bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limb-Bud and Heart (LBH) Upregulation in Cardiomyocytes under Hypoxia Promotes the Activation of Cardiac Fibroblasts via Exosome Secretion
Authors: Xu Yuling , Wu Anbiao , Chen Jingyang , Song Xudong , Chen Minsheng , Liu Qicai
Published: September 2022

The activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) after myocardial infarction (MI) is essential for post-MI infarct healing, during which the regulation of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) signaling is predominant. We have demonstrated that TGF-β1-mediated upregulation of LBH contributes to post-MI CF activation via modulating αB-crystallin (CRYAB), after being upregulated by TGF-β1. In this study, the effect of LBH-CRYAB signaling on the cardiac microenvironment via exosome communication and the corresponding mechanisms were investigated. The upregulation of LBH and CRYAB was verified in both cardiomyocytes (CMs) and CFs in hypoxic, post-MI peri-infarct tissues. CM-derived exosomes were isolated and identified, and LBH distribution was elevated in exosomes derived from LBH-upregulated CMs under hypoxia. Treatment with LBH+ exosomes promoted cellular proliferation, differentiation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like processes in CFs. Additionally, in primary LBHKO CFs, western blotting showed that LBH knockout partially inhibited TGF-β1-induced CF activation, while LBH-CRYAB signaling affected TGF-β1 expression and secretion through a positive feedback loop. The administration of a Smad3 phosphorylation inhibitor to LBHKO CFs under TGF-β1 stimulation indicated that Smad3 phosphorylation partially accounted for TGF-β1-induced LBH upregulation. In conclusion, LBH upregulation in CMs in post-MI peri-infarct areas correlated with a hypoxic cardiac microenvironment and led to elevated exosomal LBH levels, promoting the activation of recipient CFs, which brings new insights into the studies and therapeutic strategies of post-MI cardiac repair.
Dynamic Characteristics Analysis of 3D Blade Tip Clearance for Turbine Blades with Typical Cracks
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Xiong Yiwei , Huang Xin , Fan Bochao , Zhao Zhen , Zhu Jiahao
Published: September 2022

As well known, the crack is a typical fault of turbine blades, which is difficult to detect due to the weak fault features contained in the rotor vibration. Although some fault diagnosis methods based on blade tip timing (BTT) are proposed to detect blade cracks, the limited fault features can be extracted because the BTT signals contain only one-dimensional fault information. Based on the dynamic analysis, the cracked blade undergoes three-dimensional (3D) deformation so that it would be reflected in the changes of the three-dimensional blade tip clearance (3D-BTC). Therefore, the dynamic characteristics of the 3D-BTC of turbine blades with typical cracks should be investigated to obtain its change rule and achieve a more comprehensive diagnosis of blade cracks. In this paper, the 3D finite element model of the turbine blisk is established, and the fluid-thermal-solid coupling analysis is implemented to calculate the blade deformation. Then, a novel dynamic computation method is proposed to calculate the 3D-BTC based on the blade deformation. The typical blade cracks are taken into consideration, and the dynamic characteristics of the 3D-BTC regarding the typical cracks are analyzed to obtain its change rule. The results show that abundant crack fault information can be obtained based on the 3D-BTC, which can facilitate the comprehensive diagnosis of turbine blade cracks.
Numerical Shear Buckling Investigation of GLAREs with Initial Delamination
Authors: Niazi Maryam , Sadr Mohammad Homayoune
Published: September 2022

GLAREs as hybrid materials are widely employed members of fibre metal laminates (FMLs) in aerospace structures. Delamination is one of the most critical failure modes that happen during the manufacturing or service life, decreasing the stability and reliability of the GLARE laminates. Accordingly, this study presents an investigation of the shear buckling phenomenon, a very common load condition in aerospace structures, of different GLAREs, differentiating in the laminate layout, containing embedded delamination by the FEM ABAQUS software. The cohesive zone interface elements of FM94 are considered to evaluate the delamination growth. This parametric study displays the effect of the initial delamination dimension and its position as well as the thickness of the metal layer on the stability of GLARE laminates. The model predicts the stability reduction of GLARE laminates as a function of the delamination radius and its position. The results show that aluminium layer reinforcement increases the overall stiffness and shear buckling capacity and the specimen’s resistance to delamination growth. In addition, the produced results in this study can encourage designers to select appropriate GLARE grades based on the intended application, such as different shear loading conditions and available raw materials.
Autoimmune Diseases Induced or Exacerbated by COVID-19: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Ishay Yuval , Kenig Ariel , Rubin Limor , Shamriz Oded , Kharouf Fadi
Published: September 2022

The association between infectious diseases and autoimmunity has long been reported. Specifically, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this relation was further emphasized. The interplay between the two disease processes remains interesting, yet incompletely defined. Herein, we report a case series of six patients presenting with autoimmune phenomena first developed or exacerbated following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We describe the disease course and discuss the possible mechanisms underlying the association between autoimmunity and COVID-19.
Application of Planar Binary Image in Building Elevation Design
Authors: Jia Xiaoyu
Published: September 2022

