bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aboveground carbon accumulation by second‐growth forests after deforestation in Hawai'i
Authors: Hughes Richard Flint , Grossman Dennis , Sowards Travis G. , Marshall Jonathan D. , Mueller‐Dombois Dieter
Published: January 2022

Successional processes ultimately determine and define carbon accumulations in forested ecosystems. Although primary succession on wholly new substrate occurs across the globe, secondary succession, often following storm events or anthropogenic disturbance, is more common and is capable of globally significant accumulations of carbon (C) at a time when offsets to anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are critically needed. In Hawai'i, prior studies have investigated ecosystem development during primary succession on lava flows, including estimates of C mass accumulation. Yet relatively little is known regarding secondary succession of Hawaii's native forests, particularly regarding C mass accumulation. Here we documented aboveground C mass accumulation by native‐ and nonnative‐dominated second‐growth forests following deforestation of mature native lowland rainforests in the Puna District of Hawai'i Island. We characterized species composition and stand structure of three distinct successional forest stand types: those dominated by the native tree, Metrosideros polymorpha (ʻŌhiʻa), and those dominated by invasive nonnative trees, Falcataria moluccana (albizia) and Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava). We compared M. polymorpha‐dominated and F. moluccana‐dominated second‐growth forests to adjacent mature M. polymorpha‐dominated forests as well as young M. polymorpha‐dominated forests undergoing initial stages of primary succession on 36‐years‐old lava fields. Aboveground carbon density (ACD) values of mature primary forest stands (171 Mg/ha) were comparable to those of mature continental tropical forests. M. polymorpha‐dominated second‐growth stands attained nearly 50% of ACD values of mature primary forests after less than 30 years of post‐disturbance succession and exhibited aboveground carbon accumulation rates of ~3 Mg C·ha−1·year−1. Such rates were comparable to those of second‐growth forests in continental tropics. Rates of ACD accumulation by second‐growth forests dominated by nonnative F. moluccana stands were similar, or slightly greater than, those of M. polymorpha‐dominated stands. However, M. polymorpha individuals were virtually absent from stands dominated by either P. cattleianum or F. moluccana. Taken together, results demonstrated that re‐establishment and rapid accumulation of C mass by M. polymorpha stands during secondary succession is certainly possible, but only where populations of nonnative species have not already colonized areas during early stages of secondary succession.
Establishing a chromatographic fingerprint using tandem UV/charged aerosol detection and similarity analysis for Shengmai capsule: A novel method for natural product quality control
Authors: Wu Linlin , Gong Xingchu , Pan Jianyang , Qu Haibin
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Shengmai San, a well‐known traditional Chinese medicine formula, is used to treat coronary heart diseases and myocardial infarction. The complex composition and complicated mechanism of the Shengmai preparations bring a significant challenge in the development of a suitable quality control method.

Objectives

This work aims to establish a chromatographic fingerprinting method and propose a weighting algorithm for application in fingerprint similarity analysis to ensure consistent quality of the Shengmai capsule.

Methodology

A chromatographic fingerprint method was established using tandem UV/charged aerosol detection (CAD) for Shengmai capsule quality control. After method verification, the developed method was applied to analyze 15 batches of the samples. Then a weighting algorithm of the fingerprint peak was proposed and used for the fingerprint similarity analysis.

Results

An HPLC‐UV/CAD fingerprint method was successfully developed for the Shengmai capsules. Chromatographic conditions of the HPLC‐UV/CAD method were optimized with a definitive screening design, and the optimized ranges of operating parameters were obtained with a Monte Carlo simulation method. The combined use of the proposed weighting algorithm and similarity analysis on fingerprint data improves the sensitivity of distinguishing batch‐to‐batch quality differences.

Conclusion

The developed HPLC‐UV/CAD fingerprint method is robust, reliable, and efficient. The proposed weighting algorithm combined with similarity analysis is promising and meaningful for the quality consistency assessment of HPLC‐UV/CAD fingerprints.
Incremental Kriging based online robust parameter design
Authors: Zhou Xiaojian , Wang Leyan , Jiang Ting , Zhou Zihan , Hu Xuelong
Published: January 2022

