bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and Evolutionary Insights Into the Binding of Host Receptors by the Rabies Virus Glycoprotein
Authors: Khalifa Manar E. , Unterholzner Leonie , Munir Muhammad
Published: October 2021

Rabies represents a typical model for spillover of zoonotic viral diseases among multiple hosts. Understanding the success of rabies virus (RV) in switching hosts requires the analysis of viral evolution and host interactions. In this study, we have investigated the structural and sequence analysis of host receptors among different RV susceptible host species. Our extensive bioinformatic analysis revealed the absence of the integrin plexin domain in the integrin β1 (ITGB1) receptor of the black fruit bats in the current annotation of the genome. Interestingly, the nicotinic acetyl choline receptor (nAChR) interaction site with the glycoprotein (G) of RV was conserved among different species. To study the interaction dynamics between RV-G protein and the RV receptors, we constructed and analyzed structures of RV receptors and G proteins using homology modeling. The molecular docking of protein-protein interaction between RV-G protein and different host receptors highlighted the variability of interacting residues between RV receptors of different species. These in silico structural analysis and interaction mapping of viral protein and host receptors establish the foundation to understand complex entry mechanisms of RV entry, which may facilitate the understanding of receptor mediated spillover events in RV infections and guide the development of novel vaccines to contain the infection.
Technological Demonstration and Life Cycle Assessment of a Negative Emission Value Chain in the Swiss Concrete Sector
Authors: Tiefenthaler Johannes , Braune Lisa , Bauer Christian , Sacchi Romain , Mazzotti Marco
Published: October 2021

Switzerland, such as most of the other countries which are part of the Paris agreement, decided to reduce GHG emissions to zero by 2050. The ambition of net-zero GHG emission across all industrial sectors can only be achieved by rapid decarbonization and the deployment of negative emission technologies to compensate residual emissions from for example agriculture. In the scope of this work, the proof of technology of a negative emission value chain at industrial scale in the concrete sector is presented. The core of the system is a mineralization technology, which fixes biogenic CO2 permanently as calcium carbonate in concrete aggregate. In addition, the net-negativity in terms of GHG emissions and environmental burdens beyond these are quantified in a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). It could be shown that an industrial-scale mineral carbonation process can be seamlessly integrated in today's concrete recycling processes and that it can process relevant amounts of concrete aggregate while storing on average 7.2 kg CO2 per ton of concrete aggregate. Moreover, material tests revealed that the carbonated concrete aggregate fulfills the same service as the regular one—thus no significant effects on the concrete properties could be observed. The LCA shows that every processing step requires materials and energy, and thus generates associated emissions. However, from a cradle to gate perspective, the carbon removal efficiency is 93.6%. Thus, 1,000 kg of CO2 stored generate 64 kg of CO2-eq. emissions. Furthermore, it could be shown that biogas upgrading can supply sufficient amounts of CO2 until 2030 in Switzerland. From 2030 on, more and more CO2 from other emission sources, such as waste incineration, need to be utilized to exploit the full potential of the value chain, which is going to be 560 kt of negative CO2 emissions in Switzerland in 2050, corresponding to 30% of the projected demand within the national borders.
Cybersecurity Policy Framework in Saudi Arabia: Literature Review
Authors: Alhalafi Nawaf , Veeraraghavan Prakash
Published: October 2021

Saudi Arabia has a goal of ensuring that it has at least two cities among the top 100 smart cities of the future. However, increasing connectivity and incorporation of smart solutions in cities still raises concerns over cyber security with threats arising daily including denial of services and phishing as some of the most significant. Saudi Arabia, therefore, needs a cybersecurity policy framework that will ensure effective protection for all stakeholders in the smart city from these cyber threats. User acceptance is foremost important in any new technology, including smart-cities. Due to ongoing cyber threats and in the absence of an efficient cyber policies, Saudi end-user community is not keen to accept newer technologies where their interaction with online medium is required. The proliferation of smart cities globally affords the opportunity to analyze and compare the efforts made in Saudi Arabia with other nations like the USA, India and Singapore which is the premier smart city model in the globe currently. This review looks at the similarities and differences between KSA’s cyber security policy framework with these three nations. The review will note some of the defining characteristics and approaches to cyber security in the smart cities of USA, India, and Singapore. After reviewing the current framework in Saudi Arabia, this paper will make suggestions such as updating Saudi’s cybercrime legislation like in the US or formulating a master cyber security plan as seen in Singapore that will improve KSA’s framework creating the best framework model for cyber security in its smart cities.
Diagnostic Performance of Angiography-Based Fractional Flow Reserve for Functional Evaluation of Coronary Artery Stenosis
Authors: Li Changling , Leng Xiaochang , He Jingsong , Xia Yongqing , Jiang Wenbing , Pan Yibin , Dong Liang , Sun Yong , Hu Xinyang , Wang Jian'an , Xiang Jianping , Jiang Jun
Published: October 2021

Background: A new method for calculating fraction flow reserve (FFR) without pressure-wire (angiography-derived FFR) based on invasive coronary angiography (ICA) images can be used to evaluate the functional problems of coronary stenosis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of a novel method of calculating the FFR compared to wire-based FFR using retrospectively collected data from patients with stable angina.

