bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Entrepreneurial Intentions of Youth: The Role of Access to Finance
Authors: Rusu Valentina Diana , Roman Angela , Tudose Mihaela Brindusa
Published: February 2022

This study aims to highlight the role of access to finance as one of the determinants on the decision to enter into entrepreneurship of students regarded as potential entrepreneurs. For achieving our main objective, we created a questionnaire. As a method of analysis, we run the least square logistic regression, with entrepreneurial intentions as a dependent variable and knowledge, education and availability of financial resources as predictors. We also included gender, university and locality as control variables. The sample is formed of 181 students from two universities from the North-Eastern region of Romania. The results reveal that access to finance is a significant determinant of the decision to enter into entreprenenruship for young people. Moreover, we show that the relation between access to finance and entrepreneurial intentions changes according to gender, university and locality of origin. Female students’ entrepreneurial intentions are influenced by the availability of bank loans and personal savings, while in case of male students - only by the availability of funds coming from family and friends. The funds coming from family and friends also determine students' entrepreneurial intentions coming from rural or urban areas. Entrepreneurial intentions are negatively related to education for male students and those coming from an economic profile university, and positively related to business knowledge only for students from rural areas. The results obtained could be important for financial resources providers (because they offer insight into how easy access to finance stimulates the entrepreneurial intentions of youth), for education providers (who can adapt their training programs and extracurricular activities to strengthen entrepreneurial intentions), and for decision makers (which may adopt appropriate policies to stimulate the economic development of an area).
Integrating the Safety Management of Tailings Facilities to the ISO Model and to the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management
Authors: Ramos Dantés dos Reis Gustavo , Carlos de Oliveira José
Published: February 2022

This text seeks to demonstrate how mining companies that adopt the ISO management standards could, at the same time, integrate them into the tailings management model represented by the Tailings Guide by Mining Association of Canada and demonstrate adherence to the Global Standard developed by the Global Tailings Review, while adopting the quality management approach advocated by the authors, aimed at the design and construction of tailings dams.
Metal Forming of Magnesium Alloys for Various Applications
Authors: Ewa Śliwa Romana
Published: February 2022

The chapter presents an analysis of selected magnesium alloys as structural materials to be used in production of parts as well as their technological parameters in some manufacturing processes: metal forming and joining. Taking into account the analysis of microstructure and mechanical properties of conventional and new magnesium alloys and requirements of their possible applications (aviation, automotive, sport, etc.), the study of forming parts/products based on description of plastic formability of magnesium alloys in the processes of bulk metal forming (forging, extrusion, KOBO extrusion, rolling) and joining (friction stir welding) has been presented. Upsetting test, backward extrusion, and KOBO extrusion of complex cross-sectional profiles and forging process were conducted using magnesium alloys such as AZ31, AZ61, AZ80, WE 43, and Mg alloy with Li for the production of thin-walled profiles and forged parts. The range of temperatures and extrusion rate for manufacturing of these profiles were determined. Tests also covered the analysis of microstructure of Mg alloys in the initial state as well as after the extrusion process. The recommendations for realization of metal forming and joining processes of selected magnesium alloys have been presented.
Living with Violence and Its Relationship with Executive Function in Childhood and Adolescence: Literature Review
Authors: Sacramento Zanini Daniela , de Oliveira e Ferreira Larissa , Ferreira Leao Junqueira Karina
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this article is to conduct a literature review of studies that have investigated the relationship between violence and the development of executive function (EF) in children and adolescents. A search was carried out in the PsycINFO, PubMed/Medline, BVS, Lilacs, Web of Science, Scopus, and Gale databases with the following descriptors; violence, executive functions, child, children, adolescence, an adolescent. A total of 486 articles, published in the last 10 years, were found. After reading the abstracts and considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight articles remain that are related to the topic. It was found that all the studies investigated the relationship of abuse in children and adolescents. Diversity was also observed in terms of the EF components evaluated as well as in the instruments for assessing EF. Moreover, seven of the eight studies established that victimization impairs EF.
Elucidation of Some Ecological Traits of Carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Inhabiting Kakuma Campus Grassland, Kanazawa City, Japan
Authors: Abu ElEla Ali Abu ElEla Shahenda , Mahmoud ElSayed Wael , Koji Nakamura
Published: February 2022

Although adult feeding habits and food requirements are currently and reasonably well known for many coleopteran species, still some carabid species are with peculiar feeding guilds. Although many studies have shown a relationship between morphology of mandibles and feeding behavior in different taxal group, still many aspects concerning the feeding behavior of carabids are promising. An assemblage of carabid species was collected from Kakuma Campus grassland in Kanazawa City, Japan. These species were represented by five subfamilies and nine tribes where the highest number of tribes (3 tribes) was confined to subfamily Harpalinae. The collected carabid assemblage was subjected to mandibular analysis and being categorized into two main groups; carnivorous and omnivorous species. Homologies among mandibular characteristics and functional adaptations of the mandible were also proposed to explore how the interaction network of carabids can affect their behavior in different habitats.
Advances in the Nutrition of Functional Amino Acids in Healthy and Immunologically Challenged Birds
Authors: de Lourdes Angeles María , Gómez-Rosales Sergio
Published: February 2022

