bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of unmasked and improperly masked behavior in indoor public areas during the COVID-19 pandemic: Analysis of a stratified random sample from Louisville, Kentucky
Authors: Karimi Seyed M. , Salunkhe Sonali S. , White Kelsey B. , Little Bert B. , McKinney W. Paul , Mitra Riten , Chen YuTing , Adkins Emily R. , Barclay Julia A. , Ezekekwu Emmanuel , He Caleb X. , Hurst Dylan M. , Popescu Martha M. , Swinney Devin N. , Johnson David A. , Hollenbach Rebecca , Moyer Sarah S. , DuPré Natalie C.
Published: July 2021

Wearing a facial mask can limit COVID-19 transmission. Measurements of communities’ mask use behavior have mostly relied on self-report. This study’s objective was to devise a method to measure the prevalence of improper mask use and no mask use in indoor public areas without relying on self-report. A stratified random sample of retail trade stores (public areas) in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, was selected and targeted for observation by trained surveyors during December 14–20, 2020. The stratification allowed for investigating mask use behavior by city district, retail trade group, and public area size. The total number of visited public areas was 382 where mask use behavior of 2,080 visitors and 1,510 staff were observed. The average prevalence of mask use among observed visitors was 96%, while the average prevalence of proper use was 86%. In 48% of the public areas, at least one improperly masked visitor was observed and in 17% at least one unmasked visitor was observed. The average prevalence of proper mask use among staff was 87%, similar to the average among visitors. However, the percentage of public areas where at least one improperly masked staff was observed was 33. Significant disparities in mask use and its proper use were observed among both visitors and staff by public area size, retail trade type, and geographical area. Observing unmasked and improperly masked visitors was more common in small (less than 1500 square feet) public areas than larger ones, specifically in food and grocery stores as compared to other retail stores. Also, the majority of the observed unmasked persons were male and middle-aged.
Activation and gut-homing of peripheral T cells in HIV immunologic non-responders despite long term viral suppression
Authors: Rousseau Rodney K. , Szadkowski Leah , Kovacs Colin M. , Saikali Michael F. , Nadeem Rabea , Malazogu Fat , Huibner Sanja , Cummins Carolyn L. , Kaul Rupert , Walmsley Sharon L.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Serious non-AIDS disease events (SNAE) are experienced disproportionately by immunologic non-responders (INRs), HIV-infected individuals who do not restore CD4 T cells in blood despite effective viral suppression. We aimed to characterize the inflammatory biomarker profile of the INR phenotype.

Methods

Blinded cross-sectional cohort study comparing markers of immune activation and gut homing between INR and non-INR individuals. HIV-positive participants had HIV RNA suppression on antiretroviral therapy and were categorized as either INR (N = 36) or Clinical Responders (“CR”; CD4>350/mm3; N = 47). 18 HIV-negative comparator individuals were included. Cellular markers were assessed by flow cytometry, with soluble markers assessed by ELISA and LC/MS-MS. Multivariable linear regression models estimated the association between INR phenotype and markers, adjusting for age, sex, duration of ART, and recent infection/vaccination.

Results

INR participants demonstrated a reduced CD4/CD8 ratio (p<0.001), 35% more CD8 activation (p = 0.02), 36% greater α4β7+ CD4 T cells (p<0.01), 54% more HLA-DR+ CD4 T cells (p<0.001), and 20% higher plasma VCAM (p<0.01) compared to CRs. The INR phenotype was not associated with levels of Kyn/Trp, CRP, TNF, IFNγ, IL-8, IL-6, sCD14, D-Dimer, I-FABP, MCP-1, ICAM or CD8%HLA-DR+.

Conclusions

Peripheral CD4 non-recovery during long-term treated HIV infection is characterized by elevated CD8 activation and CD4 gut homing. Gut-focused interventions may be warranted in the INR context, and CD8 activation may serve as a surrogate endpoint for clinical interventions.
Human mobility in a Bronze Age Vatya ‘urnfield’ and the life history of a high-status woman
Authors: Cavazzuti Claudio , Hajdu Tamás , Lugli Federico , Sperduti Alessandra , Vicze Magdolna , Horváth Aniko , Major István , Molnár Mihály , Palcsu László , Kiss Viktória
Published: July 2021

In this study, we present osteological and strontium isotope data of 29 individuals (26 cremations and 3 inhumations) from Szigetszentmiklós-Ürgehegy, one of the largest Middle Bronze Age cemeteries in Hungary. The site is located in the northern part of the Csepel Island (a few kilometres south of Budapest) and was in use between c. 2150 and 1500 BC, a period that saw the rise, the apogee, and, ultimately, the collapse of the Vatya culture in the plains of Central Hungary. The main aim of our study was to identify variation in mobility patterns among individuals of different sex/age/social status and among individuals treated with different burial rites using strontium isotope analysis. Changes in funerary rituals in Hungary have traditionally been associated with the crises of the tell cultures and the introgression of newcomers from the area of the Tumulus Culture in Central Europe around 1500 BC. Our results show only slight discrepancies between inhumations and cremations, as well as differences between adult males and females. The case of the richly furnished grave n. 241 is of particular interest. The urn contains the cremated bones of an adult woman and two 7 to 8-month-old foetuses, as well as remarkably prestigious goods. Using87Sr/86Sr analysis of different dental and skeletal remains, which form in different life stages, we were able to reconstruct the potential movements of this high-status woman over almost her entire lifetime, from birth to her final days. Our study confirms the informative potential of strontium isotopes analyses performed on different cremated tissues. From a more general, historical perspective, our results reinforce the idea that exogamic practices were common in Bronze Age Central Europe and that kinship ties among high-rank individuals were probably functional in establishing or strengthening interconnections, alliances, and economic partnerships.
The last will: Estate divisions as a testament of to whom altruism is directed
Authors: Elinder Mikael , Engström Per , Erixson Oscar
Published: July 2021

