bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Effect of the Constitution: Specific Features of the Russian Model from a Comparative Perspective
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University, Gritsenko Elena
Published: November 2021

The differences in the interpretation of the direct effect of a constitution are mainly caused by the peculiarities of understanding the essence of the constitution and the rule of law, the relation between the national, supranational and international law in a legal system, the specifics of the perceived constitutional concept of basic rights, the limits of private autonomy and the action of constitutional rights in public and private relations. Furthermore, a model of constitutional review and the national judicial system play a key part. The American approach, based on the distinction between common law and constitutional law, creates difficulties in the constitutionalization of the common law. These problems, along with the peculiarities of American federalism, are reflected in the state action doctrine as a tool outlining the mechanisms and limits of constitutional rights and the state’s duties to protect them. However, the solution of the question about the horizontal application of the Constitution depends, rather, not on objective criteria, but the discretion of the court. A different model of the direct action of the Constitution and basic rights has been developed in the German legal system. The Federal Constitutional Court of Germany opened the way for the constitutionalization of sectoral legislation, as well as for the recognition of the mediated horizontal action of constitutional rights in private relations. Post-socialist states developing within the continental legal family, mostly without any reservations, accepted the idea of direct action of the Constitution and fundamental rights in vertical and horizontal relations. This is largely due to the socialist tradition: the Constitution is not perceived as an act addressed to the state, but is regarded as an act addressed to the whole society. In this regard, the current Russian Constitution enshrines the universal obligation for public and private actors to observe the Constitution and allows it to be applied in private relations. The principle of the direct effect requires the court to detect possible conflicts and solve them, using available constitutional means. This mechanism of courts applying the Constitution still needs fine-tuning. In this regard, the issue of ensuring that courts apply the Constitution continues to be a challenge for Russia.
Research on Structural Evolution and Microseismic Response Characteristics of Overlying Strata during Repeated Mining of Steeply Inclined and Extra Thick Coal Seams
Authors: Lai Xingping , Yang Yanbin , Zhang Leiming
Published: November 2021

Repeated mining is the main factor that leads to development, propagation, and eventual deformation of the overlying strata fissures in the steeply inclined and extra thick coal seams (SIETCS). The evolution of the overlying strata structure is closely related to microseismic events in a mine. As the mining depth increases, the evolution rules of the overlying strata structure become more complicated and can easily induce dynamic disaster accidents. To solve these problems, this paper established a physical similarity simulation model. Microseismic monitoring equipment was used to study the relationship between the evolution of the overlying strata structure and the energy-frequency of microseismic events. On the basis of the principle of quantitative seismology, the response relationship between the overlying strata structure and the microseisms at different mining stages was compared and analyzed from a quantitative perspective. The characteristics of cumulative apparent volume, energy index, and microseismic b value were used to reveal the precursor characteristics of overburden instability and failure. The results showed that due to the occurrence characteristics of coal seam, the distribution characteristics of rock stratum stress, and the effects of mining disturbances, the energy accumulation-release period after instability failure of the overlying strata induced by shallow mining was longer than the energy accumulation-release period induced by deep mining. And the deep coal and rock mass had a periodic “balance-instability-rebalance-instability again” dynamic evolution process under the disturbance of repeated mining. In the working face mining, the slope of the accumulative apparent volume ΣVA curve suddenly increased, and the energy index EI gradually decreased at the late peak period, which indicated the deformation and failure of overburden. However, the b value of the microseismic event presented the precursory characteristics of rock stratum fracture that gradually increased and then changed drastically.
MODERN TECHNOLOGY OF TYRNYAUZ DEVELOPMENT
Authors:   South Russian State Polytechnic University, GOLIK Vladimir , GABARAYEV Oleg ,   North Caucasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (State Technological University), GABARAEVA Alana ,   North Caucasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (State Technological University), DEDEGKAEVA Nina ,   North Caucasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (State Technological University)
Published: November 2021

The relevance of the work is explained by the importance of the problem of restoring the industrial potential lost during the reforms at one of the large fields and minimizing its negative impact on the environment. Purpose of work. Substantiation of the possibility of reanimating the lost potential of mining enterprises through the use of combined technologies with the management of subsoil exploitation indicators based on the use of substandard raw materials after processing. Research methods: systematization, generalization and analysis of theoretical and experimental studies in this area, including those carried out at the considered fields. Recommended parameters of mining operations are determined by generalizing theory and practice, research results and analytical calculations based on assessing the behavior of discrete rocks in a massif with a gravitational-tectonic-structural stress field from the condition of consolidation of structural units. Results. A certificate was given on the reserves and development of tungsten and molybdenum deposits, taking into account the retrospective. The problem of restoration of mining production on the preserved infrastructure in comfortable natural conditions is formulated. The results of complex studies with the identification of the regularities of deformation of the rock mass are presented to assess the danger of destruction of the rock mass and the collapse of the earth's surface. Distinctive features of the field. The technologies for managing the state of the massifs with the details of their participation in geodynamic processes are characterized. Information on environmental pollution by metal-containing tailings waste is given and it is shown that this is a consequence of the imperfection of the applied technology of mining and processing of ores. An algorithm for the use of tailings for the preparation of hardening mixtures and a control system for the state of the massif are recommended. It was concluded that the restoration of the potential of enterprises is possible on the basis of a combined mining technology with factory processing of rich ores and leaching underground and in heaps of poor ores and enrichment wastes in disintegrators.
Feasibility Study of Fracture Propagation Controlled by Use of Managed Pressure Drilling during Laser-Assisted Drilling Operation
Authors: Chamankhah Shahram , Bazargan Mohsen , Forouzandeh Ali , Riahi Siavash
Published: November 2021

