bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hippocampal Mitochondrial Transplantation Alleviates Age-Associated Cognitive Decline via Enhancing Wnt Signaling and Neurogenesis
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyichun , Wei Di , Li Zijie , Guo Hanfeng , Wu Yin , Feng Jianying
Published: June 2022

Gradual cognition decline and mitochondrial dysfunction are two notable changes closely associated with aging. Enhancing mitochondrial function has been assumed to be antiaging. However, most current mitochondria-promoting agents usually target 1-2 aspects of mitochondrial function. In the present study, we transplanted mitochondria isolated from young mice into the hippocampus of aged mice, which presumably boost mitochondrial function more thoroughly, examined the effects on cognition, and explored the possible underlying mechanism. Our data showed that exogenous mitochondria were efficiently internalized by nestin-positive neural progenitors in the hippocampus. Mitochondrial transplantation quickly increased ATP levels, enhanced the activity of mitochondrial complexes I, II, and IV, and decreased Tom20 expression in the hippocampus. In regard of cognitive function, mitochondria-treated mice displayed a remarkable improvement of novel object recognition and spatial memory. Utilizing the Wnt signaling reporting mouse line, TOPGAL mice, we detected activated canonical Wnt signaling in the neural progenitors of the mitochondria-treated hippocampus. Further, BrdU labeling showed that exogenous mitochondria significantly stimulated neural progenitor neurogenesis and proliferation. Taken together, our data demonstrated that exogenous mitochondria from young mice might be a novel way of rejuvenating the function of hippocampal neural progenitors to exert antiaging effects.
Intelligent Analysis of Music Education Singing Skills Based on Music Waveform Feature Extraction
Authors: Li Rong
Published: June 2022

In order to improve the effect of intelligent analysis of singing skills in music education, this paper conducts an intelligent analysis of singing skills in music education with the support of music waveform feature extraction technology. Moreover, this paper uses the traditional IMM optimal waveform selection algorithm to solve the model and analyzes the tracking effect and the changes of transmission parameters. Compared with the fixed transmission parameters, the algorithm can effectively reduce the tracking error. From the experimental analysis, it can be seen that the intelligent analysis system for music education singing skills based on the extraction of music waveform features has good effects and can effectively promote the improvement of music singing skills and the improvement of music teaching effects.
SETDB1 Restrains Endogenous Retrovirus Expression and Antitumor Immunity during Radiotherapy
Authors: Pan Dong , Bao Xuhui , Hu Mengjie , Jiao Meng , Li Fang , Li Chuan-Yuan
Published: June 2022

The type I interferon response plays a pivotal role in promoting antitumor immune activity in response to radiotherapy. The identification of approaches to boost the radiation-induced type I interferon response could help improve the efficacy of radiotherapy. Here we show that the histone methyltransferase SETDB1 is a potent suppressor of radiation-induced endogenous retrovirus expression. SETDB1 inhibition significantly enhanced the efficacy of radiotherapy by promoting radiation-induced viral mimicry to upregulate type I interferons. SETDB1 expression correlated with radiotherapy efficacy in human non–small cell carcinoma and melanoma patients. In a murine tumor model, genetic deletion of Setdb1 significantly enhanced radiotherapy efficacy, and Setdb1-deficient tumors had enhanced intratumoral lymphocyte infiltration, an observation confirmed in human cancer samples. Setdb1 deficiency led to increased basal and radiation-induced endogenous retrovirus (ERV) expression, enhanced MDA5/MAVS signaling, and upregulated type I interferons, which were essential for SETDB1 deficiency–induced radiosensitization. Taken together, these data suggest that inhibition of SETDB1 is a promising approach to enhance cancer radiotherapy efficacy by promoting radiation-induced viral mimicry and antitumor immunity through ERV induction.

Significance:

The identification of the SETDB1-mediated suppression of radiotherapy-induced viral mimicry reveals SETDB1 inhibition as a potential approach to sensitize tumors to radiotherapy by enhancing the type I interferon response.
Intracellular Acetyl CoA Potentiates the Therapeutic Efficacy of Antitumor CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Chowdhury Snehanshu , Kar Anwesha , Bhowmik Debaleena , Gautam Anupam , Basak Debashree , Sarkar Ishita , Ghosh Puspendu , Sarkar Deborpita , Deka Alvina , Chakraborty Paramita , Mukhopadhyay Asima , Mehrotra Shikhar , Basak Soumen , Paul Sandip , Chatterjee Shilpak
Published: June 2022

Effector CD8+ T cells rely primarily on glucose metabolism to meet their biosynthetic and functional needs. However, nutritional limitations in the tumor microenvironment can cause T-cell hyporesponsiveness. Therefore, T cells must acquire metabolic traits enabling sustained effector function at the tumor site to elicit a robust antitumor immune response. Here, we report that IL12-stimulated CD8+ T cells have elevated intracellular acetyl CoA levels and can maintain IFNγ levels in nutrient-deprived, tumor-conditioned media (TCM). Pharmacological and metabolic analyses demonstrated an active glucose–citrate–acetyl CoA circuit in IL12-stimulated CD8+ T cells supporting an intracellular pool of acetyl CoA in an ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY)–dependent manner. Intracellular acetyl CoA levels enhanced histone acetylation, lipid synthesis, and IFNγ production, improving the metabolic and functional fitness of CD8+ T cells in tumors. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic knockdown of ACLY severely impaired IFNγ production and viability of CD8+ T cells in nutrient-restricted conditions. Furthermore, CD8+ T cells cultured in high pyruvate–containing media in vitro acquired critical metabolic features of IL12-stimulated CD8+ T cells and displayed improved antitumor potential upon adoptive transfer in murine lymphoma and melanoma models. Overall, this study delineates the metabolic configuration of CD8+ T cells required for stable effector function in tumors and presents an affordable approach to promote the efficacy of CD8+ T cells for adoptive T-cell therapy.

