bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiation-ecological and toxicological characterization of the Uzh river water
Authors: Shumyhay I.
Published: December 2021

The hydrosphere is one of the main tanks, which eventually received artificial radionuclides produced in nuclear explosions and in the operation of nuclear power plants. When accidents at nuclear power plants, in particular the Chernobyl large contribution to the total emissions of radioactivity have long-lived radionuclides — 90Sr and 137Cs. Sources of contamination of river water after the accident were like immediate loss of aerosols on the water surface, and radionuclide contaminated surface water runoff from the watershed and soil particles during the rainy or melting snow, a local radionuclide contaminated tributaries waters that it led to their entry into the rivers and the transfer to the water streams down to the Black Sea. Migration of the latter in the aquatic environment is considered in this article. We determined the concentration of artificial radionuclides in the waters of the river Uzh on the territory of Kiev region and their danger to fish fauna. It has been found that 137Cs and 90Sr in water are mainly in the form of solution. Also, the vast amount of radionuclides in the ecosystem is situated in bottom sediments. As a result of the Chernobyl accident radionuclide contamination of aquatic ecosystems has become a permanent factor of influence on the life of aquatic organisms. Comparison of 90Sr and 137Cs in fish with different types of food shows that ichthyophagi contained more radionuclides than planktonofagi. Pit-trap polluted sludge played a significant role for water purification process from radionuclides.
The Effects of Inflation, Interest Rates and Exchange Rates on Composite Stock Price Index During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nurmasari Ifa , Nur'aidawati Siti
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic that hit Indonesia and even the world, caused changes in various sectors and decline in the Indonesian economy. To improve the economy, it is necessary to increase investment. This research aims to find out how the influence of inflation, bank interest rates and currency rates on Composite Stock Price Index both partially and simultaneously at the time of the covid-19 pandemic. The research method used in this study is quantitative descriptive, which discusses the problems faced that describe the state of a country expressed in numbers. The data used in this study is secondary data. It was taken during the covid-19 period from March 2020 to July 2021. The analytical methods are used multiple linear regression, classical assumption test, hypothesis test, and determination coefficient test. The novelty of this research is to use macroeconomic data during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that simultaneously, inflation, bank interest rates, and currency rates had a significant effect on Composite Stock Price Index. Inflation, bank interest rates, and currency rates exert a 94.9% effect on Composite Stock Price Index. The remaining 5.1% was affected by other factors not used in the study. Partially, inflation is positive and significant to Composite Stock Price Index. Bank interest rates and currency rates negatively and significantly affect Composite Stock Price Index.
The Factor Affecting to Profitability of Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk. Period 2011-2020
Authors: Harjayanti Diana Riyana , Irma Ade , Safariningsih Ratna Tri Hari , Kosasih Fajar Gumilang
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study is to determine factors Capital Adequacy Ratio, Non-Performing Loans and Operational Cost of Operating Income, Return On Assets as profitability at PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk. with periode 2011-2020. The research method used in this study is descriptive quantitative. The population used is the financial statements of PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk. The sample used is data that comes from the notes to the financial statements and income statements of PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk. in the period 2011 to 2020. Based on the results of the partial test (t test) the results is Capital Adequacy Ratio and Non Performing Loan have not a significant influence on Return On Assets and Operational Cost of Operating Income has a significant influence on Return On Assets. But base on simultan (F test) shows that the Capital Adequacy Ratio, Non Performing Loan and Operational Cost of Operating Income have a significant influence on Return On Assets. In the coefficient of determination, the value of Adjusted R Square is 92.60%, Return On Assets can be explained by the Capital Adequacy Ratio, Non-Performing Loans and Operating Cost of Operating Income, which means that the relationship between variables has a strong correlation, while the remaining 7.4% can be explained by other variables.
Correlation Analysis Between Price and Product Completeness With Purchase Decision at Zami Mart
Authors: Syamruddin Syamruddin , Kusuma Rama Fitradana
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between price and product completeness with purchasing decisions either partially or simultaneously at Zami Mart, Tangerang. The method used in this research is descriptive quantitative. While the data analysis techniques used in this study are Simple Linear Regression Analysis, Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, Coefficient of Determination Analysis, and Hypothesis Testing (t test and F test). The results showed a correlation between price and product completeness with purchasing decisions. Based on the analysis of the coefficient of determination obtained R Square (R2) = 0.426, where KD = R2 x 100% = 0.426 x 100% = 42.6%. Price and product completeness have a correlation of 42.6% on purchasing decisions, while the remaining 57.4% are influenced by other variables. Furthermore, according to the hypothesis test there is a correlation between price and purchasing decisions where according to the results of the t test, the value of t count > t table (3.999 > 1.98472). Then the completeness of the product has a correlation with purchasing decisions, where according to the results of the t test, the value of t count > t table (3.671 > 1.98472). Furthermore, the price and completeness of the product have a correlation with purchasing decisions. Based on the results of the F test, the calculated F value is greater than F table or 36,011 > 3,090.
Actitud hacia la matemática de estudiantes en el curso Métodos Cuantitativos para Administración de Empresas
Authors: Velázquez-Rosado Wanda , Villafañe-Cepeda Wanda , Vega-Vilca José C. , Nieves-González Aniel
Published: December 2021

