bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observing Deep Radiomics for the Classification of Glioma Grades
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuma , Miyake Mototaka , Takahashi Masamichi , Hamamoto Ryuji
Published: February 2021

Deep learning is promising for medical image analysis because it can automatically acquire meaningful representations from raw data. However, a technical challenge lies in the difficulty of determining which types of internal representation are associated with a specific task, because feature vectors, which collectively constitute the feature maps, can vary dynamically according to individual inputs. Therefore, based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of gliomas, we propose a novel technique to extract a shareable set of feature vectors that encode various parts in tumor imaging phenotypes. Because the set of feature vectors is shared across a population, it can be used in other downstream tasks as if these feature vectors are imaging markers. Then, based on the feature vectors, a classifier is established using logistic regression to predict the glioma grade, and an accuracy of 90% is achieved. Besides, we develop an algorithm to visualize the image region encoded by each feature vector, and demonstrate that the classification model preferentially relies on feature vectors associated with the presence or absence of contrast enhancement in tumor regions. The proposed method provides a data-driven approach to enhance the understanding of physicians on the imaging appearance of gliomas.
How a Sample of English Stop Smoking Services and Vape Shops Adapted During the Early Covid-19 Pandemic: a Mixed-methods Cross Sectional Survey
Authors: Cox Sharon , Ward Emma , Ross Louise , Notley Caitlin
Published: February 2021

Background: The early 2020 Covid-19 outbreak in England led to major changes in delivery of support via stop smoking services (SSS) and to the widespread temporary closure of bricks and mortar e-cigarette retailers, indicating serious disruption to the overall level of support available for smokers trying to quit. At the same time, there was a publicised public health campaign calling for smokers to ‘Quit for Covid’. The impact of disruptions across the smoking cessation support landscape has not been fully documented. The purpose of this study was to capture how SSS and vape shops in England were affected and adapted their ‘business as usual’ during the early months of Covid-19 outbreak.Method: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between March-July 2020. Surveys were disseminated through online networks, professional forums and contacts. Open-ended qualitative responses were coded using thematic analysis.Results: SSS were able to adapt during this period. A high percentage (74.6%) of vape shops had to close and were unable to make changes; 71.2% report business declining. For both services qualitative data revealed practical challenges to adapting, but also new pathways to support and co-working. Conclusion: The closure of vape shops appears to have most impacted smaller bricks and mortar shops affecting businesses by decline in customers and impacting staff (furlough). For those services that could stay open there may be lessons learned in how to support vulnerable and disadvantaged smokers by considering new pathways to support.
Being a Mentor in Open Source Projects
Authors: Steinmacher Igor , Balali Sogol , Trinkenreich Bianca , Guizani Mariam , Izquierdo-Cortazar Daniel , Zambrano Grizelda G. Cuevas , Gerosa Marco Aurelio , Sarma Anita
Published: February 2021

A well-known way to help newcomers overcome initial contribution challenges is mentoring. This strategy has proven effective in offline and online communities, and to some extent has been employed in Open Source Software (OSS) projects. Through mentoring, newcomers are trained to acquire the technical, social, and organizational skills they need. Despite the importance of OSS mentors, they are under studied in the literature. Understanding who mentors in OSS projects are, the challenges they face, and the strategies they use can help OSS projects better understand and support mentors' work. In this paper, we investigate the OSS mentors' perspectives by employing a two-stage study. First, we understand the characteristics of the mentors in a large OSS community through a large-scale online survey in the Apache Software Foundation. We found that contributors who are volunteers and less experienced are less likely to take on the role of mentoring. Second, we identify the challenges that mentors face and how they mitigate these challenges through interviews with OSS mentors (n=18). In total, we identified 25 general mentorship challenges and 7 sub-categories of challenges regarding task recommendation. We also identified 13 strategies to overcome these challenges. Our results provide insights for OSS communities, formal mentorship programs like Outreachy, and tool builders who design automated support for task assignment and internship.
Ethnobotanical study on traditional medicinal recorded in the Naxi Dongba Sutras
Authors: Li Haitao , Li Zhiyong , Zhang Xiaobo , Yang Shaohua , Chen Cui , Yang Qingning , He Chengfeng , Song Jingyuan , Liu Jianqin
Published: February 2021