Architecture is one of the key and important parts of a city. Various kinds of buildings have absolute control over the quantity and area and are the key factors for the appearance of a city. With the development of cities and the increase of population, high-rise residential buildings can effectively alleviate the shortage of urban residential land, but at the same time, it also brings some problems, such as monotonous elevation of high-rise residential buildings, improper selection of elevation forms. As people’s aesthetic awareness is getting higher and higher, people’s requirements for the image of residential buildings are getting higher and higher. However, the research on the elevation design of high-rise residential buildings is relatively lagging behind. Therefore, it is necessary to enrich and expand the elevation design of high-rise residential buildings. Image binarization is an important technology in image preprocessing. It plays an important role in pattern recognition, optical character recognition, and medical imaging. Binary image is a simple image format. It has only two gray levels, but it occupies an important position in the field of image processing. In specific image processing application systems, it is often necessary to obtain binary values. The binary image processing arithmetic is developed from set theory under mathematical morphology. Although its basic arithmetic is simple, it can produce complex results. Based on the characteristics of binary image and the complex effect it produces, this paper finds out its regularity, finds a design method of building elevation, and realizes the application of binary image in building elevation design.
Evaluation of the Contribution Rates of Different Phases on Pavement Performance of Cement-Casting Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Gong Minghui , Xiong Zijia , Jiang Lei , Deng Cheng , Li Sheng , Hong Jinxiang
Published: September 2022

Cement-casting asphalt mixture (CCAM) exhibits excellent antirutting properties and has been widely used to address the severe rutting distress across the world. However, CCAM’s failure mechanism has not been comprehensively understood. To this end, the contribution rates of porous asphalt mixture (PAM), cementitious network, and asphalt-cement interface phases to CCAM’s pavement performance are evaluated. A novel method was developed to fabricate the cementitious network with the aid of plastic balls. Abrasion loss, strength, peak force, and fracture energy of PAM, cement samples, and CCAM samples are obtained through different tests. Analysis results show that the contribution rate of cementitious network to Cantabro loss is around 60% and that of the interface phase is around 30%. Interface phase and PAM phase approximately contribute 90% to the overall strength and fracture energy of CCAM. With the increase of polymer contents in asphalt binder, the contribution rate of PAM phase increases and the contribution rate of interface decreases. Contribution rates results together with samples’ fracture surface observation verify that the interaction between asphalt skeleton and cement network plays a vital role during CCAM’s failure process. Attention should be given to the physical-chemical interactions between asphalt and cement in the future study.
Green Catalytic Pyrolysis: An Eco‐Friendly Route for the Production of Fuels and Chemicals by Blending Oil Industry Wastes and Waste Furniture Wood
Authors: Gift M. D. Mohan , Verma Savita , Prasad Kalapala , Kathiresan K. , Prasad Rohi , Logeswaran T. , Ghotekar Suresh , Thao D. V. , Lalvani J. Isaac JoshuaRamesh
Published: September 2022

Lignocellulosic biomass is converted into liquid products through pyrolysis, which can be used as an alternative fuel for heating applications and industrial chemicals. Pyrolysis liquid is a mixture of many oxygenated fractions which deteriorates its burning properties. Through specific bond cleavage reactions like deoxygenation, cracking, and decarbonylation, catalysts in the pyrolysis process can be used to improve the quality of pyrolysis liquid. In this study, biochar produced by carbonization of printed circuit boards was used for catalytic reforming processes to produce energy‐rich liquids and chemicals from a mixture of karanja seed oil cake and waste furniture wood. The catalytic process was performed by changing the reactor temperature from 300°C to 700°C at 50°C intervals. The results showed a maximum liquid oil recovery of 53.9 wt% at 500°C. Compared to the noncatalytic reaction, pyrolysis of biomass with biochar recovered 11.59% more liquid. This study demonstrated a viable technique to recover more liquid products and industrial chemicals by employing sustainable catalysts from e‐waste. The physical analysis of the liquid showed that the liquid can be used as a fuel for boilers and furnaces. The chemical characterization through gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (GC‐MS) showed the presence of various chemical elements used for medicinal and industrial applications.
Diagnosis of Broken Bars in V/F Control Induction Motor Drive Using Wavelets and EEV Estimation for Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Ramu Senthil Kumar , Irudayaraj Gerald Christopher Raj , Devarajan Gunapriya , Indragandhi V. , Subramaniyaswamy V. , Sam Alaric J.
Published: September 2022

The induction motor (IM) defect diagnosis has been an important field of research in recent years. The development in control circuits for IM has piqued the interest of industrialists and researchers. This paper presents a method for detecting and quantifying broken rotor bar (BRB) faults via wavelets and energy Eigen value (EEV) estimation in voltage/frequency control-fed IM. The fast Fourier transform (FFT) extracts the signal’s amplitude and frequency components, while the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) decomposes it. In this paper, the energy estimation for each level of breakdown and the method to overcome the diagnose faults are explained. The EEV of the motor current of the signal determines the fault’s severity and provides a better method for identifying the faults. The usage of a single current sensor is a gain of this technology. With a fluctuating load, we can identify the issue and the number of broken bars via online. After processing of DWT, the faulty BRB’s stator current signal is suppressed to 91% in amplitude when compared to existing techniques. Simulation and experimental results have proved that the proposed method’s stability, durability, and resilience.
Analyzing the Impact of Traffic Violation Behaviors on Traffic Fatal Crashes Using Multilevel Models on Expressways
Authors: Ning Huajing , Yu Yunyan , Bai Lu
Published: September 2022