The effects of some functional amino acids (AAs) such as arginine, threonine, and methionine on the development of immune and digestive capacities in poultry were reviewed. The information was examined analytically to identify the source of the AA requirements, growth potential, type of housing, and type and degree of immune challenge applied. Regardless of these factors, the level of functional AA required to stimulate the immune or digestive response was higher than that required to maximize the productive performance. The implications section describes the main obstacles to integrating and applying the concept of functional AA in conventional diet formulation, and its use in birds raised under commercial conditions experiencing different types and degrees of immune stressors. It is necessary to develop a profile of functional AAs and establish their strategic use during or after immunological challenge situations to aid in the recovery of productive parameters to prechallenge levels.
Biochemical Composition of Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica) and Its Promising Value for Food, Cosmetic, and Pharmaceutical Industries
Authors: Urbanavičiūtė Ieva , Viškelis Pranas
Published: February 2022

Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) is one of the most underutilized plant species that have high nutrient value and a positive impact on human health. Due to the high content of bio-compounds, such as phenols, vitamin C, triterpenes, fibers, essential amino acids, and microelements, the fruits, leaves, and seeds are excellent raw materials for functional food production. In addition, their biochemical composition and anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial properties expanded their uses in the pharmaceutical field. Moreover, it was demonstrated that quince waste after industrial processing is still valuable and suitable for remanufacturing and developing innovative high value-added products, which can provide economic and ecological benefits. This chapter presents the biochemical composition and possible application of C. japonica cultivars Rasa, Darius, and Rondo. The optimization of processing and extraction parameters was evaluated to increase the extraction efficiency of biologically active compounds and to reduce the extraction time and cost of electricity and environmentally harmful solvents. Moreover, the detailed nutritional and pharmacological value of Japanese quince can help for more selective plant organs application. Our study revealed that cultivars Rasa, Darius, and Rondo are very valuable with many new options for utilization, including food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
Secondary Metabolites of Edible Cacti (Cactaceae) from the South American Andes
Authors: L. Romero-Orejon Frank , María Muñoz Ana , de la Fuente-Carmelino Luciana , Jimenez-Champi Diana , Contreras-López Eliana , Best Ivan , Aguilar Luís , Ramos-Escudero Fernando
Published: February 2022

The South American Andes hide countless cacti and are part of valuable Andean biodiversity. Within this large family of Cactaceae are edible cacti that are highly valued for their medicinal properties and used as edible fruits. In this review, we will make a description of the overall chemical composition, main phytochemicals found in some edible cacti of the Andean region such as sanky (Corryocactus brevistylus), pitahaya (Hylocereus monacanthus, Hylocereus megalanthus) and tuna or prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). In addition, we will include its medicinal and therapeutic properties and its commercial applications and uses as a natural colorant.
Thyroid Dysfunction: In Connection with PCOS
Authors: Anwaar Mariya , Jabeen Qaiser
Published: February 2022

As the prevalence of endocrine dysfunction is increasing and is associated with many complications including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which, itself is a risk factor of thyroid dysfunction. Although the causality of this association is uncertain, the two conditions share a bidirectional relationship. Both syndromes share certain common characteristics, risk factors and pathophysiological abnormalities, which can be managed by lifestyle changes as well as pharmacological treatment. Polycystic appearing ovaries are a clinical feature of hypothyroidism as well as hyperthyroidism in a few case studies. Adiposity, evidence of deranged autoimmunity, increased insulin resistance and disturbed leptin levels are present in both the disease states, seeming to play a complex role in connecting these two disorders. Major endocrine pathways including hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPTA) and HP-gonadal axis are involved in parallel relationship of PCOS and thyroid dysfunction. This chapter helps to explore all the dimensions of the relationship between PCOS and thyroid dysfunction.
Development of Eco-Tourism Vis-à-Vis Conservation Measures for Protecting the Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna: A Study on Bhitarkanika National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India
Authors: Kumar Das Dillip
Published: February 2022

