bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REDUCTION OF THE CAR ENGINE WARMING TIME WHEN USING AN ADDITIONAL HEAT SOURCE
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Y Gutarevych , N Kukhtyk ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, V Kukhtyk ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: October 2021

The article presents the results of additional experimental studies about the effect of heat supply to the intake air on the parameters and characteristics of the process of warming up the engine of a car. The aim of the work is to accelerate the car engine warming after starting at low temperatures. The research method is an experimental determination of the characteristics of active idling and concentrations of pollutants in the exhaust gases of the engine. The tests were performed when the car's engine was idling without heating the inlet air and with heating the inlet air through the air intake under the hood of the car and through the pipe in front of the intake manifold. Comparison of engine operation in active idling mode without heating the inlet air and with heating the air before inlet through the air intake, did not show significant differences. The long passage of preheated air through the air duct to the air filter, through the air filter and the air duct after the filter, causes cooling of the heated air and does not provide the efficiency of additional heat supply. For efficient use of additional heat supply, it is necessary to carry out this supply directly in front of the intake pipe. Most of the parameters that characterize the process of warming up the engine are obtained by direct measurement. Also, the dependences on which total indicators of economy and toxicity of the car were calculated are resulted in the article. According to the results of experimental studies, it is established that the operation of the car in low ambient temperatures leads to a deterioration of its fuel economy and environmental performance. For an internal combustion engine, with garage-free maintenance of the car in low ambient temperatures and with long periods of downtime, it is important to find and implement measures that allow, with minimal consumption of fuel and energy resources, to ensure warm-up of the cold engine. Additional heat supply to the inlet air provides rapid warming of the car engine to operating temperature, which provides a short period of preparation for the perception of the load. Intake air heating reduces fuel consumption during engine idling by an average of 4%. With additional heat supply, the concentrations of pollutants are being reduced, especially in the first 50 seconds of engine warm-up, and the total toxicity of the engine, determined by the two components (carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons) is being reduced by an average of 6%. KEY WORDS: ENGINE, HEAT, HEATING, FUEL CONSUMPTION, COOLANT TEMPERATURE, POLLUTANTS
FEATURES OF LUBRICANE LAYER CREATING IN A LOCAL CONTACT
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, M Dmytrychenko , A Savchuk ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, A Hlukhonets ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: October 2021

The article presents the results of research of the influence of the rolling speed parameter during pure rolling and 20% rolling with slip on the kinetics of formation of the lubricant layer thickness in the central contact zone. The aim of experimental research is establishing the impact of operational parameters of friction pairs - speed rolling (a pure rolling and 20% rolling with slip) the dynamics of the process of forming the lubricant layer thickness in the central contact zone between contacting surfaces experimental «steel ball - glass disc.» Oils of various operational purpose were used in the research work, namely motor oils for gasoline and diesel engines (М8Г2К, М10Г2К), universal motor oil (SAE15w40LUX) and universal motor­gear oils (ЄМТ-8, ЄМТ ПРОТЕК) (I-40). The increase in rolling speed was shifted from 0 to 1.8 m / s; at a volumetric temperature (об'ємній температурі) of oils 20°С; contact stress of 251.5 MPa. The thickness lubricating layer in contact was determined by optical interferometry. According to the results of experimental researches concerning determination of the lubricating action of oils in different composition and operational purpose, it was found that during the period of friction steam kinetics of the formation of the lubricant layer thickness depends on the rolling speed - with the increase of which there is an increase in the lubricant layer thickness in the central contact zone, leading to the establishment of appropriate lubrication modes (from boundary to hydrodynamic). Decisive role kinematic viscosity of the lubricant, which depends on the base of oils and quantitative content of the additives. Based on the experimental data obtained in conditions of the rolling with slip, favorable conditions for reducing the initial rolling speed by setting the maximum lubrication regime when using lubricant which contained surfactants with polar molecules. KEY WORDS: ELASTOHYDRODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS, ROLLING SPEED, CLEAN ROLLING, SUSPENSION ROLLING, THICKNESS OF THE LUBRICATION LAYER
FIBER OPTIC INFORMATION TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, I Malysh , N Kulish ,   Lashkaryov Institute of Semiconductor Physics, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: October 2021

Features of information transmission on optical fibers in the presence of spark and electric noise are investigated in detail. The purpose of research: to determine the requirements for light sources, optical cables and photodetectors most suitable for the manufacture of fiber optic systems suitable for information exchange. The object of research is fiber optic systems. Research method is theoretical. The basic requirements for the choice of light-emitting diodes, photodiodes and optical cables in the technical implementation of optical communication in the presence of spark and electromagnetic interference. KEYWORDS: LED, OPTICAL LINE, PHOTODETECTOR, INFORMATION.
TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS OF UKRAINE WITH THE COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, L Kozak , O Fedoruk ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: October 2021

