bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Methanol to Hydrocarbons Transformation Particularities in Case of Micro Structured Flows Application
Authors: Brovko R. , Mushinskii L. , Doluda V.
Published: January 2022

The methanol into hydrocarbons transformation is a complex catalytic reaction accompanied by the formation of a wide range of hydrocarbons and proceeding on the surface of acid sites of various zeolites. Zeolite H-ZSM-5 considered to be most often used catalyst for this process. H-ZSM-5 is a highly dispersed material with a crystal diameter of 1–20 microns, which complicates its direct use in reactors with a fixed catalyst bed due to the high hydraulic pressure drop of the catalytic bed. Traditionally in industry, this issue is solved by using complex reactor systems with a fluidized bed, which is justified for large-scale production. In small and medium-size plants, the use of fluidized bed systems is not economically feasible. One of the possible solutions to this problem is the use of a monolithic catalyst with a supported layer of H-ZSM-5 zeolite. This article presents a study of the catalytic activity of a zeolite-containing microstructured monolith in methanol into hydrocarbons transformation. The monolith was synthesized by pressing a zeolite-containing mass followed by drying, calcining, and secondary growth of the zeolite on the monolith surface. A sample of a monolith with an average channel diameter of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mm were synthesized this way. Samples of the microstructured catalyst were tested at varying temperatures from 250 to 450 °C and at varying the specific methanol feed rate from 0.65 to 2.3 kg (MeOH)/(kg (Cat) h). For this purpose, the monolithic catalyst was placed in a reactor for testing microstructured catalysts, which consisted of a pump, a temperature controller, a catalytic reactor, a condenser, a separating funnel, and a chromatograph. Varying the conditions showed that for the preferential production of gaseous C1–C4 hydrocarbons, it is advisable to carry out the reaction under the following conditions: the average diameter of the catalyst channels is 2 mm, the reaction temperature is 350 °C, the methanol feed rate is 1.65 kg (MeOH)/(kg (Cat) h). For the predominant formation of liquid hydrocarbons of the C5–C8 fraction, it is advisable to carry out the transformation of methanol into hydrocarbons under the following conditions: the average diameter of the catalyst channels is 1 mm, the reaction temperature is 350 °C, the methanol feed rate is 0.65 kg (MeOH) / (kg (Cat) h). For the predominant formation of liquid hydrocarbons of the C9–C12 fraction, it is advisable to carry out the transformation of methanol into hydrocarbons under the following conditions: the average diameter of the catalyst channels is 0.5 mm, the reaction temperature is 350 °C, and the methanol feed rate is 0.65 kg (MeOH) / (kg (Cat) h).
Study of Triple System Calcium Iodide-HMTA-Water
Authors: Altybaeva D. , Abdullaeva Zh. , Gulzhigit kyzy A. , Mirzaeva M. , Khakim kyzy G.
Published: January 2022

Research relevance: synthesis, physicochemical studies of complexes bioactivity with salts of biometals and organic ligands are of great interest for bio-coordination chemistry. Materials and research methods: isothermal method was used to study heterogeneous equilibria at 25 °C. The concentration limits of compounds existence and the types of their solubility have been established. Research objectives: to investigate compounds of hexamethylenetetramine with salts of biometals with organic ligands in order to reduce toxicity, increase the bioactivity and bioavailability of coordination compounds. Research results: concentration limits of compounds existence and types of their solubility have been established. Conclusions: in obtained complexes, HMTA ligand contains four equivalent electron donor nitrogen atoms.
Tendency of Change in Water Quality of the Main Shirvan Collector Over a Long Period
Authors: Allakhverdiyeva F.
Published: January 2022

The article examines the tendency of changes in the hydrochemical regime of the water of the Main Shirvan collector over a long period of time and the suitability of the collector water for irrigation. Continuous laboratory analyzes performed between 2004 and 2019 were compared to 1986. According to experimental data, it was determined that the hydrochemical regime of the collector water is gradually improving, and the salt content is decreasing. The degree of mineralization of the collector water decreased by 2.3 times, the total hardness by 2.2 times, the number of chloride ions by 10.5 times, the number of calcium ions by 1.3 times, the number of magnesium ions by 2.8 times, the total number of cations sodium and potassium decreased by 3.9 times. For 2004–2019 biochemical oxygen consumption in collector water increased 7.9 times, chemical oxygen demand increased 7.5 times, and the number of suspended particles increased 9 times. The amount of iron ions in water decreased by 2 times, while the amount of aluminum and zinc did not change. The suitability of collector water for irrigation was determined according to 7 internationally accepted assessment criteria. Collector water is considered suitable for irrigation in accordance with 6 assessment criteria — the degree of salinity, irrigation coefficient, sodium sorption coefficient, potential salinity, water alkalinity index and percentage of sodium, as well as 1 criterion not suitable for irrigation — the percentage of magnesium. Collector water can be used to irrigate crops.
Salinity Factor Effect on Barley Seedlings Incubation
Authors: Asadova B.
Published: January 2022