Significance:

IL12-mediated metabolic reprogramming increases intracellular acetyl CoA to promote the effector function of CD8+ T cells in nutrient-depleted tumor microenvironments, revealing strategies to potentiate the antitumor efficacy of T cells.
Sustained Inflammation of Breast Tumors after Needle Biopsy
Authors: McCarty Cruz , Yi Misung , Sous Senna , Leslie Macall , Tariq Ezza , Dondapati Priya , Kameyama Hiroyasu , Nuguri Shreya , Hills Natalie , Wilkerson Marielle , Davis Rachel , Mesiya Sidra , Rui Hallgeir , Chervoneva Inna , Zhang Roy , Tanaka Takemi
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Needle biopsy is essential for definitive diagnosis of breast malignancy. Significant histologic changes due to tissue damage have been reported in solid tumors. This study investigated the association between time from needle biopsy and inflammation in breast tumors. Methods: A total of 73 stage I–II invasive breast cancer cases diagnosed by image-guided needle biopsy who had surgery as their first definitive treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Time from biopsy to surgical excision ranged from 8 to 252 days. Histological sections of surgically resected tumors with a visible needle tract were reviewed by histologic evaluation. Data were analyzed by McNemar’s test for proportional differences, and the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure was used to assess the association between immune cell prevalence and clinical variables. Results: Characteristic histology changes, including foreign body giant-cell reaction, synovial-cell metaplasia, desmoplastic repair changes, granulation tissue, fat necrosis, and inflammation, were frequently detected adjacent to the needle tract. Spatial comparison indicated that a higher proportion of cases had neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages adjacent to the needle tract than tumors distant from it. The presence of inflammatory cells adjacent to the needle tract was not associated with time from biopsy or subtype. Still, plasma cells were associated with residual carrier material from biopsy markers. Conclusion: Macrophages and eosinophils are highly abundant and retained adjacent to the needle tract regardless of time from the biopsy.
Absent Bodies: Psychotherapeutic Challenges during COVID-19
Authors: Bizzari Valeria
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The paper’s main aim is to analyze the theme of psychotherapy which, during the months of lockdown, has undergone a considerable transformation as it moved, in many cases, to the virtual modality. The scarce literature on this subject is divided between those who maintain that the screen establishes a relational distance between the patient and the therapist (disengagement theory) and those who instead consider it an element that stimulates and facilitates communication (stimulation theory). Method: Utilizing a qualitative and phenomenological interview, which allowed me to collect the testimonies of therapists and patients, I will try to understand if and how the fundamental components of psychotherapy and clinical encounter have changed. Results: I will describe how the lack of bodily resonance affects psychotherapy and emphasize the centrality of often-underestimated elements such as the atmosphere and setting. Conclusion: I will finally argue that what is missing is indeed an embodied trust which, in my view, is necessary for a successful therapeutic relationship.
Comparison of Endoscopic Ultrasonography and Conventional Endoscopy for Prediction of Tumor Depth in Superficial Nonampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Matsuda Noritaka , Hirose Takashi , Kakushima Naomi , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Furune Satoshi , Ishikawa Eri , Sawada Tsunaki , Maeda Keiko , Yamamura Takeshi , Ishikawa Takuya , Ohno Eizaburo , Nakamura Masanao , Honda Takashi , Ishigami Masatoshi , Kawashima Hiroki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: June 2022

Background: The utility of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in predicting tumor depth among superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) is unclear. The aim was to compare EUS with conventional endoscopy (CE) for the evaluation of tumor invasion of SNADETs. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive 174 lesions/169 patients with duodenal dysplasia or adenocarcinoma with invasion up to submucosa who underwent both CE and EUS before endoscopic (n = 133) or surgical (n = 41) treatment. Endoscopic staging by CE was performed based on the characteristic endoscopic criteria of submucosal invasion (irregular surface, submucosal tumor [SMT]-like marginal elevation, and fusion of converging folds). The diagnostic performance of each test was compared with the final histology. Results: The sensitivity and accuracy of estimating the depth were higher for CE compared to that of EUS (99.4% vs. 89.4%, p < 0.01 and 97.7% vs. 87.9%, p < 0.01, respectively). Univariate analysis of endoscopic factors revealed that tumor diameter, red color, SMT-like appearance, and hypoechogenicity were factors related to advanced histology. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of SMT-like appearance based on CE was an independent factor to predict submucosal invasion (p = 0.025). Gross morphology of the combined type was associated to incorrect diagnosis of EUS (p = 0.007). Among 3 cases in which EUS overestimated the tumor depth, carcinoma extension in submucosal Brunner’s gland or nontumorous submucosal cystic dilation was observed. Conclusion: EUS may not be necessary, and CE may be sufficient for determining the optimal therapeutic strategy for SNADETs.
Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento do Sistema de Controle de uma Interface Háptica para Aprendizado e Testes de Controle Motor
Authors: Carvalhaes Pedro Bueno
Published: June 2022

