bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Location-aware spectrum sensing for cognitive visible light communications over multipath channels
Authors: Jiang Zile , You Xiaodi , Shen Gangxiang , Mukherjee Biswanath
Published: December 2021

Accurate spectrum sensing is crucial for cognitive visible light communication (CVLC). However, due to multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) and indoor reflections, a CVLC channel often shows a multipath characteristic which is difficult for a secondary user (SU) to estimate before spectrum sensing, thereby leading to a degraded sensing accuracy. To tackle this issue, we propose a location-aware spectrum sensing scheme for the CVLC system, where its multipath channel can be effectively estimated based on the location information of an SU. By considering different a priori information, we propose three primary user (PU) detection algorithms. Specifically, we first propose a location-aware likelihood-ratio-test detection (LLD) algorithm to achieve an optimal sensing performance by using a priori knowledge of signal and noise variances. To reduce the computational complexity of LLD, we propose a more efficient location-aware semi-blind detection (LSD) algorithm, which requires no a priori knowledge of signal variance. Further, to tackle noise uncertainty, we propose a location-aware near-blind detection (LND) algorithm, which does not require either signal or noise variance. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms, we also develop their respective analytical models based on the multipath channel. It is found that the analytical models can accurately match the results obtained by simulations, and LLD and LSD can improve detection probability by 10% compared with the conventional energy detection (ED) scheme. Moreover, by incorporating LSD with cyclic-prefix-based detection (CD), the detection probability can be further improved by ∼20% and 8% compared with ED and CD, respectively. Finally, LND outperforms all the other algorithms when the noise uncertainty is over 0.5 dB, and it is found that both LSD and LND are robust to receiver tilt and LSD is robust to location error.
Widely tunable single-mode slot waveguide quantum cascade laser array
Authors: Li Jinghao , Sun Fangyuan , Jin Yuhao , Chua Yun Da , Tan Kian Hua , Wicaksono Satrio , Sirtori Carlo , Yoon Soon Fatt , Wang Qi Jie
Published: December 2021

We report designs and experimental demonstrations of a widely tunable single-mode quantum cascade laser array based on slot waveguide structures in the mid-infrared region. The laser array device realized a continuous tuning range of 71 cm-1 from 9.66 μm to 10.37 μm at 300 K only using the current tuning without any external heatsink temperature adjustments, in good agreement with the design. Stable single-mode operations free of undesired mode-hops have been obtained over the whole tuning range. Another slot waveguide QCL array with a 41 cm-1 continuous tuning range around 7.3 μm has also been realized with the same design principle, demonstrating the universal applicability of the array design. The broadly continuous tuning with simple processing makes the array device a suitable candidate for mid-infrared sensing and spectroscopy application.
Assessing the UV-pulse-laser-induced damage density of fused silica optics using photo-thermal absorption distribution probability curves
Authors: Huang Jin , Wang Fengrui , Li Weihua , Sun Laixi , Shi Zhaohua , Zhou Xiaoyan , Jiang Xiaodong , Yang Liming , Zheng Wanguo
Published: December 2021

A photo-thermal absorption distribution probability curve based on a normal distribution model was proposed to describe the distribution of absorptive defects on fused silica surfaces under different processing conditions. Simultaneously, the maximum distribution probability absorption coefficient (MPA) and absorption distribution deviation (ADD) were used to quantitatively describe the overall absorption level and the uniformity of the absorption distribution on the fused silica surface. Based on this, the MPA (μ) and ADD (δ) were used to establish a statistical numerical relationship with the surface damage density of fused silica. The results showed that when μ ≤ 0.095 ± 0.015 and δ ≤ 0.045 ppm, the fused silica optics met the manufacturing process requirements for high laser-induced damage performance. Thus, a non-destructive approximate evaluation of the laser-induced damage density on the fused silica surface was achieved. This evaluation method provides a new, to the best of our knowledge, technology for evaluating the manufacturing process quality related to the damage performance of fused silica optics in high-power solid-state laser facilities and is an important supplement to popular destructive laser-induced damage testing methods.
Shadows in the Wild - Folded Galleries and Their Applications
Authors: Schwer Petra
Published: December 2021

This survey is about combinatorial objects related to reflection groups and their applications in representation theory and arithmetic geometry. Coxeter groups and folded galleries in Coxeter complexes are introduced in detail and illustrated by examples. Further it is explained how they relate to retractions in Bruhat-Tits buildings and to the geometry of affine flag varieties and affine Grassmannians. The goal is to make these topics accessible to a wide audience.
Use Cases für industrielle Anwendungen der Augmented Reality Technologie
Authors: Bellalouna Fahmi , Langebach Robin , Stamer Volker , Zipperling Franco
Published: December 2021

