bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La responsabilidad social como factor determinante en el prestigio y reconocimiento de las empresas
Authors: Loor Zambrano Halder Yandry , Zambrano Moreira Martha Lissette , Valle Arellano Danilo Renato
Published: February 2022

El objetivo de esta investigación se basa en evaluar la responsabilidad social como factor determinante en el prestigio y el reconocimiento de las empresas. La metodología aplicada se basa en un diseño bibliográfico de tipo documental. El buen prestigio y el reconocimiento de las empresas frente al mercado y la sociedad se debe a diversos factores, y uno de ellos es la responsabilidad social, donde se ve reflejada las buenas intenciones y las acciones éticas, honestas, transparentes, y sinceras que tienen las empresas tanto con el medio ambiente, sus trabajadores y la sociedad y por medio de estas lograr cumplir objetivos trazados que les ayude a alcanzar beneficios y mayor competitividad y rentabilidad. Como conclusión se puede mencionar que la responsabilidad social empresarial es mucho más que solo ejercer acciones filantrópicas, son procesos complejos, que requieren de habilidades y buenas estrategias empresariales para lograr cumplir los objetivos planteados. Esto permite que la empresa y todos los que conforman su estructura comprendan la importancia de ser socialmente responsables, no solamente en beneficio de la empresa sino también de forma personal profesional y beneficiando a las comunidades que le rodean, además permite que las empresas reduzcan sus costos, lo que puede generar una mejor calidad de vida tanto para la empresa como para los colaboradores.
Pelatihan E-Learning Moodle Berbasis Cloud Untuk Tutor/Guru Pusat Kegiatan Belajar Masyarakat (PKBM)
Authors: Rubhasy Albaar , Firzatullah Raden Muhammad , Sahara Riad
Published: February 2022

The Community Learning Activity Center (PKBM) is a non-formal education unit that provides educational services for people in need. Currently PKBM uses face-to-face learning methods in classrooms, so it is not optimal for learning citizens because interaction with tutors can only be done in the PKBM environment. On the other hand, e-learning technology can make it easier for PKBM tutors / teachers in implementing learning because learning can be done anytime and anywhere according to the abilities of the teaching participants. The main objective of this community service activity is to provide training in the use of cloud-based Moodle e-learning for PKBM tutors / teachers. The implementation methods consist of: (1) Needs Analysis; (2) CloudMoodle implementation; (3) Preparation of Training Materials; (4) Data Collection of Prospective Training Participants; (5) Creating PKBM Tutor / Teacher Accounts; and (6) Evaluation and Reporting. The training was attended by 31 participants from 10 PKBM institutions. The training material is delivered interactively with materials including: (i) a general explanation of the Moodle application; (ii) learning material management training; and (iii) Value management training. Based on the results of the evaluation, the training activities were well organized based on the feedback given by the participants in terms of three aspects: (i) the participants' understanding of the training material; (ii) providing training; and (iii) training resource persons.
Pelatihan Aplikasi Game Edukasi Kahoot Untuk Meningkatkan Motivasi Belajar Siswa Di Era Pandemi Covid 19
Authors: Aryani Diah , Patiro Shine Pintor Siolemba , Putra Syahrizal Dwi
Published: February 2022

Community Service Activities carried out at the Integrated Islamic Elementary School (SDIT) Insan Rabbani in the Bekasi area, aimed at providing training in the learning method of the Kahoot educational game method which can be used as an alternative online learning media by taking advantage of opportunities to play games that can support the improvement of educational services. to teachers and students so that they can motivate teaching and learning activities and can support educational services at SDIT Insan Rabbani to be more fun and be able to evaluate the results of learning activities through giving assignments or quizzes and displaying answers to grades for each student and ranking the best three in each assignments or quizzes given so that with the Kahoot application learning objectives are achieved for each subject, especially during the current covid 19 pandemic. In this training, the method used is the online training method using the zoom application by providing exposure related to the Kahoot application and direct practice on the Kahoot application. So that it is hoped that through this training, it is hoped that the ability to achieve an even understanding and mastery of the teacher council supports learning using the Kahoot application as an alternative learning method to create a more interesting, fun and effective learning process.

Keywords: educational game, kahoot application, online, zoom application
Patrón de masticación según Ángulo Funcional de Planas y Prueba Funcional de Christensen y Radue en niños
Authors: Torres Latorre Fiorella Alexandra , Tenorio Cahuana Yury Miguel
Published: February 2022

El presente artículo tuvo como objetivo establecer la concordancia del patrón de masticación según el Ángulo Funcional Masticatorio de Planas y la Prueba Funcional Masticatoria de Christensen y Radue en alumnos de 3 a 6 años de la I.E.I. N.° 229-A Mafalda Céspedes Quelopana en Tacna en el 2019. La metodología del estudio fue descriptiva comparativa, de corte transversal y prospectiva. La población del estudio estuvo constituida por 56 alumnos; para ello se elaboraron dos fichas de recolección de datos: “Guía de observación del Ángulo Funcional Masticatorio de Planas” y “Guía de observación de la Prueba Funcional Masticatoria de Christensen y Radue”. En los resultados con el Ángulo Funcional Masticatorio de Planas en mujeres se encontró masticación unilateral derecha con 41.94 %. Los resultados con la Prueba Funcional Masticatoria de Christensen y Radue, en varones, muestran masticación unilateral izquierda con 52.00 %. Conclusión: No existe concordancia del patrón de masticación según el Ángulo Funcional Masticatorio de Planas y la Prueba Funcional Masticatoria de Christensen y Radue y el índice de convergencia Kappa de Cohen es insignificante (K = 0.122).
Zum Kulturbereich der syrjänischen Kerbkalender
Authors: Stipa G. J.
Published: February 2022

