bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A grounding zone wedge origin for the Palaeoproterozoic Makganyene Formation of South Africa
Authors: Le Heron D. P. , Busfield M. E. , Smith A. J. B. , Wimmer S.
Published: September 2022

The Makganyene Formation is a Siderian (2.45–2.22 Ga) diamictite-dominated succession, with both outcrop and subcrop in the Griqualand West Basin of the Transvaal Group of South Africa. We provide new outcrop and core descriptions from this succession, supplemented by microscopic analyses, to present an updated depositional model for a classic Palaeoproterozoic diamictite. Although internal correlation of core and outcrop successions is not possible, a recurring pattern is observed where diamictites are organised into coarsening-upward motifs at the tens of metres scale. With additional finds of striated clasts, and evidence for dropstones both at the core scale and at the microscopic scale, earlier interpretations of glacial control on sedimentation can be substantiated, with modification of glacial diamictites by mass flow processes also recognised. Overall, given the characteristic progradational stratigraphic architecture, we propose a new model for the Makganyene Formation which is considered to represent deposition of a grounding zone wedge at an ancient, oscillating ice margin.
Redox species and oxygen fugacity of slab-derived fluids: Implications for mantle oxidation and deep carbon-sulfur cycling
Authors: Li Yi-Bing , Chen Yi , Su Bin , Zhang Qing-Hua , Shi Kai-Hui
Published: September 2022

The generation and migration of slab-derived fluids modulate subduction zone seismicity, arc magmatism, and deep volatile cycling. However, the redox species and oxygen fugacity (fO2) (hereafter expressed as log units relative to the fayalite–magnetite–quartz buffer, △FMQ) of slab-derived fluids are highly debated. Here we conducted phase equilibria modeling on altered oceanic crust (AOC) and serpentinites along typical subduction geotherms in the C-S-bearing system over a pressure range of 0.5–6 GPa. With the averaged compositions of AOC and serpentinite, our calculated results show that oxidized carbon-sulfur species dominate slab-derived fluids during slab subduction. As a result, slab-derived fluids are highly oxidized and at or above the typical △FMQ values of arc magmas at forearc to subarc depths. The predicted oxidized carbon and sulfur species are compatible with natural observations in fluid inclusions from many oceanic HP metamorphic rocks. More importantly, it is revealed that, the redox state of slab-derived fluids is primarily controlled by the redox budget (RB) of the slab prior to subduction. Subduction-zone thermal structure, however, only exerts a minor influence on the slab-derived fluid fO2, which is supported by the similar fO2 ranges in arc lavas from cold and hot subduction zones. Our models further show that, if an open system is assumed, most of carbon (>70%) and sulfur (>50%) in cold subducted AOC and serpentinite would be lost at subarc depths. Small amounts of carbon and sulfur could be transported into the deeper mantle via closed-system subduction and open-system cold subduction, supplying the source materials for volatile-rich intraplate magmas and superdeep diamonds.
The 2020 earthquake sequence and seismic hazard scenario of Mizoram state in northeast India
Authors: Bansal Brijesh K. , Sutar Anup K. , Verma Mithila
Published: September 2022

The Mizoram state of India lies in close proximity to the active Indo-Burma subduction zone and had experienced several moderate to large earthquakes, including the M7 event in 1938. Since 2015, only two events with 5<M<6 have occurred in the area, however, a sudden enhancement of earthquake activity (M3.0–M5.7) was observed from June to August 2020 in the eastern part of the Mizoram state, including the four events of M ≥ 5.0. We analysed the waveform data of 21 events recorded by the local and regional BBS to estimate the source parameters. The focal depth of these events varies from 13 to 45 km, while other parameters such as corner frequency, source radius, stress drop, and scalar seismic moment of the events are found in the range of 0.45–3.36 Hz, 0.77–5.58 km, 1.3–193 bars, and 3.98107E+13 to 6.30957E+17 Nm, respectively. The seismicity pattern shows two distinct clusters along the well-demarcated faults in the region, and most of them are generated by strike-slip movements. The Churachandpur-Mao Fault (CMF) is found to be the most active tectonic element in the study area. Hence, an M8 event has been simulated on the same fault using the stochastic simulation technique. The technique was validated by simulating the three M+5 events on the same source zone and comparing the simulated PGA, frequency, and response spectrum with the observed data. The simulation reveals that a PGA ∼480 gals is expected near the fault zone. The easternmost districts of Mizoram, such as Champai, Serchhip, Lunglei, Saiha, and Aizawl, may experience severe PGA (250–450 gals). The response spectral acceleration corresponding to single-storey, double-storey, 3–4 storey, and 5–6 storey buildings has also been estimated in the present study and it is found to vary in the range of 1,400–200 gals. The result of the present study will be useful in various engineering applications and help reduce the loss of lives and damage to infrastructure due to future large events in the region.
Students’ perceptions of emergency remote teaching in a writing course during COVID-19
Authors: Guskaroska Agata , Dux Speltz Emily , Zawadzki Zoë , Kurt Şebnem
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic forced most educational institutions in the US to quickly transfer to emergency remote teaching, finding many instructors and students unprepared. This study explored university students’ perspectives in a composition course during the emergency period and proposes guidance on designing a “student-friendly” online learning environment. This study examines the students’ concerns about and challenges with emergency remote teaching, the course’s benefits during the online learning period, and students’ recommendations for improvement. The research was conducted in seven sections of a multimodal composition course at a large, Midwestern university. Participants responded to a virtual discussion board at the beginning of online instruction and a survey after online instruction. Qualitative analysis of responses—guided by the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework—showed that the participants expressed challenges with staying motivated, completing coursework, and feeling socially disconnected from instructors and classmates. Benefits expressed by the participants included increased flexibility in their schedules, improved time management skills, and increased virtual communication with instructors. This study highlights suggestions that can guide the design of composition courses and pedagogical practices for emergency remote teaching in the future.
Gut microbiota is associated with differential metabolic characteristics: A study on a defined cohort of Africans and Chinese
Authors: Nizigiyimana Paul , Xu Boya , Liu Lerong , Luo Liping , Liu Tingting , Jiang Meng , Liu Zehao , Li Changjun , Luo Xianghang , Lei Minxiang
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study intended to determine the associations between gut microbiota and glucose response in healthy individuals and analyze the connection between the gut microbiome and glucose-metabolism-related parameters.

