bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medidores Inteligentes de Consumo Baseados numa Estrategia de Sensoriamento de Multidão
Authors: Rocha Fábio Rodrigues de la , Wangham Michelle
Published: July 2021

Medidores inteligentes tornam mais transparente o uso da energia, minimizando gastos e identificando perdas e furtos. Estes medidores têm um custo alto e necessitam ainda de uma infraestrutura de comunicação para enviar os dados do consumidor até a prestadora de serviço. Este trabalho explora o amplo uso de smartphones para analisar uma solução alternativa baseada em sensoriamento de multidão para a obtenção dos dados de consumo. Neste artigo, são apresentadas as vantagens e desafios que esse novo modelo de medição de consumo apresenta, bem como uma prova de conceito que ilustra o funcionamento da solução proposta e que avalia a sua aplicabilidade.
O Impacto de Algoritmos Inteligentes em uma Empresa de Tecnologia: Méliuz
Authors: Dias-Neto Arilo C. , Fernandes Daniel , Wagner Kaio
Published: July 2021

Méliuz é uma startup de tecnologia que se tornou em 2020 a primeira a abrir ações (IPO) na Bolsa de Valores Brasileira. Muito do seu crescimento se deve à adoção de produtos baseados em algoritmos inteligentes e a adequação do processo de desenvolvimento de tais produtos à estratégia de negócio da empresa. Este artigo descreve o histórico do surgimento de um time responsável por desenvolver tais soluções usando algoritmos inteligentes, o processo para o desenvolvimento de tais soluções, exemplificado em dois produtos, e alguns resultados mensuráveis dos impactos que tais produtos têm gerado em métricas de negócio da empresa.
Das Symposion
Authors: Pfeiffer K. Ludwig
Published: July 2021

Fausts Frage, was die Welt im Innersten zusammenhält, ist häufig gesellschaftstheoretisch gedeutet worden. So verstanden macht sie die Kohäsionskräfte des sozialen Ganzen im Spannungsfeld von Individuum und Gemeinschaft zum Problem. Angesichts der aktuellen Verschärfung politischer, ökonomischer und kultureller Konflikte stellt sie sich brennender denn je. Ludwig K. Pfeiffers Buch wirft die genannte Frage in provokanter Weise auf. Es erhebt das Symposion, das Trinkgelage im frühen und klassischen Athen, zum Modell einer gelungenen Stiftung von Solidarität und spürt seinen Verwandlungen oder problematischen Ersatzformen in kultur-, sozial- und literaturgeschichtlicher Quellen nach. Pfeiffer identifiziert kritische Schwellen vor allem im 18. sowie im 20. Jahrhundert und erörtert, ob gegenwärtig Potentiale einer Versöhnung von Individualismus und Kommunitarismus existieren.
Die Fremdheit des Rechts
Authors: Vischer Benedict
Published: July 2021

Vielfältige Modalitäten des Appells, der Unterbrechung und Transzendenz konfigurieren die Erfahrung des Rechts. Der Anspruch, das gesellschaftliche Verfügen zu überschreiten, vermittelt rechtlichen Strukturen ausgeprägte Tendenzen der Entfremdung. Doch die ärgerliche Widerständigkeit gegenüber dem unbefangenen Denken und Handeln bekundet auch beharrlich die Grenzen des herrschenden Bewusstseins und meldet dahinter die Ansprüche des Ausgeschlossenen, Übersehenen und Unvernommenen an. Durch die vermachtete Dürftigkeit gegebener Rechtsverhältnisse hindurch nährt Recht so den befreienden Sinn für das Andere. Höchst prekär, immer ungewiss, aber eben darin unauslöschlich.

In der Rekonstruktion einer unterbelichteten Linie moderner Rechtstheorie, die vom Deutschen Idealismus zum Alteritätsdenken des 20. Jahrhunderts führt, erkundet die Studie das schillernde Versprechen rechtlicher Fremdheit.
Accuracy of Brain MRI Interpretation of Emergency Medicine Specialists Versus Radiologist and Neurologist in Suspected Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients; a Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: Abdollahi Atefeh , Aarabi Sepideh , Safaie Arash , Naser Moghadasi Abdorreza , Vahedi Mohammad Sadegh , Pourghorban Ramin
Published: July 2021

