bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographical Imagination, Anthropology, and Political Exiles
Authors: Saburova Tatiana
Published: April 2020

This article is focused on several themes connected with the history of photography, political exile in Imperial Russia, exploration and representations of Siberia in the late 19th–early 20th centuries. Photography became an essential tool in numerous geographic, topographic and ethnographic expeditions to Siberia in the late 19th century; well-known scientists started to master photography or were accompanied by professional photographers in their expeditions, including ones organized by the Russian Imperial Geographic Society, which resulted in the photographic records, reports, publications and exhibitions. Photography was rapidly spreading across Asian Russia and by the end of the 19th century there was a photo studio (or several ones) in almost every Siberian town. Political exiles were often among Siberian photographers, making photography their new profession, business, a way of getting a social status in the local society, and a means of surviving financially as well as intellectually and emotionally. They contributed significantly to the museum’s collections by photographing indigenous people in Siberia and even traveling to Mongolia and China, displaying “types” as a part of anthropological research in Asia and presenting “views” of the Russian empire’s borderlands. The visual representation of Siberia corresponded with general perceptions of an exotic East, populated by “primitive” peoples devoid of civilization, a trope reinforced by numerous photographs and depictions of Siberia as an untamed natural world, later transformed and modernized by the railroads construction.
From Educational Government to the Government of Education:
The Decline and Fall of the British Columbia Ministry of
Education, 1972-1996
Authors: Fleming Thomas
Published: April 2020

The quarter of a century between 1972 and 1996 witnessed
the end of the Imperial Age of school administration in British
Columbia. The historical pattern of strong central control which
had directed the course of provincial schooling for a century
was beginning to unravel even before the 1960s were over,
prompted in part by a malaise inside educational government and
by new forces in and outside schools. Although provincial
authorities entered the 1970s still confident in their capacity
to control and direct public education, the Ministry of
Education found itself before the decade ended, like Napoleon’s
army retreating from Moscow, bewildered by an unfamiliar
landscape and harried on all sides by adversaries who seemed to
materialize from nowhere, each with its own special brief for
provincial schools. By the 1980s, the province’s education
bureaucracy, once the dominant and solitary voice in school
affairs, was obliged to compete on the public policy stage with
a chorus of others eager to contest the province’s right to
speak on behalf of children. By the mid-1990s, the rising power
of the teachers’ Federation, increasing parental and public
demands for participation in educational decisions, and the
Ministry of Education’s ambiguity about its own purpose had all
served, in various ways, to reduce the province’s leadership in
public education.
Developing a Platform for Chronic Diseases Awareness
Authors: Alqarni Nada Abdullah , Alqahtani Shahad Saeed , Alhumaidi Sara Ahmed , Almutairi Ibtihaj Mohammed , Alshabanah Muneerah , Alrajhi Daniah , Alsmadi Mutasem K. , Almarashdeh Ibrahim
Published: April 2020

The increasing chronic disease’s epidemic is due to alcohol, smoking, lack of physical activity, obesity and unhealthy diet causing common diseases such as hypertension, osteoporosis, stroke, myocardial infarction renal insufficiency and diabetes. Preventive action against such diseases could be to improve health awareness through the use of health awareness platforms supporting behavior change and self-observation. Policy-makers play a vital role in decreasing the burden and risk of chronic diseases through implementing programs and policies that improve access to healthcare and provide a healthy environment. An official planning framework and national policy are crucial to give chronic diseases proper priority and to arrange resources properly. This work aims to design and develop a platform for chronic disease awareness. The proposed system was developed using the Unified Modeling Language (UML), ASP.NET, HTML and CSS.
Fraguas e a arqueoloxía galega na segunda metade do s. XX
Authors: Arias Vilas Felipe
Published: April 2020

O presente traballo realiza un percorrido resumido pola arqueoloxía galega na segunda metade do século XX, partindo dos traballos de Antonio Fraguas na zona lucense e analizando o papel fundamental da Sección de Arqueoloxía e Prehistoria do Instituto de Estudios Gallegos Padre Sarmiento, sobre todo nas décadas dos anos 70 e 80, en que promoveu traballos e investigacións aglutinando persoas de museos, da universidade e doutros ámbitos sociais.
БАБИН ЯР. ІСТОРІЯ І ПАМ’ЯТЬ, ЗА РЕД. ВЛАДИСЛАВА ГРИНЕВИЧА ТА ПАВЛА-РОБЕРТА МАҐОЧІЯ. КИЇВ: ДУХ І ЛІТЕРА, 2016. 328 с.
Authors: Struve Kai
Published: April 2020

Збірник, який ми будемо обговорювати, було створено в 2016 р. як частину серії ініціатив «Ukrainian Jewish Encounter Initiative» (Українсько-єврейська зустріч) на честь 75-ї річниці масових убивств у Бабиному Яру. Він з’явився водночас в англомовній та україномовній редакціях. Рецензія надається на англомовне видання. Статті, які увійшли до видання, були створені науковцями, але призначені для широкого загалу, що обумовлює їх оглядовий характер. Відповідно вони не обтяжені науковими коментарями, а мають по завершенні перелік важливих літературних джерел за тематикою.
ПОШУК ВІДПОВІДІ НА ЗАПИТАННЯ «ЧОМУ Я СТАВ НАЦИСТОМ?»: МАЛОВІДОМІ МАТЕРІАЛИ СОЦІОЛОГІЧНОГО ОПИТУВАННЯ 1934 Р. НА ТЕРЕНАХ ТРЕТЬОГО РАЙХУ. Огляд збірки: «Warum ich Nazi wurde» – Biogramme früher Nationalsozialisten. Die einzigarten Sammlung des Theodor Abel
Authors: Davletov Alexander
Published: April 2020