Methods

Fecal bacterial composition and anthropometric, body composition, body fat distribution, and biochemical measures were analyzed. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was given to each participant to investigate changes in glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), insulin, and glucose. The whole body fat and the regions of interest of local body composition were analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and gut microbiota composition was assessed through variable regions (V3–V4) of the bacterial 16s ribosomal RNA gene using high-throughput sequencing techniques. Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the association between gut microbiota and clinical and metabolic changes.

Results

The number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) demonstrated a reduction in the diversity and composition of gut microbiota associated with enhanced adiposity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia. The alpha diversity revealed that microbiota diversity, richness, and composition were higher in the African group and lower in the Chinese group. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) plots of beta diversity showed significant variability in gut microbial community structure between the two groups (p = 0.0009). LEfSe analysis showed that phylum Bacteroidetes was significantly more abundant in the Chinese group, and this group also harbored members of the order Bacteroidales, family Bacteroidaceae, and genus Bacteroides. In contrast, the phylum Verrucomicrobia was significantly more prevalent in the African group (all p < 0.05). Concerning species, metastats analysis revealed 8 species in the Chinese group and 18 species in the African group that were significantly abundant. Spearman’s correlation analysis demonstrated that gut microbiota correlated with the factors that related to glucose metabolism.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that there is an interaction between gut microbiota, host physiology, and glucometabolic pathways, and this could contribute to adiposity and pathophysiology of hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia. These findings provide an important basis for determining the relation between the gut microbiota and the pathogenesis of various metabolic disorders.
The impact of genetic variants in the CYP2C8 gene on bladder cancer susceptibility
Authors: Qu Weixing , Zhang Fuzhou , Cheng Yongyi , Li Jing , Zhou Jiancheng
Published: September 2022

Background

Bladder cancer is the most common leading cause of mortality around the world. Previous studies have indicated that genetic factors are significantly associated with bladder cancer progression—for instance, the CYP2C8 gene is involved in bladder cancer progression. However, little is known about the impact of CYP2C8 genetic polymorphisms on bladder cancer risk. We aimed to detect the association between CYP2C8 variations and bladder cancer susceptibility.

Methods

This study included 550 healthy subjects and 217 bladder cancer patients. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the correlation of CYP2C8 polymorphisms with bladder cancer risk. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was carried out to investigate the influence of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)–SNP interactions on bladder cancer.

Results

Our study showed that two SNPs were significantly associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer (rs1934951: OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.37–2.82, p = 2.67E-04; rs17110453: OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.35–2.67, p = 2.53E-04). On the contrary, two SNPs identified in the study had protective effects on bladder cancer (rs1934953: OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.14–0.47, p = 1.20E-05; rs2275620: OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21–0.76, p = 0.005). The MDR analysis suggested that the combination of rs1934953, rs1934951, rs2275620, and rs17110453 was the best model to predict bladder cancer (CVC 10/10, testing accuracy 0.6720, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

There was a significant association between CYP2C8 polymorphisms (rs1934953, rs1934951, rs2275620, and rs17110453) and susceptibility to bladder cancer.
A Novel Pre-Synchronization Control Method Based on Open-Loop Phase Detection for the Maritime VSC-HVDC System
Authors: Shi Jianquan , Wu Dandan , Ge Qiang , Qian Yang
Published: September 2022

Maritime island grids based on renewable energy are being rapidly developed, which poses a new challenge to the traditional pre-synchronization process of grid connection. Aiming at the problems of impulse current out of limit and long steady-state regulation time, a novel pre-synchronization control method is provided based on open-loop phase detection, which is realized by replacing the frequency detection method of the difference judgment part. The open-loop detection model of voltage phase and amplitude based on the synchronous rotating coordinate system is established first. Then the voltage phase is linearized to control the output frequency and finally reduces the voltage deviation through the compensation of virtual power to achieve the effect of a smooth grid connection. The novel pre-synchronization method has a fast response speed and no regulator effect, which can synchronize the actual values of output voltage amplitude, phase, and frequency. Simulation results verify the excellent performance of the proposed method in island stable operation and grid connection under disturbance.
Design and implementation of energy reshaping based fuzzy logic control for optimal power extraction of PMSG wind energy converter
Authors: Jaiswal Ashish , Belkhier Youcef , Chandra Subhash , Priyadarshi Anurag , Bajaj Mohit , Pushkarna Mukesh , Elgamli Elmazeg , Shouran Mokhtar , Kamel Salah
Published: September 2022