Methods: Three hundred patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent ICA and FFR measurement were included in this study. Two ICA images with projections >25° apart at the end-diastolic frame were selected for 3D reconstruction. Then, the contrast frame count was performed in an angiographic run to calculate the flow velocity. Based on the segmented vessel, calculated velocity, and aortic pressure, AccuFFRangio distribution was calculated through the pressure drop equation.

Results: Using FFR ≤ 0.8 as a reference, we evaluated AccuFFRangio performance for 300 patients with its accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Comparison of AccuFFRangio with wire-measured FFR resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.954 (per-vessel, p < 0.0001). Accuracy for AccuFFRangio was 93.7% for Pa set from measurement and 87% for Pa = 100 mmHg in this clinical study. Overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for per-vessel were 90, 95, 86.7, 96.3, and 57.5, 97.7, 90.2, 86.3%, respectively. Overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for 2-dimensional (2D) quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) were 63.3, 42.5, 70.9, 34.7, and 77.2%, respectively. The average processing time of AccuFFRangio was 4.30 ± 1.87 min.

Conclusions: AccuFFRangio computed from coronary ICA images can be an accurate and time-efficient computational tool for detecting lesion-specific ischemia of coronary artery stenosis.
Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation and Associated Mortality Among Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Zuwei , Shao Wen , Zhang Jing , Ma Jianyong , Huang Shanshan , Yu Peng , Zhu Wengen , Liu Xiao
Published: October 2021

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown that atrial fibrillation (AF) is a potential cardiovascular complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the prevalence and clinical impact of AF and new-onset AF in patients with COVID-19.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and MedRxiv up to February 27, 2021, were searched to identify studies that reported the prevalence and clinical impact of AF and new-onset AF in patients with COVID-19. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021238423).

Results: Nineteen eligible studies were included with a total of 21,653 hospitalized patients. The pooled prevalence of AF was 11% in patients with COVID-19. Older (≥60 years of age) patients with COVID-19 had a nearly 2.5-fold higher prevalence of AF than younger (<60 years of age) patients with COVID-19 (13 vs. 5%). Europeans had the highest prevalence of AF (15%), followed by Americans (11%), Asians (6%), and Africans (2%). The prevalence of AF in patients with severe COVID-19 was 6-fold higher than in patients with non-severe COVID-19 (19 vs. 3%). Furthermore, AF (OR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.91 to 4.66) and new-onset AF (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.60 to 3.37) were significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality among patients with COVID-19.

Conclusion: AF is quite common among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, particularly among older (≥60 years of age) patients with COVID-19 and patients with severe COVID-19. Moreover, AF and new-onset AF were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
Exercise-Based Rehabilitation Delivery Models in Comorbid Chronic Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Borghi-Silva Audrey , Garcia-Araújo Adriana S. , Winkermann Eliane , Caruso Flavia R. , Bassi-Dibai Daniela , Goulart Cássia da Luz , Dixit Snehil , Back Guilherme Dionir , Mendes Renata G.
Published: October 2021

Among the most prevalent multimorbidities that accompany the aging process, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) stand out, representing the main causes of hospital admissions in the world. The prevalence of COPD coexistence in patients with CHF is higher than in control subjects, given the common risk factors associated with a complex process of chronic diseases developing in the aging process. COPD-CHF coexistence confers a marked negative impact on mechanical-ventilatory, cardiocirculatory, autonomic, gas exchange, muscular, ventilatory, and cerebral blood flow, further impairing the reduced exercise capacity and health status of either condition alone. In this context, integrated approach to the cardiopulmonary based on pharmacological optimization and non-pharmacological treatment (i.e., exercise-based cardiopulmonary and metabolic rehabilitation) can be emphatically encouraged by health professionals as they are safe and well-tolerated, reducing hospital readmissions, morbidity, and mortality. This review aims to explore aerobic exercise, the cornerstone of cardiopulmonary and metabolic rehabilitation, resistance and inspiratory muscle training and exercise-based rehabilitation delivery models in patients with COPD-CHF multimorbidities across the continuum of the disease. In addition, the review address the importance of adjuncts to enhance exercise capacity in these patients, which may be used to optimize the gains obtained in these programs.
Heart Rate Variability and Inflammatory Stress Response in Young African American Men: Implications for Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Tell Dina , Burr Robert L. , Mathews Herbert L. , Janusek Linda Witek
Published: October 2021

