bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune Response at the Crossroads of Atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Stahr Natalie , Galkina Elena V.
Published: July 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are pathologies that are characterized by common signatures of vascular dysfunction and chronic inflammation that are accelerated with aging. Importantly, epidemiological studies report an independent interaction between AD and CVD and data suggest that chronic inflammation in CVD may accelerate AD development. Atherosclerosis affects most large to medium sized arteries including those supplying the cerebral circulation. Vascular dysfunction caused by atherosclerosis results in blood brain barrier breakdown, inflammation, an impaired clearance of amyloid-beta (Aβ), and finally ends with neurovascular dysfunction. Numerous data indicate that innate and adaptive immune responses shape atherogenesis and increasing evidence suggests an implication of the immune response in AD progression. Currently, mechanisms by which these two diseases are interconnected with each other are not well-defined. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in our understanding of the intertwined role of the immune response in atherosclerosis and AD and the implications of these findings for human health.
Role of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance to Assess Cardiovascular Inflammation
Authors: Filomena Domenico , Dresselaers Tom , Bogaert Jan
Published: July 2022

Cardiovascular inflammatory diseases still represent a challenge for physicians. Inflammatory cardiomyopathy, pericarditis, and large vessels vasculitis can clinically mimic a wide spectrum of diseases. While the underlying etiologies are varied, the common physio-pathological process is characterized by vasodilation, exudation, leukocytes infiltration, cell damage, and fibrosis. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) allows the visualization of some of these diagnostic targets. CMR provides not only morphological and functional assessment but also tissue catheterization revealing edema, hyperemia, tissue injury, and reparative fibrosis through T2 weighted images, early and late gadolinium enhancement, and parametric mapping techniques. Recent developments showed the role of CMR in the identification of ongoing inflammation also in other CV diseases like myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, arrhythmogenic and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Future developments of CMR, aiming at the specific assessment of immune cell infiltration, will give deeper insight into cardiovascular inflammatory diseases.
Association of Coffee Consumption With Atrial Fibrillation Risk: An Updated Dose–Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Cao Yalin , Liu Xiao , Xue Zhengbiao , Yin Kang , Ma Jianyong , Zhu Wengen , Liu Fuwei , Luo Jun , Sun Junyi
Published: July 2022

Background

Several published studies have examined the association of coffee consumption with atrial fibrillation (AF) risk, but their findings are still controversial. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of prospective studies to determine the relationship between coffee consumption and the risk of incident AF.

Methods

We systematically retrieved the PubMed and Embase databases until October 2021 for pertinent studies that reported the association of coffee consumption (caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee) with AF risk. A cubic spline random-effects model was used to fit the potential dose–response curve. The effect estimates were expressed as adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs.

Results

A total of 10 prospective studies (11 cohorts) involving 30,169 AF events and 723,825 participants were included. In the dose–response analysis, there was a linear inverse association between coffee intake and risk of AF although not statistically significant (Pnon–linearity = 0.25). Compared with participants with no coffee consumption, the RRs (95% CI) of AF risk estimated directly from the dose–response curve were 1.01 (0.98–1.03), 1.00 (0.97–1.04), 0.99 (0.92–1.02), 0.95 (0.89–1.01), 0.94 (0.87–1.01), 0.89 (0.79–1.02), and 0.87 (0.76–1.02) for 1–7 cups of coffee per day, respectively. One cup per day increased in coffee consumption was associated with a 2% reduced risk of AF (RR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–1.00, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Our evidence from this meta-analysis suggested that coffee consumption had a trend toward reducing the risk of AF in a dose–response manner. Further studies could be conducted to reinforce our findings.
Proteomics Revealed That Mitochondrial Function Contributed to the Protective Effect of Herba Siegesbeckiae Against Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wei Xiaohong , Wu Yuzhuo , Pan Haie , Zhang Qian , He Ke , Xia Guiyang , Xia Huan , Lin Sheng , Shang Hong-Cai
Published: July 2022

Background

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the main obstacle to percutaneous coronary intervention, lacking effective therapeutic measures in a clinical setting. Herba Siegesbeckiae (HS) is a traditional herb with multiple pharmacological activities and evidence of cardiovascular protection. However, few data are available regarding the role of HS in cardiac I/R. This study aimed to explore the effect and underlying mechanism of HS aqueous extract on cardiac I/R injury.

Materials and Methods

Herba Siegesbeckiae aqueous extract was prepared and analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS. After intragastric administration of HS once daily for 7 days, male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 30 min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 120 min reperfusion to elicit I/R. Various parameters like myocardial infarction and apoptosis, 12-lead ECG and hemodynamics, cardiac morphology and myocardial enzymes, quantitative proteomics, mitochondrial ultrastructure and electron transport chain (ETC) function, oxidative stress and antioxidation, and NLRP3 inflammasome and inflammation were evaluated.

