bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cysteine in Stimulating Some Active Compounds in Garlic Callus Under Different Light Spectra in Vitro
Authors: Al-Taie Ali Abdulkhudhur Ghalib , Aboohanah Mansoor Abed , Issa Falah Hasan
Published: November 2021

This study was conducted in tissue culture laboratories, Faculty of agriculture, University of Kufa in 2020. The experiment included studying the effect of two factors: type of light: (mixture spectra of red and blue LED R16 : B2), (Fluorescent : normal white light) in interaction with different concentrations of cysteine( 0, 50, and 100 mg.L-1). A completely randomized design (C.R.D) were used with two factor and three replicates. The combined spectra (LED R16:B2) increased the active compounds Di-allyldisulfide and Vinyldithiin (131.33,121.41μg.g-1 F.W. ) respectively. Cysteine (100 mg.L-1) was significantly superior compare to other treatments in producing Di-allyldisulfide and Vinyldithiin content (158.87, 144.35 μg.g-1 F.W) respectively. Results also indicated that the interaction treatment between (LED R16:B2) and (Cysteine 100 mg.L-1) gave significant increase in Di-allyldisulfide and Vinyldithiin content (184.28, 146.07μg.g-1 F.W) respectively. While the tretment (Fluorescent W) and (Cysteine 50 mg.L-1) gave significant increase in Allicin content (195.38 μg.g-1 F.W).
Effect of Foliar Application of Bimin221 and Seaweed Extract on Lime Seedling Growth
Authors: Aja Kadhim Jawad , Al-Abbasi Ghalib Bahio Aboud
Published: November 2021

This study was conducted in a certified citrus production nursery in Karbala province, Al-Hindiya district for the season 2020, on lime seedlings (Citrus aurantifolia) rootstock at the age of 6 months, It was sprayed with the nutrient solution Biumin 221 at concentrations (0, 1.5, 2, 2.5 m.L-1) and Basfoliar Kelp seaweed extracts at concentrations (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5) ml L-. The results showed that spraying the seedlings with single and combined study treatments led to a significant increase in all the vegetative and nutrition traits of lime seedlings. The treatment (2.5 g.L-1 nutrient solution + 4.5 ml.L-1 seaweed extract) achieved the highest averages in most of the traits. While the interaction treatment between the concentration (2.5 g.L-1 of the nutrient solution and concentration of 3 ml.L-1 of seaweed extract was excelled in the traits of leaf content of total carbohydrates, the percentage of nitrogen, iron, and zinc.
Time Series Analysis of Changes in Land Cover Based on Spectral Indexes in Dohuk Governorate
Authors: Salim Mohammed Younis , Ibrahim Narmin Abduljaleel
Published: November 2021

The main aim in this study is to detect and analyze changes in land cover in Amadiya district in Dohuk Governorate, northern Iraq whose area is (2775.21) km2 and the district is located astronomically between longitudes (01."04 ° 43), (17."08 ° 44) to the east, The district extends between two circles of latitude, which are (16.'50 ° 36) and (30.'21 ° 37) To the north, during the period between 1999-2019 using spectral indicators, to assess the appropriateness of the spectral indicators used in determining and monitoring changes in land cover and vegetation cover. Where the values of six spectral indices were extracted from the Landsat ETM and 8 Landsat OLI satellites data, which are NDVI, NDBI, SAVI, BI, NDWI, and IPVI satellites. The study concluded the percentage of vegetation cover index represented by the two indicators NDVI, SAVI, and IPVI was increased, at the expense of the rest of the indicators used in the study, as it represented 40.483636, 40.483733 and 40.483733%, respectively, in 2019, while the percentage of 21.258759, 21.193281 and 21.176142%, respectively, in 1999 year. This indicates that the plant indicators are the best used indicators that benefit the study area. The indicators are SAVI, NDVI, IPVI, which show that the increase in the plant was ranked first in the northwestern part of the region, followed by the second rank, the northeastern part, and the southwestern part was ranked second. The third, while the southeastern part ranked fourth, which has the lowest percentage of plants in it, because this part of the region has been greatly exploited by the urban class.
The Effect of LED Lighting on The Growth of Seedlings of Hybrid Tomato
Authors: Al-Rukabi Maad N. M. , Leunov Vladimir I. , Tarakanov Ivan G. , Tereshonkova Tatiana A.
Published: November 2021

