bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descarregamento de Tráfego de Redes IoT/Edge por Transmissões de Múltiplos Fluxos
Authors: Silva Celso Ferreira da , Ferlin Simone , Kimura Bruno Yuji Lino
Published: January 2022

O conceito de um mundo totalmente conectado na tecnologia de quinta geração (5G) prevê a implementação massiva de pequenos e restritos dispositivos de Internet das Coisas (IoT). Nesses ambientes de IoT, as comunicações Máquina-a-Máquina (M2M) são essenciais para permitir que dispositivos (por exemplo, sensores, atuadores, medidores/monitores inteligentes) coletem dados para um servidor remoto. Nesta dissertação, investigamos este cenário para propor, implementar e validar uma nova arquitetura para infraestruturas de IoT, mais eficiente, através do descarregamento de dados por transmissões de caminhos múltiplos na Internet. Os resultados experimentais do tráfego emulado por CoAP indicam que o nosso sistema proposto, juntamente com os benefícios do MPTCP, melhoram o desempenho das aplicações IoT. Mais especificamente, o descarregamento do tráfego de dados M2M baseado em múltiplos caminhos aumenta a vazão e reduz significativamente a latência das solicitações CoAP conforme o número de redes de sensores aumenta.
Particionamento de Redes Neurais Profundas com Saídas Antecipadas
Authors: Pacheco Roberto G. , Couto Rodrigo de Souza
Published: January 2022

Este trabalho aborda o problema de particionamento de Redes Neurais Profundas (Deep Neural Networks DNNs) com saídas antecipadas, para classificação de imagens. Essa solução objetiva reduzir o tempo de inferência, considerando que a borda executa parte da DNN e a nuvem executa a outra parte. O problema consiste em escolher qual camada divide a DNN em duas partes. A dissertação modela o particionamento como um problema de caminho mais curto em um grafo, sendo resolvido em tempo polinomial. O modelo é usado como base para propor o sistema POPEX (Partitioning OPtimization for deep neural networks with Early eXits). Além disso, analisa-se o impacto da distorção da imagem e da calibração da DNN no particionamento. Este trabalho mostra que essa solução proposta reduz o tempo de inferência e aprimora as decisões de oﬄoading à nuvem.
Detecção de Ataques DDoS em redes IoT usando Redes Neurais e Seleção de Características
Authors: Portela Ariel L. C. , Costa Wanderson L. , Gomes Rafael L.
Published: January 2022

A implantação de infraestruturas de rede baseadas na Internet das Coisas (IoT) sofre com a ocorrência de Ataques de Negação de Serviço Distribuídos (DDoS). Dessa forma, é necessário aplicar soluções que possam detectar DDoS em redes IoT, lidando com questões como escalabilidade, adaptabilidade e heterogeneidade. Dentro deste contexto, este trabalho apresenta um Sistema Cloud-Fog para Detecção de ataques DDoS em Redes IoT baseado em Redes Neurais (RN) e Técnicas de Seleção de Características, possibilitando a identificação da melhor composição de características para o treinamento do modelo, bem como a escalabilidade necessária. Os experimentos realizados, usando tráfego de rede real, sugerem que o sistema proposto atinge 99% de acurácia, enquanto reduz o volume de dados trocados e o tempo de detecção.
Uma Arquitetura de Microsserviços para Análise de Dados de Mobilidade Urbana baseada em Dados Heterogêneos
Authors: Prestes André N. , Thomé Marco A. B. , Gomes Roberta L. , Mota Vinícius F. S.
Published: January 2022

Os dados coletados por sensores, câmeras, redes sociais e aplicativos podem contribuir para a detecção automática de eventos atípicos no trânsito. Além disso, a variedade das fontes de dados traz como vantagem a redundância de informações, o que pode aumentar o grau de confiabilidade sobre um evento detectado. Este trabalho estende a implementação de um arcabouço para detecção de eventos anômalos de tráfego por meio de uma arquitetura de microsserviços. Para isto, o arcabouço foi decomposto em microsserviços para coletar dados, filtrar e agrupá-los como séries temporais, detectar e visualizar anomalias em tempo real. Como estudo de caso, a arquitetura proposta é utilizada para detectar anomalia nos dados de mobilidade urbana em tempo real, da cidade Vitória-ES, baseado em dados da prefeitura e do Twitter.
Das Verhältnis von Eignungs- und Zuschlagkriterien im europäischen, deutschen und US-amerikanischen Vergaberecht
Authors: Wittschurky Laura Kristin
Published: January 2022

The principle that a distinction must be made between selection and award criteria has been part of general knowledge in public procurement law since the well-known Beentjes decision of the ECJ. In practice, however, this distinction is still difficult to make. The author examines the understanding of the relationship between the two groups of criteria developed in European and German public procurement law and compares it with the system of "contractor qualifications" and "evaluation criteria" applicable in U.S. public procurement law. Suggestions are developed as to how the fundamental distinction between procurement and award criteria can be implemented de lege lata and understood de lege ferenda.
Relationship between Teacher Efficacy and Information and Communication Technology
Competencies of Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Sezen-Gultekin Gozde , Hamutoglu Nazire Burcin , Topal Murat
Published: January 2022

