bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental, ultrastructural and cytochemical investigations of the female gametophyte in Sedum rupestre L. (Crassulaceae)
Authors: Brzezicka Emilia , Kozieradzka-Kiszkurno Małgorzata 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article describes the development of female gametophyte inSedum rupestreL. New embryological information about the processes of megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis provided in this paper expand the current knowledge about the embryology of the studied species.S.rupestreis characterized by monosporic megasporogenesis and the formation ofPolygonum–type embryo sac.The process of megasporogenesis is initiated by one megaspore mother cell, resulting in the formation of a triad of cells after meiosis and cytokinesis. The functional megaspore, which is located chalazally, is a mononuclear cell present next to the megaspore in the centre of the triad. Only one of the two non-functional cells of the triad is binucleate, which occur at the micropylar pole. In this paper, we explain the functional ultrastructure of the female gametophytic cells inS. rupestre. Initially, the cytoplasm of the gametophytic cells does not differ from each other; however, during differentiation, the cells reveal different morphologies. The antipodals and the synergids gradually become organelle-rich and metabolically active. The antipodal cells participate in the absorption and transport of nutrients from the nucellar cells towards the megagametophyte. Their ultrastructure shows the presence of plasmodesmata with electron-dense material, which is characteristic of Crassulaceae, and wall ingrowths in the outer walls. The ultrastructure of synergid cells is characterized by the presence of filiform apparatus and cytoplasm with active dictyosomes, abundant profiles of endoplasmic reticulum and numerous vesicles, which agrees with their main function—the secretion of pollen tube attractants. Reported data can be used to resolve the current taxonomic problems within the genusSedumser.Rupestria.
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis overview
Authors: Manganelli Fiore , Fabrizi Gian Maria , Luigetti Marco , Mandich Paola , Mazzeo Anna , Pareyson Davide 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHereditary amyloidogenic transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited disorder caused by mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. The pathogenetic model of ATTRv amyloidosis indicates that amyloidogenic, usually missense, mutations destabilize the native TTR favouring the dissociation of the tetramer into partially unfolded species that self-assemble into amyloid fibrils. Amyloid deposits and monomer-oligomer toxicity are the basis of multisystemic ATTRv clinical involvement. Peripheral nervous system (autonomic and somatic) and heart are the most affected sites. In the last decades, a better knowledge of pathomechanisms underlying the disease led to develop novel and promising drugs that are rapidly changing the natural history of ATTRv amyloidosis. Thus, clinicians face the challenge of timely diagnosis for addressing patients to appropriate treatment. As well, the progressive nature of ATTRv raises the issue of presymptomatic testing and risk management of carriers. The main aim of this review was to focus on what we know about ATTRv so far, from pathogenesis to clinical manifestations, diagnosis and hence patient’s monitoring and treatment, and from presymptomatic testing to management of carriers.
High genetic diversity and low future habitat suitability: will Cupressus atlantica, endemic to the High Atlas, survive under climate change?
Authors: Sękiewicz Katarzyna , Walas Łukasz , Beridze Berika , Fennane Mohamed , Dering Monika 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCupressus atlantica is a narrow endemic species of semi-arid and sub-humid habitats in the western High Atlas, Morocco. We explored the possible dynamics of the species’ range under climatic changes using species distribution modelling (SDM) to identify populations vulnerable to range changes. Additionally, we investigated the spatial genetic structure (SGS), the effective population size and genetic connectivity in natural populations, which may provide important data on demo-genetic processes and support the conservation management of this critically endangered species. The SDM results showed that the current species range constitutes only 49% of the potential distribution. Under the most pessimistic scenarios (RCP6.0 and RCP8.5), a significant reduction in the species range was predicted. However, the projection based on RPC4.5 revealed possible extensions of the habitats suitable for C. atlantica. Potentially, these areas could serve as new habitats that could be used with the assisted migration approach aiming to mitigate the current fragmentation. In terms of the SGS, significant and positive aggregation of relatives was detected up to ca. 100 m. In comparison to other fragmented and endemic species, the detected SGS was weak (Sp = 0.0112). The estimated level of recent gene flow was considerable, which likely prevented a strong SGS and allowed diversity to accumulate (HE = 0.894). The most alarming results concern the effective population size, which was very low in the studied populations (< 53), suggesting a possible increase in inbreeding and loss of diversity in the near future. More effective conservation actions integrating in situ and ex situ measures should be undertaken to prevent extirpation of the species.
