bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Gradient Descent Method and a Novel Non-Gradient Method for Structural Shape Optimization
Authors: Jha Ishan , Pathak Krishna K. , Jha Mrigank , Ranjan Ashutosh
Published: March 2022

Motivated by the works on non-gradient techniques in the domain of shape optimization of the structure, the present work intends to suggest a novel non-gradient procedure for shape optimization of structures and compare it to an existing gradient-based method. The presented technique optimizes the shape of structural parts using a fuzzy controlled integrated zero-order methodology incorporating the notion of design elements and automated mesh construction with mesh refinement at each iteration. The movement of nodes and convergence monitoring is taken care of using the triangular fuzzy membership function. The changes in shape occur according to the selected target maximum shear stress (σt) with a view of reaching as near to the target as possible at all the points. The present methodology is packaged in a piece of software termed GSO (Gradientless shape optimization) coded in FORTRAN language. To explain the efficacy of the current approach, a few basic structural shapes have been optimized under various constraints, and the results of the same are compared to those obtained using Optistruct (a part of software suite HyperWorks from Altair engineering), which works on gradient descent method. The proposed approach works well and produces more industry fabricable results than what is produced by the gradient descent method in Optistruct.
Some Problems Related to Reducts of Consistent Incomplete Decision Tables
Authors: Khanh Dinh Thu , Thi Vu Duc , Giang Nguyen Long , Son Le Hoang
Published: March 2022

In multi-criteria decision making, attribute reduction has attracted the attention of researchers for more than two decades. So far, numerous scientists have proposed algorithms to construct reducts in decision tables. However, most of the suggested algorithms are heuristic which discovers a reduction based on criteria of the attribute set. In fact, studying the properties of reducts to build efficient attribute reduction models is an urgent problem. In this research, we present some properties of reducts in incomplete decision tables by the relational database theory approach. It was found that the properties of reducts in incomplete decision tables are equivalent to properties of the Sperner-systems in the theory of relational database. By studying the properties of the Sperner-systems, the efficient attribute reduction models can be built to improve the efficiency of multi-criteria decision making systems.
Nanomaterial-Based Immunocapture Platforms for the Recognition, Isolation, and Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Liu Yichao , Li Rui , Zhang Lingling , Guo Shishang
Published: March 2022

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a type of cancer cells that circulate in the peripheral blood after breaking away from solid tumors and are essential for the establishment of distant metastasis. Up to 90% of cancer-related deaths are caused by metastatic cancer. As a new type of liquid biopsy, detecting and analyzing CTCs will provide insightful information for cancer diagnosis, especially the in-time disease status, which would avoid some flaws and limitations of invasive tissue biopsy. However, due to the extremely low levels of CTCs among a large number of hematologic cells, choosing immunocapture platforms for CTC detection and isolation will achieve good performance with high purity, selectivity, and viability. These properties are directly associated with precise downstream analysis of CTC profiling. Recently, inspired by the nanoscale interactions of cells in the tissue microenvironment, platforms based on nanomaterials have been widely explored to efficiently enrich and sensitively detect CTCs. In this review, various immunocapture platforms based on different nanomaterials for efficient isolation and sensitive detection of CTCs are outlined and discussed. First, the design principles of immunoaffinity nanomaterials are introduced in detail. Second, the immunocapture and release of platforms based on nanomaterials ranging from nanoparticles, nanostructured substrates, and immunoaffinity microfluidic chips are summarized. Third, recent advances in single-cell release and analysis of CTCs are introduced. Finally, some perspectives and challenges are provided in future trends of CTC studies.
Genetic Regulation of N6-Methyladenosine-RNA in Mammalian Gametogenesis and Embryonic Development
Authors: Chang Yuguang , Yi Mingliang , Wang Jing , Cao Zhikun , Zhou Tingting , Ge Wei , Muhammad Zafir , Zhang Zijun , Feng Yanqin , Yan Zihui , Felici Massimo De , Shen Wei , Cao Hongguo
Published: March 2022

Emerging evidence shows that m6A is the most abundant modification in eukaryotic RNA molecules. It has only recently been found that this epigenetic modification plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes, such as cell fate commitment, immune response, obesity, tumorigenesis, and relevant for the present review, gametogenesis. Notably the RNA metabolism process mediated by m6A is controlled and regulated by a series of proteins termed writers, readers and erasers that are highly expressed in germ cells and somatic cells of gonads. Here, we review and discuss the expression and the functional emerging roles of m6A in gametogenesis and early embryogenesis of mammals. Besides updated references about such new topics, readers might find in the present work inspiration and clues to elucidate epigenetic molecular mechanisms of reproductive dysfunction and perspectives for future research.
Paramecium, a Model to Study Ciliary Beating and Ciliogenesis: Insights From Cutting-Edge Approaches
Authors: Bouhouche K. , Valentine M. S. , Le Borgne P. , Lemullois M. , Yano J. , Lodh S. , Nabi A. , Tassin A. M. , Van Houten J. L.
Published: March 2022