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of LED lighting on the growth of seedlings of hybrid tomato plants. Four hybrids (Captain F1, Refiner F1, Coral Reef F1 and Fire F1), seven treatments of irradiators (monochromatic red, green, blue, white) and three dual light treatments (green+blue, blue+red, green+red) were carried out in the laboratory of artificial climate. Radiation with monochromatic had a role in increasing hypocotyl length, the height of plant, transpiration and stomata connection. The results have shown a significant effect on radiation with monochromatic red on hypocotyl length (73.00mm) and the height of plant (30.94cm). Plants radiation with monochromatic blue gave the highest transpiration (4.69 mmol/m2.s) and stomatal conductance (0.30 mol./m2.s). The dual radiation had a role in increasing dry weight for the plant and leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD). Radiation with (green+red) provided the best stem dry weight (0.91g). Plants irradiated with (green+blue) exhibited the highest leaf dry weight and root dry weight (1.96g and 3.12g respectively). Plants radiation with (blue + red) showed the highest leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD) (559.19). In the monochromatic light, the effect of hybrid Fire F1 showed the highest hypocotyl length (64.11mm) and height of plant (29.00 cm), and hybrid Refind F1 had the highest transpiration (3.58 mmol/m2.s) and stomatal conductance (0.23 mol./m2.s). In the binary spectral effect, the hybrid Coral reef F1 resulted the highest stem dry weight, leaf dry weight and root dry weight (0.68 g,1.76 g and 2.39g respectively), and hybrid Refind F1 had the highest leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD) (468.27).
Effect of Humic Acid, Gibberellin and Tryptophan on The Growth and Flowering Characteristics of Goldenrods Plant Tolidago Canadensis
Authors: Mahdi Zainab Abdul Hussein , Hussein Janan Kassim
Published: November 2021

The experiment was conducted in high school of Al-Hilla agricultural for the summer and autumn season 2020 to study the effect of humic acid and foliar application of gibberellin and tryptophan acid on the growth of the goldenrods plant resulting from the cultivation of solidago candasis which took it from residues of plant seeds growing. However, the first factor was humic acid, plants treated with humic acid were (H0 control, H1=5 ml/L), the second factor was the foliar application of gibberellin acid with the two levels (G1=100 mg/liter, G2=200 mg/L) and third factor was tryptophan acid with two three levels (T0=without treated, T1=100 mg/L, T2=150 mg/L). The experiment was conducted as a factorial experiment (2×3×3) with split-plot design according to the randomized complete blocks design (R.C.B.D) with three replicates. The results showed that humic acid fertilization improved the studied characteristics of the goldenrods plant. While treatment with gibberellin acid at concentration of 100 mg/liter due to improve the number of branches, leaf area and the number of inflorescences and the percentage of carbohydrates, whereas, treatment with concentration of 200 mg/liter leds to improve of plant height, length of inflorescence and vase life. As for the treatment with tryptophan acid, the concentration 150 mg/L improved all the studied parameters.
Determination of Caffeine and Sodium Benzoate in Both Imported and Locally Manufactured Energy Drinks Using HPLC and Spectrophotometer
Authors: Mam Rashid Sirwan A. , Abdulla Shilan M. , Najeeb Bawan H. , Hamarashid Shokhan H. , Abdulla Omer A.
Published: November 2021

Three groups of energy drinks have been examined for sodium benzoate and caffeine using HPLC and spectrophotometer methods. Those brands include original UK brand which coded (RE), another two brands of (RL and B) which are imported from Austria to local companies, and the rest produced locally which are coded (T, FB, S and FE). The results showed that all brands contain sodium benzoate at different concentrations. FB brand comes out on top by containing around 416mg/l which was far above the permitted level by FAO/WHO, on the other hand the RE brand contained the lowest amount of sodium benzoate when analysed using HPLC. Results of caffeine examination showed that all samples contained lower levels of caffeine as it is claimed in their label to contain 300mg/l, in contrary to sodium benzoate the lowest concentration of caffeine found in the FB brand which was 13.78mg/l and the highest level of caffeine was found in FE brand which was 208.95mg/l. From the obtained results it is clear that none of the energy drink brands declared the actual content of both caffeine and sodium benzoate which usually required by food legislation and law. Therefore, it is considered as mislabelling which is recommended that the health authorities in our country to subject the local producers and the importers to present the required information on the labels without misleading consumers. It is also recommended to educate the population and put restriction on the local shops and supermarkets not to sell energy drinks to individuals under 16 years old.
The Estimation of Iron, Zinc, Phytic Acid Contents and Their Molar Ratios in Different Types of Bread and Rice Consumed in Halabja City, Iraqi Kurdistan
Authors: Hama Salih Kaihan H. K. , Rasheed Muhammed S. , Mohammed Huda J. , Saeed Aya A. M.
Published: November 2021

A total of 10 samples involving five bread and five rice types and five cooked rice were selected. The iron and Zn contents were analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS), and phytic acid content was analyzed using a rapid colorimetric method using a spectrophotometer. Phytic acid to Fe and Zn molar ratios were also determined using their molar weight to determine the potential bioavailability of selected nutrients. A one-way ANOVA test was used to statistically analyze the means differences between the phytate and mineral contents between the bread and rice samples. The variation of Fe and Zn (mg kg-1) in the bread samples was 24.1-65.6 and 13.3-22.8, in row rice was 10.8 to 45.3 and 8.66-17.4, and in cooked rice was 10.0-45.2 and 6.03-15.5 respectively. The PA concentration in (g 100g-1) was 0.77-1.14 for bread, 0.61-1.10 for row rice, and 0.31-0.77 for cooked rice. And also, PA/Fe and PA/Zn ratios were 2.58-6.01 and 8.07-13.4 for bread, 0.25-1.35, and 39.7-110 for row rice, and 0.11-0.89 and 23.0-125 for cooked rice, respectively. The results indicated that soaking and cooking processes caused the reduction in the Fe, Zn, and PA concentrations by 22.4, 5.54, and 27.7 %, respectively. These results from PA/Fe and PA/Zn molar ratios show that Fe had moderate bioavailability while Zn had low bioavailability. The results may be valuable for generate cultivars of wheat and rice varieties with suitable concentrations of PA and micronutrients, which can lead to the improvement of micronutrient-rich cultivars to reduce malnutrition.
Response of Fig Seedlings of Diyala Black Cultivar to Some Bio-Fertilizers and Foliar Nutrition With Nano-Fertilizer and Amino Acid DRIN
Authors: Jaber Haneen Abdul Razzaq , Hadi Akram Abd Alkadem
Published: November 2021

