bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Network Reconfiguration with Distributed Generation and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Authors: Salkuti Surender Reddy
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes an optimal network reconfiguration (ONR) by integrating the renewable energy (RE) based distributed generation (DG) resources, i.e., wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, and electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS). The uncertainties related to renewable energy sources (RESs) are handled by using probability analysis. In this work, wind uncertainty is handled by using Weibull probability density function (PDF), and solar PV uncertainty is modeled by using Beta PDF. This paper also models the load of EVCSs. The ONR is a tool to operate distribution systems (DSs) at optimum cost/loss. In the literature, most of the ONR problems are solved as single objective type. This neccessiate the development of multi-objective based ONR problem and solved using the multi-objective algorithms by considering multiple objectives. Therefore in this paper, total cost of operation and power losses are considered as two objectives functions. The single objective-based ONR is solved using crow search algorithm (CSA) and multi-objective-based ONR is solved using multi-objective-based CSA. As the DS is unbalanced, the power flow for the unbalanced system will include the three-phase transformer. The ONR problem has been solved by considering 17 bus unbalanced and balanced DSs.
Application of Integrated Human Error Management in Human Factors Engineering Process to Nuclear Power Plant Design
Authors: Mashio Kenji , Ito Kodo
Published: July 2021

Integrated process of human error management in human factors engineering (HFE) process provides a systematic direction for the design countermeasures development to prevent potential human errors. The process analyzes performance influence factors (PIFs) for crew failure modes (CFMs) and human failure events (HFEvs) in human reliability analysis (HRA). This paper provides applications of the process to the event evaluation for nuclear power plant design, especially PWR. In this application, the HRA/HFE integrated process had specified further detail for PIF attributes which had not been obtained in HRA, and showed further investigations to treat how operators induced their human errors through their cognitive task process in their work environment. This application showed effectiveness of the process in order to provide design countermeasures for preventing potential human errors occurrence based on the extensive PIFs and their error forcing context in HRA.
Optimal Placement of Renewable Energy based Distributed Generation Units using MCDM Technique
Authors: Bansal Manoj Kumar , Garg Pratibha , Gupta Neha , Agarwal Mohini
Published: July 2021

The distribution of electricity has become a challenge as there are losses associated with its distribution and transmission. In reducing such losses employment of Distributed Generation units in the transmission network can benefit greatly. Thus, the concern is on the optimal placement of Distributed Generation units that can provide maximum benefits and optimize several conflicting attributes. In this paper, the emphasis is laid on determining an optimal location for the placement of a Distributed Generation unit under conflicting attributes such as losses, real and reactive power, and voltages at different buses. For this purpose, the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to best Solution a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making technique, and Fuzzy TOPSIS technique have been employed for determining the optimal placement of 10 MW Distributed Generation unit at the IEEE 20 Bus System. The results obtained can significantly benefit in reducing losses and greatly help in economical perspective as well.
Effects of Internal Fixation for Mid-Shaft Clavicle Fractures on Shoulder Kinematics During Humeral Elevations
Authors: Hung Li-Wei , Lu Hsuan-Yu , Chang Chung-Hsun , Chen Tsan-Yang , Wang Ting-Ming , Lu Tung-Wu
Published: July 2021

Background

Mid-shaft clavicle fractures account for 35 to 44% of injuries to the shoulder girdle. There is increasing evidence to support surgical repair, but poor functional outcomes have been reported, and associated factors remain unclear.

Methods

The three-dimensional poses of the shoulder bones during arm elevations were measured in 15 patients treated for mid-shaft clavicle fractures by open reduction and internal fixation, and in 15 healthy controls.

Results and Conclusion

No significant between-side differences were found in the clavicle length after surgery (p> 0.05). The patients showed increased scapular protraction at lower elevation angles and reduced scapular retraction at higher elevation angles during frontal-plane elevations, with significantly reduced clavicle retraction (p< 0.05), with unaltered scapular rotation and tilt. The ranges of the observed changes were reduced to arm elevations at 60° and 90° in the scapular and sagittal planes. Similar changes were also found on the unaffected side, suggesting symmetrical bilateral compensation. The results suggest that shoulder kinematics in multi-plane arm elevations should be monitored for any signs of compromised bone motions following surgical treatment, and that rehabilitative training may be needed on both sides to improve the bilateral movement control of the shoulder complex.
Phosphoinositide Recognition Sites Are Blocked by Metabolite Attachment
Authors: Kervin Troy A. , Wiseman Brittany C. , Overduin Michael
Published: July 2021

