bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sales Forecasting for Fashion Products Considering Lost Sales
Authors: Chen Dali , Liang Wenbiao , Zhou Kelan , Liu Fan
Published: July 2022

Sales forecasting for new products is significantly important for fashion retailer companies because prediction with high accuracy helps the company improve management efficiency and customer satisfaction. The low inventory strategy of fashion products and the low stock level in each brick-and-mortar store lead to serious censored demand problems, making forecasting difficult. In this regard, a two layers (TLs) model is proposed in this paper to predict the total sales of new products. In the first layer, the demand is estimated by linear regression (LR). In the second layer, sales are modeled as a function of not only the demand but also the inventory. To solve the TLs model, a gradient-boosting decision tree method (GBDT) is used for feature selection. Considering the heterogeneity in products, a mixed k-mean algorithm is applied for product clustering and a genetic algorithm for parameter estimation in each cluster. The model is tested on real-world data from a Singapore company, and the experimental results show that our model is better than LR, GBDT, support vector regression (SVR) and artificial neural network (ANN) in most cases. Furthermore, two indicators are built: the average conversion rate and the marginal conversion rate, to measure products’ competitiveness and explore the optimal inventory level, respectively, which provide helpful guidance on decision-making for fashion industry managers.
Blockage Effects in Wind Tunnel Tests for Tall Buildings with Surrounding Buildings
Authors: Wang Lei , Shi Fen , Wang Zheng , Liang Shuguo
Published: July 2022

To study the blockage effects in wind tunnel tests for tall buildings with surrounding buildings and establish a reasonable calculation method for the blockage ratio, this paper carried out fifty-one test conditions of pressure model wind tunnel tests with three scale ratios. The tests considered the relative location, relative height, and model number of the surrounding buildings to those of the target building by the rigid pressure models. Based on the wind tunnel tests, the blockage effects on the pressure coefficients and drag coefficients were studied in detail. The results showed that the blockage effects were different when the relative positions of the surrounding models to the target model were different, even if the blockage ratio was the same. The blockage effects caused by the surrounding models with unit blockage ratio were usually more significant than those caused by the target pressure-measuring model itself. The existing correction methods for the blockage effects are mainly derived from the wind tunnel tests of an isolated building model. Using existing calculations to evaluate the blockage effect of wind tunnel tests for tall buildings with surrounding buildings may result in obvious deviations. Finally, the concept of the equivalent blockage ratio was proposed, which can be used to calculate the blockage ratio of wind tunnel tests of tall buildings with surrounding buildings. The proposed calculation method of this equivalent blockage ratio can provide a reference for the determination of scale ratios for wind tunnel test models of tall buildings.
Cambisol Mycobiome in a Long-Term Field Experiment with Korean Pine as a Sole Edificator: A Case Study
Authors: Naumova Natalia , Kuznetsova Galina , Alikina Tatiana , Kabilov Marsel
Published: July 2022

A culture-independent mycobiome survey in Haplic Cambisol under Korean pine in a long-term field experiment in the Russian Far East was conducted using sequence analysis of the ITS region amplified with ITS3/ITS4 primers using the metagenomic DNA as a matrix. Overall 758 fungal OTUs were identified, representing 15 phyla, 47 classes, 104 orders, 183 families, and 258 genera. More OTUs represented the Ascomycota phylum (513) than Basidiomycota (113), with both phyla together comprising 95% of the relative abundance. The Leotiomycetes class was ultimately prevailing; apparently contributing significantly to the organic matter decomposition and microbial biomass in soil, as shown by a PCA. Only two dominant OTUs (Pseudogymnoascus sp. and Hyaloscyphaceae, both Ascomycota) were common in the studied samples. The presented high mycobiome diversity in soil under the monospecies artificial forest, where Korean pine had been the sole edificator for forty years, allows concluding that plant chemistry diversity is the main factor shaping the soil mycobiome in such an environment. The obtained data provide a reference for further studies of soil mycobiota, especially under Korean pine with its aesthetic, as well as nut-producing, potential. The results can be helpful in the targeted creating of a soil mycobiome beneficial for pines in afforestation and remediation contexts.
Atmospheric Gravity Wave Potential Energy Observed by Rayleigh Lidar above Jiuquan (40° N, 95° E), China
Authors: Zhao Weibo , Hu Xiong , Yan Zhaoai , Pan Weilin , Guo Wenjie , Yang Junfeng , Du Xiaoyong
Published: July 2022

Two years of observational data from the 532 nm Rayleigh lidar were used to study the vertical profile characteristics of atmospheric gravity wave potential energy density (GWPED) between 40–80 km above Jiuquan (40° N, 95° E) for the first time. The atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) characteristics are presented in terms of the atmospheric relative temperature perturbation, along with the estimated annual and seasonal GWPED with high spatial and temporal resolution (0.5 km and 1 h). The annual potential energy mass density Epm and volume density Epv vertical profiles show that the GWPED in the upper mesosphere is close to the adiabatic growth rate. The seasonal vertical profiles result shows that Epm is higher in autumn–winter than in spring–summer in all the observed altitudes. The GWPED approaches adiabatic growth above 61 and 65 km in spring–summer and autumn–winter, respectively. The AGWs severely dissipate below the turning altitudes and transfer energy into the background atmosphere. The GWPED scale heights show that the AGWs dissipation rate of spring–summer is close to that of autumn–winter. Furthermore, based on the wind data from SD–WACCM, the influence of critical level filtering on AGWs is discussed. It plays an important role in affecting the seasonal variation in GWPED.
Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) from Photo-Oxidation of Toluene: 1 Influence of Reactive Nitrogen, Acidity and Water Vapours on Optical Properties
Authors: Mitra Kalyan , Mishra Harsh Raj , Pei Xiangyu , Pathak Ravi Kant
Published: July 2022