Uno de los posibles factores que explica el alto porcentaje de fracasos en los cursos de matemáticas es la actitud de los estudiantes hacia esta disciplina. La baja actitud hacia la matemática, a su vez, puede afectar el desempeño de los estudiantes en otros cursos cuantitativos de administración de empresas. En este estudio se tradujo y adaptó del inglés al español la versión corta del instrumento Attitudes Toward Mathematics Inventory. Se demostró que el instrumento traducido es válido y confiable para evaluar la actitud de los estudiantes hacia la matemática. Se encontró que existen diferencias entre géneros, los varones tienen mejor actitud hacia la matemática que las féminas, respecto a la autoconfianza, y que ambos géneros reconocen el valor de la matemática, pero muestran una baja actitud en términos de disfrute y motivación hacia esta disciplina.
BRIGHT MEMORY TO THE SCIENTIST-AGRICULTURIST KHARKOV GEORGY DMITRIEVICH (to the 90th anniversary of his birth)
Authors: Truzina Lyudmila
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the good memory of the scientist-agriculturist Kharkov Georgy Dmitrievich, who worked for more than half a century in Williams Fodder Research Institute, starting with a graduate student, then as a junior, senior researcher, head of the laboratory and head of the department. He prepared 18 candidates of agricultural sciences, published more than 200 scientific papers. He defended his doctoral dissertation. High efficiency and diligence, deep knowledge of scientific truths, responsiveness, attentiveness, decency, zest for life — all this about Georgy Dmitrievich will remain in our memory.
AGRO-ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF CREATION AND LONG-TERM INTENSIVE USE OF EARLY- AND MEDIUM-RIPENING CEREALS GRASS STANDS
Authors: Zhezmer Natalya
Published: December 2021

The agro-energy assessment showed the high efficiency of the creation and long-term three-mowing use of cereal grass stands. The collection of metabolizable energy on agrocenoses of different ripening was 58–69 GJ/ha on average over 27 years. In the structure of its production, the main part (60–66%) is provided by natural factors.
INFLUENCE OF WETTING CONDITIONS OF SANDY SOILS ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF WINTER RYE
Authors: Kovalenko Ella , Draganskaya Mariya , Savvicheva Inna , Sitnov Dmitriy
Published: December 2021

For many years of creating a new breeding material for winter rye in the changing soil and climatic conditions of the Novozybkovskaya Agricultural Management Plant, the influence of precipitation during the growing season on the grain productivity of diploid winter rye has been studied. It has been established that the lack of moisture during ear formation and maximum growth of the leaf surface (May) and excess during grain ripening (July) negatively affects productivity. The new varietal material of diploid winter rye showed resistance to lodging of 5 points, since the plant height averaged 109 cm with a variation from 98 to 126 cm. The number of productive stems at a seeding rate (manual) of 600 thousand grains/ha averaged 10 pieces, varying from 5 to 16 over the years with a dense elastic straw. The spike is 14 cm long with 42 spikelets and the grain weight from an ear is 2.7 g, the grain yield is 700–800 g/m2. With a high number of productive stems, an economically effective seeding rate of 150–170 kg / ha has been established, which ensures production of up to 5–6 t/ha of grain in production crops.
FORMATION OF PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF SPRING COLZA SEED OIL
Authors: Sergeeva Svetlana , Leonidova Tatiana , Korovina Larissa
Published: December 2021

The article presents the results of research on the productivity and quality of spring colza seed oil. It was found that spring colza Nadezhda surpassed the variety of spring colza Svetlana both in yield and in quality of oilseeds: higher fat and protein content, low fiber content.
DEPENDENCE OF GERMINATION OF SEEDS OF FODDER CROPS ON THE DURATION OF STORAGE IN A GAS ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Kozlov Nikolay , Komkova Tamara , Makarenkov Mikhail , Korovina Valentina , Kozlova Tatyana
Published: December 2021