Membrane readers take part in trafficking and signaling processes by localizing proteins to organelle surfaces and transducing molecular information. They accomplish this by engaging phosphoinositides (PIs), a class of lipid molecules which are found in different proportions in various cellular membranes. The prototypes are the PX domains, which exhibit a range of specificities for PIs. Our meta-analysis indicates that recognition of membranes by PX domains is specifically controlled by modification of lysine and arginine residues including acetylation, hydroxyisobutyrylation, glycation, malonylation, methylation and succinylation of sidechains that normally bind headgroups of phospholipids including organelle-specific PI signals. Such metabolite-modulated residues in lipid binding elements are named MET-stops here to highlight their roles as erasers of membrane reader functions. These modifications are concentrated in the membrane binding sites of half of all 49 PX domains in the human proteome and correlate with phosphoregulatory sites, as mapped using the Membrane Optimal Docking Area (MODA) algorithm. As these motifs are mutated and modified in various cancers and the responsible enzymes serve as potential drug targets, the discovery of MET-stops as a widespread inhibitory mechanism may aid in the development of diagnostics and therapeutics aimed at the readers, writers and erasers of the PI code.
Distinct and Coordinated Regulation of Small Non-coding RNAs by E2f1 and p53 During Drosophila Development and in Response to DNA Damage
Authors: Li Dong , Ge Ying , Zhao Ze , Zhu Rui , Wang Xiang , Bi Xiaolin
Published: July 2021

Small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), play a pivotal role in biological processes. A comprehensive quantitative reference of small ncRNAs expression during development and in DNA damage response (DDR) would significantly advance our understanding of their roles. In this study, we systemically analyzed the expression profile of miRNAs and piRNAs in wild-type flies, e2f1 mutant, p53 mutant and e2f1 p53 double mutant during development and after X-ray irradiation. By using small RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, we found that both miRNAs and piRNAs were expressed in a dynamic mode and formed 4 distinct clusters during development. Notably, the expression pattern of miRNAs and piRNAs was changed in e2f1 mutant at multiple developmental stages, while retained in p53 mutant, indicating a critical role of E2f1 played in mediating small ncRNAs expression. Moreover, we identified differentially expressed (DE) small ncRNAs in e2f1 mutant and p53 mutant after X-ray irradiation. Furthermore, we mapped the binding motif of E2f1 and p53 around the small ncRNAs. Our data suggested that E2f1 and p53 work differently yet coordinately to regulate small ncRNAs expression, and E2f1 may play a major role to regulate miRNAs during development and after X-ray irradiation. Collectively, our results provide comprehensive characterization of small ncRNAs, as well as the regulatory roles of E2f1 and p53 in small ncRNAs expression, during development and in DNA damage response, which reveal new insights into the small ncRNAs biology.
Long Non-coding RNA Signatures Associated With Liver Aging in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 Model
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Duan Juanjuan , Du Yu , Xie Jinlu , Zhang Haijing , Li Changyu , Zhang Wensheng
Published: July 2021

The liver is sensitive to aging because the risk of hepatopathy, including fatty liver, hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, increases dramatically with age. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are >200 nucleotides long and affect many pathological and physiological processes. A potential link was recently discovered between lncRNAs and liver aging; however, comprehensive and systematic research on this topic is still limited. In this study, the mouse liver genome-wide lncRNA profiles of 8-month-old SAMP8 and SAMR1 models were explored through deep RNA sequencing. A total of 605,801,688 clean reads were generated. Among the 2,182 identified lncRNAs, 28 were differentially expressed between SAMP8 and SAMR1 mice. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) surveys showed that these substantially dysregulated lncRNAs participated in liver aging from different aspects, such as lipid catabolic (GO: 0016042) and metabolic pathways. Further assessment was conducted on lncRNAs that are most likely to be involved in liver aging and related diseases, such as LNC_000027, LNC_000204E, NSMUST00000144661.1, and ENSMUST00000181906.1 acted on Ces1g. This study provided the first comprehensive dissection of lncRNA landscape in SAMP8 mouse liver. These lncRNAs could be exploited as potential targets for the molecular-based diagnosis and therapy of age-related liver diseases.
Clinical Validation of a Soft Wireless Continuous Blood Pressure Sensor During Surgery
Authors: Chou En-Fan , Cheung Shin Yu Celia , Maxwell Hailey Christine , Pham Nicholas , Khine Michelle , Rinehart Joseph
Published: July 2021

We test a new wireless soft capacitance sensor (CAP) based on applanation tonometry at the radial and dorsalis pedis arteries against the gold standard, invasive arterial line (A-Line), for continuous beat to beat blood pressure (BP) measurements in the Operating Room during surgical procedures under anesthesia in 17 subjects with the mean age and body mass index (BMI) of 57. 35 ± 18.72 years and 27.36 ± 4.20 kg/m2, respectively. We have identified several parameters to monitor in order to compare how well the CAP sensor tracks the entire hemodynamic waveform as compared to the A-Line. This includes waveform similarity, heart rate (HR), absolute systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and temporal response to a vasopressor. Overall, the CAP sensor shows good correlations with A-Line with respect to hemodynamic shape (r > 0.89), HR (mean bias = 0.0006; SD = 0.17), absolute SBP, and DBP in a line of best fit (slope = 0.98 in SBP; 1.08 in DBP) and the mean bias derived from Bland-Altman method to be 1.92 (SD = 12.55) in SBP and 2.38 (SD = 12.19) in DBP across body habitus and age in OR patients under general anesthesia. While we do observe drifts in the system, we still obtain decent correlations with respect to the A-Line as evidenced by excellent linear fit and low mean bias across patients. When we post-process using a different calibration method to account for the drift, the mean bias and SD improve dramatically to −1.85 and 7.19 DBP as well as 1.43 and 7.43 SBP, respectively, indicating a promising potential for improvement when we integrate strategies to account for movement identified by our integrated accelerometer data.
Orogenic Collapse and Stress Adjustments Revealed by an Intense Seismic Swarm Following the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake in Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Lok Bijaya , Bollinger Laurent , Vergne Jérôme , Lambotte Sophie , Chanard Kristel , Laporte Marine , Li Lily , Koirala Bharat P. , Bhattarai Mukunda , Timsina Chintan , Bishwokarma Nabina , Wendling-Vazquez Nicolas , Girault Frédéric , Perrier Frédéric
Published: July 2021

