bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clarification of the meaning of doctor in New Testament through the example of St. Luke
Authors: Milić Anđelija ,   Gnomon Center for the Humanities
Published: February 2021

This paper develops the meaning of a doctor in the wing of the Christian tradition, by starting the thesis from the best and first known physician in the New Testament: St. Luke. Then the premise he was even in a doctor is questioned. However, the whole paper continues to follow the symbolism St. Luke indubitably has not only as one of the Evangelists, but parallelly as a physician, so it then questions what such an expertise would mean when one of the establishing figures is attached to a particular profession. Medical effort is then connected to the notion of Christus medicus as a primary healer. From that point on, a question of the miraculous healing and its effect on human approach to God emerges. This problem occurs when freedom as a central to the acceptance of God’s deeds is installed. In this case, I discuss it on the grounds of a passage from The Grand Inquisitior. Finally, the problem of freedom in the multifaceted context of healing is to be circled in the discussion about the problematic positions both doctors and patients encounter, and ultimately medicine itself.
John the Evangelist as the Forerunner of the Word
Authors: Jeftić Andrej ,   Gnomon Center for the Humanities
Published: February 2021

The paper deals with the Amb. 21 of St Maximus the Confessor in which he attempts to resolve the ambiguity posed by St Gregory the Theologian calling John the Evangelist ‘the forerunner of the Word’. Maximus’ solution is analysed in detail as it provides significant insights into not only his understanding of the iconic nature of the Gospel as it relates to the world to come, but also into the way he develops his theological reasoning, as well as his understanding of the authority of the patristic authors.
A Logic of Creating
Authors: Redmond Walter B. ,   University of South Bohemia
Published: February 2021

I describe a “logic of creating” inspired by the “existential” argument of the existence of God in St. Thomas Aquinas’s De Ente et Essentia. suggest a modal reading of his reasoning based upon states-of-affairs said to be actual, contingent, necessary and the like. I take “creating” as teasing actuality out of possibility. After explaining the modal logic that I am assuming and relating it to Christian understandings of meaning and being, I present my modal interpretation, contrasting it with the views of three modern philosophers. In an appendix I will analyze the text of St. Thomas’s existential proof.
Wolterstorff on Reid’s Notion of Common Sense
Authors: Glombíček Petr ,   University of South Bohemia
Published: February 2021

The paper addresses a mainstream contemporary view of the notion of common sense in Thomas Reid’s philosophy, as proposed by Nicholas Wolterstorff who claims that Reid was not clear about the concept of common sense, or about the principles of common sense. In contrast, this paper presents Reid’s conception as a clear and traditional Aristotelian notion of common sense and its principles as presuppositions of particular sense judgments, usually taken for granted. The alleged confusion about principles is resolved by a distinction between principles of common sense and first principles as such.
Situação do sistema de abastecimento de água em comunidades rurais de Riacho Frio, Piauí
Authors: Melo Tainá Damasceno , Rocha Israel Lobato , Costa Tancio Gutier Ailan , Abreu Lizandro Pereira de , Iwata Bruna de Freitas , Bembem Anaian Antunes , César Mila Ohana Maciel , Sousa Mauro César de Brito , Leite Antônio Celso de Sousa
Published: February 2021

Este trabalho teve por objetivo caracterizar o sistema de abastecimento de água adotado em comunidades rurais do município de Riacho Frio, Estado do Piauí. A metodologia empregada correspondeu ao levantamento de campo por meio de visitas in loco e registro fotográfico para caracterização do sistema de abastecimento adotado seguindo classificação quanto ao tipo de poços e avaliação macroscópica dos parâmetros de infraestrutura do sistema adotado nas comunidades. Evidenciou-se um sistema de abastecimento de água caracterizado por captação em poços do tipo artesiano e escavado, sendo este último predominante nas comunidades. Por se tratar em geral de poços escavados, o sistema adotado nas comunidades apresenta-se deficiente quanto as condições estruturais dos poços, denotado pela ausência de revestimento e medidas de proteção contra a poluição das águas. Além disso, não são realizadas ações de tratamento da água utilizada pelas comunidades, fazendo-se em todo caso uso da água bruta de captação com ausência até mesmo do simples processo de desinfecção, responsável por eliminar os agentes patogênicos. Torna-se evidente que a problemática do sistema de abastecimento de água para as comunidades rurais estudadas gira em torno da inexistência do monitoramento e controle da qualidade da água, não sendo na maioria dos casos a quantidade fornecida, o principal problema do sistema.
Alternativas etnobotânicas para o tratamento da obesidade
Authors: Freitas Junior Luciano Mamede de , Monteiro Silvio Gomes , Almeida Junior Eduardo Bezerra de
Published: February 2021