Neste trabalho analisamos uma interface háptica presente no Laboratório de Biomecatrônica sob os aspectos estruturais, eletrônicos e quanto aos códigos empregados no seu funcionamento. Em seguida, utilizamos essa análise para desenvolver uma nova versão desse aparelho que pudesse ser utilizada como plataforma de aprendizado de controle e pudesse ser utilizada para testes realizados no laboratório. Foram realizadas modelagens dos sistemas elétricos, mecânicos e aplicados conceitos de controle para a modelagem de diversos sistemas capazes de controlar a posição angular do nosso aparelho. No final, comparamos esses sistemas sobre diversas condições para definirmos o mais adequado para nosso aparelho. Por fim, elaboramos um sistema para permitir a comunicação e troca de dados entre duas interfaces para futuros testes.
Editorial: Focus feature on biomarkers in network neuroscience
Authors: Douw Linda , Senden Mario , van den Heuvel Martijn
Published: June 2022

There is an ongoing need for novel biomarkers in clinical neuroscience, as diagnosis of neurological and psychiatric disorders is hampered by the pronounced overlap of behavioral symptoms and other pathophysiological characteristics. The question that this Focus Feature puts center stage is whether network-based biomarkers may provide a viable tool for distinguishing between disordered populations or whether they may yield only limited differentiating power because of largely shared network characteristics across conditions.
What Has Esther to Do with Qumran?
Authors: Brown-deVost Bronson
Published: June 2022

This article investigates some of the previous claims that have been made for the knowledge of the book of Esther at Qumran. Following the recent advances in the study of textual allusion and re-use, it is no longer tenable to posit any reference to or knowledge of Esther within the writings from Qumran. In addition, it is argued that the one case where a relationship to Esther seemed most certain is better explained amongst other literary references to Amos.
Yoga Teachers on Consuming Animals
Authors: Mace Jenny L. , McCulloch Steven P.
Published: June 2022

Yoga is a spiritual discipline originating from ancient India. Most notably, yoga has links with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. This research explores UK yoga teachers’ attitudes toward plant-based diets and beliefs about the moral status of farmed animals. It uses qualitative interviews as the second phase of a mixed-methodology study. In the first phase, an online questionnaire found that over two thirds of UK yoga teachers believed a plant-based diet was most aligned with their yoga practice due to the teaching of ahimsa, or non-harm. Nevertheless, over 70 % were not following a plant-based diet. Interviews revealed this dissonance was related to views about the necessity of consuming animal products for health, especially when pregnant, breastfeeding, or nourishing growing children. The communal nature of eating also meant that family moderated dietary ideals. Interviews further revealed an alternative conception of ahimsa, permitting the consumption of animals in order to prioritize personal non-harm.
Description of Crustorhabditis dunicola n. sp. (Rhabditida, Mesorhabditidae) from coastal dunes in Spain, including the first SEM study of a representative of the genus
Authors: Ruiz-Cuenca Alba N. , Abolafia Joaquín
Published: June 2022

One new species of the genus Crustorhabditis, C. dunicola n. sp., found in sand coastal dunes from Spain, is described. The new species is characterised by having body 0.60-0.88 mm long, lips separated and more acute toward oral opening, labial sensilla seta-like and cephalic sensilla papilliform, amphid openings oval, stoma tubular with glottoid apparatus bearing two long acute teeth per glottis, pharynx with metacorpus swollen, nerve ring surrounding the isthmus, excretory pore at level of the basal bulb, female reproductive system monodelphic-prodelphic with post-vulval uterine sac absent, vulva very posterior, rectum 1.2-1.9 times anal body width long, female tail elongate with short conoid proximal part and almost filiform distal part with thinner hyaline terminus, female phasmids located at level of the anus, bursa peloderan with velum anteriorly open and ten pairs of bursal papillae (GP1-GP2/GP3-GP6+ph+GP7-GP9), spicules 34-43 μm long and fused at two-thirds of their length, and gubernaculum 19-31 μm long. The genus Crustorhabditis is recorded for the first time from the Iberian Peninsula, with the first SEM study of a representative of the genus. Finally, keys to species identification of this genus are also included.
Development of cost-effective media for the in vitro liquid culture of entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Dunn Murray D. , Belur Prasanna D. , Malan Antoinette P.
Published: June 2022

