bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connect Two Crude Oil Distillation Units with One Crude Oil De-Salter in Dewania Refinery
Authors: Mahmoud Waheeb Omar
Published: June 2021

Crude oil, which exported to refineries, already contains salt, water, and fouling crude oil received with salt content not less than 50 ppm. Dewania refinery with a capacity of 20,000 BPSD, which serves with two crude distillation units, each unit with a capacity of 10,000 BPSD, which operate without crude desalter. In an aim to reduce the effects of salts, water and, fouling associated with crude oil, two crude distillation units connected with one crude oil desalter with a capacity of 20,000 BPSD (one desalter). crude oil desalter transferred from (Daura Refinery) to Dewania refinery, in aim to reduce salt content from 50ppm to 5 ppm and mitigate water and other fouling. Crude oil desalter installed in the middle distance between two crude distillations units (90 m from each unit isometric piping). Crude oil, which is pumped by a charge pump to preheated in crude oil distillation unit with a train of heat exchangers. When the pipeline size increased from 4″ to 6″, which reduces the pressure dropped from 0.946 to 0.15 bar for each transfer pipeline and in consequence, the total pressure drop reduces from 11.011 to 10.215 bar for the whole unit. In an aim to reduce the heat dissipated from surface of transfer pipeline. Each transfer pipeline insulated with calcium silicate insulator, the thickness of insulator increased from 38mm to 50mm in an aim to reduce heat loss from −101.56 watts/m to −84.282 watts/m, which reduced temperature difference between the surface pipeline and environment from 13 to 10°C.
Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Burnout in Frontline Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic in Russia
Authors: Mosolova Ekaterina , Sosin Dmitry , Mosolov Sergey
Published: June 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) have been subject to increased workload while also exposed to many psychosocial stressors. Most studies reported high levels of depression and anxiety among HCWs worldwide. Our study is based on two online surveys of 2195 HCWs from different regions of Russia during spring and autumn epidemic outbreaks revealed the rates of anxiety, stress, depression, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and perceived stress as 32.3%, 31.1%, 45.5%, 74.2%, 37.7%,67.8%, respectively. Moreover, 2.4% of HCWs reported suicidal thoughts. Revealed risk factors included: female gender, younger age, working for over 6 months, living outside of Moscow or Saint Petersburg, the fear of getting infected or infecting family and friends. These results demonstrate the need for urgent supportive programs for HCWs fighting COVID-19 that fall into higher risk factors groups.
Why a Bioethical Approach is Needed in Addressing Health Risks Stemming from Pandemics Due to Zoonoses Linked to Human Impact on Biodiversity?
Authors: Penna Tullia
Published: June 2021

This chapter aims to demonstrate why a precautionary and bioethical approach is needed to avert forthcoming pandemics due to zoonosis. Precautionary principle should be intended as a conceptual tool for assessing whether human action, and its arising environmental alterations, exceed the absorption capacity of Nature. Likewise, original meaning of bioethics, namely the questioning of unsustainable progress and human survival, should be resumed to reflect on human footprint on biodiversity. This reflection seems to be even more pressing if we consider how national policies are struggling to face the pandemic’s socio-economic consequences. Focusing on how to prevent zoonosis’ events, by pondering on the concept of ‘biological wisdom’ coined by Van Rensselaer Potter, might be more effective than suggesting complex reforms of healthcare systems. Furthermore, a bioethical approach, by its very definition, consists of a multidisciplinary approach, increasingly worthwhile in present-day societies characterized by strong complexity. Indeed, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has demonstrated how dense is the network of nature, human beings and socio-economic structures. It seems appropriate to think origins of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic as a warning for the future, by questioning methods and extension of human impact on biodiversity.
Economic, Health-Care and Teaching-Learning Impact of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) on Dentistry
Authors: Pérez González Alba , Chamorro Petronacci Cintia , L. Ortega Karem , M. Otero Rey Eva , Pérez-Sayáns Mario
Published: June 2021

The aim of this chapter is to look more closely at the impact that the crisis generated by the SARS-CoV-2 is having on health, the economy and education in the field of dentistry. The considerations that must be taken into account in dental practice will be presented, as well as the usefulness that the use of teledentistry (TD) could have in times of pandemic, reflecting on the different specialties of dentistry that can benefit from this modality, as well as the advantages and disadvantages that its use can present. Likewise, teaching has been condemned to a lack of presence, having to resort to distance learning, both synchronous and non-synchronous, which can cause needs and deficiencies in undergraduate and postgraduate students. We will analyse the health risks in the dental field and the changes and needs for safe dentistry in times of pandemic. We will also break down the effect of the crisis on the medical-dental sector and the economy, from the point of view of patients and professionals, especially in times of increased restriction and confinement worldwide.
Epidemiology, Zoonotic and Reverse Zoonotic Potential of COVID-19
Authors: Muneer Sadia , Zaheer Tean , Ahmad Aqsa , Imran Muhammad , Islam Aqib Amjad , Zaheer Iqra , Imran Arshad Muhammad
Published: June 2021

