bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Divergence of the Novel Staphylococcal Species Staphylococcus argenteus
Authors: Wu Shi , Pang Rui , Huang Jiahui , Zhang Feng , Cai Zhihe , Zhang Jumei , Chen Moutong , Xue Liang , Gu Qihui , Wang Juan , Ding Yu , Wan Qiang , Wu Qingping
Published: November 2021

Currently, invasive infections caused by Staphylococcus argenteus, which is a recently named staphylococcal species, are increasingly reported worldwide. However, only a few genomic studies of S. argenteus have offered comprehensive information regarding its genetic diversity, epidemiological characteristics, antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), virulence genes and other profiles. Here, we describe a comparative genomic analysis by population structure, pangenome, panmobilome, region-specific accessory genes confer an adaptive advantage in 153 S. argenteus strains which comprised 24 strains sequenced in this study and 129 strains whose genome sequences were available from GenBank. As a result, the population of S. argenteus comprised seven genetically distinct clades, including two major clades (C1 and C2), with distinct isolation source patterns. Pangenome analysis revealed that S. argenteus has an open pangenome composed of 7,319 genes and a core genome composed of 1,508 genes. We further determined the distributions of 75 virulence factors (VFs) and 30 known ARGs and identified at least four types of plasmids and 93 complete or partial putative prophages. It indicate that S. argenteus may show a similar level of pathogenicity to that of S. aureus. This study also provides insights into the evolutionary divergence of this pathogen, indicating that the geographical distribution was a potential driving force behind the evolutionary divergence of S. argenteus. The preferential horizontal acquisition of particular elements, such as staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec elements and plasmids, was observed in specific regions, revealing potential gene exchange between S. argenteus strains and local S. aureus strains. Moreover, multiple specific genes related to environmental adaptation were identified in strains isolated from East Asia. However, these findings may help promote our understanding of the evolutionary divergence of this bacterium at a high genetic resolution by providing insights into the epidemiology of S. argenteus and may help combat its spread.
Prognostic Potential of Secreted Modular Calcium-Binding Protein 1 in Low-Grade Glioma
Authors: Wang Jing , Xia Shu , Zhao Jing , Gong Chen , Xi Qingsong , Sun Wei
Published: November 2021

Background: Secreted modular calcium-binding protein 1 (SMOC1) belongs to a family of matricellular proteins; it was involved in embryo development, endothelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis, integrin–matrix interactions, cell adhesion, and regulation of glucose metabolism. Previous studies showed that the expression of SMOC1 was increased in some tumors. However, the prognostic value and the biological function of SMOC1 in tumor remain unclear.

Methods: In this study, we explored the expression profile and prognostic value of SMOC1 in pan-cancers, especially glioma, via multiple databases, including Oncomine, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive 2, PrognoScan, Kaplan–Meier plotter, and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas database. Furthermore, LinkedOmics was used to identify the genes coexpressed with SMOC1 and to perform Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways and Gene Ontology analysis in low-grade glioma (LGG). Also, the Cancer Single-Cell State Atlas database was used to evaluate the correlation between SMOC1 expression and functional state activities in glioma cells. In addition, the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource and TISIDB databases were used to evaluate the correlations between SMOC1 expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.

Results: Compared with normal brain tissues, the expression of SMOC1 was increased in LGG tissues. The higher expression of SMOC1 was significantly correlated with better survival of LGG patients. Additionally, functional analyses showed that the SMOC1 coexpressed genes were inhibited in processes such as response to type I interferon and interferon-gamma, lymphocyte-mediated immunity, leukocyte migration, adaptive immune response, neutrophil-mediated immunity, T cell activation, and pathways including EMC–receptor interaction, Th17 cell differentiation, and leukocyte trans-endothelial migration in LGG. Moreover, the expression of SMOC1 was correlated with stemness, hypoxia, EMT, and metastasis of glioma cells. Additionally, the expression of SMOC1 expression was negatively correlated with levels of infiltrating B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells, and gene markers of most immune cells in LGG.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that SMOC1 could be a potential biomarker to determine prognosis and might play a specific role in the tumor microenvironment of glioma, thereby influencing the development and progression of glioma. These findings provide some new insights for further investigation.
Association Between Myasthenia Gravis and Memory: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Xiaoling , Zhou Yifei , Hua Jianian , Xue Qun
Published: November 2021

Objective: The studies have produced contradictory results regarding the association between myasthenia gravis (MG) and cognitive function, especially for the cognitive domains of memory. This meta-analysis was dedicated to exploring the association between MG and memory, which was represented by the immediate recall and delayed recall.

Methods: Using the random effects models, this study analyzed memory in MG based on data from the studies retrieved from four electronic databases from inception to February 2021. Disease severity was graded according to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification. We defined ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) (MGFA Grade I) as Class I, mild, and moderate generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) (MGFA Grade IIa, IIb, IIIa, and IIIb) as Class II.