Background: African American men have a disproportionately higher incidence of and suffer greater severity and earlier death from cardiovascular disease (CVD). A common feature of many diseases, which disproportionately afflict disadvantaged African Americans, is inflammation. In particular, inflammation plays a decisive role in the pathogenesis of CVD in that persistent inflammation contributes to plaque evolution and destabilization. Adverse childhood experiences increase the risk for adult inflammatory based disease, particularly cardiovascular disease. This inflammatory burden becomes evident during stressful events and may be related to alterations in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. We previously reported that African American men who experienced childhood adversity exhibited a greater inflammatory (IL-6) response to acute stress challenge (Trier Social Stress Test – TSST). The purpose of this study was to determine whether altered ANS activity, as measured by heart rate variability (HRV), contributes to a greater proinflammatory response to stress in those exposed to childhood adversity.

Methods: Thirty-four African American adult males underwent the TSST while instrumented with Holter monitors to record continuous heart rate for HRV determination. HRV was calculated as the low frequency (LF) to high frequency (HF) heart rate ratio (LF/HF), with higher LF/HF ratios corresponding to higher sympathetic vs. parasympathetic activity. Salivary samples were collected pre- and post-TSST to measure the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. Childhood adversity was assessed by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire.

Results: Hierarchical linear modeling demonstrated that higher levels of physical abuse were related to a steeper rise in LF/HF ratio during the TSST. Further, a higher LF/HF ratio, in combination with greater exposure to emotional and physical abuse was associated with a greater IL-6 response to the TSST.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that adverse childhood experiences associate with an adult phenotype characterized by an altered ANS response to stress as well as a greater proinflammatory (IL-6) response to an acute stressor. Elevations in salivary inflammatory markers have been associated with increased CVD risk. In conclusion, these findings suggest a role for the ANS in the underlying neuro-biological processes whereby childhood adversity predisposes to a more intense inflammatory response to stressful challenge during adulthood.
Diagnostic Effect of Attenuation Correction in Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Different Coronary Arteries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Jei-Yie , Huang Chun-Kai , Yen Ruoh-Fang , Chien Kuo-Liong , Wu Yen-Wen
Published: October 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether, and if so how, attenuation correction (AC) improves the diagnostic performance of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in different coronary artery-supplied territories, using coronary angiography as the reference standard.

Methods: PubMed and EMBASE were searched until December 2020 for studies evaluating AC MPI for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) with vessel-based data. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. For each study, the sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratios and areas under summary receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the diagnostic accuracy of AC compared to non-AC MPI. A bivariate mixed-effects model was used to pool the data. Subgroup analyses considering the type of radiotracer and type of AC were performed.

Results: A total of 264 articles were screened, of which 22 studies (2,608 patients) were enrolled. Significant improvements in specificity [0.78 vs. 0.58 in overall CAD, 0.87 vs. 0.61 in right coronary artery (RCA)] and diagnostic odds ratios (16 vs. 8 in overall CAD, 18 vs. 7 in RCA) after AC were shown in overall CAD at a patient level and RCA stenosis. Improvements in AUC were also noted. MPI had a similar diagnostic performance for detecting left anterior descending and left circumflex coronary artery stenosis with or without AC. There were trends of decreased sensitivity after AC, but none were significant. Diagnostic odds ratio showed significant improvement after AC only in the technetium-99m subgroup.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that AC should be applied to MPI to improve the diagnosis of CAD regardless of which type of radiotracer, and that AC MPI can improve the specificity of detecting RCA stenosis.
Impact of Climate Change on Water Availability in Water Source Areas of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China
Authors: Qiao Cuiping , Ning Zhongrui , Wang Yan , Sun Jinqiu , Lin Qianguo , Wang Guoqing
Published: October 2021

The South-to-North Water Diversion project (SNWD project) is a mega water project designed to help solve water shortages in North China. The project’s management and operation are highly influenced by runoff change induced by climate change in the water source areas. It is important to understand water availability from the source areas in the context of global warming to optimize the project’s regulation. Based on the projections of nine GCMs, the future runoff in the water source areas of the three diversion routes was simulated by using a grid-based model RCCC-WBM (Water Balance Model developed by Research Center for Climate Change). Results show that temperature will rise by about 1.5°C in the near future (2035, defined as 2026–2045) and 2.0°C in the far future (2050, defined as 2041–2060) relative to the baseline period of 1956–2000. Although GCM projections of precipitation are highly uncertain, the projected precipitation will likely increase for all three water source areas. As a result of climate change, the simulated runoff in the water source areas of the SNWD project will likely increase slightly by less than 3% relative to the baseline period for the near and far future. However, due to the large dispersion and uncertainty of GCM projections, a high degree of attention should be paid to the climate-induced risk of water supply under extreme situations, particularly for the middle route of the SNWD project.
A Framework of Construct-Irrelevant Variance for Contextualized Constructed Response Assessment
Authors: Zhai Xiaoming , Haudek Kevin C. , Wilson Christopher , Stuhlsatz Molly
Published: October 2021

