bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Моделювання впливу структури системи пенсійного забезпечення на економічні показники
Authors: Бандоріна Лілія , Приходченко Оксана
Published: March 2021

Анотація. Системи пенсійного забезпечення в багатьох країнах світу проходять реформування, що пов’язано здебільшого з демографічними змінами населення. Солідарна система не в змозі забезпечити як гідну пенсію, так і бездефіцитність пенсійного фонду. Впровадження в дію обов’язкового накопичувального рівня потребує економічних передумов та аналізу можливих варіантів розвитку.

Метою роботи є моделювання впливу структури системи пенсійного забезпечення України, проведення аналізу впливу альтернативних структур пенсійного забезпечення на економічні показники в залежності від демографічної та економічної ситуації в країні. Для досягнення поставленої мети спершу визначаються економічні показники, на основі яких можна приймати рішення щодо оптимальної структури пенсійної системи. Це сумарний дохід людини протягом життя, коефіцієнт заміщення останньої зарплати пенсією, середня різниця між доходами та видатками солідарного пенсійного фонду за весь період, видатки роботодавця на пенсійне забезпечення. Структура державної обов’язкової пенсійної системи країни визначається співвідношення накопичувальної та розподільчої системи та розподілом обов’язків між роботодавцем і найманим працівником.

Дані аналізу показують, що лише солідарний рівень пенсійної системи забезпечує недостатній коефіцієнт заміщення. При всіх альтернативах існує дефіцит солідарного пенсійного фонду. Для збільшення доходів важливий коефіцієнт участі населення у солідарній системі. Відрахування у накопичувальну систему у розмірі 7% здатне збільшити коефіцієнт заміщення до майже 50% при 6% доходності.

Дана система показників може бути використана при прийнятті рішень щодо параметрів структури пенсійної системи. Сценарний підхід дає змогу проаналізувати різні варіанти розвитку економічних та демографічних подій та приймати рішення у змішаних стратегіях. Також демографічні вхідні показники моделі дають змогу проаналізувати показники при зміні пенсійного віку, що теж є актуальним в період реформування.

Ключові слова: пенсійна система, структура пенсійної системи, коефіцієнт заміщення, пенсійний фонд.
Управління фінансово-економічною безпекою підприємств: структурно-функціональний аспект
Authors: Безугла Юлія , Бондаренко Марина , Ковальов Валерій
Published: March 2021

Анотація. Процеси, що відбуваються в даний час в Україні, умови діяльності, що змінилися, потребують переорієнтації принципів роботи промислових підприємств на аналіз і оцінку багатообразних зовнішніх і внутрішніх чинників, що впливають на ефективність їх діяльності. Визначені обставини обумовлюють потребу в формуванні нових структурно-функціональних підходів до управління підприємствами, які дозволять вирішити економічні проблеми, що стоять перед ними. Сучасне підприємство потребує такої системи управління, яка забезпечить йому конкурентоспроможність і стійкість положення на ринку, а також допоможе модернізувати організаційну та інформаційну структуру так, щоб вирішувалися базові проблеми його розвитку, що зумовлюють стабільні економічні результати. Позитивними характеристиками структурно-функціональної моделі є можливість наочно ілюструвати порядок дій при управлінні фінансово-економічною безпекою й оцінки якості формування й реалізації фінансової стратегії. Оскільки метою моделювання управління фінансово-економічною безпекою є одержання відповідей на певну сукупність питань про побудову послідовності дій для формування адаптивної стратегії. Авторами на базі програмного продукту BPwіn у стандарті ІDEF0 була розроблена структурно-функціональна модель управління фінансово-економічною безпекою. Визначена структурно-функціональна модель дозволяє формалізувати послідовність процесу розробки адаптивно-корпоративної стратегії та спостерігати її проміжні результати. Описана технологія побудови структурно-функціональної моделі дозволяє послідовно виконувати етапи формування стратегії, за допомогою якої керівництво підприємства зможе підвищити ефективність виробництва, а також проводити оцінку якості формування та реалізації визначеної стратегії, упорядковувати дії, реалізувати структурний підхід до оцінки використання економічних ресурсів, постійно поновлювати інформаційну базу.

Ключові слова: фінансово-економічна безпека, структура, управління, розвиток, стратегія.
Експлейнарний базис управління структурою капіталу підприємства
Authors: Гончаренко Альона
Published: March 2021

