bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel prognostic model based on Prealbumin for predicting short-term prognosis of patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Qin , Jin Lei , Wang Ling-Mei , Fan Xing-Yu , Wang Xiu , Pan Fa-Ming , Zhou Qiang , Xu Yuan-Hong
Published: August 2022

Background
Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is a clinical syndrome associated with a high short-term mortality rate, and accurate clinical decision-making requires an accurate assessment of prognosis. The purpose of this study was to develop a simple and effective prognostic model for predicting short -term mortality in HBV-ACLF patients.
Methods
We retrospectively enrolled 170 patients to develop and validate a novel prognostic model for predicting 30-day mortality in HBV-ACLF patients. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, laboratory and clinical data were obtained to identify independent predictors of short-term mortality.
Results
We found the Prealbumin (PAB) level at admission was a strong independent predictor for 30-day mortality, with an AUROC of 0.760. The HIAPP score, a prognostic-score model based on five independent prognostic variables, including PAB, Platelet (PLT), international normalized ratio (INR), the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and age, was markedly lower in survivors than in non-survivors (-2.80 ± 0.21 vs 0.97 ± 0.41, P < 0.001). Additionally, the HIAPP score was positively and strongly correlated with the CLIF‐SOFA, MELD, and CLIF‐C ACLF scores. The AUROC value for the HIAPP score was 0.899, which was found to be superior to the MELD (AUROC = 0.795), CLIF‐SOFA (AUROC = 0.731), and CLIF‐C ACLF (AUROC = 0.700) scores for 30‐day mortality. These findings were validated using a validation cohort.
Conclusion
PAB is a simple and useful predictive index for 30‐day mortality in HBV-ACLF. The HIAPP score was found to be an easy-to-use pragmatic prognostic score and superior to the CLIF‐SOFA, MELD, and CLIF‐C ACLF scores.
Analysis of factors influencing air quality in different periods during COVID- 19: A case study of Tangshan, China
Authors: Wu Wenlu , Shan Chunyan , Liu Jing , Zhao Jinglin , Long Jinyun
Published: August 2022

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, China has experienced the Level I, Level II, and Level III responses to the epidemic, with different measures have an impact on air quality in difference periods. This study aimed to analyze the main factors influencing air quality in three different periods during COVID-19 in Tangshan: the COVID-19 period, the Level I response period, and the Spring Festival period. Here, we used comparative analysis and difference-in-differences (DID) method to explore differences in air quality. During COVID-19, the air quality index (AQI) and the concentrations of six conventional air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3-8h) decreased significantly compared to 2017–2019. Air quality improved may be the result of industry closures not related to livelihoods during COVID-19 in 2020. For the Level I response period, multiple linear regression (MLR) models were used to quantify the impact of COVID-19 control measures on AQI, and it was shown that the measures reduced the average AQI by 29.07%, 31.43%, and 20.04% in February, March, and April 2020, respectively. During the Spring Festival, the concentrations of the above-mentioned six pollutants were significantly higher than those in 2019 and 2021 as there were two heavy pollution episodes in 2020, and the possible pollutant sources were local emissions and short-distance transportation. As for the further improvement of air quality, it is necessary to take strict measures to prevent and control air pollution while paying attention to meteorological factors.
Performance of Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 satellites in estimating Chlorophyll-a concentration in a shallow freshwater lake
Authors: Karimi Behnaz , Hashemi Seyed Hossein , Aghighi Hossein
Published: August 2022

Remote sensing for monitoring chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration, as a eutrophication indicator, is known as a proper and cost-effective way due to its high temporal and spatial coverage and providing historical data. However, its application in shallow small water bodies is challenging due to its limited spatial and temporal resolutions and effect of depth on accuracy of retrieval models and estimated Chl-a concentration. In this study, the performance of Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 satellites was investigated for estimating Chl-a concentration in Chitgar Lake in Tehran. The models were constructed using 73 and 122 common data pairs between field observations and Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 images, respectively. After preprocessing and processing of the satellites’ images, the two bands (2BAND) algorithm (green and red band ratio, R2 = 0.8, RMSE = 1.12 µg.L− 1 and NRMSE = 12.4%) was recognized as the best Landsat-8 based model, and both Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index (NDCI) algorithm (red and red edge bands, R2 = 0.82, RMSE = 1.29 µg.L− 1, NRMSE = 7.8%) and 2BAND algorithm (red and red edge band ratio, R2 = 0.81, RMSE = 1.28 µg.L− 1 and NRMSE = 7.7%) were the best models for Sentinel-2, all with power = 0.8. Overall, both satellites demonstrated an appropriate performance and can estimate Chl-a concentration with proper accuracy in Chitgar lake as a shallow freshwater body.
Molecular and phylogenetic characterization of internal transcribed spacer 2 of zoonotic Trichostrongylus species from goats in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Nurnabi , Roy Babul Chandra , Zim Md. Makshuder Rahman , Hasan Mohammad Manjurul , Biswas Hiranmoy , Talukder Md. Hasanuzzaman
Published: August 2022

