bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Self-Organizing Topological Multilayer Perceptron for Improving the Prediction of Extreme Values of the PM2.5
Authors: López-Gonzales Javier Linkolk , Lamus Ana María Gómez , Torres Romina , Salas Rodrigo
Published: May 2022

The prediction of air pollutant levels plays an essential role in regulatory plans focused on controlling and mitigating air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM). Even when elevated pollution episodes may be rare, they recirculate within an area where more people may present significant adverse health consequences. Thus, even when they are difficult to predict, pollution peaks prediction of air pollution particulate matter (PM2.5) is a crucial problem to address. Several machine learning (ML) approaches have been used to predict a set of air pollutants using different combinations of predictor parameters. Unfortunately, they are still not enough to generate accurate predictions of extreme values. This paper proposes a new hybrid method that combines the unsupervised learning Self-Organizing Maps with the supervised multilayer perceptron. The proposed method is applied for the prediction of extreme values of PM2.5, using five-year pollution data obtained from nine weather stations located in the metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile. Simulation results show that the hybrid method improves the performance metrics when predicting extreme values of PM2.5.
Harnessing plasma absorption in silicon MOS modulators
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Ebert Martin , Li Ke , Chen Bigeng , Yan Xingzhao , Du Han , Banakar Mehdi , Tran Dehn , Littlejohns Callum , Scofield Adam , Yu Guomin , Shafiiha Roshanak , Zilkie Aaron , Reed Graham , Thomson David
Published: May 2022

High bandwidth, low power and compact silicon electro-optical modulators are essential for future energy efficient and densely integrated optical data communication circuits. The all-silicon plasma dispersion effect ring resonator modulator is an attractive prospect. However its performance is currently limited by the trade-off between modulation depth and switching speed dictated by its quality factor. Here we introduce a mechanism to leap beyond this limitation by harnessing the significant plasma absorption induced in a silicon MOS waveguide to enhance the extinction ratio of a low quality factor, high-speed ring modulator. Fabricated devices have demonstrated 20dB of electro-absorption modulation at the resonance with a 3.5V bias change and a total modulation depth of 27dB with the concurrent carrier refraction induced wavelength shift. Modulation enhancement has been observed from kHz to GHz operation with data modulation up to 100Gbit/s on-off keying demonstrated, paving the evolution of optical interconnects to 100Gbaud and beyond per wavelength.
Geometric Algebra based 2D-DOA Estimation for Non-circular Signals With an Electromagnetic Vector Array
Authors: Wang Xiangyang , Lv Xiaolu , Wang Rui
Published: May 2022

This paper presents two novel methods based on geometric algebra (GA) to estimate two-dimensional (2D) direction-of-arrival (DOA) of non-circular (NC) signals for uniform rectangular array (URA). Traditional methods treat the received NC signals as a long vector which will inevitably lose orthogonality inside each electromagnetic vector sensor (EMVS) and thus miss some information of second-order statistical properties. Furthermore, the computational complexity will also increase. By contrast, the GA-based estimating signal parameter via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) and propagation method (PM) algorithms are proposed to estimation DOA of NC signals. Taking advantage of GA, the relationship among multidimensional signals can be maintained. First, the six components of the EMVS are represented as a multivector in GA space. Then, we construct the GA-based extended covariance matrix to utilize the signal information more completely. The DOA parameters can be estimated through the ESPRIT and PM principle. The proposed GA-based estimation of signal parameter via rotational invariance techniques for NC signals processing (GANC-ESPRIT) can estimate DOA with high estimation accuracy. The proposed GA-based propagation method for NC signals estimation (GANC-PM) uses linear transformation to calculate angle parameters. Our model has much lower memory requirements and less computational burden compared with long vector models. Simulation results demonstrate the robustness and superiority of the proposed GANC-ESPRIT algorithm in terms of angular resolution. Complexity analysis shows that the proposed GANC-PM algorithm performances better with less computations.
‘I can’t make perfect choices all the time’: Perspectives on Tobacco Harm Reduction among SGM Young Adults
Authors: Antin Tamar M.J. , Sanders Emile , Lipperman-Kreda Sharon , Peterkin Elaina
Published: May 2022