Background: The Naxi people, living in Southwest China, have a long history and a rich characteristic culture. Their ancestors recorded their life practices by ancient hieroglyphs and gradually formed the Dongba Sutras, which, among other knowledge, included the traditional knowledge of Naxi medicine. In the past, most studies on the Dongba Sutras focused on the humanistic culture of Naxi people, whereas studies have rarely focused on Naxi herbal medicinal plants described in the Dongba Sutras. Studying this aspect is helpful for exploring the traditional culture of Naxi people from the perspective of traditional medicine.Methods: From February to September 2019, we screened the medicinal plants from the Dongba Sutras with the help of Dongba. Then, we carried out field investigatios and collected voucher specimens of traditional medicinal plants with the help of 104 Naxi folk healers. The specimens were identified and stored in the Herbarium of Yunnan Branch, Institute of Medicinal Plants, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (IMDY). Through semi-structured interviews, we obtained ethnobotanical information of medicinal plants. The obtained quantitative data were analysed using the informant consensus factor (ICF) method and the number of citations.Results: A total 85 species of medicinal plants belonging to 51 families and 71 genera were recorded in the Dongba Sutras. Among them, 25 species were endemic to China, and eight species were only distributed in Naxi distribution areas. These medicinal plants were mainly obtained from the wild, and 22 species could be used as food. The most frequent method of taking medicinal materials was oral-taking after decoction, followed by topical and sometimes buccal. The methods of processing these medicinal materials included water decoction, warm water flushing, and drinking after soaking. The medicinal plants in the Dongba Sutras are used to treat 96 conditions classified into 13 disease groups according to the International Classification of Primary Care second edition. Further analysis indicated that most of these plant species were utilised for treating diseases from the digestive (D) group, followed by the those from the respiratory (R) group, musculoskeletal (L) group, general, and unspecified (A) group. Moreover, the Naxi people have high consensus on the treatments of diseases from these four pathological groups. Conclusions: Naxi traditional medicine is simple and unique. The ancient Naxi people recorded their highly developed medical culture in the Dongba Sutras. Natural plant resources found around them were their primary choices for both medicine and diet therapy. The ecological ethics of Naxi people have positive significance for the conservation of wild resources in their area.
Estimation of the SARS-CoV-2 infection fatality rate in Germany
Authors: Dimpfl Thomas , Sönksen Jantje , Bechmann Ingo , Grammig Joachim
Published: February 2021

Assessing the infection fatality rate (IFR) of SARS-CoV-2 is one of the most controversial issues during the pandemic. Due to asymptomatic or mild courses of COVID-19, many infections remain undetected. Reported case fatality rates - COVID-19-associated deaths divided by number of detected infections - are therefore poor estimates of the IFR. Endogenous changes of the population at risk of a SARS-CoV-2 infection, changing test practices and an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of COVID-19 further exacerbate the estimation of the IFR. Here, we propose a strategy to estimate the IFR of SARS-CoV-2 in Germany that combines official data on reported cases and fatalities supplied by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) with data from seroepidemiological studies in two infection hotspots, the Austrian town Ischgl and the German municipality Gangelt, respectively. For this purpose, we use the law of total probability to derive an approximate formula for the IFR that is based on a set of assumptions regarding data quality and test specificity and sensitivity. The resulting estimate of the IFR in Germany of 0.83% (95% CI: [0.69%; 0.98%]) that is based on a combination of the RKI and Ischgl data is notably higher than the IFR estimate reported in the Gangelt study (0.36% [0.29%; 0.45%]). It is closer to the consolidated estimate based on a meta-analysis (0.68% [0.53%; 0.82%]), where the difference can be explained by Germany's disadvantageous age structure. As a result of virus mutations, vaccination strategies, and improved therapy, a re-estimation of the IFR will eventually be mandated; the proposed method is able to account for such developments.
HIV-1 sequences in lentiviral vector genomes can be substantially reduced without compromising transduction efficiency
Authors: Sertkaya Helin , Ficarelli Mattia , Sweeney Nathan P , Parker Hannah , Vink Conrad A , Swanson Chad M
Published: February 2021

Many lentiviral vector genomes used for gene therapy are derived from HIV-1 and contain sequences required for genome expression, encapsidation and reverse transcription. In addition, they contain substantial regions of gag and env. Extraneous viral sequence in the genome reduces the maximum size of the transgene expression cassette and potentially increases biosafety concerns. Importantly, it remains unclear whether all of the HIV-1 sequence is required for transduction efficiency. To determine the functional relevance of the viral sequences in the vector genome, we performed a deletion analysis. Most of gag could be deleted without compromising vector titre. Within env, only the RRE is necessary, allowing over 50% of this region to be deleted. Oxford Nanopore sequencing showed that deleting 507 nt of env decreased the number of pre-mRNA splicing events per transcript and increased the proportion of unspliced genomes. Finally, combining the deletion in gag with moving the RRE downstream of the 3’ R to prevent its reverse transcription showed that substantial amounts of HIV-1 sequence can be removed from the vector genome without compromising transduction efficiency. Overall, this allows the creation of lentiviral vector genomes that contain minimal HIV-1 sequence, which could improve biosafety and increase the transgene capacity.
Fluid-Screen as a Real Time Dielectrophoretic Method for Universal Microbial Capture
Authors: Weber Monika , Weber Robert , Petkowski Janusz , Michaels Brandye , Wisniewski Kamil , Piela Anna , Antoszczyk Slawomir
Published: February 2021

