bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ART AS A STUDY OF AESTHETICALLY INFORMATION IMAGE
Authors: Eroshkina O. , Ivanov O.
Published: May 2021

It is proved that aesthetic information is not identical with semantic or scientific information.
Semantic information should be understood as new knowledge (message, experience in the process of aesthetic perception) about the object. It can be expressed by objective methods in a certain system of knowledge.
In contrast, aesthetic information is new about the artist who conveys certain semantic information. Aesthetic information expresses the artist's relationship to the object he is reproducing.
It is considered that cognition is not only a description of an object and a process of transmission and processing of information. Cognition is also the application of methods of thinking and logical operations to identify, reflect an object and create an "image of reality" in the human mind. The study of their detection in science is the subject of the logic of scientific knowledge. However, human use of methods of thinking and logical operations in science and art are different. The logic of the aesthetic relation is still a great mystery, although in all the processes that take place in art, one can see a kind of discovery of the methods of logical thinking and mediation.
Thus, art as a study takes place within its individual types and genres, as happened, for example, with abstractionism in painting and music, which for almost a century experimented with the influence of various mixtures and relationships of color and sound on human perception; moreover, the Impressionist artists themselves often stated that the purpose of their work was to influence people through art and that the world around them was nothing but a combination of sounds, colors, light lines and shadows.
Art as research can be manifested clearly in any single process that takes place in art, but in a process that determines the work of an artist. Leonardo la Vinci had a holistic nature, but he often became a scientist only when he conducted his art studies with research accuracy and scrupulousness.
In the latter case, art is especially clearly transformed into its opposite - into science. The artist becomes a research scientist. He seeks to reproduce and study the process in art in more detail, and on the way to this goal he slowly deviates from the methods of artistic research, replacing them with the means and methods of scientific research.
The article investigates an attempt to apply information theory to the study of art as cognition. The division of information into semantic and aesthetic is applied.
The research function of art as its special side is revealed, and aesthetic cognition in this case is a part of aesthetic relation, where art as cognition is only a separate side of art as a kind of human activity.
MODERN SOFTWARE FOR COMPUTER MODELING IN ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION
Authors: Popova O. , Silvestrova N. , Koshel V.
Published: May 2021

The article considers the most modern software that can be used in the development of various architectural and design projects of interior and exterior spaces, as well as highlights the features and benefits of using each of them in projects within the disciplines of specialty 191 Architecture and Urban Planning.
The main problem of modern architectural education is that with evolution of computer technologies, began the active development, implementation and modernization of various software tools for various types of design, 3-D modeling, sketching, etc. This area has developed very rapidly and almost every year new versions of programs are developed, where new features appear that increase the quality, efficiency, convenience and speed of work with these programs. Due to such a rapid software update, the previously developed curricula for the specialty 191 Architecture and Urban Planning need to be updated.
Today in the world there is a situation that the greater the number of programs owned by the employee and the higher the skill of working with them, the greater the value and need for staff in the global labor market. Therefore, modern educational programs need to be modernized by introducing practical work with new software, which was discussed in the article. Namely, the Magic Plan, Ruler App and Photo Ruler programs that will be useful for measuring the designed premises. Home Design 3D and Homestyler interior design programs will come in handy for developing and approving a general interior design solution with a customer. To develop the working documentation, the CAD programs Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Autocad, Graphisoft Archicad and the BIMx Viever application were considered. BIMx Viever may be needed for demonstrating the work done to the customer or additional consultations with him. The article also discussed 3-D modeling programs Sketchup, Sculptris, Autodesk 3ds Max, Grasshopper and visualization programs Corona Render, V-Ray, Lumion and Abvent Artlantis. Additionally, the programs that may be needed for designing a project album were considered, they include CAD programs, programs for working with PDF files such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, and graphic editors Adobe Photoshop and its analogues.
FEATURES OF THE NATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL SCHOOLS OF CHINA
Authors: Changzhi Wu
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of the national architectural Chinese schools.
The numerous studies’ results indicate the necessary number’s lack of theoretical achievements in the analysis of national architectural schools. And their inseparable connection with the specifics of certain Chinese territories. A thorough analysis of national religious and artistic works allows us to predict stylistic national trends. Architectural and artistic processes are presented, which are inclined to study by many scientists. The purpose of this article is to identify the architectural schools` features in China through the relationship between the uses of individual stylistic elements. These elements are correlated with the geographical location of the territory and religious beliefs.
The article describes the problem of artistic architectural schools` trends and the regions in which they are located. The concept of style in relation to Chinese arts has been clarified. The main differences between the style of the northern and southern architectural school are described. Their manifestation both in planning, and in a decorative and finishing look of buildings and constructions. It is indicated that buildings, even in adjacent regions, may be denoted by different terms. The preconditions for this phenomenon are the historical feature of the development of China's national architecture and urban planning. It has also had a significant impact on the development of East and South-East Asia. The steady tendency of interrelation between a philosophical and architectural component of a cultural heritage is described.
The Chinese tendency to create eastern analogues of European ideal cities due to the work of philosophical and religious currents and their synthesis has been revealed. This approach allowed us to interpret the provisions of Confucianism, Taoism and the Feng Shui system in the formation of historical canons, which became the basis of the entire Chinese tradition architectural schools. In this case, the main elements complement and interdependent on each other.
The basic Chinese architects’ rules, which are interrelated with the laws of natural harmony, are indicated. A number of materials used in the buildings’ design and structures in China have been identified.
The article provides an example of globalization’s impact on the development of the Chinese architectural school and its gradual return to its origins.
The conclusion of the article states that throughout history, the unity of man and nature in religious architecture has been a fundamental philosophical thought of the National Chinese Architecture`s School.
And the use of traditional Chinese architectural schools` ideas will allow in modern construction of the XXI century to achieve the unity of the architectural object with the natural landscape.
Performance of Activated Carbon Supported Cobalt Oxides and Iron Oxide Catalysts in Catalytic Cracking of Waste Cooking Oil
Authors: Thangadurai Tavayogeshwary , Tye Ching Thian
Published: May 2021

