bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of modified Mohr–Coulomb model and Bai–Wierzbicki model for constructing 3D ductile fracture envelope of AA6063
Authors: Gao Jianye , He Tao , Huo Yuanming , Song Miao , Yao Tingting , Yang Wanbo
Published: January 2021

Ductile fracture of metal often occurs in the plastic forming process of parts. The establishment of ductile fracture criterion can effectively guide the selection of process parameters and avoid ductile fracture of parts during machining. The 3D ductile fracture envelope of AA6063-T6 were developed to predict and prevent its fracture. Smooth round bar tension tests were performed to characterize the flow stress, and a series of experiments were conducted to characterize the ductile fracture firstly, such as notched round bar tension tests, compression tests and torsion tests. These tests cover a wide range of stress triaxiality (ST) and Lode parameter (LP) to calibrate the ductile fracture criterion. Plasticity modeling was performed, and the predicted results were compared with corresponding experimental data to verify the plasticity model after these experiments. Then the relationship between ductile fracture strain and ST with LP was constructed using the modified Mohr–Coulomb (MMC) model and Bai-Wierzbicki (BW) model to develop the 3D ductile fracture envelope. Finally, two ductile damage models were proposed based on the 3D fracture envelope of AA6063. Through the comparison of the two models, it was found that BW model had better fitting effect, and the sum of squares of residual error of BW model was 0.9901. The two models had relatively large errors in predicting the fracture strain of SRB tensile test and torsion test, but both of the predicting error of both two models were within the acceptable range of 15%. In the process of finite element simulation, the evolution process of ductile fracture can be well simulated by the two models. However, BW model can predict the location of fracture more accurately than MMC model.
A multilevel study of patient-centered care perceptions in mental health teams
Authors: Durand Francois , Fleury Marie-Josée
Published: January 2021

Background: The successful combination of interprofessional collaboration in multidisciplinary teams with patient-centered care is necessary when it comes to delivering complex mental health services. Yet collaboration is challenging and patient-centered care is intricate to manage. This study examines correlates of patient-centered care such as team adaptivity and proactivity, collaboration, belief in interprofessional collaboration and informational role self-efficacy in multidisciplinary mental health teams.Method: A cross-sectional multilevel survey design was used, based on self-administered bilingual validated questionnaires. Participants (N=314) were mental health professionals and managers working in public primary care or specialized mental health services, in inpatient or outpatient settings. Results: This study showed that belief in interprofessional collaboration’s relationship with patient-centered perceptions is increased in teams with high collaboration. Collaboration is also found as a mediator, representing a process by which team adaptive and proactive behaviors are transformed into positive patient-centered perceptions.Conclusions: Our results were in line with recent studies on team processes establishing that collaboration is a key component in multilevel examinations of predictors of patient-centered care. In terms of practice, our study showed that multidisciplinary teams should know that working hard on collaboration is an answer to the complexity of patient-centered care. Collaboration is related to the teams’ ability to respond to its challenges. It is also related to individuals’ beliefs central to the delivery of interprofessional care.
Model-based reproduction and validation of the total spectrum of solar flare and their impact on the global environment at the X9.3 event of September 6, 2017
Authors: Watanabe Kyoko , Jin Hidekatsu , Nishimoto Shohei , Imada Shinsuke , Kawai Toshiki , Kawate Tomoko , Otsuka Yuichi , Shinbori Atsuki , Tsugawa Takuya , Nishioka Michi
Published: January 2021

We attempted to reproduce the total electron content (TEC) variation in the Earth's atmosphere from the temporal variation of the solar flare spectrum of the X9.3 flare on September 6, 2017. The flare spectrum from the Flare Irradiance Spectral Model (FISM), and the flare spectrum from the 1D hydrodynamic model, which considers the physics of plasma in the flare loop, are used in the GAIA model, which is a simulation model of the Earth's whole atmosphere and ionosphere, to calculate the TEC difference. We then compared these results with the observed TEC. When we used the FISM flare spectrum, the difference in TEC from the background was in a good agreement with the observation. However, when the flare spectrum of the 1D-hydrodynamic model was used, the result varied depending on the presence or absence of the background. This difference depending on the models is considered to represent which extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation is primarily responsible for increasing TEC. From the flare spectrum obtained from these models and the calculation result of TEC fluctuation using GAIA, it is considered that the enhancement in EUV emission by approximately 15–35 nm mainly contributes in increasing TEC rather than that of X-ray emission, which is thought to be mainly responsible for sudden ionospheric disturbance. In addition, from the altitude/wavelength distribution of the ionization rate of Earth's atmosphere by GAIA (Ground-to-topside atmosphere and ionosphere model for aeronomy), it was found that EUV radiation of approximately 15–35 nm affects a wide altitude range of 120–300 km, and TEC enhancement is mainly caused by the ionization of nitrogen molecules. (265 words)
Sexual function, mental health, and quality of life under strain of COVID-19 pandemic in Iranian pregnant and lactating women: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Mirzaei Negin , Sadatmahalleh Shahideh Jahanian , Khomami Mahnaz Bahri , Moini Ashraf , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan
Published: January 2021

