over time, pipeline stress transitions from tension to compression. A temperature difference of approximately 18℃ leads to an 85% increase in axial strain and a 6.5% increase in Mises stress. Increasing the rate of temperature reduction minimally affects pipeline stress but significantly impacts displacements. Moreover, increasing pipe wall thickness effectively reduces pipeline stress by 102.8% and axial strain by 17.4%. Higher internal water pressure results in elevated pipeline stress but reduced displacement. These findings underscore the importance of considering thermal-mechanical interactions during cold waves to prevent failures and ensure operational integrity in water distribution pipelines.
Curcumin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis by suppressing glycolysis in ERG- overexpressing prostate cancer cells
Authors: wang Yunye , Zhao Xingyu , zhao Jierui , Wang Xin , Guo Yumiao , chen Shutong , Jin Ying , peng Peng , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2024

Curcumin, the main yellow pigment in turmeric, is a potent anticancer agent. However, its effect on the viability of human prostate cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of curcumin on the proliferation and glucose metabolism of prostate cancer cells. Cell viability was measured by MTS, and apoptosis was measured by Flow cytometry. Glucose metabolism was assessed by measuring glucose intake, lactate production and Adenosine triphosphate content. Western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Curcumin treatment significantly reduced the viability of two types of prostate cancer cells. We also found that curcumin induced apoptosis and glycolysis by inhibiting the activities of PI3K/Akt and HIF-1 α. Further study found that curcumin can reduce the expression of ERG in prostate cancer. This study investigated the effects of curcumin on the proliferation and apoptosis of prostate cancer cells, which may be related to the inhibition of glycolysis, and further explore its pathway. The subsequent effect of oncogene ERG expression suggests that these effects may be related to ERG.