bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Visceral Adiposity Index and Insulin Resistance: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on US Adults
Authors: Jiang Kai , Luan Hong , Pu Xiaolu , Wang Mingxiang , Yin Jiahui , Gong Rongpeng
Published: July 2022

Background

Visceral obesity index (VAI) is an empirical mathematical model used to evaluate the distribution and function of fat. Some studies have shown that VAI may be associated with the development of insulin resistance. In view of the differences in insulin resistance among different ethnic groups, this study attempts to analyze the special relationship between VAI and insulin resistance in American adults.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study through NHANES database. A total of 27309 patients over the age of 18 from the United States took part in the survey. It was divided into two groups: the IR-positive group and the IR-negative group. The association of VAI with IR was evaluated by logistic regression analyses mainly, including univariate analysis, multivariate regression analysis, curve fitting analysis and subgroup analysis.

Results

The results showed that in the full-adjusted model, there is a strong positive association between VAI level and insulin resistance (OR: 1.28 (1.2~1.37), P<0.001) and there is a threshold effect.

Conclusions

This study suggests that higher VAI levels are associated with insulin resistance. VAI index may be used as a predictor of insulin resistance.
Domestication of farmed fish via the attenuation of stress responses mediated by the hypothalamus–pituitary–inter-renal endocrine axis
Authors: Lu Yao , Shi Chuang , Jin Xia , He Jiangyan , Yin Zhan
Published: July 2022

Human-directed domestication of terrestrial animals traditionally requires thousands of years for breeding. The most prominent behavioral features of domesticated animals include reduced aggression and enhanced tameness relative to their wild forebears, and such behaviors improve the social tolerance of domestic animals toward both humans and crowds of their own species. These behavioral responses are primarily mediated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (inter-renal in fish) (HPA/I) endocrine axis, which is involved in the rapid conversion of neuronal-derived perceptual information into hormonal signals. Over recent decades, growing evidence implicating the attenuation of the HPA/I axis during the domestication of animals have been identified through comprehensive genomic analyses of the paleogenomic datasets of wild progenitors and their domestic congeners. Compared with that of terrestrial animals, domestication of most farmed fish species remains at early stages. The present review focuses on the application of HPI signaling attenuation to accelerate the domestication and genetic breeding of farmed fish. We anticipate that deeper understanding of HPI signaling and its implementation in the domestication of farmed fish will benefit genetic breeding to meet the global demands of the aquaculture industry.
Therapeutic Target Analysis and Molecular Mechanism of Melatonin - Treated Leptin Resistance Induced Obesity: A Systematic Study of Network Pharmacology
Authors: Suriagandhi Vennila , Nachiappan Vasanthi
Published: July 2022

Background

Obesity is a medical problem with an increased risk for other metabolic disorders like diabetes, heart problem, arthritis, etc. Leptin is an adipose tissue-derived hormone responsible for food intake, energy expenditure, etc., and leptin resistance is one of the significant causes of obesity. Excess leptin secretion by poor diet habits and impaired hypothalamic leptin signaling leads to LR. Melatonin a sleep hormone; also possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The melatonin can attenuate the complications of obesity by regulating its targets towards LR induced obesity.

Aim

The aim of this study includes molecular pathway and network analysis by using a systems pharmacology approach to identify a potential therapeutic mechanism of melatonin on leptin resistance-induced obesity.

Methods

The bioinformatic methods are used to find therapeutic targets of melatonin in the treatment of leptin resistance-induced obesity. It includes target gene identification using public databases, Gene ontology, and KEGG pathway enrichment by ‘ClusterProfiler’ using the R language, network analysis by Cytoscape, and molecular Docking by Autodock.

Results

We obtained the common top 33 potential therapeutic targets of melatonin and LR-induced obesity from the total melatonin targets 254 and common LR obesity targets 212 using the data screening method. They are involved in biological processes related to sleep and obesity, including the cellular response to external stimulus, chemical stress, and autophagy. From a total of 180 enriched pathways, we took the top ten pathways for further analysis, including lipid and atherosclerosis, endocrine, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. The top 10 pathways interacted with the common 33 genes and created two functional modules. Using Cytoscape network analysis, the top ten hub genes (TP53, AKT1, MAPK3, PTGS2, TNF, IL6, MAPK1, ERBB2, IL1B, MTOR) were identified by the MCC algorithm of the CytoHubba plugin. From a wide range of pathway classes, melatonin can reduce LR-induced obesity risks by regulating the major six classes. It includes signal transduction, endocrine system, endocrine and metabolic disease, environmental adaptation, drug resistance antineoplastic, and cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

The pharmacological mechanism of action in this study shows the ten therapeutic targets of melatonin in LR-induced obesity.
Upper urinary dilatation and treatment of 26 patients with diabetes insipidus: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Wang Xuesheng , Ying Xiaoqian , Zhang Fan , Li Xing , Chen Guoqing , Zhou Zhonghan , Liao Limin
Published: July 2022

Objective

To describe the urinary tract characteristics of diabetes insipidus (DI) patients with upper urinary tract dilatation (UUTD) using the video-urodynamic recordings (VUDS), UUTD and all urinary tract dysfunction (AUTD) systems, and to summarize the experience in the treatment of DI with UUTD.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed clinical data from 26 patients with DI, including micturition diary, water deprivation tests, imaging data and management. The UUTD and AUTD systems were used to evaluate the urinary tract characteristics. All patients were required to undergo VUDS, neurophysiologic tests to confirm the presence of neurogenic bladder (NB).

