bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifikasi Potensi Permudaan Alam Di Hutan Rawa Gambut Taman Hutan Raya Orang Kayo Hitam Provinsi Jambi Pasca Kebakaran Hutan
Authors: Tamin Rike Puspitasari , Ulfa Maria , Saleh Zuhratus
Published: April 2021

AbstrakRegenerasi dan restorasi hutan rawa gambut merupakan hal yang sulit terjadi secara alami. Restorasi ekosistem bukan hanya membuat tegakan baru tetapi juga harus berbasis keanekaragaman hayati lokal untuk membuat peluang berhasilnya menjadi lebih tinggi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mendapatkan data mengenai potensi permudaan alam dalam rangka regenerasi dan restorasi lahan gambut di Tahura Orang Kayo Hitam pasca kebakaran hutan. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan selama 7 bulan, yaitu dari Maret sampai Oktober 2019 di Tahura Orang Kayo Hitam, Herbarium Fakultas Kehutanan Universitas Jambi dan Laboratorium Silvikultur dan Manajemen Universitas Jambi. Metode yang digunakan adalah kombinasi transek dengan garis berpetak. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat 29 jenis anakan alam yang tergabung dalam 19 famili tumbuhan. Jenis yang paling dominan adalah arang-arang (Diospyros mangiayi) diikuti oleh meranti bunga (Shorea teijsmanniana) dengan Indeks Nilai Penting (INP) berturut-turut sebesar 20,10% dan 19,33%. Indeks kekayaan Margaleff D= 4,88, indeks keanekaragaman Shannon-Wiener H’= 2,96 dan indeks Evennes E= 0,88. Nilai dari semua indeks menunjukkan kondisi permudaan alam yang cukup baik di Tahura Orang Kayo Hitam. Hal ini diharapkan mampu menjadi pendorong dalam restorasi ekosistem yang berbasis jenis lokal untuk masa depan hutan rawa gambut. Abstract Regeneration and restoration of peat swamp forests is a difficult thing to happen naturally. Ecosystem regeneration and restoration not only create new stands but must also be based on local biodiversity to make the chances of success even higher. The purpose of this study is to obtain data and information about the potential of seedlings for the regeneration and restoration of peatlands in Tahura Orang Kayo Hitam after forest fires. This research was conducted for 7 months from March to October 2019 with locations in Orang Kayo Hitam Tahura, Herbarium of the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Jambi and the University of Jambi's Silviculture and Management Laboratory. The most dominant types are arang-arang (Diospyros mangiayi) followed by meranti bunga (Shorea teijsmanniana) with Important Value Index (INP) respectively of 20.10% and 19.33%. Margaleff's Wealth Index D= 4, 88. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index shows a value of H 'of 2.96 and the Index of Evennes indicates a value of E= 0.88. The values obtained from all of the measured indices indicate the condition of natural regeneration which is quite good in Tahura Orang Kayo Hitam. This is expected to lead to local species-based ecosystem restoration for the future of peat swamp forests.
La imagen socioeconómica de Japón en España, 1868-1936
Authors: Perdices de Blas Luis , Ramos-Gorostiza José Luis
Published: April 2021

Los viajeros españoles que visitaron Japón entre 1868 y 1936 rechazaron la imagen estática y estereotipada del país, en la que veían reflejada la similar caricaturización que habían hecho los europeos de la España decimonónica. También discutieron — antes de 1898 — si Japón podía llegar a constituir una amenaza o una oportunidad para las Filipinas. Pero ante todo se esforzaron por ofrecer una visión dinámica del país, apuntando posibles razones de su vertiginosa transformación socioeconómica. En cualquier caso, no creían que el modelo de modernización japonés fuese trasladable a España: aunque admiraban sus asombrosos logros, también identificaban importantes problemas y limitaciones.
JERÓNIMO, Miguel Bandeira; MONTEIRO, José Pedro. Histórias(s) do presente. Os mundos que o passado nos deixou. Lisboa
Authors: Sousa Vítor de
Published: April 2021

Trata-se de uma recensão, pelo que não tem resumo.
“Mais bela do que o sol, mais bela do que o céu”
Authors: Leal Caroline Pereira
Published: April 2021

Neste artigo abordamos a história do carnaval de Porto Alegre, do início do século XX - representado pelas sociedades carnavalescas Esmeralda e Venezianos - através da ótica dos estudos de gênero. As mulheres, de Evas pecadoras, passaram a figurar como Marias, recatadas e redentoras, e são alçadas ao símbolo de regeneração moral do carnaval. As rainhas das agremiações são alegorias dessa transformação. Nosso objetivo é discutir as representações de mulher elaboradas pelo discurso carnavalesco, centrados na figura da rainha da sociedade carnavalesca, ao analisar os versos proferidos pelas referidas agremiações, publicados na imprensa da época. A Análise de Discurso foi utilizada como ferramenta para a busca de sentido das mensagens sociais contidas nos versos. Com esse estudo pretendemos mostrar que abordar a História por meio das relações de gênero nos permite fortalecer as resistências à supremacia dos discursos de poder dos sistemas de representação androcêntricos, ao evidenciar as representações sobre as mulheres que legitimaram a hierarquização dos gêneros ao longo do tempo.
“Sin senderos prefijados”
Authors: Oliveira Júlia Glaciela da Silva
Published: April 2021

