bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Book communications: Methodology of interdisciplinary research
Authors: Markova V. A.
Published: May 2021

The author argues that true understanding of book communications may be obtained through the application of research tools of various disciplines in the humanities. The evolution stages of scholarly views on the book phenomenon of social communications are reviewed. On each stage, researchers always turned to the other sciences’ methodologies. The author introduces her original interpretation of interdisciplinary studies of book communications. She emphasizes, however, that the central place in such studies belongs to the socio-communicative approach, where subject is examined within the context of communication. This non-linear and multilevel model covers both synchronous and diachronous cross-sections of communication, including the feedback. For the accurate representation at the diachronic level, both the historical-genetic and the cultural approaches have to be applied. The literary theory and in particular the concepts of receptive aesthetics, poststructuralism and hermeneutics have to be applied to obtain comprehensive understanding of the authorial and the readership roles in the structure of book communications. The information sciences and theories in postmodern philosophy would enable to understand the laws of book communications within the new information environment. Methodologically, it is important to use the works that investigate into the new communication environment phenomena such as the Internet, hypertext, online literature, and collective authorship.
Saneamento básico: Concepções e percepções de estudantes do Ensino Fundamental de uma escola da Região Metropolitana de Porto Alegre
Authors: Silva Neida Teresinha da , Santa Maria Dirlene Melo , Dal-Farra Rossano André
Published: May 2021

O saneamento básico é um componente essencial da vida urbana contemporânea. Desse modo, a escola necessita inserir em suas práticas educativas atividades a respeito dessa temática. Diante de tais premissas, o objetivo do presente artigo consiste em analisar o olhar de estudantes dos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental sobre saneamento básico visando obter subsídios para a construção de práticas educativas adequadas. As atividades realizadas envolveram a aplicação de questionários com perguntas abertas e fechadas e processos de exposição dialogada. As informações de âmbito qualitativo foram examinadas com a Análise de Conteúdo e as quantitativas com o Teste de Kruskal-Wallis. Os resultados indicaram a necessidade de problematizar o assunto em diferentes disciplinas, incluindo atividades que apontem as inter-relações entre os quatro âmbitos do saneamento básico visando capacitar os estudantes para os debates públicos a respeito dessa temática.
Lipoprotein (a) and its position among other risk factors of atherosclerosis
Authors: Zlatohlávek L , Zídková K , Vrablík M , Haas T , Prusíková M , Svobodová H , Češka R
Published: May 2021

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] comprises of an LDL particle and
apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] and its elevated levels are considered
a risk factor for atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to find
out whether elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with increased
risk of atherosclerosis in patients with multiple other risk factors.
We further tested the association of three polymorphisms of the
apo(a) gene promoter with Lp(a) levels. No significant correlation
was detected between Lp(a) levels and lipid and clinical
parameters tested. The study demonstrated a significantly
(p=0.0219) elevated Lp(a) level (mean 28±35 mg/dl, median
0.14) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). In a group
with premature CHD the correlation was not significant anymore.
There was a significant correlation between polymorphic loci of
the promoter region of apo(a) gene and Lp(a) levels (+93C>T,
p=0.0166, STR, p<0.0001). Our study suggests that elevated
Lp(a) level is an independent risk factor of CHD in carriers of
other important CHD risk factors. Observed association of
sequence variants of the promoter of apo(a) gene with Lp(a)
levels is caused in part due to linkage to a restricted range of
apo(a) gene length isoforms.
Anticonvulsant action of GABA-B receptor agonist SKF97541 differs from that of Baclofen
Authors: Mareš P
Published: May 2021

GABA-B receptor agonist SKF97541 exhibits age-dependent
anticonvulsant and proconvulsant actions in developing rats. It
suppressed tonic phase of generalized seizures induced by
pentetrazol in 7-, 12- and 18-day-old rats and increased their
latency in 7- and 12-day-old animals. Other results in 18-day-old
animals are not so clear. SKF97541 blocked the appearance of
minimal clonic seizures, but tended to decrease latencies of both
types of seizures. In addition, it significantly decreases latency of
generalized seizures in adult rats. The mixed effects of SKF97541
are in agreement with those of baclofen but there are substantial
differences between the actions of these two agonists in
individual age groups.
Wasted Innocence: Children and Childhood in Cao Xueqin's Dream of the Red Chamber
Authors: Shi Xiaofei , Wang Labao
Published: May 2021

Cao Xueqin's Dream of the Red Chamber is a classic Chinese novel dating back to 1792. This article investigates the formative experiences of the representative children from the book's four distinguished households against the unique historical and sociocultural context of premodern Chinese Confucian adulthood with all its rules for rigid regulatory order. We argue that a gap needs to be filled in the understanding of the premodern conceptions of children and childhood in Chinese literature through a detailed case study of Dream. Moreover, the novel's representation of childhood innocence as a form of resistance that draws its force from a dialectic of nature and culture provides an important alternative perspective on the Western Romantic conception. While the book is universally acknowledged as the pinnacle of traditional Chinese fiction, it should also be fully recognised as one of the most important precursors to modern and contemporary Chinese children's literature.
Doirling: The Cobbled Shore
Authors: Ó Laoire Lillis
Published: May 2021

