bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information and Communication Technology Adoption and Life Insurance Market Development: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Sibindi Athenia Bongani
Published: November 2022

As part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), blockchain, fintech (financial technology), and insurtech (insurance technology) are some innovations that have been rolled out in the financial landscape and have captured the imaginations of policymakers and scholars alike. The African continent lags in embracing technology and is still grappling with financial access and enhancing financial inclusion. As such, it is bewildering whether African insurance markets are at a stage where they can leverage the possibilities offered by the 4IR. Against this backdrop, the aim of the study was to investigate whether information communication technology (ICT) adoption influences the development of African life insurance markets. We utilised a sample of 31 sub-Saharan African countries for the period 2005–2020. Panel data techniques were employed, and the pooled ordinary least squares, fixed effects, and random effect estimators were used to test the relationship between life insurance density and the measures for ICT adoption (proxied by fixed telephones, internet use, mobile cellular telephones, and broadband) as well as financial freedom being the control variable. We found that the life insurance market development variable was positively related to three of the four ICT adoption variables, namely, fixed telephone, mobile cellular telephone, and broadband. Further, the life insurance market development variable is positively related to the financial freedom variable. These findings suggest that ICT adoption fosters the development of the life insurance market in Africa. The findings also lend credence to the view that the degrees of financial freedom of insurance companies (who are unencumbered by regulations) have a bearing on the levels of insurance sales and, hence, promote life insurance access in Africa. The policy imperatives that flow from this study are that African governments must ensure that they (1) institute ICT adoption-friendly policies and (2) regulate the life insurance sector optimally, in order to foster the development of their life insurance sectors.
The Impact of Agricultural Digitization on the High-Quality Development of Agriculture: An Empirical Test Based on Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Tang Ying , Chen Menghan
Published: November 2022

To study the impact mechanism and effect of agricultural digitization on the agricultural field plays a vital role in achieving the target of high-quality agricultural development. There are three perspectives that can be taken to construct the framework of analysis as to the impact mechanism of agricultural digitization on the high-quality development of agriculture: enhancing agricultural production efficiency, optimizing resource allocation and upgrading the industrial structure. Besides, the threshold effect of the education level of the labor force is also analyzed. Based on China’s provincial panel data from 2011 to 2020, the two-way fixed effects model and threshold effect test model are applied to verify the research hypothesis. It has been discovered that agricultural digitization is conducive to promoting the high-quality development of agriculture. Heterogeneity analysis shows that agricultural digitization plays a more significant role in the eastern region than in the central and western regions. There is a single threshold effect that depends on the education level of the rural labor force in the promotion of agricultural digitization to high-quality agricultural development. When the threshold is exceeded, agricultural digitization plays a more significant role in promoting high-quality agricultural development. There are three policy suggestions made to conclude the study. The first one is to improve the construction of agricultural digitization infrastructure. The second one is to pay attention to the differences in the development degree and demand between regions in the process of agricultural digitization construction. The last one is to improve the quality of the rural labor force and the input of scientific and technological talents in the agricultural industry.
Human Rights and Large-Scale Carbon Dioxide Removal: Potential Limits to BECCS and DACCS Deployment
Authors: Günther Philipp , Ekardt Felix
Published: November 2022

Negative emissions technologies (NETs) approaches are an essential part of virtually any scenario in which global warming is limited to 1.5 °C in accordance with the Paris Agreement. Discussions often focus on two technologies due to their substantial carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration potential: bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS). However, the large-scale deployment of both technologies—especially BECCS—may lead to significant human rights infringements. This paper aims to analyze the impact of both technologies on human rights from the methodological perspective of a legal interpretation of international law. It shows that a large-scale BECCS strategy, which inevitably requires enormous land-use changes, will most likely infringe upon the right to food, the right to water, and the right to a healthy environment. In contrast, large-scale DACCS approaches will likely have a smaller human rights impact, but the energy-intensive process could also infringe upon the right to energy. Balancing these human rights with other freedom rights, e.g., of consumers and enterprises, the paper will further demonstrate that from the perspective of human rights, rapid emission reductions and the minimization of livestock farming—and also less risky nature-based options such as peatland and forest management—should prevail before any large-scale industrial NET strategies.
Spatiotemporal Evolution of Mountainous Ecosystem Services in an Arid Region and Its Influencing Factors: A Case Study of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang
Authors: Lu Yayan , Xu Xiaoliang , Zhao Junhong , Han Fang
Published: November 2022