Trichostrongylus is one of the most economically important and zoonotic trichostrongylid nematode infecting both animals and humans, causing a disease known as trichostrongyliasis. The study was designed to identify Trichostrongylus species infecting goats by morphology-morphometry followed by multiplex PCR and phylogenetic characterization. A total of 124 viscera of goats were collected from different slaughter houses of Mymensingh division of Bangladesh, processed and trichostrongylids were isolated and identified under microscope. Among 124 viscera of goats, 39 were positive with two species of Trichostrongylus, namely, T. colubriformis and T. vitrinus showing an overall 31.45% prevalence. Morphological identification of Trichostrongylus species was confirmed by multiplex PCR amplification of ITS2 gene and sequencing (accession numbers ON721586 to ON721593 for T. colubriformis and T. vitrinus, respectively). Partial sequencing of ITS2 gene of T. vitrinus and T. colubriformis showed 3 and 4 haplotypes, respectively and 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were detected (3 transitions and 4 transversions). The neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree demonstrated that T. colubriformis and T. vitrinus isolates were clustered together with the reference sequences of T. colubriformis and T. vitrinus isolates that belongs to the clade A and B without any geographical boundaries. This is the first report on molecular study and phylogenetic analysis of Trichostrongylus species from goat in Bangladesh. The finding from this study will provide the baseline data for identification, differentiation and phylogenetic analysis of Trichostrongylus species in Bangladesh. Further, extensive investigation is imperative to reveal the population genetics of Trichostrongylus parasite from other livestock and humans of Bangladesh.
Efficient Opportunistic Scheduling Algorithm for Radio Resources Management Multi-Users 5G
Authors: KABAOU Mohamed Ouwais , Mabrouk Nihed , Zoghlami Nesrine , Hamouda Hassen
Published: August 2022

Radio resource management present a major research field in new mobile and wirless networks 5G. The opportunistic scheduling algorithms deployed by mobile telecommunications operators allowing them to guarantee efficient radio resources management. In this context, we propose a new opportunistic scheduling algorithm allowing at the same time to ensure a perfect equity between the users, to guarantee a good QoS and to maximize the overall throughput of the system. We evaluate our proposal, which in turn will be compared to reference algorithms known for their efficiency and robustness in terms of scheduling, namely: RR, MaxSNR and PF. We analyze the impact of diffrent group of users based frainess criterion and system throughput and we compare ou new opportunistic scheduler algorithm wich gives the better results than the optimal algorithm proposed in the literature.
Service quality in rail systems: listen to the voice of social media
Authors: Güner Samet , Taşkın Kamil , Cebeci Halil İbrahim , Aydemir Emrah
Published: August 2022

Service quality is essential to increase and maintain users’ loyalty to the railway system. In the literature, surveys have been used to measure the satisfaction of users, and statistical and mathematical methods have been applied to quantify the survey results. In recent years, user-generated contents, including comments and complaints shared via social media, have been used to measure the quality of rail services. These contents may provide important insights into the quality of the service provided with its dynamic structure. In this study, a SERVQUAL-based social media analytics approach is used to measure railway service quality, paying special emphasis on the temporal variations in a national rail system. Topic modeling was used to assign each content to the relevant service dimension and sentiment analysis was applied to measure the level of satisfaction. Importance-performance analysis was employed at the final stage to generate clear policy suggestions. Gathering more than 2.3 million social media messages posted from 2011 to 2021, we examined the temporal evolution of service quality of the Turkish rail system from users’ points of view. The results revealed the most and least important services for passengers and the satisfaction level of each dimension. The differences between the priorities of conventional and high-speed rail passengers were defined and policy recommendations were presented.
HMGB1/TLR4 Signaling Pathway Enhances Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Progression in Mice by Upregulating Necroptosis
Authors: Bian Shuai , Yang Le , Zhao Dongfang , Lv Lizhi , Wang Tiezheng , Yuan Hai
Published: August 2022

Objective and design:
The age-associated increase of aseptic inflammation and necroptosis are closely related to the emergence of various age-associated diseases.
Methods
In this study, the role of HMGB1/TLR4-induced necroptosis in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation was investigated. Firstly, the levels of sterile inflammatory mediators (HMGB1, TLR4) and necroptosis markers in the abdominal aorta of adult and old C57BL/6J mice were tested. We observed that sterile inflammatory mediators and necroptosis markers were greatly increased in old mice’s abdominal aorta. Then, using angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced AAA model of APOE−/− mice, the models were treated with RIP1 inhibitor Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242, respectively.
Results
We found that HMGB1, TLR4, and necroptosis markers were elevated with the development of AAA in APOE−/− mice. In addition, necroptosis inhibition by Nec-1 alleviated Ang II-induced AAA development, while the expressions of HMGB1/TLR4 declined. Notably, after blocking TLR4 by TAK-242, the expression of necroptosis markers decreased significantly, and the progression of AAA was also alleviated in APOE−/− mice.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that HMGB1/TLR4-mediated necroptosis enhances AAA development in Ang II-induced AAA model of APOE−/− mice and the possible therapeutic roles for TLR4 inhibition in AAA.
Prediction of Self-management Strategies for Future Quality of life and Health Statuses in Cancer Survivors Using Machine Learning Techniques: A Prospective Cohort Study with a Web-Based Survey
Authors: Jung Ju Youn , Yun Young Ho
Published: August 2022

