bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meningkatkan Kemampuan Motorik Kasar Melalui Permainan Lompat Cangkir Di RA Zu Tsaqif
Authors: Nandhita Dharma Santy Ni Komang , Jannah Miftahul , Mayanjani Tria , Hasibuan Qisthina , Laili Nur
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui permainan lompat cangkir dan menentukan warna bola dengan gerakan melompat dalam mengembangkan motorik kasar pada anak usia dini di RA ZU Tsaqif. Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif. Subjek penelitian ini 13 anak dengan usia anak 5-6 tahun. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data terdiri dari pengumpulan data, reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa dalam permainan buka cangkir dan menentukan warna bola dengan gerakan melompat dapat mengembangkan beberapa aspek perkembangan anak yaitu : 1) motorik kasar, dimana anak sebelum menyusun bola sesuai warna anak diminta untuk lompat dan membuka cangkir setelah itu baru mengambil dan menggumpul kan bola di tempat yang sudah disediakan. 2) kognitif, dimana anak mengambil dan menggumpulkan bola sesuai warna di tempat wadah yang sudah disediakan. 3) sosial emosional, dengan permainan ini sosial emosional anak pun juga berkembang, dimana dia dapat berinteraksi dengan temannya ketika menang mereka akan bertepuk tangan, tertawa dan kalau pun kalah mereka pun tetap bertepuk tangan, tertawa serta memberikan semangat kepada temannya yang kalah.
Developing a Philosophical Foundation for the Study of the Microbial Side of Symbiosis
Authors: Stencel Adrian
Published: May 2023

Symbiotic associations have been studied extensively in recent years, focusing mainly on the potential benefits to the host. However, understanding the role played by microorganisms in the physiology and fitness of the host, an aspect of the subject that had been neglected for a long time, has now become an important goal of symbiotic studies. Among the interesting philosophical questions are the following: how should we study the impact of symbiosis on the fitness of symbiotic microorganisms? What framework should scientists use, and on what philosophical assumptions should such research be based? In other words, when does comparing fitness make sense? In this paper, I develop such a framework, and argue that these requirements comprise: (i) phenotypically similar individuals put in the same (ii) sub-environment and contrast it with another popular approach. Finally, I apply this to the symbiosis between the Euprymna scolopes squid and Vibrio fischeri bacteria to show how scientists should evaluate the fitness of symbiotic microorganisms.
Integration of empirical and modelled data unravels spatiotemporal distribution and connectivity patterns of Fuegian sprat early life stages
Authors: García Alonso VA , Franco BC , Palma ED , Pájaro M , Capitanio FL
Published: May 2023

The distribution patterns of fish early life stages are critical to recruitment success and closely related to major oceanographic circulation patterns. We explored the spatiotemporal distribution of early life stages of Fuegian sprat Sprattus fuegensis, a key trophic species in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean (SWAO), in a complex oceanographic setting. Samples were collected during austral spring, summer, and autumn, from 2014 to 2017, across areas with distinct biophysical properties between Tierra del Fuego (TDF) and the marine protected area ‘Namuncurá’ at Burdwood Bank (BB) (ca. 54°S). Results revealed significant seasonal fluctuations in abundance, distribution, and ontogenetic composition across habitats. High egg and early larval abundances at Isla de los Estados (IE) suggest it is an additional spawning ground to those previously identified at TDF and BB. However, only the latter appear to be suitable nursery areas. Particle-tracking simulations based on egg abundance and spawning dates were conducted for the first time using results from a high-resolution hydrodynamic model. Particle transport provides evidence of connectivity between IE and neighbouring areas—enhanced when horizontal diffusivity is incorporated into the model—but not between TDF and BB. Simulated distributions closely resembled empirical patterns from this and other studies, allowing the integration of empirical and modelled data to schematize the species’ dispersal pathways in the study area. These results offer new insights into distribution and connectivity patterns among spawning grounds and highlight the potential use of hydrodynamic models for future assessments of Fuegian sprat and other planktonic species’ dispersal and recruitment in the SWAO.
CURRENT STATE OF RISK AND PROBLEM BEHAVIOUR OF PUPILS AND ITS REFLECTION IN SCHOOL PLANS OF PREVENTION
Authors: EMMEROVÁ INGRID , JABLONSKÝ TOMÁŠ
Published: May 2023

