bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Déjà vu: A reappraisal of the taphonomy of quarry VM4 of the Early Pleistocene site 1 of Venta Micena (Baza Basin, SE Spain"
Authors: Palmqvist Paul , Espigares M. Patrocinio , Pérez-Claros Juan A. , Figueirido Borja , Guerra-Merchán Antonio , Ros-Montoya Sergio , Rodríguez-Gómez Guillermo , García-Aguilar José Manuel , Granados Alejandro , Martínez-Navarro Bienvenido
Published: November 2021

Venta Micena, an Early Pleistocene site of the Baza Basin (SE Spain), preserves a rich and diverse assemblage of large mammals. VM3, the main excavation quarry of the site, has been interpreted as a den of the giant hyaena Pachycrocuta brevirostris in the plain that surrounded the Baza palaeolake. Taphonomic analysis of VM3 has shown that the hyaenas scavenged the prey previously hunted by the hypercarnivores, transported their remains to the communal den, and consumed the skeletal parts according to their marrow contents and mineral density. In a recent paper, a small sample of remains unearthed from VM4, an excavation quarry ~350 m distant from VM3, are analysed. The authors indicate several differences in the taphonomic features of this assemblage with VM3, and even suggest that a different carnivore could have been the agent involved in the bone accumulation process. Here we make a comparative analysis of both quarries and analyse more skeletal remains from VM4. Our results indicate that the assemblages are broadly similar in composition, except for slight differences in the frequency of megaherbivores, carnivores and equids according to NISP values (but not to MNI counts), the degree of bone weathering, and the intensity of bone processing by the hyaenas. Given that VM4 and VM3 were not coeval denning areas of P. brevirostris, these differences suggest that during the years when the skeletal remains were accumulated by the hyaenas at VM3, the rise of the water table of the Baza palaeolake that capped with limestone the bones was delayed compared to VM4, which resulted in their more in-depth consumption by the hyaenas.
Graphic Representation of The Degree of Historical-Archaeological Evidence: The 3D Reconstruction of The “Baker’s House”
Authors: Cáceres-Criado Irene , García-Molina Diego Francisco , Mesas-Carrascosa Francisco-Javier , Triviño-Tarradas Paula
Published: November 2021

Over the years, the methodologies used for graphic representation in archaeology have evolved. The substantial change in representation was achieved with the use of computer software. Currently, sketch scanning and photogrammetry are predominating tools used in this field. A new methodology, i.e., the use of the historical-archaeological evidence level scale, has entered this discipline to show the veracity of archaeological studies, as well as that of the vestiges found. The present study is focused on the virtual reconstruction of the ‘Baker’s House’ in the archaeological site of Torreparedones (Córdoba, Spain). The main aim of this study was to show and identify the veracity of the obtained reconstruction, through the use of the historical-archaeological evidence scale. The methodology used shows the evidence level employed by experts in the creation of virtual representations. The dissemination of the proposed historical-archaeological evidence scale entails the graphical identification of the veracity of reconstructions in this type of representations, always complying with the scientific quality criteria established by the Seville Letter.
Phylogeny of Pyrus and their relationships inferred from sequences of nuclear NIA-i3 intron and chloroplast ndhC-trnV and trnR-atpA
Authors: Cai Danying , Jiang Shuang , Sun Ping , Zheng Xiaoyan , Yue Xiaoyan , Teng Yuanwen
Published: November 2021

Background: Pear (Pyrus L.) belongs to subtribe Malinae, tribe Maleae, family Rosaceae. According to the geography distribution, it could be divided into Oriental pear and Occidental pear. Though the phylogeny of Pyrus was complicate, previous study referring to morphology, nuclear genes and chloroplast genes made the relationships clear gradually. However, they had lower sequence divergence and less information, therefore it hardly solved the phylogeny of Pyrus. Results: A total of 100 accessions from Oriental and Occidental pears were used to elucidate the phylogeny of Pyrus by one nuclear NIA-i3 intron and two chloroplast regions (ndhC-trnV and trnR-atpA) with higher polymorphism. The Neighbor-Net phylogenetic network indicated that the phylogenetic relationships were complicate based on ndhC-trnV and trnR-atpA. Oriental pear and Occidental pear were separated in the tree of NIA-i3, P. betulaforlia, P. pashia (except P. pashia ‘P10-3’_1 and P. pashia ‘P23-4’_1) were monophyly; several P. ussuriensis were closely related with P. xerophila. However, the phylogenetic relationships of Chinese White Pear, P. pyrifolia and some P. ussuriensis still could not be well solved; West Asian species and European species were mingled together. Occidental pear P. caucasica 684，P. pyraster 989，P. elaeagrifolia 2817 might be hybrids between Oriental pear and Occidental pear.Conclusions: The phylogenetic relationships of Pyrus were still complicate because interspecies and intraspecies of Oriental pear and Occidental pear respectively were intercrossed. More genes and more accessions were needed to solve the phylogenetic relationships in Pyrus and to explore the possible parents.
The efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs triple therapy in preventing relapse in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a randomized controlled trial (ESCoRT study)
Authors: Zhao Juan , Zhou Wei , Wu Yangfeng , Yan Xiaoyan , Yang Li , Zhang Zhuoli
Published: November 2021

BackgroundTumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) have been widely used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who failed to conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). But how to prevent relapse after discontinuation of TNFi remains challengeable.MethodsRA patients who failed to csDMARDs received an induction therapy of MTX+TNFi for maximally 12 weeks. Those achieving LDA in 12 weeks were randomly assigned at a 1:1:1 ratio into three groups: (A) adding hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine for the first 12 weeks and then discontinuing TNFi for the following 48 weeks; (B) maintaining TNFi+MTX for 60 weeks; and (C) maintaining TNFi+MTX for the first 12 weeks and then discontinuing TNFi for the following 48 weeks. The primary outcome was relapse.Results117 patients were enrolled for induction therapy and 67 patients who achieved LDA within 12 weeks were randomized, with 24, 21 and 22 patients in each group. The relapse rates during 60 weeks were comparable between group A and B [10/22 (45.5%) vs 7/20 (35%), p=0.491], however, both significantly lower than that of group C [17/20 (85%), p=0.019, p=0.004, respectively]. Taken ¥100000 as the threshold of willingness to pay, compared to MTX monotherapy, both TNFi maintenance and triple csDMARDs therapies were cost-effective, but triple therapy was better.ConclusionFor RA patients achieving LDA with TNFi and MTX, csDMARDs triple therapy was a cost-effective option in favor of reducing relapse.Trial registrationRegistration number: NCT02320630.
Social Distancing Causally Impacts the Spread of SARS-CoV-2: A U.S. Nationwide Event Study
Authors: Gagnon Louis , Gagnon Stephanie , Lloyd Jessica
Published: November 2021

We assess the causal impact of a spontaneous relaxation of social distancing practices on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the U.S., while controlling for social mobility and state-imposed social distancing restrictions. Using the quasi-experimental setting created by the U.S. nationwide protests precipitated by George Floyd’s tragic death on May 25, 2020, we document a country-wide increase of over 3·06 cases per day, per 100,000 population, following the onset of the protests (95% CI:2·47–3·65), and a further in-crease of 1·73 cases per day, per 100,000 population, in the counties in which the protests took place (95% CI:0·59–2·87). Relative to the week preceding the onset of the protests, this represents a 61·2% country-wide increase in COVID-19 cases, and a further 34·6% increase in the protest counties. Hence, we conclude that social distancing practices causally impact the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The observed effect cannot be explained by changes in social distancing restrictions and social mobility, and our placebo tests rule out the possibility that this finding is attributable to chance. Our research informs policy makers and provides insights regarding the usefulness of social distancing as an intervention to minimize the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Neuroprotective Effects of Pharmacological Hypothermia on Glucose Metabolism in Ischemic Rats
Authors: Guan Longfei , Lee Hangil , Geng Xiaokun , Li Fengwu , Shen Jiamei , Ji Yu , Peng Changya , Du Huishan , Ding Yuchuan
Published: November 2021

Stroke is a leading threat to human life. Metabolic dysfunction of glucose may play a key role in stroke pathophysiology. Pharmacological hypothermia (PH) is a potential neuroprotective strategy for stroke in which the temperature can be decreased safely. The present study determined whether neuroprotective PH with chlorpromazine and promethazine (C+P) plus dihydrocapsaicin (DHC) improved glucose metabolism in acute ischemic stroke. A total of 208 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: sham, stroke, and stroke with various treatments including C+P, DHC, C+P+DHC, phloretin (glucose transporter (GLUT)-1 inhibitor), cytochalasin B (GLUT-3 inhibitor), TZD (thiazolidinedione, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK) inhibitor) and apocynin (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) inhibitor). Stroke was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h followed by 6 or 24 h of reperfusion. Rectal temperature was monitored before, during, and after PH. Infarct volume and neurological deficits were measured to assess the neuroprotective effects. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), NOX activity, lactate, apoptotic cell death, glucose, and ATP levels were measured. Protein expressions of GLUT-1, GLUT-3, phosphofructokinase (PFK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), PCK1, PCK2, and NOX subunit gp91 were measured with Western blotting. PH with combination of C+P and DHC induced a faster, longer, and deeper hypothermia as compared to each alone. PH significantly improved every measured outcome as compared to stroke and monotherapy. PH reduced brain infarction, neurological deficits, protein levels of glycolytic enzymes (GLUT-1, GLUT-3, PFK and LDH), gluconeogenic enzymes (PCK1 and PCK2), NOX activity and its subunit gp91, ROS, apoptotic cell death, glucose, and lactate, while raising ATP levels. In conclusion, stroke impaired glucose metabolism by enhancing hyperglycolysis and gluconeogenesis, which led to ischemic injury, all of which were reversed by PH induced by a combination of C+P and DHC.
Synthesis of Nickel Sulfide Nanoparticles from Single Source Precursor (Metal Xanthate Complexes) Using Melting (Solvent-Less) Method
Authors: Alanazi Abdulaziz A. , Alharthi Abdulrahman , Abdulaziz Fahad , Latif Salman , Salah Dina , Sherif Elsayed M. , Moustapha Moustapha E
Published: November 2021