The research was carried out in the laboratory conditions of the Federal Williams Research Center of Forage Production and Agroecology on the seed material of nineteen varieties of the selection of VIC, stored since 1986 in a gas environment. The viability of the seeds was determined after 33 years of storage. The laboratory germination rate of the samples after storage varied from 0.7 to 90.3%. Aging of cereal grasses is faster. After storage in a gas environment for 33 years germination of more than 80% was observed in four samples of the legume family and one of the cereals. After being removed from the CSG and placed in normal conditions for a year, most of the samples retained their economic validity, with the exception of forage cereals: brome grass, meadow and reed fescue, and cocksfoot.
Diabetes Distress During COVID-19: Three Brief ‘Snapshot’ Surveys of Adults With Diabetes Calling the Australian National Diabetes Services Scheme Helpline
Authors: Holloway Edith E. , Hendrieckx Christel , Company George , Skinner Timothy C. , Speight Jane
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to take ‘snapshots’ of how people with diabetes are feeling emotionally during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Three ‘snapshot’ surveys were conducted during May 2020, August 2020 and April 2021, each over a two-week period. Adults (≥18 years) with diabetes calling the Australian Government’s National Diabetes Services Scheme Helpline (NDSS) were invited to participate. Those who accepted were asked three questions sourced/adapted from the Problem Areas in Diabetes scale. Responses were recorded on a 5-point scale (0=’not a problem’, 4=’serious problem’). Of interest were scores ≥2, indicating this was at least a ‘moderate problem’. The survey was administered by NDSS Helpline staff via telephone. Basic demographic and clinical data were collected. In total, 1,278 surveys were completed over the three ‘snapshots’ (1st N=449; 2nd N=414; 3rd N=415). Participants were aged (median[IQR]) 62[47,72] years, 56% were women, and 57% had type 2 diabetes. At the 3rd ‘snapshot’, 21% had received a COVID-19 vaccine. Our findings show that feeling at least moderately ‘burned out’ by the constant effort needed to manage diabetes is salient, and consistently experienced by adults with diabetes calling the NDSS Helpline at three timepoints during the coronavirus pandemic. Those who participated in the 3rd ‘snapshot’ survey were less likely to report that feeling ‘alone with their diabetes’ or ‘worrying about their diabetes because of the COVID-19 pandemic’ were moderate or serious problems for them. Except for younger adults, findings indicate that the easing of restrictions may mitigate some of the effects of the pandemic on diabetes-specific emotional problems, including feeling ‘burned out’, ‘alone’ with diabetes, and/or worried about diabetes due to COVID-19. Prospective data are needed to improve our understanding of the emotional impact of COVID-19 on people with diabetes and to inform when and how to target support for those who need it most.
Single-Cell Analysis Identify Transcription Factor BACH1 as a Master Regulator Gene in Vascular Cells During Aging
Authors: Ge Fei , Pan Qi , Qin Yue , Jia Mengping , Ruan Chengchao , Wei Xiangxiang , Jing Qing , Zhi Xiuling , Wang Xinhong , Jiang Lindi , Osto Elena , Guo Jieyu , Meng Dan
Published: December 2021

Vascular aging is a potent driver of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Vascular aging features cellular and functional changes, while its molecular mechanisms and the cell heterogeneity are poorly understood. This study aims to 1) explore the cellular and molecular properties of aged cardiac vasculature in monkey and mouse and 2) demonstrate the role of transcription factor BACH1 in the regulation of endothelial cell (EC) senescence and its mechanisms. Here we analyzed published single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from monkey coronary arteries and aortic arches and mouse hearts. We revealed that the gene expression of YAP1, insulin receptor, and VEGF receptor 2 was downregulated in both aged ECs of coronary arteries’ of monkey and aged cardiac capillary ECs of mouse, and proliferation-related cardiac capillary ECs were significantly decreased in aged mouse. Increased interaction of ECs and immunocytes was observed in aged vasculature of both monkey and mouse. Gene regulatory network analysis identified BACH1 as a master regulator of aging-related genes in both coronary and aorta ECs of monkey and cardiac ECs of mouse. The expression of BACH1 was upregulated in aged cardiac ECs and aortas of mouse. BACH1 aggravated endothelial cell senescence under oxidative stress. Mechanistically, BACH1 occupied at regions of open chromatin and bound to CDKN1A (encoding for P21) gene enhancers, activating its transcription in senescent human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Thus, these findings demonstrate that BACH1 plays an important role in endothelial cell senescence and vascular aging.
De Novo Calculation of the Charge Carrier Mobility in Amorphous Small Molecule Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Kaiser Simon , Neumann Tobias , Symalla Franz , Schlöder Tobias , Fediai Artem , Friederich Pascal , Wenzel Wolfgang
Published: December 2021

Organic semiconductors (OSC) are key components in applications such as organic photovoltaics, organic sensors, transistors and organic light emitting diodes (OLED). OSC devices, especially OLEDs, often consist of multiple layers comprising one or more species of organic molecules. The unique properties of each molecular species and their interaction determine charge transport in OSCs—a key factor for device performance. The small charge carrier mobility of OSCs compared to inorganic semiconductors remains a major limitation of OSC device performance. Virtual design can support experimental R&D towards accelerated R&D of OSC compounds with improved charge transport. Here we benchmark a de novo multiscale workflow to compute the charge carrier mobility solely on the basis of the molecular structure: We generate virtual models of OSC thin films with atomistic resolution, compute the electronic structure of molecules in the thin films using a quantum embedding procedure and simulate charge transport with kinetic Monte-Carlo protocol. We show that for 15 common amorphous OSC the computed zero-field and field-dependent mobility are in good agreement with experimental data, proving this approach to be an effective virtual design tool for OSC materials and devices.
Bioinformatic and Mechanistic Analysis of the Palmerolide PKS-NRPS Biosynthetic Pathway From the Microbiome of an Antarctic Ascidian
Authors: Avalon Nicole E. , Murray Alison E. , Daligault Hajnalka E. , Lo Chien-Chi , Davenport Karen W. , Dichosa Armand E. K. , Chain Patrick S. G. , Baker Bill J.
Published: December 2021

