bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation between plant species in pollen digestion rates in the green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea
Authors: González Ezequiel , Bianchi Felix J. J. A. , Wizorek Sarah , Schumacher Mia , Entling Martin H.
Published: September 2022

Pollen are an important food source for numerous insects and may be used as natural markers in ecological studies. However, to make inferences about the movement rates of insects based on their gut contents, information on pollen digestion rates is needed. Here, we assessed how the consumption and digestion rates of pollen ingested by Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) adults are influenced by plant species, temperature, and sex. We offered pollen of two insect‐pollinated plants – Acer pseudoplatanus L. (Sapindaceae) and Helianthus annuus L. (Asteraceae) – and two wind‐pollinated plants – Fraxinus excelsior L. (Oleaceae) and Quercus rubra L. (Fagaceae) – differing in size and protein content, to adult lacewings at two temperatures, 20 and 25 °C. After feeding, lacewings were allowed to digest pollen for up to 14 days, sampled at 10 time intervals. At each of these intervals, lacewings were frozen and the internal pollen were obtained through acetolysis and quantified under a light microscope. The number of pollen grains decreased exponentially over time and declined faster for Acer than for the other three plant species. The half‐life and the time at which 95% of the pollen grains were digested were lower for Acer than for the other plant species. Lacewings consumed more pollen grains from Acer and Quercus than from Fraxinus and Helianthus. Male lacewings consumed 30% fewer pollen grains than females, but without differences in their digestion rates. Our results show that lacewings consumed higher amounts of high‐protein pollen (Acer and Quercus) and that digestion rates differed among plant species, which could be linked to their structural characteristics. The variable digestion rates of pollen grains may influence the study of lacewing diet composition. Studies that make inferences about the pollen diet or movement ecology of lacewings by analysing their gut contents should account for species‐specific pollen digestion rates.
Soil disturbance and invasion magnify CO2 effects on grassland productivity, reducing diversity
Authors: Blumenthal Dana M. , Carrillo Yolima , Kray Julie A. , Parsons Matthew C. , Morgan Jack A. , Pendall Elise
Published: September 2022

Climate change, disturbance, and plant invasion threaten grassland ecosystems, but their combined and interactive effects are poorly understood. Here, we examine how the combination of disturbance and plant invasion influences the sensitivity of mixed‐grass prairie to elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2) and warming. We established subplots of intact prairie and disturbed/invaded prairie within a free‐air CO2 enrichment (to 600 ppmv) by infrared warming (+1.5°C day, 3°C night) experiment and followed plant and soil responses for 5 years. Elevated CO2 initially led to moderate increases in biomass and plant diversity in both intact and disturbed/invaded prairie, but these effects shifted due to strong eCO2 responses of the invasive forb Centaurea diffusa. In the final 3 years, biomass responses to eCO2 in disturbed/invaded prairie were 10 times as large as those in intact prairie (+186% vs. +18%), resulting in reduced rather than increased plant diversity (−17% vs. +10%). At the same time, warming interacted with disturbance/invasion and year, reducing the rate of topsoil carbon recovery following disturbance. The strength of these interactions demonstrates the need to incorporate disturbance into predictions of climate change effects. In contrast to expectations from studies in intact ecosystems, eCO2 may threaten plant diversity in ecosystems subject to soil disturbance and invasion.
Periodontitis is associated with an increased hazard of mortality in a longitudinal cohort study over 50 years
Authors: Bond Julia C. , McDonough Robert , Alshihayb Talal S. , Kaye Elizabeth K. , Garcia Raul I. , Heaton Brenda
Published: September 2022

Aim

To evaluate the association between periodontal disease and all‐cause mortality in a longitudinal cohort study over 50 years.

Materials and Methods

Participants (N = 1156) in the Veterans Affairs Dental Longitudinal Study, aged 25–85 years at enrollment in 1968, received comprehensive medical and oral exams approximately every 3 years through 2007. Periodontal status was defined using person‐level, mean whole‐mouth radiographic alveolar bone loss (ABL) scores using a five‐point Schei ruler, each unit representing 20% increments of ABL. Time‐varying Cox regression models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for the association between continuous and categorical ABL and mortality, adjusting for covariates.

Results

Each one‐unit increase in mean ABL score was associated with a 14% increase in the hazard of mortality (adjusted HR = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02, 1.27). When assessed categorically, HRs for average scores of 2 to <3 and 3 to ≤5 showed increasing associations with hazard of mortality, relative to 0 to <1 (adjusted HR = 1.17, 95% CI 0.94, 1.46; and HR = 1.65, 95% CI 0.94, 2.85, respectively). By contrast, we observed null associations for average scores of 1 to <2 relative to 0 to <1 (adjusted HR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.86, 1.17).