Given the greater penetration of wind power, the impact of wind generators on grid electricity reliability imposes additional requirements. One of the most common technologies in wind power generating schemes is the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) converter. However, the controller calculation is difficult due to the nonlinear dynamical and time-varying characteristics of this type of conversion system. This study develops a unique intelligent controller approach based on the passivity notion that tracks velocity and maintains it functioning at the optimum torque. To address the robustness issues encountered by traditional generator-side converter (MSC) strategies such as proportional-integral (PI), this suggested scheme integrates a passivity-based procedure with a fuzzy logic control (FLC) methodology for a PMSG-based wind power converter. The suggested controller is distinguished by the fact that the nonlinear features are compensated in a damped manner rather than canceled. To achieve the required dynamic, the fuzzy controller is used, which ensures quick convergence and global stability of the closed loop system. The development of the maximum power collected, the lowered fixed gains, and the real-time application of the control method are the primary contributions and novelties. The primary objectives of this project are to manage DC voltage and attain adequate reactive power levels in order to provide dependable and efficient electricity to the grid. The proposed scheme is being used to regulate the MSC, while the grid-side employs a traditional proportional-integral method. The efficiency of the suggested technique is investigated numerically using MATLAB/Simulink software. Furthermore, the processor-in-the-loop (PIL) tests are carried out to demonstrate that the suggested regulator is practically implementable.
Influence of particle characteristics on dynamic characteristics of tail beam under coal rock caving impact
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Han Liguo , Zhang Haining , Ge Man , Yang Shijie , Jin Xin
Published: September 2022

In order to improve the accuracy of simulation parameters used in the discrete element simulation test of a fully mechanized top-coal caving process and further explore the intelligent fully mechanized coal caving technology, this research work studies the influence of particle characteristics on the dynamic response of tail beams under the impact of caving coal rock in the process of coal caving. Based on the interface technology, the EDEM–RecurDyn–AMESim multi-domain collaborative simulation top-coal caving support is a built-model of a hydraulic mechanical integration system for scraper conveyors, which is used to simulate the coal caving process of the top-coal caving support to obtain the vibration signal of the tail beam of the top-coal caving support. This model can also be used to convert it into a two-dimensional time-spectrum image using the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) algorithm. Several groups of simulation tests were carried out on different particle radii, standard deviation of particle normal distribution, and particle slenderness ratio. The time-domain information and frequency-domain information obtained from the simulation were analyzed and compared. Combined with the vibration signal of the tail beam measured on the spot, the optimal setting parameters of the multi-field collaborative virtual prototype simulation were obtained. Compared with the data measured in the coal mine, the relative error of the maximum vibration value of the tail beam is only 3.8%, the minimum relative error is 5.5%, and the relative error of the root mean square value is 14%, which verifies the method and simulation results. This method solves the problems of difficult on-site sampling, high risk coefficient, and high test cost and promotes the development of an intelligent process of coal mining.
Expansion of typical lakes in Xinjiang under the combined effects of climate change and human activities
Authors: Wang Wenqi , Jiao Ayong , Shan Qianjuan , Wang Zikang , Kong Zijie , Ling Hongbo , Deng Xiaoya
Published: September 2022

Lakes are important guarantees of regional economic development and ecological security. Previous studies focused on trends of surface area and water level of lakes in Xinjiang, but paid less attention to nonlinear change and driving mechanisms of lake areas at annual and monthly scales. To address this issue, this study used a remote-sensing Big Data cloud platform and mathematical statistical methods to investigate the change in typical lakes and its attribution in Xinjiang during 1986–2020. The results showed that: 1) there was a significant linear trend in Xinjiang lakes: except for Jili Lake, the plains lakes showed an insignificant (p > 0.1) expansion trend, while the mountain lakes showed an significant expansion trend (p < 0.01). 2) There was a significant nonlinear trend in Xinjiang lakes: most of the plains lakes showed periodicity at 14 and 21 years, however most of the mountain lakes showed periodicity at 17 and 21 years. Most of the mutation trends of plains lakes were not significant, yet the mutation trends of mountain lakes showed significant expansion. 3) Human activities were the dominant factor leading to changes in the plains lakes: among the anthropogenic factors, farmland area, GDP, and population had significant effects on lake area (p < 0.1), and lake expansion was closely related to population and farmland area. Among climatic elements, precipitation mainly affected the changes in plains lakes. 4) Climate change was the dominant factor leading to changes in mountain lakes. The effects of temperature change on mountain lakes were all significantly positive (p < 0.05). In the future, it will be necessary to build lake protection schemes that adapt to climate change and human disturbances. This study can provide an important scientific basis for the rational development and utilization of lakes in Xinjiang.
Rock slope displacement prediction based on multi-source information fusion and SSA-DELM model
Authors: Jiang Song , Liu Hongsheng , Lian Minjie , Lu Caiwu , Zhang Sai , Li Jinyuan , Li PengCheng
Published: September 2022

