bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver-specific LINC01146, a Promising Prognostic Indicator, Inhibits Malignant Phenotype of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Both in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Ma Xiaoyun , Mo Meile , Tan Chao , Tan Jennifer Hui Juan , Huang Huishen , Liu Bihu , Huang Dongping , Liu Shun , Zeng Xiaoyun , Qiu Xiaoqiang
Published: November 2021

BackgroundLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proven to be involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to investigate the function of LINC01146 in HCC.MethodsThe expression of LINC01146 in HCC tissues was explored via the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, and was verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in our HCC cohort. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the relationship between LINC01146 and the prognosis of HCC patients. Cell Counting Kit 8, colony formation assays, transwell assays, flow cytometric assays, and tumor formation models in nude mice were conducted to reveal the effects of LINC01146 on HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatic methods were used to explore the possible potential pathways of LINC01146 in HCC.ResultsLINC01146 was significantly decreased in HCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues and it was found to be related to the clinical presentations of malignancy and the poor prognosis of HCC patients. Overexpression of LINC01146 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting the apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro. On the contrary, downregulation of LINC01146 exerted the opposite effects on HCC cells in vitro. In addition, overexpression of LINC01146 significantly inhibited tumor growth, while downregulation of LINC01146 promoted tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, the co-expression genes of LINC01146 were mainly involved in the “metabolic pathway” and “complement and coagulation cascade pathway”. ConclusionLINC01146 expression was found to be decreased in HCC tissues and associated with the prognosis of HCC patients. It may serve as a cancer suppressor and prognostic biomarker in HCC.
Extracellular HSP90α-LRP1 Signaling Promote Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis and Chemoresistance Via Regulating Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Xue Nina , Du Tingting , Lai Fangfang , Jin Jing , Ji Ming , Chen Xiaoguang
Published: November 2021

Extracellular heat shock protein 90α (HSP90α) has been reported to promote cancer cell invasion and migration. However, whether pancreatic cancer (PC) cells expressed membrane-bound or secreted HSP90α and its underlying mechanism for PC progression were still unclear. Our study pointed out that highly invasive Capan2 cells has a higher level of secreted HSP90α, rather than membrane HSP90α, compared with those of less invasive PL45 cells. The conditioned medium of Capan2 cells or recombinant HSP90α protein was able to stimulate the migration and invasion of PL45 or capan2 cells, which could be prevented by a neutralizing anti-HSP90α antibody. Furthermore, secreted HSP90α promoted elements of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PL45 cells, including increases in vimentin and snail expressions, decreases in E-cadherin expression and changes in cell shape towards a mesenchymal phenotype, but these phenomena were reversed by anti-HSP90α antibody in Capan2 cells. In addition, high levels of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) mRNA were associated with worsened patient survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. LRP1 as a receptor of eHSP90α for its stimulatory role of PC cells EMT and metastasis by activating AKT signaling. Down-regulation of LRP1 could promote chemosensitivity to gemcitabine and doxorubicin, but not to topotecan and paclitaxel in Capan2 cells. Therefore, our study reveals a critical role of secreted HSP90α on EMT events and suggests blocking secreted HSP90α underlies an aspect of metastasis and chemoresistance.
Micro- and Nanometric Characterization of the Celestite Skeleton of Acantharian Species (Radiolaria, Rhizaria)
Authors: Fujimaki Rina , Suzuki Noritoshi , Kimoto Katsunori , Nagai Yukiko , Oaki Yuya , Shimode Shinji , Toyofuku Takashi , Imai Hiroaki
Published: November 2021

We studied the micrometric morphology and nanometric structure of the celestite (SrSO4) skeleton of acantharian family Acanthometridae. A body of the skeleton composed of 20 radial spines with four blades was characterized using microfocus X-ray computed tomography. The regular arrangement of three types of spines was clarified with the connection of the blades around the root of each spine. The surface of the spines was covered with a chitin-based organic membrane to prevent dissolution in sea water. On the nanometric scale, the mesocrystalline structure that consists of nanoscale grains having a distorted single-crystal nature was revealed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The acantharian skeletons have a crystallographically controlled architecture that is covered with a protective organic membrane.
HIF-1α Negatively Regulates Irisin Expression Which Involves in Muscle Atrophy Induced by Hypoxia
Authors: Liu Shiqiang , Fu Pengyu , Ning Kaiting , Wang Rui , Yang Baoqiang , Chen Jiahui , Xu Huiyun
Published: November 2021

Background: Exposure to high altitude environment leads to skeletal muscle atrophy. As a hormone secreted by skeletal muscles after exercise, irisin contributes to promoting muscle regeneration and ameliorating skeletal muscle atrophy, but its role in hypoxia-induced skeletal muscle atrophy is still unclear. Methods & Results: Our results showed that 4 w of hypoxia exposure significantly reduced body weight and gastrocnemius muscle mass of mice, as well as grip strength and the duration time of treadmill exercise. Hypoxia treatment increased HIF-1α expression and decreased both the circulation level of irisin and its precursor protein FNDC5 expression in skeletal muscle. In vitro, CoCl2-induced chemical hypoxia and 1% O2 ambient hypoxia both reduced FNDC5, along with the increase of HIF-1α. Moreover, the decline of area and diameter of myotubes caused by hypoxia were rescued by inhibiting HIF-1α via YC-1. and Conclusions: Collectively, our research indicated that FNDC5/irisin was negatively regulated by HIF-1α and could participate in the regulation of muscle atrophy caused by hypoxia.
Fieldable Muon Spectrometer Using Multi-Layer Pressurized Gas Cherenkov Radiators and Its Applications
Authors: Bae Junghyun , Chatzidakis Stylianos
Published: November 2021