The main purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between teacher efficacy levels, information and communication technology competencies, and demographic variables of pre-service teachers. In addition to the main problem, teacher efficacy levels and the technological competencies were also reviewed in terms of variables such as gender, grade, the status of choosing the teaching profession willingly, and if they were given the opportunity to select the teaching profession again. The study was designed in a correlational screening model, and the sample of the study consisted of pre-service teachers. Ohio State Teacher Efficacy Scale (OSTES) and Information and Communication Technology Competencies Scale (ICTCS) were used as the data collection tools. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to reveal how the variables of teacher efficacy, gender, grade level, willingly choosing to become a teacher, and re-choosing to become a teacher if having a chance predict ICTCS. As a result of correlational and regression significance tests, it was determined that only the teacher efficacy variable predicted ICTCS to a large extent in the established regression model.

Additionally, it was found that the teacher efficacy and the information communication technology competencies of pre-service teachers showed differences in terms of grade and the status of choosing the teaching profession willingly variables, while they did not differ in terms of gender and if they were given the opportunity to select the teaching profession again. Recent studies show that the most important conditions for attaining these skills are that teachers have general competencies for using information and communication technologies in their lessons. So, this study can contribute to the field by determining the positive relationship between teaching efficacy levels and information and communication technologies competencies of pre-service teachers, as well as presenting the results of some specific variables.
Early Philippine Life and Hegemony in Bienvenido N. Santos’s The Volcano: A Cultural Studies Reading
Authors: Cerbito-Abocot Rosemarie
Published: January 2022

This article critically explores the lessons learned from the previous colonizers, the Spaniards, which were taken into account by the new colonizers, the Americans, as depicted in Bienvenido N. Santos’s The Volcano. Reforms are not solely enforced by the Americans but also by the elite Filipinos, and these native elites were groomed to control the local populace while enjoying societal privileges. Using the qualitative research and descriptive-analytical method, this article centers on hegemonic practices employed by the American colonizers during their occupation in the Philippines. The Americans institute reforms on institutional structures to prepare Filipinos on their journey to self-government. Hegemonic practices refer to the practices employed by the dominant group to build an alliance with the subordinate group through force and consent. In conclusion, most Filipinos see that subservience creates and perpetuates unequal power relations. Such effects do not pass unnoticed because of the powerless experience exploitation and marginalization.
Identification of Molecular Subgroups in Liver Cirrhosis by Gene Expression Profiles
Authors: Zhang Ying-Xue , Sun Feng-Xia , Li Xiao-Ling , Liu Qing-Hua , Chen Zi-Meng , Guo Yu-Fei
Published: January 2022

Background: Liver cirrhosis is characterized by high mortality, bringing a serious health and economic burden to the world. The clinical manifestations of liver cirrhosis are complex and heterogeneous. According to subgroup characteristics, identifying cirrhosis has become a challenge. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference between different subgroups of cirrhosis. The ultimate goal of research on these different phenotypes was to discover groups of patients with unique treatment characteristics, and formulate targeted treatment plans that improve the prognosis of the disease and improve the patients’ quality of life. Methods: We obtained the relevant gene chip by searching the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. According to the gene expression profile, 79 patients with liver cirrhosis were divided into four subgroups, which showed different expression patterns. Therefore, we used weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to find differences between subgroups. Results: The characteristics of the WGCNA module indicated that subjects in subgroup I might exhibit inflammatory characteristics; subjects in subgroup II might exhibit metabolically active characteristics; arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and neuroactive ligand-receptive somatic interaction pathways were significantly enriched in subgroup IV. We did not find a significantly upregulated pathway in the third subgroup. Conclusions: In this study, a new type of clinical phenotype classification of liver cirrhosis was derived by consensus clustering. This study found that patients in different subgroups may have unique gene expression patterns. This new classification method helps researchers explore new treatment strategies for cirrhosis based on clinical phenotypic characteristics.
Seasonal changes in the structure of an avian community in an urban habitat in northern Namibia
Authors: Kopij Grzegorz
Published: January 2022

Two seasons of the year, dry and wet, are characteristic climate elements in southern Africa. Caused by differential precipitation, this seasonality induces seasonal variation in primary and secondary production. Birds are also affected. An avian community was studied in dry and wet seasons in an urbanised habitat of Tsumeb, a town situated in northern Namibia. Although both the species richness and the general dominance structure were similar in the dry and wet seasons, the avian community differed significantly in terms of population density of more common species in this town. Sörensen similarity index between the dry and wet seasons was low (I = 0.68). As expected, among granivorous species, the Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis), the Rosy-faced Parrot (Agapornis roseicollis), the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), and the Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus) were much more numerous in the dry than in the wet season. However, contrary to expectation, the Blue Waxbill (Uraeginthus angolensis) was much more numerous in the wet than in the dry season. The Red-eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans) was more common in the wet season, but other frugivorous species, the Red-faced Mousebird (Urocolius indicus), was more numerous in the dry than in the wet season.
Application of molecular methods in forensic analyses of wild animals
Authors: Ražanskė Irma , Griciuvienė Loreta , Aleksandravičienė Asta
Published: January 2022