Estimating and monitoring the construct-irrelevant variance (CIV) is of significant importance to validity, especially for constructed response assessments with rich contextualized information. To examine CIV in contextualized constructed response assessments, we developed a framework including a model accounting for CIV and a measurement that could differentiate the CIV. Specifically, the model includes CIV due to three factors: the variability of assessment item scenarios, judging severity, and rater scoring sensitivity to the scenarios in tasks. We proposed using the many-facet Rasch measurement (MFRM) to examine the CIV because this measurement model can compare different CIV factors on a shared scale. To demonstrate how to apply this framework, we applied the framework to a video-based science teacher pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) assessment, including two tasks, each with three scenarios. Results for task I, which assessed teachers’analysis of student thinking, indicate that the CIV due to the variability of the scenarios was substantial, while the CIV due to judging severity and rater scoring sensitivity of the scenarios in teacher responses was not. For task II, which assessed teachers’analysis of responsive teaching, results showed that the CIV due to the three proposed factors was all substantial. We discuss the conceptual and methodological contributions, and how the results inform item development.
Role of Neutrophils in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Hwang Seonghwan , Yun Hwayoung , Moon Sungwon , Cho Ye Eun , Gao Bin
Published: October 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a spectrum of liver disorders, from fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Compared with fatty liver, NASH is characterized by increased liver injury and inflammation, in which liver-infiltrating immune cells, with neutrophil infiltration as a hallmark of NASH, play a critical role in promoting the progression of fatty liver to NASH. Neutrophils are the first responders to injury and infection in various tissues, establishing the first line of defense through multiple mechanisms such as phagocytosis, cytokine secretion, reactive oxygen species production, and neutrophil extracellular trap formation; however, their roles in the pathogenesis of NASH remain obscure. The current review summarizes the roles of neutrophils that facilitate the progression of fatty liver to NASH and their involvement in inflammation resolution during NASH pathogenesis. The notion that neutrophils are potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of NASH is also discussed.
Role of Filler Content and Morphology in LLZO/PEO Membranes
Authors: Din Mir Mehraj Ud , Häusler M. , Fischer S. M. , Ratzenböck K. , Chamasemani F. F. , Hanghofer I. , Henninge V. , Brunner R. , Slugovc C. , Rettenwander D.
Published: October 2021

Polymer electrolytes containing Li-ion conducting fillers are among the extensively investigated materials for the development of solid-state Li metal batteries. The practical realization of these electrolytes is, however, impeded by their low Li-ion conductivity, which is related to the filler and the interplay between the filler and the polymer. Therefore, we performed an in-depth analysis on the influence of the filler content (0, 10, and 20 wt%) and filler morphology (particles and nanowires) on the electrical and electrochemical properties of the PEO-based composite electrolyte using a wide spectrum of characterization techniques, such as 3D micro-X-ray computed tomography, cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry, impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic cycling. The studies reveal that the filler materials are well distributed within the membranes, without any indications for the formation of agglomerates. For 10 wt% filler, a decrease in the crystallinity compared to PEO was observed, in contrast to 20 wt% filler showing an increase in crystallinity. Impedance spectroscopic studies on the Li-ion conductivity of the membranes have shown that the change in the Li-ion conductivity is solely related to the change in the crystallinity, rather than to the participation of LLZO as an active transport mediator. The PEO membranes containing 10 wt% LLZO have been tested in terms of their rate capability in symmetrical Li cells by galvanostatic cycling. A critical current density of up to 1 mA cm−2 at 60°C was observed.
An Association Rules-Based Method for Outliers Cleaning of Measurement Data in the Distribution Network
Authors: Kuang Hua , Qin Risheng , He Mi , He Xin , Duan Ruimin , Guo Cheng , Meng Xian
Published: October 2021

For any power system, the reliability of measurement data is essential in operation, management and also in planning. However, it is inevitable that the measurement data are prone to outliers, which may impact the results of data-based applications. In order to improve the data quality, the outliers cleaning method for measurement data in the distribution network is studied in this paper. The method is based on a set of association rules (AR) that are automatically generated form historical measurement data. First, the association rules are mining in conjunction with the density-based spatial clustering of application with noise (DBSCAN), k-means and Apriori technique to detect outliers. Then, for the outliers repairing process after outliers detection, the proposed method uses a distance-based model to calculate the repairing cost of outliers, which describes the similarity between outlier and normal data. Besides, the Mahalanobis distance is employed in the repairing cost function to reduce the errors, which could implement precise outliers cleaning of measurement data in the distribution network. The test results for the simulated datasets with artificial errors verify that the superiority of the proposed outliers cleaning method for outliers detection and repairing.
Customer Load Forecasting Method Based on the Industry Electricity Consumption Behavior Portrait
Authors: Guan Weiling , Zhang Daolu , Yu Huang , Peng Binggang , Wu Yufeng , Yu Tao , Wang Keying
Published: October 2021

