bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS IN POLAND
Authors:   Rzeszow University of Technology, Rzeszow, Poland,, M DASZYKOWSKI , S SIEDLECKA ,   Rzeszow University of Technology, Rzeszow, Poland
Published: December 2021

Pedestrian crossings today are an indispensable element of the road infrastructure. There are more and more of them. The reason for this state of affairs is the constantly constant level of pedestrian intensity and the need to change the path of the footpath. Pedestrian accidents occur as a result of many factors related to weather conditions or the technical condition of the vehicle. However, in Poland, most often the event happens due to human error, then the driver of a car or a pedestrian. In addition, the high accident rate depends on poor road infrastructure. Unfortunately, a pedestrian is the victim of every third accident in our country. Pedestrians are among the group of vulnerable road users in which participation in an accident has very serious consequences. The importance of this problem can be demonstrated by the fact that 270,000 pedestrians are killed on the world's roads every year. Globally, almost 22% of all fatalities are from pedestrian accidents, and this is an average value, as there are countries where this percentage exceeds 66%. Pedestrian safety is a serious problem on Polish roads. In Poland, most pedestrian accidents occur at pedestrian crossings. This is where pedestrians and vehicles cross, creating a risk of collisions between these road users. These accidents are caused by insufficient visibility of the driver and pedestrians. The analysis of police statistics made it possible to assess the effectiveness of factors aimed at improving road safety at pedestrian crossings. The main one is traffic light. Thanks to him, pedestrian crossings are safer. A big problem, which is still significant, is the concentration of pedestrian’s attention on phone screens. To prevent collisions with pedestrians, they do not monitor their safety when crossing the road, there are special programs for phones, the use of advertising campaigns, the installation of LED strips or the use of 3D strips. KEYWORDS: PEDESTRIAN, PEDESTRIAN CROSSING, ROAD SAFETY, ROAD ACCIDENTS, CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS WITH PEDESTRIANS.
EFFECT OF AIR HEATING AT THE INTAKE ON THE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF A TRANSPORT ENGINE WHEN RUNNING ON ALCOHOL-CONTAINING GASOLINE AT LOW TEMPERATURES
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Y Gutarevych , Y Shuba ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, A Syrota ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, D Trifonov ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, D Ovchynnikov ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: December 2021

The article discusses the issue associated with the influence of air heating at the intake on the fuel efficiency and environmental performance of an engine with a carburetor power system when using alcohol-containing gasoline with a bioethanol content of about 36%, in the cold start, warm-up and idle modes. The use of inlet air heating is one of the promising areas for the implementation of energy-efficient technologies in road transport. The object of experimental research is a ZAZ-1102 car with a MeMZ-245 gasoline engine with a carburetor power system. The purpose of the work is to determine the effect of air heating at the intake on the energy and environmental performance of a transport engine when operating on alcohol-containing gasoline at low temperatures. The research method is experimental. As a result of the research, it was found that the use of air preheating at the intake with TAPP when using alcohol-containing gasoline with a bioethanol content of about 36% allows for reliable start-up while reducing the engine start-up time; reduce engine warm-up time by 15.8%, total fuel consumption by 34.6%; CO concentration at the beginning of heating decreases by 30.8%, CmHn concentration decreases 4.8 times. 120 seconds after warming up, the CmHn concentration when the engine is running without heating is 730 ppm, and with heating it is 370 ppm. CO concentrations are reduced from 0.37% to 0.25%. To ensure the adaptation of existing engines with a carburetor fuel supply system to the use of alcohol-containing gasolines with a bioethanol content of more than 20%, it is recommended at low temperatures to ensure an intake air temperature within 40 ... 50 ° C, which generally leads to an increase in fuel efficiency. KEY WORDS: ENGINE WITH CARBURETTOR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM, ALCOHOL-CONTAINING GASOLINE, HEATED AIR AT THE INLET, LOW OPERATING TEMPERATURE, INCREASING ENGINE ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
TO DETERMINING THE PERFORMANCE AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF VEHICLES IN THE CONTEXT OF URBAN MOBILITY
Authors:   Cherkasy State Technological University, Cherkasy, Ukraine, N Kostian , M ŚMIESZEK ,   Rzeszow University of Technology, Rzeszow, Poland
Published: December 2021

Transport flows, which go through the street-road grid of the city, in combination with external factors that affect their movement, set up the system, the operation of which requires adjustment to optimal modes. The article proposes an approach to evaluate the efficiency of traffic organization in terms of urban mobility according to the criteria of their energy efficiency and productivity. The approach is based on the principles of morphological analysis of the traffic flow system, which identifies five main functional elements of the system: car, traffic flow, road, traffic controls and traffic environment. Twenty-two significant morphological features, both quantitative and qualitative, have been identified for morphological elements, for which variants of their implementation have been set. Quantitative meters have been identified for qualitative features, which will allow the synthesis of typical system structures and determine their optimal modes of operation. The total number of possible structures of the system reaches 1,7496·1014. The morphological characteristics unambiguously correspond to the parameters of the system of objective functions, the increments of which during the solution of the optimization problem are components of the integrated criterion of vehicle efficiency. Driving vehicles in optimal conditions will reduce energy consumption and increase their productivity, reduce traffic congestion, improve the environmental condition of the roadside environment and reduce the level of road hazards. The results of morphological analysis should be used in the process of statistical analysis of system parameters in order to develop adequate nonlinear mathematical models with set of output parameters to control the current and forecast future conditions of the system at different levels of detail of the road network. KEYWORDS: MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS, TRANSPORT FLOW, EFFICIENCY OF VEHICLES, ENERGY CONSUMPTION, PRODUCTIVITY.
TO THE COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF FUEL ECONOMY OF THE BTR-70 CAR WITH DIFFERENT TRANSMISSION
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, V Sakhno , O Dykich ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: December 2021