The article examines the indicators of foreign trade of individual countries of the world; substantiates the directions of reducing the dependence of national exports on commodity prices on world markets; clarifies the development trends of trade and economic relations of Ukraine with countries of the world; examines the direction of expanding the national export potential. Object of research – the process of economic security in international relations. Purpose of study – improving efficiency of the mechanism of activization of development of the trade and economic relations of Ukraine with the countries of the world. Methods of research – method of abstracting, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, system approach. One of the main prerequisites for the effective functioning of the national economy, the key to its dynamic development is the expansion of export potential. Accordingly, the strategic objective is the largescale growth of Ukraine’s presence in foreign markets. The partial or complete loss of traditional markets reinforces the need to find effective solutions for the development of exports of Ukrainian products. The presence of Ukraine in the global production network has increased significantly over the past ten years, but still remains insufficient. For the active inclusion in the global value chains, it is necessary to change the commodity structure of Ukrainian exports and switch to the production of medium and high-tech products. Forecast assumptions about the object of study – improvement of the mechanism of ensuring economic security in international relations. KEYWORDS: TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS, EXPORT POTENTIAL, GLOBAL VALUE CHAINS, COMMODITY STRUCTURE OF UKRAINIAN EXPORTS, EXPORT DIVERSIFICATION, FREE TRADE ZONE, EXPORT STRATEGY OF UKRAINE
STATUS OF AUTHORIZED ECONOMIC OPERATOR AS A FACTOR OF INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS OF THE ENTERPRISE
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Y Malakhova , I Povshedniy ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the advantages that give the subjects of foreign economic activity the status of an authorized economic operator and its impact on the level of international competitiveness of the enterprise. Object of research is international competitiveness of the enterprise. The purpose of the work is to study the prospects of obtaining the status of AEO by the subjects of foreign economic activity in the conditions of intensification of foreign economic activity, which will provide them with competitive advantages in international markets. Method of research is methods of synthesis and analysis. The international competitiveness of the enterprise is determined by the set of its competitive advantages in the foreign market. It is established that one of the potential advantages for domestic enterprises engaged in foreign economic activity is to obtain the status of an authorized economic operator. The types of authorization depending on the place of the enterprise in the international supply chain are considered. A three-layer system of providing simplifications to economic operators in the EU is presented. The benefits of obtaining this status for exporters and importers are identified. The results of this article can be used, for example, by enterprises engaged in foreign economic activity to ensure competitive advantages over other companies. Forecast assumptions about the object of study - increasing the level of international competitiveness of enterprises by obtaining the status of an authorized economic operator. KEY WORDS: INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS, COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES, AUTHORIZED ECONOMIC OPERATOR, FOREIGN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, ENTERPRISE, CUSTOMS.
MODELING AS A SCIENTIFIC TOOL FOR SUBSTANTIATION OF MANAGEMENT DECISIONS IN OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF TRANSPORT ENTERPRISES
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, L Snizhko , T Buzun ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, V Razvodovska ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: October 2021

On the basis of analysis of existing approaches to the process of decision making, in this article the procedure of taking optimal operational decisions is proposed, which describes in detail all of its aspects and features related to the specifics of the operational activities of transport enterprises. In this procedure the basic steps are those directly related to the modeling: formulation of the problem (formalization of the original problem), construction of the model, its solution, credibility and adequacy check, restoration (or adjustment) of the model. The object of the research is decision-making process in the operational management of transport enterprises. The purpose of the research is to develop a procedure for the process of making optimal operational decisions based on existing approaches to the decision-making process, using modeling as a scientific tool to substantiate them. The research method is methods of system analysis and modeling. It has been discovered that the need to reduce the subjectivity of the process of making important decisions in the operational activities of transport enterprises and increase its scientific validity is especially relevant today, in the face of threats and uncertainty about the external environment of the organization. All methods of rational decision-making are based on models, which, in turn, are scientific tools. Modeling creates a serious informational and methodological basis for structural analysis of decisions needed to improve the management process for operational managers and hence - to increase the level of management in general, because it makes them more systematic, and the tools used during this help them be more rational. The results of the article can be implemented during making complex and important management decisions in the operational activities of both transport enterprises and other business entities of various activities, regardless of the organizational and legal form and ownership. KEY WORDS: MODELING METHOD, MODELING, MODEL, TRANSPORT ENTERPRISE, OPERATIONAL ACTIVITY, OPERATIONS MANAGER, MANAGEMENT DECISION.
PECULIARITIES OF THE WORK OF THE ELECTRONIC CABINET OF TAXPAYERS
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, N Tesliuk , O Gutsalyuk ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: October 2021

