bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenological Water Balance Applications for Trend Analyses and Risk Management
Authors: Funk Chris , Way-Henthorne Juliet , Turner Will
Published: September 2021

The overarching goal of this work is to develop and demonstrate methods that support effective agro-pastoral risk management in a changing climate. Disaster mitigation strategies, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), emphasize the need to address underlying causes of disaster risk and to prevent the emergence of new risks. Such assessments can be difficult, because they require transforming changes in meteorological outcomes into sector-specific impact. While it is common to examine trends in seasonal precipitation and precipitation extremes, it is much less common to study how these trends interact with crop and pasture water needs. Here, we show that the Water Requirement (WR) component of the widely used Water Requirement Satisfaction Index (WRSI) can be used to enhance the interpretation of precipitation changes. The WR helps answer a key question: was the amount of rainfall received in a given season enough to satisfy a crop or pasture's water needs? Our first results section focuses on analyzing spatial patterns of climate change. We show how WR values can be used to translate east African rainfall declines into estimates of crop and rangeland water deficits. We also show that increases in WR, during recent droughts, has intensified aridity in arid regions. In addition, using the PWB, we also show that precipitation increases in humid areas of western east Africa have been producing increasingly frequent excessive rainfall seasons. The second portion of our paper focuses on assessing temporal outcomes for a fixed location (Kenya) to support drought-management scenario development. Kenyan rainfall is decreasing and population is increasing. How can we translate this data into actionable information? The United Nations and World Meteorological Organization advise nations to proactively plan for agro-hydrologic shocks by setting aside sufficient grain and financial resources to help buffer inevitable low-crop production years. We show how precipitation, WR, crop statistics, and population data can be used to help guide 1-in-10 and 1-in-25-year low crop yield scenarios, which could be used to guide Kenya's drought management planning and development. The first and second research components share a common objective: using the PWB to translate rainfall data into more actionable information that can inform disaster risk management and development planning.
Simulation Agent-Based Model to Demonstrate the Transmission of COVID-19 and Effectiveness of Different Public Health Strategies
Authors: Wang Yixing , Xiong Hainan , Liu Sijie , Jung Ara , Stone Trish , Chukoskie Leanne
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 has changed the world fundamentally since its outbreak in January 2020. Public health experts and administrations around the world suggested and implemented various intervention strategies to slow down the transmission of the virus. To illustrate to the general public how the virus is transmitted and how different intervention strategies can check the transmission, we built an agent-based model (ABM) to simulate the transmission of the virus in the real world and demonstrate how to prevent its spread with public health strategies.
Similarities and Differences Between HFmrEF and HFpEF
Authors: Li Peixin , Zhao Hengli , Zhang Jianyu , Ning Yunshan , Tu Yan , Xu Dingli , Zeng Qingchun
Published: September 2021

The new guidelines classify heart failure (HF) into three subgroups based on the ejection fraction (EF): HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), HF with mid-range EF (HFmrEF), and HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). The new guidelines regarding the declaration of HFmrEF as a unique phenotype have achieved the goal of stimulating research on the basic characteristics, pathophysiology, and treatment of HF patients with a left ventricular EF of 40–49%. Patients with HFmrEF have more often been described as an intermediate population between HFrEF and HFpEF patients; however, with regard to etiology and clinical indicators, they are more similar to the HFrEF population. Concerning clinical prognosis, they are closer to HFpEF because both populations have a good prognosis and quality of life. Meanwhile, growing evidence indicates that HFmrEF and HFpEF show heterogeneity in presentation and pathophysiology, and the emergence of this heterogeneity often plays a crucial role in the prognosis and treatment of the disease. To date, the exact mechanisms and effective treatment strategies of HFmrEF and HFpEF are still poorly understood, but some of the current evidence, from observational studies andpost-hocanalyses of randomized controlled trials, have shown that patients with HFmrEF may benefit more from HFrEF treatment strategies, such as beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sacubitril/valsartan. This review summarizes available data from current clinical practice and mechanistic studies in terms of epidemiology, etiology, clinical indicators, mechanisms, and treatments to discuss the potential association between HFmrEF and HFpEF patients.
PPARβ/δ Is Required for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Cardioprotective Effects Independently of Their Anti-inflammatory Properties in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Nernpermpisooth Nitirut , Sarre Charlotte , Barrere Christian , Contreras Rafaël , Luz-Crawford Patricia , Tejedor Gautier , Vincent Anne , Piot Christophe , Kumphune Sarawut , Nargeot Joel , Jorgensen Christian , Barrère-Lemaire Stéphanie , Djouad Farida
Published: September 2021