The study theoretically presents the current state of problem or risk behaviour of pupils at elementary and high schools, as well as school prevention in Slovakia. It presents the results of content analysis of school documents, specifically of school plans of preventive activities, or work plans of prevention coordinators, with special focus on the reflection of the current state of risk and problem behaviour of the pupils in these plans. The results show that the plans take only minimal account of the current state and trends of risk and problem behaviour of pupils.
Effect of Price Discounts on Consumer Purchase Satisfaction (Study at Indomaret Majene Branch)
Authors: Zulkifli Zulkifli
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of discounted prices on Customer Purchase Satisfaction at Indomaret Majene Branch.This research was conducted at Indomaret Majene branch, Majene Regency, namely the researcher wanted to know howabout influencediscounted prices for Customer Purchase Satisfaction Indomaret Majene BranchThe data analysis technique used is a simple linear regression test. The results showed that the price discount variable had a positive and significant effect on the consumer purchase satisfaction variable at the Majene branch of Indomaret.
The Reality of Eradicating Corruption in Indonesia; A Comparative Legal Study
Authors: Hanafi Syawaluddin
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this research is to find out and analyze the reality of eradicating corruption in Indonesia with a comparative legal review between positive law in Indonesia and Islamic law.This research is a descriptive-qualitative legal sociology research that explains the reality of the problem of eradicating corruption in Indonesia. The perspective used in analyzing and finding the ideal construction is Islamic Law with a conceptual approach, historical approach, comparative approach, case approach, and constitutional approach.The findings in this study outline that: First, the reality of corruption that occurs in Indonesia can be seen from the theory of law as a tool of social engineering and law enforcement theory, it is necessary to carry out reforms to encourage reform in society, the emphasis lies on the revision of laws and regulations so that the construction of a new society to be realized in the future through the enactment of laws and regulations in accordance with the needs of the community. Because a good law is a law that is extracted from the norms that live in the community. Second, the purpose of Islamic law is to protect religion, soul, mind, offspring, and property, and to protect the state from corruptive behavior. Efforts to eradicate corruption in the perspective of Islamic law are by providing social sanctions and ta'zir sanctions. prevention efforts can also be carried out by considering cultural aspects and educational aspects, both through formal, non-formal, and informal channels.
Sovereignty, Property and Climate Change
Authors: Walker Neil
Published: May 2023

What ways does do the key framing concepts of “sovereignty” and “property” play in initiating and accelerating anthropogenic climate change? Sovereignty has supplied and continues to supply a congenial host for the kind of property regime that produces economic growth, but also, and progressively, harmful climate change associated with such growth. At a most basic level of argument, we can point to how the development of a kind of “elective affinity” between sovereignty and property helped to fashion and sustain a political economy ultimately generative of harmful climate change.
Population Dynamics of Sitobion avenae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and their Mummified Aphids on Wheat Crop
Authors: Ali Usman , Naeem Muhammad , Aziz Muhammad Asif
Published: May 2023

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the major nutritional bases of mankind and animals worldwide; however, infestations by aphids are the main cause that severely affects wheat production in Pakistan and around the world. In 2021-22 the population densities of Sitobion avenae and their mummified aphids were studied on wheat crop under field conditions at University Research Farm, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi. About eight quadrats were taken on each day from the whole field on weekly basis and numbers of aphids were counted visually on each plant part (stems, leaves, and spikes) individually. Seasonal weekly mean population of aphid morphs on wheat crop revealed that population densities were found significantly different among winged, adults, nymphs, and mummies (F5, 551 = 8.38, P = 0.000; F5, 551 = 14.80, P = 0.000; F5, 551 = 24.13, P = 0.000; F5, 551 = 18.30, P = 0.000 respectively). Significantly greater numbers of aphids were recorded on the spikes (29.23 ± 1.14) as compared to those on leaves (8.46 ± 0.68) and stems (0.37 ± 0.05). The overall combined mean population comparison was observed non-significant between aphids morphs winged, adult, nymph, and mummified (F7, 551 = 0.20, P = 0.984; F7, 551 = 0.07, P = 0.999; F7, 551 = 0.08, P = 0.999; F7, 551 = 0.50, P = 0.829 respectively) on the wheat crop. Therefore, the S. avenae peak population timing reported in this study will be helpful as a critical infestation period for scheduling their management practices
Ecofriendly Approaches for Controlling Mustard Aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) Infestation
Authors: Nisar Muhammad Shahid , Rashid Abdul , Samiullah Khizar , Haidar Muhammad Rizwan , Malik Saba
Published: May 2023