The demographic patterns of COVID-19 spread can provide clues to develop roadmaps for devising better prevention and control. It is high time to analyze and re-evaluate the zoonotic/reverse zoonotic spread of SARS-CoV-2 globally. To this end, lessons from epidemiology and associated determinants from previous outbreaks of SARS-CoV-1 and MERS need to be cultured and re-visited. Ways to minimize the rates of infection and promote the well-being of the masses need urgent attention owing to the subsequent waves of the global pandemic in most countries. Efforts are being directed for the provision of efficient and cost-effective diagnostics, prophylaxis and therapeutic options for COVID-19. The chapter provides insights, suggesting a potential roadmap for efficiently preventing the future outbreaks of COVID-19, based on the tools of epidemiology, transmission probabilities and public health safety concerns.
The Role of Kisspeptin in the Ovarian Cycle, Pregnancy, and Fertility
Authors: Ahart Erin , Phillips Elaine , Wolfe Michael , Marsh Courtney
Published: June 2021

Kisspeptins are a group of neuropeptides with regulatory functions related to puberty, fertility, and reproduction. They are primarily produced by hypothalamic nuclei and are thought to regulate the activity of neurons that produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone. They are also expressed by placental syncytiotrophoblasts in developing pregnancies and are likely involved in the processes of trophoblast invasion and placentation. Similarly to beta-hCG, kisspeptins are found in maternal plasma during the first trimester of pregnancy and increase proportionately with gestational age. Because of their role in implantation, there is currently interest in the use of kisspeptins as minimally invasive biomarkers. It is suspected that maternal kisspeptin levels have diagnostic potential in identifying viable early pregnancies.
Transparent Self-Knowledge of Attitudes and Emotions: A Davidsonian Attempt
Authors: Fan Ning ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2021

In Authority and Estrangement, Richard Moran provides a fascinating account of how we know what we believe that he calls the “transparency account.” This account relies on the transparency relation between the question of whether we believe that p and the question of whether p is true. That is, we can consider the former by considering the grounds for the latter. But Moran’s account has been criticized by David Finkelstein, who argues that it fails to explain how we know our attitudes and emotions more generally. The aim of this paper is to show how Moran’s transparency account can be extended to meet this criticism by modifying it, using insights from Davidson’s view on attitudes and emotions.
Marginal memories of Lebanon�s civil war: challenging hegemonic narratives in a small town in North Metn
Authors: Abou Jaoude Carmen Hassoun , Rugo Daniele
Published: June 2021

This article focuses on the �hidden public culture� formed by individual memories of violent conflicts, with particular reference to the Lebanese Civil War (1975�90). Taking memory as a terrain through which individuals can contest authoritarian governance and repressive memory scripts, the article argues that personal memories of ordinary citizens can contribute to illuminate the power relations that structure war memorialisations. Through a series of interviews, the article analyses militia practices in a small town in North Metn to challenge the idea that militias were merely defending a territory from external enemies. Militia abuses against the populations they were meant to defend during the Civil War are also used as a starting point to reflect on Lebanon�s present. This case study is then used as a starting point to advocate for the use of personal memories in the research of violent conflicts as a way to broaden our understanding of conflict�s lived experiences.
Dealing with the COVID-19 infodemic
Authors: Karim Muhaimin , Singh Rajesh , Widén Gunilla
Published: June 2021

This exploratory study seeks to understand information experiences, emotional reactions, and coping mechanisms of young adults concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Studying two different populations, the Finnish sample included 49 young adults, while the US sample included 154. A qualitative content analysis approach was utilized in analyzing research findings. Respondents experienced a variety of emotions including negative, positive, and neutral emotions while searching for information about the COVID-19 crisis. Respondents utilized limited information consumption, selective information consumption, and information avoidance as their primary coping mechanisms to manage information overload, anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional well-being. Overall, the findings highlighted similarities in young people’s emotional reactions and coping mechanisms in managing the pandemic-related information in both countries. The study also revealed considerable differences in their perceptions about the role of media and politics in shaping how people consume and evaluate information.
De Økonomiske Råd
Authors: Kærgård Niels , Andersen Peder
Published: June 2021

Det Økonomiske Råd er fra 1962 og indtager dermed en særstilling i den danske økonomiske debat som en meget gammel institution. De talrige tænketanke, der er med til at præge debatten i dag, er langt nyere, og hovedparten er startet efter årtusindskiftet. I artiklen gennemgås nogle centrale punkter i institutionens historie, og institutionens situation i dag diskuteres. Der argumenteres for, at institutionen er mindst lige så vigtig som tidligere, men at tildelingen af et betydeligt antal nye opgaver og udflytningen til Horsens risikerer at give varige problemer.
Hvornår og hvordan påvirker udviklingsforskningen politikken: Dilemmaer og personlige erfaringer på baggrund af enkeltnedslag
Authors: Kjær Anne Mette
Published: June 2021