Results

The chemical constituents of HS aqueous extract were mainly divided into flavonoids, diterpenoids, and organic acids. In vivo, HS aqueous extract notably alleviated myocardial I/R injury, as evidenced by a reduction in infarct size, apoptotic cells, and cardiac lesion enzymes; decline of ST-segment elevation; improvement of cardiac function; and preservation of morphology. Quantitative proteomics demonstrated that HS reversed the alteration in the expression of Adgb, Cbr1, Decr1, Eif5, Uchl5, Lmo7, Bdh1, Ckmt2, COX7A, and RT1-CE1 after I/R. In addition, HS preserved myocardial ultrastructure and restored the function of mitochondrial ETC complexes following exposure to I/R; HS significantly suppressed I/R-elicited increase of ROS, RNS, MDA, and 8-OHdG, restrained the acetylation of MnSOD, and recovered the activity of MnSOD; and HS reversed I/R-induced elevation of NLRP3 inflammasome and inhibited the release of inflammatory factors and pyroptosis.

Conclusion

Herba Siegesbeckiae aqueous extract ameliorated cardiac I/R injury, which is associated with mitigating oxidative stress, suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome, and restoring mitochondrial function by regulating the expression of Adgb, Cbr1, Decr1, Eif5, Uchl5, Lmo7, Bdh1, Ckmt2, COX7A, and RT1-CE1.
Corrected Serum Ionized Calcium as a Risk Factor Related to Adult Dyslipidemia
Authors: Yun Ke , Zhang Shuang , Yang Xiaotao , Man Dongliang , Yao Jialiang , Wang Wei , Han Xiaoxu
Published: July 2022

Background

Dyslipidemia is a significant threat to global public health due to its pivotal role as a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. Calcium is a critical nutritional element required for electrical signal transduction and muscle and heart function, and calcium supplementation is widespread in the general population. However, associations between serum calcium and serum lipid profiles remain conflicting. Considering ionized calcium [Ca(2+)] is the best measure of active serum calcium and the lack of Ca(2+) analyzers, we aimed to examine the independent and joint associations between serum ionized calcium corrected by albumin ([Ca2+]corr) and the known modifiable risk factors and dyslipidemia.

Methods

We collected physical examination records, including demographic, anthropometric, laboratory tests, and clinical characteristics from individuals who had health checkups in 2019 at the health examination center of the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University. Subjects were categorized into Q1–Q4 groups using [Ca2+]corr quartiles, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dyslipidemia and associated components were calculated using logistic regression. We also performed non-linear and threshold effect analyses of [Ca2+]corr and triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C) levels.

Findings

Of 5,416 individuals aged 18–92 years, multivariable-adjusted models showed that ORs for dyslipidemia increased gradually with elevated [Ca2+]corr levels. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that [Ca2+]corr levels were associated with the increased odds of dyslipidemia (per 1 mmol/L increase: OR = 3.53, 95% CI: 1.56–8.00, P < 0.001). When compared with individuals in the Q1 group, those in groups Q3 and Q4 had significantly higher dyslipidemia odds (ORQ3 vs. Q1 = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.01–1.42; ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.10–1.56, all P < 0.05). Furthermore, a linear, positive relationship between [Ca2+]corr levels and dyslipidemia odds was observed (P for non-linear trend = 0.506), and the optimal cut-off point of [Ca2+]corr for dyslipidemia management was 2.26 mmol/L. A modifiable effect of albumin on the relationship between [Ca2+]corr and dyslipidemia odds was also found (P for interaction = 0.014). High [Ca2+]corr levels were positively associated with elevated TC, LDL-C, and Non-HDL-C but inversely associated with decreased HDL-C odds. Moreover, Locally weighted regression (Loess) analyses showed a non-linear, positive relationship between [Ca2+]corr and TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and Non-HDL-C levels.

Interpretation

Corrected serum ionized calcium was positively associated with increased odds of dyslipidemia and elevated TC, LDL-C, and Non-HDL-C, but inversely associated with the odds of decreased HDL-C.
Bidirectional Relationship Between Cancer and Heart Failure: Insights on Circulating Biomarkers
Authors: Chianca Michela , Panichella Giorgia , Fabiani Iacopo , Giannoni Alberto , L'Abbate Serena , Aimo Alberto , Del Franco Annamaria , Vergaro Giuseppe , Grigoratos Chrysanthos , Castiglione Vincenzo , Cipolla Carlo Maria , Fedele Antonella , Passino Claudio , Emdin Michele , Cardinale Daniela Maria
Published: July 2022

Cancer and heart failure are the two leading causes of death in developed countries. These two apparently distinct clinical entities share similar risk factors, symptoms, and pathophysiological mechanisms (inflammation, metabolic disturbances, neuro-hormonal and immune system activation, and endothelial dysfunction). Beyond the well-known cardiotoxic effects of oncological therapies, cancer and heart failure are thought to be tied by a bidirectional relationship, where one disease favors the other and vice versa. In this context, biomarkers represent a simple, reproducible, sensitive and cost-effective method to explore such relationship. In this review, we recapitulate the evidence on cardiovascular and oncological biomarkers in the field of cardioncology, focusing on their role in treatment-naïve cancer patients. Cardioncological biomarkers are useful tools in risk stratification, early detection of cardiotoxicity, follow-up, and prognostic assessment. Intriguingly, these biomarkers might contribute to better understand the common pathophysiology of cancer and heart failure, thus allowing the implementation of preventive and treatment strategies in cardioncological patients
Grating-Based X-Ray Computed Tomography for Improved Contrast on a Heterogeneous Geomaterial
Authors: Moore Rachael Leigh , Patera Alessandra , Bonnin Anne , Ménez Bénédicte
Published: July 2022