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) are successful biological control agents of a variety of soilborne insect pests. They have the potential to be mass-produced, using in vitro liquid culture technology, and can be formulated and sold as a biopesticide. To commercialise an EPN-based biopesticide successfully, the method of liquid mass production requires in-depth optimisation to reduce the cost of production and to increase yields, to make it affordable to the farming community. This study attempted to optimise the liquid culture protocol for the South African isolates, Steinernema jeffreyense and S. yirgalemense, by investigating the impact of cheaper medium ingredients on the recovery and yield of the liquid culture process. Studies were conducted by investigating alternative protein, lipid and nitrogen/yeast sources, compared to the more expensive laboratory-grade ingredients currently used. The results showed that egg yolk has no impact on the yield in the case of S. jeffreyense. However, for S. yirgalemense, egg yolk was shown to be a superior protein source to soy and insect-based protein in terms of nematode yield. Moreover, neither canola oil nor olive oil showed a significant difference in the yield of S. yirgalemense, with yeast extract being found to be the optimal nitrogen/yeast source. When comparing the yields with those in other liquid culture research on S. yirgalemense, yields have been successfully increased by 300%, with the cost of the nematode nutrient medium having decreased by 77%. Thus, it is imperative that, prior to a scale up to large bioreactors, the nutrient medium should be optimised to reduce the cost of production.
Mitochondrial genetics of Ophiderini, with a new species from the Eudocima phalonia species group (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Calpinae)
Authors: BORTH ROBERT J. , KONS HUGO L. JR.
Published: June 2022

We evaluate species, species group, and generic concepts for Ophiderini and Phyllodini (Lepidoptera: Calpinae) with a cladistic analysis of COI 5’ mitochondrial DNA sequences. Species recognized by current taxonomy formed monophyletic clades with three exceptions: Eudocima phalonia (L.), E. cocalus (Cramer) and E. hypermnestra (Cramer). Eudocima phalonia formed two allopatric clades, an African clade sister to E. lequeuxi Brou & Zilli, and another clade sister to E. euryzona (Hampson). Each of these four clades comprises a separate taxon diagnosable by unique combinations of discrete genitalic characters, and the African clade previously lumped under E. phalonia is described herein as E. afrikana sp. n. Eudocima cocalus and E. hypermnestra phenotypes overlap in COI 5’ haplotypes. Eleven Eudocima species groups delimited from morphology are independently supported as monophyletic with the molecular analysis. Unique combinations of COI 5’ characters diagnosing species and species groups are provided. Eudocima is largely supported as monophyletic, except E. formosa is excluded from the Eudocima clade, and Graphigona regina, Tetrisia florigera, and Ferenta stolliana are embedded within it. Structural morphology of E. formosa also suggests it does not belong in Eudocima. Adult images are shown for most species of Ophiderini, including many DNA sequence vouchers, and their diagnoses and general distributions are provided.
A taxonomic revision of the dirt ants, Basiceros Schulz, 1906 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: PROBST RODOLFO DA SILVA , BRANDÃO CARLOS ROBERTO FERREIRA
Published: June 2022

The ant genus Basiceros is an exclusively Neotropical group known for its cryptic habits. Based on a recent molecular phylogenetic framework, a comprehensive revisionary study of the genus is presented. Nine species are recognized, two of which are described as new (Basiceros browni sp. nov. and Basiceros tumucumaquensis sp. nov.). Basiceros redux (Donisthorpe 1939) is transferred to the genus Octostruma (O. reducta comb. nov.). As part of this revisionary work, taxonomic keys and images to all species and castes are provided. Castes and sexes (including larvae, males, and intercastes) are described for the first time for several Basiceros species. New records considerably expand the distributional range for most species. Natural history data and comments on character plasticity and convergence are also included.
Application of Combining Weighting and Efficacy Coefficient in Cigarette Physical Quality Evaluation
Authors: Qi Lin , Yang Jingjin , Tang Xishu , Li Yuan , Cheng Liang , Liu Bing , Yang Lu , Wu Kai
Published: June 2022

Cigarettes are the ultimate consumer products of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), and the physical indexes directly affect the stability of product quality. In order to objectively evaluate the quality stability of cigarette products, a novel method combined weighting and efficacy
coefficient is established to assess the stability of cigarette physical quality, and the weight calculated by the efficacy coefficient method is normalized to the comprehensive scores. Meanwhile, this method has also been used to evaluate the rationality of key parameters of the rolling machine.
The results show that the comprehensive scores calculated via the combined weighting method (CWM) exhibit the satisfied linear relationship with the production qualification rate (R = 0.9190), demonstrating this CWM could organically integrate the subjective and objective weights, which
also objectively consider the decision makers’ preferences as well as the inherent regulations between acquired data. In actual production, the obtained comprehensive scores can reflect the overall quality level of cigarette products as the changes of operation groups, equipment units,
and operation parameters. The appropriate parameters of guide plate height and accelerator roller interval should be controlled at the range of 61~67 mm and 0.25~0.65 mm, respectively. In conclusion, these further indicate that the novel combined weighting and efficacy coefficient methods
show a better superiority for objectively evaluating cigarette quality and offering evidence for parameters optimization.
Species Identification and Phylogenetic Reconstruction in Acer Linn. by Restriction Site-Associated DNA Sequencing
Authors: Lin Li , Lin Lejing , Zhu Zhiyong , Ding Yulong , Xie Xiaohong , Zhu Jianjun
Published: June 2022