Background: Despite numerous brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilization in the emergency department (ED), certainly, imaging alone is not enough, and it is necessary to have a correct interpretation by a physician who has sufficient skills in this regard. Objectives: Here, we decided to investigate the accuracy of interpreting brain MRI of suspected acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients conducted by emergency medicine physicians (EMPs) in comparison with a radiologist and a neurologist. Methods: This diagnostic accuracy study was conducted from April to November 2019 in Tehran, Iran. All attending EMPs of one major educational, medical center, a radiologist, and a neurologist also participated. A set of brain MRI stereotypes related to patients suspected of having a AIS was randomly selected. By reviewing the brain MRI interpretation of EMPs, once in comparison with the radiologist and once in comparison with the neurologist, misinterpretations (presence or absence of findings compatible with the diagnosis of AIS) were extracted. Results: Brain MRI stereotypes of 287 suspected AIS patients were interpreted of these patients, 160 cases (55.7%) were male. The mean age of the study patients was 65.0 ± 14.1 (range of 18 to 98) years. The value of the agreement for diagnosis between EMPs and neurologists was 0.684 (95% CI: 0.580 to 0.787). Considering the neurologist as the gold standard, the accuracy of AIS diagnosis by the EMPs was 0.85% (95% CI: 79.3 to 89.6). The agreement value for diagnosis between EMPs and radiologist was 0.673 (95% CI: 0.553 to 0.794). Considering the radiologist as the gold standard, the accuracy of AIS diagnosis by the EMPs was 86.3% (95% CI: 79.8 to 91.3). The agreement value for diagnosis in these two groups was 0.752 (95% CI: 0.627 to 0.877). Conclusions: The findings of the current study revealed that the accuracy of brain MRI interpretation performed by the EMPs, compared with both neurologist and radiologist was proper.
Kant über inneren Sinn, Zeitanschauung und Selbstaffektion
Authors: Luo Xi
Published: July 2021

The aim of this research is to explore what relations self-affection bears to the intuitions of inner sense. I propose that self-affection makes some contribution to formal intuitions and empirical consciousness by arguing that the functions of self-affection consist respectively in conceptualising and conscious-making. I begin by examining Kant’s concept of inner sense and point out that inner sense as a receptive faculty depends on self-affection. In so doing, I emphasise that self-affection includes both a pure and an empirical aspect which corresponds to Kant’s distinction between the transcendental synthesis of imagination and the empirical synthesis of apprehension. Then, I focus on the pure aspect and argue that the conceptualising function involved in the pure self-affection is decisive for the generation of formal intuition. In particular, I explain why the formal intuition of time depends on the intuition of space and how it is constituted by drawing a line. After that, I turn to analysing the empirical aspect of self-affection and show that by virtue of the empirical synthesis of apprehension one is aware of both the empirical contents of representations and the mental actions performed on them, whereby I suggest that this empirical conscious-making function can be understood as an act of distinguishing from a mereological point of view.
Opportunities for sustainable economic development in coastal territories of the Baltic Sea Region in the context of digital transformation
Authors: Roos Goran , Kubina Natalia Ye. , Farafonova Yulia Yu.
Published: July 2021

The article explores opportunities for the sustainable economic development of coastal territories in the Baltic Sea region (BSR) arising in blue economy sectors in the framework of digital transformation. The study argues that more active commercialisation of territorial resources can facilitate the sustainable economic development of the BSR coastal territories, following digitally-driven innovations. The paper provides an overview of methodological approaches to territorial sustainability. It also assesses the 2009—2018 level of the socio-economic development of the BSR coastal territories, underpins the importance of the blue economy and highlights the role of digital transformation in reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the BSR through digitally-driven innovations. A comparative and problem-targeted statistics analyses show significant differences in the dynamics of socio-economic development in the BSR coastal territories with their GRP per capita being generally lower than the national or macroregional average. A review of literature on sustainable development in the BSR has shown that a more active use of the unique resources of coastal territories along with a technology-driven growth of the blue economy sectors can counterbalance the negative impact of the uneven development of these territories on the progress towards the SDGs in the BSR. Increasing the competitiveness of the BSR coastal territories requires investment in digital solutions in the blue economy sectors and building communication infrastructure. The review of key innovations in the blue economy sectors shows that their implementation gives impetus to other industries by reducing costs, creating new jobs, and improving the quality of products and services.
Depopulation of coastal rural Lithuania: do regional parks stabilise the situation?
Authors: Verkulevičiūtė-Kriukienė Daiva , Bučienė Angelija , Čepienė Erika
Published: July 2021

Regional parks in Lithuania preserve the most valuable physical and cultural components of the landscape, NATURA 2000 habitats, etc. They are usually located in natural or semi-natural landscapes of rural areas. These territories, however, have a higher depopulation rate than urbanised districts. Still, conservation priority areas were expected to attract young families as permanent residents and make their population more stable. This study aims to investigate changes in the rural population in three regional parks of the Klaipėda county to determine the number of abandoned villages (with no residents) and vanishing ones (with a population < 5), as compared to territories with no conservation regime. The article examines migration as one of the determinants of depopulation. The analysis of national and local statistics, institutional documents, and structured interviews revealed that the conservation regime applied in regional parks did not necessarily encourage local people to stay or newcomers to arrive. Proximity to the sea and towns with developed social infrastructure remains a priority when looking for a residence in the countryside.
On scaling of Schrödinger equation and some results for heavy quarks mesons
Authors: Fabiano Nicola , Radenović Stojan
Published: July 2021

We consider the scaling of the Schrödinger equation in order to explicitly compute the energy density levels for a specific class of potentials. The resulting eigenvalues spectrum is compared to the heavy quarks mesons spectroscopy, showing a fair agreement with experimental data for the J/ps and, for the heavier case Y, an excellent agreement with the experimental data.
Contramapas del Camino. Memorias del habitar
Authors: Freire Estella , Franco Vázquez Carmen , Rajal Alonso Candela
Published: July 2021

