bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitro- and Amino Derivatives of Petroleum Asphaltenes: Application to Phenol Adsorption
Authors:   FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nagornova O. A. , Foss L. E. ,   FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Shabalin K. V. ,   FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Musin L. I. ,   FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Borisov D. N. ,   FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yakubov M. R. ,   Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: November 2021

The sorption properties of native and modified petroleum asphaltenes with respect to phenol have been studied under static conditions. Modification of asphaltenes was carried out by nitration, followed by reduction with sodium sulfide. Based on the data obtained, phenol sorption isotherms were constructed and the equations for the adsorption processes were calculated. It was found that the adsorption isotherms can be described most correctly by the Freundlich and Langmuir equations. It was revealed that the process is carried out due to physical adsorption.
Upgrading of Heavy Oil in a Hydrothermal System in the Presence of Modified Aluminosilicates
Authors:   Kazan National Research Technological University, Zakieva R. R. , Bashkirtsev N. Yu. ,   Kazan National Research Technological University, Petrov S. M. ,   Kazan National Research Technological University, Lakhova A. I. ,   Kazan National Research Technological University,   Kazan (Volga region) Federal University
Published: November 2021

The results of upgrading heavy crude oil with a density of 0.9857 g/cm3 and a sulfur content of 3.6% wt. are presented. In an environment of superheated steam in the temperature range 355-375°C and pressures up to 14 MPa in the presence of iron-modified natural aluminosilicates. The use of modified aluminosilicates containing oxides of iron, aluminum and silicon in the process of upgrading heavy oil led to a twofold decrease in the content of resinous-asphaltene components in it. In addition, the upgrading process led to an increase in the content in light fractions, boiling up to a temperature of 300°C, of the converted oil of branched alkanes with a high octane number, as well as to a decrease in oil viscosity by 60%.
Food security and self-sufficiency in food: methodological aspects
Authors:   Market Economy Institute of RAS, Prokopyev Mikhail G.
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this article is to consider the concept of food security both from the view of households and agricultural producers, estimation of the relationship between the main components of food security and economic policy, analyze the impact of foreign economic policy instruments and the external environment on the level of food independence (food self-sufficiency). The methodological basis of the study is the Food Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation, as well as the concept of imperfect substitution and imperfect transformation between food flows in the domestic and foreign markets. It is concluded that the indicator of food self-sufficiency in any reporting year does not depend on the volume of consumption of its own products. Its actual value, along with the internal price, is formed by the country's foreign economic policy and the external environment, as well as the conditions of substitution and transformation between food flows in the domestic and foreign markets.
Classification of threats to the economic security of the oil industry development
Authors:   Market Economy Institute of RAS, Lapin Andrey V.
Published: November 2021

Subject/topic. The article is devoted to the methodology of ensuring the economic security of the oil industry and the sustainable development of the oil and petroleum products market. The subject of the study is the analysis of threats to the industry market and the grounds for their classification. Goals/objectives. Based on the analysis of threats to Russia's economic security in the oil sector, it is possible to identify existing approaches to their classification and justify the need for a systematic approach to the sustainable development of the oil industry, the oil and petroleum products market. Methodology. The methodological basis of the article consists of general scientific methods-synthesis, deduction. In the course of the study of threats to the development of the oil industry, event-based and economic-legal analysis, as well as expert, structural and statistical analysis were applied. Results. The article analyzes various conditions and factors that create the possibility of causing damage to the oil industry of the Russian Federation. Based on expert analysis, available strategic planning documents in the field of ensuring national, economic and energy security, macroeconomic data on the oil and petroleum products market and scientific publications in the field of development of the domestic oil industry, the author's proposals are presented, specifically recommendations for identifying and systematizing threats to the economic security of the oil industry and the sustainable development of the oil and petroleum products market in order to conduct a balanced state policy and implement national interests in relation to the oil industry. Conclusions/significance. The novelty consists in the formulation of the concepts of «threat», «challenge» and «risk» and their distinctive features; in identifying the grounds for classifying threats in the oil sphere of relations. As a result of the study, the grounds for classification were proposed according to the source of the impact, depending on the operating conditions of the oil sector, the nature of the threat, depending on the scope of their implementation, and the scale of the impact of the threats. Application. The results of the study can be applied in practical terms when making managerial decisions by officials of state authorities on the implementation of the state's economic policy for the sustainable development of the oil industry.
The Power of Utopia
Authors:   Market Economy Institute of RAS, Petrakov Nikolay Ya.
Published: November 2021

The article is a preface to the book by Petrakov N.Ya. Russian Roulette: an economic experiment at the cost of 150 million lives. It reflects a century-long period of development of our country. An objective diagnosis of the state of the economy, politics, demography is given. It is concluded that political, economic and social experiments had negative consequences in the fate of Russia and its people. The question is raised about the further scenario of the development of events.
Evolution of the scientific definition of «economic sovereignty of the state» in the classical and recent theories of crises (catastrophes)
Authors:   Market Economy Institute of RAS, Dudin Mikhail N. , Shkodinsky Sergey V. ,   Market Economy Institute of RAS, Usmanov Daler I. ,   Market Economy Institute of RAS
Published: November 2021