A busca por novos medicamentos à base de plantas para tratamento de doenças tem aumentado, sendo que 3/4 da população mundial utilizam remédios tradicionais tornando importante a realização de estudos sobre as alternativas terapêuticas através de abordagens etnobotânicas e quimiotaxonômicas. Foram obtidos dados e informações de 54 informantes, vendedores de plantas para uso medicinal, entrevistados individualmente nas feiras e mercados de São Luis, Maranhão, Brasil. Os dados foram analisados utilizando a frequência relativa (RF) e o fator de consenso informativo (ICF), e 30,3% das espécies selecionadas tiveram amostras coletadas e identificadas no Herbário do MAR, pertencendo a 20 famílias botânicas, sendo que 11,1% pertencem à família Asteraceae e 11,1% à família Fabaceae. As espécies mais citadas pelos informantes foram Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Baccharis crispa Spreng., Senna alexandrina Mill., Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Quassia amara L., Annona muricata L., Equisetum arvense L., com valores de RF > 5 e ICF > 0,50. A parte vegetal mais utilizada nos fitoterápicos para o tratamento da obesidade é a folha (74,1%), tendo a infusão (92,6%) como modo de preparo mais recomendado. Nossos resultados revelam uma lista de espécies indicadas pelos informantes para o tratamento da obesidade, algumas com estudos biológicos existentes, outras ausentes de estudos pré-clínicos e clínicos. As abordagens são importantes para a validação destas plantas através de estudos experimentais, considerando a necessidade de tais estudos para garantia da função biológica, eficácia e segurança das alternativas terapêuticas propostas.
Recuperação de áreas degradadas e mineração: análise da produção científica internacional na Web of Science (WoS)
Authors: Olivera Marcos Macri , Dantas Nadege da Silva , Araújo Sergio Murilo Santos de
Published: February 2021

A exploração dos recursos naturais provocam inúmeras consequências sociais e ambientais aos ecossistemas, comprometendo as condições do solo e reduzindo a possibilidade de regeneração natural na área explorada. Assim, este artigo tem como objetivo analisar o comportamento bibliométrico da produção científica internacional sobre recuperação de áreas degradadas pela mineração. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratório-descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa, realizada na base de dados Web of Science. Para tanto, utilizou-se o software VosViewer para a análise das redes bibliométricas que caracterizam a produção internacional acerca do referido tema. O período selecionado para a busca foi de 1945 a 2020. Foram utilizados os termos environmental restoration, environmental recovery, recovery of degraded áreas, soil recovery e revegetated areas em combinação com o (tópico) termo mining. Estes foram pesquisados em títulos, resumo e palavras-chave do autor das publicações contidas nas coleções mencionadas. Quanto às obras qualificadas como as de impacto no campo, o Fator H (h-index) apontou para 18 publicações, incluindo-se apenas os documentos de tipo article e review. Os resultados apontam para formações de clusters de autores, instituições e países. Os termos mais destacados giram em torno das palavras-chave elencadas como foco do estudo.
Percepção do conforto térmico no Semiárido pernambucano: Estudo piloto nos municípios de Petrolina e Serra Talhada
Authors: Falcão Symone Maria Pancracio , Bezerra Ana Paula Xavier de Gondra , Gabriel Fabricio Ã‚ngelo , Holanda Romildo Morant de
Published: February 2021

A urbanização de municípios do Semiárido brasileiro pode gerar efeitos negativos na qualidade ambiental e térmica, caso não haja um planejamento desses territórios. O presente estudo se propõe a analisar, de modo preliminar, a percepção da população em relação ao conforto térmico em duas cidades do Semiárido pernambucano: Serra Talhada e Petrolina. Para obter dados referentes à percepção aplicou-se um questionário pré-estruturado com base na ISO 10.551, por meio de plataforma online para os moradores dos respectivos municípios interessados em participar durante dos dias 11, 12 e 13 de dezembro do ano de 2016. Para avaliação do conforto térmico empregou-se o índice bioclimático proposto por Thom. Foram obtidas 19 respostas válidas em Petrolina, e 21 em Serra Talhada. A maioria dos participantes foi do sexo feminino com idade entre 21 e 30 anos, com conhecimento do conceito de conforto térmico. Os resultados indicam que em Petrolina o número de moradores com percepção do desconforto térmico é maior quando comparado ao município de Serra Talhada. Entretanto os resultados da análise de conforto térmico em Serra Talhada apontam para um crescente desconforto na maioria dos dias de análise.
AWS-3 LTE impacts aeronautical mobile telemetry
Authors: Young William F , McGillivray Duncan A , Wunderlich Adam J , Krangle Mark A , Sklar Jack G , Sanders Aric W , Forsyth M Keith , Lofquist Mark , Kuester Daniel G
Published: February 2021

This technical report details an effort to design, demonstrate, and validate a test methodology to measure the impacts of Long Term Evolution (LTE) User Equipment (UE) emissions in the advanced wireless services 3 (AWS-3) band on aeronautical mobile telemetry (AMT) systems operating in the adjacent AMT band. Impacts are assessed by collecting and analyzing AMT system-provided key performance indicators (KPIs), such as bit error rate (BER). The validation process includes the capture and analysis for multiple adjacent band emissions (ABE) and AMT transmission combinations and conditions. The analysis here centers around AMT system behavior with and without the presence of ABE.
Ensino, pesquisa e práxis na formação docente
Authors: Lima Ferreira Maria Jucilene
Published: February 2021