Bhitarkanika is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India after the Sundarbans National Park and is situated in the state of Odisha. It is the home of diverse flora and fauna that are intricately linked with each other. Bhitarkanika comprises lots of endangered species of flora and fauna that needs immediate attention by different stakeholders especially the government and NGOs for conservation and preservation of these diverse resources. The present study is focused on identifying various eco-tourism resources available at this destination and also analyse various protection measures undertaken to conserve and preserve the flora and fauna inside the sanctuary. This study also examines the role of government for conservation and preservation of eco-tourism resources inside Bhitarkanika. The current study reveals that Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary have immense tourism potentials to become a perfect eco-tourism destination. However, in spite of that, this destination has not been extensively promoted and marketed as a perfect eco-tourism destination in this region. Since this area provides a huge employment opportunity for the local community, so there is an urgent need to conserve and preserve this sanctuary for a better eco-tourism destination in the years to come.
Perspective Chapter: Direct Energy Deposition of Cu-Fe System Functionally Graded Materials – Miscibility Aspects, Cracking Sources, and Methods of Assisted Manufacturing
Authors: Makarenko Konstantin , Dubinin Oleg , V. Shishkovsky Igor
Published: February 2022

Direct energy deposition is a reliable additive manufacturing method of producing components with highly sophisticated geometry from a single material or combination of different materials with high manufacturing freedom and efficiency. The assembly operations are not required after the direct energy deposition: such complex parts as a rocket combustion chamber, a nuclear reactor element, a heat exchanger, and so on, could be fabricated layer-by-layer during one technological step. Promising applications are associated with Cu-Fe system laser deposited functionally graded components, which allow combining good oxidation resistivity, antifrictionality, thermal, and electrical conductivity of copper with mechanical strength, processability, and corrosion resistance of stainless steel. The main issue, which appears in the case of laser deposition of such materials, is internal stresses caused by significant inequality of physical properties of copper/bronze and steel, their limited miscibility, forming of brittle phases at the interface, and complexity of variation of mechanical and physical properties of the resulted alloy. The mentioned factors could cause various cracking in resulted parts. Specific techniques such as ultrasonic assistance, implementation of the external magnetic field, and post-treatment (hot isostatic pressing, machining), could be suggested to improve the quality of laser deposited Cu-Fe system functionally graded materials.
Immune Markers in Psoriasis
Authors: Surcel Mihaela , Narcisa Munteanu Adriana , Constantin Carolina , Neagu Monica
Published: February 2022

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with high immunological background caused by a complex interplay between an altered immune system, genetic factors, autoantigens, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Extensive literature in recent years highlighted the crucial role played by the immune system in the pathogenesis of this pathology. Although it is unequivocally accepted that psoriasis is a T-cell mediated autoimmune condition, both innate and specific immune cells are highly involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The aberrant interactions between immune cells and resident hyper-proliferative keratinocytes are mediated by immune and non-immune related molecules which lead to amplification of the local immune responses, that maintain the chronic inflammatory status. In this chapter, we will highlight the immune molecules resident in the psoriatic tissue or appending to the blood circulation that can indicate the prognosis of this systemic autoimmune disease. Moreover, we will focus on immune cells resident or circulating ones that can pinpoint the clinical evolution of the psoriatic disease. All these data can be developed in immune markers patterns that aid psoriasis diagnosis and/or future (immune)therapies.
Recent Progress in Drug Repurposing Using Protein Variants and Amino Acids in Disease Phenotypes/Disorders
Authors: P. Okoh Michael , A. Alli Lukman
Published: February 2022

Life is constituted of large group of macromolecule, functional and structural called “Protein,” made of amino acids (AA), and linked with peptide bonds with specific protein unique sequences. Variations in proteins are thought to have diverse effects with consequences on structure, stability, interactions, pH, enzymatic activity, abundance and other properties. Variants can be of genetic origin or it could occur de novo at the post-translational protein level. The sequence of amino acids defines protein structure and functions. Protein is involved in several critical functions like the physical cell-cell communication. Breakthrough in molecular science has shown that, to develop drugs for managing a disease-associated variations requires understanding of consequences of variants on the function of the affected protein and the impact on the pathways, in which protein is involved. Using biophysical/bioinformatics methods, immense amount of variation data generated is handled-connected to disease phenotypes. Obviously, there remain continuous needs for the combinations of genetic probing methods/bioinformatics, to predict single-nucleotide variations (SNV), for effective rational drug design that would embrace naturally occurring bioactive components of plant origin, towards the effective management of disease phenotype emanating from protein and amino acid variations. This, well thought out and synchronized concept, remains a way forward.
Unraveling Hydrogen Bonded Clustering with Water: Density Functional Theory Perspective
Authors: D. Kulkarni Anant
Published: February 2022

Extensive density functional theory (DFT) studies have been compiled and additional investigation has been performed for several energetically favorable conformers of hydrogen bonded water clusters. The focus here is not to merely reviewing the literature on DFT investigations on water clusters but to understand the basic building blocks, structural patterns and trends in the energetics of the clusters during the cluster growth. The successive addition of water molecules to these clusters alters the hydrogen bonding pattern, that leads to modification in overall cluster geometry which is also reflected in the vibrational frequency shifts in simulated vibrational infra-red (IR) spectra.
The mostly cavernicolous millipede genus Stygiiulus Verhoeff, 1929, stat. nov.: taxonomy, distribution and phylogenetic relationships (Diplopoda, Julida, Julidae)
Authors: Vagalinski Boyan , Borissov Simeon , Bobeva Aneliya , Canciani Giacomo , Antić Dragan Ž.
Published: February 2022

