bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning for Wave Energy Converter Modeling Using Long Short Term Memory
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Milad , Ghasemi Majid , Dehghan Manshadi Mahsa , Mosavi Amir
Published: April 2021

Accurate forecasts of ocean waves energy can not only reduce costs for investment but it is also essential for management and operation of electrical power. This paper presents an innovative approach based on the Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) to predict the power generation of an economical wave energy converter named “Searaser”. The data for analyzing is provided by collecting the experimental data from another study and the exerted data from numerical simulation of searaser. The simulation is done with Flow-3D software which has high capability in analyzing the fluid solid interactions. The lack of relation between wind speed and output power in previous studies needs to be investigated in this field. Therefore, in this study the wind speed and output power are related with a LSTM method. Moreover, it can be inferred that the LSTM Network is able to predict power in terms of height more accurately and faster than the numerical solution in a field of predicting. The network output figures show a great agreement and the root mean square is 0.49 in the mean value related to the accuracy of LSTM method. Furthermore, the mathematical relation between the generated power and wave height was introduced by curve fitting of the power function to the result of LSTM method.
Exponentials and Logarithms Properties in an Extended Complex Number Field
Authors: Tischhauser Daniel
Published: April 2021

In this study we demonstrate the complex logarithm and exponential multivalued results and identity failures are not induced by the exponentiation and logarithm operations, but are solely induced by the definition of complex numbers and exponentiation as in C. We propose a new definition of the complex number set, in which the issues related to the identity failures and the multivalued results resolve. Furthermore the exponentiation is no longer defined by the logarithm, instead the complex logarithm formula can be deduced from the exponentiation. There is a cost as some algebraic properties of the addition and substraction will be diminished, though remaining valid to a certain extent. Finally we attempt a geometric and algebraic formalization of the new complex numbers set. It will appear clearly the new complex numbers system is a natural and harmonious complement to the C field.
Performance Assessment for Short-Term Water Demand Forecasting Models at an End-Use Level in Korea
Authors: Koo Kang Min , Han Kuk Heon , Jun Kyung Soo , Lee Gyumin , Kim Jung Sik , Yum Kyung Taek
Published: April 2021

It is crucial to forecast the water demand accurately for supplying water efficiently and stably in a water supply system. In particular, accurately forecasting short-term water demand helps in saving energy and reducing operating costs. With the introduction of the Smart Water Grid (SWG) in a water supply system, the amount of water consumption is obtained in real time through an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) sensor, which can be used for forecasting the short-term water demand. The models widely used for water demand forecasting include the autoregressive integrated moving average, radial basis function-artificial neural network, quantitative multi-model predictor plus, and long short-term memory. However, there is a lack of research on assessing the performance of models and forecasting the short-term water demand by applying the data on the amount of water consumption by purpose and the pipe diameter of an end-use level of the SWG demonstration plant in each demand forecasting model. Therefore, in this study, the short-term water demand was forecasted for each model using the data collected from the AMI, and the performance of each model was assessed. The Smart Water Grid Research Group installed ultrasonic-wave-type AMI sensors in the block 112 located in YeongJong Island, Incheon, and the actual data used for operating the SWG demonstration plant were adopted. The performance of the model was assessed by using the residual, root mean square error (RMSE), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) as indices. The water demand forecast was slightly underestimated in models that employed the assessment results based on the RMSE and NRMSE. Furthermore, the forecasting accuracy was low for the NSE due to a large number of negative values; the correlation between the observed and forecasted values of the PCC was not high, and it was difficult to forecast the peak amount of water consumption. Therefore, as the short-term water demand forecasting models using only time and the amount of water consumption have limitations in reflecting the characteristics of consumers, a water supply system can be managed more precisely if other factors (weather, customer behavior, etc.) influencing the water demand are applied.
Toward an Understanding Of the Structural and Mechanistic Aspects of Protein-Protein Interactions in 2-Oxo Acid Dehydrogenase Complexes
Authors: Nemeria Natalia S. , Zhang Xu , Leandro Joao , Zhou Jieyu , Yang Luying , Houten Sander M. , Jordan Frank
Published: April 2021

The 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDHc) is a key enzyme in the TCA cycle and represents one of the major regulators of mitochondrial metabolism through NADH and reactive oxygen species levels. The OGDHc impacts cell metabolic and cell signaling pathways through the coupling of 2-oxoglutarate metabolism to gene transcription related to tumor cell proliferation and aging. DHTKD1 is a gene encoding 2-oxoadipate dehydrogenase (E1a), which functions in the L-lysine degradation pathway. The potentially damaging variants in DHTKD1 have been associated to the (neuro) pathogenesis of several diseases. Evidence was obtained for the formation of a hybrid complex between the OGDHc and E1a, suggesting a potential cross talk between the two metabolic pathways and raising fundamental questions about their assembly. Here we reviewed the recent findings and advances in understanding of protein-protein interactions in OGDHc and 2-oxoadipate dehydrogenase complex (OADHc), an understanding that will create a scaffold to help design approaches to mitigate the effects of diseases associated with dysfunction of the TCA cycle or lysine degradation. A combination of biochemical, biophysical and structural approaches such as chemical cross-linking MS and cryo-EM appears particularly promising to provide vital information for the assembly of 2-oxo acid dehydrogenase complexes, their function and regulation.
Energy Scenarios towards Achieving SDG7 and the Interlinkages with Other Sustainable Development Goals: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hafez Fatma S. , Umar Da’u Abba , Yap Y.H. Taufiq , Mekhilef Saad
Published: April 2021

