bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vivência lesbiana em Cassandra Rios: Eu sou uma lésbica
Authors: Sutili Violeta , Pessoa Bechtold Leila
Published: January 2021

O presente texto abarca a pesquisa sobre Cassandra Rios (1932), lésbica e escritora lesbiana de grande notoriedade para o Brasil. O contexto da maior parte de sua produção literária deu-se em período ditatorial, no qual suas obras sofreram severas censuras e perseguições. O rumo desta produção, busca refletir acerca da obra "Eu sou uma lésbica" (1980), escrita em folhetim, contando com diversas edições após este. Na produção, Flávia reconhece sua identidade de gênero revisitando seu passado e transcrevendo em tom narrativo, bem como, tudo que envolvia e envolve ser uma mulher lésbica, como a violência velada até os dias atuais. O tema homossexualidade feminina se torna âmago de todo este processo, no qual vida e obra de Cassandra demonstram fundamental relevância artístico-social. Também são apresentadas considerações quanto a escrita biográfica não-autobiografada da autora, a qual, por meio de suas produções revela sua perspectiva quanto não apenas o ser mulher, bem como sua vivência lésbica.
efeitos marginalizadores da heteronormatividade em The boys in the band
Authors: Thürler Djalma
Published: January 2021

O estudo contribui para uma melhor compreensão da história cultural da masculinidade e da sexualidade. Para tanto toma como base a peça de teatro The boys in the band, de Mart Crowley, suas respectivas encenações americanas (1968-2018) e sua versão cinematográfica (2020) para imprimir discussões sobre as subjetividades homossexuais pré-Stonewall, pré-fechação, pré-lacração. Os autores, seguindo as impressões de Tony Adams (2011), levam em conta o papel central que a saída do armário – o segredo homossexual masculino – desempenha na cultura ocidental, mas se afastando da lógica dualista, que obriga o sujeito a sair ou a permanecer no armário, permitindo-lhe vislumbrar a política identitária como sempre aberta, contínua, e nunca totalmente estável.
3x4
Authors: Villa de Lima Caio
Published: January 2021

Neste ensaio, apresento parte de minha pesquisa artística referente ao meu trabalho de conclusão de curso. A investigação ocorre pela prática da escrita e do ato de coletar arquivos da minha infância e adolescência, propondo discutir minha formação e identidade como bixa. São vídeos, fotografias e diários onde procuro encontrar um menino desobediente e diferente daquele que eu acreditei ser em minhas memórias. Busco assim, através do mapeamento de meus arquivos pessoais, revisitar minha infância e adolescência, para assim poder construir uma outra narrativa, periférica e alternativa àquela estabelecida pelo olhar dos outros, como também pelo meu próprio olhar.
Modelling, using structural equations, the level of satisfaction of university accounting teachers with final year dissertations
Authors: Donoso Anes José Antonio , Serrano-Domínguez Francisco , Camúñez-Ruíz José Antonio
Published: January 2021

Modelización, usando ecuaciones estructurales, del grado de satisfacción de los profesores universitarios de contabilidad sobre el trabajo fin de grado.
La baja satisfacción que el colectivo de profesores universitarios de Contabilidad muestra ante el proceso de tutorización del Trabajo Fin de Grado es lo que ha motivado la realización del trabajo; además, existe mucho interés, por parte del colectivo de profesores, en conocer que factores son los que están influyendo en ese estado de satisfacción.
El objetivo del estudio es detectar qué factores explican el citado estado de satisfacción y modelizar dicha relación.
Se han identificado y estudiado los elementos que han podido influir en la construcción de dicho estado de opinión y se han extraído, mediante análisis factorial exploratorio, 5 factores: aceptación de la metodología, percepción de competencia, competencias genéricas, importancia de competencias instrumentales, importancia de competencias sistémicas.
Los resultados evidencian las relaciones entre los constructos y la satisfacción. En conclusión, si queremos construir una estrategia docente que refuerce el grado de satisfacción del profesor universitario de Contabilidad en la labor de tutela del TFG, esta debería centrarse en potenciar las competencias genéricas del TFG. El desarrollo de las competencias genéricas, directa o indirectamente, repercuten sobre la opinión del tutor sobre la importancia de las competencias instrumentales y sistémicas y, en consecuencia, en su satisfacción.

The low satisfaction of university accounting teachers with the mentoring process of the Final Year Dissertation (FYD) has motivated carrying out this study. Moreover, lecturers are very interested in knowing which factors are influencing this satisfaction.
The aim of the study is to detect which factors explain this state of satisfaction and model this relation.
The elements which have been able to influence this opinion have been identified and studied. Exploratory factor analysis has extracted 5 factors from them: the acceptation of the methodology, the perception of competence, generic competences, the importance of instrumental competences and the importance of systemic competences.
The results reveal the relations between the constructs and satisfaction. In conclusion, if we wish to build a teaching strategy which reinforces university accounting teachers’ degree of satisfaction in their work mentoring the FYD, this should be centred on enhancing its generic competences. The development of these generic competences directly or indirectly impacts the mentors’ opinions concerning the importance of the instrumental and systemic competences and, consequently, their satisfaction.
Determinantes del periodo medio de pago municipal y eficacia del principio de sostenibilidad de la deuda comercial
Authors: Olmo Jorge , Brusca Isabel
Published: January 2021