Stress factors limit the development of living organisms, especially plants, and reduce their productivity. In this regard, the study of the effects of stress factors on plants and the discovery of adaptation mechanisms play an important role in the regulation of stress in the cell. From a biological point of view, stress is considered to be any change in the external environment that impairs the normal development of the plant or changes it in a negative direction. Stresses cause changes in the physiological activity of plants, weaken the process of biosynthesis in the cell, disrupt normal life and ultimately can cause plant death.
Reimagining the Mughal Emperors Akbar and Aurangzeb in the 21st Century
Authors: Amin Osama
Published: January 2022

The paper focuses on the reigns and policies of the two Mughal Emperors, Akbar and Aurangzeb, and analyses how they have been remembered in the wider social memory. While Akbar is glorified as a 'secular' and 'liberal' leader, Aurangzeb is often dismissed and ridiculed as a 'religious bigot', who tried to impose the Shari'ah law in diversified India. The paper traces and evaluates the construction of these two grand narratives which were initially formed by the British historians in colonial India and then continued by specific nationalist historians of India and Pakistan, after the independence of the two nation-states. By citing some of the most popular misconceptions surrounding the two Mughal Emperors, this study attempts to understand the policies of these two emperors in a wider socio-political narrative and attempts to deconstruct these ‘convenient’ misinterpretations. Concluding the analysis of how these two emperors are viewed differently in both India and Pakistan, the paper asserts the importance of leaving behind the modern concepts of 'liberal versus conservative' while understanding these emperors and reinforces the practice to understand these historical figures on their own terms.
Social Construction of Extremism: Case Study of South Punjab
Authors: Jamil Sidra , Ahmed Naeem , Bajwa Sibghat U. , Hussain Nazar
Published: January 2022

South Punjab, the land of Sufi saints, and epitome of peace and love has transformed into the fulcra of militancy in last two decades. The current study draws the connection between society (social-organisation) and social interaction with the construction of individual’s perceptions and behaviours. The study also underscores the flaws lie in the social composition of society of South Punjab that contributes to the construction of violent perceptions and behaviours, and trigger individuals to join militant wings. The research was conducted in Multan- a district of South Punjab.  The qualitative methods: ethnographic observation and semi-structured interviews are used in this research. Purpose sampling is used to select sample population encompassing people from diverse social backgrounds. The findings of the research unfold those prime social institutions including religion, education, economic and government are mal-functioning, due to which region became heartland of militancy.
Sequential Impacts of University Students’ Socioeconomic Classes, Gender, Disciplines of Study and University Education Experience on their Learning Approaches
Authors: Ali Rafaquat , Bashir Furrukh , Bakar Abou , Nasim Ismat
Published: January 2022

The learning approaches consist of students’ learning intentions and strategies to learn. The ramification of their different learning approaches ends in various academic achievements. Their learning approaches mediate the impacts of students’ epistemological beliefs, learning conceptions, personality, and ability to learn on their academic achievements. Apart from personal variables, differences in students’ socioeconomic background, gender, disciplines of study, duration of experience in education, teaching approaches, and teaching methods produce differences in students’ learning approaches. The cultural and social differences produce specific personal attributes in students that impact learning approaches. Therefore, this study explored the impacts of Pakistani university students’ socioeconomic background, gender, study disciplines, and university education experience on their learning approaches. The sample of this study comprised 488 university students. The sampling technique to select this sample was a convenient non-probability sampling technique. The structural equation modeling approach was used to calculate the direct and total effects of students’ socioeconomic background, gender, disciplines of study, and duration of university education experience on their learning approaches. The Pakistani university students’ socioeconomic classes, disciplines of study, and duration of university education experience have significant direct and total effects on their learning approaches. The variable gender did not cause a significant direct or total effect on Pakistani university students’ learning approaches. The study contributed knowledge regarding factors that impact university students ‘learning approaches in the context of Pakistan.
Guru Tasawuf Ḥaḍrat al-Shaykh K.H. M. Hasyim Asy’ari di Makkah
Authors: Karyadi Fathurrochman
Published: January 2022

This article will answer a question who is the Sufism teacher Ḥaḍrat al-Shaykh Hasyim Asy’ari in Makkah? To answer this question, the writer uses primary and secondary data. The first is primary data, the author is guided by the manuscript in the book of Ḥaḍrat al-Shaykh's legacy. A philological approach is needed to read it. While the second is secondary data, the author refers to Snouck Hurgronje's writing which records the activities of the hajj, especially the Javanese community in Mecca. In this study, the authors found data on the name of Syekh ‘Abd al-Shakūr Surabaya as Ḥaḍrat al-Shaykh's teacher in the field of Sufism along with some information related to the teacher that is not often found in the existing literature.
Karakter Penafsiran Fāḍil Ṣāliḥ Al-Samarrā’ī
Authors: Hasan Siswanto Ali
Published: January 2022