Mountainous ecosystems provide humans with multiple ecosystem services (ESs), but global changes and anthropogenic activities threaten the supply of such services in arid regions. To maintain regional ecological security and achieve ecosystem sustainability, it is quite essential to understand the spatiotemporal characteristics of mountainous ESs in arid regions and clarify the main driving factors of different ESs. Using the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and tradeoffs (InVEST) and revised universal soil-loss equation (RUSLE) models, we evaluated the ESs provided by the Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang from 2000 to 2020. The research showed that: (i) over the 20 years in question, habitat quality and carbon storage remained relatively stable, while soil retention and water yield fluctuated significantly. (ii) All ES pairs exhibited synergies. Spatial synergy areas were concentrated in the northwestern and southwestern areas; spatial trade-off areas alternated with spatial synergy areas. (iii) Hotspots with at least two ESs covered 73% of the study region. Middle- and high-altitude areas were the main supply areas of ES. (iv) Land-use types were the dominant driving factor of habitat quality and carbon storage, while mean annual precipitation had the strongest explanatory power for water yield. Soil retention was mainly affected by mean annual temperature and the normalized difference vegetation index. Our findings could provide guidance for policymakers when developing measures for ecosystem conservation and management.
Subretinal Transplant of Human Amniotic Membrane in Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Caporossi Tomaso , Scampoli Alessandra , Baldascino Antonio , Gambini Gloria , Pacini Bianca , Governatori Lorenzo , Bacherini Daniela , Carlà Matteo Mario , Crincoli Emanuele , Rizzo Clara , Kilian Raphael , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: November 2022

Macular neovascularization (MNV) and geographic atrophy can complicate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and lead to severe visual acuity reduction. Despite the medical treatments available, with a defect in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) there is no possibility of restoring acceptable visual acuity. We evaluated postoperative outcomes in patients affected by advanced AMD who underwent subretinal implant of the human amniotic membrane (hAM) as a source of pluripotent stem cells. This retrospective, consecutive, non-randomized interventional study included 23 eyes of 21 patients affected by AMD complicated by MNV, and five eyes of five patients affected by geographic atrophy. All eyes underwent a pars plana vitrectomy, neovascular membrane removal for the MNV group, a subretinal implant of hAM, and gas tamponade, and were followed for 12 months. The primary study outcome was visual acuity improvement. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, OCT-angiography parameters correlated with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and MNV recurrence. The mean preoperative BCVA was 1.9 logMAR, and the mean final BCVA value was 1.2 logMAR. In the MNV group, the mean BCVA improved from 1.84 logMAR to 1.26 logMAR, and from 1.84 logMAR to 1.32 logMAR in the geographic atrophy group. No MNV recurrence was evident in 12 months of follow-up. An OCT-angiography scan was used to evaluate the retinal vascularization in the treated eye, which showed a high correlation between BCVA and deep vascular density. This study demonstrates the hAM potential and safety in promoting a partial restoration of retinal function together with an increase in visual acuity.
Treatment of Severe Atopic Dermatitis with Dupilumab in Three Patients with Renal Diseases
Authors: Foti Caterina , Romita Paolo , Ambrogio Francesca , Manno Carlo , Filotico Raffaele , Cassano Nicoletta , Vena Gino Antonio , De Marco Aurora , Cazzato Gerardo , Mennuni Biagina Gisella
Published: November 2022

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease that can affect patients’ quality of life. Dupilumab is the first biologic agent approved for the treatment of patients with inadequately controlled moderate-to-severe AD and its mechanism of action is based on the inhibition of the interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 signaling. There are only a few data on the safety of dupilumab in AD patients with comorbidities, including kidney disorders. Materials and Methods: Descriptive retrospective series of three patients with chronic kidney diseases (Alport syndrome, IgA nephropathy, and hypertensive nephrosclerosis, respectively) receiving dupilumab for their concomitant severe AD. Results: Treatment with a standard dosage of dupilumab caused a relevant improvement of AD in all patients without any adverse events or worsening of renal function. In a patient with severe renal failure, the drug was effective and well tolerated without the need for any dose adjustments, also after the initiation of peritoneal dialytic treatment. Conclusion: Our case series suggests the use of dupilumab as an effective and safe treatment for AD patients suffering from renal diseases, although additional studies are required to confirm such preliminary findings.
Magnetic Semiconductors as Materials for Spintronics
Authors: Telegin Andrei , Sukhorukov Yurii
Published: November 2022

From the various aspects of spintronics the review highlights the area devoted to the creation of new functional materials based on magnetic semiconductors and demonstrates both the main physical phenomena involved and the technical possibilities of creating various devices: maser, p-n diode with colossal magnetoresistance, spin valve, magnetic lens, optical modulators, spin wave amplifier, etc. Particular attention is paid to promising research directions such as ultrafast spin transport and THz spectroscopy of magnetic semiconductors. Special care has been taken to include a brief theoretical background and experimental results for the new spintronics approach employing magnetostrictive semiconductors—strain-magnetooptics. Finally, it presents top-down approaches for magnetic semiconductors. The mechano-physical methods of obtaining and features of the physical properties of high-density nanoceramics based on complex magnetic oxides are considered. The potential possibility of using these nanoceramics as an absorber of solar energy, as well as in modulators of electromagnetic radiation, is shown.
A New Pre-Stretching Method to Increase Critical Flutter Dynamic Pressure of Heated Panel in Supersonic Airflow
Authors: Zhu Yuan-Cheng , Yao Guo-Feng , Wang Min , Gao Kui-Yang , Hou Qi
Published: November 2022

