bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification and Evaluation of Volcanic Rock Reservoirs Based on the Constraints of Energy Storage Coefficient
Authors: Sun Wen-Tie , Lou Yi-Shan , Kamgue Lenwoue Arnaud Regis , Li Zhong-Hui , Zhu Liang , Wu Hui-Mei
Published: June 2022

The current classification and evaluation methods of volcanic rock reservoirs have low accuracy and cannot effectively provide guidance for the selection of volcanic rock gas reservoirs, which have efficient properties for gas production. In this research, we have analyzed the lithology, lithofacies, reservoir space type, pore combination mode, and reservoir microscopic characteristics of volcanic reservoirs using the energy storage coefficient as a constraint. Then, the method of reservoir classification was proposed. The results showed the following: 1) The energy storage coefficient can better characterize the single-layer productivity of gas wells. The volcanic rock reservoirs in the Wangfu gas field can be subdivided into three categories by considering the energy storage coefficient. 2) Type I reservoirs mainly develop structural fractures–matrix dissolution pores, structural fractures–intercrystalline micropores, and matrix dissolution pores. Type II reservoirs mainly develop matrix dissolution pores and residual intergranular pores, and Type III reservoirs are dominated by structural fractures. From Type I to Type III reservoirs, the skewness of the mercury intrusion curve and the sorting coefficient deteriorated, and the physical properties of the reservoir and the maximum mercury saturation and other parameters also decreased, whereas the displacement pressure and the median saturation pressure increased. 3) The characteristics of conventional and special logging curves of typical reservoirs were comprehensively analyzed, and the combination of sensitivity parameters reflecting gas-bearing properties and logging curves was optimized. Furthermore, a reservoir classification chart was established, and the results enabled to confirm the choice of the reservoir and demonstrated that the standard classification has high accuracy. 4) The diagenesis processes such as weathering, leaching, and dissolution improved the physical properties of the reservoir. The research results can effectively provide guidance for the evaluation of the “sweet spot” of volcanic rock reservoirs.
Novel Evaluation Method for Site Effect on Earthquake Ground Motion Based on Modified Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Li Na , Rong Mianshui , Dong Qing
Published: June 2022

The effect of local site conditions on the earthquake ground motion is a very important factor to be considered in engineering seismic fortification. Many methods, such as numerical simulation methods based on site analysis models and statistical empirical relation methods based on the earthquake ground motion observations and numerical simulation data, have been used to consider the site effects in actual engineering seismic fortification and earthquake disaster assessment. The statistical analysis to obtain characteristic parameters of site condition effect based on strong motion and microtremor records become an economical and practical method of determining the designed ground motion of engineering sites, especially for large survey areas and engineering sites where it is difficult to carry out a site survey. In this paper, a novel evaluation method for site effect on earthquake ground motion is proposed. The new method is based on the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method, but the original HVSR is replaced by a modified HVSR considering the effect of the soil layer on the vertical ground motion. In order to build the model and determine the corresponding parameters of the modified HVSR, first, the ground motions in the bedrock below the soil layer are calculated using the one-dimensional equivalent linear method. These calculated records are independent of the influence of the downgoing wavefield, and the differences between the ground surface to bedrock spectral ratio (SBSR). The HVSR for the local sites of ground motion observation stations are analyzed using the strong ground motion records from the Kiban-Kyoshin network (KiK-net) in Japan. The statistical characteristics of the relationship between SBSR and HVSR are revealed, and then, a quantitative relationship between SBSR/HVSR and HVSR is established. The proposed evaluation method for the site effect has the advantage that the original HVSR method only requires ground motion records on the ground surface of the site, and it further considers the influence of the vertical seismic effect on the accuracy of the HVSR method. The proposed method can characterize the influence of the site conditions on ground motion more reasonably than the conventional method.
Identifying Risk Transmission in Carbon Market With Energy, Commodity and Financial Markets: Evidence From Time-Frequency and Extreme Risk Spillovers
Authors: Chen Yufeng , Wang Chuwen , Miao Jiafeng , Zhou Tanjun
Published: June 2022

The carbon market is a vital tool to achieve carbon neutrality. This paper uses daily closing price data of Shenzhen carbon trading market, energy, commodity and financial markets from 18 October 2018 to 19 August 2021, examining the transmission of risk/information from the perspective of market volatility spillover and tail risk transmission based on quantile spillover. The stock market crash and COVID-19 have increased the volatility of the system substantially. Next, the increase in trading frequency is accompanied by an increase in total volatility connectivity, and the carbon market transforms into a recipient of systemic shocks. Finally, the results of tail risk transmission reveal that the net effect of carbon reception increases significantly. These findings have implications for policymakers to improve the carbon market and provide important insights for investors to trade in turbulent periods.
Neodymium Isotopic Composition and Rare Earth Element Concentration Variations in the Coral and Solomon Seas
Authors: Pham Viet Quoc , Jeandel Catherine , Grenier Melanie , Cravatte Sophie , Eldin Gerard , Belhadj Moustafa , Germineaud Cyril , Vu Tu Van
Published: June 2022

