bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenic landscape alteration promotes higher disease risk in wild New Zealand avian communities
Authors: Filion Antoine , Deschamps Lucas , Niebuhr Chris N. , Poulin Robert
Published: March 2022

Anthropogenic changes can have dramatic effects on wild populations. Moreover, by promoting the emergence of vector-borne diseases in many ecosystems, those changes can lead to local extinction of native wildlife. One of those diseases, avian malaria, has been shown to be on the rise in New Zealand, threatening native bird species that are among the most extinction-prone in the world. It is thus of prime importance to better understand the potential cascading effects that anthropogenic modifications have on those fragile species. Here, we aim to test how long-lasting modification to regional environmental filters can subsequently alter local biotic filters, in turn promoting the emergence of avian malaria in New Zealand avian communities. To this end, we used Bayesian structural equation modelling to unravel the drivers of disease emergence within the complex interplay between landscape and local species pools. We show that altered landscape, quantified through a lower enhanced vegetation index, leads to more infections in Turdus spp. and modification in avian community composition, potentially raising the probability of infection for other species in the community. In addition, we show that climatic variables associated with the presence of vectors play a predominant role in shaping the regional pattern of avian malaria occurrence. Our results suggest long-lasting impacts of anthropogenic changes on regional environmental filters and demonstrate that conservation efforts should align toward restoring the landscape to prevent further emergence of infectious diseases in wild ecosystems.
Health influenced by genetics: A first comprehensive analysis of breast cancer high and moderate penetrance susceptibility genes in the Tunisian population
Authors: Boujemaa Maroua , Mighri Najah , Chouchane Lotfi , Boubaker Mohamed Samir , Abdelhak Sonia , Boussen Hamouda , Hamdi Yosr
Published: March 2022

Significant advances have been made to understand the genetic basis of breast cancer. High, moderate and low penetrance variants have been identified with inter-ethnic variability in mutation frequency and spectrum. Genome wide association studies (GWAS) are widely used to identify disease-associated SNPs. Understanding the functional impact of these risk-SNPs will help the translation of GWAS findings into clinical interventions. Here we aim to characterize the genetic patterns of high and moderate penetrance breast cancer susceptibility genes and to assess the functional impact of non-coding SNPs. We analyzed BRCA1/2, PTEN, STK11, TP53, ATM, BRIP1, CHEK2 and PALB2 genotype data obtained from 135 healthy participants genotyped using Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP-Array 6.0. Haplotype analysis was performed using Haploview.V4.2 and PHASE.V2.1. Population structure and genetic differentiation were assessed using principal component analysis (PCA) and fixation index (FST). Functional annotation was performed using In Silico web-based tools including RegulomeDB and VARAdb. Haplotype analysis showed distinct LD patterns with high levels of recombination and haplotype blocks of moderate to small size. Our findings revealed also that the Tunisian population tends to have a mixed origin with European, South Asian and Mexican footprints. Functional annotation allowed the selection of 28 putative regulatory variants. Of special interest were BRCA1_ rs8176318 predicted to alter the binding sites of a tumor suppressor miRNA hsa-miR-149 and PALB2_ rs120963 located in tumorigenesis-associated enhancer and predicted to strongly affect the binding of P53. Significant differences in allele frequencies were observed with populations of African and European ancestries for rs8176318 and rs120963 respectively. Our findings will help to better understand the genetic basis of breast cancer by guiding upcoming genome wide studies in the Tunisian population. Putative functional SNPs may be used to develop an efficient polygenic risk score to predict breast cancer risk leading to better disease prevention and management.
Effect of vitamin D3-fortified fruit juice supplementation of 4000 IU daily on the recovery of iron status in childbearing-aged women with marginally low iron stores: Protocol for an 8-week, parallel group, double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ahmad Fuzi Salma Faeza , Su Peng Loh , Zabaha Zalbahar Nurzalinda , Ab. Manan Norhafizah , Mohamad Alwi Muhammad Najib
Published: March 2022

Background

In recent years, emerging evidence has highlighted the role of vitamin D as an iron absorption enhancer by suppressing hepcidin concentration, albeit with an unclear underlying mechanism. Dietary-based approach in improving iron status has been widely practised, however, there is a scarcity in randomized controlled trials (RCT) to elucidate the effect of vitamin D-fortified juice on iron status recovery. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of an 8-week vitamin D3-fortified fruit juice supplementation on iron status indicators in childbearing-aged women with marginally low iron stores.

Methods

In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, RCT, a total of 120 women aged between 19–40 with serum ferritin < 20 μg/l and fulfilled the eligibility criteria will be randomized into consuming either vitamin D3-fortified fruit juices containing 4000 IU (100 mcg) (vitamin D) or placebo-fruit juices (placebo) daily for eight weeks. At every 4-week interval, 10 ml fasting blood sample, information on dietary habit and anthropometric measurement will be collected. A mixed model repeated-measures analysis of variance will be performed to determine the effect of the intervention and the interaction with time points for all iron and vitamin D status blood biomarkers.