In order to solve the inefficient use of multi-source heterogeneous data information cross fusion and the low accuracy of prediction of landslide displacement, the current research proposed a new prediction model combining variable selection, sparrow search algorithm, and deep extreme learning machine. A cement mine in Fengxiang, Shaanxi Province, was studied as a case. The study first identified the variables related to landslide displacement of rock slope, and removed redundant variables by using Pearson correlation and gray correlation analysis. To avoid the impacts of random input weights and random thresholds in the DELM model, the SSA algorithm is used to optimize the model’s parameters, which can generate the optimal parameter combinations. The results showed an enhanced generalization ability of the model by removal of redundant variables by Pearson correlation and gray correlation analysis, and higher accuracy in the prediction of landside displacement of rock slope by SSA-DELM compared to other traditional machine learning algorithms. The current study is significant in the literature on rock slope disaster analysis.
Dynamic relationships among green bonds, CO2 emissions, and oil prices
Authors: Marín-Rodríguez Nini Johana , González-Ruiz Juan David , Botero Sergio
Published: September 2022

Green bonds play a pivotal role in the financing of sustainable infrastructure systems. Likewise, CO2 emissions and oil prices can cause an impact on the green bonds market. In order to better understand this issue, this study analyzes the relationship among green bonds, CO2 futures’ prices, and oil prices using a daily data set that includes 2,206 observations corresponding to daily information from 1 January 2014 to 15 June 2022. The Granger Causality Test and the Dynamic Conditional Correlation (DCC-Garch) Model were employed to conduct this analysis. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was performed to identify crisis periods concerning the sample period and provide an analysis of DCC-Garch results during extreme market conditions like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Granger Causality Test results present a unidirectional causality running from the Green Bond Index to the oil price returns. Also, there is a unidirectional causality running from the Green Bond Index to the CO2 futures’ returns. Additionally, a unidirectional causality runs from the oil price returns to the CO2 futures’ returns. The results for the DCC-Garch indicate a positive dynamic correlation between the Brent oil price return and the CO2 futures’ returns. Finally, the Green Bond Index shows a negative dynamic correlation to the oil return and the CO2 futures’ returns presenting a strong correlation in uncertainty periods.
Estimating NOX, VOC, and CO variability over India’s 1st smart city: Bhubaneswar
Authors: Sahu Saroj Kumar , Mangaraj Poonam , Tyagi Bhishma , Yadav Ravi , Paul Oscar , Chaulya Sourav , Pradhan Chinmay , Das N. , Sahoo Pallavi , Beig Gufran
Published: September 2022

Volatile organic compounds including benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) in the atmosphere have severe health and environmental implications. These variables are trace elements in the atmosphere. There are not enough measurement and analysis studies related to atmospheric BTEX variation globally, and studies are even less in developing countries like India. The present study analyses BTEX variations over an eastern Indian site, Bhubaneswar. The continuous measurement of BTEX is first of its kind over Bhubaneswar. The study analyses 2 years of BTEX data (2017–2018), and attempts to find the relation with meteorological parameters, the significance of the ratio between components, along with the analysis of transported air masses. To account for the pattern of emissions in association with BTEX variability over Bhubaneswar, we have also developed emission details from the transportation sector for the year 2018 and analyzed the emission patterns of CO and NOx for the year 2018. The results indicated that BTEX concentrations are maintained at the site via transportation from other regions, with significant local generation of BTEX, which is smaller in comparison to the transported emission.
Diplodia tip blight pathogen’s virulence empowered through host switch
Authors: Blumenstein Kathrin , Bußkamp Johanna , Langer Gitta Jutta , Terhonen Eeva
Published: September 2022

Increased drought combined with emerging pathogens poses an increased threat to forest health. This is attributable to the unpredictable behaviour of forest pathosystems, which can favour fungal pathogens over the host under persistent drought stress conditions. Diplodia sapinea (≡ Sphaeropsis sapinea) is one of the most severe pathogens in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) causing Diplodia tip blight (conifer blight) under certain environmental conditions. Recently, the fungus has also been isolated from non-conifer hosts, indicating that it has a broader host range than previously known. In this study we compared the impact of different levels of water availability on necrosis length caused by D. sapinea strains isolated as endophytes (eight strains isolated from asymptomatic Scots pine) and pathogens (five strains isolated from symptomatic Scots pine) and five strains isolated from symptomatic non-pine hosts. For all strains the decreased water availability increased the necrosis length in Scots pine shoots. The isolates from non-pine hosts caused the most severe reactions under all water availabilities. The results of the study indicate the likelihood that effects of climatic changes such as drought will drive D. sapinea damage in Scots pine-dominated forests and increase mortality rates in affected trees. Further, the higher necrosis in the Scots pines caused by strains that had performed a host switch are concerning with regard to future scenarios thus increasing infection pressure on Scots pine from unknown sources.
Consensus genomic regions associated with grain protein content in hexaploid and tetraploid wheat
Authors: Saini Pooja , Sheikh Imran , Saini Dinesh Kumar , Mir Reyazul Rouf , Dhaliwal Harcharan Singh , Tyagi Vikrant
Published: September 2022