Cilia are ubiquitous and highly conserved extensions that endow the cell with motility and sensory functions. They were present in the first eukaryotes and conserved throughout evolution (Carvalho-Santos et al., 2011). Paramecium has around 4,000 motile cilia on its surface arranged in longitudinal rows, beating in waves to ensure movement and feeding. As with cilia in other model organisms, direction and speed of Paramecium ciliary beating is under bioelectric control of ciliary ion channels. In multiciliated cells of metazoans as well as paramecia, the cilia become physically entrained to beat in metachronal waves. This ciliated organism, Paramecium, is an attractive model for multidisciplinary approaches to dissect the location, structure and function of ciliary ion channels and other proteins involved in ciliary beating. Swimming behavior also can be a read-out of the role of cilia in sensory signal transduction. A cilium emanates from a BB, structurally equivalent to the centriole anchored at the cell surface, and elongates an axoneme composed of microtubule doublets enclosed in a ciliary membrane contiguous with the plasma membrane. The connection between the BB and the axoneme constitutes the transition zone, which serves as a diffusion barrier between the intracellular space and the cilium, defining the ciliary compartment. Human pathologies affecting cilia structure or function, are called ciliopathies, which are caused by gene mutations. For that reason, the molecular mechanisms and structural aspects of cilia assembly and function are actively studied using a variety of model systems, ranging from unicellular organisms to metazoa. In this review, we will highlight the use of Paramecium as a model to decipher ciliary beating mechanisms as well as high resolution insights into BB structure and anchoring. We will show that study of cilia in Paramecium promotes our understanding of cilia formation and function. In addition, we demonstrate that Paramecium could be a useful tool to validate candidate genes for ciliopathies.
Oocyte ERM and EWI Proteins Are Involved in Mouse Fertilization
Authors: Cohen J , Wang L , Marques S , Ialy-Radio C , Barbaux S , Lefèvre B , Gourier C , Ziyyat A
Published: March 2022

In mammalian fertilization, the link between the oocyte plasma membrane and underneath cytoskeleton has often been associated to key elements of successful gamete fusion, like microvilli shaping or CD9 function, but its effective role has poorly been studied. EWI-2 and EWI-F as cis partners of CD9, and ERM proteins (Ezrin, Radixin and Moesin) that both attach to the actin cytoskeleton and to the EWI are part of the molecules that make the link between the oocyte membrane and its cytoskeleton. This study aims to assay through siRNA inhibition, the involvement of these ERM and EWI molecules in mouse fertilization, their role in the microvilli morphology of the egg but also their possible contribution to the cortical tension, a parameter that reflects the mechanical behavior of the oocyte cortex. Whereas inhibiting separately the expression of each protein had no effect on fertilization, the combined inhibition of either EWI-2/EWI-F or the three ERM triggered a significant decrease of the fertilization index. This inhibition seems to correlate with an increase in the radius of curvature of the oocyte microvilli. It also causes a decrease of the oocyte cortical tension. These results show the importance of EWI-2 and EWI–F and ERM proteins in the smooth running of a fertilization event and support their involvement in the microvilli architecture of the oocyte and in its mechanical properties.
Gamma Radiation Processed Polymeric Materials for High Performance Applications: A Review
Authors: Naikwadi Amol Tarachand , Sharma Bhuwanesh Kumar , Bhatt Keyur D. , Mahanwar Prakash A.
Published: March 2022

The polymeric properties are tailored and enhanced by high energy radiation processing, which is an effective technique to tune the physical, chemical, thermal, surface, and structural properties of the various thermoplastic and elastomeric polymeric components. The gamma and electron beam radiation are the most frequent radiation techniques used for crosslinking, compatibilizing, and grafting of various polymer blends and composites systems. The gamma radiation-induced grafting and crosslinking are the effective, rapid, clean, user-friendly, and well-controlled techniques for the polymeric materials for their properties improvement for high performance applications such as nuclear, automobile, electrical insulation, ink curing, surface modification, food packaging, medical, sterilization, and health-care in a different environment. Similarly, electron beam radiations crosslinking has been a well-known technique for properties development and has economic benefits over chemical crosslinking techniques. This review focuses on the development of polymeric multi component systems (functionalized polymer, blends, and nanohybrids), where partially nanoscale clay incorporation can achieve the desired properties, and partially by controlled high energy radiations crosslinking of blends and nanocomposites. In this review, various investigations have been studied on the development and modifications of polymeric systems, and controlled dose gamma radiation processed the polymer blends and clay-induced composites. Radiation induced grafting of the various monomers on the polymer backbone has been focused. Similarly, comparative studies of gamma and electron beam radiation and their effect on property devlopment have been focused. The high energy radiation modified polymers have been used in several high performance sectors, including automotive, wire and cable insulation, heat shrinkable tube, sterilization, biomedical, nuclear and space applications.
Label-Free Target Identification Reveals the Anticancer Mechanism of a Rhenium Isonitrile Complex
Authors: Yim Junhyeong , Park Seung Bum
Published: March 2022

