bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimasi Bidang Patahan Gempabumi Mentawai 25 Oktober 2010 Menggunakan Metode Scalling Law
Authors: Taufik Taufan , Yullatifah Alghani
Published: September 2023

Gempabumi terjadi di Kepulauan Mentawai, Indonesia pada tanggal 25 Oktober 2010 jam 14:42 WIB dengan kekuatan 7.7 dan menyebabkan terjadi tsunami. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui estimasi bidang patahan yang disebabkan oleh gempabumi dengan magnitudo 7.7. Hasil pemodelan dengan menggunakan TUNAMI-N2 dibandingkan dengan data observasi tide gauge. Pemodelan menggunakan TUNAMI-N2 menggunakan metode Scalling Law sebagai data inputan.Inputan parameter yang digunakan diperoleh dari Global CMT, data SRTM dan data GEBCO. Fitting antara Scalling Law dengan datarekaman tide gauge Padang dengan nilai RMSE sebesar 0,1131 dan nilai korelasi sebesar 0,4876 pada scalling3. Fitting dengan tide gauge Tanahbala nilai RMSEnya sebesar 0,2165 dan nilai korelasinya sebesar 0,2140 ada pada scalling2. Fitting dengan tide gauge Teluk Dalam nilai RMSE sebesar0,0362 dan nilai korelasinya sebesar 0,5917 ada di scalling2.
Fungi use highly diverse approaches for plant biomass conversion as revealed through bioinformatic analysis
Authors:   , Li Jiajia
Published: September 2023

Plant biomass is a magnificent renewable resource and therefore is of major importance for ecology and the global carbon cycle. In nature, fungi play central roles in the degradation of plant biomass, as they are highly efficient degraders of plant polysaccharides. Their ability to break down complex plant polysaccharides, such as cellulose and hemicellulose, into simple sugars is essential for the recycling of organic material in ecosystems. When it comes to the conversion of plant biomass, two crucial aspects of plant biomass conversion are of paramount importance: primary sugar metabolism and the extensive repertoire of Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes) involved in the degradation of complex plant biomass substrates. Therefore, this thesis enhanced our comprehension of the diversity of primary carbon metabolism and the enzymatic capabilities of fungi. By investigating these aspects, we aimed to unravel the intricate mechanisms underlying fungal biomass conversion and shed light on the evolutionary adaptations and functional variations across fungi. To conclude, this thesis showcases using a combination of bioinformatic and omics approaches could help us to obtain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in plant biomass conversion by fungi, and the differences in these approaches across the fungal kingdom.
Conceptual foundations for improving ecological and economic mechanisms for development of rural territorial communities
Authors: Drebot O. , Oliinyk H.
Published: September 2023

This article is devoted to the conceptual framework for improving environmental and economic mechanisms for development of rural territorial communities, the development of which is an urgent task in the context of constant changes in society and economy. The problem of the interrelation between economic development and environmental protection, as well as the issues of agricultural development and land use are considered. Rural territorial communities are key elements of the agricultural sector and country’s economy as a whole. Their development and effective management of resources require the application of conceptual foundations for the improvement of ecological and economic mechanisms. The article discusses the main approaches to the formation of environmental and economic mechanisms, including the conservation of natural resources, reduction of environmental impact and stimulation of the development of innovative technologies in land use. In particular, the role of innovations in preserving natural resources and reducing environmental impact is discussed, as well as the importance of creating incentives for the development of such technologies in rural communities. The article suggests ways to improve the efficiency of rural management and the development of local self-government. It emphasizes the need to increase the role of civil society in the decision-making process on rural development. In addition, the article addresses the issue of decentralization of rural management and the development of mechanisms that ensure balanced development of the territory and preserve natural resources. The paper identifies the need to develop an effective economic mechanism to support the development of rural communities. This involves the implementation of regulatory policies that stimulate the development of the agricultural sector and support rural communities. It is also important to provide adequate infrastructure for the development of agriculture and local businesses, including transportation, electricity, and Internet connections.
Fear of Getting Pregnant Scale Development Study
Authors: ALP DAL Nursel , BEYDAĞ Kerime Derya
Published: September 2023

Purpose: This study was carried out in order to develop a measurement tool that determines the factors that may be effective in women's fear of getting pregnant and to bring it into the literature.

Methods: The sample of the study, which was carried out in methodological and analytical type, consisted of 240 sexually active women who applied to the obstetrics clinic of a hospital in the Anatolian side of Istanbul between February 1 and June 1, 2021. The study data were obtained with the "Personal Information Form" and the "Fear of Getting Pregnant Scale" created by the researchers. The draft scale, which consisted of 22 items when it was first developed, took its final form with 18 items as a result of the necessary validity and reliability studies. The scale consisted of three sub-dimensions: “physical reasons” (5 items), “psychological reasons” (6 items), and “social reasons” (7 items). Explanatory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Barlett test, Cronbach alpha test, Shapiro-Wilk test were used in the development of the scale. After evaluating the content validity of the scale, test-retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity were examined.