Many climate models treat the light-absorbing SOA component called “brown carbon” (BrC) as non-light absorbing because its formation and transformations are poorly understood. We therefore investigated the influence of reactive nitrogen (NOx, NH3)-, acidity (H2SO4)-, and water-mediated chemistry on SOA formed by the photo-oxidation of toluene, the subsequent formation and transformation of BrC, and its optical properties. We discovered that nitrogen-poor (NP) SOA is formed when the molar ratio of NOx to reacted toluene (henceforth, [NOx/ΔHC]) is 0.15 or less, whereas nitrogen-rich (NR) SOA is formed when [NOx/ΔHC] > 0.15. NR and NP SOA have markedly different characteristics. The light absorption coefficient (Babs) and mass absorption cross-section (MAC) of the SOA increased with [NOx/ΔHC] under both the NP and NR regimes. For NP SOA, the MAC increased with [NOx/ΔHC] independently of the relative humidity (RH). However, the MAC of NR SOA was RH-dependent. Under both NP and NR regimes, acidity promoted SOA browning while NH3 increased Babs and MAC at 80% RH. The highest MAC was observed at the lowest RH (20%) for acidic NR SOA, and it was postulated that the MAC of SOA depends mainly on the pH and the [H+]free/[SOA mass] ratio of the aqueous SOA phase.
Research on Analysis Method of Remote Sensing Results of NO Emission from Diesel Vehicles
Authors: Hao Lijun , Yin Hang , Wang Junfang , Tian Miao , Wang Xiaohu , Ge Yunshan , Bernard Yoann , Sjödin Åke
Published: July 2022

Remote sensing technology has been used for gasoline vehicle gaseous emissions monitoring for nearly 30 years. However, the application effect of the remote sensing detection of diesel vehicle tailpipe emission concentrations is unsatisfactory. Therefore, several approaches were proposed to analyze the remote sensing results for gaseous exhaust emissions from diesel vehicles, including the concentration ratios of gaseous emission components to carbon dioxide (CO2) and fuel-based emission factors. Based on our experimental results, these two metrics have some high values in low-speed or low-load conditions of vehicles, which introduces uncertainty when evaluating vehicle emission levels. Therefore, an inversion calculation method originally developed for remote sensing light duty diesel vehicle gaseous emissions was used for the remote sensing of nitrogen monoxide (NO) tailpipe concentrations in heavy duty diesel vehicles, and validated by PEMS tested emission results. For the first time, the above three options for evaluating the NOx emission level of diesel vehicles, including the concentration ratio of NO to CO2, the fuel-based NO emission factor and the estimated tailpipe NO emission concentration were investigated, and some influencing factors were also discussed. The remote sensing tailpipe NO emission concentration can be directly used to evaluate diesel vehicle NO emission levels compared with the two other metrics.
A Literature Review of Cooling Center, Misting Station, Cool Pavement, and Cool Roof Intervention Evaluations
Authors: Black-Ingersoll Flannery , de Lange Julie , Heidari Leila , Negassa Abgel , Botana Pilar , Fabian M. Patricia , Scammell Madeleine K.
Published: July 2022

Heat islands and warming temperatures are a growing global public health concern. Although cities are implementing cooling interventions, little is known about their efficacy. We conducted a literature review of field studies measuring the impact of urban cooling interventions, focusing on cooling centers, misting stations, cool pavements, and cool or green roofs. A total of 23 articles met the inclusion criteria. Studies of cooling centers measured the potential impact, based on evaluations of population proximity and heat-vulnerable populations. Reductions in temperature were reported for misting stations and cool pavements across a range of metrics. Misting station use was evaluated with temperature changes and user questionnaires. The benefits and disadvantages of each intervention are presented, and metrics for evaluating cooling interventions are compared. Gaps in the literature include a lack of measured impacts on personal thermal comfort, limited documentation on intervention costs, the need to standardize temperature metrics, and evaluation criteria.
Moist Static Energy and Secondary Circulation Evolution Characteristics during the Rapid Intensification of Super Typhoon Yutu (2007)
Authors: Liao Xueyu , Li Tim , Ma Chen
Published: July 2022