Анотація. У системі управління підприємством одне з головних місць належить системі управління структурою капіталу. Саме вона відповідає за пошук джерел для забезпечення діяльності підприємства та формування шляхів ефективного використання ресурсів для досягнення стратегічних цілей. Формування дієвого механізму фінансування діяльності підприємств потребує вдосконалення теоретичних та практичних аспектів, пов'язаних з управлінням капіталом підприємств як певною сукупністю його фінансових ресурсів. Метою дослідженняє визначення складових експлейнарного базису управління структурою капіталу підприємств. У статті розглянуто складові експлейнарного базису структури капіталу підприємств, що являють сукупність теоретичних основ та інструментів, які залучаються для оптимізації структури капіталу. Автором досліджено особливості терміну «капітал» в залежності від етапів розвитку економічної думки. Розглянуто підходи різних груп вчених щодо складових структури капіталу. Визначено роль інтелектуального капіталу в ефективній діяльності підприємства поряд з іншими виробничими факторами. Систематизовано погляди науковців щодо позиціонування складових сукупного капіталу в координатах зовнішнього та внутрішнього середовища підприємств.  В роботі зазначено, що однією з складових експлейнарного базису є теорії структури капіталу, які відображають багатоаспектність тлумачення сутності цього об’єкту. Виходячи з цього було цього було сформульовано складові експлейнарного базису управління структурою капіталу в розрізі теорії компромісу,теорії агентств, теорії інформаційних витрат, теорії витрат на контракти, теорії відстеження ринку та надані тлумачення управління структурою капіталу. Результати дослідження сутності управління структурою капіталу мають стати теоретичною базою щодо наукового уявлення про його експлейнарний базис, сприяти подальшому розвитку теорії структури капіталу. У статті запропоновані підходи до системи управління структурою капіталу, які дозволять максимізувати ефективність господарської діяльності та забезпечити стабільне економічне зростання.

Ключові слова: структура капіталу, управління структурою капіталу, експлейнарний базис, експлейнарний базис управління структурою капіталу
La figura de Belin en Jaén y el paso de la calle al museo
Authors: Chica Francisco Delgado
Published: March 2021

Desde sus inicios en Filadelfia hasta la actualidad el arte urbano ha influido de manera considerable en la población joven de todo el mundo, sirviendo además como testimonio histórico del momento. A ello se le suma la atracción que tuvo para un sector de la población que empezó a editar revistas donde se incluían estas obras como expresión más viva y pública del arte urbano. En este sentido, es necesario a día de hoy empezar a considerar el arte urbano como parte de nuestro patrimonio, por lo que sería conveniente establecer una serie de aspectos que conduzcan a su futura protección en nuestras leyes de patrimonio. Sin embargo, si nos fijamos en el presente, debemos tener en cuenta cómo ya se van incluyendo en guías de patrimonio, colecciones de museos y centros de interpretación y se están tasando estas obras con unos precios antes inimaginables. El fenómeno Banksy ha propiciado todo esto, pero es conveniente hacer una reflexión sobre el papel de los artistas urbanos andaluces, en especial el caso del linarense Belin. Desde los graffitis en las calles al arte urbano y público realizado por encargos institucionales, sus obras están dando color a muchas ciudades del mundo y dotándose de valores patrimoniales tanto en la provincia de Jaén como en la misma ciudad de Linares donde las obras de Miguel Ángel Belinchón ya suponen una seña de identidad para sus ciudadanos.
PHASE EQUILIBRIA IN THE NaCl–CaCl2–CaO SYSTEM
Authors: Omelchuk Anatoliy , Skryptun Igor , Zakharchenko Nikolay , Bosenko Olha , Savchuk Ruslan , Gritsay Larisa
Published: March 2021

The phase equilibria of the ternary system CaCl2 – NaCl – CaO in the area which enriched of calcium and sodium chloride were investigated by the methods of differential-thermal analysis and powder X-ray phase analysis. In the systems were determined the equilibrium concentration of calcium oxide and the composition of the phases, which at the same time exist in an equilibrium state at different temperatures. The surfaces of liquidus and solidus were established, the compositions of the sections of the ternary system CaCl2–NaCl–CaO were defined, which recommended for electrochemical reduction of refractory metal oxides (titanium, zirconium and other), which allow electrolysis in the temperature range from 550 to 1000 °С. Five polythermal sections of the NaCl – CaCl2 – CaO ternary system were studied. For each polythermal section the regions of existence of the liquid and solid phases were established. For each polythermal section state diagrams were constructed. Used X-Ray phase analyses it was established the compositions of liquid and solid phases for each polythermal sections. The phases of which the system consists were determined. At a constant ratio of components [NaCl]:[CaCl2] = 1.06 (mol.) in the melts of the ternary system CaCl2 – NaCl – CaO, the equilibrium content of calcium oxide reaches 12.0 mol.%, while their crystallization temperature does not exceed 550 °C. This allows us to recommend mixtures of this composition for electrochemical reduction of refractory metal oxides in a wide range of temperatures (from 550 to 1000 °C) with a high content of both calcium and sodium chlorides (not less than 40 mol.%) and oxide. calcium (up to 12.0 mol.%). The eutectic of this ternary system has a melting point of 480 ° C and corresponds to he composition (mol.%): CaCl2 (45.8) – NaCl (47.0) – CaO (7.2).
Trembling Meaning: Camera Instability and Gilbert Simondon's Transduction in Czech Archival Film
Authors: Anger Jiří
Published: March 2021

