bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Моделирование напряженно-деформированного состояния по данным компьютерной томографии
Authors:   Казанский федеральный университет, Герасимов О.В. , Рахматулин Р.Р. ,   Казанский федеральный университет, Саченков О.А. ,   Казанский федеральный университет
Published: December 2021

В статье представлен метод конечных элементов, основанный на данных компьютерной томографии. Был использован трехмерный изопараметрический линейный элемент сплошной среды. Представлен общий алгоритм получения конечно-элементной модели. Данных томографии и интересующей области достаточно для построения готовой к расчетам модели. Моделирование легко выполняется после применения граничных условий. Для упрощения построения расчетной модели введены расчетная сетка и сетка постобработки. Качество моделирования оценивалось по нормированной ошибке. Для верификации модели были использованы кости передних и задних конечностей свиньи, проводились численные расчеты и натурные эксперименты на трехточечный изгиб. Полученные результаты сравнивались, и иллюстрируют эффективность метода. Предлагаемый подход нетрудоемкий и экономичен по времени.
Модель нестационарного изгиба балки Бернулли-Эйлера с учетом тепломассопереноса
Authors:   ФГБОУ ВО «Московский авиационный институт (национальный  исследовательский университет)», Земсков А.В. ,   НИИ механики МГУ им. М.В. Ломоносова, Ле Ван Хао ,   ФГБОУ ВО «Московский авиационный институт (национальный  исследовательский университет)»
Published: December 2021

В работе рассматривается задача о нестационарных колебаниях балки Бернулли-Эйлера с учетом релаксации температурных и диффузионных процессов. Исходная математическая постановка включает в себя систему уравнений нестационарных изгибных колебаний балки с учетом тепломасоопереноса, которая получена из общей модели термомеханодиффузии для сплошных сред с помощью вариационного принципа Даламбера. Сформулирована начально-краевая задача о нестационарном изгибе свободно опертой балки.
О нелокальном преобразовании Дарбу двумерного стационарного уравнения Шредингера
Authors:   ФГБУН Институт прикладной механики РАН, Кудрявцев А.Г.
Published: December 2021

Различие физических механизмов, реализующих волновой процесс, приводит к различным способам описания, основанным на сильно отличающихся друг от друга системах уравнений. Однако для понимания наиболее фундаментальных явлений, свойственных волнам различной природы – интерференции, дифракции, дисперсии, отражения, преломления, рассеяния и т.д. – часто нет необходимости анализировать исходные, вообще говоря, сложные системы уравнений. Простые эффекты, как правило, описываются простыми и поэтому универсальными математическими моделями.
Otras pedagogías para otras tecnologías.
Authors: Ortmann Cecilia
Published: December 2021

En este trabajo analizo un conjunto de experiencias recientes, todavía aisladas e incipientes, que vienen teniendo lugar en los últimos años en el campo activista en Argentina, que explícitamente buscan tender puentes entre software libre y transfeminismo. Tomando como principal insumo empírico los testimonios de participantes de estas iniciativas, el foco está puesto en los recorridos que elles trazan en este ámbito a fin de identificar los aspectos recurrentes que pueden favorecer una apropiación transfeminista del software libre. Para desarrollar este planteo, propongo inicialmente un acercamiento a los principales rasgos del software libre y los matices que este movimiento adquiere en el escenario contemporáneo, específicamente en relación al tema aquí abordado. Luego expongo brevemente el encuadre metodológico de este trabajo y de la investigación en la que se enmarca. Por último, despliego los resultados de la indagación, identificando una serie de características que comparten las experiencias y recorridos relevados, particularmente en torno a las formas de aprendizaje.
Prácticas y saberes educacionales y comunicacionales durante el ASPO de estudiantes secundarios en La Plata
Authors: Mamani Gonzalo
Published: December 2021

El presente artículo es un análisis reflexivo descriptivo de los avances de mi investigación doctoral en curso correspondiente al Doctorado en Comunicación (FPyCS UNLP). El objetivo general de la investigación es analizar los usos y las apropiaciones de las tecnologías de la comunicación por parte de estudiantes y docentes de nivel secundario del gran La Plata durante la emergencia sanitaria por el covid 19 (ciclo lectivo 2020).  En este trabajo analizaremos, desde el campo de la comunicación/ educación, las principales dimensiones que emergieron a partir de las entrevistas de aproximación al trabajo de campo, realizadas por aplicaciones de videollamada a cinco estudiantes de escuelas de nivel secundario del partido de La Plata, dependientes de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata UNLP y la Dirección General de Escuelas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires DGCyE. 