Results: In the validity and reliability study of the Fear of Getting Pregnant Scale, the Content Validity Index (CVI) was found to be “0.837”. The total cronbach alpha value of the scale was determined as 0.951, and the cronbach alpha value for the "physical reasons" sub-dimension was 0.910, the cronbach alpha value for the "psychological reasons" sub-dimension was 0.898, and the cronbach alpha value for the "social reasons" sub-dimension was 0.904.

Conclusion: In line with these data, it was determined that the “Fear of Getting Pregnant Scale” is a valid and reliable scale.
The regime-conversion method: a hybrid technique for simulating well-mixed chemical reaction networks
Authors: Kynaston Joshua C. , Yates Christian A. , Hekkink Anna V. F. , Guiver Chris
Published: September 2023

There exist several methods for simulating biological and physical systems as represented by chemical reaction networks. Systems with low numbers of particles are frequently modeled as discrete-state Markov jump processes and are typically simulated via a stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA). An SSA, while accurate, is often unsuitable for systems with large numbers of individuals, and can become prohibitively expensive with increasing reaction frequency. Large systems are often modeled deterministically using ordinary differential equations, sacrificing accuracy and stochasticity for computational efficiency and analytical tractability. In this paper, we present a novel hybrid technique for the accurate and efficient simulation of large chemical reaction networks. This technique, which we name the regime-conversion method, couples a discrete-state Markov jump process to a system of ordinary differential equations by simulating a reaction network using both techniques simultaneously. Individual molecules in the network are represented by exactly one regime at any given time, and may switch their governing regime depending on particle density. In this manner, we model high copy-number species using the cheaper continuum method and low copy-number species using the more expensive, discrete-state stochastic method to preserve the impact of stochastic fluctuations at low copy number. The motivation, as with similar methods, is to retain the advantages while mitigating the shortfalls of each method. We demonstrate the performance and accuracy of our method for several test problems that exhibit varying degrees of inter-connectivity and complexity by comparing averaged trajectories obtained from both our method and from exact stochastic simulation.
Diffusing the legal conceptions of the global south and decolonizing international law: crystallizing animal rights through inter-judicial dialogue
Authors: Hall Catherine
Published: September 2023

Global environmental law is characterized by Eurocentric cultural paradigms that perceive humanity as external and superior to Nature. This supremacy over Nature reflects a legacy of Western colonial domination. Accordingly, environmental regulations have been complicit in sustaining the paradigms that have given rise to the Anthropocene. It is against this backdrop that this article seeks to investigate how global environmental law could engage in transformative reform by embracing Southern epistemologies, particularly through the legal subjectivisation of Nature, i.e. by conceptualizing Nature as subjects of rights. Rooted in Indigenous worldviews, the emerging Rights of Nature movement provides a critical opportunity to re-envision global environmental law through historically colonized and marginalized forms of knowledge. In particular, this article explores the instrumentality of litigation to act as a catalyst for diffusing Southern conceptions in Eurocentric legal cultures to decolonize international law. This article specifically analyzes the animal rights dimension of the broader Rights of Nature paradigm. It argues that the recent wave of litigation awarding rights to animals - primarily in the Global South - reflects an evolving inter-judicial dialogue between domestic judges, whose interactions could potentially feed into a cosmopolitan global jurisprudence for animal rights in a bottom-up manner, which captures the plurality of ways of understanding and conceptualizing Nature.
Thermodynamic insights into selenium oxyanion removal from synthetic flue gas desulfurization wastewater with temperature-swing solvent extraction
Authors: Meissner Michael S. , Nguyen Vy H. T. , Bousrih Imen , Le Van T. C. , Frickenstein Alex , Le Giang V. , Bui Ngoc T.
Published: September 2023

Temperature-swing solvent extraction (TSSE) is a cost-effective, simple, versatile, and industry-ready technology platform capable of desalinating hypersaline brines toward zero liquid discharge. In this work, we demonstrate the potential of TSSE in the effective removal of selenium oxyanions and traces of mercury with the coexistence of high contents of chloride and sulfate often encountered in flue gas desulfurization wastewater streams. We compare the rejection performance of the two common solvents broadly used for TSSE, decanoic acid (DA) and diisopropylamine (DPA), and correlate those with the solvent physicochemical properties (e.g., dielectric constant, polarity, molecular bulkiness, and hydrophobicity) and ionic properties (e.g., hydrated radii and H-bonding). The results show that TSSE can remove >99.5% of selenium oxyanions and 96%–99.6% of mercury traces coexisting with sulfate (at a sixfold Se concentration) and chloride (at a 400-fold Se concentration) in a synthetic wastewater stream. Compared to diisopropylamine, decanoic acid is more effective in rejecting ions for all cases, ranging from a simple binary system to more complex multicomponent systems with highly varied ionic concentrations. Furthermore, the H-bonding interaction with water and the hydrated radii of the oxyanions (i.e., selenate vs. selenite) along with the hindrance effects caused by the molecular bulkiness and hydrophobicity (or lipophilicity) of the solvents play important roles in the favorable rejection of TSSE. This study shows that TSSE might provide a technological solution with a high deionization potential for the industry in complying with the Environmental Protection Agency regulations for discharge streams from coal-fired power facilities.
Drug repurposing based on the similarity gene expression signatures to explore for potential indications of quercetin: a case study of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chen Yulong , Zhang Mingliang , Li Weixia , Wang Xiaoyan , Chen Xiaofei , Wu Yali , Zhang Hui , Yang Liuqing , Han Bing , Tang Jinfa
Published: September 2023

