bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESPUESTA DE LA GLADIOLA A LA APLICACIÓN DE BIOFERTILIZANTES Y ABONO ORGÁNICO
Authors: Cruz-Ruiz Evelia , Cruz-Ruiz Araceli , Serrato-Cuevas Rodolfo , Rubí-Arriaga Martín
Published: June 2021

La gladiola es uno de los principales cultivos ornamentales de México, en cuya producción se usan fertilizantes químicos excesivos que pueden ocasionar problemas de salud y contaminación ambiental. Los abonos orgánicos y los biofertilizantes aumentan la eficiencia de los fertilizantes de síntesis química, incrementan la productividad de los cultivos, mejoran la calidad del suelo, preservan la salud humana y conservan el ambiente. En el contexto sostenible, el uso de biofertilizantes y abonos orgánicos en ornamentales es una alternativa viable porque es amigable con el hombre y el ambiente. Para analizar los efectos de Bacillus subtilis, Glomus fasciculatum, fertilización orgánica e inorgánica, y sus interacciones con la productividad de cormos y espiga floral en gladiola (Gladiolus grandiflorus) variedad Borrega roja, se estableció este trabajo a cielo abierto en condiciones de temporal en el Valle de Toluca. Se evaluaron 12 tratamientos producto de la combinación de Glomus fasciculatum (Am), Bacillus subtilis (Ab), Glomus fasciculatum + Bacillus subtilis (Am+b), abono orgánico (Bv) y fertilizante inorgánico (Bi). G. fasciculatum + B. subtilis + abono orgánico favorecieron significativamente el diámetro del tallo floral y su peso seco, además de incrementar en 27 % el diámetro del cormo y en 100 % su peso; también afectaron el número de cormillos en el 77 % y su peso en el 90 %. Estos resultados evidencian las ventajas del uso combinado de biofertilizantes y fertilizantes orgánicos en gladiola.
Literature Analysis of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedicine
Authors: Hulsen Tim
Published: June 2021

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, using machine learning, deep learning and neural networks. AI enables machines to learn from experience and perform human-like tasks. The field of AI research has been developing fast over the past five to ten years, due to the rise of ‘big data’ and increasing computing power. In the medical area, AI can be used to improve diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, surgery, drug discovery, or for other applications. Therefore, both academia and industry are investing a lot in AI. This review investigates the biomedical literature (in the PubMed and Embase databases) by looking at bibliographical data, observing trends over time and occurrences of keywords. Some observations are made: AI has been growing exponentially over the past few years; it is used mostly for diagnosis; COVID-19 is already in the top-5 of diseases studied using AI; the United States, China, United Kingdom, South Korea and Canada are publishing the most articles in AI research; MIT is the world’s leading university in AI research; and convolutional neural networks are by far the most popular deep learning algorithms at this moment. These trends could be studied in more detail, by studying more literature databases or by including patent databases. More advanced analyses could be used to predict in which direction AI will develop over the coming years. The expectation is that AI will keep on growing, in spite of stricter privacy laws, more need for standardization, bias in the data, and the need for building trust.
HVEM is a Novel Immune Checkpoint for Prostate Cancer Immunotherapy in Humanized Mice
Authors: Aubert Nicolas , Brunel Simon , Olive Daniel , Marodon Gilles
Published: June 2021

The Herpes Virus Entry Mediator (HVEM) delivers a negative signal to T cells mainly through the B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator (BTLA) molecule and thus, could represent a novel immune checkpoint during an anti-tumor immune response. A formal demonstration that HVEM can be targeted for cancer immunotherapy is however still lacking. Here, we first show that HVEM and BTLA were associated to a worse prognosis in patients with prostate adenocarcinomas, indicating a detrimental role for this pair of molecule during prostate cancer progression. We then show that a monoclonal antibody to human HVEM significantly impacted the growth of a prostate cancer cell line in immuno-compromised NOD.SCID.gc-null mice reconstituted with human T cells. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we showed that HVEM expression by the tumor was mandatory to observe the therapeutic effect. Mechanistically, tumor control was dependent on CD8+ T cells and was associated to an increase in the proliferation and number of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes. Accordingly, the expression of genes belonging to various T cell activation pathways were enriched in tumor infiltrating leukocytes, whereas genes associated with immuno-suppressive pathways were decreased, possibly resulting in modifications of leukocyte adhesion and motility. Finally, we developed a simple in vivo assay in humanized mice to directly demonstrate that HVEM was an immune checkpoint for T-cell mediated tumor control. Our results show that targeting HVEM is a promising strategy for prostate cancer immunotherapy.
Challenges of Pancasila Ideology in the Era of Industrial Revolution 4.0: Case Study of Generation Z and Millennials
Authors: Silva Sovi Dwi Febrian , Glorino Moses
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The imbalance between technological development and ideological strengthening has resulted in the fading of the Pancasila ideological values of millennials. Technology that accompanies everyday life seems to be the main character in human life. Yet if humans themselves do not use technology wisely, technology can be a threat to both individuals and the life of the nation and state. If technology is increasingly out of control, threats to the Pancasila ideology are very likely to occur, such as in the G 30S PKI incident. Therefore, it is necessary to take action both from the government and the community as individuals to safeguard the development of technology to be used wisely. That way, we can prevent the threat to the Pancasila ideology together. Writing this article aims to analyze how the role and influence of the Pancasila ideology on the millennial generation in the 4.0 industrial revolution and to find solutions so that the values of Pancasila remain attached to the next generation of the Indonesian nation. Method: Writing This article uses a qualitative method by using literature reviews from the results of related research journals that have been published online through websites and other online media. Results: Thirteen journals and one book have met the criteria for the inclusion of a predetermined review. Research is based on the stigma of society regarding technological developments in the Industrial revolution 4.0. Therefore, the government is expected to be more severe in implementing human capital management. Conclusion: By procuring human capital management, it will be possible that Human Resources (HR) in Indonesia will be able to carry out the ideals of a golden Indonesian generation with Pancasila values inherent in the hearts of the people and the nation's future generations.
Small Oligonucleotides Detection in Three-Dimensional Polymer Network of DNA-PEG Hydrogels
Authors: Mazzarotta Alessia , Caputo Tania Maristella , Raiola Luca , Battista Edmondo , Netti Paolo Antonio , Causa Filippo
Published: June 2021

