bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPEED REDUCTION QUESTIONS: THE ORETICAL BASIS AND ENGINEERING DECISIONS QUESTIONS ON GROWTH OF SAFETTY OF MOVEMENT ACCORDING TO THE USE OF LIGHT-SCENARIOUS ELEMENTS
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, V Osypov
Published: November 2021

The article presents the results of the development, production and implementation of modern high- tech products - micro-prism retroreflective elements for the arrangement of roundabouts of motorways, street and road networks in order to improve traffic safety at night. KEY WORDS: LIGHT-ROTATING ELEMENT, MICROPRISMATIC STRUCTURE, MATRIX­ORIGINAL.
THE THEORETICAL SUBSTANTIATION OF THE COMPUTATIONAL ALGORITHM OF FUEL CONSUMPTION BY DUMP TRUCKS
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, A Svietazarov , M Kovalev ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: November 2021

The purpose of article is to determine, design and construct (optimize) algorithm of quantitative and qualitative indicators of efficiency of use and economy of fuel by dump trucks during unloading cycle. The article considers a group of factors on which fuel consumption depends and determines which factors are the priority. An analysis of the existing normative calculation of fuel consumption for dump trucks, which operates in Ukraine at the state level. Also, in the article the fuel consumption is considered depending on the loading characteristic of the car-dumper at different speed of rotation of the crankshaft, change in fuel consumption, depending on the speed and impact on the fuel consumption of the gear ratios in the general form without cargo and with the load, dependence of fuel consumption on the average speed of unloaded and loaded vehicle. An analysis of the main material and methods for calculating fuel consumption by dump trucks was carried out on the basis of which the conclusion was drawn and presented in the article. The object of the study is the change in fuel consumption by dump trucks during unloading at different crankshaft rotational speeds. The study of fuel consumption by dump trucks during the unloading process requires detailed study, since the exact fuel consumption rate for this process has not been determined and studied, therefore the issue of cost, optimization and fuel economy in the unloading cycle is relevant and requires further research. KEYWORDS: DUMP TRUCS, FUEL CONSUMPTION, UNLOADING PROCESS
IMPROVING THE DURABILITY OF CEMENT CONCRETE TO COVER ROADS
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, V Stozhka , P Borkowski ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: November 2021

The article is devoted to the problem of improving the durability of cement concrete to cover the road through the use of additives. The purpose of the work-improving the durability of cement concrete to cover roads through the use of hydrophobic additives. Object of study-cement-concrete to cover roads. Method of research: statistical analysis of scientific publications, technical and normative literature. In Ukraine, there are almost no necessary types and brands of road cement, so the research and application of existing binders with effective additives is an urgent problem, the solution of which will expand the nomenclature of cement binders for road Construction, improve the durability and resistance of cement concrete covering roads, bridges and airfields, as well as to solve security issues. For this, it is possible to use chemical additives that kolatating pores, give the surface of concrete water-repellent properties, involve in the concrete mixture of air. Based on the modern representations of the physical- xiemia of superficial processes, it can be concluded that the introduction to the concrete mix of small-scale kremnijorganicnih substances together with the water of the closing, will allow to significantly improve the durability and strength against At the same time for the concrete of aggressive factors and load. The influence of hydrophobic additives on physical, mechanical properties of cement concrete to cover roads is investigated. Based on the experimental results, it is determined that the application of 0.1­0.15% hydrophobic additives 136-157 M has a significant increase in the durability of cement concrete for the seal of roads. KEYWORDS: CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT, HYDROPHOBIC ADDITIVES, FROST RESISTANCE, WATER RESISTANCE, STRENGTH, DURABILITY
DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICAL MODEL VEHICLE WITH REMOTIONAL CONTROL FOR EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF VEHICLE PROPERTIES
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, O Timkov , D Yashchenko ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: November 2021

The article is devoted to the development of the physical model of the vehicle, the equipment of the measuring, recording and remote control equipment for the experimental study of the properties vehicles. The construction of the physical model and the used electronic modules is described in detail, references are given to the application libraries and the code of the first part of the program for remote control. In the future, it is planned to develop a mathematical model of the movement of a passenger vehicle and to check its adequacy in conducting experimental studies on maneuverability on a physical model. The aim of the article is developed the physical model of the vehicle, equipped with measuring, recording and remote control equipment, for the experimental study of the properties of vehicle. Materials and research methods: development and designing (experimental research of properties of vehicles on the physical model); remote control; wheeled controlled module. The self-propelled large-scale model of the vehicle, reproducing a passenger car of the category M1, with a controlled wheelbase and a rear drive axle, has been developed. The model is equipped with the necessary measuring and recording equipment and remote control equipment. The software of the model allows you to implement both control manual and the given algorithm. In the future, it is planned to develop a mathematical model of the vehicle motion and to check its adequacy on the developed physical model. The obtained results will allow to improve not only the mathematical model, but also the experimental physical model and proceed further to the study of the properties of hybrid road trains with an active trailer link. KEY WORDS: VEHICLE, PHYSICAL MODEL, EXPERIMENT, STUDY, MODULE, MEMORY CARD, ACCELEROMETER, PROGRAM.
IMPROVEMENT OF NAVIGATION SYSTEMS OF VEHICLES BY MEANS OF INERTIAL SENSORS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING USING PROBABILITY-GEOMETRIC METHODS
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, E Topolskov , L Beljaevskiy L ,   Transport Academy of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine, A Serdjuke ,   National technical university of Ukraine «Igor Sikorsky Kyiv polytechnic institute», Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: November 2021