Elucidation of the molecular mechanism of therapeutic agents and potential candidates is in high demand. Interestingly, rhenium-based complexes have shown a highly selective anticancer effect, only on cancer cells, unlike platinum-based drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin. These differences might be attributed to their different molecular targets. We confirmed that the target of tricarbonyl rhenium isonitrile polypyridyl (TRIP) complex is a protein, not DNA, using ICP-MS analysis and identified heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) as its target protein using a label-free target identification method. The subsequent biological evaluation revealed that TRIP directly inhibits the chaperone function of HSP60 and induces the accumulation of misfolded proteins in mitochondria, thereby leading to the activation of mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR)-mediated JNK2/AP-1/CHOP apoptotic pathway.
Ultrasound Irradiation Assisted Synthesis of Luminescent Nano Amide-Functionalized Metal-Organic Frameworks; Application Toward Phenol Derivatives Sensing
Authors: Yan Xiao-Wei , Gharib Maniya , Esrafili Leili , Wang Su-Juan , Liu Kuan-Guan , Morsali Ali
Published: March 2022

Two nano amide-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with molecular formula [Co(oba) (bpta)]·(DMF)2 TMU-50 and [Co2(oba)2 (bpfn)]·(DMF)2.5 TMU-51 obtained under ultrasonic method without any surfactants. The only difference between the two selected amide functionalized pillar ligands, N,N′-bis(4-pyridinyl)-terephthalamide (bpta), and N,N′-bis-(4-pyridylformamide)-1,5-naphthalenediamine (bpfn), is related to the naphthyl group, which led to the different luminescence properties of the nano frameworks. In this study, the special ability of the luminescent nano MOFs were investigated to sensitize nitroaromatic compounds. Due to its unique and porous framework, Nano TMU-50 shows a good sensitivity towards nitro phenol by strong fluorescence emission with a detection limit of 2 × 10–3 mM−1. Both nano MOF structures were characterized via many analyses such as powder X-ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), elemental analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy. Moreover, the effect of a number of important parameters including initial reagent concentrations, power of ultrasound, time on morphology, and size of nano structures were examined. According to the fluorescence titration results, the activated nano-TMU-50 detected NP selectively with a quick response.
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Neuropsychiatric Diseases – Creation of An Atlas-Based on Quantified Evidence
Authors: Bonnechère Bruno , Amin Najaf , van Duijn Cornelia
Published: March 2022

There is a growing body of evidence highlighting the significant role of gut microbiota in various pathologies. We performed a systematic review to review the different microbiota involved in neuropsychiatric diseases. 50 studies (23 studies for autism spectrum disorders, 18 for major depression, and 9 for schizophrenia), representing 2,137 patients and 2,844 controls. Concerning the microbiota, the genera Prevotella, Clostridium, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus, Megamonas, and Faecalbacterium were the ones detected with the most frequent variation of their relatives abundance. We also assess the overlap between the different pathologies. This study provides new insights into the complex relationship between the brain and the gut and the implications in neuropsychiatric pathologies. The identification of unique signatures in neuropsychiatric diseases suggests new possibilities in targeted anti or probiotic treatment.
Salivary Microbiota and Host-Inflammatory Responses in Periodontitis Affected Individuals With and Without Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Eriksson Kaja , Lundmark Anna , Delgado Luis F. , Hu Yue O. O. , Fei Guozhong , Lee Linkiat , Fei Carina , Catrina Anca I. , Jansson Leif , Andersson Anders F. , Yucel-Lindberg Tülay
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two widespread chronic inflammatory diseases with a previously suggested association. The objective of the current study was to compare the oral microbial composition and host´s inflammatory mediator profile of saliva samples obtained from subjects with periodontitis, with and without RA, as well as to predict biomarkers, of bacterial pathogens and/or inflammatory mediators, for classification of samples associated with periodontitis and RA.

Methods

Salivary samples were obtained from 53 patients with periodontitis and RA and 48 non-RA with chronic periodontitis. The microbial composition was identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and compared across periodontitis patients with and without RA. Levels of inflammatory mediators were determined using a multiplex bead assay, compared between the groups and correlated to the microbial profile. The achieved data was analysed using PCoA, DESeq2 and two machine learning algorithms, OPLS-DA and sPLS-DA.