Results: In total, eight studies of 274 patients and 211 healthy controls were included. The significant associations were found between MG and memory. Compared with the healthy control group, the patients with MG performed significantly worse in the terms of immediate recall [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.65, 95% CI = −0.97 to −0.33, P < 0.001, I2 = 64.1%] and delayed recall (SMD = −0.49, 95% CI = −0.88 to −0.1, P < 0.05, I2 = 76.3%). Compared with the patients with Class I MG, those with Class II MG did not have significantly different scores in immediate recall (SMD = −0.07, 95% CI = −0.35 to 0.21, P = 0.614, I2 = 0%) and delayed recall (SMD = 0.63, 95% CI = −0.29 to 1.55, P = 0.178, I2 = 87.9%).

Conclusion: The patients with MG showed lower memory performance, such as both immediate and delayed recall ability. There was no association between the severity of MG and memory. Future studies should address whether these associations are casual and modifiable.
Complexity Collapse, Fluctuating Synchrony, and Transient Chaos in Neural Networks With Delay Clusters
Authors: Tavakoli S. Kamyar , Longtin André
Published: November 2021

Neural circuits operate with delays over a range of time scales, from a few milliseconds in recurrent local circuitry to tens of milliseconds or more for communication between populations. Modeling usually incorporates single fixed delays, meant to represent the mean conduction delay between neurons making up the circuit. We explore conditions under which the inclusion of more delays in a high-dimensional chaotic neural network leads to a reduction in dynamical complexity, a phenomenon recently described as multi-delay complexity collapse (CC) in delay-differential equations with one to three variables. We consider a recurrent local network of 80% excitatory and 20% inhibitory rate model neurons with 10% connection probability. An increase in the width of the distribution of local delays, even to unrealistically large values, does not cause CC, nor does adding more local delays. Interestingly, multiple small local delays can cause CC provided there is a moderate global delayed inhibitory feedback and random initial conditions. CC then occurs through the settling of transient chaos onto a limit cycle. In this regime, there is a form of noise-induced order in which the mean activity variance decreases as the noise increases and disrupts the synchrony. Another novel form of CC is seen where global delayed feedback causes “dropouts,” i.e., epochs of low firing rate network synchrony. Their alternation with epochs of higher firing rate asynchrony closely follows Poisson statistics. Such dropouts are promoted by larger global feedback strength and delay. Finally, periodic driving of the chaotic regime with global feedback can cause CC; the extinction of chaos can outlast the forcing, sometimes permanently. Our results suggest a wealth of phenomena that remain to be discovered in networks with clusters of delays.
Effect of Galangal Essential Oil Emulsion on Quality Attributes of Cloudy Pineapple Juice
Authors: Zhou Wei , Sun Yuefang , Zou Liqiang , Zhou Lei , Liu Wei
Published: November 2021

Galangal essential oil is obtained from the rhizomes of galangal with proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties, which are valuable in the food industry. To explore the effect of galangal essential oil on the quality of pineapple juice, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4% galangal essential emulsion were added, and their influence on the physical stability, physicochemical properties, microbial quantity, and aroma profiles of cloudy pineapple juice were evaluated. The essential oil emulsion of galangal is a milky white liquid with a strong aroma of galangal. The pH values of emulsion increased from 4.35 to 5.05 with the increase in essential oil concentration, and there was no significant difference in the particle size of the pineapple juice. The results showed that the galangal essential oil emulsion was stable and the stability of the cloudy pineapple juice was significantly enhanced by the essential oil emulsion determined using LUMiSizer. The cloudy pineapple juice with a 0.2% essential oil emulsion showed the most stability during storage. The lightness of the cloudy pineapple juice increased instantly with the essential oil emulsion addition. In addition, the microbial quantity of the cloudy pineapple juice was decreased by the individual essential oil emulsion or combined with thermal treatment to hold a longer shelf life. The microbial counts in pineapple juice treated by 0.4% essential oil emulsion and thermal treatment only increased from 1.06 to 1.59 log CFU/ml after 4 days of storage at 25°C. Additionally, the pH and total soluble solids showed a slightly increasing trend; however, the value of titratable acidity, free radical scavenging capacity, and ascorbic acid content of the cloudy pineapple juice showed no significant change. Finally, the results of the electronic nose showed that the aroma components of the pineapple juice were changed by the essential oil emulsion and thermal treatment, and the difference was especially evident in the content of the sulfur, sulfur organic, and aromatics compounds. Consequently, the results indicated that galangal essential oil emulsion can be used as juice additives to improve the quality attributes and extend the shelf-life of cloudy pineapple juice.
Exosomal lncRNA UCA1 Derived From Pancreatic Stellate Cells Promotes Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer via the SOCS3/EZH2 Axis
Authors: Chi Yuan , Xin He , Liu Zhaoyu
Published: November 2021

Objective

Pancreatic cancer is associated with poor prognosis and dismal survival rates. This study aims to investigate roles of lncRNA UCA1-loaded exosomes secreted by pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) in Gemcitabine (Gem) resistance of pancreatic cancer under hypoxia, which involves the methylation of SOCS3 and EZH2 recruitment.

