bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POTENTIAL OF EXCISE TAXATION IN FORMATION OF BUDGET RESOURCES
Authors:   University of Customs and Finance, Shсhyryi Hlib
Published: May 2022

The availability of budgetary resources is an essential condition for certain functions and tasks of social development proper performance by the state and local self-government bodies. Excise taxes play a significant role in the state and local budgets of Ukraine resources formation process. Their role is especially increasing in the conditions of instability, destructive consequences of the war, destruction of infrastructure, growing need for social and investment allocations from the budget. And this leads to the debt burden increase and deepening budget imbalances. The purpose of the article is to determine the excise taxation potential essential characteristics and identify the relationship between its total potential and the budgetary resources formation in modern conditions. Interpretation of concepts is analyzed: financial potential, financial resources, budget resources. The concept of "the potential of excise taxation" is defined. It is shown that the potential of excise taxation is dialectically connected with budgetary resources and is most fully revealed in the systemic unity of fiscal, regulatory, social, environmental potential. Factors influencing the strengthening and realization of the excise taxation potential are outlined. Budget imbalances in absolute and relative terms are characterized. The role of the excise taxation potential in softening imbalances in process of budgetary resources formation has been identified. It is concluded that in order to strengthen and fully reveal the potential of excise taxation in the formation of budgetary resources, measures of state financial regulation are important, which will reduce the vulnerability of the fiscal system to endogenous and exogenous factors. Assessment of budget imbalances caused by insufficient disclosure of the potential of excise taxation should be carried out taking into account the temporal, territorial and institutional aspects. The importance of taking into account subjective factors regarding the realization of the potential of excise taxation in the formation of budgetary resources is noted.
INTERACTIVE SOCIO-COMMUNICATION MODELS: PROSPECTS OF USE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, TOURISM AND HOTEL AND RESTAURANT AFFAIRS
Authors:   University of Customs and Finance, Yatchuk Оlha , Nebaba Natalia ,   University of Customs and Finance, Kucher Marharyta ,   University of Customs and Finance
Published: May 2022

This article is devoted to the use of socio-communication models in the fields of international relations, tourism, hotel and restaurant business in the context of the interdisciplinary orientation of classical research. The main trends in the development of socio-communication space as part of the general information space and the Internet, in particular, are summarized. The commonality of the interdisciplinary approach for the study of communication tasks in the field of interaction as a certain interactive model of communication technologies is proved. The peculiarities of the interactive socio-communication model and its expediency of use in international relations, tourism, and hotel and restaurant business as a part of strategic, image, and business communications are established. It is determined that isolated examples in the fields of international relations, tourism, and hotel and restaurant business prove that the use of this interactive model of communication is a promising area for practical activities in these areas and further scientific forecasting, modeling, and study. The model of interactive communication is becoming relevant, based on the formation of trust by reducing the load in the information space, the formation of trusting relationships (the risk of distortion is minimized by implementing real-time communication). Isolated examples in the fields of international relations, tourism and hotel and restaurant business prove that the use of this model is a promising area for practical activities in these areas, as well as for further scientific forecasting, modeling and study of features. Areas of further research are determined by the need to use interdisciplinary methodological and theoretical developments in the field of communications and the practical implementation of certain socio-communication technologies in the fields of international relations, tourism and hotel and restaurant business. Further study of the implementation of interactive models of interaction between participants in communication processes will clarify and improve the effectiveness of the implementation of strategic and business communications in various fields.
TRADE VECTORS OF THE UKRAINIAN ECONOMY IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR (2014–2022)
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Shvets Anzhela
Published: May 2022

By launching a full-scale war against Ukraine, Russia has put an end to trade disputes – there can be no question of any business between the countries. Even faster than the rest of Europe, Ukraine will have to learn to live without Russian oil and coal, as well as find new markets for its products, as Russia has until recently remained one of Ukraine's largest trading partners. The occupation of Crimea and the war in Donbass, which began eight years ago, certainly reduced trade between the two countries, but did not stop it altogether. The first position of imports from Russia was energy. To get rid of dependence on Russian energy, Ukraine partially replaced coal from Russia with American, but this was not possible completely and therefore remained dependent on Russian imports. The second position in imports from Russia are petroleum products – mainly diesel fuel and liquefied natural gas. Ukraine is constantly importing gasoline, fuel, fuel oil – including for the army – and this is our weakness, which shows a critical dependence on fuel imports. After the liberation of Ukraine from the invaders, it is necessary to restore and start refineries in Ukraine, increase its production, and then create reserves of petroleum products and oil to get rid of import dependence in this area. The article describes the volume and dynamics of Ukraine's trade with Russia from the occupation of Crimea and Donbass until now. The positive and negative trends of this trade have been studied. The impact of sanctions on changes in bilateral trade between countries is analyzed. A factor-by-factor analysis of key products that created dependence on trade with the aggressor country was made. An assessment of alternative ways of import substitutability against the background of the complete cessation of trade between Ukraine and Russia. Trade between the two countries in a broader context is considered, comparing their trade turnover with the volume of Ukraine's trade with EU countries. New opportunities for the development of trade and the country's economy in connection with European integration processes have been highlighted.
Afectación económica por Covid-19 en la industria del comercio electrónico, un estudio comparativo: Amazon, Mercado Libre y Shopify
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Martínez Robles Eduardo , García Valdez Salvador ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Rivera Zuñiga Eduardo Uriel ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: May 2022

