bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and practices related to plague persistence in plague-endemic foci, Mbulu District, Tanzania
Authors: Kessy Stella T. , Rija Alfan A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Plague continues to be a major public health concern in African countries. Several social practices and environmental conditions have been associated with the reoccurrence of bubonic plague, especially in places where the disease is prevalent. Therefore, it remains important to understand people knowledge, behavior and practices related to disease risks in order to identify factors that may hinder prevention and control strategies in the foci.

Methods and results

A study survey of 100 households was conducted in Mbulu district to assess plague knowledge, factors that influence flea bite and measures used for rodent and flea control. Majority of participants (86%) were familiar with the plague disease and about (50%) mentioned swelling lymph nodes as a common symptom. Most of the participants (62%) claimed to observe human plague cases during the long rain season. The majority of participants (97%) reported to experience flea bite in their domestic settings, with most stating that they experienced more flea bites during the dry season. Houses with livestock had a greater likelihood of flea bite (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 0.36–18.80, p = 0.267) compared to houses with no livestock. Furthermore, residents reported using both local and chemical methods to control rodents and flea inside houses. Most respondents preferred using local methods in flea control. Respondents stated that the efficacy of flea control methods being applied ranged from few days to several months. There was limited knowledge of the residual effects of the agricultural chemicals being used to control fleas among the surveyed community.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the importance of raising awareness and adopting effective control methods for controlling fleas and lower the risk of plague transmission and other flea borne diseases in the local communities. Sensitization of the local community on the use of appropriate chemicals for flea control is urgent to avoid any potential long-term impacts of the residual effects on the health of the local communities.
Long short-term memory (LSTM)-based news classification model
Authors: Liu Chen
Published: May 2024

In this study, we used unidirectional and bidirectional long short-term memory (LSTM) deep learning networks for Chinese news classification and characterized the effects of contextual information on text classification, achieving a high level of accuracy. A Chinese glossary was created using jieba—a word segmentation tool—stop-word removal, and word frequency analysis. Next, word2vec was used to map the processed words into word vectors, creating a convenient lookup table for word vectors that could be used as feature inputs for the LSTM model. A bidirectional LSTM (BiLSTM) network was used for feature extraction from word vectors to facilitate the transfer of information in both the backward and forward directions to the hidden layer. Subsequently, an LSTM network was used to perform feature integration on all the outputs of the BiLSTM network, with the output from the last layer of the LSTM being treated as the mapping of the text into a feature vector. The output feature vectors were then connected to a fully connected layer to construct a feature classifier using the integrated features, finally classifying the news articles. The hyperparameters of the model were optimized based on the loss between the true and predicted values using the adaptive moment estimation (Adam) optimizer. Additionally, multiple dropout layers were added to the model to reduce overfitting. As text classification models for Chinese news articles, the Bi-LSTM and unidirectional LSTM models obtained f1-scores of 94.15% and 93.16%, respectively, with the former outperforming the latter in terms of feature extraction.
Metagenomics and metaproteomics alterations are associated with kidney disease in opisthorchiasis hamsters fed a high-fat and high-fructose diet
Authors: Tunbenjasiri Keerapach , Pongking Thatsanapong , Sitthirach Chutima , Kongsintaweesuk Suppakrit , Roytrakul Sitiruk , Charoenlappanit Sawanya , Klungsaeng Sirinapha , Anutrakulchai Sirirat , Chalermwat Chalongchai , Pairojkul Chawalit , Pinlaor Somchai , Pinlaor Porntip
Published: May 2024

Background

Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini, Ov) infection and consumption of high-fat and high-fructose (HFF) diet exacerbate liver and kidney disease. Here, we investigated the effects of a combination of O. viverrini infection and HFF diet on kidney pathology via changes in the gut microbiome and host proteome in hamsters.

Methodology/Principal findings

Twenty animals were divided into four groups; 1) fed a normal diet not infected with O. viverrini (normal group), 2) fed an HFF diet and not infected with O. viverrini (HFF), 3) fed a normal diet and infected with O. viverrini (Ov), and 4) fed an HFF diet and infected with O. viverrini (HFFOv). DNA was extracted from fecal samples and the V3–V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. In addition, LC/MS-MS analysis was done. Histopathological studies and biochemical assays were also conducted. The results indicated that the HFFOv group exhibited the most severe kidney injury, manifested as elevated KIM-1 expression and accumulation of fibrosis in kidney tissue. The microbiome of the HFFOv group was more diverse than in the HFF group: there were increased numbers of Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Desulfovibrionaceae and Akkermansiaceae, but fewer Eggerthellaceae. In total, 243 host proteins were identified across all groups. Analysis using STITCH predicted that host proteome changes may lead to leaking of the gut, allowing molecules such as soluble CD14 and p-cresol to pass through to promote kidney disease. In addition, differential expression of TGF-beta-activated kinase 1 and MAP3K7-binding protein 2 (Tab2, involving renal inflammation and injury) are predicted to be associated with kidney disease.

