bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective excitation of optical vortex modes with specific charge numbers in band-tuned topological waveguides
Authors: Kagami Hibiki , Amemiya Tomohiro , Okada Sho , Wang Yahui , Nishiyama Nobuhiko , Hu Xiao
Published: March 2022

We propose a method for selectively propagating optical vortex modes with specific charge numbers in a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) by using a topological photonic system. Specifically, by performing appropriate band tuning in two photonic structures that comprise a topological waveguide, one specific electromagnetic mode at the Γ point of a band diagram can be excited. Based on theoretical analysis, we successfully propagated optical vortex modes with specific charge numbers over a wide range in the C band in the proposed topological waveguide. The proposed method could be useful in controlling optical vortex signals at the chip level in future orbital angular momentum multiplexing technologies.
End-to-end snapshot compressed super-resolution imaging with deep optics
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yuan Xin , Deng Chao , Zhang Zhihong , Suo Jinli , Dai Qionghai
Published: March 2022

Capturing both fine structure and high dynamics of the scene is demanded in many applications. However, such high throughput recording requires significant transmission bandwidth and large storage. Off-the-shelf super-resolution and temporal compressive sensing can partially address this challenge, but directly concatenating the two techniques fails to boost throughput because of artifact accumulation and magnification in sequential reconstruction. In this Letter, we propose an encoded capturing approach to simultaneously increase spatial and temporal resolvability with a low-bandwidth camera sensor. Specifically, we introduce point-spread-function (PSF) engineering via deep optics to encode fine spatial details and temporal compressive sensing to encode fast motions into a low-resolution snapshot. Furthermore, we develop an end-to-end deep neural network to optimize PSF and retrieve high-throughput videos from a compactly compressed measurement. Trained on simulation data and fine-tuned to fit system settings, our end-to-end system offers a

128
×

data throughput compared to conventional imaging.
Electrically induced dynamic Fano-like resonance in a graphene-coated fiber grating
Authors: Jiang Biqiang , Zhang Xiaoming , Li Ailun , Hou Yueguo , Hao Zhen , Gan Xuetao , Zhao Jianlin
Published: March 2022

We created an all-fiber solution for fast, continuous, and controllable tuning of Fano-like resonance. By embedding a graphene-coated fiber Bragg grating into one arm of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer, the narrow Bragg resonance interacts with a broad interference spectrum, forming a sharp asymmetric Fano-like resonance line shape. With the application of an electrical voltage over the graphene layer, the generated Joule heating shifts the Bragg resonance and consequently tunes the asymmetric Fano-like resonance line shape to a symmetric dip or electromagnetically induced transparency-like peak. Further, by exploiting two modulated states with reversed Fano-like resonance line shapes, an optical switch can operate with an extinction ratio of 9 dB. The well-engineered Fano-like resonance in an all-fiber structure opens up new horizons for applications of fiber gratings in optical signal processing, slow-light lasing, and fiber sensing.
Computational Ethics
Authors: Portmann Edy , D’Onofrio Sara
Published: March 2022

Die zunehmende Nutzung und Akzeptanz der künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) erfordert neue Lösungsansätze, die ethische Werte wie Privatsphäre und Gleichheit in Entscheidungsprozessen berücksichtigen. In diesem Artikel stellen wir das konzeptionelle Artefakt der Computational Ethics als eine der Lösungsansätze des KI-Zeitalters vor, das aus den Elementen Computing with Words and Perceptions, digitale Ethik mit wort-/wahrnehmungsbasierten Werten und den Rahmenbedingungen eines Human Life Engineering besteht. Das komplementäre Zusammenspiel dieser drei Elemente erlaubt es der Computational Ethics, natürlichsprachige Informationen, bewertet nach gemeinsam festgelegten diskursethischen Grundsätzen, in einem kontextbasierten Modell natürlichsprachigen Rechnens als Referenzschema zu nutzen und die möglichen Handlungsoptionen einer KI nach ethischem Maß zu bewerten. So können autonome Entscheidungen unter Berücksichtigung der ethischen Werte des einzelnen Menschen und der Gesellschaft getroffen werden.
The response of three-dimensional pancreatic alpha and beta cell co-cultures to oxidative stress
Authors: Sthijns Mireille M. J. P. E. , Rademakers Timo , Oosterveer Jolien , Geuens Thomas , van Blitterswijk Clemens A. , LaPointe Vanessa L. S.
Published: March 2022

