bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the gut microbiota in the dietary niche expansion of fishing bats
Authors: Aizpurua Ostaizka , Nyholm Lasse , Morris Evie , Chaverri Gloriana , Montalvo Luis Gerardo Herrera , Flores-Martinez José Juan , Lin Aiqing , Razgour Orly , Gilbert M Thomas P , Alberdi Antton
Published: February 2021

BackgroundDue to its central role in animal nutrition, the gut microbiota is likely a relevant factor shaping dietary niche shifts. We analysed both the impact and contribution of the gut microbiota to the dietary niche expansion of the only four bat species that have incorporated fish into their primarily arthropodophage diet.ResultsWe first compared the taxonomic and functional features of the gut microbiota of the four piscivorous bats to that of 11 strictly arthropodophagous species using 16S rRNA targeted amplicon sequencing. Second, we increased the resolution of our analyses for one of the piscivorous bat species, namely Myotis capaccinii , and analysed multiple populations combining targeted approaches with shotgun sequencing. To better understand the origin of gut microorganisms, we also analysed the gut microbiota of their fish prey ( Gambusia holbrooki ). Our analyses showed that piscivorous bats carry a characteristic gut microbiota that differs from that of their strict arthropodophagous counterparts, in which the most relevant bacteria have been directly acquired from their fish prey. This characteristic microbiota exhibits enrichment of genes involved in vitamin biosynthesis, as well as complex carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, likely providing their hosts with an enhanced capacity to metabolise the glycosphingolipids and long-chain fatty acids that are particularly abundant in fish.ConclusionsOur results depict the gut microbiota as a relevant element in facilitating the dietary transition from arthropodophagy to piscivory.
Global insights into homoeolog gene expression in upland cotton under intraspecific hybridization
Authors: Shahzad Kashif , Zhang Xuexian , Zhang Meng , Guo Liping , Qi Tingxiang , Tang Huini , Wang Hailin , Zhang Bingbing , Qiao Xiuqin , Wu Jianyong , Xing Chaozhu
Published: February 2021

Background: Hybridization is useful to enhance yield potential of agronomic crops in the world. Cotton has genome doubling due to alloteraploidy process and hybridization process in coordinate with duplicated genome can produce more yield and adaptability. Therefore, expression of homoeolog gene pairs between hybrids and inbred parents are vital to characterize genetic source of heterosis in cotton.Results: Investigation results of homoeolog gene pairs between two contrasting hybrids and their respective inbred parents identified 36853 homoeolog genes in hybrids. It was observed both high and low hybrids had similar trends in homoeolog gene expression patterns in each tissue under study. An average of 96% of homoeolog genes had no biased expression and their expressions were derived from the equal contribution of both parents. Besides, very few homoeolog genes (An average of 1%) showed no biased or novel expression in both hybrids. The functional analysis described secondary metabolic pathways had a majority of novel biased homoeolog genes in hybrids. Conclusions: These results contribute preliminary knowledge about how hybridization affects expression patterns of homoeolog gene pairs in upland cotton hybrids. Our study also highlights the functional genomics of metabolic genes to explore the genetic mechanism of heterosis in cotton.
Safeguarding women’s and girls’ wellbeing: Exploring the role of gender-based violence on HIV transmission in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mapingure Munyaradzi , Mukandavire Zindoga , Chingombe Innocent , Eghtessadi Rouzeh , Cuadros Diego F. , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Mutenherwa Farirai , Musuka Godfrey
Published: February 2021

Background

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a growing epidemic, whose role in HIV transmissions remains minimally addressed by the majority of national HIV response interventions.
Methods

Statistical and geo-spatial analysis was used to explore the relationship between GBV variables and HIV status using data from Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, 2015-16.
Results

Women who were ever humiliated by their husbands or partners were 1.45 times more likely to be HIV positive than those who were never humiliated, p = 0.002. The same was true for women whose husbands or partners ever threatened to harm them or someone they love, OR (95%CI) 1.33 (1.04–1.68), p = 0.022. There was a positive association between HIV status and women who reported that their husband or partner, either pushed, shook, or threw something at them or punched them with his fist or with something that could hurt them or kicked, dragged or beat them, or tried to choke or burn them on purpose or threatened or attacked them with a knife or gun, or any other weapon. Women who experienced forced sexual violence with threats were more likely (odds 1.61, p = 0.019), to be HIV positive than those women who did not experience the same. Using geospatial mapping techniques our study has shown a substantial countrywide epidemic of GBV against women in Zimbabwe requiring urgent attention. Emotional GBV had a similar geographical distribution with HIV in the northern part of the country, where all three types of violence tend to aggregate.
Conclusion

There is a significant association between forms of GBV (emotional, physical, and sexual) and HIV status. The results suggest the need to strengthen interventions that empower women and girls with skills to withstand violence in order to curb HIV transmission. The engagement of men as proponents of gender equality, bringing other men to account for perpetuating GBV and actively countering violence against women and girls, is critical to the design of such interventions.
Application of plasma D-dimer detection in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhu Minbo , Chen Liping , Hu Min , Shi Zheng
Published: February 2021