Conclusions/Significance

The combination of HFF diet and O. viverrini infection may promote kidney injury through alterations in the gut microbiome and host proteome. This knowledge may suggest an effective strategy to prevent kidney disease beyond the early stages.
Knowledge and practices regarding prostate cancer screening in Spanish men: The importance of personal and clinical characteristics (PROSHADE study)
Authors: Parker Lucy A. , Caballero-Romeu Juan-Pablo , Chilet-Rosell Elisa , Hernandez-Aguado Ildefonso , Gómez-Pérez Luis , Alonso-Coello Pablo , Cebrián Ana , López-Garrigós Maite , Moral-Pélaez Irene , Ronda Elena , Gilabert Mercedes , Canelo-Aybar Carlos , Párraga-Martínez Ignacio , del Campo-Giménez Mª , Lumbreras Blanca
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Patients’ decisions on prostate cancer (PCa) opportunistic screening may vary. This study aimed to assess how demographic and health-related characteristics may influence knowledge and decisions regarding PCa screening.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among men aged over 40, randomly sampled from the Spanish population, 2022. The survey underwent development and content validation using a modified Delphi method and was administered via telephone. Binomial logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between respondents’ characteristics and participants’ knowledge and practices concerning PCa and the PSA test.

Results

Out of 1,334 men, 1,067 (80%) respondents were interviewed with a mean age of 58.6 years (sd 11.9). Most had secondary or university studies (787, 73.8%) and 61 (5.7%) self-reported their health status as bad or very bad. Most of the respondents (1,018, 95.4%) had knowledge regarding PCa with nearly 70% expressed significant concern about its potential development (720, 70.8%), particularly among those under 64 years (p = 0.001). Out of 847 respondents, 573 (67.7%) reported that they have knowledge regarding the PSA test: 374 (65.4%) reported receiving information from a clinicians, 324 (86.6%) information about the benefits of the test and 189 (49,5%) about its risks, with differences based on educational background. In a multivariable analysis (adjusted for age, educational level and previous prostate problems), respondents with higher levels of education were more likely to have higher knowledge regarding the PSA test (OR 1.75, 95%CI 1.24–2.50, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Although most of the patients reported to have knowledge regarding PCa, half of the interviewed men reported knowledge about PSA test. Differences in knowledge prostate cancer screening and undesirable consequences highlight the need to develop and provide tailored information for patients.
Phonetic differences between affirmative and feedback head nods in German Sign Language (DGS): A pose estimation study
Authors: Bauer Anastasia , Kuder Anna , Schulder Marc , Schepens Job
Published: May 2024

This study investigates head nods in natural dyadic German Sign Language (DGS) interaction, with the aim of finding whether head nods serving different functions vary in their phonetic characteristics. Earlier research on spoken and sign language interaction has revealed that head nods vary in the form of the movement. However, most claims about the phonetic properties of head nods have been based on manual annotation without reference to naturalistic text types and the head nods produced by the addressee have been largely ignored. There is a lack of detailed information about the phonetic properties of the addressee’s head nods and their interaction with manual cues in DGS as well as in other sign languages, and the existence of a form-function relationship of head nods remains uncertain. We hypothesize that head nods functioning in the context of affirmation differ from those signaling feedback in their form and the co-occurrence with manual items. To test the hypothesis, we apply OpenPose, a computer vision toolkit, to extract head nod measurements from video recordings and examine head nods in terms of their duration, amplitude and velocity. We describe the basic phonetic properties of head nods in DGS and their interaction with manual items in naturalistic corpus data. Our results show that phonetic properties of affirmative nods differ from those of feedback nods. Feedback nods appear to be on average slower in production and smaller in amplitude than affirmation nods, and they are commonly produced without a co-occurring manual element. We attribute the variations in phonetic properties to the distinct roles these cues fulfill in turn-taking system. This research underlines the importance of non-manual cues in shaping the turn-taking system of sign languages, establishing the links between such research fields as sign language linguistics, conversational analysis, quantitative linguistics and computer vision.
Role of scientific and technological innovations on industrial upgradation in China: A spatial econometric analysis
Authors: Liu Yankun , Madni Ghulam Rasool
Published: May 2024

China is in a phase of high-quality development, where scientific and technological innovations are serving as the primary driving force for its development strategy. This emphasis on innovations is expected to fuel the upgrading of the industrial structure. This study investigates the role of scientific and technological innovations in industrial upgradation in China using spatial econometric analysis. Leveraging the data of 31 provinces of China from 2005 to 2022, we employed a spatial Durbin model to determine the spatial spillover effects of scientific and technological innovations on industrial upgradation. Our findings reveal the significant positive spatial spillover effects, indicating that provinces with higher levels of scientific and technological innovations tend to experience greater industrial upgradation, which in turn contributes to regional economic development. Furthermore, the findings suggest a strong spatial correlation between innovation and the upgrading of industrial structures, indicating that regional innovations have the potential to drive China’s industrial upgradation. These results underscore the critical role of scientific and technological innovations in promoting industrial upgradation and regional development in China.
Early absolute lymphocyte count was associated with one-year mortality in critically ill surgical patients: A propensity score-matching and weighting study
Authors: Ho Duc Trieu , Pham The Thach , Wong Li-Ting , Wu Chieh-Liang , Chan Ming-Cheng , Chao Wen-Cheng
Published: May 2024

Background

Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) is a crucial indicator of immunity in critical illness, but studies focusing on long-term outcomes in critically ill patients, particularly surgical patients, are still lacking. We sought to explore the association between week-one ALC and long-term mortality in critically ill surgical patients.

