bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data reconciliation using MA-PCA and EWMA-PCA for large dimensional data
Authors: Jeyanthi R. , Sahithi Madugula , Sireesha N.V.L. , Srinivasan Mangala Sneha , Devanathan Sriram
Published: April 2021

In process industries, measurements usually contain errors due to the improper instrumental variation, physical leakages in process streams and nodes, and inaccurate recording/reporting. Thus, these measurements violate the laws of conservation, and do not conform to process constraints. Data reconciliation (DR) is used to resolve the difference between measurements and constraints. DR is also used in reducing the effect of random errors and more accurately estimating the true values. A multivariate technique that is used to obtain estimates of true values while preserving the most significant inherent variation is Principal Component Analysis (PCA). PCA is used to reduce the dimensionality of the data with minimum information loss. In this paper, two new DR techniques are proposed moving-average PCA (MA-PCA) and exponentially weighted moving average PCA (EWMA-PCA) to improve the performance of DR and obtain more accurate and consistent data. These DR techniques are compared based on RMSE. Further, these techniques are analyzed for different values of sample size, weighting factor, and variances.
Ontology based knowledge representation: Case study from agriculture domain
Authors: Malik Nidhi , Hijam Deena , Sharan Aditi
Published: April 2021

The growth of web has touched everyone’s life from an economist, entrepreneur, and academician to a farmer. The agriculture sector is quite important for any country’s growth. Farmers can also be benefited if they are provided with relevant information they need. The reason that it is not happening on a large scale is due to many reasons. Information is available in different formats, platforms and it is highly unstructured. The availability and real time usage of this information is prohibited mainly by the way it is represented. Recently, Ontology has emerged as one of very expressive knowledge representation scheme which enables gathering information from heterogeneous sources and creates a common data model that is shared and agreed upon in diverse domains. The interoperability and deduction capabilities that Ontology offers are very useful for generating new knowledge. Most of the work pertaining to ontology development in agriculture domain is crop specific, where information about fertilizers is confined to a particular crop only. In this paper, we have designed and developed a generic ontology for fertilizers. Fertilizer itself is a concept which should be modeled independently. Even for crop specific ontology, fertilizer is one of the most important concept to be captured. So, it needs to be represented independently. Finding this research gap, an ontology in fertilizer subdomain is developed, taking into account the various issues that are faced while constructing an ontology and the enormous amount of data that is available but is not easy to structure and present in the form of ontology. We have also validated the Ontology using an available tool and domain experts have also validated the developed Ontology.
Usefulness of postural sway spectral analysis in the diagnostic route and clinical integration of cervicogenic and vestibular sources of dizziness: A cross-sectional preliminary study
Authors: Micarelli Alessandro , Viziano Andrea , Micarelli Beatrice , Di Fulvio Giulia , Alessandrini Marco
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND: Posturography power spectra (PS) implementation has been proven to discriminate between sensory inputs detriment of vestibular and proprioceptive origin. OBJECTIVE: To deepen the role of posturography testing in the diagnostic route of dizzy conditions, by comparing two groups of patients –93 affected by cervicogenic dizziness (CGD) and 72 by unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH) –with a group of 98 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects, serving as control group (CON). METHODS: All participants underwent otoneurological testing including video head impulse test (vHIT) and posturography testing with PS analysis. They also filled in Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaires. RESULTS: UVH and CGD patients were found to have significant increase in vestibular- and proprioceptive-related PS values when compared with CON. Receiver operating characteristic curves found PS values to reliably discriminate both groups from CON. Positive and negative correlations were respectively found between vestibular-/proprioceptive-related PS domain and DHI in both groups and between PS and vHIT scores in UVH patients. CONCLUSIONS: PS analysis demonstrated to be useful in differentiating CGD and UVH patients each other and when compared to CON, to objectively represent perceived symptoms filled along the DHI scale and to corroborate the rate of vestibular deficit in UVH patients.
Evaluation of the immune state activation in patients affected by ONJ: preliminary data
Authors: Roato Ilaria , Motta Chiara , Mussano Federico , Gambino Alessio , Erovigni Francesco Maria
Published: April 2021

Bisphosphonate (BP)-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a serious adverse event characterized by non-healing necrotic bone tissue of mandible or maxilla. BPs target osteoclasts, inhibiting their action and blocking bone resorption, nonetheless an increased bone resorption in the oral cavity is associated to ONJ. One of the causes of ONJ is the dysregulation of the immune system, in particular the strong reduction of gamma/delta T cells circulating in peripheral blood (PB). The rate of circulating osteoclast precursors (OCPs) is altered in bone metastatic patients, suggesting a systemic alteration of osteoclast compartment, but we do not know wether it is altered in cancer patients affected by active lesion of ONJ induced by Zoledronic acid treatment. By flow cytometric analysis of patients’ and controls’ PB cells, we studied the presence of different T cell subsets, according to the expression of gamma/delta chains, CD4, CD8, CD25 and CD69 and of OCPs. We also evaluated the capability of PBMCs to spontaneously differentiate into osteoclasts _in vitro_, which is an index of pathological bone resorption. Our preliminary results confirmed in ONJ patients a marked reduction in gamma/delta T cells compared to their level befor patients started BP treatment. The subsets of activated T cells and OCPs were not significantly modified. In ONJ patients, _in vitro_ osteoclastogenesis was comparable to the one of healthy control, while before patients started BP treatment osteoclastogenesis was significantly increased. This result suggests that BPs correctly act in reducing the systemic activation of osteoclasts, associated to bone metastatic patients, as expected, but BPs fail to block osteoclast activity locally.
The efficiency of the drug based on butaphosphane, B vitamins and L-carnitine in the treatment of horses
Authors: Pyatnychko O. M. , Zhyla M. I. , Shkodyak N. V. , Saliy O. O. , Derkach M. V. , Kalynovska L. V.
Published: April 2021

