bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME ON THE QUALİTY OF LİFE AND SLEEP DURİNG PREGNANCY: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY
Authors: AMANAK Keziban
Published: January 2021

The study was conducted to examine the effect of restless legs syndrome (RLS) on sleep and quality of life during pregnancy. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional and case-control study with a total of 76 pregnant women, 38 with RLS during pregnancy and 38 without RLS during pregnancy. Research data were collected using; the Restless Leg Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria Questionnaire, Individual Description Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Quality of Life Scale. Obtained data were evaluated using chi-square and t test. Groups were found to be similar in terms of socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics. Statistically significant difference was found between the case and control groups in terms of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index subscale and total scale (case group: 10.15 ± 3.51, control group: 5.12 ± 3.21); the case group was determined to have worse sleep quality than the control group. In addition, the mean scores of the quality of life scale sub-dimensions of the pregnant women in the case group were found to be statistically significantly lower than the control group. In this study, it was concluded that both the sleep and the quality of life levels of pregnant women with RLS were lower than those without RLS.
UROTENSİN II’NİN İNSAN OSTEOBLAST HÜCRELERİNDE ENFLAMASYONLA İLİŞKİLİ ROLÜ
Authors: OKUYAN Hamza Malik , TERZİ Menderes Yusuf , DURAN Gülay , KALACI Aydıner
Published: January 2021

Osteoartrit (OA), kemik, kıkırdak ve sinoviyal dokuda katabolik değişikliklere neden olan yaygın bir eklem hastalığıdır. OA’nın güncel tedavisi, hastalığı tamamen iyileştirmek için yeterli değildir. Eklem kondrositlerinin yanı sıra, kemik hücrelerindeki OA ile ilişkili mekanizmaların anlaşılması bu hastalığın önlenmesi ve tedavisine katkı sağlayacaktır. Urotensin II (UTS2), nörohormon benzeri aktiviteye sahip polipeptid bir moleküldür ve kardiyovasküler, pulmoner, renal ve merkezi sinir sisteminde eksprese edildiği bilinmektedir. Pek çok sistem üzerinde patofizyolojik etkileri olan UTS2’nin, OA’daki moleküler mekanizması tam olarak bilinmemektedir. Bu çalışmada, insan osteoblast hücreleri kullanılarak UTS2’nin OA patogenezindeki enflamasyonla ve apoptozis ile ilişkili rolünün incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu çalışmada, insan osteoblast hücreleri, tümör nekroz faktörü alfa (TNF-α) ve UTS2’ye maruz bırakıldı. İnkübasyon süresinin sonunda hücrelerden RNA izole edildi ve kantitatif ters transkripsiyon-polimeraz zincir reaksiyonu analizleri yapıldı. TNF-α maruziyeti, interlökin 6 ve nükleer faktör kappa B gen ekspresyon seviyelerinde anlamlı düzeyde bir artışa neden olmuştur. UTS2 maruziyeti, kendi gen ekspresyon seviyesini azaltmıştır. TNF-a ve UTS2 maruziyetleri, Kaspaz-3 gen ekspresyonu üzerinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılığa neden olmamıştır. Çalışmamızda, bulgularımız; insan osteoblast hücrelerinde UTS2’nin eksprese edildiğini ve UTS2’nin hücre kültür ortamına eklenmesi bu genin kendi ekspresyon seviyeleri üzerinde etkili olabileceğini göstermektedir.
miRNA and mRNA Profiling Links Connexin Deficiency to Deafness via Early Oxidative Damage in the Mouse Stria Vascularis
Authors: Gentile Giulia , Paciello Fabiola , Zorzi Veronica , Spampinato Antonio Gianmaria , Guarnaccia Maria , Crispino Giulia , Tettey-Matey Abraham , Scavizzi Ferdinando , Raspa Marcello , Fetoni Anna Rita , Cavallaro Sebastiano , Mammano Fabio
Published: January 2021

Pathogenic mutations in the non-syndromic hearing loss and deafness 1 (DFNB1) locus are the primary cause of monogenic inheritance for prelingual hearing loss. To unravel molecular pathways involved in etiopathology and look for early degeneration biomarkers, we used a system biology approach to analyze Cx30−/− mice at an early cochlear post-natal developmental stage. These mice are a DFNB1 mouse model with severely reduced expression levels of two connexins in the inner ear, Cx30, and Cx26. Integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in the cochleae of Cx30−/− mice at post-natal day 5 revealed the overexpression of five miRNAs (miR-34c, miR-29b, miR-29c, miR-141, and miR-181a) linked to apoptosis, oxidative stress, and cochlear degeneration, which have Sirt1 as a common target of transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional regulation. In young adult Cx30−/− mice (3 months of age), these alterations culminated with blood barrier disruption in the Stria vascularis (SV), which is known to have the highest aerobic metabolic rate of all cochlear structures and whose microvascular alterations contribute to age-related degeneration and progressive decline of auditory function. Our experimental validation of selected targets links hearing acquisition failure in Cx30−/− mice, early oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation to the activation of the Sirt1–p53 axis. This is the first integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA in the cochlea of the Cx30−/− mouse model, providing evidence that connexin downregulation determines a miRNA-mediated response which leads to chronic exhaustion of cochlear antioxidant defense mechanisms and consequent SV dysfunction. Our analyses support the notion that connexin dysfunction intervenes early on during development, causing vascular damage later on in life. This study identifies also early miRNA-mediated biomarkers of hearing impairment, either inherited or age related.
Telemedicine in Arab Countries: Innovation, Research Trends, and Way Forward
Authors: Waqas Ahmed , Mehmood Shariq , Jawwad Arwah Muhammad , Pittam Bradley , Kundu Shantanu , Correia Jorge César , AlMughamis Nouf
Published: January 2021

Background: The progress and innovation in telemedicine within the Middle Eastern countries have not been heavily monitored. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze the scholarly work conducted in the Arab world, using reproducible statistical and scientometric techniques.