Quercetin (QR) is a natural flavonol compound widely distributed in the plant kingdom with extensive pharmacological effects. To find the potential clinical indications of QR, 156 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulated by QR were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and new potential pharmacological effects and clinical indications of QR were repurposed by integrating compounds with similar gene perturbation signatures and associated-disease signatures to QR based on the Connectivity Map and Coexpedia platforms. The results suggested QR has mainly potential therapeutic effects on multiple sclerosis (MS), osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and acute leukemia. Then, MS was selected for subsequent animal experiments as a representative potential indication, and it found that QR significantly delays the onset time of classical MS model animal mice and ameliorates the inflammatory infiltration and demyelination in the central nervous system. Combined with network pharmacology technology, the therapeutic mechanism of QR on MS was further demonstrated to be related to the inhibition of the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-17A, and IL-2) related to TNF-α/TNFR1 signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study expanded the clinical indications of QR and preliminarily confirmed the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of QR on MS.
Effect of bovine respiratory disease on the respiratory microbiome: a meta-analysis
Authors: Howe Samantha , Kegley Beth , Powell Jeremy , Chen Shicheng , Zhao Jiangchao
Published: September 2023

Background

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most devastating disease affecting beef and dairy cattle producers in North America. An emerging area of interest is the respiratory microbiome’s relationship with BRD. However, results regarding the effect of BRD on respiratory microbiome diversity are conflicting.

Results

To examine the effect of BRD on the alpha diversity of the respiratory microbiome, a meta-analysis analyzing the relationship between the standardized mean difference (SMD) of three alpha diversity metrics (Shannon’s Diversity Index (Shannon), Chao1, and Observed features (OTUs, ASVs, species, and reads) and BRD was conducted. Our multi-level model found no difference in Chao1 and Observed features SMDs between calves with BRD and controls. The Shannon SMD was significantly greater in controls compared to that in calves with BRD. Furthermore, we re-analyzed 16S amplicon sequencing data from four previously published datasets to investigate BRD’s effect on individual taxa abundances. Additionally, based on Bray Curtis and Jaccard distances, health status, sampling location, and dataset were all significant sources of variation. Using a consensus approach based on RandomForest, DESeq2, and ANCOM-BC2, we identified three differentially abundant amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) within the nasal cavity, ASV5_Mycoplasma, ASV19_Corynebacterium, and ASV37_Ruminococcaceae. However, no ASVs were differentially abundant in the other sampling locations. Moreover, based on SECOM analysis, ASV37_Ruminococcaceae had a negative relationship with ASV1_Mycoplasma_hyorhinis, ASV5_Mycoplasma, and ASV4_Mannheimia. ASV19_Corynebacterium had negative relationships with ASV1_Mycoplasma_hyorhinis, ASV4_Mannheimia, ASV54_Mycoplasma, ASV7_Mycoplasma, and ASV8_Pasteurella.

Conclusions

Our results confirm a relationship between bovine respiratory disease and respiratory microbiome diversity and composition, which provide additional insight into microbial community dynamics during BRD development. Furthermore, as sampling location and sample processing (dataset) can also affect results, consideration should be taken when comparing results across studies.
Degradation of coral reefs altered the community trophic structure and reduced the shoaling size of fish
Authors: Huang Mingpan , Wei Shichao , Li Qian , Gao Kuo , Peng Zhaojie , Chen Yiting , Zhou Wenliang , Wei Fuwen
Published: September 2023

Coral reefs are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems on the planet, yet have suffered sharp declines in the past few decades. To better understand how reef fish communities respond to disturbances in the South China Sea, we investigated the species diversity, trophic composition, and shoaling size of fish communities of four coral reefs in different states of degradations. We found that reef degradation was related to the dominance of herbivores and the decline of planktivores, reflecting the shift towards an algae-dominant community causing by reef degradation. Additionally, degradation reduced the shoaling size of planktivores, but herbivores and omnivores might benefit from the degradation and formed larger groups in Yongle Reef. Our results shed light on the response of the reef fish community to habitat degradation and provided new insights into the conservation of coral reefs in the South China Sea.
Motion-compensated T1 mapping in cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging: a technical review
Authors: Sheagren Calder D. , Cao Tianle , Patel Jaykumar H. , Chen Zihao , Lee Hsu-Lei , Wang Nan , Christodoulou Anthony G. , Wright Graham A.
Published: September 2023