Numerical and analytical investigations were performed to study the panel flutter generated by the coupling of elastic and aerodynamic loads with thermal loads. Based on large deflection theory and piston aerodynamic theory, the nonlinear dynamic differential equations of heated panels with pre-stretch displacement are derived. The Galerkin method is applied to transform the continuous partial differential equations into a nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations. The analytical expressions of the flutter critical dynamic pressure and flutter frequency, the static divergence stability boundary and the Hopf bifurcation fluttering stability boundary for the initial equilibrium of the panel can be obtained through the algebraic criterion of the Hopf bifurcation. The results show that, compared to the non-pre-stretch condition, when the pre-strain of the panel was merely 0.0328%, the flutter critical dynamic pressure and flutter frequency increased by 380.78% and 223.43%, respectively. Moreover, the pre-stretching method can significantly enhance the capacity of the supersonic panel to sustain temperature loads.
Equivalence, Partial Order and Lattice of Neighborhood Sequences on the Triangular Grid
Authors: Nagy Benedek
Published: November 2022

In (digital) grids, neighbor relation is a crucial concept; digital distances are based on paths through neighbor points. Digital distances are significant, e.g., in digital image processing for giving an approximation of the Euclidean distance and allowing incremental algorithms on images. Neighborhood sequences (i.e., infinite sequences of the possible types of neighbors) are defining digital distances with a lower rotational dependency than the distances based only on a sole neighborhood. They allow one to change the used neighborhood condition in every step along a path. They are defined in various grids, and they can be periodic. Generalized neighborhood sequences do not need to be periodic. In this paper, the triangular grid is studied. An equivalence and two partial order relations on the set of generalized and periodic neighborhood sequences are shown on this grid. The first partial order, the “faster” relation, is based on distances defined by neighborhood sequences, and it does not provide a lattice but gives a relatively complex relation for neighborhood sequences with a short period. The other partial order, the relation “componentwise dominate”, defines a complete distributive lattice on the set of generalized neighborhood sequences. Finally, a relation of the above-mentioned relations is established. Important differences regarding the cases of the square and triangular grids are also highlighted.
Correction: Smirnov, S. A Guaranteed Deterministic Approach to Superhedging—The Case of Convex Payoff Functions on Options. Mathematics 2019, 7, 1246
Authors: Smirnov Sergey
Published: November 2022

The author is sorry to report that the statement in Proposition 1 in the paper [...]
Parallel Implementation of a Sensitivity Operator-Based Source Identification Algorithm for Distributed Memory Computers
Authors: Penenko Alexey , Rusin Evgeny
Published: November 2022

Large-scale inverse problems that require high-performance computing arise in various fields, including regional air quality studies. The paper focuses on parallel solutions of an emission source identification problem for a 2D advection–diffusion–reaction model where the sources are identified by heterogeneous measurement data. In the inverse modeling approach we use, a source identification problem is transformed to a quasi-linear operator equation with a sensitivity operator, which allows working in a unified way with heterogeneous measurement data and provides natural parallelization of numeric algorithms by concurrent calculation of the rows of a sensitivity operator matrix. The parallel version of the algorithm implemented with a message passing interface (MPI) has shown a 40× speedup on four Intel Xeon Gold 6248R nodes in an inverse modeling scenario for the Lake Baikal region.
Hateful Memes Detection Based on Multi-Task Learning
Authors: Ma Zhiyu , Yao Shaowen , Wu Liwen , Gao Song , Zhang Yunqi
Published: November 2022

With the popularity of posting memes on social platforms, the severe negative impact of hateful memes is growing. As existing detection models have lower detection accuracy than humans, hateful memes detection is still a challenge to statistical learning and artificial intelligence. This paper proposed a multi-task learning method consisting of a primary multimodal task and two unimodal auxiliary tasks to address this issue. We introduced a self-supervised generation strategy in auxiliary tasks to generate unimodal auxiliary labels automatically. Meanwhile, we used BERT and RESNET as the backbone for text and image classification, respectively, and then fusion them with a late fusion method. In the training phase, the backward guidance technique and the adaptive weight adjustment strategy were used to capture the consistency and variability between different modalities, numerically improving the hateful memes detection accuracy and the generalization and robustness of the model. The experiment conducted on the Facebook AI multimodal hateful memes dataset shows that the prediction accuracy of our model outperformed the comparing models.
Is NSGA-II Ready for Large-Scale Multi-Objective Optimization?
Authors: Nebro Antonio J. , Galeano-Brajones Jesús , Luna Francisco , Coello Coello Carlos A.
Published: November 2022