Background: This study investigated the changes of plasma D-dimer level and the role of its test in the pathogenesis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Overall, 140 patients were divided into four groups based on OHSS status: normal, mild, moderate, and severe. All patients were hospitalized because of embryo transfer or OHSS. We retrospectively analyzed their clinical data, hormone levels, ovulation induction agents, and plasma D-dimer levels during the occurrence of OHSS and improved stages.Results: Plasma D-dimer levels were significantly higher in the four groups with early onset of symptoms (P<0.05; reference value, 0–0.5 µg/mL) than in the normal group. With increasing symptoms of OHSS, D-dimer levels gradually increased in all four groups. There was a significant positive correlation between symptoms and D-dimer levels (γ=0.575; P<0.05), and the 95% confidence intervals of the three OHSS groups were 0.71–1.41 µg/mL (mild group), 1.65–2.26 µg/mL (moderate group), and 2.24–3.62 µg/mL (severe group). The cross-interval between the different groups of OHSS symptoms was minimal. When OHSS symptoms improved or healed based on the patient’s clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters, the D-dimer levels of patients with moderate and severe symptoms remained significantly higher than the normal range (P<0.05). The D-dimer levels in the improved stage in moderate and severe groups were significantly higher than those in the early stage (P<0.05).Conclusions: According to elevated D-dimer levels, we can more accurately predict the severity of OHSS in the early stage. Additionally, with further increases in D-dimer levels along with symptoms, we can more precisely determine the prognosis of patients.
Millennial Variations and a Mid-Holocene Step Change in Northern Mid-latitude Moisture Gradients 
Authors: Shuman Bryan N
Published: February 2021

Holocene records reveal a constantly varying hydroclimate characterized by responses to precession punctuated by decadal-to-centennial ‘megadroughts’ and rapid state shifts. How such changes relate across space and time can reveal the underlying dynamics and how external forcing, intrinsic variability, and various feedbacks interact to alter societally critical water supplies. Here, Holocene water-level changes were examined in two groups of North American lakes to systematically characterize millennial-scale hydroclimate variability and potential large-scale state changes. The records constrain changes at the ends of the large hydroclimate gradient between the semi-arid Rocky Mountains and the humid Atlantic coast. Geophysical surveys and 40 radiocarbon-dated sediment cores provide direct measures of past shoreline positions from the 12 lakes. None exhibited stable Holocene water levels. Together they show a steep east-west gradient from 9-5.5 ka and again from 4.5-2.1 ka. The gradient was unusually weak from 11-9, 5.5-4.5, and after 2.1 ka when Rocky Mountain lakes reached their maxima. Consistent with interconnected atmospheric circulation and land surface energy budget changes, the gradient steepness correlates with mid-continental summer temperature changes (r = 0.73) with a cool, wet mid-continent associated with a weak hydroclimatic gradient, such as during the anomalous mid-Holocene fluctuation from 5.5-4.5 ka. The millennial-scale variability interacted with long-term trends to rapidly increase effective moisture in the west at 5.5 ka, potentially as part of state shifts extending to the Sahel. The interconnected changes underscore the possibility that poorly diagnosed centennial-to-millennial variability could accelerate some Holocene trends to produce abrupt shifts without requiring strong threshold effects.
An Effective Prediction of Biomagnification Factors for Organochlorine Pollutants
Authors: Zhang Ming Cai , Zhai Hong Lin , Bi Ke Xin , Zhao Bin Qiang , Shao Hai Ping
Published: February 2021

Biomagnification factor (BMF) is an important index of pollutants in food chains but its experimental determination is quite tedious. In this contribution, as the feature descriptors of molecular information, Tchebichef moments (TMs) were calculated from their structural images. Then stepwise regression was employed to establish the prediction model for the logBMF of organochlorine pollutants. The correlation coefficient with leave-one-out cross-validation (Rcv) was 0.9570 and the correlation coefficient of prediction (Rp) for external independent test set was 0.9594. Compared with traditional two-dimensional (2D) quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) and the reported augmented multivariate image analysis applied to QSPR (aug-MIA-QSPR), the proposed approach is more simple, accurate and reliable. This study not only obtained the model with better stability and predictive ability for the BMF of organochlorine pollutants, but also provided another effective approach to QSPR research.
Development and Comparison of Cross-Linking and Non-Crosslinking Probe-Gold Nanoparticle Hybridization Assays for Direct Detection of Unamplified Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus-RNA
Authors: Heidari Zahra , Rezatofighi Seyedeh Elham , Rastegarzadeh Saadat
Published: February 2021

