bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience of the Visegrad Countries in the Fight against the Pandemic
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Shishelina Lyubov
Published: March 2021

The article analyzes the experience of the Visegrad Group countries in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The relatively low incidence in the first wave of the spread of the disease allowed us to conclude that Budapest, Bratislava, Warsaw and Prague could have been marked by a special progress on this path. Indeed, the comparatively low infection and deaths rates here were significantly lower than in Western European countries. However, with the entry into the second wave, the situation began to deteriorate rapidly. Moreover, the evident difficulties that the governments had been facing, frequently pointed to the efforts of the opposition to use this situation to its profit. In the countries themselves, disputes over the legal security of the imposed restrictive measures and the means of supporting the population have escalated. In foreign policy – at the background of a pandemic there gained a new stage the efforts of the Brussels to press upon Budapest and Warsaw the EU rules of the primacy of law. On the eve of the already apparent third wave of pandemic, countries have begun vaccinating the population, but this is also not progressing as easily as expected. Firstly, they are tragically lacking in vaccine? And the Brussels seems helpless to improve the situation; secondly, it is not fully clear in what conditions and who can and should be vaccinated; and thirdly, the bias against the Russian vaccine continues to operate. However those were the Central European countries who started examining the Russian vaccine as well as the possible outcome from the situation.
UK-Turkey Relationship in Light of Brexit
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Godovanyuk Kira
Published: March 2021

The 2016 UK EU membership referendum has been a catalyst for a stronger political dialogue between Turkey and Britain. The countries have taken a firm line of strategic partnership which meets the interests of both parties to strengthen their international positions. In late December 2020, the parties managed to forge a trade agreement envisaging most of the previously established rules. At the same time, a full-scale trade agreement is hampered by Ankara’s obligations within the EU Customs Union and Preferential agreements. Turkey occupies an important place in the new foreign strategy of the UK. London considers Ankara, which is pursuing an increasingly tough policy in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Black Sea region, as a situational ally in strengthening its international positions weakened by Brexit. The author notes that the declared strategic partnership in the political sphere has a number of limitations associated with the conflict potential of relations between Turkey and the European Union, as well as the growing importance of the values factor in British foreign policy. The UK actually needs to find a balance between other international players in the Brussels-London-Ankara triangle for its own geopolitical and economic goals. The nature of British-Turkish relations is of considerable interest to Russia.
Increased Functional Coupling between VTA and Hippocampus during Rest in First-Episode Psychosis
Authors: Gregory David F. , Rothrock Jane M. , Jalbrzikowski Maria , Foran William , Montez David F. , Luna Beatriz , Murty Vishnu P.
Published: March 2021

Animal models suggest that interactions between the hippocampus and ventral tegmental area (VTA) underlie the onset and etiology of psychosis. While a large body of research has separately characterized alterations in hippocampal and VTA function in psychosis, alterations across the VTA and hippocampus have not been characterized in first-episode psychosis (FEP). As the phase of psychosis most proximal to conversion, studies specifically focused on FEP are valuable to psychosis research. Here, we characterize alterations in VTA-hippocampal interactions across male and female human participants experiencing their first episode of psychosis using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). In comparison to age and sex matched healthy controls (HCs), FEP individuals had significantly greater VTA-hippocampal functional coupling but significantly less VTA-striatal functional coupling. Further, increased VTA-hippocampal functional coupling in FEP correlated with individual differences in psychosis-related symptoms. Together, these findings demonstrate alterations in mesolimbic-hippocampal circuits in FEP and extend prominent animal models of psychosis.
Interneuron Dysfunction in a New Mouse Model of SCN1A GEFS+
Authors: Das Antara , Zhu Bingyao , Xie Yunyao , Zeng Lisha , Pham An T. , Neumann Jonathan C. , Safrina Olga , Benavides Daniel R. , MacGregor Grant R. , Schutte Soleil S. , Hunt Robert F. , O’Dowd Diane K.
Published: March 2021

Advances in genome sequencing have identified over 1300 mutations in theSCN1Asodium channel gene that result in genetic epilepsies. However, it still remains unclear how most individual mutations withinSCN1Aresult in seizures. A previous study has shown that the K1270T (KT) mutation, linked to genetic epilepsy with febrile seizure plus (GEFS+) in humans, causes heat-induced seizure activity associated with a temperature-dependent decrease in GABAergic neuron excitability in aDrosophilaknock-in model. To examine the behavioral and cellular effects of this mutation in mammals, we introduced the equivalent KT mutation into the mouse (Mus musculus)Scn1a(Scn1aKT)gene using CRISPR/Cas9 and generated mutant lines in two widely used genetic backgrounds: C57BL/6NJ and 129X1/SvJ. In both backgrounds, mice homozygous for the KT mutation had spontaneous seizures and died by postnatal day (P)23. There was no difference in mortality of heterozygous KT mice compared with wild-type littermates up to six months old. Heterozygous mutants exhibited heat-induced seizures at ∼42°C, a temperature that did not induce seizures in wild-type littermates. In acute hippocampal slices at permissive temperatures, current-clamp recordings revealed a significantly depolarized shift in action potential threshold and reduced action potential amplitude in parvalbumin (PV)-expressing inhibitory CA1 interneurons inScn1aKT/+mice. There was no change in the firing properties of excitatory CA1 pyramidal neurons. These results suggest that a constitutive decrease in inhibitory interneuron excitability contributes to the seizure phenotype in the mouse model.
Bhutan in 2020
Authors: Whitecross Richard W.
Published: March 2021