Discussion

Vitamin D supplementation in food fortification as a novel iron absorption enhancer might be a future and relevant alternative management of iron deficiency as opposed to the oral iron therapy that has poor adherence.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov: registration numberNCT04618289, registration date October 28, 2020, protocol ID JKEUPM-2020-033.
Prediction and forewarning of axial force of steel bracing in foundation pit based on verhulst model
Authors: Chen Huan , Zhang Ke , Jiang Yibo , Shi Zheng
Published: March 2022

The axial force of steel bracing is one of the essential indexes to measure the stability of the bracing system of a foundation pit. The steel bracing system of a foundation pit in Ningbo City, China was taken as the research object to guarantee the stability of the steel bracing system of the foundation pit. Besides, the change of axial force between the two steel bracing structures was analyzed to predict the axial force data of the steel bracing and perform the safety forewarning of the steel bracing system. Firstly, GM (1,1) and Verhulst models in the gray model were selected for prediction based on the characteristics of poor information and the small sample size of original monitoring data of the steel bracing. Secondly, the precision of the GM (1,1) model and Verhulst model was compared to determine a more accurate prediction method. Finally, the safety forewarning model of the confidence interval estimation method was established based on the data obtained from the prediction model and the deformation characteristics and indexes of the steel bracing. With the significance levels α = 5% and α = 2% as the demarcating points, the forewarning grades of the steel bracing system of the deep foundation pit were divided, and then the operating state of the current steel bracing system was determined. The results demonstrated that the Verhulst model had better prediction precision compared with the ordinary GM (1, 1) model. Besides, the steel bracing system was in the safe operation range, and the judgment results of the model were consistent with the actual situation of the foundation pit of the steel bracing system. Thus, the Verhulst prediction model and the confidence interval security early forewarning model could be used to judge the stability of the steel bracing system.
Timing of exposure is critical in a highly sensitive model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Authors: Ganti Ketaki , Ferreri Lucas M. , Lee Chung-Young , Bair Camden R. , Delima Gabrielle K. , Holmes Kate E. , Suthar Mehul S. , Lowen Anice C.
Published: March 2022

Transmission efficiency is a critical factor determining the size of an outbreak of infectious disease. Indeed, the propensity of SARS-CoV-2 to transmit among humans precipitated and continues to sustain the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the number of new cases among contacts is highly variable and underlying reasons for wide-ranging transmission outcomes remain unclear. Here, we evaluated viral spread in golden Syrian hamsters to define the impact of temporal and environmental conditions on the efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through the air. Our data show that exposure periods as brief as one hour are sufficient to support robust transmission. However, the timing after infection is critical for transmission success, with the highest frequency of transmission to contacts occurring at times of peak viral load in the donor animals. Relative humidity and temperature had no detectable impact on transmission when exposures were carried out with optimal timing and high inoculation dose. However, contrary to expectation, trends observed with sub-optimal exposure timing and lower inoculation dose suggest improved transmission at high relative humidity or high temperature. In sum, among the conditions tested, our data reveal the timing of exposure to be the strongest determinant of SARS-CoV-2 transmission success and implicate viral load as an important driver of transmission.
Disc and Actin Associated Protein 1 influences attachment in the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia
Authors: Steele-Ogus Melissa C. , Obenaus Ava M. , Sniadecki Nathan J. , Paredez Alexander R.
Published: March 2022

The deep-branching eukaryoteGiardia lambliais an extracellular parasite that attaches to the host intestine via a microtubule-based structure called the ventral disc. Control of attachment is mediated in part by the movement of two regions of the ventral disc that either permit or exclude the passage of fluid under the disc. Several known disc-associated proteins (DAPs) contribute to disc structure and function, but no force-generating protein has been identified among them. We recently identified severalGiardiaactin (GlActin) interacting proteins at the ventral disc, which could potentially employ actin polymerization for force generation and disc conformational changes. One of these proteins, Disc and Actin Associated Protein 1 (DAAP1), is highly enriched at the two regions of the disc previously shown to be important for fluid flow during attachment. In this study, we investigate the role of bothGlActin and DAAP1 in ventral disc morphology and function. We confirmed interaction betweenGlActin and DAAP1 through coimmunoprecipitation, and used immunofluorescence to localize both proteins throughout the cell cycle and during trophozoite attachment. Similar to other DAPs, the association of DAAP1 with the disc is stable, except during cell division when the disc disassembles. Depletion ofGlActin by translation-blocking antisense morpholinos resulted in both impaired attachment and defects in the ventral disc, indicating thatGlActin contributes to disc-mediated attachment. Depletion of DAAP1 through CRISPR interference resulted in intact discs but impaired attachment, gating, and flow under the disc. As attachment is essential for infection, elucidation of these and other molecular mediators is a promising area for development of new therapeutics against a ubiquitous parasite.
En quel sens y a-t-il un parallélisme chez Leibniz?
Authors: Rateau Paul
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this article is to show that by “parallelism”, Leibniz meant something different from what is usually termed, since Fechner, “psychophysical parallelism”. Besides the fact that very few occurrences of the term “parallelism” are to be found in the Leibnizian corpus, the notion is only explicitly related to pre-established harmony between soul and body in the Leibniz-Stahl controversy. Rather than envisaging a “metaphysical” parallelism opposing soul to body as two heterogeneous entities, Leibniz conceived of a symbolic relation between the two and upheld a “methodological” parallelism that implied that, in explaining phenomena, one should not confuse efficient with final causes, nor the realm of Nature with that of Grace, while sustaining their exact concordance and convergence.
Demarcação viária: importantes aspectos atinentes ao seu desempenho retrorrefletivo e o emprego de impressão 3-D em sua dosagem
Authors: Da Silva Pereira Deividi , Martins Renz Eduardo , Dotto Bueno Lucas , Pivoto Specht Luciano , Salles de Salles Lucio
Published: March 2022

