bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring an Integrated Conceptual Framework as an Interpretive Framework for Intercultural Communication Research
Authors: Sue Lyn Ong
Published: September 2021

This paper describes an interpretive framework that is based on an integrated conceptual framework for intercultural communication as the focal point to understand the interconnectivity between social categories and intercultural interactions. Intercultural communication is communication between individuals who are culturally distinct. While a wide range of intercultural communication studies can be found in various literatures, none has offered an integrated conceptual framework to study intercultural interactions in a Malaysian context. There is a gap on an interpretive approach as a framework to support its data analysis and meaningful claims, particularly in multicultural and multilingual Malaysia. Thus, this paper offers an integrated conceptual framework based on intercultural communication, language and intercultural communication, social identity theory, and identity and interaction, to address face-to-face interactions between culturally diverse individuals. Besides adding on to the body of knowledge in intercultural communication, this paper assumes an impetus for approaching interdisciplinary future research in various intercultural interaction settings.
Written Text on Pakistani Vehicles: A Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Mahmood Sidra
Published: September 2021

Linguistically, the word ‘language’ has shifted into ‘discourse’ which is a social phenomenon not only to express the thoughts but also to reflect the mindset and contexts of a specific community. The purpose of this study is to examine the slogans written on Pakistani automobiles and to understand the logic behind the social and cultural affiliations of these slogans. Pakistani culture of the art of making pictures and written phrases, poetic verses and imperative sentences on vehicles is famous all over the world. The study has analysed the writings found on vehicles, and although these writings might look trivial on the automobiles, they address various social issues. The Three-Dimensional Model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) by Fairclough (2001) is used as a theoretical framework that explains the study at three levels: lexical, syntactic patterns, interpretations, and social practices. The discourses written on the vehicles are characterised into different categories, which are life’s mission statements, loud messages, mind baffling messages, everyday life annoyances, provoking statements, and religious looms. Twenty images and pictures have been captured from vehicles as a random sample of this study. The results reveal the mindset behind these discourses. They are used to highlight social issues which Pakistan faces, being a developing country. In short, the study discloses the strong link between the vehicles and the people using them to convey messages to the society which can bring harmony among the public. The current study is limited to only Pakistani motor vehicles.
MISSIONS AND OPERATIONS AS A TOOL FOR SHAPING THE EU’S GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
Authors: KOZIOL ALEKSANDRA
Published: September 2021

Povzetek
Evropska unija je mednarodni akter, ki prispeva k povečanju stopnje varnosti v svetu. Trenutno izvaja 11 civilnih in šest vojaških operacij ter misij s približno 5000 napotenimi pripadniki. Čeprav je z leti svoje mehanizme in instrumente, ki temeljijo na učenju na podlagi izkušenj, prilagodila, se je v zadnjem času, ki ga poglobljeno zaznamuje pandemična kriza, pozornost držav članic obrnila navznoter. Evropska unija se zato zdaj spoprijema z velikim izzivom glede opredelitve svoje varnostne vloge.

Ključne besede
Evropska unija, krizno upravljanje, misije, operacije, varnost, mir.

Abstract
The European Union is an international actor which makes a contribution to increasing the level of security in the world. It is currently carrying out 11 civilian and 6 military missions and operations, deploying approximately 5,000 personnel. Although over the years it has adapted its mechanisms and instruments based on learning by doing, in recent times, deepened by the pandemic crisis, the attention of the Member States has shifted inwards. As a result, the European Union now faces a major challenge to define its security role.
Key words
European Union, crisis management, missions, operations, security, peace.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MISCONCEPTIONS CONCERNING THERMAL PHENOMENA
Authors: Kacovsky Petr
Published: September 2021

This study describes a research focused on grammar school students’ misconceptions in the context of common, everyday thermal phenomena. Almost 500 Czech grammar school students from 24 classes were asked to fill in the reduced version of the Thermal Concept Evaluation in order to measure the asset of traditional instruction in eliminating scientifically incorrect ideas; the reached normalized gain of 0.23 signalizes poor effectiveness of instruction as a whole. In some areas, Czech students’ results were quite poor (questions dealing with phase transitions), while other ones turned out to be surprisingly good in comparison with foreign studies (e.g. perception of “cold” as a scientifically disproved concept).
Besides questions regarding thermal phenomena, the test included four statements designed for studying possible relationships between students’ scores and their attitudes. Those who declared “fondness for physics” showed better results both in the pre-test and the post-test; however, the normalized gain turned out to be independent of the attitudes established.
Key words: heat and temperature, grammar school students, misconceptions, Thermal Concept Evaluation, thermal phenomena.
A COMPARISON OF STANDARD AND RETROSPECTIVE PRE-POST TESTING FOR MEASURING THE CHANGES IN SCIENCE TEACHING EFFICACY BELIEFS
Authors: Bursal Murat
Published: September 2021

