bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On implicit multiparadigmality of parallel programming
Authors: Gorodnyaya Lidia Vasiljevna
Published: November 2021

The report is devoted to the results of a paradigmatic analysis of problems, means and methods of organizing parallel computing and multi-threaded programs for multiprocessor complexes and distributed systems. Paradigmatic analysis of programming language and systems allows decomposing the complexity of the tasks being solved into autonomously developed components, assessing their similarities and differences, which must be taken into account when predicting the course of application processes, as well as when planning the study and organizing the development of programs. A variety of paradigmatic characteristics inherent in the preparation and debugging of long-lived parallel computing programs are shown. A sketch of a multi-paradigm parallel programming language for educational purposes is presented.
Using of educational technologies in a common digital space of scientific knowledge
Authors: Kalenov Nikolay Evgenevich , Sobolevskaya Irina Nikolaevna , Sotnikov Alexander Nikolaevich
Published: November 2021

The role of the common digital space of scientific knowledge (CDSSK) in the development of educational technologies is considered. CDSSK is implemented by a number of Russian organizations as an information and technological environment, support for scientific research, education, popularization of science and preservation of scientific heritage. The structure of the CDSSK provides general principles for building links between individual components related to school and university education. One of the elements related to education in the structure of the CDSSK is a scientific virtual exhibition. Such an exhibition can be dedicated to both a specific person and a scientific event in general. Virtual exhibitions bring together a variety of resources related to the topic of the project (biographies of scientists, related museum and archival materials, publications, copies of films, interactive multimedia resources). The work presents examples of realized virtual exhibitions used in the educational process. The exhibitions were created on the platform of the Scientific Heritage of Russia digital library.
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 06.11.2021 г. по 12.11.2021 г.
Authors: Поспелов Михаил , Иванова Александра , Дмитриева Людмила , Зимирова Анастасия , Чумачкова Елена , Сафронов Валентин , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: November 2021

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19, за неделю с 06.11.2021 г. по 12.11.2021 г.
Influence of Shear Displacement on Fluid Flow and Solute Transport in a 3D Rough Fracture
Authors: Dou Zhi , Tang Songxuan , Zhang Xueyi , Liu Richeng , Zhuang Chao , Wang Jinguo , Zhou Zhifang
Published: November 2021

Fractured rocks in the subsurface are ubiquitous, and the dynamics of mass transfer in fractured rocks plays an important role in understanding the problem in engineering geology and environmental geology. In this study, the influence of shear displacement on fluid flow and solute transport in a 3D rough fracture was investigated. A 3D self-affine rough fracture was generated using the modified successive random addition (SRA) technology, and three sheared fractures with different shear displacements were constructed based on the mechanistic model. A direct numerical model based on the Navier-Stokes equation and the advection-diffusion equation was developed to solve the fluid flow and the solute transport. The results showed that shear displacement had a significant influence not only on the fluid flow but also on the solute transport. A global measure of the spatial variability of the flow velocity showed that the heterogeneity became weaker with decreasing shear displacement. All measured BTCs deviated from the Gaussian profile and exhibited the typical anomalous behaviors, such as the long tail and the early arrival. Although the best-fitted results of the advection-dispersion equation (ADE) model and mobile-immobile model (MIM) were generally consistent with those of the BTCs, the MIM was more capable than the ADE model for characterizing the shear-induced anomalous behavior of the BTCs. It was found that the mass exchange process between the immobile and mobile domains was enhanced in the sheared fractures while the fraction of the advection-dominant mobile domain decreased as the shear displacement increased. Furthermore, the deviation of the Taylor dispersion coefficient from the fitted dispersion coefficient by the ADE model and MIM in the sheared fractures was confirmed due to the influence of shear displacement.
Explaining Variance in Breastfeeding Intentions and Behaviors Among a Cohort of Midwest Mothers Using a Theory of Planned Behavior-Based Structural Model
Authors: Esquerra-Zw Anita , Goris Emilie Dykstra , Franzen Aaron
Published: November 2021

Background

The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has guided the investigation of breastfeeding since the 1980’s, incorporating the major constructs of attitudes, subjective norms/normative beliefs, perceived behavioral control, and intentions. The purpose of this research study was to define a TPB-based structural latent variable model so as to explain variance in breastfeeding intentions and behaviors among a cohort of Midwest breastfeeding mothers.
Methods

The longitudinal descriptive study utilized questionnaire data collected from a convenience sample of 100 women with low-risk pregnancies with the intention to breastfeed at three separate time points (> 30 weeks antepartum, 10 and 60 days postpartum). Data were coded and analyzed using IBM SPSS, SAS and the lavaan package in R.
Results

Participants were predominantly White (94%, n=94), married (95%, n=95), college-educated (96%, n=96), and had previous breastfeeding experience (75%, n=75). The majority gave birth vaginally (79%, n=75). Varimax analysis revealed a plurality of factors within each domain. Attempts to fit a structural model, including both hierarchical and bi-factor latent variables, failed, revealing a lack of statistical significance and poor fit statistics.
Conclusion(s):