Conclusions

Time‐varying periodontal status assessed using radiographic ABL was positively associated with all‐cause mortality even after confounder adjustment.
Influence of acidic electrolyzed water combined with vacuum precooling treatment on quality and antioxidant performance of fresh Lycium barbarum L.
Authors: He Xiaoling , Wu Chen , Lu Ling , Yan Xiaoxia , Yu Hao , Kang Ningbo
Published: September 2022

In this work, to evaluate the role of acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) combined with vacuum precooling (VP) treatment in fresh goji preservation, the physicochemical properties and anti‐oxidation indexes of goji berries were compared between the AEW+VP‐treated and control (VP treatment) groups during storage at 4, 7, and 10°C. The results showed that AEW+VP could effectively inhibit the decrease in L* and a* values, reduce the respiratory rate, delay the loss of vitamin C content, and maintain higher total soluble solid (TSS) content. Compared to the control, AEW+VP‐treated goji maintained higher catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Therefore, AEW+VP treatment could effectively improve the storage quality and extend the shelf life of fresh goji berries.

Practical applications

Acidic electrolyzed water, a clean and environmentally friendly preservation technology, combined with vacuum precooling extended the shelf life of fresh goji berries while delaying the aging of goji berries at different storage temperatures. In this sense, AEW+VP had certain stability in enhancing the storage quality and extending the shelf life of goji berries, which can be regarded as an effective strategy for promoting the preservation of agricultural products.
Caribbeanist Anthropology and Minerva's Owl: Lessons Forgotten, Lessons Learned
Authors: Palmié Stephan
Published: September 2022

This essay presents a sketch of what a critical genealogy of the anthropology of the Caribbean might involve. After looking at the origins of anthropological interest in the region, I will focus on two case studies that, for better or worse, may be said to have had lasting diagnostic value for key epistemological orientations in Caribbeanist anthropology. I do so by examining M. G. Smith'sPlural Societymodel and Julian Stewart's Puerto Rico Project in their Cold War contexts to point out why these truly pathbreaking endeavors resulted in a vision of Caribbeanness that we may well want to rethink. [M. G. Smith, Julian Steward, beyond peasant and plantation studies]
Improving Cavalieri volume estimation based on non‐equidistant planar sections: The trapezoidal estimator
Authors: Stehr Mads , Kiderlen Markus , Dorph‐Petersen Karl‐Anton
Published: September 2022

The Cavalieri estimator allows one to infer the volume of an object from area measurements in equidistant planar sections. It is known that applying this estimator in the non‐equidistant case may inflate the coefficient of error considerably. We therefore consider a newly introduced variant, the trapezoidal estimator, and make it available to practitioners. Its typical variance behaviour for natural objects is comparable to the equidistant case. We state this unbiased estimator, describe variance estimates and explain how the latter can be simplified under rather general but realistic models for the gaps between sections. Simulations and an application to a synthetic area function based on parietal lobes of 18 monkeys illustrate the new methods.
Species‐rich plant communities in interior habitats of small forest fragments: The role of seed dispersal and edge effect
Authors: Hofmeister Jeňýk , Hošek Jan , Baltaziuk Kateryna , Tenčík Aleš , Iarema Viktor , Brabec Marek , Pettit Joseph
Published: September 2022

Questions

What are the effects of environmental and dispersal filters on vegetation in small and species‐rich fragments of temperate forests in which species richness increases along the edge–interior gradient?

Location

Small fragments of thermophilic forests in central Bohemia, Czech Republic.

Methods

Repeated vegetation surveys and seed rain samplings were conducted in 71 plots located in 17 forest fragments (0.4 to 255 ha) in an agricultural landscape in Central Europe. A subsequent assessment of seed viability was performed via germination in a greenhouse. We evaluated species richness, composition and the similarities between forest vegetation and viable available seeds, accounting for potentially significant environmental conditions. Particularly, we examined the effects of species with different associations to the forest environment in combination with prevalent dispersal strategies.

Results

Species richness and composition of the herb layer vegetation (including tree and shrub seedlings) in small forest fragments reflected seed distribution and, to a lesser extent, seed viability. Plant species composition showed a nested pattern according to the distance from the forest edge; the species at the edge represented a subset of the species in the forest interior. Forest specialist species with spatially limited dispersal consistently achieved the highest species richness in forest interiors (>200 m from the forest edge), although this differed depending on aspect. Species richness of generalists and open‐land species benefitted from higher light quality and vice versa for forest specialists.

Conclusions

Small forest fragments maintain species‐rich herb layer communities confined in area‐limited interior habitats. They do this despite being mostly or entirely under the influence of the edge effect and impoverished of forest specialists. Moreover, the species‐rich interiors of the small forest fragments are likely prone to negative changes in species composition induced either by canopy closure or opening in the future.
Discounted Deaths: The Eruption of COVID‐19 in the Geriatric System of the Community of Madrid
Authors: Rubio‐Mengual Iñaki , Villar Baile Álvaro
Published: September 2022

In this article, we explore a new category of analysis that we have called “discounted deaths,” with which we seek to examine forms of dying occurring outside the scope of the triple meaning of the term “to count”—i.e., deaths that did not count, deaths that were not counted, and deaths for which there was no account. To do this, we look at the empirical case of elderly people who died in Madrid's nursing homes during the first wave of the pandemic, between March and May 2020. Compared to other affected groups, theirs were deaths that were deemed tolerable. People who died in nursing homes were first excluded from the assistance mechanisms available under the health emergency and then buried in solitude, away from their loved ones, who were not made aware of their situation until they were in their final moments. [coronavirus, death, account, old age, Madrid]
Drosophila melanogaster microbiome is shaped by strict filtering and neutrality along a latitudinal cline
Authors: Henry Lucas P. , Ayroles Julien F.
Published: September 2022