This article was written by the author for several reasons. First; many academics are not familiar with the thought of Fāḍil āliḥ al-Samarrā'ī’s interpretation, even though he is one of the commentators who live in the contemporary era. Second; The author thinks that the the Fāḍil āliḥ al-Samarrā'ī method of interpretation is still not widely known by researchers. Therefore, the author examines one of his commentaries, namely 'alā arīq al tafsīr al bayānī. The focus of this article is to understand the method of interpreting the Qur'an from the perspective of Fāḍil āliḥ al-Samarrā'ī. To answer this, the author uses a qualitative-descriptive method with library research using the reading of the original interpretation of al-Samarrā'ī in his book, namely al-haqiqat al-lughawiyyah, al-haqiqat al-'urfiyyah, al-haqiqat al-syar'iyyah.
Elevers formande av arbetsplatsförlagt lärande i svensk gymnasial lärlingsutbildning
Authors: Andersson Ingela , Lindberg Viveca
Published: January 2022

The article examines how students in Swedish upper secondary apprenticeship education contribute to the shaping of their education through their choices and actions in relation to work-based learning. Activity theory and the notion of interacting activity systems was used to emphasise the students’ perspective as active subjects. Data was collected through observations and interviews with 15 students in their second year of an apprenticeship. An initial qualitative content analysis revealed a pattern of actions that related to both school and work. The result of this analysis was further elaborated with activity theoretical concepts. Thereby dominating rules/norms and tools they made use of, contributed to identifying three potential objects for students’ actions: grades in vocational subjects, development of vocational skills, and inclusion in the workplace community. Depending on what objects the students held as superior and subordinate different outcomes could be achieved – an upper secondary vocational degree, development of vocational skills, and/or being employed while studying. One object did not necessarily exclude the others. It is concluded that the multiple expectations from students, school, and workplaces that coexist in relation to work-based learning need to be continuously communicated among all participants to strengthen the students’ possibility to achieve their desired educational outcome.
Efficient Genome Editing by a Miniature CRISPR-AsCas12f1 Nuclease in Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Wang Yanchun , Sang Shuli , Zhang Xin , Tao Haoxia , Guan Qing , Liu Chunjie
Published: January 2022

A miniature CRISPR-Cas12f has been demonstrated to serve as an effective genome editing tool in gram negative bacteria as well as human cells. Here, we developed an alternative method to edit the genome of Bacillus anthracis based on the AsCas12f1 nuclease from Acidibacillus sulfuroxidans. When the htrA gene on the chromosome and the lef gene on the plasmid pXO1 were selected as targets, the CRISPR-AsCas12f1 system showed very high efficiency (100%). At the same time, a high efficiency was observed for large-fragment deletion. Our results also indicated that the length of the homologous arms of the donor DNA had a close relationship with the editing efficiency. Furthermore, a two-plasmid CRISPR-AsCas12f1 system was also constructed and combined with the endonuclease I-SceI for potential multi-gene modification. This represents a novel tool for mutant strain construction and gene function analyses in B. anthracis and other Bacillus cereus group bacteria.
Therapeutic Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells: Value, Challenges and Optimization
Authors: Najar Mehdi , Melki Rahma , Khalife Ferial , Lagneaux Laurence , Bouhtit Fatima , Moussa Agha Douaa , Fahmi Hassan , Lewalle Philippe , Fayyad-Kazan Mohammad , Merimi Makram
Published: January 2022

Cellular therapy aims to replace damaged resident cells by restoring cellular and molecular environments suitable for tissue repair and regeneration. Among several candidates, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) represent a critical component of stromal niches known to be involved in tissue homeostasis. In vitro, MSCs appear as fibroblast-like plastic adherent cells regardless of the tissue source. The therapeutic value of MSCs is being explored in several conditions, including immunological, inflammatory and degenerative diseases, as well as cancer. An improved understanding of their origin and function would facilitate their clinical use. The stemness of MSCs is still debated and requires further study. Several terms have been used to designate MSCs, although consensual nomenclature has yet to be determined. The presence of distinct markers may facilitate the identification and isolation of specific subpopulations of MSCs. Regarding their therapeutic properties, the mechanisms underlying their immune and trophic effects imply the secretion of various mediators rather than direct cellular contact. These mediators can be packaged in extracellular vesicles, thus paving the way to exploit therapeutic cell-free products derived from MSCs. Of importance, the function of MSCs and their secretome are significantly sensitive to their environment. Several features, such as culture conditions, delivery method, therapeutic dose and the immunobiology of MSCs, may influence their clinical outcomes. In this review, we will summarize recent findings related to MSC properties. We will also discuss the main preclinical and clinical challenges that may influence the therapeutic value of MSCs and discuss some optimization strategies.
Apigenin Alleviates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration via Restoring Autophagy Flux in Nucleus Pulposus Cells
Authors: Xie Chenglong , Shi Yifeng , Chen Zuoxi , Zhou Xin , Luo Peng , Hong Chenxuan , Tian Naifeng , Wu Yaosen , Zhou Yifei , Lin Yan , Dou Haicheng , Wu Aimin , Huang Qishan , Zhang Xiaolei , Wang Xiangyang
Published: January 2022

