bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phylogenetic and taxonomic study on Steccherinum (Polyporales, Basidiomycota): Focusing on three new Steccherinum species from southern China
Authors: Dong Jun-Hong , Zhang Xun-Chi , Chen Jia-Jia , Zhu Zhong-Long , Zhao Chang-Lin
Published: January 2023

The wood-inhabiting fungi play an integral role in wood degradation and the cycle of matter in the ecological system. They are considered as the “key player” in wood decomposition, because of their ability to produce all kinds of enzymes that break down woody lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. In the present study, three new wood-inhabiting fungal species, Steccherinum fissurutum, S. punctatum and S. subtropicum spp. nov., collected from southern China, are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Steccherinum fissurutum is characterized by the resupinate, subceraceous basidiomata with cracked hymenophore, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae and cylindrical basidiospores; S. punctatum is characterized by the annual, punctate basidiomata with leathery hymenophore, cylindrical, strongly encrusted cystidia and ellipsoid basidiospores (3.6–4.5 ×2.6–3.4 µm); S. subtropicum is characterized by its effuse-reflexed basidiomata, a odontioid hymenophore with pink to lilac hymenial surface and ellipsoid basidiospores measuring as (2.8–3.4 × 2.0–2.7 µm). Sequences of ITS and nLSU rRNA markers of the studied samples were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The ITS+nLSU analysis of the family Steccherinaceae indicated that the three new species clustered into the genus Steccherinum. Based on further analysis of ITS+nLSU dataset, the phylogenetic analysis confirmed that S. subtropicum was sister to S. enuispinum; S. fissurutum formed a monophyletic lineage; S. punctatum grouped with a clade comprised S. straminellum and S. ciliolatum.
Efficacy of Psycho-Cardiology therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with mild anxiety and depression
Authors: Chen Xiaoliang , Zeng Mengya , Chen Chen , Zhu Dan , Chen Li , Jiang Zuying
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of Psycho-Cardiology therapy among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated with mild anxiety and depression.

Methods

Two hundred and fifty-six patients with AMI who were admitted to the Cardiovascular Department of Chenzhou First People's Hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 were selected as subjects, and randomly divided into the control group (n = 128) and the Psycho-Cardiology treatment group (n = 128). Prior to the intervention, the general clinical data of the enrolled patients, such as gender, age, comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes) and smoking history, were compared, which revealed no statistical differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). The control group was given routine treatments such as reperfusion and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, while the treatment group was given Psycho-Cardiology intervention in addition to the aforementioned treatments.

Results

No significant differences in PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores were observed between the control and treatment groups at admission (P > 0.05). After the Psycho-Cardiology treatment, the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores of the treatment group decreased significantly. Based on the 1-year post-treatment comparison, the left ventricular ejection fraction was improved more significantly in the Psycho-Cardiology treatment group, showing statistical significance (P < 0.05). The treatment group exhibited statistically significantly low incidences of adverse cardiovascular events, such as recurrent angina pectoris, heart failure, malignant arrhythmia, recurrent myocardial infarction and death (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Psycho-Cardiology therapy is remarkably efficacious in improving the anxiety, depression, cardiac function and reducing the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events, which can better improve the long-term prognosis of patients with AMI compared to the traditional treatments.
Identification of a novel transthyretin mutation D39Y in a cardiac amyloidosis patient and its biochemical characterizations
Authors: Ma Qunchao , Wang Mengdie , Huang Yanan , Nie Ying , Zhang Xin , Yang Dan Dan , Wang Zhuo , Ding Siyin , Qian Ningjing , Liu Yu , Pan Xiaohong
Published: January 2023

Hereditary transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (hATTR-CA) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited disease caused by mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. TTR mutations often cause the instability of transthyretin, production of misfolded proteins, and ultimately excessive deposition of insoluble amyloid fibrils in the myocardium, thereby leading to cardiac dysfunction. Herein, we report a novel transthyretin D39Y mutation in a Chinese family. We characterized the kinetic and thermodynamic stabilities of D39Y mutant TTR, revealing that TTR D39Y mutant was less stable than WT TTR and more stable than amyloidogenic mutation TTR L55P. Meanwhile, the only FDA approved drug Tafamidis showed satisfactory inhibitory effect toward ATTR amyloid formation and strong binding affinity in test tube revealed by isothermal titration calorimetry. Finally, we measured the well-folded tetrameric TTR concentration in patient’s and his descents’ blood serum using a previously reported UPLC-based assay. Notably, the tetramer concentrations gradually increased from symptomatic D39Y gene carrier father, to asymptomatic D39Y gene carrier daughter, and further to wild type daughter, suggesting the decrease in functional tetrameric TTR concentration may serve as an indicator for disease age of onset in D39Y gene carriers. The study described a Chinese family with hATTR-CA due to the TTR variant D39Y with its destabilizing effect in both kinetic and thermodynamic stabilities.
Staying with the trouble of networks
Authors: van Geenen Daniela , Gray Jonathan W. Y. , Bounegru Liliana , Venturini Tommaso , Jacomy Mathieu , Meunier Axel
Published: January 2023

