bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-Shot Spontaneous Raman Scattering Measurements In A Reverse-Flow Aeroengine Model Combustor Under Elevated Inlet Temperature And Pressure
Authors:   Xiamen University, Chen Shuzhen , Lin Beichen ,   Xiamen University, Shen Li ,   Xiamen University, Cai Jianghuai ,   Xiamen University, You Yancheng ,   Xiamen University, Xu Wenjiang ,   Xiamen University
Published: May 2022

Monitoring scalar fields within aero-engine combustor is of particular importance for performance promotion and engine failure diagnostics. Due to harsh operating conditions and quite limited space, direct measurements of combustion state within near-real conditioned engine combustor were rarely reported. Therefore, this paper reports spontaneous Raman scattering (SRS) measurements of temperature and major species, such as CO2, H2O, CO, N2, within a reverseflow model combustor fueled by kerosene under elevated incoming temperature of 500 K and pressure of 5 bar. The model combustor was on purposely designed to reserve both outer shell and inner liner, and the liquid kerosene was fueled with a customized atomizer. The SRS measurement were conducted at 10 characteristic spatial locations and varying equivalence ratio. The measured species and temperature revealed strong effects of turbulence-chemistry interaction and deviation from chemical equilibrium. Together with the CFD simulation, the SRS data was used to evaluate the performance of the model combustor.
Experimental Investigation Of Circumferential Inlet Distortion On Partial Surge Type Stall Inception In A Transonic Axial Compressor
Authors:   School of Energy and Power Engineering, Yan Jiandong , Pan Tianyu ,   National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Aero-Engine Aerothermodynamics; Research Institute of Aero- Engine, Wu Wenqian ,   School of Energy and Power Engineering, Li Qiushi ,   National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Aero-Engine Aerothermodynamics; Research Institute of Aero- Engine; Key Laboratory of Fluid and Power Machinery (Xihua University)
Published: May 2022

This paper will investigate the stability of the compressor with circumferential inlet distortion. An experimental method has been implemented on a transonic axial flow compressor with uniform and three different levels of circumferential distortion inflow intensity. The distortion is introduced by a well-designed gauze upstream of the rotor. Dynamic transducers and steady-state probes have been mounted in multiple locations to monitor the stall event. From previous studies, the circumferential inlet distortion usually increases the stall point mass flow rate. As these papers have shown, it is expected that the stall point mass flow rate increase as the intensity of distortion increases. An unexpected result, however, indicates a smaller stall point mass flow rate in distortion cases when compared to uniform cases. In light of this result, this paper demonstrates the evolution of instability in circumferential distortion conditions and analyses them to explain the reason behind the smaller stall point mass flow rate. The circumferential distortion can alter the development of the stall event. The reduction in the stall point mass flow rate is related to the stall inception of this compressor. In the uniform case, the stall inception is the partial surge originating from the stator hub. In the distortion cases, various unsteady phenomena occur at the stator hub as the compressor approaches the stall point. Those disturbances, however, fail to induce the compressor to stall. In the end, the propagation of spikes can be observed in the record of unsteady pressure transducers mounted on the rotor casing wall, which trigger the whole compressor stall. The decrease of stall point mass flow rate between the uniform case and distortion cases is due to the transformation of stall inception from partial surge to spikes.
A Review Of The Analytical And Numerical Methods For Axial Compressor Surge
Authors:   Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, North China Electric Power University, Zhao Hongliang , Zhang Wenqiang ,   University of Nottingham, Du* Juan ,   Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhang Hongwu ,   Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nie Chaoqun ,   Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2022

Surge is an unstable phenomenon which is catastrophic to the aero-engines and gas turbines. It can lead to deterioration in performance and engine life as well as mechanical failure, which has long been the research focus of the industrial and academia. One of the most crucial objectives is to figure out the mechanism of the surge and predict its occurrence. Based on the observations in rig tests and engine operation, different theories were proposed to investigate the mechanism and a few classical analytical models were created for modeling and prediction; With the fast development of the numerical methodologies and the boost of the computational resource, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been employed to simulate the surge process of the axial fans and compressors. In this review, the principles of the surge phenomenon and general observations are firstly introduced. Thereafter various analytical and CFD methods are presented. The advantages and shortcomings of these methods are listed and discussed. In the conclusions, we proposed potential improvements and technical routes for further study. This paper aims to provides a useful reference for future work on axial flow compressor surges.
Impact of different diffusion models on NO production in NH3/H2/air turbulent flames using DNS Cheng Chi, Dominique Thévenin
Authors:   University of Magdeburg, Chi Cheng , Thévenin Dominique ,   University of Magdeburg
Published: May 2022

The present study investigates NH3/H2/air premixed turbulent jet flames using Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) with detailed chemical mechanisms to describe NH3 kinetics. Different diffusion models (multicomponent diffusion, mixture-averaged diffusion, and unity Lewis number) have been compared in the simulations to check their impact on chemical and thermal properties, especially regarding NO production. It has been found that molecular diffusion is quite important for a proper description of NH3/H2/air turbulent flames. The unity Lewis number approach leads to a very large error for the NO production compared to detailed multicomponent diffusion. The mixture-averaged diffusion predicts the spatial distribution of NO quite well, but still shows a large error for the prediction of the absolute value of NO production.
Effect of Blade Loading Distribution on Flow Stability of Axial Compressor
Authors:   Beihang University, Xu Dengke , Dong Xu ,   Beihang University, Sun* Dakun ,   Beihang University, Sun Xiaofeng ,   Beihang University
Published: May 2022