Methods

We used the 2015–2020 critical care database of Taichung Veterans General Hospital (TCVGH), a referral hospital in central Taiwan, and the primary outcome was one-year all-cause mortality. We assessed the association between ALC and long-term mortality by measuring hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Furthermore, we used propensity score-matching and -weighting analyses, consisting of propensity score matching (PSM), inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), and covariate balancing propensity score (CBPS), to validate the association.

Results

A total of 8052 patients were enrolled, with their one-year mortality being 24.2%. Cox regression showed that low ALC was independently associated with mortality (adjHR 1.140, 95% CI 1.091–1.192). Moreover, this association tended to be stronger among younger patients, patients with fewer comorbidities and lower severity. The association between low ALC and mortality in original, PSM, IPTW, and CBPS populations were 1.497 (95% CI 1.320–1.697), 1.391 (95% CI 1.169–1.654), 1.512 (95% CI 1.310–1.744), and 1.511 (95% CI 1.310–1.744), respectively. Additionally, the association appears to be consistent, using distinct cutoff levels to define the low ALC.

Conclusions

We identified that early low ALC was associated with increased one-year mortality in critically ill surgical patients, and prospective studies are warranted to confirm the finding.
The Toxoplasma gondii F-Box Protein L2 Functions as a Repressor of Stage Specific Gene Expression
Authors: Baptista Carlos G. , Hosking Sarah , Gas-Pascual Elisabet , Ciampossine Loic , Abel Steven , Hakimi Mohamed-Ali , Jeffers Victoria , Le Roch Karine , West Christopher M. , Blader Ira J.
Published: May 2024

Toxoplasma gondii is a foodborne pathogen that can cause severe and life-threatening infections in fetuses and immunocompromised patients. Felids are its only definitive hosts, and a wide range of animals, including humans, serve as intermediate hosts. When the transmissible bradyzoite stage is orally ingested by felids, they transform into merozoites that expand asexually, ultimately generating millions of gametes for the parasite sexual cycle. However, bradyzoites in intermediate hosts differentiate exclusively to disease-causing tachyzoites, which rapidly disseminate throughout the host. Though tachyzoites are well-studied, the molecular mechanisms governing transitioning between developmental stages are poorly understood. Each parasite stage can be distinguished by a characteristic transcriptional signature, with one signature being repressed during the other stages. Switching between stages require substantial changes in the proteome, which is achieved in part by ubiquitination. F-box proteins mediate protein poly-ubiquitination by recruiting substrates to SKP1, Cullin-1, F-Box protein E3 ubiquitin ligase (SCF-E3) complexes. We have identified an F-box protein named Toxoplasma gondii F-Box Protein L2 (TgFBXL2), which localizes to distinct perinucleolar sites. TgFBXL2 is stably engaged in an SCF-E3 complex that is surprisingly also associated with a COP9 signalosome complex that negatively regulates SCF-E3 function. At the cellular level, TgFBXL2-depleted parasites are severely defective in centrosome replication and daughter cell development. Most remarkable, RNAseq data show that TgFBXL2 conditional depletion induces the expression of stage-specific genes including a large cohort of genes necessary for sexual commitment. Together, these data suggest that TgFBXL2 is a latent guardian of stage specific gene expression in Toxoplasma and poised to remove conflicting proteins in response to an unknown trigger of development.
OTUB1 contributes to the stability and function of Influenza A virus NS2
Authors: Li Yu-Jyun , Chen Chi-Yuan , Kuo Yu-Shen , Huang Yi-Wen , Kuo Rei-Lin , Chang Li-Kwan , Yang Jeng-How , Lai Chih-Ho , Shih Shin-Ru , Chiu Ya-Fang
Published: May 2024

The influenza A virus (IAV) consists of 8 single-stranded, negative-sense viral RNA (vRNA) segments. After infection, vRNA is transcribed, replicated, and wrapped by viral nucleoprotein (NP) to form viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP). The transcription, replication, and nuclear export of the viral genome are regulated by the IAV protein, NS2, which is translated from spliced mRNA transcribed from viral NS vRNA. This splicing is inefficient, explaining why NS2 is present in low abundance after IAV infection. The levels of NS2 and its subsequent accumulation are thought to influence viral RNA replication and vRNP nuclear export. Here we show that NS2 is ubiquitinated at the K64 and K88 residues by K48-linked and K63-linked polyubiquitin (polyUb) chains, leading to the degradation of NS2 by the proteasome. Additionally, we show that a host deubiquitinase, OTUB1, can remove polyUb chains conjugated to NS2, thereby stabilizing NS2. Accordingly, knock down of OTUB1 by siRNA reduces the nuclear export of vRNP, and reduces the overall production of IAV. These results collectively demonstrate that the levels of NS2 in IAV-infected cells are regulated by a ubiquitination-deubiquitination system involving OTUB1 that is necessary for optimal IAV replication.
Rapid testing of antibiotic residues to increase food safety awareness of animal origin
Authors: Widiasih Dyah Ayu , Pratama Reza Putra , Drastini Yatri , Putri Khrisdiana , Fatimah Laila Nur , Indarjulianto Soedarmanto
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim: Antibiotics are used to improve growth, reduce disease, and decrease mortality in animals grown for food. The government regulates and prohibits the use of antibiotics, in particular, the use of antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) in livestock; however, it is not yet known whether the use of antibiotics is in accordance with regulations so that there are no antibiotic residues in food of animal origin. To ensure food safety of animal origin and to raise awareness of food safety, it is necessary to detect antibiotic residues in fish, eggs, and chicken meat from Yogyakarta Special Province through monitoring and monitoring. To ensure food safety and regulatory compliance in food samples, antibiotic residue screening techniques are essential. A number of methods, such as time-consuming and costly chromatographic and spectroscopic methods, have been developed for the detection of antibiotic residues in food samples; however, not all laboratories have these facilities. Therefore, a rapid diagnosis of food of animal origin is required. The purpose of this study was to rapidly test antibiotic residues by using Premi®test kits (R-Biopharm AG, Germany) to increase awareness of food safety of animal origin.