Providing high accuracy of the coordinates and trajectories of objects by measurements conducted in navigation systems and complexes is an urgent task, which improves safety and efficiency of different modes of transport. However difficult environmental conditions, where vehicles are commonly used, stipulate influence of different factors on performance of onboard satellite navigation receivers, which are used as basic navigation devices for ground vehicle nowadays. Setting on cars used for common purposes additional navigation devices, which provide better performance, in most cases is economically unreasonable. Economically reasonable ways to improve onboard navigation complexes of vehicles, which are used for common purposes, are examined in this article. Functional diagram and principles of work of navigational complex, which uses the satellite navigation receiver and simplified variant of inertial navigation system is pointed as well. Also, the justification of methods for minimizing the error formats of coordinates and trajectories of moving objects based on information processing in multipositional, in particular satellite-inertial navigation systems and complexes, is presented. The obtained research results give an opportunity to develop an algorithm for coordinate refinement, which can be implemented in the improved on-board navigational complex of vehicle. KEY WORDS: NAVIGATION SYSTEMS AND COMPLEXES, INERTIAL SENSORS, NAVIGATION DEFINITIONS, ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF COORDINATES AND TRAJECTORIES OF MOVING OBJECTS, ELLIPS OF ERRORS, PROBABILISTIC-GEOMETRIC METHODS.
CONCEPTION OF REFERENCE BOOKS OF DEFECTS IS IN EQUIPMENT AND PIPELINES OF POWER AND TRANSPORT SYSTEMS
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, L Kharytonova , O Kutsenko ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, I Kadenko ,   Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: November 2021

The paper focuses on the one of the persperctive approaches to the increasing of thje safety of Nuclear Power Plants - Flaw Handbook Concept. Object of study - equipment and piping of Nuclear Power Plants. Purpose of study - the description of the Flaw Handbook Concept and the application of the concept for the specific example. Method of the study - numerical procedures of the finite-element method and fracture mechanics. In the modern economics the optimization of the performance and operation of industry and power systems is of the main importance. The Flaw Handbook Concept is considered in the paper. This concept is applied on the nuclear power plants in the leading states with the aim of the optimization of the procedures of in-service inspection and repair. The main steps of the concept are considered and applied for the specific example. An example of Flaw Handbook using is analysed. The results of the paper can be incorporated into the procedures of in-service inspection for the safety-significant equipment and piping. KEYWORDS: FLAW HANDBOOK, BRITTLE FRACTURE, FATIGUE, FINITE-ELEMENT METHOD, SURGE PIPE.
FORMATION OF A SYSTEM OF CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IN CONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, V Khrutba , V Ziuziun ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, O Barabash ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, D Nevedrov ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: November 2021

In the article, based on existing approaches to the identification and systematization of assessment criteria, a system of criteria has been developed to assess the environmental impact of construction projects and the reconstruction of critical infrastructure. The proposed system of environmental impact assessment criteria is first and foremost relevant to critical transport infrastructure. Purpose of the study - creation of a system of environmental impact assessment criteria in construction projects and the reconstruction of critical infrastructure to identify potential environmental hazards and threats to projects of this type. Method of the study - methodology of project and program management; mechanisms for identification and systematization of criteria. A system of criteria has been developed consisting of five main blocks of criteria, namely: the quality of the surface layer of atmospheric air, waste management, physical factors of influence, social environment and industrial environment. Each of these blocks of criteria contains indicators that detail them. The results of the article can be implemented in the process of environmental impact assessment of construction projects and reconstruction of critical infrastructure. Forecast assumptions about the object of study - developing a method for assessing the environmental impact of construction and reconstruction projects for critical transport infrastructure. KEY WORDS: TRANSPORT, SECURITY, PROJECT, OBJECT, CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, CRITERIA, PROTECTION.
THE CALCULATING MODEL OF AIR COMPRESSION PROCESS WITH LIQUID IN THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CYLINDER
Authors:   International Motor Bureau, Kiev, Ukraine, A Khrulev , S Dmitriev ,   National Aviation University, Kiev, Ukraine
Published: November 2021