The article considers the issue of choosing a gearbox for the modernization of the BTR-70 by replacing two gasoline engines with two diesels. The object of research is the fuel economy of the BTR-70 car with different gearboxes when replacing two gasoline engines with two diesels. The purpose of the work – to determine the type and gear ratio of the transmission, which provides the best fuel efficiency of the car. Research method - mathematical modeling. When replacing a gasoline engine with a diesel of a different power and a different speed range, it is necessary to determine the gear ratio so as to provide the car with the required level of speed properties in the specified operating conditions with minimal fuel consumption. Due to the fact that the modernization of the BTR-70 involves the replacement of the engine and transmission, the further search for the gearbox was carried out on the basis of analysis of existing structures by the maximum torque of the engine. A five-speed and eight-speed MAZ gearbox and a six-speed Mercedes-Benz G 85-6 / 6.7 gearbox were used for analysis. Taking into account the fact that at a given coefficient of drag  = 0.03 the car can move only in direct gear, then for all gearboxes the fuel characteristics of steady motion will be the same as the control fuel consumption, which was 30 l / 100 km. In terms of fuel consumption during the acceleration of the car and the average kilometer fuel consumption when driving on paved roads, preference should be given to a car with a Mercedes-Benz G 85-6 / 6,7 transmission and only when driving in difficult road conditions, preference should be given to the car with 8-speed MAZ-5335 transmission. KEY WORDS: CAR, ENGINE, FUEL ECONOMY, TRANSMISSION, GEAR RATING, SPEED, COMPARATIVE EVALUATION
ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF VARIOUS PRESSURES IN THE VEHICLE WHEELS ON THE WHEEL GEOMETRY
Authors:   Rzeszow University of Technology, Rzeszow, Poland, K LEW
Published: December 2021

The steering system in a vehicle is one of the main systems that ensures its controllability and is important for road safety. The steering system consists of two main mechanisms, namely the steering gear, the task of which is to convert the rotary motion into reciprocating motion, and the steering gear, the task of which is to ensure the correct steering of the vehicle. In this case, the steering system is interconnected with the suspension of the car, in which there are four main angles of the wheels that are responsible for the correct maneuverability of the vehicle, namely: camber angle, toe angle, angle of rotation of the axle of the fist and the angle of inclination of the pivot axis of the fist. Measuring the geometry of a vehicle's suspension has several interrelated purposes. One of them is the modification of the stability of the vehicle, that is, the effective impact on the maintenance of the vehicle on the road. Handling also depends on the geometry setting and ensures proper maintenance on the road. Well adjusted geometry ensures even tire wear on each axle. The purpose of the steering system is to maintain the correct position of the steering wheel in relation to the steering wheels. The tests were carried out in stationary conditions at the diagnostic station of the Rzeszow University of Technology using an automatic device for measuring and regulating the air pressure in the tires of the Unitrol PA-10K car and the Launch X-631 car wheel alignment system. The object of the study was a passenger car of the Opel Agila brand. The tests were carried out for various values of air pressure in the car wheels. Based on the above, the task was set - to demonstrate how incorrect air pressure in the wheels of a car changes the angles of inclination of the wheels of the car. When analyzing the obtained test results, it was found that the pressure in the wheels, different from the nominal, but the same in each wheel, does not significantly affect the change in the values of the parameters of the angles of inclination of the vehicle wheels. If the pressure in the wheels on one side of the vehicle drops by 1 bar, there is a significant difference in the camber angles of the front axle. Changes in the air pressure in one of the rear wheels of the car do not significantly affect the angles of inclination of the car wheels. KEY WORDS: AIR PRESSURE IN THE WHEELS, UNEVEN PRESSURE, WHEEL MOUNTING ANGLES, CAMBER AND TOE ANGLES, STEERING.
Foreign Debt in the Perspective of Tafsir Fii Zilaal Al-Qur'an by Sayyid Qutb
Authors: Muhamad Komarudin
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to analyze the contemporary interpretation of Sayyid Qutb against usury contained in foreign debt in his book Fii Zhilaal al-Qur'an Surah Al-Baqarah: 275. The method used in this research is the descriptive analysis method combined with the method of hermeneutics and supported by a literature review to find Sayyid Qutb’s thoughts on foreign debt. This study is an attempt to gain a proper understanding of usury-based on a contemporary interpretation of Sayyid Qutb in the book Fii Zhilaal Al-Qur'an especially that including in foreign debt. This study described the analysis of usury in foreign debt base on the interpretation of Sayyid. Findings. The results of this study are understandings of the thoughts of Sayyid Qutb in his book related to the impact of foreign debt which may lead to the theory that foreign debt will have an impact on regulatory intervention, colonization, and even warfare.
Influence of Postemergence Dicamba/Glyphosate Timing and Inclusion of Acetochlor as a Layered Residual on Weed Control and Soybean Yield
Authors: Striegel Sarah , Oliveira Maxwel C. , DeWerff Ryan P. , Stoltenberg David E. , Conley Shawn P. , Werle Rodrigo
Published: December 2021

Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® [glyphosate- and dicamba-resistant (DR)] soybean is a novel trait option for postemergence (POST) control of herbicide-resistant broadleaf weeds in soybean. With increased use of labeled dicamba products POST in DR soybean and recommendations to include a soil-residual herbicide POST (e.g., layered residual approach), research on how combinations of these approaches influence weed control, weed seed production, and soybean grain yield is warranted. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of (1) flumioxazin applied preemergence (PRE) followed by (fb) dicamba plus glyphosate applied POST at different crop developmental stages and (2) acetochlor POST as a layered residual approach on weed control, weed seed production, and soybean yield to determine the optimal POST timing in DR soybean. A field study was conducted in Wisconsin at three sites in 2018 and four sites in 2019 to evaluate flumioxazin (43.4 g ai ha−1, WDG 51%) PRE fb dicamba (560 g ae ha−1, SL) plus glyphosate (1,101 g ae ha−1, SL) POST in DR soybean at three stages: early-POST (EPOST, V1-V2), mid-POST (MPOST, V3-V4), and late-POST (LPOST, V5-V6/R1) with or without a soil-residual herbicide POST (acetochlor, 1,262 g ai ha−1, ME). Weed community composition was site-specific; difficult-to-control broadleaf species included giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) and waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) J.D. Sauer]. Dicamba plus glyphosate applied MPOST and LPOST provided greater control, weed biomass reduction, and density reduction of giant ragweed and waterhemp when compared with EPOST treatments. Giant ragweed and waterhemp had not reached 100% cumulative emergence at EPOST, and plants that emerged after EPOST produced seed. There was some benefit to including acetochlor as a layered residual at EPOST as indicated by a residual by POST timing interaction for waterhemp density reduction. Complete waterhemp control was not attained at one site-year. For remaining site-years, dicamba plus glyphosate applied MPOST (V3-V4) provided season-long weed control, reduced weed seed production, and optimized soybean grain yield compared with other POST treatments. Results highlight the importance of timely POST applications and suggest utilization of a POST layered residual needs to be timed appropriately for the window of active weed species emergence.
Functional Trimeric SARS-CoV-2 Envelope Protein Expressed in Stable CHO Cells
Authors: Mayrhofer Patrick , Hunjadi Monika , Kunert Renate
Published: December 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a β-coronavirus, is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the three membrane-bound envelope proteins is the spike protein (S), the one responsible for docking to the cellular surface protein ACE2 enabling infection with SARS-CoV-2. Although the structure of the S-protein has distinct similarities to other viral envelope proteins, robust and straightforward protocols for recombinant expression and purification are not described in the literature. Therefore, most studies are done with truncated versions of the protein, like the receptor-binding domain. To learn more about the interaction of the virus with the ACE2 and other cell surface proteins, it is mandatory to provide recombinant spike protein in high structural quality and adequate quantity. Additional mutant variants will give new insights on virus assembly, infection mechanism, and therapeutic drug development. Here, we describe the development of a recombinant CHO cell line stably expressing the extracellular domain of a trimeric variant of the SARS CoV-2 spike protein and discuss significant parameters to be considered during the expression and purification process.
Using Unnatural Protein Fusions to Engineer a Coenzyme Self-Sufficiency System for D-Phenyllactic Acid Biosynthesis in Escherichia coli
Authors: Qin Zhao , Wang Dan , Luo Ruoshi , Li Tinglan , Xiong Xiaochao , Chen Peng
Published: December 2021

The biosynthetic production of D-penyllactic acid (D-PLA) is often affected by insufficient supply and regeneration of cofactors, leading to high production cost, and difficulty in industrialization. In this study, a D-lactate dehydrogenase (D-LDH) and glycerol dehydrogenase (GlyDH) co-expression system was constructed to achieve coenzyme NADH self-sufficiency and sustainable production of D-PLA. Using glycerol and sodium phenylpyruvate (PPA) as co-substrate, the E. coli BL21 (DE3) harboring a plasmid to co-express LfD-LDH and BmGlyDH produced 3.95 g/L D-PLA with a yield of 0.78 g/g PPA, similar to previous studies. Then, flexible linkers were used to construct fusion proteins composing of D-LDH and GlyDH. Under the optimal conditions, 5.87 g/L D-PLA was produced by expressing LfD-LDH-l3-BmGlyDH with a yield of 0.97 g/g PPA, which was 59.3% increased compared to expression of LfD-LDH. In a scaled-up reaction, a productivity of 5.83 g/L/h was reached. In this study, improving the bio-catalytic efficiency by artificial redox self-equilibrium system with a bifunctional fusion protein could reduce the bio-production cost of D-PLA, making this bio-production of D-PLA a more promising industrial technology.
Characterization of the Microflow Through 3D Synthetic Niche Microenvironments Hosted in a Millifluidic Bioreactor
Authors: Ene-Iordache Bogdan , Campiglio Chiara Emma , Raimondi Manuela Teresa , Remuzzi Andrea
Published: December 2021

Background: Development of new medicines is a lengthy process with high risk of failure since drug efficacy measured in vitro is difficult to confirm in vivo. Intended to add a new tool aiding drug discovery, the MOAB-NICHOID device was developed: a miniaturized optically accessible bioreactor (MOAB) housing the 3D engineered scaffold NICHOID. The aim of our study was to characterize the microflow through the 3D nichoid microenvironment hosted in the MOAB-NICHOID device.