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Eine ostjakische Verwandtschaftsbezeichnung oder Zu den "Randbemerkungen zu einem jüngst erschienenen Heldenlied (Osztják (chanti) hösénekek III/I)"
Authors: Fokos-Fuchs D. R.
Published: February 2022

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Günter Johannes Stipa 1907-1993
Authors: Futaky István
Published: February 2022

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Quantitative Untersuchung der expressiven Lexik im Finnischen und seinen nächstverwandten Sprachen
Authors: Leskinen Heikki
Published: February 2022

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Julius Mark 1890–1959
Authors: Sola Silva
Published: February 2022

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Ein Nachtrag
Authors: Lewy Ernst
Published: February 2022

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Etymologische Vermutungen zum Mordwinischen
Authors: Lewy Ernst
Published: February 2022

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Alzheimer’s Disease Treated with Autologous and Allogeneic TelomerasePositive Stem Cells
Authors: Young Henry E. , Speight Mark O.
Published: February 2022

Alzheimer’s disease is an insidious and progressive loss of balance and cognitive memories from present time to distant past that occurs in reverse chronological order. While the cause for AD is poorly understood, the presence of tau, aggregation of beta-amyloid protein, activated microglia, and massive losses of neurons and their synaptic processes have been associated with the disease. Genetics appear to play a major role in AD, but comorbidities intervene as well. There are five drug treatments approved to control the symptoms of the disease, but none were clinically proven to alter the course or decrease the risk for AD. Death eventually occurs, usually 3-9 years after initial diagnosis. Stem cells, e.g., embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells; mesenchymal stem cells, medicinal signaling cells, and neural stem cells have been suggested as potential treatments for AD. While clinical trials demonstrated safety of administering some of these stem cells, none demonstrated any efficacy for reversing the symptoms of AD. We report the use of adult telomerase positive stem cells as a treatment modality for reversing the symptoms of AD. In a small cohort clinical trial (n=4), there were no adverse reactions reported for any individual treated. In addition, efficacy for telomerase positive stem cells approximated 50% for reduction in symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease up to four months after their last telomerase positive stem cell treatment.
Stem Cell and Regenerative Methods for Space Personnel
Authors: Vickers E. Russell , Wen Haitao
Published: February 2022

Significant deterioration of organs and tissues occurs in astronauts as a result of cosmic radiation exposure. This is a major obstacle to the developing space industry involving extended space exploration, commercial asteroid mining and the colonization of Earth’s moon and Mars. Cosmic radiation includes galactic cosmic rays, and solar particle events of x-rays and gamma rays that penetrate deeply inducing DNA damage. Potential medical issues for astronauts arising from radiation include cancer, rapid aging, sterility, impaired immune system, re-emergence of pathogenic viruses, neurodegeneration and memory impairment. In summary, there are potentially catastrophic consequences for space personnel from prolonged exposure to radiation. Upregulating the regeneration of tissue using advances in stem cell technology would be a plausible method to counteract radiation damage triggering cellular degeneration. Stem cells are ‘survival’ cells and are responsible for the ongoing repair and regeneration of the human body. Increasing the number of available stem cells improves the regenerative capacity of the body. Current stem cell technology is not possible in space, as it requires multiple medical specialists using major hospital surgical and laboratory equipment. The authors have developed a portable stem cell biotechnology kit that is compact, lightweight, and simple to operate and could be performed by astronauts in space on a frequent basis to potentially regenerate affected tissue and reverse the effects of cosmic radiation. The technology uses laboratory validated peptide hydrogels for stem cell migration and expansion. The astronaut only requires donating a small amount of blood or adipose tissue. Preliminary analysis showed stem cells have high yield, excellent cell viability, and demonstrate normal stem cell health parameters of autophagy and annexin V. This approach may help to balance the degeneration / regeneration cycle of the body subject to radiation. Space personnel can be trained in a short period of time to perform the technology with safety and efficacy.
Phenol Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Selected Ethnic Plant Foods: Alleviation of Experimental Depression.
Authors: Miftah Zannatul Ferdous , Khanam Jyosna , Assadullah Mahadi Sheikh Faisal , Islam Sheikh Nazrul
Published: February 2022