Buscamos con este documento establecer conversaciones iniciales en términos analíticos en relación a los procesos experimentados por les estudiantes, los alcances y las limitaciones de las políticas públicas nacionales y provinciales, posibles (re)preguntas a nuestro tema/problema de investigación, lugar en el habitamos en el campo etnográfico, las decisiones de la estrategía metodológicas experimentadas.  En esa línea, la distribución del artículo consta de dos ejes centrales: 1) el primero de ellos convoca a las discusiones en relación al campo de la comunicación/ educación, las tecnologías de la comunicación y las líneas de investigación en rasgos generales que tienen como objetivo el análisis de los vínculos desde o entre los sujetos en el ámbito educativo (en un sentido amplio), dispositivos tecnológicos y las políticas públicas. Allí, describiremos algunas líneas sintéticamente sobre el campo para dar cuenta de la importancia recuperar estas producciones, qué aportan, qué elementos son sustanciales para pensar nuestro proceso investigativo. En segundo lugar, 2) analizaremos las conversaciones con les estudiantes de nivel medio. En ese sentido, abordaremos cómo emergen discusiones no previstas con respecto a las experiencias con respecto al ciclo lectivo 2020, las relación con las tecnologías de la comunicación, las prácticas y saberes educacionales y comunicacionales entre les estudiantes y les docentes, el rol del Estado en la asistencia para la permanencia y continuidad pedagógica mediante en torno virtuales o educación a distancia a partir de políticas públicas lanzadas ante esta coyuntura y otras lanzadas en el pasado.
Violencia en las relaciones de pareja de jóvenes estudiantes
Authors: Arevalos Darío Hernán
Published: December 2021

Este artículo analiza las experiencias de sufrimiento frente a la violencia que deviene de las relaciones de pareja de estudiantes de escuelas secundarias. Los testimonios obtenidos en el marco de un estudio cualitativo nos permiten interpretar que los vínculos amorosos signados por la humillación, la manipulación y el maltrato físico se tramitan a través de los lazos generacionales e inter-generacionales que se tejen en el espacio escolar. Las relaciones de confianza mutua que se erigen como contrapeso del miedo, la vergüenza y la soledad, favorecen el desarrollo de un conjunto de estrategias colectivas para transformar la situación de quien está siendo víctima.
“Esa es la propedéutica del conocimiento humano, ser coadyuvante en las gestas de la libertad, de la democracia, de la igualación humana”
Authors: Abdala Leila , Passerino Leila Martina
Published: December 2021

Conversamos con Dora Barrancos, militante, académica y feminista. Comenzamos con apreciaciones personales respecto su figura como clave en la reconstrucción de una genealogía de académicas feministas, que es parte de un legado en el cual nos reconocemos. Durante la entrevista nos compartió quiénes fueron los maestros y maestras que delinearon su sensibilidad por lo social y su acercamiento al feminismo. También, dialogamos respecto a sus intervenciones en materia de políticas de género cuando ocupó un cargo directivo en el CONICET, y sobre la dificultad que recae en las mujeres académicas el intento de conciliación del trabajo remunerado y el trabajo de cuidados al interior de sus hogares. Finalmente, Dora realiza un diagnóstico respecto a la ciudadanía sexual en la Argentina reciente, y esboza los desafíos actuales que tienen las ciencias sociales y las humanidades en materia de ampliación de derechos y generación de condiciones de igualación social.
Hablar entre amigas: la propia vida, la política y el compromiso
Authors: Rodriguez Cynthia
Published: December 2021

La presente entrevista nos sumerge a la reflexión entre la propia vida-la de la autora, la política y el compromiso con la literatura en vinculación con nuestra época. Esta conversación nos nutre de una gran potencia y movimiento de búsqueda de la propia palabra para decir el mundo.

Mariana Bolzán  nació el 4 de septiembre en Paraná, Entre Ríos. Es comunicadora social y escritora. Escribe cuentos, crónicas y relatos para medios independientes digitales. Actualmente forma parte de un espacio cultural denominado La Taller, donde se producen diversas puestas estéticas contemporáneas. Un espacio potenciador de las artes que reúne un colectivo de personas–artistas visuales, fotógrafas, performers, poetas- en pos de generar visibilidad de aquello que producen. También coordina el área de Comunicación de Cultura de la Municipalidad de Paraná.

En el año 2019 publicó su primer poemario: Un Rayo en el Mundo, por Ana Editorial, una editorial independiente de la ciudad, texto que marca un punto de inflexión en su trayectoria como escritora, siendo este su primer libro, ampliando el circuito de lectura de su obra.
Converb constructions in Mari and Udmurt
Authors: Bradley Jeremy Moss , Pischlöger Christian
Published: December 2021

Uralic languages of the Volga-Kama Region, especially Mari and Udmurt, show strong Turkic influence in the range of usages of converbial (gerundial, i.e. adverbial non-finite) forms. Converbs can be found in combination with syntactically superordinate verbs communicating different values, mirroring Turkic structures: modal (“swimming know” = ‘know how to swim’), directional (“crawling leave” = ‘crawl away’), benefactive (“baking give” = ‘bake something for someone’), aspectual (“drinking send” = ‘drink up’). It is debatable however to what extent one can speak of grammaticalized structures and to what extent one should speak of a body of loan translations in individual languages or varieties. The paper explores the prospect of using verbs borrowed from Russian as a metric of productivity: as these were borrowed after the phase of intense Turkic language contacts ended, their usage in Turkic-type structures can been seen as evidence for their grammaticalization, while their absence in such structures can be seen as evidence against it.
Italian military internees in Stalag-352 Nazi camp in Masjukowshchyna (1943–1944)
Authors: Marozau Dzmitry V. , Bordignon Edoardo
Published: December 2021