An efficient and reliable stall inception prediction model is established and integrated into the compressor design. And the effect of blade loading distribution on flow stability of axial compressor is studied via the proposed method. Foreloaded, aft-loaded and uniformly loaded rotor blades of a subsonic axial compressor are designed by modifying the circulation distribution at the blade region during through-flow calculation. The design criterion is to keep the compressor characteristics unchanged at the design point. The steady numerical simulations of these cases show that the static pressure rise coefficient and adiabatic efficiency of the compressor with aft-loaded rotor blades are the best at small mass flow points, while those for fore-loaded rotor blades are the worst. The flow stability analysis of these cases via the developed model indicates that the compressor with aft-loaded rotor blades has the best stall margin, while that of the compressor with fore-loaded rotor blades is the worst. The steady flow fields are analyzed to reveal the effect mechanism, and the analysis confirms the above conclusion.
Numerical Simulation Of Primary Atomization Of Swirling Liquid Sheet Using Transforming Algorithm
Authors:   Yangtze River Delta Research Institute of NPU, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Taicang, Jiangsu, 215400, China + Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Internal Aerodynamics in AeroEngine, Xi’an, 710072, China, Sun Xiaoqiang , Yan Hong ,   Yangtze River Delta Research Institute of NPU, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Taicang, Jiangsu, 215400, China + Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Internal Aerodynamics in AeroEngine, Xi’an, 710072, China, Chen Fuzhen ,   Yangtze River Delta Research Institute of NPU, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Taicang, Jiangsu, 215400, China + Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Internal Aerodynamics in AeroEngine, Xi’an, 710072, China
Published: May 2022

Fuel atomization is of significant importance to the combustion performance in propelling systems of aeronautic and astronautic engines. The atomization of swirling liquid sheet which is commonly seen in fuel injectors is studied numerically in detail in this paper. Adaptive mesh refinement with the quadtree/octree grid structure is applied to refine the grids where the higher resolution is required such as gasliquid interfaces. A transforming algorithm is developed to transform the Eulerian droplets whose sizes are comparable to the grid resolution into the Lagrangian particles. The Lagrangian particles are tracked with the dynamic drag model and transformed back into the Eulerian droplets when they move close to the resolved liquid structures. This simulation strategy reduces the computational errors in capturing interface shapes and provides a more realistic initial condition for the simulation of secondary atomization. The algorithm is verified and applied to simulate the primary atomization of swirling liquid sheet under different conditions. The mechanism behind the atomization process is studied through clear information of the flow field. Atomization characteristics and the information for droplets are also analyzed and compared under different conditions.
Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on Silage Fermentation and Bacterial Community of Three Tropical Forages
Authors: Liu Yue , Chen Ting , Sun Rong , Zi Xuejuan , Li Mao
Published: May 2022

The fermentation quality and microbial diversity of king grass (K), cassava foliage (C), and Broussonetia papyrifera (B) ensiled in the absence of an inoculant (K, C, B) or the presence of Lactobacillus plantarum (KL, CL, BL) for 60 days were investigated. The bacterial community was characterized by using the 16S rDNA sequencing technology. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus in K was very high, and it decreased after adding L. plantarum while Acinetobacter increased to some extent. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus in group C was also very high, and the inoculant L. plantarum enriched it in the CL group. As the second dominant genus of group C, the relative abundance of Pseudomonas decreased significantly in CL. Weissella and Enterobacter were the dominant genera in B and BL, and the relative abundance of Lactobacillus decreased in BL. For K, C, and B, the inoculant L. plantarum decreased the pH value and NH3-N content markedly, inhibited the production of butyric acid, increased the content of lactic acid, and significantly improved the fermentation quality. In conclusion, L. plantarum affected the bacterial community of C and improved the silage quality of K, C, and B to a certain extent.
Scalable Microbial Strain Inference in Metagenomic Data Using StrainFacts
Authors: Smith Byron J. , Li Xiangpeng , Shi Zhou Jason , Abate Adam , Pollard Katherine S.
Published: May 2022