Brassica oilseed crops are grown all over the world, but the aphids of cabbage, Brevicoryne brassicae L. and Turnip aphid Lipaphis erysimi Kalt, cause mischief to the crops everywhere in the world. A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Farm Area of Airport Campus of Ghazi University Dera Ghazi Khan during mid-November 2019 to test eco-friendly management methods for mustard aphids. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications and five treatments in 2 m ×2.7 m size plots. Seeds of the Khanpur Raya variety were sown in mid-November 2019. The treatments included (i) Neem leaf extract, (ii) Dimethoate, (iii) Lemongrass oil, (iv) Mustard Cake, and (v) Control (untreated). The overall results of the experiment showed that after the second spray, the aphids became immune to synthetic pesticides. However, bio-pesticides had some control over the aphids, with Lemongrass oil producing the best results, achieving almost 80 percent control, followed by about 72 percent control with neem extract and almost 67 percent control with mustard cake. This suggests that Lemongrass oil can be used to control aphids on mustard plants and, since it is a bio-pesticide, it has many biological benefits. Therefore, it can be concluded that using botanical products for managing mustard aphids can be an effective and eco-friendly approach
ANALYSIS OF THE GENERATION Z’S PERCEPTION ABOUT E-WALLET IN INDONESIA’S NEW CAPITAL AREA
Authors: Atriani Dewi , Sampetoding Eliyah A M , Sunani Avi , Husain Sabrina W J , Purba Arini A
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze the perceived ease o use and perceived risk in the use of e-wallet among students in the province of East Kalimantan as Indonesia’s new capital area. This research is based onprimary data in the form of an online survey of 113 East Kalimantan’s student who using e- wallet. The resultsof this study were found that more than half of the respondents agreed on the aspect of perceived ease of use and the aspect of perceived risk. Respondents felt that the e-wallet was easy to use and felt safe using it. The results of this study are expected to open up further and useful research for the benefit of academics as well as technological and economic developments.
PALM OIL EXPORTS BECOME THE MAIN CONTRIBUTOR OF EXPORT GROWTH IN HELPING INDONESIA’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY DUE TO THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Hariani Ermatry , Widyawati Retno Febriyastuti , Ginting Andi Lopa
Published: May 2023

The increase in the price of palm oil has an impact on exports of palm oil or CPO. Palm oil exports are the main contributor to export growth. The increase in Indonesia's exports was not only supported by CPO but also other commodities such as coal, steel and other mining goods. However, CPO is one of the biggest contributors. CPO growth is among the highest among others and this is the main contributor to the large export growth and the main contributor to the trade surplus. The rapid growth of CPO exports is considered to be a damper for economic contraction. Finally, it will have a positive impact on Indonesia's economic growth, which is still in the recovery phase after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to analyze the effect of exports of palm oil on Indonesia's economic growth in 2013-2020. The research method used is simple regression with Eviews software. The results of the study show that palm oil exports have a positive and significant impact on Indonesia's economic growth.
Conceptualizing Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Learning Organization in the Labor Sector
Authors: Soelton Mochamad
Published: May 2023

Purpose – This study aims to investigate and evaluate the impact of Organizational Transformational Leadership and Work Engagement on Citizenship Behavior in mediating Learning Organization.
Methodology – A saturated sample of 96 employees were used, and the quantitative analysis employed the questionnaire collection method using the Smart–PLS Structural Equation Modeling.
Findings – Work Engagement had a significant impact on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB), while Transformational Leadership had a negative impact. Work Engagement had a significant positive effect on Learning Organization, which in turn had a significant negative effect on OCB. Organizational Citizenship Behavior could be influenced by Transformational Leadership and Work Engagement through the mediation of Learning Organization.
Originality – This study examined the experiences of workers who were more objective in giving their perceptions due to the presence of serious problems in Work Engagement. Previous research used workers as a measure of Work Engagement success but were less objective, particularly in the manufacturing industry where work-related problems were absent.
Lagrangian relaxation for the urban snow removal problem
Authors: Hajizadeh Roghayeh , Holmberg Kaj
Published: May 2023

Snow removal problem in cities is a challenging task in Nordic countries. The problem is finding optimal tours for a certain number of vehicles with some circumstances in order to clear a number of streets in a city. We have formulated the urban snow removal problem as a time-indexed mixed integer linear programming model which is huge and complicated. In our previous work, we studied the model and its different relaxations which show that the problem is not solvable in practice. Since the problem has many sets of constraints with complicated structures, relaxing them with Lagrangian relaxation might be beneficial. In this paper, we discuss different possibilities of relaxing sets of constraints and develop a Lagrangian heuristic which consists of a suitable Lagrangian relaxation of the problem, a subgradient optimization method for solving the Lagrangian dual, and procedures for obtaining feasible solutions. The heuristic has been implemented and applied to artificial and real life city networks. The results show that the bounds have been improved.
Mapping of the podocin proximity-dependent proteome reveals novel components of the kidney podocyte foot process
Authors: Gerlach Gary F. , Imseis Zachary H. , Cooper Shamus L. , Santos Anabella N. , O’Brien Lori L.
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The unique architecture of glomerular podocytes is integral to kidney filtration. Interdigitating foot processes extend from the podocyte cell body, wrap around fenestrated capillaries, and form specialized junctional complexes termed slit diaphragms to create a molecular sieve. However, the full complement of proteins which maintain foot process integrity, and how this localized proteome changes with disease, remain to be elucidated.

Methods: Proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) enables the identification of spatially localized proteomes. To this end, we developed a novel in vivo BioID knock-in mouse model. We utilized the slit diaphragm protein podocin (Nphs2) to create a podocin–BioID fusion. Podocin–BioID localizes to the slit diaphragm, and biotin injection leads to podocyte-specific protein biotinylation. We isolated the biotinylated proteins and performed mass spectrometry to identify proximal interactors.