This work studied the catalyst activity of activated carbon (AC) supported Co, Fe and Co-Fe oxides in catalytic cracking of waste cooking oil. Reactions were carried out in a fixed bed reactor at 450 °C with WHSV 9 hr–1. Single metal Co/AC and Fe/AC catalysts with different metal loading (2.5–15 wt.%) and bimetal xCo-yFe/AC (x, y = 2.5 to 12.5 wt.%; x + y =15 wt.%) catalysts were investigated. Co/AC and Fe/AC catalysts both contributed to significant liquid yield with high selectivity towards C15 and C17 hydrocarbons. Fe/AC catalysts gave high C5 – C20 hydrocarbon yield whereas Co/AC attained more palmitic (C16) and oleic (C18) acid conversion. Synergistic effect in two metals Co-Fe/AC catalysts had further improved the liquid hydrocarbon yield (up to ~93 %) and fatty acid conversion (up to 94 %). The best catalyst, 10Co-5Fe/AC had been further tested under the effect of reaction temperature, feed flow rate (WHSV) and deactivation for its catalytic performance.
Metabolomics in cancer research and emerging applications in clinical oncology
Authors: Schmidt Daniel R. , Patel Rutulkumar , Kirsch David G. , Lewis Caroline A. , Vander Heiden Matthew G. , Locasale Jason W.
Published: May 2021

Cancer has myriad effects on metabolism that include both rewiring of intracellular metabolism to enable cancer cells to proliferate inappropriately and adapt to the tumor microenvironment, and changes in normal tissue metabolism. With the recognition that fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography imaging is an important tool for the management of many cancers, other metabolites in biological samples have been in the spotlight for cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy. Metabolomics is the global analysis of small molecule metabolites that like other ‐omics technologies can provide critical information about the cancer state that are otherwise not apparent. Here, the authors review how cancer and cancer therapies interact with metabolism at the cellular and systemic levels. An overview of metabolomics is provided with a focus on currently available technologies and how they have been applied in the clinical and translational research setting. The authors also discuss how metabolomics could be further leveraged in the future to improve the management of patients with cancer.
COVID-19 Australia: Epidemiology Report 40: Reporting period ending 25 April 2021
Authors:   COVID-19 National Incident Room Surveillance Team
Published: May 2021

This is the fortieth epidemiological report for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), reported in Australia as at 23:59 Australian Eastern Standard Time [AEST] 25 April 2021. It includes data on COVID-19 cases diagnosed in Australia and the international situation.
Legal risks and ways to minimize them in the implementation of the Federal Law of November 21, 2011, No. 323-FZ "On the Basics of Protecting the Health of Citizens in the Russian Federation", in the aspect of the legal value of medical documentation
Authors:   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai, Sveredyuk M.G.
Published: May 2021

The article describes the issues of legal risks arising from the implementation of legislation on the protection of public health. The conclusion is made about the expediency of forming a legal risk management system. A model of this system is proposed. On the example of the analysis of legal norms and judicial practice, the factors contributing to the emergence of medico-legal risks are shown, recommendations are made to minimize the risk phenomena.
Diagnosis of acute leukemia
Authors:   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai, Zvonareva Ye.V. , Sai I.A. ,   Khabarovsk Kray Clinical Hospital № 1 named after professor S.I. Sergeev, Ladnaya A.A. ,   Khabarovsk Kray Clinical Hospital № 1 named after professor S.I. Sergeev, Skopinok I.V. ,   Khabarovsk Kray Clinical Hospital № 1 named after professor S.I. Sergeev, Krikovtsova L.A. ,   Khabarovsk Kray Clinical Hospital № 1 named after professor S.I. Sergeev
Published: May 2021