The paper discusses the features and performs a preliminary analysis of the symptoms and the causes of the connecting rod damage of an internal combustion engine caused by liquid entering the cylinder (hy­drolock). Object of the study is the cylinder of an internal combustion engine when liquid enters it. Purpose of the study is to research the mechanism of compression air with a liquid in the engine cyl­inder for identifying currently absent quantitative characteristics of the phenomenon of hydrolock, which causes deformation (buckling) and subsequent destruction of the connecting rod. Method of the study is theoretical, includes the development of a methodology for calculating the variation of the air parameters during compression air with a liquid. Based on simplifying assumptions, a system of differential equations for the pressure and temperature of the air with a liquid in a cylinder is ob­tained from the equations of gas state and energy. The system is solved by numerical integration over the crankshaft rotation angle with initial conditions were obtained using the standard ICE cycle calculation soft­ware. As a result, computation of the cylinder pressure in compression process by the crankshaft rotation angle depending on the filling ration of the combustion chamber with liquid was performed. The practical use of the methodology and the results obtained consists in their application in the problems of the engine damage simulation, including the calculations of the connecting rod buckling during hydrolock, as well as to clarify the symptoms and the causes of the damage. By calculation using the developed methodology, it was found that with an increase in the amount of a liquid, the maximum pressure in the internal combustion engine cylinder rapidly increases during compres­sion, starting with the combustion chamber filling ratio of 80%. With a further increase in liquid filling, commensurate with the volume of the combustion chamber, pressure rise in the final phase of the compres­sion stroke is possible tens or even hundreds of times, which determines the damage to the connecting rod during hydrolock. KEYWORDS: INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, ICE, CONNECTING ROD, CYLINDER, FAILURE, DAMAGE, HYDROLOCK, SIMULATION.
Institutions, Climate Change, and the Foundations of Long-term Policymaking
Authors: Finnegan Jared J.
Published: November 2021

Many policy problems require taking costly action today for future benefits. Examining the case of climate change, this paper examines how two institutions, electoral rules and interest group intermediation, structure distributional politics, and as a result drive variation in climate “policy investments” across the high-income democracies. Proportional electoral rules increase electoral safety, allowing politicians to impose short-term costs on voters. Concertation between industry and the state enables governments to compensate losers, defusing organized opposition to policy change. Moreover, the joint presence of both institutions generates complementarities that reinforce their independent effects, pushing countries onto different climate politics trajectories. Newly available data on climate policy stringency provides support for the arguments. Countries with PR and interest group concertation have the highest levels of policy stringency and distribute higher costs toward consumers. The analysis points to causal mechanisms that should structure responses to a more general set of long-term challenges.
Precision Medicine in Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused by L. donovani
Authors: Zijlstra Eduard E.
Published: November 2021

Precision medicine and precision global health in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) have not yet been described and could take into account how all known determinants improve diagnostics and treatment for the individual patient. Precision public health would lead to the right intervention in each VL endemic population for control, based on relevant population-based data, vector exposures, reservoirs, socio-economic factors and other determinants. In anthroponotic VL caused by L. donovani, precision may currently be targeted to the regional level in nosogeographic entities that are defined by the interplay of the circulating parasite, the reservoir and the sand fly vector. From this 5 major priorities arise: diagnosis, treatment, PKDL, asymptomatic infection and transmission. These 5 priorities share the immune responses of infection with L. donovani as an important final common pathway, for which innovative new genomic and non-genomic tools in various disciplines have become available that provide new insights in clinical management and in control. From this, further precision may be defined for groups (e.g. children, women, pregnancy, HIV-VL co-infection), and eventually targeted to the individual level.
Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Transgender People Undergoing Hormone Feminizing Therapy: A Prevalence Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression Study
Authors: Totaro Maria , Palazzi Sara , Castellini Chiara , Parisi Antonio , D’Amato Federica , Tienforti Daniele , Baroni Marco Giorgio , Francavilla Sandro , Barbonetti Arcangelo
Published: November 2021

Background

Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a recognized side effect of some formulations of estrogen therapy, its impact in transgender people remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to define pooled prevalence estimate and correlates of VTE in Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB) trans people undergoing gender affirming hormone therapy.

Methods

A thorough search of MEDLINE, COCHRANE LIBRARY, SCOPUS and WEB OF SCIENCE databases was carried out to identify suitable studies. Quality of the articles was scored using the Assessment Tool for Prevalence Studies. Data were combined using random effects models and the between-study heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochrane’s Q and I2.

Results

The eighteen studies included gave information about 11,542 AMAB undergoing gender affirming hormone therapy. The pooled prevalence of VTE was 2% (95%CI:1-3%), with a large heterogeneity (I2 = 89.18%, P<0.0001). Trim-and-fill adjustment for publication bias produced a negligible effect on the pooled estimate. At the meta-regression analysis, a higher prevalence of VTE was significantly associated with an older age (S=0.0063; 95%CI:0.0022,0.0104, P=0.0027) and a longer length of estrogen therapy (S=0.0011; 95%CI:0.0006,0.0016, P<0.0001). When, according to the meta-regression results, the analysis was restricted to series with a mean age ≥37.5 years, the prevalence estimate for VTE increased up to 3% (95%CI:0-5%), but with persistence of a large heterogeneity (I2 = 88,2%, P<0.0001); studies on younger participants (<37.5 years) collectively produced a pooled VTE prevalence estimate of 0% (95%CI:0-2%) with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, P=0.97). Prevalence estimate for VTE in series with a mean length of estrogen therapy ≥53 months was 1% (95%CI:0-3%), with persistent significant heterogeneity (I2 = 84,8%, P=0.0006); studies on participants subjected to a shorter length of estrogen therapy (<53 months), collectively produced a pooled VTE prevalence estimate of 0% (95%CI:0-3%) with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, P=0.76).

