bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of continuous straw returning on bacterial community structure and enzyme activities in rape-rice soil aggregates
Authors: Yuan Luhong , Gao Yue , Mei Ying , Liu Jiaren , Kalkhajeh Yusef Kianpoor , Hu Hongxiang , Huang Jieying
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the effects of straw returning on the bacterial community and enzyme activities of soil aggregates. A five-year field trial was carried out in a paddy soil with three treatments: no straw + no fertilization (CK), compound fertilizer (F), and straw returning + compound fertilizer (SF). Soil aggregates were classified into mega-aggregates (> 2 mm), macro-aggregates (0.25-2 mm), micro-aggregates (0.053–0.25 mm), and silt-clay (< 0.053 mm) using the wet sieve method. High-throughput sequencing was employed to characterize the bacterial community, and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to reveal the relationship among bacterial community, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and enzyme activities in soil aggregates. Compared with CK, the results showed that straw returning significantly increased and decreased the contents of > 2 and 0.053–0.25 mm aggregates by 10.64% and 34.15%, respectively. And the content of organic carbon and total nitrogen in aggregate with > 0.053 mm increased by an average of 20.61% and 24.22% respectively in straw returning. Furthermore, straw returning caused significant increases in urease and phosphatase activities of soil aggregates by 121.01% and 29.85%, respectively. Conversely, Chao and Shannon indices of bacterial community of soil aggregates with average decreased values of 2.93% and 0.93%, respectively. Nevertheless, the relative abundances of Chloroflexi, Acidobacteriota, and Nitrospirota increased by 19.07%, 2.58%, and 23.5% in straw amended soil aggregates compared with the conventional fertilization and CK treatments. Our results emphasized on the efficacy of straw returning to improve the soil health/quality through regulating soil structure, increasing the urease and acid phosphatase activities of soil aggregates, enhancing carbon and nitrogen content and change the bacterial structure composition.
Prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women and its differences across relevant subgroups in rural Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Chea Nana , Tegene Yadessa , Astatkie Ayalew , Mark Spigt
Published: September 2022

Background
Maternal undernutrition is one of the commonest public health problems in many low and middle income countries where generally more than 20% of women are undernourished. It is more common in rural areas due to unclear factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of undernutrition in general and in subgroups and determine risk factors among pregnant women in rural Ethiopia.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from April 30 to May 30, 2019 on 550 pregnant women who were randomly selected from six districts in southern Ethiopia. Trained and experienced nurses measured undernutrition using mid-upper arm circumference and collected other data. We used multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression to identify factors associated with undernutrition among pregnant women.
Results
The prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women was 38%; 95% CI: (34.2–42.3). The odds of undernutrition was higher among women who got pregnant previously (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.02–2.71), who had a history of miscarriage (AOR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.77–5.70), who practiced food taboos (AOR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.47–3.39) and who did not get any nutritional counseling during pregnancy (AOR: 2.97; 95% CI: 1.79–4.95). The prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women who had multiple risk factors was estimated to be 95%, corresponding to an OR of 6.95 (95% CI: 0.80- 60.41).
Conclusion
The prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women in rural Ethiopia was high. It was very high among women with multiple risk factors. Healthcare providers should be aware of the risk factors associated with undernutrition, and should be ready to intervene in these subgroups.
Combined application of antisense oligomers to control transcription factors of Candida albicans biofilm formation
Authors: Araújo Daniela , Gonçalves Bruna , Boas Diana Vilas , Rodrigues Maria Elisa , Henriques Mariana , Silva Sónia
Published: September 2022

Antisense oligomers (ASOs) have been little exploited to control determinants of Candida albicans virulence. Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor of C. albicans, that is regulated by a complex network of transcription factors (such as EFG1, BRG1 and ROB1). Thus, the main goal of this work was to project ASOs, based on the 2'-OMethyl chemical modification, to target BRG1 and ROB1 mRNA and to validate its application either alone or in combination with the EFG1 mRNA target, to reduce C. albicans biofilm formation. The ability of ASOs to control gene expression was evaluate by qRT-PCR. The effect on biofilm formation was determined by the total biomass quantification, and simultaneously the carbohydrates and proteins reduction on extracellular matrix. It was verified that all the oligomers were able to reduce the levels of gene expression and the ability of C. albicans to form biofilms. Furthermore, the combined application of the cocktail of ASOs enhances the inhibition of C. albicans biofilm formation, minimizing biofilm thickness by reducing the quantity of matrix content (protein and carbohydrate). So, our work confirms that ASOs are useful tools for research and therapeutic development on the control of Candida species biofilm formation.
Survival Benefit of Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy for Hormone Receptor Low-Positive Breast Cancer: A Propensity Score-Weighted Analysis
Authors: Ryu Han Suk , Jang Myoung-jin , Lee Kyung-Hun , Lee Han-Byoel , Moon Woo Kyung , Yoen Heera , Lee Su Hyun
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To investigate the survival benefit of adjuvant endocrine therapy in women with hormone receptor low-positive breast cancer.Methods: A retrospective search of the prospectively maintained database of our academic medical center identified women with unilateral hormone receptor low-positive (1–10%) primary invasive breast cancer who underwent surgery between January 2003 and December 2015. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between women who received and did not receive adjuvant endocrine therapy using propensity score-weighted analysis of clinical, imaging, and pathologic factors.Results: Of 448 women (median age, 51 years), 84 (19%) had recurrence (20 locoregional, 10 contralateral, and 54 distant metastases) and 51 (11%) died during a median follow-up of 7.9 years. The DFS and OS for women who received (n = 320) and did not receive (n = 128) adjuvant endocrine therapy were not different in the propensity score-weighted log-rank test (P = 0.43 for DFS; P = 0.48 for OS) and Cox proportional regression analysis (hazard ratio [HR] for DFS, 0.8; P = 0.42; and HR for OS, 1.3; P = 0.48). The survival benefit of adjuvant endocrine therapy was observed in the subgroup of women who did not receive adjuvant radiation therapy (HR, 0.5; P = 0.04 for DFS and HR, 0.4; P = 0.046 for OS) (P for interaction < 0.05).Conclusion: No survival benefit was observed with adjuvant endocrine therapy in women with hormone receptor low-positive breast cancer. Strategies are needed to optimize adjuvant endocrine therapy effectiveness in this population.
Folate receptor targeted nanoparticles containing niraparib and doxorubicin for treatment of high grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Lucy , Evans James C. , Ahmed Lubabah , Allen Christine
Published: September 2022