Background: Cigarette smoking is among the most harmful ways to consume nicotine and, troublingly, tends to be concentrated among socially marginalized groups of people, including those who identify their sexualities and genders in ways that classify them as sexual and gender minorities (SGM). Though some approaches to tobacco control in the United States may be considered harm reduction strategies (e.g. smoke-free environments), often abstinence is an explicitly-stated goal and discussions of reducing harm in the absence of cessation are controversial, particularly when it comes to young people. Despite the controversy of tobacco harm reduction (THR), emerging research suggests that interest in and reliance on THR strategies may be gaining momentum as a “community-led” rather than ‘public health-led’ health practice. To date, little is known about how SGM young adults negotiate their use of tobacco products, particularly in terms of minimizing the harms associated with smoking. Methods: We conducted 100 in-depth interviews with SGM young adults ages 18-25 living in the San Francisco Bay Area, to better understand participant perceptions and everyday practices related to THR. Results: A thematic analysis of interview narratives revealed the ways in which participants employed various individual-level, ad-hoc THR strategies while negotiating their wellbeing within the context of broader socio-structural harms. Analysis also underscored beliefs about the importance of pragmatic, nonjudgmental approaches to drug use that are guided by a person-centered ethos of respect and compassion. Conclusions: Findings from this study represent a significant departure from the mainstream discourse surrounding tobacco harm reduction in the United States. Analysis of participants’ narratives highlights the ways in which understanding the practice of THR among SGM young adults who use nicotine and tobacco can be instrumental in shaping alternative approaches to tobacco control policy and prevention efforts, ultimately helping to reduce inequities in tobacco-related illnesses.
Saliva and serum acetylcholinesterase activity in Multiple sclerosis
Authors: Koshkzari Roghayeh , Mirzaii-Dizgah Iraj , Moghaddasi Mehdi , Mirzaii-Dizgah Mohammad-Reza
Published: May 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is mediated by the immune system that damages the myelin sheath. Most patients experience inflammation. Since one of the factors that has a role in reducing inflammation is acetylcholine, and according to the benefits of saliva, in this study, the level of salivary and serum cholinesterase activity in patients with MS and healthy were evaluated. Thirty women with MS who were referred to the neurology ward of Imam Reza and Hazrat Rasoul Hospitals and 30 healthy female were participated in the study. The severity of MS was calculated by EDSS. Saliva and serum samples were collected in the morning. Cholinesterase activity was assessed by photometric method. The mean cholinesterase activity in stimulated and unstimulated saliva and serum significantly reduced in MS group. The cutoff for differentiation of MS patients from healthy individuals by assessing cholinesterase activity (IU/L) was 3577 in serum, 241 in unstimulated saliva and 266 in stimulated saliva. It seems that cholinesterase activity decreases in patients with MS.
Comprehensive Analysis of Cuproptosis Regulators With Regard to prognostic and Immune Infiltration in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang YaXuan , Wang XiaoLin
Published: May 2022

Background: Renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is one of the most common tumors of the male urinary system. It is highly heterogeneous, and there is still a lack of biomarkers to predict the prognosis of patients with advanced KIRC. Cuproptosis is a new type of cell death recently discovered and plays an important role in tumor. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of cuproptosis-related genes and immune infiltration in KIRC.Results: There were significant differences in the expression of copper death-related genes in KIRC. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the 10 cuproptosis-related genes were mainly related to the Citrate cycle (TCA cycle)，Pyruvate metabolism，Glycolysis / Gluconeogenesis，Carbon metabolism，Central carbon metabolism in cancer，Glucagon signaling pathway，HIF−1 signaling pathway. A cuproptosis-related gene signature stratifying patients into 2 risk score groups was established based on the TCGA cohort, Patients with higher risk scores had worse overall survival. In addition, we also found that cuproptosis-related genes were closely related to immune cell infiltration, TMB, MSI.Conclusions: In conclusion, we comprehensively analyzed the prognostic and immune infiltration effects of cuproptosis-related genes in KIRC, and identified five genes as prognostic biomarkers of KIRC. our study provides important evidence for the role of cuproptosis in KIRC.
Prevalence, risk factors and prognostic of seizures after ischemic stroke
Authors: Moreira Mairla Maracaba , Andrade Joao Brainer Clares , Araújo Davi Said , Rolim Flávia Paiva , Monteira Marla Rochana Braga , Frota Norberto Anizio , Lima Fabrício Oliveira , Silva Gisele Sampaio
Published: May 2022

Background. Epileptic seizure (ES) is a common and well-established complication associated with stroke. The presence of large ischemic areas and cortical lesions may lead to a higher risk of secondary ES. Although widely assessed, the occurrence of ES secondary to stroke has until unclear frequency, risk factors and functional impact. Objective. To evaluate the predictive factors for a post-stroke ES, as well as its effects on the clinical outcome at hospital discharge. Methods: A total of 492 acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients admitted to our stroke unit were included. Acute symptomatic seizures were defined as seizures that occur within the period of hospitalization without previous history of seizure with clinical and/or electroencephalographic evidence. Results: Thirty-eight patients (7.7%) had in-hospital clinical epileptic seizures. Seizures were significantly more common in patients with total anterior circulation syndrome. The NIHSS score (OR 1.07, 95% CI, p=0.03) and symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.38-8.99, p=0.01) were independent predictors for ES. We did not find an association between the occurrence of seizures and unfavorable outcomes at discharge (OR1.26, 95% CI 0.3-5.32, p=0.75). Conclusion: Patients with higher NIHSS on admission and who develop symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation are at risk of an in-hospital epileptic seizure. Acute symptomatic ES after AIS does not appear to be an independent predictor of an unfavorable outcome at discharge.
A rare case of combined abnormalities of renal and testicular vessels
Authors: Perumal Vivek , Vallabhajosyula Ranganath , Mogali Sreenivasulu Reddy
Published: May 2022