The pancreatic islets of Langerhans have low endogenous antioxidant levels and are thus especially sensitive to oxidative stress, which is known to influence cell survival and behaviour. As bioengineered islets are gaining interest for therapeutic purposes, it is important to understand how their composition can be optimized to diminish oxidative stress. We investigated how the ratio of the two main islet cell types (alpha and beta cells) and their culture in three-dimensional aggregates could protect against oxidative stress. Monolayer and aggregate cultures were established by seeding the alphaTC1 (alpha) and INS1E (beta) cell lines in varying ratios, and hydrogen peroxide was applied to induce oxidative stress. Viability, oxidative stress, and the level of the antioxidant glutathione were measured. Both aggregation and an increasing prevalence of INS1E cells in the co-cultures conferred greater resistance to cell death induced by oxidative stress. Increasing the prevalence of INS1E cells also decreased the number of alphaTC1 cells experiencing oxidative stress in the monolayer culture. In 3D aggregates, culturing the alphaTC1 and INS1E cells in a ratio of 50:50 prevented oxidative stress in both cell types. Together, the results of this study lead to new insight into how modulating the composition and dimensionality of a co-culture can influence the oxidative stress levels experienced by the cells.
The effect of transdermal gender-affirming hormone therapy on markers of inflammation and hemostasis
Authors: Schutte Moya H. , Kleemann Robert , Nota Nienke M. , Wiepjes Chantal M. , Snabel Jessica M. , T’Sjoen Guy , Thijs Abel , den Heijer Martin
Published: March 2022

Background

Cardiovascular risk is increased in transgender persons using gender-affirming hormone therapy. To gain insight into the mechanism by which sex hormones affect cardiovascular risk in transgender persons, we investigated the effect of hormone therapy on markers of inflammation and hemostasis.

Methods

In this exploratory study, 48 trans women using estradiol patches plus cyproterone acetate (CPA) and 47 trans men using testosterone gel were included. They were between 18 and 50 years old and did not have a history of cardiovascular events. Measurements were performed before and after 3 and 12 months of hormone therapy.

Results

After 12 months, in trans women, systemic and endothelial inflammatory markers decreased (hs-CRP -66%, (95% CI -76; -53), VCAM-1–12%, (95% CI -16; -8)), while platelet activation markers increased (PF-4 +17%, (95% CI 4; 32), β-thromboglobulin +13%, (95% CI 2; 24)). The coagulation marker fibrinogen increased transiently, after 3 months (+15%, (95% CI 1; 32)). In trans men, hs-CRP increased (+71%, (95% CI 19; 145)); platelet activation and coagulation markers were not altered. In both trans women and trans men, leptin and adiponectin changed towards reference values of the experienced gender.

Conclusions

Platelet activation and coagulation marker concentrations increased in trans women using transdermal estradiol plus CPA, but not in trans men using testosterone. Also, concentrations of inflammatory markers decreased in trans women, while hs-CRP increased in trans men. Our results indicate that hormone therapy may affect hemostasis in transgender persons, which could be an underlying mechanism explaining the increased cardiovascular risk in this population.
Swimming behavior of emigrating Chinook Salmon smolts
Authors: Holleman Rusty C. , Gross Edward S. , Thomas Michael J. , Rypel Andrew L. , Fangue Nann A.
Published: March 2022

Swimming behavior of Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) smolts affects transit time, route selection and survival in complex aquatic ecosystems. Behavior quantified at the river reach and junction scale is of particular importance for route selection and predator avoidance, though few studies have developed field-based approaches for quantifying swimming behavior of juvenile migratory fishes at this fine spatial scale. Two-dimensional acoustic fish telemetry at a river junction was combined with a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model to estimate in situ emigration swimming behavior of federally-threatened juvenile Chinook salmon smolts. Fish velocity over ground was estimated from telemetry, while the hydrodynamic model supplied simultaneous, colocated water velocities, with swimming velocity defined by the vector difference of the two velocities. Resulting swimming speeds were centered around 2 body lengths/second, and included distinct behaviors of positive rheotaxis, negative rheotaxis, lateral swimming, and passive transport. Lateral movement increased during the day, and positive rheotaxis increased in response to local hydrodynamic velocities. Swim velocity estimates were sensitive to the combination of vertical shear in water velocities and vertical distribution of fish.
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in Kosovo: First record
Authors: Muja-Bajraktari Nesade , Kadriaj Përparim , Zhushi-Etemi Ferdije , Sherifi Kurtesh , Alten Bulent , Petrić Dusan , Velo Enkelejda , Schaffner Francis
Published: March 2022

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is an invasive mosquito species that is considered a potential vector of about 22 arboviruses, among which dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Here we report the first record of Aedes albopictus in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo. The first finding, in July 2020, was driven by a photo of an adult mosquito published by a citizen in social media. The subsequent field investigation in July 2020 confirmed the presence of adult mosquitoes by human landing catch and collection of eggs in ovitraps at the village Zhur. Monitoring was performed for 7 weeks with ovitraps and BG-Sentinel adult traps at 36 sampling stations from 7 localities, in the Southern part of Kosovo, on the border with Albania. Fifty-two out of 81 ovitrap samples resulted positive for the presence of Ae. albopictus. A total of 2,711 eggs are collected in 22 out 36 stations and a total of 78 adults from 4 out 4 stations with BG Sentinel trap and 15 adults with handled electric aspirator. Our finding shows that the tiger mosquito is expanding its geographical range in the Balkans, southeastern Europe.
The prognosis of different distant metastases pattern in malignant tumors of the adrenal glands: A population-based retrospective study
Authors: Miao Jia , Wei Haibin , Cui Jianxin , Zhang Qi , Liu Feng , Mao Zujie , Zhang Dahong
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The present existing data on the association of metastatic sites and prognosis of patients with metastatic adrenal malignancy are limited. This study aims to investigate the impact of different distant metastases pattern on the survival of patients with adrenal malignancy.

