bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomato fruit quality is more strongly affected by scion type and planting season than by rootstock type
Authors: Gong Tian , Brecht Jeffrey K. , Hutton Samuel F. , Koch Karen E. , Zhao Xin
Published: December 2022

Previous studies of tomato rootstock effects on fruit quality have yielded mixed results, and few attempts have been made to systematically examine the association between rootstock characteristics and tomato fruit quality. In this study, grape tomato (‘BHN 1022’) and beefsteak tomato (‘Skyway’) were grafted onto four rootstocks [‘Estamino’ (vigorous and “generative”), ‘DR0141TX’ (vigorous and “vegetative”), ‘RST-04-106-T’ (uncharacterized), and ‘SHIELD RZ F1 (61–802)’ (mid-vigor, uncharacterized)] and compared to non-grafted scion controls for two growing seasons (Spring and Fall in Florida) in organically managed high tunnels. In both seasons and for both scions, the two vigorous rootstocks, regardless of their designation as “vegetative” (‘DR0141TX’) or “generative” (‘Estamino’), exhibited negative impacts on dry matter content, soluble solids content (SSC), SSC/titratable acidity (TA), lycopene, and ascorbic acid contents. Similar effects on fruit dry matter content and SSC were also observed with the ‘RST-04-106-T’ rootstock, although little to no change was seen with grafting onto ‘SHIELD RZ F1 (61–802)’. Further studies are needed to elucidate the impact of rootstock vigor on tomato volatile profiles and consumer sensory acceptability in order to better determine whether any of the documented effects are of practical importance. On the other hand, the evident effects of scion cultivar and planting season on fruit quality were observed in most of the measurements. The scion by rootstock interaction affected fruit length, firmness, pH, and total phenolic content, while the planting season by rootstock interaction impacted fruit firmness, pH, total antioxidant capacity, and ascorbic acid and lycopene contents. The multivariate separation pattern of planting season, scion, and rootstock treatments as revealed by the canonical discriminant analysis further indicated that the influence of scion cultivar and planting season on tomato fruit quality could be much more pronounced than the rootstock effects. The fruit color (C* and H°), length and width, SSC, pH, total antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid, and lycopene contents were the main attributes distinguishing different scion-planting season groups.
The research focus and development trend of art therapy in Chinese education since the 21st century
Authors: Cui Yingying , Wang Fenping
Published: December 2022

Since the 21st century, art therapy has made great progress and development in China’s education. To find out the relationship between art therapy and special children, hundreds of related literatures were analyzed using co-word analysis software, which shows that art therapy is increasingly important in special children and their education. Expressive art therapy has a good development prospect in college students’ mental health education and group counseling. The connotation of group painting therapy is constantly enriched. The theme research of mandala painting therapy is closely related, and painting art therapy focuses on the psychological counseling research of different groups, but the two are still in the marginal position in the whole research, and have not been paid attention to. Therefore, in the future research, firstly, we should continue to strengthen the research of art therapy and expressive art therapy in special education and individual mental health education; second, further broaden the depth and breadth of group painting therapy; third, strengthen the study of mandala painting therapy and painting art therapy.
Derived generalization of attentional bias for laboratory-induced threat: Yes but
Authors: Valdivia-Salas Sonsoles , Lombas Andrés Sebastián , López-Crespo Ginesa , Zaldivar Pablo J. L.
Published: December 2022

There is laboratory evidence that fear conditioning underlies the emergence of attentional bias (AB) for threat. Our main objective was to test, for the first time, whether derived or symbolic responding contributes to the generalization of AB across non-conditioned stimuli. Participants were all university students (N = 86) with no pre-existing conditions. We first employed an exogenous cueing paradigm with two color slides (i.e., A1 or to-be CS+, and A2 or to-be CS−) serving as cues, and loud white noise serving as unconditioned stimulus during conditioning trials. We then employed a match-to-sample procedure to establish a derived equivalence relation between color A1 and arbitrary shape C1 as well as between color A2 and arbitrary shape C2. Next, we investigated the transfer of AB across non-conditioned stimuli: participants performed the same spatial cueing task with non-conditioned C1 and C2 stimuli serving as cues. Results replicated previous findings on the conditioning basis of AB, and most importantly, showed preliminary evidence of AB transfer: those participants who appraised C1 and not C2 as a signal of impending noise showed AB toward C1. This is the first laboratory demonstration that AB may generalize to stimuli physically unrelated to directly conditioned threats. Unfortunately, the small number of participants showing this effect calls for cautious considerations.
Learning from failure feedback for subsequent task performance: A matter of personality?
Authors: Thiel Katharina , Semrau Thorsten
Published: December 2022

The present study expands our knowledge of the differential consequences of failure feedback. Specifically, we conducted an online experiment to elaborate on how conscientiousness and extraversion contribute to explaining whether individuals learn from failure feedback for future task performance. In line with our hypotheses, we find that individuals who are highly conscientious and/or highly extraverted are more likely to learn from failure feedback than their counterparts. We discuss the implications of our study and derive practical implications.
The role of grievance in fatal family violence and implications for the construct of lone actor grievance-fuelled violence
Authors: Cooper Alannah J. , Pathé Michele T. , McEwan Troy E.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The concept of lone actor grievance fuelled violence assumes that homicides that occur in very different contexts can be thought about in a consistent manner because they share common motivations and resultant emotional states like resentment, outrage or revenge. Fatal family violence has been largely excluded from discussions of lone actor grievance-fuelled homicide, based on the assumption that it is conceptually different. This scoping review examines similarities and discrepancies between the characteristics and motivations of perpetrators of fatal family violence and those who have engaged in lone actor grievance-fuelled homicide outside the family context, and the relevance of the concept of grievance-fuelled violence to fatal family violence.