The April 25, 2015 Mw 7.9 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal was characterized by a peak slip of several meters and persisting aftershocks. We report here that, in addition, a dense seismic swarm initiated abruptly in August 2017 at the western edge of the afterslip region, below the high Himalchuli-Manaslu range culminating at 8156 m, a region seismically inactive during the past 35 years. Over 6500 events were recorded by the Nepal National Seismological Network with local magnitude ranging between 1.8 and 3.7 until November 2017. This swarm was reactivated between April and July 2018, with about 10 times less events than in 2017, and in 2019 with only sporadic events. The relocation of swarm earthquakes using proximal temporary stations ascertains a shallow depth of hypocenters between the surface and 20 km depth in the High Himalayan Crystalline slab. This swarm reveals an intriguing localized interplay between orogenic collapse and stress adjustments, involving possibly CO2-rich fluid migration, more likely post-seismic slip and seasonal enhancements.
Determining Diagnostic Criteria of Unexplained Recurrent Implantation Failure: A Retrospective Study of Two vs Three or More Implantation Failure
Authors: Sun Yingying , Zhang Yile , Ma Xueshan , Jia Weitong , Su Yingchun
Published: July 2021

Background

The definition of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) differs clinically, one of the most controversial diagnostic criteria is the number of failed treatment cycles. We tried to investigate whether the two implantation failure could be included in the diagnostic criteria of RIF.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of patients (N=1518) aged under 40 years with two or more implantation failure, recruited from the Center for Reproductive Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2016 to June 2019.

Results

After adjusting for confounding factors by using binary logistic regression, the results showed that partial general information and: distribution of associated factors were significant differences such as maternal age (aOR=1.054, P=0.001), type of cycle (aOR=2.040, P<0.001), stage of embryos development (aOR=0.287, P<0.001), number of embryos transferred (aOR=0.184, P<0.001), female factor (tubal pathology) (aOR=0.432, P=0.031) and male factor (aOR=1.734, P=0.002) between the groups with two and three or more unexplained implantation failure. And further explored whether these differential factors had a significant negative impact on pregnancy outcome, the results showed that: for patients who had three unexplained implantation failure, in the fourth cycle of ET, the live birth rate decreased significantly with age (aOR=0.921, P<0.001), and the live birth rate of blastocyst transfer was significantly higher than that of cleavage embryo transfer (aOR=1.826, P=0.007). At their first assisted pregnancy treatment after the diagnosis of RIF according to these two different definitions, there were no significant difference in the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ectopic pregnancy rate and abortion rate (P>0.05), but the live birth rate (35.64% vs 42.95%, P=0.004) was significantly different. According to the definition of ‘two or more failed treatment cycles’, the live birth rate of the first ET treatment after RIF diagnosis was significantly lower than that of patients according to the definition of ‘three or more failed treatment cycles’.

Conclusion

For patients with unexplained recurrent implantation failure, two implantation failure cannot be included in the diagnostic criteria of RIF. This study supports the generally accepted definition of three or more failed treatment cycles for RIF.
A Systematic Review of Anogenital Distance and Gynecological Disorders: Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Pan Zhenyan , Zhu Fangfang , Zhou Kai
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim

Anogenital distance (AGD) can serve as a life-long indicator of androgen action in gestational weeks 8–14. AGD has been used as an important tool to investigate the exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds in newborns and in individuals with male reproductive disorder. Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two common gynecological disorders and both are related to prenatal androgen levels. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to evaluate the relationships of AGD with these gynecological disorders.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for published studies up to January 25, 2021. No language restriction was implemented.

Results

Ten studies were included in this review. Five focused on women with endometriosis, and six investigated women with PCOS. According to these studies, PCOS patients had longer AGD than controls, while endometriosis patients had shorter AGD than controls. In conclusion, this study provides a detailed and accurate review of the associations of AGD with endometriosis and PCOS.