Microbiomes affect many aspects of host biology, but the eco‐evolutionary forces that shape their diversity in natural populations remain poorly understood. Geographical gradients, such as latitudinal clines, generate predictable patterns in biodiversity at macroecological scales, but whether these macroscale processes apply to host–microbiome interactions is an open question. To address this question, we sampled the microbiomes of 13 natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster along a latitudinal cline in the eastern United States. The microbiomes were surprisingly consistent across the cline, as latitude did not predict either alpha or beta diversity. Only a narrow taxonomic range of bacteria were present in all microbiomes, indicating that strict taxonomic filtering by the host and neutral ecological dynamics are the primary factors shaping the fly microbiome. Our findings reveal the complexity of eco‐evolutionary interactions shaping microbial variation in D. melanogaster and highlight the need for additional sampling of the microbiomes in natural populations along environmental gradients.
Pseudouridylation of chloroplast ribosomal RNA contributes to low temperature acclimation in rice
Authors: Wang Zhen , Sun Jing , Zu Xiaofeng , Gong Jie , Deng Hongjing , Hang Runlai , Zhang Xiaofan , Liu Chunyan , Deng Xian , Luo Lilan , Wei Xiangjin , Song Xianwei , Cao Xiaofeng
Published: September 2022

Ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) undergo many modifications during transcription and maturation; homeostasis of rRNA modifications is essential for chloroplast biogenesis in plants. The chloroplast acts as a hub to sense environmental signals, such as cold temperature. However, how RNA modifications contribute to low temperature responses remains unknown.

Here we reveal that pseudouridine (Ψ) modification of rice chloroplast rRNAs mediated by the pseudouridine synthase (OsPUS1) contributes to cold tolerance at seedling stage. Loss‐function of OsPUS1 leads to abnormal chloroplast development and albino seedling phenotype at low temperature.

We find that OsPUS1 is accumulated upon cold and binds to chloroplast precursor rRNAs (pre‐rRNAs) to catalyse the pseudouridylation on rRNA. These modifications on chloroplast rRNAs could be required for their processing, as the reduction of mature chloroplast rRNAs and accumulation of pre‐rRNAs are observed in ospus1‐1 at low temperature. Therefore, the ribosome activity and translation in chloroplasts is disturbed in ospus1‐1. Furthermore, transcriptome and translatome analysis reveals that OsPUS1 balances growth and stress‐responsive state, preventing excess reactive oxygen species accumulation.

Taken together, our findings unveil a crucial function of Ψ in chloroplast ribosome biogenesis and cold tolerance in rice, with potential applications in crop improvement.
Going Nordic—Can the Nordic model tackle grand challenges and be a beacon to follow?
Authors: de la Porte Caroline , Jensen Mads Dagnis , Kvist Jon
Published: September 2022

Nordic countries are known for having extensive welfare services, a highly compressed wage structure owing to strong social partners, as well as effective regulation and governance in public administration. Various typologies capture aspects of the institutional features of families of nations across various policy areas, showing that there is a specific Nordic variant of political economy. While there is an extensive literature focusing on socio‐economic outcomes in the Nordic countries, there is less scholarly focus on the linkages between the regulatory processes, and their policy output, in response to various challenges. This volume examines how exogenous challenges (market liberalization promoted by EU integration and the gig economy, as well as the COVID‐19 pandemic) and endogenous challenges in the welfare state (regulation of child‐care quality and retirement ages) are tackled in a selection of Nordic countries. After a bibliometric analysis on the state of the literature, features of the Nordic model are presented. Then, the contributions of the articles to the special issue are summarized, after which lessons for other models of political economy are pinpointed. We find that although there is high variation within the Nordics in the studies of the special issue, there is a trend whereby, over time, a broader range of actors involved in the policy and regulatory process. Although not perfect, challenges are solved incrementally and often at an early stage. In other words, the Nordic regulatory model is highly adaptable to different challenges. Thus, the Nordic model does present crucial lessons for other types of political economy.
Análisis del desastre ocurrido en Mocoa (Colombia)
Authors: Martin Calvo Jeisson Fabian , Castañeda Gómez Julián Alfonso , Díaz Cuesta Yeffer Alberto , Escobar Mahecha Daniela
Published: September 2022

En este artículo se muestra un estudio de la catástrofe ocurrida en Mocoa en el año 2017, en términos de lluvias y características generales de la zona. Donde se analizaron los datos de precipitaciones registrados desde el año 1985 hasta el 2017 por dos estaciones climatológicas: Campucana y Mocoa Acueducto, con las cuales se obtuvieron funciones de distribución de probabilidad de datos anuales, mensuales y diarios para estudiar la ocurrencia del fenómeno. Analizando los resultados obtenidos se evidenció una precipitación desmesurada para el día de la catástrofe y una baja probabilidad de precipitación en la zona, con lo cual se realizó una comparación con otros factores de incidencia en el movimiento en masa de sedimentos que ocasiono el desastre. Finalmente se efectuó una visita de inspección posterior a lo ocurrido, con el fin de evidenciar la insuficiente reparación de la zona y se realizaron recomendaciones para mitigar el impacto en caso de una emergencia de riesgo a futuro.
Evaluación de la Incidencia de la actividad agrícola bananera en aguas superficiales del rio Carepa y red de drenajes de varias fincas bananeras, en la región del Urabá Antioquia – Colombia
Authors: Cardona Patiño Leonardo
Published: September 2022

