bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing non-exponential growth and bimodal cell size distributions in fission yeast: An analytical approach
Authors: Jia Chen , Singh Abhyudai , Grima Ramon
Published: January 2022

Unlike many single-celled organisms, the growth of fission yeast cells within a cell cycle is not exponential. It is rather characterized by three distinct phases (elongation, septation, and reshaping), each with a different growth rate. Experiments also showed that the distribution of cell size in a lineage can be bimodal, unlike the unimodal distributions measured for the bacterium Escherichia coli. Here we construct a detailed stochastic model of cell size dynamics in fission yeast. The theory leads to analytic expressions for the cell size and the birth size distributions, and explains the origin of bimodality seen in experiments. In particular, our theory shows that the left peak in the bimodal distribution is associated with cells in the elongation phase, while the right peak is due to cells in the septation and reshaping phases. We show that the size control strategy, the variability in the added size during a cell cycle, and the fraction of time spent in each of the three cell growth phases have a strong bearing on the shape of the cell size distribution. Furthermore, we infer all the parameters of our model by matching the theoretical cell size and birth size distributions to those from experimental single-cell time-course data for seven different growth conditions. Our method provides a much more accurate means of determining the size control strategy (timer, adder or sizer) than the standard method based on the slope of the best linear fit between the birth and division sizes. We also show that the variability in added size and the strength of size control in fission yeast depend weakly on the temperature but strongly on the culture medium. More importantly, we find that stronger size homeostasis and larger added size variability are required for fission yeast to adapt to unfavorable environmental conditions.
DeLTA 2.0: A deep learning pipeline for quantifying single-cell spatial and temporal dynamics
Authors: O’Connor Owen M. , Alnahhas Razan N. , Lugagne Jean-Baptiste , Dunlop Mary J.
Published: January 2022

Improvements in microscopy software and hardware have dramatically increased the pace of image acquisition, making analysis a major bottleneck in generating quantitative, single-cell data. Although tools for segmenting and tracking bacteria within time-lapse images exist, most require human input, are specialized to the experimental set up, or lack accuracy. Here, we introduce DeLTA 2.0, a purely Python workflow that can rapidly and accurately analyze images of single cells on two-dimensional surfaces to quantify gene expression and cell growth. The algorithm uses deep convolutional neural networks to extract single-cell information from time-lapse images, requiring no human input after training. DeLTA 2.0 retains all the functionality of the original version, which was optimized for bacteria growing in the mother machine microfluidic device, but extends results to two-dimensional growth environments. Two-dimensional environments represent an important class of data because they are more straightforward to implement experimentally, they offer the potential for studies using co-cultures of cells, and they can be used to quantify spatial effects and multi-generational phenomena. However, segmentation and tracking are significantly more challenging tasks in two-dimensions due to exponential increases in the number of cells. To showcase this new functionality, we analyze mixed populations of antibiotic resistant and susceptible cells, and also track pole age and growth rate across generations. In addition to the two-dimensional capabilities, we also introduce several major improvements to the code that increase accessibility, including the ability to accept many standard microscopy file formats as inputs and the introduction of a Google Colab notebook so users can try the software without installing the code on their local machine. DeLTA 2.0 is rapid, with run times of less than 10 minutes for complete movies with hundreds of cells, and is highly accurate, with error rates around 1%, making it a powerful tool for analyzing time-lapse microscopy data.
DNA methylation and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in DDX58 are associated with hand, foot and mouth disease caused by enterovirus 71
Authors: Li Ya-Ping , Liu Chen-Rui , Deng Hui-Ling , Wang Mu-Qi , Tian Yan , Chen Yuan , Zhang Yu-Feng , Dang Shuang-Suo , Zhai Song
Published: January 2022

Background

This research aimed to explore the association between the RIG-I-like receptor (RIG-I and MDA5 encoded by DDX58 and IFIH1, respectively) pathways and the risk or severity of hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71-HFMD). In this context, we explored the influence of gene methylation and polymorphism on EV71-HFMD.

Methodology/Principal findings

60 healthy controls and 120 EV71-HFMD patients, including 60 mild EV71-HFMD and 60 severe EV71-HFMD patients, were enrolled. First, MiSeq was performed to explore the methylation of CpG islands in the DDX58 and IFIH1 promoter regions. Then, DDX58 and IFIH1 expression were detected in PBMCs using RT-qPCR. Finally, imLDR was used to detect DDX58 and IFIH1 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes. Severe EV71-HFMD patients exhibited higher DDX58 promoter methylation levels than healthy controls and mild EV71-HFMD patients. DDX58 promoter methylation was significantly associated with severe HFMD, sex, vomiting, high fever, neutrophil abundance, and lymphocyte abundance. DDX58 expression levels were significantly lower in mild patients than in healthy controls and lower in severe patients than in mild patients. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the genotype frequencies of DDX58 rs3739674 between the mild and severe groups. GeneMANIA revealed that 19 proteins displayed correlations with DDX58, including DHX58, HERC5, MAVS, RAI14, WRNIP1 and ISG15, and 19 proteins displayed correlations with IFIH1, including TKFC, IDE, MAVS, DHX58, NLRC5, TSPAN6, USP3 and DDX58.