In European countries, hunting of wildlife is regulated by various directives. However, illegal hunting activities are becoming more common. To deal with wildlife crime cases, it becomes necessary to select the best molecular markers for the analysis of animal sex, species, and relationships identification. This study investigated potential markers within chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for animal forensics. By applying markers targeting nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA (the cytochrome b gene, hypervariable displacement loop (D-Loop) region, SRY and AMEL genes), the suspected illegal hunting cases were solved by the identification of wild species and sex. Currently, molecular forensic techniques are necessary before conclusions of its validation in forensic investigations.
Clay Tobacco Pipes in Europe from the Late Sixteenth to the First Half of the Nineteenth Century: Geographical and Cultural Contexts
Authors: Žvirblys Atas
Published: January 2022

The aim of the article is to present a summary of the history of clay tobacco pipes in Europe and to explore their cultural and geographical context.In post-medieval archaeological sites, clay tobacco pipes are quite common finds. The first evidence of tobacco in Western Europe dates from the late sixteenth century, during the Age of Discovery. The industry of tobacco pipe manufacturing started in the early seventeenth century, and English pipe makers and smokers were the innovators of the new habit and style of smoking. Soon after that, Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Gouda became major centres in producing and selling clay tobacco pipes. Through the Baltic and Mediterranean harbours and then along land routes, tobacco spread across Europe as a product of colonial trade and a new habit of smoking as such. The Thirty Years’ War and Northern Wars played a crucial role in the consumption of tobacco, because soldiers rapidly accepted and spread the new culture of smoking.In the eastern and south-eastern European region, tobacco and pipes appeared in the early seventeenth century. Despite this fact, smoking as an incorrect habit was banned or restricted in Russia and the Ottoman Empire in effect of the rulers’ decisions. Only in the late seventeenth century all the prohibitions of tobacco consumption were lifted. At this time, clay tobacco pipes manufactured by the locals predominated in the regions of Eastern Europe. One-piece tobacco pipes with long stems manufactured by the Dutch and the English were still in use but in smaller quantities than locally produced pipes. These, so often called composite, stub-stemmed, or ‘chibouk’ pipes, were produced in very different shapes and styles. Scarce marked specimen of these pipes and the lack of historical sources show that production was mostly regional. Otherwise, it is not uncommon to discover that some models of or ornaments on the pipes are widespread from the Baltic region to Northern Africa. The history of smoking and its uneven spread across Europe from the late sixteenth to the first half of the nineteenth century were caused by various reasons. The article focuses on the different contexts of this subject: pipe making traditions in the Early Modern times were impacted by critical or indifferent view of religion, political decisions, economical and geographical situation, different art styles, and the like.
Aplicación y resultados de un sistema para evaluar la calidad de la docencia universitaria en una década de experimentación
Authors: García Olalla Ana María , Villa Sánchez Aurelio , Aláez Marian , Romero-Yesa Susana
Published: January 2022

The evaluation of the quality of university teaching has become for the last decade a topic of maximum relevance due to the impact it has on the new approach proposed in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and due to the change in the role that teachers must play. This article presents a pioneering system in the way the quality of teaching is evaluated through a double quality Label: I Design and Planning and II Implementation. The analyses and results presented refer exclusively to the label I applied for ten years. During this time, a total of 1930 teacher reports have been issued and 379 of them have been analysed through a stratified probabilistic sample. The method used was basically quantitative with a qualitative complement. The results show that there has been an improvement in teacher quality linked to a decrease in errors throughout the process analysed. This leads to a debate on the relevance of evaluation as a means of improvement and not exclusively as a summative function.

La evaluación de la calidad de la docencia universitaria se ha convertido desde hace una década en un tópico de máxima relevancia por el impacto que tiene en el nuevo enfoque propuesto en el Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES) y por el cambio de papel que el profesorado debe desempeñar. Este artículo presenta un sistema pionero en la forma que se evalúa la calidad de la docencia a través de un doble Label de calidad: I Diseño y Planificación y II Puesta en práctica. Los análisis y resultados presentados se refieren exclusivamente al Label I, aplicado durante diez años. Se han generado 1930 informes del profesorado y a través de una muestra probabilística estratificada se han analizado 379. El método empleado ha sido fundamentalmente cuantitativo con un complemento cualitativo. Los resultados permiten concluir que se percibe una mejora de la calidad docente vinculada con una disminución de los errores a lo largo del proceso analizado. Esto nos lleva a debatir la relevancia de la evaluación como función de mejora y no exclusivamente sumativa.
Aplicación del método Delphi en el diseño de un marco para el aprendizaje por competencias
Authors: Sánchez-Tarazaga Lucía , Ferrández-Berrueco Reina
Published: January 2022