Cosmic ray muons have been considered as a non-conventional radiation probe in various applications. To utilize cosmic ray muons in engineering applications, two important quantities, trajectory and momentum, must be known. The muon trajectories are easily reconstructed using two-fold detector arrays with a high spatial resolution. However, precise measurement of muon momentum is difficult to be achieved without deploying large and expensive spectrometers such as solenoid magnets. Here, we propose a new method to estimate muon momentum using multi-layer pressurized gas Cherenkov radiators. This is accurate, portable, compact (< 1m3), and easily coupled with existing muon detectors without the need of bulky magnetic or time-of-flight spectrometers. The results show that not only our new muon spectrometer can measure muon momentum with a resolution of ±0.5 GeV/c in a momentum range of 0.1 to 10.0 GeV/c, but also we can reconstruct cosmic muon spectrum with high accuracy (~90%).
Examining Enablers of Vaccine Hesitancy Toward Routine Childhood and Adolescent Vaccination in Malawi
Authors: Adeyanju Gbadebo Collins , Betsch Cornelia , Adamu Abdu A. , Gumbi Khadijah Sanusi , Head Michael G , Aplogan Aristide , Tall Haoua , Essoh Tene-Alima
Published: November 2021

Background: Vaccine hesitancy is the delay or refusal of vaccines despite their availability. Here, we explored factors that influence hesitancy among caregivers of children and adolescent girls eligible for routine immunisation and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Malawi. Methods: The study used key informant interviews and focus-group discussions. Information was obtained from caregivers and national and district-level representatives of the expanded program on immunisation (EPI) and community stakeholders. There were 25 key informant interviews, and two focus-group discussions with 13 participants conducted April May 2020. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a thematic content analysis. Results: Most vaccine-hesitancy drivers for routine immunisation were also relevant for the HPV vaccine. Drivers included inadequate awareness of the vaccination schedule, rumours and conspiracy theories exacerbated by religious beliefs, low literacy levels of caregivers, distance and transport to the vaccination clinic, and a disconnect between community healthcare and community leaders. Conclusion: This study provides insights into determinants of vaccine hesitancy within the Malawian context. The findings can inform context-specific interventions by decision-makers. There is need for further study around the prevalence and impact of each factor, as well as their causal relationships to vaccine uptake.
The Blursday Database: Individuals’ Temporalities in Covid Times
Authors: Chaumon Maximilien , Rioux Pier-Alexandre , Herbst Sophie , Spiousas Ignacio , Kübel Sebastian , Hiroyasu Elisa Gallego , Runyun Serife , Micillo Luigi , Thanopoulos Vassilis , Mendoza-Durán Esteban , Wagelmans Anna , Mudumba Ramya , Tachmatzidou Rania , Cellini Nicola , D'Argembeau Arnaud , Giersch Anne , Grondin Simon , Gronfier Claude , Igarzábal Federico Alvarez , Klarsfeld André , Jovanovic Ljubica , Laje Rodrigo , Lannelongue Elisa , Mioni Giovanna , Nicolaï Cyril , Sriniva Narayanan , Sugiyama Shogo , Wittmann Marc , Yotsumoto Yuko , Vatakis Argiro , Balci Fuat , Wassenhove Virginie van
Published: December 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns triggered worldwide changes in the daily routines of human experience. The Blursday database provides measures of subjective time and related processes from more than 2,800 participants (over 9 countries) tested on 14 questionnaires and 15 behavioral tasks during the Covid-19 pandemic. The easy-to-process database and all data collection tools are made fully accessible to researchers interested in studying the effects of social isolation on temporal information processing, time perspective, decision-making, sleep, metacognition, attention, memory, self-perception, and mindfulness. Blursday also includes vital quantitative statistics such as sleep patterns, personality traits, psychological well-being, and lockdown indices. Herein, we exemplify the use of the database with novel quantitative insights on the effects of lockdown (stringency, mobility) and subjective confinement on time perception (duration, passage of time, temporal distances). We show that new discoveries are possible as illustrated by an inter-individual central tendency effect in retrospective duration estimation.
Maize/soybean intercropping improves stability of soil aggregates driven by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a black soil of Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Shu , Meng Lingbo , Hou Jian , Liu Xiaodan , Ogundeji Abiola O. , Cheng Zeyu , Yin Tengjiao , Clarke Nicholas , Hu Baozhong , Li Shumin
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims

Studies verify that intercropping influence the soil aggregates and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), but the characteristics and relationships of AMF communities and soil aggregates at different soil depths have not been fully understood.
Methods

A long term positioning experiment starting in 2017, including two-factor experiment of N application level and cultivation. The N application level including N0 (0 kg·hm−2) and N2 (240 kg·hm−2 and 80 kg·hm−2 for maize and soybean, respectively). The cultivation, including monoculture maize, monoculture soybean, and maize/soybean intercropping (intercropping maize, intercropping soybean). Soil aggregates and AMF were collected and analyzed from the difference depths soil.
Results