Traditional robust parameter design (RPD) is a useful tool for offline quality improvement, which is mainly applied to physical experiment. If the optimal setting for controllable factors is not desirable, the offline PRD cannot utilize the new‐obtained sample to update the optimal setting. In this paper, the offline RPD is extended to online PRD; and the background for RPD is enlarged from physical experiment to computer experiment, where the Kriging model is typically utilized to create a single response surface. In the process of building the incremental Kriging (IKriging), if the optimal setting is not desirable, it can be regarded as a new‐arrival sample with the online measurements of the noise factors to update the Kriging model. While constructing the response surface with the IKriging, it is updated according to the new‐arrival sample rather than the all (n+1) samples, substantially enhancing the efficiency of constructing the response surface. In the proposed IKriging based online RPD strategy, an appropriate algorithm is designed to numerically get the next optimal setting for the controllable factors, and a criterion is established to determine the next site for the noise factors to observe the response. By employing the IKriging model, the response surface can be online constructed efficiently, and furthermore the optimal setting for the controllable factor can be obtained immediately, meeting the requirement of online quality adjustment. The proposed methodology is confirmed using five examples, which illustrate that the underlying optimal settings can be found by utilizing the proposed IKriging based online RPD strategy for the computer experiment, and the IKriging based RPD method is preferable to existing online robust design methods.
Mechanical power of ventilation is associated with mortality in neurocritical patients: a cohort study
Authors: Jiang Xiaofeng , Zhu Yanhong , Zhen Shuai , Wang Lei
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to determine the predictive relevance of mechanical power in the clinical outcomes (such as ICU mortality, hospital mortality, 90-day mortality, length of ICU stay, and number of ventilator-free days at day 28) of neurocritical patients. This is a retrospective cohort analysis of an open-access clinical database known as MIMIC–III. The study included patients who had sustained an acute brain injury and required invasive ventilation for at least 24 h. Demographic parameters, disease severity scores (Glasgow coma scale), comorbidities, vital signs, laboratory parameters and ventilator parameters were collected within the first 24 h of ICU admission. The main outcome was the relationship between MP and ICU mortality. A total of 529 patients were selected for the study. The critical value of MP was 12.16 J/min, with the area under the curve (AUC) of the MP was 0.678 (95% CI 0.637–0.718), and compared to the GCS scores, the MP performed significantly better in discrimination (DeLong’s test: p < 0.001). Among these patients elevated MP was associated to higher ICU mortality (OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.06–1.17; p < 0.001), enhanced the risk of hospital mortality, prolonged ICU stay, and decreased the number of ventilator-free days. In the subgroup analysis, high MP was associated with ICU mortality regardless of ARDS (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.02, p = 0.009; OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.02, p = 0.018, respectively) or obesity (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.02, p = 0.012; OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.02, p < 0.001, respectively). In neurocritical care patients undergoing invasive ventilation, elevated MP is linked to higher ICU mortality and a variety of other clinical outcomes.
Parties and their environmental problem perceptions—Towards a more fundamental understanding of party positions in environmental politics
Authors: Pollex Jan , Berker Lars E.
Published: January 2022

Research on party differences in environmental policy, so far, has developed ambiguous results. While we, generally, assume parties to make a difference in policy-making, some scholars point to party indifferences in environmental issues. Thus, whether and how parties take different positions on the issue and whether their positions impact environmental policy output and outcome is still up for debate. To further our knowledge of party positions in this area, we propose to include parties’ perceptions of environmental problems when analysing their general stances. Based on pertinent policy analysis literature, we differentiate seven dimensions of environmental problems and develop an approach that we apply to party manifestos. By analysing the platforms of 20 parties from three European countries, we illustrate its potential contributions to established measurements based on CHES and CMP data. The analysis indicates that parties differ considerably concerning their problem perception ranging from simple to holistic views on environmental policy. Importantly, we can highlight some differences between parties otherwise omitted in existing measurements. Overall, our inquiry shows that some parties, e.g., Green parties, coherently show a holistic problem perception while others, e.g., Liberals, differ considerably, casting doubt on the assumption of clear-cut party family positions.
Exploration, Religion and Empire in the Sixteenth-Century Ibero-Atlantic World
Authors: Nieto Olarte Mauricio
Published: January 2022

The Iberian conquest of the Atlantic at the beginning of the sixteenth century had a notable impact on the formation of the new world order in which Christian Europe claimed control over a considerable part of the planet. This was possible thanks to the confluence of different and inseparable factors: the development of new technical capacities and favorable geographical conditions in which to navigate the great oceans; the Christian mandate to extend the faith; the need for new trade routes; and an imperial organization aspiring to global dominance. The author explores new methods for approaching old historiographical problems of the Renaissance – such as the discovery and conquest of America, the birth of modern science, and the problem of Eurocentrism – now in reference to actors and regions scarcely visible in the complex history of modern Europe: the ships, the wind, the navigators, their instruments, their gods, saints, and demons.
A survey on semantic question answering systems
Authors: Antoniou Christina , Bassiliades Nick
Published: January 2022

Recently, many question answering systems that derive answers from linked data repositories have been developed. The purpose of this survey is to identify the common features and approaches of the semantic question answering (SQA) systems, although many different and prototype systems have been designed. The SQA systems use a formal query language like SPARQL and knowledge of a specific vocabulary. This paper analyses different frameworks, architectures, or systems that perform SQA and classifies SQA systems based on different criteria.
Nanoscale mapping of optically inaccessible bound-states-in-the-continuum
Authors: Dong Zhaogang , Mahfoud Zackaria , Paniagua-Domínguez Ramón , Wang Hongtao , Fernández-Domínguez Antonio I. , Gorelik Sergey , Ha Son Tung , Tjiptoharsono Febiana , Kuznetsov Arseniy I. , Bosman Michel , Yang Joel K. W.
Published: January 2022

