bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymyxin B1 and E2 From Paenibacillus polymyxa Y-1 for Controlling Rice Bacterial Disease
Authors: Yi Wenshi , Chen Chao , Gan Xiuhai
Published: March 2022

To discover novel microbial pesticide for controlling rice bacterial disease, polymyxin B1 and E2 were firstly isolated from the supernatant of fermentation broth of Paenibacillus polymyxa Y-1 by bioactivity tracking separation. It is shown that polymyxin B1 and E2 had remarkable in vitro inhibitory activities to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) with the EC50 values of 0.19 μg/ml and 0.21 μg/ml against Xoo, and 0.32 μg/ml and 0.41 μg/ml against Xoc, respectively, which were better than those of Zhongshengmycin (0.31 μg/ml and 0.73 μg/ml) and Bismerthiazol (77.48 μg/ml and 85.30 μg/ml). Polymyxins B1 and E2 had good protection and curative activities against rice bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and rice bacterial leaf streak (BLS) in vivo. The protection and curative activities of polymyxins B1 (45.8 and 35.8%, respectively) and E2 (41.2 and 37.0%, respectively) to BLB were superior to those of Zhongshengmycin (34.8 and 29.8%, respectively) and Bismerthiazol (38.0 and 33.5%, respectively). Meanwhile, the protection and curative activities of polymyxins B1 (44.8 and 39.8%, respectively) and E2 (42.9 and 39.9%, respectively) to BLS were also superior to those of Zhongshengmycin (39.7 and 32.0%, respectively) and Bismerthiazol (41.5 and 34.3%, respectively). Polymyxin B1 exerted the anti-pesticide properties via destroying the cell integrity of Xoo, reducing its infectivity and enhancing rice resistance against pathogens through activating the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway of rice. It is indicated that polymyxin B1 and E2 were potential microbial pesticides for controlling rice bacterial disease.
Divergent Cardiac Effects of Angiotensin II and Isoproterenol Following Juvenile Exposure to Doxorubicin
Authors: Agostinucci Kevin , Grant Marianne K. O. , Seelig Davis , Yücel Doğacan , van Berlo Jop , Bartolomucci Alessandro , Dyck Jason R. B. , Zordoky Beshay N.
Published: March 2022

Hypertension is the most significant risk factor for heart failure in doxorubicin (DOX)-treated childhood cancer survivors. We previously developed a two-hit mouse model of juvenile DOX-induced latent cardiotoxicity that is exacerbated by adult-onset angiotensin II (ANGII)-induced hypertension. It is still not known how juvenile DOX-induced latent cardiotoxicity would predispose the heart to pathologic stimuli that do not cause hypertension. Our main objective is to determine the cardiac effects of ANGII (a hypertensive pathologic stimulus) and isoproterenol (ISO, a non-hypertensive pathologic stimulus) in adult mice pre-exposed to DOX as juveniles. Five-week-old male C57BL/6N mice were administered DOX (4 mg/kg/week) or saline for 3 weeks and then allowed to recover for 5 weeks. Thereafter, mice were administered either ANGII (1.4 mg/kg/day) or ISO (10 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. Juvenile exposure to DOX abrogated the hypertrophic response to both ANGII and ISO, while it failed to correct ANGII- and ISO-induced upregulation in the hypertrophic markers, ANP and BNP. ANGII, but not ISO, worsened cardiac function and exacerbated cardiac fibrosis in DOX-exposed mice as measured by echocardiography and histopathology, respectively. The adverse cardiac remodeling in the DOX/ANGII group was associated with a marked upregulation in several inflammatory and fibrotic markers and altered expression of Ace, a critical enzyme in the RAAS. In conclusion, juvenile exposure to DOX causes latent cardiotoxicity that predisposes the heart to a hypertensive pathologic stimulus (ANGII) more than a non-hypertensive stimulus (ISO), mirroring the clinical scenario of worse cardiovascular outcome in hypertensive childhood cancer survivors.
Multimodality Imaging in the Evaluation and Prognostication of Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Scheel Paul J. , Mukherjee Monica , Hays Allison G. , Vaishnav Joban
Published: March 2022

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative cardiomyopathy resulting from deposition of misfolded immunoglobulin light chains (AL-CA) or transthyretin (ATTR-CA) proteins in the myocardium. Survival varies between the different subtypes of amyloidosis and degree of cardiac involvement, but accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure initiation of therapeutic interventions that may slow or potentially prevent morbidity and mortality in these patients. As there are now effective treatment options for CA, identifying underlying disease pathogenesis is crucial and can be guided by multimodality imaging techniques such as echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear scanning modalities. However, as use of cardiac imaging is becoming more widespread, understanding optimal applications and potential shortcomings is increasingly important. Additionally, certain imaging modalities can provide prognostic information and may affect treatment planning. In patients whom imaging remains non-diagnostic, tissue biopsy, specifically endomyocardial biopsy, continues to play an essential role and can facilitate accurate and timely diagnosis such that appropriate treatment can be started. In this review, we examine the multimodality imaging approach to the diagnosis of CA with particular emphasis on the prognostic utility and limitations of each imaging modality. We also discuss how imaging can guide the decision to pursue tissue biopsy for timely diagnosis of CA.
Melatonin Attenuates Dasatinib-Aggravated Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension via Inhibiting Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Wang Rui , Pan Jinjin , Han Jinzhen , Gong Miaomiao , Liu Liang , Zhang Yunlong , Liu Ying , Wang Dingyou , Tang Qing , Wu Na , Wang Lin , Yan Jinsong , Li Hua , Yuan Yuhui
Published: March 2022