In clinical practice, pre-operative radiological assessment of gonadal and renal vessels is important in planning alternative surgical procedures related to the urogenital structures and/or the great vessels of the abdomen. Failure to identify critical vascular variations may be considered a technical error, resulting in inadvertent surgical injuries that may result in ethical and medico-legal litigation. One such variation was encountered in a male plastinated cadaver during routine undergraduate teaching that showed an abnormal origin, course and relation of the left testicular artery from an accessory renal artery on the same side, and a duplicated right testicular artery with a retrocaval course. The purpose of this report is to discuss the possible embryological reasons for the combined vascular variants that were found as well as any possible clinical implications
Scaling laws of multiple functional components covering comprehensive processes in cities
Authors: Shang Longfei , Wu Zhaoping , Wu Bijie , Yang Guofu , Ge Ying , Chang Jie
Published: May 2022

Many urban features are found to follow the scaling law (Y = αNβ). It has been found that the infrastructures scale 5/6 sublinearly with the population size, and the commercial facilities scale superlinearly. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the scaling laws of different types of functional components covering comprehensive urban processes, and the mechanism explanation for scaling laws of functional components is rare. Using data from 523 cities, this study studied the scaling laws of 22 types of functional components, taking into account the socio-economic development stage of cities. Results show that: (1) the scaling exponent of transportation facilities such as road areas is 5/6, that of components such as banks, telecom halls and libraries is 8/9, and the waterworks and delivery outlets scale linearly; (2) the scaling exponents of fast-food restaurants, stadiums and factories are positively correlated with profitability, varying 6/5 ~ 7/5; (3) the insufficient supply makes the decomposers deviate from the 5/6 sublinear scaling; (4) economic and urbanization development improve the scaling exponents of commercial components; (5) economic development decreases the scaling exponents of some types of infrastructures, while urbanization increases it.
Balancing stand productivity and wood quality in chestnut coppices using chronosequence approach and productivity model
Authors: Marziliano Pasquale A. , Tognetti Roberto , Mercuri Michele , Labate Antonino , Lombardi Fabio
Published: May 2022

Trade-offs between high stand productivity and good wood quality exist for chestnut coppices and related wood-based products. The main objective of this study was to determine the most suitable duration (in years) of cutting cycles to maximize stand productivity and preserve wood quality. To this aim, a growth model was developed to verify if wood quality of chestnut coppices at different stand ages varies when the rotation period is modified. Wood quality and stand productivity were analysed, using a chronosequence approach, in stands characterized by four cutting cycles (15, 25, 30, and 50 years). Results implied that the culmination of the mean annual increment occurs at 28 years, while the current annual increment culminates 10 years earlier. The MOEd values revealed a negative correlation with shoot age, however, a cutting cycle between 25 and 30 years might represent the best compromise for balancing stand productivity and wood quality.
In silico analysis of mercury resistance genes extracted from Pseudomonas spp. involved in bioremediation
Authors: Dibbisa Duguma , Wagari Gobena
Published: May 2022

Background: Microbial gene and gene production were diverse and beneficial for heavy metal bioremediation from the contaminated sites. Screening of genes and gene products plays an important role in the detoxification of pollutants. Understanding of promoter region and its regulatory elements is a vital implication of microbial genes. To the best of our knowledge, there is no in silico analysis report so far on mer genes families used for heavy metal bioremediation. Results: The motif distribution was observed densely upstream of the TSS from +1 to -400bp and sparsely distributed above -500bp, according to the current study. MEME identified the best common candidate motifs of TFs binding with the lowest e value (7.2e 033) and is the most statistically significant candidate motif. The EXPREG output of the 11 TFs with varying degrees of function as activation, repression transcriptions, and dual purposes was thoroughly examined. Data revealed that transcriptional gene regulation in terms of activation and repression was observed at 36.4% and 54.56% respectively. This shows that the vast majority of TFs are involved in the transcription gene repression rather than activation. Likewise, EXPREG output revealed that transcriptional conformational modes, such as monomer, dimer, tetramer, and other factors, were also analyzed. The data indicated that the majority of transcriptional conformation mode was dual which accounts for 96%. CpG island analysis using online and offline tools revealed that the gene body had fewer CpG islands as compared with the promoter regions. Conclusion: Understanding the common candidate motifs, transcriptional factors binding sites, and regulatory elements of the mer operon gene cluster using a machine learning approach could help us better understand gene expression patterns in heavy metal bioremediation.
Modulation of zinc transporter expressions by additional zinc in C2C12 cells cultured in a high glucose environment and in the presence of insulin or interleukin 6
Authors: Ruz Manuel , Andrews-Guzmán Mónica , Arredondo-Olguín Miguel
Published: May 2022