Results showed that intercropping can improve the macro-aggregate (>5 mm) content of maize soil at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth under N0 level. Also, the intercropping can only improve the macro-aggregate content of soybean soil at 0-15 cm depth. Likewise, the results also proved that increasing the N fertilizer application rate can significantly decrease the macro-aggregates in intercropping soil at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths. Moreover, intercropping treatment can significantly improve the AMF diversity of maize and soybean soil at different depths, while the application of N fertilizer significantly reduced the AMF diversity of soil at different depths.
Conclusion

The Structural equation modeling indicated that the intercropping system could influence and participate in the formation of soil aggregates by changing the soil AMF community and relative abundance, thereby contributing the soil stability. These results reveal the mechanisms of improvement of soil quality through diversity planting patterns.
Comparisons of forecasting for Survival Outcome for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma by using Six Machine Learning Models Based on Multi-Omics
Authors: Mo Liying , Su Yuangang , Yuan Jianhui , Xiao Zhiwei , Zhang Ziyan , Lan Xiuwan , Huang Daizheng
Published: November 2021

Background: Machine learning methods showed excellent predictive ability in a wide range of fields. For the survival of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), its multi-omics influence is crucial. This study attempts to establish a variety of machine learning multi-omics models to predict the survival of HNSC and find the most suitable machine learning prediction method. Results: For omics of HNSC, the results of the six models all showed that the performance of multi-omics was better than each single-omic alone. Results were presented which showed that the BN model played a good prediction performance (area under the curve [AUC] 0.8250) in HNSC multi-omics data. The other machine learning models RF (AUC = 0.8002), NN (AUC = 0.7200), and GLM (AUC = 0.7145) also showed high predictive performance except for DT(AUC = 0.5149) and SVM(AUC = 0.6981). And the results of a vitro qPCR were consistent with the Random forest algorithm. Conclusion: Machine learning methods could better forecast the survival outcome of HNSC. Meanwhile, this study found that the Bayesian network was the most superior. Moreover, the forecast result of multi-omics was better than single-omic alone in HNSC.
Treatment of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension with Preservative-Free Tafluprost-Timolol Fixed-Dose Combination Versus Preservative-Free Latanoprost-Timolol Fixed-Dose Combination Therapy: Real-World Experience
Authors: Thelen Ulrich
Published: November 2021

Background: To evaluate the effect of an "escalation" of topical glaucoma therapy by switching form prostaglandin monotherapy to two different prostaglandin-timolol fixed combinations.Methods: 30 patients (60 eyes) with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) were initially treated with the prostaglandin analog latanoprost in a preservative-free formulation. 15 patients each were for 6 months - because of IOP levels considered still too high - treated with preservative-free tafluprost/timolol fixed-dose combination or preservative-free latanoprost/timolol fixed-dose combination therapy. Results: Six months after switching from latanopost monotherapy to preservative-free prostaglandin-timolol combinations, patients being treated with the latanoprost-timolol fixed combination had a mean IOP reduction by 4.16 mm Hg and those treated with the tafluprost-timolol fixed combination a mean IOP reduction by 5.38 mm Hg. Regarding safety and tolerability, there were no issues in the tafluprost-timolol group.Conclusions: Switching from prostaglandin monotherapy to a prostaglandin-timolol fixed combination led to a sufficient IOP lowering in our group of patients. Tolerability of, and satisfaction with, the fixed combination therapies was high.
Prognostic Significance of Right Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Angiographic Correlation
Authors: RAJENDRAN KAPIL , RAJAN BAIJU , KUNJUKRISHNAPILLA SIVAPRASAD , KS MOHANAN , VELAPPAN PRAVEEN , SALAM ABDUL
Published: November 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) Indicators as Predictors of Mortality Among Patients Hospitalised with COVID-19 Disease in the Lothian Region, Scotland During the First Wave: A Cohort Study
Authors: Scopazzini Marcello S , Cave Roo Nicola Rose , Mutch Callum P , Ross Daniella A , Bularga Anda , Chase-Topping Margo , Woolhouse Mark , Koch Oliver , Perry Meghan R , Mackintosh Claire L
Published: November 2021

