bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thinning Response and Potential Basal Area in a Mixed Sub-humid Low-elevation Oak-Hornbeam Forest
Authors: Neumann Mathias , Hasenauer Hubert
Published: August 2021

Competition for resources (light, water, nutrients, etc.) limits the size and abundance of alive trees a site can support. This carrying capacity determines the potential carbon sequestration in alive trees as well as the maximum growing stock. Lower stocking through thinning can change growth and mortality. We were interested in the relations between stand structure, increment and mortality using a long-unmanaged oak-hornbeam forest near Vienna, Austria, as case study. We expected lower increment for heavy thinned compared to unmanaged stands. We tested the thinning response using three permanent growth plots, whereas two were thinned (50% and 70% basal area removed) and one remained unmanaged. We calculated stand structure (basal area, stem density, diameter distribution) and increment and mortality of single trees. The heavy thinned stand had over ten years similar increment as the moderate thinned and unthinned stands. Basal area of the unthinned stand remained constant and stem density decreased due to competition-related mortality. The studied oak-hornbeam stands responded well even to late and heavy thinning suggesting a broad “plateau” of stocking and increment for these forest types. Lower stem density for thinned stands lead to much larger tree increment of single trees, compared to the unthinned reference. The findings of this study need verification for other soil and climatic conditions.
Essential (Cu, Zn) And Nonessential Metals (Pb, Cd) In Muscle of Leopard Groupers (Mycteroperca Rosacea) From A Mining Port In The Gulf of California, Mexico: Human Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Irigoyen-Arredondo Marina Soledad , Moreno-Sánchez Xchel Gabriel , Escobar-Sánchez Ofelia , Soto-Jiménez Martín Federico , Marín-Enríquez Emigdio , Abitia-Cárdenas Leonardo Andrés
Published: August 2021

The concentrations of essential (Cu, Zn) and toxic (Cd, Pb) elements were quantified in the muscle of leopard groupers, Mycteroperca rosacea, in a mining district in the Gulf of California. Metal concentrations were analyzed by size, sex, maturity, season, year, and a risk factor for human consumption. Results indicated elevated levels of essential elements (Cu: 11±34.3 μg/g, Zn: 377±1390 μg/g), up to 10 times higher than concentrations of toxic elements (Cd: 0.06±0.1 μg/g, Pb: 0.98±1.5 μg/g). Cadmium was within permissible limit stated by Mexican norm (0.5 μg/g), but lead bordering its limit (1.0 μg/g). Heavy metal concentrations were comparable between males and females. Metal variations were not significantly correlated to the sex, maturity, season, or year (p>0.05). The evaluation of benefits (Daily Mineral Intake) and risks (Target Hazard Quotients) to health indicated that these fish did not represent adverse effects to the consumer, within worldwide limits, but the nutritional benefits are high.
Assessment of The Eco-Geomorphological Conditions of Udmurtia, European Russia
Authors: Kirillova Aino , Likhacheva Emma , Kokin Osip
Published: August 2021

The territory of Udmurtia located in the European part of Russia between the River Volga and the Urals was chosen for assessment of its eco-geomorphological conditions, because it’s well-developed region (ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, machine-building and oil production) with a quite high population density. A combined approach, based on standard geomorphological methods (field work, remote sensing and GIS technologies) and analysis of time-space population distribution, was used. The region is located in a relatively comfortable eco-geomorphological conditions: areas with comfortable and relatively comfortable conditions make up 63% of the study region, while areas with poorly comfortable and uncomfortable conditions, where the relief worsens ecological conditions, account for 37%. The most acute eco-geomorphological and ecological problems are characteristic of southeastern Udmurtia, where the relief contributes to a poor ecological situation. 57% of rural settlements are located in areas with comfortable and relatively comfortable eco-geomorphological conditions. Hence, 43% of settlements are located in areas with less comfortable conditions. In spite of the prevalence of comfortable and relatively comfortable living conditions, most people of Udmurtia live under uncomfortable conditions.
Molecular Dynamics of The Early Stages of High Temperature Corrosion
Authors: Kim Sung-Yup , Taylor Christopher D.
Published: August 2021

We performed molecular dynamics simulations of the high temperature oxidation of metal alloys composed of Al, Cr and Fe and compared their behavior with that of pure Fe. The metal alloy elements (Al and Cr) segregated to the surface during oxidation producing a lower stress gradient at the metal/environment interface compared to pure Fe. We have found that the lowered stress gradients produced in the alloy material appear to play a key role in the development of corrosion. Interfaces with lower stress gradients have reduced rates of H2O adsorption, especially for the ferritic (bcc) alloys. The diffusivity of oxygen and hydrogen drops more rapidly for the interfaces with reduced stress gradients. The stress gradient is also diminished when the gas pressure is increased, indicating that the Fe-Cr-Al alloy system is more resistant to oxidation than pure Fe at higher pressures. Therefore, we conclude that the lower stress gradients at the alloy/environment interface reduce the stress concentration and can slow down the rate of the initial oxide scale growth. We also compared bcc and fcc alloys with pure Fe based on our 3 evaluation criteria (peak stress, stress gradient and summation of stress in the oxide scale). We found that the alloys have lower values under the three criteria compared to pure Fe. The bcc alloy has the best score under a water rich environment and the fcc alloy is proven to be the better for peak stress and summation of stress in the oxide scale under an oxygen rich environment. For surface segregation to occur, we find that a minimum content of Al or Cr content in the near-surface region must be achieved.
Responses of Photosynthesis And Long-Term Water Use Efficiency To Ambient Air Pollution In Urban Roadside Trees
Authors: Matsumoto Mayu , Kiyomizu Takashi , Yamagishi Saya , Kinoshita Tomomitsu , Kumpitsch Luisa , Kume Atsushi , Hanba Yuko T.
Published: August 2021