Complex interactions exist between microbiomes and their hosts. Increasingly, defensive metabolites that have been attributed to host biosynthetic capability are now being recognized as products of host-associated microbes. These unique metabolites often have bioactivity targets in human disease and can be purposed as pharmaceuticals. Polyketides are a complex family of natural products that often serve as defensive metabolites for competitive or pro-survival purposes for the producing organism, while demonstrating bioactivity in human diseases as cholesterol lowering agents, anti-infectives, and anti-tumor agents. Marine invertebrates and microbes are a rich source of polyketides. Palmerolide A, a polyketide isolated from the Antarctic ascidian Synoicum adareanum, is a vacuolar-ATPase inhibitor with potent bioactivity against melanoma cell lines. The biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) responsible for production of secondary metabolites are encoded in the genomes of the producers as discrete genomic elements. A candidate palmerolide BGC was identified from a S. adareanum microbiome-metagenome based on a high degree of congruence with a chemical structure-based retrobiosynthetic prediction. Protein family homology analysis, conserved domain searches, active site and motif identification were used to identify and propose the function of the ∼75 kbp trans-acyltransferase (AT) polyketide synthase-non-ribosomal synthase (PKS-NRPS) domains responsible for the stepwise synthesis of palmerolide A. Though PKS systems often act in a predictable co-linear sequence, this BGC includes multiple trans-acting enzymatic domains, a non-canonical condensation termination domain, a bacterial luciferase-like monooxygenase (LLM), and is found in multiple copies within the metagenome-assembled genome (MAG). Detailed inspection of the five highly similar pal BGC copies suggests the potential for biosynthesis of other members of the palmerolide chemical family. This is the first delineation of a biosynthetic gene cluster from an Antarctic microbial species, recently proposed as Candidatus Synoicihabitans palmerolidicus. These findings have relevance for fundamental knowledge of PKS combinatorial biosynthesis and could enhance drug development efforts of palmerolide A through heterologous gene expression.
Progress in Synthesis of Conductive Polymer Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene)
Authors: Nie Shisong , Li Zaifang , Yao Yuyuan , Jin Yingzhi
Published: December 2021

PEDOT is the most popularly used conductive polymer due to its high conductivity, good physical and chemical stability, excellent optical transparency, and the capabilities of easy doping and solution processing. Based on the advantages above, PEDOT has been widely used in various devices for energy conversion and storage, and bio-sensing. The synthesis method of PEDOT is very important as it brings different properties which determine its applications. In this mini review, we begin with a brief overview of recent researches in PEDOT. Then, the synthesis methods of PEDOT are summarized in detail, including chemical polymerization, electrochemical polymerization, and transition metal-mediated coupling polymerization. Finally, research directions in acquiring high-quality PEDOT are discussed and proposed.
Machine Learning Identifies Cellular and Exosomal MicroRNA Signatures of Lyssavirus Infection in Human Stem Cell-Derived Neurons
Authors: Farr Ryan J. , Godde Nathan , Cowled Christopher , Sundaramoorthy Vinod , Green Diane , Stewart Cameron , Bingham John , O’Brien Carmel M. , Dearnley Megan
Published: December 2021

Despite being vaccine preventable, rabies (lyssavirus) still has a significant impact on global mortality, disproportionally affecting children under 15 years of age. This neurotropic virus is deft at avoiding the immune system while travelling through neurons to the brain. Until recently, research efforts into the role of non-coding RNAs in rabies pathogenicity and detection have been hampered by a lack of human in vitro neuronal models. Here, we utilized our previously described human stem cell-derived neural model to investigate the effect of lyssavirus infection on microRNA (miRNA) expression in human neural cells and their secreted exosomes. Conventional differential expression analysis identified 25 cellular and 16 exosomal miRNAs that were significantly altered (FDR adjusted P-value <0.05) in response to different lyssavirus strains. Supervised machine learning algorithms determined 6 cellular miRNAs (miR-99b-5p, miR-346, miR-5701, miR-138-2-3p, miR-651-5p, and miR-7977) were indicative of lyssavirus infection (100% accuracy), with the first four miRNAs having previously established roles in neuronal function, or panic and impulsivity-related behaviors. Another 4-miRNA signatures in exosomes (miR-25-3p, miR-26b-5p, miR-218-5p, miR-598-3p) can independently predict lyssavirus infected cells with >99% accuracy. Identification of these robust lyssavirus miRNA signatures offers further insight into neural lineage responses to infection and provides a foundation for utilizing exosome miRNAs in the development of next-generation molecular diagnostics for rabies.
Learning From Biological and Computational Machines: Importance of SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance, Mutations and Risk Stratification
Authors: Bhat Shikha , Pandey Anuradha , Kanakan Akshay , Maurya Ranjeet , Vasudevan Janani Srinivasa , Devi Priti , Chattopadhyay Partha , Sharma Shimpa , Khyalappa Rajesh J. , Joshi Meghnad G. , Pandey Rajesh
Published: December 2021

