bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Komparasi Metode Klasifikasi Algoritma C5.0 dan Naïve Bayes untuk Menentukan Jurusan Siswa
Authors: Zainuri Muhammad , Fahmi Muhammad Hanif , Hamdhana Raka Anugrah
Published: June 2022

Penentuan jurusan siswa yang diimplementasikan di SMAN 1 Gondanglegi berdasarkan tes potensi akademik (TPA), tes intelligence (IQ) dan wawancara. Penjurusan tersebut dilakukan setelah siswa melakukan pendaftaran atau sebelum siswa diterima sebagai kelas X.  Beberapa metode data mining dalam penentuan atau prediksi jurusan yang telah dilakukan oleh peneliti terdahulu diantaranya algoritma C4.5, C5,0 dan naïve bayes serta dalam perbandingan yaitu algoritma ID3 dan C5.0 kemudian perbandingan naïve bayes dan decision tree. Yang mana dalam perbandingan antara metode algoritma C5.0 dan naïve bayes belum dilakukan. Dari permasalahan tersebut maka peneliti bertujuan untuk melakukan analisa perbandingan data mining menggunakan klasifikasi algoritma C5.0 dan naïve bayes dalam memprediksi jurusan siswa. Adapun metode data mining yang digunakan yaitu knowledge discovery in database (KDD). Berdasarkan hasil perbandingan pengujian yang telah dilakukan melalui berbagai skenario terhadap kedua metode tersebut, pengujian 10-fold cross validation yang kemudian dicatat dalam confusion matrix menghasilkan nilai akurasi yaitu sebesar 60,87% untuk algoritma C5.0 sedangkan untuk naïve bayes sebesar 56,52%. Dari hasil yang diperoleh algoritma C5.0 merupakan metode paling baik dibanding naïve bayes yang dibuktikan dengan nilai tingkat akurasi yang didapatkan lebih tinggi.
ARŞİV BELGELERİNE GÖRE DEMOKRAT PARTİ DÖNEMİ GÜMRÜK MUAFİYETİ UYGULAMALARI (1950-1960)
Authors: ALTAN Suna
Published: June 2022

Gelişen ticaretle birlikte gümrük mevzusu uluslararası arenada daha fazla gündem olmaya başlamıştır. Zaman içerisinde, değişen koşullar neticesinde ticaretin daha iyi yapılması adına gümrükler konusunda devletler arasında çeşitli antlaşma ve sözleşmeler yapılmıştır. Bu antlaşma ve sözleşmelerle uluslararası ticaretin sağlıklı bir şekilde yürütülmesi sağlanmıştır. Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devleti de bu antlaşma ve sözleşmelere imza koymanın ardından, gümrükleri konusunda çeşitli uygulamaları hayata geçirmeye başlamıştır. Ülkenin ihtiyaçları doğrultusunda dışarıdan getirilecek olan ürünlere gümrük vergisinden muafiyet sağlama, bu uygulamaların başında gelmiştir. 1929-1950 yılları arasında Türk gümrüğünde vergi muafiyetleri ağırlık olarak, ülkedeki sanayiyi geliştirmek adına yurt dışından sağlanacak olan araç-gereçler hususunda olmuştur. Muafiyet uygulamaları bu şekilde devam ederken, 1950 yılı itibariyle Türk siyasi hayatında bir değişim meydana gelmiştir. 1950 yılında yapılan genel seçimlerden Demokrat Parti’nin birinci parti olarak çıkmasının ardından, Demokrat Parti iktidardaki yerini almıştır. Demokrat Parti, yönetimde kaldığı süre boyunca siyasi, sosyal, ekonomik, eğitim, kültür, sağlık gibi birçok alanda gelişme sağlanması için önceki yönetimlerden farklı politikalar izlemiştir. Bu politikalar neticesinde parti, kesintisiz olarak iktidarda bulunduğu 10 yıllık süre boyunca birçok alanda değişimler meydana getirmiştir. Değişimin yaşandığı alanlardan bir tanesi de gümrükler olmuştur. Yeni yönetim, gümrük vergisinden muafiyet uygulamalarında önceki yönetim gibi temelde ülkenin gelişmesi ve ilerlemesi amacı üzerinden hareket etmiş olsa da, ülkenin ihtiyaçları doğrultusunda muafiyet uygulamalarını sürdürürken batılı devletlerle yakınlık kurma prensibini de göz önüne alarak yapmıştır. Bu çalışmada; 10 yıllık iktidar süresince Demokrat Parti Hükümetlerinin gümrük vergisinden muafiyet uygulamaları, bu uygulamaların hangi alanlarda yapılmış olduğu, bu muafiyetlerden hangi ülkelerin yararlanmış olduğu dönemin içinde bulunduğu siyasi, ekonomik ve sosyal durumlar göz önüne alınarak ekseriyeti Cumhuriyet Arşivinde bulunan belgeler ışığında incelenmeye çalışılacaktır.
Ecosystem shifts inferred from long-term stable isotope analysis of male Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella teeth
Authors: de Lima RC , Cebuhar JD , Negrete J , Ferreira A , Secchi ER , Botta S
Published: June 2022

The Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean has been rapidly changing over the last century. Many of those changes are driven by climate anomalies such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and the Southern Annular Mode, which affect biological processes that scale up the food web. We used δ13C and δ15N time series of dentine growth layer groups (as a proxy of individual foraging history from multiple years, n = 41 teeth) to assess temporal shifts in foraging habits of subadult/adult male Antarctic fur seals Arctocephalus gazella (AFSs) in 2 areas of high concentration of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba: the South Shetland Islands and the South Orkney Islands. Our analyses, which represent the first long-term isotopic assessment of male AFS sampled in Antarctic waters, revealed a significant decrease of δ13C (0.04‰ yr-1) from 1974 to 2015 and a decrease of δ15N after the late 1990s. The observed changes are likely driven by shifts in latitudinal and longitudinal distribution of krill and increased incorporation of 15N-enriched sources (higher trophic level prey and/or feeding in different areas) in the most recent period for reasons that are not yet clear. We were able to trace ecosystem changes through isotopic bio-archives of Antarctic fur seals, highlighting the role of this species as an ecosystem indicator of the trophic cascade effects caused by climate change in the Southern Ocean.
The relationship between screen time exposure and the presence of anxiety-related disorders among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alsaigh Rasha Rashad , Assas Ghadeer Essam , Yahia Nashwa Hussain , Sharaf Najwan Faisal , Shaikh Shahad Fareed , Alghamdi Hadeel Majed , Badr Hanan Abdullah , Alghamdi Salmah Awad
Published: June 2022

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prompted rules and laws such as lockdown, which contributed to staying at home and participating in sedentary activities such as using smartphones, tablets, televisions, gaming devices, and computers. As a result of the increased use of digital screen time, a worldwide issue has arisen among various age groups, especially adolescents, which may have affected their psychological well-being, increasing their susceptibility to anxiety-related disorders. Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationship between screen time exposure and the presence of anxiety-related disorders among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design using convenience sampling was used in this study. The online self-administered questionnaire, including the Arabic-translated version of the Screen for Child Anxiety-related Disorders (SCARED-C), was distributed through social media using Google forms between February and April 2021. The Chi-Squared test was used for data analysis. Results: Of 625 participants, majority were females (n = 527, 84.3%) than males (n = 98, 15.7%). A significant difference between screen time and the presence of an anxiety-related disorder among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = .021) was noted. More than half of the participants (n = 410, 65.6%) scored above 25 in the SCARED-C test, indicating the presence of an anxiety-related disorder regardless of the type. Of those, more than a quarter (n = 176, 28.2%) used screens for more than 8 hours a day. Conclusion: The results indicated a relationship between screen time exposure and the presence of anxiety-related disorders among adolescents during the pandemic. In particular, adolescents are more susceptible to the adverse effects of increased exposure to screen time, which is constantly on the rise. Therefore, nurses and other healthcare professionals can play a significant role in providing guidance and advice to parents, caregivers, and adolescents themselves on how to limit screen time exposure. The findings can also be useful for future studies to build on and develop screen time management interventions and guidelines.
Combatting workplace violence against nurses in Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdousi Silvia , Rony Moustaq Karim Khan
Published: June 2022

This letter aims to respond to Tosepu et al. that workplace violence against nurses increases dramatically in developed and developing countries. This leads to a frustrating and unsustainable work environment. Furthermore, workplace violence has the potential to have long-term physical and psychological implications for all employees and a detrimental effect on the general morale of a healthcare organization. In this letter, we add the evidence of the workplace violence against nurses in Bangladesh, which contributes to increased health job discontent, decreased employee engagement, excessive absenteeism from work, a strong desire to resign, low medical safety ratings, and a high frequency of adverse clinical outcomes. In addition, people who live in hill communities and waterlogged areas do not have access to health care privileges due to workplace violence against nurses. Efforts to combat workplace violence against nurses are therefore very much needed.
Gambling prevalence and problem gambling in LGBTQ2+ communities
Authors:   Greo, Baxter Carling
Published: June 2022

The brief outlines existing research on gambling among LGBTQ2+ communities. There is little research related to gambling and gambling harms within this community. Key findings in the brief include: Members of LGBTQ2+ communities are at greater risk problem gambling and gambling-related harms Sexual minority men gamble less often and spend less money when compared to heterosexual men Sexual minority women are at greater risk of problem gambling when compared to heterosexual women Experiencing stigma is associated with problem gambling and gambling harms among LGBTQ2+ individuals This brief can provide a starting point for further study on gambling within LGBTQ2+ communities.
The Thermosensitive Injectable Celecoxib-Loaded Chitosan Hydrogel for Repairing Postoperative Intervertebral Disc Defect
Authors: Du Yukun , Li Jianyi , Tang Xiaojie , Liu Yingying , Bian Guoshuai , Shi Jianzhuang , Zhang Yixin , Zhao Baomeng , Zhao Hongri , Sui Kunyan , Xi Yongming
Published: June 2022