We use data on estate divisions to study to whom altruistic preferences are directed. Insofar bequests are given without the prospect of future personal benefits in mind, they are presumably intrinsically motivated. Hence, estate divisions provide a rare opportunity to study intrinsically motivated prosocial behavior in the field. The empirical analysis is based on data from digitized estate reports for all individuals in Sweden who passed away in 2002 and 2003. The data show in detail how the decedents distributed their bequests. We find that family members, both genetic (offspring) and non-genetic (partner), receive the lion’s share of the estates. Other relatives, friends and strangers (represented by charities) receive only very small shares of the total estate wealth. The results suggest that intrinsically motivated altruism is primarily directed towards close family members.
Interactions between staphylococcal enterotoxins A and D and superantigen-like proteins 1 and 5 for predicting methicillin and multidrug resistance profiles among Staphylococcus aureus ocular isolates
Authors: Lu Min , Parel Jean-Marie , Miller Darlene
Published: July 2021

Background

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus strains are well recognized as posing substantial problems in treating ocular infections. S. aureus has a vast array of virulence factors, including superantigens and enterotoxins. Their interactions and ability to signal antibiotics resistance have not been explored.

Objectives

To predict the relationship between superantigens and methicillin and multidrug resistance among S. aureus ocular isolates.

Methods

We used a DNA microarray to characterize the enterotoxin and superantigen gene profiles of 98 S. aureus isolates collected from common ocular sources. The outcomes contained phenotypic and genotypic expressions of MRSA. We also included the MDR status as an outcome, categorized as resistance to three or more drugs, including oxacillin, penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, moxifloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and gentamicin. We identified gene profiles that predicted each outcome through a classification analysis utilizing Random Forest machine learning techniques.

Findings

Our machine learning models predicted the outcomes accurately utilizing 67 enterotoxin and superantigen genes. Strong correlates predicting the genotypic expression of MRSA were enterotoxins A, D, J and R and superantigen-like proteins 1, 3, 7 and 10. Among these virulence factors, enterotoxin D and superantigen-like proteins 1, 5 and 10 were also significantly informative for predicting both MDR and MRSA in terms of phenotypic expression. Strong interactions were identified including enterotoxins A (entA) interacting with superantigen-like protein 1 (set6-var1_11), and enterotoxin D (entD) interacting with superantigen-like protein 5 (ssl05/set3_probe 1): MRSA and MDR S. aureus are associated with the presence of both entA and set6-var1_11, or both entD and ssl05/set3_probe 1, while the absence of these genes in pairs indicates non-multidrug-resistant and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus.

Conclusions

MRSA and MDR S. aureus show a different spectrum of ocular pathology than their non-resistant counterparts. When assessing the role of enterotoxins in predicting antibiotics resistance, it is critical to consider both main effects and interactions.
Characterization of structural changes in modern and archaeological burnt bone: Implications for differential preservation bias
Authors: Gallo Giulia , Fyhrie Matthew , Paine Cleantha , Ushakov Sergey V. , Izuho Masami , Gunchinsuren Byambaa , Zwyns Nicolas , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: July 2021

Structural and thermodynamic factors which may influence burnt bone survivorship in archaeological contexts have not been fully described. A highly controlled experimental reference collection of fresh, modern bone burned in temperature increments 100–1200˚C is presented here to document the changes to bone tissue relevant to preservation using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Specific parameters investigated here include the rate of organic loss, amount of bone mineral recrystallization, and average growth in bone mineral crystallite size. An archaeological faunal assemblage ca. 30,000 years ago from Tolbor-17 (Mongolia) is additionally considered to confirm visibility of changes seen in the modern reference sample and to relate structural changes to commonly used zooarchaeological scales of burning intensity. The timing of our results indicates that the loss of organic components in both modern and archaeological bone burnt to temperatures up to 700˚C are not accompanied by growth changes in the average crystallite size of bone mineral bioapatite, leaving the small and reactive bioapatite crystals of charred and carbonized bone exposed to diagenetic agents in depositional contexts. For bones burnt to temperatures of 700˚C and above, two major increases in average crystallite size are noted which effectively decrease the available surface area of bone mineral crystals, decreasing reactivity and offering greater thermodynamic stability despite the mechanical fragility of calcined bone. We discuss the archaeological implications of these observations within the context of Tolbor-17 and the challenges of identifying anthropogenic fire.
A secondary structure-based position-specific scoring matrix applied to the improvement in protein secondary structure prediction
Authors: Chen Teng-Ruei , Juan Sheng-Hung , Huang Yu-Wei , Lin Yen-Cheng , Lo Wei-Cheng
Published: July 2021