Myocardial infarction ranks first for the mortality worldwide. Because the adult heart is unable to regenerate, fibrosis develops to compensate for the loss of contractile tissue after infarction, leading to cardiac remodeling and heart failure. Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) regenerative properties, as well as their safety and efficacy, have been demonstrated in preclinical models. However, in clinical trials, their beneficial effects are controversial. In an experimental model of arthritis, we have previously shown that PPARβ/δ deficiency enhanced the therapeutic effect of MSC. The aim of the present study was to compare the therapeutic effects of wild-type MSC (MSC) and MSC deficient for PPARβ/δ (KO MSC) perfused in an ex vivo mouse model of ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. For this purpose, hearts from C57BL/6J mice were subjected ex vivo to 30 min ischemia followed by 1-h reperfusion. MSC and KO MSC were injected into the Langendorff system during reperfusion. After 1 h of reperfusion, the TTC method was used to assess infarct size. Coronary effluents collected in basal condition (before ischemia) and after ischemia at 1 h of reperfusion were analyzed for their cytokine profiles. The dose-response curve for the cardioprotection was established ex vivo using different doses of MSC (3.105, 6.105, and 24.105 cells/heart) and the dose of 6.105 MSC was found to be the optimal concentration. We showed that the cardioprotective effect of MSC was PPARβ/δ-dependent since it was lost using KO MSC. Moreover, cytokine profiling of the coronary effluents collected in the eluates after 60 min of reperfusion revealed that MSC treatment decreases CXCL1 chemokine and interleukin-6 release compared with untreated hearts. This anti-inflammatory effect of MSC was also observed when hearts were treated with PPARβ/δ-deficient MSC. In conclusion, our study revealed that the acute cardioprotective properties of MSC in an ex vivo model of IR injury, assessed by a decreased infarct size at 1 h of reperfusion, are PPARβ/δ-dependent but not related to their anti-inflammatory effects.
Endovascular Debulking of Human Carotid Plaques by Using an Excimer Laser Combined With Balloon Angioplasty: An ex vivo Study
Authors: Yang Kai , Tan Jinyun , Deng Ying , Shi Weihao , Yu Bo
Published: September 2021

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of applying an excimer laser in debulking human carotid atherosclerotic plaques by investigating the distal debris, plaque luminal gain, and micromorphology of the plaque surface.

Methods: Eighteen plaque samples obtained from carotid endarterectomy (CEA) were randomly allocated to the excimer laser ablation (45 mJ/mm2, 25 Hz) alone group (group 1), balloon angioplasty (8 atm) alone group (group 2), and excimer laser ablation combined with balloon angioplasty group (group 3). Hematoxylin–eosin staining and Movat's pentachrome staining were performed on the collected particles to quantify the size and composition of the debris. The superficial micromorphological structure of the plaque lumen surface after device treatments was observed using a scanning electron microscope. Micro-CT, tissue sections, and pathological stainings were applied to the treated plaques. The plaque lumen and artery lumen were three-dimensionally reconstructed using clinical computed tomography angiography and the micro-CT images. Lumen enlargement was set as the main measurement of effectiveness.

Results: Group 3 produced the highest luminal gain (5.40 ± 4.51 mm2), while the other two groups had gains of 4.05 ± 3.20 and 3.77 ± 2.55 mm2. Both devices caused disruptions to the plaque lumen surface. Laser ablation exposed the fibers under the endothelium and balloon angioplasty cracked the surface. The mean amounts were 3,611 ± 1,475.4 for group 1, 2,828 ± 1,266.7 for group 2, and 4,400 ± 2,567.9 for group 3. More than 90% of the distal debris was smaller than 10 μm. Group 2 produced the most debris with Feret (maximum caliper diameter) ≥ 40 μm; group 1 had the least. There was little difference in the contents of collagen and reticular fiber in the debris in each group, but a big difference was observed in the contents of fibrin and mucin.

Conclusion: Excimer laser ablation could significantly increase the luminal gain of carotid plaque with high stenosis. Excimer laser combined with balloon angioplasty achieved the highest lumen enlargement. Our result also suggests that the embolic protection strategy needs to be renewed for the application of a plaque debulking device in the future.
Systematic Comparison of Left Ventricular Geometry Between 3D-Echocardiography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zhao Debbie , Quill Gina M. , Gilbert Kathleen , Wang Vicky Y. , Houle Helene C. , Legget Malcolm E. , Ruygrok Peter N. , Doughty Robert N. , Pedrosa João , D'hooge Jan , Young Alistair A. , Nash Martyn P.
Published: September 2021

Aims: Left ventricular (LV) volumes estimated using three-dimensional echocardiography (3D-echo) have been reported to be smaller than those measured using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, but the underlying causes are not well-understood. We investigated differences in regional LV anatomy derived from these modalities and related subsequent findings to image characteristics.

Methods and Results: Seventy participants (18 patients and 52 healthy participants) were imaged with 3D-echo and CMR (<1 h apart). Three-dimensional left ventricular models were constructed at end-diastole (ED) and end-systole (ES) from both modalities using previously validated software, enabling the fusion of CMR with 3D-echo by rigid registration. Regional differences were evaluated as mean surface distances for each of the 17 American Heart Association segments, and by comparing contours superimposed on images from each modality. In comparison to CMR-derived models, 3D-echo models underestimated LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) by −16 ± 22, −1 ± 25, and −18 ± 24 ml across three independent analysis methods. Average surface distance errors were largest in the basal-anterolateral segment (11–15 mm) and smallest in the mid-inferoseptal segment (6 mm). Larger errors were associated with signal dropout in anterior regions and the appearance of trabeculae at the lateral wall.