A high-resolution Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to simulate inner-core thermodynamic (such as moist static energy) and dynamic secondary circulation structure evolutions associated with the rapid intensification (RI) of Super Typhoon Yutu (2007). The results show that the column-integrated moist static energy (MSE) and the secondary circulation strength are significantly correlated to the typhoon intensity change. A rapid increase of the MSE during the RI period is primarily attributed to inner core temperature increase, due to enhanced subsidence within the eye and strengthened convective heating along the eyewall. The column-integrated MSE budget analysis shows that its rapid increase during the RI is mainly caused by surface latent heat flux. A further diagnosis of the Sawyer–Eliassen equation shows that the rapid strengthening of the secondary circulation during RI results from both the radially expanding positive diabatic heating over the eyewall and the occurrence of a second heating center outside the eyewall. While the radially expanding eyewall heating contributes about 70% of the secondary circulation change, the outer heating contributes about 30%.
A Step towards Achieving Sustainable Otologic Surgery in Low-Resource Settings: A Cost Comparison between Shipping an Otologic versus Microscopic Surgical Setup
Authors: Thompson Rachel , Basura Gregory , Din Taseer Feroze , Jayawardena Asitha
Published: July 2022

Background: The advancement of otologic surgery in low-resource settings has been limited by the cost and transport of surgical equipment. This study compared the transportation costs of an otologic microscopic surgical setup (MSS) versus an endoscopic surgical setup (ESS) in low- and low to middle-income countries (LMICs) for surgical teaching. Methods: Dimensions of microscopes, endoscopes and associated surgical instruments were used to calculate shipping costs from Minneapolis, MN, USA to Kenya, Haiti and Sri Lanka. Results: The average cost of internationally shipping the ESS is less than the MSS in Kenya (ESS: USD 1344.03; MSS: USD 20,947.00; p = 0.370), Haiti (ESS: USD 549.11; MSS: USD 1679.00; p < 0.05) and Sri Lanka (ESS: USD 945.38; MSS: USD 8490.57; p = 0.377). Freight shipping was required for the MSS while the ESS can be packed into an international checked bag for USD 35.00 USD. Discussion: The ESS has fewer logistical barriers than the MSS, making the endoscope a feasible option for surgical teaching in LMICs.
Critical Factors Considered by Companies to Introduce Business Intelligence Systems
Authors: Fu Hsin-Pin , Chang Tien-Hsiang , Teng Ying-Hua , Liu Chien-Hung , Chuang Hsiao-Chi
Published: July 2022

The advent of intelligent technology has spurred most large companies to introduce business intelligence systems (BIS), but those with low information maturity still have a wait-and-see attitude towards BIS. In order to accelerate the introduction of BIS, this study found and analyzed the critical factors (CFs) considered by companies when introducing BIS. First, the literature on factors considered by companies to introduce BIS was reviewed. The three stages before, during, and after introduction in marketing that organizations undergo during the procurement process were developed into a three-layer hierarchy factor table. An expert questionnaire with pairwise factors was then designed and sent to senior executives in companies that had introduced BIS, and the weights of all factors were calculated by the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) based on the collected questionnaire data. After this, four critical factors—system function integrity, approaching corporate strategy, licensing fee, and information technology maturity—were determined objectively by using the conditions for the acceptable advantage of Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) and further explored in order to help companies input fewer resources, introduce BIS efficiently, and thus increase their decision-making power.
Comparative Genomics and In Silico Evaluation of Genes Related to the Probiotic Potential of Bifidobacterium breve 1101A
Authors: Valdez-Baez Juan , da Costa Francielly Morais Rodrigues , Pinto Gomide Anne Cybelle , Profeta Rodrigo , da Silva Alessandra Lima , Sousa Thiago de Jesus , Viana Marcus Vinícius Canário , Bentes Kato Rodrigo , Americo Monique Ferrary , dos Santos Freitas Andria , Carvalho Rodrigo Dias de Oliveira , Brenig Bertram , Martins Flaviano Santos , Aburjaile Flavia , Azevedo Vasco
Published: July 2022

Bifidobacterium breve is among the first microorganisms colonizing the intestinal tract in humans and is a predominant species in the gut microbiota of newborns and children. This bacterium is widely used in the probiotic industry due to its capacity to improve host health. The search for new targets with probiotic properties is an increasing trend with the help of next-generation sequencing as they facilitate the characterization of the bacterial features. B. breve 1101A was isolated from the faeces of healthy children in Brazil and therefore could play a protective role in the gut. To investigate the beneficial properties of this strain, the present study performed a comprehensive characterization of the genetic features involved in the bacterium resistance and adaptation to gastrointestinal conditions, production of nutrients, and immunomodulatory compounds. Furthermore, this study carried out the prediction of genomic elements (plasmids, prophages, CRISPR-Cas systems, insertion sequences, genomic islands, antibiotic resistance genes) to evaluate the safety of B. breve 1101A. A comparative genomics approach using 45 B. breve complete genomes based on pangenome and phylogenomic analysis was also performed to identify specific genes in B. breve 1101A. The prediction of genetic elements, possibly safety-related, did not detect plasmids, but only one incomplete prophage, two non-functional CRISPR systems, and seven genomic islands. Additionally, three antibiotic resistance genes were identified: ileS (resistance to mupirocin), rpoB, and erm(X). In the comparative genomic analysis, the pangenome was revealed to be open, and B. breve 1101A presented 63 unique genes associated with several processes, such as transmembrane transport, membrane components, DNA processes, and carbohydrate metabolism. In conclusion, B. breve 1101A is potentially safe and well-adapted for intestinal disorder therapeutics, although the role of its unique genetic repertoire needs further investigation.
Abnormal Gene Expression Regulation Mechanism of Myeloid Cell Nuclear Differentiation Antigen in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tang Zhongxiang , Wang Lili , Bajinka Ousman , Wu Guojun , Tan Yurong
Published: July 2022