Protein secondary structure prediction (SSP) has a variety of applications; however, there has been relatively limited improvement in accuracy for years. With a vision of moving forward all related fields, we aimed to make a fundamental advance in SSP. There have been many admirable efforts made to improve the machine learning algorithm for SSP. This work thus took a step back by manipulating the input features. A secondary structure element-based position-specific scoring matrix (SSE-PSSM) is proposed, based on which a new set of machine learning features can be established. The feasibility of this new PSSM was evaluated by rigid independent tests with training and testing datasets sharing <25% sequence identities. In all experiments, the proposed PSSM outperformed the traditional amino acid PSSM. This new PSSM can be easily combined with the amino acid PSSM, and the improvement in accuracy was remarkable. Preliminary tests made by combining the SSE-PSSM and well-known SSP methods showed 2.0% and 5.2% average improvements in three- and eight-state SSP accuracies, respectively. If this PSSM can be integrated into state-of-the-art SSP methods, the overall accuracy of SSP may break the current restriction and eventually bring benefit to all research and applications where secondary structure prediction plays a vital role during development. To facilitate the application and integration of the SSE-PSSM with modern SSP methods, we have established a web server and standalone programs for generating SSE-PSSM available at http://10.life.nctu.edu.tw/SSE-PSSM.
Integrated microRNA and mRNA signatures associated with overall survival in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Lopacinska-Jørgensen Joanna , Oliveira Douglas V. N. P. , Wayne Novotny Guy , Høgdall Claus K. , Høgdall Estrid V.
Published: July 2021

Ovarian cancer (OC), the eighth-leading cause of cancer-related death among females worldwide, is mainly represented by epithelial OC (EOC) that can be further subdivided into four subtypes: serous (75%), endometrioid (10%), clear cell (10%), and mucinous (3%). Major reasons for high mortality are the poor biological understanding of the OC mechanisms and a lack of reliable markers defining each EOC subtype. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression primarily by targeting messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts. Their aberrant expression patterns have been associated with cancer development, including OC. However, the role of miRNAs in tumorigenesis is still to be determined, mainly due to the lack of consensus regarding optimal methodologies for identification and validation of miRNAs and their targets. Several tools for computational target prediction exist, but false interpretations remain a problem. The experimental validation of every potential miRNA-mRNA pair is not feasible, as it is laborious and expensive. In this study, we analyzed the correlation between global miRNA and mRNA expression patterns derived from microarray profiling of 197 EOC patients to identify the signatures of miRNA-mRNA interactions associated with overall survival (OS). The aim was to investigate whether these miRNA-mRNA signatures might have a prognostic value for OS in different subtypes of EOC. The content of our cohort (162 serous carcinomas, 15 endometrioid carcinomas, 11 mucinous carcinomas, and 9 clear cell carcinomas) reflects a real-world scenario of EOC. Several interaction pairs between 6 miRNAs (hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-23a-5p, hsa-miR-27a-5p, hsa-miR-486-5p, and hsa-miR-506-3p) and 8 mRNAs (ATF3, CH25H, EMP1, HBB, HBEGF, NAMPT, POSTN, and PROCR) were identified and the findings appear to be well supported by the literature. This indicates that our study has a potential to reveal miRNA-mRNA signatures relevant for EOC. Thus, the evaluation on independent cohorts will further evaluate the performance of such findings.
Can lung ultrasound score accurately predict the need for surfactant replacement in preterm neonates? A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Capasso Letizia , Pacella Daniela , Migliaro Fiorella , De Luca Daniele , Raimondi Francesco
Published: July 2021

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants due to primary surfactant deficiency. Surfactant replacement has greatly improved the short and long term prognosis of RDS but its administration criteria remain uncertain. Lung ultrasound has been recently shown as a non-invasive, repeatable, bedside tool to estimate parenchymal aeration using a semiquantitative score (LUS). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the accuracy of LUS, assessed on the first day of life, to predict surfactant replacement. Methods will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines and the protocol has been registered in PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42021247888). Primary outcome: in a population of preterm infants, LUS will be compared in neonates who received surfactant replacement versus those who did not. Secondary outcome will be the accuracy of lung ultrasound score to predict the need for ≥ 2 doses of surfactant.
Thermal remodelling of Alternanthera mosaic virus virions and virus-like particles into protein spherical particles
Authors: Manukhova Tatiana I. , Evtushenko Ekaterina A. , Ksenofontov Alexander L. , Arutyunyan Alexander M. , Kovalenko Angelina O. , Nikitin Nikolai A. , Karpova Olga V.
Published: July 2021

The present work addresses the thermal remodelling of flexible plant viruses with a helical structure and virus-like particles (VLPs). Here, for the first time, the possibility of filamentous Alternanthera mosaic virus (AltMV) virions’ thermal transition into structurally modified spherical particles (SP) has been demonstrated. The work has established differences in formation conditions of SP from virions (SPV) and VLPs (SPVLP) that are in accordance with structural data (on AltMV virions and VLPs). SP originate from AltMV virions through an intermediate stage. However, the same intermediate stage was not detected during AltMV VLPs’ structural remodelling. According to the biochemical analysis, AltMV SPV consist of protein and do not include RNA. The structural characterisation of AltMV SPV/VLP by circular dichroism, intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy and thioflavin T fluorescence assay has been performed. AltMV SPV/VLP adsorption properties and the availability of chemically reactive surface amino acids have been analysed. The revealed characteristics of AltMV SPV/VLP indicate that they could be applied as protein platforms for target molecules presentation and for the design of functionally active complexes.
Antiviral RISC mainly targets viral mRNA but not genomic RNA of tospovirus
Authors: Hong Hao , Wang Chunli , Huang Ying , Xu Min , Yan Jiaoling , Feng Mingfeng , Li Jia , Shi Yajie , Zhu Min , Shen Danyu , Wu Peijun , Kormelink Richard , Tao Xiaorong
Published: July 2021