The article examines the structure and principle of operation of the electronic office of the taxpayer, its advantages and disadvantages. The object of research is the electronic office of the taxpayer. The purpose of the work is to analyze the work of the electronic office of the taxpayer. Research method - a method of operationalization of concepts, induction and deduction. The interaction of taxpayers and controlling bodies with the use of information and communication technologies is on the way to reforming the state bodies of Ukraine in accordance with the requirements of the European Union. One of the directions of modernization of the information system of the State Tax Service is the introduction of a new electronic service for providing electronic services to taxpayers using the Internet environment and a single web portal of the State Tax Service of Ukraine - a personal electronic office of the taxpayer. The electronic service was developed as part of the «Tax Block» system. The structure of the electronic office of the taxpayer is considered in detail. The advantages of submitting electronic reporting are analyzed and the ways to improve the work of the electronic cabinet are identified. KEY WORDS: ELECTRONIC CABINET, TAXPAYER, WEB PORTAL, TAXES, FEES.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF CAR DEALERSHIP BUSINESS IN CONDITIONS OF THE CRISIS CAUSED BY COVID-19
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, V Cherviakova
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the process of formation of the car retail strategy in the conditions of digital transformation and challenges caused by COVID-19. Object of study - digital transformation of car dealership business in conditions of COVID-19. Purpose - to investigate the process of car retail strategy formation in conditions of digital transformation and challenges caused by COVID-19. Methods of research - analysis, synthesis, generalization, systematization, graphic. The article examines how the change in consumer preferences, digitalization, and ACES trends (autonomous driving, connectivity, the electrification of vehicles, and shared mobility) cause the transformation of car retail. The current situation with COVID-19 is accelerating the introduction of digital car purchase models and the development of online sales channels. The essence of modern trends of the car retail market and their consequences for car manufacturers, dealers, and clients have been analyzed. Five archetypes of future retail strategies in the automotive market have been identified, with their characteristics, prerequisites, and implications for automakers, dealers, and customers. The state and prospects of the automotive market of Ukraine have been investigated. It was concluded that the role of official dealerships in vehicle trade, maintenance, and repair will gradually decrease. A number of measures were proposed to ensure the survival of dealerships in Ukraine. KEY WORDS: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, DIGITALIZATION. CAR DEALERSHIP BUSINESS, RETAIL STRATEGY, BUSINESS MODEL, COVID-19.
ЯЗЫКОВАЯ ИДЕНТИЧНОСТЬ И ЯЗЫКИ ИДЕНТИЧНОСТИ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ ОСТРОВА САРДИНИЯ, ИТАЛИЯ)
Authors: Мажиа А.
Published: October 2021

цель исследования – расшифровать механизмы авторепрезентации идентичности жителями Сардинии и, соответственно, выявить скрытые в данном понятии функции. Фокус особого внимания сосредоточен на сардинском языке. Через посредство этого идиома предпринята попытка обнажить механизмы искусственного конструирования идентичности. Конкретнее – в статье представлены актуальные концепции и интерпретации сардинской идентичности, анализируется ее взаимосвязь с местным языком. Работа основана на результатах этнологического исследования, проведенного в одном из регионов внутренней Сардинии в 2019–2020 гг. Материал собирался методом интервьюирования сардинцев и включенного наблюдения в их среде. Были получены и затем проанализированы сведения, отражающие состояние сардинского языка, уровень его сохранности и особенности использования населением острова в различных сферах жизни. Автор сравнивает данные, полученные в ходе собственного полевого исследования, с фактами двух более ранних масштабных исследований: социолингвистического опроса, проведенного в 2007 г. в Сардинии сотрудниками университетов Кальяри и Сассари, а также с итоговыми результатами мега-опроса по миноритарным языкам, осуществленного Европейским Союзом в 1996 г. во многих странах, в том числе и в Италии. сравнительно-сопоставительный подход с использованием данных разных лет позволяет оценить культурные и социолингвистические тенденции и изменения в регионе, произошедшие в течение последнего времени.
The study aims to decipher the mechanisms of self-representation by the inhabitants of Sardinia and, accordingly, to reveal the functions hidden in the concept of identity. Sardinian language is being the focus of special attention. The mechanisms of the artificial construction of identity are exposed through this idiom. The article presents current concepts and interpretations of the Sardinian identity and analyzes its relationship with the local language. The work is based on the results of an ethnological study conducted in one of the regions of inner Sardinia in 2019-2020. The material consists of interviews with Sardinians and the results of participant observation in their environment. The author also analyzes the state of the Sardinian language, its preservation, and how the island's population uses it in various spheres of life. The author compares the data obtained during his own field research with the two earlier studies.
A Critical Review on the Design, Manufacturing and Assessment of the Bone Scaffold for Large Bone Defects
Authors: Huo Yi , Lu Yongtao , Meng Lingfei , Wu Jiongyi , Gong Tingxiang , Zou Jia’ao , Bosiakov Sergei , Cheng Liangliang
Published: October 2021