Entre os anos de 1980 e 1990, diversos países latino-americanos, a exemplo da Argentina, do Brasil e do Chile, retornaram à via democrática. Não obstante, foi neste mesmo período em que muitos adotaram ou fortaleceram projetos neoliberais. Essa profunda mudança política, marcada pela diminuição do papel do Estado, foi acompanhada por uma rápida expansão das Organizações Não Governamentais (ONGs) e pela incorporação de alguns pontos da agenda feminista pelo Estado. Essa nova ordem sociopolítica resultou no processo de “onguização”, isto é, alterações estruturais que passaram a modelar as ONGs, as quais passaram a desenvolver projetos, financiados por agências de cooperação internacional, contendo, na maioria das vezes, equipes especializadas e remuneradas. Muitos movimentos sociais se institucionalizaram, entre eles, coletivos feministas latino-americanos. Este fato levou a importantes interrogações sobre a capacidade de autonomia do movimento e a eficácia de tais projetos na transformação da realidade feminina. Isto é, questionou-se se esse novo campo de atuação provocaria uma substituição da antiga militante pela “especialista de gênero”, diminuindo a tônica do engajamento feminista. Frente a estas questões, este artigo busca apresentar como este debate figurou na revista Brujas, publicada pela Asociación de Trabajo y Estudio de la Mujer “25 de noviembre” (ATEM), em Buenos Aires, Argentina, entre os anos de 1983 e 1996.
Atualismo
Authors: De Faria Pereira Mateus Henrique , Lopes de Araujo Valdei
Published: April 2021

Neste ensaio tentamos demonstrar que o presente e o futuro também são história e devem ser dimensões da historiografia. Para isso, retomamos episódios de nosso livro Almanaque da COVID-19 e algumas de nossas leituras de momentos-chave do ano a fim de refletir sobre o que temos chamado historicidade atualista. Em alguns momentos, lançamos mão da retrospectiva, em outros, optamos por manter o efeito anacrônico de certas passagens a fim de evidenciar o aspecto contingente de toda representação do tempo. Dividimos o texto em três partes principais. Na primeira, apresentamos os deslocamentos mais recentes na hipótese sobre uma historicidade atualista. Na segunda, reunimos alguns episódios de 2020 como modo demonstrar o que estamos chamando atualismo em suas relações com a política e a história. Por fim, apontamos caminhos preliminares de uma ação com efeitos contra-atualista.
X-CAPM REVISITED: THE INSTITUTIONAL EXTRAPOLATIVE CAPITAL ASSET PRICING MODEL (I-X-CAPM)
Authors:   MEF University, Turkey, Son-Turan Semen , Kilic Erdem ,   MEF University, Turkey
Published: May 2021

This study constructs and tests a consumption-based asset pricing model in which some investors form beliefs about future price changes in the stock market by extrapolating past price changes, while other investors hold fully rational beliefs. The contribution of the present work is the inclusion of institutional investor bias. As such it extends theory. But it also conducts econometric tests by using daily survey data on individual and institutional investors’ sentiment on the current economic situation and their future expectations. Empirical findings may imply that institutions’ sentiment reverts quicker to the equilibrium price than individual sentiment, at least with regard to their beliefs on future economic outlook. If studied further with a bigger dataset, it may imply that institutional investors are closer to the rational-decision making mechanism compared to individual investors. The theoretical framework rests on prospect theory. The market studied is the US equity market, however findings and suggestions can be applied to global markets and various financial instruments.
EVALUATION OF THE TRADE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VIETNAM AND CHINA; VIETNAM AND UNITED STATES: A COMPARISON USING GRAVITY MODEL
Authors:   Banking University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Dinh Lien Thi
Published: May 2021

This study aims to evaluate the determinants of trade relationship between two largest trading partners of Vietnam, United States and China. Using gravity model for time series data from 1986 to 2015, the study found that economic growth rate plays a crucial role in stimulating the trade flow. Both trade relationships fit with the practical approach of Heckscher-Ohlin theory, stating that trade flow increases between countries with different income levels. The most important finding of this study lines on the results regarding the impact of trade agreements. While United States-Vietnam bilateral agreement creates trade, the trade agreement between ASEAN and China produced trade diversion. As China expands its markets among ASEAN countries, Vietnam should diversify its export markets to improve its export flow.
Perceived Discrimination against Black Americans and White Americans
Authors: Zigerell Lawrence James
Published: May 2021