Networks have risen to prominence as intellectual technologies and graphical representations, not only in science, but also in journalism, activism, policy, and online visual cultures. Inspired by approaches taking trouble as occasion to (re)consider and reflect on otherwise implicit knowledge practices, in this article we explore how problems with network practices can be taken as invitations to attend to the diverse settings and situations in which network graphs and maps are created and used in society. In doing so, we draw on cases from our research, engagement and teaching activities involving making networks, making sense of networks, making networks public, and making network tools. As a contribution to “critical data practice,” we conclude with some approaches for slowing down and caring for network practices and their associated troubles to elicit a richer picture of what is involved in making networks work as well as reconsidering their role in collective forms of inquiry.
The Influence of Continental Mixosedimentite Sedimentation on Shale Oil Sweet Spot: A Case Study on the Permian Lucaogou Formation in the Jimsar Sag of the Junggar Basin, NW China
Authors: Liang Chenggang , Zhang Jinfeng , Zhu Jianjun , Wang Wei , Guo Haiping , Tan Qiang , Zhao Jun , Luo Hongcheng
Published: January 2023

Over the years, shale oil has been at the leading edge of oil exploration and also become the hotspot of reserve increases for various oil fields. The Permian Lucaogou Formation in the Jimsar Sag has been less extensively researched in terms of, among others, lithologic interpretation of fine-grained mixosedimentite, identification and classification of sedimentary microfacies, and sweet spot evaluation. The present study identifies the classification of sedimentary microfacies, characteristic distribution of sedimentary reservoir, and spatial configuration distribution of facies-controlled sweet spot body based on core logging, cutting logging, and data while drilling, combined with logging information, experimental analysis data, and production data with respect to formation test and production test and through the lithology identification based on element logging. This study indicated the following: 1) Microfacies of the reservoir body include a shallow lacustrine sand bar, mixing beach, and dolomitic flat. Different microfacies are adapted to different lithologies or lithological associations. 2) The lower sweet spots P2l12−3, P2l12−2, and P2l12−1 evolved into the dolomitic flat from mixing beach from NE to W. Also, the dolomitic flat is mostly developed in the west of the work area, and the mixing beach is better developed in the east. The shallow lacustrine sand bar is highly developed in the middle location, and the mixing beach and shallow lacustrine sand bar are highly developed on the northern and southern sides. 3) Sedimentary microfacies have evident controls over sweet spots. The upper sweet spots P2l22−3 and P2l22−2 are dominated by Class I sweet spots followed by Class II and IV sweet spots, which are major sweet spot reservoirs. The upper sweet spot P2l22−1 is mainly suffused with Class IV sweet spots, and the Class I reservoir is feldspathic litharenite (shallow lacustrine sand bar microfacies accordingly).
Pre-quake frequency characteristics of Ms ≥7.0 earthquakes in mainland China
Authors: Luo Guofu , Ding Fenghe , Ma Heqing , Yang Mingzhi
Published: January 2023

In this study, natural orthogonal expansion was performed on earthquake frequencies to compute the pre-quake frequency fields of 9 Ms ≥7.0 earthquakes in mainland China from 1980 to 2020. The temporal and spatial pre-quake anomalies of these earthquakes were extracted from their frequency fields. We found that the majority of pre-quake temporal anomalies (i.e., variations exceeding two-times the absolute mean square error) of a strong earthquake are condensed within the first four frequency fields, and typically comprise multiple components. The temporal factor of the first frequency field usually accounts for the largest proportion of these anomalies (40%–60% of the entire field). Most Ms ≥7.0 earthquakes exhibited long-term anomalies 5–8 years before their occurrence; some presented medium-term anomalies 1–2 years prior to the quake, and only a few presented short-term and imminent anomalies (≤3 months before the quake). Anomalous seismic hazard zones have high-gradient turning points in regional frequency-field contour maps, and the epicenters of strong earthquakes are often located in areas containing active faults that have contour values. Through the comparison of seismic frequency field and the traditional method of regional seismic activity frequency (3 months), it is shown that the frequency-field time factor has the advantages of diversified and rich abnormal information. The slope comparison between the frequency field and the cumulative frequency curve shows that the frequency anomaly time of the two is consistent, and the conclusion is reliable. Therefore, the seismic frequency method can predict the occurrence time and location of strong earthquakes, which is closer to the predictable seismic model.
Deep electrical structure of the hinterland of Yunkai magmatic arc in South China and the seismogenic environment of the 2019 Beiliu earthquake
Authors: Yan Chunheng , Li Sha , Zhou Bin , Zhan Yan , Sun Xiangyu , Liu Xuehua , Su Shan , Liang Fei , Zhao Lingqiang
Published: January 2023