Phase-contrast X-ray imaging has shown its potential to capture at micrometric scale and in three dimensions (3D), the structure and deformation of poorly-absorbing soft materials such as polymers and biological structures. When composed of constituents that attenuate X-rays differently, heterogeneous hard materials are often well resolved in 3D using absorption-based X-ray computed tomography (CT) techniques. As a result, phase-contrast techniques have been less frequently used to image such materials. However, many geomaterials contain similarly X-ray attenuating constituents, thereby complicating the use of absorption-based X-ray CT methods. Here we present the innovative use of grating-based synchrotron radiation computed tomography, a phase-sensitive technique, in order to better identify the distribution of constituents within geomaterials. We show that this approach enhances the contrast between similarly X-ray absorbing constituents, and can be used to identify spatially small structures such as pores or mineral grains that are typically poorly resolved with conventional absorption-based X-ray CT.
The Influences of Climatic and Lithological Factors on Weathering of Sediments in Humid Badland Areas
Authors: Xie Chunxia , Antić Nevena , Nadal-Romero Estela , Yan Luobin , Tosti Tomislav , Djogo Mračević Svetlana , Tu Xinjun , Kašanin-Grubin Milica
Published: July 2022

Climate variables including temperature, rainfall intensity, rainfall acidity, and lithological properties are among the most important factors affecting rock weathering. However, the relative contribution of these four factors on rock weathering, especially on chemical weathering, is still unclear. In this study, we carried out a series of weathering-leaching rainfall simulations on four types of badland sediments under controlled conditions of two levels of temperature, rainfall intensity, and rainfall acidity based on the real field data from representative weather scenarios. The main objectives are 1) to explore the progressive change of sample surface and leachate characteristics and 2) to reveal the independent effects of temperature, rainfall intensity, rainfall acidity, and lithology and their relative contribution as well, on both mechanical and chemical weathering. Qualitative analysis on crack development and fragmentation of sample surface and quantitative analysis on the leachate volume, pH, electrical conductivity, and total cation and anion releases of sample leachate together demonstrated that for the investigated sediments, under the conditions of temperature, intensity, and acidity of rain that can be achieved in nature, high drying temperature obviously increases mechanical disintegration by promoting the rate and magnitude of moisture variations (wetting–drying alterations), while high rainfall intensity and acid rain have no obvious effect. Impact and importance of the drying process caused by high temperature between wetting events need more attention, rather than high rainfall intensity. Low temperature, high rainfall intensity, and acid rain contributing more hydrogen ions required for cation exchanges, rock type with more soluble minerals, all promote chemical weathering, and the influence of climatic and lithological factors on chemical weathering decreases in the following order: mineral composition> rainfall intensity > temperature > rainfall acidity. Climatic variations on temperature can modify weathering processes and in that way conditioned hydro-geomorphological processes in badland areas. Such changes should be considered for direct and indirect implications on badland dynamics.
Deformation and Failure Mode Analysis of the Tunnel Structure Based on the Tunnel-Related Landslides Cases
Authors: Minglei Sun , Hongwei Liang , Yongquan Zhu , Xinqiang Gao , Huan Liu , Zhengguo Zhu
Published: July 2022

When the tunnel passes through the slope area, once the slope stability changes or landslide disasters occur, large additional stress, deformation, or cracking are easily caused in the tunnel, which results in high risk to the tunnel operation. The deformation and failure mode of the tunnel induced by different types of tunnel-related landslides are different. However, there is no systematic classification of tunnel structure deformation and the failure mode in the tunnel-related landslides systems. By investigating the typical cases of tunnel diseases caused by landslide in China, this study analyzes the relationship between the tunnel-related landslide types and tunnel disease characteristics. It also summarizes five typical tunnel deformation failure modes and corresponding deformation characteristics and determines the relationship between tunnel-related landslide types and deformation failure modes. This study can provide a technical support for the identification of landslide types through the tunnel deformation characteristics in practical engineering applications. Finally, it provides a reference for tunnel location selection, the design of tunnel structure, and the treatment of landslide in landslide areas.
Study on Parameter Influence of New Composite Lining of Water Conveyance Tunnel Under High Internal Water Pressure
Authors: Zhu Yueyue , Liu Cheng
Published: July 2022