The control of the three-dimensional (3D) polymer network structure is important for permselective materials when specific biomolecules detection is needed. Here we investigate conditions to obtain a tailored hydrogel network that combine both molecular filtering and molecular capture capabilities for biosensing applications. Along this line short oligonucleotide detection in a displacement assay is set within PEGDA hydrogels synthetized by UV radical photopolymerization. To provide insights on the molecular filter capability, diffusion studies of several probes (sulforhodamine G and dextrans) with different hydrodynamic radii were carried out using NMR technique. Moreover, fluorometric analyses of hybridization of DNA oligonucleotides inside PEGDA-hydrogels shed light on the mechanisms of recognition in 3D, highlighting that mesh size and crowding effect greatly impact of hybridization mechanism onto polymer network. Finally, we found the best probe density and diffusion transport conditions to allow the specific oligonucleotide capture and detection inside PEGDA-hydrogels for oligonucleotide detection and the filtering out of higher molecular weight molecules.
Adaptive Wavelet Methods for Earth Systems Modelling
Authors: Kevlahan Nicholas
Published: June 2021

This paper reviews how dynamically adaptive wavelet methods can be designed to simulate atmosphere and ocean dynamics in both flat and spherical geometries. We highlight the special features that these models must have in order to be valid for climate modelling applications. These include exact mass conservation and various mimetic properties that ensure the solutions remain physically realistic, even in the under-resolved conditions typical of climate models. Particular attention is paid to the implementation of complex topography in adaptive models. Using \textsc{wavetrisk} as an example, we explain in detail how to build a semi-realistic global atmosphere or ocean model of interest to the geophysical community. We end with a discussion of the challenges that remain to developing a realistic dynamically adaptive atmosphere or ocean climate models. These include scale-aware subgrid scale parameterizations of physical processes, such as clouds. Although we focus on adaptive wavelet methods, many of the topics we discuss are relevant for adaptive mesh refinement (AMR).
Therapeutic Potential Of Human Neural Precursor Cells in Diabetic Retinopathy – Preclinical Model
Authors: Saçaki Claudia Sayuri , Mogharbel Bassam Felipe , Stricker Priscila Elias Ferreira , Dziedzic Dilcele Silva Moreira , Irioda Ana Carolina , Perussolo Maiara Carolina , Montiani-Ferreira Fabiano , Moreno Juan , Dornbusch Peterson , Sato Mario , Shiokawa Naoye , Noronha Lúcia , Nagashima Seigo , Bacellar-Galdino Marianna , Franco Célia Regina Cavichiolo , Abdelwahid Eltyeb , Athayde Teixeira de Carvalho Katherine
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to evaluate cell therapy with human neural precursor cells (hNPCs) in diabetic retinopathy (DR) Wistar rats, induced to diabetes by intraperitoneal injection with streptozotocin. Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) were isolated, expanded, and seeded onto a biopolymer substrate without growth factors to develop neurospheres to obtain the hNPCs, characterized by immunocytochemistry. The animals were divided into three groups; non-diabetic (ND) n = four; diabetic without treatment (DM) n = nine; and diabetic with cell therapy (DM + hNPCs) n = nine. After eight weeks of diabetes induction and verified DR, intravitreal injection of hNPCs (1 x 106 cel/µL) was performed in the DM + hNPCs group. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Electroretinography (ERG) evaluations were done before and after diabetes induction and after cell therapy. Eye enucleation occurred four weeks after treatment for the histopathological and immunohistochemistry analyses. In the treated group, there was the repair of the retinal structures and their arrangements. hNPCs increased the thickness of neuroretina layers, especially in the ganglion cell and photoreceptor layers. The results indicate that hNPCs reduced DR progression by a neuroprotective effect and promoted retinal repair, making them potential candidates for regeneration of the neuroretinal tissue.
Analysis of the Effect of Health Insurance on Health Care Utilization in Rwanda
Authors: Muremyi Roger , Haughton Dominique , Niragire François , Kabano Ignace
Published: June 2021