The year 2020 in Bhutan was dominated by the coronavirus pandemic, a decline in state revenues, and territorial claims by China. In 2019, Bhutan’s strong economy suggested that the country would graduate from the least developed country category in 2023. The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy makes this less certain.
China in 2020
Authors: Ye Min
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on China, causing tremendous losses. It also accelerated the trend of power concentration, both within the state and inside the Communist Party. With tensions between the US and China mounting in more areas, bilateral relations dropped to the lowest point since the end of the Cold War. On its periphery, China also saw crises of varying intensity over Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Uyghurs, and the disputed border with India.
A emergência do novo coronavírus e a “lei de quarentena” no Brasil
Authors: Ventura Deisy de Freitas Lima , Aith Fernando Mussa Abujamra , Rached Danielle Hanna
Published: March 2021

Resumo A Lei n. 13.979, de 6 de fevereiro de 2020, regula medidas de saúde pública relacionadas à emergência do novo coronavírus com alto potencial restritivo de direitos fundamentais, inclusive a quarentena e o isolamento. Esta análise crítica aborda a dimensão internacional da emergência, além da tramitação casuística e antidemocrática da lei brasileira. Com base na legislação epidemiológica em vigor, escrutina estas medidas excepcionais e as salvaguardas à sua implementação.
Permanências estruturais e ausência de rupturas na política criminal e de segurança nos governos do Partido dos Trabalhadores (2003-2016)
Authors: Martins Carla Benitez
Published: March 2021

Resumo O artigo, tomando o repertório teórico da economia política da pena, parte de leitura histórico-estrutural da função do controle penal nas diferentes etapas de acumulação no capitalismo brasileiro com vistas a expor a ausência de rupturas experimentadas nas políticas criminais e de segurança pública durante os governos social-liberais do Partido dos Trabalhadores (2003-2016).
İNŞACILIK YAKLAŞIMI VE KAVRAMSAL TARTIŞMALAR ÇERÇEVESİNDE ULUSLARARASI CEZA MAHKEMESİ
Authors: KARZAOĞLU Pınar , ÇATI Mehmet Osman
Published: March 2021

Bu çalışma uluslararası hukuk ve uluslararası ilişkiler disiplinlerinin etkileşimi içerisinde şekillenen Uluslararası Ceza Mahkemesi’nin (UCM) sınırlarını ve yaşadığı zorlukları, teorik bir yaklaşımla ve kavramlarla ele alma amacıyla hazırlanmıştır. Uluslararası Ceza Mahkemesi, çoğunlukla istikrarsız şekilde ve tartışmalara konu olarak son yıllarda kayda değer bir biçimde gelişse de uygulamada tam anlamıyla adil olmayı başaramamış uluslararası bir ceza kurumudur. Uluslararası normların aşamalı gelişimi (normların hayat döngüsü) ve çeşitli uluslararası ceza yargılamaları ile günümüzde birçok ihtilaflı kuram ve kavramla tartışılan bu uluslararası ceza kurumu her iki disiplininin akademik yazınında da kendine yer bulmayı başarmıştır. Uluslararası hukukun devletleri bağlayacak bir zorlama mekanizmasından yoksun oluşu ve devlet egemenliğinin sarsılmaz doğasına olan inanç, savaş suçu, insanlığa karşı işlenen suçlar ve en önemlisi soykırım suçu işleyen faillerin yargılamasını da zorlu bir süreç haline getirmiştir. Bu durum devletlerin uluslararası normlara, özellikle insan hakları konusunda tam anlamıyla uyumunun hiçbir zaman garanti altına alınamamasına sebep olmuştur. Bu kapsamda çalışmanın amacı, devletlerin uluslararası hukuk normlarına yaklaşımları çerçevesinde UCM’nin anlamlandırılmasıdır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda, devletlerin uluslararası hukuk normlarına uyumu konusu akademik literatürdeki tartışmalardan beslenerek ve uluslararası ilişkiler disiplininin inşacılık kuramından yararlanılarak analiz edilecektir. Bu analizden yola çıkarak uluslararası ceza mahkemelerinin kapsamına giren suçların önlenmesine yönelik ‘ulus-üstü yasal süreç’, ‘yeni egemenlik’ ve bahsi geçen ‘normların hayat döngüsü’ kavramlarından yararlanan alternatif bir yaklaşım savunulacaktır.
BİR DENGE ARAYIŞI: SOSYAL KAYNAŞMA VE AVRUPA BİRLİĞİ İNCELEMESİ
Authors: YAVUZ Yiğit
Published: March 2021

Sosyal Kaynaşma giderek önem kazanan akademik bir inceleme alanı olarak son yıllarda devletler için de politik bir üst hedef hâline gelmiştir. Bireylerin ve toplumların refaha ulaşması için çeşitli argümanlar ile dengeli kalkınmayı tesis etmeyi öngören Sosyal Kaynaşma kavramı farklı perspektifler eşliğinde tartışılsa da üzerinde uzlaşılmış bir tanımı hâlen bulunmamaktadır. Uluslararası kurumların ve ulusal hükûmetlerin de ilgisini çeken kavram ulus üstü yapısı ile Avrupa Birliği’nin de önem verdiği bir hedef olmuştur. Kuruluş felsefesi, uzun yıllar süren savaşlar nedeniyle yoksullaşmış Avrupalıları ve bu savaşlar nedeniyle yıpranmış Avrupalı devletleri bir çatı altında toplayarak barışı ve gönenci sağlamak ve sürdürmek olan Avrupa Birliği, kıtaya barışı ve adil paylaşımı hâkim kılmayı hedeflemiştir. Öncelikle Avrupalılar arasında kaynaşmayı sağlayarak oluşturulmak istenen “Yurttaşlar Avrupası” süreci, yaşanan çeşitli krizler ve kültürel farklılıklar nedeniyle istenen seviyeye getirilememiştir. Son yıllarda hâkim olan küreselleşme rüzgârı ise sosyal kaynaşmanın giderek daha da zorlaşmasına neden olmaktadır. Bu noktadan hareketle çalışma sosyal kaynaşma kavramını çeşitli yönleriyle incelerken, Avrupa Birliği’nin alana dair çabalarını, hedeflerini ve seviyesini de analiz etmektedir.
İŞLETMELERDE BİR EĞİTİM ARACI OLARAK OYUNLAŞTIRMA ÜZERİNE NİTEL BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: ALKAÇ Şeyma , YILDIZ Müge Leyla
Published: March 2021