Can South America form an optimal monetary area? A structural vector autoregression analysis
Authors: Padilla León , Rodriguez García-Brazales Ángel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis research analyzes the feasibility of adopting a common currency in South America using the Optimal Monetary Areas theory. Taking into account that the relative dominance of regional shocks in local output is considered a key indicator to adopt a regional currency, we use a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) model to determine what type of shock —among global, regional or country specific— prevails in South American economies. The results of variance decomposition demonstrate that the output trajectory of South American countries is mainly explained by country-specific shocks; therefore, South America as a whole is not considered not an optimal monetary area. However, we identified a group of countries —named Sud-5 (comprised of Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil and Argentina)— for which the costs of a hypothetical monetary union would be relatively lower.
Shape-shifting Davydov’s ideas for early number learning in South Africa
Authors: Venkat Hamsa , Askew Mike , Morrison Samantha 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we share details of a South African early grades’ number intervention informed by aspects of Davydov’s writing on early number teaching and learning. A key part of Davydov’s approach to early number teaching involves starting with attention to relationships between quantities rather than with counting. The Structuring Number Starters (SNS) intervention focused—over a nine-year period—on supporting early grades’ students to move beyond the calculating-by-counting approaches that are prevalent in South Africa. In attending to this focus, the intervention shifted increasingly towards an emphasis on relationships between quantities, though not in the same format or task sequence as advocated by Davydov. The contextual and cultural features that led to our adaptations—or shape-shifting—are highlighted in this paper. We interrogate key aspects of Davydov’s approaches to early number teaching in relation to key features typical of South African classroom mathematics teaching in order to understand the evolution of the SNS initiative. Quasi-longitudinal interview-based assessment data available from a cross-attainment sample of students in 2011, 2014 and 2018 indicate shifts over time from calculating-by-counting to calculating-by-structuring. These outcomes point to successes with moves into increasingly structured ways of working with early number, but suggest also that these successes may be contingent on some fluency with forward and backward number word sequences. The outcomes suggest that it is feasible to explore interventions directing attention to early number structure from the outset in larger scale studies.
Inductive and deductive justification of knowledge: epistemological beliefs and critical thinking at the beginning of studying mathematics
Authors: Rott Benjamin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEpistemological beliefs are considered to play an important role in processes of learning and teaching. However, research on epistemological beliefs is confronted with methodological issues as for traditionally used self-report instruments with closed items, problems with social desirability, validity, and capturing domain-specific aspects of beliefs have been reported. Therefore, a new instrument with open items has been developed to capture mathematics-related epistemological beliefs, focusing on the justification of knowledge. Extending a previous study, the study at hand uses a larger and more diverse sample as well as a refined methodology. In total, 581 mathematics students (Bachelor of Science as well as pre-service teachers) completed the belief questionnaire and a test for mathematical critical thinking. The results confirm that beliefs can empirically be distinguished into belief position and belief argumentation, with only the latter being correlated to critical thinking.
An Image Super-Resolution Reconstruction Method with Single Frame Character Based on Wavelet Neural Network in Internet of Things
Authors: Guo Ling-li , Woźniak Marcin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe application of the traditional single frame character image super-resolution reconstruction method has some problems, such as noise can not be removed completely and anti-interference performance is poor. A new method for the super-resolution reconstruction of single frame character image based on wavelet neural network is proposed. The structure and interface of image acquisition unit of solid state image sensor are designed. Combined with pinhole imaging model and camera self-calibration, image acquisition of Internet of Things is completed. An image degradation model was established to simulate the degradation process of ideal high-resolution image to low-resolution image. Wavelet threshold denoising method is used to remove the noise in a single frame character image and improve the anti-interference performance of the method. The wavelet neural network reflection model is used to reconstruct the single frame feature image and improve the resolution of the image. The experimental results show that the blur degree of the reconstructed image is always less than 5%. In the whole experiment, the accuracy of this method can be maintained at 80% ~ 90%. The image detail retention rate of the research method is relatively stable. With the increase of the number of experimental images, the retention rate of image details remains between 80% and 95%, indicating that the method is effective in practical application.
Long and Short Time Asymptotics of the Two-Time Distribution in Local Random Growth
Authors: Johansson Kurt 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe two-time distribution gives the limiting joint distribution of the heights at two different times of a local 1D random growth model in the curved geometry. This distribution has been computed in a specific model but is expected to be universal in the KPZ universality class. Its marginals are the GUE Tracy-Widom distribution. In this paper we study two limits of the two-time distribution. The first, is the limit of long time separation when the quotient of the two times goes to infinity, and the second, is the short time limit when the quotient goes to zero.