This study was conducted in lath house of Mussaib Technical College during the growing season 2020-2021 to know the role of fertilizers and foliar feeding with nano-fertilizer and the amino acid DRIN in some chemical traits and leaf nutrient content of one-year-age fig seedlings.It was implemented as a factorial experiment (4*3*3) with a completely randomized design and with three replications. The experiment included three factors if the first factor included: four ground additions of biofertilizers, namely (BioHealth WSG at a rate of 10 g. pot-1and mycorrhiza 10 g. Pot-1and a mixture of Mycorrhizae and BioHealth WSG at average of 10 g Pot-1) in addition to the control treatment. As for the second factor, it included three levels of foliar feeding with Chelated Nano Fertilizers (KHAZRA), which are 0, 2, 4 g.L-1, while the third factor included three concentrations of foliar nutrition with DRIN, which are 0, 4, 8 ml. L-1. The results confirmed the excelled triple interaction treatment between (ground addition between Mycorrhizae and BioHealth WSG at average of 10 g. pot-1and foliar nutrition with nano-fertilizer at a concentration of 4 g.L-1and amino acid DRIN at a concentration of 8 ml.L-1) significantly on all treatments in the chemical properties (chlorophyll and carbohydrates) and the nutrients content of the leaves (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, iron and manganese).
Effect of Spraying With Organic Sulfur and Hydrogen Peroxide on The Growth and Yield of Red Local Onions Allium Cepa L.
Authors: Omrani Hussein H. , Al-Ubaidy Ridha M.
Published: November 2021

The study was conducted in the fields of the Department of Horticulture and Landscaping/College of Agriculture/University of Al-Qadisiyah/Al-Nouriah district - for the 2019-2020 agricultural season to study the effect of spraying with organic sulfur and hydrogen peroxide on the growth and yield of onions, Allium cepa L, where the study included two factors: the first factor was spraying organic sulfur at concentration (0, 2)., 4 ml. L-1) and symbol S1, S2, S3 and the second factor spraying with hydrogen peroxide at a concentration (0, 2, 4 ml. L-1) and symbolized by B1, B2, B3 and the interaction between them. A factorial experiment was conducted according to the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and the comparison between the treatments was done using the least significant difference test L.S.D at the probability level of 0.05. The results showed that spraying with organic sulfur or spraying with hydrogen peroxide in a single form led to a significant increase in all studied traits, as well as the interaction between the two factors, where the treatment S3B3 recorded the highest significant increase in plant height, leaf length, number of leaves, leaf neck diameter and yield weight per hectare of 82.00 cm plant. -1, 63.0 cm, 11.00 leaf. Plant-1, 55.67 mm. Onion-1, 22.67 mm. Onion-1, 4.146 tons. hectare-1, respectively.
Genetic Analysis by Using Partial Diallel Crossing of Maize In High Plant Densities (Estimation GCA, SCA and Some Genetic Parameters)
Authors: Amanah Adeeb Jameel , Hadi Banan Hassan
Published: November 2021

The experiment was carried out at the Field Crops Research Station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad in Jadiriyah, with the aim of evaluating the performance of partial diallel hybrids and inbred lines of maize and estimating general combining ability(GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) and some genetic parameters. The experiment was carried out in two seasons, spring and fall 2020. Eight inbred lines of maize were used in the study (BI9/834, BSW18, LW/5 L8/844, ZA17W194, Z117W, ZI17W9, ZI7W4), numbered (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8), It was sowed in the spring season and entered into a cross-program according to a partial diallel crossing system to obtain twelve partially cross-hybrids, and it was compared with its eight parents in a comparison experiment in the fall season using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plots arrangement with three replication. The plant densities of 70 and 90 thousand plants ha-1 represented the main plots, while the partial diallel hybrids and their parents represented the secondary plots. The results of the study showed that the ratio between GCA and SCA) GCA/SCA) It was more than 1 for yield traits, ear length, number of rows and number of row grains in both low and high densities, which indicates the control of the additive genetic action on these traits. While the ratio was less than one for the traits of the ear diameter under the low density, which indicates the control of dominance genes on this trait in the mentioned density, while the trait of the number of ear grains, the ratio between the general and specific combining abilities was less than one in the high density. Inbred line 8 had the highest effect for the general ability to combine under low density, which amounted to 11.075, while inbred line 2 was superior by giving the highest effect to the general ability to combine at low density, which amounted to 17.80, followed by inbred 8.
Calcareous and Gypsum Soils Lead Removal Using Two-Steps Washing
Authors: Al-Robai Hazim Aziz , Al-Rubay Ameer Hazim Azeez , Al-Mamoori Ghaith Salah , Abdulateef Ali Akram
Published: November 2021

