bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wheat Growth As Affected By Planting Density, Planting Time And Nitrogen Application
Authors: Mashiqa Patrick , Pule-Meulenberg Flora , Ngwako Samodimo
Published: January 2022

The growth and development of wheat and quality of wheat flour is dependent on the genotype, fertilizer application, sowing date and plant density. Therefore, plant growth and protein content studies were conducted on two wheat genotypes during the winter planting seasons of 2015 and 2016. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design in a split-split-plot arrangement, with the main plots being two wheat genotypes; sub plots being two plant density treatments, sub-sub plots being five nitrogen doses and sub-sub-sub plots of two planting dates, replicated three times. The application of 125 kg/ha nitrogen increased the number of days to anthesis, grain protein content and plant height. Early planting reduced days to emergence but delayed days to anthesis and physiological maturity, whereas the protein content and plant height were increased by early planting. The leaf dry mass, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate were similar at each crop stage for the planting densities, and they were increased at 125 kg/ha application of nitrogen. The genotypes showed the presence of glutens of both high molecular and low molecular weight which are likely to contain genes that supports good baking quality of flour. The interaction of plant density, planting time and nitrogen at 125 kg/ha contributed more protein bands with low and high molecular weight glutenin’s in wheat genotypes.
900 MHz Electromagnetic Fields Induce Microbiota Dysbiosis and Adaptive Immune System Disorders in Juvenile Rats
Authors: Collet Louison , Jenlis Aymar Bosquillon , Khorsi-Cauet Hafida , Naudot Marie , Djekkoun Nariman , Ghamlouch Hussein , Corona Aurélie , Ouled-Haddou Hakim , Delanaud Stéphane , Garcon Loïc , Bach Véronique , Pelletier Amandine , Marolleau Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2022

Although cell phones and electronic devices are now integral parts of modern life (especially for young people), the radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) emitted by these devices is a potential health hazard. The effects of RF-EMFs have been assessed in various fields, including epidemiology and neurology. However, there are few published data on the possible effects of RF-EMFs on immune cells; this is surprising, given the importance of the immune system’s role in defending the body against infections and cancer. To assess whether chronic RF-EMF exposure has harmful effects on the immune system in juvenile rats, rats were exposed or not to 900MHz RF-EMF 23h/day during 5 weeks. Hematological, cytometric and bacteriological assays were used to probe differences between exposed and non-exposed tissues. Exposure of rats to 900 MHz RF-EMF was associated with differences in the innate immune system and even more marked in the adaptive immune system. An analysis of the intestinal microbiota revealed dysbiosis, with an over-representation of Enterococcus, Clostridium and Bacteroides spp. Enterococcus was found to have translocated into the spleen in 67% exposed rats. Exposure to a 900 MHz RF-EMF appeared to alter the immune system (and particularly the adaptive immune system) directly or via intestinal dysbiosis.
NAV2729 in combination with Imatinib promote apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia cell line, K562
Authors: valandani hajar mardani , Shakerinia Zahra , Khalilabadi Roohollah Mirzaee , Fatemi Ahmad , Farsinejad Alireza
Published: January 2022

Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematologic malignancy that affect hematopoietic stem cells. CML therapy prevents the disease from spreading to more advanced stages and improve quality of life. Imatinib as the first line treatment for CML is associated with side effects and resistant. Tumor derived extracellular vesicles (TMVs) play an important role in the progression of the disease. Inhibiting the release of TMVs, helps to inhibit leukemia. Our purpose is to investigate the apoptotic effect of NAV2729 in combination with Imatinib on CML cell line, K562. Methods and Results: After treatment of K562 cells with NAV2729, Imatinib and both, viability of cells were measured after 24h, 48h. Metabolic activity, changes in Bax and Bcl-2 expressions, size and concentration of EVs were evaluated after 48h treatment of K562 cells with NAV2729, Imatinib and both. Trypan blue assay indicated, decremented live cells percentage. MTT assay showed reduction in metabolic activity when both of the drugs were used. Reduction in BCL-2 and BAX expressions was observed. EVs count release from K562 cells were decreased in the combination of drugs.Conclusion: study result showed combined treatment of NAV2729 and imatinib synergistically inhibit K562 cell proliferation and enhances the therapeutic effect of imatinib.
Phase 1 clinical trial for intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placenta in patients with moderate COVID-19 virus pneumonia: Results of Stage 1 of the study
Authors: Kulkarni Pooja , Sharma Alok , Kulkarni Rohit , Sane Hemangi , Awad N.T. , Bopardikar Abhijit , Joshi Anagha , Baweja Sujata , Joshi Mohan , Vishwanathan Chandra , Gokulchandran Nandini , Badhe Prerna , Khan Mazhar , Paranjape Amruta , MK Arjun
Published: January 2022

