bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusarium Species Associated with Maize Leaf Blight in Heilongjiang Province, China
Authors: Xu Xi , Zhang Li , Yang Xilang , Shen Guijin , Wang Shuo , Teng Haolin , Yang Chunbo , Liu Xueyan , Wang Xiangjing , Zhao Junwei , Xiang Wensheng
Published: November 2022

Fusarium spp. are among the most important plant pathogens in the world. A survey on maize leaf blight was carried out in Heilongjiang province from 2019 to 2021. Based on morphological characteristics and a phylogenetic analysis on translation elongation factor (tef1) and second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2) genes, 146 Fusarium isolates were obtained and grouped into 14 Fusarium species, including F. ipomoeae (20.5%), F. compactum (17.1%), F. sporotrichioides (9.59%), F. graminearum (9.59%), F. citri (8.9%), F. asiaticum (6.85%), F. verticillioides (6.85%), F. acuminatum (5.48%), F. glycines (5.48%), F. temperatum (2.74%), F. armeniacum (2.74%), Fusarium sp. (2.05%), F. flagelliforme (1.4%), and F. annulatum (0.68%). The Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC, including F. ipomoeae, F. compactum, F. citri, and F. flagelliforme) was the most prevalent, indicating an evolving occurrence of the Fusarium species causing maize leaf blight. The typical symptoms observed on the maize leaves were oval to long strip lesions, with a gray to dark gray or brownish red coloration in the center and a chlorotic area at the edges. Based on the tef1 gene, seven haplotypes of FIESC were identified in Heilongjiang province, suggesting a population expansion. This is the first report of F. ipomoeae, F. compactum, F. flagelliforme, F. citri, F. sporotrichioides, F. graminearum, F. asiaticum, F. acuminatum, F. glycines, F. temperatum, F. armeniacum, Fusarium sp., and F. annulatum causing maize leaf blight in Heilongjiang province, China. The current research is informative for managing disease, exploring the phylogenetic relationship among Fusarium species, and clarifying the diversity of Fusarium species associated with maize leaf blight.
Role of the Global Fitness Regulator Genes on the Osmotic Tolerance Ability and Salinity Hazard Alleviation of Trichoderma asperellum GDFS 1009 for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Karuppiah Valliappan , Zhang Xifen , Lu Zhixiang , Hao Dazhi , Chen Jie
Published: November 2022

Velvet family proteins are global regulators of fungal growth and development. Here, we reported the role of Vel1 and Lae1 from T. asperellum in osmotic tolerance. Deletion of the Vel1 and Lae1 genes led to the retardation of vegetative mycelial growth under saline conditions. The strain carrying the overexpression locus of the Vel1 and Lae1 genes was highly resistant to oxidative stress by upregulating the enzymes and genes involved in antioxidant activity. Major physiological changes in the cell wall and vacuoles occurred under high saline conditions. The Vel1 and Lae1 overexpression strains increased cell wall thickness and the number of vacuoles, which seems to lead to an increase of the osmolyte content of glycerol and proline. The absorption of Na+ content in the vacuole of the Vel1 and Lae1 overexpression strains was increased, while the absorption of Na+ was impaired in the Vel1 and Lae1 knock out strains, in which the Na+ was localized in the cell wall membrane. This result supported the significant correlation of the expression of genes with the ionic transportation in T. asperellum. Maize root colonization by the Vel1 and Lae1 gene overexpression strain was increased, which would mitigate the stress caused by the absorption of Na+ in the maize roots and increased the plant growth. Our results highlighted the importance of Vel1 and Lae1 proteins to the salinity stress tolerance of T. asperellum and the mitigation of Na+ stress to plants for sustainable agriculture.
Pulmonary Oxygen Exchange in a Rhythmically Expanding–Contracting Alveolus–Capillary Model
Authors: Si Xiuhua April , Xi Jinxiang
Published: November 2022

Pulmonary gas exchanges are vital to human health, and disruptions to this process have been associated with many respiratory diseases. Previous gas exchange studies have predominately relied on whole-body testing and theoretical analysis with 1D or static models. However, pulmonary gas exchanges are inherently a dynamic process in 3D spaces with instantaneous interactions between air, blood, and tissue. This study aimed to develop a computational model for oxygen exchange that considered all factors mentioned above. Therefore, an integrated alveolus–membrane–capillary geometry was developed with prescribed rhythmic expansion/contraction. Airflow ventilation, blood perfusion, and oxygen diffusion were simulated using COMSOL. The temporal and spatial distribution of blood flow and oxygen within the capillaries were simulated under varying breathing depths and cardiac outputs. The results showed highly nonuniform blood flow distributions in the capillary network, while the rhythmic oscillation further increased this nonuniformity, leading to stagnant blood flow in the distal vessels. A static alveolus–capillary geometry underestimated perfusion by 11% for normal respirations, and the deviation grew with breathing depth. The rhythmic motion caused a phase lag in the blood flow. The blood PO2 reached equilibrium with the alveolar air after traveling 1/5–1/3 of the capillary network. The time to reach this equilibrium was significantly influenced by the air–blood barrier diffusivity, while it was only slightly affected by the perfusion rate. The computational platform in this study could be instrumental in obtaining refined knowledge of pulmonary O2 exchanges.
Laboratory Cross-Comparison and Ring Test Trial for Tumor BRCA Testing in a Multicenter Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Series: The BORNEO GEICO 60-0 Study
Authors: Garcia-Casado Zaida , Oaknin Ana , Mendiola Marta , Alkorta-Aranburu Gorka , Antunez-Lopez Jose Ramon , Moreno-Bueno Gema , Palacios Jose , Yubero Alfonso , Marquez Raul , Gallego Alejandro , Sanchez-Heras Ana Beatriz , Lopez-Guerrero Jose Antonio , Perez-Segura Cristina , Barretina-Ginesta Pilar , Alarcon Jesus , Gaba Lydia , Marquez Antonia , Matito Judit , Cueva Juan , Palacio Isabel , Iglesias Maria , Arcusa Angels , Sanchez-Lorenzo Luisa , Guerra-Alia Eva , Romero Ignacio , Vivancos Ana
Published: November 2022