Accessing energy in the world is crucial nowadays. Energy is an essential factor to achieve other SDGs including SDG7. However, the determination and evaluation of the relationship between different energy scenarios to achieve SDG 7 and other SDGs have not done yet. This paper seeks to fill this gap by investigating how energy seniors can contribute to achieving SDG 7 and other SDGs. Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases were utilized for conduction a systematic review. A total finial 25 from 249 papers were filtered from 2015 to December 2020 via inclusion and exclusion criteria. This review involves six seniors of energy which primary linked to achieving the SDG 7 and other SDGs: modern energy 20% (n = 5/25), energy access 16% (n = 4/20), energy efficiency 8% (n= 2/16), renewable energy 28% (n= 7/14), energy services 8% (n= 2/7), and miscellaneous energy 20% (n= 5/5). This systematic review explores the opportunities, constraints and limitations, recommendations, and new directions. The results show that different energy scenarios contribute to achieving mainly (SDG7) and other SDGs. The outcomes from this systematic review provide a sense of direction for future researchers for future studies in this domain.
Bayesian Network Analysis of Lysine Biosynthesis Pathway in Rice
Authors: Lahiri Aditya , Rastogi Khushboo , Datta Aniruddha , Septiningsih Endang M.
Published: April 2021

Lysine is the first limiting essential amino acid in rice because it is present in the lowest quantity compared to all the other amino acids. Amino acids are the building block of proteins and play an essential role in maintaining the human body’s healthy functioning. Rice is a staple food for large proportion of the global population, thus increasing the lysine content in rice will improve its nutritional value. In this paper, we studied the lysine biosynthesis pathway in rice (Oryza Sativa) to identify the regulators of the lysine reporter gene LYSA (LOC_Os02g24354). Genetically intervening at the regulators has the potential to increase the overall lysine content in rice. We modeled the lysine biosynthesis pathway in rice seedlings under normal and saline (NaCl) stress conditions using Bayesian networks. We estimated the model parameters using experimental data and identified the gene DAPF(LOC_Os12g37960) as a positive regulator of the lysine reporter gene LYSA under both normal and saline stress conditions. Based on this analysis, we conclude that the gene DAPF is a potent candidate for genetic intervention. Upregulating DAPF using methods such as CRISPR-Cas9 has the potential to upregulate the lysine reporter gene LYSA and increase the overall lysine content in rice.
Preparing Returning Workplaces for COVID-19: An Occupational Health Perspective
Authors: Yosia Mikhael , Adi Nuri Purwito
Published: April 2021

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing and the resulting economic burden increasingly apparent, the Indonesian government began to prepare a "new normal" phase and make peace with COVID-19. From this new decision arises the question of the readiness of businesses and the industrial sector to resume operations amid COVID-19. This article aims to provide concise and precise information about the preparations that can be made by businesses to operate safely amid COVID-19 based on existing scientific studies and literatures. From the literature visits it can be concluded that transmission and danger of a COVID-19 pandemic can be prevented through: creation of infectious disease prevention and response plan, implementing basic infection prevention measures, policies and procedures for proper identification and isolation of sick people, applying flexibilities in policies, and protections in the workplace.
The Clinical Application of Porous Tantalum and Its New Development for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Huang Gan , Pan Shu-Ting , Qiu Jia-Xuan
Published: April 2021

Porous tantalum (Ta) is a promising biomaterial and has been applied in orthopedics and dentistry for nearly two decades. The high porosity and interconnected pore structure of porous Ta promise fine bone ingrowth and new bone formation within the inner space, which further guarantee rapid osteointegration and bone-implant stability in long term. Porous Ta has high wettability and surface energy that can facilitate adherence, proliferation and mineralization of osteoblasts. Meanwhile, low elastic modulus and high friction coefficient of porous Ta can effectively avoid stress shield effect, minimize marginal bone loss and ensure primary stability. Accordingly, the satisfactory clinical application of porous Ta based implants or prostheses are mainly derived from its excellent biological and mechanical properties. With the advent of additive manufacturing, personalized porous Ta based implants or prostheses have shown their clinical value in the treatment of individual patient who need specially designed implant or prosthesis. In addition, many modification methods have been introduced to enhance the bioactivity and antibacterial property of porous Ta with promising in vitro and in vivo research results. In any case, choosing suitable patients is of great importance to guarantee surgical success after porous Ta insertion.
The Gateway to Parallel Universe & Connected Physics
Authors: Bhattacharjee Deep
Published: April 2021