Methods

This study reviewed published case studies and case series, resulting in a dataset of 102 homicide cases from 36 studies, of which there were 38 fatal family violence cases and 64 categorised as lone actor grievance-fuelled homicide.

Results

Twenty of the 38 fatal family violence cases were identified as being grievance-fuelled, based on the presence of motivations consistent with definitions in the grievance literature. Whilst there were some offence similarities between the fatal family violence cases (e.g., location of offence), those driven by grievance were more similar to lone actor grievance-fuelled homicide in other ways (e.g., offender’s gender and offence methods). In both these categories violence was predominantly motivated by grievance and a desire for revenge, whereas non-grievance fatal family violence cases were predominantly motivated by altruism.

Discussion

The motivations that defined behaviour as lone actor grievance-fuelled homicide were equally apparent in a sub-group of fatal family violence, implying that some family violence cases can be integrated into the construct of lone actor grievance-fuelled homicide in future research and theorising.
Relationships between positive schemas and life satisfaction in psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Chi Danni , Zhong Haiyun , Wang Yubo , Ma Hong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Du Xiangju
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Unlike the extensively examined early maladaptive schemas, positive schemas have rarely been examined in psychiatric patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, resilience, and positive schemas in psychiatric inpatients with generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder and explore their associations. A sample of 140 psychiatric inpatients with anxiety and depression, aged between 18 and 72 years (Mage = 35.62, SD = 13.87) participated in this study.

Methods

A majority were women (n = 98, 70.0%). The analyses examined resilience and anxiety/depression as mediators between positive schema and life satisfaction.

Results

Based on statistical analyses, resilience and anxiety/depression were parallel rather than serial mediators between positive schemas and life satisfaction. These results confirmed the positive association between positive schemas and life satisfaction, and identified mechanisms between them: directly associated and indirectly associated through the parallel mediations of resilience and anxiety/depression.

Discussion

The findings of this study suggest that higher levels of positive schemas in psychiatric inpatients are associated with greater life satisfaction directly and through the mediation of reduced psychopathological emotions and increased resilience. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the associations between positive schemas and negative and positive outcomes and the mechanisms underlying these associations in clinical populations.
Working online or offline during COVID-19: Which has more impacts on stock price?
Authors: Jia Wanjiao , Xu Yuanyuan , Lu Xiaowu
Published: December 2022

Remote work has become increasingly popular and important after the spread of COVID-19, but its impact on the financial market is in dispute. Using a unique dataset of analyst visits in China and multiple regression, we examine the impact of remote work on the financial market by comparing the market reaction to analysts’ online and offline visits. Results show that online visits have a significantly greater impact on stock prices than offline visits, as discussion depth, information sharing, and information dissemination are enhanced. Additionally, online visits can predict the changes in funds’ holdings and firms’ future performance. Overall, our findings suggest that remote work improves the information environment of the financial market during COVID-19.
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychotropic drug consumption
Authors: Benistand Paul , Vorilhon Philippe , Laporte Catherine , Bouillon-Minois Jean-Baptiste , Brousse Georges , Bagheri Reza , Ugbolue Ukadike Chris , Baker Julien S. , Flaudias Valentin , Mulliez Aurélien , Dutheil Frédéric
Published: December 2022

Importance

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on mental health, there is no comprehensive longitudinal study of the entire population of a country without selection bias.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prescription of psychotropic drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic, using data from the French national health data system (SNDS).

Design, settings, and participants

Prescriptions for psychotropic drugs (antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics, and antipsychotics) from 1 January 2015 to 30 September 2021 were collected from administrative data provided by the SNDS. This database includes more than 99% of the French population, i.e., 67 million people. The data were analyzed using an interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) model.

Main outcomes and measures

Consumption of psychotropic drugs was aggregated in months and expressed in number of boxes per thousand inhabitants.

Results

During the study period, more than 1.3 billion boxes of psychotropic medications were dispensed. Comparison of psychotropic drug dispensing before and after the pandemic showed a relative increase of 0.76 (95 CI 0.57 to 0.95, p<0.001) boxes per month per thousand inhabitants, all classes of psychotropic drugs combined. Three classes saw their consumption increase in an almost similar proportion, respectively, by 0.23 (0.15 to 0.32, p<0.001) boxes for antidepressants, 0.27 (0.20 to 0.34, p<0.001) boxes for anxiolytics and 0.23 (0.17 to 0.30, p<0.001) boxes for hypnotics. The change in antipsychotic consumption was very small, with an increase of 0.04 boxes (0.02 to 0.06, p = 0.001) per month per thousand population.