Materials and Methods: We tested 345 animal-based food samples from traditional markets, supermarkets, and central markets in five districts of Yogyakarta Special Province for antibiotic residues using rapid test kits and observation questionnaires to identify risk factors.

Results: The presence of antibiotic residues in food-animal origin samples from the Yogyakarta region had an antibiotic residue level of 9.28% (32/345), consisting of fish samples 11.3% (18/97), eggs 15.65% (1/114), and chicken meat samples 0.87% (13/102). The highest percentage of samples positive for residual antibiotics was 21.9% (7/32) from supermarket meat samples. The highest amounts of antibiotic residues were found in fish samples collected from Sleman Regency, up to 25% (8/32), whereas in supermarket fish samples, there were as high as 18.8% (6/32).

Conclusion: Antibiotic residues in animal-based food can be attributed to various factors, including product source, transportation conditions, and environmental conditions. The widespread distribution of antibiotic residues in fish comes from environmental conditions during maintenance, distribution, and retailing. Monitoring antibiotic residue prevalence in food-animal origins, particularly chicken meat, eggs, and fish, is crucial for improving animal food quality and safety.

Keywords: antibiotic residual level, antimicrobial resistance, food animal origin, food safety, rapid screening test.
Preliminary studies for the removal of carbonate deposits from painted ceramics using chemical solutions
Authors: Sáenz Martínez Águeda , Collado Montero Francisco José , Capel Martínez Josefa
Published: May 2024

This study analyzes the changes that painted archaeological ceramics undergo after direct and indirect cleaning treatments applied to remove carbonate deposits. Nine Iberian decontextualized sherds from the Los Villares de Andújar site (Jaén, Spain) were documented: macroscopic examination, digital photography, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy – energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Lime putty was then applied to the ceramic surfaces to generate the deposits and several cleaning treatments were pursued. Finally, the changes resulting from the cleaning treatments were documented using the same techniques and procedures. The porosity of the sherds had a major influence on the suitability of the cleaning treatments. Nevertheless, treatments with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) disodium salt applied by cellulose pulp poultice were more respectful to painted areas compared to immersion, whereas nitric acid solutions altered both polychromies and ceramic surfaces regardless of the application method. The ion-exchange resin, directly applied, presented promising results in uncolored areas.
The effect of institutional pressures and dynamic managerial capability on strategic renewal: The case of strategic agility and digital readiness as mediators in healthcare industry
Authors:   Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia, Indonesia, Tenggono Erwin , Soedjipto Budi W. ,   Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia, Indonesia, Sudhartio Lily ,   Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia, Indonesia
Published: May 2024

This research investigates the role of institutional pressures, dynamic managerial capabilities, strategic agility and digital readiness as mediating factors in the gap of the healthcare sector's post-pandemic digital transformation. This study employed strategic and managerial questionnaires involving 308 medium-sized private hospitals in Indonesia and LISREL 6.0 was used for the analysis. Findings indicated that strategic agility did not mediate dynamic managerial capability for strategic renewal. Moreover, the private healthcare sector was found to be influenced by pressures to imitate other hospitals and competitors, and digital readiness had a stronger mediating effect than strategic agility. The study enriches organization theory by investigating institutional pressures driving strategic renewal. It also enhances the literature on strategic management by exploring the mediating role of strategic agility and digital readiness in strategic change. Lastly, it highlights the association between digital readiness and managerial and organizational aspects resulting from strategic change and further emphasizes the need for integrated teams and digital health services in hospitals to achieve strategic renewal.
Prolactin Increases Expression of Cytoskeletal Proteins in SK-N-SH Cells
Authors: Havránek T. , Bačová Z. , Štrbák V. , Lešťanová Z. , Bakoš Ján
Published: May 2024

