bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Closed-Form Formulas for Automated Design of SiC-Based Phase-Shifted Full Bridge Converters in Charger Applications
Authors: Wolski Kornel , Grzejszczak Piotr , Szymczak Marek , Barlik Roman
Published: August 2021

Phase-Shifted Full Bridge (PSFB) topology in its four-diode variant is the choice with the lowest part count in applications that demand high power, high voltage, and galvanic isolation, such as in Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers. Even though the topology is prevalent in power electronics applications, no single, unified analytical model has been proposed for the design process of four-diode PSFB converters. As a result, engineers must rely on simulations and empirical results obtained from previously built converters when selecting components to properly match the DC source voltage level with the DC load voltage requirements. In this work, the authors provide a design-oriented analysis approach for obtaining the output voltage and semiconductor current values, ready for implementation in a spreadsheet- or MATLAB-type software to automate design optimization. The proposed formulas account for all the first-order nonlinear dependencies by considering the impact of each of the following eight design parameters: DC-link voltage, load resistance, phase-shift ratio, switching frequency, transformer turns ratio, magnetizing inductance, series inductance, and output inductance. The results are verified through experiments at the power level of 10 kW and the DC-link voltage level of 800 V by using a grid simulator and a SiC-based two-level Active Front End (AFE) with a DC–DC stage based on the PSFB topology. The accuracy of the output voltage formula is determined to be around 99.6% in experiments and 100.0% in simulations. Based on this exact model, an automated design procedure for high-power high-voltage SiC-based PSFB converters is developed. By providing the desired DC-link voltage, output voltage, output power, output current ripple factor, maximum temperatures, and semiconductor and heatsink databases, the algorithm calculates a set of feasible designs and points to the one with the lowest semiconductor losses, dimensions, or cost.
Improving the Energy Efficiency of Buildings Based on Fluid Dynamics Models: A Critical Review
Authors: Lü Xiaoshu , Lu Tao , Yang Tong , Salonen Heidi , Dai Zhenxue , Droege Peter , Chen Hongbing
Published: August 2021

The built environment is the global sector with the greatest energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, building energy savings can make a major contribution to tackling the current energy and climate change crises. Fluid dynamics models have long supported the understanding and optimization of building energy systems and have been responsible for many important technological breakthroughs. As Covid-19 is continuing to spread around the world, fluid dynamics models are proving to be more essential than ever for exploring airborne transmission of the coronavirus indoors in order to develop energy-efficient and healthy ventilation actions against Covid-19 risks. The purpose of this paper is to review the most important and influential fluid dynamics models that have contributed to improving building energy efficiency. A detailed, yet understandable description of each model’s background, physical setup, and equations is provided. The main ingredients, theoretical interpretations, assumptions, application ranges, and robustness of the models are discussed. Models are reviewed with comprehensive, although not exhaustive, publications in the literature. The review concludes by outlining open questions and future perspectives of simulation models in building energy research.
Water Cycle Algorithm Optimized Type II Fuzzy Controller for Load Frequency Control of a Multi-Area, Multi-Fuel System with Communication Time Delays
Authors: Kalyan Ch. , Goud B. , Reddy Ch. , Ramadan Haitham , Bajaj Mohit , Ali Ziad
Published: August 2021

This paper puts forward the implementation of an intelligent type II fuzzy PID (T2-FPID) controller tweaked with a water cycle algorithm (WCA), subjected to an error multiplied with time area over integral (ITAE) objective index for regularizing the variations in frequency and interline power flow of an interconnected power system during load disturbances. The WCA-based T2-FPID is tested on a multi-area (MA) system comprising thermal-hydro-nuclear (THN) (MATHN) plants in each area. The dynamical behavior of the system is analyzed upon penetrating area 1 with a step load perturbation (SLP) of 10%. However, power system practicality constraints, such as generation rate constraints (GRCs) and time delays in communication (CTDs), are examined. Afterward, a territorial control scheme of a superconducting magnetic energy storage system (SMES) and a unified power flow controller (UPFC) is installed to further enhance the system performance. The dominancy of the presented WCA-tuned T2-FPID is revealed by testing it on a widely used dual-area hydro-thermal (DAHT) power system model named test system 1 in this paper. Analysis reveals the efficacy of the presented controller with other approaches reported in the recent literature. Finally, secondary and territorial regulation schemes are subjected to sensitivity analysis to deliberate the robustness.
Improved Microbial Fuel Cell Performance by Engineering E. coli for Enhanced Affinity to Gold
Authors: Jahnke Justin P. , Sarkes Deborah A. , Liba Jessica L. , Sumner James J. , Stratis-Cullum Dimitra N.
Published: August 2021