The article analyses the Belarusian and foreign historiography of the problem of finding Italian internees in Masjukowshchyna in 1943–1944. The authors introduce new information into scientific circulation, relying on the personal archive of E. Bordignon, whose own grandfather was in Stalag-352 as a prisoner. The living conditions of the Italian prisoners of war are considered, as well as information about their further fate on the example of Domenico Arzani.
«Soviet scholars were on duty»: studying and teaching of the archaeology and the history of primitive society in the Belarusian State University during the war and post-war period
Authors: Vaitovich Aliaksandra U.
Published: December 2021

The article deals with the little-known pages of the history of archaeology and education. It reveals the main aspects of the teaching of archaeology and other disciplines of the relevant profile at the Belarusian State University in the period from 1940s to the beginning of 1950s. Lectures were conducted by full-time staff members of the Belarusian State University. Moscow scholars as well as fellow workers of the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of the BSSR were also invited for teaching. Scientific activity in the field of archaeology and closely-related disciplines was constrained by personnel problems and restricted material resources. University intellectuals carried did their best to restore the Museum of history and archaeology, however, due to the lack of exhibition space, the renewed exposition had not been opened.
Impact of Leadership Styles toward Employee Engagement among Malaysian Civil Defence Force
Authors: Fadillah Ismail  , Nishannthuni A/P Arumugan  , Adibah Abdul Kadir  , Adnan Ali Hassan Alhosani
Published: December 2021

It is a fact that organization’s success and failure heavily depend on employees and employee engagement is found as one of the important indicators to engage work force in any organization. It has been repeatedly discussed by researchers in the past years and it was established that employee engagement is affected by variation in leadership styles. Many drivers regarding employee engagement have been identified, thus making the concept of employee engagement clear and more understandable for the employer. It also impacts employee performance and wellbeing as found by the past researchers. Leadership style also play a significant role in employee engagement. Leadership style is usually associated with the engagement of an employee and became the most important driver that may create culture of employee engagement in the organization. Leadership style also helps to drive optimal level of productivity in an organization and maintain employee trust. This study aims to identify the engagement level of employees in Malaysian Civil Defense Force and its relationship with leadership style. This research used Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) as a research instrument. SPSS software package for social sciences version 22 was used to analyze the data in this study. Finding of this study shows that leadership styles have a significant impact on employee engagement especially transformational leadership has a significant relationship with employee engagement. Therefore, from the findings of this study, it is suggested for the future researchers to use the mix method in collecting data so that the findings will be more accurate and detailed and can be generalized.
Knowledge Management and Organizational Performance: The Neglected Role of Institutional Accounting Practices
Authors: Ozavize Freida Ayodele  , Liu Yao  , Hasnah Binti Haron  , Hooi-Cheng Eaw
Published: December 2021

The study highlights the part of institutional accounting practices in the relationship between specified KM capabilities and institutional performance. A theoretical model was tested based on the insight from literature and knowledge-based theory (KBT). The data collected from a survey of 322 staff in knowledge-based organizations (KBOs) were analyzed to test the extended model using partial least squares structural equation modeling approach. The result depicts that greater levels of specific KM infrastructure and process capability would positively influence institutional accounting management practices and, consequently organizational performance. Unlike KM process capability, KM infrastructure capability has a positive and significant impact on organizational performance. The study provides a new understanding to management and practice on the vital role played by institutional management accounting practice in KM success in Malaysia. The research offers fresh insight into further studies in diverse settings. The research is insightful as it deviates from the over-researched context in KM literature to extricate the role of accounting in the business KM strategy.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF ROAD ACCIDENTS
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, A Morozov
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes road accidents with collisions with animals that occurred on international highways of state importance. The object of study - road safety. The purpose of the work is to determine the impact of the transport structure on wildlife and search for optimal preventive measures to minimize anthropogenic impact. Research method - statistical analysis of accidents with collisions with animals. The author proposes and describes ways to reduce the negative effects of transport infrastructure on biodiversity. In particular, on sections of highways running through forests, it is recommended to install fencing nets to avoid animals running out on the road and, if possible, to adapt existing bridges for animal crossings, to install warning signs. Road sections crossing nature reserve facilities need to be studied in detail regarding the crossing of migration routes of some species, followed by recommendations for measures to minimize the risk of accidents.. This approach involves an inventory of animal deaths on the roads and an assessment of the impact of transport infrastructure. A necessary condition is the unification of approaches and the register of research results on the death of animals on the roads. KEYWORDS: HADDON’S MATRIX, ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS OF ACCIDENTS, TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, FRAGMENTATION Of POPULATION.
MODELS OF INFORMATION SUPPORT OF COMPLETE SUPPLY CHAINS
Authors:   Cherkasy State Technological University, Cherkasy, Ukraine, M Podgorny , O Lukianchenko ,   Cherkasy State Technological University, Cherkasy, Ukraine, Y Rakhimi ,   National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute”, Kharkiv, Ukrain
Published: December 2021