A sinalização horizontal está continuamente presente no trajeto percorrido pelos usuários, o que torna fundamental que as demarcações viárias apresentem adequada retrorrefletividade. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho buscou avaliar fatores relacionados à retrorrefletividade da sinalização horizontal, mediante avaliações de campo, além do emprego de placas tridimensionais impressas para identificar o efeito da macrotextura sobre a retrorrefletividade. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a geometria do retrorrefletômetro (15 e 30m), a coloração da demarcação (branca e amarela) e a limpeza periódica da sinalização impactam significativamente na retrorrefletividade. Ainda, procurou-se buscar correlação entre desempenho da retrorrefletividade e a microtopografia do substrato (microtextura e macrotextura superficial do revestimento). Os coeficientes de correlação indicaram moderada associação entre os parâmetros supracitados e a retrorrefletividade. Para o caso especial da macrotextura, a impressão tridimensional indicou significativa relação existente entre a macrotextura e a retrorrefletividade, com valores maiores de retrorrefletividade para alturas médias de areia menores. Ficou evidenciado que a taxa ideal de aplicação de microesferas do tipo drop-on não é constante e varia em função da macrotextura.
Screening Colonoscopy Findings are Associated with nonColorectal Cancer Mortality
Authors: Sullivan Brian A. , Qin Xuejun , Miller Cameron , Hauser Elizabeth R. , Redding Thomas S. , Gellad Ziad F. , Madison Ashton N. , Musselwhite Laura W. , Efird Jimmy T. , Sims Kellie J. , Williams Christina D. , Weiss David , Lieberman David , Provenzale Dawn
Published: March 2022

Background:

Controversy exists regarding the impact of various risk factors on non-colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality in healthy screening populations. We examined the impact of known CRC risk factors, including baseline colonoscopy findings, on non-CRC mortality in a screening population.

Methods:

Cooperative Studies Program #380 is comprised of 3,121 Veterans age 50-75 who underwent screening colonoscopy from 1994-97, and were then followed for at least 10 years or until death. Hazard ratios (HR) for risk factors on non-CRC mortality were estimated by multivariate Cox proportional hazards.

Results:

Current smoking (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.78-2.52, compared with non-smokers) and physical activity (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84-0.93) were the modifiable factors most associated with non-CRC mortality in CSP#380. Additionally, compared with no neoplasia at baseline colonoscopy, non-CRC mortality was higher in participants with ≥3 small adenomas (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.06-1.94), advanced adenomas (HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.99-1.75), and CRC (HR 2.95, 95% CI 0.98-8.85). Those with 1-2 small adenomas were not at increased risk for non-CRC mortality (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.94-1.4).

Conclusions:

In a CRC screening population, known modifiable risk factors were significantly associated with 10 year non-CRC mortality. Furthermore, those who died from non-CRC causes within 10 years were more likely to have had high-risk findings at baseline colonoscopy. These results suggest that advanced colonoscopy findings may be a risk marker of poor health outcomes. Integrated efforts are needed to motivate healthy lifestyle changes during CRC screening, particularly in those with high-risk colonoscopy findings and unaddressed risk factors.
Applications of structural equation modeling in humanitarian operations
Authors: Cardoso Brenda de Farias Oliveira , Silva Jorge Ferreira da
Published: March 2022

Humanitarian operations have the primary purpose of saving lives and providing relief to the people affected by disasters. Due to the high number of disasters that occurred worldwide, the research in the domain of humanitarian operations has increased. Adequate tooling and systematic procedures are increasingly focusingon the humanitarian context to minimize the difficulties faced by operations. Thus, this article aims to review the existing literature related to applying structural equation modeling in humanitarian operations to understand the main topics covered by the studies. A review of 17 published documents provides descriptive background, such as evolution per year, main publication channels, the number of citations, and content analysis. The results show six main topics: coordination, performance management, communication, social inequality, readiness/agility, and integration. Based on that, the study offers some suggestions for future research.
Implantação de Gestão Ágil em uma empresa Júnior de Engenharia de Produção
Authors: Morais Vinícius Assunção de
Published: March 2022

Devido as Empresas Junioresserem gerenciadas por acadêmicos, que muitas vezes ainda não possuem conhecimento prático e teórico sobre gestão, as EJs acabam passando por dificuldades de gestão básica que dificultam o seu processo de geração de resultados, contudo são consideradas altamente inovativas e abertas para aplicação de melhorias em sua organização e consequentemente na geração de resultados. A partir disto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo aplicar metodologias ágeis, com foco na ferramenta SCRUM, adaptada para uma rotina ágil de organização empresarialem uma Empresa Júnior. Como metodologia de trabalho, foi utilizado a ferramenta Trello para criar uma rotina padronizada para todas as áreas de uma Empresa Júnior,no caso aEmpresa Júnior de Engenharia de Produção em Aparecida de Goiânia (GO), de modo aauxiliar no acompanhamento das atividades realizadas por cada membro da empresa e direcioná-los auma maior geração de resultados. A metodologia SCRUM foitambém utilizada para acompanhar o progresso de execução de atividades dos membros, analisando a ocorrência de aumento de produtividade na medida em que o tempo passava e o tempo de reação de cada área quando algum imprevisto ocorria. Em decorrênciadoacompanhamento ser de forma rotineira e semanal, observou-se uma melhora considerável nestes pontos, uma vez que a nova metodologia auxiliou o acompanhamentodas atividades da empresa, padronizando um modelo de boas práticas para toda a empresa com potencial de melhoria no decorrer do tempo, auxiliando os membros a identificarem sua produtividade de forma contínua, além de ajudar na tomada rápida de decisões que o SCRUM também fornece.
Estudo experimental dos pontos de aleatoriedade como estratégia para melhoria de ótimos locais em metaheurística
Authors: Souza Flávio Henrique Batista de , Rodrigues Diva de Souza e Silva , Rocha Vladimir Alexei Rodrigues , Mellim Renata Duarte , Marcatti Lucas Alberto Queiroz , Santos Daniela Ferreira dos , Ferreira Ana Gabriela Furbino
Published: March 2022

