bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A expansão dos Cursos Superiores de Tecnologia no Brasil
Authors: Souza Renan Arjona de , Santos Paula de Macedo
Published: August 2021

O artigo tem como objetivo apresentar alguns aspectos da expansão do Ensino Superior brasileiro, como o aumento na oferta de Cursos Superiores de Tecnologia, tomando como referência o Curso de Empreendedorismo. Esta é uma pesquisa documental cuja fonte principal é a Sinopse da Educação Superior no período de 1997 a 2017. Os principais resultados corroboram a hipótese de que a expansão do Ensino Superior priorizou cursos de graduação de curta duração e o estímulo aos ideais empreendedores, sem o caráter científico-filosófico da formação acadêmica. Dessa maneira, promove, concomitantemente, uma nova forma de precarização da educação superior e a conformação diante do desemprego e informalidade.
Educação no Campo e a Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica
Authors: Nunes Klívia de Cássia Silva , Santos Maria Cristina dos
Published: August 2021

Propõe-se uma reflexão dos aspectos teórico-metodológicos da alfabetização, à luz da Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica, no que tange às práticas educativas para as escolas no campo. Vale salientar que a proposta deste trabalho, ao se concentrar na abordagem teórica do processo ensino e aprendizagem, traz subsídios para discutir as políticas curriculares educacionais para o campo, quer pelo poder público, quer pelas instituições escolares, que visem a garantia do direito à educação via uma educação de qualidade social. Desse modo, discute-se o processo de alfabetização na perspectiva de uma escola única com acesso aos conhecimentos produzidos pela humanidade, fundada no materialismo histórico dialético. A questão central deste estudo parte da seguinte indagação: De que forma a pedagogia histórico-crítica, como subsídio para a elaboração de uma proposta pedagógica, pode contribuir no processo de alfabetização dos alunos que vivem no campo? Para tanto, como ensaio teórico, buscou-se trazer reflexões sobre o processo de alfabetização, a partir dos autores e pesquisadores da Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica e Psicologia Histórico-Cultural, como forma de contribuir com as análises a respeito do processo da alfabetização para as escolas no campo.
Políticas públicas de alfabetização no Brasil
Authors: Costa Fabíola Elizabete , Figueiredo Ireni Marilene Zago , Cossetin Márcia
Published: August 2021

Este artigo analisa as intencionalidades da Política de Alfabetização no Pacto Nacional pela Alfabetização na Idade Certa – PNAIC e na Política Nacional de Alfabetização – PNA. A pesquisa é bibliográfica e documental, de abordagem qualitativa. Tem como fontes primárias a Portaria Nº 867/2012 e o Decreto Nº 9.7652/2019 e como fontes secundárias os teóricos dedicados ao objeto de estudo. Constatou-se, no PNAIC, mesmo com críticas pertinentes, a relevância para a formação de professores, visando a melhoria da qualidade da Alfabetização. Na PNA, ainda recente, identifica-se um retrocesso na história da Alfabetização brasileira quando retoma os conceitos políticos e metodológicos considerados superados e sustenta um único método para a apropriação da leitura e da escrita.
Programas de Formação de Professores Alfabetizadores
Authors: Teixeira Liziana Arâmbula , Silva Thaise da
Published: August 2021

O objetivo deste estudo é discutir a respeito das concepções teóricas e dos discursos sobre alfabetização presentes nas políticas públicas ofertadas pelo Ministério da Educação nos últimos vinte anos para formação de professores alfabetizadores: PROFA, Pró-Letramento, PNAIC e PNA. Desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa qualitativa do tipo documental, apoiando-se na investigação de documentos balizadores desses programas. A investigação teve como base teórica os estudos sobre alfabetização e letramento. Constatou-se que PROFA, Pró-Letramento e PNAIC utilizam discursos muito próximos de alfabetização, tendo suas práticas fundamentadas no paradigma construtivista, do letramento e na consciência fonológica, enquanto a PNA, vem desconstruindo esse discurso, pois defende a instrução fônica.
Polymer Sorbents from “Nitron Fiber Waste”
Authors: Bobomurodova M.S. , Ashirov M.A. , Gafurova D.A. , Shakhidova D.N. , Khalilova L.M. , Zhumaeva E.Sh.
Published: August 2021

New sorbents were synthesized from nitron fiber waste modified with various anion-exchange groups. The structure was studied by potentiometric titration and IR spectroscopy. The possibility ихof using them for immobilizationis shown, andthe physicochemical characteristics of polymer sorbentsare studied.
Synthesis and Characterization of C/ZnO Nanocomposite: Adsorption Isotherm of a Reactive Green from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Awad Masar Ali , Kadhum Afaf Murtadha , Mallah Shaimaa Hassan
Published: August 2021

