bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pan-cancer analysis of the glutaminase and their association with prognosis, tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic targets
Authors: Jin Sheng-Jie , Kong Lian-bao
Published: November 2021

BackgroundGlutamine metabolism plays a key role in various biological processes of tumor. Glutaminase (GLS) is involved in Glutamine metabolism and plays a conserved regulatory role in the process. Nevertheless, there is no comprehensively analysis of GLS in pan-cancer.MaterialsComprehensive bioinformatics analysis was adopted to investigate the expression level, prognostic values, and association between expression of GLS and TME, immune cells' infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, TMB, MSI, drug sensitivity in pan-cancer. Bioinformatics tools including CCLE, immunophenoscore (IPS), Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE), GSEA, and TIMER databases were used.ResultsDifferently expressed GLS between tumor and normal tissues were analyzed, and the clinical prognoses, MMR, MSI, and TMB in multiple types of cancer were associated with GLS expression. Furthermore, GLS closely correlated with tumor immunity and drug sensitivity, and found GLS were predicted to be involved in cancer metabolism and immunity pathways, through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).ConclusionThe GLS expression could be used as a prognostic biomarker for determining prognosis and provide further insights into anti-glutamine metabolism for cancer.
Chondrocyte Targeting Gold Nanoparticles Protect Growth Plate Against Inflammatory Damage By Maintaining Cartilage Balance
Authors: Bai Xue , Sun Hongyan , Jia Lina , Xu Junjie , Zhang Peng , Chen Bo , Zhang Deyuan , Feng Lin
Published: November 2021

Background: Cartilage destruction caused by inflammation is a clinical challenge. Many studies have investigated cartilage destruction in adults, but little research was conducted on children. Results: The gaps without chondrocytes and ECM between the proliferative and hypertrophy zones of the GP cartilage were formation after the treatment of LPS, but the gaps were not observed in the AuNPs + LPS group. This finding can be attributed to the capability of AuNPs to target to the chondrocytes and reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines and secretion of ECM degradation factors induced by LPS. And then, the LPS-induced apoptosis rate of mouse chondrocytes and ECM degradation rate were inhibited. Finally, the balance of catabolic and anabolic factors in the ECM was maintained.Conclusion: These findings indicate that AuNPs can partially protect the cartilage of children from inflammatory damage by suppressing chondrocyte apoptosis and ECM degradation.
Role of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Adipose Tissue Extract-Induced Angiogenesis in Mice
Authors: Zhou Renpeng , Yin Chuang , Bian Weiwei , Wang Chen
Published: November 2021

Our present study is aimed to evaluate the effects of adipose-derived extracts (AT-Ex) and GDNF within the extracts on skin graft. AT-Ex was harvest from fresh human lipoaspirates with centrifugation, emulsification and lysing by cycles of freeze and thawing. Concentrations of GDNF, VEGF and bFGF were detected by ELISA. AT-Ex and anti-GDNF-antibody-coupled AT-Ex were further used to test their ability to promote tube formation using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and stimulate angiogenesis in nude skin-graft models. The results demonstrated that abundant GDNF, VEGF and bFGF were detected in AT-Ex, with GDNF displaying the highest concentration. AT-Ex significantly promoted the tube formation ability of HUVECs in vitro, with a dosage-dependent manner, while this ability was partially impaired when the anti-GDNF antibody was conjugated. In vivo, The AT-Ex treatment increased dermal thickness, augmented dermal proliferation and increased vascular density and GDNF contributed greatly to the AT-Ex effect in improvement the grafted skin condition by promoting angiogenesis in vivo. Our results suggested that critical effect of GDNF from AT-Ex on improvement skin graft condition.
KLF14 targets ITGB1 to inhibit the progression of cervical cancer via the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway
Authors: Lyu Xinran , Ding Xuchao , Ye Hui , Guo Rong , Wu Minhang , Cao Lili
Published: November 2021

Background
Our study aimed to explore whether Krüppel-like factor 14 (KLF14) inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells through integrin β1 (ITGB1).
Methods
Immunohistochemistry was used to explore the expression of KLF14 in cervical cancer tissues and adjacent samples.The effect of KLF14 on the proliferation of cervical cancer cells was verified by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, colony formation assays and an animal experiment (involving subcutaneous tumour formation in nude mice). The effect of KLF14 on cervical cancer cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. To explore the underlying mechanisms, western blotting was conducted to detect the expression of ITGB1 in KLF14-overexpressing cervical cancer cells. Moreover, downstream related proteins were verified to further confirm that KLF14 targets ITGB1 to affect the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. We conducted relevant rescue experiments, flow cytometry was used to verify the effect of overexpression of ITGB1 and simultaneous overexpression of ITGB1 and KLF14 on apoptosis of cervical cancer cells, and western blot analysis was used to investigate the expression of downstream related proteins after overexpression of ITGB1 and simultaneous overexpression of ITGB1 and KLF14.
Results
The expression of KLF14 in cervical cancer tissues was lower than that in paracancerous tissues. KLF14 inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Mechanistically, ITGB1 expression was significantly downregulated in KLF14-overexpressing cervical cancer cells. KLF14 targets ITGB1 to regulate its downstream PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. The upregulation of ITGB1 can inhibit the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by affecting the downstream PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, and the upregulation of KLF14 can reverse the effect of ITGB1 upregulation on cervical cancer cell apoptosis to a certain extent.
Conclusions
KLF14 inhibits the progression of cervical cancer by targeting ITGB1 via the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.
Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Imaging Using Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers
Authors: Øygard Sigrid Husebø , Ommen Martin L. , Tomov Borislav G. , Diederichsen Søren E. , Thomsen Erik V. , Larsen Niels B. , Stuart Matthias B. , Jensen Jørgen A.
Published: November 2021

Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) have a nonlinear relationship between the applied voltage and the emitted signal, which is detrimental to conventional contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) techniques. Instead, a three-pulse amplitude modulation (AM) sequence has been proposed, which is not adversely affectedby the emitted harmonics. In this paper, this is shown theoretically, and the performance of the sequence is verified using a 4.8 MHz linear CMUT array, and a comparable lead zirconate titanate (PZT) array, across 6 V to 60 V applied AC voltage. CEUS images of the contrast agent SonoVue flowing through a 3D printed hydrogel phantom showed an average enhancement in contrast-to-tissue ratio (CTR) between B-mode and CEUS images of 49.9 dB and 37.4 dB for the PZT array and CMUT, respectively. Furthermore, hydrophone recordings of the emitted signals showed that the nonlinear emissions from the CMUT did not significantly degrade the cancellation in the compounded AM signal, leaving an average of 2% of the emitted power between 26 V and 60 V AC. Thus, it is demonstrated that CMUTs are capable of CEUS imaging independent of the applied excitation voltage when using a three-pulse AM sequence.
Immune-Related Matrisomes are Potential Biomarkers to Predict the Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment of Glioma Patients Through Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Verification
Authors: Yu Hao , Wang Minjie , Wang Xuan , Jiang Xiaobing
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a vital role in the progression and metastasis of glioma and is an important part of the tumor microenvironment. However, there are few studies on the overall role of the ECM in the glioma immune microenvironment. This study aimed to analyze the prognosis of matrisomes in patients with glioma.
Methods

Overall, 676 glioma patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were divided into the low, moderate, and high immune infiltration groups. Immune-related matrisomes differentially expressed among the three groups were analyzed, and a risk signature was established. Eight immune-related matrisomes were screened, namely, LIF, LOX, MMP9, S100A4, SRPX2, SLIT1, SMOC1, and TIMP1. Kaplan Meier analysis, operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and nomogram were constructed to analyze the relationships between risk signatures and the prognosis of glioma patients.
Results

The risk signature was significantly correlated with the overall survival (OS) of glioma patients. Both high- and low-risk signatures were also associated with some immune checkpoints. In addition, analysis of somatic mutations and anti-PD1/L1 immunotherapy responses in the high- and low-risk groups showed that the high-risk group had worse prognosis and a higher response to anti-PD1/L1 immunotherapy. qPCR and immunohistochemical analysis showed that LIF, LOX, MMP9, S100A4, SRPX2 and TIMP1 were highly expressed in glioma, while SLITI1 and SMOC1 were low expressed in glioma.
Conclusions

Matrisomes play a vital role in the complex immune microenvironment of gliomas. Our analysis of immune-related matrisomes can improve understanding of the characteristics of the glioma immune microenvironment and provide important clues for glioma immunotherapy in the future.
The Association Between Multimorbidity and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Clients Attending Chronic Outpatient Medical Care in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia: The Application of Partial Proportional Odds Model
Authors: Eyowas Fantu Abebe , Schneider Marguerite , Alemu Shitaye , Pati Sanghamitra , Getahun Fentie Ambaw
Published: November 2021

Background Multimorbidity, the presence of two or more chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in a given person affects all aspects of individuals’ lives. Poor quality of life (QoL) is one of the major consequences of living with multimorbidity. Although healthcare aims to support multimorbid individuals to achieve better quality of life, little is known about the effect of multimorbidity on quality of life of patients attending chronic outpatient medical care in Ethiopia. Objectives This study aimed to determine the association between multimorbidity and quality of life among clients attending chronic outpatient medical care in Bahir Dar city, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A multi-centered facility-based study was conducted among 1440 participants aged 40+ years attending chronic outpatient medical care. Two complementary methods (interview and review of medical records) were employed to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and presence of chronic diseases. We used the short form (SF-12 V2) instrument to measure quality of life. The data were analyzed by STATA V.16 and multivariate partial proportional odds model was fitted to identify covariates associated with quality of life, adjusting for relevant confounding factors. Statistical significance was considered at p-value <0.05.Results Multimorbidity was identified in 54.8% (95% CI=52.2%-57.4%) of the sample. A significant proportion (33.5%) of the study participants had poor quality of life and one fourth (25.8%) of them had moderate quality of life. Advanced age and living with multimorbidity were associated with poor quality of life. Conversely, being female, strong social support, high socioeconomic status, and adequate functioning and satisfaction with care were the variables positively associated with higher categories of quality of life.Conclusion The magnitude of multimorbidity in this study was high and individuals living with multimorbidity had a relatively poor quality of life than those without multimorbidity. Care of people with chronic multiple conditions may need to be oriented to the realities in multimorbidity burden and its implication on quality of life. Interventions targeting modifiable associated factors and studies exploring the longitudinal effect of multimorbidity on quality of life are needed.
Comparison of the Antibacterial Activity of Australian Terminalia Spp. Extracts Against Klebsiella Pneumoniae: Novel Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Cock Ian , Courtney Reece
Published: November 2021