The article proposes an approach to solving economic and social problems, which consists in the development of methodological foundations for the construction of logistics processes. The object of the research is the information support processes for complete supply chains. The purpose of the work is to increase the efficiency of the functioning of complete supply chains by creating information technology for the management of material flows within the supply chain. The research method is a systematic approach. The typical object here is the complete supply chain (CSC) of goods, it is a complex socio-economic system that consists of a large number of raw material suppliers, target enterprise (processing and packaging), warehouse terminals, distributors, customs brokers, 3PL and 4PL suppliers, retailers ... The interaction between CSC participants is a collection of continuous material, financial and information flows and services, from sources of raw materials to the final consumer. The value of the study for solving economic and social problems lies in the development of methodological foundations for the construction of logistics processes. Predictive assumptions for the development of the research object - using the proposed approaches and methods of informatization, it is possible to increase the efficiency of CSC functioning, simplify organizational management structures and create better conditions for awareness. KEY WORDS: SYSTEM APPROACH, FULL SUPPLY CHAIN, DYNAMIC SYSTEM.
S. NIKOLAIDOU-ARABATZI, Sófocles, Patrón. Athens: Papazisi, 2020, 420, €25.44, ISBN 978-960-02-3681-1
Authors: REDONDO JORDI
Published: December 2021

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A Single-Cell Transcriptome Atlas of the Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: Xu Zongren , Liao Xingyun , Li Na , Zhou Hongxiu , Li Hong , Zhang Qi , Hu Ke , Yang Peizeng , Hou Shengping
Published: December 2021

Human retinal pigment epithelium cells are arranged in a monolayer that plays an important supporting role in the retina. Although the heterogeneity of specific retinal cells has been well studied, the diversity of hRPE cells has not been reported. Here, we performed a single-cell RNA sequencing on 9,302 hRPE cells from three donors and profiled a transcriptome atlas. Our results identified two subpopulations that exhibit substantial differences in gene expression patterns and functions. One of the clusters specifically expressed ID3, a macular retinal pigment epithelium marker. The other cluster highly expressed CRYAB, a peripheral RPE marker. Our results also showed that the genes associated with oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress were more enriched in the macular RPE. The genes related to light perception, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism were more enriched in the peripheral RPE. Additionally, we provided a map of disease-related genes in the hRPE and highlighted the importance of the macular RPE and peripheral RPE clusters P4 and P6 as potential therapeutic targets for retinal diseases. Our study provides a transcriptional landscape for the human retinal pigment epithelium that is critical to understanding retinal biology and disease.
ArfX2 GTPase Regulates Trafficking From the Trans-Golgi to Lysosomes and Is Necessary for Liver Abscess Formation in the Protozoan Parasite Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Saito-Nakano Yumiko , Makiuchi Takashi , Tochikura Mami , Gilchrist Carol A. , Petri William A. , Nozaki Tomoyoshi
Published: December 2021

Entamoeba histolyticais the causative agent of amoebic dysentery and liver abscess in humans. The parasitic lifestyle and the virulence of the protist require elaborate biological processes, including vesicular traffic and stress management against a variety of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced by the host immune response. Although the mechanisms for intracellular traffic of representative virulence factors have been investigated at molecular levels, it remains poorly understood whether and how intracellular traffic is involved in the defense against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Here, we demonstrate that EhArfX2, one of the Arf family of GTPases known to be involved in the regulation of vesicular traffic, was identified by comparative transcriptomic analysis of two isogenic strains: an animal-passaged highly virulent HM-1:IMSS Cl6 andin vitromaintained attenuated avirulent strain. EhArfX2 was identified as one of the most highly upregulated genes in the highly virulent strain. EhArfX2 was localized to small vesicle-like structures and largely colocalized with the marker for the trans-Golgi network SNARE, EhYkt6, but neither with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident chaperon, EhBip, nor the cis-Golgi SNARE, EhSed5, and Golgi-luminal galactosyl transferase, EhGalT. Expression of the dominant-active mutant form of EhArfX2 caused an increase in the number of lysosomes, while expression of the dominant-negative mutant led to a defect in lysosome formation and cysteine protease transport to lysosomes. Expression of the dominant-negative mutant in the virulentE. histolyticastrain caused a reduction of the size of liver abscesses in a hamster model. This defect in liver abscess formation was likely at least partially attributed to reduced resistance to nitrosative, but not oxidative stressin vitro. These results showed that the EhArfX2-mediated traffic is necessary for the nitrosative stress response and virulence in the host.
The Novel Peptide AEDPPE Alleviates Trophoblast Cell Dysfunction Associated With Preeclampsia by Regulating the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Yixiao , Cao Yan , Ji Xiaohong , Li Ting , Xue Lu , Li Chanjuan , Jia Ruizhe , Ding Hongjuan
Published: December 2021

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious risk to the health of pregnant women and fetuses during pregnancy, and there is no effective treatment for this condition. Although many reports have confirmed the therapeutic effects of peptides in diseases, the role of peptides in PE remains poorly understood.