The aim of this research is to design and validate a competency-based education framework both for university and basic education students. For this purpose, the Delphi method was used, in which a total of 16 expert teachers participated in two consecutive rounds. Quantitative techniques were combined in data analysis through indicators such as Fleiss’ kappa and CVR and CVI from Lawshe’s model, with qualitative techniques through content analysis and the use of ATLAS.ti. The results confirm the suitability, relevance, and clarity of the five dimensions proposed in the model, with a very high degree of agreement among judges (Kappa and CVI above 0.96). It is concluded that the model presented is fully valid and accessible to teachers and allows for progress in the understanding and implementation of competency-based education.

El objetivo de esta investigación es diseñar y validar un marco para el aprendizaje por competencias del alumnado universitario y de educación básica. Para ello, se utilizó el método Delphi en el que participaron un total de 16 personas expertas en dos rondas consecutivas. En el análisis de datos se combinaron técnicas cuantitativas a través de indicadores como Kappa de Fleiss y CVR y CVI del modelo de Lawshe, con cualitativas mediante el análisis de contenido y el uso del ATLAS.ti. Los resultados confirman la pertinencia, relevancia y claridad de las cinco dimensiones propuestas en el modelo, con un grado de acuerdo entre jueces muy alto (Kappa y CVI por encima de 0,96). Se concluye que el marco presentado es plenamente válido y accesible para el profesorado y permite avanzar en la comprensión e implementación del aprendizaje por competencias.
Variation of Interaction Energy with Change of Lattice Constantg and Change of Degree of Order
Authors: C.N.Yang
Published: January 2022

The change of lattice constanta due to order-disordering proceas in a superlattice is investigated by using the condition of minimum free energyin Bethe's theory. It is fonnd that tho interaction energy depends on the degree of order when the extornal presure is kept constant. The specific heat at constant pressure given by the theory is compared with experimeut. Another source of the variation of interactíon energy ia the change of atomic arrangements. This is also investigated from the viewpoint of Wang'8 formulation of the iree onergy in Bethe's approximation. The energy states of the configurationa 282p,2p2,182m2p,1s2p2,282p2,2p8 nhe atons fron H to F have been calculated. by the yariational method with gimple wave functions. Wherever' possible, thé enorgies are the corrected according to the method suggested by Stevenson. These caloulated or tha denon oe eee ne of stable negative ions of H and He in excitod staten is discussod. The electron affinity of Li atom is reestimated.
On the Factorization Method for Quantum Mechanical Eigenvalue Problems
Authors: H.C.Lee
Published: January 2022

The Schrodinger-Infold factorization method for salrinz eigenralue problem in quantum mechanics is very simple for the determination of the sigenvalues and oigenfunctione, without usinx power series or polguomial developments. Howerer, no general theory underlying thie method has been depuloned. It is the parpose of tho preseat paper to formulate explicit conditiona (A, R, G) ander which the method applies, and to lay down formulas which will enable one to write ont at once the solution of ans eigenvalue problem eatisfying these conditions. As illastrationa tho spherical harmonics, the Kepler problem in ordinary space and in spherical epaco, and the harmonie oscillator, are re-troated here on the basis of the theory now developed.
Core-cap heterodimer independent of polarization direction of excitation light
Authors: Hong Xin , Wang Xiao-Qiang , Li Dong-Xue , Shang Yun-Jing ,   School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Published: January 2022

The plasmonic anisotropic nanostructure possesses the enhanced surface electric field and unique optical properties in near-infrared spectrum, thus it has potential applications in nano-optoelectronics and medical sensing. To obtain the best property, the excitation polarization normally needs to match the orientation of the structure. The strong polarization dependence, however, greatly limits the excitation efficiency. In this work, a patchy structure is introduced to release the dependence of polarization. In the proposed method here in this work, the lost properties due to unmatched polarizations are compensated for by the plasmonic resonance coupling between the patch and capped structure in the heterozygous dimer. By overlapping the two modes at the same wavelength, the absorption keeps rather stable undisturbed status during the variation of incident polarization. This work focuses on the theoretical exploration of the feasibility. Electromagnetic field in the interaction between light and heterozygous dimer is essential before extinction coefficient is calculated. The field of the model is obtained by solving Maxwell equations through using the finite element method. The numerical calculation presents a good understanding of the mechanism of the plasmonic interactions in the dimer, based on which the nanostructure with optimized configuration parameters can achieve the stable and high absorption in the near infrared wavelength.
Sensitizing Staphylococcus aureus to antibacterial agents by decoding and blocking the lipid flippase MprF
Authors: Slavetinsky Christoph J , Hauser Janna N , Gekeler Cordula , Slavetinsky Jessica , Geyer André , Kraus Alexandra , Heilingbrunner Doris , Wagner Samuel , Tesar Michael , Krismer Bernhard , Kuhn Sebastian , Ernst Christoph M , Peschel Andreas
Published: January 2022