Many experimental found footage films base their meanings and effects on an interaction between the figurative content of the image and its material-technological underpinnings. Can this interaction arise accidentally without artistic appropriation? A recently digitised film by the Czech cinema pioneer Jan Kříženecký, Opening Ceremony of the Čech Bridge (1908), presents such an exercise in accidental aesthetics. At one point, the horizontal and vertical trembling of the cinematograph – obtained from the Lumière brothers – translates into a trembling of the figures on the bridge so precisely that the figurative and material spheres appear to cooperate towards a common aesthetic goal. To account for such phenomena, film theory, found footage filmmaking, and archival practice need to join forces with philosophy. More specifically, Gilbert Simondon's notion of transduction, a process based on the intersection of diverse realities within a domain, allows us to conceptualise the paradoxical interaction between the figurative and material dimensions and the unintentional meanings that arise out of it. Transduction enables the distribution of elements between these heterogeneous spheres while maintaining a certain stability within a system. In the case of archival films in which transduction occurs without prior intention or expectation, transduction can be foregrounded and prolonged. The connection between transduction and the “trembling meaning” of Opening Ceremony, understood within the wider context of camera instability in experimental found footage, will uncover the aesthetic potentialities held by the autonomous creativity of film matter and its interferences with the figurative content.
Inequalities in Regional Film Exhibition: Policy, Place and Audiences
Authors: Merrington Peter , Hanchard Matthew , Wessels Bridgette
Published: March 2021

This article questions the variety of film exhibition in four English regions. While a regional and national frame is the focus of cultural policy in relation to film audience development in the UK, our analysis examines relational, localised and sub-regional film cultures in order to understand how differing levels of film exhibition influence people's sense of place. This is framed within a discussion of cultural inequality more generally. In the UK, questions of engagement with different types of film exhibition have gained greater prominence recently, but there has been limited attention paid to how audiences understand their geographic relationship with film exhibition. Drawing on 200 semi-structured, qualitative interviews with a wide range of film viewers across four English regions, the North East, North West, South West and Yorkshire and the Humber, we assess perceptions of film exhibition in these regions. In doing so, we characterise five different modes of place in relation to the breadth of film exhibition, from distinctive film cities to mainstream multiplex towns. In particular, we focus on how access to film is simultaneously narrated through both localised proximity to cinemas of different types and virtual access to film through online platforms. This work provides further evidence of the uneven provision of diverse film in England but shows how film audiences relationally interpret their engagement within film as a cultural form.
The Development Of An Information Sharing Linkage Scale For Service Sector
Authors: Siti Aisyah Ya’kob  , Jamal Abdul Nassir Shaari  , Nor Afiza Abu Bakar
Published: March 2021

This study was done to evaluate the validity of an information sharing linkage scale which will be used for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in service sector. Content validity is evaluated by six experts in the field and quantified as content validity index (CVI). Content validity assessment is inclusive of four rating criteria which are relevance, clarity, simplicity and ambiguity. All items that fulfil the criteria of content validity index which isat least0.75 are usable for research instrument. The final version of linkages was improvised in 35 items with 3 factors for information sharing linkage i.e. customer linkage, supplier linkage, and internal linkage; 2 factors for firm performance i.e. operational performance and financial performance.
Working Memory Load Influence on Control of Attention among Malaysian Undergraduates
Authors: Amin Khairun Emylyana , Mohamad Fitri Suraya
Published: March 2021

The study investigates how working memory affects students' control of attention. A quasi-experimental research is conducted individually on 52 undergraduates of a public university in Malaysia, enrolled in various full-time undergraduate programmes, using Sternberg memory task and Task-switching tests. The reaction time is taken in milliseconds (ms) to differentiate the results for both tasks. The analysis revealed that when memory load was increased, reaction time also escalated. In the task-switching test, when one task was given at any one time, the reaction time was swift; however, when two or more tasks were integrated into one task, the reaction time would subsequently decelerated. Although the study also revealed that there is no significant difference between genders in terms of handling memory load and task-switching. However, a significant relationship was observed in performances between memory load and task-switching. It is also evidenced in the study that when memory load increases, it compounds the reaction time for task-switching. Results from the study inform course instructors to be aware of cognitive load when chunking information and assigning tasks to students, as their decisions on content quantity bore an effect on what would be remembered when students learn.
Strategies to Minimise Students’ Weaknesses in Discussion Essay
Authors: John Dexter Sigan
Published: March 2021

Discussion essay plays a crucial role in academic writing. It has been proven to enhance students' analytical and critical thinking skills effectively. However, students often struggle to compose a good writing due to their inability to use the language features. In that regard, this study aims to identify students’ weaknesses in the discussion essay and the changes seen after the intervention. The study used a purposive sample of 10 first-year students from the Computational Science Programme in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) who took Academic English 2 as an elective course. The study adapted the four stages of action research proposed by Mertler and Charles (2005). It administered a pre-test, post-test and an observation on the students. The findings indicate a significant decrease in the frequency of errors in the language features, namely verb, persuasive language and technical terms, after the two-month intervention. Students also exhibited positive learning behaviour throughout the intervention by participating actively in the learning activities.
A Comparative Assessment of Online Learning Readiness for First Year and Final Year Engineering Undergraduates
Authors: Lee Yee-Yong , Ting Su-Hie
Published: March 2021

