bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pelatihan Penyusunan Proposal Penelitian Tindakan Kelas Untuk Meningkatkan Kompetensi Profesional Guru MTs Negeri 3 Ende
Authors: Kaleka Melkyanus Bili Umbu , Doa Hamsa , Ilyas Ilyas , Ngapa Yulius Saprianus Dala , Astro Richardo Barry , Ika Yasinta Embu
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this training activity is so that the teachers of MTsN 3 Ende can prepare proposals for Classroom Action Research, carry out Classroom Action Research, and can also report the results of Classroom Action Research. The method of activity in the form of training consists of 3 stages, namely planning, implementation and evaluation. The target of the service is all 20 MTsN 3 teachers. The evaluation instrument is using test questions and performance. The test was given to determine the teacher's understanding of the basic concepts and procedures for implementing Classroom Action Research. The results of the implementation of service activities for teachers at MTsN 3 Ende are included in the quite successful category with an average success of 60%. Thus, the implication of this training activity is that it is able to provide good results for increasing the competence of teachers' professionalism.
Meningkatkan Motivasi Belajar Peserta Didik Sekolah Dasar Melalui Pemanfaatan Media LKPD Interaktif Berbasis Liveworksheet Pada Masa Revolusi Industri 4.0
Authors: Daryanto Joko , Rukayah Rukayah , Sularmi Sularmi , Budiharto Tri , Atmojo Idam Ragil Widianto , Ardiansyah Roy , Saputri Dwi Yuniasih
Published: August 2022

This service aims to increase the learning motivation of fourth grade elementary school students using interactive student worksheets based on live worksheets. The method used in this dedication is through training activities/workshops for teachers at SD Negeri Jajar, Surakarta and continued to be implemented for class IV students at SD N Jajar Surakarta totaling 15 students. The type of LKPD used in this service is interactive LKPD based on live worksheets. The results of this service indicate that the motivation of students has increased through the use of live worksheet-based interactive worksheets. The results of the first implementation were 2 or 13.3% of students in the good category, and 13 or 86.7% of students in the poor category. Then it increased in the second implementation which showed as many as 3 students or 20% in the very good motivation category, 9 students or 60% in the good category. This service activity provides insight for teachers to increase the optimal use of LKPD through an attractive platform, namely live worksheets.
Pemberdayaan Kelompok Tani Kopi Desa Balerante Kabupaten Klaten
Authors: Lantarsih Retno , Kresnanto Nindyo Cahyo , Raharti Rini , Putri Wika Harisa
Published: August 2022

This service activity aims to improve the knowledge and skills of farmer groups in handling coffee plant pests and diseases, improve financial governance, improve human resource capabilities in excellent service for visitors to Balerante coffee shops, and improve the number of coffee cultivation equipment and coffee serving equipment. The target audience of the partnership program in this community is a group of coffee farmers in Balerante village, Kemalang District, Klaten Regency. The results of the activity show that farmer groups had knowledge and skills in identifying, handling, and preventing diseases in coffee plants, farmer groups carried out more intensive care of coffee plants, and farmer groups had knowledge and skills in providing excellent service to coffee shop visitors, and farmer groups already had equipment for serving coffee in larger quantities so that it could increase the capacity of the coffee shop in Balerante village.
Scale Up Business dan Digitalisasi Tata Kelola BUMDes Retno Sembodo dalam Membentuk Kemandirian Ekonomi Masyarakat
Authors: Wardana Wardana , Fitrianna Hafizh , Suhartanto Suhartanto
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this community service activity is to improve organizational governance capabilities for BUMDes Retno Sembodo managers and provide digital literacy counseling, financial literacy and entrepreneurial insight for residents of Baturetno Village, Banguntapan District, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. The method used is offline counseling and mentoring. The implementation of activities is divided into 3 stages, namely pre-implementation including observation and identification of problems; the implementation phase includes organizational governance training, digital and financial literacy counseling; and the post-implementation stage includes mentoring and increasing business scale. The product output from this service activity is the BUMDes Retno Sembodo website which is used as a medium of information as well as a branding profile. The result of the implementation of this service is an increase in the ability and insight of BUMDes manager Retno Sembodo and Baturetno village residents regarding organizational management governance, digital literacy, financial literacy and entrepreneurial insight. The implication of the results of this service is the development of a BUMDes management guide model that can be used as a reference in the digital transformation process and increase the business scale of its business units.
ORTA ASYA’DA ERKEN İSLÂMİ DÖNEM MEZAR TAŞLARI
Authors: RUSTAMOVA Muhlisahon
Published: August 2022