We conducted on-site studies in Kyoto City, Japan, to evaluate the effect of air pollution by automobile gas exhaust on the leaf photosynthetic functions of four urban roadside tree species. Nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) are major air pollutants that are related to automobile gas exhaust. The species-specific response of leaf photosynthesis to air pollution was obtained for single-year data, in which at the high air pollution sites, Rhododendron × pulchrum, Rhaphiolepis indica, and Prunus × yedoensis had a higher restriction of maximum photosynthesis (Amax), while the opposite trend was obtained for Ginkgo biloba. When the data were pooled across the years from 2007 to 2019 in R. pulchrum, the dose-dependent effect of NO and NO2 on photosynthesis became obvious, in which they decreased Amax and increased the long-term leaf water use efficiency. A spatial variability map for R. pulchrum showed a lower Amax and higher water use efficiency at the heavy traffic areas in Kyoto City, which suggests that R. pulchrum increased tolerance to air pollution and water stress at the expense of the leaf photosynthesis. This study revealed the importance of the evaluation of the species-specific response of photosynthesis to air pollution for the efficient use of urban trees, even in regions with relatively low atmospheric pollution levels such as < 40 ppb of NO or NO2.
Genome-wide SNPs Detect Fine-scale Genetic Structure in Threatened Populations of Squirrel Glider Petaurus Norfolcensis
Authors: Knipler Monica , Dowton Mark , Clulow John , Meyer Ninon , Mikac Katarina M.
Published: August 2021

Australian arboreal mammals are experiencing significant population declines, particularly due to land clearing and resulting habitat fragmentation. The squirrel glider, Petaurus norfolcensis, is a threatened species in New South Wales, with a stronghold population in the Lake Macquarie Local Government Area (LGA) where fragmentation due to urbanization is an ongoing problem for the species conservation. Here we report on the use of squirrel glider mitochondrial (385 bp cytochrome b gene, 70 individuals) and nuclear DNA (6,812 SNPs, 87 individuals) markers to assess their population genetic structure and connectivity across 14 locations sampled in the Lake Macquarie LGA. The mitochondrial DNA sequences detected evidence of a historical genetic bottleneck, while the genome-wide SNPs detected significant population structure in the Lake Macquarie squirrel glider populations at scales as fine as one kilometer. There was no evidence of inbreeding within patches, however there were clear effects of habitat fragmentation and biogeographical barriers on gene flow. A least cost path analysis identified thin linear corridors that have high priority for conservation. These areas should be protected to avoid further isolation of squirrel glider populations and the loss of genetic diversity through genetic drift.
Density-Based Soil Organic Carbon Fractionation: Experimental Method Comparison and Influential Factors
Authors: Sun Xiaolu , Ryan Michael G. , Sun Osbert Jianxin , Tang Zuoxin
Published: August 2021

Background: Because soil organic carbon (SOC) variation is a result of its physicochemical protection, fractionating SOC into different functional subpools according to its protection mechanism and studying the mechanism of different SOC fractions’ responses to environmental change will help guide the study of SOC dynamics. Therefore, we conducted an analysis of density-based SOC fractionation of 107 study sites from 35 literature sources to answer the following questions: (1) Will different fractionation methods yield different amounts in the three organic carbon pools: free organic carbon (FOC), occluded organic carbon (OOC) and mineral associated organic carbon (MOC)? (2) Does the distribution of these three SOC fractions differ with climate (mean annual temperature, MAT; mean annual precipitation, MAP), soil characteristics (e.g., soil layer, soil type, clay content) or vegetation type when controlling for any method differences?Results: Experimental method significantly affected OOC and MOC but not FOC results, and OOC separated by density and soil physical dispersion (density+disperse) was underestimated, thus a suitable SOC fractionation method should be carefully selected. SOC and MOC contents were negatively related to MAT; and highest SOC content appeared at moderate MAP, and when MAP increased or decreased, SOC decreased. SOC, FOC, and MOC were significantly affected by vegetation type; presumably due to anthropogenic disturbance or precipitation, plantations, grass and rainforest had the lower SOC contents and higher OOC and MOC percentages; and conifer, broadleaf, and mixed forests had similar FOC, OOC and MOC percentages, indicating less effect of tree species on SOC variation. The contents of both SOC and each fraction decreased in deeper sol layer; SOC, FOC and OOC contents were significantly affected by soil type; and SOC and MOC contents were negatively related to soil clay content, but the influences of soil characters on SOC and its fractions were less than experimental method and climate condition.Conclusion: Experimental methods for fractionation of SOC significantly affected fraction results. Climate, vegetation type and soil character also significantly influenced SOC and its factions, but the influences of soil characters on SOC and its fractions were not as strong as experimental method and climate condition.
Associations Between the Morphological Parameters of Proximal Tibiofibular Joint (PTFJ) and Changes in Tibiofemoral Joint Structures in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Chang Jun , Chen Tianyu , Yan Yizhu , Zhu Zhaohua , Han Weiyu , Zhao Yi , Antony Benny , Wluka Anita , Winzenberg Tania , Cicuttini Flavia , Ding Changhai
Published: August 2021