Over the past 10 years, the dynamics of the incidence of hemoblastosis has been noticeable, as well as an increase in mortality rate in patients with hemoblastosis. The basis of the practical research was the cases of leukemia diagnostics carried out from 2017 to 2018 on the basis of the Department of Hematology and Chemotherapy, the Department of Laboratory Diagnostics and the Laboratory of Clinical Immunology of Khabarovsk Krai Clinical Hospital No.1. During 2018, 53 cases of acute leukemia (primary diagnosed cases) were detected, which is 10.4 % more compared to 2017. The share of AML (acute myeloid leukemia) is 53 %, ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) – 26 %, undifferentiated leukemia – 11 %, AMML (acute myelomonoblastic leukemia) – 8 %, APL (acute promyelocytic leukemia) – 2 %. In the diagnosis of acute leukemia, a comprehensive study is needed, including a complete blood count, cytological examination of the bone marrow, cytochemical examinations and immunophenotyping.
“Identity through difference”: Liminal Diasporism and Generational Change Among the Koryo Saram in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Fumagalli Matteo
Published: May 2021

This article examines the case of the Koryo saram, the ethnic Koreans living in the Central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan, to reflect on how notions of diasporas, community, and identity have changed since the collapse of the Soviet Union. It contends that the Koryo saram are best understood through the lenses of diasporic conditions rather than as bounded communities, as such an approach allows for greater recognition of heterogeneity within these communities. While many Koryo saram continue to claim some form of Korean-ness, how they relate to issues of homeland-orientation and boundary maintenance evidences internal variation and growing in-betweenness. The community’s hybridity (“hyphenization”) and liminality (“identity through difference”) stand out when examining generational differences and are especially evident among the local Korean youth.
Acute effect of cola and caffeine on locomotor activity in drosophila and rat
Authors: Kmeťová K , Marônek M , Borbélyová V , Hodosy J , Celec P
Published: May 2021

Caffeine is well known for reducing fatigue and its effect on behavior is widely studied. Usually, caffeine is not ingested in its pure form but rather in sugar-sweetened beverages such as cola. Our aim was to compare the acute effect of cola and caffeine on locomotor activity. Rats and flies ingested cola or caffeine solution for 24 hours. The open field test revealed higher locomotor activity in cola groups for both flies and rats. Surprisingly, no differences have been observed between caffeine and control group. We conclude that caffeine itself does not explain the effect of cola on locomotor activity. Effect of cola cannot be generalized and interpreted for any caffeinated drink with other contents. Rather, the observed effect on locomotor activity may be caused by interaction of caffeine with other substances present in cola.
Pulmonary Fibrosis as a Consequence of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aitbaev K. , Murkamilov I. , Fomin V. , Kudaibergenova I. , Murkamilova Zh. , Yusupov F.
Published: May 2021

The past crisis year 2020 brought a huge number of human casualties from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed more than 2 million lives to date. The high mortality rate in COVID-19 is associated with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which leads to hospitalization of patients in intensive care units. In the fight against this deadly disease, in parallel with efforts to control and treat infected patients and study the pathophysiology of this new coronavirus infection, research and clinical follow-up is needed to assess the long-term consequences of ARDS COVID-19. Research should also be undertaken to find reliable clinical and laboratory biomarkers to predict the subset of patients who may develop or progress to pulmonary fibrosis.
The Quality of Patients Life With Chronic Gastritis After Comprehensive Medical Rehabilitation
Authors: Kalyuzhnaya О. , Abdyldaeva S. , Saralinova G. , Turdieva A. , Karagulova M.
Published: May 2021

Under the supervision there were 101 patients with chronic gastritis. The article presents the results of patients' treatment with chronic gastritis with the help of rehabilitation and rehabilitation measures. According to the results of observations, it is noted an improvement in the quality of patients’ life with this pathology.
Clinical and Radiological Features of Acute Pneumonia in Children of the First Year of Life From Large Families
Authors: Aliyeva Zh. , Doskenova B. , Kusepova D.
Published: May 2021

Respiratory diseases, which occupy a leading place in the structure of child morbidity, tend to recur frequently, especially in early childhood, and contribute to the chronization of the process, reduce the quality of life of children and their parents. This work is devoted to an urgent problem: the treatment and prevention of acute pneumonia in young children from large families. Timely diagnosis and pathogenetic therapy of acute pneumonia will help to ease the severity of the process, avoid possible complications, and develop rehabilitation measures.
Exploring the Potential of Precision Livestock Farming Technologies to Help Address Farm Animal Welfare
Authors: Schillings Juliette , Bennett Richard , Rose David Christian
Published: May 2021