Methods

A dataset from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 Registries (2000–2017) was selected for a retrospective metastatic adrenal malignancy cohort study. There was information on distribution of metastatic lesions in bone, brain, liver, and lung in the SEER database. Kaplan-Meier analysis and nomogram analyses were applied to compare the survival distribution of cases. Univariate and multivariate cox regression models were used to analyze survival outcomes.

Results

From the SEER database, a total of 980 patients with primary metastatic adrenal malignancy from 2010 to 2017 were enrolled in this cohort study. Based on the initial metastatic sites, 42.3%, 38.4%, 30.5%, and 4.9% of patients were found bone, liver, lung, and brain metastasis, respectively. Patients who had a single site of distant metastases accounted for 52.6% (515/980) and had a better overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (both P < 0.001). In contrast with the tumor arising from the cortex, the tumor from the medulla showed better survival outcomes in both OS and CSS (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Different histological types possess various metastatic features and prognostic values. Understanding these differences may contribute to designing targeted pre-treatment assessment of primary metastatic adrenal malignancy and creating a personalized curative intervention.
Preoperative predictors of poor outcomes in Thai patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Sirataranon Punnarat , Duangthongphon Pichayen , Limwattananon Phumtham
Published: March 2022

Objective

A scoring system for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is useful for guiding treatment decisions, especially in urgent-care limited settings. This study developed a simple algorithm of clinical conditions and grading to predict outcomes in patients treated by clipping or coiling.

Methods

Data on patients with aSAH hospitalized in a university’s neurovascular center in Thailand from 2013 to 2018 were obtained for chart review. Factors associated with poor outcomes evaluated at one year were identified using a stepwise logistic regression model. For each patient, the rounded regression coefficients of independent risk factors were linearly combined into a total score, which was assessed for its performance in predicting outcomes using receiver operating characteristic analysis. An appropriate cutoff point of the scores for poor outcomes was based on Youden’s criteria, which maximized the summation between sensitivity or true positive rate and the specificity or true negative rate.

Results

Patients (n, 121) with poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale, mRS score, 4–6) had a significantly higher proportion of old age, underlying hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease, high clinical severity grading, preoperative rebleeding, and hydrocephalus than those (n, 336) with good outcomes (mRS score, 0–3). Six variables, including age >70 years, diabetes mellitus, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scaling of IV-V, modified Fisher grading of 3–4, rebleeding, and hydrocephalus, were identified as independent risk factors and were assigned a score weight of 2, 1, 2, 1, 3 and 1, respectively. Among the total possible scores ranging from 0–10, the cut point at score 3 yielded the maximum Youden’s index (0.527), which resulted in a sensitivity of 77.7% and specificity of 75.0%.

Conclusion

A simple 0–10 scoring system on six risk factors for poor outcomes was validated for aSAH and should be advocated for use in limited resource settings.
Biosurfactant producing multifarious Streptomyces puniceus RHPR9 of Coscinium fenestratum rhizosphere promotes plant growth in chilli
Authors: Ravinder Polapally , Manasa M. , Roopa D. , Bukhari Najat A. , Hatamleh Ashraf Atef , Khan Mohamed Yahya , M. S. Reddy , Hameeda Bee , El Enshasy Hesham Ali , Hanapi Siti Zulaiha , Sayyed R. Z.
Published: March 2022

The present study involves isolation of Streptomyces spp. from rhizosphere of Coscinium fenestratum Gaertn, an endangered medicinal plant from Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. Four potential isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Streptomyces sp. RHPR3, Streptomyces puniceus RHPR9, Streptomyces sp. RHPR14 and Streptomyces mediolani RHPR25. An enrichment culture method was used for the isolation of Streptomyces spp. for biosurfactant activity. Among four potential Streptomyces spp., S. puniceus RHPR9 showed highest Emulsification index (EI) (78±0.2%) and Emulsification assay (EA) (223±0.2 EU mL-1). Thin layer chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mass spectrometric analysis revealed that as glycolipid. Further confirmed by presence of fatty acids like hexanoic acid methyl ester, decanoic acid by Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. S. puniceus RHPR9 showed a significant IAA production (41μg mL-1), solubilized P (749.1 μg mL-1), growth promotion of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) was evaluated using paper towel method and greenhouse conditions. S. puniceus RHPR9 showed a significant increase in seed vigor index (2047) and increase in plant biomass (65%) when compared to uninoculated control. To our knowledge, this is the first report on epiphytic S. puniceus RHPR9 isolated from an endangered medicinal plant C. fenestratum Gaertn, for biosurfactant production and plant growth promotion activities.
Migraine patients visiting Chinese medicine hospital: Protocol for a prospective, registry-based, real-world observational cohort study
Authors: Lyu Shaohua , Zhang Claire Shuiqing , Zhang Anthony Lin , Sun Jingbo , Xue Charlie Changli , Guo Xinfeng
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Migraine is a disabling, recurrent headache disorder with complex comorbidities. Conventional treatments for migraine are unsatisfactory, with side effects and limited effectiveness. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been used as an alternative or complementary treatment option for migraine in China. Currently, the existing evidence of benefit of CHM for migraine has been generated from randomised clinical trials using standardised intervention with a focus on internal validity hence with limited external validity. Moreover, CHM individualised intervention design, patients’ preferences and concerns, and clinicians’ experience are critical to clinical decision making and therapeutic success. This real-world observational study aims to gather practice-based evidence of effects and safety of CHM for migraine in the context of integrating Chinese medicine diagnostic procedures, patients’ preferences and matters relevant to clinical decision making.