T1 mapping is becoming a staple magnetic resonance imaging method for diagnosing myocardial diseases such as ischemic cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and more. Clinically, most T1 mapping sequences acquire a single slice at a single cardiac phase across a 10 to 15-heartbeat breath-hold, with one to three slices acquired in total. This leaves opportunities for improving patient comfort and information density by acquiring data across multiple cardiac phases in free-running acquisitions and across multiple respiratory phases in free-breathing acquisitions. Scanning in the presence of cardiac and respiratory motion requires more complex motion characterization and compensation. Most clinical mapping sequences use 2D single-slice acquisitions; however newer techniques allow for motion-compensated reconstructions in three dimensions and beyond. To further address confounding factors and improve measurement accuracy, T1 maps can be acquired jointly with other quantitative parameters such as T2, T2∗, fat fraction, and more. These multiparametric acquisitions allow for constrained reconstruction approaches that isolate contributions to T1 from other motion and relaxation mechanisms. In this review, we examine the state of the literature in motion-corrected and motion-resolved T1 mapping, with potential future directions for further technical development and clinical translation.
A nomogramic model for predicting the left ventricular ejection fraction of STEMI patients after thrombolysis-transfer PCI
Authors: Liu Shuai , Jiang Zhihui , Zhang Yuanyuan , Pang Shuwen , Hou Yan , Liu Yipei , huang Yuekang , Peng Na , Tang Youqing
Published: September 2023

Background

The prognosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is closely linked to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). In contrast to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), thrombolysis-transfer PCI (TTPCI) is influenced by multiple factors that lead to heterogeneity in cardiac function and prognosis. The aim of this study is to develop a nomogram model for predicting early LVEF in STEMI patients with TTPCI, based on routine indicators at admission.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed data from patients diagnosed with STEMI at five network hospitals of our PCI center who performed TTPCI as door-to-balloon time (the interval between arrival at the hospital and intracoronary balloon inflation) over 120 min, from February 2018 to April 2022. Categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson χ2 tests or Fisher exact tests, while Student's t-test or Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare continuous variables. Subsequently, independent risk factors associated with reduced LVEF one week after TTPCI were identified through comprehensive analysis by combining All-Subsets Regression with Logistic Regression. Based on these indicators, a nomogram model was developed, and validated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Bootstrap method.

Results

A total of 288 patients were analyzed, including 60 with LVEF < 50% and 228 with LVEF ≥ 50%. The nomogram model based on six independent risk factors including age, heart rate (HR), hypertension, smoking history, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Killip class, demonstrated excellent discrimination with an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78–0.89), predicted C-index of 0.84 and curve fit of 0.713.

Conclusions

The nomogram model incorporating age, HR, hypertension, smoking history, ALT and Killip class could accurately predict the early LVEF ≥ 50% probability of STEMI patients undergoing TTPCI, and enable clinicians' early evaluation of cardiac function in STEMI patients with TTPCI and early optimization of treatment.
Feasibility and safety of the direct current cardioversion at the time of left atrial appendage occlusion for patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Meng Xian Sai , Chen Tao , Wang Xin Yan , Lu Xu , Hu Jia , Shen Juan , Guo Jun
Published: September 2023

Background

With an increasing number of patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), more attention is being paid to relieving clinical symptoms and improving the quality of life of these patients. For patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), direct current cardioversion (DCCV) is an alternate, nonpharmacological choice to restore sinus rhythm and relieve clinical symptoms.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of the DCCV at the time of LAAO for patients with AF.

Methods

Forty patients were enrolled in the DCCV group undergoing the DCCV at the time of LAAO. The control group undergoing LAAO alone was formed by 1:1 matching.

Results

In the DCCV group, cardioversion was immediately successful in 30 (75%) patients, of which 12 (40%) had AF recurrence at the three-month follow-up. The failed-DCCV group was older (73.70 ± 4.74 vs. 62.20 ± 9.01 years old, P = 0.000), had a faster postcardioversion heart rate (88.80 ± 16.58 vs. 70.97 ± 14.73 times, P = 0.03), and had a higher mean HAS-BLED score (4.00 vs. 3.00, P = 0.01) than the successful-DCCV group. No patients experienced periprocedural pericardial effusion, occluder displacement, device embolism, or >5 mm peridevice leakage. One patient experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA) in the DCCV group during the follow-up.