Purpose: First, we aimed to develop and validate simple prediction models for QoL as a primary outcome and health statuses as secondary outcomes considering the use in actual clinical practice. Second, we aimed to interpret the prediction models using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) methods by extracting important features and dependence plots. Third, we aimed to predict and interpret individual outcomes and visualize the results using the SHapley Additive explanation (SHAP) XAI method. This study's ultimate goal was to provide customized healthcare services for cancer survivors to improve their QoL and health statuses.Methods: In this prospective cohort study with a web-based survey, we established the prediction model for QoL and health statuses and compared the performance with ensemble methods such as decision trees, random forest, gradient boosting, eXtreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost), and LightGBM. After the model comparison, we selected the XGBoost model for further analysis. We demonstrated critical features of the QoL and each health status separately and extracted the individual prediction result in the XGBoost model using SHAP. Results: After data preprocessing and model selection, the final data set contained 256 cancer survivors with 38 predictive features. On repeated stratified K-fold validation, the XGBoost predictive model for the QoL showed high performance. The performance of the XGBoost predictive model for each health status (mental, social, and spiritual) was also good, except for physical health status. The important features of the above predictive models were different. In addition, our study showed a specific method of providing personalized healthcare services using the individual prediction results with SHAP.Conclusions: This study was the first to develop and validate predictive models for the QoL and health status in cancer survivors, interpret the models, and provide a customized healthcare service with XAI technology. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Our results can contribute to opening a new horizon in providing personalized healthcare services for cancer survivors with a web-based method.
Visual memory and alcohol use in a middle-aged birth cohort
Authors: Mazumder Atiqul Haq , Barnett Jennifer H , Halt Anu-Helmi , Taivalantti Marjo , Kerkelä Martta , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Veijola Juha
Published: August 2022

Purpose: Light and moderate alcohol use has been reported to be associated with both impaired and enhanced cognition. The purpose of this study was to explore whether reported alcohol use was associated with reduced visual memory in males and females in a large middle-aged birth cohort population. Methods: The study population was from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966). The Paired Associate Learning (PAL) test was conducted at the age of 46 years. Reported alcohol use was measured as gram per day use of total alcohol, beer, wine, and spirits, converted into 100% alcohol, and as frequency and amount of use of beer, wine, and spirits. Data on alcohol use was available at age 31 years and at age 46 years. Visual memory was assessed using two outcome variables of the PAL test: the Total errors adjusted score (TEAS) and First Trial Memory Score (FTMS). Both PAL TEA and PAL FTMS were used as continuous variables. The continuous variables were normalised using z-scores. Linear regression analysis was done to measure the associations. Adjusted models included education, marital status, diet, and physical activity. All analyses were done separately in males and in females. Results: Total alcohol consumption (grams per day) was 17.7 at age 31 years and 13.1 at age 46 years in males. The respective figures for females were 7.2 and 5.1. Grams per day use of total alcohol, beer, wine, and spirits, and frequency and amount of use of beer and wine were not associated with visual memory in males or females in cross-sectional or longitudinal settings. Using six or more servings of spirits was associated with worse visual memory in males in both cross-sectional and longitudinal settings. The frequency of use of wine in males was associated with better visual memory in cross-sectional settings. Conclusion: Most participants reported light drinking. The reported gram per day alcohol use was not associated with reduced visual memory in males or females, with the exception of spirits in males. The study suggests a lack of a linear association between drinking and visual memory in the middle-aged population.
Effects of light intensity and artificial aeration on growth and photosynthetic physiology of marine invasive green alga Codium fragile from Bohai Sea, China
Authors: Ding Lanping , Yan Jing , Zhang Yao , Huang Bingxin , Liang Junxia , Guo Youxuan , Chu Yue
Published: August 2022

Codium fragile has attracted much attention due to its high economic and nutritional values. The light intensity and artificial aeration affect its growth and photosynthetic activity, which in turn affect its economic and nutritional values. The light intensities (30µmol·m− 2·s− 1, 60µmol·m− 2·s− 1, 90 µmol·m− 2·s− 1) and aeration regulation are investigated to the effect on the growth and photosynthetic physiology of C. fragile collected from the Bohai Sea, China. The results show that different light intensities have a highly significant effect on the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII(Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), and a significant effect on the non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ). They all decreased the least under 60µmol·m− 2·s− 1. The increase in the relative growth rate(RGR) of C. fragile during aeration was greater than that of the non-aeration group. At the same time, the Fv/Fm and qP decreased less than those of the non-aeration group. It shows that the aeration regulation had a highly significant effect on the wet weight, Fv/Fm and qP of C. fragile. Among the six groups, only aeration and light intensities of 60 and 90µmol·m− 2·s− 1 were suitable for the growth of C. fragile, because the Fv/Fm decreased less and the qP increased. The result shows that the interaction of the two environmental factors had a significant effect on the Fv/Fm and qP of C. fragile, while there was no significant effect on the wet weight and NPQ.
Compensation Records as an Indirect Method of Assessing Human-wildlife Conflict: A Case Study From Kerala, India
Authors: Issac Christopher John , Prasad G.
Published: August 2022