Although many studies have demonstrated the role of prolactin in the central nervous system, there is a considerable lack of known effects of prolactin on the parameters of neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation. The aim of the present study was to test whether prolactin changes gene expression and protein levels of nestin and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) in neuroblastoma (SK-N-SH) and glioblastoma (U-87MG) cells. Nestin and MAP2 represent cytoskeletal proteins associated with neuronal differentiation and they contribute to radial growth of the axons, dendrites and glial processes. SK-N-SH and U-87MG cells were exposed to prolactin (10 nM) for 48 h. Total mRNA was extracted. After reverse transcription, qPCR with specific primers for nestin and MAP2 was performed. The levels of proteins were measured by the In-Cell Western assay. Mitochondrial activity test was used to evaluate the viability of cells under the influence of prolactin. Incubation with 10 nM prolactin did not change the viability, either in SK-N-SH or in U-87MG cells. Prolactin significantly increased the gene expression and protein levels of both nestin and MAP2 in SK-N-SH cells, while no significant changes were observed in U-87MG cells. The presented data suggest that prolactin is linked to the regulation of cytoskeletal proteins in the neuronal type of cells and might be important for their differentiation.
Evolutionary game analysis of green innovation in E-commerce closed-loop supply chain WEEE recycling
Authors: Ma R.M. , Yao L.F. , Wang H.
Published: May 2024

The accumulation of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has become a critical global issue. E-commerce platforms offer new opportunities for WEEE recycling, making it a subject of interest for researchers. This study focuses on the E-commerce Closed-Loop Supply Chain (E-CLSC) WEEE recycling system, led by remanufacturers, and develops a dual-sided evolutionary game model with remanufacturers and platforms as participants. The model considers the influence of factors such as green innovation, service level, recycling price, and government subsidies. A profit matrix is constructed to analyze the strategic choices of remanufacturers and platforms. Then, this paper conducts a simulation using MATLAB, obtaining data based on the sales and recycling prices of smartphones. Based on evolutionary numerical analysis, the following findings were obtained: (1) Government subsidy policies are formulated based on the required investments for green innovation and service levels, which differ at each stage. (2) The decision of whether remanufacturers engage in green innovation depends largely on the extent to which the technology can reduce remanufacturing costs. They are more inclined to choose green innovation if it can significantly lower costs. (3) Consumer sensitivity to recycling prices also influences the strategic choices of remanufacturers. The more sensitive consumers are to prices, the more waste products remanufacturers can recycle, making green innovation more attractive.
Efficient Differential Dependency Discovery
Authors: Kuang Shulei , Yang Honghui , Tan Zijing , Ma Shuai
Published: May 2024

Differential dependencies (DDs) are proposed to specify constraints on thedifferencesbetween values, where the semantics ofdifferencecan be "similar", "dissimilar" and beyond. DDs subsume functional dependencies (FDs), and find valuable applications in tasks such as violation detection, duplicate identification, and quantitative data cleaning, among others. In this paper we present an efficient DD discovery method for finding hidden DDs from data. We encode differences between values in a novel structure called the "diff-set", and present a set of techniques for constructing the diff-set, discovering valid DDs with set cover enumeration of the diff-set, and eliminating non-minimal DDs. Our extensive experimental evaluation verifies that our method outperforms the existing DD discovery method up to orders of magnitude. Furthermore, our method is adapted to discover an important subclass of DDs, known asrelaxedFDs (RFDs), and is also up to orders of magnitude faster than the state-of-the-art RFD discovery method.
UltraLogLog: A Practical and More Space-Efficient Alternative to HyperLogLog for Approximate Distinct Counting
Authors: Ertl Otmar
Published: May 2024

Since its invention HyperLogLog has become the standard algorithm for approximate distinct counting. Due to its space efficiency and suitability for distributed systems, it is widely used and also implemented in numerous databases. This work presents UltraLogLog, which shares the same practical properties as HyperLogLog. It is commutative, idempotent, mergeable, and has a fast guaranteed constant-time insert operation. At the same time, it requires 28% less space to encode the same amount of distinct count information, which can be extracted using the maximum likelihood method. Alternatively, a simpler and faster estimator is proposed, which still achieves a space reduction of 24%, but at an estimation speed comparable to that of HyperLogLog. In a non-distributed setting where martingale estimation can be used, UltraLogLog is able to reduce space by 17%. Moreover, its smaller entropy and its 8-bit registers lead to better compaction when using standard compression algorithms. All this is verified by experimental results that are in perfect agreement with the theoretical analysis which also outlines potential for even more space-efficient data structures. A production-ready Java implementation of UltraLogLog has been released as part of the open-source Hash4j library.
Cardinality Estimation of Subgraph Matching: A Filtering-Sampling Approach
Authors: Shin Wonseok , Song Siwoo , Park Kunsoo , Han Wook-Shin
Published: May 2024

Subgraph counting is a fundamental problem in understanding and analyzing graph structured data, yet computationally challenging. This calls for an accurate and efficient algorithm for Subgraph Cardinality Estimation, which is to estimate the number of all isomorphic embeddings of a query graph in a data graph. We present FaSTest, a novel algorithm that combines (1) a powerful filtering technique to significantly reduce the sample space, (2) an adaptive tree sampling algorithm for accurate and efficient estimation, and (3) a worst-case optimal stratified graph sampling algorithm for hard instances. Extensive experiments on real-world datasets show that FaSTestoutperforms state-of-the-art sampling-based methods by up to two orders of magnitude and GNN-based methods by up to three orders of magnitude in terms of accuracy.
A cross-linguistic study of lexical and derived antonymy
Authors: Koptjevskaja-Tamm Maria , Miestamo Matti , Börstell Carl
Published: May 2024