Conclusion and relevance

The COVID-19 pandemic had led to an increase in the consumption of psychotropic drugs, confirming the significant impact of the pandemic on the mental health of the general population.
Data mining for prediction and interpretation of bacterial population behavior in food
Authors: Hosoe Junpei , Sunagawa Junya , Nakaoka Shinji , Koseki Shige , Koyama Kento
Published: December 2022

Although bacterial population behavior has been investigated in a variety of foods in the past 40 years, it is difficult to obtain desired information from the mere juxtaposition of experimental data. We predicted the changes in the number of bacteria and visualize the effects of pH, aw, and temperature using a data mining approach. Population growth and inactivation data on eight pathogenic and food spoilage bacteria under 5,025 environmental conditions were obtained from the ComBase database (www.combase.cc), including 15 food categories, and temperatures ranging from 0°C to 25°C. The eXtreme gradient boosting tree was used to predict population behavior. The root mean square error of the observed and predicted values was 1.23 log CFU/g. The data mining model extracted the growth inhibition for the investigated bacteria against aw, temperature, and pH using the SHapley Additive eXplanations value. A data mining approach provides information concerning bacterial population behavior and how food ecosystems affect bacterial growth and inactivation.
Three-Dimensional Printing and Digital Flow in Human Medicine: A Review and State-of-the-Art
Authors: Salazar-Gamarra Rodrigo , Contreras-Pulache Hans , Cruz-Gonzales Gloria , Binasco Salvatore , Cruz-Gonzales William , Moya-Salazar Jeel
Published: December 2022

The use of exponential technologies is changing how people live and interact; this has been called the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”. Within these technologies, 3D printing is playing a leading role, especially in health. In this context, this literature review aims to present the state of the art of 3D printing, its digital workflow and applications in medicine, and the advantages of its use in public health. Consequently, it describes the benefits for the patient and the medical team from a diagnostic stage, a brief history of its development, what is the digital flow when working with a 3D printer, what experiences of its use in medicine, and finally, how this technology used in medicine and public health can be part of the Digital Transformation in Peru.
Acute Vessel Closure or Major Adverse Cardiac Events of Drug-Coated Balloons and Stents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gunawardena Tharusha , Corballis Natasha , Merinopoulos Ioannis , Tsampasian Vasiliki , Reinhold Johannes , Eccleshall Simon , Vassiliou Vassilios S.
Published: December 2022

While the use of drug-eluting stents (DES) has become the first-line strategy for treating coronary artery disease, there are still drawbacks with their use. As our understanding of coronary artery anatomy and physiology evolves, growing evidence supports the use of drug-coated balloons (DCB) not only in the treatment of in-stent restenosis but also in de novo lesions. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine if there is a difference in outcomes when DCBs are used versus when stents are used. PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science databases were systematically searched. The primary outcome of the meta-analysis was acute vessel closure and the secondary outcomes were stent complications including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality. Eleven studies with a total of 2349 patients were included. No significant difference was found in terms of acute vessel closure between DCBs and all stents (2.6% vs. 1.0%, OR: 2.13 (0.74–6.44), I2: 4%, p = 0.16). Furthermore, there was no difference in MACE (6.8% vs. 10.1%, OR: 0.53 (0.27–1.04), I2: 48%, p = 0.06), all-cause mortality and target lesion revascularisation. This meta-analysis suggests that the use of DCBs is a safe alternative to stents when treating coronary artery disease.
Optimization of Aluminum Boride Synthesis in the Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis Mode to Create Waste-Free Technology
Authors: Aknazarov Sestager Khusainovich , Mutushev Alibek Zhumabekovich , Gonzalez-Leal Juan Maria , Bairakova Olga Stepanovna , Golovchenko Olga Yuryevna , Golovchenko Natalia Yuryevna , Ponomareva Elena Alexandrovna
Published: December 2022

This paper is the continuation of our previous paper. In this work, we optimized the synthesis of aluminum borides by the SHS method. The purpose of the research was to develop the foundations of waste-free technology. The initial components were powders of boric anhydride (B2O3), aluminum (Al), the oxide-heating additive (KNO3), various fluxing additives, including mixed ones. The optimal ratios of the initial components for increasing the yield of aluminum boride with a high boron content and obtaining slag suitable for the production of high-alumina clinkers were determined. Studies have shown that the development of a waste-free technology for producing aluminum borides by the method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) is possible and yields target (alloy) and by-product (slag) products that meet the requirements for chemical and phase composition.
Saudi Consensus Recommendations on the Management of Multiple Sclerosis: Disease-Modifying Therapies and Management of Relapses
Authors: Al Malik Yaser M. , Al Thubaiti Ibtisam A. , AlAmmari Maha A. , Al Fugham Norah , Ali Eman N. , Alissa Dema A. , Aljarallah Salman A. , Al-Jedai Ahmed H. , AlKathiri Maeed A. , AlKhawajah Mona M. , Almejally Mousa A. , Al-Mudaiheem Hajer Y. , Al Otaibi Hessa S. , AlTowaijri Ghadah H. , Al Yafeai Rumaiza H. , Babakkor Mohammed A. , Bohlega Saeed A. , Bunyan Reem F. , Cupler Edward J. , Hakami Mohammed , Kareem Abid M. , Khardaly Amr M. , Makkawi Seraj , Saeed Leena H. , Saeedi Jameelah A. , Shosha Eslam , Al Jumah Mohammad A.
Published: December 2022