Methods: An electronic search of Web of Science (core database) had been conducted through use of an extensive search strategy comprising of keywords specific to the Arab region, EMRO countries, telehealth, medical conditions, and disorders. A total yield of 1,630 search results were processed, indexed through July 7, 2020. CiteSpace (5.7.R1, Drexel University, Pennsylvania, USA) is a Java-based application, a user-friendly tool for conducting scientometric analyses.

Results: The present analyses found a lack of innovation in the field of digital health in the Arab countries. Many gaps in research were found in Arab countries, which will be discussed subsequently. Digital health research was clustered around themes of big data and artificial intelligence; a lack of progress was seen in telemedicine and digital health. Furthermore, only a small proportion of these publications had principal or corresponding authors from Arab countries. A clear disparity in digital health research in the Arab world was evident after comparing these insights with our previous investigation on telemedicine research in the global context.

Conclusion: Telemedicine research is still in its infancy in the Middle Eastern countries. Recommendations include diversification of the research landscape and interdisciplinary collaborations in this area.
Closed-Loop Utilization of Molten Salts in Layered Material Preparation for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Zhanjun , Wang Tao , Yu Haijun , Guo Jun , Zhong Hongbin , Hu Chuanyue , Zhao Ruirui , Chen Hongyu
Published: January 2021

Molten-salt assisted solid-state synthesis is considered a promising method in obtaining layer-structured cathodes for lithium-ion batteries with homogeneous elemental distribution and controllable morphologies. However, drawbacks like resource wasting which have arisen from redundant salt removal after sintering greatly hinder the broader application of this technique. In this paper, a closed-loop utilization of molten salts is proposed for the first time with specific electrochemical properties of the products studied. Results confirm the feasibility of this strategy, and that with only replenishing LiOH, the recycled LiOH-LiCl molten salts can be successfully reused into another LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 synthesis, which exhibits almost equal electrochemical performance to the product using fresh molten salts. We believe this research can provide significant insight in guiding green and environmental-friendly preparation methods involving molten salts.
Mechanisms of Water-Stimulated Mg2+ Intercalation in Vanadium Oxide: Toward the Development of Hydrated Vanadium Oxide Cathodes for Mg Batteries
Authors: Johnston Brandon , Henry Hakeem , Kim Nam , Lee Sang Bok
Published: January 2021

As lithium-ion batteries approach their theoretical limits for energy density, magnesium-ion batteries are emerging as a promising next-generation energy storage technology. However, progress in magnesium-ion battery research has been stymied by a lack of available high capacity cathode materials that can reversibly insert magnesium ions. Vanadium Oxide (V2O5) has emerged as one of the more promising candidate cathode materials, owing to its high theoretical capacity, facile synthesis methods, and relatively high operating voltage. This review focuses on the outlook of hydrated V2O5 structures as a high capacity cathode material for magnesium-ion batteries. In general, V2O5 structures exhibit poor experimental capacity for magnesium-ion insertion due to sluggish magnesium-ion insertion kinetics and poor electronic conductivity. However, several decades ago, it was discovered that the addition of water to organic electrolytes significantly improves magnesium-ion insertion into V2O5. This review clarifies the various mechanisms that have been used to explain this observation, from charge shielding to proton insertion, and offers an alternative explanation that examines the possible role of structural hydroxyl groups on the V2O5 surface. While the mechanism still needs to be further studied, this discovery fueled new research into V2O5 electrodes that incorporate water directly as a structural element. The most promising of these hydrated V2O5 materials, many of which incorporate conductive additives, nanostructured architectures, and thin film morphologies, are discussed. Ultimately, however, these hydrated V2O5 structures still face a significant barrier to potential applications in magnesium-ion batteries. During full cell electrochemical cycling, these hydrated structures tend to leach water into the electrolyte and passivate the surface of the magnesium anode, leading to poor cycle life and low capacity retention. Recently, some promising strides have been made to remedy this problem, including the use of artificial solid electrolyte interphase layers as an anode protection scheme, but a call to action for more anode protection strategies that are compatible with trace water and magnesium metal is required.
Differential Expression of PD-L1 in Central and Peripheral and TTF1-Positive and -Negative Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yu Shili , Jia Meng , Li Yuemin , Sun Ping-Li , Gao Hongwen
Published: January 2021

Background: Central and peripheral location as well as thyroid transcription factor-I (TTF-1) expression was reported to be associated with different characteristics and prognosis of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). This study aimed to investigate differential expression of PD-L1 in different SCLC subtypes, and in biopsy and resection specimens.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 142 SCLC tumor samples using immunohistochemistry to correlate PD-L1 (22C3) expression with clinicopathologic features and survival data.