Background: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a major economic disease that has been spread in most countries. In addition to vaccination, one of the main ways to control the disease and prevent it from spreading is to detect and cull infected animals, especially those with persistent infection (PI). We developed and compared two colorimetric biosensor assays based on probe-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to detect BVDV. Specific probes were designed to detect the 5ʹ untranslated region of BVDV-RNA. The thiolated probes were immobilized on the surface of the AuNPs. Two methods of cross-linking (CL) and non-crosslinking (NCL) probe-AuNPs hybridization were developed and compared. Results: The hybridization of positive targets with the two probe-AuNPs formed a polymeric network between the AuNPs which led to the aggregation of nanoparticles and color change from red to blue. Alternatively, in the NCL mode, the hybridization of complementary targets with the probe-AuNPs resulted in the increased electrostatic repulsion in nanoparticles and the increased stabilization against salt-induced aggregation. The CL and NCL assays had detection limits of 6.83 and 44.36 ng/reaction, respectively. Conclusion: The CL assay showed a higher sensitivity and specificity; in contrast, the NCL assay did not require optimizing and controlling of hybridization temperature and showed a higher response speed. However, both the developed methods are cost-effective and easy to perform and also could be implemented on-site or in local laboratories in low-resource countries.
Effect of COVID-19 on Childhood Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection in Chengdu, China
Authors: Huang Yijie , Zhang Ying , Ai Tao , Jun Luo , Liu Hanmin
Published: February 2021

Background. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a change in the incidence and transmission of respiratory pathogens was observed. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on the epidemiologic characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection among children in Chengdu, one of the largest cities of western China.Method. M. pneumoniae infection was diagnosed in 33,345 pediatric patients with respiratory symptoms at the Chengdu Women’s & Children’s Central Hospital between January 2017 and September 2020, based on a titer of ³1:160 measured by the passive agglutination assay. Differences in infection rates were examined by sex, age, and temporal distribution.Results. Two epidemic outbreaks occurred between October–December 2017 and April–December 2019, and two infection peaks were detected in the second and fourth quarters of 2017, 2018, and 2019. Due to the public health response to COVID-19, the number of positive M. pneumoniae cases significantly decreased in the second quarter of 2020. The rate of M. pneumoniae infection among children aged 3–6 years was higher than that in other age groups.Conclusion. Preschool children are more susceptible to M. pneumoniae infection and close contact appears to be the predominant factor favoring pathogen transmission. The public health response to COVID-19 can effectively control the transmission of M. pneumoniae.
Peritoneal Tuberculosis in Children Over the Last Decade: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Dekeryte Inga , Lukosiute-Urboniene Ausra , Donielaite-Anise Kamile , Kilda Arturas , Bagdzevicius Robertas , Barauskas Vidmantas
Published: February 2021

Background: Tuberculosis remains a public health issue. Peritoneal tuberculosis is an uncommon form of tuberculosis and it accounts for less than 1% of all tuberculosis cases in children. The aim was to asses experience and struggles in diagnosing peritoneal tuberculosis in children.Methods: Systematic review of literature from the PubMed database was conducted including cases of children with peritoneal tuberculosis during 2008-2019 years. Results: The search yielded 2309 potentially relevant articles, 11 met inclusion criteria with total number of 48 patients (4 our cases, 44 from the literature). 29 (60.4%) were males with the median age of 11 years and 19 (39.6%) females with the median age of 10. The contact with active tuberculosis was reported in 16 cases (33.3%). Tuberculin skin test was performed in 42 cases (87.5%) with only 43.7% positive. The mean time from symptoms presentation until hospitalization was 30.6 days. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (70.8%), abdominal distention (66.7%) and fever (54.2%). The most common ultrasound findings were free fluid in pelvic cavity (70.8%) and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes (52.1%). The majority of culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis samples were negative. Surgery was performed in 36 (75%) cases with the most common findings of tubercles (63.8%), peritonitis (41.6%) and ascites (36.1%). Histopathological biopsy evaluation was performed in 38 (79.2%) patients and in all cases tuberculosis granulomas were confirmed.Conclusions: Clinical presentation, laboratory and radiological findings are nonspecific for peritoneal tuberculosis in children. This systematic review shows that peritoneal tuberculosis was diagnosed by surgical intervention in most of the cases. Accordingly, we suggest the algorithm of less invasive procedures and tests before surgical intervention.
Characteristics of HER2 FISH-Equivocal Breast Cancers and the Impacts on HER2 Status of 2018 ASCO/CAP Guideline
Authors: Kong Hui , Bai Qianming , Li Anqi , Zhou Xiaoyan , Yang Wentao
Published: February 2021