Background: Sars-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, has led to more than 100,000 deaths in the UK and multiple risk factors for mortality including age, sex and deprivation have been identified. This study aimed to identify which indicators of Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), an area-based deprivation index, were predictive of mortality. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of anonymised electronic health records of 710 consecutive patients hospitalised with Covid-19 disease between March and June 2020 in the Lothian Region of Southeast Scotland. Data sources included automatically extracted data from national electronic platforms and manually extracted data from individual admission records. Exposure variables of interest were SIMD quintiles and more specifically 12 indicators of deprivation deemed clinically relevant selected from the SIMD. Our primary outcome was mortality. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and sex were used to determine measures of association between exposures of interest and the primary outcome. Results: After adjusting for age and sex, we found an increased risk of mortality in the more deprived SIMD quintiles 1 and 3 (OR 1.75, CI 0.99-3.08, p=0.053 and OR 2.17, CI 1.22-3.86, p=0.009, respectively), but this association was not significant in our multivariable model adjusted for co-morbidities and clinical parameters of severity at admission. Of the 12 pre-selected indicators of deprivation, two were associated with greater mortality in our multivariable analysis: income deprivation rate categorised by quartile (Q4 (most deprived): 2.11 (1.20-3.77) p=0.011)) and greater than expected hospitalisations due to alcohol per SIMD data zone (1.96 (1.28-3.00) p=0.002)). Conclusions: In contrast to other studies, deprivation quintile distribution was not predictive of mortality in our cohort. This possibly reflects the greater affluence and ethnic homogeneity of the Lothian Region compared to the rest of Scotland. We identified an increased risk of mortality in patients residing in areas with greater income-deprivation and/or number of hospitalisations due to alcohol. In areas where aggregate measures fail to capture pockets of deprivation, specific indicators may be helpful in targeting resources to residents at risk of poorer outcomes from Covid-19.
Prognostic Significance of Visit-To-Visit Variability, Maximum and Minimum LDL Cholesterol in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sheng Chang-Sheng , Miao Ya , Ding Lili , Cheng Yi , Wang Dan , Yang Yuling , Tian Jingyan
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND
Current guidelines for dyslipidemia management recommended that the LDL_C goal could be lower to less than 70 mg/dL. The present study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the visit-to-visit variability in LDL_C, and minimum and maximum LDL_C during follow-up in Diabetes mellitus.
METHODS
We studied the risk of outcomes in relation to visit-to-visit LDL_c variability in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) Lipid trial. LDL_c variability indices were coefficient of variation (CV), variability independent of the mean (VIM), and average real variability (ARV). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were employed to estimate adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
Compared with the placebo group (n=2667), Fenofibrate therapy group (n=2673) had significantly (P<0.01) lower mean of plasma triglyceride (152.5 vs. 178.6 mg/dl), total cholesterol (158.3 vs.162.9 mg/dl), but similar mean LDL_C during follow-up (88.2 vs.88.6 mg/dl, P>0.05). All three variability indices were associated with primary outcome, total mortality and cardiovascular mortality both in total population and in Fenofibrate therapy group, but only with primary outcome in the placebo group. The minimum LDL_C but not the maximum during follow-up was significantly associated with various outcomes in total population, fenofibrate therapy and placebo group. The minimum LDL_C during follow-up ≥70 mg/dl was associated with increased risk for various outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Visit-to-visit variability in LDL_C was a strong predictor of outcomes, independent of mean LDL_C. Patients with LDL_C be controlled to less than 70 mg/dl at least once during follow-up might have a benign prognosis.
Analysis of Perioperative Patient Adverse Event Reports and Anesthesia Safety Management in an Anesthesia Department of a Tertiary A Hospital in 2019-2020
Authors: Chen Hongyang , Wang Zining , Zhang Weiyi , Zhu Tao
Published: November 2021

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of anesthesia adverse events in our department and propose measures for anesthesia safety management, to achieve better improvement of medical quality and promote medical safety. Methods: A total of 589 cases of anesthesia adverse events were collated and analyzed, including the time period of anesthesia adverse events and ASA (American Society of Aneshesiologists) classification of anesthesia adverse events. Results: The anesthesia induction and awakening periods were the main time periods for the occurrence of anesthesia adverse events, other human factors were the main reasons for the occurrence of anesthesia adverse events, and ASA grading II and III surgical patients accounted for the main proportion (mainly because of the heavy proportion of II and III surgical patients). Conclusion: Understanding the causes of adverse anesthesia events and implementing strict anesthesia safety management measures are conducive to reducing the occurrence of adverse anesthesia events and improving the safety of anesthesia.
Fabrication and Characterization of Optically Transparent PVDF Films Embedded with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Duff Caleb , Rowland Alan , Long Alexander , Wu Yanwen
Published: December 2021

Polyvinylidene fluoride is a piezoelectric polymer that can be cast into transparent thin films. New properties can be introduced by embedding nanoparticles in this polymer, making it an excellent platform for flexible and tunable electronic and optoelectronic devices. We develop a recipe for embedding plasmonic gold nanoparticles into these films while maintaining their transparency as an initial step to activate optical response in the film. We characterize films made under different poling conditions with and without nanoparticle inclusions using X-ray diffraction. We find that the inclusion of gold nanoparticles screens the poling field and has a sizable effect on the phase of the produced films.
Snapback-Free Reverse-Conducting SOI LIGBT with an Integrated Self-Biased MOSFET
Authors: Yang Kemeng , Wei Jie , Dai Kaiwei , Ma Zhen , Li Congcong , Luo Xiaorong
Published: November 2021