While genome databases are nearing a complete catalog of species commonly inhabiting the human gut, their representation of intraspecific diversity is lacking for all but the most abundant and frequently studied taxa. Statistical deconvolution of allele frequencies from shotgun metagenomic data into strain genotypes and relative abundances is a promising approach, but existing methods are limited by computational scalability. Here we introduce StrainFacts, a method for strain deconvolution that enables inference across tens of thousands of metagenomes. We harness a “fuzzy” genotype approximation that makes the underlying graphical model fully differentiable, unlike existing methods. This allows parameter estimates to be optimized with gradient-based methods, speeding up model fitting by two orders of magnitude. A GPU implementation provides additional scalability. Extensive simulations show that StrainFacts can perform strain inference on thousands of metagenomes and has comparable accuracy to more computationally intensive tools. We further validate our strain inferences using single-cell genomic sequencing from a human stool sample. Applying StrainFacts to a collection of more than 10,000 publicly available human stool metagenomes, we quantify patterns of strain diversity, biogeography, and linkage-disequilibrium that agree with and expand on what is known based on existing reference genomes. StrainFacts paves the way for large-scale biogeography and population genetic studies of microbiomes using metagenomic data.
Effect of Implantable Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Cortical Dynamics in Patients With Herpes Zoster–Related Pain: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Zhou Haocheng , Han Rui , Chen Li , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Xiaobo , Wang Jianlong , Liu Zuoliang , Huang Dong
Published: May 2022

Implantable electrical nerve stimulation (ENS) can be used to treat neuropathic pain caused by herpes zoster. However, little is known about the cortical mechanism underlying neuromodulation therapy. Here, we recorded a 16-channel resting-state electroencephalogram after the application of spinal cord stimulation (n = 5) or peripheral nerve stimulation (n = 3). The neuromodulatory effect was compared between specific conditions (active ENS versus rest). To capture the cortical responses of ENS, spectral power and coherence analysis were performed. ENS therapy achieved satisfactory relief from pain with a mean visual analog scale score reduction of 5.9 ± 1.1. The spectral analysis indicated that theta and alpha oscillations increased significantly during active neuromodulation compared with the resting state. Furthermore, ENS administration significantly increased frontal-frontal coherence in the alpha band. Our findings demonstrate that, despite methodological differences, both spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation can induce cortical alpha oscillation changes in patients with zoster-related pain. The dynamic change may, in part, mediate the analgesic effect of ENS on herpes zoster–related pain.
PINCH1 Promotes Fibroblast Migration in Extracellular Matrices and Influences Their Mechanophenotype
Authors: Mierke Claudia Tanja , Hayn Alexander , Fischer Tony
Published: May 2022

Cell migration performs a critical function in numerous physiological processes, including tissue homeostasis or wound healing after tissue injury, as well as pathological processes that include malignant progression of cancer. The efficiency of cell migration and invasion appears to be based on the mechano-phenotype of the cytoskeleton. The properties of the cytoskeleton depend on internal cytoskeletal and external environmental factors. A reason for this are connections between the cell and its local matrix microenvironment, which are established by cell-matrix adhesion receptors. Upon activation, focal adhesion proteins such as PINCH1 are recruited to sites where focal adhesions form. PINCH1 specifically couples through interactions with ILK, which binds to cell matrix receptors and the actomyosin cytoskeleton. However, the role of PINCH1 in cell mechanics regulating cellular motility in 3D collagen matrices is still unclear. PINCH1 is thought to facilitate 3D motility by regulating cellular mechanical properties, such as stiffness. In this study, PINCH1 wild-type and knock-out cells were examined for their ability to migrate in dense extracellular 3D matrices. Indeed, PINCH1 wild-type cells migrated more numerously and deeper in 3D matrices, compared to knock-out cells. Moreover, cellular deformability was determined, e.g., elastic modulus (stiffness). PINCH1 knock-out cells are more deformable (compliable) than PINCH1 wild-type cells. Migration of both PINCH1−/− cells and PINCH1fl/fl cells was decreased by Latrunculin A inhibition of actin polymerization, suggesting that actin cytoskeletal differences are not responsible for the discrepancy in invasiveness of the two cell types. However, the mechanical phenotype of PINCH1−/− cells may be reflected by Latrunculin A treatment of PINCH1fl/fl cells, as they exhibit resembling deformability to untreated PINCH1−/− cells. Moreover, an apparent mismatch exists between the elongation of the long axis and the contraction of the short axis between PINCH1fl/fl cells and PINCH1−/− cells following Latrunculin A treatment. There is evidence of this indicating a shift in the proxy values for Poisson’s ratio in PINCH1−/− cells compared with PINCH1fl/fl cells. This is probably attributable to modifications in cytoskeletal architecture. The non-muscle myosin II inhibitor Blebbistatin also reduced the cell invasiveness in 3D extracellular matrices but instead caused a stiffening of the cells. Finally, PINCH1 is apparently essential for providing cellular mechanical stiffness through the actin cytoskeleton, which regulates 3D motility.
Involvement of Mechanical Cues in the Migration of Cajal-Retzius Cells in the Marginal Zone During Neocortical Development
Authors: López-Mengual Ana , Segura-Feliu Miriam , Sunyer Raimon , Sanz-Fraile Héctor , Otero Jorge , Mesquida-Veny Francina , Gil Vanessa , Hervera Arnau , Ferrer Isidre , Soriano Jordi , Trepat Xavier , Farré Ramon , Navajas Daniel , del Río José Antonio
Published: May 2022