Results

VUDS showed that the mean values for bladder capacity and bladder compliance were 575.0 ± 135.1 ml and 51.5 ± 33.6 cmH2O in DI patients, and 42.3% (11/26) had a post-void residual >100 ml. NB was present in 6 (23.1%) of 26 DI patients with UUTD, and enterocystoplasty was recommended for two patients with poor bladder capacity, compliance and renal impairment. For the 24 remaining patients, medication combined with individualized and appropriate bladder management, including intermittent catheterization, indwelling catheter and regular voiding, achieved satisfactory results. High serum creatinine decreased from 248.0 ± 115.8 μmoI/L to 177.4 ± 92.8 μmoI/L in 12 patients from a population with a median of 108.1 μmoI/L (IQR: 79.9-206.5 μmoI/L). Forty-four dilated ureters showed significant improvement in the UUTD grade, and the median grade of 52 UUTD ureters decreased from 3 to 2.

Conclusion

Bladder distension, trabeculation and decreased or absent sensations were common features for DI patients with UUTD. Individualized therapy by medication combined with appropriate bladder management can improve UUTD and renal function in DI patients.
Circulating Monocytes Act as a Common Trigger for the Calcification Paradox of Osteoporosis and Carotid Atherosclerosis via TGFB1-SP1 and TNFSF10-NFKB1 Axis
Authors: Zeng Ziliang , Guo Rui , Wang Zheyu , Yan Haolin , Lv Xin , Zhao Qiancheng , Jiang Xu , Zhang Chi , Zhang Di , Yang Canchun , Li Wenpeng , Zhang Zhilei , Wang Qiwei , Huang Renyuan , Li Bo , Hu Xumin , Gao Liangbin
Published: July 2022

Background

Osteoporosis often occurs with carotid atherosclerosis and causes contradictory calcification across tissue in the same patient, which is called the “calcification paradox”. Circulating monocytes may be responsible for this unbalanced ectopic calcification. Here, we aimed to show how CD14+ monocytes contribute to the pathophysiology of coexisting postmenopausal osteoporosis and carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods

We comprehensively analyzed osteoporosis data from the mRNA array dataset GSE56814 and the scRNA-seq dataset GSM4423510. Carotid atherosclerosis data were obtained from the GSE23746 mRNA dataset and GSM4705591 scRNA-seq dataset. First, osteoblast and vascular SMC lineages were annotated based on their functional expression using gene set enrichment analysis and AUCell scoring. Next, pseudotime analysis was applied to draw their differentiated trajectory and identify the key gene expression changes in crossroads. Then, ligand–receptor interactions between CD14+ monocytes and osteoblast and vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) lineages were annotated with iTALK. Finally, we selected calcification paradox-related expression in circulating monocytes with LASSO analysis.

Results

First, we found a large proportion of delayed premature osteoblasts in osteoporosis and osteogenic SMCs in atherosclerosis. Second, CD14+ monocytes interacted with the intermediate cells of the premature osteoblast and osteogenic SMC lineage by delivering TGFB1 and TNFSF10. This interaction served as a trigger activating the transcription factors (TF) SP1 and NFKB1 to upregulate the inflammatory response and cell senescence and led to a retarded premature state in the osteoblast lineage and osteogenic transition in the SMC lineage. Then, 76.49% of common monocyte markers were upregulated in the circulating monocytes between the two diseases, which were related to chemotaxis and inflammatory responses. Finally, we identified 7 calcification paradox-related genes on circulating monocytes, which were upregulated in aging cells and downregulated in DNA repair cells, indicating that the aging monocytes contributed to the development of the two diseases.

Conclusions

Our work provides a perspective for understanding the triggering roles of CD14+ monocytes in the development of the calcification paradox in osteoporosis- and atherosclerosis-related cells based on combined scRNA and mRNA data. This study provided us with an elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the calcification paradox and could help in developing preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI): current treatments and perinatal outcomes, a systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Moar Laurel , Simela Chloe , Nanda Surabhi , Marnerides Andreas , Al-Adnani Mudher , Nelson-Piercy Catherine , Nicolaides Kypros H. , Shangaris Panicos
Published: July 2022

Background

Chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) is a rare placental lesion with a high recurrence rate and poor perinatal outcomes. There are currently limited guidelines regarding the diagnosis of this condition in the index pregnancy and treatment where recurrence is suspected.

Objective

The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the perinatal outcomes of pregnancies affected by chronic histiocytic intervillositis and to what extent they can be improved with treatment. The secondary objective was to assess the relationship between CHI lesion severity and pregnancy loss.