A novel snapback-free RC-LIGBT with integrated self-biased N-MOSFET is proposed and investigated by simulation. The device features an integrated self-biased N-MOSFET(ISM) on the anode active region. One side of the ISM is shorted to the P+ anode electrode of RC-LIGBT and the other side is connected to the N+ anode via a floating ohmic contact. The adaptively turn-on/off of the ISM contributes to improve the static and dynamic performance of the ISM RC-LIGBT. In the forward-state, due to the off-state of the ISM, the snapback could be effectively suppressed without requiring extra device area compared with the SSA (separated shorted anode) and STA (segmented trenches in the anode) LIGBTs. In the reverse conduction, the ISM is turned on and the parasitic NPN in the ISM is punched through, which provides a current path for the reverse current. Meanwhile, during the turn-off and reverse recovery states, the ISM turns on, providing a rapid electron extraction path. Thus, a superior tradeoff between the on-state voltage drop (Von) and turnoff loss (Eoff) as well as an improved reverse recovery characteristic can be obtained. Compared with the STA device, the proposed ISM RC-LIGBT reduces Eoff by 21.5% without snapback. Its reverse recovery charge is reduced by 53.7%/58.6% compared to that of the SSA LIGBT with Lb=40/60μm at the same Von. Due to the prominent static and dynamic characteristic, the power loss of ISM RC-LIGBT in a completed switching cycle is reduced.
Genetic Analysis Reveals Three Novel QTLs Underpinning a Butterfly Egg-Induced Hypersensitive Response-Like Cell Death in Brassica Rapa
Authors: Bassetti Niccolò , Caarls Lotte , Bukovinszkine’Kiss Gabriella , El-Soda Mohamed , Veen Jeroen van , Bouwmeester Klaas , Zwaan Bas J. , Schranz M. Eric , Bonnema Guusje , Fatouros Nina E.
Published: November 2021

Background
Cabbage white butterflies (Pieris spp.) can be severe pests of Brassica crops such as Chinese cabbage, Pak choi (Brassica rapa) or cabbages (B. oleracea). Eggs of Pieris spp. can induce a hypersensitive response-like (HR-like) cell death which reduces egg survival in the wild black mustard (B. nigra). Unravelling the genetic basis of this egg-killing trait in Brassica crops could improve crop resistance to herbivory, reducing major crop losses and pesticides use. Here we investigated the genetic architecture of a HR-like cell death induced by P. brassicae eggs in B. rapa.
Results
A germplasm screening of B. rapa 56 accessions, representing the genetic and geographical diversity of a B. rapa core collection, showed phenotypic variation for cell death. An image-based phenotyping protocol was developed to accurately measure size of HR-like cell death and was then used to identify two accessions that consistently showed weak (R-o-18) or strong cell death response (L58). Screening of 160 RILs derived from these two accessions resulted in three novel QTLs for Pieris brassicae-induced cell death on chromosomes A02 (Pbc1), A03 (Pbc2), and A06 (Pbc3). The three QTLs Pbc1-3 contain cell surface receptors, intracellular receptors and other genes involved in plant immunity processes, such as ROS accumulation and cell death formation. Synteny analysis with A. thaliana suggested that Pbc1 and Pbc2 are novel QTLs associated with this trait, while Pbc3 contains also LecRK-I.1, a gene of A. thaliana previously associated with cell death induced by a P. brassicae egg extract.
Conclusions
This study provides the first genomic regions associated with the Pieris egg-induced HR-like cell death in a Brassica crop species. It is a step closer towards unravelling the genetic basis of an egg-killing crop resistance trait, paving the way for breeders to further fine-map and validate candidate genes.
Proposed Pathways for Phytodegradation of Phenanthrene and Pyrene in Maize (Zea Mays L.) Using GC-Ms Analysis
Authors: Houshani Mahdieh , Salehi-Lisar Seyed Yahya , Motafakkerazad Rouhollah , Movafeghi Ali
Published: November 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread organic pollutants which are persistent in the environment. Biodegradation of PAHs is one of the major mechanisms for their removal from environment. However, unlike microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, the degradation pathways of organic pollutants in plant systems are not completely clear. This paper displays the possible pathways for the degradation of phenanthrene and pyrene (as two abundant PAHs in the environment) in maize plant. Maize plants were treated by phenanthrene and pyrene and after 7, 14, and 21 days, a number of intermediate compounds were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis. The obtained results showed that although maize plant can metabolize both compounds, but the degradation rate of phenanthrene was faster and higher than that of pyrene. The degradation of phenanthrene occurred mainly in the second week, whereas the degradation of pyrene was slower and mostly happened after the third week. Intriguingly, the degradation of both compounds was primarily observed in the roots. The number of identified intermediate compounds was different in the shoot and root and depends on the type of contaminant and treatment time. The most outstanding identified intermediates were quinones, dihydrodiols, phthalate and phenolic compounds which were formed through the cleavage of phenanthrene and pyrene. Accordingly, the probable degradation pathways of phenanthrene and pyrene in maize plants were proposed.
Vortices Nucleation By Inherent Fluctuations In Nematic Liquid Crystal Cells
Authors: Aguilera Esteban , Clerc Marcel G. , Zambra Valeska
Published: November 2021

Multistable systems are characterized by exhibiting domain coexistence, where each domain accounts for the different states. In the case of these systems are described by vectorial fields, domains are connected through topological defects. Vortices are one of the most frequent and studied topological defect points. Optical vortices are equally relevant for their fundamental features as beams with topological features and their applications in image processing, telecommunications, optical tweezers, and quantum information. The interaction of light beams with matter vortices in liquid crystal cells is a natural source of optical vortices. The rhythms that govern the emergence of matter vortexes due to fluctuations are not established. Here we investigate the nucleation mechanisms of the matter vortices in liquid crystal cells and establish statistical laws that govern them. Based on a stochastic amplitude equation, the law for the number of nucleated vortices as a function of anisotropy, voltage, and noise level intensity is set. Experimental observations in a nematic liquid crystal cell with homeotropic anchoring and a negative anisotropic dielectric constant under the influence of a transversal electric field show a fair agreement with the theoretical findings.
Whole-Genome Analysis of KPC-Producing Klebsiella Pneumoniae Isolates From Hospital Acquired Post-Neurosurgical Meningitis
Authors: Sun Mingyue , Xiao Weiqiang , Xu Qingxia
Published: November 2021