El siguiente artículo pone de manifiesto la importancia de educar en el contexto y en la vida en común para la construcción de una memoria colectiva, restableciendo los vínculos identitarios, preservando el pasado de nuestras comunidades y reformulando el presente. A través del proyecto educativo Contramapas del Camino. Memorias del habitar llevado a cabo en diferentes contextos rurales pertenecientes al Camino de Santiago, se proponen una serie de acciones y metodologías artísticas que implican a los habitantes en los procesos de recuperación de la memoria vinculada a estos lugares. Este proyecto, desarrollado desde el Departamento de Didáctica de la Expresión Plástica de la Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, forma parte del programa O teu Xacobeo impulsado y financiado por la Xunta de Galicia. El objetivo principal es el de potenciar y hacer más visible el papel de la Educación Artística y de los procesos creativos como herramientas de análisis en el desarrollo de propuestas interdisciplinares. Los paneles presentados como Cartografías de la Memoria Popular sintetizan la documentación gráfico-visual generada a partir de los diferentes talleres y de las producciones y narrativas analizadas.

The following article highlights the importance of educating in the context and in common life for the construction of a collective memory, reestablishing identity bonds, preserving the past of our communities and reformulating the present. Through the educational project Contramapas del Camino. Memories of the way of living, carried out in different rural contexts belonging to the Camino de Santiago, we propose a series of artistic actions and methodologies that involve the inhabitants in the processes of recovery of memory linked to these places. This project, developed by the Didactics of Visual Expression Department of the University of Santiago de Compostela, is part of the O teu Xacobeo programme promoted and financed by the Xunta de Galicia. The main objective is to empower and make more visible the role of Artistic Education and creative processes as tools of analysis in the development of interdisciplinary proposals. The panels presented as Cartografías de la Memoria Popular (Cartographies of Popular Memory), synthesize the graphic-visual documentation generated from the different workshops and from the productions and narratives analyzed.
¿De qué se viste el cuerpo en el arte de acción? Performance y memoria a través de la indumentaria
Authors: Sánchez-Guzmán Eva , Nicolás Martínez Violeta
Published: July 2021

El presente texto está motivado por las inquietudes artísticas que mantienen las autoras ante la performance por un lado y la indumentaria por otro. Por ello, asumiendo la función simbólica del vestirse, el objetivo general ha sido entender la vestimenta como parte simbólica de la acción. Para ello, hemos visionado y consultado las obras clave en la historia de la performance además de otras más contemporáneas para centrar el estudio en acciones en las que vestirse posee también un carácter de reparación de la memoria. Concluimos observando que este tipo de acciones ha permitido a mujeres artistas reclamar la posesión de su propio cuerpo, revisar la historia patriarcal, y reivindicar un lugar propio en la sociedad. El texto recoge, así mismo, dos acciones de las autoras pues entendemos que nuestra investigación artística parte, tal como hemos indicado, de nuestra propia práctica.

The following text originates in the artistic inquisitiveness the authors share with respect to performance, on one hand, and clothing on the other. Hence, presuming a symbolic function within attire, our general goal has been to understand clothing as a symbolic part of the action. With this purpose, we have watched and accessed the most meaningful works in the history of performance art, as well as others more attuned to contemporaneity, to focus the analysis on actions in which clothing also has a veneer of memory reparation. We conclude by observing that this type of actions allowed women artists to claim ownership of their very bodies, to amend patriarchal history, and to stake their place in society. In addition, the text gathers two actions by the authors of this essay, since we understand that our artistic research, as we have specified, begins in our own artistic practice.
A community-based drop-in service for NHS health checks: evaluation of uptake
Authors: Chapman Jacob , Whittaker Paula Jane
Published: July 2021

Background: A community-based drop-in service aimed to deliver cardiovascular health checks to people living in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation. Methods: Retrospective cohort study using data collected from 1092 cardiovascular health checks performed across a one-year time period in community venues across the city of Manchester. Participants were adults aged between 40–74 years, with no pre-existing cardiovascular disease who were registered with a primary care centre within the intervention catchment area.Results: Of the total eligible population in Manchester across the study period 110194, it was found 7025(6.4%) had a cardiovascular health check, of these 1092(29%) were performed by the community-based service. Attendance was highest in younger females aged 40-45. Most patients were either in a managerial/professional occupation or unemployed. The higher risk population of cardiovascular disease (CVD were in highest attendance. Amongst the registered attendees, the checks discovered 129 new cases of hypertension, 64 new cases of type 2 diabetes, the vast majority of patients required an additional form of intervention, be that lifestyle or behaviour.  Conclusions: A community-based cardiovascular check service is a viable method of delivering CD prevention intervention in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation.
AKTUELNOST FIHTEOVOG POIMANJA TRANSCENDENTALNOG JA I PSIHOLOŠKOG JA ZA SAVREMENU FILOZOFIJU DUHA
Authors: Jurić Andrija
Published: July 2021