Background: According to 2018 ASCO/CAP guideline, HER2 FISH-equivocal breast cancers will be categorized as HER2 negative except those with HER2 IHC 3+. However, whether or not HER2 FISH-equivocal breast cancers was a heterogeneous group has not been well illustrated.Methods: 195 HER2 FISH-equivocal breast cancers were collected between 2014 and 2018. The molecular subtype was determined according to 2013 St Gallen consensus, and HER2 status was also redefined following 2018 ASCO/CAP guideline. All cases were classified into 4 groups according to the average HER2 copy number (4.0-4.4, 4.5-4.9, 5.0-5.4, 5.5-5.9 signals/cell). The relationship between HER2 copy number and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. Results: 183 (93.8%) of 195 FISH-equivocal cases were of luminal subtype, while the other 12 (6.2%) were undetermined. Using 2018 ASCO/CAP guideline, all FISH-equivocal cases were recategorized to HER2 negative. Therefore, 31(15.9%) cases were luminal A-like, 152 (77.9%) were luminal B-like (HER2 negative) and 12 (6.2%) were triple negative. The average HER2 copy number showed positive correlation with chromosome 17 polysomy, but had no significant association with other clinicopathological parameters as well as prognosis. 17 (8.7%) cases were treated with trastuzumab, but showed no difference in prognosis with patients who didn’t receive targeted therapy.Conclusions: In this study, all HER2 FISH-equivocal breast cancers were reclassified to be HER2 negative according to 2018 ASCO/CAP guideline. Most of these patients were luminal B-like (HER2 negative). The average HER2 copy number had no significant association with clinicopathological parameters, as well as prognosis.
An All-in-One Biomimetic 2D Spiking Neural Network
Authors: Radhakrishnan Shiva Subbulakshmi , Dodda Akhil , Das Saptarshi
Published: February 2021

In spite of recent advancements in bio-realistic artificial neural networks such as spiking neural networks (SNNs), the energy efficiency, multifunctionality, adaptability, and integrated nature of biological neural networks (BNNs) largely remain unimitated in hardware neuromorphic computing systems. Here we exploit optoelectronic and programmable memory devices based on emerging two-dimensional (2D) layered materials such as MoS2 to demonstrate an “all-in-one” hardware SNN system which is capable of sensing, encoding, unsupervised learning, and inference at miniscule energy expenditure. In short, we have utilized photogating effect in MoS2 based neuromorphic phototransistor for sensing and direct encoding of analog optical information into graded spike trains, we have designed MoS2 based neuromorphic encoding module for conversion of spike trains into spike-count and spike-timing based programming voltages, and finally we have used arrays of programmable MoS2 non-volatile synapses for spike-based unsupervised learning and inference. We also demonstrate adaptability of our SNN for learning under scotopic (low-light) and photopic (bright-light) conditions mimicking neuroplasticity of BNNs. Furthermore, we use our hardware SNN platform to show learning challenges under specific synaptic conditions, which can aid in understanding learning disabilities in BNNs. Our findings highlight the potential of in-memory computing and sensing based on emerging 2D materials, devices, and circuits not only to overcome the bottleneck of von Neumann computing in conventional CMOS designs but also aid in eliminating peripheral components necessary for competing technologies such as memristors, RRAM, PCM, etc. as well as bridge the understanding between neuroscience of learning and machine learning.
Rasch Model of the COVID-19 Symptom Checklist - Towards a Higher Quality of Self-Reported Measurement
Authors: Stamm Tanja A , Ritschl Valentin , Omara Maisa , Andrews Margaret R , Mevenkamp Nils , Rzepka Angelika , Schirmer Michael , Walch Siegfried , Salzberger Thomas , Mosor Erika
Published: February 2021

Background: Inaccurate measurement of self-reported instruments including questionnaires and symptom checklists jeopardizes the comparability of the results. We therefore used advanced psychometric modelling to determine if the fundamental principles of measurement of an online self-reported COVID-19 symptom checklist were met or whether adaptations were necessary to increase measurement precision.Methods: Fit to the Rasch model was examined in a sample of 1638 Austrian citizens who completed an online COVID-19 symptom checklist on up to 20 days during a period of restrictive country-wide COVID-19 measures.Results: The longitudinal application of the self-reported COVID-19 symptom checklist increased the fit to the Rasch model. The items ‘fatigue’, ‘headache’ and ‘sneezing’ had the highest likelihood to be affirmed. The item ‘cough’ showed a significant misfit to the fundamental measurement model and an additional dependency to ’dry cough/no sputum production’. Several personal factors, such as gender, age group, educational status, COVID-19 test status, comorbidities, immunosuppressive medication, pregnancy and pollen allergy led to systematic differences in the patterns of how symptoms were affirmed. Adjustments ranged from ±0.25 to ±0.01 on the metric scales (0 to 10) to which the raw scores were transformed.Conclusion: Except for some basic adaptations, the present analysis supports the combination of items. More accurate item wordings co-created with lay persons and adjustments for personal factors would increase measurement precision of the self-reported COVID-19 symptom checklist.
Entropic Uncertainty Principle, Partition Function and Holographic Principle derived from Liouville's Theorem
Authors: Parker M.C. , Jeynes C.
Published: February 2021