The soil washing technique is considered one of the quick and effective techniques for treating soil contaminated with heavy metals. In this study, EDTA-Na2 and Oxalic were used as washing solutions to removing Pb from calcareous and gypsum soils contaminated with Pb only and with Pb in addition to the used engine oil. The soil samples were contaminated with different concentrations of Pb only using Pb(NO3)2 to soils sample for each concentration separately then the sample was divided into two equal parts. The first part represents the calcareous and gypsum soil samples contaminated with Pb. The second part was taken after air-dried, and then the used engine oil was added and homogenized well. Five parameters (pH, contact time, Pb concentrations, temperature, and liquid/solid ratio) were applied to test their effect on Pb removal. In general, the results of this study varied based on the effect of the variables.
The Effect of Planting Distances in Several Genotypes of Yellow Maize (Zea Mays l.)
Authors: Al-Ameer Lena Jamal Abd , Naser Naseer Maroof
Published: November 2021

Two field experiments were carrid out in Abi Gharaq, Al-Masaleeb in Autumn season, 2020 and Spring season, 2021 in the fields of Technical college/Musayyib for finding out the effect of planting distances in several genotypes of yellow maize (Zea Mays L.). Five genotypes are used as parents and the first one of it is used in planting the second season and in three experimental units for both distancing and genotypes. The distances were (60cm, 70cm, and 80cm) among the species for each five species from each experimental unit (three experimental units) and the soil was structured for five genotypes. The characteristics of the crop and its ingredients (the average number of kernels in the plant, the average kernel height(cm), the average number of rows in a kernel, the average number of seeds in a row, the average number of kernel seeds, the average weight of 300 seeds (gm), and the average crop seeds for the plant (gm)/a plant) are studied for each experimental unit. The data are analyzed statistically for each characteristic according to variance analysis and using a least significant difference test (LSD) under the level of 5% for autumn and spring seasons using the standard design for agricultural experiments (RCBD). The results have shown the excess of the first density in most of the characteristics studied. As for the species, the results have shown the excess the of the first genotype over all other genotypes.
Performance Test of Solar – Powered Ice Maker Machine: Case Study in Bantul, Yogyakarta
Authors: Wullandari P , Sedayu B B
Published: November 2021

Research on performance test of a solar-powered ice maker machine has been conducted in Bantul, Yogyakarta. This study aimed to observe the correlation between intensity of sunlight to the power battery capacity rates generated from solar panels in regard with the performance of ice maker machine. The testing was conducted during various weather conditions i.e. sunny, cloudy and light rain. The type of ice maker observed was a flake ice maker machine with specifications of the production capacity of 105 - 120 kgs/day, producing flake ice with dimensions of 2 x 3 x 3 mm3. The energy of the machine was generated by nine solar panels with maximum power of 200 Wp (watt peak) per panel. A set of three panels was arranged in series, it was then coupled to other sets in parallel. The results showed that the power battery capacity was in corresponded to the sunlight intensity during sunny weather with the correlation: y = 0.009x - 26.08, while during cloudy dan raining conditions, the power capacity rates of the battery showed a declining with the correlation: y = 0.008x - 23.92 and y = 0.007x + 69.41, respectively. The ice production capacity during sunny, cloudy and light rainy weathers were 4.34 kg ice/hour; 4.63 kg ice / hour and 4.17 kg ice / hour respectively. Input power from solar panels depends on the intensity of sunlight. The ice produced by ice makers in cloudy weather conditions is much greater than the ice produced during sunny or rainy weather conditions.
Simulation of process control for production of 5-HMF from old coconut water
Authors: Ahmad Joharee N A , Ali J Mohd , Mohd Fuad M N , Abd Rahman N
Published: November 2021