The Yunkai Magmatic Arc (YKMA) is located southwest of the South China Block. It has experienced the amalgamation, splitting, and intracontinental orogeny caused by multistage tectonic thermal events. It is also a concentrated area of strong earthquakes in South China. On 12 October 2019, the Beiliu M5.2 earthquake occurred in the hinterland of the YKMA. To reveal the deep electrical structure of the YKMA and the seismogenic environment of the Beiliu earthquake, 101 high-quality data from the magnetotelluric (MT) survey points were acquired. The deep electrical structure images were obtained by three-dimensional electromagnetic inversion imaging. The results indicated that the deep part of the hinterland of the YKMA is characterized by a mushroom-shaped electrical structure composed of ultra-high resistance (R1, with a resistivity value exceeding 10,000 Ωm) and sub-high resistance (R2, with a resistivity value of about 1,000–10,000 Ωm) bodies. The epicenter of the Beiliu M5.2 earthquake was located in R1, close to the contact region between R1 and R2. There are broad low resistivity zones on the southeast and northwest sides of the YKMA. The low resistivity zones is considered to be correspond to the deep extension of the Wuchuan-Sihui and Hepu-Beiliu brittle-ductile shear zones, respectively. The brittle-ductile shearing of the boundary zones and the oblique upwelling of deep mantle-derived magma from the Leiqiong region are the main reasons for the activation of faults and the activity of moderate and strong earthquakes in the YKMA. In this geodynamic environment, local stress and strain accumulation easily occur in the brittle high resistivity body (R1). When the strain energy accumulation exceeded the threshold value that the rock could withstand, new fracture dislocations occurred in the weak region where R1 and R2 contact, which finally resulted in the 2019 Beiliu M5.2 earthquake.
Exploring factors that full-service school teachers believe disable their self-efficacy to teach in an inclusive education system
Authors: Van Staden-Payne Isabel , Nel Mirna
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Teachers’ sense of self-efficacy has been identified by research as a key factor in the successful implementation of inclusive education. This article reports on disabling factors in South Africa that are reportedly influencing inclusive Full-Service school (FSS) teachers’ sense of self-efficacy to implement inclusive education successfully.

Methodology

A qualitative study, using semi-structured individual and group interviews as well as collages, was employed.

Results

The findings revealed that the disabling factors included internal and external factors. Internal factors comprised a lack of knowledge and skills, including a lack of self-confidence, FSS teachers seeing themselves as a barrier, and physical and psychological problems. External factors were also identified. They are ineffective implementation of inclusive education, inadequate training, incompetent education department officials and managers, a lack of support from the education department, curriculum constraints, as well as disabling factors within the school system. Negative media perceptions were also mentioned.

Conclusion

It was concluded that it is important for the basic and higher education departments of education to be aware of the identified disabling factors and purposefully attempt to improve the external factors, while ensuring that FSS teachers’ capabilities are developed and sustained in in-service and pre-service teacher education. This could contribute to developing and improving their sense of self-efficacy.
Correlation study of male semen parameters and embryo aneuploidy in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy
Authors: Yang Hongyi , Liu Yan , Niu Wenbin , Yang Zilan , Wang Yang , Jin Haixia , Li Gang
Published: January 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of abnormal semen parameters on embryo aneuploidy based on single nucleotide polymorphism microarray (SNP array).

Methods

A total of 464 blastocysts from 103 PGT-A cycles were analyzed. The embryo quality and embryo aneuploidy rates were compared between different groups which divided by male semen parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DFI) according the WHO criteria (2021).

Results

The total blastocysts chromosome aneuploidy rate was 42.3% (191/452). In the teratozoospermia group, the good-quality embryo and blastocyst formation rate were lower than the normal group(44.4% vs 60.7%, P <0.01; 33.3% vs 43.5%, P <0.05), The good-quality embryo rate in normal DFI group was significantly higher than high-DFI group (59.0% vs 48.4%, P < 0.05). The blastocyst aneuploidy rate in low sperm concentration group, and high DFI group was no differences between with that in normal sperm concentration and DFI group (47.7% vs 37.8% and 44.7% vs 37.8%, P>0.05). The aneuploid rate of blastocyst in teratozoospermic and asthenozoospermia group was significantly higher than that of normal morphology and motility group (50.0% vs 34.0% and 46.7% vs 33.7%, P<0.05).

Conclusion

Our study revealed that sperm DFI were positively correlated with blastocyst aneuploidy rate, while sperm motility and sperm morphology rate were negatively correlated with blastocyst aneuploidy rate. Abnormal semen parameters may affect embryo quality and increase the aneuploidy rate of blastocyst chromosomes, suggesting that in clinical practice of assisted reproduction patients with abnormal semen parameters can be treated in advance to improve sperm quality, so as to reduce the impact on embryo quality and achieve a better pregnancy outcome.
Single cell cortical bone transcriptomics define novel osteolineage gene sets altered in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Agoro Rafiou , Nookaew Intawat , Noonan Megan L. , Marambio Yamil G. , Liu Sheng , Chang Wennan , Gao Hongyu , Hibbard Lainey M. , Metzger Corinne E. , Horan Daniel , Thompson William R. , Xuei Xiaoling , Liu Yunlong , Zhang Chi , Robling Alexander G. , Bonewald Lynda F. , Wan Jun , White Kenneth E.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Due to a lack of spatial-temporal resolution at the single cell level, the etiologies of the bone dysfunction caused by diseases such as normal aging, osteoporosis, and the metabolic bone disease associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain largely unknown.

Methods

To this end, flow cytometry and scRNAseq were performed on long bone cells from Sost-cre/Ai9+ mice, and pure osteolineage transcriptomes were identified, including novel osteocyte-specific gene sets.