Незважаючи на вагомий обсяг вже існуючих робіт, присвячених нацизму, історики все ще мають численні лакуни з цієї проблематики. Наприклад, не існує ще загальновизнаного трактування термінів «фашизм» чи «нацизм»; маловивченими «залишаються методи, засоби, прийоми поширення нацистської ідеології» 3, також не розкрито і «проблему співвідношення в нацистській системі панування методів терору, пропаганди та організаційно-політичного впливу регіональних лідерів, їх взаємозв’язки і взаємодію в різні періоди існування режиму та пов’язане з цим питання стосовно «ролі та взаємодії допоміжних і «дочірніх» організацій НСДАП (СС, СД, СА, гестапо, «Гітлерюгенда» тощо) в системі репресій та маніпулювання суспільною свідомістю»; мало інформації стосовно повсякденного життя німецького суспільства доби Третього райху 4. Саме тому неабиякий інтерес у читачів у Німеччині та за її кордонами викликала збірка біографічних матеріалів під гучною назвою «Чому я став нацистом?», що вийшла друком у вересні 2018 р. у Берліні, упорядкована та прокоментована відомим сучасним німецьким істориком, письменником і видавцем Віландом Ґібелем (1950 р. н.).
MENINGKATKAN PEMAHAMAN MATERI GLOBALISASI DAN SIKAP SOSIAL SISWA MELALUI MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF GROUP INVESTIGATION DI KELAS IV MADRASAH IBTIDAIYAH NURUL HUDA CIMANGGIS DEPOK
Authors: Pudjiastuti Sri Rahayu
Published: April 2020

Rendahnya sikap sosial siswa yang ditandai oleh kurangnya kepedulian sosial siswa dengan teman, kurang peka terhadap lingkungan, kurangnya sosialisasi dan komunikasi antar siswa, serta siswa kurang aktif dalam mengikuti pembelajaran dan rendahnya hasil belajar PKn,hal ini dibuktikan dengan rendahnya perolehan nilai hasil belajar siswa pada konsep globalisasi, atas dasar hal tersebut diperlukan penerapan model pembelajaran untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut.  model pembelajaran yang tepat adalah group investigation  model ini dipilih karena di dalamnya mengandung kegiatan-kegiatan yang menarik serta mengarahkan siswa untuk lebih aktif berpartisipasi dalam proses pembelajaran dan mendorong kreativitas siswa untuk berkompetisi dengan teman sebayanya, melatih bekerjasama dalam sebuah tim serta mengembangkan sikap siswa. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian tindakan kelas (PTK). Jumlah responden 40 orang, instrumen yang digunakan adalah tes untuk mengukur pemahaman materi globalisasi dan observasi untuk mengamati sikap sosial dan aktivitas siswa dalam melakukan group investigation. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: (1) Dari hasil observasi terhadap kegiatan pembelajaran yang dilakukan peneliti yaitu siklus pertama 65%, siklus kedua 75%, dan siklus ketiga 85%. (2) Aktivitas siswa sangat baik, sesuai dengan persentase hasil observasi terhadap aktivitas siswa dalam kegiatan belajar mengajar yaitu siklus pertama 65%, siklus kedua 75%, dan siklus ketiga 85%. 3) Sikap sosial siswa pun terjadi peningkatan. Siklus I menunjukan persentase sikap sosial siswa sebesar 68% dengan kategori cukup, meningkat pada siklus II menjadi 81% dengan kategori baik, meningkat kembali pada siklus III menjadi 89% dengan kategori sangat baik
This paper is called "On the Pragmatic Functions of Plato's Forms in Process Philosophy." The creation of knowledge is built on the constructive efforts of pragmatism. Abstract ideas present a skeptical puzzle in contextualism. Plato's forms are entities that explain the various relations between abstract ideas. From these grounds, there are new attitudes, behaviors, and motivations of the individual’s perceptions toward the meaning of experience and how to form ideas.
Authors: Kader Thomas
Published: April 2020

Plato’s Theory of Forms is a response to Heraclitus’ philosophy that all things are in a state of becoming. Forms exist in an eternal and unchanging place not in reality. According to Heraclitus, changes are perceivable by the senses which are recognized by processes that occur in nature, such as the existence of fire. Thus, the central action of the mind is to develop ideas about the causes and effects of beliefs that transform opinion into knowledge. This method of reasoning that only focuses on the relations between real things and the mind begins with C.S. Peirce, the American pragmatist that claimed the concept of reality was derived from nothing external to the world. In order to describe some ways that thinking unfolds, it is necessary to create a boundary line between language and experience. This view of context provides the grounds for logic to evolve in metaphysics.
MiRNAs Targeting Double Strand DNA Repair Pathways Lurk in Genomically Unstable Rare Fragile Sites and Determine Cancer Outcomes
Authors: Marquardt Stephan , Richter Christin , Pützer Brigitte M. , Logotheti Stella
Published: April 2020