An analysis of human-wildlife conflict in Kerala was done using compensation claims to evaluate its current status and changes in intensity of conflict incidents over the last seven years. Data was collected from the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department, from 2015-16 to 2021-22 and included details such as the type of conflict and the number of applications for each type of conflict at different forest ranges of Kerala. There was a sharp rise in the number of applications for compensation, from 6022 applications in 2015-16 to 10036 applications in 2021-22. Highest number of applications for 2019-20 to 2021-22 were from Wayanad North division, Kannur division and Wayanad South division. Moderate positive correlation was found between the total length of forest boundary and the number of applications for compensation.
Customized haptic control for VRML object
Authors: Bijawe Sheetal P. , Sushir R. D.
Published: August 2022

Nonproprietary language like VRML can be used for scientific simulation and visualization. VRML language has the capacity to hold the dynamic numerical values in the matrix form for its interactive objects. These matrices hold the values for manipulation like rotation, scaling, transparency, color, translation etc. Using Simulink’s MATLAB interface, these numeric values can be varied in real time which in turn will allow the user to exercise control over VRML object. The Simulink Graphic User Interface (GUI) demonstrates real time simulation of interactive Virtual Table/Desk Lamp using MATLAB’s Simulink Interface along with Electronic Hardware circuitry. The article explains how interactive VRML object can be controlled using MATLAB’s Simulink interface. The MATLAB’s Simulink capabilities can be utilized for real time simulation of interactive Table/Desk Lamp in virtual Environment. The concept presented in this paper can be extended for full fledged complex simulator design.
A weighted Hardy-type inequality in time scale
Authors: Sahu Sonali , Sunanda Shanta Kumari
Published: August 2022

In this article, we establish some new dynamic inequalities for convex decreasing functions on time scale. A refinement of Hardy type inequality with exponential weight is obtained on time scale. As an application, some higher integrability theorems are derived.MSC Classification: 35A01 , 35A23 , 26D15 , 26E70 , 34N05 , 34N99
Cultivation and conservation of the soft coral Sarcophyton trocheliophorum: Light intensity and photoperiod regulation
Authors: Dong Ruiguang , Li Weidong , Wang Peizheng , Song Xiefa , Li Xian , Dong Dengpan
Published: August 2022

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse, productive ecosystems in the world, and light plays crucial role in its survival. Notably, the effects of light conditions on soft coral and its adaptive mechanism were unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate and evaluate the effects of different light intensities (30, 80 and 130μmol m−2 s−1) and photoperiods (18D:6L, 12D:12L and 6D:18L) on cultivation of soft coral Sarcophyton trocheliophorum. During two 50-day of the experiments, we monitored the zooxanthellae density, Chl a content, enzyme activities (SOD, CAT and GST) and microbial diversity of S. trocheliophorum. Our study's outcomes found that, at the end of the experiment, the 80μmol m−2 s−1 light intensity group and 12D:12L photoperiod group both possessed the highest zooxanthellae density (2.54×108 ± 0.14×108cells g−1 DW and 2.40×108 ± 0.07×108cells g−1 DW, respectively), Chl a content (295.01 ± 14.13µg g−1 DW and 287.78 ± 16.13µg g−1 DW, respectively) and microbial diversity and relatively stable enzyme activities level. Besides, we speculated that the reason for the decline of zooxanthellae density Chl a content and microbial diversity under other light conditions might be that it induced light stress and caused oxidative damage. The main bacterial composition of S. trocheliophorum in different light conditions was similar at the phylum level, showing the stability of microbial community structure. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were dominant under all light conditions, so we hypothesized that these bacteria phylum play a crucial role in coral growth and survival. In conclusion, compared with the other treatments, 80μmol m−2 s−1 light intensity and 12D:12L photoperiod were more beneficial to the growth performance of S. trocheliophorum and could be recommended for its cultivation condition. Our study could provide helpful information for sustainable management plans for the cultivation and conservation of soft corals, which was especially important to the protection and restoration of degraded coral reefs.
A novel laboratory method for simulating pollinator exposure to particulate matter
Authors: Green Frank B , Peterson Eric M , Smith Philip N
Published: August 2022

Deposition of particulate matter (PM) from a variety of sources onto pollinator habitat is a largely unexplored source of risk to pollinators. Synthetic steroid growth promoters, antibiotics, and multiple pesticides have been detected in fugitive beef cattle feedyard PM. Subsequently, many of these chemicals determined to be associated with PM have been detected on flowers near beef cattle feedyards, as well as bees visiting those flowers. Therefore, there is a need to assess risk to pollinators posed by deposition of PM and agrochemical-laden PM, both in the field and the laboratory. Unfortunately, there are no established laboratory methods for simulating PM exposure or toxicity associated with contaminated PM. Herein we describe development and utilization of a PM circulation system that can be employed in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Two model organisms (honeybees (Apis mellifera) and mason bees (Osmia lignaria)) were exposed to agrochemical-free PM in the circulator system, and post-exposure mortality was compared with controls. No significant differences in mortality between exposed and control bees were observed. These results confirm the validity of these methods for use in laboratory-controlled PM exposure experiments, and offer a source of positive and negative control groups for laboratory and field experiments examining exposure of pollinators to potentially toxic chemical-laden PM.
Intratumoral Tertiary Lymphoid Structures Promote Survival and Immunotherapy Response in Head Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zhonglong , Meng Xiaoyan , Tang Xiao , He Yue
Published: August 2022

