bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of Actin Cytoskeleton and Their Signaling Pathways during Cellular Wound Repair
Authors: Yumura Shigehiko , Talukder Md. Shahabe Uddin , Pervin Mst. Shaela , Tanvir Md. Istiaq Obaidi , Matsumura Takashi , Fujimoto Koushiro , Tanaka Masahito , Itoh Go
Published: October 2022

The repair of wounded cell membranes is essential for cell survival. Upon wounding, actin transiently accumulates at the wound site. The loss of actin accumulation leads to cell death. The mechanism by which actin accumulates at the wound site, the types of actin-related proteins participating in the actin remodeling, and their signaling pathways are unclear. We firstly examined how actin accumulates at a wound site in Dictyostelium cells. Actin assembled de novo at the wound site, independent of cortical flow. Next, we searched for actin- and signal-related proteins targeting the wound site. Fourteen of the examined proteins transiently accumulated at different times. Thirdly, we performed functional analyses using gene knockout mutants or specific inhibitors. Rac, WASP, formin, the Arp2/3 complex, profilin, and coronin contribute to the actin dynamics. Finally, we found that multiple signaling pathways related to TORC2, the Elmo/Doc complex, PIP2-derived products, PLA2, and calmodulin are involved in the actin dynamics for wound repair.
In Vitro Transfection of Up-Regulated Genes Identified in Favorable-Outcome Neuroblastoma into Cell Lines
Authors: Hiyama Yoko , Yamaoka Emi , Fukazawa Takahiro , Kojima Masato , Sotomaru Yusuke , Hiyama Eiso
Published: October 2022

We previously used microarrays to show that high expression of DHRS3, NROB1, and CYP26A1 predicts favorable NB outcomes. Here, we investigated whether expression of these genes was associated with suppression of NB cell (SK-N-SH, NB12, and TGW) growth. We assessed morphology and performed growth, colony-formation, and migration assays, as well as RNA sequencing. The effects of the transient expression of these genes were also assessed with a tetracycline-controlled expression (Tet-On) system. Gene overexpression reduced cell growth and induced morphological senescence. Gene-expression analysis identified pathways involving cellular senescence and cell adhesion. In these cells, transduced gene dropout occurred during passage, making long-term stable gene transfer difficult. Tet-On-induced gene expression caused more pronounced cell-morphology changes. Specifically, DHRS3 and NROB1 led to rapid inhibition and arrest of cell growth, though CYP26A1 did not affect cell-growth rate or cell cycle. DHRS3 arrested the cell cycle by interacting with the all-trans-retinol pathway and drove differentiation and senescence in tumors. Overexpression of these genes reduced the malignant grade of these cells. A new therapeutic strategy might be the induction of these genes, as they suppress the growth of high-risk neuroblastoma and lead to differentiation and senescence.
Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Validation of Surface Roughness in Ball Burnishing Process
Authors: Vaishya Rahul O. , Sharma Vivek , Mishra Vinod , Gupta Anurag , Dhanda Mandeep , Walia R. S. , Kumar Manoj , Oza Ankit D. , Burduhos-Nergis Dumitru Doru , Burduhos-Nergis Diana Petronela
Published: October 2022

Burnishing is a cold working technique used as a surface enrichment to meet the desired surface properties of the workpiece. It improves the visual properties, dimensional tolerances, fatigue strength, surface roughness, and hardness of the work material by applying appropriate pressure through a complex ball burnishing tool to cause plastic deformation. In the current work, the mathematical modeling of the burnishing process was carried out to predict surface roughness by considering the process parameters such as contact radius, penetration depth, and elastic rebound. Further, a customized tungsten carbide (W.C.) insert having a hardness of 80 HRC was developed for the burnishing operation. The micro-hardness of the resulting burnished surface improved from 44 to 48 HRC. The surface quality of the tungsten carbide insert improved by up to 17.1 nm through polishing. Several experiments were performed by selecting appropriate process parameters using developed model feedback. The surface quality of the workpiece improved by up to 45 nm, which resulted in automatic improvements in fatigue strength up to seven times that of the virgin material. The results predicted from the mathematical model were in good agreement (less than 5% deviation) with the experimental results. This study helps to understand the surface formation mechanism in the burnishing process in more detail. Additionally, the achieved results show a significant improvement in the surface finish (~95%), indicating the potential of the burnishing process and how fast and cost-effective it is. The novelty of this paper lies in the improvement in surface roughness and the validation of our mathematical model results with the experimental results.
Synthesis and Formation Mechanism of Metal Oxide Compounds
Authors: Kengesbekov Aidar , Sagdoldina Zhuldyz , Torebek Kyztore , Baizhan Daryn , Kambarov Yedilzhan , Yermolenko Michael , Abdulina Saule , Maulet Meruyert
Published: October 2022