Methods

The exosomes were isolated from PSCs and hypoxic PSCs (HPSCs), and co-cultured with pancreatic cancer cells transduced with manipulated lncRNA UCA1, EZH2, and SOCS3. The interaction among lncRNA UCA1, EZH2, and SOCS3 was characterized by RIP and ChIP assays. Next, MTT assay, flow cytometry and TUNEL staining and Transwell assay were used to detect cell viability, apoptosis, invasion, and migration. Gem-resistant pancreatic cancer cell line (GemMIA-R3) was established, which was applied in a mouse xenograft model of pancreatic cancer, with MTT assay to determine Gem sensitivity.

Results

LncRNA UCA1 was highly expressed, while SOCS3 was poorly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues. Hypoxia induced activation of PSCs and promoted release of exosomes. LncRNA UCA1 delivered by hypoxic PSC-derived exosomes (HPSC-EXO) regulated histone methylation level in SOCS3 gene region through recruitment of EZH2. In vitro and in vivo experimental results confirmed that lncRNA UCA1-loaded HPSC-EXO promoted malignant phenotypes, inhibited apoptosis, and promoted Gem resistance of pancreatic cancer cells as well as tumorigenesis in mice.

Conclusion

Under hypoxic conditions, exosomes secreted by hypoxia-induced PSCs deliver lncRNA UCA1 into pancreatic cancer cells, where lncRNA UCA1 recruits EZH2 and regulates histone methylation level in SOCS3 gene region, thereby augmenting pancreatic cancer resistance to Gem.
Sanqi Oral Solution Mitigates Proteinuria in Rat Passive Heymann Nephritis and Blocks Podocyte Apoptosis via Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Wang Xiaowan , Liu Jinchu , Tian Ruimin , Zheng Bidan , Li Chuang , Huang Lihua , Lu Zhisheng , Zhang Jing , Mao Wei , Liu Bo , Bao Kun , Xu Peng
Published: November 2021

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is the most common pathological type in adult nephrotic syndrome where podocyte apoptosis was found to mediate the development of proteinuria. Sanqi oral solution (SQ), an effective Chinese herbal preparation clinically used in treatment of IMN for decades, plays an important role in reducing proteinuria, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated yet. The current study tested the hypothesis that SQ directly lessens proteinuria in IMN by reducing podocyte apoptosis. To investigate the effects of SQ, we established the experimental passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) rat model induced by anti-Fx1A antiserum in vivo and doxorubicin hydrochloride (ADR)-injured apoptotic podocyte model in vitro. SQ intervention dramatically reduced the level of proteinuria, together with the rat anti-rabbit IgG antibodies, complement C3, and C5b-9 deposition in glomerulus of PHN rats, accompanied by an elevation of serum albumin. Protein expression of synaptopodin, marker of podocyte injury, restored after SQ administration, whereas the electron microscopic analysis indicated that fusion of foot processes, and the pachynsis of glomerular basement membrane was markedly diminished. Further studies showed that SQ treatment could significantly inhibit podocyte apoptosis in PHN rats and ADR-injured podocytes, and protein levels of Cleaved Caspase-3 or the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 were significantly decreased with SQ treatment in vivo or in vitro. Moreover, we found that the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor-2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1) pathway mediated the anti-apoptosis effective of SQ in podocyte. Thus, SQ mitigates podocyte apoptosis and proteinuria in PHN rats via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
(+)-Dehydrovomifoliol Alleviates Oleic Acid-Induced Lipid Accumulation in HepG2 Cells via the PPARα–FGF21 Pathway
Authors: Xi Yiyuan , Zheng Jujia , Xie Wei , Xu Xiangwei , Cho Namki , Zhou Xudong , Yu Xiaomin
Published: November 2021

An overload of hepatic fatty acids, such as oleic acid is a key trigger of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we investigated whether Artemisia frigida, a valuable traditional medicine used to treat various diseases, could mitigate OA-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. Then, to identify the active substances in A. frigida, a phytochemistry investigation was conducted using a bioassay-guided isolation method. Consequently, one terpene (1) and one flavone (2) were identified. Compound 1 ((+)-dehydrovomifoliol) exhibited potent effects against lipid accumulation in OA-induced HepG2 cells, without causing cyto-toxicity. Notably, treatment with (+)-dehydrovomifoliol decreased the expression levels of three genes related to lipogenesis (SREBP1, ACC, and FASN) and increased those of three genes related to fatty acid oxidation (PPARα, ACOX1, and FGF21). In addition, similar results were observed for SREBP1, PPARα, and FGF21 protein levels. The effects of (+)-dehydrovomifoliol were partially reversed by treatment with the PPARα antagonist GW6471, indicating the important role of the PPARα–FGF21 axis in the effects of (+)-dehydrovomifoliol. Based on its effects on hepatic lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation signaling via the PPARα–FGF21 axis, (+)-dehydrovomifoliol isolated from A. frigida could be a useful early lead compound for developing new drugs for NAFLD prevention.
Analysis of Cardiac Vibration Signals Acquired From a Novel Implant Placed on the Gastric Fundus
Authors: Areiza-Laverde Henry , Dopierala Cindy , Senhadji Lotfi , Boucher Francois , Gumery Pierre Y. , Hernández Alfredo
Published: November 2021