Denne artikel undersøger udvalgte kanaler gennem hvilke, udviklingsforskning kan have indflydelse på udviklingspraksis, nemlig den politiske beslutningsproces, udmøntningen af udviklingspolitikken og Udviklingspolitisk Råd (UPR). Forskningsfaglig viden har sjældent direkte indflydelse på udviklingspolitiske beslutninger, men forskeren kan formidle konsensus inden for feltet, og politikere bør lytte, så de kan tage beslutninger på et informeret grundlag. I udmøntningen af udviklingspolitikken har forskningen oftere indflydelse. I denne praksisnære forskning kan et dilemma for forskeren være at få lov til at inkludere donoren som interessent i sin analyse. Selvom UPR ikke har som primært formål at formidle udviklingsforskningens indsigter, kan forskere i UPR alligevel bidrage til at styrke det faglige niveau yderligere, og dermed kan indsigterne blive en del af rådgivningen til ministeren.
Pour une épistémologie de la pertinence
Authors: Cantin Serge
Published: June 2021

Cet article vise à expliciter le sens et la portée de « l’épistémologie de la pertinence », qui constitue l’enjeu fondamental de l’ouvrage de Fernand Dumont paru aux Presses universitaires de France en 1981 : L’Anthropologie en l’absence de l’homme. Sans renoncer aux exigences d’une épistémologie axée sur l’analyse des démarches opératoires de la construction de l’objet, Dumont fait ressortir les limites d’une telle « épistémologie de la vérité » quant à la mise au jour des fondements et des finalités des sciences modernes de l’homme, ou de ce qu’il appelle « l’anthropologie ». Selon lui, il est essentiel dans ce champ de connaissance d’ouvrir la réflexion épistémologique aux questions relatives à la légitimité éthique, à la « pertinence » de l’entreprise scientifique dans la communauté des hommes.
Les communautés forestières du parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno : unicité et effets de bordure
Authors: Pellerin Stéphanie , Loiselle Audréanne , Beauvais Marie-Pierre , Lafortune Noémie , Rivard Nathalie , Lavoie Claude
Published: June 2021

L’ objectif de cette étude était de caractériser les communautés forestières du parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno. Plus particulièrement, nous voulions trouver les sites présentant un caractère unique quant à leur composition floristique et déterminer comment cette unicité était associée à diverses variables environnementales. Nous avons aussi évalué si certaines espèces étaient indicatrices de la présence de bordure. Pour ce faire, nous avons utilisé les données d’un inventaire floristique fait en 2013 comprenant 133 placettes d’ échantillonnage. Au total, 173 taxons ont été identifiés, y compris 21 d’origine exotique et 11 indigènes à statut précaire. Les espèces exotiques étaient en général peu abondantes et peu fréquentes. La richesse et la diversité floristiques étaient plus élevées dans les placettes situées dans les dépressions ou en bas de pente. Les communautés présentes dans 8 placettes se distinguaient significativement des autres par la présence d’espèces de milieux humides. Les espèces indicatrices des bordures étaient soit intolérantes à l’ombre, tolérantes au stress hydrique, ou rudérales. Cette étude montre que les communautés floristiques forestières du parc sont pauvres en espèces exotiques, que les sites plus humides se distinguent de la flore relativement homogène qui caractérise le parc et que les bordures ont un effet sur la composition des communautés végétales.
GROUNDWATER VULNERABILITY DETERMINATION OF NORTHEASTERN BOSNIA ACCORDING TO GLA METHOD
Authors: Srkalović Dado , Stjepić Srkalović Željka
Published: June 2021

The paper assesses the vulnerability of 27 groundwater bodies in the basin of the river Bosna, ie Spreča, then the river basin of the Drina river (Drinjača), as well as parts of the immediate Sava river basin (Čelić area - Gnjica river and Turija basin) by the GLA method. For each water body, the determination of the effective soil capacity, degree of infiltration and rock type was made, as well as the final assessment of the protective efficiency of the unsaturated zones soil covering.
THE PHYSICAL-MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COAL SEAMS OF IMMEDIATE FLOOR AND ROOF INFLUENCES ON THE CHOICE OF EXCAVATION SYSTEM IN THE COAL DEPOSITS IN SERBIA
Authors: Trivan Jelena , Tošić Dražena , Todorović Vladimir
Published: June 2021

The physical and mechanical characteristics of coal seams, immediate floor and roof significantly influence to the choice of systems (the methods and technologies) of coal underground exploitation, and in this paper, their grouping and sorting by importance for the conditions of active underground mines in Serbia was carried out. The research is based on the results of laboratory tests performed in all mines, on the basis of which individual parameters were evaluated. The results of the research proved the complexity of the choice of excavation system in the specific conditions and individual limitations.
DIMENSIONING SPECIFICS OF THE PRODUCTION CAPACITY OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES IN SERBIA
Authors: Todorović Vladimir , Tošić Dražana , Trivan Jelena
Published: June 2021

Sizing the production capacity of underground coal mines is an extremely complex task with a number of specifics that must be taken into account when designing the mines. The main factors are the specific natural-geological conditions of the deposit, which determine the application of an adequate excavation system followed by organizational factors, which in combination gives the most favorable production, economic and safety parameters.