Methods and analysis

The study is being undertaken at the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (GPHCM) from December 2020 to May 2022. We anticipate that approximately 400 adult migraineurs will be enrolled and observed on their migraine severity, analgesic consumption, quality of life, anxiety, depression and insomnia at baseline and then every four weeks over 12 weeks. Treatments, diagnostic information, and patient-reported most bothersome symptoms will be collected from patient clinical records. Patient’s demographic data, preferences and concerns on CHM treatments will also be gathered at baseline and be analysed. Factors related to clinical outcomes will be explored with multiple correlation and multivariable regression analyses. Effects of CHM will be evaluated using generalised estimated equation, based on clinical outcome data.

Discussion

This study will provide comprehensive evidence of CHM for migraine in the context of evidence-based practice.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000041003
High RRM2 expression has poor prognosis in specific types of breast cancer
Authors: Shi Shen-chao , Zhang Yi , Wang Tao
Published: March 2022

Background

RRM2 plays an important role in different malignant tumors, but there are few studies in breast cancer. Public databases were used to analyze the expression of RRM2 in breast cancer and its prognostic value.

Materials and methods

A total of 2,509 breast cancer samples were downloaded from the METABRIC database. The relationship between RRM2 expression and clinical pathology was evaluated. Using the BCIP database and real-time-PCR, and western blotting, RRM2 mRNA and protein expression of RRM2 in breast cancer tissues and cell lines were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analysis defined independent prognostic factors that affected the overall survival of patients with breast cancer. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to study the relationship between the high expression of RRM2 and overall survival and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) of breast cancer patients. Finally, We performed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and obtained the relevant pathways associated with high expression of RRM2 potentially influencing breast cancer progression.

Results

RRM2 expression was significantly correlated with age, tumor size, grade, menopausal status, molecular typing, ER, PR, and Her-2 of patients with breast cancer(P<0.05). Univariate and multivariate regression analysis showed that RRM2, the number of positive lymph nodes, ER, Her-2, tumor size, and tumor stage can be used as independent prognostic factors for overall survival of patients with breast cancer. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that in patients with Luminal A and Normal like breast cancers and Stage1 and stage2 breast cancers, patients with high expression of RRM2 had worse overall survival and DMFS. The analysis of the GSEA pathway showed that RRM2 is mainly enriched in the ERBB signaling pathway and other pathways.

Conclusion

The high expression of RRM2 has a worse prognosis in patients with breast cancer with specific features. It can be used as a biomarker for the prognosis of breast cancer.
Neuronal induction and bioenergetics characterization of human forearm adipose stem cells from Parkinson’s disease patients and healthy controls
Authors: González-Casacuberta Ingrid , Vilas Dolores , Pont-Sunyer Claustre , Tobías Ester , Cantó-Santos Judith , Valls-Roca Laura , García-García Francesc Josep , Garrabou Glòria , Grau-Junyent Josep Maria , Martí Maria Josep , Cardellach Francesc , Morén Constanza
Published: March 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, are heterogeneous disorders with a multifactorial nature involving impaired bioenergetics. Stem-regenerative medicine and bioenergetics have been proposed as promising therapeutic targets in the neurologic field. The rationale of the present study was to assess the potential of human-derived adipose stem cells (hASCs) to transdifferentiate into neuronal-like cells (NhASCs and neurospheres) and explore the hASC bioenergetic profile. hASC neuronal transdifferentiation was performed through neurobasal media and differentiation factor exposure. High resolution respirometry was assessed. Increased MAP-2 neuronal marker protein expression upon neuronal induction (p<0.05 undifferentiated hASCs vs. 28–36 days of differentiation) and increased bIII-tubulin neuronal marker protein expression upon neuronal induction (p<0.05 undifferentiated hASCs vs. 6-28-36 days of differentiation) were found. The bioenergetic profile was detectable through high-resolution respirometry approaches in hASCs but did not lead to differential oxidative capacity rates in healthy or clinically diagnosed PD-hASCs. We confirmed the capability of transdifferentiation to the neuronal-like profile of hASCs derived from the forearms of human subjects and characterized the bioenergetic profile. Suboptimal maximal respiratory capacity trends in PD were found. Neuronal induction leading to positive neuronal protein expression markers is a relevant issue that encourages the suitability of NhASC models in neurodegeneration.
Pharmacokinetics of metamizole (dipyrone) as an add-on in calves undergoing umbilical surgery
Authors: Fux Daniela , Metzner Moritz , Brandl Johanna , Feist Melanie , Behrendt-Wippermann Magdalena , von Thaden Anne , Baumgartner Christine
Published: March 2022