An entropic version of Liouville’s theorem is defined in terms of the conjugate variables (“hyperbolic position” and “entropic momentum”) of an entropic Hamiltonian. It is used to derive the Holographic Principle as applied to holomorphic structures that represent maximum entropy configurations. The Bekenstein-Hawking expression for black hole entropy is a consequence. Based on the entropic commutator derived from Liouville’s theorem and the same entropic conjugate variables, an entropic Uncertainty Principle (in units of Boltzmann’s constant) isomorphic to the kinematic Uncertainty Principle (in units of Planck’s constant) is also derived. These formal developments underpin the previous treatment of Quantitative Geometrical Thermodynamics (QGT) which has established (entirely on geometric entropy grounds) the stability of the double-helix, the double logarithmic spiral, and the sphere. Since in the QGT formalism the Boltzmann and Planck constants are quanta of quantities orthogonal to each other in Minkowski spacetime, a solution of the Schrödinger Equation is demonstrated isomorphic to a probability term of an entropic Partition Function, where both are defined by path integrals obeying the stationary principle: this isomorphism represents an important symmetry of the formalism. The geometry of a holomorphic structure must also exhibit at least C2 symmetry.
The documentary evidence of the deportation of Germans from the territory of Stanislav region of Ukraine (1946)
Authors: Haliv M.D. , Ohar A.O.
Published: February 2021

The article publishes and analyzes the documents of the Soviet special services on the deportation of the group of Germans from Stanislav region (October–December 1946). Eight documents presented in this article demonstrate the circumstances of the deportation of a large group of Germans from the territory of Stanislav region of Ukrainian SSR in late 1946. These documents are stored in the State Archives of the Security Service of Ukraine. These are official correspondence between the heads of institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) at various levels. The first of these documents is the report of one of the executives of the Department of the MIA in Stanislav region, Hrytsenko, on the case of the registration of Germans in Stanislav region who are subject to resettlement. It was reported that 38 German families (34 men, 51 women, 70 children under the age of 16) live in the Dolyna district of Stanislav region – a total of 155 people. They allegedly fled with the German Army as early as 1944, but were intercepted by Red Army and sent home. The Soviet authorities planned to send them to a special settlement in Aktubinsk region of Russia, but temporarily used this group of Germans to build a railway station. The Document № 3 is very important. The telegram was sent from Moscow to Kyiv on November 14, 1946, ordering the German families from Stanislav region of the USSR to be sent to a special settlement in the Mary Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic in Russia. They were to be handed over to the Suslonger Forestry, which was a structural part of the “Marybumles” Trust. Personal farms and cattle were allowed to be sold. Employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the USSR were obliged to find the required number of vans for the deportation of Germans. The conditions for organizing the deportation of these German families are disclosed in other documents. In the end, according to L. Pastelnyak, the Deputy Head of the Anti-Banditry Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Stanislav region (document № 8), the echelon with the Germans was sent from the Dolyna station on December 29, 1946. Unfortunately, we do not know the circumstances of transporting the group of Germans to Suslonger railway station, as well as the circumstances of their stay at the special settlements and the subsequent fate after the liquidation of the special settlement system in the 1950-ies. Thus, the published documents reveal some circumstances of the deportation of one and a half hundred people of German nationality from the territory of Dolyna of Stanislav region to Russia at the end of 1946. Of course, the operation carried out by the Soviet repressive authorities should be called deportation, i.e. “forced eviction from the place of permanent residence of a person, group of persons or people”. Documents are published in the original language (Russian) in compliance with the necessary archaeographic requirements.
Participation of nobles in the Country Assembly of the Bessarabian Governorate during the First World War
Authors: Zakharova O.V.
Published: February 2021

This work is devoted to the issue of governorate zemstvos, to the consideration of issues that were resolved during the First World War, as well as to the study of the participation of nobles in the zemstvo governorate and county assembly. The abolition of serfdom was the reason for the creation of zemstvos. They were necessary for the exercise of local self-government in the administrative-territorial units of the Russian Empire. In the second half of the XIX – early XX century zemstvos had an important place in the social and economic development of all governorates of the Russian Empire, on which territory they were formed. All issues of social and economic security of the governorate were decided at the Governorate Zemstvo Assembly. Estimates of expected revenues and expenditures for the year were discussed at these meetings during the First World War. The issues of providing the necessary funding for the organization of work of zemstvo institutions, providing social security to the employees of zemstvo organizations were also considered. During the First World War, the issues related to the payment of social assistance to refugees and families of lower military ranks were added to the current ones. Qualified personnel were needed to ensure the work of the zemstvo bodies. They were representatives of the highest social class. The leaders of the County Zemstvo Assembly of the Bessarabian governorate held the positions of members of the town council in the Governorate Zemstvo Assembly. As a result of research based on the address-calendars of the Bessarabian governorate using statistical and chronological methods, it became known that the nobles held almost all the positions of members of the town council in the Governorate Zemstvo Assembly during the First World War. In 1914 and before the elections held in 1915, their number was 94.5%, and after the election of 1915, their number was already 94.1%. Upon the amendments in the legislation of the Russian Empire in 1890, the landowners, who were representatives of the small nobility, had the right to participate in the election of county members of the town council.
Application of innovations in neurobiology and cognitive science for the successful development of the economic well-being of youth in the digital economy
Authors: Зайцев И.А. , Зайцева Т.С.
Published: February 2021

В статье доказана необходимость применения нейробиологических инноваций в работе с молодежью в условиях цифровой экономики. Рассмотрено влияние когнитивистики в экономическом развитии социальной группы. Рассмотрено влияние цифровых сервисов и инноваций на благосостояние молодежи. Для достижения поставленной цели было разобрано большое количество материалов, статей и книг известных авторов. В работе были применены методы анализа и синтеза, а также социально-экономического моделирования. Результатом статьи является подробное описание преимуществ, которые обеспечивает применение инноваций в области нейробиологии и когнитивистики для успешного развития экономического благосостояния молодежи, как социальной группы, в условиях цифровизации экономической среды.