NSGA-II is, by far, the most popular metaheuristic that has been adopted for solving multi-objective optimization problems. However, its most common usage, particularly when dealing with continuous problems, is circumscribed to a standard algorithmic configuration similar to the one described in its seminal paper. In this work, our aim is to show that the performance of NSGA-II, when properly configured, can be significantly improved in the context of large-scale optimization. It leverages a combination of tools for automated algorithmic tuning called irace, and a highly configurable version of NSGA-II available in the jMetal framework. Two scenarios are devised: first, by solving the Zitzler–Deb–Thiele (ZDT) test problems, and second, when dealing with a binary real-world problem of the telecommunications domain. Our experiments reveal that an auto-configured version of NSGA-II can properly address test problems ZDT1 and ZDT2 with up to 217=131,072 decision variables. The same methodology, when applied to the telecommunications problem, shows that significant improvements can be obtained with respect to the original NSGA-II algorithm when solving problems with thousands of bits.
The Role and Mechanism of Hyperoside against Depression-like Behavior in Mice via the NLRP1 Inflammasome
Authors: Song Aoqi , Wu Zhenghua , Zhao Wenjuan , Shi Wenqing , Cheng Ru , Jiang Jingjing , Ni Zhuojun , Qu Han , Qiaolongbatu Xijier , Fan Guorong , Lou Yuefen
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Hypericum perforatum (HP) is widely used for depressive therapy. Nevertheless, the antidepressant effect and potential mechanism of hyperoside (Hyp), the main active component of HP, have not been determined. Materials and Methods: We performed ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole-time-of-flight–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology to analyze the components in HP. Using data mining and network pharmacology methods, combined with Cytoscape v3.7.1 and other software, the active components, drug-disease targets, and key pathways of HP in the treatment of depression were evaluated. Finally, the antidepressant effects of Hyp and the mechanism involved were verified in chronic-stress-induced mice. Results: We identified 12 compounds from HP. Hyp, isoquercetin, and quercetin are the main active components of HP. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP), the Analysis Platform, DrugBank, and other databases were analyzed using data mining, and the results show that the active components of HP and depression are linked to targets such as TNF-, IL-2, TLR4, and so on. A potential signaling pathway that was most relevant to the antidepressant effects of Hyp is the C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway. Furthermore, the antidepressant effects of Hyp were examined, and it is verified for the first time that Hyp significantly alleviated depressive-like behaviors in chronic-stress-induced mice, which may be mediated by inhibiting the NLRP1 inflammasome through the CXCL1/CXCR2/BDNF signaling pathway. Conclusion: Hyp is one of the main active components of HP, and Hyp has antidepressant effects through the NLRP1 inflammasome, which may be connected with the CXCL1/CXCR2/BDNF signaling pathway.
Management of Aesthetic and Functional Deficits in Frontal Bone Trauma
Authors: Dumitru Mihai , Vrinceanu Daniela , Banica Bogdan , Cergan Romica , Taciuc Iulian-Alexandru , Manole Felicia , Popa-Cherecheanu Matei
Published: November 2022

Frontal bone trauma has an increasing incidence and prevalence due to the wide-scale use of personal mobility devices such as motorcycles, electric bicycles, and scooters. Usually, the patients are involved in high-velocity accidents and the resulting lesions could be life-threatening. Moreover, there are immediate and long-term aesthetic and functional deficits resulting from such pathology. The immediate complications range from local infections in the frontal sinus to infections propagating inside the central nervous system, or the presence of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and vision impairment. We review current trends and available guidelines regarding the management of cases with frontal bone trauma. Treatment options taken into consideration are a conservative attitude towards minor lesions or aggressive surgical management of complex fractures involving the anterior and posterior frontal sinus walls. We illustrate and propose different approaches in the management of cases with long-term complications after frontal bone trauma. The team attending to these patients should unite otorhinolaryngologists, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, and maxillofacial surgeons. Take-home message: Only such complex interdisciplinary teams of trained specialists can provide a higher standard of care for complex trauma cases and limit the possible exposure to further legal actions or even malpractice.
The Use of Dynamic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (DCBT) in Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): A Theoretical Integration Initiative
Authors: Kaya M. Siyabend
Published: November 2022

