bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryo-electron tomography related radiation-damage parameters for individual-molecule 3D structure determination
Authors: Xue Han , Zhang Meng , Liu Jianfang , Wang Jianjun , Ren Gang
Published: August 2022

To understand the dynamic structure–function relationship of soft- and biomolecules, the determination of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of each individual molecule (nonaveraged structure) in its native state is sought-after. Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is a unique tool for imaging an individual object from a series of tilted views. However, due to radiation damage from the incident electron beam, the tolerable electron dose limits image contrast and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the data, preventing the 3D structure determination of individual molecules, especially at high-resolution. Although recently developed technologies and techniques, such as the direct electron detector, phase plate, and computational algorithms, can partially improve image contrast/SNR at the same electron dose, the high-resolution structure, such as tertiary structure of individual molecules, has not yet been resolved. Here, we review the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryo-ET experimental parameters to discuss how these parameters affect the extent of radiation damage. This discussion can guide us in optimizing the experimental strategy to increase the imaging dose or improve image SNR without increasing the radiation damage. With a higher dose, a higher image contrast/SNR can be achieved, which is crucial for individual-molecule 3D structure. With 3D structures determined from an ensemble of individual molecules in different conformations, the molecular mechanism through their biochemical reactions, such as self-folding or synthesis, can be elucidated in a straightforward manner.
Toward high-throughput oligomer detection and classification for early-stage aggregation of amyloidogenic protein
Authors: Tahirbegi Bogachan , Magness Alastair J. , Piersimoni Maria Elena , Teng Xiangyu , Hooper James , Guo Yuan , Knöpfel Thomas , Willison Keith R. , Klug David R. , Ying Liming
Published: August 2022

Aggregation kinetics of proteins and peptides have been studied extensively due to their significance in many human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, and the roles they play in some key physiological processes. However, most of these studies have been performed as bulk measurements using Thioflavin T or other fluorescence turn-on reagents as indicators of fibrillization. Such techniques are highly successful in making inferences about the nucleation and growth mechanism of fibrils, yet cannot directly measure assembly reactions at low protein concentrations which is the case for amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide under physiological conditions. In particular, the evolution from monomer to low-order oligomer in early stages of aggregation cannot be detected. Single-molecule methods allow direct access to such fundamental information. We developed a high-throughput protocol for single-molecule photobleaching experiments using an automated fluorescence microscope. Stepwise photobleaching analysis of the time profiles of individual foci allowed us to determine stoichiometry of protein oligomers and probe protein aggregation kinetics. Furthermore, we investigated the potential application of supervised machine learning with support vector machines (SVMs) as well as multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural networks to classify bleaching traces into stoichiometric categories based on an ensemble of measurable quantities derivable from individual traces. Both SVM and MLP models achieved a comparable accuracy of more than 80% against simulated traces up to 19-mer, although MLP offered considerable speed advantages, thus making it suitable for application to high-throughput experimental data. We used our high-throughput method to study the aggregation of Aβ40 in the presence of metal ions and the aggregation of α-synuclein in the presence of gold nanoparticles.
A holistic carrier-bound immobilization approach for unspecific peroxygenase
Authors: De Santis Piera , Petrovai Noémi , Meyer Lars-Erik , Hobisch Markus , Kara Selin
Published: August 2022

Unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) are among the most studied enzymes in the last decade and their well-deserved fame owes to the enzyme’s ability of catalyzing the regio- and stereospecific hydroxylation of non-activated C–H bonds at the only expense of H2O2. This leads to more direct routes for the synthesis of different chiral compounds as well as to easier oxyfunctionalization of complex molecules. Unfortunately, due to the high sensitivity towards the process conditions, UPOs’ application at industrial level has been hampered until now. However, this challenge can be overcome by enzyme immobilization, a valid strategy that has been proven to give several benefits. Within this article, we present three different immobilization procedures suitable for UPOs and two of them led to very promising results. The immobilized enzyme, indeed, shows longer stability and increased robustness to reaction conditions. The immobilized enzyme half-life time is 15-fold higher than for the free AaeUPO PaDa-I and no enzyme deactivation occurred when incubated in organic media for 120 h. Moreover, AaeUPO PaDa-I is proved to be recycled and reused up to 7 times when immobilized.
Forms of professional interkinesthesia in nurses' body work: A case study of an infant's stepping
Authors: Katila Julia , Philipsen Johanne S.
Published: August 2022