The rise in the demand for animal products due to demographic and dietary changes has exacerbated difficulties in addressing societal concerns related to the environment, human health, and animal welfare. As a response to this challenge, Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies are being developed to monitor animal health and welfare parameters in a continuous and automated way, offering the opportunity to improve productivity and detect health issues at an early stage. However, ethical concerns have been raised regarding their potential to facilitate the management of production systems that are potentially harmful to animal welfare, or to impact the human-animal relationship and farmers' duty of care. Using the Five Domains Model (FDM) as a framework, the aim is to explore the potential of PLF to help address animal welfare and to discuss potential welfare benefits and risks of using such technology. A variety of technologies are identified and classified according to their type [sensors, bolus, image or sound based, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)], their development stage, the species they apply to, and their potential impact on welfare. While PLF technologies have promising potential to reduce the occurrence of diseases and injuries in livestock farming systems, their current ability to help promote positive welfare states remains limited, as technologies with such potential generally remain at earlier development stages. This is likely due to the lack of evidence related to the validity of positive welfare indicators as well as challenges in technology adoption and development. Finally, the extent to which welfare can be improved will also strongly depend on whether management practices will be adapted to minimize negative consequences and maximize benefits to welfare.
3D Bioprinting of Vascularized Tissues for in vitro and in vivo Applications
Authors: Chen Earnest P. , Toksoy Zeren , Davis Bruce A. , Geibel John P.
Published: May 2021

With a limited supply of organ donors and available organs for transplantation, the aim of tissue engineering with three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology is to construct fully functional and viable tissue and organ replacements for various clinical applications. 3D bioprinting allows for the customization of complex tissue architecture with numerous combinations of materials and printing methods to build different tissue types, and eventually fully functional replacement organs. The main challenge of maintaining 3D printed tissue viability is the inclusion of complex vascular networks for nutrient transport and waste disposal. Rapid development and discoveries in recent years have taken huge strides toward perfecting the incorporation of vascular networks in 3D printed tissue and organs. In this review, we will discuss the latest advancements in fabricating vascularized tissue and organs including novel strategies and materials, and their applications. Our discussion will begin with the exploration of printing vasculature, progress through the current statuses of bioprinting tissue/organoids from bone to muscles to organs, and conclude with relevant applications for in vitro models and drug testing. We will also explore and discuss the current limitations of vascularized tissue engineering and some of the promising future directions this technology may bring.
Urothelial Cancer Associated 1 (UCA1) and miR-193 Are Two Non-coding RNAs Involved in Trophoblast Fusion and Placental Diseases
Authors: Apicella Clara , Ruano Camino S. M. , Jacques Sébastien , Gascoin Géraldine , Méhats Céline , Vaiman Daniel , Miralles Francisco
Published: May 2021

A bioinformatics screen for non-coding genes was performed from microarrays analyzing on the one hand trophoblast fusion in the BeWo cell model, and on the other hand, placental diseases (preeclampsia and Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction). Intersecting the deregulated genes allowed to identify two miRNA (mir193b and miR365a) and one long non-coding RNA (UCA1) that are pivotal for trophoblast fusion, and deregulated in placental diseases. We show that miR-193b is a hub for the down-regulation of 135 cell targets mainly involved in cell cycle progression and energy usage/nutrient transport. UCA1 was explored by siRNA knock-down in the BeWo cell model. We show that its down-regulation is associated with the deregulation of important trophoblast physiology genes, involved in differentiation, proliferation, oxidative stress, vacuolization, membrane repair and endocrine production. Overall, UCA1 knockdown leads to an incomplete gene expression profile modification of trophoblast cells when they are induced to fuse into syncytiotrophoblast. Then we performed the same type of analysis in cells overexpressing one of the two major isoforms of the STOX1 transcription factor, STOX1A and STOX1B (associated previously to impaired trophoblast fusion). We could show that when STOX1B is abundant, the effects of UCA1 down-regulation on forskolin response are alleviated.
Mesenchymal Epithelial Transition Factor Signaling in Pediatric Nervous System Tumors: Implications for Malignancy and Cancer Stem Cell Enrichment
Authors: Khater Amanda Rose , Abou-Antoun Tamara
Published: May 2021