Algoritmos de metaheurísticasão largamente empregados na otimizaçãode problemasem diferentesáreas.Diversos estudos têm, por exemplo, aplicado esse método naotimizaçãoda logística de caminhões em mina a céu aberto.Esta pesquisa abordauma análise experimental da metaheurística GRASP* por meio do deslocamento do ponto de aleatoriedade, com métricas ainda não exploradas na literatura, a fim de severificar o desempenhodo algoritmo em relaçãoarespostassubótimas. Após a análise do comportamento do algoritmo com a alteração dos pontos de aleatoriedade, foi realizadoum estudode seu desempenhoem relação aquantidade dos ciclos de processamento. Basesde dadosjá avaliadas em outras pesquisas, somadas a 10 outras bases de referência presentes naliteratura,foram empregadasdurante aanálise exploratória do método GRASP*.Alémdisso, os resultadosobtidos peloalgoritmo GRASP* foramcomparadoscomaheurística construtiva NN*. Os resultados do presenteestudodemonstram que as alterações aplicadas aométodo GRASP* proporcionaramganhos de mais de 24% em desempenho para determinados valoresde deslocamento de pontos de aleatoriedadee ganhos de mais de 10% com a variação de números de ciclos.Talestrutura pode ser implementadapara a otimização de estratégias logísticasque podem conduzir negócios de milhões de dólares, como a mineração a céu aberto.
Disasters’ impact on supply chains and countermeasure strategies: an overview of the academic literature’ nature
Authors: Brenda de Farias Oliveira Cardoso  , Tharcisio Cotta Fontainha  , Adriana Leiras
Published: March 2022

Goal: This paper investigates the nature of the academic literature on the disasters’ impacts on Supply Chains (SC) and the strategies adopted to minimize their adverse effects.

Design / Methodology / Approach: Based on a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), we conduct a bibliometric analysis of 129 documents to assess the significant publications’ characteristics regarding year, trend topics, journals, authors, papers more cited, keywords co-occurrence, disasters, SC type, and preliminary identification of disasters’ impacts and countermeasure strategies. 

Results: The results show that most studies address natural disasters (e.g., floods, earthquakes, pandemics), and a significant number of documents refer to the food SC. Our findings indicate that the main impacts are: SC instability, supplies shortages, transport and distribution disruption, production and operation disruption, cash flow problems, and productivity reduction; and the main strategies: agility, the collaboration between SC links, organizational flexibility, information sharing, financial and inventory management, digital transformation, government policies, and benchmarking.

Limitations of the investigation: This is a qualitative study with a preliminary examination of the topic through bibliometric results, and for this reason, the content analysis of the documents is outside the scope of the paper.

Practical implications: The findings of this study provide preliminary insights for SC practitioners into the main countermeasures strategies performed to respond to the SC impacts during a disaster.

Originality / Value: The results contribute to a holistic perspective of the topic, which involves the main features of existing studies in the literature.
Perlakuan Benih dengan Pestisida, Bubur Bordo dan Agens Hayati untuk Penekanan Penyakit Terbawa Rimpang Jahe
Authors: Djiwanti Setyowati Retno , Sri Rahayuningsih
Published: March 2022

Penyakit puru akar yang disebabkan oleh nematoda dan busuk rimpang karena infeksi berbagai patogen banyak dijumpai pada rimpang jahe. Penelitian dilakukan untuk mengevaluasi pengaruh beberapa perlakuan benih terhadap penekanan kerusakan rimpang yang disebabkan oleh penyakit tersebut. Penelitian disusun menggunakan rancangan acak kelompok dengan 7 perlakuan rimpang, masing-masing diulang sebanyak 4 kali. Perlakuan rimpang jahe sebelum tanam terdiri atas perendaman dalam pestisida 1.5% (campuran streptomisin sulfat dan benomil), bubur Bordo (1% dan 2%), rizobakteri 10% (Bacillus pantotkenticus dan Trichoderma lactae) selama 24 jam; serta pelapisan dengan tepung karbosulfan ST (500 g untuk 4 kg rimpang) dan formula talk Fusarium non-patogenik (NP) (500 g untuk 4 kg rimpang). Rimpang jahe yang sudah diberi perlakuan ditanam pada medium tanam steril yang terdiri atas campuran tanah dan bubur Bordo 1% dan diamati sampai tanaman berumur 5 bulan. Perendaman rimpang dalam larutan pestisida dan formula rizobakteri, serta pelapisan rimpang dengan tepung karbosulfan ST dan formula Fusarium NP dapat menekan puru nematoda Meloidogyne dan busuk rimpang, serta umumnya menghasilkan viabilitas benih dan bobot segar dan atau bobot kering rimpang yang lebih baik. Kecuali bubur Bordo, empat perlakuan benih tersebut dapat dikembangkan untuk usaha penyediaan benih rimpang jahe sehat bermutu.
Potential of Bacterial Isolates from Peat Land as Controlling Agent for the Root Knot Nematodes Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Efendi Elvina , Supramana  , Giyanto
Published: March 2022