Significant progress has been made in the last decade on the understanding of the role of the Coral and Solomon Seas as major suppliers of waters and chemical elements to the equatorial Pacific. Yet, the location, depth, and processes of chemical enrichment of these waters remain poorly constrained. Neodymium (Nd) isotopic compositions (εNd) and rare earth element concentrations (REE) are powerful tracers of land-ocean chemical exchanges. Combined, they can greatly refine the characterization of these exchanges. Here we report profiles of εNd at 21 stations located in the Coral and Solomon Seas as part of the GEOTRACES GP-12 cruise that complement the rare earth element concentration (REE) profiles of Pham (Chemical Geology, 2019, 524 (May), 11–36). Waters exiting the Solomon Sea are generally slightly more radiogenic than the incoming ones, suggesting inputs of radiogenic material along their pathways across the Solomon Sea. This radiogenic material is brought to the surface waters via natural processes (rivers, volcanic dusts) and likely local mining activities. Noticeable εNd increases are also observed in subsurface and intermediate layers. All these processes indicate the occurrence of local Boundary Exchange (BE) processes, which are estimated to occur within a few days. Coupling hydrological and chemical tracers allows highlighting the land-ocean interactions affecting some water layers and quantifying the exchanged fluxes of Nd. Modifications of the Nd concentration and isotopic composition in the lower thermocline layer require an external flux of 7.9 ± 2.0 t(Nd)/yr only partly balanced by a scavenging flux of 1.8 ± 2.3 t(Nd)/yr, leading to a net influx of 6.1 ± 1.7 t(Nd)/yr. Regarding the Upper Circumpolar Deep Water, a total net flux of 105 ± 50 t(Nd)/yr is estimated, the external flux is relatively high (86 ± 31 t(Nd)/yr while the scavenging flux remains. These results refine the role of the Solomon Sea as a supplier of continental chemical elements to the Pacific equatorial waters.
Prediction of River Pollution Under the Rainfall-Runoff Impact by Artificial Neural Network: A Case Study of Shiyan River, Shenzhen, China
Authors: Tian Zhan , Yu Ziwei , Li Yifan , Ke Qian , Liu Junguo , Luo Hongyan , Tang Yingdong
Published: June 2022

Climate change and rapid urbanization have made it difficult to predict the risk of pollution in cities under different types of rainfall. In this study, a data-driven approach to quantify the effects of rainfall characteristics on river pollution was proposed and applied in a case study of Shiyan River, Shenzhen, China. The results indicate that the most important factor affecting river pollution is the dry period followed by average rainfall intensity, maximum rainfall in 10 min, total amount of rainfall, and initial runoff intensity. In addition, an artificial neural network model was developed to predict the event mean concentration (EMC) of COD in the river based on the correlations between rainfall characteristics and EMC. Compared to under light rain (< 10 mm/day), the predicted EMC was five times lower under heavy rain (25–49.9 mm/day) and two times lower under moderate rain (10–24.9 mm/day). By converting the EMC to chemical oxygen demand in the river, the pollution load under non-point-source runoff was estimated to be 497.6 t/year (with an accuracy of 95.98%) in Shiyan River under typical rainfall characteristics. The results of this study can be used to guide urban rainwater utilization and engineering design in Shenzhen. The findings also provide insights for predicting the risk of rainfall-runoff pollution and developing related policies in other cities.
An Empirical Study on the Impact of Energy Poverty on Carbon Intensity of the Construction Industry: Moderating Role of Technological Innovation
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Liu Yushan , Saqib Najia , Waqas Kamran Hafiz
Published: June 2022

As a national pillar industry, the carbon emissions generated by the construction industry have received significant attention. As a large developing country, China has unbalanced regional development and imperfect modern energy infrastructure in some regions, leading to a prominent problem of energy poverty in China. Therefore, this study constructs the index system of energy poverty using panel data of 30 provinces and cities from 2004 to 2016. This article analyzes the influence of energy poverty on carbon intensity of the construction industry and constructs the influence model of carbon intensity of the construction industry. The results show that 1) the carbon intensity of the construction industry increases by 1.683 units per unit increase of energy poverty, showing a positive impact. 2) Energy consumption structure has a mediating effect on the impact of energy poverty on carbon intensity of the construction industry. 3) The technological level plays a moderating role in the main effect of energy poverty and carbon intensity in the construction industry; the degree of marketization plays a moderating role in the indirect effect of energy consumption structure and carbon intensity of the construction industry. These results offered valuable policy recommendations for sustainable industrial growth.
Long-Term Retention of Diverse Paleontologists Requires Increasing Accessibility
Authors: Carter Aja Mia , Johnson Erynn H. , Schroeter Elena R.
Published: June 2022