Dasatinib treatment is approved as first-line therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia. However, pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a highly morbid and often fatal side-effect of dasatinib, characterized by progressive pulmonary vascular remodeling. Melatonin exerts strong antioxidant capacity against the progression of cardiovascular system diseases. The present work aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin on dasatinib-aggravated hypoxic PH and explore its possible mechanisms. Dasatinib-aggravated rat experimental model of hypoxic PH was established by utilizing dasatinib under hypoxia. The results indicated that melatonin could attenuate dasatinib-aggravated pulmonary pressure and vascular remodeling in rats under hypoxia. Additionally, melatonin attenuated the activity of XO, the content of MDA, the expression of NOX4, and elevated the activity of CAT, GPx, and SOD, the expression of SOD2, which were caused by dasatinib under hypoxia. In vitro, dasatinib led to decreased LDH activity and production of NO in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs), moreover increased generation of ROS, and expression of NOX4 both in HPMECs and primary rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) under hypoxia. Dasatinib up-regulated the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and the ratio of apoptotic cells in HPMECs, and also elevated the percentage of S phase and the expression of Cyclin D1 in primary PASMCs under hypoxia. Melatonin ameliorated dasatinib-aggravated oxidative damage and apoptosis in HPMECs, meanwhile reduced oxidative stress level, proliferation, and repressed the stability of HIF1-α protein in PASMCs under hypoxia. In conclusion, melatonin significantly attenuates dasatinib-aggravated hypoxic PH by inhibiting pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats. The possible mechanisms involved protecting endothelial cells and inhibiting abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle cells. Our findings may suggest that melatonin has potential clinical value as a therapeutic approach to alleviate dasatinib-aggravated hypoxic PH.
Appropriate Timing of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery for Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lang Qianlei , Qin Chaoyi , Meng Wei
Published: March 2022

Background

Currently, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are commonly used in the treatment of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. But the optimal timing for CABG after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is still controversial. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the optimal timing for CABG in AMI.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases for documents that met the requirements. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were perioperative myocardial infarction (MI) incidence and cerebrovascular accident incidence.

Results

The search strategy produced 1,742 studies, of which 19 studies (including data from 113,984 participants) were included in our analysis. In total, 14 studies compared CABG within 24 h with CABG late 24 h after AMI and five studies compared CABG within 48 h with CABG late 48 h after AMI. The OR of in-hospital mortality between early 24 h CABG and late 24 h CABG group was 2.65 (95%CI: 1.96 to 3.58; P < 0.00001). In the undefined ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)/non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) subgroup, the mortality in the early 24 h CABG group (OR: 3.88; 95%CI: 2.69 to 5.60; P < 0.00001) was significantly higher than the late 24 h CABG group. Similarly, in the STEMI subgroup, the mortality in the early 24 h CABG group (OR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.58 to 4.35; P = 0.0002) was significantly higher than that in the late 24 h CABG group. However, the mortality of the early 24 h CABG group (OR: 1.24; 95%CI: 0.83 to 1.85; P = 0.29) was not significantly different from that of the late 24 h CABG group in the NSTEMI group. The OR of in-hospital mortality between early 48 h CABG and late 48 h CABG group was 1.91 (95%CI: 1.11 to 3.29; P = 0.02). In the undefined STEMI/NSTEMI subgroup, the mortality in the early 48 h CABG group (OR: 2.84; 95%CI: 1.31 to 6.14; P < 0.00001) was higher than the late 48 h CABG group. The OR of perioperative MI and cerebrovascular accident between early CABG and late CABG group were 1.38 (95%CI: 0.41 to 4.72; P = 0.60) and 1.31 (95%CI: 0.72 to 2.39; P = 0.38), respectively.

Conclusion

The risk of early CABG could be higher in STEMI patients, and CABG should be delayed until 24 h later as far as possible. However, the timing of CABG does not affect mortality in NSTEMI patients. There was no statistical difference in perioperative MI and cerebrovascular accidents between early and late CABG.
Imaging and Risk Stratification in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Time to Include Right Ventricular Assessment
Authors: Alandejani Faisal , Hameed Abdul , Tubman Euan , Alabed Samer , Shahin Yousef , Lewis Robert A. , Dwivedi Krit , Mahmood Aqeeb , Middleton Jennifer , Watson Lisa , Alkhanfar Dheyaa , Johns Christopher S. , Rajaram Smitha , Garg Pankaj , Condliffe Robin , Elliot Charlie A. , Thompson A. A. Roger , Rothman Alexander M. K. , Charalampopoulos Athanasios , Lawrie Allan , Wild Jim M. , Swift Andrew J. , Kiely David G.
Published: March 2022

Background

Current European Society of Cardiology and European Respiratory Society guidelines recommend regular risk stratification with an aim of treating patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to improve or maintain low-risk status (<5% 1-year mortality).

