bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Concurrent Detection of Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 and Chelonia mydas Papillomavirus 1 in Tumoured and Non-Tumoured Green Turtles
Authors: Mashkour Narges , Jones Karina , Wirth Wytamma , Burgess Graham , Ariel Ellen
Published: March 2021

Characterised by benign tumours, fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a debilitating disease that predominantly afflicts the endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas). A growing body of histological and molecular evidence has associated FP tumours with Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5). However, a recent study which detected both ChHV5 and Chelonia mydas papillomavirus 1 (CmPV1) DNA in FP tumour tissues has challenged this hypothesis. The present study aimed to establish a probe-based qPCR to assess the wider prevalence of CmPV1 and co-occurrence with ChHV5 in 275 marine turtles foraging in waters adjacent to the east coast of Queensland, Australia: three categories: Group A (FP tumours), Group B (non-tumoured skin from FP turtles) and Group C (non-tumoured skin from turtles without FP). Concurrent detection of ChHV5 and CmPV1 DNA is reported for all three categories, where Group A had the highest rate (43.5%). ChHV5 viral loads in Group A were significantly higher than loads seen in Group B and C. This was not the case for CmPV1 where the loads in Group B were highest, followed by Group A. However, the mean CmPV1 load for Group A samples was not significantly different to the mean load reported from Group B or C samples. Collectively, these results pivot the way we think about FP; as an infectious disease where two separate viruses may be at play.
Koi (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) Seek Out Tactile Interaction with Humans: General Patterns and Individual Differences
Authors: Fife-Cook Isabel , Franks Becca
Published: March 2021

The study of human–animal interactions has provided insights into the welfare of many species. To date, however, research has largely focused on human relationships with captive mammals, with relatively little exploration of interactions between humans and other vertebrates, despite non-mammals constituting the vast majority of animals currently living under human management. With this study, we aimed to address this gap in knowledge by investigating human–fish interactions at a community garden/aquaponics learning-center that is home to approximately 150 goldfish (Carassius auratus) and seven adult and two juvenile koi (Cyprinus rubrofuscus). After a habituation period (July–September 2019) during which time the fish were regularly provided with the opportunity to engage with the researcher’s submerged hand, but were not forced to interact with the researcher, we collected video data on 10 non-consecutive study days during the month of October. This procedure produced 18~20-min interaction sessions, 10 during T1 (when the experimenter first arrived and the fish had not been fed) and eight during T2 (20–30 min after the fish had been fed to satiation; two sessions of which were lost due equipment malfunction). Interactions between the researcher and the seven adult koi were coded from video based on location (within reach, on the periphery, or out of reach from the researcher) and instances of physical, tactile interaction. Analyses revealed that overall, koi spent more time than expected within reach of the researcher during both T1 (p < 0.02) and T2 (p < 0.03). There were also substantial differences between individuals’ overall propensity for being within-reach and engaging in physical interaction. These results show that koi will voluntarily interact with humans and that individual koi display unique and consistent patterns of interaction. By providing quantitative data to support anecdotal claims that such relationships exist around the world, this research contributes to the ongoing discoveries highlighting the profound dissonance between how humans think about and treat fish and who fish actually are, thereby emphasizing the necessity of stronger moral and legal protections for fishes.
Effects of Supplemental Feed with Different Levels of Dietary Metabolizable Energy on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Grazing Naturalized Swan Geese (Anser cygnoides)
Authors: Ran Tao , Fang Yi , Xiang Hai , Zhao Chengzhen , Zhou Daowei , Hou Fujiang , Niu Yan D. , Zhong Rongzhen
Published: March 2021

Grazing Swan geese (Anser cygnoides) have good meat quality but grow slowly. This study aimed to study whether supplemental feeding could improve growth performance of grazing Swan geese and investigate a suitable dietary metabolizable energy (ME) level of supplemental diet for grazing Swan geese. Naturalized healthy male Swan geese (n = 144; 42 ± 2.0 days and 1.21 ± 0.17 kg) were randomly allocated into 4 groups and grazed on pasture alone (control, CON) or offered supplemental diets with ME of 9.5, 11.5, or 13.5 MJ/kg of DM after grazing. Growth performance and body-size measurements (including bone development) were lower (p < 0.05) in CON versus supplemented geese, as well as slaughter measurements on days 28 and 56. The DM intake linearly decreased (p < 0.01) with increasing dietary ME from day 29 to 56. Slaughter, semi-eviscerated, eviscerated, and thigh muscle yield linearly (p < 0.01) decreased with increasing dietary ME on day 56. Lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) for breast and thigh muscle on days 28 and 56, and breast muscle shear force on day 56, were lower (p < 0.01) in supplemented versus CON geese. In conclusion, supplemental feeding improved growth performance and carcass characteristics of grazing Swan geese, and supplemental feed with ME of 9.5 MJ/kg of DM could be offered to improve growth and meat quality of grazing Swan geese.
Antibiotic Resistant Bloodstream Infections in Pediatric Patients Receiving Chemotherapy or Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: Factors Associated with Development of Resistance, Intensive Care Admission and Mortality
Authors: Castagnola Elio , Bagnasco Francesca , Mesini Alessio , Agyeman Philipp K. A. , Ammann Roland A. , Carlesse Fabianne , Santolaya de Pablo Maria Elena , Groll Andreas H. , Haeusler Gabrielle M. , Lehrnbecher Thomas , Simon Arne , D’Amico Maria Rosaria , Duong Austin , Idelevich Evgeny A. , Luckowitsch Marie , Meli Mariaclaudia , Menna Giuseppe , Palmert Sasha , Russo Giovanna , Sarno Marco , Solopova Galina , Tondo Annalisa , Traubici Yona , Sung Lillian
Published: March 2021