Combination chemotherapy is an established approach used to manage toxicities while eliciting an enhanced therapeutic response. Delivery of combinations of drugs in specific molar ratios has been considered a means to achieve synergistic effects resulting in improvements in efficacy while minimizing dose related adverse drug reactions.The benefits of this approach have been realized with the FDA approval of Vyxeos®, the first liposome formulation to deliver a synergistic drug combination leading to improved overall survival against standard of care. In the current study, we demonstrate the synergistic potential of the PARP inhibitor niraparib and doxorubicin for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Through in vitro screening in a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines, we find that niraparib and doxorubicin demonstrate consistent synergy/additivity at the majority of evaluated molar ratio combinations.Further to these findings, we report formulation of a nanoparticle encapsulating our identified synergistic combination. We describe a rational design process to achieve highly stable liposomes that are targeted with folate to folate-receptor-alpha, which is known to be overexpressed on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. With this approach, we aim to achieve targeted delivery of niraparib and doxorubicin at a pre-determined synergistic molar ratio via increased receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Hyperactivation of p53 using CRISPRa kills human papillomavirus driven cervical cancer cells
Authors: Idres Yusuf M , Lai Alan , McMillan Nigel , Idris Adi
Published: September 2022

Clinical trials and proof-of-concept pre-clinical work for different cancers has shown relatively positive outcomes and tumour killing when p53, a well-established tumour suppressor, levels and function is restored. Human papillomavirus (HPV) driven cancers encode the E6 oncoprotein that degrades p53 to allow HPV-driven carcinogenic process to proceed. Indeed, there have been several attempts in the past to revive p53 function in HPV driven cancers by pharmacological and genetic means to increase p53 bioavailability. Here, we employed a CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) approach to overcome HPV-mediated silencing of p53 by hyper expressing the p53 promoter. Hyperexpression of p53 led to HPV positive (+) cervical cancer cell killing and reduced cell proliferation. Increasing p53 bioavailability may have promising potential as a therapy for HPV driven cancers.
Are deforestation and degradation in the Congo Basin on the rise? An analysis of recent trends and associated direct drivers.
Authors: Shapiro Aurélie , d'Annunzio Rémi , Jungers Quentin , Desclée Baudouin , Kondjo Héritier , Iyanga Josefina Mbulito , Gangyo Fancis , Rambaud Pierrick , Sonwa Denis , Mertens Benoît , Tchana Elisée , Obame Conan , Khasa Damase , Bougouin Clement , Nana Tatiana , Ouissika Chérubins , Kipute Daddy
Published: September 2022

The Congo Basin hosts the largest continuous tract of forest in Africa, regulating global climate while providing essential resources and livelihoods for humans, while harbouring extensive biodiversity. The threats to these forests are expected to increase. A regional collaborative effort has produced the first systematically validated remote sensing assessment of deforestation and degradation in six central African countries for 2015-2020 period, along with a quantification of associated direct drivers of change. Deforestation and degradation (DD) are not observed to be increasing since 2017 are occurring primarily in already fragmented corridor forests. We assess multiple, overlapping drivers and show that the rural complex, a combination of small-scale agriculture, villages, and roads contributes to the majority of DD. Industrial drivers such as mining and forestry are far less common, although their impacts on carbon and biodiversity could be more permanent and significant than informal activities. Artisanal forestry is the only driver that is observed to be consistently increasing over time. Our assessment produces information relevant for climate change mitigation which require detailed information on multiple direct drivers to target activities and investments.
Stricture rate in patients after the repair of anorectal malformation following a standardized dilation protocol
Authors: Wehrli Lea A. , Reppucci Marina L. , Ketzer Jill , Torre Luis de la , Peña Alberto , Bischoff Andrea
Published: September 2022

Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine and analyze the stricture rate in patients who underwent a PSARP or PSARVUP and followed a post-operative protocol of anal dilation (Fig. 1).
Methods
A retrospective review of patients with anorectal malformation (ARM) who underwent a primary PSARP or PSARVUP from February 2016 to October 2021 was performed. Data collected included patients’ demographics, type of ARM, age at the time of operation, postoperative complications, with emphasis on whether there were any strictures or any difficulties during dilations, and on follow-up. During the surgical repair, emphasis was placed on preserving the blood supply of the bowel and performing a tension-free bowel-to-skin anastomosis.
Results
Eighty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Forty-four patients were females: 21 recto-perineal fistula, 12 cloaca, 9 recto-vestibular fistula, one imperforate anus without fistula, and one patient had a complex anorectal and vaginal malformation with an anal stricture and a rectovaginal fistula. Forty patients were males: 14 recto-perineal fistula, 11 recto-urethral bulbar fistula, 6 recto-urethral prostatic fistula, 6 imperforate anus without fistula, and 2 bladderneck fistula. One patient had an anal stenosis with sacral agenesis, without a presacral mass. Patient ages ranged from 0–79 months (mean 7.5 months, median 5 months) at the time of surgery. Follow-up time ranged from 7–73 months (mean 38 months, median 35 months). No patient suffered of a postoperative anal stricture. Six patients suffered of a rectal prolapse that required a surgical repair.
Conclusion
Post-operative anal stricture after PSARP and PSARVUP can be avoided with proper surgical technique and post-operative care. Namely, by preserving adequate blood supply of the bowel and avoiding tension at the anoplasty, and by adhering to a structured protocol of anal dilations.
Valuation of Rock Mass Classification and Rockfall Geohazard in Abandoned Limestone Quarry for Reclamation
Authors: Hussin Hamzah , Arifin Mohd Hariri , Rusydy Ibnu , Ghani Abdul Fahmi Abdul
Published: September 2022

The land reclamation of an area classified as geohazard-prone requires a comprehensive geological input before deciding on implementing sustainable and efficient development. The assessment of rock slope for quarry reclamation is crucial because quarry sites are exposed to geohazard events, particularly slope failure and rockfalls. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the stability and potential failure of three rock slopes, namely GG1, GG2, and GG3, at an abandoned limestone quarry site in Kinta Valley, Malaysia. The Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Slope Mass Rating (SMR) systems were utilised to assess the rock mass classification, while the rockfall analysis was performed to analyse the trajectory of the rock block. The slope kinematic analysis was also carried out to determine the potential mode of failure. The rockfall scenarios were simulated based on the input data of rock material properties to evaluate the safety aspect of the site for future urban development. The RMR system indicated that the quality of the rock mass was good and very good, while the SMR ranging from moderate to very good. The kinematic stability analysis for three slopes indicated the potential of a wedge, planar, and toppling failure. The analysis of the rockfall trajectory showed that the maximum rolling distance of the rock block was up to 5 m from the toe of the slope. Thus, the study proposed the construction of a buffer zone at least 20 m from the rock slope as a mitigation approach to avoid potential rockfall geohazard.
Expected Risk as basis for assessment of safe use of chemicals
Authors: de Meent Dik van , de Zwart Dick , Struijs Jaap , Hermens Joop L.M. , Straalen Nico M. , Haan Klaas H. , Parsons John R. , de Voogt Pim , Leeuwen Kees
Published: September 2022

This paper describes a straightforward modeling procedure to derive ‘expected risk’ (ER) of chemical substances. Starting from proposed use volumes, intended uses, physical and chemical substance properties and toxicity information,the procedure combines multimedia environmental fate modeling with species sensitivity modeling to derive the probability that exposure concentrations exceed critical effect concentrations. The procedure was tested on 1977 so-called mono-constituent organic chemicals that had been registered to be marketed in the EU, after ‘possibility to be used safely’ had been demonstrated by showing that the possible Risk Quotients (RQ) defined as PEC/PNEC ratios (Predicted Exposure Concentration & Predicted No Effect Concentration) were expected to remain below the value of 1, as required by REACH. It appears from this study that (i) RQ and ER of chemicals can be calculated readily, reliably, transparently and reproducibly, that (ii) both RQand ER can be used to assess whether a new chemical may exceed a chosen acceptability level, and that (iii) ER can be straightforwardly used to rank chemicals according to expected environmental safety. In conclusion, the paper states that modeling ER of chemicals (instead of estimating RQ values), could strengthen the scientific basis of environmental risk assessment for use in REACH.
Environmental multi-hazard assessment and its importance role in land use planning and hazard management
Authors: Pourghasemi Hamid Reza , Pouyan Soheila , Bordbar Mojgan , Clague John J.
Published: September 2022