Psychotherapy theorists can often become fervent advocates of the schools they follow and place the doctrines of the theories they adopt above all else. This situation can sometimes turn into a war of theories between researchers as well. However, therapists should not aim to shape therapy sessions according to their methods but to use them in line with clients’ needs. Although it is emphasised that the integration of both psychoanalytic and cognitive behavioural therapy techniques, which is going to be named dynamic cognitive behavioural therapy (DCBT) in this case report, will provide more effective and permanent treatment, a discernible gap exists regarding the integration of these theories and their use in psychotherapy. Taking into account this gap, it is considered important to use this approach with a client who has a social anxiety disorder (SAD). Therefore, this study aims to describe the almost forgotten DCBT approach step by step through a case report and reveal the effectiveness of this approach. As a result, DCBT seems to be effective in the treatment of SAD.
Vascular Diameter as Clue for the Diagnosis of Clinically and/or Dermoscopically Equivocal Pigmented and Non-Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinomas and Nodular Melanomas
Authors: Giuffrida Roberta , Conforti Claudio , Blum Andreas , Buljan Marija , Guarneri Fabrizio , Hofmann-Wellenhof Rainer , Longo Caterina , Paoli John , Rosendahl Cliff , Soyer H. Peter , Jurakić Tončić Ružica , Vezzoni Roberta , Zalaudek Iris
Published: November 2022

Background and objectives: Dermoscopy is a useful tool for the early and non-invasive diagnosis of skin malignancies. Besides many progresses, heavily pigmented and amelanotic skin tumors remain still a challenge. We aimed to investigate by dermoscopy if distinctive morphologic characteristics of vessels may help the diagnosis of equivocal nodular lesions. Materials and Methods: A collage of 16 challenging clinical and dermoscopic images of 8 amelanotic and 8 heavily pigmented nodular melanomas and basal cell carcinomas was sent via e-mail to 8 expert dermoscopists. Results: Dermoscopy improved diagnostic accuracy in 40 cases. Vessels were considered the best clue in 71 cases. Focusing on the diameter of vessels improved diagnosis in 5 cases. Conclusions: vascular diameter in addition to morphology and arrangement may be a useful dermoscopic clue for the differential diagnosis of clinically equivocal nodular malignant tumors.
Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) Alleviate Arsenic Toxicity in Soybean by Modulating Photosynthetic Function, Nutrient Uptake and Antioxidant Potential
Authors: Faizan Mohammad , Bhat Javaid Akhtar , El-Serehy Hamed A. , Moustakas Michael , Ahmad Parvaiz
Published: November 2022

The consequences of climate change, and the increased accumulation of metalloids, like arsenic (As), in the environment, are significantly affecting crop performance and yield. Arsenic interferes with various plant biochemical and physiological processes, which result in diminished plant growth and development. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) can improve plant growth and contribute to plant tolerance of heavy metal/metalloid toxicity. During current research, the efficacy of MgO-NPs was assessed for lessening arsenic (As) toxicity in soybean plants. In our experiment As uptake, plant growth, antioxidant enzyme activity, nutrient content, photochemical efficiency and photosynthetic performance were evaluated with/without exogenous application of 500 mg L−1 MgO-NPs in the presence/absence of 150 µM As in soybean plants. Foliar application of MgO-NPs, in the presence of As, enhanced plant height and dry weight by 17% and 15% respectively, and improved net photosynthetic rate by 12.9%, stomatal conductance by 13.4%, intercellular CO2 concentration by 15.3% and transpiration rate by 14.7%, as well as nutrient uptake and photosystem II (PSII) efficiency. In contrast, it decreased As uptake and oxidative stress as evaluated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Hence, field tests may be implemented to formulate MgO-NPs use in agriculture, in order to obtain sustainable crop production in arsenic-contaminated soils.
Process Optimization for Up-Facing Surface Finish of AlSi10Mg Alloy Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Gao Chaofeng , Tang Huaping , Zhang Shiheng , Ma Zhibo , Bi Yunjie , Rao Jeremy-Heng
Published: November 2022

This work investigates the effects of various processing parameters (laser power, scanning speed, hatch distance and beam offset) on the resultant inclined up-facing surface roughness of AlSi10Mg alloys produced by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). A two-step approach, orthogonal test followed by the Doehlert matrix design (DMD) test is used to efficiently optimize the up-facing surface and contour parameters. The former method aims to determine the significance of variables while the latter one facilitates a rapid optimization. The results show that the interaction and interdependency among the parameters are of great significance to the obtainable surface roughness. Using a rational design of experiments, the optimized up-facing surface roughness of Ra of 5.4 μm is achieved. This is attributed to the elimination of the laser partition track and the reduction in irregularities at the edges of the parts. This work demonstrates an effective approach of experimental processing parameter optimization to improve the surface finish of LPBF parts.
Finite Element Analysis and Validation of Segments C2-C7 of the Cervical Spine
Authors: Cheng Xuejin , Wang Tao , Pan Changjiang
Published: November 2022