The analysis of cardiac vibration signals has been shown as an interesting tool for the follow-up of chronic pathologies involving the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure (HF). However, methods to obtain high-quality, real-world and longitudinal data, that do not require the involvement of the patient to correctly and regularly acquire these signals, remain to be developed. Implantable systems may be a solution to this observability challenge. In this paper, we evaluate the feasibility of acquiring useful electrocardiographic (ECG) and accelerometry (ACC) data from an innovative implant located in the gastric fundus. In a first phase, we compare data acquired from the gastric fundus with gold standard data acquired from surface sensors on 2 pigs. A second phase investigates the feasibility of deriving useful hemodynamic markers from these gastric signals using data from 4 healthy pigs and 3 pigs with induced HF with longitudinal recordings. The following data processing chain was applied to the recordings: (1) ECG and ACC data denoising, (2) noise-robust real-time QRS detection from ECG signals and cardiac cycle segmentation, (3) Correlation analysis of the cardiac cycles and computation of coherent mean from aligned ECG and ACC, (4) cardiac vibration components segmentation (S1 and S2) from the coherent mean ACC data, and (5) estimation of signal context and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on both signals. Results show a high correlation between the markers acquired from the gastric and thoracic sites, as well as pre-clinical evidence on the feasibility of chronic cardiovascular monitoring from an implantable cardiac device located at the gastric fundus, the main challenge remains on the optimization of the signal-to-noise ratio, in particular for the handling of some sources of noise that are specific to the gastric acquisition site.
Characterization of Fusarium Spp. Inciting Vascular Wilt of Tomato and Its Management by a Chaetomium-Based Biocontrol Consortium
Authors: Pothiraj Govindan , Hussain Zakir , Singh Awani Kumar , Solanke Amolkumar U. , Aggarwal Rashmi , Ramesh Raman , Shanmugam Veerubommu
Published: November 2021

Though the vascular wilt of tomato caused by the species of Fusarium is globally reported to be a complex disease in certain countries, for example, India, our studies indicated that the disease is caused by either Fusarium oxysporum f. spp. lycopersici (Fol) or Fusarium solani (FS) with the Fol being widely prevalent. In assessing the genetic diversity of 14 Fol strains representing the four Indian states by the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averaging using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) amplicons, the strains distinguished themselves into two major clusters showing no correlation with their geographic origin. In pot experiments under polyhouse conditions, the seed dressing and soil application of a talc-based formulation of a biocontrol treatment, TEPF-Sungal-1 (Pseudomonas putida) + S17TH (Trichoderma harzianum) + CG-A (Chaetomium globosum), which inhibited Fol, was equally effective like the cell suspensions and was even better than the fungicidal mixture (copper oxychloride-0.25% + carbendazim-0.1%) in promoting the crop growth (52.3%) and reducing vascular wilt incidence (75%) over the control treatment, despite the challenge of inoculation with a highly pathogenic TOFU-IHBT strain. This was associated with significant expressions of the defense genes, indicating the induction of host resistance by a biocontrol consortium. In field experiments on two locations, the bioconsortium was highly effective in recording maximum mean fruit yields (54.5 and 60%) and a minimum mean vascular wilt incidence (37.5%) in comparison to the untreated control. Thus, Chaetomium-based bioconsortium demonstrated consistency in its performance across the two experiments in 2 years under the two field conditions.
Is Acquired Disgust More Difficult to Extinguish Than Acquired Fear? an Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Zeng Qing , Lv Lishan , Zheng Xifu
Published: November 2021

This study used the classical conditioned acquisition and extinction paradigm to compare which of the two emotions, acquired disgust and acquired fear, was more difficult to extinguish, based on behavioral assessments and the event-related potential (ERP) technique. Behavioral assessments revealed that, following successful conditioned extinction, acquired disgust was more difficult to extinguish. The ERP results showed that, at the early stage of P1, the amplitude of conditioned fear was significantly smaller than that of conditioned disgust, and both were significantly different from the amplitude under neutral conditions; at the middle stage of N2, the difference between the amplitudes of conditioned disgust and conditioned fear disappeared, but they were still significantly different from the amplitudes of conditioned neutral stimuli; at the late stage of P3, the difference between conditioned disgust and conditioned neutral stimuli disappeared, but the difference between conditioned fear and neutral stimuli remained, suggesting that acquired fear was more difficult to extinguish than acquired disgust in terms of how the brain works.
Graph Analysis of EEG Functional Connectivity Networks During a Letter-Speech Sound Binding Task in Adult Dyslexics
Authors: Fraga-González Gorka , Smit Dirk J. A. , Van der Molen Melle J. W. , Tijms Jurgen , Stam Cornelis J. , Geus Eco J. C. de , Van der Molen Maurits W.
Published: November 2021