Die Augmented Reality Technologie gehört zu den Schlüsseltechnologien der digitalen Transformation. Augmented Reality ist die Technologie, die die Überlagerung von physischen Objekten mit rechnergenerierten virtuellen wahrnehmbaren Daten in Echtzeit ermöglicht, um eine interaktive Anwendererfahrung in der realen Welt zu bieten. Augmented Reality wird derzeit in vielen Geschäftsbereichen wie z. B. Ingenieurwesen, Bildung, Medizin, Logistik und Transport entweder zum Experimentieren oder produktiv eingesetzt. Durch die rasante Entwicklung der Displayhardware und der mobilen Geräten im Hinblick auf die Performance als auch den Funktionsumfang ist die Realisierung von leistungsfähigen Augmented Reality Applikationen für industrielle Anwendungen einfacher geworden. Der vorliegende Beitrag wird zunächst eine kurze Übersicht über die aktuelle Entwicklung und die Bedeutung der Augmented Reality Technologie für die Industrie sowie eine Einführung in die Grundlagen der eXtended Reality und Augmented Reality Technologie geben. Anschließend werden drei Anwendungsfälle zur Entwicklung und Implementierung von Augmented Reality Anwendungen in zwei unterschiedlichen Industriebereichen – Feuerwehrtechnik und Kälte- und Klimatechnik – vorgestellt und diskutiert. Abschließend werden die im Rahmen der Durchführung der Anwendungsfälle gewonnenen Erfahrungen mit den implementierten Augmented Reality Anwendungen zusammengefasst.
Citizen-led sampling to monitor phosphate levels in freshwater environments using a simple paper microfluidic device
Authors: Richardson Samantha , Iles Alexander , Rotchell Jeanette M. , Charlson Tim , Hanson Annabel , Lorch Mark , Pamme Nicole
Published: December 2021

Contamination of waterways is of increasing concern, with recent studies demonstrating elevated levels of antibiotics, antidepressants, household, agricultural and industrial chemicals in freshwater systems. Thus, there is a growing demand for methods to rapidly and conveniently monitor contaminants in waterways. Here we demonstrate how a combination of paper microfluidic devices and handheld mobile technology can be used by citizen scientists to carry out a sustained water monitoring campaign. We have developed a paper-based analytical device and a 3 minute sampling workflow that requires no more than a container, a test device and a smartphone app. The contaminant measured in these pilots are phosphates, detectable down to 3 mg L-1. Together these allow volunteers to successfully carry out cost-effective, high frequency, phosphate monitoring over an extended geographies and periods.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the adult population in Bangladesh: A nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Bellal , Alam Md. Zakiul , Islam Md. Syful , Sultan Shafayat , Faysal Md. Mahir , Rima Sharmin , Hossain Md. Anwer , Mamun Abdullah Al
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Studies related to the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy are scanty in Bangladesh, despite the growing necessity of understanding the population behavior related to vaccination. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its associated factors in Bangladesh to fill the knowledge gap.

Methods and materials

This study adopted a cross-sectional design to collect data from 1497 respondents using online (Google forms) and face-to-face interviews from eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh between 1–7 February 2021. We employed descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 46.2%. The Muslims (aOR = 1.80, p ≤ 0.01) and the respondents living in the city corporation areas (aOR = 2.14, p ≤0.001) had more hesitancy. There was significant variation in vaccine hesitancy by administrative divisions (geographic regions). Compared to the Sylhet division, the participants from Khulna (aOR = 1.31, p ≤0.001) had higher hesitancy. The vaccine hesitancy tended to decrease with increasing knowledge about the vaccine (aOR = 0.88, p≤0.001) and the vaccination process (aOR = 0.91, p ≤ 0.01). On the other hand, hesitancy increased with the increased negative attitudes towards the vaccine (aOR = 1.17, p≤0.001) and conspiracy beliefs towards the COVID-19 vaccine (aOR = 1.04, p≤0.01). The perceived benefits of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR = 0.85, p≤0.001) were negatively associated with hesitancy, while perceived barriers (aOR = 1.16, p ≤0.001) were positively associated. The participants were more hesitant to accept the vaccine from a specific country of origin (India, USA, Europe).

Conclusions

Our findings warrant that a vigorous behavior change communication campaign should be designed and implemented to demystify negative public attitudes and conspiracy beliefs regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine in Bangladesh. The policymakers should also think about revisiting the policy of the online registration process to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as online registration is a key structural barrier for many due to the persistent digital divide in the country. Finally, the government should consider the population’s preference regarding vaccines’ country of manufacture to reduce the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
Acute and delayed effects of strength training in ball velocity and accuracy in young competition tennis players
Authors: Terraza-Rebollo Manuel , Baiget Ernest
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to investigate the acute and delayed effects of medicine ball throws and resistance training in ball velocity and accuracy of serve, forehand and backhand in young competition tennis players. A crossover-randomized design was used with 10 competition tennis players (6 girls and 4 boys between 14 and 18 years old). The subjects performed 6 stroke test sessions, 3 for each strength protocol. The velocity and accuracy of strokes were measured before (basal situation), 3 minutes, 24 and 48 hours after the protocol. Medicine ball throws protocol was performed by accomplishing 3 sets of 6 repetitions using a 2 kg ball, throwing it at maximal speed. Resistance training protocol was performed by accomplishing 3 sets of 6 repetitions at 75% one-repetition maximum, lifting the load at maximal speed of bench press, dead lift, one hand row and half squat. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in all strokes, regarding ball velocity and accuracy after each method and each recovery time, compared to the basal situation. These results suggest that medicine ball throws and resistance training methods have no acute and delayed detrimental effects on stroke velocity and accuracy in young competition tennis players.
Art, Life and Capitalist Social Reproduction: Curating Social Practice
Authors: Lloyd Kirsten
Published: December 2021