Emerging evidence points to coordinated action of chemical and mechanical cues during brain development. At early stages of neocortical development, angiogenic factors and chemokines such as CXCL12, ephrins, and semaphorins assume crucial roles in orchestrating neuronal migration and axon elongation of postmitotic neurons. Here we explore the intrinsic mechanical properties of the developing marginal zone of the pallium in the migratory pathways and brain distribution of the pioneer Cajal-Retzius cells. These neurons are generated in several proliferative regions in the developing brain (e.g., the cortical hem and the pallial subpallial boundary) and migrate tangentially in the preplate/marginal zone covering the upper portion of the developing cortex. These cells play crucial roles in correct neocortical layer formation by secreting several molecules such as Reelin. Our results indicate that the motogenic properties of Cajal-Retzius cells and their perinatal distribution in the marginal zone are modulated by both chemical and mechanical factors, by the specific mechanical properties of Cajal-Retzius cells, and by the differential stiffness of the migratory routes. Indeed, cells originating in the cortical hem display higher migratory capacities than those generated in the pallial subpallial boundary which may be involved in the differential distribution of these cells in the dorsal-lateral axis in the developing marginal zone.
Bacterial Adhesion and Biofilm Formation of Enterococcus faecalis on Zwitterionic Methylmethacrylat and Polysulfones
Authors: Woitschach Franziska , Kloss Marlen , Schlodder Karsten , Borck Alexander , Grabow Niels , Reisinger Emil Christian , Sombetzki Martina
Published: May 2022

Biofilm-associated implant infections represent a major challenge for healthcare systems around the world due to high patient burden and enormous costs incurred. Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is the most prevalent enterococcal species identified in biofilm-associated infections. The steadily growing areas of application of implants demand a solution for the control of bacterial infections. Therefore, the development of modified anti-microbial implant materials and the testing of the behavior of different relevant bacterial strains towards them display an indispensable task. Recently, we demonstrated an anti-microbial effect of zwitterionic modified silicone rubber (LSR) against Staphylococcus aureus. The aim of this study was to evaluate bacterial colonization and biofilm formation of another clinically relevant strain, E. faecalis, on this material in comparison to two of the most commonly used thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) and other modified LSR surfaces. By generating growth curves, crystal violet, and fluorescence staining, as well as analyzing the expression of biofilm-associated genes, we demonstrated no anti-microbial activity of the investigated materials against E. faecalis. These results point to the fact that anti-microbial effects of novel implant materials do not always apply across the board to all bacterial strains.
How the Notion of “Knowledge Rich Context” Can Be Characterized Today
Authors: Condamines Anne
Published: May 2022

This paper studies how the notion of Knowledge Rich Contexts (KRCs), initially defined as passages of text allowing access to elements that define terms, has evolved. It discusses related work in Natural Language Processing (NLP), which has led to disciplinary convergence. It mainly presents the way in which KRCs can manifest themselves within a corpus, in the form of explicit or implicit markers and lexico-syntactic or morphological markers. Extra-linguistic elements are examined through the study of the domain and the textual genre of the corpus studied, and by the adaptation of KRCs to a particular demand (evolution in time, interdisciplinarity…). All types of functioning are illustrated with real data from different corpus-based studies. The study of the notion of KRC allows us to address fundamental questions in the linguistic study of specialized texts, such as the link between form and meaning and between linguistic and extra-linguistic contexts.
Beta-Blocker Use in Older Hospitalized Patients Affected by Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Italian Survey From the REPOSI Register
Authors: Arcoraci Vincenzo , Squadrito Francesco , Rottura Michelangelo , Barbieri Maria Antonietta , Pallio Giovanni , Irrera Natasha , Nobili Alessandro , Natoli Giuseppe , Argano Christiano , Squadrito Giovanni , Corrao Salvatore
Published: May 2022

Beta (β)-blockers (BB) are useful in reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nevertheless, the use of BBs could induce bronchoconstriction due to β2-blockade. For this reason, both the ESC and GOLD guidelines strongly suggest the use of selective β1-BB in patients with HF and COPD. However, low adherence to guidelines was observed in multiple clinical settings. The aim of the study was to investigate the BBs use in older patients affected by HF and COPD, recorded in the REPOSI register. Of 942 patients affected by HF, 47.1% were treated with BBs. The use of BBs was significantly lower in patients with HF and COPD than in patients affected by HF alone, both at admission and at discharge (admission, 36.9% vs. 51.3%; discharge, 38.0% vs. 51.7%). In addition, no further BB users were found at discharge. The probability to being treated with a BB was significantly lower in patients with HF also affected by COPD (adj. OR, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.37–0.67), while the diagnosis of COPD was not associated with the choice of selective β1-BB (adj. OR, 95% CI: 1.33, 0.76–2.34). Despite clear recommendations by clinical guidelines, a significant underuse of BBs was also observed after hospital discharge. In COPD affected patients, physicians unreasonably reject BBs use, rather than choosing a β1-BB. The expected improvement of the BB prescriptions after hospitalization was not observed. A multidisciplinary approach among hospital physicians, general practitioners, and pharmacologists should be carried out for better drug management and adherence to guideline recommendations.
Study on the Microscopic Pore Structures of Coal Measure Reservoirs in the Shanxi Formation, Eastern Ordos Basin
Authors: Pengfei Jiao , Pengwan Wang , Shangwen Zhou , Huaichang Wang , Xiangyang Chen
Published: May 2022