Moving their bodies in knowledgeable and professional ways in order to handle and connect affectively with infants entails a large part of child health care nurses' work. We deploy a phenomenological approach to videoanalysis of interaction to analyze an episode of a 1-month-old infant visiting the child health care clinic with their caregiver to have their body assessed for a neonatal stepping. Focusing on the co-movement of the baby and the nurse, we ask: how do various ways of moving as a co-embodied entity allow and corporeally prompt the baby's age-appropriate bodily ability to emerge? We develop the notion of professional interkinesthesia to indicate specific forms of body work of nurses which in this case entails moving together with the baby to make her successfully perform a specific health care task—the stepping. Building on Charles Goodwin's concept of professional vision, we uncover how the nurse moves and touches the infant's body in ways relevant to the institutional task. The study shows that accomplishing “normally” developed neonatal stepping is not work accomplished by the baby alone but requires that the bodies of the baby and the professional move in unison. While neonatal stepping is but one specific type of health care task, we propose that nurses' work entails numerous forms of professional touch and interkinesthesia that make it possible to successfully perform different types of health care operations.
A nitrogen-doped graphene-supported nickel-single-atom catalyst in the flow cell meets the industrial criteria of carbon dioxide reduction reaction to carbon monoxide
Authors: Lu Yi-Hsuan , Tsai Hsin-Jung , Huang Wen-Yang , Lee Tsung-Ju , Lin Zih-Yi , Hsu Shao-Hui , Hung Sung-Fu
Published: August 2022

Carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a promising approach to accomplishing net zero CO2 emissions. Among CO2RR catalysts, nitrogen-doped graphene-supported single-atom catalysts show a remarkable conversion rate from CO2 to CO; however, the low production amount has been limited using the conversion H cell, hindering its industrial development. In this work, we synthesize a nitrogen-doped graphene-supported nickel-single-atom catalyst and conduct CO2RR in a flow cell, exhibiting a CO2-to-CO Faradaic efficiency of 96% and a partial current density of 144 mA cm−2. It can also achieve the highest partial current density of 204 mA cm−2 with a turnover frequency of 7,852 h−1. According to the techno-economic analysis, these preeminent activities meet the industrial criteria (Faradaic efficiency >60% and partial current density >100 mA cm−2). This activity enhancement using a flow system can significantly accelerate net-zero CO2 emission realization.
Prognostic significance of myocardial salvage assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance in reperfused ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Li Yunling , Wang Guokun , Wang Xueying , Li Ye , Zhao Yanming , Gu Xia , Xu Bing , Cui Jinjin , Wang Xuedong , Sun Yong , Liu Shengliang , Yu Bo
Published: August 2022

Aims

Myocardial salvage index (MSI) is attracting increasing attention for predicting prognosis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI); however, the evaluation of MSI is mainly based on contrast agent-dependent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scanning sequences. This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of MSI in reperfused ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) through the contrast agent-free CMR technique.

Methods and results

Nighty-two patients with acute STEMI, who underwent CMR after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), were finally enrolled. Patients were subcategorized into two groups according to median MSI. T1 and T2 mapping were conducted for measuring infarct size (IS) and area at risk (AAR). IS was significantly larger in < median MSI group than ≥ median MSI group (P < 0.001). AAR between the two groups showed no obvious differences (P = 0.108). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was lower in < median MSI group than ≥ median MSI group (P = 0.014). There was an obvious inverse correlation between MSI and reperfusion time (R = –0.440, P < 0.001) and a strong inverse correlation between MSI and IS (R = –0.716, P = 0.011). As for the relationship LVEF, MSI showed positive but weak correlation (R = 0.2265, P < 0.001). Over a median follow-up period of 263 (227–238) days, prevalence of MACEs was significantly higher in the < median MSI group [HR: 0.15 (0.04–0.62); Log-rank P = 0.008]. The univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that LVEF, IS, and MSI were significant predictors for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (all P < 0.05). In the stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis, LVEF and MSI were identified as independent parameters for predicting MACEs (both P < 0.05). In the receiver-operating characteristic analysis, LVEF, IS, and MSI showed prognostic value in predicting MACEs with AUCs of 0.809, 0.779, and 0.896, respectively, all (P < 0.05). A combination of MSI with LVEF showed the strongest prognostic value of MACEs (AUC: 0.901, sensitivity: 77.78%, specificity: 98.80%, P < 0.001). Delong’s test showed that the combination of LVEF with MSI had an incremental value than LVEF itself in predicting MACEs (P = 0.026).

Conclusion

Contrast agent-free CMR technique provides a reliable evaluation of MSI, which contributes to assessing the efficacy of reperfusion therapy and predicting the occurrence of MACEs.
Foundations for fairness in digital health apps
Authors: Buda Teodora Sandra , Guerreiro João , Omana Iglesias Jesus , Castillo Carlos , Smith Oliver , Matic Aleksandar
Published: August 2022

Digital mental health applications promise scalable and cost-effective solutions to mitigate the gap between the demand and supply of mental healthcare services. However, very little attention is paid on differential impact and potential discrimination in digital mental health services with respect to different sensitive user groups (e.g., race, age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status) as the extant literature as well as the market lack the corresponding evidence. In this paper, we outline a 7-step model to assess algorithmic discrimination in digital mental health services, focusing on algorithmic bias assessment and differential impact. We conduct a pilot analysis with 610 users of the model applied on a digital wellbeing service called Foundations that incorporates a rich set of 150 proposed activities designed to increase wellbeing and reduce stress. We further apply the 7-step model on the evaluation of two algorithms that could extend the current service: monitoring step-up model, and a popularity-based activities recommender system. This study applies an algorithmic fairness analysis framework for digital mental health and explores differences in the outcome metrics for the interventions, monitoring model, and recommender engine for the users of different age, gender, type of work, country of residence, employment status and monthly income.