Conclusions: Fusion of CMR and 3D-echo provides insight into the causes of volume underestimation by 3D-echo. Systematic signal dropout and differences in appearances of trabeculae lead to discrepancies in the delineation of LV geometry at anterior and lateral regions. A better understanding of error sources across modalities may improve correlation of clinical indices between 3D-echo and CMR.
Efficacy and Safety of Ablation for Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Wei-Chieh , Wu Po-Jui , Chen Huang-Chung , Fang Hsiu-Yu , Liu Ping-Yen , Chen Mien-Cheng
Published: September 2021

Background: Age affects the efficacy of pharmacological treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). Catheter ablation, including radiofrequency (RF) or cryoballoon ablation, is an effective strategy for symptomatic AF. This meta-analysis aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of AF ablation in elderly patients with AF compared to non-elderly patients with AF.

Methods: We searched several databases for articles published between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2020. Eighteen observational studies with 21,039 patients were analyzed. Data including recurrence of AF or atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA), complications, procedural time, and fluoroscopic time were compared between the elderly and non-elderly groups.

Results: The elderly patients had significantly higher incidences of recurrent AF or ATA after AF ablation compared to the non-elderly patients (<60 years old) (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–1.33). The elderly patients had significantly higher incidences of complications of AF ablation compared to the non-elderly patients (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.14–1.64). However, elderly AF patients with age ≥75 years old had similar incidence of recurrent AF or ATA and complication after AF ablation compared to non-elderly patients with AF.

Conclusions: The elderly patients had significantly higher incidences of recurrent AF or ATA and complications after ablation for non-paroxysmal AF compared to non-elderly patients with AF (<60 years old), except in patients ≥75 years old.
Case Report: Minimally Invasive Therapy by Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Percutaneous Intramyocardial Septal Radiofrequency Ablation for a Patient With Aortic Stenosis Combined With Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: Two-Year Follow-Up Results
Authors: Li Yijian , Feng Yuan , Li Xi , Zuo Lei , Gu Tao , Liu Liwen , Chen Mao
Published: September 2021

With the development of minimally invasive technologies in the medical field, more and more technologies can replace surgical thoracotomy and relieve the pain of disease via minimally invasive methods. We reported a case of aortic valve stenosis combined with left ventricular outflow track obstruction treated by two minimally invasive techniques, transcatheter aortic valve replacement and transthoracic echocardiography–guided percutaneous intramyocardial septal radiofrequency ablation, and followed up for 2 years.
Association Between Carotid Artery Perivascular Fat Density and Intraplaque Hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Gu Hui , Yu Xinxin , Kang Bing , Yuan Xianshun , Wang Ximing
Published: September 2021

Objectives: Perivascular adipose tissue plays a key role in atherosclerosis, but its effects on the composition of carotid atherosclerotic plaques are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between inflammatory carotid artery and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) in the carotid artery.

Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study. Carotid inflammation was assessed by perivascular fat density (PFD) in 72 participants (mean age, 65.1 years; 56 men) who underwent both computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 2 weeks. The presence of IPH was assessed with MRI. Carotid stenosis, maximum plaque thickness, calcification, and ulceration were evaluated through CTA. The association between PFD and the occurrence of IPH was studied using generalized estimating equations analysis.

Results: Of 156 plaques, 72 plaques (46.2%) had IPH. Plaques with IPH showed higher PFD than those without [−41.4 ± 3.9 vs. −55.8 ± 6.5 Hounsfield unit (HU); p < 0.001]. After age, calcification, degree of stenosis, maximum plaque thickness, and ulceration were adjusted for, PFD (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.41–2.73; p < 0.001) was found to be strongly associated with the presence of IPH.

Conclusions: A higher PFD is associated with the presence of IPH in the carotid artery. These findings may provide a novel marker to identify carotid IPH and risk stratification.
Factors to Consider in the Use of Vital Signs Wearables to Minimize Contact With Stable COVID-19 Patients: Experience of Its Implementation During the Pandemic
Authors: Fan Esther Monica Pei Jin , Ang Shin Yuh , Phua Ghee Chee , Chen Ee Lee , Wong Kok Cheong , Tan Franklin Chee Ping , Tan Lydia Wan Har , Ayre Tracy Carol , Chua Chee Yong , Tan Benedict Wee Bor , Yeo Khung Keong
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a huge burden on the healthcare industry worldwide. Pressures to increase the isolation healthcare facility to cope with the growing number of patients led to an exploration of the use of wearables for vital signs monitoring among stable COVID-19 patients. Vital signs wearables were chosen for use in our facility with the purpose of reducing patient contact and preserving personal protective equipment. The process of deciding on the wearable solution as well as the implementation of the solution brought much insight to the team. This paper presents an overview of factors to consider in implementing a vital signs wearable solution. This includes considerations before deciding on whether or not to use a wearable device, followed by key criteria of the solution to assess. With the use of wearables rising in popularity, this serves as a guide for others who may want to implement it in their institutions.
Oxygen Isotope Equilibrium of the Shallow-Water Benthic Foraminifer Hanzawaia nipponica Asano in Tosa Bay, Southwest Japan
Authors: Ikehara Minoru , Kita Shigetaka , Kawagata Shungo
Published: September 2021

