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1.
Ingo Meinshausen Peter Müller-Beilschmidt Tobias Viere 《The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment》2016,21(9):1231-1235
Purpose
This paper introduces the new EcoSpold data format for life cycle inventory (LCI).Methods
A short historical retrospect on data formats in the life cycle assessment (LCA) field is given. The guiding principles for the revision and implementation are explained. Some technical basics of the data format are described, and changes to the previous data format are explained.Results
The EcoSpold 2 data format caters for new requirements that have arisen in the LCA field in recent years.Conclusions
The new data format is the basis for the Ecoinvent v3 database, but since it is an open data format, it is expected to be adopted by other LCI databases. Several new concepts used in the new EcoSpold 2 data format open the way for new possibilities for the LCA practitioners and to expand the application of the datasets in other fields beyond LCA (e.g., Material Flow Analysis, Energy Balancing).2.
Introduction
Untargeted metabolomics is a powerful tool for biological discoveries. To analyze the complex raw data, significant advances in computational approaches have been made, yet it is not clear how exhaustive and reliable the data analysis results are.Objectives
Assessment of the quality of raw data processing in untargeted metabolomics.Methods
Five published untargeted metabolomics studies, were reanalyzed.Results
Omissions of at least 50 relevant compounds from the original results as well as examples of representative mistakes were reported for each study.Conclusion
Incomplete raw data processing shows unexplored potential of current and legacy data.3.
Objective
This study examined the differences of psychological strains between Chinese and American college students and discussed how strains may influence individuals’ suicidal ideation and depression.Participants/methods
A total of 539 college students (298 from China and 241 from the U.S.) were recruited in March 2016 to complete the survey study. Multiple linear regressions were used in data analysis.Results
Students in America had higher scores on depression and stress than students in China, while students in China rated higher on suicidal ideation than students in America. In contrast of students in America facing more coping strains, students in China were confronting more value strains in their life.Conclusion
The cross-cultural variations in the effect of psychological strains have been substantiated in current study, indicating that understanding the psychological strains in different cultural contexts is necessary for the early intervention and prevention in college aged populations.4.
Background
Endosymbionts are microorganisms present in all plant species, and constitute the subject of interest among the scientific community. These symbionts have gained considerable attention in recent years, owing to their emerging biological roles. Global challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance, treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis, cancer, and many genetic disorders, exist. Endosymbionts can help address these challenges by secreting valueadded bioactive compounds with various activities.Objective
Herein, we describe the importance of plants inhabiting Siberian niches. These plants are considered to be among the least studied organisms in the plant kingdom worldwide. Barcoding these plants can be of interest for exploring bioactive endosymbionts possessing myriad biological properties.Methods
A systematic survey of relevant scientific reports was conducted using the PubMed search engine. The reports were analyzed, and compiled to draft this review.Results
The literature survey on Siberian plants regarding endosymbionts included a few reports, since extremely few exploratory studies have been conducted on the plants in these regions. Studies on the endosymbionts of these plants are highly valuable, as they report potent endosymbionts possessing numerous biological properties. Based on these considerations, this review aims to create awareness among the global scientific community working on related areas.Conclusion
This review could provide the basis for barcoding novel endosymbionts of Siberian plants and their ecological importance, which can be exploited in various sectors. The main purpose of this review is to create awareness of Siberian plants, which are among the least studied organisms in the plant kingdom, with respect to endosymbionts, among the scientific community.5.
Antonio Rosato Leonardo Tenori Marta Cascante Pedro Ramon De Atauri Carulla Vitor A. P. Martins dos Santos Edoardo Saccenti 《Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society》2018,14(4):37
Introduction
Metabolomics is a well-established tool in systems biology, especially in the top–down approach. Metabolomics experiments often results in discovery studies that provide intriguing biological hypotheses but rarely offer mechanistic explanation of such findings. In this light, the interpretation of metabolomics data can be boosted by deploying systems biology approaches.Objectives
This review aims to provide an overview of systems biology approaches that are relevant to metabolomics and to discuss some successful applications of these methods.Methods
We review the most recent applications of systems biology tools in the field of metabolomics, such as network inference and analysis, metabolic modelling and pathways analysis.Results
We offer an ample overview of systems biology tools that can be applied to address metabolomics problems. The characteristics and application results of these tools are discussed also in a comparative manner.Conclusions
Systems biology-enhanced analysis of metabolomics data can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms originating the observed metabolic profiles and enhance the scientific impact of metabolomics studies.6.