This study is intended to explore the impact of traffic violation behaviors on traffic fatal crashes on expressways. Based on the generalized additive model method, for independent traffic violation data and traffic fatal crash data from the Traffic Administration Bureau of Anhui Provincial Public Security Department, the relationship among the violations and traffic fatal crashes was discussed. Applying the proposed multilevel analysis method, which can effectively show the evolution trend among traffic violations and traffic fatal crashes influenced by time, space, and inter-reaction. The results show that hierarchical data structures should not be ignored. Meanwhile, in order to avoid fatal traffic collisions, we should reduce traffic violations, especially the control of speed on expressways This is because speeding is the most common traffic violation behavior and has a significant impact on traffic fatal crashes. The results could help strengthen our focus on key traffic violations and provide a reference for traffic safety management and decision-making.
Flavonols and Flavones as Potential anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Compounds
Authors: Chagas Maria do Socorro S. , Behrens Maria D. , Moragas-Tellis Carla J. , Penedo Gabriela X. M. , Silva Adriana R. , Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque Cassiano F.
Published: September 2022

Plant preparations have been used to treat various diseases and discussed for centuries. Research has advanced to discover and identify the plant components with beneficial effects and reveal their underlying mechanisms. Flavonoids are phytoconstituents with anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and antimicrobial properties. Herein, we listed and contextualized various aspects of the protective effects of the flavonols quercetin, isoquercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin and the flavones luteolin, apigenin, 3

′

,4

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-dihydroxyflavone, baicalein, scutellarein, lucenin-2, vicenin-2, diosmetin, nobiletin, tangeretin, and 5-O-methyl-scutellarein. We presented their structural characteristics and subclasses, importance, occurrence, and food sources. The bioactive compounds present in our diet, such as fruits and vegetables, may affect the health and disease state. Therefore, we discussed the role of these compounds in inflammation, oxidative mechanisms, and bacterial metabolism; moreover, we discussed their synergism with antibiotics for better disease outcomes. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics allows the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains; thus, bioactive compounds may be used for adjuvant treatment of infectious diseases caused by resistant and opportunistic bacteria via direct and indirect mechanisms. We also focused on the reported mechanisms and intracellular targets of flavonols and flavones, which support their therapeutic role in inflammatory and infectious diseases.
The cAMP/PKA/CREB and TGFβ/SMAD4 Pathways Regulate Stemness and Metastatic Potential in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Fujishita Teruaki , Kojima Yasushi , Kajino-Sakamoto Rie , Mishiro-Sato Emi , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Hosoda Waki , Yamaguchi Rui , Taketo Makoto Mark , Aoki Masahiro
Published: September 2022

Metastasis is responsible for the majority of deaths of patients with cancer. However, mechanisms governing metastasis in colorectal cancer remain largely unknown. Here we investigated how colorectal cancer cells acquire metastatic potential using a novel mouse model of colorectal cancer that spontaneously develops liver metastasis, generated by introducing sporadic mutations of Ctnnb1, Kras, Trp53, and Smad4 (CKPS) genes. Proteomic analyses revealed elevated expression of colorectal cancer stem cell markers ALCAM (CD166) and PROM1 (CD133) in colorectal cancer cells from the metastatic model compared with those from a nonmetastatic model. Spleen-to-liver metastasis assays using colorectal cancer cells derived from the CKPS model (CKPS cells) demonstrated the functional importance of ALCAM and PROM1 in initiating metastasis. Genetic and pharmacologic analyses using CKPS cells in 2D and spheroid culture revealed that expression of ALCAM and PROM1 is regulated positively and negatively by the cAMP/PKA/CREB and TGFβ/SMAD4 pathways, respectively. Consistently, phospho-CREB was expressed in both primary and metastatic lesions of CKPS mice and patients with colorectal cancer, and knockout of CREB in CKPS cells reduced their spheroid-forming and metastasis-initiating abilities. Treatment with a CREB inhibitor potentiated the effect of irinotecan in suppressing liver metastasis by CKPS cells. These results reveal the essential roles of ALCAM and PROM1, as well as their upstream regulators, the cAMP/PKA/CREB and TGFβ/SMAD4 pathways, in maintaining the stemness and metastatic potential of colorectal cancer cells and indicate that CREB inhibition may be a potential therapeutic strategy against metastatic colorectal cancer.