Germline and tumor BRCA testing constitutes a valuable tool for clinical decision-making in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. Tissue testing is able to identify both germline (g) and somatic (s) BRCA variants, but tissue preservation methods and the widespread implementation of NGS represent pre-analytical and analytical challenges that need to be managed. This study was carried out on a multicenter prospective GEICO cohort of EOC patients with known gBRCA status in order to determine the inter-laboratory reproducibility of tissue sBRCA testing. The study consisted of two independent experimental approaches, a bilateral comparison between two reference laboratories (RLs) testing 82 formalin-paraffin-embedded (FFPE) EOC samples each, and a Ring Test Trial (RTT) with five participating clinical laboratories (CLs) evaluating the performance of tissue BRCA testing in a total of nine samples. Importantly, labs employed their own locally adopted next-generation sequencing (NGS) analytical approach. BRCA mutation frequency in the RL sub-study cohort was 23.17%: 12 (63.1%) germline and 6 (31.6%) somatic. Concordance between the two RLs with respect to BRCA status was 84.2% (gBRCA 100%). The RTT study distributed a total of nine samples (three commercial synthetic human FFPE references, three FFPE, and three OC DNA) among five CLs. The median concordance detection rate among them was 64.7% (range: 35.3–70.6%). Analytical discrepancies were mainly due to the minimum variant allele frequency thresholds, bioinformatic pipeline filters, and downstream variant interpretation, some of them with consequences of clinical relevance. Our study demonstrates a wide range of concordance in the identification and interpretation of BRCA sequencing data, highlighting the relevance of establishing standard criteria for detecting, interpreting, and reporting BRCA variants.
Tailored Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures Matters More Than the Number of Fractured Ribs
Authors: Tang Wen-Ruei , Chang Chao-Chun , Wang Chih-Jung , Yang Tsung-Han , Hung Kuo-Shu , Wu Chun-Hsien , Yen Yi-Ting , Tseng Yau-Lin , Shan Yan-Shen
Published: November 2022

Background: Patients sustaining multiple rib fractures have a significant risk of developing morbidity and mortality. More evidence is emerging that the indication of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) should expand beyond flail chest. Nevertheless, little is known about factors associated with poor outcomes after surgical fixation. We reviewed patients with rib fractures to further explore the role of SSRF; we matched two groups by propensity score (PS). Method: A comparison of patients with blunt thoracic trauma treated with SSRF between 2010 and 2020 was compared with those who received conservative treatment for rib fractures. Risk factors for poor outcomes were analyzed by multivariate regression analysis. Results: After tailored SSRF, the number of fractured ribs was not associated with longer ventilator days (p = 0.617), ICU stay (p = 0.478), hospital stay (p = 0.706), and increased nonprocedure-related pulmonary complications (NPRCs) (p = 0.226) despite having experienced much more severe trauma. In the multivariate regression models, lower GCS, delayed surgery, thoracotomy, and flail chest requiring mechanical ventilation were factors associated with prolonged ventilator days. Lower GCS, higher ISS, delayed surgery, and flail chest requiring mechanical ventilation were factors associated with longer ICU stays. Lower GCS and older age were factors associated with increased NPRCs. In the PS model, NPRCs risk was reduced by SSRF. Conclusions: The risk of NPRCs was reduced once ribs were surgically fixed through an algorithmic approach, and poor consciousness and aging were independent risk factors for NPRCs.
Analysis of Genetic Variants Associated with COVID-19 Outcome Highlights Different Distributions among Populations
Authors: Fabrizio Carlo , Termine Andrea , Caputo Valerio , Megalizzi Domenica , Calvino Giulia , Trastulli Giulia , Ingrascì Arcangela , Ferrante Simona , Peconi Cristina , Rossini Angelo , Salvia Antonino , Caltagirone Carlo , Strafella Claudia , Giardina Emiliano , Cascella Raffaella
Published: November 2022

The clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection ranges from asymptomatic status to mild infections, to severe disease and death. In this context, the identification of specific susceptibility factors is crucial to detect people at the higher risk of severe disease and improve the outcome of COVID-19 treatment. Several studies identified genetic variants conferring higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity. The present study explored their genetic distribution among different populations (AFR, EAS, EUR and SAS). As a result, the obtained data support the existence of a genetic basis for the observed variability among populations, in terms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease outcomes. The comparison of ORs distribution for genetic risk of infection as well as for disease outcome shows that each population presents its own characteristics. These data suggest that each country could benefit from a population-wide risk assessment, aimed to personalize the national vaccine programs and the preventative measures as well as the allocation of resources and the access to proper therapeutic interventions. Moreover, the host genetics should be further investigated in order to realize personalized medicine protocols tailored to improve the management of patients suffering from COVID-19.
Preoperative Tumor Texture Analysis on MRI for High-Risk Disease Prediction in Endometrial Cancer: A Hypothesis-Generating Study
Authors: Miccò Maura , Gui Benedetta , Russo Luca , Boldrini Luca , Lenkowicz Jacopo , Cicogna Stefania , Cosentino Francesco , Restaino Gennaro , Avesani Giacomo , Panico Camilla , Moro Francesca , Ciccarone Francesca , Macchia Gabriella , Valentini Vincenzo , Scambia Giovanni , Manfredi Riccardo , Fanfani Francesco
Published: November 2022

Objective: To develop and validate magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-based radiomics models for high-risk endometrial cancer (EC) prediction preoperatively, to be able to estimate deep myometrial invasion (DMI) and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), and to discriminate between low-risk and other categories of risk as proposed by ESGO/ESTRO/ESP (European Society of Gynaecological Oncology—European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology and European Society of Pathology) guidelines. Methods: This retrospective study included 96 women with EC who underwent 1.5-T MR imaging before surgical staging between April 2009 and May 2019 in two referral centers divided into training (T = 73) and validation cohorts (V = 23). Radiomics features were extracted using the MODDICOM library with manual delineation of whole-tumor volume on MR images (axial T2-weighted). Diagnostic performances of radiomic models were evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in training (AUCT) and validation (AUCV) cohorts by using a subset of the most relevant texture features tested individually in univariate analysis using Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney. Results: A total of 228 radiomics features were extracted and ultimately limited to 38 for DMI, 29 for LVSI, and 15 for risk-classes prediction for logistic radiomic modeling. Whole-tumor radiomic models yielded an AUCT/AUCV of 0.85/0.68 in DMI estimation, 0.92/0.81 in LVSI prediction, and 0.84/0.76 for differentiating low-risk vs other risk classes (intermediate/high-intermediate/high). Conclusion: MRI-based radiomics has great potential in developing advanced prognostication in EC.
Feasibility of the Machine Learning Network to Diagnose Tympanic Membrane Lesions without Coding Experience
Authors: Byun Hayoung , Lee Seung Hwan , Kim Tae Hyun , Oh Jaehoon , Chung Jae Ho
Published: November 2022

A machine learning platform operated without coding knowledge (Teachable machine®) has been introduced. The aims of the present study were to assess the performance of the Teachable machine® for diagnosing tympanic membrane lesions. A total of 3024 tympanic membrane images were used to train and validate the diagnostic performance of the network. Tympanic membrane images were labeled as normal, otitis media with effusion (OME), chronic otitis media (COM), and cholesteatoma. According to the complexity of the categorization, Level I refers to normal versus abnormal tympanic membrane; Level II was defined as normal, OME, or COM + cholesteatoma; and Level III distinguishes between all four pathologies. In addition, eighty representative test images were used to assess the performance. Teachable machine® automatically creates a classification network and presents diagnostic performance when images are uploaded. The mean accuracy of the Teachable machine® for classifying tympanic membranes as normal or abnormal (Level I) was 90.1%. For Level II, the mean accuracy was 89.0% and for Level III it was 86.2%. The overall accuracy of the classification of the 80 representative tympanic membrane images was 78.75%, and the hit rates for normal, OME, COM, and cholesteatoma were 95.0%, 70.0%, 90.0%, and 60.0%, respectively. Teachable machine® could successfully generate the diagnostic network for classifying tympanic membrane.
A Radiomics Approach on Chest CT Distinguishes Primary Lung Cancer from Solitary Lung Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Lee Jong Eun , Do Luu Ngoc , Jeong Won Gi , Lee Hyo Jae , Chae Kum Ju , Kim Yun Hyeon , Park Ilwoo
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This study utilized a radiomics approach combined with a machine learning algorithm to distinguish primary lung cancer (LC) from solitary lung metastasis (LM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with a solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN). Materials and Methods: In a retrospective study, 239 patients who underwent chest computerized tomography (CT) at three different institutions between 2011 and 2019 and were diagnosed as primary LC or solitary LM were included. The data from the first institution were divided into training and internal testing datasets. The data from the second and third institutions were used as an external testing dataset. Radiomic features were extracted from the intra and perinodular regions of interest (ROI). After a feature selection process, Support vector machine (SVM) was used to train models for classifying between LC and LM. The performances of the SVM classifiers were evaluated with both the internal and external testing datasets. The performances of the model were compared to those of two radiologists who reviewed the CT images of the testing datasets for the binary prediction of LC versus LM. Results: The SVM classifier trained with the radiomic features from the intranodular ROI and achieved the sensitivity/specificity of 0.545/0.828 in the internal test dataset, and 0.833/0.964 in the external test dataset, respectively. The SVM classifier trained with the combined radiomic features from the intra- and perinodular ROIs achieved the sensitivity/specificity of 0.545/0.966 in the internal test dataset, and 0.833/1.000 in the external test data set, respectively. Two radiologists demonstrated the sensitivity/specificity of 0.545/0.966 and 0.636/0.828 in the internal test dataset, and 0.917/0.929 and 0.833/0.929 in the external test dataset, which were comparable to the performance of the model trained with the combined radiomics features. Conclusion: Our results suggested that the machine learning classifiers trained using radiomics features of SPN in CRC patients can be used to distinguish the primary LC and the solitary LM with a similar level of performance to radiologists.
Entrepreneurial Financing in Africa during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mamaro Lenny Phulong , Sibindi Athenia Bongani
Published: November 2022