In recent years, bone tissue engineering has emerged as a promising solution for large bone defects. Additionally, the emergence and development of the smart metamaterial, the advanced optimization algorithm, the advanced manufacturing technique, etc. have largely changed the way how the bone scaffold is designed, manufactured and assessed. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to give an up-to-date review on the design, manufacturing and assessment of the bone scaffold for large bone defects. The following parts are thoroughly reviewed: 1) the design of the microstructure of the bone scaffold, 2) the application of the metamaterial in the design of bone scaffold, 3) the optimization of the microstructure of the bone scaffold, 4) the advanced manufacturing of the bone scaffold, 5) the techniques for assessing the performance of bone scaffolds.
A Pyroptosis-Related Gene Panel in Prognosis Prediction and Immune Microenvironment of Human Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiaocui , Yang Qing
Published: October 2021

As the second common diagnosed cancer among gynecological tumors, endometrial cancer (EC) has heterogeneous pathogenesis and clinical manifestations. Therefore, prognosis prediction that considers gene expression value and clinical characteristics, is helpful to patients with EC. We downloaded RNA expression and clinical data from the TCGA database. We achieved 4 DEPRGs and constructed the PRG panel by univariate, lasso and multivariate Cox analysis. Based on the median value of the risk score, patients were divided into two groups. The Kaplan–Meier curve suggested that the patients with lower risk scores had better clinical outcomes of EC. AUC of ROC curves suggested the panel can be used as an independent predictor. Future analysis indicated the positive correlations between risk score and clinical characteristics. What’s more, we performed GO and KEGG functional analysis and immune environment exploration to get an understanding of the potential molecular mechanism and immunotherapeutic target. To future validate the panel, we found that the relapse-free and overall survival probability of 4 prognostic DEPRGs between high-expression group and low-expression group were different through the Kaplan–Meier plotter in UCEC. In addition, GEPIA database and RT-PCR experiment indicated GPX4 and GSDMD were highly expressed in UCEC compared to normal endometrial tissue, and TIRAP and ELANE were downregulated. This study identified a PRG panel to predict the prognosis immune microenvironment in human EC. Then, Kaplan–Meier analysis and AUC below the ROC curves was used to validate the panel. In addition, Chi-square was used to show the clinical significance. GO, KEGG and GSEA were used to show the functional differences. Different immune-related databases were used to analyze the immune characteristics. The Kaplan–Meier plotter website was used to assess the effect of genes on survival. GEPIA and RT-PCR were used to analyze the expression level. In summary, we identified 4 prognosis-associated pyroptosis-related genes (ELANE, GPX4, GSDMD, and TIRAP). The panel can also predict prognosis prediction and immune microenvironment in human endometrial cancer.
Exosomes: Emerging Cell-Free Based Therapeutics in Dermatologic Diseases
Authors: Shi Hui , Wang Min , Sun Yaoxiang , Yang Dakai , Xu Wenrong , Qian Hui
Published: October 2021

Exosomes are lipid bilayer vesicles released by multiple cell types. These bioactive vesicles are gradually becoming a leading star in intercellular communication involving in various pathological and physiological process. Exosomes convey specific and bioactive transporting cargos, including lipids, nucleic acids and proteins which can be reflective of their parent cells, rendering them attractive in cell-free therapeutics. Numerous findings have confirmed the crucial role of exosomes in restraining scars, burning, senescence and wound recovery. Moreover, the biology research of exosomes in cutting-edge studies are emerging, allowing for the development of particular guidelines and quality control methodology, which favor their possible application in the future. In this review, we discussed therapeutic potential of exosomes in different relevant mode of dermatologic diseases, as well as the various molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, given the advantages of favorable biocompatibility and transporting capacity, the bioengineering modification of exosomes is also involved.
SMPX Deficiency Causes Stereocilia Degeneration and Progressive Hearing Loss in CBA/CaJ Mice
Authors: Tu Hailong , Zhang Aizhen , Fu Xiaolong , Xu Shiqi , Bai Xiaohui , Wang Haibo , Gao Jiangang
Published: October 2021

The small muscle protein, x-linked (SMPX) encodes a small protein containing 88 amino acids. Malfunction of this protein can cause a sex-linked non-syndromic hearing loss, named X-linked deafness 4 (DFNX4). Herein, we reported a point mutation and a frameshift mutation in two Chinese families who developed gradual hearing loss with age. To explore the impaired sites in the hearing system and the mechanism of DFNX4, we established and validated an Smpx null mouse model using CRISPR-Cas9. By analyzing auditory brainstem response (ABR), male Smpx null mice showed a progressive hearing loss starting from high frequency at the 3rd month. Hearing loss in female mice was milder and occurred later compared to male mice, which was very similar to human beings. Through morphological analyses of mice cochleas, we found the hair cell bundles progressively degenerated from the shortest row. Cellular edema occurred at the end phase of stereocilia degeneration, followed by cell death. By transfecting exogenous fluorescent Smpx into living hair cells, Smpx was observed to be expressed in stereocilia. Through noise exposure, it was shown that Smpx might participate in maintaining hair cell bundles. This Smpx knock-out mouse might be used as a suitable model to explore the pathology of DFNX4.
Fabrication of g-C3N4 Nanosheets Anchored With Controllable CdS Nanoparticles for Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Wang Minggui , Wang Min , Peng Fang , Sun Xiaohuan , Han Jie
Published: October 2021