A new type of composite lining structure consisting of segments, steel pipes, and concrete lining can be adopted in the water conveyance tunnel to bear large internal water pressure. However, there is still no effective analysis model and calculation method for the parameter influence effect of this new composite lining. In this paper, the load structure method and the elasticity theory are adopted, the stress analysis model and theoretical calculation method of a new type of composite lining of water conveyance tunnel are given, and the influence law of lining structure parameters is studied. Each part of the shield assembled lining is regarded as a stressed spring, and a formula for calculating the equivalent elastic modulus of the overall structure at the joint of the lining under partial tension and partial compression is given. The stress and deformation of each layer of lining are deduced based on the theory of thick-walled cylinders. According to the actual project, the rationality of the calculation method is verified by comparing the results of finite element analysis, and the influence of the thickness of intermediate concrete lining and inner lining parameters on the distribution of force transmission among lining layers is further analyzed. The results show that the radial displacement and circumferential stress of each layer of lining structure decrease with increasing the thickness of the concrete lining. The larger the elastic modulus of the inner lining material is, the smaller the radial displacement of each lining structure will be, but the circumferential stress of the inner lining will increase. In addition, when the thickness of the steel pipe lining is reduced or the internal water pressure is increased, the circumferential stress and radial displacement generated by the inner lining will increase. This analysis model and method considering the deformation coordination relationship solves the problem of setting the parameters of the lining structure and has obvious advantages in the calculation of the stress and deformation of the new composite lining water conveyance tunnel structure, which can provide a theoretical basis for related engineering design.
Hydrocarbon Accumulation Mechanism of Ordovician in the Halahatang Area, Tarim Basin—Evidence From Organic Geochemistry
Authors: Huo Fei , Wang Xingzhi , Li Luping , Luo Xin , Yang Xiyan , Shen Chen , Li Liang , Ruan Yunbo , Huang Huiwen
Published: July 2022

As an important oil and gas-bearing area in the Tarim Basin, the Halahatang Area has great potential for resource exploration. However, the research on oil and gas sources and the filling period of the Lower Paleozoic Ordovician is still limited. In this study, the organic geochemical analysis of source rocks, the simulation technology of hydrocarbon generation evolution basin, the distribution characteristics of fluid inclusions, and the measurement of uniform temperature are used and combined with the stable isotope of natural gas and the characteristics of oil-source biomarkers, and the process of oil and gas accumulation is restored. The results show that: ①The Cambrian source rock is the main contributor to Ordovician crude oil in the Halahatang Area, and its crude oil shows the characteristics of lightweight, rich chain hydrocarbons, and poor aromatic hydrocarbons. The composition of C7 compound shows the advantage of n-heptane, which belongs to type I kerogen. The biomarker compounds show the characteristics of high content of long-chain tricyclic terpane and high Ts/Tm values, and the crude oil is considered to be a highly mature sapropelic kerogen source oil. ②The carbon isotopes of methane and ethane of Ordovician natural gas in the Halahatang Area are light (from −35.6 to −29.5‰), showing obvious characteristics of sapropelic gas. ③There are three stages of the oil and gas accumulation process in Ordovician reservoirs in the Halahatang Area. In the middle and late Caledonian periods, the source rock reached the hydrocarbon generation threshold and began to generate oil. The late Hercynian period was the main accumulation period, and the Himalayan period was dominated by dry gas filling. ④The crude oil generated in the Middle-Late Caledonian periods migrated along the faults and conductive layers and finally accumulated in the high parts of the structure in the north. The migration of oil and gas in the late Hercynian period was limited by the bitumen produced by early biodegradation. Since the asphalt plugging condensate gas has almost failed to cause gas invasion from the reservoir, the Ordovician reservoir still maintains the characteristics of crude oil-associated gas, forming an oil and gas reservoir with a gas cap.
Recent Decadal Weakening of the Summertime Rainfall Interannual Variability Over Yellow-Huaihe River Valley Attributable to the Western Pacific Cooling
Authors: Lu Wei , Zhu Yimin , Ha Yao , Zhong Zhong , Hu Yijia
Published: July 2022

This study focuses on the interdecadal transition of summer rainfall interannual variability over the Yellow-Huaihe River valley (YHRV). It is found that the interannual variability of summer rainfall over the YHRV becomes significantly weakened after the late 2000s. In the decade before the late 2000s (hereafter P1), the variance is 1.28 mm d−1 and the mean value of interannual variability is 1.49 mm d−1. In the decade after the late 2000s (P2), the variance is 0.35 mm d−1 and the mean value of interannual variability is 0.62 mm d−1. The variance and mean value of summer rainfall interannual variability have considerably decreased by 72.7% and 58.4% since the late 2000s, respectively. The reasons for the aforementioned interdecadal transition are explored. The results show that the interdecadal shift of the East Asian jet stream axis and the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) are two major factors leading to the interdecadal transition of summer rainfall interannual variability over the YHRV. The northward shift of the jet stream axis, which resembles the Pacific-Japan (PJ) pattern, suppresses the development of summer rainfall over the YHRV. The interannual oscillation of WPSH in P1 is more significant than that in P2, which is consistent with the weakened interannual variability of summer rainfall in P2. Further analysis reveals that the modulation factors responsible for the above changes are El Niño in its decaying phase in the equatorial central eastern Pacific and the warming in the Maritime continent and the western Pacific (WP) in P1. While in P2, the primary modulation factor is La Niña in its developing phase in the equatorial central eastern Pacific. As for the mechanism of the growth of summer rainfall in P1 positive years, the WP warm pool and El Niño in its decaying phase strengthen the Walker circulation in the tropical Pacific and induce Hadley circulation, whose ascending branch over the YHRV provides a favorable condition for the development of rainfall. At the same time, the northward propagation of Rossby waves in response to the above SSTA pattern suppresses convective activities over the Northwestern Pacific (NWP), which indirectly intensifies the WPSH. As a result, the PJ pattern is triggered and provides a favorable large-scale circulation condition for the growth of rainfall.
Are There Enough Open Educational Resources Dealing With Social Science Research Methods? Insights From the D-A-CH Region
Authors: Prandner Dimitri , Forstner Matthias
Published: July 2022