This paper links subjective individual experience of bilingualism to changes arising from colonialism and globalisation. It uses subjective memory to grasp such worldwide phenomena as linguistic and cultural loss. Briefly linking a recollection from the Northern Territory, Australia, to early bilingualism and a lifelong advocacy for Gaelic languages and cultures, evident from its title, the paper shows how divergent examples cohere in a broader framework, aiming at ways to stem the effects of the Anthropocene by developing sustainable, future-oriented societies.
Designing an ice cream making device: A design-based science learning approach
Authors:   Department of Science and Mathematics Education, Umeå University, Sweden, Vaino Katrin , Vaino Toomas ,   Centre for Science Education, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Estonia, Ottander Christina ,   Department of Science and Mathematics Education, Umeå University, Sweden
Published: May 2021

In this study, middle school students’ (8th grade, n = 24) problem-solving processes were investigated while implementing a design-based science learning (DBSL) approach. DBSL tries to incorporate science learning with the processes of engineering design. A DBSL module was developed by the research team within which students were expected to design an ice cream making device from simple and easily available materials. The goals of the study were: (a) To develop an understanding of the processes of student design including difficulties they face within the DBSL setting; (b) to determine how science knowledge was used by students in a design situation; and (c)to explore how student design processes and design products can be characterized and eventually, assessed. Data were gatheredfrom students’ written reports, video-recorded classroom observations, and teachers’ oral feedback. The findings reveal that the crucialaspects for design success were the students’ understanding of the scientific phenomena, the operational principles behind the ice creammaking device, and the understanding of the design criteria. Lack of one or more led to unrealistic design ideas. The initial difficultieswere overcome by peer support, teacher guidance, and trial and error experiences. A set of assessment criteria, able to characterizestudent design products, were developed. As a result of this study, practical guidelines for curriculum developers and teachers on howto facilitate further implementation of DBSL in the classroom are provided.
Editorial
Authors: Sexton Steven S.
Published: May 2021

Editorial volume 29, issue 3
Funneling versus Focusing: When talk, tasks, and tools work together to support students' collective sensemaking
Authors:   Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, Hagenah Sara , Colley Carolyn ,   Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, Thompson Jessica ,   Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
Published: May 2021

Rigorous and responsive science teaching is based on supporting all students in making progress in their understanding of important science ideas over time. In this article, we explore how did classroom talk patterns of funneling and focusing support student sensemaking. We share how talk, tasks, and tools within classroom activity work together to either funnel students toward reproducing normative scientific answers or focus students on deepening their understanding about unobservable causal mechanisms of phenomena. We use classroom examples from two science lessons where students used data to describe and communicate about how and why stars change over time. By recognizing these funneling and focusing patterns in classroom activity, teachers can attend to and modify the talk, tasks, and tools to improve and support opportunities for students’ sensemaking about important science ideas while they make progress on revising their own ideas over time.
Eficacia de la Telepsicología en intervenciones del área clínica y de la salud: una revisión sistemática de la literatura
Authors: Cabas-Hoyos Kattia
Published: May 2021

La telepsicología es una herramienta de intervención prometedora que puede aumentar el acceso a los servicios psicológicos reduciendo las barreras de accesibilidad al tratamiento. De este modo, se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en bases de datos con el objetivo de revisar la evidencia sobre la eficacia en intervenciones de telepsicología en el área clínica y de la salud en los últimos 10 años. De un total de 86 registros identificados, 15 estudios empíricos cumplieron con los criterios de selección y fueron incluidos en la revisión, de los cuales: 6 investigaron la efectividad de la telepsicología mediante videoconferencia; 3 mediante intervención telefónica, y 6 estudios por la modalidad vía internet.  Palabras clave: Telepsicología, videoconferencia, intervención vía internet, vía telefónica.
Multiple GPCR Functional Assays Based on Resonance Energy Transfer Sensors
Authors: Zhou Yiwei , Meng Jiyong , Xu Chanjuan , Liu Jianfeng
Published: May 2021

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent one of the largest membrane protein families that participate in various physiological and pathological activities. Accumulating structural evidences have revealed how GPCR activation induces conformational changes to accommodate the downstream G protein or β-arrestin. Multiple GPCR functional assays have been developed based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) sensors to monitor the conformational changes in GPCRs, GPCR/G proteins, or GPCR/β-arrestin, especially over the past two decades. Here, we will summarize how these sensors have been optimized to increase the sensitivity and compatibility for application in different GPCR classes using various labeling strategies, meanwhile provide multiple solutions in functional assays for high-throughput drug screening.
Suppressing Energetic Disorder Enables Efficient Indoor Organic Photovoltaic Cells With a PTV Derivative
Authors: Bi Pengqing , Ren Junzhen , Zhang Shaoqing , Zhang Tao , Xu Ye , Cui Yong , Qin Jinzhao , Hou Jianhui
Published: May 2021