Herein, g-C3N4/CdS hybrids with controllable CdS nanoparticles anchoring on g-C3N4 nanosheets were constructed. The effects of CdS nanoparticles on photocatalytic H2 production and organic molecule degradation for g-C3N4/CdS hybrids were investigated. The maximum rate of H2 production for g-C3N4/CdS sample was 1,070.9 μmol g−1 h−1, which was about four times higher than that of the individual g-C3N4 nanosheet sample. The enhanced photocatalytic performance for prepared hybrids could be mainly attributed to the following causes: the formed heterojunctions can contribute to the light absorption and separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, the two-dimensional layered structure facilitates the transmission and transfer of electrons, and high specific surface area could provide more exposed active sites.
Akkermansia muciniphila Protects Against Psychological Disorder-Induced Gut Microbiota-Mediated Colonic Mucosal Barrier Damage and Aggravation of Colitis
Authors: Chen Tuo , Wang Rong , Duan Zhenglan , Yuan Xiaomin , Ding Yang , Feng Zeyu , Bu Fan , Liu Li , Wang Qiong , Zhou Jinyong , Zhu Lei , Ni Qing , Shi Guoping , Chen Yugen
Published: October 2021

Psychological disorders are associated with increased risk of severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by causing gut microbiota dysbiosis and colonic mucosal barrier damage. However, the interaction between chronic restraint stress (CRS), gut microbiota composition, and colonic mucus remains unclear. We demonstrated that mice under CRS conditions exhibited alterations in microbiota composition, disruption of colonic mucus, and aggravation of colitis. In addition, the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila was significantly decreased in mice under CRS and UC patients with depression, and positively associated with the expression of MUC2. After antibiotic treatment, the recipient mice colonized with CRS microbiota showed barrier defects and severe colitis. Administration of Akkermansia muciniphila was found to restore colonic mucus and modify the gut microbiota. We confirm that CRS-mediated gut microbiota dysbiosis results in colonic mucosal barrier damage and aggravation of colitis. Our results suggest that A. muciniphila is expected to be a potential probiotic to protect and treat colonic mucus that is involved in IBD with psychological disorders.
CYP17A1–ATP2B1 SNPs and Gene–Gene and Gene–Environment Interactions on Essential Hypertension
Authors: Wei Bi-Liu , Yin Rui-Xing , Liu Chun-Xiao , Deng Guo-Xiong , Guan Yao-Zong , Zheng Peng-Fei
Published: October 2021

Background: The association between the CYP17A1 and ATP2B1 SNPs and essential hypertension (referred to as hypertension) is far from being consistent. In addition to the heterogeneity of hypertension resulting in inconsistent results, gene–gene and gene–environment interactions may play a major role in the pathogenesis of hypertension rather than a single gene or environmental factor.

Methods: A case–control study consisting of 1,652 individuals (hypertension, 816; control, 836) was conducted in Maonan ethnic minority of China. Genotyping of the four SNPs was performed by the next-generation sequencing technology.

Results: The frequencies of minor alleles and genotypes of four SNPs were different between the two groups (p < 0.001). According to genetic dominance model analysis, three (rs1004467, rs11191548, and rs17249754) SNPs and two haplotypes (CYP17A1 rs1004467G-rs11191548C and ATP2B1 rs1401982G-rs17249754A) were negatively correlated, whereas rs1401982 SNP and the other two haplotypes (CYP17A1 rs1004467A-rs11191548T and ATP2B1 rs1401982A-rs17249754G) were positively associated with hypertension risk (p ≤ 0.002 for all). Two best significant two-locus models were screened out by GMDR software involving SNP–environment (rs11191548 and BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2) and haplotype–environment (CYP17A1 rs1004467G-rs11191548C and BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2) interactions (p ≤ 0.01). The subjects carrying some genotypes increased the hypertension risk.

Conclusions: Our outcomes implied that the rs1004467, rs11191548, and rs17249754 SNPs and CYP17A1 rs1004467G-rs11191548C and ATP2B1 rs1401982G-rs17249754A haplotypes have protective effects, whereas the rs1401982 SNP and CYP17A1 rs1004467A-rs11191548T and ATP2B1 rs1401982A-rs17249754G haplotypes showed adverse effect on the prevalence of hypertension. Several SNP–environment interactions were also detected.
Optimal Strategy for HIFU-Based Renal Sympathetic Denervation in Canines
Authors: Liao Qingyao , Yang Fang , Xiong Bo , Zheng Xiaoyu , Wang Yue , Qian Jun , Qiao Zhao , Huang Jing
Published: October 2021

Background: The association between the treatment efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)-based renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) and the acoustic energy dose applied has not been fully studied and may provide important understanding of the mechanism that led to failure of the WAVE IV trial. The objective of this study was to externally deliver different HIFU doses to canines for RDN treatment and to investigate the optimal energy dose for HIFU-based RDN.