Zn status has been related to various chronic diseases presenting oxidative stress and inflammation, such as type-2 diabetes. Zn supplementation has been suggested to be a potential coadjuvant in the management of this condition. Zn transporters constitute a key component in the maintenance of Zn homeostasis. Our aim was to evaluate the modulatory effect of additional Zn on the expression of selected Zn transporters (ZnT1, ZnT5, ZnT7, ZIP6, ZIP7, ZIP10, ZIP14), in myoblast (C2C12) cells cultured in normal and high glucose, and in the absence or presence of insulin, and interleukin 6 (IL 6). Main findings in our study were that in high glucose conditions in absence of insulin or IL 6, additional Zn increased ZnT1, ZIP6 and decreased ZnT5 and ZIP7 expressions. However, this situation is modified by insulin, where incremental Zn induced increased expressions of ZnT1, ZnT5, and all ZIP transporters studied. IL 6 also modified gene expressions; additional Zn caused increased expressions of ZnT1, ZnT7, ZIP6, ZIP7, and ZIP14. This study provides preliminary evidence on the expression of selected Zn transporters in C2C12 cells subjected to high glucose and incremental Zn, emphasizing the relevance of inflammatory and high-insulin environments. The implications of these findings deserve further study.
Cytogenomic profiling and clinical correlation of 21q22 amplification in acute myeloid leukemia reveal distinct cytogenomic features and poor outcomes
Authors: Kudalkar Emily , Pang Changlee , Haag Mary M. , Pollyea Daniel A. , Kamdar Manali , Xu Gang , Su Meng , Carstens Billie , Swisshelm Karen , Bao Liming
Published: May 2022

Background: 21q22 amplification is a rare cytogenetic aberration in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). So far, the cytogenomic and molecular features and clinical correlation of 21q22 amplification in AML have not been well-characterized. Case Presentation: Here, we describe a case series of three AML patients with amplified 21q22 identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using a RUNX1 probe. Two of these patients presented with therapy-related AML (t-AML) secondary to chemotherapy, while the third had de novo AML. There was one case each of FAB M0, M1 and M4. Morphologic evidence of dysplasia was identified in both t-AML cases. Phenotypic abnormalities of the myeloblasts were frequently observed. Extra copies of 21q22 were present on chromosome 21 and at least one other chromosome in two cases. Two showed a highly complex karyotype. Microarray analysis of 21q22 amplification in one case demonstrated alternating levels of high copy number gain split within the RUNX1 locus at 21q22, a pattern distinct from the iAMP21 profile reported in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The same patient also had mutated TP53. Two patients died at 1.5 and 11 months post-treatment, while the third elected palliative care and died within 2 weeks. Conclusions: Our results provide further evidence that 21q22 amplification in AML is associated with complex karyotypes, TP53 aberrations, and poor outcomes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that 21q22 amplification is not always intrachromosomally localized to chromosome 21 and could be a result of structural aberrations involving 21q22 and other chromosomes.
Identifying Factors Across Multiple Scales That Impact Bat Activity and Species Richness in a Fragmented Landscape
Authors: RUSSO-PETRICK KELLY M. , Bowling KAREN V. ROOT
Published: May 2022

Context
The high amount of spatial variation in bat data and lack of multi-scale studies on how human land use impacts bats creates a need for more information on how these habitat impact bats at different scales. This is the most widespread road survey done in the Oak Openings Region, a biodiverse mixed land use region in Northwest Ohio. There is also a lack of prior hotspot analysis using bat acoustic activity.
Objectives
The main objective of this study was to determine what habitat factors impact bat activity and species diversity along road transects at multiple scales. Another objective was to identify the areas of highest bat activity in the region with hotspot analysis.
Methods
The Bat data was collected using acoustic monitoring along road transects. Bat activity and species richness were compared to local scale characteristics collected in the field and landscape scale characteristics collected in ArcGIS and FRAGSTATS to determine the most important habitat characteristics. Hotspots of bat activity were calculated in ArcGIS.
Results
At the local scale, bat activity and/or species richness were positively associated with canopy height, clutter from 0–3 meters (m), humidity, natural habitat, canopy cover, months water present, and temperature and negatively associated with clutter from 3-6.5 m. At the landscape scale, activity and/or richness had positive associations with number of habitat types, m of roads, percent savanna, ponds, upland prairie, and total forest cover. Activity and/or species richness were negatively associated with percent conifer forest, floodplain forest, and cropland at the landscape scale. Hot spots were consistent between years and clustered in the northern part of the region, especially near protected areas. Cold spots were less consistent between years but generally located in the southern part of the region near agricultural areas.
Conclusions
When managing bat habitat along roads, it would be advantageous to decrease clutter at medium height levels, vary habitat types, increase open natural habitats such as savanna and upland prairie, avoid excessive conifer and floodplain forest or cropland cover, plant tall trees, and provide water sources. This study shows that combining acoustic road surveys with habitat at multiple scales are an effective way to examine the most important habitat factors influencing bat activity and species richness.
Assessment of bioactive compounds, physicochemical properties and microbial attributes of hot air-dried mango seed kernel powder: An approach for quality and safety evaluation of hot air-dried mango seed kernel powder
Authors: Dukare Ajinath , Bibwe Bhushan , Samota Mahesh Kumar , Dawange Sandeep , Kumar Manoj , Lorenzo Jose M.
Published: May 2022