Methods: A differentially expressed peptide in PE (AEDPPE) is derived from heat-shock protein beta-1 (HSPB1), amino acids 100 to 109 (DVNHFAPDEL), which we identified in a previous study. We synthesized AEDPPE and investigated its effect on HTR-8/SVneo cell function using a Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometric assay, and Transwell and wound-healing assays. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and ELISA were used to determine cytokine expression. Pull-down assay, mass spectrometry, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence were used to explore the potential targets and signaling pathways regulated by AEDPPE. Finally, we assessed the effect of AEDPPE in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PE-like rat model.

Results: AEDPPE significantly promoted the migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, and it decreased the expression of interleukins 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 8 (IL-8). These functions performed by AEDPPE remained evident after injury to HTR-8/SVneo cells with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and AEDPPE reversed the elevated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio induced by TNF-α. AEDPPE may exert these biological effects by binding to heat-shock protein 90β (HSP 90β) and, thus, affect the NF-κB signaling pathway. In an LPS-induced PE-like rat model, AEDPPE significantly improved PE symptoms and fetal rat outcomes.

Conclusion: Our study showed that AEDPPE enhanced trophoblast migration and invasion and reduced inflammatory cytokine expression, and we hypothesized that these actions involved the NF-κB signaling pathway. The use of AEDPPE may thus develop into a novel modality in the treatment of PE.
Physical Activity, Sport Practice and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Workers From a Public Hospital: A Trajectory Analysis
Authors: Marques Elias Rui Gonçalves , Ieker Ana Silvia Degasperi , Reis Lucas Lopes dos , Stabelini Neto Antônio , Sasaki Jeffer Eidi , Lopes Wendell Arthur , Costa Carla Eloise , Rinaldi Wilson
Published: December 2021

Background: Studies have demonstrated the positive effects of physical activity on cardiovascular risk factors. Longitudinal studies using modeled trajectories are necessary to understand patterns of physical activity and association with cardiovascular risk factors.

Objective: To analyze the association between sports practice in young people and current physical activity with the trajectory of cardiovascular risk factors in workers at a public hospital.

Methods: Four hundred and seventeen workers was followed for four years reporting Physical Activity, health status, lifestyle behaviors and socio-demographic characteristics. Group-based trajectory modeling identified the trajectories of PA and associations with time-stable and time-varying covariates. We considered a range of sociodemographic and health and lifestyle factors as potential covariates.

Results: The results shows the association between participation in sports activities in youth and current physical activity and trajectories of cardiovascular risk, adjusted for sex and age (p < 0.05). Adults who reported having played sports in their youth and are currently active have a lower risk of having a history of obesity and low HDL-c than workers who did not play sports in their youth and are currently sedentary 0.690 (0.565–0.844) obesity, 0.647 (0.500–0.837) low HDL-c.

Conclusion: The practice of sports in youth and current physical activity is a protective factor against the trajectory of obesity and low HDL-c, mainly in female workers. Programs to encourage the practice of physical activity should be carried out in order to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and prevent chronic diseases in workers.
Multi-Index Ecoacoustics Analysis for Terrestrial Soundscapes: A New Semi-Automated Approach Using Time-Series Motif Discovery and Random Forest Classification
Authors: Scarpelli Marina D. A. , Liquet Benoit , Tucker David , Fuller Susan , Roe Paul
Published: December 2021

High rates of biodiversity loss caused by human-induced changes in the environment require new methods for large scale fauna monitoring and data analysis. While ecoacoustic monitoring is increasingly being used and shows promise, analysis and interpretation of the big data produced remains a challenge. Computer-generated acoustic indices potentially provide a biologically meaningful summary of sound, however, temporal autocorrelation, difficulties in statistical analysis of multi-index data and lack of consistency or transferability in different terrestrial environments have hindered the application of those indices in different contexts. To address these issues we investigate the use of time-series motif discovery and random forest classification of multi-indices through two case studies. We use a semi-automated workflow combining time-series motif discovery and random forest classification of multi-index (acoustic complexity, temporal entropy, and events per second) data to categorize sounds in unfiltered recordings according to the main source of sound present (birds, insects, geophony). Our approach showed more than 70% accuracy in label assignment in both datasets. The categories assigned were broad, but we believe this is a great improvement on traditional single index analysis of environmental recordings as we can now give ecological meaning to recordings in a semi-automated way that does not require expert knowledge and manual validation is only necessary for a small subset of the data. Furthermore, temporal autocorrelation, which is largely ignored by researchers, has been effectively eliminated through the time-series motif discovery technique applied here for the first time to ecoacoustic data. We expect that our approach will greatly assist researchers in the future as it will allow large datasets to be rapidly processed and labeled, enabling the screening of recordings for undesired sounds, such as wind, or target biophony (insects and birds) for biodiversity monitoring or bioacoustics research.
Genome-Wide Gene Expression Profiles Reveal Distinct Molecular Characteristics of the Goose Granulosa Cells
Authors: Gao Guangliang , Hu Silu , Zhang Keshan , Wang Haiwei , Xie Youhui , Zhang Changlian , Wu Rui , Zhao Xianzhi , Zhang Hongmei , Wang Qigui
Published: December 2021