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has demonstrated the range of disease severity and pathogen genomic diversity emanating from a singular virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2). This diversity in disease manifestations and genomic mutations has challenged healthcare management and resource allocation during the pandemic, especially for countries such as India with a bigger population base. Here, we undertake a combinatorial approach toward scrutinizing the diagnostic and genomic diversity to extract meaningful information from the chaos of COVID-19 in the Indian context. Using methods of statistical correlation, machine learning (ML), and genomic sequencing on a clinically comprehensive patient dataset with corresponding with/without respiratory support samples, we highlight specific significant diagnostic parameters and ML models for assessing the risk of developing severe COVID-19. This information is further contextualized in the backdrop of SARS-CoV-2 genomic features in the cohort for pathogen genomic evolution monitoring. Analysis of the patient demographic features and symptoms revealed that age, breathlessness, and cough were significantly associated with severe disease; at the same time, we found no severe patient reporting absence of physical symptoms. Observing the trends in biochemical/biophysical diagnostic parameters, we noted that the respiratory rate, total leukocyte count (TLC), blood urea levels, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were directly correlated with the probability of developing severe disease. Out of five different ML algorithms tested to predict patient severity, the multi-layer perceptron-based model performed the best, with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) score of 0.96 and an F1 score of 0.791. The SARS-CoV-2 genomic analysis highlighted a set of mutations with global frequency flips and future inculcation into variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs), which can be further monitored and annotated for functional significance. In summary, our findings highlight the importance of SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance and statistical analysis of clinical data to develop a risk assessment ML model.
Lessons Learnt From Using the Machine Learning Random Forest Algorithm to Predict Virulence in Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Buckley Sean J. , Harvey Robert J.
Published: December 2021

Group A Streptococcus is a globally significant human pathogen. The extensive variability of the GAS genome, virulence phenotypes and clinical outcomes, render it an excellent candidate for the application of genotype-phenotype association studies in the era of whole-genome sequencing. We have catalogued the distribution and diversity of the transcription regulators of GAS, and employed phylogenetics, concordance metrics and machine learning (ML) to test for associations. In this review, we communicate the lessons learnt in the context of the recent bacteria genotype-phenotype association studies of others that have utilised both genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and ML. We envisage a promising future for the application GWAS in bacteria genotype-phenotype association studies and foresee the increasing use of ML. However, progress in this field is hindered by several outstanding bottlenecks. These include the shortcomings that are observed when GWAS techniques that have been fine-tuned on human genomes, are applied to bacterial genomes. Furthermore, there is a deficit of easy-to-use end-to-end workflows, and a lag in the collection of detailed phenotype and clinical genomic metadata. We propose a novel quality control protocol for the collection of high-quality GAS virulence phenotype coupled to clinical outcome data. Finally, we incorporate this protocol into a workflow for testing genotype-phenotype associations using ML and ‘linked’ patient-microbe genome sets that better represent the infection event.
Integrated Pharmacogenetics Analysis of the Three Fangjis Decoctions for Treating Arrhythmias Based on Molecular Network Patterns
Authors: Wei Penglu , Long Dehuai , Tan Yupei , Xing Wenlong , Li Xiang , Yang Kuo , Liu Hongxu
Published: December 2021

Aim: To explore the diverse target distribution and variable mechanisms of different fangjis prescriptions when treating arrhythmias based on the systems pharmacology.

Methods: The active ingredients and their corresponding targets were acquired from the three fangjis [Zhigancao Tang (ZT), Guizhigancao Longgumuli Tang (GLT), and Huanglian E'jiao Tang (HET)] and the arrhythmia-related genes were identified based on comprehensive database screening. Networks were constructed between the fangjis and arrhythmia and used to define arrhythmia modules. Common and differential gene targets were identified within the arrhythmia network modules and the cover rate (CR) matrix was applied to compare the contributions of the fangjis to the network and modules. Comparative pharmacogenetics analyses were then conducted to define the arrhythmia-related signaling pathways regulated by the fangjis prescriptions. Finally, the divergence and convergence points of the arrhythmia pathways were deciphered based on databases and the published literature.

Results: A total of 187, 105, and 68 active ingredients and 1,139, 1,195, and 811 corresponding gene targets of the three fangjis were obtained and 102 arrhythmia-related genes were acquired. An arrhythmia network was constructed and subdivided into 4 modules. For the target distribution analysis, 65.4% of genes were regulated by the three fangjis within the arrhythmia network. ZT and GLT were more similar to each other, mainly regulated by module two, whereas HET was divided among all the modules. From the perspective of signal transduction, calcium-related pathways [calcium, cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP)-PKG, and cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP)] and endocrine system-related pathways (oxytocin signaling pathway and renin secretion pathways) were associated with all the three fangjis prescriptions. Nevertheless, heterogeneity existed between the biological processes and pathway distribution among the three prescriptions. GLT and HET were particularly inclined toward the conditions involving abnormal hormone secretion, whereas ZT tended toward renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) disorders. However, calcium signaling-related pathways prominently feature in the pharmacological activities of the decoctions. Experimental validation indicated that ZT, GLT, and HET significantly shortened the duration of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) and downregulated the expression of CALM2 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) messenger RNAs (mRNAs); GLT and HET downregulated the expression of CALM1 and NOS3 mRNAs; HET downregulated the expression of CRP mRNA.

