bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensemble-Based Forecast of Volcanic Clouds Using FALL3D-8.1
Authors: Folch Arnau , Mingari Leonardo , Prata Andrew T.
Published: January 2022

Operational forecasting of volcanic ash and SO2 clouds is challenging due to the large uncertainties that typically exist on the eruption source term and the mass removal mechanisms occurring downwind. Current operational forecast systems build on single-run deterministic scenarios that do not account for model input uncertainties and their propagation in time during transport. An ensemble-based forecast strategy has been implemented in the FALL3D-8.1 atmospheric dispersal model to configure, execute, and post-process an arbitrary number of ensemble members in a parallel workflow. In addition to intra-member model domain decomposition, a set of inter-member communicators defines a higher level of code parallelism to enable future incorporation of model data assimilation cycles. Two types of standard products are automatically generated by the ensemble post-process task. On one hand, deterministic forecast products result from some combination of the ensemble members (e.g., ensemble mean, ensemble median, etc.) with an associated quantification of forecast uncertainty given by the ensemble spread. On the other hand, probabilistic products can also be built based on the percentage of members that verify a certain threshold condition. The novel aspect of FALL3D-8.1 is the automatisation of the ensemble-based workflow, including an eventual model validation. To this purpose, novel categorical forecast diagnostic metrics, originally defined in deterministic forecast contexts, are generalised here to probabilistic forecasts in order to have a unique set of skill scores valid to both deterministic and probabilistic forecast contexts. Ensemble-based deterministic and probabilistic approaches are compared using different types of observation datasets (satellite cloud detection and retrieval and deposit thickness observations) for the July 2018 Ambae eruption in the Vanuatu archipelago and the April 2015 Calbuco eruption in Chile. Both ensemble-based approaches outperform single-run simulations in all categorical metrics but no clear conclusion can be extracted on which is the best option between these two.
A Crustal Control on the Fe Isotope Systematics of Volcanic Arcs Revealed in Plutonic Xenoliths From the Lesser Antilles
Authors: Cooper G. F. , Inglis E. C.
Published: January 2022

Lavas produced at subduction zones represent the integration of both source heterogeneity and an array of crustal processes, such as: differentiation; mixing; homogenisation; assimilation. Therefore, unravelling the relative contribution of the sub-arc mantle source versus these crustal processes is difficult when using the amalgamated end products in isolation. In contrast, plutonic xenoliths provide a complementary record of the deeper roots of the magmatic plumbing system and provide a unique record of the true chemical diversity of arc crust. Here, we present the δ56Fe record from well characterised plutonic xenoliths from two distinct volcanic centres in the Lesser Antilles volcanic arc–the islands of Martinique and Statia. The primary objective of this study is to test if the Fe isotope systematics of arc lavas are controlled by sub-arc mantle inputs or during subsequent differentiation processes during a magma’s journey through volcanic arc crust. The Fe isotopic record, coupled to petrology, trace element chemistry and radiogenic isotopes of plutonic xenoliths from the two islands reveal a hidden crustal reservoir of heavy Fe that previously hasn’t been considered. Iron isotopes are decoupled from radiogenic isotopes, suggesting that crustal and/or sediment assimilation does not control the Fe systematics of arc magmas. In contrast to arc lavas, the cumulates from both islands record MORB-like δ56Fe values. In Statia, δ56Fe decreases with major and trace element indicators of differentiation (SiO2, Na2O + K2O, Eu/Eu*, Dy/Yb), consistent with fractionating mineral assemblages along a line of liquid descent. In Martinique, δ56Fe shows no clear relationship with most indicators of differentiation (apart from Dy/Yb), suggesting that the δ56Fe signature of the plutonic xenoliths has been overprinted by later stage processes, such as percolating reactive melts. Together, these data suggest that magmatic processes within the sub-arc crust overprint any source variation of the sub-arc mantle and that a light Fe source is not a requirement to produce the light Fe isotopic compositions recorded in volcanic arc lavas. Therefore, whenever possible, the complimentary plutonic record should be considered in isotopic studies to understand the relative control of the mantle source versus magmatic processes in the crust.
Case Report: An Unusual Case of Ectopic ACTH Syndrome Caused by Mediastinal Paraganglioma
Authors: Li Bo , Yan Zhe , Huang Hui
Published: January 2022

Ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) syndrome is not common, which is more unusual when caused by paraganglioma. We herein present a 40-year-old Chinese male who was diagnosed with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome. However, the localization of the ACTH source was troublesome due to the inconsistent results of the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test and the desmopressin stimulation test. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling was performed, and ectopic ACTH syndrome was diagnosed. After 68Ga-DOTATATE-PET/CT and 18F-FDG-PET/CT were performed, it was localized in the anterior mediastinum. Post-operation histopathology demonstrated an ACTH-secreting mediastinal paraganglioma. The patient obtained complete clinical remission after a mediastinal tumorectomy.
The Role of Fatty Acid Signaling in Islet Beta-Cell Adaptation to Normal Pregnancy
Authors: Kim Jee-Hye , Delghingaro-Augusto Viviane , Chan Jeng Yie , Laybutt D. Ross , Proietto Joseph , Nolan Christopher J.
Published: January 2022

Background

Maintenance of a normal fetal nutrient supply requires major adaptations in maternal metabolic physiology, including of the islet beta-cell. The role of lipid signaling processes in the mechanisms of islet beta-cell adaptation to pregnancy has been minimally investigated.