Autor u radu istražuje mesto, ulogu i značaj transcendentalnog Ja u Fihteovom sistemu učenja o nauci, s teorijskog stanovišta. Ono će biti sagledano kroz ideje apsolutnog, neuslovljenog načela, reziduuma apstrakcije i proizvoda zbiljske radnje, kao i ideja ideelnog zraka i transcendentalnog momenta u psihičkoj svesti; dok će se apsolutno Ja prikazati kao aktivnost spontaniteta uma, zaključno sa Ja u refleksiji. Ono će se ispostaviti kao istovreme- no, s jedne strane, čisto, transcendentalno i logičko, a s druge kao konkretno i individualno. Zahvaljujući ovakvoj svojoj dualnoj prirodi, ono omogućuje samosvest kao sui generis, ra- zličitu od predmetne svesti i slobodno delanje, kao agens. Ova interpretacija Fihteovih ideja ima za cilj da ih učini pristupačnijim, plodnim i relevantnim za analizu u svetlu savremene filozofije duha, analitičke i kontinentalne, kao i povezivanje nekih od glavnih pojmova. Dalje isticanje značaja ideja učenja o nauci i problema egološke i neegološke svesti, biće razrađeno na drugom mestu.
On the chronotope of the ethno-music worldview of the Kalmyks
Authors: Tyumbeeva Gilyana Erdmtaevna
Published: July 2021

The research subject is the national parameters of the chronotope of the Kalmyk ethno-music worldview. In the mindset of the Mongolian language peoples, time and space are inseparable, interconnected, and interpenetrating. The chronotope composes a unique system of axes which is later complemented with other components of the national worldview. This explains the topicality of the research subject. The purpose of the research is to detect the music peculiarities of the national chronotope. The research is based on the previously studied manifestations of the national chronotope as a whole (the philological and linguistic aspect of the Kalmyk chronotope is studied by Ts. Ayushova, E. Golubeva, E. Omakayeva, V. Salykova, and others); the author systematizes them and establishes the most significant features. In the understanding and feeling of a nomad, a steppe-dweller, a Kalmyk, space is an unlimited, vast and extended category, which is measured not only horizontally, but also vertically. In the study of the music space patterns, the most significant are the properties of sound, its spatial and acoustic characteristics. The dominant idea in the interpretation of time within a Kalmyk worldview is repeatability, which manifests itself in a twelve-digit period of the national calendar and other things. The temporal properties of the national chronotope are concentrated in a binary opposition of two genres of singing: Ut dun (long song) and Akhr dun (short song). The music culture of the Kalmyks is one of the ways of semiotization of the space and time of the steppe world.   
Foreign trade entrepreneurial activity in modern Russian case law
Authors: Shatunov Evgenii Alekseevich
Published: July 2021

In the era of globalization, international trade relations are an integral part of the economy of majority of the countries, including the Russian Federation. Increase of the role of entrepreneurship in the sphere of foreign trade entails escalated disputes. This article reviews the theoretical aspects of law enforcement practice on the disputes associated with foreign trade entrepreneurial activity. Analysis is conducted on legal regulation of foreign trade entrepreneurial activity, as well as Russian case law in the corresponding sphere, namely disputes considered in arbitration court, and theoretical research on the matter. Methodological framework is comprised of the general scientific and private scientific methods of cognition (dialectical, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, comparative-legal, and historical-legal). The author concludes on the lack of uniformity in the approaches used by arbitration courts towards determining the law applicable to transboundary agreements. The creation of uniform case law on the controversial issues requires taking into account the existing law enforcement practice, as well as unifying them based on accumulated experience. For example, in the Russian Federation this process could be facilitated through corresponding clarifications on the level of resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation with explanations on the key contentious issues pertaining to the disputes in foreign trade entrepreneurial activity. The presented materials can be used in further consideration of disputes in the sphere of foreign trade entrepreneurship, as well as in providing explanations of law enforcement practice.
Mendelian randomization analysis provides causality of smoking on the expression of ACE2, a putative SARS-CoV-2 receptor
Authors: Liu Hui , Xin Junyi , Cai Sheng , Jiang Xia
Published: July 2021

Background:

To understand a causal role of modifiable lifestyle factors in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression (a putative severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] receptor) across 44 human tissues/organs, and in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) susceptibility and severity, we conducted a phenome-wide two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study.

Methods:

More than 500 genetic variants were used as instrumental variables to predict smoking and alcohol consumption. Inverse-variance weighted approach was adopted as the primary method to estimate a causal association, while MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) were performed to identify potential horizontal pleiotropy.

Results:

We found that genetically predicted smoking intensity significantly increased ACE2 expression in thyroid (β=1.468, p=1.8×10−8), and increased ACE2 expression in adipose, brain, colon, and liver with nominal significance. Additionally, genetically predicted smoking initiation significantly increased the risk of COVID-19 onset (odds ratio=1.14, p=8.7×10−5). No statistically significant result was observed for alcohol consumption.

Conclusions:

Our work demonstrates an important role of smoking, measured by both status and intensity, in the susceptibility to COVID-19.