Antiviral RNA silencing/interference (RNAi) of negative-strand (-) RNA plant viruses (NSVs) has been studied less than for single-stranded, positive-sense (+)RNA plant viruses. From the latter, genomic and subgenomic mRNA molecules are targeted by RNAi. However, genomic RNA strands from plant NSVs are generally wrapped tightly within viral nucleocapsid (N) protein to form ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), the core unit for viral replication, transcription and movement. In this study, the targeting of the NSV tospoviral genomic RNA and mRNA molecules by antiviral RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISC) was investigated, in vitro and in planta. RISC fractions isolated from tospovirus-infected N. benthamiana plants specifically cleaved naked, purified tospoviral genomic RNAs in vitro, but not genomic RNAs complexed with viral N protein. In planta RISC complexes, activated by a tobacco rattle virus (TRV) carrying tospovirus NSs or Gn gene fragments, mainly targeted the corresponding viral mRNAs and hardly genomic (viral and viral-complementary strands) RNA assembled into RNPs. In contrast, for the (+)ssRNA cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), RISC complexes, activated by TRV carrying CMV 2a or 2b gene fragments, targeted CMV genomic RNA. Altogether, the results indicated that antiviral RNAi primarily targets tospoviral mRNAs whilst their genomic RNA is well protected in RNPs against RISC-mediated cleavage. Considering the important role of RNPs in the replication cycle of all NSVs, the findings made in this study are likely applicable to all viruses belonging to this group.
Forging intragenerational and common memories: Revisiting Paracuellos’s graphic violence in times of confinement
Authors: Pereira Boán Xosé
Published: July 2021

In our times of confinement, cultural production has become as important as it is precarious. Reading habits were revamped during the most stringent moments of the early lockdown. Some would consume new products, some would revisit their favourite classics. In this article, I analyse Carlos Giménez’s pioneering graphic work, a(n) (auto)biographical series of comics surrounding children’s experiences in Francoist orphanages, or ‘Homes’ (Hogares de Auxilio). I argue that Paracuellos operates as an isotopic and confining device at formal, thematic, intragenerational and affecting levels. It displays an aesthetic of confinement and brings together a set of core themes that generate a continuum of isotopic semantics, catalysing the work’s capacity to affect and be affected. Graphic violence is as its core and serves as the main constant, be that presently exercised or absently loomed, in a context of pathos, loss and scarcity. This article further explores how the comics series pulls back the veil on the folds of early Francoism as well as the later transition to democracy, a period of ‘lockdown’ for cultural memory in general, and for the experienced confinement in the Francoist ‘Homes’ in particular. The piece suggests that in retrieving this collection of common memories of recurrent episodes of violence experienced individually, Giménez’s work ultimately nuances the monolithic concept of collective memory within cultural production.
Empirical Comics Research, Alexander Dunst, Jochen Laubrock and Janina Wildfeuer (eds) (2019)
Authors: Davies Paul Fisher
Published: July 2021

Review of: Empirical Comics Research, Alexander Dunst, Jochen Laubrock and Janina Wildfeuer (eds) (2019)

New York: Routledge, 366 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-138-73744-0, h/bk, £120.00
Monstrous Women in Comics, Samantha Langsdale and Elizabeth Rae Coody (eds) 2020
Authors: Austin Hailey J.
Published: July 2021

Review of: Monstrous Women in Comics, Samantha Langsdale and Elizabeth Rae Coody (eds) (2020)

Jackson, MS: University Press of Mississippi, 295 pp., 35 b&w illustrations

ISBN 978-1-49682-763-0, p/bk, $30
Fake news de humor y sátira y actitudes hacia la política: análisis comparativo del realismo percibido y los sentimientos de eficacia, alienación y cinismo en estudiantes de comunicación
Authors: Romero-Rodríguez Luis M. , Valle-Razo Ana Luisa , Castillo-Abdul Bárbara
Published: July 2021

Esta investigación explora la correlación entre el nivel de consumo de información formal y realidad percibida de fake news, así como la influencia que tienen estas últimas con las actitudes políticas de eficacia, alienación y cinismo. Para ello, se aplicó una encuesta por muestreo probabilístico por conglomerados a estudiantes de grados y postgrados afines a las Ciencias de la Comunicación (n=682) de España, México, Perú y Venezuela. Los resultados evidencian una relación inversamente proporcional entre el consumo de información formal y realidad percibida de las fake news y una moderación directa entre realidad percibida de estas y los sentimientos de alienación y cinismo.
Bibliotheca Publica do Pará
Authors: Costa Elisangela Silva da , Oliveira Hamilton Vieira de
Published: July 2021