The study demonstrates that Nanocomposite activated Carbone decorated zinc oxide is indeed viable, cost effective adsorbent materials for the adsorptive removal of Reactive Green (RG) dye from polluted wastewater with over 90% removal dye. The adsorption of RG dye onto decorated carbon ZnO nanoparticle was found to be highly dependent on equilibrium time, initial RG dye concentration, adsorbent mass and. The quantity of RG dye uptake (mgg-1) was found to rise through increase in primary dye concentration. Percent removal of RG dye was found to increase with increase in contact time, adsorbent amount. The data indicated that the model Freundlich gave a better fit to the experimental result than the model Langmuir with high correlation coefficients (R2 = 0.964). This suggests that multi-layer adsorption occurs which is in agreement with the best applicability of the isotherm Freundlich.
Investigation of Initial Transmission Effect on Saturable Absorber Optical Performance of Passive Q-Switching Doped Fiber Laser
Authors: Hussein Zainab Ali , Salih Abdul- Kareem Mahdi
Published: August 2021

Study of initial transmission effect on performance of saturable absorber material with Er+3 doped fiber laser was studied. Cr+4: YAG used as a saturable absorber (SA) in the study. Software computer program buildup in this study for numerical solving of rate equations model by Rung - Kutta –Fehlberg method. The study reported that the maximum optical bleaching, Threshold population inversion density are occurs at earlier buildup time of passive Q-switched, and the pulse reaches high power whenever SA characterized by low initial transmission. The study explains that related to the effect of SA initial transmission on the number density of photons feedback in resonator of laser system.
Leveraging omics to understand the molecular basis of acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Clària Joan
Published: August 2021

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a complex syndrome that develops in patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis. In this condition, dysbalanced immune function and excessive systemic inflammation are closely associated with organ failure and high short-term mortality. In this review, we describe how omic technologies have contributed to the characterization of the hyperinflammatory state in patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis developing ACLF, with special emphasis on the role of metabolomics, lipidomics and transcriptomics in profiling the triggers (pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns [PAMPs and DAMPs]) and effector molecules (cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and bioactive lipid mediators) that lead to activation of the innate immune system. This review also describes how omic approaches can be invaluable tools to accelerate the identification of novel biomarkers that could guide the implementation of novel therapies/interventions aimed at protecting these patients from excessive systemic inflammation and organ failure.
A comparison of numerical methods for model reduction of dense discrete-time systems
Authors: Jendersie Robert , Werner Steffen W. R.
Published: August 2021

Discrete-time systems are a common tool in the modeling of processes in many application areas such as digital signal processing and population dynamics. Model reduction is an essential remedy to handle high-fidelity systems in practice. To benefit from the performance gained by using reduced-order models, the computation of these models itself must be done with a reasonable use of resources. In this paper, we consider the case of medium-scale dense discrete-time systems and compare the performance of different numerical methods for the implementation of two basic model reduction techniques. Therefore, we give an overview of the considered model reduction methods and of the techniques used in underlying implementations. The outlined methods are then compared with established implementations in several numerical examples in terms of accuracy and performance.
Neurosurgery planning based on automated image recognition and optimal path design
Authors: Hackenberg Annika , Worthmann Karl , Pätz Torben , Keiner Dörthe , Oertel Joachim , Flaßkamp Kathrin
Published: August 2021

Stereotactic neurosurgery requires a careful planning of cannulae paths to spare eloquent areas of the brain that, if damaged, will result in loss of essential neurological function such as sensory processing, linguistic ability, vision, or motor function. We present an approach based on modelling, simulation, and optimization to set up a computational assistant tool. Thereby, we focus on the modeling of the brain topology, where we construct ellipsoidal approximations of voxel clouds based on processed MRI data. The outcome is integrated in a path-planning problem either via constraints or by penalization terms in the objective function. The surgical planning problem with obstacle avoidance is solved for different types of stereotactic cannulae using numerical simulations. We illustrate our method with a case study using real MRI data.
Verteilt-parametrische Modelle zur Beschreibung des nichtlinearen fraktionalen Verhaltens von Lithium-Ionen-Zellen
Authors: Tappeiner Lukas , Oldenburger Marc , Bedürftig Benjamin , Woittennek Frank
Published: August 2021

Es werden verteilt-parametrische Modelle hergeleitet, die das nichtlineare fraktionale Verhalten von Lithium-Ionen-Zellen beschreiben. Die vorgestellten Modelle interpolieren lineare verteilt-parametrische Kleinsignalmodelle, die sich als diffusive Realisierungen fraktionaler Übertragungsfunktionen in den Arbeitspunkten ergeben. Diese Übertragungsfunktionen werden mittels Impedanzspektroskopie parametriert. Zur endlich-dimensionalen Approximation der vorgestellten Modelle werden Krylov-Unterraum-Verfahren und Finite-Elemente-Ansätze genutzt. Diese nichtlinearen konzentriert-parametrischen Modelle werden in Simulationsstudien miteinander verglichen und anhand experimenteller Daten validiert.
Preparation and adsorption properties of Ni(ii) ion-imprinted polymers based on synthesized novel functional monomer
Authors: Zhao Li , Hu Xianzhi , Zi Futing , Liu Yingmei , Hu Deqiong , Li Peng , Cheng Huiling
Published: August 2021