An important feature of living organisms, acquired in the process of evolution, is the ability to adapt to various external influences and changes in the environment, to maintain homeostasis and regulatory processes in organs, systems and the body as a whole. However, with modern breeding technologies, the physiological capabilities of the animal's body are often unable to change as quickly as required by the conditions of industrial maintenance, which leads to stress. Vitamin preparations and biologically active feed additives are widely used by veterinary medicine specialists to increase resistance to stressful situations, disease prevention, increase resistance, safety and productivity of farm animals. Preparation L-tsyn, solution for injection (manufactured by BIOTESTLAB LLC), is a drug, the action of which is due to the prescription combination of active substances, namely: butaphosphane, B vitamins (vitamin B12, vitamin B3) and L-carnitine. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the drug L-tsyn on horses under the influence of stressors of various natures. Two experiments on working horses with constant, excessive physical activity with chronic exercises and with complex therapy of intoxication with signs of acute renal failure in horse were conducted. Clinical trials of the drug were performed on working horses aged 5–15 years, of different sexes. The drug was administered in a dose of 20–25 ml per animal, 1 time per day for 5 consecutive days. The clinical condition of the experimental animals was observed for 21 days from the start of the drug. The morpho-functional state of the animal's body before and after the drug was established according to the indicators of the clinical condition, morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood, which were determined according to generally accepted methods. In working horses under excessive load the drug L-tsyn activated the processes of hematopoiesis, improved the physiological state of the body and contributed to the increase the general tone of the body. The drug as part of complex therapy in the treatment of intoxication, showed hepato- and nephroprotective properties, reduced the manifestations of intoxication, helped to restoration of the animal’s normal physiological state. According to the results of clinical, hematological and biochemical studies, it can be concluded that the drug L-tsyn has a stimulating effect on metabolic processes in the animals’ body, shows tonic properties, increases the body's resistance to toxins and adverse environmental factors and can be used as monotherapy and for the complex treatment of diseases of various etiologies in horses.
SILVER(I) PRECONCENTRATION USING m-AMINOPHENOL CONTAINING SORBENT FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
Authors:   Baku State University, Afandiyeva N.T. , Maharramov A.M. ,   Baku State University, Chiragov F.M. ,   Baku State University
Published: April 2021

The influence of sorption characteristics on the removal of silver(I) has been examined. The sorption capacity of chelating polymeric sorbent, based on maleic anhydride styrene copolymer modified with m-aminophenol, towards Ag(I) ions was studied. The pH of sorption was maximum at the value 6. With the increasing of initial metal concentration, sorption of silver(I) increases and reached maxima at val-ue 80∙10-3 M. At the final stage, the elution process of Ag(I) was established and find that HNO3 1 M is the best elution agent. Multiple use of the regenerated sorbent for sorption process is possible. This study shows that using of mentioned sorbent modified with m-aminophenol is effective for removal of silver(I) ions from aqueous solutions
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL INTERACTION OF THE COPPER AND ANTIMONY IODIDES
Authors:   M.Nagiyev Institute of Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry, of NAS of Azerbaijan, Mammadli P.R.
Published: April 2021

The character of the mutual interaction of the components in the CuI-SbI3 system was studied by differential thermal analysis and X-ray phase analysis methods and its phase diagram was constructed. It was found that the system is quasi-binary and forms a monotectic phase diagram. The immiscibility region covers ~15-93 mol% SbI3 concentration interval at the monotectic equilibrium temperature (~ 4930С). The temperatures of polymorphic transformations of the CuI compound in the system drop slightly and these phase transitions take place by metatectic reactions
RESEARCH CHEMICAL INTERACTIONS IN THE CuTe–As2Te3 SYSTEM
Authors:   M.Nagiyev Institute of Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry, of NAS of Azerbaijan, Aliev I.I. , Ismailova S.Sh. ,   M.Nagiyev Institute of Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry, of NAS of Azerbaijan, Shakhbazov M.H. ,   Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University
Published: April 2021

By the methods of DTA, XRD, MSA, as well as by measuring the microhardness and determining the density of the alloys, the CuTe–As2Te3 system was studied and a phase diagram was constructed. The system state diagram is of the eutectic type and it is characterized by one chemical compound of Cu3As4Te9 composition. Compounds Cu3As4Te9 melts incongruently at 3200C. Solid solutions based on As2Te3 reaches 8 mol %, and based on CuTe solid solutions are practically not installed. Cu3As4Te9 and As2Te3 form an eutectic composition of 45 mol % As2Te3 and temperature 2650C. The results of X-ray phase analysis have shown that the Сu3As4Te9 compounds is crystallized in the tetragonal syngony with lattice parameters: a = 13.86, c = 18.05 Å, Z = 9, ρpyk. = 6.96 g/cm3, ρrent. = 7.06 g/cm3
岩土工程勘察在高铁建设中的应用
Authors: 杨 剑
Published: April 2021