This paper presents the specifics of production capacity design in active underground coal mines in Serbia, based on a comprehensive analysis of the influencing factors. Of special importance is the ranking of the impact of natural and geological conditions on the excavation system, with four groups with the qualitative analysis.
DIVERSITY OF VASCULAR FLORA IN PROTECTED HABITAT TIŠINA
Authors: Marić Nataša , Petronić Slađana
Published: June 2021

VelikaTišina swamp is located far north of the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and belong to the territory of the Municipality of Šamac. The vascular flora was investigated within the Conservation Study, which was done in cooperation with the Republic Institute for the Protection of the Cultural and Historical Natural Heritage of the Republic of Srpska and GEF/UNEP as part of the project „Achieving Biodiversity Conservation through the Establishment and Effective Management of the Protected Area and Capacity Building for Nature Conservation Bosnia and Herzegovina“.

Research was carried out in the period 2010-2011. There were identified 236 species that were classified into 3 classes, 179 genera and 71 families. In phytogeographic view is dominated species of wider geographical distribution from the eurasian, cosmopolitan, boreal and adventive areal groups. The biological spectrum indicate the hemicryptophytes-terrophytic-hydrophytic character of life forms. According to the IUCN Red List, about 55% of the species are mostly of low concern (LC) category, those species have a stable population but are not designated as dependent on protection nor nearly endangered.

According to the Red List of Protected Species of the Flora and Fauna of the Republic of Srpska, in this area 22 taxa with no specific threat category were recorded and in the Red List of the Federation of BiH 6 species are in the vulnerable species (VU) category, 1 species in the LC category.
ENHANCING THE INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE
Authors: Podvalny Semen , Zolotukhina Iana , Sotnikova Olga , Prokshits Ekaterina
Published: June 2021

Currently, the development of the country's economy is characterized by the trend of globalization, which is constantly developing, modernizing, acquiring new forms and features, which ultimately radically changed the way of the world economy. The task was set to analyze and propose options for improving the investment attractiveness and efficiency of the functioning of the special economic zone of the industrial and production type "Center" in the Voronezh Region. The analysis of the existing territory was carried out, as a result of which the weaknesses and opportunities for modernization and development of the zone as a whole were identified.

The article presents proposals for increasing and reorganizing the territory, develops a development plan, and suggests ways to attract customers and investments from an architectural and construction point of view. The levels of interaction between humans and the architectural and landscape environment are studied, and the key points of development are identified. The results obtained make it possible to apply and evaluate according to these criteria with the specified characteristics, using the design code development methodology to increase the efficiency of the territory's functioning.
PARAMETRIC OPTIMIZATION OF THE STRUCTURE OF CONTROLLED HIGH-VOLTAGE CAPACITOR BATTERIES
Authors: Babenko Vladimir , Danilov Alexandr , Vasenin Dmitrii , Krysanov Valery
Published: June 2021

The article considers the issues of increasing energy efficiency of 6-10 kV controlled capacitor plants of power supply systems of energy-intensive facilities due to more accurate compensation of reactive power. Analysis of the most common circuits for connecting batteries of static capacitors using semiconductor and electromechanical switches was carried out.

The feasibility of using a simplified approach of determining the optimal structure of the power part of high-voltage plants for compensation of reactive power according to the criterion of minimum cost and minimum level of electric energy losses is determined. The possibility of parametric optimization of high-voltage capacitor batteries to higher voltage levels is shown, taking into account the given specific requirements of these electric power facilities.
POTENTIALITY OF THE BUGOJNO COAL BASIN, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Forčaković Dževad , Dervišević Rejhana
Published: June 2021

This paper presents research results of the Bugojno coal basin, which contains very significant, but still insufficiently explored lignite reserves. Based on the determined borders of surface distribution and the research results in the northwestern part of the Bugojno coal basin, proved are four coal layers with reserves of over one billion tons of coal.

Discussed are geological characteristics of coal layers, their qualitative-quantitative characteristics, spatial potential of deposit and classification of coal layers. Considering the raw material potential and the possibility of expanding the existing raw material base, the Bugojno coal basin has particular importance for the long-term development of lignite exploitation and its use for thermal energy
purposes.
CHEMICAL LEACHING OF CONTAMINATED SOIL – CASE STUDY
Authors: Danková Zuzana , Štyriaková Iveta , Kovaničová Ľubica , Čechovská Katarína , Košuth Marián , Šuba Jaroslav , Nováková Jarmila , Konečný Patrik , Tuček Ľubomír , Žecová Katarína , Lenhardtová Eva , Németh Zoltán
Published: June 2021

This study presents results of chemical leaching of contaminated soil from several metallurgically loaded locality of Richnava in Slovakia, applying two chelants – Na2EDTA and Na3EDDS of different molar concentration, done at different leaching conditions. The lower molar concentration (2 mM) of chelants showed comparable effect on Mn, Ni, As, Sb and Co leaching. Higher extraction was revealed at application of 10 mM chelants, especially for Cu and Cd release. Repeated washing of soil by 10 mM chelant without the media regeneration was more effective at the toxic elements removal than washing by smaller volumes of media or leaching of soil in static conditions. Final experiments focused on obtained leachates treatment showed that electrolysis and precipitation should represent a perspective way of the washing media regeneration.
ECONOMIC COST-EFFECTIVENES OF ETHYLENE CONSUMPTION IN THE TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS OF BANANA RIPENING
Authors: Stojanović Ivan , Manić Aleksandar , Ilić Silvana
Published: June 2021