Malignant nervous system cancers in children are the most devastating and worrisome diseases, specifically due to their aggressive nature and, in some cases, inoperable location in critical regions of the brain and spinal cord, and the impermeable blood-brain barrier that hinders delivery of pharmaco-therapeutic compounds into the tumor site. Moreover, the delicate developmental processes of the nervous system throughout the childhood years adds another limitation to the therapeutic modalities and doses used to treat these malignant cancers. Therefore, pediatric oncologists are charged with the daunting responsibility of attempting to deliver effective cures to these children, yet with limited doses of the currently available therapeutic options in order to mitigate the imminent neurotoxicity of radio- and chemotherapy on the developing nervous system. Various studies reported that c-Met/HGF signaling is affiliated with increased malignancy and stem cell enrichment in various cancers such as high-grade gliomas, high-risk medulloblastomas, and MYCN-amplified, high-risk neuroblastomas. Therapeutic interventions that are utilized to target c-Met signaling in these malignant nervous system cancers have shown benefits in basic translational studies and preclinical trials, but failed to yield significant clinical benefits in patients. While numerous pre-clinical data reported promising results with the use of combinatorial therapy that targets c-Met with other tumorigenic pathways, therapeutic resistance remains a problem, and long-term cures are rare. The possible mechanisms, including the overexpression and activation of compensatory tumorigenic mechanisms within the tumors or ineffective drug delivery methods that may contribute to therapeutic resistance observed in clinical trials are elaborated in this review.
TRIM71 Deficiency Causes Germ Cell Loss During Mouse Embryogenesis and Is Associated With Human Male Infertility
Authors: Torres-Fernández Lucia A. , Emich Jana , Port Yasmine , Mitschka Sibylle , Wöste Marius , Schneider Simon , Fietz Daniela , Oud Manon S. , Di Persio Sara , Neuhaus Nina , Kliesch Sabine , Hölzel Michael , Schorle Hubert , Friedrich Corinna , Tüttelmann Frank , Kolanus Waldemar
Published: May 2021

Mutations affecting the germline can result in infertility or the generation of germ cell tumors (GCT), highlighting the need to identify and characterize the genes controlling germ cell development. The RNA-binding protein and E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM71 is essential for embryogenesis, and its expression has been reported in GCT and adult mouse testes. To investigate the role of TRIM71 in mammalian germ cell embryonic development, we generated a germline-specific conditionalTrim71knockout mouse (cKO) using the early primordial germ cell (PGC) markerNanos3as a Cre-recombinase driver. cKO mice are infertile, with male mice displaying a Sertoli cell-only (SCO) phenotype which in humans is defined as a specific subtype of non-obstructive azoospermia characterized by the absence of germ cells in the seminiferous tubules. Infertility in maleTrim71cKO mice originates during embryogenesis, as the SCO phenotype was already apparent in neonatal mice. Thein vitrodifferentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) revealed reduced numbers of PGCLCs inTrim71-deficient cells. Furthermore, TCam-2 cells, a human GCT-derived seminoma cell line which was used as anin vitromodel for PGCs, showed proliferation defects uponTRIM71knockdown. Additionally,in vitrogrowth competition assays, as well as proliferation assays with wild type and CRISPR/Cas9-generatedTRIM71mutant NCCIT cells showed that TRIM71 also promotes proliferation in this malignant GCT-derived non-seminoma cell line. Importantly, the PGC-specific markersBLIMP1andNANOS3were consistently downregulated inTrim71KO PGCLCs,TRIM71knockdown TCam-2 cells andTRIM71mutant NCCIT cells. These data collectively support a role for TRIM71 in PGC development. Last, via exome sequencing analysis, we identified severalTRIM71variants in a cohort of infertile men, including a loss-of-function variant in a patient with an SCO phenotype. Altogether, our work reveals for the first time an association ofTRIM71deficiency with human male infertility, and uncovers further developmental roles for TRIM71 in the germline during mouse embryogenesis.
Length of the Neurogenic Period—A Key Determinant for the Generation of Upper-Layer Neurons During Neocortex Development and Evolution
Authors: Stepien Barbara K. , Vaid Samir , Huttner Wieland B.
Published: May 2021

The neocortex, a six-layer neuronal brain structure that arose during the evolution of, and is unique to, mammals, is the seat of higher order brain functions responsible for human cognitive abilities. Despite its recent evolutionary origin, it shows a striking variability in size and folding complexity even among closely related mammalian species. In most mammals, cortical neurogenesis occurs prenatally, and its length correlates with the length of gestation. The evolutionary expansion of the neocortex, notably in human, is associated with an increase in the number of neurons, particularly within its upper layers. Various mechanisms have been proposed and investigated to explain the evolutionary enlargement of the human neocortex, focussing in particular on changes pertaining to neural progenitor types and their division modes, driven in part by the emergence of human-specific genes with novel functions. These led to an amplification of the progenitor pool size, which affects the rate and timing of neuron production. In addition, in early theoretical studies, another mechanism of neocortex expansion was proposed—the lengthening of the neurogenic period. A critical role of neurogenic period length in determining neocortical neuron number was subsequently supported by mathematical modeling studies. Recently, we have provided experimental evidence in rodents directly supporting the mechanism of extending neurogenesis to specifically increase the number of upper-layer cortical neurons. Moreover, our study examined the relationship between cortical neurogenesis and gestation, linking the extension of the neurogenic period to the maternal environment. As the exact nature of factors promoting neurogenic period prolongation, as well as the generalization of this mechanism for evolutionary distinct lineages, remain elusive, the directions for future studies are outlined and discussed.
Impact of Crystal Size and Morphology on Switchability Characteristics in Pillared-Layer Metal-Organic Framework DUT-8(Ni)
Authors: Abylgazina Leila , Senkovska Irena , Engemann Richard , Ehrling Sebastian , Gorelik Tatiana E. , Kavoosi Negar , Kaiser Ute , Kaskel Stefan
Published: May 2021