Conclusion

The current findings indicate the longer AGD was related to PCOS and shorter AGD was related to endometriosis. However, further well-designed studies are needed to corroborate the current findings.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Tuberculosis: Clinical Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Zhang Xueying , Xie Qi , Ye Ziyu , Li Yanyun , Che Zhengping , Huang Mingyuan , Zeng Jincheng
Published: July 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the communicable diseases caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) infection, affecting nearly one-third of the world’s population. However, because the pathogenesis of TB is still not fully understood and the development of anti-TB drug is slow, TB remains a global public health problem. In recent years, with the gradual discovery and confirmation of the immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), more and more studies, including our team’s research, have shown that MSCs seem to be closely related to the growth status of Mtb and the occurrence and development of TB, which is expected to bring new hope for the clinical treatment of TB. This article reviews the relationship between MSCs and the occurrence and development of TB and the potential application of MSCs in the treatment of TB.
Rapid Clinical Progression and Its Correlates Among Acute HIV Infected Men Who Have Sex With Men in China： Findings From a 5-Year Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Jing , Huang Xiao-jie , Tang Wei-ming , Chu Zhenxing , Hu Qinghai , Liu Jing , Ding Haibo , Han Xiaoxu , Zhang Zining , Jiang Yong-jun , Geng Wenqing , Xia Wei , Xu Junjie , Shang Hong
Published: July 2021

Background

In the “treat all” era, there are few data on the nature of HIV clinical progression in middle-income countries. The aim of the current study was to prospectively analyze the clinical progression of HIV and its indicators among men in China with acute HIV who have sex with men.

Methods

From 2009–2014 a total of 400 men with acute HIV infection (AHI) were identified among 7,893 men who have sex with men via periodic pooled nucleic acid amplification testing, and they were assigned to an AHI prospective cohort in Beijing and Shenyang, China. Rapid progression was defined as two consecutive CD4+ T cell counts < 350/µL within 3–24 months post-infection. Kaplan−Meier and Cox-regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of rapid progression.

Results

Among 400 men with AHI 46.5% were rapid progressors, 35.1% reached rapid progressor status by 12 months post-infection, and 63.9% reached rapid progressor status by 24 months. Rapid progression was associated with herpes simplex-2 virus coinfection (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–2.3], depression (aHR 1.9, 95% CI 1.5–2.6), baseline CD4+ T cell count < 500/μL (aHR 3.5, 95% CI 2.4–5.1), higher baseline HIV viral load (aHR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.3), acute symptoms lasting ≥ 2 weeks (aHR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.2), higher body mass index (aHR 0.9, 95% CI 0.9–1.0), higher HIV viral load (aHR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4–2.1), set point viral load at 3 months (aHR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6–2.5), each 100-cell/μL decrease in CD4+ T cell count at 3 months (aHR 2.2, 95% CI 1.9–2.5), and baseline routine blood tests including white blood cell count < 5.32, hemoglobin ≥ 151, mean corpuscular hemoglobin ≥ 30.5, hemoglobin concentration ≥ 342, mean platelet count ≥ 342, lymphocytes ≥ 1.98, and mixed cell count ≥ 0.4 (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Almost half of the patients underwent rapid clinical progression within 2 years after HIV infection. A treat-all policy is necessary and should be strengthened globally. Rapid progression was correlated with herpes simplex-2 virus coinfection, depression, low CD4+ T cell counts, and high set point viral load in acute infection stage. Rapid progression can be identified via simple indicators such as body mass index and routine blood test parameters in low and middle-income countries.
Effect of the Extracts of Sargassum fusiforme on Red Tide Microalgae in East China Sea
Authors: Zhang Yurong , Xu Nianjun , Li Yahe
Published: July 2021

This study examined the effects of extracts of hijiki (Sargassum fusiforme) on the growth and physiology of three species of red tide microalgae (Prorocentrum donghaiensis, Skeletonema costatum, and Heterosigma akashiwo) that commonly grow in the East China Sea. The red tide algae were cultivated with the hijiki extracts at different concentrations to investigate the effects of the extracts on cells growth, chlorophyll a content, maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), the activities of four oxidoreductases including peroxidase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), and the level of the membrane lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde (MDA). The sensitivity of red tide algae to the extracts varied among the strains, with P. donghaiensis being the most sensitive, followed by S. costatum, and then H. akashiwo. Furthermore, the extracts had a rapid lethal effect on P. donghaiensis at over 1.6 g/L and on S. costatum and P. donghaiensis at over 8 g/L. From that concentration, increasing amounts of the extracts in cultures of S. costatum promoted a reduction in Chla contents and Fv/Fm values. In addition, the oxidoreductase activity of S. costatum was reduced at 4 and 6 g/L, as shown by the reduced activity of SOD, GR, GSH-Px, GST and MDA content in the cells. The results presented herein will be useful to the development and utilization of hijiki on red tide control, and marine environmental protection.
Radiometry on Argo Floats: From the Multispectral State-of-the-Art on the Step to Hyperspectral Technology
Authors: Jemai Ahlem , Wollschläger Jochen , Voß Daniela , Zielinski Oliver
Published: July 2021