Results

Clustering analysis isolated osteoblast precursors that expressed Tnc, Mmp13, and Spp1, and a mature osteoblast population defined by Smpd3, Col1a1, and Col11a1. Osteocytes were demarcated by Cd109, Ptprz1, Ramp1, Bambi, Adamts14, Spns2, Bmp2, WasI, and Phex. We validated our in vivo scRNAseq using integrative in vitro promoter occupancy via ATACseq coupled with transcriptomic analyses of a conditional, temporally differentiated MSC cell line. Further, trajectory analyses predicted osteoblast-to-osteocyte transitions via defined pathways associated with a distinct metabolic shift as determined by single-cell flux estimation analysis (scFEA). Using the adenine mouse model of CKD, at a time point prior to major skeletal alterations, we found that gene expression within all stages of the osteolineage was disturbed.

Conclusion

In sum, distinct populations of osteoblasts/osteocytes were defined at the single cell level. Using this roadmap of gene assembly, we demonstrated unrealized molecular defects across multiple bone cell populations in a mouse model of CKD, and our collective results suggest a potentially earlier and more broad bone pathology in this disease than previously recognized.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide attenuates HIF-1α activation and fibrosis in hypoxic adipose tissue via NAD+/SIRT1 axis
Authors: Wu Keke , Li Biao , Ma Yingxu , Tu Tao , Lin Qiuzhen , Zhu Jiayi , Zhou Yong , Liu Na , Liu Qiming
Published: January 2023

Background

Fibrosis is increasingly considered as a major contributor in adipose tissue dysfunction. Hypoxic activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) induces a profibrotic transcription, leading to adipose fibrosis. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a member of the vitamin B3 family, has been shown to relieve hepatic and cardiac fibrosis, but its effects on hypoxic adipose fibrosis and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. We aimed to elucidate the roles of NMN in regulating HIF-1α and fibrosis in hypoxic adipose tissue.

Methods

Mice were placed in a hypobaric chamber for four weeks to induce adipose fibrosis. NMN (500 mg/kg, every three days) was administered by intraperitoneal injection. In vitro, Stromal vascular fractions (SVF) cells were treated by hypoxia with or without NMN (200μM), sirtinol (25μM, a SIRT1 inhibitor) and CoCl2 (100μM, a HIF1α enhancer). The effects of NMN on hypoxia-associated adipose fibrosis, inflammation, NAD+/SIRT1 axis alteration, and HIF-1α activation were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blots, immunohistochemistry staining, immunoprecipitation, and assay kits.

Results

Mice placed in a hypoxic chamber for four weeks showed obvious adipose fibrosis and inflammation, which were attenuated by NMN. NMN also restore the compromised NAD+/SIRT1 axis and inhibited the activation of HIF-1α induced by hypoxia. In hypoxia-induced SVFs, the SIRT1 inhibitor sirtinol blocked the anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of NMN, upregulated the HIF-1α and its acetylation level. The HIF1α stabilizer CoCl2 showed similar effects as sirtinol.

Conclusion

NMN effectively attenuated HIF-1α activation-induced adipose fibrosis and inflammation by restoring the compromised NAD+/SIRT1 axis.
Arc fault detection on load-side based on sensitive features tracking
Authors: Wang Wei , Xu Bingyin , Yang Fan , Sun Zhongyu , Zou Guofeng
Published: January 2023

The detection of series arc faults using fault current is difficult to overcome the influence of load types, making it difficult to establish a unified fault detection criterion. In contrast, since the arc voltage waveform of fault point is less affected by the load types and is basically a square wave shape, which provide conditions for constructing a unified fault criterion. In terms of the fault information, the fault distortion point of voltage on load-side caused by the arc voltage transition edge provides the position information of the arc voltage transition edge, and its polarity, amplitude and rate of change make it possible to distinguish from the transition edge caused by normal harmonic voltage drop, which provide the theoretical basis for fault detection using the voltage on load-side. Based on the basic analysis of arc voltage waveform features, this paper proposes an arc fault detection method based on load-side voltage sensitive feature tracking for the purpose of identifying the existence of arc voltage transition edges. The method proposed in this paper highlights the transition edge by eliminating the fundamental wave component of the voltage on load-side, the phase areas where the fault distortion points may exist are used as the sensitive area for fault detection, and the identification and tracking of the transition edge is achieved based on the same direction of voltage change, finally, the presence of arc fault voltage is characterized through the polarity, amplitude and rate of transition edge by fusion. The detection method proposed in this paper has a clear physical meaning and has the advantage of being less affected by the load types. Compared with other similar methods, the method proposed in this paper has higher detection sensitivity and stronger ability to distinguish from voltage drop distortion. The experimental results show that the average detection accuracy of the proposed method for faults detection under various loads exceeds 96%, which verifies the effectiveness of the method.
A 2023 update on the performance of ionic-liquid proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells
Authors: East Allan L. L. , Nguyen Cuong M. , Hempelmann Rolf
Published: January 2023