Subject/topic. The article is devoted to the study of the genesis of the concept of «economic sovereignty of the state» in the classical and newest theories of crises (catastrophes). Methodology. In the process of preparing a scientific publication, a wide range of general scientific methods of the empirical group was used, such as observation, comparison, measurement, analysis and synthesis, logical reasoning, as well as certain specific scientific methods: statistical analysis, expert assessments, graphical method. To study the processes of evolution of the scientific and conceptual apparatus, taking into account the dynamics of external challenges and threats, as well as national priorities for the formation of the digital economy, problem-chronological and historical-genetic methods of scientific knowledge were used. Results. According to the results of the scientific study, it was found that the definition of «economic sovereignty of the state» is a complex multidimensional concept closely related to the economic structure of the state and its strategic goals. The authors carried out a retrospective analysis of the evolution of the definition of «economic sovereignty of the state» from the standpoint of classical and newest theories of crises, summarized the dynamics of the composition of indicators of the state economic sovereignty of Russia. Conclusions/Significance. As part of a scientific study, the authors concluded that it is advisable to use the principle of synergy and combine the postulates of classical and newest theories of crises (catastrophes), which allows us to present a conceptual vision of the concept of «economic sovereignty of the state» in the digital economy as a complex multicomponent indicator characterizing the independence of the implementation and protection of public economic interests, as well as the sustainability of objects of national economic infrastructure in the internal and external cyberspace of the country. Application. The results of scientific research can be used to develop the academic competencies of students in public administration and ensuring the national security of the country in the digital economy; practitioners to develop professional competencies in the field of cybersecurity, Foresight; analysts for the formation of long-term state programs of socio-economic development, taking into account the global trends of Industry 4.0.
New approaches to the development of strategies for sustainable and balanced development of regions and macro-regions, determining the effectiveness of the state regional policy of the Russian Federation
Authors:   Market Economy Institute of RAS, Chernyshov Mikhail M. , Usmanov Daler I. ,   Market Economy Institute of RAS, Yurieva Anna A. ,   Market Economy Institute of RAS
Published: November 2021

The article reveals the current problems of developing strategic documents – concepts and strategies for the development of regions, macro-regions, describes the authors' approaches to determining development targets, forming a criterion system for evaluating the implementation of strategies, gives scientific and methodological recommendations for the formation of macro-regions in the Russian Federation, suggests approaches to improving the system for evaluating the effectiveness of state regional policy. The results of the study can be used to develop strategic documents of a national, macro-regional and regional level.
The economy of platform solutions – a new stage of the country's development
Authors:   Market Economy Institute of RAS, Bryntsev Alexander N.
Published: November 2021

In this article, the author examines a new stage in the development of Russia, associated with the functioning of information and intellectual platforms in the context of the formation of the digital economy. The subject of the research is platform solutions focused on the coordination and interfacing of the interests of subjects at the macro and micro levels. The purpose of the article is to identify the main directions of applying the efforts of state regulation to effectively solve the problems of strategic development of the national economy. Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the article consists of theoretical and applied research of Russian and foreign scientists, normative legal acts regulating the processes of digital transformation of industries and complexes. The author of the article uses general scientific methods in the field of management theory, system analysis, modeling, institutional and macroeconomic analysis, domestic and foreign developments aimed at rationalizing the potential of information and intellectual platforms in the country's economy. Results. The contradictions in the field of economic policy of Russia are identified, specifically the choice of what to focus on, on stimulating economic growth, or on financial consolidation, as well as the search for the optimal combination between them in the economic policy and practice of the Russian state. Conclusions. The growing influence of companies in the technological sector in the economy, the dynamic development of modern information and intelligent technologies: big data and cloud computing, artificial intelligence and supercomputers, smart cities and end-to-end video surveillance systems for their functioning urgently require platform solutions that allow you to build a modern high-tech society, on the one hand. They have a positive impact on the investment climate of the country, develop the digital management ecosystem, and allow investors to get a high income, on the other hand. Application. The obtained results can be used to optimize the business processes of industrial organizations in the development of the digital management ecosystem.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NURSE CARING BEHAVIOR AND ANXIETY LEVELS AMONG COVID-19 PATIENTS
Authors: Kusuma Erik , Nastiti Ayu Dewi , Handayani Dwining , Puspitasari R.A. Helda
Published: November 2021