Banana is a climacteric fruit that undergoes a ripening process in airtight chambers at a certain temperature, appropriate ethylene concentration, and the time it takes for the fruit to reach maturity level 4 on the ripening scale. For commercial purposes an ethylene concentration of 1000 ppm is used, and depending on other factors the concentration may vary. Through a research the best result has been achieved with an ethylene concentration of 900 ppm and the fruit exposure to 18C for a treatment period of 120 h. These parameters reduced costs by RSD 91.896,95 at annual level compared to the commercial concentration of ethylene, the quality of the fruit did not deteriorate greater efficiency in business has been achieved.
Intrinsic OXPHOS limitations underlie cellular bioenergetics in leukemia
Authors: Nelson Margaret AM , McLaughlin Kelsey L , Hagen James T , Coalson Hannah S , Schmidt Cameron , Kassai Miki , Kew Kimberly A , McClung Joseph M , Neufer P Darrell , Brophy Patricia , Vohra Nasreen A , Liles Darla , Cabot Myles C , Fisher-Wellman Kelsey H
Published: June 2021

Currently there is great interest in targeting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in cancer. However, notwithstanding the targeting of mutant dehydrogenases, nearly all hopeful ‘mito-therapeutics’ cannot discriminate cancerous from non-cancerous OXPHOS and thus suffer from a limited therapeutic index. Using acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as a model, herein, we leveraged an in-house diagnostic biochemical workflow to identify ‘actionable’ bioenergetic vulnerabilities intrinsic to cancerous mitochondria. Consistent with prior reports, AML growth and proliferation was associated with a hyper-metabolic phenotype which included increases in basal and maximal respiration. However, despite having nearly 2-fold more mitochondria per cell, clonally expanding hematopoietic stem cells, leukemic blasts, as well as chemoresistant AML were all consistently hallmarked by intrinsic OXPHOS limitations. Remarkably, by performing experiments across a physiological span of ATP free energy, we provide direct evidence that leukemic mitochondria are particularly poised to consume ATP. Relevant to AML biology, acute restoration of oxidative ATP synthesis proved highly cytotoxic to leukemic blasts, suggesting that active OXPHOS repression supports aggressive disease dissemination in AML. Together, these findings argue against ATP being the primary output of leukemic mitochondria and provide proof-of-principle that restoring, rather than disrupting, OXPHOS may represent an untapped therapeutic avenue for combatting hematological malignancy and chemoresistance.
Early maternal loss leads to short- but not long-term effects on diurnal cortisol slopes in wild chimpanzees
Authors: Girard-Buttoz Cédric , Tkaczynski Patrick J , Samuni Liran , Fedurek Pawel , Gomes Cristina , Löhrich Therese , Manin Virgile , Preis Anna , Valé Prince F , Deschner Tobias , Wittig Roman M , Crockford Catherine
Published: June 2021

The biological embedding model (BEM) suggests that fitness costs of maternal loss arise when early-life experience embeds long-term alterations to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Alternatively, the adaptive calibration model (ACM) regards physiological changes during ontogeny as short-term adaptations. Both models have been tested in humans but rarely in wild, long-lived animals. We assessed whether, as in humans, maternal loss had short- and long-term impacts on orphan wild chimpanzee urinary cortisol levels and diurnal urinary cortisol slopes, both indicative of HPA axis functioning. Immature chimpanzees recently orphaned and/or orphaned early in life had diurnal cortisol slopes reflecting heightened activation of the HPA axis. However, these effects appeared short-term, with no consistent differences between orphan and non-orphan cortisol profiles in mature males, suggesting stronger support for the ACM than the BEM in wild chimpanzees. Compensatory mechanisms, such as adoption, may buffer against certain physiological effects of maternal loss in this species.
circPTPN12/miR-21–5 p/∆Np63α pathway contributes to human endometrial fibrosis
Authors: Song Minmin , Zhao Guangfeng , Sun Haixiang , Yao Simin , Zhou Zhenhua , Jiang Peipei , Wu Qianwen , Zhu Hui , Wang Huiyan , Dai Chenyan , Wang Jingmei , Li Ruotian , Cao Yun , Lv Haining , Liu Dan , Dai Jianwu , Zhou Yan , Hu Yali
Published: June 2021

Emerging evidence demonstrates the important role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in regulating pathological processes in various diseases including organ fibrosis. Endometrium fibrosis is the leading cause of uterine infertility, but the role of circRNAs in its pathogenesis is largely unknown. Here, we provide the evidence that upregulation of circPTPN12 in endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) of fibrotic endometrium functions as endogenous sponge of miR-21–5 p to inhibit miR-21–5 p expression and activity, which in turn results in upregulation of ΔNp63α to induce the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of EECs (EEC–EMT). In a mouse model of endometrium fibrosis, circPTPN12 appears to be a cofactor of driving EEC–EMT and administration of miR-21–5 p could reverse this process and improve endometrial fibrosis. Our findings revealed that the dysfunction of circPTPN12/miR-21–5 p/∆Np63α pathway contributed to the pathogenesis of endometrial fibrosis.
Single-cell RNA-seq analysis reveals penaeid shrimp hemocyte subpopulations and cell differentiation process
Authors: Koiwai Keiichiro , Koyama Takashi , Tsuda Soichiro , Toyoda Atsushi , Kikuchi Kiyoshi , Suzuki Hiroaki , Kawano Ryuji
Published: June 2021