5-Hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF) is one of the intermediate chemicals produced from biomass through the process of dehydration of glucose and fructose in acidic conditions. Biomass resources are one of the sources that attract the attention of many users of unlimited biomass resources, in addition to being able to produce environmentally friendly products such as bio fuels and bio chemicals. Old coconut water and oil palm tree trunk sap was chosen in this study because of its abundance in Malaysia. It is an essential organic compound for the production of bioplastics, chemicals, building materials, fuels, textiles, cosmetics and food. Although the production of 5-HMF is relatively simple, in fact, the synthesis of 5-HMF is complicated by the occurrence of multiple reactions at one time, especially when using biomass as a raw material. In this report, process control of production of 5-HMF from biomass is presented using fuzzy logic controller for controlling temperature of a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The objective of this paper is to develop a control system for a non-isothermal temperature control of a CSTR with the most stable response curve. Through simulation results, fuzzy logic control performs better because there was no overshoot and successfully reaches the set point at faster settling time.
Binary response models comparison using the 𝛼-Chernoff divergence measure and exponential integral functions
Authors: Ghosh Subir , Nyquist Hans
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the families of binary response models are describing the data on a response variable having two possible outcomes andppexplanatory variables when the possible responses and their probabilities are functions of the explanatory variables. Theα\alpha-Chernoff divergence measure and the Bhattacharyya divergence measure whenα=1/2\alpha = 1/2are the criterion functions used for quantifying the dissimilarity between probability distributions by expressing the divergence measures in terms of the exponential integral functions. The dependences of odds ratio and hazard function on the explanatory variables are also a part of the modeling.
The exponential-dual matrix method: Applications to Markov chain analysis
Authors: Rubino Gerardo , Krinik Alan
Published: November 2021

Classic performance evaluation using queueing theory is usually done assuming a stable model in equilibrium. However, there are situations where we are interested in the transient phase. In this case, the main metrics are built around the model’s state distribution at an arbitrary point in time. In dependability, a significant part of the analysis is done in the transient phase. In previous work, we developed an approach to derive distributions of some continuous time Markovian models, built around uniformization (also called Jensen’s method), transforming the problem into a discrete time one, and the concept of stochastic duality. This combination of tools provides significant simplifications in many cases. However, stochastic duality does not always exist. Recently, we discovered that an idea of algebraic duality, formally similar to stochastic duality, can be defined and applied to any linear differential system (or equivalently, to any matrix). In this case, there is no limitation, the transformation is always possible. We call it the exponential-dual matrix method. In the article, we describe the limitations of stochastic duality and how the exponential-dual matrix method operates for any system, stochastic or not. These concepts are illustrated throughout our article with specific examples, including the case of infinite matrices.
50 Years of Women in Cell Biology: Where have we been? Where are we going?
Authors: Masur Sandra K. , Goodenough Ursula , Kane Caroline M. , Marincola Elizabeth , Zavala Maria Elena , Omotade Julia
Published: November 2021

It’s been 50 years since Women in Cell Biology (WICB) was founded by junior women cell biologists who found themselves neither represented at the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) presentations nor receiving the information, mentoring, and sponsorship they needed to advance their careers. Since then, gender parity at ASCB has made significant strides: WICB has become a standing ASCB committee, women are regularly elected president of the ASCB, and half the symposia speakers are women. Many of WICB’s pioneering initiatives for professional development, including career panels, workshops, awards for accomplishments in science and mentoring, and career mentoring roundtables, have been incorporated and adapted into broader “professional development” that benefits all members of ASCB. The time has passed when we can assume that all women benefit equally from progress. By strategically, thoughtfully, and honestly recognizing the challenges to women of the past and today, we may anticipate those new challenges that will arise in the next 50 years. WICB, in collaboration with the ASCB, can lead in data collection and access and can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. This work will be a fitting homage to the women who, half a century ago, posted bathroom stall invitations to the first Women in Cell Biology meetup.
Support for a career in science
Authors: Wolin Sandra L.
Published: November 2021

I am so very honored to receive the Women in Cell Biology Sandra K. Masur Senior Leadership Award from the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB), particularly because many of the previous awardees have served as mentors and sources of inspiration throughout my own career. I also thank the ASCB for always striving to be maximally inclusive, in terms of both the scientists it supports and its broad vision of what constitutes cell biology. As a graduate student I gave one of my first talks at an ASCB meeting, and I am proud to have been an ASCB member for almost 30 years. In this essay, I describe my own career to illustrate the support that I believe is needed to achieve a career in science.
How Families Make Their Way Into Your Heart: Exploring the Associations Between Daily Experiences Involving Family Members and Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Chai Hye Won , Almeida David M
Published: November 2021

Background

Cardiovascular disease is a critical public health issue and a growing body of literature on relationships and health point to individuals’ interactions and involvement with family members as significant correlates of cardiovascular outcomes. However, less is known about the implications of daily encounters with family members on cardiovascular health outcomes and how the associations vary across adulthood.

Purpose

The aims of this study were to examine the associations of positive and negative daily experiences with family members with comprehensive measures of cardiovascular health and to further explore how age moderates these associations.

Methods

This study used data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) II and MIDUS Refresher. The sample was composed of respondents who participated in two subprojects of MIDUS, namely the National Study of Daily Experiences (NSDE) and Biomarker Project (N = 1,312). Indices of cardiovascular health included inflammatory markers, autonomic functioning, and Life’s Simple 7 scores.

Results

Results showed that the associations between daily family experiences and cardiovascular outcomes differed by age. Having more daily negative experiences with family members was associated with better cardiovascular health outcomes among young adults and worse cardiovascular outcomes among older adults. Having more daily positive experiences was also associated with lower heart rate variability for older adults.