Tendo em vista que a Biblioteca Pública Arthur Vianna (BPAV) está prestes a completar seu sesquicentenário, resolveu-se realizar esta pesquisa a fim de recontar a sua trajetória histórica. Traz como objetivo geral, traçar a contextualização histórica da BPAV desde sua gênese até os tempos hodiernos. No que se refere aos objetivos específicos, pretende-se: a) pontuar os principais marcos que balizaram a história da BAP; b) resgatar os nomes dos diretores da biblioteca e dos governantes do Pará que concretizaram sua fundação; e c) Apresentar o estado de arte de como a BPAV se encontra na contemporaneidade. Para tornar o estudo exequível foram procedidas pesquisas de cunho bibliográfico e documental que versam sobre a temática atinente da pesquisa em tela.
Peppermint Oil Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Nee Judy , Ballou Sarah , Kelley John M. , Kaptchuk Ted J. , Hirsch William , Katon Jesse , Cheng Vivian , Rangan Vikram , Lembo Anthony , Iturrino Johanna
Published: July 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Peppermint oil is often used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the overall quality of previous studies is low, and findings have been heterogeneous. This study aimed to compare the effects of peppermint oil vs placebo in relieving IBS symptoms.

METHODS:

In a 6-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at a single academic center in the United States, individuals diagnosed with IBS (Rome IV criteria), with moderate to severe symptoms based on the IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS score ≥175), were randomized to enteric-coated peppermint oil 180 mg 3 times daily vs placebo in a 1:2 ratio. The primary outcome was mean change in IBS-SSS scores from baseline to 6-week endpoint.

RESULTS:

A modified intent-to-treat analysis revealed that there were substantial mean improvements from baseline to 6-week endpoint in the main outcome measure (IBS-SSS) for both peppermint oil (90.8, SD = 75.3) and placebo (100.3, SD = 99.6). Although the peppermint oil group reported numerically lower improvement than the placebo group, the effect size was small (d = −0.11), and the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.97). Similarly, both groups reported substantial improvements on the secondary endpoints; but again, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups on any of the secondary measures. Sensitivity analyses using multiple imputation to replace missing data produced similar results and revealed no significant differences between peppermint oil and placebo on any outcome measure.

DISCUSSION:

Peppermint oil and placebo both showed clinically meaningful improvement in IBS symptoms. However, there were no significant differences between the groups. Further large, rigorous trials are needed to evaluate the role of peppermint oil for the treatment of IBS.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE RATE OF ABSORPTION OF WATER OF BASALT, POLYPROPYLENE, AND STEEL FIBERS REINFORCED CONCRETE
Authors: Haruna Sadi Ibrahim
Published: July 2021

Good durability of concrete is an essential part of the design process, and tests to determine sustainability have been developed for both laboratory and site use. The main feature of durable concrete is low water absorption. Almost all forms of deterioration in reinforced concrete involve deleterious fluid ingress through the concretes pore structure. In wet concrete, the water ingress rate or other liquids is mostly controlled by absorption due to capillary rise. This study examines the effect of basalt, polypropylene, and steel fiber in different volume fractions at 0.3%, 0.6%, and 0.9% for absorption tests. A total of 8 specimens for different fiber were examined based on the rate of water absorption test recommended by ASTM C1585-04.  A result obtained has been analyzed and compared with the control specimen. A relationship between absorption rate and the square root of time for both concrete mixtures was represented graphically and linearly. Result data showed a precise decrease in absorption due to incorporating both types of fiber. Also, from the result data, basalt and polypropylene showed greater uptake than steel fiber and enhances mass transport of water into concrete specimens. However, steel fiber addition showed high resistance to absorption rater than the control specimen and other fiber.
Study on the design of heating and energy saving of enclosure structure of rural self-built houses
Authors: Chang Weixian
Published: July 2021

For severe cold areas, indoor heating in winter is very important, and it is also important to achieve energy saving and emission reduction in the heating process. This paper briefly introduced a kind of heating envelope structure, the geothermal energy-based phase change wall, and analyzed two rural self-built houses in Shangluo city, Shaanxi province. One self-built house was built without the phase change wall, and the other was built with the geothermal energy-based phase change wall by the municipal government. The results showed that the self-built house that adopted the phase change wall had a better heat preservation effect and relieved the indoor temperature fluctuation; after the heating equipment was turned on, the self-built house that adopted the geothermal energy-based phase change wall had a higher and more stable indoor temperature, and the power consumption during the experiment was less.
URGENSI PERAN AKTIF HAKIM PADA PERADILAN TINDAK PIDANA INFORMASI ELEKTRONIK
Authors: Lumbanraja Anggita Doramia
Published: July 2021

Dewasa ini, kasus Tindak Pidana Informasi dan Transaksi Elektronik (ITE) meningkat sangat tajam sejak tahun 2018, beberapa tahun setelah kita memasuki Era Post-Truth. Dengan keterbatasan peraturan perundang-undangan yang ada, hakim harus berperan aktif dalam mencari kebenaran materiil dalam kasus tindak pidana ini. Artikel ini membahas mengenai sejauh mana pentingnya peran aktif hakim dalam proses peradilan Tindak Pidana ITE khususnya pada Tindak Pidana Informasi Elektronik. KUHAP yang berlaku saat ini tidak cukup mengakomodir kebutuhan hukum formil, terutama pada ketentuan pembuktian. Oleh karena itu hakim secara aktif melakukan terobosan hukum yakni menghadirkan bukti elektronik sebagai alat pembuktian meskipun tidak diatur di dalam KUHAP. Hakim harus berperan aktif tidak hanya melakukan penerapan hukum namun harus mampu melakukan penemuan hukum.
KAJIAN PENDEKATAN HOLISTIK ANTROPOLOGI HUKUM PADA KEBUDAYAAN TARI ANGGUK DESA KAYEN KABUPATEN PATI
Authors: Handayani Emy
Published: July 2021