Crustacean aquaculture is expected to be a major source of fishery commodities in the near future. Hemocytes are key players of the immune system in shrimps; however, their classification, maturation, and differentiation are still under debate. To date, only discrete and inconsistent information on the classification of shrimp hemocytes has been reported, showing that the morphological characteristics are not sufficient to resolve their actual roles. Our present study using single-cell RNA sequencing revealed six types of hemocytes of Marsupenaeus japonicus based on their transcriptional profiles. We identified markers of each subpopulation and predicted the differentiation pathways involved in their maturation. We also predicted cell growth factors that might play crucial roles in hemocyte differentiation. Different immune roles among these subpopulations were suggested from the analysis of differentially expressed immune-related genes. These results provide a unified classification of shrimp hemocytes, which improves the understanding of its immune system.
Cranial anatomy ofBolotridon frerensis, an enigmatic cynodont from the Middle Triassic of South Africa, and its phylogenetic significance
Authors: Pusch Luisa C. , Kammerer Christian F. , Fröbisch Jörg
Published: June 2021

The cynodont fauna of theTrirachodon-KannemeyeriaSubzone of the Middle TriassicCynognathusAssemblage Zone (AZ) is almost exclusively represented by taxa belonging to the clade Eucynodontia. However, there is one basal (non-eucynodont) cynodont known to have survived into this assemblage: the enigmaticBolotridon frerensis. BSPG 1934-VIII-7 represents by far the most extensive specimen ofB. frerensis, consisting of a partial skull with occluded lower jaw. The specimen was initially described by Broili & Schröder (1934), but their description was limited to surface details of the skull and the dental morphology. Here, by using a computed tomographic (CT) reconstruction, we redescribe this specimen, providing novel information on its palatal and internal anatomy. New endocranial characters recognized for this taxon include ridges in the nasal cavity indicating the presence of cartilaginous respiratory turbinals. New data obtained from the CT scan were incorporated into the most recently published data matrix of early non-mammalian cynodonts to test the previously unstable phylogenetic position ofBolotridon. Our phylogenetic analyses recoveredBolotridonas the sister-taxon of Eucynodontia, a more crownward position than previously hypothesized.
Confirmation of age-related alterations in inhibitory control using a modified minimally delayed oculomotor response (MDOR) task
Authors: Knox Paul C. , Liang Dongmei
Published: June 2021

Considerable effort has been made to measure and understand the effects of ageing on inhibitory control using a range of behavioural tasks. In the minimally delayed oculomotor response (MDOR) task, participants are presented with a simple visual target step with variable target display duration (TDD), and instructed to saccade to the target not when it appears (a prosaccade response), but when it disappears (i.e., on target offset). Using this task, we recently found higher error rates and longer latencies for correct responses in older compared to younger participants. Here we have used a modified MDOR task, in which participants were presented with static placeholders identifying potential target positions (increasing spatial information), and three TDDs rather than two (reducing temporal predictability). We found that the yield of analysable trials was generally higher with this modified task and in 28 older (mean ± SD age: 65 ± 7 y) and 25 younger (26 ± 7 y) participants the total overall error rate was again higher in the older group (30 ± 18% vs. 16 ± 11%). An analysis of the temporal distribution of responses demonstrated a pronounced peak in error production around 150 ms (young) or 200 ms (old) after target onset. When we recalculated the error rate focusing on these errors, it was again significantly higher in the older group. The latency of correct responses (to offsets) was significantly increased in the older group, although much of this increase was accounted for by expected age-related visuomotor slowing. However, both latency and distribution data suggested that while older participants could generate increased levels of inhibition, they could not maintain these levels as efficiently as the younger participants. In 24 participants (15 old, 9 young) who completed both versions of the MDOR task, neither latency nor error rates differed significantly between versions. These results confirm an inhibitory control deficit in healthy older participants, and suggest that the dynamics of inhibitory control are also affected by ageing. The modified MDOR task yields more data while not altering basic performance parameters.
Effects of fragrance compounds on growth of the silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: Kai Zhen-peng , Qiu Yanwei , Zhang Xue-wei , Chen Shan-shan
Published: June 2021

Due to the contamination and biological toxicity of some fragrance compounds, the environmental and ecological problems of such compounds have attracted more and more attention. However, studies of the toxicity of fragrance compounds for insects have been limited. The toxicity of 48 fragrance compounds for the silkworm Bombyx mori were investigated in this study. All of the fragrance compounds examined had no acute toxicity for B. mori larvae, but eight of them (menthol, maltol, musk xylene, musk tibeten, dibutyl sulfide, nerolidol, ethyl vanillin, and α-amylcinnamaldehyde) exhibited chronic and lethal toxicity with LC50 values from 20 to 120 µM. In a long-term feeding study, musk tibeten, nerolidol, and musk xylene showed significant growth regulatory activity. They were also extremely harmful to the cocooning of B. mori, resulting in small, thin, and loose cocoons. Two important insect hormones, namely, juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-E), were quantified in hemolymph following chronic exposure to musk tibeten, nerolidol, and musk xylene, respectively. Musk tibeten significantly increased JH titer and decreased the 20-E titer in hemolymph, and musk xylene had a significant inhibitory effect on JH titer and increased 20-E titer. Although nerolidol had no effect on hormone levels, exogenous JH mimic nerolidol increased the physiological effects of JH and significantly slowed the growth rate of B. mori larvae. The results showed that these fragrance compounds could interfere with the insect endocrine system, leading to death and abnormal growth. The risk to insects of residual fragrance compounds in the environment is worthy of attention.
Distribution of soil nutrients and erodibility factor under different soil types in an erosion region of Southeast China
Authors: Liu Man , Han Guilin
Published: June 2021