This article describes the antioxidant capacity (AC) and total phenol content (TPC) of selected ethnic plant foods and their therapeutic uses in alleviating experimental stress-induced depression in rat model. Antioxidant capacity was determined by radical scavenging activity and TPC was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteau method. Depression was induced by chemical stressor- reserpine. Alleviation of depression by the ethnic foods was evaluated by behavioral changes in Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST), and by analysis of oxidative stress marker Malondialdehyde (MDA), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and change of weight of adrenal gland and brain. Antioxidant capacity was determined by IC50 value, which was ranged from 74.814 µg/ml to 411.895 µg/ml. The lowest IC50 value indicates the strongest antioxidant activity. Hence, the strongest AC was found in Gondhovatali followed by Sabarang and Titbegun. TPC ranged from 85.5 ± 5.51 to 650 ± 2.75 mgGAE/100g. Jaamalu was found to have the highest TPC value followed by Gondhovatali, Titbegun and Khudemanik. The difference among experimental and control groups was found to be significant in the weight of adrenal gland and brain. Biochemical stress indicators (MDA, FBG) and behavioral tests (TST, FST) showed significant differences among plant extract fed groups compared to that of depressed control group, but was found to be almost similar to antidepressant clomipramine treated and baseline control groups. The data indicated that the selected ethnic plant foods containing higher TPC and lower IC50 values significantly alleviated depression symptoms in the rats.
Loss of Natural Habitats: High-Altitude Vegetation, Pantanal
Authors: Pessi Dhonatan Diego , Diodato Marco Antonio , Guerra Angélica , Silva Normandes Matos da , Grigio Alfredo Marcelo , Mioto Camila Leonardo , Ribeiro Vinícius de Oliveira , Damasceno Junior Geraldo Alves , Paranhos Filho Antonio Conceição
Published: February 2022

The objective of this study is to quantify the spatiotemporal variation of high-altitude grassland (Campos de Altitude) in two different study areas between 1985 and 2020. First, the types of vegetation present in both areas were classified using a false-color (Red, Green, Blue) composition, with the channels replaced by mid-infrared, near-infrared, red, respectively. Following the definition of vegetation classes and the creation of polygons over them, they were superimposed on the NDVI product (1985 and 2020) to obtain the maximum and minimum values of the index and to identify which value ranges each class would be in. Next, a multitemporal false-color composition was carried out with the modification of the Red channel by the NDVI 1985 product, the Green channel by the NDVI 2020 product and the Blue channel without any changes. The results show that the total area of Campos de Altitude decreased between 1985 and 2020 in both study areas, with area 1 losing 31.93% and area 2 losing 35.12%, whereas the vegetation of denser strata (arboreal) increased in its spatial distribution in both study areas, with area 2 gaining the most (230%). There was a noticeable increase in arboreal vegetation in the two study areas during the years analyzed. The tendency for the fraction of arboreal vegetation cover to increase is in line with the decrease in Campos de Altitude vegetation, and this phenomenon may be related to environmental factors such as temperature variations, amount of rainfall, solar radiation, and soil composition.
CYCLIZATION IN OLEKSA STEFANOVYCH’S POETRY
Authors: Riazantseva Tetiana
Published: February 2022

The article analyses the peculiarities of cyclization in Oleksa Stefanovych’s (1899—1970) poetry. Based on the theoretical definitions of a lyrical cycle (cycle of poems, sequence of poems) formulated in the works of Rolf Fieguth, Mikhail Darvin, Larisa Liapina, Ronald Vroon, Leonid Yanitskii, et al., the research outlines the main compositional, stylistic, thematic, and functional traits of Stefanovych’s lyrical cycles and demonstrates the evolution of certain key images in them. The material for analysis is taken from the collection of Stefanovych’s poetry published posthumously in Toronto (“Zibrani Tvory” / “Collected Works”, 1975).

The special attention is paid to his apocalyptic cycle “Kintsesvitnie” (“The World’s End”) that demonstrates the whole complex of architectonic and stylistic features inherent to a cycle of poems, particularly the presence of the ‘cyclic subject’ defined by R. Fieguth as “the subject of all creative, especially compositional, acts which are the basis of this poetic cycle” [13, 19].

The composition of “Kintsesvitnie” is based on the combination of the chronological and the plot development principles allowing to encompass Stefanovych’s creative work as a whole. The poems from various periods are selected and arranged so that they form a clear cyclic structure with steady imagery and a distinct thematic echo between its beginning and its end. Their dating reflects the consistency of the poet’s catastrophic worldview declared by the cycle’s title. It also demonstrates the evolution of its key metaphors (an evil bird, a thunderstorm, a trumpet) that arise in Stefanovych’s early works as visual or acoustic images and gradually evolve into the apocalyptic symbols of “Kintsesvitnie”.
ORIENTALIZING FEMININITY: NOTIONS OF IMPURITY IN UKRAINIAN MODERNIST LITERATURE
Authors: Averbuch Alex
Published: February 2022