Over the past two decades, robotic technology such as Argo floats have revolutionized operational autonomous measurement of the oceans. Recently, Biogeochemical Argo floats (BGC-Argo floats) have measured optical and biogeochemical quantities down to a depth of 2,000 m. Among these parameters, are measurements of the underwater light field from which apparent optical properties (AOPs), such as the diffuse attenuation coefficient for downwelling irradiance Kd(λ), can be derived. Presently, multispectral observations are available on this platform at three wavelengths (with 10–20 nm bandwidths) in the ultraviolet and visible part of the spectrum plus the Photosynthetically Available Radiation (PAR; integrated radiation between 400 and 700 nm). This article reviews studies dealing with these radiometric observations and presents the current state-of-the-art in Argo radiometry. It focus on the successful portability of radiometers onboard Argo float platforms and covers applications of the obtained data for bio-optical modeling and ocean color remote sensing. Generating already high-quality datasets in the existing configuration, the BGC-Argo program must now investigate the potential to incorporate hyperspectral technology. The possibility to acquire hyperspectral information and the subsequent development of new algorithms that exploit these data will open new opportunities for bio-optical long-term studies of global ocean processes, but also present new challenges to handle and process increased amounts of data.
Bioprospecting Antiproliferative Marine Microbiota From Submarine Volcano Tagoro
Authors: García-Davis Sara , Reyes Carolina P. , Lagunes Irene , Padrón José M. , Fraile-Nuez Eugenio , Fernández José J. , Díaz-Marrero Ana R.
Published: July 2021

Marine ecosystems are unique and rich reservoirs of biodiversity with high potential toward improving the quality of human life. The extreme physical–chemical conditions of the oceans have favored marine organisms to produce a great variety of new molecules as a mechanism to ensure their survival, and such compounds possess great biopharmaceutical interest. In particular, marine microbiota represent a promising and inexhaustible source for the development of new drugs. This work presents the taxonomic study of the samples obtained from the underwater volcano Tagoro, which has allowed us to develop a collection of 182 marine bacterial strains. On October 10th, 2011, at La Restinga–El Mar de Las Calmas Marine Reserve, an underwater eruption gave rise to a novel shallow submarine volcano at 1.8 km south of the island of El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain. During the first 6 months, extreme physical–chemical perturbations, comprising thermal changes, water acidification, deoxygenation, and metal enrichment, resulted in significant alterations of the marine ecosystem. After March 2012, the submarine volcano Tagoro entered an active hydrothermal phase that involved a release of heat, gases, metals, and micronutrients that continues till our present. During 2016, our research team had the opportunity to participate in one of the monitoring oceanographic cruises carried out in the area in order to isolate microorganisms associated with both rock samples and deep-sea invertebrates over Tagoro submarine volcano. In this study, Proteobacteria revealed as the most abundant Phylum with 70.2% among all isolated strains, followed by Firmicutes 19%, Actinobacteria 9.5%, and Bacteroidetes 1.2%. Furthermore, we present the results of the antiproliferative assays of the extracts obtained from small-scale cultures of selected bacterial strains. An analysis of the effects of culture conditions in the antiproliferative activity showed that strains grown in Marine Broth (MB) presented lower GI50 values than those cultured in a modified medium (MM1). This effect is improved when the strains are incubated under agitation conditions. The antiproliferative potential of genera such as Halobacillus, Kangiella, Photobacterium, and Halomonas is revealed. Their biotechnological development provides an excellent starting point to access novel secondary metabolites and enzymes with potential for pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
Assessing the Impact of the Assimilation of SWOT Observations in a Global High-Resolution Analysis and Forecasting System Part 1: Methods
Authors: Benkiran Mounir , Ruggiero Giovanni , Greiner Eric , Le Traon Pierre-Yves , Rémy Elisabeth , Lellouche Jean Michel , Bourdallé-Badie Romain , Drillet Yann , Tchonang Babette
Published: July 2021

The future Surface Water Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission due to be launched in 2022 will extend the capability of existing nadir altimeters to enable two-dimensional mapping at a much higher effective resolution. A significant challenge will be to assimilate this kind of data in high-resolution models. In this context, Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) have been performed to assess the impact of SWOT on the Mercator Ocean and Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) global, high-resolution analysis and forecasting system. This paper focusses on the design of these OSSEs, in terms of simulated observations and assimilation systems (ocean model and data assimilation schemes). The main results are discussed in a companion paper. Two main updates of the current Mercator Ocean data assimilation scheme have been made to improve the assimilation of information from SWOT data. The first one is related to a different parametrisation of the model error covariance, and the second to the use of a four-dimensional (4D) version of the data assimilation scheme. These improvements are described in detail and their contribution is quantified. The Nature Run (NR) used to represent the “truth ocean” is validated by comparing it with altimeter observations, and is then used to simulate pseudo-observations required for the OSSEs. Finally, the design of the OSSEs is evaluated by ensuring that the differences between the assimilation system and the NR are statistically consistent with the misfits between real ocean observations and real-time operational systems.
Deep-Sea Carbonates Are a Reservoir of Fossil Microbes Previously Inhabiting Cold Seeps
Authors: Wang Yong , Li Wenli , Li Qingmei , Zhou Yingli , Gao Zhaoming , Feng Dong
Published: July 2021