In this study, a novel functional monomer N-(1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethyl)acrylamide (NDTEA) was designed and synthesized, and was used to prepare Ni(ii) ion-imprinted polymers (Ni(ii)-IIPs). Sixteen kinds of Ni(ii)-IIP (Ni(ii)-IIP1–16) and corresponding non-imprinted polymers (NIP1–16) were prepared by precipitation polymerization method. After optimized condition experiment, Ni(ii)-IIP5 possessed maximum adsorption capacity and better imprinting factor under optimal experimental conditions which indicated by equilibrium adsorption experiments. The morphology and structural characteristics of Ni(ii)-IIP5 were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). The adsorption selectivity of Ni(ii)-IIP5 was analyzed by ICP-OES, and the results showed that Ni(ii)-IIP5 had favorable selectivity recognition ability for Ni(ii) when Cu(ii), Co(ii), and Cd(ii) are used as competitive ions. The kinetic experiment indicated that the performance of Ni(ii) adsorption on the surface of Ni(ii)-IIP5 obeyed the pseudo-first-order model, and adsorption equilibrium was attained after 15 min. Isothermal adsorption process fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal adsorption models, simultaneously. The results showed that Ni(ii)-IIP5 prepared by using a new functional monomer had better permeation selectivity and higher affinity for Ni(ii), which also verified the rationality of the functional monomer design. At the same time, it also provided a broad application prospect for removal of Ni(ii) in complex samples.
Three-state switching cell boost converter using H-inf controller
Authors: Pati Nivedita , Panda Babita
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the modeling and control of a non-minimum phase dc-dc boost converter based on the three - state switching cells. In any double stage grid-connected system the converter forms an interface between the photovoltaic source and the inverter. As the control and regulation of the converter output is a vital part of penetration of renewable to grid, therefore, this paper had attempted the control of a converter topology that can reduce the current stress across its switches. But the system becomes highly unstable and complex which has been validated by predicting the limit cycle with a describing function. The Controller design is implemented after reducing the complexity of the system using the Model order reduction principle. H-inf controller being robust in nature is applied for stable and regulated output.
Vitamin supplementation as a potential adjunctive therapeutic approach for COVID-19: biological and clinical plausibility
Authors: Daei Sorkhabi Amin , Sarkesh Aila , Daei Sorkhabi Alireza , Entezari-Maleki Taher , Rashedi Jalil , Bannazadeh Baghi Hossein
Published: August 2021

The recent pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has introduced itself into the human population in the 21st century after the coronavirus diseases SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV). Major investigations are underway worldwide in the search for pharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19 and many agents are administered in off-label routes. Several cases are under study to check or restrict clinical manifestations of COVID-19. According to the fact that the efficacy of some micro-nutrients like vitamins is proven to treat or prevent infectious diseases because of their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity, the potential role of vitamins in the COVID-19 treatment or prevention must be considered.
Law and Development in the United States
Authors: Lee Yong-Shik
Published: August 2021

Economic development is the term that has been associated with less developed countries in the Third World (“developing countries”), not the economically advanced countries (“developed countries”), such as the United States. However, the changing economic conditions in recent decades, such as the widening income gaps among individual citizens and regions within developed countries, stagnant economic growth deepening economic polarization, and an institutional incapacity to deal with these issues, render the concept of economic development relevant to the assessment of the economic problems in developed countries. In the United States, these economic problems caused a significant political consequence such as the unexpected outcome of the presidential election in 2016. This article examines the applicability of the legal and institutional approaches, which were originally adopted to stimulate economic development in successful developing countries, to the economic problems in the United States.
Behavioral response of wild mammals to pre-existing and artificial latrines of raccoon dogs in northeastern Japan
Authors: Yoshida Koharu , Saito Masayuki U.
Published: August 2021

In this study, we reveal the behavior of raccoon dogs and other mammals on two types of latrines: already-existing latrines in the field and artificial latrines created from the feces of a captive individual. From September to November 2019, we used camera traps at already-known (eight sites), and artificial latrines (four sites), and recorded the mammalian species that visited, their behavior types, and the duration of time spent at the latrines. Our camera traps detected eight species visits, including raccoon dogs, masked palm civets, and rodents (Muridae). In raccoon dogs, sniffing, urination, defecation, and passing were observed, and the numbers of defecation and passing occurrences were significantly higher in the already-existing latrines. The duration time of the raccoon dogs was significantly longer at the artificial latrine; however, the time decreased as days elapsed. Masked palm civets frequently visited the artificial latrines, where the number of rubbings was significantly higher. The Muridae did not differ in their proportion of foraging behavior between the two latrine types, indicating that both were used as feeding sites without distinction. The results of this study indicate that raccoon dog latrines affect not only raccoon dogs but also other mammals.
Morphological variation in bony structures of Hylaeamys seuanezi (Rodentia, Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) in Southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: García Franger J. , del Valle Alvarez Martín Roberto
Published: August 2021