Traditional medicines prepared using Terminalia species have been used globally to treat inflammation and pathogenic infections. Recent studies have demonstrated that multiple Asian and African Terminalia spp. inhibit bacterial triggers of some autoimmune inflammatory disease, including ankylosing spondylitis. Despite this, the effects of Australian Terminalia spp. on a bacterial trigger of ankylosing spondylitis (K. pneumoniae) remain unexplored. Fifty-five extracts from five Australian Terminalia spp. were investigated for K. pneumoniae growth inhibitory activity. Methanolic, aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of most species and plant parts inhibited K. pneumoniae growth, with varying potencies. Methanolic leaf extracts were generally the most potent bacterial growth inhibitors, with MIC values of 66 µg/mL (T. ferdinandiana), 128 µg/mL (T. carpenteriae) and 83 µg/mL (T. petiolares). However, the aqueous leaf extract was the most potent T. grandiflora extract (MIC = 87 µg/mL). All T. catappa extracts displayed low growth inhibitory activity. The Terminalia spp. methanolic leaf extracts were examined by LC-MS and GC-MS. All contained a relative abundance of simple gallotannins (particularly gallic and chebulic acids), the flavonoid luteolin, as well as the monoterpenoids cineole and terpineol. Notably, all Terminalia spp. were non-toxic or of low toxicity in ALA and HDF toxicity assays, highlighting their potential for preventing the onset of ankylosing spondylitis and treating its symptoms once the disease is established.
Therapeutic targeting of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 in multiple myeloma cells under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Okabe Seiichi , Tanaka Yuko , Gotoh Akihiko
Published: November 2021

BackgroundMultiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the clonal expansion of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The treatment of MM patients has been dramatically changed by new agents, such as proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs; however, many patients will relapse, even if the new agents provide therapeutic advantages. Hypoxia is an important component of the bone-marrow microenvironment. 6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFKFB) is responsible for maintaining cellular levels of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, which regulates glycolysis.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the PFKFB functions in myeloma cells under hypoxic conditions. We also investigated whether PFKFB inhibitors could suppress myeloma cells and enhance their sensitivity to proteasome inhibition.ResultsWe first investigated the expression of PFKFBs in the myeloma cell lines under hypoxic conditions. Using public microarray datasets (GSE80140 and GSE80545), we found that the gene expressions of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 were elevated under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) was increased, and the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) was activated. Under hypoxia, the activity of proteasome inhibitors was reduced. The PFKFB3 inhibitor, PFK158 and PFKFB4 inhibitor, 5MPN treatment were found to inhibit the growth of myeloma cells. The combined treatment of myeloma cells with carfilzomib and PFK158 or 5MPN was more cytotoxic than each drug alone. Caspase 3/7 activity and cellular cytotoxicity were also increased. In addition, we found that proteasomal activity was reduced by carfilzomib and PFK158 or 5MPN treatment. Intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels drastically decreased after combined treatment. The combined treatment also changed the mitochondrial membrane potential in cell death and was effective on the bortezomib-resistant cell line.ConclusionPFKFB3 and PFKFB4 are enhanced in hypoxic conditions and are involved in proteasome-inhibitor sensitivity. Our data also suggested that administration of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 inhibitors may be a powerful strategy against myeloma cells and may enhance the cytotoxic effects of proteasome inhibitors in hypoxic conditions.
Personality traits in post-COVID syndrome
Authors: Delgado-Alonso Cristina , Valles-Salgado María , Delgado-Álvarez Alfonso , Gómez-Ruiz Natividad , Yus Miguel , Polidura Carmen , Pérez-Izquierdo Carlos , Marcos Alberto , Gil María José , Matías-Guiu Jorge , Matias-Guiu Jordi A
Published: November 2021

Background. We aimed to evaluate personality traits in patients with post-COVID syndrome, as well as the association with neuropsychiatric symptoms present in this disorder.Methods. The Big Five Structure Inventory was administered to 93 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of post-COVID syndrome and to matched controls. We also performed a comprehensive evaluation of depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep quality, cognitive function, and olfactory function.Results. Patients with post-COVID syndrome scored lower for emotional stability, equanimity, positive mood, and self-control. Extraversion, emotional stability, and openness correlated negatively with anxiety and depression levels. Conscientiousness correlated negatively with anxiety. No statistically significant correlations were observed between personality traits and cognitive function, sleep quality, olfactory function, or fatigue. Personality scores explained 36.3% and 41% of the variance in scores on the anxiety and depression scales, respectively. Two personality profiles with lower levels of emotional stability were associated with depression and anxiety.Limitations. This study has a cross-sectional design, and personality was evaluated during post-COVID syndrome and not before the onset of the disease. Conclusions. Our study shows higher levels of neuroticism in patients with post-COVID syndrome. Personality traits were predictive of the presence of depression and anxiety, but not cognitive function, sleep quality, or fatigue, in the context of post-COVID syndrome. These findings may have implications for the detection of patients at risk of depression and anxiety in post-COVID syndrome, and for the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Transmission probability through zigzag monolayer phosphorene superlattice
Authors: boroughani Atena , Faizabadi Edris , Hedayati Hamed
Published: November 2021