La siguiente investigación se centra en la industria del comercio electrónico y las afectaciones económicas sufridas en este sector en determinadas variables como lo son las ventas, la captación bursátil, razón de rentabilidad del patrimonio, razón de endeudamiento y razón de rentabilidad sobre activos, impulsadas por la situación sanitaria provocada por el virus SARS-CoV-2. En consecuencia, se utiliza como fuente de información los estados financieros e indicadores bursátiles de las empresas de Amazon, Mercado Libre y Shopify, con el fin de tener un panorama al sector estudiado a través de estos índices. En este sentido se encontró que la industria del comercio electrónico aumentó sus ventas en el periodo 2018-19 en un 20.81%, y para el periodo 2019-20 se registró un incremento de un 38.18%, lo que supone una diferencia de 17 puntos porcentuales. Del mismo modo, la captación bursátil creció de un 29.79% en el periodo 2018-19, a un 87.24% en el periodo 2019-20, lo que representa un incremento de 57 puntos porcentuales, quedando en evidencia la afectación económica positiva en el sector del comercio electrónico derivado de los cambios e innovaciones nacientes por el contexto sanitario en la que se desenvolvieron mencionadas empresas.
EFEKTIVITAS KEBIJAKAN SEKOLAH TERHADAP KINERJA GURU SMP PGRI 01 KARANGPLOSO MASA PANDEMI COVID-19
Authors: Askiyanto Moh. , Kamhar Muhammad Yusi
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of school policies in order to assess the level of teacher performance at SMP PGRI 01 Karangploso during the pandemic, where teachers are required to conduct effective learning activities even during the pandemic, which necessitates online learning activities. Additionally, there are assumptions that the use of online learning was considered ineffective because of a lack of school preparation and a lack of student readiness, as well as a lack of facilities to support online learning activities and a lack of effective regulations defining appropriate policies for the learning and pursuit process. The quantitative descriptive method was used in this study, and data were gathered through observations and in-depth interviews with various teachers and policymakers at schools. According to the findings of this study, the efficacy of school policies was classified as fairly effective, with an average score of 55,15. As a result, the policies established in schools must undergo revision by the parties involved. They must collaborate and assist one another. Among them are teachers as practitioners of learning, students as learning ob jects, school administration as suppliers of learning services, and parents as those responsible for providing online learning support facilities.
Удосконалена методика оцінювання ефективності ведення рейдових дій підрозділами окремої десантно-штурмової бригади
Authors: Oliinyk Volodymyr
Published: May 2022

Досвід, отриманий в ході ведення бойових дій на сході України, заходи бойової підготовки військових частин Десантно-штурмових військ Збройних сил України за останні роки, характер майбутніх операцій та способи їх проведення показує, що на даний час застосування військових частин Десантно-штурмових військ Збройних сил України для проведення рейдових дій в операції Об’єднаних сил залишається актуальним. Поряд з цим, здобуті уроки ведення бойових дій показують, що в ході планування рейдових дій командири спиралися переважно на особистий досвід. У зв’язку з цим особливу гостроту на сьогоднішній день набуває ряд питань, пов’язаних з розробкою теоретичних положень та науково-методичного апарату підготовки та ведення рейдових дій окремою десантно-штурмовою бригадою. У статті запропоновано удосконалену методику оцінювання ефективності ведення рейдових дій підрозділами окремої десантно-штурмової бригади, яка ґрунтується на методах нелінійного програмування, а саме на методі двох функцій. Удосконалена методика дозволить здійснити оптимальний розподіл підрозділів бригади по об’єктам противника в смузі ведення рейдових дій. В удосконаленій методиці на відміну від існуючих автором враховано значення коефіцієнтів важливості об’єктів противника та ймовірність їх вогневого ураження підрозділами бригади. Удосконалена методика оцінювання ефективності ведення рейдових дій відрізняється від існуючих введенням блоку розрахунку “визначення ступеня виконання бойового завдання”, який дозволяє провести оптимальний розподіл підрозділів бригади з урахуванням необхідного ступеню вогневого ураження об’єкту противника. Поряд з цим, результати розрахунків оптимального розподілу підрозділів бригади по об’єктам противника та розрахований ступінь їх вогневого ураження дають можливість визначити ступінь виконання бойового завдання бригадою в ході ведення рейдових дій. Результати розрахунків за удосконаленою методикою можуть стати підґрунтям для прийняття рішення в ході планування рейдових дій. Подальше наукове дослідження полягатиме в удосконаленні науково-методичного апарату, який дозволить визначити найбільш ефективний спосіб знищення об'єкту противника визначеними підрозділами бригади.
Прогноз економічних наслідків першої стадії російсько-української війни для Росії
Authors: Semenenko Oleh , Dobrovolskyi Yuzef , Koverga Victoriia , Mytchenko Serhii , Motrunych Ivan , Yarmolchyk Maria
Published: May 2022

Мета роботи: на основі статистичних даних щодо втрат та витрат Росії у російсько-українській війні провести прогнозування можливих наслідків для економіки Росії за різної тривалості активної фази ведення бойових дій на території України з урахуванням наслідків економічних санкцій проти Росії введених країнами світу за напад на Україну.