Variation of the crystallite size in flexible porous coordination polymers can significantly influence or even drastically change the flexibility characteristics. The impact of crystal morphology, however, on the dynamic properties of flexible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is poorly investigated so far. In the present work, we systematically modulated the particle size of a model gate pressure MOF (DUT-8(Ni), Ni2(2,6-ndc)2(dabco), 2,6-ndc−2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate, dabco−1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) and investigated the influence of the aspect ratio, length, and width of anisotropically shaped crystals on the gate opening characteristics. DUT-8 is a member of the pillared-layer MOF family, showing reversible structural transition, i.e., upon nitrogen physisorption at 77 K. The framework crystalizes as rod-like shaped crystals in conventional synthesis. To understand which particular crystal surfaces dominate the phenomena observed, crystals similar in size and differing in morphology were involved in a systematic study. The analysis of the data shows that the width of the rods (corresponding to the crystallographic directions along the layer) represents a critical parameter governing the dynamic properties upon adsorption of nitrogen at 77 K. This observation is related to the anisotropy of the channel-like pore system and the nucleation mechanism of the solid-solid phase transition triggered by gas adsorption.
Nanoantibiotics: Functions and Properties at the Nanoscale to Combat Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Mamun M. Mustafa , Sorinolu Adeola Julian , Munir Mariya , Vejerano Eric P.
Published: May 2021

One primary mechanism for bacteria developing resistance is frequent exposure to antibiotics. Nanoantibiotics (nAbts) is one of the strategies being explored to counteract the surge of antibiotic resistant bacteria. nAbts are antibiotic molecules encapsulated with engineered nanoparticles (NPs) or artificially synthesized pure antibiotics with a size range of ≤100 nm in at least one dimension. NPs may restore drug efficacy because of their nanoscale functionalities. As carriers and delivery agents, nAbts can reach target sites inside a bacterium by crossing the cell membrane, interfering with cellular components, and damaging metabolic machinery. Nanoscale systems deliver antibiotics at enormous particle number concentrations. The unique size-, shape-, and composition-related properties of nAbts pose multiple simultaneous assaults on bacteria. Resistance of bacteria toward diverse nanoscale conjugates is considerably slower because NPs generate non-biological adverse effects. NPs physically break down bacteria and interfere with critical molecules used in bacterial processes. Genetic mutations from abiotic assault exerted by nAbts are less probable. This paper discusses how to exploit the fundamental physical and chemical properties of NPs to restore the efficacy of conventional antibiotics. We first described the concept of nAbts and explained their importance. We then summarized the critical physicochemical properties of nAbts that can be utilized in manufacturing and designing various nAbts types. nAbts epitomize a potential Trojan horse strategy to circumvent antibiotic resistance mechanisms. The availability of diverse types and multiple targets of nAbts is increasing due to advances in nanotechnology. Studying nanoscale functions and properties may provide an understanding in preventing future outbreaks caused by antibiotic resistance and in developing successful nAbts.
Personal Protective Equipment and Donning and Doffing Techniques in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights From an Internet Search for Protocols
Authors: Haloot Justin , Sheikh Omar , Dollar Fatima , Javeri Heta , Fichardt Hendre Jeannetta , Fernandes Gail , Garcia Marlene , Prasad Anand
Published: May 2021

Background: Due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a need for precise donning and doffing protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE) among healthcare infrastructures is paramount. Procedures involving the cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) are routinely non-aerosolizing but have the potential for rapid patient deterioration, creating the need for aerosolizing generating procedures. Multiple societal and governmental guidelines on the use of PPE during medical procedures are available on Internet websites; however, there is limited literature available in peer-reviewed formats in this context. This study aims to provide an overview of current PPE donning and doffing protocols specific to the catheterization laboratory.

Methods: A series of internet searches regarding donning and doffing of PPE in the CCL including published articles and internet protocols were compiled and compared using Pubmed.gov, Google.com, www.twitter.com, and www.youtube.com.

Results: Most institutions used N95 masks, shoe covers, at least one head covering, face shield or goggles, two pairs of gloves, and inner and outer gowns. Doffing variation was greater than donning. Doffing has the potential to contaminate the healthcare worker (HCW), and therefore, this step of PPE management requires further study. Common steps in temporal priority included cleaning of gloved hands, removal of outer (or only) gown, removal of outer gloves, repeat gloved hand cleaning, removal of facial PPE last, and a final non-gloved hand cleaning.