With the dramatic increase of energy demand and the continuous increase of power system operation pressure, higher requirements are put forward for the development of power grid planning and optimization operation. It is important for the refinement of distribution network planning to deeply extract the characteristics of user load. First, the process of load characteristic analysis method from the user level to the industry level is proposed, which achieves the division of electricity consumption patterns of various industries, thus building a panoramic portrait of industry electricity consumption behavior. Then, by expanding the information filled in by traditional customers, the feature vector of each user is extracted, and the users' industry electricity consumption patterns are used as the label. Therefore, a method for identifying the electricity consumption pattern of the customer based on the BB-stacking model fusion framework is proposed, which yields the preliminary forecast results of customer load based on the actual load accounting results of the customers. Finally, comparative simulations with different methods verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, which can provide prominent guidance for the actual distribution network planning work.
A Comparison of Muon Flux Models at Sea Level for Muon Imaging and Low Background Experiments
Authors: Su Ning , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Li , Wu Bin , Cheng Jianping
Published: October 2021

Cosmic-ray muons are a type of natural radiation with high energy and a strong penetration ability. The flux distribution of such particles at sea level is a key problem in many areas, especially in the field of muon imaging and low background experiments. This paper summarizes the existing models to describe sea-level muon flux distributions. According to different means used, four parametric analytical models and one Monte Carlo model, which is referred to as CRY, are selected as typical sea-level muon flux distribution models. Then, the theoretical values of sea-level muon fluxes given by these models are compared with the experimental sea-level muon differential flux data with kinetic energy values in the range of 1–1,000 GeV in the directions of zenith angles 0° and 75°. The goodness of fit of these models to the experimental data was quantitatively calculated by Pearson’s chi-square test. The results of the comparison show that the commonly used Gaisser model overestimates the muon flux in the low-energy region, while the muon flux given by the Monte Carlo model CRY at the large zenith angle of 75° is significantly lower than that of the experimental data. The muon flux distribution given by the other three parametric analytical models is consistent with the experimental data. The results indicate that the original Gaisser model is invalid in the low energy range, and CRY apparently deviates at large zenith angles. These two models can be substituted with the muon flux models given by Gaisser/Tang, Bugaev/Reyna, and Smith and Duller/Chatzidakis according to actual experimental conditions.
Effect of Gas Exchange Interval on CH4 Recovery Efficiency and Study of Mechanism of CH4 Hydrate Replacement by CO2 Mixture
Authors: Ding Ya-Long , Wang Hua-Qin , Lv Tao
Published: October 2021

As an environment-friendly natural gas hydrate exploitation method, CO2 replacement method can not only achieve the purpose of mining natural gas hydrate, but also store the current greenhouse gas CO2 in the form of hydrate on the seabed, and maintain the stratum stability of hydrate deposit area. In order to improve the rate and efficiency of CH4-CO2 replacement reaction, researchers proposed to use CO2 contained gas mixture instead of pure CO2 to replace CH4 in natural gas hydrate. Based our previous work about CH4 hydrate recovery with 40% CO2 + 60% H2, in this study, the effect of gas concentration in gas phase on final CH4 recovery are investigated by implying different time interval of gas exchange operation. Experimental results show that The CH4 recovery efficiency is 10.41 when the gas exchange is continues through the whole replacement process, and CH4 recovery efficiency changes to 12.25, 32.24 and 28.86 when gas exchange operation is carried out every 12, 24, 36 h. Indicating that replaced CH4 needs to be discharged in time to avoid CH4 molecules being replaced to form hydrates again, and it is necessary to accurately control the time interval of gas exchange operation to avoid insufficient contact time between CO2 and H2 molecules and CH4 hydrate, which affects the final replacement efficiency. In addition, the mechanism of CO2 gas mixture containing small gas molecule such as H2, N2 are studied. The results indicate that when CO2 containing small molecules such as H2 and N2 displace CH4 hydrate, the existence of small molecules (H2, N2) can give rise to decompose the hydrate lattice and release CH4 gas. If the gas molecules (CO2, N2, H2, CH4) in the gas phase have enough driving force to enter the hydrate lattice and remain stability, CH4 hydrate will not decompose completely; If not, CH4 hydrate will be completely decomposed.
Integration of One-Pair Spatiotemporal Fusion With Moment Decomposition for Better Stability
Authors: Ma Yaobin , Wei Jingbo , Huang Xiangtao
Published: October 2021