Geoscience encompasses a variety of scientific subdisciplines aimed at exploring, understanding, and predicting global phenomena. Yet despite its global reach, the geosciences are the least diverse of the STEM disciplines. Paleontology, a subdiscipline which prides itself on unearthing the diversity of life, comprises no greater level of diversity among its researchers than geosciences overall. This deficiency is in direct opposition to the level of public interest generated by paleontological research. Paleontology has broad educational appeal and has been leveraged in various ways to promote STEM learning. However, despite this widespread interest, there is an overwhelming decrease in the diversity of participants in paleontology at increasing levels of academia. At each academic career stage, from undergraduate to tenured faculty, the number of underrepresented (URP) and underserved persons (USP) dwindles. Here we highlight and discuss barriers to access experienced by URP and USP researchers that hinder their ability to progress at every level of the academic journey post-K-12, focusing on the track to a tenured professorship. Neglecting to consider the unique barriers faced by URPs and USPs when developing curricula, building programs, and evaluating productivity perpetuates the chronic lack of diversity in paleontology, regardless of individual interest in pursuing a career in the field. We also suggest actionable items for instructors, as well as members of the scientific community in positions of power and policymakers. While the lack of diversity in paleontology is dire, the field is small enough that individuals have the potential to make a meaningful difference.
The First Fossil of Nossidiinae From Mid-Cretaceous Amber of Northern Myanmar (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae)
Authors: Li Yan-Da , Newton Alfred F. , Huang Di-Ying , Cai Chen-Yang
Published: June 2022

Ptiliidae is a group of distinctly miniaturized staphylinoid beetles with a scarce fossil record. Here, we report a new ptiliid genus and species,Crenossidium slipinskiiLi, Newton and Caigen. et sp. nov., from mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar.Crenossidiumcan be attributed to the subfamily Nossidiinae based on the hind wing morphology, which has also been confirmed through phylogenetic analyses.Crenossidiumdiffers from other extant nossidiine genera in the combination of the wide apical maxillary palpomeres, posteriorly widest pronotal disk, (almost) contiguous procoxae, fewer setae along wing margin, and multidentate pygidium.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8038D763-6856-4AC5-972C-E20D636137EE.
Microflora Influence: The Aquatic Environment Changes Grouping Risk and Development Speed of Toad Tadpoles
Authors: Hase Kazuko
Published: June 2022

In addition to habitat loss and fragmentation, behavioral traits and the deterioration of water environments also contribute to the local extinction of amphibians. Abundant microflora in urban ponds may cause fatal diseases, whereas symbiotic bacteria may protect the host from pathogens; these effects may vary with group size. In this study, I monitored the growth of Japanese common toad (Bufo japonicus) larvae in Tokyo using three different group sizes: 1 (solitary), 2 (pair), and 15. Although there was no genetic bias in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes or microsatellite loci to the survival of the larvae, the mortality risk of the larvae reared in pond water was higher than that of those reared in tap water. According to the survival analysis, the risk was more significant when the group size was 15. This result would be unwelcomed for the B. japonicus tadpoles, which have habits of social aggregation. Furthermore, larval metamorphosis took longer to complete in pond than tap water without any difference in body length or mass. These findings provide fundamental insight into the impact of the aquatic environment and the effect of the group size on animal health and conservation.
Dynamic Change of Vegetation Index and Its Influencing Factors in Alxa League in the Arid Area
Authors: Zhou Peng , Zhao Dongxue , Liu Xiao , Duo Linghua , He Bao-Jie
Published: June 2022

While there have been various studies on global vegetation dynamics, limited studies have been conducted to understand vegetation changes in arid areas. Vegetation distribution patterns can be affected by multiple factors, so understanding their interactions can help improve the capability of predicting future vegetation dynamics. This study, therefore, analyzed the dynamic vegetation changes in Alxa League, China, using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) dataset (2000–2019), with the consideration of land cover types, digital elevation model, air temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, total evaporation, and air quality. The results show that the NDVI in Alxa League is small. Before 2012, the NDVI value fluctuated, while after 2012, the NDVI value dropped sharply and then slowly recovered after 2015. High NDVI values were found in areas with high and frequent human activities (city centers). The NDVI in the northwest region showed a slight degradation trend, and the southeast showed a slight improvement trend. According to the land cover type analysis, the NDVI value was the largest when the land cover type was tree cover, and the NDVI value was the smallest when the land cover type was bare/sparse vegetation. Alxa League was dominated by a bare/sparse vegetation distribution. The terrain analysis indicates that when the height was between 1800 and 3492 m, the NDVI value was the highest, and high NDVI values were mainly distributed in the area with a slope > 25°. When the slope was flat, the NDVI value was the smallest. Considering climate factors, the NDVI was negatively correlated with air temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, and total evaporation in space, and only precipitation and soil moisture were positively correlated in time. Moreover, the population size has a strong positive correlation with the NDVI in this area. The monthly variation of the NDVI and absorbable particulate matter (PM10) was negatively correlated, i.e., strongly negatively correlated in spring, summer, and autumn, but only weakly positively correlated in winter. The seasonal variation of the NDVI was as follows: summer > autumn > spring > winter, and the seasonal variation of PM10 was spring > winter > summer > autumn. The interannual variation of the NDVI and PM10 was positively correlated. This suggests that the absorbable particulate matter (PM10) may be an essential factor for the normalized vegetation index to underestimate the dynamic changes of vegetation in arid regions. This study provides a theoretical basis for the dynamic changes of vegetation in the dry Alxa League.
Tram to Pedestrian Collisions—Priorities and Potentials
Authors: Lackner Christian , Heinzl Philipp , Rizzi Maria C. , Leo Christoph , Schachner Martin , Pokorny Petr , Klager Peter , Buetzer David , Elvik Rune , Linder Astrid , Klug Corina
Published: June 2022