Conclusions

Results revealed that contrary to the general assumption that negative experiences have health-damaging effects, frequent involvement with family members in daily life, even negative ones, may be indicative of active engagement in life that could be health promoting for younger adults.
The reverse ontological argument
Authors: Collin James Henry
Published: November 2021

Modal ontological arguments argue from the possible existence of a perfect being to the actual (necessary) existence of a perfect being. But modal ontological arguments have a problem of symmetry; they can be run in both directions. Reverse ontological arguments argue from the possible nonexistence of a perfect being to the actual (necessary) nonexistence of a perfect being. Some familiar points about the necessary a posteriori, however, show that the symmetry can be broken in favour of the ontological argument.
Impact of growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonist on decidual stromal cell growth and apoptosis in vitro
Authors: Wu Hsien-Ming , Chen Liang-Hsuan , Schally Andrew V , Huang Hong-Yuan , Soong Yung-Kuei , Leung Peter C K , Wang Hsin-Shih
Published: November 2021

Endometrial stromal cells remodeling is critical during human pregnancy. Growth hormone-releasing hormone and its functional receptor have been shown to be expressed in gynecological cancer cells and eutopic endometrial stromal cells. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential clinical uses of antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone as effective antitumor agents because of its directly antagonistic effect on the locally produced growth hormone-releasing hormone in gynecological tumors. However, the impact of growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists on normal endometrial stromal cell growth remained to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonist (JMR-132) on cell proliferation and apoptosis of human decidual stromal cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that growth hormone-releasing hormone and the splice variant 1 of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor are expressed in human decidual stromal cells isolated from the decidual tissues of early pregnant women receiving surgical abortion. In addition, treatment of stroma cells with JMR-132 induced cell apoptosis with increasing cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities and decrease cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Using a dual inhibition approach (pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA-mediated knockdown), we showed that JMR-132-induced activation of apoptotic signals are mediated by the activation of ERK1/2 and JNK signaling pathways and the subsequent upregulation of GADD45alpha. Taken together, JMR-132 suppresses cell survival of decidual stromal cells by inducing apoptosis through the activation of ERK1/2- and JNK-mediated upregulation of GADD45alpha in human endometrial stromal cells. Our findings provide new insights into the potential impact of growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonist on the decidual programming in humans.
Killing and Allowing to Die: Insights from Augustine
Authors: Sulmasy Daniel P
Published: November 2021

One major argument against prohibiting euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS) is that there is no rational basis for distinguishing between killing and allowing to die: if we permit patients to die by forgoing life-sustaining treatments, then we also ought to permit euthanasia and PAS. In this paper, the author argues, contra this claim, that it is in fact coherent to differentiate between killing and allowing to die. To develop this argument, the author provides an analysis of Saint Augustine’s distinction between martyrdom and suicide, highlighting the relevance of intention in the assessment of an agent’s actions. As a general matter of ethics, the intentions of agents, not just the outcomes of their actions, matter enormously for drawing distinctions between what is permissible and what is impermissible. Constructing an Augustinian account of this distinction between killing and allowing to die, the author argues that it is coherent to hold that assisted suicide is wrong, while also accepting that it is permissible to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatments.
Academic Research Consortium High Bleeding Risk Criteria associated with 2-year bleeding events and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement discharge: a Japanese Multicentre Prospective OCEAN-TAVI Registry Study
Authors: Mizutani Kazuki , Nakazawa Gaku , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Ogawa Mana , Okai Tsukasa , Yashima Fumiaki , Naganuma Toru , Yamanaka Futoshi , Tada Norio , Takagi Kensuke , Yamawaki Masahiro , Ueno Hiroshi , Tabata Minoru , Shirai Shinichi , Watanabe Yusuke , Yamamoto Masanori , Hayashida Kentaro
Published: November 2021

Aims

To investigate the ability of the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR) criteria and ARC-HBR score to predict 2-year bleeding and mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods and results

We enrolled 2514 patients who underwent successful TAVR during 2013–17. In this study, we used the ARC-HBR score for further HBR-risk stratification, and the ARC-HBR score was calculated as follows: each major criterion was 2 points and each minor criterion was 1 point. The impact of the ARC-HBR criteria and increasing ARC-HBR score on the incidence of moderate/severe bleeding events, mortality, and ischaemic stroke in the first 2 years were evaluated. We used survival classification and regression tree (CART) analysis for 2-year moderate or severe bleeding events, and patients were statistically classified into HBR low- (ARC-HBR score ≤1), intermediate- (ARC-HBR score = 2–4), or high-risk (ARC-HBR score ≥5) groups, and 91.4% were at HBR (ARC-HBR score ≥2). The rates of 2-year moderate/severe bleeding events and all-cause mortality were higher in the ARC-HBR group and highest in the HBR high-risk group. An increased HBR score was significantly associated with moderate/severe bleeding events [hazard ratio (HR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.31; P = 0.001] and all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.17–1.32; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The ARC-HBR criteria identify patients at HBR after TAVR; an increased ARC-HBR score is associated with 2-year moderate/severe bleeding events and mortality.
English medium higher education in China: challenges and ELT support
Authors: Zhou Sihan , McKinley Jim , Rose Heath , Xu Xin
Published: November 2021