Microorganism affinity for surfaces can be controlled by introducing material binding motifs into proteins such as fimbrial tip and outer membrane proteins. Here, controlled surface affinity is used to manipulate and enhance electrical power production in a typical bioelectrochemical system, a microbial fuel cell (MFC). Specifically, gold-binding motifs of various affinity were introduced into two scaffolds in Escherichia coli: eCPX, a modified version of outer membrane protein X (OmpX), and FimH, the tip protein of the fimbriae. The behavior of these strains on gold electrodes was examined in small-scale (240 µL) MFCs and 40 mL U-tube MFCs. A clear correlation between the affinity of a strain for a gold surface and the peak voltage produced during MFC operation is shown in the small-scale MFCs; strains displaying peptides with high affinity for gold generate potentials greater than 80 mV while strains displaying peptides with minimal affinity to gold produce potentials around 30 mV. In the larger MFCs, E. coli strains with high affinity to gold exhibit power densities up to 0.27 mW/m2, approximately a 10-fold increase over unengineered strains lacking displayed peptides. Moreover, in the case of the modified FimH strains, this increased power production is sustained for five days.
Characterization of Partial Discharge Activities in WBG Power Converters under Low-Pressure Condition
Authors: Borghei Moein , Ghassemi Mona
Published: August 2021

Many sectors, such as transportation systems, are undergoing rapid electrification due to the need for the mitigation of CO2 emissions. To ensure safe and reliable operation, the electrical equipment must be able to work under various environmental conditions. At high altitudes, the low pressure can adversely affect the health of insulating materials of electrical systems in electric aircraft. A well-known, primary aging mechanism in dielectrics is partial discharge (PD). This study targets internal PD evaluation in an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) module under low-pressure conditions. The estimation of electric field distribution is conducted through 3D finite element analysis (FEA) using COMSOL Multiphysics®. The procedure of PD detection and transient modeling is performed in MATLAB for two pressure levels (atmospheric and half-atmospheric). The case study is the IGBT module with a void or two voids in the proximity of triple joints. The single-void case demonstrates that at half-atmospheric pressure, the intensity of discharges per voltage cycle increases by more than 40% compared to atmospheric pressure. The double-void case further shows that a void that is harmless at sea level can turn into an additional source of aging and couple with the other voids to escalate PD intensity by a factor of two or more.
The Energy Transition and Shifts in Fossil Fuel Use: The Study of International Energy Trade and Energy Security Dynamics
Authors: Berdysheva Sofia , Ikonnikova Svetlana
Published: August 2021

The global energy mix is undergoing an accelerating transformation driven by new resources, novel technologies, and climate change-related commitments. Changes in the use and availability of energy resources have affected fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) trade patterns. Some economies enjoy increasing energy independence, whereas others become more dependent on imports to satisfy their energy needs. Using 2000–2018 United Nations Commodity trade and International Energy Agency energy- and monetary-flow data, we examine the evolution of the international network of energy flows to reveal new patterns and understand their energy security implications. Our work explores how the growth in the U.S. unconventional resources, European Union renewable energy, China’s natural gas consumption, and changes in other country energy flows affect economy positions and trade-network connectivity. Testing the small-world property helps us understand the diffusion of new technologies, including energy-demand electrification and renewable energy adoption. A modified energy-security index is introduced to highlight the interplay between fuel type and trade partner diversification and domestic supply and consumption balance. The results provide insights about the energy transition and its effect on the international network of energy flows and energy security.
Electric Field Distribution in HVDC Cable Joint in Non-Stationary Conditions
Authors: Vu Thi Thu Nga , Teyssedre Gilbert , Le Roy Séverine
Published: August 2021

Accessories such as joints and terminations represent weak points in HVDC cable systems. The DC field distribution is intimately dependent on the thermal conditions of the accessory and on material properties. Moreover, there is no available method to probe charge distribution in these conditions. In this work, the field distribution in non-stationary conditions, both thermally and electrically, is computed considering crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) as cable insulation and different insulating materials (silicone, rubber, XLPE) for a 200 kV joint assembled in a same geometry. In the conditions used, i.e., temperatures up to 70 °C, and with the material properties considered, the dielectric time constant appears of the same order or longer than the thermal one and is of several hours. This indicates that both physical phenomena need to be considered for modelling the electric field distribution. Both the radial and the tangential field distributions are analysed, and focus is given on the field distribution under the stress cone on the ground side and near the central deflector on the high voltage side of the joint. We show that the position of the maximum field varies in time in a way that is not easy to anticipate. Under the cone, the smallest tangential field is obtained with the joint insulating material having the highest electrical conductivity. This results from a shift of the field towards the cable insulation in which the geometrical features produce a weaker axial component of the field. At the level of the central deflector, it is clear that the tangential field is higher when the mismatch between the conductivity of the two insulations is larger. In addition, the field grows as a function of time under stress. This work shows the need of precise data on materials conductivity and the need of probing field distribution in 3D.
What Happens to Wood after a Tree Is Attacked by a Bark Beetle?
Authors: Hýsek Štěpán , Löwe Radim , Turčáni Marek
Published: August 2021