Дизайн/Метод/Підхід дослідження: основними методами досліджень є методи статистичного аналізу, воєнно-економічного аналізу, експертного опитування та методи прогнозування.

Результати дослідження: зібрано статистичну інформацію та проведено аналіз втрат та витрат Росії за 38 днів російсько-української війни; на основі отриманих результатів здійснено прогнозування можливих наслідків для економіки Росії за різних термінів тривалості війни, а також визначено погляди щодо подальшого розвитку подій для Росії та України.

Теоретична цінність дослідження: основним результатом досліджень за тематикою статті є оцінки стану економіки Росії за різної тривалості війни.

Тип статті: описовий та розрахунково-аналітичний.
Targeting ER-Mitochondria Signaling as a Therapeutic Target for Frontotemporal Dementia and Related Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Martín-Guerrero Sandra M. , Markovinovic Andrea , Mórotz Gábor M. , Salam Shaakir , Noble Wendy , Miller Christopher C. J.
Published: May 2022

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are two major neurodegenerative diseases. FTD is the second most common cause of dementia and ALS is the most common form of motor neuron disease. These diseases are now known to be linked. There are no cures or effective treatments for FTD or ALS and so new targets for therapeutic intervention are required but this is hampered by the large number of physiological processes that are damaged in FTD/ALS. Many of these damaged functions are now known to be regulated by signaling between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. This signaling is mediated by “tethering” proteins that serve to recruit ER to mitochondria. One tether strongly associated with FTD/ALS involves an interaction between the ER protein VAPB and the mitochondrial protein PTPIP51. Recent studies have shown that ER-mitochondria signaling is damaged in FTD/ALS and that this involves breaking of the VAPB-PTPIP51 tethers. Correcting disrupted tethering may therefore correct many other downstream damaged features of FTD/ALS. Here, we review progress on this topic with particular emphasis on targeting of the VAPB-PTPIP51 tethers as a new drug target.
Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents Enhanced Electro-Enzymatic Conversion of CO2 to Methanol
Authors: Zhang Zhibo , Wang Hui , Nie Yi , Zhang Xiangping , Ji Xiaoyan
Published: May 2022

Electro-enzymatic conversion of CO2 offers a promising solution for CO2 utilization, while the conversion rate and efficiency were disappointing. To address the challenge, four kinds of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) with desirable biocompatibility were developed for the first time and used as the co-electrolyte in the electro-enzymatic conversion of CO2. As a result, the SerGly-based solution presents high CO2 solubility and high electrocatalytic activity, compared to the conventional buffer. By applying SerGly in the electro-enzymatic conversion of CO2, the yield of the product (methanol) is two times higher than that in the Tris-HCl buffer (0.22 mM) and 16 times higher than the control reaction.
Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in BK Polyomavirus-Infected Renal Transplant Recipients: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Zhang Jian , Qin Hao , Chang Mingyu , Yang Yang , Lin Jun
Published: May 2022

Background

BK polyomavirus infection results in renal allograft dysfunction, and it is important to find methods of prediction and treatment. As a regulator of host immunity, changes in the gut microbiota are associated with a variety of infections. However, the correlation between microbiota dysbiosis and posttransplant BK polyomavirus infection was rarely studied. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the gut microbiota in BK polyomavirus-infected renal transplant recipients in order to explore the biomarkers that might be potential therapeutic targets and establish a prediction model for posttransplant BK polyomavirus infection based on the gut microbiota.

Methods

We compared the gut microbial communities of 25 BK polyomavirus-infected renal transplant recipients with 23 characteristic-matched controls, applying the 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing technique.

Results

At the phylum level, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio significantly increased in the BK polyomavirus group. Bacteroidetes was positively correlated with CD4/CD8 ratio. In the top 20 dominant genera, Romboutsia and Roseburia exhibited a significant difference between the two groups. No significant difference was observed in microbial alpha diversity. Beta diversity revealed a significant difference between the two groups. Nine distinguishing bacterial taxa were discovered between the two groups. We established a random forest model using genus taxa to predict BK polyomavirus infectious status, which achieved the best accuracy (80.71%) with an area under the curve of 0.82. Two genera were included in the best model, which were Romboutsia and Actinomyces.