Antonymy is the lexical relation of opposition. The nature of the oppositeness may differ – e.g., contradictory (‘true’–‘false’) or gradable (‘tall’–‘short’) – and there may be variation as to the relationship in their formal encoding, whether the antonyms are expressed as distinct lexical forms (e.g., true vs. false) or if one form is derived from the other (e.g., true vs. untrue). We investigate the relationship between the two members of 37 antonym pairs across 55 spoken languages in order to see whether there are patterns in how antonymy is expressed and which of the two antonym members is more likely to be derived from the other. We find great variation in the extent to which languages use derivation (labeled “neg-constructed forms”) as an antonym-formation strategy. However, when we do find a derived form, this tends to target the member of the pair that is either lower in valence (positive vs. negative) or magnitude (more vs. less), in line with our hypotheses. We also find that antonyms that belong to a core set of property concepts are more likely to encode antonyms as distinct lexical forms, whereas peripheral property concepts are relatively more likely to encode the antonyms with derived forms.
The crystal structure of methyl ((4-aminobenzyl)sulfonyl)-d-prolinate, C13H18N2O4S
Authors: Cheng Kuo , Meng Qing-Guo , Wang Bao-Gang , Hou Yun , Song Ya-Bin
Published: May 2024

C13H18N2O4S, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 6.8690(1) Å, b = 12.0694(2) Å, c = 16.6748(3) Å, V = 1382.42(4) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0278, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0729, T = 150 K.
Comparison of electrolytic etching and immersion etching for 304L, 316L and 347 austenitic stainless-steel grades
Authors: Nagar R. , Singh R. , Patil N. , Yadav I.
Published: May 2024

The aim of the work is to prepare and observe the metallographic specimen of 304L, 316L and 347 ASS samples with two different etching techniques. The samples were prepared by cutting, coarse grinding at 80 grit paper followed by fine grinding with 800, 1000, 1500, 2000 grit paper, polishing with diamond paste and kerosene on a velvet cloth. Later the samples were etched in aqua regia by immersion for 1 minute and in oxalic acid for electrolytic etching for 1 minute. The structure was observed at two different magnifications, 100× and 400×, using a light microscope. Electrolytic etching showed better results compared to the immersion technique. The structure was uniformly etched and had uniform light reflection. In addition to the clear structure, other particle phases were clearly visible. The 304L structure was fine grained as compared to 316L and 347 ASS. The structure observed was equiaxed austenite grains, annealed twins and particles.
A Panoramic View of Trust in the Time of Digital Automated Decision Making – Failings of Trust in the Post Office and the Tax Authorities
Authors: Pedersen Esther Oluffa
Published: May 2024

The ongoing Post Office scandal in the UK and the 2021 Child Daycare Benefit Scandal in the Netherlands make up exemplary cases of how digital automation has changed and in fact severely harmed trust relations ranging from trust in oneself over trust in social roles, trust in institutions, trust in technology and general trust. By looking closer at how digital automation in these cases generated ruptures in the lives of ordinary citizens and also affected the involved institutions and society at large I discuss how we may begin to discuss the impact of digitalization on trust in societies. I start with an introduction to the panoramic view of trust, followed by a short description of the two scandals. Based on the exploration of the two cases I take an ex post facto perspective on the dynamic social events as they unfolded in the scandals in order to analyze how the introduction of digital automation tools affected trust relations. I draw attention to some of the most noticeable changes in the four relations of trust, which is trust in institutions, interpersonal trust, trust in oneself and trust in technology.
Pfingstbewegung – ein blinder Fleck und potenzieller Transformationshebel der deutschsprachigen Religionspädagogik
Authors: Simojoki Henrik
Published: May 2024

Der Beitrag bahnt in vier Schritten einen religionspädagogischen Perspektivenwechsel im Verhältnis zur Pfingstbewegung an. Zunächst führt er die auch im Vergleich mit anderen Feldern der Theologie und Religionsforschung eklatante Vernachlässigung der Pfingstbewegung in der Religionspädagogik vor Augen, um dann den Gründen für diese angesichts der religionspädagogisch seit Jahrzehnten programmatisch beanspruchten Pluralitätsorientierung umso auffälligere Ausblendung nachzugehen. Anschließend wird begründet, warum eine stärkere Fokussierung der Pfingstbewegung in der deutschsprachigen Religionspädagogik an der Zeit ist. Der Beitrag schließt mit grundsätzlichen Überlegungen zu den etablierten Reflexionsformen und Wissensordnungen der deutschsprachigen Religionspädagogik. Denn die verstärkte Hinwendung zur Religionspädagogik bleibt leer, wenn sie nicht mit einer Dekolonisierung der religionspädagogischen Wissensproduktion einhergeht.
Effects of meteorological variables and dry seasonal months on PM2.5 concentration in non-industrial cities: the case of Guanajuato city
Authors: Zamorategui Molina Adrián , Delgado Galván Xitlali , Villalobos Pérez Saúl , Alcántara Concepción Pedro Camilo , Esquivel Longoria Marcos Irineo , De la Peña Torre Alejandro
Published: May 2024