In Rwanda, more than 90% of the population is insured for health care. Despite the comprehensiveness of health insurance coverage in Rwanda, some health services at partner institutions are not available, causing insured patients to pay unintended cost. We aimed to analyze the effect of health insurance on health care utilization and factors associated with the use of health care services in Rwanda. This is an analysis of secondary data from the Rwanda integrated living condition survey 2016-2017. The survey gathered data from 14580 households, and decision tree and multilevel logistic regression models were applied. Among 14580 households only (20%) used health services. Heads of households aged between [56-65] years (AOR=1.28, 95% CI:1.02-1.61), aged between [66-75] years (AOR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.193-1.947), aged over 76 years (AOR=1.48, 95% CI:1.137-1.947), households with health insurance (AOR=4.57, 95% CI: 3.97-5.27) displayed a significant increase in the use of health services. This study shows evidence of the effect of health insurance on health care utilization in Rwanda: a significant increase of 4.57 times greater adjusted odds of using health services compared to those not insured. The findings from our research will guide policymakers and provide useful insights within the Rwanda context as well as for other countries that are considering moving towards universal health coverage through similar models.
Creating Critical and Interesting Historical Learning in the 21st Century Through the Concept of Historical Thinking and the Usage of New Media
Authors: Wisesa Aji , Glorino Pandin Moses
Published: June 2021

History learning is often regarded as something that is considered unimportant and boring to be taught in the modern era like now. The existence of history learning itself is still important enough to be studied in the 21st century with all its benefits and uses. One of the uses of history is as a reasoning education. The research questions are how do we take advantage of history learning as reasoning and critical thinking education in the 21st century and how the usage of new media can make historical learning looks more interesting. The method used in this article is literature review with data obtained and analyzed from several journals and research results related to history learning and reasoning education, especially forms of critical thinking in the 21st century. From the results of the research, it was found that there was a link between learning history and its relation as a form of critical thinking in the 21st century, in several ways, such as teaching history based on historical thinking, and the usage of new media in history learning.
Changes in Foreign and Modern Culture in the 21st Century Which Drivers Culture in East Java Seen from a Historical Perspective
Authors: Utomo Sangwa , Pandin Moses
Published: June 2021

In modern times like today, technology and science are developing very fast. This has resulted in a condition known as globalization. This era has had a significant impact on every country globally, including in Indonesia, such as the spread of culture is solid. This flow has many benefits and advantages. However, this globalization can also have a negative impact. One of them is the erosion of native Indonesian culture compared to foreign cultures. Therefore, this research to find the origin, causes, and impacts of the influx of cultural globalization on the current culture of East Java because it is the province of origin of the researchers. Here the researchers asks about the impact of this modern culture and how influential culture is to the people of East Java. The method used by the researchers in making this paper is Literature Review using qualitative descriptive writing with quantitative data. The researchers findings as material in this paper amounted to 24 materials with the provisions of 20 journal article materials, 2 article materials online provided that they were published in the last three years, and 2 E-books for methods on this paper. This study's boundaries are a modern culture that the researchers takes about western culture (western) and South Korean culture (Hallyu). In addition, this study only discusses cultures originating in East Java, such as Javanese.
The Effects of Framing on Oil Pollution as Covered by Print Media: A Case Study of Nigerian Newspapers
Authors: Odoemelam Chika Ebere , Hasan Nik Norma Nik , Hussein Adnan
Published: June 2021

Incidents of oil pollution has become a reoccurring decimal over the last twenty decades in most countries of the world. The controversy over who is responsible for the massive oil pollution witnessed in some oil-producing countries globally has amplified tensions between significant stakeholders in those countries. The issue of oil pollution in Nigeria and Ghana, for instance, has caused ecosystem degradation, the devastation of means of livelihood of local communities, and the death of aquatic organisms such as fish. Our study investigated the effects of the five news frames identified by Semetko & Valkenburg (2000); responsibility, economic consequences, conflict, human interest, and morality. Through content analysis, our study analyzed 531 newspaper stories on oil pollution in Nigeria’s Niger-Delta region from 2014-2018. The results indicated that overall, the effects of the human interest frame usage were more prevalent in The Daily Sun newspaper than the other two papers, The Guardian and The Punch, within the study period. This was followed by economic consequences, responsibility, conflict, and morality frames. Also, the study revealed that the effects of the differences in the frequency of using the frames in the coverage of oil pollution in the three selected papers varied significantly.
Radio Exposure and Drivers of Electoral Participation among Women Voters under the New Devolved Political Structure in Kenya
Authors: Okinda Thomas Ibrahim , Nyambuga Charles Ongandi , Ojwang Benson Oduor
Published: June 2021