Results and Discussion: Gene ontology analysis of 54 proteins specifically enriched in our podocin–BioID sample revealed ‘cell junctions,’ ‘actin binding,’ and ‘cytoskeleton organization’ as top terms. Known foot process components were identified, and we further uncovered two novel proteins: the tricellular junctional protein Ildr2 and the CDC42 and N-WASP interactor Fnbp1l. We confirmed that Ildr2 and Fnbp1l are expressed by podocytes and partially colocalize with podocin. Finally, we investigated how this proteome changes with age and uncovered a significant increase in Ildr2. This was confirmed by immunofluorescence on human kidney samples and suggests altered junctional composition may preserve podocyte integrity. Together, these assays have led to new insights into podocyte biology and support the efficacy of utilizing BioID in vivo to interrogate spatially localized proteomes in health, aging, and disease.
Biology of mitral valve prolapse: from general mechanisms to advanced molecular patterns—a narrative review
Authors: Ronco Daniele , Buttiglione Gianpiero , Garatti Andrea , Parolari Alessandro
Published: June 2023

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) represents the most frequent cause of primary mitral regurgitation. For several years, biological mechanisms underlying this condition attracted the attention of investigators, trying to identify the pathways responsible for such a peculiar condition. In the last ten years, cardiovascular research has moved from general biological mechanisms to altered molecular pathways activation. Overexpression of TGF-β signaling, for instance, was shown to play a key role in MVP, while angiotensin-II receptor blockade was found to limit MVP progression by acting on the same signaling pathway. Concerning extracellular matrix organization, the increased valvular interstitial cells density and dysregulated production of catalytic enzymes (matrix metalloproteinases above all) altering the homeostasis between collagen, elastin and proteoglycan components, have been shown to possibly provide a mechanistic basis contributing to the myxomatous MVP phenotype. Moreover, it has been observed that high levels of osteoprotegerin may contribute to the pathogenesis of MVP by increasing collagen deposition in degenerated mitral leaflets. Although MVP is believed to represent the result of multiple genetic pathways alterations, it is important to distinguish between syndromic and non-syndromic conditions. In the first case, such as in Marfan syndrome, the role of specific genes has been clearly identified, while in the latter a progressively increasing number of genetic loci have been thoroughly investigated. Moreover, genomics is gaining more interest as potential disease-causing genes and loci possibly associated with MVP progression and severity have been identified. Animal models could be of help in better understanding the molecular basis of MVP, possibly providing sufficient information to tackle specific mechanisms aimed at slowing down MVP progression, therefore developing non-surgical therapies impacting on the natural history of this condition. Although continuous progress has been made in this field, further translational studies are advocated to improve our knowledge of biological mechanisms underlying MVP development and progression.
Anderson-Fabry disease cardiomyopathy: an update on epidemiology, diagnostic approach, management and monitoring strategies
Authors: Averbuch Tauben , White James A. , Fine Nowell M.
Published: June 2023

Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient activity of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase. While AFD is recognized as a progressive multi-system disorder, infiltrative cardiomyopathy causing a number of cardiovascular manifestations is recognized as an important complication of this disease. AFD affects both men and women, although the clinical presentation typically varies by sex, with men presenting at a younger age with more neurologic and renal phenotype and women developing a later onset variant with more cardiovascular manifestations. AFD is an important cause of increased myocardial wall thickness, and advances in imaging, in particular cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and T1 mapping techniques, have improved the ability to identify this disease non-invasively. Diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of low alpha-galactosidase activity and identification of a mutation in the GLA gene. Enzyme replacement therapy remains the mainstay of disease modifying therapy, with two formulations currently approved. In addition, newer treatments such as oral chaperone therapy are now available for select patients, with a number of other investigational therapies in development. The availability of these therapies has significantly improved outcomes for AFD patients. Improved survival and the availability of multiple agents has presented new clinical dilemmas regarding disease monitoring and surveillance using clinical, imaging and laboratory biomarkers, in addition to improved approaches to managing cardiovascular risk factors and AFD complications. This review will provide an update on clinical recognition and diagnostic approaches including differentiation from other causes of increased ventricular wall thickness, in addition to modern strategies for management and follow-up.
Free access to multilingual digital books: a tool to increase book reading?
Authors: Bus Adriana G. , Broekhof Kees , Vaessen Karin
Published: June 2023

The objective of the study was to examine how providing access to multilingual digital picture books affected the reading habits and language development of children from bilingual families. The study included 41 children aged 4–5 from two schools whose parents spoke a heritage language distinct from the environmental language (Dutch), and had a low level of education. The children were randomly assigned to two groups - one with access to digital books solely in the environmental language (Dutch) and the other with a choice between the environmental language and their heritage language. A general vocabulary test was administered before and after a six-week intervention period. The findings indicated that access to digital books motivated reading, with roughly one-third of the children reading a substantial number of books during the intervention. The availability of books in the heritage language did not lead to an increase in book reading. Given a choice, only a minority (33%) preferred to read in their heritage language. The conditions exhibited similar growth in vocabulary, but the study uncovered positive associations between the number of books and vocabulary development.
“There wasn’t a guidebook for this”: caring leadership during crisis
Authors: Steilen Kate , Stone-Johnson Corrie
Published: June 2023

Introduction

In this study, we seek to add to the descriptive literature on caring leadership through an examination of the work principals did to guide school communities through the COVID-19 pandemic. In this time, one essential role they played was as caretaker for all; not simply deciding, advising, or providing resources but responding with advocacy and compassion. Even so, they simultaneously had to consider traditional instructional leadership expectations including teacher observation and supervision as well as student evaluation.