A meta-analysis of QTLs associated with grain protein content (GPC) was conducted in hexaploid and tetraploid wheat to identify robust and stable meta-QTLs (MQTLs). For this purpose, as many as 459 GPC-related QTLs retrieved from 48 linkage-based QTL mapping studies were projected onto the newly developed wheat consensus map. The analysis resulted in the prediction of 57 MQTLs and 7 QTL hotspots located on all wheat chromosomes (except chromosomes 1D and 4D) and the average confidence interval reduced 2.71-fold in the MQTLs and QTL hotspots compared to the initial QTLs. The physical regions occupied by the MQTLs ranged from 140 bp to 224.02 Mb with an average of 15.2 Mb, whereas the physical regions occupied by QTL hotspots ranged from 1.81 Mb to 36.03 Mb with a mean of 8.82 Mb. Nineteen MQTLs and two QTL hotspots were also found to be co-localized with 45 significant SNPs identified in 16 previously published genome-wide association studies in wheat. Candidate gene (CG) investigation within some selected MQTLs led to the identification of 705 gene models which also included 96 high-confidence CGs showing significant expressions in different grain-related tissues and having probable roles in GPC regulation. These significantly expressed CGs mainly involved the genes/gene families encoding for the following proteins: aminotransferases, early nodulin 93, glutamine synthetases, invertase/pectin methylesterase inhibitors, protein BIG GRAIN 1-like, cytochrome P450, glycosyl transferases, hexokinases, small GTPases, UDP-glucuronosyl/UDP-glucosyltransferases, and EamA, SANT/Myb, GNAT, thioredoxin, phytocyanin, and homeobox domains containing proteins. Further, eight genes including GPC-B1, Glu-B1-1b, Glu-1By9, TaBiP1, GSr, TaNAC019-A, TaNAC019-D, and bZIP-TF SPA already known to be associated with GPC were also detected within some of the MQTL regions confirming the efficacy of MQTLs predicted during the current study.
Comprehensive analysis of liquid-liquid phase separation-related genes in prediction of breast cancer prognosis
Authors: Yu-Qing Huang , Peng-Ping Li , Ke Sun , Ke-Xing Yin , Wei-Jun Zhang , Zhen-Yu Wang
Published: September 2022

Objective: Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a functional unit formed by specific molecules. It lacks a membrane and has been reported to play a crucial role in tumor drug resistance and growth by regulating gene expression and drug distribution. However, whether LLPS could be used to predict cancer prognosis was not clear. This study aimed to construct a prognostic model for breast cancer based on LLPS-correlated genes (LCGs).

Methods: LCGs were identified using the PhaSepDB, gene expression profile and clinical characteristics of breast cancer were obtained from TCGA and cBioportal. The PanCancer Atlas (TCGA) cohort was used as the training cohort to construct the prognostic model, while the Nature 2012 and Nat Commun 2016 (TCGA) cohort and GEO data were used as test cohort to perform external verification. Data analysis was performed with R4.2.0 and SPSS20.0.

Results: We identified 140 prognosis-related LCGs (pLCGs) (p< 0.01) in all cohorts, 240 pLCGs (p< 0.01) in the luminal cohort, and 28 pLCGs (p< 0.05) in the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cohort. Twelve genes in all cohorts (training cohort: 5/10-year ROC values were 0.76 and 0.77; verification cohort: 5/10-year ROC values were 0.61 and 0.58), eight genes in the luminal cohort (training cohort: 5/10-year ROC values were 0.79 and 0.75; verification cohort: 5/10-year ROC values were 0.62 and 0.62), and four genes in the TNBC cohort (training cohort: 5/10-year ROC values were 0.73 and 0.79; verification cohort: 5/10-year ROC values were 0.55 and 0.54) were screened out to construct the prognostic prediction model. The 17-gene risk-score was constructed in all cohorts (1/3/5-year ROC values were 0.88, 0.83, and 0.81), and the 11-gene risk-score was constructed in the luminal cohort (1/3/5-year ROC values were 0.67, 0.85 and 0.84), and the six-gene risk-score was constructed in the TNBC cohort (1/3/5-year ROC value were 0.87, 0.88 and 0.81). Finally, the risk-score and clinical factors were applied to construct nomograms in all cohorts (1/3/5-year ROC values were 0.89, 0.79 and 0.75, C-index = 0.784), in the luminal cohort (1/3/5-year ROC values were 0.84, 0.83 and 0.85, C-index = 0.803), and in the TNBC cohort (1/3/5-year ROC values were 0.95, 0.84 and 0.77, C-index = 0.847).