Bound-states-in-the-continuum (BIC) is an emerging concept in nanophotonics with potential impact in applications, such as hyperspectral imaging, mirror-less lasing, and nonlinear harmonic generation. As true BIC modes are non-radiative, they cannot be excited by using propagating light to investigate their optical characteristics. In this paper, for the 1st time, we map out the strong near-field localization of the true BIC resonance on arrays of silicon nanoantennas, via electron energy loss spectroscopy with a sub-1-nm electron beam. By systematically breaking the designed antenna symmetry, emissive quasi-BIC resonances become visible. This gives a unique experimental tool to determine the coherent interaction length, which we show to require at least six neighboring antenna elements. More importantly, we demonstrate that quasi-BIC resonances are able to enhance localized light emission via the Purcell effect by at least 60 times, as compared to unpatterned silicon. This work is expected to enable practical applications of designed, ultra-compact BIC antennas such as for the controlled, localized excitation of quantum emitters.
Implementation of the visual aesthetic quality of slope forest autumn color change into the configuration of tree species
Authors: Mu Yanxia , Lin Wenyue , Diao Xiuli , Zhang Zhe , Wang Jin , Lu Zijing , Guo Wencheng , Wang Yu , Hu Chunxiang , Zhao Changyou
Published: January 2022

Urban expansion leads to changes in the visual aesthetic quality and ecological degradation of the surrounding slope forest landscapes. Color is a crucial visual element to examine when viewing this large-scale slope forest landscape from a long distance. This is particularly true for the autumn color of slope forest, which is very attractive to the public. An exploration of the relationship between the change in color of a natural slope forest and its visual aesthetic quality enables the implementation of the configuration of superior aesthetic tree species. Therefore, it can provide aesthetic rules and a reference to configure local tree species to support their visual aesthetic quality, ecological sustainability and native biodiversity restoration in a local urban slope forest. However, such research is critically lacking. This study investigated the visual aesthetic quality of the color dynamics of a natural slope forest in Jiaozi Mountain, China in the autumn. We analyzed both the composition of tree species and the changes in color for each species of tree in nine forest sites that exhibited superior visual aesthetic quality. The results showed that the forests with superior visual aesthetic quality were more green, red, and yellow, had moderately higher saturation and value, more obvious color contrast, and diverse colors with primary and secondary contrast. Diverse and balanced color patches or a dominant color patch contrasted by many small patches with interspersed color components also highlighted the superior visual aesthetic quality of slope forest features. Different combinations of color features can result in high visual aesthetic quality. The 84 tree species in the superior visual aesthetic quality forests primarily displayed 10 types of color changes that varied as green, yellow, blue, red, withered yellow, withered red and gray.
Association between diabetes and food insecurity in an urban setting in Angola: a case–control study
Authors: Robbiati Claudia , Armando António , da Conceição Natália , Putoto Giovanni , Cavallin Francesco
Published: January 2022

Diabetes is common in urban settings in Sub-Saharan Africa. Household food insecurity has been suggested to increase the chance of developing diabetes among adults. The relationship between diabetes and food insecurity has not been explored in Angolan urban settings so far. This case–control (1:2) study investigated the association between diabetes and food insecurity among adults attending six healthcare facilities in Luanda (Angola) between April 2019 and September 2019. All subjects with fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels ≥ 126 mg/dl were included as cases. For each case, the next two subjects with FBG levels < 110 mg/dl were included as controls, to warrant the achievement of the set 1:2 ratio. Food insecurity was assessed using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). A total of 663 participants (221 cases and 442 controls) were enrolled in the study. Median FIES raw score was 7 (IQR 1–8) in cases and 5 (IQR 2–8) in controls (p = 0.09). The distribution of FIES levels (0–3; 4–6; 7–8) was different between cases and controls (p < 0.0001), with highest FIES scores (7–8) recorded in 53.0% of cases and 38.2% of controls. Our findings revealed an association between diabetes and severe food insecurity among adults attending healthcare facilities in the capital city of Angola.
Log interpretation method of resistivity low-contrast oil pays in Chang 8 tight sandstone of Huanxian area, Ordos Basin by support vector machine
Authors: Bai Ze , Tan Maojin , Shi Yujiang , Guan Xingning , Wu Haibo , Huang Yanhui
Published: January 2022