This preliminary clinical investigation of the pharmacokinetic behavior of the main metamizole (dipyrone) metabolites 4-methylaminoantipyrine (4-MAA) and 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AA) in calves undergoing umbilical surgery is part of an already published main study. A single intravenous dose of metamizole was added to ketamine/xylazine/isoflurane anesthesia. Eight Simmental calves weighing 90 ± 10.8 kg and aged 47.6 ± 10.4 days received 40 mg/kg metamizole intravenously 10 minutes prior to general anesthesia. Blood samples were collected over 24 hours and analyzed for 4-MAA and 4-AA. Meloxicam was additionally given twice: 2.5 hours pre- and 20.5 hours postsurgically. The pharmacokinetic profile of 4-MAA was best fitted to a two-compartment model and was characterized by a fast distribution half-life and slow elimination half-life (t½alpha = 5.29 minutes, t½beta = 9.49 hours). The maximum concentration (Cmax 101.63 μg/mL) was detected at the first measurement time point 15 minutes after administration. In contrast, 4-AA showed fast, high and biphasic plasma peak concentration behavior in five calves (2.54–2.66 μg/mL after 15–30 minutes, and 2.10–2.14 μg/mL after 2–3.5 hours) with a t½beta of 8.87 hours, indicating a rapid distribution and subsequent redistribution from well-perfused organs. Alternatively, three calves exhibited a slower and lower monophasic plasma peak concentration (1.66 μg/mL after 6.5 hours) with a t½beta of 6.23 hours, indicating slow accumulation in the intravascular compartment. The maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration curve (AUC) of 4-AA were lower than those of 4-MAA. This metabolic behavior supports our already published data on clinical monitoring and plasma cortisol concentrations (PCCs). Compared to those of saline controls, lower PCCs correspond to the t½alpha of 4-MAA. Data on Tmax and t½beta also match these clinical observations. However, further studies are required to assess the exact analgesic mechanism and potency of the metamizole metabolites in calves.
Effects of elevated temperature, reduced hydroperiod, and invasive bullfrog larvae on pacific chorus frog larvae
Authors: Tasker Bailey R. , Honebein Karli N. , Erickson Allie M. , Misslin Julia E. , Hurst Paul , Cooney Sarah , Riley Skylar , Griffith Scott A. , Bancroft Betsy A.
Published: March 2022

Climate change and invasive species threaten many ecosystems, including surface freshwater systems. Increasing temperatures and reduced hydroperiod due to climate change may promote the persistence of invasive species and facilitate new invasions due to potentially higher tolerance to environmental stress in successful invaders. Amphibians demonstrate high levels of plasticity in life history characteristics, particularly those species which inhabit both ephemeral and permanent water bodies. We tested the influence of two projected effects of climate change (increased temperature and reduced hydroperiod) on Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla) tadpoles alone and in combination with the presence of tadpoles of a wide-spread invasive amphibian, the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus). Specifically, we explored the effects of projected climate change and invasion on survival, growth, mass at stage 42, and development rate of Pacific chorus frogs. Direct and indirect interactions between the invasive tadpole and the native tadpole were controlled via a cage treatment and were included to account for differences in presence of the bullfrog compared to competition for food resources and other direct effects. Overall, bullfrogs had larger negative effects on Pacific chorus frogs than climate conditions. Under future climate conditions, Pacific chorus frogs developed faster and emerged heavier. Pacific chorus frog tadpoles developing in the presence of American bullfrogs, regardless of cage treatment, emerged lighter. When future climate conditions and presence of invasive American bullfrog tadpoles were combined, tadpoles grew less. However, no interaction was detected between climate conditions and bullfrog presence for mass, suggesting that tadpoles allocated energy towards mass rather than length under the combined stress treatment. The maintenance of overall body condition (smaller but heavier metamorphs) when future climate conditions overlap with bullfrog presence suggests that Pacific chorus frogs may be partially compensating for the negative effects of bullfrogs via increased allocation of energy towards mass. Strong plasticity, as demonstrated by Pacific chorus frog larvae in our study, may allow species to match the demands of new environments, including under future climate change.
Gene selection using pyramid gravitational search algorithm
Authors: Tahmouresi Amirhossein , Rashedi Esmat , Yaghoobi Mohammad Mehdi , Rezaei Masoud
Published: March 2022

Genetics play a prominent role in the development and progression of malignant neoplasms. Identification of the relevant genes is a high-dimensional data processing problem. Pyramid gravitational search algorithm (PGSA), a hybrid method in which the number of genes is cyclically reduced is proposed to conquer the curse of dimensionality. PGSA consists of two elements, a filter and a wrapper method (inspired by the gravitational search algorithm) which iterates through cycles. The genes selected in each cycle are passed on to the subsequent cycles to further reduce the dimension. PGSA tries to maximize the classification accuracy using the most informative genes while reducing the number of genes. Results are reported on a multi-class microarray gene expression dataset for breast cancer. Several feature selection algorithms have been implemented to have a fair comparison. The PGSA ranked first in terms of accuracy (84.5%) with 73 genes. To check if the selected genes are meaningful in terms of patient’s survival and response to therapy, protein-protein interaction network analysis has been applied on the genes. An interesting pattern was emerged when examining the genetic network. HSP90AA1, PTK2 and SRC genes were amongst the top-rated bottleneck genes, and DNA damage, cell adhesion and migration pathways are highly enriched in the network.
Intrinsically disordered signaling proteins: Essential hub players in the control of stress responses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: French-Pacheco Leidys , Rosas-Bringas Omar , Segovia Lorenzo , Covarrubias Alejandra A.
Published: March 2022