The anisotropy in the CMBR detected by the COBE satellite has sprouted the research and theories of the void that got created, after being washed away by a parallel universe after its collision. This details of the roadmap to the parallel universe, that are previously been entangled, but now, separated, with the concept of 2-time dimensions as a time curve of containing the closed curves embedded on the surface area, thereby time running backward in orientation in the parallel universe, along with the perspective of eternal inflation and divided subspaces giving birth to twin universes are provided here. This time curve being responsible for creating an exponentiality of time frames, growing in layers, giving us the perception of the confabulations being an indication of the previously connected worlds.
Improved SCS-CN Model Incorporating Storm Duration and Rainfall-based Initial Abstraction for Runoff Estimation
Authors: Verma Ravindra Kumar , Verma Sangeeta , Sharma Nand Kishor , Mishra Surendra Kumar , Pandey Ashish
Published: April 2021

The need of incorporating storm intensity or duration in Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) methodology for improved direct surface runoff estimation for a watershed has been highlighted by many engineers and hydrologists since long and despite this fact, it is still poorly explored. Therefore, this study aims to present storm duration-based improved SCS-CN models for estimating more accurate direct surface runoff from rainfall events. The accuracy and consistency of improved models are tested on a large rainfall-runoff dataset (18,660 rainfall events) derived from 39 watersheds in the USDA-ARS. Furthermore, the quantitative model’s performance is also evaluated employing six widely accepted statistical measures viz. root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), percent bias (PBIAS), observations standard deviation ratio (RSR), and several grading criteria. These models are compared with the original SCS-CN model (M1) and its simple form (M2) with traditionally fixed initial abstraction ratio (λ) as 0.2. The resulting lowest values of RMSE, NRMSE, MAE, NSE, PBIAS and highest values of RSR and ranking grading system (RGS) for the proposed models (M3-M5) reveal that their performance is better than M1 and M2 models. The proposed M5 model incorporating both storm duration and varying initial abstraction (Ia) as a certain percentage of rainfall, performed the best followed by M3 incorporating only storm duration. According to RGS, M5 also ranked first with the highest marks (195) followed by M3 (140). Due to high accuracy in predicted runoff, M5 can be recommended for both small and large watersheds as it overcomes the following issues: fixed λ (=0.2), assumption of constant rainfall intensity (time-independent), fixation of Ia at 2% of rainfall and applicability to only small watersheds, restricting the application of original SCS-CN and its modified versions.
Effect of Nitrogen Ion Implantation on the Cavitation Erosion Resistance and Cobalt-Based Solid Solution Phase Transformations of HIPed Stellite 6
Authors: Szala Mirosław , Chocyk Dariusz , Skic Anna , Kamiński Mariusz , Macek Wojciech , Turek Marcin
Published: April 2021

From the wide range of engineering materials traditional Stellite 6 alloy exhibits excellent cavitation erosion (CE) resistance. In this work, the effect of nitrogen ion implantation of HIPed Stellite 6 on the improvement of CE resistance and both cobalt-rich matrix phase transformation due to nitrogen implantation and CE were stated. The CE resistance of stellites ion-implanted by 120 keV N+ ions two fluences: 5x1016 cm-2 and 1x1017 cm-2 were comparatively analysed with the unimplanted stellite and AISI 304 stainless steel. CE tests were conducted according to ASTM G32 with stationary specimen method. Erosion rate curves and mean depth of erosion confirm that the nitrogen implanted HIPed Stellite 6 two times exceeds the resistance to CE than unimplanted stellite, and has almost 10 times higher CE reference than stainless steel. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms that HIPed Stellite 6 nitrogen ion implantation favours transformation of the ɛ(hcp) to γ(fcc) structure. Unimplanted stellite ɛ-rich matirx is less prone to plastic deformation than γ and consequently, increase of γ phase effectively holds carbides in cobalt matrix and prevents Cr7C3 debonding. This phenomenon elongates three times the CE incubation stage, slows erosion rate and mitigates the material loss. Metastable γ structure formed by ion implantation consumes the cavitation load for work-hardening and γ → ɛ martensitic transformation. In further CE stages, phases transform as for unimplanted alloy namely, the cavitation-inducted recovery process, removal of strain, dislocations resulting in increase of fcc phase. The CE mechanism was investigated using a surface profilometer, atomic force microscopy, SEM-EDS and XRD. HIPed Stellite 6 wear behaviour relies on the plastic deformation of cobalt matrix, starting at Cr7C3/matrix interfaces. Once the Cr7C3 losing their restrain, are debonding and removed. Carbides detachment creates cavitation pits which initiate cracks propagation through cobalt matrix, the loss of matrix phase and CE proceeds with a detachment of massive chunk of materials.
Guideline on Returning to Work after COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Yosia Mikhael , Adi Nuri Purwito
Published: April 2021