The blind and mostly endogean julid genus Stygiiulus Verhoeff, 1929 stat. nov. is reviewed to include ten species: S. ausugi (Manfredi, 1953) comb. nov., S. fimbriatus (Strasser, 1971) comb. et stat. nov., S. gentianae (Strasser, 1971) comb. et stat. nov., S. illyricus (Verhoeff, 1929) comb. nov., S. insularis (Strasser, 1938) comb. nov., S. maximus (Verhoeff, 1929) comb. nov., S. montellensis (Verhoeff, 1930) comb. nov., S. rotundatus (Strasser, 1962) comb. et stat. nov., S. seewaldi (Strasser, 1967) comb. nov., and S. tobias (Berlese, 1886) comb. nov. The distinctiveness of the genus from Typhloiulus is proven by both morphological and molecular data. The monotypic genus Alpityphlus Strasser, 1967 is here treated as a junior subjective synonym of Stygiiulus syn. nov. Stygiiulus fimbriatus comb. et stat. nov. and S. gentianae comb. et stat. nov., originally described as subspecies of S. ausugi comb. nov., are here erected to full species, while the subspecies S. illyricus stygis (Verhoeff, 1933) comb. et syn. nov. is considered to be a junior subjective synonym of the typical S. illyricus comb. nov. Lectotypes are formally designated for S. gentianae comb. et stat. nov. and S. rotundatus comb. et stat. nov., to stabilize the nomenclature of the two species under Article 74.1 of the ICZN. The phylogeny of the genus, its distribution patterns, and the modified mouthparts in some of its species are discussed.
Description of frequent and persistent symptoms of COVID-19 among older adults who attend senior centers
Authors: Contreras Pavel J. , Romero-Albino Zoila , Cuba-Fuentes María Sofía
Published: February 2022

The currently abundant bibliography on healthcare can make the search process an exhausting and frustrating experience. For this reason, it is essential to learn the basic concepts of research question formulation, information sources, and search strategies to make this process more efficient and user-friendly. The search strategy is an iterative process that allows the incorporation of tools and terms in the strategy design to optimize evidence retrieval. Each strategy varies according to the questions, the language used, the source of information accessed, and the available tools. This article is part of a methodological series of narrative reviews on biostatistics and clinical epidemiology. This narrative review describes the essential elements for developing a literature search strategy and identifying the relevant evidence concerning a clinical question through familiar and accessible sources (such as Google and Google Scholar), as well as search interfaces and technical-scientific databases focused on biomedical knowledge (PubMed and The Cochrane Library).
Vitamin D supplementation in inflammatory bowel disease: a narrative review
Authors: Zepeda Mellany , Pérez Julio , Doepking Carlos
Published: February 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic disorder characterized by exacerbation and remission periods, and its worldwide incidence has increased in recent decades. Vitamin D is involved in immune regulation and improves barrier functions and intestinal microbiota. Studies have observed that high vitamin D levels decrease relapses and improve the clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease. The objective of this review was to analyze the evidence on vitamin D supplementation in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Among inactive patients, the studies administrating less than 2000 international units per day of vitamin D did not find any beneficial effects. However, those supplementing 2000 international units of vitamin D per day increased serum levels and reduced disease activity. In patients with active disease, doses between 5000 to 10 000 international units per day reduced symptomatology. This review showed that vitamin D supplementation above 2000 international units per day among inactive patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and between 5000 to 10 000 international units per day among those in the active stage, shows potential benefits on the disease.
Effect of nest and floor eggs with visually clean shells on hatchability and chick quality in broiler breeders
Authors: Vekić Marinko , Bijelonić Boban , Perić Lidija , Savić Đorđe , Jotanović Stoja , Mitraković Mirjana
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study is to determine whether the site of oviposition has an impact on the results of incubation of broiler hatching eggs. In order to determine this, eggs laid in the nest, eggs laid in the nest and then placed on the floor to cool and eggs laid on the floor were compared. All eggs had a visually clean shell, including eggs laid on the floor. A total of 1,800 eggs from a 59-week-old Cobb 500 parent flock were examined, divided into three groups (n = 600) with 4 replicates (150 eggs per replicate). Compared to nest eggs, floor eggs had significantly higher weight loss (p0.05), lower hatchability of set eggs and total embryonic mortality (p0.01), as well as a lower number of first grade chicks per incubator tray (p0.05). The percentage of contamination differed significantly between groups and it was the highest in floor eggs and the lowest in nest eggs (p0.01). Nest eggs placed on the floor did not differ statistically significantly from nest and floor eggs in hatchability, total mortality and number of first grade chicks per incubator tray, although these eggs achieved more favourable results compared to floor eggs (p0.05). The applied treatments did not affect the weight and length of the chicks (p0.05). This research confirmed that floor eggs, despite their clean shell, have lower hatchability and a higher percentage of contamination than nest eggs, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining hygiene in nests and preventing the appearance of floor eggs in order to ensure the maximum number of eggs suitable for incubation.
Antioxidant capacity of wild-growing orange mullein (Verbascum phlomoides L.)
Authors: Kolarov Radenka , Prvulović Dejan , Gvozdenac Sonja
Published: February 2022