Significance:

This study identifies signaling pathways essential for maintaining the stemness and metastatic potential of colorectal cancer cells and proposes CREB as a therapeutic target in metastatic colorectal cancer.
Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: The Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study
Authors: Okita Yuki , Sobue Tomotaka , Zha Ling , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Iwasaki Motoki , Inoue Manami , Yamaji Taiki , Tsugane Shoichiro , Sawada Norie
Published: September 2022

Background:

Several studies have investigated the association between alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer risk. However, these studies reported inconsistent results.

Methods:

This study included 95,812 participants from the Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study, whose alcohol drinking habit was collected through the questionnaire of the baseline survey in 1990 to 1994 for Cohort I and in 1993 to 1995 for Cohort II, and followed-up until December 2013. The hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results:

During 1,969,101 person-years of follow-up, 598 patients (315 men and 283 women) were newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. No association was observed between alcohol consumption at baseline and pancreatic cancer risk in either men or women, even in the analyses conducted among men stratified by facial flushing responses or smoking status. When the population was limited to men whose alcohol drinking habit remained unchanged from the baseline survey to the 5-year follow-up survey, a significant association was observed in drinkers with alcohol consumption of 1 to 299 g/week compared with non/occasional drinkers (multivariable-adjusted HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.15–2.60).

Conclusions:

A significant association between alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer risk was observed when the population was limited to men with a 5-year unchanged alcohol drinking habit and was particularly strong in never smokers.

Impact:

This study suggested an association between continuous alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer risk in the Japanese population. However, further investigations using other cohort studies are required.
Comparative Microbiomics Analysis of Antimicrobial Antibody Response between Patients with Lung Cancer and Control Subjects with Benign Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Shome Mahasish , Gao Weimin , Engelbrektson Anna , Song Lusheng , Williams Stacy , Murugan Vel , Park Jin G. , Chung Yunro , LaBaer Joshua , Qiu Ji
Published: September 2022

Background:

CT screening can detect lung cancer early but suffers a high false-positive rate. There is a need for molecular biomarkers that can distinguish malignant and benign indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPN) detected by CT scan.

Methods:

We profiled antibodies against 901 individual microbial antigens from 27 bacteria and 29 viruses in sera from 127 lung adenocarcinoma (ADC), 123 smoker controls (SMC), 170 benign nodule controls (BNC) individuals using protein microarrays to identify ADC and BNC specific antimicrobial antibodies.

Results:

Analyzing fourth quartile ORs, we found more antibodies with higher prevalence in the three BNC subgroups than in ADC or SMC. We demonstrated that significantly more anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies showed higher prevalence in ADC relative to SMC. We performed subgroup analysis and found that more antibodies with higher prevalence in light smokers (≤20 pack-years) compared with heavy smokers (>20 pack-years), in BNC with nodule size >1 cm than in those with ≤1 cm nodules, and in stage I ADC than in stage II and III ADC. We performed multivariate analysis and constructed antibody panels that can distinguish ADC versus SMC and ADC versus BNC with area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.88 and 0.80, respectively.

Conclusions:

Antimicrobial antibodies have the potential to reduce the false positive rate of CT screening and provide interesting insight in lung cancer development.

Impact:

Microbial infection plays an important role in lung cancer development and the formation of benign pulmonary nodules.
PH-Binding Motif in PAR4 Oncogene: From Molecular Mechanism to Drug Design
Authors: Nag Jeetendra Kumar , Malka Hodaya , Sedley Shoshana , Appasamy Priyanga , Rudina Tatyana , Levi Tgst , Hoffman Amnon , Gilon Chaim , Uziely Beatrice , Bar-Shavit Rachel
Published: September 2022

While the role of G-protein–coupled receptors (GPCR) in cancer is acknowledged, their underlying signaling pathways are understudied. Protease-activated receptors (PAR), a subgroup of GPCRs, form a family of four members (PAR1–4) centrally involved in epithelial malignancies. PAR4 emerges as a potent oncogene, capable of inducing tumor generation. Here, we demonstrate identification of a pleckstrin-homology (PH)-binding motif within PAR4, critical for colon cancer growth. In addition to PH–Akt/PKB association, other PH-containing signal proteins such as Gab1 and Sos1 also associate with PAR4. Point mutations are in the C-tail of PAR4 PH-binding domain; F347 L and D349A, but not E346A, abrogate these associations. Pc(4–4), a lead backbone cyclic peptide, was selected out of a mini-library, directed toward PAR2&4 PH-binding motifs. It effectively attenuates PAR2&4–Akt/PKB associations; PAR4 instigated Matrigel invasion and migration in vitro and tumor development in vivo. EGFR/erbB is among the most prominent cancer targets. AYPGKF peptide ligand activation of PAR4 induces EGF receptor (EGFR) Tyr-phosphorylation, effectively inhibited by Pc(4–4). The presence of PAR2 and PAR4 in biopsies of aggressive breast and colon cancer tissue specimens is demonstrated. We propose that Pc(4–4) may serve as a powerful drug not only toward PAR-expressing tumors but also for treating EGFR/erbB-expressing tumors in cases of resistance to traditional therapies. Overall, our studies are expected to allocate new targets for cancer therapy. Pc(4–4) may become a promising candidate for future therapeutic cancer treatment.
Examining the Linear Association Between Blood Pressure Levels and Cardiovascular Diseases in the Absence of Major Risk Factors in China
Authors: Zheng Ruizhi , Xu Yu , Li Mian , Lu Jieli , Wu Shujing , Niu Jingya , Zhao Zhiyun , Chen Li , Huo Yanan , Xu Min , Wang Tiange , Wang Shuangyuan , Lin Hong , Qin Guijun , Yan Li , Wan Qin , Chen Lulu , Shi Lixin , Hu Ruying , Tang Xulei , Su Qing , Yu Xuefeng , Qin Yingfen , Chen Gang , Gao Zhengnan , Wang Guixia , Shen Feixia , Luo Zuojie , Chen Yuhong , Zhang Yinfei , Liu Chao , Wang Youmin , Wu Shengli , Yang Tao , Li Qiang , Mu Yiming , Zhao Jiajun , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Bi Yufang ,   for the 4C Study Group†
Published: September 2022