In this work, the influence of the technological parameters of the detonation method on the formation of metal oxide compounds on the basis of titanium was investigated. The aim of the work was to investigate the method of the effective control of the phase composition and microstructure of titanium-based coatings during detonation spraying. The main parameters that varied in detonation spraying were the volume of filling the detonation barrel with explosive mixture and the oxygen/fuel ratio. The mechanism of formation of the gradient structure of coatings based on metal oxide compounds depending on the technological parameters of detonation spraying was considered. The structural-phase states and tribological properties of detonation coatings were investigated by the following methods: X-ray phase analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX-mapping), profilometry, and the test for wear-resistance according to the “ball-disk” scheme. It is shown that the phase composition of coatings may significantly change relative to the initial titanium powder during the detonation spraying due to the interaction of particles of powders with components of the gas atmosphere. Varying the spraying parameters may control the chemical reaction and provide conditions for the synthesis of the desired phases in the coatings (titanium oxide TiO2 and Ti2O3).
A Forecasting Prognosis of the Monkeypox Outbreak Based on a Comprehensive Statistical and Regression Analysis
Authors: Yasmin Farhana , Hassan Md. Mehedi , Zaman Sadika , Aung Si Thu , Karim Asif , Azam Sami
Published: October 2022

The uncommon illness known as monkeypox is brought on by the monkeypox virus. The Orthopoxvirus genus belongs to the family Poxviridae, which also contains the monkeypox virus. The variola virus, which causes smallpox; the vaccinia virus, which is used in the smallpox vaccine; and the cowpox virus are all members of the Orthopoxvirus genus. There is no relationship between chickenpox and monkeypox. After two outbreaks of a disorder resembling pox, monkeypox was first discovered in colonies of monkeys kept for research in 1958. The illness, also known as “monkeypox”, still has no known cause. However, non-human primates and African rodents can spread the disease to humans (such as monkeys). In 1970, a human was exposed to monkeypox for the first time. Several additional nations in central and western Africa currently have documented cases of monkeypox. Before the 2022 outbreak, almost all instances of monkeypox in people outside of Africa were connected to either imported animals or foreign travel to nations where the illness frequently occurs. In this work, the most recent monkeypox dataset was evaluated and the significant instances were visualized. Additionally, nine different forecasting models were also used, and the prophet model emerged as the most reliable one when compared with all nine models with an MSE value of 41,922.55, an R2 score of 0.49, a MAPE value of 16.82, an MAE value of 146.29, and an RMSE value of 204.75, which could be considerable assistance to clinicians treating monkeypox patients and government agencies monitoring the origination and current state of the disease.
Fully Transparent Amorphous Ga2O3-Based Solar-Blind Ultraviolet Photodetector with Graphitic Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Huang Zhiheng , Zhou Shuren , Chen Lingrui , Zheng Qiqi , Li Honglin , Xiong Yuanqiang , Ye Lijuan , Kong Chunyang , Fan Siqiang , Zhang Hong , Li Wanjun
Published: October 2022

In recent years, transparent electrode materials have had a positive effect on improving the responsivity of photodetectors by increasing the effective illumination area of devices due to their high transmittance. In this work, by using radio frequency magnetron sputtering and simple mask technology, an amorphous Ga2O3-based solar-blind UV photodetector with graphitic carbon (C) electrodes was created. The device exhibits a high responsivity of 16.34 A/W, an external quantum efficiency of 7979%, and excellent detectivity of 1.19 × 1013 Jones at room temperature under a light density of 5 μw/cm2. It has been proved that C electrodes can replace the traditional noble metal electrode. Additionally, the potential of the transparent photodetector array in solar-blind imaging is explored. We believe that the present study will pave the way for the preparation of a fully transparent and high-response solar-blind ultraviolet photodetector array.
Improvement of Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Kinetics of As-Cast AZ91 Magnesium Alloy via Twin Parallel Channel Angular Extrusion Processing
Authors: Abdi Mohammad , Ebrahimi Ramin , Bagherpour Ebad
Published: October 2022

In the current study, Twin Parallel Channel Angular Extrusion (TPCAE) as a developed SPD processing technique is used to improve the hydrogen storage properties of AZ91 cast alloy. The processing is conducted at different temperatures, ranging from 340 °C down to 200 °C. The hydrogen absorption and desorption tests are conducted kinetically at three different temperatures, using a Sievert-type apparatus. Remarkable improvement in the absorption kinetic is achieved as a result of the TPCAE processing. A maximum absorption capacity of 6.1 wt.% within a time span of 2000 s is achieved for the sample with three passes of processing complemented at 250 °C. Also, the kinetic of dehydrogenation is improved significantly and complete desorption at 350 °C is achieved for all the processed samples within a time span of maximum 2500 s. By calculating the activation energy of hydrogenation and evaluating the microstructure changes, it is found that implementing sufficient thermomechanical work level along with applying the last pass of the process at lower temperature results in a reduction of the activation energy and improvement of the hydrogenation kinetic.
Small and Abundant but Understudied Ribbed Sculpin Triglops pingelii (Cottidae, Teleostei) from the Kara Sea (Siberian Arctic): Distribution, Biology, and Comparison with Congeners
Authors: Tokranov Alexey M. , Emelin Pavel O. , Orlov Alexei M.
Published: October 2022