To improve mobility in cities in line with environmental goals, in urban traffic, trams represent an increasingly important means of transport. Due to the close interaction with other road users, this makes collisions with trams fairly frequent. This study has investigated accidents between trams and vulnerable road users resulting in personal injury, aimed at identifying priorities for simulating collisions between trams and pedestrians to assess passive safety measures. Tram accident data collection established throughout Europe from multiple sources and with varying degree of details, have been combined and analysed. These analyses comprise risk assessments per km-driven and general tram accident partner and site type evaluations, with more detailed analyses on accident site distance to the closest tram stop and injured body regions, respectively. In total, 7,535 tram-pedestrian accident resulting in 8,802 pedestrian injuries, collected in the year 2000–2021, was analysed. Accident risk ranges from 0.934 accidents per number of tram (million) km-driven, for slight injuries to 0.063 for fatal injuries. Pedestrians represent a large proportion of tram accident collision partners, especially for severe and fatal accidents. In accidents between trams and pedestrians, 3% of reported injuries are fatal, 23% severe and 74% minor. Generally, low-speed accidents close to tram stops often leading to minor injuries were observed to be of significant importance (<20m to the GPS location of a stop). Analysis of accidents was done bases on gender of the pedestrian showing overall similar involvements in accident with slight difference for various age groups and sites. Regardless of injury severity, the most frequently injured body region in accidents involving a tram is the head. Likewise, injuries sustained to the thorax, especially for higher injury severities are of high relevance, followed by injuries to the lower extremities. Based on this study, recommendations for developing reasonable tram-pedestrian accident scenarios for virtual testing can be derived for further optimisation of pedestrian safety of trams.
Identification of Key Endometrial MicroRNAs and Their Target Genes Associated With Pathogenesis of Recurrent Implantation Failure by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Shang Jin , Cheng Yan-Fei , Li Min , Wang Hui , Zhang Jin-Ning , Guo Xin-Meng , Cao Dan-dan , Yao Yuan-Qing
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is an enormous challenge for in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinicians. An understanding of the molecular mechanisms of RIF helps to predict prognosis and develop new therapeutic strategies. The study is designed to identify diagnostic biomarkers for RIF as well as the potential mechanisms underlying RIF by utilizing public databases together with experimental validation.

Methods: Two microarray datasets of RIF patients and the healthy control endometrium were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. First, differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) (DEMs) were identified and their target genes were predicted. Then, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and selected hub genes through protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses. Functional enrichment analyses of DEGs and DEMs were conducted. Furthermore, the key DEMs which targeted these hub genes were selected to obtain the key miRNA–target gene network. The key genes in the miRNA-target gene network were validated by a single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset of endometrium from GEO. Finally, we selected two miRNA–target gene pairs for further experimental validation using dual-luciferase assay and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results: We identified 49 DEMs between RIF patients and the fertile group and found 136,678 target genes. Then, 325 DEGs were totally used to construct the PPI network, and 33 hub genes were selected. Also, 25 DEMs targeted 16 key DEGs were obtained to establish a key miRNA–target gene network, and 16 key DEGs were validated by a single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset. Finally, the target relationship of hsa-miR-199a-5p-PDPN and hsa-miR-4306-PAX2 was verified by dual-luciferase assay, and there were significant differences in the expression of those genes between the RIF and fertile group by PCR (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: We constructed miRNA–target gene regulatory networks associated with RIF which provide new insights regarding the underlying pathogenesis of RIF; hsa-miR-199a-5p-PDPN and hsa-miR-4306-PAX2 could be further explored as potential biomarkers for RIF, and their detection in the endometrium could be applied in clinics to estimate the probability of successful embryo transfer.
Does Infertility Stress Impair Sexual Function in Infertile Women and Men? A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran
Authors: Amraei Samira , Abedi Parvin , Nikbakht Roshan , Tadayon Mitra , Maraghi Elham
Published: June 2022

Background

The issue of infertility is a worldwide challenge, estimated to affect around 50 million couples. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between infertility stress and sexual function in men and women with infertility.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 300 men and women with infertility were recruited. A demographic questionnaire, the Fertility Problem Inventory, the Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI), and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were used to collect data. Independent t-test, Chi-square, and linear and logistic regressions were used to assess the data.