Funding:

XJ is supported by research grants from the Swedish Research Council (VR-2018–02247) and Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (FORTE-2020–00884).
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone modulates bone formation and resorption and ameliorates ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis
Authors: Xue Fan , Zhao Zhenlei , Gu Yanpei , Han Jianxin , Ye Keqiang , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2021

Imbalances in bone formation and resorption cause osteoporosis. Mounting evidence supports that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) implicates in this process. 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a plant-derived small molecular TrkB agonist, mimics the functions of BDNF. We show that both BDNF and 7,8-DHF promoted the proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells. These effects might be attributed to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway as the expression of cyclin D1, phosphorylated-glycogen synthase kinase-3β (p-GSK3β), β-catenin, Runx2, Osterix, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) was all significantly up-regulated. Knockdown of β-catenin restrained the up-regulation of Runx2 and Osterix stimulated by 7,8-DHF. In particular, blocking TrkB by its specific inhibitor K252a suppressed 7,8-DHF-induced osteoblastic proliferation, differentiation, and expression of osteoblastogenic genes. Moreover, BDNF and 7,8-DHF repressed osteoclastic differentiation of RAW264.7 cells. The transcription factor c-fos and osteoclastic genes such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), matrix metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9), Adamts5 were inhibited by 7,8-DHF. More importantly, 7,8-DHF attenuated bone loss, improved trabecular microarchitecture, tibial biomechanical properties, and bone biochemical indexes in an ovariectomy (OVX) rat model. The current work highlights the dual regulatory effects that 7,8-DHF exerts on bone remodeling.
Cortico-autonomic local arousals and heightened somatosensory arousability during NREMS of mice in neuropathic pain
Authors: Cardis Romain , Lecci Sandro , Fernandez Laura MJ , Osorio-Forero Alejandro , Chu Sin Chung Paul , Fulda Stephany , Decosterd Isabelle , Lüthi Anita
Published: July 2021

Frequent nightly arousals typical for sleep disorders cause daytime fatigue and present health risks. As such arousals are often short, partial, or occur locally within the brain, reliable characterization in rodent models of sleep disorders and in human patients is challenging. We found that the EEG spectral composition of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) in healthy mice shows an infraslow (~50 s) interval over which microarousals appear preferentially. NREMS could hence be vulnerable to abnormal arousals on this time scale. Chronic pain is well-known to disrupt sleep. In the spared nerve injury (SNI) mouse model of chronic neuropathic pain, we found more numerous local cortical arousals accompanied by heart rate increases in hindlimb primary somatosensory, but not in prelimbic, cortices, although sleep macroarchitecture appeared unaltered. Closed-loop mechanovibrational stimulation further revealed higher sensory arousability. Chronic pain thus preserved conventional sleep measures but resulted in elevated spontaneous and evoked arousability. We develop a novel moment-to-moment probing of NREMS vulnerability and propose that chronic pain-induced sleep complaints arise from perturbed arousability.
Method development and characterisation of the low-molecular-weight peptidome of human wound fluids
Authors: van der Plas Mariena JA , Cai Jun , Petrlova Jitka , Saleh Karim , Kjellström Sven , Schmidtchen Artur
Published: July 2021

The normal wound healing process is characterised by proteolytic events, whereas infection results in dysfunctional activations by endogenous and bacterial proteases. Peptides, downstream reporters of these proteolytic actions, could therefore serve as a promising tool for diagnosis of wounds. Using mass-spectrometry analyses, we here for the first time characterise the peptidome of human wound fluids. Sterile post-surgical wound fluids were found to contain a high degree of peptides in comparison to human plasma. Analyses of the peptidome from uninfected healing wounds and Staphylococcus aureus -infected wounds identify unique peptide patterns of various proteins, including coagulation and complement factors, proteases, and antiproteinases. Together, the work defines a workflow for analysis of peptides derived from wound fluids and demonstrates a proof-of-concept that such fluids can be used for analysis of qualitative differences of peptide patterns from larger patient cohorts, providing potential biomarkers for wound healing and infection.
Novel neuroanatomical integration and scaling define avian brain shape evolution and development
Authors: Watanabe Akinobu , Balanoff Amy M , Gignac Paul M , Gold M Eugenia L , Norell Mark A
Published: July 2021

How do large and unique brains evolve? Historically, comparative neuroanatomical studies have attributed the evolutionary genesis of highly encephalized brains to deviations along, as well as from, conserved scaling relationships among brain regions. However, the relative contributions of these concerted (integrated) and mosaic (modular) processes as drivers of brain evolution remain unclear, especially in non-mammalian groups. While proportional brain sizes have been the predominant metric used to characterize brain morphology to date, we perform a high-density geometric morphometric analysis on the encephalized brains of crown birds (Neornithes or Aves) compared to their stem taxa—the non-avialan coelurosaurian dinosaurs and Archaeopteryx. When analyzed together with developmental neuroanatomical data of model archosaurs (Gallus, Alligator), crown birds exhibit a distinct allometric relationship that dictates their brain evolution and development. Furthermore, analyses by neuroanatomical regions reveal that the acquisition of this derived shape-to-size scaling relationship occurred in a mosaic pattern, where the avian-grade optic lobe and cerebellum evolved first among non-avialan dinosaurs, followed by major changes to the evolutionary and developmental dynamics of cerebrum shape after the origin of Avialae. Notably, the brain of crown birds is a more integrated structure than non-avialan archosaurs, implying that diversification of brain morphologies within Neornithes proceeded in a more coordinated manner, perhaps due to spatial constraints and abbreviated growth period. Collectively, these patterns demonstrate a plurality in evolutionary processes that generate encephalized brains in archosaurs and across vertebrates.
Distinct signatures of calcium activity in brain mural cells
Authors: Glück Chaim , Ferrari Kim David , Binini Noemi , Keller Annika , Saab Aiman S , Stobart Jillian L , Weber Bruno
Published: July 2021