M. Elizabeth Barnes E. Margaret Evans Ashley Hazel Sara E. Brownell Randolph M. Nesse 《Evolution》2017,10(1):7
Background
How acceptance of evolution relates to understanding of evolution remains controversial despite decades of research. It even remains unclear whether cultural/attitudinal factors or cognitive factors have a greater impact on student ability to learn evolutionary biology. This study examined the influence of cultural/attitudinal factors (religiosity, acceptance of evolution, and parents’ attitudes towards evolution) and cognitive factors (teleological reasoning and prior understanding of natural selection) on students’ learning of natural selection over a semester-long undergraduate course in evolutionary medicine.Method
Pre-post course surveys measured cognitive factors, including teleological reasoning and prior understanding of natural selection, and also cultural/attitudinal factors, including acceptance of evolution, parent attitudes towards evolution, and religiosity. We analyzed how these measures influenced increased understanding of natural selection over the semester.Results
After controlling for other related variables, parent attitude towards evolution and religiosity predicted students’ acceptance of evolution, but did not predict students’ learning gains of natural selection over the semester. Conversely, lower levels of teleological reasoning predicted learning gains in understanding natural selection over the course, but did not predict students’ acceptance of evolution.Conclusions
Acceptance of evolution did not predict students’ ability to learn natural selection over a semester in an evolutionary medicine course. However, teleological reasoning did impact students’ ability to learn natural selection.7.
Dwight E. Vincent Tianhao Wang Thalia A. K. Magyar Peni I. Jacob Richard Buist Melanie Martin 《Journal of biological engineering》2017,11(1):41
Background
This article explains some simple experiments that can be used in undergraduate or graduate physics or biomedical engineering laboratory classes to learn how birdcage volume radiofrequency (RF) coils and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) work. For a clear picture, and to do any quantitative MRI analysis, acquiring images with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is required. With a given MRI system at a given field strength, the only means to change the SNR using hardware is to change the RF coil used to collect the image. RF coils can be designed in many different ways including birdcage volume RF coil designs. The choice of RF coil to give the best SNR for any MRI study is based on the sample being imaged.Results
The data collected in the simple experiments show that the SNR varies as inverse diameter for the birdcage volume RF coils used in these experiments. The experiments were easily performed by a high school student, an undergraduate student, and a graduate student, in less than 3 h, the time typically allotted for a university laboratory course.Conclusions
The article describes experiments that students in undergraduate or graduate laboratories can perform to observe how birdcage volume RF coils influence MRI measurements. It is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the imaging field.8.
N. Cesbron A.-L. Royer Y. Guitton A. Sydor B. Le Bizec G. Dervilly-Pinel 《Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society》2017,13(8):99
Introduction
Collecting feces is easy. It offers direct outcome to endogenous and microbial metabolites.Objectives
In a context of lack of consensus about fecal sample preparation, especially in animal species, we developed a robust protocol allowing untargeted LC-HRMS fingerprinting.Methods
The conditions of extraction (quantity, preparation, solvents, dilutions) were investigated in bovine feces.Results
A rapid and simple protocol involving feces extraction with methanol (1/3, M/V) followed by centrifugation and a step filtration (10 kDa) was developed.Conclusion
The workflow generated repeatable and informative fingerprints for robust metabolome characterization.9.
Marta Michalczuk Beata Urban Tadeusz Porowski Anna Wasilewska Alina Bakunowicz-Łazarczyk 《Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society》2018,14(6):82
Introduction
Citrate is an old metabolite which is best known for the role in the Krebs cycle. Citrate is widely used in many branches of medicine. In ophthalmology citrate is considered as a therapeutic agent and an useful diagnostic tool—biomarker.Objectives
To summarize the published literature on citrate usage in the leading causes of blindness and highlight the new possibilities for this old metabolite.Methods
We conducted a systematic search of the scientific literature about citrate usage in ophthalmology up to January 2018. The reference lists of identified articles were searched for providing in-depth information.Results
This systematic review included 30 articles. The role of citrate in the leading causes of blindness is presented.Conclusions
Citrate might help inhibit cataract progression, in case of questions confirm glaucoma diagnosis or improve cornea repair treatment as adjuvant agent (therapy of ulcerating cornea after alkali injury, crosslinking procedure). However, the knowledge about possible citrate usage in ophthalmology is not widely known. Promoting recent scientific knowledge about citrate usage in ophthalmology may not only benefit of medical improvement but may also limit economic costs caused by leading causes of blindness. Further studies on citrate usage in ophthalmology should continuously be the field of scientific interest.10.