Background: Covid-19 patients who undergoing treatment in isolation rooms experience anxiety problems due to loss of contact with their surrounding. Caring behavior in providing nursing services provides comfort and tranquillity for patients.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between nurses' caring behavior with the anxiety level of Covid-19 patients undergoing treatment in the isolation rooms.
Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. The sample in this study was COVID-19 patients undergoing treatment in the Isolation Room as many as 30 people. The respondents were selected using a consecutive sampling technique. The anxiety levels were measured using the State-Anxiety Inventory (S-AI) questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the Gamma and Somers'd correlation test.
Results: The results showed that the better caring behaviour by nurses the lesser the anxiety level of patients. Gamma statistical test results obtained a p-value of 0.000 <0.05, which means that there was a significant relationship between nurses’ caring behaviour and the anxiety level of Covid-19 patients in the Isolation Room.
Conclusions: The caring behaviour of nurses in Covid-19 patients was shown by the presence of caring, empathy, compassion, and good communication so that a therapeutic relationship is established between patients and nurses. Therefore, the patient feels safe, comfortable, and has less anxiety.
Descripción de morbilidad visual y ocular analizada en la región central de Colombia, acorde con los reportes RIPS 2013 - 2015
Authors: Gil Jesus Daniel , Herrera Jessica Alejandra , Narváez Olivia Margarita
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: describir la morbilidad visual y ocular analizada en la región central de Colombia, acorde con los reportes del Registro Individual de Prestación de Servicios de Salud (RIPS), 2013-2015. Metodología: se utilizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de las patologías visuales y oculares más frecuentes registradas en la población de la región central. Se clasificó según edad, género y régimen de vinculación al sistema de salud. Para el análisis, se utilizaron los 59 códigos del capítulo VII de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades, décima versión (CIE-10) unificados en 18 grupos con las patologías visuales y oculares que conforman los RIPS, según la clasificación definida por la Red Epidemiológica Iberoamericana para la Salud Visual y Ocular (Reisvo), teniendo en cuenta las patologías con mayor índice de prevalencia en la población objeto. Resultados: se identificó que las patologías con mayor porcentaje de morbilidad en la población de la región central fueron los trastornos de la conjuntiva (15,22 %), seguido de trastornos de los músculos extra oculares (MEO) (13,37 %), y los trastornos de la acomodación y de la refracción (13,06 %); el menor índice lo presentaron los trastornos de la córnea (entre 0,7 % y 1,03 %) respecto a las demás patologías durante ese período; el régimen contributivo registró el mayor número de consultas con el especialista de la salud visual, ya sea con optómetra u oftalmólogo. Conclusiones: teniendo en cuenta otros estudios similares, se determinó que, los trastornos de la conjuntiva continúan siendo una de las afecciones con mayor índice en la región central de Colombia, los cuales afectan principalmente a la población entre los 15 a 44 años. En suma, el género femenino presenta el más alto índice de afecciones visuales y el régimen contributivo, el mayor número de consultas con el especialista de la salud visual.
Imaginarios urbanos e identidad en dos barrios de Santiago
Authors: Salazar Sergio , Rojas Luis
Published: November 2021

La noción de patrimonio está en constante revisión, exigida por nuevos significados en la ciudad y sus habitantes. La investigación estudió dos barrios en Santiago de Chile, sus valores patrimoniales e imaginarios urbanos. Se propuso la hipótesis de que éstos expresan la tensión entre lo tangible y la percepción de la ciudad a diferentes escalas, y serían claves para articular proyectos arquitectónicos que resuelvan problemas de sus comunidades. Algunas preguntan detonantes fueron: ¿Cuál es la relación entre lo real (tangible) y lo imaginado (percepción)? ¿Cuál es el rol del diseño urbano para la construcción de comunidades y lugares?
Se proponen una serie de operaciones de lectura, que describen las zonas móviles y estáticas donde reposan las conjeturas e imágenes sobre dos barrios a trabajar con estudiantes: Músicos del Mundo - Población Chile, en San Joaquín, y San Eugenio en la comuna de Estación Central - Santiago. El artículo expone el proceso y resultado del proyecto de investigación de la carrera de Arquitectura de Universidad UNIACC ejecutado durante los años 2020 y 2021.
Assessment of Nutritional Status between Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Normal Children of Bangladesh
Authors: Sohel Md Ibrahim , Md Ashrafuzzaman - , Acharjee Panchanan , Epsi Effat Zerin , Ullah Hadi Md Habib
Published: November 2021

Background : Autism is one of the fastest spreading neuro-developmental disorders in the worldwide.Children with Autism spectrum disorder may be risk of suboptimal development which leads to increases morbidity, poor physical activity and performances. The aim of present study was to compare nutritional status between children with Autism spectrum disorder and normal children of Bangladesh.

Materials and methods: It was cross-sectional and observational study. The study population was Group A consists of 100 normal Bangladeshi children and Group B consists of 100 Bangladeshi children with Autism spectrum disorder, aged between 02 and 18 years collected by convenient sampling. Height, weight, triceps skin fold thickness, suprailiac skin fold thickness and Body Mass Index (BMI) were analyzed.