Resistivity low-contrast oil pays are a kind of unconventional oil resource with no obvious difference in physical and electrical properties from water layers, which makes it difficult to be identified based on the characteristics of the geophysical well logging response. In this study, the support vector machine (SVM) technology was used to interpret the resistivity low-contrast oil pays in Chang 8 tight sandstone reservoir of Huanxian area, Ordos Basin. First, the input data sequences of logging curves were selected by analyzing the relationship between reservoir fluid types and logging data. Then, the SVM classification model for fluid identification and SVR regression model for reservoir parameter prediction were constructed. Finally, these two models were applied to interpret the resistivity low-contrast oil pays in the study area. The application results show that the fluid recognition accuracy of the SVM classification model is higher than that of the logging cross plot method, back propagation neural network method and radial basis function neural network method. The calculation accuracy of permeability and water saturation predicted by the SVR regression model is higher than that based on the experimental fitting model, which indicates that it is feasible to carry out logging interpretation and evaluation of the resistivity low-contrast oil pays by the SVM method. The research results not only provide an important reference and basis for the review of old wells but also provide technical support for the exploration and development of new strata.
State social distancing restrictions and nursing home outcomes
Authors: Li Yue , Cheng Zijing , Cai Xueya , Mao Yunjiao , Temkin-Greener Helena
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 poses a disproportionate threat to nursing home residents. Although recent studies suggested the effectiveness of state social distancing measures in the United States on curbing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among the general population, there is a lack of evidence as to how these state orders may have affected nursing home patients or what potential negative health consequences they may have had. In this longitudinal study, we evaluated changes in state strength of social distancing restrictions from June to August of 2020, and their associations with the weekly numbers of new COVID-19 cases, new COVID-19 deaths, and new non-COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes of the US. We found that stronger state social distancing measures were associated with improved COVID-19 outcomes (case and death rates), reduced across-facility disparities in COVID-19 outcomes, and somewhat increased non-COVID-19 death rate, although the estimates for non-COVID-19 deaths were sensitive to alternative model specifications.
Manipulation of Majorana bound states in proximity to a quantum ring with Rashba coupling
Authors: Medina Fabián Gonzalo , Martínez Dunkan , Díaz-Fernández Álvaro , Domínguez-Adame Francisco , Rosales Luis , Orellana Pedro A.
Published: January 2022

The quest for Majorana zero modes in the laboratory is an active field of research in condensed matter physics. In this regard, there have been many theoretical proposals; however, their experimental detection remains elusive. In this article, we present a realistic setting by considering a quantum ring with Rashba spin-orbit coupling and threaded by a magnetic flux, in contact with a topological superconducting nanowire. We focus on spin-polarized persistent currents to assess the existence of Majorana zero modes. We find that the Rashba spin-orbit coupling allows for tuning the position of the zero energy crossings in the flux parameter space and has sizable effects on spin-polarized persistent currents. We believe that our results will contribute towards probing the existence of Majorana zero modes.
Taxonomic, structural diversity and carbon stocks in a gradient of island forests
Authors: Borges Silva Lurdes C. , Pavão Diogo C. , Elias Rui B. , Moura Mónica , Ventura Maria A. , Silva Luís
Published: January 2022

Assessment of forest ecosystems and their services is seen as a key action for the advancement of biodiversity objectives, and to inform the development and implementation of related policies and planning. The Azorean forest is important for timber production, the protection of soil and water resources, and for its recreational and aesthetic value. However, its role in carbon accumulation has not been fully addressed. We assessed plant diversity, forest structure and carbon stocks in a gradient of three forest types (Natural Forest-NF; Exotic Woodland-EW and Production Forest-PF) in three of the Azores islands. We used biodiversity indices and found that NF harbored the highest plant diversity levels and PF the lowest. Diversity levels were lower for structural than for taxonomic data, particularly for PF. The highest tree carbon stock was found at EW in one of the islands, while PF consistently exhibited relatively high tree carbon stocks in the three islands. The largest soil carbon stocks were found at EW, while leaf litter carbon stocks were higher at PF. We concluded that NF play a fundamental role as plant diversity hotspots but have lower relevance as carbon stocks what might be associated with montane environmental conditions. PFs provide economic assets and act as carbon sinks, while EWs play a major role as carbon sinks in soil, but also at tree level in the oldest forests.
Dynamic monitoring of vital functions and tissue re-organization in Saturnia pavonia (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae) during final metamorphosis by non-invasive MRI
Authors: Laussmann Tim , Urspruch Paul , Flocke Vera , Windfelder Anton G. , Aberle Hermann , Lunau Klaus , Flögel Ulrich
Published: January 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the key whole-body imaging technology for observing processes within a living object providing excellent resolution and contrast between soft tissues. In the present work, we exploited the non-destructive properties of MRI to track longitudinally the dynamic changes that take place in developing pupae of the Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia) during the last days before eclosion. While in diapause pupae, body fluid was almost homogeneously distributed over the internal compartments, as soon as wings, legs, flight muscles and the head region were fully developed, a significant redistribution of water levels occurred between thoracic and abdominal regions. During the last two days before eclosion, the developing moths transferred substantial amounts of liquid into the gut and the labial gland, and in case of females, into developing eggs. Concomitantly, the volume of the air sacs increased drastically and their expansion/compression became clearly visible in time-resolved MR images. Furthermore, besides ventilation of the tracheal system, air sacs are likely to serve as volume reservoir for liquid transfer during development of the moths inside their pupal case. In parallel, we were able to monitor noninvasively lipid consumption, cardiac activity and haemolymph circulation during final metamorphosis.
Development of highly sensitive metal-ion chemosensor and key-lock anticounterfeiting technology based on oxazolidine
Authors: Razavi Bahareh , Roghani-Mamaqani Hossein , Salami-Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: January 2022