Carbonates are globally distributed particularly around deep-sea cold seeps. The embedded microbes are fossil records of the past bioprocess but metagenomes of the carbonates have not been fully studied. In this study, we report microbial community structures and genomes of dominant species in cold-seep carbonates from the South China Sea (SCS) and Gulf of Mexico (GoM). The carbonates contained both anaerobic microbes represented by methane oxidizing archaea (ANME) and aerobic ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA). The samples from GoM were mostly composed of small microbial groups, indicating heavy degradation of the fossil microbes. The composition of the carbonate communities differed from that of cold seep sediments, suggesting alteration of cold-seep microbial structures during formation and weathering of carbonates. Extraction of 18S rRNA genes from metagenomic reads revealed prevalence of fungal species in the carbonates of the GoM. Genome binning resulted in 10 genomes for dominant prokaryotic species. The ANME genomes showed a short genetic distance to the relatives from the current cold seep sediments; the AOA genomes were affiliated with alpha ecotype dominating deep-sea sediments. Our study reports the genomes in ancient carbonates and sheds lights on microbial role in formation and bioweathering of carbonates.
The Role of Herpes Viruses in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Duckworth Anna , Longhurst Hilary J. , Paxton Jane K. , Scotton Chris J.
Published: July 2021

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a serious lung disease which can result from known genetic or environmental exposures but is more commonly idiopathic (IPF). In familial PF (FPF), the majority of identified causal genes play key roles in the maintenance of telomeres, the protective end structures of chromosomes. Recent evidence suggests that short telomeres may also be implicated causally in a significant proportion of idiopathic cases. The possible involvement of herpes viruses in PF disease incidence and progression has been examined for many years, with some studies showing strong, statistically significant associations and others reporting no involvement. Evidence is thus polarized and remains inconclusive. Here we review the reported involvement of herpes viruses in PF in both animals and humans and present a summary of the evidence to date. We also present several possible mechanisms of action of the different herpes viruses in PF pathogenesis, including potential contributions to telomere attrition and cellular senescence. Evidence for antiviral treatment in PF is very limited but suggests a potential benefit. Further work is required to definitely answer the question of whether herpes viruses impact PF disease onset and progression and to enable the possible use of targeted antiviral treatments to improve clinical outcomes.
Rapid Detection of New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase Gene Using Recombinase-Aided Amplification Directly on Clinical Samples From Children
Authors: Feng Yanling , Xue Guanhua , Feng Junxia , Yan Chao , Cui Jinghua , Gan Lin , Zhang Rui , Zhao Hanqin , Xu Wenjian , Li Nannan , Liu Shiyu , Du Shuheng , Zhang Weiwei , Yao Hailan , Tai Jun , Ma Lijuan , Zhang Ting , Qu Dong , Wei Yongxiang , Yuan Jing
Published: July 2021

New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase, a metallo-β-lactamase carbapenemase type, mediates resistance to most β-lactam antibiotics including penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Therefore, it is important to detect blaNDM genes in children’s clinical samples as quickly as possible and analyze their characteristics. Here, a recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) assay, which operates in a single one-step reaction tube at 39°C in 5−15 min, was established to target blaNDM genes in children’s clinical samples. The analytical sensitivity of the RAA assay was 20 copies, and the various bacterial types without blaNDM genes did not amplify. This method was used to detect blaNDM genes in 112 children’s stool samples, 10 of which were tested positive by both RAA and standard PCR. To further investigate the characteristics of carbapenem-resistant bacteria carrying blaNDM in children, 15 carbapenem-resistant bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella oxytoca, Acinetobacter junii, and Proteus mirabilis) were isolated from the 10 samples. Notably, more than one bacterial type was isolated from three samples. Most of these isolates were resistant to cephalosporins, cefoperazone-sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam, ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, aztreonam, co-trimoxazole, and carbapenems. blaNDM–1 and blaNDM–5 were the two main types in these samples. These data show that the RAA assay has potential to be a sensitive and rapid blaNDM gene screening test for clinical samples. The common existence of blaNDM and multi-drug resistance genes presents major challenges for pediatric treatment.
Visual Effect on Brain Connectome That Scales Feedforward and Feedback Processes of Aged Postural System During Unstable Stance
Authors: Chen Yi-Ching , Huang Chien-Chun , Zhao Chen-Guang , Hwang Ing-Shiou
Published: July 2021