Rodents of the genus Hylaeamys, are a group of cryptic species previously included in the Oryzomys capito complex. In Brazil are represented by six species, distributed in different biomes. However, the limits of their geographic distributions and taxonomy have not yet been well defined. In particular, the taxonomy for Hylaeamys seuanezi is unstable. Based on the analysis of bony structures and supported with geometric morphometric techniques, we characterize and compare the average shape from populations in four localities from Southern Bahia, Brazil. We review 145 individuals and we create morphological landmarks in skulls, mandibles, scapulae, and pelvis. In all the structures there were statistically significant differences between populations, in which the average shape from the Igrapiúna population was the most differentiated. Our results also showed differences between the pelvis of males and females, reporting for the first time sexual dimorphism for H. seuanezi. Finally, we provide a morphological diagnosis between the populations and postulate that such differences may be correlated with environmental and climatic factors that could be exerting negative pressures on H. seuanezi; as has been evidenced with other species of rodents and other mammals.
Fe2P nanorods based photothermal therapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liu Shanshan , He Jiawen , Song Ruixiang , Zhang Mengmeng , Huang Lianghao , Chen Jing , Wang Meng , Liu Fang , Zhou Feifan
Published: August 2021

Treatment of pancreatic cancer is faced with great difficulties and challenges due to high lethality and metastasis. Synergism of targeted therapy and immunotherapy has been considered as ideal strategy to both eliminate primary tumors and control metastases. For the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer, we demonstrated a local photothermal therapy (PTT) following administration of monoclonal antibody of programmed death ligand 1 (αPD-L1). Fe2P nanorods were employed as a Fenton agent and photothermal agent, which modified with DSPE-PEG2000-Mal for improved biocompatibility and Mal mediated-antigen presentation. Under a low dose laser irradiation at 980 nm, Fe2P-PEG-Mal nanorods (NRs) mediated PTT could induce immunogenic tumor cell death that can cause dendritic cells (DCs) infiltration and maturation. In a bilateral pancreatic tumor model, the local treatment of NRs-PTT on primary tumor could cause the increased infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and decreased residential of M2 macrophages in untreated distal tumors. Furthermore, subsequently intervened αPD-L1 could enhance cell death triggered by CTLs in distal tumors through reversing immunosuppression. An orthotopic pancreatic tumor model was used to further confirm the therapeutic outcome. Finally, the combination of NRs based PTT and αPD-L1 based immunotherapy was able to significantly eliminate orthotopic pancreatic tumors and reduce mesentery metastases. Thus, the strategy may provide a more effective treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Monoaminergic hypo- or hyperfunction in adolescent and adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder?
Authors: Nikolaus Susanne , Mamlins Eduards , Giesel Frederik L. , Schmitt Dominik , Müller Hans-Wilhelm
Published: August 2021

Disturbances of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and/or norepinephrine (NE) functions are implied in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the precise cortical and subcortical mechanisms are still not fully understood. In the present survey, we conducted a PUBMED search, which provided 37 in vivo investigations with PET and SPECT on 419 ADHD patients and 490 controls. The retrospective analysis revealed increased striatal DA transporter (DAT) in adolescent as well as adult medication-naïve and not acutely medicated patients. In acutely medicated adults, DAT was not different from controls. Midbrain DAT was normal in adults, but decreased in adolescents. Striatal D2 receptor (R) binding was normal in both adolescents (not acutely medicated) and adults (acutely medicated and not acutely medicated). In medication-naïve adults, DA synthesis was decreased in putamen and amygdala, but normal in the whole striatum and midbrain. In not acutely medicated adults, DA synthesis was reduced in putamen, whole striatum, prefrontal cortex, frontal cortex, amygdala and midbrain, whereas, in adolescents, no regional differences were observed. In adult (not acutely medicated) subjects, cingulate D1R was reduced. 5-HT transporter (SERT) binding was decreased in striatum and thalamus, but normal in midbrain, neocortex and limbic regions, whereas, in medication-naïve adults, SERT was diminished in striatum and midbrain, but normal in thalamus and neocortex. The findings suggest transient stages of synaptic DA shortage as well as DA surplus in individual brain regions, which elicit presynaptic as well as postsynaptic compensatory mechanisms, striving to attain functional homeostasis. Thereby, it remains a matter of debate, whether ADHD may be characterized by a general hypo- or hyperactivity of DA and/or 5-HT function.
„Religion – das ist etwas Unendliches! Glaube, ist etwas sehr Spezifisches.“ Eine Inselgemeinde im Spannungsfeld: religiös (un-)musikalisch?
Authors: Lewandowski Ludwig , van Rijswijk Nico
Published: August 2021

Im Gespräch reflektiert NvR. Hintergründe schwindender religiöser Ansprechbarkeit seiner Inselgemeinde. Man lasse sich nicht mehr auf die biblischen Texte ein, wohl gäbe es eine breite Empfänglichkeit für Mystik und Rituale ohne sich von der christlichen Botschaft ergreifen zu lassen.
Tranexamic acid for antenatal bleeding of unknown origin in the second and third trimesters: A prospective clinical trial
Authors: Jawad Ariana
Published: August 2021