Radio dominates the news media ecosystem in Kenya. However, little is known about the relationship between radio exposure and drivers of electoral participation in Kenya. This research thus examines the correlation between radio exposure and political knowledge and attitudes, and interpersonal political discussions among women voters during the 2013 Kenya general election in Kakamega County. The study adopted a descriptive quantitative correlational research design, collecting data from 372 women voters using a survey interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed through bivariate statistics based on Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients. Findings reveal a strong and positive correlation between radio exposure and political knowledge as well as election campaign interest. This suggests that radio exposure can contribute to political learning and create voter awareness on political activities and rights that lead to election campaign interest. It was established that there was a low positive link between women voters’ radio exposure and the frequency of face-to-face political discussions. The association between radio exposure and political self-efficacy was found to be strong but negative. This indicates that an increase in the level of radio exposure can lower women voters’ political self-efficacy. We argue that as a result of long political marginalization, women require higher levels of political self-efficacy, which radio exposure might not build over a shorter time during elections. This article explores various implications and recommends to policymakers, political strategists, and journalists to tap into the power of radio in boosting the key drivers of women’s electoral participation.
Viewing Constructions of Insanity and Mental Health through a Critical Lens
Authors: Russell Laura
Published: June 2021

For as long as the human intellect has been documented, individuals have maintained curiosity towards the emotional, behavioral, and social dimensions of being. It comes as no surprise that our current world continues inquiring about the realm of “mental health”, questioning how it manifests physiologically and gets expressed outwardly. Far from being an objective practice, observing, interpreting, and acting on meanings constructed of mental health remains an intersubjective process involving multiple stakeholders. And, indeed, the stakes are high. Pronouncements of individuals’ mental health, particularly regarding diagnoses, play a significant role in shaping the trajectory of persons’ lives indefinitely. Given the myriad of consequences tied to diagnostic practices, Cristina Hanganu-Bresch and Carol Berkenkotter’s 2019 book, Diagnosing Madness: The Discursive Construction of the Psychiatric Patient, 1850-1920, examines the historical underpinnings of insanity in the making. By viewing insanity through a rhetorical lens, the authors illustrate how patients, doctors, families, legal professionals, and the general public negotiate meanings for and corrective actions towards this construct.
'So Don't You Lock up Something / That You Wanted to See Fly'. What Story for Asylum Psychiatry?
Authors: Tudorie George
Published: June 2021

In a rather long piece which an exhibition catalog has called „catholic propaganda”(Busch & Maisak, 2013, p. 342), Guido Görres reflected on madness and art, using Kaulbach’s iconic 1835 drawing of asylum inmates (Das Narrenhaus) as pretext. Görres wrote of “this hospital of the human spirit (…), this charnel ground of the living, who like specters roam, wearing on their foreheads the faded and almost illegible traces of their former names.”1(1836, p. 9). Overdramatic prose, but unlikely to strike one as unprecedented. If anything, it has long been customary to exhibit a mix of fascination and revulsion when discussing the institutions which in the past two centuries at the same time sheltered and shattered those deemed mentally ill.
Hate Speech in Social Media and Its Effects on the LGBT Community: A Review of the Current Research
Authors: Ștefăniță Oana , Buf Diana-Maria
Published: June 2021

Hate speech on social media is a real problem with real consequences. Despite the constant efforts of social media platforms to moderate, flag, and ban hate posts, there is still a vast amount of hateful content flooding them. Hate speech, in general, and offensive material online, in particular, are not easy to define and may include a wide spectre of expression. To thoroughly account for the nature and intensity of the effects of hate speech in social media requires to distinguish between various shades of hate speech targeting different groups and their subsequent effects. This paper seeks to review the literature on the psychological effects of online hate speech on the LGBT community and to highlight the strong negative impact of this phenomenon. The paper aims to contribute to the field by examining the propagation and the effects of derogatory language and hate speech based on sexual orientation.
State Gun-Control, Gun-Rights, and Preemptive Firearm-Related Laws Across 50 US States for 2009–2018
Authors: Pomeranz Jennifer L. , Silver Diana , Lieff Sarah A.
Published: June 2021

Objectives. To assess state policy environments and the relationship between state gun-control, gun-rights, and preemptive firearm-related laws in the United States.

Methods. In 2019 through 2020, we evaluated substantive firearm laws and preemptive firearm laws across 50 US states for 2009 through 2018. For each state, we compared substantive measures with preemptive measures on the same policy topic for 2018.

Results. The presence of state firearm-related laws varied across states, but with the exception of “punitive preemption” the number of gun-control, gun-rights, and preemptive measures remained unchanged in most states from 2009 through 2018. As of 2018, a majority of states had preemptive measures on almost all gun-control policy topics without enacting substantive gun-control measures. Several states had a combination of gun-control and preemptive measures. Only a small number of states had gun-control measures with few to no preemptive measures.

Conclusions. Even where state legislators were unable to pass statewide gun-rights measures, they succeeded in passing preemption, preserving state authority over a wide range of gun-control and gun-rights policy topics. The majority of states used preemption as a tool to support policy frameworks favoring gun rights.
Surgical Management and Rehabilitation of an Olecranon Fracture in a Patient with Thrombocytopenia-Absent Radii
Authors: Wang Patrick Qi , Chan Andrea , Drosdowech Darren
Published: June 2021

Case:

A 29-year-old right-hand dominant woman with thrombocytopenia-absent radii syndrome was surgically treated for a right olecranon fracture. Given her forearm deformity and short lever arm, a custom-modified corrective elbow flexion splint was used during rehabilitation. Radiographic union was achieved. Although functional outcome scores were similar to the ones previously reported in the general population, the patient had persistent extension contracture.