Las medidas implantadas para mejorar la liquidez de los municipios españoles y el principio de sostenibilidad de la deuda comercial ponen de manifiesto la importancia de controlar la morosidad pública. En este contexto, este trabajo comprueba el efecto de la regla fiscal que controla los plazos de pago y si el entorno político, socioeconómico y presupuestario incide en el periodo de pago de los ayuntamientos españoles. Para ello, se realiza un análisis exploratorio y se aplica la metodología de datos de panel (2009-2015). Los resultados contribuyen a demostrar la eficacia del control del periodo de pago y evidenciar los factores de riesgo en la situación financiera a corto plazo.

Determinants of the municipal average payment period and effectiveness of the commercial debt sustainability principle. The policies implemented to improve the liquidity of Spanish municipalities and the introduction of the commercial debt sustainability principle reveal the importance of controlling late payment by public sector. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of the fiscal rule directed to control the average payment periods of public administrations and whether the political environment, socioeconomic characteristics and financial situation influence on the average payment period of municipalities. In order to achieve this goal, an exploratory analysis is carried oud and panel data methodology (2009-2015) is applied. The paper contributes to provide evidence of the effectiveness of the commercial debt sustainability principle and improves the knowledge for the analysis of short-term financial position.
The Effect of Different Acid Treatments on Shear Bond Strength Between Monolithic Zirconia and Dentin Surface
Authors: ULGEY Melih , GORLER Oguzhan
Published: January 2021

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of dentin surface treatments with citric, tartaric, phosphoric, and boric acids on the bonding strength of monolithic zirconia.
Material and Methods: A hundred human molar teeth were randomly divided into subsets (n = 10) based on acid treatment modalities and thermocycling procedure. Monolithic zirconia superstructures were fabricated using CAD/CAM system in the final dimensions of 7 mm in diameter and 3 mm in thickness. After application of acid treatments to dentin surface, shear bond strength test was performed to assess the effectiveness of surface modifications that were also examined using a scanning electron microscope.
Results: The study groups were ranked respectively as (citric acid>tartaric acid>phosphoric acid>boric acid>control) for the set of groups without thermocycling and (citric acid>tartaric acid) and (phosphoric acid>boric acid>control) for the set of thermocycling groups (p<0.05) based on highest value. The bonding strength of tartaric acid group was not significantly different from the bonding strength of phosphoric acid group (p>0.05).
Conclusion: In both procedures with and without thermal cycling; based on order of efficacy, citric, tartaric, phosphoric, and boric acids were more effective in improving the shear bond strength between monolithic zirconia and dentin surface. The thermal cycling procedure decreased the bonding strength in all the groups.
Peran Penting Pengendalian Resistensi Antibiotik pada Pandemi COVID-19
Authors: Sinto Robert
Published: January 2021

Infeksi oleh SARS-2 Coronavirus telah menjadi fokusperhatian bukan hanya pada layanan kesehatan, bahkanlayanan publik di seluruh dunia sepanjang tahun 2020.Hingga 30 Desember 2020, World Health Organizationmencatat 80.773.033 kasus COVID-19 terkonfirmasidengan mortalitas mencapai 1.783.619 (2,2%) di seluruhdunia. Indonesia melaporkan sebanyak 727.122 kasusterkonfirmasi dengan mortalitas sebesar 2,98%.
Multi-objective simulated annealing for hyper-parameter optimization in convolutional neural networks
Authors: Gülcü Ayla , Kuş Zeki
Published: January 2021

In this study, we model a CNN hyper-parameter optimization problem as a bi-criteria optimization problem, where the first objective being the classification accuracy and the second objective being the computational complexity which is measured in terms of the number of floating point operations. For this bi-criteria optimization problem, we develop a Multi-Objective Simulated Annealing (MOSA) algorithm for obtaining high-quality solutions in terms of both objectives. CIFAR-10 is selected as the benchmark dataset, and the MOSA trade-off fronts obtained for this dataset are compared to the fronts generated by a single-objective Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm with respect to several front evaluation metrics such as generational distance, spacing and spread. The comparison results suggest that the MOSA algorithm is able to search the objective space more effectively than the SA method. For each of these methods, some front solutions are selected for longer training in order to see their actual performance on the original test set. Again, the results state that the MOSA performs better than the SA under multi-objective setting. The performance of the MOSA configurations are also compared to other search generated and human designed state-of-the-art architectures. It is shown that the network configurations generated by the MOSA are not dominated by those architectures, and the proposed method can be of great use when the computational complexity is as important as the test accuracy.
Analysis of synonymous codon usage of transcriptome database inRheum palmatum
Authors: Huo Xiaowei , Liu Sisi , Li Yimin , Wei Hao , Gao Jing , Yan Yonggang , Zhang Gang , Liu Mengmeng
Published: January 2021

Background

Rheum palmatumis an endangered and important medicinal plant in Asian countries, especially in China. However, there is little knowledge about the codon usage bias forR. palmatumCDSs. In this project, codon usage bias was determined based on theR. palmatum2,626 predicted CDSs from R. palmatum transcriptome.