Thirty-nine American and 78 Turkish preservice elementary teachers’ personal science teaching efficacy (PSTE) beliefs were investigated during science methods courses with standard and retrospective pre-post testing methods. Significant differences in the PSTE gain scores, which indicate the changes in the mean PSTE scores from standard/retrospective pretests to the posttest, were found between the standard and retrospective measurements in both samples. Significant differences between the standard and retrospectively measured gain scores were detected among all subgroups under study, which were formed by participants’ PSTE levels and gender. It has been concluded that the differences between the standard and retrospectively measured PSTE gain scores are due to the difference in the nature of these measurement methods and can be seen in most research samples in educational studies around the world. The findings of this study suggest that the response-shift bias should be considered as a common threat to validity for research studies measuring self-efficacy beliefs with the standard pre-post testing method.
Key words: personal science teaching efficacy, preservice elementary teacher, response-shift bias, retrospective pretest.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVES OF THE TYPES AND NATURE OF PRACTICAL WORK
Authors: Mudau Awelani V. , Tabane Ramodungoane
Published: September 2021

This is an empirical qualitative interpretative multiple case study, which was guided by the question; what are the teacher’s perspectives of the types and nature of practical work? Document analysis and interviews were used for data collection. The results show firstly, that teachers held faulty perceptions of the nature of practical work. Secondly, the teachers’ individual definition of practical work contradicted their own perceptions of the nature of practical work. The faulty perceptions held by teachers influence outcome of the practical work to such an extent that some output only result through chance. Explanations and possibilities for the resultant perceptions are discussed. This paper recommends that science clubs and cluster group collaborations might aid methodological and contextual understandings and practices amongst teachers. Further research opportunities on ways and strategies of conducing practical work within contextual inhibitors are suggested. Key words: contextual inhibitors, practical work, procedural understanding, substantive understanding, teacher perception.
Effect of Vertical Transposition of the Horizontal Muscles on Vertical Strabismus Associated with Exotropia
Authors: Lee Hwanho , Choi Mi Young
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the correction of vertical strabismus associated with exotropia by vertical transposition of the horizontal muscle to an extent equal to half the muscle width combined with muscle recession-resection. Methods: We enrolled patients with vertical strabismus of 4-15 prism diopters (PD) associated with exotropia who were not scheduled for vertical rectus or oblique muscle surgery. Regardless of the strabismus angle, the insertion site of the horizontal muscle was vertically transposed by half the muscle width during surgery. Success was defined as a vertical strabismus angle of 2 PD or less. Results: The preoperative mean exodeviation far angle in 41 patients was 27.8 PD and the average vertical strabismus far angle 8.1 PD. The success rate of exotropia surgery was 68.3%. The mean vertical strabismus angle was 2.8 PD on postoperative day 1 and the success rate of vertical strabismus surgery 92.7%. Undercorrection was evident in 4.9% of patients and overcorrection in 2.4%. The preoperative vertical strabismus angle was strongly associated with the residual angle after surgery (r = 0.386, p = 0.013). Receiver operating curve analysis revealed that the preoperative vertical strabismus far angle cutoff was 11 PDs. No patient factor significantly influenced vertical strabismus correction. Conclusions: Vertical transposition of the horizontal muscle by half of the muscle width may correct vertical strabismus of far angle 11 PDs or less.
Hemorrhagic Retinal Macrocyst with Retinal Detachment
Authors: Han Ye Eun , Kim Hyun-Ah , Kim June-Gone
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To report a satisfactory clinical outcome of hemorrhagic retinal macrocyst with retinal detachment after pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection. Case summary: A 33-year-old man visited our clinic with a 1-week history of visual disturbance in his left eye. His ocular and medical history were unremarkable, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the left eye was 20/40. Fundoscopic examination of the left eye showed a hemorrhagic retinal macrocyst that was well-demarcated, semi-transparent, dome-shaped, and larger than 8 disc diameters at the superonasal location, with macular-off retinal detachment. B-scan ultrasonography also confirmed the presence of an intra-retinal cystic lesion with internal mobile echogenic signals representing blood. The patient underwent 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, barrier laser photocoagulation around the retinal tear and boundary of the cyst, and silicone oil injection, without any other additional procedures for the hemorrhagic retinal macrocyst. After the surgery, the patient stayed in the face down position for two weeks. Three months postoperatively, a completely collapsed hemorrhagic retinal macrocyst with successful retinal reattachment was observed. Six months later, the BCVA in the left eye had improved to 20/30. One year later, even after silicon oil removal, the collapsed hemorrhagic retinal macrocyst and reattached retina remained stable.Conclusions: A hemorrhagic retinal macrocyst with retinal detachment was successfully treated with pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade.
Systematic review with meta-analysis: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the association with pregnancy outcomes
Authors: El Jamaly Hydar , Eslick Guy D , Weltman Martin
Published: September 2021