Orange mullein is a biennial plant belonging to the figwort (Scrophulariaceae) family. The vivid yellow flowers are arranged in spikes located on the top of the stem. It is a drought and cold-tolerant plant requiring much sunlight that grows on pastures, roadsides, and in dry weed associations. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different solvents (water, 70% acetone, 70% methanol, and 70% ethanol) on the assessment of antioxidant capacity of leaves and flowers of orange mullein. Total phenolics are higher in the leaves and reach a value of up to 15.70 mg of gallic acid per one g of dry leaf weight, while flavonoids are more dominant in flowers and reach a value of 5.82 mg of quercetin per one g of dry flower. Correlation was performed between total phenolics, total tannins, total flavonoids, and antioxidant tests. It is the flavonoids that are mainly responsible a the high antioxidant activity establishing a correlation with all the tests performed, including FRAP, ABTS, DPPH, total antioxidant activity, total reduction capacity, and NBT reduction test.
Determining the criteria for the "mountain product" label in Bosnia and Herzegovina by using an example of the most important indigenous cheeses
Authors: Brenjo Dragan , Pržulj Novo , Sarić Zlatan , Grujić Radoslav , Hajrić Džemil
Published: February 2022

Labelling products as “mountain products” provides producers in hilly and mountainous areas with effective tools to improve marketing of their products and reduce the risk of confusion among consumers regarding the hilly and mountainous origin of products on the market. The European Union has adopted legal framework regarding optional quality schemes for hilly - mountain products. The definition of a hilly-mountainous area should be based on the general classification criteria used to identify the hilly-mountainous area. For third countries, mountain areas include areas that third countries have officially designated as mountainous or that meet the same criteria as those in the European Union (EU). Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), as well as some other countries in its vicinity, has not yet normatively prescribed criteria for the possibility of protecting the optional quality label “mountain product”. The main aim of this paper is to analyse and propose criteria for “mountain product” label in BiH and to evaluate potential of this scheme for three traditional cheeses. The authors used the desk research method and secondary data for this research, as well as the results of empirical research and comparison with regional countries. Taking into account the experiences of countries with similar geographical characteristics, but also following the production of the three most widespread indigenous cheeses, Herzegovina cheese in a skin sack, Livno cheese, and Vlašić/ Travnik cheese, an attempt was made to find the best model for Bosnia and Herzegovina where the label “mountain product” can be used for agricultural and/ or food products originating from mountainous areas.
Air-stable CsPbIBr2 photodetector via dual-ligand-assisted solution strategy
Authors: Hu Zi-Ting , Shu Xin , Wang Xiang , Li Yue , Xu Run , Hong Feng , Ma Zhong-Quan , Jiang Zui-Min , Xu Fei ,   SHU-SolarE R&D Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of High Temperature Superconductors, Department of Physics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China,   Department of Electronic Information Materials, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China,   State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Photonic Structure, Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
Published: February 2022

The CsPbIBr2 perovskite films deposited from the precursor solutions in air, usually suffer poor surface coverage and air-stability due to the uncontrolled nucleation and the existence of I– during the film formation, resulting in terrible photoelectric characteristics and reproducibility. At present, the high-quality CsPbIBr2 films are prepared under nitrogen atmosphere, which results in the increase of the cost and thus impedes their applications in air. Here in this work, we propose a strategy for growing the perovskite films with low defect density and better stability in air via dual-ligand-assisted (ligand 1 (LP) and ligand 2 (NH4SCN)) solution strategy. These ligands contain some organic molecules which have strong interaction with ions on the surface of perovskite thin film in order to regulate the addition of precursor ions onto the films. The high-quality CsPbIBr2 thin films are prepared in air with relative humidity of ≤60% by the spraying method. The results indicate that ligand 1 with hydrophilic group and hydrophobic group, a kind of surfactant, can effectively reduce the surface tension of perovskite precursor solution, improve the coverage of CsPbIBr2 perovskite film, and form a block layer of water and oxygen. However, the addition of ligand 1 in precursor solution inevitably introduces many grain boundaries, which is unfavorable for carrier transport and collection. Thus, ligand 2 is employed to control the nucleation of perovskite film as another ligand, resulting in reducing the point defect formation. Their combination is beneficial to forming the uniform perovskite film with large-size crystal and low-density defect. The high-quality crystallization of the perovskite film is found to simultaneously enhance the response and the durability of photodetectors. Thus, the unpackaged photodetectors (ITO/CsPbIBr2/Au) based on this strategy yield the outstanding photoelectric response under the excitation of 405 nm laser. This device exhibits a low dark current density of 2 × 10–4 mA/cm2, a fast response time of 20–21 µs, and high stability (81%, ≥70 d) in air with a relative humidity of 40%–60%. Hence, this study provides a simple method to prepare high-quality CsPbIBr2 perovskite thin films with low-density defect and realize air-stable and charge-transport-layer-free CsPbIBr2 photodetectors for practical applications in photoelectric detection field.
Apelin signaling dependent endocardial protrusions promote cardiac trabeculation in zebrafish
Authors: Qi Jialing , Rittershaus Annegret , Priya Rashmi , Mansingh Shivani , Stainier Didier YR , Helker Christian SM
Published: February 2022