O ato de ensinar requer, sobremaneira, o estudo aprofundado daquilo que se ensina e a definição clara dos fins da ação pedagógica. Este artigo investiga as relações entre ensino, pesquisa e práxis estabelecidas no processo de formação inicial de docentes em serviço e no processo de produção do conhecimento desses profissionais e indagar sobre essa proposta de ensino e suas contribuições na formação docente. Trata-se mais especificamente da experiência com os componentes curriculares Fundamentos da Práxis VI e Estágio Supervisionado VI, no curso de Pedagogia do Programa Nacional de Formação de Professores da Educação Básica (PARFOR), da Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB). O estudo visa, sobretudo, investigar as relações entre ensino, pesquisa e práxis estabelecidas no processo de formação inicial de docentes em serviço e no processo de produção do conhecimento dos profissionais, vinculados à Rede Municipal de Medeiros Neto – BA, no 6º semestre do curso de Pedagogia, em uma turma de 20 (vinte) graduandos. A pesquisa se apoia no materialismo histórico dialético, adota a tendência pesquisa/participante/ação e se utiliza da revisão de literatura e pesquisa documental no processo de investigação. Os resultados apontam aspectos das relações entre ensino, pesquisa e práxis e das contribuições que tais aspectos oportunizam à docência.
Desarrollo profesional de los formadores de docentes: calificaciones de las relaciones establecidas con estudiantes de pregrado
Authors: Alves Araújo Osmar Hélio , Fortunato Ivan , De Medeiros Emerson Augusto
Published: February 2021

El desarrollo profesional de los formadores de docentes y las relaciones construidas con los estudiantes son dos lados del mismo proceso: (trans)formarse uno mismo y el otro. En este texto, de naturaleza teórica, estudiamos el desarrollo profesional de los docentes que capacitan a la educación superior a partir de las relaciones establecidas con los estudiantes en los cursos de pregrado. Con este fin, comenzamos con una breve descripción de las experiencias profesionales y el conocimiento de la experiencia, seguida de una discusión en la que se busca argumentar que la relación entre un maestro-formador y sus estudiantes puede entenderse como una experiencia de capacitación (trans)profesional. Concluimos que es extremadamente necesario llevar a cabo estudios e investigaciones sobre la formación de docentes para la Educación Superior, particularmente en relación con el trabajo de los formadores de docentes en los cursos de pregrado, especialmente porque todavía hay pocos estudios e investigaciones en esta dirección.
Aprendizagem experiencial da docência universitária: desenvolvimento profissional de professores tutores no método Problem-Based Learning
Authors: Da Silva Moreira Jefferson , Barreto dos Santos David Moisés , Oliveira da Silva Fabrício
Published: February 2021

Este artigo apresenta resultados finais de pesquisa-formação, de abordagem qualitativa, realizada entre 2018 e 2019, que teve por objetivo geral compreender processos de aprendizagem profissional da docência, com ênfase na base de conhecimento para o ensino, de professores tutores que atuam no método Problem-Based Learning (PBL) de uma universidade pública, situada no interior do Estado da Bahia. Respaldamo-nos teoricamente em Shulman (2014), Mizukami (2004), Marcelo Garcia (2009), Imbernón (2010) e Nóvoa (2017). Os dados foram coletados por meio da análise e construção de casos de ensino, além da aplicação de um questionário junto aos colaboradores do processo formativo. A análise do corpus empírico esteve pautada em pressupostos da análise do conteúdo, do tipo temática, proposta por Bardin (1977). Os achados sinalizam que os processos de aprendizagem da docência dos colaboradores do estudo são marcados por diversos níveis de complexidade. Assim, a ausência de uma formação inicial no campo didático-pedagógico incide para que os tutores desenvolvam um exercício docente intuitivo, com parco domínio analítico dos pressupostos filosóficos, epistemológicos e pedagógicos concernentes às suas práticas. Constatamos que a base de conhecimento dos participantes é frágil no quesito conhecimento pedagógico geral. Dessa maneira, defende-se a necessidade da configuração de políticas e ações institucionais que busquem fomentar a consolidação da profissionalidade pedagógica desses profissionais.
Powerful Men, Failing Upwards
Authors: Riley Charlotte Lydia
Published: February 2021

In 2018, the global #MeToo movement turned its attention to the aid industry,
after scandals at Oxfam and Save the Children highlighted the sexual harassment,
abuse and assault prevalent in the sector. This article explores #MeToo in the
context of the aid industry (informally known by many participants as #AidToo),
particularly within a British context. The article argues that the aid industry
exists in a historical, social and political space that is particularly
volatile. The abusive behaviour of men in the sector is shaped and enabled by
race, class and gender inequalities, which undermine many of the stated aims of
international aid programmes. The humanitarian and development aid sector will
not eradicate this behaviour until it recognises how it is enabled and
encouraged by these inequalities. The article argues that the aid sector needs
to develop an ethical code of conduct around sexual relationships, harassment
and abuse that recognises power inequalities within the sector and seeks to
protect vulnerable individuals.
Las matemáticas del trabajo en equipo
Authors: Sivera Sílvia
Published: February 2021

Dos más dos no son siempre cuatro. Ni en matemáticas ni, por supuesto, en comunicación. No existen fórmulas exactas para garantizar el mejor resultado posible de un trabajo en equipo, pero cuando se comparte un objetivo en común conviene tener claro que hay operaciones (y personas) que suman, restan, dividen o multiplican.
La gente pregunta, la gente aprende
Authors: Sanz Martos Sandra
Published: February 2021

Las iniciativas de participación que impulsaron los movimientos sociales y que algunos partidos políticos se han visto obligados a imitar, van en aumento. Sin duda es una tendencia al alza, una manera de proceder que se está implantando con fuerza. Cada vez son más los partidos (sobre todo los más cercanos a la izquierda) que se preocupan por recopilar la opinión de la ciudadanía.
¿Tienen sentido las palabras clave de los artículos científicos?
Authors: Macías-Alegre Adrián
Published: February 2021