For the past 10 years, disease-modifying therapy (DMT) options for multiple sclerosis (MS) have grown remarkably where DMTs have been shown to reduce the risk of MS relapses. MS patients are advised to begin treatment with a DMT shortly after diagnosis to limit the possibility of disease progression over time. While patients with radiologically isolated syndrome do not require pharmacologic treatment, high-risk patients with clinically isolated syndrome are advised to start DMTs. This article provides evidence-based recommendations for DMT use in MS management, helping healthcare practitioners advise patients on treatment decisions. We aim to provide recommendations for the management of acute MS relapses. The recommendations herein were developed following the gathering of a panel of experts after evaluating international guidelines, and the latest evidence was collected through a comprehensive literature review.
Preoperative C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio Predicts Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula following Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study
Authors: Funamizu Naotake , Utsunomiya Takeshi , Honjo Masahiko , Ito Chihiro , Shine Mikiya , Uraoka Mio , Nagaoka Tomoyuki , Tamura Kei , Sakamoto Katsunori , Ogawa Kohei , Takada Yasutsugu
Published: December 2022

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is a potentially lethal complication, and it is clinically important to determine its risk preoperatively. Although C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) is reported to be a prognostic marker for postoperative complications in several cancers, no evidence is currently available regarding the association between preoperative CAR and POPF following PD for periampullary tumors. This study examined whether preoperative CAR could predict POPF following PD. Clinical data were retrospectively retrieved from Ehime University Hospital. The optimal cut-off value for CAR was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. This study enrolled 203 consecutive patients undergoing PD for periampullary tumors. The CAR value was significantly higher in the POPF group than in the non-POPF group (p < 0.001). According to the ROC curve analysis, the optimal cut-off value for CAR was 0.09. Patients with CAR ≥ 0.09 had higher incidence rates of POPF than their counterparts. CAR ≥ 0.09 was a risk factor for POPF in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 34.5, 95% confidence interval 11.75–101.38, p < 0.001). This is the first report demonstrating an association between CAR and POPF following PD. Preoperative CAR is an independent predictive marker for POPF following PD.
Symbiotic Culture of Three Closely Related Dendrobium Species Reveals a Growth Bottleneck and Differences in Mycorrhizal Specificity at Early Developmental Stages
Authors: Zhang Liyue , Rammitsu Kento , Kinoshita Akihiko , Tokuhara Ken , Yukawa Tomohisa , Ogura-Tsujita Yuki
Published: December 2022

Mycorrhizal specificity, i.e., the range of fungi allowing mycorrhizal partnerships, differs among orchid species, but that at early developmental stages is unclear. We investigated whether mycorrhizal specificity during seed germination and seedling development differs among three Dendrobium species, D. officinale, D. okinawense and D. moniliforme, in vitro. Nine mycorrhizal fungal strains were obtained from the roots of these species and cultured with a seed of each Dendrobium species. Five to eight fungal strains stimulated seed germination, whereas one to four fungal isolates significantly promoted protocorm development in the three species. To evaluate effects on leafy seedling growth, seedlings obtained from asymbiotic culture were cultured with nine fungal isolates. D. officinale and D. okinawense showed specificity for a single Serendipitaceae or Tulasnellaceae isolate, whereas D. moniliforme exhibited specificity for three isolates of Serendipitaceae and Tulasnellaceae. Therefore, the three Dendrobium species had a growth bottleneck from seed germination to the protocorm stage, and mycorrhizal specificity of protocorm growth and seedling development in vitro varied among the species. Our findings imply divergent mycorrhizal specificity in Dendrobium species at early developmental stages. This study provides insights into the diversity of orchid mycorrhizal specificity, as well as valuable information for conservation of endangered orchids.
Helmet Wearing Detection of Motorcycle Drivers Using Deep Learning Network with Residual Transformer-Spatial Attention
Authors: Chen Shuai , Lan Jinhui , Liu Haoting , Chen Chengkai , Wang Xiaohan
Published: December 2022