The presence of carbon and nitrogenous compounds in mango processing by-products makes them excellent substrates for the biosynthesis of many microbial metabolites using fermentation processes. Pre-treatment of the substrate with retention of crucial growth supporting compounds is vital for designing and optimizing fermentation media for enhanced production of desired metabolites. The present study investigated the effect of hot air drying (HAD) (50, 60, 70, and 80°C) on the bioactive compounds, physio-chemical and minerals profile, fermentable sugar, and microbial safety of mango (Cv-chausa) seed kernel powder. Results indicated that different drying temperatures non-significantly (P < 0.05) affected the carbohydrates, starch (except at 60 and 80°C), nitrogen and protein content. The pH (except at 70°C), total phenolics, and antioxidant activity decreased with an increase in drying temperatures. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis revealed the increase in concentrations of majority minerals with incremental drying temperature. The microbial load of powdered seed kernel after 30 days of room temperature storage was within safe limits, as samples were devoid of food pathogens. Briefly, the study suggests HAD (at 70–80°C) to convert mango kernels into stable powdered form for prolonged storage. The powdered kernels can be utilized in diversified food industry and as a feedstock (with safe storability, preserved bioactive, mainly carbon and nitrogen compounds) for biosynthesis of valuable metabolites via microbial fermentation route.
Switching p-type to high-performance n-type organic electrochemical transistors via doped state engineering
Authors: Li Peiyun , Shi Junwei , Lei Yuqiu , Huang Zhen , Lei Ting
Published: May 2022

High-performance n-type organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are essential for constructing OECT-based logic circuits and enhancing the sensitivity of OECT-based sensors. However, the performances of n-type OECTs lag far behind that of the p-type ones due to the lack of effective molecular design strategies. Conventional wisdom posits that the LUMO energy level dictates the n-type performance. Herein, we show that engineering the doped state of conjugated polymers is more critical for n-type OECT polymers. By balancing more charges to the donor moiety, we could effectively switch a typical p-type polymer to high-performance n-type OECT materials. Based on this concept, the new polymer, P(gTDPP2FT), exhibits a record high n-type OECT performance with µC* of 54.8 F cm− 1 V− 1 s− 1. The polymer also shows a record n-type OECT electron mobility of 0.35 cm2 V− 1 s− 1, leading to a fast response speed of τon/τoff = 1.75/0.15 ms. DFT calculations and comparison studies show that the switching mechanism of the charge transport type is primarily due to the more uniformly distributed charges, stabilized negative polaron, and enhanced backbone planarity at negatively charged states. Unlike conventional molecular design strategies mainly focusing on lowering the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level of the neutral polymers, our work highlights the critical role of understanding and engineering the polymer doped states.
GIS-based landslide susceptibility zonation mapping using frequency ratio and logistics regression models in the Dessie area, South Wello, Ethiopia
Authors: Korma Tesfaye Chala
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate landslides influencing factors and prepare landslide susceptibility zonation map, Dessie area is situated in South wello Ethiopia. For this study, lithology, slope, curvature, elevation, land use, slope aspect, distance from road, river and tectonic fault were considered as landslide causative factors. The landslide inventory database was developed from extensive fieldwork and Google Earth imagery and randomly partitioned as training datasets (70%) and testing datasets (30%) using the Subset features Tools in ArcGIS. The training datasets combined with landslide causative factors to produce landslide susceptibility zonation maps. The testing datasets used to validate the maps using Area under the curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) method. The spatial relationship between landslide and landslide causative factors analyzed in frequency Ratio and logistic regression models and the results used to prepare landslide susceptibility zonation (LSZ) maps in GIS environments. Landslide susceptibility zonation maps were classified into five categories: very low, low, medium, high and very high zones. Finally, the results of analysis were validated by comparing known landslide location with LSZ maps using AUC of ROC. The prediction accuracy value obtained shows that the logistic regression model (84.4%) is better in prediction than frequency ratio model (80.8%). The analysis shows that the prediction rate of FR model achieved 80.8% while the LR model achieved 84.4%. These maps show areas prone to landslides that will be used for proper land use planning and further sustainable development activities in the area.
ENTPD1 (CD39) and NT5E (CD73) expression in human Glioblastoma: an in silico analysis
Authors: Stefani Marco Antônio , de Andrade Guilherme Pamplona Bueno , Santos Guilherme Tomasi , Braganhol Elizandra
Published: May 2022

Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults. It has a poor prognosis and the available lines of treatment have barely improved patient survival over the past decade. ENTPD1 and NT5E are genes that encode the cell surface enzymes CD39 and CD73, respectively. Both act in a purinergic extracellular pathway, hydrolyzing ATP into adenosine, promoting tumor immunosuppression, neovascularization and invasiveness. Thus, these genes emerge as genetic targets for new treatments for glioblastoma. We performed an in silico analysis of 156 tumor samples in an unexplored public database to investigate the prognostic value and consequent therapeutic potential for these genes. The analyzes revealed a significant increase in transcription levels of the genes under study in glioblastoma samples versus non-tumor brain tissue samples. High expression of NT5E or ENTPD1 is independently related to a decrease in overall survival (p = 5.4e-04, 1.1e-05). NT5E transcriptional levels are significantly higher in wild-type glioblastoma IDH patients compared to mutant glioblastoma IDH, while ENTPD1 levels show no significant differences, p ≤ 0.001. Finally, patients with mutated glioblastoma IDH and wild-type IDH had significantly lower overall survival when transcriptional levels of target genes were increased (p = 0.011; p = 3.2e-03). These data indicate the need for further population studies that explore the value of ENTPD1 and NT5E not only as prognostic markers but also as potential therapeutic targets.
Role of M2-type macrophage-specific modulation in a time-dependent manner against post-ischemic brain damage in rat
Authors: Kurashiki Yoshitaka , Kagusa Hiroshi , Yagi Kenji , Kinouchi Tomoya , Sumiyoshi Manabu , Miyamoto Takeshi , Shimada Kenji , Kitazato Keiko T. , Uto Yoshihiro , Takagi Yasushi
Published: May 2022

Background
Cerebral ischemia triggers inflammatory changes, and early complications and unfavorable outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy for brain occlusion promote the recruitment of various cell types to the ischemic area. Although phenotype-specific monocytes/macrophages appear to play a role, the detailed effects remain unclear. To test our hypothesis that post-ischemic phase-dependent modulation of macrophages may represent a potential therapy against ischemic brain damage, we studied the significance of inducing anti-inflammatory M2-type, but not pro-inflammatory M1-type, macrophages after brain ischemia.
Methods
Seven-week-old male Wistar rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion (MCAO-R) were treated for 7 days with an activator of M2-type macrophages, Gc-protein macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF), in the acute (day 0–6) or subacute (day 7–13) phase after ischemia induction and compared with vehicle-treated control rats.
Results
In MCAO-R rats, brain damage expansion elicited by increased mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β abated on day 7. Acute-phase GcMAF treatment augmented anti-inflammatory CD163+ M2-type- and pro-inflammatory CD16+ M1-type macrophages, resulting in no beneficial effects. During days 7–14, GcMAF injection increased only CD163+ M2-type macrophages accompanied by elevated mRNA levels of arginase-1 and IL-4. M2-type macrophages co-localized with CD36+ phagocytic cells led to clearance of the infarct area which was abrogated by clodronate-liposomes. Finally, the expression of survival-related molecules on day 28 was augmented in the infarct border, suggesting that activation of M2-type macrophages in the subacute post-ischemia phase may play a therapeutic role.
Conclusion
Our findings require further studies to assess the time-dependent therapeutic significance of M2-type-macrophages against cerebral ischemia.
Single-photon transport in a waveguide-cavity-emitter system
Authors: Sun Xue-Jian , Liu Wen-Xiao , Chen Hao , Wang Cheng-Yuan , Ma Hui-Zhong , Li Hong-Rong
Published: May 2022

We investigate the single-photon transport properties in a hybrid waveguide quantum electrodynamics system, in which a one-dimensional waveguide is simultaneously coupled to a cavity and a driven Λ-type three-level atom. The cavity and the atom are also coupled to each other. We show that when the waveguide is coupled to the cavity and the atom at the same point, double electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) can be observed from the system. The physical mechanism of the double EIT effect has been given by setting up the eigenstate structure for the whole system. When the waveguide is coupled to the cavity and the atom at different points, we demonstrate that the single-photon transmission spectra can be effectively controlled by adjusting the relative separation between the cavity and the atom. Moreover, this non-zero relative separation can lead to the occurrence of the controllable nonreciprocal scattering effect. These results have potential applications in realization of photonic coherent control.
Excessive Iron in Diets Promotes Kidney Fibrosis via Disordering the Inflammation Factors in Sheep
Authors: Sun Fengjiao , An Yuzhi , Zhang Liangyu , Lv Xiaoping , Liu Chaonan , Gao Xueli
Published: May 2022