Measuring student readiness in online learning should also be of great concern to institutions, including all areas from their curricular development to the pedagogies they experience. Although there have been attempts at universities to develop online learning courses, students' readiness has yet to be investigated, particularly for engineering students who take a mix of theoretical and practical-based courses. This study evaluates the readiness of civil engineering students toward the implementation of online learning and their preferences and acceptance towards online instructional delivery and assessment methods. Ways for improvement are proposed in line with the students’ readiness to determine the best desirable practices and strategies for online pedagogy. Respondents are selected from first and final year students, to examine and compare their online learning perspectives. A survey questionnaire was used. Findings revealed that year one and year four students' readiness was relatively moderate for most of the components and relatively high for the components that involved hardware/software requirements and technology skills. Most respondents indicated a moderate acceptance level on online assessment, ranging from a mean score of 3.46 to 3.81. As online learning is gradually becoming another method for life-long and self-determined learning, findings from the study might help university educators to develop better online learning strategies, especially delivery methods and assessments, to help students cope with online teaching and learning.
The Enigma of Substrate Recognition and Catalytic Efficiency of APE1-Like Enzymes
Authors: Davletgildeeva Anastasiia T. , Ishchenko Alexander A. , Saparbaev Murat , Fedorova Olga S. , Kuznetsov Nikita A.
Published: March 2021

Despite significant achievements in the elucidation of the nature of protein-DNA contacts that control the specificity of nucleotide incision repair (NIR) by apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonucleases, the question on how a given nucleotide is accommodated by the active site of the enzyme remains unanswered. Therefore, the main purpose of our study was to compare kinetics of conformational changes of three homologous APE1-like endonucleases (insect Drosophila melanogaster Rrp1, amphibian Xenopus laevis xAPE1, and fish Danio rerio zAPE1) during their interaction with various damaged DNA substrates, i.e., DNA containing an F-site (an uncleavable by DNA-glycosylases analog of an AP-site), 1,N6-ethenoadenosine (εA), 5,6-dihydrouridine (DHU), uridine (U), or the α-anomer of adenosine (αA). Pre-steady-state analysis of fluorescence time courses obtained for the interaction of the APE1-like enzymes with DNA substrates containing various lesions allowed us to outline a model of substrate recognition by this class of enzymes. It was found that the differences in rates of DNA substrates’ binding do not lead to significant differences in the cleavage efficiency of DNA containing a damaged base. The results suggest that the formation of enzyme–substrate complexes is not the key factor that limits enzyme turnover; the mechanisms of damage recognition and cleavage efficacy are related to fine conformational tuning inside the active site.
The Intertwined Evolution and Development of Sutures and Cranial Morphology
Authors: White Heather E. , Goswami Anjali , Tucker Abigail S.
Published: March 2021

Phenotypic variation across mammals is extensive and reflects their ecological diversification into a remarkable range of habitats on every continent and in every ocean. The skull performs many functions to enable each species to thrive within its unique ecological niche, from prey acquisition, feeding, sensory capture (supporting vision and hearing) to brain protection. Diversity of skull function is reflected by its complex and highly variable morphology. Cranial morphology can be quantified using geometric morphometric techniques to offer invaluable insights into evolutionary patterns, ecomorphology, development, taxonomy, and phylogenetics. Therefore, the skull is one of the best suited skeletal elements for developmental and evolutionary analyses. In contrast, less attention is dedicated to the fibrous sutural joints separating the cranial bones. Throughout postnatal craniofacial development, sutures function as sites of bone growth, accommodating expansion of a growing brain. As growth frontiers, cranial sutures are actively responsible for the size and shape of the cranial bones, with overall skull shape being altered by changes to both the level and time period of activity of a given cranial suture. In keeping with this, pathological premature closure of sutures postnatally causes profound misshaping of the skull (craniosynostosis). Beyond this crucial role, sutures also function postnatally to provide locomotive shock absorption, allow joint mobility during feeding, and, in later postnatal stages, suture fusion acts to protect the developed brain. All these sutural functions have a clear impact on overall cranial function, development and morphology, and highlight the importance that patterns of suture development have in shaping the diversity of cranial morphology across taxa. Here we focus on the mammalian cranial system and review the intrinsic relationship between suture development and morphology and cranial shape from an evolutionary developmental biology perspective, with a view to understanding the influence of sutures on evolutionary diversity. Future work integrating suture development into a comparative evolutionary framework will be instrumental to understanding how developmental mechanisms shaping sutures ultimately influence evolutionary diversity.
Early Life Microbiota Colonization at Six Months of Age: A Transitional Time Point
Authors: Raspini Benedetta , Vacca Mirco , Porri Debora , De Giuseppe Rachele , Calabrese Francesco Maria , Chieppa Marcello , Liso Marina , Cerbo Rosa Maria , Civardi Elisa , Garofoli Francesca , De Angelis Maria , Cena Hellas
Published: March 2021

Background

Early life gut microbiota is involved in several biological processes, particularly metabolism, immunity, and cognitive neurodevelopment. Perturbation in the infant’s gut microbiota increases the risk for diseases in early and later life, highlighting the importance of understanding the connections between perinatal factors with early life microbial composition. The present research paper is aimed at exploring the prenatal and postnatal factors influencing the infant gut microbiota composition at six months of age.