Çalışanların eğitim süreçlerinde motivasyonunun ve başarısının artırılması amacıyla, oyunlaştırma yapısının eğitim programlarına başarılı bir şekilde uyum sağlaması oyunlaştırma olarak tanımlanabilir. Çalışmanın amacı, oyunlaştırma yönteminin eğitimde kullanılmasının çalışan motivasyonuna etkide bulunup bulunmadığını ve eğitime yönelik tutumlarının hangi yönde değiştiğinin incelenmesidir. Çalışmanın oyunlaştırma kavramının işletmelerde eğitim aracı olarak kullanılması ve eğitim programının nasıl oyunlaştırıldığına ilişkin bir çerçeve sunması açılarından alan yazınına katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir. Oyunlaştırma günümüze teknoloji gelişimler sayesinde işletmelerde birçok alanda kullanılmaktadır. Oyunlaştırma genelde eğitimde katılımı ve motivasyonu arttırmak amacıyla kullanılmaktadır. Elde edilen veriler doğrultusunda, işletmelerde oyunlaştırmanın eğitim aracı olarak kullanılması, eğitim süreçlerinin çalışan davranışları üzerindeki etki ve öğrenmeye katkı sağladığı sonucuna varılmıştır. Nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanılan araştırmada durum çalışması yöntemi tercih edilmiştir. Verilerin toplanmasında derinlemesine mülakat ve dokuman incelemesi, verilerin analizinde içerik ve betimsel analiz bir arada kullanılmıştır.
COVID-19 Pandemisinde Gebelerin Psikolojik Sağlık Sonuçları: Tanımlayıcı Çalışmaların Sistematik Bir Derlemesi
Authors: KARA Pınar , NAZİK Evşen
Published: March 2021

Amaç: Bu çalışma, 2019 koronavirüs pandemisinde gebelerin psikolojik sağlık (stres, anksiyete ve depresyon) sonuçlarına ilişkin çalışmaları değerlendirmek amacıyla yapılmıştır.
Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışma, sistematik derleme niteliğinde olup, 15 Mayıs-10 Haziran 2020 tarihleri arasında İngilizce dilinde yayınlanan makaleler taranarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmada, "COVID-19", “gebelik”, “stres”, “anksiyete” ve “depresyon” için referans anahtar kelimelerinin kombinasyonu oluşturularak, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOHost, Web of Science ve Science of Direct elektronik veritabanları taraması 2019-2020 tarihleri arasında yapılmıştır.
Bulgular: Tarama sonucunda tanımlayıcı/kesitsel çalışmalar ve editöre mektuplara ulaşılmıştır. Bağımsız iki araştırmacı tarafından yapılan kalite değerlendirmesi sonrası tam metnine ulaşılan toplam 6 makale bu sistematik derlemeye alınmıştır. Çalışmalar toplam 6.392 gebe ile yapılmış ve örneklem büyüklüğü 11-4124 arasında değişmektedir. Edinburgh Postnatal Depresyon Skalası (EPDS)’nın en sık kullanılan bireysel değerlendirme aracı olduğu görülmüştür. COVID-19 tanısı olan gebelerle yapılan bir çalışma bulunmaktadır. Gebelerin travma sonrası stres bozukluğunun, yaşanan travmaya bağlı olarak gelişen saldırı belirtileri ve kaçınma davranışları olduğu belirlenmiştir. Çalışmalarda depresyon riski prevalansının %26.0 (EPDS≥10) ile %34.2 (EPDS>13) arasında değiştiği, gebelerin anksiyete semptomlarının ve yüksek prenatal distres düzeylerinin olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Sonuç: Koronavirüs pandemisindeki gebelerin stres ve travma sonrası stres bozukluğu yaşadığı, anksiyete semptomları gösterdiği ve depresyon açısından risk altında olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Produção de biogás utilizando biomassa de poda e lodo de esgoto no Município de Recife (PE)
Authors: Silva Thiago Cardoso , Braz Rafael Leite , Araujo Emmanoella Costa Guaraná , Silva Gisely Alves da , Palha Maria de Los Angeles Perez Fernandez
Published: March 2021