Advancing climate change is affecting the health and vitality of forests in many parts of the world. Europe is currently facing spruce bark beetle outbreaks, which are most often caused by wind disturbances, hot summers, or lack of rainfall and are having a massive economic impact on the forestry sector. The aim of this research article was to summarize current scientific knowledge about the structure and physical and mechanical properties of wood from bark beetle-attacked trees. Spruce stands are attacked by a number of beetles, of which Ips typographus is the most common and widespread in Central Europe. When attacking a tree, bark beetles introduce ophiostomatoid fungi into the tree, which then have a greater effect on the properties of the wood than the beetles themselves. Fungal hyphae grow through the lumina of wood cells and spread between individual cells through pits. Both white rot and brown rot fungi are associated with enzymatic degradation of lignin or holocellulose, which is subsequently reflected in the change of the physical and mechanical properties of wood. Wood-decay fungi that colonize wood after infestation of a tree with bark beetles can cause significant changes in the structure and properties of the wood, and these changes are predominantly negative, in the form of reducing modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, discolouration, or, over time, weight loss. In certain specific examples, a reduction in energy consumption for the production of wood particles from beetle-attacked trees, or an increase in surface free energy due to wood infestation by staining fungi in order to achieve better adhesion of paints or glues, can be evaluated positively.
Effects of Soil Nitrogen Addition on Crown CO2 Exchange of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. Saplings
Authors: Gong Chunjuan , Wang Anzhi , Yuan Fenghui , Liu Yage , Cui Chen , Zhu Kai , Guan Dexin , Wu Jiabing
Published: August 2021

The impact of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on carbon exchange between forest and atmosphere is one of the research hotspots of global change ecology, past researchers have extensively studied the impacts on leaf level, while the impacts on crown CO2 exchange are still unclear. Therefore, we explored the impacts of different nitrogen addition levels on crown CO2 exchange of Fraxinus mandshurica saplings and their responses to the changes of major meteorological factors (photosynthetically active radiation, PAR; vapor pressure deficiency, VPD; and air temperature, Tair) with a novel automated chamber system. There are four levels of nitrogen addition treatments: control (no nitrogen addition, CK), 23 (low nitrogen addition, LN), 46 (medium nitrogen addition, MN), and 69 kgN·hm−2·a−1 (high nitrogen addition, HN). Our results showed that all nitrogen addition treatments increased daily average and accumulated gross primary production (GPP), crown respiration (R), and net crown CO2 exchange (Ne), especially at medium and high nitrogen levels. Similarly, maximum net photosynthetic rate (Nemax) and apparent quantum efficiency (α) were promoted. The change of Ne with PAR, Tair, and VPD showed that nitrogen addition postponed the appearance of photosynthesis midday depression. In addition, the monthly accumulation of R with all nitrogen addition treatments showed an increasing trend (June to July), and then decreased (July to September) during the growing season, while the Ne and GPP decreased gradually with seasonal vegetation senescence. Finally, the crown shifted from carbon sink to carbon source at the end of the growing season, however, the change under high nitrogen treatment occurred 3 days later. The crown CO2 exchange measurements provide a new perspective to better understand the response of forest ecosystem CO2 exchange to elevated nitrogen deposition and provide a basis for related carbon model parameter correction under the influence of nitrogen deposition.
Tocochromanols and Chlorophylls Accumulation in Young Pomelo (Citrus maxima) during Early Fruit Development
Authors: Zhao Yihan , Li Junhao , Huang Shaohua , Li Huayong , Liu Yutao , Gu Qiuming , Guo Xinbo , Hu Yuwei
Published: August 2021

Pomelo is an important cultivar of the genus Citrus that contains a variety of beneficial nutrients, and its young fruit is an agricultural by-product that is currently not fully utilized because it is often thrown away during cultivation and management. In this study, the dynamics of tocochromanol during young pomelo development were investigated by measuring chlorophyll content, tocochromanol accumulation, and expression levels of related genes during early fruit development. The results showed that chlorophyll content decreased overall during these four developmental stages and had some synergism with tocochromanol. Four tocochromanol components were detected in pomelo of both genotypes, and α-tocopherol was the main component. The tocochromanol content of honey pomelo was highest in the first period, reaching 70 ± 5 μg/g in dry weight (DW), and golden pomelo peaked in the second period at 86.10 ± 0.18 μg/g DW, with an overall decreasing trend in both genotypes. The different gene expression patterns of the tocochromanol biosynthesis pathway could partially explain the changes in these components and further elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of tocochromanol accumulation during early fruit development. As a natural product, young pomelo fruit is an attractive source of tocochromanol and has potential application in industrial production. The results of this study may provide directions for the high additional value utilization of young pomelo fruit.
Recent Progress on Improving the Quality of Bran-Enriched Extruded Snacks
Authors: Tyl Catrin , Bresciani Andrea , Marti Alessandra
Published: August 2021