A widely-cited study reported evidence that White Americans reported higher ratings of how much Whites are the victims of discrimination in the United States than of how much Blacks are the victims of discrimination in the United States. However, much fewer than half of White Americans rated discrimination against Whites in the United States today to be greater or more frequent than discrimination against Blacks in the United States today, in data from the American National Election Studies 2012 Time Series Study or in preregistered analyses of data from the American National Election Studies 2016 Time Series Study or from a 2017 national nonprobability survey. Given that relative discrimination against Black Americans is a compelling justification for policies to reduce Black disadvantage, results from these three surveys suggest that White Americans’ policy preferences have much potential to move in a direction that disfavors programs intended to reduce Black disadvantage.
Flow cytofluorimetric detection and immunophenotyping of platelet-monocyte complexes in peripheral blood
Authors: Pavlov O. V. , Chepanov S. V. , Selutin A. V. , Zainulina M. S. , Eremeeva D. R. , Selkov S. A.
Published: May 2021

Activated platelets aggregate with monocytes by binding membrane bound molecules. Platelet-monocyte interaction is considered to underlie pathophysiological mechanisms bridging thrombosis and inflammation. Detection and analysis of platelet-monocyte complexes (PMC) provide means for revealing their physiological and pathogenetic roles and are instrumental in the diagnostics of various pathological conditions including obstetric complications. The aim of the study was to develop the method of quantitative determination of peripheral blood PMC, that preserve phenotypic features of platelets and monocytes, and to reveal their changes by ex vivo analysis. The suggested procedure includes immediate fixation of blood sample, immunocytochemical staining with fluorochrome-conjugated specific antibodies against markers of activation and differentiation followed by lysis of erythrocytes, and flow cytometric analysis. Fourteen samples of peripheral blood from patients with history of pregnancy complication were obtained in first trimester of ongoing pregnancy and analyzed. It was demonstrated that quantitative and qualitative in vivo characteristics of PMC remained unchanged in fixed samples, whereas the number of PMC and expression levels of the markers of platelet and monocyte activation dramatically increased in the unfixed blood. The set of monoclonal antibodies and gating strategies, used in this study, ensure phenotyping and evaluation of percentage/absolute count of PMC in the total monocyte population (CD45+CD14+) and in the subpopulations of classical (CD14+CD16-), intermediate (CD14+CD16+), and non-classical (CD14lowCD16+) monocytes. This approach provides insight into the participation of different monocyte subsets in the formation of PMC and their roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes. In some samples, elevated PMC proportion was observed, accompanied by significant increase in the expression of platelet activation marker CD62P and decrease in the expression of its monocytic ligand CD162. These changes suggested altered activation of PMC and their participation in the pathophysiological mechanisms of some pregnancy complications. Immunophenotyping of PMC affords an opportunity to characterize their proinflammatory, procoagulant and adhesive properties; these results can be used for research and diagnostics. In particular, the method is suitable for detection and phenotyping of PMC in pregnancy complications and other pathological conditions associated with the disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis.
MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric protein profiling of THP-1 cells and their microvesicles
Authors: Korenevsky A. V. , Milyutina Yu. P. , Berezkina M. E. , Alexandrova E. P. , Balabas O. A. , Markova K. L. , Selkov S. A. , Sokolov D. I.
Published: May 2021

Extracellular vesicles that are shed from the plasma membranes take an active part in intercellular communication, transporting a wide range of molecules, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and carbohydrates, being of great functional importance. One of the steps to better understanding of distant communications of cells and their regulatory mechanisms is a proteomic study of various extracellular vesicles, including microvesicles and exosomes. Pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by monocytes and individual complement system components play a key role in their specific functioning. The aim of this work was to study proteomic composition of THP-1 monocyte-like cells and their microvesicles. The MALDI-mass spectrometric analysis of electrophoretic protein fractions of cell lysates and microvesicles allowed for identifying 107 proteins that perform various functions. Among 19 determined functional groups, the largest ones comprise transcription regulators and proteins with unknown functions. The smallest functional groups include regulators of cell differentiation and development, proteins participating in immune response and inflammation, cellular receptors and their regulators, transporter and transport regulatory proteins, as well as cell proteins mediating adhesion and matrix structures, processing regulators, proteins of ubiquitin-proteasome system, intracellular signaling, autophagy and exocytosis regulators, chromatin structural proteins, hemostatic regulators, and peptide hormones. An intermediate position is occupied by cytokines and growth factors, enzymes, cytoskeleton and motor proteins, as well as RNA processing and translation regulators. The subsequent DAVID Functional Annotation Clustering analysis allowed for identifying the most common groups distributed by their molecular function, biological processes, and cellular component. Separately, in the microvesicles derived from THP-1 monocyte-like cells, proteins of the immune response and inflammation, cytokines and growth factors, intracellular signaling proteins, cell differentiation regulators and developmental proteins, as well as cell adhesion and matrix proteins were identified among other protein molecules. The data obtained on the partial proteome of THP-1 monocyte-like cells and their microvesicles extend the existing knowledge on distant communications between the cells and suggest new mechanisms of interaction between monocytes/macrophages and their microenvironment.
Study of relationships between HLA-G gene polymorphism, intrauterine infection and recurrent miscarriage in women
Authors: Gordeeva L. A. , Voronina E. N. , Polenok E. G. , Mun S. A. , Nersesyan S. L. , Olennikova R. V. , Filipenko M. L. , Glushkov A. N.
Published: May 2021