Methods

A systematic search of Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar and CINAHL was carried out. Case reports, cohort, case-control and randomised controlled trials (RCT) detailing the perinatal outcomes of CHI pregnancies, both treated and untreated, were included.

Results

No RCTs were identified. However, in a review population of 659 pregnancies, with additional 7 in case reports, CHI treatments included aspirin, prednisone, prednisolone, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), hydroxychloroquine and adalimumab. A descriptive synthesis of data found mixed results for treatments in relation to live birth, miscarriage and fetal growth restriction outcomes. Furthermore, quantitative synthesis of 38 pregnancies revealed a non-significant improvement in live birth rate with CHI targeted treatment (OR 1.79 [95% CI 0.33-9.61] (p=0.50), while meta-analysis of CHI severity in line with pregnancy loss, in a sample of 231 pregnancies, revealed lower odds of pregnancy loss with less severe lesions (OR: 0.17 [0.03-0.80], p=0.03).

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis reinforce notions surrounding the insufficient evidence for CHI treatment. It also strengthens previous hypotheses detailing the positive association between CHI lesion severity and odds of pregnancy loss. Aspirin, LMWH, prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine and adalimumab are candidates with varying levels of weak to moderate evidence supporting their use. Further prospective research is required to obtain robust evidence pertaining to treatment safety and efficacy and optimal drug regimes.

Systematic Review Registration

[website], identifier CRD42021237604
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: Impact on bone and neuropsychiatric outcomes
Authors: Pedreira Clarissa Carvalho , Maya Jacqueline , Misra Madhusmita
Published: July 2022

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is a state of reversible hypogonadism common in adolescents and young women that can be triggered by energy deficit or emotional stress or a combination of these factors. Energy deficit may be a consequence of (i) reduced caloric intake, as seen in patients with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, or (ii) excessive exercise, when caloric intake is insufficient to meet the needs of energy expenditure. In these conditions of energy deficit, suppression of the hypothalamic secretion of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (with resulting hypoestrogenism) as well as other changes in hypothalamic-pituitary function may occur as an adaptive response to limited energy availability. Many of these adaptive changes, however, are deleterious to reproductive, skeletal, and neuropsychiatric health. Particularly, normoestrogenemia is critical for normal bone accrual during adolescence, and hypoestrogenemia during this time may lead to deficits in peak bone mass acquisition with longstanding effects on skeletal health. The adolescent years are also a time of neurological changes that impact cognitive function, and anxiety and depression present more frequently during this time. Normal estrogen status is essential for optimal cognitive function (particularly verbal memory and executive function) and may impact emotion and mood. Early recognition of women at high risk of developing hypothalamic amenorrhea and its timely management with a multidisciplinary team are crucial to prevent the severe and long-term effects of this condition.
Biodiesel Synthesis From Cucumis melo Var. agrestis Seed Oil: Toward Non-food Biomass Biorefineries
Authors: Ameen Maria , Zafar Muhammad , Nizami Abdul-Sattar , Ahmad Mushtaq , Munir Mamoona , Sultana Shazia , Usma Anwar , Rehan Mohammad
Published: July 2022

This study aims to examine the potential of non-edible seed oil (Cucumis melo var. agrestis), seed oil content 29.1%, FFA 0.64 (mg KOH/g) for biodiesel production via nano-catalyst. The catalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The maximum biodiesel yield (93%) was attained under optimized conditions, i.e., 9:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 2 wt% catalyst (MgO) at 60°C. The synthesized biodiesel yield was optimized through response surface technology via Box Behnken design (BBD). Biodiesel was characterized by advanced analytical techniques, including gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy, FTIR, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Fuel properties of synthesized biodiesel, including density (0.800 kg/L), K. viscosity @ 40°C (4.23 cSt), cloud point −12°C, pour point −7°C, sulfur content (0.0001%), flash point (73.5°C), total acid no (0.167 mg KOH/g) were found in lines with international standard of American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM). Cucumis melo var. agrestic seed oil and nano MgO catalyst appeared as economical, sustainable, and feasible candidates to overcome global energy glitches and environmental issues. The study findings involving unpalatable seed oil will be a promising step toward non-food biomass biorefinery.
Hill Climbing Artificial Electric Field Algorithm for Maximum Power Point Tracking of Photovoltaics
Authors: Alanazi Mohana , Alanazi Abdulaziz , Memon Zulfiqar Ali , Csaba Mako , Mosavi Amir
Published: July 2022