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) has shown great promise for particle separation for decades; however, it has not yet been widely applied in routine laboratory setting. This paper provides an overview of a new DEP microbial capture and separation method called Fluid-Screen (FS), that achieves an efficient, reliable and repeatable capture and separation of microbial cells. Method verification experiments demonstrated that the FS system captured 100% of bacteria in test samples, a capture efficiency much higher than previously reported for similar technology. Data generated supports the superiority of the FS method as compared to the established Plate Counting Method (PCM), that is routinely used to detect bacterial contamination in healthcare, pharmacological and food industries. We have established that the FS method is universal and can capture and separate different species of bacteria and fungi to viruses, from various sample matrices (i.e. human red blood cells, mammalian cells).
GNG5 is a novel oncogene associated with cell migration, proliferation, and poor prognosis in glioma
Authors: Zhang Wang , Liu Zhendong , Liu Binchao , Jiang Miaomiao , Yan Shi , Han Xian , Shen Hong , Na Meng , Wang Yanbiao , Ren Zhishuai , Liu Binfeng , Gao Yanzheng , Jiang Zhenfeng , Lin Zhiguo
Published: February 2021

Background: Although many biomarkers have been reported for detecting glioma, the prognosis for the disease remains poor, and therefore, new biomarkers need to be identified. GNG5, which is part of the G-protein family, has been associated with different malignant tumors, though the role of GNG5 in glioma has not been studied. Therefore, we aimed to identify the relationship between GNG5 and glioma prognosis and identify a new biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas.Methods: We used data on more than a thousand gliomas from multiple databases and clinical data to determine the expression of GNG5 in glioma. Based on clinical data and CGGA database, we identified the correlation between GNG5 and multiple molecular and clinical features and prognosis using various analytical methods. Co-expression analysis and GSEA were performed to detect GNG5-related genes in glioma and possible signaling pathways involved. ESTIMATE, ssGSEA, and TIMER were used to detect the relationship between GNG5 and the immune microenvironment. Functional experiments were performed to explore the function of GNG5 in glioma cells.Results: GNG5 is highly expressed in gliomas, and its expression level is positively correlated with pathological grade, histological type, age, and tumor recurrence and negatively correlated with isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation, 1p/19 co-deletion, and chemotherapy. Moreover, GNG5 as an independent risk factor was negatively correlated with the overall survival time. GSEA revealed the potential signaling pathways involved in GNG5 function in gliomas, including cell adhesion molecules signaling pathway. The ssGSEA, ESTIMATE, and TIMER based analysis indicated a correlation between GNG5 expression and various immune cells in glioma. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that GNG5 could participate in glioma cell proliferation and migration.Conclusions: Based on the large data platform and the use of different databases to corroborate results obtained using various datasets, as well as in vitro and in vivo experiments, our study reveals for the first time that GNG5, as an oncogene, is overexpressed in gliomas and can inhibit the proliferation and migration of glioma cells and lead to poor prognosis of patients. Thus, GNG5 is a potential novel biomarker for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of gliomas.
Effects of a Gibberellin Inhibitor on Flowering, Vegetative Propagation, and Production of Rapid Generation Cycling Gladiolus for Potted Plant Production
Authors: Aljaser Jaser A. , Anderson Neil O.
Published: February 2021

Gladiolus (Gladiolus ×hybridus) is an asexually propagated, herbaceous perennial and an economically important cut flower crop. In commercial production, gladioli have tall flower stalks, which limit their use to cut flowers and annual garden plants. The gladiolus breeding program at the University of Minnesota has bred and selected rapid generation cycling (RGC) cycle 1 gladiolus, which can flower in <1 year from seed instead of the norm of 3 to 5 years (which are vegetatively propagated as corms). Gibberellin inhibitors, such as ancymidol, are used as plant growth retardants to control height in potted plants. Higher concentrations can inhibit flowering along with other negative side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth, flowering, and corm/cormel production response of cycle 1 gladiolus to the gibberellin inhibitor, ancymidol (0, 100, and 400 mg·L−1 soak) in comparison with noncycle 1 genotypes and commercial cultivars for potted gladiolus production. Cycle 1 genotypes flowered with all ancymidol concentrations while noncycle 1 genotypes had significantly fewer flowers or were completely nonflowering under higher concentrations. All tested genotypes had increased leaf width as ancymidol concentration increased. Conversely, flower stalk heights were shorter as the ancymidol concentration increased while the number of stalks was nonsignificant. Corms, cormel number, and fresh weights decreased in all genotypes except for one cycle 1 genotype, which had an increase in both corm number and fresh weight when treated with 100 mg·L−1 ancymidol. Cycle 1 gladiolus are more resilient to this gibberellin inhibitor even at high concentrations and can potentially be used for gladiolus potted plant production.
A Study of Frequency and Pattern of Adverse Transfusion Reactions at a Blood Bank in a Tertiary Care Hospital: Towards Hemovigilance
Authors: Shajil Suzaan , Adiga Deepa Sowkur Anandarama , Saha Debarshi , Chakraborty Shrijeet , Rao Ranjitha
Published: February 2021

Background: Adequate and safe transfusion facility of blood and its components is necessary as blood transfusions are a part of life saving measures in medical and surgical emergencies. However, transfusion practice could result in non-fatal to fatal adverse transfusion reactions (ATR). Therefore, it is important to identify various adverse reactions so that steps can be taken to minimize such reactions and ensure safer transfusion being carried out.

Methods: All ATRs reported to the blood bank from January 2013 to December 2016 were reviewed and analysed. The frequency of ATRs and its association with various component types were assessed.