Access to finance by small-to-medium-enterprises (SMEs) remains an enigma that still warrants further research. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the funding gap and necessitated the need for entrepreneurs to seek alternative financing due to tight credit rationing by the traditional finance institutions. There is a marked increase in demand for alternative online finance known as crowdfunding amid social distancing and lockdowns occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective of this study was to examine the trends in the financing of African SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic with a particular focus on crowdfunding. The postpositivist research philosophy and deductive strategy was adopted in this study with the view to test an existing theory and hypothesis. Secondary data sourced from TheCrowdDataCentre were utilised for the study. Eight hundred and fifty-nine African crowdfunding campaigns were employed as the unit of analysis. The study employed econometric techniques to test the research objectives of this study. The probit model was employed in the analysis. The results of the study revealed that backers, the COVID-19 and social network variables were positively and significantly related to campaign success. On the other hand, duration was found to be negatively and significantly related to crowdfunding success. The study contributes to the growing literature on the impact of COVID-19 on crowdfunding performance, as well as the literature on alternative sources of finance.
Should Firms in Emerging Markets Invest in R&D? Evidence from China’s Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Sheng Dachen , Montgomery Heather
Published: November 2022

Analyzing micro-level firm data from the Chinese manufacturing sector, this study provides compelling evidence that firms in emerging markets that invest in research and development (R&D) for product differentiation significantly increase firm performance as measured by market power, profitability, and earning quality. Privately held (non-state-owned), mid-size, Shenzhen exchange-listed firms experience the largest boost to firm performance when they invest in research and development. However, analyzing the contribution of R&D investment to firm market value, we reveal that while R&D investments are valued by institutional investors, the potential for investment in R&D to boost firm performance is not recognized by individual investors, who dominate Chinese financial markets. This finding suggests that managers may under-invest in R&D if equity compensation comprises a large share of the overall compensation package.
GHG Emissions and Economic Growth in the European Union, Norway, and Iceland: A Validated Time-Series Approach Based on a Small Number of Observations
Authors: Gricar Sergej , Bojnec Stefan , Baldigara Tea
Published: November 2022

This research aims to ensure methodological conformance and to test the validity of its empirical application. To do so, the study analysed differentiation of the development patterns of four time-series variables. The relationships between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, employment, inflation, and gross domestic product (GDP) at constant prices were analysed, comparing the European Union (EU-27) and two European Free Trade Association countries. The study period covers twelve years of monthly and quarterly data from the beginning of 2010 to mid-2021, where the highest frequency of data was 138 observations. The methodology used included unit root testing and the vector autoregressive model (VAR). The study’s main results show that GDP at constant prices significantly affected GHG emissions in the EU-27 countries. Meanwhile, the lag between inflation and employment did not have a considerable impact. This finding shows that inflation was not a stable variable and had a strong autocorrelation. Variable employment did not follow a normal distribution. It was necessary for this research to adopt a suitable model for the technical procedure.
Is Urban and Rural Construction Land Quota Trading “Chicken Ribs”? An Empirical Study on Chongqing, China
Authors: Liu Xiaojing , Zhang Xiao , Wang Mingsheng , Guo Zhongxing
Published: November 2022

Promoting market-oriented allocation of land has great significance in building a new pattern for high-quality development. As a market-oriented land allocation tool, land quota trading between urban and rural areas promotes spatial efficiency dynamically. In order to identify the contribution of land quota trading to economic efficiency, this paper uses a synthetic control method to evaluate the effect based on the practice of Chongqing, China. This study found that with the implementation of the land quota trading (LQT) program, the value of Chongqing’s economic output was 11.12% higher than the synthetic value, which indicates that the LQT program improved the spatial efficiency of land allocation, and eventually promoted economic growth. We suggest actively promoting land quota trading within and across provinces, and gradually deepening market-oriented reform in China’s construction land administration system.
Digital Economy Development and the Urban–Rural Income Gap: Intensifying or Reducing
Authors: Jiang Qi , Li Yihan , Si Hongyun
Published: November 2022