Lung adenocarcinoma (LA) is the main pathological type of lung cancer with a very low 5-year survival rate. In the present study, after downloading the mRNA, miRNA, and DNA methylation sequencing data from TCGA, combined with the downloaded clinical data, comparative analysis, prognostic analysis, GO and KEGG analysis, GSEA analysis, methylation analysis, transcriptional regulation and post-transcriptional regulation were performed. We found that both methylation and gene expression of MNDA in LA were down-regulated, while high expression of MNDA was associated with good overall survival in LA. To probe the mechanism, further analysis showed that SPI1 was the main transcription factor of MNDA, but it was also down-regulated in LA. At the same time, the expression of eight target miRNAs of MNDA was significantly up-regulated, and the expression of hsa-miR-33a-5p and hsa-miR-33b-5p were verified to directly target MNDA. In conclusion, the abnormal expression of MNDA in LA is the result of the combined effects of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation.
Trends in Incidence and Mortality of Kidney Cancer in a Northern Italian Province: An Update to 2020
Authors: Mangone Lucia , Marinelli Francesco , Tarantini Luigi , Masini Cristina , Navazio Alessandro , Di Girolamo Stefania , Bisceglia Isabella , Pinto Carmine
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and mortality trends for tumors and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a province of northern Italy. The study included kidney cancers recorded in the period 1996–2020, divided by sex, age, year of incidence and years from diagnosis. The standardized incidence rate was calculated using the European population, and the Annual Percent Change (APC) was reported. In total, 2331 patients with kidney cancers were identified, mainly males (1504 cases) aged 60–79 years (1240 cases). There were 1257 deaths; there were no differences according sex but there were differences according to age (12.1% among younger adults and 80.4% among 80+). The incidence rate increased in males between 1996 and 2011 (APC = 2.3), while the mortality rate decreased in both males (APC = −3.3%) and females (APC = −4.5%). Comparing the same periods, kidney cancer-specific mortality decreased from 81.8% to 43.7%, while in the same period there was an increasing trend for CVD mortality. Moreover, the risk of CVD mortality increased as we moved away from the diagnosis (from 6.2% to 27.5%, p < 0.01). The same trend was observed for other causes of death (from 12.6% to 32.1%, p < 0.01). Thus, a multidisciplinary approach seems necessary during the follow-up and treatments of patients with kidney cancer.
Establishment of a Coilia nasus Gonadal Somatic Cell Line Capable of Sperm Induction In Vitro
Authors: Kan Yuting , Zhong Ying , Jawad Muhammad , Chen Xiao , Liu Dong , Ren Mingchun , Xu Gangchun , Gui Lang , Li Mingyou
Published: July 2022

Coilia nasus is an important economic anadromous migratory fish of the Yangtze River in China. In recent years, overfishing and the deterioration of the ecological environment almost led to the extinction of the wild resources of C.nasus. Thus, there is an urgent need to protect this endangered fish. Recently, cell lines derived from fish have proven a promising tool for studying important aspects of aquaculture. In this study, a stable C. nasus gonadal somatic cell line (CnCSC) was established and characterized. After over one year of cell culture (>80 passages), this cell line kept stable growth. RT-PCR results revealed that the CnGSC expressed some somatic cell markers such as clu, fshr, hsd3β, and sox9b instead of germ cell markers like dazl, piwi, and vasa. The strong phagocytic activity of CnGSC suggested that it contained a large number of Sertoli cells. Interestingly, CnGSC could induce medaka spermatogonial cells (SG3) to differentiate into elongated spermatids while co-cultured together. In conclusion, we established a C. nasus gonadal somatic cell line capable of sperm induction in vitro. This research provides scientific evidence for the long-term culture of a gonadal cell line from farmed fish, which would lay the foundation for exploring the regulatory mechanisms between germ cells and somatic cells in fish.
Multiple Levels of Triggered Factors and the Obligated Requirement of Cell-to-Cell Movement in the Mutation Repair of Cucumber Mosaic Virus with Defects in the tRNA-like Structure
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Mu Jinze , Yu Chengming , Geng Guowei , Su Chenyu , Yuan Xuefeng
Published: July 2022

Some debilitating mutations in RNA viruses are repairable; however, the triggering factors of mutation repair remain largely unknown. In this study, multiple triggering factors of mutation repair are identified based on genetic damage to the TLS in CMV. TLS mutations in different RNAs distinctively impact viral pathogenicity and present different types of mutation repair. RNA2 relative reduction level or RNA3 sequence change resulting from TLS mutation is correlated with a high rate of mutation repair, and the TLS mutation of RNA1 fails to be repaired at the high inoculum dose. However, the TLS mutation of RNA1 can be repaired at a low dose of inoculation, particularly around the dilution end-point or in the mixed inoculation with RNA2 having a pre-termination mutation of the 2b gene, an RNAi suppressor. Taken together, TLS mutations resulting in quality or quantity defects of the viral genome or TLS mutations at low doses around the dilution end-point are likely to be repaired. Different levels of TLS mutation repair necessarily require cell-to-cell movement, therefore implying its obligated effect on the evolution of low-fitness viruses and providing a new insight into Muller’s ratchet. This study provides important information on virus evolution and the application of mild viral vaccines.
Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoises (Testudo graeca) Have Optimal Speeds at Which They Can Minimise the Metabolic Cost of Transport, on a Treadmill
Authors: Ewart Heather , Tickle Peter , Nudds Robert , Sellers William , Crossley Dane , Codd Jonathan
Published: July 2022