The features of the spatial and vertical distributions, and size–age and size–sex structures of the ribbed sculpin Triglops pingelii of the Kara Sea are presented. In September 2019, this species was recorded at depths from 18 to 235 m at a bottom temperature from −1.5 to +1.6 °C. The densest concentrations were recorded northeastward of the Yamal Peninsula, at the outlet of the Gulf of Ob at a depth of 18–21 m and a bottom temperature from −1.5 to −1.0 °C. Individuals with a length of 46–126 mm and a body weight of 0.35–15.60 g aged 1+ to 4+ years were recorded in trawl catches. However, fish with a length of 51–90 mm and a body weight < 6 g aged 1+–2+ years dominated. Among fish > 71 mm long, the proportion of females increased sharply, reaching 100% with a length of 120 mm. The individual fecundity of female ribbed sculpins in the Kara Sea with a length of 89–123 mm varied from 100 to 316 (on average 215 ± 15) eggs. It is shown that this species is a necto-bentho-ichthyophage whose main prey are benthic and bentho-pelagic crustaceans (mainly amphipods and mysids), as well as juveniles of various fish, the total proportion of which is >99% of the food weight. In this sculpin, age-related changes in the diet composition are well expressed, i.e., as the size increases, the relative importance of the former prey group decreases sharply, and that of the latter two groups, on the contrary, increases. A comparative analysis of data on the biology and distribution of the six most abundant or common Triglops spp. makes it possible to attribute the ribbed sculpin to medium-sized representatives of the genus, whose maximum length is similar to those of T. jordani from the North Pacific, as well as T. murrayi and T. nibelyni from the Arctic. The lifespan of the ribbed sculpin is within the same limits as reported for other Triglops spp. Its individual fecundity in the Arctic seas is comparable to that of other Triglops species living here, but is significantly lower than that of individuals of this species and other congeners from the northwest Pacific Ocean.
Deduction of Strategic Planning Guidelines for Urban Medium Voltage Grids with Consideration of Electromobility and Heat Pumps
Authors: Ali Shawki , Wintzek Patrick , Zdrallek Markus , Monscheidt Julian , Gemsjäger Ben , Slupinski Adam
Published: October 2022

With the evolution of electromobility and heat pumps in urban areas, distribution system operators find themselves facing new challenges in reinforcing their grids. With this evolution, the power demand is developing rapidly and grid reinforcement is urgently needed. The electromobility and heat pump loads are introduced by giving the assumed development scenarios in Germany and their corresponding nominal power assumptions. Furthermore, a method for load modeling in grid planning is explained. Subsequently, several grid planning approaches are presented while dividing them into conventional and innovative planning strategies. Among the investigated innovative planning strategies are three variants of load management that regulate different load types. By analyzing several urban medium voltage grids, this contribution deduces a solid basis for distribution system operators in the form of planning guidelines. The implemented grid planning method leading to the planning guidelines is presented in detail along the contribution.
Short-Duration Transient Temperature Distribution Prediction Model along Chip Vertical Path Applicable to Multi-Timescale Simulation
Authors: Han Tongyao , Luo Yifei , Liu Binli , Ma Xiao , Xie Feng
Published: October 2022

Based on extremely uneven temperature distribution along the insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) chip vertical path during switching transients, a short-duration transient microsecond-scale prediction model applicable to multi-timescale simulation is presented in this paper. Traditional thermal models often take the chip active area as a uniform heat source to obtain a victual junction temperature (Tvj). In this paper, a discrete distributed heat source model combined with a thermal network model based on the sublayer division strategy is proposed to achieve an accurate temperature distribution description along the chip vertical path. Taking a 1700 V/3600 A IGBT module as an example, the proposed model can evaluate the short-duration transient temperature distribution along the chip vertical path and the error is less than 2 °C compared with the finite element model. Meanwhile, the model is applied to a single short-duration transient timescale and multi-timescale systems separately, and the simulation speed is increased by more than 80 times and 297 times, which verifies its validity and accuracy.
Visualizing Experimental Study of the Effect of Inclination Angle on the Melting Performance for an Energy Storage Tank
Authors: Peng Li , Wu Hongjun , Mao Qianjun
Published: October 2022

Solar energy coupling with energy storage is a popular technology in the energy field. How to achieve the high-efficiency application of solar energy is very important. Energy storage technology is the key issue in this aspect. Latent heat storage is a more efficient energy storage. In this paper, a visualization experimental platform of a latent heat storage system has been designed, and some performance data have been obtained. Hot water has been used as the heat transfer fluid, and paraffin wax has been used as the phase change material. The inclination angle of the tank is varied from the horizontal direction (0°) to the vertical direction (90°) by a step of 30°. The melting performance has been studied for three cases with inlet water temperature of 356 K, 361 K, and 366 K. The result shows that the inclination angle of the tank has a great influence on the melting process of the phase change material, and the temperature distribution of the material is obviously different. The result also shows that the testing point temperature (for testing point 1) varied from 341.31 K to 342.18 K when the inclination angle was 30° and 90°, respectively. However, the temperature of testing point 4 varied from 321.76 K to 335.03 K when the inclination angle was 30° and 90°, respectively. The results of this paper can provide a reference for the future pipe design and storage efficiency of latent heat storage systems.
Effect of Multistage Circulation Control on Blade Aerodynamic Performance
Authors: Du Hai , Yang Lejie , Chen Shuo , Zhang Wenxiao , Han Shengchun
Published: October 2022