Background:

Many studies demonstrate a J-shaped association between blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but the findings are plagued by confounding from other traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). Our aims were to examine the associations of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels with CVD in individuals without major CVRFs and whether there were thresholds for the association.

Methods:

In the 4C study (China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort), 36 042 CVRF-free participants without CVD, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, or smoking were identified during 2011 to 2012. Among CVRF-free participants, 17 476 CVRF-preferable individuals with better glycemic (fasting glucose, <110 mg/dL; 2-hour post-load glucose, <140 mg/dL) and lipid profile (total cholesterol, <200 mg/dL; LDL [low-density lipoprotein] cholesterol, <130 mg/dL) were selected. The total person-years of follow-up for CVRF-free subjects and CVRF-preferable subjects were 130 147 and 63 573 person-years, respectively. Information on the development of major CVDs was collected during 2014 to 2016. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to estimate the risks for incident CVD by SBP and DBP groups, respectively.

Results:

We found that both baseline SBP and DBP presented significantly linear associations with CVD risks in CVRF-free and CVRF-preferable participants. There is significant increase in the CVD risk among CVRF-free participants with baseline SBP level of 110 to 119 mm Hg (hazard ratio, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.19–2.71]), 120 to 129 mm Hg (hazard ratio, 2.03 [95% CI, 1.36–3.03]), and 130 to 139 mm Hg (hazard ratio, 2.15 [95% CI, 1.40–3.28]) compared with SBP <110 mm Hg. Significant increases were also observed for DBP level of 80 to 89 mm Hg (hazard ratio, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.03–1.97]) compared with DBP <70 mm Hg. Similar results were observed in CVRF-preferable participants.

Conclusions:

SBP and DBP with levels currently considered normal were significantly and linearly associated with incident CVD without thresholds above 110/70 mm Hg among Chinese adults without major CVRFs.
A Study on Carbon Sequestration Index as a Tool to Determine the Potential of Greenbelt
Authors: Parida Tamanna , Riyazuddin Shaik , Agnihotri Sailesh Ram , Kolli Suresh Kumar , Srinivas Namuduri
Published: September 2022

Background and objective: Carbon is crucial in the biological world, especially in plants. It helps grow plants and stores the absorbed carbon in terms of biomass. In the biogeochemical cycle, carbon gets neutralized in the environment. The increase in population is responsible for the amplified concertation of greenhouse gas (GHG) into the atmosphere, which leads to maximized CO2 concentration, and consequences global temperatures. Trees play a critical role in the sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the potential of carbon sequestration in urban roadside tree species using the Carbon Sequestration Index as a tool (CSI).Methods: Biophysical estimations such as diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and above and below-ground biomass were measured to assess the carbon sequestration potential of a tree.Results: Results revealed that the potential species present in large numbers are Pongamia pinnata, Azadirachta indica, and Spathodea campanulata. Based on Carbon Sequestration Index results, it is found that Pongamia pinnata and Azadirachta indica act as keystone species in this area and are better than others in removing GHG emissions. The study has also considered the requirement of a total number of trees to neutralize the whole GHG emission of the study area.Conclusion: The total GHG emission of our study area is 39599 kg/yr, where 1041 trees are present inside the boundary, and the entire carbon sequestration is 475921.5 kg/yr. Only 86 trees are sufficient to offset the total GHG emission from this area, whereas 955 trees are surplus for this place.
Determinants of Renewable Electricity Generation in Africa
Authors: Rashed Ahmed , Yong Chen-Chen , Soon Siew-Voon
Published: September 2022

Africa’s electricity insecurity issues are getting worse. However, there has been significant foreign direct investment (FDI) absorbed by the renewable electricity generation (REG) industry in the last twenty years. To date, the impact of FDI on REG in Africa has yet to be investigated. This study thus empirically examines REG determinants with a special focus on FDI in forty African countries between 2000 and 2019. By using the Prais-Winsten panel corrected standard errors model, a range of promising results are revealed. Importantly, we find compelling evidence that FDI inflows directly and indirectly limit, or even impede, REG development. What’s more, Africa’s population growth undermines REG. However, the encouraging result is that raising awareness in Africa of renewable energy boosts REG. We conclude that there is a necessity for the gradual reform of lax environmental laws and renewable energy education plans in Africa.
Into the Wild: Biological Timing in Natural Environments
Authors: Agostino Patricia V. , Golombek Diego A.
Published: September 2022