Nickel sulfides are rich chemistry groups with discrete phases and stoichiometries, therefore they have various properties and applications. We herein prepare two single metal xanthate precursors [K(S2COBu)] Potassium butyl xanthate and [K(S2COPn)] Potassium pentyl xanthate using the melting method at two different temperatures 400 and 500°C to synthesize nickel sulfides nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (p.XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and imaged using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Two different nickel sulfides nanostructures obtained [Ni(S2COBu)3] and [Ni(S2COPn)3], the results from p.XRD show the sizes of the nanoparticles are (35.39±8.15 and 38.24±7.70 nm) at 400oC respectively, and (43.12±4.52 and 47.45±4.22 nm) respectively at 500oC. The result shows that the xanthate ligand affects the size of the nanoparticles as by increasing the alkyl chain length the size of the nanoparticles decrease. The (SEM) images show coral-like agglomerates, which are mainly assembled by spherical nanoparticles. EDX analysis shows stable and pure nickel sulfides with some variations in the elemental ratio of both nickel and sulfur according to the xanthate ligand used as a precursor to synthesis the nanoparticles. As a result, we introduce a simple, low cost and feasible synthesis of pure, stable, with definite size two nickel sulfides nanoparticles using metal xanthate ligands.
Non-Invasive Quantification of Pressure-Volume Loops in Patients with Fontan Circulation
Authors: Sjöberg Pia , Liuba Petru , Arheden Håkan , Heiberg Einar , Carlsson Marcus
Published: November 2021

BackgroundPressure-volume (PV) loops provide comprehensive information of cardiac function, but commonly implies an invasive procedure under general anesthesia. A novel technique has made it possible to non-invasively estimate PV loops with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and brachial pressure which would enable good volume estimation of often anatomically complex ventricles without the need of anesthesia in most cases. In this study we aimed to compare how hemodynamic parameters derived from PV loops in patients with Fontan circulation differ to controls. Methods Patients with Fontan circulation (n=17, median age 12 years, IQR 6-15) and healthy controls (n=17, 14 years, IQR 13-22) were examined with CMR. Short axis balanced steady-state free-precession (bSSFP) cine images covering the entire heart were acquired. PV loops were derived from left ventricular volumes in all timeframes and brachial blood pressure from cuff sphygmomanometry. ResultsPatients had lower stroke work, ventricular mechanical efficiency and external power compared to controls. Patients with dominant right ventricle (RV) had higher potential energy indexed to body surface area (BSA) but lower contractility (Ees) compared to controls. Patients had higher arterial elastance (Ea) and Ea/Ees ratio than controls. No difference was seen in energy per ejected volume between patients and controls.ConclusionsThis non-invasive PV-loop method could be used in future studies to show the potential prognostic value of these measures and if changes in ventricular function over time can be detected earlier by this method compared to changes in ventricular volumes and ejection fraction (EF). In contrast to patients with acquired heart failure, Fontan patients had similar energy per ejected volume as controls which suggests similar ventricular oxygen consumption to deliver the same volume in Fontan patients as in controls.
POLR2A Drives Tumor Cell Aggressive in Both VHL and PBRM1 Mutation Renal-Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chai Linyan , Qiu Zhengguo , Zhang Xiaozhi , Li Rong , Wang Yao , Wang Kefeng
Published: November 2021

Background: Loss of VHL always results in the loss of PBRM1 and causes aggressive clear cell renal cell carcinoma. However, VHL mutation was not significantly associated with worse survival, and PBRM1 modulate the tumor behavior is not clear. Thus, exploration of key molecules promoting the tumor aggressive is urgent in both VHL and PBRM1 RCC patient.Methods and results: POLR2A was screened out by analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas mutation data. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis results showed that E2F, G2M, and mTOR1 pathways were all altered in response to POLR2A high expression. Furthermore, In vitro, knockdown of POLR2A in 769-P and 786-O cells resulted in cell growth arrest and cell cycle blockade compared to control cells, the mechanism though decreasing cyclin D1-CDK4 axis. In vivo results were confirmed 786-O cells in which POLR2A expression was silenced, exhibited tumor growth inhibited compared to control group.Conclusions: POLR2A was the key protein after VHL and PBRM1 mutations in RCC, inhibition of POLR2A crippled cell viability and proliferation in vivo and in vitro, We anticipate POLR2A represents a novel candidate for RCC treatment.
Converting the existing disease surveillance from a paper-based to an electronic-based system using District Health Information System (DHIS-2) for real-time information: The Lebanese experience
Authors: youssef dalal Ali
Published: November 2021