Methods

Gut microbiota of infants enrolled in the longitudinal, prospective, observational study “A.MA.MI” (Alimentazione MAmma e bambino nei primi MIlle giorni) was analyzed. We collected and analyzed 61 fecal samples at baseline (meconium, T0); at six months of age (T2), we collected and analyzed 53 fecal samples. Samples were grouped based on maternal and gestational weight factors, type of delivery, type of feeding, time of weaning, and presence/absence of older siblings. Alpha and beta diversities were evaluated to describe microbiota composition. Multivariate analyses were performed to understand the impact of the aforementioned factors on the infant’s microbiota composition at six months of age.

Results

Different clustering hypotheses have been tested to evaluate the impact of known metadata factors on the infant microbiota. Neither maternal body mass index nor gestational weight gain was able to determine significant differences in infant microbiota composition six months of age. Concerning the type of feeding, we observed a low alpha diversity in exclusive breastfed infants; conversely, non-exclusively breastfed infants reported an overgrowth of Ruminococcaceae and Flavonifractor. Furthermore, we did not find any statistically significant difference resulting from an early introduction of solid foods (before 4 months of age). Lastly, our sample showed a higher abundance of clostridial patterns in firstborn babies when compared to infants with older siblings in the family.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that, at this stage of life, there is not a single factor able to affect in a distinct way the infants’ gut microbiota development. Rather, there seems to be a complex multifactorial interaction between maternal and neonatal factors determining a unique microbial niche in the gastrointestinal tract.
Signaling Pathways Regulating Thermogenesis
Authors: Tabuchi Chihiro , Sul Hei Sook
Published: March 2021

Obesity, an excess accumulation of white adipose tissue (WAT), has become a global epidemic and is associated with complex diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Presently, there are no safe and effective therapeutic agents to treat obesity. In contrast to white adipocytes that store energy as triglycerides in unilocular lipid droplet, brown and brown-like or beige adipocytes utilize fatty acids (FAs) and glucose at a high rate mainly by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) action to uncouple mitochondrial proton gradient from ATP synthesis, dissipating energy as heat. Recent studies on the presence of brown or brown-like adipocytes in adult humans have revealed their potential as therapeutic targets in combating obesity. Classically, the main signaling pathway known to activate thermogenesis in adipocytes is β3-adrenergic signaling, which is activated by norepinephrine in response to cold, leading to activation of the thermogenic program and browning. In addition to the β3-adrenergic signaling, numerous other hormones and secreted factors have been reported to affect thermogenesis. In this review, we discuss several major pathways, β3-adrenergic, insulin/IGF1, thyroid hormone and TGFβ family, which regulate thermogenesis and browning of WAT.
The Effect of Mild Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Treatment on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Behboudi-Gandevani Samira , Bidhendi-Yarandi Razieh , Panahi Mohammad Hossein , Vaismoradi Mojtaba
Published: March 2021

Objectives

It is uncertain whether the treatment of mild gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) improves pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this systemic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of mild GDM treatment on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on the databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to retrieve studies that compared interventions for the treatment of mild GDM with usual antenatal care. The fixed/random effects models were used for the analysis of heterogeneous and non-heterogeneous results. Publication bias was assessed using the Harbord test. Also, the DerSimonian and Laird, and inverse variance methods were used to calculate the pooled odds ratio of events. The quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Modified Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment scale and the CONSORT checklist. In addition, the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias.

Results

The systematic review and meta-analysis involved ten studies consisting of 3317 pregnant women who received treatment for mild GDM and 4407 untreated counterparts. Accordingly, the treatment of mild GDM significantly reduced the risk of macrosomia (OR = 0.3; 95%CI = 0.3–0.4), large for gestational age (OR = 0.4; 95%CI = 0.3–0.5), shoulder dystocia (OR = 0.3; 95%CI = 0.2–0.6), caesarean-section (OR = 0.8; 95%CI = 0.7–0.9), preeclampsia (OR = 0.4; 95%CI = 0.3–0.6), elevated cord C-peptide (OR = 0.7; 95%CI = 0.6–0.9), and respiratory distress syndrome (OR = 0.7; 95%CI = 0.5–0.9) compared to untreated counterparts. Moreover, the risk of induced labor significantly increased in the treated group compared to the untreated group (OR = 1.3; 95%CI = 1.0–1.6). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of small for gestational age, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, birth trauma, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, and preterm birth. Sensitivity analysis based on the exclusion of secondary analysis data was all highly consistent with the main data analysis.