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) hold the potential role in the prediction of immunotherapy response in several clinical trials. TLSs in head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have been investigated through IHC analysis. Whereas there is no TLS gene signature to evaluate TLS neogenesis. We here proposed a TLS signature containing 13 chemokines and determined TLS-hi and TLS-low groups in HNSCC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas. TLS-hi condition signified a better overall survival and a more inflamed immune infiltrative landscape characterized by higher proportion of T cells, TCR/BCR activation and antigen processing. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were positively associated with TLS neogenesis in TME of HNSCC. Furthermore, by integrated TLSs with stromal component, immune component, TMB and malignant cells, we proposed a novel HNSCC TME classifications (HNSCC-TCs 1–5), unravelling the counteracted role of stromal component in inflamed immune landscape, which may provide a novel stromal targeted modality in HNSCC therapy. Finally, we verified that TLS statue is an ideal predictor for immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Current study indicated that the TLSs serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and predictor for immunotherapy, which may provide directions to the current investigations on immunotherapeutic strategies for HNSCC.
Stream instabilities in optical-field ionization of a monatomic dilute neutral gas in fully relativistic regime
Authors: Ghorbanalilu Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Stream instabilities arising from anisotropic electron velocity distribution function (EVDF) are discussed in the optical-field ionization mechanism of a monatomic dilute gas by a circularly polarized laser beam in a fully relativistic regime. It is shown that a relativistically rotating electron beam is derived by a circularly polarized laser field with (pz>p⟂). We show that the following ionization and before than collisions thermalize the electrons, the plasma undergoes Buneman and Weibel instabilities. The Weibel and Buneman modes are co-propagating with $k$ normal to the streaming direction. The theoretical results reveal that for the threshold of the relativistic regime (a0\≈1), instabilities are aperiodic and grow independently. However, by increasing the laser intensity for a0>1, two instabilities are coupled. The coupling process increases the growth rate of Weibel instability, while the Buneman instability experiences a decrement in growth rate. For more intense laser radiation, both instabilities are broken into different oscillatory and aperiodic modes.
Transition to renewable energy – An attempt to model the mix of existing and future generation technologies for 2035 and 2050
Authors: Munier Nolberto
Published: August 2022

Pioneered by most advanced countries a global trend is taking place to eliminate fossil fuels (including green natural gas) and in some extent, nuclear plants, for electric energy generation. Part of these efforts aim at improving known and proven technologies such as wind, solar, hydro and biomass, by increasing their efficiency, as well as decreasing the contamination they produce in a greater or a lesser degree. Examining the abundant existent literature on future needs and projections of sources for energy generation, there are certainly publications that estimate the share of each technology, but they are mostly based on estimates grounded mainly on prices and trends. See for instance, Energy Information Agency (EIA) (2019). In this proposal it is suggested that said estimate should not be based only on one or two criteria like prices and contamination, but on a set of multiple criteria, related with economics, society, environment, new technologies, sustainability, efficiency, risks, geographic characteristics, climate change, etc. Consequently, alternatives or technologies should be selected based on this set of criteria, and thus, from different points of view. However, relative evaluation must not be done individually, but considering simultaneously all technologies and the different periods, which is a complicated endeavor. This paper suggests a methodology, based on sound mathematics applied to government plans, as well as forecasted demands, to define the most convenient and efficient mix of technologies for 2035 and 2050.
Comprehensive CCM3 Mutational Analysis in Patients with Syndromic Cerebral Cavernous Malformation
Authors: Galvão Gustavo , Silva Elielson da , Trefilio Luisa , Alves-Leon Soniza , Fontes-Dantas Fabrícia , de Souza Jorge
Published: August 2022

Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM) is a vascular disease that affects the central nervous system, which familial form is due to autosomal dominant mutations in the genes KRIT1/CCM1, MGC4607/CCM2 and PDCD10/CCM3. Patients affected by the PDCD10 mutations usually have the onset of symptoms at an early age and a more aggressive phenotype. To contribute to knowledge about the disease, we performed clinical, functional, and neuroradiological analyses of the mutations in PDCD10/CCM3 in two patients comparing the findings with five patients with familial form from CCM1/KRIT1 or CCM2/MGC4607 mutations and six patients with sporadic form. In addition, we have evaluated the PDCD10/CCM3 gene expression by qPCR and developed a bioinformatic pipeline to assist in the possible clinical. The two CCM3 patients had an early onset of symptoms and a high lesion burden. Furthermore, the sequencing showed that P1 had a frameshift mutation (c.222delT;p.Asn75ThrfsTer14) and P2 a variant on the splicing region c.475-2A > G (p.A119Gfs*42). The mRNA expression was 4-fold lower in both patients with PDCD10/CCM3 mutation. In silico analysis, the prediction reveals that the frameshift mutation transcript lacks the C-terminal FAT-homology domain compared to the 212 aa-length wild-type PDCD10/CCM3 and preserves the N-terminal dimerization domain. We also demonstrated a related pathway that might explain the interplay between low-grade astrocytomas and PDCD10 CCM, a possible manifestation of the syndromic disease. The two mutations support the understanding of the protein-protein interaction between PDCD10 and several essential cellular proteins that might contribute to the mechanistic understanding of why some individuals with CCM3 have a syndromic phenotype.
Genetic polymorphisms are associated with imatinib plasma levels and periorbital edema in Chinese patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors receiving adjuvant imatinib
Authors: Jiang Xuehui , Fu Qun , Kong Ying , Liu Hong , Rexiti Kaisaner , Wei Xiaohua , Xiao Pin , Peng Hongwei
Published: August 2022