The D-A-CH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) region has traditionally been skeptical toward open educational resources (OER) materials. Despite being strong partners for the open science community, the three German-speaking countries in Europe did not embrace wide-reaching OER policies in the past and offered only a limited number of incentives for supranational or nationwide genuine German-language OER. These missing national initiatives can also be seen in the field of social science research-related materials. As the domain gained much public interest during the COVID-19 pandemic, where attitudes, values, and societal changes—traditionally the domain of social scientific inquiry—were spotlighted in the media and public discourse, it fell to individual universities, organizations, and people to provide free online education materials—be they true OER or at least quasi-OER—that could help people within and outside of academia to understand and gain insights into the statistics and data presented and distributedviavarious channels. However, mapping the OER materials in this field during the summer of 2021—1 year after the pandemic had begun and the accompanying stream of data had started—revealed that the educational resources covering social science research methods that are offered in the German language are sparse, and those that are available are mostly quasi-OER, not fulfilling all the typical OER criteria. Thus, they have limited application scenarios. If the region wants to truly embrace an open science policy, it needs to strengthen OER in future.
Proteotypic Differences of Follicular-Patterned Thyroid Neoplasms
Authors: Huang Dongdong , Zhang Huifang , Li Lu , Ge Weigang , Liu Wei , Dong Zhen , Gao Jinlong , Yao Nan , Fu Wenxin , Huang Lingling , Guo Tiannan , Sun Yaoting , Teng Xiaodong
Published: July 2022

The diagnosis of follicular-patterned thyroid tumors such as follicular thyroid adenoma (FA), follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), and follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FvPTC) remains challenging. This study aimed to explore the molecular differences among these three thyroid tumors by proteomic analysis. A pressure cycling technology (PCT)-data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry workflow was employed to investigate protein alterations in 52 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens: 18 FA, 15 FTC, and 19 FvPTC specimens. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of 101 FA, 67 FTC, and 65 FvPTC specimens and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) analysis of 20 FA, 20 FTC, and 20 FvPTC specimens were performed to validate protein biomarkers. A total of 4107 proteins were quantified from 52 specimens. Pairwise comparisons identified 287 differentially regulated proteins between FTC and FA, and 303 between FvPTC and FA and 88 proteins were co-dysregulated in the two comparisons. However, only 23 discriminatory proteins between FTC and FvPTC were detected. Additionally, the quantitative results for ANXA1 expression based on IHC staining and PRM-MS quantification were consistent with the proteomic results, showing that ANXA1 can be used to distinguish FvPTC from FA and FTC. The differentially regulated proteins found in this study can differentiate FA from FvPTC. In addition, ANXA1 is a promising biomarker for differentiating FvPTC from the other thyroid tumors.
Analysis on Influence of Residents’ Response Probability Distribution on Load Aggregation Effect
Authors: Zhang Weichun , Hu Qinran , Yu Xiaorong
Published: July 2022

Residential loads are essential resources, and they can participate in grid scheduling through aggregation, with great potential. However, inherent uncertainties challenge the realization of accurate load aggregation (LA), leading to the failure to fully play a role in grid operation. In this context, this paper analyzes the influence of the probability of residents participating in LA on the actual aggregation effect. Firstly, the LA problem is modeled, and the optimization objective is equivalently transformed from minimizing the mismatch between the actual load regulation and the target to minimizing the sum of variances of the overall response probabilities. Response probabilities of residents are then simulated based on the β distribution model, and various typical distributions can be generated by modifying only two hyperparameters. In order to evaluate the actual aggregation effect, a multi-armed bandit model that can be used for LA is adopted, and an evaluation framework is designed. The simulation results show that for different probability distributions, the smaller the sum of variances of all residents’ response probabilities are, the more accurate aggregation can be achieved.
Insights Into the Template Effect on Nanostructured CuO Catalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to CO
Authors: Ye Xiaodong , Jiang Yangyang , Chen Xi , Guo Benshuai , Mao Songbai , Guo Yafei , Zhao Chuanwen
Published: July 2022