Addressing the latest encounter between feminist politics and art, this article identifies a curatorially driven turn towards social reproduction processes and infrastructures across the contemporary art field. It analyses the curatorial mediation of social practice through two UK-based projects that foreground social and economic justice issues, specifically through the politics and economies of food: Effy Harle and Finbar Prior’s Wandering Womb (2018), commissioned by Manual Labours for Nottingham Contemporary, and WochenKlausur’s Women-led Workers’ Cooperative (2013), initiated through Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts as part of the ECONOMY exhibition project. The central argument is that a rigorous engagement with social reproduction perspectives and theoretical vectors is vital to the analysis and critique of feminist curatorial work within the contemporary art institution.
Social Justice and Work in Art Institutions
Authors: Roussou Angeliki
Published: December 2021

Even though social justice struggles are often thematized in curatorial practice and discourse, their demands are rarely implemented in art-institutional policies and infrastructure. In investigating the anatomy of this conundrum, politically incisive redefinitions of institutional usership and participation, and analysis of their close relation to (issues of) work, would benefit strategies around diversity in the context of art-institutional participation. The theory of ‘instituent praxis’ and its insistence on inventive and cooperative rule-making can contribute to addressing curatorially absent/unjust regulation and its ensuing ethical/affective gaps in relation to under-represented or non-represented subjectivities or constituencies, such as ethnic minorities and displaced asylum seekers.
Decolonizing the Colony: Challenges to Systemic Change in the American Art Museum
Authors: Mcclellan Andrew
Published: December 2021

This article seeks to identify impediments to, as well as opportunities for, change in American art museums in the face of demands for social justice and greater inclusivity. Focusing specifically on the representation of American art in well-established encyclopaedic museums, I argue that inherited collections and taxonomies, mapped onto the physical spaces of museums, limit the speed and degree to which aesthetic priorities, values and narratives may adapt in order to meet shifting demographics and visitor expectations. In effect, the challenge for many museums is to confront and navigate an institutionalized form of white supremacy baked into their intellectual and material foundations. I end by analysing several recent strategies that have aimed at dismantling conventions and complicating the canon.
Community-Driven Curating in Per(Sister): Incarcerated Women of Louisiana
Authors: Flattley Megan R.
Published: December 2021

The exhibition Per(Sister): Incarcerated Women of Louisiana (2019) developed community-driven and co-productive curatorial practices through a partnership with directly impacted stakeholders. This article presents three characteristics that made the partnership between the Newcomb Art Museum and consultants from a community of formerly incarcerated women and activists in New Orleans a success: an understanding of the politics of both the issue and the site, a sharing and collective building of power, and a polyvocal exhibition format. Within the context of the role of curating in struggles for social justice, this article outlines the importance of working with external actors, such as movement leaders and activists, to ensure accountability, equity and reciprocity in exhibitions that address social issues.
Contextile 2020: Places of Memory – Interdiscourses of a Textile Territory, Artistic Residency Programme
Authors: Jorge Inês
Published: December 2021

Curated by Cláudia Melo, Guimarães, Portugal, 5 September–25 October 2020
Natalie Lo, The Days before the Silent Spring
Authors: Cheng SauWai Vennes
Published: December 2021

Curated by Qu Chang, WMA, Hong Kong, 15 December 2020–15 January 2021
Expression of two uncharacterized protein coding genes in zebrafish lateral line system
Authors: Fatma Sana , Kumar Ravindra , Dixit Anshuman , Swain Rajeeb K.
Published: December 2021

The lateral line system is a mechanosensory organ of fish and amphibians that detects changes in water flow and is formed by the coordinated action of many signalling pathways. These signalling pathways can easily be targeted in zebrafish using pharmacological inhibitors to decipher their role in lateral line system development at cellular and molecular level. We have identified two uncharacterized proteins, whose mRNA are expressed in the lateral line system of zebrafish. One of these proteins, uncharacterized protein LOC564095 precursor, is conserved across vertebrates and its mRNA is expressed in posterior lateral line primordium (pLLP). The other uncharacterized protein, LOC100536887, is present only in the teleost fishes and its mRNA is expressed in neuromasts. We show that inhibition of retinoic acid (RA) signalling reduces the expression of both of these uncharacterized genes. It is reported that inhibition of RA signalling during gastrulation starting at 7 hours post fertilization (hpf) abrogates pLLP formation, and inhibition of RA signalling at 10 hpf delays the initiation of pLLP migration. Here, we show that inhibition of RA signalling before and during segmentation (9-16 hpf) results in delayed initiation and reduced speed of pLLP migration, as well as inhibition of posterior neuromasts formation.
Promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) and stem cells: from cancer to pluripotency
Authors: Vogiatzoglou Amalia P. , Moretto Fabien , Makkou Maria , Papamatheakis Joseph , Kretsovali Androniki
Published: December 2021

The promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) is the core organizer of cognate nuclear bodies (PML-NBs). Through physical interaction or modification of diverse protein clients, PML-NBs regulate a multitude of - often antithetical- biological processes such as antiviral and stress response, inhibition of cell proliferation and autophagy, and promotion of apoptosis or senescence. Although PML was originally recognized as a tumor-suppressive factor, more recent studies have revealed a “double-faced” agent role for PML. Indeed, PML displayed tumor cell pro-survival and pro-migratory functions via inhibition of migration suppressing molecules or promotion of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) that may promote cancer cell dissemination. In this line, PML was found to correlate with poor patient prognosis in distinct tumor contexts. Furthermore, in the last decade, a number of publications have implicated PML in the physiology of normal or cancer stem cells (CSCs). Promyelocytic leukemia protein activates fatty acid oxidation (FAO), a metabolic mechanism required for the asymmetric divisions and maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). In embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), PML is required for maintenance of the naïve and acquisition of the induced pluripotency state, respectively. Correspondingly, PML ablation causes significant morphological gene expression and lineage choice changes. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms orchestrated by PML and PML-NBs in cancer and healthy stem cells, from cell physiology to the regulation of chromatin dynamics.
Developmental and regenerative biology of cardiomyocytes
Authors: Daiou Angeliki , Petalidou Katerina , Siokatas Georgios , Papadopoulos Eleftherios I. , Hatzistergos Konstantinos E.
Published: December 2021

Current progress and challenges in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cardiomyocyte embryonic development and regeneration are reviewed in our present work. Three major topics are critically discussed: how do cardiomyocytes form in the embryo? What is the adult origin of the cells that regenerate cardiomyocytes in animal models with adult heart regeneration capabilities? Can the promise of therapeutic cardiomyocyte regeneration be realized in humans? In the first topic, we highlight current advances in understanding the developmental biology of cardiomyocytes, with emphasis on the regulative capabilities of the early embryo during specification and allocation of the cardiomyoblasts that produce the primordial heart. We place further emphasis on trabecular cardiomyocyte development from late cardiomyoblasts, neural crest cells and primordial cardiomyocytes, and their critical role in the clonal growth of the compact/septal and cortical cardiomyocyte layers in the mammalian embryo and adult zebrafish, respectively. In the second topic, we focus on the re-activation of the cortical or trabecular compaction programs as hallmarks of cardiomyocyte regenerative cells during adult zebrafish and neonatal mouse heart regeneration, respectively, and underscore the metabolic remodeling that commonly drives cardiomyocyte regeneration in these organisms. Finally, we discuss the status of preclinical and clinical-stage therapeutics for cardiomyocyte regeneration, with particular emphasis on gene therapy, as well as adult and pluripotent stem cell-based cellular cardiomyoplasty approaches. In summary, our article provides a bird’s-eye view of current knowledge and potential pitfalls in the field of developmental biology-guided regenerative medicine strategies for the treatment of heart diseases.
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of tumor cells: cancer progression and metastasis
Authors: Vardas Vasileios , Politaki Eleni , Pantazaka Evangelia , Georgoulias Vassilis , Kallergi Galatea
Published: December 2021

Detection and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype is very important, as it can contribute to the identification of high-risk for relapse and death patients. However, most methods underestimate CTC numbers, owing to their dependence on epithelial markers. In the current study, we evaluated the EMT phenotype in CTCs isolated from breast cancer (BC) patients, using the CellSearch system. Spiking experiments for the evaluation of the specificity and sensitivity of our method were performed using HeLa cells. Sixty-five breast cancer (BC) patients (47 early and 18 metastatic) were enrolled in the study. Vimentin is a mesenchymal marker that indicates tumoral cells acquiring invasive and malignant properties. We studied vimentin (VIM) expression using the extra channel of the CellSearch system and an anti-vimentin antibody conjugated with FITC. In our present results, we reported the percentage of circulating tumor cells that expressed vimentin in early and in metastatic breast cancer patients. Interestingly, the incidence of cells with a CK-VIM+CD45- phenotype was detected in both settings. These cells were detected in 31.4% of CK-negative (11/35) and 82.3% of CK-positive (10/12) early BC patients. The corresponding numbers for metastatic disease were 15.4% (2/13) and 100% (5/5), respectively. Our results suggest that in CTC-negative patients, potentially undetectable tumor cells could be identified using the FDA-approved CellSearch system, based on the (CK-VIM+CD45-)-phenotype, offering additional information regarding metastatic dissemination in cancer patients. Further experiments evaluating more biomarkers are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate tumorigenesis and metastasis.
Cortical interneuron development: a role for small Rho GTPases
Authors: Kounoupa Zouzana , Karagogeos Domna
Published: December 2021