近年来，在社会经济快速发展的影响下，人们对交通运输系统的要求不断的提高。高速铁路工程项目是社会发展的必然产物，其不仅有效的缩短人们花费在交通上的时间，并且在推动社会经济发展方面也可以起到良好的助动作用。当下，世界很多的发达国家都建造了诸多的高速铁路工程，我国为了紧跟社会发展趋势也在建造高速铁路方面投入了大量的人力物力。但是因为我国地域辽阔，各个地区的地质结构情况相对较为复杂，这样就会对高速铁路的建设工作造成诸多的限制，为了能够从根本上对高速铁路施工效率和质量加以保证，那么就需要切实的落实岩土工程勘察工作，结合勘察结构来制定恰当的施工方案。
工业给排水设计中的管道布置及选材原则
Authors: 孙 亚萍
Published: April 2021

近年来，我国社会经济在多方面利好因素的影响下得到了快速的提升，从而为各个领域的发展壮大创造了良好基础。在当前持续发展理念全面落实的形势下，对我国工业领域造成了巨大的影响，并且工业生产行业在我国社会经济发展中所具有的重要作用也越发凸现出来。在工业高速发展的大环境下，工业企业用水量在城市总体用水量中的占比呈现出了逐年递增的态势。工业企业用水与市政用水以及建筑用水有着巨大的差异性，而且工业企业行业众多，行业之间水系统也有明显的差异，设计风格和设计理念也都大相径庭。但是，管道布置和选材原则等问题上还是存在共性的，所以找出工业各行业水系统管道问题的共性和设计思路，提升工业水系统的整体设计水平是亟待解决的问题。
Chat communication in library user services
Authors: Smirnov Yu. V. , Sokolova Yu. V.
Published: April 2021

The chat communication is a new type of user distance service. The authors examine the technology applications in different organizations and libraries, in particular. Intelligent information systems are used for designing virtual assistants and chatbots. The authors emphasize that, as for today, the scientific classification for chatbots is lacking. They attempt to categorize virtual talkbots. They discuss iPavlov artificial intellect library. The most interesting Russian developments are Telegram chatbots of Russian State Library for Young Adults, Directorate of Cultural Centers of Moscow, and that of St. Petersburg State Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired. RNPLS&T has implemented jivo system of chat communication. The reasons for choosing this system and operation results are discussed. The authors conclude that chat communication meets the principles and improves efficiency of user services.
An Overview Of The Quality Of Nursing Services In Regional Public Hospital Liun Kendage Tahuna
Authors: Tooy Gracia Christy , Bajak Chatrina Maria Agustina
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Nursing services bring affect to the image of a hospital in the eyes of the public, which then demands the professionalism of nurses in providing and regulating nursing care activities. Facts indicate a serious problem in the quality of nursing services in Indonesia. data obtained in the field stated that 43% of the public expressed dissatisfaction with the nursing services organized by the health service.
Objective: The purpose of the study to identify the quality picture of nursing services is reviewed from the dimensions of reliability, empathy, responsiveness, assurance, and physical appearance (tangibility) of nurses at Liun Kendage Tahuna Regional Hospital in Sangihe Islands Regency.
Method: This research is a descriptive research using analytical survey method. The population of this research is all outpatients and inpatients at Liun kendage Tahuna Hospital. The sampling method used in this research is purposive sampling method with a total of 97 respondents. 
Results: In this study, most respondents belonged to the productive age category of 25-54 years (55.7%) and the highest education achieved only to high school (35.1%). The results showed excellent reability dimension (99%), excellent empathy dimension (90.7%), excellent responsiveness dimension (93.8%), excellent assurance dimension (93.8%) as well as tangability dimensions that fall into the excellent category (80.4%).
Conclusion: The quality of nursing services at Liun Kendage Tahuna Hospital belongs to the excellent category. It is necessary to do some activities such as the following; routine evaluation activities, motivational activities to nurses to always look neat and clean and activities to maintain the cleanliness of existing health facilities..
Örgütsel Güvenin Tükenmişlik Algısına Etkisi: Kamuda Bir Araştırma
Authors: DALMIŞ Alper
Published: April 2021