Results

The total score of sexual function in women and men was 22.18 ± 7.86 and 57.7 ± 17.8, respectively. Infertility duration and the ability to pay for the costs of infertility treatment had a significant relationship with sexual function in women. A significant association was found between communication concerns and sexual function scores in men with infertility. Infertile women had more sexual concerns, while infertile men had more communication concerns.

Conclusion

This study showed that women with infertility had more infertility stress than men with infertility. Women with higher infertility duration and the inability to pay for the infertility treatment costs impaired sexual function. Women with infertility had more sexual concerns, while Men with infertility had more communication concerns. Policymakers need to consider strategies such as counseling for men and women with infertility to help them cope with their problems, especially their psychological problems. The lack of random enrollment of participants and lack of control group were the limitations of this study.
An Exploration of Oral-Gut Pathogens Mediating Immune Escape of Pancreatic Cancer via miR-21/PTEN Axis
Authors: Li Rui , Hu Yaoyuan , Hou Shuhong
Published: June 2022

Oral-gut pathogens are closely associated with pancreatic cancer, such as Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium difficile, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Helicobacter pylori, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Vibrio cholera, but the related mechanisms remain not well understood. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN, a widely known tumor suppressor) play a key role in the anti-cancer immune system. Pancreatic cancer cells with PTEN loss are often in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment regulated by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and M2 macrophages, which are regarded as the mechanism in the immune escape of cancers. The miR-21, as an oncogene in human cancers, plays an important role in pancreatic cancer progression, downregulates the levels of PTEN, and may promote cancer to evade host immune surveillance. Some oral-gut pathogens have been found to promote miR-21 expression and reduce PTEN expression. On the other hand, most gut pathogens infection is thought to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) or activate inflammatory cytokines, which may also induce ROS-mediated miR-21 expression. These pathogens' infection is involved with the cell density of MDSCs, Tregs, and M2 macrophages. Therefore, it is quite reasonable to propose that oral-gut pathogens possibly promote pancreatic cancer escaping from host immune surveillance by activating the miR-21/PTEN axis and immune-suppressive cells. The present exploration suggests that an increased understanding of the pattern of the effects of gut pathogens on the miR-21/PTEN axis will lead to better insights into the specific mechanisms associated with the immune escape of pancreatic cancer caused by oral-gut microbiota.
Transcriptomic Profile of Blood–Brain Barrier Remodeling in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Situ Muyu , Citalan-Madrid Ali Francisco , Stamatovic Svetlana M. , Keep Richard F. , Andjelkovic Anuska V.
Published: June 2022

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a small vessel disease characterized by amyloid β (Aβ) peptide deposition within the walls of medium to small-caliber blood vessels, cerebral microhemorrhage, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage. It is commonly associated with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease. BBB dysfunction is indicated as a pathological substrate for CAA progression with hyperpermeability, enhancing the extravasation of plasma components and inducing neuroinflammation, further worsening BBB injury and contributing to cognitive decline. Although significant effort has been made in defining the gene mutations and risk factors involved in microvascular alterations with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, the intra- and intercellular pathogenic mechanisms responsible for vascular hyperpermeability are still largely unknown. The present study aimed to elucidate the transcriptional profile of the cerebral microvessels (BBB) in a murine model with CAA vasculopathy to define potential causes and underlying mechanisms of BBB injury. A comprehensive RNA sequencing analysis was performed of CAA vasculopathy in Tg-SwDI mice at 6 and 18 months in comparison to age-matched wildtype controls to examine how age and amyloid accumulation impact the transcriptional signature of the BBB. Results indicate that Aβ has a critical role in triggering brain endothelial cell and BBB dysfunction in CAA vasculopathy, causing an intense proinflammatory response, impairing oxidative metabolism, altering the coagulation status of brain endothelial cells, and remodeling barrier properties. The proinflammatory response includes both adaptive and innate immunity, with pronounced induction of genes that regulate macrophage/microglial activation and chemokines/adhesion molecules that support T and B cell transmigration. Age has an important impact on the effects of Aβ, increasing the BBB injury in CAA vasculopathy. However, early inflammation, particularly microglia/macrophage activation and the mediators of B lymphocytes’ activities are underlying processes of BBB hyperpermeability and cerebral microbleeds in the early stage of CAA vasculopathy. These findings reveal a specific profile of the CAA-associated BBB injury that leads to a full progression of CAA.
Contribution of Phase Resetting to Statistical Persistence in Stride Intervals: A Modeling Study
Authors: Okamoto Kota , Obayashi Ippei , Kokubu Hiroshi , Senda Kei , Tsuchiya Kazuo , Aoi Shinya
Published: June 2022