Iron is a mineral that the body acquires from the environment in order to maintain physiological function; however, excessive iron causes disease. The aim of this work is to investigate the processes by which excessive iron in diets induces kidney fibrosis in sheep by disorders their inflammatory factors. All sheep were fed a basal diet supplemented with 50 (CON), 500 (L-iron), 1000 (M-iron), and 1500 (H-iron) mg Fe/kg as ferrous sulfate monohydrate (FeSO4·H2O), respectively. Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E), Perls, and Masson staining were used to observe histopatholological alterations; Western blotting, ELISA, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to detect changes in the amounts of key inflammatory factor genes and proteins. As iron intake rose, glomerular cell contents dropped, tubular inflammatory cells infiltrated and fibrin was secreted, collagen fiber deposition and fibrosis have noticeable symptoms. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) activities were decreased, while interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) actvities were increased. Excessive iron disorders inflammatory factor secretion, triggers an inflammatory response, and promotes the development of renal fibrosis, according to this study.
Identification of de novo mutations in the Chinese ASD cohort via whole-exome sequencing unveils brain regions implicated in autism
Authors: Yuan Bo , Wang Mengdi , Wu Xinran , Cheng Peipei , Zhang Ran , Zhang Ran , Yu Shunying , Du Yasong , Zhang Jie , Wang Xiaoqun , Qiu Zilong
Published: May 2022

Background
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interactions and repetitive behaviors. Although hundreds of ASD risk genes, implicated in synaptic formation and transcriptional regulation, have been identified through human genetic studies, the East Asian ASD cohorts are still under-represented in the genome-wide genetic studies.
Methods
Here we performed whole-exome sequencing on 369 ASD trios including probands and unaffected parents of Chinese origin. A joint-calling analytical pipeline based on GATK toolkits was applied to examine de novo variants.
Results
We identified numerous de novo variants including 55 high-impact variants and 165 moderate-impact variants, as well as de novo copy number variations containing known ASD-related genes. Importantly, combining with single-cell sequencing data from the developing human brain, we found that expression of genes with de novo mutations were specifically enriched in pre-, post-central gyrus (PRC, PC) and banks of superior temporal (BST) regions in the human brain. By further analyzing the brain imaging data with ASD and healthy controls, we found that the gray volume of the right BST in ASD patients significantly decreased comparing to healthy controls, suggesting the potential structural deficits associated with ASD. Finally, we found that there was decreased in the seed-based functional connectivity (FC) between BST/PC/PRC and sensory areas, insula, as well as frontal lobes in ASD patients.
Limitations
: Due to the limited sample size of the current ASD genetic study, the further statistical analysis including false discover rate (FDR) cannot be performed.
Conclusion
This work indicated that the integrated analysis with genome-wide genetic screening, single-cell sequencing and brain imaging data would reveal novel insights into brain regions contributing to etiology of ASD.
FEATURES OF USAGE AND TRANSLATION OF STYLISTICALLY MARKED VOCABULARY IN AMERICAN FICTION
Authors: Bilohur Anna , Ushchapovska Iryna
Published: May 2022

The article investigates the usage of stylistically marked vocabulary fiction. The study considers the basic concepts of this linguistic phenomenon, provides a brief classification and characteristics of individual units. It also analyses the main methods of translating stylistically marked vocabulary on the case study of Stephen King's novel. A comparative analysis of the work of Stephen King with its translations into Ukrainian to determine the degree of translation adequacy, as well as to identify various translation transformations when transferring the peculiarities of the stylistically marked vocabulary has been done. In the article, general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis in dividing the issue into its components, and the analysis to determine the meaning of terms has been used. The method of continuous sampling and the analysis of lexical units has also been used in the study. The article considers difficulties that often arise due to differences in social and cultural norms when translating non-standard vocabulary. It has been stated that the degree of correlation between the expression of foreign language and native vocabulary is currently a complex issue. The lexical replacement (partial and complete replacement of the original sing) has been defined as the most common method of translating stylistically marked words. Other methods to be mentioned are a match for a lexical item in the language of translation, euphemistic translation needed to reduce the degree of expression of the original words. In some cases, the replacement of the word of the original with a unit with a coarser expression, based on the context to convey the degree of tension of the speech situation to the reader is used. Translation failures have been considered as well. The most common reasons for unsuccessful translation are the reduction of expression and insufficient consideration of the situational factors of the language, which also leads to an unreasonable underestimation or overestimation of stylistic expression.
Employee’s innovative personality and self-efficacy
Authors: Nohut Fazilet , Balaban Ozlem
Published: May 2022