Objective

To determine the effects of pregnancy on islet fatty acid (FA) metabolic partitioning and FA augmentation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS).

Methods

Age matched virgin, early pregnant (gestational day-11, G11) and late pregnant (G19) Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Fasted and fed state biochemistry, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), and fasted and post-OGTT liver glycogen, were determined to assess in vivo metabolic characteristics. In isolated islets, FA (BSA-bound palmitate 0.25 mmol/l) augmentation of GSIS, FA partitioning into esterification and oxidation processes using metabolic tracer techniques, lipolysis by glycerol release, triacylglycerols (TG) content, and the expression of key beta-cell genes were determined.

Results

Plasma glucose in pregnancy was lower, including during the OGTT (glucose area under the curve 0-120 min (AUC0-120); 655±24 versus 849±13 mmol.l-1.min; G19 vs virgin; P<0.0001), with plasma insulin concentrations equivalent to those of virgin rats (insulin AUC0-120; 97±7 versus 83±7 ng.ml-1.min; G19 vs virgin; not significant). Liver glycogen was depleted in fasted G19 rats with full recovery after oral glucose. Serum TG increased during pregnancy (4.4±0.4, 6.7±0.5; 17.1±1.5 mmol/l; virgin, G11, G19, P<0.0001), and islet TG content decreased (147±42, 172±27, 73±13 ng/µg protein; virgin, G11, G19; P<0.01). GSIS in isolated islets was increased in G19 compared to virgin rats, and this effect was augmented in the presence of FA. FA esterification into phospholipids, monoacylglycerols and TG were increased, whereas FA oxidation was reduced, in islets of pregnant compared to virgin rats, with variable effects on lipolysis dependent on gestational age. Expression of Ppargc1a, a key regulator of mitochondrial metabolism, was reduced by 51% in G11 and 64% in G19 pregnant rat islets compared to virgin rat islets (P<0.001).

Conclusion

A lowered set-point for islet and hepatic glucose homeostasis in the pregnant rat has been confirmed. Islet adaptation to pregnancy includes increased FA esterification, reduced FA oxidation, and enhanced FA augmentation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
Exploration of the Molecular Mechanism of Polygonati Rhizoma in the Treatment of Osteoporosis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Zhao Jinlong , Lin Fangzheng , Liang Guihong , Han Yanhong , Xu Nanjun , Pan Jianke , Luo Minghui , Yang Weiyi , Zeng Lingfeng
Published: January 2022

Objective

To explore the effective components and mechanism of Polygonati Rhizoma (PR) in the treatment of osteoporosis (OP) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking methods.

Methods

The effective components and predicted targets of PR were obtained through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database. The disease database was used to screen the disease targets of OP. The obtained key targets were uploaded to the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of key targets. Analysis and docking verification of chemical effective drug components and key targets were performed with IGEMDOCK software.

Results

A total of 12 chemically active components, 84 drug target proteins and 84 common targets related to drugs and OP were obtained. Key targets such as JUN, TP53, AKT1, ESR1, MAPK14, AR and CASP3 were identified through PPI network analysis. The results of enrichment analysis showed that the potential core drug components regulate the HIF-1 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway and other pathways by intervening in biological processes such as cell proliferation and apoptosis and estrogen response regulation, with an anti-OP pharmacological role. The results of molecular docking showed that the key targets in the regulatory network have high binding activity to related active components.

Conclusions

PR may regulate OP by regulating core target genes, such as JUN, TP53, AKT1, ESR1, AR and CASP3, and acting on multiple key pathways, such as the HIF-1 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and estrogen signaling pathway.
Solvation, Rational Design, and Interfaces: Development of Divalent Electrolytes
Authors: Leon Noel J. , He Mingfu , Liao Chen
Published: January 2022

Rechargeable multivalent ion batteries are promising tools to complement current lithium-ion batteries for a future of diverse energy storage needs. Divalent Mg and Ca are attractive candidates for their high crustal abundance, high volumetric anode capacity, and infrequent dendrite formation during electrochemical cycling. Electrolyte research is central to these efforts and continually improves coulombic efficiencies towards the ideal 100%. This mini-review discusses recent work towards fundamental understandings that push these chemistries towards practical use. Piecing together compatible cathode and electrolytes for a complete practical multivalent ion battery lacks a cohesive method for further development and refinement. Understanding liquid solvation, utilizing rational design, and probing interfacial interactions are focal points that govern electrolyte performance. The combination of these areas will be critical for meaningful development.
The Influence of Humidity on Electron Transport Parameters and Insulation Performance of Air
Authors: An Yunzhu , Su Menghan , Hu Yuanchao , Hu Shangmao , Huang Tao , He Baina , Yang Minghao , Yin Kaiqiang , Lin Yitong
Published: January 2022