Conclusion:

Despite good functional outcomes, the patient had reduced range of motion. With severe limb deformity, the greatest challenge is to provide optimal rehabilitation protocols and individualized tools.
Spontaneous Reduction of Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia After Posterior Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis
Authors: Iwami Takuro , Watanabe Kota , Suzuki Satoshi , Nori Satoshi , Tsuji Osahiko , Nagoshi Narihito , Okada Eijiro , Yagi Mitsuru , Fujita Nobuyuki , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio
Published: June 2021

Case:

A 22-year-old skeletally mature man with scoliosis accompanied by syringomyelia associated with Chiari malformation type 1 was presented to our hospital. Because the maximal syrinx/cord ratio was small, and he had no neurological deficit, he underwent corrective surgery without the treatment of the syringomyelia.

Conclusion:

The scoliosis was corrected without any neurological complications. Magnetic resonance imaging taken 8 days after the surgery showed the reduction of the size of the syringomyelia. The syringomyelia almost disappeared at the 8-year follow-up.
The Decline and Resurgence of Turkish Islamism
Authors: Yilmaz Ihsan , Barton Greg , Barry James
Published: June 2021

For decades, Turkish Islamists have failed to attract the votes of large sections of society and remained marginal. As a result of this failure to come to power, and due to domestic and international constraints and windows of opportunities, they have declared that they have jettisoned Islamism. Many Turkish Muslims whose religious disposition was shaped by the pluralistic urban Ottoman experience and small-town Anatolian traditionalism, and by the contesting currents of cosmopolitan pluralism and rural social conservatism, voted in favour of these former Islamists who have become “Muslim Democrats”. This paper elaborates on the genealogy of Turkish Islamists and their political trajectories and argues that when the forces and constraints of domestic and external social, political and economic conditions disappeared and the opportunities derived from being Muslim Democrats no longer existed, the former Islamists easily returned to their original ideology, showing that despite assertions to the contrary their respect for democracy and pluralism had not truly been internalised. This paper also aims to demonstrate that similar to other authoritarian populists, Erdoganists perceive the state and its leader as more important than anything else and as being above everything else, which has culminated in a personality cult and sanctification of the state. As long as Turkey’s economy continued to boom, almost everyone was happy that Turkey could readily market the “Muslim Democrats” story to the whole world for a long period as a major success story, or as an “exemplary Muslim country” or “model”. Yet, Middle Eastern elites and Western forces got carried away and learnt the hard way just how naive their view was in perhaps the first great transformation movement of the twenty-first century – the Arab Spring. Likewise, the Turkish Spring turned all too quickly towards autumn and then winter.
Rereading Diaspora
Authors: Trimboli Daniella
Published: June 2021

The contemporary diasporic experience is fragmented and contradictory, and the notion of ‘home’ increasingly blurry. In response to these moving circumstances, many diaspora and multiculturalism studies’ scholars have turned to the everyday, focussing on the local particularities of the diasporic experience. Using the Italo-Australian digital storytelling collection Racconti: La Voce del Popolo, this paper argues that, while crucial, the everyday experience of diaspora always needs to be read in relation to broader, dislocated contexts. Indeed, to draw on Grant Farred (2009), the experience of diaspora must be read both in relation to—but always ‘out of’—context. Reading diaspora in this way helps reveal aspects of diasporic life that have the potential to productively disrupt dominant assimilationist discourses of multiculturalism that continue to dominate. This kind of re-reading is pertinent in colonial nations like Australia, whose multiculturalism rhetoric continues to echo normative whiteness.
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using carbon dioxide, water and electricity
Authors: Yeo Boon Siang , Zhou Yansong , Martín Antonio , Dattila Federico , Xi Shibo , López Núria , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: June 2021