Conclusion: Comparing the various distributions of the three fangjis, pathways provide evidence with respect to precise applications toward individualized arrhythmia treatments.
Are You Willing to Self-Disclose for Science? Effects of Privacy Awareness and Trust in Privacy on Self-Disclosure of Personal and Health Data in Online Scientific Studies—An Experimental Study
Authors: Herbert Cornelia , Marschin Verena , Erb Benjamin , Meißner Dominik , Aufheimer Maria , Bösch Christoph
Published: December 2021

Digital interactions via the internet have become the norm rather than the exception in our global society. Concerns have been raised about human-centered privacy and the often unreflected self-disclosure behavior of internet users. This study on human-centered privacy follows two major aims: first, investigate the willingness of university students (as digital natives) to disclose private data and information about their person, social and academic life, their mental health as well as their health behavior habits, when taking part as a volunteer in a scientific online survey. Second, examine to what extent the participants’ self-disclosure behavior can be modulated by experimental induction of privacy awareness (PA) or trust in privacy (TIP) or a combination of both (PA and TIP). In addition, the role of human factors such as personality traits, gender or mental health (e.g., self-reported depressive symptoms) on self-disclosure behavior was explored. Participants were randomly assigned to four experimental groups. In group A (n = 50, 7 males), privacy awareness (PA) was induced implicitly by the inclusion of privacy concern items. In group B (n = 43, 6 males), trust in privacy (TIP) was experimentally induced by buzzwords and by visual TIP primes promising safe data storage. Group C (n = 79, 12 males) received both, PA and TIP induction, while group D (n = 55, 9 males) served as control group. Participants had the choice to answer the survey items by agreeing to one of a number of possible answers including the options to refrain from self-disclosure by choosing the response options “don’t know” or “no answer.” Self-disclosure among participants was high irrespective of experimental group and irrespective of psychological domains of the information provided. The results of this study suggest that willingness of volunteers to self-disclose private data in a scientific online study cannot simply be overruled or changed by any of the chosen experimental privacy manipulations. The present results extend the previous literature on human-centered privacy and despite limitations can give important insights into self-disclosure behavior of young people and the privacy paradox.
Genesis of the Xifeng Low-Temperature Geothermal Field, Guizhou, SW China: Constrains From Geology, Element Geochemistry, and D-O Isotopes
Authors: Li Yanyan , Dor Ji , Zhang Chengjiang , Wang Guiling , Zhang Baojian , Zhang Fangfang , Xing Yifei
Published: December 2021

The Xifeng geothermal field is located in the Yangtze Craton, SW China, and is one of the most representative low-temperature geothermal fields in China. Widespread thermal anomalies, hot springs, and geothermal wells have been reported by previous studies. However, the nature and forming mechanisms of the field remain poorly understood. Element geochemical (ions, rare earth elements) and stable isotopic (D, O) composition of hot springs, geothermal fluids, rivers, and cold springs from different locations of the Xifeng geothermal field were analyzed in this study. The ions studies revealed that most samples featured the Ca-Mg-HCO3 type, except Xifeng hot springs, and which were characterized by the Ca-Mg-HCO3-SO4 type. Based on quartz geothermometers, the estimated reservoir temperature was 77°C. The results of stable isotopes (D, O) manifest that the Xifeng geothermal system was recharged by meteoric water at an elevation of 1,583 m from SW to NE. The research of rare earth elements (REE) revealed that their accumulation characteristics and obvious positive Eu anomaly were inherited from host feldspar-bearing reservoir dolomites through water-rock interactions. Combined with these observations, geological setting, and previous studies, it was concluded that the formation of the Xifeng geothermal field resulted from recharge, deep circulation, and secondary rising of the meteoric water along the faults. First, meteoric water infiltrated to depth through faults and crack zones. Second, the deep-infiltrated water was heated by radioactive heat, deep heat, and tectonic frictional heat. Finally, as the warmed-up waters underwent considerable deep circulation in the reservoir, it rose again along the main faults, and mixed with groundwater near the surface. Taken together, we suggest that the Xifeng geothermal system should be assigned as a faults-controlling, and deeply circulating meteoric water of low-temperature category.
Relationship of Fat Mass Index and Fat Free Mass Index With Body Mass Index and Association With Function, Cognition and Sarcopenia in Pre-Frail Older Adults
Authors: Merchant Reshma Aziz , Seetharaman Santhosh , Au Lydia , Wong Michael Wai Kit , Wong Beatrix Ling Ling , Tan Li Feng , Chen Matthew Zhixuan , Ng Shu Ee , Soong John Tshon Yit , Hui Richard Jor Yeong , Kwek Sing Cheer , Morley John E.
Published: December 2021