Background

Soil erosion can affect the distribution of soil nutrients, which restricts soil productivity. However, it is still a challenge to understand the response of soil nutrients to erosion under different soil types.

Methods

The distribution of soil nutrients, including soil organic carbon (SOC), soil organic nitrogen (SON), and soil major elements (expressed as Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3, K2O, Na2O, MgO, TiO2, and SiO2), were analyzed in the profiles from yellow soils, red soils, and lateritic red soils in an erosion region of Southeast China. Soil erodibility K factor calculated on the Erosion Productivity Impact Calculator (EPIC) model was used to indicate erosion risk of surface soils (0∼30 cm depth). The relationships between these soil properties were explored by Spearman’s rank correlation analysis, further to determine the factors that affected the distribution of SOC, SON, and soil major elements under different soil types.

Results

The K factors in the red soils were significantly lower than those in the yellow soils and significantly higher than those in the lateritic red soils. The SON concentrations in the deep layer of the yellow soils were twice larger than those in the red soils and lateritic red soils, while the SOC concentrations between them were not significantly different. The concentrations of most major elements, except Al2O3and SiO2, in the yellow soils, were significantly larger than those in the red soils and lateritic red soils. Moreover, the concentrations of major metal elements positively correlated with silt proportions and SiO2concentrations positively correlated with sand proportions at the 0∼80 cm depth in the yellow soils. Soil major elements depended on both soil evolution and soil erosion in the surface layer of yellow soils. In the yellow soils below the 80 cm depth, soil pH positively correlated with K2O, Na2O, and CaO concentrations, while negatively correlated with Fe2O3concentrations, which was controlled by the processes of soil evolution. The concentrations of soil major elements did not significantly correlate with soil pH or particle distribution in the red soils and lateritic red soils, likely associated with intricate factors.

Conclusions

These results suggest that soil nutrients and soil erodibility K factor in the yellow soils were higher than those in the lateritic red soils and red soils. The distribution of soil nutrients is controlled by soil erosion and soil evolution in the erosion region of Southeast China.
Push and pushback: Control behavior as a precipitant of verbal and violent disputes
Authors: Felson Richard B. , Berg Mark T. , Krajewski Andrew T. , Rogers Ethan M.
Published: June 2021

We examine to what extent control behavior precipitates disputes involving adversaries in different social relationships. We hypothesize that disputes between intimate partners and illegal business partners are more likely than other disputes to involve control because they involve a higher level of interdependence between the participants. A sample of male inmates (n = 479) and nonoffenders (n = 206) were asked whether control behaviors (e.g., verbal commands) precipitated their most recent disputes (n = 1184). Bivariate probit regression models allowed us to examine mutual control as well as unilateral control. Disputes between intimate partners were more likely than disputes between adversaries in other relationships to be precipitated by mutual control, but not unilateral or one‐sided control by men. Disputes between illegal business partners also predicted mutual control, but not unilateral control. Discussions of the motives for violence would benefit from consideration of the classic social psychological literature on power and influence.
Patient Experiences of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Findings From a Systematic Review, Meta‐Summary, and Meta‐Synthesis
Authors: Petrocchi Valentina , Visintini Erica , De Marchi Ginevra , Quartuccio Luca , Palese Alvisa
Published: June 2021

Objective

To explore the experience of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

A systematic review of qualitative studies published in English in the past 10 years and identified through the PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. The methodologic quality of each included study was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Screening Programme tool. Study findings were then subjected to a meta‐summary and meta‐synthesis.

Results

Twenty‐six studies with a good overall methodologic quality were included, documenting the experience of 565 adult patients (95% women). A total of 17 codes emerged, summarizing the life experience of SLE patients; the most and least frequent codes in the meta‐summary were “feeling not as I usually do” (69.2%) and “having wishes” (7.7%). The codes were then categorized into 5 main themes, summarizing the experience of living with SLE: 1) “experiencing waves of emotions due to the unpredictable nature of the disease,” 2) “trying to live an ordinary life,” 3) “listening to and obeying the body's limitations,” 4) “reviewing my life projects,” and 5) “dealing with future uncertainties.”