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are a severe complication of antineoplastic chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), especially in the presence of antibiotic resistance (AR). A multinational, multicenter retrospective study in patients aged ≤ 18 years, treated with chemotherapy or HSCT from 2015 to 2017 was implemented to analyze AR among non-common skin commensals BSI. Risk factors associated with AR, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality were analyzed by multilevel mixed effects or standard logistic regressions. A total of 1291 BSIs with 1379 strains were reported in 1031 patients. Among Gram-negatives more than 20% were resistant to ceftazidime, cefepime, piperacillin-tazobactam and ciprofloxacin while 9% was resistant to meropenem. Methicillin-resistance was observed in 17% of S. aureus and vancomycin resistance in 40% of E. faecium. Previous exposure to antibiotics, especially to carbapenems, was significantly associated with resistant Gram-negative BSI while previous colonization with methicillin-resistant S. aureus was associated with BSI due to this pathogen. Hematological malignancies, neutropenia and Gram-negatives resistant to >3 antibiotics were significantly associated with higher risk of ICU admission. Underlying disease in relapse/progression, previous exposure to antibiotics, and need of ICU admission were significantly associated with mortality. Center-level variation showed a greater impact on AR, while patient-level variation had more effect on ICU admission and mortality. Previous exposure to antibiotics or colonization by resistant pathogens can be the cause of AR BSI. Resistant Gram-negatives are significantly associated with ICU admission and mortality, with a significant role for the treating center too. The significant evidence of center-level variations on AR, ICU admission and mortality, stress the need for careful local antibiotic stewardship and infection control programs.
The Effects of Bioactive Compounds from Blueberry and Blackcurrant Powder on Oat Bran Pastes: Enhancing In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Reducing Reactive Oxygen Species in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Raw264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Hui Xiao Dan , Wu Gang , Han Duo , Gong Xi , Wu Xi Yang , Tang Shu Ze , Brennan Margaret A. , Brennan Charles S.
Published: March 2021

In this study, blueberry and blackcurrant powder were chosen as the phenolic-rich enrichments for oat bran. A Rapid Visco Analyser was used to form blueberry and blackcurrant enriched oat pastes. An in vitro digestion process evaluated the changes of phenolic compounds and the in vitro antioxidant potential of extracts of pastes. The anthocyanidin profiles in the extracts were characterised by the pH differential method. The results showed that blueberry and blackcurrant powder significantly increased the content of phenolic compounds and the in vitro antioxidant capacity of pastes, while the total flavonoid content decreased after digestion compared to the undigested samples. Strong correlations between these bioactive compounds and antioxidant values were observed. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages were used to investigate the intracellular antioxidant activity of the extracts from the digested oat bran paste with 25% enrichment of blueberry or blackcurrant powder. The results indicated that the extracts of digested pastes prevented the macrophages from experiencing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, mainly by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling pathway. These findings suggest that the bioactive ingredients from blueberry and blackcurrant powder enhanced the in vitro and intracellular antioxidant capacity of oat bran pastes, and these enriched pastes have the potential to be utilised in the development of the functional foods.
Advances in Purpurin 18 Research: On Cancer Therapy
Authors: Pavlíčková Vladimíra , Škubník Jan , Jurášek Michal , Rimpelová Silvie
Published: March 2021

How to make cancer treatment more efficient and enhance the patient’s outcome? By multimodal therapy, theranostics, or personalized medicine? These are questions asked by scientists and doctors worldwide. However, finding new unique approaches and options for cancer treatment as well as new selective therapeutics is very challenging. More frequently, researchers “go back in time” and use already known and well-described compounds/drugs, the structure of which further derivatize to “improve” their properties, extend the use of existing drugs to new indications, or even to obtain a completely novel drug. Natural substances, especially marine products, are a great inspiration in the discovery and development of novel anticancer drugs. These can be used in many modern approaches, either as photo- and sonosensitizers in photodynamic and sonodynamic cancer therapy, respectively, or in tumor imaging and diagnosis. This review is focused on a very potent natural product, the chlorophyll metabolite purpurin 18, and its derivatives, which is well suitable for all the mentioned applications. Purpurin 18 can be easily isolated from green plants of all kinds ranging from seaweed to spinach leaves and, thus, it presents an economically feasible source for a very promising anticancer drug.
Numerical Investigation of Tonal Trailing-Edge Noise Radiated by Low Reynolds Number Airfoils
Authors: Nguyen Lap , Golubev Vladimir , Mankbadi Reda , Yakhina Gyuzel , Roger Michel
Published: March 2021