Results: PD-L1 expression was found in 19.7% SCLCs (28/142) and was more frequent in females than in males (32%, 16/50 vs. 13%, 12/92, p = 0.009), in central type than in peripheral type SCLCs (26%, 26/100 vs. 4.8%, 2/42, p = 0.003), and in TTF-1 positive than in negative SCLCs (23.8%, 25/105 vs. 8.1%, 3/37, p = 0.039). PD-L1 expression was associated with vascular (p = 0.001) and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in PD-L1 expression between biopsy and resection specimens. On univariate analysis, patients with PD-L1 expression had significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS; p = 0.026) and overall survival (OS; p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis revealed that PD-L1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR, 2.317; 95% CI 1.199–4.478; p = 0.012) and PFS (HR, 1.636; 95% CI 0.990–2.703; p = 0.051) in SCLC.

Conclusions: PD-L1 expression was more frequent in central type, TTF-1 positive SCLCs, and predicted a poor clinical outcome in these patients. Therefore, tumor location and TTF-1 expression could predict expression status of PD-L1, and could potentially serve as clinical response to immunotherapy.
Predominance of III/ST19 and Ib/ST10 Lineages With High Multidrug Resistance in Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Group B Streptococci Isolates in Which a New Integrative and Conjugative Element Was Identified
Authors: Gao Kankan , Gao Chunyan , Huang Lianfen , Guan Xiaoshan , Ji Wenjing , Chang Chien-Yi , McIver David J. , Deng Qiulian , Zhong Huamin , Xie Yongqiang , Deng Lei , Gao Fei , Zeng Lanlan , Liu Haiying
Published: January 2021

Fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant Group B Streptococcus (GBS) has been reported with considerable cross-resistance, worsening the crisis of multidrug-resistant (MDR) GBS in clinical settings. However, national epidemiological data on FQ-resistant GBS in mainland China have not been well-characterized. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FQ resistance among GBS from neonatal invasive infections and maternal colonization in northern and southern China, to investigate the serotyping, multilocus sequence typing, and antibiotic cross-resistance, and to characterize the mutations in gyrA and parC genes in quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR). In order to provide a comprehensive view of the location and structure of resistance genes, whole-genome sequencing on III/ST19 MDR isolates were performed. Among 426 GBS, 138 (32.4%) were FQ resistant, with higher prevalence in northern China than in southern China in both neonates (57.8%, 37/64 vs. 21.7%, 39/180) and pregnant women (50.9%, 29/57 vs. 26.4%, 33/125). Serotypes were distributed as III (48.5%), Ib (39.9%), V (6.5%), and Ia (5.1%). Sequence types were mainly ST19 (53.6%) and ST10 (39.1%), followed by ST12 (1.4%), ST17 (1.4%), ST23 (1.4%), and 0.7% each of ST27, ST188, ST197, and ST597. ST19 isolates were more prevalent in southern China than in northern China in both neonates (64.1%, 25/39 vs. 27.0%, 10/37) and pregnant women (81.8%, 27/33 vs. 41.4%, 12/29), whereas ST10 isolates were more common in northern China than in southern China in both neonates (64.9%, 24/37 vs. 20.5%, 8/39) and pregnant women (58.6%, 17/29 vs. 15.2%, 5/33). Serotype III isolates were mainly ST19 (89.6%, 60/67), while Ib isolates were largely ST10 (94.5%, 52/55). Sequencing data revealed several mutations in QRDR, including Ser81Leu in gyrA (99.2%, 130/131), Ser79Phe or Tyr in parC (76.2%, 48/63), and a previously unreported Ile218Thr and Ile219Phe double mutation pattern (49.2%, 31/63) in parC. ST10 isolates were associated with Ser79Phe (84%, 21/25), while ST19 isolates were limited to Ser79Tyr (95.7%, 22/23). A new integrative and conjugative element (ICE) harboring tetM and gyrA genes was identified in a III/ST19 isolate. This study investigates the molecular characteristics of FQ-resistant GBS in northern and southern China, emphasizing the need for continuous surveillance geographically and further research to characterize the mechanisms of ICE transfer.
Multilocus Sequence Typing of Leuconostoc mesenteroides Strains From the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Chen Jun , Lv Haoxin , Zhang Zhixia , Zhang Hua , Zhang Bei , Wang Xing , Liu Yuan , Zhang Miao , Pang Huili , Qin Guangyong , Wang Lei , Tan Zhongfang
Published: January 2021

Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains were a type of epiphytic bacterium widely used in fermented foods and products in the biochemical and pharmaceutical industries but data on its presence in foods from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China was scarce. In this study, molecular analysis based on multilocus sequence typing (MLST) with eight housekeeping genes (pyrG, groeL, rpoB, recA, uvrC, murC, carB, and pheS) was carried out on 45 L. mesenteroides strains isolated from different plants and dairy products from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China. The objective of this study was to perform genetic diversity analysis and explore the relationship between strains and isolate samples or separate regions. A total of 25 sequence types (STs) were identified with a diversity of up to 55.6%, which were grouped into one clonal complexes (CCs), 3 doublets and 17 singletons by eBURST. The results of minimum spanning tree and clustering analysis indicated these L. mesenteroides strains from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were relatively weakly related to the isolated region. However, there was a close relationship between the genotypes of L. mesenteroides strains and the type of the isolated sample, which was consistent with the results of API 50CH. The MLST scheme presented in this study provides a shareable and comparable sequence database and enhances our knowledge of the population diversity of L. mesenteroides strains which will be further used for the selection of industrial strains.
Microglial Metabolism After Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury – Overlooked Bystanders or Active Participants?
Authors: Shi Aria C. , Rohlwink Ursula , Scafidi Susanna , Kannan Sujatha
Published: January 2021

Microglia play an integral role in brain development but are also crucial for repair and recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI induces an intense innate immune response in the immature, developing brain that is associated with acute and chronic changes in microglial function. These changes contribute to long-lasting consequences on development, neurologic function, and behavior. Although alterations in glucose metabolism are well-described after TBI, the bulk of the data is focused on metabolic alterations in astrocytes and neurons. To date, the interplay between alterations in intracellular metabolic pathways in microglia and the innate immune response in the brain following an injury is not well-studied. In this review, we broadly discuss the microglial responses after TBI. In addition, we highlight reported metabolic alterations in microglia and macrophages, and provide perspective on how changes in glucose, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism can influence and modulate the microglial phenotype and response to injury.
Magnetically Tunable Graphene-Based Terahertz Metasurface
Authors: Lu Yafeng , Wang Chen , Zhao Shiqiang , Wen Yongzheng
Published: January 2021

Graphene is a promising platform for configurable terahertz (THz) devices due to its reconfigurability, but most researches focus on its electrical tunability. Here, we propose a graphene-based THz metasurface comprised of graphene cut-wire arrays for magnetic manipulation of the THz wave. With the external magnetostatic field applied, the resonant currents of the graphene cut-wire can be effectively affected by the Lorentz force, leading to an evident tuning of the response of the metasurface. The simulated results fully demonstrate that the resonance frequencies of the graphene THz metasurface can be efficiently modulated under a vertical magnetostatic field bias, resulting in the manipulation of the transmittance and phase of the THz wave. As a new method of the tunable THz metasurface, our structure shows promising applications in the THz regime, including the ultracompact THz modulators and magnetic field sensors.
A Mixed-Method Study on COVID-19 Prevention in Iranian Restaurants
Authors: Mohammadi-Nasrabadi Fatemeh , Salmani Yeganeh , Broumandnia Nasrin , Esfarjani Fatemeh
Published: January 2021

Background: In the face of the COVID-19, as a public health emergency, the restaurant industry is struggling to organize itself. The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice and also the perceptions of restaurants' customers and managers toward COVID-19 prevention.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using the mixed-method approach. Two online questionnaires were undertaken through WhatsApp Messenger among the 210 customers and 50 managers of restaurants. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictors of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 prevention. Then semi-structured, in-depth phone interviews were conducted with 45 subjects to identify their perceptions about the restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: The majority of customers had moderate knowledge (72.4%), positive attitude (90.5%), and desirable practice (38.6%); whereas the majority of managers had sufficient knowledge (50%), negative attitude (82%), and acceptable practice (58%) toward the prevention of COVID-19 in restaurants. Multiple linear regression analysis showed with increasing each 10 years in the age of the customers, the practice score significantly decreased (Beta = −0.155, p < 0.05). Moreover, qualitative results revealed three categories (1. restaurant industry, 2. social media, and 3. government) in 9 themes with 32 sub-themes which were explored based on the perception of the participants toward COVID-19 prevention in restaurants.

Conclusion: The majority of restaurant customers and managers have sufficient knowledge and acceptable practice, but a positive attitude among customers and a negative attitude among managers about the prevention of COVID-19 were shown. There is an urgent need to understand public awareness about preventing COVID-19 in restaurants at these critical moments. The results seek to provide strategies for the policymakers and restaurant industry to plan the specific educational intervention about how to manage future crises and public health improvement.
Virtual Reality Group Therapy for the Treatment of Depression: A Qualitative Study on Stakeholder Perspectives
Authors: Dilgul Merve , Hickling Lauren M. , Antonie Daniela , Priebe Stefan , Bird Victoria J.
Published: January 2021

Background: Cognitive behavioral group therapy alleviates depression by teaching patients to think and behave in more positive ways. Teletherapy (e.g., Zoom) is becoming more widely used, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic (where meeting in person is not safe). The current study explores the acceptability of taking teletherapy to the next level: Virtual Reality Group Therapy (VRGT).

Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore stakeholder views on VRGT. Ten depressed patients and ten therapists watched a demonstration video of the proposed VRGT intervention and tested the VR application using a stand-alone VR headset. In VRGT, patients will use an avatar to interact with each other and with their therapist via networked multiparticipant VR.

Results: Therapists and patients generally responded favorably to the idea of doing group therapy sessions in VR. Patients especially liked the idea of remaining anonymous via an avatar. Patients and therapists both indicated that the anonymity provided by avatars could increase patient’s willingness to make disclosures (to talk more freely and honestly), which could increase participation and could lead to better group cohesion.