Conclusion

Treatment of mild GDM reduced the risk of selected important maternal outcomes including preeclampsia, macrosomia, large for gestational age, cesarean section, and shoulder dystocia without increasing the risk of small for gestational age. Nevertheless, the treatment could not reduce the risk of neonatal metabolic abnormalities or several complications in newborn.
Intracellular Progesterone Receptor and cSrc Protein Working Together to Regulate the Activity of Proteins Involved in Migration and Invasion of Human Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Bello-Alvarez Claudia , Moral-Morales Aylin Del , González-Arenas Aliesha , Camacho-Arroyo Ignacio
Published: March 2021

Glioblastomas are the most common and aggressive primary brain tumors in adults, and patients with glioblastoma have a median survival of 15 months. Some alternative therapies, such as Src family kinase inhibitors, have failed presumably because other signaling pathways compensate for their effects. In the last ten years, it has been proven that sex hormones such as progesterone (P4) can induce growth, migration, and invasion of glioblastoma cells through its intracellular progesterone receptor (PR), which is mostly known for its role as a transcription factor, but it can also induce non-genomic actions. These non-classic actions are, in part, a consequence of its interaction with cSrc, which plays a significant role in the progression of glioblastomas. We studied the relation between PR and cSrc, and its effects in human glioblastoma cells. Our results showed that P4 and R5020 (specific PR agonist) activated cSrc protein since both progestins increased the p-cSrc (Y416)/cSrc ratio in U251 and U87 human glioblastoma derived cell lines. When siRNA against the PR gene was used, the activation of cSrc by P4 was abolished. The co-immunoprecipitation assay showed that cSrc and PR interact in U251 cells. P4 treatment also promoted the increase in the p-Fak (Y397) (Y576/577)/Fak and the decrease in p-Paxillin (Y118)/Paxillin ratio, which are significant components of the focal adhesion complex and essential for migration and invasion processes. A siRNA against cSrc gene blocked the increase in the p-Fak (Y576/Y577)/Fak ratio and the migration induced by P4, but not the decrease in p-Paxillin (Y118)/Paxillin ratio. We analyzed the potential role of cSrc over PR phosphorylation in three databases, and one putative tyrosine residue in the amino acid 87 of PR was found. Our results showed that P4 induces the activation of cSrc protein through its PR. The latter and cSrc could interact in a bidirectional mode for regulating the activity of proteins involved in migration and invasion of glioblastomas.
Clinical and Genetic Spectrum of Stargardt Disease in Argentinean Patients
Authors: Mena Marcela D. , Moresco Angélica A. , Vidal Sofía H. , Aguilar-Cortes Diana , Obregon María G. , Fandiño Adriana C. , Sendoya Juan M. , Llera Andrea S. , Podhajcer Osvaldo L.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To describe the clinical and molecular spectrum of Stargardt disease (STGD) in a cohort of Argentinean patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 132 subjects comprising 95 probands clinically diagnosed with STGD and relatives from 16 of them. Targeted next-generation sequencing of the coding and splicing regions of ABCA4 and other phenocopying genes (ELOVL4, PROM1, and CNGB3) was performed in 97 STGD patients.

Results

We found two or more disease-causing variants in the ABCA4 gene in 69/95 (73%) probands, a single ABCA4 variant in 9/95 (9.5%) probands, and no ABCA4 variants in 17/95 (18%) probands. The final analysis identified 173 variants in ABCA4. Seventy-nine ABCA4 variants were unique, of which nine were novel. No significant findings were seen in the other evaluated genes.

Conclusion

This study describes the phenotypic and genetic features of STGD1 in an Argentinean cohort. The mutations p.(Gly1961Glu) and p.(Arg1129Leu) were the most frequent, representing almost 20% of the mutated alleles. We also expanded the ABCA4 mutational spectrum with nine novel disease-causing variants, of which eight might be associated with South American natives.
Immune System, Microbiota, and Microbial Metabolites: The Unresolved Triad in Colorectal Cancer Microenvironment
Authors: Hanus Michelle , Parada-Venegas Daniela , Landskron Glauben , Wielandt Ana Maria , Hurtado Claudia , Alvarez Karin , Hermoso Marcela A. , López-Köstner Francisco , De la Fuente Marjorie
Published: March 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. As with other cancers, CRC is a multifactorial disease due to the combined effect of genetic and environmental factors. Most cases are sporadic, but a small proportion is hereditary, estimated at around 5-10%. In both, the tumor interacts with heterogeneous cell populations, such as endothelial, stromal, and immune cells, secreting different signals (cytokines, chemokines or growth factors) to generate a favorable tumor microenvironment for cancer cell invasion and metastasis. There is ample evidence that inflammatory processes have a role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression in CCR. Different profiles of cell activation of the tumor microenvironment can promote pro or anti-tumor pathways; hence they are studied as a key target for the control of cancer progression. Additionally, the intestinal mucosa is in close contact with a microorganism community, including bacteria, bacteriophages, viruses, archaea, and fungi composing the gut microbiota. Aberrant composition of this microbiota, together with alteration in the diet‐derived microbial metabolites content (such as butyrate and polyamines) and environmental compounds has been related to CRC. Some bacteria, such as pks+ Escherichia coli or Fusobacterium nucleatum, are involved in colorectal carcinogenesis through different pathomechanisms including the induction of genetic mutations in epithelial cells and modulation of tumor microenvironment. Epithelial and immune cells from intestinal mucosa have Pattern-recognition receptors and G-protein coupled receptors (receptor of butyrate), suggesting that their activation can be regulated by intestinal microbiota and metabolites. In this review, we discuss how dynamics in the gut microbiota, their metabolites, and tumor microenvironment interplays in sporadic and hereditary CRC, modulating tumor progression.
Seasonal Mixing and Biological Controls of the Carbonate System in a River-Dominated Continental Shelf Subject to Eutrophication and Hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Huang Wei-Jen , Cai Wei-Jun , Hu Xinping
Published: March 2021