Conclusions

BK polyomavirus-infected patients had gut microbiota dysbiosis in which the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio increased in the course of the viral infection. Nine distinguishing bacterial taxa might be potential biomarkers of BK polyomavirus infection. The random forest model achieved an accuracy of 80.71% in predicting the BKV infectious status, with Romboutsia and Actinomyces included.
Rare Variants in Inborn Errors of Immunity Genes Associated With Covid-19 Severity
Authors: Liu Panhong , Fang Mingyan , Luo Yuxue , Zheng Fang , Jin Yan , Cheng Fanjun , Zhu Huanhuan , Jin Xin
Published: May 2022

Host genetic factors have been shown to play an important role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the course of Covid-19 disease. The genetic contributions of common variants influencing Covid-19 susceptibility and severity have been extensively studied in diverse populations. However, the studies of rare genetic defects arising from inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are relatively few, especially in the Chinese population. To fill this gap, we used a deeply sequenced dataset of nearly 500 patients, all of Chinese descent, to investigate putative functional rare variants. Specifically, we annotated rare variants in our call set and selected likely deleterious missense (LDM) and high-confidence predicted loss-of-function (HC-pLoF) variants. Further, we analyzed LDM and HC-pLoF variants between non-severe and severe Covid-19 patients by (a) performing gene- and pathway-level association analyses, (b) testing the number of mutations in previously reported genes mapped from LDM and HC-pLoF variants, and (c) uncovering candidate genes via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of Covid-19-related genes and genes defined from LDM and HC-pLoF variants. From our analyses, we found that (a) pathways Tuberculosis (hsa:05152), Primary Immunodeficiency (hsa:05340), and Influenza A (hsa:05164) showed significant enrichment in severe patients compared to the non-severe ones, (b) HC-pLoF mutations were enriched in Covid-19-related genes in severe patients, and (c) several candidate genes, such as IL12RB1, TBK1, TLR3, and IFNGR2, are uncovered by PPI network analysis and worth further investigation. These regions generally play an essential role in regulating antiviral innate immunity responses to foreign pathogens and in responding to many inflammatory diseases. We believe that our identified candidate genes/pathways can be potentially used as Covid-19 diagnostic markers and help distinguish patients at higher risk.
What Factors of the Teaching and Learning Environment Support the Learning of Generic Skills? First-Year Students’ Perceptions in Medicine, Dentistry and Psychology
Authors: Räisänen Milla , Pyörälä Eeva , Tuononen Tarja
Published: May 2022

Future health professions need generic skills in their working lives, such as knowledge analysis, collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills. The teaching and learning environment is crucial in the development of generic skills when studying at university. The aim of this research was to examine students’ perceptions of learning generic skills during their first study year and how the teaching and learning environment related to their learning perceptions. The data were collected from first-year students (medicine n = 215, dentistry n = 70 and psychology n = 89) who completed a questionnaire at the end of their first study year. Two cohorts of first-year students from 2020 and 2021 were combined. The teaching and learning environments in medicine, dentistry and psychology differed from each other. The results showed that learning of problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills were emphasized more among medical and dental students, whereas analytical skills more among psychology students. There were no statistically significant differences in perceptions of the teaching and learning environment. Perceptions of generic skills and the teaching and learning environment were positively related to each other. In medicine, the strongest predictors of generic skills were peer support and feedback and in dentistry, peer support, interest and relevance. In psychology, the strongest predictors were interest and relevance. The results emphasize the relevance of the teaching and learning environment in learning generic skills.
Three-Dimensional Modeling of Thyroid Hormone Metabolites Binding to the Cancer-Relevant αvβ3 Integrin: In-Silico Based Study
Authors: Tobi Dror , Krashin Eilon , Davis Paul J. , Cody Vivian , Ellis Martin , Ashur-Fabian Osnat
Published: May 2022

Background

Thyroid hormones (TH), T4 and T3, mediate pro-mitogenic effects in cancer cells through binding the membrane receptor αvβ3 integrin. The deaminated analogue tetrac effectively blocks TH binding to this receptor and prevents their action. While computational data on TH binding to the αvβ3 integrin was published, a comprehensive analysis of additional TH metabolites is lacking.

Methods

In-silico docking of 26 TH metabolites, including the biologically active thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and an array of sulfated, deiodinated, deaminated or decarboxylated metabolites, to the αvβ3 receptor binding pocket was performed using DOCK6, based on the three-dimensional representation of the crystallographic structure of the integrin. As the TH binding site upon the integrin is at close proximity to the well-defined RGD binding site, linear and cyclic RGD were included as a reference. Binding energy was calculated for each receptor-ligand complex using Grid score and Amber score with distance movable region protocol.