Background: Nosocomial bacterial infections from carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) are associated with high mortality in neurosurgical patients. This study examined the post-neurosurgical meningitis outbreak caused by CRKP of patients with nervous system tumours，and analysed the molecular characteristics of the causative strain.Methods: Neurosurgical cancer patients with meningitis caused by CRKP between 2017–2019 were retrospectively analysed. Identification of strains and antimicrobial susceptibilities was conducted using BD Phoenix-100, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and broth microdilution. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were used to identify the subtypes of K. pneumoniae. The genotype correlation, resistance genes and plasmid of isolates were assessed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS).Results: Isolates were resistant to almost all of the tested antimicrobial agents except polymyxin and tigecycline. The PFGE and MLST revealed all isolates were the same strain - ST11–while WGS phylogenetic analysis indicated they were closely related. The isolates harboured blaKPC-2 and an IncFII-type plasmid; the blaKPC-2 gene had a similar genetic environment across isolates.Conclusions: The results of molecular analysis showed that ST11 and IncFII-type plasmid in CRKP have close correlations and indicate a long-term retrospective genomic study throughout the hospital for KPC-producing K. pneumoniae is necessary.
Von der Not zur Tugend: 2020 als Turbobooster für neue und kreative Lehrformate.
Authors: Estner Cornelia , Schropp Daniel , Spaeth Tatjana
Published: November 2021

Vor dem Jahr 2020 stand die Universität Ulm hinsichtlich der Digitalisierung innerhalb der Hochschullandschaft eher im hinteren Mittelfeld. Umso größer war der Kraftakt, der im Zuge einer schnellen Umstellung auf digitale Lehre zum Sommersemester 2020 aufgewandt werden musste. Neben der technischen Aufrüstung entstand ein umfangreiches Unterstützungsangebot für Lehrende sowie ein flächendeckendes Multiplikator*innennetzwerk. Diese Maßnahmen wurden durch eine Evaluation begleitet (Lehrendenaustausch, Podiumsdiskussion, Rückmeldungen zum Sonderpreis für engagierte Online-Lehre sowie Studierendenbefragung und Lehrevaluationen) mit dem Ziel, positive Entwicklungennachhaltig zu implementieren. Die Universität Ulm kann ein überaus positives Fazit ziehen und daraus Empfehlungen für eine gelungene Umstellung auf die Online-Lehre geben.
(Un)Freiwillig Online-Lehre.
Authors: Klug Julia , Seethaler Elisabeth
Published: November 2021

In diesem Beitrag gehen wir der Frage nach, was sich Lehramtsstudierende nach einem Jahr pandemiebedingter Online-Lehre wünschen und welche Lehrveranstaltungsformate sie bevorzugen. Wie schätzen sie ihren subjektiven Lerngewinn, ihr emotionales Empfinden und ihre Lernmotivation in der Online-Lehre ein? Korrespondiert ihr Wissen und ihre Lehrer-Selbstwirksamkeit unabhängig vom Lehrveranstaltungsformat? Dazu befragten wir an der PH Salzburg Stefan Zweig 103 Primar-Bachelor-Studierende einer Lehrveranstaltung zur Klassenführung, die als Präsenz- und als Online-Lehre durchgeführt wurde. Die Ergebnisse zeigen: Die Präsenzlehre wird präferiert, allerdings werden die Vorzüge der Online-Lehre, wie Zeit- und Geldersparnis, der Komfort von zu Hause aus lernen zu können oder die Eigenverantwortung geschätzt. Gleichzeitig wird deutlich, es fehlt die soziale Interaktion, was Motivation und positives Erleben beeinträchtigt. Auf den tatsächlichen Lernerfolg hat das Lehrveranstaltungsformat dennoch keinen Einfluss. In Abwägung der Vor- und Nachteile kann für eine gut organisierte Umsetzung des blended-learning plädiert werden, das angenehme Aspekte der Online-Lehre mit den affektiven und motivationalen Aspekten der Präsenzlehre vereint.
Unterricht zwischen Schule und Zuhause: Perspektiven von Schulanfänger*innen auf Lernprozesse im Homeschooling.
Authors: Hüpping Birgit , Kekeritz Mirja , Kubandt Melanie
Published: November 2021

Die vorliegende qualitative Studie untersucht Perspektiven von Schulanfänger*innen aus einer gesamten Grundschulklasse im Wechsel von Homeschooling- und Präsenzphasen. Die Studie ist gekennzeichnet durch zwei Erhebungszeiträume in den durch die Pandemie geprägten Zeiträumen 2020 und 2021. Im Zentrum des vorliegenden Beitrags steht die erste Lockdownphase (Frühjahr/Sommer 2020). Die rekonstruierten Herausforderungen und Bewältigungsstrategien der Kinder beim schulischen Lernen im familialen Setting werden dahingehend beleuchtet, welche Rolle mediales Lernen spielt und welche Rolle der Einsatz digitaler Medien hier perspektivisch spielen könnte.
COVID-19 als Chance für mehr zeitgemäße Bildung in der Unterrichts- und Schulentwicklung? Überlegungen zum Selbstverständnis von Lehrkräften im Wandel.
Authors: Böhmer Jule , Tewes Johanna
Published: November 2021