A high-fidelity computational analysis carefully validated against concurrently obtained experimental results is employed to examine self-noise radiation of airfoils at transitional flow regimes, with a focus on elucidating the connection between the unsteady behavior of the laminar separation bubble (LSB) and the acoustic feedback-loop (AFL) resonant interactions observed in the airfoil boundary layers. The employed parametric study examines AFL sensitivity to the changes in the upstream flow conditions and the airfoil loading. Implicit Large-Eddy Simulations are performed for a NACA-0012 airfoil in selected transitional-flow regimes for which experimental measurements recorded characteristic multiple-tone acoustic spectra with a dual ladder-type frequency structure. The switch between the tone-producing and no-tone-producing regimes is traced to the LSB size and position as a function of the flow Reynolds number and the airfoil angle of attack, and further substantiated by the linear stability analysis. The results indicate a strong multi-tonal airfoil noise radiation associated with the AFL and attributed to the switch from the slowly-growing Tollmien–Schlichting to the fast-growing Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities occurring in thin LSB regions when those are localized near the trailing-edge (TE) on either side of the airfoil. Such a process eventually results in the nonlinearly saturated flapping vortical modes (“rollers”) that scatter into acoustic waves at the TE.
Data-Driven Modeling Algorithms for Cable-Stayed Bridges Considering Mechanical Behavior
Authors: Shim Chang-Su , Roh Gi-Tae
Published: March 2021

Digital transformation of bridge engineering utilizes distinct modeling techniques to combine domain knowledge with digital information modeling. In particular, a long-span bridge is a key link in a transportation network, with more than 100 years of service life. BIM (building information modeling) is an effort towards improving the current data delivery in the construction industry. However, it is limited by the rigidity that geometry affords; this is particularly problematic when the structure to be modelled is a deformable body. The quality and value of information for the bridges can be enhanced by establishing a data-driven digital information delivery through the entire life-cycle of the bridges. In this study, a data-driven modeling algorithm for cable-stayed bridges is proposed, considering the geometry change determining the mechanical behavior. Data delivery is accomplished by a combination of datasets and algorithms based on the different purposes. The master information model considers alignment of the bridge and essential constraints for the main members, such as stiffening girders, pylons, and cables, between the digital models. Geometry control of the stiffening girders and tension forces of cables are supported by the modeling algorithm of the interoperable target configuration under dead load analysis. The suggested modeling algorithm is verified by comparison with previous analytical studies on cable-stayed bridges.
Association between Proximal Tibiofibular Joint Morphology and Knee Alignment in Osteoarthritis Patients
Authors: Qi Xin-Zheng , Zhang Min , Nie Mao-Dan , Ma Xiao-Ying , Luan Yi-Chao , Cheng Cheng-Kung , Wang Min
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to determine whether proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) morphology was related to knee alignment in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Methods: 67 OA patients were enrolled in this study. The morphology of the PTFJ including articular shape type, articular surface area, joint inclination, relative articular height, and joint declination were measured from 3D models. The knee alignment of each subject was characterized as varus, normal, or valgus according to the femorotibial angle (FTA). The FTA was measured on weight-bearing X-rays. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between PTFJ morphology and knee alignment. Results: there were significant differences between varus, valgus, and normal FTA groups in terms of shape type (p = 0.021), inclination of the PTFJ (p = 0.025), relative articular height (p = 0.019), and PTFJ declination angle (p = 0.011). A higher relative articular height (OR: 0.608, 95% CI: 0.205–0.998, and p = 0.017) and lower declination angle (OR: 0.632, 95% CI: 0.601–0.887, and p =0.019) were found to be associated with an increased likelihood of having a valgus FTA rather than a varus FTA. Conclusion: our results indicate that PTFJ morphology is associated with knee alignment.
The Short-Term Outcomes of Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy versus a Combination of Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation and Ultrasound Treatment for Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Authors: Sirbu Elena , Onofrei Roxana Ramona , Hoinoiu Teodora , Petroman Radu
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of the Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy versus the combined Transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) and ultrasound therapy in the treatment of the subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). Forty-seven patients with SAPS were included in the study. Two different rehabilitation protocols were tested: Group 1 (n = 22)–MLS laser therapy and physical exercises and Group 2 (n = 25)–TENS, ultrasound and physical exercises. The analyzed outcomes were levels of pain, functionality and disability, assessed with visual analog scale (VAS), Constant Shoulder Score (CSS) and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). The post-treatment evaluations showed significantly better scores in Group 1 patients for VAS score (p = 0.03) and SPADI (p = 0.04). Significant improvement was seen in both groups for all scores. Both treatment regimens showed to be efficient in the treatment of SAPS, improving functionality and reducing pain and disability in the short term. Multiwave Locked System laser therapy in conjunction with physical exercise therapy exercises may have advantages over TENS, ultrasound and physical exercise therapy in the treatment of subacromial pain syndrome. Future studies assessing both short- and long-term outcomes in patients with SAPS treated with different electrotherapy procedures added to the physical therapy are needed.
Failure in Confined Brazilian Tests on Sandstone
Authors: Hagengruber Tyler , Reda Taha Mahmoud , Rougier Esteban , Knight Earl , Stormont John
Published: March 2021