Background/Aims: Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant patients with Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been largely unexplored. To determine the level of evidence associated with maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with NAFLD.Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search. The studies included pregnant patients with a previous, current or subsequent diagnosis of NAFLD. We used a random-effects model using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: Twenty-two studies, with 13,641 female NAFLD patients were reviewed. The results highlight that NAFLD patients had a statistically significant increased likelihood of baseline diabetes mellitus (OR, 6.00; 95% CI, 2.21–16.31; P<0.001; n=7), baseline Hypertension (OR, 3.75; 95% CI, 2.13–6.59; P<0.001; n=4), gestational hypertension (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.03–3.26; P=0.041; n=2), and pre-eclampsia (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.46–4.04; P=0.001; n=3). The odds for a past and current history of gestational diabetes mellitus were OR, 3.78; 95% CI, 2.21–6.44; P<0.001; n=5 and OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.97– 5.31; P<0.001; n=6, respectively. As for fetal outcomes, pregnant NAFLD patients were significantly more likely to have a premature birth (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.44–2.85; P<0.001; n=4), large for gestational age birth (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.72–2.37; P<0.001; n=2) or a history of prior miscarriage or abortion (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02–1.30; P=0.02; n=2). Egger’s regression revealed no evidence of publication bias (P>0.05).Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides pooled evidence that NAFLD is associated with a substantial increase in maternal diabetic and hypertensive complications and multiple adverse fetal outcomes. This data is important for clinicians managing these patients before, during and after pregnancy.
О работе библиотеки Назарбаев Университета в условиях пандемии
Authors: Лапо Петр Михайлович
Published: September 2021

В данной статье представлен опыт работы библиотеки Назарбаев Университета в условиях пандемии по таким основным направлениям, как комплектование фондов, виртуальные услуги, просветительные мероприятия для студентов, и мероприятия по трансляции передового международного и отечественного опыта в области современного библиотечного дела.
SMM-специалист = современный библиотекарь
Authors: Гавдей Анастасия Николаевна
Published: September 2021

В докладе рассказывается о профессии SMM-специалиста, его навыках и умениях, а также требованиях, предъявляемых к данной профессии. Ключевым аспектом статьи является применение принципов работы SMM-специалиста для библиотечных кадров, занимающихся социальными сетями.
De la migración forzada al tráfico de migrantes: la migración clandestina en tránsito de Cuba hacia Chile
Authors: Liberona Concha Nanette Paz , Piñones Rivera Carlos Daniel , Dilla Alfonso Haroldo
Published: September 2021

This article takes up the critical discussion that has taken place at an international level by considering people smuggling as a crime. It focuses on clandestine transit migration of Cubans to Chile, associated with the trafficking of migrants, the latter understood as forced migration. From a collaborative ethnographic follow-up, the experience of clandestine transit migration is collected while reconstructing the motives, routes, the lack of a coyote figure, the abuses, the risks, the crossing of Chilean borders, and the denial of refuge. It is concluded that emphasizing the voluntariness of being smuggled contributes to the irregularization of migrants, which is why we consider it necessary to stop perceiving this phenomenon from a criminal perspective and consider the density social, cultural, political, and economic dimensions of people smuggling.
A Covid-19, o luto e a gestão do corpo morto pela prefeitura de Maringá-PR
Authors: Lupion Marcia Regina de Oliveira
Published: September 2021

Partindo de um breve histórico sobre a gestão do corpo morto ao longo da história, verifica-se a relevância dos sepultamentos e da vivência do luto como elementos que permitem aos seres humanos representarem um certo domínio sobre a morte e o morrer. Verifica-se ainda, como o corpo morto é objeto de políticas públicas que visam preservar os vivos e o meio ambiente perante possíveis situações de infecção e poluição do lençol freático bem como de domínio e manejo sobre os corpos mortos. A partir dessa perspectiva, neste artigo discutiremos a gestão do corpo morto pós-Covid-19 frente aos protocolos estabelecidos pela Prefeitura de Maringá, no Paraná. Evento de ordem recente, o estudo realizado a partir análise de documentos administrativos como Decretos e Portarias municipais verificou a mudança expressiva nos rituais de despedida e conjeturou acerca das implicações que tais medidas tem trazido para os vivos, sobretudo os enlutados.
The Therapeutic Efficacy of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Conditioned Medium on Experimental Colitis Was Improved by the Serum From Colitis Rats
Authors: Qi Li-li , Fan Zhe-yu , Mao Hai-guang , Wang Jin-bo
Published: September 2021

Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) have shown therapeutic potential in treatments of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Due to the harsh host environment and poor survival of the cells, controversy concerning the homing, proliferation and differentiation of MSCs in lesion tissue still remains. It has been reported that conditioned media from MSCs could improve the colitis, whereas the therapeutic efficiency could be significantly elevated by the stimulation of pro-cytokines. In this study, we pre-treated the adipose derived MSCs with the serum from colitis rats and then the activated conditioned media (CM-AcMSC) were collected. To compare the therapeutic effects of CM-MSC and CM-AcMSC on IBD, we constructed dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis rat models. The colitis was induced in rats by administrating 5% DSS in drinking water for 10 days, and the disease symptoms were recorded daily. The colon histopathological changes were observed by different staining methods (H&E and PAS). The expression levels of MUC2 and tight junctions (TJs) were determined by RT-qPCR. The levels of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed by ELISA and western blot analysis. Our findings suggested that CM-AcMSC was more effective in ameliorating the clinical features and histological damage scores. Treatment with CM-AcMSC significantly increased the expression of MUC2 and TJs and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in colonic tissues of colitis rats. The inhibitory effects of CM-AcMSC on inflammatory responses of colitis rats were mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway. These results suggested that pre-activation of MSCs with serum from colitis rats could promote the production of paracrine factors and improve the therapeutic effects of conditioned medium on colitis rats.
Evaluation of Bi-Layer Silk Fibroin Grafts for Tubular Ureteroplasty in a Porcine Defect Model
Authors: Gundogdu Gokhan , Okhunov Zhamshid , Cristofaro Vivian , Starek Stephanie , Veneri Faith , Orabi Hazem , Jiang Pengbo , Sullivan Maryrose P. , Mauney Joshua R.
Published: September 2021