Managed pressure drilling (MPD) is a form of drilling that allows greater and more precise wellbore pressure control than conventional drilling. In addition, the mud weight used will be lower than for the conventional mud weight, and a secondary choke or frictional pressure will be applied on the surface to create a combined annular pressure profile within the well. For this paper, we investigated the effect of high power fiber laser heat tension on the carbonate rock body of the Kangan Formation during the irradiation process with accurate simulation work and by comparing the model with experimental results. First, the enforced stress by heat from the laser source was analyzed, and then the fracture propagation pattern in the rock body throughout the entire irradiation process was obtained. This research presented the weakening and fracturing mechanism that was generated from heat exposure during laser irradiation and determined numerical results for fracture pressure before and after laser irradiation. Also, MPD as an effective technology to control this induced anomaly was proposed during the laser-assisted drilling (LAD) operation to prevent any loss, gain, hole instability, or other drilling problem related to this fracturing and weakening.
Experimental Study of Transport Behavior of Swellable Microgel Particles in Superpermeable Channels for Conformance Control
Authors: Zhao Yang , Bai Baojun
Published: November 2021

Gel treatment is an effective way to attack excessive water production during oil development. The transport behavior of gel materials in reservoirs is of crucial importance to the effectiveness of gel treatments. The aim of this paper is investigating the transport behavior of swellable micrometer-sized preformed particle gels (PPGs, or microgels) through superpermeable (super-K) channels. Sandpacks with permeabilities ranging from 27 to 221 darcies were used to mimic the super-K channels. Multiple pressure sensors were applied along the sandpack models to monitor the propagation behavior of the microgels. The tested microgel particles could transport through the super-K channels, and a higher driving pressure gradient was required when the particle/pore size ratio was larger. The pressure gradient distribution along the super-K channels was relatively uniform when the particle/pore ratio was low (less than 1.3). However, the inlet section would show increasingly higher pressure gradients as the particle/pore ratio was increased, indicating increased difficulty in propagation. The propagation of the gel particles was significantly slower compared with the carrying fluid. The delayed propagation behavior was more pronounced when the particle/pore ratio was higher. The injection pressure was much less sensitive to the injection flow rate compared with a Newtonian fluid. The gel dispersion exhibited an apparent shear thinning (pseudoplastic) behavior when transporting through the porous channels. Breakage of the gel particles was observed especially at high superficial velocities. The particle breakage was partially responsible for the apparent shear thinning behavior. The breakage phenomenon was in favor of deep placement of the gel particles. The channel permeabilities were significantly reduced by the microgels, bringing sufficient resistance to subsequent waterflooding (more than 99.5%). At given matching size conditions, softer gels were more likely to establish in-depth placement and uniform water blocking capacity in the channels. The microgel particles exhibited salinity-responsive behavior to the post-brine flush. The gel particles could shrink and reswell according to the salinity of the injected water. Possibilities were discussed to use this salinity-responsive behavior. Also, the microgels exhibited a particular disproportionate permeability reduction (DPR) effect. After gel injection, the channel permeability to water flow was reduced by more than 20 to 92 times of the permeability to oil flow. This work provides important support to understand the transport behavior of gel particles in super-K channels. The achievements are helpful for gel product selection and gel treatment design.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) Recording Protocol for Cognitive and Affective Human Neuroscience Research
Authors: Farrens Jaclyn L. , Simmons Aaron M. , Luck Steven J. , Kappenman Emily S.
Published: November 2021

Electroencephalography (EEG) is one of the most widely used techniques to measure human brain activity. EEG recordings provide a direct, high temporal resolution measure of cortical activity from noninvasive scalp electrodes. However, the signals are small relative to the noise, and optimizing the quality of the recorded EEG data can significantly improve the ability to identify signatures of brain processing. This protocol provides a step-by-step guide to recording the EEG from human research participants using strategies optimized for producing the best quality EEG.
Antibody-guided Chromatin Tagmentation for Two or More Factors (ACT2-seq)
Authors: Carter Benjamin , Ku Wai Lim , Zhao Keji
Published: November 2021