Annual, seasonal, and monthly average variations in PM2.5 concentration were analyzed in relation to meteorological parameters and recorded wildfires in the city of Guanajuato from 2016 to 2020. The annual variations in average PM2.5 concentration exhibited a direct relationship between temperature and wind speed, with averages of 12.5 and 12.7, slightly exceeding the maximum allowed limits in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Seasonal average variations in PM2.5 concentration showed an inverse relationship with wind speed, precipitation, and relative humidity. Anthropogenic wildfires occurring during warm-dry months were positively related to the increase in PM2.5 concentrations. Low PM2.5 concentrations were found to be related to periods of high wind speed, high precipitation, and high relative humidity.
Russia, Europe, the world
Authors:   Institute of Europe of Russian Academy Sciences, Shveytzer Vladimir , Drozhzhina Elena ,   Institute of Europe of Russian Academy Sciences
Published: May 2024

The monograph examines electoral trends and political events in the USSR and Russia, the process of formation of domestic legislative and executive authorities. The role and place of European politicians, their influence on country, regional and global problems of our time are evaluated. The Russian problem is revealed in the context of the formation of a party-political system in our state, which differs from Western models.
PROBING FIBRINOGEN STRUCTURE: INSIGHTS FROM LIMITED PROTEOLYSIS, PEPTIDES, AND MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES
Authors:   Palladin Institute of Biochemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Stohnii Y.M.
Published: May 2024

Aim. The aim of this study was to analyze the prospects of using antibodyes, peptides and proteases in investigating fibrinogen structure and function. Methods. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, western blotting, turbidimetry, electron microscopy. Results. Since antibodies are specific to a small sequence of amino acid residues, monoclonal antibodies can be used to investigate the importance of a specific site on fibrinogen. For example, using the 1-5A antibodies, which are specific to the C-terminal region of the Aα-chain of fibrinogen, the importance of these regions in the lateral association of protofibrils was established. The study indicates that the presence of various antibodies, each specific to a relatively small region of the fibrinogen molecule, can cause different effects on the functioning of the molecule. It has been demonstrated that synthetic peptide Аα195-205 inhibits the stage of fibrin protofibril formation, while peptide γ69-77 inhibits the lateral association of protofibrils. Another approach in the study of proteins is limited proteolysis. For example, using proteases from the culture medium of B. thuringiensis and the venom of G. halys we separated the functional role of different parts of fibrin(ogen) αС-region in its functioning. Conclusions. Thus, it is important to acknowledge that the described approaches in protein research each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and scientists may choose them based on specific research objectives. Funding. The work was carried out within the framework of scientific research works projects of young scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine: «The influence of agonists and antagonists of integrin receptors on the functional effects of platelets» (2023–2024, State registration number 0123U103023).
TECHNIQUE FOR IMPROVING THE ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BIOSENSORS BASEDON ENZYMES OF THE OXIDASE SUBCLASS
Authors:   Institute of Molecular Biology and Geneticsof the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Berketa K.O. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: May 2024

Aim. In this study, the possibility of improving the analytical performance of a monoenzyme biosensor based on the main oxidase pathway by adding catalase to bioselective membranes was increased. Catalase helps strengthen the acid biomembrane, which facilitates the reaction that catalyzes glucose oxidase (GOD). Methods. A standard glucose oxidase conductometric biosensor for increasing glucose was tested and a new bienzyme biosensor with glucose oxidase and catalase was created. To create bioselective membranes, enzymes were immobilized on the electrode surface for additional covalent formation of molecules in glutaraldehyde vapor. Results. An optimal method for stabilizing enzymes and slowing down the biosensor operation depending on the catalase concentration was proposed. The stability of the biosensor preparation procedures and the recognition of the results were assessed. The presented analytical characteristics of a bienzyme biosensor with a monoenzyme based on GOD showed that the addition of catalase provided high efficiency, output of results and linear dynamism of the secret range operation. Conclusion. The proposed method can be used to improve other oxidase-based biosensors.
HEPARIN-BINDING EGF–LIKE GROWTH FACTOR AS A PROSPECTIVE MEDIATOR OF TISSUE REPAIR AND REGENERATION
Authors: Didan A.V.
Published: May 2024