Methods

Consecutive patients with PAH who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) were identified from the Assessing the Spectrum of Pulmonary hypertension Identified at a Referral centre (ASPIRE) registry. Kaplan–Meier survival curves, locally weighted scatterplot smoothing regression and multi-variable logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results

In 311 consecutive, treatment-naïve patients with PAH undergoing cMRI including 121 undergoing follow-up cMRI, measures of right ventricular (RV) function including right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) and RV end systolic volume and right atrial (RA) area had prognostic value. However, only RV metrics were able to identify a low-risk status. Age (p < 0.01) and RVEF (p < 0.01) but not RA area were independent predictors of 1-year mortality.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need for guidelines to include measures of RV function rather than RA area alone to aid the risk stratification of patients with PAH.
Birth Weight and the Risk of Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Report From the Large Population-Based UK Biobank Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Xin , Liu Jun , Qi Lu , Adachi Jonathan D. , Wu Jing , Li Ziyi , Meng Qiong , Li Guowei , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: March 2022

Background

Birth weight has been reported to be associated with the risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, the relationship remains inconclusive. Here, we aimed to prospectively assess the associations between birth weight and CVD risk using the data from UK Biobank, a large-scale, prospective cohort study.

Methods

We included 270,297 participants who were free of CVD at baseline and reported their birth weight for analyses. The primary outcome was incident CVD. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for outcomes were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for potential confounding variables.

Results

During a median follow-up of 8.07 years (IQR: 7.4–8.7 years), 10,719 incident CVD events were recorded. The HRs for low birth weight vs. normal birth weight (2.5–4.0 kg) were 1.23 (95% CI: 1.09–1.38) for risk of incident CVD, 1.52 (95% CI: 1.18–1.95) for stroke, 1.33 (95% CI: 1.07–1.64) for myocardial infarction, and 1.15 (95% CI: 1.01–1.32) for CHD. For the ones with low birth weight, the risk of CVD is reduced by 11% for every kilogram of birth weight gain. The association of low birth weight with CVD was stronger among those younger than 55 years (p = 0.001). No association between high birth weight and risk of cardiovascular outcomes was found.

Conclusion

Low birth weight was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. These findings highlight the longstanding consequence of low birth weight on cardiovascular system.
Associations of Antidepressants With Atrial Fibrillation and Ventricular Arrhythmias: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cao Yalin , Zhou Mingyu , Guo Huaiyun , Zhu Wengen
Published: March 2022

Background

Several published studies have disagreements on whether the use of antidepressants is associated with increased risk of arrhythmias. In this study, we performed this meta-analysis to assess the association of antidepressants with cardiac arrhythmias in patients who require antidepressants.

Methods

The PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched until December 2021 to find studies that investigated the association between antidepressant use and cardiac arrhythmias. Studies that assessed the effects of any antidepressant on arrhythmias in patients who require antidepressants compared with those who require no antidepressants were included. We used a random-effects model to pool the adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The stability of the results was examined by omitting an individual study at a time.

Results

A total of 3,396 studies were screened and 6 studies with 2,626,746 participants were finally included in this meta-analysis. When compared with no antidepressants, the use of antidepressants was significantly associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (RR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.16–1.61). However, there was no difference in the risk of ventricular arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death (RR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.88–2.01) between the two studied groups. In the subgroup analysis, tricyclic antidepressants (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.89–1.41), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (RR = 1.46, 95% CI: 0.63–3.38), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (RR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97–1.01) did not increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and/or sudden cardiac death.

Conclusion

Recently published data suggested that the use of antidepressants did not increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death. Antidepressants were associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation but that still needs further confirmation.
Feasibility and Safety of Very-Low Contrast Combined Ringer's Solution in Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging
Authors: Chen Tao , Yu Huai , Ma Lijia , Fang Chao , Jia Haibo , Liu Huimin , Xu Maoen , Zhang Donghui , Yang Guang , Zhang Shuangyin , Han Jincheng , Wei Guo , Liu Yanchao , Hou Jingbo , Yu Bo
Published: March 2022

Background

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an important modality used in coronary intervention. However, OCT requires a high amount of contrast media, limiting its extensive application in clinical practice. This study compared OCT images of coronary lesions obtained using contrast media and very-low contrast combined Ringer's solution (VLCCR) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

Thirty ACS patients with a total of 36 native lesions and stenoses from 70 to 90% were included in this study. Two kinds of flushing media (a contrast medium and VLCCR) were used in succession in a random order for OCT image pullback of each lesion. VLCCR method is using low volume contrast (4–5 ml) injected into the guiding catheter previously combination with injector infused Ringer's solution instead of pure contrast medium. The safety of procedure was evaluated by recording the patients ‘symptoms, changes of ECG, blood pressure and heart rate. OCT images were analyzed to determine the image clarity. Lumen area and diameter were also measured and the consistency between the two media was compared.