These findings illustrate the importance of using methods that fit the phenomena explained. Contributors to poor model fit may include outdated tools lacking cultural relevance, a change in social norms, or a failure to capture the possible influence of social media and formula marketing on breastfeeding behaviors. The null finding is a significant finding, indicating the need to revisit and refine the operationalization and conceptual underpinnings of the TPB through qualitative methods such as exploring the lived experiences of breastfeeding women in the Midwest region.
Post-Acute COVID-19 Outcomes In Children Requiring Hospitalisation
Authors: Bossley Cara J , Kavaliunaite Ema , Harman Katharine , Cook James , Ruiz Gary , Gupta Atul
Published: November 2021

Post-acute COVID-19 causes long term sequalae in adults. This is less well described in children. We performed clinical assessments on a large cohort of children and young people admitted with a positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA swab. We assessed for symptoms of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome after 4 weeks or more. We found that most (85%) of children made a full recovery following SARS-CoV-2 infection. A small number had symptoms which lasted for more than 4 weeks, most of which had resolved at 3 months. Symptoms included dry cough, fatigue and headache. One patient suffered from anosmia. We conclude that most children and young people do not suffer from past-acute COVID-19 syndrome, and make a full recovery from infection.
Comissural inter-M1 cortico-cortical evoked potential: A proof of concept report
Authors: Lavrador Jose Pedro , Keeble Hannah , Ghimire Prajwal , Fiorini Francesco , Bhangoo Ranjeev , Vergani Francesco , Gullan Richard , Ashkan Keyoumars
Published: November 2021

Intraoperative neuromonitoring of motor functions experienced a dramatical revolution in the last years due to significant advances in anaesthesiology procedures and both preoperative and intraoperative mapping techniques. Asleep, awake and combined intraoperative mapping techniques were responsible for an improvement in the functional outcomes in neurosurgery providing reliable and reproducible mapping of both projection and association fibres involved in motor control. Here, we provide evidence of intraoperative mapping of commissural fibres involved in motor control in a patient with asleep technique as well as a review of the potential tracts involved in the connectivity underlying the motor function.
Effects of Magnetically Targeted Iron Oxide@Polydopamine-Labeled Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Cerebral Infarction In Mice
Authors: Yan Jun , Liu Te , Zhang Jun , Shi Bo , Zhang Fuqiang , Hou Xuejia , Zhang Xiaowen , Jiang Hongyu , Lv Huiying , Cui Wanxing , Yao Gang , Jiang Jinlan
Published: November 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells are a potential therapeutic candidate for cerebral infarction due to their anti-inflammatory proprieties. However, ensuring the engraftment of sufficient cells into the affected brain area remains a challenge. Herein, magnetic targeting techniques were used for the noninvasive transplantation of a large number of cells noninvasively. Mice subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery were administered mesenchymal stem cells labeled or not with iron oxide@polydopamine nanoparticles by tail vein injection. Iron oxide@polydopamine particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, and labeled mesenchymal stem cells were characterized by flow cytometry and their differentiation potential was assessed in vitro . Following the systemic injection of iron oxide@polydopamine-labeled mesenchymal stem cells into permanent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced mice, magnetic navigation increased the MSCs localization to the brain lesion site and reduced the lesion volume. Treatment with iron oxide@polydopamine-labeled mesenchymal stem cells also significantly inhibited M1 microglia polarization and increased M2 microglia cell infiltration. Furthermore, western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that microtubule-associated protein 2 and NeuN levels were upregulated the brain tissue of mice treated with iron oxide@polydopamine-labeled mesenchymal stem cells. Thus, iron oxide@polydopamine-labeled mesenchymal stem cells attenuated brain injury and protected neurons by preventing pro-inflammatory microglia activation. Overall, the proposed iron oxide@polydopamine-labeled mesenchymal stem cells approach may overcome the major drawback of the conventional MSCs therapy for the treatment of cerebral infarction.
Multiple Biomarker Responses in Female Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus) Exposed to Acetaminophen
Authors: Erhunmwunse Nosakhare Osazee , Tongo Isioma , Ezemonye Lawrence Ikechukwu
Published: November 2021

Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly detected Analgesics and pain killer drug in freshwater environments. This study evaluated the possible multi-toxic effects of environmentally relevant concentrations (15.5, 25.5, 35.5 and 45.5µg/L) of acetaminophen in Clarias gariepinus fish exposed for 28 days using multiple biomarkers. Hepatosomatic index (HIS) and condition factor (K) of acetaminophen–exposed group were not different from the control. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased significantly at 15.5 and 35.5µg/L and Catalase (CAT) activity in all acetaminophen-exposed groups barely showed an upward trend. The concentration of glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities was not different from the control. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities increased at all concentrations when compared to the control group. There were general inhibitions of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in all exposed groups including the control. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increased significantly at 25.5 and 45.5µg/L and Interluekin-6 (IL-6) showed non-significant increases in all exposed concentrations. Acetaminophen exposure caused non-significant increases in the activities of C reactive protein (CRP). White blood cells (WBC) and lymphocytes (LYM counts) were significant reduced. Acetaminophen induced significant changes in hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis (17β-Estradiol and Testosterone) and vitellogenin (Vtg) synthesis at 45.5µg/L. Histopathological alterations in the liver was evident of apoptotic hyperplasia, sinusoidal congestion and necrosis of the hepatocytes and was concentration dependent. Acetaminophen exposure to the fish gills enhanced the fusion and shortening of some filaments, hyperplasia of the epithelia gills cells, aneurism, congestion and epithelia rupture of the gills. Gonad examination showed acetaminophen exposure triggered the occurrence of intersex in 25.5, 35.5 and 45.5µg/L. The collaborative biomarkers used in this study showed the multiple impacts of acetaminophen on the physiology of C. gariepinus. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that fish in the control groups exhibited a distinctly response from the acetaminophen-exposed fish and that over 95% of the biomarkers significantly contribute to discriminate between the acetaminophen-exposed fish and the control group. Our research provides evidence supporting the use of multiple-biomarker approach to evaluate the health status of C. gariepinus in future studies.
Awareness and Occupational Exposure to Brucellosis and Other Zoonotic Diseases Among Abattoir Workers in Rwanda
Authors: Ntivuguruzwa Jean Bosco , Michel Anita , Byaruhanga Charles , Gashururu Richard , Kolo Francis Babaman , vanHeerden Henriette
Published: November 2021