Conclusions/Significance

DDX58 expression and promoter methylation were associated with EV71 infection progression, especially in severe EV71-HFMD patients. The effect of DDX58 in EV71-HFMD is worth further attention.
Can Stephen Curry really know?—Conscious access to outcome prediction of motor actions
Authors: Maurer Lisa Katharina , Maurer Heiko , Hegele Mathias , Müller Hermann
Published: January 2022

The NBA player Stephen Curry has a habit of turning away from the basket right after taking three-point shots even before the ball reaches the basket, suggesting that he can reliably predict whether the just released shot will hit or not. In order to use this “knowledge” to deliberately decide which action to take next, Stephen Curry needs conscious access to the results of internal processes of outcome prediction and valuation. In general, computational simulations and empirical data suggest that the quality of such internal predictions is related to motor skill level. Whether the results of internal predictions can reliably be consciously accessed, however, is less clear. In the current study, 30 participants each practiced a virtual goal-oriented throwing task for 1000 trials. Every second trial, they were required to verbally predict the success of the current throw. Results showed that on average, verbal prediction accuracy was above an individually computed chance level, taking into account individual success rates and response strategies. Furthermore, prediction accuracy was related to task skill level. Participants with better performances predicted the success of their throws more accurately than participants with poorer performances. For the poorer performing individuals, movement execution was negatively affected when the verbalized predictions were required. They also showed no noticeable modulation of speech characteristics (response latency) for correct and incorrect predictions as observed in the high performers.
Confounds of using the unc-58 selection marker highlights the importance of genotyping co-CRISPR genes
Authors: Rawsthorne-Manning Helena , Calahorro Fernando , G. Izquierdo Patricia , Tardy Philippe , Boulin Thomas , Holden-Dye Lindy , O’Connor Vincent , Dillon James
Published: January 2022

Multiple advances have been made to increase the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 editing using the model genetic organismCaenorhabditis elegans(C.elegans). Here we report on the use of co-CRISPR ‘marker’ genes: worms in which co-CRISPR events have occurred have overt, visible phenotypes which facilitates the selection of worms that harbour CRISPR events in the target gene. Mutation in the co-CRISPR gene is then removed by outcrossing to wild type but this can be challenging if the CRISPR and co-CRISPR gene are hard to segregate. However, segregating away the co-CRISPR modified gene can be less challenging if the worms selected appear wild type and are selected from a jackpot brood. These are broods in which a high proportion of the progeny of a single injected worm display the co-CRISPR phenotype suggesting high CRISPR efficiency. This can deliver worms that harbour the desired mutation in the target gene locus without the co-CRISPR mutation. We have successfully generated a discrete mutation in theC.elegans nlg-1gene using this method. However, in the process of sequencing to authenticate editing in thenlg-1gene we discovered genomic rearrangements that arise at the co-CRISPR geneunc-58that by visual observation were phenotypically silent but nonetheless resulted in a significant reduction in motility scored by thrashing behaviour. This highlights that careful consideration of the hidden consequences of co-CRISPR mediated genetic changes should be taken before downstream analysis of gene function. Given this, we suggest sequencing of co-CRISPR genes following CRISPR procedures that utilise phenotypic selection as part of the pipeline.
Implementation intentions speed up young adults’ responses to prospective memory targets in everyday life
Authors: Szarras-Kudzia Kaja , Niedźwieńska Agnieszka
Published: January 2022

Prospective memory (PM), which is the ability to remember to do something in the future, is vitally important for successful everyday functioning. Although young adults demonstrate high PM abilities in laboratory settings, their abilities to complete intended actions in naturalistic settings are surprisingly low. The present study tested the effectiveness of various encoding techniques in improving young adults’ performance in everyday life. Ninety-two participants were asked to remember to take photographs of receipts for a duration of seven days. The task instructions were either given alone or followed by: (a) the if-then statement, (b) visualising the task, or (c) the combination of the if-then statement plus visualisation. The if-then statement alone significantly speeded up responses to the prospective memory targets, i.e., less time elapsed between getting a receipt and taking a photograph of it. With no effect of the if-then statement on the proportion of correct PM responses, the results may suggest that the if-then statement strengthened the PM cue-intention association but did not influence the PM cue saliency.
Cost-effective synthesis of 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanocrystals: An exploration of the influence on cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and bio-imaging
Authors: Sahoo Dhirendra , Behera Sushreesangita P. , Shakya Jyoti , Kaviraj Bhaskar
Published: January 2022