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells can serve as a therapeutic option for COVID-19. Their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties can regulate the exaggerated inflammatory response and promote recovery of lung damage.Methods: Phase-1, single-centre open-label, prospective clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placenta in moderate COVID-19. The study was done in 2 stages with total 20 patients. Herein, the results of stage 1 including first 10 patients receiving 100 million cells on day 1 and 4 with a follow up of 6 months have been discussed. Results: No adverse events were recorded immediately after the administration of MSCs or on follow up. There was no deterioration observed in clinical, laboratory and radiological parameters. All symptoms of the study group resolved within 10 days. Levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as NLR, CRP, IL 6, ferritin and D-dimer improved in all patients after intervention along with improved oxygenation demonstrated by improvement in the SpO2 / FiO2 ratio and PaO2 / FiO2 ratio. None of the patients progressed to severe stage. 9 out of 10 patients were discharged within 9 days of their admission. Improvements were noted in chest x-ray and chest CT scan scores at day 7 in most patients. No post-covid fibrosis was observed on chest CT 28 days after intervention and Chest X ray after 6 months of the intervention.Conclusion: Administration of 100 million mesenchymal stem cells in combination with standard treatment was found to be safe and resulted in prevention of the cytokine storm, halting of the disease progression and acceleration of recovery in moderate COVID-19.Trial registration: Clinical Trial Registry- India (CTRI), CTRI/2020/08/027043. Registered on 09/08/2020 http://www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=43175&EncHid=&modid=&compid=%27,%2743175det%27
Assessment of Community Health Workers Activities in Zambézia Province, Mozambique
Authors: Salomão Cristolde Atanasio , Sawadogo-Lewis Talata , Cane Réka Maulide , Júnior António , Stone Briana , Sambo Júlia , Diaz Michael R , Padama Fernando , Rodrigues Humberto , Roberton Timothy , Sabonete Acácio
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Mozambique’s Community Health Worker (CHW) or Agentes Polivalentes Elementares in Portuguese (APE) in Mozambique was reinitiated in 2010 after an unsuccessful first attempt decades prior. Years after this reinitialization, the Ministry of Health of Mozambique (MoH) and other interested parties sought to understand how the implementation of APEs interventions is progressing. Given its low coverage of many health intervention, the province of Zambézia was of specific interest.Methodology: We carried out a cross-sectional study in six districts of the Province of Zambézia, namely: Ile, Inhassunge, Milange, Mocubela, Mulevala and Pebane. We designed a questionnaire based on government plans, APE training material, and best practices for the implementation of CHW programs found in the literature. We conducted descriptive analysis to summarize the different components of the APEs program according to responses.Results: A total of 144 APEs were interviewed, of which 67% were male, 63% aged between 18 to 39 years, 60% had a first cycle of education and 46% had worked as APEs for 5 or more years. While 91% reported having received training after their initial training, only 19% had received training in the past 3 months. Only 48% of APEs replenished their kits every month, and stock-outs of medications ranged from 19% to 92%, with expired medication being found for 5-13% of the medications. Although the quality of supervision appears high with APEs reporting service delivery observation (88%), discussion of work performance (81%) and work-related problems (91%), checking of supplies (90%), review of records (93%), and praise (92%) during their last supervision, only 59% of our sample reported having had their last meeting with their supervisor less than 1 month ago.Conclusions: While there have been some successes in this renewed implementation, challenges persist around ensuring the proper implementation of the program as it is designed. Additionally, a review of the program to match the current realities of field (e.g., increased population per APE, increase of the stipends) is becoming increasingly necessary.
CCL3 aggravates intestinal tissue damage in NEC by promoting macrophage chemotaxis and M1 macrophage polarization.
Authors: Yuan Xi , Liu Wei , Li Yue , Chen Kai , Li Hongdong , Yin Yibing , Chen Dapeng , Song Zhixin
Published: January 2022

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening inflammatory gastrointestinal disease in neonates, the mechanism of which is poorly elucidated. Intestinal mucosal barrier imbalance due to excessive inflammatory response is an important endogenous cause of NEC. Our study elucidates a novel mechanism of NEC development, in which CCL3 regulated the chemotaxis, polarization, and function of macrophages to promote NET progression. Our data show that CCL3 is highly expressed in the intestinal tissues of NEC patients and mice and induce macrophage infiltration. Transcriptome data from high-throughput sequencing showed that CCL3 strongly induced macrophages switch into a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Mechanistically, in vivo experiments confirmed that CCL3 induced M1 polarization of macrophages in NEC intestinal tissue, thereby aggravating inflammatory injury of intestinal tissue which can be reversed by anti-CCL3 treatment; in accordance, in vitro experiments showed that CCL3 could significantly enhance the expression of M1-related genes (e.g. iNOS, IRF5, CD86) in both peritoneal macrophages and bone marrow derived macrophages while inhibit the expression of M2-related genes (e.g. Arg-1, FIZZ1, YM1), which could also be reversed by anti-CCl3 treatment. Herein, our study has elucidated a novel mechanism of CCL3 involvement in the pathogenesis of NEC, in which the upregulated CCL3 expression exacerbated inflammatory intestinal damage via regulating macrophage chemotaxis and M1 phenotype polarization, suggesting that blocking CCL3 may be a potential strategy for effective intervention of NEC.
Regulation of the apoptosis/autophagy switch by propionic acid in ventromedial hypothalamus of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Natrus Larysa , Osadchuk Yuliia , Lisakovska Olha , Roch Toralf , Babel Nina , Klys Yuliia , Labudzinskyi Dmytro , Chaikovsky Yuri
Published: January 2022

