Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increasing evapotranspiration decouples the positive correlation between vegetation cover and warming in the Tibetan plateau

Plant growth generally responds positively to an increase in ambient temperature. Hence, most Earth system models project a continuous increase in vegetation cover in the future due to elevated temperatures. Over the last 40 years, a considerable warming trend has affected the alpine ecosystem across the Tibetan Plateau. However, we found vegetation growth in the moderately vegetated areas of the plateau were negatively related to the warming temperatures, thus resulting in a significant degradation of the vegetative cover (LAI: slope = −0.0026 per year, p < 0.05). The underlying mechanisms that caused the decoupling of the relationship between vegetation growth and warming in the region were elaborated with the analysis of water and energy variables in the ecosystem. Results indicate that high temperatures stimulated evapotranspiration and increased the water consumption of the ecosystem (with an influence coefficient of 0.34) in these degrading areas, significantly reducing water availability (with an influence coefficient of −0.68) and limiting vegetation growth. Moreover, the negative warming effect on vegetation was only observed in the moderately vegetated areas, as evapotranspiration there predominantly occupied a larger proportion of available water (compared to the wet and highly vegetated areas) and resulted in a greater increase in total water consumption in a warmer condition (compared to dry areas with lower levels of vegetation cover). These findings highlight the risk of vegetation degradation in semi-arid areas, with the degree of vulnerability depending on the level of vegetation cover. Furthermore, results demonstrate the central role of evapotranspiration in regulating water stress intensity on vegetation under elevated temperatures.
Pumped storage power station using abandoned mine in the Yellow River basin: A feasibility analysis under the perspective of carbon neutrality

Greenhouse gas emissions, mainly CO2, lead to global climate change, and the resulting ecological environment problems bring severe challenges to human survival and development. As the world’s largest developing country and carbon emitter, China is facing the dual pressure of socio-economic development and carbon emission reduction. In order to cope with global climate change and achieve the goal of carbon neutrality and carbon peak as soon as possible, China needs to accelerate the optimization of energy structure, gradually increase the proportion of renewable energy utilization, and accelerate the solution of the bottleneck problem of renewable energy storage. As an energy basin, the Yellow River basin is a key demonstration area to promote energy system reform in China. There are a large number of abandoned mines in the Yellow River basin, which provide a new idea to build pumped storage power stations using abandoned mines (PSPSuM) for renewable energy storage. From the perspective of multidisciplinary integration, this study deeply discusses the relevant evaluation principles and technical key points of constructing PSPSuM in the region, and preliminarily carries out the feasibility assessment. The results show that 91 PSPSuM can be built in the Yellow River basin, with a total installed capacity of 15,830 MW, comprehensively considering the aspects of spatial size, spatial structure and space stability.
Alpha3/alpha2 power ratios relate to performance on a virtual reality shopping task in ageing adults

Background Aspects of cognitive function decline with age. This phenomenon is referred to as age-related cognitive decline (ARCD). Improving the understanding of these changes that occur as part of the ageing process can serve to enhance the detection of the more incapacitating neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we employ novel methods to assess ARCD by exploring the utility of the alpha3/alpha2 electroencephalogram (EEG) power ratio – a marker of AD, and a novel virtual reality (VR) functional cognition task – VStore, in discriminating between young and ageing healthy adults. Materials and methods Twenty young individuals aged 20–30, and 20 older adults aged 60–70 took part in the study. Participants underwent resting-state EEG and completed VStore and the Cogstate Computerised Cognitive Battery. The difference in alpha3/alpha2 power ratios between the age groups was tested using t-test. In addition, the discriminatory accuracy of VStore and Cogstate were compared using logistic regression and overlying receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Youden’s J statistic was used to establish the optimal threshold for sensitivity and specificity and model performance was evaluated with the DeLong’s test. Finally, alpha3/alpha2 power ratios were correlated with VStote and Cogstate performance. Results The difference in alpha3/alpha2 power ratios between age cohorts was not statistically significant. On the other hand, VStore discriminated between age groups with high sensitivity (94%) and specificity (95%) The Cogstate Pre-clinical Alzheimer’s Battery achieved a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 60%, and Cogstate Composite Score achieved a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 85%. The differences between the discriminatory accuracy of VStore and Cogstate models were statistically significant. Finally, high alpha3/alpha2 power ratios correlated strongly with VStore (r = 0.73), the Cogstate Pre-clinical Alzheimer’s Battery (r = -0.67), and Cogstate Composite Score (r = -0.76). Conclusion While we did not find evidence that the alpha3/alpha2 power ratio is elevated in healthy ageing individuals compared to young individuals, we demonstrated that VStore can classify age cohorts with high accuracy, supporting its utility in the assessment of ARCD. In addition, we found preliminary evidence that elevated alpha3/alpha2 power ratio may be linked to lower cognitive performance.
Word complexity modulates the divided-word effect during Chinese reading