La actividad agrícola bananera en la región del Urabá- Antioquia, ocupa el primer lugar en el país en producción y exportación de fruta de banano, esta genera importantes ingresos para la sostenibilidad, así como el progreso de la subregión; que, a su vez, conllevan a problemáticas ambientales significativas. En esta investigación se analizaron potenciales afectaciones del río Carepa, generadas por las actividades bananeras; como siembra, desarrollo del cultivo, cosecha y empaque. Se tomaron como muestras 6000 hectáreas cultivadas de banano ubicadas en las riberas del río se caracterizaron los pesticidas más utilizados en el proceso de producción y se realizaron comparaciones con resultados de investigaciones de años anteriores. En el proceso se midieron in situ parámetros como pH, temperatura, oxígeno disuelto, turbidez y conductividad eléctrica. Se conservaron y preservaron muestras para determinar por medio de la técnica de cromatografía líquida acoplada a espectrometría de masas en tándem el Etilentiourea (etu) subproducto del fungicida Mancozeb, el más utilizado en los sistemas locales de producción bananera, a fin de determinar el riesgo ecotoxicológico, ocasionado en la fuente hídrica objeto del presente estudio.
Impacto de buenas prácticas en el uso de electrodomésticos eficientes en la reducción de las emisiones de CO2 en los hogares urbanos de Ibagué, Colombia
Authors: Sierra Ramirez Erika , Andrade Castañeda Hernán Jair
Published: September 2022

La gestión de la eficiencia energética se hace necesaria al evidenciar el consumo acelerado de energía en las últimas décadas. Se estimó la emisión de CO2 evitada al proyectar el impacto de buenas prácticas en los hogares urbanos de Ibagué mediante el uso de electrodomésticos eficientes. Se empleó una encuesta semiestructurada para estimar el consumo y las emisiones de CO2 actuales derivadas del uso mensual de los equipos existentes en el hogar. Luego, se proyectó la emisión en cuatro escenarios el cambio de electrodomésticos de uso actual a los próximos 20 años. El cambio del refrigerador, la lavadora y las lámparas incandescentes o fluorescentes disminuyen las emisiones de CO2 de 55,8 Gg a 52,8 Gg al año 2039. Un cambio del 100% de estos equipos por eficientes causaría una reducción de emisión o adicionalidad de cerca de 40 Gg CO2 durante 20 años. Sin embargo, se requieren programas efectivos que vinculen a toda la población, ya que solo 56% de los hogares encuestados desean cambiar sus equipos actuales por equipos con mayor eficiencia energética, aunque tengan claridad de los ahorros en costos y en emisiones de CO2. En este estudio también se alienta a la ejecución de estrategias locales que incentive la modificación de hábitos, políticas de consumo y uso de equipos eficientes.
The Nonlinear Thermoacoustic Eigenvalue Problem and Its Rational Approximations: Assessment of Solution Strategies
Authors: Merk Moritz , Buschmann Philip E. , Moeck Jonas P. , Polifke Wolfgang
Published: September 2022

Nonlinear eigenvalue problems (NLEVPs) arise in thermoacoustics by considering the temporal evolution of small perturbations in the relevant governing equations. In this work, two solution strategies are compared: (i) a contour-integration-based method that guarantees to provide all eigenvalues in a given domain and (ii) a method that approximates the NLEVP by a rational eigenvalue problem (REVP), which is generally easier to solve. The focus lies on numerical speed, the completeness of the computed spectrum, and the appearance of spurious modes, i.e., modes that are not part of the original spectrum but appear as a result of the approximation. To this end, two prototypical thermoacoustic systems are considered: a single-flame Rijke tube and an annular model combustor. The comparison of both methods is preceded by a detailed analysis of the user-defined input parameters in the contour-integration-based method. Our results show that both methods can resolve all types of considered eigenvalues with sufficient accuracy for applications. However, the recast linear problem is overall faster to solve and allows a priori precision estimates—unlike the contour-integration-based method. Spurious modes as a by-product of the NLEVP approximation are found to play a minor role, and recommendations are given on how to eliminate them.
Effect of Load on Muscle Activity, Kinematics, and Force Production During the Reverse Hyperextension Exercise
Authors: Lawrence Michael A. , Somma Matthew J. , Swanson Brian T.
Published: September 2022

The reverse hyperextension exercise is used to strengthen posterior chain musculature without axially loading the spine; however, there are no suggestions for loading. Twenty recreationally active individuals (13 males and 7 females; aged 25.4 [2.5] y; height 1.76 [0.09] m; mass 79.3 [15.8] kg) performed 2 sets of 10 repetitions with 50%, 100%, and 150% of bodyweight. Surface electromyography measured erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and biceps femoris activity. Motions of the trunk, lower extremities, and reverse hyperextension exercise pendulum were tracked. A 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze differences. Few differences were found between 100% and 150% loads; however, heavier loads resulted in increased hip (5.0°) and trunk (4.0°) flexion compared with the 50% load. Similar patterns emerged for peak and integrated muscle activity, with erector spinae and gluteus maximus activity greater in the 100% and 150% loads than in the 50% load, and biceps femoris activation increasing as load increased. Peak force significantly (P < .001) increased with 100% (28% [31%]) and 150% (34% [40%]) loads compared with the 50% load. Findings suggest the reverse hyperextension exercise targets posterior chain musculature, but increasing loads does not linearly increase force and muscle activation.
Reconnecting Students and Faculty to Maximize Academic Integrity and Minimize Student Stress in the Virtual Classroom
Authors: Sonbuchner Timothy M. , Lee Jacqueline , Mundorff Emily C. , Santangelo Jessica R. , Wei Sujun , Novick Peter A.
Published: September 2022