Günümüzde özellikle küreselleşme ile beraber özel sektörde yüksek derecede bir rekabet bulunmaktadır. Kamu kuruluşları bu rekabetten muaf gibi görünseler de günümüzde vatandaşlar kamu kuruluşlarından yüksek kalitede hizmet beklemektedirler. Kamu kuruluşlarının vatandaşların talebini karşılamaları için insan kaynaklarını etkin bir şekilde kullanmaları gerekmektedir. Örgütsel güven kavramı çalışanların yöneticilerine, işyerlerine ve çalışma arkadaşlarına karşı sahip olduğu güven bağını tanımlamaktadır. Tükenmişlik kavramı ise duygusal tükenme, duyarsızlık ve başarısızlık hissi olmak üzere üç farklı olumsuz durumu işaret eden bir psikolojik durumdur. Alan yazınında olumlu çıktıları tespit edilmiş olan örgütsel güven ile olumsuz çıktıları tespit edilmiş olan tükenmişlik algısı arasındaki ilişki incelenmiştir. Bu araştırmanın amacı örgütsel güvenin tükenmişlik algısı üzerine olan etkisini saptamaktır. Araştırmanın amacı doğrultusunda Ankara Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu evren olarak belirlenmiştir. Bu evrende bulunan 350 kişiye anket formu ulaştırılmış ve 306 çalışandan elde edilen sağlıklı veriler ile araştırma gerçekleştirilmiştir. Anket formu örgütsel güven ölçeği, tükenmişlik algısı ölçeği ve demografik bilgileri belirlemeye yönelik sorulardan oluşmaktadır. Araştırmanın en önemli sınırlılığı Ankara SGK çalışanlarını kapsayan küçük bir evren bazında gerçekleştirilmiş olmasıdır. SPSS analiz programı aracılığıyla yapılan regresyon analizi sonucunda örgütsel güvenin tükenmişlik algısını negatif ve anlamlı bir şekilde etkilediği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
The Home State Effect on Lobbying: Evidence from U.S. Climate Politics
Authors: Meckling Jonas , Trachtman Samuel
Published: April 2021

Organized business interests often seek to block public interest regulations, but how they engage depends on institutional context. We argue that in federal systems state policy and politics can have a home state effect on firm preferences and political behavior at the national level. State policies can force firms to absorb regulatory cost, thus reducing the marginal cost of national policies. In addition, firms regulated at the state level have incentives to strategically align with their state governments to avoid future regulatory cost. We test our argument by matching original data on the positions of electric utilities towards the Clean Power Plan and data on ad hoc coalition membership with data measuring state policy stringency and state government positions. Quantitative evidence is consistent with hypotheses: both state policies and state politics influence utilities’ national positions. Elite interviews clarify different mechanisms. Findings underscore how sub-national governments shape national interest group politics.
IPSIM-Cirsium, a Qualitative Expert-Based Model to Predict Infestations of Cirsium arvense
Authors: Lacroix Octave , Aubertot Jean-Noël , Bohanec Marko , Cordeau Stéphane , Corrales David Camilo , Robin Marie-Hélène
Published: April 2021

Throughout Europe, Cirsium arvense is the most problematic perennial weed in arable crops, whether managed under organic or conventional agriculture. Non-chemical control methods are limited with partial efficacy. Knowledge is missing on their effect across a wide gradient of cropping systems and pedoclimates. To achieve effective Cirsium arvense management ensuring crop productivity while limiting the reliance of cropping systems on herbicide, expert-based models are needed to gather knowledge on the effect of individual levers and their interactions in order to (i) design and assess finely tuned combinations of farming practices in different pedoclimates and (ii) support decisions for Cirsium arvense control. Based on expert-knowledge and literature, we developed IPSIM-Cirsium, a hierarchical qualitative model which evaluates the infestation of Cirsium arvense as a function of farming practices, climate conditions, soil descriptors and their interactions. IPSIM-Cirsium is a multi-attribute model considering all possibilities of interactions between factors, it estimates the infestation rate of the field graded according to a four-level scale. The model outputs were confronted to independent field observations collected across 6 fields, over a 16-year period in 3 sites. IPSIM-Cirsium showed a satisfactory predictive quality (accuracy of 78.2%). IPSIM-Cirsium can be used as a tool for crop advisors and researchers to assist the design of systems less reliant on herbicides, for farmers and advisers to assess ex-ante prototypes of cropping systems, and for teachers as an educational tool to share agroecological weed management knowledge.
CRISPR/Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein-Based Genome Editing Methodology in the Marine Protozoan Parasite Perkinsus marinus
Authors: Yadavalli Raghavendra , Umeda Kousuke , Waugh Hannah A. , Tracy Adrienne N. , Sidhu Asha V. , Hernández Derek E. , Fernández Robledo José A.
Published: April 2021

Perkinsus marinus (Perkinsozoa), a close relative of apicomplexans, is an osmotrophic facultative intracellular marine protozoan parasite responsible for “Dermo” disease in oysters and clams. Although there is no clinical evidence of this parasite infecting humans, HLA-DR40 transgenic mice studies strongly suggest the parasite as a natural adjuvant in oral vaccines. P. marinus is being developed as a heterologous gene expression platform for pathogens of medical and veterinary relevance and a novel platform for delivering vaccines. We previously reported the transient expression of two rodent malaria genes Plasmodium berghei HAP2 and MSP8. In this study, we optimized the original electroporation-based protocol to establish a stable heterologous expression method. Using 20 μg of pPmMOE[MOE1]:GFP and 25.0 × 106P. marinus cells resulted in 98% GFP-positive cells. Furthermore, using the optimized protocol, we report for the first time the successful knock-in of GFP at the C-terminus of the PmMOE1 using ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-based CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing methodology. The GFP was expressed 18 h post-transfection, and expression was observed for 8 months post-transfection, making it a robust and stable knock-in system.
Bite Force Transducers and Measurement Devices
Authors: Gu Yingzhi , Bai Yuxing , Xie Xianju
Published: April 2021