As an important part of the human spine, the cervical spine has a complex structure and easily suffers from diseases. Analysis of the biomechanical mechanism of cervical spine structure using the finite element model is not only helpful for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cervical spine diseases but also has positive significance for the performance evaluation of cervical spine implants. In this paper, a method of establishing a cervical C2-C7 finite element model based on CT image data is studied. Through the preprocessing of cervical CT images, the C2-C7 three-dimensional finite element model of the cervical spine was established. The pure moment loads of 0.33 Nm, 0.5 Nm, 1 Nm, 1.5 Nm and 2 Nm were applied to simulate flexion/extension, and the moment of 1 Nm was used to simulate the left and right lateral bending and axial rotation of the cervical spine. The relative range of motion (ROM) between each vertebral body was calculated. At the same time, the stress on some segments under axial load was analyzed. The results were basically consistent with the experimental data of in vitro studies, which verified the validity of the model.
Metabolomic Analysis of Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial
Authors: McClain Kathleen M. , Sampson Joshua N. , Petrick Jessica L. , Mazzilli Kaitlyn M. , Gerszten Robert E. , Clish Clary B. , Purdue Mark P. , Lipworth Loren , Moore Steven C.
Published: November 2022

Background: In the US in 2021, 76,080 kidney cancers are expected and >80% are renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). Along with excess fat, metabolic dysfunction is implicated in RCC etiology. To identify RCC-associated metabolites, we conducted a 1:1 matched case–control study nested within the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial. Methods: We measured 522 serum metabolites in 267 cases/control pairs. Cases were followed for a median 7.1 years from blood draw to diagnosis. Using conditional logistic regression, we computed adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing risk between 90th and 10th percentiles of log metabolite intensity, with the significance threshold at a false discovery rate <0.20. Results: Four metabolites were inversely associated with risk of RCC during follow-up—C38:4 PI, C34:0 PC, C14:0 SM, and C16:1 SM (ORs ranging from 0.33–0.44). Two were positively associated with RCC risk—C3-DC-CH3 carnitine and C5 carnitine (ORs = 2.84 and 2.83, respectively). These results were robust when further adjusted for metabolic risk factors (body mass index (BMI), physical activity, diabetes/hypertension history). Metabolites associated with RCC had weak correlations (|r| < 0.2) with risk factors of BMI, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, and diabetes/hypertension history. In mutually adjusted models, three metabolites (C38:4 PI, C14:0 SM, and C3-DC-CH3 carnitine) were independently associated with RCC risk. Conclusions: Serum concentrations of six metabolites were associated with RCC risk, and three of these had independent associations from the mutually adjusted model. These metabolites may point toward new biological pathways of relevance to this malignancy.
Drought-Induced Xylem Sulfate Activates the ABA-Mediated Regulation of Sulfate Assimilation and Glutathione Redox in Brassica napus Leaves
Authors: Lee Bok-Rye , Park Sang-Hyun , La Van Hien , Bae Dong-Won , Kim Tae-Hwan
Published: November 2022

Drought intensity modifies the assimilatory pathway of glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Abscisic acid (ABA) is a representative signaling hormone involved in regulating plant stress responses. This study aimed to investigate an interactive regulation of sulfate and/or ABA in GSH metabolism and redox. The drought-responsive alterations in sulfate assimilation and GSH-based redox reactions were assessed relative to ABA responses on the time-course of drought intensity. Drought-responsive H2O2 concentrations were divided into two distinct phases—an initial 4 days of no change (Ψw ≥ −0.49 MPa) and a phase of higher accumulation during the late phase of the drought (days 10–14; Ψw ≤ −1.34 MPa). During the early phase of the drought, GSH/GSSG redox state turned to the slightly reduced state with a transient increase in GSH, resulting from a strong activation of H2O2 scavenging enzymes, ascorbate peroxidase (APOX) and glutathione reductase (GR). The late phase of the drought was characterized by a decrease in GSH due to cysteine accumulation, shifting GSH- and NADPH-based redox states to higher oxidization, increasing sulfate and ABA in xylem, and causing ABA accumulation in leaves. Regression analysis revealed that sulfate in xylem sap was positively correlated with H2O2 concentrations and ABA was closely related to decreases in the GSH pool and the oxidation of GSH catalyzed by glutathione peroxidase (GPOX). These results indicate that drought-induced oxidation proceeds through the suppression of GSH synthesis and further GSH oxidation in a sulfate-activated ABA-dependent manner.
Comparative Study of the Gut Microbiota Community between the Farmed and Wild Mastacembelus armatus (Zig-Zag Eel)
Authors: Liu Xiongjun , Fan Yuqin , Mo Tao , Chen Qingxiu , Chen Weiting
Published: November 2022