The environmental conditions affect the external insulation performance of power equipment. In order to study the physical characteristics of air discharge, the microscopic process of electron–molecule collision in the air based on the Boltzmann equation has been studied in this paper. The influence of humidity on the air gap insulation performance was also analyzed. The calculation results show that with the temperature 300 K and the pressure 1.0 atm, the electron energy distribution function and electron transport parameters varied with the air relative humidity. As the air relative humidity is increased by each 30%, the average electron energy decreases by about 0.2 eV, the reduced electron mobility decreases by about 0.25 × 1023 [1/(V·m·s)], the reduced electron diffusion coefficient decreases by about 0.2 × 1024 [1/(m s)], and the effective ionization coefficient decreases by about 4 × 10−24 m2. As the air relative humidity increases from 0% to 60%, the critical breakdown electric field increases by 1.22 kV/cm.
Plant Functional and Phylogenetic Diversity Regulate Ecosystem Multifunctionality in Semi-Arid Grassland During Succession
Authors: Wang Mengyu , Lu Nan , An Nannan , Fu Bojie
Published: January 2022

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) is crucial for understanding the processes of ecological restoration in semi-arid regions. However, partitioning the relative influence of various biodiversity attributes, namely taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity, on EMF during secondary succession is still unclear. This study aimed to bridge the gap by employing field measurements and the chronosequence approach at 21 plots with different stand ages and precipitation conditions on the Loess Plateau of China. For diversity indices, we calculated the Shannon–Wiener diversity index, Simpson’s dominance index, Pielou evenness index, community weighted mean (CWM), functional variance (FDvar), and Faith’s phylogenetic diversity (PD) based on the empirically measured composition and traits of plant species. The EMF was expressed as the averaged value of eight function variables (including aboveground biomass, root biomass, soil total carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus content, soil organic carbon, available nitrogen and available phosphorus content). The results showed that species evenness and CWM of leaf dry matter content (LDMC) significantly increased yet the CWM of specific leaf area (SLA) decreased with stand age, indicating the resource-use strategy of the plants became more conservative through succession into its later stages. The EMF increased with both stand age and mean annual precipitation. The structural equation model revealed that stand age, soil water content (SWC), and the multiple diversity indices altogether accounted for 56.0% of the variation in the EMF. PD and the CWMs of plant height and LDMC had positive effects on the EMF, and the FDvar of leaf nitrogen had negative effects on EMF. However, the Shannon Wiener diversity had no significant effect on the EMF. Our results suggest that functional and phylogenetic diversity are more important than taxonomic diversity in predicting EMF, and that multidimensional biodiversity indices should be jointly considered to better predict EMF during the succession of semiarid grasslands.
Aboveground Deadwood Biomass and Composition Along Elevation and Land-Use Gradients at Mount Kilimanjaro
Authors: Komposch Armin , Ensslin Andreas , Fischer Markus , Hemp Andreas
Published: January 2022

Deadwood is an important structural and functional component of forest ecosystems and biodiversity. As deadwood can make up large portions of the total aboveground biomass, it plays an important role in the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle. Nevertheless, in tropical ecosystems and especially in Africa, quantitative studies on this topic remain scarce. We conducted an aboveground deadwood inventory along two environmental gradients—elevation and land use— at Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. We used a huge elevation gradient (3690 m) along the southern slope of the mountain to investigate how deadwood is accumulated across different climate and vegetation zones. We also compared habitats that differed from natural forsts in land-use intensity and disturbance history to assess anthropogenic influence on deadwood accumulation. In our inventory we distinguished coarse woody debris (CWD) from fine woody debris (FWD). Furthermore, we calculated the C and nitrogen (N) content of deadwood and how the C/N ratio varied with decomposition stages and elevation. Total amounts of aboveground deadwood ranged from 0.07 ± 0.04 to 73.78 ± 36.26 Mg ha–1 (Mean ± 1 SE). Across the elevation gradient, total deadwood accumulation was highest at mid-elevations and reached a near-zero minimum at very low and very high altitudes. This unimodal pattern was mainly driven by the corresponding amount of live aboveground biomass and the combined effects of decomposer communities and climate. Land-use conversion from natural forests into traditional homegardens and commercial plantations, in addition to frequent burning, significantly reduced deadwood biomass, but not past selective logging after 30 years of recovery time. Furthermore, we found that deadwood C content increased with altitude. Our study shows that environmental gradients, especially temperature and precipitation, as well as different anthropogenic disturbances can have considerable effects on both the quantity and composition of deadwood in tropical forests.
Soil Erosion Assessment of Alpine Grassland in the Source Park of the Yellow River on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Lin Huilong , Zhao Yuting
Published: January 2022