Oxidative stress–induced apoptosis and senescence of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells play a crucial role in the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Accumulation of studies has shown that activated autophagy and enhanced autophagic flux can alleviate IVDD. In this study, we explored the effects of apigenin on IVDD in vitro and in vivo. Apigenin was found to inhibit tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)–induced apoptosis, senescence, and ECM degradation in NP cells. In addition, apigenin treatment can restore the autophagic flux blockage caused by TBHP. Mechanistically, we found that TBHP may induce autophagosome and lysosome fusion interruption and lysosomal dysfunction, while apigenin alleviates these phenomena by promoting the nuclear translocation of TFEB via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, apigenin also exerts a protective effect against the progression of IVDD in the puncture-induced rat model. Taken together, these findings indicate that apigenin protects NP cells against TBHP-induced apoptosis, senescence, and ECM degradation via restoration of autophagic flux in vitro, and it also ameliorates IVDD progression in rats in vivo, demonstrating its potential for serving as an effective therapeutic agent for IVDD.
Interplay Between Iron Overload and Osteoarthritis: Clinical Significance and Cellular Mechanisms
Authors: Cai Chenhui , Hu Wenhui , Chu Tongwei
Published: January 2022

There are multiple diseases or conditions such as hereditary hemochromatosis, hemophilia, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, aging, and estrogen deficiency that can cause iron overload in the human body. These diseases or conditions are frequently associated with osteoarthritic phenotypes, such as progressive cartilage degradation, alterations in the microarchitecture and biomechanics of the subchondral bone, persistent joint inflammation, proliferative synovitis, and synovial pannus. Growing evidences suggest that the conditions of pathological iron overload are associated with these osteoarthritic phenotypes. Osteoarthritis (OA) is an important complication in patients suffering from iron overload-related diseases and conditions. This review aims to summarize the findings and observations made in the field of iron overload-related OA while conducting clinical and basic research works. OA is a whole-joint disease that affects the articular cartilage lining surfaces of bones, subchondral bones, and synovial tissues in the joint cavity. Chondrocytes, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and synovial-derived cells are involved in the disease. In this review, we will elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with iron overload and the negative influence that iron overload has on joint homeostasis. The promising value of interrupting the pathologic effects of iron overload is also well discussed for the development of improved therapeutics that can be used in the field of OA.
Dynamics of Strong Coupling Between Free Charge Carriers in Organometal Halide Perovskites and Aluminum Plasmonic States
Authors: Luo Yang , Wang Hai , Zhao Le-Yi , Zhang Yong-Lai
Published: January 2022

We have investigated a strong coupled system composed of a MAPbIxCl3-x perovskite film and aluminum conical nanopits array. The hybrid states formed by surface plasmons and free carriers, rather than the traditional excitons, is observed in both steady-state reflection measurements and transient absorption spectra. In particular, under near upper band resonant excitation, the bleaching signal from the band edge of uncoupled perovskite was completely separated into two distinctive bleaching signals of the hybrid system, which is clear evidence for the formation of strong coupling states between the free carrier–plasmon state. Besides this, a Rabi splitting up to 260 meV is achieved. The appearance of the lower bands can compensate for the poor absorption of the perovskite in the NIR region. Finally, we found that the lifetime of the free carrier–SP hybrid states is slightly shorter than that of uncoupled perovskite film, which can be caused by the ultrafast damping of the SPs modes. These peculiar features on the strong coupled hybrid states based on free charge carriers can open new perspectives for novel plasmonic perovskite solar cells.
The FUT2 Variant c.461G>A (p.Trp154*) Is Associated With Differentially Expressed Genes and Nasopharyngeal Microbiota Shifts in Patients With Otitis Media
Authors: Elling Christina L. , Scholes Melissa A. , Streubel Sven-Olrik , Larson Eric D. , Wine Todd M. , Bootpetch Tori C. , Yoon Patricia J. , Kofonow Jennifer M. , Gubbels Samuel P. , Cass Stephen P. , Robertson Charles E. , Jenkins Herman A. , Prager Jeremy D. , Frank Daniel N. , Chan Kenny H. , Friedman Norman R. , Ryan Allen F. , Santos-Cortez Regie Lyn P.
Published: January 2022

Otitis media (OM) is a leading cause of childhood hearing loss. Variants in FUT2, which encodes alpha-(1,2)-fucosyltransferase, were identified to increase susceptibility to OM, potentially through shifts in the middle ear (ME) or nasopharyngeal (NP) microbiotas as mediated by transcriptional changes. Greater knowledge of differences in relative abundance of otopathogens in carriers of pathogenic variants can help determine risk for OM in patients. In order to determine the downstream effects of FUT2 variation, we examined gene expression in relation to carriage of a common pathogenic FUT2 c.461G>A (p.Trp154*) variant using RNA-sequence data from saliva samples from 28 patients with OM. Differential gene expression was also examined in bulk mRNA and single-cell RNA-sequence data from wildtype mouse ME mucosa after inoculation with non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). In addition, microbiotas were profiled from ME and NP samples of 65 OM patients using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In human carriers of the FUT2 variant, FN1, KMT2D, MUC16 and NBPF20 were downregulated while MTAP was upregulated. Post-infectious expression in the mouse ME recapitulated these transcriptional differences, with the exception of Fn1 upregulation after NTHi-inoculation. In the NP, Candidate Division TM7 was associated with wildtype genotype (FDR-adj-p=0.009). Overall, the FUT2 c.461G>A variant was associated with transcriptional changes in processes related to response to infection and with increased load of potential otopathogens in the ME and decreased commensals in the NP. These findings provide increased understanding of how FUT2 variants influence gene transcription and the mucosal microbiota, and thus contribute to the pathology of OM.
Coproduce Conservation Technology With Conservation Decision Makers and Practitioners to Increase Its Impact
Authors: Malcom Jacob W. , Evans Michael , Norriss Jessica , Foster Victoria , Moskwik Matthew
Published: January 2022