Results: Children with autism spectrum disorder had statistically significant lower height and weight; thicker triceps and suprailiac skin fold, were mostly under weight as compared to normal children.

Conclusion: The results of this study provide the baseline information about nutritional status of normal children and children with autism spectrum disorder in Bangladesh which will help to monitor nutritional growth of children.

Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.20 (2); July 2021; Page 55-59
Nursing professionals’ perception of health care quality management
Authors: Ribeiro Danielle P. , Barbosa Maria A. , Fernandes Marcos R. , Silva Ludimila C. , Silva Júlio C. , Silva Edinamar A. , Prado Marinésia A. , Porto Celmo Celeno , Queiroz Maria C. , Moraes Filho Aroldo Vieira de , Carneiro Lílian C. , Bezerra Ana Lúcia Q.
Published: November 2021

To understand the perception of nurses in quality management of nursing care at a public health institution in Brazil. Qualitative research was carried out with participation of 18 nurses. Conducted with an interview, open questions with independent variables: characterization of professionals and outcome (perception of quality management, before - 1st phase - and after - 2nd phase - the intervention). Data organized with the help of ATLAS.ti software, Bardin analysis, with the theme “Delivery of value” in the first phase and the theme “Quality indicators focusing on delivering results” in the second phase. The third theme, “Management of care”, in 2 phases. Results showed that the perception of nursing managers about quality management varied between the first and second phases. Considering the revelations about scarce knowledge about quality management, we point out the need to carry out training with a health management approach focused on the management of the quality of care.
Cost-effective use of aerial imagery to quantify faunal-habitat associations across multiple spatial scales
Authors: Clarkson E , Beseres Pollack J
Published: November 2021

We investigated the utility of publicly available map products to identify faunal-habitat associations to inform fisheries management. The influence of structural and abiotic variables on the abundance of 4 focal species (red drum Sciaenops ocellatus, spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus, blue crab Callinectes sapidus, and brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus) was examined at multiple spatial scales in the Mission-Aransas estuary, Texas, USA. Structural habitat data were derived from the 2004 Benthic Atlas of Texas and paired with species abundance and hydrographic data collected by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Fisheries Independent Monitoring program. Blue crab and brown shrimp distributions at the ecosystem scale were driven primarily by abiotic factors such as salinity and distance to inlet, but structural habitat became relatively more important at smaller spatial scales. Variation in spotted seatrout abundance was primarily driven by seagrass and saltmarsh extent at the ecosystem scale but was driven by abiotic factors at the sub-region scale. Red drum distribution was driven primarily by abiotic factors, and association with structural habitats was bay-specific; there was no clear pattern in the influence of spatial scale on the relative importance of structural versus abiotic habitat variables for red drum. Results demonstrate that leveraging existing mapping efforts can allow fisheries managers to incorporate habitat data into fisheries management when funding or logistical challenges may otherwise prevent habitat monitoring at management-relevant scales. More research is warranted to investigate the temporal limitations to this approach, such as identifying the ‘shelf life’ of historical mapping products for utility in fisheries management.
Characterization of N6-Methyladenosine in Domesticated Yak Testes Before and After Sexual Maturity
Authors: Wang Xingdong , Pei Jie , Guo Shaoke , Cao Mengli , Bao Pengjia , Xiong Lin , Wu Xiaoyun , Chu Min , Liang Chunnian , Yan Ping , Guo Xian
Published: November 2021

The potential regulatory role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prominent mRNA modification in eukaryotes, has recently been identified in mammals, plants, and yeast. However, whether and how m6A methylation is involved in sexual maturation in mammals remains largely unexplored. In this study, testicular tissue was obtained from yaks before and after sexual maturation, and m6A maps were generated via preliminary experiments and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing. Only spermatogonial cells and a few primary spermatocytes were observed in the testicular tissue of yaks before sexual maturation, while spermatogenic cells at different stages of maturity could observed after sexual maturation. Experiments examining the expression of methylation-related enzymes and overall methylation levels showed that the methylation levels in yak testes increased after sexual maturation. Overall, 1,438 methylation peaks were differentially expressed before and after sexual maturation; 1,226 showed significant up-regulation and 212 showed significant down-regulation after sexual maturation. Annotation analysis showed that the differential methylation peaks were most commonly concentrated in the exon region, followed by the 3′UTR and finally the 5′UTR region. KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that homologous recombination, the Notch signaling pathway, growth hormone synthesis, and other signaling pathways may be involved in testicular development and maturation in yaks. Levels of most m6A modifications were positively correlated with mRNA abundance, suggesting that m6A plays a regulatory role in mammalian sexual maturation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an m6A transcriptional map of the yak testes, and our study lays the foundation for elucidating the function of m6A in the development of yak testes.
Comparison of the Acute Effects of Different Pacing Sites on Cardiac Synchrony and Contraction Using Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Xie Huilin , Chen Xueying , Wang Yanan , Cheng Yufei , Zhao Yingjie , Liu Yang , Liu Yu , Ge Zhenyi , Chen Haiyan , Shu Xianhong
Published: November 2021

Background: Cardiac pacing in patients with bradyarrhythmia may employ variable pacing sites, which may have different effects on cardiac function. Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is a new physiological pacing modality, and the acute outcomes on cardiac mechanical synchrony during LBBP remain uncertain. We evaluated the acute effects of four pacing sites on cardiac synchrony and contraction using speckle-tracking echocardiography, and comparisons among four different pacing sites were rare.