The relationship between the HLA-G gene polymorphism (rs41551813, rs12722477, rs41557518), intrauterine infection and recurrent miscarriage (RM) in women were studied. The case group consisted of 180 patients with RM, defined as two or more consecutive miscarriages (min = 2; max = 8) at up to 20 weeks of gestation, and with clinically confirmed pregnancies and non-viable fetuses. At the time of examination. the women were enrolled from the Genetic Counseling Center at the Kemerovo Regional Clinical Hospital, Kemerovo, Russia, and were not pregnant. Each patient underwent a gynecological examination. We excluded women with a history of medical abortion, birth, and ectopic pregnancies. In addition, we excluded women with endocrine (e.g. diabetes) disorders. To exclude other known causes of spontaneous abortion, the following tests were performed: ultrasound examination of pelvic organs, and karyotyping in women and men. The women’s mean age in the RM group, was 29.6±4.8 (SD) years. The control group comprised 408 fertile women. These women didn’t have a history of spontaneous abortion, or a family history of congenital malformations. They have born, at least, 1-2 healthy children. Women’s mean age at birth of last child was 26.8±5.2 (SD) years. Influence of the intrauterine infection was analyzed on the basis of laboratory tests. Diagnostics of bacterial vaginosis and vulvo-vaginal candidiasis by microscopic examination was conducted. Viral agent infections (herpes simplex virus type 2, cytomegalovirus, human papilloma virus type 16/18), Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Gardnerella vaginalis and Trichomonas vaginalis were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The data were obtained from the medical cards of the surveyed women. All the women gave a written informed consent before participating in the study. Typing of polymorphisms of Thr31Ser (rs41551813, HLA-G*01:03) in exon 2, Leu110Ile (rs12722477, HLA-G*01:04) and 1597 delС (rs41557518, HLA-G*01:05N) in exon 3 HLA-G genes were performed by realtime PCR followed by melting analysis. The study showed that the intrauterine infection was not a risk factor for RM (p = 0.30) in the examined women. It was found that the 110 Ile allele (HLA-G *01:04) was a risk factor for RM both in women with intrauterine infection [ORa = 4.50 (2.41-8.38), p = 2.09e-06], and in women without infection [ORa = 2.46 (1.44-4.21), p = 0.0009]. The cooperative influence of genetic and infections factors with the risk of RM in women was revealed [ORa+f = 3.50 (2.01-6.09), p = 8.78e-06]. Our results will be useful in understanding the molecular mechanisms of immune disorders in fetomaternal interface, and for choosing the strategy of management and treatment in women with RM.
Structural monitoring of an integral bridge in South Africa
Authors: Skorpen Sarah A , Kearsley Elsabe P , Clayton Chris R I , Kruger Edwin J
Published: April 2021

This paper gives an overview of almost 3 years of monitoring data obtained from instrumentation installed in a 90 m long reinforced concrete integral bridge in South Africa. The main objective of this structural monitoring project was to assess the effect of environmental factors on integral bridge abutment movement, with specific focus on thermal effects. The data obtained from the instrumentation enable designers to compare real and assumed effective bridge deck temperatures, earth pressures and abutment movements. Analysis of the data seems to indicate that the deck cross-sectional shape (defined as the ratio of surface area to the cross-sectional area) has a significant effect on the effective bridge deck temperature, abutment movement and earth pressure.
Platelet Function in CKD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Baaten Constance C.F.M.J. , Sternkopf Marieke , Henning Tobias , Marx Nikolaus , Jankowski Joachim , Noels Heidi
Published: May 2021

Significance Statement

Thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications frequently present in patients with CKD, and abnormalities in platelet function are central to thrombotic and hemorrhagic events. To clarify how CKD affects platelet function, the authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of platelet activity in CKD, with a focus on nondialysis-induced effects. They found that, overall, the literature points to increased bleeding time and decreased platelet aggregation—in particular, an overall reduction in collagen-induced platelet aggregation—in patients with CKD. Also, they reviewed the literature for the effects of uremic toxins on platelet function, finding that ex vivo studies revealed both stimulatory and inhibitory effects, whereas eight of 12 uremic toxins tested in animal models mostly induced prothrombotic effects. Further investigation of platelet reactivity in CKD, especially during different CKD stages, is warranted.

Background

Patients with CKD are at high risk for thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Abnormalities in platelet function are central to these complications, but reports on platelet function in relation to CKD are conflicting, and vary from decreased platelet reactivity to normal or increased platelet responsiveness. The direct effects of uremic toxins on platelet function have been described, with variable findings.

Methods

To help clarify how CKD affects platelet function, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of platelet activity in CKD, with a focus on nondialysis-induced effects. We also performed an extensive literature search for the effects of individual uremic toxins on platelet function.