Ultrasmall MoS2 nanocrystals have unique optoelectronic and catalytic properties that have acquired significant attraction in many areas. We propose here a simple and economical method for synthesizing the luminescent nanocrystals MoS2 using the hydrothermal technique. In addition, the synthesized MoS2 nanocrystals display photoluminescence that is tunable according to size. MoS2 nanocrystals have many advantages, such as stable dispersion, low toxicity and luminescent characteristics, offering their encouraging applicability in biomedical disciplines. In this study, human lung cancer epithelial cells (A549) are used to assess fluorescence imaging of MoS2 nanocrystals. MTT assay, trypan blue assay, flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging results have shown that MoS2 nanocrystals can selectively target and destroy lung cancer cells, especially drug-resistant cells (A549).
Curcumin suppresses tumorigenesis by ferroptosis in breast cancer
Authors: Cao Xuelei , Li Yao , Wang Yongbin , Yu Tao , Zhu Chao , Zhang Xuezhi , Guan Jialiang
Published: January 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumors found in females. Previous studies have demonstrated that curcumin, which is a type of polyphenol compound extracted from Curcuma longa underground rhizome, is able to inhibit the survival of cancer cells. However, the functional role and mechanism of curcumin in BC are still unclear. The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to examine the effects of curcumin on cell viability in the BC cell lines MDA-MB-453 and MCF-7. The levels of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) production, and intracellular Fe2+ were determined to assess the effects of curcumin on cell ferroptosis. Western blot analysis was also carried out to detect the protein levels. Finally, the antitumorigenic effect of curcumin on BC was identified in a xenograft tumor model. In the present study, the results indicated that curcumin could dose-dependently suppress the viability of both MDA-MB-453 and MCF-7 cells. Further studies revealed that curcumin facilitated solute carrier family 1 member 5 (SLC1A5)-mediated ferroptosis in both MDA-MB-453 and MCF-7 cells by enhancing lipid ROS levels, lipid peroxidation end-product MDA accumulation, and intracellular Fe2+ levels. In vivo experiments demonstrated that curcumin could significantly hamper tumor growth. Collectively, the results demonstrated that curcumin exhibited antitumorigenic activity in BC by promoting SLC1A5-mediated ferroptosis, which suggests its use as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of BC.
Introduction to the potential of Ferula ovina in dental implant research due to estrogenic bioactive compounds and adhesive properties
Authors: Zare Mirakabad Hoda , Khorramizadeh M. Reza
Published: January 2022

Recent developments in dental implant have heightened the urgent need to natural tissue adhesives estrogenic materials with ability of promoting the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in human dental pulp-derived stem cells, to provide better integration of tissue for dentistry. Up to now, far little attention has been paid to adhesives extract of the root of Ferula sp. which contains biomaterial compounds with estrogenic activities. Prior to undertaking the investigation, analysis of the extract of the root of F. ovina revealed a novel terpenoid, and we identified it as Fenoferin. So far, this paper has focused on Fenoferin compared to Ferutinin and root extract to determine if Fenoferin caused changes in craniofacial cartilage, bone (ceratohyal) and tooth mineralization. Following the purpose of study, we used zebrafish as a well-developed model system for studying bone development, so the developing zebrafish larvae were exposed to various concentration of compounds at 2dpf, and the histological analyses were performed at 6dpf. The result of the current study highlights the importance of F. ovina in studies related to dental regenerative medicine.
Effect of prorenin peptide vaccine on the early phase of diabetic retinopathy in a murine model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yokota Harumasa , Hayashi Hiroki , Hanaguri Junya , Yamagami Satoru , Kushiyama Akifumi , Nakagami Hironori , Nagaoka Taiji
Published: January 2022

Prorenin is viewed as an ideal target molecule in the prevention of diabetic retinopathy. However, no drugs are available for inhibiting activation of prorenin. Here, we tested the effect of a prorenin peptide vaccine (VP) in the retina of a murine model of type 2 diabetes (T2D). To choose the optimal vaccine, we selected three different epitopes of the prorenin prosegment (E1, E2, and E3) and conjugated them to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). We injected C57BL/6J mice twice with KLH only (as a control vaccine), E1 conjugated with KLH (E1-KLH), E2-KLH, or E3-KLH and compared antibody titers. E2-KLH showed the highest antibody titer and specific immunoreactivity of anti-sera against prorenin, so we used E2-KLH as VP. Then, we administered injections to the non-diabetic db/m and diabetic db/db mice, as follows: db/m + KLH, db/db + KLH, and db/db + VP. Retinal blood flow measurement with laser speckle flowgraphy showed that the impaired retinal circulation response to both flicker light and systemic hyperoxia in db/db mice improved with VP. Furthermore, the prolonged implicit time of b-wave and oscillatory potentials in electroretinography was prevented, and immunohistochemical analysis showed reduced microglial activation, gliosis, and vascular leakage. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay confirmed vaccinated mice had no auto-immune response against prorenin itself. The present data suggest that vaccination against prorenin is an effective and safe measure against the early pathological changes of diabetic retinopathy in T2D.
The impact of using digitally-mediated social stories on the perceived competence and attitudes of parents and practitioners supporting children with autism
Authors: Camilleri Louis John , Maras Katie , Brosnan Mark
Published: January 2022