Pendekatan holistik antropologi hukum memandang bahwa kebudayaan tari angguk merupakan budaya yang sakral dalam peradaban Jawa sebagai media dakwah dan syiar Agama Islam dan tari angguk sebagai sumber-sumber tradisi lisan yang diwujudkan dalam tarian sakral sebagai manifestasi dari penghormatan para leluhurnya sesuai dengan ajaran Agama Islam, sehingga dalam pendekatan holistik antropologi hukum dapat disimpulkan bahwa tari Angguk tercipta sebagai tarian pergaulan di kalangan remaja yang digelar sebagai ungkapan rasa syukur kepada Tuhan yang berdasarkan Agama Islam.  Unsur Agama Islam terlihat di saat sholawat nabi sebagai pembuka pertunjukkan, budaya barat (Belanda) terlihat pada gerakan dan kostum para penari memakai celana pendek, budaya timur yang terlihat pada keluwesan alur cerita tari angguk dan selalu diadakan ritual sesaji di sekitar lokasi pementasan tari angguk. Hendaknya masyarakat Pati turut mempertahankan, melestarikan tari angguk sebagai sumber-sumber tradisi lisan dan membangun peradaban Jawa, barat dan timur sebagai  perwujudan mempertahankan tradisi yang sakral.
PERAN PENALARAN BAGI PEMBELAJAR HUKUM DALAM UPAYA MEMAHAMI REALITAS HUKUM
Authors: Sulistyawan Aditya Yuli
Published: July 2021

Penalaran adalah proses berpikir yang bertolak dari pengamatan indera yang menghasilkan sejumlah konsep dan pengertian. Dengan penalaran memungkinkan seseorang berpikir secara logis. Jika pembelajar hukum menggunakan penalaran sebagai metode dalam memahami hukum, maka untuk memperoleh suatu kebenaran tentu akan didasarkan pada akal yang logis. Sama halnya dengan hukum, penalaran hukum dapat diartikan sebagai cara berpikir, menggunakan, mengembangkan atau mengendalikan suatu masalah di bidang hukum dengan nalar. Penalaran hukum juga senantiasa dipengaruhi oleh landasan berpikir tertentu, yang bersifat sangat mendasar (fundamental). Landasan yang dimaksud adalah paradigma sebagai bagian dalam filsafat. Tulisan ini akan menelaah tentang apakah peran penalaran untuk menyokong argumentasi hukum dalam memahami hukum? Bagaimana langkah-langkah untuk memahami realitas hukum? Melalui tulisan ini, dapat ditunjukkan bahwa peran penalaran begitu besar bagi para pembelajar hukum dalam upaya memahami realitas hukum.
PERKEMBANGAN REGULASI DAN PELAKSANAAN PERSIDANGAN ONLINE DI INDONESIA DAN AMERIKA SERIKAT SELAMA PANDEMI COVID-19
Authors: Lumbanraja Anggita Doramia
Published: July 2021

Pandemi Covid-19 yang saat ini melanda dunia, telah membawa perubahan drastis termasuk pada Dunia Peradilan. Praktek persidangan konvensional harus beralih kepada Persidangan online (e-litigation). Penulis memandang perlu untuk diadakannya kajian seberapa jauh perkembangan praktik e-litigation dan regulasinya di Indonesia, serta membandingkannya dengan praktik Virtual Courts di Amerika Serikat selama masa pandemi ini. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan komparatif ditunjang dengan studi kepustakaan. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa sejak mewabahnya covid-19 angka e-litigation di Indonesia tidak menunjukan kenaikan yang signifikan. Regulasi tentang pelaksanaan persidangan online tetap mengacu pada Perma No.1 Tahun 2019 dan SE MA No 1 Tahun 2020, karena belum adanya peraturan lain yang mengatur hal ini. Permasalahan regulasi terkait persidangan online di Indonesia dan Amerika Serikat hampir sama yakni mengenai disharmonisasi peraturan.
Rectifiability of entropy defect measures in a micromagnetics model
Authors: Marconi Elio
Published: July 2021

We study the fine properties of a class of weak solutionsuof the eikonal equation arising as asymptotic domain of a family of energy functionals introduced in [T. Rivière and S. Serfaty, Limiting domain wall energy for a problem related to micromagnetics, Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 54 2001, 3, 294–338]. In particular, we prove that the entropy defect measure associated touis concentrated on a 1-rectifiable set, which detects the jump-type discontinuities ofu.
Artificial neural network (ANN) approach for prediction and modeling of breakthrough curve analysis of fixed-bed adsorption of iron ions from aqueous solution by activated carbon from Limonia acidissima shell
Authors: Das Shilpi , Mishra Susmita
Published: July 2021