Mezar taşları Türk İslâm sanat tarihi için önemli bir yere sahiptir. Mezar taşları asırlar boyunca Türk kültürü, inancı, gelenekleri ve kimliğini yansıtan eserler olmuştur. Özellikle Göktürkler döneminden itibaren sıkça görülmeye başlayan taş heykel ve Balballar, Türklerin İslâm'ı kabul etmelerinden sonra görüntüleri İslâmî unsurlar ile değiştirilerek uygulamaya devam ettirilmiştir. Karahanlılar döneminde yapılan mezar taşları Orta Asya’da onların hüküm sürdüğü tüm bölgelerde bulunmuştur. Günümüzde bu mezar taşları eski mezarlıklarda, müzelerde, türbe hazirelerinde ve mescitlerde koruma altına alınmıştır. Bu makalede Karahanlı Türklerinin mezar taşları akademik çalışmalar ve saha araştırmaları üzerinden tespit edilmiştir. Mezar taşlarının VII-XII. yüzyıllar arasındaki değişimi ve gelişimi ele alınmış, eserlerin günümüzdeki durumları ortaya konmuştur. Bölgelere göre farklılık arz eden özellikleri değerlendirilmiştir.
OKULÖNCESİ ÖĞRENCİLERİNDE AFET YÖNETİMİNE DAİR BİR GÖZLEM: IĞDIR’DA BİR İLKOKUL ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: AKMAN Azer , YILDIRIM Sait
Published: August 2022

Afet yönetimi ve bilincinin gelişmesi, doğal felaketlerden korunma açısından oldukça önemlidir. Bu noktada koruyucu nitelikte girişimler eğitim ve farkındalık çalışmaların gerçekleşmesi ile mümkün olur. Eğitim ve öğretim faaliyetlerinin çocukluk döneminde başlaması eğitimin kalıcılığı açısından oldukça mühimdir. Çocukluk dönemi ve özellikle okul öncesi dönem, çocukların okuma yazma bilmediği; öğrenme sürecini görmek ve taklit etmek suretiyle gerçekleştirdiği bilinmektedir. Günümüzde medya ve internet içerikleri çocukların bilgi edinme açısından rehberi konumundadır. Bu ilkeden hareketle okul öncesi dönem çocukların afet bilincine dair yapılan çalışmamızda görseller kullanılarak afetlere dair bilgi düzeyi ölçülmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amacı gerçekleştirmek için Iğdır’da bir ilkokulda 20 okul öncesi çocuğa doğal felaketler ile ilgili resimler gösterilip, afeti tanıyıp tanımadıkları, olması durumunda nasıl tepki verecekleri gözlenmiştir. Çocukların gördükleri karşısında tepkileri ve tutumları gözlenmiştir. Doğrudan görüşme olmadığı için etik kurul belgesine gerek duyulmamıştır. İncelenen afetlere bakıldığında yangın, çığ, sel, deprem ve heyelan çocukların en çok bildiği afetler olarak çalışma kapsamında incelenmiştir. En bilinen afet deprem olmakla birlikte çocukların, afetlerin nasıl oluştuklarını ve oluştuğunda ne yapmaları gerektiğini yeterince bilmedikleri ortaya çıkmıştır.
Hepatitis B virus pre-genomic RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen reductions at week 4 predict favourable hepatitis B surface antigen response upon long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Mak Lung-Yi , Wong Danny , Kuchta Alison , Hilfiker Martina , Hamilton Aaron , Chow Ning , Mao XianHua , Seto Wai Kay , Yuen Man-Fung
Published: August 2022

Background/Aims: We investigated the dynamics of serum HBV pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA) and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) in patients receiving nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) and their predictability for favourable suppression of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).Methods: Serum viral biomarkers were measured at baseline, weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 of treatment. Patients were followed up thereafter and serum HBsAg level was measured at end of follow-up (EOFU). Favourable HBsAg response (FHR) was defined as ≤100 IU/mL or HBsAg seroclearance upon EOFU.Results: Twenty-eight hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and 36 HBeAg-negative patients (median, 38.2 years old; 71.9% male) were recruited with median follow-up duration of 17.1 years (interquartile range, 12.8–18.2). For the entire cohort, 22/64 (34.4%) achieved FHR. For HBeAg-positive patients, serum HBV pgRNA decline at week 4 was significantly greater for patients with FHR compared to non-FHR (5.49 vs. 4.32 log copies/mL, respectively; P=0.016). The area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUROC) for week 4 HBV pgRNA reduction to predict FHR in HBeAg-positive patients was 0.825 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.661–0.989). For HBeAg-negative patients, instead of increase in serum HBcrAg in non-FHR patients, FHR patients had median reduction in HBcrAg at week 4 (increment of 1.75 vs. reduction of 2.98 log U/mL; P=0.023). The AUROC for week 4 change of HBcrAg to predict FHR in HBeAg-negative patients was 0.789 (95% CI, 0.596–0.982).Conclusions: Early on-treatment changes of serum HBV pgRNA and HBcrAg at 4 weeks predict HBsAg seroclearance or ≤100 IU/mL in NA-treated CHB patients upon long-term FU.
PENGABDIAN KEPADA MASYARAKAT USAHA KERIPIK SINGKONG “CAHAYA BANGKA” RASA PEDAS MANIS (MIXER MACHINE)
Authors: Oktriadi Yudi , Husman Husman , Zulfitriyanto Zulfitriyanto , Afriadi Achmad
Published: August 2022