The article documents faculty experiences with the shift online due to the pandemic and provides recommendations to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instructors. Over 100 faculty members were surveyed on these topics and contrasted with previously reported student experiences.
Isolation, Whole-Genome Sequencing, and Annotation of Two Antibiotic-Producing and -Resistant Bacteria, Enterobacter roggenkampii RIT 834 and Acinetobacter pittii RIT 835, from Disposable Masks Collected from the Environment
Authors: Mozrall Angeline R. , Miranda Renata Rezende , Kumar Grish , Wadsworth Crista B. , Hudson André O.
Published: September 2022

We report the whole-genome sequence and annotation of two antibiotic-resistant bacteria,
Enterobacter roggenkampii
RIT 834 and
Acinetobacter pittii
RIT 835, isolated from disposed masks. We found that these strains are resistant to five of seven commonly used antibiotics and that they produce bactericidal compounds against
Escherichia coli
.
Sequence Type 5 (ST5) as a Possible Predictor of Bacterial Persistence in Adult Patients with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia Treated with Vancomycin
Authors: Fan Ya-Xin , Chen Meng-Ting , Li Nan-Yang , Liu Xiao-Fen , Yang Min-Jie , Chen Yuan-Cheng , Liang Xiao-Yu , Wu Ju-Fang , Guo Bei-Ning , Song Si-Chao , Zhu Yong-Qiang , Zhang Feng-Ying , Hang Jing-Qing , Wu Sheng-Bin , Shen Bo , Li Hua-Yin , Wang Qin , Luo Xu-Ming , Chen Qing-Ge , Zhang Hui-Fang , Wang Rui-Lan , Shen Li-Hua , Fu Feng-Ming , Song Xiao-Lian , Zhang Jing
Published: September 2022

Few studies have simultaneously examined the influence of clinical characteristics of patients with pneumonia, the vancomycin pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) index, and the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains. We assessed risk factors for vancomycin failure in patients with MRSA pneumonia by analyzing these influences in a prospective multicenter study.
Complexation during Sorption of Palladium(II) Ions by Chemically Modified Silica
Authors: Buslaeva T. M. , Ehrlich G. V. , Volchkova E. V. , Mingalev P. G. , Panina N. S.
Published: September 2022

Complexation during the sorption of palladium(II) ions from chloride media by chemically modified silicas has been studied. Due to the use of mesoporous silicas with an average pore diameter of >10 nm for their synthesis, these sorbents do not change their volume in aqueous and organic media and have high mass transfer characteristics. The dependences of the sorption of Pd(II) ions from chloride solutions under static conditions as a function of time, HCl concentration, and Cl– ion have been obtained; sorption isotherms are constructed. Based on the experimental data, a conclusion has been made about the coordination mechanism of sorption, which has been proved by a combination of spectral methods (IR, UV-VIS, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). The structure of sulfur-containing sorbents and their complexes with palladium has been modeled using the DFT M06 quantum-chemical method in the def2tzvp basis in the gas phase and taking into account the H2O solvent. The performed calculations make it possible to substantiate the nature of the dependence of sorption on the acid concentration and to confirm the formation of palladium(II) complexes with bidentate coordination of ligands in the silica phase modified with thiosalicylic and mercaptoacetic acids.
Using Relativistic Self-Trapping Regime of a High-Intensity Laser Pulse for High-Energy Electron Radiotherapy
Authors: Lobok M. G. , Bychenkov V. Yu.
Published: September 2022

Abstract—

Full-3D particle-in-cell Monte Carlo simulation of a new scheme of electron radiotherapy based on electron acceleration by high-power femtosecond laser pulse propagating in plasma of sub-critical density in the relativistic self-trapping regime (V. Yu. Bychenkov et al., Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 61, 124004 (2019)) was carried out. Based on the results of simulation of distribution of energy deposited by electron bunches accelerated in such high-efficiency regime, it is demonstrated that a laser facility of $$ \gtrsim {\kern 1pt} 100$$ TW class is capable of providing therapy of deep soft-tissue lesions in soft biotissue and this approach has a number of advantages relative to traditional methods of beam therapy.
The Effects of Nitroazolopyrimidines on the A1 Adenosine Receptor and Intraocular Pressure in Rats
Authors: Savateev K. V. , Rusinov V. L. , Kotovskaya S. K. , Spasov A. A. , Naumenko L. V. , Taran A. S. , Brigadirova A. A. , Yakovlev D. S. , Sultanova K. T. , Shcherbakova N. M.
Published: September 2022