Discussion: This study explored the roles of LCGs in the prediction of breast cancer prognosis.
Clinical significance of SPOCK2 expression signature for high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Jiao Mi , Sun Wenbo , Li Lina , Li Chunyan , Zhou Jing , Li Qian , Duan Lian
Published: September 2022

Background: SPOCK2 is a member of the SPOCK family, a 424-amino acid protein that binds to glycosaminoglycans to form proteoglycans. The purpose of this study was to explore expression profile of SPOCK2, and evaluate prognostic potential and its correlation with immune infiltration in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC).

Methods: Expression of SPOCK2 mRNA and protein between normal and tumor tissues were analyzed using the Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate diagnostic performance of SPOCK2. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were conducted to assess the effect of SPOCK2 on survival. Nomogram was used to predict the impact of SPOCK2 on prognosis. LinkedOmics were used to find correlated genes and perform functional enrichment analyses. The relationships between SPOCK2 and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were determined by tumor-immune system interaction database (TISIDB) and GSVA package (V1.34.0).

Results: SPOCK2 was highly expressed in HGSOC tissue compared to normal tissue at both mRNA (p < 0.001) and protein (p = 0.03) levels. The area under the curve (AUC) is 0.894 (CI: 0.865–0.923). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that HGSOC patients with high-level SPOCK2 mRNA expression had a worse overall survival (OS) than those with a low expression (HR = 1.45, p = 0.005). Univariate logistic regression analysis found that age, primary therapy outcome, tumor status, tumor residual, and SPOCK2 expression level were significantly associated with OS (p < 0.05). The nomogram model indicated an effective predictive performance of SPOCK2. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) term analyses showed that SPOCK2 were mainly involved in regulating extracellular matrix. Immune infiltration analysis showed that SPOCK2 may correlate with abundance of TILs.

Conclusion: SPOCK2 has potentials to estimate diagnosis and prognosis for HGSOC and is involved in regulating extracellular matrix and immune cell infiltration.
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome triggered by mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2: Case report
Authors: Rysava Romana , Peiskerova Martina , Tesar Vladimir , Benes Jan , Kment Martin , Szilágyi Ágnes , Csuka Dorottya , Prohászka Zoltán
Published: September 2022

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), also called complement-mediated hemolytic uremic syndrome (CM-HUS), is a rare disease caused by dysregulation in the alternative complement activation pathway. It is a life-threatening condition causing ischemia of a number of organs, and it typically causes acute kidney injury. This disorder may be triggered by various factors including viral or bacterial infections, pregnancy, surgery, and injuries. In about 60% of cases, the genetic origin of the disease can be identified—commonly mutations affecting complementary factor H and MCP protein. Eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody to the C5 component of the complement, represents the current effective treatment.We describe a case of a young woman with a previous history of polyvalent allergies, who developed atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome after vaccination with mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. The disease manifested by scleral bleeding, acute renal insufficiency, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. The patient was treated with plasma exchanges without sufficient effect; remission occurred only after starting treatment with eculizumab. Genetic examination showed that the patient is a carrier of multiple inherited risk factors (a rare pathogenic variant in CFH, MCPggaac haplotype of the CD46 gene, and the risk haplotype CFH H3). The patient is currently in hematological remission with persistent mild renal insufficiency, continuing treatment with eculizumab/ravulizumab. By this case report, we meant to point out the need for careful monitoring of people after vaccination, as it may trigger immune-mediated diseases, especially in those with predisposing factors.
Identification and validation of the common pathogenesis and hub biomarkers in Hirschsprung disease complicated with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Zejian , Xiao Jun , Wu Luyao , Chen Ke , Zhu Tianqi , Feng Chenzhao , Zhuansun Didi , Meng Xinyao , Feng Jiexiong
Published: September 2022

Background

Although increasing evidence has supported that Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is the risk factor for children developing Crohn’s disease (CD), the common mechanism of its co-occurrence remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to further explore the underlying mechanism and biomarkers for the co-occurrence of HSCR and CD.

Methods

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to obtain gene expression profiles for CD (GSE95095) and HSCR (GSE98502). Following the identification of the shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of CD and HSCR, functional annotation, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network creation, and module assembly were performed to discover hub genes. RT-qPCR was performed to validate the expression of the hub genes in HSCR samples. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to assess the accuracy of the hub genes as biomarkers in predicting CD in both the training dataset and test dataset.

Results

A total of 103 common DEGs (50 downregulated genes and 53 upregulated genes) were chosen for further investigation. The importance of chemokines and cytokines in these two disorders is highlighted by functional analysis. MCODE plug identified three important modules, which functionally enriched the immune system process. Finally, nine hub genes were identified using cytoHubba, including IL1B, IL10, CXCL10, ICAM1, EGR1, FCGR3A, S100A12, S100A9, and FPR1. The nine hub genes were mainly enriched in immune- and inflammation-related pathways. External data profiles and RT-qPCR confirmed the expression of the nine hub genes in HSCR and CD. ROC analysis revealed that the nine hub genes had a strong diagnostic value.

