bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A 3-D interactive microbiology laboratory via virtual reality for enhancing practical skills
Authors: Chitra Ebenezer , Mubin Siti Azreena , Nadarajah Vishna Devi , Se Wong Pei , Sow Chew Fei , Er Hui Meng , Mitra Nilesh Kumar , Thiruchelvam Vinesh , Davamani Fabian 
Published: June 2024

AbstractVirtual Reality (VR) laboratories are a new pedagogical approach to support psychomotor skills development in undergraduate programmes to achieve practical competency. VR laboratories are successfully used to carry out virtual experiments in science courses and for clinical skills training in professional courses. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a VR-based microbiology laboratory on Head-Mounted Display (HMD) for undergraduate students. Student and faculty perceptions and expectations were collected to incorporate into the laboratory design. An interactive 3-dimensional VR laboratory with a 360° view was developed simulating our physical laboratory setup. The laboratory environment was created using Unity with the (created) necessary assets and 3D models. The virtual laboratory was designed to replicate the physical laboratory environment as suggested by the students and faculty. In this VR laboratory, six microbiology experiments on Gram staining, bacterial streaking, bacterial motility, catalase test, oxidase test and biochemical tests were placed on the virtual platform. First-year biomedical science students were recruited to evaluate the VR laboratory. Students’ perception of the virtual laboratory was positive and encouraging. About 70% of the students expressed they felt safe using the VR laboratory and that it was engaging. They felt that the VR laboratory provided an immersive learning experience. They appreciated that they could repeat each experiment multiple times without worrying about mistakes or mishaps. They could personalise their learning by concentrating on the specific experiments. Our in-house VR-based microbiology laboratory was later extended to other health professions programmes teaching microbiology.
Research on the influencing factors of adult learners' intent to use online education platforms based on expectation confirmation theory
Authors: Pan Guoqiang , Mao Yu , Song Ziyuan , Nie Hui 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study addresses the understanding gap concerning the factors that influence the continuous learning intention of adult learners on online education platforms. The uniqueness and significance of this study stem from its dual focus on both platform features, such as service quality, and course features, including perceived interactivity and added value, aspects often overlooked in previous research. Rooted in Expectation Confirmation Theory, the study constructs a comprehensive model to shed light on the complex interplay of these factors. Empirical evidence collected from a survey of 1592 adult learners robustly validates the effectiveness of this model. The findings of the study reveal that platform service quality, perceived interactivity, and perceived added value significantly amplify adult learners' expectation confirmation and perceived usefulness. These elements subsequently enhance learner satisfaction, fostering their ongoing intention to use online education platforms. These insights offer practical guidance for online education providers, emphasizing the necessity to enhance platform service quality and course features to meet adult learners' expectations and perceived usefulness. The study provides valuable perspectives for devising strategies to boost user satisfaction and stimulate continuous usage intention among adult learners in the intensely competitive online education market. This study enriches the literature by uncovering the relationships among platform features, course features, expectation confirmation, perceived usefulness, and continuous usage intention. By proposing a comprehensive model, this study provides a novel theoretical basis for understanding how platform and course features impact adult learners' ongoing intention to use online education platforms, thereby aiding the evolution and refinement of relevant theories.
Bacteroidetes promotes esophageal squamous carcinoma invasion and metastasis through LPS-mediated TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB pathway and inflammatory changes
Authors: Wu Zhongbing , Guo Jianxin , Zhang Zhenhan , Gao Shuang , Huang Ming , Wang Yu , Zhang Yushuang , Li Qinghuan , Li Jing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGut microbiota plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal tumors. Additionally, gut microbes influence the progression of esophageal cancer. However, the major bacterial genera that affect the invasion and metastasis of esophageal cancer remain unknown, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the gut flora and metabolites of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and found abundant Bacteroides and increased secretion and entry of the surface antigen lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the blood, causing inflammatory changes in the body. We confirmed these results in a mouse model of 4NQO-induced esophageal carcinoma in situ and further identified epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurrence and TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB pathway activation in mouse esophageal tumors. Additionally, in vitro experiments revealed that LPS from Bacteroides fragile promoted esophageal cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced EMT by activating the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB pathway. These results reveal that Bacteroides are closely associated with esophageal cancer progression through a higher inflammatory response level and signaling pathway activation that are both common to inflammation and tumors induced by LPS, providing a new biological target for esophageal cancer prevention or treatment.