Methods: We enrolled 21 patients with atrioventricular block or sick sinus syndrome who each sequentially underwent acute pacing protocols, including right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP), right ventricular outflow tract pacing (RVOP), His bundle pacing (HBP), and left bundle branch pacing (LBBP). Electrocardiograms and echocardiograms were recorded at baseline and during pacing. The interventricular mechanical delay (IVMD), the standard deviation of the times to longitudinal peak strain during 17 segments (PSD), and the Yu index were used to evaluate ventricular mechanical synchrony. Layer-specific strain was computed using two-dimensional speckle tracking technique to provide in-depth details about ventricular synchrony and function.

Results: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were significantly decreased during RVAP and RVOP but were not significantly different during HBP and LBBP compared with baseline. RVAP and RVOP significantly prolonged QRS duration, whereas HBP and LBBP showed non-significant effects. IVMD and PSD were significantly increased during RVAP but were not significantly different during RVOP, HBP, or LBBP. LBBP resulted in a significant improvement in the IVMD and Yu index compared with RVAP. No significant differences in mechanical synchrony were found between HBP and LBBP.

Conclusion: Among these pacing modalities, RVAP has a negative acute impact on cardiac synchrony and contraction. HBP and LBBP best preserve physiological cardiac synchrony and function.
Practical Issues in Monitoring a Hydrocarbon Cultivation Activity in Italy: The Pilot Project at the Cavone Oil Field
Authors: Zaccarelli Lucia , Anselmi Mario , Vassallo Maurizio , Munafò Irene , Faenza Licia , Sandri Laura , Garcia Alexander , Polcari Marco , Pezzo Giuseppe , Serpelloni Enrico , Anderlini Letizia , Errico Maddalena , Molinari Irene , Zerbinato Giampaolo , Morelli Andrea
Published: November 2021

In this paper we describe the results of an experimental implementation of the recent guidelines issued by the Italian regulatory body for monitoring hydrocarbon production activities. In particular, we report about the pilot study on seismic, deformation, and pore pressure monitoring of the Mirandola hydrocarbon cultivation facility in Northern Italy. This site hosts the Cavone oil field that was speculated of possibly influencing the 2012 ML 5.8 Mirandola earthquake source. According to the guidelines, the monitoring center should analyse geophysical measurements related to seismicity, crustal deformation and pore pressure in quasi real-time (within 24–48 h). A traffic light system would then be used to regulate underground operations in case of detecting significant earthquakes (i.e., events with size and location included in critical ranges). For these 2-year period of guidelines experimentation, we analysed all different kinds of available data, and we tested the existence of possible relationship between their temporal trends. Despite the short time window and the scarce quantity of data collected, we performed the required analysis and extracted as much meaningful and statistically reliable information from the data. We discuss here the most important observations drawn from the monitoring results, and highlight the lessons learned by describing practical issues and limitations that we have encountered in carrying out the tasks as defined in the guidelines. Our main goal is to contribute to the discussion about how to better monitor the geophysical impact of this kind of anthropogenic activity. We point out the importance of a wider seismic network but, mostly, of borehole sensors to improve microseismic detection capabilities. Moreover, the lack of an assessment of background seismicity in an unperturbed situation -due to long life extraction activities- makes it difficult to get a proper picture of natural background seismic activity, which would be instead an essential reference information for a tectonically-active regions, such as Northern Italy.
Aggressive Pituitary Macroadenoma Treated With Capecitabine and Temozolomide Chemotherapy Combination in a Patient With Nelson’s Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Mirallas Oriol , Filippi-Arriaga Francesca , Hernandez Hernandez Irene , Aubanell Anton , Chaachou Anas , Garcia-Alvarez Alejandro , Hernando Jorge , Martínez-Saez Elena , Biagetti Betina , Capdevila Jaume
Published: November 2021