The present study examined the influence of word complexity on the divided-word effect. By manipulating presentation conditions (line-final presentation vs. divided-word presentation vs. line-initial presentation) and visual complexity (high vs. low), we found a significant divided-word effect that the reading times such as gaze duration and total reading time were significantly longer in the divided-word presentation condition than in both the line-final and line-initial presentation conditions. On the measure of total reading time, the marginally significant interaction between the divided-word versus line-final presentation comparison and complexity showed that the divided-word effect was larger for low complexity words than that for high complexity words. These results suggest that dividing a word across two lines interferes with reading, and word complexity modulates this effect.
Numerical and experimental investigation on hydrodynamic performance of the stick-held dip net in Pacific saury fishery

Stick-held dip (SHD) net is an effective fishing gear target for catching the Pacific saury. In this study, the hydrodynamic performance of an SHD net in current was investigated by means of numerical simulation and experimental test, and a mathematical model based on the lumped-mass method and principle of rigid body kinematics was developed to predict the net shape and tension of the cable. A series of physical model tests based on Tauti’s law and full-scale measurements at sea were conducted to evaluate the applicability of the numerical model. The results showed that the prediction performance of the numerical model was good, with a mean relative error of approximately 20% among the numerical, experimental, and field measured data. The dynamic shooting behavior of the SHD net at different current velocities and the effects of the length of the hauling rope and the mesh size on the net shape and tension of the cable were analyzed using the numerical simulation approach. When the current velocity increased from 0.12 to 0.46 m/s, the enclosed volume of the SHD net decreased by 62.9%. The height of net opening increased by 9.29% to 13.53% for every 10% increase in the length of the hauling rope from 0.96 to 1.44 m. With the increase in mesh size from 24 to 30 and 35 mm, the sinking depth and speed of the net increased, and the tension force of the cables decreased by 9.02% and 12.10%, respectively. The results suggested that (1) the numerical model could realistically represent the hydrodynamic characteristics of the SHD net; (2) the suitable operation current velocity is below 0.60 m/s; (3) the reasonable length of the hauling rope is about 30 m; and (4) the mesh size of the main netting could be increased to 30 mm.
Editorial: Advances in drug discovery for anti-Alzheimer’s agents

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, known to be the main cause of dementia in elderly populations (Dementia, 2022). Several factors such as intracellular formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and neuropil threads (NTs) resulting from abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, the aggregation and extracellular deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) protein, metal-ion dysregulation which is known to effect the Aβ peptide—trigging its aggregation and increasing toxicity, and reduction of acetylcholine (ACh) levels in the brain are responsible for the onset and progression of AD. Clinical trials achieved based on the single-target approach have not been successful, indicating that treatment of AD needs multi-targeting agents. (Ismaili et al., 2022). Despite the tremendous efforts and financial expenditures aimed at finding an efficient treatment for AD, no definitive cure has been found so far. As AD is a multi-factorial disease, single-targeted drugs usually do not work effectively. As a result, design and development of synthetic compounds or natural products possessing multi-target anti-AD activity are in high demand. Recently, a wide range of in vitro and in vivo tests against amyloid beta (βA) and tau protein aggregation have been reported in the literature. Aducanumab, an amyloid beta-directed monoclonal antibody, has been recently approved by FDA (Research, C. for D. E, 2021). Additionally, inhibition of beta-secretase 1 (BACE1) and cholinesterases (ChEs), as well as development of biometals chelators and inflammatory drugs have been found to be important in the treatment of AD. In this special issue of Frontiers in Chemistry, a series of colleagues from different research laboratories present their ideas and latest work on the development of antiAlzheimer’s agents, which we hope will attract the attention and interest of the reader. Certainly, multi-targeted molecules for AD have concentrated most of the research papers presented here and submitted by the Pourabdi et al., Hu et al., Babaei et al., and OPEN ACCESS
B cell-T cell interplay in immune regulation: A focus on follicular regulatory T and regulatory B cell functions