Addressing the biodiversity crisis will mean developing and adopting new resources and methods that effectively improve public conservation efforts. Technologies have a long track record of increasing the efficiency of carrying out time-consuming tasks or even making new feats possible, and if applied thoughtfully, can serve as a key means of strengthening conservation outcomes. Yet technology development sometimes proceeds without clear mechanisms for application and scaling, or key adopters like government agencies are not able to use the technologies. To overcome these discrepancies, we recommend the use of a coproduction model of conservation technology development that starts from detailed knowledge of conservation laws, regulations, policies, and their implementation; identifies choke points in those processes amenable to technological solutions; and then develops those solutions while integrating existing users and needs. To illustrate the model, we describe three tools recently developed to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of implementing the U.S. Endangered Species Act. We also highlight several outstanding questions and challenges that the broad conservation technology and policy communities may help address.
Antihypertensive Medication Use and Its Effects on Blood Pressure and Haemodynamics in a Tri-ethnic Population Cohort: Southall and Brent Revisited (SABRE)
Authors: Hughes Alun D. , Eastwood Sophie V. , Tillin Therese , Chaturvedi Nish
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

We characterised differences in BP control and use of antihypertensive medications in European (EA), South Asian (SA) and African-Caribbean (AC) people with hypertension and investigated the potential role of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), reduced arterial compliance (Ca), and antihypertensive medication use in any differences.

Methods:

Analysis was restricted to individuals with hypertension [age range 59–85 years; N = 852 (EA = 328, SA = 356, and AC =168)]. Questionnaires, anthropometry, BP measurements, echocardiography, and fasting blood assays were performed. BP control was classified according to UK guidelines operating at the time of the study. Data were analysed using generalised structural equation models, multivariable regression and treatment effect models.

Results:

SA and AC people were more likely to receive treatment for high BP and received a greater average number of antihypertensive agents, but despite this a smaller proportion of SA and AC achieved control of BP to target [age and sex adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 0.52 (0.38, 0.72) and 0.64 (0.43, 0.96), respectively]. Differences in BP control were partially attenuated by controlling for the higher prevalence of T2DM and reduced Ca in SA and AC. There was little difference in choice of antihypertensive agent by ethnicity and no evidence that differences in efficacy of antihypertensive regimens contributed to ethnic differences in BP control.

Conclusions:

T2DM and more adverse arterial stiffness are important factors in the poorer BP control in SA and AC people. More effort is required to achieve better control of BP, particularly in UK ethnic minorities.
Genetic Determinants of Serum Calcification Propensity and Cardiovascular Outcomes in the General Population
Authors: de Haan Amber , Ahmadizar Fariba , van der Most Peter J. , Thio Chris H. L. , Kamali Zoha , Ani Alireza , Ghanbari Mohsen , Chaker Layal , van Meurs Joyce , Ikram M. Kamran , van Goor Harry , Bakker Stephan J. L. , van der Harst Pim , Snieder Harold , Kavousi Maryam , Pasch Andreas , Eijgelsheim Mark , de Borst Martin H.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Serum calciprotein particle maturation time (T50), a measure of vascular calcification propensity, is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We aimed to identify genetic loci associated with serum T50 and study their association with cardiovascular disease and mortality.

Methods:

We performed a genome-wide association study of serum T50 in 2,739 individuals of European descent participating in the Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd-stage Disease (PREVEND) study, followed by a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to examine causal effects of T50 on cardiovascular outcomes. Finally, we examined associations between T50 loci and cardiovascular outcomes in 8,566 community-dwelling participants in the Rotterdam study.

Results:

We identified three independent genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in the AHSG gene encoding fetuin-A: rs4917 (p = 1.72 × 10−101), rs2077119 (p = 3.34 × 10−18), and rs9870756 (p = 3.10 × 10−8), together explaining 18.3% of variation in serum T50. MR did not demonstrate a causal effect of T50 on cardiovascular outcomes in the general population. Patient-level analyses revealed that the minor allele of rs9870756, which explained 9.1% of variation in T50, was associated with a primary composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or cardiovascular disease [odds ratio (95% CI) 1.14 (1.01–1.28)] and all-cause mortality alone [1.14 (1.00–1.31)]. The other variants were not associated with clinical outcomes. In patients with type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease, the association between rs9870756 and the primary composite endpoint was stronger [OR 1.40 (1.06–1.84), relative excess risk due to interaction 0.54 (0.01–1.08)].