GABAergic interneurons control cortical excitation/inhibition balance and are implicated in severe neurodevelopmental disorders. In contrast to the multiplicity of signals underlying the generation and migration of cortical interneurons, the intracellular proteins mediating the response to these cues are largely unknown. We have demonstrated the unique and diverse roles of the Rho GTPases Rac1 and 3 in cell cycle and morphology in transgenic animals where Rac1 and Rac1/3 were ablated specifically in cortical interneurons. In the Rac1 mutant, progenitors delay their cell cycle exit, probably due to a prolonged G1 phase resulting in a cortex with 50% reductions in interneurons and an imbalance of excitation/inhibition in cortical circuits. This disruption in GABAergic inhibition alters glutamatergic function in the adult cortex, which could be reversed by enhancement of GABAergic functions during an early postnatal period. Furthermore, this disruption disturbs neuronal synchronization in the adult cortex. In the double mutant, additional severe cytoskeletal defects result in an 80% interneuron decrease. Both lines die postnatally from epileptic seizures. We have made progress towards characterizing the cell cycle defect in Rac1 mutant interneuron progenitors, determining the morphological and synaptic characteristics of single and double mutant interneurons and identifying some of the molecular players through which Racs exert their actions via proteomic analysis. In our present work, we review these studies and discuss open questions and future perspectives. We hope that our data will contribute to the understanding of the function of cortical interneurons, especially since preclinical models of interneuron-based cell therapies are being established.
Age-dependent modulation of short-term neuronal dynamics in the dorsal and ventral rat hippocampus
Authors: Trompoukis George , Tsotsokou Giota , Koutsoumpa Andriana , Tsolaki Maria , Vryoni Georgia , Papatheodoropoulos Costas
Published: December 2021

Brain aging is associated with alterations in the behavioral capacity to process information, due to mechanisms that are still largely unclear. Short-term neuronal activity dynamics are basic properties of local brain networks profoundly involved in neural information processing. In this study, we investigated the properties of short-term changes in excitatory synaptic transmission and neuronal excitation in the CA1 field of dorsal and ventral hippocampal slices from young adult and old rats. We found that short-term synaptic plasticity (i.e. short-term dynamics of input to CA1 circuit) does not significantly differ between young and old dorsal or ventral hippocampus. However, short-term dynamics of hippocampal output differ markedly between young and old rats. Notably, age-dependent alterations in short-term neuronal dynamics were detected mainly in the dorsal hippocampus. Thus, the dorsal hippocampus of young rats can detect and facilitate transmission of 1-30 Hz input and depress transmission of higher-frequency input. In contrast, the old dorsal hippocampus appears unable to transmit information in a frequency-dependent discriminatory manner. Furthermore, the amplification of steady-state output at frequencies < 40 Hz is considerably lower in the old than the young dorsal hippocampus. The old ventral hippocampus did not show major alterations in short-term processing of neural information, though under conditions of intense afferent activation, neuronal output of the ventral hippocampus is depressed at steady-state more in old than in young rats. These results suggest that aging is accompanied by alterations in neural information processing mainly in the dorsal hippocampus, which displays a narrower dynamic range of frequency-dependent transient changes in neuronal activity in old compared with young adult rats. These alterations in short-term dynamics may relate to deficits in processing ongoing activity seen in old individuals.
Lipid rafts integrity is essential for prolactin-induced mitogenesis in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Karouzaki Sophia , Peta Charoula , Tsirimonaki Emmanouella , Leondaritis George , Vougas Kostas , Tsangaris George T. , Mangoura Dimitra
Published: December 2021

Embryonic stem cells, ESCs, retain the capacity to self-renew, yet, the protein machinery essential in maintaining this undifferentiated status remains largely undefined. Signalling interactions are initiated and enhanced at the plasma membrane lipid rafts, within constraints and regulations applied by the actin and tubulin cytoskeleton systems. First, we undertook a comprehensive approach using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analysis combined with Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses at the single cell level to compile the proteome profile of detergent-free preparations of lipid rafts of E14 mouse embryonic stem cells. In comparison with the proteomic profiles of other membrane fractions, recovery of actin and tubulin network proteins, including folding chaperones, was impressively high. At equally high frequency, we detected annexins, pleiotropic proteins that may bind membrane lipids and actin filaments to regulate important membrane processes, and we validated their expression in lipid rafts. Next, we tested whether lipid raft integrity is required for completion of mitogenic signalling pathways. Disruption of the rafts with the cholesterol sequestering methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD) greatly downregulated the mitotic index of ESCs, in a dose- and time of exposure-dependent manner. Moreover, MCD greatly reduced the mitogenic actions of prolactin, a hormone known to stimulate proliferation in a great variety of stem and progenitor cells. Taken together, our data postulate that lipid rafts in ESCs act in close association with the actin and tubulin cytoskeletons to support signal compartmentalization, especially for signalling pathways pertinent to symmetric divisions for self-renewal.
Vascular cell-matrix adhesion in development and cancer
Authors: Arapatzi Christina , Rouni Georgia , Kostourou Vassiliki
Published: December 2021

The development and homeostasis of vertebrate organisms depend on the “tree of life”, in other words, the intricate network of vascular tubes composed of endothelial cells attached to the basement membrane and surrounded by perivascular cells. Although many studies have revealed the fundamental role of cytokines, growth factors and Notch signalling in vascular morphogenesis, we still lack sufficient understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling the various steps of the angiogenic processes. Emerging data highlight that cell adhesions are key players in vascular morphogenesis. In this review, we focus on endothelial cells and we present the current state of knowledge regarding the role of cell-matrix adhesions in developmental and tumour angiogenesis, attained mainly from genetic studies and animal models.
The forms of confession in Gaito Gazdanov’s short story "The Third Life"
Authors: Kukhtenkova Anastasia
Published: December 2021