Conclusions: This analysis provides a summary of commonly used practices that may be considered when designing CCL-specific PPE protocols. Analysis of consistent steps from the literature led the authors to formulate a suggested protocol for CCL HCWs when performing procedures on patients with confirmed or suspected/unknown COVID-19.
Up-to-the-Minute Privacy Policies via Gossips in Participatory Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Sharma Aakash , Nilsen Thomas Bye , Czerwinska Katja Pauline , Onitiu Daria , Brenna Lars , Johansen Dag , Johansen Håvard D.
Published: May 2021

Researchers and researched populations are actively involved in participatory epidemiology. Such studies collect many details about an individual. Recent developments in statistical inferences can lead to sensitive information leaks from seemingly insensitive data about individuals. Typical safeguarding mechanisms are vetted by ethics committees; however, the attack models are constantly evolving. Newly discovered threats, change in applicable laws or an individual's perception can raise concerns that affect the study. Addressing these concerns is imperative to maintain trust with the researched population. We are implementing Lohpi: an infrastructure for building accountability in data processing for participatory epidemiology. We address the challenge of data-ownership by allowing institutions to host data on their managed servers while being part of Lohpi. We update data access policies using gossips. We present Lohpi as a novel architecture for research data processing and evaluate the dissemination, overhead, and fault-tolerance.
Performance Evaluation of GIS-Based Novel Ensemble Approaches for Land Subsidence Susceptibility Mapping
Authors: Arabameri Alireza , Lee Saro , Rezaie Fatemeh , Chandra Pal Subodh , Asadi Nalivan Omid , Saha Asish , Chowdhuri Indrajit , Moayedi Hossein
Published: May 2021

The optimal prediction of land subsidence (LS) is very much difficult because of limitations in proper monitoring techniques, field-base surveys and knowledge related to functioning and behavior of LS. Thus, due to the lack of LS susceptibility maps it is almost impossible to identify LS prone areas and as a result it influences severe economic and human losses. Hence, preparation of LS susceptibility mapping (LSSM) can help to prevent natural and human catastrophes and reduce the economic damages significantly. Machine learning (ML) techniques are becoming increasingly proficient in modeling purpose of such kinds of occurrences and they are increasing used for LSSM. This study compares the performances of single and hybrid ML models to preparation of LSSM for future prediction of performance analysis. In this study, the spatial prediction of LS was assessed using four ML models of maximum entropy (MaxEnt), general linear model (GLM), artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM). Alongside, the possible numbers of novel ensemble models were integrated through the aforementioned four ML models for optimal analysis of LSSM. An inventory LS map was prepared based on the previous occurrences of LS points and the dataset were divvied into 70:30 ratios for training and validating of the modeling process. To identify the robust and best LSSMs, receiver operating characteristic-area under curve (ROC-AUC) curve was employed. The ROC-AUC result indicated that ANN model gives the highest ROC-AUC (0.924) in training accuracy. The highest AUC (0.823) of the LSSMs was determined based on validation datasets identified by SVM followed by ANN-SVM (0.812).
Ceramides and Sphingosino-1-Phosphate in Obesity
Authors: Juchnicka Ilona , Kuźmicki Mariusz , Szamatowicz Jacek
Published: May 2021

Obesity is a growing worldwide problem, especially in developed countries. This disease adversely affects the quality of life and notably contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disorders. It is characterised by excessive lipids accumulation in the subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue. Considering the secretory function of adipose tissue, this leads to impaired adipokines and cytokines release. Changes in adipose tissue metabolism result in chronic inflammation, pancreatic islets dysfunction and peripheral insulin resistance. In addition to saturating various adipocytes, excess lipids are deposited into non-adipose peripheral tissues, which disturbs cell metabolism and causes a harmful effect known as lipotoxicity. Fatty acids are metabolised into bioactive lipids such as ceramides, from which sphingolipids are formed. Ceramides and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) are involved in intracellular signalling, cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Studies demonstrate that bioactive lipids have a crucial role in regulating insulin signalling pathways, glucose homeostasis and β cell death. Data suggests that ceramides may have an opposite cellular effect than S1P; however, the role of S1P remains controversial. This review summarises the available data on ceramide and sphingolipid metabolism and their role in obesity.
Farmers’ Assessments of Their Cooperatives in Economic, Social, and Environmental Terms: An Investigation in Fujian, China
Authors: Yu Liyan , Nilsson Jerker
Published: May 2021

This study is the first to empirically investigate whether farmers’ assessment of their cooperatives’ environmental efforts is related to their satisfaction with the cooperatives, in addition to their assessment of the cooperatives in economic and social terms. A survey was conducted among a randomly selected sample of 211 members of 63 farmer cooperatives in Fujian Province, China. Binary logit analyses were conducted to test three theoretically derived hypotheses. There was a positive relationship between member satisfaction with the cooperatives and farmers’ assessment of the cooperatives’ environmental actions, although the cooperatives’ economic and social contributions were even more appreciated. Consequently, at least under the prevailing circumstances, member satisfaction with their cooperatives is positively associated with the farmers’ view of the environmental ambitions of their cooperatives.
Older Eastern White Pine Trees and Stands Accumulate Carbon for Many Decades and Maximize Cumulative Carbon
Authors: Leverett Robert T. , Masino Susan A. , Moomaw William R.
Published: May 2021