Methods

In this study, all codon usage bias parameters and nucleotide compositions were calculated by Python script, Codon W, DNA Star, CUSP of EMBOSS.

Results

The average GC and GC3 content are 46.57% and 46.6%, respectively, the results suggested that there exists a little more AT than GC in theR. palmatumgenes, and the codon bias ofR. palmatumgenes preferred to end with A/T. We concluded that the codon bias inR. palmatumwas affect by nucleotide composition, mutation pressure, natural selection, gene expression levels, and the mutation pressure is the prominent factor. In addition, we figured out 28 optimal codons and most of them ended with A or U. The project here can offer important information for further studies on enhancing the gene expression using codon optimization in heterogeneous expression system, predicting the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms inR. palmatum.
Limited effect of a highway barrier on the genetic structure of a gypsum soil specialist
Authors: Martín-Rodríguez Irene , Escudero Adrián , García-Fernández Alfredo
Published: January 2021

Background

Gypsum ecosystems are edaphic islands surrounded by a matrix that is inhospitable to gypsum soil plant specialists. These naturally fragmented landscapes are currently exacerbated due to man-made disturbances, jeopardising their valuable biodiversity. Concomitant action of other fragmentation drivers such as linear infrastructures may increase the already high threat to these specialists. Although some evidence suggest that gypsophytes are not evolutionary dead-ends and can respond to fragmentation by means of phenotypic plasticity, the simultaneous action of barriers to genetic flow can pose a severe hazard to their viability. Here, we evaluated the effect of a highway with heavy traffic on the genetic flow and diversity in the speciesLepidium subulatum, a dominant Iberian shrubby gypsophyte.

Methods

We tested the possible existence of bottlenecks, and estimated the genetic diversity, gene flow and genetic structure in the remnant populations, exploring in detail the effect of a highway as a possible barrier.

Results

Results showed variability in genetic diversity, migrants and structure. The highway had a low impact on the species since populations can retain high levels of genetic diversity and genetic parameter, likeFSTandFIS, did not seem to be affected. The presence of some level of genetic flow in both sides along the highway could explain the relatively high genetic diversity in the habitat remnants.

Discussion

Natural fragmentation and their exacerbation by agriculture and linear infrastructures seem to be negligible for this species and do not limit its viability. The biological features, demographic dynamics and population structures of gypsum species seem to be a valuable, adaptive pre-requisite to be a soil specialist and to maintain its competitiveness with other species in such adverse stressful conditions.
Soluble expression and purification of Bluetongue Virus Type 1 (BTV1) structure protein VP2 in Escherichia coli and its immunogenicity in mice
Authors: Wang Aiping , Yin Jiajia , Zhou Jingming , Ma Hongfang , Chen Yumei , Liu Hongliang , Qi Yanhua , Liang Chao , Liu Yankai , Li Jinge , Zhang Gaiping
Published: January 2021

Background

The VP2 on the surface of the virus particle is the main structural protein of BTV, which can induce the host to produce neutralizing antibodies and play an important role in the antiviral immunity process. This study aimed to obtain the soluble VP2 and analyze its immunogenicity.

Methods

The gene encoding the full-length VP2 of BTV1 was amplified by PCR. The products from restriction enzyme digestion and ligase reaction between VP2 and vector pET-28a were transformed into E.coli DH5α. After PCR and sequencing detection, the positive plasmid PET28a-VP2 was transformed into E.coli BL21(DE3) and Rosetta(DE3) competent cells, expression induced by IPTG. The fusion protein was expressed in the optimized conditions with the induction of IPTG, purified by affinity chromatography and identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. A total of 5 Balb/c mice aged 6–8 weeks were immunized with the fusion protein at a dose of 30 µg per mouse. Each mouse was immunized three times at an interval of 3 weeks.

Results

The recombinant plasmid PET28a-VP2 was successfully constructed. The expression strains were induced by 0.4 mmol/L IPTG at 16 °C for 10 h, and BTV1 VP2 was expressed in a soluble form. The purity of the recombinant VP2 protein (∼109 kDa) was about 90% in the concentration at 0.2 mg/ml afterpurification. The purified VP2 had good immunoreactivity with BTV1 positive serum. Taken together, thisstudy offered a route for producing soluble BTV VP2, which retains activity and immunogenicity, to bebeneficial to the research on developing BTV vaccine, and lay the foundation for further research on BTV.
Aichi Target 18 beyond 2020: mainstreaming Traditional Biodiversity Knowledge in the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems
Authors: Fajardo Paola , Beauchesne David , Carbajal-López Alberto , Daigle Rémi M. , Fierro-Arcos L. Denisse , Goldsmit Jesica , Zajderman Sabine , Valdez-Hernández Juan I. , Terán Maigua María Yolanda , Christofoletti Ronaldo A.
Published: January 2021

Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) have inhabited coastal areas, the seas, and remote islands for millennia, and developed place-based traditional ancestral knowledge and diversified livelihoods associated with the biocultural use of marine and coastal ecosystems. Through their cultural traditions, customary wise practices, and holistic approaches to observe, monitor, understand, and appreciate the Natural World, IPLCs have been preserving, managing, and sustainably using seascapes and coastal landscapes, which has been essential for biodiversity conservation. The international community has more than ever recognized the central role of IPLCs in the conservation of biodiversity-rich ecosystems, in particular, for the achievement of the Global Biodiversity Targets determined by the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity to tackle biodiversity loss. However, much remains to be done to fully recognize and protect at national levels IPLCs’ Traditional Biodiversity Knowledge (TBK), ways of life, and their internationally recognized rights to inhabit, own, manage and govern traditional lands, territories, and waters, which are increasingly threatened. At the 2018 4th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity held in Montréal, Canada, eight themed working groups critically discussed progress to date and barriers that have prevented the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets agreed for the period 2011–2020, and priority actions for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Discussions in the “Application of Biodiversity Knowledge” working group focused on Targets 11 and 18 and the equal valuation of diverse Biodiversity Knowledge Systems (BKS). This Perspective Paper summarizes the 10 Priority Actions identified for a holistic biodiversity conservation, gender equality and human rights-based approach that strengthens the role of IPLCs as biodiversity conservation decision-makers and managers at national and international levels. Furthermore, the Perspective proposes a measurable Target 18 post-2020 and discusses actions to advance the recognition of community-based alternative conservation schemes and TBK to ensure the long-lasting conservation, customary biocultural use, and sustainable multi-functional management of nature around the globe.
Clofazimine: Can it be Useful in COVID 19?
Authors: Cavalchini Alberto , Cozzani Emanuele , Parodi Aurora
Published: January 2021

Clofazimine is a riminophenazine dye originally used as an antitubercular agent after its first synthesis in 1954, just few years after it was administered as a treatment for leprosy by YT Chang. In the following years, also an anti-inflammatory effectiveness on erythema nodosum leprosum was recognized [1]. In the ‘70s, its therapeutic activity on discoid lupus erythematosus and pyoderma gangrenosum was documented [2]. The safety of Clofazimine is good with a median frequency of the most reported adverse event (skin discoloration and gastrointestinal events) of 5.1% and a requiring discontinuation of the treatment in 0.1% of cases [3].
Recombinant Coat Protein of Banana Bract Mosaic Virus as a Potential Antigen for Serological Detection of the Virus
Authors: Dilip Darsana , Louis Vimi , Sabharwal Pallavi , Savithri H. S. , Namitha P. M. , Cherian K. Anita
Published: January 2021

Banana bract mosaic disease caused by Banana bract mosaic potyvirus (BBrMV) is reported to instigate heavy loss in banana and plantain across Asia. Almost all the cultivars of banana succumb to the disease resulting in malformed bunches weighing less than half of normal ones. In the current study the coat protein (CP) gene segment present at the 3’ terminal region of the viral genome amplified by RT-PCR was cloned into expression vectors, pRSET-C and pGEX-4T-2 to use it for raising polyclonal antiserum which in turn will aid in developing assays to detect the virus. Recombinant BBrMV CP (rCP) in pRSET-C when expressed was insoluble whereas, it was in the soluble fraction when expressed from pGEX-4T-2. The GST-fusion protein was purified by GSH sepharose affinity column chromatography and western blot analysis was performed using anti GST antibodies. 360 µg/ml of protein was purified from 1 l of culture. The GST tag was cleaved from the purified protein by incubation with thrombin at 25°C overnight.  The rCP was characterized using ultracentrifugation, fluorescence spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The tagless monomer failed to assemble to virus like particles (VLPs) in vitro which was substantiated by fluorescence spectroscopy. This study will be first step towards deciphering structure and functions of Banana bract mosaic virus coat protein.
Factors Associated with Attitudes towards the Preferred Method of Delivery in Medical and Non-Medical Female Students
Authors: Abdi Sakineh , Kenarsari Fatemeh Jafarzadeh- , Khalesi Zahra Bostani- , Leili Ehsan Kazemnejad-
Published: January 2021

Aims: In order to reduce the rate of cesarean section (CS), it is necessary to be aware of attitudes of women to predict their preferred method of delivery and its related factors. This study aimed to compare attitudes of medical and non-medical female students regarding the preferred method of delivery and its related factors in 2019.

Study Design:  cross sectional-analytical study.

Place and Duration of Study: Medical and non-medical undergraduate female students of Guilan, Rasht, Iran, were randomly selected between October 2019 and November 2019.

Methodology: We included 1040 students (873 non-medical, 167 medical students; mean age 20.90 ± 1.54 years). The data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential (Chi Square, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann-Whitney and multiple regression) statistics (P =.05).

Results: In general, 71.50% of subjects in both groups had a neutral attitude. For group comparison, the medical and non-medical groups (24% and 12.40%) had a positive attitude towards CS and (11.40% and 14.80%) had a positive attitude towards normal vaginal delivery (NVD), respectively. Attitude score according to the university (P =.002), the school (P =.002), the academic year (P =.001), age (P =.031), ethnicity (P =.001), child rank (P =.042), father education (P =.007), mother education (P =.006), childbirth method of the mothers in other children (P =.007), and delivery method of the relatives (P =.05) was significant.