Elegir entre “aprendizaje electrónico”, “aprendizaje digital” o “aprendizaje virtual” como palabra clave para un artículo científico puede resultar un dilema para un investigador que no conozca la gestión de un tesauro con el cual debe normalizar las palabras clave de su contribución. De momento, la selección de descriptores con mayor o menor acierto es una exigencia que las revistas científicas hacen a sus autores y éstos los consideran un trámite más en la preparación del envío de un artículo. En la actualidad, con la posibilidad de buscar los artículos por texto completo, ¿resulta útil seguir considerándolas?
Klingon, películas de fans y 'copyright' (tlhIngan Hol, fans copyright 'ej)
Authors: Roig Antoni
Published: February 2021

Con todo a punto para la celebración del fin de año de 2015, los productores de Axanar, un film de fans sobre Star Trek que recientemente había recogido más de un millón de dólares a través de una campaña de crowdfunding, recibían un mal augurio para el 2016: una demanda judicial por infracción de copyright por parte de CBS/Paramount. Es el inicio de una enorme, fascinante y hasta divertida polémica sobre copyright en las producciones de fans e, incluso, sobre los idiomas.
Mikroskopisko sēņu izmantošana sadzīves notekūdeņu attīrīšanā no farmaceitiski aktīvajām vielām
Authors:   , Daļecka Brigita
Published: February 2021

Promocijas darbā “Mikroskopisko sēņu izmantošana sadzīves notekūdeņu attīrīšanā no farmaceitiski aktīvajām vielām” veikta mikroskopisko sēņu izpēte un pilnveidota alternatīva metode notekūdeņu attīrīšanai no farmaceitiski aktīvajām vielām. Klasiskās notekūdeņu attīrīšanas metodes ne vienmēr var attīrīt sadzīves notekūdeņus no farmaceitiski aktīvo vielu piesārņojuma. Šī iemesla dēļ apkārtējā vidē var nonākt farmaceitiski aktīvās vielas un radīt apdraudējumu dzīvajiem organismiem. Lai novērstu farmaceitiski aktīvo vielu nokļūšanu apkārtējā vidē no sadzīves notekūdeņiem, nepieciešams meklēt jaunas un alternatīvas tehnoloģijas, lai uzlabotu gan jau esošās metodes, gan izstrādātu jaunas notekūdeņu attīrīšanas metodes. Kā viena no metodēm šī mērķa sasniegšanai var tikt izmantota bioloģiskā metode ar mikroskopiskajām sēnēm. Promocijas darba pētījums ir iedalīts divās galvenajās daļās. Pirmajā daļā veikti laboratorijas mēroga eksperimenti, lai noskaidrotu atbilstošākās mikroskopiskās sēnes notekūdeņu attīrīšanai no farmaceitiski aktīvajām vielām. Promocijas darba gaitā noskaidrots, ka mikroskopisko sēņu augstākā efektivitāte farmaceitisko vielu attīrīšanā no notekūdeņiem tika sasniegta, ja sēnes tiek izmantotas atsevišķi, nevis savstarpēji kombinētas. Noskaidrots, ka Trametes veriocolor un Aspergillus luchuensis ir vispiemērotākās mikroskopiskās sēnes notekūdeņu attīrīšanai no farmaceitiskajām vielām, tāpēc promocijas darba otrajā daļā izmantotas šīs mikroskopiskās sēnes. Promocijas darba otrajā daļā izstrādāts bioreaktors, kurā pārbaudīta izvēlēto mikroskopisko sēņu efektivitāte farmaceitiski aktīvo vielu attīrīšanā no sadzīves notekūdeņiem. Darba gaitā pārbaudīta bioaugmentācija kā iespējamā metode, lai uzlabotu mikroskopisko sēņu efektivitāti farmaceitiski aktīvo vielu attīrīšanā no sadzīves notekūdeņiem, un mikroskopisko sēņu spēja attīrīt notekūdeņus no fosfora un slāpekļa savienojumiem. Noskaidrots, ka mikroskopiskās sēnes spēj samazināt kopējo fosfora daudzumu sadzīves notekūdeņos. Iegūtie rezultāti parādīja arī to, ka mikroskopiskās sēnes spēj sadzīves notekūdeņus attīrīt no farmaceitiski aktīvo vielu piesārņojuma un bioaugmentācijas izmantošana var kalpot kā efektīva metode, lai uzturētu nepārtrauktu bioreaktora darbību ar mikroskopiskajām sēnēm.
Perovskite/silicon heterojunction tandem solar cells: Advances in optical simulation
Authors: Wang Qi , Yan Ling-Ling , Chen Bing-Bing , Li Ren-Jie , Wang San-Long , Wang Peng-Yang , Huang Qian , Xu Sheng-Zhi , Hou Guo-Fu , Chen Xin-Liang , Li Yue-Long , Ding Yi , Zhang De-Kun , Wang Guang-Cai , Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiao-Dan ,   Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Solar Energy Conversion Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China,   Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, Tianjin 300350, China,   Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin 300350, China,   Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China,   Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300072, China
Published: February 2021

Perovskite/silicon heterojunction tandem solar cells have developed rapidly in recent years, and their efficiency is enhanced from 13.7% to 29.1%. As is well known, the optical loss has a great influence on the efficiency. Due to the complex fabrication process of tandem solar cells, it is important to obtain high-performance tandems through optical simulation. In this paper, optical simulation methods are mainly summarized from two aspects: commercial software and self-built model. Then, the progress of optical simulation is analyzed in terms of reflection loss and parasitic absorption. Finally, what should be paid more attention to in the optical simulation of tandem solar cells is pointed out. The efficiency limit of perovskite/silicon heterojunction tandem solar cells can reach up to 40%, but there remains much room for improvement. The research on optical simulation will lay the foundation of developing the tandem solar cells.
Inductive Inference and Its Natural Ground
Authors: Kornblith Hilary
Published: February 2021

Hilary Kornblith presents an account of inductive inference that addresses both its metaphysical and epistemological aspects. He argues that inductive knowledge is possible by virtue of the fit between our innate psychological capacities and the causal structure of the world.