Background and objective: Vaginal bleeding is a common complication in pregnancy and is associated with poor perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of tranexamic acid in stopping vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and improving perinatal outcomes. Methods: A prospective clinical trial was conducted on 137 pregnant women with vaginal bleeding of unknown causes in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy who were admitted to Maternity Teaching Hospital, Erbil city, Kurdistan region, Iraq from February 2016 to November 2019. Tranexamic acid was administered to one group and normal supportive care to another group in a sequential manner. The Mann–Whitney test was used to compare the mean rank of the times of admission. Factors that were significantly associated with stoppage of bleeding were entered into a binary logistic regression model. Results: Bleeding was stopped in 90% of women who received tranexamic acid. There was a significant difference in low Apgar score, the rate of low birth weight, and the rate of unfavorable perinatal outcome in the supportive care group than that in the tranexamic acid group. Predictors for not stopping bleeding were supportive care management compared with tranexamic acid (odds ratio (OR) = 13.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.60–49.67), and 21–32 weeks gestation compared with ≥ 37 weeks (OR = 6.52; 95% CI = 1.66–25.63). Conclusion: Tranexamic acid in second and third trimesters bleeding is effective for rapidly arresting bleeding with a favorable neonatal outcome. Keywords: Antifibrinolytic agent; Miscarriage; Neonatal death; Preterm labor; Tranexamic acid.
Prediction of the ureteric stone outcome by CT scan
Authors: Hassan Suzan , Rashid Sameeah
Published: August 2021

Background and objective: Urolithiasis is prevalent in both developed and developing countries, which is attributed to changes in lifestyles. Management of ureteric stones is highly dependent on their characteristics such as volume, size, and density which can be determined based on the images obtained from CT scan. The present study was carried out to examine the association between the final outcomes of the stones and different stone parameters specified by CT scan. Methods: The present prospective cross-sectional study consisted of 100 patients who had been referred to the Radiology Department of Rizgary and Erbil Teaching Hospitals in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, over six months in 2019 to undergo abdominal CT scan with clinical suspicion of ureteric stones. All patients underwent non-contrast MDCT scan, and the CT images were evaluated for the presence of ureteric stone, site of the stone, side, diameter in three planes, volume, and density. The outcome of the stone was correlated with each above variables. Results: Ureteric stones were more prevalent among the young and middle age group (25-64 years) with an approximate male-to-female ratio of 3.34:1. There were significant associations between stone outcomes (i.e. spontaneous passage or need for intervention) and the stone characteristics including volume (P <0.001), density (P <0.001)site (upper, mid and lower ureter) (P = 0.02), anteroposterior diameter (P <0.001), transverse diameter (P = 0.006), and superior inferior diameter (P <0.001). Conclusion: Upon the significant correlation between the spontaneous passage of ureteric stones and their characteristics (i.e., volume, density, site, anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, and superior inferior diameter), it is highly recommended that all patients with urolithiasis undergo CT scan examination in order to make the proper decision regarding stone management. Keywords: Ureteric stones; CT scan; Stone characteristics; Spontaneous passage.
Postdiction: When Temporal Regularity Drives Space Perception through Prestimulus Alpha Oscillations
Authors: Grabot Laetitia , Kayser Christoph , van Wassenhove Virginie
Published: August 2021

In postdiction, the last stimulus of a sequence changes the perception of the preceding stimuli. Postdiction has been reported in all sensory modalities, but its neural underpinnings remain poorly understood. In the rabbit illusion, a sequence of nonequidistant stimuli presented isochronously is perceived as equidistantly spaced. This illusion might be driven by an internal prior favoring a constant-speed motion. Here, we hypothesized that prestimulus alpha oscillations (8–12 Hz), known to correlate with perceptual expectations and biases, would reflect the degree to which perceptual reports are influenced by a constant-speed prior. Human participants were presented with ambiguous visual sequences while being recorded simultaneously with MEG and EEG: the same sequences yielded an illusory perception in about half the trials, allowing contrasting brain responses elicited by identical sequences causing distinct percepts. As a proxy of an individual’s prior, we used the percentage of perceived illusion and the detection criterion, assuming that a strong constant-speed prior would result in a higher rate of illusory percepts. We found that high frontoparietal alpha power was associated with perceiving the sequence according to the individual’s prior: participants with high susceptibility to the illusion would report the illusion, while participants with low susceptibility would report the veridical sequence. Additionally, we found that prestimulus alpha phase in occipitoparietal regions dissociated illusion from no-illusion trials. We interpret our results as suggesting that alpha power reflects an individual’s constant-speed prior, whereas alpha phase modulates sensory uncertainty.
GABAergic Inhibition of Presynaptic Ca2+Transients in Respiratory PreBötzinger Neurons in Organotypic Slice Cultures
Authors: Daniel Gómez Carlos , Rasmussen Camilla Mai , Rekling Jens C.
Published: August 2021