Tortoises are famed for their slow locomotion, which is in part related to their herbivorous diet and the constraints imposed by their protective shells. For most animals, the metabolic cost of transport (CoT) is close to the value predicted for their body mass. Testudines appear to be an exception to this rule, as previous studies indicate that, for their body mass, they are economical walkers. The metabolic efficiency of their terrestrial locomotion is explainable by their walking gait biomechanics and the specialisation of their limb muscle physiology, which embodies a predominance of energy-efficient slow-twitch type I muscle fibres. However, there are only two published experimental reports of the energetics of locomotion in tortoises, and these data show high variability. Here, Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) were trained to walk on a treadmill. Open-flow respirometry and high-speed filming were simultaneously used to measure the metabolic cost of transport and to quantify limb kinematics, respectively. Our data support the low cost of transport previously reported and demonstrate a novel curvilinear relationship to speed in Testudines, suggesting tortoises have an energetically optimal speed range over which they can move in order to minimise the metabolic cost of transport.
Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly and Transcriptome Comparison Analysis of Cephalopholis sonnerati and Its Related Grouper Species
Authors: Xie Zhenzhen , Wang Dengdong , Jiang Shoujia , Peng Cheng , Wang Qing , Huang Chunren , Li Shuisheng , Lin Haoran , Zhang Yong
Published: July 2022

The tomato hind, Cephalopholis sonnerati, is a bottom-dwelling coral reef fish, which is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea. C. sonnerati also features complex social structures and behaviour mechanisms. Here, we present a high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly for C. sonnerati that was derived using PacBio sequencing and Hi-C technologies. A 1043.66 Mb genome with an N50 length of 2.49 Mb was assembled, produced containing 795 contigs assembled into 24 chromosomes. Overall, 97.2% of the complete BUSCOs were identified in the genome. A total of 26,130 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 94.26% were functionally annotated. Evolutionary analysis revealed that C. sonnerati diverged from its common ancestor with E. lanceolatus and E. akaara approximately 41.7 million years ago. In addition, comparative genome analyses indicated that the expanded gene families were highly enriched in the sensory system. Finally, we found the tissue-specific expression of 8108 genes. We found that these tissue-specific genes were highly enriched in the brain. In brief, the high-quality, chromosome-level reference genome will provide a valuable genome resource for studies of the genetic conservation, resistance breeding, and evolution of C. sonnerati.
Cardiovascular Stress and Characteristics of Cold-Induced Vasodilation in Women and Men during Cold-Water Immersion: A Randomized Control Study
Authors: Tsoutsoubi Lydia , Ioannou Leonidas G. , Mantzios Konstantinos , Ziaka Styliani , Nybo Lars , Flouris Andreas D.
Published: July 2022

Background: Cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) is a phenomenon that refers to a paradoxical increase in finger temperature that sometimes occurs during cold exposure. The aim of this study was to compare CIVD responses between women and men, during exposure to different environmental conditions. Methods: Seven men and seven women participated in a matched controlled study consisting of a familiarization protocol followed by three experimental sessions (cool (10.8 °C WBGT), thermoneutral (17.2 °C WBGT), and hot (27.2 °C WBGT)). In each session, participants were asked to immerse their left hand and foot in warm water (35 ± 1 °C) for five minutes. Thereafter, the left hand and foot were immersed in cold water (8 ± 1 °C) for 40 min. After that, the left hand and foot were removed from the water and participants remained seated for five minutes. Results: For a matched thermal stress, women experienced an elevated cardiovascular strain (heart rate and in some cases mean arterial pressure) and higher frequency of CIVD reactions (men: 31 vs. women: 60) in comparison to their male counterparts. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that women experienced elevated cardiovascular strain and higher frequency of CIVD reactions, particularly in the toes, compared to their male counterparts during cold-water immersion.
How Can Ice Emerge at 0 °C?
Authors: Finkelstein Alexei V. , Garbuzynskiy Sergiy O. , Melnik Bogdan S.
Published: July 2022