Electrochemical CO2reduction to CO using copper-based catalysts has been recognized a promising approach to realizing anthropologic carbon cycle. However, copper-based catalysts face the challenges of low reduction activity and poor selectivity in CO2reduction reaction. Tuning particle size and oxygen vacancy represents an efficient strategy for boosting their activity and selectivity. Herein, we reported the preparation of nanostructured CuO catalysts for selective electrochemical CO2reduction to CO. Several templates were employed in the template-assisted hydrothermal process to regulate the particle size and oxygen vacancy. Structure-property-activity relationships of the CuO nanostructures depend on the template effect. CuO-PVP and CuO-SDS synthesized using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as templates exhibited smaller particles sizes and higher concentrations of oxygen vacancy defects. Under the applied potential of −0.93 V vs. RHE, the desired CuO-PVP and CuO-SDS catalysts exhibited good CO2reduction activity with high electrochemical surface area normalized partial current density of 2.21 and 1.37 mA/cm2for CO production and outstanding CO selectivity with high faradaic efficiencies of 48.2 and 50.5%. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that oxygen vacancies in the CuO nanostructures not only promoted CO2adsorption and activation but facilitated CO desorption from the catalyst surface, and therefore boosted the activity and CO selectivity in CO2reduction. The results have deepened the understanding of the structure-property-activity relationships of CuO catalysts, and these will provide guidance for designing highly efficient and robust catalysts for electrochemical CO2reduction to CO.
Determining High Conservation Values in Production Landscapes: Biodiversity and Assessment Approaches
Authors: Styring Alison R. , Unggang Joanes , Ragai Roslina , Kueffner Kayleigh , Froehlich Daniel , Megom Nyegang , Joseph Li , Jukie Alex , Tarang Moses , Nazrin Mohamad , Sulok Kiding , Sekina Kinsy , Setia Luisia Duya , Giannone Laura , Aron Boniface Nilly , Swartz Nicholas , Hyde Philip , Tyler Bow , James Diana
Published: July 2022

Conversion of natural, heterogenous tropical forests to intensively managed, monoculture-production landscapes is a major threat to biodiversity. This phenomenon is driven by global demand for commodities such as wood, palm oil, sugar, and soybean. The economies of many countries in tropical areas depend on these commodities, and there is a need to ensure economic welfare while protecting biodiversity. Certification schemes such as those developed by the Forest Stewardship Council and Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil are intended to provide incentive to companies to employ environmentally and socially sustainable production practices. One element of these certification schemes is the concept of High Conservation Values (HCVs) which fall into six categories that encompass ecological indicators and human dimensions. The HCV process has expanded beyond production landscapes to include long-term conservation planning. Despite expansion, implementation of the HCV process as it pertains to biodiversity is challenged, in part, by a lack of specificity regarding target metrics. Another challenge is that, in practice, there is a short time period for assessment, resulting in limited collection of primary data and a reliance on secondary data sources for interpolation. HCV guidance advances a precautionary approach to assessment, but in some regions, there is not enough known about the biology, behavior, or interspecific associations of species to effectively assess what is not observed. In this paper, we assess environmental HCVs in a well-studied timber production system in Sarawak, East Malaysia. Using an original long-term multi-method dataset of avifaunal surveys as well as published datasets of other taxa, we 1) assess biodiversity metrics at the site including presence of Rare, Threatened, and Endemic species, 2) assess change over time at assessment locations, and 3) evaluate costs and benefits of the various methods and provide best practice recommendations for HCV assessment and long-term monitoring. Finally, we recommend transparent data-archiving and sharing for improved accuracy and efficiency in the HCV process. Managed landscapes are important areas for ecological research that are beneficial not only to the restoration and conservation of species and ecosystems but also to well-informed certification and long-term sustainability.
Water Conservation Ecological Service Function and Its Value Response Mechanism in a Nested Water Conservancy Project Area
Authors: Zeng Chunfen , Qi Wanyu , Mao Yuqing , Liu Rui , Yu Boya , Dong Xinning
Published: July 2022

The Three Gorges Project is the largest water conservancy project in the world. To cope with the ecological problems of the subsidence zone in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, the Kaizhou water-level-regulating dam was built, forming a model of nested water conservancy projects. The Pengxi River Basin is affected not only by this project but also by human activities in the reservoir area and changes in the substratum and hydro-meteorology, which exert influences on the water connotation function and its ecological value through complex mechanisms. In addition, the response mechanism of the changes in the environment is unclear. Therefore, based on the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model and a spatial interpolation method, in this study, two time nodes (2005 and 2018) before and after the operation of the nested water conservancy projects began were selected, and seven simulation scenarios with different water levels, precipitations, and temperatures were created to explore the evolution of the water conservation service function in the nested water conservancy project operation area under the complex changes in the environment. The results reveal that the operation of the water conservancy projects has had some influence on the water content, but the response of the water content function to the precipitation conditions has been more significant. In colder and rainier years, the water content was higher. In contrast, the lowest value occurred in a year with high temperatures and low rainfall. The highest and lowest values were quantitatively different. Therefore, the influences of the complex environmental factors on the regional water connotation service function deserve more attention. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for research on the ecological service function and the value of water conservation in the Three Gorges Reservoir subsidence zone and the nested operation area of the related water conservancy projects, as well as a data reference for the optimal allocation of regional water resources.
Polyphosphate Accumulation Tracks Incremental P-Enrichment in a Temperate Watershed (Pennsylvania, United States) as an Indicator of Stream Ecosystem Legacy P
Authors: Taylor Shayna , Saia Sheila M. , Buda Anthony R. , Regan John M. , Walter M. Todd , Carrick Hunter J.
Published: July 2022