Methods

This study examines the acts and expressions of caring leadership. Our research responds to one overarching question: What does caring leadership look like in action? Through close examination of 17 elementary principals’ recollections of work during the school closures of 2020, this study highlights the elements of their decisions and choices that embodied caring leadership as well as demonstrates how these moves both incorporated and exceeded traditional leadership work.

Results

Our findings highlight the centrality of caring leadership not merely as part of leaders’ work, but as the actual work itself. We extend a presumed tautology of caring leadership to explicate the discrete tasks undertaken by caring leaders to sustain the work of schools.

Discussion

Research on leadership practices frequently emphasizes professional work as relational and interactive to achieve instructional goals without acknowledging that much of the contemporary leadership work both centers on and draws strength from mutual, authentic caring for others to accomplish work. Thus, this investigation enhances research on leadership in education to recognize the caring work that principals perform and the value they ascribe to caring.
Genetic and epigenetic background of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Sandholm Niina , Dahlström Emma H. , Groop Per-Henrik
Published: May 2023

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a severe diabetic complication that affects up to half of the individuals with diabetes. Elevated blood glucose levels are a key underlying cause of DKD, but DKD is a complex multifactorial disease, which takes years to develop. Family studies have shown that inherited factors also contribute to the risk of the disease. During the last decade, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have emerged as a powerful tool to identify genetic risk factors for DKD. In recent years, the GWASs have acquired larger number of participants, leading to increased statistical power to detect more genetic risk factors. In addition, whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing studies are emerging, aiming to identify rare genetic risk factors for DKD, as well as epigenome-wide association studies, investigating DNA methylation in relation to DKD. This article aims to review the identified genetic and epigenetic risk factors for DKD.
Nonlinear electric conduction of CCTO/EPDM composites used for reinforced insulation in cable accessory
Authors: Li Zhongyuan , Zhang Jian , Chen Shiyu , Liu Heqian , Wang Lei , Liang Jianquan , Zhang Kexin , Zhang Peng , Sun Weifeng
Published: May 2023

Nonlinear electric conductance of reinforced insulation can homogenize electric field distribution and suppress local electric field distortion inside high-voltage direct current cable accessories. To achieve a significant nonlinear electric conductance in ethylene–propylene–diene misch–polymere (EPDM) used for reinforced insulation of cable accessories, the inorganic micron crystal powder of calcium copper titanate (CCTO) is synthesized by the sol–gel method, which is filled into EPDM to prepare 5∼15 wt% CCTO/EPDM composites by melting blend and hot-press molding methods. Microscopic structure, electric conductivity, direct current (DC) dielectric breakdown strength, and charge trap characteristics of CCTO/EPDM composites are tested to reveal the underlying derivation of electric conduction nonlinearity. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrate that CCTO micron fillers are uniformly dispersed in the EPDM matrix. Dielectric breakdown strength of CCTO/EPDM composites gradually decreases with the increase in CCTO content while persisting qualified for electrical insulation of DC cable accessories. CCTO crystal macron fillers introduce shallower charge traps than the intrinsic charge traps derived from the structural defect EPDM matrix, which initiates the percolating conductive channels between charge traps under high electric fields, accounting for the significant nonlinearity in the profile of electric current density versus electric field strength. Finite-element simulations and analyses on the electrostatic field in DC cable terminals prove that employing 15 wt% CCTO/EPDM composite as reinforced insulation can efficiently homogenize the electric field at the interface between the main insulation and accessory insulation of power cables, which is of great interest to develop insulation materials used for DC cable accessories in severe environments.
Review of Dam Effects on Native and Invasive Crayfishes Illustrates Complex Choices for Conservation Planning
Authors: Barnett Zanethia C. , Adams Susan B.
Published: June 2023