Six compounds of the 5(7)-alkylamino-6-nitroazolopyrimidine and 8-alkylazolo[5,1-b]purine series were selected based on the structural analysis of A1 adenosine receptor inhibitors and the role of this biological target in the modulation of intraocular pressure, an important factor in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. These heterocycles were shown to exhibit a weak affinity towards the A1 adenosine receptor on an in vitro model of the adenosine-dependent change of the chronotropic effect on isolated atria of white mice. On the other hand, thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines and triazolo[5,1-b]purine displayed an in vivo hypotensive effect in rats. The leading compound, 5-methyl-8-(hydroxyethyl)triazolo[5,1-b]purine) (0.2% solution), caused a 34% reduction of ophthalmotonus in 3 h without an adverse resorptive effect. In addition, using the MTT-test it was shown on the human HepG2 cell line that the heterocycles affecting the intraocular pressure were by one to two orders of magnitude less cytotoxic than the reference doxorubicin.
Biologically Active Fragment of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) Is Able to Inhibit Oligomerization of the Beta-Amyloid
Authors: Volkova T. D. , Avetisyan A. V. , Koroev D. O. , Kamynina A. V. , Balasanyants S. M. , Simonyan R. A. , Volpina O. M.
Published: September 2022

It was found earlier that the synthetic fragment corresponding to the 60–76 sequence of the extracellular domain of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) had a protective effect on animal and cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease. It was proposed that this effect was mediated via the interaction of the peptide with beta-amyloid (Aβ), which was one of the RAGE ligands, by inhibiting the formation of toxic Aβ oligomers. The aim of this study was an application of physicochemical methods to an investigation of the ability of the 60–76 peptide to prevent the Aβ40 oligomerization in solution in comparison with the nonprotective 65–76 truncated peptide. The dynamics of the formation of the Aβ40 fibrils in the presence of the peptides was evaluated using thioflavin T. The relative sizes of oligomers were determined by dynamic light scattering. The peptide binding to Aβ40 was examined by fluorescence titration. We demonstrated by the two methods that the peptide corresponding to the 60–76 sequence of RAGE considerably inhibited (by more than 90%) the formation of oligomers and fibrils of Aβ40 distinct from the 65–76 peptide. In addition, we found that the protective effect of the peptides and their ability to inhibit the Aβ40 oligomerization did not correlate with their binding to the monomeric/tetrameric Aβ40. We confirmed in vitro the hypothesis that the protective activity of the synthetic 60–76 fragment of RAGE was associated with its ability to inhibit the Aβ oligomerization.
Erratum to: Seasonal Variations in the b-Value of the Reservoir-Triggered Seismicity in the Koyna–Warna Region, Western India
Authors: Smirnov V. B. , Potanina M. G. , Kartseva T. I. , Ponomarev A. V. , Patonin A. V. , Mikhailov V. O. , Sergeev D. S.
Published: September 2022

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1069351322090014
Label-free metabolic imaging for sensitive and robust monitoring of anti-CD47 immunotherapy response in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Yang Minfeng , Mahanty Arpan , Jin Chunjing , Wong Alex Ngai Nick , Yoo Jung Sun
Published: September 2022

Background

Immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer treatment from conventional radiotherapies and chemotherapies to immune checkpoint inhibitors which use patients’ immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Despite the huge clinical success and vigorous development of immunotherapies, there is a significant unmet need for a robust tool to identify responders to specific immunotherapy. Early and accurate monitoring of immunotherapy response is indispensable for personalized treatment and effective drug development.

Methods

We established a label-free metabolic intravital imaging (LMII) technique to detect two-photon excited autofluorescence signals from two coenzymes, NAD(P)H (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) hydrogen) and FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) as robust imaging markers to monitor metabolic responses to immunotherapy. Murine models of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) were established and tested with different therapeutic regimens including anti-cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) immunotherapy to monitor time-course treatment responses using the developed metabolic imaging technique.

Results

We first imaged the mechanisms of the CD47-signal regulatory protein alpha pathway in vivo, which unravels macrophage-mediated antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis and illustrates the metabolism of TNBC cells and macrophages. We further visualized the autofluorescence of NAD(P)H and FAD and found a significant increase during tumor growth. Following anti-CD47 immunotherapy, the imaging signal was dramatically decreased demonstrating the sensitive monitoring capability of NAD(P)H and FAD imaging for therapeutic response. NAD(P)H and FAD intravital imaging also showed a marked decrease after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A comparative study with conventional whole-body bioluminescence and fluorescent glucose imaging demonstrated superior sensitivity of metabolic imaging. Flow cytometry validated metabolic imaging results. In vivo immunofluorescent staining revealed the targeting ability of NAD(P)H imaging mainly for tumor cells and a small portion of immune-active cells and that of FAD imaging mainly for immunosuppressive cells such as M2-like tumor-associated macrophages.

Conclusions

Collectively, this study showcases the potential of the LMII technique as a powerful tool to visualize dynamic changes of heterogeneous cell metabolism of cancer cells and immune infiltrates in response to immunotherapy thus providing sensitive and complete monitoring. Leveraged on ability to differentiate cancer cells and immunosuppressive macrophages, the presented imaging approach provides particularly useful imaging biomarkers for emerged innate immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-CD47 therapy.
“See us as humans. Speak to us with respect. Listen to us.”A qualitative study on UK ambulance staff requirements of leadership while working during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Eaton-Williams Peter James , Williams Julia
Published: September 2022

Background

The COVID-19 Ambulance Response Assessment (CARA) study aimed to enable the experiences of UK frontline ambulance staff working during the first wave of the pandemic to be heard. Specifically, CARA aimed to assess feelings of preparedness and well-being and to collect suggestions for beneficial leadership support.