Results

We included 73 studies in the systematic review to assess CKD’s overall effect on platelet function in patients; 11 of them described CKD’s effect on ex vivo platelet aggregation and were included in the meta-analysis. Although findings on platelet abnormalities in CKD are inconsistent, bleeding time was mostly prolonged and platelet adhesion mainly reduced. Also, the meta-analysis revealed maximal platelet aggregation was significantly reduced in patients with CKD upon collagen stimulation. We also found that relatively few uremic toxins have been examined for direct effects on platelets ex vivo; ex vivo analyses had varying methods and results, revealing both platelet-stimulatory and inhibitory effects. However, eight of the 12 uremic toxins tested in animal models mostly induced prothrombotic effects.

Conclusions

Overall, most studies report impaired function of platelets from patients with CKD. Still, a substantial number of studies find platelet function to be unchanged or even enhanced. Further investigation of platelet reactivity in CKD, especially during different CKD stages, is warranted.
Elevated Erythropoietin Receptor and Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Expression in Stenotic Arteriovenous Fistulae Used for Hemodialysis
Authors: IKEGAYA NAOKI , YAMAMOTO TATSUO , TAKESHITA AKIHIRO , WATANABE TAKUYA , YONEMURA KATSUHIKO , MIYAJI TAKEHIKO , OHISHI KAZUHISA , FURUHASHI MITSUYOSHI , MARUYAMA YUKITAKA , HISHIDA AKIRA
Published: May 2021

The issue of whether recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) increases thrombosis of arteriovenous (AV) fistulae used for hemodialysis remains unclear. Thrombosis often occurs at stenotic segments of fistulae where there is marked intimal hyperplasia and extracellular matrix accumulation. Increased expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has been shown to be involved in the development of atherosclerotic lesions by promoting intimal hyperplasia and extracellular matrix accumulation. To clarify the role of rhEPO in the development of stenosis of AV fistulae, this study examined expression of the erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R), TGF-β1, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), cellular fibronectin containing an extra domain A (EDA+), and TGF-β1 mRNA, and assessed in situ rhEPO binding in tissue specimens from seven cutaneous veins and eight patent and seven stenosed portions of AV fistulae of patients undergoing dialysis. Prominent intimal hyperplasia was evident in the stenosed segments. Significant elevation in expression of EPO-R and TGF-β1 was noted in patent AV fistulae compared to the cutaneous veins. Significant enhancement of EPO-R and TGF-β expression was detected in the stenotic fistulae. Fibronectin EDA+ and PAI-1 expression was increased in intimal hyperplasia compared to patent fistulae and cutaneous veins. Elevated EPO-R expression was further confirmed by in situ binding of biotin-labeled rhEPO in stenosed tissue specimens. It is hypothesized that increased rhEPO binding due to elevated EPO-R expression contributes to the development of AV fistula stenosis caused by intimal hyperplasia and extracellular matrix accumulation in response to increased TGF-β1 expression in patients receiving hemodialysis.
Impact of Gender on Access to the Renal Transplant Waiting List for Pediatric and Adult Patients
Authors: GARG PUSHKAL P. , FURTH SUSAN L. , FIVUSH BARBARA A. , POWE NEIL R.
Published: May 2021

While the public and policy-makers place a priority on equity in the organ allocation process, several studies suggest that women may be less likely than men to receive a renal transplant. However, the cause of this disparity and whether it exists among children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are unknown. To address these issues, two nationally representative cohorts of incident patients were examined: (1) 7594 adults with ESRD onset between 1986 and 1993 for whom detailed data were available from the medical record on health status; and (2) 3217 patients <20 yr old who developed ESRD between 1988 and 1993. Patients were followed from initiation of dialysis for up to 10 yr until first activation on the United Network of Organ Sharing renal transplant waiting list. Access to the list for female and male patients with ESRD was compared using Cox proportional hazards models with adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors. Crude rates of wait-listing per 100 person-years of ESRD were lower for female patients than male patients in both the pediatric (28.89 versus 34.18) and adult (3.94 versus 6.54) populations. Despite adjustment for numerous confounding factors, this gender-based disparity persisted in multivariate analysis. Among children with ESRD, female patients were 14% less likely to be listed than male patients (relative hazard [RH] 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78 to 0.93), and in the adult group, women were 18% less likely to be activated for transplant than men (RH 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.93). These findings suggest that female patients of all ages with ESRD face barriers in being activated for cadaveric renal transplantation. Greater attention to this issue is necessary to improve equity in the organ allocation system and potentially improve the outcomes of female patients with ESRD.
Renal Response to Tissue Injury
Authors: AGARWAL ANUPAM , NICK HARRY S.
Published: May 2021