Oxygen isotopic compositions (δ18O) of benthic foraminifer tests are widely used for reconstructing paleoceanographic changes, such as global ice volumes during glacial–interglacial cycles. Although deep-sea benthic foraminifers have been well characterized and are considered reliable indicators, little attention has been paid to the geochemistry of shallow-water benthic foraminifers. In this study we evaluated δ18O in the shallow-water benthic foraminifer Hanzawaia nipponica Asano, which lives in surface sediments on continental shelves and upper slopes under the influence of two warm currents, the Kuroshio and Tsushima currents, in the East China Sea, northwest Pacific, and southwestern Japan Sea. To evaluate oxygen isotope equilibrium, we analyzed δ18O of H. nipponica and ambient seawater on the continental shelf in Tosa Bay, southwest Japan. Seawater δ18O and salinity in Tosa Bay are similar to those of surface and subsurface waters in the Kuroshio region in the Okinawa Trough and the northwest Pacific. Vertical profiles of seawater δ18O show no variation with water depth (0–200 m) in Tosa Bay. However, tests of living H. nipponica (as determined by staining with Rose Bengal) and fossil (non-stained) H. nipponica, picked from samples of the top centimeter of seafloor sediment, yielded carbonate δ18O values that clearly increase with water depth, suggesting a temperature-dependent relationship. A comparison of carbonate δ18O values in living H. nipponica and those predicted on the basis of seawater δ18O and annual mean bottom temperature shows that H. nipponica tests are in oxygen isotopic equilibrium with ambient seawater. We determined the linear equations of δ18O–temperature relationship, and the slope of −5.26 (0.19‰°C−1) for living and −4.50 (0.22‰°C−1) for the fossil H. nipponica, respectively. The carbon isotopic compositions (δ13C) of H. nipponica also closely match seawater δ13C. Thus, we propose that the carbonate δ18O and δ13C of H. nipponica are useful proxies to reconstruct shallow-water paleoenvironmental changes in the northwest Pacific and its marginal seas.
Controlling Factors Analyses of Sediment Dispersal From Source-to-Sink Systems of Lacustrine Rift Basin: A Case Study From Paleogene Shahejie-Dongying Formations of Nanpu Sag, Eastern China
Authors: Yu Jifeng , Liu Tianjiao , Jia Haibo , Jiang Zihao , Wei Shuhao , Li Yanping , Ma Shibiao
Published: September 2021

Tectonic activity not only shapes the basic stratigraphic framework of rift basins, but also profoundly affects the sediment dispersal in rift basins. In this study, analyses of heavy mineral assemblages in different periods demonstrate that there are three obvious tectono-sedimentary evolutionary stages (Es3–Es2, Es1–Ed2, and Ed1, respectively) in the Paleogene provenance area of Nanpu Sag, and the volume of sand bodies increases from the bottom of the Paleogene Shahejie (Es) Formation to the top of the Dongying (Ed) Formation in Nanpu Sag. Besides, this study comprehensively utilize the analyses of seismic interpretation, palynology, heavy mineral, and borehole core samples to investigate the controlling factors of sediment dispersal in the rift basin. The assemblages of heavy minerals in different periods reflect the rock composition and catchment area of different provenance areas, and their vertical differences reflect the evolution process of the provenance area and reflect the uplift-denudation process of the provenance area. The results reveal that the synergy of the evolution of tectonic activity and the adjustment of topographical evolution are the main controlling factors of sediment dispersal in Nanpu Sag, while climate change is not the main controlling factor. We conclude that an increased sediment supply rate in the long term reflects the control of tectonic activity on basin topography, rather than climate fluctuations. The differences in morphological modification result in differential sediment dispersal, which is principally related to the differential extrusion of the fault system. The catchment area and provenance distance adjustment is evidenced by the vertical changes of heavy mineral characteristics of single-well and interaction and linkage of boundary faults, and the adjustment of topography evolution. A consideration is that the interaction and linkage of boundary faults and complex subsidence history are multi-directional, and differential evolution of provenance area is universal in lacustrine rift basins, all of this highlights the adjustment of sediment pathways generated by this characteristic of rift basins and emphasizes the importance of controlling factors analyses in understanding differential sediment dispersal that presents in the rift basins. Besides, four sets of sediment dispersal patterns were delineated based on different developmental regions in the rift basin, which are fault segmental point and multi-stage fault terrace, single-stage fault terrace and axial fault valley, axial fault terrace, and paleo-terrace and axial fault valley, respectively. This study has a certain guiding significance for the prediction of the spatial distribution of sand bodies in the rift basin and the exploration of potential oil and gas targets in the rift basin.
On the Origin of Orphan Tremors and Intraplate Seismicity in Western Africa
Authors: Olugboji T. , Shirzaei Manoochehr , Lu Yingping , Adepelumi A. A. , Kolawole F.
Published: September 2021