Protection against natural hazards is vital in land-use planning, especially in high-risk areas. Multi-hazard susceptibility maps can be used by land-use manager to guide urban development, so as to minimize the risk of natural disasters. The objective of the present study was to use five machines based on learning methods to produce multi-hazard susceptibility maps in Khuzestan Province, Iran. The first step in the study was to create four different natural hazards (floods, landslides, forest fires, and earthquakes) using support vector machine (SVM), boosted regression tree (BRT), random forest (RF), maximum entropy (MaxEnt), and learning-ensemble techniques. Effective factors used in the study include elevation, slope degree, slope aspect, rainfall, temperature, lithology, land use, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), wind exposition index (WEI), topographic wetness index (TWI), plan curvature, drainage density, distance from roads, distance from rivers, and distance from villages. The spatial earthquake hazard in the study area was derived from a peak ground acceleration (PGA) susceptibility map. The second step in the study was to combine the model-generated maps of the four hazards in a reliable multi-hazard map. The mean decrease Gini (MDG) method was used to determine the level of importance of each effective factor on the occurrence of landslides, floods, and forest fires. Finally, “area under the curve” (AUC) values were calculated to validate the forest fire, flood, and landslide susceptibility maps and to compare the predictive capability of the machine learning models. The RF model yielded the highest AUC values for the forest fire, flood, and landslide susceptibility maps, specifically, 0.81, 0.85, and 0.94, respectively.
Unsupervised Ensemble Learning Using High-dimensional Spectroscopy Data of Organic Compounds
Authors: He Kedan , Massena Djenerly G.
Published: September 2022

Cluster ensemble (CE) is an ensemble learning strategy for unsupervised learning (clustering) that uses a set of clustering solutions to achieve more comprehensive clustering results than traditional single clustering approaches. This meta-learning formalism helps users overcome the dilemma of choosing the appropriate clustering algorithm and parameters for a given data set. Unfortunately, not all clustering solutions in the ensemble contribute to the final data partition. Cluster ensemble selection (CES) aims at selecting a subset from a large library of clustering solutions to form a smaller cluster ensemble that performs as well as or better than the set of all available clustering solutions. In this paper, we investigate four CES methods for the categorization of structurally distinct organic compounds using high-dimensional IR and Raman spectroscopy data. Single quality selection (SQI) forms a subset of the ensemble by selecting the highest quality ensemble members. The Single Quality Selection (SQI) method is used with various quality indices to select subsets by including the highest quality ensemble members. The Bagging method, usually applied in supervised learning, ranks ensemble members by calculating the normalized mutual information (NMI) between ensemble members and consensus solutions generated from a randomly sampled subset of the full ensemble. The hierarchical cluster and select method (HCAS-SQI) uses the diversity matrix of ensemble members to select a diverse set of ensemble members with the highest quality. Furthermore, a combining strategy can be used to combine subsets selected using multiple quality indices (HCAS-MQI) for the refinement of clustering solutions in the ensemble. The IR + Raman hybrid ensemble library is created by merging two complementary “views” of the organic compounds. This inherently more diverse library gives the best full ensemble consensus results. Overall, the Bagging method is recommended because it provides the most robust results that are better than or comparable to the full ensemble consensus solutions.
Bimodal effect of ketamine on neurotrophic factors and inflammatory parameters in cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis model
Authors: Valvassori Samira S. , Réus Gislaine Z. , Mastella Gustavo A. , Marino Debora P. , Coan Camila , Possamai-Della Taise , Aguiar-Geraldo Jorge M. , Pescador Bruna , Quevedo João , Dal-Pizzol Felipe , Zugno Alexandra Ioppi
Published: September 2022

Background: Studies have demonstrated an
important impact of systemic inflammation in the central nervous
system, which could be related to psychiatric disorders’
pathophysiology. Ketamine can have anti-inflammatory proprieties,
but dose-dependently effects need to be studied.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of different
doses of ketamine on levels of neurotrophins and inflammatory
cytokines in the brains of rats.

Methods: Wistar rats were submitted to the
cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis. Thirty days
after the CLP procedure, the rats received an intraperitoneal
injection (i.p.) of ketamine (5, 15, or 25 mg/kg) or saline, once a
day for seven days. The rats were killed 30 minutes after the last
i.p. injection. The frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum were
dissected for analysis of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, BDNF, NGF,
NT-3, and GDNF levels.

Results: CLP increased the levels of IL-1𝛽,
IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α levels in the frontal cortex and/or
hippocampus of rats. Besides, BDNF levels were decreased by CLP in
all structures analyzed. NGF and GDNF were decreased only in the
hippocampus. Ketamine at 5 mg/kg reversed all alterations caused by
CLP and per se increased the levels of BDNF and NGF in the
frontal cortex and/or hippocampus. Ketamine at 15 mg/kg increased
BDNF and NGF levels. In turn, Ketamine at 25mg/kg potentiates the
inflammatory injury on the brain induced by CLP.