Strength of rocks in the confined tension region, where the minimum principal stress is tensile, has only infrequently been measured and is not well understood. Quasi-static confined Brazilian tests under a range of confining stresses (2.76 to 27.58 MPa) where used to determine the strength of sandstone in the confined tension region. The test results indicate that the strength in the confined tension region was a strong function of the intermediate principal stress: increasing the intermediate principal stress significantly increased the strength of the sandstone. The strength data were well fit by the Mogi–Coulomb criterion, which accounts for the intermediate principal stress. Unconfined Brazilian strength data were not well fit to the Mogi–Coulomb criterion derived from the confined Brazilian test data, consistent with a transition from tensile to shear processes dominating failure with increasing confining pressure. Observations of post-failure fracture surfaces reveal more indication of shear processes with increasing confining pressure. Numerical simulations from combined finite-discrete element method are compared to the experimental results and reflect similar conditions for failure compared to the experimental tests in the confined tension region.
Efficient Wireless Monitoring and Control of a Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System
Authors: Medina-García Jonathan , Martín Aránzazu D. , Cano Juan M. , Gómez-Galán Juan A. , Hermoso Adoración
Published: March 2021

The design, monitoring, and control of photovoltaic (PV) systems are complex tasks that are often handled together, and they are made even more difficult by introducing features such as real-time, sensor-based operation, wireless communication, and multiple sensor nodes. This paper proposes an integrated approach to handle these tasks, in order to achieve a system efficient in tracking the maximum power and injecting the energy from the PV modules to the grid in the correct way. Control is performed by means of an adaptive Lyapunov maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for the DC/DC converters and a proportional integral (PI) control for the inverters, which are applied to the system using low latency wireless technology. The system solution exploits a low-cost wireless multi-sensor architecture installed in each DC/DC converter and in each inverter and equipped with voltage, current, irradiance, and temperature sensors. A host node provides effective control, management, and coordination of two relatively independent wireless sensor systems. Experimental validation shows that the controllers ensure maximum power transfer to the grid, injecting low harmonic distortion current, thus guaranteeing the robustness and stability of the system. The results verified that the MPPT efficiency is over 99%, even under perturbations and using wireless communication. Moreover, the converters’ efficiency remains high, i.e., for the DC/DC converter a mean value of 95.5% and for the inverter 93.3%.
Belt Conveyors Rollers Diagnostics Based on Acoustic Signal Collected Using Autonomous Legged Inspection Robot
Authors: Skoczylas Artur , Stefaniak Paweł , Anufriiev Sergii , Jachnik Bartosz
Published: March 2021

Growing demand for raw materials forces mining companies to reach deeper deposits. Difficult environmental conditions, especially high temperature and the presence of toxic/explosives gases, as well as high seismic activity in deeply located areas, pose serious threats to humans. In such conditions, running an exploration strategy of machinery parks becomes a difficult challenge, especially from the point of view of technical facilities inspections performed by mining staff. Therefore, there is a growing need for new, reliable, and autonomous inspection solutions for mining infrastructure, which will limit the role of people in these areas. In this article, a method for detection of conveyor rollers failure based on an acoustic signal is described. The data were collected using an ANYmal autonomous legged robot inspecting conveyors operating at the Polish Ore Enrichment Plant of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., a global producer of copper and silver. As a part of an experiment, about 100 m of operating belt conveyor were inspected. The sound-based fault detection in the plant conditions is not a trivial task, given a considerable level of sonic disturbance produced by a plurality of sources. Additionally, some disturbances partially coincide with the studied phenomenon. Therefore, a suitable filtering method was proposed. Developed diagnostic algorithms, as well as ANYmal robot inspection functionalities and resistance to underground conditions, are developed as a part of the “THING–subTerranean Haptic INvestiGator” project.
Boosted Prediction of Antihypertensive Peptides Using Deep Learning
Authors: Rauf Anum , Kiran Aqsa , Hassan Malik Tahir , Mahmood Sajid , Mustafa Ghulam , Jeon Moongu
Published: March 2021