Methods

Three online surveys were sequentially presented between April and October 2020. Overall, 18 questions elicited free-text responses that were analysed qualitatively using an inductive thematic approach.

Findings

Analysis of 14 237 responses revealed participants’ goals and their requirements of leadership to enable those goals to be achieved. A large number of participants expressed low confidence and anxiety resulting from disagreement, inconsistency and an absence of transparency related to policy implementation. Some staff struggled with large quantities of written correspondence and many desired more face-to-face training and an opportunity to communicate with policymakers. Suggestions were made on how best to allocate resources to reduce operational demands and maintain service delivery, and a need to learn from current events in order to plan for the future was stressed. To further support well-being, staff wanted leadership to understand and empathise with their working conditions, to work to reduce the risks and if required, to facilitate access to appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that ambulance staff desire both inclusive and compassionate leadership. Leadership should aim to engage in honest dialogue and attentive listening. Resultant learning can then inform policy development and resource allocation to effectively support both service delivery and staff well-being.
Sound Radiation of a Line Source with General Time Dependence Moving Above an Interface Between Two Homogeneous Semi-Infinite Fluid Media
Authors: Piscoya Rafael , Ochmann Martin
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the sound field due to a line source moving above a homogeneous semi-infinite fluid medium emitting an arbitrary time signal is deduced. The source moves with a constant velocity parallel to the flat interface at a fixed height. The expression for the velocity potential is obtained from the impulse response of the stationary line source by including the motion of the source in the source density function. The resulting sound field is expressed in terms of convolution integrals. The correctness of the formulas is verified by comparing them with the results known for the case of a continuous harmonic line source. Two examples, the sound field due to a delta pulse and a Gaussian pulse, are computed and presented. Finally, the relation between the solutions obtained here and the ones obtained when the source moves above an absorbing impedance surface is shown.
Assessment of a Modified Hydrocyclone with Ultrasonic Assistance for Nickel Powder Electrochemical Production
Authors: González Pérez Omar , Bisang José M.
Published: September 2022

An electrochemical reactor based on a modified hydrocyclone with ultrasonic assistance is examined with the purpose of analyzing the continuous production of nickel powder from dilute solutions simulating industrial wastewaters containing nickel. Under operating conditions, nickel deposition takes place under mass-transfer control and the helical flow inside the reactor generates a high mass-transfer coefficient, thus improving the removal of metal ions. The application of ultrasound is crucial for the detachment of the electrodeposited nickel, which allows its recovery as a metal powder. The best result was achieved at a current density of 5368 A m–2 and 60 °C yielding a nickel powder fraction obtained from the spigot of the device higher than 90%. The gravimetric current efficiency and the specific energy consumption were 33.4% and 23.8 kW h kg–1, respectively, for an experiment lasting 13 min. The nickel particles are of high purity and dendritic nature with an average size of 22.9 μm.
Pulse Dynamics in a Bistable Reaction-Diffusion System with Chemotaxis
Authors: Kawaguchi Satoshi
Published: September 2022

We consider pulse dynamics in a bistable reaction-diffusion system with chemotaxis. We derive the ordinary differential equation of interfaces by applying the multiple scales method to the reaction-diffusion system for examining the effect of the chemotaxis on pulse dynamics in one dimension. The stability of the standing pulse is considered by two different methods, and the applicability of the methods is demonstrated. The chemotaxis influences the Hopf and drift bifurcations and the collision of two traveling pulses. It also enlarges the bifurcation point and enhances the repulsive force between pulses so that the parameter region of the elastic collision becomes large. Although the ordinary differential equation of interfaces can describe the elastic collision, it cannot describe the pair annihilation of pulses caused by the collision. The conditions for the reliable calculation of pulse collision are discussed.
Multiple Population Mortality Jointly Forecasting in China Using PCF Model
Authors: Zhao Ming , Wu Wei
Published: September 2022

Based on the data of population mortality in China since 1994, this paper studies the changing trend of sex differences of mortality by proposing and implementing some novel approaches. First of all, this paper proposes a new method using the Poisson common factor (PCF) model to forecast the mortality jointly by both sexes. The study finds that the PCF model effectively captures the common trend of mortality between two sexes and uses additional factors to reflect differences of between two sexes, which can reduce the errors caused by low quality or large fluctuation of the mortality in China. Meanwhile, the forecasting values of mortality based on the PCF model can abide by the human biological law well, and the sex ratio of mortality converges to a fixed constant in the long run without increasing too much statistical error. Second, this paper improves the parameter estimation method of PCF model, and the innovative two-step method is used to estimate the model, which can make the maximum likelihood estimator converge more easily. Finally, as an application of the novel methods which are proposing in this study, we measure the longevity risk of pension by using the PCF model and find that the PCF model can make up the underestimation of longevity risk from traditional models and provide more scientific information to the sponsor of pension plan.
Research and Development of Digital Assembly Process System for Ultrasonic Transducers
Authors: Feng Xinyu , Zhu Xijing , Zhao Wei , Shi Ruimin
Published: September 2022