The transportation of charge carriers for monolayer phosphorene superlattice has been investigated utilizing a transfer matrix method. Also, the efficacy of structural parameters has been studied on the transmission of charge carriers for the system. Our findings demonstrated that the barrier number at the superlattice structures performs an essential role in the transportation probability, that can be utilized in the design of nanoelectronic sets. Further, it can be comprehended that the transmission probability of one for the normal incident has occurred in twenty obstacles. On the other hand, the transmission probability of close to one has occurred in lower landing energies by increasing the obstacle number. As well, it has been understood the transmission probability of close to one by enhancing the barrier number can happen in barriers with a smaller width. According to the results, phosphorene can be used in the novel advances of two dimensional semiconductor devices in electronic applications.
Flow Field Characteristics and Experimental Research on Inner-Jet Electrochemical Face Grinding of SUS420J2 Stainless Steel
Authors: Wang Feng , He Yafeng , Wu Xiaokai , Kang Min
Published: November 2021

Electrochemical grinding (ECG) is processed by the combination of dissolution and grinding. It is very suitable for the processing of difficult-to-cut stainless steel, but its processing performance is restricted by the matching effect of dissolution and grinding. In this work, the processing of the torus surfaces of the stainless steel shaver cap was taken as the research object. A flow field model including the through-hole structure and the rotation of the grinding head was proposed to optimize the flow field distribution and promote the uniform dissolution of materials. The flow field simulation results showed that the rotational flow formed by the high-speed rotation prolonged the electrolyte flow path and was not conducive to the discharge of electrolytic products, and the reasonable selection of the diameter and distribution of the through-hole could reduce the velocity difference. The effects of rotational speed, feed rate, and inlet pressure on the flatness and surface roughness of the torus surfaces were experimentally investigated, and a better matching effect of dissolution and grinding was obtained. Moreover, the experimental results showed that the inner-jet ECG had a good prospect in the batch processing of high-hardness stainless steel parts.
Origin and Route of Severe Dust Storms in West Asia (with Horizontal Visibility Less Than 1000 Meters)
Authors: Mohammadi zainab , lashkari hassan
Published: November 2021

Storms are intensified atmospheric phenomena which are sometimes accompanied by heavy rainfall and sometimes by dust. Dust storms, especially storms with horizontal visibility of fewer than 1000 meters, have always been harmful and detrimental to human comfort and health. In recent decades, the worrisome phenomena of conflict, climate change, and droughts have increased the frequency of dust storms in West Asia. Identifying the source and route of dust storms is the first step in limiting the harm they inflict. To investigate this phenomenon, using the daily data of the Meteorological Organization of Iran, storms with horizontal visibility of less than 1000 meters in the southwestern region of Iran, as one of the destination areas of these storms, in a statistical period of 33 years (1987 to 2019) was extracted. First, the monthly, seasonal and annual distribution of dust storms in 13 synoptic stations in this area was investigated. Then, using the site https://www.ready.noaa.gov/HYSPLIT by backward method from the GDAS data system with a step of 0.5 degrees, the origin and path of the storms were identified. Finally, maps of each route were drawn in ArcGIS 10.6. The findings of this study revealed that the biggest number of dust storms occurred in the winter, in terms of temporal distribution (38% of storms). With 23% of storms, spring is in second position. In terms of monthly distribution, the month of January has the most storms, followed by February and December. Storms decrease in intensity as they move from the south to the north, and from the west to the east of the region. The central region of Iraq ranks first in terms of storm origin, accounting for 25% of all storms. If dust storms originating in western Iraq are added to this number, about 35% of storms in west Asia originate in western and central Iraq. Regarding the pattern of large-scale atmospheric circulation prevailing in the middle layer of the atmosphere in this region, most of these dust storms in the west-east direction, after passing through the center and south of Iraq, enter Iran. The study also shows that storms in Syria، Jordan or northwestern Saudi Arabia, are very thick. These storms cover the middle layer of the troposphere and then affect high stations such as Shahrekord and Yasuj with an altitude of more than 2000 meters.
Density Peaks Clustering based on Nature Nearest Neighbor and Multi-cluster Mergers
Authors: Ma Hui , Wang Ruiqin , Yang Shuai
Published: November 2021