The balance between autophagy and apoptosis in hypothalamus may be disrupted upon type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Since propionic acid (PA) exerts neuroprotective effects, the aim was to investigate its effects on apoptosis/autophagy switch in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) in a T2DM rat model. Therefore male Wistar rats were divided into untreated control rats and rats in which T2DM was induced. The untreated T2DM rats were compared to a group that received metformin, a group that received sodium salt of PA and a group that got PA+metformin. Western blotting, RT-PCR, transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemical staining were from VMH tissue were performed.T2DM-induced apoptosis and mitoptosis, enlarged ER tubules/cisterns were observed in VMH, and accompanied by imbalance of pro- and anti-apoptotic factors. Elevation of pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase-3, decrease in autophagy marker LC3 and anti-apototic Bcl-xl were observed in VMH of T2DM rats. Metformin and PA partially improved VMH ultrastructural changes by reducing mitochondrial swelling and diminishing the number of apoptotic neurons. Metformin inhibited neuronal apoptosis, however caused reactive astrogliosis and accumulation of lipofuscin. Elevated number of autophagosomes was associated with LC3, Beclin-1 and Bcl-xl increase and decrease in Bax and caspase-3 in VMH of T2DM rats. PA switched cell fate from apoptosis to autophagy by elevating LC3 and Beclin-1 levels and increasing Bcl-xl that altogether may represent adaptive response to T2DM-induced apoptosis. PA+metformin administration lowered relative area of ER membranes/cisterns in VMH compared to untreated T2DM rats and metformin alone, and was balancing the ratio of pro-apoptotic, anti-apoptotic and autophagy markers.In conclusion, T2DM was associated with apoptosis activation leading to impairments in VMH. PA in combination with metformin may be effective against diabetes-induced cell death by switching apoptosis to autophagy in VMH.
The Weakening Relationship Between ENSO and the Following Summer East Asia-Pacific Teleconnection Since the Late 1990s
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Hu Zeng-Zhen , Hu Po , Ye Jintao , Feng Guolin
Published: January 2022

The predictability and variability of extratropical climate are largely associated with tropical forcing through various teleconnections. The East Asia-Pacific/Pacific-Japan (EAP/PJ) teleconnection is one the most important factors affecting the summer climate in East Asia. In this work, we confirm the weakening relationship between the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the following summer EAP/PJ teleconnection after the late 1990s and diagnose the characteristics and possible causes with reanalysis and analysis data. The results show that compared with that during 1981-1998, ENSO is less conducive to the formation of anomalous anticyclones in the following summer in the Northwest Pacific and the northward-transmitted Rossby wave train from the Northwest Pacific during 2000-2017, resulting in a weaker summer EAP teleconnection. Meanwhile, variation of ENSO feature since 2000 with a suppressed variability leads to a weakened response in the tropical Indian Ocean in the spring and summer. The reduced sea surface temperature response in the tropical Indian Ocean suppresses the excitation of eastward-propagating Kelvin waves and declines the capacitor effect of the Indian Ocean, which are unfavorable for generating anomalies in the Northwest Pacific and motivate strong EAP teleconnection in meridional direction. Thus, the weakening relationship of ENSO-EAP after late 1990s is the result of the interactions of the suppressed ENSO variability and declined Indian Ocean capacitor effect.
A Database Design to Find New Organic Produce Using Latitudes and Soil Orders
Authors: Komiya Ryoichi , Takahashi Katsuaki
Published: January 2022

Organic agriculture has had a long history especially after the establishment of IFOAM in 1972. However, the organic land share is still 1.5% in the world. This article proposes a database design to find new organic produce according to latitudes and soil orders. As a result, we have completed the practical database which could be used by any organic producers around the world to find new produce in their farms.
Optimization of Surface Mechanical Process Parameters of Composite Materials Based on Industrial Engineering Technology
Authors: Luo Ying
Published: January 2022

The so-called industrial engineering mainly refers to the large-scale industrial production and industrial economic system as the object of technological research, the purpose is to further optimize the industrial engineering production system, in order to better achieve and achieve the established goal of improving labor productivity and enterprise comprehensive benefits. However, the low surface activity of PBO fibers and poor adhesion between PBO fibers and resin matrix of composites lead to poor mechanical properties of composites, which restricts their practical application in composites. However, the current influences on the interaction of the parameters of the hot stamping process of LGFRP composites, the influence of material design parameters and strain rate effects on the mechanical properties and the stress concentration effects after opening and the design of the body structure have not yet been systematically studied and reported. Therefore, the material was further explored for the lightweight design of the electric vehicle battery pack and the anti-collision beam structure. Studies have shown that fiber reinforced resin-based composite materials have become an important trend in the lightweight technology of the automotive industry due to their unique lightweight effect.
Future Hydrological Drought Analysis Considering Agricultural Water Withdrawal Under SSP Scenarios
Authors: Kim Jin Hyuck , Sung Jang Hyun , Shahid Shamsuddin , Chung Eun Sung
Published: January 2022