Methods: We used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to compute the flow field inside a very fine grid resembling the scaffold microenvironment.

Results: The microflow inside the multi-array of nichoid blocks is fed and locally influenced by the mainstream flow developed in the perfusion chamber of the device. Here we have revealed a low velocity, complex flow field with secondary, backward, or local recirculation micro-flows induced by the intricate architecture of the nichoid scaffold.

Conclusion: Knowledge of the microenvironment inside the 3D nichoids allows planning of cell experiments, to regulate the transport of cells towards the scaffold substrate during seeding or the spatial delivery of nutrients and oxygen which affects cell growth and viability.
New Insights Into the Biosynthesis of Typical Bioactive Components in the Traditional Chinese Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps militaris
Authors: Wu Xiuyun , Wu Tao , Huang Ailin , Shen Yuanyuan , Zhang Xuanyu , Song Wenjun , Wang Suying , Ruan Haihua
Published: December 2021

Cordyceps militaris, a traditional medicinal ingredient with a long history of application in China, is regarded as a high-value fungus due to its production of various bioactive ingredients with a wide range of pharmacological effects in clinical treatment. Several typical bioactive ingredients, such as cordycepin, D-mannitol, cordyceps polysaccharides, and N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine (HEA), have received increasing attention due to their antitumor, antioxidant, antidiabetic, radioprotective, antiviral and immunomodulatory activities. Here, we systematically sorted out the latest research progress on the chemical characteristics, biosynthetic gene clusters and pathways of these four typical bioactive ingredients. This summary will lay a foundation for obtaining low-cost and high-quality bioactive ingredients in large amounts using microbial cell factories in the future.
ITGB1 Drives Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Modulating Cell Cycle Process Through PXN/YWHAZ/AKT Pathways
Authors: Xie Jinghe , Guo Tingting , Zhong Zhiyong , Wang Ning , Liang Yan , Zeng Weiping , Liu Shoupei , Chen Qicong , Tang Xianglian , Wu Haibin , Zhang Shuai , Ma Keqiang , Wang Bailin , Ou Yimeng , Gu Weili , Chen Honglin , Qiu Yaqi , Duan Yuyou
Published: December 2021

Integrin β1 (ITGB1), which acts as an extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor, has gained increasing attention as a therapeutic target for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underpinning mechanism of how ITGB1 drives HCC progression remains elusive. In this study, we first found that ITGB1 expression was significantly higher in HCC tissues than in normal controls by bioinformatics analysis. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis revealed that paxillin (PXN) and 14-3-3 protein zeta (YWHAZ) are the molecules participating in ITGB1-regulated HCC tumor cell cycle progression. Indeed, immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed that ITGB1, paxillin, and YWHAZ were strongly upregulated in paired HCC tissue compared with adjacent normal tissues. Notably, the inhibition of ITGB1 expression by small interfering RNA (siRNA) resulted in the downregulated expression of PXN and YWHAZ in primary HCC cells, as assessed by western blot and immunostaining. In addition, ITGB1 knockdown markedly impaired the aggressive behavior of HCC tumor cells and delayed cell cycle progression as determined by cell migration assay, drug-resistance analysis, colony formation assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and cell cycle analysis as well as cell viability measurements. More importantly, we proved that xenograft ITGB1high tumors grew more rapidly than ITGB1low tumors. Altogether, our study showed that the ITGB1/PXN/YWHAZ/protein kinase B (AKT) axis enhances HCC progression by accelerating the cell cycle process, which offers a promising approach to halt HCC tumor growth.
Spectral, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Pyretic, Leishmanicidal, and Molecular Docking Studies, Against Selected Protein Targets, of a New Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloid
Authors: Alamzeb Muhammad , Setzer William N. , Ali Saqib , Khan Behramand , Rashid Mamoon-Ur- , Ihsanullah  , Salman Syed Muhammad , Adnan  , Omer Muhammad , Ali Javed , Ullah Asad
Published: December 2021