Pericytes have been implicated in various neuropathologies, yet little is known about their function and signaling pathways in health. Here, we characterized calcium dynamics of cortical mural cells in anesthetized or awake Pdgfrb-CreERT2;Rosa26< LSL-GCaMP6s > mice and in acute brain slices. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and ensheathing pericytes (EPs), also named as terminal vascular SMCs, revealed similar calcium dynamics in vivo. In contrast, calcium signals in capillary pericytes (CPs) were irregular, higher in frequency, and occurred in cellular microdomains. In the absence of the vessel constricting agent U46619 in acute slices, SMCs and EPs revealed only sparse calcium signals, whereas CPs retained their spontaneous calcium activity. Interestingly, chemogenetic activation of neurons in vivo and acute elevations of extracellular potassium in brain slices strongly decreased calcium activity in CPs. We propose that neuronal activation and an extracellular increase in potassium suppress calcium activity in CPs, likely mediated by Kir2.2 and KATP channels.
Prognostic factors and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors of the uterine cervix based on the FIGO 2018 staging system: a single-institution study of 172 patients
Authors: Chen Jian , Sun Yang , Chen Li , Zang Lele , Lin Cuibo , Lu Yongwei , Lin Liang , Lin An , Dan Hu , Chen Yiyu , He Haixin
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aimed to explore the prognostic factors and outcomes of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the cervix and to determine appropriate treatment.

Methods

A single-institution retrospective analysis of 172 patients with NETs was performed based on the new International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO 2018) staging system.

Results

Among the 172 eligible patients, 161 were diagnosed with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC), six with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, four with typical carcinoid tumors and one with SCNEC combined with an atypical carcinoid tumor. According to the FIGO 2018 staging guidelines, 31 were stage I, 66 were stage II, 57 were stage III, and 18 were stage IV. The 5-year survival rates of patients with stage I–IV disease were 74.8%, 56.2%, 41.4% and 0%, respectively. The 5-year progression-free survival rates of patients with stage I–IV disease were 63.8%, 54.5%, 30.8% and 0%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, advanced FIGO stage, large tumor and older age were identified as independent variables for 5-year survival in patients with stage I–IV disease. FIGO stage, tumor size and para-aortic lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors for 5-year progression-free survival in patients with stage I–IV disease. For the patients receiving surgery (n = 108), tumor size and pelvic lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors for 5-year survival, and pelvic lymph node metastasis for 5-year progression-free survival. In stage IVB, at least six cycles of chemotherapy (n = 7) was associated with significantly better 2-year OS (83.3% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.001) and 2-year PFS (57.1% vs. 0%, p = 0.01) than fewer than six cycles of chemotherapy(n = 11).

Conclusion

Advanced FIGO stage, large tumor, older age and lymph node metastasis are independent prognostic factors for NETs of the cervix. The TP/TC and EP regimens were the most commonly used regimens, with similar efficacies and toxicities. Standardized and complete multimodality treatment may improve the survival of patients with NETs.
Quail eggs in artificial nests change their coloration when exposed to ambient conditions: implication for studies on nest predation
Authors: Liñan Cembrano Gustavo , Castro Macarena , Amat Juan A. , Perez Alejandro , Rendón Miguel Ángel , Ramo Cristina
Published: July 2021

Quail eggs have been widely used in field experiments, mainly to study factors associated with the risk of nest predation. Some shortcomings of using quail eggs in this type of study have been previously addressed (e.g., these eggs might be too big for some predators of eggs of small birds). Here, we show experimental evidence of another shortcoming of the use of these eggs in field experiments. Quail eggs exposed to sunlight rapidly faded in colour after three days, both in the visible and UV spectra, and this change was related to the amount of solar radiation received. This caused changes in the camouflage of the eggs, which may be perceived by predators with different visual systems (dichromatic, trichromatic, and tetrachromatic (for both violet- and UV-sensitive species)). Therefore, the results of field studies of nest predation using quail eggs might be questioned in those cases in which the camouflage has been altered due to the rapid changes in coloration, as this can affect the resulting predation rates. We recommend that researchers planning to use quail eggs should perform a prospective assessment of changes in coloration of eggs exposed to environmental conditions in the nest sites used by the target species.
Тела зодиакального света: их происхождение, эволюция, выпадение на Землю, "Природа"
Authors: Бялко А.В.
Published: July 2021