The paper examines the interconnectedness of feminity with ethnonational otherness in Ukrainian modernist literature in the context of European misogyny and ethnophobia. It demonstrates how the representation of female sinful otherness, impurity, and disloyalty was cemented in misogynistic imagery, in which women appeared as witches and heterodox temptresses through sexual and cultural differentiation. The otherizing of Orientalized ethnic groups in Eastern Europe — typically Jews, Roma, and Tatars — involved their conceptual feminization as well. Specifically, the paper analyzes the topic of the decay of the Slavic/Orthodox/masculine ‘race’ and the range of concomitant tropes and ideas found in Ukrainian modernist literature, such as castration, celibacy, and obsession with ‘tainted’ blood, which reflected ‘racial’ anxieties that went hand in hand with misogynistic ideas of the feminine role in spiritual and physical decline. The study performs close readings of works by Olha Kobylianska, Mykhailo Yatskiv, and Natalia Livytska-Kholodna, in which women appear as demonic-vampiric, heterodox seductresses and heresiarchesses, who threaten to ruin the ethno-androcentric culture of the modernist epoch. Orientalized femininity and the ambivalence it brought to Ukrainian modernism harbored the ethnoreligious fears and inherent sinfulness that encompassed traditional descriptions of the femme fatale, as well as such associated figures as the fallen angel and seductive adulteress – the initiatrix of moral, sexual, national, and religious transgression, which invariably alluded to a perceived crisis in patriarchy and reproductivity. The analysis focuses on the three thematic aspects of sin and sinfulness: temptation, heterodoxy, and betrayal.
Obstacles And Solution Toward English Learning During Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pale Erlinda Sonya
Published: February 2022

The process of online English learning during covid-19 pandemic brings both positive and negative impact. The positive impact could support learners to learn better. On the other side, the negative impacts could worsen the learning process. The present study was managed in order to answer three research questions mentioned as the problems faced by students and lecturers during English online learning in the pandemic of covid – 19, the most problem took place, and to find out possible solution to deal with the issue. The method implemented in this study was qualitative method with questionnaire and open-ended interview as the instruments. The result of the study pinpointed that atrocious internet was the problem occurred mostly during English online learning. The possible solution such as being focus in online learning, find places with good network, earlier material delivery and self-motivation were proposed by the students. Implementing blended learning was the solution recommended by the lecturers. To sum up, the obstacles in online English learning should be identified in order to be utilized as an input for the improvement of the learning process itself. Furthermore, the solutions could also become the factors to be considered as ways to enhance the process of English online learning.
Error Analysis on Students’ Writing in Using Simple Present Tense in Descriptive Text
Authors: Mukarromah Maulidatul , Suryanto Bradhiansyah Tri
Published: February 2022

The objectives of this study are to know the types of errors and the dominant error made by the students of the ten grade of SMA Istiqlal. The researcher used the descriptive qualitative method as the research methodology. The data was collected from the written test done by the researcher. Based on the analysis that has done by the researcher, the result of the study found that all of the students produce error by total error 92 errors which classified into omission 46 error (50%),  5 error in addition (5,43%),  33 errors in miss-formation (35,86%) and 8 error in miss-ordering (8,69%). Thus, the dominant error was happened in the omission error by total error 46 errors (50%). The source of the error that made by the students are from interlingal and intra-lingual. However most of the errors are from the inralingual source which total 84 errors and 8 errors from inter-lingual.
Teaching Style Portrayed in Dead Poets’ Society Film
Authors: Taufiq Ahmad , Islam Syaiful
Published: February 2022

Education cannot be separated from the role of a teacher and the teaching style used. The teaching style is a technique in presenting the teaching content. So that the teaching style can attract students' interest. Dead Poets Society is an educational film with the theme of Education. This film tells the story of an English teacher who inspires his students by teaching poetry using his unique teaching style named John Keating. He uses a different teaching style from other teachers in giving lessons till the students are interested to learn poetry. The object of this research is the main character in this film that is Mr. John Keating and the students’ interest in the teaching style used by the main character. The method This research uses qualitative descriptive. The result of this research was found that there were two types of teaching styles used by the main character in Dead Poets Society film. Those are Personalize Teaching Style and Interactional Teaching Style. Meanwhile, the students’ interest in responding to the teaching style used by the main character are only some of the appropriate indicators, those are Concentration while learning, focusing while the teacher explains the material, Enthusiastic to follow the lesson, trying to do the task difficult as any, enjoying in doing the task or exercise given by the teacher at school, having a high enthusiastic to the lesson and the teacher, and the last is answering the question from the teacher.
Plasmalogens, the Vinyl Ether-Linked Glycerophospholipids, Enhance Learning and Memory by Regulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Authors: Hossain Md. Shamim , Mawatari Shiro , Fujino Takehiko
Published: February 2022

Plasmalogens (Pls), a kind of glycerophospholipids, have shown potent biological effects but their role in hippocampus-dependent memory remained mostly elusive. Here, we first report Pls can enhance endogenous expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) in the hippocampus and promotes neurogenesis associated with improvement of learning and memory in mice. Genomic and proteomic studies revealed that Pls enhanced recruitment of CREB transcription factor onto the murine Bdnf promoter region via upregulating ERK-Akt signaling pathways in neuronal cells. Reduction of endogenous Pls in murine hippocampus significantly reduced learning and memory associated with the reduction of memory-related protein expression, suggesting that Pls can regulate memory-related gene expression in the hippocampus.
Functional Effects of ARV-1502 Analogs Against Bacterial Hsp70 and Implications for Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Brakel Alexandra , Kolano Lisa , Kraus Carl N. , Otvos Laszlo , Hoffmann Ralf
Published: February 2022