Results

OCT procedure using either contrast or VLCCR did not show any peri-procedural adverse events. There was no difference in changes of blood pressure and heart rate in both procedures, however, VLCCR procedure showed less procedure-related symptoms and ECG changes. We found that the percentage of clear image frame was equivalent between the contrast and VLCCR media (98.0 vs. 96.9%, P = 0.90). We also observed a high degree of similarity between the different lesion phenotypes of ACS for both media. There was a linear correlation of the phenotypes obtained with these two different methods, and a significant correlation was observed between measurements obtained with contrast and VLCCR without correction for the refractive index of VLCCR (correlation coefficients ranged between 0.829 and 0.948).

Conclusions

OCT imaging using VLCCR for blood clearance is feasible and safe and provides similar imaging quality compared to OCT imaging obtained using radiographic contrast media for ACS patients.
Mountain Ultra-Marathon (UTMB) Impact on Usual and Emerging Cardiac Biomarkers
Authors: Le Goff Caroline , Gergelé Laurent , Seidel Laurence , Cavalier Etienne , Kaux Jean-François
Published: March 2022

The number of participants in ultra-marathons is increasing. However, the data regarding the impact of this type of exercise on the cardiovascular system are contradictory. In our study, 28 ultra-trail runners were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at three time points: immediately before, immediately after, and 7 days after the ultra-marathon. Different biomarkers were measured. Immediately after the race, the blood concentrations of the different cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers increased significantly. Interestingly, some biomarkers remained high even after 7 days of recovery.
PPARγ Mediates the Cardioprotective Roles of Danlou Tablet After Acute Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wei Meng , Guo Mengying , Meng Xinxiu , Li Lin , Wang Hongyun , Zhang Mingxue , Bei Yihua
Published: March 2022

Ischemic heart disease is one of the biggest threats to human life in the world. Reperfusion therapy is an effective strategy to reduce infarct size and ischemic injury. However, reperfusion process may cause secondary myocardial injury which is defined as ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Exploring potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate IRI is extremely important. Danlou tablet (Dan), a Chinese herbal compound consisting of ten herbs, has been identified to be protective for the heart. However, the mechanism of Dan-induced cardioprotection after acute reperfusion was unelucidated. In this study, to investigate the role and mechanism of Dan in myocardial IRI, we performed acute IRI modeling in mice and oxygen-glucose deprivation–reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced apoptosis in primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). We found that Dan had protective effect against acute IRI in mice, as evidenced by reduced infarct size, TUNEL-positive cardiomyocytes (CMs), and Bax/Bcl2 ratio and cleaved-caspase 3/caspase 3 ratio in vivo. Meanwhile, Dan inhibited OGD/R-induced apoptosis of NRCMs in vitro. Mechanistically, Dan could activate proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in both IRI hearts and OGD/R-stressed NRCMs, while inhibition of PPARγ attenuated the protective effect of Dan against IRI in vivo and OGD/R-induced CM apoptosis in vitro. These data reveal that Dan attenuates acute myocardial IRI and CM apoptosis through activating PPARγ. Our findings may extend the knowledge of Chinese medicine and provide potential strategy for the precise treatment of ischemic heart diseases.
Deep Learning for Detecting and Locating Myocardial Infarction by Electrocardiogram: A Literature Review
Authors: Xiong Ping , Lee Simon Ming-Yuen , Chan Ging
Published: March 2022

Myocardial infarction is a common cardiovascular disorder caused by prolonged ischemia, and early diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) is critical for lifesaving. ECG is a simple and non-invasive approach in MI detection, localization, diagnosis, and prognosis. Population-based screening with ECG can detect MI early and help prevent it but this method is too labor-intensive and time-consuming to carry out in practice unless artificial intelligence (AI) would be able to reduce the workload. Recent advances in using deep learning (DL) for ECG screening might rekindle this hope. This review aims to take stock of 59 major DL studies applied to the ECG for MI detection and localization published in recent 5 years, covering convolutional neural network (CNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), convolutional recurrent neural network (CRNN), gated recurrent unit (GRU), residual neural network (ResNet), and autoencoder (AE). In this period, CNN obtained the best popularity in both MI detection and localization, and the highest performance has been obtained from CNN and ResNet model. The reported maximum accuracies of the six different methods are all beyond 97%. Considering the usage of different datasets and ECG leads, the network that trained on 12 leads ECG data of PTB database has obtained higher accuracy than that on smaller number leads data of other datasets. In addition, some limitations and challenges of the DL techniques are also discussed in this review.
A Retrospective Study of the Relationship Between the Triglyceride Glucose Index and Myocardial Revascularization for New-Onset Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Li Jiatian , Lin Yajuan , Li Han , Fan Rui , Lin Li , Wang Xinying , Jiang Yinong , Xia Yun-Long , Zhang Bo , Yang Xiaolei
Published: March 2022

Background

This study explored the relationship between the TyG index/serum uric acid (SUA) panel and myocardial revascularization (MRT) for new-onset acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Methods

Between January 2011 and July 2020, 13,271 new-onset ACS patients were enrolled. The logistic regression models and the odds ratios (ORs) were used to quantify the risk of TyG index/SUA and MRT. Then, interaction analyses of TyG index and SUA on MRT were applied.