B cells are the core components of humoral immunity. A mature B cell can serve in multiple capacities, including antibody production, antigen presentation, and regulatory functions. Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key players in sustaining immune tolerance and keeping inflammation in check. Mounting evidence suggests complex communications between B cells and Tregs. In this review, we summarize the yin-yang regulatory relationships between B cells and Tregs mainly from the perspectives of T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells and regulatory B cells (Bregs). We discuss the regulatory effects of Tfr cells on B cell proliferation and the germinal center response. Additionally, we review the indispensable role of B cells in ensuring homeostatic Treg survival and describe the function of Bregs in promoting Treg responses. Finally, we introduce a new subset of Tregs, termed Treg-of-B cells, which are induced by B cells, lake the expression of FoxP3 but still own immunomodulatory effects. In this article, we also enumerate a sequence of research from clinical patients and experimental models to clarify the role of Tfr cells in germinal centers and the role of convention B cells and Bregs to Tregs in the context of different diseases. This review offers an updated overview of immunoregulatory networks and unveils potential targets for therapeutic interventions against cancer, autoimmune diseases and allograft rejection.
Organic electrochromic energy storage materials and device design

While not affecting electrochemical performance of energy storage devices, integrating multi-functional properties such as electrochromic functions into energy storage devices can effectively promote the development of multifunctional devices. Compared with inorganic electrochromic materials, organic materials possess the significant advantages of facile preparation, low cost, and large color contrast. Specifically, most polymer materials show excellent electrochemical properties, which can be widely used in the design and development of energy storage devices. In this article, we focus on the application of organic electrochromic materials in energy storage devices. The working mechanisms, electrochemical performance of different types of organics as well as the shortcomings of organic electrochromic materials in related devices are discussed in detail.
Percutaneous thermal ablation combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: Efficacy and survival

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and survival of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) -related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing percutaneous thermal ablation combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods A total of 83 HCV-related HCC patients who were treated with percutaneous thermal ablation combined with TACE were retrospectively analyzed. The demographic and clinical data were collected. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) rates were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to assess independent risk factors of OS and RFS. Results 92.8% patients (77/83) and 96.6% (170/176) tumor lesions achieved complete response (CR) 1 month after all treatment, and 10.8% (9/83) patients had minor complications. The median OS was 60 months (95% confidence interval (CI)= 48.0-72.0), and the 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- and 10-year cumulative OS rates were 94%, 78.3%, 72.3%, 43.4% and 27.5%, respectively. The cumulative RFS rates at 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year were 74.7%, 49.3%, 30.7% and 25.3%, respectively. Sex (HR =0.529, P=0.048), ablation result (HR=5.824, P=0.000) and Albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score (HR=2.725, P=0.011) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (HR =2.360, P = 0.005) and tumor number(HR=2.786, P=0.000) were independent prognostic factors for RFS. Conclusions Percutaneous thermal ablation combined with TACE is a safe and effective treatment for HCV-related HCC. Sex, ablation result and ALBI are significant prognostic factors for OS. AFP and tumor number are significant prognostic factors for RFS.
Limited evidence for phenological differences between non-native and native species

Although many species shift their phenology with climate change, species vary significantly in the direction and magnitude of these responses (i.e., phenological sensitivity). Studies increasingly detect early phenology or high phenological sensitivity to climate in non-native species, which may favor non-native species over natives in warming climates. Yet relatively few studies explicitly compare phenological responses to climate between native vs. non-native species or between non-native populations in the native vs. introduced range, limiting our ability to quantify the role of phenology in invasion success. Here, we review the empirical evidence for and against differences in phenology and phenological sensitivity to climate in both native vs. non-native species and native and introduced populations of non-native species. Contrary to common assumptions, native and non-native plant species did not consistently differ in mean phenology or phenological sensitivity. However, non-native plant species were often either just as or more sensitive, but rarely less sensitive, to climate as natives. Introduced populations of non-native plant species often show earlier reproduction than native populations of the same species, but there was mixed evidence for differences in phenological sensitivity between introduced and native plant populations. We found very few studies comparing native vs. invasive animal phenology. Future work should characterize phenological sensitivity to climate in native vs. non-native plant and animal species, in native vs. introduced populations of non-native species, and across different stages of invasion, and should carefully consider how differences in phenology might promote invasion success or disadvantage native species under climate change.
Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases afflicting more than 70 million people worldwide. It is characterized by damage to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that ultimately leads to the death of the cells and vision loss. The diversity of RGC types has been appreciated for decades, and studies, including ours, have shown that RGCs degenerate and die in a type-specific manner in rodent models of glaucoma. The type-specific loss of RGCs results in differential damage to visual and non-visual functions. One type of RGC, the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC), expressing the photopigment melanopsin, serves a broad array of non-visual responses to light. Since its discovery, six subtypes of ipRGC have been described, each contributing to various image-forming and non-image-forming functions such as circadian photoentrainment, the pupillary light reflex, the photic control of mood and sleep, and visual contrast sensitivity. We recently demonstrated a link between type-specific ipRGC survival and behavioral deficits in a mouse model of chronic ocular hypertension. This review focuses on the type-specific ipRGC degeneration and associated behavioral changes in animal models and glaucoma patients. A better understanding of how glaucomatous insult impacts the ipRGC-based circuits will have broad impacts on improving the treatment of glaucoma-associated non-visual disorders.
A Mosquito’s Sense of Smell: What Is the Buzz All About?