The antimicrobial peptide (AMP) ARV-1502 was designed based on naturally occurring short proline-rich AMPs, including pyrrhocoricin and drosocin. Identification of chaperone DnaK as a therapeutic target in Escherichia coli triggered intense research on the ligand-DnaK-interactions using fluorescence polarization and X-ray crystallography to reveal the binding motif and characterize the influence of the chaperone on protein refolding activity, especially in stress situations. In continuation of this research, 182 analogs of ARV-1502 were designed by substituting residues involved in antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative pathogens. The peptides synthesized on solid-phase were examined for their binding to E. coli and S. aureus DnaK providing 15 analogs with improved binding characteristics for at least one DnaK. These 15 analogs were distinguished from the original sequence by their increased hydrophobicity parameters. Additionally, the influence of the entire DnaK chaperone system, including co-chaperones DnaJ and GrpE on refolding and ATPase activity, was investigated. The increasingly hydrophobic peptides showed a stronger inhibitory effect on the refolding activity of E. coli chaperones, reducing protein refolding by up to 64%. However, these more hydrophobic peptides had only a minor effect on the ATPase activity. The most dramatic changes on the ATPase activity involved peptides with aspartate substitutions. Interestingly, these peptides resulted in a 59% reduction of the ATPase activity in the E. coli chaperone system whereas they stimulated the ATPase activity in the S. aureus system up to 220%. Of particular note is the improvement of the antimicrobial activity against S. aureus from originally >128 µg/mL to as low as 16 µg/mL. Only a single analog exhibited improved activity over the original value of 8 µg/mL against E. coli. Overall, the various moderate-throughput screenings established here allowed identifying (un)favored substitutions on 1) DnaK binding, 2) the ATPase activity of DnaK, 3) the refolding activity of DnaK alone or together with co-chaperones, and 4) the antimicrobial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus.
Impact of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome on Clinical, Echocardiographic, and Computed Tomographic Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Ahmed Tarek A. N. , Ki You-Jeong , Choi You-Jung , El-Naggar Heba M. , Kang Jeehoon , Han Jung-Kyu , Yang Han-Mo , Park Kyung Woo , Kang Hyun-Jae , Koo Bon-Kwon , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: February 2022

Background

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a systemic insult that has been described with many interventional cardiac procedures. The outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are thought to be influenced by this syndrome not only on short-term, but also on long-term.

Objective

We assessed the association of SIRS to different clinical, echocardiographic, and computed tomographic (CT) outcomes after TAVI.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients undergoing TAVI were enrolled in this study. They were assessed for the occurrence of SIRS within the first 48 h after TAVI. Patients were followed-up for short- and long-term clinical outcomes. Serial echocardiographic follow-ups were conducted at 1-week, 6-months, and 1-year. CT follow-up at 1 year was recorded.

Results

Eighty patients (36%) developed SIRS. Among different parameters, only pre-TAVI total leucocytic count (TLC), pre-TAVI heart rate, and post-TAVI systolic blood pressure independently predicted the occurrence of SIRS. The incidence of HALT was not significantly different between both groups, albeit higher among SIRS patients (p = 0.1) at 1-year CT follow-up. Both groups had similar patterns of LV recovery on serial echocardiography. Long-term follow-up showed that all-cause death, cardiac death, and re-admission for heart failure (HF) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were significantly more frequent among SIRS patients. Early safety and clinical efficacy outcomes were more frequently encountered in the SIRS group, while device-related events and time-related valve safety were comparable.

Conclusion

Although SIRS implies an early acute inflammatory status post-TAVI, yet its clinical sequelae seem to extend to long-term clinical outcomes.
The Impact of Aging on the Association Between Aortic Stiffness and Cerebral Pulsatility Index
Authors: Fico Brandon G. , Miller Kathleen B. , Rivera-Rivera Leonardo A. , Corkery Adam T. , Pearson Andrew G. , Eisenmann Nicole A. , Howery Anna J. , Rowley Howard A. , Johnson Kevin M. , Johnson Sterling C. , Wieben Oliver , Barnes Jill N.
Published: February 2022

The central arteries dampen the pulsatile forces from myocardial contraction, limiting the pulsatility that reaches the cerebral vasculature, although there are limited data on this relationship with aging in humans. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between aortic stiffness and cerebral artery pulsatility index in young and older adults. We hypothesized that cerebral pulsatility index would be associated with aortic stiffness in older adults, but not in young adults. We also hypothesized that both age and aortic stiffness would be significant predictors for cerebral pulsatility index. This study included 23 healthy older adults (aged 62 ± 6 years) and 33 healthy young adults (aged 25 ± 4 years). Aortic stiffness was measured using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), while cerebral artery pulsatility index in the internal carotid arteries (ICAs), middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), and basilar artery were assessed using 4D Flow MRI. Cerebral pulsatility index was calculated as (maximum flow – minimum flow) / mean flow. In the combined age group, there was a positive association between cfPWV and cerebral pulsatility index in the ICAs (r = 0.487; p < 0.001), MCAs (r = 0.393; p = 0.003), and basilar artery (r = 0.576; p < 0.001). In young adults, there were no associations between cfPWV and cerebral pulsatility index in any of the arteries of interest (ICAs: r = 0.253; p = 0.156, MCAs: r = −0.059; p = 0.743, basilar artery r = 0.171; p = 0.344). In contrast, in older adults there was a positive association between cfPWV and cerebral pulsatility index in the MCAs (r = 0.437; p = 0.037) and basilar artery (r = 0.500; p = 0.015). However, the relationship between cfPWV and cerebral pulsatility index in the ICAs of the older adults did not reach the threshold for significance (r = 0.375; p = 0.078). In conclusion, age and aortic stiffness are significant predictors of cerebral artery pulsatility index in healthy adults. This study highlights the importance of targeting aortic stiffness in our increasingly aging population to reduce the burden of age-related changes in cerebral hemodynamics.
Understanding Pulmonary Autograft Remodeling After the Ross Procedure: Stick to the Facts
Authors: Van Hoof Lucas , Verbrugghe Peter , Jones Elizabeth A. V. , Humphrey Jay D. , Janssens Stefan , Famaey Nele , Rega Filip
Published: February 2022