Legacy phosphorus concentrations resulting from historic additions of phosphorus (P) to the landscape may impede rapid remediation of P pollution and achievement of water quality management goals. Herein, we hypothesized that the capacity of stream biofilms to assimilate new polyphosphate (polyP) will vary as a function of stream legacy phosphorus. To test this hypothesis, we deployed a series of in situ enrichment experiments at five sites of varying land cover in central Pennsylvania, United States. Incremental P-loading was delivered using vials fitted with porous lids, that contained agar enriched with six levels of P (as Dissolved inorganic phosphorus, dissolved inorganic P) loading with rates ranging from 0 to 1,540 µg PO4−3/day; these loading rates mimicked natural stream P loadings. Substrata were incubated at stream sites for a relatively short incubation period (12 days), to measure uptake rates; after which, biofilms growing on the lids were removed and their tissue content was analyzed for biomass (as chlorophyll) and various forms of particulate phosphorus. Polyphosphate (polyP) accumulated by stream biofilms at all sites closely tracked the release of dissolved inorganic P from experimental enrichment assays. Comparatively, biofilms accumulated relatively small amounts of Particulate inorganic phosphorus and other forms of organic P that we assume constitute a third group of P-rich biochemicals (e.g., DNA, RNA, lipids, proteins). Viewed at the watershed scale, land use appeared to affect P accumulation, where sites dominated by forest cover had a higher capacity for P storage, while sites dominated by agriculture did not; this underscores the importance of polyP storage as an indicator of legacy P pollution.
Influence of Microplastics on Microbial Structure, Function, and Mechanical Properties of Stream Periphyton
Authors: Merbt Stephanie N. , Kroll Alexandra , Tamminen Manu , Rühs Patrick A. , Wagner Bettina , Sgier Linn , Sembalova Olga , Abel Bernd , Tlili Ahmed , Schirmer Kristin , Behra Renata
Published: July 2022

Periphyton is a freshwater biofilm composed of prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities that occupy rocks and sediments, forming the base of the food web and playing a key role in nutrient cycling. Given the large surface that periphyton comprises, it may also act as a sink for a diverse range of man-made pollutants, including microplastics (MP). Here we investigated the effect of 1–4 μm and 63–75 µm sized, spherical polyethylene MP with native and ultraviolet (UV)-weathered surface on developing natural stream periphyton communities over 28 days. In order to ensure proper particle exposure, we first tested MP suspension in water or in water containing either Tween 80, extracellular polymeric substances – EPS, fulvic acids, or protein. We found the extract of EPS from natural periphyton to be most suitable to create MP suspensions in preparation of exposure. Upon exposure, all tested types of MP were found to be associated with the periphyton, independent of their size and other properties. While biomass accrual and phenotypic community structure of the photoautotrophs remained unchanged, the prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities experienced a significant change in composition and relative abundances. Moreover, alpha diversity was affected in eukaryotes, but not in prokaryotes. The observed changes were more prominent in periphyton exposed to UV-treated as compared with native surface MP. Mechanical properties, as assessed by compression rheology, showed that MP-exposed periphyton had longer filamentous streamers, higher stiffness, lower force recovery and a higher viscoelasticity than control periphyton. Despite the observed structural and mechanical changes of periphyton, functional parameters (i.e., photosynthetic yield, respiration and nutrient uptake efficiencies) were not altered by MP, indicating the absence of MP toxicity, and suggesting functional redundancy in the communities. Together, our results provide further proof that periphyton is a sink for MP and demonstrate that MP can impact local microbial community composition and mechanical properties of the biofilms. Consequences of these findings might be a change in dislodgement behavior of periphyton, a propagation through the food chains and impacts on nutrient cycling and energy transfer. Hence, taking the omnipresence, high persistence and material and size diversity of MP in the aquatic environment into account, their ecological consequences need further investigation.
The Impact of Climate Change on Potential Invasion Risk of Oryctes monoceros Worldwide
Authors: Aidoo Owusu Fordjour , Hao Mengmeng , Ding Fangyu , Wang Di , Jiang Dong , Ma Tian , Qian Yushu , Tettey Elizabeth , Yankey Ndede , Dadzie Ninsin Kodwo , Borgemeister Christian
Published: July 2022