Smarcd1 Inhibits the Malignant Phenotypes of Human Glioblastoma Cells via Crosstalk with Notch1
Authors: Zhu Yihao , Wang Handong , Fei Maoxing , Tang Ting , Niu Wenhao , Zhang Li 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSmarcd1 is a component of an evolutionary conserved chromatin remodeling complex—SWI/SNF, which is involved in transcription factor recruitment, DNA replication, recombination, and repair. Suppression of the SWI/SNF complex required for cellular differentiation and gene regulation may be inducible for cell proliferation and tumorigenicity. However, the inhibitory role of Smarcd1 in human glioblastoma cells has not been well illustrated. Both U87 and U251 human glioblastoma cell lines were employed in the present study. The lentivirus-mediated gene knockdown and overexpression approach was conducted to determine the function of Smarcd1. The protein levels were tested by western blot, and the relative mRNA contents were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell viability was tested by CCK-8 and colony-forming assay. Transwell assays were utilized to evaluate the motility and invasive ability. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze cell cycle and apoptosis. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. Low expression of Smarcd1 was observed in glioblastoma cell lines and in patients with high-grade glioma. Importantly, the depletion of Smarcd1 promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance, whereas enhanced expression of Smarcd1 inhibited tumor-malignant phenotypes. Mechanistic research demonstrated that overexpression of Smarcd1 decreased the expression of Notch1, while knockdown of Notch1 increased the expression of Smarcd1 through Hes1 suppression. Hence, the crosstalk between Smarcd1 and Notch1, which formed a feedback loop, was crucial in regulation of glioblastoma malignant phenotypes. Furthermore, targeting Smarcd1 could be a potential strategy for human glioblastoma treatment.
Toward a Practical Theory of Timing: Upbeat and E-Series Time for Organisms
Authors: Nomura Naoki , Matsuno Koichiro , Muranaka Tomoaki , Tomita Jun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTiming adjustment is an important ability for living organisms. Wild animals need to act at the right moment to catch prey or escape a predator. Land plants, although limited in their movement, need to decide the right time to grow and bloom. Humans also need to decide the right moment for social actions. Although scientists can pinpoint the timing of such behaviors by observation, we know extremely little about how living organisms as actors or players decide when to act – such as the exact moment to dash or pounce. The time measurements of an outsider-observer and the insider-participants are utterly different. We explain how such essential operations of timing adjustment and temporal spanning, both of which constitute a single regulated set, can be carried out among organisms. For this purpose, we have to reexamine the ordinary conception of time. Our specific explanatory tools include the natural movement known as the upbeat (anacrusis) in music, a rhythmic push for the downbeat that follows, which predicts future moves as an anticipatory lead-in. The scheme is situated in and is the extension of our formulation of E-series time, i.e., timing co-adjusted through interaction, which is derived from the semiotic/communicative perspectives. We thereby demonstrate that a prediction-based timing system is not mechanical but communicative and entails meanings for future anticipation.
The Use of New Mobile and Gaming Technologies for the Assessment and Rehabilitation of People with Ataxia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lacorte Eleonora , Bellomo Guido , Nuovo Sara , Corbo Massimo , Vanacore Nicola , Piscopo Paola 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThere are no currently available disease-modifying pharmacological treatments for most of the chronic hereditary ataxias; thus, effective rehabilitative strategies are crucial to help improve symptoms and therefore the quality of life. We propose to gather all available evidence on the use of video games, exergames, and apps for tablet and smartphone for the rehabilitation, diagnosis, and assessment of people with ataxias. Relevant literature published up to June 8, 2020, was retrieved searching the databases PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database. Data were extracted using a standardized form, and their methodological quality was assessed using RoB and QUADAS-2. Six studies of 434 retrieved articles met the predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two of them were diagnostic, while 4 were experimental studies. Studies included participants ranging from 9 to 28 in trials and 70 to 248 in diagnostic studies. Although we found a small number of trials and of low methodological quality, all of them reported an improvement of motor outcomes and quality of life as measured by specific scales, including the SARA, BBS, DHI, and SF-36 scores. The main reason for such low quality in trials was that most of them were small and uncontrolled, thus non-randomized and unblinded. As video games, exergames, serious games, and apps were proven to be safe, feasible, and at least as effective as traditional rehabilitation, further and more high-quality studies should be carried out on the use of these promising technologies in people with different types of ataxia.