Spatiotemporal fusion has got enough attention and many algorithms have been proposed, but its practical stability has not been emphasized yet. Observing that the strategies harnessed by different types of algorithms may lead to various tendencies, an integration strategy is introduced to make full use of the complementarity between different types of spatiotemporal fusion algorithms for better fusion stability. In our method, the images fused by two different types of methods are decomposed into components denoting strength, structure, and mean intensity, which are combined separately involving a characteristic analysis. The proposed method is compared with seven algorithms of four types by reconstructing Landsat-8, Landsat-7, and Landsat-5 images to validate the effectiveness of the spatial fusion strategy. The digital evaluation on radiometric, structural, and spectral loss illustrates that the proposed method can reach or approach the optimal performance steadily.
Spatial and Temporal Variability in Rainfall Erosivity Under Alpine Climate: A Slovenian Case Study Using Optical Disdrometer Data
Authors: Bezak Nejc , Petan Sašo , Mikoš Matjaž
Published: October 2021

Rainfall erosivity is one of the most important parameters that influence soil erosion rates. It is characterized by a large spatial and temporal variability. For example, in Slovenia, which covers around 20,000 km2, the annual rainfall erosivity ranges from less than 1,000 MJ mm ha−1 h−1 to more than 10,000 MJ mm ha−1 h−1. Drop size distribution (DSD) data are needed to investigate rainfall erosivity characteristics. More than 2 years of DSD measurements using optical disdrometers located at six stations in Slovenia were used to investigate the spatial and temporal variability in rainfall erosivity in Slovenia. Experimental results have indicated that elevation is a poor predictor of rainfall erosivity and that erosivity is more strongly correlated to the mean annual precipitation. Approximately 90% of the total kinetic energy (KE) was accounted for in about 35% of 1 min disdrometer data. The highest 1 min intensities (I) and consequently also KE values were measured in summer followed by autumn and spring. The local KE-I equation yielded an acceptable fit to the measured data in case of all six stations. The relatively large percentage of 1 min rainfall intensities above 5 mm/h can at least partially explain some very high annual rainfall erosivity values (i.e., near or above 10,000 MJ mm ha−1 h−1). Convective and large-scale precipitation events also result in various rainfall erosivity characteristics. The station microlocation and wind impacts in case of some stations yielded relatively large differences between the data measured using the optical disdrometer and the pluviograph. Preliminary conclusions have been gathered, but further measurements are needed to get even better insight into spatial and temporal variability in rainfall erosivity under Alpine climate in Slovenia.
Effects of Macrobiota on the Transfer Efficiency of Essential Elements and Fatty Acids From Phytoplankton to Zooplankton Under Eutrophic Conditions
Authors: Feniova Irina Yu , Karpowicz Maciej , Gladyshev Michail I. , Sushchik Nadezhda N. , Petrosyan Varos G. , Sakharova Ekaterina G. , Dzialowski Andrew R.
Published: October 2021

The transfer pathways of organic matter and elements from phytoplankton to zooplankton in freshwater ecosystems are important for understanding how aquatic ecosystems function. We conducted a mesocosm experiment to determine how fish and zebra mussels altered the transfer efficiencies of essential substances including carbon (C), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), total fatty acids (FAs), phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N) from phytoplankton to zooplankton. We assessed the transfer efficiencies of the essential substances from phytoplankton to zooplankton as the ratio of their zooplankton production (P) per unit of biomass (B) to that of phytoplankton to exclude grazing or predation effects. We hypothesized that zebra mussels and fish would affect the transfer of materials from phytoplankton to zooplankton by altering the contents of essential elements and FAs in phytoplankton and zooplankton communities and/or due to shifts in the planktonic community structure mediated by grazing and/or predation. Fish increased the transfer efficiencies of eicosapentaenoic acid 20:5 ω-3 (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid 22:6 ω-3 (DHA), and P relative to the control. We speculated that fish weakened the control of zooplankton over algal assemblage by selectively feeding on larger cladocerans such as Daphnia. Therefore, fish can increase the relative proportion of high-quality food for zooplankton, improving food conditions for the available zooplankton. In contrast, zebra mussels reduced the transfer efficiencies of EPA and DHA relative to the control treatment likely due to competition with zooplankton for PUFA-rich food particles. However, zebra mussels did not have any impact on the transfer efficiencies of C, total FAs, N, and P. EPA, DHA, and P were transferred more efficiently than C from phytoplankton to zooplankton, while total FAs, which are commonly used as an energetic source, were transferred as efficiently as C. The enrichment of consumers with the most important substances relative to their basal food sources creates the potential for the successful transport of these substances across aquatic trophic webs.
Transcriptomic Changes in Hot Spring Frog Tadpoles (Buergeria otai) in Response to Heat Stress
Authors: Komaki Shohei , Matsunami Masatoshi , Lin Jhan-Wei , Lee Ko-Huan , Lin Yen-Po , Lee Yu , Lin Si-Min , Igawa Takeshi
Published: October 2021