Kornblith begins by developing an account of natural kinds that has its origins in John Locke's work on real and nominal essences. In Kornblith's view, a natural kind is a stable cluster of properties that are bound together in nature. The existence of such kinds serves as a natural ground of inductive inference.Kornblith then examines two features of human psychology that explain how knowledge of natural kinds is attained. First, our concepts are structured innately in a way that presupposes the existence of natural kinds. Second, our native inferential tendencies tend to provide us with accurate beliefs about the world when applied to environments that are populated by natural kinds.

Bradford Books imprint
Technology and the Dream
Authors: Williams Clarence G.
Published: February 2021

Transcripts of more than seventy-five oral history interviews in which the interviewees assess their MIT experience and reflect on the role of blacks at MIT and beyond.

This book grew out of the Blacks at MIT History Project, whose mission is to document the black presence at MIT. The main body of the text consists of transcripts of more than seventy-five oral history interviews, in which the interviewees assess their MIT experience and reflect on the role of blacks at MIT and beyond. Although most of the interviewees are present or former students, black faculty, administrators, and staff are also represented, as are nonblack faculty and administrators who have had an impact on blacks at MIT. The interviewees were selected with an eye to presenting the broadest range of issues and personalities, as well as a representative cross section by time period and category.

Each interviewee was asked to discuss family background; education; role models and mentors; experiences of racism and race-related issues; choice of field and career; goals; adjustment to the MIT environment; best and worst MIT experiences; experience with MIT support services; relationships with MIT students, faculty, and staff; advice to present or potential MIT students; and advice to the MIT administration. A recurrent theme is that MIT's rigorous teaching instills the confidence to deal with just about any hurdle in professional life, and that an MIT degree opens many doors and supplies instant credibility.

Each interview includes biographical notes and pictures. The book also includes a general introduction, a glossary, and appendixes describing the project's methodology.
Brain endothelial cell TRPA1 channels initiate neurovascular coupling
Authors: Thakore Pratish , Alvarado Michael G , Ali Sher , Mughal Amreen , Pires Paulo W , Yamasaki Evan , Pritchard Harry AT , Isakson Brant E , Tran Cam Ha T , Earley Scott
Published: February 2021

Cerebral blood flow is dynamically regulated by neurovascular coupling to meet the dynamic metabolic demands of the brain. We hypothesized that TRPA1 channels in capillary endothelial cells are stimulated by neuronal activity and instigate a propagating retrograde signal that dilates upstream parenchymal arterioles to initiate functional hyperemia. We find that activation of TRPA1 in capillary beds and post-arteriole transitional segments with mural cell coverage initiates retrograde signals that dilate upstream arterioles. These signals exhibit a unique mode of biphasic propagation. Slow, short-range intercellular Ca2+ signals in the capillary network are converted to rapid electrical signals in transitional segments that propagate to and dilate upstream arterioles. We further demonstrate that TRPA1 is necessary for functional hyperemia and neurovascular coupling within the somatosensory cortex of mice in vivo. These data establish endothelial cell TRPA1 channels as neuronal activity sensors that initiate microvascular vasodilatory responses to redirect blood to regions of metabolic demand.
Renyi entropy driven hierarchical graph clustering
Authors: Oggier Frédérique , Datta Anwitaman
Published: February 2021

This article explores a graph clustering method that is derived from an information theoretic method that clusters points in ${{\mathbb{R}}^{n}}$ relying on Renyi entropy, which involves computing the usual Euclidean distance between these points. Two view points are adopted: (1) the graph to be clustered is first embedded into ${\mathbb{R}}^{d}$ for some dimension d so as to minimize the distortion of the embedding, then the resulting points are clustered, and (2) the graph is clustered directly, using as distance the shortest path distance for undirected graphs, and a variation of the Jaccard distance for directed graphs. In both cases, a hierarchical approach is adopted, where both the initial clustering and the agglomeration steps are computed using Renyi entropy derived evaluation functions. Numerical examples are provided to support the study, showing the consistency of both approaches (evaluated in terms of F-scores).
Comparison of machine learning approaches for enhancing Alzheimer’s disease classification
Authors: Li Qi , Yang Mary Qu
Published: February 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, accounting for nearly 60% of all dementia cases. The occurrence of the disease has been increasing rapidly in recent years. Presently about 46.8 million individuals suffer from AD worldwide. The current absence of effective treatment to reverse or stop AD progression highlights the importance of disease prevention and early diagnosis. Brain structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been widely used for AD detection as it can display morphometric differences and cerebral structural changes. In this study, we built three machine learning-based MRI data classifiers to predict AD and infer the brain regions that contribute to disease development and progression. We then systematically compared the three distinct classifiers, which were constructed based on Support Vector Machine (SVM), 3D Very Deep Convolutional Network (VGGNet) and 3D Deep Residual Network (ResNet), respectively. To improve the performance of the deep learning classifiers, we applied a transfer learning strategy. The weights of a pre-trained model were transferred and adopted as the initial weights of our models. Transferring the learned features significantly reduced training time and increased network efficiency. The classification accuracy for AD subjects from elderly control subjects was 90%, 95%, and 95% for the SVM, VGGNet and ResNet classifiers, respectively. Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) was employed to show discriminative regions that contributed most to the AD classification by utilizing the learned spatial information of the 3D-VGGNet and 3D-ResNet models. The resulted maps consistently highlighted several disease-associated brain regions, particularly the cerebellum which is a relatively neglected brain region in the present AD study. Overall, our comparisons suggested that the ResNet model provided the best classification performance as well as more accurate localization of disease-associated regions in the brain compared to the other two approaches.
The Doublesex/Mab-3 domain transcription factor DMD-10 regulates ASH-dependent behavioral responses
Authors: Durbeck Julia , Breton Celine , Suter Michael , Luth Eric S. , McGehee Annette M.
Published: February 2021