Conclusions

The DCCV at the time of LAAO is feasible and safe for AF patients with contraindications for catheter ablation or AF recurrence after previous catheter ablation to restore the sinus rhythm and relieve clinical symptoms. The DCCV at the time of LAAO is more likely to succeed for younger patients and patients with lower HAS-BLED scores.
A quantitative assessment method for the correlation between rock mass basic quality and Protodyakonov coefficient
Authors: Ji Zigang , Li Jinhang , Zhang Xuehui , Song Zhanping
Published: September 2023

With the implementation of the “Belt and Road” initiative, tunnel projects were designed in accordance with Russian design specifications and constructed by Chinese companies in countries along the route. Design companies and construction companies use different rock classification methods, which will increase the safety risk and cost of the tunnels. Therefore, it is necessary to study the correlation between Chinese engineering rock mass classification and Russian rock mass classification. The goal was to establish the correlation between rock mass basic quality (BQ) and Protodyakonov coefficient (f) for rock mass classification. Firstly, based on the equivalence principle of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), the relationship between BQ and f containing the velocity index of rock mass (Kv) was established by comparing the relationship between f and BQ in the empirical formula of UCS. Secondly, through the equivalent principle of volumetric joint count of rock mass (Jv), we compared the empirical formula between the intactness index of Kv and rock quality designation (RQD) and conducted linear regression analysis on a large amount of data. The relationship between Kv and RQD was established. Finally, the relationship between BQ and f is quantitatively expressed and a classification table corresponding to the Russian rock classification and the Chinese engineering rock classification is obtained. The method is applied to Kyrgyzstan mountain tunnels.
On the predictability of a heavy rainfall event with dual rainbands
Authors: Lai Qiaozhen , Zhang Wei , Feng Jinqing
Published: September 2023

An extremely heavy rainfall with dual rainbands occurred in the Fujian province on 22 May 2014, causing severe disasters in Fujian. In order to investigate the key forecasting factors and the predictability of this case, the evaluation and sensitivity analysis of precipitation forecasts by the ensemble prediction system which is based on the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) global Model are carried out. The result show that the ECMWF-EPS have better ability to capture the intensity and spatial distribution of the northern rainband, but significantly underestimated the precipitation in the warm area. Through ensemble forecast sensitivity analysis and comparison between good and poor members, the main factors causing forecast deviations in the two rainbands and affecting the predictability of heavy rainfall were revealed. The forecast of rainfall distribution and intensity in the northern rainband was highly sensitive to the predictability of the weather-scale shear line. The westward bias in the forecasted position and the weakened intensity of the shear line were the main causes of the westward and weaker forecast of heavy precipitation in the northern region. Additionally, the forecast of 850 hPa low-level jets, especially the forecasted intensity of zonal winds, which were closely related to the shear line, significantly influenced the intensity forecast of precipitation in the northern region. The forecast of precipitation in the southern warm area, which was far from the shear line, was more sensitive to the wind speed and thermodynamic conditions of the southwestern airflow in the boundary layer of the upstream inflow region. Most ensemble forecast members underestimated the intensity of the southwestern airflow in the coastal boundary layer of South China, which was the main reason for the near omission of heavy rainfall in the southern warm area. This study provides a quantitative correlation between low-level southwest jets along the coast of Guangdong and Fujian and non-typhoon heavy rainfall in Fujian, and explores their impact on heavy precipitation forecasts.
Topology synthesis of integrated active power decoupling converters using asymmetrical H-bridge circuits
Authors: Liu Yonglu , Zuo Yiqi , Yuan Liang
Published: September 2023

Aiming to handle the inherent double-line frequency ripple power in single-phase power systems, a lot of active power decoupling (APD) topologies have been developed. In this paper, a general method is introduced to synthesize APD topologies. The main construction idea is to insert a rectifier/inverter into asymmetrical H-bridge circuits (AHCs) or replace the switch/diode in the AHCs with a rectifier/inverter. This approach not only reveals the formation process of existing APD topologies but also deduces new APD topologies. Finally, an experimental case study has been carried out to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed topology synthesis method.
A novel model based on necroptosis to assess progression for polycystic ovary syndrome and identification of potential therapeutic drugs
Authors: Wang Mingming , An Ke , Huang Jing , Mprah Richard , Ding Huanhuan
Published: September 2023

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine and reproductive disorder, lacks precise diagnostic strategies. Necroptosis was found to be crucial in reproductive and endocrine disorders, but its function in PCOS remains unclear. We aimed to identify differentially diagnostic genes for necroptosis (NDDGs), construct a diagnostic model to assess the progression of PCOS and explore the potential therapeutic drugs.

Methods

Gene expression datasets were combined with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and necroptosis gene sets to screen the differentially expressed genes for PCOS. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to construct a necroptosis-related gene signatures. Independent risk analyses were performed using nomograms. Pathway enrichment of NDDGs was conducted with the GeneMANIA database and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Immune microenvironment analysis was estimated based on ssGSEA algorithm analysis. The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was used to explore potential therapeutic drugs for NDDGs. The expression of NDDGs was validated in GSE84958, mouse model and clinical samples.

Results

Four necroptosis-related signature genes, IL33, TNFSF10, BCL2 and PYGM, were identified to define necroptosis for PCOS. The areas under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for training set and validation in diagnostic risk model were 0.940 and 0.788, respectively. Enrichment analysis showed that NDDGs were enriched in immune-related signaling pathways such as B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. Immune microenvironment analysis revealed that NDDGs were significantly correlated with 13 markedly different immune cells. A nomogram was constructed based on features that would benefit patients clinically. Several compounds, such as resveratrol, tretinoin, quercetin, curcumin, etc., were mined as therapeutic drugs for PCOS. The expression of the NDDGs in the validated set, animal model and clinical samples was consistent with the results of the training sets.