Evaluation of using micronized saudi calcite in ilmenite-weighted water-based drilling fluid
Authors: Shokry Amir , Basfar Salem , Elkatatny Salaheldin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA high-density water-based drilling fluid (WBDF) is crucial for maintaining wellbore stability, controlling formation pressures, and optimizing drilling performance in challenging subsurface conditions. In the present research, the effect of micronized calcium carbonate (calcite), extracted from the Aruma formation outcrop, is evaluated as one of the additives that could be added to the ilmenite-weighted WBDF to enhance and optimize its properties. Various concentrations of Calcite microparticles were introduced into identical fluid formulations to assess their impact. The concentrations ranged from 0, 10, 20, to 30 lb/bbl, providing a comprehensive examination of the effects of calcite microparticles across a spectrum of concentrations within the fluid. The results highlighted that adding Barite microparticles to the WBDF revealed a notable enhancement in rheological properties. Specifically, the yield point demonstrated an increase of 37%, 37%, and 11% for concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 lb/bbl of calcite, respectively. Equally significant, high-pressure-high-temperature (HPHT) filtration analysis indicated a considerable enhancement for the fluids containing calcite microparticles. A reduction of 14.5%, 24.6%, and 13% were observed in HPHT filtrate for concentrations of 10 lb/bbl, 20 lb/bbl, and 30 lb/bbl respectively. Simultaneously, there is a reduction in filter cake thickness by 20%, 40%, and 20%, respectively. No ilmenite settling was observed in the sample containing 20 lb/bbl of calcite, unlike the other concentrations. These diverse results strongly suggest that the optimal concentration for calcite microparticles is 20 lb/bbl. The combined utilization of the optimal concentration of calcite microparticles alongside the established additives proves to be an effective strategy for optimizing the ilmenite-weighted WBDF performance in terms of both thermal stability and rheological behavior.
Improved constraints on hematite refractive index for estimating climatic effects of dust aerosols
Authors: Li Longlei , Mahowald Natalie M. , Gonçalves Ageitos María , Obiso Vincenzo , Miller Ron L. , Pérez García-Pando Carlos , Di Biagio Claudia , Formenti Paola , Brodrick Philip G. , Clark Roger N. , Green Robert O. , Kokaly Raymond , Swayze Gregg , Thompson David R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUncertainty in desert dust composition poses a big challenge to understanding Earth’s climate across different epochs. Of particular concern is hematite, an iron-oxide mineral dominating the solar absorption by dust particles, for which current estimates of absorption capacity vary by over two orders of magnitude. Here, we show that laboratory measurements of dust composition, absorption, and scattering provide valuable constraints on the absorption potential of hematite, substantially narrowing its range of plausible values. The success of this constraint is supported by results from an atmospheric transport model compared with station-based measurements. Additionally, we identify substantial bias in simulating hematite abundance in dust aerosols with current soil mineralogy descriptions, underscoring the necessity for improved data sources. Encouragingly, the next-generation imaging spectroscopy remote sensing data hold promise for capturing the spatial variability of hematite. These insights have implications for enhancing dust modeling, thus contributing to efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Cell type mapping of inflammatory muscle diseases highlights selective myofiber vulnerability in inclusion body myositis
Authors: Wischnewski Sven , Thäwel Thomas , Ikenaga Chiseko , Kocharyan Anna , Lerma-Martin Celia , Zulji Amel , Rausch Hans-Werner , Brenner David , Thomas Leonie , Kutza Michael , Wick Brittney , Trobisch Tim , Preusse Corinna , Haeussler Maximilian , Leipe Jan , Ludolph Albert , Rosenbohm Angela , Hoke Ahmet , Platten Michael , Weishaupt Jochen H. , Sommer Clemens J. , Stenzel Werner , Lloyd Thomas E. , Schirmer Lucas 
Published: June 2024

AbstractInclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most prevalent inflammatory muscle disease in older adults with no effective therapy available. In contrast to other inflammatory myopathies such as subacute, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), IBM follows a chronic disease course with both inflammatory and degenerative features of pathology. Moreover, causal factors and molecular drivers of IBM progression are largely unknown. Therefore, we paired single-nucleus RNA sequencing with spatial transcriptomics from patient muscle biopsies to map cell-type-specific drivers underlying IBM pathogenesis compared with IMNM muscles and noninflammatory skeletal muscle samples. In IBM muscles, we observed a selective loss of type 2 myonuclei paralleled by increased levels of cytotoxic T and conventional type 1 dendritic cells. IBM myofibers were characterized by either upregulation of cell stress markers featuring GADD45A and NORAD or protein degradation markers including RNF7 associated with p62 aggregates. GADD45A upregulation was preferentially seen in type 2A myofibers associated with severe tissue inflammation. We also noted IBM-specific upregulation of ACHE encoding acetylcholinesterase, which can be regulated by NORAD activity and result in functional denervation of myofibers. Our results provide promising insights into possible mechanisms of myofiber degeneration in IBM and suggest a selective type 2 fiber vulnerability linked to genomic stress and denervation pathways.
Active optical phased array integrated within a micro-cantilever
Authors: Guerber Sylvain , Fowler Daivid , Mollard Laurent , Dieppedale Christel , Le Rhun Gwenael , Hamelin Antoine , Faugier-Tovar Jonathan , Abdoul-Carime Kim 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThree dimensional sensing is essential in order that machines may operate in and interact with complex dynamic environments. Solid-state beam scanning devices are seen as being key to achieving required system specifications in terms of sensing range, resolution, refresh rate and cost. Integrated optical phased arrays fabricated on silicon wafers are a potential solution, but demonstrated devices with system-level performance currently rely on expensive widely tunable source lasers. Here, we combine silicon nitride photonics and micro-electromechanical system technologies, demonstrating the integration of an active photonic beam-steering circuit into a piezoelectric actuated micro cantilever. An optical phased array, operating at a wavelength of 905 nm, provides output beam scanning over a range of 17° in one dimension, while the inclination of the entire circuit and consequently the angle of the output beam in a second dimension can be independently modified over a range of up to 40° using the piezoelectric actuator.
PARP14 and PARP9/DTX3L regulate interferon-induced ADP-ribosylation
Authors: Kar Pulak , Chatrin Chatrin , Đukić Nina , Suyari Osamu , Schuller Marion , Zhu Kang , Prokhorova Evgeniia , Bigot Nicolas , Baretić Domagoj , Ahel Juraj , Elsborg Jonas Damgaard , Nielsen Michael L , Clausen Tim , Huet Sébastien , Niepel Mario , Sanyal Sumana , Ahel Dragana , Smith Rebecca , Ahel Ivan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPARP-catalysed ADP-ribosylation (ADPr) is important in regulating various cellular pathways. Until recently, PARP-dependent mono-ADP-ribosylation has been poorly understood due to the lack of sensitive detection methods. Here, we utilised an improved antibody to detect mono-ADP-ribosylation. We visualised endogenous interferon (IFN)-induced ADP-ribosylation and show that PARP14 is a major enzyme responsible for this modification. Fittingly, this signalling is reversed by the macrodomain from SARS-CoV-2 (Mac1), providing a possible mechanism by which Mac1 counteracts the activity of antiviral PARPs. Our data also elucidate a major role of PARP9 and its binding partner, the E3 ubiquitin ligase DTX3L, in regulating PARP14 activity through protein-protein interactions and by the hydrolytic activity of PARP9 macrodomain 1. Finally, we also present the first visualisation of ADPr-dependent ubiquitylation in the IFN response. These approaches should further advance our understanding of IFN-induced ADPr and ubiquitin signalling processes and could shed light on how different pathogens avoid such defence pathways.