Cells have developed diverse mechanisms to monitor changes in their surroundings. This allows them to establish effective responses to cope with adverse environments. Some of these mechanisms have been well characterized in the budding yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae, an excellent experimental model to explore and elucidate some of the strategies selected in eukaryotic organisms to adjust their growth and development in stressful conditions. The relevance of structural disorder in proteins and the impact on their functions has been uncovered for proteins participating in different processes. This is the case of some transcription factors (TFs) and other signaling hub proteins, where intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) play a critical role in their function. In this work, we present a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis to evaluate the significance of structural disorder in those TFs (170) recognized inS.cerevisiae. Our findings show that 85.2% of these TFs contain at least one IDR, whereas ~30% exhibit a higher disorder level and thus were considered as intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). We also found that TFs contain a higher number of IDRs compared to the rest of the yeast proteins, and that intrinsically disordered TFs (IDTFs) have a higher number of protein-protein interactions than those with low structural disorder. The analysis of different stress response pathways showed a high content of structural disorder not only in TFs but also in other signaling proteins. The propensity of yeast proteome to undergo a liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) was also analyzed, showing that a significant proportion of IDTFs may undergo this phenomenon. Our analysis is a starting point for future research on the importance of structural disorder in yeast stress responses.
Molecular mechanism of nutrient uptake in developing embryos of oviparous cloudy catshark (Scyliorhinus torazame)
Authors: Honda Yuki , Ogawa Nobuhiro , Wong Marty Kwok-Shing , Tokunaga Kotaro , Kuraku Shigehiro , Hyodo Susumu , Takagi Wataru
Published: March 2022

Forms of embryonic nutrition are highly diverse in cartilaginous fishes, which contain oviparity, yolk-sac viviparity and several types of matrotrophic viviparity (histotrophy, oophagy, and placentotrophy). The molecular mechanisms of embryonic nutrition are poorly understood in these animals as few species are capable of reproducing in captivity. Oviparous cartilaginous fishes solely depend on yolk nutrients for their growth and development. In the present study, we compared the contribution to embryonic nutrition of the embryonic intestine with the yolk sac membrane (YSM). RNA-seq analysis was performed on the embryonic intestine and YSM of the oviparous cloudy catsharkScyliorhinus torazameto identify candidate genes involved in nutrient metabolism to further the understanding of nutrient utilization of developing embryos. RNA-seq discovery was subsequently confirmed by quantitative PCR analysis and we identified increases in several amino acid transporter genes (slc3a1,slc6a19,slc3a2,slc7a7) as well as genes involved in lipid absorption (apobandmtp) in the intestine after ‘pre-hatching’, which is a developmental event marked by an early opening of the egg case about 4 months before hatching. Although a reciprocal decrease in the nutritional role of YSM was expected after the intestine became functional, we observed similar increases in gene expression among amino acid transporters, lipid absorption molecules, and lysosomal cathepsins in the extraembryonic YSM in late developmental stages. Ultrastructure of the endodermal cells of YSM showed that yolk granules were incorporated by endocytosis, and the number of granules increased during development. Furthermore, the digestion of yolk granules in the YSM and nutrient transport through the basolateral membrane of the endodermal cells appeared to be enhanced after pre-hatching. These findings suggest that nutrient digestion and absorption is highly activated in both intestine and YSM after pre-hatching in catshark embryos, which supports the rapid growth at late developmental stages.
Posttraumatic growth and its association with unmet supportive care needs and fear of cancer progression among head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei , Hamdan Nur Amirah , Abd Hamid Norhaliza , Rajandram Rama Krsna , Mahadevan Raynuha , Zakaria Hazli , Mohamad Yunus Mohd Razif , Leong Bin Abdullah Mohammad Farris Iman
Published: March 2022

Background and aims

The assessment of supportive care needs and fear of cancer progression are important variables to be considered when evaluating the psychological aspects of cancer patients. However, data on how these variables affect posttraumatic growth (PTG) are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the level of PTG among head and neck cancer (HNC) patients within the first year of cancer diagnosis and to determine the association between unmet supportive care needs, fear of cancer progression, and the level of PTG.

Methods

Participants were administered socio-demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire; the 34-item Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-34) to measure the unmet needs; 12-item Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF) to measure the fear of progression of cancer; and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory—Short Form (PTGI-SF) to measure the degree of PTG.