Cassava chips are one of the most popular snack products in various walks of life. The raw material for cassava chips is made from thinly sliced ??cassava. In the process of making cassava chips, there are many processes that are passed in the form of slicing cassava into thin, then fried, dried, Mixed together with flavoring and packaging. From a survey that has been conducted on partners, the process of mixing cassava chips that have been fried with spices is the main problem because the mixing process is still manual, that is, it uses human power and it takes time for the stirring process to take quite a bit of energy, which is for approximately 10 minutes to stir the spices with the number of chips stirred 2-3 kg and carried out by one person, this drains a lot of energy and time. From this problem, as the proponent of the Educational Institution will make a cassava chip spice mixer machine that can replace human labor, so that capacity and time can be increased. Partners will get appropriate technology in the form of a cassava chip spice mixer machine and training on the process of using the machine and maintaining the machine. In addition, Partners will always receive maintenance services if the machine provided is disturbed or damaged. To achieve this goal, the Partners and the Service team agreed to propose to increase the quality and production capacity. The development of the production process is carried out by providing cassava chips seasoning mixing machine technology with a total of 5 kg of cassava chips stirred in 10 minutes.
ALAT PEMBERSIH KARPET 3 IN 1 SEMI OTOMATIS UNTUK MESJID AL RIDHO SUNGAILIAT
Authors: Febriansyah Aan , Tania Pasha Dinda , Fikri Hafidz
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread and has an impact on the fabric of life in all corners of the world and aspects of people's lives. No exception places of worship, especially mosques. The cleanliness of the carpet or floor is a must so that the worship process in the mosque is safe and comfortable. The cleaning process is usually carried out by mosque staff using a vacuum and sprayed with disinfectant/perfume. To assist and simplify the work of the cleaning staff, a 3 in 1 Semi-Automatic Carpet Cleaning Tool was designed (Dust Vacuum, Disinfectant Spray/Deodorizer and Dryer). This tool works automatically to clean dust, spray disinfectant/perfume and dry it according to the area of ??the mosque. This tool uses ultrasonic sensors to detect the state of the surrounding room. The L298N driver functions to control the speed and rotation of the DC motor so that the wheels can move straight based on the controller program using Arduino Uno, so that the robot moves straight and constant without hitting the wall. From the test results of the tool, it is found that the robot can suck dust, spray perfume/disinfectant and dry it with a robot speed of ± 10 meters/minute in a straight line with a carpet thickness of 0.5 cm.
PENERAPAN TEKNOLOGI TEPAT GUNA UNTUK PENINGKATAN PRODUKTIFITAS USAHA PEMBUATAN PEYEK DI SUNGAILIAT KABUPATEN BANGKA
Authors: Idiar Idiar , Yunus Muhammad , Erwansyah Erwansyah
Published: August 2022

This Community Service activity in the business of making peanut crackers in MSME "SURTAM" aims to improve one of the existing production stages, namely the manufacture of coconut milk. The process of making coconut milk carried out by partners is still traditional which causes the energy used to be quite large and takes a long time. This causes the production of peanut brittle has not been maximized. The method used to solve production problems is to design and manufacture a coconut milk squeezer machine. After that, partners are given training on how to use and maintain the machine in order to carry out maximum production. The benefit of this activity is the synergy between universities and local industries related to the application of appropriate technology that can be used directly by MSME actors in their production activities. There is an increase in the production capacity of partners, especially at the stage of making coconut milk, where before community service activities, the time needed by partners to squeeze the grated 6 coconuts for approximately 1 hour, and after the activity becomes approximately 15 minutes. In addition, partners already have the knowledge and skills in operating and caring for coconut milk extortion machines used in the peanut butter production process.
Diencephalic Syndrome: A Rare Entity with Its Anaesthetic Management and Post-operative Complications of Diabetes Insipidus and Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Kadian Sakshi , John Sarin , Chakraborty Siddharth , Agrawal Sanjay
Published: August 2022

Russell first described the diencephalic syndrome in 1951. It is a rare syndrome and usually presents in children as a cause of failure to thrive despite normal, or even increased appetite, with preservation of linear growth. The treatment options vary from endoscopic biopsy followed by chemotherapy to definitive surgical resection of the tumour. The authors here describe a case of an 8-year-old 10 kg emaciated child who presented with headache, vomiting, rage attacks, decreased weight, and diminution in vision. The child had bilateral optic atrophy; however, hormonal profiles were within normal limits. MRI of the brain gave an impression of craniopharyngioma.
Development Study on Lecture Evaluation for Synchronous Online Education
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Han Songlee , Lim Eunseon , Shin Yunmi
Published: August 2022