We performed an EEG graph analysis on data from 31 typical readers (22.27 ± 2.53 y/o) and 24 dyslexics (22.99 ± 2.29 y/o), recorded while they were engaged in an audiovisual task and during resting-state. The task simulates reading acquisition as participants learned new letter-sound mappings via feedback. EEG data was filtered for the delta (0.5–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), and beta (13–30 Hz) bands. We computed the Phase Lag Index (PLI) to provide an estimate of the functional connectivity between all pairs of electrodes per band. Then, networks were constructed using a Minimum Spanning Tree (MST), a unique sub-graph connecting all nodes (electrodes) without loops, aimed at minimizing bias in between groups and conditions comparisons. Both groups showed a comparable accuracy increase during task blocks, indicating that they correctly learned the new associations. The EEG results revealed lower task-specific theta connectivity, and lower theta degree correlation over both rest and task recordings, indicating less network integration in dyslexics compared to typical readers. This pattern suggests a role of theta oscillations in dyslexia and may reflect differences in task engagement between the groups, although robust correlations between MST metrics and performance indices were lacking.
Lifestyle Behaviors and Suicide-Related Behaviors in Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Study Using the 2019 YRBS Data
Authors: Li Xiaozhi , Chi Guijun , Taylor Alyx , Chen Si-Tong , Memon Aamir R. , Zhang Yanjie , Song Yagang , Li Jinming , Luo Xun , Zou Liye
Published: November 2021

Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate the prevalence of lifestyle behaviors and suicide-related behaviors and the association between them using a nationally representative sample of adolescents from the USA.

Methods: 13,677 high school students aged 14-18 years were included in this cross-sectional study. The research data were retrieved from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System Survey in 2019. All data on age, sex, grade, race, physical activity, television time, fruit intake, and suicide-related behavior were self-reported by students. Logistic regression models were adopted to examine the association between lifestyle behaviors and the suicide-related behaviors.

Results: Students who played video/computer games for ≥2 h had higher risk of suicide attempt (OR = 1.55, 95%CI: 1.30-1.85). Daily sleep duration of ≤8 h was positively associated with considering a suicide attempt (OR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.62-2.43). In addition, participants who did not engage in any sport team were more likely to report considering a suicide attempt (OR = 1.50, 95%CI: 1.24-1.81).

Conclusion: This research suggests that some lifestyle behaviors (e.g., time for video or computer use, sleep duration, sports team participation, regular breakfast intake, and substance use) are associated with increased risk of suicidal behavior and ideation in high school students. To identify the specific effect of multiple lifestyle factors in influencing the risk of suicide-related behaviors in high school students, longitudinal studies are warranted in future.
Integrating the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior With the Stages of Change to Predict Exercise Among Chinese People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gao Min , Chen Ping , Sun Xinying , Feng XingLin , Fisher Edwin B.
Published: November 2021

Background: There have been very limited prospective studies examining social-cognitive models within stages of behavior change in the exercise domain.

Purpose: We examined the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), incorporating self-identity and descriptive norm constructs, to predict exercise behavior across the stages of change, in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Data were obtained from a longitudinal study. Multi-group structural equation modeling was used to estimate the association between extended TPB constructs and exercise within different stages groups.

Results: 647 individuals completed a self-report questionnaire at baseline and at 3 months follow-up. The extended TPB model explained 8–15% variance of exercise behavior and 42–81% variance of exercise intention within three stages groups in the cross-sectional design. The extended TPB model explained 4%-13% variance of exercise behavior and 42–66% variance of exercise intention in the longitudinal design. Intention was significantly related to exercise behavior in the pre-action and action stages. Self-identity, perceived behavioral control and descriptive norms were stronger predictors of intention in different stages.

Conclusion: Discontinuity patterns in the extended theory of planned behavior for the different stages groups were found. Intention was a significant predictor of exercise in the pre-action and action stages at 3 months.
Autonomous Obstacle Crossing Strategies for the Hybrid Wheeled-Legged Robot Centauro
Authors: De Luca Alessio , Muratore Luca , Raghavan Vignesh Sushrutha , Antonucci Davide , Tsagarakis Nikolaos G.
Published: November 2021

The development of autonomous legged/wheeled robots with the ability to navigate and execute tasks in unstructured environments is a well-known research challenge. In this work we introduce a methodology that permits a hybrid legged/wheeled platform to realize terrain traversing functionalities that are adaptable, extendable and can be autonomously selected and regulated based on the geometry of the perceived ground and associated obstacles. The proposed methodology makes use of a set of terrain traversing primitive behaviors that are used to perform driving, stepping on, down and over and can be adapted, based on the ground and obstacle geometry and dimensions. The terrain geometrical properties are first obtained by a perception module, which makes use of point cloud data coming from the LiDAR sensor to segment the terrain in front of the robot, identifying possible gaps or obstacles on the ground. Using these parameters the selection and adaption of the most appropriate traversing behavior is made in an autonomous manner. Traversing behaviors can be also serialized in a different order to synthesise more complex terrain crossing plans over paths of diverse geometry. Furthermore, the proposed methodology is easily extendable by incorporating additional primitive traversing behaviors into the robot mobility framework and in such a way more complex terrain negotiation capabilities can be eventually realized in an add-on fashion. The pipeline of the above methodology was initially implemented and validated on a Gazebo simulation environment. It was then ported and verified on the CENTAURO robot enabling the robot to successfully negotiate terrains of diverse geometry and size using the terrain traversing primitives.
Malignant Odontogenic Tumours: A Systematic Review of Cases Reported in Literature
Authors: Marin Constanza , Dave Manas , Hunter Keith D.
Published: November 2021