BackgroundTo describe the longitudinal associations between the morphological parameters of proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) and joint structural changes in tibiofemoral compartments in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsThe participants were selected from the Vitamin D Effects on Osteoarthritis (VIDEO) study. PTFJ morphological parameters were measured on coronal and sagittal MRI. The contacting area (S) of PTFJ, and its projection areas onto the horizontal (load-bearing area, Sτ), sagittal (lateral stress-bolstering area, Sφ) and coronal plane (posterior stress-bolstering area, Sυ) were assessed. Knee structural abnormalities, including cartilage defects, bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and cartilage volume, were evaluated at baseline and after 2 years. Log binominal regression models and linear regression models were used to assess the associations between PTFJ morphological parameters and osteoarthritic structural changes.ResultsIn the longitudinal analyses, the S (RR: 1.45) and Sτ (RR: 1.55) of PTFJ were significantly and positively associated with an increase in medial tibial (MT) cartilage defects. The Sτ (β: -0.07), Sυ (β: -0.07), and S (β: -0.06) of PTFJ were significantly and negatively associated with changes in MT cartilage volume. The Sτ (RR: 1.55) of PTFJ was positively associated with an increase in MT BMLs, and Sφ (RR: 0.35) was negatively associated with an increase in medial femoral BMLs. ConclusionsThis longitudinal study suggests that higher load-bearing area of PTFJ could be a risk factor for structural changes in medial tibiofemoral (MTF) compartment in knee OA. This may provide a theoretical support for proximal fibular osteotomy in the treatment of MTF OA.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01176344; Anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12610000495022Date of registration: 7 May 2010
Improving bone health via modulation of glycosphingolipid metabolism and autophagy
Authors: Leng Houfu , Zhang Hanlin , Li Linsen , Zhang Shuhao , Wang Yanping , Chavda Selina , Galas-Filipowicz Daria , Ersek Adel , Morris Emma , Sezgin Erdinc , Lee Yi-Hsuan , Li Yunsen , Mi Jian-Qing , Yong Kwee , Zhong Qing , Edwards Claire , Simon Anna Katharina , Horwood Nicole
Published: August 2021

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM), an incurable malignancy of plasma cells, frequently develop osteolytic bone lesions. In this study, glycosphingolipids were essential in promoting autophagic degradation of the signaling molecule TRAF3, a key step in bone-resorbing osteoclast differentiation. Specifically altering the glycosphingolipid composition with eliglustat, an FDA approved glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor, arrested osteoclast differentiation; this could be rescued by exogenous addition of the missing glycosphingolipids. Eliglustat significantly reduced bone disease in several preclinical models of MM by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and, due to its unique mode of action, it was able to act in combination with existing bone protective drugs. Furthermore, eliglustat arrested osteoclast differentiation from the bone marrow of MM patients in a glycosphingolipid-dependent way. This work identifies both the mechanism by which glucosylceramide synthase inhibition blocks autophagic degradation of TRAF3 to reduce osteoclastogenesis as well as highlighting the translational potential of eliglustat to be combined with current treatments.
Fixation Failure in Patients With Traumatic Diastasis of Pubic Symphysis: Impact of Loss of Reduction on Early Functional Outcomes.
Authors: Ponce Claudio Rojas , EWERTZ ERNESTO , Tropa Jose Miguel Hormazabal
Published: August 2021

BackgroundFailure of fixation (FF) in pubic symphysis diastasis (SD) ranges between 12 to 75%, though whether it influences functional outcomes is still debated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of anterior pelvic plate failure and loss of reduction on Majeed`s functional scores. MethodsSingle center retrospective review of consecutive patients with acute SD treated by means of anterior pubic plating. Thirty seven patients with a mean age 45.7+/-14.4 years, were included. Demographics, AO classification, pelvic fixation and secondary procedures were recorded. Majeed´s functional scores at minimum 6 months followup were compared according to the presence of FF and loss of reduction. ResultsFifteen patients presented FF. Eight presented an additional loss of symphyseal reduction. Mean Majeed´s score (MMS) in patients with and without FF was 64,4+/-13,04 and 81.8+/-15.65 respectively (p=0.0012). Differences in MMS in patients without FF and those with FF and maintained or loss of anterior reduction were 11,3 [70,5vs81,8] (p=0,092) and 22.7 [59,1vs81,8] (p=0,001) respectively. Significant association of FF with AO classification was noted. (OR 12.6; p=0.002).Conclusions﻿Differences in MMS in the analysed groups suggest that loss of reduction might be more relevant than failure of the anterior osteosynthesis in functional outcomes.
Ultrasound Assisted Extraction of Micro and Macroelements in Fruit Peels Powder Mineral Supplement for Osteoporosis Patients and their Determination by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Durani Arjumand Iqbal , Alharthy Rima D. , Ahmed Mahmood , Shafiq Muhammad Imtiaz , Hameed Abdul , Hussain Syed Mubasher , Bashir Waqas
Published: August 2021