Granulosa cells (GCs) are decisive players in follicular development. In this study, the follicle tissues and GCs were isolated from the goose during the peak-laying period to perform hematoxylin-eosin staining and RNA-seq, respectively. Moreover, the dynamic mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles and mRNA-lncRNA network analysis were integrated to identify the important genes and lncRNAs. The morphological analysis showed that the size of the GCs did not significantly change, but the thickness of the granulosa layer cells differed significantly across the developmental stages. Subsequently, 14,286 mRNAs, 3,956 lncRNAs, and 1,329 TUCPs (transcripts with unknown coding potential) were detected in the GCs. We identified 37 common DEGs in the pre-hierarchical and hierarchical follicle stages, respectively, which might be critical for follicle development. Moreover, 3,089 significant time-course DEGs (Differentially expressed genes) and 13 core genes in 4 clusters were screened during goose GCs development. Finally, the network lncRNA G8399 with CADH5 and KLF2, and lncRNA G8399 with LARP6 and EOMES were found to be important for follicular development in GCs. Thus, the results would provide a rich resource for elucidating the reproductive biology of geese and accelerate the improvement of the egg-laying performance of geese.
Interplay of Nutrition and Psychoneuroendocrineimmune Modulation: Relevance for COVID-19 in BRICS Nations
Authors: Mehta Arundhati , Kumar Ratre Yashwant , Sharma Krishna , Soni Vivek Kumar , Tiwari Atul Kumar , Singh Rajat Pratap , Dwivedi Mrigendra Kumar , Chandra Vikas , Prajapati Santosh Kumar , Shukla Dhananjay , Vishvakarma Naveen Kumar
Published: December 2021

The consequences of COVID-19 are not limited to physical health deterioration; the impact on neuropsychological well-being is also substantially reported. The inter-regulation of physical health and psychological well-being through the psychoneuroendocrineimmune (PNEI) axis has enduring consequences in susceptibility, treatment outcome as well as recuperation. The pandemic effects are upsetting the lifestyle, social interaction, and financial security; and also pose a threat through perceived fear. These consequences of COVID-19 also influence the PNEI system and wreck the prognosis. The nutritional status of individuals is also reported to have a determinative role in COVID-19 severity and convalescence. In addition to energetic demand, diet also provides precursor substances [amino acids (AAs), vitamins, etc.] for regulators of the PNEI axis such as neurotransmitters (NTs) and immunomodulators. Moreover, exaggerated immune response and recovery phase of COVID-19 demand additional nutrient intake; widening the gap of pre-existing undernourishment. Mushrooms, fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, and legumes are few of such readily available food ingredients which are rich in protein and also have medicinal benefits. BRICS nations have their influences on global development and are highly impacted by a large number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. The adequacy and access to healthcare are also low in BRICS nations as compared to the rest of the world. Attempt to combat the COVID-19 pandemic are praiseworthy in BRICS nations. However, large population sizes, high prevalence of undernourishment (PoU), and high incidence of mental health ailments in BRICS nations provide a suitable landscape for jeopardy of COVID-19. Therefore, appraising the interplay of nutrition and PNEI modulation especially in BRICS countries will provide better understanding; and will aid in combat COVID-19. It can be suggested that the monitoring will assist in designing adjunctive interventions through medical nutrition therapy and psychopsychiatric management.
Marine Invertebrate Peptides: Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Wu Ran , Patocka Jiri , Nepovimova Eugenie , Oleksak Patrik , Valis Martin , Wu Wenda , Kuca Kamil
Published: December 2021

Antimicrobial peptides are an important component of many organisms’ innate immune system, with a good inhibitory or killing effect against the invading pathogens. As a type of biological polypeptide with natural immune activities, antimicrobial peptides have a broad spectrum of antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor activities. Nevertheless, these peptides cause no harm to the organisms themselves. Compared with traditional antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides have the advantage of not producing drug resistance and have a unique antibacterial mechanism, which has attracted widespread attention. In this study, marine invertebrates were classified into arthropods, annelids, mollusks, cnidarians, and tunicata. We then analyzed the types, sources and antimicrobial activities of the antimicrobial peptides in each group. We also reviewed the immune mechanism from three aspects: membrane-targeted direct killing effects, non-membrane targeting effects and immunomodulatory effects. Finally, we discussed their applications and the existing problems facing antimicrobial peptides in actual production. The results are expected to provide theoretical support for future research and applications of antimicrobial peptides in marine invertebrates.
Vitamin D and Lipid Profiles in Postmenopausal Women: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liu Weiting , Wu Zezhen , Zhu Dan , Chen Genben , Yan Guiming , Zhang Shuo , Chen Fengwu , Khan Barkat Ali , Hou Kaijian
Published: December 2021

Background and Aim: It is known that hyperlipidemia and low vitamin D level are risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the effect of vitamin D administration on lipid profiles in postmenopausal women remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effect of vitamin D on lipid profiles in postmenopausal women based on meta-analysis and systemic review.