Background: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of pregnant and lactating women is unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on psychological health, sexual function, and quality of life (QoL) in Iranian pregnant and lactating women and compare the results with non-pregnant / non-lactating women.Method: This comparative cross-sectional study was carried out on pregnant and lactating women, with non-pregnant / non-lactating women from May to Jun 2020. Patients were asked to complete three questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). One-way ANOVA was used to reveal the statistical differences between the three groups.Result: The mean age of patients was 20.81±5.92 years old. The mean (SD) score of HADS in pregnant, lactating and non-pregnant / non-lactating women were 12.11 (6.72), 11.98 (8.44) and 9.38 (6.2) respectively, and the results showed that the scores in pregnant, lactating women were higher than non-pregnant / non-lactating women (P<0.001). Also the mean (SD) score of QOL and FSFI was 68.29 (9.47), 74.18 (12.65), 79.03 (10.48) and 22.71 (8.16), 22.72 (8.16), 26.19 (3.93) in three groups and the scores in pregnant, lactating women were lower than non-pregnant / non-lactating women (P<0.001).Conclusion: The COVID-19 epidemic increases the risk of depression, anxiety, FSD, and lowers QoL in pregnant and lactating women, with the general population. This suggests the urgent need for psychological intervention in the maternal population during the epidemic.
Gut Microbiota: Effect of Pubertal Status
Authors: Yuan Xin , Chen Ruimin , Zhang Ying , Lin Xiangquan , Yang Xiaohong
Published: January 2021

Background: The make-up of gut microbiota at different puberty stages has not been reported. This cross-sectional study analyzed the bio-diversity of gut microbiota at different puberty stages. Result: The subjects (aged 5-15 years) were divided into non-pubertal (n=42, male%: 66.7%) or pubertal groups (n=47, male%:44.68); in both groups, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were the dominant phylum. There was no difference of alpha- and beta-diversity among disparate puberty stages. Non-pubertal subjects had members of the order Clostridiales, family Clostridiaceae, genus Coprobacillus which were significantly more prevalent than puberty subjects. Also, the pubertal subjects had members of class Betaproteobacteria, order Burkholderiales which were significantly more prevalent than the non-pubertal subjects. Their relative abundance was independent of BMI-Z. In the pubertal subjects, the abundance of genus Adlercreutzia, Ruminococcus, Dorea, Clostridium and Parabacteroides was associated with the level of testosterone.Conclusions: This is the first report of the diversity of gut microbiota at different puberty stages. The various species of gut microbiota changed gradually associated with puberty stages. Differences in gut microflora at different pubertal status may be related to androgen levels.
Dexamethasone blunts postspinal hypotension in geriatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery: a double blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Ashoor Tarek , Hussien Noha S. , Anis Sherif G. , Esmat Ibrahim M.
Published: January 2021

Background: Post-spinal anesthesia (PSA) hypotension in elderly patients is challenging. Correction of PSA hypotension by fluids either colloids or crystalloids or by vasoconstrictors pose the risk of volume overload or compromising cardiac conditions. Dexamethasone is used to treat conditions manifested by decrease of peripheral vascular resistance. The research team was the first to test the hypothesis of its role in preventing or decreasing the incidence of PSA hypotension.Methods: 110 patients, aged 60 years or more were recruited to receive a single preoperative dose of dexamethasone 8 mg IVI in 100 ml normal saline (D group) (55 patients) 2 hours preoperatively, and 55 patients were given placebo (C group) in a randomized, double-blind trial. Variations in blood pressure and heart rate in addition to the needs of ephedrine and/or atropine following spinal anesthesia (SA) were recorded. SA was achieved using subarachnoid injection of 3 ml hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5%.Results: Demographic data and the quality of sensory and motor block were comparable between groups. At 5th, 10th minutes post SA; systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures were statistically significant higher in D group. At 20th minutes post SA; the obtained blood pressure readings and heart rate changes didn’t show any statistically significance between groups. The need for ephedrine and side effects were statistically significant lower in D group than C group. Conclusion: Post-spinal anesthesia hypotension, nausea, vomiting and shivering in elderly patients were less common after receiving a single preoperative dose of dexamethasone 8 mg IVI than control.
The costs of delivering emergency care at Regional Referral Hospitals in Uganda: A micro-costing study
Authors: Werner Kalin , Lin Tracy Kuo , Risko Nicholas , Osiro Martha , Kalanzi Joseph , Wallis Lee A
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUNDUganda experiences a high morbidity and mortality burden due to conditions amenable to emergency care, yet few public hospitals have dedicated emergency units. As a result, little is known about the costs and effects of delivering lifesaving emergency care, hindering health systems planning, budgeting and prioritization exercises. To determine healthcare costs of emergency care services at public facilities in Uganda, we estimate the median cost of care for five sentinel conditions and 13 interventions.METHODSA direct, activity-based costing was carried out at five regional referral hospitals over a four-week period from September to October 2019. Hospital costs were determined using bottom-up micro-costing methodology from a provider perspective. Resource use was enumerated via observation and unit costs were derived from National Medical Stores lists. Cost per condition per patient and measures of central tendency for conditions and interventions were calculated. Kruskal-Wallis H-tests and Nemyeni post-hoc tests were conducted to determine significant differences between costs of the conditions.RESULTS872 patient cases were captured with an overall median cost of care of $15.17 USD ($14.08 to $18.85). The median cost per condition was highest for post-partum haemorrhage at $16.87 ($14.66 to $20.99), followed by road traffic injuries at $15.59 ($14.15 to $19.93), asthma at $15.53 ($14.39 to $18.87), pneumonia at $15.18 ($14.28 to $19.72), and paediatric diarrhoea at $14.25 ($13.38 to $15.20). The median cost per intervention was highest for fracture reduction and splinting at $27.41 ($21.63 to $31.14). Cost values differ between sentinel conditions (p <0.05) with treatments for paediatric diarrhoea having the lowest median cost of all conditions (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONThis study is the first to describe the direct costs of emergency care in hospitals in Uganda by observing the delivery of clinical services, using robust activity-based costing and time motion methodology. We find that emergency care interventions for key drivers of morbidity and mortality can be delivered at considerably lower costs than many priority health interventions. Further research assessing acute care delivery would be useful in planning wider health care delivery systems development.
GABAergic neuron-specific whole-brain transduction by AAV-PHP.B incorporated with a new GAD65 promoter
Authors: Hoshino Chiaki , Konno Ayumu , Hosoi Nobutake , Kaneko Ryosuke , Mukai Ryo , Nakai Junichi , Hirai Hirokazu
Published: January 2021