Conclusion: Although non-medical students had more possitive attitude towards NVD, in general, in both groups, the majority of them had a neutral attitude towards the mode of delivery. It seems necessary to develop the educational-counseling interventions to form a positive attitude towards NVD in all students and youngs.
PoMo, Collage and Citation: Notes Towards an Etiology of Chunkiness
Authors: Carpo Mario
Published: January 2021

There is an arc of ‘chunkiness’ (collage, montage and assemblage) which runs through much art and architecture, pulling together art practices and eras that at first seem very different from each other. Mario Carpo, Reyner Banham Professor of Architectural Theory and History at the Bartlett, University College London and Professor of Architectural Theory at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, eloquently takes us along its path.
More with Less: Responding to Austerity
Authors: Stewart Catrina , McEwen Hugh
Published: January 2021

London's Office S&M, formed by Catrina Stewart and Hugh McEwen just after the 2008 financial crash, has been honed in a decade of austerity. The practice has garnered a reputation for the innovative use of materials and a formal dexterity. By giving each project a narrative, they are able to deliver more with less.
Exploring, Building, Completing: Context and Craft
Authors: Taha Amin
Published: January 2021

Amin Taha is Chairman of London architectural office Groupwork and is no stranger to architectural controversy. The practice's buildings are often highly original and predicated on a thorough historical, contextual and collaborative research approach that goes far beyond the simple binary logics of ill‐conceived planning dogma. New design protocols are developed for each project and these evolve organically as the scheme progresses.
Taking Joy Seriously: An Interview with Artist and Designer Camille Walala
Authors: Hopkins Owen
Published: January 2021

Co‐Guest‐Editor of this edition of AD Owen Hopkins interviews artist and designer Camille Walala, exploring her work, her design process and her admiration for the 1980s Italian design group Memphis. Walala brings wild colourful exuberance to drab urban spaces and also develops invigorating, almost psychedelic interiors.
Perceiving Postmodernism: Learning from London's Marshlands
Authors: Kohn David
Published: January 2021

David Kohn, director of London‐based David Kohn Architects and diploma tutor at the Architectural Association, takes us on an almost psychogeographic dérive along the River Thames and into its marshy hinterland, picking up nuances, his own buildings and high points of the postmodern past. Along the way he explains what is important and inspiring for him and his practice.
Remembering in Colour: In Conversation with Artist/Designer Yinka Ilori
Authors: McKellar Erin
Published: January 2021

Co‐Guest‐Editor of this AD Erin McKellar interviews multidisciplinary artist/designer Yinka Ilori and discovers that behind his arresting patterned work of bold bright colours are his Nigerian‐British heritage and a yearning to experience as much of human cultures as possible. This expansive embracing of cultural difference and its joys is facilitated by Ilori's imperative to collaborate inclusively.
ICAM‐1 Activates Platelets and Promotes Endothelial Permeability through VE‐Cadherin after Insufficient Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Kong Jian , Yao Changyu , Dong Shuying , Wu Shilun , Xu Yangkai , Li Ke , Ji Liang , Shen Qiang , Zhang Qi , Zhan Rui , Cui Hongtu , Zhou Changping , Niu Haigang , Li Guoming , Sun Wenbing , Zheng Lemin
Published: January 2021

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often leads to aggressive local recurrence and increased metastasis, and vascular integrity and platelets are implicated in tumor metastasis. However, whether interactions between endothelial cells and platelets induce endothelial permeability in HCC after insufficient RFA remains unclear. Here, significantly increased CD62P‐positive platelets and sP‐selectin in plasma are observed in HCC patients after RFA, and tumor‐associated endothelial cells (TAECs) activate platelets and are susceptible to permeability after heat treatment in the presence of platelets in vitro. In addition, tumors exhibit enhanced vascular permeability after insufficient RFA in mice; heat treatment promotes platelets‐induced endothelial permeability through vascular endothelial (VE)‐cadherin, and ICAM‐1 upregulation in TAECs after heat treatment results in platelet activation and increased endothelial permeability in vitro. Moreover, the binding interaction between upregulated ICAM‐1 and Ezrin downregulates VE‐cadherin expression. Furthermore, platelet depletion or ICAM‐1 inhibition suppresses tumor growth and metastasis after insufficient RFA in an orthotopic tumor mouse model, and vascular permeability decreases in ICAM‐1−/− mouse tumor after insufficient RFA. The findings suggest that ICAM‐1 activates platelets and promotes endothelial permeability in TAECs through VE‐cadherin after insufficient RFA, and anti‐platelet and anti‐ICAM‐1 therapy can be used to prevent progression of HCC after insufficient RFA.
Chemotherapy‐Enriched THBS2‐Deficient Cancer Stem Cells Drive Hepatocarcinogenesis through Matrix Softness Induced Histone H3 Modifications
Authors: Ng Kai‐Yu , Shea Queenie T. , Wong Tin‐Lok , Luk Steve T. , Tong Man , Lo Chung‐Mau , Man Kwan , Yun Jing‐Ping , Guan Xin‐Yuan , Lee Terence K. , Zheng Yong‐Ping , Ma Stephanie
Published: January 2021