The source park of the Yellow River (SPYR), as a vital ecological shelter on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, is suffering different degrees of degradation and desertification, resulting in soil erosion in recent decades. Therefore, studying the mechanism, influencing factors and current situation of soil erosion in the alpine grassland ecosystems of the SPYR are significant for protecting the ecological and productive functions. Based on the 137Cs element tracing technique and machine learning algorithms, five strategic variable selection algorithms based on machine learning algorithms are used to identify the minimal optimal set and analyze the main factors that influence soil erosion in the SPYR. The optimal model for estimating soil erosion in the SPYR is obtained by comparisons model outputs between the RUSLE and machine learning algorithms combined with variable selection models. We identify the spatial distribution pattern of soil erosion in the study area by the optimal model. The results indicated that: (1) A comprehensive set of variables is more objective than the RUSLE model. In terms of verification accuracy, the simulated annealing -Cubist model (R = 0.67, RMSD = 1,368 t km–2⋅a–1) simulation results represents the best while the RUSLE model (R = 0.49, RMSD = 1,769 t⋅km–2⋅a–1) goes on the worst. (2) The soil erosion is more severe in the north than the southeast of the SPYR. The average erosion modulus is 6,460.95 t⋅km–2⋅a–1 and roughly 99% of the survey region has an intensive erosion modulus (5,000–8,000 t⋅km–2⋅a–1). (3) Total erosion loss is relatively 8.45⋅108 t⋅a–1 in the SPYR, which is commonly 12.64 times greater than the allowable soil erosion loss. The economic monetization of SOC loss caused by soil erosion in the entire research area was almost $47.90 billion in 2014. These results will help provide scientific evidences not only for farmers and herdsmen but also for environmental science managers and administrators. In addition, a new ecological policy recommendation was proposed to balance grassland protection and animal husbandry economic production based on the value of soil erosion reclassification.
The Combined Effects of Warming and Body Size on the Stability of Predator-Prey Interactions
Authors: Kratina Pavel , Rosenbaum Benjamin , Gallo Bruno , Horas Elena L. , O’Gorman Eoin J.
Published: January 2022

Environmental temperature and body size are two prominent drivers of predation. Despite the ample evidence of their independent effects, the combined impact of temperature and predator-prey body size ratio on the strength and stability of trophic interactions is not fully understood. We experimentally tested how water temperature alters the functional response and population stability of dragonfly nymphs (Cordulegaster boltonii) feeding on freshwater amphipods (Gammarus pulex) across a gradient of their body size ratios. Attack coefficients were highest for small predators feeding on small prey at low temperatures, but shifted toward the largest predators feeding on larger prey in warmer environments. Handling time appeared to decrease with increasing predator and prey body size in the cold environment, but increase at higher temperatures. These findings indicate interactive effects of temperature and body size on functional responses. There was also a negative effect of warming on the stability of predator and prey populations, but this was counteracted by a larger predator-prey body size ratio at higher temperatures. Here, a greater Hill exponent reduced feeding at low prey densities when predators were much larger than their prey, enhancing the persistence of both predator and prey populations in the warmer environment. These experimental findings provide new mechanistic insights into the destabilizing effect of warming on trophic interactions and the key role of predator-prey body size ratios in mitigating these effects.
Are Temperate Alpine Plants With Distinct Phenology More Vulnerable to Extraordinary Climate Events Than Their Continuously Flowering Relatives in Tropical Mountains?
Authors: Křenová Zdenka , Kindlmann Pavel , Shelly J. Stephen , Sklenář Petr , Sivila Susanne , Bílá Karolína , Jaramillo Ricardo
Published: January 2022

Alpine plants are perceived as some of the most vulnerable to extinction due to the global climate change. We expected that their life history strategies depend, among others, on the latitude they live in: those growing in temperate regions are likely to have a distinct phenology with short seasonal peaks, while tropical alpine plants can potentially exploit favorable year-round growing conditions and different individuals within a population may flower at different times of the year. In species, whose flowering is synchronized into short seasonal peaks, extraordinary climate events, which may become stronger and more frequent with climate change, can potentially destroy reproductive organs of all synchronized individuals. This may result in reducing fitness or even extinction of such species. We studied field populations of five groups of closely related Andean alpine plant species to test our expectations on their latitude-dependent synchronization of flowering. Our results confirmed these expectations: (i) Tropical alpine species were least synchronized and flowering peaks of different individuals in their populations were distributed across many months. Thus, in tropical alpine species, if an extraordinary event happens, only some individuals are affected and other members of the population successfully reproduce in other parts of the long season. (ii) Higher synchronicity in flowering of temperate and subtropical alpine plants resulted even in some of these species using only a part of the short growing season to reproduce, which increases their vulnerability to extraordinary climatic events. However, we did not find any unique pattern valid for all species, groups and regions. The diversity in flowering phenology (i.e., different levels of seasonality and synchronicity) that we found increases the likelihood of plants successfully coping with climate change.
Multi-Omics Analysis Based on Genomic Instability for Prognostic Prediction in Lower-Grade Glioma
Authors: Cao Yudong , Zhu Hecheng , Liu Weidong , Wang Lei , Yin Wen , Tan Jun , Zhou Quanwei , Xin Zhaoqi , Huang Hailong , Xie Dongcheng , Zhao Ming , Jiang Xingjun , Peng Jiahui , Ren Caiping
Published: January 2022

Background: Lower-grade gliomas (LGGs) are a heterogeneous set of gliomas. One of the primary sources of glioma heterogeneity is genomic instability, a novel characteristic of cancer. It has been reported that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an essential role in regulating genomic stability. However, the potential relationship between genomic instability and lncRNA in LGGs and its prognostic value is unclear.