Die unvorhergesehene Umstellung auf Distanzunterricht im Frühjahr 2020 hat Lehrkräfte dazu herausgefordert, neue Konzepte zur digital gestützten Unterrichtsgestaltung zu entwickeln und neue Formen der kollegialen Vernetzung über digitale Formate befördert. Anhand von Daten aus einer kleinen quantitativen Erhebung unter Hamburger Gymnasial- und Stadtteilschullehrkräften soll im Folgenden gezeigt werden, wie die subjektiven Theorien von Lehrkräften Unterrichts- und Schulentwicklung unter veränderten Bedingungen fördern oder hemmen. Daran anschließend soll diskutiertwerden, inwiefern die Erfahrungen mit digitalen Vernetzungsstrategien Perspektiven für zukünftige Praxen der kollegialen Kooperation und Kollaboration zwischen Lehrkräften und Schulen eröffnen und dazu beitragen können, das Schulsystem als Ganzes zu transformieren.
Performance Evaluation of Copper and Stainless-steel Electrodes in Electrical Tomographic Imaging
Authors:   School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Akingboye Adedibu Sunny ,   Department of Earth Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, 001 Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, Bery Andy Anderson ,   School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Published: December 2021

Geophysicists use electrical methods to investigate and characterise the earth’s subsurface geology. This study aims to evaluate the performance of copper and conventional stainless-steel electrodes in subsurface tomographic investigations using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and induced polarisation (IP) at two sites in Penang, Malaysia. Site 1 and Site 2 employed profile lengths of 200 m and 100 m, with electrodes spacing of 5.0 m and 2.5 m, respectively. In the results of the final data inversion, it was observed that the ERT and IP tomographic models of Site 1 have the best convergence limits with percentage relative differences (copper as reference model) ranging from –70% to 70%, while Site 2 recorded –8% to 8%. The electrodes performance evaluation showed that population root mean square (RMS) error and population mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of data points between copper and stainless-steel electrodes yielded large values for Site 1 with values above 28% and that of Site 2 was less than 4%. Hence, copper (good electrical conductivity and non-polarisable) electrodes have improved the quality and quantity of infield data which give low values of population RMS error and population MAPE compared to conventional stainless-steel electrodes, especially for large unit electrode spacing surveys. Most notably, this work has contributed to the understanding of the capability of copper electrodes in providing precise and reliable inversion models for subsurface tomographic investigations in pre- and post-land uses (engineering work), hydrogeology/groundwater, environmental studies, etc.
Evaluating the economic and ecological effects of investment projects: A new model and its application to smartphone manufacturing in Europe
Authors: Apalkova Viktoriia , Tsyganov Sergiy , Chernytska Tetiana , Meshko Nataliia , Tsyganova Nadiia
Published: November 2021

Despite market volatility in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a decline in global investment flows to 2005 levels, sustainable development funds continued to grow. These data indicate a change in development vectors: now leading investors are guided by technologies for sustainable growth. The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimal model for evaluating investment projects in terms of their economic and environmental effects on the development of the region. The proposed technique is being tested for an investment project aimed at developing the production of mobile phones in Europe. As shown, the analysis of the location of the production of smartphones in Europe for subsequent implementation in the European market has a number of advantages and is more beneficial in terms of environmental and economic effects for the region. First, from an economic point of view, this leads to an increase in the volume of attracted investments, a decrease in operating costs for international logistics, the creation of new jobs and qualifications for the population. In addition, it is important to be able to actively implement circular business models that will reuse lithium-ion phone batteries, which will lead to a decrease in the need for cobalt as a raw material, as well as lead to an increase in the level of recycling of e-waste and the circularity of the European economy. Also, such investment projects open up great opportunities for manufacturers from a marketing point of view, creating bonuses for a positive image and preferences for a “local green producer”.
In vitro Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Activities of Ouratea fieldingiana (Gardner) Eng. Leaf Extract and Correlation with Its Phenolics Profile with an in silico Study in Relation to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Frota Lucas , Alves Daniela , Freitas Leonardo , Lopes Francisco , Marinho Marcia , Marinho Emmanuel , de Morais Selene
Published: November 2021

Ouratea fieldingiana is a native medicinal plant from Northeastern Brazil and many biological properties are due to the phenolic constituents. The objective of this work was performing the characterization of O. fieldingiana leaf constituents to correlate with antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities by in vitro and in silico studies and thus contribute to find new agents against Alzheimer’s disease. The high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the presence of the flavonoids rutin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin, apigenin and amentoflavone. The antioxidant activities by the (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) methodologies, showed good results with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 5.63 to 11.47 μg mL-1 and 2.72 to 23.71 μg mL-1, respectively. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay pointed out the flavone apigenin with best activity. Computational studies evaluated the interaction of flavonoids with the enzyme acetylcholinesterase co-crystallized with the galantamine, used as standard. All flavonoids exhibited binding energy greater than that of galantamine, but only apigenin showed strong interaction with the active site of the enzyme and other bind probably to different allosteric centers. Then, O. fieldingiana extract and flavonoids with good anti-radical activity and presenting a broad-spectrum action against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme ought to be tested in clinical studies to discover new neuro-therapeutic candidates.
About Construction of Realizability Arias of Salesman Strategies in Dynamic Salesmen Problem
Authors:   Foresight, Gavrilova Anastasiya V. , Pankratova Yaroslavna B. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: December 2021