Conclusions

The overall rate of VTE in AMAB trans people undergoing gender affirming hormone therapy was 2%. In AMAB population with <37.5 years undergoing estrogen therapy for less than 53 months, the risk of VTE appears to be negligible. Further studies are warranted to assess whether different types and administration routes of estrogen therapy could decrease the VTE risk in AMAB trans people over 37.5 years subjected to long-term therapy.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/], identifier [CRD42021229916].
Delayed Initial Radioiodine Adjuvant Therapy Does Affect Biochemical Response in Intermediate- to High-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Yu Feng , Li Xue , Ji Yanhui , Tan Jian , Zhang Guizhi , Wang Peng , He Yajing , Wang Renfei
Published: November 2021

Background

There are no definite recommendations on the optimal time of initiating radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients in current relevant guidelines. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the timing of initiating radioiodine adjuvant therapy (RAT) and the clinical outcomes based on dynamic follow-ups and assessments in intermediate- to high-risk DTC patients.

Methods

A total of 206 patients with intermediate- to high-risk DTC receiving RAT of 150 mCi were retrospectively reviewed. According to the time interval (TI: between thyroidectomy and initial RAT), the patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: TI < 3 months (n=148), and Group 2: TI ≥ 3 months (n=58). The RAT therapy response was evaluated as excellent response (ER), indeterminate response (IDR), biochemical incomplete response (BIR), structural incomplete response (SIR). The univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to screen out factors associated with incomplete response (IR= BIR+SIR). Finally, the prognostic nomogram was used to explain IR rates as a valuable tool in clinical practice.

Results

Response to initial RAT was significantly different between 2 groups during dynamic follow-ups (all P<0.05). Group 2 had significantly lower ER rates (37.9 vs 63.5, 52.0 vs 73.9, 64.4 vs 80.3, all P<0.05, respectively) and higher IR rates (39.7 vs 14.9, 36.0 vs 9.7, 12.2 vs 3.9, all P<0.05, respectively) than group 1 during dynamic follow-ups. By univariate and multivariate analyses, prolonged TI (HR: 6.67, 95%CI: 2.241-19.857, P=0.001), soft tissue invasion (HR: 7.35, 95%CI: 1.624-33.296, P=0.010), higher sTg (HR: 7.21, 95%CI: 1.991-26.075, P=0.003) were manifested to be independent risk factors for IR. The nomogram showed that soft tissue invasion, sTg, and TI were the top 3 contributors to the IR.

Conclusions

Early RAT is associated with greater biochemical response but has no impact on SIR. Delayed initial RAT (≥3 months after thyroidectomy) related to IR in intermediate- to high-risk DTC.
Barrier Island Sediments Reveal Storm Surge and Fluvial Flood Events in the Past Centuries at Thua Thien Hue, Central Vietnam
Authors: Kongsen Stapana , Phantuwongraj Sumet , Choowong Montri , Chawchai Sakonvan , Chaiwongsaen Nikhom , Fuengfu Supawich , Vu Doan Thi Anh , Tuan Dinh Quoc , Preusser Frank
Published: November 2021

Sedimentary evidence of storms and fluvial floods (FFs) is crucial for a better understanding of such events in coastal zones. In this study, we analyzed the sedimentary characteristics of the coastal storm and FF deposits at the Hoa Duan barrier, Thua Thien Hue, central Vietnam. Analyses of the sedimentary structures and properties (grain size distribution, composition, roundness, and sphericity) and loss on ignition revealed that the storm sediments were comprised of coarser grains with a low organic and carbonated content, and with sedimentary structures, including parallel and inclined landward lamination, multiple sets of normal and reverse grading, mud rip-up clasts, and sharp and erosional contacts (both top and bottom) with finer-grain layers. Conversely, the FF sediments had only fine to very fine grains, with dominant high organic and carbonate contents, and only exhibited sedimentary structures of sharp erosional top and bottom contacts with coarser-grained layers. The clearest differentiation to distinguish coastal storm layers from inland FF layers was obtained by plotting the mean grain size against the sorting. The results of optically stimulated luminescence dating suggested that two storm layers and one FF layer were deposited during the last 130 ± 10 years. Moreover, two layers were deposited by storms and one by a FF prior to that (>130 ± 10 years). The identification of the sedimentary diagnostic key of these two hazards can help to improve the understanding of the geomorphological evolution of the studied site and the other parts of this coastal region in order to remind the coastal community to prepare for future coastal hazards well.
An Oxidative Stress-Related Gene Pair (CCNB1/PKD1), Competitive Endogenous RNAs, and Immune-Infiltration Patterns Potentially Regulate Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Development
Authors: Cao Shuai , Liu Hao , Fan Jiaxin , Yang Kai , Yang Baohui , Wang Jie , Li Jie , Meng Liesu , Li Haopeng
Published: November 2021