Work-life after COVID-19 might never be the same again. After an economic crisis due to the pandemic, the Indonesian government is applying large-scale social restriction relaxation to allow companies to reopen. However, just after a few weeks of social relaxation, new clusters from offices are occurring. With many employees infected with COVID 19, concerns arise among employers; when is the best time for employees to get back to work after COVID-19 infection? This paper provides a general guideline to discontinue isolation in people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection in non-healthcare establishments. According to the newest available evidence, commencing back to work should refer to a symptom-based strategy rather than a test-based strategy. In all circumstances, universal health protocol should be practiced at all times to minimize widespread transmission.
Changes on Bacterial and Fungal Soil Communities in Long-Term Organic Cropping Systems
Authors: Cuartero Jessica , Özbolat Onurcan , Sánchez-Navarro Virginia , Egea-Cortines Marcos , Zornoza Raúl , Canfora Loredana , Orrù Luigi , Pascual José Antonio , Vivo Juana-María , Ros Margarita
Published: April 2021

Microbial communities play a key role in sustainable agriculture. However, we still need more in-formation, to understand the complex response of the microbial community to long-term organic farming, which aims to reduce synthetic fertilizer and pesticide use in order to produce sustainably and improve soil quality. We have assessed the long-term effect of two organic cropping systems and a conventional system on the microbial soil community structure using high-throughput se-quencing analysis. We analyzed the link between these communities and changes in soil properties and crop yield. Results showed that the crop yield was similar among the three cropping systems. Soil properties, such as total organic carbon, nitrogen, ammonium, magnesium and boron, influ-enced changes in the bacterial community structure. A linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) showed different bacteria and fungi as key microorganism of each of the three different cropping systems, in addition, our results reflected that fungal community were more sensitive than bacteria to cropping system. This research provides an insight about changes occurred in soils, especially in microbial communities considering the effect of that changes in crop yield which were remained stable among the different cropping systems.
Food Security, Environmental Health, and the Economy in Mexico: Lessons Learned with the COVID-19
Authors: Monroy-Torres Rebeca , Carcaño-Valencia Erika , Hernández-Luna Marco , Caldera-Ortega Alex , Serafín- Muñoz Alma , Linares- Segovia Benigno , Medina- Jiménez Karen , Castillo-Chávez Angela , Jiménez-Garza Octavio , Méndez- Pérez Monserrat , López-Briones Sergio
Published: April 2021

In Mexico, it is estimated that due to the economic system the overexploitation of natural resources, environmental impacts and health have been generated, with high rates of overweight and obesity. This review analyzes the impacts on food safety, environmental health, and the economy in Mexico before and during the COVID-19 contingency. Derived from the analysis, among the lessons learned we can include: the health contingency due to COVID-19 had negative repercussions on food security, environmental health and the economy, which require the promotion of public policies (health, environment and economy) and migrate to a health prevention system and an agroecological model, which includes multidisciplinary and intersectoral interventions (government, academia, researchers, civil society organizations, business groups and citizens themselves) to reform and enforce the right to enjoy adequate food and a healthy environment. The contingency due to COVID19 has shown us that this must go from an ideology to being a reality and the lessons learned will have to focus on promoting an innovative and ethical culture of generating an economy, with a gender balance, resilience to climate change, management transparent technology and a priority in health and this will lead to progress in the food security of the population.
Weathered Antlers: A Valuable Source of DNA Useful for Conservation Purposes for Cervids
Authors: Greco Claudia , De Marinis Anna Maria , Riga Francesco , Mucci Nadia
Published: April 2021

Increasingly, conservation genetics pinpoint the use of biological matrices collected without stressing wildlife. Cervid’s antlers seem to fit with this need. We verified the amplification success rate from DNA obtained from red deer antlers collected in the State Nature Reserve of Bosco della Mesola, Northern Italy and its use for conservation purposes. Here occurs the only native red deer population of peninsular Italy, recently recognized as a distinct subspecies (Cervus elaphus italicus). Four antlers stored at room temperature for four years and four samples highly degraded by environmental conditions were analyzed using a multimarker approach. We utilized a simple, inexpensive method to extract DNA from drilled antlers powder. This study conﬁrms that weathered antlers can be a suitable source of DNA also in Mediterranean climate characterized by strong seasonal fluctuations, and not only in dry climates. Our results pointed out that only burr drilling yielded good quality amplifiable DNA. Antlers can be used in particular for molecular genetic studies on rare or threatened species of cervids as providing an efficient and cost-effective non-invasive sampling.
Adaptability and Resilience of Academic Radiation Oncology Personnel and Procedures during Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Das Indra J , Kalapurakal John A J , Strauss Jonathan B , Zawislak Brian R , Gopalakrishnan Mahesh , Bajaj Amishi , Mittal Bharat B
Published: April 2021

Background: A comprehensive response to the unprecedented SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) chal-lenges for public health and its impact on radiation oncology patients and personnel for resilience and adaptability is presented. Methods: The general recommendations included working remote-ly when feasible, implementation of screening/safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines, social distancing, regular cleaning of treatment environment, and testing for high-risk patients/procedures. All teaching conferences, tumor boards, and weekly chart rounds were con-ducted using a virtual platform. Additionally, specific recommendations were given to each sec-tion to ensure proper patient treatments. The impact of these measures, especially adaptability and resilience, were evaluated through specific questionnaire surveys. Results: These comprehen-sive COVID-19 related measures resulted in most staff expressing a consistent level of satisfaction in regards to personal safety, maintaining a safe work environment, continuing quality patient care and continuing educational activities during the pandemic. There was a significant reduction in patient treatments and on-site patient visits with an appeciable increase in the number of tele-medicine e-visits. Conclusions: Survey results demonstrated substantial adaptability and resili-ence, including in the rapid recovery of departmental activities during the reactivation phase. In the event of a future public health emergency, the measures implemented may be adopted with good outcomes by radiation oncology departments across the globe.
Genetic Events Inhibiting Apoptosis in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Leveille Etienne , Johnson Nathalie A.
Published: April 2021