Buergeria frog tadpoles exhibit high thermal tolerance and are occasionally found in water pools that temporarily exceed 40°C. With the aim of understanding how they can cope with the severe heat stress, we performed RNA-seq of three heat-treated (38°C) and three control (25°C) tadpoles and compared their transcriptomic profiles. We identified 382 differentially expressed transcripts. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of these transcripts further identified hub proteins involved in protein degradation, stress granule assembly, and global suppression of DNA transcription and mRNA translation. Along with the avoidance behavior against high water temperature, these endurance mechanisms potentially support tadpoles to survive in high temperatures for short periods of time. Similar mechanisms may exist in many other amphibian species whose habitats are prone to high temperatures.
Chemosensitivity in the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) to Food-Related Compounds: An Innovative Behavioral Bioassay
Authors: Solari Paolo , Pasquini Viviana , Secci Marco , Giglioli Angelica , Crnjar Roberto , Addis Pierantonio
Published: October 2021

Like other animals, echinoderms rely on chemical senses to detect and localize food resources. Here, we evaluate the chemical sensitivity of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus to a number of stimuli possibly related to food, such as a few sugars, compared to the blue-green algae Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). To do this we developed a simple, innovative method based on the recording of “urchinograms” estimating the movements of spines, pedicellariae, tube feet, and eventually of the whole sea urchin, in response to chemicals, while keeping both the whole animal and the stimulus in their natural environment, underwater. Our results show that Spirulina is a highly stimulating compound for the sea urchin, by acting in a dose-dependent manner. The animals resulted also sensitive, even if to a lesser extent, to some sugars, such as the monosaccharide glucose, but not to its isomer fructose, while among disaccharides, they sensed cellobiose, but not sucrose or trehalose. From an applied point of view, any insight into the chemical sensitivity of sea urchins toward potential food-related compounds may lead to the discovery of key chemicals that would help improve the efficiency and reduce the costs of dietary substrates for optimization of intensive rearing strategies. Although this method has been developed for P. lividus, it will be suitable to evaluate the chemical sensitivity of other echinoderms and other marine invertebrates characterized by low mobility.
Genetic Risk Prediction of COVID-19 Susceptibility and Severity in the Indian Population
Authors: Prakrithi P. , Lakra Priya , Sundar Durai , Kapoor Manav , Mukerji Mitali , Gupta Ishaan , The Indian Genome Variation Consortium
Published: October 2021

Host genetic variants can determine their susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and severity as noted in a recent Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS). Given the prominent genetic differences in Indian sub-populations as well as differential prevalence of COVID-19, here, we compute genetic risk scores in diverse Indian sub-populations that may predict differences in the severity of COVID-19 outcomes. We utilized the top 100 most significantly associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from a GWAS by Pairo-Castineira et al. determining the genetic susceptibility to severe COVID-19 infection, to compute population-wise polygenic risk scores (PRS) for populations represented in the Indian Genome Variation Consortium (IGVC) database. Using a generalized linear model accounting for confounding variables, we found that median PRS was significantly associated (p < 2 x 10−16) with COVID-19 mortality in each district corresponding to the population studied and had the largest effect on mortality (regression coefficient = 10.25). As a control we repeated our analysis on randomly selected 100 non-associated SNPs several times and did not find significant association. Therefore, we conclude that genetic susceptibility may play a major role in determining the differences in COVID-19 outcomes and mortality across the Indian sub-continent. We suggest that combining PRS with other observed risk-factors in a Bayesian framework may provide a better prediction model for ascertaining high COVID-19 risk groups and to design more effective public health resource allocation and vaccine distribution schemes.
Integrated Small RNA Sequencing, Transcriptome and GWAS Data Reveal microRNA Regulation in Response to Milk Protein Traits in Chinese Holstein Cattle
Authors: Cai Wentao , Li Cong , Li Junya , Song Jiuzhou , Zhang Shengli
Published: October 2021