To improve the low aerodynamic efficiency and reduce the high energy consumption of a single-stage circulation control wing, a multistage circulation control wing was designed. By combining force measurement and particle image velocimetry (PIV), the aerodynamic and flow-field characteristics of an aerofoil were investigated with respect to the increase in the number of blowing slots, changes in the blowing coefficient, and different blowing ratios for three slots. The force measurement results revealed that the maximum lift-to-drag ratio resulting from simultaneous blowing into the three slots increased by 95.3% compared with that in the absence of circulation control. With an increase in the blowing coefficient, two stages were observed: separation control and supercirculation control. In the separation control stage, the lift and drag coefficients significantly increased and decreased, respectively. In the supercirculation control stage, the lift coefficient gradually increased with the blowing coefficient, whereas the drag coefficient remained unchanged. When the blowing ratio (blowing flow ratio of three slots) in the three slots was 3:1:2, the maximum lift-to-drag ratio of the wing could reach 143.48%. The effects of different slot positions on the aerodynamic control were found to vary. The effects of Slot.1 and Slot.3 in terms of the drag reduction and lift, respectively, were evident, and the influence of Slot.2 on blowing between these two slots played a role in jet relay. The PIV results revealed that multistage blowing circulation increased the curvature of the trailing-edge streamline, thus increasing the equivalent aerofoil camber and improving the wing lift. At a high angle of attack, this circulation demonstrated a flow separation control effect.
Network Coordination between High-Voltage DC and High-Voltage AC Transmission Systems Using Flexible AC Transmission System Controllers
Authors: Ndlela Nomihla Wandile , Davidson Innocent Ewean
Published: October 2022

The strategic intent of the African Union is to develop a “Smart Integrated African Electric Power Super Grid” driven by modern tools and advances in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) engineering and flexible alternating current technology systems (FACTS), which is central in supporting Africa’s sustained economic growth and development. The southern African region, including South Africa, is beset by the critical challenges of perennial load-shedding, which impedes economic growth and aggravates unemployment. This has led to the insecurity of electricity supplies and degraded the quality of life. The parallel operation of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and flexible AC technology systems (FACTS) controllers is gaining traction as system conditions become more complex, such as weak power networks which requires increased stability requirements, resulting in load-shedding and power outages. These adversely affect business productivity and adversely affect GDP and economic growth. Thus, the application of innovative technologies such as HVDC links can stabilize weak power systems. It is established that HVDC delivery systems reduce losses in long transmission lines transporting bulk power compared with high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) transmission lines for power wheeling. This paper evaluates the parallel operation of the Cahora Bassa 1414 km bipolar HVDC link and a weak parallel 400/330 kV alternating current (AC) link. It demonstrates the use of FACTS controllers to enhance the technical performance of an existing network, such as voltage control, and technical loss reduction. It combines an HVDC line commutated converter (LCC) and HVAC transmission lines, in hybrid notation to increase the voltage stability of the system by controlling the reactive power with a Static Var Compensator (SVC). These modern tools can increase the transmission power controllability and stability of the power network. In this study, HVDC–LCC was used with a setpoint of 1000 MW in conjunction with the 850 MVAr SVC. The results show that the technical losses were reduced by 0.24% from 84.32 MW to 60.32 MW as Apollo 275 kV SVC was utilized for voltage control. The network analysis was performed using DIgSILENT PowerFactory software that is manufactured by DIgSILENT GmbH at Gomaringen, Germany
Numerical Simulation and Calculation of Resistance of Laminated Paper-Impregnated Insulation of Power Cables
Authors: Arsenyev Dmitry , Dubitsky Simon , Kiesewetter Dmitry , Malyuin Victor
Published: October 2022

Numerical simulation of polypropylene laminated paper insulation is a serious challenge, as it must take into account the layered structure and presence of longitudinal and radial gaps in the coils of the winded tape for cables with sector-shape conductive cores. Thus far, it has been performed only with serious simplifications. We propose a technique for numerical modeling of electric parameters in this type of insulation by reducing a complex 3D problem to a simplified 2D model that takes into account the main influencing factors. The results of modeling the distribution of electric field strength and current density in insulation are presented, and the influence of the location of gaps between the edges of winded tape on the conductivity of cable insulation is estimated. Analytical expressions are obtained for estimating the electrical resistance of insulation while taking into account the parameters of the butt gap between the insulating tapes. The results of calculations, numerical modeling, and experimentally measured values of electrical resistance are compared, showing that there is a good match. The main effects affecting the properties of polypropylene laminated paper insulation are described.
Bio-Oil Production from Multi-Waste Biomass Co-Pyrolysis Using Analytical Py–GC/MS
Authors: Mariyam Sabah , Alherbawi Mohammad , Rashid Naim , Al-Ansari Tareq , McKay Gordon
Published: October 2022