Background: Brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis are endemic in Rwandan cattle, but little is known about the awareness of zoonotic transmission and occupational exposure among abattoir workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the awareness, practices, and history of the diseases among 100 abattoir workers from four high throughput and 18 workers from two low throughput abattoirs. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire, and exposure and outcome variables were assessed by univariate and correspondence analyses.Results: It was found that 82.2%, 27.1%, 8.5%, 10.2%, and 12.7% of abattoir workers were familiar with tuberculosis, brucellosis, Q-fever, leptospirosis, and cysticercosis, respectively. Three years before the survey, the majority (67.8%) of abattoir workers reported sickness of malaria (48.3%), and symptoms of flu (5.1%), headache (5.1%), fever (5.1%), headache (5.1%), and nephritis (3.4%). Malaria-negative patients had the symptoms of fatigue (11.0%), and flu (9.3%). Respondents (7.6%) had contracted ‘abattoir-related diseases including typhoid (1.7%) and have had symptoms of diarrhea (5.9%). Few workers also reported abortion (0.9%), and orchitis (0.9%). Most abattoir workers (70.3%) usually cut their hands, a few (9.3%) wore gloves while 39.8% worked with bare and injured hands. Most (74.6%) of workers experienced splashes of animal fluids into their faces while none (0.0%) wore facemasks or safety goggles. Eating at work was observed in 28.0% of abattoir workers. Univariate and correspondence analyses showed that transporters of carcasses, butchers, and workers with 3 years’ experience and above were more likely to get sick than other groups. Conclusions: The awareness that was low for zoonotic brucellosis, Q-fever, leptospirosis, and cysticercosis was supported by not wearing protective equipment’s alerting the competent veterinary authorities to improve biosafety protection in the abattoirs. The awareness for zoonotic brucellosis and tuberculosis was highest in educated workers indicating the need for educating abattoir. Abattoir workers reported the symptoms of fever, fatigue, flu, headache, nephritis, abortion, and orchitis which are common symptoms of brucellosis, leptospirosis, and Q-fever. Abattoirs are key points for the detection of zoonotic infectious diseases; thus, routine sampling and testing of slaughtered animals and abattoir workers are needed for surveillance and control of zoonotic diseases.
Study on the Immunogenicity of Three Recombinant Lactic Acid Bacteria Expressing ASFV p14.5 Protein
Authors: Huang Quntao , Niu Tian-Ming , Zou Bo-Shi , Wang Jun-Hong , Xin Jun-Hong , Niu Hui , Li Nan , Jiang Yu-Xin , Bao Jun-Fu , Zhang Di , Feng Xi-Ze , Sun Ting-Ting , Wang Xin , Yang Kai-Dian , Wang Ying , Zhao Dan-Dan , Yang Gui-Lian , Wang Chun-Feng
Published: November 2021

The African Classical Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) has spread severely all over the world. The lack of vaccines has dealt a heavy blow to the pig industry.In this study, the p14.5 protein encoded by the African swine fever virus was used as the antigen, and the p14.5 protein gene was expressed in vitro using the Lactobacillus expression system. Three new functional recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum((L. plantarum) were constructed and the p14.5 was successfully detected using western technology.Protein, fusion gene p14.5-IL-33-mouse（P14.5-IL-33-Mus） protein and CTA1-p14.5-DD protein expression.After oral immunization of SPF mice with recombinant lactic acid bacteria, flow cytometry and ELISA were used to detect that the differentiation and maturity of T, B, and DC cells of the mice were higher than those of the control group, and specific antibodies were produced. In contrast, the immune effect of the adjuvant group was stronger than that of the single antigen group, and the IL-33 adjuvant effect was stronger than that of the CTA1-DD adjuvant. This study provides effective data support for the prevention of African swine fever virus infection with new lactic acid bacteria preparations, and has certain innovative significance.
Robust Prediction of Personalized In Vivo Response to Unseen Drugs From In Vitro Screens Using a Novel Context-Aware Deconfounding Autoencoder
Authors: He Di , Liu Qiao , Xie Lei
Published: November 2021