Oxidative stress (OS) irreversibly affects the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Certain non-coding RNAs act as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) that regulate IDD progression. Analyzing the signatures of oxidative stress-related gene (OSRG) pairs and regulatory ceRNA mechanisms and immune-infiltration patterns associated with IDD may enable researchers to distinguish IDD and reveal the underlying mechanisms. In this study, OSRGs were downloaded and identified using the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Functional-enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of oxidative stress-related pathways and processes, and a ceRNA network was generated. Differentially expressed oxidative stress-related genes (De-OSRGs) were used to construct De-OSRG pairs, which were screened, and candidate De-OSRG pairs were identified. Immune cell-related gene pairs were selected via immune-infiltration analysis. A potential long non-coding RNA–microRNA–mRNA axis was determined, and clinical values were assessed. Eighteen De-OSRGs were identified that were primarily related to intricate signal-transduction pathways, apoptosis-related biological processes, and multiple kinase-related molecular functions. A ceRNA network consisting of 653 long non-coding RNA–microRNA links and 42 mRNA–miRNA links was constructed. Three candidate De-OSRG pairs were screened out from 13 De-OSRG pairs. The abundances of resting memory CD4+ T cells, resting dendritic cells, and CD8+ T cells differed between the control and IDD groups. CD8+ T cell infiltration correlated negatively with cyclin B1 (CCNB1) expression and positively with protein kinase D1 (PKD1) expression. CCNB1–PKD1 was the only pair that was differentially expressed in IDD, was correlated with CD8+ T cells, and displayed better predictive accuracy compared to individual genes. The PKD1–miR-20b-5p–AP000797 and CCNB1–miR-212-3p–AC079834 axes may regulate IDD. Our findings indicate that the OSRG pair CCNB1–PKD1, which regulates oxidative stress during IDD development, is a robust signature for identifying IDD. This OSRG pair and increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells, which play important roles in IDD, were functionally associated. Thus, the OSRG pair CCNB1–PKD1 is promising target for treating IDD.
A Strategy for Efficient Preparation of Genus-Specific Diagnostic Antibodies for Snakebites
Authors: Long Chengbo , Wu Feilong , Lu Qiumin , Xie Bing , Shen Chuanbin , Li Jiayao , Deng Yanling , Liang Ping , Yu Yongzhi , Lai Ren
Published: November 2021

As said by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, “Snakebite is the most important tropical disease you’ve never heard of.” Listed as a priority neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization, snakebite envenoming (SBE) kills in excess of 125,000 people per year. However, due to the complexity and overlap of snake venom compositions, few reliable venom diagnostic methods for genus-/species-specific identification, which is crucial for successful SBE therapy, are available. Here, we develop a strategy to select and prepare genus-specific snake venom antibodies, which allows rapid and efficient clinical diagnosis of snakebite. Multi-omics approaches are used to choose candidate antigens from snake venoms and identify genus-specific antigenic epitope peptide fragments (GSAEPs) with ideal immunogenicity, specificity, and spatial accessibility. Double-antibody sandwich ELISA kit was established by matching a polyclonal antibody against a natural antigen and a monoclonal antibody that was prepared by natural protein as antigen and can specifically target the GSAEPs. The kit shows the ability to accurately identify venoms from similar genera of Trimeresurus and Protobothrops with a detection limit of 6.25 ng/ml on the snake venoms and a little cross-reaction, thus proving high feasibility and applicability.
Monolithic Papain-Immobilized Enzyme Reactors for Automated Structural Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Rinaldi Francesca , Tengattini Sara , Brusotti Gloria , Tripodo Giuseppe , Peters Benjamin , Temporini Caterina , Massolini Gabriella , Calleri Enrica
Published: November 2021

The characterization of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) requires laborious and time-consuming sample preparation steps before the liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Middle-up approaches entailing the use of specific proteases (papain, IdeS, etc.) emerged as practical and informative methods for mAb characterization. This work reports the development of immobilized enzyme reactors (IMERs) based on papain able to support mAb analytical characterization. Two monolithic IMERs were prepared by the covalent immobilization of papain on different supports, both functionalized via epoxy groups: a Chromolith® WP 300 Epoxy silica column from Merck KGaA and a polymerized high internal phase emulsion (polyHIPE) material synthesized by our research group. The two bioreactors were included in an in-flow system and characterized in terms of immobilization yield, kinetics, activity, and stability using Nα-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester (BAEE) as a standard substrate. Moreover, the two bioreactors were tested toward a standard mAb, namely, rituximab (RTX). An on-line platform for mAb sample preparation and analysis with minimal operator manipulation was developed with both IMERs, allowing to reduce enzyme consumption and to improve repeatability compared to in-batch reactions. The site-specificity of papain was maintained after its immobilization on silica and polyHIPE monolithic supports, and the two IMERs were successfully applied to RTX digestion for its structural characterization by LC-MS. The main pros and cons of the two supports for the present application were described.
Direct Approach or Detour: A Comparative Model of Inhibition and Neural Ensemble Size in Behavior Selection
Authors: Tjøstheim Trond A. , Johansson Birger , Balkenius Christian
Published: November 2021