The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis of fuels from CO and H2 lies at the heart of the successful and mature Gas-to-Liquid technology; however its reliance on fossil resources comes with the burden of an undesirable carbon footprint. In contrast, the electroreduction of CO2 (CO2RR) powered by renewable electricity has the potential to produce the same type of fuels, but in a carbon-neutral fashion. To date, only ethylene and ethanol are attainable at reasonable efficiencies and exclusively on copper. Herein, we report that the oxygenated compounds of nickel can selectively electroreduce CO2 to C1 – C6 hydrocarbons with significant yields (Faradaic efficiencies of C3+ up to 6.5%). While metallic Ni only produces hydrogen and methane under CO2RR and FT conditions respectively, we show that polarized nickel (Niδ+) sites facilitate ambient CO2RR via the FT mechanism. The catalysts yield multi-carbon molecules with an unprecedented chain growth probability values (α) up to 0.44, which matches many technical FT synthesis systems. We anticipate that the integration of the herein proposed electrochemical-FT scheme with fuel cells may provide at this seminal stage up to 7% energy efficiency for C3+ hydrocarbons, inaugurating a new era towards the defossilization of the chemical industry.
A Study On Fatigue Classification By Logistic Regression Method: Based On Data of Tongue And Pulse
Authors: Shi Yulin , Jiang Tao , Hu Xiao-juan , Cui Ji , Cui Long-tao , Tu Li-ping , Yao Xing-hua , Lan Fang , Li Jun , Bi Zi-jaun , Li Jia-cai , Huang Jing-bin , Xu Jia-tuo
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Fatigue is a subjective symptom which is hard to quantify, it is prevalent in sub-health and disease population, and there is still no accurate and stable method to distinguish disease fatigue from sub-health fatigue. Tongue and pulse diagnoses are the reflection of the overall state of the body, and the modern researches of tongue and pulse diagnoses have made great progress. This study aims to explore the distribution rules of tongue and pulse data in disease fatigue and sub-health fatigue population, and evaluate the contribution rate of tongue and pulse data to fatigue diagnosis through modeling. Methods: Tongue and Face Diagnosis Analysis-1 instrument and Pulse Diagnosis Analysis-1 instrument were used to collect tongue image and pulse sphygmogram of sub-health fatigue population (n=252) and disease fatigue group(n=1160), we mainly analyzed the tongue and pulse characteristics and constructed the classification model based on logistic regression method. Results: The results showed that sub-health fatigue people and disease fatigue people had different characteristics of tongue and pulse, and the logistic regression model based on tongue and pulse data showed a better classification effect. The accuracy of healthy controls & sub-health fatigue, sub-health fatigue & disease fatigue, health controls & disease fatigue model were 65.70%, 65.10%, 78.90%, and the AUC were 0.678, 0.834, and 0.879 respectively. Conclusion: This study provided a new non-invasive method for the fatigue diagnosis from the perspective of objective tongue and pulse data, the modern tongue and pulse diagnoses have a good application prospect.
Eyes Compensate Smile When Wearing Mask
Authors: Okazaki Shuntaro , Yamanami Haruna , Nakagawa Fumika , Takuwa Nozomi , Kawabata Keith James Duncan
Published: June 2021

The use of face masks has become ubiquitous. Although mask wearing is a convenient way to reduce the spread of disease, it is important to know how the mask affects our communication via facial expression. For example, when we are wearing the mask and meet a friend, are our facial expressions different compared to when we are not? We investigated the effect of face mask wearing on facial expression, including the area around the eyes. We measured surface electromyography from zygomaticus major, orbicularis oculi, and depressor anguli oris, when people smiled and talked with or without the mask. We found that only orbicularis oculi were facilitated by wearing the mask. We thus concluded that mask wearing increases the use of eye smiling as a form of communication. In other words, we can express joy and happiness even when wearing the mask using eye smiling.
GI-SleepNet: A Highly Versatile Image-based Sleep Classification using a Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Gao Tian Xiang , Li Jia Yi , Watanabe Yuji , Hung Chi Jung , Yamanaka Akihiro , Horie Kazumasa , Yanagisawa Masashi , Ohsawa Masahiro , Kume Kazuhiko
Published: June 2021

Sleep-stage classification is essential for sleep research. Various automatic judgment programs including deep learning algorithms using artificial intelligence (AI) have been developed, but with limitations in data format compatibility, human interpretability, cost, and technical requirements. We developed a novel program called GI-SleepNet, generative adversarial network (GAN)-assisted image-based sleep staging for mice that is accurate, versatile, compact, and easy to use. In this program, electroencephalogram and electromyography data are first visualized as images and then classified into three stages (wake, NREM, and REM) by a supervised image learning algorithm. To increase the accuracy, we adopted GAN and artificially generated fake REM sleep data to equalize the number of stages. This resulted in improved accuracy, and as few as one mouse data yielded significant accuracy. Because of its image-based nature, it is easy to apply to data of different formats, of different species of animals, and even outside of sleep research. Image data can be easily understood by humans, thus especially confirmation by experts is easy when there are some anomalies of prediction. Because deep learning of images is one of the leading fields in AI, numerous algorithms are also available.
Towards a Polymer-Brush-Based Friction Modifier for Oil
Authors: Gmür Tobias A. , Mandal Joydeb , Cayer-Barrioz Juliette , Spencer Nicholas D.
Published: June 2021

In the search for new, oil-compatible friction-modifier additives that can significantly reduce energy consumption by reducing the friction in the boundary-lubrication regime, a macromolecular-design approach has been taken. This involved the synthesis of a series of readily functionalizable block copolymers carrying an oleophilic poly(lauryl methacrylate) block and a functionalizable poly(pentafluorophenyl methacrylate) block of various lengths by means of reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The poly(pentafluorophenyl methacrylate) block was used to attach surface-active nitro-catechol anchoring groups to the polymer. The friction-reduction properties of these polymers were assessed using 0.5 wt.% solutions in hexadecane using rolling-sliding macroscopic tribological tests. Block copolymers with roughly equal block lengths and moderate molecular weights were significantly more effective at friction reduction than all other architectures investigated. They also displayed lower friction coefficients than glycerol monooleate, a commercially used additive. The film formation ability of these polymers was examined using a quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), by monitoring their adsorption onto an iron-oxide coated QCM crystal. The polymer with highest lubrication efficiency formed a thin film of ∼17 nm thickness on the iron-oxide coated QCM crystal, consistent with the formation of a polymer brush. Interferometric rolling-sliding experiments with the same polymer showed a separating film thickness of ∼20 nm, which is consistent with the QCM-D value, bearing in mind the compression of the adsorbed layers on the two sliding surfaces during tribological testing.
Perceived Weight Gain and Eating Disorder Symptoms among LGBTQ+ Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Convergent Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Tabler Jennifer , Schmitz Rachel M , Charak Ruby , Dickinson Eliza
Published: June 2021