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy has been widely used in clinical practice for lumbar spine diseases. But the postoperative disc re-herniation and inflammation are the main reason for pain recurrence after surgery. The postoperative local defect of the intervertebral disc will lead to the instability of the spine, further aggravating the process of intervertebral disc degeneration. In this work, we successfully synthesized the thermosensitive injectable celecoxib-loaded chitosan hydrogel and investigated its material properties, repair effect, biocompatibility, and histocompatibility in in vitro and in vivo study. In vitro and in vivo, the hydrogel has low toxicity, biodegradability, and good biocompatibility. In an animal experiment, this composite hydrogel can effectively fill local tissue defects to maintain the stability of the spine and delay the process of intervertebral disc degeneration after surgery. These results indicated that this composite hydrogel will be a promising way to treat postoperative intervertebral disc disease in future clinical applications.
Biodegradability and Cytocompatibility of 3D-Printed Mg-Ti Interpenetrating Phase Composites
Authors: Yang Xixiang , Huang Wanyi , Zhan Desong , Ren Dechun , Ji Haibin , Liu Zengqian , Wang Qiang , Zhang Ning , Zhang Zhefeng
Published: June 2022

Orthopedic hybrid implants combining both titanium (Ti) and magnesium (Mg) have gained wide attraction nowadays. However, it still remains a huge challenge in the fabrication of Mg-Ti composites because of the different temperatures of Ti melting point and pure Mg volatilization point. In this study, we successfully fabricated a new Mg-Ti composite with bi-continuous interpenetrating phase architecture by infiltrating Mg melt into Ti scaffolds, which were prepared by 3D printing and subsequent acid treatment. We attempted to understand the 7-day degradation process of the Mg-Ti composite and examine the different Mg2+ concentration composite impacts on the MC3T3-E1 cells, including toxicity, morphology, apoptosis, and osteogenic activity. CCK-8 results indicated cytotoxicity and absence of the Mg-Ti composite during 7-day degradation. Moreover, the composite significantly improved the morphology, reduced the apoptosis rate, and enhanced the osteogenic activity of MC3T3-E1 cells. The favorable impacts might be attributed to the appropriate Mg2+ concentration of the extracts. The results on varying Mg2+ concentration tests indicated that Mg2+ showed no cell adverse effect under 10-mM concentration. The 8-mM group exhibited the best cell morphology, minimum apoptosis rate, and maximum osteogenic activity. This work may open a new perspective on the development and biomedical applications for Mg-Ti composites.
Effects of Barefoot and Shod on the In Vivo Kinematics of Medial Longitudinal Arch During Running Based on a High-Speed Dual Fluoroscopic Imaging System
Authors: Su Wanyan , Zhang Shen , Ye Dongqiang , Sun Xiaole , Zhang Xini , Fu Weijie
Published: June 2022

Shoes affect the biomechanical properties of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) and further influence the foot’s overall function. Most previous studies on the MLA were based on traditional skin-marker motion capture, and the observation of real foot motion inside the shoes is difficult. Thus, the effect of shoe parameters on the natural MLA movement during running remains in question. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the differences in the MLA’s kinematics between shod and barefoot running by using a high-speed dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS). Fifteen healthy habitual rearfoot runners were recruited. All participants ran at a speed of 3 m/s ± 5% along with an elevated runway in barefoot and shod conditions. High-speed DFIS was used to acquire the radiographic images of MLA movements in the whole stance phase, and the kinematics of the MLA were calculated. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare the kinematic characteristics of the MLA during the stance phase between shod and barefoot conditions. Compared with barefoot, shoe-wearing showed significant changes (p < 0.05) as follows: 1) the first metatarsal moved with less lateral direction at 80%, less anterior translation at 20%, and less superiority at 10–70% of the stance phase; 2) the first metatarsal moved with less inversion amounting to 20–60%, less dorsiflexion at 0–10% of the stance phase; 3) the inversion/eversion range of motion (ROM) of the first metatarsal relative to calcaneus was reduced; 4) the MLA angles at 0–70% of the stance phase were reduced; 5) the maximum MLA angle and MLA angle ROM were reduced in the shod condition. Based on high-speed DFIS, the above results indicated that shoe-wearing limited the movement of MLA, especially reducing the MLA angles, suggesting that shoes restricted the compression and recoil of the MLA, which further affected the spring-like function of the MLA.
Insights into intercellular receptor-ligand binding kinetics in cell communication
Authors: An Chenyi , Wang Xiaohuan , Song Fan , Hu Jinglei , Li Long
Published: June 2022

Cell-cell communication is crucial for cells to sense, respond and adapt to environmental cues and stimuli. The intercellular communication process, which involves multiple length scales, is mediated by the specific binding of membrane-anchored receptors and ligands. Gaining insight into two-dimensional receptor-ligand binding kinetics is of great significance for understanding numerous physiological and pathological processes, and stimulating new strategies in drug design and discovery. To this end, extensive studies have been performed to illuminate the underlying mechanisms that control intercellular receptor-ligand binding kinetics via experiment, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. It has been well established that the cellular microenvironment where the receptor-ligand interaction occurs plays a vital role. In this review, we focus on the advances regarding the regulatory effects of three factors including 1) protein-membrane interaction, 2) biomechanical force, and 3) bioelectric microenvironment to summarize the relevant experimental observations, underlying mechanisms, as well as their biomedical significances and applications. Meanwhile, we introduce modeling methods together with experiment technologies developed for dealing with issues at different scales. We also outline future directions to advance the field and highlight that building up systematic understandings for the coupling effects of these regulatory factors can greatly help pharmaceutical development.
Seminal Microbiota of Idiopathic Infertile Patients and Its Relationship With Sperm DNA Integrity
Authors: Garcia-Segura Sergio , del Rey Javier , Closa Laia , Garcia-Martínez Iris , Hobeich Carlos , Castel Ana Belén , Vidal Francisco , Benet Jordi , Ribas-Maynou Jordi , Oliver-Bonet Maria
Published: June 2022