The physical microenvironment is a critical mediator of tumor behavior. However, detailed biological and mechanistic insight is lacking. The present study reveals the role of chemotherapy‐enriched CD133+ liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) with THBS2 deficiency. This subpopulation of cells contributes to a more aggressive cancer and functional stemness phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) through the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, collagen degradation, and matrix stiffness. The local soft spots created by these liver CSCs can enhance stemness and drug resistance and provide a route of escape to facilitate HCC metastasis. Interestingly, a positive feed‐forward loop is identified where a local soft spot microenvironment in the HCC tumor is enriched with CD133 expressing cells that secrete markedly less ECM‐modifying THBS2 upon histone H3 modification at its promoter region, allowing the maintenance of a localized soft spot matrix. Clinically, THBS2 deficiency is also correlated with low HCC survival, where high levels of CSCs with low THBS2 expression in HCC are associated with decreased collagen fiber deposits and an invasive tumor front. The findings have implications for the treatment of cancer stemness and for the prevention of tumor outgrowth through disseminated tumor cells.
Disorder of sex development associated with a novel homozygous nonsense mutation in COG6 expands the phenotypic spectrum of COG6‐CDG
Authors: Lugli Licia , Bariola Maria Carolina , Ferri Lorenzo , Lucaccioni Laura , Bertucci Emma , Cattini Umberto , Torcetta Francesco , Morrone Amelia , Iughetti Lorenzo , Berardi Alberto
Published: January 2021

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are an expanding group of metabolic disorders that result from abnormal protein glycosylation. A special subgroup of CDG type II comprises defects in the Conserved Oligomeric Golgi Complex (COG). In order to further delineate the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of COG complex defect, we describe a novel variant of COG6 gene found in homozygosity in a Moroccan patient with severe presentation of COG6‐CDG (OMIM #614576). We compared the phenotype of our patient with other previously reported COG6‐CDG cases. Common features in COG6‐CDG are facial dysmorphism, growth retardation, microcephaly, developmental disability, liver or gastrointestinal disease, recurrent infections, hypohidrosis/hyperthermia. In addition to these phenotypic features, our patient exhibited a disorder of sexual differentiation, which has rarely been reported in COG6‐CDG. We hypothesize that the severe COG6 gene mutation interferes with glycosylation of a disintegrin and metalloprotease family members, inhibiting the correct gonadal distal tip cells migration, fundamental for the genitalia morphogenesis. This report broadens the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of COG6‐CDG and provides further supportive evidence that COG6‐CDG can present as a disorder of sexual differentiation.
Inversely Tuning the CO2Electroreduction and Hydrogen Evolution Activity on Metal Oxide via Heteroatom Doping
Authors: Wang Jiajun , Wang Guangjin , Zhang Jinfeng , Wang Yidu , Wu Han , Zheng Xuerong , Ding Jia , Han Xiaopeng , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin
Published: January 2021

Tuning the electronic states near the Fermi level can effectively facilitate the reaction kinetics. However, elucidating the role of a specific electronic state of metal oxide in simultaneously regulating the CO2electroreduction reaction (CO2RR) and competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is still rare, making it difficult to accurately predict the practical CO2RR performance. Herein, replacing the Zn site by heteroatoms with different outer electrons (Mo and Cu) is found to tune both occupied and unoccupied orbitals near the Fermi level of ZnO. Moreover, the different electronic states significantly modulate both CO2RR and HER activity with a totally inverse trend, thus dramatically tuning the practical CO2RR performance. In parallel, the correlation between electronic states, reaction free energies and practical activity is demonstrated. This work provides a possibility for engineering efficient CO2RR eletrocatalysts through tunable composition and electronic structures.
Effect of previsualization technique on different types of veneering porcelain
Authors: Saleh Omnia , EL‐Etreby Amr , Salah Tarek
Published: January 2021

Matching a porcelain restoration is a difficult task for both the dentist and the dental technician. In order to improve communication, it was suggested that a new previsualization technique with a new modeling liquid could be introduced. This study investigates the effect of this modeling liquid on color, translucency, and biaxial flexure strength on different types of veneering porcelain. A total of 42 samples were tested for IPS e.max veneered discs, feldspathic discs and the porcelain fused to metal discs. Twenty‐one were prepared with the manufacture liquid, while the other 21 were prepared with Visual‐Eyes modeling liquid. The porcelain powder was prepared for the Visual‐Eyes liquid by removing the food dyes with a specific firing cycle recommended by the manufacture. The porcelain mixes were layered using standardized Teflon molds of different thicknesses. The color and translucency and the biaxial flexure strength were tested. The results revealed statistical significance in the translucency between the liquids in all types of veneering porcelain. The manufacturer's liquid showed higher translucency than Visual‐Eyes liquid; however, the color difference and the biaxial flexure strength were similar between the two liquids. The use of the Visual‐Eyes liquid is indicated in specific cases of complicated build‐ups. This study has targeted a material that has never been investigated before. The material was invented several years ago and updated to the new liquid, but its effect on porcelain is still unknown.
FATM: A failure‐aware adaptive fault tolerance model for distributed stream processing systems
Authors: Akber Syed Muhammad Abrar , Chen Hanhua , Jin Hai
Published: January 2021