Douglas B. Kell Stephen G. Oliver 《Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society》2016,12(9):148
Background
The term ‘metabolome’ was introduced to the scientific literature in September 1998.Aim and key scientific concepts of the review
To mark its 18-year-old ‘coming of age’, two of the co-authors of that paper review the genesis of metabolomics, whence it has come and where it may be going.11.
Rachel A. Spicer Christoph Steinbeck 《Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society》2018,14(1):16
Introduction
Data sharing is being increasingly required by journals and has been heralded as a solution to the ‘replication crisis’.Objectives
(i) Review data sharing policies of journals publishing the most metabolomics papers associated with open data and (ii) compare these journals’ policies to those that publish the most metabolomics papers.Methods
A PubMed search was used to identify metabolomics papers. Metabolomics data repositories were manually searched for linked publications.Results
Journals that support data sharing are not necessarily those with the most papers associated to open metabolomics data.Conclusion
Further efforts are required to improve data sharing in metabolomics.12.
Jennifer L. Plank-Bazinet Annie Sampson Leah R. Miller Emmanuel O. Fadiran Deborah Kallgren Rajeev K. Agarwal Whitney Barfield Claudette E. Brooks Lisa Begg Amy C. Mistretta Pamela E. Scott Janine Austin Clayton Terri L. Cornelison 《Biology of sex differences》2016,7(1):47
Background
Sex and gender differences play a significant role in the course and outcome of conditions that affect specific organ systems in the human body. Research on differences in the effects of medical intervention has helped scientists develop a number of sex- and gender-specific guidelines on the treatment and management of these conditions. An online series of courses, “The Science of Sex and Gender in Human Health,” developed by the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women’s Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Women’s Health, examines sex and gender differences and their implications. Thus far, three online courses have been generated. The first course offers an overview of the scientific and biological basis for sex- and gender-related differences. The second course is focused on disease-specific sex and gender differences in health and behavior and their implications. Finally, the third course covers the influence of sex and gender on disease manifestation, treatment, and outcome.Methods
Data were obtained using website analytics and post-course surveys.Results
To date, over 1000 individuals have completed at least one course. Additionally, 600 users have received continuing education credit for completing a course in the series. Finally, the majority of respondents to the online course survey have indicated that the courses considerably enhanced their professional effectiveness.Conclusions
“The Science of Sex and Gender in Human Health” online courses are freely available sources of information that provide healthcare providers and researchers with the resources to successfully account for sex and gender in their medical practice and research programs.13.
Background
Virtual microscopy is being introduced in medical education as an approach for learning how to interpret information in microscopic specimens. It is, however, far from evident how to incorporate its use into existing teaching practice. The aim of the study was to explore the consequences of introducing virtual microscopy tasks into an undergraduate pathology course in an attempt to render the instruction more process-oriented. The research questions were: 1) How is virtual microscopy perceived by students? 2) Does work on virtual microscopy tasks contribute to improvement in performance in microscopic pathology in comparison with attending assistant-led demonstrations only?Method
During a one-week period, an experimental group completed three sets of virtual microscopy homework assignments in addition to attending demonstrations. A control group attended the demonstrations only. Performance in microscopic pathology was measured by a pre-test and a post-test. Student perceptions of regular instruction and virtual microscopy were collected one month later by administering the Inventory of Intrinsic Motivation and open-ended questions.Results
The students voiced an appreciation for virtual microscopy for the purposes of the course and for self-study. As for learning gains, the results indicated that learning was speeded up in a subgroup of students consisting of conscientious high achievers.Conclusions
The enriched instruction model may be suited as such for elective courses following the basic course. However, the instructional model needs further development to be suited for basic courses.14.
Background
One of the recent challenges of computational biology is development of new algorithms, tools and software to facilitate predictive modeling of big data generated by high-throughput technologies in biomedical research.Results
To meet these demands we developed PROPER - a package for visual evaluation of ranking classifiers for biological big data mining studies in the MATLAB environment.Conclusion
PROPER is an efficient tool for optimization and comparison of ranking classifiers, providing over 20 different two- and three-dimensional performance curves.15.