On September 5–7, 2018, a series of tremors were reported in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja. These events followed a growing list of tremors felt in the stable intraplate region, where earthquakes are not expected. Here, we review available seismological, geological, and geodetic data that may shed light on the origin of these tremors. First, we investigate the seismic records for parent location of the orphan tremors using a technique suitable when a single-seismic station is available such as the Western Africa region, which has a sparse seismic network. We find no evidence of the reported tremors within the seismic record of Western Africa. Next, we consider the possibility of a local amplification of earthquakes from regional tectonics, reactivation of local basement fractures by far-field tectonic stresses, post-rift crustal relaxation, landward continuation of oceanic fracture zones, or induced earthquakes triggered by groundwater extraction. Our assessments pose important implications for understanding Western Africa’s intraplate seismicity and its potential connection to tectonic inheritance, active regional tectonics, and anthropogenic stress perturbation.
Summer Cyclones and Their Association With Short-Term Sea Ice Variability in the Pacific Sector of the Arctic
Authors: Finocchio Peter M. , Doyle James D.
Published: September 2021

We investigate the effects of summer cyclones on sea ice within the Pacific sector of the Arctic by analyzing the surface energy flux and wind forcing from a large sample of cyclones. Consistent with recent studies, we find that cyclones earlier in the melt season tend to be associated with less 1–5 day sea ice loss than what occurs in the absence of cyclones. In contrast, cyclones later in the melt season slightly accelerate the 1-day sea ice loss. The reduced ice loss following cyclones in June is primarily due to increased cloud cover reducing the net shortwave flux at the surface. Clouds associated with cyclones in July and August also reduce the net shortwave flux at the surface, but only over high-concentration sea ice. Southerly winds associated with August cyclones increase both the negative local sea ice advection and the surface heat flux, particularly for the low concentration sea ice that is prevalent in August. Sea ice advection and surface heat flux are the only two factors we examined that can explain the enhanced ice loss on cyclone days in August. We also examined two cyclone cases that impacted sea ice in the East Siberian Sea in June 2012 and August 2016, and found for both cyclones that the sensible heat flux is the largest positive anomalous forcing and the shortwave radiative flux is the largest negative anomalous forcing. Similar to the large sample of cyclones, the shortwave flux has a stronger relationship to local changes in SIC in June than in August. Part of the reason for this is that the cloud shortwave radiative forcing during the August cyclone is 26% weaker than during the June cyclone. In an area averaged sense, the anomalous surface energy and wind forcing of both cyclone cases is similar in magnitude, yet the August cyclone is followed by a greater reduction in both sea ice area and mean sea ice concentration than the June cyclone. This result emphasizes how the underlying sea ice characteristics largely determine cyclone impacts on sea ice on short time scales.
Research on Application of Multi-Channel Selector in Centrifugal Model Test of Anchoring Slope by Frame Beam
Authors: Zhang Junhui , Li Feng , Zhang Shiping , Zhou Jiankun , Wu Houming
Published: September 2021

An anchoring frame beam is a very common form of support for reinforced slopes, especially in alpine regions. Centrifugal tests have proved to be an intuitive and effective means of investigating the mechanism of action of frame beams. However, the data acquisition system of the geotechnical centrifuge in service has the problem of a small number of acquisition channels. A multi-channel selector based on the existing acquisition system was proposed, designed, processed, and manufactured, and it was debugged, tested, and applied in a no-load centrifugal test, static pressure model test, and centrifugal model test. The results show that the acquisition mode of the multi-channel selector connected with a maximum of 288 sensors has been changed from “one-to-one” to “one-to-many”. Its influence on various sensor signals is negligible. The multi-channel selector can work normally, which communicates and feeds back with the remote controller in the 1–120 g no-load centrifugal test. In the static load model test, 162 sensor signals were well collected through it. And only 51 channels were used to effectively obtain the signals of 187 sensors in a 70 g centrifugal model test of an anchoring slope with a frame beam. The multi-channel selector can be successfully applied in different use environments, saving time and reducing the cost of obtaining a single set of data.
Examining Academics’ Strategies for Coping With Stress and Emotions: A Review of Research
Authors: Salimzadeh Raheleh , Hall Nathan C. , Saroyan Alenoush
Published: September 2021