The Ross, or pulmonary autograft, procedure presents a fascinating mechanobiological scenario. Due to the common embryological origin of the aortic and pulmonary root, the conotruncus, several authors have hypothesized that a pulmonary autograft has the innate potential to remodel into an aortic phenotype once exposed to systemic conditions. Most of our understanding of pulmonary autograft mechanobiology stems from the remodeling observed in the arterial wall, rather than the valve, simply because there have been many opportunities to study the walls of dilated autografts explanted at reoperation. While previous histological studies provided important clues on autograft adaptation, a comprehensive understanding of its determinants and underlying mechanisms is needed so that the Ross procedure can become a widely accepted aortic valve substitute in select patients. It is clear that protecting the autograft during the early adaptation phase is crucial to avoid initiating a sequence of pathological remodeling. External support in the freestanding Ross procedure should aim to prevent dilatation while simultaneously promoting remodeling, rather than preventing dilatation at the cost of vascular atrophy. To define the optimal mechanical properties and geometry for external support, the ideal conditions for autograft remodeling and the timeline of mechanical adaptation must be determined. We aimed to rigorously review pulmonary autograft remodeling after the Ross procedure. Starting from the developmental, microstructural and biomechanical differences between the pulmonary artery and aorta, we review autograft mechanobiology in relation to distinct clinical failure mechanisms while aiming to identify unmet clinical needs, gaps in current knowledge and areas for further research. By correlating clinical and experimental observations of autograft remodeling with established principles in cardiovascular mechanobiology, we aim to present an up-to-date overview of all factors involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, their interactions and potential underlying molecular mechanisms.
High Expression of PLAGL2 is Associated With Poor Prognosis in High-Grade Glioma
Authors: Wang Gang , Du Wei , Che Lingyi , Gao Xianzheng , Zhao Ruihua , Duan Juan , Gu Zhuoyu , Ma Qian
Published: February 2022

Pleomorphic adenoma gene like-2 (PLAGL2) has been implicated in the development and progression of diverse malignancies, including glioblastoma. An increasing number of studies have reported that dysregulated expression of PLAGL2 is a common phenomenon in different malignancies. However, the mechanism and biological functions of PLAGL2 in patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) remain unclear. In addition, the expression and clinical significance of PLAGL2 in HGG have not yet been reported. Herein, we investigated the expression patterns and prognostic values of PLAGL2 in patients with HGG by using various databases, including Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2.0 (TIMER2.0), GENT2, ONCOMINE, GEPIA, Human Protein Atlas, and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. In the present study, we analyzed the relationship between PLAGL2 mRNA expression and clinical parameters in 184 HGG cases and found that PLAGL2 presented positively high expression and was relevant to poor prognosis. Immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed the overexpression of PLAGL2 protein, which is mainly expressed in the nucleus of glioma. Additionally, a high level of expression of the PLAGL2 gene was associated with lower survival in progression-free survival and overall survival in GBM patients. The correlation analysis between PLAGL2 and immune infiltration related to the abundance of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, DCs, and neutrophils was also performed using TIMER2.0. GSEA results showed that high PLAGL2 expression was associated with cell migration, proliferation, actin cytoskeletal, and angiogenesis. To sum up, our findings indicated that PLAGL2 could serve as an independent prognostic biomarker and might be a potential therapeutic target for HGG, which should be further investigated.
Green Nourishment: An Innovative Nature-Based Solution for Coastal Erosion
Authors: Chen Wen L. , Muller Peter , Grabowski Robert C. , Dodd Nicholas
Published: February 2022