Stride intervals in human walking fluctuate from one stride to the next, exhibiting statistical persistence. This statistical property is changed by aging, neural disorders, and experimental interventions. It has been hypothesized that the central nervous system is responsible for the statistical persistence. Human walking is a complex phenomenon generated through the dynamic interactions between the central nervous system and the biomechanical system. It has also been hypothesized that the statistical persistence emerges through the dynamic interactions during walking. In particular, a previous study integrated a biomechanical model composed of seven rigid links with a central pattern generator (CPG) model, which incorporated a phase resetting mechanism as sensory feedback as well as feedforward, trajectory tracking, and intermittent feedback controllers, and suggested that phase resetting contributes to the statistical persistence in stride intervals. However, the essential mechanisms remain largely unclear due to the complexity of the neuromechanical model. In this study, we reproduced the statistical persistence in stride intervals using a simplified neuromechanical model composed of a simple compass-type biomechanical model and a simple CPG model that incorporates only phase resetting and a feedforward controller. A lack of phase resetting induced a loss of statistical persistence, as observed for aging, neural disorders, and experimental interventions. These mechanisms were clarified based on the phase response characteristics of our model. These findings provide useful insight into the mechanisms responsible for the statistical persistence of stride intervals in human walking.
Frontal, Sensorimotor, and Posterior Parietal Regions Are Involved in Dual-Task Walking After Stroke
Authors: Lim Shannon B. , Peters Sue , Yang Chieh-ling , Boyd Lara A. , Liu-Ambrose Teresa , Eng Janice J.
Published: June 2022

Background

Walking within the community requires the ability to walk while simultaneously completing other tasks. After a stroke, completing an additional task while walking is significantly impaired, and it is unclear how the functional activity of the brain may impact this.

Methods

Twenty individual in the chronic stage post-stroke participated in this study. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to measure prefrontal, pre-motor, sensorimotor, and posterior parietal cortices during walking and walking while completing secondary verbal tasks of varying difficulty. Changes in brain activity during these tasks were measured and relationships were accessed between brain activation changes and cognitive or motor abilities.

Results

Significantly larger activations were found for prefrontal, pre-motor, and posterior parietal cortices during dual-task walking. Increasing dual-task walking challenge did not result in an increase in brain activation in these regions. Higher general cognition related to lower increases in activation during the easier dual-task. With the harder dual-task, a trend was also found for higher activation and less motor impairment.

Conclusions

This is the first study to show that executive function, motor preparation/planning, and sensorimotor integration areas are all important for dual-task walking post-stroke. A lack of further brain activation increase with increasing challenge suggests a point at which a trade-off between brain activation and performance occurs. Further research is needed to determine if training would result in further increases in brain activity or improved performance.
Low 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels Are Associated With Residual Dizziness After Successful Treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Wu Yunqin , Han Kun , Han Weiwei , Fan Zhenyi , Zhou Min , Lu Xiaoxiong , Liu Xiaoxia , Li Li , Du Liwen
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Vitamin D (Vit D) regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism and helps to maintain otolith organ function. Residual dizziness (RD) is one of the most common complications after the successful treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Various theories have been suggested to explain the cause of RD, and otolith organ disorder is the most evident cause of RD. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum levels of Vit D and the occurrence of RD after the successful treatment of BPPV.

Methods

A prospective study including patients who were diagnosed with de novo posterior semicircular canal-type BPPV (PC-BPPV) was conducted at our institution from May 2017 to May 2019. All the patients underwent canalith repositioning procedures and were followed up. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and RD occurrence after successful BPPV treatment.

Results

In total, 123 patients with PC-BPPV were enrolled, and 41.5% (51/123) experienced RD. The serum level of 25(OH)D was significantly lower in PC-BPPV patients with RD [median 16.2 ng/ml (IQR 12.9–22.1)] than in patients without RD [median 20.5 ng/ml (IQR 16.5–26.5)] (P = 0.001). In multivariate models comparing the prevalence of RD in the insufficient group [25(OH)D ≥ 20 to <30 ng/ml], deficient group [25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml] and normal group [25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/ml], the 25(OH)D levels in the deficient group were associated with the occurrence of RD (odds ratio = 5.48, 95% confidence interval = 1.08–27.71; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Low 25(OH)D levels are associated with the development of RD in patients with PC-BPPV after successful treatment. Further efforts to validate and elucidate the mechanism are needed.
Comparison of Treadmill Gait Between a Pediatric-Aged Individual With SYNGAP1-Related Intellectual Disability and a Fraternal Twin
Authors: Layne Charles S. , Malaya Christopher A. , Young David R. , Suter Berhard , Holder Jimmy L.
Published: June 2022