The Carboniferous-Permian coal measures in China contain abundant natural gas resources. Shale, coal and tight sandstone reservoirs are developed in coal measures, and the quantitative characterization of the pore structures of different types of reservoirs can provide scientific guidance for the sweet spot prediction of tight reservoirs. In this study, taking the Shan 2 Member coal measure of the Shanxi Formation in the eastern Ordos Basin as an example, the pore structures of shale, coal rock and tight sandstone were systematically studied based on organic geochemistry, scanning electron microscopy, high-pressure mercury injection, and low-temperature N2 and CO2 adsorption experiments. The results show that the microscopic pore structures of different types of reservoirs in the Shan 2 Member coal measures are quite different. Shale and tight sandstone mainly develop clay mineral pores at mesopore scale, followed by intragranular and dissolution pores developed in quartz and feldspar minerals, while organic pores are rarely developed. A large number of macro-scale clay mineral pores and micro-fractures are developed in tight sandstone, meanwhile the pore connectivity of tight sandstone is better than that of shale. A large number of micro to nano-scale organic pores are developed in coal, and the specific surface area of micropores in coal is much larger than that of mesopores in shale and tight sandstone. Sandstone, shale, and coal are frequently interbedded in coal measure strata. Tight sandstone provide the main storage space for free gas, and pores in shale and coal absorb a large amount of natural gas. Sandstone-shale-coal assemblages and sandstone-coal assemblages are the key targets for the exploration of hydrocarbons in the Shanxi Formation coal measures in the study area.
El Niño and Commodity Prices: New Findings From Partial Wavelet Coherence Analysis
Authors: Cai Xiaojing , Sakemoto Ryuta
Published: May 2022

This study investigates whether the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects primary commodity prices over time. We employ a wavelet approach that allows us to disentangle the time and frequency domains and to uncover time-varying nonlinear relationships at different frequency levels. Moreover, we adopt partial wavelet coherence (PWC) and eliminate macroeconomic effects on commodity prices. We observe that ENSO is associated with agricultural, food, and raw material commodity prices at lower frequencies of 32–64 and 64–128 months. These results are stronger from 2000 onward, which are not observed using a conventional wavelet method. Our results suggest a recent strong relationship between ENSO and commodity prices, which has important implications for policymakers regarding climate change risk.
Domichnial Borings in Serpulid Tube Walls: Prosperous Benthic Assemblages in the Cretaceous of France and the Czech Republic
Authors: Mikuláš Radek , Kočová Veselská Martina , Kočí Tomáš , Šamánek Jaroslav , Jäger Manfred , Heřmanová Zuzana , Bruthansová Jana
Published: May 2022

The calcareous tubes inhabited by some polychaetes (some Serpulidae and the sabellidGlomerula) which are adapted to live sticking in soft ground, starting from the Permian, represent widespread but widely neglected and understudied substrates for domichnial bioerosion. Serpulids can be considered small macrofauna. However, due to the thinness of serpulid tubes, borings in them are sized in the order of 0.01–0.9 mm in diameter and thus rather considered micropaleontological objects. Extensive and methodologically broad search (vacuum castings studied at SEM; micro-computed tomography) for and study of borings in these specific substrates was performed on material from the Cenomanian of Le Mans area (France) and the Cenomanian and Turonian of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin (Czechia). It shows that the bioerosive traces can be assigned to the existing ichnogeneraRogerella, Trypanites, Entobia, Maeandropolydora, andIramena. Somewhat surprising is the frequency and disparity of dwelling borings. Several clues, especially in the more abundant ichnogeneraRogerella, Trypanites, andEntobia, support the hypothesis that the tracemakers of these borings adapted to the small size of their substrates by necessarily staying very small by themselves but nevertheless living to adulthood.
Quantifying the Reporting, Coverage and Consistency of Key Indicators in Mangrove Restoration Projects
Authors: Gatt Yasmine M. , Andradi-Brown Dominic A. , Ahmadia Gabby N. , Martin Philip A. , Sutherland William J. , Spalding Mark D. , Donnison Amy , Worthington Thomas A.
Published: May 2022

Mangroves are often cleared for aquaculture, agriculture, and coastal development despite the range of benefits for people and nature that they provide. In response to these losses, there are multiple global, and regional efforts aimed at accelerating mangrove forest restoration, resulting in many restoration projects being implemented and managed by different groups with highly diverse objectives. The information reported from these restoration projects is extremely variable, limiting our ability to identify whether desired objectives have been met or key factors that determine effective and durable restoration have been applied. To address this problem, we developed a holistic monitoring framework that captures the key indicators of restoration, spanning project aims, intervention type, costs, and ecological and socioeconomic outcomes. Subsequently, using a systematic literature search, we examined 123 published case studies to identify the range and quality of reported information on restoration, relative to our framework. We found that there were many gaps in reporting, for multiple indicators. Sections related to site conditions prior to restoration (reported in only 32% of case studies) and socioeconomic outcomes (26%) were consistently missing from most project reporting. Conversely, information on the type of intervention was reported for all case studies, and the aims of the project (reported in 76% of case studies) and ecological monitoring (82%) were far more prevalent. Generally, the restoration literature did not follow any specific framework in terms of reporting which likely contributed to the gaps in the information recorded. These gaps hinder comparisons between case studies, inhibiting the ability to learn lessons from previous restoration attempts by identifying commonalities. The need for more structure and consistent reporting supports the development of a standard restoration tracking tool that can facilitate the comparison of restoration efforts, aiding the implementation of future projects.
Case Report: Novel Biallelic Null Variants of SMPD4 Confirm Its Involvement in Neurodevelopmental Disorder With Microcephaly, Arthrogryposis, and Structural Brain Anomalies
Authors: Ji Weigang , Kong Xiangtian , Yin Honggang , Xu Jian , Wang Xueqian
Published: May 2022

