bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
H3 histone methylation landscape in male urogenital cancers: from molecular mechanisms to epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets
Authors: Burlibasa Liliana , Nicu Alina-Teodora , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen , Medar Cosmin , Petrescu Amelia , Jinga Viorel , Stoica Ileana
Published: May 2023

During the last decades, male urogenital cancers (including prostate, renal, bladder and testicular cancers) have become one of the most frequently encountered malignancies affecting all ages. While their great variety has promoted the development of various diagnosis, treatment and monitoring strategies, some aspects such as the common involvement of epigenetic mechanisms are still not elucidated. Epigenetic processes have come into the spotlight in the past years as important players in the initiation and progression of tumors, leading to a plethora of studies highlighting their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and even as therapeutic targets. Thus, fostering research on the various epigenetic mechanisms and their roles in cancer remains a priority for the scientific community. This review focuses on one of the main epigenetic mechanisms, namely, the methylation of the histone H3 at various sites and its involvement in male urogenital cancers. This histone modification presents a great interest due to its modulatory effect on gene expression, leading either to activation (e.g., H3K4me3, H3K36me3) or repression (e.g., H3K27me3, H3K9me3). In the last few years, growing evidence has demonstrated the aberrant expression of enzymes that methylate/demethylate histone H3 in cancer and inflammatory diseases, that might contribute to the initiation and progression of such disorders. We highlight how these particular epigenetic modifications are emerging as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or targets for the treatment of urogenital cancers.
Staphylococcus aureus persisters are associated with reduced clearance in a catheter-associated biofilm infection
Authors: Theis Trenten J. , Daubert Trevor A. , Kluthe Kennedy E. , Brodd Kenan L. , Nuxoll Austin S.
Published: May 2023

Background

Staphylococcus aureus causes a wide variety of infections, many of which are chronic or relapsing in nature. Antibiotic therapy is often ineffective against S. aureus biofilm-mediated infections. Biofilms are difficult to treat partly due to their tolerance to antibiotics, however the underlying mechanism responsible for this remains unknown. One possible explanation is the presence of persister cells—dormant-like cells that exhibit tolerance to antibiotics. Recent studies have shown a connection between a fumC (fumarase C, a gene in the tricarboxylic acid cycle) knockout strain and increased survival to antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides, and in a Drosophila melanogaster model.

Objective

It remained unclear whether a S. aureus high persister strain would have a survival advantage in the presence of innate and adaptive immunity. To further investigate this, a fumC knockout and wild type strains were examined in a murine catheter-associated biofilm model.

Results

Interestingly, mice struggled to clear both S. aureus wild type and the fumC knockout strains. We reasoned both biofilm-mediated infections predominantly consisted of persister cells. To determine the persister cell population within biofilms, expression of a persister cell marker (Pcap5A::dsRED) in a biofilm was examined. Cell sorting of biofilms challenged with antibiotics revealed cells with intermediate and high expression of cap5A had 5.9-and 4.5-fold higher percent survival compared to cells with low cap5A expression. Based on previous findings that persisters are associated with reduced membrane potential, flow cytometry analysis was used to examine the metabolic state of cells within a biofilm. We confirmed cells within biofilms had reduced membrane potential compared to both stationary phase cultures (2.5-fold) and exponential phase cultures (22.4-fold). Supporting these findings, cells within a biofilm still exhibited tolerance to antibiotic challenge following dispersal of the matrix through proteinase K.

Conclusion

Collectively, these data show that biofilms are largely comprised of persister cells, and this may explain why biofilm infections are often chronic and/or relapsing in clinical settings.
Effectiveness of electronic patient reporting outcomes, by a digital telemonitoring platform, for prostate cancer care: the Protecty study
Authors: Helissey C. , Parnot C. , Rivière C. , Duverger C. , Schernberg A. , Becherirat S. , Picchi H. , Le Roy A. , Vuagnat P. , Pristavu R. , Vanquaethem H. , Brureau L.
Published: May 2023

Research aim and purpose

The benefits of Electronic Patient -Reported Outcomes (e-PRO) for telemonitoring are well established, allowing early detection of illnesses and continuous monitoring of patients. The primary objective of the PROTECTY study was to assess the compliance with patient use of the telemonitoring platform Cureety. An exploratory objective was to assess if the first-month health status is a prognostic factor of progression free-survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for prostate cancer patient.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted at the Military Hospital Bégin on prostate cancer patients. Patients were allowed to respond to a symptomatology questionnaire based on CTCAE v.5.0, personalized to their pathology and treatment. An algorithm evaluates the health status of the patient based on the reported adverse events, with a classification into 2 different states: Good Health Status (GHS) and Poor Health status (PHS).