SYNGAP1-related Intellectual Disability (SYNGAP1-ID) is a rare neurodevelopmental condition characterized by profound intellectual disability, gross motor delays, and behavioral issues. Ataxia and gait difficulties are often observed but have not yet been characterized by laboratory-based kinematic analyses. This investigation identified gait characteristics of an individual with SYNGAP1-ID and compared these with a neurotypical fraternal twin. Lower limb kinematics were collected with a 12-camera motion capture system while both participants walked on a motorized treadmill. Kinematic data were separated into strides, and stride times calculated. Sagittal plane hip, knee, and ankle joints were filtered and temporally normalized to 100 samples. Minimum and maximum joint angles, range of motion (ROM) and angular velocities were obtained for each joint by stride and averaged for each participant. ROM symmetry between left and right joints was also calculated. Discrete relative phase (DRP) was used to assess coordination and variability between joints within a single limb and compared across limbs. Phase portraits were calculated by joint, and their areas were computed with a MATLAB script. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used to assess differences in joint angle waveforms between participants. P1, the individual with SYNGAP1-ID, displayed significantly reduced stride times relative to the fraternal twin, i.e., P2. A majority of minimum, maximum angles, ROMs, and angular velocities were significantly different between P1 and P2. Phase portrait areas were consistently less in P1 relative to P2 and there were differences in knee and ankle symmetries. DRP showed no differences between individuals, suggesting that P1’s coordinative events remained similar to those observed during neurotypical gait (P2). SPM revealed significant differences between the left and right legs at the knee and ankle joints of P1 while P2 joint left and right waveforms were nearly identical for all joints. Additionally, SPM revealed there were significant differences between P1 and P2 for all joints. This investigation identified several major gait features of an individual with SYNGAP1-ID and provided a comprehensive characterization of these features by utilizing both linear and non-linear analyses. While limited in generalizability, this report provides a strong quantitative appraisal of gait in an individual with SYNGAP1-ID as well as an analysis pathway for future investigations.
Adventures and Advances in Time Travel With Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Automated Patch Clamp
Authors: Rosholm Kadla R. , Badone Beatrice , Karatsiompani Stefania , Nagy David , Seibertz Fitzwilliam , Voigt Niels , Bell Damian C.
Published: June 2022

In the Hollywood blockbuster “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” a fantastical fable unfolds of a man’s life that travels through time reversing the aging process; as the tale progresses, the frail old man becomes a vigorous, vivacious young man, then man becomes boy and boy becomes baby. The reality of cellular time travel, however, is far more wondrous: we now have the ability to both reverse and then forward time on mature cells. Four proteins were found to rewind the molecular clock of adult cells back to their embryonic, “blank canvas” pluripotent stem cell state, allowing these pluripotent stem cells to then be differentiated to fast forward their molecular clocks to the desired adult specialist cell types. These four proteins – the “Yamanaka factors” – form critical elements of this cellular time travel, which deservedly won Shinya Yamanaka the Nobel Prize for his lab’s work discovering them. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) hold much promise in our understanding of physiology and medicine. They encapsulate the signaling pathways of the desired cell types, such as cardiomyocytes or neurons, and thus act as model cells for defining the critical ion channel activity in healthy and disease states. Since hiPSCs can be derived from any patient, highly specific, personalized (or stratified) physiology, and/or pathophysiology can be defined, leading to exciting developments in personalized medicines and interventions. As such, hiPSC married with high throughput automated patch clamp (APC) ion channel recording platforms provide a foundation for significant physiological, medical and drug discovery advances. This review aims to summarize the current state of affairs of hiPSC and APC: the background and recent advances made; and the pros, cons and challenges of these technologies. Whilst the authors have yet to finalize a fully functional time traveling machine, they will endeavor to provide plausible future projections on where hiPSC and APC are likely to carry us. One future projection the authors are confident in making is the increasing necessity and adoption of these technologies in the discovery of the next blockbuster, this time a life-enhancing ion channel drug, not a fantastical movie.
Influence of Cultivar on Nutritional Composition and Nutraceutical Potential of Pecan Growing in Uruguay
Authors: Ferrari Virginia , Gil Guillermo , Heinzen Horacio , Zoppolo Roberto , Ibáñez Facundo
Published: June 2022

Composition and antioxidant properties of sixteen pecan [Carya illinoinensis(Wangenh) K. Koch] cultivars grown simultaneously in a single experimental orchard in Uruguay were evaluated to characterize their nutritional properties and nutraceutical potential. The percentage of oil, moisture, ash, minerals, and proteins were determined and also the fatty acid profile. Total phenolic compounds [18–41 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAEs)/g], condensed tannin [2–12 mg catechin equivalents (CEs)/g], and tocopherols (110–163 μg/g) contents were estimated in nut kernels. Total phenolic compounds (32–117 mg GAE/g), condensed tannins (130–357 mg CE/g), and total anthocyanins (1–3 mg 3-glucoside cyanidin/g) were also determined for pecan shells. The antioxidant activity in shells [57.15–578.88 μmol Trolox equivalents (TEs)/g] was 5 times higher compared with the kernels (23.15–156.60 μmol TEs/g) measured with hydrophilic ORAC. Bioactive compounds concentrations present statistically significant genetic variability between cultivars studied (p< 0.05). The presence of phenolic compounds was related with high-antioxidant capacity in kernels and shells, and a strong correlation between content of total phenolic compounds and condensed tannins in pecan shells was found. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) show association between cultivars and the observed variables. The nutritional profile in the different cultivars showed the trends described in other countries, but this work shows some significant differences that could be attributed to the specific edaphoclimatic conditions of cultivation in Uruguay.
Improvement of Methodology for Manual Energy Intake Estimation From Passive Capture Devices
Authors: Pan Zhaoxing , Forjan Dan , Marden Tyson , Padia Jonathan , Ghosh Tonmoy , Hossain Delwar , Thomas J. Graham , McCrory Megan A. , Sazonov Edward , Higgins Janine A.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To describe best practices for manual nutritional analyses of data from passive capture wearable devices in free-living conditions.