Heart attack and other heart-related diseases are among the main causes of fatalities in the world. These diseases and some other severe problems like kidney failure and paralysis are mainly caused by hypertension. Since bioactive peptides extracted from naturally existing food substances possess antihypertensive activity, these antihypertensive peptides (AHTP) can function as prospective replacements for existing pharmacological drugs with no or fewer side effects. Such naturally existing peptides can be identified using in-silico approaches. The in-silico methods have been proven to save huge amounts of time and money in the identification of effective peptides. The proposed methodology is a deep learning-based in-silico approach for the identification of antihypertensive peptides (AHTPs). An ensemble method is proposed that combines convolutional neural network (CNN) and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. Amino acid composition (AAC) and g-gap dipeptide composition (DPC) techniques are used for feature extraction. The proposed methodology has been evaluated on two standard antihypertensive peptide sequence datasets. The model yields 95% accuracy on the benchmarking dataset and 88.9% accuracy on the independent dataset. Comparative analysis is provided to demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods on both of the benchmarking and independent datasets.
MBSE Testbed for Rapid, Cost-Effective Prototyping and Evaluation of System Modeling Approaches
Authors: Madni Azad M.
Published: March 2021

Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) has made significant strides in the last decade and is now beginning to increase coverage of the system life cycle and in the process generating many more digital artifacts. The MBSE community today recognizes the need for a flexible framework to efficiently organize, access, and manage MBSE artifacts; create and use digital twins for verification and validation; facilitate comparative evaluation of system models and algorithms; and assess system performance. This paper presents progress to date in developing a MBSE experimentation testbed that addresses these requirements. The current testbed comprises several components, including a scenario builder, a smart dashboard, a repository of system models and scenarios, connectors, optimization and learning algorithms, and simulation engines, all connected to a private cloud. The testbed has been successfully employed in developing an aircraft perimeter security system and an adaptive planning and decision-making system for autonomous vehicles. The testbed supports experimentation with simulated and physical sensors and with digital twins for verifying system behavior. A simulation-driven smart dashboard is used to visualize and conduct comparative evaluation of autonomous and human-in-the-loop control concepts and architectures. Key findings and lessons learned are presented along with a discussion of future directions.
Text Mining for Supply Chain Risk Management in the Apparel Industry
Authors: Shah Sayed Mehdi , Lütjen Michael , Freitag Michael
Published: March 2021

Text mining tools are now widely used for the efficient management of information and resources in business, academic and research organizations. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of research articles on the application of text mining techniques in the field of Supply Chain Risk Management and the apparel industry. Research articles published between 2000 and 2020, were obtained from various journals through two online databases, i.e., SCOPUS and IEEE Xplore. Through a systematic approach following PRISMA guidelines, 370 research papers were screened, filtered and finally classified into three main areas: Supply Chain Risk Management and outsourcing in the apparel industry, application of text mining in Supply Chain Risk Management and application of text mining in the apparel industry. In this study, we have identified a comprehensive list of various available data sources for text mining, methodologies and risks associated with outsourcing in the apparel industry. We classify the gaps in expanding the application of text mining in the apparel industry’s Supply Chain Risk Management. Extracting useful information from online newspapers through text mining could vividly enhance the ability to monitor supply chain risks and provide the ability to link data to provide decision makers with the right information at the right time.
A Rule-Based System to Promote Design for Manufacturing and Assembly in the Development of Welded Structure: Method and Tool Proposition
Authors: Favi Claudio , Garziera Roberto , Campi Federico
Published: March 2021

Welding is a consolidated technology used to manufacture/assemble large products and structures. Currently, welding design issues are tackled downstream of the 3D modeling, lacking concurrent development of design and manufacturing engineering activities. This study aims to define a method to formalize welding knowledge that can be reused as a base for the development of an engineering design platform, applying design for assembly method to assure product manufacturability and welding operations (design for welding (DFW)). The method of ontology (rule-based system) is used to translate tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge, while geometrical feature recognition with parametric modeling is adopted to couple geometrical information with the identification of welding issues. Results show how, within the design phase, manufacturing issues related to the welding operations can be identified and fixed. Two metal structures (a jack adapter of a heavy-duty prop and a lateral frame of a bracket structure) fabricated with arc welding processes were used as case studies and the following benefits were highlighted: (i) anticipation of welding issues related to the product geometry and (ii) reduction of effort and time required for the design review. In conclusion, this research moves forward toward the direction of concurrent engineering, closing the gap between design and manufacturing.
Generating Projections for the Caribbean at 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 °C from a High-Resolution Ensemble
Authors: Campbell Jayaka D. , Taylor Michael A. , Bezanilla-Morlot Arnoldo , Stephenson Tannecia S. , Centella-Artola Abel , Clarke Leonardo A. , Stephenson Kimberly A.
Published: March 2021