Double strand break (DSB) repair mechanisms guard genome integrity and their deterioration causes genomic instability. Common and rare fragile sites (CFS and RFS, respectively) are particularly vulnerable to instability, and there is an inverse correlation between fragile site (FS) expression and DSB repair protein levels. Upon DSB repair dysfunction, genes residing at these sites are at greater risk of deregulation compared to genes located at non-FS. In this regard, it remains enigmatic why the incidence of miRNA genes at FS is higher compared to non-FS. Herein, using bioinformatics, we examined whether miRNA genes localized at FS inhibit components of DSB repair pathways and assessed their effects on cancer. We show that such miRNAs over-accumulate in RFS, and that FRAXA, which is expressed in Fragile X syndrome, is a conserved hotspot for miRNAs inhibiting DSB repair. Axes of FRAXA-residing miRNAs/DSB repair targets affect survival in a cancer type-specific manner. Moreover, copy number variations in the region encompassing these miRNA genes discriminate survival between male and female patients. Given that, thus far, only CFS have been considered relevant for carcinogenesis, our data are the first to associate RFS with cancer, through the impairment of DSB repair by the FRAXA-residing miRNAs.
Utilizing Amari-Alpha Divergence to Stabilize the Training of Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Cai Likun , Chen Yanjie , Cai Ning , Cheng Wei , Wang Hao
Published: April 2020

Generative Adversarial Nets (GANs) are one of the most popular architectures for image generation, which has achieved significant progress in generating high-resolution, diverse image samples. The normal GANs are supposed to minimize the Kullback–Leibler divergence between distributions of natural and generated images. In this paper, we propose the Alpha-divergence Generative Adversarial Net (Alpha-GAN) which adopts the alpha divergence as the minimization objective function of generators. The alpha divergence can be regarded as a generalization of the Kullback–Leibler divergence, Pearson χ 2 divergence, Hellinger divergence, etc. Our Alpha-GAN employs the power function as the form of adversarial loss for the discriminator with two-order indexes. These hyper-parameters make our model more flexible to trade off between the generated and target distributions. We further give a theoretical analysis of how to select these hyper-parameters to balance the training stability and the quality of generated images. Extensive experiments of Alpha-GAN are performed on SVHN and CelebA datasets, and evaluation results show the stability of Alpha-GAN. The generated samples are also competitive compared with the state-of-the-art approaches.
Higher-Order Hamiltonian for Circuits with (α,β) Elements
Authors: Biolek Zdeněk , Biolek Dalibor , Biolková Viera , Kolka Zdeněk
Published: April 2020

The paper studies the construction of the Hamiltonian for circuits built from the (α,β) elements of Chua’s periodic table. It starts from the Lagrange function, whose existence is limited to Σ-circuits, i.e., circuits built exclusively from elements located on a common Σ-diagonal of the table. We show that the Hamiltonian can also be constructed via the generalized Tellegen’s theorem. According to the ideas of predictive modeling, the resulting Hamiltonian is made up exclusively of the constitutive relations of the elements in the circuit. Within the frame of Ostrogradsky’s formalism, the simulation scheme of Σ-circuits is designed and examined with the example of a nonlinear Pais–Uhlenbeck oscillator.
Myalgia in 30 Patients with Suspected Myopathy
Authors: Lehmann Urban Diana , Lehmann Elizabeth , Motlagh Scholle Leila , Kraya Torsten
Published: April 2020

Background: In patients with neuromuscular disorder, only little data of myalgia frequency and characterization exists. To date, only a weak correlation between pain intensity and pressure pain threshold has been found, and it remains enigmatic whether high pain intensity levels are equivalent to high pain sensitivity levels in neuromuscular disorders. Methods: 30 sequential patients with suspected neuromuscular disorder and myalgia were analyzed with regard to myalgia characteristics and clinical findings, including symptoms of depression and anxiety and pain- threshold. Results: A neuromuscular disorder was diagnosed in 14/30 patients. Muscular pain fasciculation syndrome (MPFS) without evidence for myopathy or myositis was diagnosed in 10/30 patients and 6/30 patients were diagnosed with pure myalgia without evidence for a neuromuscular disorder (e.g., myopathy, myositis, MPFS, polymyalgia rheumatica). Highest median pain scores were found in patients with pure myalgia and polymyalgia rheumatica. Pressure pain threshold measurement showed a significant difference between patients and controls in the biceps brachii muscle. Conclusion: Only a weak correlation between pain intensity and pressure pain threshold has been suggested, which is concordant with our results. The hypothesis that high pain intensity levels are equivalent to high pain sensitivity levels was not demonstrated.
Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Biomarkers and Low-Grade Inflammation in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Sanada Kenji , Montero-Marin Jesus , Barceló-Soler Alberto , Ikuse Daisuke , Ota Marie , Hirata Akihito , Yoshizawa Akira , Hatanaka Rieko , Valero Montserrat Salas , Demarzo Marcelo , Campayo Javier García , Iwanami Akira
Published: April 2020

Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) present positive effects on mental health in diverse populations. However, the detailed associations between MBIs and biomarkers in patients with psychiatric disorders remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of MBIs on biomarkers in psychiatric illness used to summarise the effects of low-grade inflammation. A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Effect sizes (ESs) were determined by Hedges’ g and the number needed to treat (NNT). Heterogeneity was evaluated. A total of 10 trials with 998 participants were included. MBIs showed significant improvements in the event-related potential amplitudes in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, the methylation of serotonin transporter genes in post-traumatic stress disorder, the salivary levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in depression, and the blood levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), IL-6, and TNF-α in generalised anxiety disorder. MBIs showed low but significant effects on health status related to biomarkers of low-grade inflammation (g = −0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) –0.41 to −0.01; NNT = 8.47), with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0; 95% CI 0 to 79). More trials are needed to establish the impact of MBIs on biomarkers in psychiatric illness.
Development and Assessment of Duplex and Triplex Laminated Edible Films Using Whey Protein Isolate, Gelatin and Sodium Alginate
Authors: Tyuftin Andrey A. , Wang Lizhe , Auty Mark A.E. , Kerry Joe P.
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to assess the ability of producing laminated edible films manufactured using the following proteins; gelatin (G), whey protein isolate (WPI) and polysaccharide sodium alginate (SA), and to evaluate their physical properties. Additionally, films’ preparation employing these ingredients was optimized through the addition of corn oil (O). Overall, 8-types of laminated films (G-SA, G-WPI, SA-WPI, SA-G-WPI, GO-SAO, GO-WPIO, SAO-WPIO and SAO-GO-WPIO) were developed in this study. The properties of the prepared films were characterized through the measurement of tensile strength (TS), elongation at break point (EB), puncture resistance (PR), tear strength (TT), water vapour permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP). The microstructure of cross-sections of laminated films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties of films were dramatically enhanced through the addition of film layers. GO-SAO laminate showed the best barrier properties to water vapour (22.6 ± 4.04 g mm/kPa d m2) and oxygen (18.2 ± 8.70 cm3 mm/kPa d m2). SAO-GO-WPIO laminate film was the strongest of all laminated films tested, having the highest TS of 55.77 MPa, PR of 41.36 N and TT of 27.32 N. SA-G-WPI film possessed the highest elasticity with an EB value of 17.4%.
The Cell Wall PAC (Proline-Rich, Arabinogalactan Proteins, Conserved Cysteines) Domain-Proteins Are Conserved in the Green Lineage
Authors: Nguyen-Kim Huan , San Clemente Hélène , Laimer Josef , Lackner Peter , Gadermaier Gabriele , Dunand Christophe , Jamet Elisabeth
Published: April 2020

Plant cell wall proteins play major roles during plant development and in response to environmental cues. A bioinformatic search for functional domains has allowed identifying the PAC domain (Proline-rich, Arabinogalactan proteins, conserved Cysteines) in several proteins (PDPs) identified in cell wall proteomes. This domain is assumed to interact with pectic polysaccharides and O-glycans and to contribute to non-covalent molecular scaffolds facilitating the remodeling of polysaccharidic networks during rapid cell expansion. In this work, the characteristics of the PAC domain are described in detail, including six conserved Cys residues, their spacing, and the predicted secondary structures. Modeling has been performed based on the crystal structure of a Plantago lanceolata PAC domain. The presence of β-sheets is assumed to ensure the correct folding of the PAC domain as a β-barrel with loop regions. We show that PDPs are present in early divergent organisms from the green lineage and in all land plants. PAC domains are associated with other types of domains: Histidine-rich, extensin, Proline-rich, or yet uncharacterized. The earliest divergent organisms having PDPs are Bryophytes. Like the complexity of the cell walls, the number and complexity of PDPs steadily increase during the evolution of the green lineage. The association of PAC domains with other domains suggests a neo-functionalization and different types of interactions with cell wall polymers
Fifteen Years of Airborne Particulates in Vitro Toxicology in Milano: Lessons and Perspectives Learned
Authors: Longhin Eleonora Marta , Mantecca Paride , Gualtieri Maurizio
Published: April 2020

Air pollution is one of the world’s leading environmental causes of death. The epidemiological relationship between outdoor air pollution and the onset of health diseases associated with death is now well established. Relevant toxicological proofs are now dissecting the molecular processes that cause inflammation, reactive species generation, and DNA damage. In addition, new data are pointing out the role of airborne particulates in the modulation of genes and microRNAs potentially involved in the onset of human diseases. In the present review we collect the relevant findings on airborne particulates of one of the biggest hot spots of air pollution in Europe (i.e., the Po Valley), in the largest urban area of this region, Milan. The different aerodynamic fractions are discussed separately with a specific focus on fine and ultrafine particles that are now the main focus of several studies. Results are compared with more recent international findings. Possible future perspectives of research are proposed to create a new discussion among scientists working on the toxicological effects of airborne particles.
A Precision Strategy to Cure Renal Cell Carcinoma by Targeting Transglutaminase 2
Authors: Kim Soo-Youl , Keillor Jeffrey W.
Published: April 2020

In a recent report, no significance of transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2) was noted in the analyses of expression differences between normal and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), although we found that knock down of TGase 2 induced significant p53-mediated cell death in ccRCC. Generally, to find effective therapeutic targets, we need to identify targets that belong specifically to a cancer phenotype that can be differentiated from a normal phenotype. Here, we offer precise reasons why TGase 2 may be the first therapeutic target for ccRCC, according to several lines of evidence. TGase 2 is negatively regulated by von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein (pVHL) and positively regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Therefore, most of ccRCC presents high level expression of TGase 2 because over 90% of ccRCC showed VHL inactivity through mutation and methylation. Cell death, angiogenesis and drug resistance were specifically regulated by TGase 2 through p53 depletion in ccRCC because over 90% of ccRCC express wild type p53, which is a cell death inducer as well as a HIF-1α suppressor. Although there have been no detailed studies of the physiological role of TGase 2 in multi-omics analyses of ccRCC, a life-long study of the physiological roles of TGase 2 led to the discovery of the first target as well as the first therapeutic treatment for ccRCC in the clinical field.
The Optogenetic Revolution in Cerebellar Investigations
Authors: Prestori Francesca , Montagna Ileana , D’Angelo Egidio , Mapelli Lisa
Published: April 2020