Conclusion: Although the findings suggested that VRGT may be more acceptable for some patients than for others, overall, the response of the patients and therapists was largely positive. Recommendations from this study could be used during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver VRGTs. Finally, design ideas for creating a group VR world custom-designed for group therapy are discussed.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Condensed Matter in 2020
Authors:   Condensed Matter Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Condensed Matter maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Comparison of Up-Front Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy versus Open Esophagectomy on Quality of Life for Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Cheng Jingge , Zhang Yuefeng , Wen Shiwang , LV Huilai , Xu Yanzhao , Zhu Yonggang , Zhang Zhen , Mu Donghui , Tian Ziqiang
Published: January 2021

This study investigates whether minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is a safe and effective way for patients with resectable esophageal cancer by comparing the short-term quality of life (QOL) after minimally invasive esophagectomy and open esophagectomy (OE). A total number of 104 patients who underwent esophagectomy from January 2013 to March 2014 were enrolled in this study. These patients were divided into two groups (MIE and OE group). Three scoring scales of quality of life were used to evaluate QOL before the operation and at the first, third, sixth and twelfth months after MIE or OE, which consist of Karnofshy performance scale (KPS), the European Organization for Research and Treatment questionnaire QLQC-30 (EORTC QLQC-30) and esophageal cancer supplement scale (OES-18). The MIE group was higher than the OE group in one-year survival rate (92.54% vs. 72.00%). Significant differences between the two groups were observed in intraoperative bleeding volume (158.53 ± 91.07 mL vs. 228.97 ± 109.33 mL, p = 0.001), and the incidence of postoperative pneumonia (33.33% vs. 58.62%, p = 0.018). The KPS of MIE group was significantly higher than the OE group at the first (80 vs. 70, p = 0.004 < 0.05), third (90 vs. 80, p = 0.006 < 0.05), sixth (90 vs. 80, p = 0.007 < 0.05) and twelfth months (90 vs. 80, p = 0.004 < 0.05) after surgery. The QLQC-30 score of MIE group was better than OE group at first and twelfth months after the operation. The OES-18 score of MIE group was significantly better than OE group at first, sixth and twelfth months after surgery. The short-term quality of life in MIE group was better than OE group.
How Many Sipunculan Species Are Hiding in Our Oceans?
Authors: Schulze Anja , Kawauchi Gisele Y.
Published: January 2021

Sipuncula, long considered a separate phylum, are now commonly included in the Annelida based on phylogenomic analyses. The sipunculan body consists of an unsegmented trunk and a retractable introvert, usually with a set of tentacles at its anterior end. Unlike other annelids, they have no chaetae, but the introvert is often adorned with proteinaceous hooks that can be important taxonomic characters. Other external taxonomic characters include the tentacles (number, shape and arrangement), body papillae and, in some cases, hardened shields, as well as length ratios. Many species require dissection for correct identification to reveal internal characteristics, such as introvert retractor muscles, nephridia and contractile vessels. Here we summarize the state of the current knowledge of species diversity in sipunculans. We emphasize molecular studies, conducted over the past two decades, that have revealed multiple complexes of cryptic or pseudocryptic species. It has become obvious that diversity is significantly higher than the current taxonomic scheme accounts for, but formal species descriptions are lagging behind. Although the major branches in the sipunculan phylogeny have become increasingly consolidated, the internal relationships within most branches are still in flux.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Entropy in 2020
Authors:   Entropy Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Entropy maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Variable-Exponent Taper Equation Based on Multilevel Nonlinear Mixed Effect for Chinese Fir in China
Authors: Zhang Sensen , Sun Jianjun , Duan Aiguo , Zhang Jianguo
Published: January 2021

A variable-exponent taper equation was developed for Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolate (Lamb.) Hook.) trees grown in southern China. Thirty taper equations from different groups of models (single, segmented, or variable-exponent taper equation) were compared to find the excellent basic model with S-plus software. The lowest Akaike information criteria (AIC), Bayesian information criteria (BIC), and -2loglikelihood (-2LL) was chosen to determine the best combination of random parameters. Single taper models were found having the lowest precision, and the variable-exponent taper equations had higher precision than the segmented taper equations. Four variable-exponent taper models that developed by Zeng and Liao, Bi, Kozak, Sharma, and Zhang respectively, were selected as basic model and had no difference in fit statistics between them. Compared with the model without seldom parameter, the nonlinear mixed-effects (NLME) model improves the fitting performance. The plot-level NLME model was found not to remove the residual autocorrelation. The tree-level and two-level NLME model had better simulation accuracy than the plot-level NLME model, and there were no significant differences between the tree-level and two-level NLME model. Variable-exponent taper model developed by Kozak showed the best performance while considering two-level or tree-level NLME model, and produced better predictions for medium stems compared to lower and upper stems.
The Role of E3s in Regulating Pluripotency of Embryonic Stem Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Wu Yahong , Zhang Weiwei
Published: January 2021

Pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are derived from early embryos and can differentiate into any type of cells in living organisms. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) resemble ESCs, both of which serve as excellent sources to study early embryonic development and realize cell replacement therapies for age-related degenerative diseases and other cell dysfunction-related illnesses. To achieve these valuable applications, comprehensively understanding of the mechanisms underlying pluripotency maintenance and acquisition is critical. Ubiquitination modifies proteins with Ubiquitin (Ub) at the post-translational level to monitor protein stability and activity. It is extensively involved in pluripotency-specific regulatory networks in ESCs and iPSCs. Ubiquitination is achieved by sequential actions of the Ub-activating enzyme E1, Ub-conjugating enzyme E2, and Ub ligase E3. Compared with E1s and E2s, E3s are most abundant, responsible for substrate selectivity and functional diversity. In this review, we focus on E3 ligases to discuss recent progresses in understanding how they regulate pluripotency and somatic cell reprogramming through ubiquitinating core ESC regulators.
The Novel ALG-2 Target Protein CDIP1 Promotes Cell Death by Interacting with ESCRT-I and VAPA/B
Authors: Inukai Ryuta , Mori Kanako , Kuwata Keiko , Suzuki Chihiro , Maki Masatoshi , Takahara Terunao , Shibata Hideki
Published: January 2021

Apoptosis-linked gene 2 (ALG-2, also known as PDCD6) is a member of the penta-EF-hand (PEF) family of Ca2+-binding proteins. The murine gene encoding ALG-2 was originally reported to be an essential gene for apoptosis. However, the role of ALG-2 in cell death pathways has remained elusive. In the present study, we found that cell death-inducing p53 target protein 1 (CDIP1), a pro-apoptotic protein, interacts with ALG-2 in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis of GFP-fused CDIP1 (GFP-CDIP1) revealed that GFP-CDIP1 associates with tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101), a known target of ALG-2 and a subunit of endosomal sorting complex required for transport-I (ESCRT-I). ESCRT-I is a heterotetrameric complex composed of TSG101, VPS28, VPS37 and MVB12/UBAP1. Of diverse ESCRT-I species originating from four VPS37 isoforms (A, B, C, and D), CDIP1 preferentially associates with ESCRT-I containing VPS37B or VPS37C in part through the adaptor function of ALG-2. Overexpression of GFP-CDIP1 in HEK293 cells caused caspase-3/7-mediated cell death. In addition, the cell death was enhanced by co-expression of ALG-2 and ESCRT-I, indicating that ALG-2 likely promotes CDIP1-induced cell death by promoting the association between CDIP1 and ESCRT-I. We also found that CDIP1 binds to vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein (VAP)A and VAPB through the two phenylalanines in an acidic tract (FFAT)-like motif in the C-terminal region of CDIP1, mutations of which resulted in reduction of CDIP1-induced cell death. Therefore, our findings suggest that different expression levels of ALG-2, ESCRT-I subunits, VAPA and VAPB may have an impact on sensitivity of anticancer drugs associated with CDIP1 expression.
Cultivated Land Use Layout Adjustment Based on Crop Planting Suitability: A Case Study of Typical Counties in Northeast China
Authors: Song Ge , Zhang Hongmei
Published: January 2021

Cultivated land use layout adjustment (CLULA) based on crop planting suitability is the refinement and deepening of land use transformation, which is of great significance for optimizing the allocation of cultivated land resources and ensuring food security. At present, people rarely consider the land suitability of crops when using cultivated land, resulting in an imbalance between crop distribution and resource conditions such as water, heat, and soil, and adversely affects the ecological security and utilization efficiency of cultivated land. To alleviate China’s grain planting structural imbalance and efficiency loss, this paper based on the planting suitability of main food crops (rice, soybean, and maize) to adjust and optimize the cultivated land use layout (CLUL) in the typical counties of the main grain production area in Northeast China, using the agent-based model for optimal land allocation (AgentLA) and GIS technology. Findings from the study show that: (1) The planting suitability of rice, soybean, and maize in the region is obviously different. Among them, the suitability level of soybean and maize is high, and that of rice is low. The current CLUL of the food crops needs to be further optimized and adjusted. (2) By optimizing the layout of rice, soybean, and maize, the planting suitability level of the food crops and the concentration level of the CLUL spatial pattern have been improved. (3) The plan for CLULA is formulated: The study area is divided into rice stable production area, maize-soybean rotation area, maize dominant area, and soybean dominant area, and town or village is identified as the implementation unit of CLULA. The plan for CLULA will be conducive to the concentrated farming of food crops according to the suitable natural conditions and management level. The research realized the optimization of spatial structure and cultivated land use patterns of different food crops integrating farming with protecting land. The significance of the study is that it provides a scientific basis and guidance for adjusting the regional planting structure and solving the problem of food structural imbalance.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Nanomaterials in 2020
Authors:   Nanomaterials Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Nanomaterials maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Oceans in 2020
Authors:   Oceans Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Oceans maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Processes in 2020
Authors:   Processes Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Processes maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Awakening Christian Discipleship: Gleanings from an Experiment in Interreligious Education
Authors: Fredrickson-Laouini Kendra
Published: January 2021

Through autoethnographic research, this article argues that interreligious education is integral to Christian discipleship and that living in a multi-religious world demands more than knowledge of the religious other. To live fully into a Christian identity in a multi-religious world demands interreligious education.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Toxins in 2020
Authors:   Toxins Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Toxins maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Universe in 2020
Authors:   Universe Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Universe maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Veterinary Sciences in 2020
Authors:   Veterinary Sciences Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Veterinary Sciences maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI YIELD TO MATURITY OBLIGASSI KORPORASI
Authors: Yuliah Yuliah , Triana Leni , Suhandi Suhandi
Published: January 2021