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is curable with chemoimmunotherapy in ~65% of patients. One of the hallmarks of the pathogenesis and resistance to therapy in DLBCL is inhibition of apoptosis, which allows malignant cells to survive and acquire further alterations. Inhibition of apoptosis can be the result of genetic events inhibiting the intrinsic or extrinsic apoptotic pathways, as well as their modulators, such as the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, P53, and components of the NF-kB pathway. Mechanisms of dysregulation include upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins and downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins via point mutations, amplifications, deletions, translocations, and influences of other proteins. Understanding the factors contributing to resistance to apoptosis in DLBCL is crucial in order to be able to develop targeted therapies that could improve outcomes by restoring apoptosis in malignant cells. This review describes the genetic events inhibiting apoptosis in DLBCL, provides a perspective of their interactions in lymphomagenesis, and discuss their implication for the future of DLBCL therapy.
ANN-Based Decision Making in Station Keeping for Geotechnical Drilling Vessel
Authors: Ramasamy Murugan , Hannan Mohammed Abdul , Ahmed Yaseen Adnan , Dev Arun Kr
Published: April 2021

Offshore vessels (OVs) often requires precise station-keeping and some vessels, for example, vessel involves in geotechnical drilling generally use Spread Mooring (SM) or Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems. Most of these vessels are equipped with both systems to cover all ranges of water depths. However, determining which systems to use for a particular operational scenario depends on many factors and requires significant balancing in terms of cost-benefit. Therefore, this research aims to develop a platform that will determine the cost factors for both the SM and DP station keeping systems. Operational information and cost data are collected for several field operations, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) is trained using those data samples. After that, the trained ANN is used to predict the components of cost for any given environmental situation, fieldwork duration and water depth. Later, the total cost is investigated against water depth for both DP and SM systems to determine the most cost-effective option. The results are validated using two operational scenarios for a specific geotechnical vessel. This decision-making algorithm can be further developed by adding up more operational data for various vessels and can be applied in the development of sustainable decision-making business models for OVs operators.
Involvement of the Protein Ras Homolog Enriched in the Striatum, Rhes, in Dopaminergic Neurons Degeneration: Link to Parkison’s Disease
Authors: Serra Marcello , Pinna Annalisa , Costa Giulia , Usiello Alessandro , Pasqualetti Massimo , Avallone Luigi , Morelli Micaela , Napolitano Francesco
Published: April 2021

Rhes is one of the most interesting proteins regulated by thyroid hormones that, through the inhibition of the striatal cAMP/PKA pathway, acts as a modulator of dopamine neurotransmission. It is expressed at high levels in the dorsal striatum, with a medial-to-lateral expression gradient reflecting that of both dopamine D2 and adenosine A2A receptors. Rhes is also present in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, olfactory tubercle and bulb, substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area of the rodent brain. In line with Rhes-dependent regulation of dopaminergic transmission, several data showed that lack of Rhes enhanced cocaine and amphetamine-induced motor stimulation in mice. Previous studies showed that pharmacological depletion of dopamine significantly reduces Rhes mRNA levels in rodents, non-human primates and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, suggesting a link between dopaminergic innervation and physiological Rhes mRNA expression. Rhes protein binds to and activates striatal mTORC1, and modulates L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in PD rodent models. Finally, Rhes is involved in the survival of mouse midbrain dopaminergic neurons of SNc, thus pointing towards a Rhes-dependent modulation of autophagy and mitophagy processes, and encouraging further investigations about mechanisms underlying dysfunctions of the nigrostriatal system.
Prediction of Nonunion After Nonoperative Treatment of a Proximal Humeral Fracture
Authors: Goudie Ewan B. , Robinson C. Michael
Published: April 2021

Background:

The prevalence of nonunion after a proximal humeral fracture (PHF) and the risk factors for its occurrence are poorly defined. We aimed to estimate the rate of nonunion in nonoperatively treated patients and to produce a clinical model for its prediction.

Methods:

Two thousand two hundred and thirty adult patients (median age, 72 years [range, 18 to 103 years]; 75.5% were female) with a PHF underwent assessment of fracture union using standard clinical evaluation and conventional radiographs. We assessed the prevalence of nonunion and measured the effect of 19 parameters on healing. Best statistical practices were used to construct a multivariate logistic regression model. The PHF assessment of risk of nonunion model (PHARON) was externally validated in a subsequent prospectively collected population of 735 patients, treated by the same protocol in our institution.