Methods: In this study, the LGG samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were divided into two clusters by integrating the lncRNA expression profile and somatic mutation data using hierarchical clustering. Then, with the differentially expressed lncRNAs between these two clusters, we identified genomic instability-related lncRNAs (GInLncRNAs) in the LGG samples and analyzed their potential function and pathway by co-expression network. Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses were conducted to establish a GInLncRNA prognostic signature (GInLncSig), which was assessed by internal and external verification, correlation analysis with somatic mutation, independent prognostic analysis, clinical stratification analysis, and model comparisons. We also established a nomogram to predict the prognosis more accurately. Finally, we performed multi-omics-based analyses to explore the relationship between risk scores and multi-omics data, including immune characteristics, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), stemness index, drug sensitivity, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).

Results: We identified 52 GInLncRNAs and screened five from them to construct the GInLncSig model (CRNDE, AC025171.5, AL390755.1, AL049749.1, and TGFB2-AS1), which could independently and accurately predict the outcome of patients with LGG. The GInLncSig model was significantly associated with somatic mutation and outperformed other published signatures. GSEA revealed that metabolic pathways, immune pathways, and cancer pathways were enriched in the high-risk group. Multi-omics-based analyses revealed that T-cell functions, m6A statuses, and stemness characteristics were significantly disparate between two risk subgroups, and immune checkpoints such as PD-L1, PDCD1LG2, and HAVCR2 were significantly highly expressed in the high-risk group. The expression of GInLncSig prognostic genes dramatically correlated with the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy drugs.

Conclusion: A novel signature composed of five GInLncRNAs can be utilized to predict prognosis and impact the immune status, m6A status, and stemness characteristics in LGG. Furthermore, these lncRNAs may be potential and alternative therapeutic targets.
Prediction of the RNA Tertiary Structure Based on a Random Sampling Strategy and Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Yang Yurong , Li Dongyan , Lv Xinrong , Chen Xi , Dai Qionghai
Published: January 2022

Background: Macromolecule structure prediction remains a fundamental challenge of bioinformatics. Over the past several decades, the Rosetta framework has provided solutions to diverse challenges in computational biology. However, it is challenging to model RNA tertiary structures effectively when the de novo modeling of RNA involves solving a well-defined small puzzle.

Methods: In this study, we introduce a stepwise Monte Carlo parallelization (SMCP) algorithm for RNA tertiary structure prediction. Millions of conformations were randomly searched using the Monte Carlo algorithm and stepwise ansatz hypothesis, and SMCP uses a parallel mechanism for efficient sampling. Moreover, to achieve better prediction accuracy and completeness, we judged and processed the modeling results.

Results: A benchmark of nine single-stranded RNA loops drawn from riboswitches establishes the general ability of the algorithm to model RNA with high accuracy and integrity, including six motifs that cannot be solved by knowledge mining–based modeling algorithms. Experimental results show that the modeling accuracy of the SMCP algorithm is up to 0.14 Å, and the modeling integrity on this benchmark is extremely high.

Conclusion: SMCP is an ab initio modeling algorithm that substantially outperforms previous algorithms in the Rosetta framework, especially in improving the accuracy and completeness of the model. It is expected that the work will provide new research ideas for macromolecular structure prediction in the future. In addition, this work will provide theoretical basis for the development of the biomedical field.
Role of Nanotechnology and Their Perspectives in the Treatment of Kidney Diseases
Authors: Merlin J. P. Jose , Li Xiaogang
Published: January 2022

Nanoparticles (NPs) are differing in particle size, charge, shape, and compatibility of targeting ligands, which are linked to improved pharmacologic characteristics, targetability, and bioavailability. Researchers are now tasked with developing a solution for enhanced renal treatment that is free of side effects and delivers the medicine to the active spot. A growing number of nano-based medication delivery devices are being used to treat renal disorders. Kidney disease management and treatment are currently causing a substantial global burden. Renal problems are multistep processes involving the accumulation of a wide range of molecular and genetic alterations that have been related to a variety of kidney diseases. Renal filtration is a key channel for drug elimination in the kidney, as well as a burgeoning topic of nanomedicine. Although the use of nanotechnology in the treatment of renal illnesses is still in its early phases, it offers a lot of potentials. In this review, we summarized the properties of the kidney and characteristics of drug delivery systems, which affect a drug’s ability should focus on the kidney and highlight the possibilities, problems, and opportunities.
Inhibiting TLR7 Expression in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium Suppresses Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis
Authors: Lo Sheng-Min , Hwang Yih-Shiou , Liu Chao-Lin , Shen Chia-Ning , Hong Wei-Hsin , Yang Wei-Cheng , Lee Meng-Hua , Shen Chia-Rui
Published: January 2022

Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), a model of human uveitis, is an organ-specific, T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. Autoreactive T cells can penetrate the blood-retinal barrier, which is a physical defense composed of tight junction-linked retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. RPE cells serve as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the eye since they express MHC class I and II and Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Although previous studies have shown that supplementation with TLR agonists exacerbates uveitis, little is known about how TLR signaling in the RPE contributes to the development of uveitis. In this study, we isolated the RPE from EAU mice, which were induced by active immunization (aEAU) or adoptive transfer of antigen-specific T cells (tEAU). The expression of TLRs on RPE was determined, and both aEAU and tEAU mice exhibited inducedtlr7expression. The TLR7 agonist R848 was shown to induce aggressive disease progression, along with significantly elevated levels of the uveopathogenic cytokine IL-17. Furthermore, not only IL-17 but also R848 appeared to enhance the inflammatory response and to impair the barrier function of the RPE, indicating that TLR7 signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of EAU by affecting the behaviors of the RPE and consequently allowing the infiltration of autoreactive T cells intraocularly. Finally, local application of shRNA against TLR7 delivered by recombinant AAV effectively inhibited disease severity and reduced IFN-γ and IL-17. Our findings highlight an immunomodulatory role of RPE TLR7 in EAU development and provide a potential therapeutic strategy for autoimmune uveitis.
Diet and Hygiene in Modulating Autoimmunity During the Pandemic Era
Authors: Abdelhamid Leila , Luo Xin M.
Published: January 2022

The immune system is an efficiently toned machinery that discriminates between friends and foes for achieving both host defense and homeostasis. Deviation of immune recognition from foreign to self and/or long-lasting inflammatory responses results in the breakdown of tolerance. Meanwhile, educating the immune system and developing immunological memory are crucial for mounting defensive immune responses while protecting against autoimmunity. Still to elucidate is how diverse environmental factors could shape autoimmunity. The emergence of a world pandemic such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) not only threatens the more vulnerable individuals including those with autoimmune conditions but also promotes an unprecedented shift in people’s dietary approaches while urging for extraordinary hygiene measures that likely contribute to the development or exacerbation of autoimmunity. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand how environmental factors modulate systemic autoimmunity to better mitigate the incidence and or severity of COVID-19 among the more vulnerable populations. Here, we discuss the effects of diet (macronutrients and micronutrients) and hygiene (the use of disinfectants) on autoimmunity with a focus on systemic lupus erythematosus.
A Pan-Cancer Analysis of Tumor-Infiltrating B Cell Repertoires
Authors: Yu Katharine , Ravoor Akshay , Malats Núria , Pineda Silvia , Sirota Marina
Published: January 2022

Tumor-infiltrating B cells can play an important role in anti-tumor responses but their presence is not well understood. In this study, we extracted the B cell receptor repertoires from 9522 tumor and adjacent non-tumor samples across 28 tumor types in the Cancer Genome Atlas project and performed diversity and network analysis. We identified differences in diversity and network statistics across tumor types and subtypes and observed a trend towards increased clonality in primary tumors compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues. We also found significant associations between the repertoire features and mutation load, tumor stage, and age. Our V-gene usage analysis identified similar V-gene usage patterns in colorectal and endometrial cancers. Lastly, we evaluated the prognostic value of the repertoire features and identified significant associations with survival in seven tumor types. This study warrants further research into better understanding the role of tumor-infiltrating B cells across a wide range of tumor types.
T Helper Cell Lineage-Defining Transcription Factors: Potent Targets for Specific GVHD Therapy?
Authors: Campe Julia , Ullrich Evelyn
Published: January 2022

Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) represents a potent and potentially curative treatment for many hematopoietic malignancies and hematologic disorders in adults and children. The donor-derived immunity, elicited by the stem cell transplant, can prevent disease relapse but is also responsible for the induction of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The pathophysiology of acute GVHD is not completely understood yet. In general, acute GVHD is driven by the inflammatory and cytotoxic effect of alloreactive donor T cells. Since several experimental approaches indicate that CD4 T cells play an important role in initiation and progression of acute GVHD, the contribution of the different CD4 T helper (Th) cell subtypes in the pathomechanism and regulation of the disease is a central point of current research. Th lineages derive from naïve CD4 T cell progenitors and lineage commitment is initiated by the surrounding cytokine milieu and subsequent changes in the transcription factor (TF) profile. Each T cell subtype has its own effector characteristics, immunologic function, and lineage specific cytokine profile, leading to the association with different immune responses and diseases. Acute GVHD is thought to be mainly driven by the Th1/Th17 axis, whereas Treg cells are attributed to attenuate GVHD effects. As the differentiation of each Th subset highly depends on the specific composition of activating and repressing TFs, these present a potent target to alter the Th cell landscape towards a GVHD-ameliorating direction, e.g. by inhibiting Th1 and Th17 differentiation. The finding, that targeting of Th1 and Th17 differentiation appears more effective for GVHD-prevention than a strategy to inhibit Th1 and Th17 cytokines supports this concept. In this review, we shed light on the current advances of potent TF inhibitors to alter Th cell differentiation and consecutively attenuate GVHD. We will focus especially on preclinical studies and outcomes of TF inhibition in murine GVHD models. Finally, we will point out the possible impact of a Th cell subset-specific immune modulation in context of GVHD.
The Last Two Remaining Populations of the Critically Endangered Estuarine Pipefish Are Inbred and Not Genetically Distinct
Authors: Weiss Sven-Erick , Emami-Khoyi Arsalan , Kaiser Horst , Cowley Paul D. , James Nicola C. , Jansen van Vuuren Bettine , Whitfield Alan K. , Teske Peter R.
Published: January 2022