Introduction:The Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon is in the process of converting the surveillance reporting from a cumbersome paper-based system to a web-based electronic platform (DHIS-2) to have real-time information for early detection of alerts and outbreaks and for initiating a prompt response.Objectives:This paper aimed to document the Lebanese experience in implementing DHIS-2 for the disease surveillance system. It also targets to assess the improvement of reporting rates and timeliness of the reported data and to disclose the encountered challenges and opportunities. MethodologyThis is a retrospective description of processes involved in the implementation of the DHIS-2 tool in Lebanon. Initially, it was piloted for the school-based surveillance in 2014; then its use was extended in May 2017 to cover other specific surveillance systems. This included all surveillance programs collecting aggregate data from hospitals, medical centers, dispensaries, or laboratories at the first stage. As part of the national roll-out process, the online application was developed. The customized aggregated-based datasets, organization units, user accounts, specific and generic dashboards were generated. More than 80 training sessions were conducted throughout the country targeting 1290 end-users including health officers at the national and provincial levels, focal persons working in all public and private hospitals, laboratories, and medical centers as well. Completeness and timeliness of reported data were compared before and after the implementation of DHIS-2. Challenges and lessons learned during the roll-out process are listed.ResultsFor laboratory-based surveillance, completeness of reporting increased from 70.8% in May to 89.6% in October. Timeliness has improved from 25% to 74%. For medical centers, an improvement of 8.1% for completeness and 9.4% in timeliness was recorded before and after training sessions. For zero reporting, completeness remains the same (88%) and timeliness has improved from 74% to 87%. The main challenges faced during the implementation of DHIS-2 were mainly infrastructural and system-related in addition to poor internet connectivity and limited workforce and frequent changes to DHIS-2 versions.ConclusionImplementation of DHIS-2 improved timeliness and completeness for aggregated data reporting. Continued on-site support, monitoring, and system enhancement are needed to improve the performance of DHIS-2.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Film Optimized with Persian Gum, Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles, and Fennel Essential Oil: Investigation of Chemical, Antimicrobial, and Sensory Properties on Rainbow Trout Fillet
Authors: maleki mohammad , Mohsenzadeh Mohammad
Published: November 2021

Today, the use of biodegradable packaging containing antimicrobial agents has been approved by the people and industry. In this study, the effect of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) film optimized with Persian gum (PG) containing titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) and fennel essential oil (FEO) was inspected and the sensory, chemical, and microbial properties were evaluated on refrigerated rainbow trout fillets during the storage period (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days). The lowest values ​​for the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (8 mg/mL) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) (10 mg/mL), and the highest diameter of the inhibitory zone in the disk diffusion (19 mm) for FEO were observed against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli.O157:H7, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Shewanella putrefaciens, respectively. Moreover, as a microbiological analysis, total viable count (TVC), Pseudomonas spp, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Enterobacteriaceae, and psychrotrophic bacteria were determined on rainbow trout fillets covered with different treatments (CMC/PG, CMC/PG/FEO, CMC/PG/TiO2, and CMC/PG/FEO/TiO2) during the storage at 4°C. The results showed that three treatments of CMC/PG/FEO, CMC/PG/TiO2, and CMC/PG/FEO/TiO2 had a significant effect on growth control in the studied bacteria (P <0.05). In all treatments, the amount of thiobarbituric acid increased over time, but in the treatment containing FEO, this amount was lower. Sensory scores of the samples were very high until day 6. In general, the results of this study showed that the use of FEO and TiO2 in biodegradable films improves the antimicrobial, chemical, and sensory properties of rainbow trout fillets.
Mimical Reconstruction And Aesthetic Repair of The Nail After Resection of Subungual Melanocytic Nevus
Authors: Xu Wenpeng , Li Xiucun , Cao Songhua , Zhang Ning , Hu Yong
Published: November 2021

Background: The purpose of this study is to report the outcomes of mimical reconstruction and aesthetic repair of the nail.Methods: When the width of the pigmented bands was more than 1/2 of the whole nail width, the mimical reconstruction of the nail, the lateral toe pulp island flap covered the wound via the subcutaneous channel, was performed. If the width of the pigmented bands ranged from 1/4 to 2/5 of the entire nail, the aesthetic repair of the nail, the split-thickness excision under microscope, would be carried out.Results: The average age at the time of surgery was 14.5 years. The lesions were located at the toes in 5 patients and fingers in 3 patients. No complications occurred postoperatively. In 5 patients with the mimical reconstruction of the nail, all of toenail showed well-settled flap. In three patients with the aesthetic repair of the nail, there was no nail malnutrition or deformity, and all nails have an aesthetic appearance.Conclusions: Mimical reconstruction and aesthetic repair of the nail following resection of subungual melanocytic nevus is reliable and feasible. It seems to be satisfactory that “like tissue” repairs the complex nail defects. All patients obtain an excellent aesthetic outcome.Level of Evidence: V
Using bats as surrogates to effectively target global hotspots for subterranean conservation and monitoring
Authors: Tanalgo Krizler C. , Oliveira Hernani , Hughes Alice C.
Published: November 2021