Эта статья продолжает серию прошлогодних публикаций, описывающих осколки Гигантского столкновения, в результате которого образовалась Луна. В предыдущих статьях одним из следствий Гигантского столкновения считается выход значительного количества осколков на подковообразные орбиты, которые были рассчитаны решением ограниченной задачи трех тел. Наблюдаемая интенсивность зодиакального света была теоретически объяснена отражением солнечного света от частиц, движущихся по множеству подковообразных орбит, получена оценка их отражающей поверхности, а также высказана гипотеза, объясняющая учащение выпадения метеоритов в те периоды, когда эксцентриситет земной орбиты близок к своим максимумам. Это предположение получило подтверждение при исследовании магнитных свойств пыли в кернах антарктического льда итальянскими учеными. В этой статье нами проанализированы отложения космической пыли в глубинах Тихого океана. Доказательные данные представлены вместе с изложением причинной связи, показывающей, как вариации эксцентриситета Земли усиливают выход зодиакальных тел на орбиты астероидов групп Аполлона и Атона, у которых вероятность столкновения с нашей планетой достаточно высока. Обсуждаются также возможность полета исследовательской миссии к телам зодиакального света.
ОЦЕНКА МАТЕРИАЛЬНОГО УЩЕРБА ОТ ПРОЯВЛЕНИЯ АБРАЗИОННЫХ И ОПОЛЗНЕВЫХ ПРОЦЕССОВ В МУНИЦИПАЛЬНЫХ ОБРАЗОВАНИЯХ БЕРЕГОВОЙ ЗОНЫ АЗОВСКОГО МОРЯ, "Наука юга России"
Authors: Хаванский А.Д. , Хорошев О.А. , Меринова Ю.Ю.
Published: July 2021

Произведена оценка материального ущерба от проявления абразионных и оползневых процессов в муниципальных образованиях береговой зоны Азовского моря на примере Ростовской области. По среднемноголетним скоростям абразии в перспективе на 20-летний период выявлена зона воздействия абразионных процессов, в пределах которой установлено 73 объекта капитального строительства и сооружения различного назначения, подверженных риску полного или частичного разрушения. В среднем потеря земель от абразии в береговой зоне Ростовской области, включающей прибрежные Неклиновский и Азовский сельские административные районы, составляет 23 м на 1 погонный км за 20 лет. Величина прогнозируемого суммарного ущерба социально-экономическим объектам оценивается в 150 млн рублей. В Неклиновском районе основной ущерб от абразии связан с возможным разрушением объектов строительства и инфраструктуры, а в Азовском районе – земельных участков различного хозяйственного назначения. Наибольший суммарный ущерб может быть причинен Поляковскому и Новобессергеневскому сельским поселениям Неклиновского района Ростовской области с большим количеством объектов капитального строительства, инфраструктуры и высокой кадастровой стоимостью земель, а также Семибалковскому сельскому поселению Азовского района, в пределах которого основной ущерб может принести абразионное разрушение земель населенных пунктов. По удельной величине потери земель населенных пунктов лидируют Семибалковское, Новобессергеневское и Натальевское сельские поселения. Результаты работы могут быть использованы для принятия управленческих решений по борьбе с опасными береговыми процессами на региональном уровне и местными администрациями.
ADHATODA VASICA (VASAPATRA): A REVIEW BASED UPON ITS MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Choudhary Shailja , Kaurav Hemlata , Chaudhary Gitika
Published: July 2021

Adhatoda vasica (L.) Nees is also known as Justicia adhatoda L. belongs to the family Acanthaceae and is considered the most significant plant in the world. It is commonly known as Vasaka, Vasica, Adosa, Malbur nut and is distributed in various regions of India and throughout the world. It is a well-known plant in Ayurveda and Unani medicinal system. This plant has been used in the indigenous medicinal system of India for more than 2000 years. The plant has great medicinal importance and is used to treat various diseases and disorders mainly respiratory tract diseases like cough, symptoms of common cold, asthma, tuberculosis and chronic bronchitis. All the parts of the plant are used in medicines. Vasicine is the main chemical constituent present in this plant which possesses various medicinal properties and is used in different Ayurveda formulations. Also, it contains various reported pharmacological properties like antispasmodic, sedative, expectorant, antitussive, oxytocic, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, wound healing, abortifacient, antiasthma and anti-pyorrhea.
A REVIEW ON THE CONCEPT OF HRIDYA IN AYURVEDA: LOOKING BEYOND CARDIO TONICS
Authors: S Indu , Rao Krishna S , Ratha K K , Kumar Pradeep P P , Rao M M
Published: July 2021

The term Hridya is used in different contexts with reference to different articles with diverse characteristics. Unlike the various Ayurvedic terms which can be more or less understood by the term itself, the term Hridya need a more elucidation. It is vital to screen these basic terms and find their meanings in different aspects for better discernment of Hridya in Ayurveda Hence this article attempts to illuminate the concept Hridya and the diversities in the Hridya dravyas mentioned in different contexts. On critical analysis of the literature and recent studies it can be understood that Ayurveda has included heart and brain in the umbrella term ‘Hridaya’. The Hridya dravyas can thus be understood as Cardiac or Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants which evoke stimulation through various chemo-sensory pathways. Overall, commentaries describe Hridya as something pleasing or that which is good for the body. All the pleasurable sensations of the body attained by virtue of taste, smell, touch and by mere sight can be comprised under the concept Hridya and the act and articles which impart the pleasurable sensation can be understood as Hridya dravyas. As such the classical textbooks have references of food articles, flowers, fragrances, etc. described as Hridya dravyas as they have the ability impart the pleasurable sensation in common. While portraying the concept Hridya, the motor, sensory and psychological components should be taken contemplated. Any stimuli that impart a sense of pleasure to the respective sense organ and hence impart a sense of pleasure in Hridaya can be considered as Hridya.
The effect of Constructivism on Students’ Performance in Solving Mathematical Problems under Trigonometry
Authors: Gyan Richmond Kwame , Ayiku Frank , Atteh Evans , Adams Alfred Kofi
Published: July 2021