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini menganalisa faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi yield to maturity pada obligasi korporasi yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode 2017-2018. Faktor yang menentukan yield to maturity pada penelitian ini adalah inflasi, tingkat suku bunga, maturity dan peringkat obligasi. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling. Metode analisa yang digunakan adalah analisa regresi linier berganda. Berdasarkan hasil analisa diperoleh bahwa tingkat suku bunga, maturity dan peringkat obligasi berpengaruh terhadap yield to maturity sedangkan inflasi tidak berpengaruh terhdap yield to maturity. Secara simultan, inflasi, tingkat suku bunga, maturity dan peringkat obligasi berpengaruh terhadap yield to maturity.
ANALISIS REALISASI ANGGARAN DALAM MENILAI EFEKTIVITAS DAN EFISIENSI KINERJA DI PUSLITBANG JALAN DAN JEMBATAN KEMENTERIAN PEKERJAAN UMUM DAN PERUMAHAN RAKYAT KOTA BANDUNG
Authors: Hatimatunnisani Hani
Published: January 2021

This research aims to determine the result of the analysis of budget realization in assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of performance in Puslitbang Jalan dan Jembatan Kementerian Umum dan Perumahan Rakyat Kota Bandung. The method used in this research is the quantitative method with a descriptive approach. The data are sourced from the Budget Realization Report for the period of 2013 – 2017 as a sample. The analytical technique used is to describe the research variables as well as calculate the effectiveness and efficiency of budget realization. Based on calculation, show the average effectiveness of performance of 103.80%, meaning that the effectiveness of performance Puslitbang Jalan dan Jembatan is said to be very effective. While the average performance efficiency is 94.60%, meaning that the results of the analysis is said to be less efficient. It can be concluded that Puslitbang Jalan dan Jembatan is very effective in obtaining income but less efficient in managing the expenditure.

Keywords: Budget Realizaliton, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Performance

 

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hasil analisis realisasi anggaran dalam menilai efektivitas dan efisiensi kinerja Puslitbang Jalan dan Jembatan Kementerian Umum dan Perumahan Rakyat Kota Bandung. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kuantitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif. Data bersumber dari Laporan Realisasi Anggaran periode 2013 – 2017 sebagai sampel. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah mendeskripsikan variabel penelitian serta menghitung efektivitas dan efisiensi realisasi anggaran. Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan, menunjukkan rata-rata efektivitas kinerja sebesar 103,80% yang artinya bahwa efektivitas kinerja Puslitbang Jalan dan Jembatan dikatakan sangat efektif. Sedangkan rata-rata efisiensi kinerja yaitu sebesar 94,60% artinya bahwa hasil analisis tersebut dikatakan kurang efisien. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa Puslitbang Jalan dan Jembatan sangat efektif dalam memperoleh pendapatannya tetapi kurang efisien dalam mengelola belanjanya.

Kata kunci: Realisasi Anggaran, Efektivitas, Efisiensi, Kinerja
PENGARUH TRANSPARANSI KEUANGAN TERHADAP EFEKTIVITAS ANGGARAN PADA KANTOR UPT DPPKD PANDEGLANG PROVINSI BANTEN
Authors: Ni'mah Ratu Sifa , Kartika Rika , Yuliah Yuliah
Published: January 2021

Objek penelitian mengenai pengaruh transparansi keuangan terhadap efektivitas anggaran pada Kantor UPT DPPKD Pandeglang, dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar pengaruh transparansi keuangan terhadap efektivitas anggaran pada Kantor UPT DPPKD Pandeglang.Adapun pelaksanaan penelitian dilaksanakan selama 5 (lima) bulan terhitung dari bulan Oktober 2016 sampai dengan Februari 2017.Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kuantitatif, karena penelitian ini merupakan metode untuk menguji teori tertentu dengan cara meneliti hubungan antar variabel.Metode yang digunakan dalam melakukan pengambilan sampel secara sampling jenuh yaitu semua anggota populasi dijadikan sampel. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh pegawai di Kantor UPT DPPKDPandeglang sebanyak 24 orang.Kemudian  data  yang  diperoleh  dianalisis  dengan analisis  statistik  deskriptif,  kuantitatif  dan  analisis  statistik  inferensial  yaitu regresi linear sederhana. Hasil penelitian diperoleh nilai korelasi dari variabel transparansi keuangan (X) terhadap efektivitas anggaran (Y) sebesar r = 0,895.Artinya tingkat korelasi (hubungan) antara kedua variabel tersebut adalah “sangat kuat” berada pada rentang nilai korelasi 0,80 – 1,000. Adapun nilaiKoefisien Determinan (KD) sebesar 89,5%,sedangkan sisanya 10,5% dipengaruhi oleh faktor lainnya dan persamaan regresi diperoleh Y =  5,126+0,793X. Sedangkan hasil pengujian hipotesis diperoleh nilai t hitung untuk variabel transparansi keuangan (X) terhadap efektivitas anggaran belanja (Y) sebesar = 2,506 sedangkan nilai t tabel = 2,064  dengan sig. α = 0,05 dan df = n-2. Hal ini menunjukkan diterimanya Ha yang menyatakan terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan antara variabel transparansi keuangan (X) terhadap efektivitas anggaran (Y) di Kantor UPT DPPKDPandeglang.

