bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA metabarcoding of fungal diversity in air and snow of Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
Authors: Rosa Luiz Henrique , Pinto Otávio Henrique Bezerra , Šantl-Temkiv Tina , Convey Peter , Carvalho-Silva Micheline , Rosa Carlos Augusto , Câmara Paulo E. A. S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe assessed fungal diversity present in air and freshly deposited snow samples obtained from Livingston Island, Antarctica, using DNA metabarcoding through high throughput sequencing (HTS). A total of 740 m3 of air were pumped through a 0.22 µm membrane. Snow obtained shortly after deposition was kept at room temperature and yielded 3.760 L of water, which was filtered using Sterivex membranes of 0.22 µm mesh size. The total DNA present was extracted and sequenced. We detected 171 fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), 70 from the air and 142 from the snow. They were dominated by the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota and Mucoromycota. Pseudogymnoascus, Cladosporium, Mortierella and Penicillium sp. were the most dominant ASVs detected in the air in rank order. In snow, Cladosporium, Pseudogymnoascus, Penicillium, Meyerozyma, Lecidea, Malassezia, Hanseniaspora, Austroplaca, Mortierella, Rhodotorula, Penicillium, Thelebolus, Aspergillus, Poaceicola, Glarea and Lecanora were the dominant ASVs present. In general, the two fungal assemblages displayed high diversity, richness, and dominance indices, with the assemblage found in snow having the highest diversity indices. Of the total fungal ASVs detected, 29 were only present in the air sample and 101 in the snow sample, with only 41 present in both samples; however, when only the dominant taxa from both samples were compared none occurred only in the air and, among the rare portion, 26 taxa occurred in both air and snow. Application of HTS revealed the presence of a more diverse fungal community in the air and snow of Livingston Island in comparison with studies using traditional isolation methods. The assemblages were dominated by cold-adapted and cosmopolitan fungal taxa, including members of the genera Pseudogymnoascus, Malassezia and Rhodotorula, which include some taxa reported as opportunistic. Our results support the hypothesis that the presence of microbiota in the airspora indicates the possibility of dispersal around Antarctica in the air column. However, further aeromycology studies are required to understand the dynamics of fungal dispersal within and beyond Antarctica.
Acute renal denervation normalizes aortic function and decreases blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Moreira Nathalia Juocys Dias , dos Santos Fernando , Moreira Edson Dias , Farah Daniela , de Souza Leandro Eziquiel , da Silva Maikon Barbosa , Moraes-Silva Ivana Cinthya , Lincevicius Gisele Silvério , Caldini Elia Garcia , Irigoyen Maria Cláudia Costa 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMechanisms involved in the acute responses to renal denervation (RDN) have yet to be fully understood. We assessed urinary volume, autonomic control and aorta vascular reactivity after acute RDN. Male normotensive Wistar rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided into normotensive + RDN (ND) or sham surgery (NS), and hypertensive + RDN (HD) or sham surgery (HS). Metabolic parameters and hemodynamic measurements were recorded 72h and 4 days after intervention, respectively. Aortic rings were studied 7 days post RDN in an isometric myograph. Concentration–response curves to phenylephrine, sodium nitroprusside and acetylcholine (10–10–10−5 M) were performed. Two-way ANOVA was used for group comparisons and differences reported when p < 0.05. Results are presented as mean ± SEM. Urinary volume was 112% higher in HD vs. HS (HS = 14.94 ± 2.5 mL; HD = 31.69 ± 2.2 mL) and remained unchanged in normotensive rats. Systolic BP was lower in HD rats (HS = 201 ± 12 vs. HD = 172 ± 3 mmHg) without changes in normotensive group. HD group showed increased HF and LF modulation (HS = 5.8 ± 0.7 ms2vs. HD = 13.4 ± 1.4 ms2; HS = 3.5 ± 0.7 ms2vs. HD = 10.5 ± 1.7 ms2, respectively). RDN normalized vascular reactivity in HD rats and increased phenylephrine response in ND rats. Acute fall in BP induced by RDN is associated with increased urinary volume, which in turn may also have contributed to functional changes of the aorta.