This protocol details the reagents and steps required to perform antibody-guided chromatin tagmentation for two or more factors (ACT2-seq, ACT2). Like its predecessor ACT-seq, ACT2 uses a fusion of protein A and Tn5 transposase to bind and profile epigenetic marks across the genome. ACT2 builds on the capabilities of ACT-seq by directly and concurrently profiling co-occupancy of epigenetic marks, which previously required laborious, expensive, and technically challenging approaches involving fluorescence, magnetic beads, or single-cell methods. ACT2 requires only standard pipetting and centrifugation techniques and can be completed in less than a single day of bench work.
Machine Learning-based Derivation and External Validation of a Tool to Predict Death and Development of Organ Failure in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Xu Yixi , Trivedi Anusua , Becker Nicholas , Blazes Marian , Ferres Juan , Lee Aaron , Liles W. , Bhatraju Pavan
Published: November 2021

BackgroundCOVID-19 mortality risk stratification tools could improve care, inform accurate and rapid triage decisions, and guide family discussions regarding goals of care. A minority of COVID-19 prognostic tools have been tested in external cohorts. Our objective was to compare machine learning algorithms and develop a tool for predicting subsequent clinical outcomes in COVID-19. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study that included hospitalized patients with COVID-19 from March 2020 to March 2021. 712 consecutive patients from University of Washington (UW) and 345 patients from Tongji Hospital in China were included. We applied three different machine learning algorithms to clinical and laboratory data collected within the initial 24 hours of hospital admission to determine the risk of in-hospital mortality, transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU), shock requiring vasopressors, and receipt of renal replacement therapy (RRT). Mortality risk models were derived, internally validated in UW and externally validated in Tongji Hospital. The risk models for ICU transfer, shock and RRT were derived and internally validated in the UW dataset. ResultsAmong the UW dataset, 122 patients died (17%) during hospitalization and the mean days to hospital mortality was 15.7 +/- 21.5 (mean +/- SD). Elastic net logistic regression resulted in a C-statistic for in-hospital mortality of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.81) in the internal validation and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.89) in the external validation set. Age, platelet count, and white blood cell count were the most important predictors of mortality. In the sub-group of patients > 50 years of age, the mortality prediction model continued to perform with a C-statistic of 0.82 (95% CI:0.76,0.87). Mortality prediction models also performed well for shock and RRT in the UW dataset but functioned with lower accuracy for ICU transfer. ConclusionsWe trained, internally and externally validated a prediction model using data collected within 24 hours of hospital admission to predict in-hospital mortality on average two weeks prior to death. We also developed models to predict RRT and shock with high accuracy. These models could be used to improve triage decisions, resource allocation, and support clinical trial enrichment.
Roles of Cardiometabolic Factors in Mediating the Causal Effect of Type 2 Diabetes on Cardiovascular Diseases: A Two-Step, Two-Sample Multivariable Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Chen Ken , Zhuang Zhenhuang , Shao Chunli , Zheng Jilin , Zhou Qing , Dong Erdan , Huang Tao , Tang Yi-Da
Published: November 2021

ObjectivesTo investigate the roles of cardiometabolic factors (including blood pressure, blood lipids, thyroid function, body mass, and insulin sensitivity) in mediating the causal effect of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. DesignTwo-step, two-sample multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) study.SettingInternational genome-wide association study (GWAS) consortia data.ExposureT2DM, blood pressure: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP); blood lipids: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG); thyroid function: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism; body mass index (BMI), waist-hip-ratio (WHR), and insulin sensitivity. Main outcomesCVD including coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke.MethodsSummary-level data for exposures and main outcomes were extracted from GWAS consortia. We used two-sample MR to illustrate the causal effect of T2DM on CVD subtypes and regression-based MVMR to quantify the possible mediation effects of cardiometabolic factors on CVD.ResultsEach additional unit of log odds of T2DM increased 16% risk of CHD [OR: 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-1.21], 15% risk of MI (OR: 1.15, 95%CI: 1.10-1.20), and 10% risk of stroke (OR: 1.10, 95%CI: 1.06-1.13). In mediation analysis, SBP, DBP and TG were found as main mediators, while the mediation effects of other cardiometabolic factors were not significant. The proportion of total effect of T2DM on CHD mediated by SBP, DBP and TG was 16% (95%CI: 8%-24%), 7% (95%CI: 1%-13%) and 10% (95%CI: 2%-18%), respectively. Mediation effect of SBP and DBP on MI and stroke, TG on MI was also prominent, while mediation effect of TG on stroke was not significant. Combined mediation effect of all three mediators accounted for 29%, 26% and 13% of total effect of T2DM on CHD, MI and stroke, respectively.ConclusionSBP, DBP and TG mediate a substantial proportion of the causal effect of T2DM on CVD and thus interventions on these factors might reduce considerable excess risk of CVD among T2DM patients.
Patients Admitted to Treatment for Substance Use Disorder in Norway: A Case-Control Study of Socio- Demographic Correlates and Comparative Analyses Across Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Amundsen Ellen J. , Bretteville-Jensen Anne Line , Rossow Ingeborg
Published: November 2021