Distributed Stream Processing Systems (DSPS) are very popular to process unbounded data streams in real‐time. Low processing latency is a fundamental requirement for DSPS applications to maintain the real‐time response. This requirement of low processing latency for DSPS is badly affected due to inevitable failures in computing systems. Generally, DSPS grapple with these inevitable failures by triggering periodic checkpoints. The periodic checkpoints pessimistically persist the application state so that the execution may be resumed after the failure. These periodic checkpoints incur high overheads due to the high frequency of checkpoints triggering, which increases the overall execution time. On the other hand, failure occurrences in real‐world systems are not periodic. This sharp contrast between the periodic checkpoints and failure distributions in the real‐world systems makes the periodic checkpoints inefficient. We propose a failure‐aware adaptive fault tolerance model called FATM which triggers the checkpoints inline with the underlying failure rate. Further, we design a model for utility factor and checkpoint overheads to evaluate the performance of fault tolerance models for DSPS. We implement the FATM atop Apache Flink and perform a series of experiments. To validate the effectiveness of FATM, experiment results are compared with the existing checkpoint‐based models of DSPS. The results show that the FATM significantly reduces the checkpoint frequency, increases the utility factor, and reduces the checkpoint overheads by 28%.
Operation and design analysis of an interleaved high step‐up DC–DC converter with improved harnessing of magnetic energy
Authors: Sabahi Mehran , Tarzamni Hadi , Kolahian Pouya
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a new interleaved DC–DC converter based on a coupled and a single input inductor is proposed. The suggested high step‐up converter utilizes various inductive and capacitive methods to transfer magnetic energy more efficiently. The output voltage is regulated with the switches' duty cycle and the coupled inductor (CI) turns ratio, which provide a wide output voltage range. Interleaving improves the converter reliability, employs both the first and third areas of CI's B‐H plane, cancels DC component of the CI, and reduces the input current ripple of the proposed converter with twice switching frequency. Utilization of two output ports for voltage stress and ripple reduction in each port, recycling the stored energy of inductances in both forward and flyback mechanisms, alleviation of switch voltage spikes, operation without circulating current, high power density, independency of switch voltage stress to the CI turns ratio, and continuous input current can be mentioned as other features. In this paper, continuous and discontinuous conduction modes' steady‐state analytics, power loss calculations, and design procedure of the proposed converter are followed with comprehensive comparisons to evaluate the capabilities. Eventually, experimental results are presented to validate theoretical calculations.
Illuminating the immunopathology of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Saksena Suraj , Chattopadhyay Pratip
Published: January 2021

Over a remarkably short period of time, a great deal of knowledge about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV2) infection has been acquired, through the focused and cooperative effort of the international scientific community. Much has become known about how the immune response is coordinated to fight infection, and how it becomes dysregulated in severe disease. In this review, we take an in‐depth look at the many immune features associated with the host response to SARS‐CoV2, as well as those that appear to mark severe disease.
Design, analysis, and validation of Radio Research Agency reverberation chamber
Authors: Yousaf Jawad , Lee Hosang , Faisal Muhammad , Junhee Han , Nah Wansoo , Shahwani Hamayoun , Attique Shah Syed , Gyu Yang Jun
Published: January 2021

This study presents the electromagnetic (EM) field uniformity analysis of the Korean National Radio Research Agency (RRA) reverberation chamber (RC). The analysis is performed using the normative procedure of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61000‐4‐21 for the estimation of the lowest usable frequency (LUF) of the RRA RC based on the field uniformity characterization. A full‐wave EM model of the RRA RC is designed using the method‐of‐moments (MOM) technique. The triaxial electric fields at the eight corners of the defined working volume are measured using electric field probes for the complete revolution of the mechanical stirrer. The experimental data are obtained for the frequency range of 80–1,000 MHz through the designed data acquisition software. The post‐processing of the experimental and simulation data in terms of calculation of standard deviation of recorded E‐field data, and its comparison with the defined standard deviation limit in IEC 61000‐4‐21 standard is performed to obtain the LUF of the RRA RC. A good degree of agreement was observed between the simulated and measured results of the RC field uniformity.
Multiobjective optimization based on self‐organizing Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm for massive MIMO 5G wireless network
Authors: Purushothaman Kesavalu Elumalai , Nagarajan Velmurugan
Published: January 2021

The development of future fifth‐generation (5G) wireless networks (WNs) is an active research area worldwide. The 5G network grants significantly upgraded necessities contrasted with those in present wireless systems. Although massive MIMO (mMIMO) incorporation in WN empowers one to encounter 5G network technical necessities, it should handle different challenges to increase the performance. In this paper, a novel multiple objective self‐organizing particle swarm optimizer (SOMPSO) is used to solve multiple objective functions such as user data rate, energy efficiency, spectral efficiency, and average area rate of 5G WN with mMIMO. Furthermore, a fuzzy decision maker is utilized to select a solution vector for getting the best compromising result. Our experimental outputs demonstrate that this SOMPSO is an efficient and promising method to solve multiple objective problems in 5G networks.
Changes in the lipidome in type 1 diabetes following low carbohydrate diet: Post‐hoc analysis of a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Al‐Sari Naba , Schmidt Signe , Suvitaival Tommi , Kim Min , Trošt Kajetan , Ranjan Ajenthen G. , Christensen Merete B. , Overgaard Anne J. , Pociot Flemming , Nørgaard Kirsten , Legido‐Quigley Cristina
Published: January 2021