Research and media attention is disproportionately focused on taxa and ecosystems perceived as charismatic, while other systems with high levels of endemism, are often under-protected and overlooked such as caves and subterranean ecosystems. Yet these more challenging systems are also threatened, with karsts for example losing around 6% of their area each year, highlighting the urgent need for protection, especially as up to 90% of cave endemic species may be undescribed. Bats are keystone to cave ecosystems making them potential surrogates to understand cave diversity patterns and assay conservation priorities. Almost half (48%) of known bat species use caves for parts of their life histories, with 32% endemic to a single country, and 15% currently threatened. We combine global analysis of cave bats from the IUCN with site specific analysis of 1930 bat caves from 46 countries to develop global priorities for the conservation of the most vulnerable cave ecosystems. Globally, 28% of caves showed high diversity and were highly threatened and 4% had high diversity but not currently threatened. Amongst regions, the highest concentration of conservation priority caves were in the Palearctic, and tropical regions except the Afrotropics, which requires more intensive data sampling. Our results further highlight the importance of prioritising bat caves using locally collected data, and parameter selection is optimised (i.e., appropriate landscape features and threats). Finally, to protect and conserve these ecosystems it is crucial that we identify priorities in species and habitat-level, and map vulnerable habitats with the highest biodiversity and distinctiveness.
Stacking Ensemble-Based Hybrid Algorithms for Discharge Computation in Sharp-Crested Labyrinth Weirs
Authors: Khosravi Khabat , Safari Mir Jafar Sadegh , Khozani Zohreh Sheikh , Crookston Brian , Golkarian Ali
Published: November 2021

Labyrinth weirs are utilized to increase the weir crest length to transport a greater discharge during floods in contrast to conventional weirs. Nevertheless, due to the increased geometric complexity of labyrinth weirs, determination of accurate discharge coefficients and accordingly, head-discharge ratings are quite essential issues in practical application. Hence, as a first step the present study proposes the following eight standalone algorithms: decision table (DT), Kstar, least median square (LMS), M5 prime (M5P), M5 rule (M5R), pace regression (PR), random forest (RF), and sequential minimal optimization (SMO). Then, applying the stacking (ST) algorithm, these stand-alone models were hybridized to develop ST-LMS, ST-PR, ST-SMO, ST-Kstar, ST-DT, ST-M5R, ST-M5P, and ST-RF to predict the discharge coefficient (Cd) for sharp-crested labyrinth weirs. Modeling resulted in 123 experimental data sets including consideration of vertex angle (θ), channel width (B), head over the crest of the weir (h), crest heights (W), crest length of the weir (L), Cd, and flow discharge (Q). These effective variables were re-arranged in the form of several independent dimensionless parameters (θ, h/W, L/B, L/h, Froude number (Fr), B/W and L/W) to predict Cd as an output. Datasets were randomly divided into two groups; 70% of data used for model training while 30% used for model validation. The accuracy of the developed models was examined in terms of different statistical error measurement criteria of visually-based (line graph, scatter plot, box plot) and quantitative-based [root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and percentage of bias (PBIAS)]. Results illustrate that h/W and B/W parameters have the highest and lowest effect on the Cd prediction, respectively. It was found that the most effective input combination included all input parameters except B/W. According to NSE, all developed algorithms provided accurate performances, while ST-Kstar has the highest prediction power (NSE=0.976, RMSE=0.011, MAE=0.008, PBIAS=0.027). Through incorporation of predicted Cd into discharge equation, promising results are obtained for accurate discharge computation.
Phytoextraction Potential of Arsenic And Cadmium And Response of Rhizosphere Microbial Community By Intercropping With Two Types of Hyperaccumulators
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Zhou Cong , Xiao Xiyuan , Guo Zhaohui , Peng Chi , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: November 2021

Intercropping with hyperaccumulators/accumulators is a promising alternative to enhance phytoextraction of heavy metal(loid)s in contaminated soil. In this research, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the influences of intercropping As hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L. with Cd hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii Hance or accumulator Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H. Ohba on the plant growth, As and Cd phytoextraction, and rhizosphere bacterial microbiota. The results indicated that intercropping can promote the growth of plants. The total biomass of P. vittata, S. alfredii and H. spectabile in intercropping systems was significantly improved by 19.9% - 34.1%, 16.8% and 11.5%, respectively in comparison with corresponding plant monoculture. The As content in rhizoid and frond of P. vittata when intercropped with S. alfredii was increased by 28.3% and 19.0% (P < 0.05), respectively as compared with P. vittata monoculture, and this treatment acquired the maximum As and Cd accumulation with 2032 and 397 µg∙pot-1, respectively. Intercropping enhanced the soil bacterial community diversity. The genera of Lysobacter in S. alfredii rhizosphere soil and Massilia in P. vittata rhizosphere soil had higher abundance in the intercropping system of P. vittata and S. alfredii. And the significantly positive correlation relationships were found between Massilia, Lysobacter and plant As content, and Arthrobacter with plant Cd content, indicating that they may play important roles in As and Cd phytoextraction. The results suggested that intercropping P. vittata with S. alfredii could be a potential strategy for phytoextraction of As and Cd from co-contaminated soil.
Elevated Mid-trimester 4-hour Postprandial Triglycerides for Predicting Late-onset Preeclampsia and Gestational Hypertension: a Prospective Screening Study
Authors: Liu Qin , Zhu Zhihong , Cai Wen , Yang Liu , Li Shuangdi , Zhang Jiarong
Published: November 2021