The incorporation of milling by-products, in particular bran, into starch-based extruded snacks allows manufacturers to address two consumer demands at once, i.e., those for goods that are more sustainably produced and of higher nutritional value. However, the higher fiber content in bran than in refined cereal flours poses a limit to the amount that can be included without compromising the quality of extruded snacks, which crucially depends on expansion. Thus, several studies have focused on the effect of bran on the physicochemical characteristics of extruded snacks, leading to the need to review the recent findings in this area. Opportunities, challenges, and potential solutions of bran-enriched snacks are addressed, and several current knowledge gaps are highlighted. Specifically, the first part of the review presents the effects of extrusion cooking on bran’s compositional aspects, focusing on structural changes and product quality. After summarizing the main quality traits of extruded snacks (e.g., expansion rate, bulk density, and textural attributes), the effects of bran enrichment on the physical and sensory characteristics of the final product are discussed. Finally, bran pre-treatments as well as processing optimization are discussed as approaches to improve the quality of bran-enriched snacks.
Analysis of Bovine Kappa-Casein Glycomacropeptide by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Qu Yunyao , Kim Bum-Jin , Koh Jeewon , Dallas David C.
Published: August 2021

Caseinomacropeptide (CMP) is released from bovine kappa-casein after rennet treatment and is one of the major peptides in whey protein isolate. CMP has in vitro anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. CMP has two major amino acid sequences with different modifications, including glycosylation, phosphorylation and oxidation. However, no previous work has provided a comprehensive profile of intact CMP. Full characterization of CMP composition and structure is essential to understand the bioactivity of CMP. In this study, we developed a top-down glycopeptidomics-based analytical method to profile CMP and CMP-derived peptides using Orbitrap mass spectrometry combined with nano-liquid chromatography with electron-transfer/higher-energy collision dissociation. The liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) spectra of CMPs were annotated to confirm peptide sequence, glycan composition and other post-translational modifications using automatic data processing. Fifty-one intact CMPs and 159 CMP-derived peptides were identified in four samples (one CMP standard, two commercial CMP products and one whey protein isolate). Overall, this novel approach provides comprehensive characterization of CMP and CMP-derived peptides and glycopeptides, and it can be applied in future studies of product quality, digestive survival and bioactivity.
Exploring Dry-Film FTIR Spectroscopy to Characterize Milk Composition and Subclinical Ketosis throughout a Cow’s Lactation
Authors: Rachah Amira , Reksen Olav , Tafintseva Valeria , Stehr Felicia Judith Marie , Rukke Elling-Olav , Prestløkken Egil , Martin Adam , Kohler Achim , Afseth Nils Kristian
Published: August 2021

The use of technologies for measurements of health parameters of individual cows may ensure early detection of diseases and maximization of individual cow and herd potential. In the present study, dry-film Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was evaluated for the purpose of detecting and quantifying milk components during cows’ lactation. This was done in order to investigate if these systematic changes can be used to identify cows experiencing subclinical ketosis. The data included 2329 milk samples from 61 Norwegian Red dairy cows collected during the first 100 days in milk (DIM). The resulting FTIR spectra were used for explorative analyses of the milk composition. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to search for systematic changes in the milk during the lactation. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to predict the fatty acid (FA) composition of all milk samples and the models obtained were used to evaluate systematic changes in the predicted FA composition during the lactation. The results reveal that systematic changes related to both gross milk composition and fatty acid features can be seen throughout lactation. Differences in the predicted FA composition between cows with subclinical ketosis and normal cows, in particular C14:0 and C18:1cis9, showed that dietary energy deficits may be detected by deviations in distinct fatty acid features.
4-Hydroxyderricin Promotes Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest through Regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Hepatocellular Cells
Authors: Gao Xiang , Jiang Yuhuan , Xu Qi , Liu Feng , Pang Xuening , Wang Mingji , Li Qun , Li Zichao
Published: August 2021

4-hydroxyderricin (4-HD), as a natural flavonoid compound derived from Angelica keiskei, has largely unknown inhibition and mechanisms on liver cancer. Herein, we investigated the inhibitory effects of 4-HD on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and clarified the potential mechanisms by exploring apoptosis and cell cycle arrest mediated via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Our results show that 4-HD treatment dramatically decreased the survival rate and activities of HepG2 and Huh7 cells. The protein expressions of apoptosis-related genes significantly increased, while those related to the cell cycle were decreased by 4-HD. 4-HD also down-regulated PI3K, p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR protein expression. Moreover, PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) enhanced the promoting effect of 4-HD on apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCC cells. Consequently, we demonstrate that 4-HD can suppress the proliferation of HCC cells by promoting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
Modulational Instability of Ion-Acoustic Waves and Associated Envelope Solitons in a Multi-Component Plasma
Authors: Banik Subrata , Heera Nadiya Mehzabeen , Yeashna Tasfia , Hassan Md. Rakib , Shikha Rubaiya Khondoker , Chowdhury Nure Alam , Mannan Abdul , Mamun A A
Published: August 2021