In dental research, bite force has become an important curative effect evaluation index for tooth restoration, periodontal treatment, and orthodontic treatment. Bite force is an important parameter to evaluate the efficacy of the masticatory system. Physicians obtain the therapeutic basis for occlusal adjustment by measuring the bite force and the dynamic changes in occlusal contact at different stages of treatment and objectively evaluate the therapeutic effect. At present, many devices are used to record the bite force. Most of these devices use force transducers to detect bite force, such as strain gauge transducers, piezoresistive transducers, piezoelectric transducers, optical fiber transducers, and pressure-sensitive films. This article summarizes the various equipment used to record bite force, related materials and the characteristics of this equipment. It provides a reference for physicians to make choices during the clinical process and at the same time provides a basis for the development of new occlusal force measurement materials.
The in vitro and in vivo Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Activity of Incomplete Degradation Products of Hemicellulosic Polysaccharide (Galactomannan) From Sesbania cannabina
Authors: Tao Yuheng , Wang Ting , Lai Chenhuan , Ling Zhe , Zhou Yanmin , Yong Qiang
Published: April 2021

As known, the nutritional status affects antioxidant capacity and immunity, ultimately affecting the body’s health. Recently, hemicellulosic polysaccharides of galactomannan in different biomass and their degradation products are gaining more attention due to excellent antioxidant enhancement and immunomodulatory activity. Herein, incomplete degradation products of galactomannan (IDPG) were prepared from the enzymatic hydrolysis of Sesbania cannabina seeds, followed by the in vitro and in vivo experiments. Using an H2O2-injured RAW264.7 cells model, IDPG was demonstrated to have antioxidant capacity, as indicated by superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. While in the evaluation in laying hens (68-weeks-old), diets were supplemented with 0, 0.01, 0.025, and 0.05% IDPG for 8 weeks, respectively. Our results showed that IDPG can improve antioxidant capacity by increasing antioxidants contents and reducing MDA content. Furthermore, IDPG can increase immunoglobulins and cytokines secretion, thereby enhancing the immunity of laying hens. This result was further demonstrated by in vitro experiment, in which IDPG significantly increased the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in RAW264.7 cells (P < 0.05). Overall, IDPG can improve antioxidant function and modulate immunological response, thereby the concept of using IDPG for health may gain a little more credibility.
The Democracy to Come? An Enquiry Into the Vision of Blockchain-Powered E-Voting Start-Ups
Authors: Imperial Miranda
Published: April 2021

This research sets out to analyze the message promoted by start-up enterprises that apply blockchain technologies for the purpose of e-voting [blockchain-powered e-voting (BPE)], and their perceived effects of this technological solution on democratic outcomes. Employing Norman Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis (CDA), I examined the written output of seven BPE start-ups (Agora, DemocracyEarth, Follow My Vote, Polys, Voatz, Votem, and VoteWatcher), as displayed in their websites. The close attention of CDA to power relations brought out relevant topics of discussion for analysis. Notably, these included: voting as an expression of democracy; technological determinism; individual versus communitarian understandings of democracy; the prominence of neoliberalism and the economic sphere; and technological literacy. Findings from the literature suggest that the assumptions of BPE start-ups about a blockchain-powered democracy diverge from widely accepted understandings of democracy. BPE start-ups envision a democracy determined by positions and institutions of power, by the technologically able, and by economic interests. This research argues that this conception of democracy disempowers voters from any form of decision-making regarding how democracy is run beyond their expression in the form of a vote decided by these established powers. The widespread addresses to existing elites to enable BPE, as well as what is left unsaid about community, collective rights and the not so technologically literate population, imply that BPE developers display concern for one particular expression among the many diverse and heterogeneous understandings of democracy, while disregarding outstanding privacy, security and accountability concerns associated to implementations of the technology for BPE. This work is a contribution to much needed research on technology and democracy’s deepening intersections, at a time of rapid technological innovation and turbulent democratic scepticism.
LINC00511/miRNA-143-3p Modulates Apoptosis and Malignant Phenotype of Bladder Carcinoma Cells via PCMT1
Authors: Dong Li-Ming , Zhang Xi-Ling , Mao Ming-Huan , Li Yan-Pei , Zhang Xi-Yan , Xue Dong-Wei , Liu Yi-Li
Published: April 2021