A mini-review is provided of the literature concerning the performance of proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) containing (immobilized) ionic liquids as possible electrolytes, focusing on papers reporting performance metrics (power and current densities). For over a decade, and especially for combined heat and power applications, there has been a drive to design an ionic-liquid-holding membrane that could operate well under non-humidifying (water-free) conditions above 100°C. Such a goal has not yet been achieved: reported power densities are still below those of traditional low-temperature fuel cells. Other recent reviews have already pointed to three main issues: poor conductivity, poor cathode (oxygen-reduction) kinetics, and seepage of the liquid from the membrane. In this review, IL-PEMFCs are grouped into three IL classes (protic, aprotic, and polymerized), performance metric data are summarized, the cases producing the top ten peak power densities of the last 5 years are discussed, and the conductivity mechanisms of the leading cases are elucidated. Purely vehicular protic ILs appear to be too slow, and the trend toward enhanced Grotthuss H+ relays via polymerized ILs is revealed.
Numerical simulation of in-depth profile control for dispersed particle gel in heterogeneous reservoirs
Authors: Sun Gang , Li Peichao , Du Dongyuan , Song Ting , Lu Detang
Published: January 2023

Introduction: As a new agent of enhancing oil recovery, the dispersed particle gel (DPG) has been gradually used for in-depth profile control in mature oilfields. Many researchers investigated the preparation, profile control mechanism and application of DPG based on a series of laboratory experiments. However, few numerical studies have been carried out on profile control mechanism of DPG.

Methods: This paper proposes a novel mathematical model to proceed numerical simulation of profile control for DPG, considering DPG particles adsorption and weak shear thinning effects. The numerical codes are verified by the UTCHEM simulator.

Results and discussion: The effects of the DPG viscosity, the DPG concentration, the water saturation of high permeable regions and the permeability ratio between high and low permeable regions on decreasing the water-cut of producing well are studied. Simultaneously, this paper also investigates the influence of different mobility ratios between high and low permeable regions on water shutoff of DPG. The numerical simulation results show that the effects of DPG profile control become better as the DPG solution viscosity, the suspension concentration and the permeability ratio increase. But the increased water saturation of high permeable regions is not helpful to improve oil recovery. Water plugging effect of DPG becomes worse with increasing mobility ratio between different regions. According to comparison results between DPG profile control and polymer flooding, it is found that DPG profile control is more suitable for heterogeneous reservoirs. These findings are of benefit to guide the efficient field application of DPG profile control in heterogeneous reservoirs.
Premixed combustion and emission characteristics of methane diluted with ammonia under F-class gas turbine relevant operating condition
Authors: Zhang Yanfei , Zhao Dapeng , Li Qin , Huang Mingming , Hao Qing , Du Jianji , Song Yang , Ming Zhaoqing , Wang Jihang
Published: January 2023

Ammonia has been used on a small scale in other industrial equipment, such as gas turbines, as a carbon-free fuel. However, ammonia fuel suffers disadvantages such as high ignition temperature, low flame velocity and high NOx emissions. Doping with ammonia using a more reactive fuel, such as methane, can solve the above problems. Therefore, under the relevant operating conditions of the gas turbine (T = 723 K, p = 16.5 atm), the effect of ammonia content on the combustion and emission characteristics of laminar premixed methane flames was numerically investigated. This research uses the PREMIX code from ANSYS CHEMKIN-PRO 2020 and Okafor chemical kinetic mechanisms and provides a reference for our subsequent analysis of gas turbine operating conditions. Firstly, the emission data of major pollutants under different ammonia content (XNH3 = 0–1.0) and equivalent ratio (Φ = .6–1.4) were calculated. Then, the laminar premixed flame structure is analyzed under the lean fuel conditions associated with gas turbines (Φ = .6, .8). Finally, the effect of ammonia addition on the chemical reaction path of NO and CO emission was studied. The results show that ammonia/methane mixture fuel is more suitable for combustion at .6 < Φ < .8 under high temperature and pressure. High ammonia content (XNH3 > .6) and low equivalent ratio can reduce NO and CO emissions. The molar fractions of H, O, and OH radicals and flame temperature decreased with the increase in ammonia content. In addition, high temperature and high pressure conditions and ammonia content greatly influence the reaction path of NO and CO production. The increase in pressure resulted in a change in the primary reaction that produced NO. In conclusion, this study guides reducing the emission of NO and CO from lean side of gas turbine plants.
Unraveling the supply-service relationship between high-speed railway and conventional railway: A temporal perspective
Authors: Zhang Guangxia , Liu Yanfang , Jing Ying , Chen Huiting , Wang Yiheng , Wang Zhengyu
Published: January 2023

With the rapid development of high-speed railway (HSR), many scholars have studied the competition between HSR and aviation or inter-city coach, but few studies have discussed the supply-service relationship within the railway system. This paper explores the competition and cooperation between HSR and conventional railway (CR) at the city-pair level of 39 core cities in China from the temporal perspective. Comprehensive considering the departure time and arrival time between city pairs as the representation of train service quality, we find that the proportion of superior quality service of high-speed train (HST) is far higher than that of conventional train (CT). However, the time slots representing the competition degree show that CR with fewer superior quality trains is easier to be replaced than HSR. The supply-service relationships of the railway system indicate that HSR has become the main transportation mode between core cities, and the CR, as an auxiliary transportation, shows a certain complementary effect in the temporal perspective. Spatially, HSR and CR services are more likely to generate temporal competition on the mainline, but temporal complementarity between city pairs on non-arterial lines. This study can provide inspiration for regional spatial planning by better understanding the operation strategy of railway passenger transport system.
Analysis of the differences in green farming behavior of operating agents in grassland pastoral areas
Authors: Xue Fang , Gao Bo , Qiao Guanghua , Wen Lu
Published: January 2023