Coastal erosion poses an urgent threat to life and property in low-lying regions. Sand nourishment is increasingly used as a nature-based solution but requires significant natural resources and replenishment over time. In this study, a novel form of nourishment is explored that combines shoreface nourishment and seagrass restoration to mitigate coastal erosion (i.e., green nourishment). Using the coastal morphodynamic model Xbeach, the impact of seagrass planting on wave energy dissipation, sediment erosion and transport, and morphological evolution of a cross-shore profile was studied for mild wave conditions and an intense storm. Model results indicate that a seagrass meadow enhances the wave energy dissipation provided by a shoreface nourishment, and suggests that it may be particularly effective in sediment transport mitigation when implemented in a sheltered nearshore area. The shoreface nourishment reduced the wave height on the seagrass meadow, and reduced the rate of seagrass destruction by deposition or erosion above the grass height after the storm event. Green nourishment also reduced beach foreshore erosion caused by a simulated storm event. An alternative, more cost-effective planting technique using seagrass seeds was explored, which showed similar coastal erosion protection benefits for seagrass transplants. This modeling study found that green nourishment is potentially an effective nature-based solution for coastal erosion and flooding on sandy coasts, and future studies are recommended to evaluate its morphological, ecological and flood risk reduction benefits in the field.
Neoantigen Quantity and Quality in Relation to Pancreatic Cancer Survival
Authors: Levink Iris J. M. , Brosens Lodewijk A. A. , Rensen Sander S. , Aberle Merel R. , Olde Damink Steven S. W. , Cahen Djuna L. , Buschow Sonja I. , Fuhler Gwenny M. , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Bruno Marco J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Factors underlying antitumor immunity in pancreatic cancer (PC) are poorly understood. We hypothesized that not neoantigen quantity, but quality, is related to immune cell infiltration and survival.

Methodology

We performed genomic and transcriptomic profiling of paired normal, tumor tissue of 13 patients with PC with distinct survival times. Additionally, neoantigens prediction and immunological profiling were performed.

Results

The proportion of neoantigens with a low similarity-to-self score was higher in short-term survivors (p < 0.0001), while mutational load and burden, similarity-to-known-pathogens, and immunogenicity of neoantigens were not associated with immune cell infiltration or survival.

Discussion

No tumor mutational load or neoantigen quantity, but low similarity-to-self score, was associated with immune cell infiltration and survival.
Self-Consciousness of Appearance in Chinese Patients With Cleft Lip: Validation of the Chinese Derriford Appearance Scale 59 (DAS 59) Instrument
Authors: Sakran Karim A. , Song Sixing , Li Huo , Pan Peiyue , Chen Nan , Zeng Ni , Chi Ting , Shi Bing , Huang Hanyao , Wang Yan , Gong Caixia
Published: February 2022

Objective

To develop a reliable and valid Chinese version of the Derriford Appearance Scale 59 (DAS 59) instrument for assessing the self-consciousness of appearance in Chinese patients with cleft lip.

Methods

The original DAS 59 instrument was translated into Mandarin, back-translated, and culturally adapted among the Chinese population, following the protocol of the original DAS 59. The validation of the Chinese DAS 59 instrument was estimated on 443 adult participants including 213 subjects with a history of cleft lip with/without palate (CL/P, study group) and 230 normal subjects without facial appearance concern (control group). The reliability was estimated by Cronbach's α coefficient and Guttman's split-half coefficient. Content validity was tested using the Spearman correlation coefficient, while discriminant validity was tested by the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

The overall internal consistency of Chinese DAS 59 was excellent; Cronbach's α was 0.951 (α = 0.965 and 0.959 in the study and control groups, respectively). Further, Guttman's split-half coefficient was excellent in the study group (0.935) and control group (0.901). The validity of content was good with an acceptable correlation between all the items and domains. The construct validity through the discrimination was good with a statistically significant difference in most domains between the two groups. Patients with CL/P had more concern about the general self-consciousness and social self-consciousness of appearance. They also showed a good self-concept score.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of DAS 59 demonstrated acceptable reliability and good construct and discriminant validity. It can be used for the research and assessment of the psychological state and quality of life for Chinese patients with cleft lip as well as other appearance problems and concerns.
High Performance Dual Ballistic and Thermal Neutrons Shields From Kevlar Fibers Reinforced Epoxy/B4C Hybrid Composites
Authors: Derradji Mehdi , Mehelli Oussama , Belgacemi Raouf , Abdous Slimane
Published: February 2022

Targeting the development of advanced lightweight thermal and ballistic neutrons shields, a new hybrid composite was developed, for the first time, from Kevlar fibers, epoxy and boron carbide (B4C) particles. Kevlar fibers, as one of the strongest polymeric fillers, possess a high proportion of low Z atoms highly suitable for moderating neutrons. Meanwhile, these fibers can provide an additional efficient protection against high velocity projectiles. The B4C particles were added in various amounts, mainly for their excellent absorption of thermal neutrons. The nuclear shielding tests were performed at NUR research reactor using an optimized experimental setup. The obtained results confirmed the high shielding efficiency of all the developed materials. Meanwhile, the best performance was recorded at B4C amount of 20 wt.% with a macroscopic cross-section (Σ) of with a 3.638 cm−1 equivalent to a mean free path (λ) of 0.191 cm. The obtained results were compared with the most performant available shields and the data confirmed that superiority of the developed materials.
Chitin Triggers Tissue-Specific Immunity in Wheat Associated With Fusarium Head Blight
Authors: Hao Guixia , Tiley Helene , McCormick Susan
Published: February 2022