The development of new biomarkers for human male infertility is crucial to improve the diagnosis and the prognosis of this disease. Recently, seminal microbiota was shown to be related to sperm quality parameters, suggesting an effect in human fertility and postulating it as a biomarker candidate. However, its relationship to sperm DNA integrity has not been studied yet. The aim of the present study is to characterize the seminal microbiota of a western Mediterranean population and to evaluate its relationship to sperm chromatin integrity parameters, and oxidative stress. For that purpose, 14 samples from sperm donors and 42 samples from infertile idiopathic patients were obtained and were analyzed to assess the composition of the microbiota through full-length16S rRNAgene sequencing (Illumina MiSeq platform). Microbial diversity and relative abundances were compared to classic sperm quality parameters (macroscopic semen parameters, motility, morphology and concentration), chromatin integrity (global DNA damage, double-stranded DNA breaks and DNA protamination status) and oxidative stress levels (oxidation-reduction potential). The seminal microbiota observed of these samples belonged to the phylaFirmicutes,Proteobacteria,ActinobacteriaandBacteroidetes. The most abundant genera wereFinegoldia,Peptoniphilus,Anaerococcus,Campylobacter,Streptococcus,Staphylococcus,Moraxella,Prevotella,Ezakiella,CorynebacteriumandLactobacillus. To our knowledge, this is the first detection ofEzakiellagenus in seminal samples. Two clusters of microbial profiles were built based on a clustering analysis, and specific genera were found with different frequencies in relation to seminal quality defects. The abundances of several bacteria negatively correlate with the sperm global DNA fragmentation, most notablyMoraxella,BrevundimonasandFlavobacterium. The latter two were also associated with higher sperm motility andBrevundimonasadditionally with lower oxidative-reduction potential.Actinomycetaceae,RalstoniaandPaenibacilluscorrelated with reduced chromatin protamination status and increased double-stranded DNA fragmentation. These effects on DNA integrity coincide in many cases with the metabolism or enzymatic activities of these genera. Significant differences between fertile and infertile men were found in the relative presence of thePropionibacteriaceaefamily and theCutibacterium,RhodopseudomonasandOligotrophagenera, which supports its possible involvement in male fertility. Our findings sustain the hypothesis that the seminal microbiome has an effect on male fertility.
Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Successfully Detects Pulmonary Infectious Pathogens in Children With Hematologic Malignancy
Authors: Wang Dao , Wang Weilin , Ding Yanjie , Tang Miaomiao , Zhang Lei , Chen Jiao , You Hongliang
Published: June 2022

Background

Pulmonary infection is a leading cause of mortality in pediatric patients with hematologic malignancy (HM). In clinical settings, pulmonary pathogens are frequently undetectable, and empiric therapies may be costly, ineffective and lead to poor outcomes in this vulnerable population. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) enhances pathogen detection, but data on its application in pediatric patients with HM and pulmonary infections are scarce.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 55 pediatric patients with HM and pulmonary infection who were performed mNGS on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from January 2020 to October 2021. The performances of mNGS methods and conventional microbiological methods in pathogenic diagnosis and subsequently antibiotic adjustment were investigated.

Results

A definite or probable microbial etiology of pulmonary infection was established for 50 of the 55 patients (90.9%) when mNGS was combined with conventional microbiological tests. The positive rate was 87.3% (48 of 55 patients) for mNGS versus 34.5% (19 of 55 patients) with conventional microbiological methods (P < 0.001). Bacteria, viruses and fungi were detected in 17/55 (30.9%), 25/55 (45.5%) and 19/55 (34.5%) cases using mNGS, respectively. Furthermore, 17 patients (30.9%) were identified as pulmonary mixed infections. Among the 50 pathogen-positive cases, 38% (19/50) were not completely pathogen-covered by empirical antibiotics and all of them were accordingly made an antibiotic adjustment. In the present study, the 30-day mortality rate was 7.3%.

Conclusion

mNGS is a valuable diagnostic tool to determine the etiology and appropriate treatment in pediatric patients with HM and pulmonary infection. In these vulnerable children with HM, pulmonary infections are life-threatening, so we recommend that mNGS should be considered as a front-line diagnostic test.
Plasma Exosomal S1PR5 and CARNS1 as Potential Non-invasive Screening Biomarkers of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Xiong Feng , Mao Rui , Zhao Ruohan , Zhang Lijuan , Tan Kunyue , Liu Chunxia , Wang Shuzhen , Xu Min , Li Yi , Zhang Tongtong
Published: June 2022

Background

Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the prognosis of coronary heart disease (CHD), but no convenient screening tools are available. This study aims to find potential non-invasive screening biomarkers of coronary heart disease.