Purpose Imatinib mesylate (IM) offers a significant survival benefit to patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). However, the clinical responses of IM vary drastically between individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the role of genetic polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes, transporters and drug targets in IM plasma levels and adverse reactions in Chinese patients with GIST.Methods The dose-adjusted trough plasma levels (C0/D) of IM in 95 patients were quantified using two-dimensional liquid chromatography. Nine SNPs in six genes were detected. The relationships between C0/D, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and adverse reactions were tested. Logistic regression was used to test the risk factors for IM-related grade ≥ 2 periorbital edema.Results A range of C0/D from 1.33 to 7.04 ng/mL·mg-1 for the 95 patients was found. G allele carriers (CG+GG) of SLC22A1 rs683369 and T allele carriers (GT+TT) of ABCG2 rs2231142 had significantly higher C0/D. For all grades of periorbital edema, an increase in incidence with age was found, while this differed from more severe periorbital edema. Grade ≥ 2 periorbital edema was related to the carriership of two C-alleles in EGFR rs2072454 with an adjusted OR of 2.85 (95% CI=1.10–7.40; P=0.032), two T-alleles in SLC22A1 rs1867351 with an adjusted OR of 3.42 (95% CI=1.32–8.88; P=0.010) and two A-alleles in CYP1A2 rs11636419 with an adjusted OR of 3.15 (95% CI=1.08–9.20; P=0.036). None of the nine SNPs was found to be related to gastrointestinal reactions.Conclusions Rs683369 and rs2231142 have an impact on the metabolism of IM; rs2072454, rs1867351, and rs11636419 are linked to grade ≥ 2 periorbital edema. These SNPs may be biomarkers for IM dose adjustment and IM-related grade ≥ 2 periorbital edema.
Effects of vertical central stabilizers on nonlinear wind-induced stabilization of a closed-box girder suspension bridge with various aspect ratios
Authors: zhou rui , Ge Yaojun , Yang Yongxin , Liu Qinkuan , Zhou Haijun , Zhang Lihai
Published: August 2022

Aerodynamic shape of a closed-box girder plays an important role in the wind-induced stabilization of long-span suspension bridges. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the combination of five aspect ratios and a downward vertical central stabilizer (DVCS) on nonlinear flutter and aerostatic behaviors of a super long-span suspension bridge with closed-box girders. Through conducting a series of wind-tunnel tests and nonlinear finite element analysis, the results show that the nonlinear self-excited forces and the critical wind speed ( U cr ) gradually increases as the increase of the aspect ratio ( i.e. the width to height ratios). Particularly, the application of 20% deck height DVCS could significantly increase the U cr for these aspect ratios, and the enhancement in the flutter performance of the bridge is more obvious for a relatively small aspect ratio. Furthermore, the installation of the DVCS could change the flutter divergence patterns of the bridge from soft flutter to hard flutter, especially for a small aspect ratio. In addition, the aerostatic force coefficients and torsional divergence critical wind speeds of the larger aspect ratio with DVCS are significantly larger than that without DVCS. A relatively small aspect ratio of the bridge has better aerostatic performance than that of a larger aspect ratio.
The Effect of Crimson and High Pigment Genes on Color Development in Detached Immature Tomato Fruits
Authors: Wann E. V. , Hills W. A. , Watson R. M.
Published: August 2022

Harvesting mature-green tomatoesis common practice where they are grown commercially for the fresh market. Usually, the tomato fields are picked 4 to 6 times in a season, as the most mature fruits on the vine reach the mature-green stage. If mechanical harvesting becomes a reality for fresh market tomatoes, a once-over harvest will probably be used instead of the usual multiple pick. Yields will then be limited by the number of fruits mature enough at a given time to ripen off-vine and meet market standards for color. It will be imperative to grow a variety that has a concentrated set and whose fruits have good ripening ability when harvested prematurely.
Identification of Prunin (Naringenin-7-Glucoside) in Dormant Peach Buds as a Wheat Coleoptile Growth Inhibitor1
Authors: Corgan J. N.
Published: August 2022

Naringenin in peach buds was first reported by Hendershott and Walker (5) in 1959 and later by Dennis and Edgerton (2), Samish and Lavee (8), and Corgan (1). Naringenin is of interest because of its inhibition of wheat coleoptile elongation and possible effect on rest of peach buds.
Vegetable Seed Industry and Government Cooperation in Research in the USA
Authors: Boswell Victor R.
Published: August 2022