Nelson’s syndrome is considered a severe side effect that can occur after a total bilateral adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing’s disease. It usually presents with clinical manifestations of an enlarging pituitary tumor including visual and cranial nerve alterations, and if not treated, can cause death through local brain compression or invasion. The first therapeutic option is surgery but in extreme cases of inaccessible or resistant aggressive pituitary tumors; the off-label use of chemotherapy with capecitabine and temozolomide can be considered. However, the use of this treatment is controversial due to adverse events, lack of complete response, and inability to predict results. We present the case of a 48-year-old man diagnosed with Nelson’s syndrome with prolonged partial response and significant clinical benefit to treatment with capecitabine and temozolomide.
A Bi-Level Control Strategy for PV-BES System Aiming at the Minimum Operation Cost of BES
Authors: Hao Yuchen , Su Dawei , Lei Zhen
Published: November 2021

With the increased penetration of the photovoltaic (PV) energy, the power system stability problem becomes an issue, as the output power of PV plants has unpredictable fluctuations. To maintain the power stability of the PV plants, battery energy storages (BESs) play an important role due to their fast and accurate response speed. However, it is challenging that the BES with multiple sub-modules responds well to the PV power fluctuations resulting from the various influence factors, such as defects, faults, and partial shading. Therefore, a bi-level control strategy is proposed in this paper, aiming at minimizing the operation cost of BES in maintaining power stability. The control strategy consists of the PV power fluctuations identification block and the mitigation block. In specific, the identification block can output the power fluctuation of a PV system by the PV power fluctuation identification technique. The technique is developed based on the characteristics of PV-string current under electrical faults and partial shading conditions. Meanwhile, the mitigation block can manage the multiple battery sub-modules with different regulation characteristics to meet the power fluctuations. At last, the promising results are obtained by MATLAB\Simulink with the coordinated operation of those two blocks, including the precise condition of the PV system and the optimal power output of each battery sub-module. Therefore, a comprehensive bi-level control strategy is developed to regulate the operation of battery sub-modules for PV-BES systems.
Needs for Small Area Estimation: Perspectives From the US Private Forest Sector
Authors: Prisley Steve , Bradley Jeff , Clutter Mike , Friedman Suzy , Kempka Dick , Rakestraw Jim , Sonne Hall Edie
Published: November 2021

The commercial forest sector in the US includes forest landowners and forest products manufacturers, as well as numerous service providers along the supply chain. Landowners (and contractors working for them) manage forestland in part for roundwood production, and manufacturers purchase roundwood as raw material for forest products including building products, paper products, wood pellets, and others. Both types of organizations need forest resource data for applications such as strategic planning, support for certification of sustainable forestry, analysis of timber supply, and assessment of forest carbon, biodiversity, or other ecosystem services. The geographic areas of interest vary widely but typically focus upon ownership blocks or manufacturing facilities and are frequently small enough that estimates from national forest inventory data have insufficient precision. Small area estimation (SAE) has proven potential to combine field data from the national forest inventory with abundant sources of remotely sensed or other resource data to provide needed information with improved precision. Successful implementation of SAE by this sector will require cooperation and collaboration among federal and state government agencies and academic institutions and will require increased funding to improve data collection, data accessibility, and further develop and implement the needed technologies.
Leptin Receptor Overlapping Transcript (LEPROT) Is Associated with the Tumor Microenvironment and a Prognostic Predictor in Pan-Cancer
Authors: Li Bingsheng , He Yao , Li Pan , Chen Xiang
Published: November 2021

Background:

Leptin receptor overlapping transcript (LEPROT) is reported to be involved in metabolism regulation and energy balance as well as molecular signaling of breast cancer and osteosarcoma. LEPROT is expressed in various tissue and is suggested to be involved in cancer developments but with contradictory roles. The comprehensive knowledge of the effects of LEPROT on cancer development and progression across pan-cancer is still missing.

Methods:

The expressions of LEPROT in cancers were compared with corresponding normal tissues across pan-cancer types. The relationships between expression and methylation of LEPROT were then demonstrated. The correlations of LEPROT with the tumor microenvironment (TME), including immune checkpoints, tumor immune cells infiltration (TII), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), were also investigated. Co-expression analyses and functional enrichments were conducted to suggest the most relevant genes and the mechanisms of the effects in cancers for LEPROT. Finally, the correlations of LEPROT with patient survival and immunotherapy response were explored.

Results:

LEPROT expression was found to be significantly aberrant in 15/19 (78.9%) cancers compared with corresponding normal tissues; LEPROT was downregulated in 12 cancers and upregulated in three cancers. LEPROT expressions were overall negatively correlated with its methylation alterations. Moreover, LEPROT was profoundly correlated with the TME, including immune checkpoints, TIIs, and CAFs. According to co-expression analyses and functional enrichments, the interactions of LEPROT with the TME may be mediated by the interleukin six signal transducer/the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of the transcription signaling pathway. Prognostic values may exist for LEPROT to predict patient survival and immunotherapy response in a context-dependent way.