Methods: Thirty canines were divided into five RDN groups according to dose of acoustic energy applied, and a sham control group that consisted of four canines was used for comparisons. All animals in the RDN groups underwent the RDN procedure with different acoustic energy doses, while in the sham control group, renal arteries were harvested without being subjected to acoustic energy delivery and were imaged using color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI). Blood pressure (BP) was recorded, and blood samples were collected before the RDN procedure and at 28 days after the RDN procedure. Histological examinations and measurement of renal tissue norepinephrine concentration were performed in all retrieved samples.

Results: Suppression of BP was significant in the 300 W (15.17/8.33 ± 1.47/1.21 mmHg), 250 W (14.67/9.33 ± 1.21/1.37 mmHg), and 200 W (13.17/9.17 ± 2.32/1.84 mmHg) groups. Semiquantitative histological assessment of periarterial nerves around the kidney revealed that target nerves in the 300 W (9.77 ± 0.63), 250 W (9.42 ± 0.67), and 200 W (9.58 ± 0.54) groups had the highest nerve injury scores, followed by the 150 W group (5.29 ± 0.62). Furthermore, decreased renal tissue norepinephrine concentration, together with decreased expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the 300, 250, and 200 W groups demonstrated effective sympathetic depression following sufficient acoustic energy deposition. However, the renal artery injury score in the 300 W group (0.93 ± 0.13) was significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study provides evidence that RDN effectiveness is based on the energy dose delivered and that 200–250 W is effective and safe in normal-sized canines.
The Bioinformatics Virtual Coordination Network: An Open-Source and Interactive Learning Environment
Authors: Tully Benjamin J. , Buongiorno Joy , Cohen Ashley B. , Cram Jacob A. , Garber Arkadiy I. , Hu Sarah K. , Krinos Arianna I. , Leftwich Philip T. , Marshall Alexis J. , Sieradzki Ella T. , Speth Daan R. , Suter Elizabeth A , Trivedi Christopher B. , Valentin-Alvarado Luis E. , Weissman JL
Published: October 2021

Lockdowns and “stay-at-home” orders, starting in March 2020, shuttered bench and field dependent research across the world as a consequence of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic continues to have an impact on research progress and career development, especially for graduate students and early career researchers, as strict social distance limitations stifle ongoing research and impede in-person educational programs. The goal of the Bioinformatics Virtual Coordination Network (BVCN) was to reduce some of these impacts by helping research biologists learn new skills and initiate computational projects as alternative ways to carry out their research. The BVCN was founded in April 2020, at the peak of initial shutdowns, by an international group of early-career microbiology researchers with expertise in bioinformatics and computational biology. The BVCN instructors identified several foundational bioinformatic topics and organized hands-on tutorials through cloud-based platforms that had minimal hardware requirements (in order to maximize accessibility) such as RStudio Cloud and MyBinder. The major topics included the Unix terminal interface, R and Python programming languages, amplicon analysis, metagenomics, functional protein annotation, transcriptome analysis, network science, and population genetics and comparative genomics. The BVCN was structured as an open-access resource with a central hub providing access to all lesson content and hands-on tutorials (https://biovcnet.github.io/). As laboratories reopened and participants returned to previous commitments, the BVCN evolved: while the platform continues to enable “a la carte” lessons for learning computational skills, new and ongoing collaborative projects were initiated among instructors and participants, including a virtual, open-access bioinformatics conference in June 2021. In this manuscript we discuss the history, successes, and challenges of the BVCN initiative, highlighting how the lessons learned and strategies implemented may be applicable to the development and planning of future courses, workshops, and training programs.
Brown Adipose Tissue Activation by Cold Treatment Ameliorates Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rat
Authors: Ye Rongcai , Yan Chunlong , Zhou Huiqiao , Huang Yuanyuan , Dong Meng , Zhang Hanlin , Jiang Xiaoxiao , Yuan Shouli , Chen Li , Jiang Rui , Cheng Ziyu , Zheng Kexin , Zhang Qiaoli , Jin Wanzhu
Published: October 2021