The SMPD4 gene encodes sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 4, which preferentially hydrolyzes sphingomyelin over other phospholipids. The biallelic loss-of-function variants of SMPD4 have been identified in a group of children with neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly, arthrogryposis, and structural brain anomalies (NEDMABA). Here, we report a girl of Chinese ancestry with intrauterine growth restriction, microcephaly, postnatal developmental delay, arthrogryposis, hypertonicity, seizure, and hypomyelination on brain magnetic resonance imaging; biallelic null variants (c.1347C > G [p.Tyr449*]; Chr2 [GRCh37]: g.130877574_131221737del [whole-gene deletion]) were detected by whole-exome sequencing. Our case is the first report of NEDMABA of Chinese ancestry, confirming the involvement of SMPD4 in NEDMABA and expanding the mutation spectrum of this syndrome.
Evaluation of Biomarkers and Immune Microenvironment of Osteoarthritis: Evidence From Omics Data and Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Zhixin , Liu Heng , Li Deqiang , Ma Liang , Lu Tongxin , Sun Hao , Zhang Yuankai , Yang Hui
Published: May 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to identify novel biomarkers for osteoarthritis (OA) and explore potential pathological immune cell infiltration.

Methods: We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between OA and normal synovial tissues using the limma package in R, and performed enrichment analyses to understand the functions and enriched pathways of DEGs. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and distinct machine-learning algorithms were then used to identify hub modules and candidate biomarkers. We assessed the diagnostic value of the candidate biomarkers using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. We then used the CIBERSORT algorithm to analyze immune cell infiltration patterns, and the Wilcoxon test to screen out hub immune cells that might affect OA occurrence. Finally, the expression levels of hub biomarkers were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results: We identified 102 up-regulated genes and 110 down-regulated genes. The functional enrichment analysis results showed that DEGs are enriched mainly in immune response pathways. Combining the results of the algorithms and ROC analysis, we identified GUCA1A and NELL1 as potential diagnostic biomarkers for OA, and validated their diagnosibility using an external dataset. Construction of a TF-mRNA-miRNA network enabled prediction of potential candidate compounds targeting hub biomarkers. Immune cell infiltration analyses revealed the expression of hub biomarkers to be correlated with CD8 T cells, memory B cells, M0/M2 macrophages, resting mast cells and resting dendritic cells. qRT-PCR results showed both GUCA1A and NELL1 were significantly increased in OA samples (p < 0.01). All validations are consistent with the microarray hybridization, indicating that GUCA1A and NELL1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of OA.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that GUCA1A and NELL1, closely related to OA occurrence and progression, represent new OA candidate markers, and that immune cell infiltration plays a significant role in the progression of OA.
Extrafollicular Plasmablasts Present in the Acute Phase of Infections Express High Levels of PD-L1 and Are Able to Limit T Cell Response
Authors: Serrán Melisa Gorosito , Vernengo Facundo Fiocca , Almada Laura , Beccaria Cristian G. , Gazzoni Yamila , Canete Pablo F. , Roco Jonathan A. , Boari Jimena Tosello , Ramello Maria Cecilia , Wehrens Ellen , Cai Yeping , Zuniga Elina I. , Montes Carolina L. , Cockburn Ian A. , Rodriguez Eva V. Acosta , Vinuesa Carola G. , Gruppi Adriana
Published: May 2022

During infections with protozoan parasites or some viruses, T cell immunosuppression is generated simultaneously with a high B cell activation. It has been described that, as well as producing antibodies, plasmablasts, the differentiation product of activated B cells, can condition the development of protective immunity in infections. Here, we show that, in T. cruzi infection, all the plasmablasts detected during the acute phase of the infection had higher surface expression of PD-L1 than other mononuclear cells. PD-L1hi plasmablasts were induced in vivo in a BCR-specific manner and required help from Bcl-6+CD4+T cells. PD-L1hi expression was not a characteristic of all antibody-secreting cells since plasma cells found during the chronic phase of infection expressed PD-L1 but at lower levels. PD-L1hi plasmablasts were also present in mice infected with Plasmodium or with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, but not in mice with autoimmune disorders or immunized with T cell-dependent antigens. In vitro experiments showed that PD-L1hi plasmablasts suppressed the T cell response, partially via PD-L1. Thus, this study reveals that extrafollicular PD-L1hi plasmablasts, whose peaks of response precede the peak of germinal center response, may have a modulatory function in infections, thus influencing T cell response.
Gene Biomarkers Related to Th17 Cells in Macular Edema of Diabetic Retinopathy: Cutting-Edge Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis and In Vivo Validation
Authors: Huang Jing , Zhou Qiong
Published: May 2022

Background

Previous studies have shown that T-helper 17 (Th17) cell-related cytokines are significantly increased in the vitreous of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), suggesting that Th17 cells play an important role in the inflammatory response of diabetic retinopathy (DR), but its cell infiltration and gene correlation in the retina of DR, especially in diabetic macular edema (DME), have not been studied.