A Social Story (SS) is a highly acceptable and widely used intervention by the autism community. Yet, inconsistent implementation of the intervention is reported to be one of the causes of variability in terms of outcome research, particularly in a naturalistic context. This study aimed to (1) investigate whether digitally-mediated social stories (SSs) can improve competence in developing and delivering a SS and thus contribute towards improved implementation, and (2) investigate the impact of the digitally-mediated SS on attitudes towards the SS intervention. Ninety-three participants took an initial pre-engagement survey. Forty-eight of these participants also complete a post-engagement survey. A pre-post design was utilised with the participants who completed both surveys. These 48 participants were invited to develop a digitally-mediated SS with the aim of exploring how digitally-mediated SSs impacted perceived competence and attitudes. Post-engagement data was collected two weeks after the pre-engagement data. Outcomes of this study indicate that both perceived competence and attitudes improved after engaging with digitally-mediated SSs. It is concluded that digitally-mediated SS not only impacted the integrity of how the intervention was delivered but also the beliefs in the participants’ capabilities to develop and deliver a SS. Digitally-mediated SS, thus, has the potential to effectively support development and delivery whilst also addressing challenges related to intervention implementation in a naturalistic context.
Experiences of Black and Latinx health care workers in support roles during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Rivera-Núñez Zorimar , Jimenez Manuel E. , Crabtree Benjamin F. , Hill Diane , Pellerano Maria B. , Devance Donita , Macenat Myneka , Lima Daniel , Gordon Marsha , Sullivan Brittany , Rosati Robert J. , Ferrante Jeanne M. , Barrett Emily S. , Blaser Martin J. , Panettieri Reynold A. , Hudson Shawna V.
Published: January 2022

Black and Latinx individuals, and in particular women, comprise an essential health care workforce often serving in support roles such as nursing assistants and dietary service staff. Compared to physicians and nurses, they are underpaid and potentially undervalued, yet play a critical role in health systems. This study examined the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from the perspective of Black and Latinx health care workers in support roles (referred to here as HCWs). From December 2020 to February 2021, we conducted 2 group interviews (n = 9, 1 group in English and 1 group in Spanish language) and 8 individual interviews (1 in Spanish and 7 in English) with HCWs. Participants were members of a high-risk workforce as well as of communities that suffered disproportionately during the pandemic. Overall, they described disruptive changes in responsibilities and roles at work. These disruptions were intensified by the constant fear of contracting COVID-19 themselves and infecting their family members. HCWs with direct patient care responsibilities reported reduced opportunities for personal connection with patients. Perspectives on vaccines reportedly changed over time, and were influenced by peers’ vaccination and information from trusted sources. The pandemic has exposed the stress endured by an essential workforce that plays a critical role in healthcare. As such, healthcare systems need to dedicate resources to improve the work conditions for this marginalized workforce including offering resources that support resilience. Overall working conditions and, wages must be largely improved to ensure their wellbeing and retain them in their roles to manage the next public health emergency. The role of HCWs serving as ambassadors to provide accurate information on COVID-19 and vaccination among their coworkers and communities also warrants further study.
Costs of polish county hospitals–A behavioral panel function
Authors: Sielska Agata
Published: January 2022

In the paper the costs of Polish county hospitals in 2015–2018 are studied using behavioral cost function. The set of variables combines hospitals’ characteristics which may determine their level of costs, such as the form of ownership, bed turnover rate, number of patient-days and share of beds in emergency department with environment characteristics which may influence both outsourcing costs and patients’ health. In 2017 the system of basic hospital service provision (hospital network) was introduced in Poland. Dummy variables included in the model represent the category of hospital in the system. The results show that the costs may be described using fixed effect panel model. Positive impact of percentage of emergency department patients transferred to other departments and of wages is found. Higher ratio of residents and interns to doctors is found to decrease costs. Dummy variable for the period after the introduction of hospital network assumed a negative sign with costs, but the parameter remained insignificant.
New data on the validity of the Fazio Laterality Inventory
Authors: Dragan Wojciech Łukasz , Śliwerski Andrzej , Folkierska-Żukowska Monika
Published: January 2022

The Fazio Laterality Inventory (FLI) is a recent measure of handedness. Although initially validated, there is still a lack of studies assessing its psychometric properties in samples outside the USA. The present study explores the validity of the Polish adaptation of the FLI. We used data gathered from a convenience sample of 727 participants. They completed the FLI and the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory to establish concurrent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to investigate the factor structure of the FLI. In addition, an Item Response Theory (IRT) model for continuous item scores was also used to identify the discrimination and difficulty parameters of the FLI items. The Polish version of the FLI was characterized by good reliability indices and has high concurrent validity with the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. We identified a bi-factorial structure for the questionnaire. The IRT analyses showed that the FLI items have good discrimination and difficulty parameters. Our study provides new insights into the properties of the Fazio Laterality Inventory.
Fibrin(ogen) engagement of S. aureus promotes the host antimicrobial response and suppression of microbe dissemination following peritoneal infection
Authors: Negrón Oscar , Hur Woosuk S. , Prasad Joni , Paul David S. , Rowe Sarah E. , Degen Jay L. , Abrahams Sara R. , Antoniak Silvio , Conlon Brian P. , Bergmeier Wolfgang , Hӧӧk Magnus , Flick Matthew J.
Published: January 2022