Based on theoretical analysis, this study examines the relationship between the development of China’s digital economy and the urban–rural income gap by using an empirical model to test panel data for 30 provinces in China from 2009 to 2019. The results of the study reveal that (1) there is a “U-shaped” relationship between the digital economy and the urban–rural income gap, with the gap narrowing in the early stages of development and widening in the medium-to-long term. (2) The development of the digital economy in peripheral regions will have an impact on the urban–rural income gap in the region through spatial spillover. (3) The heterogeneity tests reveal that the digital economy has a stronger impact on the urban–rural income gap in western China and a weaker impact in the east. (4) A double difference test using “Broadband Rural” construction as a policy shock variable reveals that the pilot project helped reduce the urban–rural income gap. This study deepens our understanding of the digital economy for integrated urban–rural development. It provides a theoretical basis and practical experience for enhancing the living standard of rural residents and promoting the integrated development of urban and rural areas.
Seasonal Variations in the Particulate Matter Accumulation and Leaf Traits of 24 Plant Species in Urban Green Space
Authors: Bui Huong-Thi , Odsuren Uuriintuya , Kim Sang-Yong , Park Bong-Ju
Published: November 2022

Particulate matter (PM), an extremely serious type of air pollution, leads to numerous human diseases. Mitigating PM in the urban city, where resident density has been increasing, has been a major challenge. The increase in residents leads to increasing traffic, the primary source of PM in urban areas. Plants play an important role in reducing PM and maintaining an ecological balance. For some Asian countries, such as Korea, with differing seasons and environmental conditions, PM accumulation and plant survival are greatly impacted by environmental conditions. In this study, we analyzed the amount of PM accumulation on the leaf surfaces and wax layers of 24 plant species during four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) to determine the PM accumulation in plants under different environmental conditions. The leaf traits of plant chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), total chlorophyll (TChl), relative water content (RWC), leaf extract pH (pH), and leaf specific area (SLA) were analyzed to determine the influence of PM on plants and the relationship between PM and leaf traits. In this study, we found that the amount of PM accumulation differed among plants and seasons. Among the 24 plant species, plants Pinus strobus, P. parviflora, P. densiflora, Euonymus japonicus, and Acer palmatum were most adept at PM accumulation. Leaf structure, environmental conditions, such as PM concentration, and rainfall may be the main factors that impact the ability of plant leaves to accumulate PM. The plant leaf traits differed among the four seasons. PM accumulation on the leaf was negatively correlated with SLA (in all four seasons) and pH (in spring, summer, and autumn). PM was negatively correlated with Chl a, Chl b, and TChl in summer.
Hillslope Geodiversity Impact on Biocrusts’ Biogeochemical Functions
Authors: Zaady Eli , Stavi Ilan , Dubinin Vladislav , Kamennaya Nina , Abu-Glion Hiam , Shuker Shimshon , Yizhaq Hezi
Published: November 2022

Geodiversity integrates physical parameters such as geological, geomorphological, and pedological components. It represents the abiotic diversity of the earth surface layer. It incorporates geological (bedrocks and mineral sediments), geomorphological (geography, land surface formations, physical processes), pedological (soils), and hydrological characteristics. Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) play an essential role in regulating the biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nitrogen. Their ability is dependent on habitat conditions, composition, and cover percentage of the ground surface, all of which are affected by geodiversity. This study’s objective was to assess the effects of geodiversity on the biogeochemical functions of biocrusts by regulating the soil water dynamics and the subsequent impact on readily available nitrogen and carbon. Hillslope geodiversity is determined by the geodiversity found in the stone cover on the ground surface and in the stone content throughout the soil profile, as well as by the soil profile thickness of the underlying bedrock. We hypothesized that in dry environments, the physical conditions in high-geodiversity hillslopes, compared to low-geodiversity hillslopes, positively affect the soil water budget, which would affect the biocrusts and their readily available nitrogen and carbon. The results showed higher soil moisture content in the heterogeneous hillslopes. The ammonium and labile organic carbon in the biocrusts were more substantial in the heterogeneous than in the homogeneous hillslopes, while soil protein, nitrite, and soil organic matter were similar. We suggest that the comparatively high soil moisture content in the heterogeneous hillslopes stimulates biocrust community activities and increases the readily available nitrogen and carbon, thus improving the survival of shrubs in these ecosystems under long-term drought conditions.
Analysis of the Housing–Jobs Separation Characteristics of Different Village Types in the Mountainous and Hilly Region of Southwest China
Authors: Hong Huikun , Liu Ting , Liao Heping , Cai Zhicong , Wang Gang
Published: November 2022