BackgroundIn this study, we seek to further explore the role of COVID-19 pandemic-related stress, social support, and resilience on self-reported eating disorder symptoms (using the EDE-QS) and perceived weight gain among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ+ adults) in the US context during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsEmploying a convergent mixed method design, we surveyed 411 individuals, and conducted qualitative semi-structured follow-up interviews with 43 LGBTQ+-identifying survey respondents. Using OLS regression and multinomial logistic regression, we modeled eating disorder symptoms and perceived weight gain among LGBTQ+ individuals (n=120) and cisgender and heterosexual-identifying women (n=230), to cisgender and heterosexual-identifying men (n=61). We also explored complementary interview narratives among LGBTQ+ people by employing selective coding strategies. ResultsStudy results suggest that LGBTQ+ individuals are likely experiencing uniquely high levels of pandemic-related stress, and secondly, that pandemic-related stress is associated with elevated eating disorder symptoms and higher risk of perceived weight gain. Nearly 1 in 3 participants reported eating disorder symptoms of potentially clinical significance. Social support, but not resilient coping, was found to be protective against increased eating disorder symptoms. Qualitative analyses revealed that LGBTQ+ individuals situated physical exercise constraints, challenging eating patterns, and weight concerns within their pandemic experiences. Conclusions﻿Clinicians of diverse specialties should screen for eating disorder symptoms and actively engage patients in conversations about their COVID-19 related weight gain and eating behaviors, particularly with LGBTQ+-identifying adults.
Distribution of an Analgesic Palmitoylethanolamide and Other N-Acylethanolamines in Human Placental Membranes
Authors: Svobodova Alzbeta , Vrkoslav Vladimir , Smeringaiova Ingrida , Jirsova Katerina
Published: June 2021

Human amniotic and amniochorionic membranes (AM, ACM) are the most often used grafts accelerating wound healing due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fibrotic, and analgesic properties. We assessed the distribution of endogenous fatty acid amides N-acylethanolamines (NAEs): palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and anandamide (AEA) in placental tissues, as they could participate in wound healing properties of AM/ACM grafts. Ten placentas were collected after caesarean delivery. NAEs were detected using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis in fresh samples of AM, ACM, placental disc, umbilical cord, umbilical serum and vernix caseosa), and decontaminated samples of AM and ACM. NAEs were present in all studied tissue types, with mean concentrations in fresh tissues ranging: 76 – 350 (PEA); 31 – 220 (OEA); 7 – 30 ng/g (AEA). The highest mean concentrations were found in AM (PEA: 350 ng/g) or placenta (OEA: 220 ng/g; AEA: 30 ng/g), respectively. Low levels of NAEs were found in serum and vernix. Decontamination of AM, but not ACM, induced a significant (3 – 3.5-fold) increase in the levels of NAEs. PEA is the first compound with direct analgesic effect detected in AM and ACM. We thus propose NAEs, especially PEA, as one of the possible factors responsible for the anti-hyperalgesic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of AM/ACM grafts, stimulating their wound healing effect. The increase of NAE levels in AM and ACM after tissue decontamination indicates that tissue processing may play an important role in maintaining the analgesic effect.
Tracing in Vivo the Dorsal Loop of the Optic Radiation: Convergent Perspectives From Tractography and Electrophysiology Compared to a Neuroanatomical Ground Truth.
Authors: Rizzi Michele , Sartori Ivana , Vecchio Maria Del , Zauli Flavia Maria , Berta Luca , Lizio Domenico , De Benedictis Alessandro , Sarubbo Silvio , Mariani Valeria , Al-Orabi Khalid , Avanzini Pietro
Published: June 2021

The temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) is a cortical area contributing to a multiplicity of visual, language-related and cognitive functions. In line with this functional richness, also the organization of the underlying white matter is highly complex and includes several bundles. The few studies tackling to date the outcome and neurological burdens of surgical operations addressing TPJ document the presence of language disturbances and visual field damages, with the latter hardly recovered in time. This observation advocates for procedures identifying the optic radiation (OR) bundles crossing the white matter (WM) below TPJ. In the present study we adopted a multimodal approach to address the anatomo-functional correlates of the dorsal loop (DL) of the OR. In particular, we combined cadavers’ dissection with tractographic and electrophysiological data collected in drug-resistant epileptic patients explored by stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG). Cadaver dissection allowed us to appreciate the position and geometrical properties of the DL. More surprisingly, both tractographic and electrophysiological observations converged on a unitary picture highly coherent with the data obtained by neuroanatomical observation.The combination of diverse and multimodal observations allows to overcome the limitations intrinsic to single methodologies, and to define a unitary picture which makes it possible to investigate DL presurgically and at the individual patient level, aiming at limiting the postsurgical damages. Notwithstanding, such a combined approach could serve as a model of investigation for future neuroanatomical inquiries tackling WM fibers anatomy and function through SEEG-derived neurophysiological data.
Effect of Anhydrous Gdcl3 Doping on the Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of PVP Polymer Electrolyte Films
Authors: Arasakumari M. , Subramanian K
Published: June 2021