Distance learning at universities has been activated since Covid-19. However, for the lecture evaluation, the questionnaire used in the existing face-to-face education or only partially modified questionnaire is being used, even though they are not proper in the context of distance learning. Therefore, this study derived lecture evaluation questionnaires that are proper for distance learning at universities. Based on the previous studies, we derived the basic questionnaire and verified its content validity by experts. First, the ‘class preparation’ area includes questions like providing sufficient learning materials and redesigning customized distance education classes. Second, the ‘class operation’ area are about notice and advance guidance, time distribution, lecture delivery power, interaction and communication methods, syllabus, lecture contents, progress log and technology. Finally, the ‘class evaluation’ includes questions about appropriate evaluation time and the presentation of clear evaluation criteria. This questionnaire is expected to use as self-evaluation criteria for instructors or as a tool for improving the quality of distance learning in terms of university policy. However, only a preliminary survey was conducted only for some students, so a follow-up study is needed to check the statistical verification of the concepts within the questions.
A Narrative Structure of Female Heroes and the Ambivalence of the Mother Goddess Archetype in
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Yoo Youngjae , Kim Gongsook
Published: August 2022

This study examines the Disney animation (2016) as 9 stages of a female hero narrative model based on the ancient Sumerian Inanna goddess archetype, and analyzes the ambivalence of the Great Mother Goddess archetype. Moana dreams of sailing far away from the rules of the tribe, and wants to go out to sea like the her ancestors who were sailors. In the course of her quest to return the heart of Te Fiti, goddess of creation and life, with the aid of her mother goddess. With the help of the Mother Goddess, Moana sets out on an adventure to return the heart of Te Fiti, the goddess of creation and life. In the process, she takes on the lead role as a pure warrior and navigator, although she is helped by the male hero Maui. In the narrative of , 9 stages of a female heroic narrative are implemented based on the myth of the descent of the goddess Inanna. In , the goddess Te Fiti, the lava monster Te Kā, and the ‘sea’ show the ambivalence of the great mother goddess archetype. Moana is the mediator who unites and reconciles the ambivalence of the great goddess. She is also a mythical female hero who sets the world order right by restoring her original identity overturned by masculinity.
Food Politics and French Identity Centering on Gasto-nationalism
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Bokrae
Published: August 2022

This paper will examine how objections to halal foods are raised, especially in French media discourse, reviewing the national dialogue over halal burgers released in 2009-10. The purpose of this paper is to study the correlation between food politics and French identity. First, this paper applies the core principles of French republicanism (liberty, equality, fraternity, and secularism) to food research to understand the nationalistic characteristics or qualities of food. Second, through the three competing frames of republicanism, free market, and cultural diversity, cultural policies on the legitimacy of French food are identified. Third, let's look at how nationalism applies not only to the haute cuisine like foie gras, but also to everyday fast food hamburgers.
The Analysis of Factors Affecting Reuse Intention of Platform Labor
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Donggyun
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the relationship between the quality of platform labor and user satisfaction or re-use intention for platform operators to enhance the service quality of platform workers. This study investigated the relationship between cost of use, convenience of use, incentives, consumer rights, complaint resolution, and user satisfaction on re-use intention, model fit between major variables, and mediating effects of major variables. The main conclusion of this study is that it is necessary to clearly identify the influencing factors that platform companies can provide trust to service users. In addition, it is suggested that platform companies are required to prepare a system to operate platform companies from a long-term demand-based perspective while raising the intention of service users to reuse them.
The Direction of Arts Education for Digital Nomad Life
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Songha , Yoo Jaebong
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this paper is to suggest the direction of contemporary arts education in liquid modern. To this end, we explore modern people's lives that can be characterized by 'Digital Nomad' and ways of enjoying arts. Arts education consistent with digital nomad life requires a change in the role of instructors and teaching methods in response to changes in the situation of the times and the way to use arts while strengthening reflection by artistic experiences. Contemporary arts education should form a partnership between instructors and learners so that they can choose unfamiliar things with doubts about "why" to learners and technical problems applying digital media. In addition, arts education should allow learners, who are digital nomads, to think deeply through reflection through artistic experiences so that they can see invisible power. This direction of arts education reflects the lives of modern people. It suggests that the two in arts education should establish a balance that must strengthen their original role.
Combinatorial Techniques and Multinomial Theorems with Factorials for Machine Learning and Cybersecurity
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: August 2022

Combinatorial techniques with factorial and multinomial computation are used as algorithms for the programs development to apply in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Methodological advances in combinatorics and mathematics play a vital role in machine learning and cryptology for data analysis and artificial intelligence-based cybersecurity for protection of the computing systems, devices, networks, programs and data from cyber-attacks. In connection with these ideas, this article is prepared for applications in computing science and cybersecurity. This paper presents computing and combinatorial formulae such as theorems on factorials, binomial coefficients, multinomial computation and probability and binomial distributions.
Analysis of Bias in NLP Models With Regression and Effect Sizes
Authors: Dayanik Erenay , Vu Ngoc Thang , Padó Sebastian
Published: August 2022