Osteoporosis is a worldwide disease depicted by the reduced bone mass, an adequate supply of minerals are needed to support bone remodelingand their deficiency causes bone-related diseases, osteoporosis in particular, and have osteo-protective effects. The aim of recent researchwas to quantify the micro (Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn) and macroelements (Mg, K, and Ca) in the peels powder of some common fruits (pomegranate, orange, lemon, mango, and grapefruit) by flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). The extraction of micro and macroelements in peels powder was done by using dilute acids in ultrasonic bath. Apple leaves were used as standard reference material (SRM, NIST 1515) to optimize the ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) method at varied operating parameters. Maximum response was obtained for extracting of minerals in 500 mg SRM at 60 °C temperature, setting a vortexing time of 5 min.while using 5.0 mL extracting agent HNO3 (0.5 M)-H2O2 (10 %) at90 % sonication amplitude of ultrasound bath for 6 min.While analyzing the SRM, the percentage recovery wasobtained in ranged between 96.8-102.7 % to assure the accuracy whereasrepeatability (n = 10) study in terms of % RSDyielding≤ 2.29well support the precision of proposed method and limits of quantitation (µg/g) were 0.034, 0.061, 0.065, 0.057, 0.017, 0.175 and 0.053 for Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mg, K and Ca respectively. The proposed UAE method was reliable,efficient, and advantageous over the conventionally employed acid digestion method with regards to less consumption of reagents and short analysis time for the determination of micro and macroelements in fruit peels powder.
Effect of Gap Size And Elevation On The Regeneration And Coexistence of Three Tree Species In A Subalpine Coniferous Forest
Authors: Han Wangya , Chen Li , Wang G. Geoff , Liu Dan , Liu Guohua
Published: August 2021

Background: Gap size and environmental gradient have fundamental influence on the tree species coexistence and community assembly. We studied the regeneration and coexistence of three co-dominant tree species in three different gap size (large gap, 201-402 m2; medium gap, 101-200 m2; small gap, 38.8-100 m2) along an elevation gradient (between 3000m and 3500m) in an old-growth forest, on Mount Nadu in southwest China. Results: We found that the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was positively affected by gap size during the growing season. All three species had a higher regeneration density in large gaps, but the detailed response to treatments for each species depended on its stem size. Gap size had a significant positive effect on the regeneration density of Abies faxoniana small trees and Betula utilis saplings, but had no significant effect on Acer maximowiczii regeneration density. Saplings regeneration density is more sensitive to elevation compared to small trees regeneration density. Large gaps magnified the negative effects of elevation on regeneration density. Our findings indicated that Abies may maintain its regeneration advantage with low-intensity canopy disturbance, and large gap may provide excellent opportunities for broadleaf species (Betula and Acer) establishment and regeneration in this subalpine coniferous forest. Conclusion: Microhabitats heterogeneity controlled by characteristics of forest gaps along an elevation affected regeneration niche difference of tree species, which contributed to species coexistence and community assembly processes.
Thymic Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue B-Cell Lymphoma in a Patient with Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Lan Ke , Yang Fan , Wang Jun , Zhou Jian
Published: August 2021

Background: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma rarely involves the thymus gland. About 5% of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome eventually develop lymphomas.Case presentation: A 52-year-old woman with Sjögren's syndrome and immunologic thrombocytopenic purpura was found to have a mediastinal tumor. Preoperative examination revealed the patient suffered from a severe thrombocytopenia and even had a rare blood group: O D+ (D+c+c+E+E+). Resection of the mediastinal tumor via video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) following thoroughly preparation including thrombocyte transfusion. Histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry of the thymus tumor were both consistent with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Conclusion:This rare case suggests that thymic MALT lymphoma can develop with an autoimmune disease such as Sjögren's syndrome, surgical resection of thymic tumor should be performed after careful preoperative preparation.
Excess fatty acids induce pancreatic acinar cell pyroptosis through macrophage M1 polarization
Authors: Xia Wenwen , Lu Zhaomin , Chen Wei , Zhou Jianjun , Zhao Yan
Published: August 2021

Free fatty acid derived from hyperlipidemia contributes to the development of inflammation in pancreas. Here we explore the molecular mechanisms of fatty acid-induced pancreatitis through cellular experiments and the construction of mouse model of hyperlipidemic pancreatitis. We found that palmitic acid stimulation leads to M1 polarization of macrophage, which secretes cathepsin S via exosome to pancreatic acinar cells and leads to activation of the caspase1-mediated classical pyrolysis pathway, result inflammation and pancreatic tissue damage. In vivo experiments have also demonstrated that the high levels of fatty acids induced by hyperlipidaemia exacerbate the development of pancreatitis, and that cathepsin S inhibitors significantly alleviate hyperlipidemic pancreatitis. Therefore, cathepsin S may be a new target for the clinical treatment of hyperlipidemic pancreatitis.
Monsoonal Precipitation Over Peninsular Malaysia in the CMIP6 Highresmip Experiments: The Role of Model Resolution
Authors: Liang Ju , Tan Mou Leong , Hawcroft Matthew , Catto Jennifer L. , Hodges Kevin I. , Haywood James M.
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the ability of 20 model simulations which contributed to the CMIP6 HighResMIP to simulate precipitation in different monsoon seasons and extreme precipitation events over Peninsular Malaysia. The model experiments utilize common forcing but are run with different horizontal and vertical resolutions. The impact of resolution on the models’ abilities to simulate precipitation and associated environmental fields is assessed by comparing multi-model ensembles at different resolutions with three observed precipitation datasets and four climate reanalyses. Model simulations with relatively high horizontal and vertical resolution exhibit better performance in simulating the annual cycle of precipitation and extreme precipitation over Peninsular Malaysia and the coastal regions. Improvements associated with the increase in horizontal and vertical resolutions are also found in the statistical relationship between precipitation and monsoon intensity in different seasons. However, the increase in vertical resolution can lead to a reduction of annual mean precipitation compared to that from the models with low vertical resolutions, associated with an overestimation of moisture divergence and underestimation of lower-tropospheric vertical ascent in the different monsoon seasons. This limits any improvement in the simulation of precipitation in the high vertical resolution experiments, particularly for the Southwest monsoon season.
How to Reveal Disguised Paternalism – Version 2.0
Authors: Lynøe Niels , Engström Ingemar , Juth Niklas
Published: August 2021