Biofunctionalisation strategies of material surface and the inspired biological effects for bone repair
Authors: Duan Guowen , Chang Dongbiao , Zhang Chengdong , Li Siyu , Liu Xinyao , Wang Zian , Chen Long , Li Jinsheng , Bai Zhenfan , Weng Jie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDue to trauma and disease, bone defects endanger the healthy life of human beings. At present, the gold standard for bone defect repair is still autologous bone transplantation and allogeneic bone transplantation. However, its insufficient source, potential disease transmission and immune rejection limit its clinical application. Therefore, the development of bone repair materials plays an important role in promoting bone repair. As the interface between material and tissue, the surface of the material plays an important role in the reaction after implantation, which determines the effectiveness of defect repair treatment. With the development of surface engineering and technology, bone repair materials have developed from biological inertia to biological activity by endowing various biological functions by controlling the composition, topological morphology and structure of the material surface etc. The inspired biofunctionalisation of material surface includes the capacities of inducing osteogenesis, promoting angiogenesis, antibacterial, immune regulation etc., as well as integration of postoperative repair and treatment. The authors review the biofunctionalisation of biomaterial surface and the inspired biological effects for bone repair, mainly including physical and chemical properties of material surface to regulate osteogenesis, and functional strategy of bone repair material surface.
Vector magnetic circuit analysis of silicon steel sheet parameters under different frequencies for electrical machines
Authors: Qin Wei , Cheng Ming , Wang Zheng , Han Peng , Zhu Xinkai , Hua Wei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSilicon steel sheets (SSSs), serving as the principal constituent of the magnetic circuit in electric machines, necessitates precise modelling and accurate computation using magnetic circuit theory as a prerequisite for analysing the characteristics of electric machines. Nevertheless, the conventional magnetic circuit theory, limited to a single reluctance component, fails to address the phase relationship between magnetomotive force and magnetic flux, and inadequately represents the magnetic flux distribution observed under high‐frequency conditions. Consequently, the existing magnetic circuit model for SSSs remains imperfect in its current state. Fortuitously, the advent of magductance has effectively addressed these challenges. Building upon magductance, this study deduces the fundamental laws and theorem within the vector magnetic circuit theory. Subsequently, a distributed parameter vector magnetic circuit model for the SSSs is constructed, accompanied by the derivation of expressions pertaining to its reluctance and magductance. The authors propose the transfer function composed of reluctance and magductance parameters, successfully resolving the phase between the magnetic circuit vectors, the magnetic flux distribution, and the magnetic circuit loss under different frequencies for SSSs. Finally, experimental findings affirm the efficacy and validity of the distributed parameter vector magnetic circuit model for SSSs. The proposal of vector magnetic circuit theory opens a whole new door for the analysis, computation, and optimisation of electric machines.
Double periodic variable V4142 Sgr: A key to approaching the stellar dynamo
Authors: Rosales J. A. , Petrović J. , Mennickent R. E. , Schleicher D. R. G. , Djurašević G. , Leigh N. W. C. 
Published: June 2024

Aims. In this work we focus on the double periodic variable (DPV) star V4142 Sgr, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of its evolution, the formation of its accretion disk, and the operation of magnetic dynamos within the donor star. We analyze its characteristics in detail as well as the phenomena associated with DPV stars more generally.
Methods. The model was implemented using the stellar evolution code MESA r22.11.1. The modeling process starts from the zero age main sequence and incorporates differential rotation to facilitate the creation of a stellar dynamo in the donor star. We adjusted the model by employing a chi-square algorithm, minimizing the deviation between theoretical and observed values based on previously published fundamental parameters for this system. Our analysis includes an evaluation of various parameters, such as initial masses, orbital periods, mixing parameters, the thermohaline parameter, and metallicities. We assessed the algorithm convergence and set the stopping criterion at 20% helium core depletion in the donor star. A comprehensive analysis was conducted at each evolutionary stage, utilizing the Tayler–Spruit formalism to understand the mechanism of magnetic dynamos.