Ureteral reconstruction with autologous tissue grafts is often limited by tissue availability and donor site morbidity. This study investigates the performance of acellular, bi-layer silk fibroin (BLSF) scaffolds in a porcine model of ureteroplasty. Tubular ureteroplasty with BLSF grafts in combination with transient stenting for 8 weeks was performed in adult female, Yucatan, mini-swine (N = 5). Animals were maintained for 12 weeks post-op with imaging of neoconduits using ultrasonography and retrograde ureteropyelography carried out at 2 and 4 weeks intervals. End-point analyses of ureteral neotissues and unoperated controls included histological, immunohistochemical (IHC), histomorphometric evaluations as well as ex vivo functional assessments of contraction/relaxation. All animals survived until scheduled euthanasia and displayed mild hydronephrosis (Grades 1-2) in reconstructed collecting systems during the 8 weeks stenting period with one animal presenting with a persistent subcutaneous fistula at 2 weeks post-op. By 12 weeks of scaffold implantation, unstented neoconduits led to severe hydronephrosis (Grade 4) and stricture formation in the interior of graft sites in 80% of swine. Bulk scaffold extrusion into the distal ureter was also apparent in 60% of swine contributing to ureteral obstruction. However, histological and IHC analyses revealed the formation of innervated, vascularized neotissues with a-smooth muscle actin+ and SM22α+ smooth muscle bundles as well as uroplakin 3A+ and pan-cytokeratin + urothelium. Ex vivo contractility and relaxation responses of neotissues were similar to unoperated control segments. BLSF biomaterials represent emerging platforms for tubular ureteroplasty, however further optimization is needed to improve in vivo degradation kinetics and mitigate stricture formation.
Wnt Signaling Induces Asymmetric Dynamics in the Actomyosin Cortex of the C. elegans Endomesodermal Precursor Cell
Authors: Caroti Francesca , Thiels Wim , Vanslambrouck Michiel , Jelier Rob
Published: September 2021

During asymmetrical division of the endomesodermal precursor cell EMS, a cortical flow arises, and the daughter cells, endodermal precursor E and mesodermal precursor MS, have an enduring difference in the levels of F-actin and non-muscular myosin. Ablation of the cell cortex suggests that these observed differences lead to differences in cortical tension. The higher F-actin and myosin levels in the MS daughter coincide with cell shape changes and relatively lower tension, indicating a soft, actively moving cell, whereas the lower signal in the E daughter cell is associated with higher tension and a more rigid, spherical shape. The cortical flow is under control of the Wnt signaling pathway. Perturbing the pathway removes the asymmetry arising during EMS division and induces subtle defects in the cellular movements at the eight-cell stage. The perturbed cellular movement appears to be associated with an asymmetric distribution of E-cadherin across the EMS cytokinesis groove. ABpl forms a lamellipodium which preferentially adheres to MS by the E-cadherin HMR-1. The HMR-1 asymmetry across the groove is complete just at the moment cytokinesis completes. Perturbing Wnt signaling equalizes the HMR-1 distribution across the lamellipodium. We conclude that Wnt signaling induces a cortical flow during EMS division, which results in a transition in the cortical contractile network for the daughter cells, as well as an asymmetric distribution of E-cadherin.
SIRT7-Induced PHF5A Decrotonylation Regulates Aging Progress Through Alternative Splicing-Mediated Downregulation of CDK2
Authors: Yu Ai Qing , Wang Jie , Jiang Shi Tao , Yuan Li Qun , Ma Hai Yan , Hu Yi Min , Han Xing Min , Tan Li Ming , Wang Zhi Xiao
Published: September 2021