In this paper, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of a photovoltaic (PV) system is performed under partial shading conditions (PSCs) using a hill climbing (HC)–artificial electric field algorithm (AEFA) considering a DC/DC buck converter. The AEFA is inspired by Coulomb’s law of electrostatic force and has a high speed and optimization accuracy. Because the traditional HC method cannot perform global search tracking and instead performs local search tracking, the AEFA is used for a global search in the proposed HC-AEFA. The critical advantage of the HC-AEFA is that it is desirable performing local and global searches. The proposed hybrid method is implemented to derive an MPP by tuning the converter duty cycle, considering the objective function for maximizing the PV system extracted power. Its capability is evaluated and compared with well-known particle swarm optimization (PSO), considering standards, PSCs, and radiation changes conditions. The tracking efficiency for the most challenging shading pattern (third pattern) using the HC-AEFA, HC, AEFA and PSO is obtained at 99.93, 90.35, 98.85, 99.80%, respectively. The analysis of the population-based optimization process for different algorithms proved the HC-AEFA faster convergence at lower iterations than the other methods. So, the superiority of the proposed HC-AEFA subjected to different patterns is confirmed with higher tracking efficiency and global power peak, fewer fluctuations, higher convergence speed, and higher dynamic and Static-efficiency compared to the other methods.
Nonintrusive Load Monitoring Method Based on Color Encoding and Improved Twin Support Vector Machine
Authors: Zhang Ruoyuan , Wang Yuan , Song Yang
Published: July 2022

In the process of traditional power load identification, the load information of V-I track is missing, the image similarity of V-I track of some power loads is high and the recognition effect is not good, and the training time of recognition model is too long. In view of the abovementioned situation, this study proposes a power load recognition method based on color image coding and the improved twin support vector machine (ITWSVM). First, based on the traditional voltage–current gray trajectory method, the bilinear interpolation technique is used to solve the pixel discontinuity problem effectively. Considering the complementarity of features, the numerical features are embedded into the gray V-I trajectory by constructing three channels, namely, current (R), voltage (G), and phase (B), so the color V-I image with rich electrical features is obtained. Second, the two-dimension Gabor wavelet is used to extract the texture features of the image, and the dimension is reduced by means of local linear embedding (LLE). Finally, the artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA) is used to optimize the twin support vector machine (TWSVM), and the ITWSM is used to train the load recognition model, which greatly enhances the model training speed. Experimental results show that the proposed color V-I image coding method and the ITWSVM classification method, compared with the traditional V-I track image construction method and image classification algorithm, improve the accuracy by 6.12% and reduce the model training time by 1071.23 s.
Operational Performance Analysis of the Cryogenic Electrical Machine for Submerged Liquefied Natural Gas Pumps
Authors: Guo Chao , Feng Yaojin , Huang Shoudao , Wang Jiabao
Published: July 2022

The electrical machine is one of the key components for submerged liquefied natural gas (LNG) pumps. This study deals with a cryogenic permanent magnet synchronous motor (CPMSM) for submerged LNG pumps. An 18.5-kW CPMSM prototype was developed according to the needs of users. The basic design of the CPMSM was proposed by using a cryogenic temperature (CT) design method. To analyze the operational performance accurately, simulation modeling and analysis are carried out, and a liquid nitrogen (−196°C) experimental platform is built. The test results verify the rationality of the design and the accuracy of the simulation. Based on the simulation and experimental data, the working characteristics and mechanical properties of the prototype in liquid nitrogen are analyzed. In addition, the performance of the prototype operating in liquid nitrogen (−196°C) and LNG (−161°C) are compared and analyzed, and the results show that the operating characteristics of the prototype in the two fluid environments are similar.
Analysis of Runner Dynamics of Reversible Hydraulic Turbine by Alternating Fluid–Solid Action
Authors: Xin Lu , Li Qifei , Li Zhenggui , Xie Gengda , Wang Qifan
Published: July 2022

In order to study the effect of alternating fluid–solid action on the dynamic characteristics of the runner of a reversible hydraulic turbine, a reversible hydraulic turbine model is used as the research object, and the two-way fluid–solid coupling method is used to iteratively calculate and analyze the fluid and structural equations to obtain the effect of the reversible hydraulic turbine on the runner under the two-way fluid–solid coupling action of the runner of the reversible hydraulic turbine under typical operating conditions. The results showed that under the influence of a high-speed water ring area under a certain working condition, the incoming flow direction forms a certain impulse angle with the blade, and under the joint action of the runner rotating at high speed, the vortex structure is generated in the blade area, and the speed change in the inlet area has a large random fluctuation, which is not conducive to the stability of the runner area and causes a strong pressure pulsation at the inlet. Under different working conditions, the runner stress area phenomenon is obvious, concentrated in the runner blade inlet side and the upper crown, lower ring connection. The maximum deformation region appears in the lower region of the middle of the blade inlet. The comparison of the modal analysis shows that the dynamic stress frequency caused by the dynamic interference is very unlikely to trigger the resonance of the runner.
A new dual-ferrite–assisted hybrid reluctance machine with two-stage excitation for starter generator application
Authors: Xiong Shu , Yang Yucui , Pan Jian
Published: July 2022