Results

All TH molecules demonstrated negative free energy, suggesting affinity to the αvβ3 integrin. Notably, based on both Grid and Amber scores sulfated forms of 3,3’ T2 (3,3’ T2S) and T4 (T4S) demonstrated the highest binding affinity to the integrin, compared to both cyclic RGD and an array of examined TH metabolites. The major thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, showed high affinity to the integrin, which was superior to that of linear RGD. For all hormone metabolites, decarboxylation led to decreased affinity. This corresponds with the observation that the carboxylic group mediates binding to the integrin pocket via divalent cations at the metal-ion-dependent adhesion (MIDAS) motif site. A similar reduced affinity was documented for deaminated forms of T3 (triac) and T4 (tetrac). Lastly, the reverse forms of T3, T3S, and T3AM showed higher Amber scores relative to their native form, indicating that iodination at position 5 is associated with increased binding affinity compared to position 5’.

Three-dimensional docking of various TH metabolites uncovered a structural basis for a differential computational free energy to the αvβ3 integrin. These findings may suggest that naturally occurring endogenous TH metabolites may impact integrin-mediate intracellular pathways in physiology and cancer.
A Novel Method for Conventional Logging Prediction of Brittleness Index: A Case of Tight Sandstone in Western Ordos Basin
Authors: Guo Jingzhe , Wang Shuai , Chang Lijing , Li Ya , Lyu Qiqi , Fan Jiwu
Published: May 2022

Brittleness index is an important parameter for the exploration and development of tight sandstone reservoir. In this paper, a new method for calculating brittleness index using conventional logging data was established to find the high-quality exploration and development target area of tight sandstone reservoir in He8 Member of Permian in the western margin of the Ordos Basin. Firstly, the mineral composition and content of rock samples in the study area were analyzed by rock mineral X-ray diffraction, and the brittleness index was calculated according to the mineral content with the average of 70.85%. Then, three kinds of brittleness index logging prediction models were obtained by conventional logging curves such as natural gamma and compressional wave interval transit time. Each prediction model was corrected by the brittleness index calculated according to the X-ray diffraction experiment, and the correlation coefficients were 0.83, 0.58, and 0.71, respectively. Finally, through multiple regression, the comprehensive equation for brittleness index prediction was established by combining these three kinds of models. According to the example of the specific well in the study area, the brittleness index predicted by conventional logging is highly matched with the interpretation results of array acoustic logging with the correlation coefficient of 0.90, which means the accuracy of the comprehensive equation has been verified. The new method can evaluate reservoir brittleness by conventional logging data in the absence of rock sample test data and popularize the application of brittleness index in oil and gas field exploration and development.
Methanol Sensor-Less Control Strategy for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Startup
Authors: Gan Haibo , Sun Hai
Published: May 2022

It is critical and challenging to start direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) from various environmental states to an ideal operating state by a sensor-less method. This paper presents a novel methanol sensor-less startup control (SLSC) algorithm based on the unimodal relationship of current vs. methanol concentration at a constant cell voltage during DMFC startup. A series of experiments indicate that the SLSC algorithm is capable of starting a DMFC under various initial concentrations and initial temperatures and can be easily adjusted to reduce the startup time or improve the energy efficiency. The wide applicability and easy adjustment characteristics give the SLSC algorithm a potential prospect in the DMFC system.
Improved Radiation Heat Transfer Model in RELAP5 for Compact Fuel Rod Bundles by the Absorption Factor Modification
Authors: Sun Qian , Ji Yu , Sun Jun
Published: May 2022

Simulations of radiation heat transfer in fuel rod bundles are necessary for the thermal hydraulic design and safety analysis of open lattice gas-cooled reactors, which always operate at high temperatures. To save the computational costs, existing radiation models in system codes such as RELAP5 commonly assume each fuel rod to own the uniform radiosity over the rod surface. Previous research studies have indicated that the uniform radiosity assumption could overestimate the heat transfer flux and under-predict the maximum fuel rod temperature, and the anisotropic correction was tried by dealing with non-uniform reflected radiation. To better model the non-uniform radiosity effect, the Gehart’s method based on the non-uniform absorbed radiation is introduced in this study. By dividing the surface of each rod into six segments, the one-sixth rod view factors are derived in specific rod and near wall sections to generate the segment-to-segment absorption factors. By summarizing those segment-to-segment absorption factors, the rod-to-rod and rod-to-wall absorption factors are modified and implemented into RELAP5 to improve the radiation heat transfer model. The two-dimension radiation heat transfer problem in the nuclear fuel rod bundle is simulated in FLUENT as the benchmark and in RELAP5 for comparison. Fuel rod bundles in hexagonal arrays were investigated with various surface emissivity and pitch-to-diameter ratios (p/d). The simulations indicated that the method of rod segment division and absorption factor modification could reflect the non-uniform radiosity, and the results were related to the values of p/d and surface emissivity. The modified radiation heat transfer model in RELAP5 validated that the deviations of the maximum temperature were reduced from around 20% to 1%,3%,8% for p/d = 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3, respectively. Rod bundles with larger p/d required more radiative rods in the analyses of absorption factor modifications. The present radiation heat transfer model should be studied and tested in three-dimension cases to further prove that it is appropriate for the nuclear rod bundles.
Comprehensive Decision-Making Method for DC Transformation Object of Medium Voltage AC Distribution Network
Authors: Wang Fengxue , Ou Yangsen , Xin Xi , Yang Moyuan
Published: May 2022