Conclusion:We suggest that ketamine could work
differently in a systemic inflammation environment, and caution
needs to be taken depending on the inflammatory history of the
patient.
Comparison of Bowen Technique and Sustained Stretching Technique on Hamstring Flexibility in Asymptomatic Females
Authors: ilyas Hafiza Mahnoor ilyas Hafiza Mahnoor , Sanaullah Muhammad Sanaullah Muhammad , Memon Aamir Gul Memon Aamir Gul
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose: The hamstring muscle shortening occurs in normal person which can lead to movement dysfunction. There is a link between limited flexibility and the development of neuromusculoskeletal symptoms. The Bowen technique is used in connective tissue flexibility. This study aimed to determine the effects of the Bowen technique and sustained stretching on improving flexibility of the hamstring muscle in asymptomatic females. Methods: A randomized clinical trial study was conducted, from November 2020 to April 2021 in Mubarak Hospital Sargodha, Pakistan. 44 healthy females were allotted into group A and group B. Group A received Bowen therapy and Group B received sustained stretching technique for three weeks, both groups received these interventions three times per week. The readings were taken at baseline, after the 9th session, and at follow-up. Subjects were asked to come for follow-up after 1 week of the 9th session. Outcome measures included an active knee extension test and sit and reach test.Results: Out of 44 females, 22 were in each of the two groups. The mean age in our study was 28.66±2.787, height was 1.53±0.08, and weight was 54.43±4.88, also 29% of subjects were overweight, and 61% were normal weight based on body mass index. Findings revealed that a statistically significant difference was observed within-group analysis (P<0.001) and in Between-group analyses, no significant difference was observed (P>0.05) with respect to active knee extension and sit and reach test. Conclusion: Both Bowen and sustained stretching techniques were equally effective in improving hamstring flexibility in asymptomatic females. Physiotherapists can use either sustain stretching or Bowen techniques to improve hamstring flexibility.
Fake News Detection in Different Applications: State-of-the-art and Future Directions
Authors: Jolly Aman , Kumar Shailender
Published: September 2022

Social media platforms such as Telegram, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Facebook have grown indispensable for information exchange and delivery in recent years. Humans have a tendency to trust any piece of content that circulates on social media without questioning its authenticity or origin. Fascinated people sometimes spread fake news on social media because of its convenience for information sharing. Additionally, it is used for personal advantages, such as amending government policies and defaming eminent personalities. Hence, to avoid the fatal outcome of spreading fake news, different methods are developed for its identification that achieves high accuracy. This paper reviews conventional artificial news detection methods to solve the mentioned issue. The Systematic Literature Review, often known as SLR, is a procedure that assesses review papers connected to detecting fake news. A technique known as unsupervised learning was used for this article review, along with ensemble learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and supervised learning. This methodology's effectiveness is evaluated regarding the precision of the measurements taken. In conclusion, the deep learning model generates practical outputs and outperforms classical machine learning models.
Internalizing Problems as a Mediator for Quality of Life in Emerging Adults with and without Autism. A 10- year longitudinal study
Authors: Andersen Per Normann , Orm Stian , Fossum Ingrid Nesdal , Øie Merete Glenne , Skogli Erik Winther
Published: September 2022

Background
Individuals with autism tend to have a reduced quality of life across the lifespan. This reduced quality of life is a result of autism traits, mental distress, and poor person/environment fit. In the present study, we examined the mediating role of internalizing and externalizing problems on the relationship between having an autism diagnosis and perceived quality of life in a longitudinal design.
Methods
There were in total 66 participants in a combined group of emerging adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (mean age 22.2 years), and a group without autism (mean age 20.9 years) prospectively followed for ten years through three assessment waves at 12, 14 and 22 years. Participants filled out the Perceived Quality of Life Questionnaire. Total and indirect effects were tested in serial mediation analysis.
Results
Results revealed a significant effect of autism on quality of life. Internalizing problems at two-year follow-up significantly mediated quality of life in emerging adulthood while externalizing problems did not. The direct effect of autism on quality of life did not reach statistical significance after entering internalizing problems as a mediator.
Conclusion
There is a significant correlation between having autism and poor quality of life; however, this correlation is mediated by adolescent internalizing problems' impact on the current perceived quality of life.
Changes of ecological vegetation in major coal bases in north China
Authors: Hou Xinwei , Liu Lingxia , Li Xiangquan , Wang Zhenxing , Zhang Chunchao , Gao Ming , Ma Jianfei , Fu Changchang , Gui Chunlei , Zuo Xuefeng , Bai ZhanXue
Published: September 2022