Aiming at the existing problem of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aerial photography for riders’ helmet wearing detection, a novel aerial remote sensing detection paradigm is proposed by combining super-resolution reconstruction, residual transformer-spatial attention, and you only look once version 5 (YOLOv5) image classifier. Due to its small target size, significant size change, and strong motion blur in UAV aerial images, the helmet detection model for riders has weak generalization ability and low accuracy. First, a ladder-type multi-attention network (LMNet) for target detection is designed to conquer these difficulties. The LMNet enables information interaction and fusion at each stage, fully extracts image features, and minimizes information loss. Second, the Residual Transformer 3D-spatial Attention Module (RT3DsAM) is proposed in this work, which digests information from global data that is important for feature representation and final classification detection. It also builds self-attention and enhances correlation between information. Third, the rider images detected by LMNet are cropped out and reconstructed by the enhanced super-resolution generative adversarial networks (ESRGAN) to restore more realistic texture information and sharp edges. Finally, the reconstructed images of riders are classified by the YOLOv5 classifier. The results of the experiment show that, when compared with the existing methods, our method improves the detection accuracy of riders’ helmets in aerial photography scenes, with the target detection mean average precision (mAP) evaluation indicator reaching 91.67%, and the image classification top1 accuracy (TOP1 ACC) gaining 94.23%.
An Efficient CRT-Base Power-of-Two Scaling in Minimally Redundant Residue Number System
Authors: Selianinau Mikhail , Povstenko Yuriy
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we consider one of the key problems in modular arithmetic. It is known that scaling in the residue number system (RNS) is a rather complicated non-modular procedure, which requires expensive and complex operations at each iteration. Hence, it is time consuming and needs too much hardware for implementation. We propose a novel approach to power-of-two scaling based on the Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT) and rank form of the number representation in RNS. By using minimal redundancy of residue code, we optimize and speed up the rank calculation and parity determination of divisible integers in each iteration. The proposed enhancements make the power-of-two scaling simpler and faster than the currently known methods. After calculating the rank of the initial number, each iteration of modular scaling by two is performed in one modular clock cycle. The computational complexity of the proposed method of scaling by a constant Sl=2l associated with both required modular addition operations and lookup tables is estimeted as k and 2k+1, respectively, where k equals the number of primary non-redundant RNS moduli. The time complexity is log2k+l modular clock cycles.
Improved Gravitational Search Algorithm Based on Adaptive Strategies
Authors: Yang Zhonghua , Cai Yuanli , Li Ge
Published: December 2022

The gravitational search algorithm is a global optimization algorithm that has the advantages of a swarm intelligence algorithm. Compared with traditional algorithms, the performance in terms of global search and convergence is relatively good, but the solution is not always accurate, and the algorithm has difficulty jumping out of locally optimal solutions. In view of these shortcomings, an improved gravitational search algorithm based on an adaptive strategy is proposed. The algorithm uses the adaptive strategy to improve the updating methods for the distance between particles, gravitational constant, and position in the gravitational search model. This strengthens the information interaction between particles in the group and improves the exploration and exploitation capacity of the algorithm. In this paper, 13 classical single-peak and multi-peak test functions were selected for simulation performance tests, and the CEC2017 benchmark function was used for a comparison test. The test results show that the improved gravitational search algorithm can address the tendency of the original algorithm to fall into local extrema and significantly improve both the solution accuracy and the ability to find the globally optimal solution.
New Insights into the Genetic Mechanism of the Miocene Mounded Stratigraphy in the Qiongdongnan Basin, Northern South China Sea
Authors: Xu Litao , Shi Wanzhong , Wang Ren , Ren Jinfeng , He Yulin , Du Hao , Zuo Tingna , Huang Jin , Dong Yang
Published: December 2022

The origin of deep-water mounds has been a topic of debate in recent years. In this study, newly collected seismic data were employed to characterize the mounds within the Meishan Formation in the Qiongdongnan Basin and a novel model was proposed. The result showed that pervasive mounds and ‘V’-shaped troughs were alternately distributed at the top of the Meishan Formation. They appeared as elongated ridges flanked by similarly elongated gullies, with the trending parallel with the strike of the basinward slope. The mounded features were considered to be formed in response to the tectonically induced seabed deformation. The differential subsidence steepened the slope that was equivalent to the top of the Meishan Formation (ca. 10.5 Ma), which offered sufficient driving forces triggering the slope’s instability. Correspondingly, the uppermost deposits glided along a bedding-parallel detachment surface, creating a number of listric detachment faults that ceased downward to this surface. The uppermost layer was cut into a range of tilted fault blocks with tops constituting a seemingly mounded topography. Some of the downfaulted troughs between mounds steered the gravity flows and were filled by sand-rich lithologies. The differential subsidence played a decisive role in the formation of a mounded stratigraphy, which in turn acted as clues to the important tectonic phase since the late Miocene.
Unveiling the Effects of Solvent Polarity within Graphene Based Electric Double-Layer Capacitors
Authors: Xu Chenxuan , Zhu Jingdong , Li Dedi , Qian Xu , Chen Gang , Yang Huachao
Published: December 2022

Solvents have been considered to show a profound influence on the charge storage of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). However, the corresponding mechanisms remain elusive and controversial. In this work, the influences of solvent dipole moment on the EDL structures, kinetic properties, and charging mechanisms of graphene-based EDLCs are investigated with atomistic simulations. Specifically, electrolyte structuring is conspicuously modulated by solvents, where a sharp increment of capacitance (~325.6%) and kinetics (~10-fold) is documented upon the slight descent of polarity by ~33.0%. Unusually, such an impressive enhancement is primarily attributed to the suppressed interfacial electric fields stimulated by strong-polarity solvents in the proximity of electrodes, which goes beyond the previously observed issues that stemmed from the competitive interplays between ions and solvents. Moreover, a distinctive polarity-dependent charging mechanism (i.e., from pure counterion adsorption to coion desorption) is identified, which for the first time delineates the pivotal role of solvent polarity in manipulating the charge storage evolutions. The as-obtained findings highlight that exploiting the solvent effects could be a promising avenue to further advance the performances of EDLCs.
ZVS Realization of H-Bridge Low-Voltage High-Current Converter via Phase-Shift and Saturable Control
Authors: Xu Pingfan , Liu Xiaoyi , Yu Samson Shenglong , Pang Lisheng
Published: December 2022