We believe it is vital that the scientists of our public research agencies really know and understand at first hand the problems of the seed and vegetable industries they are called upon to serve. We need to visit our seedsmen on their home grounds, and learn of their troubles, their successes, ideas, and practices. It is no less important for our seedsmen to know us, how we work, what we think, and what we can do—or cannot do—in their field of interest. Such mutual understandings have led, over the years, to some highly effective and satisfying cooperative relationships between our government agencies and our vegetable seed industry. Our respective backgrounds and experiences complement each other. We have developed a mutual trust and an appreciation of our interdependence in accomplishing our respective objectives. We, in government, know that industry know-how and collaboration have contributed enormously to the success of our ultimate objectives in research. And we trust that the benefits are mutual.
Possible Cause of a Disorder Known As Apple Tree Decline
Authors: Donoho C. W. , Beattie J. M. , Banta E. S. , Forsythe H. Y.
Published: August 2022

Apple tree decline is a serious disorder of many older apple orchards in Eastern United States. The first visible symptom is the general loss of tree vigor resulting in short terminal growth, small leaves, and lower productivity. Cessation of growth ocurs for no apparent reason and ordinary cultural practices, such as additional nitrogen fertilizer and heavy pruning, have failed to stimulate terminal shoot growth and fruiting of affected trees. The pattern is not for an occasional tree to be affected, but often large areas of the orchard or an entire block of trees will show various degrees of decline.
Effects of a Magnetic Field on the Germination of Apple, Apricot, and Peach Seeds1
Authors: Chao Lee , Walker David R.
Published: August 2022

The effects of a magnetic field on biological systems have been studied extensively in recent years. Murphy (1) reported that a magnetic field accelerates seed germination. Boe and Salunkhe (2) suggested that the magnetic field might act upon auxin or enzyme reactions, or influence free radical formation in inducing tomato fruit ripening. Mericle et al. (3) reported that the magnetic field did not affect the rate of germination of barley seeds, but did increase the rate of shoot and root growth. According to Pittman (4), both germination and growth rates of wheat, oat, and barley seeds were enhanced by a magnetic field at certain orientation.
Association of Tomato Fruit Abnormalities with Tobacco Mosaic Virus Infection
Authors: Lewis G. D. , Taylor G. A.
Published: August 2022

There is considerable confusion in the literature regarding tomato fruit abnormalities variously termed “internal browning”, “gray wall”, “blotchy ripening”, and other less common terms such as “cloud” and “waxy patch”. It is difficult to determine if these names refer to one or more disorders because of the similarity of symptoms in ripening fruit. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) has been shown to play an important role in the occurrence of various fruit symptoms (2, 3, 4), yet this factor frequently is not considered in dealing with ripening disorders (1,5,6).
Factors Affecting Internal Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Concentration of Citrus Fruits
Authors: Davis Paul L. , Chace William G. , Cubbedge Randall H.
Published: August 2022

The objectives of this study were to show the variations of internal gases of Orlando tangelos, Temple oranges, and Marsh grapefruit before storage and how waxing, storage temperatures, and various external O2 and CO2 concentrations affected internal gas composition. These tests were part of an overall project to determine the best controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions for storage of citrus fruits. Since internal O2 and CO2 concentrations may affect fruit quality (1), one concern in the addition of CO2 to the external atmosphere during CA storage was that the concentration of this component would continue to build up internally. Eaks and Ludi (1) have shown that the internal atmospheres of citrus fruits are affected by temperature, washing, and waxing. Vines and Oberbacher (4) found that certain packinghouse treatments increased CO2 concentrations within citrus fruits.
Some Results of Research on the Use of Peat and Muck for Vegetable Production Under Glass
Authors: Chroboczek E. , Karasinska J.
Published: August 2022

Due to scarcity of manure for use in preparing seed and potting compost, and also for use in growing plants to maturity under glass, interest in using peat and muck for these purposes has increased. In Poland there are about 1.8 million hectares (4.4 million acres) of these organic soils, and the area of glasshouses is also expanding. Of these organic soils, about 90% is muck and 10% is peat; thus, the cost of muck per cubic meter is about 1/3 that of peat.
Trifluralin-Treated Cloth Controls Weeds in Geranium Plantings
Authors: Danielson L. L.
Published: August 2022

(Cloth and cotton fiber mats impregnated with trifluralin [alpha, alpha, alphatrifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine] at 1/2 lb/A used to treat soil in potted geranium (Pelargonium hortorum) (Ricard cultivar) plantings were herbicidally effective and did not injure the geraniums. Time required for disintegration of the treated cloths and mats ranged from less than 30 days to more than 120 days.)
Differences Between Thermocouple and Liquid Crystal Measurements of Temperature
Authors: Yelenosky G. , Horanic G.
Published: August 2022

Liquid crystals are a part of a large number of organic compounds which, upon heating, change from a viscous liquid to a clear isotropic liquid. Many liquid crystals are derivatives of cholesterol. In the transition stage between solid and isotropic liquid, liquid crystals possess light scattering properties which result in changes of color in response to changes in temperature (1).
Reaction of Tomato Varieties and Breeding Lines to Aphids
Authors: Stoner A. K. , Webb R. E. , Gentile A. G.
Published: August 2022

The potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) is a common insect pest of tomatoes. This insect damages the plants by sucking the sap from the leaves and by transmitting plant viruses The severity of aphid infestations on tomatoes varies from season to season and within a season. They are generally most severe during periods of cool weather.
Effect of Fluorescent Lighting Beyond the Normal Day on the Flowering of the Carnation
Authors: Butterfield N. W. , Hemeriek G. A. , Kinoshita A.
Published: August 2022

It is important that the carnation grower bring a portion of his crop into flower at specific times, such as Christmas and Mother’s Day. Research by White (3) and Bickford et al (1) have shown that artificial lighting beyond normal day length has been used successfully to regulate time of bloom and to increase flower production. It was found in preliminary studies for 1965-66 (2) that carnations benched in early July and lighted artificially, beginning August 1st, for an additional eight hours, using four fluorescent lamps per bench flowered earlier and increased yields.
Effects of Field Seeding and Transplanting on Earliness, Quality, and Yield of Cantaloupe Varieties
Authors: Norton J. D.
Published: August 2022

Three-week old plants of 10 cantaloupe varieties grown in 3-inch peat pots were transplanted to the field from April 15 to 24 for a S-year period. Field seeded plots were direct seeded the same day and 7-10 days earlier.

The yield and fruit weight from transplants were significantly higher than those from field seeded plants. The total soluble solids content of fruit from transplants averaged more than 2 per cent higher than that of field seeded plants started the same date. When field seeded 7-10 days earlier, the difference was not as great; however, total soluble solids were consisently higher in fruit from transplants. Two factors were possibly responsible for the higher yields, fruit weights, and soluble solids. Because field seeded plants matured later, foliar diseases were more severe and plants were also exposed to additional cloudiness and rainfall.

Fruit of transplants matured approximately 14 days earlier than that of field seeded plants started the same date. When field seeding was accomplished 7-10 days before transplanting, fruit from field seeded plants matured only 7-10 days after the transplants.
Effect of Temperature and Seed Coat Treatment on the Germination of Rose Seeds1
Authors: Svejda Felicitas
Published: August 2022

This study was undertaken to find the most suitable treatment to promote germination in seeds from hardy shrub roses used in a breeding program.
Influence of Sodium in Mist Water on Rooting of Chrysanthemums
Authors: Paul J. L. , Leiser A. T.
Published: August 2022

An aspect of mist propagation which may be important in rooting cuttings is the quality of water used in misting. This may be particularly important in arid regions where many waters contain significant concentrations of salts. Although waters have been classified (1) for general irrigation purposes on the basis of total salts, sodium rating, boron concentration, etc., the propagator sometimes overlooks these properties of his mist water.
Chemical Injury on Golden Delicious Apples Treated with Diphenylamine
Authors: Pierson Charles F. , Schomer Harold A.
Published: August 2022

A chemical injury consisting of a blue-gray discoloration developed on the cheeks and shoulders, but not on the calyx ends of Golden Delicious apples treated with DPA in dips or wraps. This injury was distinguishable from storage scald which was brown (in color) and occurred on the calyx ends and cheeks of fruit wrapped in plain or oiled paper wraps.
Peanut Plants from Single De-Embryonated Cotyledons1
Authors: Illingworth John E.
Published: August 2022

Twenty-three peanut plants have been grown to maturity from single peanut cotyledons from which the embryos had been removed. Fifteen of these plants produced peanuts.

The experimental seeds were first immersed in liquid nitrogen (-320.4° F, -195.8° C) for various periods of time ranging from 24 hours to 108 hours and the cotyledons were separated while still frozen. If the embryos did not break free while still frozen, they were removed later at room temperature.
Breeding for Early Yield in Glasshouse Tomatoes
Authors: Kooistra E.
Published: August 2022

Tomatoes are our most important vegetable crop in the Netherlands. In 1967 production was nearly 350,000 tons and was valued at 280 million guilders ($77 million). The crop is grown entirely under glass.
Current Developments in the Breeding of F1 Hybrid Annuals
Authors: Goldsmith Glenn A.
Published: August 2022

There is a small group of companies, about 6 in the U.S. and perhaps 15 worldwide, that have caused a gardening revolution during the last 15 years. The revolution has been dramatic in the U.S. and is now rapidly spreading to the other more developed countries of the world. This revolution is the change by the gardening public from the sowing of seed in the garden to the purchasing and planting of started plants. The companies largely responsible for this revolution are those developing F1 hybrid annual flowers.
Effect of Growth Regulators on Time of Flowering of a Photoperiodic Sensitive Field Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Coyne Dermot P.
Published: August 2022

The effect of CCC, B-9 and Gibberellin A-7 on time of flowering and the node of the first flower of the short-day Great Northern Nebraska No. 1 sel. 27 dry bean line under short and long photoperiods was investigated in the greenhouse. CCC was the only chemical which promoted early flowering under long photoperiods. Under long photoperiods, B-9 caused the first flower to open at higher nodes. The possible usefulness of these findings is discussed.
The Stimulation of Dormant Peach Buds by a Cytokinin
Authors: Weinberger John H.
Published: August 2022

Several investigators have noted the stimulation of growth of dormant apple buds by cytokinin (1, 2, 3). The present study was initiated to determine whether cytokinin can substitute for chilling, to break the rest period of dormant peach buds.