BackgroundImproved knowledge regarding sociodemographic correlates of people with substance use disorders (SUD) is essential for several purposes: to better plan and provide adequate services for SUD patients and their families, and to supplement our understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying progression into and development of various SUDs. This study aimed to: i) describe demographic, economic, and social correlates of people with SUDs in comparison with those of the general population; ii) compare these correlates across SUDs from licit versus illicit substances, as well as across specific SUDs.Methods A national cross-sectional study of all SUD patients enrolled in specialized drug treatment in Norway in 2009-2010 (N=31 245) and a population control cohort, frequency-matched on age and gender (N=31 275). Data on gender, age, education level, income level and sources, and family/living arrangement were obtained by linkages to national registers. ResultsDemographic, economic and social correlates of SUD patients differed substantially from those of the general population, and across specific SUDs. Among SUD patients, those with illicit – as compared to licit – SUDs were younger (mean quotient=0.72 [0.71-0.72]), more often had low education level (RR=1.68 [1.64-1.72]), were less often in paid work (RR=0.76 [0.74-0.77]) and had lower income (mean quotient=0.61 [0.61-0.62]). Comparison of patients with different SUD diagnoses revealed substantial demographic differences, including the relatively low mean age among cannabis patients and the high share of females among sedatives/hypnotics patients. Opioid patients stood out by being older, and more often out of work, receiving social security benefits, and living alone. Cocaine and alcohol patients were more often better educated, included in the work force, and had a better financial situation. Conclusion Findings revealed substantial and important differences in sociodemographic correlates between SUD patients and the general population, between SUD patients with illicit and with licit substance use, and across specific SUD patient groups.
Circ_0070203 Promotes Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma through miR-370-3p/TGFβR2 Axis
Authors: Tang Qiong , Wen Huiting , Chen Xiaoli , Xu Xiushu , Chen Xiaoer , Fang Yu , Gao Yingshan , longyang Liu , Li Jing
Published: November 2021

Background: Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OC) is a common malignant gynecological tumor that is found in women. Metastasis of ovarian cancer cells are the main causes of poor prognosis. Cell-acquired invasiveness is accompanied by the loss of epithelial features and gain of a mesenchymal phenotype, through a process known as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important biological molecules that are associated with pathogenesis of Multiple cancers; however, the roles of circRNAs and EMT in OC remain unclear. Methods: Using circRNA microarray, the circRNA expression profiles in ovarian tissues, with and without OC, were identified and verified using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). The effects of circ_0070203, miR-370-3p, and TGFβR2 on SKOV-3 cell migration and invasion were evaluated. The binding sites between circ_0070203, miR-370-3p, and TGFβR2 were verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics analysis. The expression levels of epithelial mesenchymal transformation-related proteins were detected by western blotting. Cell migration and invasion were analyzed by a transwell assay. Results: Circ_0070203 and TGFβR2 were upregulated, while miR-370-3p was downregulated in OC and SKOV-3 cell lines. The overexpression of circ_0070203 changed the expression of other EMT-related proteins, and enhanced the invasion and migration abilities of ovarian cancer cells. The inhibitory effect of circ_0070203 knockdown on EMT, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells was partly attenuated by an miR-370-3p inhibitor. Conclusion: Circ_0070203 promotes epithelial mesenchymal transformation, invasion, and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells via the miR-370-3p /TGFβR2 axis.
Genomic Characterization of a New Enamovirus Infecting Common Bean
Authors: Lu Ruo-bin , Lan Ping-xiu , Kang Ru-jing , Tan Guan-lin , Chen Xiao-jiao , Li Ruhui , Li Fan
Published: November 2021

A novel enamovirus was identified from bean plants with disease symptoms. Its genome of 5,781 nucleotides (nt) encodes five open reading frames. The virus and other species of the genus Enamovirus share identities of 50.4%-68.4% at the complete genome, and 19.9%-51.9% of P0, 24.9%-52.5% of P1, 33.4%-62.9% of P1-P2, 30.6%-81.1% of P3, 32.3%-74.2% of P3-P5 at amino acid sequence level, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the virus is most closely related to Alfalfa enamovirus 1 and Pea enation mosaic virus 1 in the genus Enamovirus within family Solemoviridae. These results suggest that the virus should be considered as a novel species in the genus Enamovirus and tentatively named as “bean enamovirus 1”.
Mitigation of False Brinelling in A Roller Bearing: A Case Study of 4 Types of Greases
Authors: Lin Chih-Ling , Meehan Paul A. , Fallahnezhad Khosro , Brinji Osama
Published: November 2021