Large rivers export a large amount of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and nutrients to continental shelves; and subsequent river-to-sea mixing, eutrophication, and seasonal hypoxia (dissolved oxygen < 2 mg⋅L–1) can further modify DIC and nutrient distributions and fluxes. However, quantitative studies of seasonal carbonate variations on shelves are still insufficient. We collected total alkalinity (TA), DIC, and NO3– data from nine cruises conducted between 2006 and 2010 on the northern Gulf of Mexico continental shelf, an area strongly influenced by the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers. We applied a three-end-member model (based on salinity and potential alkalinity) to our data to remove the contribution of physical mixing to DIC and nitrate distribution patterns and to derive the net in situ removal of DIC and nitrate (ΔDIC and ΔNO3–, respectively). Systematic analyses demonstrated that the seasonal net DIC removal in the near-surface water was strong during summer and weak in winter. The peak in net DIC production in the near-bottom, subsurface waters of the inner and middle sections of the shelf occurred between July and September; it was coupled, but with a time lag, to the peak in the net DIC removal that occurred in the near-surface waters in June. A similar 2-month delay (i.e., January vs. November) could also be observed between their minima. A detailed examination of the relationship between ΔDIC and ΔNO3– demonstrates that net biological activity was the dominant factor of DIC removal and addition. Other effects, such as air–sea CO2 gas exchange, wetland exports, CaCO3 precipitation, and a regional variation of the Redfield ratio, were relatively minor. We suggest that the delayed coupling between eutrophic surface and hypoxic bottom waters reported here may also be seen in the carbon and nutrient cycles of other nutrient-rich, river-dominated ocean margins worldwide.
Si and SiGe Nanowire for Micro-Thermoelectric Generator: A Review of the Current State of the Art
Authors: Li You , Wang Guilei , Akbari-Saatlu Mehdi , Procek Marcin , Radamson Henry H.
Published: March 2021

In our environment, the large availability of wasted heat has motivated the search for methods to harvest heat. As a reliable way to supply energy, SiGe has been used for thermoelectric generators (TEGs) in space missions for decades. Recently, micro-thermoelectric generators (μTEG) have been shown to be a promising way to supply energy for the Internet of Things (IoT) by using daily waste heat. Combining the predominant CMOS compatibility with high electric conductivity and low thermal conductivity performance, Si nanowire and SiGe nanowire have been a candidate for μTEG. This review gives a comprehensive introduction of the Si, SiGe nanowires, and their possibility for μTEG. The basic thermoelectric principles, materials, structures, fabrication, measurements, and applications are discussed in depth.
Utilizing One-Way Valve to Optimize Turbocharger Performance on a Blended EGR Engine
Authors: Handa Gaurav , Denton Bradley , Rengarajan Sankar , Chadwell Christopher , Conway Graham
Published: March 2021

Internal combustion engines will be a part of personal transportation for the foreseeable future. One recent trend for engines has been downsizing which enables the engine to run more favorably over regulatory drive cycles. Another shift due to downsizing is the increase in engine power density which leads to problems with engine knock. One way to reduce the knock propensity of engines is by introducing Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) into the combustion chamber. Exhaust Gas Recirculation also helps improve fuel economy and can reduce NOX emissions. EGR reduces volumetric efficiency which places challenges on the boosting system. LP-EGR helps to lower backpressure and improves scavenging which helps reduce knock and operate at a high efficiency at the low-speed and high-load conditions. At high-speed, and high-load operation however, LP-EGR operation can choke the compressor. This would mean that the turbocharger would need resizing to allow a higher mass flow at these higher speed-load conditions. The HP-EGR helps by reducing the flow rates to the compressor at the higher speed-load conditions which avoids compressor choke and permits a full load performance while retaining a smaller, more transient capable turbocharger. The concept of a one-way valve in the HP-EGR Loop has been explored in this paper. During HP-EGR operation, pressure pulsations drive the intake air back through the HP-EGR Loop and limit the maximum amount of HP-EGR. A one-way valve would prevent any backflow and permit a greater HP-EGR flow for a given average delta pressure. For a given EGR rate, this enables a wider throttle position and thus better controllability at the higher speed-load conditions. Engine testing with the one-way valve suggested that the HP-EGR rate at the high speed/load condition was nearly doubled while reducing the PMEP with an improvement in the Brake Specific Fuel Consumption . Additionally, this led to more reasonable actuator positions in terms of the EGR valve and the intake throttle to ensure better controllability.
Associations Between Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Infection: Overview of Pharmacoepidemiological Studies
Authors: Imatoh Takuya , Saito Yoshiro
Published: March 2021

Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are classified as type B adverse drug reactions, and are severe, potentially fatal rare disorders. However, the pathogenesis of SJS/TEN is not fully understood. The onset of SJS/TEN is triggered by the immune system in response to antigens with or by drugs. As activation of the immune system is important, infection could be a risk factor for the onset of SJS/TEN. Based on the hypothesis that infections induce the onset of SJS/TEN, we conducted pharmacoepidemiological investigations using two spontaneous adverse drug reaction reporting databases (Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database and Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System) and Japanese medical information database. These data suggest that infection could be a risk factor for the development of SJS/TEN. In this mini-review, we discuss the association between infection and the development of SJS/TEN.
Graphene-Based Nanomaterials Modulate Internal Biofilm Interactions and Microbial Diversity
Authors: Evariste Lauris , Braylé Paul , Mouchet Florence , Silvestre Jérôme , Gauthier Laury , Flahaut Emmanuel , Pinelli Eric , Barret Maialen
Published: March 2021

Graphene-based nanomaterials (GBMs), such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), possess unique properties triggering high expectations for the development of new technological applications and are forecasted to be produced at industrial-scale. This raises the question of potential adverse outcomes on living organisms and especially toward microorganisms constituting the basis of the trophic chain in ecosystems. However, investigations on GBMs toxicity were performed on various microorganisms using single species that are helpful to determine toxicity mechanisms but fail to predict the consequences of the observed effects at a larger organization scale. Thus, this study focuses on the ecotoxicological assessment of GO and rGO toward a biofilm composed of the diatom Nitzschia palea associated to a bacterial consortium. After 48 and 144 h of exposure to these GBMs at 0, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg.L−1, their effects on the diatom physiology, the structure, and the metabolism of bacterial communities were measured through the use of flow cytometry, 16S amplicon sequencing, and Biolog ecoplates, respectively. The exposure to both of these GBMs stimulated the diatom growth. Besides, GO exerted strong bacterial growth inhibition as from 1 mg.L−1, influenced the taxonomic composition of diatom-associated bacterial consortium, and increased transiently the bacterial activity related to carbon cycling, with weak toxicity toward the diatom. On the contrary, rGO was shown to exert a weaker toxicity toward the bacterial consortium, whereas it influenced more strongly the diatom physiology. When compared to the results from the literature using single species tests, our study suggests that diatoms benefited from diatom-bacteria interactions and that the biofilm was able to maintain or recover its carbon-related metabolic activities when exposed to GBMs.
The Molecular Clock and Neurodegenerative Disease: A Stressful Time
Authors: Carter Bethany , Justin Hannah S. , Gulick Danielle , Gamsby Joshua J.
Published: March 2021

Circadian rhythm dysfunction occurs in both common and rare neurodegenerative diseases. This dysfunction manifests as sleep cycle mistiming, alterations in body temperature rhythms, and an increase in symptomatology during the early evening hours known as Sundown Syndrome. Disruption of circadian rhythm homeostasis has also been implicated in the etiology of neurodegenerative disease. Indeed, individuals exposed to a shifting schedule of sleep and activity, such as health care workers, are at a higher risk. Thus, a bidirectional relationship exists between the circadian system and neurodegeneration. At the heart of this crosstalk is the molecular circadian clock, which functions to regulate circadian rhythm homeostasis. Over the past decade, this connection has become a focal point of investigation as the molecular clock offers an attractive target to combat both neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis and circadian rhythm dysfunction, and a pivotal role for neuroinflammation and stress has been established. This review summarizes the contributions of molecular clock dysfunction to neurodegenerative disease etiology, as well as the mechanisms by which neurodegenerative diseases affect the molecular clock.
The Dose-Dependent Pleiotropic Effects of the UBB+1 Ubiquitin Mutant
Authors: Banasiak Katarzyna , Szulc Natalia A. , Pokrzywa Wojciech
Published: March 2021

The proteolytic machinery activity diminishes with age, leading to abnormal accumulation of aberrant proteins; furthermore, a decline in protein degradation capacity is associated with multiple age-related proteinopathies. Cellular proteostasis can be maintained via the removal of ubiquitin (Ub)-tagged damaged and redundant proteins by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). However, during aging, central nervous system (CNS) cells begin to express a frameshift-mutated Ub, UBB+1. Its accumulation is a neuropathological hallmark of tauopathy, including Alzheimer’s disease and polyglutamine diseases. Mechanistically, in cell-free and cell-based systems, an increase in the UBB+1 concentration disrupts proteasome processivity, leading to increased aggregation of toxic proteins. On the other hand, a low level of UBB+1 improves stress resistance and extends lifespan. Here we summarize recent findings regarding the impact of UBB+1 on Ub signaling and neurodegeneration. We also review the molecular basis of how UBB+1 affects UPS components as well as its dose-dependent switch between cytoprotective and cytotoxic roles.