Results

A total of 190 HNC participants reported a mean total PTGI-SF score of 39.3 (standard deviation = 9.5). General linear model revealed that higher degree of patients’ physical and daily living unmet needs and fear of cancer progression significantly predicted lower PTG, after controlling for sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Conclusion

HNC patients within the first year of cancer diagnosis reported a high level of PTG. Despite that, psychosocial intervention for HNC patients should emphasize on counteracting patients’ physical and daily living unmet needs and fear of cancer progression to improve the psychological well-being of patients.
Isolation and molecular characterization of feline panleukopenia viruses from Korean cats
Authors: Yang Dong-Kun , Park Yu-Ri , Park Yeseul , An Sungjun , Choi Sung-Suk , Park Jungwon , Hyun Bang-Hun
Published: March 2022

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) causes fatal leukopenia and severe hemorrhagic diarrhea in cats. Although FPV isolates have been reported worldwide from several animals, the biological and genetic features of South Korean FPVs remain unclear. We characterized molecularly South Korean FPV isolates. Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cells were used to isolate FPV from 60 organ homogenates. The isolates were confirmed to be FPVs via analyses of cytopathic effects, immunofluorescence studies, electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction. Viral genetic analyses used the full VP2 sequences. Eight isolates propagated in CRFK cells were confirmed to be FPVs. All isolates yielded viral titers ranging from 104.5 to 106.0 TCID50/mL 5 days after inoculation into CRFK cells and exhibited hemagglutination titers ranging from 27 to 212 (using pig erythrocytes). The Korean FPV isolates grew well in cat cells such as CRFK and Fcwf4 cells. The FPV isolates were most similar to the KS42 strain isolated from a Korean cat in 2008. The FPV isolates will serve as useful antigens in future sero-epidemiological studies and will aid in the development of diagnostic tools.
Assistive Support Through Technologies for Persons with Disabilities in Libraries
Authors: Chaurasia Abhay , Singh Ajay Pratap
Published: March 2022

This paper aims to give a brief about the services provided by libraries to disable library users using software and hardware technologies. In this era, the development of technologies, information and communication technologies, etc., is widespread and being disseminated and published globally. Usually, it is convenient for a library professional to differentiate between individuals in need of assistance. This paper emphasises specialised equipment, technologies, and services that provide a barrier-free environment to the disabled users in libraries and information centres, leading to many technological innovations and advancements for general and disabled persons. This study will be helpful for persons with disabilities, LIS specialists, and other professional communities to provide information about the situation and the variety of assistive technologies available in libraries.
Relationships between Rangifer and Indigenous Well-being in the North American Arctic and Subarctic: A Review Based on the Academic Published Literature
Authors: Borish David , Cunsolo Ashlee , Snook Jamie , Dewey Cate , Mauro Ian , Harper Sherilee L.
Published: March 2022

Many Rangifer tarandus (caribou or reindeer) populations across North America have been declining, posing a variety of challenges for Indigenous communities that depend on the species for physical and cultural sustenance. This article used a scoping review methodology to systematically examine and characterize the nature, extent, and range of articles published in academic journals on the connection between Rangifer and Indigenous well-being in the Arctic and Subarctic regions of North America. Two reviewers independently used eligibility criteria to identify and screen abstracts and titles and then screen full texts of each potentially relevant article. To be included in this review, articles had to discuss linkages between Rangifer and Indigenous well-being in the North American Arctic and Subarctic and be published prior to 2018. A total of 4279 articles were identified and screened for relevance; 58 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using descriptive quantitative and thematic qualitative methods. Results characterized the depth and diversity of what we know about Rangifer for Indigenous culture, food security, livelihoods, psychological well-being, and social connections across North America in the academic literature. Several gaps were identified. Little is known about the psychological ties between Rangifer and Indigenous Peoples and the influence of Rangifer-related change on Indigenous well-being and adaptive capacity. We urgently need to know more about the emotional connections that arise from Indigenous-Rangifer linkages, the effectiveness of adaptive strategies, and the intergenerational implications of Rangifer-related change. Further, enhanced inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in the production of knowledge on this topic is fundamental to the future of understanding Indigenous-Rangifer relationships.
The State of Knowledge about Grizzly Bears (Kakenokuskwe osow Muskwa (Cree), Ursus arctos) in Northern Manitoba
Authors: Clark Douglas , Barnas Andrew F. , Brook Ryan K. , Ellis-Felege Susan N. , Fishback Lee-Ann , Higdon Jeff W. , Manning Katie , Rivet Danielle , Roth James D. , Trim Vicki , Webb Matthew , Rockwell Robert
Published: March 2022