Systematic Review Registration: The study with main hypotheses is registered at: https://osf.io/hvtf8
Implication of garnet zoning in high pressure- ultrahighpressure eclogite from Changning-Menglian suture zone, Bangbing area, Southeast Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Lu Nannan , Wang Guozhi , Fu Yuzhen , Peng Zhimin
Published: August 2022

Major and trace element zonation patterns were determined in ultrahigh-pressure eclogite garnets from the Changning-Menglian suture, Bangbing area. Several stages of eclogite metamorphism are recorded by garnet zonation. Cores of garnets are generally darker and inclusion-rich, while rims are brighter and inclusion-poor. Garnets were analyzed for the major element by EPMA and trace element by LA-ICP-MS. The results show that both major elements and rare earth elements in garnet have typical compositional bands. The major element zonation recorded the process of increasing temperature and pressure and the metamorphism of the eclogite from the core to rim, and the rare earth element zonation recorded different mineral chemical reactions during the formation of the garnet and its three stages of growth. Eclogites completely imply the process of rapid exhumation, cooling, and depressurization after short-term peak metamorphism. The contents of some trace elements (such as Y and Sr) in garnet are controlled by major elements and mineral combinations. The formation of new minerals in the process of retrograde metamorphism affects the distribution of trace elements.
Stability trends of Jinpingzi landslide: A numerical study
Authors: Xu Bo , Huang Qisong , Qian Yuandi
Published: August 2022

The occurrence and development of creeping landslides lead to a gradual destruction of the affected environment; therefore, research into creeping landslide stability trends based on the monitoring of landslide data is of considerable practical value. We investigated the Jinpingzi landslide area II using strength subtraction to analyze the relationship between stress and strain at important points and the stability of the landslide. The results confirm the relationship between the internal failure pattern, safety factor, and key point displacement of creeping landslides. Furthermore, the results confirm the change rules of displacement, in addition to changes in the safety factor. By combining the surface displacement monitoring data of Jinpingzi landslide area II, its stability trend was analyzed based on the established relationship model between deformation displacement and internal failure characteristics of creeping landslides. The results demonstrate that the Jinpingzi landslide area II is in a stable damage deformation. The sliding surface formed in the landslide and the results obtained using the model of the Jinpingzi landslide area II are consistent with the actual situation determined by analysis in the field and exploring the geology.
Indicators of mantle control on the geodynamo from observations and simulations
Authors: Korte Monika , Constable Catherine G. , Davies Christopher J. , Panovska Sanja
Published: August 2022

There has been longstanding controversy about whether the influence of lateral variations in core-mantle boundary heat flow can be detected in paleomagnetic records of geomagnetic field behavior. Their signature is commonly sought in globally distributed records of virtual geomagnetic pole (VGP) paths that have been claimed to exhibit specific longitudinal preferences during polarity transitions and excursions. These preferences have often been linked to thermal effects from large low seismic velocity areas (LLVPs) in the lowermost mantle, but the results have been contested because of potential sensitivity to sparse temporal and spatial sampling. Recently developed time varying global paleofield models spanning various time intervals in 1–100 ka, three of which include excursions, allow us to complement assessments of spatial distributions of transitional VGP paths with distributions of minimum field intensity. Robustness of the results is evaluated using similar products from four distinct numerical dynamo simulations with and without variable thermal boundary conditions and including stable geomagnetic polarity, excursions and reversals. We determine that VGP distributions are less useful than minimum field intensity in linking the influences of thermal CMB structure to geographical variations in actual paleofield observables, because VGP correlations depend strongly on good spatial sampling of a sufficient number of relatively rare events. These results provide a basis for evaluating comparable observations from four paleofield models. The distribution of VGP locations provide unreliable results given the restricted time span and available data locations. Rough correlations of global distributions of minimum intensity with areas outside the LLVPs give some indications of mantle control during excursions, although the results for the eastern hemisphere are complex, perhaps highlighting uncertainties about the hemispheric balance between thermal and compositional variations in the lowermost mantle. However, access to other geomagnetic properties (such as intensity and radial field at the CMB) provides a strong argument for using extended and improved global paleofield models to resolve the question of mantle influence on the geodynamo from the observational side.
Dynamic sulfur and carbon cycles related to microbial sulfate reduction and volcanic activity during the Hirnantian glaciation in the Upper Yangtze Basin, South China
Authors: Dong Zaitian , Wang Zetang , Zhang Wenli , Zhao Fei , Du Yunhang , Zhu Yuxuan , Fu Xuehai , Wang Chaoyong
Published: August 2022