Reluctance machines with DC field coil in stator are a competitive candidate for starter generation application, due to the elimination of rare-earth permanent magnet (PM), robust structures, and controllable excitation. However, due to the poor excitation ability of DC field coils, the torque density is disadvantageous. Moreover, with the increase in the DC field current, it is exposed to the risk of extra DC saturation in stator teeth. As a consequence, the torque density and efficiency are both constrained. To solve the aforementioned problems, based on the comprehensive consideration of production cost and torque performance, this study proposed a novel type of hybrid reluctance machine with dual-ferrite–assisted in stator slots. The inner-layer ferrite PM is magnetized tangentially, which can effectively achieve the DC-saturation–relieving effect, while the outer-layer ferrite PM is magnetized radially to increase the machine torque density through the flux modulation effect. Based on finite element analysis, the machine torque density and efficiency can be improved by 20 and 5%, respectively. Furthermore, to simplify the excitation system of the DC terminal, a two-stage excitation method is proposed by splitting some turns of armature winding to feed DC field winding with passive rectifier. No power switching devices are needed for the excitation system in this way, making the system highly robust. The effectiveness of the proposed design is verified by time-stepping finite element analysis.
Size-Resolved Fluorescence Underscores Negligible Interaction of Dissolved Organic Matter During Conservative Mixing in a Large Boreal River
Authors: Xue Jin-Ping , Cuss Chad W. , Wang Yu , Javed Muhammad B. , Noernberg Tommy , Pelletier Rick , Shotyk William
Published: July 2022

Although river mixing occurs widely in nature, the corresponding evolution of dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition remains poorly understood. Here, surface water samples were collected at multiple transects in the lower Athabasca River (LAR) under base-flow conditions. Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled to online excitation-emission measurements (EEMs) and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) were utilized to investigate the size distribution of fluorescent DOM components during river mixing and the corresponding variation in size-resolved fluorescence. The majority of fluorescent components occurred at 0.810 and 1.170 kDa, reflecting the small size of the DOM molecules with maximum fluorescence. The loadings of fluorescence normalized to absorbance at 254 nm (A254) were highest for most terrestrial humic-like components, followed by the microbial humic-like component, and the protein-like components. Differences in size-resolved fluorescence were observed between DOM in humic-rich tributaries and in the mainstem of the LAR upstream of tributary inputs. The trend of variations in the A254-normalized PARAFAC loadings of terrestrial humic-like components also illustrates conservative mixing of aromatic-rich terrestrial DOM across size fractions in the LAR. From a molecular point of view, the mixing of fluorescent DOM occurred linearly and simultaneously across sizes without any evidence of aggregation, sedimentation, or changes in the fluorescence or concentration of any size fraction over the >60 km required for complete mixing of the river and its tributaries. Overall, this study provides insights into the size characteristics of fluorescent components of DOM and their conservative mixing behavior in large boreal rivers.
Small hydropower—Small ecological footprint? A multi-annual environmental impact analysis using aquatic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators. Part 2: Effects on functional diversity
Authors: Scotti Alberto , Jacobsen Dean , Bottarin Roberta
Published: July 2022

Currently, across the entire European river network, there are an estimated 0.74 barriers per kilometer of river length, with hydropower production being the main cause of riverine habitat fragmentation. On the one hand, policy actions have been proposed by different institutions to limit this impact. On the other hand, the compelling need to produce energy from renewable/sustainable resources is further boosting the impoundment of rivers, since, globally, small hydropower plants are expected to contribute greatly to future energy needs. While a few studies have already analyzed the environmental impact of small hydropower plants by researching the structural communities of benthic macroinvertebrates, none have thus far assessed the potential impacts related to the functional diversity of these communities. Here, following a “Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI)” scheme, we implemented different methodologies to study the functional diversity of benthic communities sampled across 4 sites in a fish-free, glacier-fed stream of the Italian Central-Eastern Alps for 5 consecutive years. More specifically, the sampling sites were chosen in an area near the weir of a small “run-of-river” hydropower plant, which constituted the structure from which water was diverted to the turbine. Specific goals were to assess the potential variation in the functional traits of benthic macroinvertebrates in relation to the weir’s presence, investigate whether a variation in trait distribution was caused by alterations in the abundances of common and rare taxa, and quantify functional diversity in space and time through the application of specific indices. Our initial hypothesis of finding significant differences among the sampling sites after the start-up of the hydropower plant was not confirmed by our results, since the benthic communities at all sites continued to exhibit a largely similar set of traits and, consequently, functional diversity. Our results highlighted the need for a better understanding of the relationships between effect traits and ecological processes to establish thresholds from which a shift in these processes may occur. Hence, a better understanding of the assets and liabilities of already established small hydropower plants may be a guide for more conscious decisions concerning the establishment of new ones and/or changes in the management of already existing ones.
Temporal variability of surface air pollutants in megacities of South Korea
Authors: Lee Taegyung , Go Sujung , Lee Yun Gon , Park Sang Seo , Park Jinsoo , Koo Ja-Ho
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the various temporal (weekly, monthly, and inter-annual) variability of air pollutants (PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, CO) in seven megacities in South Korea (Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Ulsan). We found that the general decreasing trend of PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO. An exceptional pollutant is O3, showing a clear increasing trend consistently in all seven megacities. Seasonally PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO have the highest level in winter due to the large fossil-fuel combustion for the heating demand, but O3 shows the maximum peak in summer related to the intensified photochemistry. Based on the analysis for percentile values of air pollutants, we recognized that some patterns of air pollutants in Korean megacities are overlooked: O3 increase is not perfectly related to the NO2 pattern, somewhat high SO2 in the coastal cities, ambiguous weekly pattern on Monday (as a weekday) and Sunday (as a weekend). Through this comprehensive analysis of multiple air pollutants using the percentile values, the characteristic for various temporal change of air pollutants in Korean megacities can be better understood, and some useful ideas for the air quality control in the urban region can be also excavated.
Time Series Analysis and Forecasting of Air Pollutants Based on Prophet Forecasting Model in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Hasnain Ahmad , Sheng Yehua , Hashmi Muhammad Zaffar , Bhatti Uzair Aslam , Hussain Aamir , Hameed Mazhar , Marjan Shah , Bazai Sibghat Ullah , Hossain Mohammad Amzad , Sahabuddin Md , Wagan Raja Asif , Zha Yong
Published: July 2022