Results

Elevated TyG index was positively associated higher risks of MRT. However, SUA levels were negatively associated with MRT. Compared with those in the lowest quartile, the risk of MRT increased gradually among patients in Q1 of the SUA category (OR = 1.03, 1.11, and 1.28 for Q2, Q3, and Q4 of TyG index, respectively), Q2 of the SUA category (OR = 1.41, 1.68, and 2.18 for Q2, Q3, and Q4 of TyG index, respectively), Q3 of the SUA category (OR = 1.05, 1.45, and 1.45 for Q2, Q3, and Q4 of TyG index, respectively), and Q4 of the SUA category (OR = 1.20, 1.29, and 1.46 for Q2, Q3, and Q4 of TyG index, respectively). This pattern was observed in both male and female, as well as patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

Patients with a higher TyG index have a higher proportion of MRT in new-onset ACS. This result also applies to patients with different levels of SUA during new-onset ACS.
Implication of Platelets in Immuno-Thrombosis and Thrombo-Inflammation
Authors: Zaid Younes , Merhi Yahye
Published: March 2022

In addition to their well-described hemostatic function, platelets are active participants in innate and adaptive immunity. Inflammation and immunity are closely related to changes in platelet reactions and enhanced platelet function in thrombo-inflammation, as well as in microbial and virus infections. A platelet’s immune function is incompletely understood, but an important balance exists between its protective and pathogenic responses and its thrombotic and inflammatory functions. As the mediator of vascular homeostasis, platelets interact with neutrophils, bacteria and virus by expressing specific receptors and releasing granules, transferring RNA, and secreting mitochondria, which controls hemostasis and thrombosis, infection, and innate and adaptive immunity. This review focuses on the involvement of platelets during immuno-thrombosis and thrombo-inflammation.
Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels: Membrane Lipid-Dependent Mechanosensitive Gates in Brain Vascular Cells
Authors: Sancho Maria , Fletcher Jacob , Welsh Donald G.
Published: March 2022

Cerebral arteries contain two primary and interacting cell types, smooth muscle (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), which are each capable of sensing particular hemodynamic forces to set basal tone and brain perfusion. These biomechanical stimuli help confer tone within arterial networks upon which local neurovascular stimuli function. Tone development is intimately tied to arterial membrane potential (VM) and changes in intracellular [Ca2+] driven by voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs). Arterial VM is in turn set by the dynamic interplay among ion channel species, the strongly inward rectifying K+ (Kir) channel being of special interest. Kir2 channels possess a unique biophysical signature in that they strongly rectify, display negative slope conductance, respond to elevated extracellular K+ and are blocked by micromolar Ba2+. While functional Kir2 channels are expressed in both smooth muscle and endothelium, they lack classic regulatory control, thus are often viewed as a simple background conductance. Recent literature has provided new insight, with two membrane lipids, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and cholesterol, noted to (1) stabilize Kir2 channels in a preferred open or closed state, respectively, and (2) confer, in association with the cytoskeleton, caveolin-1 (Cav1) and syntrophin, hemodynamic sensitivity. It is these aspects of vascular Kir2 channels that will be the primary focus of this review.
Statistical Emulation of Neural Simulators: Application to Neocortical L2/3 Large Basket Cells
Authors: Shapira Gilad , Marcus-Kalish Mira , Amsalem Oren , Van Geit Werner , Segev Idan , Steinberg David M.
Published: March 2022

Many scientific systems are studied using computer codes that simulate the phenomena of interest. Computer simulation enables scientists to study a broad range of possible conditions, generating large quantities of data at a faster rate than the laboratory. Computer models are widespread in neuroscience, where they are used to mimic brain function at different levels. These models offer a variety of new possibilities for the neuroscientist, but also numerous challenges, such as: where to sample the input space for the simulator, how to make sense of the data that is generated, and how to estimate unknown parameters in the model. Statistical emulation can be a valuable complement to simulator-based research. Emulators are able to mimic the simulator, often with a much smaller computational burden and they are especially valuable for parameter estimation, which may require many simulator evaluations. This work compares different statistical models that address these challenges, and applies them to simulations of neocortical L2/3 large basket cells, created and run with the NEURON simulator in the context of the European Human Brain Project. The novelty of our approach is the use of fast empirical emulators, which have the ability to accelerate the optimization process for the simulator and to identify which inputs (in this case, different membrane ion channels) are most influential in affecting simulated features. These contributions are complementary, as knowledge of the important features can further improve the optimization process. Subsequent research, conducted after the process is completed, will gain efficiency by focusing on these inputs.
A New Numerical Procedure for the Excavation Response in Mohr–Coulomb Rock Mass Exhibiting Strain-Softening Behavior
Authors: Guan Kai , Zhang Quanyun , Liu Honglei , Zhu Wancheng
Published: March 2022