Green farming is the inevitable path to solving the problem of pasture ecological protection and a fundamental guarantee to realize the high-quality development of grassland animal husbandry. This study explores the differences in green farming behaviors of different operating agents in grassland pastoral areas. The mechanism of the formation of the differences is based on 274 working agents’ survey data from Xilin Gol league pastoral areas in Inner Mongolia, China, by constructing the Logit model and Fairlie decomposition method. The results show that family ranch is the primary operating agent of green farming in China’s grassland pastoral areas. The green farming behavior is 2.115 times more extreme than that of traditional pastoralists. Differences in the intensity of green farming behavior of the operating agents were significantly and positively correlated with differences in their ecological consciousness and differences in resource endowment. Differences in ecological consciousness and participation in training were the key factors contributing to the differences in the intensity of green farming behavior among the operators, with ecological consciousness contributing 51.34% and participation in training contributing 46.65% to the differences in the intensity of green farming behaviors. Therefore, to enhance the effective transformation of traditional pastoralists’ green farming behavior, we should guide them to raise ecological consciousness, focus on the role of resource endowment, and gradually form a new grassland animal husbandry development where green farming behavior fully landed.
Genome-wide analysis of Hsp40 and Hsp70 gene family in four cotton species provides insights into their involvement in response to Verticillium dahliae and abiotic stress
Authors: Zhou Xin , Su Ling , Tang Rui , Dong Yuxuan , Wang Fei , Li Rong , Xie Quanliang , Zhang Xianliang , Xiao Guanghui , Li Hongbin
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Cotton is an important economic crop to provide natural fibers as raw materials to textile industry, and is significantly affected by biotic and abiotic stress during the whole growth stage, in which Verticillium wilt (VW) caused by Verticillium dahliae is one of the most destructive disease to lead to a significant yield reduction. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are important molecular chaperones, and play crucial roles in plant growth, development, resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Hsp40 and Hsp70 are two key Hsps in cell chaperone network, however, the function and regulatory mechanism of Hsp40 and Hsp70 members in VW resistance and abiotic stress in cotton are largely unknown.

Methods and Results: Herein, a systematic and comprehensive analysis of Hsp40s and Hsp70s in four cotton species of Gossypium arboretum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense were performed. A total of 291 Hsp40s and 171 Hsp70s identified in four Gossypium species. Sequence analysis revealed that all Hsp40 proteins contained J domain that provides the binding sites to Hsp70. Protein-protein interaction prediction analysis displayed that GhHsp40-55 might interact with GhHsp70-2 and GhHsp70-13, suggesting their potential function as protein complex. Promoter cis-acting element analysis demonstrated that multiple cis-elements related to disease and stress response consists in GhHsp40 and GhHsp70 promoters. Further expression analysis showed that eight GhHsp40s (Hsp40-2,4,8,11,20,23,53,55) and seven GhHsp70s (Hsp70-2,3,6,8,13,19,22) were up-regulated after V. dahliae infection. In addition, five GhHsp40s (Hsp40-2,8,11,53,55) and four GhHsp70s (Hsp70-3,6,8,13) were up-regulated after salt treatment, six GhHsp40s (Hsp40-4,11,20,23) and three GhHsp70s (Hsp70-2,8,19) were up-regulated after drought treatment, four GhHsp40s (Hsp40-2,11,20,23) and four GhHsp70s (Hsp70-3,6,19,22) were up-regulated after temperature treatment, suggesting these Hsps have possible important function in the process of abiotic stress response.

Discussion: Our results lay a foundation for understanding the function of Hsp40 and Hsp70 in the resistance against V. dahliae and abiotic stress, and elucidating the regulatory mechanism of the protein complex, evolution and molecular mechanism under stress.
Quantitative plasma proteomics identifies metallothioneins as a marker of acute-on-chronic liver failure associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Acharya Pragyan , Saha Rohini , Quadri Javed Ahsan , Sarwar Saba , Khan Maroof Ahmad , Sati Hem Chandra , Gauniyal Nidhi , Shariff Ahmadullah , Swaroop Shekhar , Pathak Piyush , Shalimar
Published: January 2023

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) considerably increases the risk of short-term mortality in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) but predicting AKI is not possible with existing tools. Our study aimed at de novo discovery of AKI biomarkers in ACLF.

Methods

This observational study had two phases- (A) Discovery phase in which quantitative proteomics was carried-out with day-of-admission plasma from ACLF patients who initially had no-AKI but either progressed to AKI (n=10) or did not (n=9) within 7 days of admission and, (B) Validation phase in which selected biomarkers from the discovery phase were validated by ELISA in a larger set of ACLF plasma samples (n=93) followed by sub-group analyses.