Acer Linn. is a genus with high variation in species morphology in Sapindaceae, its phylogeny and intrageneric classification remain undefined. Here, 93 samples including 1 Dipteronia species and 52 Acer species were used for restriction site-associated DNA
sequencing (RAD-seq). The basic characteristics were evaluated, and the high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data were used for genotyping, clustering and phylogenetic tree construction. The results showed that 12 sections of Acer was monophyletic except section Lithocarpa;
it was supported to classify A. wardii into section Macrantha and become one series; it was supported to combine section Pentaphylla and section Trifoliata. It was not supported to revise A. yangjuechi and A. olivaceum into A. miaotaiense and
A. elegantulum, respectively. The systematic relationships of some taxa of Acer was clarified based on population genetic structure analysis, PCA clustering and phylogenetic tree analysis, and the origin, evolution and distribution of some taxa of Acer were also discussed
in combination with data such as morphological characteristics, fossil evidence, and distribution information of Acer. The results confirmed that SNP data generated by RAD-seq can be used for species identification and phylogenetic analysis of Acer. It also indicated that it
is feasible in complex group classification and phylogenetic studies.
The Effects of Kiwi Fruit and Star Anise on the Liver and Lipid Profiles Changes in Mice Carcinoma Induced with Ehrlich Ascites
Authors: Hemdan Dalia I.
Published: June 2022

The objective of this study was to estimate chemical constituents, total phenolic, total flavonoids were determined in kiwi and star anise. In addition, biological experimental, in mice, injected with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and treated by cisplatin, kiwi juice, star anise,
and their combination and compared with the mice normal group. As well as determination of mRNA gene expression in EAC Cells was quantitative by Real-Time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis and histological experimental in the liver. The results showed that the nutrition values of kiwi fruit were higher
than star anise. The results indica that the lipids profiles were improved in groups taken a collection of kiwi and star anise, followed by kiwi juice and star anise. Moreover, the results showed that when the EAC mice group was co-treated with kiwi juice, star anise, and their collection,
the CAT and GPx were increased and TBARS were improved. In addition, RNA was extracted from the liver using a total RNA isolation kit and mRNA gene expression in EAC Cells was quantitative Real-Time PCR (RTqPCR) and the Histological experimental were confirmed these results. Conclusion: the
kiwi and star anise as a natural source of new anticancer compounds with antiproliferative, and it would be worthy isolation and identification of new anticancer medicine.
Variations in Enzyme Concentrations During High-Temperature Composting of Livestock and Poultry Manure and Study on Enzymatic Reaction Mechanisms
Authors: Feng Lei , Liu Zhipeng , Zhen Xiaofei , Kang Jian
Published: June 2022

Cow, pig, and chicken manure were collected from farms located in the proximity of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, and were used as raw materials. Before composting, straws at a concentration of 10% were used as bulking agent. Different parameters were monitored during
the composting process. Specifically, we analyzed changes in catalase, invertase, urease, and cellulase concentrations. In addition, the mechanisms of enzymatic reactions at high-temperatures were determined. The results showed that: (1) at the first stages of composting, the initial contents
of catalase were 48.21±1.11, 45.04±0.85, and 44.29±0.65/0.002 mol·L−1·g−1, for cow, pig, and chicken manure, respectively. As composting proceeded, the content of catalase gradually increased. On the 6th day, catalase contents
reached their maximum values, with numbers of 55.21±0.58, 57.28±0.14, and 62.18±0.45 mol·L−1·g−1, correspondingly. In addition, when composting ended, catalase content followed the order (chicken manure > cow manure >
pig manure, with values of 34.33±0.58, 29.31±0.79, and 28.42±0.89/0.002 mol·L−1·g−1), in the same order; (2) According to the Michaelis-Menten expression, temperature greatly affects enzymatic reactions. Our data indicated
that content of catalase, urease, sucrose, and cellulose, as well as number of microorganisms and compost temperature were positively correlated.
Excellent and Rapid Detections of Pyrolytic Characteristics and Activation Energy of Corn and Wheat Straw Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Xue Junjie , Mei Jiaqi , Han Lujia , Dong Changqing , Yang Zengling
Published: June 2022

This study is supposed to measure the varied pyrolytic parameters of corn and wheat straw rapidly using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). The pyrolytic parameters include starting temperature, ending temperature, mass loss ratio, devolatilization peak rate and the corresponding temperature
and activation energy. The pyrolytic parameters are calculated using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) data. Then the Near Infrared (NIR) spectra of sample are collected using PerkinElmer (PE) spectrometer. Finally, the prediction model was developed using chemometrics method with the help
of Matlab. The results show NIRS is feasible to predict the total mass loss ratio, starting temperature, ending temperature and peak temperature perfectly under all of the three different heating rates, with the relative standard deviation (RSD) being smaller than 2.86%. The NIRS can predict
the mass loss ratio and peak rate well under all of the three different heating rates, with the RSD being smaller than 9.62%. The accuracy of the models of heating rate being 20 °C/min is apparently lower. In addition, the NIRS models can predict mean activation energy (Ea) and the Ea
for the conversion ratio from 0.3 to 0.6 very well, with the RSD value being smaller than 10%.
Screening and Functional Verification of Vernalization-Related Genes in Chinese Cabbage
Authors: Li Gaizhen , Qi Xianhui , Wu Dongtang , Liu Zhiqian , Zhao Junliang , Li Meilan
Published: June 2022