The article focuses on ways of representing the psychological state of the hero in G.I. Gazdanov's story "The Third Life". The polyphonic leitmotif memory/recollection includes direct and summative ways of expressing the psychological state of the narrator. The replacement of these forms makes it possible to move from mental illness to access to a third life, explicated by intensities, extensities, comparisons, perceptual images. The prospective expectation of the appearance of ideas about the third life is associated with the mode of doubt, symptoms of mental illness, fantasy-dreams of artistic creativity The beginning of the third life is marked by the accentuation of the perceptual background (smells, synesthetic metaphor, visual comparisons). The symbolic title, decoded in comparisons, comes closer to the leitmotif of the two-worldness; the individual author's associate - the third life correlates with the search for G.I. Gazdanov's heroes of the lyrical world, sentimental trance, spiritual journey as the leitmotif complex of the writer's idiolexicon.
The Problems of Media Strategy Transformation of Russian Regional Television Broadcasting Companies in the Context of the Crisis of Traditional Media
Authors: Manskova Elizaveta
Published: December 2021

The article deals with the problems faced by the regional television market in the context of the growing popularity of new media and the transition of Russia to a digital broadcasting format. Regional and municipal television broadcasting, having lost traditional platforms for promoting their content, faced the necessity to develop new platforms in a short time. The new media environment required regional TV companies to review the promotion concepts. The author of the article is the developer of one of such concepts of rebranding and relaunching a regional television studio in a new format, and, based on practical experience, analyzes the factors and difficulties of transformation of media strategies of regional TV companies.  Five blocks of problems were identified as a result of testing of the concept of a new regional broadcasting. They include: project management, its staffing and financial support, analysis and interpretation of modern media measurements, transition to new video content formats adapted to digital platforms.
River for Jaffna-Cultivating Productive Water from Salt Water Lagoons in Northern Sri Lanka-What the Water Balance of Elephant Pass Lagoon Demonstrates
Authors: S Kuganesan, , S.S Sivakumar,
Published: December 2021

The proposal of converting Jaffna salt water lagoons in northern Sri Lanka to fresh water lakes is revived again in the recent days due to the increasing demand and dearth of fresh water in this region. Jaffna lagoon consists of two internal lagoons in the Jaffna peninsula and the external lagoon, Elephant pass.
La búsqueda de la verdad y los medios de prueba
Authors: Morán Bustos Carlos M.
Published: December 2021

El proceso de nulidad del matrimonio es un instrumento para conocer la verdad del vínculo conyugal, tarea nada fácil, que requiere del empleo de todos aquellos medios con los que indagar mejor en la verdad histórica. Para descubrir la verdad, para indagar en la misma, para hacer que la verdad —especialmente la verdad de los hechos históricos— salga a la luz, es esencial que la instrucción sea buena. Se explica por ello la necesidad de prestar atención a los medios de prueba, pues tienen una gran potencialidad en cuanto instrumentos para conocer la verdad fáctica. Dejando de un lado la prueba pericial, se hace algún apunte sobre la declaración de las partes, poniendo el acento, no tanto en la cuestión de su valoración, sino en el mecanismo de su instrucción. La reflexión se centra sobre todo en la prueba testifical, pues se trata de un medio de prueba que es frecuentemente utilizado en los procesos canónicos de nulidad del matrimonio, y sobre el que no existe demasiada literatura canónica. El análisis que se hace toca temas como la noción de testigo, el objeto del testimonio, la obligación del testigo de declarar y decir la verdad, la dinámica de la prueba testifical y, sobre todo, los criterios de valoración de los testimonios fijados por los cc. 1572-1573: en primer lugar, analizar cuál es la condición de la persona y su honradez; en segundo lugar, ver si declara de ciencia propia principalmente de lo que ha visto u oído, o si manifiesta su opinión, o lo que es sentir común o ha oído a otros; en tercer lugar, si el testigo es constante y firmemente coherente consigo mismo; o si es variable, inseguro o vacilante; en cuarto lugar, si hay testimonios contestes, o si la declaración se confirma o no con otros elementos de prueba.
Becoming humanizing educators during inhumane times: Valuing compassion and care above productivity and performance
Authors: Blum Grace Inae , Dale Leah
Published: December 2021

This qualitative inquiry presents a duoethnographic reflection by a pre-service teacher and teacher educator on their individual and collective experiences navigating teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emails of gratitude exchanged between both authors serve as the beginning of their inquiry and analysis. Their narratives reveal the ways in which they experienced humanizing pedagogies, received compassion and care, and engaged in culturally sustaining pedagogies within their teacher preparation program. Implications for reimagining teacher preparation embedded in humanizing pedagogies are explored.
Aktuálně k správněprávním vztahům a organizaci veřejné správy. Předmluva
Authors: Kopecký Martin
Published: December 2021

Foreword
Status jednotlivce ve správním právu
Authors: Prášková Helena
Published: December 2021

The article deals with the status of natural and legal persons, who are as the addressees of public administration one of the subjects of administrative-law relationship. In the introduction, the legal position (status) of a person is generally described. The following chapters then progressively examine legal personality, legal capacity, delictual liability, capacity to be party to proceedings and procedural capacity; that is capacity of individuals as well as legal entities. They focus on specificities of these types of capacity in the area of administrative law, on their legal regulation and on possible interpretation and application issues.
Rozhraní ústavního a správního práva
Authors: Pomahač Richard
Published: December 2021