Four commercial greases with various thickeners and base oils were experimentally examined to compare their false brinelling wear resistance in a test rig simulating roller bearings during rail/sea transportation for the first time. Greases containing zinc dialkyl dithiophosphates (ZDDP) showed superior false brinelling reduction, evidenced by no visible wear mark in the raceways. The mechanism for false brinelling mitigation was shown to be from a ZDDP-induced tribofilm which decreases the friction and wear coefficient in the contact area. Surface chemical analysis showed that for grease lubricated fretting contacts, ZDDP-derived tribofilms can be generated in the presence of micro-sliding motions and energy dissipation at the contact interface at low frequency (i.e. 4-8 Hz), due to the mechanochemical reactions. For greases without ZDDP, false brinelling wear was reduced by 97% when using grease with a more abundant and less viscous oil, which bleeds readily from an open structured thickener. The results highlight the ability of ZDDP as an additive in grease to better protect roller bearings against false brinelling during rail/sea transportation.
Comparison of CT Volumetry versus Nuclear Renography for Predicting Remaining Kidney Function After Uninephrectomy in Living Kidney Donors
Authors: Eum Sang Hun , Lee Hanbi , Ko Eun Jeong , Cho Hyuk Jin , Yang Chul Woo , Chung Byung Ha
Published: November 2021

Computed tomography (CT) and nuclear renography are used to determine kidney procurement in living kidney donors (LKDs). The present study investigated which modality better predicts kidney function after donation. This study included 835 LKDs and they were divided into two subgroups based on whether the left-right dominance of kidney volume was concordant with kidney function (concordant group) or not (discordant group). The predictive value for post-donation kidney function between the two imaging modalities was compared at 1 month, 6 months, and > 1 year in total cohort, concordant, and discordant groups. Split kidney function (SKF) measured by both modalities showed significant correlation with each other at baseline. SKFs of remaining kidney measured using both modalities before donation showed significant correlation with eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) after donation in the total cohort group and two subgroups, respectively. CT volumetry was superior to nuclear renography for predicting post-donation kidney function in the total cohort group and both subgroups. In the discordant subgroup, a higher tendency of kidney function recovery was observed when kidney procurement was determined based on CT volumetry. In conclusion, CT volumetry is preferred when determining procurement strategy especially when discordance is found between the two imaging modalities.
Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Intussusception And Predictors of Surgery And Bowel Resection In Affected Patients
Authors: Wu Ting-Hsuan , Huang Go-Shine , Wu Chang-Teng , Lai Jin-Yao , Chen Chien-Chang , Hu Mei-Hua
Published: November 2021

Surgery is required for the treatment of intussusception when enema reduction is unsuccessful, or when the patient develops peritonitis, bowel perforation, or intestinal damage. We aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory parameters that may be used to predict the need for bowel resection in children with intussusception. This observational retrospective study included children who were admitted to the pediatric emergency room with intussusception. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with bowel resection. In total, 584 children with intussusception were admitted to the pediatric emergency room; 129 of these children underwent surgery. Multivariate analysis revealed the following independent predictors of surgery for intussusception: abdominal pain (odds ratio [OR] = 0.372; p = 0.013), bloody stool (OR = 3.553; p = 0.044), and hyponatremia (OR = 4.12; 95% p = 0.003). Symptoms for at least 2 days before surgery (OR = 6.863; p = 0.009), long intussusception (OR = 5.088; p = 0.014), pathological lead point (OR = 6.926; p = 0.003), and intensive care unit admission (OR = 11.777; p = 0.001) were factors independently associated with bowel resection. These findings can be used to identify patients at high risk of needing surgery and bowel resection.
The Mechanism of Flower Opening and Closing Times Revealed By Transcriptome Profiling
Authors: Liu Rong , Guan Chunjing , Fan Zhuping , Ding Liya , Gao Yike , Zhang Qixiang
Published: November 2021

Background: Circadian clock precisely control flowers open and close at specific times of day responsive to the environment, providing advantages in reproduction and adaption. Flowers of Iris dichotoma and I. domestica are ephemeral and show single opening and closing which present circadian rhythms. To reveal the key clock-related genes and mechanisms regulating flower opening and closing times, transcriptomes of two F2 hybrid plants with significantly divergent flower opening and closing times were sequenced at different flowering stages. Genes with different temporal expression patterns between the two individuals were screened.Results: PIF4-like (PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR4-like) whose homologous gene in Arabidopsis integrates external signals (light and temperature) and intrinsic signals from the clock would negatively regulate flower opening and positively regulate flower closing. Downstream the clock, genes related to auxin synthesis (YUC10 and YUC2-like), auxin efflux transport (auxin efflux carrier component 1, 7) and signaling (SAUR64-like and auxin-induced protein 22D) were specifically up-regulated in flower opening process (from flower buds to flower starting opening), suggesting that auxin is necessary for flower opening. Genes involved in osmoregulation, inward water transport and cell wall loosening were also specifically up-regulated in flower opening process, causing rapid cell expansion during flower opening. The start of flower closure is associated with the increased activities of cell wall degradation, protein degradation, sucrose synthesis, fatty acid degradation, phospholipid degradation and remobilization of mineral ions.Conclusions: This research illuminates the key clock-related regulator of flower opening and closing times, and improves the understanding in regulatory networks of flower opening and closing.
Implementation Evaluation of A Secondary Level Whole School Programme: A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: McHale Fiona , Ng Kwok , Cooper Jemima , Scanlon Dylan , Grady Caera , Norton Catherine , O'Shea Donal , Woods Catherine
Published: November 2021