Biological timing (including circadian and interval timing) has mainly focused on rigorously controlled laboratory experiments. There are relatively few studies looking into interval timing behaviors in the wild, which could be understandable due to the complexity of the experimental design but are definitely needed in order to comprehend the adaptive value of such behavior. In this opinion paper we review some of the literature regarding timing observations under field conditions, including reports from birds and mammals, and propose a call-to-action to think about the need of a more naturalistic interpretation of time production and perception, as well as the advantage of designing more ‘natural’ settings in the laboratory.
Christianity seen by Muslims and Islam seen by Christians in the Period of Early Islamic Rule in the Middle East
Authors: Beaumont Mark
Published: September 2022

This paper highlights a context where Christians lived under Muslim rule. Muslim critique of Christianity was widespread, and Christians had to react to Muslim dominance by finding ways of responding to criticisms without incurring punishment for rebellious attitudes to their rulers. In the first two centuries after the Arab conquest of the largely Christian Middle East, Muslims viewed Christians as needing correction for their mistaken beliefs about the oneness of God in their deviant Trinity, about the humanity of Jesus in their insistence on his divine status, about the death of Jesus by crucifixion when this had not happened, and for their failure to recognise the finality of the Prophet Muḥammad in their suppression of testimony to his coming in the Bible. Christians viewed Muslims as heretics who had diverted from the true Christian faith in the Trinity and the divinity and crucifixion of Jesus and who looked for prophecies of Muḥammad in the Bible that did not exist. Muslims and Christians searched each other’s scriptures to persuade the other that their interpretations might need correcting. As the centuries passed in the Middle East, Christians steadily embraced Islam. By the time of the Mongol invasion in the thirteenth century, the vast majority of the population were Muslims.
Indonesia’s Hospitable Democracy
Authors: Wisdom Kyle
Published: September 2022

Although much scholarly work has been done to present the depth and diversity of Islam around the world, positive encounters between Islam and Christianity in modern democracies continue to merit exploration. Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim majority nation, includes organizations and thinkers at the forefront of re-examining assumptions of Islamic orthodoxy. This article will present the current activities of Humanitarian Islam and its partnership with Christian organizations to build peace and shared civilizational values. Unique partnerships like this are possible through Muslim reform efforts, which have been underrepresented. These significant efforts are partly conceivable due to two Indonesian thought leaders, Nurcholish Madjid and Abdurrahman Wahid, who made significant contributions to Indonesian expressions of Islam. Two recent events in Indonesia show the progress and challenge for Christian minorities in Muslim majority contexts. While tension remains, Muslim reform efforts in Indonesia suggest possibilities for Islam’s peaceful integration with modern democracy and establishing conditions where Christian minority communities can thrive.
Glochidion malingheense (Phyllanthaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China
Authors: YAO GANG , LIU ZENGCAI , LANG YUANXING , LIAO DESHENG , XU JUNBO , LUO SHIXIAO , DENG CHAOYI
Published: September 2022

Glochidion malingheense, a new species from southwestern Guizhou, China, is described. Morphologically, the new species is most similar to G. oblatum Hook. f. in having angled branchlets, leathery leaves, and thick pericarp of capsules that become lignified to some extent when dry, but clearly differs from the latter by its long pedicelled pistillate flowers that are with oblong sepals, short cylindrical styles, depressed globose ovary, subcircular to broadly ellipticum sepals of staminate flowers, 3 stamens and smaller fruits.
Dichorisandra rigidifolia (Commelinaceae), a new species from Cerrado of Goiás, Brazil
Authors: DA SILVA MARCOS JOSÉ , LIDYANNE YURIKO SALEME AONA
Published: September 2022

Dichorisandra rigidifolia, a new species of the genus and probably endemic to the Cerrado Phytogeographic Domain, is described and illustrated here. Comments on its habitat, distribution, phenology, and conservation status are provided, as well as information concerning its morphological relationships with similar congeners. The new species can be recognized by its erect habit, leaves firmly chartaceous, bracts of the cincinni and bracteoles persistent, flowers with petals lilac or pinkish from the middle third, androecium with six fertile stamens, the thecae lilac or pink with two apical pores, as well as globose, blackish, and smooth capsules.
A Model for Inhomogeneously Broadened Raman Bands
Authors: Jakubek Ryan S.
Published: September 2022