This paper is an action research which involves a sample of thirty five (35) second year students of Akontombra Senior High School comprising 24 males and 11 females. The study was aimed at using the constructivist approach to enhance students’ competence in solving word problems under trigonometry. Prior to the study, it was observed that the students were not able to understand and solve word problems under trigonometry. The constructivist approach of teaching and learning was employed as the intervention strategy and series of activities was carried out. The pre – test and post – test scores obtained by the students were analyzed quantitatively based on the research questions of the study. Comparatively, the results obtained from the pre – test and post – test showed a significant improvement on the students’ ability to solve word problems under trigonometry. It was then inferred from the results that the constructivist teaching and learning methodology employed during the intervention phases enhanced the academic achievements of the students. The constructivist approach to teaching encouraged students to participate in the process and environment of teaching and learning and to promote mathematics as a creative and meaningful activity that involves interpretation, effort and exploration.
Blowflies Reared in Laboratory Conditions from Maggots Collected on Rat (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769, Var Wistar) Carrions in Yaoundé (Cameroon, Central Africa)
Authors: Youmessi F. D. Feugang , Nwane P. B. , Djiéto-lordon C. , Braet Y. , Villet M. H. , Bilong C. F. Bilong
Published: July 2021

Forensic entomology offers insects as physical evidence during legal procedures. Forensic entomologists have determined succession of arthropods on dead animals, but few published studies are available on necrophagous larvae collected on carcasses around the world. This study evaluated the diversity of arthropods associated with rat carcasses to identify species of forensic relevance. Larvae hatched from arthropod eggs were reared until the emergence of adult flies under ambient laboratory conditions. Adult flies were identified to species level. Overall, 6319 individuals belonging to 6 families, 13 genera and 21 species of Diptera emerged.
Are Patients on Cyclophosphamide at Higher Risk of Covid-19 Complications?
Authors: Preethi L. , Asvitha G. , Singh S. Ankul , Sabarathinam Sarvesh
Published: July 2021

Coronaviruses are closely related virus causing several types of respiratory tract infections ranging from common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). There are many other ways in which Covid-19 will impact the existing public health issues. With the rising number of covid19 cases, it has been reported that people with the weaker immune system are at higher risk. We identified the mechanism of action of cyclophosphamide and its impact on the lung. Pulmonary side effects associated with cyclophosphamide are rare and dose-related. They manifest as early-onset pneumonitis, in patients with symptoms especially like cough and dyspnea. Acrolein in cyclophosphamide is the main component linked with the toxic effect. We hypothesize that use of cyclophosphamide, an antineoplastic agent and immunosuppressive agent used in treating many cancers and autoimmune disorders (like rheumatoid arthritis and ANCA vasculitis), induces severe lung toxicity which can be one of the contributing factors for the increased risk of COVID 19 complication. These factors are to be recognized to improve prevention and control of the disease.
Effect of IFFCO Nanofertilizer on Growth, Grain Yield and Managing Turcicum Leaf Blight Disease in Maize
Authors: Ajithkumar K. , Kumar Yogendra , Savitha A. S. , Ajayakumar M. Y. , Narayanaswamy C. , Raliya Ramesh , Krupashankar M. R. , Bhat S. N.
Published: July 2021

Nanoscience coupled with nanotechnology emerged as possible cost-cutting approach to prodigal farming and environmental clean-up operations. Hence there is a need for a more innovative fertilizer approach that can increase the productivity of agricultural systems and more environmental friendly than synthetic fertilizers. The trial was laid out in randomized complete block design with 11 treatments in three replications. The field experiment was carried out at Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur during Kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020. In this research, we studied the recent development and potential benefits derived from the use of nanofertilizers (NFs) in modern agriculture. Nanofertilizers facilitate slow and steady release of nutrients, thereby reduce the loss of nutrients and enhance the nutrient use efficiency. In the present study, the nanofertilizers such as IFFCO nanonitrogen (nano N), IFFCO nanocopper (nano Cu), IFFCO nanozinc (nano Zn) and IFFCO sagarika were sprayed to the maize crop in different combinations with recommended dose of fertilizers. Among the different combinations of nanofertilizers with recommended dose of fertilizers the treatment T11 [50% N, 100% PK, 0% Zinc + 2 sprays of IFFCO nano N (4ml/l) mixed with IFFCO Sagarika (2 ml/l)] showed significant effect on the growth and yield parameters with maximum yield of 58.90 q/ha and highest B:C of 2.99. Whereas, treatment T10 [50% N, 100% PK, 0% Zinc + 2 sprays of IFFCO nano N (4ml/l) mixed with nano Zn (2 ml/l) and IFFCO nano Cu (2ml/l)] was found superior with regard to management of Turcicum leaf blight disease with minimum of 18.20 per cent severity.