Method

We performed microarray analysis to investigate the mRNA expression levels in Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and screen significantly differentially expressed mRNAs in CHD patients vs. non-CHD patients. We then performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to validate the microarray results, and we calculated the correlations between expression levels and clinicopathological data. Microarray analysis identified 72 downregulated mRNAs and 31 upregulated mRNAs in CHD patients relative to non-CHD patients.

Results

From the study, we found that upregulated sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 5 (S1PR5) and downregulated carnosine synthase 1 (CARNS1) had the most significant differences between the patient group and the control group. S1PR5 expression was correlated with diabetes, heart rate, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and fasting blood glucose (P < 0.05). CARNS1 level was correlated with uric acid (UA) (P < 0.05). Overexpressed S1PR5 and downregulated CARNS1 were independent risk factors for CHD. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of S1PR5 was 0.838 for diagnosing CHD; the AUC of CARNS1 was 0.883 for non-CHD; and the AUC of S1PR5 plus CARNS1 was 0.921 for CHD.

Conclusions

Microarray analysis showed that upregulated S1PR5 and downregulated CARNS1 in sEVs have the potential to become non-invasive biomarkers for CHD screening.
A Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing Different Anticoagulants for the Treatment of Catheter-Related Thrombosis of the Upper Extremities in Women With Gynecologic and Breast Cancer
Authors: Porfidia Angelo , Cammà Giulia , Coletta Nicola , Bigossi Margherita , Giarretta Igor , Lupascu Andrea , Scaletta Giuseppe , Porceddu Enrica , Tondi Paolo , Scambia Giovanni , Ferrandina Gabriella , Pola Roberto
Published: June 2022

Background

Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) of the upper extremities is a frequent complication among cancer patients that carry a central venous catheter (CVC) and may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE) and loss of CVC function. Despite its clinical impact, no anticoagulant treatment scheme has been rigorously evaluated in these patients. In addition, there is no proven evidence that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are efficacious and safe in this setting because cancer patients with CRT of the upper extremities were not included in the clinical trials that led to the approval of DOACs for the treatment of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods

We performed a single center retrospective cohort study on women with gynecologic or breast cancer treated with either low-molecular-weight heparin, fondaparinux, or DOACs for CRT of the upper extremities. Only patients who received anticoagulation at the proper therapeutic dose and for at least 3 months were included in the analysis. Effectiveness was evaluated in terms of preservation of line function, residual thrombosis, and recurrence of VTE (including PE). Safety was evaluated in terms of death, major bleeding (MB), and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB).

Results

We identified 74 women who fulfilled the criteria to be included in the analysis. Of these, 31 (41.9%) had been treated with fondaparinux, 21 (28.4%) with enoxaparin, and 22 (29.7%) with the DOAC edoxaban. We found no differences between patients treated with the three different therapeutic approaches, in terms of preservation of line function, incidence of residual thrombosis, and VTE recurrence (including PE). Safety was similar as well, with no MBs recorded in any treatment group.

Conclusion

These results, although retrospective and based on a relatively small sample size, indicate that, in women with gynecologic or breast cancer, CRT of the upper extremities may be treated with similar effectiveness and safety with fondaparinux, enoxaparin, and edoxaban. Further studies are needed to substantiate these findings.
Application of the Grain-Based Rock-Eval Pyrolysis Method to Evaluate Hydrocarbon Generation, Expulsion, and Retention of Lacustrine Shale
Authors: Liao Lingling , Wang Yunpeng , Chen Chengsheng , Pan Yinhua
Published: June 2022

The study on hydrocarbon generation, expulsion, and retention of shale is becoming more and more important as the exploration of unconventional oil and gas worldwide. There are multiple sets of lacustrine shales in the eastern area of China, which show a great potential for shale oil/gas exploration. In this study, a grain-based Rock-Eval pyrolysis method was conducted on three sets of lacustrine shales, including the Nenjiang shale, Shahejie shale, and Maoming oil shale, to evaluate the hydrocarbon generation, expulsion, and retention. For comparison, pyrolysis of kerogen from the three shale samples was also carried out under the same experimental conditions. The Maoming oil shale showed a slightly broader distribution of activation energies than the Nenjiang and Shahejie shales, while the Nenjiang shale showed higher dominant activation energy than the Shahejie shale and the Maoming oil shale. At laboratory heating rates (5–25°C/min), the corresponding temperature to the maximum hydrocarbon generating rate of shale grains was collectively higher than that of their kerogen, especially for the Nenjiang and Shahejie shales, which implies a lagging effect during the hydrocarbon generation and expulsion process for the shales. By calculating the differences in hydrocarbon yields between shale grain and kerogen samples, the content and proportion of the retained hydrocarbons were measured at different maturation stages. The results showed that the Nenjiang shale from the Songliao Basin has the strongest retention ability but the weakest expulsion ability, whereas the Shahejie shale from the Dongying Depression has the strongest expulsion ability but the weakest retention ability among the three samples. Moreover, it is found that the pore structure of lacustrine shales is likely the principal factor controlling the hydrocarbon retention ability/capacity. This study is expected to provide a geochemical quantitative basis for evaluating hydrocarbon generation, expulsion, and retention of shale.
ICT Deployment for Teaching in the COVID-19 Era: A Quantitative Assessment of Resource Availability and Challenges in Public Universities
Authors: Akah Levi U. , Owan Valentine J. , Alawa David A. , Ojie Fredluckson C. , Usoro Abosede A. , Dada Oluseyi A. , Olofu Martin A. , Ebuara Victor O. , Ajigo Ikutal , Essien Essien E. , Essien Cecilia K. , Unimna Fidelis A. , Ukpong Joseph , Adeleke Owoade P. , Neji Hope A.
Published: June 2022