GABAergic somatodendritic inhibition in the preBötzinger complex (preBötC), a medullary site for the generation of inspiratory rhythm, is involved in respiratory rhythmogenesis and patterning. Nevertheless, whether GABA acts distally on presynaptic terminals, evoking presynaptic inhibition is unknown. Here, we begin to address this problem by measuring presynaptic Ca2+transients in preBötC neurons, under rhythmic and non-rhythmic conditions, with two variants of genetically encoded Ca2+indicators (GECIs). Organotypic slice cultures from newborn mice, containing the preBötC, were drop-transduced with jGCaMP7s, or injected with jGCaMP7f-labeling commissural preBötC neurons. Then, Ca2+imaging combined with whole-cell patch-clamp or field stimulation was obtained from inspiratory preBötC neurons. We found that rhythmically active neurons expressed synchronized Ca2+transients in soma, proximal and distal dendritic regions, and punctate synapse-like structures. Expansion microscopy revealed morphologic characteristics of bona fide synaptic boutons of the en passant and terminal type. Under non-rhythmic conditions, we found that bath application of the GABAAreceptor agonist muscimol, and local microiontophoresis of GABA, reduced action potential (AP)-evoked and field stimulus-evoked Ca2+transients in presynaptic terminals in inspiratory neurons and commissural neurons projecting to the contralateral preBötC. In addition, under rhythmic conditions, network rhythmic activity was suppressed by muscimol, while the GABAAreceptor antagonist bicuculline completely re-activated spontaneous activity. These observations demonstrate that the preBötC includes neurons that show GABAergic inhibition of presynaptic Ca2+transients, and presynaptic inhibition may play a role in the network activity that underlies breathing.
C-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Post-Translational Regulation of Pain-Related Acid-Sensing Ion Channels 1b and 3
Authors: Verkest Clément , Diochot Sylvie , Lingueglia Eric , Baron Anne
Published: August 2021

Neuronal proton-gated acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) participate in the detection of tissue acidosis, a phenomenon often encountered in painful pathologic diseases. Such conditions often involve in parallel the activation of various signaling pathways such as mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) that ultimately leads to phenotype modifications of sensory neurons. Here, we identify one member of the MAPKs, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), as a new post-translational positive regulator of ASICs in rodent sensory neurons. Recombinant H+-induced ASIC currents in HEK293 cells are potently inhibited within minutes by the JNK inhibitor SP600125 in a subunit-dependent manner, targeting both rodent and human ASIC1b and ASIC3 subunits (except mouse ASIC3). The regulation by JNK of recombinant ASIC1b- and ASIC3-containing channels (homomers and heteromers) is lost on mutation of a putative phosphorylation site within the intracellular N- and the C-terminal domain of the ASIC1b and ASIC3 subunit, respectively. Moreover, short-term JNK activation regulates the activity of native ASIC1b- and ASIC3-containing channels in rodent sensory neurons and is involved in the rapid potentiation of ASIC activity by the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα. Local JNK activationin vivoin mice induces a short-term potentiation of the acid-induced cutaneous pain in inflammatory conditions that is partially blocked by the ASIC1-specific inhibitor mambalgin-1. Collectively, our data identify pain-related channels as novel physiological JNK substrates in nociceptive neurons and propose JNK-dependent phosphorylation as a fast post-translational mechanism of regulation of sensory-neuron-expressed ASIC1b- and ASIC3-containing channels that may contribute to peripheral sensitization and pain hypersensitivity.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTASICs are a class of excitatory cation channels critical for the detection of tissue acidosis, which is a hallmark of several painful diseases. Previous work in sensory neurons has shown that ASICs containing the ASIC3 or the ASIC1b subunit are important players in different pain models. We combine here functional and pharmacologicalin vitroandin vivoapproaches to demonstrate that the MAP Kinase JNK is a potent post-translational positive regulator, probablyviadirect phosphorylation, of rodent and human ASIC1b- and ASIC3-containing channels. This JNK-dependent, fast post-translational mechanism of regulation of sensory-neuron-expressed ASICs may contribute to peripheral sensitization and pain hypersensitivity. These data also identify pain-related channels as direct downstream effectors of JNK in nociceptors.
In Memoriam Indoor Fountains: Promenade Concerts and the Built Environment
Authors: Hicks Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Discussions of promenade concerts, at least in the United Kingdom, tend to run along one of two lines: either the format is emblematic of attempts to popularize classical music or (in the famous case of the Last Night of the BBC Proms) it is symptomatic of a contested cultural nationalism. An alternative line of inquiry is to consider promenade concerts as part of the built environment. Until 2010 the fountain at the Royal Albert Hall was a mainstay of musical promenading; it had been so for over a century and a half. Such fountains, often accompanied by potted plants and Arcadian décor, were said to cool the concert hall and freshen the air, especially when their sprinkles were supplemented with blocks of imported ice. They occupied a prominent place in a concert architecture that encouraged mobility and informality, drawing on a long tradition of outdoor promenading that had gradually moved indoors. The history of concert hall suggests that the promenade phenomenon constituted not only a site of social and political negotiation (as it has typically been described), but also a staging post in the enclosure of hitherto open spaces and an example of the Victorian desire to control the climate of public assembly.
Quantification of androgens and their precursors in full-term human placenta
Authors: Yoshida Tomoko , Matsumoto Kenji , Miyado Mami , Miyashiro Yoshimichi , Sago Haruhiko , Horikawa Reiko , Fukami Maki
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The two major androgens in humans are testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is produced via the classical, backdoor, and alternative steroidogenic pathways. In addition, recent studies have identified C11-oxy C19 steroids as novel human androgens. Although the placenta is known to be involved in steroid metabolism, androgen levels in full-term placentas have poorly been investigated.