In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness that many NLP systems incorporate biases of various types (e.g., regarding gender or race) which can have significant negative consequences. At the same time, the techniques used to statistically analyze such biases are still relatively simple. Typically, studies test for the presence of a significant difference between two levels of a single bias variable (e.g., male vs. female) without attention to potential confounders, and do not quantify the importance of the bias variable. This article proposes to analyze bias in the output of NLP systems using multivariate regression models. They provide a robust and more informative alternative which (a) generalizes to multiple bias variables, (b) can take covariates into account, (c) can be combined with measures of effect size to quantify the size of bias. Jointly, these effects contribute to a more robust statistical analysis of bias that can be used to diagnose system behavior and extract informative examples. We demonstrate the benefits of our method by analyzing a range of current NLP models on one regression and one classification tasks (emotion intensity prediction and coreference resolution, respectively).
Modification of bladder thermodynamics in stress urinary incontinence patients submitted to trans-obturator tape: A retrospective study based on urodynamic assessment
Authors: Lau Hui-Hsuan , Lai Cheng-Yuan , Peng Hsien-Yu , Hsieh Ming-Chun , Su Tsung-Hsien , Lee Jie-Jen , Lin Tzer-Bin
Published: August 2022

Importance: It needs to be clarified whether trans-obturator tape (TOT)-enhanced urethral resistance could impact the voiding function.

Objective: Although TOT has been well-recognized for enhancing urethral resistance to restore continence in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) patients, whether the bladder’s voiding functions adapt to the TOT-enhanced resistance has not been adequately investigated. This study thereby aimed to investigate whether TOT impacts the bladder’s thermodynamic efficacy during the voiding phase.

Design: A retrospective analysis of urodynamics performed before and after TOT was assessed.

Setting: A tertiary referral hospital in Taiwan.

Participants: A total of 26 female SUI patients who underwent urodynamic investigations before and after TOT.

Main outcomes and measures: The area enclosed by the pressure-volume loop (Apv), which represents the work performed by the bladder during voiding, in a pressure-volume analysis established by plotting the detrusor pressure versus intra-vesical volume was retrospectively analyzed. Paired Student’s t-tests were employed to assess the difference in values before and after the operation. Significance in difference was set at p < 0.05.

Results: TOT increased Apv in 20 of 26 (77%) patients and significantly increased the mean Apv compared to the preoperative control (2.17 ± 0.18 and 1.51 ± 0.13 × 103 cmH2O-ml, respectively p < 0.01). TOT also increased the mean urethral resistance (1.03 ± 0.30 vs. 0.29 ± 0.05 cmH2O-sec/ml, p < 0.01) and mean voiding pressure (25.87 ± 1.72 and 19.30 ± 1.98 cmH2O p < 0.01) but did not affect the voided volume and voiding time. Moreover, the TOT-induced Apv increment showed a moderate correlation with the changes in urethral resistance and voiding pressure (both r > 0.5) but no correlation with changes in voided volume or voiding time. It is remarkable that the TOT-induced urethral resistance increment showed a strong correlation with changes in voiding pressure (r > 0.7).

Conclusion and Relevance: The bladder enhances thermodynamic efficacy by adapting the voiding mechanism to increased urethral resistance caused by TOT. Further studies with higher case series and longer follow-ups should assess whether this effect could be maintained over time or expire in a functional detrusor decompensation, to define diagnostic criteria that allow therapeutic interventions aimed at its prevention during the follow-up.

Clinical Trial Registration: (clinicaltrials.gov), identifier (NCT05255289)
Biomechanical comparative analysis of effects of dynamic and rigid fusion on lumbar motion with different sagittal parameters: An in vitro study
Authors: Wang Wei , Kong Chao , Pan Fumin , Wang Yu , Wu Xueqing , Pei Baoqing , Lu Shibao
Published: August 2022

Background: Although the management of the lumbar disease is highly dependent on the severity of the patient’s condition, optimal surgical techniques to reduce the risk of adjacent degeneration disease (ADS) remain elusive. Based on in vitro biomechanical tests of the cadaver spine, this study aimed to comparatively analyze the kinematic responses of the spine with dynamic and rigid fixations (i.e., Coflex fixation and posterolateral fusion) after single-or double-level lumbar fusion in daily activities.

Methods: Six human lumbar specimens (L1-S1) were selected for this experiment, and the sagittal parameters of each lumbar specimen were measured in the 3D model. The specimens were successively reconstructed into five groups of models: intact model, single-level L4-5 Coflex fixation model, single-level L4-5 Fusion (posterior pedicle screw fixation) model, double-level L4-5 Coflex + L5-S1 Fusion model; and double-level L4-5 Fusion + L5-S1 Fusion model. The pure moment was applied to the specimen model to simulate physiological activities in daily life through a custom-built robot testing device with an optical tracking system.

Results: For single-level lumbar fusion, compared to the traditional Fusion fixation, the Coflex dynamic fixation mainly restricted the extension of L4-L5, partially retained the range of motion (ROM) of the L4-L5 segment, and reduced the motion compensation of the upper adjacent segment. For the double-level lumbar fixation, the ROM of adjacent segments in the Coflex + Fusion was significantly decreased compared to the Fusion + Fusion fixation, but there was no significant difference. In addition, PT was the only sagittal parameter of the preoperative lumbar associated with the ROM under extension loading. The Coflex fixation had little effect on the original sagittal alignment of the lumbar spine.