Conclusion

Several qualitative studies have been published to date using good methodologic approaches. According to the findings, SLE negatively impacts patient experiences by affecting multiple dimensions of their daily lives, with fatigue and pain as the most frequent symptoms.
Macroporous Array Induced Multiscale Modulation at the Surface/Interface of Co(OH)2/NiMo Self‐Supporting Electrode for Effective Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Qing , Xiao Wei , Guo Wan Hui , Yang Yu Xian , Lei Jing Lei , Luo Hong Qun , Li Nian Bing
Published: June 2021

Outstanding electrocatalysts for high‐efficiency water splitting demand not only the high intrinsic activity determined by the electronic structure but also a favorable mass transfer (electrolyte diffusion and bubble desorption) and strong structural stability. Here, a 3D core–shell electrocatalyst consisting of Co(OH)2 cavity array‐encapsulated NiMo alloy on the flexible carbon cloth substrate (Co(OH)2/NiMo CA@CC) is proposed. Density functional theory reveals that coupling NiMo with Co(OH)2 can better optimize the water adsorption/dissociation and hydrogen adsorption energies in hydrogen evolution reaction, and also accelerate the kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction. Based on this, the open porous structure of the outer Co(OH)2 cavity array further promotes the diffusion of the electrolyte into the heterogeneous interface between NiMo and Co(OH)2, significantly shortening the electron transfer pathways and exposing multiple active sites. In addition, the macroporous array structure accelerates the bubble evolution and desorption process, thus ensuring a rapid mass transfer. When served as bifunctional electrocatalysts toward alkaline overall water splitting, Co(OH)2/NiMo CA@CC delivers a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a low cell voltage of 1.52 V. Results support the multiscale optimization of the surface/interface engineering induced by the macroporous array.
Active‐Matrix‐Based Flexible Optical Image Sensor
Authors: Xuan Yan , Lu Yuyao , Honda Satoko , Arie Takayuki , Akita Seiji , Takei Kuniharu
Published: June 2021

Owing to the demand for the development of Internet of things devices, multiple sensor platforms are of great interest to society and its future electronics. One of these emerging devices is a mechanically flexible sensor system that can attach and conform to nonplanar surfaces, unlike conventional inflexible sensor chips. To realize this concept, a variety of flexible sensor systems must be developed from materials to system integrations. This study proposes a flexible sensor system as one of the candidates: an active‐matrix‐based flexible optical image sensor that uses a stacked nanosheet film formed by a solution process and transistors. The results show that the sensor can be utilized as an optical imager because it detects enough optical stimuli. In addition to the sensitivity, the mechanical flexibility of the active‐matrix optical sensor is tested, and the results exhibit good electrical stability even after 1000 bending cycles and 0.85 cm bending radius. The mapping of light distribution is successfully demonstrated under both flat and curved conditions. This flexible optical sensor array shows the high possibility to image the light distribution for high‐resolution and low power mapping realized by active matrix circuit integration.
Tunable Luminescence from Stable Silver Nanoclusters Confined in Microporous Zeolites
Authors: Romolini Giacomo , Steele Julian A. , Hofkens Johan , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Coutino‐Gonzalez Eduardo
Published: June 2021

The study of luminescent silver nanoclusters confined inside porous zeolite crystal has garnered the interest of fundamental and applied nanomaterials research owing to the fascinating properties they exhibit once stabilized into small, molecule‐like clusters. Notably, such systems display a tunable optical emission (spanning nearly the entire visible range) and high luminescence quantum yields, features that are both sensitive to external stimuli and changes in the local environment of the cluster. Together, this combination of physical attributes has motivated research based on the intentional introduction of external atomic and molecular species into zeolites’ interior pore volume. In this progress report, recent discoveries which have helped to elucidate the dynamic luminescent emission properties of silver nanoclusters confined in zeolites are examined, highlighting promising efforts being made toward reaching rational design protocols for their functional synthesis. Several encouraging multicomponent systems that have allowed for the flexible regulation of the luminescence properties of the confined silver nanoclusters are brought into focus. Further, a brief up‐to‐date review of their applications is provided, ranging from efficient light‐emitting devices to sensitive (bio)sensors.
Adapted systemic inflammation score as a novel prognostic marker for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Nomoto Daichi , Baba Yoshifumi , Akiyama Takahiko , Okadome Kazuo , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Iwagami Shiro , Miyamoto Yuji , Yoshida Naoya , Watanabe Masayuki , Baba Hideo
Published: June 2021

Background

The adapted systemic inflammation score (aSIS), calculated from serum albumin and the lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio, has been reported to be a novel prognostic marker for some types of cancers. However, the prognostic impact of aSIS in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains controversial. This study aimed to examine the prognostic effects of aSIS in a large cohort of 509 ESCC patients.

Methods

Preoperative aSIS was retrospectively calculated for 509 ESCC patients who underwent curative resection. Time‐dependent receiver operating characteristics (t‐ROC) curves were used for comparing the prognostic impact.

Results

Patients with high aSIS showed significantly poorer overall survival (OS) than patients with low aSIS (log rank P < .001). The multivariate analysis revealed that aSIS was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (multivariate hazard ratio 1.76; 95% confidence interval 1.13–2.75; P = .013). The t‐ROC analysis showed that aSIS was more sensitive than other nutritional prognostic factors (controlling for nutritional status, systemic inflammation score, and the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio).

Conclusion

Preoperative aSIS may be a useful prognostic biomarker in ESCC patients who underwent curative resection.