Optical chemosensors and ionochromic cellulosic papers based on oxazolidine chromophores were developed for selective photosensing of metal ions and information encryption as security tags, respectively. The oxazolidine molecules have been displayed highly intense fluorescent emission and coloration characteristics that are usable in sensing and anticounterfeiting applications. Obtained results indicated that oxazolidine molecules can be used for selective detection of pb2+(0.01 M), and photosensing of Fe3+, Co2+and Ag+metal ion solutions by colorimetric and fluorometric mechanisms with higher intensity and sensitivity. Also, oxazolidine derivatives were coated on cellulosic papers via layer-by-layer method to prepare ionochromic papers. Prepared ionochromic papers were used for printing and handwriting of optical security tags by using of metal ion solutions as a new class of anticounterfeiting inks with dual-mode fluorometric and colorimetric securities. The ionochromic cellulosic papers can be used for photodetection of metal ions in a fast and facile manner that presence of metal ions is detectable by naked eyes. Also, key-lock anticounterfeiting technology based on ionochromic papers and metal ion solution as ink is the most significant strategy for encryption of information to optical tags with higher security.
Study on selection of native greening plants based on eye-tracking technology
Authors: Ding Ningning , Zhong Yongde , Li Jiaxiang , Xiao Qiong
Published: January 2022

The selection of native greening plants to improve rural greening technology is crucial for enriching methods of building rural plant landscapes. However, there are few studies from the perspective of visual preference using quantitative methods. By using eye-tracking technology, this study studies students in the Central South University of Forestry and Technology and villagers in Changkou Village, Fujian Province, employing pictures of plant organs—leaves, flowers, and fruits—as stimulating materials to analyze five indicators: the total duration of fixations, the number of fixations, average duration of fixations, average pupil size and average amplitude of saccades. A number of findings came from this research First, people visually prefer leaves, followed by flowers and fruits. In terms of species, Photinia × fraseri, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Photinia serratifolia, Cunninghamia lanceolata and Koelreuteria bipinnata have higher overall preference. Families such as Malvaceae, Fabaceae, Araliaceae, Myricaceae and Cupressaceae have stronger visual attraction than others. Second, there are distinct differences in the preference of shapes and textures of leaves: aciculiform, strip, cordiform, sector and jacket-shape are more attractive; leather-like leaves have a higher visual preference than paper-like leaves; different colors and whether leaves are cracked or not have little effect on leaf observation. Third, the preference for flowers with different inflorescence and colors is significant. Capitulum, cymes and panicles are more attractive; purple is the most preferred color, followed by white, yellow and red. Finally, there are significant differences in preferences for fruit characteristics, with medium-sized fruits and black fruits preferred, while kidney-shaped and spoon-shaped fruits are considered more attractive. Pomes, pods, samaras, and berries have received relatively more attention.
Polysaccharides from edible brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida are effective against high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice through the modulation of intestinal microecology
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Jia Jinhui , Jiang Pingrui , Zheng Weiyun , Li Xiangfei , Song Shuang , Ai Chunqing
Published: January 2022

Brown seaweed is rich in polysaccharides including sulfated polysaccharides and alginate, both of which provide health benefits to the host but whose differences have not received sufficient attention.
Molecular dynamics simulations and MM-GBSA reveal novel guanosine derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase
Authors: Elfiky Abdo A. , Mahran Hanan A. , Ibrahim Ibrahim M. , Ibrahim Mohamed N. , Elshemey Wael M.
Published: January 2022

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for more than 5 M deaths and is reported in 223 countries infecting +250 M people.
Direct band gap and anisotropic transport of ZnSb monolayers tuned by hydrogenation and strain
Authors: Guan Zhizi , Yang Wei , Wang Hongfa , Wang Hailong , Li Junwen
Published: January 2022

Using first-principles density-functional theory simulations, we explore the effects of hydrogenation and strain on the mechanical, electronic and transport properties of two-dimensional ZnSb monolayers.
Characterization of Cu2O/CuO heterostructure photocathode by tailoring CuO thickness for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Jeong Dasol , Jo Woohyeon , Jeong Jaebum , Kim Taegeon , Han Seungyeon , Son Min-Kyu , Jung Hyunsung
Published: January 2022

Optimization of CuO thickness in the Cu2O/CuO photocathode by controlling the annealing time: optimal thickness of CuO induces the improved light utilization and band bending, resulting in the enhanced photoelectrochemical performance.
Adverse renal effects of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition by MCC950 in an interventional model of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Østergaard Jakob A. , Jha Jay C. , Sharma Arpeeta , Dai Aozhi , Choi Judy S.Y. , de Haan Judy B. , Cooper Mark E. , Jandeleit-Dahm Karin
Published: January 2022

Activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been reported in diabetic complications including diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, it remains unknown if NLRP3 inhibition is renoprotective in a clinically relevant interventional approach with established DKD. We therefore examined the effect of the NLRP3-specific inhibitor MCC950 in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice to measure the impact of NLRP3 inhibition on renal inflammation and associated pathology in DKD. We identified an adverse effect of MCC950 on renal pathology in diabetic animals. Indeed, MCC950-treated diabetic animals showed increased renal inflammation and macrophage infiltration in association with enhanced oxidative stress as well as increased mesangial expansion and glomerulosclerosis when compared with vehicle-treated diabetic animals. Inhibition of the inflammasome by MCC950 in diabetic mice led to renal up-regulation of markers of inflammation (Il1β, Il18 and Mcp1), fibrosis (Col1, Col4, Fn1, α-SMA, Ctgf and Tgfβ1) and oxidative stress (Nox2, Nox4 and nitrotyrosine). In addition, enhanced glomerular accumulation of pro-inflammatory CD68 positive cells and pro-oxidant factor nitrotyrosine was identified in the MCC950-treated diabetic compared with vehicle-treated diabetic animals. Collectively, in this interventional model of established DKD, NLRP3 inhibition with MCC950 did not show renoprotective effects in diabetic mice. On the contrary, diabetic mice treated with MCC950 exhibited adverse renal effects particularly enhanced renal inflammation and injury including mesangial expansion and glomerulosclerosis.
GaiaEDR3 distances of the young stellar clusters in the extended Carina Nebula complex
Authors: Göppl C. , Preibisch T.
Published: January 2022

Context.The Carina Nebula complex (CNC) is one of the most massive and active star-forming regions in our Galaxy and it contains several large young star clusters. The distances of the individual clusters and their physical connection were poorly known up to now, with strongly discrepant results reported in the literature.

Aims.We want to determine reliable distances of the young stellar clusters in the central Carina Nebula region (in particular, Tr 14, 15, and 16) and the prominent clusters NGC 3324 and NGC 3293 in the northwestern periphery of the CNC.

Methods.We analyzed the parallaxes inGaiaEDR3 for a comprehensive sample of 237 spectroscopically identified OB stars, as well as for 9562 X-ray-selected young stars throughout the complex. We also performed an astrometric analysis to identify members of the young cluster vdBH 99, which is located in the foreground of the northwestern part of the Carina Nebula.

Results.We find that the distances of the investigated clusters in the CNC are equal within ≤2%, and yield very consistent most likely mean distance values of 2.36−0.05+0.05kpc for the OB star sample and 2.34−0.06+0.05kpc for the sample of X-ray-selected young stars.

Conclusions.Our results show that the clusters in the CNC constitute a coherent star-forming region, in particular with regard to NGC 3324 and NGC 3293 at the northwestern periphery, which are (within ≤2%) at the same distance as the central Carina Nebula. For the foreground cluster vdBH 99, we find a mean distance of 441−2+2pc and an age of ≃60 Myr. We quantified the contamination of X-ray-selected samples of Carina Nebula stars based on members of this foreground cluster.
Cost and profitability analysis for a seabass production farm in Morocco
Authors: Nhhala Hassan , Chadli Housni , Er-Raioui Hassan
Published: January 2022

Cost production and profitability analysis was performed for a marine fish farm, located in M’diq Bay, in Morocco. Currently, it is the alone farm in operation on Moroccan Mediterranean cost while three others had been ceased their activity. Created in 1998, it has experienced three main periods during its history, start-up period, followed by a crisis period followed by a recovery period on which the present study has been focused on. Production costs analysis has shown financial results yielding a very low profitability (0.24%). Two main constraints were found to be relevant, one environmental related to the weak local annual seawater temperature profile (18°C in average, 14-21°C in range) and the other technical related to feed and fingerlings management. The use of SGR and TGC tools, based on real growing and production data, have allowed to establish suitable start-up date for annual batches. Feed and fingerlings constraints have analysed in order to contribute in production costs improvement. Results showed that total costs could be reduced and profitability improved following pertinent inputs management optimization, marketing strategies improvement and production plan adjustment. Support measures provided by public powers offer suitable opportunity to improve farm’s financial results.
Research on thermal power new energy integration transaction model based on power reform system
Authors: Guo Xingwu , Yin Shuo , Chen Xing , Wang Shiqian , Jin Man , Feng Jiabin
Published: January 2022

Thermal power is the main power supply in China, but it brings serious environmental pollution; The introduction of renewable energy consumption responsibility weight system means that users need to increase the consumption of green power, which has a significant impact on the competitive strategy model of power producers. This paper also uses game model and cooperative game model to analyse the impact of thermal power new energy integration transaction model and market equilibrium point. The results show that the profit of generator under cooperative game is greater than that under competition.
Artroplastia reversa de ombro: Avaliação dos resultados clínicos e funcionais de acordo com a etiologia
Authors: Storti Thiago Medeiros , Ribeiro Thiago da Silva , Faria Rafael Salomon Silva , Simionatto João Eduardo , Simionatto Carolina , Paniago Alexandre Firmino
Published: January 2022

Objetivo Avaliar os resultados clínicos da artroplastia reversa do ombro no tratamento de suas diversas indicações.

Métodos Estudo longitudinal retrospectivo que analisou os resultados dos escores Constant, UCLA e amplitudes de movimentos dos pacientes submetidos à artroplastia reversa do ombro.