Background: Whole-of-school programmes (WSPs) are one of eight best investments to reduce physical inactivity. The 'Secondary Level Active School Flag' (SLASF) programme for students aged 12-19 years is one such WSP for physical activity. This student-led programme is guided by student voice, fun, inclusiveness and partnerships. Due to the complexities of the school system and the multi-component nature of WSPs, there is a risk of poor implementation. The monitoring of facilitators and barriers as unanticipated influences during feasibility studies is important to better understand the key implementation processes prior to scale-up. The aim of this study was to identify perceived facilitators and barriers to implementing the SLASF. Guided by the ERIC taxonomy, it also aimed to select and recommend evidence-based implementation strategies to overcome the barriers and leverage programme facilitators. Methods: Process evaluation focus groups (N=22) and interviews (N=27) were conducted in three schools with programme implementers i.e. school management (n=5), SLASF coordinator (n=4), student-leaders (ASF transition years aged 15-16 years) class (n=37), staff committee (n=23) and were transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Implementation strategies were identified using the ERIC taxonomy and were selected systematically to address contextual needs.Results: Three themes were identified surrounding the facilitators and barriers to implementation: intervention design factors influencing implementation (e.g. capacity building and knowledge of implementers; interest and buy in for the programme and design and quality of the programme), organisational factors influencing implementation (e.g. optimisation of people; planning and execution; and the busy school environment) and interpersonal factors influencing implementation (e.g. relationships; communication; and collaboration).Conclusions: This study has identified drivers of implementation success or failure for future impact and extended roll out of SLASF. The examination of facilitators and barriers assisted with the identification of implementation strategies including (not limited to) a shared leadership programme for student leaders, a more flexible timeline for completion and an introductory year to assess readiness to engage. Through guidance on the identification of implementation strategies and in alignment with the ERIC taxonomy, we have provided recommendations that may assist in effective implementation of the SLASF.
Long-Term Survival in Endoscopic Resection Followed By Additional Chemoradiotherapy For Early-Stage Esophageal Cancer Compared to Esophagectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Yong , Wang Yong Yong , Dai Lei , Chen Ming Wu
Published: November 2021

Background：The aim of this study went to systematically evaluate the efficacy of the endoscopic resection followed by adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for early-stage esophageal cancer compared with esophagectomy, and provide reference for clinical research and practice. Methods: we searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of science, CNKI database on line, and collected all of randomized cohort studies and retrospective cohort studies. The quality of the study was evaluated with Cochrane’s quality standards, and statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 12.0 and Revman 5.3 software. Results: A total of 10 studies involving 924 (210 vs 714) patients were included for analysis in our study. long term effect: overall survival rate, disease-free survival rate, recurrence and metastasis rate of esophagectomy group were better than those of the chemoradiotherapy group（OR = 5.25，95% CI: 2.33 - 11.80，P < 0.001）、disease-free survival（HR=0.24,95% CI: 0.07 - 0.87, P = 0.03）、overall survival（HR = 1.26（95% CI: 0.75 - 2.11, P = 0.38）、relapse free survival rate（HR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.36 - 2.20, P = 0.80）survival period results showed no significant difference (P＞0.05).Conclusions: Similar outcomes are founding regarding overall survival and relapse free survival rate between the two groups. Meanwhile, chemoradiotherapy may be provided for patients with high-risk of relapse or unable to tolerate surgery. Therefore, chemoradiotherapy is not replaced surgery totally. Further randomized trials are needed to validate the conclusion.
An Improved Farmland Fertility Algorithm For Many-Objective Optimization Problems
Authors: Wang Yanjiao , Gao Peng , Chen Ye
Published: November 2021

Recent studies in many-objective optimization problems (MaOPs) have tended to employ some promising evolutionary algorithms with excellent convergence accuracy and speed. However, they will encounter difficulties in their scalability upon MaOPs because the most evolutionary algorithms are proposed for single-objective optimization, which will affect the selection of leaders and individual-updating mechanisms, thereby deteriorating the effectiveness of the algorithm. This paper proposes a many-objective optimization algorithm based on the improved Farmland Fertility algorithm (MOIFF). A novel bio-inspired meta heuristic method proposed in 2018, called Farmland Fertility algorithm (FF), is employed to serve as the optimization strategy of MOIFF. In order to handle MaOPs effectively, FF has been tailored from the following aspects: an individual fitness assessment approach based on cumulative ranking value has been proposed to distinguish the quality of each individual, updated the global memory and local memory of each individual based on individual cumulative ranking value, and a hybrid subspace search and full space search method has been designed to update individuals in the stages of soil optimization and soil fusion. In addition, adaptive environmental selection has been proposed. Finally, MOIFF is compared with four state-of-the art many-objective evolutionary algorithms on many test problems with various characteristics, including the DTLZ and WFG test suites. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has competitive convergence and diversity on many-objective optimization problems.
Pharmacological Inhibition of STAT3 Attenuates Pancreatic Cancer Cell Invasion and Migration By Interacting with TGF-Β/Smad Signaling
Authors: guo hangcheng , xiao yanyi , Yang Xuejia , Yuan Ziwei , Chen Qinbo , Chen Jiawei , Chen Chaoyue , Wang Mengsi , Shang Lumeng , Xie Lili , Zhang Qiyu , Bai Yongheng
Published: November 2021