The classical nucleation theory shows that bulk water freezing does not occur at temperatures above ≈ −30 °C, and that at higher temperatures ice nucleation requires the presence of some ice-binding surfaces. The temperature and rate of ice nucleation depend on the size and level of complementarity between the atomic structure of these surfaces and various H-bond-rich/depleted crystal planes. In our experiments, the ice nucleation temperature was within a range from −8 °C to −15 °C for buffer and water in plastic test tubes. Upon the addition of ice-initiating substances (i.e., conventional AgI or CuO investigated here), ice appeared in a range from −3 °C to −7 °C, and in the presence of the ice-nucleating bacterium Pseudomonas syringae from −1 °C to −2 °C. The addition of an antifreeze protein inhibited the action of the tested ice-initiating agents.
Therapeutic miR-506-3p Replacement in Pancreatic Carcinoma Leads to Multiple Effects including Autophagy, Apoptosis, Senescence, and Mitochondrial Alterations In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Borchardt Hannes , Kogel Alexander , Kalwa Hermann , Weirauch Ulrike , Aigner Achim
Published: July 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality. Considering its very poor prognosis, novel treatment options are urgently needed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes. In tumors, aberrant downregulation of given miRNAs may result in pathological overexpression of oncogenes, rendering miRNA replacement as a promising therapeutic strategy. In different tumor entities, miRNA-506-3p (miR506-3p) has been ambivalently described as tumor suppressing or oncogenic. In PDAC, miR-506 is mainly considered as a tumor-suppressing miRNA. In this study, we extensively analyze the cellular and molecular effects of miRNA-506-3p replacement in different PDAC cell lines. Beyond profound antiproliferation and induction of cell death and autophagy, we describe new cellular miR506-3p effects, i.e., induction of senescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as alterations in mitochondrial potential and structure, and identify multiple underlying molecular effects. In a preclinical therapy study, PDAC xenograft-bearing mice were treated with nanoparticle-formulated miRNA-506 mimics. Profound tumor inhibition upon systemic miRNA-506 administration was associated with multiple cellular and molecular effects. This demonstrates miRNA replacement as a potential therapeutic option for PDAC patients. Due to its broad mechanisms of action on multiple relevant target genes, miR506-3p is identified as a particularly powerful tumor-inhibitory miRNA.
RNA Modification in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Nakayama Mika , Ozato Yuki , Tsuji Yoshiko , Arao Yasuko , Otsuka Chihiro , Hamano Yumiko , Sumi Genzo , Ofusa Ken , Uchida Shizuka , Vecchione Andrea , Ishii Hideshi
Published: July 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by damage to the intestinal mucosa, which is caused by a combination of factors. These include genetic and epigenetic alterations, environmental influence, microorganism interactions, and immune conditions. Some populations with IBD show a cancer-prone phenotype. Recent studies have provided insight into the involvement of RNA modifications in the specific pathogenesis of IBD through regulation of RNA biology in epithelial and immune cells. Studies of several RNA modification-targeting reagents have shown preferable outcomes in patients with colitis. Here, we note a new awareness of RNA modification in the targeting of IBD and related diseases, which will contribute to early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and possible control by innovative therapeutic approaches.
Quantifying GABA in Addiction: A Review of Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Studies
Authors: Shyu Claire , Chavez Sofia , Boileau Isabelle , Le Foll Bernard
Published: July 2022

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling plays a crucial role in drug reward and the development of addiction. Historically, GABA neurochemistry in humans has been difficult to study due to methodological limitations. In recent years, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS, MRS) has emerged as a non-invasive imaging technique that can detect and quantify human brain metabolites in vivo. Novel sequencing and spectral editing methods have since been developed to allow for quantification of GABA. This review outlines the clinical research utilization of 1H-MRS in understanding GABA neurochemistry in addiction and summarizes current literature that reports GABA measurements by MRS in addiction. Research on alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and cannabis addiction all suggest medications that modulate GABA signaling may be effective in reducing withdrawal, craving, and other addictive behaviors. Thus, we discuss how improvements in current MRS techniques and design can optimize GABA quantification in future studies and explore how monitoring changes to brain GABA could help identify risk factors, improve treatment efficacy, further characterize the nature of addiction, and provide crucial insights for future pharmacological development.
Modification of Rubberized Concrete: A Review
Authors: Bu Changming , Zhu Dongxu , Lu Xinyu , Liu Lei , Sun Yi , Yu Linwen , Xiao Tao , Zhang Wentao
Published: July 2022

One of the environmental problems causing concern in the world today is the black pollution caused by the accumulation of waste rubber resources. Relevant experimental studies have proved that rubber concrete can help solve the black pollution problem caused by waste rubber tires, but it is undeniable that rubber particles will reduce the mechanical properties of concrete. To this end, many studies on the modification of rubberized concrete have been carried out, and this paper summarizes these studies, considering compressive strength, durability performance and insulation performance. The results show that chemical pretreatments, such as sodium hydroxide, can significantly improve the adhesion between rubber particles and cement matrixes. Mineral powder admixtures, such as silica fume and fiber admixtures, e.g., PP fibers, can improve the compressive strength of rubber concrete.
Mechanical Responses of Slurry Shield Underpassing Existing Bridge Piles in Upper-Soft and Lower-Hard Composite Strata
Authors: Lv Jianbing , Lin Dijin , Wu Weijun , Huang Juan , Li Zikun , Fu Helin , Li Hongzhong
Published: July 2022

With the development of urban metro systems, shield tunnels that pass through existing bridge pile foundations have become an inevitable engineering problem. Therefore, ensuring the stability of the strata and existing bridge piles during tunnel construction is a common goal in engineering practice. Currently, research on the mechanical responses of strata and existing piles under different conditions of upper-soft and lower-hard composite strata during shield tunneling has not been conducted extensively. This paper presents a numerical simulation of a shield tunnel passing through an existing bridge pile foundation in upper-soft and lower-hard composite strata. Subsequently, the surface subsidence and mechanical responses of a single pile were analyzed and evaluated. Additional stresses generated in the soil by existing bridge piles and the selection of grouting pressure were considered to optimize the driving pressure of the slurry shield. Allowable values were proposed to evaluate the construction disturbances caused by the tunnel excavation. The results show that the disturbance to the soil and existing piles is significantly influenced by the hard-rock height ratio, and the surface subsidence increases when the hard-rock height ratio decreases. The displacement and internal force of a single pile are significantly influenced by the load applied to the pile. This study demonstrates the changes in the mechanical responses of a single pile during shield tunnel boring, and provides in-depth insights into the deformation control caused by shield underpassing structures in upper-soft and lower-hard composite strata.
Effects of Natural Weathering on the Performance of High Solar Reflective Index Paint Surfaces Exposed in Harsh Climatic Conditions of United Arab Emirates
Authors: Nutakki Tirumala Uday Kumar , Kazim Waqar Ullah
Published: July 2022