Background: Bioenergy attracts much attention due to the global demand for renewable and sustainable energy resources. Waste biomass feedstocks—date pits, coffee waste, and cow dung—require efficient and environmentally friendly waste-management technologies such as pyrolysis. Fast pyrolysis occurs at fast heating rates (10–100 °C/s), generates high bio-oil yields, and is the most widely used process for biofuel generation. The aim of the study is to compare the effect of pyrolysis between single, binary, and ternary feeds on thermal degradation behavior and bio-oil composition. Methods: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted at 30 °C/min from room temperature to 850 °C to understand the thermal degradation behavior of the biomasses. A Pyroprobe® reactor—a micro-scale pyrolyzer—was used to conduct the fast pyrolysis at 500 °C with a heating rate of 10 °C/s, and the volatile contents were quantified using a gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Results: The (TGA) showed three main stages of decomposition following dehydration, devolatilization, and char degradation for the different single and multiple feeds. According to the identified compounds, the bio-oil components are broadly identified as aldehydes, amines, aliphatic, aromatics, alcohols, furans, ketones, and acids. The three single-biomass pyrolysis products have four compounds in common, acetic acid and ketone groups (acetic acid, 2-propanone, 1-hydroxy-, benzyl methyl ketone, and 1,2-cyclopentanedione). Conclusion: The bio-oil generated from the feeds comprises great potential for volatiles, diesel, and gasoline production with carbon atoms ranging from C2–C33. Future studies should focus on understanding the effect of procedural parameters, including blending ratio, temperature, and heating rates, on bio-oil composition. Additional molecular techniques should be employed to understand biomass components’ reaction mechanisms to produce useful bio-oil products.
Data Privacy Preservation and Security in Smart Metering Systems
Authors: Abdalzaher Mohamed , Fouda Mostafa , Ibrahem Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Smart meters (SMs) can play a key role in monitoring vital aspects of different applications such as smart grids (SG), alternative currents (AC) optimal power flows, adversarial training, time series data, etc. Several practical privacy implementations of SM have been made in the literature, but more studies and testing may be able to further improve efficiency and lower implementation costs. The major objectives of cyberattacks are the loss of data privacy on SM-based SG/power grid (PG) networks and threatening human life. As a result, losing data privacy is very expensive and gradually hurts the national economy. Consequently, employing an efficient trust model against cyberattacks is strictly desired. This paper presents a research pivot for researchers who are interested in security and privacy and shade light on the importance of the SM. We highlight the involved SMs’ features in several applications. Afterward, we focus on the SMs’ vulnerabilities. Then, we consider eleven trust models employed for SM security, which are among the common methodologies utilized for attaining and preserving the data privacy of the data observed by the SMs. Following that, we propose a comparison of the existing solutions for SMs’ data privacy. In addition, valuable recommendations are introduced for the interested scholars, taking into consideration the vital effect of SM protection on disaster management, whether on the level of human lives or the infrastructure level.
Differentiation between Impacted and Unimpacted Microbial Communities of a Nitrogen Contaminated Aquifer
Authors: Morrissy Justin G. , Reichman Suzie M. , Currell Matthew J. , Surapaneni Aravind , Megharaj Mallavarapu , Crosbie Nicholas D. , Hirth Daniel , Aquilina Simon , Rajendram William , Ball Andrew S.
Published: October 2022

Nitrogen contamination is ubiquitous across the globe; as a result of this, the need to understand and predict the extent and effects of nitrogen contamination on microbial ecosystems is increasingly important. This paper utilises a dataset that provides a rare opportunity to observe varying contamination conditions in a single aquifer and understand the differences between potential background bores and two different types of contamination spread across the other bores. Using physicochemical and microbiological community analysis, this paper aims to determine the impacts of the two contaminants, nitrate and ammonia, on the microbial communities and the differences between polluted and physicochemical background bores. Total nitrogen (N) varied by a factor of over 2000 between bores, ranging from 0.07 to 155 mg L−1. Nitrate (NO3−) concentrations ranged from 150 to <0.01 mg L−1; ammonium (NH4+) concentrations ranged from 26 to <0.1 mg L−1. MANOVA analysis confirmed an overall significant relationship (p = 0.0052) between N variables and the physicochemical data (or status) of the three areas of contamination dubbed ‘contamination zones’. The contamination zones were defined by no known presence of contamination in the uncontaminated bores, the presence of NO3− contamination and the presence of NO3− and NH4+ contamination. PERMANOVA analysis confirmed that there was an overall significant difference in the microbial communities between the three contamination zones (p = 0.0002); however, the presence of NH4+ had a significant effect (p = 0.0012). In general, the nitrate-contaminated bores showed a decrease in the abundance of individual OTUs. We further confirmed that NH4+ contamination had a significant relationship with an increased percentage of abundance occupied by the Planctomycetota phylum (specifically the Candidatus Brocadia genus). It was found that one of the two background bores (BS-004) was likely also representative of natural microbial background, and another (BS-002) showed characteristics that may be representative of past or intermittent contamination. This paper demonstrates a possible way to determine the microbial background and discusses the potential uses for this information.
Effect of Species Composition on Growth and Yield in Mixed Beech–Coniferous Stands
Authors: Cicșa Avram , Tudoran Gheorghe-Marian , Cicșa (Boroeanu) Maria , Dobre Alexandru-Claudiu , Spârchez Gheorghe
Published: October 2022