The pandemic of antibiotic resistance represents a major human health threat demanding new antimicrobial strategies. Multiple peptide resistance factor (MprF) is the synthase and flippase of the phospholipid lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol that increases virulence and resistance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other pathogens to cationic host defense peptides and antibiotics. With the aim to design MprF inhibitors that could sensitize MRSA to antimicrobial agents and support the clearance of staphylococcal infections with minimal selection pressure, we developed MprF-targeting monoclonal antibodies, which bound and blocked the MprF flippase subunit. Antibody M-C7.1 targeted a specific loop in the flippase domain that proved to be exposed at both sides of the bacterial membrane, thereby enhancing the mechanistic understanding of bacterial lipid translocation. M-C7.1 rendered MRSA susceptible to host antimicrobial peptides and antibiotics such as daptomycin, and it impaired MRSA survival in human phagocytes. Thus, MprF inhibitors are recommended for new antivirulence approaches against MRSA and other bacterial pathogens.
Both consumptive and non-consumptive effects of predators impact mosquito populations and have implications for disease transmission
Authors: Russell Marie C , Herzog Catherine M , Gajewski Zachary , Ramsay Chloe , El Moustaid Fadoua , Evans Michelle V , Desai Trishna , Gottdenker Nicole L , Hermann Sara L , Power Alison G , McCall Andrew C
Published: January 2022

Predator-prey interactions influence prey traits through both consumptive and non-consumptive effects, and variation in these traits can shape vector-borne disease dynamics. Meta-analysis methods were employed to generate predation effect sizes by different categories of predators and mosquito prey. This analysis showed that multiple families of aquatic predators are effective in consumptively reducing mosquito survival, and that the survival ofAedes,Anopheles, andCulexmosquitoes is negatively impacted by consumptive effects of predators. Mosquito larval size was found to play a more important role in explaining the heterogeneity of consumptive effects from predators than mosquito genus. Mosquito survival and body size were reduced by non-consumptive effects of predators, but development time was not significantly impacted. In addition,Culexvectors demonstrated predator avoidance behavior during oviposition. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that predators limit disease transmission by reducing both vector survival and vector size, and that associations between drought and human West Nile virus cases could be driven by the vector behavior of predator avoidance during oviposition. These findings are likely to be useful to infectious disease modelers who rely on vector traits as predictors of transmission.
Nanofluidic chips for cryo-EM structure determination from picoliter sample volumes
Authors: Huber Stefan T , Sarajlic Edin , Huijink Roeland , Weis Felix , Evers Wiel H , Jakobi Arjen J
Published: January 2022

Cryogenic electron microscopy has become an essential tool for structure determination of biological macromolecules. In practice, the difficulty to reliably prepare samples with uniform ice thickness still represents a barrier for routine high-resolution imaging and limits the current throughput of the technique. We show that a nanofluidic sample support with well-defined geometry can be used to prepare cryo-EM specimens with reproducible ice thickness from picoliter sample volumes. The sample solution is contained in electron-transparent nanochannels that provide uniform thickness gradients without further optimisation and eliminate the potentially destructive air-water interface. We demonstrate the possibility to perform high-resolution structure determination with three standard protein specimens. Nanofabricated sample supports bear potential to automate the cryo-EM workflow, and to explore new frontiers for cryo-EM applications such as time-resolved imaging and high-throughput screening.
Structural organization and dynamics of FCHo2 docking on membranes
Authors: El Alaoui Fatima , Casuso Ignacio , Sanchez-Fuentes David , Arpin-Andre Charlotte , Rathar Raissa , Baecker Volker , Castro Anna , Lorca Thierry , Viaud Julien , Vassilopoulos Stéphane , Carretero-Genevrier Adrian , Picas Laura
Published: January 2022

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a central trafficking pathway in eukaryotic cells regulated by phosphoinositides. The plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) plays an instrumental role in driving CME initiation. The F-BAR domain-only protein 1 and 2 complex (FCHo1/2) is among the early proteins that reach the plasma membrane, but the exact mechanisms triggering its recruitment remain elusive. Here, we show the molecular dynamics of FCHo2 self-assembly on membranes by combining minimal reconstituted in vitro and cellular systems. Our results indicate that PI(4,5)P2 domains assist FCHo2 docking at specific membrane regions, where it self-assembles into ring-like-shaped protein patches. We show that the binding of FCHo2 on cellular membranes promotes PI(4,5)P2 clustering at the boundary of cargo receptors and that this accumulation enhances clathrin assembly. Thus, our results provide a mechanistic framework that could explain the recruitment of early PI(4,5)P2-interacting proteins at endocytic sites.
Connexins evolved after early chordates lost innexin diversity
Authors: Welzel Georg , Schuster Stefan
Published: January 2022