The economic and social transition toward modernization is characterized by a massive outflow of rural labor, which raises problems such as rural job–housing separation and rural decline. Few studies have used rural labor employment microdata to quantitatively analyze the degree of separation between housing and jobs in different types of villages, especially in ecologically fragile mountainous and hilly regions. This article is based on a 2021 survey of 6181 rural households in 158 villages of Chongqing, a mountainous and hilly region of China, and divides villages into city edge, suburban, and outer suburban villages. In this study, the separation degree of housing–jobs (SDHJ) measurement model was created in order to explore the degree of separation between rural jobs and housing in terms of space–time dimension separation in these areas, and the different job–housing separation characteristics under different village types were distinguished. The results show the following. (1) The county’s rural SDHJ has a clear regional differentiation law, and the degrees of separation between housing and jobs in all counties are in the following order: main urban area < northeast of Chongqing < southeast of Chongqing. The degree of separation between housing and jobs presents a spatial pattern of “medium–low perimeter high, local prominence” according to both the degree of temporal separation and the degree of spatial separation. (2) The degrees of separation between housing and jobs in various village types are in the following order: urban fringe villages < suburban villages < outer suburban villages. The distance effect was verified. The SDHJ is typically low in urban fringe villages and moderate in suburban villages, with distinct geographical disparities in labor distribution. The SDHJ is typically higher in the outer suburban villages, where laborers choose long-term long-distance employment. (3) This study proposes some countermeasures that could reduce the SDHJ for different types of villages. The findings have important policy implications for China’s mountainous rural development and serve as a model for other developing countries.
Estimation of Grain Crop Yields after Returning the Illegal Nurseries and Orchards to Cultivated Land in the Yangtze River Delta Region
Authors: Han Yirui , Pan Qinqin , Cao Yuee , Zhang Jianhong , Yuan Jiaxuan , Li Borui , Li Saiqiang , Ma Renfeng , Luo Xu , Sha Longbin , Yang Xiaodong
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to develop a new remote sensing method to assess the area of cultivated land illegally converted to nurseries and orchards in the Yangtze River Delta region of China over the past 40 years (1980–2020), and then estimate the increase in grain yield based on this area. Our result showed that 2.23 × 104 km2 of cultivated land was reduced by 11.8% over the past 40 years. About 14,521.40 km2 of cultivated land was converted to nursery and orchard from 1980 to 2020. The conversion area was unevenly distributed among different administrative regions. Zhejiang and Anhui Provinces had higher conversion rate and area than Jiangsu Province and Shanghai Municipalities. After the illegal nurseries and orchards return to cultivated land, if rotation farming mode is adopted, in which each grain crop is planted only once a year, the increased production of rice, wheat, corn, beans and tubers will reach (632.57 ± 13.08) × 104, (0~531.05 ± 33.25) × 104, (0~556.19 ± 30.36) × 104, (0~249.85 ± 13.14) × 104 and (0~489.11 ± 28.14) × 104 tons at most in each year, respectively. Our results provide theoretical guidance for implementing food security policies and alleviating contradiction between grain production and rural labor shortages in the Yangtze River Delta region.
The Impact of Land Transfer on Vulnerability as Expected Poverty in the Perspective of Farm Household Heterogeneity: An Empirical Study Based on 4608 Farm Households in China
Authors: Wang Zheng , Yang Mingwei , Zhang Zhiyong , Li Yingjuan , Wen Chuanhao
Published: November 2022

Poverty eradication is one of the global challenges, and land transfer provides an effective path to address farmers’ poverty; however, the effect of poverty reduction can show heterogeneity depending on the location, household, and head of household. This study employs the propensity value matching technique to compare the effects of the land transfer on the future alleviation of poverty among farm households, based on the vulnerability as expected poverty, using data from 4608 household tracking surveys. The findings point to the following: In general, rural land transfers can significantly lessen farm households’ VEP. In terms of regional variations, the positive effects of land transfers on farm households’ VEP are mainly in the west. In terms of the differences among households, it was found that land transfers contribute to lower VEP for non-poor, non-financing-constrained, and government-subsidized farm households. With regard to differences in household headship, land transfers have abating effects on the VEP of self-employed heads of farm households. The results of the study can provide a useful reference for policy-making on land management and poverty reduction among farmers
Research on the Establishment of Provincial Characteristic Scenic Lines Based on GIS
Authors: Zhu Zhixian , Wu Linjia , Jiang Wenyuan , Wang Weijue , Chen Qibing
Published: November 2022

China is entering a stage of rapid development. To ensure strategic development, more regions have begun to integrate and reconstruct regional spaces by strengthening their regional cooperation and focusing on top-level design. The scenic line is a physical space that integrates ecological landscape resources, cultural carriers, and industrial foundations into regional spaces. Its construction is of considerable importance for aggregating functions and supporting regional integration. Sichuan, China, has some of the most abundant bamboo resources worldwide, and the bamboo scenic line has Chinese characteristics. This study takes 12 areas suitable for bamboo growth in Sichuan Province as research objects using GIS technology combined with methods such as suitability evaluation. An ecological base layer, landscape pattern layer, facility foundation layer, and industrial development layer were developed as the four element layers, along with their influencing factors. The weights of the factors were assigned using the entropy method, and the cost path was analyzed for the resistance side, branch point, and context. A suitability evaluation system was constructed for the scenic line, and a provincial organic development pattern of “one point, two axes and three belts” was formed for the bamboo scenic line, which can provide guidance for planning and design.
The Regulation of the Hippo Pathway by Intercellular Junction Proteins
Authors: Ahmad Usama , Uttagomol Jutamas , Wan Hong
Published: November 2022