In order to solve the problem of design efficiency of the digital assembly process, the author proposes a research using ultrasonic transducer technology. The main content of this research is to study the ultrasonic transducer elements according to the basic structure of the ultrasonic transducer.Through the study of equivalent circuit of ultrasonic transducer, the model of impedance matching design is constructed. Finally, the feasibility of ultrasonic transducer technology is obtained through experiments. Experimental results show that the transducer multichip structure of the ultrasonic transducer system and the LC matching network circuit can make the AOTF system achieve better results, and the diffraction efficiency is up to more than 70%, which is of great significance to the research and development of the current digital assembly process system. Conclusion. It is proven that the research of ultrasonic transducer technology can meet the needs of digital assembly process design efficiency.
Evaluation on Sustainable Development of Smart Urban Rail Transit
Authors: Xue Xingqun , Zhang Yanjiao , Zhang Lixia , Wang Yiqi , Hou Ruochen
Published: September 2022

Objective. The purpose of the current work is to analyze how to employ intelligent technologies, for instance Internet of Things (IoT) and big data to urban rail transit industry, exhibit the effect path of new and high-tech on the intelligent urban rail transit sustainable development and establish an application system for the intelligent urban rail transit industry sustainable development. Methods. This paper concludes the affecting factors of intelligent rail transit (IRT) from three terms of environment, economy, and society, establishes the index system constructed from 14 factors, explores the significance together with dependence of each factor through Fuzzy-Dematel and ISM, and establishes a structure model of hierarchy. Conclusion. The study concludes that the hierarchical structure model includes five levels, and the key to IRT sustainable development is line network planning and intelligent operation. This paper builds the application system of sustainable development of smart urban rail transit, which includes government, enterprises, and users. Contribution. In accordance with IoT, big data, and other integrated systems, this study establishes a theoretical framework to evaluate the IRT sustainable development in the context of intelligent technology. By using the scientific method to study the theoretical framework, this paper exhibits the hierarchical effect way of the IRT sustainable development and develops a sustainable development usage system (SDUS) of IRT which can provide theoretical guidance for model application evaluation.
Evaluation of Logistics Efficiency of Paper Skin Walnuts in Northwest China Based on DEA-Malmquist
Authors: Liu Hongli , Li Haixiang , Dang Mihua
Published: September 2022

In recent years, with the rapid development of the Internet industry, the publicity effect of paperbark walnuts has been substantially increased, and the consumption and demand of paperbark walnuts have been rising, and the output of paperbark walnuts in China has also increased year by year. This paper takes the panel data of the top three prefecture-level cities in each GDP ranking of five provinces in northwest China from 2012 to 2021 as the sample and combines the DEA model with Malmquist to evaluate and analyze the logistics efficiency of paper walnuts in northwest China. It is found that the overall logistics efficiency of paperback walnuts in Northwest China has been improved in recent years, but there are still areas that need to be improved, such as the factor distribution is not reasonable enough; the logistics efficiency of paperback walnuts in Northwest China from 2012 to 2021 is in a fluctuating state; the logistics efficiency of paperback walnuts in Shaanxi Province is better than the other provinces and is in the leading position; the improvement of technological progress has a key role in the total factor productivity improvement. As a result, this paper puts forward five specific suggestions based on the research results to help accelerate the improvement of paper walnut logistics efficiency in Northwest China.
Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Rescue Tendon Injury in Rat via the miR-19 a/IGFBP3 Axis
Authors: Zhao Haibo , Jiang Hongyuan , Zhang Haoyun , Sun Zewen , Lin Qian , Wang Tianrui , Yu Tengbo , Zhang Yingze
Published: September 2022

Purpose. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are increasingly applied in tendon repair. However, the underlying mechanisms of ADSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in tendon healing are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of the EVs secreted by ADSCs on the recovery of tendon injuries and its potential mechanism. Materials and Methods. We injected ADSCs into the injured tendon, followed by the evaluation of the tissue morphology, tenocyte proliferation, and oxidative stress. Then, the injured tenocytes were treated with EVs secreted by ADSCs, and oxidative stress and proliferation of tenocytes in vitro were detected. After the overexpression and knockdown of miR-19a and its target protein IGFBP3, the oxidative stress and proliferation of tenocytes in vitro were assessed. Finally, the injured tendon was treated with EVs, and the tissue morphology and proliferation of the injured tendon in vivo were examined. Results. ADSC-derived EVs were found to inhibit oxidative stress and promote proliferation of tenocytes isolated from an injury model of rats. EVs were shown to carry miR-19a which regulated the expression of IGFBP3 through binding to 3

′

UTR of IGFBP3 mRNA. In addition, IGFBP3 promotes oxidative stress and inhibits proliferation of tenocytes. Finally, we found that ADSC-derived EVs promoted tendon wound healing in vivo. Conclusions. Our data suggest that treatment with ADSC-derived EVs ameliorates tendon injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and promoting proliferation in tenocytes. miR-19a carried by ADSC-derived EVs regulates IGFBP3 expression through binding to its 3

′

UTR.