The critically endangered estuarine pipefish, Syngnathus watermeyeri, is one of Africa’s rarest fish species and currently faces a significant risk of extinction. A combination of anthropogenic and natural factors threaten submerged macrophyte beds in the two South African estuaries (Bushmans and Kariega) in which the species’ only two known remaining populations reside. Here, we genotyped 34 pipefish from both populations using genome-wide data to determine whether the two estuaries harbour distinct genetic diversity, such that translocating individuals between them might improve the genetic health of both. Our results show that both populations are highly inbred, and no statistically significant genetic structure was found between them. Moreover, individuals both within and between estuaries were very closely related to each other. These results indicate that the remaining populations of the estuarine pipefish suffer from the adverse genetic effects of small population sizes. Even though recent surveys have estimated population sizes in the order of thousands of individuals, these may fluctuate considerably. Although the translocation of genetically similar individuals between habitats will not increase local genetic diversity, the creation of additional populations across the species’ historical range may be a suitable conservation strategy to prevent further loss of genetic diversity, and to minimise the overall extinction risk posed by environmental stochasticity.
Quantifying Mesophotic Fish Assemblages of Hawai‘i’s Au‘au Channel: Associations With Benthic Habitats and Depth
Authors: Boland Raymond C. , Hyrenbach K. David , DeMartini Edward E. , Parrish Frank A. , Rooney John J.
Published: January 2022

Mesophotic reefs (30–150 m) occur in the tropics and subtropics at depths beyond most scientific diving, thereby making conventional surveys challenging. Towed cameras, submersibles, and mixed-gas divers were used to survey the mesophotic reef fish assemblages and benthic substrates of the Au‘au Channel, between the Hawaiian Islands of Maui and Lāna‘i. Non-parametric multivariate analysis: Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), Multi-Response Permutation Procedure (MRPP), and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA) were used to determine the association of mesophotic reef fish species with benthic substrates and depth. Between 53 and 115-m depths, 82 species and 10 genera of fish were observed together with 10 types of benthic substrate. Eight species of fish (Apolemichthys arcuatus, Centropyge potteri, Chaetodon kleinii, Chromis leucura, Chromis verater, Forcipiger sp., Naso hexacanthus, and Parupeneus multifasciatus) were positively associated with increasing depth, Leptoseris sp. coral cover, and hard-bottom cover, and one species (Oxycheilinus bimaculatus) of fish was positively associated with increasing Halimeda sp. algae cover. Fish assemblages associated with rubble were not significantly different from those associated with sand, Montipora coral beds and Leptoseris coral beds, but were distinct from fish assemblages associated with hard bottom. The patterns in the data suggested two depth assemblages, one “upper mesophotic” between 53 and 95 m and the other deeper, possibly part of a “lower mesophotic” assemblage between 96 and 115 m at the edge of the rariphotic and bottomfish complex.
Effect of Annealing on the Magnetic Properties of FeCoNiCuNbSiB Soft Magnetic Alloys
Authors: Li Z. , Yao K. F. , Liu T. C. , Li X. , Wang S.
Published: January 2022

A series of nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloys with nominal compositions of Fe66.8-xCo10NixCu0.8Nb2.9Si11.5B8 (x = 1–15 at%) were developed and studied. Effects of annealing on the soft magnetic properties, crystallization behavior, and domain structure were investigated. The alloys with higher Ni content were prone to exhibit stronger magnetic anisotropy. The Fe66.8Co10Ni10Cu0.8Nb2.9Si11.5B8 alloy exhibited excellent soft magnetic properties, including the low permeability of 2000, low coercivity of about 0.6 A/m, and low remanence of 2.4 mT, together with a temperature gap of 128 K between two crystallization onset temperatures. It has been found that the Ni content and the annealing process possess significant effects on the soft magnetic property of the nanocrystalline alloys. It shows that the developed Fe66.8Co10Ni10Cu0.8Nb2.9Si11.5B8 nanocrystalline alloy exhibits great potentials for applying in the field of common mode chokes or current transformers, due to its ability to resist the direct current.
Improvement of Calcium Aluminate Cement Containing Blast Furnace Slag at 50°C and 315°C
Authors: Zhiqiang Wu , Hengjie Liu , Xiong Qu , Guangai Wu , Xuesong Xing , Xiaowei Cheng , Xiucheng Ni
Published: January 2022