Aim. To obtain bioactive recombinant human HB-EGF and investigate its proliferation capacity. Methods. The pET32(a)-HB-EGF cloning plasmid was extracted from E. coli DH10B cells and transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3) Rosetta cells. The expression of HB-EGF was induced with IPTG and the protein was purified by metal-affinity chromatography with Co²⁺-NTA. Purified HB-EGF was analyzed by SDS-PAGE. The interaction of HB-EGF with receptors was analyzed by flow cytometry using A431 cells. The effect of HB-EGF on the proliferation of 3T3 and L929 fibroblast cell lines was accessed using the MTT assay. Results. High-quality HB-EGF was obtained through an optimized protocol involving plasmid purification, E. coli transformation, and protein purification. SDS-PAGE confirmed the purity of HB-EGF. Flow cytometry validated the binding of EGFP-HB-EGF to A431 cell receptors. The MTT assay data showed that HB-EGF significantly promoted the proliferation of 3T3 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with a 67% and 112% increase in cell density in the presence of 500 ng/mL and 1000 ng/mL of HB-EGF, respectively. No significant changes in the proliferation of L929 cells were observed under the same concentrations of HB-EGF. Conclusions. We have successfully optimized a protocol to produce and purify biologically active HB-EGF in E. coli. The bioactivity of HB-EGF was validated in A431 and 3T3 cell lines, demonstrating its potential to interact with receptors and significantly increase cell proliferation. This bioactive HB-EGF can be potentially used for tissue repair and regeneration.
ABSORPTION AND LUMINESCENCE PROPERTIES OF ACID AND SALT FORMS OF MONONUCLEOTIDES, THEIR COMPONENTS AND COMPLEXES WITH D-MANNITOL AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
Authors:   1Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Dotsenko M.A.
Published: May 2024

Aim. The aim of this work was to analyze and compare spectral properties of aqueous nucleotide solutions in conditions close to biological systems. We studied the absorption and luminescence (Ex and Em fluorescence and Em phosphorescence) of monoribonucleotides, their disodium salts, bases and nucleosides, and mixes with D-mannitol dissolved in water at room temperature. Methods. There were measured absorbance spectra using a Specord 210plus instrument and fluorescence excitation and emission and phosphorescence spectra using Horiba Fluoro Max 4+ instruments. Results. There were obtained the absorption, excitation, and luminescence spectra of aqueous solutions 1 mg/ml of nucleotides, their components, and mixtures with mannitol (in ratio 1:4). We observed a change in the ratio between the peaks of the spectra of acidic and salt forms of nucleotides. Conclusions. The observations confirmed that nucleotides, nucleosides, and nucleic acid bases exhibit luminescence at room temperature, which might be useful information for further research in this area. In addition, a comparative analysis of the spectra showed possible interactions between nucleotide molecules and mannitol.
VALYL-TRNA SYNTHETASE INTERACTS WITH Β-SUBUNIT OF THE EUKARYOTIC TRANSLATION ELONGATION FACTOR COMPLEX eEF1B
Authors:   Institute of Molecular Biology and Geneticsof the Natonal Academy of Scienses of Ukraine, Kyiv, Kolodka N.T.
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of the N-terminal domain of the valyl-tRNA synthetase with α, β, and γ subunits of the eEF1B translation elongation factor complex. Methods: for this purpose, all 4 proteins were synthesized in bacterial cells and purified to homogeneity by a combination of chromatographic methods. The interaction of the eEF1B complex subunits with the N-terminal domain of the valyl-tRNA synthetase was verified by gel filtration and in vitro pull-down assays. Protein fractions collected at these stages were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Results: according to the gel filtration results, eEF1Bα and eEF1Bγ subunits do not form a stable complex with the valine-tRNA synthetase domain. The potential for complexation of the eEF1Bβ subunit was evaluated by pull-down assay, which showed that this protein does interact with the valyl-tRNA synthetase. Conclusions: we concluded that the eEF1Bα and eEF1Bγ subunits do not interact with the valyl-tRNA synthetase compared to the eEF1Bβ protein. The N-terminal domain of the valyl-tRNA synthetase is necessary and sufficient for this interaction.
DONOR-SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES AS A PREDICTOR OF GRAFT REJECTION AFTER LIVER TRANSPLANTATION
Authors:   National Specialized Children's Hospital “OHMATDYT” of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kyiv, Kukhol A.V.
Published: May 2024

The main reason for graft loss is the rejection of the donor organ, which may occur at different time after transplantation and may be caused by the recipient’s organism reaction against donor’s human leukocyte antigen (HLA) proteins. Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) are produced in patient’s organism as a response to foreign HLA antigens. Aim. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effects of already existed and/or de novo generated DSAs in liver transplantation as predictors of graft rejection and to establish an interconnection between blood biochemical parameters (Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin level) with the level of DSA in patients with liver transplant. Methods. xMAP-Luminex next generation flow cytometry technology and LABScreen Single antigen beads reagent (Onelambda, USA) were used for antiHLA determination. Total bilirubin level was detected photometrically. The activity of ALT and AST was determined spectrophotometrically on the automatic analyzer COBAS C 111 (Roche, Switzerland) in accordance with the manufacture’s instruction. Results. Detection of DSA and PRA was important at the same level as measurement of classical biochemical parameters of liver function (ALT, AST etc.) for monitoring of graft status and prevention of acute or chronical rejection and choosing correct immunosuppression protocol. Conclusions. The DSA and PRA levels as well as total bilirubin and ALT and AST activity corresponded to each other and could be used for comprehensive both pre- and post-transplantation screening of patients requiring liver transplantation or re-transplantation. Detection of DSA and PRA was important at the same level as measurement of classical biochemical parameters of liver function (ALT, AST etc.) for monitoring of graft status and prevention of acute or chronical rejection and choosing correct immunosuppression protocol.