The blood-clotting protein fibrin(ogen) plays a critical role in host defense against invading pathogens, particularly against peritoneal infection by the Gram-positive microbe Staphylococcus aureus. Here, we tested the hypothesis that direct binding between fibrin(ogen) and S. aureus is a component of the primary host antimicrobial response mechanism and prevention of secondary microbe dissemination from the peritoneal cavity. To establish a model system, we showed that fibrinogen isolated from FibγΔ5 mice, which express a mutant form lacking the final 5 amino acids of the fibrinogen γ chain (termed fibrinogenγΔ5), did not support S. aureus adherence when immobilized and clumping when in suspension. In contrast, purified wildtype fibrinogen supported robust adhesion and clumping that was largely dependent on S. aureus expression of the receptor clumping factor A (ClfA). Following peritoneal infection with S. aureus USA300, FibγΔ5 mice displayed worse survival compared to WT mice coupled to reduced bacterial killing within the peritoneal cavity and increased dissemination of the microbes into circulation and distant organs. The failure of acute bacterial killing, but not enhanced dissemination, was partially recapitulated by mice infected with S. aureus USA300 lacking ClfA. Fibrin polymer formation and coagulation transglutaminase Factor XIII each contributed to killing of the microbes within the peritoneal cavity, but only elimination of polymer formation enhanced systemic dissemination. Host macrophage depletion or selective elimination of the fibrin(ogen) β2-integrin binding motif both compromised local bacterial killing and enhanced S. aureus systemic dissemination, suggesting fibrin polymer formation in and of itself was not sufficient to retain S. aureus within the peritoneal cavity. Collectively, these findings suggest that following peritoneal infection, the binding of S. aureus to stabilized fibrin matrices promotes a local, macrophage-mediated antimicrobial response essential for prevention of microbe dissemination and downstream host mortality.
The c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase contributes to neutrophil-driven pathology in cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Passelli Katiuska , Prat-Luri Borja , Merlot Margot , Goris Michiel , Mazzone Massimiliano , Tacchini-Cottier Fabienne
Published: January 2022

Neutrophils are the first line of defence against invading pathogens. Although neutrophils are well-known professional killers, some pathogens including Leishmania (L.) parasites survive in neutrophils, using these cells to establish infection. Manipulation of neutrophil recruitment to the infection site is therefore of interest in this cutaneous disease. The c-MET tyrosine kinase receptor was shown to promote neutrophil migration to inflamed sites. Here, we investigated the importance of c-MET expression on neutrophils in their recruitment to the infection site and the role of c-Met expression in the pathology of leishmaniasis. Following infection with L. mexicana, mice with conditional deletion of c-MET in neutrophils controlled significantly better their lesion development and parasite burden compared to similarly infected wild type mice. Our data reveal a specific role for c-MET activation in Leishmania-induced neutrophil infiltration, a process correlating with their negative role in the pathology of the diseases. We further show that c-MET phosphorylation is observed in established cutaneous lesions. Exposure to L. mexicana upregulated c-Met expression predominantly in infected neutrophils and c-Met expression influenced ROS release by neutrophils. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of c-MET, administrated once the lesion is established, induced a significant decrease in lesion size associated with diminished infiltration of neutrophils. Both genetic ablation of c-MET in neutrophils and systemic inhibition of c-MET locally resulted in higher levels of CD4+T cells producing IFNγ, suggesting a crosstalk between neutrophils and these cells. Collectively, our data show that c-MET activation in neutrophils contributes to their recruitment following infection, and that L. mexicana induction of c-MET on neutrophils impacts the local pathology associated with this disease. Our results suggest a potential use for this inhibitor in the control of the cutaneous lesion during this parasitic infection.
Indian Sound Cultures, Indian Sound Citizenship, Laura Brueck, Jacob Smith and Neil Verma (eds) (2020)
Authors: Halper Donna L.
Published: January 2022

Review of: Indian Sound Cultures, Indian Sound Citizenship, Laura Brueck, Jacob Smith and Neil Verma (eds) (2020)

Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 338 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-47205-434-3, p/bk, USD 44.95
Technology has its role to play in our work, and i believe technology is providing support in the fields that we operate in
Authors: Secară Alina
Published: January 2022

Technologies such as speech recognition and machine translation are starting to change the audiovisual translation landscape, both in terms of the skills linguists need to successfully compete in the language services market and how training needs to adapt to this change. This interview highlights how such technologies have impacted audiovisual translation training, focusing specifically on subtitling and captioning.
Sometimes we need to warn people about the illusion that mathematics or statistics will solve it all
Authors: Gile Daniel
Published: January 2022

En esta entrevista, Daniel Gile, uno de los referentes más importantes en el mundo de la interpretación, tanto en su faceta profesional como académica e investigadora, nos cuenta cómo llegó a ser intérprete tras haber estudiado Matemáticas y en qué medida este hecho ha influido en su forma de aproximarse a la investigación en interpretación. Además, nos ofrece un certero análisis sobre el estado actual de la disciplina, tanto en España como a escala internacional.
El estudiante tiene que aprender a evaluar y valorar adecuadamente su propia prestación, al margen ya de las calificaciones
Authors: Collados Aís Ángela
Published: January 2022