Accurate and robust prediction of patient-specific responses to drug treatments is critical for drug development and personalized medicine. However, patient data are often too scarce to train a generalized machine learning model. Although many methods have been developed to utilize cell line data, few of them can reliably predict individual patient clinical responses to new drugs due to data distribution shift and confounding factors. We have developed a novel Context-aware Deconfounding Autoencoder (CODE-AE) that can extract intrinsic biological signals masked by context-specific patterns and confounding factors. Extensive comparative studies demonstrated that CODE-AE effectively alleviated the out-of-distribution problem for the model generalization, significantly improved accuracy and robustness over state-of-the-art methods in predicting patient-specific in vivo drug responses purely from in vitro screens. Using CODE-AE, we screened 59 drugs for 9,808 cancer patients. Our results are consistent with existing clinical observations, suggesting the potential of CODE-AE in developing personalized anti-cancer therapies and drug-response biomarkers.
Assessing The Utility and Efficacy of e-OSCE Among Undergraduate Medical Students During The COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shorbagi Sarra , Sulaiman Nabil , Hasswan Ahmad , Kaouas Mujtaba , Al-Dijani Mona M. , El-hussein Rania Adil , Daghistani Mada Talal , Nugud Shumoos , Guraya Salman Yousuf
Published: November 2021

Background
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its quick progression to a global pandemic has urged medical schools to shift from didactic to distance learning and assessment approaches. The quality of clinical training and assessment have been jeopardized due to the regulatory restrictions and potential hazards to human lives. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the utility and efficacy of an electronic Objective Structured Clinical Examination (e-OSCE), which attempted to transform the format of a face-to-face OSCE to an e-OSCE.
Methods
We conducted three end of clerkship e-OSCEs for final year medical students in Surgery, Medicine and Family Medicine using the teleconferencing application of Microsoft Teams (MST). The e-OSCE blueprint included the assessment of all clinical skills except physical examination and procedural skills. Examiners supervised e-OSCE from the college campus, while all students were remotely assessed through the MST channels. During the exam, the students stayed in their specified MST channel and examiners rotated across all students. The utility and efficacy of e-OSCE was evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire for students, examiners and e-OSCE team.
Results
The data analysis showed that 93.4% students and 92.2% examiners agreed with the quality and process of e-OSCE. Similarly, 83.6% students and 98% examiners agreed with the seamless organization of e-OSCE. As many as 45.9% students and 74.5% examiners agreed that e-OSCE was close to real life practice. Approximately one fifth of students and one third of examiners preferred e-OSCE over the face-to-face OSCE. The analysis of qualitative data generated the themes of e-OSCE structure and technology. While majority of participants were satisfied with e-OSCE, students were concerned about examiners’ training and e-OSCE contents. Examiners and e-OSCE team recognized the paper-less, tech-savy, fast and reliable format of e-OSCE.
Conclusion
During and beyond COVID- 19 era, e-OSCE is a strong substitute to standard OSCE for assessing clinical competence except for physical examination and procedural skills. The planning and implementation of e-OSCE reflects an ingenuity in the assessment of clinical competencies of medical students.
Successes and Challenges of Implementing Teleprehabilitation for Onco-Surgical Candidates and Patients’ Experience: A Retrospective Pilot-Cohort Study
Authors: Drummond Kenneth , Lambert Genevieve , Tahasildar Bhagya , Carli Francesco
Published: November 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to document the successes and challenges of teleprehabilitation programs for cancer patients undergoing surgery.Method: This pilot-cohort study included adults scheduled for elective cancer surgery, referred to the prehabilitation clinic to engage in physical activity and received a teleprehabilitation program between August 1st 2020 and February 28th 2021. Using a technology platform that included a tablet and was wearable, data were acquired through virtual physical activity monitoring in addition to patient charts.Results: Ten patients (8 males and 2 females; mean age: 68.3 years, SD: 11.96) diagnosed with various thoraco-abdominal malignancies were included in the current descriptive study. The successes identified were related to recruitment and assessment, improvement in functional capacity, clinic scheduling and interventions, and optimal medical follow-up. The challenges identified were related to the adoption of the technologies by patients and the multidisciplinary team, the accurate acquisition of patient physical activity data, and the initial costs to acquire the new technologies. Patients were satisfied with the teleprehabilitation program (i.e., services delivered; average appreciation: 96%), and they perceived the technologies provided to be 90% user-friendly.Conclusion: The findings of the current study are paramount in view of the current international health paradigm changes prioritizing remote interventions facilitated through digital communication technologies. It provides important insight into the clinical application of telehealth in elderly populations, notably in the context of acute preoperative cancer care. This article may provide guidance for other cancer care facilities aiming to implement teleprehabilitation programs.
Temporary Nature-based Carbon Removal Can Lower Peak Warming in a Well-below 2°C Scenario
Authors: Matthews H. Damon , Zickfeld Kirsten , Dickau Mitchell , MacIsaac Alexander , Mathesius Sabine , Nzotungicimpaye Claude-Michel , Luers Amy
Published: November 2021