A new bisbenzylisoquinoline named as chondrofolinol (1) and four reported compounds (2–5) were isolated and characterized from the roots of Berberis glaucocarpa Stapf. Anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and leishmanicidal studies were performed against carrageenan-induced paw edema, yeast-induced pyrexia, and the promastigotes of Leishmania tropica, respectively. The new compound significantly reduced the paw volume in carrageenan-induced paw edema and rectal temperature in yeast-induced pyrexia at 10 and 20 mg/ kg of body weight. Chondrofolinol caused almost 100% inhibition of the promastigotes of Leishmania tropica. All the compounds displayed minimal cytotoxicity against THP-1 monocytic cells. In order to ascertain the potential macromolecular targets of chondrofolinol responsible for the observed anti-inflammatory and anti-leishmanial activities, a molecular docking study was carried out on relevant protein targets of inflammation and Leishmania. Protein targets of human endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2 (ERAP2) and human matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) for inflammation and protein targets of N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS), and uridine diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGPase) for Leishmania major were selected after thorough literature search about protein targets responsible for inflammation and Leishmania major. Chondrofolinol showed excellent docking to ERAP2 and to MMP-1. The Leishmania major protein targets with the most favorable docking scores to chondrofolinol were NMT, TyrRS, and UGPase. The study indicated that bisbenzylisoquinoline and isoquinoline alkaloids possess anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-leishmanial properties with minimal cytotoxicity and therefore, need to be further explored for their therapeutic potential.
Identification and Functional Characterization of Divergent 3’-Phosphate tRNA Ligase From Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Peng Ruofan , Yoshinari Shigeo , Kawano-Sugaya Tetsuro , Jeelani Ghulam , Nozaki Tomoyoshi
Published: December 2021

HSPC117/RtcB, 3’-phosphate tRNA ligase, is a critical enzyme involved in tRNA splicing and maturation. HSPC117/RtcB is also involved in mRNA splicing of some protein-coding genes including XBP-1. Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite responsible for human amebiasis, possesses two RtcB proteins (EhRtcB1 and 2), but their biological functions remain unknown. Both RtcBs show kinship with mammalian/archaeal type, and all amino acid residues present in the active sites are highly conserved, as suggested by protein alignment and phylogenetic analyses. EhRtcB1 was demonstrated to be localized to the nucleus, while EhRtcB2 was in the cytosol. EhRtcB1, but not EhRtcB2, was required for optimal growth of E. histolytica trophozoites. Both EhRtcB1 (in cooperation with EhArchease) and EhRtcB2 showed RNA ligation activity in vitro. The predominant role of EhRtcB1 in tRNAIle(UAU) processing in vivo was demonstrated in EhRtcB1- and 2-gene silenced strains. Taken together, we have demonstrated the conservation of tRNA splicing and functional diversification of RtcBs in this amoebozoan lineage.
Long-Term Outcomes of Bioprosthetic or Mechanical Valve Replacement in End-Stage Renal Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Guan-Yi , Chen Yun-Yu , Chung Fa-Po , Chien Kuo-Liong , Hsu Chiao-Po , Lin Yenn-Jiang
Published: December 2021

Background: Valve replacement is associated with worse outcomes in individuals who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and require a long-term renal replacement therapy. Prosthetic valve selection in patients with ESRD has remained controversial.

Objective: We aimed to investigate long-term outcomes of mechanical and bioprosthetic valve replacement in individuals with ESRD.

Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using data obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. In total, 10,202 patients, including 912 ESRD and 9,290 non-ESRD patients, were selected after a 1:1 propensity-score matching based on the type of prosthetic valve used. The long-term mortality outcomes were then analyzed.

Results: During a median follow-up period of 59.6 months, the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that ESRD patients who underwent mechanical valve replacement had higher rates of all-cause mortality and CV deaths than those who underwent bioprosthetic valve replacement (Log-rank test, p = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively). Multivariable regression analyses demonstrated that ESRD patients who underwent bioprosthetic valve replacement had lower rates of all-cause mortality (p < 0.001, hazard ratio: 0.88, 95% confidence interval: 0.82–0.93) and cardiovascular (CV) death (p < 0.001, hazard ratio: 0.83, 95% confidence interval: 0.76–0.90) than those who had mechanical valve replacement.

Conclusion: Bioprosthetic valve replacement is significantly associated with lower rates of all-cause mortality and CV death in the ESRD population.
Mendelian Randomization Integrating GWAS, eQTL, and mQTL Data Identified Genes Pleiotropically Associated With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Liu Yaozhong , Li Biao , Ma Yingxu , Huang Yunying , Ouyang Feifan , Liu Qiming
Published: December 2021

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 100 loci associated with AF, but the underlying biological interpretation remains largely unknown. The goal of this study is to identify gene expression and DNA methylation (DNAm) that are pleiotropically or potentially causally associated with AF, and to integrate results from transcriptome and methylome.

Methods: We used the summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) to integrate GWAS with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies and methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTL) studies. The HEIDI (heterogeneity in dependent instruments) test was introduced to test against the null hypothesis that there is a single causal variant underlying the association.

Results: We prioritized 22 genes by eQTL analysis and 50 genes by mQTL analysis that passed the SMR & HEIDI test. Among them, 6 genes were overlapped. By incorporating consistent SMR associations between DNAm and AF, between gene expression and AF, and between DNAm and gene expression, we identified several mediation models at which a genetic variant exerted an effect on AF by altering the DNAm level, which regulated the expression level of a functional gene. One example was the genetic variant-cg18693985-CPEB4-AF axis.