Parallel positive excursions of organic carbon (δ13Corg) and pyrite sulfur (δ34Spy) isotopes occurred globally during the Hirnantian glacial period. However, the reasons for these isotope excursions and their relationship with paleoenvironmental dynamics are not fully understood. This study presents a high-resolution geochemical investigation of the Tianlin section of the Upper Yangtze Basin, South China. The total organic carbon (TOC), iron speciation, trace elements, δ13Corg, and δ34Spy were analyzed and compared with published results from the other four sections in the same basin. A negative relationship was observed for the sulfate reduction index (SRI) with TOC and organic carbon accumulation rate. This suggests that the abundance of sedimentary organic matter was not the main factor inhibiting microbial sulfate reduction (MSR). The significant positive correlations of SRI with pyrite and δ34Spy showed that MSR promoted the formation of pyrite and that the availability of sulfate was the main limiting factor for the δ34Spy change. The negative excursions of δ13Corg and δ34Spy during the pre-glacial and post-glacial periods were coupled with dense segments of bentonite, indicating that volcanism was the main driving force for the negative excursions of C and S isotopes. Moreover, the sulfate input of rivers, restored at the post-glacial period, was the main reason for the continued negative excursion of S isotopes. Our results emphasize the key role of MSR and volcanic activity in C and S isotope excursions and their corresponding environmental changes in semi-restricted basins during the Hirnantian glaciation.
Decadal variation in the frequency of tropical cyclones originating in the South China Sea and migrating from the western North Pacific
Authors: Huang Peilan , Xu Jianjun , Liang Mei
Published: August 2022

A decadal variation in the frequency of tropical cyclones (TCs) that reached their lifetime maximum intensity (LMI) in the South China Sea (SCS; 5°N-25°N, 107°E-121°E) from 1978 to 2020 was identified. TCs that generated and reached LMI in the SCS were named “local TCs,” while those that generated in the western North Pacific (WNP) and reached LMI in the SCS were named “migratory TCs.” A seesaw phenomenon in the frequencies of these two types of TCs was found before and after 1997. From 1978 to 1996, TC frequency was generally lower in local TCs but higher in migratory TCs. The opposite was true from 1997 to 2020. The main factors responsible for this “seesaw” phenomenon include changes in the genesis positions of TCs and the interdecadal variation of large-scale environmental flow patterns. From 1997 to 2020, during which the large-scale steering flow was favorable for local TCs, the monsoon trough over the WNP withdrew westward along with the warm pool and the subtropical high strengthened westward. Meanwhile, the sea surface temperature (SST) gradient between the equator and mid-latitudes decreased and the north wind weakened near 120°E. Easterly winds were strengthened in the equatorial region, which led to an abnormal anticyclone and the divergence of water vapor in the WNP. In contrast, the SST of the SCS, an internal sea, increased significantly. Under local atmosphere-ocean interaction, abnormal cyclonic circulation appeared in the SCS, which led to intensified convergence and intensified wet convection. Changes in the environmental fields in the WNP and SCS are the main reasons for the seesaw phenomenon observed in these two types of TCs.
Effect of laparoscopic cystectomy on ovarian reserve in patients with ovarian cyst
Authors: Mansouri Ghazal , Safinataj Maryam , Shahesmaeili Armita , Allahqoli Leila , Salehiniya Hamid , Alkatout Ibrahim
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of laparoscopic cystectomy on ovarian reserve in patients with ovarian cysts.

Material and methods

This prospective study was performed on 113 women with ovarian cysts in a tertiary referral teaching hospital. All patients underwent laparoscopic cystectomy. Serum levels of antimüllerian hormone (AMH) were measured pre-and, 3 months postoperatively. The primary outcome of the study was to assess the effect of laparoscopic cystectomy on ovarian reserve based on alterations in serum AMH levels. The secondary outcome of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the number of cauterizations, size and type of cysts, bilaterality (bilateral or unilateral), age, and body mass index (BMI) on the ovarian reserve after laparoscopic excision.

Results

Laparoscopic cystectomy reduced the serum AMH levels preoperatively (1.32 ± 4.48 ng/ml) to postoperatively (3.2 ± 1.93 ng/ml) and the difference (- 1.28 ng/ml) was statistically different (0.001 >P). There was a negative significant relationship between the number of cauterizations used and postoperative serum AMH levels (p ≤ 0.001). There was a significant relationship between the location (p ≤ 0.01), type of cyst (p ≤ 0.001) and the serum AMH levels reduction.

Conclusion

The number of cauterizations used during surgery, the type of cyst, and bilaterality can affect AMH levels that need to be addressed.
Prevalence of central obesity and associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tegegne Kirubel Dagnaw , Wagaw Gebeyaw Biset , Gebeyehu Natnael Atnafu , Yirdaw Lehulu Tilahun , Shewangashaw Nathan Estifanos , Mekonen Nigusie Abebaw , Kassaw Mesfin Wudu
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Obesity is a global public health concern that is now on the rise, especially in low- and middle-income nations. Despite the fact that there are several studies reporting the prevalence of central obesity among adults in Ethiopia, there is a lack of a systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing the existing observational studies. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of central obesity and its associated factors in Ethiopia.

Methods

Online libraries such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and Addis Ababa University were searched. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using STATA statistical software (v. 16). Forest plots, Begg’s rank test, and Egger’s regression test were all used to check for publication bias. To look for heterogeneity, I2 was computed, and an overall estimated analysis was carried out. Subgroup analysis was done by region and study setting. In addition, the pooled odds ratio for related covariates was calculated.