Method

18 participants (10 female) with a mean age of 45 ± 10 years and mean BMI of 34.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2 consumed usual diet for 3 days in a free-living environment while wearing an automated passive capture device. This wearable device facilitates capture of images without manual input from the user. Data from the first nine participants were used by two trained nutritionists to identify sources contributing to inter-nutritionist variance in nutritional analyses. The nutritionists implemented best practices to mitigate these sources of variance in the next nine participants. The three best practices to reduce variance in analysis of energy intake (EI) estimation were: (1) a priori standardized food selection, (2) standardized nutrient database selection, and (3) increased number of images captured around eating episodes.

Results

Inter-rater repeatability for EI, using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), improved by 0.39 from pre-best practices to post-best practices (0.14 vs 0.85, 95% CI, respectively), Bland–Altman analysis indicated strongly improved agreement between nutritionists for limits of agreement (LOA) post-best practices.

Conclusion

Significant improvement of ICC and LOA for estimation of EI following implementation of best practices demonstrates that these practices improve the reproducibility of dietary analysis from passive capture device images in free-living environments.
The Interaction Between Dietary Fructose and Gut Microbiota in Hyperuricemia and Gout
Authors: Fang Xin-yu , Qi Liang-wei , Chen Hai-feng , Gao Peng , Zhang Qin , Leng Rui-xue , Fan Yin-guang , Li Bao-zhu , Pan Hai-feng , Ye Dong-qing
Published: June 2022

With the worldwide epidemics of hyperuricemia and associated gout, the diseases with purine metabolic disorders have become a serious threat to human public health. Accumulating evidence has shown that they have been linked to increased consumption of fructose in humans, we hereby made a timely review on the roles of fructose intake and the gut microbiota in regulating purine metabolism, together with the potential mechanisms by which excessive fructose intake contributes to hyperuricemia and gout. To this end, we focus on the understanding of the interaction between a fructose-rich diet and the gut microbiota in hyperuricemia and gout to seek for safe, cheap, and side-effect-free clinical interventions. Furthermore, fructose intake recommendations for hyperuricemia and gout patients, as well as the variety of probiotics and prebiotics with uric acid-lowering effects targeting the intestinal tract are also summarized to provide reference and guidance for the further research.
A Risk and Hazard Analysis Model for the Production Process of a New Meat Product Blended With Germinated Green Buckwheat and Food Safety Awareness
Authors: Atambayeva Zhibek , Nurgazezova Almagul , Rebezov Maksim , Kazhibayeva Galiya , Kassymov Samat , Sviderskaya Diana , Toleubekova Sandugash , Assirzhanova Zhanna , Ashakayeva Rysqul , Apsalikova Zukhra
Published: June 2022

This study was specifically designed for a small-scale meat processing enterprise “DARIYA” to set up a specific HACCP plan for the new product (patties) made from mixed horsemeat with vegetable components developed in the Department of Technology of Food Production and Biotechnology, Shakarim University of Semey. Critical control points (CCPs) were identified and applied in the HACCP plan. The different hazards were detected at each processing step, whereas each CCP in the HACCP plan was identified and accompanied with the appropriate significant hazard, critical limit, monitoring of the CCP, and corrective actions, confirming that the enterprise has fully employed the HACCP methodology and ISO 22000:2018. Our results indicate that during almost 1 year following the implementation of ISO 22000:2018, the coliform level of tested patties significantly dropped (p < 0.05) after 6 months of implementation (coliform count dropped from 4.4 MPN/g to 1.8 MPN/g). The rapid screening of the bacterial count, heavy metals, pesticide residue, and physical contamination levels also improved monitoring assertiveness, allowing them to deal with foreseeable issues linking to resources and guarantee product quality. Cesium-137 was recorded as 5.4 ± 2.9627 Bq/kg in horsemeat and 6.7 ± 2.7045 in poultry. The activity of cesium-137 did not exceed the MAC. This result discloses that prompt screening is the foremost and necessary step for small enterprises. According to this study, the “acceptance of raw materials” is the most important CCP, and their control, particularly in small-scale meat processing enterprises, can actually prevent many negative outcomes. The implementation of both standards improved food quality by declining the flaw rates for patties, and the number of flow inconsistencies needed for correction in the process also dropped significantly (p < 0.05), demonstrating that safety and quality points were improving. If the application of the HACCP plan were to continue over an extended period of time, the Food Safety Management System's (FSMS) benefits would be more substantial improvements to a greater number of items being monitored. The process of implementing HACCP principles and ISO 22000:2018 could be arduous but achievable enough to be used in small industries with significant outcomes.