Bladder cancer has easy recurrence characteristics, but its occurrence and development mechanism are still unclear. Non-coding RNA is a kind of RNA that exists widely and cannot be translated into proteins, which has played a key role in the regulation of biological functions of tumor cells. However, the regulation mechanism of non-coding RNA on bladder tumors is not fully understood. By microarray analysis and database analysis, we found that LINC00511 was significantly highly expressed in bladder cancer. The expressions of LINC00511, miR-143-3p, and PCMT in bladder cancer tissues and cells were detected by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between the expressions of miR-143-3p and PCMT1 and the clinicopathological parameters of the tumor was analyzed. The proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer cells were detected by MTT assay and Transwell assay. The expression levels of E-cadherin and vimentin in bladder cancer cells were detected by Western blot. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. In vivo, TCCSUP or SW780 cells were inoculated into BALB/c nude mice to detect tumor volume and weight. Bioinformatics and dual luciferase reporter gene were used to analyze the relationship between LINC00511 and miR-143-3p and its downstream target gene PCMT1. The results showed that LINC00511 could target miR-143-3p/PCMT1 to regulate the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of bladder cancer TCCSUP or SW780 cells and promote the occurrence and development of bladder cancer.
Deep Learning-Based Estimation of Axial Length and Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness From Color Fundus Photographs
Authors: Dong Li , Hu Xin Yue , Yan Yan Ni , Zhang Qi , Zhou Nan , Shao Lei , Wang Ya Xing , Xu Jie , Lan Yin Jun , Li Yang , Xiong Jian Hao , Liu Cong Xin , Ge Zong Yuan , Jonas Jost. B. , Wei Wen Bin
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to develop an automated computer-based algorithm to estimate axial length and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) based on color fundus photographs. In the population-based Beijing Eye Study 2011, we took fundus photographs and measured SFCT by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and axial length by optical low-coherence reflectometry. Using 6394 color fundus images taken from 3468 participants, we trained and evaluated a deep-learning-based algorithm for estimation of axial length and SFCT. The algorithm had a mean absolute error (MAE) for estimating axial length and SFCT of 0.56 mm [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53,0.61] and 49.20 μm (95% CI: 45.83,52.54), respectively. Estimated values and measured data showed coefficients of determination of r2 = 0.59 (95% CI: 0.50,0.65) for axial length and r2 = 0.62 (95% CI: 0.57,0.67) for SFCT. Bland–Altman plots revealed a mean difference in axial length and SFCT of −0.16 mm (95% CI: −1.60,1.27 mm) and of −4.40 μm (95% CI, −131.8,122.9 μm), respectively. For the estimation of axial length, heat map analysis showed that signals predominantly from overall of the macular region, the foveal region, and the extrafoveal region were used in the eyes with an axial length of < 22 mm, 22–26 mm, and > 26 mm, respectively. For the estimation of SFCT, the convolutional neural network (CNN) used mostly the central part of the macular region, the fovea or perifovea, independently of the SFCT. Our study shows that deep-learning-based algorithms may be helpful in estimating axial length and SFCT based on conventional color fundus images. They may be a further step in the semiautomatic assessment of the eye.
Media Representations of Official Declarations and Political Actions in Brazil During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lopes de Oliveira Diogo , Moreno Erick , Lewenstein Bruce V.
Published: April 2021

Our case study situates science communication within the interaction of the COVID-19 disease, scientific research about the disease, public statements by relevant officials, media messages, political actions, and public opinion. By studying these interactions in the Brazilian context, we add to the understanding of science communication complexity by studying a context less easily available to the English-speaking research community. Methodologically, we identified key moments in Brazil during the pandemic using tools such as Google Trends, and content analysis of influencers' Twitter and Instagram accounts and digital newspapers. These episodes are then explored as case studies, using both quantitative and qualitative content analysis of messages to identify message emphasis frames and political agendas. The results introduce issues rarely explored in previous science communication research, especially ones associated with nationalism and political populism and national inequalities of privilege, income, and trust.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wong Chloe , Lee Ming Hui , Yaow Clyve Yu Leon , Chin Yip Han , Goh Xin Lei , Ng Cheng Han , Lim Amanda Yuan Ling , Muthiah Mark Dhinesh , Khoo Chin Meng
Published: April 2021

Objective

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is highly prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Studies on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have reported promising results. Despite this, there has been limited evidence of its efficacy in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This meta-analysis examined existing evidence on the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched for articles discussing the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Values of standardized mean differences (SMD) and risk ratio (RR) were determined for continuous outcomes and dichotomous outcomes respectively.

Results

8 studies involving 1,454 patients from 5 randomized controlled trials and 3 cohort studies were included in the analysis. Our analysis found significant improvements in hepatic fat content, liver biochemistry, body composition, glucose parameters, lipid parameters, insulin sensitivity and inflammatory markers following glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists significantly decreased hepatic fat content compared to metformin and insulin-based therapies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists also improved fibrosis markers, but this did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

With a high prevalence of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment shows promise in improving both diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease phenotype.
Natural Disturbance-Based Forest Management: Moving Beyond Retention and Continuous-Cover Forestry
Authors: Kuuluvainen Timo , Angelstam Per , Frelich Lee , Jõgiste Kalev , Koivula Matti , Kubota Yasuhiro , Lafleur Benoit , Macdonald Ellen
Published: April 2021