Despite the changes in human behaviour and interactions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions are yet to adapt to the new normal fully. While some educational institutions switched entirely to e-learning to promote teaching and learning, others could not offer education due to physical and social restrictions. Previous studies in Africa have identified reasons for the poor ICT adoption for educational purposes. However, the degree to which these factors affect ICT utilisation is barely analysed. Using a quantitative approach, this study assessed ICT deployment for teaching in the COVID-19 era by focusing on their availability and challenges. A sample of 344 respondents from a population of 2,867 academic staff at two Nigerian public universities participated in the study. After receiving face validity from experts, a structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach alpha reliability indices of the questionnaire ranged from 0.72 to 0.94. Descriptive statistics (simple percentages, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (one-way ANOVA) were used for data analysis. Findings generally revealed a moderate extent in the availability of ICT resources in public universities. The cost of data, computer literacy, and electricity supply are challenges that significantly affected ICT deployment in the COVID-19 era. Based on this finding, it was concluded that personal and institutional challenges affect how ICT resources are deployed in public universities. It was recommended, among other things, that the management of each tertiary institution should apportion proceeds from internally generated revenue to procure ICT resources specific to the need of the school. The study provides the ground for further research into students’ use of ICT for educational purposes.
Outcomes of Patients With Metastatic Differentiated Thyroid Cancer After Excellent Response to Treatment
Authors: Hsu Chia-Jung , Lai Kun-Yu , Lu Yu-Ling , Wu Ming-Hsien , Liu Feng-Hsuan , Lin Shu-Fu
Published: June 2022

Background

To evaluate the outcomes in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients who achieved excellent response to initial treatment and developed distant metastasis during follow-up.

Methods

Thyroid cancer patients registered in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital thyroid cancer database between January 1979 and December 2019 were assessed.

Results

Among 1053 DTC patients with excellent response to initial therapy, 14 (1.3%) patients developed metastatic disease during follow-up, including 6 males and 8 females with median age of 50.2 years [interquartile range (IQR), 39.9-53.7]. Nine (64.3%) patients had papillary cancer, four (28.6%) had follicular cancer, and one (7.1%) had Hürthle cell cancer. Most patients (92.9%) had stage I disease at diagnosis. The sites of metastasis were lung (71.4%), bone (7.1%), mediastinum (7.1%) and multiple sites (14.3%). With a median follow-up of 18.3 years (IQR, 14.8-23.8), 2 patients had disease-specific mortality. The 5- and 10-year disease-specific survival after the diagnosis of distant metastasis was 92% and 74%, respectively. Multiple sites of metastasis was associated with increased risk of mortality (P = 0.022).

Conclusions

A small proportion of DTC patients with an excellence response to initial therapy developed distant metastasis during follow-up. Multiple organ distant metastases conferred a worse disease-specific survival.
On the Fidelity of Computational Models for the Flow of Milled Loblolly Pine: A Benchmark Study on Continuum-Mechanics Models and Discrete-Particle Models
Authors: Jin Wencheng , Lu Yimin , Chen Feiyang , Hamed Ahmed , Saha Nepu , Klinger Jordan , Dai Sheng , Chen Qiushi , Xia Yidong
Published: June 2022

The upstream of bioenergy industry has suffered from unreliable operations of granular biomass feedstocks in handling equipment. Computational modeling, including continuum-mechanics models and discrete-particle models, offers insightful understandings and predictive capabilities on the flow of milled biomass and can assist equipment design and optimization. This paper presents a benchmark study on the fidelity of the continuum and discrete modeling approaches for predicting granular biomass flow. We first introduce the constitutive law of the continuum-mechanics model and the contact law of the coarse-grained discrete-particle model, with model parameters calibrated against laboratory characterization tests of the milled loblolly pine. Three classical granular material flow systems (i.e., a lab-scale rotating drum, a pilot-scale hopper, and a full-scale inclined plane) are then simulated using the two models with the same initial and boundary conditions as the physical experiments. The close agreement of the numerical predictions with the experimental measurements on the hopper mass flow rate, the hopper critical outlet width, the material stopping thickness on the inclined plane, and the dynamic angle of repose, clearly indicates that the two methods can capture the critical flow behavior of granular biomass. The qualitative comparison shows that the continuum-mechanics model outperforms in parameterization of materials and wall friction, and large-scale systems, while the discrete-particle model is more preferred for discontinuous flow systems at smaller scales. Industry stakeholders can use these findings as guidance for choosing appropriate numerical tools to model biomass material flow in part of the optimization of material handling equipment in biorefineries.
Optimal Dispatch of a Virtual Storage Plant Using Inexact ADMM
Authors: Cai Defu , Wang Zuowei , Wang Xiao , Wang Yang , Wang Wenna , Zhou Kunpeng , Yu Dehua
Published: June 2022