There is growing recognition that meeting the climate objectives of the Paris Agreement will require the world to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions around or before mid-century1–4. Natural climate solutions (NCS), which aim to preserve and enhance carbon storage in terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems5,6, are increasingly being evoked as a potential contributor to net-zero emissions targets7,8. However, there is a risk that any carbon that we succeed in storing in land-based systems could be subsequently lost back to the atmosphere as a result of either climate-related or human-caused disturbances such as wildfire or deforestation9–12. Here, we show that temporary NCS-based carbon sequestration has the potential to decrease the peak temperature increase, but only if implemented alongside an ambitious mitigation scenario where fossil fuel CO2 emissions were decreased to net-zero during the time that NCS-sequestered carbon remained stored. We also demonstrate the importance of non-CO2 climate effects of NCS implementation, which have the potential to counter a substantial portion of the climate effect of carbon sequestration. Our results suggest that there is some climate benefit associated with temporary NCS, but only if implemented as a complement (and not an alternative) to ambitious fossil fuel CO2 emissions reductions.
Early Dexamethasone Use as A Protective Measure In Non-Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19: A Multicenter, Cohort Study
Authors: Sulaiman Khalid Al , Korayem Ghazwa B. , Eljaaly Khalid , Altebainawi Ali F. , Harbi Omar Al , Badreldin Hisham A. , Harthi Abdullah Al , Yousif Ghada Al , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Albelwi Shorouq , Almutairi Rahaf , Almousa Maha , Alghamdi Razan , Alhubaishi Alaa , Alissa Abdulrahman , Alharbi Aisha , Algarni Rahmah , Homaid Sarah Al , Kahtani Khawla , Akhani Nada , Atassi Abdulaleam Al , Ghamdi Ghassan Al , Aljuhani Ohoud
Published: November 2021

Background: Dexamethasone showed mortality benefits in COVID-19 patients. However, the optimal timing for dexamethasone initiation to prevent COVID-19 consequences such as respiratory failure requiring MV is debatable. As a result, the purpose of this study is to assess the impact of early dexamethasone initiation in non-MV critically ill patients with COVID19.Methods: A multicenter cohort study including adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) and received systemic dexamethasone between March 2020 and March 2021. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the timing for dexamethasone initiation (early vs. late). The primary endpoint is developing respiratory failure that required MV; other outcomes were considered secondary. Propensity score matching was used based on the patient’s SOFA score, mechanical ventilation (MV) status, prone status, and early use of tocilizumab within 24 hours of ICU admission.Results: Among 208 patients matched using propensity score, 104 had received dexamethasone after 24 hours of ICU admission (1:1 ratio). Among the non-mechanically ventilated patients, late use of dexamethasone was associated with higher odds of developing respiratory failure that required MV (OR [95%CI]: 2.75 [1.12, 6.76], P=0.02). Additionally, late use was associated with longer hospital LOS (Est. [95%CI]: 0.55 [0.22, 0.88], P=0.001).The 30-day and in-hospital mortality were higher in the late group; however, were not statistically significant.Conclusion: Early use of dexamethasone within 24 hours of ICU admission in critically ill patients with COVID-19 might be considered a proactive protective measure in non-mechanically ventilated patients.
Using Machine Learning to Identify At-risk Students in an Introductory Programming Course
Authors: Cooper Cameron I. , Cooper Kamea J.
Published: November 2021

Nationally, more than one-third of students enrolling in introductory computer science programming courses (CS101) do not succeed. To improve student success rates, this research team used supervised machine learning to identify students who are “at-risk” of not succeeding in CS101 at a two-year public college. The resultant predictive model accurately identifies \(\approx\)99% of “at-risk” students in an out-of-sample test data set. The programming instructor piloted the use of the model’s predictive factors as early alert triggers to intervene with individualized outreach and support across three course sections of CS101 in fall 2020. The outcome of this pilot study was a 23% increase in student success and a 7.3 percentage point decrease in the DFW rate. More importantly, this study identified academic, early alert triggers for CS101. Specifically, the first two graded programs are of paramount importance for student success in the course.
Kinetic compartmentalization by unnatural reaction for itaconate production
Authors: Ye Daeyeol , Noh Myung Hyun , Moon Jo Hyun , Milito Alfonsina , Kim Minsun , Lee Jeong Wook , Yang Jae-Seong , Jung Gyoo Yeol
Published: November 2021

Physical compartmentalization of metabolisms using membranous organelles in eukaryotes is helpful for chemical biosynthesis to ensure the availability of substrates from competitive metabolic reactions. Bacterial hosts lack such a membranous system, which is one of the major limitations for efficient metabolic engineering. Here, we introduced kinetic compartmentalization as an alternative strategy to enable substrate availability from competitive reactions. This method utilizes a non-natural biochemical reaction performed by an engineered enzyme to kinetically isolate the metabolic pathways and ensure substrate availability for the desired reaction. As a proof of concept, we could successfully demonstrate kinetic separation for efficient itaconate production from acetate in Escherichia coli, mimicking the native mitochondrial membrane system in Aspergillus species. Despite the utilization of the non-preferred carbon source, kinetic compartmentalization could lead to substantial increases of itaconate in both yield and titer, suggesting enough potential of our strategy for broad applications in diverse engineering.
Dynamic and Probabilistic Seismic Performance Assessment of Precast Prestressed Rcfs Incorporating Slab Influence Through Three-Dimensional Spatial Model
Authors: Cao Xu-Yang , Xiong Cheng-Zhuo , Feng De-Cheng , Wu Gang
Published: November 2021