Detailed information on the physics and chemistry of a sample can be derived from Raman band parameters. However, the Raman band observed by the detector contains artifacts from the instrument, complicating analysis of these details. To obtain Raman data that can be directly correlated to sample properties and to compare Raman spectra across instrumentation, instrumental effects must be accounted for. This is commonly performed for homogeneously broadened bands by determining the contribution of the slit function to the spectrum. However, there is currently no method for understanding instrumental effects on inhomogeneously broadened bands or a method to account for these effects when examining data and comparing data across instruments, though these analyses are commonplace. This shortfall injects an unknown error into the analyses and comparisons of inhomogeneously broadened Raman bands. This work derives a method of modeling inhomogeneous Raman bands as a continuum of homogeneous Raman bands spanning the width of the stochastic fluctuation energy well that causes inhomogeneous broadening. This model is combined with previous work to examine the effects of the slit function, intrinsic Raman band, stochastic energy well, homogeneously broadened Raman band, and slit width band parameters on the inhomogeneously broadened Raman band parameters. This model, for the first time, provides a quantitative description of the experimental parameters that effect the inhomogeneous Raman bands.
Measuring knowledge contribution performance of physicians in online health communities: A BP neural network approach
Authors: Xia Sudi , Zhang Zhijian , Fu Shaoxiong , Chen Xiaoyu
Published: September 2022

Extant literature on measuring the performance of physicians’ knowledge contribution in an online health community (OHC) is limited. To address this gap, this article aims to (1) develop a measurement model for physicians’ knowledge contribution performance; (2) use BP neural network to assign reasonable weight to each indicator of the model; and (3) explore the status and differences of knowledge contribution performance among a group of physicians. Based on the sample of 5407 infectious disease physicians in a Chinese OHC, we propose the measurement model by integrating physicians’ active knowledge contribution (AKC) and responsive knowledge contribution (RKC), covering 11 dimensions of contribution quantity and quality. We employ the BP neural network to optimise the model weights using the initial weight of the model obtained by the entropy method. The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is used to evaluate the performance of physicians’ knowledge contribution in the OHC. The results show that it is feasible to use BP neural network to assign model weights. The distribution of physicians’ knowledge contribution performance is uneven; only a few have a high-level knowledge contribution performance. Meanwhile, a significant positive correlation exists between a physician’s title and respective knowledge contribution performance. Our research may contribute to related literature and practices by offering a fine-grained understanding of the performance of physicians’ knowledge contribution.
Walking, talking, [Re-]imagining socio-ecological sustainability: Research on the move/moving research
Authors: Mullally Gerard , O’Neill Maggie , de Bhailís Deirdre , Tuohy Brendan , Breen Maggie , Duggan Andrew , Ní Loinsigh Elaine
Published: September 2022

Based on a series of walks undertaken on the Dingle Peninsula ( Chorca Dhuibhne), South-West Ireland, in March 2020 as part of the ‘ Walking Conversations’ symposium, a collaboration between Chorca Dhuibhne Creativity and Innovation Hub, Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne and the Department of Sociology & Criminology at UCC, this paper explores walking as a non-conventional method and way of knowing and understanding in both social research and research led teaching; specifically in relation to transitions to sustainability. We argue that walking is an organic approach to research that engages the performative and sensing body; that values the importance of innovative ways of connecting and collaborating in co-productive ways; and offers embodied, relational, sensory, multi-modal ways to reimagine socio-ecological sustainability in current times. Moreover, as we demonstrate, walking, as research on the move, enables us to: access/say the unsayable and open a space for the role of imagination, and creativity that can facilitate a radical democratic imaginary. Indeed, based upon our experiences with co-walkers in Corca Dhuibhne, research-led walking methods offer a radical democratic transdisciplinary pedagogy, that underpins the Connected Curriculum at UCC.
Serum Anion Gap Level Predicts All-Cause Mortality in Septic Patients: A Retrospective Study Based on the MIMIC III Database
Authors: Zhu Yao , He Zonglin , Jin Ya , Zhu Sui , Xu Weipeng , Li Bingxiao , Nie Chuan , Liu Guosheng , Lyu Jun , Han Shasha
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Sepsis is a significant threat in the intensive care unit (ICU) worldwide because it has high morbidity and mortality rates. Early recognition and diagnosis of sepsis are essential for the prevention of adverse outcomes. The present study aimed to quantitatively assess the association between serum anion gap (AG) levels and 30- and 90-day all-cause mortality among sepsis patients.

Methods

Clinical data of patients diagnosed with sepsis were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC III) database. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between serum AG levels and all-cause mortality. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to quantify the efficacy of using the serum AG level to predict all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 3811 patients were included in the study. The Kaplan–Meier curves showed that patients with higher serum AG levels had a shorter survival time than those with lower levels. Serum AG levels were found to be highly effective in predicting all-cause mortality secondary to sepsis (30-day: AUROC = 0.703; 90-day: AUROC = 0.696). The Cox regression model further indicated that the serum AG level was an independent risk factor for 30- and 90-day mortality in sepsis (HR 3.44, 95% CI 2.97-3.99 for 30-day; HR 3.17, 95% CI 2.76-3.65 for 90-day, P < 0.001 for both).