Research Highlights: In mixed stands, competitive and supportive relationships occur between trees, illustrated by their dendrometric characteristics. Background and Objectives: We investigated the effect of species composition on growth and yield in mixed beech–coniferous stands in the Romanian Carpathians. Materials and Methods: We selected sites with similar trophicity levels, as determined by the site mapping method. Under the same site conditions, we generated models to determine, for each species (spruce, fir, and beech), the main parameters of the site index, including mean height, dominant height, standing volume yield, and mean annual volume increment for different compositional species proportions (psp) and categories of proportions (i.e., low psp, between 10 and 50%, and high psp, ranging between 60 and 90%). Results: Overall, up to the age of 100 years, mixed stands with low psp had enhanced tree height growth, characterized by mean values 2.2% higher for spruce and 4.8% higher for fir and beech. Dominant height showed similar values, regardless of psp. Mixed stands in which the psp increased (i.e., psp > 50) were more productive, with the mean yield differences at the age of 100 years ranging from +1.7% (for fir) to +3.8% (for spruce and beech), increasing to +6% at 140 years. Conclusions: When setting management targets, the management of mixed forests should be based on an understanding of the relationship between the site, species ecological requirements, and their yield potential. Mixed stands can influence individual tree growth and stand yield through psp.
A 230-Year Summer Precipitation Variations Recorded by Tree-Ring δ18O in Heng Mountains, North China
Authors: Liu Yu , Shi Wenxin , Li Qiang , Liu Wentai , Cai Qiufang
Published: October 2022

To explore the history of the changes in monsoon precipitation and their driving mechanisms in the context of global warming, climatology studies using tree-ring stable oxygen isotopes (δ18O) were carried out in Shanxi Province, China. Based on a tree-ring δ18O series from Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. on Heng Mountain, a 230-year June–July precipitation sequence from 1784 to 2013 AD was reconstructed that explained 45% of the total variance (44% after adjusting the degrees of freedom). The reconstructed sequence captured the characteristics of the variations in precipitation. Periods of drought occurred mainly in 1820–1840 AD, 1855–1865 AD, 1895–1910 AD, 1925–1930 AD, and 1970–1995 AD, and wet periods occurred mainly in 1880–1895 AD, 1910–1925 AD, and 1935–1960 AD. The dry and wet years in the precipitation reconstruction corresponded well to the years in which disaster events were documented in historical records. A spatial correlation analysis with Climatic Research Unit (CRU)-gridded precipitation data indicated that the reconstructed precipitation provided good regional representation and reflected large-scale June–July precipitation changes in northern China. In addition, the reconstructed precipitation sequence was also significantly correlated with the dry and wet index (DWI) and other tree-ring dry/wet reconstructions from the surrounding areas. The correlation between the reconstructed precipitation and the Asian monsoon index showed that the precipitation can indicate the intensity of the Asian summer monsoon. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was found between the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the reconstructed precipitation. At the decadal scale, the negative phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the positive phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) may co-promote summer precipitation in the study area.
Relationships between Soil Nematode Communities and Soil Quality as Affected by Land-Use Type
Authors: Li Zhilei , Chen Xiaomei , Li Jiangnan , Liao Xionghui , Li Dejun , He Xunyang , Zhang Wei , Zhao Jie
Published: October 2022

Researchers have used both soil nematode data and soil quality index (SQI) data as indicators of soil quality. However, the relationship between soil nematodes and soil quality index is poorly understood. This study explored the relationship between soil nematode properties and soil quality in different land-use types in a subtropical karst region of Southwest China. We selected the following five typical land-use types that differ in the degree of soil disturbance: cropland (maize and soybean), sugarcane, mulberry, forage grass, and forest. SQI was calculated on the basis of bulk density (BD), soil pH, the ratio of soil organic carbon to total nitrogen (C:N), the contents of soil water (SWC), soil total nitrogen (TN), soil organic carbon content (SOC), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), ammonium nitrogen (AN), nitrate nitrogen (NN), bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes (ACT), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We found that the abundance, Simpson dominance index, and metabolic footprint of soil nematodes were highest in the forest, followed by sugarcane, cropland (maize and soybean), forage grass, and mulberry. The SQI was highest in the forest and lowest in the cropland. There was no significant difference observed among the other three regions. In addition, the SQI was positively correlated with the total nematode biomass and abundances of total nematodes, fungivores, and herbivores, the abundances of total nematodes biomass and total nematode abundance, fungivores, and herbivores. A random forest model revealed that the dominant nematode genera (i.e., Coomansus and Acrobeloides) and the rare genera (i.e., Heterocephalobus) were closely associated with soil quality. Our results suggest that the soil nematodes (especially keystone genera) may mediate the effects of ecosystem disturbance on soil quality. These findings increase our understanding of the relationships between soil organisms and soil quality.
Modeling the Mutual Enhancement of Regional Economy and Personal Quality of Life (QOL): A Case Study on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor in India
Authors: Sugimori Shuji , Hayashi Yoshitsugu , Takano Tsuyoshi , Morita Hiroyoshi , Takeshita Hiroyuki , Rao K. V. Krishna , Isobe Tomohiko
Published: October 2022