Cultivated and wild fish of the same species may exhibit different characteristics, such as in their flavor, growth and development. In some wild fish species, reproductive functions may even be retarded when wild individuals are moved into cultivated conditions. The gut microbiota may be one of the reasons for these phenomena as they have been reported to play an important role in host growth and development, as well as in normal reproductive functioning. Here, we used Mastacembelus armatus (zig-zag eel), a freshwater fish which shows anormal reproductive function in cultivated conditions, as a model to comparatively study the diversity, structure and function of gut microbiota in cultivated and wild groups by analyzing the 16S rRNA sequence of each group’s microbiota. The results showed that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla in the gut microbiota of wild (accounting for 45.8% and 20.3% of the total number of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, respectively) and farmed (accounting for 21.4% and 75.6% of the total number of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, respectively) zig-zag eel. Wild zig-zag eels (Shannon = 3.56; Chao = 583.08; Ace = 579.18) had significantly higher alpha diversity than those in cultivated populations (Shannon = 2.09; Chao = 85.45; Ace = 86.14). A significant difference in the community structure of the gut microbiota was found between wild and cultivated populations. The wild zig-zag eel showed a high abundance of functional pathways in metabolism, genetic information processing and organismal system function. These results suggested that the diversity and function of gut microbiota in zig-zag eel were correlated with their diet and habitat conditions, which indicated that the management of cultivated populations should mimic the wild diet and habitat to improve the productivity and quality of farmed zig-zag eel.
Interleukin-8 (IL-8) as a Potential Mediator of an Association between Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) and Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) among African Americans at Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Baginski Alyssa M. , Farmer Nicole , Baumer Yvonne , Wallen Gwenyth R. , Powell-Wiley Tiffany M.
Published: November 2022

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)—a microbial metabolite derived from the hepatic–gut axis—is linked to inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which is largely hepatically expressed, blocks low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor recycling, also leading to hyperlipidemia. The primary objective of this study was to investigate a previously hypothesized potential relationship between TMAO and PCSK9 in order to explore novel mechanisms linking TMAO and CVD risk. African American adults at risk of CVD living in the Washington DC area were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional community-based study (n = 60, 93% female, BMI = 33). Fasting levels of inflammatory cytokines (i.e., interleukin (IL)-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-8), TMAO, and PCSK9 were measured using Luminex and ELISA, respectively. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses and structural equation mediation analyses were conducted using STATA. All models were adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and atherosclerotic CVD risk score (ASCVD). A significant association between TMAO and PCSK9 was identified (β = 0.31, p = 0.02). Both TMAO and PCSK9 were significantly associated with IL-8 (TMAO: β = 0.45, p = 0.00; PCSK9: β = 0.23, p = 0.05) in adjusted models. Mediation analysis indicated that 34.77% of the relationship between TMAO and PCSK9 was explained by IL-8. Our findings indicate a potential PCSK9-involved pathway for TMAO and CVD risk, with potential mediation by IL-8.
Development of SFC-MS Method for Quantification of Eicosanoids Biosynthesized in Primary Human Blood Cells
Authors: Schmidt Louis , Burmeister Laura Sophie , Greinacher Andreas , König Stefanie , Garscha Ulrike
Published: November 2022

Eicosanoids are lipid mediators generated from arachidonic acid with pro- and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite these lipid mediators being known for decades, quantitative determination in biological samples is still challenging due to low abundance, instability, the existence of regio- and stereoisomers, and a wide polarity range that hampers chromatographic separation. In this study, we developed a supercritical fluid chromatography mass spectrometry (SFC-MS) platform for the quantification of relevant eicosanoids. Application of a chiral amylose-based column and modifier combination of 2-propanol/acetonitrile offered separation and sufficient resolution of 11 eicosanoids (5-, 12-, 15-HETE, PGB1, LTB4, t-LTB4, 20-OH-LTB4, PGE2, PGD2, PGF2α, TxB2) with baseline separation of isobaric analytes within 12 min. The method was validated in terms of range (78–2500 ng/mL), linearity, accuracy, precision, and recovery according to EMA guidelines. Finally, we confirmed the method’s applicability by quantifying eicosanoid levels in human primary blood cells. In conclusion, we present a validated SFC-MS method for the determination of relevant eicosanoids in biological samples with a wide range of polarity while maintaining baseline separation of isobars, which allows coupling to a single quadrupole mass detector.
Outdoor Inclined Plastic Column Photobioreactor: Growth, and Biochemicals Response of Arthrospira platensis Culture on Daily Solar Irradiance in a Tropical Place
Authors: Chrismadha Tjandra , Satya Awalina , Satya Ika , Rosidah Rosidah , Satya Azalea , Pangestuti Ratih , Harimawan Ardiyan , Setiadi Tjandra , Chew Kit , Show Pau
Published: November 2022