A virtual storage plant (VSP) is identified as an effective approach to aggregating distributed storage devices participating in power network supports with similar capability as bulk storage systems. In this study, we develop a distributed control framework for cost-effective storage coordination in the distribution networks, in which the energy storage units are coordinated to contribute to a given power reference at the aggregated level while regulating the local network voltages in the presence of renewable generations. The salient features of the proposed VSP control roots from the successful employment of an inexact alternating direction method of multiplier (ADMM) algorithm, in which the primal updates have analytical solutions in closed form using proximal operators, which significantly reduces the computation efforts of individual storage agents, and renders fast storage dispatch. The proposed control is favorable for near real-time storage dispatch in an optimal manner, and its effectiveness is demonstrated using realistic distributed networks in the simulations.
Research on the Transformer Intelligent Operation and Maintenance System Based on the Graph Neural Network
Authors: Chen WenGang , Luo DianSheng , Fu FangYu , He HongYing , Zhang Ke
Published: June 2022

With the development of the smart grid and energy Internet, the power industry generates huge, multi-source, heterogeneous, and highly coupled data, which are difficult to utilize. The intelligent operation and maintenance system of the power transformer based on the knowledge graph and graph neural network is developed in this article. The multi-source heterogeneous data are structured and modeled by the constructed knowledge graph, and it presents the correlation among data more intuitively. On this basis, the graph neural network is designed to achieve the prediction and excavate the deep information hidden in the data. The testing results show that the system has fully used the multi-dimensional and interrelated heterogeneous data, achieving a deep information mine. It benefits the management and strategy implementation for the system scientifically and guides the operation and maintenance of the transformer. The system is of great significance on improving the efficiency of the transformer maintenance and safe operation.
The Impact of International Transportation Interconnection on the Quality of Urban Economic Growth
Authors: Sui Hongguang , Wang Zixuan , Liu Jiabei , Zhao Weixing
Published: June 2022

China–Europe freight train (CEFT) is a link connecting Eurasia and a vital carrier to promote regional economic cooperation. This article measures the quality of China’s city-level economic growth using principal component analysis. Our study examines the impact of the opening of CEFT on the quality of urban economic growth by using the multi-period difference-in-difference (DID) model and the data of 273 prefecture-level cities in China from 2003 to 2016. First, the basic results show that the opening of the CEFT significantly improves the quality of the economic development of node cities, which remains robust under a series of robustness tests. Second, the heterogeneity test shows that CEFT is more conducive to improving the quality of economic growth in inland cities and cities with small freight volumes in central and western China. There is no significant difference in the impact of road infrastructure construction in different level cities. Third, the mechanism test shows that the opening of the CEFT has a significant impact on improving the quality of economic growth, with no positive effect on stability and sustainability. The construction of the CEFT is still under development. It is necessary to take complete account of the situation of different cities in scientific planning, improve its driving effect on stability and sustainability while maintaining efficiency, and then, optimize the economic benefits of the freight train.
Gene-Editing Technologies and Applications in Legumes: Progress, Evolution, and Future Prospects
Authors: Baloglu Mehmet Cengiz , Celik Altunoglu Yasemin , Baloglu Pinar , Yildiz Ali Burak , Türkölmez Nil , Özden Çiftçi Yelda
Published: June 2022

Legumes are rich in protein and phytochemicals and have provided a healthy diet for human beings for thousands of years. In recognition of the important role they play in human nutrition and agricultural production, the researchers have made great efforts to gain new genetic traits in legumes such as yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional quality. In recent years, the significant increase in genomic resources for legume plants has prepared the groundwork for applying cutting-edge breeding technologies, such as transgenic technologies, genome editing, and genomic selection for crop improvement. In addition to the different genome editing technologies including the CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing system, this review article discusses the recent advances in plant-specific gene-editing methods, as well as problems and potential benefits associated with the improvement of legume crops with important agronomic properties. The genome editing technologies have been effectively used in different legume plants including model legumes like alfalfa and lotus, as well as crops like soybean, cowpea, and chickpea. We also discussed gene-editing methods used in legumes and the improvements of agronomic traits in model and recalcitrant legumes. Despite the immense opportunities genome editing can offer to the breeding of legumes, governmental regulatory restrictions present a major concern. In this context, the comparison of the regulatory framework of genome editing strategies in the European Union and the United States of America was also discussed. Gene-editing technologies have opened up new possibilities for the improvement of significant agronomic traits in legume breeding.
Spatiotemporal Patterns of Substance P-Bound MRGPRX2 Reveal a Novel Connection Between Macropinosome Resolution and Secretory Granule Regeneration in Mast Cells
Authors: Lazki-Hagenbach Pia , Kleeblatt Elisabeth , Ali Hydar , Sagi-Eisenberg Ronit
Published: June 2022