Results

Plasma proteomics revealed 56 differentially expressed proteins in ACLF patients who progressed to AKI vs those who did not. The metallothionein protein-family was upregulated in patients who progressed to AKI and was validated by ELISA as significantly elevated in both- (i) ACLF-AKI vs no-AKI (p-value ≤ 0.0001) and (ii) progression to AKI vs no-progression to AKI (p-value ≤ 0.001). AUROC for AKI vs no-AKI was 0.786 (p-value ≤0.001) and for progression to AKI vs no-progression to AKI was 0.7888 (p-value ≤0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that ACLF patients with plasma MT concentration >5.83 ng/mL had a high probability of developing AKI by day 7 (p-value ≤0.0001). High expression of metallothionein genes was found in post-mortem liver biopsies of ACLF patients.

Conclusion

Day-of-admission measurements of plasma metallothionein can act as predictive biomarkers of AKI in ACLF.
Exposed seronegative: Cellular immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in the absence of seroconversion
Authors: Jay Cecilia , Ratcliff Jeremy , Turtle Lance , Goulder Philip , Klenerman Paul
Published: January 2023

The factors determining whether infection will occur following exposure to SARS-CoV-2 remain elusive. Certain SARS-CoV-2-exposed individuals mount a specific T-cell response but fail to seroconvert, representing a population that may provide further clarity on the nature of infection susceptibility and correlates of protection against SARS-CoV-2. Exposed seronegative individuals have been reported in patients exposed to the blood-borne pathogens Human Immunodeficiency virus and Hepatitis C virus and the sexually transmitted viruses Hepatitis B virus and Herpes Simplex virus. By comparing the quality of seronegative T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 with seronegative cellular immunity to these highly divergent viruses, common patterns emerge that offer insights on the role of cellular immunity against infection. For both SARS-CoV-2 and Hepatitis C, T-cell responses in exposed seronegatives are consistently higher than in unexposed individuals, but lower than in infected, seropositive patients. Durability of T-cell responses to Hepatitis C is dependent upon repeated exposure to antigen – single exposures do not generate long-lived memory T-cells. Finally, exposure to SARS-CoV-2 induces varying degrees of immune activation, suggesting that exposed seronegative individuals represent points on a spectrum rather than a discrete group. Together, these findings paint a complex landscape of the nature of infection but provide clues as to what may be protective early on in SARS-CoV-2 disease course. Further research on this phenomenon, particularly through cohort studies, is warranted.
Mathematical modelling of the waning of anti-RBD IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers after a two-dose BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination
Authors: Cimas Francisco J. , Torres Javier , Ontañón Jesús , de Cabo Carlos , Lozano Julia , Requena María Ángeles , Blas Joaquín , Rodríguez-García José Luis , Mas Antonio , Solera Javier
Published: January 2023

Background

After exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and/or vaccination there is an increase in serum antibody titers followed by a non-linear waning. Our aim was to find out if this waning of antibody titers would fit to a mathematical model.

Methods

We analyzed anti-RBD (receptor binding domain) IgG antibody titers and the breakthrough infections over a ten-month period following the second dose of the mRNA BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNtech.) vaccine, in a cohort of 54 health-care workers (HCWs) who were either never infected with SARS-CoV-2 (naïve, nHCW group, n=27) or previously infected with the virus (experienced, eHCW group, n=27). Two mathematical models, exponential and power law, were used to quantify antibody waning kinetics, and we compared the relative quality of the goodness of fit to the data between both models was compared using the Akaik Information Criterion.

Results

We found that the waning slopes were significantly more pronounced for the naïve when compared to the experienced HCWs in exponential (p-value: 1.801E-9) and power law (p-value: 9.399E-13) models. The waning of anti-RBD IgG antibody levels fitted significantly to both exponential (average-R2: 0.957 for nHCW and 0.954 for eHCW) and power law (average-R2: 0.991 for nHCW and 0.988 for eHCW) models, with a better fit to the power law model. In the nHCW group, titers would descend below an arbitrary 1000-units threshold at a median of 210.6 days (IQ range: 74.2). For the eHCW group, the same risk threshold would be reached at 440.0 days (IQ range: 135.2) post-vaccination.

Conclusion

Two parsimonious models can explain the anti-RBD IgG antibody titer waning after vaccination. Regardless of the model used, eHCWs have lower waning slopes and longer persistence of antibody titers than nHCWs. Consequently, personalized vaccination booster schedules should be implemented according to the individual persistence of antibody levels.
Caspase-11 promotes high-fat diet-induced NAFLD by increasing glycolysis, OXPHOS, and pyroptosis in macrophages
Authors: Drummer Charles , Saaoud Fatma , Jhala Nirag C. , Cueto Ramon , Sun Yu , Xu Keman , Shao Ying , Lu Yifan , Shen Huimin , Yang Ling , Zhou Yan , Yu Jun , Wu Sheng , Snyder Nathaniel W. , Hu Wenhui , Zhuo Jia ‘Joe’ , Zhong Yinghui , Jiang Xiaohua , Wang Hong , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a global prevalence of 25% of the population and is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD ranges from simple steatosis (non-alcoholic fatty liver) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Hepatic macrophages, specifically Kupffer cells (KCs) and monocyte-derived macrophages, act as key players in the progression of NAFLD. Caspases are a family of endoproteases that provide critical connections to cell regulatory networks that sense disease risk factors, control inflammation, and mediate inflammatory cell death (pyroptosis). Caspase-11 can cleave gasdermin D (GSDMD) to induce pyroptosis and specifically defends against bacterial pathogens that invade the cytosol. However, it’s still unknown whether high fat diet (HFD)-facilitated gut microbiota-generated cytoplasmic lipopolysaccharides (LPS) activate caspase-11 and promote NAFLD.