Background: Malignant odontogenic tumours (MOTs) arise either de novo from the tooth forming tissues, their developmental residues or from existing odontogenic epithelial or mesenchymal neoplasms in the jaws. Their management requires extensive surgery due to their infiltrative nature and risk of metastasis. There is a need to understand the clinical and pathological features of MOTs to inform both treatment algorithms and prognostication. This is an area of diagnostic pathology which presents substantial difficulties in diagnosis, compounded by inconsistent use of terminology. Thus, this systematic review aimed to describe the clinical and pathological features of MOTs with a view to consolidating the literature and defining problematic areas in diagnosis and classification.

Methods: An electronic database search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, and Embase. Additionally, the grey literature and reference lists of selected papers searched for completeness. Nine hundred and sixty articles were initially identified. Following removal of duplicates and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 312 articles were included for qualitative analysis.

Results: The 312 articles encompassed a total of 507 patients with most lesions located within the mandible (74.3%). The most common first histological diagnosis was ameloblastic carcinoma (25.7% of all diagnoses), but there is considerable variation in how and when various diagnostic terms are used, and several misdiagnoses were reported. An initial benign diagnosis was made in 24.7% of patients, followed by a later malignant diagnosis and in this sub-group, the most common benign first diagnosis was ameloblastoma (42.4%). Cervical lymph nodes were the most common site of metastasis (9.3% of patients). With respect to distant metastasis (DM), the lungs were the most common organ affected (11.2% of DM patients) with metastasising ameloblastoma the most commonly reported tumour which metastasised to the lungs. Overall, 26.8% of patients developed recurrence.

Conclusion: Overall, the quality of the literature on MOTs is poor. This review of the literature has highlighted variations in diagnostic terms and criteria which has resulted in areas of confusion with potential for misdiagnosis. This consolidation of primary data has identified key areas for targeted research including further discussion on the malignant potential of ameloblastoma.
Combination of Aerial, Satellite, and UAV Photogrammetry for Quantifying Rock Glacier Kinematics in the Dry Andes of Chile (30°S) Since the 1950s
Authors: Vivero Sebastián , Bodin Xavier , Farías-Barahona David , MacDonell Shelley , Schaffer Nicole , Robson Benjamin Aubrey , Lambiel Christophe
Published: November 2021

The diachronic analysis of aerial and satellite imagery, uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) andin situsurveys obtained between 1956 and 2019 are employed to analyse landform surface kinematics for the Tapado site located in the Dry Andes of Chile. A feature tracking procedure was used between series of orthorectified and co-registered images to calculate surface velocities on several ice-debris landforms, including rock glaciers and debris-covered glaciers. For the active rock glaciers, the results exhibit typical viscous flow, though local destabilisation process seems to occur, increased velocities since 2000 (>1 m/yr) and terminus advance. Nevertheless, the debris-covered glaciers displays heterogeneous spatial patterns of surface velocities, together with collapse (downwasting) associated with the development of thermokarst depressions and supraglacial ponds. Our findings show that surface kinematics and multitemporal observations derived from different sensors are valuable tools for differentiating between glacial and periglacial features. The pluri-decadal time series since 1956 constitute a unique dataset for documenting the surface kinematics of creeping mountain permafrost in the Southern Hemisphere. The approach developed in this work offers a way forward to reconstruct the recent behaviour of glacial and periglacial features in the Andes, where archival aerial photographs are available but have not previously been processed rigorously to obtain an accurate assessment of landform kinematics.
Prevalence of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in Ovine and Caprine Flocks: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Diao Nai-Chao , Chen Zi-Yang , Shi Jun-Feng , Wang Qi , Sheng Chen-Yan , Ma Bao-Yi , Yang Yang , Sun Yu-Han , Shi Kun , Du Rui
Published: November 2021

Background: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is the causative agent of bovine viral diarrhea. It can infect cattle, sheep, pigs, and other animals, causing diarrhea, miscarriage, and stillbirth, among other symptoms, and it can result in huge economic losses to animal husbandry. There are reports on BVDV infection rates in sheep and goat herds from all over the world and this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for BVDV in sheep and goats.

Results: Using the data of 41,297 sheep and goats in 24 countries/regions to calculate a comprehensive prevalence rate for BVDV. The overall prevalence of BVDV infection in sheep and goats was estimated to be 8.6% (95% CI: 5.2–12.7) by immunological methods and 7.3% (95% CI: 2.7–13.7) by molecular methods. Analysis by national income level revealed that prevalence is higher in middle-income countries than in high-income countries (P < 0.05). The study also compared prevalence rates by species of BVDV, sampling year, and test species, but did not find significant differences.

Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis is the first to determine the global prevalence of BVDV in ovine and caprine flocks. The prevalence of BVDV in sheep and goat populations varies from region to region, and the situation is not optimistic in some countries.
Uncovering a Key Role of ETS1 on Vascular Abnormality in Glioblastoma
Authors: Tang Jiefu , Li Yaling , Liu Boxuan , Liang Wei , Hu Sanbao , Shi Meilian , Zeng Jie , Li Mingzhen , Huang Minjiang
Published: November 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive type of brain tumor. Microvascular proliferation and abnormal vasculature are the hallmarks of the GBM, aggravating disease progression and increasing patient morbidity. Here, we uncovered a key role of ETS1 on vascular abnormality in glioblastoma. ETS1 was upregulated in endothelial cells from human tumors compared to endothelial cells from paired control brain tissue. Knockdown of Ets1 in mouse brain endothelial cells inhibited cell migration and proliferation, and suppressed expression of genes associated with vascular abnormality in GBM. ETS1 upregulation in tumor ECs was dependent on TGFβ signaling, and targeting TGFβ signaling by inhibitor decreased tumor angiogenesis and vascular abnormality in CT-2A glioma model. Our results identified ETS1 as a key factor regulating tumor angiogenesis, and suggested that TGFβ inhibition may suppress the vascular abnormality driven by ETS1.
Hybrid Perovskite/Polymer Materials: Preparation and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Kafetzi Martha , Pispas Stergios , Mousdis George
Published: November 2021

The aim of this work is to investigate the preparation, the optical properties, and the stability over time of a colloidal organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite (CH3NH3PbBr3)/random copolymer P(MMA-co-DMAEMA) system. Different ratios of perovskite to copolymer were used to study its effect on stability and properties. The optical properties were investigated by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Dynamic light scattering was used to determine the size, and the size polydispersity of the colloidal hybrid particles; while morphology was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Photoluminescence decay studies revealed the interaction of the random copolymer with the perovskite. Finally, thin-films were prepared, to investigate the optical properties of the samples in the absence of the solvent. High temporal stability of the optical properties of thin hybrid films was observed under certain conditions.
TikTok’s Spiral of Antisemitism
Authors: Weimann Gabriel , Masri Natalie
Published: November 2021

The growing presence of antisemitism on social media platforms has become more prominent in recent years. Yet, while most of the scholarly attention has been focused on leading platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, the extremist immigration to other platforms like TikTok went unnoticed. TikTok is the fastest-growing application today, attracting a huge audience of 1.2 billion active users, mostly children and teenagers. This report is based on two studies, conducted in 2020 and 2021, applying a systematic content analysis of TikTok videos, comments, and even usernames. Data were collected twice, in two four-month periods, February–May 2020 and February–May 2021, to allow for comparisons of changes and trends over time. Our findings highlighted the alarming presence of extreme antisemitic messages in video clips, songs, comments, texts, pictures, and symbols presented in TikTok’s content. TikTok’s algorithm is even more disconcerting since it leads to a spiral of hate: it pushes users who unintentionally view disturbing content to view more. Considering TikTok’s young demographic, these findings are more than alarming; TikTok even fails to apply its own Terms of Service, which do not allow content “deliberately designed to provoke or antagonize people, or are intended to harass, harm, hurt, scare, distress, embarrass or upset people or include threats of physical violence”.
INDEX METHOD IN MODERN STUDIES OF MONEY CIRCULATION OF UKRAINE
Authors: POHORIELOVA Tetiana , TARASOVA Krystyna
Published: November 2021

The article discusses the theoretical and practical issues of using the index method when conducting statistical monitoring of money circulation. The essence and basic concepts of monetary circulation in Ukraine are disclosed.  It was found that cash flows and the amount of money in the economic system act as an important regulator of material production and all economic processes, which made it possible to build and characterize two- and three-factor deterministic GDP models for 2019‒2020. For this purpose, such indicators of monetary circulation as the average annual size of the money supply, cash, and the share of cash in the money supply, the speed of money supply and the speed of cash are calculated. For each model, an algorithm for assessing the impact of these indicators on the absolute change in Ukraine’s GDP by index methods of chain substitutions and the isolated influence of factors is presented and implemented. The advantages and disadvantages of index methods are shown both from the point of view of statistical calculations and from the point of view of economic concepts of money circulation. Calculations show that the growth of the money supply has a positive effect on the dynamics of the country’s GDP in 2020, and the rate indicators, on the contrary, reduce the GDP growth. In modern studies of monetary circulation, it is advisable to use the index method to identify the isolated influence of factors on the absolute growth of Ukraine’s GDP. The same method allows us to reveal how the effect of interaction between the rate of turnover of the money supply and its volume is distributed, depending on their separate influence. With this approach, each factor is provided with the same calculation conditions, the results do not depend on the economic nature of indicators and the order of their location in the original GDP model, there are no contradictions to the economic postulates of monetary circulation, although the problems of choosing a research method and its justification are still open.
MAKING LOGISTICS DECISIONS IN ENTERPRISE ENERGY SUPPLY
Authors: PUDYCHEVA Halyna
Published: November 2021