A zero-voltage switching (ZVS) H-bridge phase-shifted low-voltage high-current converter with saturable inductors is proposed in this paper. The introduction of saturable inductors solves the short circuit problem caused by high-frequency on–off of the power tube, and effectively inhibits high-frequency voltage oscillation and voltage spikes of the rectifier tube. In addition, when the current flowing through the saturable inductor does not change rapidly, it exhibits a low impedance and consumes very little power. The detailed design process of main parameters in the converter is presented to provide design reference for power supply workers. To verify the effectiveness of design, a 3 kW(15 V/200 A) prototype converter is built. This low-voltage high-current prototype has around 90% efficiency, and can suppress high-frequency voltage oscillation and voltage spikes, avoiding the short circuit problem of power tube, all of which are verified by experimentation.
Research on the Influencing Factors of Coal Industry Transformation Based on the DEMATEL–ISM Method
Authors: Zhong Shuheng , Lin Dan , Yang Kangdi
Published: December 2022

The “carbon peak, carbon neutral” goal and the rapid development of new energy sources such as photovoltaic and hydrogen energy have accelerated the decline of the traditional coal industry. Therefore, the coal industry urgently needs to seize the opportunity for coal transformation and achieve high-quality development to improve its competitiveness. This study used a combination of literature analysis and case supplementation to identify 12 influencing factors of coal industry transformation. The DEMATEL method was used to classify the 12 influencing factors into four groups: strong cause, weak cause, strong outcome, and weak outcome. Then, the ISM method was used to construct a multi-level recursive structure of the factors influencing the transformation of the coal industry. The results show that the influencing factors of coal industry transformation can be divided into a three-layer hierarchical structure. Among them, policy traction is the most critical fundamental influence, technological change has the highest importance in the indirect influence layer, while safety production, related industries and support, and capital funding are the most effective direct influence. It should be the focus of attention.
Environmental Sustainability of Waste Circulation Models for Sugarcane Biorefinery System in Thailand
Authors: Silalertruksa Thapat , Wirodcharuskul Chanipa , Gheewala Shabbir H.
Published: December 2022

Sugarcane leaves and trash burning during harvesting, and vinasse management, are major challenges of the Thai sugarcane industry. Identification of the appropriate valorization pathways for both the biomass waste streams using the sugarcane biorefinery concept is necessary. This study aims to assess the environmental sustainability of five CE models, including (1) sugarcane trash for electricity, (2) sugarcane trash to biochar, (3) sugarcane trash as a soil conditioner, (4) vinasse as a bio-fertilizer, and (5) vinasse for power generation. Life cycle assessment has been conducted using the ReCiPE midpoint impact assessment method. The results revealed that all waste utilization scenarios can help reduce the environmental impacts compared to the base case. The utilization of sugarcane leaves and trash for electricity generation brings about the lowest environmental impacts due to the environmental credits from the substitution of Thai grid electricity. The utilization of sugarcane leaves can reduce impacts on climate change, terrestrial acidification, and ozone formation by about 20–104%, 43–61%, and 12–54%. Recycling vinasse as bio-fertilizer and for biogas production for electricity generation can reduce climate change impact by about 28–29%. There is a significant improvement of the avoidance of pre-harvesting burning of sugarcane in the Thai sugar industry, which has led to the big potential of sugarcane leaves biomass utilization. Recommendations to enhance the efficiency of using sugarcane leaves and vinasse are discussed. The integrated waste circulation scenarios on cane leaves and vinasses in the sugar-electricity-ethanol biorefinery shows advancement in the bio-circular-green economy (BCG) aspects for enhancing the environmental sustainability of the Thai sugarcane industry.
Biocompatible Potato-Starch Electrolyte-Based Coplanar Gate-Type Artificial Synaptic Transistors on Paper Substrates
Authors: Choi Hyun-Sik , Lee Young-Jun , Park Hamin , Cho Won-Ju
Published: December 2022