Clustering by fast search and find of Density Peaks (DPC) has the advantages of being simple, efficient, and capable of detecting arbitrary shapes, etc. However, there are still some shortcomings: 1) the cutoff distance is specified in advance, and the selection of local density formula will affect the final clustering effect; 2) after the cluster centers are found, the assignment strategy of the remaining points may produce “Domino effect”, that is, once a point is misallocated, more points may be misallocated subsequently. To overcome these shortcomings, we propose a density peaks clustering algorithm based on natural nearest neighbor and multi-cluster mergers. In this algorithm, a weighted local density calculation method is designed by the natural nearest neighbor, which avoids the selection of cutoff distance and the selection of the local density formula. This algorithm uses a new two-stage assignment strategy to assign the remaining points to the most suitable clusters, thus reducing assignment errors. The experiment was carried out on some artificial and real-world datasets. The experimental results show that the clustering effect of this algorithm is better than those other related algorithms.
Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract - A Source of Secondary Metabolites Exhibiting Anticancer and Antimycobacterial Activities
Authors: Mir Mushtaq A. , Elbehairi Serag Eldin , Memish Lamis Ahmad , Saif Faris , Bashir Nasreena , Shati Ali A. , Alfaifi Mohammad Y. , Alamri Ahmad M. , Alkahtani Sultan Ahmad , Ahmad Irfan , Prasanna Rajagopalan , Eisa Nashwa Hassan Babiker
Published: November 2021

Background: Plant-derived products or extracts are widely used in folk/traditional medicine to treat several, infections, ailments, or disorders. A notable therapeutic herb Myrtus communis, worldwide utilized in the traditional medication for centuries, is an evergreen aromatic and medicinal plant of the Mediterranean region. Materials and methods: The SulphoRhodamine-B assay and DNA flow cytometry were used to investigate the proliferation and subsequent distribution of cells among different phases of the cell cycle. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining coupled with flow cytometry was used to analyze apoptosis and necrosis of the cancer cells. Western blotting detected the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. Zone of inhibition and MIC were determined by well diffusion method and microplate alamar blue assay, respectively. Biofilm formation was studied by crystal violet method. For statistical analysis, a two-tailed Student’s t-test of GraphPad Prism 6.0 was used.Results: In this study, the secondary metabolites of M. communis leaves extracted in ethanol showed the highest cytotoxicity and thus the greatest anticancer effects against diverse cancer cell lines of the breast (MCF-7), liver (HepG2), cervix (HeLa), and colon (HCT116) (IC50; ranging from 33 to 83 mg/ml). The cancer cells arrested in the G1 phase of the cell cycle undergo apoptosis. The induction of the latter is mediated by activation of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Furthermore, the extract showed a strong growth inhibitory effect (zone of inhibition; 20.3±1.1 - 26.3±2.5 mm, MIC; 4.88 - 312.5 µg/ml, and MBC; 39.07 - 1250 μg/ml) against several rapid and slow-growing mycobacterial strains that cause tuberculosis and several other mycobacterial infections. The biofilm formation in BSL2 microorganisms, M. smegmatis and S. aureus, is strongly inhibited by the extract. Conclusion: These results suggest that M. communis leaf extract is a potential source of secondary metabolites, which could be developed further as potential anti-cancer and anti-mycobacterial agents to treat diverse types of cancers and mycobacterial infections.
Research On Equilibrium Strategy and Emergency Management of Three Oligarch Battery Manufacturers Under Cooperative Promotion and Low-Carbon Policy
Authors: Zhang Bing , Zhu Meihong , Zhao Li , Ma Junhai , Xu Tiantong
Published: November 2021

As a crucial technology of solving energy shortage and environment contamination, battery technology is increasingly paid attention to by people. Among various batteries, lithium battery and Zinc-nickel battery are the most competitive and promising ones, especially the Zinc-nickel battery, which will induce shock to current battery industry chain. Meanwhile, the drastic change of exterior environment, such as 5G, Sharing Economy, low-carbon policy, trade protectionism and covid-19 has brought huge challenge to the management of battery industry chain. In this context, this paper set up a battery supply chain, including two zinc-nickel battery manufacturers and a lithium battery manufacturer. Against the background of cooperative promotion of big data and low-carbon policy, this paper constructs a cooperative game model under non cooperative game and demand disturbance respectively, analysing and discussing equilibrium strategy of supply chain. The results show that the price set by the manufacturer increases with the improvement of its technical level when consumers are more sensitive to technical level; with the increase of the Carbon Emission Technology Renewal Coefficient, the optimal price of all the three manufacturers will drop; when the market promotion rate is in the middle range, the price of zinc-nickel battery will be higher than that of lithium battery. In the demand disturbance model, the supply chain determines different optimal prices according to the different ranges of demand disturbance.
Determination of The Permissible Distances in Vicinity of The Gas Station According to The Concentration of Benzene
Authors: Chehrehei Maryam , Mirzahosseini Seyed Alireza Hajiseyed , Mansouri Nabiollah , Behzadi Mohammad Hassan , Rashidi Yousef
Published: November 2021