Indoor organic photovoltaics (IOPVs) cells have attracted considerable attention in the past few years. Herein, two PTV-derivatives, PTVT-V and PTVT-T, were used as donor materials to fabricate IOPV cells with ITCC as the acceptor. The preferred orientation of the crystals changed from edge-on to face-on after replacing the ethylene in the backbones of PTVT-V by the thiophene in that of PTVT-T. Besides, it was found that, the energetic disorder of the PTVT-T:ITCC based system is 58 meV, which is much lower than that of PTVT-V:ITCC-based system (70 meV). The lower energetic disorder in PTVT-T:ITCC leads to an efficient charge transfer, charge transport, and thus the weak charge recombination. As a result, a PCE of 9.60% under AM 1.5 G and a PCE of 24.27% under 1,000 lux (LED 2,700 K) with a low non-radiative energy loss of 0.210 eV were obtained based on PTVT-T:ITCC blend. The results indicate that to improve the PTV-derivatives photovoltaic properties by suppressing the energetic disorder is a promising way to realize low-cost IOPV cells.
Stimulated Immune Response by TruCulture® Whole Blood Assay in Patients With European Lyme Neuroborreliosis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ørbæk Mathilde , Gynthersen Rosa Maja Møhring , Mens Helene , Stenør Christian , Wiese Lothar , Brandt Christian , Ostrowski Sisse Rye , Nielsen Susanne Dam , Lebech Anne-Mette
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (B. burgdorferi) can cause a variety of clinical manifestations including Lyme neuroborreliosis. Following the tick-borne transmission, B. burgdorferi initially evade immune responses, later symptomatic infection is associated with occurrence of specific antibody responses. We hypothesized that B. burgdorferi induce immune hyporesponsiveness or immune suppression and aimed to investigate patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis ability to respond to immune stimulation.

Methods

An observational cohort study investigating the stimulated immune response by standardized whole blood assay (TruCulture®) in adult patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis included at time of diagnosis from 01.09.2018-31.07.2020. Reference intervals were based on a 5-95% range of cytokine concentrations from healthy individuals (n = 32). Patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis and references were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Heatmaps of cytokine responses were generated using the webtool Clustvis.

Results

In total, 22 patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis (19 definite, 3 probable) were included. In the unstimulated samples, the concentrations of cytokines in patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis were comparable with references, except interferon (IFN)-α, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-1β and IL-8, which were all significantly below the references. Patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis had similar concentrations of most cytokines in all stimulations compared with references. IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-17A were lower than references in multiple stimulations.

Conclusion

In this exploratory cohort study, we found lower or similar concentrations of circulating cytokines in blood from patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis at time of diagnosis compared with references. The stimulated cytokine release in blood from patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis was in general slightly lower than in the references. Specific patterns of low IL-12 and IFN-γ indicated low Th1-response and low concentrations of IL-17A did not support a strong Th17 response. Our results suggest that patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis elicit a slightly suppressed or impaired immune response for the investigated stimulations, however, whether the response normalizes remains unanswered.
Database of Active Faults in Slovenia: Compiling a New Active Fault Database at the Junction Between the Alps, the Dinarides and the Pannonian Basin Tectonic Domains
Authors: Atanackov Jure , Jamšek Rupnik Petra , Jež Jernej , Celarc Bogomir , Novak Matevž , Milanič Blaž , Markelj Anže , Bavec Miloš , Kastelic Vanja
Published: May 2021

We present the compilation of a new database of active faults in Slovenia, aiming at introducing geological data for the first time as input for a new national seismic hazard model. The area at the junction of the Alps, the Dinarides, and the Pannonian Basin is moderately seismically active. About a dozen Mw > 5.5 earthquakes have occurred across the national territory in the last millennium, four of which in the instrumental era. The relative paucity of major earthquakes and low to moderate fault slip rates necessitate the use of geologic input for a more representative assessment of seismic hazard. Active fault identification is complicated by complex regional structural setting due to overprinting of different tectonic phases. Additionally, overall high rates of erosion, denudation and slope mass movement processes with rates up to several orders of magnitude larger than fault slip rates obscure the surface definition of faults and traces of activity, making fault parametrization difficult. The presented database includes active, probably active and potentially active faults with trace lengths >5 km, systematically compiled and cataloged from a vast and highly heterogeneous dataset. Input data was mined from published papers, reports, studies, maps, unpublished reports and data from the Geological Survey of Slovenia archives and dedicated studies. All faults in the database are fully parametrized with spatial, geometric, kinematic and activity data with parameter descriptors including data origin and data quality for full traceability of input data. The input dataset was compiled through an extended questionnaire and a set of criteria into a homogenous database. The final database includes 96 faults with 240 segments and is optimized for maximum compatibility with other current maps of active faults at national and EU levels. It is by far the most detailed and advanced map of active faults in Slovenia.
Expression Analysis of Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT in Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Hussen Bashdar Mahmud , Nicknafs Fwad , Nazer Naghme , Sayad Arezou , Taheri Mohammad
Published: May 2021