NKT cells promote both type 1 and type 2 inflammatory responses in a mouse model of liver fibrosis
Authors: Nilsson Julia , Hörnberg Maria , Schmidt-Christensen Anja , Linde Kajsa , Nilsson Maria , Carlus Marine , Erttmann Saskia F. , Mayans Sofia , Holmberg Dan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSterile liver inflammation and fibrosis are associated with many liver disorders of different etiologies. Both type 1 and type 2 inflammatory responses have been reported to contribute to liver pathology. However, the mechanisms controlling the balance between these responses are largely unknown. Natural killer T (NKT) cells can be activated to rapidly secrete cytokines and chemokines associated with both type 1 and type 2 inflammatory responses. As these proteins have been reported to accumulate in different types of sterile liver inflammation, we hypothesized that these cells may play a role in this pathological process. We have found that a transgenic NKT (tgNKT) cell population produced in the immunodeficient 2,4αβNOD.Rag2−/− mice, but not in 2,4αβNOD.Rag2+/− control mice, promoted a type 1 inflammatory response with engagement of the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. The induction of the type 1 inflammatory response was followed by an altered cytokine profile of the tgNKT cell population with a biased production of anti-inflammatory/profibrotic cytokines and development of liver fibrosis. These findings illustrate how the plasticity of NKT cells modulates the inflammatory response, suggesting a key role for the NKT cell population in the control of sterile liver inflammation.
Reduced vagal modulations of heart rate during overwintering in Antarctica
Authors: Maggioni Martina A. , Merati Giampiero , Castiglioni Paolo , Mendt Stefan , Gunga Hanns-Christian , Stahn Alexander C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLong-duration Antarctic expeditions are characterized by isolation, confinement, and extreme environments. Here we describe the time course of cardiac autonomic modulation assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) during 14-month expeditions at the German Neumayer III station in Antarctica. Heart rate recordings were acquired in supine position in the morning at rest once before the expedition (baseline) and monthly during the expedition from February to October. The total set comprised twenty-five healthy crewmembers (n = 15 men, 38 ± 6 yrs, n = 10 women, 32 ± 6 yrs, mean ± SD). High frequency (HF) power and the ratio of low to high frequency power (LF/HF) were used as indices of vagal modulation and sympathovagal balance. HF power adjusted for baseline differences decreased significantly during the expedition, indicating a gradual reduction in vagal tone. LF/HF powers ratio progressively shifted toward a sympathetic predominance reaching statistical significance in the final trimester (August to October) relative to the first trimester (February to April). This effect was particularly pronounced in women. The depression of cardio-vagal tone and the shift toward a sympathetic predominance observed throughout the overwintering suggest a long-term cardiac autonomic modulation in response to isolation and confinement during Antartic overwintering.
Long-term exposure of human endothelial cells to metformin modulates miRNAs and isomiRs
Authors: Giuliani Angelica , Londin Eric , Ferracin Manuela , Mensà Emanuela , Prattichizzo Francesco , Ramini Deborah , Marcheselli Fiorella , Recchioni Rina , Rippo Maria Rita , Bonafè Massimiliano , Rigoutsos Isidore , Olivieri Fabiola , Sabbatinelli Jacopo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggest that the glucose-lowering drug metformin exerts a valuable anti-senescence role. The ability of metformin to affect the biogenesis of selected microRNAs (miRNAs) was recently suggested. MicroRNA isoforms (isomiRs) are distinct variations of miRNA sequences, harboring addition or deletion of one or more nucleotides at the 5′ and/or 3′ ends of the canonical miRNA sequence. We performed a comprehensive analysis of miRNA and isomiR profile in human endothelial cells undergoing replicative senescence in presence of metformin. Metformin treatment was associated with the differential expression of 27 miRNAs (including miR-100-5p, -125b-5p, -654-3p, -217 and -216a-3p/5p). IsomiR analysis revealed that almost 40% of the total miRNA pool was composed by non-canonical sequences. Metformin significantly affects the relative abundance of 133 isomiRs, including the non-canonical forms of the aforementioned miRNAs. Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that pathways associated with proliferation and nutrient sensing are modulated by metformin-regulated miRNAs and that some of the regulated isomiRs (e.g. the 5′ miR-217 isomiR) are endowed with alternative seed sequences and share less than half of the predicted targets with the canonical form. Our results show that metformin reshapes the senescence-associated miRNA/isomiR patterns of endothelial cells, thus expanding our insight into the cell senescence molecular machinery.
Reference values and the effect of clinical parameters on thyroid hormone levels during early pregnancy
Authors: Lin Huijia , Ye Mudan , Zhou Zhenwen , Yuan Lianxiong , Lash Gendie E. , Zhang Guanglan , Li Li 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: Thyroid dysfunction is a common endocrine problem during pregnancy; correct diagnosis and appropriate treatments are essential to avoid adverse pregnancy outcomes. Besides, it is vital to identify and quantify the major risk factors for gestational thyroid dysfunction, including thyroid autoimmunity, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) concentration, body mass index (BMI) and parity. The study objective was to establish reference ranges during early pregnancy and to explore the relationship between risk factors and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyroxine (FT3).
Design, patients and measurements: To establish the reference ranges of thyroid hormone during early pregnancy in China and to identify the risk factors for thyroid dysfunction, woman in the first trimester of pregnancy (4–12 weeks gestation) were recruited. After excluding thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) positive and/or thyroglobulin antibody (TG-Ab) positive women, previous thyroid disease, a lack of iodine intake, reference values were calculated by 2.5th to 97.5th percentiles.