Results:

Overall, 231 (10.4%) of 2,230 patients developed nonunion. Only 3 (0.8%) of 395 patients with a head-shaft angle (HSA) of >140° developed nonunion; in this cohort, none of the measured candidate variables were independently predictive of nonunion on multivariate logistic regression analysis. In the larger cohort of 1,835 patients with an HSA of ≤140°, 228 (12.4%) developed nonunion. Decreasing HSA, increasing head-shaft translation (HST), and smoking were independently predictive of nonunion on multivariate analysis. The prevalence of nonunion was very low (1%) in the majority with both an HSA of >90° and HST of <50%, whereas the risk was much higher (83.7%) in the 8.3% with an HSA of ≤90° and HST of ≥50%. In both groups, the prevalence of nonunion was much higher in smokers.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of nonunion after PHF is higher than previously reported. Most patients have favorable risk-factor estimates and a very low risk of this complication, but a smaller subgroup is at much higher risk. The risk can be accurately estimated with PHARON, using standard clinical assessment tools.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Modelling infectious diseases with herd immunity in a randomly mixed population
Authors: Law Kian Boon , Peariasamy Kalaiarasu M. , Ibrahim Hishamshah Mohd. , Abdullah Noor Hisham
Published: April 2021

Background The conventional susceptible-infectious-recovered (SIR) model tends to overestimate the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases and ends up with total infections and total immunized population exceeding the threshold required for control and eradication of infectious diseases. The study aims to overcome the limitation by allowing the transmission rate of infectious disease to decline along with the reducing risk of contact infection. Methods Two new SIR models were developed to mimic the declining transmission rate of infectious diseases at different stages of transmission. Model A mimicked the declining transmission rate along with the reducing risk of transmission following infection, while Model B mimicked the declining transmission rate following recovery. Then, the conventional SIR model, Model A and Model B were used to simulate an infectious disease with a basic reproduction number (r0) of 3.0 and a herd immunity threshold (HIT) of 0.667 with and without vaccination. The infectious disease was expected to be controlled or eradicated when the total immunized population either through infection or vaccination reached the level predicted by the HIT. Outcomes of simulations were assessed at the time when the total immunized population reached the level predicted by the HIT, and at the end of simulations.Findings All three models performed likewise at the beginning of the transmission when sizes of infectious and recovered were relatively small as compared with the population size. The infectious disease modelled using the conventional SIR model appeared completely out of control even when the HIT was achieved in all scenarios with and without vaccination. The infectious disease modelled using Model A appeared to be controlled at the level predicted by the HIT in all scenarios with and without vaccination. Model B projected the infectious disease to be controlled at the level predicted by the HIT only at high vaccination rates. At lower vaccination rates or without vaccination, the level at which the infectious disease was controlled cannot be accurately predicted by the HIT. Conclusion Transmission dynamics of infectious diseases with herd immunity can accurately be modelled by allowing the transmission rate of infectious disease to decline along with the combined risk of contact infection. Model B provides a more credible framework for modelling infectious diseases with herd immunity in a randomly mixed population.
Single-cell detection of Nonsense-Mediated mRNA decay
Authors: Singer Robert , Sato Hanae
Published: April 2021

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is an mRNA degradation pathway that eliminates transcripts containing premature termination codons (PTCs). Half-lives of the mRNAs containing PTCs demonstrates that a small percent escape surveillance and do not degrade. It is not known whether this escape represents variable mRNA degradation within cells or, alternatively cells within the population are resistant. Here we demonstrate a single-cell approach with a bi-directional reporter, which expresses two b-globin genes with or without a PTC in the same cell, to characterize the efficiency of NMD in individual cells. We found a broad range of NMD efficiency in the population; some cells degraded essentially all of the mRNAs, while others escaped NMD almost completely. Characterization of NMD efficiency together with NMD regulators in single cells showed cell-to-cell variability of NMD reflects the differential level of surveillance factors, SMG1 and phosphorylated UPF1. A single-cell fluorescent reporter system that enabled detection of NMD using flow cytometry revealed that this escape occurred either by translational readthrough at the PTC or by failure of mRNA degradation after successful translation termination at the PTC.
Variable Seed Bed Microsite Conditions and Light Influence Germination in Australian Winter Annuals
Authors: Towers Isaac Ray , Merritt David J , Erikson Todd E , Mayfield Margaret M , Dwyer John M
Published: April 2021

Environmentally-cued germination may play an important role in promoting coexistence in Mediterranean annual plant systems if it causes niche differentiation across heterogenous microsite conditions. In this study, we tested how microsite conditions experienced by seeds in the field and light conditions in the laboratory influenced germination in twelve common annual plant species occurring in the understorey of the York gum-jam woodlands in southwest Western Australia. Specifically, we hypothesized that if germination promotes spatial niche differentiation then we should observe species-specific germination responses to light. In addition, we hypothesized that species’ laboratory germination response may depend on the microsite conditions experienced by seeds while buried. We tested the laboratory germination response of seeds of species under diurnally fluctuating light and complete darkness which were retrieved from microsites spanning local-scale environmental gradients known to influence community structure in this system. We found that seeds of six out of the twelve focal species exhibited significant positive germination responses to light but that the magnitude of these responses varied greatly. In addition, maximum germinability increased significantly across a gradient of canopy cover for two species, but we found little evidence to suggest that species’ relative light requirement for germination varied depending on microsite conditions. Our results suggest that variability in light availability may promote coexistence in this system and that the microsite conditions seeds experience in the intra-growing season period can further nuance species germination behaviour.
Factors Influencing Surgical Outcomes in Orbital Trapdoor Fracture
Authors: Chen Yi-Hua , Tsai Yueh-Ju , Tseng I-Shiang
Published: April 2021