The cerebellum is most renowned for its role in sensorimotor control and coordination, but a growing number of anatomical and physiological studies are demonstrating its deep involvement in cognitive and emotional functions. Recently, the development and refinement of optogenetic techniques boosted research in the cerebellar field and, impressively, revolutionized the methodological approach and endowed the investigations with entirely new capabilities. This translated into a significant improvement in the data acquired for sensorimotor tests, allowing one to correlate single-cell activity with motor behavior to the extent of determining the role of single neuronal types and single connection pathways in controlling precise aspects of movement kinematics. These levels of specificity in correlating neuronal activity to behavior could not be achieved in the past, when electrical and pharmacological stimulations were the only available experimental tools. The application of optogenetics to the investigation of the cerebellar role in higher-order and cognitive functions, which involves a high degree of connectivity with multiple brain areas, has been even more significant. It is possible that, in this field, optogenetics has changed the game, and the number of investigations using optogenetics to study the cerebellar role in non-sensorimotor functions in awake animals is growing. The main issues addressed by these studies are the cerebellar role in epilepsy (through connections to the hippocampus and the temporal lobe), schizophrenia and cognition, working memory for decision making, and social behavior. It is also worth noting that optogenetics opened a new perspective for cerebellar neurostimulation in patients (e.g., for epilepsy treatment and stroke rehabilitation), promising unprecedented specificity in the targeted pathways that could be either activated or inhibited.
HIV gp120 Protein Increases the Function of Connexin 43 Hemichannels and Pannexin-1 Channels in Astrocytes: Repercussions on Astroglial Function
Authors: Gajardo-Gómez Rosario , Santibañez Cristian A. , Labra Valeria C. , Gómez Gonzalo I. , Eugenin Eliseo A. , Orellana Juan A.
Published: April 2020

At least half of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals suffer from a wide range of cognitive, behavioral and motor deficits, collectively known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The molecular mechanisms that amplify damage within the brain of HIV-infected individuals are unknown. Recently, we described that HIV augments the opening of connexin-43 (Cx43) hemichannels in cultured human astrocytes, which result in the collapse of neuronal processes. Whether HIV soluble viral proteins such as gp120, can regulate hemichannel opening in astrocytes is still ignored. These channels communicate the cytosol with the extracellular space during pathological conditions. We found that gp120 enhances the function of both Cx43 hemichannels and pannexin-1 channels in mouse cortical astrocytes. These effects depended on the activation of IL-1β/TNF-α, p38 MAP kinase, iNOS, cytoplasmic Ca2+ and purinergic signaling. The gp120-induced channel opening resulted in alterations in Ca2+ dynamics, nitric oxide production and ATP release. Although the channel opening evoked by gp120 in astrocytes was reproduced in ex vivo brain preparations, these responses were heterogeneous depending on the CA1 region analyzed. We speculate that soluble gp120-induced activation of astroglial Cx43 hemichannels and pannexin-1 channels could be crucial for the pathogenesis of HAND.
Anemarrhenae asphodeloides rhizoma Extract Enriched in Mangiferin Protects PC12 Cells against a Neurotoxic Agent-3-Nitropropionic Acid
Authors: Piwowar Agnieszka , Rembiałkowska Nina , Rorbach-Dolata Anna , Garbiec Arnold , Ślusarczyk Sylwester , Dobosz Agnieszka , Długosz Anna , Marchewka Zofia , Matkowski Adam , Saczko Jolanta
Published: April 2020

The rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge, used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a brain function-improving herb, is a promising source of neuroprotective substances. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective action of xanthones from A. asphodeloides rhizomes on the PC12 cell line exposed to the neurotoxic agent—3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP). The xanthone-enriched fraction of the ethanolic extract of A. asphodeloides (abbreviated from now on as XF, for the Xanthone Fraction), rich in polyphenolic xanthone glycosides, in concentrations from 5 to 100 μg/mL, and 3-NP in concentrations from 2.5 to 15 mM, were examined. After 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure of cells to various combinations of 3-NP and XF, the MTT viability assay was performed and morphological changes were estimated by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The obtained results showed a significant increase in the number of cells surviving after treatment with XF with exposure to neurotoxic 3-NP and decreased morphological changes in PC12 cells in a dose and time dependent manner. The most effective protective action was observed when PC12 cells were pre-incubated with the XF. This effect may contribute to the traditional indications of this herb for neurological and cognitive complaints. However, a significant cytotoxicity observed at higher XF concentrations (over 10 µg/mL) and longer incubation time (48 h) requires caution in future research and thorough investigation into potential adverse effects.
Dysbacteriosis-Derived Lipopolysaccharide Causes Embryonic Osteopenia through Retinoic-Acid-Regulated DLX5 Expression
Authors: You Lingsen , Zhu Liwei , Li Pei-zhi , Wang Guang , Cai Hongmei , Song Jinhuan , Long Denglu , Berman Zachary , Lin Li , Cheng Xin , Yang Xuesong
Published: April 2020