The article proves the need for the use of neurobiological innovations in working with youth in a digital economy. The influence of cognitive science in the economic development of a social group is considered. The influence of digital services and innovations on the well-being of youth is considered. To achieve this goal, a large number of materials, articles and books by famous authors were analyzed. In the work, methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as socio-economic modeling were applied. The result of the article is a detailed description of the benefits provided by the use of innovations in the field of neurobiology and cognitive science for the successful development of the economic well-being of youth, as a social group, in the context of digitalization of the economic environment.
Foreign direct investment as a factor of technological development of the national economy
Authors: Веселовский М.Я. , Погодина Т.В.
Published: February 2021

Привлечение инвестиций является стратегическим фактором и важным условием обеспечения динамичного социально-экономического и инновационно-технологического развития стран и регионов. В процессе исследования систематизированы факторы, условия и стимулы, оказывающие непосредственное воздействие на привлечение прямых иностранных инвестиций в экономику экономически развитых стран и России. Теоретически обосновано наличие внешних эффектов от привлечения прямых иностранных инвестиций, которые подразделяются на горизонтальные (внутриотраслевые и внутрирегиональные), вертикальные (межотраслевые и межрегиональные) эффекты. На основе анализа динамики иностранного инвестирования в экономику российских регионов выявлено, что в большей степени в России проявляются горизонтальные внешние эффекты. Исследованы тенденции валового накопления основного капитала в разрезе различных стран, на основе которых в целом прямые иностранные инвестиции повышают уровень конкуренции, способствуют внедрению современных управленческих решений и прогрессивных технологий. Предложены методические подходы по повышению инвестиционной привлекательности отраслей и регионов для инвесторов.

ttracting investment is a strategic factor and an important condition for ensuring the dynamic socio-economic and innovative-technological development of countries and regions. The study systematizes factors, conditions and incentives that have a direct impact on attracting foreign direct investment in the economy of economically developed countries and Russia. Theoretically, the presence of external effects from attracting foreign direct investment, which are divided into horizontal (intra-industry and intra-regional), vertical (inter-industry and interregional) effects, is proved. Based on the analysis of the dynamics of foreign investment in the economy of Russian regions, it is revealed that horizontal external effects are more pronounced in Russia. The trends of gross fixed capital accumulation in the context of various countries are studied, on the basis of which, in General, foreign direct investment increases the level of competition, contributes to the introduction of modern management solutions and advanced technologies. Methodological approaches are proposed to increase the investment attractiveness of industries and regions for investors.
Objectives of regional energy efficiency management system development
Authors: Полетаев И.Ю.
Published: February 2021

В статье рассмотрены основные направления технологических мероприятий по повышению энергоэффективности экономики регионов Российской Федерации. Обращается внимание на роль системного подхода к решению вопросов энергоэффективности. Обращается особое внимание на объединение интересов и усилий государственных органов исполнительной власти всех уровней, организаций всех форм собственности и граждан. Показана необходимость создания системы государственного управления эффективностью использования энергоресурсов и сети государственных Координационных центров. Обоснована необходимость законодательного повышения правового статуса существующих региональных центров энергосбережения (энергоэффективности), создав на их базе государственные Координационные центры управления энергоэффективностью с передачей им, полностью или частично, функций и полномочий Федеральной и региональных энергетических комиссий.

The article discusses the main directions of technological measures to improve the energy efficiency of the economy of the regions of the Russian Federation. Attention is drawn to the role of a systematic approach to solving energy efficiency issues. Special attention is paid to combining the interests and efforts of state Executive bodies at all levels, organizations of all forms of ownership and country nationals. The necessity of creating a system of state management of energy efficiency and a network of State Coordination centers is shown. The necessity of legislative improvement of the legal status of existing regional energy saving (energy efficiency) centers by creating on their basis state Coordination centers for energy efficiency management with the transfer to them, in whole or in part, of the functions and powers of the Federal and regional energy commissions is justified.
Strategy of increasing the investment attractiveness of a resource-deficient region
Authors: Сорокина Е.А.
Published: February 2021

В статье автор обосновал цель установления «инвестиционного статуса региона». Представил совокупность действий по формированию стратегии повышения инвестиционной привлекательности ресурсодефицитного региона. Раскрыл составляющие оценки инвестиционного статуса региона. Обосновал направления стратегий повышения инвестиционной привлекательности ресурсодефицитных регионов: стратегия стимулирования инвестиционной активности, стратегия инновационного развития региона, стратегия продвижения инвестиционной среды региона. Раскрыты возможные мероприятия, реализуемые в рамках предложенных стратегий.