This study is aimed to determine the appropriate timing of performing surgical reduction on trapdoor fractures for bringing out better visual outcomes and the factors influencing surgical outcomes in this special subgroup of fracture victims. Data for 72 patients of orbital trapdoor fracture were analyzed retrospectively. Post- operative diplopia is the main posttreatment outcome of orbital bone fracture reduction. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated the cut-off point of surgical reduction timing at day 10 post-fracture. The rate of postoperative diplopia showed a significant difference between patients who underwent surgical reduction within 10 days and those who did after 10 days of injury (5.3% vs. 38.2%). Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative infra-duction limitation (p=0.02), muscle incarceration (p=0.01), duration from injury to surgical reduction (p=0.004), and postoperative supra-duction limitation (p=0.004) were independent factors for poor surgical outcomes. In younger patients with head injury, the diagnosis of orbital trapdoor fracture should be kept in mind. Timely recognition and surgical reduction, especially within 10 days, can result in better visual outcomes without the occurrence of postoperative diplopia.
Drivers of Distribution and its Changes in two Closely Related Species with Contrasting Elevational Distributions Over two Decades
Authors: Šimáková Terezie , Münzbergová Zuzana
Published: April 2021

Climate change has an enormous impact on species and communities, especially those in the alpine and arctic environments. Even though the reactions of species to climate change have been widely studied, their responses are not straightforward, and it is necessary to focus on them in more detail. In this study, we assessed the distribution of two closely related grass species Anthoxanthum odoratum , an allotetraploid species of lower altitudes and A. alpinum , a diploid occurring in higher altitudes, in the Krkonoše Mts., the Czech Republic. We explored the drivers of their current distribution and its changes over the past two decades during the ongoing climate change. The results indicate that distribution of these two species has not considerably changed, as there is only a weak evidence of a wider distribution of A. odoratum compared to the past. Surprisingly, A. alpinum has newly appeared at some localities at lower altitudes. Changes in the distribution of the two species over time were significantly related to a range of local habitat characteristics such as vegetation or bryophyte cover, nutrient level, moisture, or species composition, but were largely independent of altitude, a variable expected to be a proxy of climatic conditions of the localities. This indicates that the environmental characteristics of the localities, play more important role in species distribution and its changes than global climate change.
Does China's Carbon Trading Policy Improve Regional Energy Efficiency? —An Analysis Based on Quasi Experimental and Policy Spillover Effects
Authors: Zhang Xue-mei , Lu Fei-fei , Xue Dan
Published: April 2021

Carbon trading policy is important for addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. Reducing carbon emissions could further affect energy efficiency (EE). Based on the data of 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2017, we first calculated the EE by the super-slack-based model (Super-SBM). We then analyzed the theoretical mechanism of the impact of carbon trading policies on EE. We also established a difference-in-difference model and mediation effect model for empirical analysis. Finally, we used the spatial difference-in-difference (SDID) model to test the policy spillover effect of carbon trading policies. The results showed that the high energy efficiency areas gradually shifted to the central and eastern regions with the change of time in space. At the same time, the energy efficiency value in the pilot area of carbon trading policy is obviously higher than that in the non-pilot area. Carbon trading policy had a significant positive effect on improving EE. Among them, green technology innovation and energy structure both had positive mediation effects on carbon trading policies affecting EE. Additionally, the industrial structuring adjustment had no significant mediation effect in its influencing mechanism. Finally, the spatial spillover effect test results show that the carbon trading policy has a positive effect on the energy efficiency of the pilot areas, but has a negative spillover effect on the energy efficiency of the non-pilot areas. That is, the policy may improve the energy efficiency of the pilot areas and reduce the energy efficiency of the non-pilot areas at the same time.
High-resolution stalagmite stratigraphy supports the Late Holocene tephrochronology of southernmost Patagonia
Authors: Klaes Björn , Wörner Gerhard , Kremer Katrina , Simon Klaus , Scholz Denis , Mueller Carsten , Hoschen Carmen , Struck Julian , Arz Helge , Thiele-Bruhn Sören , Schimpf Daniel , Kilian Rolf
Published: April 2021