Results

Out of 685 studies assessed, 20 met our criteria and were included in the study. A total of 12,603 people were included in the study. The prevalence of central obesity was estimated to be 37.31% [95% confidence interval (CI): 29.55–45.07]. According to subgroup analysis by study region and setting, the highest prevalence was observed in the Dire Dawa region (61.27%) and community-based studies (41.83%), respectively. Being a woman (AOR = 6.93; 95% CI: 3.02–10.85), having better socioeconomic class (AOR = 5.45; 95% CI: 0.56–10.34), being of age 55 and above (AOR = 5.23; 95% CI: 2.37–8.09), being physically inactive (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.37–2.24), being overweight (AOR = 4.00; 95% CI: 2.58–5.41), being obese (AOR = 6.82; 95% CI: 2.21–11.43), and having hypertension (AOR = 3.84; 95% CI: 1.29–6.40) were the factors associated with central obesity.

Conclusion

The prevalence of central obesity was high in Ethiopia. Being a woman, having a higher socioeconomic class, being older, being physically inactive, being overweight or obese, and having hypertension were all associated. Therefore, it is vital for the government and health organizations to design and implement preventive measures like early detection, close monitoring, and positive reversal of central obesity in all patients and the general population. High-quality investigations on the prevalence of central obesity in the Ethiopian people are required to better understand the status of central obesity in Ethiopia.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42022329234.
Numerical simulation of the impact and freezing stage of supercooled droplets on the ship superstructure surface in the Arctic route
Authors: Bai Xu , Yang Sujie , Wei Ping , Zhou Li
Published: August 2022

Icing not only affects the stability and safety of Arctic navigation ships but also damages the facilities on board and endangers the safety of personnel. The icing result on the ship’s surface is closely related to the icing process of water droplets on the surface. In the icing process of supercooled water droplets colliding with the ship surface, the impact and icing are coupled with each other. This process is extremely sensitive. The final ice type and physical parameters will change due to the external disturbance. Therefore, in order to obtain accurate ship icing results, the micro impact icing process of water droplets on the surface needs to be considered. From the microscopic point of view, using the numerical simulation method of solidification/melting model in Fluent, this article analyzes the effects of undercooling, contact angle, and droplet impact on the microscopic solidification process of supercooled droplets, and the results show that 1) droplet impact affects the droplet volume; 2) as the impact velocity increases, the freezing time decreases; 3) in the case of the same impact velocity, the freezing time and cooling time vary very closely even if the degree of undercooling and contact angle are different.
Effect of the maximum thickness of a composite airfoil on the performance of a helical axial-flow gas-liquid multiphase pump
Authors: Han Wei , Nan Haozhi , Ju Pengpeng , Zhang Huan , Li Fengqing , Li Rennian
Published: August 2022

Operating efficiency and reliability are major problems that restrict gas-liquid multiphase pumps, which are core pieces of equipment used in deep-sea oil and gas exploration and transportation. In this paper, a 100-20x helical axial-flow gas-liquid pump is taken as the research object. The Euler multiphase flow model and SST k-ω turbulent model are used to model the multiphase pump. By exploring the airfoil composite position and the maximum thickness composite scheme, a mathematical model for the head coefficient and efficiency of the multiphase pump with respect to the relative thickness is established, and the external and internal flow characteristics of the modified multiphase pump are analyzed. We explore the influence of the composite position and the maximum thickness variation law of the composite airfoil on the performance of the mixed pump and determine the final airfoil composite scheme. We found that a change in the maximum thickness of the composite airfoil gives the external curve of the multiphase pump a “hump"-like characteristic, which shows that the head coefficient and efficiency increase first and then decrease with the increase in the maximum thickness of the composite airfoil. When the composite position is in the middle of the airfoil, the airfoil maximum thickness is 1.25 mm and the gas-phase volume fraction is 70%. Moreover, the head coefficient and efficiency of the multiphase pump reach their maximum values; the head coefficient and efficiency increase by 2.4% and 1.16%, respectively, compared with the basic model.
Two-stage water resources allocation negotiation model for transboundary rivers under scarcity
Authors: Wu Xia , He Weijun , Yuan Liang , Kong Yang , Li Renyue , Qi Yuzhi , Yang Dongquan , Degefu Dagmawi Mulugeta , Ramsey Thomas Stephen
Published: August 2022

In this article, the bankruptcy theory and bargaining games are used to construct a two-stage water resources allocation negotiation model (TSANM). A Nash-bargaining game model is used for the initial allocation, followed by an adjustment stage which considers factors such as water circumstances, water satisfaction, water risk, and water efficiency. The TSANM systematically considers the multi-dimensional attributes of water resources in the allocation process and may likely increase the participation of riparian countries. The proposed method is applied to allocate the contested water capital of the Tigris-Euphrates River. This gives initial allocation to Turkey, Syria, and Iraq of 30.00%, 22.00%, and 48.00%, respectively, and adjusted allocation of 24.98%, 21.30%, and 53.72%. Through collective bargaining and group negotiation, the stability and acceptability of allocation are effectively improved, absolute egalitarianism and utilitarianism are both avoided, and instead objectivity and fairness are emphasized in the water resources allocation process.
Establishment of a prognostic ferroptosis- and immune-related long noncoding RNAs profile in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Han Zhijun , Wang Hao , Liu Yafei , Xing Xiao-Liang
Published: August 2022

Background: Ferroptosis and immunity are novel treatments that target several cancers, including kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an important class of gene expression regulators that play fundamental roles in the regulation of ferroptosis and immunity. We aimed to identify ferroptosis- and immune-related lncRNAs as biomarkers in patients with KIRC.