A generalized plasma model with inertial warm ions, inertialess iso-thermal electrons, super-thermal electrons and positrons is considered to theoretically investigate the modulational instability (MI) of ion-acoustic waves (IAWs). A standard nonlinear Schrödinger equation is derived by applying the reductive perturbation method. It is observed that the stable domain of the IAWs decreases with ion temperature but increases with electron temperature. It is also found that the stable domain increases by increasing (decreasing) the electron (ion) number density. The present results will be useful in understanding the conditions for MI of IAWs which are relevant to both space and laboratory plasmas.
Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals Marker Genes and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Li Aoqi , He Jin , Zhang Zhe , Jiang Sibo , Gao Yun , Pan Yuchun , Wang Huanan , Zhuang Lenan
Published: August 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare cardiovascular disease with very high mortality rate. The currently available therapeutic strategies, which improve symptoms, cannot fundamentally reverse the condition. Thus, new therapeutic strategies need to be established. Our research analyzed three microarray datasets of lung tissues from human PAH samples retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We combined two datasets for subsequent analyses, with the batch effects removed. In the merged dataset, 542 DEGs were identified and the key module relevant to PAH was selected using WGCNA. GO and KEGG analyses of DEGs and the key module indicated that the pre-ribosome, ribosome biogenesis, centriole, ATPase activity, helicase activity, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, melanoma, and dilated cardiomyopathy pathways are involved in PAH. With the filtering standard (|MM| > 0.95 and |GS| > 0.90), 70 hub genes were identified. Subsequently, five candidate marker genes (CDC5L, AP3B1, ZFYVE16, DDX46, and PHAX) in the key module were found through overlapping with the top thirty genes calculated by two different methods in CytoHubb. Two of them (CDC5L and DDX46) were found to be significantly upregulated both in the merged dataset and the validating dataset in PAH patients. Meanwhile, expression of the selected genes in lung from PAH chicken measured by qRT-PCR and the ROC curve analyses further verified the potential marker genes’ predictive value for PAH. In conclusion, CDC5L and DDX46 may be marker genes and potential therapeutic targets for PAH.
The Stress-Dependent Dynamics of Saccharomyces cerevisiae tRNA and rRNA Modification Profiles
Authors: Yoluç Yasemin , van de Logt Erik , Kellner-Kaiser Stefanie
Published: August 2021

RNAs are key players in the cell, and to fulfil their functions, they are enzymatically modified. These modifications have been found to be dynamic and dependent on internal and external factors, such as stress. In this study we used nucleic acid isotope labeling coupled mass spectrometry (NAIL-MS) to address the question of which mechanisms allow the dynamic adaptation of RNA modifications during stress in the model organism S. cerevisiae. We found that both tRNA and rRNA transcription is stalled in yeast exposed to stressors such as H2O2, NaAsO2 or methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). From the absence of new transcripts, we concluded that most RNA modification profile changes observed to date are linked to changes happening on the pre-existing RNAs. We confirmed these changes, and we followed the fate of the pre-existing tRNAs and rRNAs during stress recovery. For MMS, we found previously described damage products in tRNA, and in addition, we found evidence for direct base methylation damage of 2′O-ribose methylated nucleosides in rRNA. While we found no evidence for increased RNA degradation after MMS exposure, we observed rapid loss of all methylation damages in all studied RNAs. With NAIL-MS we further established the modification speed in new tRNA and 18S and 25S rRNA from unstressed S. cerevisiae. During stress exposure, the placement of modifications was delayed overall. Only the tRNA modifications 1-methyladenosine and pseudouridine were incorporated as fast in stressed cells as in control cells. Similarly, 2′-O-methyladenosine in both 18S and 25S rRNA was unaffected by the stressor, but all other rRNA modifications were incorporated after a delay. In summary, we present mechanistic insights into stress-dependent RNA modification profiling in S. cerevisiae tRNA and rRNA.
Multi-Dimensional Scaling Analysis of Key Regulatory Genes in Prostate Cancer Using the TCGA Database
Authors: Boldrini Laura , Faviana Pinuccia , Galli Luca , Paolieri Federico , Erba Paola Anna , Bardi Massimo
Published: August 2021