En esta entrevista Ángela Collados Aís nos habla sobre su trabajo como investigadora en el Grupo de investigación ECIS para la evaluación de la calidad en interpretación simultánea. En torno a este tema se plantean algunas cuestiones directamente relacionadas con la docencia, las modalidades de interpretación y la situación laboral de las personas que se dedican a la interpretación en ámbitos tan distintos, desde el punto de vista de la evaluación de la calidad, como la Interpretación en los servicios públicos o la Interpretación de conferencias.
Las cosas llegan, pero hay que echarles mucha paciencia
Authors: García Salgado Neila
Published: January 2022

Neila García Salgado es una antigua alumna de la Facultad de Traducción y Documentación de la Universidad de Salamanca. Fue galardonada con el Premio Nacional a la mejor traducción de 2018 por Encontraste un alma, poesía completa, de Edith Södergran, una traducción del sueco al castellano. Sus lenguas de trabajo son el inglés, el alemán, el sueco, y traduce hacia el español y el gallego. Además, es socia de ACE traductores y una gran defensora de la labor de los traductores.
Orientation and Mobility Skills of Children with Visual Impairment in Low-income Families in Central Uganda
Authors: Niyisabwa Odette Tumwesigye , Musenyente Elijah
Published: January 2022

The study investigated the Orientation and Mobility (O&M) skills of children with visual impairment in low-income families in Central Uganda. Specifically, the study explored the existing situation of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) skills of children with visual impairment, their independence, as well as factors responsible for the existing situation. The qualitative research collected information from parents or guardians of children with visual impairment and a Social Worker. The findings indicated that children with visual impairment had poor O&M skills because of lack of involvement in activities. These due to several reasons that included overprotection, no exposure to stimulating environments, and negative attitudes which consequently led to neglect, mistreatment, starvation, and fear to initiate movement. Results also indicated that, involvement in rehabilitation care for the children was generally lacking among fathers than mothers.
Artikel ini meneliti keterampilan Orientasi dan Mobilitas (O&M) anak-anak tunanetra di keluarga berpenghasilan rendah di Uganda Tengah. Secara khusus, penelitian ini mengeksplorasi kondisi tingkat keterampilan Orientasi dan Mobilitas (O&M) anak tunanetra, kemandirian mereka, serta faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi atas kondisi yang ada. Penelitian kualitatif dalam artikel ini mengumpulkan informasi dari para orang tua atau wali anak tunanetra dan seorang pekerja sosial yang dipilih secara sengaja. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa anak tunanetra memiliki keterampilan O&M yang buruk karena kurangnya keterlibatan dalam kegiatan. Di antara penyebabnya adalah perlindungan orang tua yang berlebihan, tidak memiliki lingkungan yang stimulatif, dan sikap negatif yang mengakibatkan pengabaian, perlakuan buruk, kelaparan, dan ketakutan untuk memulai gerakan. Hasil juga menunjukkan bahwa, keterlibatan bapak dalam perawatan rehabilitasi untuk anak-anak umumnya lebih sedikit daripada keterlibatan ibu.
Sinergi Pendampingan sebagai Modal Pembelajaran Pendidikan Inklusif di PKBM Yogyakarta
Authors: Munifah Munifah , Ardiyansyah Bagus
Published: January 2022

Studies on inclusive education in non-formal institutions such as PKBM (Center for Community Learning Activities) have not been widely carried out. Whereas PKBM also accepts students with various backgrounds. The inclusion of children with disabilities in the same learning environment with other children in PKBM HSPG Homeschooling Yogyakarta can show how inclusive education is practiced in non-formal institutions. Taking PKBM as a case study, this paper examines interesting practices that characterize PKBM HSPG Homeschooling Yogyakarta. Data were obtained from tutors, students, and parents. Through a synergy strategy of mentoring and flexibility of inclusive education curriculum, PKBM HSPG Homeschooling Yogyakarta has facilitated the practice of inclusive education for children with disabilities in informal education system.
Studi tentang pendidikan inklusif di lembaga nonformal seperti PKBM (Pusat Kegiatan Belajar masyarakat) belum banyak dilakukan. Padahal PKBM juga menerima peserta didik dengan berbagai ragam latar belakang. Bergabungnya anak berkebutuhan khusus dalam lingkungan belajar yang sama dengan anak-anak lain di PKBM HSPG Homeschooling Yogyakarta dapat menjadi bukti pendidikan inklusif yang mencakup lembaga formal dan nonformal. Menggunakan studi kasus, penelitian ini mengkaji praktik menarik yang menjadi ciri khas PKBM HSPG Homeschooling Yogyakarta. Data diperoleh dari tutor, peserta didik, dan orang tua. Melalui strategi sinergi pendampingan dan fleksibilitas kurikulum pendidikan inklusif, PKBM HSPG Homeschooling Yogyakarta telah memfasilitasi praktik pendidikan inklusif bagi anak dengan kebutuhan khusus maupun umum.
Encapsulation of Gemor Bark Extract Using Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-Modified Nanocellulose
Authors: Putri Salsabila Aqila , Sunardi Sunardi
Published: January 2022