Growing evidence suggests an adverse impact of gut microbiota dysbiosis on human health. However, it remains unclear whether embryonic osteogenesis is affected by maternal gut dysbacteriosis. In this study, we observed that elevated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels led to skeletal developmental retardation in an established mouse model of gut microbiota dysbiosis. Using chick embryos exposed to dysbacteriosis-derived LPS, we found restriction in the development of long bones as demonstrated by Alcian blue and alizarin red staining. Micro-CT and histological analysis exhibited decreased trabecular volume, bone mineral density, and collagen production, as well as suppressed osteoblastic gene expression (Ocn, Runx2, Osx, and Dlx5) in chick embryonic phalanges following LPS treatment. Atomic force microscopy manifested decreased roughness of MC3T3-E1 cells and poorly developed matrix vesicles (MVs) in presence of LPS. The expression of the aforementioned osteoblastic genes was suppressed in MC3T3-E1 cells as well. High-throughput RNA sequencing indicated that retinoic acid (RA) may play an important role in LPS-induced osteopenia. The addition of RA suppressed Dlx5 expression in MC3T3-E1 cells, as was also seen when exposed to LPS. Quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescent staining showed that retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) was upregulated by LPS or RA treatment, while the expression of DLX5 was downregulated. CYP1B1 expression was increased by LPS treatment in MC3T3-E1 cells, which might be attributed to the increased inflammatory factors and subsequently activated NF-κB signaling. Eventually, blocking RA signals with AGN193109 successfully restored LPS-inhibited osteoblastic gene expression. Taken together, our data reveals that maternal gut microbiota dysbiosis can interfere with bone ossification, in which Dlx5 expression regulated by RA signaling plays an important role.
Nanostructured Materials for Artificial Tissue Replacements
Authors: Pryjmaková Jana , Kaimlová Markéta , Hubáček Tomáš , Švorčík Václav , Siegel Jakub
Published: April 2020

This paper review current trends in applications of nanomaterials in tissue engineering. Nanomaterials applicable in this area can be divided into two groups: organic and inorganic. Organic nanomaterials are especially used for the preparation of highly porous scaffolds for cell cultivation and are represented by polymeric nanofibers. Inorganic nanomaterials are implemented as they stand or dispersed in matrices promoting their functional properties while preserving high level of biocompatibility. They are used in various forms (e.g., nano- particles, -tubes and -fibers)—and when forming the composites with organic matrices—are able to enhance many resulting properties (biologic, mechanical, electrical and/or antibacterial). For this reason, this contribution points especially to such type of composite nanomaterials. Basic information on classification, properties and application potential of single nanostructures, as well as complex scaffolds suitable for 3D tissues reconstruction is provided. Examples of practical usage of these structures are demonstrated on cartilage, bone, neural, cardiac and skin tissue regeneration and replacements. Nanomaterials open up new ways of treatments in almost all areas of current tissue regeneration, especially in tissue support or cell proliferation and growth. They significantly promote tissue rebuilding by direct replacement of damaged tissues.
Conditional Up-Regulation of SERCA2a Exacerbates RyR2-Dependent Ventricular and Atrial Arrhythmias
Authors: Liu Bin , Lou Qing , Smith Heather , Velez-Cortes Florencia , Dillmann Wolfgang H. , Knollmann Björn C. , Armoundas Antonis A. , Györke Sándor
Published: April 2020

Ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) and SERCA2a are two major players in myocyte calcium (Ca) cycling that are modulated physiologically, affected by disease and thus considered to be potential targets for cardiac disease therapy. However, how RyR2 and SERCA2a influence each others’ activities, as well as the primary and secondary consequences of their combined manipulations remain controversial. In this study, we examined the effect of acute upregulation of SERCA2a on arrhythmogenesis by conditionally overexpressing SERCA2a in a mouse model featuring hyperactive RyR2s due to ablation of calsequestrin 2 (CASQ2). CASQ2 knock-out (KO) mice were crossbred with doxycycline (DOX)-inducible SERCA2a transgenic mice to generate KO-TG mice. In-vivo ECG studies have shown that induction of SERCA2a (DOX+) overexpression markedly exacerbated both ventricular and atrial arrhythmias in vivo, compared with uninduced KO-TG mice (DOX-). Consistent with that, confocal microscopy in both atrial and ventricular myocytes demonstrated that conditional upregulation of SERCA2a enhanced the rate of occurrence of diastolic Ca release events. Additionally, deep RNA sequencing identified 17 downregulated genes and 5 upregulated genes in DOX+ mice, among which Ppp1r13l, Clcn1, and Agt have previously been linked to arrhythmias. Our results suggest that conditional upregulation of SERCA2a exacerbates hyperactive RyR2-mediated arrhythmias by further elevating diastolic Ca release.
Translational Control of Secretory Proteins in Health and Disease
Authors: Karamyshev Andrey L. , Tikhonova Elena B. , Karamysheva Zemfira N.
Published: April 2020