During cardiac development, endocardial cells (EdCs) produce growth factors to promote myocardial morphogenesis and growth. In particular, EdCs produce neuregulin which is required for ventricular cardiomyocytes (CMs) to seed the multicellular ridges known as trabeculae. Defects in neuregulin signaling, or in endocardial sprouting toward CMs, cause hypotrabeculation. However, the mechanisms underlying endocardial sprouting remain largely unknown. Here, we first show by live imaging in zebrafish embryos that EdCs interact with CMs via dynamic membrane protrusions. After touching CMs, these protrusions remain in close contact with their target despite the vigorous cardiac contractions. Loss of the CM-derived peptide Apelin, or of the Apelin receptor, which is expressed in EdCs, leads to reduced endocardial sprouting and hypotrabeculation. Mechanistically, neuregulin signaling requires endocardial protrusions to induce extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) activity in CMs and trigger their delamination. Altogether, these data show that Apelin signaling-dependent endocardial protrusions modulate CM behavior during trabeculation.
Robust and annotation-free analysis of alternative splicing across diverse cell types in mice
Authors: Benegas Gonzalo , Fischer Jonathan , Song Yun S
Published: February 2022

Although alternative splicing is a fundamental and pervasive aspect of gene expression in higher eukaryotes, it is often omitted from single-cell studies due to quantification challenges inherent to commonly used short-read sequencing technologies. Here, we undertake the analysis of alternative splicing across numerous diverse murine cell types from two large-scale single-cell datasets—the Tabula Muris and BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Network—while accounting for understudied technical artifacts and unannotated events. We find strong and general cell-type-specific alternative splicing, complementary to total gene expression but of similar discriminatory value, and identify a large volume of novel splicing events. We specifically highlight splicing variation across different cell types in primary motor cortex neurons, bone marrow B cells, and various epithelial cells, and we show that the implicated transcripts include many genes which do not display total expression differences. To elucidate the regulation of alternative splicing, we build a custom predictive model based on splicing factor activity, recovering several known interactions while generating new hypotheses, including potential regulatory roles for novel alternative splicing events in critical genes like Khdrbs3 and Rbfox1. We make our results available using public interactive browsers to spur further exploration by the community.
Ribosome profiling of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus reveals novel features of viral gene expression
Authors: Cook Georgia M , Brown Katherine , Shang Pengcheng , Li Yanhua , Soday Lior , Dinan Adam M , Tumescheit Charlotte , Mockett AP Adrian , Fang Ying , Firth Andrew E , Brierley Ian
Published: February 2022

The arterivirus porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes significant economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. Here we apply ribosome profiling (RiboSeq) and parallel RNA sequencing (RNASeq) to characterise the transcriptome and translatome of both species of PRRSV and to analyse the host response to infection. We calculated programmed ribosomal frameshift (PRF) efficiency at both sites on the viral genome. This revealed the nsp2 PRF site as the second known example where temporally regulated frameshifting occurs, with increasing −2 PRF efficiency likely facilitated by accumulation of the PRF-stimulatory viral protein, nsp1β. Surprisingly, we find that PRF efficiency at the canonical ORF1ab frameshift site also increases over time, in contradiction of the common assumption that RNA structure-directed frameshift sites operate at a fixed efficiency. This has potential implications for the numerous other viruses with canonical PRF sites. Furthermore, we discovered several highly translated additional viral ORFs, the translation of which may be facilitated by multiple novel viral transcripts. For example, we found a highly expressed 125-codon ORF overlapping nsp12, which is likely translated from novel subgenomic RNA transcripts that overlap the 3′ end of ORF1b. Similar transcripts were discovered for both PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2, suggesting a potential conserved mechanism for temporally regulating expression of the 3′-proximal region of ORF1b. We also identified a highly translated, short upstream ORF in the 5′ UTR, the presence of which is highly conserved amongst PRRSV-2 isolates. These findings reveal hidden complexity in the gene expression programmes of these important nidoviruses.
Extensive sheep grazing is associated with trends in steppe birds in Spain: recommendations for the Common Agricultural Policy
Authors: Traba Juan , Pérez-Granados Cristian
Published: February 2022