A gestão adequada dos resíduos sólidos urbanos culmina na melhor administração pública destes materiais. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de biogás a partir da biodigestão anaeróbia da biomassa de poda utilizando lodo como inóculo, comparando as características químicas dos fertilizantes adquiridos pelos processos aeróbios e anaeróbios. Para tal, a matéria-prima utilizada como substrato foi constituída por lodo de esgoto da estação de tratamento de efluentes da Reserva Camará, em Camaragibe, e biomassa de poda do município do Recife, Pernambuco. Os experimentos foram realizados em laboratório, avaliando-se diferentes composições entre biomassa de poda, lodo de esgoto e água, a fim de se determinar qual destas apresentaria melhor eficiência para produção de biogás. Os gases liberados foram analisados em cromatógrafo para determinar os teores de metano produzidos. Tanto o fertilizante do processo de compostagem realizado pela EMLURB quanto o fertilizante orgânico da digestão anaeróbia foram caracterizados quimicamente em relação aos macronutrientes, carbono e relação C/N. Como resultados, a composição T8 (12,5% biomassa de poda, 37,5% lodo e 50% água) foi a que apresentou maiores produções de metano. Caso utilizasse essas condições, poderiam ser gerados 40,2 MWh de energia elétrica a partir da biodigestão da biomassa de poda, com renda bruta de cerca de 29,6 mil reais ao ano nos gastos com energia elétrica no município. Em relação à produção dos fertilizantes, os processos de compostagem e digestão anaeróbia apresentaram compostos com relação C/N de 9,7 e 18,6, respectivamente, não diferindo nos teores de N, K, P e Ca.
Практические рекомендации по лекарственному лечению рака шейки матки
Authors: Хохлова С. В. , Коломиец Л. А. , Кравец О. А. , Морхов К. Ю. , Нечушкина В. М. , Тюляндина А. С. , Урманчеева А. Ф.
Published: March 2021

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Практические рекомендации по лекарственному лечению опухолей вилочковой железы (тимомы и рака тимуса)
Authors: Барболина Т. Д. , Бычков М. Б. , Аллахвердиев А. К. , Борисова Т. Н. , Владимирова Л. Ю. , Герасимов С. С. , Деньгина Н. В. , Козлов Н. А. , Лактионов К. К. , Левченко Е. В. , Малютина Д. В. , Пикин О. В.
Published: March 2021

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Disruptive Innovation in Active Activity-Based Learning Methodologies through Digital Transformation
Authors:   the Ricardo Palma University, Surco, and Lima. Perú, Chauca Mario , Phun Ynes , Curro Olga , Chauca Carmen , Yallico Ramiro , Quispe Virgilio
Published: March 2021

This article develops the proposal of a disruptive innovation in learning methodologies based on active activity through digital transformation. The vertiginous changes that have taken place a few decades ago with respect to the advancement of knowledge and technology, encompass educational processes. Traditional teacher-centered teaching has led to student-centered learning, seeking to develop the skills necessary for performance beyond the professional field. There are tools or supports based on current knowledge that can set trends in the educational process. The portable tool for universities to quickly and up-to-date access to information are digital devices, the use of which is becoming popular in education.
tessitura sobre as relações temporais e espaciais em práticas culturais (escolares) que reverberam efeitos no currículo
Authors: Carvalho Juciara Guimarães , Mendes Jackeline Rodrigues
Published: March 2021

Esse texto, uma parte de um trabalho de tese em andamento, pretende mover uma rede de sentidos em torno de temporalidades e espacialidades em práticas culturais (escolares) e suas possíveis reverberações no currículo. Para tecer essa rede, a trama investigativa acontece a partir da terapia-gramatical, entendida como problematização indisciplinar (MIGUEL, 2015), que visa rastrear diferentes práticas culturais envolvendo tempo e espaço presente nas formas de vida e, de modo específico, na forma de vida escolar. A problematização se insere nos nossos usos cotidianos de fazer escola na escola e, consequentemente, na educação matemática escolar. Nesse sentido, a mola propulsora da discussão se aproxima da Etnomatemática, na perspectiva da contraconduta, como sendo um agente disparador de modos de condução que estão presentes nas relações temporais e espaciais nos diferentes campos de atividade humana. Trata-se de percorrer diferentes usos das noções de tempo e espaço a partir de atravessamentos filosóficos que podem desconstruir a universalidade dessas noções em nossas práticas. Para tanto, recorremos aos pensamentos dos filósofos Wittgenstein, das Investigações Filosóficas, com a perspectiva da terapia-gramatical e de Foucault com as problematizações sobre o tempo de vida dos homens e os modos de produção de subjetividade. São ferramentas que permitem fazer proliferar a multiplicidade e recusar qualquer relação dicotômica, dogmática e metafísica.
DAPT: A Package Enabling Distributed Automated Parameter Testing
Authors: Duggan Ben , Metzcar John , Macklin Paul
Published: March 2021

Modern agent-based models (ABM) and other simulation models require evaluation and testing of many different parameters. Managing that testing for large scale parameter sweeps (grid searches) as well as storing simulation data requires multiple, potentially customizable steps that may vary across simulations. Furthermore, parameter testing, processing, and analysis are slowed if simulation and processing jobs cannot be shared across teammates or computational resources. While high-performance computing (HPC) has become increasingly available, models can often be tested faster through the use of multiple computers and HPC resources. To address these issues, we created the Distributed Automated Parameter Testing (DAPT) Python package. By hosting parameters in an online (and often free) "database", multiple individuals can run tests simultaneously in a distributed fashion, enabling ad hoc crowdsourcing of computational power. Combining this with a flexible, scriptable tool set, teams can evaluate models and assess their underlying hypotheses quickly. Here we describe DAPT and provide an example demonstrating its use.
Optogenetic manipulation of cellular communication in axolotls
Authors: Zhang Zijian , Denans Nicolas , Liu Yingfei , Zhulyn Olena , Rosenblatt Hannah D. , Wernig Marius , Barna Maria
Published: March 2021