The present research article explored the potential of activated carbon prepared from Limonia acidissima shell to adsorb total Fe ions from aqueous solution in a packed bed up-flow column. The effect of essential factors such as bed height (3–5 cm), initial concentration (30–50 mg/L), and flow rate (3.32–5.4 mL/min) on the performance of the column bed was investigated. The adsorption capacity augmented with an increase in bed height and initial adsorbate concentration but declined with an increase in flow rate. The maximum uptake capacity of 209.6 mg/g was achieved at 5 cm bed height, 3.32 mL/min, and 50 mg/L initial concentration. The bed depth service time (BDST) model was used to analyze the experimental data and determine the characteristic parameters of the packed bed reactor suitable for designing large-scale column studies. The Adams–Bohart, Thomas, and Yoon–Nelson models were applied to the experimental data to predict breakthrough curves using non-linear regression. The artificial neural network (ANN) based model was able to efficaciously predict the column performance using the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm. A comparison between the experimental data and model results contributed to a high degree of correlation, specifying that the preliminary information was in good agreement with the ANN predicted data.
Plantago lanceolata – An overview of its agronomically and healing valuable features
Authors: Pol Michal , Schmidtke Knut , Lewandowska Sylwia
Published: July 2021

This article gives an overview of the widely distributed herb ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata). Currently, this plant is mostly grown in grasslands, rarely in arable land, and its secondary metabolites are used in medicine. Studies cited in the article indicate its very rapid growth and deep rooting in the soil, which results in high drought tolerance and uptake of valuable nutrients from deep soil layers. An intensive symbiosis with various mycorrhizal fungi is characteristic of plantain for a high capacity for nutrient and water appropriation. It is also characterized by different contents of iridoid glycosides like aucubin and catalpol in shoots and roots of different varieties. The use of P. lanceolata is discussed on permanent and non-permanent grasslands where agriculturally specific varieties have been developed for grazing animals showing positive health effects in them. Information is provided on the cultivation of ribwort plantain, including studies on sowing and fertilization, the yield and infestation of the plant with pathogens, and the occurrence of iridoid glycosides in the plant. In addition, information is included on pests that threaten the plant’s cultivation.
Enhancing the Stability of Asphalt Emulsion Using Environmentally Friendly Cationically Modified Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (CMHEC) at Different Concentrations and pH Values
Authors: Wang Xiaoxi , Hou Runhan , Zhang Qian , Darwesh Osama M. , Gao Mengyao , Zhang Zixu , Wang Yuexin
Published: July 2021

The cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (CMHEC) was synthesized successfully and applied for preparing the cationic asphalt emulsion. The apparent viscosity and phase separation of the emulsion were studied at different CMHEC concentrations and pH values. The results indicated that the apparent viscosity of the emulsion was increased with increasing CMHEC concentration, and the phase separation was significantly reduced correspondingly. In addition, the effect of pH value on the emulsion quality was involved. The apparent viscosity of the emulsion showed the tendency to decrease firstly and then increase to the minimum value at pH 2. All results indicated that CMHEC has excellent potential in the manufacture of asphalt emulsion and the research of the pH effect on the formulation of asphalt emulsion has essential significance.
Numerical treatment of squeezing unsteady nanofluid flow using optimized stochastic algorithm
Authors: Nouar Ahcene , Dib Amar , Kezzar Mohamed , Sari Mohamed R. , Eid Mohamed R.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, very efficient, intelligent techniques have been used to solve the fourth-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations arising from squeezing unsteady nanofluid flow. The activation functions used to develop the three models are log-sigmoid, radial basis, and tan-sigmoid. The neural network of each scheme is optimized with the interior point method (IPM) to find the weights of the networks. The confrontation of the obtained results with the numerical solutions shows good accuracy of the three schemes. The obtained solutions by utilizing the neural network technique of our variables field (velocity and temperature) are continuous contrary to the discrete form obtained by the numerical scheme.
Entre la cultura de masas y la alta cultura: Ricardo Piglia y La Argentina en pedazos
Authors: Macedo Rodríguez Alfonso
Published: July 2021

Las relaciones que el escritor argentino Ricardo Piglia mantuvo con los medios de comunicación y la cultura de masas han sido parcialmente documentadas pero siempre han sido visibles: desde sus clases sobre la novela argentina y Borges en la televisión cultural, sus guiones de cine y su narrativa, en la que ha creado obras a caballo entre el género policial, la ciencia ficción y el fantástico, pasando por sus experimentos con diversas formas –como la novela gráfica y la historieta que aún siguen siendo consideradas extraliterarias–, ha abierto nuevos caminos de recepción de su obra y la de los autores de la tradición literaria que ha analizado en sus novelas, ensayos y notas de diario. Así, y a pesar de la complejidad que supone la lectura atenta de su narrativa, sus intervenciones en los circuitos masivos no hacen concesiones a un público no especializado con los estudios literarios pero al mismo tiempo lo acerca a la lectura de Borges, Leopoldo Marechal, Manuel Puig o Roberto Artl, por ejemplo. El presente artículo analiza la relación de Piglia con La Argentina en pedazos (1993), obra publicada de manera fragmentaria en la revista Fierro a partir de 1984, y se detiene, en particular, en las adaptaciones de algunas obras centrales de la literatura argentina: “El matadero” de Esteban Echeverría, “Las puertas del cielo” de Julio Cortázar y Los lanzallamas de Arlt. Los textos estudiados por Piglia para La Argentina en pedazos sugieren, indirectamente, una nueva revisión de la tradición literaria; simultáneamente, el encuentro entre dos manifestaciones culturales aparentemente antagónicas forma parte de una operación estética y política que fomenta la renovación artística y denuncia la violencia de Estado producida en la Argentina desde sus inicios como nación independiente.
Influence of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme I/D Polymorphism on Hemodynamic and Antioxidant Response to Long-Term Intradialytic Resistance Training in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Corrêa Hugo de Luca , Deus Lysleine A. , Neves Rodrigo V.P. , Reis Andrea L. , de Freitas Giovana S. , de Araújo Thaís B. , da Silva Barbosa Jessica M. , Prestes Jonato , Simões Herbert G. , Amorim Carlos E. , dos Santos Marcos A.P. , Haro Anderson , de Melo Gislane F. , Gadelha André B. , Neto Luiz Sinésio S. , Rosa Thiago dos Santos
Published: July 2021