Conclusion: In conclusion, our integrative analysis identified multiple genes and DNAm sites that had potentially causal effects on AF. We also pinpointed plausible mechanisms in which the effect of a genetic variant on AF was mediated by genetic regulation of transcription through DNAm. Further experimental validation is necessary to translate the identified genes and possible mechanisms into clinical practice.
Occupational Therapy Assessment for Upper Limb Rehabilitation: A Multisensor-Based Approach
Authors: Mahmoud Seedahmed S. , Cao Zheng , Fu Jianming , Gu Xudong , Fang Qiang
Published: December 2021

Most post-stroke patients experience varying degrees of impairment in upper limb function and fine motor skills. Occupational therapy (OT) with other rehabilitation trainings is beneficial in improving the strength and dexterity of the impaired upper limb. An accurate upper limb assessment should be conducted before prescribing upper limb OT programs. In this paper, we present a novel multisensor method for the assessment of upper limb movements that uses kinematics and physiological sensors to capture the movement of the limbs and the surface electromyogram (sEMG). These sensors are Kinect, inertial measurement unit (IMU), Xsens, and sEMG. The key assessment features of the proposed model are as follows: (1) classification of OT exercises into four classes, (2) evaluation of the quality and completion of the OT exercises, and (3) evaluation of the relationship between upper limb mobility and muscle strength in patients. According to experimental results, the overall accuracy for OT-based motion classification is 82.2%. In addition, the fusing of Kinect and Xsens data reveals that muscle strength is highly correlated with the data with a correlation coefficient (CC) of 0.88. As a result of this research, occupational therapy specialists will be able to provide early support discharge, which could alleviate the problem of the great stress that the healthcare system is experiencing today.
Hydrochemical and Hydroacoustic Investigation of the Yugama Acid Crater Lake, Kusatsu-Shirane, Japan
Authors: Hernández Pedro A. , Nogami Kenji , Padrón Eleazar , Somoza Luis , Amonte Cecilia , Mori Toshiya , Melián Gladys V. , Sumino Hirochicka , Kikawada Yoshikazu , Pérez Nemesio M.
Published: December 2021

The gases dissolved in the waters of volcanic lakes can present a serious hazard if the physical-chemical conditions change due to variations in the supply of magmatic gases. The monitoring of gases such as CO2 and He help us understand the degassing process and their connection with magmatic/hydrothermal system. One of the most acidic volcanic lakes on the planet is the Yugama, on Kusatsu Shirane volcano (Japan). We report the results of an interdisciplinary study carried out in August 2013 at Yugama consisting of the first estimation of rate of diffuse CO2 emission, the chemical and isotopic analysis of water and dissolved gases in samples from vertical lake profiles, and an echo-sounding survey. The lake water has an average temperature of 24-25°C, pH 1.01, concentrations of SO42- between 1,227 and 1,654 mgL−1 and Cl− between 1,506 and 2,562 mgL−1, with gas bubbling at several locations and floating sulfur globules with sulfide inclusions. A total of 66 CO2 efflux measurements were taken at the lake surface by means of the floating accumulation chamber method to estimate the diffuse CO2 output from the studied area. CO2 efflux values ranged from 82 up to 25,800 g m−2 d−1. Estimation of the diffuse CO2 emission at Yaguma Crater Lake was 30 ± 12 t d−1. Normalized CO2 emission rate (assuming an area of 0.066 km2) was 454 t km−2 d−1, a value within the range of acid volcanic lakes. Vertical profiles of major ions and dissolved gases showed variations with increases in ion content and dissolved CO2 and He with depth. Acoustic imaging shows the presence of intense bubbling and provides important information on the bathymetry of the lake. The 50–200 kHz echograms exhibit frequent vertical plumes of rising gas bubbles. Within the crater-lake, three circular submarine vents have been identified showing flares due to a significant activity of sublacustrine emissions. This work shows the first data of diffuse CO2 degassing, dissolved gases in water and echosounding (ES) from Yugama Crater Lake. Periodic hydrogeochemical and hydroacoustic surveys at Yugama Crater Lakemay thus help to document changes in the state of activity of this high-risk volcanic area.
Evaluation of Forecast Performance for Four Meteorological Models in Summer Over Northwestern China
Authors: Liu Yuanpu , Zhang Tiejun , Duan Haixia , Wu Jing , Zeng Dingwen , Zhao Cailing
Published: December 2021

At present, numerical models, which have been used for forecasting services in northwestern China, have not been extensively evaluated. We used national automatic ground station data from summer 2016 to test and assess the forecast performance of the high-resolution global European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) model, the mesoscale Northwestern Mesoscale Numerical Prediction System (NW-MNPS), the global China Meteorological Administration T639 model, and the mesoscale Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction System (GRAPES) model over northwestern China. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the 2-m temperature forecast by ECMWF was the lowest, while that by T639 was the highest. The distribution of RMSE for each model forecast was similar to that of the difference between the modeled and observed terrain. The RMSE of the 10-m wind speed forecast was lower for the global ECMWF and T639 models and higher for the regional NW-MNPS and GRAPES models. The 24-h precipitation forecast was generally higher than observed for each model, with NW-MNPS having the highest score for light rain and heavy storm rain, ECMWF for medium and heavy rain, and T639 for storm rain. None of the models could forecast small-scale and high-intensity precipitation, but they could forecast large-scale precipitation. Overall, ECMWF had the best stability and smallest prediction errors, followed by NW-MNPS, T639, and GRAPES.
Coseismic Stability Assessment of a Damaged Underground Ammunition Storage Chamber Through Ambient Vibration Recordings and Numerical Modelling
Authors: Glueer Franziska , Häusler Mauro , Gischig Valentin , Fäh Donat
Published: December 2021