Methods: The literature search was performed in multiple databases (Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Embase) from 1997 to 2021. The statistical analysis was performed using the Stata software version 14 (Stata Corp. College Station, Texas, United States). The effects of vitamin D administration of the lipid profiles, including Triacylglycerol (TG), LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-C), and Total Cholesterol (TC) were evaluated by the Der Simonian and Laird random effects model. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results: The level of TG changed significantly by −3.76 mg/dl (CI: −6.12 to −1.39, p = 0.004) and HDL-C by 0.48 mg/dl (CI: −0.80 to −0.15, p = 0.004) in vitamin D administration group [11 eligible trials (placebo = 505 participants, vitamin D intervention = 604 participants)] compared to the control group in the postmenopausal women. Taking into account this comparison between groups, in contrast, the level of LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: 0.73 mg/dl, 95% CI: −1.88, 3.36, p = 0.583) and TC (WMD: 0.689 mg/dl, CI: −3.059 to 4.438, p = 0.719) did not change significantly.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the vitamin D administration in postmenopausal women, decreased the concentrations of TG, and HDL-C, but have no effects on LDL-C and TC.
Age- and Sex-Related Topological Organization of Human Brain Functional Networks and Their Relationship to Cognition
Authors: Foo Heidi , Thalamuthu Anbupalam , Jiang Jiyang , Koch Forrest , Mather Karen A. , Wen Wei , Sachdev Perminder S.
Published: December 2021

Age and sex associated with changes in the functional brain network topology and cognition in large population of older adults have been poorly understood. We explored this question further by examining differences in 11 resting-state graph theory measures with respect to age, sex, and their relationships with cognitive performance in 17,127 United Kingdom Biobank participants (mean = 62.83 ± 7.41 years). Age was associated with an overall decrease in the effectiveness of network communication (i.e., integration) and loss of functional specialization (i.e., segregation) of specific brain regions. Sex differences were also observed, with women showing more efficient networks, which were less segregated than in men (FDR adjusted p < 0.05). The age-related changes were also more apparent in men than in women, which suggests that men may be more vulnerable to cognitive decline with age. Interestingly, while network segregation and strength of limbic network were only nominally associated with cognitive performance, the network measures collectively were significantly associated with cognition (FDR adjusted p ≤ 0.002). This may imply that individual measures may be inadequate to capture much of the variance in the neural activity or its output and need further refinement. The complexity of the organization of the functional brain may be shaped by the age and sex of an individual, which ultimately may influence the cognitive performance of older adults. Age and sex stratification may be used to inform clinical neuroscience research to identify older adults at risk of cognitive dysfunction.
Data Augmentation for Deep Neural Networks Model in EEG Classification Task: A Review
Authors: He Chao , Liu Jialu , Zhu Yuesheng , Du Wencai
Published: December 2021

Classification of electroencephalogram (EEG) is a key approach to measure the rhythmic oscillations of neural activity, which is one of the core technologies of brain-computer interface systems (BCIs). However, extraction of the features from non-linear and non-stationary EEG signals is still a challenging task in current algorithms. With the development of artificial intelligence, various advanced algorithms have been proposed for signal classification in recent years. Among them, deep neural networks (DNNs) have become the most attractive type of method due to their end-to-end structure and powerful ability of automatic feature extraction. However, it is difficult to collect large-scale datasets in practical applications of BCIs, which may lead to overfitting or weak generalizability of the classifier. To address these issues, a promising technique has been proposed to improve the performance of the decoding model based on data augmentation (DA). In this article, we investigate recent studies and development of various DA strategies for EEG classification based on DNNs. The review consists of three parts: what kind of paradigms of EEG-based on BCIs are used, what types of DA methods are adopted to improve the DNN models, and what kind of accuracy can be obtained. Our survey summarizes the current practices and performance outcomes that aim to promote or guide the deployment of DA to EEG classification in future research and development.
Eyes-Free Tongue Gesture and Tongue Joystick Control of a Five DOF Upper-Limb Exoskeleton for Severely Disabled Individuals
Authors: Mohammadi Mostafa , Knoche Hendrik , Thøgersen Mikkel , Bengtson Stefan Hein , Gull Muhammad Ahsan , Bentsen Bo , Gaihede Michael , Severinsen Kåre Eg , Andreasen Struijk Lotte N. S.
Published: December 2021

Spinal cord injury can leave the affected individual severely disabled with a low level of independence and quality of life. Assistive upper-limb exoskeletons are one of the solutions that can enable an individual with tetraplegia (paralysis in both arms and legs) to perform simple activities of daily living by mobilizing the arm. Providing an efficient user interface that can provide full continuous control of such a device—safely and intuitively—with multiple degrees of freedom (DOFs) still remains a challenge. In this study, a control interface for an assistive upper-limb exoskeleton with five DOFs based on an intraoral tongue-computer interface (ITCI) for individuals with tetraplegia was proposed. Furthermore, we evaluated eyes-free use of the ITCI for the first time and compared two tongue-operated control methods, one based on tongue gestures and the other based on dynamic virtual buttons and a joystick-like control. Ten able-bodied participants tongue controlled the exoskeleton for a drinking task with and without visual feedback on a screen in three experimental sessions. As a baseline, the participants performed the drinking task with a standard gamepad. The results showed that it was possible to control the exoskeleton with the tongue even without visual feedback and to perform the drinking task at 65.1% of the speed of the gamepad. In a clinical case study, an individual with tetraplegia further succeeded to fully control the exoskeleton and perform the drinking task only 5.6% slower than the able-bodied group. This study demonstrated the first single-modal control interface that can enable individuals with complete tetraplegia to fully and continuously control a five-DOF upper limb exoskeleton and perform a drinking task after only 2 h of training. The interface was used both with and without visual feedback.
Ebf Activates Expression of a Cholinergic Locus in a Multipolar Motor Ganglion Interneuron Subtype in Ciona
Authors: Popsuj Sydney , Stolfi Alberto
Published: December 2021