GABAergic interneurons play a critical role in tuning neural networks in the central nervous system, and their defects are associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Currently, the mDlx enhancer is solely used for adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated transgene delivery into cortical interneurons. Here, we developed a new inhibitory neuron-specific promoter (designated as the mGAD65 promoter), with a length of 2.5 kb, from a mouse genome upstream of exon 1 of the Gad2 gene encoding glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65. Intravenous infusion of blood-brain barrier-penetrating AAV-PHP.B expressing an enhanced green fluorescent protein under the control of the mGAD65 promoter transduced the whole brain in an inhibitory neuron-specific manner. The specificity and efficiency of the mGAD65 promoter for GABAergic interneurons, which was assessed at the motor cortex, were almost identical to or slightly higher than those of the mDlx enhancer. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the mGAD65 promoter preferentially transduced parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons. Notably, the mGAD65 promoter transduced chandelier cells more efficiently than the mDlx enhancer and robustly labeled their synaptic boutons, called the cartridge, targeting the axon initial segments of excitatory pyramidal neurons. To test the ability of the mGAD65 promoter to express a functional molecule, we virally expressed G-CaMP, a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, in the motor cortex, and this enabled us to monitor spontaneous and drug-induced Ca2+ activity in GABAergic inhibitory neurons. These results suggest that the mGAD65 promoter is useful for AAV-mediated targeting and manipulation of GABAergic neurons with the dominance of cortical PV-expressing neurons, including chandelier cells.
Epidemiology and association rules analysis for pulmonary tuberculosis cases with extrapulmonary tuberculosis from age and gender perspective: a large-scale multi-center observational study in China
Authors: Kang Wanli , Du Jian , Chang Yunqing , Chen Hongyan , Liu Jianxiong , Ma Jinshan , Li Mingwu , Qin Jingmin , Shu Wei , Zong Peilan , Yan Xiaofeng , Zhang Yi , Dong Yongkang , Yang Zhiyi , Mei Zaoxian , Deng Qunyi , Wang Pu , Han Wenge , Wu Meiying , Chen Ling , Zhao Xinguo , Tan Lei , Li Fujian , Zheng Chao , Liu Hongwei , Li Xinjie , A Ertai , Du Yingrong , Liu Fenglin , Yang Song , Cui Wenyu , Wang Quanhong , Chen Xiaohong , Han Junfeng , Xie Qingyao , Feng Yanmei , Liu Wenyu , Tang Peijun , Zhang Jianyong , Zheng Jian , Chen Dawei , Yao Xiangyang , Ren Tong , Li Yang , Li Yuanyuan , Wu Lei , Song Qiang , Yang Mei , Zhang Jian , Liu Yuanyuan , Guo Shuliang , Yan Kun , Shen Xinghua , Lei Dan , Zhang Yanli , Li Liang , Tang Shenjie
Published: January 2021