Background

Body mass index (BMI) is an inadequate marker of obesity, and cannot distinguish between fat mass, fat free mass and distribution of adipose tissue. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, to assess cross-sectional relationship of BMI with fat mass index (FMI), fat free mass index (FFMI) and ratio of fat mass to fat free mass (FM/FFM). Second, to study the association of FMI, FFMI and FM/FFM with physical function including sarcopenia, and cognition in pre-frail older adults.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of 191 pre-frail participants ≥ 65 years, 57.1% females. Data was collected on demographics, cognition [Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)], function, frailty, calf circumference, handgrip strength (HGS), short physical performance battery (SPPB) and gait speed. Body composition was measured using InBody S10. FMI, FFMI and FM/FFM were classified into tertiles (T1, T2, T3) with T1 classified as lowest and T3 highest tertile respectively and stratified by BMI.

Results

Higher FFMI and lower FM/FFM in the high BMI group were associated with better functional outcomes. Prevalence of low muscle mass was higher in the normal BMI group. FMI and FM/FFM were significantly higher in females and FFMI in males with significant gender differences except for FFMI in ≥ 80 years old. Small calf circumference was significantly less prevalent in the highest tertile of FMI, FM/FMI and FFMI. Prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and low physical function (HGS, gait speed and SPPB scores) were significantly higher in the highest FMI and FM/FFM tertile. Highest FFMI tertile group had higher physical function, higher MoCA scores, lower prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and sarcopenia, After adjustment, highest tertile of FFMI was associated with lower odds of sarcopenia especially in the high BMI group. Highest tertile of FM/FFM was associated with higher odds of sarcopenia. Higher BMI was associated with lower odds of sarcopenia.

Conclusion

FFMI and FM/FFM may be a better predictor of functional outcomes in pre-frail older adults than BMI. Cut-off values for healthy BMI values and role of calf circumference as a screening tool for sarcopenia need to be validated in larger population. Health promotion intervention should focus on FFMI increment.
Gonadotropins at Advanced Age - Perhaps They Are Not So Bad? Correlations Between Gonadotropins and Sarcopenia Indicators in Older Adults
Authors: Guligowska Agnieszka , Chrzastek Zuzanna , Pawlikowski Marek , Pigłowska Malgorzata , Pisarek Hanna , Winczyk Katarzyna , Kostka Tomasz
Published: December 2021

Many hormones fluctuate during the aging process. It has been suggested that gonadotropins, which increase with age, contribute to the occurrence of many diseases and syndromes in older life, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, frailty syndrome and osteoporosis. This study aims to assess the relationship between circulating gonadotropins and other hormones potentially contributing to age-related functional decline and sarcopenia indicators in 39 male and 61 female community-dwelling seniors, mean age 80 years. According to the definition developed by the second European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2), the following indicators of the sarcopenia were assessed: bioimpedance-measured body composition, gait speed, handgrip strength, timed up and go test (TUG), chair stand test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Blood levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and cortisol were also measured. In the men, FSH and partially LH correlated positively with muscle mass percentage, gait speed, handgrip strength and SPPB, and negatively with percent body fat. Additionally, testosterone and DHEAS correlated negatively with the percentage of fat mass in men. Whereas in the women, FSH and LH were mainly negatively associated with body mass and adipose tissue measures. Cortisol did not show any relationship with the examined indicators. The study shows that the indicators of sarcopenia are strongly associated with levels of gonadotropins, sex hormones and DHEAS, especially in older men. The obtained results, after being confirmed in a larger group, may modify prevention and treatment strategies of sarcopenia.
Frequently Asked Questions in Patients With Adrenal Insufficiency in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Sabbadin Chiara , Betterle Corrado , Scaroni Carla , Ceccato Filippo
Published: December 2021

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a life-threatening disorder, with increased morbidity and mortality, especially in case of an acute illness that can increase the requirement of cortisol. A novel infectious disease, termed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), appeared in 2020. Therefore, AI patients are experiencing a novel challenge: the risk of infection. In our experience, a prompt contact to the Endocrine center (with a telemedicine consultation) and a full awareness of diseases (cortisol deficiency, COVID-19 and the self-management of an adrenal crisis) are important to motivate patients. Vaccine is an effective treatment to prevent hospitalization and aggressive course of COVID-19. Some patients manifest challenges due to inequitable access and vaccine hesitancy, resulting in a delay in the acceptance of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services. Therefore, an effort of all physicians must be conducted in order to advise patients with AI. In this short review, we try to answer some frequently asked questions regarding the management of patients with AI.
Maternal Glucose and LDL-Cholesterol Levels Are Related to Placental Leptin Gene Methylation, and, Together With Nutritional Factors, Largely Explain a Higher Methylation Level Among Ethnic South Asians
Authors: Sletner Line , Moen Aina E. F. , Yajnik Chittaranjan S. , Lekanova Nadezhda , Sommer Christine , Birkeland Kåre I. , Jenum Anne K. , Böttcher Yvonne
Published: December 2021

Background

Leptin, mainly secreted by fat cells, plays a core role in the regulation of appetite and body weight, and has been proposed as a mediator of metabolic programming. During pregnancy leptin is also secreted by the placenta, as well as being a key regulatory cytokine for the development, homeostatic regulation and nutrient transport within the placenta. South Asians have a high burden of type 2 diabetes, partly attributed to a “thin-fat-phenotype”.