Fusarium graminearum is one of the primary causal agents of Fusarium head blight (FHB) on wheat and barley. FHB reduces grain yield and contaminates grain with various mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON). DON acts as a virulence factor to promote the fungus passing the rachis node and spreading throughout the head of wheat but not barley. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are one of the earliest defense responses during plant and pathogen interactions. However, the complex roles of ROS during FHB development remain unclear. We investigated immune responses in wheat triggered by chitin, a major component of fungal cell walls. Although no ROS burst was detected in chitin-treated wheat leaves from eight tested varieties, a robust ROS peak was triggered by chitin in tested barley leaves. Interestingly, ROS were induced by chitin in wheat rachises and rachis nodes, which are critical barriers for FHB spread in wheat. We demonstrated that ROS were induced in wheat rachis nodes from both FHB susceptible and resistant wheat varieties. Further, we showed different defense gene expression patterns in rachis nodes and wheat heads treated with chitin, and wheat heads inoculated with F. graminearum. Our study showed the tissue-specific immune responses induced by chitin in wheat, which may play an important role during F. graminearum infection.
Evidence on the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Risk Behavior: A Systematic and Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Sánchez-López María T. , Fernández-Berrocal Pablo , Gómez-Leal Raquel , Megías-Robles Alberto
Published: February 2022

The aim of the present study was to carry out a qualitative and quantitative synthesis of the existing literature studying the relationship between emotional intelligence and risk behavior. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific evidence available relating both constructs. Particular attention was paid to identifying possible differences in this relationship as a function of the different conceptualizations of EI and the risk domain. The study was conducted following the Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. Our results revealed a significant negative relationship between EI and health-related risk behaviors. However, this relationship was not observed in other risk domains such as finance and gambling. The relationship between EI and risk behavior differed according to the risk domain studied, which supports the notion that risk is a domain-specific construct. The results associated with the health-related risk behaviors are consistent with existing literature about the positive impact of emotional abilities on the health domain. A more complete understanding of the emotional mechanisms that underlie risk behavior could help to establish action guidelines and improve programmes to prevent and reduce the negative effects of risk behavior on our society.
Bridge Natural Frequencies, Numerical Solution versus Experiment
Authors: Valašková Veronika , Melcer Jozef
Published: February 2022

The article is dedicated to a numerical and experimental analysis of the basic natural frequencies of a bridge structure. It presents the results obtained using the finite element method and the frequency response functions applied in two variants, using the lumped mass model and the model with a continuously distributed mass, as well as the results obtained using the energy method. It describes a simple experiment to measure the response of a bridge to random excitations from rail traffic, and compares the values of selected natural frequencies obtained by numerical and experimental methods. It offers engineers alternative solutions for their applications in engineering practice. It tries to bring a complicated theory closer to engineering practice in the simplest possible way and, at the same time, arouses interest in its deeper study.
Physiological and Genomic Characterization of Two Novel Bacteroidota Strains Asinibacterium spp. OR43 and OR53
Authors: Brzoska Ryann M. , Edelmann Richard E. , Bollmann Annette
Published: February 2022

Asinibacterium spp. (Family Chitinophagaceae, Phylum Bacteroidota) are abundant in environments contaminated with heavy metals. We characterized the physiology and genome of two Asinibacterium species to elucidate their ability to survive and grow at ambient conditions in the uranium-contaminated environments. Both strains were able to grow at pH 4.5 or 50 mM nitrate under aerobic conditions and did not grow with alternative electron acceptors under anaerobic conditions. Asinibacterium sp. OR53 grew in medium with uranium concentrations up to 300 µM uranium while Asinibacterium sp. OR43 could not grow at uranium concentrations > 200 µM. Elemental mapping using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicate that uranium co-localized with phosphorus-containing compounds on the cell surface. Genes potentially encoding resistance mechanisms to a variety of heavy metals were detected in the genomes of both strains. The localization of uranium and missing acidic and alkaline phosphatase genes in the genome suggest that biosorption of uranium to the lipopolysaccharide layer might be the mechanism of uranium resistance. In summary, Asinibacterium spp. OR43 and OR53 are physiologically similar to closely related strains within the Chitinophagaceae family but are uniquely acclimated to the presence of uranium and other heavy metals prevalent in the subsurface at Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Tree Girdling for Potential Bat Roost Creation in Northwestern West Virginia
Authors: Schroder Eric S. , Ward Ryan L.
Published: February 2022

Cavity/crevice tree-roosting bats in North America face an uncertain future with many factors impacting their populations. To benefit crevice/cavity roosting bat species, forests are often enhanced with the use of tree girdling. In October 2015, 20 maples, 22 oaks, and 18 hickories were girdled using a method with fell cut and herbicide (frilling) or double-girdling with a chainsaw. From 2016–2021, targeted trees were observed and the tree’s decay state was collected. The average time for trees to display suitable roosting characteristics for frilling trees was 3.23 years while it was 4.46 years for double girdling. The average time frilling trees contained suitable roosting characteristics was 3.20 years while it was 1.63 years for double girdling. The frilling method resulted in a quicker kill of trees than double girdling and frilling trees had suitable roosting characteristics for a longer duration. Frilling was effective killing all three types of trees, while the double girdling was less effective, especially on oaks. When grouping species and treatment in analysis, only average decay states between maple frill and oak double girdling and hickory frill and oak double girdling were significantly different. This evaluation demonstrates that roost tree creation relating to tree species and girdling methodology has a temporal component that should be considered when managing for crevice/cavity bat roosts and multiple habitat creation methods should be used in conjunction with snag creation to provide sustainable bat habitat over longer time periods.