Results

Differential abundance DESeq2 analyses showed that the four most highly enriched (log2 FC >20) amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in the non-RA periodontitis group included Alloprevotella sp., Prevotella sp., Haemophilus sp., and Actinomyces sp. whereas Granulicatella sp., Veillonella sp., Megasphaera sp., and Fusobacterium nucleatum were the most highly enriched ASVs (log2 FC >20) in the RA group. OPLS-DA with log2 FC analyses demonstrated that the top ASVs with the highest importance included Vampirovibrio sp. having a positive correlation with non-RA group, and seven ASVs belonging to Sphingomonas insulae, Sphingobium sp., Novosphingobium aromaticivorans, Delftia acidovorans, Aquabacterium spp. and Sphingomonas echinoides with a positive correlation with RA group. Among the detected inflammatory mediators in saliva samples, TWEAK/TNFSF12, IL-35, IFN-α2, pentraxin-3, gp130/sIL6Rb, sIL-6Ra, IL-19 and sTNF-R1 were found to be significantly increased in patients with periodontitis and RA compared to non-RA group with periodontitis. Moreover, correlations between ASVs and inflammatory mediators using sPLS-DA analysis revealed that TWEAK/TNFSF12, pentraxin-3 and IL-19 were positively correlated with the ASVs Sphingobium sp., Acidovorax delafieldii, Novosphingobium sp., and Aquabacterium sp.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the combination of microbes and host inflammatory mediators could be more efficient to be used as a predictable biomarker associated with periodontitis and RA, as compared to microbes and inflammatory mediators alone.
Partnering Up: The Social Cognition of Partnered Interaction in Life and Art
Authors: Brown Steven
Published: March 2022

In this article, I present a model of social cognition that is grounded in the interplay between mentalizing and joint action during social interaction. I first propose a psychological distinction between a “character” and a “partner” as two different ways of conceiving of people in social cognition. A character is someone whom we connect with as a spectator. We can mentalize aboutthem, but they cannot mentalize about us at the same time, since there is no direct interaction. A partner, by contrast, is someone with whom we are engaged in a social interaction such that the mentalizing is reciprocal. However, the defining feature of partnered interaction is not mentalizingper sebut instead theadaptivityby which partners make ongoing behavioral adjustments to one another during their interactions. Such adaptivity provides a foundation for forming social bonds with people. I present a Dual Cohesion perspective that focuses on two complementary manners for achieving social cohesion with people during partnered interactions: alignment in conversation and entrainment in joint physical actions. Alignment is based on a cognitive convergence of ideas, whereas entrainment is based on a behavioral coordination of actions. Overall, the model reveals the interplay between mentalizing and joint action in social cognition and partnered interaction.
Differences Between Takotsubo and the Working Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries
Authors: Lopez-Pais Javier , Izquierdo Coronel Bárbara , Raposeiras-Roubín Sergio , Álvarez Rodriguez Leyre , Vedia Oscar , Almendro-Delia Manuel , Sionis Alessandro , Martin-Garcia Agustin C. , Uribarri Aitor , Blanco Emilia , Martín de Miguel Irene , Abu-Assi Emad , Galán Gil David , Sestayo Fernández Manuela , Espinosa Pascual Maria Jesús , Agra-Bermejo Rosa María , López Otero Diego , García Acuña Jose María , Alonso Martín Joaquín Jesús , Gonzalez-Juanatey Jose Ramón , Perez de Juan Romero Miguel Ángel , Núñez-Gil Iván J.
Published: March 2022

Aim

Whether Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) should be classified within myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCAs) is still controversial. The aim of this work was to evaluate the main differences between TTS and non-TTS MINOCAs.

Methods and Results

A cohort study based on two prospective registries: TTS from the RETAKO registry (N:1,015) and patients with non-TTS MINOCAs from contemporary records of acute myocardial infarction from five 5 national centers (N:1,080). Definitions and management recommended by the ESC were used. Survival analysis was based on the Cox regression analysis; propensity score matching (PS) was created to adjust prognostic variables. Takotsubo syndrome were more often women (85.9 vs. 51.9%; p < 0.001) and older (69.4 ± 12.5 vs. 64.5 ± 14.1 years; p < 0.001). Atrial fibrillation (AF) was more frequent in non-TTS MINOCAs (10.4 vs. 14.4%; p = 0.007). Psychiatric disorders were more prevalent in TTS (15.5 vs. 10.2%, p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality and complications were higher in TTS: 3.4 vs. 1.8%, (p = 0.015), and 25.8 vs. 11.5%, (p < 0.001). Global mortality before PS matching was 16.1% in non-TTS MINOCAs and 8.1% in TTS. Median follow-up was 32.4 months; after PS matching, TTS had fewer major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs): hazard ratio (HR) 0.59; 95% CI 0.42–0.83. There were no differences in global mortality (HR 0.87; CI: 0.64–1.19), but TTS had lower cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.58; CI: 0.35–0.98).

Conclusion

Compared to the rest of MINOCAs, TTS presents a different patient profile and a more aggressive acute phase. However, its long-term cardiovascular prognosis is better. These results support that TTS should be considered a separate entity with unique characteristics and prognosis.
Controls on Sediment Bed Erodibility in a Muddy, Partially-Mixed Tidal Estuary
Authors: Wright Cristin L. , Friedrichs Carl T. , Massey Grace M.
Published: March 2022