Protein inhibitors of activated STAT (PIAS) are involved in the regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and have interactions with NF-κB, p73 and p53. These proteins regulate immune responses; therefore dysregulation in their expression leads to several immune-mediated disorders. In the present study, we examined expression of PIAS1-4 in peripheral blood of patients with acute/chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP/CIDP) compared with healthy subjects. We demonstrated down-regulation of all PIAS genes in both AIDP and CIDP cases compared with controls. Similarly, comparisons in gender-based groups revealed down-regulation of these gene0s in patients of each gender compared with gender-matched controls. There was no significant difference in expression of PIAS genes between AIDP and CIDP cases. Based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, PIAS1-4 genes could distinguish between inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and healthy status with accuracy values of 0.87, 0.87, 0.79 and 0.80, respectively. In differentiation between AIDP cases and healthy controls, these values were 0.92, 0.92, 0.83 and 0.86, respectively. Finally, PIAS1-4 genes could discriminate CIDP from healthy status with accuracy values of 0.82, 0.83, 0.75 and 0.75, respectively. The current study underscores the role of PIAS genes in the pathogenesis of inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and their potential usage as biomarkers.
Alterations of Serum Metabolites and Fecal Microbiota Involved in Ewe Follicular Cyst
Authors: Feng Tao , Ding Hongxiang , Wang Jing , Xu Wei , Liu Yan , Kenéz Ákos
Published: May 2021

While the interactions of the gut microbiome and blood metabolome have been widely studied in polycystic ovary disease in women, follicular cysts of ewes have been scarcely investigated using these methods. In this study, the fecal microbiome and serum metabolome were used to compare between ewes diagnosed with ovarian cystic follicles and ewes with normal follicles, to investigate alterations of the fecal bacterial community composition and metabolic parameters in relation to follicular cystogenesis. Ewes from the same feeding and management system were diagnosed with a follicular cyst (n = 6) or confirmed to have normal follicles (n = 6) by using a B-mode ultrasound scanner. Blood serum and fresh fecal samples of all ewes were collected and analyzed. The α-diversity of fecal microbiome did not differ significantly between follicular cyst ewes and normal follicle ewes. Three genera (Bacteroides, Anaerosporobacter, and Angelakisella) were identified and their balance differentiated between follicular cyst and normal follicle ewes. Alterations of several serum metabolite concentrations, belonging to lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, organic oxygen compounds, benzenoids, phenylpropanoids and polyketides, and organoheterocyclic compounds, were associated with the presence of a follicular cyst. Correlation analysis between fecal bacterial communities and serum metabolites indicated a positive correlation between Anaerosporobacter and several fatty acids, and a negative correlation between Bacteroides and L-proline. These observations provide new insights for the complex interactions of the gut microbiota and the host serum lipid profiles, and support gut microbiota as a potential strategy to treat and prevent follicular cysts in sheep.
Clinical Implementation of Proton Therapy Using Pencil-Beam Scanning Delivery Combined With Static Apertures
Authors: Bäumer Christian , Plaude Sandija , Khalil Dalia Ahmad , Geismar Dirk , Kramer Paul-Heinz , Kröninger Kevin , Nitsch Christian , Wulff Jörg , Timmermann Beate
Published: May 2021

Proton therapy makes use of the favorable depth-dose distribution with its characteristic Bragg peak to spare normal tissue distal of the target volume. A steep dose gradient would be desired in lateral dimensions, too. The widespread spot scanning delivery technique is based, however, on pencil-beams with in-air spot full-widths-at-half-maximum of typically 1 cm or more. This hampers the sparing of organs-at-risk if small-scale structures adjacent to the target volume are concerned. The trimming of spot scanning fields with collimating apertures constitutes a simple measure to increase the transversal dose gradient. The current study describes the clinical implementation of brass apertures in conjunction with the pencil-beam scanning delivery mode at a horizontal, clinical treatment head based on commercial hardware and software components. Furthermore, clinical cases, which comprised craniopharyngiomas, re-irradiations and ocular tumors, were evaluated. The dosimetric benefits of 31 treatment plans using apertures were compared to the corresponding plans without aperture. Furthermore, an overview of the radiation protection aspects is given. Regarding the results, robust optimization considering range and setup uncertainties was combined with apertures. The treatment plan optimizations followed a single-field uniform dose or a restricted multi-field optimization approach. Robustness evaluation was expanded to account for possible deviations of the center of the pencil-beam delivery and the mechanical center of the aperture holder. Supplementary apertures improved the conformity index on average by 15.3%. The volume of the dose gradient surrounding the PTV (evaluated between 80 and 20% dose levels) was decreased on average by 17.6%. The mean dose of the hippocampi could be reduced on average by 2.9 GyRBE. In particular cases the apertures facilitated a sparing of an organ-at-risk, e.g. the eye lens or the brainstem. For six craniopharyngioma cases the inclusion of apertures led to a reduction of the mean dose of 1.5 GyRBE (13%) for the brain and 3.1 GyRBE (16%) for the hippocampi.
Effects of Educational Video on Pre-operative Anxiety in Children - A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Härter Valentina , Barkmann Claus , Wiessner Christian , Rupprecht Martin , Reinshagen Konrad , Trah Julian
Published: May 2021

Objective: Audio-visual interventions have been used to provide relevant patient information to reduce pre-operative anxiety in children. The aim of the study was to investigate whether self-reported state anxiety in children could be reduced by presenting a child-friendly educational video on the day of surgery.