Innovation, a concept that has been researched in the organizational behaviour literature for almost 30 years, is extremely important for the sustainable success of organizations. In today’s dynamic world along with economic, social and political changes, customer needs and expectations are also changing. The formulas that lead a company to success yesterday mean nothing today. Therefore, for companies to continue their existence in an increasingly changing and complex environment, they need to be able to adapt to the speed of this change and even give direction when necessary. Changes occurring in the world require the restructuring of organizations, the way they do business and the quality of the workforce they need to adapt to this change. Undoubtedly, it is the human resource of the organization that will initiate and maintain this change. At this point, human resources is a strategic power for organization that is as important as the economic and technological power. Having employees with high innovative thinking and behaving skills creates a competitive advantage for companies. There may be many organizational, individual and environmental predictors of innovative behaviours. On the other hand, employees who have enough belief and courage that they can succeed in a job are known to initiate innovations. In other words, the employee's perception of self-efficacy is necessary for innovative behaviours. In this study, the concept of self-efficacy, which is assumed to be a predictor of innovative behaviours, will be discussed. The concept of self-efficacy, which expresses the effort to set new goals for oneself and to reach these goals with courage, determination and relentlessly, is an extremely important determinant for innovative behaviours. Self-efficacy perception has a very important place in an individual's job selection, career success and professional progress. Therefore, it is extremely important to know the factors that affect the perception of self-efficacy. In this study, the following question was asked by considering the perception of self-efficacy in the context of personality traits: Is the concept of self-efficacy affected by the personality trait of openness to innovation? This study was carried out in order to answer this question. In this context, the sample of the research consists of 503 people working in various institutions in the public and private sectors. Qualitative research method was used for this study. Perception of general self-efficacy and openness to innovation have been measured with scales whose validity and reliability have been tested in many studies before. The obtained data were analysed by referring to the relevant quantitative analyses (descriptive statistics, reliability, factor and correlation). As a result of the analyses, significant findings were obtained. The findings were evaluated in the context of the relevant literature in the discussion section. Possible research suggestions for future studies are proposed in this section.
The significance of standard, patent and labour on import value: case study in Indonesia
Authors: Tampubolon Biatna Dulbert
Published: May 2022

Being a never-ending debate, the direction of developing standards has to be in the opposite direction in facilitating international trade. This study investigated the relationship of standard, patent, and labor on Indonesian import. This study found some differences and very diverse correlations between the components in the second factor, both positively and negatively correlated. Those studies are generally carried out by developed countries, where the infrastructure to support innovation and standards has developed rapidly. The analysis of this research was carried out using panel data regression and the Cobb-Douglas function. Estimation was carried out using the fix effect and the random effect models. The robust model found variables that impact Indonesian import performance, both simultaneous and partial tests. In addition, a significant impact of the contribution of national standards on the growth of import value and sectors was determined. The low growth rate of patents for the same sector shows the innovation sectors that contributed less to the import value when observed more deeply. In contrast to national standards tending to be domestic, the growth standard of a sector will be inversely proportional to the growth in the value of imports in that sector, except for sectors whose conformity assessment does not support infrastructure. Besides, this study found that labor had no significant impact on import value. However, there was a significant potential from developing national standards and adopting international standards for the growth of national import performance in Indonesia. In addition to functioning as an empirical investigation of the effect of the growth of national standards, the adoption of international standards, labor, and patents on the growth of import value, it also looks at the contribution to the knowledge of developing countries' import growth factors, especially those related to standardization. The analysis shows that national standard growth and adoption growth differently contribute to Indonesian import performance. The findings show that the two factors in standard development have different functions in import performance. This paper further contributed to the knowledge of import growth factors of a developing country, particularly those related to standardization.
Design of an Innovative Dashboard for Assessment of Risks that are Specific to E-Commerce Activity
Authors: Grosu Veronica , Socoliuc Marian , Hlaciuc Elena , Sorin Ciubotariu Marius , Mihaela Tulvinschi Mihaela
Published: May 2022

The current global sanitary crisis determined consumers to use e-commerce in all its forms. It has led to an expansion of e-commerce activity and increased associated risk, as companies must adapt quickly to new market conditions and cope with all the risks that arise in such context. This paper aims to identify and assess the relevant risks specific to e-commerce activity and prevent unethical behavior that is often associated with entities operating in this sector by consumers. The review of a significant part of the literature confirms that e-commerce business directly impacts performance and sustainability, being positively associated with organizational innovation. However, investigating the nature and intensity of the risks associated with the operational activity is difficult to assess. It is the main reason for mistrust increasing among many consumers and stakeholders. This research also derives from the fact that it provides real tools to prevent, reduce and even eliminate risks specific to e-commerce activities. Therefore, it could directly contribute to increasing the sustainability of businesses and gaining the trust of consumers regarding online shopping activities. An investigation was conducted in the following logical sequence: identifying the main risk categories and triggers; establishing the link between working hypotheses and the minimum threshold argumentation associated with them. According to the above, it is possible to establish a specific risk function for each risk category. To determine the minimum threshold of risk influence, the unitary risk assessment methodology was applied using a scale of values from 1 to 5, depending on the impact on the operational activity, performance, and sustainability of the e-commerce business. The research methods are specific to quantitative research, the object of the research being a sample of 208 economic entities operating in the e-commerce sector. The statistical analysis regarding the behavior of the most relevant financial indicators was achieved by collecting data from financial reporting and other internal sources. The results serve as an empirical confirmation regarding the specific difficulties encountered in e-commerce activity that need to be solved. Therefore, a dashboard was developed to monitor triggers by risk segments. The designed dashboard is intended to support management in the decision-making process to ensure business sustainability and improve the business model in line with the adopted business strategies. At the same time, with the help of the risk functions developed by risk segments, management could monitor and control the threats to which the operational activity in the online environment is exposed, which will lead to business consolidation and penetration of new online markets.