Resultados Foram analisados 28 pacientes, a média de idade foi de 75.6 anos, com seguimento médio de 45 meses. No geral, obtivemos uma variação significativa (p < 0,0001) entre o escore UCLA pré-operatório (10,2 pontos) e o escore UCLA pós-operatório (29,6 pontos), o que corresponde a um aumento relativo de aproximadamente 200%. Além disso, obtivemos pontuação média do escore Constant de 67,8 e uma taxa de complicações de 17,8%. Quanto aos resultados funcionais segundo as indicações, os casos de sequela de fratura apresentaram as melhores médias de elevação (165°), escore Constant (79 pontos), escore UCLA pós-operatório (32,5 pontos) e aumento absoluto na variação do escore UCLA (22 pontos), sem significância estatística. Porém, identificou-se que os casos operados por sequela de fratura apresentaram elevação (p = 0,027) e pontuação no escore Constant (p = 0,047) significativamente maiores em relação aos casos de artropatia do manguito rotador. Além disso, observamos que as menores médias dos escores Constant e UCLA pós-operatórios foram obtidos nas seguintes etiologias: artrose primária, fratura aguda e revisão de artroplastia.

Conclusão A artroplastia reversa de ombro apresentou resultados funcionais satisfatórios, podendo ser uma opção de tratamento não somente nos casos de artropatia do manguito rotador, mas também em várias outras patologias.
Látex de Hancornia speciosa Gomes aumenta a mineralização óssea em ratos: Um estudo pré-clínico
Authors: Felipetti Francielly Andressa , Costa Victor Seabra Lima Prado , Neves Juliana dos Santos , Sousa Ingrid Grazielle , Piedade Sônia Maria De Stefano , Novaes Pedro Duarte
Published: January 2022

Objetivo Avaliar o efeito sistêmico do látex de Hancornia
especiosa na neoformação óssea e mineralização em ratos.

Métodos Para isso, primeiro o látex foi coletado, e sua composição foi analisada. No estudo, foram utilizados 30 ratos Wistar machos submetidos simultaneamente a dois procedimentos cirúrgicos: extração de incisivo e criação de um defeito de 2 mm de diâmetro no osso parietal. Os ratos foram divididos em dois grupos: controle sistêmico (CS) e látex sistêmico (XS), aos quais foi administrado, oral e diariamente, 1,5 mL de água ou uma solução contendo 50% de água e 50% de látex por gavagem, respectivamente. Após 15 dias do tratamento, os animais foram eutanizados, e suas amostras, coletadas.

Resultados Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente, e o nível de significância foi fixado em 0,05. Mostramos que o látex de H. speciosa continha cálcio. A administração oral e diária deste látex por 15 dias aumentou o conteúdo de cálcio e fósforo de osso basal e de osso recém-formado no alvéolo mandibular de ratos.

Conclusão Este foi um estudo pioneiro, que demonstrou o potencial do látex de H. speciosa no aumento da mineralização óssea. Nossos resultados podem ajudar na concepção e no desenvolvimento de uma droga natural.
Development of the ion cyclotron emission diagnostic on the HL-2A tokamak
Authors: Tong R.H. , Fang K.R. , Yu X. , Liu L.Z. , Shi Z.B. , Yang Z.C. , Zhong W.L. , Zhou Y. , Jiang M. , Shi P.W. , Wen J. , Deng W.C. , Xu M.
Published: January 2022

An ion cyclotron emission (ICE) diagnostic, which is based on a B-dot probe, has been recently designed and installed on HL-2A tokamak. The diagnostic is used to study various high-frequency magnetic field fluctuations which can be excited by energetic ions and runaway electrons in the plasma. The ICE diagnostic on HL-2A includes a high-frequency B-dot probe, direct current (DC) block, radio frequency splitters, filter bank and power detectors. The filter bank is composed of 16 channels filters, with the center frequency covering from 10 to 160 MHz, 10 MHz step length and 8 MHz bandwidth. The log detectors with a large dynamic range (from −80 dBm to −20 dBm) are used to detect the bandpass power. Test results of the B-dot probe, filters and power detectors are shown. The signals can also be sampled with a fast analog-to-digital converter with a 14-bit depth, 100 MHz bandwidth and 250 MSample/s sampling rate.
A review of carbon monitoring in wet carbon systems using remote sensing
Authors: Campbell Anthony D , Fatoyinbo Temilola , Charles Sean P , Bourgeau-Chavez Laura L , Goes Joaquim , Gomes Helga , Halabisky Meghan , Holmquist James , Lohrenz Steven , Mitchell Catherine , Moskal L Monika , Poulter Benjamin , Qiu Han , Resende De Sousa Celio H , Sayers Michael , Simard Marc , Stewart Anthony J , Singh Debjani , Trettin Carl , Wu Jinghui , Zhang Xuesong , Lagomasino David
Published: January 2022

Carbon monitoring is critical for the reporting and verification of carbon stocks and change. Remote sensing is a tool increasingly used to estimate the spatial heterogeneity, extent and change of carbon stocks within and across various systems. We designate the use of the term wet carbon system to the interconnected wetlands, ocean, river and streams, lakes and ponds, and permafrost, which are carbon-dense and vital conduits for carbon throughout the terrestrial and aquatic sections of the carbon cycle. We reviewed wet carbon monitoring studies that utilize earth observation to improve our knowledge of data gaps, methods, and future research recommendations. To achieve this, we conducted a systematic review collecting 1622 references and screening them with a combination of text matching and a panel of three experts. The search found 496 references, with an additional 78 references added by experts. Our study found considerable variability of the utilization of remote sensing and global wet carbon monitoring progress across the nine systems analyzed. The review highlighted that remote sensing is routinely used to globally map carbon in mangroves and oceans, whereas seagrass, terrestrial wetlands, tidal marshes, rivers, and permafrost would benefit from more accurate and comprehensive global maps of extent. We identified three critical gaps and twelve recommendations to continue progressing wet carbon systems and increase cross system scientific inquiry.
What locals want: citizen preferences and priorities for the Tagliamento River
Authors: Scaini Anna , Stritih Ana , Brouillet Constance , Scaini Chiara
Published: January 2022