Result: During the study period, a total of 199106 units of blood were issued from the blood bank out of which there was an incidence of 77 (0.12%) transfusion reactions. Chills/rigors was the most common symptom (27.3%) of the symptomatic cases followed by pruritis (23.4%)

Majority of the transfusion reaction were non haemolytic, 76 (98.7%) cases. One case was of haemolytic transfusion reaction. Among the non-haemolytic transfusion reactions, febrile non haemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR) constituted 28 (36.4%) and allergic reactions constituted 41(53.2%). Other transfusion reactions including hypotensive transfusion reaction (HTR), 1 (1.3%) case and transfusion associated dyspnoea (TAD), 6 (7.8%) cases were also seen. The frequency of ATRs was highest with packed red cells (PC) being 75.3% and least with platelet concentrate (PLTC) being 11.7%.

Conclusion: The frequency of ATRs in our blood bank was found to be on a lower scale when compared to that of most of the similar studies. Allergic reactions and FNHTR were the most common ATRs seen, introduction of leukoreduction filters would help reduce FNHTRs.
ECONOMIC CULTURE OF UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
Authors: Lepak Pavlo , Larysa Kulish
Published: February 2021

Condition research of economic culture of Ukraine in the context of European integration is fundamental for the formation of effective reforms and strategies of public administration and the need for further methodological improvement.
The theoretical and methodological basis of the article is the scientific research of scientists and reports of international organizations, in particular the condition research of world values, conducted as part of the research "World values ​​Survey" (WVS), in the period 2017-2020.
General approaches and research methods were used during the preparation of the article: theoretical generalization, analysis, synthesis and system method, statistical research, sociological research and expert opinions.
The use of these methods allowed to consider the current position of economic culture and entrepreneurial culture in the context of European integration, through the prism of economic values, which are empirically studied.
In this research, the author's determination of the state of economic culture in the transformation process was carried out
THE INTERNAL AUDITORS OF PHARMACEUTICAL QUALITY SYSTEMS COMPETENCE IMPROVING
Authors: Lebedynets Viacheslav , Karamavrova Tetiana
Published: February 2021

The importance of internal audits for the pharmaceutical company, which is indicated in the guidelines for good practices in pharmacy (in particular, GMP, GDP).
The issue of selection, training, grading, certification and continuous improvement of the auditor’s competence at pharmaceutical companies are relevant and important both for domestic ones, and for foreign enterprises.
The aim of the study was to determine the competence of the pharmacy quality system internal auditors’ and the areas of its development.
Materials and methods. The object of the study was the competence of internal auditors of pharmaceutical quality systems. Empirical and theoretical research methods were used, in particular the method of comparative analysis of scientific literature in the field of research, the method of structural and logical modeling. The information basis was the provisions of regulations and materials published in the open professional scientific literature.
Results. The competence of quality management system auditors in general and pharmaceutical quality system in particular consists of personal qualities, professional knowledge and skills. The ISO 19011 standard highlights the importance of evaluating and continuous development of auditors’ competence. Such an assessment should take into account the needs of the audit program and its objectives. Areas of development of auditors' competence should be determined by the specifics of industry activities. This provision of the standard should be considered relevant for pharmaceutical companies.
Conclusions. We studied the requirements for the competence of QMS internal auditors of international and industry standards. A review of the regulatory framework showed a lack of information on the chosen area of the research. Defined requirements for the competence of the PQM audits staff assists the selection of specialists to the audit team so that the overall competence of the audit team is sufficient to achieve the objectives of the audit.
SPECIFIC COMPOSITION OF CHICKPEA PESTS IN THE FOREST-STEPPE OF UKRAINE
Authors: Dolia Mykola , Kovalska Anna
Published: February 2021

The research aim is to improve the system of chickpea protection from pests, based on clarification of their specific composition and harmfulness under conditions of Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.

In modern field crop rotations leguminous crops cultivation favors optimization of the phytosanitary condition of agrocoenosis, and new agrarian production is provided by the effective demand for grain at not only internal, but also external markets. At that climate changes with global warming and long droughty vegetation periods of leguminous crops testify to the importance of searching for new adapted crops, resistant sorts and improved technological cultivation methods of crops, especially, chickpea, essentially influencing grain economy in whole both in Ukraine and EU.

Thus, it has been established, that ordinary chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an economically, phytomedically and ecologically expedient crop from both aspects of soil fertility increase and control of the harmful organisms complex that, in its turn, it worth special attention, so sowing areas, occupied by it, are completely important. Soil-climatic conditions of Ukraine are optimal for cultivating native highly productive chickpea sorts, not inferior to foreign ones with the potential yielding capacity as 2.5–3.0 t/ha.