n the article, the author substantiated the goal of establishing the «investment status of the region». He presented a set of actions to form a strategy for increasing the investment attractiveness of a resource-deficient region. He revealed the components of the assessment of the investment status of the region. He substantiated the directions of strategies for increasing the investment attractiveness of resource-deficient regions: a strategy for stimulating investment activity, a strategy for innovative development of the region, a strategy for promoting the investment environment of the region. Possible activities implemented within the proposed strategies are disclosed.
Justification of the program motion model for space-based Earth observation systems
Authors: Виноградов Д.В.
Published: February 2021

статье рассматривается вопрос об автономном управлении космическими аппаратами (КА) в составе космических систем дистанционного зондирования Земли. Описана аналитическая модель программного движения КА, близкая к реальному движению, которая позволяет разработать и реализовать технологию автономного решения задач управления положением КА в заданной окрестности программного движения. Описаны свойства класса динамически устойчивых орбит.

The article deals with the issue of autonomous control of spaceсraft (SC) as part of space Earth observation systems. An analytical model of the SC program motion close to the real motion is described, which allows developing and implementing a technology for autonomous control of the SC position in a given neighborhood of the program motion. Properties of a class of dynamically stable orbits are described.
Using the Lean-Production principle when optimizing the organization's workflow
Authors: Вальс В.И.
Published: February 2021

В статье рассматриваются основные элементы бережливого производства и аспекты его реализации. В статье описывается процесс оптимизации документооборота компаний в соответствии с концепцией бережливого производства и системы менеджмента качества, основанной на принципе «один процесс – один документ».

The article discusses the main elements of lean manufacturing and aspects of its implementation. The article describes the process of optimizing the workflow of companies in accordance with the concept of lean manufacturing and a quality management system based on the principle of «one process –one document».
Bacterial Protein Interaction Networks: Connectivity is Ruled by Gene Conservation, Essentiality and Function
Authors: Dilucca Maddalena , Cimini Giulio , Giansanti Andrea
Published: February 2021

Background:

Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks are the backbone of all processes
in living cells. In this work, we relate conservation, essentiality and functional repertoire of a
gene to the connectivity k (i.e. the number of interactions, links) of the corresponding protein in the
PPI network.

Methods:

On a set of 42 bacterial genomes of different sizes, and with reasonably separated evolutionary
trajectories, we investigate three issues: i) whether the distribution of connectivities
changes between PPI subnetworks of essential and nonessential genes; ii) how gene conservation,
measured both by the evolutionary retention index (ERI) and by evolutionary pressures, is related
to the connectivity of the corresponding protein; iii) how PPI connectivities are modulated by evolutionary
and functional relationships, as represented by the Clusters of Orthologous Genes
(COGs).

Conclusion:

We show that conservation, essentiality and functional specialisation of genes constrain
the connectivity of the corresponding proteins in bacterial PPI networks. In particular, we isolated
a core of highly connected proteins (connectivities k≥40), which is ubiquitous among the species
considered here, though mostly visible in the degree distributions of bacteria with small genomes
(less than 1000 genes).

Conclusion:

The genes that support this highly connected core are conserved, essential and, in
most cases, belong to the COG cluster J, related to ribosomal functions and the processing of genetic
information.
Identification of Two Novel Mutations in PKHD1 Gene from Two Families with Polycystic Kidney Disease by Whole Exome Sequencing
Authors: Heidari Masoud , Gharshasbi Hamid , Isazadeh Alireza , Soleyman-Nejad Morteza , Taskhiri Mohammad Hossein , Shapouri Javad , Bolhassani Manzar , Sadighi Nahid , Heidari Mansour
Published: February 2021

Background:

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting
from mutations in the PKHD1 gene on chromosome 6 (6p12), a large gene spanning 470 kb of
genomic DNA.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to report newly identified mutations in the PKHD1
gene in two Iranian families with PKD.

Materials and Methods:

Genetic alterations of a 3-month-old boy and a 27-year-old girl with PKD
were evaluated using whole-exome sequencing. The PCR direct sequencing was performed to analyse
the co-segregation of the variants with the disease in the family. Finally, the molecular function
of the identified novel mutations was evaluated by in silico study.

Results:

In the 3 month-old boy, a novel homozygous frameshift mutation was detected in the
PKHD1 gene, which can cause PKD. Moreover, we identified three novel heterozygous missense
mutations in ATIC, VPS13B, and TP53RK genes. In the 27-year-old woman, with two recurrent
abortions history and two infant mortalities at early weeks due to metabolic and/or renal disease,
we detected a novel missense mutation on PKHD1 gene and a novel mutation in ETFDH gene.