Hydrological drought is assessed through river flow, which depends on river runoff and water withdrawal. This study proposed a framework to project future hydrological droughts considering agricultural water withdrawal (AWW) for shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios. The relationship between AWW and potential evapotranspiration (PET) was determined using a deep belief network (DBN) model and then applied to estimate future AWW using projections of the twelve global climate models (GCMs). 12 GCMs were bias-corrected using the quantile mapping method, climate variables were generated, and river flow was estimated using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model. The standardized runoff index (SRI) was used to project the changes in hydrological drought characteristics. The results revealed a higher occurrence of severe droughts in the future. Droughts would be more frequent in the near future (2021-2060) than in the far future (2061-2100) and more severe when AWW is considered. Droughts would also be more severe for SSP5-8.5 than for SSP2-4.5. The study revealed that the increased PET due to rising temperatures is the primary cause of the increased drought frequency and severity. The AWW will accelerate the drought severities in the future in the Yeongsan River basin.
Mathematical Modeling for COVID-19 with Focus on Intervention Strategies and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Deng Yang , Zhao Yi
Published: January 2022

The development of appropriate mathematical models and realistic assessments of public health intervention strategies are of great significance to effectively combat the COVID-19 epidemic. In this paper, a novel COVID-19 epidemic model is devised based on the epidemiological states of the individuals and intervention strategies. Some dynamic behaviors of the model, such as forward and backward bifurcation, are analyzed. Specifically, we calibrate the model parameter values using actual COVID-19 data in Brazil by Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm such that we can study the effects of interventions on a practical case. Sensitivity analysis shows that non-pharmaceutical interventions are more effective than pharmaceutical interventions in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the interventions, namely home isolation, face-mask wearing and media publicity, can effectively reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Based on the new epidemic model, we formulate an optimal control model for studying the control of COVID-19 and then present a cost-effectiveness analysis to unravel the cost and effectiveness of the combination of intervention strategies. The results show that, when taking both the economic cost and the control effectiveness into account, strategy 7 appears to be preferred in inhibiting the COVID-19 outbreak, followed by strategy 5 and strategy 4. By assessing the consequences of these interventions in the real case, we obtain the effective non-pharmaceutical interventions that provide some management implications of controlling COVID-19.
Logistic regression analysis of key markers of pre-thrombotic state screening in RSA patients
Authors: Liu Ning , Wang Chao , Liu Yu , Wang Ruijing , Zhang Yuhong , Zhang Ting , Tian Tingting , Liu Meimei
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To screen the important markers of prethrombotic status (PTS) in patients with recurrent abortion (RSA) and establish a multi-factor Logistic regression model, and to predict the risk of PTS in patients with RSA, so as to provide evidence for the early clinical prevention and treatment of RSA.
Methods

A total of 193 patients with RSA who visited our hospital from December 2019 to May 2021 were selected as the case group and 131 normal pregnant women who visited our hospital during the same period as the control group. The age, body mass index (BMI) and PTS-related markers were compared between the two groups. Including coagulation factor V1691, prothrombin gene (FⅡ)20210, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1)675,methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)677 and 1298, methionine synthase reductase (MTRR)66 gene locus polymorphism, homocysteine (HCY) level, protein C(PC) and protein S(PS) activity. The above markers were screened to establish a multi-factor Logistic regression model, and the predictive value of the model was assessed by ROC curve.
Results

Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed significant differences in BMI, PAI-1-675 and MTHFR677 between the two groups (P<0.05), indicating that BMI > 24, PAI-1(675) and MTHFR(677) locus polymorphisms were the high risk factors for RSA in women of childbearing age. The results of ROC curve evaluation model indicated that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.664 (AUC > 0.5), suggesting that the prediction model was reliable.
Conclusion

The statistical model established by testing the high risk factors of BMI, PAI-1(675) and MTHFR(677) and applying multivariate Logistic regression and ROC curve analysis can effectively predict the prethrombotic state of patients with RSA.
Thermal-induced effects on the structural and photocatalytic properties of Nickel Oxide nanoparticles for Indigo Carmine dye removal
Authors: Abd-Elnaiem Alaa , Hakamy A. , Ibrahem Ibrahem A. , Ali Atif Mossad , Mohamed Walied A.A. , Zeid E. F. Abo
Published: January 2022