The dynamic and probabilistic seismic performances of precast prestressed RCFs are assessed in this paper, and the slab influence in the overall structural behavior is considered during the process. The threedimensional spatial model is established to provide the numerical basis, and the slab is modelled through L-/T-section beam-slab fiber-sections considering the effective width and centroid positions. The adopted model is verified with the experimental data, and the slab influence in hysteresis curves is investigated by parametric study. Then, two groups of precast prestressed RCFs are well designed to evaluate the slab influence in dynamic responses through seismic excitations, and the modal analysis, roof displacement analysis, maximum and residual drift ratio analysis are conducted for discussion. Moreover, the incremental dynamic analysis and fragility analysis are also conducted to investigate the probabilistic performance of precast prestressed RCFs with or without slabs. In general, different demand parameters may result in the variability of analyzing results, and ignoring the slab influence may underestimate the structural capacity under the frequent earthquakes (i.e., elastic stage) and overestimate the structural capacity under the rare earthquakes (i.e., plastic stage). In a sense, the research proves the significance of slabs in the seismic performance of dry-connected precast prestressed RCFs, and meanwhile provides the reference for the further explorations of slab factors in precast concrete structures.
Underactuated USV Path Following Mechanism Based on the Cascade Method
Authors: Lin Mingzhen , Zhang Zhiqiang , Pang Yandong , Lin Hongsheng , Ji Qing
Published: November 2021

The path following control under disturbance was studied for an underactuated unmanned surface vehicle (USV) subject to the rudder angle and velocity constraints. For this reason, a variable look-ahead integral line-of-sight (LOS) guidance law was designed on the basis of the disturbance estimation and compensation, and a cascade path following control system was created following the heading control law based on the model prediction. Firstly, the guidance law was designed using the USV three-degree-of-freedom (DOF) motion model and the LOS method, while the tracking error state was introduced to design the real-time estimation of disturbance observer and compensate for the influence of ocean current. Moreover, the stability of the system was analyzed. Secondly, sufficient attention was paid to the rudder angle and velocity constraints and the influence of system delay and other factors in the process of path following when the heading control law was designed with the USV motion response model and the model predictive control (MPC). The moving horizon optimization strategy was adopted to achieve better dynamic performance, effectively overcome the influence of model and environmental uncertainties, and further prove the stability of the control law. Thirdly, a simulation experiment was carried out to verify the effectiveness and advancement of the proposed algorithm. Fourthly, the “Sturgeon 03” USV was used in the lake test of the proposed control algorithm to prove its feasibility in the engineering practices.
Severe Asthma Management, Patient Pathway, and Disease Burden in Russia: Country Results From Multi-Country Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Aisanov Zaurbek , Kurbacheva Oksana , Emelyanov Alexander , Ignatova Galina , Teichman Lindsey , Makarova Janina , Fedosenko Sergey , Alfonso Rafael , Elfishawy Tamer
Published: November 2021

Background
Severe asthma is a poorly controlled disease in Russia which leads to significant healthcare resource use and costs. However, little is known about its burden and management in a real clinical practice in Russia. Here we report the results obtained in the Russian population during an international cross-sectional study.
Methods
The study comprised two phases: in Phase I data were collected retrospectively from medical records, while Phase II was a cross-sectional collection of patient-reported outcomes and up-to-date data. For Phase I, adult patients with severe asthma according to ERS/ATS criteria were enrolled. Phase I patients were enrolled into Phase II if they signed a written consent form. Data on demographics, history of asthma and comorbidities, treatment approach, and healthcare resource utilization were obtained in both phases. In Phase II, asthma control and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were also evaluated.
Results
A total of 315 patients were included in Phase I of the study, 106 (33.6%) of them entered Phase II of the study. The study population included more female (n=211, 67.0%) than male patients (n=104, 33.0%). Majority of subjects were either obese (n=103, 39.8%) or overweight (n=94, 36.3%). The most common comorbidity was cardiovascular disease (n=217, 71.4%), followed by chronic respiratory disease (n=198, 68.8%), including COPD and allergies. Mean (SD) age at diagnosis of asthma and severe asthma were 42.9 (16.0) and 53.1 (13.2) years, respectively. There were 268 (85.1%) patients who had at least one exacerbation during last 12 months. Most subjects had only one blood eosinophil count in the last 12 months (n=143, 81.3%). Mean (SD) FEV1 was 56.9 (20.4) % predicted. The mean (SD) last serum IgE/(RAST) value was 254.3 (249.7) ng/mL. Asthma management was generally in line with guidelines. Most patients had poorly controlled asthma according to the ACT and impaired HRQoL.
Conclusions
In Russia, severe asthma patients had poor disease control, high hospital admission rates and multiple comorbidities. Eosinophil and IgE level measurements are not considered routine tests which might be a barrier for appropriate phenotyping and treatment selection, including prescription of biologics in course of disease management.
Two-Step Targeted Drug Delivery Via Proteinaceous Barnase-Barstar Interface and PLGA-Based Nano-Carrier
Authors: Shipunova Victoria O. , Komedchikova Elena N. , Sogomonyan Anna S. , Kotelnikova Polina A. , Nikitin Maxim P. , Deyev Sergey M.
Published: November 2021