Background Tuberculosis (TB), a multi-systemic disease with protean presentation, remains a major global health problem. Although concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) cases are commonly observed clinically, knowledge regarding concurrent PTB-EPTB is limited. Here a large-scale multi- center observational study conducted in China aimed to study epidemiology of concurrent PTB-EPTB cases by diagnostically defining TB types then implementing association rules analysis.Methods This study was conducted at 21 hospitals in 15 provinces in China and included all inpatients with confirmed TB diagnoses admitted from Jan 2011 to Dec 2017. Association rules analysis was conducted for cases with concurrent PTB and various types of EPTB using the Apriori algorithm. Results Evaluation of 438,979 TB inpatients indicated PTB was the most commonly diagnosed (82.05%) followed by tuberculous pleurisy (23.62%). Concurrent PTB- EPTB was found in 129,422 cases (29.48%) of which tuberculous pleurisy was the most common concurrent EPTB type observed. Fully adjusted multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated that odds ratios of concurrent PTB-EPTB cases varied by gender and age group. For PTB cases with concurrent EPTB, the strongest association was found between PTB and concurrent bronchial tuberculosis (lift=1.09). For EPTB cases with concurrent PTB, the strongest association was found between pharyngeal/laryngeal tuberculosis and concurrent PTB (lift=1.11).Confidence and lift values of concurrent PTB-EPTB cases varied with gender and age.Conclusions Numerous concurrent PTB-EPTB case types were observed, with confidence and lift values varying with gender and age. Clinicians should screen for concurrent PTB- EPTB in order to improve treatment outcomes.
Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Chemotherapy for Extensive-stage Small-cell Lung Cancer Patients on Improving Oncologic Survival: Study Protocol of a Multicenter, Randomized, Single-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Yuyi , Yu Mingwei , Liu Zishen , Zhang Yi , Li Qiwei , Yang GuoWang
Published: January 2021

Background: Extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) is characterized by extensive metastases, aggressive progression and poor prognosis. Chemotherapy is applied as a preferred first-line regimen for ES-SCLC, but inadequate for improving its overall survival. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used in the clinical practice of ES-SCLC for its synergy with chemotherapy. However, there is still no substantial evidence to prove that TCM can effectively improve the long-term efficacy of ES-SCLC patients. The study intends to determine whether the TCM with chemotherapy can improve the overall survival (OS) in treating with ES-SCLC when compared with chemotherapy alone. Method/design: A multicenter, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will be conducted to determine whether the TCM granules combined with chemotherapy can improve the OS of ES-SCLC. 270 participants will randomly receive 4-6 cycles (21days per cycle) of chemotherapy plus TCM granules or placebo. The primary outcome measures is OS. The secondary outcome measures includes progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), quality of life (QoL) and tumor markers. Visits will be performed at the end of each cycle during the treatment period and then every 3 months in the follow-up period until the patients’ death or study completion.Discussion: The study’s result will provide a high-level evidence for TCM granules using with chemotherapy on the first-line treatment of ES-SCLC. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, No. ChiCTR1900022991, registered 6 May 2019 (prospective registration).
LiCl induces apoptosis via CHOP/NOXA/Mcl-1 axis in human choroidal melanoma cells
Authors: Zhang Qiuqiu , Zhang Qianwei , Li Huiyuan , Zhao Xiaofei , Zhang Han
Published: January 2021

Background: Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy that occurs in adults. Lithium Chloride Promotes Apoptosis in Human Leukemia NB4 Cells by Inhibiting Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Beta. In this study, we aimed to understand whether LiCl exerts anticancer effects on choroidal melanoma cells and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Human choroidal melanoma cells were treated with LiCl, and cell survival was assessed with MTT assays. Cell reproductive viability was measured by plate colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry, and proteins were detected using western blotting. A human choroidal melanoma xenograft model was established to demonstrate the effect of LiCl on human choroidal melanoma in vivo. Results: We found that LiCl inhibited cell survival and clonogenic potential and induced apoptosis in human choroidal melanoma cells. LiCl also reduced the proliferation of choroidal melanoma cells in vivo. Moreover, the upregulation of NOXA and downregulation of Mcl-1 were responsible for LiCl-induced apoptosis. Mcl-1 overexpression obviously impaired LiCl-induced apoptosis and cleavage of caspase8, caspase9, caspase3 and PARP. Moreover, the protein expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, including IRE1α, Bip, p-eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP, was upregulated following treatment with LiCl. When CHOP expression was knocked down and cells were treated with LiCl, the protein level of NOXA was partially increased, and Mcl-1 expression was increased, while the cleavage of caspase8, caspase9, caspase3 and PARP that was induced by the LiCl was reduced compared with the vehicle treated group. Prolonged ER stress results in the activation of the apoptotic pathway.Conclusions: In summary, LiCl induced an endoplasmic reticulum stress response while activating intrinsic apoptosis. Furthermore, the CHOP/NOXA/Mcl-1 axis contributed to LiCl-induced apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. The present study provides important mechanistic insight into potential cancer treatments involving LiCl and enhances the understanding of human choroidal melanoma.
Total Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Detection of Multifocal Infection in Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis: a retrospective observational Study
Authors: Henkelmann Jeanette , Denecke Timm , Pieroh Philipp , Einhorn Stephanie , Hoeh Nicolas H. von der , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Voelker Anna
Published: January 2021