Results: After exclusion of TPO-Ab and/or TG-Ab positive women, reference values were as follows: TSH, 0.11–3.67 mIU/l; FT3, 3.19–5.91 pmol/l; FT4 10.95–16.79 pmol/l. Higher BMI was associated with lower FT4 concentrations (P=0.005). In multiple regression analysis, TSH was significantly and positively associated with TG (P=0.03). Maternal parity and maternal age may be risk factors for the abnormal thyroidal response to hCG concentrations.
Conclusions: Our study defined first trimester-specific reference ranges for serum TSH, FT4, FT3 in a Chinese population, and demonstrated that BMI ≥23kg/m2, maternal parity ≥3 and maternal age ≥30 years may increase the risk of thyroid dysfunction.
Structural assessment of SARS-CoV2 accessory protein ORF7a predicts LFA-1 and Mac-1 binding potential
Authors: Nizamudeen Zubair Ahmed , Xu Emma-Ruoqi , Karthik Vivin , Halawa Mohamed , Arkill Kenton P. , Jackson Andrew M. , Bates David O. , Emsley Jonas 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
ORF7a is an accessory protein common to SARS-CoV1 and the recently discovered SARS-CoV2, which is causing the COVID-19 pandemic. The ORF7a protein has a structural homology with ICAM-1 which binds to the T lymphocyte integrin receptor LFA-1. As COVID-19 has a strong immune component as part of the disease, we sought to determine whether SARS-CoV2 would have a similar structural interaction with LFA-1. Using molecular docking simulations, we found that SARS-CoV2 ORF7a has the key structural determinants required to bind LFA-1 but also the related leukocyte integrin Mac-1, which is also known to be expressed by macrophages. Our study shows that SARS-CoV2 ORF7a protein has a conserved Ig immunoglobulin-like fold containing an integrin binding site that provides a mechanistic hypothesis for SARS-CoV2’s interaction with the human immune system. This suggests that experimental investigation of ORF7a-mediated effects on immune cells such as T lymphocytes and macrophages (leukocytes) could help understand the disease further and develop effective treatments.
ACE2, a multifunctional protein – from cardiovascular regulation to COVID-19
Authors: Bader Michael , Turner Anthony J. , Alenina Natalia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This Editorial, written by Guest Editors Professor Michael Bader, Professor Anthony J. Turner and Dr Natalia Alenina, proudly introduces the Clinical Science-themed collection on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a multifunctional protein – from cardiovascular regulation to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The Impact of COVID-19 on Speakers With Aphasia: What Is Currently Known and Missing?
Authors: Kong Anthony Pak-Hin 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
Enhancing social participation and reducing emotional distress in persons with aphasia (PWA) are a critical rehabilitation goal. Social relationships and meaningful activities performed by PWA are also crucial to promote positive psychosocial well-being. As a precautionary measure specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, most PWA worldwide have generally followed the guidelines of going out less, restricting when and where to gather with friends and peers, reducing social activities, and maintaining appropriate social distance; these acts are contrary to the traditional principles of managing aphasia. This article aims to (a) highlight and add to our understanding of issues related to the impact of the currently evolving COVID-19 pandemic on PWA, (b) direct readers to relevant reports in the literature of telerehabilitation for aphasia to look for useful information regarding remote assessment and therapy to be considered during the pandemic, (c) summarize support initiatives developed and resources compiled thus far as well as provide links for caregivers and PWA to find more information about COVID-19 in their communities, and (d) offer recommendations to potentially move the field of aphasia research and clinical PWA services forward in a positive way to endure the pandemic and in the forthcoming post-COVID world.

Conclusions
At present, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the short and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on PWA and their caregivers. It is crucial that different stakeholders be sensitive and flexible when addressing the psychosocial and rehabilitation needs of PWA to mitigate the negative effects during and after the COVID-19 era.
Speech-Language Pathologists' Perceptions of Their Preparation and Confidence for Providing Dysphagia Services
Authors: Caesar Lena G. , Kitila Merertu 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regarding their academic preparation and current confidence levels for providing dysphagia services, and the relationship between their perceptions of graduate school preparation and their current levels of confidence.

Method
This study utilized an online survey to gather information from 374 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association–certified SLPs who currently provide dysphagia services in the United States. Surveys were primarily distributed through American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Group forums and Facebook groups. The anonymous survey gathered information regarding SLPs' perceptions of academic preparation and current confidence levels for providing dysphagia services in 11 knowledge and skill areas.