Gap junction channels are formed by two unrelated protein families. Non-chordates use the primordial innexins, while chordates use connexins that superseded the gap junction function of innexins. Chordates retained innexin-homologs, but N-glycosylation prevents them from forming gap junctions. It is puzzling why chordates seem to exclusively use the new gap junction protein and why no chordates should exist that use non-glycosylated innexins to form gap junctions. Here, we identified glycosylation sites of 2388 innexins from 174 non-chordate and 276 chordate species. Among all chordates, we found not a single innexin without glycosylation sites. Surprisingly, the glycosylation motif is also widespread among non-chordate innexins indicating that glycosylated innexins are not a novelty of chordates. In addition, we discovered a loss of innexin diversity during early chordate evolution. Most importantly, lancelets, which lack connexins, exclusively possess only one highly conserved innexin with one glycosylation site. A bottleneck effect might thus explain why connexins have become the only protein used to form chordate gap junctions.
Differential regulation of cranial and cardiac neural crest by serum response factor and its cofactors
Authors: Dinsmore Colin J , Soriano Philippe
Published: January 2022

Serum response factor (SRF) is an essential transcription factor that influences many cellular processes including cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. SRF directly regulates and is required for immediate early gene (IEG) and actin cytoskeleton-related gene expression. SRF coordinates these competing transcription programs through discrete sets of cofactors, the ternary complex factors (TCFs) and myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs). The relative contribution of these two programs to in vivo SRF activity and mutant phenotypes is not fully understood. To study how SRF utilizes its cofactors during development, we generated a knock-in SrfaI allele in mice harboring point mutations that disrupt SRF-MRTF-DNA complex formation but leave SRF-TCF activity unaffected. Homozygous SrfaI/aI mutants die at E10.5 with notable cardiovascular phenotypes, and neural crest conditional mutants succumb at birth to defects of the cardiac outflow tract but display none of the craniofacial phenotypes associated with complete loss of SRF in that lineage. Our studies further support an important role for MRTF mediating SRF function in cardiac neural crest and suggest new mechanisms by which SRF regulates transcription during development.
Effective asexual reproduction of a widespread soft coral: comparative assessment of four different fragmentation methods
Authors: Kim Sohyoung , Wild Christian , Tilstra Arjen
Published: January 2022

Background

Many coral reefs worldwide are experiencing declines in hard corals, resulting in other benthic organisms,e.g., soft corals, becoming more dominant. As such, more studies on the ecophysiology of soft corals are needed. Despite many methods for asexual reproduction of hard corals, effective methods for soft corals,i.e., without a hard skeleton, are scarce. This study, thus, assessed four fragmentation methods, the glue, rubber band, tunnel mesh, and plug mesh method for the pulsating soft coralXenia umbellatathat is widely distributed in the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Methods

Methods were comparatively assessed by determining the required time and labor for the fragmentation plus the health status of the fragmented corals by measuring their oxygen fluxes and pulsation rates,i.e., a special feature of this soft coral that can be used as a proxy for its health.

Results

There were no significant health status differences between methods. This was indicated by similar gross photosynthesis (between 7.4 to 9.7 μg O2polyp−1h−1) and pulsating rates (between 35 and 44 pulses min−1) among methods. In terms of time/labor intensity and success rates,i.e., the percentage of fragments attached to the desired surface, the plug mesh method was the most efficient method with a significantly higher success rate (95 ± 5%), while the others had a success rate between 5 ± 5 and 45 ± 15%. The time needed for fragmentation, though not significant, was also the shortest (78 ± 11 s fragment−1), while other methods required between 84 ± 14 and 126 ± 8 s frag−1. The plug mesh method may thus be a valuable tool related to the reproduction of soft corals for use in subsequent experimental work.
A novel nutritional index as a predictor of mortality in dilated cardiomyopathy: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Can , Qing Yali , Chen Wuxian , Li Gaoye
Published: January 2022

Background

Research has associated nutritional status with the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of a novel nutritional index, triglycerides × total cholesterol × body weight index (TCBI), in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study enrolled 445 patients with DCM. The median follow-up period was 2.8 years, and the primary endpoint was all-cause death.

Results

During follow-up, the all-cause mortality was observed in 135 out of 445 patients (30.3%). In Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, the third TCBI tertile had a lower mortality risk (T3 vs. T2 vs. T1: 16.9% vs. 35.1% vs. 38.9%; log-rank P < 0.001). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, patients in the third tertile were associated with a decreased mortality, whereas there was no significant difference between the T2 and T1 groups. Moreover, TCBI could significantly improve risk stratification (continuous net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement) over the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).

Conclusions

TCBI is independently associated with long-term survival in patients with DCM. Combination of TCBI and other biomarkers, such as GNRI and NT-proBNP, can significantly improve prognostic prediction. Further studies with larger sample size are required to validate our results.
Reconstructing the transmission dynamics of varicella in Japan: an elevation of age at infection
Authors: Suzuki Ayako , Nishiura Hiroshi
Published: January 2022

Background

In Japan, routine two-dose immunization against varicella has been conducted among children at ages of 12 and 36 months since 2014, and the vaccination coverage has reached around 90%. To understand the impact of routine varicella vaccination, we reconstructed the epidemiological dynamics of varicella in Japan.