Nematoda penyebab puru akar (Meloidogyne spp.) merupakan parasit penting tanaman budi daya dan memiliki kisaran inang yang luas. Salah satu alternatif pengendalian fitonematoda yang potensial ialah pemanfaatan bakteri non-patogen. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengevaluasi potensi bakteri asal gambut sebagai agens pengendali biologi nematoda puru akar (M. incognita). Pengujian secara in vitro menggunakan filtrat 15 isolat bakteri terhadap M. incognita juvenil 2 (J2) dalam cawan petri. Sebanyak 4.5 mL filtrat bakteri dimasukkan ke dalam cawan petri berdiameter 5 cm, kemudian ditambahkan 50 individu J2 M. incognita dan diinkubasi pada suhu 27 ℃. Pengamatan mortalitas nematoda dilakukan pada 6, 12, dan 24 jam setelah perlakuan. Percobaan disusun dalam rancangan acak lengkap dengan 3 ulangan. Peubah yang diamati ialah persentase mortalitas serta lamanya waktu paparan dalam mematikan nematoda. Karakterisasi fisiologis yang dilakukan terhadap isolat bakteri meliputi uji produksi HCN dan enzim kitinase. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa 9 isolat bakteri yaitu: GA2  GAA1, GT1 GTA7, GT1 GTB3, GT1 GTB4, GT1 GTB6, GT1 GTB7, GT1 GTC2, GT1 GTC4, dan STDHC4 memiliki kemampuan nematisidal dengan mortalitas mencapai 83%–94%. Isolat bakteri GT1 GTB4 dan GT1 GTB7 memiliki homologi 99% dengan Serratia marcescens asal Cina, dan GT1 GTC2 memiliki homologi 99% dengan Streptomyces sp. AT67 asal Korea Selatan. Ketiga isolat tersebut mampu menghasilkan enzim kitinase dengan indeks lisis >1, namun semua isolat tidak ada yang menghasilkan senyawa HCN.
Calcium signaling in prostate cancer cells of increasing malignancy
Authors: Marchetti Carla
Published: March 2022

Calcium signaling controls a large variety of cell functions, including proliferation and apoptosis, and plays a major role in neoplastic transformation. Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in men. The transition to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), a lethal form that is still lacking an effective cure, could be influenced by fine tuning intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) homeostasis. This study investigates [Ca2+]i dynamics in metastatic PCa cell lines that mimic the progression of PCa to CRPC: (i) well differentiated LNCaP cells that require androgen for survival, and (ii) poorly differentiated, highly aggressive androgen-insensitive prostate cancer (AIPC) PC3 and DU145 cells. In AIPC cells, ATP induces a fast rise in [Ca2+]i, due to release from intracellular stores and sensitive to phospholipase C inhibitors, while LNCaP cells do not respond to ATP challenge. Moreover, AIPC cells showed a reduced capacity to store Ca2+ in thapsigargin-sensitive stores and limited store-operated calcium entry, with respect to androgen-dependent LNCaP cells. Finally, green tea extract causes [Ca2+]i elevation and inhibits proliferation in PC3 and DU145 cells, but is ineffective in LNCaP cells. The consequences of these differences are discussed and interpreted in this study with reference to previously proposed models for Ca2+ dependence of prostate carcinogenesis.
Pre-analytical stability of serum biomarkers for neurological disease: neurofilament-light, glial fibrillary acidic protein and contactin-1
Authors: van Lierop Zoë Y. G. J. , Verberk Inge M. W. , van Uffelen Kees W. J. , Koel-Simmelink Marleen J. A. , in ’t Veld Lisanne , Killestein Joep , Teunissen Charlotte E.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Neurofilament-light (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and contactin-1 (CNTN1) are blood-based biomarkers that could contribute to monitoring and prediction of disease and treatment outcomes in neurological diseases. Pre-analytical sample handling might affect results, which could be disease-dependent. We tested common handling variations in serum of volunteers as well as in a defined group of patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).

Methods

Sample sets from 5 pwMS and 5 volunteers at the outpatient clinic were collected per experiment. We investigated the effect of the following variables: collection tube type, delayed centrifugation, centrifugation temperature, delayed storage after centrifugation and freeze-thawing. NfL and GFAP were measured by Simoa and CNTN1 by Luminex. A median recovery of 90–110% was considered stable.

Results

For most pre-analytical variables, serum NfL and CNTN1 levels remained unaffected. In the total group, NfL levels increased (121%) after 6 h of delay at 2–8 °C until centrifugation, while no significant changes were observed after 24 h delay at room temperature (RT). In pwMS specifically, CNTN1 levels increased from additional freeze-thaw cycles number 2 to 4 (111%–141%), whereas volunteer levels remained stable. GFAP showed good stability for all pre-analytical variables.