In this study, we propose the use of artificial synaptic transistors with coplanar-gate structures fabricated on paper substrates comprising biocompatible and low-cost potato-starch electrolyte and indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) channels. The electrical double layer (EDL) gating effect of potato-starch electrolytes enabled the emulation of biological synaptic plasticity. Frequency dependence measurements of capacitance using a metal-insulator-metal capacitor configuration showed a 1.27 μF/cm2 at a frequency of 10 Hz. Therefore, strong capacitive coupling was confirmed within the potato-starch electrolyte/IGZO channel interface owing to EDL formation because of internal proton migration. An electrical characteristics evaluation of the potato-starch EDL transistors through transfer and output curve resulted in counterclockwise hysteresis caused by proton migration in the electrolyte; the hysteresis window linearly increased with maximum gate voltage. A synaptic functionality evaluation with single-spike excitatory post-synaptic current (EPSC), paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), and multi-spike EPSC resulted in mimicking short-term synaptic plasticity and signal transmission in the biological neural network. Further, channel conductance modulation by repetitive presynaptic stimuli, comprising potentiation and depression pulses, enabled stable modulation of synaptic weights, thereby validating the long-term plasticity. Finally, recognition simulations on the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) handwritten digit database yielded a 92% recognition rate, thereby demonstrating the applicability of the proposed synaptic device to the neuromorphic system.
Thymoquinone Suppresses Angiogenesis in DEN-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting miR-1-3p
Authors: Tadros Samer A. , Attia Yasmin M. , Maurice Nadine W. , Fahim Sally A. , Abdelwahed Fatma M. , Ibrahim Samar , Badary Osama A.
Published: December 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by its high vascularity and metastasis. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bio-active constituent of Nigella sativa, has shown anticancer and hepatoprotective effects. TQ’s anticancer effect is mediated through miRNA regulation. miR-1-3p plays a significant role in various cancers but its role in HCC invasiveness remains poorly understood. Bio-informatics analysis predicted that the 3′-UTR of TIMP3 is a target for miR-1-3p; Rats were equally divided into four groups: Group 1, the negative control; Group 2 received TQ; Group 3 received DEN; and Group 4 received DEN after pretreatment with TQ. The expression of TIMP3, MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF in rats’ liver was determined immunohistochemically. RT-qPCR was used to measure the miR-1-3p level in rats’ liver, and TIMP3, MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF in the HepG2 cells after being transfected with miR-1-3p mimic or inhibitor; In rats pretreated with TQ, a decreased expression of MMP2, MMP9 and VEGF, and increased expression levels of TIMP3 and miR-1-3p were detected. Treating the HepG2 cells with miR-1-3p mimic led to the upregulation of TIMP3 and downregulation of MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF, and showed a significant delay in wound healing; These results suggested that the anti-angiogenic effect of TQ in HCC may be mediated through the regulation of miR-1-3p.
Development of Inhalable Chitosan-Coated Oxymatrine Liposomes to Alleviate RSV-Infected Mice
Authors: Peng Jianqing , Wang Qin , Guo Mingyang , Liu Chunyuan , Chen Xuesheng , Tao Ling , Zhang Ke , Shen Xiangchun
Published: December 2022

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the most important cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants, neonates, and young children, even leading to hyperinflation and atelectasis. Oxymatrine (OMT), originating from natural herbs, possessed potential antivirus activity against influenza A virus, Coxsackie B3 virus, and RSV, whereas the absence of an in vivo study indicated the difficulties in overcoming the physiological obstacles. Since RSV basically replicated in lung tissue, in this study, we fabricated and characterized a chitosan (CS)-coated liposome with OMT loaded for the treatment of lethal RSV infection via inhalation. The results uncovered that OMT, as a hydrophilic drug, was liable to diffuse in the mucus layer and penetrate through the gas–blood barrier to enter systemic circulation quickly, which might restrict its inhibitory effect on RSV replication. The CS-coated liposome enhanced the distribution and retention of OMT in lung tissue without restriction from mucus, which contributed to the improved alleviative effect of OMT on lethal RSV-infected mice. Overall, this study provides a novel inhalation therapy for RSV infection, and the CS-coated liposome might be a potential inhalable nanocarrier for hydrophilic drugs to prevent pulmonary infections.
Effects of Light Intensity on Physiological Characteristics and Expression of Genes in Coumarin Biosynthetic Pathway of Angelica dahurica
Authors: Huang Yongjie , Zhai Yongnan , Huang Ya , Huang Yufeng , Liu Kun , Zhang Jie , Zhou Jihai
Published: December 2022

Plants are affected by changes in light and adaptation mechanisms can affect secondary metabolite synthesis. In this study, the physiological response and regulation of the coumarin biosynthetic pathway of Angelica dahurica to different light intensities (natural light (CK), shade rate 50% (L1), shade rate 70% (L2), and shade rate 90% (L3)) were examined. The chlorophyll content, level of the enzymes of the antioxidant system, extent of lipid peroxidation, and concentrations of the osmoregulatory solute levels were determined in potted plants. Root transcriptome under different light intensities was sequenced using high-throughput technology, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to coumarin biosynthesis were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). With increasing shade, Chl a, Chl b, Chl a + b, and Chl a/b content increased, while the Chl a/b ratio decreased. The antioxidant enzyme system activity and extent of membrane lipid peroxidation increased. The soluble protein (SP) and proline (Pro) content decreased with the reduction in the light intensity, and soluble sugar (SS) content was found to be highest at 50% shade. The RNA-seq analysis showed that 9388 genes were differentially expressed in the L3 group (7561 were upregulated and 1827 were downregulated). In both the L1 and L2 groups, DEGs were significantly enriched in “Ribosome biosynthesis”; meanwhile, in the L3 group, the DEGs were significantly enriched in “Amino and ribonucleotide sugar metabolism” in KEGG metabolic pathway analysis. Additionally, 4CL (TRINITY_DN40230_c0_g2) and COMT (TRINITY_DN21272_c0_g1) of the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway were significantly downregulated in the L3 group. In conclusion, A. dahurica grew best under 50% shade and the secondary-metabolite coumarin biosynthetic pathway was inhibited by 90% shade, affecting the yield and quality of medicinal compounds.
TRH Regulates the Synthesis and Secretion of Prolactin in Rats with Adenohypophysis through the Differential Expression of miR-126a-5p
Authors: Zhao Guo-Kun , Zheng Yi , Guo Hai-Xiang , Wang Hao-Qi , Ji Zhong-Hao , Wang Tian , Yu Song , Zhang Jia-Bao , Yuan Bao , Ren Wen-Zhi
Published: December 2022