Secretory proteins are synthesized in a form of precursors with additional sequences at their N-terminal ends called signal peptides. The signal peptides are recognized co-translationally by signal recognition particle (SRP). This interaction leads to targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and translocation of the nascent chains into the ER lumen. It was demonstrated recently that in addition to a targeting function, SRP has a novel role in protection of secretory protein mRNAs from degradation. It was also found that the quality of secretory proteins is controlled by the recently discovered Regulation of Aberrant Protein Production (RAPP) pathway. RAPP monitors interactions of polypeptide nascent chains during their synthesis on the ribosomes and specifically degrades their mRNAs if these interactions are abolished due to mutations in the nascent chains or defects in the targeting factor. It was demonstrated that pathological RAPP activation is one of the molecular mechanisms of human diseases associated with defects in the secretory proteins. In this review, we discuss recent progress in understanding of translational control of secretory protein biogenesis on the ribosome and pathological consequences of its dysregulation in human diseases.
Secondary Metabolites from the Culture of the Marine-derived Fungus Paradendryphiella salina PC 362H and Evaluation of the Anticancer Activity of Its Metabolite Hyalodendrin
Authors: Dezaire Ambre , Marchand Christophe H. , Vallet Marine , Ferrand Nathalie , Chaouch Soraya , Mouray Elisabeth , Larsen Annette K. , Sabbah Michèle , Lemaire Stéphane D. , Prado Soizic , Escargueil Alexandre E.
Published: April 2020

High-throughput screening assays have been designed to identify compounds capable of inhibiting phenotypes involved in cancer aggressiveness. However, most studies used commercially available chemical libraries. This prompted us to explore natural products isolated from marine-derived fungi as a new source of molecules. In this study, we established a chemical library from 99 strains corresponding to 45 molecular operational taxonomic units and evaluated their anticancer activity against the MCF7 epithelial cancer cell line and its invasive stem cell-like MCF7-Sh-WISP2 counterpart. We identified the marine fungal Paradendryphiella salina PC 362H strain, isolated from the brown alga Pelvetia caniculata (PC), as one of the most promising fungi which produce active compounds. Further chemical and biological characterizations of the culture of the Paradendryphiella salina PC 362H strain identified (-)-hyalodendrin as the active secondary metabolite responsible for the cytotoxic activity of the crude extract. The antitumor activity of (-)-hyalodendrin was not only limited to the MCF7 cell lines, but also prominent on cancer cells with invasive phenotypes including colorectal cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy. Further investigations showed that treatment of MCF7-Sh-WISP2 cells with (-)-hyalodendrin induced changes in the phosphorylation status of p53 and altered expression of HSP60, HSP70 and PRAS40 proteins. Altogether, our study reveals that this uninvestigated marine fungal crude extract possesses a strong therapeutic potential against tumor cells with aggressive phenotypes and confirms that members of the epidithiodioxopiperazines are interesting fungal toxins with anticancer activities.
Innovative Distance Learning Tool for Morphological Identification of Chigger Mites (Actinotrichida) as Vectors of Scrub Typhus: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kumlert Rawadee , Pawestri Aulia Rahmi , Linsuwanon Piyada , Morand Serge
Published: April 2020

Scrub typhus, a disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, affects more than one billion people globally with an average fatality rate of 6%. Humans are accidentally infected through the bite of trombiculid mite larvae (chiggers). Chiggers feed on hosts’ extracellular fluid for survival and development. O. tsutsugamushi is maintained throughout the chigger’s lifespan and over several generations. Although disease-related knowledge is essential in designing effective control strategies, many personnel in related sectors are unfamiliar with this disease and its vector. To tackle this issue, we developed a distance learning tool using educational videos on scrub typhus- and vector-related topics. The learning method is facilitated online, and students and tutors are not required to be physically present at the same place and time, thus allowing flexibility and accessibility. Knowledge improvement of 34 participants from related sectors was evaluated by pre- and post-test questionnaires. Although 54% of participants had prior knowledge of scrub typhus, 76.5% still lack basic knowledge of vector identification. After the distance learning, the average score increased significantly from the baseline (p < 0.05). Most participants showed interest in the topic and learning method. These results suggest that the distance learning method was promising in distributing health-related information and might be applied to other diseases and communities.
PENGARUH PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE THINK PAIR SHARE (TPS) TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN REPRESENTASI MATEMATIS SISWA
Authors: Astriani Nurullita , Dhana Muhammad Bayu Al
Published: April 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pembelajaran kooperatif tipe Think Pair Share (TPS) terhadap kemampuan representasi matematis siswa. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuasi eksperimen. Populasi penelitian ini seluruh siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 1 Pangkalan Susu. Sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 2 kelas, yaitu kelas VIII-1 yang dijadikan sebagai kelas eksperimen dan kelas VIII-2 dijadikan sebagai kelas kontrol. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah tes yang berbentuk uraian pada materi Relasi dan Fungsi. Dari pengujian hipotesis thitung (2,135) > ttabel (1,6715) artinya Ho ditolak dan Ha diterima. Ini menunjukkan terdapat pengaruh pembelajaran kooperatif tipe TPS terhadap kemampuan representasi matematis siswa.
Адміністративно-правове забезпечення публічного порядку і безпеки на авіаційному транспорті
Authors: Брусакова О.
Published: April 2020

Статтю спрямовано на розкриття особливостей адміністративно-правового забезпечення публічного порядку і безпеки на авіаційному транспорті. В роботі охарактеризовано властивості авіаційного транспорту, його сучасний стан та вектор розвитку. Досліджено склад та структуру нормативно-правової бази, якою регулюється зазначена сфера діяльності. Розглянуто комплекс питань, що стосується безпеки в авіації, приділено увагу системі суб’єктів, діяльність яких спрямована на її забезпечення. Уточнено співвідношення понять «публічний порядок на авіаційному транспорті» та «авіаційна безпека», зроблено висновки про застосування різних видів правових режимів, що мають місце в авіації, а також про складну систему комунікацій між суб’єктами, які забезпечують додержання цих режимів.
Penyelesaian CVRP dengan Menggunakan Savings Algorithm & VBA Excel
Authors: Sanggala Ekra
Published: April 2020

Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP) merupakan sebuah masalah logistik yang banyak diteliti oleh para ilmuwan. Salah satu algoritma yang populer untuk menyelesaikannya adalah Algoritma Savings. Jika perhitungan Algoritma Savings dilakukan secara manual tentu akan banyak menghabiskan waktu, oleh karena itu diperlukan sebuah aplikasi untuk membantu menyelesaikan perhitungannya. Visual Basic Application for Excel (VBA Excel) dapat digunakan untuk membuat aplikasi ini. Aplikasi yang dihasilkannya ini dapat menyelesaikan perhitungan Algoritma Savings, walaupun sampai saat ini hanya cocok untuk keperluan latihan dan sebagai media pembelajaran, aplikasi ini masih bisa dikembangkan lagi.
Pedidos y transporte: Una unidad estratégica de estudio en indicadores logísticos de la nueva era
Authors: Pico-Cherres Carla Patricia , Mancheno-Saá Marcelo Javier , Chaluisa-Chaluisa Sonia Fabiola
Published: April 2020

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo analizar las tendencias principales que comprende los pedidos y el transporte, para ello se ha considerado como referencia tres fuentes de análisis: 1) Investigación de Campo, en el sector comercial de la zona 3 del Ecuador. 2) Análisis gráfico descriptivo del mercado 3) Análisis estadístico inferencial mediante la prueba de Friedman. La metodología se enmarcó en un análisis descriptivo explicativo, el instrumento de investigación fue una encuesta aplicado a una muestra conformada de 373 empresas comerciales. Los resultados obtenidos reflejaron un nivel de significancia asintótica de 0.092 mediante la prueba de Friedman para las variables consideradas en comparación con el nivel crítico de 0.05 por lo cual se indica que no hay diferencias estadísticas significativas entre las empresas en relación a las dimensiones pedidos y transporte en las 4 provincias seleccionadas.
Corrective feedback preferences of primary school and university students
Authors: Cubukcu Feryal , Aksak Kubra
Published: April 2020

Corrective feedback has attracted more and more attention as it has an important place in language teaching and learning process (Kim, 2004). In this respect, Sheen and Ellis (2011) define corrective feedback as “the feedback that learners receive on the linguistic errors they make in their oral or written production in a second language (L2)” (p. 593). The main aim of this study is to investigate the most and the least corrective feedback types preferred by primary school and university students. The participants of the study determined by the convenience sampling method comprise 50 primary school and 50 university students. Students are required to mark the feedback types they prefer when they make errors. The results indicate that recasts and asking direct questions are the most favored feedback types chosen by students despite the proficiency level gap.
El manejo de los desechos tecnológicos y su impacto ambiental
Authors: Merchán-Carreño Edwin Joao , Campozano-Pilay Yanina Holanda , Figueroa-Morán Grace Liliana
Published: April 2020

Los desechos tecnológicos se han convertido en un problema de sanidad para el medio ambiente y la salud pública, dado el desconocimiento que existe por parte de los usuarios ante la obsolescencia y/o el retiro de uso de los aparatos tecnológicos. Con base en esta premisa, en este artículo se evaluó el impacto ambiental que genera la basura tecnológica para motivar a las personas a reducir, reciclar y reutilizar los desechos tecnológicos. Para ello, se siguio una metodologia de tipo descriptiva – correlacional y con un diseño no experimental. La población la constituyeron 10 empresas que prestan servicios tecnológicos en el canton de Jipijapa. El instrumento fue un cuestionario tipo lickert con 3 alternativas de repuestas y para su aplicación se utilizó la técnica   de la encuesta. El análisis de los datos se realizó a través de la estadística descriptiva y los resultados obtenidos indicaron que el 80% de los desechos tecnológicos que generan las empresas se depositan en la basura residencial. Dentro de sus conclusiones se pudo evidenciar que existe ineficiencia  en el manejo de los residuos tecnológicos por parte de las empresas para reducir, reciclar y reutilizar los desechos tecnológicos.
EXPLORING SCHOOL LEADERS’ VIRTUAL INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Authors: Yusof Mat Rahimi
Published: April 2020

The educational advancement in Malaysia has always been the main agenda of the government to make this country education equal to the other developed countries in this world. School leaders must have a futuristic mind and would be able to think beyond the ordinary to make this aspiration become a reality. They must be bold enough to make changes in line with the rapid development of mobile technology, internet, wireless connectivity, and the new medium of virtual communication. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to verify the model on instructional leadership behaviors of virtual school leaders in secondary schools in Malaysia. The results of an interview by two expert lecturers in the educational leadership field found that most principals practiced the virtual instructional leadership behaviors by integrating mobile device technology and new mediums of virtual communication in their instructional leadership practices. The interview also validated the virtual instructional leadership model. However, further studies need to carry out to strengthen this model. The validation of this virtual instructional leadership model will serve as guidance for the authorities in designing the curriculum for principals’ courses in Malaysia, as well as guidance for principals to practice virtual instructional leadership.