This mixed-methods study explores the language-related difficulties and ELT support offered in English-medium programmes at eight universities in China. Data included a student questionnaire (n = 394) measuring the difficulties of 45 academic tasks, organized around the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Results revealed students faced the largest difficulties with productive skills, especially writing. To explore structural language support for overcoming such challenges, fieldwork interviews with twenty-six senior faculty at eight universities in four cities in China were conducted. These revealed three main types of institutional support: concurrent language support from English language teachers offered alongside English medium programmes; preparatory programmes taken before students enrolled in English medium courses, which were prevalent in language-specialist universities; and self-access learning and writing centres, which were found at two transnational universities. When structural support was lacking, content teachers reported making grassroots efforts to help students understand content via use of the students’ multilingual repertoires in explanations, interactions, and materials.
High-Quality Genome Assembly of Oleaginous Red Yeast Sporobolomyces roseus CGMCC 2.4355
Authors: Li Chunji , Cheng Ping , Sun Yunhao , Qin Di , Yu Guohui
Published: November 2021

Sporobolomyces roseus is an important oleaginous red yeast with critical biotechnological applications and has received significant recognition as a valuable source of industrial enzymes, carotenoids, and lipids. To reveal the genetic basis and functional components underlying its biotechnological applications, a high-quality genome assembly is required. Here, we present a novel genome assembly of S. roseus CGMCC 2.4355 using a combination of Illunima and Oxford Nanopore technologies. The genome has an assembly size of 21.4 Mb and consists of 15 scaffolds with an N50 length of 2,126,566 bp and GC content of 49.52%. The assembly is of high integrity, comprising 95.2% complete Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCOs) as evaluated by a genome completeness assessment. The genome was predicted to contain 8,124 protein-coding genes, 6,890 of which were functionally annotated. We believe that the combination of our analyses and high-quality genome assembly will promote the basic development of S. roseus as an agent for biotechnological applications and make a significant contribution to assess the evolutionary relationship of Sporobolomyces species.
Muller’s ratchet of the Y chromosome with gene conversion
Authors: Sakamoto Takahiro , Innan Hideki
Published: November 2021

Muller’s ratchet is a process in which deleterious mutations are fixed irreversibly in the absence of recombination. The degeneration of the Y chromosome, and the gradual loss of its genes, can be explained by Muller’s ratchet. However, most theories consider single-copy genes, and may not be applicable to Y chromosomes, which have a number of duplicated genes in many species, which are probably undergoing concerted evolution by gene conversion. We developed a model of Muller’s ratchet to explore the evolution of the Y chromosome. The model assumes a nonrecombining chromosome with both single-copy and duplicated genes. We used analytical and simulation approaches to obtain the rate of gene loss in this model, with special attention to the role of gene conversion. Homogenization by gene conversion makes both duplicated copies either mutated or intact. The former promotes the ratchet, and the latter retards, and we ask which of these counteracting forces dominates under which conditions. We found that the effect of gene conversion is complex, and depends upon the fitness effect of gene duplication. When duplication has no effect on fitness, gene conversion accelerates the ratchet of both single-copy and duplicated genes. If duplication has an additive fitness effect, the ratchet of single-copy genes is accelerated by gene duplication, regardless of the gene conversion rate, whereas gene conversion slows the degeneration of duplicated genes. Our results suggest that the evolution of the Y chromosome involves several parameters, including the fitness effect of gene duplication by increasing dosage and gene conversion rate.
Gonadal Rejuvenation of Mice by Growth Differentiation Factor 11
Authors: Zhou Yang , Ni Shousheng , Li Congjun , Song Lili , Zhang Shicui
Published: November 2021

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), also known as bone morphogenetic protein 11, has been shown to have rejuvenation and antiaging properties, but little information is available regarding the role of GDF11 in reproductive system to date. In this study, we first confirmed the bioavailability of recombinant GDF11 (rGDF11) by oral delivery in mice. We also showed that dietary intake of rGDF11 had little influence on body and gonadal (ovary/testis) weights of recipient mice, indicating their general condition and physiology were not affected. Based on these findings, we started to test the function of rGDF11 in ovary and testis of mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms. It was found that to some extent, rGDF11 could attenuate the senescence of ovarian and testicular cells, and contribute to the recovery of ovarian and testicular endocrine functions. Moreover, rGDF11 could rescue the diminished ovarian reserve in female mice and enhance the activities of marker enzymes of testicular function (sorbitol dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) in male mice, suggesting a potential improvement of fertility. Notably, rGDF11 markedly promoted the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the ovary and testis, and remarkably reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ovary and testis. Collectively, these results suggest that GDF11 can protect ovarian and testicular functions of aged mice via slowing down the generation of ROS through enhancing activities of antioxidant enzymes.
The Urinary Microbiome of Older Adults Residing in a Nursing Home Varies With Duration of Residence and Shows Increases in Potential Pathogens
Authors: Bradley Evan S , Schell Brent , Ward Doyle V , Bucci Vanni , Zeamer Abigail , Haran John P
Published: November 2021