In the past decade, ambient vibration measurements found numerous applications on unstable rock slopes and developed into a powerful tool for site characterization of slope instabilities. In this study, for the first time ambient vibration measurements were applied to a rock mass strongly disturbed and damaged by subsurface explosions. The site above the ammunition storage chamber at Mitholz (Switzerland) is especially interesting because the subsurface geology below the seismic array is well known, including the location of the caverns, and the degree of degradation caused by the subsurface explosions in 1947 of around 40 t TNT of ammunition. Measurement data were analyzed using current state-of-the-art seismic single-station and array methods, focusing on surface-wave dispersion analysis, wave field polarization, wave amplification using site-to-reference spectral ratios and analysis of normal mode behavior. The results allow for calibrating the elastic properties of a 2D numerical rock mechanical model which was used to simulate the stability of the disturbed rock mass during seismic loading. Therefore, ambient vibration measurements can contribute not only to a better understanding of the subsurface, but also for the assessment of earthquake risk.
Breast Cancer Risk with Progestin Subdermal Implants: A Challenge in Patients Counseling
Authors: Mohammed Ghada , Mousa Noha A. , Talaat Iman M. , Ibrahim Haya , Saber-Ayad Maha
Published: December 2021

There is a steady global rise in the use of progestin subdermal implants, where use has increased by more than 20 times in the past two decades. BC risk has been reported with the older progestin only methods such as oral pills, injectables, and intrauterine devices, however, little is known about the risk with subdermal implants. In this review, we aim to update clinicians and researchers on the current evidence to support patient counseling and to inform future research directions. The available evidence of the association between the use of progestin subdermal implants and BC risk is discussed. We provide an overview of the potential role of endogenous progesterone in BC development. The chemical structure and molecular targets of synthetic progestins of relevance are summarized together with the preclinical and clinical evidence on their association with BC risk. We review all studies that investigated the action of the specific progestins included in subdermal implants. As well, we discuss the potential effect of the use of subdermal implants in women at increased BC risk, including carriers of BC susceptibility genetic mutations.
Coal Supply Sustainability in China: A New Comprehensive Evaluation Methodology
Authors: Li Pin , Yu Hongyuan , Zhang Jinsuo , Du Meiyang , Xiong Jing
Published: December 2021

Coal is a major source of energy in China. Quantifying China’s coal supply sustainability is essential to track China’s efforts towards sustainable development and achieve carbon neutrality goals. In this research, in addition to availability, economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and technological sustainability, we specially considered health and security, and transport sustainability of China’s coal supply. We select 19 indicators from the above six dimensions to build a coal supply sustainability index and construct a novel optimized comprehensive evaluation model with level difference maximization to evaluate China’s coal supply sustainability. The results showed that the policies issued by the Chinese government have effectively improved coal supply sustainability. China’s coal supply sustainability level has improved significantly, with the figure nearly doubling from 0.338 in 2000 to 0.7004 in 2019. To improve the sustainability of China’s coal supply further fundamentally, it is still necessary to improve energy diversification. Since phasing out China’s coal reliance requires considerable time, the Chinese government needs to introduce more positive and effective policies to such as increase the research and development support for carbon capture, utilization and storage technology, etc. to improve the sustainability of coal supply. The results of this research presented in this paper will have reference value for both promoting the sustainable development of China and other coal-consuming countries in the world.
Modeling and Optimization of Integrated Energy System for Renewable Power Penetration considering Carbon and Pollutant Reduction Systems
Authors: Zhang Guangming , Xie Peiran , Huang Shuhao , Chen Zhenyu , Du Ming , Tang Ningning , Niu Yuguang , Hong Feng
Published: December 2021

To address climate change and environmental pollution, an increasing number of renewable energy source generations are connected to the grid; meanwhile, the need for carbon capture and pollutant reduction for traditional energy has increased in urgency. In this study, the dispatch problem for an integrated energy system (IES) is expanded considering renewable penetration, carbon capture, and pollutant reduction. First of all, detailed models of carbon and pollutants reductions systems are set up. Specifically, the carbon capture system’s characteristics, which contribute more flexibility for the conventional power plants, are clarified. In addition, the treatment process of pollutants containing SO2 and NOx is elaborated. Moreover, the structure of an evolutionary IES containing pollutants treatment, battery and thermal energy storage, and carbon capture and storage systems are put forward. On this basis, the model of IES for renewable energy penetration and environmental protection considering the constraint of pollutant ultra-low emissions is set up. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed approach can improve renewable energy penetration and restrain carbon and pollutants emissions.
Isolation and Characterization of Bacillus Sp. Capable of Degradating Alkali Lignin
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhao Jian , Jiang Jianchun , Xu Hao , Zhang Ning , Xie Jingcong , Wei Min
Published: December 2021