Polymer electrolyte films containing GdCl3 salt and polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymer have been prepared by solution cast technique. X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the amorphous nature of all the films. UV-Visible optical absorption properties reveal the complex formation of polymer electrolyte with GdCl3 dopant. The absorption coefficient, direct band gap energy and indirect band gap energy are decreased with increasing GdCl3 dopant. Both dielectric and ac conductivity studies exhibit that the dielectric constant value at low frequency and ac conductivity at high frequency increases with increasing GdCl3 dopant concentration in PVP polymer. The complex impedance plots showed a single semi-circular arc for all the concentrations of CdCl3 doped in PVP. The ac conductivity and ionic conductivity are about 3.96´10-3 S/cm and 3.12´10-3 S/cm at room temperature for 15 mol% GdCl3 doped PVP polymer electrolyte films. The cyclic-voltammetry plots revealed large specific capacities with increasing in GdCl3 dopant concentration. The estimated ionic conductivity is five orders of magnitude larger than that of PVP doped with other metal salts reported earlier. The present study strongly recommends that the CdCl3 is worthy candidate for enhancing ionic conductivity of PVP and other polymers.
INHBA Promotes Cell Proliferation and Metastasis of Breast Cancer through Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xueqin Tao , Jinhong Mei , Yuping Huang
Published: June 2021

BackgroundEmerging evidences have demonstrated that inhibin subunit beta A (INHBA) is dysregulated and play critical roles in various cancers. With the development of sequencing technology, studies have discovered that INHBA is overexpressed in breast cancer tissues. However, the biological roles of INHBA in breast cancer are still far to clear. In the present study, MethodsWe analyzed the INHBA expression in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to assess the expression of INHBA in breast cancer cell lines. Cell proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were determined by using CCK-8, EdU, Transwell and western blot assays.ResultsINHBA was highly expressed in breast cancer cell lines. Functional analysis revealed that silence or elevation of INHBA inhibited or promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related markers of MCF-7 cells. Mechanically, blocking of Wnt/β-catenin pathway by XAV939 reversed the promotion effect of INHBA overexpression on breast cancer cells’ proliferation, migration and invasion.Conclusion﻿Our findings emphasized that INHBA may act as an oncogene via activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which may provide a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer.
Circulating SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Italy, October 2020-March 2021
Authors: Lai Alessia , Bergna Annalisa , Menzo Stefano , Zehender Gianguglielmo , Caucci Sara , Ghisetti Valeria , Rizzo Francesca , Maggi Fabrizio , Cerutti Francesco , Giurato Giorgio , Weisz Alessandro , Turchi Chiara , Bruzzone Bianca , Silberstein Francesca Ceccherini , Clementi Nicola , Callegaro Annapaola , Sagradi Fabio , Francisci Daniela , Rullo Emmanuele Venanzi , Vicenti Ilaria , Clementi Massimo , Galli Massimo
Published: June 2021

A growing number of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants is being identified worldwide, potentially impacting the effectiveness of current vaccines. We report the data obtained in several Italian regions involved in the SARS-CoV-2 variant monitoring from the beginning of the epidemic and spanning the period from October 2020 to March 2021.
Pandemic fatigue impedes mitigation of COVID-19 in Hong Kong
Authors: Du Zhanwei , Wang Lin , Shan Songwei , Lam Dickson , Tsang Tim , Xiao Jingyi , Gao Huizhi , Yang Bingyi , Ali Sheikh Taslim , Pei Sen , Fung Isaac Chun-Hai , Lau Eric H. Y. , Liao Qiuyan , Wu Peng , Meyers Lauren , Leung Gabriel M. , Cowling Benjamin J.
Published: June 2021

Community-wide social distancing has been a cornerstone of pandemic control prior to mass vaccinations. The extent to which pandemic fatigue is undermining adherence to such measures and accelerating transmission remains unclear. Using large-scale weekly telephone surveys and mobility data, we characterize the evolution of risk perception and protective behaviours in Hong Kong. We estimate a 1.5% to 5.5% reduction in population compliance with protective policies for the fourth wave (October 2020 to January 2021) versus the third wave (July to August 2020), inducing prolonged disease circulation with increased infections. Mathematical models incorporating population protective behaviours estimates that the fourth wave would have been 14% smaller if not for pandemic fatigue. Mitigating pandemic fatigue is essential in maintaining population protective behaviours for controlling COVID-19.