The trend of DC development in the medium voltage AC distribution network is obvious. However, due to the constraints of reliability, cost, and power quality, not every AC distribution network is suitable for DC transformation. As for the AC distribution network suitable for DC transformation, it is necessary to solve the problems of multivariable constraint solutions and the demand for sorting and optimizing multi-schemes in DC transformation. Therefore, this study proposes a comprehensive decision-making method for the DC transformation object of the medium voltage AC distribution network. Firstly, a comprehensive evaluation index system for DC transformation is established from four aspects: improving power supply reliability, technical requirements, social benefits, and economic benefits. Among them, the reliability of power supply mainly examines the completion degree of the target. In terms of the technical requirements of DC transformation, it is necessary to consider the constraints of AC transformation and the driving force of DC transformation. As for the social benefits, it reflects the indirect demand for DC transformation, which reflects social development. In terms of economic benefits, it pays attention to the transformation cost and input–output ratio. Then, the combined optimization model is used to solve the index’s comprehensive weight based on the subjective and objective weight model. Moreover, the comprehensive evaluation value of the transformation object is determined by the double-base point method. The scheme optimization model is used to determine the final transformation scheme to guide the power grid enterprises to prioritize the DC transformation projects. Finally, several medium-voltage distribution networks in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China, are taken as examples to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Experimental Investigation on the Perturbation Length for Air–Water Flow Upstream and Downstream of U-Bends
Authors: Ma Xiaoxu , Liu Taicheng , Dai Nan , Tian Maocheng , Li Shijie
Published: May 2022

In this work, the perturbation length of vertical U-bend effects on the air–water two-phase flow in their adjacent straight tubes was investigated experimentally at ambient pressure and temperature. The experimental database covered test sections with three inner diameters of U-tubes (9, 12, and 16 mm), two curvature ratios (8.33 and 12.5), and two orientations (downward and upward). The air and water superficial velocities varied from 0.18 to 25.11 m/s and from 0.11 to 1.98 m/s, respectively. The dissipation of U-bend effects in the regions upstream and downstream of U-bends is characterized by the variation regularities of segmental pressure gradients along the contiguous straight tubes. It was found that the significant value of the dimensionless perturbation length (Lp/D) is less than 60 for the experimental conditions in this study. The influences of the inlet volume void fraction, two-phase mixed Froude number, mixed Weber number, and mixed Dean number on dimensionless perturbation length (Lp/D) are similar. With the increase in these parameters, Lp/D presents a unimodal distribution which first increases and then decreases. The maximum value of Lp/D takes place at a volume void fraction of around 90%. New dimensionless correlations to predict the influence length of U-bends on the straight tubes upstream and downstream have been provided. The prediction errors of 80% of data are within ± 30% compared with the present experimental data.
Development of a Novel Immune-Related Gene Signature to Predict Prognosis and Immunotherapeutic Efficiency in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Dongliang , Xu Yuanmin , Fang Yu , Hu Kongwang
Published: May 2022

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of tumor-related deaths globally. Herein, we attempted to build a novel immune-related gene (IRG) signature that could predict the prognosis and immunotherapeutic efficiency for GC patients.

Methods: The mRNA transcription data and corresponding clinical data of GC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database as the training group and the GSE84437 data set as the testing cohort, followed by acquisition of IRGs from the InnateDB resource and ImmPort database. Using the univariate Cox regression analysis, an IRG signature was developed. Several immunogenomic analyses were performed to illustrate the associations between the immune risk score and tumor mutational burden, immune cell infiltrations, function of immune infiltration, clinical characteristics, immune subtype, and immunotherapeutic response.

Results: The analysis of 343 GC samples and 30 normal samples from the TCGA database gave rise to 8,713 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 513 differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) were extracted. The novel IRG signature contained eight DEIRGs (FABP4, PI15, RNASE2, CGB5, INHBE, RLN2, DUSP1, and CD36) and was found to serve as an independent predictive and prognostic factor for GC. Then, the GC patients were separated into the high- and low-risk groups based on the median risk score, wherein the low-risk group presented a better prognosis and was more sensitive to immunotherapy than did the high-risk group. According to the time-dependent ROC curves and AUCs, the immunotherapeutic value of the signature was better than the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and T-cell inflammatory signature (TIS) scores. In addition, the AUCs of the risk score for predicting 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS were 0.675, 0.682, and 0.710, respectively, which indicated that the signature had great predictive power.