Conserved transcription factors termed “terminal selectors” regulate neuronal sub-type specification and differentiation through combinatorial transcriptional regulation of terminal differentiation genes. The unique combinations of terminal differentiation gene products in turn contribute to the functional identities of each neuron. One well-characterized terminal selector is COE (Collier/Olf/Ebf), which has been shown to activate cholinergic gene batteries in C. elegans motor neurons. However, its functions in other metazoans, particularly chordates, is less clear. Here we show that the sole COE ortholog in the non-vertebrate chordate Ciona robusta, Ebf, controls the expression of the cholinergic locus VAChT/ChAT in a single dorsal interneuron of the larval Motor Ganglion, which is presumed to be homologous to the vertebrate spinal cord. We propose that, while the function of Ebf as a regulator of cholinergic neuron identity conserved across bilaterians, its exact role may have diverged in different cholinergic neuron subtypes (e.g., interneurons vs. motor neurons) in chordate-specific motor circuits.
Recent Research Progress of Chiral Small Molecular Antitumor-Targeted Drugs Approved by the FDA From 2011 to 2019
Authors: Chu Xuetong , Bu Yizhi , Yang Xiaoping
Published: December 2021

Chiral drugs usually contain chiral centers, which are present as single enantiomers or racemates. Compared with achiral drugs, they have significant advantages in safety and efficacy with high stereoselectivity. Of these drugs, chirality not only exerts influence on the solubility and pharmacokinetic characteristics but also has specific mechanistic characteristics on their targets. We noted that small molecules with unique chiral properties have emerged as novel components of antitumor drugs approved by the FDA in decade. Since approved, these drugs have been continuously explored for new indications, new mechanisms, and novel combinations. In this mini review, recent research progress of twenty-two FDA-approved chiral small molecular-targeted antitumor drugs from 2011 to 2019 is summarized with highlighting the potential and advantages of their applications. We believe that these updated achievements may provide theoretical foundation and stimulate research interests for optimizing drug efficacy, expanding clinical application, overcoming drug resistance, and advancing safety in future clinical administrations of these chiral targeted drugs.
Predictive Biomarkers for Checkpoint Inhibitor-Based Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Rizzo Alessandro , Ricci Angela Dalia , Di Federico Alessandro , Frega Giorgio , Palloni Andrea , Tavolari Simona , Brandi Giovanni
Published: December 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the sixth most commonly diagnosed malignancy worldwide, still representing an important cause of cancer-related death. Over the next few years, novel systemic treatment options have emerged. Among these, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely evaluated and are under assessment, as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer agents in treatment-naïve and previously treated patients. In particular, the approval of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab plus the antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab as front-line treatment for advanced HCC has led to the adoption of this combination in this setting, and the IMbrave 150 phase III trial has established a novel standard of care. However, several questions remain unanswered, including the identification of reliable predictors of response to ICIs in HCC patients. In the current paper, we will provide an updated overview of potentially useful predictive biomarkers of response to immunotherapy in advanced HCC. A literature search was conducted in September 2021 of Pubmed/Medline, Cochrane library and Scopus databases.
Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Resection and Lobectomy for Infants With Pulmonary Sequestration: Case Series and Initial Experience
Authors: Huang Jin-Xi , Chen Qiang , Hong Song-Ming , Hong Jun-Jie , Cao Hua
Published: December 2021

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS) for infants with pulmonary sequestration (PS).

Methods: From January 2019 to July 2020, 19 infants with PS were admitted to a provincial hospital in the Fujian Province of China. A 1.5-cm utility port was created in the fifth intercostal space at the anterior axillary line. A rigid 30° 5-mm optic thoracoscope was used for vision, and two or three instruments were utilized through the port. Surgical options include standard lobectomy, wedge resection, and resection of the extralobar sequestration. Only one intercostal space was entered, and a chest tube was inserted through the same skin incision if necessary.

Results: The procedure was successful in all patients with an average operation duration of 58.3 ± 31.5 min. The length of post-operative hospital stay was 5.4 ± 1.5 days, and no post-operative deaths or serious complications were observed. The mean post-operative drainage volume was 164.6 ± 45.9 mL, and the mean post-operative thoracic tube indwelling duration was 5.5 ± 1.0 days. No intraoperative conversion, surgical mortality, or major complications were identified among the patients.

Conclusion: Our preliminary experience presented a series of U-VATS lobectomy, wedge resection, and resection of the PS for infants with satisfactory perioperative results.