The conventional methods of treating cancer with chemo- and radiotherapy present plenty of serious problems, such as low therapeutic index and high systemic toxicity. The advanced cancer treatment strategies utilize nanoformulations of drugs that can enter a tumor due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. However, EPR fails in the treatment of several human diseases. Mainstream biomedical studies are focused on creating the drugs that would enter the tumor with higher effectiveness and require smaller doses for administration. A two-stage drug delivery system is an encouraging alternative solution. At first, the primary, non-toxic targeting module is delivered to the tumor cells, followed by injection of the second complementary targeting module at a considerably lower dose, thus decreasing systemic toxicity. To meet the challenge, we have developed a two-stage drug delivery system (DDS), mediated by the high-affinity binding of the Barnase*Barstar protein pair. Barnase and Barstar act as lego bricks linking the first and the second modules on the surface of the cancer cell. Barnase (12 kDa) is a natural ribonuclease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, while Barstar (10 kDa) is its natural inhibitor. The Barnase*Barstar is one of the strongest known protein*protein complexes with Kaff = 1014 M−1 exhibiting extraordinarily stability in severe conditions. Artificial scaffold polypeptide DARPin9_29 genetically fused with Barstar served is a first module of the developed two-step DDS. DARPin9_29 (14 kDa) specifically recognizes the tumor marker HER2 overexpressed on human breast cancer cells. As a second module, a therapeutic nano-cargo was developed based on fluorescent polymer PLGA nanoparticles loaded with diagnostic Nile Blue dye and the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. This nano-PLGA structure was covalently coupled to Barnase. We showed two-stage efficient labeling of HER2-overexpressing cancer cells using the first non-toxic module DARPin9_29-Barstar and the second toxic nano-module PLGA-Barnase. We demonstrated the doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity of this two-step DDS based on polymer nanoparticles and proteinaceous Barnase-Barstar interface and showed more than 10-fold therapeutic dose reduction versus free doxorubicin. We believe that the developed two-step DDS based on PLGA nano-cargo and protein interface will promote the creation of new-generation cancer treatment strategies.
Aerobic Exercise Promotes the Expression of ATGL and Attenuates Inflammation to Improve Hepatic Steatosis via lncRNA SRA
Authors: Wu Baoai , Tian Yiming , Xu Chong , Zeng Yu , Yan Feng , Chen AnPing , Zhao Jinfeng , Chen Longchang
Published: November 2021

The role of aerobic exercise in preventing and improving non-alcoholic fatty liver has been widely established. SRA is a long non-coding RNA, which has received increasing attention due to its important role in lipid metabolism. However, it is unclear whether aerobic exercise can prevent and treat hepatic lipid accumulation via SRA. The mice were randomly divided into three groups as follows, normal control group (NC), high-fat diet group (HFD), and high-fat diet plus aerobic exercise (8weeks, 6 days/ week, 18 m/ min for 50 min, 6% slope) group (HAE). After 8 weeks, the mice in the HAE group showed significant improvement in hepatic steatosis. Body weight as well as blood TC, LDL-C, and liver TG levels were significantly lower in the HAE group than in the HFD group. Compared with the HFD group, the expression of SRA was markedly suppressed and the expression of ATGL was significantly increased in the HAE group. Additionally, the JNK/P38 signaling was inhibited, the pro-inflammatory factors were down-regulated, and the anti-inflammatory factor was increased. The results of this study provided new support for aerobic exercise to improve hepatic lipid metabolism via lncRNA.
Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid/Alum Adjuvanted pH1N1 Vaccine-Immunized Aged Mice Exhibit a Significant Increase In Vaccine Efficacy With a Decrease in Age-Associated CD8+ T Cell Proportion in Splenocytes
Authors: Yang Jihyun , Kim Jaemoo , Kwak Chaewon , Poo Haryoung
Published: November 2021

BackgroundHighly contagious respiratory diseases caused by viral infections are a constantly emerging threat, particularly the elderly with the higher risk of developing serious complications. Vaccines are the best strategy for protection against influenza-related diseases. However, the elderly has lower vaccine efficacy and the age-driven decline of the influenza vaccine efficacy remains unresolved. In this study, we investigates the effect of an adjuvant, poly-γ-glutamic acid and alum (PGA/Alum) on vaccine efficacy in aged mice (18-months) and its mechanism is studied using ovalbumin as a model antigen and a commercial pandemic H1N1 flu vaccine. Antigen trafficking, dendritic cell (DC) activation, and the DC-mediated T cell activation were analyzed via in vivo imaging and flow cytometry. Antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated in sera and splenocytes from the vaccinated mice. Also, we analyzed gene expression profiles of splenocytes of vaccinated mice via single-cell transcriptome sequencing and evaluated the protective efficacy against pH1N1 virus challenge.ResultsAged mice had low antigen trafficking and DC activation than younger mice (6-weeks), which was ameliorated by PGA/Alum with increased antigen uptake and DC activation leading to improved antigen-specific IFN-γ+CD8+ T lymphocyte frequencies higher in the vaccinated aged mice, to a similar extent as PGA/Alum adjuvanted vaccine-immunized young mice. The results of single-cell transcriptome sequencing display that PGA/Alum also reduced the proportion of age-associated CD8+ T cell subsets and gene levels of inhibitory regulators in CD8+ T cells, which may play a role in the recovery of CD8+ T cell activation. Finally, PGA/Alum adjuvanted pH1N1 vaccine-immunized aged mice were completely protected (100% survival) compared to aged mice immunized with vaccine only (0% survival) after pH1N1 virus challenge, akin to the efficacy of the vaccinated young mice (100% survival).ConclusionsPGA/Alum adjuvanted pH1N1 vaccine-immunized aged mice showed a significant increase in vaccine efficacy compared to aged mice administered with vaccine only. The enhanced vaccine efficacy by PGA/Alum is associated with significant increases activation of DCs and effector CD8+ T cells and a decrease in age-associated CD8+ T cell proportion of splenocytes. Collectively, PGA/Alum adjuvanted flu vaccine may be a promising vaccine candidate for the elderly.
Analysing The Feature of Meteorological Drought in North East Ethiopia: The Case of Meket and Wadla Districts in North Wello Zone, Amhara Region
Authors: Anteneh Mesfin
Published: November 2021