Conclusions:

We identified three SNPs in the AHSG gene that explained 18.3% of variability in serum T50 levels. Only one SNP was associated with cardiovascular outcomes, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
Educational Anomaly Analytics: Features, Methods, and Challenges
Authors: Guo Teng , Bai Xiaomei , Tian Xue , Firmin Selena , Xia Feng
Published: January 2022

Anomalies in education affect the personal careers of students and universities' retention rates. Understanding the laws behind educational anomalies promotes the development of individual students and improves the overall quality of education. However, the inaccessibility of educational data hinders the development of the field. Previous research in this field used questionnaires, which are time- and cost-consuming and hardly applicable to large-scale student cohorts. With the popularity of educational management systems and the rise of online education during the prevalence of COVID-19, a large amount of educational data is available online and offline, providing an unprecedented opportunity to explore educational anomalies from a data-driven perspective. As an emerging field, educational anomaly analytics rapidly attracts scholars from a variety of fields, including education, psychology, sociology, and computer science. This paper intends to provide a comprehensive review of data-driven analytics of educational anomalies from a methodological standpoint. We focus on the following five types of research that received the most attention: course failure prediction, dropout prediction, mental health problems detection, prediction of difficulty in graduation, and prediction of difficulty in employment. Then, we discuss the challenges of current related research. This study aims to provide references for educational policymaking while promoting the development of educational anomaly analytics as a growing field.
Design and Synthesis of Brain Penetrant Glycopeptide Analogues of PACAP With Neuroprotective Potential for Traumatic Brain Injury and Parkinsonism
Authors: Apostol Christopher R. , Bernard Kelsey , Tanguturi Parthasaradhireddy , Molnar Gabriella , Bartlett Mitchell J. , Szabò Lajos , Liu Chenxi , Ortiz J. Bryce , Saber Maha , Giordano Katherine R. , Green Tabitha R. F. , Melvin James , Morrison Helena W. , Madhavan Lalitha , Rowe Rachel K. , Streicher John M. , Heien Michael L. , Falk Torsten , Polt Robin
Published: January 2022

There is an unmet clinical need for curative therapies to treat neurodegenerative disorders. Most mainstay treatments currently on the market only alleviate specific symptoms and do not reverse disease progression. The Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), an endogenous neuropeptide hormone, has been extensively studied as a potential regenerative therapeutic. PACAP is widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) and exerts its neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects via the related Class B GPCRs PAC1, VPAC1, and VPAC2, at which the hormone shows roughly equal activity. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) also activates these receptors, and this close analogue of PACAP has also shown to promote neuronal survival in various animal models of acute and progressive neurodegenerative diseases. However, PACAP’s poor pharmacokinetic profile (non-linear PK/PD), and more importantly its limited blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability has hampered development of this peptide as a therapeutic. We have demonstrated that glycosylation of PACAP and related peptides promotes penetration of the BBB and improves PK properties while retaining efficacy and potency in the low nanomolar range at its target receptors. Furthermore, judicious structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed key motifs that can be modulated to afford compounds with diverse selectivity profiles. Most importantly, we have demonstrated that select PACAP glycopeptide analogues (2LS80Mel and 2LS98Lac) exert potent neuroprotective effects and anti-inflammatory activity in animal models of traumatic brain injury and in a mild-toxin lesion model of Parkinson’s disease, highlighting glycosylation as a viable strategy for converting endogenous peptides into robust and efficacious drug candidates.
Workflows for Construction of Spatio-Temporal Probabilistic Maps for Volcanic Hazard Assessment
Authors: Jones-Ivey Renette , Patra Abani , Bursik Marcus
Published: January 2022

Probabilistic hazard assessments for studying overland pyroclastic flows or atmospheric ash clouds under short timelines of an evolving crisis, require using the best science available unhampered by complicated and slow manual workflows. Although deterministic mathematical models are available, in most cases, parameters and initial conditions for the equations are usually only known within a prescribed range of uncertainty. For the construction of probabilistic hazard assessments, accurate outputs and propagation of the inherent input uncertainty to quantities of interest are needed to estimate necessary probabilities based on numerous runs of the underlying deterministic model. Characterizing the uncertainty in system states due to parametric and input uncertainty, simultaneously, requires using ensemble based methods to explore the full parameter and input spaces. Complex tasks, such as running thousands of instances of a deterministic model with parameter and input uncertainty require a High Performance Computing infrastructure and skilled personnel that may not be readily available to the policy makers responsible for making informed risk mitigation decisions. For efficiency, programming tasks required for executing ensemble simulations need to run in parallel, leading to twin computational challenges of managing large amounts of data and performing CPU intensive processing. The resulting flow of work requires complex sequences of tasks, interactions, and exchanges of data, hence the automatic management of these workflows are essential. Here we discuss a computer infrastructure, methodology and tools which enable scientists and other members of the volcanology research community to develop workflows for construction of probabilistic hazard maps using remotely accessed computing through a web portal.
PFKP Activation Ameliorates Foot Process Fusion in Podocytes in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Zhang Zongwei , Liang Wei , Luo Qiang , Hu Hongtu , Yang Keju , Hu Jijia , Chen Zhaowei , Zhu Jili , Feng Jun , Zhu Zijing , Chi Qingjia , Ding Guohua
Published: January 2022

Background

Glycolysis dysfunction is an important pathogenesis of podocyte injury in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Foot process fusion of podocytes and increased albuminuria are markers of early DKD. Moreover, cytoskeletal remodeling has been found to be involved in the foot process fusion of podocytes. However, the connections between cytoskeletal remodeling and alterations of glycolysis in podocytes in DKD have not been clarified.