Dysregulation of protein posttranslational modification (PTM) can lead to a variety of pathological processes, such as abnormal sperm development, malignant tumorigenesis, depression, and aging process. SIRT7 is a NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase. Besides known deacetylation, SIRT7 may also have the capacity to remove other acylation. However, the roles of SIRT7-induced other deacylation in aging are still largely unknown. Here, we found that the expression of SIRT7 was significantly increased in senescent fibroblasts and aged tissues. Knockdown or overexpression of SIRT7 can inhibit or promote fibroblast senescence. Knockdown of SIRT7 led to increased pan-lysine crotonylation (Kcr) levels in senescent fibroblasts. Using modern mass spectrometry (MS) technology, we identified 5,149 Kcr sites across 1,541 proteins in senescent fibroblasts, and providing the largest crotonylome dataset to date in senescent cells. Specifically, among the identified proteins, we found SIRT7 decrotonylated PHF5A, an alternative splicing (AS) factor, at K25. Decrotonylation of PHF5A K25 contributed to decreased CDK2 expression by retained intron (RI)-induced abnormal AS, thereby accelerating fibroblast senescence, and supporting a key role of PHF5A K25 decrotonylation in aging. Collectively, our data revealed the molecular mechanism of SIRT7-induced k25 decrotonylation of PHF5A regulating aging and provide new ideas and molecular targets for drug intervention in cellular aging and the treatment of aging-related diseases, and indicating that protein crotonylation has important implications in the regulation of aging progress.
Pharmacological Modulation of Neurite Outgrowth in Human Neural Progenitor Cells by Inhibiting Non-muscle Myosin II
Authors: Lilienberg Julianna , Hegyi Zoltán , Szabó Eszter , Hathy Edit , Málnási-Csizmadia András , Réthelyi János M. , Apáti Ágota , Homolya László
Published: September 2021

Studies on neural development and neuronal regeneration after injury are mainly based on animal models. The establishment of pluripotent stem cell (PSC) technology, however, opened new perspectives for better understanding these processes in human models by providing unlimited cell source for hard-to-obtain human tissues. Here, we aimed at identifying the molecular factors that confine and modulate an early step of neural regeneration, the formation of neurites in human neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) was stably expressed in NPCs differentiated from human embryonic and induced PSC lines, and the neurite outgrowth was investigated under normal and injury-related conditions using a high-content screening system. We found that inhibitors of the non-muscle myosin II (NMII), blebbistatin and its novel, non-toxic derivatives, initiated extensive neurite outgrowth in human NPCs. The extracellular matrix components strongly influenced the rate of neurite formation but NMII inhibitors were able to override the inhibitory effect of a restrictive environment. Non-additive stimulatory effect on neurite generation was also detected by the inhibition of Rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), the upstream regulator of NMII. In contrast, inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) had only a negligible effect, suggesting that the ROCK1 signal is dominantly manifested by actomyosin activity. In addition to providing a reliable cell-based in vitro model for identifying intrinsic mechanisms and environmental factors responsible for impeded axonal regeneration in humans, our results demonstrate that NMII and ROCK1 are important pharmacological targets for the augmentation of neural regeneration at the progenitor level. These studies may open novel perspectives for development of more effective pharmacological treatments and cell therapies for various neurodegenerative disorders.
Role of Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 47 in Cancers and Other Diseases
Authors: Pan Kailing , Fu Junhao , Xu Wenxia
Published: September 2021

Deubiquitination is the reverse process of ubiquitination, which is catalyzed by deubiquitinase enzymes. More than 100 deubiquitinases have been identified. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 47 (USP47), a member of the ubiquitin-specific protease family with high homology to USP7, is an active molecule with a wide range of functions and is closely associated with cancer and other diseases. However, no systematic summary exists regarding the functions of USP47. Here, we summarize the functions and expression regulation of USP47. USP47 is highly expressed in many tumors and is widely involved in tumor development, metastasis, drug resistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and other processes. Targeted inhibition of USP47 can reverse malignant tumor behavior. USP47 also plays a role in inflammatory responses, myocardial infarction, and neuronal development. USP47 is involved in multiple levels of expression-regulating mechanisms, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational modifications. Development of targeted inhibitors against USP47 will provide a basis for studying the mechanisms of USP47 and developing therapeutic strategies for cancers and other diseases.
Assessment of Possible Contributions of Hyaluronan and Proteoglycan Binding Link Protein 4 to Differential Perineuronal Net Formation at the Calyx of Held
Authors: Nojima Kojiro , Miyazaki Haruko , Hori Tetsuya , Vargova Lydia , Oohashi Toshitaka
Published: September 2021

The calyx of Held is a giant nerve terminal mediating high-frequency excitatory input to principal cells of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). MNTB principal neurons are enwrapped by densely organized extracellular matrix structures, known as perineuronal nets (PNNs). Emerging evidence indicates the importance of PNNs in synaptic transmission at the calyx of Held. Previously, a unique differential expression of aggrecan and brevican has been reported at this calyceal synapse. However, the role of hyaluronan and proteoglycan binding link proteins (HAPLNs) in PNN formation and synaptic transmission at this synapse remains elusive. This study aimed to assess immunohistochemical evidence for the effect of HAPLN4 on differential PNN formation at the calyx of Held. Genetic deletion ofHapln4exhibited a clear ectopic shift of brevican localization from the perisynaptic space between the calyx of Held terminals and principal neurons to the neuropil surrounding the whole calyx of Held terminals. In contrast, aggrecan expression showed a consistent localization at the surrounding neuropil, together with HAPLN1 and tenascin-R, in both gene knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Anin situproximity ligation assay demonstrated the molecular association of brevican with HAPLN4 in WT and HAPLN1 in gene KO mice. Further elucidation of the roles of HAPLN4 may highlight the developmental and physiological importance of PNN formation in the calyx of Held.
Molecular Machinery and Pathophysiology of Mitochondrial Dynamics
Authors: Chiu Yi-Han , Lin Shu-Chuan Amy , Kuo Chen-Hsin , Li Chia-Jung
Published: September 2021

Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles that exhibit fluidity. They are the main site of cellular aerobic respiration, providing energy for cell proliferation, migration, and survival; hence, they are called “powerhouses.” Mitochondria play an important role in biological processes such as cell death, cell senescence, autophagy, lipid synthesis, calcium homeostasis, and iron balance. Fission and fusion are active processes that require many specialized proteins, including mechanical enzymes that physically alter mitochondrial membranes, and interface proteins that regulate the interaction of these mechanical proteins with organelles. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial fusion, fission, and physiopathology, emphasizing the biological significance of mitochondrial morphology and dynamics. In particular, the regulatory mechanisms of mitochondria-related genes and proteins in animal cells are discussed, as well as research trends in mitochondrial dynamics, providing a theoretical reference for future mitochondrial research.
TRF1 Depletion Reveals Mutual Regulation Between Telomeres, Kinetochores, and Inner Centromeres in Mouse Oocytes
Authors: Jeon Hyuk-Joon , Oh Jeong Su
Published: September 2021

In eukaryotic chromosomes, the centromere and telomere are two specialized structures that are essential for chromosome stability and segregation. Although centromeres and telomeres often are located in close proximity to form telocentric chromosomes in mice, it remained unclear whether these two structures influence each other. Here we show that TRF1 is required for inner centromere and kinetochore assembly in addition to its role in telomere protection in mouse oocytes. TRF1 depletion caused premature chromosome segregation by abrogating the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) and impairing kinetochore-microtubule (kMT) attachment, which increased the incidence of aneuploidy. Notably, TRF1 depletion disturbed the localization of Survivin and Ndc80/Hec1 at inner centromeres and kinetochores, respectively. Moreover, SMC3 and SMC4 levels significantly decreased after TRF1 depletion, suggesting that TRF1 is involved in chromosome cohesion and condensation. Importantly, inhibition of inner centromere or kinetochore function led to a significant decrease in TRF1 level and telomere shortening. Therefore, our results suggest that telomere integrity is required to preserve inner centromere and kinetochore architectures, and vice versa, suggesting mutual regulation between telomeres and centromeres.
Synthesizing and Evaluating the Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Ability of TiO2/SiO2 Nanocomposite for Silicate Coating
Authors: Le Manh-Cuong , Le Thu-Huong , Bui Thi Thanh-Huyen , Nguyen Quang-Dat , Do Thi Thanh-Ha , Tran Thi Minh-Nguyet
Published: September 2021

The TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposite has been synthesized by a sol-gel method and investigated the effect of the SiO2 content (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 50%) on the rutile-to-anatase phase transition of TiO2 NPs. In order to increase the photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposite and decrease the price of material, the TiO2/SiO2 Nc with content SiO2 of 15% sample is chosen for preparing silicate coating. The efficiency of photocatalytic MB and antibacterial ability in the air of W silicate coating (adding TiO2/SiO2 Nc (15%)) achieve almost 100% for 60 h and 94.35% for 3 h, respectively. While the efficiency of photocatalytic MB and antibacterial ability of WO silicate coating (adding commercial TiO2/SiO2) is about 25–30% for 60 h and 6.02% for 3 h, respectively. The presence of TiO2/SiO2 Nc (15%) with a larger surface area in W silicate coating can provide increased centers for absorption, photocatalytic reaction, and the contact between sample and bacteria lead to enhance the photocatalytic and antibacterial ability of W silicate coating.
Theoretical Design of Novel Boron-Based Nanowires via Inverse Sandwich Clusters
Authors: Jiang Cailian , Lv Zhiwei , Lv Sudong , Sai Linwei , Wang Shukai , Li Fengyu
Published: September 2021

Borophene has important application value, boron nanomaterials doped with transition metal have wondrous structures and chemical bonding. However, little attention was paid to the boron nanowires (NWs). Inspired by the novel metal boron clusters Ln2Bn− (Ln = La, Pr, Tb, n = 7–9) adopting inverse sandwich configuration, we examined Sc2B8 and Y2B8 clusters in such novel structure and found that they are the global minima and show good stability. Thus, based on the novel structural moiety and first-principles calculations, we connected the inverse sandwich clusters into one-dimensional (1D) nanowires by sharing B−B bridges between adjacent clusters, and the 1D-Sc4B24 and 1D-Y2B12 were reached after structural relaxation. The two nanowires were identified to be stable in thermodynamical, dynamical and thermal aspects. Both nanowires are nonmagnetic, the 1D-Sc4B24 NW is a direct-bandgap semiconductor, while the 1D-Y2B12 NW shows metallic feature. Our theoretical results revealed that the inverse sandwich structure is the most energy-favored configuration for transition metal borides Sc2B8 and Y2B8, and the inverse sandwich motif can be extended to 1D nanowires, providing useful guidance for designing novel boron-based nanowires with diverse electronic properties.
Development of Tailored Early Warning Agromet Advisories for Farmers in Zambia, Indonesia, and South Africa
Authors: Walker Sue
Published: September 2021