Conclusions

Overall, the serum biomarkers tested were relatively unaffected by variations in sample handling. For serum NfL, we recommend storage at RT before centrifugation at 2–8 °C up to 6 h or at RT up to 24 h. For serum CNTN1, we advise a maximum of two freeze-thaw cycles. Our results confirm and expand on recently launched consensus standardized operating procedures.
Flow parameters effect on water hammer stability in hydraulic system by using state-space method
Authors: Al-Khayat Rasha Hayder , Kadhim Ameer A. , Al-Baghdadi Maher A. R. Sadiq , Al-Waily Muhannad
Published: March 2022

The water hammer (WH) phenomenon is one of the most dangerous phenomena in hydraulic systems, especially pipelines, gates, and locks on these lines. There are many analytical solutions to deal with the WH phenomenon, including the treatment of friction losses, but most solutions use linear arithmetic operations, which depart from the actual situation of the WH phenomenon. Also, the methods currently used are most challenging and complex and give imprecise results to treat the mentioned phenomenon. In order to reach a state closer to the situation of losses and stability of the hydraulic system that is close to the actual state, basic partial differential equations were used, taking into account the losses generated in the hydraulic system through mathematical conversion. MATLAB was used to program and solve equations, find mathematical results, draw system diagrams, and simulate a WH wave. Various parameters were investigated to show the stability behavior of the hydraulic system by using state-space Method. So, the effect of the pressure, flow rate, diameter, and fluid type were investigated to calculate the stability of the hydraulic system. The results evaluated showed that the system’s oscillation is less at lower pressure, and the stability period is longer than that at high pressures. In addition, the system needs a longer time to stabilize at the low flow speed due to pressure waves that occur. The stability of the system affected by the WH was examined, and the effect of fluid-specific variables such as velocity, pressure, and type of fluid in addition to the diameter of the pipe and their impact on WH stability was found. The behavior of stability at the WH is nonlinear, and that is why the linear and nonlinear parts of the governing equations of the structure are used to find system through the state-space method through programming and simulation of MATLAB program.
Test for Decreasing Mean Residual Lifetimes Based on the Cumulative Residual Renyi’s Entropy
Authors: Zardasht Vali
Published: March 2022

We introduce a new test for exponentiality against decreasing (increasing) mean residual life alternatives based on a cumulative residual Renyi’s entropy of order α. The exact and asymptotic distributions of the test statistic are given. The performance of the proposed test statistic is compared with other constructed tests in the literature using a simulation study. Finally, some numerical examples illustrating the theory are given.
A systematic review of the anxiety-alleviation benefits of exposure to the natural environment
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhang Yiping , Yun Jiayue , Yao Wenfei
Published: March 2022

Research suggests that exposure to natural environments can be beneficial for health, such as reducing physical illness and improving mood and cognitive ability. The potential benefits of nature have come into focus at a time when mental health issues are growing globally. Here, we have selected 24 studies from four databases for meta-analysis to explore the effects of exposure to the natural environment on the anxiety of the human body and summarize the influencing factors on the anxiety relief effect. A random-effect meta-analysis of anxiety state changes before and after exposure to natural environment shows that natural exposure effectively alleviated human anxiety (SMD −1.28, 95% CI: −1.65 to −0.92). The overall quality of the included papers, assessed using the PEDro scale, is considered to vary considerably, but most of the papers are rated between 4 and 7 which is considered fair or good. In addition, we have also investigated the potential moderators of anxiety-relieving effects of the nature. Our results shows that the age and exposure time of the subjects are related to the effect of anxiety relief. The results of the subgroup analysis of moderators prove that compared with the middle-aged people (SMD −0.63, 95% CI: −1.13 to −0.12), young people (SMD −1.50, 95% CI: −1.90 to −1.10) get better anxiety alleviation effect in the natural environment. In terms of exposure time, compared with 0.5–2 h (SMD −0.18, 95% CI: −0.59 to −0.23) and >2 h (SMD −0.84, 95% CI: −1.40 to −0.27) exposure periods, subjects get the maximum anxiety relief benefit when they spent <0.5 h (SMD −1.60, 95% CI: −1.93 to −1.27) in the natural environment. However, the quality of the included studies varies greatly and there is a significant heterogeneity in the meta-analysis. Study location, natural environment type and other moderator factors have no obvious correlation with anxiety-alleviation effect of the nature. A higher quality and more comprehensive study needs to be carried out to find out more moderators about the effects of the natural environment on anxiety alleviation. Further experimental studies should also be conducted to determine the mechanism by which natural exposure reduces anxiety so as to provide strong support for the construction and improvement of healthy natural environment.
Gadolinium trisilicide − a paramagnetic representative of the YbSi3 type series
Authors: Neziraj Teuta , Meier-Kirchner Katrin , Schnelle Walter , Wirth Steffen , Grin Yuri , Schwarz Ulrich
Published: March 2022

Binary gadolinium trisilicide GdSi3 was prepared by high-pressure high-temperature synthesis at typically 9.5(5) GPa and 870 K before quenching to ambient conditions. At ambient pressure, GdSi3 exhibits an exothermic decomposition at 647(10) K into the thermodynamically stable phases GdSi2–x
and Si, indicating its metastable character. Powder X-ray diffraction data is consistent with the YbSi3-type crystal structure comprising slabs of condensed Si2 dumbbells, which enclose layered arrangements of gadolinium cations. Quantum chemical analysis of the chemical bonding shows, that the framework is formed by silicon dumbbells with homopolar bonds. The magnetic moment of 8.13(8) µ
B is consistent with Gd4f
7 (Gd3+ state) and antiferromagnetic ordering is observed below 64(1) K.
Dezentrale Produktions- und Auftragsstrukturen
Authors: Oelfke Peter
Published: March 2022