Dams are among the most prevalent and extreme alterations humans have perpetrated on fluvial systems. The dramatic physical and biological changes caused by dams have been synthesized for many aquatic faunal groups, but not for crayfishes. In addition, invasive crayfish species are an increasing threat to global biodiversity, and dams have both costs and benefits with respect to crayfish invasions. North American crayfishes have imperiled native crayfishes in Europe, largely by hosting and spreading the crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci that is lethal to European crayfishes. The differential effects of A. astaci on North American vs. European crayfishes contribute to differences between the continents in the costs and benefits of dams. We reviewed literature on both the detrimental and beneficial effects of dams on crayfishes, with emphasis on conservation of European crayfishes. We also suggested additional potential dam effects that warrant investigation. Our review illustrates the challenges and opportunities dams create for crayfish conservation. Dams create detrimental effects to native crayfishes, including reducing suitable habitats necessary for native habitat-specialist species and creating habitats suitable for non-native habitat-generalist species; fragmenting crayfish populations; and reducing species' ability to recolonize upstream habitats. Conversely, dams can have beneficial effects by creating barriers that slow or halt upstream invasions by non-native crayfishes and spread of the crayfish plague. The complexity of the issues and the limited ecological information available highlights the need for future studies on the effects of dams on crayfishes. Crayfishes are one of the most imperiled groups of aquatic fauna globally; therefore, understanding the beneficial and detrimental effects of dams is essential for effective conservation of many crayfish species.
Complement protein C1q stimulates hyaluronic acid degradation via gC1qR/HABP1/p32 in malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Balduit Andrea , Vidergar Romana , Zacchi Paola , Mangogna Alessandro , Agostinis Chiara , Grandolfo Micaela , Bottin Cristina , Salton Francesco , Confalonieri Paola , Rocca Andrea , Zanconati Fabrizio , Confalonieri Marco , Kishore Uday , Ghebrehiwet Berhane , Bulla Roberta
Published: June 2023

Complement component C1q can act as a pro-tumorigenic factor in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is rich in C1q and hyaluronic acid (HA), whose interaction enhances adhesion, migration and proliferation of malignant cells. HA-bound C1q is also capable of modulating HA synthesis. Thus, we investigated whether HA-C1q interaction would affect HA degradation, analyzing the main degradation enzymes, hyaluronidase (HYAL)1 and HYAL2, and a C1q receptor candidate. We first proceeded with the characterization of HYALs in MPM cells, especially HYAL2, since bioinformatics survival analysis revealed that higher HYAL2 mRNA levels have an unfavorable prognostic index in MPM patients. Interestingly, Real-Time quantitative PCR, flow cytometry and Western blot highlighted an upregulation of HYAL2 after seeding of primary MPM cells onto HA-bound C1q. In an attempt to unveil the receptors potentially involved in HA-C1q signaling, a striking co-localization between HYAL2 and globular C1q receptor/HABP1/p32 (gC1qR) was found by immunofluorescence, surface biotinylation and proximity ligation assays. RNA interference experiments revealed a potentially regulatory function exerted by gC1qR on HYAL2 expression, since C1QBP (gene for gC1qR) silencing unexpectedly caused HYAL2 downregulation. In addition, the functional blockage of gC1qR by a specific antibody hindered HA-C1q signaling and prevented HYAL2 upregulation. Thus, C1q-HA interplay is responsible for enhanced HYAL2 expression, suggesting an increased rate of HA catabolism and the release of pro-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic HA fragments in the MPM TME. Our data support the notion of an overall tumor-promoting property of C1q. Moreover, the overlapping localization and physical interaction between HYAL2 and gC1qR suggests a potential regulatory effect of gC1qR within a putative HA-C1q macromolecular complex.
The role of acoustics within the sensory landscape of coral larval settlement
Authors: Pysanczyn Josh W. , Williams Elizabeth A. , Brodrick Emelie , Robert Daniel , Craggs Jamie , Marhaver Kristen L. , Simpson Stephen D.
Published: May 2023

Recruitment of coral larvae on reefs is crucial for individual survival and ecosystem integrity alike. Coral larvae can detect and respond to a wide range of biotic and abiotic cues, including acoustic cues, to locate suitable sites for settlement and metamorphosis. However, the acoustic ecology of coral larvae, including how they perceive auditory cues, remains poorly understood. In this mini-review we consider both ex situ physiology and behavior, and in situ ecological and behavioral studies, to first provide an updated overview of the abiotic and biotic cues used by coral larvae to guide settlement. We then explore in detail the use of acoustic cues and the current literature on behavioral responses to acoustic stimuli. Finally, we discuss gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms by which coral larvae detect acoustic cues, highlighting a novel application of technology to explore these sensory capabilities. We also address how larval phonotaxis, i.e., the ability to orient to a sound cue, can be applied to coral reef conservation. Current research suggests that acoustic cues are likely used at small spatial scales, and that coral larvae may have directional acoustic sensitivity enabling phonotactic behavior. Recruitment of coral larvae on reefs is significantly influenced by habitat-specific soundscape variation and likely affected by anthropogenic disturbance. We propose a novel application of the remote sensing technology, micro-scanning laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV), to quantify the micromechanical responses of putative acoustically sensitive epidermal microstructures. We then highlight the potential for incorporation of acoustic enrichment techniques in coral reef conservation and restoration interventions.
Patient-reported outcomes provide evidence for increased depressive symptoms and increased mental impairment in giant cell arteritis
Authors: Froehlich Matthias , Zahner Antonia , Schmalzing Marc , Gernert Michael , Strunz Patrick-Pascal , Hueper Sebastian , Portegys Jan , Schwaneck Eva Christina , Gadeholt Ottar , Kübler Andrea , Hewig Johannes , Ziebell Philipp
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The spectrum of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) represents highly inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Patients mostly report severe physical impairment. Possible consequences for mental health have been scarcely studied. The aim of this study was to investigate psychological well-being in the context of GCA and PMR.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with N = 100 patients with GCA and/or PMR (GCA-PMR). Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were measured using the Short Form 36 Version 2 (SF-36v2) and visual analog scale (VAS) assessment. Moreover, the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used in 35 of 100 patients to detect depression. To compare PROs with physician assessment, VAS was also rated from physician perspective. To assess a possible association with inflammation itself, serological parameters of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) were included.