Methods

The dataset GSE160306 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, which contains 9 NPDR samples and 10 DME samples. ImmuCellAI algorithm was used to estimate the abundance of Th17 cells in 24 kinds of infiltrating immune cells. The differentially expressed Th17 related genes (DETh17RGs) between NPDR and DME were documented by difference analysis and correlation analysis. Through aggregate analyses such as gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to analyze the potential function of DETh17RGs. CytoHubba plug-in algorithm, Lasso regression analysis and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) were implemented to comprehensively identify Hub DETh17RGs. The expression archetypes of Hub DETh17RGs were further verified in several other independent datasets related to DR. The Th17RG score was defined as the genetic characterization of six Hub DETh17RGs using the GSVA sample score method, which was used to distinguish early and advanced diabetic nephropathy (DN) as well as normal and diabetic nephropathy. Finally, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was implemented to verify the transcription levels of Hub DETh17RGs in the STZ-induced DR model mice (C57BL/6J).

Results

238 DETh17RGs were identified, of which 212 genes were positively correlated while only 26 genes were negatively correlated. Six genes (CD44, CDC42, TIMP1, BMP7, RHOC, FLT1) were identified as Hub DETh17RGs. Because DR and DN have a strong correlation in clinical practice, the verification of multiple independent datasets related to DR and DN proved that Hub DETh17RGs can not only distinguish PDR patients from normal people, but also distinguish DN patients from normal people. It can also identify the initial and advanced stages of the two diseases (NPDR vs DME, Early DN vs Advanced DN). Except for CDC42 and TIMP1, the qPCR transcription levels and trends of other Hub DETh17RGs in STZ-induced DR model mice were consistent with the human transcriptome level in this study.

Conclusion

This study will improve our understanding of Th17 cell-related molecular mechanisms in the progression of DME. At the same time, it also provides an updated basis for the molecular mechanism of Th17 cell crosstalk in the eye and kidney in diabetes.
Differentially Expressed Circular RNAs and Their Therapeutic Mechanism in Non-segmental Vitiligo Patients Treated With Methylprednisolone
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Liang Ning , Cao Yan , Li Min
Published: May 2022

Vitiligo is characterized by chronic skin depigmentation arising from the autoimmune destruction of epidermal melanocytes. Systemic corticosteroid therapy is an effective immunosuppressive treatment for progressive generalized vitiligo. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play various roles in diseases. In systemic corticosteroid therapy, however, how circRNAs function to counter vitiligo is still unclear. In this article, we identified the differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) in vitiligo patients before and after the administration of methylprednisolone. Total RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of patients with vitiligo, and samples were hybridized into a circRNA array. A total of 375 (51 upregulated and 324 downregulated) circRNAs were differentially expressed. Box, scatter, volcano, and heatmap plots were generated to classify the samples. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on DEcircRNAs. These DEcircRNAs were enriched in vitiligo-related biological processes, such as ferroptosis, organic substance transport, protein metabolic process, and cellular component organization or biogenesis. Two different databases, TargetScan and miRanda, were used to predict circRNA/miRNA interactions. Several circRNA/miRNA interactions were involved in ferroptosis. These circRNAs might serve as therapeutic targets in the treatment of vitiligo.
A Novel Predictive Model for Adrenocortical Carcinoma Based on Hypoxia- and Ferroptosis-Related Gene Expression
Authors: Zhang Tianyue , Song Xiaoxiao , Qiao Jie , Zhu Ruiliang , Ren Yuezhong , Shan Peng-Fei
Published: May 2022

Background

The impact of hypoxia on ferroptosis is important in cancer proliferation, but no predictive model combining hypoxia and ferroptosis for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) has been reported. The purpose of this study was to construct a predictive model based on hypoxia- and ferroptosis-related gene expression in ACC.

Methods

We assessed hypoxia- and ferroptosis-related gene expression using data from 79 patients with ACC in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Then, a predictive model was constructed to stratify patient survival using least absolute contraction and selection operation regression. Gene expression profiles of patients with ACC in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to verify the predictive model.

Results

Based on hypoxia-related gene expression, 79 patients with ACC in the TCGA database were divided into three molecular subtypes (C1, C2, and C3) with different clinical outcomes. Patients with the C3 subtype had the shortest survival. Ferroptosis-related genes exhibited distinct expression patterns in the three subtypes. A predictive model combining hypoxia- and ferroptosis-related gene expression was constructed. A nomogram was constructed using age, sex, tumor stage, and the predictive gene model. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses revealed that the gene signature was mainly related to the cell cycle and organelle fission.