Conclusions:

LEPROT affects cancer development by interfering with the TME and regulating inflammatory or immune signals. LEPROT may also serve as a potential prognostic marker or a target in cancer therapy. This is the first study to investigate the roles of LEPROT across pan-cancer.
Genome-wide Identification and Evolution of the PP2C Gene Family in Eight Rosaceae Species and Expression Analysis Under Stress in Pyrus bretschneideri
Authors: Wang Guoming , Sun Xun , Guo Zhihua , Joldersma Dirk , Guo Lei , Qiao Xin , Qi Kaijie , Gu Chao , Zhang Shaoling
Published: November 2021

Type 2C protein phosphatase (PP2C) plays an essential role in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling transduction processes. In the current study, we identify 719 putative PP2C genes in eight Rosaceae species, including 118 in Chinese white pear, 110 in European pear, 73 in Japanese apricot, 128 in apple, 74 in peach, 65 in strawberry, 78 in sweet cherry, and 73 in black raspberry. Further, the phylogenetic analysis categorized PbrPP2C genes of Chinese white pear into twelve subgroups based on the phylogenic analysis. We observed that whole-genome duplication (WGD) and dispersed gene duplication (DSD) have expanded the Rosaceae PP2C family despite simultaneous purifying selection. Expression analysis finds that PbrPP2C genes have organ-specific functions. QRT-PCR validation of nine PbrPP2C genes of subgroup A indicates a role in ABA-mediated response to abiotic stress. Finally, we find that five PbrPP2C genes of subgroup A function in the nucleus. In summary, our research suggests that the PP2C family functions to modulate ABA signals and responds to abiotic stress.
A Novel Mutation of the KLK6 Gene in a Family With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ge Yanzhi , Zhou Chenfen , Xiao Xiujuan , Jin Zhijiang , Zhou Li , Chen Zuxiang , Liu Fucun , Yuan Qiang , Zhang Guoqing , Shan Letian , Tong Peijian
Published: November 2021

To investigate the correlation between gene mutation and knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a whole-exome sequencing (WES) was applied to analyze blood samples of four KOA patients and two normal subjects in a family. Gene mutations were identified by gene-trapping and high-throughput sequencing analysis across the differences between the patients and normal subjects. The interactive gene network analysis on the retrieval of interacting genes (STRING) database and the KOA-related genes expression data sets was performed. A possibly detrimental and nonsynonymous mutation at the kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6) gene (rs201586262, c. C80A, P27H) was identified and attracted our attention. KLK6 belongs to the kallikrein family of serine proteases and its serum level is known as a prevalent biomarker in inflammatory and malignant diseases. KLK6 expresses in the extracellular compartment for matrix degradation, highlighting that KLK6 plays a role in the pathogenesis of KOA. By using the gene databases, the KOA-related genes were mined after de-duplication and IL6 was selected as the most relevant gene through interactive analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The data suggested that KLK6 gene mutation and the related expression alteration of IL6 gene might determine the occurrence of hereditary KOA. The is the first study discovering the gene mutation of KLK6 as a factor of pathogenesis of KOA, especially the hereditary KOA.
Matrix Stiffening Enhances DNCB-Induced IL-6 Secretion in Keratinocytes Through Activation of ERK and PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Chung Hyewon , Oh Seunghee , Shin Hyun-Woo , Lee Yunam , Lee Hyungsuk , Seok Seung Hyeok
Published: November 2021

Matrix stiffness, a critical physical property of the cellular environment, is implicated in epidermal homeostasis. In particular, matrix stiffening during the pathological progression of skin diseases appears to contribute to cellular responses of keratinocytes. However, it has not yet elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying matrix-stiffness-mediated signaling in coordination with chemical stimuli during inflammation and its effect on proinflammatory cytokine production. In this study, we demonstrated that keratinocytes adapt to matrix stiffening by increasing cell–matrix adhesion via actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Specifically, mechanosensing and signal transduction are coupled with chemical stimuli to regulate cytokine production, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production is elevated in keratinocytes on stiffer substrates in response to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. We demonstrated that β1 integrin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression were enhanced with increasing stiffness and activation of ERK and the PI3K/Akt pathway was involved in stiffening-mediated IL-6 production. Collectively, our results reveal the critical role of matrix stiffening in modulating the proinflammatory response of keratinocytes, with important clinical implications for skin diseases accompanied by pathological matrix stiffening.
Distinct CD4−CD8− (Double-Negative) Memory T-Cell Subpopulations Are Associated With Indeterminate and Cardiac Clinical Forms of Chagas Disease
Authors: Passos Livia Silva Araújo , Koh Carolina Cattoni , Magalhães Luísa Mourão Dias , Nunes Maria do Carmo Pereira , Gollob Kenneth John , Dutra Walderez Ornelas
Published: November 2021