A new numerical procedure for calculating the excavation response of the Mohr–Coulomb rock mass considering strain-softening behavior is proposed in this article. In this method, the plastic zone of the strain-softening rock mass is divided into the sufficient small plastic concentric annulus with constant radial stress increment, where the stress and strain distributions are characterized based on the existing analytical solutions of the brittle–plastic rock in the plastic zone. According to the equilibrium equation, geometric equation, and Mohr–Coulomb yield criterion, the stresses of each annulus can be calculated, and the explicit form of the displacement can also be determined by invoking the non-associated flow law and Hooke’s law. On this basis, the excavation disturbance-induced response and the ground reaction curve (GRC) in the strain-softening rock mass can be calculated by iterative computation. The proposed method is verified by comparing both the numerical simulation results and the existing theoretical solutions. Extensive computations are then carried out to clarify some practical questions, including the effect of ground condition, the computation efficiency, and the engineering applicability. It is found that the proposed numerical procedure behaves more efficiently and accurately than the previous one for the strain-softening rock mass. This might, therefore, provide convenience and benefits from a computation standpoint for the preliminary design of underground openings in rock masses with slight deformation.
Exploiting Non-idealities of Resistive Switching Memories for Efficient Machine Learning
Authors: Yon Victor , Amirsoleimani Amirali , Alibart Fabien , Melko Roger G. , Drouin Dominique , Beilliard Yann
Published: March 2022

Novel computing architectures based on resistive switching memories (also known as memristors or RRAMs) have been shown to be promising approaches for tackling the energy inefficiency of deep learning and spiking neural networks. However, resistive switch technology is immature and suffers from numerous imperfections, which are often considered limitations on implementations of artificial neural networks. Nevertheless, a reasonable amount of variability can be harnessed to implement efficient probabilistic or approximate computing. This approach turns out to improve robustness, decrease overfitting and reduce energy consumption for specific applications, such as Bayesian and spiking neural networks. Thus, certain non-idealities could become opportunities if we adapt machine learning methods to the intrinsic characteristics of resistive switching memories. In this short review, we introduce some key considerations for circuit design and the most common non-idealities. We illustrate the possible benefits of stochasticity and compression with examples of well-established software methods. We then present an overview of recent neural network implementations that exploit the imperfections of resistive switching memory, and discuss the potential and limitations of these approaches.
Genes Encoding the Glycoprotein Hormone GPA2/GPB5 and the Receptor LGR1 in a Female Prawn
Authors: Wahl Melody , Levy Tom , Manor Rivka , Aflalo Eliahu D. , Sagi Amir , Aizen Joseph
Published: March 2022

In vertebrate reproduction, metabolism, growth and development, essential roles are played by glycoprotein hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), all of which are heterodimers consisting of two subunits, a structurally identical alpha subunit, and a variable beta subunit, which provides specificity. A 'new' glycoprotein hormone heterodimer identified in both vertebrates and invertebrates, including decapod crustaceans, was shown to be composed of the glycoprotein alpha 2 (GPA2) and glycoprotein beta 5 (GPB5) subunits. The putative receptor for GPA2/GPB5 in invertebrates is the leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 1 (LGR1). In this study in the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, we identified and characterized the GPA2 (MrGPA2), GPB5 (MrGPB5) and LGR1 (MrLGR1) encoding genes and revealed their spatial expression patterns in female animals. Loss-of-function RNA interference (RNAi) experiments in M. rosenbergii females demonstrated a negative correlation between MrGPA2/MrGPB5 silencing and MrLGR1 transcript levels, suggesting a possible ligand–receptor interaction. The relative transcript levels of M. rosenbergii vitellogenin (MrVg) in the hepatopancreas were significantly reduced following MrGPA2/MrGPB5 knockdown. MrLGR1 loss-of-function induced MrVg receptor (MrVgR) transcript levels in the ovary and resulted in significantly larger oocytes in the silenced group compared to the control group. Our results provide insight into the possible role of GPA2/GPB5-LGR1 in female reproduction, as shown by its effect on MrVg and MrVgR expression and on the oocyte development. Here, we suggest that the GPA2/GPB5 heterodimer act as a gonad inhibiting factor in the eyestalk-hepatopancreas-ovary endocrine axis in M. rosenbergii.
Effects of Icariin on Modulating Gut Microbiota and Regulating Metabolite Alterations to Prevent Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Rat Model
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Wang Shengjie , Wang Xiaoning , Xu Yunteng , Zhang Xin , Han Yidan , Yan Hui , Liu Linglong , Wang Lili , Ye Hongzhi , Li Xihai
Published: March 2022