Organisms must cope with different risk/reward landscapes in their ecological niche. Hence, species have evolved behavior and cognitive processes to optimally balance approach and avoidance. Navigation through space, including taking detours, appears also to be an essential element of consciousness. Such processes allow organisms to negotiate predation risk and natural geometry that obstruct foraging. One aspect of this is the ability to inhibit a direct approach toward a reward. Using an adaptation of the well-known detour paradigm in comparative psychology, but in a virtual world, we simulate how different neural configurations of inhibitive processes can yield behavior that approximates characteristics of different species. Results from simulations may help elucidate how evolutionary adaptation can shape inhibitive processing in particular and behavioral selection in general. More specifically, results indicate that both the level of inhibition that an organism can exert and the size of neural populations dedicated to inhibition contribute to successful detour navigation. According to our results, both factors help to facilitate detour behavior, but the latter (i.e., larger neural populations) appears to specifically reduce behavioral variation.
Prognostic Significance of Signet Ring Cells in Gastric Cancer: The Higher Proportion, The Better Survival
Authors: Li Yang , Zhong Yuxin , Xu Quan , Zhu Zhikai , Tian Yantao
Published: November 2021

Background

Due to the fact that the definition of gastric signet ring cell cancer (GSRC) was still controversial in the past decades, the prognosis affected by the proportion of signet ring cells within gastric cancer is uncertain. This study compared the clinicopathological features and prognosis of GSRC with the various proportions of signet ring cells.

Methods

We collected GSRC cases without metastasis who underwent curative (R0) resection between 2011 and 2018. Individuals who were in the low-proportion signet ring cell group (LSRC, <50%) were matched to those who were in the high-proportion signet ring cell group (HSRC, >50%) through propensity score matching (1:1). We used Cox proportional hazard regression to calculate the adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) and explored interactions with gender and stage.

Results

We had 1:1 matched individuals including 231 cases from the LSRC group and 231 cases from the HSRC group. Patients with HSRC had a significantly higher overall survival rate in the multivariable model (aHR = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.38, 0.84) compared with those with LSRC. The association of HSRC appeared to be more substantial among individuals at early stage and N0 stage (p-interaction < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study confirms that GSRC with different proportions of signet ring cells could affect the survival of the patient. Further clinical studies should be developed in the future to provide an appropriate treatment strategy for GSRC.
Redefine Hyperprogressive Disease During Treatment With Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Wang Zhenghang , Liu Chang , Bai Yuezong , Zhao Xiaochen , Cui Longgang , Peng Zhi , Zhang Xiaotian , Wang Xicheng , Zhao Zhengyi , Li Jian , Shen Lin
Published: November 2021

Objective

Emerging evidence showed that immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) lead to hyperprogressive disease (HPD) in a small proportion of patients. There is no well-recognized standard for the evaluation of HPD. Comprehensive exploration of HPD definition system in gastrointestinal cancer treated with ICI is lacking to date.

Methods

A total of 126 patients with advanced or metastatic gastrointestinal cancer treated with ICI monotherapy were analyzed. Seven definitions of HPD were defined with tumor growth kinetics (TGK) or tumor growth rate (TGR) by including new lesions or not, and with different cutoffs. Incidence and performance of different criteria were compared. Clinicopathologic characteristics and baseline genomic variations associated with HPD were also explored.

Results

Tumor growth kinetics ratio of more than two fold that incorporated new lesions into calculation of HPD outperformed other definitions by successfully stratifying 14 patients (11.1%) with both accelerated disease progression (median PFS, 1.62 versus 1.93 months; hazard ratio, 1.85; 95% CI, 0.98 to 3.48; P = 0.059) and worse overall survival (median OS, 3.97 versus 10.23 months; hazard ratio, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.11 to 4.78; P = 0.021). Baseline genomic alterations in circulating tumor DNA, including SMARCA2, MSH6, APC signaling pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway, might be associated with the risk of HPD.

Conclusion

Incorporating new lesions emerging during the treatment was shown to be reliable for the assessment of TGK. TGK serves as a more convenient way to reflect tumor growth acceleration compared with TGR. Genomic alterations were suggested to be associated with the occurrence of HPD.
Antitumor Effects of Evodiamine in Mice Model Experiments: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yin Cong , Cheng Jing , Peng Hongbing , Yuan Shijun , Chen Keli , Li Juan
Published: November 2021

Background

Evodiamine (EVO), an alkaloid extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Euodia rutaecarpa, plays an important role in the treatment of cancer. This study was performed to clarify the effects of evodiamine in mice tumor model studies.

Methods

Electronic databases and search engines involved China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (CSJD-VIP), China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, which were searched for literature related to the antitumor effects of evodiamine in animal tumor models (all until 1 October 2021). The evodiamine effects on the tumor volume and tumor weight were compared between the treatment and control groups using the standardized mean difference (SMD).

Results

Evodiamine significantly inhibited tumor growth in mice, as was assessed with tumor volume [13 studies, n=267; 138 for EVO and 129 for control; standard mean difference (SMD)= -5.99; 95% (CI): -8.89 to -3.10; I2 = 97.69%, p ≤ 0.00], tumor weight [6 studies, n=89; 49 for EVO and 40 for control; standard mean difference (SMD)= -3.51; 95% (CI): -5.13 to -3.90; I2 = 83.02%, p ≤ 0.00].