Prostate cancer (PC) is a polygenic disease with multiple gene interactions. Therefore, a detailed analysis of its epidemiology and evaluation of risk factors can help to identify more accurate predictors of aggressive disease. We used the transcriptome data from a cohort of 243 patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Key regulatory genes involved in proliferation activity, in the regulation of stress, and in the regulation of inflammation processes of the tumor microenvironment were selected to test a priori multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) models and create a combined score to better predict the patients’ survival and disease-free intervals. Survival was positively correlated with cortisol expression and negatively with Mini-Chromosome Maintenance 7 (MCM7) and Breast-Related Cancer Antigen2 (BRCA2) expression. The disease-free interval was negatively related to the expression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), MCM7, BRCA2, and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1). MDS suggested two separate pathways of activation in PC. Within these two dimensions three separate clusters emerged: (1) cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF, (2) PD-L1 and cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTL4); (3) and finally EZH2, MCM7, BRCA2, and c-Myc. We entered the three clusters of association shown in the MDS in several Kaplan–Meier analyses. It was found that only Cluster 3 was significantly related to the interval-disease free, indicating that patients with an overall higher activity of regulatory genes of proliferation and DNA repair had a lower probability to have a longer disease-free time. In conclusion, our data study provided initial evidence that selecting patients with a high grade of proliferation and DNA repair activity could lead to an early identification of an aggressive PC with a potentials for metastatic development.
Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Fagus sylvatica L. Reveal Sequence Conservation in the Inverted Repeat and the Presence of Allelic Variation in NUPTs
Authors: Ulaszewski Bartosz , Meger Joanna , Mishra Bagdevi , Thines Marco , Burczyk Jarosław
Published: August 2021

Growing amounts of genomic data and more efficient assembly tools advance organelle genomics at an unprecedented scale. Genomic resources are increasingly used for phylogenetic analyses of many plant species, but are less frequently used to investigate within-species variability and phylogeography. In this study, we investigated genetic diversity of Fagus sylvatica, an important broadleaved tree species of European forests, based on complete chloroplast genomes of 18 individuals sampled widely across the species distribution. Our results confirm the hypothesis of a low cpDNA diversity in European beech. The chloroplast genome size was remarkably stable (158,428 ± 37 bp). The polymorphic markers, 12 microsatellites (SSR), four SNPs and one indel, were found only in the single copy regions, while inverted repeat regions were monomorphic both in terms of length and sequence, suggesting highly efficient suppression of mutation. The within-individual analysis of polymorphisms showed >9k of markers which were proportionally present in gene and non-gene areas. However, an investigation of the frequency of alternate alleles revealed that the source of this diversity originated likely from nuclear-encoded plastome remnants (NUPTs). Phylogeographic and Mantel correlation analysis based on the complete chloroplast genomes exhibited clustering of individuals according to geographic distance in the first distance class, suggesting that the novel markers and in particular the cpSSRs could provide a more detailed picture of beech population structure in Central Europe.
Simplifying and Testing the Psychometric Psychiatric Patients’ Fall Risk Scale: An Analysis of One-Year Admissions
Authors: Shen Yu-Hui , Hsieh Chia-Chi , Lee Ming-Tsung , Lee Wen-Chin , Lee Bih-O
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to simplify the number of items evaluated by fall risk assessment scales for psychiatric patients, conduct associated reliability, validity, and receiver operating characteristic analyses, and determine fall predictors for psychiatric patients. This methodological study was conducted in a hospital specializing in psychiatry, using data from 1101 patients who were hospitalized in 2018. This fall risk assessment scale was modified by the hospital for use in psychiatric patients. The mean age of the sample population was 44.88 (SD = 12.05) years, and the mean duration of hospital stay was 44.04 (SD = 48.14) days. Men comprised 66% of the study population, and women were 34%. Item reduction, psychometric testing for validity and reliability, and receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted. Logistic regressions were used to analyze fall predictors, including “having anti-epileptic drugs”, “need for walking aids”, and “having experienced fall occurrence within one year”. This study successfully reduced the number of items assessed by the previous scale. The optimal cutoff point was reduced, and the sensitivity and accuracy of the newly revised scale were good. Three fall predictors for psychiatric patients were identified. The revised scale can facilitate the rapid and accurate identification of high-risk, fall-prone psychiatric patients by psychiatric nurses. Hospital information screening should include each patient’s fall history.
Out-of-Pocket Spending for Cancer Medication, Financial Burden, and Cost Communication with Oncologists in the Last Six Months of Life in Israel
Authors: Tur-Sinai Aviad , Bentur Netta , Urban Damien
Published: August 2021

Honest communication between oncologists and patients is important in alleviating the financial burden of cancer care. This study explored patient–relative–oncologist communication regarding the affordability of out-of-pocket (OOP) medication and the extent to which this communication addresses itself to the families’ financial burden. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among primary caregivers of deceased cancer patients. About 43% of relatives said that they and/or the patients had paid out of pocket for medications during the last six months of the patient’s life. Most (73%) oncologists suggested an OOP medication without asking about financial ability, 43% hardly explained the advantages of an OOP medication, and 52% hardly explained any treatment alternatives. Older age and female gender were related to less communication about an OOP medication, and better education, greater affluence, and having private health insurance were related to more communication. About 56% of relatives said that OOP payment for medications inflicted a very heavy or heavy financial burden on patients and their households. Physicians’ interest in financial ability and giving explanation lightened the burden. Given the difficulty of explaining the complex interactions of cost and clinical outcomes, oncologists need to be better educated in skills that would enable them to communicate costs more openly and should consider the cost of a treatment when prescribing it.
Impact of Education, Medical Services, and Living Conditions on Health: Evidence from China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Dai Xianhua , Li Wenchao
Published: August 2021