Objectives: To further develop an index for detecting disguised paternalism, which might influence physicians’ evaluations of whether or not a patient is decision competent at the end of life. Disguised paternalism can be actualized when physicians transform hard paternalism into soft paternalism by denying the patient’s decision-making competence. Methods: A previously presented index was further developed to make it possible to distinguish between high and low degrees of disguised paternalism using the average index of the whole sample. We recalculated the results from a 2007 study to compare to a 2020 study. Both studies are about physicians’ attitudes towards, and arguments for or against, physician assisted suicide (PAS). Results: The 2020 study showed that geriatricians, palliativists and middle aged physicians (46-60 years) had indices indicating disguised paternalism, in contrast with the results from the 2007 study, which showed that all specialties (apart from GPs, surgeons and older physicians) had indices indicating high degrees of disguised paternalism.Conclusions: The proposed index for identifying disguised paternalism reflects the attitude of a group attitudes towards physician assisted suicide. The indices make it possible to compare the various medical specialties and age groups from the 2007 study with the 2020 study. Because disguised paternalism might have clinical consequences for the rights of competent patients to participate in decision-making, it is important to reveal disguised hard paternalism, which could masquerade as soft paternalism and thereby manifest in practice.
New Insight Into The Features of Behçet's Disease With Gastrointestinal Ulcer : A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Ye Jing-Fen , Hou Cheng-Cheng , Bao Hua-fang , Guan Jian long
Published: August 2021

Background Behcet’s disease (BD) can involve any site of the alimentary canal. There has been research concerning intestinal BD. Nevertheless, the entire digestive tract not yet been studied extensively. Therefore, the purpose of study was to describe the prevalence, location, clinical features and possible risk factors of BD with gastrointestinal tract ulcer.Methods This was a cross-sectional observational study that included 1232 consecutive BD patients who routinely underwent endoscopy upon their wishes. The clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings, and histologic features of BD with gastrointestinal ulcer and negative Helicobacter pylori (Hp) were identified.Result We found that 22.16% (273/1232) Hp-negative BD patients had ulcers of the alimentary tract. At presentation, 61.54% (168/273) patients were asymptomatic. The numbers of BD patients with gastrointestinal ulcers isolated to upper gastrointestinal tract, small bowel, ileocecal region, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum were 84, 4, 106, 2, 3, 1, 2 and 8, respectively. The rest involved at least two of these intestinal segments. Only one patient suffered from total gastrointestinal tract involvement. Inflammation was the most common histopathologic feature 77.60% (142/183). The 273 BD patients with gastrointestinal ulcer were at greater risk of having archenteric symptoms (OR = 0.108, P ＜ 0.001), fever (OR = 0.235, P = 0.001) and high CRP level (OR = 0.991, P = 0.019). Uveitis may be a protective factor for gastrointestinal ulcer in patients with BD (OR = 2.480, P = 0.002). Conclusion BD could affect the upper gastrointestinal tract independently. Endoscopy should be conducted in all patients in whom a diagnosis of BD is entertained, especially in patients with higher CRP and fever. While, BD patients with uveitis correlates negatively with gastrointestinal involvement.
Incidence and Prognosis of Thyroid Cancer in Children: Based on the SEER Database
Authors: Zhang Bing , Wu Wenming , Shang Xiaofei , Huang Deliang , Liu Mingbo , Zong Liang
Published: August 2021

Background: Studying the incidence trend and prognosis factors of childhood Thyroid cancer (TC) may better reflect the prevalence of this disease. Objectives: To explore the trends in the incidence of childhood thyroid cancer and the prognosis.Material and Methods: Join-point regression model was used to analyze incidence trend of TC. Cox regression model was applied to explore the survival situation and prognostic factors.Results: The incidence rate of childhood TC increased between 1975 and 2016 from 3.8/million (95%CI: 2.6-5.5) to 11.5/million (95%CI: 9.2-14.1), AAPC = 2.38 (95%CI: 1.98-9.65)) and could be divided into two stages of increasing trends. The incidence rate of Trend1 (1975-2005) increased slowly but Trend2 (2005-2016) increased dramatically. And annual rates of small size tumor (<4cm) and local stage TC in children increased significantly. The overall cumulative survival rate for childhood TC was high up to 97%-99%. Males, the black people, MTC type, distant metastasis, tumor size >= 4 cm, non-primary cancer were the independent risk factors of prognosis of childhood TC.Conclusions and Significance: A contribution of over detection to rising pediatric TC rates might not be able to rule out. Over-treatment to small size and local stage TC in children should be avoided.
Effect of irrigation regime on yield and water productivity of maize (Zea mays) in the Lake Tana basin, North West Ethiopia
Authors: genet Amare Tsige , Tewabe dires , abebe atklte , enyew alebachew , worku mulugeta
Published: August 2021