Aims

Lipid metabolism might be compromised in type 1 diabetes, and the understanding of lipid physiology is critically important. This study aimed to compare the change in plasma lipid concentrations during carbohydrate dietary changes in individuals with type 1 diabetes and identify links to early‐stage dyslipidaemia. We hypothesized that (1) the lipidomic profiles after ingesting low or high carbohydrate diet for 12 weeks would be different; and (2) specific annotated lipid species could have significant associations with metabolic outcomes.

Methods

Ten adults with type 1 diabetes (mean ± SD: age 43.6 ± 13.8 years, diabetes duration 24.5 ± 13.4 years, BMI 24.9 ± 2.1 kg/m2, HbA1c 57.6 ± 2.6 mmol/mol) using insulin pumps participated in a randomized 2‐period crossover study with a 12‐week intervention period of low carbohydrate diet (< 100 g carbohydrates/day) or high carbohydrate diet (> 250 g carbohydrates/day), respectively, separated by a 12‐week washout period. A large‐scale non‐targeted lipidomics was performed with mass spectrometry in fasting plasma samples obtained before and after each diet intervention. Longitudinal lipid levels were analysed using linear mixed‐effects models.

Results

In total, 289 lipid species were identified from 14 major lipid classes. Comparing the two diets, 11 lipid species belonging to sphingomyelins, phosphatidylcholines and LPC(O‐16:0) were changed. All the 11 lipid species were significantly elevated during low carbohydrate diet. Two lipid species were most differentiated between diets, namely SM(d36:1) (β ± SE: 1.44 ± 0.28, FDR = 0.010) and PC(P‐36:4)/PC(O‐36:5) (β ± SE: 1.34 ± 0.25, FDR = 0.009) species. Polyunsaturated PC(35:4) was inversely associated with BMI and positively associated with HDL cholesterol (p < .001).

Conclusion

Lipidome‐wide outcome analysis of a randomized crossover trial of individuals with type 1 diabetes following a low carbohydrate diet showed an increase in sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholines which are thought to reduce dyslipidaemia. The polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine 35:4 was inversely associated with BMI and positively associated with HDL cholesterol (p < .001). Results from this study warrant for more investigation on the long‐term effect of single lipid species in type 1 diabetes.
Egocentric and allocentric spatial memory in young children: A comparison with young adults
Authors: Fernandez‐Baizan Cristina , Arias Jorge L. , Mendez Marta
Published: January 2021

The most used frames of reference in spatial memory, which allows us to move through the environment, are the egocentric, related to one's own perspective, and the allocentric, based on environmental cues. Although many tasks have been proposed, those that evaluate the two frames of reference separately and compare adults and children are scarce. Our aim was to assess egocentric and allocentric spatial orientation in young children and young adults, comparing between ages, frames of reference and gender. The Egocentric and Allocentric Spatial Memory tests were used. Adults performed better than children on both tasks. Children performed equally in both frames of reference, but adults were more efficient on the allocentric test. Gender did not seem relevant in the performance of either group. Overall, egocentric and allocentric spatial memory are not fully developed at the age of 7 and children do not master any strategy above the other.

Highlights

Do school‐aged children reach adults performance in egocentric and allocentric spatial memory?

Two experimental tasks, Egocentric and Allocentric Spatial Memory tests, were used for assessment. Significant differences were found between children from 5‐to‐7 years and adults.

Egocentric and allocentric frameworks are not fully developed at 7 years. Children may not rely on one specific framework for their orientation.
Behavioural, emotional and rhythm‐related disturbances in toddlers: Preliminary findings from a community‐based study in Kerala, India
Authors: Jacob Preeti , TS Jaisoorya , G Sunil Kumar , L Manoj , GR Gokul , K Thennarasu , Srinath Shoba
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The need to enhance mental health in primary care settings for infants and toddlers is increasingly becoming apparent. However, the lack of trained healthcare personnel and culturally appropriate measures makes it a challenge in low‐ and middle‐income countries. A needs‐based assessment of the extent of the problems in toddlers will help address the lacunae in providing mental health services.

Methods

A needs‐based assessment was carried out of a community sample of 9,287 mothers with toddlers aged between 13 and 25 months in Kerala, India. This assessment was conducted by junior public health nurses using an indigenously developed checklist titled ‘Screening checklist for Behavioural, Emotional and Rhythm‐related disturbances in Toddlers’ (S‐BERT).

Results

According to the mothers surveyed, 30.4% of toddlers had concerning or distress causing behaviours. Three factors, namely behavioural, rhythm‐related and emotional disturbances, were deemed significant when the item response theory was used to examine the factor structure of S‐BERT.

Conclusion

This study suggests that behaviours that cause distress to mothers of toddlers are common, if queried specifically. Given the constraints in health resources as the cultural factors in operation, use of indigenous tools and principles of collaborative stepped care may be the way forward.