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a microsomal enzyme involved in the degradation of heme, resulting in the generation of biliverdin, iron, and carbon monoxide. Recent attention has focused on the biologic effects of product(s) of this enzymatic reaction that have important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective functions. Induction of HO-1 occurs as an adaptive and beneficial response to a wide variety of oxidant stimuli, including heme, hydrogen peroxide, cytokines, growth factors, heavy metals, nitric oxide, and oxidized LDL. HO-1 has been implicated in several clinically relevant disease states, including transplant rejection, hypertension, acute renal injury, atherosclerosis, and others. Previous studies indicate a protective role for HO-1 in heme and non-heme-mediated models of acute renal injury using chemical inducers and inhibitors of HO-1. Studies in HO-1 knockout mice further corroborate these observations, highlighting the important role of HO-1 in the pathophysiology of acute renal injury. Expression of HO-1 has been linked to prolonged xenograft survival and is important in transplant rejection as well. More recently, the first known case of human HO-1 deficiency was reported with several phenotypical similarities to the mouse HO-1 knockout. The role of HO-1 has extended far beyond its initial description as an enzyme involved in heme degradation to being an important mediator in modulating adaptive and protective responses not only in renal injury, but in other organ systems as well.
Dynamic Factor Copula Models with Estimated Cluster Assignments
Authors: Oh Dong Hwan , Patton Andrew J.
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a dynamic multi-factor copula for use in high dimensional time series applications. A novel feature of our model is that the assignment of individual variables to groups is estimated from the data, rather than being pre-assigned using SIC industry codes, market capitalization ranks, or other ad hoc methods. We adapt the k-means clustering algorithm for use in our application and show that it has excellent finite-sample properties. Applying the new model to returns on 110 US equities, we find around 20 clusters to be optimal. In out-of-sample forecasts, we find that a model with as few as five estimated clusters significantly outperforms an otherwise identical model with 21 clusters formed using two-digit SIC codes.
Trial sequential analysis: novel approach for meta-analysis
Authors: Kang Hyun
Published: April 2021

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses rank the highest in the evidence hierarchy. However, they still have the risk of spurious results because they include too few studies and participants. The use of trial sequential analysis (TSA) has increased recently, providing more information on the precision and uncertainty of meta-analysis results. This makes it a powerful tool for clinicians to assess the conclusiveness of meta-analysis. TSA provides monitoring boundaries or futility boundaries, helping clinicians prevent unnecessary trials. The use and interpretation of TSA should be based on an understanding of the principles and assumptions behind TSA, which may provide more accurate, precise, and unbiased information to clinicians, patients, and policymakers. In this article, the history, background, principles, and assumptions behind TSA are described, which would lead to its better understanding, implementation, and interpretation.
Parameters to characterize the internal recirculation of an oxidation ditch
Authors: Shao Po Wang  , Jing Jie Yu  , Hua Ji Ma
Published: April 2021

Mixed liquor circulates ceaselessly in the closed-loop corridor in an oxidation ditch (OD), which is significantly different from other wastewater treatment processes. The internal recirculation ratio (IRR), i.e., the ratio between circulation flow rate (QCC) and influent flow rate (QIn), and the circulatory period (T), i.e. the time consumed for the mixed liquor to complete one lap in the circular corridor, was used to quantify the internal recirculation characteristics of the OD system. In order to elucidate the characteristics and applicability of IRR and T, this study obtained the numerical relationship between IRR and T by formula derivation. It also discusses the factors influencing IRR and analyses the applications of IRR and T. The results showed that IRR = QCC/QIn = HRT/T = HRT  IRF (HRT = hydraulic retention time of the mixed liquor in the circular corridor; IRF = internal recirculation frequency). Moreover, three kinds of parameters had an effect on IRR: QIn; reactor dimensions, i.e., length (Lmid), width (B), and height (H) of the circular corridor; and horizontal velocity of the mixed liquor in the circular corridor (v). QIn changed IRR by altering HRT. However, B, H, Lmid, and v changed IRR by altering IRF and T. Furthermore, the same IRR corresponded to many different HRT and IRF. Therefore, when QIn and QCC varied in the OD system, using HRT and IRF to evaluate the variation of QIn and QCC, respectively, was better than using IRR to evaluate their synthetical variation. IRF and T were useful for directly and precisely characterizing the circulation speed and circulation flow rate in the circular corridor, while IRR was more useful for evaluating the dilution effect of reflux on influent.
Subacute Combined Degeneration with Motor Neuropathy Following Nitrous Oxide Abuse
Authors: Bae Jin Sung , Seok Jung Im , Lee Je Wan
Published: May 2021

The neurotoxicity of nitrous oxide (N2O) is known to be mainly occurred by interference with action of vitamin B12. A 38-year-old male presented with progressive gait instability after recreational inhalational use of N2O for 2 months. Although spine magnetic resonance image showed typical subacute combined degeneration, nerve conduction study showed motor neuropathy that is atypical findings of vitamin B12 deficiency. This case suggests N2O-induced neuropathy can develop separately from a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Isolation of Human Pancreatic Islets of Langerhans for Research v3
Authors: Lyon James , F Spigelman Aliya , Bautista Austin , Smith Nancy , O'Gorman Doug , E Manning Fox Jocelyn , Kin Tatsuya , E Macdonald Patrick
Published: April 2021