Conclusion

EVO significantly suppresses tumor growth in mice models, which would be beneficial for clinical transformation. However, due to the small number of studies included in this meta-analysis, the experimental design and experimental method limitations should be considered when interpreting the results. Significant clinical and animal studies are still required to evaluate whether EVO can be used in the adjuvant treatment of clinical tumor patients.
Biochar Reduces the Adverse Effect of Saline Water on Soil Properties and Wheat Production Profitability
Authors: El-sayed Mohamed E. A. , Hazman Mohamed , Abd El-Rady Ayman Gamal , Almas Lal , McFarland Mike , Shams El Din Ali , Burian Steve
Published: November 2021

The goal of this study is to assess the use of saline groundwater in combination with soil amendments to increase the efficiency of wheat production in new agricultural soil in Egypt. The experiment was conducted during the two consecutive growing seasons, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, at the Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag, Egypt. In this study, plants of Shandaweel 1 spring bread wheat cultivar were grown under the combinations of the two water treatments, i.e., freshwater (307.2 ppm) and saline water (3000 ppm (NaCl + MgCl2)) representing groundwater in Egypt delivered by drip irrigation and the two biochar rates, i.e., zero and 4.8 ton/ha as a soil amendment. The cob corn biochar (CCB) was synthesized by using the slow pyrolysis process (one hour at 350 °C). The results revealed that saline water reduced the grain yield ratio by 8.5%, 11.0%, and 9.7% compared to non-saline water during seasons 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 and over seasons, respectively. Concerning, combined over seasons, the biochar addition enhanced the grain yield by 5.6% and 13.8% compared to non-biochar addition under fresh and saline irrigation water conditions, respectively. Thus, the results indicated and led to a preliminary recommendation that saline groundwater is a viable source of irrigation water and that biochar seemed to alleviate salinity stress on wheat production and in reclaimed soils of Egypt.
Potassium and Water-Deficient Conditions Influence the Growth, Yield and Quality of Ratoon Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in a Semi-Arid Agroecosystem
Authors: Bhatt Rajan , Singh Jagdish , Laing Alison M. , Meena Ram Swaroop , Alsanie Walaa F. , Gaber Ahmed , Hossain Akbar
Published: November 2021

Groundwater and soil potassium deficiencies are present in northern India. Sugarcane is a vital crop in the Indian Punjab; it is grown on approximately 91,000 hectares with an average yield of 80 tonnes ha−1 and a sugar recovery rate of 9.59%. The role of potassium (K) fertilizer under both sufficient and deficient irrigation in ratoon sugarcane crops is not well documented. We conducted a split-plot ratoon cane experiment during 2020–2021 at the Gurdaspur Regional Research Station of Punjab Agricultural University, India, on K-deficient soils. Main treatments were fully irrigated (I1) and water stressed (I0) conditions, with sub-treatments reflecting K fertilizer application rates of 0 (M1), 67 (M2), 133 (M3), and 200 (M4) kg K ha−1. The ratoon sugarcane performance was assessed in terms of growth, productivity, sugar quality and incidence of key insect pests. At harvest, trends in the growth and yield parameters in I1 were improved over the I0 treatment, with cane height (+12.2%), diameter (+3.3%), number of internodes (+5.4%), biomass yield (+7.6%) and cane yield (+5.9%) all higher, although little significant difference was observed between treatments. Ratoon cane yield under irrigation was 57.1 tonnes ha−1; in water-stressed conditions, it was 54.7 tonnes ha−1. In terms of sugarcane quality parameters, measured 12 months after harvesting the initial seed crop, values of Brix (+3.6%), pol (+3.9%), commercial cane sugar percentage (+4.0%) and extractable sugar percentage (+2.8%) were all higher in the irrigated treatments than the water-stressed plot. Irrigated treatments also had a significantly lower incidence of two key insect pests: top borer (Scirpophaga excerptalis) was reduced by 18.5% and stalk borer (Chilo auricilius) by 21.7%. The M3 and M4 treatments resulted in the highest cane yield and lowest incidence of insect pests compared to other K-fertilizer treatments. Economic return on K-fertilizer application increased with increasing fertilizer dosage. Under the potassium-deficient water-stressed conditions of the region of north India, a fertilizer application rate of 133 kg K ha−1 is recommended to improve ratoon sugarcane growth, yield, and quality parameters and economic returns for sugarcane farmers.
Long-Term Integrated Nutrient Management in the Maize–Wheat Cropping System in Alluvial Soils of North-Western India: Influence on Soil Organic Carbon, Microbial Activity and Nutrient Status
Authors: Dhaliwal Salwinder Singh , Sharma Sandeep , Sharma Vivek , Shukla Arvind Kumar , Walia Sohan Singh , Alhomrani Majid , Gaber Ahmed , Toor Amardeep Singh , Verma Vibha , Randhawa Mehakpreet Kaur , Pandher Lovedeep Kaur , Singh Prabhjot , Hossain Akbar
Published: November 2021