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disease accompanied by energetic metabolic imbalance. Because the etiology of PCOS is complex and remains unclear, there is no effective and specific treatment for PCOS. It is often accompanied by various metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistances, and others. Activated brown adipose tissue (BAT) consumes excess energy via thermogenesis, which has positive effects on energy metabolism. Our previous research and that of others indicates that BAT activity is decreased in PCOS patients, and exogenous BAT transplantation can improve PCOS rodents. Notably however, it is difficult to apply this therapeutic strategy in clinical practice. Therapeutic strategies of enhancing endogenous BAT activity and restoring whole-body endocrine homeostasis may be more meaningful for PCOS treatment. In the current study, the dehydroepiandrosterone-induced PCOS rat was exposed to low temperature for 20 days. The results show that cold treatment could reverse acyclicity of the estrous cycle and reduce circulating testosterone and luteinizing hormone in PCOS rats by activating endogenous BAT. It also significantly reduced the expression of steroidogenic enzymes as well as inflammatory factors in the ovaries of PCOS rats. Histological investigations revealed that cold treatment could significantly reduce ovary cystic follicles and increase corpus luteum, indicating that ovulation was recovered to a normal level. Concordant with these results, cold treatment also improved fertility in PCOS rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that cold treatment could be a novel therapeutic strategy for PCOS.
Gradual Goals of Energy Transformation and Upgrading in China’s Power Industry Considering Production Profiles
Authors: Lu Gang , Yan Xiaoqing , Duan Na
Published: October 2021

As the largest processing sector of primary energy, the transformation and upgrading of the power sector is undoubtedly an effective way to alleviate the situation of energy and environment. This article studies the gradual goals of the transformation and upgrading of China’s power industry, where the conditions of technical judgment, specific profile, and moderate agenda are incorporated. The empirical analysis of China’s provincial power sectors based on the constructed models came to the following results. First, it is of great importance to consider the profile of each region’s power sector in setting energy-saving and emission reduction targets. The analysis of variance demonstrates significant differences in the reference points of inputs and outputs under the 1% confidence level. Second, regardless of the specific quantity, the strongly consistent trends of the short- and long-term targets demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the gradual goals. Finally, realizing the potential of energy-saving and emission reduction needs a gradual pathway instead of accomplishing in one stroke. The targets of this study, which are attainable for the power sector and still represent a best practice, could serve as transitional benchmarks in power supply and emission reduction. To further achieve carbon neutrality, the management strategy to coordinate power supply and renewable energy accommodation needs to be transformed.
Robust Vehicle Dynamics Control for a Sharp Curve With Uncertain Road Condition
Authors: Miao Jing , Dai Yifan , Xie Ou , Chen Hao , Niu Fuzhou , Shen Yehu , Wu Yong Zhi , Sun Hui , Niu Xuemei , Zhu Qixin , Shen Wenjiang
Published: October 2021

Recently, more and more research has been conducted to develop Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) applications that ensures the safety driving of CAVs under some extreme situations. This brief presents a robust control strategy for CAVs to preserve a precise tracking performance and maintain the stability of lateral dynamics when passing a sharp curve with uncertain road friction coefficient changes. In the proposed robust lateral dynamics control, robust optimization-based lateral dynamics controller is designed to achieve the stability of the lateral dynamics with the consideration of the road friction coefficient uncertainty. Simulation validations are carried out to evaluate the proposed control strategy. The results show that the robust optimization-based lateral dynamics can improve the robustness even with the uncertainty of the road friction coefficient.
ACE and ACTN3 Gene Polymorphisms and Genetic Traits of Rowing Athletes in the Northern Han Chinese Population
Authors: Wei Qi
Published: October 2021

This investigation aimed to explore the effects of ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X gene polymorphisms on specific quantitative variables, including height, weight, arm span, biacromial breadth, forced vital capacity (FVC), FVC/weight, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), prone bench pull (PBP), loaded barbell squat (LBS), and 3,000-m run, in 243 Chinese rowing athletes. The ACE and ACTN3 genotypes were obtained for each athlete via polymerase chain reaction on saliva samples, and the genotype frequency was analyzed. The ACE genotype frequency of rowing athletes were 45.8% II, 42.2% ID, and 12% DD for males and 33.6% II, 48% ID, and 18.4% DD for females. There were significant differences in weight in male athletes, PBP in female athletes, and ACE genotypes. A linear regression analysis using PBP and LBS as different dependent variables and ACE genotypes as independent variables based on the ACE I allele additive genetic effect showed a statistical significance in female athletes (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the distribution of the three genotypes among male athletes (36.7% XX, 38.5% RX, and 24.8% RR, χ2 = 5.191, df = 2, p = 0.022 < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the distribution of the three genotypes among female athletes (23.8% XX, 47.8% RX, 28.4% RR, χ2 = 0.24, df = 2, p = 0.619 > 0.05). The ACTN3 gene polymorphism of male rowing athletes was dominated by the ACTN3 577X allele. There were significant differences in the χ2 test between groups of male athletes. The ACTN3 R577 allele was dominant in female athletes. There were significant differences between PBP and FVC/body weight and ACTN3 genotypes in male athletes by ANOVA, respectively (p < 0.05). A linear regression analysis using FVC and FVC/body weight as dependent variables and ACTN3 genotypes as independent variables based on the ACTN3 577X allele recessive genetic effect showed statistical significance in male athletes (p < 0.05). These results suggested that ACE and ACTN3 gene polymorphisms may be used as biomarkers of genetic traits in Chinese rowing athletes.
Genome-Wide Assessment Characteristics of Genes Overlapping Copy Number Variation Regions in Duroc Purebred Population
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Guo Yuanyuan , Liu Shengwei , Meng Qingli
Published: October 2021