Conclusion: The Coflex was an effective lumbar surgical technique with a less altering kinematic motion of the lumbar both at the index segment and adjacent segments. However, when the Coflex was combined with the fusion fixation, this ability to protect adjacent segments remained elusive in slowing the accelerated degradation of adjacent segments.
An integrated digital PCR system with high universality and low cost for nucleic acid detection
Authors: Wang Kangning , Li Bin , Guo Yu , Wu Yanqi , Li Yan , Wu Wenming
Published: August 2022

Digital PCR is the most advanced PCR technology. However, due to the high price of the digital PCR analysis instrument, this powerful nucleic acid detection technology is still difficult to be popularized in the general biochemistry laboratory. Moreover, one of the biggest disadvantages of commercial digital PCR systems is the poor versatility of reagents: each instrument can only be used for a few customized kits. Herein, we built a low-cost digital PCR system. The system only relies on low-cost traditional flat-panel PCR equipment to provide temperature conditions for commercial dPCR chips, and the self-made fluorescence detection system is designed and optically optimized to meet a wide range of reagent requirements. More importantly, our system not only has a low cost (<8000 US dollars) but also has a much higher universality for nucleic acid detection reagents than the traditional commercial digital PCR system. In this study, several samples were tested. The genes used in the experiment were plasmids containing UPE-1a fragment, TP53 reference DNA, hepatitis B virus DNA, leukemia sample, SARS-COV-2 DNA, and SARS-COV-2 RNA. Under the condition that DNA can be amplified normally, the function of the dPCR system can be realized with simpler and low-price equipment. Some DNA cannot be detected by using the commercial dPCR system because of the special formula when it is configured as the reaction solution, but these DNA fluorescence signals can be clearly detected by our system, and the concentration can be calculated. Our system is more applicable than the commercial dPCR system to form a new dPCR system that is smaller and more widely applicable than commercially available machinery.
Radiolabeling of functional oligonucleotides for molecular imaging
Authors: Liu Dunfang , Xia Qian , Ding Ding , Tan Weihong
Published: August 2022

Molecular imaging has greatly advanced basic biology and translational medicine through visualization and quantification of molecular events in a cellular context and living organisms. Nuclear medicine, including positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission tomography (SPECT), is one of the most representative molecular imaging modalities which is widely used in clinical theranostics. Recently, numerous molecular imaging agents have been developed to improve the quality and expand the applicable diseases of molecular imaging. Based on the choice of specific imaging agents, molecular imaging is capable of studying tumor biological activities, detecting tumor metastasis, and imaging Alzheimer’s disease-related amyloid proteins. Among these imaging agents, functional oligonucleotides-based imaging probes are becoming increasingly important due to their unique features. Antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA, and aptamers are privileged molecular tools in precision medicine for cancer diagnosis and treatment. These chemically synthesized oligonucleotides without batch-to-batch variations are flexible to incorporate with other molecules without affecting their functionalities. Therefore, through the combination of oligonucleotides with radioisotopes, a series of molecular imaging agents were developed in the past decades to achieve highly sensitive and accurate biomedical imaging modalities for clinical theranostic. Due to the nature of oligonucleotides, the strategies of oligonucleotide radiolabeling are different from conventional small molecular tracers, and the radiolabeling strategy with rational design is highly correlated to the imaging quality. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in functional oligonucleotide radiolabeling strategies and respective molecular imaging applications. Meanwhile, challenges and future development insights of functional oligonucleotide-based radiopharmaceuticals are discussed in the end.
Osteoimmunomodulation role of exosomes derived from immune cells on osseointegration
Authors: Xiao Yunchao , Ding Yanshu , Zhuang Jingwen , Sun Ruoyue , Sun Hui , Bai Long
Published: August 2022

Despite the high success rate of biomedical implants adopted clinically, implant failures caused by aseptic loosening still raise the risk of secondary surgery and a substantial economic burden to patients. Improving the stable combination between the implant and the host bone tissue, achieving fast and high-quality osseointegration can effectively reduce the probability of aseptic loosening. Accumulating studies have shown that the osteoimmunomodulation mediated by immune cells mainly dominated by macrophages plays a pivotal role in osseointegration by releasing active factors to improve the inflammatory microenvironment. However, the mechanism by which osteoimmunomodulation mediates osseointegration remains unclear. Recent studies have revealed that exosomes released by macrophages play a central role in mediating osteoimmunomodulation. The exosomes can be internalized by various cells participating in de novo bone formation, such as endothelial cells and osteoblasts, to intervene in the osseointegration robustly. Therefore, macrophage-derived exosomes with multifunctionality are expected to significantly improve the osseointegration microenvironment, which is promising in reducing the occurrence of aseptic loosening. Based on this, this review summarizes recent studies on the effects of exosomes derived from the immune cells on osseointegration, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for improving the clinical success rate of biomedical implants and achieving high-quality and high-efficiency osseointegration.
Pan-cancer analysis of the angiotensin II receptor-associated protein as a prognostic and immunological gene predicting immunotherapy responses in pan-cancer
Authors: Hong Kai , Zhang Yingjue , Yao Lingli , Zhang Jiabo , Sheng Xianneng , Song Lihua , Guo Yu , Guo Yangyang
Published: August 2022

Background: Understanding interior molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis and cancer progression contributes to antitumor treatments. The angiotensin II receptor-associated protein (AGTRAP) has been confirmed to be related with metabolic products in metabolic diseases and can drive the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and colon carcinoma. However, functions of AGTRAP in other kinds of cancers are unclear, and a pan-cancer analysis of AGTRAP has not been carried out.