CD4−CD8− (double-negative, DN) T cells are critical orchestrators of the cytokine network associated with the pathogenic inflammatory response in one of the deadliest cardiomyopathies known, Chagas heart disease, which is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Here, studying the distribution, activation status, and cytokine expression of memory DN T-cell subpopulations in Chagas disease patients without cardiac involvement (indeterminate form—IND) or with Chagas cardiomyopathy (CARD), we report that while IND patients displayed a higher frequency of central memory, CARD had a high frequency of effector memory DN T cells. In addition, central memory DN T cells from IND displayed a balanced cytokine profile, characterized by the concomitant expression of IFN-γ and IL-10, which was not observed in effector memory DN T cells from CARD. Supporting potential clinical relevance, we found that the frequency of central memory DN T cells was associated with indicators of better ventricular function, while the frequency of effector memory DN T cells was not. Importantly, decreasing CD1d-mediated activation of DN T cells led to an increase in IL-10 expression by effector memory DN T cells from CARD, restoring a balanced profile similar to that observed in the protective central memory DN T cells. Targeting the activation of effector memory DN T cells may emerge as a strategy to control inflammation in Chagas cardiomyopathy and potentially in other inflammatory diseases where these cells play a key role.
Anatomy of Hematopoiesis and Local Microenvironments in the Bone Marrow. Where to?
Authors: Wu Qingqing , Zhang Jizhou , Lucas Daniel
Published: November 2021

The shape and spatial organization -the anatomy- of a tissue profoundly influences its function. Knowledge of the anatomical relationships between parent and daughter cells is necessary to understand differentiation and how the crosstalk between the different cells in the tissue leads to physiological maintenance and pathological perturbations. Blood cell production takes place in the bone marrow through the progressive differentiation of stem cells and progenitors. These are maintained and regulated by a heterogeneous microenvironment composed of stromal and hematopoietic cells. While hematopoiesis has been studied in extraordinary detail through functional and multiomics approaches, much less is known about the spatial organization of blood production and how local cues from the microenvironment influence this anatomy. Here, we discuss some of the studies that revealed a complex anatomy of hematopoiesis where discrete local microenvironments spatially organize and regulate specific subsets of hematopoietic stem cells and/or progenitors. We focus on the open questions in the field and discuss how new tools and technological advances are poised to transform our understanding of the anatomy of hematopoiesis.
Functional Gene Identification and Corresponding Tolerant Mechanism of High Furfural-Tolerant Zymomonas mobilis Strain F211
Authors: Hu Dongsheng , Wang Zhiquan , He Mingxiong , Ma Yuanyuan
Published: November 2021

Furfural is a major inhibitor in lignocellulose hydrolysate for Zymomonas mobilis. A mutant F211 strain with high furfural tolerance was obtained from our previous study. Thus, its key tolerance mechanism was studied in the present study. The function of mutated genes in F211 was identified by functional complementation experiments, revealing that the improved furfural tolerance was resulted from the C493T mutation of the ZCP4_0270 gene promoting cell flocculation and the mutation (G1075A)/downregulation of ZCP4_0970. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed 139 differentially expressed genes between F211 and the control, CP4, in response to furfural stress. In addition, the reliability of the RNA-Seq data was also confirmed. The potential tolerance mechanism was further demonstrated by functional identification of tolerance genes as follows: (I) some upregulated or downregulated genes increase the levels of NAD(P)H, which is involved in the reduction of furfural to less toxic furfuryl alcohol, thus accelerating the detoxification of furfural; (II) the mutated ZCP4_0270 and upregulated cellulose synthetase gene (ZCP4_0241 and ZCP4_0242) increased flocculation to resist furfural stress; (III) upregulated molecular chaperone genes promote protein synthesis and repair stress-damaged proteins; and (IV) transporter genes ZCP4_1623–1,625 and ZCP4_1702–1703 were downregulated, saving energy for cell growth. The furfural-tolerant mechanism and corresponding functional genes were revealed, which provides a theoretical basis for developing robust chassis strains for synthetic biology efforts.
Comparison of Different Tissue Clearing Methods for Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Human Brain Cellular Anatomy Using Advanced Imaging Techniques
Authors: Scardigli Marina , Pesce Luca , Brady Niamh , Mazzamuto Giacomo , Gavryusev Vladislav , Silvestri Ludovico , Hof Patrick R. , Destrieux Christophe , Costantini Irene , Pavone Francesco S.
Published: November 2021

The combination of tissue clearing techniques with advanced optical microscopy facilitates the achievement of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of macroscopic specimens at high resolution. Whole mouse organs or even bodies have been analyzed, while the reconstruction of the human nervous system remains a challenge. Although several tissue protocols have been proposed, the high autofluorescence and variable post-mortem conditions of human specimens negatively affect the quality of the images in terms of achievable transparency and staining contrast. Moreover, homogeneous staining of high-density epitopes, such as neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), creates an additional challenge. Here, we evaluated different tissue transformation approaches to find the best solution to uniformly clear and label all neurons in the human cerebral cortex using anti-NeuN antibodies in combination with confocal and light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). Finally, we performed mesoscopic high-resolution 3D reconstruction of the successfully clarified and stained samples with LSFM.