Subjects and methods

Ten placentas of healthy full-term neonates (five males and five females) were examined. We quantified progesterone, androstenedione (A4), T, allopregnanolone, androsterone, and estradiol, as well as four C11-oxy androgens (11β-hydroxyandrostenedione, 11β-hydroxytestosterone, 11-ketoandrostenedione (11KA4), and 11-ketotestosterone (11KT)), using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

In all samples, levels of the ten steroids were above the detection limit. Progesterone was by far most abundant, while levels of T and androsterone were relatively low. Levels of 11KT and 11KA4 were higher than those of T and A4, respectively. There were no differences in steroid levels between male and female samples.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that full-term placentas contain several steroids in the classical, backdoor, and alternative pathways. Placentas are likely to function as the supplier of progesterone to other steroidogenic tissues. More importantly, we found that placentas comprise relatively large amounts of 11KA4 and 11KT, which may be produced through steroid transfer from the adrenal gland or from the maternal circulation. These results indicate that the placenta participates in a feto-maternal multi-organ network for androgen biosynthesis.
Effects of extraction process on the dried cell wall pore structure of messmate heartwood
Authors: Wang Weikai , Li Minghan , Cai Jiabin
Published: August 2021

In order to study the effects of a messmate heartwood extraction process on its cell wall pore structure and its drying ability, its nanopore structure was explored after via gas adsorption technology. Specifically, the messmate heartwood particles were extracted with methanol, and then the cell wall pore structure of the original and extracted samples were evaluated by N2 and CO2 sorption and pycnometer methods, respectively. Overall, compared with the original samples, the cell wall porosity, micropore volume, mesopore volume, BET specific surface area, and specific surface area of the micropores of the extracted messmate heartwoods increased by 2.55%, 0.007 cm3/g, 0.0014 cm3/g, 0.24 m2·g-1, and 21.9 m2·g-1, respectively. The cell wall pore volume measured via the gas adsorption method was smaller than the measurement from the pycnometer method. The results indicated that the presence of extractives made the messmate cell wall have a decreased pore volume and porosity, which may be one of the reasons messmate wood is difficult to dry. Messmate extractives primarily were present in the micropores of the cell wall in the range of 0.4 nm to 0.7 nm. However, gas sorption technology could not detect all the pores in the cell wall of the messmate heartwood sample.
Methodological aspects of assessment of the state of chemical pollution and water quality of surface waters in Ukraine
Authors:   State Institution “Institute of Environmental Geochemistry National Academy of Science of Ukraine”, Kozak V , Tovmachenko A ,   State Institution “Institute of Environmental Geochemistry National Academy of Science of Ukraine”, Gertsiuk M ,   State Institution “Institute of Environmental Geochemistry National Academy of Science of Ukraine”
Published: August 2021

The main sources of chemical pollution of surface water bodies of Ukraine are shown and it is noted that the ecosystem of the environment and water resources, being under constant man-caused load, tend to steadily deteriorate the ecological condition. Methods for assessing the quality of surface waters using the maximum allowable concentrations of harmful substances in water and a comprehensive assessment of the ecological status of surface water by integrated hydrochemical parameters are described. International approaches to the assessment of the state of surface water bodies are considered. It is noted that the most complete information on the state of the aquatic ecosystem can be obtained using a set of physicochemical and biological parameters. There are shortcomings in the monitoring of organic micro-pollutants in surface waters. The analysis of the international experience of determination of water quality and parameters of toxicological action of organic micro-pollutants with application of chemo-informative methods for modeling of an ecological condition of water systems is carried out.
Preterm or Early Term Birth and Risk of Autism
Authors: Crump Casey , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVES

Preterm birth has been linked with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, potential causality, sex-specific differences, and association with early term birth are unclear. We examined whether preterm and early term birth are associated with ASD in a large population-based cohort.

METHODS

A national cohort study was conducted of all 4 061 795 singleton infants born in Sweden during 1973–2013 who survived to age 1 year, who were followed-up for ASD identified from nationwide outpatient and inpatient diagnoses through 2015. Poisson regression was used to determine prevalence ratios for ASD associated with gestational age at birth, adjusting for confounders. Cosibling analyses were used to assess the influence of unmeasured shared familial (genetic and/or environmental) factors.

RESULTS

ASD prevalences by gestational age at birth were 6.1% for extremely preterm (22–27 weeks), 2.6% for very to moderate preterm (28–33 weeks), 1.9% for late preterm (34–36 weeks), 2.1% for all preterm (<37 weeks), 1.6% for early term (37–38 weeks), and 1.4% for term (39–41 weeks). The adjusted prevalence ratios comparing extremely preterm, all preterm, or early term versus term, respectively, were 3.72 (95% confidence interval, 3.27–4.23), 1.35 (1.30–1.40), and 1.11 (1.08–1.13) among boys and 4.19 (3.45–5.09), 1.53 (1.45–1.62), and 1.16 (1.12–1.20) among girls (P < .001 for each). These associations were only slightly attenuated after controlling for shared familial factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In this national cohort, preterm and early term birth were associated with increased risk of ASD in boys and girls. These associations were largely independent of covariates and shared familial factors, consistent with a potential causal relationship.
How to Implant His Bundle and Left Bundle Pacing Leads: Tips and Pearls
Authors: Ponnusamy Shunmuga Sundaram , Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi
Published: August 2021