If it feels like you attract mosquitoes, you are on to something. Females of most mosquito species need to consume blood to produce eggs, and they use specialized senses to scope out their next snack. The saliva they leave behind after “taking a bite” can cause anything from a little itching to painful bumps and a fever. These thirsty insects use their ability to detect carbon dioxide, odor molecules, and heat to find food. In this article, we discuss the basics of smell in mosquitoes: how they smell, what their “nose” looks like, and how they specifically detect humans like you. There is more to mosquitoes than buzzing and bites! A better understanding of how mosquitoes detect odors and find prey may be the key to protecting against the diseases they cause.
Strategies for selecting perforator vessels for transverse and oblique DIEP flap in male pediatric patients: Anatomical study and clinical applications

Background Transverse and oblique deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps are widely used in breast, lower extremity, urogenital, head and neck reconstruction. In this report, we present our experience with selecting perforator vessels for transverse and oblique DIEP flaps based on an anatomical study and clinical cases. Materials and methods A detailed anatomical study of the DIEP flap was carried out using a standardized injection of lead oxide in 10 fresh cadavers. Additionally, 35 male pediatric patients (age 5–12 years) underwent lower extremity reconstruction with a DIEP flap. A transverse DIEP flap was used when the defect template did not exceed zone IV, while an oblique DIEP flap was used when the defect template exceeded zone IV. Results Perforators located below the umbilicus in zones I and II were rich in transverse anastomoses across the midline of the abdominal wall, which is the basis for the transverse DIEP flap. Perforators lateral to the umbilicus in zone I had true anastomoses with the musculophrenic artery, the morphological basis for the oblique DIEP flap. The DIEP flap design was transverse in 20 patients and oblique in 15. Flap sizes ranged from 8 × 4.5 cm2 to 24 × 9 cm2. One oblique DIEP flap was necrosed totally, and it was repaired by a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. Conclusion The transverse DIEP flap design based on the perforator located below the umbilicus in zone I is recommended for small skin and soft tissue defects. We recommend the use of the oblique DIEP flap design based on the perforator lateral to the umbilicus in zone I as an extended flap to reconstruct large tissue defects.
The microbiota composition drives personalized nutrition: Gut microbes as predictive biomarkers for the success of weight loss diets

The investigation of the human gut microbiome during recent years has permitted us to understand its relevance for human health at a systemic level, making it possible to establish different functional axes (e.g., the gut-brain, gut-liver, and gut-lung axes), which support the organ-like status conferred to this microecological component of our body. The human gut microbiota is extremely variable but modifiable via diet, a fact that allows targeting of microbes through defined dietary strategies to uncover cost-effective therapies to minimize the burden of non-communicable diseases such as pandemic obesity and overweight and its metabolic comorbidities. Nevertheless, randomly controlled dietary interventions regularly exhibit low to moderate degrees of success in weight control, making their implementation difficult in clinical practice. Here, we review the predictive value of the baseline gut microbiota configurations to anticipate the success of dietary interventions aimed at weight loss, mostly based on caloric restriction regimes and oral fiber supplementation. This emergent research concept fits into precision medicine by considering different diet patterns and adopting the best one, based on the individual microbiota composition, to reach significant adiposity reduction and improve metabolic status. We review the results from this fresh perspective of investigation, taking into account studies released very recently. We also discuss some future outlooks in the field and potential pitfalls to overcome with the aim of gaining knowledge in the field and achieving breakthroughs in personalized nutrition.
You shall not pass! A Chromatin barrier story in plants

As in other eukaryotes, the plant genome is functionally organized in two mutually exclusive chromatin fractions, a gene-rich and transcriptionally active euchromatin, and a gene-poor, repeat-rich, and transcriptionally silent heterochromatin. In Drosophila and humans, the molecular mechanisms by which euchromatin is preserved from heterochromatin spreading have been extensively studied, leading to the identification of insulator DNA elements and associated chromatin factors (insulator proteins), which form boundaries between chromatin domains with antagonistic features. In contrast, the identity of factors assuring such a barrier function remains largely elusive in plants. Nevertheless, several genomic elements and associated protein factors have recently been shown to regulate the spreading of chromatin marks across their natural boundaries in plants. In this minireview, we focus on recent findings that describe the spreading of chromatin and propose avenues to improve the understanding of how plant chromatin architecture and transitions between different chromatin domains are defined.