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is an estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss, which has been shown an association with an altered gut microbiota (GM). Gut microbiota-bone axis has been recognized as a crucial mediator for bone homeostasis. Icariin (ICA) is an effective agent to delay bone loss by regulating the bone homeostasis. Thus, we hypothesize that ICA can prevent bone loss by modulating GM and regulating metabolite alterations. The effects of ICA on bone metabolism improvement in ovariectomized (OVX) rats and their relationships with the GM and fecal metabolites were investigated. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining showed a typical bone boss in OVX group, while ICA or estradiol (E2) administration exhibited positive effects on bone micro-architecture improvement. The GM such as Actinobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Erysipelotrichi, Erysipelotrichales, Enterobacteriales, Actinomycetales, Ruminococcus and Oscillospira significantly correlated to serum bone Gla-protein (BGP), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP). Further t-test revealed a substantial variation of the GM and fecal metabolites in different treatments. Among them, Lachnoclostridium, Butyricimonas, Rikenella, Paraprevolla, Adlercreutzia, Enterorhabdus, Anaerovorax, Allobaculum, Elusimicrobium, Lactococcus, Globicatella and Lactobacillus were probably the key microbial communities driving the change of bile acid, amino acid and fatty acid, thereby leading to an improvement of PMOP. The significant up-regulation of L-Saccharopine, 1-Aminocyclohexadieneacid and linoleic acid after ICA administration suggested important contributions of amino acid and fatty acid metabolisms in the prevention and treatment of PMOP. Taken together, our study has provided new perspectives to better understand the effects of ICA on PMOP improvement by regulating GM and the associated fecal metabolites. Our findings contribute to develop ICA as a potential therapy for PMOP.
Data-Driven Cooperative Control Model of Shearer-Scraper Conveyor Based on Rough Set Theory
Authors: Zhao Shuanfeng , Zhao Jiaojiao , Lu Zhengxiong , He Haitao , Zhang Chuanwei , Miao Yao , Xing Zhizhong
Published: March 2022

The cooperative control of shearer and scraper conveyors is the prerequisite for the realization of intelligent comprehensive mining equipment and unmanned comprehensive mining workings. However, because of the harsh working face environment, the complex process of comprehensive mining, and the many uncertainties, it is difficult to establish a mathematical model for the cooperative control of shearer and scraper conveyors precisely through the operating mechanism. In the era of big data, the data-driven model has become a popular trend. Therefore, according to the actual production process data, this article proposed a data-driven cooperative control model of shearer–scraper conveyor based on rough set theory. First, the selection method of process monitoring parameters based on rough set theory was proposed to remove redundant parameters and redundant parameter values. Moreover, the decision rule base of cooperative speed regulation of shearer and scraper conveyor was established. Then a collaborative speed regulation decision algorithm based on attribute importance was designed. The algorithm matches the decision rules according to the real-time observation data and then determines the running speed of the shearer. The simulation results show that the proposed data-driven collaborative control model of shearer–scraper conveyor based on rough set theory overcomes the limitations of the mathematical model. It can predict the running speed of shearer well and realize the collaborative speed regulation of shearer–scraper conveyor.
Application of Transfer Function in Predicting the Temperature Field of Space Equipment Under Periodic External Heat Flow
Authors: Qian Jing , Sun Liwei
Published: March 2022

The temperature state of outer space devices is influenced by the heat flow outside the space. Although traditional numerical simulation analysis methods are highly accurate, they are time-consuming and not conducive for researchers to quickly assess the effects of external heat flow variations and are difficult to apply to program optimization codes that require large-scale iterative calculations or to codes for on-board temperature control chips. This paper presents an analytical algorithm for heat transfer problems: The transfer function method is applied to the thermal control analysis of outer space equipment with a small computational effort and a simple and straightforward computational procedure. Although this analytical approach only considers a limited set of influencing parameters and the precision of the calculation cannot be compared with numerical methods, it can be applied to the early prediction of internal temperature changes caused by heat flow changes outside the modification of outer space devices, embedded in the optimization code of a design solution, or integrated into the code of an on-board temperature control chip with minimum computational effort. In general, the transfer function method is not suitable for solving the radiation term, whereas this paper excludes the radiation term from the time delay calculation based on the small time scale of the radiation term and solves the time delay of the internal temperature relative to the external surface temperature directly, whereas the amplitude decay of the internal temperature change relative to the external surface temperature fluctuation is solved by the steady-state method based on the long period of the external heat flow change. The practicality of the transfer function method in the design of thermal control of external space devices is evidenced by comparing the computational results with those of commercial software and experimental results.
Multiscale Modeling and Experimental Characterization for Enhancement in Electrical, Mechanical, and Thermal Performances of Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Sharma Snigdha , Panwar Amrish K. , Tripathi M. M.
Published: March 2022