During the thermal recovery of heavy oil thermal recovery wells, improving the mechanical properties and integrity of the cement ring is of great significance for the safe and efficient exploitation of heavy oil resources. This paper studies the relative properties of calcium aluminate cement and three kinds of slags under the conditions of 50°C × 1.01 MPa and 315°C × 20.7 MPa. CAC-slag composite material performance was evaluated using the cement paste compressive strength and permeability tests to study the physical properties of CAC with blast furnace slag. X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal analysis (DSC/TG) were carried out to investigate the mineralogical composition of CAC with blast furnace slag. Results show that adding blast furnace slag did not affect the performance of cement slurry. Moreover, C2ASH8 curing occurred at low temperature, the microstructure of CAC paste was compact, and the permeability resistance was improved, thus improving the low-temperature properties of neat CAC. When cured at a high temperature, the CAC paste was mainly hydrated with C3ASH4 and AlO(OH), which had a well-developed crystal structure. Adding blast furnace slag can improve the CAC resistance to high temperature.
Sulfurization of Electrodeposited Sb/Cu Precursors for CuSbS2: Potential Absorber Materials for Thin-Film Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Aimei , Wang Yanping , Li Bing , Xiang Dongmei , Peng Zhuo , Yuan Yujie , Xing Yupeng , Yao Liyong , Bi Jinlian , Li Wei
Published: January 2022

CuSbS2, as a direct bandgap semiconductor, is a promising candidate for fabricating flexible thin-film solar cells due to its low grain growth temperature (300°C–450°C). Uniform and highly crystalline CuSbS2 thin films are crucial to improving device performance. However, uniform CuSbS2 is difficult to obtain during electrodeposition and post-sulfurization due to the “dendritic” deposition of Cu on Mo substrates. In this study, Sb/Cu layers were sequentially pulse electrodeposited on Mo substrates. By adjusting the pulse parameters, smooth and uniform Sb layers were prepared on Mo, and a flat Cu layer was obtained on Sb without any dendritic clusters. A two-step annealing process was employed to fabricate CuSbS2 thin films. The effects of temperature on phases and morphologies were investigated. CuSbS2 thin films with good crystallinity were obtained at 360°C. As the annealing temperature increased, the crystallinity of the films decreased. The CuSbS2 phase transformed into a Cu3SbS4 phase with the temperature increase to 400°C. Finally, a 0.90% efficient solar cell was obtained using the CuSbS2 thin films annealed at 360°C.
MPMR: Multi-Scale Feature and Probability Map for Melanoma Recognition
Authors: Zhang Dong , Han Hongcheng , Du Shaoyi , Zhu Longfei , Yang Jing , Wang Xijing , Wang Lin , Xu Meifeng
Published: January 2022

Malignant melanoma (MM) recognition in whole-slide images (WSIs) is challenging due to the huge image size of billions of pixels and complex visual characteristics. We propose a novel automatic melanoma recognition method based on the multi-scale features and probability map, named MPMR. First, we introduce the idea of breaking up the WSI into patches to overcome the difficult-to-calculate problem of WSIs with huge sizes. Second, to obtain and visualize the recognition result of MM tissues in WSIs, a probability mapping method is proposed to generate the mask based on predicted categories, confidence probabilities, and location information of patches. Third, considering that the pathological features related to melanoma are at different scales, such as tissue, cell, and nucleus, and to enhance the representation of multi-scale features is important for melanoma recognition, we construct a multi-scale feature fusion architecture by additional branch paths and shortcut connections, which extracts the enriched lesion features from low-level features containing more detail information and high-level features containing more semantic information. Fourth, to improve the extraction feature of the irregular-shaped lesion and focus on essential features, we reconstructed the residual blocks by a deformable convolution and channel attention mechanism, which further reduces information redundancy and noisy features. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the compared algorithms, and it has a potential for practical applications in clinical diagnosis.
Hemoglobin Concentration and Post-Operative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Femoral Neck Fracture Surgery
Authors: Liu Yu-Mei , Huang Hui , Gao Jie , Zhou Jian , Chu Hai-Chen
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to determine the relationship between hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and post-operative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing femoral neck fracture (FNF) surgery and to investigate whether the change in Hb concentration is associated with POD and the risk factors for POD. A total of 889 patients admitted with FNF between January 2016 and December 2020 were enrolled in this single-center, retrospective, case–control study. Hb concentrations were determined at admission and post-operative day 1 and the change in Hb concentration was defined as the absolute value of difference in pre-operative and post-operative Hb concentration. POD was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or the Confusion Assessment Method once a daily after surgery. The logistic regression analysis was performed for statistical analysis. In total, 172 (19.3%) patients developed POD and 151 (87.8%) patients developed POD within post-operative 3 days. Low pre-operative Hb concentration [p = 0.026, odds ratio (OR) = 0.978] and significant change in Hb concentration (p = 0.006, OR = 1.033) were significantly associated with POD. After excluding change in Hb concentration or pre-operative Hb concentration, neither of them was significantly associated with POD (p > 0.05). The interaction analysis of change in Hb concentration and pre-operative Hb concentration in the logistic regression model was negative. There was no significant relationship between post-operative Hb concentration and POD. Age (p < 0.001, OR = 1.072), stroke history (p = 0.003, OR = 2.489), post-operative ICU transfer (p = 0.007, OR = 1.981), and visual analog scale score within post-operative 2 days (p1 = 0.016 and p2 = 0.006) were independently associated with POD in the logistic regression analysis. Patients with low pre-operative Hb concentrations and high changes in Hb concentration seem to have an increased risk of POD and should receive more attention. Old age, stroke history, post-operative ICU transfer, and pain within post-operative 2 days were significantly associated with POD.