Updating the current knowledge on the relationships between Haplosyllis chamaeleon Laubier, 1960 (Annelida, Syllidae) and Paramuricea clavata (Risso, 1826) (Cnidaria, Plexauridae) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Pola Lisa , Calcinai Barbara , Pica Daniela , Di Camillo Cristina Gioia , Martin Daniel , Cerrano Carlo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn the Mediterranean Sea, the symbiosis between the gorgonian Paramuricea clavata (Risso, 1826) and the polychaete Haplosyllis chamaeleon Laubier, 1960 (Annelida, Syllidae, Syllinae) has only been documented from the western basin. Our findings extend its geographic distribution to the north-central basin and represent the first record of H. chamaeleon in Italy and Croatia. Periodic observations from the Ligurian Sea allowed establishing that the symbiont occurs on P. clavata almost throughout the year, showing a reproductive period longer than previously reported. Morphometric comparisons of three Mediterranean populations, from Portofino Promontory (Ligurian Sea), Cape of Creus (Catalan Sea) and Chafarinas Archipelago (Alboran Sea) proved that there were no significant differences in body measurements, whilst the observed differences in dorsal cirri length pattern could be consider intra-specific. Our behavioural observations confirm that the species had (i) a kleptoparasitic behaviour, (ii) did not cause injuries to the host and (iii) did not induce the host to generate any malformation.
Who are the actors and who are the acted-ons? An analysis of news media reporting on mathematics education
Authors: Abtahi Yasmine , Barwell Richard 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWhile there are several studies analysing how mathematics education is portrayed in news media discourses, there has been little examination of the construction of different stakeholders (e.g. teachers, parents, curricula). In this paper, we report our analysis of a corpus of Canadian newspaper reports on mathematics education, focusing on the underlying construction of different stakeholders. Drawing on Foucault’s notion of regimes of truth, we show how news media construct a “truth” that portrays different stakeholders as either actors or acted-ons working for or against individual or national mathematical performance. We explain these findings with reference to the general media framing of mathematics education in the corpus.
The Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene and cancer
Authors: Jones Leanne , Naidoo Michael , Machado Lee R. , Anthony Karen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundMutation of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)gene causes Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, degenerative neuromuscular disorders that primarily affect voluntary muscles. However, increasing evidence implicatesDMDin the development of all major cancer types.DMDis a large gene with 79 exons that codes for the essential muscle protein dystrophin. Alternative promotor usage drives the production of several additional dystrophin protein products with roles that extend beyond skeletal muscle. The importance and function(s) of these gene products outside of muscle are not well understood.ConclusionsWe highlight a clear role forDMDin the pathogenesis of several cancers, including sarcomas, leukaemia’s, lymphomas, nervous system tumours, melanomas and various carcinomas. We note that the normal balance ofDMDgene products is often disrupted in cancer. The short dystrophin protein Dp71 is, for example, typically maintained in cancer whilst the full-length Dp427 gene product, a likely tumour suppressor, is frequently inactivated in cancer due to a recurrent loss of 5’ exons. Therefore, the ratio of short and long gene products may be important in tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarise the tumours in whichDMDis implicated and provide a hypothesis for possible mechanisms of tumorigenesis, although the question of cause or effect may remain. We hope to stimulate further study into the potential role ofDMDgene products in cancer and the development of novel therapeutics that targetDMD.
Different Risk Profiles of European Patients Using Direct Oral Anticoagulants or Vitamin K Antagonists: a Rapid Review
Authors: Krueger Katrin , Jobski Kathrin , Voss Annemarie , Haug Ulrike 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose of Review
We investigated the risk profiles of patients using direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) or vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in European cohort studies to estimate the importance of potential (measured or unmeasured) confounding factors in analyses comparing these drugs. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (2008–2018) for relevant studies and extracted information on age, sex, comorbidity, Charlson comorbidity index, HAS-BLED score (assessing risk of bleeding) and CHA2DS2-VASc score (assessing risk of stroke).

Recent Findings
Overall, 66 studies with 2,808,757 patients were included. Most patients were from France (37%), Denmark (24%) and Germany (23%). In 56 studies (85%), the focus was on patients with atrial fibrillation. Of the 43 studies comparing DOAC with VKA users, 33% reported a higher and 16% a lower age of DOAC compared with VKA users. The mean age varied by about 1 year in most of these studies. Rivaroxaban was used in the widest age range. Patients with DOAC more often had a history of stroke or bleedings, and patients with VKA more often had a history of diabetes, renal failure, cancer, heart failure or other heart diseases. Most studies did not observe differences regarding the HAS-BLED score or the CHA2DS2-VASc score between groups.

Summary
Our review suggests that there are relevant differences in the risk profiles of DOAC versus VKA users and between users of individual DOACs. Reported HAS-BLED or CHA2DS2-VASc scores did not reflect these differences. These patterns require careful consideration in the interpretation of observational studies comparing the effectiveness and the risks of these drugs, also when comparing the results of studies conducted in different countries.