Background
Proper scheduling gave water to the crop at the right time in the right quantity to optimize production and minimize adverse environmental impact. Therefore, the objective of this study is to quantify the effects of irrigation regimes on yield and yield components of Maize in the Lake Tana basin during 2016–2018.
Methods
CROPWAT 8.0 model was used to determine the crop water requirement. Almost all parameters were adopted the default value of CROPWAT 8.0. Field data including; field capacity (FC), permanent wilting point (PWP), initial soil moisture depletion (%), available water holding capacity (mm/meter), infiltration rates (mm/day), and local climate data were determined in the study area. The treatments were arranged in factorial combinations with five irrigation depths (50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of ETc) and two irrigation intervals (14 and 21 days) laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications.
Results
The result was analyzed using SAS 9 software and significant treatment means separated using least significant difference at 5%. The result showed that the interaction of irrigation depth and irrigation frequency has no significant effect on the average grain yield and water use efficiency of maize. At koga, the highest grain yield (7.3 t ha− 1) and water use efficiency (0.9 kg m-3) obtained from 100% ETc. while, at Ribb the highest grain yield (10.97 t ha− 1) and water use efficiency (1.9 kg m− 3) obtained from 21 days irrigation interval.
Conclusion
Therefore, for Koga and similar agro ecologies maize can irrigated with 562 mm net irrigation depth and 21-day irrigation interval and at Rib and similar agro ecologies maize can irrigated with 446.8 mm net irrigation depth and 21- days irrigation interval.
Frequency to power conversion by an electron turnstile
Authors: Suárez Marco Marín , Peltonen Joonas , Golubev Dmitry , Pekola Jukka
Published: August 2021

Direct frequency to power conversion (FPC), to be presented here, links both quantities through a known energy, like single-electron transport relates an operation frequency f to the emitted current I through the electron charge e as I = ef [1–6]. FPC is a natural candidate for a power standard resorting to the most basic definition of the watt, comprising a simple and elegant way to realize it [7]. In this spirit, single-photon emission and detection at known rates have been proposed and experimented as radiometric standard [8–15]. However, nowadays power standards are only traceable to electrical units with no alternative proposals in sight [7, 16–18]. In this letter, we demonstrate the feasibility of solid-state direct FPC using a SINIS (S = superconductor, N = normal metal, I = insulator) single-electron transistor (SET) accurately injecting N (integer) quasiparticles (qps) per cycle to both leads with discrete energies close to their superconducting gap ∆, even at zero drain-source voltage. Furthermore, the bias voltage plays an important role in the distribution of the power among the two leads, allowing for an almost equal injection N∆f to the two. We estimate that under appropriate conditions errors can be well below 1%.
Deep Learning Model Improves Radiologists’ Performance in Detection and Classification of Breast Lesions
Authors: Sun Ying-Shi , Qu Yu-Hong , Wang Dong , Li Yi , Ye Lin , Du Jing-Bo , Xu Bing , Li Bao-Qing , Li Xiao-Ting , Zhang Kexin , Shi Yan-Jie , Sun Rui-Jia , Wang Yichuan , Long Rong , Chen Dengbo , Li Hai-Jiao , Wang Liwei , Cao Min , Yin Yan-Yu , Xing Lu-Wen , Zhang Jie , Cheng Ming-Bin , Liang Jie , Yang Gui-Hua , Zhu Juan
Published: August 2021

Background: Computer-aided diagnosis using deep learning algorithms has been initially applied in the field of mammography, but there is no large-scale clinical application.Methods: This study proposed to develop and verify an artificial intelligence model based on mammography. Firstly, retrospectively collected mammograms from six centers were randomized to a training dataset and a validation dataset for establishing the model. Secondly, the model was tested by comparing 12 radiologists’ performance with and without it. Finally, prospectively multicenter mammograms were diagnosed by radiologists with the model. The detection and diagnostic capabilities were evaluated using the free-response receiver operating characteristic (FROC) curve and ROC curve.Results: The sensitivity of model for detecting lesion after matching was 0.908 for false positive rate of 0.25 in unilateral images. The area under ROC curve (AUC) to distinguish the benign from malignant lesions was 0.855 (95% CI: 0.830, 0.880). The performance of 12 radiologists with the model was higher than that of radiologists alone (AUC: 0.852 vs. 0.808, P = 0.005). The mean reading time of with the model was shorter than that of reading alone (80.18 s vs. 62.28 s, P = 0.03). In prospective application, the sensitivity of detection reached 0.887 at false positive rate of 0.25; the AUC of radiologists with the model was 0.983 (95% CI: 0.978, 0.988), with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 94.36%, 98.07%, 87.76%, and 99.09%, respectively.Conclusions: The artificial intelligence model exhibits high accuracy for detecting and diagnosing breast lesions, improves diagnostic accuracy and saves time.Trial registration: NCT, NCT03708978. Registered 17 April 2018, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/ NCT03708978
The Diagnostic And Prognostic Value of DYNLL1 And RAN In Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cao Lei , Liu Hongsheng , Cao Zhili , Liang Naixin , Gao Chao , Bing Zhongxin , Li Shanqing
Published: August 2021