The Doublesex/Mab-3 Domain transcription factor DMD-10 is expressed in several cell types in C. elegans, including in the nervous system. We sought to investigate whether DMD-10 is required for normal neuronal function using behavioral assays. We found that mutation of dmd-10 did not broadly affect behavior. dmd-10 mutants were normal in several behavioral assays including a body bends assay for locomotion, egg laying, chemotaxis and response to gentle touch to the body. dmd-10 mutants did have defects in nose-touch responsiveness, which requires the glutamate receptor GLR-1. However, using quantitative fluorescence microscopy to measure levels of a GLR-1::GFP fusion protein in the ventral nerve cord, we found no evidence supporting a difference in the number of GLR-1 synapses or in the amount of GLR-1 present in dmd-10 mutants. dmd-10 mutants did have decreased responsiveness to high osmolarity, which, along with nose-touch, is sensed by the polymodal sensory neuron ASH. Furthermore, mutation of dmd-10 impaired behavioral response to optogenetic activation of ASH, suggesting that dmd-10 promotes neuronal signaling in ASH downstream of sensory receptor activation. Together our results suggest that DMD-10 is important in regulating the frequency of multiple ASH-dependent behavioral responses.
A community perspective on the concept of marine holobionts: current status, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Dittami Simon M. , Arboleda Enrique , Auguet Jean-Christophe , Bigalke Arite , Briand Enora , Cárdenas Paco , Cardini Ulisse , Decelle Johan , Engelen Aschwin H. , Eveillard Damien , Gachon Claire M.M. , Griffiths Sarah M. , Harder Tilmann , Kayal Ehsan , Kazamia Elena , Lallier François H. , Medina Mónica , Marzinelli Ezequiel M. , Morganti Teresa Maria , Núñez Pons Laura , Prado Soizic , Pintado José , Saha Mahasweta , Selosse Marc-André , Skillings Derek , Stock Willem , Sunagawa Shinichi , Toulza Eve , Vorobev Alexey , Leblanc Catherine , Not Fabrice
Published: February 2021

Host-microbe interactions play crucial roles in marine ecosystems. However, we still have very little understanding of the mechanisms that govern these relationships, the evolutionary processes that shape them, and their ecological consequences. The holobiont concept is a renewed paradigm in biology that can help to describe and understand these complex systems. It posits that a host and its associated microbiota with which it interacts, form a holobiont, and have to be studied together as a coherent biological and functional unit to understand its biology, ecology, and evolution. Here we discuss critical concepts and opportunities in marine holobiont research and identify key challenges in the field. We highlight the potential economic, sociological, and environmental impacts of the holobiont concept in marine biological, evolutionary, and environmental sciences. Given the connectivity and the unexplored biodiversity specific to marine ecosystems, a deeper understanding of such complex systems requires further technological and conceptual advances, e.g., the development of controlled experimental model systems for holobionts from all major lineages and the modeling of (info)chemical-mediated interactions between organisms. Here we propose that one significant challenge is to bridge cross-disciplinary research on tractable model systems in order to address key ecological and evolutionary questions. This first step is crucial to decipher the main drivers of the dynamics and evolution of holobionts and to account for the holobiont concept in applied areas, such as the conservation, management, and exploitation of marine ecosystems and resources, where practical solutions to predict and mitigate the impact of human activities are more important than ever.
Comparative anatomy and salt management of Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl. (Lythraceae) grown in saltwater and freshwater
Authors: Tatongjai Sukrit , Kraichak Ekaphan , Kermanee Prasart
Published: February 2021

Sonneratia caseolaris is a pioneer species in mangrove. It can naturally grow in both saltwater and freshwater. The study was aimed at investigating and comparing the anatomical character of the S. caseolaris plants growing in different conditions and how they coped with salinity. The anatomical characteristics of roots, stems, petioles and leaf blade were investigated. The plant samples were prepared into permanent slides using a paraffin method, while the wood samples were made into permanent slides using a sliding microtome technique. Tissue clearing of leaf blade and scanning electron microscopic analysis of wood were performed. In addition, sodium chloride content in various organs and tissues was examined. It was found that cable root, stem and leaf blade showed some different anatomical characteristics between the two conditions. Periderm is a prominent tissue in saltwater roots. Tanniferous cells were observed in pneumatophores, petioles, stems and leaf blades of saltwater plants, but not found in pneumatophores and lamina of freshwater plants. Mesophyll thickness was lower in the saltwater condition. The vessel density was significantly higher in the saltwater condition than in the freshwater condition, whereas the vessel diameters in the freshwater condition were significantly higher than those in the saltwater condition. From the results, it can be concluded that root periderm plays an important role in salt exclusion, and the occurrence of tanniferous cells is associated with salt elimination.
Two alternate states: shrub, bird and mammal assemblages differ on either side of the Dingo Barrier Fence
Authors: Mills Charlotte H. , Wijas Baptiste , Gordon Christopher E. , Lyons Mitchell , Feit Anna , Wilkinson Aodan , Letnic Mike
Published: February 2021