Farmers do not often use climate and weather information on a regular basis, as the specific influence of weather parameters on farm-level decision making is not well-known. Agromet advisories are needed for local farming systems. Effective agrometeorological advisory systems, need tailored agricultural weather forecasts, and two-way communication. Transdisciplinary teams together with farmers can co-develop early warning Agromet advisory systems to address farmers' needs. Three examples of Agromet advisories are discussed- CAPES in Zambia, Science Field Shops in Indonesia, and the AgriCloud mobile App in South Africa. Community Agrometeorological Participatory Extension Service (CAPES) began in Monze, Zambia to communicate seasonal climate forecasts to farmers through researchers and extension interactions. Participatory groups collected spatial and temporal data about local farming systems to highlight opportunities. Communication methods used were local radio, farmers' days, trials, with farm visits. CAPES resulted in lifelong learning about climate and co-development of tailored Agromet advisories to improve climate resilience. In Science Field Shops (SFS) groups of Indonesian farmers meet experts regularly to exchange information about climate and farming activities. Farmers measure rainfall and observe their agroecological systems each day. At monthly meetings, the seasonal forecasts are discussed using dialogue-discussion methods. Agrometeorological learning is trans-disciplinary through interaction between anthropologists, agrometeorologist, and extension personnel. SFS includes eight climate services that empower farmers to address challenges and sustain their productivity. AgriCloud is an online weather-based agricultural advisory system enriching weather forecasts with agricultural information and local knowledge. Real-time overviews and warnings are tailored to farmer's needs. AgriCloud provides farmers, extension staff, and advisors daily updated weather-related farm-specific advice in 11 South African official languages. AgriCloud is available as an android mobile App, or API to use via a platform. These examples illustrate the use of weather forecasting together with tailored forecasts and communication systems to deliver Agromet advisories, showing different aspects of the incorporation of local knowledge in co-developing advisories for the farmers. In the future, various combinations can be used around the world when co-developing with the farmers.
The Epistemic Virtues of a Closed Mind: Effective Science Reporting in the Golden Age of the Con
Authors: Bishop Michael A. , Trout J. D.
Published: September 2021

A financial confidence game (or “con”) aims to separate you from your money. An epistemic con aims to influence social policy by recruiting you to spread doubt and falsehood about well-established claims. You can’t be conned if you close your wallet to financial cons and your mind to epistemic cons. Easier said than done. The epistemic con has two elements. First are magic bullet arguments, which purport to identify the crucial fact that proves some well-established hypothesis is false. Second are appeals to epistemic virtue: You should be fair, consider the evidence, think for yourself. The appeal to epistemic virtue opens your mind to the con; countless magic bullet arguments keep it open. As in most cons, you (the mark or victim) don’t understand the game. You think it’s to find the truth. But really, it’s to see how long the con artist can string you along as his unwitting shill (an accomplice who entices victims to the con). Strategic Reliabilism says that reasoning is rational to the extent it’s accurate, easy to use, and practical (it applies to significant problems). It recommends that we give close-minded deference to settled science, and thus avoid a large class of epistemic cons. Settled science consists of the general consensus of scientific experts. These experts are defined not by their personal characteristics but by their roles within the institutions of science. Close-minded deference is not blind faith or certainty. It is belief that does not waver in the face of objections from other (less reliable) sources. When the epistemic con is on, the journalist faces a dilemma. Report on magic bullet arguments and thereby open people’s minds to the con. Or don’t, and feed the con artist’s narrative that evidence is being suppressed. As always, the journalist’s best response is sunshine: Report on the story of the epistemic con. Show people how they work. The story of the epistemic con has, at its heart, a wicked reveal: Your reaction to the story is itself part of the story, and it tells you whether the true villain of the story lurks within you.
Management and 30-Day Mortality of Acute Coronary Syndrome in a Resource-Limited Setting: Insight From Ethiopia. A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fanta Korinan , Daba Fekede Bekele , Asefa Elsah Tegene , Melaku Tsegaye , Chelkeba Legese , Fekadu Ginenus , Gudina Esayas Kebede
Published: September 2021

Background: Despite the fact that the burden, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have been studied widely in developed countries, limited data are available from sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the clinical characteristics, treatment, and 30-day mortality of patients with ACS admitted to tertiary hospitals in Ethiopia.