Global forest area is declining rapidly, along with degradation of the ecological condition of remaining forests. Hence it is necessary to adopt forest management approaches that can achieve a balance between (1) human management designs based on homogenization of forest structure to efficiently deliver economic values and (2) naturally emerging self-organized ecosystem dynamics that foster heterogeneity, biodiversity, resilience and adaptive capacity. Natural disturbance-based management is suggested to provide such an approach. It is grounded on the premise that disturbance is a key process maintaining diversity of ecosystem structures, species and functions, and adaptive and evolutionary potential, which functionally link to sustainability of ecosystem services supporting human well-being. We review the development, ecological and evolutionary foundations and applications of natural disturbance-based forest management. With emphasis on boreal forests, we compare this approach with two mainstream approaches to sustainable forest management, retention and continuous-cover forestry. Compared with these approaches, natural disturbance-based management provides a more comprehensive framework, which is compatible with current understanding of multiple-scale ecological processes and structures, which underlie biodiversity, resilience and adaptive potential of forest ecosystems. We conclude that natural disturbance-based management provides a comprehensive ecosystem-based framework for managing forests for human needs of commodity production and immaterial values, while maintaining forest health in the rapidly changing global environment.
Identification of Metastasis-Associated MicroRNAs in Metastatic Melanoma by miRNA Expression Profile and Experimental Validation
Authors: Gao Yunshu , Xu Jiahua , Li Hongwei , Hu Yi , Yu Guanzhen
Published: April 2021

It is reported that microRNAs (miRNA) have paramount functions in many cellular biological processes, development, metabolism, differentiation, survival, proliferation, and apoptosis included, some of which are involved in metastasis of tumors, such as melanoma. Here, three metastasis-associated miRNAs, miR-18a-5p (upregulated), miR-155-5p (downregulated), and miR-93-5p (upregulated), were identified from a total of 63 different expression miRNAs (DEMs) in metastatic melanoma compared with primary melanoma. We predicted 262 target genes of miR-18a-5p, 904 miR-155-5p target genes, and 1220 miR-93-5p target genes. They participated in pathways concerning melanoma, such as TNF signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, FoxO signaling pathway, cell cycle, Hippo signaling pathway, and TGF-beta signaling pathway. We identified the top 10 hub nodes whose degrees were higher for each survival-associated miRNA as hub genes through constructing the PPI network. Using the selected miRNA and the hub genes, we constructed the miRNA-hub gene network, and PTEN and CCND1 were found to be regulated by all three miRNAs. Of note, miR-155-5p was obviously downregulated in metastatic melanoma tissues, and miR-18a-5p and miR-93-5p were obviously regulated positively in metastatic melanoma tissues. In validating experiments, miR-155-5p's overexpression inhibited miR-18a-5p's and miR-93-5p's expression, which could all significantly reduce SK-MEL-28 cells' invasive ability. Finally, miR-93-5p and its potential target gene UBC were selected for further validation. We found that miR-93-5p's inhibition could reduce SK-MEL-28 cell's invasive ability through upregulated the expression of UBC, and the anti-invasive effect was reserved by downregulation of UBC. The results show that the selected three metastasis-associated miRNAs participate in the process of melanoma metastasis via regulating their target genes, providing a potential molecular mechanism for this disease.
Genetic Variability of Human Cytomegalovirus Clinical Isolates Correlates With Altered Expression of Natural Killer Cell-Activating Ligands and IFN-γ
Authors: Galitska Ganna , Coscia Alessandra , Forni Diego , Steinbrueck Lars , De Meo Simone , Biolatti Matteo , De Andrea Marco , Cagliani Rachele , Leone Agata , Bertino Enrico , Schulz Thomas , Santoni Angela , Landolfo Santo , Sironi Manuela , Cerboni Cristina , Dell’Oste Valentina
Published: April 2021