Results

In all scales of the SF-36v2 except General Health (GH) and in the physical and mental sum score (PCS, MCS), a significant impairment compared to the German reference collective was evident (MCS: d = 0.533, p < 0.001). In the PHQ-9 categorization, 14 of the 35 (40%) showed evidence of major depression disorder. VAS Patient correlated significantly with PHQ-9 and SF-36 in all categories, while VAS Physician showed only correlations to physical categories and not in the mental dimensions. Regarding inflammatory parameters, linear regression showed CRP to be a complementary significant positive predictor of mental health subscale score, independent of pain.

Conclusion

PRO show a relevant impairment of mental health up to symptoms of major depression disorder. The degree of depressive symptoms is also distinctly associated with the serological inflammatory marker CRP.
Therapies for Parkinson’s disease and the gut microbiome: evidence for bidirectional connection
Authors: Hey Grace , Nair Navya , Klann Emily , Gurrala Anjela , Safarpour Delaram , Mai Volker , Ramirez-Zamora Adolfo , Vedam-Mai Vinata
Published: May 2023

The gut brain axis (GBA), a bidirectional communication pathway has often been linked to health and disease, and gut microbiota (GM), a key component of this pathway shown to be altered in Parkinson’s disease (PD), are suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of PD. There are few studies that report the impact of oral medication therapy on GM, however, there are even fewer studies that discuss the impact of other treatments such as device assisted therapies (DAT) including deep brain stimulation (DBS), levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel infusion (LCIG) and photobiomodulation (PBM) and how these might impact GM. Here, we review the literature and summarize findings of the potential contributions of GM to the heterogenous clinical response to pharmaceutical therapies among individuals with PD. We also discuss the potential interactions between the GM and DATs such as DBS and LCIG and present evidence for alterations in GM in response to DATs. Given the complexity and highly individual nature of the GM of patients with PD and the potential influence that other external factors such as diet, lifestyle, medications, stage of the disease and other comorbidities, further investigations into the response of GM to therapies are worthy of future study in prospective, controlled trials as well as medication naïve individuals. Such detailed studies will help us further comprehend the relationship between GM in PD patients, and will help investigate the potential of targeting GM associated changes as a treatment avenue for PD.
Regional changes in brain apparent diffusion coefficient in fetuses with complex congenital heart disease and normal pregnancy assessed using diffusion-weighted imaging
Authors: Song Jia-Guang , Sun Cong , Zhu Mei , Zhu Jin-Xia , Zhang Nan , Wang Guang-Bin , Zhao Bin
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To explore changes in brain apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in normal fetuses and fetuses with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) during the second and early third trimesters.

Methods

This single-center prospective study was conducted from May 2019 through October 2021. We measured and compared the mean ADC values between 23 fetuses with CHD and 27 gestational age (GA)-matched controls using covariance analyses. ADC density plots and histograms were used to compare brain characteristics. False-discovery rates (FDR, α = 0.05) correction was used for multiple testing.

Results

The mean ADC in the frontal white matter, temporal white matter, parietal white matter, occipital white matter, cerebellar hemisphere, central area of the centrum semiovale, basal ganglia region, thalamus, and pons were not significantly different (all p > 0.05). Based on histogram analysis, there were no significant differences between the controls and fetuses with CHD after FDR correction. However, the ADC density plots showed significant heterogeneity between the controls and fetuses with CHD.

Conclusion

The mean ADC values and ADC histogram analysis did not differ between the CHD and normal groups. The ADC density plots may provide supplementary information and improve the sensitivity for detecting early brain changes in fetuses with CHD.
Subject-independent EEG classification based on a hybrid neural network
Authors: Zhang Hao , Ji Hongfei , Yu Jian , Li Jie , Jin Lingjing , Liu Lingyu , Bai Zhongfei , Ye Chen
Published: June 2023