The authors elucidate one of main control peculiarities of the insects-phytophagans under new agriculture systems. It is typical, that chickpea is a comparatively new crop in the Forest-steppe of Ukraine and doesn’t favor the development, propagation and number increase of specialized pests’ species. It is noted, that due to fluffing and extraction of organic acids by leaves, chickpea manifests protective properties as to pests of leaves and generative organs. But chickpea is damaged by polyphagans with harvest losses in several variants up to 50% that testifies to the elaboration topicality of modern system of crops protection from phytophagans at resource-saving cultivation technologies
INVESTIGATION OF HYGROSCOPIC PROPERTIES AND POROSITY OF GLUED REINFORCED SAUSAGE CASINGS
Authors: Оnishchenko Vyacheslav , Pak Andrey , Goralchuk Andrii , Shubina Lidiia , Bolshakova Viktoria , Inzhyyants Samvel , Pak Alina , Domanova Olena
Published: February 2021

There is substantiated the topicality of studying hygroscopic properties and porosity of glued reinforced sausage casings of intestinal raw materials. The work aim is to establish storage conditions of glued reinforced sausage casings of intestinal raw materials and their porosity determination. Studies of hygroscopic properties of glued reinforced sausage casings of intestinal raw materials   have established a possibility of their long-term storage in a polymer package at a relative humidity no more 60…70 %. It has been established, that at a relative humidity more 70 %, storage is possible only in a steam-tight package. It has been noted, that a storage temperature at that must be selected in the diapason from 0 °С to 25 °С. It has been established, that the sorption isotherm for a model of a reinforcing seam material, obtained from glued intestinal casings using thermal coagulation, is lower than the one of the glued casing of intestinal raw materials relative to the axis of moisture content. The research result is explained by different porosity of samples. Differential functions of pores distribution by radiuses for studied samples have been obtained, and most probable and average radiuses for them have been calculated. The obtained distribution functions have a similar character and close maximum positions relative to the axis that the size-free pore radius is put on. They differ by lines width, testifying to the fact that samples differ by relative number of pores of different radiuses. It has been established, that most probable radiuses of pores for the studied samples differ within error, and average radiuses differ more than twice. It has been noted, that just more developed porous structure is a cause of the fact that the sorption isotherm of glued casings is higher relative to the one of a reinforcing seam material model. It has been noted, that at reinforcing protein molecules of the initial raw material change their structure because of thermal coagulation in such a way that the porous composition of the obtained raw material becomes closer to the monodispersed one
The atomic arrangement and electronic interactions in vonsenite at 295, 100, and 90 K
Authors: Maderazzo Marc , Hughes John M. , Dyar M. Darby , Rossman George R. , Ackley Brandon J. , Sklute Elizabeth C. , Lupulescu Marian V. , Chiarenzelli Jeffrey
Published: February 2021

Vonsenite, Fe22+Fe3+O2BO3, has been the subject of many studies in the materials science and condensed matter physics communities due to interest in the electronic and magnetic properties and ordering behavior of the phase. One such study, undertaken on synthetic material of end-member composition, reports X-ray diffraction structure refinements that indicate a phase transition from Pbam to Pbnm at or just below ~283 K, determined subsequently to arise from a Peierls-like instability. To compare the stability of the natural phase with that of synthetic material, we performed high-precision X-ray crystal-structure analyses at 295, 100, and 90 K (R1 = 0.0119, 0.0186, and 0.0183, respectively), Mössbauer spectroscopy at 295, 220, 150, 80, and 4.2 K, and wavelength-dispersive electron microprobe analysis on a vonsenite of near-end-member composition from Jayville, New York, U.S.A. The Pbnm structure is observed at 100 and 90 K, suggesting similar phase stability for the natural and synthetic phases. Comparison of Mössbauer data and X-ray site occupancies between the natural and synthetic phases suggests a reinterpretation of Mössbauer site assignments. We conclude that the Peierls-like instability underlying the reported transition from Pbam to Pbnm in synthetic material also occurs in our specimen of natural near-end-member vonsenite at temperatures between 295 and 100 K.
Mesoproterozoic seafloor authigenic glauconite-berthierine: Indicator of enhanced reverse weathering on early Earth
Authors: Ma Jianbai , Shi Xiaoying , Lechte Maxwell , Zhou Xiqiang , Wang Zhenfei , Huang Kangjun , Rudmin Maxim , Tang Dongjie
Published: February 2021