Conclusion

In this study, 4 NDDGs were identified to be highly effective in assessing the progression and prognosis of PCOS and exploring potential targets for PCOS treatment.
Comparative analysis of co-culture and monoculture models in simulating diabetic neurovascular dysfunction: insights into diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Wang Qiyun , Qiao Zhixin , Kang Wenting , Zhu Ling , Zhang Xinyuan
Published: September 2023

Background

Interaction between retinal vascular endothelial cells and neurons plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study aims to compare an in vitro model over a monoculture model to simulate the neurovascular coupling under the hyperglycemic microenvironment of diabetes.

Methods

Rat retinal vascular endothelial cells (RRMECs) and ganglion cells (RGCs) were seeded mono- or co-cultured in a normal (NG, 5.5 mM) and high (HG, 75 mM) glucose concentrations culture medium. Cell viability was detected by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The ability of migration and lumen formation of RRMECs were determined by scratch wound, transwell migration, and lumen formation assays. The apoptosis index of cells was calculated and detected by propidium iodide (PI)/Hoechst staining. Quantitative and morphological analysis of RGCs was performed through the labeling of RGCs by brain-specific homeobox/POU domain protein 3A (BRN3A) and anti-beta-III tubulin (TUJ1). The gene and protein expression levels of occludin (OCLN) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The viability, migration, and lumen formation abilities of RRMECs in the HG group significantly increased (P<0.05) in both mono- and co-culture models. Migration and lumen formation abilities of RRMECs in the co-culture with HG were lower than that in the monoculture group (P<0.05). The viability of RGCs cells with HG significantly decreased in both mono- and co-culture models (Pmono<0.001, Pco<0.001), the apoptosis index of RGCs in the co-culture with HG was higher than that in the monoculture (P=0.010). The protein and gene expression of OCLN, and ZO-1 in RRMECs significantly decreased with HG culture medium in both culture models (P<0.05). In the HG group, the protein and gene expression level of the ZO-1 and OCLN of RRMECs significantly decreased in the co-culture model than that in the monoculture model (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with mono cell culture, the established co-culture in vitro system for diabetic neurovascular dysfunction can better stimulate the micro-environment of the retinal neurovascular unit.
Accuracy of wind speed forecasting based on joint probability prediction of the parameters of the Weibull probability density function
Authors: Abdul Majid Amir
Published: September 2023

This work aims to evaluate different error estimations of the shape and scale parameters of the Weibull probability density function of wind speed measured at the Fujairah site over a 1-year period. This study estimates trends in the variation of Weibull parameters using moving averages and Markov series methods. The focus is on the scale and shape factors, which are evaluated by mapping monthly mean wind speeds into a Weibull probability distribution function. Due to the imprecise nature of these factors, multiple data simulations are used to predict Weibull factors based on data measuring interpolations. A procedural algorithm is proposed to select the overall best forecast based on several estimation methods that evaluate raised prediction errors. A probabilistic analysis is followed to predict future wind speed and wind energy based on variations in the scale and shape factors. This study focuses on the scale factor variation as it is found to be more dominant than the Weibull shape factor. The forecasted wind speed is checked with the measured value in future months and found to be within trend values. The results suggest that the proposed algorithm provides an accurate and reliable method for predicting future wind speed and energy output.
Optimal energy management of an integrated energy system with multiple hydrogen sources
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Zhao Yuze , Wu Pei
Published: September 2023

Hydrogen is considered a promising alternative to fossil fuels in an integrated energy system (IES). In order to reduce the cost of hydrogen energy utilization and the carbon emissions of the IES, this paper proposes a low-carbon dispatching strategy for a coordinated integrated energy system using green hydrogen and blue hydrogen. The strategy takes into account the economic and low-carbon complementarity between hydrogen production by water electrolysis and hydrogen production from natural gas. It introduces the green hydrogen production–storage–use module (GH-PSUM) and the blue hydrogen production–storage–use module (BH-PSUM) to facilitate the refined utilization of different types of hydrogen energy. Additionally, the flexibility in hydrogen load supply is analyzed, and the dynamic response mechanism of the hydrogen load supply structure (DRM-HLSS) is proposed to further reduce operating costs and carbon emissions. Furthermore, a carbon trading mechanism (CTM) is introduced to constrain the carbon emissions of the integrated energy system. By comprehensively considering the constraints of each equipment, the proposed model aims to minimize the total economic cost, which includes wind power operation and curtailment penalty costs, energy purchase costs, blue hydrogen purification costs, and carbon transaction costs. The rationality of the established scheduling model is verified through a comparative analysis of the scheduling results across multiple operating scenarios.
Characterization and therapeutic perspectives of differentiation-inducing therapy in malignant tumors
Authors: Zhu Kangwei , Xia Yuren , Tian Xindi , He Yuchao , Zhou Jun , Han Ruyu , Guo Hua , Song Tianqiang , Chen Lu , Tian Xiangdong
Published: September 2023