Methods

Epidemiological and demographic datasets over the past three decades were analyzed to reconstruct the number of susceptible individuals by age and year. To estimate the annual risk of varicella infection, we fitted a balance equation model to the annual number of cases from 1990 to 2019. Using parameter estimates, we reconstructed varicella dynamics starting from 1990 and modeled future dynamics until 2033.

Results

Overall varicella incidence declined over time and the annual risk of infection among children younger than 10 years old decreased monotonically starting in 2014. Conversely, varicella incidence among teenagers (age 10 to 14 years) has increased each year since 2014. A substantial number of unvaccinated individuals born before the routine immunization era remained susceptible and aged without contracting varicella, while the annual risk of infection among teenagers aged 10 to 14 years increased starting in 2011 despite gradual expansion of varicella vaccine coverage. The number of susceptible individuals decreased over time in all age groups. Modeling indicated that susceptibility rates among pre-school children aged 1 to 4 years will remain low.

Conclusion

Routine varicella vaccination has successfully reduced infections in pre-school and early primary school age children, but has also resulted in increased infection rates among adolescents. This temporary increase was caused both by the increased age of susceptible individuals and increased transmission risk among adolescents resulting from the dynamic nature of varicella transmission. Monitoring susceptibility among adolescents will be important to prevent outbreaks over the next decade.
Segmentation of multi-temporal polarimetric SAR data based on mean-shift and spectral graph partitioning
Authors: Wang Caiqiong , Zhao Lei , Zhang Wangfei , Mu Xiyun , Li Shitao
Published: January 2022

Polarimetric SAR (PolSAR) image segmentation is a key step in its interpretation. For the targets with time series changes, the single-temporal PolSAR image segmentation algorithm is difficult to provide correct segmentation results for its target recognition, time series analysis and other applications. For this, a new algorithm for multi-temporal PolSAR image segmentation is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the over-segmentation of single-temporal PolSAR images is carried out by the mean-shift algorithm, and the over-segmentation results of single-temporal PolSAR are combined to get the over-segmentation results of multi-temporal PolSAR images. Secondly, the edge detectors are constructed to extract the edge information of single-temporal PolSAR images and fuse them to get the edge fusion results of multi-temporal PolSAR images. Then, the similarity measurement matrix is constructed based on the over-segmentation results and edge fusion results of multi-temporal PolSAR images. Finally, the normalized cut criterion is used to complete the segmentation of multi-temporal PolSAR images. The performance of the proposed algorithm is verified based on three temporal PolSAR images of Radarsat-2, and compared with the segmentation algorithm of single-temporal PolSAR image. Experimental results revealed the following findings: (1) The proposed algorithm effectively realizes the segmentation of multi-temporal PolSAR images, and achieves ideal segmentation results. Moreover, the segmentation details are excellent, and the region consistency is good. The objects which can’t be distinguished by the single-temporal PolSAR image segmentation algorithm can be segmented. (2) The segmentation accuracy of the proposed multi-temporal algorithm is up to 86.5%, which is significantly higher than that of the single-temporal PolSAR image segmentation algorithm. In general, the segmentation result of proposed algorithm is closer to the optimal segmentation. The optimal segmentation of farmland parcel objects to meet the needs of agricultural production is realized. This lays a good foundation for the further interpretation of multi-temporal PolSAR image.
Fixed Point Results for Rational Type Contraction in A-Metric Spaces
Authors: Pandey Babita , Ughade Manoj , Pandey Amit Kumar
Published: January 2022

The goal of this paper is to define rational contraction in the context of A-metric spaces and to develop various fixed-point theorems in order to elaborate, generalize, and synthesize several previously published results. Finally, to illustrate the new theorem, an example is given.
Efficacy of Mobilization with Movement in Patients with Colles’ Fracture: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Biswas Vishista , Srivastava Saumya , Mittal Harramb
Published: January 2022

Background: Fracture of the distal radius or Colles’ Fracture mainly occurs due to fall on an outstretched hand and Physiotherapy plays an indispensable role in preventing postoperative complication namely hand stiffness. Mulligan concept of mobilization is a specific form of manual therapy technique that embraces skilled movements which is used to mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints with the target to improve tissue extensibility, increase in range of motion of joints, foster relaxation and reduce tissue swelling/ inflammation.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Mulligan concept of mobilization with movement technique and conventional physiotherapy treatment following postsurgical Colles’ Fracture in terms of range of motion and functional activities.

Methods: A total number of 36 patients were recruited for the study. They were divided into two groups: group I and group II. Group I (n= 18) was given mobilization with movement (MWM) along with wax bath and group II (n=18) was given conventional physiotherapy along with wax bath. The interventions were given for 7 days. The value of goniometer and Michigan hand outcome questionnaire (MHOQ) were taken both at baseline and after 7 days of interventions.