Methods

To examine this hypothesis, we performed liver pathological analysis, RNA-seq, FACS, Western blots, Seahorse mitochondrial stress analyses of macrophages and bone marrow transplantation on HFD-induced NAFLD in WT and Casp11–/– mice.

Results and Discussion

Our results showed that 1) HFD increases body wight, liver wight, plasma cholesterol levels, liver fat deposition, and NAFLD activity score (NAS score) in wild-type (WT) mice; 2) HFD increases the expression of caspase-11, GSDMD, interleukin-1β, and guanylate-binding proteins in WT mice; 3) Caspase-11 deficiency decreases fat liver deposition and NAS score; 4) Caspase-11 deficiency decreases bone marrow monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) pyroptosis (inflammatory cell death) and inflammatory monocyte (IM) surface GSDMD expression; 5) Caspase-11 deficiency re-programs liver transcriptomes and reduces HFD-induced NAFLD; 6) Caspase-11 deficiency decreases extracellular acidification rates (glycolysis) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in inflammatory fatty acid palmitic acid-stimulated macrophages, indicating that caspase-11 significantly contributes to maintain dual fuel bioenergetics—glycolysis and OXPHOS for promoting pyroptosis in macrophages. These results provide novel insights on the roles of the caspase-11-GSDMD pathway in promoting hepatic macrophage inflammation and pyroptosis and novel targets for future therapeutic interventions involving the transition of NAFLD to NASH, hyperlipidemia, type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, metabolically healthy obesity, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, liver transplantation, and hepatic cancers.
Regulation of mRNA stability contributes to the function of innate lymphoid cells in various diseases
Authors: Deng Yuanyu , Shi Saiyu , Luo Jie , Zhang Yiwei , Dong Hui , Wang Xian , Zhou Jian , Wei Zhiyuan , Li Jiahui , Xu Chen , Xu Shuai , Sun Yi , Ni Bing , Wu Yuzhang , Yang Di , Han Chao , Tian Yi
Published: January 2023

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are important subsets of innate immune cells that regulate mucosal immunity. ILCs include natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells-1 (ILC1s), ILC2s, and ILC3s, which have extremely important roles in the immune system. In this review, we summarize the regulation of mRNA stability mediated through various factors in ILCs (e.g., cytokines, RNA-binding proteins, non-coding RNAs) and their roles in mediating functions in different ILC subsets. In addition, we discuss potential therapeutic targets for diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis by regulation of mRNA stability in ILCs, which may provide novel directions for future clinical research.
Extensive blood transcriptome analysis reveals cellular signaling networks activated by circulating glycocalyx components reflecting vascular injury in COVID-19
Authors: Borrmann Melanie , Brandes Florian , Kirchner Benedikt , Klein Matthias , Billaud Jean-Noël , Reithmair Marlene , Rehm Markus , Schelling Gustav , Pfaffl Michael W. , Meidert Agnes S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Degradation of the endothelial protective glycocalyx layer during COVID-19 infection leads to shedding of major glycocalyx components. These circulating proteins and their degradation products may feedback on immune and endothelial cells and activate molecular signaling cascades in COVID-19 associated microvascular injury. To test this hypothesis, we measured plasma glycocalyx components in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection of variable disease severity and identified molecular signaling networks activated by glycocalyx components in immune and endothelial cells.

Methods

We studied patients with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia, patients with COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and healthy controls (wildtype, n=20 in each group) and measured syndecan-1, heparan sulfate and hyaluronic acid. The in-silico construction of signaling networks was based on RNA sequencing (RNAseq) of mRNA transcripts derived from blood cells and of miRNAs isolated from extracellular vesicles from the identical cohort. Differentially regulated RNAs between groups were identified by gene expression analysis. Both RNAseq data sets were used for network construction of circulating glycosaminoglycans focusing on immune and endothelial cells.

Results

Plasma concentrations of glycocalyx components were highest in COVID-19 ARDS. Hyaluronic acid plasma levels in patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia who later developed ARDS during hospital treatment (n=8) were significantly higher at hospital admission than in patients with an early recovery. RNAseq identified hyaluronic acid as an upregulator of TLR4 in pneumonia and ARDS. In COVID-19 ARDS, syndecan-1 increased IL-6, which was significantly higher than in pneumonia. In ARDS, hyaluronic acid activated NRP1, a co-receptor of activated VEGFA, which is associated with pulmonary vascular hyperpermeability and interacted with VCAN (upregulated), a proteoglycan important for chemokine communication.

Conclusions

Circulating glycocalyx components in COVID-19 have distinct biologic feedback effects on immune and endothelial cells and result in upregulation of key regulatory transcripts leading to further immune activation and more severe systemic inflammation. These consequences are most pronounced during the early hospital phase of COVID-19 before pulmonary failure develops. Elevated levels of circulating glycocalyx components may early identify patients at risk for microvascular injury and ARDS. The timely inhibition of glycocalyx degradation could provide a novel therapeutic approach to prevent the development of ARDS in COVID-19.