Background: Abnormal maternal lipid concentrations are associated with increased risk of preeclampsia. However, previous studies mainly focused on fasting lipid concentrations, scarce data have been published on the relationship between postprandial triglyceride (TG) concentrations in the second trimester and the risk of preeclampsia. Our aim is to evaluate the potential of triglyceride (TG) concentrations at the time of oral lipid tolerance test (OLTT) measurement in the second trimester to predict preeclampsia and to elucidate the lipid metabolic changes related to these diseases. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of Pregnant women at 12-24 weeks of gestation undergone an OLTT in a university affiliated hospital between May 2019 and January 2020. Data were stratified into binaries according to the OLTT results. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to determine the optimal cut-off points of TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, sd-LDL, FFA, and BG for predicting preeclampsia.Results: 438 pregnant women were recruited to undergo an OLTT at 12-24 weeks of gestation. Among these, 24 women developed preeclampsia and 414 women remained normotensive. Women who subsequently developed preeclampsia had higher concentrations of 4-h postprandial TG than those who remained normotensive. In the linear logistic regression analyses of potential confounding factors, mid-trimester 4-h postprandial TG concentrations at the time of OLTT measurement were significantly higher in preeclamptic cases than in controls.Conclusions: Dyslipidemia in the second trimester of pregnancy, particularly postprandial hypertriglyceridemia, appears to be associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Mid-trimester 4-h postprandial TG concentration at the time of OLTT measurement may be a potential predictive marker of preeclampsia.
The 532 Nm Laser Treatment Promotes the Proliferation of Tendon- Derived Stem Cells and Up-Regulates Nr4a1 to Stimulate Tenogenic Differentiation
Authors: Li Ming , Zhu Yi-Ming , Pei Qing , Deng Yu-Hao , Ni Tao
Published: November 2021

Background: The combination of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and stem cell transplantation with tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) as seed cells provides a new treatment strategy for tendon injury. Nevertheless, the effect of LLLT on the biological behavior of TDSCs and its internal mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to verify the effect of LLLT with a wavelength of 532 nm on the proliferation and differentiation of TDSCs of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: TDSCs were isolated from Achilles tendons of SD rats and identified by cell morphology and flow cytometric analysis. Energy density gradient experiment was performed to determine the ideal energy. Then TDSCs were treated with LLLT using a wavelength of 532 nm at a fluence of 15 J/cm2. Cell response after irradiation was observed at 6, 12 and 24 hours to ascertain cell morphology and cell proliferation. The RNA expression levels of the key genes of TDSCs differentiation, including Scx, Tnmd, Mkx and Dcn, PPARγ, Sox9 and Runx2, were detected by RT-PCR. Then gene chip microarray was used to detect the expression of differential genes after 532 nm laser intervention in TDSCs, and the target genes were screened out to verify the role of target genes in this process.Results: When the 532 nm laser energy density was 15 J/cm2, the proliferation capacity of TDSCs was improved (2.73 ± 0.24 vs. 1.81 ± 0.71, P < 0.05), and the expression of genes related to tenogenic differentiation of TDSCs was significantly increased (P < 0.01), showing the potential of tenogenic differentiation. After RNA-seq and bioinformatics analyses, we speculated that Nr4a1 was involved in the tenogenic differentiation process of TDSCs regulated by 532 nm laser treatment. Subsequent experiments confirmed that Nr4a1 regulated the expression of the tenogenic differentiation genes scleraxis (Scx) and tenomodulin (Tnmd) in TDSCs, affecting the process. Conclusion: A 532 nm laser with 15 J/cm2 regulated the process of TDSC proliferation and tenogenic differentiation by up-regulating Nr4a1, which could accelerate tendon healing.
A Model for an Educational Virtual Ward Round
Authors: Bowers Sarah Pauline , Dickson Philip J , Thompson Katharine
Published: November 2021

Background COVID-19 led to global disruption of both healthcare delivery and undergraduate medical education with suspension of clinical placements in alignment with government and university guidelines. To facilitate ongoing palliative care education, we aimed to develop a model for delivering virtual palliative care teaching and to assess the suitability of this as an alternative to in-person teaching. Method Basic technology (iPad and linked computer) were used to facilitate video conferencing, via the secure platform Microsoft Teams, between a consultant-led ward round in a specialist palliative care unit and fourth year medical students located in the education department of the unit. This was evaluated using electronic survey responses from patients, medical students and medical staff with generation of quantitative and qualitative data.Results Medical students greatly appreciated the opportunity to maintain attendance at clinical sessions during COVID-19. Quantitative and qualitative feedback demonstrated that the virtual ward round model effectively met medical students’ educational needs, particularly in relation to holistic assessment, pain management and communication skills. Only minor technological difficulties were noted. Feedback indicated that the use of technology to allow medical education was acceptable to patients, who were open and willing to adapt. Patients acknowledged that without medical students’ physical presence on ward rounds, there was an element of discretion; clinicians also found this to be beneficial. Conclusion COVID-19 has forced changes in the delivery of medical education. Virtual ward rounds are an effective method for delivering high quality palliative care teaching and are acceptable to patients, medical students and clinicians alike. Additional benefits beyond COVID-19 included allowing students to be present discretely during sensitive conversations whilst still meeting their learning outcomes.
Robust Optimal Placement and Sensitivity Analysis of Multiple Transmitting Antennas Under Uncertainty: A New Surrogate-Based Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Parnianifard Amir , Mumtaz Shahid , Chaudhary Sushank , Imran Muhammad Ali , Wuttisittikulkij Lunchakorn
Published: November 2021