Benzene is considered a toxic and hazardous pollutant in Tehran metropolis. The storage tanks of petroleum products and refueling in gas stations are among the main sources of benzene emissions. Using the software AERMOD and reviewing the benzene dispersion maps at different distances from 412 storage tanks at 148 gas stations, it was found the permissible distance of the emission source is dependent on various variables such as the number of loading times and the storage capacity. When, storage capacity in the range of 60,000 L to 96,000 L and the number of loading is in the range of 676 to 1,328 times a year, the concentration of benzene at a distance of 30 m of the emission source reaches the annual standard of 5 μg/m3. While, storage capacity in the range of 80,000 L to 128,000 L and the number of loading is in the range of 1,329 to 1,834 times a year, the concentration of benzene at a distance of 40 m of the emission source reaches the annual standard of 5 μg/m3. Also, based on the analysis of data and the linear regression equation, the permissible distance of the emission source can be predicted.
Efficacy of Resveratrol Against Advanced Breast Cancer-Derived Organoids: A comparison with that of Clinically Relevant Drugs
Authors: Ye Hai-Shan , Gao Hong-Fei , Li Hong , Nie Jun-Hua , Li Ting-Ting , Lu Meng-Di , Wu Mo-Li , Liu Jia , Wang Kun
Published: November 2021

Background: The lack of reliable drugs is a therapeutic challenge of advanced breast cancers (ABCs). Resveratrol (Res) exerts inhibitory effects on breast cancer cell lines and animal models, while its efficacy against individual breast cancer cases remain unknown. This study aims to address this issues using ABC-derived organoids (ABCOs) as the ex vivo therapeutic model. Methods: The ABCOs derived from 24 ABC patients were treated with 100 mM resveratrol for 96 hours. Paclitaxel, gemcitabine and fulvestrant were cited as the efficacy controls. Trypan blue staining and Calcein-AM/PI double staining were conducted to elucidate the cell viability, and EdU proliferation assay to evaluate ABCO growth activity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in Res-treated ABCOs were determined by peroxide-dependent DCFH-DA oxidation assay and the statuses of pSTAT3-mediated signaling was examined by immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical labeling. Results: ABCOs were established from 6 surgical specimen, 14 needle biopsies, 3 cancerous pleural effusion and 1 cancerous ascites. Immunohischemical staining confirmed that the ABCOs maintained ER, PR, HER2 and Ki67 expression patterns of their original tumors. ABCO proliferation and viability tests showed > 50% cell death rates in 79.2% (19/24) of Res-treated, 28.6% (2/7) fulvestrant-treated, 66.7% (4/6) paclitaxel-treated and 66.7% (6/9) gemcitabine-treated ABCOs. The increased ROS levels were found in Res-sensitive ABCOs. pSTAT3 nuclear translocation were more frequent in Res-sensitive (14/19; 73.7%) than that (1/5; 20%) of Res-insensitive ABCOs, which were suppressed upon Res treatment. Statistical analysis revealed close correlation of STAT3 activation with the efficacy of Res.Conclusions: We demonstrate for the first time the effectiveness and broader range of Res against different subtypes of ABCOs in comparison with that of conventional anti-breast cancer drugs, providing an alternative approach for better management of breast cancers, especially those at advanced stage.
Stakeholders’ Perspectives on the Implementation of Maternity Waiting Homes in Rural Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gurara Mekdes Kondale , Geertruyden Jean-Pierre , Jacquemyn Yves , Draulans Veerle
Published: November 2021

Background
The rural community in Ethiopia is scattered over a wide geographic area, some regions with difficult mountains, making access to healthcare facilities a great challenge. To overcome geographical barriers and improve access to skilled childbirth care, maternity waiting homes (MWHs), shelters built nearby health facilities, where pregnant women are lodged until labour begins, were introduced decades ago. This study identifies the demand and supply-side determinants of access to MWH services in rural Ethiopia.
Methods
This descriptive, exploratory study included five focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews using a semistructured interviewer guide. Field notes were collected, and interviews were audio-recorded. Using Quirkois®, data were coded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed following Penchansky and Thomas’s modified framework of access.
Results
The study identified several challenges of the implementation of the MWH program in the study area. Subthemes that emerged from the discussions were lack of awareness about the MWH services, geographic inaccessibility, inadequacy of facilities and unaffordability-related issues, substandard and culturally insensitive care at MWHs, and logistic barriers. Most participants rated the MWH quality as poor and requested better MWH services to promote access to skilled birth attendance.
Conclusions
Several contextual, structural and socio-cultural barriers have been hindering the implementation of MWHs in the study area. To improve women’s access to skilled childbirth, it is crucial to tailor context-based MWH messages, upgrade existing MWHs and ensure that the services are culturally sensitive.
A Scenario-Based Approach To Predict Energy Demand And Carbon Emission of Electric Vehicles On The Electric Grid
Authors: Cheung Wai
Published: November 2021

UK plans to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol cars by 2030 to be replaced by electric vehicles (EVs). However, motoring experts warn that this demand for electricity will increase by 50 % which will place unprecedented strain on the UK’s National Grid. The question is, will the UK’s electric grid infrastructure ready for this change? This comparative study investigates into the effect of UK green vehicles have on the electricity grid and will present a new insight into improving their environmental impact to the electric grid. This work is carried out with relevant data from 2014 to 2030 and addresses the carbon dioxide emissions produced on the natural environment and how EVs can help to reduce such pollution. This investigation will assess the effects on the electricity grid with or without EVs from an environmental, economic and social viewpoint. Recommendations from this work will help the industry to make key decisions of how to cope with demand and requirements to make a smart grid environment work.
Responses of Soil Nitrification Activities To Copper After A Moisture Stress
Authors: Sereni Laura , Guenet Bertrand , Crouzet Olivier , Blasi Charlotte , Lamy Isabelle
Published: November 2021