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection often leads to systemic disease in immunodeficient patients and congenitally infected children. Despite its clinical significance, the exact mechanisms contributing to HCMV pathogenesis and clinical outcomes have yet to be determined. One of such mechanisms involves HCMV-mediated NK cell immune response, which favors viral immune evasion by hindering NK cell-mediated cytolysis. This process appears to be dependent on the extent of HCMV genetic variation as high levels of variability in viral genes involved in immune escape have an impact on viral pathogenesis. However, the link between viral genome variations and their functional effects has so far remained elusive. Thus, here we sought to determine whether inter-host genetic variability of HCMV influences its ability to modulate NK cell responses to infection. For this purpose, five HCMV clinical isolates from a previously characterized cohort of pediatric patients with confirmed HCMV congenital infection were evaluated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) for genetic polymorphisms, phylogenetic relationships, and multiple-strain infection. We report variable levels of genetic characteristics among the selected clinical strains, with moderate variations in genome regions associated with modulation of NK cell functions. Remarkably, we show that different HCMV clinical strains differentially modulate the expression of several ligands for the NK cell-activating receptors NKG2D, DNAM-1/CD226, and NKp30. Specifically, the DNAM-1/CD226 ligand PVR/CD155 appears to be predominantly upregulated by fast-replicating (“aggressive”) HCMV isolates. On the other hand, the NGK2D ligands ULBP2/5/6 are downregulated regardless of the strain used, while other NK cell ligands (i.e., MICA, MICB, ULBP3, Nectin-2/CD112, and B7-H6) are not significantly modulated. Furthermore, we show that IFN-γ; production by NK cells co-cultured with HCMV-infected fibroblasts is directly proportional to the aggressiveness of the HCMV clinical isolates employed. Interestingly, loss of NK cell-modulating genes directed against NK cell ligands appears to be a common feature among the “aggressive” HCMV strains, which also share several gene variants across their genomes. Overall, even though further studies based on a higher number of patients would offer a more definitive scenario, our findings provide novel mechanistic insights into the impact of HCMV genetic variability on NK cell-mediated immune responses.
Novel ELISA Protocol Links Pre-Existing SARS-CoV-2 Reactive Antibodies With Endemic Coronavirus Immunity and Age and Reveals Improved Serologic Identification of Acute COVID-19 via Multi-Parameter Detection
Authors: Yuen Rachel R. , Steiner Dylan , Pihl Riley M.F. , Chavez Elizabeth , Olson Alex , Smith Erika L. , Baird Lillia A. , Korkmaz Filiz , Urick Patricia , Sagar Manish , Berrigan Jacob L. , Gummuluru Suryaram , Corley Ronald B. , Quillen Karen , Belkina Anna C. , Mostoslavsky Gustavo , Rifkin Ian R. , Kataria Yachana , Cappione Amedeo J. , Gao Wenda , Lin Nina H. , Bhadelia Nahid , Snyder-Cappione Jennifer E.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted work, economy, and way of life. Sensitive measurement of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies would provide new insight into pre-existing immunity, virus transmission dynamics, and the nuances of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. To date, existing SARS-CoV-2 serology tests have limited utility due to insufficient reliable detection of antibody levels lower than what is typically present after several days of symptoms. To measure lower quantities of SARS-CoV-2 IgM, IgG, and IgA with higher resolution than existing assays, we developed a new ELISA protocol with a distinct plate washing procedure and timed plate development via use of a standard curve. Very low optical densities from samples added to buffer coated wells at as low as a 1:5 dilution are reported using this ‘BU ELISA’ method. Use of this method revealed circulating SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid protein (N) reactive antibodies (IgG, IgM, and/or IgA) in 44 and 100 percent of pre-pandemic subjects, respectively, and the magnitude of these antibodies tracked with antibody levels of analogous viral proteins from endemic coronavirus (eCoV) strains. The disease status (HIV, SLE) of unexposed subjects was not linked with SARS-CoV-2 reactive antibody levels; however, quantities were significantly lower in subjects over 70 years of age compared with younger counterparts. Also, we measured SARS-CoV-2 RBD- and N- specific IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies from 29 SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals at varying disease states, including 10 acute COVID-19 hospitalized subjects with negative serology results by the EUA approved Abbott IgG chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Measurements of SARS-CoV-2 RBD- and N- specific IgM, IgG, IgA levels measured by the BU ELISA revealed higher signal from 9 of the 10 Abbott test negative COVID-19 subjects than all pre-pandemic samples for at least one antibody specificity/isotype, implicating improved serologic identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection via multi-parameter, high sensitive antibody detection. We propose that this improved ELISA protocol, which is straightforward to perform, low cost, and uses readily available commercial reagents, is a useful tool to elucidate new information about SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunity and has promising implications for improved detection of all analytes measurable by this platform.
MR1-Restricted MAIT Cells From The Human Lung Mucosal Surface Have Distinct Phenotypic, Functional, and Transcriptomic Features That Are Preserved in HIV Infection
Authors: Khuzwayo Sharon , Mthembu Maphe , Meermeier Erin W. , Prakadan Sanjay M. , Kazer Samuel W. , Bassett Thierry , Nyamande Kennedy , Khan Dilshaad Fakey , Maharaj Priya , Mitha Mohammed , Suleman Moosa , Mhlane Zoey , Ramjit Dirhona , Karim Farina , Shalek Alex K. , Lewinsohn David M. , Ndung’u Thumbi , Wong Emily B.
Published: April 2021

Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a class of innate-like T cells that utilize a semi-invariant αβ T cell receptor to recognize small molecule ligands produced by bacteria and fungi. Despite growing evidence that immune cells at mucosal surfaces are often phenotypically and functionally distinct from those in the peripheral circulation, knowledge about the characteristics of MAIT cells at the lung mucosal surface, the site of exposure to respiratory pathogens, is limited. HIV infection has been shown to have a profound effect on the number and function of MAIT cells in the peripheral blood, but its effect on lung mucosal MAIT cells is unknown. We examined the phenotypic, functional, and transcriptomic features of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-related (MR1)-restricted MAIT cells from the peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar compartments of otherwise healthy individuals with latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection who were either HIV uninfected or HIV infected. Peripheral blood MAIT cells consistently co-expressed typical MAIT cell surface markers CD161 and CD26 in HIV-negative individuals, while paired bronchoalveolar MAIT cells displayed heterogenous expression of these markers. Bronchoalveolar MAIT cells produced lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ and expressed higher levels of co-inhibitory markers PD-1 and TIM-3 than peripheral MAIT cells. HIV infection resulted in decreased frequencies and pro-inflammatory function of peripheral blood MAIT cells, while in the bronchoalveolar compartment MAIT cell frequency was decreased but phenotype and function were not significantly altered. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis demonstrated greater heterogeneity among bronchoalveolar compared to peripheral blood MAIT cells and suggested a distinct subset in the bronchoalveolar compartment. The transcriptional features of this bronchoalveolar subset were associated with MAIT cell tissue repair functions. In summary, we found previously undescribed phenotypic and transcriptional heterogeneity of bronchoalveolar MAIT cells in HIV-negative people. In HIV infection, we found numeric depletion of MAIT cells in both anatomical compartments but preservation of the novel phenotypic and transcriptional features of bronchoalveolar MAIT cells.