Methods: A prospective, single-blinded, two-armed, randomized controlled study was designed with three measurement time points including 90 children (6–17 years) and their parents. In the intervention group (IG), the children and their parents were shown a child-friendly video explaining the perioperative procedures that would be applied during the hospital stay, in addition to receiving standard information. In the control group (CG), children and parents received standard information provided by the nursing staff. The primary outcome was any change in the children's pre-operative state anxiety levels, as measured by the State-Trait Operation Anxiety Inventory (STOA). A secondary outcome was patient satisfaction regarding the received information.

Results: Anxiety was significantly reduced in both groups after receiving either the intervention plus standard information or the standard information only. No significant difference in anxiety reduction was observed between the IG and the CG. However, the children and parents in the IG reported fewer worries than those in the CG.

Conclusion: A child-friendly, educational video can be an additional tool for providing patient information and reducing pre-operative anxiety in children and their parents. Further studies should focus on the timing of the intervention and on age- and developmentally appropriate information formats and contents to address children's pre-operative anxiety.

Clinical Trial Registration: Patient Anxiety Reduction in Children by Using Simple Explanation Videos, ID: NCT0441377; www.clinicaltrials.gov, Data Sharing Statement: Deidentified individual participant data will not be made available.
Metabolite Profiling of the Indian Food Spice Lichen, Pseudevernia furfuracea Combined With Optimised Extraction Methodology to Obtain Bioactive Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Kalra Rishu , Conlan Xavier A. , Areche Carlos , Dilawari Rahul , Goel Mayurika
Published: May 2021

Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf (Parmeliaceae) is a well-known epiphytic lichen commonly used in Indian spice mixtures and food preparations such as curries. This study is an attempt to find the best extraction methodology with respect to extractive yield, total polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content and antioxidant activities of lichen P. furfuracea. Two phenolic compounds, atraric acid and olivetoric acid were isolated and quantified in their respective extracts with the aid of reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The highest concentration of both the compounds, atraric acid (4.89 mg/g DW) and olivetoric acid (11.46 mg/g DW) were found in 70% methanol extract. A direct correlation was also observed between the concentrations of these compounds with the free radical scavenging potential of the extracts which might contribute towards the antioxidant potential of the extract. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy and HPLC analysis which was used to study the effect of pre-processing on extraction process highlighted the capacity of a mixer grinder technique for improved separation of surface localized metabolites and enrichment of the fraction. An investigation of the chemical profile of the bioactive extract 70% methanol extract using UHPLC-DAD-MS lead to tentative identification of forty nine compounds. This extract was also assessed towards HEK 293 T cell line for cytotoxicity analysis. Concentration range of 0.156 to 100 µg/ml of PF70M extract exhibited no significant cell death as compared to control. Further, the active extract showed protective effect against hydroxyl radical’s destructive effects on DNA when assessed using DNA nicking assay. Based upon this, it can be concluded that optimization of extraction solvent, sample pre-proceesing and extraction techniques can be useful in extraction of specific antioxidant metabolites.
Pharmacological Vitamin C Treatment Impedes the Growth of Endogenous Glutamine-Dependent Cancers by Targeting Glutamine Synthetase
Authors: Long Yali , Qiu Jia , Zhang Bing , He Peng , Shi Xinchong , He Qiao , Chen Zhifeng , Shen Wanqing , Li Zhoulei , Zhang Xiangsong
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Glutamine synthetase (GS) is the only currently known enzyme responsible for synthesizing endogenous glutamine (Gln). GS exerts a critical role in the oncogenesis of endogenous Gln-dependent cancers, making it an attractive target for anti-tumor therapies. A mixed-function oxidation system consisting of vitamin C (VC), oxygen, and trace metals can oxidize GS and promote its degradation. The current study aims to explore the effect of pharmacological VC treatment on GS.