Implementation of outdoor photobioreactors has been challenged by an extremely oversaturated daily peak of solar irradiance. This study aims to understand the role of column size and paranet shading as well as to investigate the most convenient light control in outdoor cyanobacterial culture. The photobioreactor (PBR) consisted of plastic columns with a diameter of 12.74 cm (PBRd-20) and 31.85 cm (PBRd-50) laid outdoors and inclined at 158.22° upwards against solar radiation, while paranet shading was provided at 0%, 50%, 70%, and 90% shading capacity. A semi-continuous culture of cyanobacterium Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis was conducted for 6 weeks with weekly monitoring of the growth parameter as well as the proximate and pigments content, while the daily irradiance and culture maximum temperature were recorded. The result shows that the column diameter of 12.74 cm had a lethal risk of 44.7% and this decreased to 10.5% by widening the column diameter to 31.85 cm. This lethal risk can be eliminated by the application of a paranet at a 50% reduction level for the column diameter of 31.85 cm and a 70% reduction level for the column diameter of 12.74 cm. The highest culture productivity of 149.03 mg/(L·day) was achieved with a PBRd-20 with 50% shading treatment, but a PBRd-50 with 90% shading treatment led to an increase in the protein and phycocyanin content by 66.7% and 14.91%, respectively.
Integrating a Disaster Displacement Dimension in Climate Change Attribution
Authors: Thalheimer Lisa , Heinrich Dorothy , Haustein Karsten , Singh Roop
Published: November 2022

Populations around the world have already experienced the increasing severity of extreme weather causing disaster displacement. Anthropogenic climate change can intensify these impacts. Extreme event attribution studies center around the question of whether impactful extreme events could have occurred in a pre-industrial climate. Here, we argue that the next step for attribution science is to focus on those most vulnerable populations to future extremes and impacts from climate change. Up until now, the vulnerability dimension has not been systematically addressed in attribution studies, yet it would add urgently needed context, given the vast differences in adaptive capacity. We propose three integrative points to cascade disaster displacement linked to anthropogenic climate change.
Reducing Enteric Methanogenesis through Alternate Hydrogen Sinks in the Rumen
Authors: Choudhury Prasanta Kumar , Jena Rajashree , Tomar Sudhir Kumar , Puniya Anil Kumar
Published: November 2022

Climate change and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission from agriculture has resulted in significant pressure on the livestock industry for advanced practices that are environmentally more sustainable. Livestock is responsible for more than 15% of anthropogenic methane (CH4) emission via enteric fermentation and improved strategies for mitigating enteric CH4 production therefore represents a promising target to reduce the overall GHG contribution from agriculture. Ruminal CH4 is produced by methanogenic archaea, combining CO2 and hydrogen (H2). Removal of H2 is essential, as its accumulation inhibits many biological functions that are essential for maintaining a healthy rumen ecosystem. Although several other pathways occur in the rumen, including reductive acetogenesis, propionogenesis, nitrate, and sulfate reduction, methanogenesis seems to be the dominant pathway for H2 removal. Global warming is not the only problem associated with the release of CH4 from ruminants, but the released GHG also represent valuable metabolic energy that is lost to the animal and that needs to be replenished via its food. Therefore, reduction of enteric CH4 emissions will benefit not only the environment but also be an important step toward the efficient production of high-quality animal-based protein. In recent decades, several approaches, relying on a diverse set of biological and chemical compounds, have been tested for their ability to inhibit rumen methanogenesis reliably and without negative effects for the ruminant animal. Although many of these strategies initially appeared to be promising, they turned out to be less sustainable on the industrial scale and when implemented over an extended period. The development of a long-term solution most likely has been hindered by our still incomplete understanding of microbial processes that are responsible for maintaining and dictating rumen function. Since manipulation of the overall structure of the rumen microbiome is still a significant challenge targeting key intermediates of rumen methanogenesis, such as H2, and population that are responsible for maintaining the H2 equilibrium in the rumen could be a more immediate approach. Addition of microorganisms capable of non-methanogenic H2 sequestration or of reducing equivalents are potential avenues to divert molecular H2 from methanogenesis and therefore for abate enteric CH4. However, in order to achieve the best outcome, a detailed understanding of rumen microbiology is needed. Here we discuss some of the problems and benefits associated with alternate pathways, such as reductive acetogenesis, propionogenesis, and sulfate and nitrate reduction, which would allow us to bypass H2 production and accumulation in the rumen.
A 7.6-nW 1-kS/s 10-Bit SAR ADC for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Hu Yunfeng , Tang Bin , Hu Lexing , Liang Haibo , Li Bin , Wu Zhaohui , Liu Xiaojia
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a 10-bit successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter with energy-efficient low-complexity switching scheme, automatic ON/OFF comparator and automatic ON/OFF SAR logic for biomedical applications. The energy-efficient switching scheme achieves an average digital-to-analog converter switching energy of 63.56 CVref2, achieving a reduction of 95.34% compared with the conventional capacitor switching scheme for CDACs. With the switching scheme, the ADC can lower the dependency on the accuracy of Vcm and complexity of DAC control logic and DAC driver circuit. Moreover, dynamic circuits and automatic ON/OFF technology are used to reduce power consumption of comparator and SAR logic. The prototype is designed and fabricated in a 180 nm CMOS with a core size of 500 μm × 300 μm (0.15 mm2). It consumes 7.6 nW at 1 kS/s sampling rate and 1.8-V supply with an achieved signal-to-noise-and distortion ratio of 45.90 dB and a resulting figure of merit of 51.7 fJ/conv.-step.