Conclusion:

In general, we have identified two novel mutations in the PKHD1 gene. These molecular
findings can help accurately correlate genotype and phenotype in families with such disease in
order to reduce patient births through preoperative genetic diagnosis or better management of disorders.
Neuroprotector Effect of Daily 8-Minutes of High-Intensity Interval Training in Rat Aβ1-42 Alzheimer Disease Model
Authors: Vasconcelos-Filho Francisco S.L. , da Rocha-e-Silva Roberta C. , Martins Jonathan E.R. , Godinho Welton D.N. , da Costa Vitor V. , Ribeiro Jannison K.C. , da Silva Carlos A. , Ceccatto Vania M. , Soares Paula M. , Evangelista Janaina S.A.M.
Published: February 2021

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common and irreversible neurodegenerative
disorder, and amyloid peptide plays a central role in its pathogenesis. Physical training contributes
as a beneficial adaptation to AD. However, these effects may be underestimated because much of
the literature used fixed training prescription variables (intensity and volume) throughout the protocol.
Moreover, researchers poorly understand whether chronic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exerts
similar effects on the brain tissue of individuals with AD.

Objective:

This study evaluated the effect of 8 minutes of HIIT with incremental overload in an AD
model.

Methods:

Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: an untrained Sham group, Sham
trained group, Aβ1-42 (Alzheimer’s) untrained group, and Aβ1-42 (Alzheimer’s) trained group (n=10 rats
per group). Animals underwent stereotactic surgery and received a hippocampal injection of Aβ1-42 or a
saline solution. Seven days after surgery, two weeks of treadmill adaptation followed by a maximal
running test (MRT) was performed. Then, animals were subjected to eight weeks of HIIT. Rats were
sacrificed 24 h after the behavioral tests (open field and Morris water maze), hippocampal tissue was
extracted to analyze the redox balance and BDNF/TrkB pathway, and neuritic plaques (NP) were
detected by evaluating silver impregnation.

Results:

The AD trained group presented a physical capacity amelioration every two weeks and
locomotor, learning, and memory improvements (p<0.05). These effects were accompanied by
increased CAT and SOD levels, followed by decreased lipid peroxidation (p<0.05). Furthermore,
increased activation of the BDNF/TrkB (p<0.05) pathway and decreased NP was observed.

Conclusions:

Based on these results, MRT was essential for an excellent chronic training protocol prescription
and overload adjustment. Therefore, 8 minutes of HIIT daily for 8 weeks may reduce behavioral
deficits by promoting a positive redox balance and increased activity of the BDNF/TrkB pathway
that may contribute to NP attenuation.
Contribution of Ultrasonography of Hands and Wrists in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Miladi Saoussen , Hamdi Wafa , Maatallah Kaouther , Elj Asma EL , Chelli Mouna , Kaffel Dhia , Kchir Mohamed Montasser
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

Early diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have improved
the outcome of patients. In the last decade, musculoskeletal Ultrasonography (MSUS) had
demonstrated its superiority over clinical examination in detecting synovitis in RA. We conducted
this present study in order to assess the added value of MSUS in diagnosing early RA.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted, including one hundred patients diagnosed RA
based on the physician's opinion and presenting with inflammatory arthralgia or swollen joints for
more than 6 weeks and less than 2 years. Patients underwent clinical, laboratory, and radiographic
examination. MSUS was performed by a radiologist blinded to clinical findings assessing 22 joints
of hands. A US ACR/EULAR 2010 score was calculated by replacing the swollen joints of hands
with those expressing synovitis in Greyscale US. Agreement between clinical and US ACR/EULAR
score was assessed.

Results:

Among the 2200 joints scanned by the US, synovitis was detected in 81% of patients, an
intra-articular effusion in 36% patients, and PD signals in 51% of patients. Flexor tenosynovitis
was present in 55% of patients and extensor tenosynovitis in 59% of patients. Synovitis and PD signals
were more often detected in wrists. PD mode was found to be correlated with CRP results
(r=0,302, p=0,023). The MSUS assessment has demonstrated synovitis on 71% (N=22) patients
who were free of swollen joints on clinical examination. Through 13 patients expressing
monoarthritis at clinical examination, 69% (N=9) patients were reclassified with oligo or polyarthritis.
By adding US data, a further 13 patients accomplished the ACR/EULAR score. A good level of
agreement was found between clinical and US ACR/EULAR criteria (k=0,684, p=0,001).

Conclusions:

MSUS is an inexpensive and accessible examination tool, which should be considered
in patients in the onset of an inflammatory rheumatic disease in order to benefit of the window of
opportunity and reach remission.
Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography in Pre-hospital Management of Stroke: Can it make a Difference?
Authors: Siniscalchi Antonio , Malferrari Giovanni , Lochner Piergiorgio , Sanguigni Sandro
Published: February 2021

The aim of this paper is to discuss the use of transcranial doppler in the pre-hospital management
of stroke. In the pre-hospital organization, neurological defect scales are used, but they
are often indicative of the occlusions of anterior circulation and not of the posterior circulation. Patients
with posterior circulation stroke are sometimes not diagnosed and clinically treated. In the
pre-hospital phase, the transcranial doppler may identify an occlusion of the large cerebral vessels
and be useful for stroke patients, in particular those with posterior occlusions, for a more precise diagnosis
and consequently for adequate treatment in the excellence centers for stroke.