Cells communicate through long cellular protrusions such as filopodia and neurites. However current approaches to study these contact-based cellular communication are largely limited to actin-depolymerizing drugs or genetic knockout of key actin modifiers which can cause severe cellular stress or semi-lethality in organisms. Here we present a versatile optogenetic toolbox of artificial myosin motors that can move bidirectionally within long cellular extensions and allow for the selective transport of GFP-tagged cargo using light. Importantly, we discover that these long filopodial extensions are also gradually developed during axolotl limb regeneration, where we applied our toolbox to manipulate the composition and dynamics of these cellular extensions.
Undecidability in quantum thermalization
Authors: Shiraishi Naoto , Matsumoto Keiji
Published: March 2021

The investigation of thermalization in isolated quantum many-body systems has a long history, dating back to the time of developing statistical mechanics. Most quantum many-body systems in nature are considered to thermalize, while some never achieve thermal equilibrium. The central problem is to clarify whether a given system thermalizes, which has been addressed previously, but not resolved. Here, we show that this problem is undecidable. The resulting undecidability even applies when the system is restricted to one-dimensional shift-invariant systems with nearest-neighbour interaction, and the initial state is a fixed product state. We construct a family of Hamiltonians encoding dynamics of a reversible universal Turing machine, where the fate of a relaxation process changes considerably depending on whether the Turing machine halts. Our result indicates that there is no general theorem, algorithm, or systematic procedure determining the presence or absence of thermalization in any given Hamiltonian.
Tree Regeneration Characteristics in Limestone Forests of the Cat Ba National Park, Vietnam
Authors: Pham Van Vien , Ammer Christian , Annighöfer Peter , Heinrichs Steffi
Published: March 2021

Background: Forest regeneration is decisive for future forest development and therefore of major concern to forest ecologists. The ability of overstory tree species to regenerate successfully is important for the preservation of tree species diversity and its associated flora and fauna. This study investigated forest regeneration dynamics in the Cat Ba National Park, a biodiversity hotpot in Vietnam. Data was collected from 90 sample plots and 450 sub-sample plots in the regional limestone forests. We compared species richness between the regeneration and overstory tree layers and examined the effect of environmental factors on the occurrence of regeneration. We developed five ratios to relate overstory and regeneration richness and diversity. Results: We found 97 tree species in the regeneration layer compared to 136 species in the overstory layer. Average regeneration density was 3,764 ± 1,601 per ha. Around 70% of the overstory tree species generated offspring. Of the tree species threatened according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, only 36% were found in the regeneration layer. A principal component analysis provided evidence that the regeneration of tree species was linked to terrain factors (percentage of rock surface, slope) and soil properties (Cation exchange capacity, pH, humus content, soil moisture, soil depth). Contrary to our expectations, the prevailing light conditions (total site factor, gap fraction, openness, indirect site factor, direct site factor) had no influence on regeneration density and composition, probably due to the small gradient in light availability. Conclusion: We conclude that tree species richness in Cat Ba National Park appears to be declining at present. We suggest similar investigations in other biodiversity hotspots to learn whether the observed trend is a global phenomenon. In any case, a conservation strategy for the threatened tree species in the Cat Ba National Park needs to be developed if tree species diversity is to be maintained.
The effect of annealing temperature on the structural and optical properties of Si/SiO2 composites synthesized by thermal oxidation of silicon wafers
Authors: Kayed Kamal , Kurd Dalal Baba
Published: March 2021

In this article, silicon wafers were thermal treated in air at temperatures from 800 to 1200°C. The annealed samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction, FTIR and optical reflection spectroscopy. Unique result obtained includes that, that Kubelk-Munk curves could be utilized to estimate the ratio of oxidized silicon atoms. In addition, we found that these curves could provide information on the degree to which the nanoparticle formation affects both the reflection spectra and the energy gap of the Si/SiO2 composites. On the other hand, it has been found that, the intensity of the silicon peak in XRD spectra is proportional to the relative absorption coefficient of amorphous silicon oxide.
Slow Released Nano-pesticide Platform Based on Metal Organic Framework for Delivery Avermectin, Cytotoxicity and Insecticidal Propertiesslow Released Nano-pesticide Platform Based on Metal Organic Framework for Delivery Avermectin, Cytotoxicity and Insecticidal Propertiesslow Released Nano-pesticide Platform Based on Metal Organic Framework for Delivery Avermectin, Cytotoxicity and Insecticidal Properties
Authors: Gao Feng , Xu Xiaoyu , Dong Piao , Qin Yixiao , Zhou Chenggang , Qiao Luqin , Liu Huixiang , Chang Zongtao , Liu Yanxue , Su Chenyu
Published: March 2021

Background: Pests affect the sustainable development of agriculture and forestry, and seriously threaten food safety and ecological health, the research for efficient and green control measures never stop. Pesticides are currently the most effective means to control pests and ensure food supplies. However, the various drawbacks of traditional pesticide formulations make the utilization low, and most of active ingredients flow into the air, groundwater and soil, destroying the environment. In this research, a novel nano pesticide formulation was synthesized to improve the utilization, with control release performance and anti-photolysis especially. CuBTC, a metal organic framework (MOF) material, was designed as carrier to absorb avermectin (AVM), a commonly used pesticide in agriculture and forestry, to prepare nano pesticide. Results: The prepared AVM@CuBTC had slow release properties, could be released continuously for about 120 h, and the cumulative release exceed 91.5%, and had a more stable release process under different acid-base conditions. The particle size of AVM@CuBTC was about 450 nm, and the loading efficiency reached 38%. The AVM@CuBTC nano pesticide could protect AVM from photolysis, and the amount of degradation was reduced by 50.7% after 5 d treatment. In addition, the particles AVM@FITC@CuBTC were prepared by labeling with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to research the distribution on larval epidermis, to clarify the coverage, adhesion and permeability of AVM@CuBTC. Finally, the cytotoxicity and contact toxicity of AVM@CuBTC was compared with free AVM, the cytotoxicity and contact toxicity increased by 42.4% and 39.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The cytotoxicity and contact toxicity of AVM are the key factors for the control of pests. Applying AVM@CuBTC to the prevention and control of agricultural and forestry pests is of great significance to the reduction of pesticides and environmental friendliness.
Cardiovascular System Interactions With The Local Earth Magnetic Field Fluctuations: A Cohort Study
Authors: Ziubryte Greta , Jarusevicius Gediminas , Landauskas Mantas , Ragulskis Minvydas , McCraty Rollin , Vainoras Alfonsas
Published: March 2021