This protocol, and the five linked protocols, describe the equipment setup, solutions, and methodology for the isolation of pancreatic islets of Langerhans from human donor pancreas for research purposes. These protocols are employed by the Alberta Diabetes Institute IsletCore program in their work isolating, banking, and distributing human islets for research.
Pneumonia Associated with Invasive and Noninvasive Oxygenation Strategies for Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure in Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis Protocol v1
Authors: Hokari Satoshi , Kimata Shunsuke , Sakuraya Masaaki , Okano Hiromu , Masuyama Tomoyuki
Published: May 2021

Background: Noninvasive oxygenation strategies, such as noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and high-flow nasal cannula, have become common treatments for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. However, further research is needed to understand the relative benefits and risks of each strategy. Aim: The purpose of this systematic review is to assess which noninvasive oxygenation strategy is best for reducing pneumonia in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Methods and analysis: We will conduct a systematic review of the relevant literature according to the Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We will include randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of noninvasive oxygenation interventions for patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. The main outcome is the incidence rate of pneumonia, which is not limited ventilator-associated pneumonia, aspiration pneumonia, and nosocomial pneumonia. Two independent reviewers will extract the data and assess the risk of bias. We will perform a meta-analysis using the GRADE Working Group Approach for a network meta-analysis.
Overview of NCBI's SARS-CoV-2 submission process and the metadata required v3
Authors: Timme Ruth , Griffiths Emma , Katz Lee
Published: May 2021

PURPOSE: This protocol explains the metadata requirements for the following two protocols: Complete in order (1 then 2): 1. SARS-CoV-2 NCBI submission protocol: SRA, BioSample, and BioProject Step-by-step instructions for establishing a new NCBI laboratory submission account and for creating and linking a new BioProject to an existing umbrella effort. SARS-CoV-2 raw data submission to SRA (Sequence Read Archive) and metadata to BioSample. 2. SARS-CoV-2 NCBI consensus submission protocol: GenBank Required: established BioProject and BioSamples Submit SARS-CoV-2 assemblies to NCBI GenBank, linking to existing BioProject, BioSamples, and raw data.
Problems in Perception Content-based Learning Materials for Chinese EFL Learners
Authors: Zhang Fengxian , Wu Chao
Published: May 2021

This article explores the problems that EFL learners may encounter when they perceive content-based learning materials. The main questions include: (A) Will inferior reading skills or improper use of learning strategies affect these problems? (B) What are the characteristics of the specific linguistic of reading comprehension that initiate academic problems? (C) How does the learner's learning strategy cause or initiate problems? The data used in this research are learners' midterm exam scores and the frequency of learning strategies employed by students. Including qualitative data in the form of student statements obtained from unstructured participatory interviews, in a descriptive and qualitative way based on content-based reading skills theory and learning strategies, this article will conduct a comprehensive analysis of these materials. As a result of data analysis, there is a situation in which the problems encountered by English readers in understanding content-based learning materials are initiated by inferior reading ability and improper application of learning strategies. The linguistic features of reading comprehension that initiate this problem are the lack of understanding of grammatical features, the low level of vocabulary acquisition, the lack of awareness of sensory construction, and the problems of discourse comprehension. The problems encountered when dealing with learning strategies are improper use of learning strategies, unclear learning goals and poor learning habits.
Examining the Appropriateness of Reiss’s Functionalist-oriented Approach to Trancism
Authors: Abdi Hamidreza
Published: May 2021

Trancism is an activity that is put into Holmes’ (1972) applied branch of Translation Studies (TS). The aim of trancism is to make a fair judgment to help improve the translation through the constructive comments provided by the critic. Various approaches have been proposed to achieve an objective judgment in order to avoid making a subjective judgment. The present study investigated the appropriateness of Reiss’s (2000) approach to the critique of a translation. To do end, the English version of Rowling's (2000) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and its Persian translation were chosen as the corpus of the present study to evaluate the Persian translation on the basis of three categories included in Reiss’s model of trancism. This encompasses literary, language, and pragmatic categories. As the results indicated, the translator was successful in accomplishing her translation at almost all levels, except some part of grammatical and punctuation included in language category in which the translation she produced resulted in failure to some extent. In conclusion, Reiss’s functionalist approach was mostly appropriate to the critique of a translated text, especially expressive text types, because her model allows the critic to judge two main aspect of the translation: linguistic and extra-linguistic aspects.
UPAYA PEMBERIAN MAKNA PADA PRASASTI BERBENTUK STAMBHA DARI JAWA TENGAH (ABAD IX–X MASEHI)
Authors: Alnoza Muhamad , Munandar Agus Aris
Published: May 2021

The Stone stele is made in a particular form based on a particular concept. The concept behind the making of the inscription is called meaning. Archaeologists need to interpret this in uncovering the meaning behind the inscription form by studying semiotics in the overall form and contents of the inscription. This paper studies the meaning of the stambha inscriptions from the 9th-10th century AD. The study is aimed at reconstructing the concept behind the making of the stambha inscriptions in ancient Java. The method used in this study consists of data collection, data analysis, and interpretation. Based on this series of studies, it can be seen that the stambha inscription has a hierarchical sacred meaning.
First-Principles Study of Graphene-6H SiC Surface Interactions
Authors: ÇİÇEK Ahmet , ULUĞ Bülent
Published: April 2021