Methods: Endogenous Gln-dependent cancer lines (breast cancer MCF7 and prostate cancer PC3) were selected to establish chronic Gln-deprived MCF7 and PC3 cell models. The expression of GS in parental and chronic Gln-deprived tumor cells exposed to VC treatment and control was determined by Western blot analysis. The anti-cancer effects of VC on parental and chronic Gln-deprived tumor cells were assessed by CCK-8 and annexin V-FITC/PI FACS assays. In addition, changes in cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) levels and NADPH/NADP + ratio were analyzed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, BALB/c nude mice xenografting with parental and chronic Gln-deprived prostate cancer cells were constructed to evaluate the in vivo therapeutic effect of VC. Finally, tumor 13N-ammonia uptake in mice bearing prostate cancer xenografts was analyzed following treatment with VC and the expression of GS in xenografts were detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results: Cells overexpressing GS were obtained by chronic Gln deprivation. We found that the cytotoxic effect of VC on cancer cells was positively correlated with the expression of GS. Additionally, VC treatment led to a significant increase in ROS production, as well as GSH depletion and NADPH/NADP + reduction. These changes could be reversed by the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Furthermore, pharmacological VC treatment exhibited a more significant therapeutic effect on xenografts of prostate cancer cells overexpressing GS, that could be well monitored by 13N-ammonia PET/CT imaging.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that VC can kill cancer cells by targeting glutamine synthetase to induce oxidative stress. VC could be used as an anti-cancer treatment for endogenous glutamine-dependent cancers.
Young Rebels Who Do Not Want a Revolution: The Non-participatory Preferences of Fridays for Future Activists in Finland
Authors: Huttunen Janette
Published: May 2021

Young people’s lack of participation in elections has been taken as a sign that the young are wary of representative democracy and reject traditional authorities. Instead of election participation, it is expected that the young want more possibilities for direct involvement in political decision-making. Fridays for Future (FFF) is a global, youth-led climate movement that has been able to mobilize millions of young people around the world into political action (de Moor et al., 2020; Wahlström et al., 2019) in times when youth participation is generally declining, especially in traditional forms of political participation. While many have taken this as evidence that young people dismiss representative democracy in favor of a more participatory democracy, in-depth studies of their motivations are still lacking. This article helps fill this lacuna by providing a case study on Finnish FFF participants. Through semi-structured interviews and theory-guided content analysis with 15- to 20-year-old climate activists, the Finnish FFF participants’ attitudes toward political participation are examined. The data consists of 11 one-on-one in-depth theme interviews with young people, who participated in the FFF movement by attending at least one protest in Finland in 2019. The interviews focused on the following themes: motivation for participation in the FFF movement, interviewee’s background, and the participant’s ideas regarding politics, democracy, and political participation. The interviews were combined with material from various news sources to contextualize the information in the analysis phase. Based on the empirical evidence, I argue that although these young citizens have become politically active in a climate protest movement, it does not necessarily mean that they want major reforms to the representative democracy toward a more participatory system. Instead of more participatory possibilities, the Finnish climate activists want a better-functioning representative system with politicians who listen to their demands.
Evaluation of VIIRS and MODIS Snow Cover Fraction in High-Mountain Asia Using Landsat 8 OLI
Authors: Rittger Karl , Bormann Kat J. , Bair Edward H. , Dozier Jeff , Painter Thomas H.
Published: May 2021

We present the first application of the Snow Covered Area and Grain size model (SCAG) to the Visible Infrared imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and assess these retrievals with finer‐resolution fractional snow cover maps from Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI). Because Landsat 8 OLI avoids saturation issues common to Landsat 1–7 in the visible wavelengths, we re-assess the accuracy of the SCAG fractional snow cover maps from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) that were previously evaluated using data from earlier Landsat sensors. Use of the fractional snow cover maps from Landsat 8 OLI shows a negative bias of −0.5% for MODSCAG and −1.3% for VIIRSCAG, whereas previous MODSCAG evaluations found a bias of −7.6% in the Himalaya. We find similar root mean squared error (RMSE) values of 0.133 and 0.125 for MODIS and VIIRS, respectively. The Recall statistic (probability of detection) for cells with more than 15% snow cover in this challenging steep topography was found to be 0.90 for both MODSCAG and VIIRSCAG, significantly higher than previous evaluations based on Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) and 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+). In addition, daily retrievals from MODIS and VIIRS are consistent across gradients of elevation, slope, and aspect. Different native resolutions of the gridded products at 1 km and 500 m for VIIRS and MODIS, respectively, result in snow cover maps showing a slightly different distribution of values with VIIRS having more mixed pixels and MODIS having 7% more pure snow pixels. Despite the resolution differences, the snow maps from both sensors produce similar total snow-covered areas and snow-line elevations in this region, with R2 values of 0.98 and 0.88, respectively. We find that the SCAG algorithm performs consistently across various spatial resolutions and that fractional snow cover maps from the VIIRS instruments aboard Suomi NPP, JPPS–1, and JPPS–2 can be a suitable replacement as MODIS sensors reach their ends of life.
Enhancing the Selection and Performance of Working Dogs
Authors: Bray Emily E. , Otto Cynthia M. , Udell Monique A. R. , Hall Nathaniel J. , Johnston Angie M. , MacLean Evan L.
Published: May 2021