Methods

mRNA sequencing of glomeruli obtained from db/db and db/m mice with albuminuria was performed to analyze the expression profiling of genes in glucose metabolism. Expressions of phosphofructokinase platelet type (PFKP) in the glomeruli of DKD patients were detected. Clotrimazole (CTZ) was used to explore the renal effects of PFKP inhibition in diabetic mice. Using Pfkp siRNA or recombinant plasmid to manipulate PFKP expression, the effects of PFKP on high glucose (HG) induced podocyte damage were assessed in vitro. The levels of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) were measured. Targeted metabolomics was performed to observe the alterations of the metabolites in glucose metabolism after HG stimulation. Furthermore, aldolase type b (Aldob) siRNA or recombinant plasmid were applied to evaluate the influence of FBP level alteration on podocytes. FBP was directly added to podocyte culture media. Db/db mice were treated with FBP to investigate its effects on their kidney.

Results

mRNA sequencing showed that glycolysis enzyme genes were altered, characterized by upregulation of upstream genes (Hk1, and Pfkp) and down-regulation of downstream genes of glycolysis (Pkm, and Ldha). Moreover, the expression of PFKP was increased in glomeruli of DKD patients. The CTZ group presented more severe renal damage. In vitro, the Pfkp siRNA group and ALDOB overexpression group showed much more induced cytoskeletal remodeling in podocytes, while overexpression of PFKP and suppression of ALDOB in vitro rescued podocytes from cytoskeletal remodeling through regulation of FBP levels and inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway. Furthermore, targeted metabolomics showed FBP level was significantly increased in HG group compared with the control group. Exogenous FBP addition reduced podocyte cytoskeletal remodeling and renal damage of db/db mice.

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence that PFKP may be a potential target for podocyte injury in DN and provide a rationale for applying podocyte glycolysis enhancing agents in patients with DKD.
Configuration of an Energy Storage System Considering the Frequency Response and the Dynamic Frequency Dispersion
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Liu Yongfa , Zhang Chong , Sun Li , Wu Xinge
Published: January 2022

The high proportion of renewable energy sources (RESs) in the system reduces the frequency support capacity and aggravates the generation of unbalanced power, while the dynamic frequency dispersion makes it difficult for a centralized energy storage system (ESS) to take into account the frequency requirements of different regions. In this context, the research takes the region with high penetration of RESs and frequent power fluctuations as the grid node of the ESS. By configuring the parameters of the ESS under the control strategy of virtual synchronous generators, the inertia and the primary frequency reserve of the system are supplemented, and the regulation characteristics of the ESS are depicted. Taking the steady-state recovery time and the amplitude coefficient as the evaluation indexes, the effects of the virtual inertia constant, the virtual damping coefficient, and the virtual frequency regulation coefficient on the behavior of the ESS are deeply analyzed. Finally, the quantitative configuration of the ESS is realized by considering the frequency response and the dynamic frequency dispersion.
Plant Phenology and Its Anthropogenic and Natural Influencing Factors in Densely Populated Areas During the Economic Transition Period of China
Authors: Ju Peijun , Yan Wenchao , Liu Jianliang , Liu Xinwei , Liu Liangfeng , He Yixin , Chen Huai
Published: January 2022

As a sensitive, observable, and comprehensive indicator of climate change, plant phenology has become a vital topic of global change. Studies about plant phenology and its responses to climate change in natural ecosystems have drawn attention to the effects of human activities on phenology in/around urban regions. The key factors and mechanisms of phenological and human factors in the process of urbanization are still unclear. In this study, we analyzed variations in xylophyta phenology in densely populated cities during the fast urbanization period of China (from 1963 to 1988). We assessed the length of the growing season affected by the temperature and precipitation. Temperature increased the length of the growing season in most regions, while precipitation had the opposite effect. Moreover, the plant-growing season is more sensitive to preseason climate factors than to annual average climate factors. The increased population reduced the length of the growing season, while the growing GDP increased the length of the growing season in most regions (8 out of 13). By analyzing the impact of the industry ratio, we found that the correlation between the urban management of emerging cities (e.g., Chongqing, Zhejiang, and Guizhou) and the growing season is more significant, and the impact is substantial. In contrast, urban management in most areas with vigorously developed heavy industry (e.g., Heilongjiang, Liaoning, and Beijing) has a weak and insignificant effect on plant phenology. These results indicate that different urban development patterns can influence urban plant phenology. Our results provide some support and new thoughts for future research on urban plant phenology.
Effect of Check Dam on Sediment Load Under Vegetation Restoration in the Hekou-Longmen Region of the Yellow River
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Chai Junrui , Li Zhanbin , Chen Li , Yu Kunxia , Yang Zhi , Zhang Xia , Zhao Yang
Published: January 2022