Six members of the Hadley Centre’s Perturbed Physics Ensemble for the Quantifying Uncertainty in Model Predictions (QUMP) project are downscaled using the PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for Impact Studies) RCM (Regional Climate Model). Climate scenarios at long-term temperature goals (LTTGs) of 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 °C above pre-industrial warming levels are generated for the Caribbean and six sub-regions for annual and seasonal timescales. Under a high emissions scenario, the LTTGs are attained in the mid-2020s, end of the 2030s, and the early 2050s, respectively. At 1.5 °C, the region is slightly cooler than the globe, land areas warmer than ocean, and for the later months, the north is warmer than the south. The far western and southern Caribbean including the eastern Caribbean island chain dry at 1.5 °C (up to 50%). At 2.0 °C, the warming and drying intensify and there is a reversal of a wet tendency in parts of the north Caribbean. Drying in the rainfall season accounts for much of the annual change. There is limited further intensification of the region-wide drying at 2.5 °C. Changes in wind strength in the Caribbean low-level jet region may contribute to the patterns seen. There are implications for urgent and targeted adaptation planning in the Caribbean.
The Combined Effects of SST and the North Atlantic Subtropical High-Pressure System on the Atlantic Basin Tropical Cyclone Interannual Variability
Authors: Pérez-Alarcón Albenis , Fernández-Alvarez José C. , Sorí Rogert , Nieto Raquel , Gimeno Luis
Published: March 2021

The combined effect of the sea surface temperature (SST) and the North Atlantic subtropical high-pressure system (NASH) in the interannual variability of the genesis of tropical cyclones (TCs) and landfalling in the period 1980–2019 is explored in this study. The SST was extracted from the Centennial Time Scale dataset from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and TC records were obtained from the Atlantic Hurricane Database of the NOAA/National Hurricane Center. The genesis and landfalling regions were objectively clustered for this analysis. Seven regions of TC genesis and five for landfalling were identified. Intercluster differences were observed in the monthly frequency distribution and annual variability, both for genesis and landfalling. From the generalized least square multiple regression model, SST and NASH (intensity and position) covariates can explain 22.7% of the variance of the frequency of TC genesis, but it is only statistically significant (p < 0.1) for the NASH center latitude. The SST mostly modulates the frequency of TCs formed near the West African coast, and the NASH latitudinal variation affects those originated in the Lesser Antilles arc. For landfalling, both covariates explain 38.7% of the variance; however, significant differences are observed in the comparison between each region. With a statistical significance higher than 90%, SST and NASH explain 33.4% of the landfalling variability in the archipelago of the Bahamas and central–eastern region of Cuba. Besides, landfalls in the Gulf of Mexico and Central America seem to be modulated by SST. It was also found there was no statistically significant relationship between the frequency of genesis and landfalling with the NASH intensity. However, the NASH structure modulates the probability density of the TCs trajectory that make landfall once or several times in their lifetime. Thus, the NASH variability throughout a hurricane season affects the TCs trajectory in the North Atlantic basin. Moreover, we found that the landfalling frequency of TCs formed near the West Africa coast and the central North Atlantic is relatively low. Furthermore, the SST and NASH longitude center explains 31.6% (p < 0.05) of the variance of the landfalling intensity in the archipelago of the Bahamas, while the SST explains 26.4% (p < 0.05) in Central America. Furthermore, the 5-year moving average filter revealed decadal and multidecadal variability in both genesis and landfalling by region. Our findings confirm the complexity of the atmospheric processes involved in the TC genesis and landfalling.
Real-World Contribution of Electrification and Replacement Scenarios to the Fleet Emissions in West Midland Boroughs, UK
Authors: Osei Louisa K. , Ghaffarpasand Omid , Pope Francis D.
Published: March 2021

This study reports the likely real-world effects of fleet replacement with electric vehicles (EVs) and higher efficiency EURO 6 vehicles on the exhaustive emissions of NOx, PM, and CO2 in the seven boroughs of the West Midlands (WM) region, UK. National fleet composition data, local EURO distributions, and traffic compositions were used to project vehicle fleet compositions for different roads in each borough. A large dataset of real-world emission factors including over 90,000 remote-sensing measurements, obtained from remote sensing campaigns in five UK cities, was used to parameterize the emission profiles of the studied scenarios. Results show that adoption of the fleet electrification approach would have the highest emission reduction potential on urban roads in WM boroughs. It would result in maximum reductions ranging from 35.0 to 37.9%, 44.3 to 48.3%, and 46.9 to 50.3% for NOx, PM, and CO2, respectively. In comparison, the EURO 6 replacement fleet scenario would lead to reductions ranging from 10.0 to 10.4%, 4.0 to 4.2%, and 6.0 to 6.4% for NOx, PM, and CO2, respectively. The studied mitigation scenarios have higher efficacies on motorways compared to rural and urban roads because of the differences in traffic fleet composition. The findings presented will help policymakers choose climate and air quality mitigation strategies.
Possible Associations between Space Weather and the Incidence of Stroke
Authors: Vencloviene Jone , Radisauskas Ricardas , Tamosiunas Abdonas , Luksiene Dalia , Sileikiene Lolita , Milinaviciene Egle , Rastenyte Daiva
Published: March 2021