Older adults with degenerative declines in sensory systems depend strongly on visual input for postural control. By connecting advanced neural imaging and a postural control model, this study investigated the visual effect on the brain functional network that regulates feedback and feedforward processes of the postural system in older adults under somatosensory perturbations. Thirty-six older adults conducted bilateral stance on a foam surface in the eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions while their center of pressure (COP) and scalp EEG were recorded. The stochastic COP trajectory was modeled with non-linear stabilogram diffusion analysis (SDA) to characterize shifts in postural control in a continuum of feedback and feedforward processes. The EEG network was analyzed with the phase-lag index (PLI) and minimum spanning tree (MST). The results indicated that visual input rebalanced feedforward and feedback processes for postural sway, resulting in a greater critical point of displacement (CD), short-term effective diffusion coefficients (Ds) and short-term exponent (Hs), but the smaller critical point of time (CT) and long-term exponent (Hl) for the EC state. The EC network demonstrated stronger frontoparietal-occipital connectivity but weaker fronto-tempo-motor connectivity of the theta (4–7 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), and beta (13–35 Hz) bands than did the EO network. MST analysis revealed generally greater leaf fraction and maximal betweenness centrality (BCmax) and kappa of the EC network, as compared with those of the EO network. In contrast, the EC network exhibited a smaller diameter and average eccentricity than those of the EO network. The modulation of long-term negative feedback gain of the aged postural system with visual occlusion was positively correlated with leaf fraction, BCmax, and kappa, but negatively correlated with the diameter and average eccentricity for all EEG sub-bands. In conclusion, the aged brain functional network in older adults is tuned to visual information for modulating long-term negative feedback of the postural system under somatosensory perturbations.
White Matter Microstructure Alterations Associated With Paroxetine Treatment Response in Major Depression
Authors: Vieira Rita , Coelho Ana , Reis Joana , Portugal-Nunes Carlos , Magalhães Ricardo , Ferreira Sónia , Moreira Pedro Silva , Sousa Nuno , Bessa João M.
Published: July 2021

More than one-third of depressive patients do not achieve remission after the first antidepressant treatment. The “watch and wait” approach used to find the most effective antidepressant leads to an increased personal, social, and economic burden in society. In order to overcome this challenge, there has been a focus on studying neural biomarkers associated with antidepressant response. Diffusion tensor imaging measures have shown a promising role as predictors of antidepressant response by pointing to pretreatment differences in the white matter microstructural integrity between future responders and non-responders to different pharmacotherapies. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore whether response to paroxetine treatment was associated with differences in the white matter microstructure at baseline. Twenty drug-naive patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder followed a 6- to 12-week treatment with paroxetine. All patients completed magnetic resonance brain imaging and a clinical assessment at baseline and 6–12 weeks after treatment. Whole-brain tract-based spatial statistics was used to explore differences in white matter microstructural properties estimated from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. Voxel-wise statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in fractional anisotropy and a decrease in radial diffusivity in forceps minor and superior longitudinal fasciculus in responders compared to non-responders. Thus, alterations in white matter integrity, specifically in forceps minor and the superior longitudinal fasciculus, are associated with paroxetine treatment response. These findings pave the way for personalized treatment strategies in major depression.
Inhibitory Effects of Palmatine on P2X7 Receptor Expression in Trigeminal Ganglion and Facial Pain in Trigeminal Neuralgia Rats
Authors: Yin Cancan , Shen Wenhao , Zhang Mingming , Wen Lequan , Huang Ruoyu , Sun Mengyun , Gao Yun , Xiong Wei
Published: July 2021

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) refers to recurrent severe paroxysmal pain in the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. This research applied the chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI—ION) approach to induce an animal model of TN in rats. The mechanical pain threshold of each group of rats was determined postoperatively; the expression of P2X7 receptor in trigeminal ganglion (TG) was assessed by qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence and Western blot; and the changes of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in serum of rats were detected by ELISA. The results showed that the administration of palmatine in the TN rats could reduce the mechanical pain threshold, significantly decrease the expression of P2X7 receptor in TG, and lower the serum concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α, compared to the sham group. In addition, the phosphorylation level of p38 in TG of TN rats was significantly decreased after treatment with palmatine. Likewise, inhibition of P2X7 expression by shRNA treatment could effectively counteract the adversary changes of pain sensitivity, IL-1β and TNF-α production, and p38 phosphorylation in TN rats. Our data suggest that palmatine may alleviate mechanical facial pain in TN rats possibly by reducing the expression of P2X7 receptor in TG of TN rats, which may be attributable to inhibiting p38 phosphorylation and reducing the release of IL-1β and TNF-α.
Diffusion- and Susceptibility Weighted Imaging Mismatch Correlates With Collateral Circulation and Prognosis After Middle Cerebral Artery M1-Segment Occlusion
Authors: Xu Zhihua , Tong Zhenhua , Duan Yang , Xing Dengxiang , Song Hongyan , Pei Yusong , Yang Benqiang
Published: July 2021

Objective: To explore the relation between diffusion-weighted and susceptibility weighted imaging (DWI-SWI) mismatch and collateral circulation or prognosis in patients with occluded M1 segments of middle cerebral artery (MCA).

Methods: We enrolled 59 patients with MCA M1-segment occlusion for a retrospective review of baseline clinical and imaging data. As markers of circulatory collaterals, prominent laterality of posterior (PLPCA) and anterior (PLACA) cerebral arteries on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) studies and a hyperintense vessel sign (HVS) on T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images were collectively scored. The extent of acute cerebral infarction was then quantified on DWI, using the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (DWI-ASPECTS). Hypointensity vessel sign prominence (PVS) was also evaluated by SWI and similarly scored (SWI-ASPECT) to calculate DWI-SWI mismatch [(DWI-ASPECTS) – (SWI-ASPECTS)], ranging from −10 to 10 points.