Sedimentary records suggest that the mid-Proterozoic (ca. 1.8–0.8 Ga) was persistently characterized by a greenhouse climate despite significantly lower solar luminosity compared to modern levels. To maintain greenhouse conditions, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) must have remained elevated, possibly indicative of key differences in the complexities of the carbon cycle compared to the modern. Modeling has suggested that high pCO2 was likely maintained by elevated rates of “reverse weathering:” marine authigenic clay formation, a process that consumes alkalinity and generates CO2. This process is kinetically slow in modern marine environments, yet is hypothesized to have been enhanced during the mid-Proterozoic due to the greater availability of important species for clay authigenesis such as silica and ferrous iron. This hypothesis is testable using the geological record, because enhanced reverse weathering would lead to the formation of abundant marine authigenic clays. However, the distribution of marine authigenic clays in the Proterozoic sedimentary record has not been paid sufficient attention. In this study, we report the presence of authigenic clays (glauconite and berthierine) from the Xiamaling Formation (ca. 1.4 Ga), North China. The glauconite-berthierine horizons occur as millimeter-to centimeter-thick laminae interbedded with muddy siltstone and feature detrital grains supported by the clay matrix. In places, these layers were partially reworked to form soft and cohesive intraclastic sands, suggesting a syndepositional origin. We hypothesize that marine iron cycling in the iron- and silica-rich mid-Proterozoic oceans may have facilitated the formation of authigenic iron-rich clay during the deposition of the Xiamaling Formation. The formation of iron-hydroxides on the seafloor—and the local increase in pH caused by subsequent dissimilatory iron reduction—could have resulted in the absorption of SiO2, Al(OH)3, and Fe(OH)2 to form soft, cohesive and noncrystalline Fe(OH)3-SiO2-Al(OH)3-Fe(OH)2 gels. These gels would have subsequently converted to glauconite/berthierine through aging. The transformation from glauconite-rich layers to berthierine-rich laminae was likely facilitated by a greater availability of Fe(II), and therefore higher Fe(II)/TFe and Fe/Si ratios. We suggest that the relatively rapid formation of syndepositional, seafloor berthierine and glauconite layers in the basal Xiamaling Formation is the result of enhanced reverse weathering during this time. This study provides an important geological support for carbon cycle models that invokes enhanced reverse weathering rates in the mid-Proterozoic ocean that may have helped to maintain a high-baseline pCO2 during this time.
On quantum separation of variables beyond fundamental representations
Authors: Maillet Jean Michel , Niccoli Giuliano
Published: February 2021

We describe the extension, beyond fundamental representations of the
Yang-Baxter algebra, of our new construction of separation of variables
bases for quantum integrable lattice models. The key idea underlying our
approach is to use the commuting conserved charges of the quantum
integrable models to generate bases in which their spectral problem is separated,
i.e. in which the wave functions are factorized in terms of specific
solutions of a functional equation. For the so-called “non-fundamental”
models we construct two different types of SoV bases. The first is given
from the fundamental quantum Lax operator having isomorphic auxiliary
and quantum spaces and that can be obtained by fusion of the original
quantum Lax operator. The construction essentially follows the one we
used previously for fundamental models and allows us to derive the
simplicity and diagonalizability of the transfer matrix spectrum. Then,
starting from the original quantum Lax operator and using the full tower
of the fused transfer matrices, we introduce a second type of SoV bases
for which the proof of the separation of the transfer matrix spectrum is
naturally derived. We show that, under some special choice, this second
type of SoV bases coincides with the one associated to Sklyanin’s
approach. Moreover, we derive the finite difference type (quantum
spectral curve) functional equation and the set of its solutions
defining the complete transfer matrix spectrum. This is explicitly
implemented for the integrable quantum models associated to the higher
spin representations of the general quasi-periodic
Y(gl_{2})Y(gl2)
Yang-Baxter algebra. Our SoV approach also leads to the construction of
a QQ-operator
in terms of the fused transfer matrices. Finally, we show that the
QQ-operator
family can be equivalently used as the family of commuting conserved
charges enabling to construct our SoV bases.
Andersen’s beautifully clueless fairy tales
Authors:   Charles University, Lukavská Jana Segi
Published: February 2021

The article reviews the recently reprinted Czech monograph Slavíci, mořské víly a bolavé zuby: Pohádky H. Ch. Andersena: mezi romantismem a modernitou (Nightingales, Mermaids and Toothaches: Andersen’s Fairy Tales between Romanticism and Modernity) by Helena Březinová. By outlining the Czech context of research in the field of children’s literature and analyzing Březinová’s book, the review shows the substantial contribution of the publication for the Czech speaking audience. Březinová carefully analyzes several examples of Andersen’s work to convincingly show its ambiguous, disturbing potential, which was lost in the vast majority of Czech retellings and adaptations. Consequently, Andersen’s work is commonly perceived as purely children’s literature in the Czech context. Březinová questions this notion by thoroughly uncovering Andersen’s subtle play with genre norms and readers’ expectations on multiple text layers. Březinová’s book is intended not only for literary experts, but also for a wide audience of readers with her eloquent and witty writing. Her primary focus is a narratological analysis, however, she makes good use of translation studies, literary history, linguistics, and philosophy as well. In her close readings, she shows Andersen’s simple, yet highly sophisticated stories as rooted in romanticism but also anticipatory of modernist themes such as the crisis of language and subject.
Statistical analysis of fine resolution flow datasets helps characterizing flow behaviour in primary clarifiers: a decision support method
Authors: Kiss Katalin , Patziger Miklós
Published: February 2021