Objective

Our aim was to investigate how maternal ethnicity, adiposity and glucose- and lipid/cholesterol levels in pregnancy are related to placental leptin gene (LEP) DNA methylation.

Methods

We performed DNA methylation analyses of 13 placental LEP CpG sites in 40 ethnic Europeans and 40 ethnic South Asians participating in the STORK-Groruddalen cohort.

Results

South Asian ethnicity and gestational diabetes (GDM) were associated with higher placental LEP methylation. The largest ethnic difference was found for CpG11 [5.8% (95% CI: 2.4, 9.2), p<0.001], and the strongest associations with GDM was seen for CpG5 [5.2% (1.4, 9.0), p=0.008]. Higher maternal LDL-cholesterol was associated with lower placental LEP methylation, in particular for CpG11 [-3.6% (-5.5, -1.4) per one mmol/L increase in LDL, p<0.001]. After adjustments, including for nutritional factors involved in the one-carbon-metabolism cycle (vitamin D, B12 and folate levels), ethnic differences in placental LEP methylation were strongly attenuated, while associations with glucose and LDL-cholesterol persisted.

Conclusions

Maternal glucose and lipid metabolism is related to placental LEP methylation, whilst metabolic and nutritional factors largely explain a higher methylation level among ethnic South Asians.
Experimental Study on Stratification Morphology of the Molten Pool During Severe Accident
Authors: Li Yang , Gong Houjun , Hu Yunwen , Yang Shengxing , Li Yong , Zan Yuanfeng
Published: December 2021

Stratification morphology of a molten pool under severe reactor accident was investigated by the CESEF experimental facility. The experimental scale was 5,000 g, the atomic ratio of U/Zr was 1.5, the content of stainless steel was 10%, and the oxidation degree of Zr was 40–100%. It was shown that the molten pool was obviously stratified within the range of experimental parameters; one was a metal layer, and the other was an oxide layer. The layered morphology of the molten pool was different with the composition of different corium. With the decrease in the Zr oxidation degree, the metal layer moved downward in the molten pool, and the molten pool would overturn. The main elements in the oxide layer were U, Zr, and O, and the content of stainless steel was low. The main element in the metal layer was stainless steel and contained a certain amount of U and Zr.
Intelligent Filling Method of Power Grid Working Ticket Based on Historical Ticket Knowledge Base
Authors: An Zhiguo , Yi Mancheng , Liu Jing , Li Ying , Peng Zheng , Yu Sifan , Liu Jianxin , Huang Weirong , Fang Chunhua
Published: December 2021

The traditional power grid ticket filling method has a large workload, low efficiency, and cannot achieve comprehensive and effective reference of historical tickets. This paper proposes a method of intelligent filling in a power grid working ticket based on a historical ticket knowledge base. Firstly, the historical ticket data are preprocessed, then the historical ticket information is mined by the association rule algorithm, and the method of establishing the historical ticket knowledge base is proposed. Based on the improved word bag model, an intelligent grid work ticket filling model is established based on the historical ticket knowledge base, and the correctness of the method is verified by an example. The results show that the accuracy of the proposed method is at least 18% higher than that of the traditional model, and the matching efficiency is 50% higher than the evaluation results of the three models based on semantic expressions. The method enables the identification and extraction of similar and associated work tickets, improves the efficiency of filling work tickets for power grids, and promotes the intelligence of the safety procedures for power grid operations.
Variation in Demography and Life-History Strategies Across the Range of a Declining Mountain Bird Species
Authors: Barras Arnaud G. , Blache Sébastien , Schaub Michael , Arlettaz Raphaël
Published: December 2021

Species- and population-specific responses to their environment may depend to a large extent on the spatial variation in life-history traits and in demographic processes of local population dynamics. Yet, those parameters and their variability remain largely unknown for many cold-adapted species, which are exposed to particularly rapid rates of environmental change. Here, we compared the demographic traits and dynamics for an emblematic bird species of European mountain ecosystems, the ring ouzel (Turdus torquatus). Using integrated population models fitted in a Bayesian framework, we estimated the survival probability, productivity and immigration of two populations from the Western European Alps, in France (over 11 years) and Switzerland (over 6 years). Juvenile apparent survival was lower and immigration rate higher in the Swiss compared to the French population, with the temporal variation in population growth rate driven by different demographic processes. Yet, when compared to populations in the northwestern part of the range, in Scotland, these two Alpine populations both showed a much lower productivity and higher adult survival, indicating a slower life-history strategy. Our results suggest that demographic characteristics can substantially vary across the discontinuous range of this passerine species, essentially due to contrasted, possibly locally evolved life-history strategies. This study therefore raises the question of whether flexibility in life-history traits is widespread among boreo-alpine species and if it might provide adaptive potential for coping with current environmental change.