Cancer is a major public health issue globally and is one of the leading causes of death. Although available treatments improve the survival rate of some cases, many advanced tumors are insensitive to these treatments. Cancer cell differentiation reverts the malignant phenotype to its original state and may even induce differentiation into cell types found in other tissues. Leveraging differentiation-inducing therapy in high-grade tumor masses offers a less aggressive strategy to curb tumor progression and heightens chemotherapy sensitivity. Differentiation-inducing therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in a variety of tumor cells. For example, differentiation therapy has become the first choice for acute promyelocytic leukemia, with the cure rate of more than 90%. Although an appealing concept, the mechanism and clinical drugs used in differentiation therapy are still in their nascent stage, warranting further investigation. In this review, we examine the current differentiation-inducing therapeutic approach and discuss the clinical applications as well as the underlying biological basis of differentiation-inducing agents.
β-CATENIN stabilizes HIF2 through lncRNA and inhibits intravenous immunoglobulin immunotherapy
Authors: Nakagawa Chad , Kadlera Nagaraj Manjunatha , Hernandez Juan Carlos , Uthay Kumar Dinesh Babu , Shukla Vivek , Machida Risa , Schüttrumpf Jörg , Sher Linda , Farci Patrizia , Mishra Lopa , Tahara Stanley M. , Ou Jing-Hsiung James , Machida Keigo
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are rare, stem-like, and highly malignant. Although intravenous hepatitis B and C immunoglobulins have been used for HBV and HCV neutralization in patients, their tumor-inhibitory effects have not yet been examined. Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) therapy is employed to reduce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence in patients after living donor liver transplantations (LDLT).

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that patient-derived intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) binding to HCC associated TICs will reduce self-renewal and cell viability driven by β-CATENIN-downstream pathways. β-CATENIN activity protected TICs from IVIG effects.

Methods

The effects of HBIG and HCIG binding to TICs were evaluated for cell viability and self-renewal.

Results

Inhibition of β-CATENIN pathway(s) augmented TIC susceptibility to HBIG- and HCIG-immunotherapy. HBV X protein (HBx) upregulates both β-CATENIN and NANOG expression. The co-expression of constitutively active β-CATENIN with NANOG promotes self-renewal ability and tumor-initiating ability of hepatoblasts. HBIG bound to HBV+ cells led to growth inhibition in a TIC subset that expressed hepatitis B surface antigen. The HBx protein transformed cells through β-CATENIN-inducible lncRNAsEGLN3-AS1andlnc-β-CatM. Co-expression of constitutively active β-CATENIN with NANOG promoted self-renewal ability of TICs through EGLN3 induction. β-CATENIN-induced lncRNAs stabilized HIF2 to maintain self-renewal of TICs. Targeting ofEGLN3-AS1resulted in destabilization of EZH2-dependent β-CATENIN activity and synergized cell-killing of TICs by HBIG or HCIG immunotherapy.

Discussion

Taken together, WNT and stemness pathways induced HIF2 of TICs via cooperating lncRNAs resulting in resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, therapeutic use of IVIG may suppress tumor recurrence through inhibition of TICs.
The kynurenine pathway in HIV, frailty and inflammaging
Authors: Sultana Shabiha , Elengickal Anthony , Bensreti Husam , de Chantemèle Eric Belin , McGee-Lawrence Meghan E. , Hamrick Mark W.
Published: September 2023

Kynurenine (Kyn) is a circulating tryptophan (Trp) catabolite generated by enzymes including IDO1 that are induced by inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-gamma. Kyn levels in circulation increase with age and Kyn is implicated in several age-related disorders including neurodegeneration, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia. Importantly, Kyn increases with progressive disease in HIV patients, and antiretroviral therapy does not normalize IDO1 activity in these subjects. Kyn is now recognized as an endogenous agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and AhR activation itself has been found to induce muscle atrophy, increase the activity of bone-resorbing osteoclasts, decrease matrix formation by osteoblasts, and lead to senescence of bone marrow stem cells. Several IDO1 and AhR inhibitors are now in clinical trials as potential cancer therapies. We propose that some of these drugs may be repurposed to improve musculoskeletal health in older adults living with HIV.
Morphological and lipid metabolism alterations in macrophages exposed to model environmental nanoplastics traced by high-resolution synchrotron techniques
Authors: Zingaro Federica , Gianoncelli Alessandra , Ceccone Giacomo , Birarda Giovanni , Cassano Domenico , La Spina Rita , Agostinis Chiara , Bonanni Valentina , Ricci Giuseppe , Pascolo Lorella
Published: September 2023