Conclusion: This study presents a novel IRG signature based on the tumor immune microenvironment, which could improve the prediction of the prognosis and immunotherapeutic efficiency for GC patients. The powerful signature may serve as novel biomarkers and provide therapeutic targets for precision oncology in clinical practice.
GmARP is Related to the Type III Effector NopAA to Promote Nodulation in Soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Wang Jinhui , Ma Chao , Ma Shengnan , Zheng Haiyang , Feng Haojie , Wang Yue , Wang Jiangxu , Liu Chunyan , Xin Dawei , Chen Qingshan , Yang Mingliang
Published: May 2022

Type III effectors secreted by rhizobia regulate nodulation in the host plant and are important modulators of symbiosis between rhizobia and soybean (Glycine max), although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we studied the type III effector NopAA in Sinorhizobium fredii HH103, confirming its secretion into the extracellular environment under the action of genistein. The enzyme activity of NopAA was investigated in vitro, using xyloglucan and β-glucan as substrates. NopAA functions were investigated by the generation of a NopAA mutant and the effects of NopAA deficiency on symbiosis were analyzed. Soybean genes associated with NopAA were identified in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and their functions were verified. NopAA was confirmed to be a type III effector with glycosyl hydrolase activity, and its mutant did not promote nodulation. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis identified 10 QTLs with one, Glyma.19g074200 (GmARP), found to be associated with NopAA and to positively regulate the establishment of symbiosis. All these results support the hypothesis that type III effectors interact with host proteins to regulate the establishment of symbiosis and suggest the possibility of manipulating the symbiotic soybean–rhizobia interaction to promote efficient nitrogen fixation.
Dysregulation of the cGAS-STING Pathway in Monogenic Autoinflammation and Lupus
Authors: Wobma Holly , Shin Daniel S. , Chou Janet , Dedeoğlu Fatma
Published: May 2022

One of the oldest mechanisms of immune defense against pathogens is through detection of foreign DNA. Since human DNA is compartmentalized into the nucleus, its presence in the cytosol heralds a potential threat. The cGAS-STING pathway is one of the most important cytosolic DNA sensing pathways and leads to interferon signaling, inflammasome activation, autophagy, and cell death. While STING signaling is protective at physiologic levels, chronic activation of this pathway can instead drive autoinflammation and autoimmunity. Here we discuss several monogenic disorders of the STING pathway that highlight its impact on both innate and adaptive immunity in the progressive loss of tolerance. The potential relevance of STING signaling in systemic lupus erythematosus is then discussed with a focus on future avenues for monitoring and targeting this pathway.
Massive Heat Shock Protein 70 Genes Expansion and Transcriptional Signatures Uncover Hard Clam Adaptations to Heat and Hypoxia
Authors: Hu Zhi , Song Hao , Feng Jie , Zhou Cong , Yang Mei-Jie , Shi Pu , Yu Zheng-Lin , Li Yong-Ren , Guo Yong-Jun , Li Hai-Zhou , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2022

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) members participate in a wide range of housekeeping and stress-related activities in eukaryotic cells. In marine ecosystems, bivalves encounter abiotic stresses, including high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen. Here, 133 MmHSP70 genes were identified through combined methods including Blastp, HMM and manual filtration, based on the whole Mercenaria mercenaria genome. The MmHSP70 genes were unevenly distributed, and 41 genes (33.08%) were located on Chr 7. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the MmHSP70 gene family mainly consisted of two clusters and the Hspa12 subfamily underwent lineage-specific expansion. A high-density collinear gene block was observed between M. mercenaria Chr 7 and Cyclina sinensis Chr 14. Tandem duplication MmHSP70 gene pairs experienced different levels of purifying selection, which could be an important source of sequence and functional constraints. MmHSP70 genes showed tissue-specific and stress-specific expression. Most tandem duplication HSP70 gene pairs had high expression under hypoxia stress. HSP70 B2 tandem duplication gene pairs showed significantly increased expression under heat plus severe hypoxia stress. This study provided a comprehensive understanding of the MmHSP70 gene family in the M. mercenaria and laid a significant foundation for further studies on the functional characteristics of MmHSP70 genes during exposure to heat and hypoxia stress.
Induction of Pyroptosis in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Using High Glucose
Authors: Liu Yinghong , He Mingyue , Xiong Hao , Yuan Fang
Published: May 2022

Background

The micro-inflammatory state is important for the occurrence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Here, we aimed to explore the expression of pyroptosis related indicators and ultrastructural characteristics in DKD, and investigate pyroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells induced by high glucose.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expression of the inflammation-related protein NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and pyroptosis key protein gasdermin D (GSDMD) in kidney tissues of DKD patients. HK-2 cells were cultured in vitro and stimulated with different concentrations of glucose. The changes in HK-2 cell ultrastructure were observed using electronmicroscopy, and western blot was used to detect NLRP3, caspase-1 p20, GSDMD-N, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 expression.

Results

NLRP3 and GSDMD expression in kidney tissues of DKD patients was higher than that in control subjects. Further, GSDMD expression was positively correlated with that of NLRP3 (r = 0.847, P = 0.02). After stimulating HK-2 cells for 24 h with different glucose concentrations, compared with the control group, the 15 and 30 mmol/L glucose groups showed typical ultrastructural changes of pyroptosis. The protein expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 p20, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 expression in high glucose group increased significantly compared with the control group, and was glucose-concentration-dependent.