In this study, NiO nanoparticles were formed using the chemical precipitation method, and the calcination process induced structural parameters and optical bandgap. The research was carried out using a variety of techniques such as XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The XRD analysis reveals that the formed NiO crystallized in an fcc crystal structure, and that the calcination process influences the microstrain, dislocation density, and average surface area. The optical bandgap and crystal structure parameters are significantly affected by increasing the calcination temperature and/or time. The formation of a Ni–O stretching vibration mode is revealed by FTIR, and the broadness of the absorption band confirms that the NiO samples are nanocrystals. The morphology of the prepared NiO reveals the formation of spherical nanoparticles for samples calcined at 700 °C and dodecahedron-like shapes for samples calcined at 800 and 900 °C. Depending on the calcination temperature and time, the optical band gap ranged from 3.33 to 3.71 eV. The photocatalytic performance of NiO nanoparticles as catalysts for the degradation of indigo carmine (IC) dye is investigated under UV-visible irradiation for up to 3 h. The best degradation efficiency was found to be 76% for NiO calcined at 800 °C for 4 h, which revealed the smallest crystallite size of 19.13 nm, and the highest surface area of 47.02 m2/g. A mechanism for the degradation process was proposed, and the reaction rate constants for various NiO catalysts were estimated, with the maximum value of 4.51×10–3/min calculated for NiO calcined at 800 °C for 4 h.
A Tensor-based Bi-random Walks Model for Protein Function Prediction
Authors: Hu Sai , Zhang Zhihong , Xiong Huijun , Jiang Meiping , Luo Yingchun , Yan Wei , Zhao Bihai
Published: January 2022

Background:

The accurate characterization of protein functions is key to understanding life at the molecular level and has a huge impact on biomedicine and pharmaceuticals. Computationally predicting protein functions has been studied in the past decades. Plagued by noise and errors in protein-protein interaction networks, researchers have begun to focus on the fusion of multi-omics data in recent years. A data model that appropriately integrates network topologies with biological data and preserves their intrinsic characteristics is still a bottleneck and an aspirational goal for function prediction.
Results

We propose RWRT to accomplish protein function prediction by applying bi-random walks on the tensor. RWRT firstly constructs a functional similarity tensor by combining protein interaction networks with multi-omics data derived from domain annotation and protein complex information. After this, RWRT extends the bi-random walk algorithm from a two-dimensional matrix to the tensor for scoring functional similarity between proteins. Finally, RWRT filters out possible pretenders based on the concept of cohesiveness coefficient and annotated target proteins with functions of the remaining functional partners. Experimental results indicate that RWRT performs significantly better than the state-of-the-art methods and improves the area under the receiver-operating curve (AUROC) by no less than 18%.
Conclusions:

Functional similarity tensor offers us an alternative, in that it is a collection of networks sharing the same nodes; however, the edges belong to different categories or represent interactions of different natures. We demonstrate that tensor-based random walk model can not only discover more partners with similar functions, but also effectively free from the constraints of errors in protein interaction networks. We conclude that the performance of function prediction depends greatly on whether we can extract and exploit proper functional similarity information from protein correlations.
Legume Nutrition is Improved by Neighbouring Grasses
Authors: Wei Zhang , Maxwell Thomas M. R. , Robinson Brett , Dickinson Nicholas
Published: January 2022

Background Combination of grasses and nitrogen-fixing legumes are ubiquitous in most natural and derived pastoral grasslands. This was not formerly the case in New Zealand’s unique indigenous grasslands that are now frequently impacted by exotic pasture grasses and legumes. Understanding the co-existence of native and exotic plants is the broad focus of this research.Aims Spillover of nitrogen (N) from clovers to grasses in diverse pasture is well known. We question whether grasses provide reciprocal nutritional benefits to legumes. Does the mutual exploitation of soil biogeochemistry by legumes and grasses help to explain their coexistence and, if so, does this have implications for biodiversity in NZ’s novel native grassland communities? Methods Combinations of grasses and legumes, including a native tussock grass, were grown in a nutrient-poor high country soil (low P, S, Ca, Mg, Mn, and B) in a pot experiment, quantifying the foliar acquisition of nutrients from soil. Foliage of clover was also sampled in single- and mixed-species patches in a more fertile lowland pasture. Results Benefits of legume and grass growing together were reflected in enhanced productivity and higher uptake of a range of key nutrients. This was most evident but not restricted to a combination of two exotic species: cocksfoot and white clover. In the nutrient-poor soil, legumes grew better in combination with different species of introduced grasses. Uptake of key elements from soil to plants significantly differed with combinations of legumes and grasses compared to individual species. Elevated concentrations of P, K and S were recorded in clover when growing with grasses, although Ca uptake was lower. Expected reciprocal reduction of clover N or enhanced grass N were not recorded. Mass balance data (total extraction of key nutrients from the soil pool) showed that combination of grasses and legumes exploit soil nutrients (particularly P, Zn, Mn and Mo) more effectively than single species alone. In grasses, only tissue concentrations of K, S and Zn significantly increased when growing with legumes, but native tussock grass procured less nutrients when growing with the exotic legumes. Field sampling of clover from the more fertile lowland soil showed significantly higher foliar concentrations of K, Mn, Cu and B, but less Ca.Conclusions The findings are indicative of a mutualistic relationship: legumes derive nutritional benefits from growing with grasses. Native tussock grass contained less N when growing with the exotic legumes, suggesting less compatibility and a lack of adaptation to coexistence.
Citizen Energy Communities - Insights Into Long-Term Participant Behavior From a Field Study
Authors: Richter Bent , Staudt Philipp , Weinhardt Christof
Published: January 2022