Results: After intervention, there were no significant differences between the groups as the collected information was summarized by using frequency percentage, for qualitative data; and mean, the standard deviation, Median and Inter Quartile Range (IQR) for quantitative data. To compare the difference in proportion Chi square test was used. To compare the ROM and Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire between two groups Independent sample t-test was used. Within the group comparison was analysed by using paired t-test. The p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant for the study.

Discussion: This study showed consistent with the previous studies as there was a significant improvement in the range of motion and hand functions between and within the groups.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that both the treatments are equally effective.
Relationship between Anorexia Nervosa and Less Weight: A Medication Treatment Analysis
Authors: Sharma Akshita , Borse Samruddhi , Anjankar Ashish
Published: January 2022

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder causing people to obsess about weight and what they eat. It is a characterized by a distorted body image with a fear of overweight. This causes abnormally low body weight. People with anorexia has an intense fear of gaining weight and distorted perception of weight. It mainly of two types-

I) RESTRICTING- where person loses weight by severe limitation of food intake.

ii) BEINGE/PURINGING- in which there are periods of food intake that are compensated by self induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse or excessive exercise.

Signs maybe behavioral or physical like obsessing about weight, weight gain fears, eating only low calorie food, bloated, constipated, irritable, distracted and not able to concentrate.

It is prevalent in young women and teenage girls. People consider anorexia nervosa in connection with females but it can affect people of any sex or gender. Master agreement is for intricate, broad, long haul medicines that utilization a comprehension of the brain Physiology, precise standards and methods acquired from persuasive support treatment and argumentative conduct treatment. These therapies ought to be acted in various settings that meet the degree of power and level of management and clinical consideration required. There is a need to arrange crafted by a wide scope of clinical and mental administrations which frequently don’t cooperate. Due to the age bunch included and the also time span included, patient consideration frequently goes through many changes. This is the pinnacle of backslide and decompensation.
Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular First Premolars using Radiography: An in vitro study
Authors: Jakhrani Irshad Hussain , Memon Mahwish , Javed Sana , Qureshi Azizullah Muhammad Nawaz , Memon Aosaf Anwar , Banglani Munir Ahmed , Shams Salman
Published: January 2022

Objective: The goal of this study was to document the Root Canal morphology of the first mandibular premolars using radiography.

Materials and Methods: The trial took place at the LUMHS Operative Dentistry Department. Two hundred removed permanent mandibular first premolars that met all of the study's inclusion criteria were gathered from LUMHS Jamshoro/Hyderabad and nearby private dental clinics in Hyderabad. All debris, soft tissues, and calculus were removed from the teeth, which were then preserved in a 10% formalin solution. Each tooth's length was measured from the crown's tip to the root's apex. An removed tooth, on the other hand, was examined from all angles, including buccal, lingual, and proximal. Root concavities and grooves, as well as bifurcation and apical curvature, were found.

Results: Comparison between both views showed 189 teeth have 1 root in and 186 have 1 canal in buccolingual view, while 182 teeth have 1 root and 179 have 1 canal in mesiodistal view. 11 teeth on buccolingual and 18 teeth on mesiodistal view showed 2 roots and 14 teeth on buccolingual and 21 teeth on mesiodistal view showed 2 canals. 110 teetj showed type I canal pattern.

Conclusion: It is concluded that mandibular first premolar teeth have a wide range of radicular traits, with the majority of them having one root and one canal.
Gender Determination using Gonial Angle - A Panoramic Study among South Indian Population
Authors: Moharana Prateeksha , Prathap Lavanya , Lakshmanan Ganesh
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Sex determination is a valuable and important factor in the forensic dentistry. Mandible has several useful traits for sex determination. Forensic practitioners study this by two methods: morphological and metrical analyses. Among various methods, the gonial angle may be used to differentiate male and female strongly to express sexual dimorphism.

Aim: To analyse the gender determination using gonial angle as panoramic study among south indian population.

Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted among 200 individuals. Gonial angle is a measurement taken by measuring the angle between the 2 tangents from the gonion.As a standard procedure, measurement of right gonial angle and left gonial angle were carried out by Adobe Photoshop and the results were recorded and analysed statistically using SPSS tool.

Results: The mean right gonial angle  for males is 95.25 and for females is 95.22 The mean left gonial angle for males is 95.39 and for females is 95.15. The significance of the right gonial angle  is P=0.874 and significance of the left gonial angle is P= 0.147. The total mean value for right gonial angle was found to be 95.23 and for left gonial angle is 95.27. Therefore, there was no significant difference found between the right  and left gonial angle.  

Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, there is no statistically significant difference observed between males and females in the gonial angle measurements. The Gonial angle measurements can be used to determine the gender and the growth pattern of the mandible. Measurement of gonial angle has its own surgical importance too in the field of orthodontics and therefore future studies should be carried out using larger samples to get reliable results.