The aim of our study was to detect the possible association between daily numbers of ischemic strokes (ISs) and hemorrhagic strokes (HSs) and space weather events. The daily numbers of ISs, subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs), and intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) were obtained from Kaunas Stroke Register during the period of 1986 to 2010. We used time- and season-stratified multivariate Poisson regression. We analyzed data of 597 patients with SAH, 1147 patients with ICH, and 7482 patients with IS. Strong/severe geomagnetic storms (GSs) were associated with an increase in the risk of SAH (by 58%) and HS (by 30%). Only GSs occurring during 6:00–12:00 UT were associated with the risk of IS. Low geomagnetic activity (GMA) was associated with the risk of ICH, HS, and IS (Rate Ratios with 95% CI were 2.51 (1.50–4.21), 2.33 (1.50–3.61), and 1.36 (1.03–1.81), respectively). The days of ≥ X9 class solar flare (SF) were associated with a 39% higher risk of IS. The risk of HS occurrence was greater than two times higher on the day after the maximum of a strong/severe solar proton event (SPE). These results showed that GSs, very low GMA, and stronger SFs and SPEs may be associated with an increased risk of different subtypes of stroke.
Studying Interfacial Dark Reactions of Glyoxal and Hydrogen Peroxide Using Vacuum Ultraviolet Single Photon Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sui Xiao , Xu Bo , Yu Jiachao , Kostko Oleg , Ahmed Musahid , Yu Xiao Ying
Published: March 2021

Aqueous secondary organic aerosol (aqSOA) formation from volatile and semivolatile organic compounds at the air–liquid interface is considered as an important source of fine particles in the atmosphere. However, due to the lack of in situ detecting techniques, the detailed interfacial reaction mechanism and dynamics still remain uncertain. In this study, synchrotron-based vacuum ultraviolet single-photon ionization mass spectrometry (VUV SPI-MS) was coupled with the System for Analysis at the Liquid Vacuum Interface (SALVI) to investigate glyoxal dark oxidation products at the aqueous surface. Mass spectral analysis and determination of appearance energies (AEs) suggest that the main products of glyoxal dark interfacial aging are carboxylic acid related oligomers. Furthermore, the VUV SPI-MS results were compared and validated against those of in situ liquid time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The reaction mechanisms of the dark glyoxal interfacial oxidation, obtained using two different approaches, indicate that differences in ionization and instrument operation principles could contribute to their abilities to detect different oligomers. Therefore, the mechanistic differences revealed between the VUV SPI-MS and ToF-SIMS indicate that more in situ and real-time techniques are needed to investigate the contribution of the air–liquid interfacial reactions leading to aqSOA formation.
Circadian Misalignment Induced by Chronic Night Shift Work Promotes Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Activation Impacting Directly on Human Metabolism
Authors: Ferraz-Bannitz Rafael , Beraldo Rebeca A. , Coelho Priscila Oliveira , Moreira Ayrton C. , Castro Margaret , Foss-Freitas Maria Cristina
Published: March 2021

Night work has become necessary in our modern society. However, sleep deprivation induces a circadian misalignment that effectively contributes to the development of diseases associated with metabolic syndrome, such as obesity and diabetes. Here, we evaluated the pattern of circadian clock genes and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) genes in addition to metabolic and anthropometric measures in subjects that work during a nocturnal period compared with day workers. We study 20 night workers (NW) and 20 day workers (DW) submitted to a work schedule of 12 h of work for 36 h of rest for at least 5 years in a hospital. The present report shows that NW have increased fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels, and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels compared to DW. In addition, we observed that waist circumference (WC), waist–hip ratio (WHR), and systemic blood pressure are also increased in NW. Interestingly, gene expression analysis showed changes in CLOCK gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) samples of NW compared to the DW, evidencing a peripheral circadian misalignment. This metabolic adaptation was accompanied by the up-regulation of many genes of ERS in NW. These findings support the hypothesis that night shift work results in disturbed glycemic and lipid control and affects the circadian cycle through the deregulation of peripheral CLOCK genes, which is possibly due to the activation of ERS. Thus, night work induces important metabolic changes that increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Mutations of Intrinsically Disordered Protein Regions Can Drive Cancer but Lack Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Mészáros Bálint , Hajdu-Soltész Borbála , Zeke András , Dosztányi Zsuzsanna
Published: March 2021

Many proteins contain intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) which carry out important functions without relying on a single well-defined conformation. IDRs are increasingly recognized as critical elements of regulatory networks and have been also associated with cancer. However, it is unknown whether mutations targeting IDRs represent a distinct class of driver events associated with specific molecular and system-level properties, cancer types and treatment options. Here, we used an integrative computational approach to explore the direct role of intrinsically disordered protein regions driving cancer. We showed that around 20% of cancer drivers are primarily targeted through a disordered region. These IDRs can function in multiple ways which are distinct from the functional mechanisms of ordered drivers. Disordered drivers play a central role in context-dependent interaction networks and are enriched in specific biological processes such as transcription, gene expression regulation and protein degradation. Furthermore, their modulation represents an alternative mechanism for the emergence of all known cancer hallmarks. Importantly, in certain cancer patients, mutations of disordered drivers represent key driving events. However, treatment options for such patients are currently severely limited. The presented study highlights a largely overlooked class of cancer drivers associated with specific cancer types that need novel therapeutic options.
Interfaces with Structure Dynamics of the Workhorses from Cells Revealed through Cross-Linking Mass Spectrometry (CLMS)
Authors: Kalathiya Umesh , Padariya Monikaben , Faktor Jakub , Coyaud Etienne , Alfaro Javier A. , Fahraeus Robin , Hupp Ted R. , Goodlett David R.
Published: March 2021