The solar reflective index (SRI) is one of the important parameters in the analysis of a building’s energy and thermal performance, especially for “cool” reflective paints or coatings and also for cool roof membranes. However, there exists less information on the typical performance of the cool materials exposed for long term in the Middle East and more specifically in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this study, we determined values of reflectance, emittance, solar reflective index (SRI), and color difference, for three different high-SRI white-paint-coated panels exposed naturally on low- and high-sloped racks for three years. After 3 years, reflectance values of exposed sample panels significantly decreased with an increased color difference in comparison with original unexposed paint surfaces. The emissivity of the paint changed very little for all of the exposed samples, but SRI, determined from both the reflectance and emittance, initially ranged between 95 and 110 and decreased to 60–90 after three years of exposure. This appeared to be related to exposure to high temperatures, UV radiation, and adhesion of airborne contaminants in conjunction with low precipitation. Macroscopically, panels exposed on a low slope were the most discolored with the greatest presence of dust infusion and reduction in increase in surface temperatures, which was demonstrated through thermal imaging. Such natural weathering research study is necessary for the development of standard exposure tests and for the determination of various control elements to increase the durability of cool materials in hot and arid climatic conditions of the UAE.
No More Illegal Subdivided Units? A Game-Theoretical Explanation of the Failure of Building Control in Hong Kong
Authors: Yau Yung , Yip Ka Chi
Published: July 2022

Safety has long been regarded as one of the most important functional requirements of buildings. However, building safety in Hong Kong has long been jeopardised by the proliferation of unauthorised building works (UBWs), which are essentially works constructed without any prior approval or consent of the government. Due to the acute problem of housing supply–demand imbalance, the numbers of illegal subdivided units (ISUs) in the city have been increasing since the early 2010s, frequently resulting in injuries and deaths amongst the residents. It is therefore a matter of urgency for the government to tackle the problem. Speculative property owners construct ISUs in their premises for economic gain so the government needs to enforce rules against the construction of ISUs. Building inspection should be carried out to uncover cases of illegal construction for subsequent enforcement actions. In this article, a game-theoretic model for the strategic control of existing buildings in Hong Kong is developed to illustrate that, when the level of punishment against ISU increases, the less frequent ISU inspections needed by the government will be, and concurrently, the chances of ISU construction by property owners will decrease. The model offers valuable insights into why Hong Kong’s building control system fails to solve the problem of ISU proliferation in the city.
Fracture and Damage Characteristics of Granite under Uniaxial Disturbance Loads
Authors: Fei Botao , Wang Gang , Li Xinping , Liu Xiqi , Song Leibo
Published: July 2022

To investigate the mechanical properties and damage characteristics of granite under frequent disturbance loads in the process of underground engineering construction, laboratory uniaxial compression tests were conducted on granite under combined dynamic and static loading conditions. The following conclusions were reached: (1) under a dynamic disturbance, the failure stress of granite grows gradually as the initial stress and disturbance load rise due to the coupling of damage and strain-rate effect; (2) the characteristic stresses of granite specimens grow with the increasing amplitude of disturbance Δσ under the disturbing loads; with the same Δσ, the characteristic stresses show an increase trend with the increasing initial stress σm; (3) the particle size distribution of rock fragments broken under the disturbance load follows the fractal law, and the fractal dimension F gradually enlarges with the growth of Δσ, indicative of an increased degree of fragmentation; and (4) the damage variable grows rapidly at first, then steadily, and, finally, shows a rapid growth trend again under the disturbance loads. The Δσ significantly influences the number of cycles and rate of change of the damage variable during the steady increase. This research has certain theoretical significance and engineering guidance value for dynamic disaster recognition and control.
Liquid Biopsy in Glioblastoma
Authors: Ronvaux Lorian , Riva Matteo , Coosemans An , Herzog Marielle , Rommelaere Guillaume , Donis Nathalie , D’Hondt Lionel , Douxfils Jonathan
Published: July 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Despite recent advances in therapy modalities, the overall survival of GBM patients remains poor. GBM diagnosis relies on neuroimaging techniques. However, confirmation via histopathological and molecular analysis is necessary. Given the intrinsic limitations of such techniques, liquid biopsy (mainly via blood samples) emerged as a non-invasive and easy-to-implement alternative that could aid in both the diagnosis and the follow-up of GBM patients. Cancer cells release tumoral content into the bloodstream, such as circulating tumor DNA, circulating microRNAs, circulating tumor cells, extracellular vesicles, or circulating nucleosomes: all these could serve as a marker of GBM. In this narrative review, we discuss the current knowledge, the advantages, and the disadvantages of each circulating biomarker so far proposed.
Unraveling the Risk Factors and Etiology of the Canine Oral Mucosal Melanoma: Results of an Epidemiological Questionnaire, Oral Microbiome Analysis and Investigation of Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: de Carvalho Joyce Pires , Carrilho Marcella Collaneri , dos Anjos Denner Santos , Hernandez Carolina Dagli , Sichero Laura , Dagli Maria Lúcia Zaidan
Published: July 2022