The release of nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment is a significant health concern for long-term exposed humans. Although their usage has certainly revolutionized several application fields, at nanometer size, NPs can easily interact at the cellular level, resulting in potential harmful effects. Micro/Nanoplastics (M/NPs) have a demonstrated impact on mammalian endocrine components, such as the thyroid, adrenal gland, testes, and ovaries, while more investigations on prenatal and postnatal exposure are urgently required. The number of literature studies on the NPs’ presence in biological samples is increasing. However, only a few offer a close study on the model environmental NP–immune system interaction exploited by advanced microscopy techniques. The present study highlights substantial morphological and lipid metabolism alterations in human M1 macrophages exposed to labeled polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride nanoparticles (PP and PVC NPs) (20 μg/ml). The results are interpreted by advanced microscopy techniques combined with standard laboratory tests and fluorescence microscopy. We report the accurate detection of polymeric nanoparticles doped with cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe-QDs NPs) by following the Se (L line) X-ray fluorescence emission peak at higher sub-cellular resolution, compared to the supportive light fluorescence microscopy. In addition, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) imaging successfully revealed morphological changes in NP-exposed macrophages, providing input for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses, which underlined the chemical modifications in macromolecular components, specifically in lipid response. The present evidence was confirmed by quantifying the lipid droplet (LD) contents in PP and PVC NPs-exposed macrophages (0–100 μg/ml) by Oil Red O staining. Hence, even at experimental NPs' concentrations and incubation time, they do not significantly affect cell viability; they cause an evident lipid metabolism impairment, a hallmark of phagocytosis and oxidative stress.
Northern Europe’s suitability for offshore European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) habitat restoration based on population dynamics
Authors: Stechele Brecht , Barbut Leo , Lacroix Geneviève , van Duren Luca A. , Van Lancker Vera , Degraer Steven , Gavazzi Giacomo Montereale , Bossier Peter , Declercq Annelies M. , Nevejan Nancy
Published: September 2023

Introduction

European and member state legislation encourage the sustainable development of offshore environments, with the restoration or creation of flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) habitats offering potential solutions to enhance biodiversity and provide ecosystem services. The site selection and identification of suitable habitats for flat oyster habitat restoration projects remains a significant knowledge gap.

Methods

By combining seabed substrate information with a coupled population (Dynamic Energy Budget - Individual-Based Models) and particle tracking model (for larvae dispersal), critical insights can be gained into the spatial distribution of suitability indicators such as population growth, fitness, reproduction, and self-recruitment. By applying this model to the English Channel and the North Sea over a ten-year period, suitable locations for flat oyster habitat restoration, restorative aquaculture, or oyster-related nature-inclusive designs can be identified. Comparing historical oyster bed locations with model outputs offers insights into why these locations were suitable for oyster bed development and allows for validation of the proposed approach.

Results and discussion

Coastal and nearshore environments are generally more suitable for flat oyster habitat restoration, and populations will grow more quickly in these areas. Offshore restoration in the North Sea presents challenges if it relies solely on self-recruitment. Besides site selection purposes, the model can be used to evaluate the effect of management strategies (e.g., initial population size) or environmental pressures (e.g., climate change, pollution) on restorations success.
DME-DeepLabV3+: a lightweight model for diabetic macular edema extraction based on DeepLabV3+ architecture
Authors: Bai Yun , Li Jing , Shi Lianjun , Jiang Qin , Yan Biao , Wang Zhenhua
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a major cause of vision impairment in the patients with diabetes. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an important ophthalmic imaging method, which can enable early detection of DME. However, it is difficult to achieve high-efficiency and high-precision extraction of DME in OCT images because the sources of OCT images are diverse and the quality of OCT images is not stable. Thus, it is still required to design a model to improve the accuracy of DME extraction in OCT images.

Methods

A lightweight model (DME-DeepLabV3+) was proposed for DME extraction using a DeepLabV3+ architecture. In this model, MobileNetV2 model was used as the backbone for extracting low-level features of DME. The improved ASPP with sawtooth wave-like dilation rate was used for extracting high-level features of DME. Then, the decoder was used to fuse and refine low-level and high-level features of DME. Finally, 1711 OCT images were collected from the Kermany dataset and the Affiliated Eye Hospital. 1369, 171, and 171 OCT images were randomly selected for training, validation, and testing, respectively.

Conclusion

In ablation experiment, the proposed DME-DeepLabV3+ model was compared against DeepLabV3+ model with different setting to evaluate the effects of MobileNetV2 and improved ASPP on DME extraction. DME-DeepLabV3+ had better extraction performance, especially in small-scale macular edema regions. The extraction results of DME-DeepLabV3+ were close to ground truth. In comparative experiment, the proposed DME-DeepLabV3+ model was compared against other models, including FCN, UNet, PSPNet, ICNet, and DANet, to evaluate DME extraction performance. DME-DeepLabV3+ model had better DME extraction performance than other models as shown by greater pixel accuracy (PA), mean pixel accuracy (MPA), precision (Pre), recall (Re), F1-score (F1), and mean Intersection over Union (MIoU), which were 98.71%, 95.23%, 91.19%, 91.12%, 91.15%, and 91.18%, respectively.

Discussion

DME-DeepLabV3+ model is suitable for DME extraction in OCT images and can assist the ophthalmologists in the management of ocular diseases.