Conclusion

High glucose can activate inflammasome, cause inflammatory cytokines release, and induce pyroptosis in HK-2 cells. NLRP3-caspase-1 may be involved in GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis. This study shows a novel relationship between glucose concentration and pyroptosis, which can be studied further to design better therapies for patients with DKD.
Viruses Previously Identified in Brazil as Belonging to HIV-1 CRF72_BF1 Represent Two Closely Related Circulating Recombinant Forms, One of Which, Designated CRF122_BF1, Is Also Circulating in Spain
Authors: Cañada-García Javier E. , Delgado Elena , Gil Horacio , Benito Sonia , Sánchez Mónica , Ocampo Antonio , Cabrera Jorge Julio , Miralles Celia , García-Bodas Elena , Mariño Ana , Ordóñez Patricia , Gude María José , Ezpeleta Carmen , Thomson Michael M.
Published: May 2022

Circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) are important components of the HIV-1 pandemic. Those derived from recombination between subtype B and subsubtype F1, with 18 reported, most of them of South American origin, are among the most diverse. In this study, we identified a HIV-1 BF1 recombinant cluster that is expanding in Spain, transmitted mainly via heterosexual contact, which, analyzed in near full-length genomes in four viruses, exhibited a coincident BF1 mosaic structure, with 12 breakpoints, that fully coincided with that of two viruses (10BR_MG003 and 10BR_MG005) from Brazil, previously classified as CRF72_BF1. The three remaining Brazilian viruses (10BR_MG002, 10BR_MG004, and 10BR_MG008) previously identified as CRF72_BF1 exhibited mosaic structures highly similar, but not identical, to that of the Spanish viruses and to 10BR_MG003 and 10BR_MG005, with discrepant subtypes in two short genome segments, located in pol and gp120env. Based on these results, we propose that the five viruses from Brazil previously identified as CRF72_BF1 actually belong to two closely related CRFs, one comprising 10BR_MG002, 10BR_MG004, and 10BR_MG008, which keep their CRF72_BF1 designation, and the other, designated CRF122_BF1, comprising 10BR_MG003, 10BR_MG005, and the viruses of the identified Spanish cluster. Three other BF1 recombinant genomes, two from Brazil and one from Italy, previously identified as unique recombinant forms, were classified as CRF72_BF1. CRF122_BF1, but not CRF72_BF1, was associated with protease L89M substitution, which was reported to contribute to antiretroviral drug resistance. Phylodynamic analyses estimate the emergence of CRF122_BF1 in Brazil around 1987. Given their close phylogenetic relationship and similar structures, the grouping of CRF72_BF1 and CRF122_BF1 in a CRF family is proposed.
Protective Effect of Poria Cocos Polysaccharides on Fecal Peritonitis-Induced Sepsis in Mice Through Inhibition of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Reduction of Treg Cells
Authors: Wu Yu , Li Dai , Wang Han , Wan Xiaojian
Published: May 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the potential pharmacological effects of Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCPs) on fecal-induced peritonitis (FIP) mice. Consequently, the fecal peritonitis (FP)-induced septic mice with the higher levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), histopathological lesion and bacterial burden, and lower levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Interestingly, PCP pre-treatment reduced inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in plasma and spleen and improved the resistance to FIP. Inflammatory infiltration and cell death in thymus or splenic tissue were alleviated with PCP pretreatment. Furthermore, Treg cells were moderated in the spleen with PCP pre-administration. In addition, PCP pretreatment downregulated Annexin-V in the thymus of FP-induced septic mice, and apoptosis of splenic cells was dose-dependent. In conclusion, PCPs have pharmacological and biological effects on FP-induced septic mice, and its molecular mechanism is related to antioxidative, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and the reduction of Treg activity in splenic cells.
Light ‘Em up: Efficient Screening of Gold Foil Grids in Cryo-EM
Authors: Hagen Wim J. H.
Published: May 2022

Transmission electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) allows for obtaining 3D structural information by imaging macromolecules embedded in thin layers of amorphous ice. To obtain high-resolution structural information, samples need to be thin to minimize inelastic scattering which blurs images. During data collection sessions, time spent on finding areas on the cryo-EM grid with optimal ice thickness should be minimized as imaging time on high-end Transmission Electron Microscope TEM systems is costly. Recently, grids covered with thin gold films have become popular due to their stability and reduced beam-induced motion of the sample. Gold foil grids have substantially different densities between the gold foil and ice, effectively resulting in the loss of dynamic range between thin and thick regions of ice, making it challenging to find areas with suitable ice thickness efficiently during grid screening and thus increase expensive imaging time. Here, an energy filter-based plasmon imaging is presented as a fast and easy method for grid screening of the gold foil grids.