Conclusion

Our study reveals the common pathogenesis of HSCR and CD. These hub genes and diagnostic models may provide novel insight for the diagnosis and treatment of HSCR complicated with CD.
Controlled growth of TiO2/Zeolite nanocomposites for simultaneous removal of ammonium and phosphate ions to prevent eutrophication
Authors: Ashfaq Muhammad Hamza , Shahid Sammia , Javed Mohsin , Iqbal Shahid , Hakami Othman , Aljazzar Samar O. , Fatima Urooj , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Pashameah Rami Adel , Alzahrani Eman , Farouk Abd-ElAziem , Somaily H. H.
Published: September 2022

In the modern era, problems like eutrophication caused by increased nutrients such as ammonia and phosphorous in freshwater bodies have become the cause of freshwater ecosystem deterioration. To save freshwater by reducing eutrophication, new cost-effective strategies and methods are urgently needed. In this study, titanium oxide nanoparticles dispersed on zeolite were chemically synthesized for the simultaneous removal of phosphate and ammonium ions from aqueous solutions. SEM and XRD analysis were used to characterize the synthesized TiO2/zeolite nanocomposites, which revealed that the synthesized material was more stable and dispersed than zeolite. The nanocomposites removed 38.8% NH4+ and 98.1% PO43− from an initial concentration of both ions of 20 mg 100 ml−1. The removal of both ions was investigated under various conditions including different concentrations of nanocomposites, initial concentration of the solution, temperature, time, and pH. The maximum adsorption of nanocomposites for PO43- was 38.63 mg g−1 at optimal conditions, and 3.75 mg g−1 for NH4+. Kinematics studies showed that both the ions were adsorbed by a pseudo-second-order model. Ion chemisorption occurred as a result of ligand exchange or electrostatic adsorption between ions and nanocomposites. Overall, it was determined that this strategy is a viable and efficient method for simultaneously removing both ions (anionic phosphate and cationic ammonium) from eutrophic waters.
Structural damage detection based on modal feature extraction and multi-objective optimization method for steel structures
Authors: Chen Zepeng , Zhao Di , Chen Zhou , Wang Wenxue
Published: September 2022

Model updating based on intelligent algorithms has achieved great success in structural damage detection (SDD). But the appropriate selection of objective functions remains unclear and becomes an obstacle to applying the methods to real-world steel structures. In this paper, a multi-objective identification method based on modal feature extraction and linear weight sum was proposed, and the best weight values to gain the best solution were also determined. A hybrid particle swarm optimization (HPSO) was selected as a solver to update structural parameters for accurate SDD results. First of all, six single objective functions based on modal feature extraction were considered, and numerical simulations show that the one based on MTMAC indicator exhibits certain superiority over the other. In order to provide a fair comparison among different objective functions, a quantified indicator named damage vector consistency (DVC) is also defined, which describes the consistency between identified result and the assumed one. After that, a multi-objective identification method is formulated by linearly combining an MTMAC-based objective function and another selected single objective function. Different weight values were also investigated to find out the best solution for accurate SDD. Three numerical simulations were conducted, including a simply-supported beam, a two-story steel frame, and a 31-bar plane truss. Their SDD results verify the applicability of the proposed multi-objective optimization method. Some relative discussions are also described in detail.
Role of salts on the electrical performance of ceria-based electrolytes: An overview
Authors: Grilo João PF , Jamale Atul , Starykevich Maksim , Figueiredo Filipe ML , Marques Fernando MB
Published: September 2022

This work provides an overview on established achievements and debatable findings involving Ca, Gd or Sm-doped ceria-based electrolytes, using Li2CO3, LiNO3 and Na2CO3 as sintering aid or as second phase. The performance of these materials is discussed considering the characteristics of the oxides and of the salts or derived second(ary) phases (e.g., alkali metal oxides and hydroxides, eutectic mixtures), extensively surveyed to identify influential parameters with respect to processing and electrical performance (e.g., melting and boiling points, thermal decomposition, hydrolysis). The analysis of published data highlights the possible contribution of additional charge carriers to the total conductivity, besides oxide-ion vacancies. Claimed bulk and grain boundary conductivity enhancements are deeply discussed, as well as advantages and limitations of impedance spectroscopy as characterization tool. Irrespective of controversial reasons, reports on unusual improvements of grain boundary conductivity sustain the possibility of advanced grain boundary engineering to enhance the performance of these materials.
Risk factors for postpartum depression in women undergoing elective cesarean section: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Rong , Lu Yan , Luo Wei , Zhang Bing , Liu Zhiqiang , Xu Zhendong
Published: September 2022

Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) has adverse effects on maternal and child health. Cesarean section (CS) is suggested to be associated with PPD, but no study has examined the risk factors for PPD in women who underwent CS. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate this association.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted between December 2020 and September 2021. In total, 590 women who underwent elective CS participated in this study. Data were collected using a questionnaire through a face-to-face interview at three time points: 32nd week of gestation, 2 days postpartum, and 6 weeks postpartum. PPD was defined by an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score of ≥ 11 at 6 weeks postpartum. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for PPD.

Results

Among the 590 women, 25.4% had PPD (142/590). After adjustment for the confounding factors, high antenatal self-rating anxiety scale score (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04–1.16), PPD symptoms (EPDS ≥ 11) at 2 days postpartum (OR = 6.17, 95% CI = 1.35–28.31), and pain at 6 weeks postpartum (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.24–3.69) were independently associated with PPD.