A brain-computer interface (BCI) based on the electroencephalograph (EEG) signal is a novel technology that provides a direct pathway between human brain and outside world. For a traditional subject-dependent BCI system, a calibration procedure is required to collect sufficient data to build a subject-specific adaptation model, which can be a huge challenge for stroke patients. In contrast, subject-independent BCI which can shorten or even eliminate the pre-calibration is more time-saving and meets the requirements of new users for quick access to the BCI. In this paper, we design a novel fusion neural network EEG classification framework that uses a specially designed generative adversarial network (GAN), called a filter bank GAN (FBGAN), to acquire high-quality EEG data for augmentation and a proposed discriminative feature network for motor imagery (MI) task recognition. Specifically, multiple sub-bands of MI EEG are first filtered using a filter bank approach, then sparse common spatial pattern (CSP) features are extracted from multiple bands of filtered EEG data, which constrains the GAN to maintain more spatial features of the EEG signal, and finally we design a convolutional recurrent network classification method with discriminative features (CRNN-DF) to recognize MI tasks based on the idea of feature enhancement. The hybrid neural network proposed in this study achieves an average classification accuracy of 72.74 ± 10.44% (mean ± std) in four-class tasks of BCI IV-2a, which is 4.77% higher than the state-of-the-art subject-independent classification method. A promising approach is provided to facilitate the practical application of BCI.
GABNet: global attention block for retinal OCT disease classification
Authors: Huang Xuan , Ai Zhuang , Wang Hui , She Chongyang , Feng Jing , Wei Qihao , Hao Baohai , Tao Yong , Lu Yaping , Zeng Fanxin
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The retina represents a critical ocular structure. Of the various ophthalmic afflictions, retinal pathologies have garnered considerable scientific interest, owing to their elevated prevalence and propensity to induce blindness. Among clinical evaluation techniques employed in ophthalmology, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the most commonly utilized, as it permits non-invasive, rapid acquisition of high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina. Timely detection and intervention can significantly abate the risk of blindness and effectively mitigate the national incidence rate of visual impairments.

Methods

This study introduces a novel, efficient global attention block (GAB) for feed forward convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The GAB generates an attention map along three dimensions (height, width, and channel) for any intermediate feature map, which it then uses to compute adaptive feature weights by multiplying it with the input feature map. This GAB is a versatile module that can seamlessly integrate with any CNN, significantly improving its classification performance. Based on the GAB, we propose a lightweight classification network model, GABNet, which we develop on a UCSD general retinal OCT dataset comprising 108,312 OCT images from 4686 patients, including choroidal neovascularization (CNV), diabetic macular edema (DME), drusen, and normal cases.

Results

Notably, our approach improves the classification accuracy by 3.7% over the EfficientNetV2B3 network model. We further employ gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) to highlight regions of interest on retinal OCT images for each class, enabling doctors to easily interpret model predictions and improve their efficiency in evaluating relevant models.

Discussion

With the increasing use and application of OCT technology in the clinical diagnosis of retinal images, our approach offers an additional diagnostic tool to enhance the diagnostic efficiency of clinical OCT retinal images.
MEG language mapping using a novel automatic ECD algorithm in comparison with MNE, dSPM, and DICS beamformer
Authors: Babajani-Feremi Abbas , Pourmotabbed Haatef , Schraegle William A. , Calley Clifford S. , Clarke Dave F. , Papanicolaou Andrew C.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The single equivalent current dipole (sECD) is the standard clinical procedure for presurgical language mapping in epilepsy using magnetoencephalography (MEG). However, the sECD approach has not been widely used in clinical assessments, mainly because it requires subjective judgements in selecting several critical parameters. To address this limitation, we developed an automatic sECD algorithm (AsECDa) for language mapping.

Methods

The localization accuracy of the AsECDa was evaluated using synthetic MEG data. Subsequently, the reliability and efficiency of AsECDa were compared to three other common source localization methods using MEG data recorded during two sessions of a receptive language task in 21 epilepsy patients. These methods include minimum norm estimation (MNE), dynamic statistical parametric mapping (dSPM), and dynamic imaging of coherent sources (DICS) beamformer.

Results

For the synthetic single dipole MEG data with a typical signal-to-noise ratio, the average localization error of AsECDa was less than 2 mm for simulated superficial and deep dipoles. For the patient data, AsECDa showed better test-retest reliability (TRR) of the language laterality index (LI) than MNE, dSPM, and DICS beamformer. Specifically, the LI calculated with AsECDa revealed excellent TRR between the two MEG sessions across all patients (Cor = 0.80), while the LI for MNE, dSPM, DICS-event-related desynchronization (ERD) in the alpha band, and DICS-ERD in the low beta band ranged lower (Cor = 0.71, 0.64, 0.54, and 0.48, respectively). Furthermore, AsECDa identified 38% of patients with atypical language lateralization (i.e., right lateralization or bilateral), compared to 73%, 68%, 55%, and 50% identified by DICS-ERD in the low beta band, DICS-ERD in the alpha band, MNE, and dSPM, respectively. Compared to other methods, AsECDa’s results were more consistent with previous studies that reported atypical language lateralization in 20-30% of epilepsy patients.

Discussion

Our study suggests that AsECDa is a promising approach for presurgical language mapping, and its fully automated nature makes it easy to implement and reliable for clinical evaluations.