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most heterogeneous and aggressive among all NSCLC subtypes. This work aimed to determine the predictive ability of DYNLL1 and RAN in LUAD, as well as to explore the role of possible DYNLL1 and Ran molecular mechanisms on LUAD malignant behavior.Methods: Using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas and the Genotype-Tissue Expression, we compared the expression of DYNLL1 and its related gene RAN in LUAD and normal lung tissues. We also studied the prognostic value of DYNLL1 and RAN in terms of overall survival (OS) in LUAD, liver cancer and renal cancer patients. Using data from the online database STRING, we further investigated the protein–protein interaction (PPI), miRNA and transcription factor regulatory networks of DYNLL1 and Ran. Then, molecular docking was used to obtain accurate combination models between molecular compounds and DYNLL1 or Ran. We also studied whether DYNLL1 and RAN influence the proliferation and migration of tumor cells with the stable knockdown LUAD cell lines.Results: The expression of DYNLL1 and RAN was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissues compared to normal controls. And high expressions of DYNLL1 and RAN were associated with unfavorable overall survival in LUAD patients. We also found that knockdown of DYNLL1 and RAN inhibit the proliferation and migration of A549 tumor cells.Conclusions: Overall, our study provides evidence that DYNLL1 and RAN are essential for the progression of LUAD. And they may serve as potential tumor biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with LUAD.
Treatment for Leiomyosarcoma of the Inferior Vena Cava Complicated with Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Guo Xiaohu , Liu Xiaoyan , Wei Zhengang , Wang Mancai , Zhang Youcheng
Published: August 2021

Background: Leiomyosarcoma originating from the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a very rare malignancy. We searched the databases and did not find similar cases of leiomyosarcoma of the IVC with lung adenocarcinoma. Here, we report a patient with IVC leiomyosarcoma and lung adenocarcinoma.Case report: The patient, a 38-year-old Chinese female, presented to the general department with a history of intermittent right upper abdominal pain for 18 months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a tumour of IVC (3.4*2.7 cm) extending to the renal veins. In addition, chest CT showed a tumour in the left lung lobe. Then, the patient underwent surgery to resect the IVC tumour and partial lung. The patient received Gefitinib Tablets treatment 250 mg per day for 18 months during the perioperative period. The examination of the patient showed lung recurrence at the 18th month after partial pneumonectomy. So the patient again received thoracoscopic wedge pneumonectomy, and it was confirmed to be metastasis of IVC tumour. The patient received daily 12 mg treatment with Anlotinib after the last operation. Regular outpatient follow-up showed that there was no obvious recurrence and metastasis as of April 2021 (6 months after operation).Conclusions: It is difficult to diagnose and treat patients with IVC leiomyosarcoma and lung adenocarcinoma in a timely manner. Surgery is still an effective treatment for patients with IVC leiomyosarcoma and lung adenocarcinoma at present.
Survey of Non-conventional Mental Health Care Facilities in Côte d'Ivoire – First Results
Authors: Koua Asseman Médard , Djo François Djo Bi , Kouadio N’guessan Raymond , Coulibaly Zoumana , S Eric , Konandri Eméric Désiré , Koua Aka N’zi Jean Vincent , Huppertz Sharon , Heetderks Gesine , Huppertz Michael
Published: August 2021

Background Mental illnesses and disabilities as well as epileptic diseases remain an important public health issue. In Côte d'Ivoire, the provision of psychiatric care and specialised psychosocial facilities is almost non-existent. Non-conventional mental health care facilities, also known as ‘Prayer Camps’, are the first point of contact for people suffering from mental illness and epilepsy in Côte d'Ivoire – although not accounted for by the Ivorian health care system. Methods For the survey, a quantitative method with an exploratory and descriptive aim was chosen. The data collection methodology was composed of the pre-survey and the actual field survey which took place in the 31 regions of Côte d'Ivoire. 541 non-conventional mental health care facilities in Côte d'Ivoire were mapped, visited, examined with regard to some characteristics, and typologised according to their spiritual orientation.Results The survey of non-conventional mental health care facilities provides a typology of the centres (Christian Prayer Camps, Traditional Healing Centres, Phytotherapy Centres, and Roqya Centres), the number of people with mental illness they treat, the educational or professional background of the facility leaders, and their attitudes towards possible cooperation with psychiatrically trained staff. Conclusions A considerable number of non-conventional mental health care facility leaders expressed a desire or acceptance of cooperation with psychiatric organisations. If cooperation could be established and combined with training for non-conventional mental health care facility leaders, there is hope that an urgently needed greater state provision of outpatient psychiatric care might well meet with a willingness on the part of the non-conventional facilities to make use of this help, especially if it can be integrated into the care provided in the centres. The long-term objective is to establish and implement future collaboration and a real community mental health care policy in Côte d'Ivoire. A more detailed study is being planned, which will examine the situation of patients in non-conventional mental health care facilities and the actual possibility of cooperation.
Study On Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Habitat Quality Based On Land-Use Change In Chongming Dongtan, China
Authors: Li Sheng , Dong Bin , Gao Xiang , Xu Haifeng , Ren Chunqiu , Liu Yaru , Peng Liang
Published: August 2021