Among the various effects of high-speed rail (HSR), a direct benefit to users has been measured as an increase in the gross domestic product (GDP) by the conventional cost–benefit analysis (CBA), which was institutionalized in the U.K. In recent years, the importance of capturing indirect benefits to non-users has also been broadly discussed. The indirect benefits of HSR can mainly be classified into two perspectives: regional economy and personal quality of life (QOL). In this study, we modeled the mutual enhancement between those effects and analyzed the indirect benefits of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail (MAHSR), which is currently under construction as the first HSR in India, an emerging country with a rapidly growing economy. The indirect benefit to the regional economy along the MAHSR corridor was estimated by industry and by zone. Additionally, the indirect benefit on personal QOL by individuals’ attributes and by zone through the mutual enhancement with the regional economy was also estimated. The personal QOL tends to show greater effects in the middle cities than those in the two metropolitan areas of Mumbai and Ahmedabad. This method can evaluate interregional disparity by identifying the differences in benefits by person, according to age, income, etc., which cannot be evaluated based on a mass measure, e.g., GDP, in the conventional CBA.
Statistical Review of the Italian Gas Transmission System Operator under Conditions of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Supply Restriction from the Russian Federation
Authors: Chrulski Tomasz
Published: October 2022

The coronavirus pandemic caused a crisis in industrial economies, enforcing public concern. The first case of the infection in Europe occurred in Italy. Nowadays, in the field of European gas infrastructure, Italy stands as one of the leading countries transporting gaseous fuel to end users. This article provides an overview of the distribution of natural gas flows in the Italian gas infrastructure in the face of the coronavirus outspread in the country and GAZPROM’s natural gas supply restrictions for European countries. This article presents, using the ARIMA method, a forecast of natural gas consumption of Italian consumers measured up to 2024.
Self-assembly and Hydrogelation Properties of Peptides Derived from Peptic Cleavage of Aggregation-prone Regions of Ovalbumin
Authors: Abioye Raliat O. , Acquah Caleb , Hsu Pei Chun Queenie , Hüttmann Nico , Sun Xiaohong , Udenigwe Chibuike C.
Published: October 2022

Egg white protein hydrolysate generated with pepsin was investigated for the presence of peptides with self-assembly and hydrogelation properties. Incubation of the hydrolysates for 16 h resulted in aggregates with significantly (p < 0.05) lower free amino nitrogen and sulfhydryl contents, and higher particle diameter and surface hydrophobicity compared to the hydrolysates. LC-MS/MS analysis of the aggregates resulted in identification of 429 ovalbumin-derived peptides, among which the top-six aggregation-prone peptides IFYCPIAIM, NIFYCPIAIM, VLVNAIVFKGL, YCPIAIMSA, MMYQIGLF, and VYSFSLASRL were predicted using AGGRESCAN by analysis of the aggregation “Hot Spots”. NIFYCPIAIM had the highest thioflavin T fluorescence intensity, particle diameter (5611.3 nm), and polydispersity index (1.0) after 24 h, suggesting the formation of β-sheet structures with heterogeneous particle size distribution. Transmission electron microscopy of MMYQIGLF, and VYSFSLASRL demonstrated the most favorable peptide self-assembly, based on the formation of densely packed, intertwined fibrils. Rheological studies confirmed the viscoelastic and mechanical properties of the hydrogels, with IFYCPIAIM, NIFYCPIAIM, VLVNAIVFKGL, and VYSFSLASRL forming elastic solid hydrogels (tan δ < 1), while YCPIAIMSA and MMYQIGLF formed viscous liquid-like hydrogels (tan δ > 1). The results provide valuable insight into the influence of peptide sequence on hydrogelation and self-assembly progression, and prospects of food peptides in biomaterial applications.
Genetic Polymorphism of 27 Y-STR Loci in the Western Kazakh Tribes from Kazakhstan and Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan
Authors: Ashirbekov Yeldar , Sabitov Zhaxylyk , Aidarov Baglan , Abaildayev Arman , Junissova Zukhra , Cherusheva Alena , Saidamarova Viktoriya V. , Sharipov Kamalidin , Ramankulov Yerlan , Zhabagin Maxat
Published: October 2022

Data on the genetic polymorphism of 27 Y-STR in Kazakhs of the Junior Zhuz has been presented and analyzed in relation to forensic features. A total of 464 representatives of the Western Kazakh tribes of Kazakhstan (Western Kazakhs, n = 405) and Uzbekistan (Karakalpakstan Kazakhs, n = 59) were examined by the Yfiler Plus set. The data are available in the YHRD under accession numbers YA006010 and YA006009. Genetic analysis (AMOVA and MDS) did not show significant differences between the two groups (Kazakhstan and Karakalpakstan Kazakhs) in terms of Y-chromosome diversity. Both groups are characterized by haplogroup C2a1a2 as a founder effect, which dominated two of the three tribes: Alimuly (67%), Baiuly (74.6%), and Zhetiru (25.8%). At the same time, the phylogenetic network for each tribe found its own clusters within C2a1a2. Western Kazakhs and Karakalpakstan Kazakhs present high values of unique haplotypes (84.44% and 96.61%), discrimination capacity (90.37% and 98.30%), and haplotype diversity (0.9991 and 0.9994). A set of 27 Y-STR loci distinguishes closely related individuals within the Western Kazakh tribes quite well. It is suitable for forensic application, and is also optimal for population genetics studies.
A Comparative Genomics Approach for Analysis of Complete Mitogenomes of Five Actinidiaceae Plants
Authors: Yang Jun , Ling Chengcheng , Zhang Huamin , Hussain Quaid , Lyu Shiheng , Zheng Guohua , Liu Yongsheng
Published: October 2022