Background: Citizen Energy Communities, particularly local energy markets, have been discussed for several years as a concept that allows private households, prosumers, and small local generation facilities to be actively integrated into the existing energy system. According to the literature, it promotes investment incentives and introduces local price signals, to which the participants respond with behavioral changes. However, there is a lack of long-term, real-world data, and insights on participants’ behavior in such communities, which is crucial to assess their overall performance and functionality. We fill this research gap by analyzing user behavior based on a one-year pilot project’s recorded data and expert interviews with its participants. Results: In three analyses, we observe that participants are initially willing to pay a premium price above the grid tariff for local green power, but this willingness decreases in the long run, affecting investment incentives. In contrast to assumptions in the literature, participants show decreasing activity over time and do not respond to specific information nudges. However, regular reminders and reports are perceived as valuable by the participants and support their integration into the community. Also, we cannot confirm behavioral consumption changes in response to different price signals. Conclusion: Our results show that the active integration of participants is more challenging than hitherto assumed, and both market mechanism complexity and the need for automation play a central role in a successful design.
Association between quality of life and mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia in high-risk patients after coronary revascularization
Authors: Song Xiantao , Nan Nan , Dong Wei , Gao Bingyu , Cui Feihuan , Chang Zhi , Jiao Jian , Zuo Huijuan , Mi Hongzhi , Lyu Shuzheng , Zhang Hongjia
Published: January 2022

Objective: We sought to determine the association between mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia (MSIMI) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after coronary revascularization. Methods: This cohort study involved patients with high-risk MSIMI who were selected from those who received coronary revascularization between Dec 2018 and Dec 2019. Patients with screened depression/anxiety were enrolled in this study. Mental stress was induced by the Stroop Color and Word Test 4 weeks after coronary revascularization. All participants underwent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans at rest and at mental stress. MSIMI was defined as the presence of four abnormal SPECT phenomena. QoL was assessed using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) before and 4 weeks after coronary revascularization. Results: Of the 1,845 consecutive patients who received coronary revascularization, 590 (31.9%) had depression/anxiety and 205 agreed to accept the mental stress test. During the average follow-up of 42.8 days, 105 (51.2%) patients developed MSIMI. All SAQ subscales were significantly improved, except for QoL, in the MSIMI group. The QoL score was lower (−0.2 ± 32.7 vs. 13.1 ± 29.9, P = 0.005) and the proportion of deterioration in QoL was higher (50.5% vs. 31.9%, P = 0.010) in the MSIMI group than in the non-MSIMI group. Those with a deterioration in QoL were approximately two times as likely to develop MSIMI as those with the improvement in QoL (unadjusted HR: 2.019, 95% CI: 1.122–3.634, P = 0.026; adjusted HR: 1.968, 95% CI: 1.083–3.578, P = 0.017). Conclusion: Among the patients with CAD who received coronary revascularization and had depression/anxiety, deterioration in QoL increased the likelihood of MSIMI. Hence, our results indicate that deterioration in QoL is a predictor of MSIMI.Trail Registration: ChiCTR2200055792, retrospectively registered, 2022.1.20, www.medresman.org.cn;
Computational Thinking and Educational Robotics Integrated into Project-Based Learning
Authors: Valls Albert
Published: January 2022

In the context of STEAM discipline in education, subjects tend to fall into contextualized activities or projects. Educational robotics and computational thinking have the potential to be subjects, although not all educational programs provide for it. Although the use of technology and programming platforms is widespread, it is not common practice to integrate computational thinking and educational robotics into the official curriculum in the field of secondary school. That is why this paper continues with the initial project of integrating computational thinking and educational robotics in La Salle Bonanova school, a Secondary school in Barcelona, Spain. This study presents a project-based learning where the main focus is the development of skills related to STEAM subjects and the acquisition of computational thinking knowledge in a 2nd year of use a block-based programming environment.
A Scientific Report of Singular Kernel on the Rate Type Fluid Subject to the Mixed Convection Flow
Authors: Awan Azizullah , Riaz Samia , Ashfaq Maryam , Abro Kashif Ali
Published: January 2022

The response of inhomogeneous fluids whose material properties are strongly interconnected with mean normal stress and shear rate; such phenomenon undergo to rate type constitutive theories within thermodynamical aspects. In this context, the thermodynamic approach for modeling a class of viscoelastic fluids so called Oldroyd-B fluid is investigated by means of singular kernel. This is because, role of singular kernel has become imperative due to the wide applications of rate type fluid subject to the mixed convection flow. In order to have the systematical and molecular dynamics of Oldroyd-B fluid, the temperature distribution, velocity profile and Nusslet number have been explored by invoking the Laplace transform on the governing equations. Owing to the strengthening of physical parameters, the enhancement of convective heat transfer is emphasized on the basis of relaxation as well as retardation phenomenon. Additionally, the evaluation of thermal and flow characteristics of Oldroyd-B fluid have resulted to discover more evolutionary mechanisms of the considered problem of rate type fluid subject to the mixed convection flow.
Diagnostic gene biomarkers for predicting immune infiltration in endometriosis
Authors: Xie Chengmao
Published: January 2022