Transmitting antenna positioning or transmitter placement is a well-known NP-hard optimization problem pertinent to communication systems. Furthermore, it is of practical importance to yield an optimal location of transmitters to ensure low sensitivity with respect to potential uncertainties. Notwithstanding, incorporating uncertainties in the optimization problem can highly increase the computational expenses. This paper aims at the development of a new reducedcost algorithm for a multi-objective robust transmitter placement under uncertainties. Toward this end, a new hybrid surrogate-metaheuristic approach is developed using Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) and the Kriging surrogate in a mathematical framework of a robust dual-surface model. The proposed algorithm is also able to analyze the sensitivity of the obtained optimal results. The latter is achieved by obtaining the bootstrapped confidence regions without extra simulation experiments. The paper investigates the performance of the proposed algorithm for robust optimal placing of two, three, and four transmitters, under uncertainties concerning the transmitting antenna gain. The results demonstrate the utility and the efficiency of the proposed method in rendering the robust optimal design and analyzing the sensitivity of the transmitter placement problem under practically acceptable computational efforts.
Fast Chaotic Encryption Scheme Based on Separable Moments and Parallel Computing
Authors: Kamrani Abdelhalim , Zenkouar Khalid , Najah Said , Fadili Hakim El
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we propose three novel image encryption algorithms. Separable moments and parallel computing are combined in order to enhance the security aspect and time performance. The three proposed algorithms are based on TKM (Tchebichef-Krawtchouk moments), THM (Tchebichef- Hahn moments) and KHM (Krawtchouk-Hahn moments) respectively. A novel chaotic scheme is introduced, which allows for the encryption steps to run si multaneously. The proposed algorithms are tested under several criteria and the experimental results show a remarkable resilience against all well-known attacks. Furthermore, the novel parallel encryption scheme exhibits a drastic improvement in the time performance. The proposed algorithms are compared to the state-of-the-art methods and they stand out as a promising choice for reliable use in real world applications.
Solidarity as Value in Journalism
Authors:   Graduate School of Print and Media Technologies, Saint Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design, Ruzanna G. Ivanyan
Published: November 2021

The paper is researching the value of solidarity in contemporary Russian journalism, actualized in its professional and civic aspects. The pandemic has contributed to the development of practices of solidarity and mutual aid, and a surge in discussions about this value. Journalism reflects the processes of the birth of new practices and the reincarnation of traditional ones, and takes part in the formation of solidarity, sharing its humanist and civic character. At the same time, solidarity in journalism is actualized as a professional value, allowing the media community to resist external pressure. The object of the study is civil and professional values in journalism; the subject of the study is the value of solidarity. Monitoring of posts and comments in social networks, primary and secondary data analysis, and case analysis were used as methods of research. The empirical material includes cases from contemporary journalistic solidarity practice.The author examines the circumstances that become the background for journalistic solidarity, its traditional and new actors. The fragmented and discrete nature of journalism also manifests itself in the interaction (or lack thereof) between the various actors of journalistic solidarity. The digital nature of the modern media environment makes its contribution: solidarity is being implemented in an online format and the role of the community manager is increasing. Other trends of journalistic solidarity are its publicity, its mediatization, and monetization. The palette of solidarity tools in journalism is constantly expanding, incorporating tools from other fields. Modern solidarity absorbs elements of social projection, taking the form of public campaigns and mobilization projects. Manifestations of journalistic solidarity are situational, often centered around a particular media outlet, an iconic or high-profile event, or a journalist in a particular short period of time. Publicity becomes the primary goal. Examples of extended solidarity are rare and forced to be informationally recalled, interest maintained and moderated. The author concludes that various solidarity practices in journalism are built on the actualized value of solidarity and offers an understanding of it.
Fake and Reality of Our World
Authors:   Graduate School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Saint Petersburg State University, Sergey N. Il’chenko
Published: November 2021

The article is a review of books by two foreign authors translated into Russian and published in 2020. The first of these is a popular science publication by Dutch fake researcher Annemarie Bohn. She uses the material of her national and foreign media to tell about the history of the emergence and nature of such a phenomenon of modern media culture as fake. At the same time, the author shows some bias in assessing a number of situations that have developed in recent years in the global information space. Nevertheless, this publication is quite adequate educational in nature, allowing you “to enter the topic” for those who want to learn more about fakes in journalism for the first time. The name of the author of the second peer-reviewed publication is already known to Russian readers. Robert Kiyosaki’s previous book Rich Dad Poor Dad, a world bestseller, was translated and published in Russia. In the new work, the Japanese-American continues a deep and comprehensive analysis of the modern American financial and monetary system. The author uses the concepts of fake and fake manipulation to expose, from his point of view, the imperfections of the existing US financial system.
Images of the Hunghuz in the Literature of Manchuria in the 1920s–1940s (The Case of Xiao Jun’s Works)
Authors:   Amur State University, Xinyu Zhou
Published: November 2021