Education, medical services, and living conditions can influence individual health and health literacy. We used the 2015 China Health and Nutrition Survey data to analyze the impact of education, medical services, and living conditions on individual health by extending the Grossman model. As a result, using the instrumental variable (read, write, and draw) two-stage least square method, we found that education, medical services, and living conditions have a positive impact on individual health, both physical health and psychological health. Among them, medical services have the largest influence, followed by living conditions and education. In addition, the results are robust. However, individual characteristics, family income, and working status also affect individual health. Moreover, we observed heterogeneity in age, sex, and residence in the impact of education, medical services, and living conditions on individual health. In particular, the health of the rural elderly and elderly women is more sensitive to education, the medical services of middle-aged women and young men have a greater impact on their health, and the living conditions of the rural elderly and youth have a greater impact on their health. All the findings are helpful for optimizing the path of the Healthy China program.
Somatic Symptoms and Sleep Disorders: A Literature Review of Their Relationship, Comorbidities and Treatment
Authors: Ionescu Claudiu Gabriel , Popa-Velea Ovidiu , Mihăilescu Alexandra Ioana , Talaşman Ana Anca , Bădărău Ioana Anca
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and sleep disorders, following three research questions: (1) How are these disorders correlated? (2) What are the comorbidities reported in these patients? and (3) What are the most effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for both conditions? PubMed, Scopus, OVID, Medline, and ProQuest databases were searched for relevant articles published between 1957–2020. Search terms included “somatic symptoms disorder”, “sleep disorders”, “insomnia”, “somatoform”, “somatization”, “therapeutic”, “psychotherapy”, and alternative, formerly used terms for SSD. Forty papers were finally included in the study. Prevalence of insomnia in SSD patients ranged between 20.4–48%, with this being strongly correlated to somatic symptoms and psychosocial disability. The most relevant comorbidities were generalized anxiety disorder, depression, fatigue, negative mood, substance use, orthorexia, alexithymia, anorexia, weight loss, poor eating habits, and acute stress disorder. Patients receiving antidepressant therapy reported significant improvements in insomnia and somatic symptoms. In terms of non-pharmacological interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) showed improvements in sleep outcomes, while the Specialized Treatment for Severe Bodily Distress Syndromes (STreSS) may represent an additional promising option. Future research could include other medical and psychosocial variables to complete the picture of the relationship between sleep disorders and somatic symptoms.
The Role of Resilience for Migrants and Refugees’ Mental Health in Times of COVID-19
Authors: Solà-Sales Sara , Pérez-González Natalia , Van Hoey Julie , Iborra-Marmolejo Isabel , Beneyto-Arrojo María José , Moret-Tatay Carmen
Published: August 2021

Migrants and refugees need international protection, particularly during a crisis such as the current health pandemic. The aim of this research was to examine the mental health and attitudes towards COVID-19 in migrants and refugees compared to the general Spanish population. Moreover, the nature of resilience was examined as a mixed component though life experiences. For this proposal, an interview was carried out in a sample of 245 participants who volunteered to participate in the study. The sample was divided into Spanish non-migrants, Spanish migrants, non-Spanish migrants and refugees. Attitudes towards COVID-19, resilience (based on BRCS) and mental health (based on DASS-21) were measured. The results obtained can be described as follows: (i) Migrant participants indicated worse mental health than non-migrants, and within the migrant group, refugees presented worse scores; (ii) No differences were found in attitudes towards COVID-19 in any of the subgroups; (iii) A moderating effect of group was found for the relationship between resilience and mental health but not between resilience and fear of COVID-19. These results might be of great interest in making visible the vulnerability of migrants and specifically refugees, and the proposal of intervention programs based on resilience training.
Development of High Yielding Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] Lines with Improved Quality Seeds through Mutation and Pedigree Selection Methods
Authors: Metwally Elmahdy , Sharshar Mohamed , Masoud Ali , Kilian Benjamin , Sharma Shivali , Masry Ali , Shaw Paul D. , Raubach Sebastian , Fiad Atef , Rakha Mohamed
Published: August 2021