Existing research suggests that numerous aspects of the modern academic career are stressful and trigger emotional responses, with evidence further showing job-related stress and emotions to impact well-being and productivity of post-secondary faculty (i.e., university or college research and teaching staff). The current paper provides a comprehensive and descriptive review of the empirical research on coping and emotion regulation strategies among faculty members, identifies adaptive stress management and emotion regulation strategies for coping with emotional demands of the academic profession, synthesizes findings on the association between such strategies and faculty well-being, and provides directions for future research on this topic.
Microbes Go to School: Using Microbiology and Service-Learning to Increase Science Awareness and Fostering the Relationship Between Universities and the General Public
Authors: Fatton Mathilda , Schneiter Arthur , Allisiardi Miriam , Hänni Lola , Hauser Gilles , Gonçalves-Fernandes Yazalde , Pessina Alice , Pijnenburg Marie-Lou , Vaudroz Clément , Bshary Andrea , Bindschedler Saskia , Junier Pilar
Published: September 2021

Microbiology is an essential element of our everyday lives. This is not only the consequence of the importance of some pathogenic microorganisms, but also due to their positive and important role in processes related to human health, food production or waste recycling, to cite a few. However, the relevance of microbiology for the well-being of humankind and the planet still needs to reach beyond academic circles. Many current matters of urgency, such as environmental pollution or climate change, could partly be tackled by using green and sustainable solutions derived from microbial biotechnologies. Nevertheless, the wider public still attributes a negative connotation to microbes such as fungi and bacteria. The aim of this study was to implement service-learning as a pedagogical approach to increase scientific and microbiology literacy in society. Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates community service and civic responsibility, fostering the dissemination of scientific knowledge. This approach is used to communicate about pressing societal issues surrounding microbes (antibiotic resistance, natural resources recycling, human microbiota, and food production among others) to an audience of pupils attending public schools. The activity of service-learning is proposed in the final year of the biology bachelor curriculum. Its purpose is to allow university students to develop and practice their lay communication skills as a key competence to be acquired during their university education. In the activity, the students developed their own concept and material for the activity and delivered it to pupils at primary and secondary school levels (pupils aged 6–15 years old). The message is also expected to be disseminated beyond the participants, when the students and pupils share their experience with family and friends. With this pedagogical approach, we intend to raise awareness regarding about the importance of microbiology and its dual roles as harmful and beneficial for humans. We also wish to increase the connection between primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions. Finally, we want to highlight the importance of having a new generation of communication savvy professionals in biology.
The Effects of Diet and Exercise on Endogenous Estrogens and Subsequent Breast Cancer Risk in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Wiggs Alleigh G. , Chandler Justin K. , Aktas Aynur , Sumner Susan J. , Stewart Delisha A.
Published: September 2021

Endogenous estrogens have been associated with overall breast cancer risk, particularly for postmenopausal women, and ways to reduce these estrogens have served as a primary means to decrease overall risk. This narrative review of clinical studies details how various nutritional and exercise lifestyle interventions have been used to modify estrogen levels and metabolism to provide a protective impact against breast cancer incidence. We also summarized the evidence supporting the efficacy of interventions, outcomes of interest and identified emerging research themes. A systematic PubMed MEDLINE search identified scholarly articles or reviews published between 2000-2020 that contained either a cohort, cross-sectional, or interventional study design and focused on the relationships between diet and/or exercise and overall levels of different forms of estrogen and breast cancer risk and occurrence. Screening and data extraction was undertaken by two researchers. Data synthesis was narrative due to the heterogeneous nature of studies. A total of 1625 titles/abstracts were screened, 198 full texts reviewed; and 43 met eligibility criteria. Of the 43 studies, 28 were randomized controlled trials, and 15 were observational studies. Overall, studies that incorporated both diet and exercise interventions demonstrated better control of detrimental estrogen forms and levels and thus likely represent the best strategies for preventing breast cancer development for postmenopausal women. Some of the strongest associations included weight lossviadiet and diet + exercise interventions, reducing alcohol consumption, and consuming a varied dietary pattern, similar to the Mediterranean diet. More research should be done on the effects of specific nutritional components on endogenous estrogen levels to understand the effect that the components have on their own and in combination within the diet.
H∞–Adaptive H∞ Algorithm-Based State of Charge Estimation Considering the Hysteresis Effect for Lithium Polymer Battery
Authors: Feng Hailong , Wang Zhifu , Zhang Fujun
Published: September 2021

Accurate state of charge (SoC) estimation is crucial for the safe and reliable running of lithium-ion batteries in electrified transportation equipment. To enhance the estimation accuracy and robustness under different ambient temperatures, H∞ and the adaptive H∞ filterings were first combined to simultaneously forecast the parameters and SoC of the battery model considering the hysteresis effect in this paper. To drop the computational complexity to the most extent, the hysteresis unit was integrated into the first-order RC battery model and the aforementioned combined algorithm was developed under a dual-time frame. Then, the battery model with the hysteresis effect is evaluated against the model without that in terms of the estimation accuracy. Subsequently, the proposed algorithm is compared with the dual H∞ algorithm based on the employed battery model. The results demonstrate the excellent performance of the utilized battery model and the proposed algorithm in terms of both the estimation accuracy and the convergence speed.
Ex-Ante Evaluation of Economic Impacts of Adopting Improved Forages in the Colombian Orinoquía
Authors: Enciso Karen , Charry Andres , Castillo Álvaro Rincón , Burkart Stefan
Published: September 2021