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a gastrointestinal malignancy with extremely poor prognosis, primarily due to the infiltration and metastasis of tumor cells. Many studies have shown that the TGF-β/Smad signaling-mediated EMT pathway is a key driving factor of infiltration and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells, and aberrant STAT3 activation is vital to pancreatic cancer cell metastasis. In this study, a small molecule antagonist, Stattic, was used for targeted STAT3 inhibition, its interaction with TGF-β/Smad signaling was observed, and EMT of pancreatic cancer cells was inhibited to decrease its metastasis and infiltration.
Methods

The effects of Stattic on the invasion, infiltration, and EMT of pancreatic cancer cells were studied. We also evaluated the effects of Stattic on the STAT3 and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways and studied the interactions between STAT3 and TGF-β/Smad signaling using overexpression and siRNA techniques.
Results

Stattic inhibited the invasion and infiltration of pancreatic cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was related to EMT inhibition and subsequent downregulation of extracellular matrix components. Stattic downregulated the expression of metalloproteases, such as MMP-2, and also inhibited the expression of EMT-TFs, such as Snail1 and Slug, and downregulated downstream HIF1α and VEGF expression to inhibit angiogenesis. Mechanistically, in in vitro cell models and in vivo nude mouse tumorigenicity models, Stattic treatment significantly downregulated the protein levels of the matrix synthesis-promoting factor TGF-β and the phosphorylation and nuclear import of its downstream Smad2/3. These results suggest that Stattic inactivates TGF-β/Smad signaling to antagonize EMT and eventually inhibit the invasion and infiltration of pancreatic cancer cells. Stattic is a small molecule inhibitor of STAT3 that can downregulate STAT3 activity, which is enhanced by Smad4-dependent TGF-β/Smad signaling. Interestingly, IL-6 or STAT3 overexpression promotes EMT but in a non-TGF-β/Smad-dependent manner, and is regulated by antagonism between STAT3 and Smad4.
Conclusions

The application of Stattic pharmacologically to inhibit STAT3 decreases the invasion and infiltration of pancreatic cancer cells, which may be achieved through interactions with TGF-β/Smad signaling and EMT antagonism.
The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Parasitus Fimetorum (Parasitiformes: Parasitidae) and Phylogenetic Relationship of Parasitiformes
Authors: Yang Huijuan , Dong WenGe , Chen Ting
Published: November 2021

Background

The family Parasitidae (Arachnida: Acari) includes 426 species. Up to now, the complete mitochondrial genomes of only one Parasitidae species (Parasitus wangdunqingi) has been sequenced, and it was discovered that the mitochondrial genome of this species have retained the ancestral mitochondrial genome organization of arthropods. The scarcity of available sequence data has greatly impeded evolutionary studies in Acari (mites and ticks). Here, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of Parasitus fimetorum (Family Parasitidae) and provide a comparison to Parasitus wangdunqingi.
Methods

We use a PCR-based strategy to amplify the mitochondrial genome of Parasitus fimetorum, and these amplicons are sequenced using the Illumina Hiseq X-10 platform. Phylogeny of Parasitiformes mites based on cox1 gene of 51 species using maximum likelihood (ML) methods.
Result

The complete mt genome of P. fimetorum is a typical circular, double-stranded DNA molecule 14,619 bp in size that contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 1 control region. The mitochondrial gene order of P. fimetorum was similar to that of the arthropods hypothesized ancestor. Mitochondrial genomes of P. fimetorum and P. wangdunqingi were compared and analyzed with the following characteristics: (1) both parasitus species evolved independently rather than synergically; (2) the preference of the two mites for codons is different, which may be due to the mutation pressure of certain mites. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of the cox1 genes showed that Parasitidae was monophyletic.
Conclusion

The mitochondrial genomes of Parasitidae mites likely remained the ancestral mt genome organization of arthropods and phylogeny of Parasitiformes mites based on cox1 gene sequences indicates that different lineages are basically monophyletic, and strong supports the current morphological taxonomy. Among others, this new resource will provided thoroughly and systematically information for further study on the mitogenomes, phylogenetics and taxonomic revision of the mites.
Thickness Improvement and Calibration Pressure Reduction of Stepped Tubular Components Using Axial Hydro-pressing Method
Authors: Han Cong , Zhuang Yongpeng , Li Jing
Published: November 2021