The dynamic travelling salesman problem, where we assume that all objects can move with constant velocity, is considered. To solve this NPhard problem we use a game-theoretic approach and well-known solution concepts of pursuit games. We identify the realizability areas of salesman strategies depending on the initial positions of customers and their velocities. We present different cases of realizability areas of salesman strategies constructing in Python program with several numbers of customers.
Dynamic Shapley Value in the Game with Perishable Goods
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Yin Li ,   School of Economics and Management, Yanan University, Petrosian Ovanes ,   St. Petersburg State University, Jinying Zou ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: December 2021

The paper investigates two-stage stochastic minimum spanning tree games with perishable goods. The cooperative behaviour of the players is defined. At each stage, all players jointly take action to construct a network with a cost matrix. At the second stage, a particular player may leave the game, and the probability of this leaving depends on the cooperative behaviour of all players at the first stage. At each stage game, the total cost of the spanning tree is calculated to include the sum of the costs of the contained edges and the cost of the loss of perishable goods expended on that edge of the spanning tree. The characteristic functions in the game are considered, and the dynamic Shapley values are modified. The time consistency of the dynamic Shapley values is studied.
Water vulnerabilities mapping: a multi-criteria and multi-scale assessment in central Chile
Authors: Paegelow Martin , Quense Jorge , Peltier Anne , Henríquez Ruiz Cristian , Le Goff Lucie , Arenas Vásquez Federico , Antoine Jean-Marc
Published: November 2021

One of the major challenges that populations have to face is vulnerability to water: lack of water, flooding, pollution, hazard sensitivity and coping capacity. Owing to economic, social and environmental inequalities, this paper focuses on water-related vulnerabilities in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago (RMS) in Chile. Our main objective is to understand, through mapping, the multiscalar logics of water vulnerability. This study is carried out at two scales: at the regional level (RMS), we proceed with open access municipal statistical data and maps, while at the local level, a more detailed analysis focusing on the Chacabuco Province is based on the same type of data but with either a higher spatial resolution (census districts) or a spatially more intensive data processing in order to take into account intra-municipal differences. In this way, we put into perspective the discourse developed in the Chilean media and by the inhabitants of Chacabuco Province regarding the province as an environmental ‘sacrifice zone’ for the RMS. The vulnerability maps are carried out at different scales in a simple and reproducible way by multi-criteria evaluation (MCE). The results confirm the hypothesis of a sacrifice zone and show that high-resolution data and adequate data processing give, on average, lower vulnerability scores than using only statistical data on the municipal level. The results provide a cartographic decision support for stakeholders. Limitations of the study are discussed and required further research is pointed out.
Göz damlası prospektüslerinin okunabilirlik düzeyinin değerlendirilmesi
Authors: AY İbrahim Ethem , DURANOĞLU Yaşar
Published: November 2021

Amaç: Yazılı metinlerin okuyucu tarafından ne denli anlaşılabilir olduğu okunabilirlik üzerinden ifade edilir. Bir metnin okunabilirlik düzeyi, çeşitli matematiksel formüller kullanılarak objektif biçimde ölçülebilmektedir. Bu çalışmada piyasadaki göz damlalarının prospektüslerinin okunabilirlik düzeyini tespit etmek amaçlanmıştır.Yöntem: Toplam 75 prospektüs, Türkçe metinler için geliştirilmiş olan Ateşman ve Bezirci–Yılmaz okunabilirlik formülleriyle değerlendirildi.Bulgular: Prospektüsler Ateşman okunabilirlik formülüne göre ortalama 13–15 yıl, Bezirci–Yılmaz okunabilirlik formülüne göre ise ortalama 13 yıl eğitim ile okunabilir bulundu. Sonuç: Prospektüslerin ortalama olarak lisans düzeyinde eğitimle okunabilir olduğu görüldü. Gereken eğitim düzeyi, Türkiye’deki ortalama eğitim düzeyi dikkate alındığında oldukça yüksektir. Prospektüslerin ortalama eğitim düzeyi göz önünde bulundurularak yazılması, reçeteleme sırasında doktorların hastalara göz damlalarının kullanımı ve yan etkileriyle ilgili detaylı bilgi vermesi gerekmektedir.
GASTON BACHELARD AND PIERRE DUHEM: EPISTEMOLOGICAL DISCONTINUITY AND CONTINUITY
Authors: Velanes David
Published: November 2021

This article aims to clarify the theme of continuity and epistemological discontinuity from Pierre Duhem (1861-1916) and Gaston Bachelard (1884-1962), both French thinkers. The first author has a continuum view on the development of sciences, in which the progress of scientific knowledge would occur from continuous repairs on a theoretical system that evolves gradually. Gaston Bachelard, on the other hand, defends the thesis of the epistemological rupture, according to which he thinks the evolution of the sciences through his interregnums and reorganizations. Knowledge moves through rectifications of knowledge that are updated in the light of new experiences, without a cumulative process of ideas occurring. It is intended in this work to clarify the Bachelardian view on epistemological discontinuity as opposed to Duhemian thought.

 

Keywords: Continuity. Discontinuity. Epistemology. Duhem. Bachelard.