Kata Kunci : Transparansi Keuangan, Efektivitas Anggaran
Tendencies for Future Research on English Speaking Anxiety in Confucian Heritage Culture (CHC) Students and Teachers
Authors: CORDEIRO ALLAN
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the causes and consequences of Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) in Second Language Acquisition (SLA). Speaking was the skill that contributed most to a high FLA level and that approximately one-third of students presented a moderate FLA level. Confucian Heritage Cultures (CHCs) students’ experiences were chosen as the focus of our research because they have higher FLA rates of all ethnic groups. The aim of this work is to shed light on English Speaking Anxiety and observe the tendencies to enable future research in this field. The research is based on a series of papers collected from journals. The findings are related to the influence of emotional factors that contribute to anxiety in the classroom and teachers’ attitudes. A high anxiety rate may be related not only to a natural propensity to anxiety, but also to factors related to teachers’ activities and attributes. The studies showed that the tone of voice, gender and the teacher's dress code had an effect on students’ levels of anxiety.
A Literatura como mudança das práticas sociais
Authors: Couto Gilberto Giovani
Published: January 2021

O presente artigo tem por objetivo expor reflexões sobre a implementação do trabalho didático-pedagógico aplicado no Colégio Estadual Visconde de Guarapuava – Ensino Fundamental, Médio e Normal em Guarapuava, Paraná, como parte do PDE – Programa de Desenvolvimento Educacional. O trabalho desenvolvido teve como objetivo a análise de obras literárias e suas respectivas adaptações cinematográficas, com estudantes do Ensino Médio, e teve o viés teórico da Análise Crítica do Discurso, que ressalta a importância de “leituras de mundo”, quanto às relações de poder presentes na sociedade contemporânea, que colocam o adolescente num universo que poucas vezes é visto de forma crítica, que propicie reflexões e mudanças nas suas práticas de vida. A pesquisa é de cunho qualitativo, bibliográfica centrada principalmente nos autores Fairclough (2012) e Van Dijk (2015), e pesquisa de campo. As obras literárias e cinematográficas analisadas foram: Dom Casmurro ([1899] 1985) – Machado de Assis – Filme Dom (Direção: Moacyr Góes, 2003); A hora da estrela ([1977] 1998) – Clarice Lispector – Filme A hora da estrela (Direção: Suzana Amaral, 1987); Ensaio sobre a lucidez (2004) – José Saramago; Desmundo (1996) – Ana Miranda – Filme homônimo (ALAN FRESNOT, 2003). As contribuições relevantes do ponto de vista do aprofundamento nas diferentes formas de leitura, bem como o consequente aprofundamento nas análises de relações de poder presentes nas relações sociais tiveram destaque.
ANALYSIS OF THE PROCESS OF ENTERING A SPECIALIZED LEFT-STEERING PHASE REGULATION
Authors: Dorohin Sergei , Lihachev Dmitrii , Bogdanov Sergei , Sorokin Aleksei
Published: January 2021

The paper analyzes the foreign and Russian approach to the calculation of a controlled intersection, defines the basic principles and approaches used in the construction of phase-by-phase crossing schemes. The classification of the ap-proaches used is carried out taking into account foreign and domestic experience. In the course of the analysis of regulatory sources, it was found that there are many approaches to the choice of the organization of the traffic scheme in regulated areas. Particular attention in this matter is paid to the introduction of a specialized phase for performing a left turn, basically this choice is made by a design engineer, based mainly on the demand for performing a left turn, without analyzing the main characteristics of the traffic flow, namely the queue length, speed and traffic delays. funds. The main design parameters used to determine the need to enter a specialized left-turn phase when using traffic light control have been determined.
HEAT EXCHANGE IN THE AREA OF SURFACE CONTACT WITH SHAPE DEVIATIONS
Authors: Popov Viktor , Dornyak Olga , Latinin Andrei , Lushnikova Elena
Published: January 2021

The article discusses a thermal model of the heat transfer process in a composite system with contacting metal surfaces with macrodeviations in the form of bulges. It is shown that the previously developed methods for calculating contact thermal resistances are suitable only for contact pairs with flat-rough surfaces. For the considered contact pairs, when deriving analytical dependences, it is necessary to take into account the effect of equivalent non-flatness, the presence of which significantly increases the contact thermal resistance, which requires taking into account the influence of deviations in the shape of the contact surfaces in the process of designing heat-stressed systems.
INCREASING THE TRACTIVE EFFORT OF FOREST WINCHES DURING LOADING AND UNLOADING OPERATIONS
Authors: Jujukin Nikolai , Kondratev Leonid
Published: January 2021

The article analyzes the operation of various friction devices in order to select the most appropriate design for use on winches on a road train when performing loading and unloading operations. International experience in the operation of forest winches has shown that the most commonly used winches are disk, cone, pad-pneumatic friction clutches and external belt types. Due to the increase in the length of the transmitted torque and the reliability of the couplings, it is possible to significantly increase the pulling forces of winches without significantly changing the designs of other nodes.