The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that serves to promote cell death and differentiation while inhibiting cellular proliferation across species. The downstream effectors of this pathway, yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), are considered vital in promoting the output of the Hippo pathway, with activation of upstream kinases negatively regulating YAP/TAZ activity. The upstream regulation of the Hippo pathway is not entirely understood on a molecular level. However, several studies have shown that numerous cellular and non-cellular mechanisms such as cell polarity, contact inhibition, soluble factors, mechanical forces, and metabolism can convey external stimuli to the intracellular kinase cascade, promoting the activation of key components of the Hippo pathway and therefore regulating the subcellular localisation and protein activity of YAP/TAZ. This review will summarise what we have learnt about the role of intercellular junction-associated proteins in the activation of this pathway, including adherens junctions and tight junctions, and in particular our latest findings about the desmosomal components, including desmoglein-3 (DSG3), in the regulation of YAP signalling, phosphorylation, and subcellular translocation.
Evaluation of Pharmacological Rescue of Melanocortin-4 Receptor Nonsense Mutations by Aminoglycoside
Authors: Höpfner Friederike , Paisdzior Sarah , Reininghaus Nanina , Sohail Iqra , Scheerer Patrick , Annibale Paolo , Biebermann Heike , Kühnen Peter
Published: November 2022

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is critical for central satiety regulation, therefore presenting a potent target for pharmacological obesity treatment. Melanocortin-4 receptor mutations prevalently cause monogenetic obesity. A possibility of overcoming stop mutations is aminoglycoside-mediated translational readthrough. Promising results were achieved in COS-7 cells, but data for human cell systems are still missing, so uncertainty surrounds this potential treatment. In transfected HEK-293 cells, we tested whether translational readthrough by aminoglycoside Geneticin combined with high-affinity ligand setmelanotide, which is effective in proopiomelanocortin or leptin receptor deficiency patients, is a treatment option for affected patients. Five MC4R nonsense mutants (W16X, Y35X_D37V, E61X, W258X, Q307X) were investigated. Confocal microscopy and cell surface expression assays revealed the importance of the mutations’ position within the MC4R. N-terminal mutants were marginally expressed independent of Geneticin treatment, whereas mutants with nonsense mutations in transmembrane helix 6 or helix 8 showed wild-type-like expression. For functional analysis, Gs and Gq/11 signaling were measured. N-terminal mutants (W16X, Y35X_D37V) showed no cAMP formation after challenge with alpha-MSH or setmelanotide, irrespective of Geneticin treatment. Similarly, Gs activation was almost impossible in W258X and Q307X with wild-type-like cell surface expression. Results for Gq/11 signaling were comparable. Based on our data, this approach improbably represents a therapeutic option.
Abiotic and Herbivory Combined Stress in Tomato: Additive, Synergic and Antagonistic Effects and Within-Plant Phenotypic Plasticity
Authors: Vescio Rosa , Caridi Roberta , Laudani Francesca , Palmeri Vincenzo , Zappalà Lucia , Badiani Maurizio , Sorgonà Agostino
Published: November 2022