Results
Findings indicated that more than half of respondents did not feel prepared following their graduate academic training in five of the 11 knowledge and skill areas related to dysphagia service delivery. However, about half of respondents indicated they were currently confident about their ability to provide services in eight of the 11 knowledge and skill areas. Findings also indicated that their current confidence levels to provide dysphagia services were significantly higher than their perceptions of preparation immediately following graduate school. However, no significant relationships were found between respondents' self-reported current confidence levels and their perceptions of the adequacy of their academic preparation.

Conclusions
Despite SLPs' low perceptions of the adequacy of their graduate preparation for providing dysphagia services in specific knowledge and skill areas immediately following graduation, they reported high confidence levels with respect to their actual service delivery. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Study on performance of AQM schemes over TCP variants in different network environments
Authors: Muhammad Salman , Chaudhery Touseef Javed , Noh Youngtae 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIncreasing the size of memory in network devices leads to the problem of a persistently full buffer (a.k.a, bufferbloat). The objective of this study is to compare the recently introduced Controlled Delay (CoDel) scheme with the traditional method of active queue management, such as Random Early Detection (RED) algorithms over TCP variants. To explore the potential of CoDel over RED, TCP variants have been assessed at three settings: variable congestion and fixed payload (VCFP), variable payload and fixed congestion (VPFC), and high congestion and high payload (HCHP). We assessed the CoDel and RED schemes for active queue management (AQM) using three performance metrics: link utilization, drop rate, and queuing delay. The analytical results show that CoDel outperformed RED in most aspects over variants of TCP because of its auto‐tuning and auto‐adjustment features. However, RED outperformed CoDel in a few cases. In the VCFP setting, RED recorded a lower drop rate overall TCP variants. Moreover, in the VPFC setting, RED with a payload of 500–1000 bytes performed better in terms of drop rate. Finally, in the HPHC setting, there were two cases where RED, over TCP NewReno and Vegas, performed well in terms of drop rate.
Improvement of transient response in grid‐tied photovoltaic systems using virtual inertia
Authors: Kumar Dhivya Sampath , Lau Preston , Sharma Anurag , Khambadkone Ashwin , Srinivasan Dipti 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPhotovoltaic (PV) generation systems, unlike conventional generators, do not possess any inherent inertia. The problem is further amplified by the fact that they are non‐dispatchable and highly intermittent by nature. Furthermore, the rate at which PV power output changes is of a much shorter timescale than that of conventional generators. Thus, integrating them in large quantities to the power grid without appropriate measures will compromise the power grid stability. One of the feasible solutions is to implement the concept of virtual inertia to PV systems, by adding energy storage systems (ESS) such as batteries in parallel with PV systems. In this paper, the ESS will be controlled to regulate the ramp rate (RR) of the PV power output to the grid, which smoothens the overall generation power profile. By modelling the grid, PV, ESS and load individually in the s‐domain and using an equivalent overall two‐machine, two‐area model, the impact of implementing virtual inertia is demonstrated. The results highlight the effectiveness in using ESS to control the RR and improving the transient responses of the overall grid system. Moreover, the economic impact and feasibility of ESS are also analysed using a residential PV and load profile from Singapore.
Future investment value of China’s listed life insurance companies’ H shares from the perspective of secondary market
Authors: Yang Lixin 
Published: December 2020

China’s life insurance industry has just started in the 1990s after the reform and opening up, and its development experience is obviously insufficient, and it has not gone through a very complete life insurance development cycle. No matter from the actuarial technology, the professional level of the agent, the popularization time of the agent system, or the management experience, it is far from the developed areas of the world’s life insurance industry. In addition, many professional investors are worried about the future prospects of China’s life insurance industry because of the long-term existence of a low interest rate environment.
However, after reading detailed materials (research papers, books, reviews, etc.), the final conclusion of this report is different from that of other too cautious investors . This report holds that: the current situation and prospect of China’s life insurance H shares meet the conditions of Davis double-click, and the main investors in the secondary market will encounter a unique opportunity to obtain excess returns by investing in domestic insurance H shares. On the level of objective factors, we analyze from the following four aspects: (I) the potential demand for life insurance in China will continue to increase significantly in the future; (II) most of the representative life insurance companies in China have low valuations; (III) the possible style switching in China’s secondary market is conducive to the rise of blue chips such as life insurance companies; (IV) from the long-term perspective of history, the insurance index has significantly outperformed the Shanghai Composite Index, which represents the market. In terms of subjective factors, we consider them from the following four perspectives: (I) the development and problems of life insurance industry in Japan and Taiwan; (II) on the liability side, China’s life insurance industry vigorously develops new products with high business value, so as to resist the impact of low interest rates; (III) the diversification of asset allocation at the investment end of China’s life insurance industry can make the profit of life insurance industry not limited by the interest rate; (IV) the change of service quality at the supply side is conducive to the life insurance companies to tap the potential market demand in China.