Forage-based cattle systems play a key role in rural economies of developing countries in terms of food security and poverty alleviation. However, they can generate negative environmental impacts by contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, and reduction of biodiversity. As a result of that, large amounts of resources have been allocated to research and development (R&D) in forage material improvement and a broad range of improved materials were released showing superior characteristics in terms of productivity and environmental impacts compared to native or naturalized materials. However, data are still scarce on both the economic and environmental “yields” of investments in R&D activities around improved forage materials. Through an ex-ante evaluation, this study aims at estimating the potential “yields” of the investment in R&D and diffusion activities of the improved forage variety Brachiaria brizantha 26,124 cv. Agrosavia Caporal in the Colombian Orinoquía region. The analysis used two evaluation methodologies: 1) a combined discounted free cash flow model and Monte Carlo simulation using the simulation software @Risk to determine the impact on individual welfare, and 2) an economic surplus model an risk analysis to determine the potential social benefits of the technologies and their distribution among producers and consumers, considering changes in adoption rates, productivity levels and probability of success. The results suggest that the evaluated material presents important economic benefits for the study region and results in a positive return on the investments made in R&D activities. The results are a key input for decision making processes among public and private institutions involved in funding and executing the development of improved forage materials and will help to set research priorities and resource allocation.
Luciferins Under Construction: A Review of Known Biosynthetic Pathways
Authors: Tsarkova Aleksandra S.
Published: September 2021

Bioluminescence, or the ability of a living organism to generate visible light, occurs as a result of biochemical reaction where enzyme, known as a luciferase, catalyzes the oxidation of a small-molecule substrate, known as luciferin. This advantageous trait has independently evolved dozens of times, with current estimates ranging from the most conservative 40, based on the biochemical diversity found across bioluminescence systems (Haddock et al., 2010) to 100, taking into account the physiological mechanisms involved in the behavioral control of light production across a wide range of taxa (Davis et al., 2016; Verdes and Gruber, 2017; Bessho-Uehara et al., 2020a; Lau and Oakley, 2021). Chemical structures of ten biochemically unrelated luciferins and several luciferase gene families have been described; however, a full biochemical pathway leading to light emission has been elucidated only for two: bacterial and fungal bioluminescence systems. Although the recent years have been marked by extraordinary discoveries and promising breakthroughs in understanding the molecular basis of multiple bioluminescence systems, the mechanisms of luciferin biosynthesis for many organisms remain almost entirely unknown. This article seeks to provide a succinct overview of currently known luciferins’ biosynthetic pathways.
Identification of a Four-Gene Signature With Prognostic Significance in Endometrial Cancer Using Weighted-Gene Correlation Network Analysis
Authors: Huang Shijin , Pang Lihong , Wei Changqiang
Published: September 2021

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a precursor for endometrial cancer (EC). However, biomarkers for the progression from EH to EC and standard prognostic biomarkers for EC have not been identified. In this study, we aimed to identify key genes with prognostic significance for the progression from EH to EC. Weighted-gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify hub genes utilizing microarray data (GSE106191) downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from the Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC) dataset of The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The Limma-Voom R package was applied to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs; mRNAs) between cancer and normal samples. Genes with |log2 (fold change [FC])| > 1.0 and p < 0.05 were considered as DEGs. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression and survival analyses were performed to identify potential prognostic genes using hub genes overlapping in the two datasets. All analyses were conducted using R Bioconductor and related packages. Through WGCNA and overlapping genes in hub modules with DEGs in the UCEC dataset, we identified 42 hub genes. The results of the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that four hub genes, BUB1B, NDC80, TPX2, and TTK, were independently associated with the prognosis of EC (Hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.591 [0.382–0.912], p = 0.017; 0.605 [0.371–0.986], p = 0.044; 1.678 [1.132–2.488], p = 0.01; 2.428 [1.372–4.29], p = 0.02, respectively). A nomogram was established with a risk score calculated using the four genes’ coefficients in the multivariate analysis, and tumor grade and stage had a favorable predictive value for the prognosis of EC. The survival analysis showed that the high-risk group had an unfavorable prognosis compared with the low-risk group (p < 0.0001). The receiver operating characteristic curves also indicated that the risk model had a potential predictive value of prognosis with area under the curve 0.807 at 2 years, 0.783 at 3 years, and 0.786 at 5 years. We established a four-gene signature with prognostic significance in EC using WGCNA and established a nomogram to predict the prognosis of EC.
CoMM-S4: A Collaborative Mixed Model Using Summary-Level eQTL and GWAS Datasets in Transcriptome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Yang Yi , Yeung Kar-Fu , Liu Jin
Published: September 2021

Motivation: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have achieved remarkable success in identifying SNP-trait associations in the last decade. However, it is challenging to identify the mechanisms that connect the genetic variants with complex traits as the majority of GWAS associations are in non-coding regions. Methods that integrate genomic and transcriptomic data allow us to investigate how genetic variants may affect a trait through their effect on gene expression. These include CoMM and CoMM-S2, likelihood-ratio-based methods that integrate GWAS and eQTL studies to assess expression-trait association. However, their reliance on individual-level eQTL data render them inapplicable when only summary-level eQTL results, such as those from large-scale eQTL analyses, are available.