Background: Drought, N deficiency and herbivory are considered the most important stressors caused by climate change in the agro- and eco-systems and varied in space and time shaping highly dynamic and heterogeneous stressful environments. This study aims to evaluate the tomato morpho-physiological and metabolic responses to combined abiotic and herbivory at different within-plant spatial levels and temporal scales. Methods: Leaf-level morphological, gas exchange traits and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profiles were measured in tomato plants exposed to N deficiency and drought, Tuta absoluta larvae and their combination. Additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects of the single stress when combined were also evaluated. Morpho-physiological traits and VOCs profile were also measured on leaves located at three different positions along the shoot axes. Results: The combination of the abiotic and biotic stress has been more harmful than single stress with antagonistic and synergistic but non-additive effects for the morpho-physiological and VOCs tomato responses, respectively. Combined stress also determined a high within-plant phenotypic plasticity of the morpho-physiological responses. Conclusions: These results suggested that the combined stress in tomato determined a “new stress state” and a higher within-plant phenotypic plasticity which could permit an efficient use of the growth and defense resources in the heterogeneous and multiple stressful environmental conditions.
Laparoscopic Pancreatoduodenectomy in Elderly Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bartos Adrian , Mărgărit Simona , Bocse Horea , Krisboi Iulia , Iancu Ioana , Breazu Caius , Plesa-Furda Patricia , Brînzilă Sandu , Leucuta Daniel , Iancu Cornel , Puia Cosmin , Al Hajjar Nadim , Ciobanu Lidia
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims: Recent single-center retrospective studies have focused on laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) in elderly patients, and compared the outcomes between the laparoscopic and open approaches. Our study aimed to determine the outcomes of LPD in the elderly patients, by performing a systematic review and a meta-analysis of relevant studies. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing the Embase, Medline, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases to identify all studies that compared laparoscopic vs. open approach for pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Results: Five retrospective studies were included in the final analysis. Overall, 90-day mortality rates were significantly decreased after LPD in elderly patients compared with open approaches (RR = 0.56; 95%CI: 0.32–0.96; p = 0.037, I2 = 0%). The laparoscopic approach had similar mortality rate at 30-day, readmission rate in hospital, Clavien–Dindo complications, pancreatic fistula grade B/C, complete resection rate, reoperation for complications and blood loss as the open approach. Additionally, comparing with younger patients (<70 years old), no significant differences were seen in elderly cohort patients regarding mortality rate at 90 days, readmission rate to hospital, and complication rate. Conclusions: Based on our meta-analysis, we identify that LPD in elderly is a safe procedure, with significantly lower 90-day mortality rates when compared with the open approach. Our results should be considered with caution, considering the retrospective analyses of the included studies; larger prospective studies are required.
Stability of DL-Glyceraldehyde under Simulated Hydrothermal Conditions: Synthesis of Sugar-like Compounds in an Iron(III)-Oxide-Hydroxide-Rich Environment under Acidic Conditions
Authors: Fuentes-Carreón Claudio Alejandro , Cruz-Castañeda Jorge Armando , Mateo-Martí Eva , Negrón-Mendoza Alicia
Published: November 2022

Researchers have suggested that the condensation of low-molecular-weight aldehydes under basic conditions (e.g., pH > 11) is the prebiotic reaction responsible for the abiotic formation of carbohydrates. It has also been suggested that surface hydrothermal systems were ubiquitous during the early Archean period. Therefore, the catalysis of prebiotic carbohydrate synthesis by metallic oxide minerals under acidic conditions in these environments seems considerably more probable than the more widely hypothesized reaction routes. This study investigates the stability of DL-glyceraldehyde and its reaction products under the simulated conditions of an Archean surface hydrothermal system. The Hveradalur geothermal area in Iceland was selected as an analog of such a system. HPLC-ESIMS, UV–Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and XPS spectroscopy were used to analyze the reaction products. In hot (323 K) and acidic (pH 2) solutions under the presence of suspended iron(III) oxide hydroxide powder, DL-glyceraldehyde readily decomposes into low-molecular-weight compounds and transforms into sugar-like molecules via condensation reactions.
Strength and Permeability Properties of Pervious Concrete Containing Coal Bottom Ash Aggregates
Authors: Park Ji-Hun , Jeong Seung-Tae , Bui Quang-The , Yang In-Hwan
Published: November 2022

This study investigates the strength and permeability properties of pervious concrete-containing coal bottom ash (CBA) aggregates. Two pervious concrete mixtures were fabricated with different aggregate size distributions. One mixture contained CBA aggregates with a single-type distribution and the other mixture contained CBA aggregates with a hybrid-type distribution. The test parameters of the CBA pervious concrete included the water/cement (W/C) ratio and compaction level to investigate their effects on the properties. W/C ratios of 0.25, 0.30, and 0.35 were considered for the mixture, and compaction levels of 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 MPa were applied to fabricate the pervious specimen. The increase in the W/C ratio reduced the strength by approximately 20% to 30% of the CBA pervious concrete. The increase in the compaction level reduced the permeability by approximately four to five times but significantly increased the strength of the CBA pervious concrete. The test results indicate that the use of single-type CBA or hybrid CBA aggregates with different size distributions affected the properties of the pervious concrete. The strength of specimens, including hybrid CBA aggregates, was 30% to 45% greater than that of the specimens containing single-type CBA aggregates. Meanwhile, the use of hybrid CBA aggregates reduced the permeability of the CBA pervious concrete by approximately 20% to 35%. Finally, relationships between the strength properties, permeability characteristics and total void ratios of the CBA pervious concrete specimens are suggested based on the test results.
Possible Utilization of Distillery Waste in the Carbonization Process
Authors: Kluska Jacek
Published: November 2022

This paper characterizes the carbonization process in terms of the utilization of distillery waste in a laboratory-scale reactor. Due to the increase in market prices of wood and environmental protection laws, biomass waste, including distillery waste, is a potential source for biochar production. An experimental investigation of the carbonization process was carried out for different mixtures of distillery waste and oak sawdust. The obtained results showed that due to the European Standard, biochar from distillery waste could be used for the production of charcoal briquettes for barbecue applications. In addition, biochar from carbonization samples with 66, 50, and 33% distillery waste meet the standards defined by the International Biochar Initiative for HMs content. The analysis of the dynamics of the heating rate showed that adding wood to distillery waste significantly shortens the carbonization process, but this reduces the number of bio-oils produced and its calorific value.