Iberian natural steppes have traditionally been used for extensive sheep grazing, which has been noted to be positively associated with steppe bird abundance and diversity. Sheep numbers in Spain, which harbors the largest European populations of many steppe bird species, decreased by 9.2 million (37.3%) between 1992 and 2020. Steppe birds in Spain have faced dramatic declines during the same period, but there is a lack of knowledge about the potential association between sheep and open-habitat bird declines. We used sheep data from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and bird data (1998–2018) from the Spanish Common Bird Monitoring Program to assess the association at the Spanish scale between sheep decline and the Farmland Bird Index (FBI) and the Natural Shrub-steppe Bird Index (SBI). We also used an independent dataset on population trends of the Dupont’s Lark (Chersophilus duponti) to assess the relationship between sheep numbers and the decline of this threatened steppe specialist passerine in Spain, whose European population is restricted to Iberian natural steppes. To test for a spurious relationship between temporal series, variables were tested for cointegration. After confirming cointegration, we found a strong positive relationship between sheep abundance and the trends of the FBI and SBI indices during the period 1998–2018. The association between sheep abundance and trends of the Dupont’s Lark (2004–2015) was positive although it was not statistically significant. Although the main causes of decline of farmland and steppe birds are mainly related to agricultural intensification and land use changes, the correlation found, using two independent cointegrated datasets, between the reduction in farmland and shrub-steppe birds and sheep numbers at the country scale suggests that the decline of steppe birds in Spain may be also associated with the decline in sheep numbers. This agrees with previous studies that found a positive relationship between intermediate levels of sheep grazing and steppe bird abundance in Iberian steppes. Further research (e.g. experimental studies) is needed to corroborate our study and identify the most appropriate level of grazing intensity for protecting the most farmland and shrub-steppe birds. Our results suggest that the promotion of extensive grazing should be considered as a key factor in future Common Agricultural Policy reforms and conservation programmes to protect steppe birds.
Comparative proteomic analysis for revealing the advantage mechanisms of salt-tolerant tomato (Solanum lycoperscium)
Authors: Wang Qiang , Wang Baike , Liu Huifang , Han Hongwei , Zhuang Hongmei , Wang Juan , Yang Tao , Wang Hao , Qin Yong
Published: February 2022

Salt stress causes the quality change and significant yield loss of tomato. However, the resources of salt-resistant tomato were still deficient and the mechanisms of tomato resistance to salt stress were still unclear. In this study, the proteomic profiles of two salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive tomato cultivars were investigated to decipher the salt-resistance mechanism of tomato and provide novel resources for tomato breeding. We found high abundance proteins related to nitrate and amino acids metabolismsin the salt-tolerant cultivars. The significant increase in abundance of proteins involved in Brassinolides and GABA biosynthesis were verified in salt-tolerant cultivars, strengthening the salt resistance of tomato. Meanwhile, salt-tolerant cultivars with higher abundance and activity of antioxidant-related proteins have more advantages in dealing with reactive oxygen species caused by salt stress. Moreover, the salt-tolerant cultivars had higher photosynthetic activity based on overexpression of proteins functioned in chloroplast, guaranteeing the sufficient nutrient for plant growth under salt stress. Furthermore, three key proteins were identified as important salt-resistant resources for breeding salt-tolerant cultivars, including sterol side chain reductase, gamma aminobutyrate transaminase and starch synthase. Our results provided series valuable strategies for salt-tolerant cultivars which can be used in future.
Biomass distribution pattern and stoichiometric characteristics in main shrub ecosystems in Central Yunnan, China
Authors: Guo Zihao , Chen Wei , Chen Qianwei , Liu Xingyue , Hong Sisi , Zhu Xiuwen , Gong Hede
Published: February 2022

Background

With the exacerbating effects of the global climate change and the more and more attention to the study of plant carbon sink, an increasing number of researches on plant carbon sinks has grown. Although many studies exist on shrub vegetation, soil and litters, most studies focus on the community structure, biomass, surface soil of single plant and shrub layer vegetation, and lack the studies which included the potential relationships between climate change and ecological stoichiometric elements, comprehensive research on main species, even herb and litter layer. In order to provide relevant theoretical basis and data support, it is necessary to take the main terrestrial shrub ecosystem in Central Yunnan as the starting point to analyze and explore its carbon sink distribution characteristics, formation causes, the correlation between climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) and stoichiometric elements, which from community and species levels.