Due to recent developments in the global economy, transportation, and industrialization, air pollution is one of main environmental issues in the 21st century. The current study aimed to predict both short-term and long-term air pollution in Jiangsu Province, China, based on the Prophet forecasting model (PFM). We collected data from 72 air quality monitoring stations to forecast six air pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3. To determine the accuracy of the model and to compare its results with predicted and actual values, we used the correlation coefficient (R), mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The results show that PFM predicted PM10 and PM2.5 with R values of 0.40 and 0.52, RMSE values of 16.37 and 12.07 μg/m3, and MAE values of 11.74 and 8.22 μg/m3, respectively. Among other pollutants, PFM also predicted SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 with R values are between 5 μg/m3 to 12 μg/m3; and MAE values between 2 μg/m3 to 11 μg/m3. PFM has extensive power to accurately predict the concentrations of air pollutants and can be used to forecast air pollution in other regions. The results of this research will be helpful for local authorities and policymakers to control air pollution and plan accordingly in upcoming years.
The Statistical Characteristics of Atmospheric Ducts Observed Over Stations in Different Regions of American Mainland Based on High-Resolution GPS Radiosonde Soundings
Authors: Huang Lang , Zhao Xiaofeng , Liu Yudi
Published: July 2022

Atmospheric duct is an anomalous atmospheric structure that affects electromagnetic wave propagation. The important characteristics of the atmospheric ducts include duct probability, duct height, duct strength, and the thickness of the trapping layer. To investigate the statistical characteristics of atmospheric ducts over the American mainland, four stations in different regions are chosen. The seasonal and diurnal variation of the characteristics of ducts is presented. The mechanism of the seasonal and variation of ducts is revealed and the relationship between the characteristics is researched. The duct strength correlates positively with the thickness of the trapping layer, and the duct height correlates with them negatively. Moreover, the duct relationship with precipitation over different stations is clarified. It is found that the precipitation correlates positively with the probability of ducts caused by the vertical moisture gradient, and the relation is negative when the ducts are caused by temperature inversion. This work is of great value to the statistical characteristics of atmospheric ducts over the American mainland.
Spatiotemporal Variations of Vegetation Net Primary Productivity and Its Response to Meteorological Factors Across the Yellow River Basin During the Period 1981–2020
Authors: Tian Hongwei , Ji Xingjie , Zhang Fangmin
Published: July 2022

Based on trend analysis, partial correlation analysis, and Mann–Kendall test, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variations of net primary productivity (NPP) in the Yellow River Basin and their responses to meteorological factors during the period 1981–2020. The results revealed that NPP had high values in the mid-south part but low values in the northwestern part of the Yellow River Basin. The average NPP was 195.3 g C·m−2·a−1 from 1981 to 2020, and the inter-annual fluctuation of NPP showed a significant increasing trend with an increasing rate of 2.35 g C·m−2·a−2 (p < 0.01). The annual mean temperature showed a positive correlation with NPP in 99.6% of the basin, and 91.4% of which passed the 0.01 significant test. NPP and annual precipitation positively correlated in 87.1% of the basin, and 41.7% of which passed the 0.01 significant test. In 75.2% of the basin, NPP was related negatively with annual sunshine hours, and 17.6% of which of which passed the 0.01 significant test.
Energy and Environmental Efficiency Evaluation of Transportation Systems in China’s 255 Cities
Authors: Jiao Liudan , Wu Fengyan , Luo Fenglian , Zhang Yu , Huo Xiaosen
Published: July 2022

China’s transportation sector suffers from excessive energy consumption and serious pollutant emissions. There is increasing pressure to improve energy and environmental efficiency (EEE). This paper researches the EEE of transportation systems in 255 Chinese cities from 2015 to 2019 with the assistance of the super-efficiency SBM model. Research results show that the five-year average EEE of the Chinese transportation system is 0.4420, indicating an overall low performance, with most regions still needing improvement. There are significant differences in the transportation system EEE between cities, with Guangzhou, Maoming, and Zhoushan ranking in the top three, and Heihe, Xining, and Taiyuan in the bottom. Cities with a better economic base, developed water systems and more relevant policy documents do better in energy use and environmental protection compared to other cities. Moreover, the development of the transportation systems is uneven, with noticeable regional differences. The general trend is that cities located in the eastern have better transportation systems EEE than cities in other economic zones. The findings should have a far-reaching impact on the sustainable development of cities. It also provides an essential reference for the research on EEE efficiency of transportation systems in China and other countries.
The impact of governance quality and educational level on environmental performance
Authors: Dincă Gheorghița , Bărbuță Mihaela , Negri Camelia , Dincă Dragoș , Model (Săndulescu) Lizica-Sorina
Published: July 2022