Methods: Corresponding data for each patient with KIRC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify candidate biomarkers followed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCANA), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).

Results: Three ferroptosis- and immune-related differentially expressed lncRNAs (FI-DELs) (AC124854.1, LINC02609, and ZNF503-AS2) were markedly and independently correlated with the overall survival (OS) of patients with KIRC. The area under the curve (AUC) value of the prognostic model in the entire group using the three FI-DELs was > 0.70. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic model using the three FI-DELs were 0.8586 and 0.9583, respectively.

Conclusion: The present study found that AC124854.1, LINC02609, and ZNF503-AS2 were considerably and independently correlated with the OS of patients with KIRC, suggesting that the three FI-DELs could be used as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for patients with KIRC.
Identification of prognostic biomarkers in the CMTM family genes of human ovarian cancer through bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification
Authors: Zhang Mengjun , Wang Jialin , Yue Haodi , Zhang Lindong
Published: August 2022

Background: Ovarian cancer (OV) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies worldwide, and its immunotherapy has considerable prospects. Multiple members of the CMTM family were aberrantly expressed in human cancers and controlled key malignant biological processes and immune regulation in cancer development. However, little is known about the function of this gene family in ovarian cancer, especially in terms of immunity.

Methods: GEPIA, Oncomine, HPA, Kaplan–Meier plotter, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA, and TIMER were used to analyze the differential gene expression, prognostic value, genetic alterations, and alterations in the immune microenvironment of the CMTM family in patients with ovarian cancer. Importantly, RT-qPCR was used to verify the gene expression of the CMTM family.

Results: CMTM1/3/4/6/7/8 showed abnormally high expression at the mRNA and protein levels in OV tissues based on the GEPIA and HPA databases. RT-qPCR showed that CMTM1/6/8 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer cell lines. IHC verified that CMTM8 is highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues and is closely related to Ki-67. Survival analysis showed that high expression of CMTM1/2/3/5/8 can lead to a significant reduction in overall survival and progression-free survival. There were many types of genetic alterations in the CMTM family. Also, CMTM1/2/3/6 had a certain correlation with the changes in the immune microenvironment such as immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression, which may be the potential mechanism of the CMTM family in ovarian cancer. IHC verified that CMTM6 is highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues and is closely related to PD-L1.

Conclusion: This study confirmed that the CMTM family has abnormal expression in ovarian cancer and CMTM8 can be used as a biomarker for prognostic evaluation. Also, the CMTM family may be used as a potential target for immunotherapy based on the suppression of immune checkpoints.
Genomic study of nonsyndromic hearing loss in unaffected individuals: Frequency of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in a Brazilian cohort of 2,097 genomes
Authors: Quaio Caio Robledo D’ Angioli Costa , Coelho Antonio Victor Campos , Moura Livia Maria Silva , Guedes Rafael Lucas Muniz , Chen Kelin , Ceroni Jose Ricardo Magliocco , Minillo Renata Moldenhauer , Caraciolo Marcel Pinheiro , Reis Rodrigo de Souza , Azevedo Bruna Mascaro Cordeiro de , Nobrega Maria Soares , Teixeira Anne Caroline Barbosa , Martinelli Lima Matheus , Mota Thamara Rayssa da , Matta Marina Cadena da , Colichio Gabriela Borges Cherulli , Roncalho Aline Lulho , Ferreira Ana Flavia Martinho , Campilongo Gabriela Pereira , Perrone Eduardo , Virmond Luiza do Amaral , Moreno Carolina Araujo , Prota Joana Rosa Marques , França Marina de , Cervato Murilo Castro , Almeida Tatiana Ferreira de , Oliveira Filho Joao Bosco de
Published: August 2022