A new tube axial hydro-pressing method was proposed to solve the problems of high forming pressure and severely uneven wall thickness distribution of traditional tube hydroforming methods to form stepped tubular components. The forming pressure of the traditional hydroforming and the tube axial hydro-pressing method is studied theoretically, the mechanical model of the fillet area is established, and the forming pressure calculation formula is given. Based on this, an investigation of the tube axial hydro-pressing method is carried out by numerical simulation and experimental methods, and compared with the traditional tube hydroforming method. The key to the tube axial hydro-pressing method is to precisely control the relationship between the protrusion height and the axial feed, which is achieved by precisely controlling the feeding pressure and the axial displacement. Therefore, the constant pressure device in the experiment was used to eliminate the influence of the pressure rise caused by the volume compression on its cooperation relationship, to achieve accurate control of the loading path, eliminate wrinkles and flash defects. A qualified workpiece is successfully manufactured when the internal pressure is 18.0 MPa and the feed on each side is 15.0 mm. The forming pressure is reduced by 88.0%, and the feed is increased by 6.5%, which reduces the wall thickness reduction by 9.0%. The wall thickness difference of the workpiece can be controlled within 7.0%. The tube axial hydro-pressing method is suitable for forming stepped tubular components, which can achieve more replenishment at lower pressures, thereby effectively improving the uniformity of wall thickness and significantly reducing the forming pressure.
A Neuromorphic Spiking Neural Network Detects Epileptic High Frequency Oscillations in the Scalp EEG
Authors: Burelo Karla , Ramantani Georgia , Indiveri Giacomo , Sarnthein Johannes
Published: November 2021

Background: Interictal High Frequency Oscillations (HFO) are measurable in scalp EEG. This has aroused interest in investigating their potential as biomarkers of epileptogenesis, seizure propensity, disease severity, and treatment response. The demand for therapy monitoring in epilepsy has kindled interest in compact wearable electronic devices for long- term EEG recording. Spiking neural networks (SNN) have been shown to be optimal architectures for being embedded in compact low-power signal processing hardware. Methods: We analyzed 20 scalp EEG recordings from 11 patients with pediatric focal lesional epilepsy. We designed a custom SNN to detect events of interest (EoI) in the 80-250 Hz ripple band and reject artifacts in the 500-900 Hz band. Results: We identified the optimal SNN parameters to automatically detect EoI and reject artifacts. The occurrence of HFO thus detected was associated with active epilepsy with 80% accuracy. The HFO rate mirrored the decrease in seizure frequency in 8 patients (p = 0.0047). Overall, the HFO rate correlated with seizure frequency (rho = 0.83, p < 0.0001, Spearman’s correlation).Conclusions: The fully automated SNN detected clinically relevant HFO in the scalp EEG. This is a further step towards non-invasive epilepsy monitoring with a low-power wearable device.
Intestinal Dysbiosis Exacerbates the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis-Like Phenotype Through Changes in Fatty Acid Metabolism
Authors: Zhao Qixiang , Yu Jiadong , Zhou Hong , Zhang Chen , Wang Xiaoyan , Hu Jing , Hao Yan , Hu Yawen , Zheng Huaping , Zeng Fanlian , Yue Chengcheng , Gu Linna , Wang Zhen , Zhao Fulei , Zhou Pei , Zhang Haozhou , Huang Nongyu , Wu Wenling , Zhou Yifan , Li Jiong
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThe intestinal microbiota has been associated with host immunity, however, a link with psoriasis has not been demonstrated. Here, we sought to examine its role and mechanism of action in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.ResultsWe performed co-housing and fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) experiments using the K14-VEGF transgenic mouse model of psoriasis. Psoriasis severity was accompanied with changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Furthermore, FMT from mice with severe psoriasis exacerbated psoriasis in mice with mild symptoms, and increased the abundance of Prevotella, while decreasing that of Parabacteroides distasonis, in the colon. These alterations affected fatty acid metabolism, increasing the abundance of oleic and stearic acids. Indeed, oral administration of oleic and stearic acids exacerbated psoriasis and increased Th17 and monocyte-derived dendritic cell infiltration in the skin lesion areas.ConclusionOverall, our findings reveal that the intestinal microbiota modulates host metabolism and psoriasis pathogenesis in mice, suggesting a new target for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis.
Citations or dollars? Early signals of a firm's research success
Authors: Xu Shuqi , Mariani Manuel Sebastian , Lv Linyuan , Napolitano Lorenzo , Pugliese Emanuele , Zaccaria Andrea
Published: November 2021

Scientific and technological progress is largely driven by firms in many domains, including artificial intelligence and vaccine development. However, we do not know yet whether the success
of firms’ research activities exhibits dynamic regularities and some degree of predictability. By inspecting the research lifecycles of 7,440 publicly listed firms, we find that the economic value of a firm’s early patents is an accurate predictor of various dimensions of a firm’s future research
success. At the same time, a smaller set of future top-performers do not generate early patents of high economic value, but they are detectable via the technological value of their early patents. Importantly, the observed predictability cannot be explained by a cumulative advantage mechanism, and the observed heterogeneity of the firms’ temporal success patterns markedly differs from patterns previously observed for individuals’ research careers. Our results uncover the dynamical regularities of the research success of firms, and they could inform managerial strategies as well as policies to promote corporate development and accelerate human progress.