Gemor (Nothaphoebe coriacea) is one of the plants of Non-Timber Forest Product typical of wetlands with secondary metabolite compounds such as alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phenolics. Besides being used as an insecticide, gemor bark also has antioxidant activities, anti-influenza, antivirus, antiherpes, and anti-inflammatory. This study aimed to encapsulate gemor bark extract using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-modified nanocellulose to increase the effectiveness of its use. The result showed that gemor bark extract had an IC50 value of 39.97 ppm. In comparison, encapsulated gemor bark extract (Gemor-Nc-4 mM CTAB) had an excellent antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 98.41 ppm and encapsulation efficiency of 53.70 %.
Zebrafish; an emerging model organism for studying toxicity and biocompatibility of dental materials
Authors: Karaman Gözde Ece , Emekli-Alturfan Ebru , Akyüz Serap
Published: January 2022

Zebrafish (danio rerio) is a small, tropical freshwater teleost fish that belongs to the Cyprinidae family and lives in natural waters and rice fields in South Asia, North India, and Pakistan. Zebrafish has become a popular vertebrate model organism for biomedical research due to its numerous advantages such as their small size, short life cycle, accessibility in large numbers and inexpensive maintenance. In addition, fertilization happens externally in zebrafish and allows zebrafish to be manipulated directly. As another important advantage, the embryos are transparent thus the stages of development can be easily identified. Zebrafish can have multiple co-orthologs for human genes. In the 1930s, the zebrafish was first used as a model for developmental and embryological studies and in 1981, was introduced as a genetic model by Streisinger by force of developed genetic techniques in zebrafish such as cloning, mutagenesis and transgenesis. In the 1990s, various genetic manipulations were introduced. These improvements have contributed to the popularity of zebrafish. After that zebrafish was used in various research areas including genetics, biomedicine, neurobiology, toxicology, pharmacology as well as in human disease models. Zebrafish is also becoming a popular model organism in dental research. It is preferred in dental material toxicity studies and in research related to the genetic and molecular factors in tooth formation and craniofacial development. This review provides information on the use of zebrafish in dental research, focusing on tooth formation and dentition (pharyngeal dentition) of zebrafish and the dental research performed using zebrafish.
She deserved it: Analysis of variables that influence the accountability of victims of sexual violence
Authors: Vieira Linhares Layanne Vieira Linhares , Rosas Torres Ana Raquel
Published: January 2022

This article aims to analyze the effect of the combination of the variables - victim characteristics (skin color and normativity), observer sex, Belief in a Just World, and ambivalent sexism - on sexual violence victim blaming. Three studies were conducted with university students (Study 1, N=288; Study 2, N=226; Study 3, N=307), who were asked to answer some items on victim blaming, Belief in a Just World, and Ambivalent Sexism. The ANOVA and ANCOVA analyses have shown that the combination of these variables resulted in higher black and counter-normative victim blaming. The results confirmed that victim skin color, victim normativity, and the observer sex influence victim blaming for sexual violence (study 1); that bjw predicts the attribution of the victim’s accountability for sexual violence (study 2), and that only benevolent sexism, together with bjw, was responsible for predicting victim blaming for sexual violence (study 3).
Teaching Sleeping Dogs New Tricks? Transitional Justice as Identity-Building
Authors: Brender Felix
Published: January 2022

Transitional Justice (TJ) mechanisms have been applied in several post-conflict spaces and commonly hailed by the academy as a – if not the – route to lasting positive peace. Taiwan has seen bouts of at times violent protest, which has given rise to popular and academic claims that renewed TJ efforts are required to achieve true, lasting peace. Against this backdrop, this text identifies sources of grievances and situates Taiwan’s case in the wider TJ literature to then explore Taiwan’s most recent TJ endeavours under Tsai Ying-Wen, focusing on its core mechanism, the Transitional Justice Commission. Engaging other readings of Taiwanese TJ mechanisms, this article argues that Tsai’s TJ mechanisms should be read chiefly as an identity-building project. Located in a wider drive to develop a positive identity for Taiwan, they are an attempt to establish shared historical narratives and ultimately aim to create a more stable Taiwanese identity independent of China as a pivotal Other or benchmark. This process is directed at both domestic and international audiences. This way, Taiwan negotiates, (re-)constructs and reifies a relatively inclusive positive Taiwanese identity not solely through the memories uncovered and remembered through the TJ process, but chiefly through the process itself.
Optimization of water-based ultrasonic-microwave assisted extraction (UMAE) of bioactive compounds fromGarcinia mangostanapericarp
Authors: Kwansang Juthaporn , Chen Chung-Jen , Chaiprateep Em-on
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Garcinia mangostana(GM) pericarp extract recognizes for relieving skin disorders. It becomes a household fruit juice due to its high concentration of antioxidant compounds, including phenolic andα-mangostin. The purpose of this study was to optimize the conditions of Ultrasonic-Microwave Assisted Extraction (UMAE) of GM pericarp.