Conclusion

This hypoxia-and ferroptosis-related gene signature displayed excellent predictive performance for ACC and could serve as an emerging source of novel therapeutic targets in ACC.
Differences in the Development of Adverse Infusion Reactions to Rituximab in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma-Enigma Variations
Authors: Gilaberte Reyzabal Sergio , Isenberg David
Published: May 2022

It has become clear that rituximab treatment is useful for both B-cell malignancies and autoimmune rheumatic diseases. However this treatment is associated with an increased risk of an allergic reaction. We have reviewed the frequency with which these reactions occur in these different conditions. They appear to be less frequent when rituximab is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus perhaps because concomitant steroids are invariably given to these patients with the rituximab which is not necessarily the case with the treatment of B-cell malignancies.
Efficacy and Mechanism of Thymol/KGM/LG Edible Coating Solution on Inhibition of Mucor circinelloides Isolated From Okra
Authors: Zhang Qinqiu , Qin Wen , Hu Xinjie , Yan Jing , Liu Yaowen , Wang Zhuwei , Liu Lang , Ding Jie , Huang Peng , Wu Jiya
Published: May 2022

With the increasing demand and quality requirement for the natural nutritious food in modern society, okra has attracted much attention because of its high nutritional value and remarkable functionality. However, the occurrence of postharvest diseases of fresh okra severely limited the application and the value of okra. Therefore, in this study, the dominant pathogens causing postharvest diseases such as soft rot were isolated from naturally decaying okra. It was identified as Mucor circinelloides by its morphological characteristics and standard internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA sequence. Furthermore, the biological characteristics of M. circinelloides were studied, and the inhibitory effect of thymol/KGM/LG (TKL) edible coating solution on M. circinelloides and its possible mechanism was discussed. In addition, TKL edible coating solution had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on M. circinelloides, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (EC50) of 113.55 mg/L. The TKL edible coating solution at 960 mg/L of thymol completely inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination of M. circinelloides. The results showed that the best carbon source of M. circinelloides was maltose, the best nitrogen source was beef extract and potassium nitrate, the best pH was 6, the best temperature was 28°C, the best NaCl concentration was 0.5%, and the light was conducive to the growth of M. circinelloides. It was also observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) that TKL was more likely to destroy the cell wall integrity of M. circinelloides, inhibit spore morphology and change mycelium structure. Meanwhile, the activity of chitinase (CHI), an enzyme related to cell wall synthesis of M. circinelloides, was significantly decreased after being treated by TKL with thymol at 100 mg/L (TKL100). The content of Malondialdehyde (MDA) in M. circinelloides decreased significantly from 12 h to 48 h, which may cause oxidative damage to the cell membrane. The activity polygalacturonase (PG), pectin methylgalacturonase (PMG), and cellulase (Cx) of M. circinelloides decreased significantly. Therefore, the results showed that TKL had a good bacteriostatic effect on okra soft rot pathogen, and the main bacteriostatic mechanism might be the damage of cell membrane, degradation of the cell wall, inhibition of metabolic activities, and reduction of metabolites, which is helpful to further understand the inhibitory effect of TKL on okra soft rot pathogen and its mechanism.
High Prevalence of blaCTXM–1/IncI1-Iγ/ST3 Plasmids in Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolates Collected From Domestic Animals in Guadeloupe (French West Indies)
Authors: Gruel Gaëlle , Couvin David , Guyomard-Rabenirina Stéphanie , Arlet Guillaume , Bambou Jean-Christophe , Pot Matthieu , Roy Xavier , Talarmin Antoine , Tressieres Benoit , Ferdinand Séverine , Breurec Sébastien
Published: May 2022

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) have been classified in the group of resistant bacteria of highest priority. We determined the prevalence of ESBL-E collected in feces from household and shelter pets in Guadeloupe (French West Indies). A single rectal swab was taken from 125 dogs and 60 cats between June and September 2019. The prevalence of fecal carriage of ESBL-E was 7.6% (14/185, 95% CI: 4.2-12.4), within the range observed worldwide. The only risk factor associated with a higher prevalence of ESBL-E rectal carriage was a stay in a shelter, suggesting that refuges could be hotspots for their acquisition. All but one (Klebsiella pneumoniae from a cat) were Escherichia coli. We noted the presence of a blaCTX–M–1/IncI1-Iγ/sequence type (ST3) plasmid in 11 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates belonging to ST328 (n = 6), ST155 (n = 4) and ST953 (n = 1). A blaCTX–M–15 gene was identified in the three remaining ESBL-E isolates. The blaCTX–M–1 and most of the antimicrobial resistance genes were present in a well-conserved large conjugative IncI1-Iγ/ST3 plasmid characterized by two accessory regions containing antibiotic resistance genes. The plasmid has been detected worldwide in E. coli isolates from humans and several animal species, such as food-producing animals, wild birds and pets, and from the environment. This study shows the potential role of pets as a reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria or genes for humans and underlines the importance of basic hygiene measures by owners of companion animals.