Fortschreitende Automatisierung und neue Fertigungsmethoden erzeugen neue, oft sehr komplizierte, Produktions- und Materialflußstrukturen. Die Wirtschaftlichkeit derartiger Produktionsprozesse ist nur gewährleistet, wenn frühzeitig angepaßte Auftragsstrukturen für die dezentrale Auftragsabwicklung erzeugt werden.
Unternehmenserfolg durch mitarbeiterorientiertes Wissensmanagement
Authors: Bullinger Hans-Jörg , Braun Martin , Zinser Stephan
Published: March 2022

Neue Arbeitsformen, anspruchsvolle Tätigkeitsfelder und die geforderte Steigerung der Innovationskraft stellen erweiterte Kompetenzanforderungen an Unternehmen und deren Mitarbeiter. Die Fähigkeit, sich Wissen anzueignen und anzuwenden, wird zu einer neuen Quelle des Erfolgs unserer Gesellschaft. Damit neues Wissen effizent geschaffen und auch effektiv von Unternehmen eingesetzt werden kann, ist es erforderlich, neue Methoden und Strukturen für das Wissensmanagement zu entwickeln. Insbesondere die Integration des Human Resource Development gewinnt hierbei an Bedeutung.
Data Mining für eine bessere Teilebedarfsprognose
Authors: Bracht Uwe , Holtze Peter
Published: March 2022

Voraussetzung zur Erfüllung der Marktanforderungen nach verkürzter Lieferzeit und erhöhter Liefertreue für hochkomplexe Produkte ist eine möglichst genaue Bedarfsprognose für Komponenten und Teile. In diesem Beitrag werden zwei Verfahren des Data Mining vorgestellt, die zu einer besseren Bedarfsprognose in einer variantenreichen Serienfertigung der Automobilindustrie führen können.
Gründung des Schlesinger-Lehrstuhls
Authors: Spur Günter , Voglrieder Sabine
Published: March 2022

Mit der Gründung des „Lehrstuhls für Werkzeugmaschinen, Fabrikanlagen und Fabrikbetriebe" an der Königlichen Technischen Hochschule zu Berlin im Jahr 1904 beginnt die Geschichte des Instituts für Werkzeugmaschinen und Fabrikbetrieb (IWF) der Technischen Universität Berlin. Die Lehrstuhlgründung ist auf eine wissenschaftliche Initiative zurückzuführen, die erst bei einer näheren Betrachtung der wirtschaftlich-technologischen Entwicklungen im ausgehenden 19. Jahrhundert und des daraus resultierenden Nachholbedarfs der Technischen Hochschulen gegenüber der industriellen Praxis verständlich wird.
Re-viewing Pompeian domestic space through combined virtual reality-based eye tracking and 3D GIS
Authors: Campanaro Danilo M. , Landeschi Giacomo
Published: March 2022

This article presents an innovative methodology in which virtual reality-based eye-tracking techniques and 3D Geographical Information Systems are employed to record and measure human visual attention within the virtually reconstructed space of a Pompeian house.
Tips From the Floor: Developing a “Coaching Eye”
Authors: Kraemer William J. , Nitka Mike
Published: March 2022

A strength and conditioning professional gets ready to open the weight room or walk the floor during a training session. Attention is drawn, sometimes unconsciously, to a host of different “checkoffs” needed to optimize the training environment. In this column, we note important points that should be typically addressed by the strength and conditioning professional as “tips from the floor.” Developing a weight room culture for operational procedures and updating with cutting-edge changes is vital for optimal player development and safety.
CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE A INSERÇÃO DE TECNOLOGIA SOCIAL EM UMA COOPERATIVA DE CATADORES DE MATERIAIS RECICLÁVEIS SOB A PERSPECTIVA DE COOPERAÇÃO, PRODUTIVIDADE, SAÚDE E MEIO AMBIENTE
Authors: Rocha Dulciléia De Sousa
Published: March 2022

A geração de resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU) está intimamente relacionada a fatores históricos, como a Revolução Industrial e ao processo de urbanização das cidades. O crescimento do montante de resíduos nos últimos anos é latente. A principal dificuldade reside no manejo e gerenciamento desses resíduos de maneira ambientalmente correta. Nesse contexto, as cooperativas de catadores de material reciclável são uma solução viável do ponto de vista econômico e ambiental. Elas realizam a triagem, reuso, reciclagem e reinserção em cadeias produtivas. Para fortalecimento dessas organizações, em termos de produtividade e da saúde foi construído um protótipo de um projeto de um “Sistema Modular”, concebido dentro do conceito de tecnologia social aplicável em organizações autogestionárias. O uso e eficácia dessa tecnologia estão atrelados a cooperação, coletividade, e saberes dos envolvidos. Por meio do uso do “Sistema Modular” foi possível tecer uma discussão sobre o processo de trabalho, recursos e as interações nele envolvidos.