Objective

To determine the potential diagnostic markers and extent of immune cell infiltration in endometriosis (EMS).
Methods

From the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO), we downloaded two published profiles (GSE7305 and GSE25628 datasets) of human EMS and endometrial specimens. Differential genes between 17 EMS and 19 endometrial samples were compared. Candidate biomarkers were identified by support vector machine recursive feature elimination analysis and a Lasso regression model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value represented the discriminatory biomarkers. The diagnostic value and expression levels of biomarkers in EMS were verified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting, then further validated in the GSE5108 dataset that included 11 eutopic and 11 ectopic endometria. On the basis of the merged cohorts, we used CIBERSORT to estimate the composition pattern of immune cell components in EMS.
Results

Fifty-three genes were identified in cells from benign neoplasms, polycystic ovary syndrome, gallbladder carcinomas, and adenomas. Gene sets related to arachidonic acid metabolism, cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions, complement and coagulation cascades, chemokine signaling pathways, and systemic lupus erythematosus were differentially activated in EMS compared with endometrial samples. Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and ZW10 binding protein (ZWINT) were identified as diagnostic markers of EMS, which were verified using qRT-PCR and western blotting and validated in the GSE5108 dataset. Immune cell infiltrate analysis showed that AQP1 and ZWINT were correlated with M2 macrophages, NK cells, activated dendritic cells, T follicular helper cells, regulatory T cells, memory B cells, activated mast cells, and plasma cells.
Conclusion

AQP1 and ZWINT can be regarded as diagnostic markers of EMS and may provide a new direction for the study of EMS pathogenesis in the future.
Description of the IPCC mining process and analysis of the profile of productivity losses applied by a mining company in northern Brazil
Authors:   Jaci Clayton da Conceição Sousa1, Fernandes Rafael da Silva , Luz Rosana Maria do Nascimento , Santos Ivanilson Rosa dos , Silva Beatriz Lorrane Farias da , Neto Iamara dos Santos
Published: January 2022

This work presents the description of the IPCC (In-Pit- Crushing and Conveying) mining method and analyze the profile of productivity losses of a mining company in Northern Brazil. A complete description of the IPCC mining and the measurement of the key performance indicators. The description was relevant, as it details this type of Open-Pit mining contributing to the perspective of achieving the annual production goals. Thus, we found that availability represents a greater impact in production, accounting for a total loss of -3,286,656 ton. Hence, it was possible to identify the months on which there were larger losses in ore production. There is a need to investigate the operation performance to improve the PU indicator, which directly impacted the increase in corrective maintenance of the equipment. The dataset was collected from the equipment involved in the mining stage in 2019. The result of this research will help responsible managers implement efforts directed towards the indicator that represents greater loss of productivity. The description of the innovative and operational IPCC method in a single Brazilian mine, which allows greater flow of ore in less time than the conventional method, combines with the identification of months and values of greater productivity losses.
Dynamic Response of Existing R.C. Bridges Against Earthquake Forces
Authors: J Manasa , P KodandaRamarao , Srinivasul A , K Reddy S R
Published: January 2022

Performance of bridges against earthquake forces is different from buildings and other kind of structures as bridges are long and narrow, and support fleeting populace on highways or railways. Earthquakes with magnitude greater than 6.0 are capable of damaging or sometimes leading to even collapse of lifeline bridges, resulting in human and socio-economic losses. The extent of earthquake damage depends on the location of bridge close to the nearest seismic zone, structural configuration, ductility demand, age, and characteristics of the soil below foundation. Many failure examples during recent past earthquakes demand the scientific community and civil engineers, the importance of designing bridge structures against seismic forces; particularly when they built on loose soils. Vertical and lateral loads are resisted by the frame action of the superstructure and substructure of the bridge. Abutments and piers or supporting columns resist lateral forces in proportion to their relative stiffness. The vulnerability of any bridge during an earthquake is mainly due to the lateral displacements which cause large shear and flexure in pier or abutment and lead to failure at connections between the pier top and superstructure, or pier bottom and foundation. In the present study, an example of a two-lane and four spanned R.C. T-beam bridge across a canal, located in seismic zone III, is chosen for carrying out dynamic analysis against seismic forces and checked whether the bearing seat width provided at top of abutment and pier is safe or not, against the horizontal displacement of abutment and pier, obtained from the analysis due to seismic forces.
Extreme heat in New Zealand: a synthesis
Authors: Harrington Luke James , Frame Dave
Published: January 2022