The study was undertaken to investigate the magnitude, frequency and trends of drought incidence in North Wello Zone, northeast Ethiopia using monthly rainfall record for the period 1987 to 2017 of Meket and Wadla station. Standard precipitation index and Mann–Kendal test were used to analyse drought event and trends of drought occurrences, respectively. Drought Index Calculator used to analyse standard precipitation index. The coefficient variation of the study area for Meket was (21.2%), while for Wadla it was (53%) which showed high inter-annual variability. It was established that both studied stations experienced drought episodes in 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2006, 2014 and 2015, drought years in the history of Ethiopia. The year 2006 was the most severe and distinct-wide extreme drought episode in both studied stations which standard precipitation index values -2.14 at Wadla and -2.01 at Meket station. The frequency of drought number of years which experienced negative standardize precipitation index values in the total time series of 30 years observed for all time scale at both station is 50 percent and above. The drought magnitude of different time scale varied from slight to extreme severe in the studied stations. The Mann–Kendal trend test shows except two-month timescale at Wadla station, all timescales were not statistically significant (P<0.05). Generally increasing tendencies of drought were observed during main rainy season and decreasing tendencies of drought during short rainy season and annual scale observed in the study area.
Abortion storm of Yili Horses is Associated with Equus Caballus Papillomavirus 2 Variant Infection
Authors: Tong Panpan , Duan Ruli , Song Xiaozhen , Palidan Nuerlan , Deng Haifeng , Duan Liya , Jia Chenyang , Tian Shuyao , Yang Enhui , Ma Wanpeng , Kuang Ling , Wang Jinquan , Xie Jinxin
Published: November 2021

Background: Nine different species of Equus caballus papillomavirus (EcPV) and three bovine papillomavirus (BPV) have been reported to infect horses, however, there are so far no describing such infections in China. In January 2021, an abortion storm occurred in Yili horses, as a result of which 50 out of 93 aborted fetus samples were found to be negative for equid herpesvirus (EHV) and equine arteritis virus (EAV).Results: In our pioneer study with Chinese horses, we first found EcPV-2 in the nasal swabs (4/230, 1.7%) of Yili horses, and semen (3/18, 16.7%) of the Thoroughbred horses. This indicated that EcPV can be indeed hosted by horses in China, and that EcPV-2 might be transmitted though breeding. Further detection of EcPVs in the lung tissues of aborted fetus in Yili horses, which were originally negative for equid herpesviruses, established that EcPV-2 was positive in 19 of 50 samples, thereby indicating that EcPV-2 might be a new pathogen causing of abortions. Thereafter, the sequence analyses for L1 genes sequences of 26 China’s EcPV-2 were performed which indicated that EcPV-2, that primarily infected the horses in China, shared 98.3%-99.9% nt identity with the already published sequences for EcPV-2. These observations indicated that EcPV-2 identified in the current study were highly similar variants of the previously identified strains of EcPV-2. Phylogenetic analysis based on L1 genes in GenBank showed that EcPV-2, found in the Chinese horses, was closely related to and clustered together with an already known EcPV-2a lineage. Conclusion: Our study provides the first evidence related to EcPV-2 infection in the Chinese horses, which can serve as a causative agent for Yili horse abortions, and thus can possibly lay the foundation for a systematic and detailed epidemiological study of this infection in the Chinese horses.
Filtering Properties of Hodgkin-Huxley Neuron to Different Time-Scale Signals
Authors: Yu Dong , Wang Guowei , Li Tianyu , Ding Qianming , Jia Ya
Published: November 2021

Neuron can be excited and inhibited by filtered signals. The filtering properties of neural networks have a huge impact on memory, learning, and disease. In this paper, the filtering properties of Hodgkin-Huxley neuron to different time-scale signals are investigated. It is found that the neuronal filtering property depends on the locking relationship between the signal's frequency band and the natural frequency of neuron. The natural firing frequency is a combination of the fundamental component and the various level harmonic components. The response of neuron to the filtered signal is related to the amplitude of the harmonic components. Neuron responds better to the low-frequency signals than the high-frequency signals because of the reduction in the harmonic component amplitude. The filtering ability of neuron can be modulated by the excitation level, and is stronger around the excitation threshold. Our results might provide novel insights into the filtering properties of neural networks and guide the construction of artificial neural networks.