MRGPRX2, the human member of the MAS-related G protein coupled receptors (Mrgprs), serves as the cellular target of human mast cells (MCs) for innate ligands, including neuropeptides and antimicrobial peptides. In addition, MRGPRX2 also functions as the receptor for multiple FDA-approved drugs. As such, MRGPRX2 is a mediator of MC responses in neurogenic inflammation, host defense and pseudoallergy. We analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns of MRGPRX2 following its binding of the neuropeptide substance P (SP). Herein, we show that MRGPRX2 internalizes via both endocytosis and macropinocytosis, followed by its distribution between a perinuclear region and the secretory granules (SGs). Further, we show that MRGPRX2-containing macropinosomes undergo resolution by a mechanism that involves dynamin and LC3, giving rise to the incorporation of both LC3 and MRGPRX2 into the SGs. SP then promotes the acidification of the LC3-associated SGs, presumably by stimulating their fusion with lysosomes. Taken together, our results reveal a unique mode of MRGPRX2 trafficking that complements endocytosis and involves macropinocytosis, autophagic machinery-assisted macropinosome resolution and receptor delivery to the SGs.
Targeting IL-34/MCSF-1R Axis in Colon Cancer
Authors: Monteleone Giovanni , Maresca Claudia , Colella Marco , Pacifico Teresa , Congiu Daniele , Troncone Edoardo , Marafini Irene
Published: June 2022

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common neoplasias in the Western world and it is still one of the most deadly cancers worldwide mainly due to the fact that metastatic CRC is not responsive to current pharmacologic treatment. Identification of pathways that sustain CRC cell behaviour could help develop effective therapeutic compounds. A large body of evidence indicates that colon carcinogenesis is a dynamic process in which multiple cell types present in the tumor microenvironment either stimulate or suppress CRC cell growth, survival, and diffusion mainly via the production of cytokines. Interleukin-34 (IL-34), a cytokine initially known for its ability to regulate monocyte/macrophage survival and function, is highly produced in human CRC by both cancer cells and non-tumoral cells. IL-34 function is mainly mediated by interaction with the macrophage colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (MCSF-1R), which is also over-expressed by CRC cells as well as by tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts. IL-34-driven MCSF-1R activation triggers several pro-tumoral functions in the colon. In this article, we review the current understanding of the involvement of IL-34 and its receptor in CRC, with particular attention to the available evidence about the IL-34/MCSF-1R axis-mediated regulation of TAMs and the role of IL-34 and MCSF-1R in promoting cancer resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy

Manuscript Contribution to the Field

In this review, we highlight the multiple effects of IL-34 and its receptor, macrophage colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor, on the activity of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and non-tumoral cells, with particular attention to the available data supporting the role of IL-34/MCSF-1R axis in the control of tumor-associated macrophages. The findings summarized in this manuscript could help understand whether targeting IL-34/MCSF-1R can be exploited for therapeutic intervention in CRC.
Innate and Adaptive Lymphocytes in Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Lung Disease: A Review
Authors: Gramegna Andrea , Lombardi Andrea , Lorè Nicola I. , Amati Francesco , Barone Ivan , Azzarà Cecilia , Cirillo Daniela , Aliberti Stefano , Gori Andrea , Blasi Francesco
Published: June 2022

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous environmental microorganisms capable of a wide range of infections that primarily involve the lymphatic system and the lower respiratory tract. In recent years, cases of lung infection sustained by NTM have been steadily increasing, due mainly to the ageing of the population with underlying lung disease, the enlargement of the cohort of patients undergoing immunosuppressive medications and the improvement in microbiologic diagnostic techniques. However, only a small proportion of individuals at risk ultimately develop the disease due to reasons that are not fully understood. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of NTM pulmonary disease is the key to the development of better diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets for anti-mycobacterial therapy. In this review, we cover the various types of interactions between NTM and lymphoid effectors of innate and adaptive immunity. We also give a brief look into the mechanism of immune exhaustion, a phenomenon of immune dysfunction originally reported for chronic viral infections and cancer, but recently also observed in the setting of mycobacterial diseases. We try to set the scene to postulate that a better knowledge of immune exhaustion can play a crucial role in establishing prognostic/predictive factors and enabling a broader investigation of immune-modulatory drugs in the experimental treatment of NTM pulmonary disease.
The Dendritic Cell Dilemma in the Skin: Between Tolerance and Immunity
Authors: Scheib Nils , Tiemann Jessica , Becker Christian , Probst Hans Christian , Raker Verena Katharina , Steinbrink Kerstin
Published: June 2022

Dendritic cells (DC) are uniquely capable of initiating and directing immune responses. The range of their activities grounds in the heterogeneity of DC subsets and their functional plasticity. Numerical and functional DC changes influence the development and progression of disease, and correction of such dysregulations has the potential to treat disease causally. In this review, we discuss the major advances in our understanding of the regulation of DC lineage formation, differentiation, and function in the skin. We describe the alteration of DC in disease as well as possibilities for therapeutic reprogramming with a focus on tolerogenic DC. Because regulatory T cells (Treg) are indispensable partners of DC in the induction and control of tolerance, we pay special attention to the interactions with these cells. Above all, we would like to arouse fascination for this cell type and its therapeutic potential in skin diseases.