Background: Geomagnetic storms strongly affect the human cardiovascular system, misbalancing adaptive mechanisms and causing severe adaptive stress responses at all levels of body regulation. Most physiological changes occur after a defined period following geomagnetic climate alterations, this ‘delay period’ lasts for 2-3 days. Methods: In total, 4730 patients admitted between 2015 and 2017 due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and acute onset of arrhythmias have been included into the study.Results: Higher time varying magnetic field (TVMF) activity in low frequency ranges is associated with lower number of admissions due to ACS, while higher TVMF activity in high frequency ranges is associated with increased risk for ACS occurrence. The greater TVMF activity in low frequency ranges is associated with higher rates of admission due to cardiac arrhythmias. Additional ACS analysis showed that red blood cell count decreases with increased MF strength in low frequency ranges, while white blood cells and platelets count increases in the same MF frequency ranges. The highest serum osteocalcin level was found 3 days after certain MF strength changes in low frequency ranges in patients with ACS. Strong correlations were found between more than 2 cases of AMI per day and MF strength changes 2- and 3- days before admission. Conclusions: Earth’s local magnetic field is strongly related on human cardiovascular system metabolism and neural regulation. Increased Magnetic field activity in low frequency ranges is associated with heart metabolism and may induce better cardiovascular health, while increased magnetic field activity in high frequency ranges leads to heart problems especially to occurrence of ischemic heart disease and arterial hypertension.
Comparative Study Between Whole Brain Radiotherapy And Concurrent Temozolomide Versus Whole Brain Radiotherapy Alone For Patients Of Brain Metastasis
Authors: Rawat Shyamji , Modi Vedant , Singotia Laxmi , Jain Rajesh , Panihar Chinkal , Raj Aishwarya
Published: March 2021

Background- The study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of temozolomide along with whole brain radiotherapy in brain metastasis and compare with the efficacy and safety of WBRT alone.Methodology- This study was conducted as a prospective study at Department of Radiotherapy, NSCB Medical College Jabalpur during the study period of 20 months among 34 radiologically and histologically proven case of brain metastasis patients. All the patients were randomly divided into two groups cases (WBRT with TMZ) and controls (WBRT). Two groups were compared for radiological response, symptoms and adverse reactions weekly upto 6 weeks. Results- In week 2, hematological derangement were observed in significantly higher proportions of cases as compared to control (p<0.05). Vomiting and seizure was noted in significantly higher proportions of controls at week 4 following treatment (p<0.05). Though the radiological response was better in cases but the observed difference between cases and controls was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Conclusions-Brain metastasis following primary cancer are commonly observed in cancer clinics. WBRT is given for palliative treatment in such patients. However, addition of TMZ had shown symptomatic improvement in patients with brain metastasis. Though, adverse events especially hematological were reported in higher proportions with TMZ, but these adverse effects could be effectively managed. Overall, TMZ is associated with good response rate. Thus, it can be added to WBRT to improve the survival rate and response rate in patients with brain metastasis.
Estimation of Salivary Matrix Metalloproteinases- 12 (MMP- 12) Levels Among Patients Presenting With Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Saleem Zohra , Shaikh Abdul Hafeez , Zaman Uzma , Ahmed Shaheen , Majeed Muhammad Mansoor , Kazmi Anum , Farooqui Waqas Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Background:Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a global threat and accounts for approximately 90% of malignant oral lesions. The emergence of oral carcinoma is linked to precancerous lesions which act as precursors of the disease. Matrix metalloproteinases appear to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of both precancerous conditions and oral malignancies due to their participation in the remodelling of the extracellular matrix.Methodology:This is an analytical study conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from healthy, oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. The level of MMP-12 was estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was run to determine if MMP-12 levels differ between cases and controls which was preceded by posthoc Tuckey test.ResultsA significant difference in salivary MMP-12 expression was observed in OSF and OSCC. The expression of salivary MMP-12 was higher in cases compared to controls. The mean MMP-12 expression in OSCC was found higher than in OSF cases.ConclusionMMP-12 expression increases as the healthy patient advances to OSF and OSCC. The study results also demonstrate higher MMP-12 expression in OSCC patients as compared to OSF. Therefore, estimation of salivary MMP-12 serves as a useful non-invasive early diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Changes of Adenosine Deaminase Activity in Serum and Saliva around Parturition in Sows with and without Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome
Authors: Kaiser Marianne , Dahl Jan , Jacobsen Stine , Jacobson Magdalena , Andersen Pia Haubro , Bækbo Poul , Escribano Damián , Cerón José Joaquín , Tecles Fernando
Published: March 2021

BackgroundPostpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) is associated with a significantly higher activation of the inflammatory and stress response at parturition than in the healthy sow. Therefore, reliable and possibly non-invasive biomarkers for substantial increases of inflammation are searched to support the PDS diagnosis. This report studies the possible changes of the inflammatory marker enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) in serum and saliva of 38 PDS positive sows (PDS+) and 38 healthy sows (PDS÷). Sampling was performed every 24 h from 60 h before to 36 h after parturition. Isoenzyme 1 (ADA1) and isoenzyme 2 (ADA2), as well as total ADA (tADA) were measured and their statistical association with several serum and saliva biomarkers of inflammation and stress was investigated.ResultsCompared to a baseline (60 h to 36 prepartum), salivary activities of ADA1, ADA2 and tADA increased significantly over time in both PDS+ and PDS÷ sows, reaching their peaks after parturition. In serum from PDS÷ sows, no changes were observed over time in either ADA1, ADA2 or tADA. In PDS+ sows, serum ADA2 activity decreased temporarily after parturition followed by a significant increase compared to baseline. ADA1, ADA2 and tADA were all significantly associated with several inflammatory biomarkers and ADA1 in serum was associated with serum cortisol. Although serum activity was higher in PDS+ than in PDS÷ sows, the differences were not statistically significant. Further, no difference was noted between the groups in the analyses of saliva. Conclusions Salivary ADA1 and ADA2 increased in all sows after parturition, potentially as a response to the postpartum inflammation. However, no difference in the activity of ADA1, ADA2 and tADA were found between PDS+ and PDS÷ sows indicating inability to diagnose PDS under the conditions described in this report.
Tempol Differently Affects Cellular Redox Status and Antioxidant Enzymes in Various Lung-related Cells
Authors: park woo hyun
Published: March 2021

Tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) is a potential redox agent in cells. The present study investigated changes in cellular redox status [reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels] and in antioxidant enzymes, in Tempol-treated Calu-6 and A549 lung cancer cells, normal lung WI-38 VA-13 cells, and primary pulmonary fibroblasts. Results demonstrated that Tempol (0.5 ~ 4 mM) either increased or decreased general ROS levels in lung cancer and normal cells at 48 h and specifically increased O2•− levels in these cells. In addition, Tempol differentially altered the expression and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and thioredoxin reductase1 (TrxR1) in A549, Calu-6, and WI-38 VA-13 cells. In particular, Tempol increased TrxR1 protein levels in these cells. Tempol at 1 mM inhibited the growth of lung cancer and normal cells by about 50% at 48 h but also significantly induced cell death, as evidenced by annexin V-positive cells. Furthermore, down-regulation of TrxR1 by siRNA somewhat affected the levels of cell growth inhibition and death as well as ROS in Tempol-treated cells. In addition, Tempol increased the numbers of GSH-depleted cells in both cancer cells and normal cells at 48h. In conclusion, Tempol differentially increased or decreased levels of ROS and various antioxidant enzymes in lung cancer and normal cells, and induced growth inhibition and death in all lung cells along with an increase in O2•− levels and GSH depletion.
Clinical Factors and Outcomes Associated With Immune Non-response Among Virally Suppressed Adults With HIV From Africa and the United States
Authors: Noiman Adi , Esber Allahna , Wang Xun , Bahemana Emmanuel , Adamu Yakubu , Iroezindu Michael , Kiweewa Francis , Maswai Jonah , Owuoth John , Maganga Lucas , Ganesan Anuradha , Maves Ryan C. , Lalani Tahaniyat , Colombo Rhonda E. , Okulicz Jason F. , Polyak Christina , Crowell Trevor A. , Ake Julie A. , Agan Brian K.
Published: March 2021

Background: A significant minority of people living with HIV (PLWH) achieve viral suppression (VS) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) but do not regain healthy CD4 counts. Clinical factors affecting this immune non-response (INR) and its effect on incident serious non-AIDS events (SNAEs) have been challenging to understand due to confounders that are difficult to control in many study settings. Setting: The U.S. Military HIV Natural History Study (NHS) and African Cohort Study (AFRICOS). Methods: PLWH with sustained VS (<400 copies/mL for at least two years) were evaluated for INR (CD4 < 350 cells/µl at the time of sustained VS). Logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with INR. Cox proportional hazards regression produced adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for factors associated with incident SNAE after sustained VS. Results: INR prevalence was 10.8% and 25.8% in NHS and AFRICOS, respectively. Higher CD4 nadir was associated with decreased odds of INR (aOR=0.31 [95% CI: 0.26, 0.37] and aOR=0.50 [95% CI: 0.43, 0.58] per 100 cells/µl in NHS and AFRICOS, respectively). After adjustment, INR was associated with a 61% increase in relative risk of SNAE [95% CI: 1.12, 2.33]. Probability of "SNAE-free" survival at 15 years since sustained VS was approximately 20% lower comparing those with and without INR; nearly equal to the differences observed by 15-year age groups. Conclusion: CD4 monitoring before and after VS is achieved can help identify PLWH at risk for INR. INR may be a useful clinical indicator of future risk for SNAEs.
Culture-dependent and Universal Constructs and Promoting Factors for the Process of Personal Recovery in users of Mental Health Services: Qualitative Findings from Japan
Authors: Kanehara Akiko , Koike Haruna , Fujieda Yumiko , Yajima Sayaka , Kabumoto Asami , Kumakura Yousuke , Morita Kentaro , Miyamoto Yuki , Nochi Masahiro , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: March 2021