Corrêa, HdL, Deus, LA, Neves, RVP, Reis, AL, de Freitas, GS, de Araújo, TB, da Silva Barbosa, JM, Prestes, J, Simões, HG, Amorim, CE, dos Santos, MAP, Haro, A, de Melo, GF, Gadelha, AB, Neto, LS, and Rosa, TdS. Influence of angiotensin converting enzyme I/D polymorphism on hemodynamic and antioxidant response to long-term intradialytic resistance training in patients with chronic kidney disease: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2902–2909, 2021—The aim of the study was to verify the influence of Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D genotype on blood pressure, muscle mass, and redox balance response to long-term resistance training (RT) in end-stage renal disease patients. Three hundred and twenty subjects were randomized into 4 groups: II + ID control (II + ID CTL, n = 80), II + ID RT (II + ID RT, n = 79), DD control (DD CTL n = 83), and DD RT (DD RT, n = 78). The RT lasted 24 weeks with a frequency of 3 times per week, on alternative days. Each section consisted of 3 sets of 8–12 repetitions in 11 exercises, with training loads at 6 point (somewhat hard) to 8 point (hard) based on OMNI-RES scale and was prescribed during dialysis (intradialytic). Statistical significance was accepted with p < 0.05. The most relevant benefits in blood pressure were found for DD homozygotes (p < 0.0001), whereas allele I carriers displayed a higher increase in muscle mass (p < 0.0001). Hemodialysis clinics that already use RT for their patients could include the genotyping of ACE to identify the predisposal of the patients to respond to RT and to counteract kidney disease-related comorbidities.
4-Phenylbutyric acid improves free fatty acid-induced hepatic insulin resistance in vivo
Authors: Pereira Sandra , Moore Jessy , Li Jia-Xu , Yu Wen Qin , Ghanim Husam , Vlavcheski Filip , Joseph Yemisi Deborah , Dandona Paresh , Volchuk Allen , Cummins Carolyn L , Tsiani Evangelia , Giacca Adria
Published: July 2021

Plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) are elevated in obesity and can induce insulin resistance via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, it is unknown whether hepatic insulin resistance caused by the elevation of plasma FFAs is alleviated by chemical chaperones. Rats received one of the following i.v. treatments for 48 h: saline, intralipid plus heparin (IH), IH plus the chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA), or PBA alone and a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was performed during the last 2 h. PBA co-infusion normalized IH-induced peripheral insulin resistance, similar to our previous findings with an antioxidant and an IκBα kinase β (IKKβ) inhibitor. Different from our previous results with the antioxidant and IKKβ inhibitor, PBA also improved IH-induced hepatic insulin resistance in parallel with activation of Akt. Unexpectedly, IH did not induce markers of ER stress in the liver, but PBA prevented IH-induced elevation of phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor-2α protein in adipose tissue. PBA tended to decrease circulating fetuin-A and significantly increased circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) without affecting markers of activation of hepatic protein kinase C-δ or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase that we have previously involved in hepatic insulin resistance in this model. In conclusion: (i) PBA prevented hepatic insulin resistance caused by prolonged plasma FFA elevation without affecting hepatic ER stress markers; (ii) the PBA effect is likely due to increased FGF21 and/or decreased fetuin-A, which directly signal to upregulate Akt activation.
TSH/miR-17-5p/ZNF367 axis is related to spontaneous abortion in patients with TSH above 2.5 mIU/L
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Jiashu , Zhou Yingying , Dai Wen , Teng Weiping , Shan Zhongyan
Published: July 2021

Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion (SA); however, the associated mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression of miRNAs and pathogenesis in the chorionic villi of TSH > 2.5 mIU/L-related SA patients. The chorionic villi were collected from pregnant women in the first trimester with TSH > 2.5 mIU/L with or without SA, as well as TSH < 2.5 mIU/L with or without SA to determine the level of miRNA expression. Differentially expressed miRNAs were confirmed by qRT-PCR in a total of 92 subjects. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), wound healing, transwell assays, and Western blotting were used to measure cellular biological functions and related proteins in HTR-8/SVneo cells. The potential mechanisms were determined using a Luciferase reporter assay and rescue experiment. Compared with normal pregnant women, miR-17-5p was decreased and zinc finger protein 367 (ZNF367) was upregulated in the chorionic villi of TSH > 2.5 mIU/L-related SA patients. Using HTR-8/SVneo cells, we demonstrated that elevated TSH inhibited miR-17-5p expression, as well as trophoblast migration and invasion. The overexpression of miR-17-5p targeted and inhibited ZNF367 expression promoting the biological function of trophoblasts. Further studies confirmed that ZNF367 interference partially reversed the biological function of the miR-17-5p inhibitor on HTR-8/SVneo cells. Taken together, our results showed that miR-17-5p promoted the biological function of trophoblasts by suppressing ZNF367.