The objectives of this study are to better understand controls on bed erodibility in muddy estuaries, including the roles of both sediment properties and recent hydrodynamic history. An extensive data set of erodibility measurements, sediment properties, and hydrodynamic information was utilized to create statistical models to predict the erodibility of the sediment bed. This data set includes >160 eroded mass versus applied stress profiles collected over 15 years along the York River estuary, a system characterized by “depth-limited erosion,” such that the critical stress for erosion increases rapidly with depth into the bed. For this study, erodibility was quantified in two ways: the mass of sediment eroded at 0.2 Pa (a stress commonly produced by tides in the York), and the normalized shape of the eroded mass profile for stresses between 0 and 0.56 Pa. In models with eroded mass as the response variable, the explanatory variables with the strongest influence were (in descending order) tidal range squared averaged over the previous 8 days (a proxy for recent bottom stress), salinity or past river discharge, sediment organic content, recent water level anomalies, percent sand, percent clay, and bed layering. Results support the roles of 1) recent deposition and bed disturbance increasing erodibility and 2) cohesion/consolidation and erosion/winnowing of fines decreasing erodibility. The most important variable influencing the shape of the eroded mass profile was eroded mass at 0.2 Pa, such that more (vs. less) erodible cases exhibited straighter (vs. more strongly curved) profiles. Overall, hydrodynamic variables were the best predictors of eroded mass at 0.2 Pa, which, in turn, was the best predictor of profile shape. This suggests that calculations of past bed stress and the position of the salt intrusion can serve as useful empirical proxies for muddy bed consolidation state and resulting erodibility of the uppermost seabed in estuarine numerical models. Observed water content averaged over the top 1 cm was a poor predictor of erodibility, likely because typical tidal stresses suspend less than 1 mm of bed sediment. Future field sampling would benefit from higher resolution observations of water content within the bed’s top few millimeters.
Content and Language Integrated Learning Implementation Through Team Teaching in Biology Lessons: A Quasi-Experimental Design With University Students
Authors: Satayev Malik , Balta Nuri , Shaymerdenovna Izbassarova R. , Fernández-Cézar Raquel , Alcaraz-Mármol Gema
Published: March 2022

Can engaging university students in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) increase their achievement in Biology and English language? The current study explored the effectiveness of team teaching enhanced CLIL on student achievement. Framed in interdisciplinary/cross-curricular teaching, we examined the effect of CLIL strategy on student achievement in a quasi-experimental study with a sample of Biology education students (N= 25) assigned to control and experimental groups. The topic taught through CLIL was the digestive system, and this subject knowledge was used to test the students’ achievement in Biology. Along witht-test and Mann-WhitneyU-test a non-parametric ANCOVA was carried out to reveal group differences. We found that engaging in CLIL significantly improved student achievement both in Biology subject knowledge and English language. We highlight the critical role of CLIL in teaching content and language for science subjects such as Biology at university level.
Effects of Paternal Obesity on Fetal Development and Pregnancy Complications: A Prospective Clinical Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Jing , Gu Wei , Huang Hefeng
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the association between paternal obesity and fetal development and pregnancy complications.

Study Design

This prospective cohort clinical trial analyzed data from 7683 women with singleton pregnancies. All study subjects were sequentially divided into four groups based on paternal BMI. We compared the differences in fetal growth and pregnancy complications between different paternal BMI groups by univariate logistic regression and independent t-test. Finally, the independent predictors of SGA and macrosomia were determined.

Results

The incidences of preeclampsia, cesarean section, SGA, macrosomia, and postpartum hemorrhage in the paternal obesity group were significantly higher than the normal BMI group. With the increase of paternal BMI, fetal ultrasound measurement parameter, neonatal and placental weight showed an increasing trend (trend P < 0.05). However, these differences disappeared in the obese group. The test for interaction showed the effect of paternal obesity on SGA and macrosomia was significantly affected by maternal obesity. We also found paternal obesity was an independent predictor of both SGA and macrosomia. Based on the above results, we plotted the Nomograms for clinical prediction.

Conclusion

Paternal obesity can affect fetal growth parameters and placental development, which has an adverse impact on pregnancy outcomes. Optimizing the paternal BMI will help improve the health of the next generation.
Menopausal Impact on the Association Between Thyroid Dysfunction and Lipid Profiles: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Han Yutong , Wang Chuyuan , Zhang Lihui , Zhu Jun , Zhu Mei , Li Yongze , Teng Di , Teng Weiping , Shan Zhongyan
Published: March 2022

Background

Both dyslipidemia and thyroid dysfunction have a high prevalence rate and are important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between blood lipids and thyroid dysfunction is still controversial. This study aims to analyze the blood lipids in people with different thyroid functions.

Methods

A total of 80937 adults were included in this population-based cross-sectional TIDE survey, which collected demographic and clinical data on thyroid function, blood lipid levels and other metabolic indicators. After screening, the final analysis included 10,747 participants, who were divided into hypothyroidism (n=311), subclinical hypothyroidism (n=5015), hyperthyroidism (n=203), subclinical hyperthyroidism (n=118) and control (n=5100) groups. The risk of dyslipidemia was analyzed by a logistic regression model and divided into groups of female menopausal.