As a significant threat to agriculture, pests have caused a great disservice to crop production and food security. Understanding the mechanisms of pests’ outbreaks and invasion is critical in giving sound suggestions on their control and prevention strategies. The African rhinoceros beetle,Oryctes monoceros(Olivier), as the most damaging pest of palms, banana, sugarcane, and pineapple, severely threatens their production due to its ability to kill both young and matured hosts. Analyzing the effect of climate change on major parameters ofO. monoceroslife history has been an important issue recently, given its sensitivity to thermal conditions. However, information on how climate change alters geographical distribution ofO. monocerosis poorly understood. By combining environmental variables and occurrence records, we were able to assess environmental risk factors forO. monocerosand create risk maps for the pest using the Boosted Regression Tree model. Our results significance of environmental variables showed that the annual temperature variation (39.45%), seasonality of temperature (23.00%), the isothermality (18.76%), precipitation of the hottest quarter months (6.07%), average variation of day time temperature (3.27%), were relatively important environmental factors that affected the distributionO. monoceros. We also found that the projected potential distributions of the pest’s habitats in all future global warming scenarios exceeded its present known distribution. The model predicts that habitat suitability forO. monocerosis predominantly concentrated along Africa’s west and east coastlines, Asia’s south coasts, South America’s north and east coasts, and a few locations spread over North America’s southern coasts and coastal regions. These outputs provide a solid theoretical foundation forO. monocerosrisk evaluations and control.
Energy Consumption Connection of Industrial Sector Based on Industrial Link Theory: A Case Study of China
Authors: Xia Jinwen , Liu Xiaojun , Sun Dongqi , Li Chenxi , Wang Zhaofei
Published: July 2022

China’s energy consumption and its growth trend determine the domestic energy production and supply pattern. The understanding of energy consumption and its changes will help to enhance urban resilience. Based on the improved input-output model and hypothesis extraction model, this paper aims at constructing the energy-industry connection model, analyzing the energy transfer implied in the economic activities of various industrial sectors, and examining the energy transfer effect between the supply-side (SS) and demand-side industry sectors of the Shaanxi Province. The results showed that, in 2017, the energy industrial sector was the most energy consumption industry in Shaanxi Province. The industrial energy sector belonged to the net energy output industrial sector, and the energy products were transferred to other industrial sectors. This paper can provide a scientific basis for the energy SS reform, adjusting the industrial layout of regions in the Yellow River Basin.
Built Environment Impacts on Rural Residents’ Daily Travel Satisfaction
Authors: Li Haimei , Zhang Yuting , Ao Yibin , Wang Yan , Wang Tong , Chen Yunfeng
Published: July 2022

The rapid urbanization in China urges scholars to investigate the impacts of built environment on the level of travel satisfaction of rural residents to improve their quality of life and make planning exercises more human-centric. This study samples six villages out of the 25 top rural areas in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, as the research object and constructs a structural equation model to explore the direct and indirect impacts of the built environment on daily travel satisfaction of rural residents. The research finds that building density (0.609), road density (0.569), the number of accessible markets (0.314), and private car ownership (0.02) have significant positive impacts on travel satisfaction. Public transport (−0.063) has a direct negative impact on travel satisfaction. Consequently, in order to further improve travel satisfaction, construction departments and rural planners should improve the building and road densities of new rural areas and increase the number of accessible markets. The convenience of rural public transport services also needs improvement.
Analysis of the Genomic Sequence of ABO Allele Using Next-Generation Sequencing Method
Authors: He Yanmin , Hong Xiaozhen , Zhang Jingjing , He Ji , Zhu Faming , Huang He
Published: July 2022

Background

Although many molecular diagnostic methods have been used forABOgenotyping, there are few reports on the full-length genomic sequence analysis of theABOgene. Recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been shown to provide fast and high-throughput results and is widely used in the clinical laboratory. Here, we established an NGS method for analyzing the sequence of the start codon to the stop codon in theABOgene.

Study Design and Methods

Two pairs of primers covering the partial 5’-untranslated region (UTR) to 3’-UTR of theABOgene were designed. The sequences covering from the start codon to the stop codon of theABOgene were amplified using these primers, and an NGS method based on the overlap amplicon was developed. A total of 110 individuals, including 88 blood donors with normal phenotypes and 22 ABO subtypes, were recruited and analyzed. All these specimens were first detected by serological tests and then determined by polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing (PCR-SBT) and NGS. The sequences, including all the intron regions for the specimens, were analyzed by bioinformatics software.

Results

Among the 88 blood donors with a normal phenotype, 48 homozygous individuals, 39 heterozygous individuals, and one individual with a novelOallele were found according to the results of the PCR-SBT method. Some single-nucleotide variants (SNV) in intronic regions were found to be specific for differentABOalleles from 48 homozygous individuals using the NGS method. Sequences in the coding region of all specimens using the NGS method were the same as those of the PCR-SBT method. Three intronic SNVs were found to be associated with the ABO subtypes, including one novel intronic SNV (c.28+5956T>A). Moreover, six specimens were found to exhibit DNA recombination.

Conclusion

An NGS method was established to analyze the sequence from the start codon to the stop codon of theABOgene. Two novelABOalleles were identified, and DNA recombination was found to exist in theABOalleles.