Hearing loss (HL) is a common sensory deficit in humans and represents an important clinical and social burden. We studied whole-genome sequencing data of a cohort of 2,097 individuals from the Brazilian Rare Genomes Project who were unaffected by hearing loss to investigate pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL). We found relevant frequencies of individuals harboring these alterations: 222 heterozygotes (10.59%) for sequence variants, 54 heterozygotes (2.58%) for copy-number variants (CNV), and four homozygotes (0.19%) for sequence variants. The top five most frequent genes and their corresponding combined allelic frequencies (AF) were GJB2 (AF = 1.57%), STRC (AF = 1%), OTOA (AF = 0.69%), TMPRSS3 (AF = 0.41%), and OTOF (AF = 0.29%). The most frequent sequence variant was GJB2:c.35del (AF = 0.72%), followed by OTOA:p. (Glu787Ter) (AF = 0.61%), while the most recurrent CNV was a microdeletion of 57.9 kb involving the STRC gene (AF = 0.91%). An important fraction of these individuals (n = 104; 4.96%) presented variants associated with autosomal dominant forms of NSHL, which may imply the development of some hearing impairment in the future. Using data from the heterozygous individuals for recessive forms and the Hardy–Weinberg equation, we estimated the population frequency of affected individuals with autosomal recessive NSHL to be 1:2,222. Considering that the overall prevalence of HL in adults ranges from 4–15% worldwide, our data indicate that an important fraction of this condition may be associated with a monogenic origin and dominant inheritance.
Prognostic and immune-related value of complement C1Q (C1QA, C1QB, and C1QC) in skin cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Yang Huanglong , Che Dehui , Gu Yuxiang , Cao Dongsheng
Published: August 2022

Background: Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a common malignancy that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Complement C1Q is composed of C1QA, C1QB, and C1QC and is involved in the occurrence and development of many malignant tumours. However, the effect of C1QA, C1QB, and C1QC expression on tumour immunity and prognosis of cutaneous melanoma remains unclear.

Methods: First, we analysed C1QA, C1QB, and C1QC expression levels and prognostic values using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Tumour Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) analysis, and further validation was performed using RT-qPCR, The Human Protein Atlas, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, and Gene Expression Omnibus dataset. We then performed univariate/multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, clinicopathological correlation, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis using TCGA dataset and established a nomogram model. Differentially expressed genes associated with C1QA, C1QB, and C1QC in SKCM were identified and analysed using LinkedOmics, TIMER, the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database, and Metascape and Cytoscape software platforms. We used TIMER, GEPIA, and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to analyse the relationship between the three genes and the level of immune cell infiltration, biomarkers, and checkpoint expression in SKCM. Finally, GSEA was utilized to study the functional pathways of C1QA, C1QB, and C1QC enrichment in SKCM.

Results: The overexpression of C1QA, C1QB, and C1QC provided significant value in the diagnosis of SKCM and has been associated with better overall survival (OS). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that C1QA, C1QB, and C1QC are independent prognostic biomarkers for patients with SKCM. Immune cell infiltration, biomarkers, and checkpoints were positively correlated with the expression of C1QA, C1QB, and C1QC. Furthermore, the results of functional and pathway enrichment analysis showed that immune-related and apoptotic pathways were significantly enriched in the high-expression group of C1QA, C1QB, and C1QC.

Conclusion: We found that C1QA, C1QB, and C1QC can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of SKCM patients. The upregulated expression levels of these three complement components benefit patients from OS and may increase the effect of immunotherapy. This result may be due to the dual effects of anti-tumour immunity and apoptosis.
Case Report: Possible autoimmune obsessive-compulsive disorder with postpartum onset
Authors: Endres Dominique , Hannibal Luciana , Zaltenbach Benjamin , Schiele Miriam A. , Runge Kimon , Nickel Kathrin , Berger Benjamin , Domschke Katharina , Venhoff Nils , Prüss Harald , Tebartz van Elst Ludger
Published: August 2022

Autoimmune obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is rare. The case presented here is that of a female patient in her mid-thirties who developed postpartum OCD. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple juxtacortical hyperintensities that may have been post-inflammatory in origin. In tissue-based assays using mouse brain slices, the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed novel anti-nucleoli autoantibodies in cerebellar Purkinje cells and cortical neurons. The CSF dopamine and glutamate concentrations were dysregulated. The clinical course and diagnostic findings were compatible with possible autoimmune OCD with postpartum onset.
Rebuilding A Collapsed Bivalve Population, Restoring Seagrass Meadows, and Eradicating Harmful Algal Blooms In A Temperate Lagoon Using Spawner Sanctuaries
Authors: Gobler Christopher J. , Doall Michael H. , Peterson Bradley J. , Young Craig S. , DeLaney Flynn , Wallace Ryan B. , Tomasetti Stephen J. , Curtin Timothy P. , Morrell Brooke K. , Lamoureux Elizabeth M. , Ueoka Berry , Griffith Andrew W. , Carroll John M. , Nanjappa Deepak , Jankowiak Jennifer G. , Goleski Jennifer A. , Famularo Ann Marie E. , Kang Yoonja , Pikitch Ellen K. , Santora Christine , Heck Stephen M. , Cottrell Dylan M. , Chin Diana W. , Kulp Rebecca E.
Published: August 2022