Sustainable river management frameworks are based on the connection between citizens and nature. So far, though, the relationship between rivers and local populations has played a marginal role in river management. Here, we present a blueprint questionnaire to characterize the perception of cultural ecosystem services (CES) by locals, and how preferences change across the river landscape. We investigate how locals value the river and whether their preferences are affected by characteristics such as place of residence, age, frequency of visits and relation to the river. The questionnaire was filled in by more than 4000 respondents, demonstrating huge interest and willingness to contribute to the project. A striking 85% of respondents identify a spiritual value of the river, suggesting a strong emotional connection. River conservation is the main priority for most respondents across the different groups. The map of favorite places shows that most of the river is appreciated by locals, with a high preference for the landscape of the braided middle course. The most valued area of the river, located in the middle course, faces threats due to dam construction projects, which would modify the natural course of the river and likely impact the favorite places of the locals. Our study highlights discrepancies between management choices and citizens´ values and priorities, and shows the need for including river values and CES in river management and their potential role for tackling conflicts. More generally, this work points out that any river intervention should be pondered carefully accounting for its environmental impact also in terms of loss of river values.
A Bacterial Type Three Secretion-Based Delivery System for Functional Characterization ofSporisorium scitamineumPlant Immune Suppressing Effector Proteins
Authors: Maia Thiago , Rody Hugo V. S. , Bombardelli Renato G. H. , Souto Tiarla Graciane , Camargo Luis Eduardo Aranha , Monteiro-Vitorello Claudia Barros
Published: January 2022

The facultative biotrophic basidiomycete Sporisorium scitamineum causes smut disease in sugarcane. This study applied an assay to identify S. scitamineum candidate effectors (CEs) with plant immunity suppression activities by delivering them into Nicotiana benthamiana cells via the type-three secretion system of Pseudomonas fluorescens EtHAn. Six CEs were individually cloned into the pEDV6 vector and expressed by P. fluorescens EtHAn for translocation into the plant cells. Three CEs (g1052, g3890, and g5159) could suppress pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) responses with high reproducibility in different coinfiltration experiments with P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000. In addition, three CEs (g1052, g4549, and g5159) were also found to be AvrB-induced suppressors of effector-triggered immunity (ETI), demonstrating for the first time that S. scitamineum can defeat both PTI and ETI responses. A transcriptomic analysis at different stages of infection by the smut fungus of three sugarcane cultivars with contrasting responses to the pathogen revealed that suppressors g1052, g3890, g4549, and g5159 were induced at the early stage of infection. By contrast, the two CEs (g2666 and g6610) that did not exhibit suppression activities expressed only at the late stage of infection. Moreover, genomic structures of the CEs and searches for orthologs in other smut species suggested duplication events and further divergence in CEs evolution of S. scitamineum. Thus, the transient assay applied here demonstrated the potential of pEDV6 and P. fluorescens EtHAn as biological tools for identifying plant immune suppressors from S. scitamineum.
Therapeutic Hypothermia Is Associated With a Decrease in All-cause Mortality in Cardiac Arrest Due to Shockable Rhythm
Authors: Nasir Usama , Nagalli Shivaraj , Waheed Tayyab Ali , Zahid Salman , Qasim Muhammad , Sundhu Murtaza , Ahuja Satish Kumar , Ahuja Keerat Rai
Published: January 2022

Background:

The benefits of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in comatose patients postcardiac arrest remain uncertain. While some studies have shown benefit, others have shown equivocal results. We pooled data from randomized controlled trials to better study the outcomes of TH.

Methods:

Electronic research databases were queried up till September 21, 2021. Randomized controlled trials comparing TH (32–34 °C) with control (normothermia or temperature ≥36 °C) in comatose postcardiac arrest patients were included.

Results:

The study included 10 randomized controlled trials with 3988 subjects (1999 in the TH arm and 1989 in the control arm). There was no difference in all-cause mortality between TH and control (odds ratio [OR], 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66–1.05; P = 0.08; I
2 = 41%). There was no difference in the odds of poor neurological outcomes (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.61–1.01; P = 0.07; I
2 = 43%). Subgroup analysis showed a decrease in all-cause mortality and poor neurological outcomes with TH in shockable rhythms (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.37–0.80; P = 1.00; I
2 = 0% and OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.32–0.72; P = 0.92; I
2 = 0%, respectively).

Conclusions:

TH may be beneficial in reducing mortality and poor neurological outcomes in comatose postcardiac arrest patients with shockable rhythms.