In situ measurement campaigns of primary clarifiers are rarely implemented properly because of their cost, time, and energy demand. Hydrodynamic modelling possibilities for such reactors have been intensely examined recently, but on-site factors affecting flow characteristics (e.g. flow distributors) have not received sufficient attention. This paper describes the use of ANOVA in examining fine resolution flow datasets and the related decision support method for in situ measurement campaigns and subsequent modelling processes. The characteristics of the flow and the applicability of 2D and 3D methods to investigate hydrodynamic features are discussed through the example of a rectangular primary clarifier, also considering the reproducibility of measurements ranging from typical nominal flow rates to peak loads. Based on the data, recommendations are provided on the adequate sizing of a measurement campaign, potentially reduced to a single longitudinal section (2D measurement). According to our results, performing hydrodynamic measurements with a 2D-arrangement of measuring points is sufficient in the case of such clarifiers, also with regard to the design processes. When applying the described methods, the related efforts and costs may be reduced and estimated more easily. However, care should be taken when applying this method to determine the spacing of measuring points correctly.
Gastronomi ve Mutfak Sanatları Bölümü Öğrencilerinin Meslek Seçimlerinde Etkili Olan Aile ve Yakın Çevre Faktörlerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: İçigen Melih , Geçgin Ercan
Published: February 2021

Bireyin geleceğini şekillendirebilmesini sağlayan en önemli yollardan biri meslek seçimidir. Meslek seçimi bireyin hem kişisel hem de toplumsal rollerinin belirlenmesinde etkili olmaktadır. Bu çalışma Gastronomi ve Mutfak Sanatları Bölümünü seçen öğrencilerin bu seçimlerinde etkili olan aile ve yakın çevre faktörlerini incelemeye ve anlamlandırmaya dayanmaktadır. Bu nedenle araştırmada meslek seçiminde aile ve yakın çevre faktörlerinin etkisi fenomenolojik bakışla ele alınması amaçlanmıştır. Bu kapsamda nitel araştırma yöntemine uygun şekilde, Türkiye’nin farklı şehirlerinden Kapadokya Üniversitesi Gastronomi ve Mutfak Sanatları Bölümünden 17 öğrenci ile Ocak- Şubat 2020 tarihleri arasında derinlemesine görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler esnasında öğrencilerin ifadeleri “Mesleğe Giden Yolda Programı Bilmek ve Tanımak”, “Mesleğe İlgiyi Anlamak ve Anlamlandırmak”, “Yakın Çevredeki Mesleki İdollerin Etkisi”, “Aile Etkisi”, “Aile Dışındaki Yakın Çevrenin Program ve Meslek İlgisi ve Tercihindeki Etkisi”, “İlgi ve Tercihte Araştırma Mı Yoksa Yönlendirme Mi?”, “Mesleğin Cezbediciliği”, “Programı Tavsiye Etme Durumları”, başlıklarıyla kategorize edilirken bölüm tercihinde öne çıkan iki kategori “Yeteneğine Göre Bilinçli Tercihte Bulunanlar” ve İş İmkânına Göre Tercihte Bulunanlar şeklinde ayrılmıştır. Bu çalışma sonucunda, öğrencilerin mesleği tercih etmesindeki en etkili nedenin mesleğin cezbediciliği olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bunun yanı sıra bireylerin meslek hakkında bilgilerinin yüzeysel olduğu bu sebeple araştırmaya ve yönlendirilmeye ihtiyaç duydukları tespit edilmiştir.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Cardiology Resident Training and Education
Authors: Kulkarni Prashanth , Mahadevappa Manjappa
Published: February 2021

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created an unprecedented global health emergency. This crisis has impacted educational
activities worldwide, including India. It is imperative to understand the challenges faced by institutions in imparting resident training when dealing
with patients during this pandemic. This correspondence briefly discusses the effect on the cardiology residency program and research activities. It
also highlights the measures to impart education safely amid a current pandemic.
Development of Novel Rhodacyanine-Based Heat Shock Protein 70 Inhibitors
Authors: Chang Chih-Shiang , Kumar Vathan , Lee Der-Yen , Chen Yeh , Wu Yu-Chieh , Gao Jing-Yan , Chu Po-Chen
Published: February 2021

Background:

A growing body of evidence suggests that Hsp70, which is overexpressed
in human breast tumors, plays a role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression
in breast cancer as well as in its aggressive phenotypes. Hsp70 constitutes a potential therapeutic
target in the treatment of this disease.

Methods:

We developed a new series of rhodacyanine-based Hsp70 inhibitors, represented
by compounds 1 and 6, in which the cationic pyridin-1-ium or thiazol-3-ium ring of
existing Hsp70 inhibitors (e.g., JG-40 and JG-98) was replaced by a corresponding benzo-
fused N-heterocycle.

Results:

Several lines of evidence suggest that these benzo-fused derivatives may exert
their antitumor activities, in part, by targeting Hsp70. These putative inhibitors displayed
differential antiproliferative efficacy against breast cancer cells (IC50 as low as 0.25 μM)
versus nontumorigenic MCF-10A breast epithelial cells (IC50 ≥ 5 μM). This was correlated
with the corresponding Hsp70 expression levels. Using a protein refolding assay, we
confirmed that these agents effectively inhibited the chaperone activity of Hsp70. Moreover,
these inhibitors effectively suppressed the expression of well-known oncogenic
client proteins of Hsp70’s, including FoxM1, HuR, and Akt, which paralleled their antiproliferative
efficacy. Supporting the established role of Hsp70 in regulating protein refolding,
these derivatives induced autophagy, as manifested by the conversion of LC3B-I
to LC3B-II. Notably, these putative Hsp70 inhibitors did not cause a compensatory elevation
in Hsp90 expression, contrasting with the previously reported effects of Hsp90 inhibitors
on Hsp70 upregulation.