Integrated nutrient management (INM) is a widely recognized tool to ensure sustainable crop productivity while preserving soil fertility. The addition of organic manures in soil has been evidenced to improve soil characteristics, in addition to improving nutrient availability. The soil samples, with five treatment combinations of chemical fertilizers with farmyard manure (FYM), were collected from a 17-year-old field experiment conducted at PAU, Ludhiana to investigate the effect of INM on the buildup of organic carbon (OC), microbial community, soil nutrient status and improvement in soil physical properties under the maize–wheat cropping system. The INM technique enhanced the OC content (0.44 to 0.66%), available N (152.8 to 164.9 kg ha−1), P (22.8 to 31.4 kg ha−1) and K (140.6 to 168.0 kg ha−1) after 17 years. The DTPA-extractable and total micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn) status also improved significantly with FYM supplementation. The organic source, coupled with inorganic fertilizers, improved the water holding capacity, total porosity, soil respiration, microbial biomass C, microbial biomass N, and potentially mineralizable N. However, pH, EC, and bulk density of soil decreased with the addition of FYM, coupled with chemical fertilizers.
Bioinformatic-Based Approaches for Disease-Resistance Gene Discovery in Plants
Authors: Fernandez-Gutierrez Andrea , Gutierrez-Gonzalez Juan J.
Published: November 2021

Pathogens are among the most limiting factors for crop success and expansion. Thus, finding the underlying genetic cause of pathogen resistance is the main goal for plant geneticists. The activation of a plant’s immune system is mediated by the presence of specific receptors known as disease-resistance genes (R genes). Typical R genes encode functional immune receptors with nucleotide-binding sites (NBS) and leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains, making the NBS-LRRs the largest family of plant resistance genes. Establishing host resistance is crucial for plant growth and crop yield but also for reducing pesticide use. In this regard, pyramiding R genes is thought to be the most ecologically friendly way to enhance the durability of resistance. To accomplish this, researchers must first identify the related genes, or linked markers, within the genomes. However, the duplicated nature, with the presence of frequent paralogues, and clustered characteristic of NLRs make them difficult to predict with the classic automatic gene annotation pipelines. In the last several years, efforts have been made to develop new methods leading to a proliferation of reports on cloned genes. Herein, we review the bioinformatic tools to assist the discovery of R genes in plants, focusing on well-established pipelines with an important computer-based component.
Analysis on Drug-Resistance-Associated Mutations among Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates in China
Authors: Jia Hongbing , Xu Yuhui , Sun Zhaogang
Published: November 2021

As the causative bacteria of tuberculosis, Mycobacteriumtuberculosis (M. tb) is aggravated by the emergence of its multidrug-resistant isolates in China. Mutations of six of the most frequently reported resistant genes (rpoB, katG, inhA, embB, gyrA, and rpsL) were detected for rifampicin (RIF), isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (EMB), ofloxacin (OFX), and streptomycin (STR) in this study. The amino acid missense mutations (MMs) and their corresponding single nucleotide polymorphism mutations for all drug-resistant (DR) isolates are described in detail. All isolates were divided into non-extensively drug-resistant (Non-XDR) and preXDR/XDR groups. No statistical differences were detected among MMs and linked MMs (LMs) between the two groups, except for rpsL 88 (p = 0.037). In the preXDR/XDR group, the occurrence of MMs in rpoB, katG, and inhA developed phenotypic resistance and MMs of rpoB 531, katG 315, rpsL 43, and rpsL 88 could develop high levels of DR. It is necessary to carry out epidemiological investigations of DR gene mutations in the local region, and thus provide necessary data to support the design of new technologies for rapid detection of resistant M. tb and the optimization of detection targets.
Current Knowledge on Mechanisms Preventing Photosynthesis Redox Imbalance in Plants
Authors: González María-Cruz , Cejudo Francisco Javier , Sahrawy Mariam , Serrato Antonio Jesús
Published: November 2021

Photosynthesis includes a set of redox reactions that are the source of reducing power and energy for the assimilation of inorganic carbon, nitrogen and sulphur, thus generating organic compounds, and oxygen, which supports life on Earth. As sessile organisms, plants have to face continuous changes in environmental conditions and need to adjust the photosynthetic electron transport to prevent the accumulation of damaging oxygen by-products. The balance between photosynthetic cyclic and linear electron flows allows for the maintenance of a proper NADPH/ATP ratio that is adapted to the plant’s needs. In addition, different mechanisms to dissipate excess energy operate in plants to protect and optimise photosynthesis under adverse conditions. Recent reports show an important role of redox-based dithiol–disulphide interchanges, mediated both by classical and atypical chloroplast thioredoxins (TRXs), in the control of these photoprotective mechanisms. Moreover, membrane-anchored TRX-like proteins, such as HCF164, which transfer electrons from stromal TRXs to the thylakoid lumen, play a key role in the regulation of lumenal targets depending on the stromal redox poise. Interestingly, not all photoprotective players were reported to be under the control of TRXs. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding the mechanisms that allow an appropriate electron flux to avoid the detrimental consequences of photosynthesis redox imbalances.