Lithium-ion batteries are the thriving energy storage device in multiple fields, including automobiles, smart energy grids, and telecommunication. Due to its high complexity in the electrochemical–electrical–thermal system, there are certain non-linear spatiotemporal scales for measuring the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The fusion of experimental and modeling approaches was used in this study to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries. This article helps to evaluate the properties of the LiMn2O4 cathode material for Li-ion batteries and also characterize the crystalline nature, morphological structure, and ionic and electronic conductivity of the electrode material using an experimental approach. In addition, a new computational model was designed and formulated to support various other models for computational investigation. This simulation was designed to analyze the one-dimensional structure of coin cell batteries and to evaluate electrochemical and thermal performances. All computational performances have been validated with the help of experimental techniques and also provide multiple benchmarks for future integration of experimental and computational approaches.
The Impact of Transmission and Distribution Price Reform on Economic Growth in Liberalized Electricity Markets: An Inter-Provincial Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Li Hong , Wang Xiaogang , Xie Yuantao , Chen Ting , Han Haoming , Yang Yichen
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates and quantifies the extent of the Transmission and Distribution Price Reform (TDPR) on economic growth. Provincial-level data from 2010 to 2019 was used to estimate the impacts of the TDPR on economic growth using a progressive difference in differences method (DID). Findings showed that the reform had a positive impact on regional GDP and regional GDP per capita. Furthermore, to explore its mechanism of influence, the impacts of the TDPR on electricity prices, including the average sale prices and sale prices for industrial users, were analyzed, and the evidence suggests that the TDPR has significantly reduced the sale price. Additionally, the regression result suggests that the TDPR mainly affects electricity prices to reduce the energy cost of enterprises, and then promotes the innovation of industrial enterprises above designated size (IEADS) and fixed asset investment, which act on total factor productivity and promote regional economic growth. The regression results showed good robustness under various robustness tests.
Impacts of Different Rural Settlement Expansion Patterns on Eco-Environment and Implications in the Loess Hilly and Gully Region, China
Authors: Chen Zongfeng , Li Yurui , Liu Zhengjia , Wang Jieyong , Liu Xueqi
Published: March 2022

While the eco-environmental effects of rural settlement expansion are of great significance to rural sustainable land use, the relationship between rural settlement expansion and eco-environment under different expansion patterns is still unclear. To fill this gap, the current study used Baota district of the loess hilly and gully region as a case study area. We first investigated the spatiotemporal expansion patterns of rural settlements from 1990 to 2015 and then estimated their impacts on ecosystem services by implementing the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model and the global agro-ecological zones (GAEZ) model. Results showed the following: 1) edge expansion was the primary pattern of rural settlement expansion in Baota district from 1990 to 2015, and the area of edge expansion was 757.40 h m2, accounting for 71.76% of the total expansion area of rural settlements. 2) Rural settlement expansion caused 1744.60 t loss of crop yield, 40,155.78 Mg C loss of carbon storage, and a significant decline in habitat quality of water areas during 1990–2015. 3) According to the unit expansion area, the edge expansion and leapfrog expansion patterns contributed more to ecosystem services loss than the infilling expansion pattern. 4) There were gradient differences in the impacts of three expansion patterns on ecosystem services, and the impacts were gradually weakened by the increased distance. Accordingly, we concluded that the expansion of rural settlements reduced surrounding ecosystem services, especially food production service, and that the edge expansion and leapfrog expansion patterns had higher levels of stress on ecosystem services.
Brewing and Serving Alcoholic Beverages to Erlitou Elites of Prehistoric China: Residue Analysis of Ceramic Vessels
Authors: He Yahui , Zhao Haitao , Liu Li , Xu Hong
Published: March 2022

The Bronze Age in China is characterized by the appearance of bronze ritual vessels, such as gui and he pitchers and jue cups, which were symbols of high social status and likely used in ritual feasting events. Their forms imitate similar ceramic vessels made of white clay. This transformation of such ceramic vessels into their bronze counterparts took place at the Erlitou site in the Yiluo basin, North China (ca. 1,800–1,500 BC). Such white pottery types are commonly regarded as alcohol-related vessels, but there is a lack of scientific analysis of organic remains on vessels’ interior surfaces to understand their functions. In this study, we analyzed microfossil remains on 16 ceramic vessels unearthed from Erlitou and discovered direct evidence of the production and consumption of fermented beverages that were prepared using qu starter as a saccharification agent. Dakouzun wide-orifice vats may have been used for fermentation, likely in semi-solid-state fermentation conditions; narrow-orifice jars zun for storage; gui and he pitchers for heating and/or pouring the beverages; and jue cups for drinking. Monascus mold and herbs were probably used to make qu starter. Fermentation ingredients were primarily rice and wheat, sometimes mixed with broomcorn millet, Job’s tears, roots of snake gourd, among other plants. Rice and wheat were minor crops in the region, probably cultivated for special uses and received by the Erlitou elites as tributary items for making alcoholic beverages. This research demonstrates that Erlitou feasting activities involved serving luxury drinks with prestige utensils in socially exclusive spaces, which emphasized social status, wealth, and power. The development of such drinking materiality and social values coincided with increased social differentiation at the time of early state formation.