China has fourteen large coal bases, twelve of which are located in the northern region. After years of coal mining, the ecological vegetation of the coal bases has changed. Taking FVC as the characterization index, typical coal bases in northern China were selected, and the changes of ecological vegetation in major coal bases in northern China were analyzed by trend analysis method and correlation analysis method according to the FVC interpreted by remote sensing. The results show that the spatial and temporal changes of FVC of coal bases in northern China are influenced by both natural and human factors. The Datong River basin of Qilian Mountain coal base is located in the alpine tundra, and from 2000 to 2010, the FVC showed an increasing trend as a whole, and the FVC of the mining area and its surrounding areas decreased; it was influenced by precipitation and temperature regionally, and the mine area and its surroundings were mainly influenced by coal mining. The coal base in the northern margin of Qaidam Basin is located in the Gobi-desert region, and the FVC shows an overall upward trend from 2000 to 2012, which is mainly influenced by natural factors, and the influence of coal mining is smaller and shorter. The Wulanmulun River Basin of Shendong Coal Base is located in the transition zone of Loess Plateau and desert, and the FVC decreased and then increased from 1994 to 2016, it is mainly affected by coal mining, ecological protection measures, precipitation and runoff. The Yanhe Spring Area of Jindong coal base belongs to the northern karst area, and the FVC increases overall from 1996 to 2021, and the vegetation cover of the densely populated area decreases, which is jointly influenced by precipitation, coal seam burial conditions, ecological protection measures and the production and living of the densely populated area. FVC in North China coal base is generally developing well, which is affected by climate warming and humidity change, coal seam burial conditions, coal mining methods, coal mining scale, mine restoration and management, ecological environment protection measures and other factors. The ecological vegetation of coal bases in northern China has gradually evolved from being influenced by natural factors to being influenced by both natural and human factors.
Microbiome V3/V4 gene amplicon profiling in Casuarina root nodules using Illumina Miseq NGS sequencing
Authors: M Narayanasamy. , R Lavania , K Kavinkumar , D Dhanasekaran , N Thajuddin
Published: September 2022

Actinorhizal plant Casuarina sp. root nodules were gathered from a variety of environments, including hypersaline, saline, estuarine, and terrestrial soil. The bacteriome DNA was extracted from surface sterile root nodules using an adapted high salt method. Using specific primers, the acquired DNA was amplified for the V3-V4 regions' bacteriome marker gene.The amplified PCR genes were sequenced using the Illumina Hiseq 2500 platform's 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing system. In total, we obtained sequence lengths ranging from 430 to 470 bp with sequence numbers ranging from 0 to 150000. The root nodule bacteriome community profiles of Casuarina sp. were disclosed using the QIIME (1.9.1) pipeline, which revealed the abundance of operational taxonomic units (OTUs). We found 38 OTUs that were abundant in the bacterial community in the root nodules of Casuarina sp. from four different habitats. In all habitats, the abundance of bacteriome communities such as Frankiaceae, Pseudonocardiaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, and Mycobacteriaceae was obtained at the family level at OTUs. Similarly, at the genus level, at the OUTS abundance of the bacteriome community, Frankia, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, and Mycobacterium were discovered. In comparison to other habitats, Pantoea is only prominent in hypersaline and estuarine environments. Frankia, Pseudomonas, and Mycobacterium were found in all habitats; however, with the exception of Pantoea, Frankia is more prevalent in all habitats than the other bacterial communities. As a result, research on the bacteriome of actinorhizal Casuarina root nodules demonstrated the relative abundance of unique bacterial communities such as Pantoea, Mycobacterium, and Pseudomonas oryzihabitans in association with Frankia.
Effect of ethnicity on the plant species diversity in the traditional agroforestry system of upper Brahmaputra valley region of Northeast India
Authors: Dutta Madhusmita , Deb Panna , Das Ashesh Kumar
Published: September 2022

The traditionally rich agroforestry systems are usually sustained on the basis of choice, need and importance of plants. Indigenous knowledge of ethnic communities is associated with the inherent tradition of natural resource conservation based on their customary religious beliefs. The present study aims to assess plant species diversity and understand the effect of various factors on the plant diversity of home garden agroforestry system among three ethnic tribes of Dhemaji district viz. Mishing, Bodo and Sonowal Kachari residing in the unique floodplain system of Brahmaputra valley region of Assam, Northeast India. A total of 368 plant species were recorded with herbs being the most abundant (159 species) followed by trees (148 species) and shrubs (63 species). The Sonowal Kachari home gardens with 294 species contributed higher species richness followed by Mishing (244 species) and Bodo tribe (214 species). Sorenson similarity index revealed high similarity in plant species composition between the Mishing and Sonowal Kachari tribe home gardens in comparison to others. Home garden size and proximity of gardens to major roadways had a significant positive effect on species richness and diversity of plant, while duration of flood and ethnicity had a negative effect on the same. Home gardens may prove to be an important and effective component in formulating robust strategies for management and conservation of plant species having high economic prospect especially in the flood prone areas. The information generated from the present study will help to develop a better understanding of the agroforestry system of the ethnic communities, their preferences of plantation and development of home garden agroforestry systems towards achieving the goals of sustainable livelihood, while contributing to biodiversity conservation.
Effects of a dendritic cell vaccine loaded with whole tumor antigen in hu-PBL-SCID mice bladder cancer
Authors: Wang Bin , Song Jiwen , Chen Huiqing
Published: September 2022