Results

After full adjustment, significant associations were found between hypothyroidism and hypertriglyceridemia. Subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with a significantly higher risk of hypertriglyceridemia and hyper-low density lipoprotein cholesterolemia. Hyperthyroidism was significantly correlated with a reduced risk of hypercholesterolemia and hyper-low density lipoprotein cholesterolemia but positively correlated with the risk of low-high density lipoprotein cholesterolemia. There was no significant association between subclinical hyperthyroidism and blood lipids. Hypothyroidism increased the risk of hypertriglyceridemia in both premenopausal and postmenopausal females. Subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly associated with increased hypertriglyceridemia and low-high density lipoprotein cholesterolemia in premenopausal females. Hyperthyroidism was significantly associated with a reduced risk of hypercholesterolemia and hyper-low density lipoprotein cholesterolemia in premenopausal females and an increased risk of low-high density lipoprotein cholesterolemia in postmenopausal female.

Conclusion

Abnormal thyroid function has an important effect on blood lipids and is closely related to female menopause.
A Multi-Agent Game-Based Incremental Distribution Network Source–Load–Storage Collaborative Planning Method Considering Uncertainties
Authors: Yang Nan , He Ye , Dong BangTian , Qin Tao , Ding Li , Yang XingLei , Yao JunWei , Huang YueHua , Wang ShuoHao , Zhang Lei , Zhu BinXin , Xiong Wei , Ren YuLun
Published: March 2022

How to obtain the optimal decision-making scheme based on the investment behavior of various stakeholders is an important issue that needs to be solved urgently in incremental distribution network planning. To this end, this article introduces the virtual player “Nature” to realize the combination of the game theory and robust optimization and proposes an incremental distribution network source–load–storage collaborate planning method with a multi-agent game. First, the planning and decision-making models of a DG investment operator, a distribution network (DN) company, power consumers, and a distributed energy storage (DES) investment operator are constructed, respectively. Then the static game behaviors between the DG investment operator and distribution network company, as well as the DG investment operator and the DES investment operator, are analyzed based on the transfer relations between these four participants. At the same time, robust optimization is used to deal with the uncertainty of the DG output, and the virtual player “Nature” is introduced to study the dynamic game behavior between the DG investment operator and the distribution company. Finally, a dynamic–static joint game planning model is proposed. The simulation results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method.
A GPU-Based Resilience Enhanced Voltage Optimization Model for Distribution Networks
Authors: Liang Liang , Luo Chuhang
Published: March 2022

Improving the survivability of critical loads after extreme events is essential to enhance the resilience of power systems, especially for distribution networks. A distribution network with various operational resources can be separated into several sub-distribution networks without electrical connections. Maintaining the power supply with acceptable power quality to critical loads in such separated distribution networks is a challenging task for the operators of power systems. In this paper, an optimization model is proposed to maximize the ability to supply power to critical loads in distribution networks. Moreover, a GPU was employed to accelerate the proposed model using genetic algorithm. With the acceleration of the GPU platform, the solving time was reduced and the population size can be enlarged to enhance the convergence rate and convergence quality of the algorithm. Finally, case studies were carried out in IEEE 33-bus and 118-bus systems, and the effectiveness of the method was validated by comparing the solution results on GPU and CPU platforms.
Multi-Temporal SAR Interferometry for Vertical Displacement Monitoring from Space of Tengiz Oil Reservoir Using SENTINEL-1 and COSMO-SKYMED Satellite Missions
Authors: Bayramov Emil , Buchroithner Manfred , Kada Martin , Duisenbiyev Askar , Zhuniskenov Yermukhan
Published: March 2022

This study focused on the quantitative assessment of the vertical displacement velocities retrieved using Sentinel-1 and Cosmo-SkyMed synthetic aperture radar images for the Tengiz oilfield. Tengiz oilfield was selected as a study area because of its historically reported continuous subsidence and limited up-to-date studies during recent years. The small baseline subset time-series technique was used for the interferometric processing of radar images acquired for the period of 2018–2020. The geospatial and statistical analyses allowed to determine the existing hotspots of the subsidence processes induced by oil extraction in the study area. Ground deformation measurements derived from the Sentinel-1 and COSMO-SkyMed satellite missions showed that the Tengiz oilfield continuously subsided during 2018–2020 with the maximum annual vertical displacement velocity around −77.4 mm/y and −71.5 mm/y, respectively. The vertical displacement velocities derived from the Sentinel-1 and the COSMO-SkyMed images showed a good statistical relationship with R2≥0.73 and RMSE ≤3.68 mm. The cumulative vertical displacement derived from both satellites for the most subsiding location also showed a good statistical relationship with R2 equal to 0.97 and RMSE = ± 4.69. The observed relative differences of measurements by both satellites were acceptable to determine the ongoing vertical surface displacement processes in the study area. These studies demonstrated a practical novelty for the petroleum industry in terms of the comparative assessment of surface displacement measurements using time-series of medium-resolution Sentinel-1 and high-resolution COSMO-SkyMed radar images.
Waste-to-Renewable Energy Transition: Biogas Generation for Sustainable Development
Authors: Atchike Desire Wade , Irfan Muhammad , Ahmad Munir , Rehman Mubeen Abdur
Published: March 2022