Methods

Plants which originated from 12 main shrub species, litter and soil samples which collected in 69 plots were from 23 plots (Q1–Q23) of 11 cities (countries) in the central Yunnan, China. The biomass and carbon density distribution pattern of each shrub ecosystem and the potential correlations with main climate factors was explored and identified. Some indexes were analyzed such as biomass and carbon density of each part of the shrub ecosystem distribution pattern, correlation, significant changes, formation reasons with the mean value (±standard deviation: SD). Through the redundancy analysis(RDA) of carbon (c), nitrogen (n), phosphorus (P) and main climate factors (precipitation and temperature), the distribution pattern of stoichiometric elements in shrub ecosystem can be judged.

Results

(1) The above-ground biomass (AGB), under-ground biomass (UGB) and root-shoot ratio (R/S) were between 1.13–2.03 t/hm2, 0.62–1.49 t/hm2, and 0.38–0.84, the carbon element was distributed in herb layer under-ground part and rhizomes of the shrub layer mostly. (2) The fitting slope of AGB and UGB of shrub communities and species was in accordance with the allometric distribution growth relationship, the R/S of shrubs was smaller than other vegetation types. Mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) are not the main factors which affect the biomass and R/S. (3) The contents of C, N and P elements in leaves were significantly higher than other parts in shrub layer. P in shrub layer above-ground part is much higher than under-ground part. The surface soil layer has the highest C content, and decreased with the depth, so as the impact of vegetation and litter on the content of soil elements. Both of the correlation of MAT with N content of leaf, C/N of stem, the correlation of MAP with C content, C/N of soil is the greatest.
Case Study on Tracheo - Bronchial Stenosis: Conservative vs Bronchoscopic Approach
Authors: Modi Mahavir , Devi Kaumudi
Published: February 2022

Tracheo-bronchial stenosis can occur in infections like tuberculosis, malignancy and post- intubation, trauma to airway. Tracheal and airway stenosis remains a challenging area for pulmonologists and require interventions to cure the patients. The aim of this study is to differentiate treatment approach in the management of variety of tracheo-bronchial stenosis.   Patients with stenosis presents with breathlessness, stridor, hoarseness of voice, and are unable to expectorate. In some cases, patient will require emergency intubation and securing the airway before the treatment of stenosis. Intubation may cause mucosal damage and inflammation, granulation tissue formation, cartilage destruction, tracheomalacia and tracheal stenosis. Among these, post intubation tracheal stenosis has worst outcome and require interventions. Early diagnosis of this complication may change the natural history of the disease. If early diagnosis can be established, then bronchoscopy and balloon dilatation, stenting can be done, otherwise patient might have to undergo further resectional lung surgeries or tracheostomy depending on the site of the lesion. Each case of tracheo-bronchial stenosis needs different treatment approach and careful clinical and bronchoscopic evaluation.
A Study on the Prediction of the Surface Drifter Trajectories in the Korean Strait
Authors: Ha Seung Yun , Yoon Han-Sam , Kim Young-Taeg
Published: February 2022

In order to improve the accuracy of particle tracking prediction techniques near the Korean Strait, this study compared and analyzed a particle tracking model based on a seawater flow numerical model and a machine learning based on a particle tracking model using field observation data. The data used in the study were the surface drifter buoy movement trajectory data observed in the Korea Strait, prediction data by machine learning (linear regression, decision tree) using the tide and wind data from three observation stations (Gageo Island, Geoje Island, Gyoboncho), and prediciton data by numerical models (ROMS, MOHID). The above three data were compared through three error evaluation methods (Correlation Coefficient (CC), Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE), and Normalized Cumulative Lagrangian Separation (NCLS)). As a final result, the decision tree model had the best prediction accuracy in CC and RMSE, and the MOHID model had the best prediction results in NCLS.
The mechanics of the heart: zooming in on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cMyBP‐C
Authors: Suay‐Corredera Carmen , Alegre‐Cebollada Jorge
Published: February 2022

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a disease characterized by cardiac muscle hypertrophy and hypercontractility, is the most frequently inherited disorder of the heart. HCM is mainly caused by variants in genes encoding proteins of the sarcomere, the basic contractile unit of cardiomyocytes. The most frequently mutated among them is MYBPC3, which encodes cardiac myosin‐binding protein C (cMyBP‐C), a key regulator of sarcomere contraction. In this review, we summarize clinical and genetic aspects of HCM and provide updated information on the function of the healthy and HCM sarcomere, as well as on emerging therapeutic options targeting sarcomere mechanical activity. Building on what is known about cMyBP‐C activity, we examine different pathogenicity drivers by which MYBPC3 variants can cause disease, focussing on protein haploinsufficiency as a common pathomechanism also in nontruncating variants. Finally, we discuss recent evidence correlating altered cMyBP‐C mechanical properties with HCM development.