Flowering is very important for leaf head formation and breeding. Investigating the key genes related to vernalization process can reveal the flowering regulation mechanism and guide production and germplasm breeding. In this study, two Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis)
inbred lines ‘1#’ and ‘2#’ with different winterness were used to identify vernalization-related genes. After low-temperature treatment, the transcriptomes of the shoot apex of the two lines were analyzed. The Arabidopsis thaliana homologues
of 2,932 common differentially expressed genes with the same change trend after vernalization of two inbred lines were analysed based on Gene Ontology annotation and description. The results showed that, three genes were identified that may be related to the vernalization: Bra031210,
Bra009126 and Bra033615. In which Bra031210 and Bra009126 were cloned, named BrGRP7.1 and BrCPD1, with open reading frames lengths of 507 and 1443 bp, encoding 168 and 480 amino acids, respectively. Through the expression patterns analysis, the expression
of BrGRP7.1 showed a trend of initial decreasing (dipping at stage 1) and then increasing (peaking at stage 5) during flower bud differentiation of both inbred lines. Incontrast, BrCPD1 showed a first decreasing, then increasing, and last decreasing trend during flower bud differentiation
of both lines. These two genes were transferred into wild-type A. thaliana. The flowering time of T2 generation of BrGRP7.1- and BrCPD1-transgenic plants was 2.31~5.11 days and 2.64~4.35 days earlier than the wild-type, respectively. In conclusion, this study
screened three genes that involved in the vernalization process. Through functional verification, BrGRP7.1 and BrCPD1 were proved to have the ability to promote flowering time. This study provided a reference for further study on the flowering mechanism of Chinese cabbage.
Modeling the Shallow Cumulus-Topped Boundary Layer at Gray Zone Resolutions
Authors: Wang Yahua , Cheng Xiaoping , Fei Jianfang , Zhou Bowen
Published: June 2022

This study investigates simulated fair-weather shallow cumulus-topped boundary layer (SCTBL) on kilometer- and subkilometer-scale horizontal resolutions, also known as the numerical gray zone of boundary layer turbulence. Based on a priori analysis of a simulated classic SCTBL with large-eddy simulation, its gray zone scale is determined. The dominant length scale of the cloud layer (CL) is found to be the effective cloud diameter, while that of the underlying mixed layer (ML) is the size of organized convection. The two scales are linked by a simple geometric argument based on vertically coherent updrafts, and are quantified through spectral analysis. Comparison to a simulated dry convective boundary layer (CBL) further reveals that the ML gray zone scale does not differentiate between clear and cloudy conditions with the same bulk stability. A posteriori simulations are then performed over a range of resolutions to evaluate the performance of a recently developed scale-adaptive planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme. Simulation results suggest indifferences to the scale-adaptive capability. Detailed analyses of flux partition reveal that, in the absence of a shallow cumulus scheme, overly energetic resolved fluxes develop in the CL at gray zone and coarse resolutions, and are responsible for overpredicted resolved convection in the ML. These results suggest that modifications are needed for scale-adaptive PBL schemes under shallow cumulus-topped conditions.

Significance Statement

Shallow cumulus (ShCu) clouds play an important role in the dynamical and radiative processes of the atmospheric boundary layer. As the grid resolution of modern numerical weather prediction models approach kilometer and subkilometer scales, also known as the gray zone, accurate modeling of ShCu clouds becomes challenging due to difficulties in their parameterization. This study identifies the spatial scale that sets the gray zone of ShCu clouds, providing the key to building better parameterizations. Performance of existing parameterizations developed for clear-sky conditions is evaluated for cloudy conditions, exposing deficiencies and motivating further development.
A Constant Pressure Upper Boundary Formulation for Models Employing Height-Based Vertical Coordinates
Authors: Klemp J. B. , Skamarock W. C.
Published: June 2022

For the numerical simulation of atmospheric flows that extend as high as the thermosphere, it is more appropriate to represent the upper boundary of the model domain as a material surface at constant pressure rather than one characterized by a rigid lid. Consequently, in adapting the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) for geospace applications, a modification of the height-based vertical coordinate is presented that permits the coordinate surfaces at upper levels to transition toward a constant pressure surface at the model’s upper boundary. This modification is conceptually similar to a terrain-following coordinate at low levels, but now modifies the coordinate surfaces at upper levels to conform to a constant pressure surface at the model top. Since this surface is evolving in time, the height of the upper boundary is adaptively adjusted to follow a designated constant pressure upper surface. This is accomplished by applying the hydrostatic equation to estimate the change in height along the boundary that is consistent with the vertical pressure gradient at the model top. This alteration in the vertical coordinate requires only minor modifications and little additional computational expense to the original height-based time-invariant terrain-following vertical coordinate employed in MPAS. The viability of this modified vertical coordinate formulation has been verified in a 2D prototype of MPAS for an idealized case of upper-level diurnal heating.