Environmental degradation and its impact on sustainable development have sparked the interest of national and international policymakers, specialists, and academia. This paper aims to demonstrate the empirical nexus between environmental performance, measured by carbon dioxide emissions, and education levels together with institutional quality in a society. To achieve this goal, the regression model includes the main variables that reflect the quality of governance (government effectiveness, regulatory quality, control of corruption, and rule of law), together with education dimension, gross domestic product, renewable energy consumption, fossil fuel energy consumption, and industry. The data were collected for the 1995–2020 period, for a set of 43 countries, consisting of all European Union (EU) members and The Group of Twenty (G20) states. The research uses three estimations methods, respectively Pooled ordinary least squares (Pooled OLS), Fixed effects model (FEM) and Random effects model (REM), together with a two-step dynamic GMM model, to address the endogeneity issue as well. The main results show that all the independent variables reflecting institutional quality from a technical point of view, included in the model when considering the PCSE estimation, have a direct and positive link to CO2 emissions’ level, with control of corruption variable being the only one to influence in a positive manner CO2 emissions at a significant level. Education level, together with economic growth, fossil fuel energy consumption and industry, had a negative significant impact as well upon environmental performance, an increase of one unit in these variables contributing to increased carbon dioxide levels in the EU and G20 sample when considering both the panel corrected model as well as the GMM scenario. Renewable energy is the only independent variable to manifest a significant positive and direct link with environmental performance, drawing attention to the need of adapting the primary sources of energy, in line with international organizations’ sustainable development policy recommendations. Also, there is a need to improve citizens’ perceptions of public services and institutions by building confidence in government’s ability to formulate and implement regulations.
A study on the impact of fiscal decentralization on carbon emissions with U-shape and regulatory effect
Authors: Xia Jing , Li Rita Yi Man , Zhan Xuegang , Song Lingxi , Bai Weijia
Published: July 2022

The Chinese government set a goal in 2009 to cut carbon emissions by 40–45 percent of 2005 GDP per unit by 2020. The role of fiscal decentralization reform in strengthening environmental governance has gained importance. This paper explored the impact of fiscal decentralization reform from 2010 to 2019 on carbon dioxide emissions in China. We utilized the first-order differential dynamic panel econometrics model to examine the correlation between fiscal decentralization and carbon dioxide emission under fiscal imbalance and transfer indirect effects. The findings revealed that 1) fiscal imbalance reduced CO2 emissions due to the decentralization of revenue, and expenditure asymmetry undermined CO2 emissions control. 2) The central government’s transfer payments offset the negative consequences of a fiscal imbalance. The fiscal decentralization of the government caused a difference between regional income and expenditures in the budget. However, it could affect local government expenditure on carbon emission control through central transfer payments, which could restrain carbon emissions and control environmental pollution. 3) The impact of fiscal decentralization on carbon dioxide emissions was influenced by the industrial structure with the U-Shape effect. This was because the adjustment of the industrial structure was cross-term. In the early stage of the industrial structure adjustment, there was a significant decline in coal consumption demand and carbon emissions reduced. However, as the proportion of the secondary industry increased, there was a significant positive correlation between the secondary sector and carbon dioxide emissions in China. Our findings have important policy implications. First, while the promotion of Chinese officials is based on local GDP performance, locals may introduce green GDP as the criterion for rating governments’ performance. Second, local governments should improve environmental governance by increasing technical, environmental protection, and innovation investment. All in all, the findings provide a theoretical basis for relevant research and policy suggestions for China.
Longitudinal Variations in Physiochemical Conditions and Their Consequent Effect on Phytoplankton Functional Diversity Within a Subtropical System of Cascade Reservoirs
Authors: Shen Henglun , Ye Lin , Cai Qinghua , Tan Lu
Published: July 2022