Methods: A total of 181 ACS patients admitted to tertiary care hospitals in Ethiopia were enrolled from March 15 to November 15, 2018. The clinical characteristics, management, and 30-day mortality were evaluated by ACS subtype. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the predictors of 30-day all-cause mortality. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The majority (61%) of ACS patients were admitted with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The mean age was 56 years, with male predominance (62.4%). More than two-thirds (67.4%) of patients presented to hospital after 12 h of symptom onset. Dyslipidemia (48%) and hypertension (44%) were the most common risk factors identified. In-hospital dual antiplatelet and statin use was high (>90%), followed by beta-blockers (81%) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; 72%). Late reperfusion with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was done for only 13 (7.2%), and none of the patients received early reperfusion therapy. The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 25.4%. On multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis, older age [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.003–1.057], systolic blood pressure (HR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.975–1.000), serum creatinine (HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.056–1.643), Killip class > II (HR = 4.62, 95% CI = 2.502–8.523), ejection fraction <40% (HR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.463–5.162), and STEMI (HR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.006–4.261) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality.

Conclusions: The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was unacceptably high, which implies an urgent need to establish a nationwide program to reduce pre-hospital delay, promoting the use of guideline-directed medications, and increasing access to reperfusion therapy.
Machine Learning Models for Predicting In-Hospital Mortality in Acute Aortic Dissection Patients
Authors: Guo Tuo , Fang Zhuo , Yang Guifang , Zhou Yang , Ding Ning , Peng Wen , Gong Xun , He Huaping , Pan Xiaogao , Chai Xiangping
Published: September 2021

Background: Acute aortic dissection is a potentially fatal cardiovascular disorder associated with high mortality. However, current predictive models show a limited ability to efficiently and flexibly detect this mortality risk, and have been unable to discover a relationship between the mortality rate and certain variables. Thus, this study takes an artificial intelligence approach, whereby clinical data-driven machine learning was utilized to predict the in-hospital mortality of acute aortic dissection.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with acute aortic dissection between January 2015 to December 2018 were voluntarily enrolled from the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in the study. The diagnosis was defined by magnetic resonance angiography or computed tomography angiography, with an onset time of the symptoms being within 14 days. The analytical variables included demographic characteristics, physical examination, symptoms, clinical condition, laboratory results, and treatment strategies. The machine learning algorithms included logistic regression, decision tree, K nearest neighbor, Gaussian naive bayes, and extreme gradient boost (XGBoost). Evaluation of the predictive performance of the models was mainly achieved using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. SHapley Additive exPlanation was also implemented to interpret the final prediction model.

Results: A total of 1,344 acute aortic dissection patients were recruited, including 1,071 (79.7%) patients in the survivor group and 273 (20.3%) patients in non-survivor group. The extreme gradient boost model was found to be the most effective model with the greatest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.927, 95% CI: 0.860–0.968). The three most significant aspects of the extreme gradient boost importance matrix plot were treatment, type of acute aortic dissection, and ischemia-modified albumin levels. In the SHapley Additive exPlanation summary plot, medical treatment, type A acute aortic dissection, and higher ischemia-modified albumin level were shown to increase the risk of hospital-based mortality.
Compound Karst Cave Treatment and Waterproofing Strategy for EPB Shield Tunnelling in Karst Areas: A Case Study
Authors: Kang Yongshui , Geng Zhi , Lu Linhai , Chen Lei , Liu Xuewei , Liu Bin , Huang Xing
Published: September 2021

There is high risk of water inrush and ground collapse accidents when tunnelling in karst areas. Based on the case study of an urban metro tunnel, this paper focuses on karst cave treatment and waterproofing strategies for earth pressure balancing (EPB) shield tunnelling in karst areas containing large amounts of karst caves and fissures. When the shield machine enters the karst area, water gush easily occurs, posing serious threats to tunnelling safety. The distribution characteristic of limestone fractures, karst caves, and fissures in the karst area were analyzed according to the geological survey results. Further, water inrush risk and engineering difficulties were analyzed. Subsequently, a compound karst cave treatment and waterproofing strategy for EPB shield tunnelling was proposed and implemented. Water inflow is successfully reduced and ground collapse accident is avoided using the compound karst cave treatment and waterproofing strategy.
Preservice Training Amid a Pandemic in Ghana: Predictors of Online Learning Success Among Teachers
Authors: Nketsia William , Opoku Maxwell P. , Mohamed Ahmed H. , Kumi Emmanuel O. , Twum Rosemary , Kyere Eunice A.
Published: September 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak has brought the world to a standstill, especially the education sector. Globally, it has claimed over two million lives, with over 100 million people infected, forcing schools to close down. This has reignited the importance of online teaching and learning for preservice teachers who comprise the next frontiers in providing online education to their future students. However, studies on online learning [OL] success among preservice teachers in developing countries, such as Ghana, remain scarce. Accordingly, this study mainly aimed to assess the predictors of OL success among preservice teachers in Ghana. Bandura’s social cognitive theory guided the study; in total, 526 preservice teachers were recruited from four colleges of education. Although the teachers were ambivalent regarding the success of OL, significant differences were found between the following demographics: gender, specialization, marital status, the preferred mode of learning, and the place of residence. Moreover, the study discussed the need for intensive information and communications technology education among preservice teachers, particularly women, developing their confidence in computer skills, and other recommendations.