Significance Statement

Most atmospheric numerical models that use a height-based vertical coordinate employ a rigid lid at the top of the model domain. While a rigid lid works well for applications in the troposphere and stratosphere, it is not well suited for applications extending into the thermosphere where significant vertical expansion/contraction occurs due to deep heating/cooling of the atmosphere. This paper develops and tests a simple modification to the height-based coordinate formulation that allows the height of the upper boundary to adaptively follow a constant pressure surface. This added flexibility in the treatment of the upper domain boundary for height-based models may be particularly beneficial in facilitating their transition to a deep atmosphere configuration without significant retooling of the model numerics.
Regional Comparison of Diabetes Psychosocial Comorbidities Among Americans With Type 1 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Abdoli Samereh , Odoi Evah , Doosti-Irani Mehri , Fanti Paulo , Beebe Lora Humphrey
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare diabetes psychosocial comorbidities among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) across the United States during the onset of COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Adults with T1D from 4 main US geographic regions including South (n = 367), West (n = 234), Northeast (n = 250), and Midwest (n = 247) completed a cross-sectional online survey between April and June 2020. Data collection was done on psychosocial measures, glycemic variability, sociodemographic characteristics, and various challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Kruskal-Wallis tests, ordinary least squares, proportional odds, and ordinal logistic regression methods were used for data analysis.

Results

In the South, 51.2% of participants had moderate to high levels of diabetes distress, and this was significantly ( P = .03) higher than other regions. Northeast region had the lowest prevalence of moderate to severe diabetes burnout (19.8%), but this was not significantly different compared to the other regions. Participants in the South had also the highest mean score on the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire, with 30.3% of them reporting moderate to severe depressive symptoms. However, there were no significant differences in depressive symptoms among the regions. Glycemic control, demographic characteristics, and COVID-19-related challenges were associated with different psychosocial comorbidities in different regions.

Conclusions

When providing information and support to individuals with diabetes in time of crisis like the COVID pandemic, providers should consider psychosocial aspects of diabetes care. Diabetes disparities and contextual factors vary geographically in the United States; these factors may impact the psychosocial comorbidities of diabetes in each region.
Analytical estimation of maximum fraction of infected individuals with one-shot non-pharmaceutical intervention in a hybrid epidemic model
Authors: Fujiwara Naoya , Onaga Tomokatsu , Wada Takayuki , Takeuchi Shouhei , Seto Junji , Nakaya Tomoki , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: June 2022

Background

Facing a global epidemic of new infectious diseases such as COVID-19, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), which reduce transmission rates without medical actions, are being implemented around the world to mitigate spreads. One of the problems in assessing the effects of NPIs is that different NPIs have been implemented at different times based on the situation of each country; therefore, few assumptions can be shared about how the introduction of policies affects the patient population. Mathematical models can contribute to further understanding these phenomena by obtaining analytical solutions as well as numerical simulations.

Methods and results

In this study, an NPI was introduced into the SIR model for a conceptual study of infectious diseases under the condition that the transmission rate was reduced to a fixed value only once within a finite time duration, and its effect was analyzed numerically and theoretically. It was analytically shown that the maximum fraction of infected individuals and the final size could be larger if the intervention starts too early. The analytical results also suggested that more individuals may be infected at the peak of the second wave with a stronger intervention.

Conclusions

This study provides quantitative relationship between the strength of a one-shot intervention and the reduction in the number of patients with no approximation. This suggests the importance of the strength and time of NPIs, although detailed studies are necessary for the implementation of NPIs in complicated real-world environments as the model used in this study is based on various simplifications.
Infantile neurodevelopmental outcome after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: the first prospective experience from Iran
Authors: Mesbah Nazila , Marsousi Vajiheh , Eslamian Laleh , Montazerlotfelahi Hadi , Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Hessami Kamran , Jamal Ashraf , Noorzadeh Maryam , Naemi Mahsa , Ghaemi Marjan
Published: June 2022

Objective

We sought to evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months of age among infants with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) undergoing fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP).

Materials and methods

In this prospective longitudinal study, neurodevelopmental assessment was performed among the infants at the corrected age of 12 months, who were diagnosed with TTTS and treated by FLP. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) was filled out by parents. In the next step in infants with abnormal ASQ, motor and cognitive developments were evaluated by Bayley’s infant and toddler development scoring system (Bayley 3-Third edition).

Results

In 39 FLP procedures the rate of live birth of at least one twin was 73.8%. Four neonatal deaths were recorded, three of which were due to prematurity and one was due to heart anomaly. The ASQ was normal in 89.7% (35/39) of the infants (group I), 5.1% (2/39) had minor neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) (group II), and 5.1% (2/39) had major NDI (group III). The 4 infants with abnormal ASQ had Bayley examination which showed two with mild to moderate cerebral palsy and two had delayed verbal skills and autistic spectrum disorder. No significant difference was noted between survivors with and without NDI with respect to donor or recipient status, birth weight, gestational age at birth, Quintero stage of TTTS. In addition, the relationship between gestational age at the time of undergoing FLC and NDI was not significant.