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is a major legume crop and an important source of protein in Africa. The Kafr El-Sheikh University has a long history of cowpea breeding and improvement in Egypt. Two superior lines with high seed yield and quality were selected through mutation breeding and released to farmers as new varieties under the names Kafr El Sheikh-1 and Kaha-1. Crosses were made between these two varieties to further improve cowpea to meet farmers’ demand. Using the pedigree selection method, 13 new superior F10 lines were selected and evaluated over 2 years for seed yield and related traits, earliness, and protein content under low (16 plants/m2) and high (24 plants/m2) plant densities. The results showed that plants grown in narrower space produced significantly higher seed yield per unit area than the plants grown in wider space. All developed lines produced significantly higher seed yield than the two parental lines in the 2018 trial and Kaha-1 in the 2019 trial. Line number 6 proved to be the best genotype for earliness (73.5–73.9 days after sowing), seed yield (573–647 g/m2), and crude protein content (22.7–24.3%) in both trials. In addition, line 4 with bushy determinate growth habit and high seed quality was recently released as a new variety (Sakha-1). Several other cowpea lines have clear potential for release as new high-yielding varieties with early maturity and high seed quality for farmers in Egypt. Seeds of selected lines are available from Kafrelsheikh University. This shows that mutation breeding and pedigree selection methods are among the most promising breeding methods for cowpea improvement.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome According to Absolute and Relative Values of Muscle Strength in Middle-Aged and Elderly Women
Authors: Zhang Wangyang , Zhao Zijian , Sun Xuebin , Tian Xiaoxia
Published: August 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases with age, obesity, low physical activity, and decreased muscle strength. Although many studies have reported on grip strength and MetS, few studies have been conducted on leg strength. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of MetS according to absolute and relative leg strength values in middle-aged and older women. The participants were 1053 women who visited the healthcare center: middle-aged (n = 453) and older (n = 601). MetS was diagnosed using the criteria established by the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III and the World Health Organization’s Asia Pacific guidelines for waist circumference. For leg strength, knee flexion and extension were performed using isokinetic equipment. Grip strength was measured using a grip dynamometer and classified into quartiles. Analysis of prevalence using logistic regression showed that MetS was present in 21.2% of middle-aged and 39.4% of older women. The lowest relative leg extension increased 2.5 times in the middle-aged and 1.5 times in older women (p < 0.05). However, leg flexion did not have a significant prevalence in either age group. The prevalence of MetS in middle-aged and older women with the lowest relative grip strength increased 1.5 and 1.2 times, respectively. Conversely, the lower the absolute leg extension strength, the lower the MetS prevalence was at 0.520 in middle-aged and 0.566 in older women (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the prevalence of MetS increased in women with low relative grip and leg strengths. Specifically, the lower the relative leg extension muscle strength, the higher the prevalence of MetS. In addition, the prevalence of MetS increased in the high-frequency alcohol consumption and non-physical activity group.
Spatiotemporal Response of Hydrological Drought to Meteorological Drought on Multi-Time Scales Concerning Endorheic Basin
Authors: Zhu Nina , Xu Jianhua , Zeng Gang , Cao Xianzhong
Published: August 2021

Under the controversial background of “Northwestern China is gradually developing towards warm and humid”, how hydrological drought responds to meteorological drought at the endorheic basin is of great significance. To address this problem, we first analyzed the spatiotemporal variation of meteorological and hydrological droughts at Tarim Basin River from 1960 to 2014 by using the daily standardized precipitation index (SPI) and daily standardized terrestrial water storage index (SWSI) based on the reanalysis data. Thereafter, we explored the spatiotemporal response of hydrological drought to meteorological drought on the multi-time scale by using the cross-wavelet transform method, Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD), and correlation analysis. We find that: (1) both meteorological and hydrological droughts signified a gradually weakened trend in time; (2) meteorological and hydrological drought have significant resonance periods on the 10-month time scale and the 8-year time scale; (3) hydrological drought generally lags behind the meteorological drought by 7 days in plains areas, while it can last as long as several months or even a year in mountainous areas.
Does Exposure of Lead and Cadmium Affect the Endometriosis?
Authors: Kim Min-Gi , Min Young-Sun , Ahn Yeon-Soon
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of blood lead levels (BLLs) and lead and cadmium exposure on endometriosis (EM). The study cohort consisted of female workers who underwent a lead-associated special medical examination between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2004 (n = 26,542). The standard admission rate (SAR) and admission odds ratio (OR) for EM were calculated using the general population and noise-exposed groups, respectively, for the same period as the reference standards. The SAR for EM was 1.24 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.48) in lead-exposed workers and 1.44 (95% CI: 1.11–1.85) in workers with BLLs < 5 μg/dL when compared with that of the general population. Admission ORs of EM in lead-exposed workers and those with BLLs < 5 μg/dL were statistically higher than those of noise-exposed workers (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.15–1.70 and OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.11–1.98, respectively). The relative excess risk due to interaction of lead and cadmium was 0.33. Lead exposure was associated with EM admission. EM admission in lead-exposed workers with BLLs < 5 μg/dL was statistically higher than that of the general population and noise-exposed workers. Co-exposure to lead and cadmium has a synergistic effect with EM.