Background:Due to the unspecific symptoms of spondylodiscitis (SpD), an early radiological examination is necessary. However, controversially discussed is the need for magnetic resonance imaging of the entire spine to exclude multisegmental infections and to determine the required surgical interventions. The aims of this study were to assess the incidence of multilevel non-contiguous pyogenic SpD and compare comorbidities, pain symptoms, and subsequent surgical strategies between unifocal (uSpD) and multifocal (mSpD) SpD.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated the data of patients with confirmed, surgically treated, pyogenic SpD who had received a total spine MRI in a single spine center between 2016 and 2018. MRI findings were classified according to Pola-classification and demographics, duration of clinical symptoms (pain and neurology) and Charlson Comorbidity-Index (CCI) results were compared between uSpD und mSpD groups. Surgical therapy was evaluated in patients with mSpD. Results: uSpD was detected by MRI in 69 of 79 patients (87 %). Of these, mSpD was detected in 10 patients (13%) with 21 infected segments (cervical and/ or thoracic and/ or lumbar region). Age and CCI were similar between uSpD and mSpD and 24 of all SpD regions were clinically unapparent. All patients with uSpD were treated operatively. In seven patients with mSpD, all infected levels of the spine were treated surgically in a one-stage procedure; one patient had a two-stage procedure and one patient had surgery at the lumbar spine, and an additional infected segment of the upper thoracic spine was treated conservatively. One patient died before a planned two-stage procedure was performed.Conclusions:Due to mSpD being found in approximately 13% of SpD cases, and considering the risk of overlooking an mSpD case, MRI imaging of the total spine is recommended. The detection of multiple infection levels can have an impact on the therapeutic strategy chosen.
"I can't live like that": The experience of caregiver stress of caring for a relative with substance use disorder
Authors: Maina Geoffrey , Ogenchuk Marcella , Phaneuf Taryn , Kwame Abukari
Published: January 2021

Background: The impact of addiction extends beyond the individual using a substance. Caring for an individual with addiction creates persistent stressful circumstances that cause worry, anger, depression, shame, guilt, anxiety, and behavioral problems within the family unit.The aim of the study: The paper aims to explore the experiences of caring for a relative with a substance use disorder (SUD) and self-care strategies caregivers employ.Methods: The study adopted an exploratory qualitative design. To be included in the study, participants were required to have a relative with a (SUD) disorder and not be actively using the substance themselves. Individual interviews were conducted to gather their experiences, meanings, and how they made sense of caring for a relative with a SUD.Results: 21 Participants were involved in the study, of which 17 were women, and four were men of which there had a sister, four had a brother, eight had a parent, six had a dependent, and one participant had a grandparent with a SUD. Four themes, whose overarching focus is the pains of living and caring for a family with a SUD, caused the participants and how the participants mitigated these experiences.Conclusion: The stress associated with caring for individuals with a SUD impacts the caregiver's physical and mental health. Specific care modalities targeting caregivers need to be developed to address the health impact and to support self-care.
Prognostic values, ceRNA network, and immune regulation function of SDPR in KRAS-mutant lung cancer
Authors: Luo Xiaoqing , Peng Shunli , Ding Sijie , Zeng Qin , Wang Rong , Ma Yueyun , Chen Shiyu , Wang Yanxia , Wang Wei
Published: January 2021

Background: Serum Deprivation Protein Response (SDPR) plays an important role in formation of pulmonary alveoli. However, the functions and values of SDPR in lung cancer remain unknown. We explored prognostic value, expression pattern, and biological function of SDPR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and KRAS-mutant lung cancers.Methods: SDPR expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blot on human NSCLC cells, lung adenocarcinoma tissue array, KRAS-mutant transgenic mice, TCGA and GEO datasets. Prognostic values of SDPR were evaluated by Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis. Bioinformatics implications of SDPR including SDPR-combined transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs were predicted. In addition, correlations between SDPR, immune checkpoint molecules, and tumor infiltration models were illustrated.Results: SDPR expression was downregulated in tumor cells and tissues. Low SDPR expression was an independent factor that correlated with shorter overall survival of patients both in lung cancer and KRAS-mutant subgroups. Meanwhile, ceRNA network was constructed to clarify the regulatory and biological functions of SDPR. Negative correlations were found between SDPR and immune checkpoint molecules (PD-L1, TNFRSF18, TNFRSF9, and TDO2). Moreover, diversity immune infiltration models were observed in NSCLC with different SDPR expression and copy number variation (CNV) patterns.Conclusions: This study elucidated regulation network of SDPR in KRAS-mutant NSCLC, and it illustrated correlations between low SDPR expression and suppressed immune system, unfolding a prognostic factor and potential target for the treatment of lung cancer, especially for KRAS-mutant NSCLC.
Genome-wide analysis of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in two contrasting soybean genotypes subjected to phosphate starvation
Authors: zhang jinyu , Xu Huanqing , Yang Yuming , Zhang Xiangqian , Huang Zhongwen , Zhang Dan
Published: January 2021