To attain renewable energy goals, many developing countries, including Malaysia, acknowledge the adoption of waste-to-renewable energy (WTRE) technologies being the best means. The conversion of animal dung into biogas is one of the similar techniques. For a considerable amount of time, Malaysia has witnessed an increase in animal husbandry to generate massive feedstock, which can serve as the raw material for the generation of biogas. With the implementation of WTRE technologies, Malaysia is starting to use a suitable method of power generation from the conversion of animal dung to biogas. The application of an alternative method of power generation by Malaysia is converting animal dung to biogas. Use of animal dung conversion to biogas is considered as a suitable method for power generation. For the application of WTRE technologies, this phenomenon is examined by the current article. As a further step, a thorough analysis of Malaysia’s waste management issues and the energy mix has been done. The current issue at hand regarding the power generation in Malaysia is optimizing new and suitable energy sources. In this regard, WTRE transition has been identified as the primary and inevitable source of the energy transition. The article consists of an explanation of various technologies of power generation utilizing municipal waste. Malaysia’s massive potential capacity to produce biogas energy through waste has been analytically identified. Malaysian animal dung can yield biogas up to 1,317.20 mm3/annum, which can eventually result in power generation of 2.1 × 104 kWh/annum. Relevant policies are discussed for Malaysia to implement long-term biogas generation. This study did not include the obstacles to WTRE in Malaysia and other developing countries, providing an opportunity for future works to consider this research dimension.
Nano-TiO2 Adsorbed Decabromodiphenyl Ethane and Changed Its Bioavailability, Biotransformation and Biotoxicity in Zebrafish Embryos/Larvae
Authors: Wang Xiulin , Sun Yumiao , Fu Mengru , Chen Pengyu , Wang Qiangwei , Hua Jianghuan , Fu Kaiyu , Zhang Wei , Zhu Lifei , Yang Lihua , Zhou Bingsheng
Published: March 2022

Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), a novel brominated flame retardant, may co-exist with other pollutants including nanoparticles (NPs) in aquatic environment. Due to structural similarity with decabromodiphenyl ether, DBDPE has been reported to exhibit thyroid disrupting effects and neurotoxicity. This study further evaluated the behavior of DBDPE in aqueous environments along with the bioavailability and toxicity of DBDPE in aquatic organisms in the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles (n-TiO2). When co-existing in an aqueous environment, DBDPE was adsorbed by n-TiO2, potentially facilitating the sedimentation of DBDPE from the aqueous phase. Co-exposure to DBDPE and n-TiO2 significantly increased the uptake of DBDPE by zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and altered the composition of metabolites in zebrafish larvae compared to zebrafish exposed to DBDPE alone. The DBDPE-induced increases in heart rate, tail bending frequency, average speed under dark/light stimulation, and thyroid hormone levels in zebrafish embryos/larvae were further enhanced in the presence of n-TiO2. Overall, the results demonstrate that n-TiO2 affected the behavior of DBDPE in the aqueous phase and increased the bioavailability and biotoxicity of DBDPE in zebrafish embryos/larvae. These results could be helpful for understanding the environmental behavior and toxicity of DBDPE.
Assessment of the Potential of Umbrella Thorn [Vachellia tortilis (Forssk.) Galasso & Banfi] for the Rehabilitation of Sub-Sahelian Mining Sites at Essakane, North-Eastern Burkina Faso
Authors: Yonli Hendi Hermann , Campagnac Estelle , Haro Hadou , Ouedraogo Maurice , Vézina Marie-Michelle , Khasa Damase P. , Dianda Mahamadi
Published: March 2022

Establishment of plant communities at mine sites with significant disturbance depends upon factors such as the presence of efficient mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia. Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to assess growth performance of umbrella thorn as a potential tree species for reforestation of mine sites in arid areas. In the first experiment, seedlings were transplanted onto waste rock stockpile (WR) and tailings (TLG) with high arsenic (As) content on sites at the Essakane gold mine. Trees were assessed for growth and survival 3 years after planting. In experiment 2, soil was sampled on four sites across a disturbance gradient from mining waste (WR and TLG) and artisanal gold mining to undisturbed natural soil (NS). Each soil was planted with two separate leguminous trap crops (cowpea and umbrella thorn) in pots to check for microsymbionts. At 3 years, trees grew better on TLG soils with greater arsenic contamination than WRs in the field. Although tree establishment was moderate, with <50% survival, overall results suggest the ability of umbrella thorn to tolerate As contamination levels up to 1,300 ppm and, therefore, its potential for reforestation. Soil pH has shown strong effects on soil nutrient content. In particular, ammonium was the dominant form of mineral nitrogen (N) in the more neutral pH NS soils, while nitrate was present in the more alkaline WRs. Denitrification likely resulted in high N loss where nitrate dominates, reflecting the poor performance of N-deficient trees on WRs compared to TLG soils. Growth trends of umbrella thorn in potted-soils were consistent with those reported on TLG and WR soils in plantations.
Wild Boar Survives in a Landscape That Prohibits Anthropogenic Persecution
Authors: Fu Yanwen , Tan Mengyu , Gong Yinan , Zhao Guojing , Ge Jianping , Yang Haitao , Feng Limin
Published: March 2022