Conclusions

High serum AG may be considered as an alternative parameter for predicting the death risk in sepsis when other variables are not immediately available. Prospective large-scale studies are needed to support its predictive value in the clinic.
Enhanced osteogenesis and angiogenesis of biphasic calcium phosphate scaffold by synergistic effect of silk fibroin coating and zinc doping
Authors: Lu Teliang , Ma Ning , He Fupo , Liang Yongyi , Ye Jiandong
Published: September 2022

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffold has been widely applied to bone regeneration because of its good biocompatibility and bone conduction property. However, the low mechanical strength and the lack of angiogenic and osteogenic induction properties have restricted its application in bone tissue regeneration. In this study, we combined zinc (Zn2+) doping and silk fibroin (SF) coating with expectation to enhance compressive strength, osteogenesis and angiogenesis of BCP scaffolds. The phase composition, morphology, porosity, compressive strength, in vitro degradation and cell behaviors were investigated systematically. Results showed that the scaffold coated with SF exhibited almost 3 times of compressive strength without compromising its porosity compared with the uncoated scaffold. Zn2+ doping and SF coating synergistically enhanced the alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenesis-related genes expression of mouse bone mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSCs). Furthermore, SF coating notably improved the proliferation, cell viability and in vitro angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). This work provides a novel way to modify BCP scaffolds simultaneously with enhancing mechanical strength and biological properties.
Three-dimensional enclosing control for stratospheric airship to circumnavigate a moving target
Authors: Sun Yang , Zhu Ming , Chen Tian , Zheng Zewei
Published: September 2022

This paper addresses the problem of a stratospheric airship flying around a time-varying velocity moving target in a three-dimensional space under external disturbance. In order to achieve a spiral shape circumnavigation around the moving target, it is necessary to keep the same altitude as the moving target with time-varying height vertically while keeping a fixed circle radius around the moving target at the horizontal plane. First, based on the air current estimator, we design different guidance laws for different target tracking methods on the horizontal and vertical planes respectively, which can obtain the expected velocity and the expected angular velocity. Second, an adaptive backstepping attitude controller to track the desired yaw rate is introduced by estimating the boundaries of dynamic couplings and unknown disturbance. Finally, a velocity controller is added to track the desired velocity. Numerical simulations show the validity of this algorithm.
Clinimetric analysis of outcome measures for airway clearance in people with cystic fibrosis: a systematic review
Authors: Stanford Gemma E. , Jones Mandy , Charman Susan C. , Bilton Diana , Usmani Omar S. , Davies Jane C. , Simmonds Nicholas J.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are integral to cystic fibrosis (CF) management. However, there is no consensus as to which outcome measures (OMs) are best for assessing ACT efficacy.

Objectives:

To summarise OMs that have been assessed for their clinimetric properties (including validity, feasibility, reliability, and reproducibility) within the context of ACT research in CF.

Design and Methods:

A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA) standards. Any parallel or cross-over randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigating outcome measures for ACT in the CF population were eligible for inclusion. The search was performed in five medical databases, clinicaltrials.gov, and abstracts from international CF conferences. The authors planned to independently assess study quality and risk of bias using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement InstrumeNts (COSMIN) risk of bias checklist with external validity assessment based upon study details (participants and study intervention). Two review authors (GS and MJ) independently screened search results against inclusion criteria, and further data extraction were planned but not required.

Results:

No completed RCTs from the 187 studies identified met inclusion criteria for the primary or post hoc secondary objective. Two ongoing trials were identified.

Discussion and conclusion:

This empty systematic review highlights that high-quality RCTs are urgently needed to investigate and validate the clinimetric properties of OMs used to assess ACT efficacy. With the changing demographics of CF combined with the introduction of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies, an accurate assessment of the current benefit of ACT or the effect of ACT withdrawal is a high priority for clinical practice and future research; OMs which have been validated for this purpose are essential.

Registration:

This systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42020206033).
Therapeutic advances in metastatic pancreatic cancer: a focus on targeted therapies
Authors: Turpin Anthony , Neuzillet Cindy , Colle Elise , Dusetti Nelson , Nicolle Rémy , Cros Jérôme , de Mestier Louis , Bachet Jean-Baptiste , Hammel Pascal
Published: September 2022

Mortality from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is increasing worldwide and effective new treatments are urgently needed. The current treatment of metastatic PDAC in fit patients is based on two chemotherapy combinations (FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel) which were validated more than 8 years ago. Although almost all treatments targeting specific molecular alterations have failed so far when administered to unselected patients, encouraging results were observed in the small subpopulations of patients with germline BRCA 1/2 mutations, and somatic gene fusions ( neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase, Neuregulin 1, which are enriched in KRAS wild-type PDAC), KRAS G12C mutations, or microsatellite instability. While targeted tumor metabolism therapies and immunotherapy have been disappointing, they are still under investigation in combination with other drugs. Optimizing pharmacokinetics and adapting available chemotherapies based on molecular signatures are other promising avenues of research. This review evaluates the current expectations and limits of available treatments and analyses the existing trials. A permanent search for actionable vulnerabilities in PDAC tumor cells and microenvironments will probably result in a more personalized therapeutic approach, keeping in mind that supportive care must also play a major role if real clinical efficacy is to be achieved in these patients.