Background: The conceptualization of personal recovery began in Europe and North America and has spread worldwide. The concept of personal recovery and recovery-promoting factors may be influenced by culture. We explored how users of mental health services in Japan perceive their own personal recovery and the factors that promote it.Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews with individuals using mental health services. The interview data underwent thematic analysis, and we adopted a grouped framework analysis approach. We used a coding framework based on the existing CHIME framework (connectedness, hope and optimism about the future, identity, meaning in life, and empowerment). We counted the number of narratives for each element of the framework.Results: Data were obtained from 30 users of mental health services (mean age: 40.4 years; 46.7% women; 50.0% with schizophrenia). “Compassion for others” was newly extracted in “Connectedness”, and “Rebuilding/redefining identity not being as shaped by social norms” was newly extracted in “Identity” as personal recovery. “Positive experiences in childhood” (including positive parenting support from neighbours) was newly extracted as a recovery-promoting factor. Connectedness was most frequently coded in our study.Conclusions: Our unique findings of the rebuilding/defining identity free from conformity to social norms through communications with relatively familiar people including peers may be culture dependent. This study raises overarching questions regarding how socio-cultural values influence the development of identity and personal values and how they are in turn reflected in personal recovery.
Linkages of surface air temperature variations over Central Asia with large-scale climate patterns
Authors: Zhuang Yuanhuang , Zhang Jingyong , Wu Lingyun
Published: March 2021

In this study, we investigate the dominant modes of surface air temperature variations of the cold season (from November through to the next March) and the warm season (from May to September) over Central Asia, and their associations with large-scale climate patterns for the period of 1979–2016. The first two modes of the cold-season surface air temperature (CSAT) over Central Asia, obtained by empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, feature the mono-pole structure and the north-south dipole pattern, respectively. For the warm-season surface air temperature (WSAT), the leading two EOF modes are characterized by the homogenous structure and the northwest-southeast seesaw pattern, respectively. Further analysis indicates that the large-scale atmospheric circulation anomalies play key roles in the CSAT and WSAT variations over Central Asia. The CSAT variation over Central Asia is closely related with the Scandinavia pattern (SCAND), the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), while the WSAT variation is tightly tied to the East Atlantic/Western Russia pattern (EAWR) and the NAO. These large-scale climate patterns tend to cause the CSAT and WSAT anomalies over Central Asia via their effects on regional geopotential heights, warming advections and other processes. Our findings are expected to facilitate the improvement of understanding and predicting the CSAT and WSAT variations over Central Asia.
Mutation in Arabidopsis MOR1 Gene Impairs Endocytosis in Stamen Filament Cells and Results in Anther Indehiscence
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Tan Xiaoyun
Published: March 2021

Anther dehiscence is a crucial step for pollen grain release and male fertility. Filaments, which transport water, nutrients and hormones to the anthers, are important for anther dehiscence. In this study, we characterized the Arabidopsis microtubule organization 1 (MOR1) gene that involves in the filament functions and plays important roles in anther dehiscence. The Arabidopsis microtubule organization 1-1 (mor1-1) mutant exhibited an anther indehiscence phenotype at 24°C. Such the defect in anther dehiscence did not occur at a lower temperature (19°C). Further analysis indicated that both the cortical microtubule (CMT) organization and plasma membrane homeostasis were drastically impaired and disturbed in mor1-1 filament cells under the growth conditions of 24°C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and FM4-64 up-take assays showed that endocytosis process in the mor1-1 filament cells were disrupted at 24°C. Furthermore, the cortical-associated RFP tagged clathrin light chain (CLC-RFP) foci were reduced in the mor1-1 filament cells. These results suggested that the MOR1-mediated CMT organization is important for clathrin-mediated endocytosis in the filament cells, and critical for anther dehiscence in thermosensitivity.
Proteome Profiling of Human Placenta Reveals Developmental Stage-Dependent Alterations in Protein Signature
Authors: Sarvestani Sara Khorami , Shojaeian Sorour , Vanaki Negar , Gharesi-Fard Behrouz , Amini Mehdi , Gilani Kambiz , Soltanghoraei Hale , Arefi Soheila , Jeddi-Tehrani Mahmood , Zarnani Amir-Hassan
Published: March 2021

Introduction Placenta is a complex organ that plays a significant role in the maintenance of pregnancy health. It is a dynamic organ that undergoes dramatic changes in growth and development at different stages of gestation. In the first-trimester, the conceptus develops in a low oxygen environment that favors organogenesis in the embryo and cell proliferation and angiogenesis in the placenta; later in pregnancy, higher oxygen concentration is required to support the rapid growth of the fetus. This transition, which appears unique to the human placenta, must be finely tuned through successive rounds of protein signature alterations. This study compares placental proteome in normal first-trimester (FT) and term human placentas (TP). MethodsNormal human first-trimester and term placental samples were collected and differentially expressed proteins were identified using two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsDespite the overall similarities, 120 proteins were differently expressed in first and term placentas. Out of these, 120 proteins, expression of 72 was up-regulated and that of 48 was down-regulated in the first when compared with the full term placentas. Twenty out of 120 differently expressed proteins were sequenced, among them seven showed increased (GRP78, PDIA3, ENOA, ECH1, PRDX4, ERP29, ECHM), eleven decreased (TRFE, ALBU, K2C1, ACTG, CSH2, PRDX2, FABP5, HBG1, FABP4, K2C8, K1C9) expression in first-trimester compared to the full-term placentas and two proteins exclusively expressed in first-trimester placentas (MESD, MYDGF). DiscussionAccording to Reactome and PANTHER softwares, these proteins were mostly involved in response to chemical stimulus and stress, regulation of biological quality, programmed cell death, hemostatic and catabolic processes, protein folding, cellular oxidant detoxification, coagulation and retina homeostasis. Elucidation of alteration in protein signature during placental development would provide researchers with a better understanding of the critical biological processes of placentogenesis and delineate proteins involved in regulation of placental function during development.