Conclusion

In our population, minor and major neurodevelopmental impairment were seen in 10.2% of the infants. This information is useful for counseling our couples in this population prior the procedure.
Significance of tumor heterogeneity of p-Smad2 and c-Met in HER2-positive gastric carcinoma with lymph node metastasis
Authors: Tsujio Gen , Maruo Koji , Yamamoto Yurie , Sera Tomohiro , Sugimoto Atsushi , Kasashima Hiroaki , Miki Yuichiro , Yoshii Mami , Tamura Tatsuro , Toyokawa Takahiro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Muguruma Kazuya , Ohira Masaichi , Yashiro Masakazu
Published: June 2022

Background

Tumor heterogeneity has frequently been observed in gastric cancer (GC), but the correlation between patients’ clinico-pathologic features and the tumoral heterogeneity of GC-associated molecules is unclear. We investigated the correlation between lymph node metastasis and the intra-tumoral heterogeneity of driver molecules in GC.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 504 patients who underwent a gastrectomy at the Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka Metropolitan University and 389 cases drawn from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. We performed a clustering analysis based on eight cancer-associated molecules including HER2, c-Met, and p-Smad2 using the protein expression revealed by our immunohistochemical study of the patients’ and TCGA cases. We determined the correlations between HER2 expression and the other molecules based on the degree of lymph node metastasis.

Results

Immunohistochemical staining data showed that a 43 of the 504 patients with GC (8.5%) were HER2-positive. In the HER2-positive cases, the expressions of c-Met and p-Smad2 were increased in accord with the lymph-node metastatic level. The overall survival of the HER2-positive GC patients with both p-Smad2 and c-Met expression was significantly (p = 0.030) poorer than that of the patients with p-Smad2-negative and/or c-Met-negative expression. The results of the TCGA data analysis revealed that 58 of the 389 GC cases (14.9%) were ERBB2-positive. MET expression was more frequent in the N1 metastasis group than the N0 group. In the high lymph-node metastasis (N2 and N3) group, SMAD2 expression was more frequent, as was ERBB2 and MET expression.

Conclusion

p-Smad2 and c-Met signaling might play important roles in lymph node metastasis in HER2-positive GC.
Investigating the relationship between satisfaction of basic psychological needs, general health, and some background variables in the Iranian older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: vismoradi ‑Aineh Hassan , Alipour Abbas , Ramezankhani Ali , Shakeri Jalal , Yarmohammadi Soudabeh , Marashi Tayebeh
Published: June 2022

Background

Promoting the health and mental health (MH) of the older adults making up a large part of the world’s population in the coming years can provide the necessary conditions for their health and well-being of them. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (BPNs), general health (GH), and some variables in Iranian older adults.

Methods

The present descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 780 older adults from Sarpol-e Zahab (Kermanshah) in 2019 including the study by multi-stage cluster random sampling. The data collection tool was BPNs satisfaction and GH questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire of individual and background information. Was used for data analysis using the SPSS version 16 program and descriptive statistics and tests Pearson correlation coefficient, chi-square test, independent-sample T-test, and multivariate linear regression.

Results

In the present study, participating a total of 780 older adult men aged 73.0 ± 29.32 years. There was a significant relationship between the satisfaction of BPNs and GH (p <  0.001). Also, 41% of the older adults were in poor GH and 30% were high in BPNs. Multiple logistic regression showed that the BPNs, age, income satisfaction, weather, and war zone were strong predictors of GH. the adjusted R2 value of 0.55 shows that the model described 55% of changes in the GH score.

Conclusion

According to the findings of the study on the relationship between the satisfaction of BPNs and GH, providing insurance, social and economic support by developing health policies, creating supportive health environments, strengthening community action, and developing individual skills in the older adults can help improve their MH and that of the community.
BVD seroprevalence in the Irish cattle population as the national BVD programme progresses toward eradication
Authors: Barrett Damien , Clarke AnneMarie , O’Keeffe Kate , Kellegher Padraig , Comerford John , Lane Elizabeth , Byrne Andrew W.
Published: June 2022

Background

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) infection remains endemic in many countries worldwide. Ireland, in common with several other European counties, commenced an BVDV eradication programme in the last decade, Managing eradication programmes requires careful monitoring of diseases prevalence and understanding factors associated with disease exposure to ensure eradication programmes remain evidence based and tailored to the evolving epidemiological situation.

Methods

In this study, we explore the seroprevalence of BVDV exposure over a four-year period (2017 to 2020) in Ireland from a cohort of animals (n = 6,449) under 30 months of age sampled at slaughter, who were born subsequent to the commencement of a compulsory national eradication programme. Temporal trends and risk factor analysis were undertaken using multilevel logit regression models.

Results

There was a declining temporal trend in seroprevalence over the sample years of the study, and risk varied at both county- and herd-levels. The unadjusted marginal animal-level seroprevalence reduced from 9.1% in 2017 (95%; CI: 7.2—10.9) to 3.9% in 2020 (95%; CI: 3.2—4.6). The final model suggested that seropositivity in study cattle was strongly related with the presence of a PI animal in the herd during the year of the animal’s birth, and to a lesser extent the status of the herd from which the animal was slaughtered. The risk of seroconversion increased significantly with increasing size of the herd of slaughter, in females relative to males, and in dairy relative to suckler herds.

Conclusions

This study has shown that the BVDV serostatus of cattle at slaughter is correlated to the BVD infection history of the herd into which the animal was born and the herd from which it was slaughtered. Herd location, increased herd size and dairy production were associated with increased probability of serconversion. These findings will be used to inform the targeting of surveillance strategies once BVDV freedom has been achieved.