The relevance of the study is due to the interest of Russian and Chinese science in artistic capture of the processes taking place on the territory of the Far Eastern frontier – Manchuria and the Far East in the first half of the 20th century. In a situation of political chaos, economic confusion and civil wars in these lands, the phenomenon of hunkhuznichestvo arises, which has become a real disaster for civilians. This problem is covered in great detail in the literature of the Far Eastern emigration and historical, literary works. The novelty of the research is determined by the appeal to Chinese sources (scientific and literary), which until now have not been systematically studied from the point of view of the ethnocultural, ethnosocial and literary paradigm. The problem lies in the comparative analysis of historical, socio-political materials (dictionaries, chronicles, scientific articles) and the results of the artistic reception of the phenomenon of hunkhuznichestvo in the works of northeastern writers of the 1920s–1940s. The aim of the work is to study the images of the Hunghuz from the point of view of the socio-political, ethno-cultural request of the emerging Chinese national consciousness of the 1920s–1940s and their artistic interpretation by Xiao Jun. The main methods are historical-genetic (reconstruction of the formation of ideas about Hunghuz in the Chinese mind), cultural-historical (study of images of Hunghuz in the context of the formation of the literature of the “Left Wing” and the influence of Soviet models), comparative-historical (comparison of images of Hunghuz in literature of the 1920–1940 and their subsequent reception in the Chinese public consciousness), biographical (the influence of the family’s upbringing and the author’s inner circle on his perception of hunkhuzism), translation methods (translation of Chinese scientific works, dictionary entries, historical documents, Xiao Jun’s novels) and the method of immanent analysis (in relation to the above-mentioned texts by the author studied). When writing his novels (Village in August, Third Generation) Xiao Jun drew not only on the ideologemes of the communist movement in China, literary examples of Soviet heroic-romantic prose about the civil war, but also on his personal experience of knowledge of hunkhuzism. The author comes to the conclusion that Xiao Jun recorded important historical and cultural ethnocultural, ethnopsychological, ethnoreligious details of Hunghuz life, customs, original ethos.
The Modern Literary Process in China in the Works of Russian Literary Scholars-Sinologists: Features of the Research Perspective
Authors:   Sichuan University, Zhao Xue , Yuliya А. Govorukhina ,   Baltic Naval Institute
Published: November 2021

Contemporary Chinese literature is actively studied by Russian literary critics, whose view of a foreign cultural text inevitably differs from that of their Chinese colleagues. As a result, on the one hand, new original interpretations appear, and on the other, certain gaps, “blind spots” (Paul de Man) of perception of Chinese literature become obvious. The purpose of the article is to describe the perspective of the vision of Chinese literature,which manifested itself in the studies of Russian literary scholars. To achieve this goal, the methodological theses of non-classical hermeneutics and receptive aesthetics are used. Based on the material of studies devoted to modern Chinese literature and published in Russia, similar attitudes of Russian scientists are revealed: the attitude towards defining the problem of a person and his place in life in texts; understanding the importance for Chinese society of continuity, dialogue between tradition and modernity; orientation to identify multilingualism in the artistic understanding of the modern world, the influence of Western culture on Chinese; the view of Chinese women’s literature as evidence of a change in the social status of women. At the same time, the view of modern Chinese literature as human-centered does not fully correspond to the real literary situation in which both Confucian and Marxist ideas of collectivism continue to remain in force. Researchers of the latest Chinese literature do not always consider it in conjunction with the period of the 1950s–1970s, while for the Chinese, the 1950s – present time is a holistic stage of cultural development. The identification of traces of the influence of Western theory of literature and aesthetics is not accompanied by an awareness of the specifics of their adaptation (Sinification).
Toponyms “Russia”, “Moscow”, “Barnaul” in the Minds of Chinese Students
Authors:   Altai State University, Lidiya M. Dmitrieva , Zhang Yunfey ,   Altai State University
Published: November 2021

The article analyzes the toponyms “Russia”, “Moscow” and “Barnaul” from the point of view of the mental toponymic stereotype in the minds of Chinese students. The aim of the study is to identify the origin of these toponyms, as well as their perception in the minds of Chinese students. The difference in culture and ethnicity makes it inevitable for people who come into contact with the culture of other countries or other ethnic groups to develop stereotypes. So, further study of toponyms associated with the history and culture of Russia will expand the circle of knowledge of Chinese students about Russian culture. The study is based on the results of a survey of 100 Chinese students in order to identify their understanding and identify stereotypes regarding the geographical names “Russia”, “Moscow” and “Barnaul”. A consistent study of toponyms will help to achieve their understanding. The use of the questionnaire method and associative experiment made it possible to reveal the influence of existing stereotypes among Chinese students in the understanding of foreign (Russian) toponyms “Russia”, “Moscow”: and “Barnaul”. The understanding by foreign students of geographic names that are not nationals is always primarily related to the geographic location in which they are located and some of the features for which the city is famous. In this regard, the impression that Moscow is red is deeply rooted in the minds of Chinese students. Thus, the authors come to the conclusion that toponyms carry an unprecedented amount of information related to historical and socio-cultural aspects. Russian toponyms can help Chinese students learn more about Russian culture and expand their understanding of it. In order to understand the names of Russian toponyms, Chinese students rely on their geographical location, climate, features of the national language and culture, as well as on the study and understanding of various cultural symbols.