Result: We develop an efficient probabilistic model, CoMM-S4, to explore the expression-trait association using summary-level eQTL and GWAS datasets. Compared with CoMM-S2, which uses individual-level eQTL data, CoMM-S4 requires only summary-level eQTL data. To test expression-trait association, an efficient variational Bayesian EM algorithm and a likelihood ratio test were constructed. We applied CoMM-S4 to both simulated and real data. The simulation results demonstrate that CoMM-S4 can perform as well as CoMM-S2 and S-PrediXcan, and analyses using GWAS summary statistics from Biobank Japan and eQTL summary statistics from eQTLGen and GTEx suggest novel susceptibility loci for cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.

Availability and implementation: The developed R package is available at https://github.com/gordonliu810822/CoMM.
Identification of a Rare Case With Nagashima-Type Palmoplantar Keratoderma and 18q Deletion Syndrome via Exome Sequencing and Low-Coverage Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Li Qianqian , Zhu Xiaofan , Wang Conghui , Meng Jingjing , Chen Duo , Kong Xiangdong
Published: September 2021

Nagashima-type palmoplantar keratoderma (NPPK) is characterized by non-progressive, diffuse, and cross-gradient hyperkeratosis caused by mutations in the SERPINB7 gene on chromosome 18q21.33. Chromosome 18q deletion syndrome (18q- syndrome) is a terminal deletion or microdeletion syndrome characterized by intellectual disability and congenital malformations. This paper describes an 18-year-old man with palmoplantar keratoderma and diffuse white matter abnormalities in the brain. Trio-based exome sequencing (ES) revealed a suspected mosaic compound heterozygous mutation for c.796C>T (p.Arg266∗) in exon 8 inherited from the mother and a de novo exons 4–6 deletion of SERPINB7. Additional copy number variant (CNV) analysis of the ES data indicated a heterozygous gross deletion of 18q22.3-q23. The two SERPINB7 gene variants were verified by Sanger sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Finally, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (WGS) confirmed the 18q22.3-q23 deletion and additionally detected a mosaic 18q21.33-q22.3 deletion, together explaining NPPK and the neurological phenotypes of the proband. The gross deletion of all exons of SERPINB7 was revealed for the first time. More rarely, c.796C>T (p.Arg266∗) was likely to be mosaic, while the exon deletion was mosaic. In conclusion, the combination of multiple molecular genetic testing methods provides comprehensive informative molecular findings and promotes the diagnosis of complex diseases, as in this case.
A Ferroptosis-Related Prognostic Signature Based on Antitumor Immunity and Tumor Protein p53 Mutation Exploration for Guiding Treatment in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Fan Xin , Ou YangShaobo , Liu Huijie , Zhan Liangzhen , Zhu Xingrong , Cheng Mingyang , Li Qun , Yin Dongmei , Liao Lan
Published: September 2021

Background: Due to the lack of accurate guidance of biomarkers, the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has not been ideal. Ferroptosis plays an important role in tumor suppression and treatment of patients. However, tumor protein p53 (TP53) mutation may promote tumor progression through ferroptosis. Therefore, it is particularly important to mine prognostic-related differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (PR-DE-FRGs) in HNSCC to construct a prognostic model for accurately guiding clinical treatment.

Methods: First, the HNSCC data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to identify PR-DE-FRGs for screening candidate genes to construct a prognostic model. We not only used a variety of methods to verify the accuracy of the model for predicting prognosis but also explored the role of ferroptosis in the development of HNSCC from the perspective of the immune microenvironment and mutation. Finally, we explored the correlation between the prognostic model and clinical treatment and drew a high-precision nomogram to predict the prognosis.

Results: Seventeen of the 29 PR-DE-FRGs were selected to construct a prognostic model with good predictive performance. Patients in the low-risk group were found to have a greater number of CD8 + T cells, follicular helper T cells, regulatory T cells, mast cells, T-cell costimulations, and type II interferon responses. A higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) was observed in the low-risk group and was associated with a better prognosis. A higher risk score was found in the TP53 mutation group and was associated with a worse prognosis. The risk score is closely related to the expression of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-related genes such as PD-L1 and the IC50 of six chemotherapeutic drugs. The nomogram we constructed performs well in predicting prognosis.

Conclusion: Ferroptosis may participate in the progression of HNSCC through the immune microenvironment and TP53 mutation. The model we built can be used as an effective predictor of immunotherapy and chemotherapy effects and prognosis of HNSCC patients.