The community of bacteria that colonize the urinary tract, the urinary microbiome, is hypothesized to influence a wide variety of urinary tract conditions. Older adults who reside in nursing homes are frequently diagnosed and treated for urinary tract conditions such as urinary tract infection. We investigated the urinary microbiome of older adults residing in a nursing home to determine if there are features of the urinary microbiome that are associated with specific conditions and exposure in this population. We were also interested in the stability of urinary microbiome over time and in similarities between the urinary and gastrointestinal microbiome. Urine samples were prospectively collected over a period of 10 months from a cohort of 26 older adults (aged >65 years) residing in a single nursing home located in Central Massachusetts. Serial samples were obtained from 6 individuals over 10 months and 5 participants were concurrently enrolled in a study of the gastrointestinal microbiome. Information collected on participants included demographics, medical history, duration of residence in the nursing home, frailty, dementia symptoms, urinary symptoms, antibiotic treatment, urinary catheterization, and hospitalizations over a 10-month period. Clean catch, midstream urine samples were collected and stored at −80°C. DNA was extracted and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed. The length of stay in the nursing facility and the Clinical Frailty Scale correlated with significant changes in microbiome composition. An increase in the relative abundance of a putative urinary pathogen, Aerococcus urinae, was the largest factor influencing change that occurred over the duration of residence.
Relative Trajectories of Gait and Cognitive Decline in Aging
Authors: Jayakody Oshadi , Breslin Monique , Ayers Emmeline , Verghese Joe , Barzilai Nir , Milman Sofiya , Weiss Erica , Blumen Helena M
Published: November 2021

Background

Gait and cognition decline with advancing age, and presage the onset of dementia. Yet, the relative trajectories of gait and cognitive decline in aging are poorly understood—particularly among those with the motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome. This study compared changes in simple and complex gait performance and cognition, as a function of age and MCR.

Methods

We examined gait and cognitive functions of 1 095 LonGenity study participants (mean age = 75.4 ± 6.7 years) with up to 12 years of annual follow-up. Participants were of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, free of dementia, ambulatory, and had a 12.2% MCR prevalence at baseline. Gait speed was measured at usual pace walking (single-task walking, STW-speed) and walking while talking (WWT-speed). Eleven neuropsychological test scores were examined separately, and as a global cognition composite. Linear mixed-effects models adjusted for baseline sex, education, parental longevity, cognitive impairment, and global health were used to estimate changes in gait and cognition, as a function of age and MCR.

Results

STW-speed, WWT-speed, and cognitive tests performance declined in a nonlinear (accelerating) fashion with age. STW-speed declined faster than WWT-speed and cognitive test scores. People with MCR showed faster rates of decline on figure copy and phonemic fluency.

Conclusions

Gait declines at a faster rate than cognition in aging. People with MCR are susceptible to faster decline in visuospatial, executive, and language functions. This study adds important knowledge of trajectories of gait and cognitive decline in aging, and identifies MCR as a risk factor for accelerated cognitive decline.
Knowledge and attitude of Saudi Arabian citizens towards telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Alajwari Hadeel Abdullah , Alfayez Asma , Alsalman Demah , Alanezi Fahad , Alhodaib Hala , Al-Rayes Saja , Aljaffary Afnan , AlThani Bashair , AlNujaidi Heba , Al-Saif Atheer K , Attar Razaz , Aljabri Duaa , Al-Mubarak Sama'a , Al-Juwair Mona M , Alrawiai Sumaiah , Alakrawi Zahraa , Alanzi Turki M
Published: November 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi Arabian citizens towards telemedicine during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was designed to carry out this study. The electronic survey, prepared using Google Forms, was distributed to 1500 randomly selected citizens of Saudi Arabia. A total of 330 participants completed and returned the questionnaire. Basic statistics were used to describe the data.

Results

The majority of the respondents (73.9%) were female. More than half of them (54.8%) were >35 y of age and had graduate or postgraduate degrees (65.5%). A total of 96.7% of the respondents were Saudis. Most of the participants (70.0%) were familiar with the term ‘telemedicine’ and thought that telemedicine (92.1%) could reduce transportation costs. Of the respondents, 58.8% had not seen a telemedicine system before and 67.0% indicated that they had not previously used telemedicine services. A total of 87.3% of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that telemedicine was a useful tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, more than half of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that telemedicine facilitates the diagnosis of people (58.8%), increases communication (58.2%), reduces clinic visits (85.9%) and performs tasks quickly (70.3%). Also, 51.5% of the respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that telemedicine affects patient privacy.

Conclusions

The outcomes indicated that most of the participants had a positive attitude towards the use of telemedicine as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. They believed that telemedicine saves time, labour and costs and is an effective tool to treat coronavirus patients at a safe distance. However, the government should develop programs to raise awareness in the population about the use of telemedicine for the treatment of various diseases that afflict the Saudi Arabian people. Likewise, a legal framework must be implemented to protect the privacy of patients and healthcare providers.