Geopolitical borderlands are politically sensitive areas and biodiversity hotspots, strictly controlled by the government and military. How to ensure political security, while protecting the biodiversity in borderlands is a problem for ecologists and governments. In this study, the nest site selection of the wild boar Sus scrofa was a case study in the Sino-Russia borderland to understand the survival strategy of wild life under anthropogenic pressure. We investigated (a) how the spatial distribution of anthropogenic pressure and wild boar nests in the borderland and (b) how anthropogenic pressure and the border influence on the wild boars’ nest site selection. The Getis-Ord Gi* analysis was used to analyze the distribution patterns of wild boar nest sites and anthropogenic pressures in the borderland, the Structural Equation Models was used to explore the influence of border, roads, settlements, agricultural land, grassland and anthropogenic pressure on wild boars’ nest site selection. The results indicated that wild boar nest sites are close to the border, roads and agricultural land and away from settlements and grassland. Regardless of the combination of anthropogenic pressure, wild boars make the most advantageous choice and prefer to be closer to the borderland. We speculated that military control played a vital role in borderlands for animal protection under anthropogenic pressure. Wild boars benefit from the prohibition of anthropogenic persecution due to military control. Compared with existing measures, we suggest a different protection/wildlife management strategy, what we need to do may be to prohibit anthropogenic persecution rather than perform other human interventions to protect animals. However, for a species with trouble potential, we need to base our conservation strategies on the recovery of top predators, and play the community control role of top predators to avoid the occurrence of trouble.
Case Report: Infantile Cerebellar-Retinal Degeneration With Compound Heterozygous Variants in ACO2 Gene—Long-Term Follow-Up of a Sibling
Authors: Ha Dong Jun , Park Jisun , Seo Go Hun , Lee Kyoungyeul , Kwon Young Se , Lee Ji Eun , Kim Su Jin
Published: March 2022

Infantile cerebellar-retinal degeneration (ICRD) is an extremely rare, infantile-onset neuro-degenerative disease, characterized by autosomal recessive inherited, global developmental delay (GDD), progressive cerebellar and cortical atrophy, and retinal degeneration. In 2012, a biallelic pathogenic variant in ACO2 gene (NM_001098.3) was found to be causative of this disease. To date, approximately 44 variants displaying various clinical features have been reported. Here, we report a case of two siblings with compound heterozygous variants in the ACO2 gene. Two siblings without perinatal problems were born to healthy non-consanguineous Korean parents. They showed GDD and seizures since infancy. Their first brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography, and metabolic workup revealed no abnormal findings. As they grew, they developed symptoms including ataxia, dysmetria, poor sitting balance, and myopia. Follow-up brain MRI findings revealed atrophy of the cerebellum and optic nerve. Through exome sequencing of both siblings and their parents, we identified the following compound heterozygous variants in the ACO2: c.85C > T (p.Arg29Trp) and c.2303C > A (p.Ala768Asp). These two variants were categorized as likely pathogenic based on ACMG/AMP guidelines. In conclusion, this case help to broaden the genetic and clinical spectrum of the ACO2 variants associated with ICRD. We have also documented the long-term clinical course and serial brain MRI findings for two patients with this extremely rare disease.
A Novel Deep Learning Method to Predict Lung Cancer Long-Term Survival With Biological Knowledge Incorporated Gene Expression Images and Clinical Data
Authors: Wang Shuo , Zhang Hao , Liu Zhen , Liu Yuanning
Published: March 2022

Lung cancer is the leading cause of the cancer deaths. Therefore, predicting the survival status of lung cancer patients is of great value. However, the existing methods mainly depend on statistical machine learning (ML) algorithms. Moreover, they are not appropriate for high-dimensionality genomics data, and deep learning (DL), with strong high-dimensional data learning capability, can be used to predict lung cancer survival using genomics data. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) is a great database that contains many kinds of genomics data for 33 cancer types. With this enormous amount of data, researchers can analyze key factors related to cancer therapy. This paper proposes a novel method to predict lung cancer long-term survival using gene expression data from TCGA. Firstly, we select the most relevant genes to the target problem by the supervised feature selection method called mutual information selector. Secondly, we propose a method to convert gene expression data into two kinds of images with KEGG BRITE and KEGG Pathway data incorporated, so that we could make good use of the convolutional neural network (CNN) model to learn high-level features. Afterwards, we design a CNN-based DL model and added two kinds of clinical data to improve the performance, so that we finally got a multimodal DL model. The generalized experiments results indicated that our method performed much better than the ML models and unimodal DL models. Furthermore, we conduct survival analysis and observe that our model could better divide the samples into high-risk and low-risk groups.