Palavras-chave: Materiais Recicláveis. Resíduos Sólidos. Catadores. Cooperação. Tecnologia Social
When writings on the wall are ignored
Authors:   Institute of Europe of Russian Academy Sciences, Gromyko Alexey
Published: March 2022

Usually, when big events happen, they catch most people off guard. No matter how probable it was and how many writings on the wall appeared, the decision of Russia to recognise the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Lugansk and then to launch a military operation in wider Ukraine has had a seismic effect. It was not inevitable but recent events have shifted the ground.
Reaction of Italy to the special military operation of Russia on the territory of Ukraine
Authors:   Institute of Europe of Russian Academy Sciences, Alekseenkova Elena
Published: March 2022

An unprecedented high level of consolidation is observed within the Italian political system, as well as between Italy and its partners in the EU, NATO and G7 in assessing Russia's actions in Ukraine. Italy has actively begun to freeze the assets of Russian "oligarchs". However, Italian companies operating in Russia have chosen a wait-and-see approach and avoid prompt decisions. This leaves hope for pragmatic solutions in case of a more flexible Russian approach to the issues of “nationalization” and “external management”, and in case of positive dynamics of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Italy's most pressing challenge is to reduce its dependence on Russian gas.
INFLUENCE OF ANTISTATIC POLYESTER FIBERS ON THE PROPERTIES OF COTTON AND POLYESTER SINGLE JERSEY KNITTED FABRICS
Authors: Asfand Norina , Basra Sikander Abbas , Daukantienė Virginija , Jamshaid Hafsa , Ali Zulfiqar
Published: March 2022

In this research, the influence of the antistatic polyester fibers containing carbon black on the comfort properties of 100% and blended cotton as well as on 100% and blended polyester single jersey knitted fabrics was evaluated. The research results revealed that the behavior of the investigated knitted fabrics was dependent on their structure and mechanical characteristics. The electrical resistance of knitted fabrics decreased significantly due to the use of 4% antistatic polyester fibers. The electrical resistance of the pure and blended cotton knitted fabric was lower than that of the pure and blended polyester knitted fabrics. Antistatic polyester fibers positively influenced the air permeability of the polyester knitted fabric. The air permeability of 100% and blended cotton fabrics was approximately 3.5 times compared to both 100% and blended polyester fabrics, respectively. The carbon black polyester fibers influenced the decrease in thermal resistance, the increase in vapor permeability, and the minor increase in vapor resistance of both cotton and polyester knitted fabrics. Thermal resistance was lower, water vapor resistance was significantly higher, and relative water vapor permeability was slightly lower for the cotton and cotton/antistatic polyester knitted fabrics than for the polyester and polyester / antistatic polyester knitted fabrics, respectively. Therefore, the research results revealed that the presence of 4% antistatic polyester fibers in cotton and polyester knitted fabrics positively influenced their antistatic behavior and improved or almost did not alter their comfort properties.
The Power of Phosphate
Authors: Surita Gina
Published: March 2022

This paper concerns the development of a central tenet of modern biochemistry: that cellular metabolism coordinates biological energy supply through the cyclical making and breaking of “energy-rich” phosphate bonds. This interpretation of intermediary metabolism was comprehensively set forth in two review articles published nearly simultaneously (though independently) in early 1941 by German biochemist Fritz Lipmann and Danish biochemist Herman Kalckar. Lipmann and Kalckar first met in the early 1930s in Copenhagen, where they were in frequent contact until 1939, when both left Denmark. Despite the similar claims advanced in Lipmann’s and Kalckar’s reviews, the two men’s presentations differed substantially with respect to their descriptions of “energy-rich” phosphate bonds and their target audiences. In order to explore the circumstances behind these divergences, this paper utilizes a “parallel lives” approach. By analyzing Lipmann’s and Kalckar’s lives in parallel, particular institutional contexts emerge as having been especially significant in shaping their differing interpretations of the power of phosphate bonds. The period that Lipmann spent in muscle researcher Otto Meyerhof’s laboratory (1927–30) conditioned his physiological interpretation of the role of phosphate bonds in cellular energy metabolism. Kalckar’s time at California Institute of Technology (1939–40)—where he was in regular communication with chemists such as Linus Pauling—played the most significant role in his decision to present the power of phosphate bonds from a chemical perspective. Ultimately, an examination of the life stories behind Lipmann’s and Kalckar’s 1941 reviews illuminates how older physiological perspectives were combined with recent advances in theoretical chemistry to explain how energy flows through living organisms.
Oophorectomy improves pituitary activin inhibitory function preventing lactotroph hyperplasia development
Authors: Peña-Zanoni Milagros , Faraoni Erika Yanil , Abeledo-Machado Alejandra , Perez Pablo Anibal , Marcial López Carla Agustina , Camilletti María Andrea , Gutierrez Silvina , Rulli Susana B , Diaz-Torga Graciela
Published: March 2022

Among pituitary adenomas, prolactinomas are the most frequently diagnosed (about 50%). Dopamine agonists are generally effective in the treatment of prolactinomas. However, a subset of about 25% of patients does not respond to these agents. The management of drug-resistant prolactinomas remains a challenge for endocrinologists and new inhibitory treatments are needed. Pituitary activins inhibit lactotroph function. Its expression and action were found reduced in animal models of lactotroph hyperplasia (female mice overexpressing the B subunit of the human chorionic gonadotrophin and female mice knockout for dopamine receptor type 2). In these models, an oophorectomy avoids prolactinoma development. Hormonal replacement with oestradiol and/or progesterone is not enough to reach the tumor size observed in transgenic females. We postulated that the loss of gonadal inhibins after an oophorectomy contributes to prevent hyperplasia development. Here, we demonstrated that an oophorectomy at 2 months age recovers the following in adulthood: (i) pituitary activin expression, (ii) activin receptor expression specifically in lactotroph population, (iii) activin biological activity in lactotrophs with a concomitant reduction of Pit-1 expression. To summarize, when an oophorectomy is performed, inhibins are lost and the inhibitory action of pituitary activins on lactotroph population is recovered, helping to prevent lactotroph hyperplasia development. These results emphasize the importance of the inhibitory action of activins on lactotroph function, positioning activins as a good therapeutic target for the treatment of resistant prolactinomas.