Methods and materials: We downloaded data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression dataset and The Human Protein Atlas databases and then used R software (version 4.1.1) and several bioinformatic tools to conduct the analysis.

Results: In our study, we evaluated the expression of AGTRAP in cancers, such as high expression in breast cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, and glioma and low expression in kidney chromophobe. Furthermore, our study revealed that high expression of AGTRAP is significantly related with poor prognosis in glioma, liver cancer, kidney chromophobe, and so on. We also explored the putative functional mechanisms of AGTRAP across pan-cancer, such as endoplasmic reticulum pathway, endocytosis pathway, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. In addition, the connection between AGTRAP and tumor microenvironment, tumor mutation burden, and immune-related genes was proven.

Conclusion: Our study provided comprehensive evidence of the roles of AGTRAP in different kinds of cancers and supported the relationship of AGTRAP and tumorous immunity.
The crosstalk between MYC and mTORC1 during osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Bae Seyeon , Oh Brian , Tsai Jefferson , Park Peter Sang Uk , Greenblatt Matthew Blake , Giannopoulou Eugenia G. , Park-Min Kyung-Hyun
Published: August 2022

Osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells that undergo extensive changes in morphology throughout their differentiation. Altered osteoclast differentiation and activity lead to changes in pathological bone resorption. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a kinase, and aberrant mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling is associated with altered bone homeostasis. The activation of mTORC1 is biphasically regulated during osteoclastogenesis; however, the mechanism behind mTORC1-mediated regulation of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption is incompletely understood. Here, we found that MYC coordinates the dynamic regulation of mTORC1 activation during osteoclastogenesis. MYC-deficiency blocked the early activation of mTORC1 and also reversed the decreased activity of mTORC1 at the late stage of osteoclastogenesis. The suppression of mTORC1 activity by rapamycin in mature osteoclasts enhances bone resorption activity despite the indispensable role of high mTORC1 activation in osteoclast formation in both mouse and human cells. Mechanistically, MYC induces Growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein (GADD34) expression and suppresses mTORC1 activity at the late phase of osteoclastogenesis. Taken together, our findings identify a MYC-GADD34 axis as an upstream regulator of dynamic mTORC1 activation in osteoclastogenesis and highlight the interplay between MYC and mTORC1 pathways in determining osteoclast activity.
The aging of ER-mitochondria communication: A journey from undifferentiated to aged cells
Authors: Morgado-Cáceres Pablo , Liabeuf Gianella , Calle Ximena , Briones Lautaro , Riquelme Jaime A. , Bravo-Sagua Roberto , Parra Valentina
Published: August 2022

The complex physiology of eukaryotic cells requires that a variety of subcellular organelles perform unique tasks, even though they form highly dynamic communication networks. In the case of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, their functional coupling relies on the physical interaction between their membranes, mediated by domains known as mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs). MERCs act as shuttles for calcium and lipid transfer between organelles, and for the nucleation of other subcellular processes. Of note, mounting evidence shows that they are heterogeneous structures, which display divergent behaviors depending on the cell type. Furthermore, MERCs are plastic structures that remodel according to intra- and extracellular cues, thereby adjusting the function of both organelles to the cellular needs. In consonance with this notion, the malfunction of MERCs reportedly contributes to the development of several age-related disorders. Here, we integrate current literature to describe how MERCs change, starting from undifferentiated cells, and their transit through specialization, malignant transformation (i.e., dedifferentiation), and aging/senescence. Along this journey, we will review the function of MERCs and their relevance for pivotal cell types, such as stem and cancer cells, cardiac, skeletal, and smooth myocytes, neurons, leukocytes, and hepatocytes, which intervene in the progression of chronic diseases related to age.
Understanding the function of regulatory DNA interactions in the interpretation of non-coding GWAS variants
Authors: Zhong Wujuan , Liu Weifang , Chen Jiawen , Sun Quan , Hu Ming , Li Yun
Published: August 2022