The inhibitory effects of dendritic cell (DC) vaccine loaded with whole tumor antigen on bladder cancer model in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice was ivestigated. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from human peripheral blood, and were induced into DCs by co-culture with recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) and recombinant human interleukin 4 (rhIL-4) in vitro. DC vaccine was prepared by co-culturing with whole tumor antigen. The animal model of tumor-bearing mice was established by SCID mice intraperitoneally injected with 4×107 human peripheral blood lymphocytes (hu-PBL) and subcutaneously injected with 3×106 T24 cells. Human IgG level in the blood of mice was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (EILSA), and human CD3+, CD4+, CD8+T cells in blood and spleen cells of mice were detected by flow cytometry (FCM) analysis. Animals were randomly divided into three groups, and then received the DCs, DC vaccine or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at the 5th and 6th week after injection of tumor cells. The weight of tumor were recorded. Fuorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (FQ-RT-PCR) was used to detect the matrix metalloproteinases-7 (MMP-7) mRNA expression in tumor tissue. The weight of tumor and MMP-7 mRNA expression in tumor tissue of mice treated with DC vaccine was significantly lower than those in PBS group (P < 0.01). DC vaccine had an anti-tumor effect on hu-PBL-SCID mice bladder cancer model.
On the Boundedness solutions of the difference equation xn+1=axan+bxan-1, 0< a ≤ 2 and its application in medicine
Authors: Rafik Zeraoulia , Salas Alvaro humberto , Martinez Lorenzo
Published: September 2022

Recently, mathematicians have been interested in studying the theory of discrete dynamical system, specifically difference equation, such that considerable works about discussing the behavior properties of its solutions (boundedness and unboundedness) are discussed and published in many areas of mathematics which involves several interesting results and applications in applied mathematics and physics, One of the most important discrete dynamics which is become of interest for researchers in the field is the rational dynamical system. In this paper we may discuss qualitative behavior and properties of the difference equation xn+1=ax2n+bx2n-1 with a and b are two parameters and we shall show its application to medicine
Staple line reinforcement for intracorporeal anastomosis reduces time for reconstruction during laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer Running Τitle: Staple line reinforcement for gastric cancer
Authors: Namikawa Tsutomu , Utsunomiya Masato , Yokota Keiichiro , Munekage Masaya , Uemura Sunao , Maeda Hiromichi , Kitagawa Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Michiya , Hanazaki Kazuhiro
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Despite the widespread use of laparoscopic surgery, intracorporeal anastomosis remains a complicated procedure. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of novel staple line reinforcement (SLR) during laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
Methods
This study included 30 patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer at Kochi Medical School between November 2021 and May 2022. A review of these patients was conducted, and perioperative outcomes were compared according to the use of SLR.
Results
The reconstruction time using SLR was significantly shorter than that for when SLR was not used (20.5 min vs. 32.0 min, P = 0.048). The incidence of hemostasis during anastomosis was significantly lower in the SLR group than in the non-SLR group (0 vs. 3 times, P = 0.041). There were no significant differences in the operating time and estimated blood loss after surgery between the two groups. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in postoperative complications or nutritional status between the two groups.
Conclusions
The results demonstrated the usefulness of SLR, which could reduce the time for intracorporeal reconstruction during laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
Assessing the Economic Benefits of Forest Management from Pure Forest into Mixed Forest Considering Various Harvesting Intensity and Carbon Payment
Authors: Lin Yow-Ru , Liu Wan-Yu
Published: September 2022

Applying clear-cutting to an even-aged pure forest is a conventional forest operation for wood production. However, this kind of operation is not suitable for sustainable management with multiple objectives. In contrast, mixed-forest is a forestation strategy that accommodates diversity. The goal of this study was to assess an operation model that transforms from an even-aged pure forest into a uneven-aged mixed forest and to analyze the economics benefits considering the various harvesting intensity and carbon payment. Analysis in which an even-aged pure forest of Cryptomeria japonica was cut under a fixed harvesting intensity and replanted with the native broad-leaved tree species Cinnamomum camphora were conducted. In this study, the primary income for the forest owner was derived from wood sales and carbon payments. After deducting the costs of afforestation, management, and cutting, the land expectation value was estimated. This study explored strategies by which value could be increased in the transition from an even-aged pure forest to a mixed forest. Feasible methods included reducing the costs of afforestation, management, and cutting while increasing carbon prices to increase profits from wood and carbon income. Higher harvesting intensity could contribute to greater production of Cryptomeria japonica and increase the area available for ​​planting Cinnamomum camphora, resulting in greater profits from wood and carbon income. The net present value from market value would be from –8,428 USD/ha to –2,446 USD/ha and that from carbon value will be from 5,151 USD/ha to 6,895 USD/ha. However, this measure would also substantially affect forest ecology. A sole focus on increasing the production value of forestland will neglect the original goal of transforming from an even-aged pure forest into a mixed forest.
Nitrous oxide emissions from northern barley croplands after injections of liquid manure and nitrification inhibitors
Authors: Lin Sisi , Ramirez Guillermo Hernandez , Kryzanowski Len , Lohstraeter Germar , Wallace Trevor
Published: September 2022