Pre-settlement New England was heavily forested, with trees exceeding 2 m in diameter. The forests have regrown since farm abandonment, representing what is arguably the most successful regional reforestation on record and identified recently in the “Global Safety Net.” Temperate “old-growth” forest and remnant stands demonstrate that native tree species can live several hundred years and continue to add to forest biomass and structural and ecological complexity. Forests globally are an essential natural climate solution that accumulate carbon and reduce annual increases in atmospheric CO2by approximately 30%. Some studies emphasize young, fast-growing trees and forests while others highlight carbon storage and accumulation in old trees and intact forests. We addressed this directly within New England with long-term, accurate field measurements and volume modeling of individual trees and two stands of eastern white pines (Pinaceae:Pinus strobus) and compared our results to models developed by the U.S. Forest Service. Within this sample and species, our major findings complement and clarify previous findings and are threefold: (1) beyond 80 years, an intact eastern white pine forest can accumulate carbon above-ground in living trees at a high rate and double the carbon stored in this compartment in subsequent years; (2) large trees dominate above-ground carbon and can continue to accumulate carbon; (3) productive stands can continue to accumulate high amounts of carbon in live trees for well over 150 years. Because the next decades are critical in addressing the climate emergency, and most New England forests are less than 100 years old, a major implication of this work is that maintaining and accumulating carbon in some existing forests—proforestation—is a powerful regional climate solution. Furthermore, older and old-growth trees and forests are rare, complex, highly dynamic and biodiverse: dedication of some forests to proforestation will produce large carbon-dense trees and also protect ecosystem integrity, special habitats, and native biodiversity long-term. In sum, strategic policies to grow and protect suitable existing forests in New England will optimize a proven, low cost, natural climate solution that also protects and restores biodiversity across the landscape.
Case Report: A Variant Non-ketotic Hyperglycinemia With GLRX5 Mutations: Manifestation of Deficiency of Activities of the Respiratory Chain Enzymes
Authors: Feng Wei-xing , Zhuo Xiu-wei , Liu Zhi-mei , Li Jiu-wei , Zhang Wei-hua , Wu Yun , Han Tong-li , Fang Fang
Published: May 2021

Objective: Variant non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia (NKH) is a rare disorder characterized by variable clinical, biochemical, and imaging features. The variant form of NKH is rare and characterized by variable clinical, biochemical and imaging features.

Subjects: Herein, we report a girl with variant NKH with two mutations in glutaredoxin 5 (GLRX5), which has been described in only three patients.

Results: The clinical and biochemical phenotypes of the patient are also described. She suffered from developmental regression associated with spasticity, developmental delay, anemia and optic atrophy. The mitochondrial leukoencephalopathy was used to designate these disorders. An increased T2 signal from the medulla oblongata to the C6 spinal region was also observed on spinal cord MRI. Tandem mass analysis of a dried blood sample revealed elevated levels of glycine. The patient has two compound heterozygous mutations (c.151_153 del AAG and c.196C>T) in the GLRX5 gene. The c.196C>T mutation led to a stop codon (p.Q66Ter). Activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complexes II+III in the patient's fibroblasts were abnormal.

Conclusions: We present the case of a girl with variant NKH who manifested spasticity and bilateral cavitating leukoencephalopathy. The patient had a deficiency of a respiratory chain enzyme, and this is the first report. Genetic testing is important for physicians to evaluate suspected variant NKH patients and to provide proper genetic counseling.
Immunomodulation by the Commensal Microbiome During Immune-Targeted Interventions: Focus on Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy and Vaccination
Authors: Reens Abigail L. , Cabral Damien J. , Liang Xue , Norton James E. , Therien Alex G. , Hazuda Daria J. , Swaminathan Gokul
Published: May 2021

Emerging evidence in clinical and preclinical studies indicates that success of immunotherapies can be impacted by the state of the microbiome. Understanding the role of the microbiome during immune-targeted interventions could help us understand heterogeneity of treatment success, predict outcomes, and develop additional strategies to improve efficacy. In this review, we discuss key studies that reveal reciprocal interactions between the microbiome, the immune system, and the outcome of immune interventions. We focus on cancer immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment and vaccination as two crucial therapeutic areas with strong potential for immunomodulation by the microbiota. By juxtaposing studies across both therapeutic areas, we highlight three factors prominently involved in microbial immunomodulation: short-chain fatty acids, microbe-associate molecular patterns (MAMPs), and inflammatory cytokines. Continued interrogation of these models and pathways may reveal critical mechanistic synergies between the microbiome and the immune system, resulting in novel approaches designed to influence the efficacy of immune-targeted interventions.