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a vast number of variants associated with various complex human diseases and traits. However, most of these GWAS variants reside in non-coding regions producing no proteins, making the interpretation of these variants a daunting challenge. Prior evidence indicates that a subset of non-coding variants detected within or near cis-regulatory elements (e.g., promoters, enhancers, silencers, and insulators) might play a key role in disease etiology by regulating gene expression. Advanced sequencing- and imaging-based technologies, together with powerful computational methods, enabling comprehensive characterization of regulatory DNA interactions, have substantially improved our understanding of the three-dimensional (3D) genome architecture. Recent literature witnesses plenty of examples where using chromosome conformation capture (3C)-based technologies successfully links non-coding variants to their target genes and prioritizes relevant tissues or cell types. These examples illustrate the critical capability of 3D genome organization in annotating non-coding GWAS variants. This review discusses how 3D genome organization information contributes to elucidating the potential roles of non-coding GWAS variants in disease etiology.
Comparison of disinfection by-products formed by preoxidation of sulfamethazine by K2FeO4 and O3 and the influence on cytotoxicity and biological toxicity
Authors: Li Siwen , Lin Yingzi , Wang Gaoqi , Zhu Suiyi , Liu Gen , Shi Chunyan , Chen Lei
Published: August 2022

This study researched the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in sulfamethazine (SMZ) chlorination after preoxidation by K2FeO4 and O3 and the influence of preoxidation on cytotoxicity and biological toxicity. Then, the study emphatically analyzed the influencing factors such as NaClO dosage, pH value, reaction temperature, fulvic acid (FA), and bromide and iodide ions. The results showed that preoxidation by K2FeO4 effectively inhibited the formation of DBPs of haloketones (HKS) and trihalomethanes (THMs), with an average inhibition rate of over 60%. The formation of DBPs after preoxidation by O3 was higher than that by K2FeO4; preoxidation by K2FeO4 reduced the influence of NaClO dosage, temperature, and pH value on the production of DBPs after SMZ chlorination. The cytotoxicity and biological toxicity of SMZ chlorination after preoxidation were evaluated and compared by calculating the LC50 value of DBPs and the luminescent bacteria method. The results of both calculation methods showed that the toxicity of DBPs after preoxidation by K2FeO4 was lower than that by O3 preoxidation. K2FeO4 and O3 preoxidation improved the SMZ removal efficiency by 8.41 and 10.49%, respectively, and inhibited the formation of most DBPs, but the preoxidation promoted the formation of highly toxic DBPs (HANs). The toxicity of DBPs formed in SMZ chlorination after preoxidation by K2FeO4 and O3 was slightly higher than that of chlorination disinfection alone, but it was still within the safe range. This study provides more new details about the formation and toxicity changes of DBPs in the process of SMZ chlorination after preoxidation.
A combined fragment-based virtual screening and STD-NMR approach for the identification of E-cadherin ligands
Authors: Vasile Francesca , Lavore Francesca , Gazzola Silvia , Vettraino Chiara , Parisini Emilio , Piarulli Umberto , Belvisi Laura , Civera Monica
Published: August 2022

Cadherins promote cell-cell adhesion by forming homophilic interactions via their N-terminal extracellular domains. Hence, they have broad-ranging physiological effects on tissue organization and homeostasis. When dysregulated, cadherins contribute to different aspects of cancer progression and metastasis; therefore, targeting the cadherin adhesive interface with small-molecule antagonists is expected to have potential therapeutic and diagnostic value. Here, we used molecular docking simulations to evaluate the propensity of three different libraries of commercially available drug-like fragments (nearly 18,000 compounds) to accommodate into the Trp2 binding pocket of E-cadherin, a crucial site for the orchestration of the protein’s dimerization mechanism. Top-ranked fragments featuring five different aromatic chemotypes were expanded by means of a similarity search on the PubChem database (Tanimoto index >90%). Of this set, seven fragments containing an aromatic scaffold linked to an aliphatic chain bearing at least one amine group were finally selected for further analysis. Ligand-based NMR data (Saturation Transfer Difference, STD) and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that these fragments can bind E-cadherin mostly through their aromatic moiety, while their aliphatic portions may also diversely engage with the mobile regions of the binding site. A tetrahydro-β-carboline scaffold functionalized with an ethylamine emerged as the most promising fragment.
Perspective: Morphology and ion transport in ion-containing polymers from multiscale modeling and simulations
Authors: Zhu Zhenghao , Paddison Stephen J.
Published: August 2022

Ion-containing polymers are soft materials composed of polymeric chains and mobile ions. Over the past several decades they have been the focus of considerable research and development for their use as the electrolyte in energy conversion and storage devices. Recent and significant results obtained from multiscale simulations and modeling for proton exchange membranes (PEMs), anion exchange membranes (AEMs), and polymerized ionic liquids (polyILs) are reviewed. The interplay of morphology and ion transport is emphasized. We discuss the influences of polymer architecture, tethered ionic groups, rigidity of the backbone, solvents, and additives on both morphology and ion transport in terms of specific interactions. Novel design strategies are highlighted including precisely controlling molecular conformations to design highly ordered morphologies; tuning the solvation structure of hydronium or hydroxide ions in hydrated ion exchange membranes; turning negative ion-ion correlations to positive correlations to improve ionic conductivity in polyILs; and balancing the strength of noncovalent interactions. The design of single-ion conductors, well-defined supramolecular architectures with enhanced one-dimensional ion transport, and the understanding of the hierarchy of the specific interactions continue as challenges but promising goals for future research.