Some steps of the soil nitrogen cycle are sensitive to environmental pressures like soil moisture or contamination, which are expected to evolve during the next decades but such a double stress is not yet documented. This study aimed at assessing the importance of the soil moisture on the impact of copper (Cu) contaminations on the N cycling soil function using the potential nitrifying activities (PNA) as bioindicator. A loamy soil was first incubated 6 weeks in either 30, 60, or 90% of its water holding capacity (WHC) or alternating drought and rewetting periods. Thereafter, soil samples were exposed to a gradient of Cu concentrations through a bioassay. The dose-response curves of PNA in function of added Cu were modelled and we compared the different effective Cu concentrations (ECx) producing x % of PNA inhibition to highlight differences in threshold values. The preincubation moisture treatments significantly affected the PNA responses to the secondary Cu stress with, for instance, hormetic responses in all cases except for the dry-rewetting treatment. Small PNA inhibitions were estimated for high Cu doses in the soils with low water contents (30% WHC) or submitted to dry-rewetting cycles, contrarily to the patterns observed for the soils with high water contents (90% WHC) or submitted to a single period of drought. Overall, significant differences were found in estimated ECx values between moisture treatments.
Establishing Correlations Between Normal Pancreatic and Submandibular Gland Ducts
Authors: Stimec Bojan V , Ignjatovic Dejan , Lobrinus Johannes A
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationship between ductal morphometry and ramification patterns in the submandibular gland and pancreas in order to validate their common fractal dimension. METHODS. X-ray ductography with software-aided morphometry were obtained by injecting barium sulphate in the ducts of post-mortem submandibular gland and pancreas specimens harvested from 42 adult individuals. RESULTS. Three cases were excluded from the study because of underlying pathology. There was a significant correlation between the length of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) and the intraglandular portion of the right submandibular duct (SMD) (r = 0.3616; p=0.028), and left SMD (r = 0.595; p<0.01), respectively, but their maximal diameters did not correlate (r = 0.139 - 0.311; p>0.05). Both dimensions of the SMD showed a significant right-left correlation (p<0.05). The number of MPD side branches (mean=37) correlated with the number of side branches of left SMD, but not with the right one (mean = 9). Tortuosity was observed in 54% of the MPD, 32% of the right SMD, and 24% of the left SMD, with mutual association only between the two salivary glands. CONCLUSIONS. Although the length of intraglandular SMD and MPD correlate, other morphometric ductal features do not, thus suggesting a more complex relationship between the two digestive glands.
The Implementation of Habitat Destruction Methods That Promote Native Survival Under Invasion
Authors: Yang Yinghui , Liu Haoqi
Published: November 2021

Controlling invasive alien species invasion and maintaining the survival of native species have attracted increasing attention, and habitat destruction can be used to achieve these aims. However, it remains unclear whether and how to promote the long-term survival of indigenous species facing invaders through the use of habitat destruction. In this study, we developed a spatially explicit simulation model and exposed invaders and residents from this model to habitat destruction with different properties. The results showed that (1) introducing habitat destruction could promote the long-term survival of native species facing invaders; however, the promoting effect of habitat destruction occurred only over a period of time after introduction, and habitat destruction substantially weakened indigenous species before that. (2) Intermediate levels of habitat destruction were the most beneficial to the protection of native species. (3) Even if not considering the proportion of destroyed habitats, introducing spatially dispersed habitat destruction at an earlier time and shortening the interval between two habitat destruction events were very beneficial to the protection of residents. These insights can help facilitate the protection of residents under invasion by adjusting the implementation method of habitat destruction.
Market analysis of lead-acid batteries in Russia and the world
Authors: Васильев А.Н.
Published: November 2021

Проведено исследование состояния рынка свинцово-кислотных аккумуляторов и рассмотрена стратегия развития производителей, экспортеров и импортеров ассоциации. Определено, что за 2019-2020 гг. объемы продаж свинцово-кислотных аккумуляторов в России и мире имеют принципиальные признаки динамики роста и выбор их разнообразия.

The study of the state of the market of lead-acid batteries was carried out and the development strategy of manufacturers, exporters and importers of the association was considered. It was determined that for 2019-2020. The sales volumes of lead-acid batteries in Russia and the world have fundamental signs of growth dynamics and the choice of their diversity.
Functional-target management models of regional security (Part 2. Covering and adequate systems)
Authors: Маслобоев А.В. , Путилов В.А.
Published: November 2021

Работа направлена на развитие формального аппарата анализа и синтеза многоуровневых распределенных систем управления региональной безопасностью с целью повышения адекватности этих систем в условиях усложнения управленческих задач в этой области. В работе предложены математические модели управления региональной безопасностью , основанные на функционально-целевой технологии и теории иерархических многоуровневых систем. Модели обеспечивают формальную постановку задач и практическую реализацию процедур автоматизации структурно-алгоритмического синтеза адекватных систем информационной поддержки управленческой деятельности. Работа состоит из двух частей. В первой части рассматриваются формальные процедуры синтеза цепочек целей и действий в управлении региональной безопасностью. Во второй части обсуждаются вопросы синтеза моделей покрывающих и адекватных систем, обеспечивающих решение задач управления путем удовлетворения условий изоморфизма всех уровней их декомпозиции и функциональной организации системы.