Copy number variations (CNVs) are important structural variations that can cause significant phenotypic diversity. Reliable CNVs mapping can be achieved by identification of CNVs from different genetic backgrounds. Investigations on the characteristics of overlapping between CNV regions (CNVRs) and protein-coding genes (CNV genes) or miRNAs (CNV-miRNAs) can reveal the potential mechanisms of their regulation. In this study, we used 50 K SNP arrays to detect CNVs in Duroc purebred pig. A total number of 211 CNVRs were detected with a total length of 118.48 Mb, accounting for 5.23% of the autosomal genome sequence. Of these CNVRs, 32 were gains, 175 losses, and four contained both types (loss and gain within the same region). The CNVRs we detected were non-randomly distributed in the swine genome and were significantly enriched in the segmental duplication and gene density region. Additionally, these CNVRs were overlapping with 1,096 protein-coding genes (CNV-genes), and 39 miRNAs (CNV-miRNAs), respectively. The CNV-genes were enriched in terms of dosage-sensitive gene list. The expression of the CNV genes was significantly higher than that of the non-CNV genes in the adult Duroc prostate. Of all detected CNV genes, 22.99% genes were tissue-specific (TSI > 0.9). Strong negative selection had been underway in the CNV-genes as the ones that were located entirely within the loss CNVRs appeared to be evolving rapidly as determined by the median dN plus dS values. Non-CNV genes tended to be miRNA target than CNV-genes. Furthermore, CNV-miRNAs tended to target more genes compared to non-CNV-miRNAs, and a combination of two CNV-miRNAs preferentially synergistically regulated the same target genes. We also focused our efforts on examining CNV genes and CNV-miRNAs functions, which were also involved in the lipid metabolism, including DGAT1, DGAT2, MOGAT2, miR143, miR335, and miRLET7. Further molecular experiments and independent large studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Canine Interferon-Inducible Transmembrane Protein Is a Host Restriction Factor That Potently Inhibits Replication of Emerging Canine Influenza Virus
Authors: Lu Gang , Ou Jiajun , Cai Siqi , Lai Zhiying , Zhong Lintao , Yin Xin , Li Shoujun
Published: October 2021

Canine influenza virus (CIV) is an emerging virus that is associated with major hidden hazards to the canine population and public health. Until now, how canine uses its innate immunity to restrict CIV replication is seldomly investigated. Recently, studies on interferon-inducible transmembrane (IFITM) of several major hosts of influenza virus (human, chicken, duck, pig) indicated it can potently restrict the viral replication. Here, the gene locus of five previously annotated canine IFITM (caIFITM) genes was determined on chromosome 18 using multiple bioinformatics strategies, provisionally designated as caIFITM1, caIFITM2a, caIFITM2b, caIFITM3, and caIFITM5. An analysis on protein sequences between caIFITM and its homologs indicated they shared the same conserved amino acids important for the antiviral activity. Expression profile analysis showed that caIFITM was constitutively expressed in tissues and MDCK cell line. After treatment with interferon or infection with influenza virus, the expression level of caIFITM increased with different degrees in vitro. An animal challenge study demonstrated CIV infection resulted in upregulation of caIFITM in beagles. caIFITMs had a similar subcellular localization to their human homologs. caIFITM1 was present at the cell surface and caIFITM3 was present perinuclearly and colocalized with LAMP1-containing compartments. Finally, we generated A549 cell lines stably expressing caIFITM and challenged them with influenza virus. The result demonstrated caIFITM1, caIFITM2a, caIFITM2b, and caIFITM3 had a potent antiviral activity against influenza virus. Our study will help better understand the evolutional pattern of IFITM and its role in the host’s defense against virus infection.
Low Frequency Ultrasound With Injection of NMO-IgG and Complement Produces Lesions Different From Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice
Authors: Xiang Weiwei , Xie Chong , Luo Jiaying , Zhang Wei , Zhao Xinxin , Yang Hong , Cai Yu , Ding Jie , Wang Yishu , Hao Yong , Zhang Ying , Guan Yangtai
Published: October 2021

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a relapsing autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, mainly targets the optic nerve and spinal cord. To date, all attempts at the establishment of NMOSD animal models have been based on neuromyelitis optica immunoglobulin G antibody (NMO-IgG) and mimic the disease in part. To solve this problem, we developed a rodent model by opening the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with low frequency ultrasound, followed by injection of NMO-IgG from NMOSD patients and complement to mice suffering pre-existing neuroinflammation produced by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In this study, we showed that ultrasound with NMO-IgG and complement caused marked inflammation and demyelination of both spinal cords and optic nerves compared to blank control group, as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) loss of spinal cords and optic nerves compared to EAE mice and EAE mice with only BBB opening. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed optic neuritis with spinal cord lesions. We further demonstrated eye segregation defects in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of these NMOSD mice.