Cardiac pacing is the treatment of choice for the management of patients with bradycardia. Although right ventricular apical pacing is the standard therapy, it is associated with an increased risk of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Physiological pacing using His bundle pacing and left bundle branch pacing has recently evolved as the preferred alternative pacing option. Both His bundle pacing and left bundle branch pacing have also demonstrated significant efficacy in correcting left bundle branch block and achieving cardiac resynchronisation therapy. In this article, we review the implantation tools and techniques to perform conduction system pacing.
Metodología FMECA para un aerogenerador doblemente alimentado
Authors: Solano Andrey Alberto , Cruz Jiménez Brandon , Ramos Fernández Cristian Andrés , Solís Guzmán Kevin , Núñez Mata Oscar , Pérez Mora Aramis
Published: August 2021

Debido a la complejidad de los sistemas eólicos, la necesidad de contar con aerogeneradores fiables es de suma importancia, por ello se han desarrollado metodologías para mejorar sus características y desempeño. El método de análisis de modos de falla, efectos y criticidad se ha utilizado para estudiar la confiabilidad de diferentes sistemas de generación de energía. En este documento se presenta la aplicación de dicha metodología a un aerogenerador de inducción doblemente alimentado, para realizar una evaluación cualitativa y cuantitativa de las características de falla en el mismo. Además, para tomar en cuenta consideraciones económicas en el análisis, se presenta el enfoque del método basado en el riesgo, con el fin de mitigar las limitaciones que presenta el método tradicional. Como resultado se determina que la prioridad de atención debe enfocarse en el generador, luego el sistema eléctrico y posteriormente en las palas.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN VIOLENCE IN CHILDHOOD AND INCREASE IN THE BODY MASS INDEX AMONG ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Coelho Luana Santos Vital Alves , Soares Silvia Gonçalves , Carvalho Gabriela Duarte , Oliveira Virgínia Junqueira , Belo Vinícius Silva , Romano Márcia Christina Caetano
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the association between violence in childhood and increase in the Body Mass Index among adolescents. Method: a cross-sectional study, conducted with 136 adolescents aged from 10 to 19 years old, monitored by a Multiprofessional Residency Program in Adolescents' Health, in health units from the municipality of Divinópolis-MG. The anthropometric assessment was conducted from March to June 2018; and information was collected referring to the socioeconomic level, demographic factors, food consumption, and physical activity of the participants. The variable related to violence in childhood was composed of five groups, obtained from a factorial analysis. Multiple regression models were used to identify the variables associated with the increase in Body Mass Index, with a significance level of 5%. Results: the prevalence of excess weight was 31.8%. The adolescents participating in the study consumed soft drinks (66.2%) and industrialized food products (66.9%) every week and ate in front of the TV every day (54.4%). The most prevalent type of abuse was emotional neglect, which affected 100% of the sample under study. An association was evidenced of physical neglect in childhood and intake of industrialized food products with the increase in the Body Mass Index z-score. Conclusion: violence in childhood and the consumption of industrialized food products were associated to the increase in Body Mass Index among adolescents. Investments in public policies for comprehensive promotion of health and protection of children and adolescents are imperious.
Comprometimento do apetite e fatores associados em pessoas idosas hospitalizadas com câncer
Authors: Marques Rayne de Almeida , Ribeiro Thamirys de Souza Chaves , Souza Vanusa Felício de , Spexoto Maria Cláudia Bernardes , Pereira Taísa Sabrina Silva , Guandalini Valdete Regina
Published: August 2021

Resumo Objetivo Investigar o comprometimento do apetite em pessoas idosas hospitalizadas com câncer e sua associação com estado nutricional e presença de caquexia. Métodos Estudo transversal realizado com pessoas idosas de ambos os sexos, diagnosticadas com neoplasia maligna, de julho de 2017 a março de 2019 em um hospital universitário. A amostra final foi composta por 90 pacientes. O comprometimento do apetite foi identificado pelo Questionário de Apetite e Sintomas para Pacientes com Câncer (CASQ) e o estado nutricional pela Avaliação Subjetiva Global Produzida pelo Próprio Paciente (ASG-PPP). A presença de caquexia foi avaliada pela perda de peso >5% nos últimos 6 meses; ou índice de massa corporal (IMC) <20 kg/m2 e perda de peso >2%; ou índice de músculo esquelético apendicular consistente com sarcopenia e perda de peso >2%. Resultados Houve predomínio de indivíduos do sexo masculino (56,7%), autodeclarados não brancos (56,7%), com tumores localizados no trato gastrointestinal (75,6%) e mediana de idade de 67 anos. 75,6% dos indivíduos apresentaram comprometimento do apetite, 57,8% suspeita de desnutrição ou desnutrição de algum grau, 54,4% caquexia e 92,2% necessidade de intervenção nutricional. Houve associação entre as categorias do CASQ com estado nutricional (p=0,001) e presença de caquexia (p=0,050). Após análise de regressão logística, a desnutrição permaneceu associada ao comprometimento do apetite [OR: 4,68 (IC 95%: 1,50–14,56), p=0,008]. Conclusão A presença de desnutrição aumentou as chances de comprometimento do apetite, o que reforça a necessidade da triagem e intervenção nutricional precoces, a fim de reduzir e/ou evitar os agravos nutricionais.