Jack W. KentJr 《BMC genetics》2016,17(Z2):S5
Background
New technologies for acquisition of genomic data, while offering unprecedented opportunities for genetic discovery, also impose severe burdens of interpretation andpenalties for multiple testing.Methods
The Pathway-based Analyses Group of the Genetic Analysis Workshop 19 (GAW19) sought reduction of multiple-testing burden through various approaches to aggregation of highdimensional data in pathways informed by prior biological knowledge.Results
Experimental methods testedincluded the use of "synthetic pathways" (random sets of genes) to estimate power and false-positive error rate of methods applied to simulated data; data reduction via independent components analysis, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-SNP interaction, and use of gene sets to estimate genetic similarity; and general assessment of the efficacy of prior biological knowledge to reduce the dimensionality of complex genomic data.Conclusions
The work of this group explored several promising approaches to managing high-dimensional data, with the caveat that these methods are necessarily constrained by the quality of external bioinformatic annotation.16.
Xufeng Li Jiren Zhang Chen Sun Yuanyuan Zhang Rui Cai Shilin Fu Jingfen Zheng Dehai Huang 《Immunity & ageing : I & A》2018,15(1):33
Background
This study aimed to construct a biological age assessment formula for the Chinese population and to explore the effectiveness of double filtration plasmapheresis for anti-ageing and longevity.Methods
915 subjects were recruited, including 584 (63.8%) males and 331 females (36.2%). Male age was 50.94±10.60 (mean±SD), and female age was 51.20±11.84 (mean±SD). 34 blood markers were detected in the laboratory. The ageing biomarkers were determined by statistical correlation analysis and redundancy analysis, and the biological age assessment formula was established by multiple linear regression analysis. Paired sample T test was used to analyse the elimination effect of double filtration plasmapheresis on aging biomarkers.Results
Based on the comprehensive blood test and analysis, the ageing biomarkers were screened, and the male and female biological age assessment formulas were established. Then, the elimination of ageing biomarkers by double filtration plasmapheresis was examined. Double filtration plasmapheresis can eliminate ageing biomarkers, with an average of 4.47?years decrease in age for males and 8.36?years for females.Conclusion
So, biological age provides a scientific tool for assessing ageing, and double filtration plasmapheresis is safe and might be effective for anti-ageing and longevity. However, the effect of plasmapheresis is expected to be transient, so further studies are needed to plan the number and range of the plasmapheresis procedures necessary to consistently lower the parameters under study.17.
Background
Mathematical modeling has achieved a broad interest in the field of biology. These models represent the associations among the metabolism of the biological phenomenon with some mathematical equations such that the observed time course profile of the biological data fits the model. However, the estimation of the unknown parameters of the model is a challenging task. Many algorithms have been developed for parameter estimation, but none of them is entirely capable of finding the best solution. The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for precise estimation of parameters of a biological model.Methods
In this paper, a novel particle swarm optimization algorithm based on a decomposition technique is developed. Then, its root mean square error is compared with simple particle swarm optimization, Iterative Unscented Kalman Filter and Simulated Annealing algorithms for two different simulation scenarios and a real data set related to the metabolism of CAD system.Results
Our proposed algorithm results in 54.39% and 26.72% average reduction in root mean square error when applied to the simulation and experimental data, respectively.Conclusion
The results show that the metaheuristic approaches such as the proposed method are very wise choices for finding the solution of nonlinear problems with many unknown parameters.18.
19.
Background
In recent years the visualization of biomagnetic measurement data by so-called pseudo current density maps or Hosaka-Cohen (HC) transformations became popular.Methods
The physical basis of these intuitive maps is clarified by means of analytically solvable problems.Results
Examples in magnetocardiography, magnetoencephalography and magnetoneurography demonstrate the usefulness of this method.Conclusion
Hardware realizations of the HC-transformation and some similar transformations are discussed which could advantageously support cross-platform comparability of biomagnetic measurements.20.
P. J. P. M. Cuijpers G. Bookelman W. Kicken W. de Vries A. P. M. Gorgels 《Netherlands heart journal》2016,24(7-8):456-461