Chongming Dongtan is an important habitat for international migratory birds. It is of great significance to study its land use and habitat quality change for rare waterfowl protection and ecological environment restoration. Based on the land use data in 2002, 2012 and 2020, this paper analyzes the relationship between land use change and habitat quality evolution in Chongming Dongtan in recent 18 years by using InVEST model, land use dynamic degree and land use degree index. The results show that the main types of land use in the study area are water area and cultivated land, followed by woodland, reed beach, grass beach, bare beach and construction land. Among them, bare beach and construction land have changed dramatically, the former continuing to decrease while the latter continuing to increase. And the increasing speed began to slow down after 2012, and the increasing part was mainly from the surrounding cultivated land. Secondly, in terms of time change, the degradation of habitat quality in Chongming Dongtan has been gradually improved from aggravating trend in the past 18 years. In terms of spatial distribution, the habitat degradation degree of Chongming Dongtan is higher in the east and lower in the west, spreading from the center to the surrounding. Based on this, the change of land use and the interference of human activities are the important reasons for the change of ecological environment quality.
Gas Phase Lubrication Study with an Organic Friction Modifier
Authors: Eickworth Jennifer , Wagner Jonas , Daum Philipp , Dienwiebel Martin , Rühle Thomas
Published: August 2021

Friction modifier additive technologies play a crucial role in controlling friction and wear of lubricated tribological systems. Novel additives are usually evaluated using formulations of varying concentrations. It can be very difficult to understand the underlying mechanisms in those laboratory tests because of the interaction of base oil with the additives. It thus can be insightful to perform model experiments in a controllable atmosphere. This can be achieved for instance by integrating a tribometer into a vacuum system comprising in-situ surface analytical methods.In this work, a nitrogen containing organic friction modifier is adsorbed from the gas phase onto a Fe2O3 surface. Different coating thicknesses are prepared by varying the duration of the vapor deposition, so that the influence of the coating thickness on the friction behavior can be investigated. The chemical composition of the coated surfaces is also analyzed by coupling to an XPS photoelectron spectrometer.Contrary to the assumption that layers are formed, this friction modifier accumulates in droplets on the Fe2O3 surface. The number of droplets as well as the radii of droplets increase with evaporation time. The chemical composition of the additive does not change as a result of the gas phase deposition. In the friction tests, the smallest friction values are found for a very low coverage of droplets. For larger droplets, friction increases due to a capillary neck of additive that forms between the sliding surfaces and is dragged along during the friction test.Using gas phase adsorption of a nitrogen containing organic friction modifier it was possible to establish a correlation between droplet morphology and the friction behavior.
Batch and Fed-Batch Production of β-carotene by Rhodotorula Toruloides KP324973 Using Corn Steep Liquor As Sole Carbon Source
Authors: Habibi Alireza , Fallahi Samira , Abbasi Saeed , Sharifi Rouhallah
Published: August 2021

Application of agro-industrial waste in microbial fermentation is interesting in economic and environmental aspects. Carotenoids production by Rhodotorula toruloides KP324973 was investigated using corn steep liquor (CSL) as sole carbon source. Haldane model with constants µmax = 0.056 h-1, KS = 1.54 vv-1%, and KI = 58.58 vv-1% showed best describe of cell growth kinetics on CLS. A same maximum carotenoid production rate (Rp) about 2.23 μg gcell-1 h-1 was obtained at initial CSL concentration of 5 v/v% after 72 h and 21 h in batch cultivation in shaken flasks and bubble column reactor (BCR), respectively. Further improvement of carotenogenesis was followed by fed-batch cultivation in BCR where the optimal setting of factors at feed flow rate of 5 mL h-1, pH of 5.66, and temperature 14 ˚C gained a highest Rp = 8.686 μg gcell-1 h-1. Chromatographic analysis showed more than 94% of produced carotenes was β-carotene.
Calpains in Cyanobacteria and the Origin of Calpains
Authors: Vešelényiová Dominika , Raabová Lenka , Schneiderová Mária , Vesteg Matej , Krajčovič Juraj
Published: August 2021

Calpains are cysteine proteases involved in many cellular processes. They are an ancient and large superfamily of enzymes responsible for the cleavage and irreversible modification of a large variety of substrates. They have been intensively studied in humans and other mammals, but information about calpains in bacteria is scarce. Calpains have not been found among Archaea to date. In this study, we have investigated the presence of calpains in selected cyanobacterial species using in silico analyses. We show that calpains defined by possessing CysPC core domain are present in cyanobacterial genera Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Calothrix, Chamaesiphon, Fischerella, Microcystis, Scytonema and Trichormus. Based on in silico protein interaction analysis, we have predicted putative interaction partners for identified cyanobacterial calpains. The phylogenetic analysis including cyanobacterial, other bacterial and eukaryotic calpains divided bacterial and eukaryotic calpains into two separate monophyletic clusters. We propose two possible evolutionary scenarios to explain this tree topology: 1) the eukaryotic ancestor or an archaeal ancestor of eukaryotes obtained calpain gene from an unknown bacterial donor, or alternatively 2) calpain gene had been already present in the last common universal ancestor and subsequently lost by the ancestor of Archaea, but retained by the ancestor of Bacteria and by the ancestor of Eukarya. Both scenarios would require multiple independent losses of calpain genes in various bacteria and eukaryotes.