Volcanic ash layers are important markers for the chronostratigraphy of paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental archives at the southern tip of South America. However, this requires that tephras are well-dated. We report geochemical data from the MA1 stalagmite formed in a non-karst cave near Mt. Burney volcano in southernmost Patagonia (~53°S). High-resolution LA-ICP-MS analyses, SEM imagery, and NanoSIMS enable to identify volcanogenic signals during the last 4.5 kyrs BP from sub-annual trace element variations and tephra particles in distinct laminae. The new 230Th/U-chronology of MA1 provides precise dating of tephra from Mt. Burney (MB) and Aguilera (A) at 4216 +93/−193 yrs BP (MB2), 2291 ± 33 yrs BP (MB3), 853 +41/−60 yrs BP (MB4) and 2978 +91/−104 yrs BP (A1). This unique high-resolution record of MA1 holds potential to date further eruptions from Southern Andean volcanoes for the tephrochronology in this critical region, and potentially also large-volume explosive volcanism off South America.
Stiffness Regulates Intestinal Stem Cell Fate
Authors: He Shijie , Lei Peng , Kang Wenying , Cheung Priscilla , Xu Tao , Mana Miyeko , Park Chan Young , Wang Hongyan , Imada Shinya , Russell Jacquelyn , Wang Jianxun , Wang Ruizhi , Zhou Ziheng , Chetal Kashish , Stas Eric , Mohad Vidisha , Halasi Marianna , Bruun-Rasmussen Peter , Sadreyev Ruslan , Adini Irit , Hodin Richard , Zhang Yanhang (Katherine) , Breault David , Camargo Fernando , Yilmaz Ömer , Fredberg Jeffrey , Saeidi Nima
Published: April 2021

Little is known about how the fibrotic gut stiffening caused by inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) directs the fate of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). To address this question we first developed a novel long-term culture of quasi-3D gut organoids plated on hydrogel matrix of varying stiffness. Stiffening from 0.6kPa to 9.6kPa significantly reduces Lgr5high ISCs and Ki67+ progenitor cells while promoting their differentiation towards goblet cells. These stiffness-driven events are attributable to YAP nuclear translocation. Matrix stiffening also extends the expression of the stemness marker Olfactomedin 4 (Olfm4) into villus-like regions, mediated by cytoplasmic YAP. We next used single-cell RNA sequencing to generate for the first time the stiffness-regulated transcriptional signatures of ISCs and their differentiated counterparts. These signatures confirm the impact of stiffening on ISC fate and additionally suggest a stiffening-induced switch in metabolic phenotype, from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. Finally, we used colon samples from IBD patients as well as chronic colitis murine models to confirm the in vivo stiffening-induced epithelial deterioration similar to that observed in vitro. Together, these results demonstrate stiffness-dependent ISC reprograming wherein YAP nuclear translocation diminishes ISCs and Ki67+ progenitors and drives their differentiation towards goblet cells, suggesting stiffening as potential target to mitigate gut epithelial deterioration during IBD.
Prevalence of tumor genomic alternations in homologous recombination genes among Taiwanese breast cancers
Authors: Huang Chi-Cheng , Liu Chun-Yu , Tsai Yi-Fang , Lien Pei-Ju , Lin Yen-Shu , Chao Ta-Chung , Feng Chin-Jung , Chen Yen-Jen , Lai Jiun-I , Phan Nam Nhut , Hsu Chih-Yi , Chiu Jen-Hwey , Tseng Ling-Ming
Published: April 2021

Purpose
Deleterious BRCA1 / 2 mutations are among the most highly pathogenic variants in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. PARP (poly ADP ribose polymerase) inhibitors selectively cause failure of single-strand but does not affect double-strand DNA break repair, and ant-tumor activity is observed in BRCA mutant breast cancers. Recently genes implicated into the homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathways are investigated extensively, as defective HRR genes may indicate potential clinical benefits from PARP inhibitors beyond BRCA1 / 2 mutations.

Materials and Methods
We evaluated the prevalence of BRCA1 / 2 mutations as well as alternations in HRR genes for Taiwanese breast cancers with targeted sequencing. Consecutive 648 breast cancer samples were assayed, and HRR genes by Heeke et al. and those interrogated in Talazoparib Beyond BRCA (TBB) trial were evaluated for prevalence from breast cancer tissues.

Results
Among 648 breast cancer samples, there were 18 truncating and 2 missense mutations in BRCA1 and 48 truncating and 2 missense mutations in BRCA2 , impacting 3% and 5% of study population (collectively altered in 6%) with co-occurrence of BRCA1 / 2 in 7 breast cancers. On the other hand, HRR genes defined by Heeke et al. were altered in 122 (19%) breast cancers while TBB interrogated genes (excluding BRCA1 / 2 ) were mutated in 107 (17%) patients. Beyond BRCA1/2 , the most prevalent HRR mutant genes came from ARID1A (7%), PALB2 (7%) and PTEN (6%). Collectively, 164 (25%) of the 648 Taiwanese breast cancer samples were impacted by at least one HRR gene.

Conclusion
The prevalence of high-penetrant BRCA1 / 2 mutations was far below one tenth of assayed samples while the prevalence of tumor DNA mutations in HRR pathways was much higher and approached one fifth among Taiwanese breast cancers. Further studies to evaluate the efficacy of PARP inhibitors in patients with defective HRR gene(s) are warranted to broaden the targeted population of synthetic lethality.