Extreme heatwaves are among the fastest-changing meteorological hazards in a warming world. While likely also true for New Zealand, significant knowledge gaps exist relating to the current and future risks associated with extreme heat. Using high-quality station observations dating back to at least 1972, this study presents the first detailed synthesis of the severity, frequency and persistence of extreme heat experienced by local communities in New Zealand. Results show the hottest days of the year have warmed by more than 0.5°C over the last twenty years for many populated regions, a rate which exceeds average annual changes across the country. When evaluating the risks associated with unusually extreme events, complex regional differences emerge. While the East Coast of both islands witness higher absolute temperatures during local heatwaves, lower levels of day-to-day temperature variability in the northern half of the North Island will translate to larger risks with further warming over the twenty-first century.
A Quantitative Approach Towards Human-Thermal Vulnerability
Authors: Sen Jayashree , Nag Pranab Kumar
Published: January 2022

Human vulnerability towards extreme heat exposure has generally been expressed as the cumulative expression of social, demographic, agricultural, environmental factors. Besides this, behavioural and physiological characteristics of individual may be responsible for significant differences in thermal perception and health effects towards extreme heat. The present endeavour is towards the identification and derivation of the quantitative scale of human-thermal vulnerability considering the social, human and thermal indicators. The study illustrates district-wise and village-wise human vulnerability considering different conventional indicators from social and environmental domain along with the factors accountable towards human warmth. The vulnerability was assessed, as representative for the state of Punjab, Haryana and West Bengal of India. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) was used as means of aggregating diverse indicators and to develop clusters of different variables as the respective principal components. The analysis indicated the utility of the expression of different types of vulnerability and the reasons to consider various indicators and their relative weightages. Accordingly, a quantitative scale of human-thermal vulnerability is arrived at, considering the social, human and thermal indicators.
Estrogen Receptor Variant ER-α36 Facilitates Estrogen Signaling Via EGFR Signaling in Glioblastoma
Authors: Qu Chao , Wang Cui , Li Hongyan , Li Ying , Han Chao , Tao Xiaofeng , Guan Xin , Zhang Yejun , Chen Mengmeng , Liu Jing , Zou Wei
Published: January 2022

Glioblastoma is a deadly and common primary brain tumor. Poor prognosis is linked to high proliferation and cell heterogeneity. Sex differences may play a role in patient outcome. Previous studies showed that ER-α36, a variant of the estrogen receptor, mediated non-genomic estrogen signaling and is highly expressed in many ER-negative tumors. ER-α36 also associates with the EGFR. We showed that ER-α36 was highly expressed and confirmed that ER-α36 co-labels with EGFR in glioma specimens. We also investigated the mechanisms of estrogen induced proliferation in ER-α-negative cells U87 and U251. We found that glioblastoma cell varying responsive to mitogenic estrogen signaling which correlated with ER-α36 expression, and knockdown of ER-α36 diminished the response. Exposure to estrogen also caused up-regulation of cyclin protein expression in vitro. We also found that low concentrations of estrogen promoted SRC-Y-416 and inhibited SRC-Y-527 phosphorylation, corresponding with activated SRC signaling. Inhibiting SRC or EGFR abolished estrogen-induced mitogenic signaling, including cyclin expression and MAPK phosphorylation. Cumulatively, our results demonstrate that ER-α36 promotes non-genomic estrogen signaling via the EGFR/SRC/MAPK pathway in glioblastoma. This may be important for the treatment of ER-α-negative glioblastomas that retain high level of ER-α36, since estrogen may be a viable therapeutic target for these patients.
Climate Data for Field Trials: Onsite Micro Stations Versus ClimateNA
Authors: Ye Zhengyang , O’Neill Gregory A. , Wang Tongli
Published: January 2022

Ecological studies in diverse environmental fields require accurate climate data for point locations that are often distant from reliable public weather stations. ‘Onsite’ micro weather stations can be established directly at research locations, but purchase, establishment, and maintenance costs and data gaps can limit their feasibility. Alternatively, climate data for point locations can be predicted from ClimateNA, a publicly available software package, but the prediction accuracy in remote and mountainous locations is uncertain. We compared ClimateNA predictions with observations from onsite weather stations located at 11 interior spruce provenance trials in British Columbia, Canada. We found that ClimateNA predictions were highly accurate for temperature variables (average prediction error 0.77°C; most R2 values > 0.99) but moderate for precipitation variables (average prediction error 27mm; 0.21 < R2 values < 0.58) when compared with onsite weather data. Growth response functions developed with the two data sources showed similar shapes for temperature variables. Our results suggest that 1) temperature variables can be accurately predicted at remote and mountainous locations using ClimateNA; 2) precipitation variables are more accurately predicted with ClimateNA than with onsite weather stations, which were considerably affected by random factors; and 3) response functions provide an effective, independent tool to assess alternative sources of climate data. Our results recommend the use of ClimateNA over onsite weather stations, except where highly accurate precipitation data are required, in which case, high-quality onsite weather stations must be established and carefully maintained.