The social and environmental impacts of large dams are quantifiable and have been well documented, while small dams have often been presumed to be less environmentally damaging than large dams. The purpose of this study was to analyze longitudinal gradients in environmental, hydrodynamic variables and their impact on phytoplankton function, within a cascade of four reservoirs (XuanMiaoGuan, XMG; TianFuMiao, TFM; XiBeiKou, XBK; ShangJiaHe, SJH) and one reservoir bay (Huangbohe Bay, HBH), located from upstream to downstream in the Huangbo River, Hubei Province, China. Our results showed that water temperature, total nitrogen, and soluble silicate increased along the cascade reservoir system, while the concentration of dissolved oxygen and total phosphorus decreased. We identified 16 phytoplankton functional groups, and the predominant groups, including D (Synedra and Stephanodiscus hantzschii), E (Dinobryon divergens), Lo (Dinoflagellate: Peridinium bipes and Peridiniopsis), X2 (Chroomona), and Y (Cryptomonas), changed longitudinally from up to down in the cascade reservoirs. The number of dominant functional groups increased along the longitudinal gradient, indicating that the function of the phytoplankton community was more stable. Functional group D was the dominant phytoplankton functional group among the four reservoirs, and Lo group was dominant except SJH. The phytoplankton functional groups in the HBH have been completely changed due to the backwater jacking of the main stream of the Yangtze River. Euphotic depth, suspended solids, and nutrients were apparently the key factors driving variations in phytoplankton functional groups among the reservoirs. Notably, the patterns we observed were not all consistent with the cascading reservoir continuum concept (CRCC) that typically characterizes large rivers. Thus, our findings contribute to the further theoretical development of the CRCC, which may not apply widely to all cascade systems.
Sequence Capture From Historical Museum Specimens: Maximizing Value for Population and Phylogenomic Studies
Authors: Roycroft Emily , Moritz Craig , Rowe Kevin C. , Moussalli Adnan , Eldridge Mark D. B. , Portela Miguez Roberto , Piggott Maxine P. , Potter Sally
Published: July 2022

The application of high-throughput, short-read sequencing to degraded DNA has greatly increased the feasibility of generating genomic data from historical museum specimens. While many published studies report successful sequencing results from historical specimens; in reality, success and quality of sequence data can be highly variable. To examine predictors of sequencing quality, and methodological approaches to improving data accuracy, we generated and analyzed genomic sequence data from 115 historically collected museum specimens up to 180 years old. Data span both population genomic and phylogenomic scales, including historically collected specimens from 34 specimens of four species of Australian rock-wallabies (genus Petrogale) and 92 samples from 79 specimens of Australo-Papuan murine rodents (subfamily Murinae). For historical rodent specimens, where the focus was sampling for phylogenomics, we found that regardless of specimen age, DNA sequence libraries prepared from toe pad or bone subsamples performed significantly better than those taken from the skin (in terms of proportion of reads on target, number of loci captured, and data accuracy). In total, 93% of DNA libraries from toe pad or bone subsamples resulted in reliable data for phylogenetic inference, compared to 63% of skin subsamples. For skin subsamples, proportion of reads on target weakly correlated with collection year. Then using population genomic data from rock-wallaby skins as a test case, we found substantial improvement in final data quality by mapping to a high-quality “closest sister” de novo assembly from fresh tissues, compared to mapping to a sample-specific historical de novo assembly. Choice of mapping approach also affected final estimates of the number of segregating sites and Watterson's θ, both important parameters for population genomic inference. The incorporation of accurate and reliable sequence data from historical specimens has important outcomes for evolutionary studies at both population and phylogenomic scales. By assessing the outcomes of different approaches to specimen subsampling, library preparation and bioinformatic processing, our results provide a framework for increasing sequencing success for irreplaceable historical specimens.
Population-Based Screening of Newborns: Findings From the NBS Expansion Study (Part One)
Authors: Brower Amy , Chan Kee , Williams Marc , Berry Susan , Currier Robert , Rinaldo Piero , Caggana Michele , Gaviglio Amy , Wilcox William , Steiner Robert , Holm Ingrid A. , Taylor Jennifer , Orsini Joseph J. , Brunelli Luca , Adelberg Joanne , Bodamer Olaf , Viall Sarah , Scharfe Curt , Wasserstein Melissa , Chen Jin Y. , Escolar Maria , Goldenberg Aaron , Swoboda Kathryn , Ficicioglu Can , Matern Dieter , Lee Rachel , Watson Michael
Published: July 2022

Each year, through population-based newborn screening (NBS), 1 in 294 newborns is identified with a condition leading to early treatment and, in some cases, life-saving interventions. Rapid advancements in genomic technologies to screen, diagnose, and treat newborns promise to significantly expand the number of diseases and individuals impacted by NBS. However, expansion of NBS occurs slowly in the United States (US) and almost always occurs condition by condition and state by state with the goal of screening for all conditions on a federally recommended uniform panel. The Newborn Screening Translational Research Network (NBSTRN) conducted the NBS Expansion Study to describe current practices, identify expansion challenges, outline areas for improvement in NBS, and suggest how models could be used to evaluate changes and improvements. The NBS Expansion Study included a workshop of experts, a survey of clinicians, an analysis of data from online repositories of state NBS programs, reports and publications of completed pilots, federal committee reports, and proceedings, and the development of models to address the study findings. This manuscript (Part One) reports on the design, execution, and results of the NBS Expansion Study. The Study found that the capacity to expand NBS is variable across the US and that nationwide adoption of a new condition averages 9.5 years. Four factors that delay and/or complicate NBS expansion were identified. A companion paper (Part Two) presents a use case for each of the four factors and highlights how modeling could address these challenges to NBS expansion.