Increasing contributions of nitrous oxide (N2O) from agriculture to the atmosphere is a concern. We quantified N2O emissions from barley fields after repeated injections of liquid manure in Central Alberta, Canada. Manure alone was injected in the fall or spring, and we also evaluated two nitrification inhibitors (NIs: nitrapyrin and DMPP) admixed with the manure. Flux measurements were done with surface chambers from soil thawing to freezing. Soil moisture, ammonium and nitrate were repeatedly measured. Across all manure treatments, annual N2O emissions ranged broadly from 1.3 up to 15.8 kg N2O–N ha− 1, and likewise, the direct emission factor (EFd) varied widely from 0.23 up to 2.91%. When comparing the manure injections without NIs, spring-manure had higher annual N2O EFd than fall-manure. The effectiveness of NIs on reducing emissions manifested only in moist soils. The spring thaw after the last manure injections was very wet, and this generated high N2O emissions from soils that had received repeated manure injections in the previous years. We interpreted this result as an increased differential residual effect in soils amended with spring-manure in the previous growing season. This outcome supports the need to account for emissions in succeeding springs when estimating N2O EFd of manure injections. Neglecting this residual spring-thaw N2O emission would lead to a substantial underestimation of year-round EFd. Across all treatment combinations, increased spring-thaw N2O emissions were associated with increases in both moisture and postharvest nitrate in these heavily-manured soils.
Digital Model and Assembling of a Lathe
Authors: Besedin M. , Popowska M. , Ivanov V. , Trojanowska J.
Published: September 2022

The article aims at developing a digital model of a lathe and the related technology for its assembling. The study is based on analyzing the service purpose and technological capabilities of modern modular machine tools, justification and development of the machine tool design according to the specified production conditions, and development of a technological process for assembling the proposed modular machine tool. The geometric modeling techniques and the design documentation were implemented to justify the rational choice of design parameters of the machine tool design and its spatial model. The proposed approach also considers structural elements and the relationships between them. As a result, a conceptual approach was proposed to design technological processes of lathe assembly with a wide range of technological capabilities. It allows implementation of the up-to-date strategy from idea to finished product at industrial enterprises. The practical significance of the obtained results for the machine-building industry is in the proposed practical recommendations for developing the technological process for assembling lathes.
Investigation on the Rheological Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Javanbakht T.
Published: September 2022

This paper focuses on studying the rheological properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This polymer has been used to fabricate membranes and filters in engineering. The analysis of the rheological properties of this polymer is required for a further investigation of its mechanical behavior. In this study, the rheological behavior of PDMS is reported at different temperatures. This polymer showed steady shear viscosity during a short duration. However, this behavior changed with time and increased more with increasing temperature. The impact of the temperature increase was also observed when the shear viscosity of PDMS increased with shear strain. The increase of torque with shear strain and time was observed at different temperatures. Shear stress increased linearly with the shear rate at 20 °C and 40 °C. As expected, the deformation of the polymer required less shear stress with the increase of temperature. However, the change of shear stress with the shear rate at 60 °C was not linear, and the slope of the curve increased more at high shear rates. The results of this investigation can provide the required information for a better fabrication of membranes and filters with this polymer.
Performance of Onion Cultivars in the Treasure Valley of Eastern Oregon and Southwestern Idaho in 2010–20
Authors: Feibert Erik , Shock Clint , Reitz Stuart , Rivera Alicia , Wieland Kyle
Published: September 2022

Each year ≈24,000 acres of onions (Allium cepa) are produced in the Treasure Valley of eastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho, which accounts for 20% of U.S. dry-bulb onion acreage. Onions in this region are long-day onions and are irrigated by either furrow irrigation or drip irrigation, with drip irrigation having become the predominant system in the past 10 years. Onion production in the Treasure Valley faces many biotic pressures and changing market conditions that renders cultivar development and testing of critical importance to the onion industry. Direct-seeded yellow, white, and red onion cultivars have been evaluated yearly at the Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, in Ontario, OR, USA, since 1975. From 2010 to 2020, 10 onion seed companies participated in the trials. There were 21 to 32 yellow cultivars, two to 10 red cultivars, and one to seven white cultivars entered in the trial each year. Only five cultivars were entered all 11 years. Total yields for the yellow cultivars ranged from an average of 680 cwt/acre in 2010 to 1277 cwt/acre in 2018, and averaged 961 cwt/acre over the 11 years. Yield of yellow bulbs larger than 4 inches (colossal and super colossal) ranged from 13% in 2010 to 61% in 2018, and averaged 34% over the 11 years. Single centered yellow bulbs ranged from 46% in 2013 to 70% in 2014. Total yields for the red cultivars averaged 520 cwt/acre and total yield of white cultivars averaged 988 cwt/acre over the 11 years. Over the 11 years, single-centered bulbs of red cultivars averaged 65% and single-centered bulbs of white cultivars averaged 45%. Some newer cultivars show improvements in single centeredness, resistance to Iris yellow spot virus, and yield of larger bulbs over cultivar Vaquero, which was released in 1993, indicating the success of breeding efforts. Yields of five yellow cultivars that were in the trials every year since 2010, increased over time. This increase can be partly attributed to improvements in cultural practices over the years: adoption of drip irrigation, more intensive nutrient management, refined onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) control, and higher plant population.