Results: DWI-SWI mismatch showed significant associations with PLPCA, PLACA, HVS prominence, and collective collateral scores (all, p < 0.05). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), DWI-SWI mismatch, and DWI-ASPECTS also differed significantly according to patient prognosis (good vs. poor) after MCA M1-segment occlusion (p < 0.05). In binary logistic regression analyses, NIHSS and DWI-SWI mismatch emerged as independent prognostic factors (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Collateral circulation may be an important aspect of DWI-SWI mismatch, which in this study correlated with prognostic outcomes of MCA M1-segment occlusion.
Cortical Activity During an Attack of Ménière's Disease—A Case Report
Authors: Devantier Louise , Hansen Allan K. , Mølby-Henriksen Jens-Jacob , Pedersen Michael , Borghammer Per , Ovesen Therese , Magnusson Måns
Published: July 2021

Background: Ménière's disease (MD) is a chronic peripheral vestibular disorder with recurrent episodes of vertigo accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness in the affected ear. There are several unanswered fundamental questions regarding MD, one of these being cortical activity during a MD attack. However, it is not possible to plan an investigation in an episodic disease as MD.

Objective: To visualize cortical activity during an attack of MD.

Method:18F-FDG PET scans were used to visualize cortical activity in a 62 years old male suffering from definite MD. Two 18F-FDG PET scans were performed. One to show activity during the attack and one to show normal baseline brain activity 7 days after the attack.

Results: A number of low-magnitude fluctuations in the 18F-FDG FDG uptake were found in 18F-FDG PET examination following the MD attack compared to the patient's own baseline 18F-FDG FDG scan. Across both hemispheres no significant changes were seen. However, reduced activity was observed in most of the orbitofrontal, frontal cortices as well as Heschl's gyrus and insula.

Conclusion: This is the first neuroimaging showing alteration of brain activity during an attack in a patient with MD. No strong focal alterations was seen. It is noteworthy that the decreased activity observed was in the insula and Heschl's gyrus that seems to be core areas for processing information from the labyrinth. It is also of interest that decreased activity rather than hyperactivity was observed.
A Versatile Hermetically Sealed Microelectronic Implant for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Applications
Authors: Jiang Dai , Liu Fangqi , Lancashire Henry T. , Perkins Timothy A. , Schormans Matthew , Vanhoestenberghe Anne , Donaldson Nicholas De N. , Demosthenous Andreas
Published: July 2021

This article presents a versatile neurostimulation platform featuring a fully implantable multi-channel neural stimulator for chronic experimental studies with freely moving large animal models involving peripheral nerves. The implant is hermetically sealed in a ceramic enclosure and encapsulated in medical grade silicone rubber, and then underwent active tests at accelerated aging conditions at 100°C for 15 consecutive days. The stimulator microelectronics are implemented in a 0.6-μm CMOS technology, with a crosstalk reduction scheme to minimize cross-channel interference, and high-speed power and data telemetry for battery-less operation. A wearable transmitter equipped with a Bluetooth Low Energy radio link, and a custom graphical user interface provide real-time, remotely controlled stimulation. Three parallel stimulators provide independent stimulation on three channels, where each stimulator supports six stimulating sites and two return sites through multiplexing, hence the implant can facilitate stimulation at up to 36 different electrode pairs. The design of the electronics, method of hermetic packaging and electrical performance as well asin vitrotesting with electrodes in saline are presented.
Probing the VIPR2 Microduplication Linkage to Schizophrenia in Animal and Cellular Models
Authors: Ago Yukio , Asano Satoshi , Hashimoto Hitoshi , Waschek James A.
Published: July 2021

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP, gene name ADCYAP1) is a multifunctional neuropeptide involved in brain development and synaptic plasticity. With respect to PACAP function, most attention has been given to that mediated by its specific receptor PAC1 (ADCYAP1R1). However, PACAP also binds tightly to the high affinity receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, VIP), called VPAC1 and VPAC2 (VIPR1 and VIPR2, respectively). Depending on innervation patterns, PACAP can thus interact physiologically with any of these receptors. VPAC2 receptors, the focus of this review, are known to have a pivotal role in regulating circadian rhythms and to affect multiple other processes in the brain, including those involved in fear cognition. Accumulating evidence in human genetics indicates that microduplications at 7q36.3, containing VIPR2 gene, are linked to schizophrenia and possibly autism spectrum disorder. Although detailed molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, recent studies in animal models suggest that overactivation of the VPAC2 receptor disrupts cortical circuit maturation. The VIPR2 linkage can thus be potentially explained by inappropriate control of receptor signaling at a time when neural circuits involved in cognition and social behavior are being established. Alternatively, or in addition, VPAC2 receptor overactivity may disrupt ongoing synaptic plasticity during processes of learning and memory. Finally, in vitro data indicate that PACAP and VIP have differential activities on the maturation of neurons via their distinct signaling pathways. Thus perturbations in the balance of VPAC2, VPAC1, and PAC1 receptors and their ligands may have important consequences in brain development and plasticity.