Grizzly bears have been observed with increasing frequency in northern Manitoba, Canada over the last four decades (1980 – 2020), likely originating from the established population in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. We summarize and present an interdisciplinary synthesis of documented observations of grizzly bears in northern Manitoba from historical records from the Hudson’s Bay Company Archives, published literature, direct observations, remote camera observations, government agency reports, the first author’s field notes, volunteered observations, and media and social media reports. A total of 160 observations were recorded, 140 of them since 1980. Spatially, these observations all fall within the Southern Arctic, Hudson Plains, and Taiga Shield ecozones within Manitoba and span from the northern limit of Manitoba at the Nunavut border to the south shore of the Nelson River. Grizzly bears were historically present in northern Manitoba prior to 1980, though in very low numbers, but the frequency of observations has increased significantly since then. Most observations (86%) were less than 1 km from the Hudson Bay coast. Grizzly bears appear to select for open habitats and against forested ones. Reported observations, however, have been largely opportunistic, and the geographical distribution of observer efforts was uneven, so our data likely contain spatial and temporal biases. All confirmed observations were of single bears, suggesting that the present population is likely maintained by dispersal from the population to the north. Understanding grizzly bear ecology, distribution, and demographics north and west of Churchill will be critical for more accurately assessing the status and conservation needs of grizzly bears in the province.
Influence of exogenous abscisic acid on morpho-physiological and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under drought stress
Authors: Ramya S , Arulbalachandran D , Ramachandran M
Published: March 2022

Abscisic acid (ABA) is naturally occurring plant hormone, its also known stress hormone, that act the plant responses to abiotic stresses, especially drought. Maize production losses due to drought prominently affect economics and livelihoods of millions of peoples. The current investigation the role of ABA in drought stress tolerance of maize. The influence of drought stress and foliar spray of abscisic acid diffent concentration (25, 50 ,75 and 100 µM) were analysed on morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters. The present results revealed a most effective to increased after drought stress imposed with 75 µM ABA treated plants. Exogenous abscisic acid acts as a scavenger of ROS for mitigating the injury on cell membranes under drought were observed in the opening of stomata. Histochemical detection of more accumulation ROS (H2O2 and O2• –) was detected in drought stress shoot compared to other ABA treated and respective control. Fourier Infrared Spectroscopic (IR) study, ABA treated leaves indicated the presence of different functional groups. This study shows that can provide vital insights into maize leaves drought responses and could be beneficial in identifying novel drought tolerance characters. Drought and exogenous abscisic acid treatment increased the endogenous abscisic acid level, specifically at 75 µM concentration. The exogenous abscisic acid application effectively ameliorates the adverse effect of drought stress to improve the drought resistance. In concluded, the level of 75 µM concentration ABA was better growth charaterstics, biochmeical alterations and yiled under drought stress.
Vyjmenovaná slova v češtině: podstata, kontext, vývoj
Authors: Adam Robert
Published: March 2022

Příspěvek vymezuje místo tzv. vyjmenovaných slov v českém pravopise a popisuje historický proces ustavování seznamů vyjmenovaných slov v českých mluvnicích a pravopisných příručkách v první polovině 19. století. Problematiku zasazuje do obecnějšího kontextu teorie českého pravopisu, včetně rozlišování pravidel pro zápis slov/morfémů domácích vs. přejatých.
Novotvary a internacionalismy v češtině v období pandemie covid-19
Authors: Entlová Gabriela
Published: March 2022

Předkládaný článek se zabývá novotvary, výpůjčkami a internacionalismy užívanými v českém jazyce v období coronavirové pandemie. Vybrané příklady obsahují jak starší výpůjčky, plně zdomácnělé, tak i nové, dosud v českém jazyce nezakotvené v žádném z dostupných tištěných slovníků cizích slov. Nacházejí se zde výpůjčky, které tvoří řecko-latinský adstrát, ale také slova původu románského, anglicismy, germanismy a rovněž příklady slov původu slovanského a staročeského. Jejich grafický zápis, foneticko-fonologická realizace, morfologicko-syntaktický stupeň adaptace a některé sémantické odlišnosti odrážejí míru zdomácnění vázanou na současné pandemické události. Analyzované příklady pochází z tištěných a online zdrojů.
Enhancement of constructivist and procedural concepts of good citizenship and civic identity in the Czech educational framework
Authors: Květina Jan
Published: March 2022

This paper identifies the main flaws, dilemmas and challenges concerning the concept of civic education and teaching democracy in the Czech schooling system after 1989. Special focus is placed on the urgent need for the application of more pluralist, constructivist and procedural approaches that would enhance the traditional concepts of social science education based on facts and typologies. In this regard, methods and trends promoting the principle of civic education as a multidimensional and everyday phenomenon are applied, since such understanding of civic identity has become even more urgent in recent two years with the reflection of issues concerning the SARS‑CoV‑2 situation. To suggest and analyse possible means to this end, the study outlines two dominant causes of the low prestige and effectivity of civic education in the Czech Republic: first, the implicitly ideological and universalist character of the current national curriculum, which is not able to accept social values as a permanently flowing and contextually based discourse; second, the prevalence of ethnic attributes in the process of national identification which impede any relevant efforts to treat collective identity and citizenship in an open pluralist way. Nonetheless, the main focus of the paper lies in its empirical part where the fundamental pillars and particular activities from the current EU project—realised at several Czech universities and grammar schools in recent three years—are both presented and analysed. On the basis of this project analysis, the paper aims to demonstrate that together with the implementation of procedural, interpretative and constructivist understanding of social reality, even more radical questions—linked to postmodern democratic theory—such as the notion of agonist democracy, the impact of social networks, the reflection of instrumental manipulative behaviour as well as more unbiased interpretations of human liberty should be addressed in the Czech current educational discourse as well.