Constitutional and administrative law are two related branches of law. But are the boundaries separating constitutional and administrative law truly clear? Many excellent experts in public law have already answered this question. However, as the legal system evolves, the answer to this question can be neither complete nor definitive. Nevertheless, it is possible to mark a number of bright and dark sides of the normative duality of constitutional and administrative law. Attention is focused on the constitutionalization of administrative law, but no less important is the deconstitutionalization of public administration in conditions of over-regulation connected with fragmentary and inconsistent legislation. However, it is not just a question of the integrity of the legal order. There are also a number of practical problems in the sphere of disputes resolution using dual argumentation.
Zákaz zneužitia veřejných subjektívnych prav a slobôd
Authors: Košičiarová Soňa
Published: December 2021

The aim of the article is to point out the growing phenomenon of the abuse of public subjective rights and freedoms by private persons in public administration. It analyzes the legal nature of the abuse of rights and freedoms, and the competence of public administration authorities. The author mentions some of the most well-known cases decided by the Constitutional Court and administrative courts in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Behavior of Company Performance in Response to Dividend Policy: An Analysis of Textile Sector Listed in Pakistan Stock Exchange
Authors: Ahmad Nisar , Ahmed Ayesha
Published: December 2021

The current study explains the relationship of dividend payout policy on the business performance of companies that exist in textile of Pakistan. 100 companies are selected from textile sector. Relationship of dividend payout policy and business performance was controlled with four variables based on relevant theories. These variables include size of company, growth of company, leverage (debt to equity ratio) and corporate governance index. Panel data is collected from 2012-2017 (six years) and then analyzed with unit root, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, OLS regression, Lagrange multiplier, Huasman test, Fixed effect and Random effect models. Following key findings for each research objective were obtained by applying the adopted research method on the data through the adopted method of analyses: The results of the study show that in textile companies, a negative relationship occurs between dividend payout policy and their profitability. Furthermore, size of the firm according to the pecking order theory and leverage as per the agency cost theory came out to have a significant controlling effect on this negative relationship.
L’épidémie d’hépatite C au Canada : un aperçu des tendances récentes en matière de surveillance, de consommation de drogues injectables, de réduction des méfaits et de traitement
Authors: Lourenço Lillian , Kelly Marian , Tarasuk Jill , Stairs Kyla , Bryson Maggie , Popovic Nashira , Aho Josephine
Published: December 2021

L’hépatite C demeure un important problème de santé publique au Canada, le virus de l’hépatite C (VHC) étant responsable de plus d’années de vie perdues que toutes les autres maladies infectieuses au Canada. Une augmentation du nombre de cas d’hépatite C déclarés a été observée entre 2014 et 2018. Nous présentons ici les changements dans les tendances épidémiologiques et discutons des facteurs de risque d’acquisition de l’hépatite C au Canada qui pourraient avoir contribué à cette augmentation du nombre de cas d’hépatite C déclarés, en nous concentrant sur l’utilisation de drogues injectables. Nous décrivons une diminution de l’utilisation d’aiguilles ou de seringues empruntées, associée à une augmentation de l’utilisation d’autres matériels d’injection usagés. De plus, une prévalence accrue de l’utilisation de drogues injectables et de l’injection d’opioïdes sur ordonnance et de méthamphétamine par les personnes qui utilisent des drogues par injection (UDI) peut augmenter le risque d’acquisition du VHC. Dans le même temps, si la couverture des interventions en matière de réduction des méfaits semble avoir augmenté au Canada ces dernières années, des lacunes subsistent en ce qui a trait à l’accès et la couverture. Nous examinons également comment l’élargissement de l’admissibilité aux antiviraux à action directe a pu affecter les taux d’hépatite C de 2014 à 2018. Enfin, nous présentons les nouvelles tendances de surveillance observées en 2019 et discutons de la manière dont la pandémie de maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pourrait influencer le nombre de cas d’hépatite C à partir de 2020. Des efforts continus pour 1) améliorer la surveillance de l’hépatite C, et 2) renforcer la portée, l’efficacité et l’adoption des services de prévention et de traitement de l’hépatite C à travers le Canada sont essentiels pour réduire la transmission du VHC parmi les UDI et atteindre les objectifs canadiens d’élimination du VHC d’ici 2030.
Étude PRONTO : Rendement clinique de l’ID NOW chez les personnes présentant des symptômes compatibles avec le SRAS-CoV-2 dans les centres désignés de dépistage — réduction des délais pour la recherche des contacts
Authors: Goupil-Sormany Isabelle , Longtin Jean , Dumaresq Jeannot , Jacob-Wagner Marieve , Bouchard Frédéric , Romero7 Liliana , Harvey Julie , Bestman-Smith Julie , Provençal Mathieu , Beauchemin Stéphanie , Richard Valérie , Labbé Annie-Claude
Published: December 2021