Conclusion:

Together with the finding that compounds 1 and 6 showed improved microsomal
stability, these results suggest the translational potential of these putative Hsp70 inhibitors
to foster new strategies for cancer therapy. However, whether these benzo-fused
rhodacyanines act on kinases or other targets remains unclear. It is currently under investigation.
Phytochemical Screening and Protective Effects of Prunus persica Seeds Extract on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats
Authors: Rehman Sidra , Nazar Rubina , Butt Azeem Mehmood , Ijaz Bushra , Tasawar Nadia , Sheikh Ahmareen Khalid , Shahid Imran , Shah Shahid Masood , Qamar Raheel
Published: February 2021

Background and purpose:

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a dynamic environmental
toxin released from chemical factories and its concentration in the atmosphere is accelerating at
an alarming proportion. The potential presence of CCl4 in the human body causes liver injury via
free radical stimulated inflammatory responses.

Objectives:

In this study, protective effects of hydromethanolic seeds extract of Prunus persica
(PPHM) were evaluated for free radical scavenging potential in CCl4 mediated acute liver toxicity
in the murine model.

Experimental Approach:

Followed by acute oral toxicity analysis, liver cells of Sprague-Dawley
(SD) rats were treated with CCl4 and subsequently, the chemoprophylactic effect of extract (400
mg/Kg dose) was evaluated using in vivo studies including, silymarin as the positive control.
Biochemical parameters, staining (hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and Masson’s Trichome) and
quantitative gene expression analysis via real-time PCR were used to evaluate hepatic damage
control.

Results:

The results illustrated that PPHM extract exhibit strong anti-oxidant activity, comparable
to the positive control, gallic acid. Research study results also demonstrated that the extract
treatment at 400 mg/Kg concentration is highly effective in protecting liver damage due to CCl4
exposure. Mechanistic investigations indicated that the therapeutic action of PPHM was correlated
with the increase in Nrf2, NQO-1 and decrease in collagen III mRNA genes expression compared
to CCl4 treated group.

Conclusions and Implications:

Accordingly, our research study indicated that PPHM alleviated
CCl4-mediated oxidative stress through Nrf2/NQO-1 pathway, thereby protecting liver damage
against environmental toxins. Our findings provide supportive evidence to suggest PPHM as a
novel nontoxic hepatoprotective agent.
Prunella vulgaris L: Critical Pharmacological, Expository Traditional
Uses and Extensive Phytochemistry: A Review
Authors: Mir Reyaz Hassan , Bhat Mohammad Faizan , Sawhney Gifty , Kumar Parveen , Andrabi Nusrit Iqbal , Shaikh Majeed , Mohi-ud-Din Roohi , Masoodi Mubashir Hussain
Published: February 2021

Background:

Prunella vulgaris, family Lamiaceae also known as self-heal, has been traditionally used as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and anti-rheumatic. Due to widespread distribution of the plant, Vulgaris is also called ‘vulgar’ in Latin adjective meaning common.

Objective:

The objective of this review was to describe the relevant aspects of phytochemistry and therapeutic uses of different fractions as well as isolated compounds from Prunella vulgaris. An attempt was also made to enumerate the possible leads e.g. betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, umbelliferone, scopoletin, esculetin, luteolin, homoorientin, Rosmarinic acid and cinaroside for further development.

Method:

For peer-reviewed research literature, we undertook a structured search of bibliographic databases using a focused review question. Scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were used

Results:

Phytochemistry of Prunella vulgaris (PV) after a thorough literature survey revealed varied and copious metabolites, such as triterpenoids, phenolic acid, sterols, carbohydrates, coumarins, fatty acids, and volatile oils. Many of these compounds have been found to possess wide range of biological activity per se, including anti-microbial, immunosuppressive, anti-cancer, cardio-protective, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory.

Conclusion:

Prunella vulgaris is a medicinal plant of immense medicinal importance having a variety of compounds such as such as triterpenoids, phenolic acid, sterols, carbohydrates, coumarins, fatty acids, and volatile oils and diversity in pharmacological spectrum. The plant could be further exploited, to isolate the various biologically active constituents responsible for its activity.
Bioinformatics Approach for Data Capturing: The Case of Breast Cancer
Authors: Gupta Ramji , Kala Nidhi , Pai Aravinda , Malviya Rishabha
Published: February 2021

Background:

With the rapid evolution in advanced computer systems and various statistical
algorithms, it is now a days possible to analyze complex biological data. Bioinformatics is an
interface between computational and biological assemblies. It is applied in various fields of biological
as well as medical sciences.

Aim:

The manuscript aims to summarize the developments in the field of breast cancer research
through the applications of bioinformatics.

Methods:

Various search engines like google, science direct, Scopus, PubMed, etc., were used for
the literature survey.

Results:

It describes the bioinformatics analysis tools and models, which include mainly artificial
neural network models.

Conclusion:

Bioinformatics is the evolutionary approach that is used for the capturing of data from
the various case studies related to breast cancer.