Prolactin (PRL) is an important hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland and plays an important role in the growth, development and reproduction of organisms. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is a common prolactin-releasing factor that regulates the synthesis and secretion of prolactin. In recent studies, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to play a key role in the regulation of pituitary hormones. However, there is a lack of systematic studies on the regulatory role that TRH plays on the pituitary transcriptome, and the role of miRNAs in the regulation of PRL synthesis and secretion by TRH lacks experimental evidence. In this study, we first investigated the changes in PRL synthesis and secretion in the rat pituitary gland after TRH administration. The results of transcriptomic analysis after TRH treatment showed that 102 genes, including those that encode Nppc, Fgf1, PRL, Cd63, Npw, and Il23a, were upregulated, and 488 genes, including those that encode Lats1, Cacna2d1, Top2a, and Tfap2a, were downregulated. These genes are all involved in the regulation of prolactin expression. The gene expression of miR-126a-5p, which regulates the level of PRL in the pituitary gland, was screened by analysis prediction software and by a dual luciferase reporter system. The data presented in this study demonstrate that TRH can regulate prolactin synthesis and secretion through miR-126a-5p, thereby improving our understanding of the molecular mechanism of TRH-mediated PRL secretion and providing a theoretical basis for the role of miRNAs in regulating the secretion of pituitary hormones.
Anp32a Promotes Neuronal Regeneration after Spinal Cord Injury of Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Lee Hung-Chieh , Lai Wei-Lin , Lin Cheng-Yung , Zeng Chih-Wei , Sheu Jin-Chuan , Chou Tze-Bin , Tsai Huai-Jen
Published: December 2022

After spinal cord injury (SCI) in mammals, neuronal regeneration is limited; in contrast, such regeneration occurs quickly in zebrafish. Member A of the acidic nuclear phosphoprotein 32 (ANP32a) family is involved in neuronal development, but its function is controversial, and its involvement in zebrafish SCI remains unknown. To determine the role of zebrafish ANP32a in the neuronal regeneration of SCI embryos, we microinjected ANP32a mRNA into embryos from zebrafish transgenic line Tg(mnx1:GFP) prior to SCI. Compared to control SCI embryos, the results showed that the regeneration of spinal cord and resumption of swimming capability were promoted by the overexpression of ANP32a mRNA but reduced by its knockdown. We next combined fluorescence-activated cell sorting with immunochemical staining of anti-GFAP and immunofluorescence staining against anti-PH3 on Tg(gfap:GFP) SCI embryos. The results showed that ANP32a promoted the proliferation and cell number of radial glial cells at the injury epicenter at 24 h post-injury (hpi). Moreover, when we applied BrdU labeling to SCI embryos derived from crossing the Tg(gfap:GFP) and Tg(mnx1:TagRFP) lines, we found that both radial glial cells and motor neurons had proliferated, along with their increased cell numbers in Anp32a-overexpression SCI-embryos. On this basis, we conclude that ANP32a plays a positive role in the regeneration of zebrafish SCI embryos.
Elevated Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Level in the Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Renner Éva , Dóra Fanni , Oszwald Erzsébet , Dobolyi Árpád , Palkovits Miklós
Published: December 2022

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, the brain actions of these drugs are not properly established. We used post mortem microdissected human hypothalamic samples for RT-qPCR and Western blotting. For in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunolabelling, parallel cryosections were prepared from the hypothalamus. We developed in situ hybridization probes for human GLP-1R and oxytocin. In addition, GLP-1 and oxytocin were visualized by immunohistochemistry. Radioactive in situ hybridization histochemistry revealed abundant GLP-1R labelling in the human paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN), particularly in its magnocellular subdivision (PVNmc). Quantitative analysis of the mRNA signal demonstrated increased GLP-1R expression in the PVNmc in post mortem hypothalamic samples from T2DM subjects as compared to controls, while there was no difference in the expression level of GLP-1R in the other subdivisions of the PVN, the hypothalamic dorsomedial and infundibular nuclei. Our results in the PVN were confirmed by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, we demonstrated by Western blot technique that the GLP-1R protein level was also elevated in the PVN of T2DM patients. GLP-1 fibre terminals were also observed in the PVNmc closely apposing oxytocin neurons using immunohistochemistry. The data suggest that GLP-1 activates GLP-1Rs in the PVNmc and that GLP-1R is elevated in T2DM patients, which may be related to the dysregulation of feeding behaviour and glucose homeostasis in T2DM.