With years of vegetation restoration and check dam construction on the Loess Plateau, the sediment load of the middle reaches of the Yellow River have decreased sharply; however, the effects of check dam on this decrease of sediment load with such extensive vegetation restoration remains unclear. In order to further clarify the effects of check dam on sediment load reduction under vegetation restoration, we calculated vegetation coverage and check dam index based on multi-source remote sensing data, and calculated sediment reduction rate caused by human activities by Mann-Kendall statistical test and double cumulative curve, then established regression equations incorporating the check dam index and the sediment reduction rate using data from different geomorphic regions with different vegetation coverages. The results showed that sediment load in the Hekou-Longmen region and its 17 tributaries decreased significantly every year, and the change in sediment load could be divided into 3 typical periods: the base period (P1), the period mainly impacted by check dam construction (P2) and the period with comprehensive impact of check dam construction and vegetation restoration (P3). Compared with sediment load of the tributaries during P1, the sediment load decreased by 60.96% during P2 and by 91.76% during P3. Compared with the contribution of human activities to the reduction in sediment load in P2, the contribution of human activities in P3 increased significantly, while that of precipitation decreased slightly. The sediment reduction effect of check dams is greater in basins with low vegetation coverage than in basins with high vegetation coverage. There are differences in sediment reduction effect of vegetation restorations in different geomorphic regions, and the effect of vegetation restoration alone have certain upper limits. Such as, the upper limit of sediment reduction rate of vegetation restoration for rivers flowing through the sandstorm region is 47.86%. Hence, only combined the construction of check dam with vegetation restoration can it achieve more significant sediment reduction benefit and control soil erosion more effectively.
Space Use by Woolly Wolf Canis lupus chanco in Gangotri National Park, Western Himalaya, India
Authors: Pal Ranjana , Panwar Anshu , Goyal Surendra Prakash , Sathyakumar Sambandam
Published: January 2022

The woolly wolfCanis lupus chancois increasingly being accepted as a unique taxon that needs immediate protection and management; however, information on its ecology remains limited across its range. We used camera trapping data set of 4 years (2015–2019) to investigate seasonal activity patterns and space use and assessed woolly wolf food habits in the Gangotri National Park, western Himalaya, India. We used generalized linear mixed models to assess the distribution of the wolf about prey, seasonal livestock grazing, human presence, habitat, and seasons. We observed a positive association with elevation and a negative response to an increase in ruggedness. The capture of wolves increased in winters, indicating a possible effect of snow on the ranging pattern. Spatial avoidance to anthropogenic pressure was not evident in our study; however, temporal avoidance was observed. The activity pattern of the wolf varied among seasons. Wolves were mostly active in the morning and late evening hours in summer and showed a diurnal activity pattern in winter. A less diverse diet was observed where the mean percentage frequency of occurrence and relative biomass was highest for bharal, followed by livestock. Himalayan marmotMarmota himalayana, birds, and rodents also form minor constituents to the diet. Synthesizing all three factors (space, diet, and activity), it may be stated that the wolf presence in the region is influenced by both wild prey availability and seasonality. Therefore, conservation of woolly wolves would require securing a vast landscape with optimal wild prey.
Montane Temperate-Boreal Forests Retain the Leaf Economic Spectrum Despite Intraspecific Variability
Authors: Hecking Matthew J. , Zukswert Jenna M. , Drake John E. , Dovciak Martin , Burton Julia I.
Published: January 2022

Trait-based analyses provide powerful tools for developing a generalizable, physiologically grounded understanding of how forest communities are responding to ongoing environmental changes. Key challenges lie in (1) selecting traits that best characterize the ecological performance of species in the community and (2) determining the degree and importance of intraspecific variability in those traits. Recent studies suggest that globally evident trait correlations (trait dimensions), such as the leaf economic spectrum, may be weak or absent at local scales. Moreover, trait-based analyses that utilize a mean value to represent a species may be misleading. Mean trait values are particularly problematic if species trait value rankings change along environmental gradients, resulting in species trait crossover. To assess how plant traits (1) covary at local spatial scales, (2) vary across the dominant environmental gradients, and (3) can be partitioned within and across taxa, we collected data on 9 traits for 13 tree species spanning the montane temperate—boreal forest ecotones of New York and northern New England. The primary dimension of the trait ordination was the leaf economic spectrum, with trait variability among species largely driven by differences between deciduous angiosperms and evergreen gymnosperms. A second dimension was related to variability in nitrogen to phosphorous levels and stem specific density. Levels of intraspecific trait variability differed considerably among traits, and was related to variation in light, climate, and tree developmental stage. However, trait rankings across species were generally conserved across these gradients and there was little evidence of species crossover. The persistence of the leaf economics spectrum in both temperate and high-elevation conifer forests suggests that ecological strategies of tree species are associated with trade-offs between resource acquisition and tolerance, and may be quantified with relatively few traits. Furthermore, the assumption that species may be represented with a single trait value may be warranted for some trait-based analyses provided traits were measured under similar light levels and climate conditions.