Results. The model begins by adjusting fundamental parameters published for this system through a chi-squared optimization algorithm, adopting an initial orbital period of 15.0 days and initial masses for the donor and gainer star of Mi, d = 3.50 M⊙ and Mi, g = 1.50 M⊙, with a metallicity associated with this type of DPV of Z = 0.02. It successfully converges with six degrees of freedom and 5% confidence, resulting in a chi-squared value of 0.007. In addition, the best-fit model for V4142 Sgr shows it is in thermal-timescale mass transfer. Our analysis provides insights into the role of differential rotation in facilitating the formation of a stellar dynamo. Additionally, we have determined that our type-B gainer star is located in a region similar to other type-B DPVs that have undergone rejuvenation due to the transfer of matter. The size of the gainer star shrinks considerably, but it rejuvenates thanks to the material acquired from its donor companion. As for the donor star, the creation and amplification of magnetic fields are influenced by the mixing diffusivity, DST, which is activated by advection outside the overshooting zone.
The miniJPAS survey: Evolution of luminosity and stellar mass functions of galaxies up to z ∼ 0.7
Authors: Díaz-García L. A. , González Delgado R. M. , García-Benito R. , Martínez-Solaeche G. , Rodríguez-Martín J. E. , López-Sanjuan C. , Hernán-Caballero A. , Márquez I. , Vílchez J. M. , Abramo R. , Alcaniz J. , Benítez N. , Bonoli S. , Carneiro S. , Cenarro A. J. , Cristóbal-Hornillos D. , Dupke R. A. , Ederoclite A. , Marín-Franch A. , Mendes de Oliveira C. , Moles M. , Sodré L. , Taylor K. , Varela J. , Vázquez Ramió H. 
Published: June 2024

Aims. We aim to develop a robust methodology for constraining the luminosity and stellar mass functions (LMFs) of galaxies by solely using photometric measurements from multi-filter imaging surveys. We test the potential of these techniques for determining the evolution of these functions up to z ∼ 0.7 in the Javalambre Physics of the Accelerating Universe Astrophysical Survey (J-PAS), which will image thousands of square degrees in the northern hemisphere with an unprecedented photometric system that includes 54 narrow band filters.
Methods. As J-PAS is still an ongoing survey, we used the miniJPAS dataset (a stripe of 1 deg2 dictated according to the J-PAS strategy) for determining the LMFs of galaxies at 0.05 ≤ z ≤ 0.7. Stellar mass and B-band luminosity for each of the miniJPAS galaxies are constrained using an updated version of our fitting code for spectral energy distribution, MUlti-Filter FITting (MUFFIT), whose values are based on non-parametric composite stellar population models and the probability distribution functions of the miniJPAS photometric redshifts. Galaxies are classified according to their star formation activity through the stellar mass versus rest-frame colour diagram corrected for extinction (MCDE) and we assign a probability to each source of being a quiescent or star-forming galaxy. Different stellar mass and luminosity completeness limits are set and parametrised as a function of redshift, for setting the limitations of our flux-limited sample (rSDSS ≤ 22) for the determination of the miniJPAS LMFs. The miniJPAS LMFs are parametrised according to Schechter-like functions via a novel maximum likelihood method accounting for uncertainties, degeneracies, probabilities, completeness, and priors.
Results. Overall, our results point to a smooth evolution with redshift (0.05 ≤ z ≤ 0.7) of the miniJPAS LMFs, which is in agreement with previous studies. The LMF evolution of star-forming galaxies mainly involve the bright and massive ends of these functions, whereas the LMFs of quiescent galaxies also exhibit a non-negligible evolution in their faint and less massive ends. The cosmic evolution of the global B-band luminosity density decreases by ∼0.1 dex from z = 0.7 to 0.05; whereas for quiescent galaxies, this quantity roughly remains constant. In contrast, the stellar mass density increases by ∼0.3 dex in the same redshift range, where the evolution is mainly driven by quiescent galaxies, owing to an overall increase in the number of this type of galaxy. In turn, this covers the majority and most massive galaxies, namely, 60–100% of galaxies at log10(M⋆/M⊙)≳10.7.