Milk protein is one of the most important economic traits in the dairy industry. Yet, the regulatory network of miRNAs for the synthesis of milk protein in mammary is poorly understood. Samples from 12 Chinese Holstein cows with three high ( ≥ 3.5%) and three low ( ≤ 3.0%) phenotypic values for milk protein percentage in lactation and non-lactation were examined through deep small RNA sequencing. We characterized 388 known and 212 novel miRNAs in the mammary gland. Differentially expressed analysis detected 28 miRNAs in lactation and 52 miRNAs in the non-lactating period with a highly significant correlation with milk protein concentration. Target prediction and correlation analysis identified some key miRNAs and their targets potentially involved in the synthesis of milk protein. We analyzed for enrichments of GWAS signals in miRNAs and their correlated targets. Our results demonstrated that genomic regions harboring DE miRNA genes in lactation were significantly enriched with GWAS signals for milk protein percentage traits and that enrichments within DE miRNA targets were significantly higher than in random gene sets for the majority of milk production traits. This integrated study on the transcriptome and posttranscriptional regulatory profiles between significantly differential phenotypes of milk protein concentration provides new insights into the mechanism of milk protein synthesis, which should reveal the regulatory mechanisms of milk secretion.
Peripheral Blood-Based Gene Expression Studies in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wagh Vipul Vilas , Vyas Parin , Agrawal Suchita , Pachpor Tejaswini A. , Paralikar Vasudeo , Khare Satyajeet P.
Published: October 2021

Schizophrenia is a disorder that is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior, and socio-occupational impairment. The duration of observation and variability in symptoms can make the accurate diagnosis difficult. Identification of biomarkers for schizophrenia (SCZ) can help in early diagnosis, ascertaining the diagnosis, and development of effective treatment strategies. Here we review peripheral blood-based gene expression studies for identification of gene expression biomarkers for SCZ. A literature search was carried out in PubMed and Web of Science databases for blood-based gene expression studies in SCZ. A list of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was compiled and analyzed for overlap with genetic markers, differences based on drug status of the participants, functional enrichment, and for effect of antipsychotics. This literature survey identified 61 gene expression studies. Seventeen out of these studies were based on expression microarrays. A comparative analysis of the DEGs (n= 227) from microarray studies revealed differences between drug-naive and drug-treated SCZ participants. We found that of the 227 DEGs, 11 genes (ACOT7, AGO2, DISC1, LDB1, RUNX3, SIGIRR, SLC18A1, NRG1, CHRNB2, PRKAB2, and ZNF74) also showed genetic and epigenetic changes associated with SCZ. Functional enrichment analysis of the DEGs revealed dysregulation of proline and 4-hydroxyproline metabolism. Also, arginine and proline metabolism was the most functionally enriched pathway for SCZ in our analysis. Follow-up studies identified effect of antipsychotic treatment on peripheral blood gene expression. Of the 27 genes compiled from the follow-up studiesAKT1, DISC1, HP, andEIF2Dhad no effect on their expression status as a result of antipsychotic treatment. Despite the differences in the nature of the study, ethnicity of the population, and the gene expression analysis method used, we identified several coherent observations. An overlap, though limited, of genetic, epigenetic and gene expression changes supports interplay of genetic and environmental factors in SCZ. The studies validate the use of blood as a surrogate tissue for biomarker analysis. We conclude that well-designed cohort studies across diverse populations, use of high-throughput sequencing technology, and use of artificial intelligence (AI) based computational analysis will significantly improve our understanding and diagnostic capabilities for this complex disorder.
Down-Regulated CLDN10 Predicts Favorable Prognosis and Correlates With Immune Infiltration in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Rao XiongHui , Jiang JianLong , Liang ZhiHao , Zhang JianBao , Zhuang ZheHong , Qiu HuaiYu , Luo Huixing , Weng Nuoqing , Wu Xiaobin
Published: October 2021

Background: CLDN10, an important component of the tight junctions of epithelial cells, plays a crucial role in a variety of tumors. The effect of CLDN10 expression in gastric cancer, however, has yet to be elucidated.

Methods: Differential expression of CLDN10 at the mRNA and protein levels was evaluated using Oncomine, ULCAN, HPA and TIMER2.0 databases. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was utilized to further verify the expression of CLDN10 in vitro. Correlations between CLDN10 expression and clinical outcomes of gastric cancer were explored by Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) were performed via LinkedOmics and GeneMANIA. The correlations between CLDN10 expression and immune cell infiltration and somatic copy number alternations (SCNA) in gastric cancer were explored by TIMER2.0 and GEPIA2.0.

Results: CLDN10 expression was lower in gastric cancer compared to adjacent normal tissues, and associated with better prognosis. CLDN10 also showed significant differences at different T stages, Lauren classification, treatments and HER2 status. PPI and GSEA analysis showed that CLDN10 might be involved in signal transmission, transmembrane transport and metabolism. In some major immune cells, low expression of CLDN10 was associated with increased levels of immune cell infiltration. In addition, it was found that different SCNA status in CLDN10 might affect the level of immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, the expression of CLDN10 was significantly associated with the expression of several immune cell markers, especially B cell markers, follicular helper T cell (Tfh) markers and T cell exhaustion markers.

Conclusion: Down-regulated CLDN10 was associated with better overall survival (OS) in gastric cancer. And CLDN10 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and correlate to immune infiltration levels in gastric cancer.