Contexte : Cette étude PRONTO a examiné le rendement clinique de la méthode diagnostique COVID-19 d’Abbott ID NOWTM (IDN) utilisé au point de service et son impact sur le délai de divulgation des résultats du test. Méthodes : Étude prospective menée de décembre 2020 à février 2021 chez des participants avec des symptômes aigus se présentant dans trois centres désignés de dépistage de la province de Québec. Résultats : Des échantillons appariés valides ont été obtenus auprès de 2 372 participants. Un résultat positif soit pour l’IDN, soit au test d’amplification des acides nucléiques standard (TAAN-S a été obtenu chez 423 participants (prévalence de 17,8 %). Les sensibilités globales de l’IDN et du TAAN-S étaient de 96,4 % (IC 95 % : 94,2–98,0 %) et 99,1 % (IC 95 % : 97,6–99,8), respectivement; les valeurs prédictives négatives étaient de 99,2 % (IC 95 % : 98,7–99,6%) et 99,8% (IC 95 % : 99,5–100 %), respectivement. Le délai d’obtention de résultats positifs était nettement plus rapide avec l’IDN. Conclusion : D’après notre expérience, l’utilisation de l’IDN chez les personnes symptomatiques dans les centres désignés de dépistage est une alternative sensible fiable au TAAN-S, sans qu’il soit nécessaire de confirmer ultérieurement les résultats négatifs. Ce déploiement peut accélérer la recherche des contacts, réduire la charge des laboratoires et améliorer l’accès aux tests.
Éclosion de COVID-19 dans un établissement de soins de longue durée à Kelowna, en Colombie-Britannique, après le déploiement du vaccin contre la COVID-19 en mars 2021
Authors: Sabet Fatemeh , Gauthier Barbara , Siddiqui Muddassir , Wilmer Amanda , Prystajecky Natalie , Rydings Pamela , Andrews Michele , Pollock Sue
Published: December 2021

Contexte : En mars 2021, une éclosion de maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) a été déclarée dans un grand établissement de soins de longue durée et de séjour de courte durée en Colombie-Britannique, au Canada, bien après l’introduction du programme de vaccination dans les établissements de soins de longue durée qui a entraîné une baisse spectaculaire du nombre d’éclosions dans ce type d’établissement. L’objectif de cette étude est de fournir l’épidémiologie descriptive de cette éclosion, dans le contexte de l’immunisation partielle des résidents et du personnel de l’établissement. Méthodes : Les renseignements sur les cas ont été extraits d’un système de renseignements provincial (Panorama). L’analyse descriptive a été réalisée à l’aide de Microsoft Excel et de SAS. Les contrôles de gestion de l’éclosion comprenaient, sans s’y limiter, des tests asymptomatiques et des efforts pour augmenter la vaccination. Résultats : Vingt-six cas parmi les 241 résidents et trois cas parmi les 418 membres du personnel (correspondant à des taux d’attaque de 10 % et moins de 1 %, respectivement) ont été trouvés. Le taux d’attaque chez les résidents était considérablement plus faible que le taux d’attaque moyen pour les éclosions de COVID-19 dans les établissements de soins de longue durée avant le déploiement du vaccin. Dix-sept cas résidents étaient partiellement ou totalement immunisés. Quatre des huit cas hospitalisés et deux des trois cas décédés étaient partiellement immunisés. Dix-sept cas étaient des résidents en séjour temporaire. Les trois cas du personnel n’ont pas été vaccinés. Dix cas ont été trouvés avec des tests asymptomatiques. Conclusion : L’introduction de la vaccination dans les établissements a contribué à la baisse des taux d’attaque et à l’augmentation du nombre de cas asymptomatiques dans cette éclosion. Le dépistage des personnes asymptomatiques a permis de trouver des cas supplémentaires parmi les résidents vaccinés. Les résultats soulignent l’importance d’atteindre une couverture vaccinale élevée, y compris chez les résidents en séjour temporaire, afin de prévenir l’introduction du virus et les possibilités de transmission ultérieures non reconnues.
Komunizm kosmiczny
Authors: Wójcik Bartosz
Published: December 2021

Komunizm kosmiczny
Planować w skali planetarnej
Authors: Owczarek Michał
Published: December 2021

Celem tego artykułu jest wprowadzenie do teorii i praktyki projektowej Benjamina Brattona. Jego słowa, że „patrzymy w przestrzeń kosmiczną i z niej z powrotem na Ziemię, żeby zrozumieć co powinna znaczyć planetarność”, wskazują na dwa kluczowe aspekty jego myśli, które omówię wraz z ich politycznymi konsekwencjami. Pierwszy polega na rozpoznaniu roli aparatów obliczeniowych jako warunku możliwości takich zjawisk jak kryzys klimatyczny. Drugi polega na opisie planetarnych środków produkcji oraz wytwarzanych przez nie przestrzeni suwerenności w ramach koncepcji Stosu. Rozważając politykę przyszłości, Bratton wyróżnia neokomunizm oraz neofeudalizm jako prawdopodobne scenariusze. Inspirując się jego myślą, formułuję dwa warunki konieczne racjonalnej polityki przyszłości: reorientację planetarnych aparatów obliczeniowych ku innym celom niż zysk i przeskalowanie planowania zarówno w czasie, jak i w przestrzeni. Omówienie pierwszych wyników programu badawczego The Terraforming pozwoli zobaczyć przez konkretne wizje działań w skali planetarnej możliwości egalitarnej i uniwersalnej polityczności.