The article identifies the main logistics decisions that are to be made at the enterprise level to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of their energy system. The purpose of the article is to determine the main logistics decisions, which have to be made by enterprises in order to improve the efficiency of the functioning of energy supply chains. To achieve this goal, the following general scientific methods are used: analysis, synthesis, systematization, theoretical generalization, abstraction and analogy. The article considers such logistics solutions in the energy supply of enterprises as: planning the amount for energy services need, the choice of the energy consumption alternative, the alternative «make or buy», and the choice of supplier. The characteristics of each of these logistic solutions are given and alternatives for their adoption are considered. The factors that should be taken into account when planning the needs of enterprises in energy services are summarized. It is determined what initial data should be considered at planning of the need, and also methods which can be applied. Four variants of consumption of energy services with centralized energy supply are identified. It is proved that the priority type of energy for consumers is electricity. It is proved that the priority type for consumers is electric energy, the factors influencing the choice of the energy supply option are determined. The managerial alternative «make or buy» in the energy supply of enterprises is characterized. The advantages and disadvantages of own productions of energy services are determined. A sequence of ten stages in choosing the option of own production of energy services is developed by the author. The factors influencing the choice of energy service provider for enterprises are summarized. The scheme for selecting process an energy service provider is proposed, which includes nine stages and allows managers to make an optimal logistic decision
IDENTIFICATION OF URBAN CONFLICTS IN THE STRUCTURE OF HISTORICAL BUILDING OF SMALL TOWNS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF VALUYKI, BELGOROD REGION)
Authors: Rizaeva M. , Ladik E. , Perkova M. , Bik O.
Published: November 2021

Today, there is a need to assess the historical development of small cities in Russia in order to identify urban planning conflicts in the urban environment and determine promising directions for their resolution. This study is aimed at analyzing existing urban planning conflicts and disclosing the resource potential of the territory of historical buildings in the center of a small town on the example of Valuyki, Belgorod region. The authors uses conflictological and complex approaches. The analysis of the planning, functional and transport structure of the city is carried out. The analysis of the cultural heritage objects of the historical center based on historical and cultural reference plan of the city center is compiled. The current state of the riverside territories of the river Valuy in the central part of the city has been reviewed. A number of urban-ecological conflicts leading to the degradation of the coastal zone have been identified. Urban planning conflicts of the city center (social-functional, land-use, transport, etc.) are also identified and classified, their types are determined by the type of location (linear, point, areal), their participants and possible directions for their solution are identified. The promising directions of the development of the historical center of the city and the likelihood of the emergence of new types of activities for cultural heritage sites have been determined.
TO THE QUESTION OF STUDING UNDERGROUND ARCHITECTURE OF CHRISTIANITY
Authors: Borisov S. , Ragulina A.
Published: November 2021

Underground architecture, spiritually and historically connected with Christianity, is of undoubted interest for research. This trend in architecture forms a number of distinctive typological groups. objects associated with Christian shrines dating back to the first centuries of the new era are among them. Underground architecture includes individual cave temples, martyrias, large monastic complexes, objects that combine secular and liturgical orientation. Crypts and temple subfloors correspond to the subject under consideration. Despite the evidence of significant spiritual, construction and technological limitations, there is considerable freedom in the layout of liturgical spaces in the architecture of underground churches. Many objects belonging to the pre-iconoclastic period or to the synodal period of the Russian Church are compositional solutions and their ideological and symbolic justifications that are not found in aboveground churches. Combining the typological groups of the underground architecture of Christianity into a holistic study seems fruitful for understanding the origins and developing the principles of the development of a unique and little-known component of temple architecture. In this article, authors substantiate the relevance of a comprehensive analysis of the underground architecture of Christianity. Authors have determined the purpose of the study – the study of theoretical and theological foundations and the development of a methodology for the modern development of the tradition of underground architecture of Christianity. The purpose of our work is structured into logically related groups of local tasks. The research methodology is based on a theological approach that justifies architectural and compositional features based on historical, theological and practical liturgical positions.
The story of what might have been: Interrogating Romeo and Juliet under the Portuguese dictatorship
Authors: Rayner Francesca
Published: November 2021

In 1969, Teatro Estúdio de Lisboa performed Anatomy of a Love Story, an interrogation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet for a generation politicized by their struggles against the dictatorship. This article delineates a narrative of what might have been if this incipient attempt to stage a more inclusive political theatre had prevailed, illustrating how attributions of success and failure to performances during this period need to be contextualized within the limitations imposed by censorship on the one hand, and, on the other, an evocation of a class-based popular theatre that excluded questions of gender and sexuality.
Information security threats to telecommunications systems in modern conditions.
Authors:   Moscow International University, Keldysh N. V. , Golubev A. Y. ,   Equitas Center for the Study of Problems of Russian Law
Published: November 2021

this article discusses modern security threats over telecommunications channels, which are a set of conditions and factors that create a potential or real possibility of affecting stored, processed or transmitted data, resources used and technical means.