Oral mucosal melanoma (OMM) is the most common oral cancer in dogs and is very aggressive in this species; its risk factors and etiology are yet to be determined. This study aimed to unravel the risk factors for the development of OMM in dogs and to investigate the possible presence of papillomaviruses as an etiological factor. A case-control study was conducted in 15 dogs with OMM and 15 paired controls whose owners answered an epidemiological questionnaire. Oral swabs from the same dogs were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing for microbiome analyses. In addition, DNA fragments of OMM had their DNA extracted and amplified by polymerase chain reaction in an attempt to detect canine papillomaviruses. The gingiva was the most frequent anatomical site (47%) of OMM, and most tumors were stage III when diagnosed. Most dogs bearing OMM and the controls had grade 3 periodontal disease, and this factor, along with tartar treatment and tooth brushing, did not differ between cases and controls. Most dogs with OMM and most controls had contact with smokers; there was no statistically significant difference. Canine papillomaviruses were not detected among OMM cases. Tannerella forsythia and Porphyromonas gingivalis were significantly increased in case dogs compared to the controls. As these bacteria are reportedly involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and esophageal cancer in humans, we suggest that they might be risk factors for the development of canine OMM. The limitations of this study include the low number of dogs, and therefore, further studies on canine OMM with larger numbers of animals are encouraged.
Completion Pneumonectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Does Induction Treatment Influence Postoperative Outcomes?
Authors: Galetta Domenico , Spaggiari Lorenzo
Published: July 2022

Background: Completion pneumonectomy (CP) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We reviewed our experience to evaluate whether induction treatment (IT) may affect postoperative outcomes and analyzed factors influencing long-term results. Methods: Between 1998 and 2020, 69 patients with lung cancer underwent CP (50 males, median age 63 years, right CP in 47 patients). A total of 23 patients (33.3%) received IT (chemotherapy in 15, chemoradiotherapy in 7, and radiation in 1). Surgery included 25 (36.2%) extended resections and five (7.2%) tracheal sleeve CP. Results: The 30-day mortality rate was 7.2% (5/69), and overall morbidity was 37.6%. Major complications occurred in five patients (7.2%): one cardiac dislocation, one diaphragmatic hernia, one transient ischemic attack (TIA), and two bronchopleural fistulas. Minor complications occurred in 21 cases (30.4%): pulmonary in 12, cardiac in 7, and neurological in 2. The median hospital stay was 8 days (range, 5–56 days). IT did not influence postoperative morbidity and mortality. Pathological staging included 19 (27.5%) stage I, 36 (52.2%) stage II, and 14 (20.3%) stage III. Overall 5-year survival was 51.7%. Factors influencing survival were IT (p = 0.01), extension of resection (p = 0.04), histology (p = 0.01), pathological stage (p = 0.03), and T and N factors (p = 0.2, respectively). Factors affecting survival in multivariate analysis included IT (p = 0.02) and histology (p = 0.03). Conclusions: In our experience, CP had a low mortality, acceptable morbidity, and good long-term survival, which justifies this surgical procedure. Postoperative complications were not influenced by IT. Long-term survival was adversely influenced by the absence of IT, the presence of extended resection, the presence of squamous cell carcinoma, and cancers at advanced stages.
C8orf76 Modulates Ferroptosis in Liver Cancer via Transcriptionally Up-Regulating SLC7A11
Authors: Li Duguang , Pan Junhai , Zhang Yiyin , Li Yirun , Jin Shengxi , Zhong Cheng , Chen Peng , Ma Jingjing , Hu Wendi , Fan Xiaoxiao , Lin Hui
Published: July 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide. Chromosome 8 open reading frame 76 (C8orf76), a novel gene located in the nucleus, is highly expressed in many tumor types. However, the specific mechanisms and functions of C8orf76 in HCC remain unclear. Here, we reported for the first time that C8orf76 gene expression levels were frequently upregulated in liver cancer and significantly correlated with HCC development. C8orf76 downregulation induced G1-S arrest and inhibited cell proliferation. Intriguingly, C8orf76 deficiency could accelerate erastin or sorafenib-induced ferroptosis through increasing lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Moreover, although C8orf76 overexpression did not affect tumorigenesis under normal conditions, it increased resistance to lipid disturbance and ferroptosis triggered by erastin or sorafenib, which further facilitated HCC cell growth and tumor progression. Mechanistically, C8orf76 bound to the promoter region of the solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) gene and upregulated SLC7A11 transcriptionally. SLC7A11-dependent cystine import led to sufficient GSH synthesis and lipid peroxidation inhibition, thus accelerating tumor growth. Our study indicated that C8orf76 could be a novel marker for HCC diagnosis. In addition, a better comprehensive understanding of the potential role of C8orf76 in HCC helped us develop novel therapeutic strategies for this intractable cancer.