Conclusion

Prenatal anxiety, PPD symptoms occurring at an early postoperative stage, and pain at 6 weeks postpartum may be associated with an increased risk of PPD among women who undergo CS.
SMOC2 gene interacts with APOL1 in the development of end-stage kidney disease: A genome-wide association study
Authors: Chaudhary Ninad S. , Armstrong Nicole D. , Hidalgo Bertha A. , Gutiérrez Orlando M. , Hellwege Jacklyn N. , Limdi Nita A. , Reynolds Richard J. , Judd Suzanne E. , Nadkarni Girish N. , Lange Leslie , Winkler Cheryl A. , Kopp Jeffrey B. , Arnett Donna K. , Tiwari Hemant K. , Irvin Marguerite R.
Published: September 2022

Background

Some but not all African-Americans (AA) who carry APOL1 nephropathy risk variants (APOL1) develop kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease, ESKD). To identify genetic modifiers, we assessed gene–gene interactions in a large prospective cohort of the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study.

Methods

Genotypes from 8,074 AA participants were obtained from Illumina Infinium Multi-Ethnic AMR/AFR Extended BeadChip. We compared 388 incident ESKD cases with 7,686 non-ESKD controls, using a two-locus interaction approach. Logistic regression was used to examine the effect of APOL1 risk status (using recessive and additive models), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and APOL1*SNP interaction on incident ESKD, adjusting for age, sex, and ancestry. APOL1*SNP interactions that met the threshold of 1.0 × 10−5 were replicated in the Genetics of Hypertension Associated Treatment (GenHAT) study (626 ESKD cases and 6,165 controls). In a sensitivity analysis, models were additionally adjusted for diabetes status. We conducted additional replication in the BioVU study.

Results

Two APOL1 risk alleles prevalence (recessive model) was similar in the REGARDS and GenHAT studies. Only one APOL1–SNP interaction, for rs7067944 on chromosome 10, ~10 KB from the PCAT5 gene met the genome-wide statistical threshold (Pinteraction = 3.4 × 10−8), but this interaction was not replicated in the GenHAT study. Among other relevant top findings (with Pinteraction < 1.0 × 10−5), a variant (rs2181251) near SMOC2 on chromosome six interacted with APOL1 risk status (additive) on ESKD outcomes (REGARDS study, Pinteraction =5.3 × 10−6) but the association was not replicated (GenHAT study, Pinteraction = 0.07, BioVU study, Pinteraction = 0.53). The association with the locus near SMOC2 persisted further in stratified analyses. Among those who inherited ≥1 alternate allele of rs2181251, APOL1 was associated with an increased risk of incident ESKD (OR [95%CI] = 2.27[1.53, 3.37]) but APOL1 was not associated with ESKD in the absence of the alternate allele (OR [95%CI] = 1.34[0.96, 1.85]) in the REGARDS study. The associations were consistent after adjusting for diabetes.

Conclusion

In a large genome-wide association study of AAs, a locus SMOC2 exhibited a significant interaction with the APOL1 locus. SMOC2 contributes to the progression of fibrosis after kidney injury and the interaction with APOL1 variants may contribute to an explanation for why only some APOLI high-risk individuals develop ESKD.
Potential tolerability of ancient grains in non-celiac wheat sensitivity patients: A preliminary evaluation
Authors: Seidita Aurelio , Mansueto Pasquale , Giuliano Alessandra , Chiavetta Marta , Mandreucci Francesca , Soresi Maurizio , Pistone Mattia , Compagnoni Stella , Castellucci Daniele , Bisso Gianluca , Faraci Francesco , Maestri Salvatore , Disclafani Rosaria , Sapone Anna , Fasano Alessio , Carroccio Antonio
Published: September 2022

Background and aims

A wheat-free diet (WFD) represents the elective treatment for Non-celiac Wheat Sensitivity (NCWS) patients. Preliminary reports have shown a possible better tolerability of ancient grains in these subjects. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the frequency of consumption of ancient grains and its correlation with clinical manifestations in NCWS patients.

Methods

223 NCWS patients were recruited, and their consumption of ancient grains was monitored. Participants were first administered a modified version of the Pavia/Biagi questionnaire to investigate their adherence to “modern WFD.” The appearance/exacerbation of symptoms after ingestion of ancient grains was then assessed with WHO toxicity grading scale.

Results

50.2% of the recruited patients reported consuming ancient grains before NCWS diagnosis; the diagnostic delay in this group was significantly higher than in non-consumers [median (range) 72 (6–612) vs. 60 months (3–684), P = 0.03] and these patients reported lower frequency of constipation (P = 0.04). Of the 107 patients with optimal adherence to modern WFD, 14 reported eating ancient wheat after NCWS diagnosis. Among them, 5 reported milder symptoms than those caused by modern wheat intake and 3 had an excellent tolerability without symptoms. Timilia/Tumminia variety was the most frequently used ancient grain.

Conclusions

NCWS patients who consume ancient grains may receive a late diagnosis due to the possible clinical benefit (tolerability) obtained with these grains. Even after diagnosis, 10% of the patients still consumed ancient grains and had mild or no symptoms. Further studies are required to define the pathophysiological mechanism behind their putative greater tolerability.