Actinidiaceae, an economically important plant family, includes the Actinidia, Clematoclethra and Saurauia genus. Kiwifruit, with remarkably high vitamin C content, is an endemic species widely distributed in China with high economic value. Although many Actinidiaceae chloroplast genomes have been reported, few complete mitogenomes of Actinidiaceae have been studied. Here, complete circular mitogenomes of the four kiwifruit species and Saurauia tristyla were assembled. Codon usage, sequence repeats, RNA editing, gene transfers, selective pressure, and phylogenetic relationships in the four kiwifruit species and S. tristyla were comparatively analyzed. This research will contribute to the study of phylogenetic relationships within Actiniaceae and molecular barcoding in kiwifruit.
Association between Nighttime Work and HbA1c Levels in South Korea
Authors: Lee Yeon-Suk , Joo Jae Hong , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: October 2022

Background: As the world has become a 24 h society, people’s demands have generated various work schedules, leading to an increase in workers’ health problems. The study aimed to investigate the association between nighttime work and HbA1c levels among South Korean adults over the age of 30. Methods: Participants were selected from the 2016–2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey; those diagnosed with diabetes were excluded. The dependent variable was the HbA1c level reported in the KNHANES health examination report. The main independent variable was the participant’s work schedule. Work schedules were classified into three categories based on the participant’s report: (1) day; (2) night and overnight, and (3) other. Generalized multiple linear regression was used, and the significance level was defined as p < 0.05. Results: The participants comprised 4773 men and 4818 women. Those engaged in the “day” schedule served as the reference group. Among the male participants, the “night and overnight” group had significantly larger HbA1c (%) levels than the “day” group (β = 0.061, p = 0.0085). Among these nighttime male workers, HbA1c (%) levels were particularly higher in the people who were physically inactive (β = 0.094, p = 0.0031), slept less than 7 h (β = 0.108, p = 0.0009), and skipped meals (β = 0.064, p = 0.0401). Conclusion: Our results revealed an association of nighttime work with increased HbA1c levels in male participants. High-risk groups for HbA1c levels require careful observation of physical activity, sleeping time, and eating habits.
A Comprehensive Appraisal of Meta-Analyses of Exercise-Based Stroke Rehabilitation with Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Li Jia-Qi , Sun Yu-Wei , So Wing-Sam , Sidarta Ananda , Kwong Patrick Wai-Hang
Published: October 2022

Meta-analysis is a common technique used to synthesise the results of multiple studies through the combination of effect size estimates and testing statistics. Numerous meta-analyses have investigated the efficacy of exercise programmes for stroke rehabilitation. However, meta-analyses may also report false-positive results because of insufficient information or random errors. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) is an advanced technique for calculating the required information size (RIS) and more restrictive statistical significance levels for the precise assessment of any specific treatment. This study used TSA to examine whether published meta-analyses in the field of stroke rehabilitation reached the RIS and whether their overall effect sizes were sufficient. A comprehensive search of six electronic databases for articles published before May 2022 was conducted. The intervention methods were divided into four primary groups, namely aerobic or resistance exercise, machine-assisted exercise, task-oriented exercise, and theory-based exercise. The primary outcome measure was gait speed and the secondary outcome measure was balance function. The data were obtained either from the meta-analyses or as raw data from the original cited texts. All data analysis was performed in TSA software. In total, 38 articles with 46 analysable results were included in the TSA. Only 17 results (37.0%) reached the RIS. In conclusion, meta-analysis interpretation is challenging. Clinicians must consider the RIS of meta-analyses before applying the results in real-world situations. TSA can provide accurate evaluations of treatment effects, which is crucial to the development of evidence-based medicine.
Climate Variables of the Sites of Origin and Genotype Influence on Phenolic Compounds Accumulation in Cultivars of Myrtus communis L.
Authors: Medda Silvia , Fadda Angela , Mulas Maurizio
Published: October 2022

Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) is an aromatic and medicinal plant spreading in the Mediterranean area. The main uses of myrtle plants are liqueur and essential oil production with several biological properties. A large part of the properties of these products is due to phenolic compounds. Twenty-two myrtle cultivars originating from several areas of Sardinia Island and cultivated at the same site were analysed for phenolic compounds determination. Pearson’s correlation was used to investigate a possible correlation between phenolic compounds content observed in the cultivation site and historical agrometeorological parameters in the sites of cultivar origin. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to data to evaluate the characterization of myrtle cultivars based on the relationship between sites of origin with their climate traits and phenolic compounds content as recorded in the same field of comparison. Anthocyanins are negatively correlated with minimum, maximum, and average temperatures of some months. Total phenols content decreases with high temperatures in the summer months. Rainfall affected mainly tannins content. Two principal components explained about 79% of the variability and allowed the classification of cultivars into four groups, while cultivars from Laconi, Siniscola and Cuglieri sites were not included in any group. The HCA allowed the subdivision of the wild populations into three clusters.