The study is aimed to development of the mathematical apparatus for analysis and synthesis of the multi-level distributed management systems of regional security for the purpose of system adequacy enhancement under management problems complication in this field. Mathematical models for regional security management based on the functional-target technology and the theory of hierarchical multi-level systems are proposed. Models provide formalized problem statement and practical implementation of automation procedures of the structural-algorithmic synthesis of appropriate systems for information support of management activity. Our research work consists of two parts. In the first part formal procedures of the chain synthesis of goals and actions in regional security management are considered. In the second part the model synthesis issues of covering and adequate systems, providing management problem-solving by isomorphism conditions settlement of the all problem decomposition levels and the system functional organization.
ESTRUTURA DE PLANEJAMENTOS DE AULA PARA O ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL: ANÁLISE DE PROPOSTAS DIDÁTICAS SOBRE O SISTEMA CIRCULATÓRIO
Authors: Christo Thanara Muraro de , Sepel Lenira Maria Nunes
Published: November 2021

Esta pesquisa investiga e analisa a estrutura e recursos de planos de aula sobre sistema circulatório, disponíveis no Portal do Professor – Ministério da Educação. Foram coletados no Portal todos os planos de aula que citavam o sistema circulatório (141 planos), e selecionados apenas os que e desenvolviam o conteúdo (15 planos) para a análise da problematização, recursos didáticos e avaliação. A análise e discussão da estrutura dos planos foi alicerçada em duas propostas de metodologia de organização, denominadas: Três Momentos Pedagógicos e Modelo Instrucional BSCS 5E. Os resultados indicam que: a problematização predomina como atividades e questionamentos sobre conhecimentos prévios na introdução da unidade ou assunto; os recursos de Tecnologias Digitais e Informação e Comunicação são frequentes, especialmente os vídeos; o processo avaliativo é pouco enfatizado e sem detalhamento ou indicado ao final sob forma de lista de questões. Os planos utilizam alguns elementos das metodologias analisadas, mas são organizações próprias decorrentes da prática docente. Identificar e compreender o que é valorizado pelos professores na construção do plano de aula cria possibilidades para ampliar as discussões e a aplicação de propostas que contribuem para as práticas docentes com reflexos no processo de ensino e aprendizagem.
USO DE VIDEOAULAS COMO RECURSO DIDÁTICO: CRITÉRIOS DE ANÁLISE E SELEÇÃO
Authors: Silva Luciano Dias da , Lopes Maurício Capobianco
Published: November 2021

Este artigo apresenta parte do resultado de uma pesquisa cujo objetivo é analisar o uso de videoaulas como recurso didático utilizando a sala de aula invertida em aulas de Físico-Química. Os instrumentos utilizados para a geração dos dados foram a internet (para a seleção das videoaulas), as anotações do professor-pesquisador e um questionário de avaliação aplicado aos alunos. A partir desses instrumentos, foram definidos critérios de análise e seleção de videoaulas. Como produto educacional foram gravados vídeos para compor uma playlist no YouTube, cujo objetivo é servir como guia para os professores que se interessarem pelo tema, além de playlists com as melhores videoaulas utilizadas durante a execução do projeto, cuja criação visa facilitar a organização dos estudos de cada aluno e a pesquisa dos professores que não tenham tempo de fazer sua própria seleção de videoaulas. Mais de 90% dos alunos aprovaram a indicação de videoaulas pelo professor.
AS TENDÊNCIAS CURRICULARES NA DÉCADA 1970 E O CASO DO PROJETO LOGOS II
Authors: Gromann de Gouveia Cristiane Talita , Gouveia Neto Sérgio Candido de
Published: November 2021

Entre as décadas de 1970 e 1990 foi desenvolvido em algumas regiões do Brasil um projeto de formação de professores não-titulados denominado Logos II. O programa adotava a tecnologia educacional do ensino a distância via modular. A grade curricular do Logos II continha 28 disciplinas, divididas em duas categorias (Geral e Especial) que após concluir seus estudos proporcionava ao professor-cursista habilitação do magistério em nível de 2º grau. Assim, o artigo em tela tem como objetivo elaborar uma história do currículo na década de 1970 partindo da análise do currículo do projeto Logos II. Além disso, evidenciaremos, os conceitos da educação tecnicista que estruturaram o currículo brasileiro, e consequentemente a estrutura curricular do Projeto Logos II. Como fontes foram utilizados os documentos relacionados ao projeto Logos II assim como as legislações e outros documentos que se relacionam com a temática. Como referencial teórico-metodológico utilizamos o conceito de currículo de Goodson (2012) e a compreensão de análise de fonte históricas de Ginzburg (1989; 2008) e Pesavento (2008). Os resultados indicam que na época de implantação do projeto, o currículo brasileiro recebeu grandes influências internacionais, devido aos acordos bilaterais que marcaram a construção da grade curricular Logos II.