During the past century, bivalve populations across the globe have collapsed, resulting in negative ecosystem consequences due to their outsized impact on shallow estuaries. In response, there has been strong interest in the restoration of marine bivalve populations. Here, we present a decade-long restoration effort that sought to rebuild a collapsed (99.5% reduction in harvest) and recruitment-limited population of hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) in Shinnecock Bay, NY, USA, using spawner sanctuaries: no-harvest zones where adults were planted at high densities (~27 m-2). Between 2012 to 2019, more than 3.2 million clams were planted in 64 discrete sanctuary plots (~1,850 m2each) located in zones with maximal larval retention and sediment and seawater characteristics that would maximize the conditioning and spawning of adults. Hydrodynamic models, quantification of hard clam larvae, and spatial recruitment patterns demonstrated larvae spawned within sanctuaries were transported to regions where clam densities significantly increased 18-fold over seven years (2015-2021;p<0.001) and harvests significantly increased more than 16-fold over nine years (2012-2021;p<0.0001). Increases in populations and harvests were caused by smaller clams recruited within the time frame of the creation of spawner sanctuaries. Higher clam densities caused biological filtration times of the bay to decrease from up to three months at the start of the project to as low as 10 days in 2021. Concurrently, concentrations of the harmful brown tide alga,Aureococcus anophagefferens, and chlorophyllasignificantly decreased (p<0.005) while water clarity and the extent of seagrass beds significantly increased (p<0.05). Increases in clam landings and improvements in water quality were not observed in adjacent lagoonal estuaries where restoration did not occur. Given these outcomes and the global need for rebuilding marine life, the implementation of spawner sanctuaries using the criteria set forth herein may be a promising approach for restoring hard clam and other bivalve populations in estuaries elsewhere.
Rich and underreported: First integrated assessment of the diversity of mesopelagic fishes in the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic
Authors: Eduardo Leandro Nolé , Bertrand Arnaud , Lucena-Frédou Flávia , Villarins Bárbara Teixeira , Martins Júlia Rodrigues , Afonso Gabriel Vinícius Felix , Pietsch Theodore Wells , Frédou Thierry , Di Dario Fabio , Mincarone Michael Maia
Published: August 2022

Mesopelagic fishes play critical ecological roles by sequestering carbon, recycling nutrients, and acting as a key trophic link between primary consumers and higher trophic levels. They are also an important food source for harvestable economically valuable fish stocks and a key link between shallow and deep-sea ecosystems. Despite their relevance, mesopelagic ecosystems are increasingly threatened by direct and indirect human activities while representing some of the largest and least understood environments on Earth. The composition, diversity, and other aspects of the most basic biological features of numerous mesopelagic groups of fishes are still poorly known. Here, we provide the first integrative study of the biodiversity of mesopelagic fishes of the southwestern Tropical Atlantic (SWTA), based on two expeditions in northeastern Brazil in 2015 and 2017. A full list of mesopelagic fishes of the region is provided, including rare species and new records for the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone and the indication of potentially new species in groups such as the Stomiiformes and Beryciformes. Key aspects of the diversity of mesopelagic fishes of the region were also assessed, considering different depth strata and diel periods. At least 200 species, 130 genera, 56 families, and 22 orders of the Teleostei and one shark (Isistius brasiliensis, Dalatiidae, Squaliformes) were recorded, including potentially eight new species (4%) and 50 (25%) new records for Brazilian waters. Five families accounted for 52% of the diversity, 88% of specimens collected, and 66% of the total biomass: Stomiidae (38 spp., 8% of specimens, 21% of biomass), Myctophidae (34 spp., 36%, 24%), Melamphaidae (11 spp., 2%, 7%), Sternoptychidae (9 spp., 26%, 10%), and Gonostomatidae (7 spp., 16%, 4%). During the day, richness and diversity were higher at lower mesopelagic depths (500–1000 m), with contributions of typically bathypelagic species likely associated with seamounts and oceanic islands. At night, richness and diversity increased at epipelagic depths, indicating the diel ascension of several species (e.g., myctophids and sternoptychids) that can endure temperature ranges of up to 25°C. Information on the geographic distribution of several rare species worldwide is also provided.
Influence of cutting parameters on wear of diamond wire during multi-wire rocking sawing with reciprocating motion
Authors: Yang Zixing , Huang Hui , Liao Xinjiang
Published: August 2022

Multi-wire cutting with diamond wire saw has gradually become the main processing method for hard-and-brittle materials due to its small kerf loss and high machining accuracy. However, the diamond wire saw will inevitably suffer wear during the process of machining, and hence affects the quality of the cut surface. In this paper, a wire saw wear model was established, and the wear at different positions on the wire saw was theoretically calculated by correlating the volume of the workpiece removed by the unit wire saw to the wire saw wear. The iteration method was used to calculate the wear of the wire saw after cutting by superimposing the wear caused by every monolithic wafer. Based on this wear year model of the wire saw, the influence of multi-wire cutting parameters and the shapes of the workpiece on the wire saw wear was discussed through numerical simulation. The simulation results showed that the feed speed of the workpiece and the length of the wire saw had an obvious effect on the maximum wear of the wire saw, and the maximum rocking angle, wire speed, and reciprocating times had little effect on the maximum wear of the wire saw. The wear curve of the circular workpiece wire saw is unstable in the whole process, and the wear curve of the rectangular workpiece wire saw changes at the beginning and end, and the middle is stable.