Methods

GM pericarp was extracted by UMAE and conventional decoction extraction. UMAE was created in nine different individuals and combined ultrasonic and microwave power. The amount of phenolic compound, “caffeic acid, ferulic acid”,α-mangostin, and total phenolic content (TPC) were compared. The optimized parameters were particle size of grounded raw material, microwave power, and ultrasonic power during water extraction.

Results

The optimized UMAE conditions combined 200 W microwave power and 200 W ultrasonic power to extract raw material grounded to 22.6 μm diameter particles (p≤0.05). The synergistic effect of ultrasonic and microwave-assisted extraction significantly (p≤0.05) impacted on the TPC, the yield of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, andα-mangostin.

Conclusions

Overall, the synergistic effect of ultrasonic and microwave extraction resulted in a significantly higher amount of bioactive compounds when compared to conventional decoction extraction (p≤0.001). These results demonstrated the advantages of UMAE for preparing GM pericarp extract for the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Multilayer coating effects on the thermal conductivity of tools using an electric furnace technique**
Authors: Challab Farhan Kamil , Jawad Salah Kareem , Tawfiq Maan Aabid
Published: January 2022

This paper demonstrates the effects of multilayer coatings on the thermal conductivity of tool specimens. The experiments were conducted using copper specimens and four tool specimens with different coatings (uncoated, TiN, TiN/TiCN, and TiN/Al2O3/TiCN). An electrical furnace technique was used with the specimens isolated from their surroundings and temperatures measured at the contact surfaces. The specimens are joined securely, with a thermal insulator (glass wool) placed around them so that the heat flow is in the axial direction only. One surface of the copper specimen faces the heat source, and the opposite end of the tool specimen is exposed to room temperature. The experimental results displayed variations in the temperature distribution due to the effect of the coatings, and thermal conductivities were measured at temperatures ranging from 100°C to 300°C. The results indicated the optimum coating for tools (lowest thermal conductivity) of the four types is TiN/Al2O3/TiCN.
Calcium carbonate nanoparticles of quail’s egg shells: Synthesis and characterizations
Authors: Ahmed Naziha Sultan , Kamil Faten Hammed , Hasso Adnan Ali , Abduljawaad Ahmed Nazar , Saleh Thekra Fadel , Mahmood Saffanah Khuder
Published: January 2022

Avian eggshell is a natural biomaterial that has been used as an alternative natural source of CaCO3 and is accessible in big amounts from egg manufacturing. This study was planned to estimate CaCO3 in quail’s eggshell because it has a probable use in the progress of a novel choice of many applications. Physical properties: mineralogical documentation of the natural eggshell nanoparticles were approved using XRD and FTIR to explore the chemical bond or molecular structure of the materials. Micrographs were obtained using FESEM/EDX and TEM to identify the morphology and size of nanoparticles. The results showed that quail eggshell was soft, with white to light sand color, and a smooth texture which allows good deposition of different color spots, from black to brown spots. The resulted of eggshells signifies almost 8.4% w/w of the overall weight (12.2) gram of quail egg and 91.60% w/w of the micropowder to the full weight of (0.94) gram of quail eggshell. The results presented that calcium is the main element in an eggshell; frequently occurs in a formula of CaCO3 and the crystal construction was almost pure calcite. FTIR spectra for quail eggshell demonstrated the existence of the out of plane bending, the asymmetric stretching, and the plane bending styles of the carbonate groups, specific of normal dolomite, situated at 873 cm–1, 1405 cm–1, and 710 cm–1, respectively. The FESEM and TEM for nanoparticles were shown calcite CaCO3 nanoparticles with an ordinary size of ≤ 100 nm for FESEM and with a variety size of ≤ 50 nm for TEM. Unfortunately, eggshell is an egg product manufacturing deposit. These incomes will let fast developments in proportional studies of the organic elements of avian eggshell and their purposeful consequences by usages of eggshell in nourishment and medicine which can be applied for many resolutions that diminish their consequence on environmental contamination.
The Unity of the Highest Good: Kant on Systemic Justice
Authors: Friedman Shterna S.
Published: January 2022

Kant’s concept of the highest good proportionately unites virtue and happiness—the supreme goods of, respectively, the systems of freedom and of nature. A middle path between theological and secular interpretations of Kant’s highest good is possible if we disentangle two distinct roles played by God: a causal role in promoting the real unity of the highest good, i.e., its actualization; and a conceptual role in modeling its conceptual unity. The highest good is theological in the first case, but neutral—neither directly theological nor secular—in the second. Reconstructing how Kant envisioned the conceptual unity of the highest good requires taking seriously his repeated reference to God as the highest original good, and to the best (i.e., moral) world as the highest derived good. If, as Kant thought, a moral God forms a triadic unity comprised of holiness, goodness, and divine justice, perhaps he assumed that the conceptual unity of the derived good is likewise triadic, comprised of virtue, happiness, and a form of justice that is not directly divine but “systemic,” designating the unity of the systems of nature and of freedom. Divine justice, in contrast, constitutes the real unity of the highest good.