The 5500 km long dingo barrier fence (DBF) is a boundary at which the goal of dingo control programs shifts from management to elimination. Since 1980 ecologists have used the discrepancies in dingo densities across the DBF to study the ecological role of Australia’s largest terrestrial predator.

We used drone imagery, ground based shrub and tree counts, and camera trap footage to test our hypothesis that there are alternate states in plant, bird and mammal assemblages on either side of the DBF. We found that shrubs and trees were twice as dense where dingoes were rare, and 28 % of shrub and tree species, 78 % of mammal species, and 14 % of bird species recorded were significantly more likely to occur on one side of the DBF than the other.

We provide the first comprehensive snapshot of how flora and fauna assemblages differ across the DBF. This study adds to literature demonstrating that the removal of the dingo has led to profound shifts in the shrub, mammal and bird assemblages in arid Australia. Any expansion of dingo control in arid Australia must be considered against the far-reaching consequences for ecosystem assembly associated with the removal of a top predator.
Determinants of Consumers’ Green Purchase Intension a Study of Pakistani Consumers
Authors: Sherwani Shahid , Sherwani Mariam , Iqbal Zeeshan , Ain Noor Ul , Alvi Aqsa Ashraf
Published: February 2021

The main goal of this article is to find the potential positive relationships among constructs (environmental knowledge, environmental concern, supposed product price, quality of green products and environmental attitude) to illuminate consumer preference about green brands. The study applies five constructs to develop an integrated model to enhance green purchase intentions. In addition, this research employs an empirical study by means of the questionnaire survey method to verify the hypotheses and to explore its managerial implications. The empirical results show that environmental concern, environmental knowledge, and supposed product price & quality of green products has statistically significant and positive influence on environmental attitude and purchase preferences for green products of consumer. Likewise, a purchaser’s environmental attitudes also had statistically notable and substantial influence on consumer green purchase intentions. If consumers' have competitive and high deliberations over the price, quality, environmental concerns, and environmental knowledge of green products, it influencially implies to their purchase intentions.
Correlation between Fetal Renal Blood Flow and Fetal Kidney Volume in Normal and Growth Restricted Fetuses
Authors: Sonkor Noura Magdy , Aglan Diaa Mounir , Tawfek Amr Mohamed , Ataallah Walid Mamdouh
Published: February 2021

Background: Some trials have shown decreased weight of fetal kidney in cases of reduced neonatal weight and infants with growth-restriction at birth.   In infants with growth-restriction due to poor nutrition, most of the fetal blood supply is directed to vital organs such as fetal heart and brain that leads to deprivation of remaining organs from its nutrients, such as kidney. This work aimed to assess whether the size of fetal kidney in cases of normal and restricted fetal growth patterns after 28 weeks could be affected by reduced fetal renal blood supply or not.

Methods: This case-control trial included 60 patients who were divided into two groups: Each group composed of 30 patients; Study group: fetuses with IUGR and control group: fetuses with normal growth pattern.

Results: There was no significance between both study groups as regard to age, weight, BMI, and gravidity. No significance between the studied groups regarding the clinical findings, gestational age, diabetes, HTN, congenital fetal anomalies, and previous C.S. A high significance was present among both groups as regard to measurements of renal artery Doppler. A correlation of statistical significance was noted as regard Doppler indices and kidney volume in the study group.

Conclusions: The elevated pulsatility index of the renal artery of fetus in fetuses with IUGR showed -ve correlation with the volume of the fetal kidney, resulting in reduced nephron-genesis and perfusion. Restrictions in intrauterine growth are believed to be associated with a significant reduction in renal volume compared to the normal growth of fetuses. The Doppler of renal artery also reveals significant differences among study groups.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Targeted Therapies for Brain Metastases from Solid Cancers
Authors: Pehlivan Berrin , Topkan Erkan , Kucuk Ahmet , Okumus Ayse , Sezen Duygu , Selek Ugur
Published: February 2021

Perpetual advances in the diagnostic tools, local plus systemic cancer treatments, and ensued lengthened survival times led to striking increments in the incidence rates of brain metastases (BMs), with a collective incidence range of 20-40% for all solid cancers. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and innovative molecularly targeted therapies are continuously gaining growing significance in the triumphant management of BMs, as the brain represents a sanctuary site for the vast majority of the conventional cytotoxic chemotherapies. In this scenario, the molecularly targeted agents appear to be an attractive alternative to traditional chemotherapeutics as they can modulate cancer metabolism and progression and exert synergism with radiation therapy. Therefore, the present paper intends to sum up the accessible proof on the consolidated utilization of SRS and molecularly targeted agents in the precise management of BMs from certain solid cancers, specifically the non-small-cell lung, breast, and renal-cell carcinomas, and malignant melanomas.
Outcome of Free Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap (MSAP) for Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Met Analysis
Authors: Hosain M. M.
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Since first described by Cadavas, A free medial sural artery perforator flap (MSAP) is getting popularity day by day. Specially, where the micro surgeons are desired to have thin, pliable flap with long pedicle and less donor site morbidities. For its above-mentioned characteristics and good outcome, it is now considered as one of the workhorse flaps for head and neck reconstruction.