Background: Phosphorus (P) is essential for plant growth and development, and low-phosphorus (LP) stress is a major factor limiting the growth and yield of soybean. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently been reported to be key regulators in the responses of plants to stress conditions, but the mechanism through which LP stress mediates the biogenesis of lncRNAs in soybean remains unclear.Results: In this study, to explore the response mechanisms of lncRNAs to LP stress, we used the roots of two representative soybean genotypes that present opposite responses to P deficiency, namely, a P-sensitive genotype (Bogao) and a P-tolerant genotype (NN94156), for the construction of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) libraries. In total, 4,166 novel lncRNAs, including 525 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, were identified from the two genotypes at different P levels. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that numerous DE lncRNAs might be involved in diverse biological processes related to phosphate, such as lipid metabolic processes, catalytic activity, cell membrane formation, signal transduction, and nitrogen fixation. Moreover, lncRNA-mRNA-miRNA and lncRNA-mRNA networks were constructed, and the results identified several promising lncRNAs that might be highly valuable for further analysis of the mechanism underlying the response of soybean to LP stress.Conclusions: These results revealed that LP stress can significantly alter the genome-wide profiles of lncRNAs, particularly those of the P-sensitive genotype Bogao. Our findings increase the understanding of and provide new insights into the function of lncRNAs in the responses of soybean to P stress.
Greenhouse Evaluation of Pinewood Biochar Effects on Nutrient Status and Physiological Performance in Muscadine Grape (Vitis rotundifolia L.)
Authors: Chang Yuru , Rossi Lorenzo , Zotarelli Lincoln , Gao Bin , Sarkhosh Ali
Published: January 2021

Muscadine grape is a perennial crop that is highly responsive to local environmental factors and viticulture practices. Biochar is a promising soil amendment used to improve soil water and nutrient retention and promote plant growth. The present study aimed to assess the effects of different pinewood biochar rates on nutrient status and vegetative parameters of muscadine grape cv. Alachua grown on a nutrient-poor sandy soil, Ultisols (97.2% sand, 2.4% silt, and 0.4% clay), and mixed with five different rates (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of biochar based on weight. Variations in soil moisture, temperature, and leaf greenness value [soil plant analysis development (SPAD) reading], net photosynthesis rate, and plant root and shoot dry weights were measured. In addition, the nutrient status of the soil, plant root, and shoot were determined. The results indicated that the higher rate of biochar could significantly (P < 0.05) improve soil moisture. Biochar can also decrease soil temperature, although there were no significant differences among treatments. Regarding the nutrient status, the biochar amendment increased the nutrient content of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca), as well as the soil organic matter content and cation exchange capacity. Higher nutrient contents in soil lead to increased P and Mg in both aboveground and belowground muscadine plant tissues and decreased nitrogen (N), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in the root part. There were no significant differences observed in SPAD values, net photosynthesis, or dry weights of the root and shoot. This study demonstrates that the addition of biochar may enhance the soil water and nutrient status as well as improve plant P and Mg uptake; however, it showed no significant differences in the physiological performance of muscadine grape plants.
Chile Pepper Sensitivity to Mustard Seed Meal Applied after Crop Emergence
Authors: Nagila Asmita , Schutte Brian J. , Sanogo Soum , Idowu Omololu John
Published: January 2021

When applied before crop emergence, soil amendments with mustard seed meal (MSM) control some weeds and soilborne pathogens. MSM applications after crop emergence (herein “postemergence applications”) might be useful components of agricultural pest management programs, but research on postemergence applications of MSM is limited. The overall objective of this investigation was to develop a method for postemergence application of MSM that does not cause irrecoverable injury or yield loss in chile pepper (Capsicum annuum). To accomplish this objective, we conducted a sequence of studies that evaluated different MSM rates and application methods in the greenhouse and field. For the greenhouse study, we measured chile plant photosynthetic and growth responses to MSM applied postemergence on the soil surface or incorporated into soil. For the field study, we determined chile pepper fruit yield responses to MSM applied postemergence using a technique based on the method developed in greenhouse, and we confirmed that the MSM rates used in our study (4400 kg·ha−1 and 2200 kg·ha−1) inhibited the emergence of the weed Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and the growth of the pathogen Phytophthora capsici, which are common problems in chile pepper production in New Mexico. Greenhouse study results indicated that MSM at 4400 kg·ha−1 spread on the soil surface caused irrecoverable injury to chile pepper plants; however, chile pepper plants were not permanently injured by the following three treatments: 1) MSM at 4400 kg·ha−1 incorporated into soil, 2) MSM at 2200 kg·ha−1 spread on the soil surface, and 3) MSM at 2200 kg·ha−1 incorporated into soil. For the field study, postemergence, soil-incorporated applications of MSM at 4400 kg·ha−1 suppressed emergence of Palmer amaranth by 89% and reduced mycelial growth of Phytophthora capsica by 96%. Soil-incorporated applications of MSM at 2200 kg·ha−1 suppressed emergence of Palmer amaranth by 41.5% and reduced mycelial growth of Phytophthora capsica by 71%. Postemergence soil-incorporated applications of MSM did not reduce chile pepper yield compared with the control. The results of this study indicated that MSM applied after crop emergence and incorporated into soil can be a component of pest management programs for chile pepper.
Chinese Silvergrass Seed Shows Long-term Viability
Authors: Meyer Mary Hockenberry , Van Zeeland Cydnee , Brewer Katherine
Published: January 2021

Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis) is native to East Asia and South Africa and has been grown as an ornamental in the United States for over 100 years. Chinese silvergrass is on the invasive species list for 12 states in the United States and is regulated for sale in New York state. It is often found along roadsides in middle-Atlantic states and Long Island, NY. In 2019 and 2020, we sowed chinese silvergrass seed harvested in Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 from several locations in North Carolina where it had naturalized and from the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, MN. The seed had been stored in a seed storage vault (4 °C) from 2002 to 2020. Germination in 2003 showed variation between 53% to 95% from 19 different individual plants. This same seed when resown in 2019 and 2020 had much lower germination that could be divided into three categories: no germination (five plants), germination of 1% or less (seven plants), and germination of more than 2% (seven plants). Results from this study show that seed viability may be a long-term problem in locations where chinese silvergrass has naturalized.
Dielectric losses under heat treatment of dispersed media
Authors: Buzunova M. Yu.
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the paper is to study the dependence of dielectric losses of mechanically activated grain crops on example of wheat under heat treatment on temperature and external electric field frequency as well as to examine the effect of particle size of fine grain samples on grain electrophysical characteristics and dielectric losses. Experimental samples of dispersed systems with particle sizes in the range from 50 to 1000 μm are prepared by the method of mechanical activation. The temperature dependence of the dielectric loss angle tangent is measured using the dielectric method over a wide frequency range. The dependence of the dielectric loss angle tangent tgδ of mechanically activated wheat samples with the different degrees of particle dispersion in a wide temperature range from 20°C to 250°C with a heating rate of 0.7 deg/min is studied. It is found out that the external electric field frequency varies in the range from 25 Hz to 106 Hz. Electric capacitance and conductivity are measured using an E7-20 immitance meter and a specially designed measuring cell. Dielectric characteristics are calculated. Experimental data are presented in the form of graphs and diagrams. We have determined the correlation of the tangent of the dielectric loss angle tgδ with the frequency of the external electric field and temperature, which is most characteristic for fine samples. The most finely dispersed samples with a particle size of less than 50 microns are shown to have high electrical activity. Increase in the dielectric permittivity and the tangent of the dielectric loss angle is most noticeable at the frequencies below 100 Hz. The study of dielectric characteristics allows to choose an effective energy-saving drying mode of the crop under study.
Hydrometallurgical processing of technogenic finely dispersed fluorocarbon-containing raw materials of primary aluminum production
Authors: Barauskas A. E. , Nemchinova N. V.
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the paper is to determine the conditions for the maximum transition of fluorine from the technogenic raw materials of primary aluminum production (mature sludge) into solution under alkaline leaching. The object of research is the mature sludge, which is formed from technogenic finely dispersed materials of aluminum production in the baths with Soderberg anodes (tailings of coal foam flotation, gas cleaning sludge, electrostatic precipitator dust) and stored close to the enterprise. Analytical studies of the initial sample and leaching products have been carried out according to the certified methods using chemical, X-ray phase and titrimetric analysis methods. It is shown that, the main percentage of the three sludge components belongs to the dust of electrostatic precipitators (~ 79.7%) and coal foam flotation tailings (~ 15.8%). It has been determined that the gas cleaning sludge features the richest composition of useful components (in the sum of F, Na and Al ~ 63%). According to the data of X-ray phase analysis, the sludge sample from the sludge storage mainly contains cryolite (up to 78.7%), carbon (11.9%), calcium-magnesium carbonate from the dolomite series (4.44%), and trace amounts of corundum and fluorite. The results of the conducted experiments on fluorine leaching from the sludge sample by the caustic soda solution allow to estimate the main process parameters: temperature - 75–80°С, duration - 60 min, NaOH concentration - 3.0% (with the W:T ratio of 10:1 and a stirrer speed of ~ 1005– 1010 rpm). According to the analytical data on the chemical composition of leaching cake, the fluorine content in the solid phase reduces by 88.1%. The experiments carried out on alkaline leaching of fluorine from the sample of mature sludge formed under primary aluminum production by the electrolysis of cryolite-alumina melts in the baths with self-baking anodes allowed to find out that the maximum decrease of fluorine content in the sample is achieved under the conditions of maintaining the process parameters including temperature, duration, reagent concentration in optimal modes.
Features of micro- and ultrastructure of low-fat butter and its low-fat analogues
Authors: Topnikova E. V. , Pirogova E. N. , Nikitina Yu. V. , Pavlova T. A.
Published: January 2021

The aim of the research was to study the features of the structure of low-fat butter and butter pastes, which, in terms of composition and properties, more fully meet the requirements of a healthy diet than high-fat types of butter. The objects of research were: butter with fat content of 72.5%; butter with fat content of 55% made with the addition of skimmed milk powder; butter of the same fat content with the addition of stabilizers based on guar and xanthan gums and emulsifiers based on monoand diglycerides of fatty acids; butter pastes with fat content of 45% with similar additives used to increase the stability of the process of butter formation and improve the texture. The microstructure was studied using an MBI-6 microscope, and the ultramicrostructure was studied using a Phillips electron microscope. In the first case, the sample was prepared by crushing the sample, in the second one — by the method of ultrafast freeze-fracture and etching. Researches have shown that the use of the introduced ingredients improves the homogeneity of the structure of the studied products. Due to the ability of milk proteins and stabilizers to retain moisture, it is more evenly distributed and well retained in the fat matrix of the product, formed from crystalline and liquid fat in the form of a continuous phase, which is confirmed by a sufficient penetration depth of the fat-soluble dye. Plasma droplets in butter with fat content of 72.5% and 55% are more isolated than in butter pastes, as indicated by the greater penetration depth of the water-soluble dye. The average diameter of isolated moisture droplets in low-fat products was 3.3–5.4 μm, and the average diameter of the fat globules that form the basis of the crystalline framework was 5.4–7.4 μm, depending on the composition of the product. For butter with fat content of 72.5%, the values of these indicators were 2.8 and 4.0 μm. The results of the study indicate the presence of differences in the sizes of structural elements, but at the same time confirm the uniformity of the structure of low-fat products, allowing them to be attributed to dispersions «water-in-oil».
Experimental determination of carbon diffusion in liquid iron at high pressure
Authors: Rebaza Anna M. , Posner Esther S. , Thielmann Marcel , Rubie David C. , Steinle-Neumann Gerd
Published: January 2021