Dogs perform a variety of integral roles in our society, engaging in work ranging from assistance (e.g., service dogs, guide dogs) and therapy to detection (e.g., search-and-rescue dogs, explosive detection dogs) and protection (e.g., military and law enforcement dogs). However, success in these roles, which requires dogs to meet challenging behavioral criteria and to undergo extensive training, is far from guaranteed. Therefore, enhancing the selection process is critical for the effectiveness and efficiency of working dog programs and has the potential to optimize how resources are invested in these programs, increase the number of available working dogs, and improve working dog welfare. In this paper, we review two main approaches for achieving this goal: (1) developing selection tests and criteria that can efficiently and effectively identify ideal candidates from the overall pool of candidate dogs, and (2) developing approaches to enhance performance, both at the individual and population level, via improvements in rearing, training, and breeding. We summarize key findings from the empirical literature regarding best practices for assessing, selecting, and improving working dogs, and conclude with future steps and recommendations for working dog organizations, breeders, trainers, and researchers.
Pneumatic Artificial Muscle Based on Novel Winding Method
Authors: Xie Disheng , Ma Zhuo , Liu Jianbin , Zuo Siyang
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes a pneumatic artificial muscle based on a novel winding method. By this method, the inflation of silicone tubes is transformed to the contraction of muscle, whereas the expansion keeps on one side of the muscle, i.e., the expansion of the actuator does not affect the object close to it. Hence the muscle is great for wearable robots without squeezing on the user’s skin. Through necessary simplification, the contraction ratio model and force model are proposed and verified by experiments. The prototype of this paper has a maximum contraction ratio of 35.8% and a maximum output force of 12.24 N with only 5 mm thickness. The high compatibility proves it excellent to be the alternative for wearable robots.
A Review of Piezoelectric Material-Based Structural Control and Health Monitoring Techniques for Engineering Structures: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Aabid Abdul , Parveez Bisma , Raheman Md Abdul , Ibrahim Yasser E. , Anjum Asraar , Hrairi Meftah , Parveen Nagma , Mohammed Zayan Jalal
Published: May 2021

With the breadth of applications and analysis performed over the last few decades, it would not be an exaggeration to call piezoelectric materials “the top of the crop” of smart materials. Piezoelectric materials have emerged as the most researched materials for practical applications among the numerous smart materials. They owe it to a few main reasons, including low cost, high bandwidth of service, availability in a variety of formats, and ease of handling and execution. Several authors have used piezoelectric materials as sensors and actuators to effectively control structural vibrations, noise, and active control, as well as for structural health monitoring, over the last three decades. These studies cover a wide range of engineering disciplines, from vast space systems to aerospace, automotive, civil, and biomedical engineering. Therefore, in this review, a study has been reported on piezoelectric materials and their advantages in engineering fields with fundamental modeling and applications. Next, the new approaches and hypotheses suggested by different scholars are also explored for control/repair methods and the structural health monitoring of engineering structures. Lastly, the challenges and opportunities has been discussed based on the exhaustive literature studies for future work. As a result, this review can serve as a guideline for the researchers who want to use piezoelectric materials for engineering structures.
A Sensorized Soft Pneumatic Actuator Fabricated with Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Georgopoulou Antonia , Egloff Lukas , Vanderborght Bram , Clemens Frank
Published: May 2021

Soft pneumatic actuators with a channel network (pneu-net) based on thermoplastic elastomers are compatible with fused deposition modeling (FDM). However, conventional filament-based fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers are not well suited for thermoplastic elastomers with a shore hardness (Sh < 70A). Therefore, in this study, a pellet-based FDM printer was used to print pneumatic actuators with a shore hardness of Sh18A. Additionally, the method allowed the in situ integration of soft piezoresistive sensing elements during the fabrication. The integrated piezoresistive elements were based on conductive composites made of three different styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) thermoplastic elastomers, each with a carbon black (CB) filler with a ratio of 1:1. The best sensor behavior was achieved by the SEBS material with a shore hardness of Sh50A. The dynamic and quasi-static sensor behavior were investigated on SEBS strips with integrated piezoresistive sensor composite material, and the results were compared with TPU strips from a previous study. Finally, the piezoresistive composite was used for the FDM printing of soft pneumatic actuators with a shore hardness of 18 A. It is worth mentioning that 3 h were needed for the fabrication of the soft pneumatic actuator with an integrated strain sensing element. In comparison to classical mold casting method, this is faster, since curing post-processing is not required and will help the industrialization of pneumatic actuator-based soft robotics.
Development of a Flexible and Expandable UTM Simulator Based on Open Sources and Platforms
Authors: Yoon Sugjoon , Shin Dongcho , Choi Younghoon , Park Kyungtae
Published: May 2021