The fundamentals of how protein–protein/RNA/DNA interactions influence the structures and functions of the workhorses from the cells have been well documented in the 20th century. A diverse set of methods exist to determine such interactions between different components, particularly, the mass spectrometry (MS) methods, with its advanced instrumentation, has become a significant approach to analyze a diverse range of biomolecules, as well as bring insights to their biomolecular processes. This review highlights the principal role of chemistry in MS-based structural proteomics approaches, with a particular focus on the chemical cross-linking of protein–protein/DNA/RNA complexes. In addition, we discuss different methods to prepare the cross-linked samples for MS analysis and tools to identify cross-linked peptides. Cross-linking mass spectrometry (CLMS) holds promise to identify interaction sites in larger and more complex biological systems. The typical CLMS workflow allows for the measurement of the proximity in three-dimensional space of amino acids, identifying proteins in direct contact with DNA or RNA, and it provides information on the folds of proteins as well as their topology in the complexes. Principal CLMS applications, its notable successes, as well as common pipelines that bridge proteomics, molecular biology, structural systems biology, and interactomics are outlined.
Parallel Multi-Omics in High-Risk Subjects for the Identification of Integrated Biomarker Signatures of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Alcazar Oscar , Hernandez Luis F. , Nakayasu Ernesto S. , Nicora Carrie D. , Ansong Charles , Muehlbauer Michael J. , Bain James R. , Myer Ciara J. , Bhattacharya Sanjoy K. , Buchwald Peter , Abdulreda Midhat H.
Published: March 2021

Background: Biomarkers are crucial for detecting early type-1 diabetes (T1D) and preventing significant β-cell loss before the onset of clinical symptoms. Here, we present proof-of-concept studies to demonstrate the potential for identifying integrated biomarker signature(s) of T1D using parallel multi-omics. Methods: Blood from human subjects at high risk for T1D (and healthy controls; n = 4 + 4) was subjected to parallel unlabeled proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and transcriptomics. The integrated dataset was analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software for disturbances in the at-risk subjects compared to controls. Results: The final quadra-omics dataset contained 2292 proteins, 328 miRNAs, 75 metabolites, and 41 lipids that were detected in all samples without exception. Disease/function enrichment analyses consistently indicated increased activation, proliferation, and migration of CD4 T-lymphocytes and macrophages. Integrated molecular network predictions highlighted central involvement and activation of NF-κB, TGF-β, VEGF, arachidonic acid, and arginase, and inhibition of miRNA Let-7a-5p. IPA-predicted candidate biomarkers were used to construct a putative integrated signature containing several miRNAs and metabolite/lipid features in the at-risk subjects. Conclusions: Preliminary parallel quadra-omics provided a comprehensive picture of disturbances in high-risk T1D subjects and highlighted the potential for identifying associated integrated biomarker signatures. With further development and validation in larger cohorts, parallel multi-omics could ultimately facilitate the classification of T1D progressors from non-progressors.
Postpartum Cerebral Venous Thrombosis—A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Bajko Zoltan , Motataianu Anca , Stoian Adina , Barcutean Laura , Andone Sebastian , Maier Smaranda , Drăghici Iulia-Adela , Balasa Rodica
Published: March 2021

Background: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare variant of stroke in the general population, but an important subtype among pregnancy- and puerperium-related cases. Studies describing its risk factors and clinical characteristics are limited. The aim of our study is to disclose these aspects and compare with cases unrelated to pregnancy and puerperium. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis including 88 consecutive cases from a tertiary neurology clinic with a diagnosis of CVT. Ten of the 88 cases (11.3%) appeared during the postpartum period. Results: The mean age of the puerperal CVT cases was 26.5 years. The main pregnancy-related risk factors besides puerperium were cesarean delivery (5/10), preeclampsia (2/10), and stillbirth (1/10). General risk factors for thrombosis, i.e., infection, smoking, and primary hypercoagulability, were identified in 50% of cases. Onset was in the first 3 weeks after delivery, with a mean value of 9.6 ± 5.6 days. Headache was present in 90% of postpartum CVT cases and in 76.1% of non-postpartum female cases. Seizures were more frequent in the postpartum group (60% vs. 34.8%). Onset was acute (<48 h) in 50% of postpartum cases and in 30.4% of the non-postpartum female group. The Rankin score at discharge was significantly lower in the postpartum group (0.22 vs. 0.7, p = 0.02), suggesting a more favorable short-term outcome. Conclusions: The early postpartum period represents an important risk for the development of CVT. Cesarean delivery and preeclampsia, besides general risk factors such as infection, smoking, and primary thrombophilia, contribute to enhanced risk. Puerperium-related CVT presents a more favorable outcome compared with CVT with other etiologies.