The transport properties of liquid iron alloys at high pressure (P) and temperature (T) are essential for understanding the formation, composition, and evolution of planetary cores. Light alloying elements (e.g., Si, O, S, C, N, H) in liquid iron are particularly relevant due to the density deficit of Earth’s core, yet high P-T experimental diffusion studies involving such alloys remain scarce, with large uncertainties on the P and T dependence required for extrapolation to core conditions. In this study, we measured the chemical diffusion of carbon in liquid iron over a P-T range of 3–15 GPa and 1700–2450 K using a multi-anvil apparatus. Diffusion couples consisting of pure Fe and Fe-2.5 wt%C cylinders were placed end-to-end in an MgO capsule in a vertical orientation. Carbon concentration profiles were measured by electron microprobe and modeled numerically to correct for non-isothermal diffusion that occurred prior to reaching the peak temperature. Carbon diffusion coefficients range from 6 × 10−9 m2·s−1 to 2 × 10−8 m2·s−1, with global Arrhenian fit parameters D0 = 1.4 ± 0.5 × 10−7 m2·s−1, ΔE = 43 ± 6 kJ/mol, and ΔV = −0.06 ± 0.19 cm3·mol−1. A negligible P effect is consistent with previous studies of oxygen diffusion in liquid iron and high-T calculations but differs from larger ΔV values previously reported from carbon self-diffusion experiments for liquid Fe3C and simulations for an Fe-Ni–C alloy. Carbon diffusion coefficients determined here are approximately three times faster than those reported from Fe-Ni-C liquid simulations, which highlights the potential significance of compositional effects on mass transport properties of liquid iron alloys and the need for expanding the P-T experimental diffusion data set currently available in the literature to more complex and geologically relevant compositions.
Impact of FDI inflow, crude oil prices, and economic growth on CO2 emission in Tunisia: Symmetric and asymmetric analysis through ARDL and NARDL approach
Authors: Ghazouani Tarek
Published: January 2021

This study explores the symmetric and asymmetric impact of real GDP per capita, FDI inflow, and crude oil price on CO2 emission in Tunisia for the 1972–2016 period. Using the cointegration tests, namely ARDL and NARDL bound test, the results show that the variables are associated in a long run relationship. Long run estimates from both approach confirms the validity of ECK hypothesis for Tunisia. Symmetric analysis reveals that economic growth and the price of crude oil adversely affect the environment, in contrast to FDI inflows that reduce CO2 emissions in the long run. Whereas the asymmetric analysis show that increase in crude oil price harm the environment and decrease in crude oil price have positive repercussions on the environment. The causality analysis suggests that a bilateral link exists between economic growth and carbon emissions and a one-way causality ranges from FDI inflows and crude oil prices to carbon emissions. Thus, some policy recommendations have been formulated to help Tunisia reduce carbon emissions and support economic development.
Representation of migrants in the Russian mass media and its dynamics (2010-2020)
Authors: Iakimova Olga A.
Published: January 2021

Over the last decades, scholars have reported a high level of xenophobia in Russia, which persists and spreads amidst all strata of the population. This shows the significance of the migration issue in the country and its topicality in the public discourse. However, the explanatory models used to analyze the perception of immigrants in Western countries do not find absolute empirical support in Russia. For this reason, researchers emphasize the importance of media discourse as a leading factor in constructing attitudes toward the foreign migrants in Russia. We take into account, firstly, the persistence of xenophobic attitudes among Russians, and secondly — the role of the migrants’ image, constructed by mass media, in shaping the perception of the immigrants among the locals. In this regard, this article hypothesizes that despite the official ban of the “hate language” and ethnization of crime, the negative representation of immigrants not only persists in the Russian media discourse, but is unfortunately increasing. To test this hypothesis, we utilize the results of research on the representation of immigration in Russian media discourse published between 2010 and 2020, which we analyze in the methodological framework of critical discourse analysis. We conclude that at the end of the current decade, there have been certain improvements in the media coverage of the migration issue, caused by the shift of the spotlight onto other problems, thus, the negative images of immigrants simply were not a part of the media agenda. On the one hand, this can help reduce ethnic tensions, although on the other, it complicates the development of the culture of interaction between the local and immigrant communities, since the national and cultural characteristics of migrants and their experience of living in Russia remain underrepresented in the media.