Interactions of graphene with 6H-SiC {0001} surfaces are numerically investigated from first principles. In order to describe the bulk structure and its 6 bilayer thick surfaces correctly, bare and dipole-corrected atomic relaxations are considered. The obtained lattice parameters and bulk modulus are in good agreement with experimental values. The calculated indirect band gap width of 2.10 eV is smaller than the experimental value due to the nature of the computational method. Geometrical optimization of the surfaces, where dipole correction is applied, reveals that the first two bilayers displace significantly, where the relaxations of the very top bilayer is more pronounced. Band structures of the {0001} surfaces possess two flat bands around the Fermi level due to unsaturated bonds on opposite faces. When one layer of C atoms are introduced on the Si-terminated surface, it behaves as a tightly-bound buffer layer. This is also the case for the C-terminated surface when van der Waals interactions are taken into account. In contrast, disregarding these interactions yields free-standing graphene like behavior for the first C overlayer. On both surfaces, the second C overlayer is free-standing where the corresponding band structures incorporate Dirac-cone like features.
Expenditures on National Projects in the Public Spending System
Authors: Tugushev R. I.
Published: May 2021

The paper is devoted to analyzing the category of “public expenditure”, its comparative analysis with the category “budget expenditures” in doctrinal understanding and according to the legislative definition. On the basis of relative and absolute data, the author highlights the trend towards an increase of the share of national projects in the overall structure of public expenditure, as well as the trend towards annual increases in direct expenditures from the federal budget. The author concludes that it is necessary to consolidate the thesis on priority financing of national projects in the allocation of budgetary funds at the federal law level. The author analizes the place of allocations for the implementation of national projects in the updated Budget Classification and determines a number of features of budget financing of national projects. The paper elucidates the legal mechanisms of adjustment of national projects financing on the basis of the legislation, highlights the modernization of financial instruments in the field of public procurement, trends in the field of distribution of the inter-budgetary transfers with co-financing. The author highlights the importance of retrospective analysis of information on the performance of budgetary allocations by the key spending units of federal budget funds in the previous fiscal year for the purpose of prospective planning. The conclusion is made about facilitating the integration of the format of national projects into the system of strategic planning with the medium and long-term perspective.
Actual Problems of Reforming Legislation on Surrogacy
Authors: Bogdanova E. E. , Belova D. A.
Published: May 2021

The paper is devoted to the analysis and evaluation of the draft law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation Regulating Surrogate Motherhood Issues” aimed at improving legislation in the field of assisted reproductive technologies. The authors highlight the provisions of the draft law that deserve support due to their focus on ensuring the interests of the child and substantiate the appropriateness of enshrining provisions under consideration in the rules of Russian law, in particular, provisions consolidating age restrictions for potential parents, the prohibition of commercial mediation in the field of artificial reproduction, etc. At the same time, the provisions that need to be changed in order to balance the interests of all participants in the emerging public relations are identified and substantiated. The authors subject to critical analysis provisions restricting access of single individuals to surrogacy technologies due to their unreasonableness, contradiction to the provisions of the Constitution of the Russian Federation and conceptual approaches to understanding the family, motherhood and childhood.
Grounds for Involving a Legal Entity as a Civil Defendant in Criminal Cases
Authors: Drazhevskaya Yu. V.
Published: May 2021

The current Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation makes it possible to involve a legal entity as a civil defendant only if, in accordance with the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, it is liable for harm caused by a crime. This prevents the prosecution in all necessary cases, in particular for tax crimes. This is because in the criminal procedure, property damage caused by tax crimes is made up of taxes, fees, insurance premiums, which are not property damage in civil law due to various objects of legal relations. Therefore, they are not subject to compensation in accordance with the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, but are collected in accordance with the procedure RF Tax Code and RF APC. At the same time, legal entities being taxpayers who failed to pay taxes are obliged to compensate for the damage caused by a tax crime, constituting the unpaid amount of taxes, fees, insurance premiums. This is to be fulfilled not in accordance with the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, but in accordance with the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and the Arbitration Procedure Code of the Russian Federation. Due to the lack of legal grounds for involving a legal entity in criminal proceedings as a civil defendant, in practice, an individual is often involved in this case. It is against him criminal proceedings are being carried out, which subsequently leads to the cancellation of sentences in terms of imposing civil liability on an ineligible person instead of a taxpayer-organization. The paper substantiates the need to include in the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation a new basis for involving a legal entity as a civil defendant, namely the existence of an obligation in accordance with the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and the Arbitration Procedure Code of the Russian Federation to pay taxes, fees, insurance premiums. This will make it possible to exclude the recovery of property damage for tax crimes from employees of the organization in respect of whom criminal proceedings are being carried out, in the presence of a solvent legal entity-taxpayer.