Aims and Objectives: The aim was to find out the feasibilities and versatilities of this flap as workhorse in head and neck reconstruction. As well as taking into consideration of its low donor site morbidities.

Methods: A literature search has been performed in July 2020 in various data base including Pub Med, Trip database, Medline and Google Scholler to find out the outcome of head and neck reconstruction with free MSAP Flap. Data then were tabulated and analysed using Microsoft Excel datasheet.

Results: The results were promising. Overall, flap survival rate was 95%. Mean flap dimension was 9.3 cm x5.5 cm. Average pedicle length was 10.5 cm. Mean flap thickness was 6mm. Overall complication rate was 16% including 6% wound related and 2% donor site complication. Most of the cases donor site have closed directly (87%).

Conclusion: Free MSAP Flap is an ideal workhorse flap for head and neck reconstruction. However, as most of the literatures were case series or personal experiences of surgeons, a multicentre trial with large sample can give us more information.
Evaluation of Local Corticosteroids Injection in Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Sallam Mostafa Fersan , Gharbo Nabil Omar , Quolquela Muhammed Abd Elmoneam , Ramadan Mohammed Osama
Published: February 2021

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common type of peripheral nerve entrapment; it affects females more than males; it may be idiopathic or secondary to other disorders especially diabetes mellitus. Carpal tunnel syndrome mostly affects manual workers and may be bilateral or unilateral and mainly affects the dominant hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome has characteristic symptoms and signs including paresthesia and pain along median nerve distribution, these symptoms are usually accompanied by positive provocative tests. Electrodiagnostic studies remain the cornerstone in the diagnosis of CTS. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated conservatively by activities of daily living instructions, splints, medical treatments as neurotropic drugs and NSAIDs and local steroid injection. Also, it can be treated by surgical decompression in severe cases.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate local steroid injection in the treatment of CTS. Twenty-one patients with mild and moderate CTS were included in this study.

Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study included 21 patients with symptoms and signs of mild to moderate CTS attending the outpatient clinic of orthopedic Department, Tanta University Hospitals in the period between February 2019- January 2020. 1 ml Triamcinolone was used with 2 ml lidocaine. Patient’ hand was rested on towel roll flexed about 30 to 45 degrees and injection was done according to landmarks. Night splint was described for 3 days after injection.

Results: In regards to clinical assessment; there was a significant clinical improvement after injection and follow-up period as compared to before injection. In regards to electrophysiological assessment; there was a significant improvement in NCS after injection.

Conclusion: Local steroid injection is an effective treatment and recommended as a therapeutic tool in the management of idiopathic mild to moderate CTS.
Tumor Acidity and Near‐Infrared Light Responsive Dual Drug Delivery Polydopamine‐Based Nanoparticles for Chemo‐Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Fan Rangrang , Chen Caili , Hou Huan , Chuan Di , Mu Min , Liu Zhiyong , Liang Ruichao , Guo Gang , Xu Jianguo
Published: February 2021

Photothermal therapy (PTT) combined with chemotherapy, a promising strategy for breast cancer treatment, has a high potential to control drug release, reduce multidrug resistance, and improve therapeutic efficacy. The challenge is how to realize tumor ablation in deeper tissue and NIR‐controlled drug delivery. Herein, tumor acidity and near‐infrared light (NIR) responsive folic acid (FA) functionalized polydopamine (DPA) nanoparticles (NPs) are developed for doxorubicin (DOX) and epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) dual delivery. With the assistance of NIR, the cellular uptake of DOX‐EGCG/DPA‐FA NPs is about three‐ to sixfold higher when compared with the free DOX group and the control group without NIR irradiation. Moreover, biodistribution study in vivo indicates that DPA‐FA NPs can enhance tumoral accumulation, penetration, retention of drugs, and display a ≈4‐ and 19‐fold higher intra‐tumoral distribution than that of the DPA NPs and free drug groups at 24 h postinjection. Furthermore, 60% of breast cancer‐bearing mice survive over 70 days in the DOX‐EGCG/DPA‐FA NPs group. Additionally, DOX‐EGCG/DPA‐FA NPs can effectively boost therapeutic efficacy by inducing significant suppression of tumor growth and angiogenesis, and enhancement of apoptosis and necrosis of breast cancer cells. Taken together, DOX‐EGCG/DPA‐FA NPs may have potential applications as a useful nanoscale vector for enhanced cancer therapy.
Synthesis of Diversely Substituted Imidazolidines via [3+2] Cycloaddition of 1,3,5‐Triazinanes with Donor‐Acceptor Aziridines and Their Anti‐Tumor Activity
Authors: Shi Zhichao , Fan Tingting , Zhang Xun , Zhan Feng , Wang Zhe , Zhao Lei , Lin Jin‐Shun , Jiang Yuyang
Published: February 2021

A Y(OTf)3‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of 1,3,5‐triazinanes with donor‐acceptor aziridines has been developed, accessing diversely substituted imidazolidines high efficiency. Mechanistic investigations support the formation of imidazolidines through an SN1‐like pathway. Furthermore, these imidazolidines exhibit promising anti‐tumor activity against a series of human cancer cell lines.

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