In order to study air traffic control of UAS’s (Unmanned Aerial Systems) in very low altitudes, the UTM (UAS Traffic Management) simulator has to be as flexible and expandable as other research simulators because relevant technologies and regulations are not matured enough at this stage. Available approaches using open sources and platforms are investigated to be used in the UTM simulator. The fundamental rationale for selection is availability of necessary resources to build a UTM simulator. Integration efforts to build a UTM simulator are elaborated, using Ardupilot, MavProxi, Cesium, and VWorld, which are selected from the thorough field study. Design requirements of a UTM simulator are determined by analyzing UTM services defined by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and Eurocontrol. The UTM simulator, named eUTM, is composed of three components: UOS (UTM Operating System), UTM, and multiple GCSs (Ground Control Stations). GCSs are responsible for generation of flight paths of various UASs. UTM component copies functions of a real UTM such as monitoring and controlling air spaces. UOS provides simulation of environment such as weather, and controls the whole UTM simulator system. UOS also generates operation scenarios of UTM, and resides on the same UTM computer as an independent process. Two GCS simulators are connected to the UTM simulator in the present configuration, but the UTM simulator can be expanded to include up to 10 GCS simulators in the present design. In order to demonstrate the flexibility and expandability of eUTM simulator, several operation scenarios are realized and typical deconfliction scenarios among them are tested with a deconfliction algorithm. During the study, some limits are identified with applied open sources and platforms, which have to be resolved in order to obtain a flexible and expandable UTM simulator supporting relevant studies. Most of them are related to interfacing individual sources and platforms which use different program languages and communication drivers.
Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Essential Oils against Selected Pathogenic Bacteria: In Vitro Study
Authors: Puvača Nikola , Milenković Jovana , Galonja Coghill Tamara , Bursić Vojislava , Petrović Aleksandra , Tanasković Snežana , Pelić Miloš , Ljubojević Pelić Dragana , Miljković Tatjana
Published: May 2021

The worldwide problem of infectious diseases has appeared in recent years, and antimicrobial agents are crucial in reducing disease emergence. Nevertheless, the development and distribution of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains in pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Typhi and Citrobacter koseri, has become a major society health hazard. Essential oils could serve as a promising tool as a natural drug in fighting the problem with these bacteria. The current study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effectiveness of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betche) Cheel), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus obliqua L’Hér.), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill) essential oils. The antimicrobial properties of essential oils were screened against four pathogenic bacteria, E. coli, S. aureus, S. Tyhpi, and C. koseri, and two reference bacterial strains, while for the testing, the agar well diffusion method was used. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometric (GC–MSD) analyses were performed on essential oils. The obtained results showed that M. alternifolia essential oil is the richest in terpinen-4-ol, R. officinalis and E. oblique essential oils in 1,8-cineole, and L. angustifolia essential oil in α-terpinyl acetate. In addition, the main bioactive compounds present in the essential oil of tea tree are rich in α-pinene (18.38%), limonene (7.55%) and γ-terpinene (14.01%). The essential oil of rosemary is rich in α-pinene (8.38%) and limonene (11.86%); eucalyptus essential oil has significant concentrations of α-pinene (12.60%), p-cymene (3.24%), limonene (3.87%), and γ-terpinene (7.37%), while the essential oil of lavender is rich in linalool (10.71%), linalool acetate (9.60%), α-terpinyl acetate (10.93%), and carbitol (13.05%) bioactive compounds, respectively. The obtained results from the in vitro study revealed that most of the essential oils exhibited antimicrobial properties. Among the tested essential oils, tea tree was discovered to demonstrate the strongest antimicrobial activity. The recorded MIC of S. Typhi was 6.2 mg/mL, 3.4 mg/mL of C. koseri, 3.1 mg/mL of E. coli, and 2.7 mg/mL of E. coli ATCC 25922, compared to M. alternifolia. Similarly, only S. aureus ATCC 25923 showed antimicrobial activity towards R. officinalis (1.4 mg/mL), E. oblique (2.9 mg/mL), and L. angustifolia (2.1 mg/mL). Based on the obtained results, it is possible to conclude that tea tree essential oil might be used as an ecological antimicrobial in treating infectious diseases caused by the tested pathogens.
Antibiotics or No Antibiotics, That Is the Question: An Update on Efficient and Effective Use of Antibiotics in Dental Practice
Authors: Buonavoglia Alessio , Leone Patrizia , Solimando Antonio Giovanni , Fasano Rossella , Malerba Eleonora , Prete Marcella , Corrente Marialaura , Prati Carlo , Vacca Angelo , Racanelli Vito
Published: May 2021

The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenomenon is an emerging global problem and is induced by overuse and misuse of antibiotics in medical practice. In total, 10% of antibiotic prescriptions are from dentists, usually to manage oro-dental pains and avoid postsurgical complications. Recent research and clinical evaluations highlight new therapeutical approaches with a reduction in dosages and number of antibiotic prescriptions and recommend focusing on an accurate diagnosis and improvement of oral health before dental treatments and in patients’ daily lives. In this article, the most common clinical and operative situations in dental practice, such as endodontics, management of acute alveolar abscesses, extractive oral surgery, parodontology and implantology, are recognized and summarized, suggesting possible guidelines to reduce antibiotic prescription and consumption, maintaining high success rates and low complications rates. Additionally, the categories of patients requiring antibiotic administration for pre-existing conditions are recapitulated. To reduce AMR threat, it is important to establish protocols for treatment with antibiotics, to be used only in specific situations. Recent reviews demonstrate that, in dentistry, it is possible to minimize the use of antibiotics, thoroughly assessing patient’s conditions and type of intervention, thus improving their efficacy and reducing the adverse effects and enhancing the modern concept of personalized medicine.