Alkali lignin-degrading Bacillus were isolated from forest soils in China and were identified as Bacillus subtilis TR-03 and Bacillus cereus TR-25 by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Wherein TR-03 displayed optimal 26.72% alkali lignin (2 g/L) degradation at 7 days and 71.23% of Azure-B (0.01%) decolorization at 36 h of cultivation at 37°C. Ligninolytic enzyme analysis revealed that TR-03 was capable of depolymerizing alkali lignin effectively by the producing of lignin peroxidase and laccase, wherein higher laccase activity was cell-associated. At last, the physical and chemical changes of lignin via SEM and FTIR analysis was further observed to prove the lignin degradation by Bacillus subtilis TR-03.
Behaviors of Homologous Antibiotic Resistance Genes in a Cephalosporin WWTP, Subsequent WWTP and the Receiving River
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhang Mengyu , Ning Daliang , Van Nostrand Joy D , Yang Yunfeng , Zhou Jizhong , Zuo Jiane
Published: December 2021

High concentrations of antibiotics in antibiotic production wastewater can cause the widespread transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Here, we collected a set of time series samples from a cephalosporin production wastewater treatment plant (X-WWTP), the subsequent municipal WWTP (Y-WWTP) and the receiving stream. Using a functional gene microarray, GeoChip 5.0, which contains multiple homologous probes for 18 ARG and 13 antibiotic metabolism gene (AMG) families, we found that more than 50% of homologous probes for 20 gene families showed a relative abundance higher in X-WWTP, while only 10–20% showed lower relative abundance. The different response patterns of homologous ARG (hARGs) within the same ARG family imply environmental selection pressures are only responsible for the ARG enrichment and spread of some specific instead of all ARG-containing microorganisms, which contradicted the traditionally held belief that environmental selection pressures, especially antibiotic concentration, select for all ARG-containing microorganisms thereby selecting different hARGs in the same ARG family in an undifferentiated way. Network results imply that hARGs from three β_lactamase families enriched under the selection pressure of high cephalosporin antibiotic concentrations in X-WWTP formed positively correlated homologous ARG clusters (pohARGCs). The pohARGCs were also enhanced in the sediment of the receiving stream. The enrichment of hARGs from three β_lactamase families was likely through microorganisms belonging to the Betaproteobacteria genus.
Microplastic in Water and Sediments at the Confluence of the Elbe and Mulde Rivers in Germany
Authors: Laermanns Hannes , Reifferscheid Georg , Kruse Jonas , Földi Corinna , Dierkes Georg , Schaefer Dirk , Scherer Christian , Bogner Christina , Stock Friederike
Published: December 2021

Accumulation of microplastics in aquatic environments is an issue of emerging concern. Initially, research focused on marine systems. However, recent studies also investigate the abundance of microplastics in freshwater environments. Rivers connect terrestrial with marine ecosystems and contribute a considerable share of macro- and microplastics to the oceans. A previous study found a large amount of micro-spheres in Dessau downstream the river mouth of the Mulde. Therefore, the objective of this research was to examine whether the Mulde river with its highly industrialized catchment contributes to the microplastic pollution of the Elbe. Sediment (Van Veen grab sampler) and water samples (filter cascade with the smallest mesh size 50 μm and nets with the smallest mesh size 150 μm) were taken from the Elbe river up- and downstream the confluence with the Mulde. After extensive sample preparation, we examined the samples under a digital microscope and determined polymer types by pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (pyr-GC-MS). The amount of primary microplastics increased in sediment and water samples just downstream the confluence. Those microplastics originate probably from the Mulde. We measured larger amounts and different shapes of microplastics in filter cascades that have a smaller mesh size compared to the nets.
Transcriptome Analysis of mRNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs During Subsequent Embryo Development of Porcine Cloned Zygotes After Vitrification
Authors: Xiang Decai , Jia Baoyu , Guo Jianxiong , Shao Qingyong , Hong Qionghua , Wei Hongjiang , Quan Guobo , Wu Guoquan
Published: December 2021

Cryopreservation of porcine cloned zygotes has important implications for biotechnology and biomedicine research; however, lower embryo developmental potential remains an urgent problem to be resolved. For exploring the sublethal cryodamages during embryo development, this study was designed to acquire the mRNA and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) profiles of 2-cells, 4-cells and blastocysts derived from vitrified porcine cloned zygotes using transcriptome sequencing. We identified 167 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs and 516 DE lncRNAs in 2-cell stage, 469 DE mRNAs and 565 lncRNAs in 4-cell stage, and 389 DE mRNAs and 816 DE lncRNAs in blastocyst stage. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the DE mRNAs during embryo development were involved in many regulatory mechanisms related to cell cycle, cell proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism and others. Moreover, the target genes of DE lncRNAs in the three embryonic stages were also enriched in many key GO terms or pathways such as “defense response”, “linoleic acid metabolic process”, “embryonic axis specification”, “negative regulation of protein neddylation”, etc., In conclusion, the present study provided comprehensive transcriptomic data about mRNAs and lncRNAs for the vitrified porcine cloned zygotes during different developmental stages, which contributed to further understand the potential cryodamage mechanisms responsible for impaired embryo development.