Results

Sixty-one patients were enrolled between July 1st, 2020 and September 30th, 2021. The median age was 74.0 (range 58.0–94.0). 78% presented a metastatic stage, and the most represented cancer was mHSPC. Overall, 2,457 questionnaires were completed by the patients, 4.0% resulted in a health classification in to monitor or critical state. 87% of patients were classified in the GHS group. The compliance was 72% in the overall population during the first month, 71% in GHS group and 75% in PHS group. The median follow-up was 8 months. PFS at 6 months was 84% in GHS group vs. 57% in PHS group, p = 0.19. OS at 6 months was 98% in GHS group vs. 83% in PHS group, p = 0.31.

Conclusions

Our study showed that compliance was satisfactory. The feasibility of remote monitoring for prostate cancer patients means that they should benefit from its implementation. Our study is also the first to assess the correlation between treatment tolerance and survival. The initial results suggest that e-PRO assessment could help identify in the early stages the patients that require further health assessment and potential therapeutic changes. While further follow-up of more patients will be required, our study highlights the importance of e-PRO in cancer patient care.
Aerosol indirect effects on orographic clouds and precipitation
Authors: Chavez Steven P. , Barros Ana P.
Published: May 2023

The sensitivity of warm orographic cloud development to aerosol indirect effects was investigated through aerosol-aware Weather Research and Forecast model simulations contrasting aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions using the default (generic) aerosol and regional aerosol measurements from the Integrated Precipitation and Hydrology Experiment in the Southern Appalachian Mountains for three rainfall events: 1) enhanced local convection; 2) a frontal system, and 3) a tropical system. Using the regional aerosol activation spectrum yields higher number of drops than using the default, smaller cloud droplets and delayed rainfall onset under weak synoptic forcing conditions. Evaluation against aircraft measurements in isolated convective clouds reveals that while the model microphysics falls short of reproducing the vertical structure of nonprecipitating clouds, the liquid water content, and the concentration of cloud droplets near cloud base are in keeping with observations. The simulated cloud vertical structure shows the regional signature of orographic enhancement over the mountains vis-a-vis the adjacent plains. In the inner region, valley-ridge circulations organize the spatial patterns of cloudiness under weak synoptic forcing. The formation of early afternoon low-level clouds over the ridges in the summertime reflects the aerosol indirect effect. By contrast, for large-scale systems with strong and sustained moisture convergence at low levels (frontal and tropical systems), mechanically forced rainfall efficiency is enhanced, there is no delay in the onset of precipitation, and the aerosol indirect effect is negligible. This study shows that the impact of aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions on the spatial variability of orographic rainfall is conditional on weather regime.
Methodological estimation to quantify drought intensity based on the NDDI index with Landsat 8 multispectral images in the central zone of the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Salas-Martínez Fernando , Valdés-Rodríguez Ofelia Andrea , Palacios-Wassenaar Olivia Margarita , Márquez-Grajales Aldo , Rodríguez-Hernández Leonardo Daniel
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Drought is a slow evolution phenomenon drastically affecting the environment and human activities. Nowadays, there are several indices to study drought. They can be based on in-site measurements of meteorological stations or remote perception data. However, Mexico’s number of functioning meteorological stations from the National Meteorological Service (NMS) is steadily decreasing. Nevertheless, the NMS reports drought conditions through the Mexican Drought Monitor (MDM), which uses different methods to estimate drought levels. These reports are provided every 15 days for each municipality. However, the methods the NMS utilizes are unknown to the general public. Thus, in-situ studies which try to estimate drought are limited by the MDM data constrictions. Consequently, remote perception is an alternative to solve the lack of stations and the MDM data restrictions, depending on the region. Therefore, this research aims to: 1) Develop a methodology to quantify drought intensity based on the Normalized Difference Drought Index (NDDI) with Landsat 8 multispectral images in the municipalities of the central zone of the Gulf of Mexico for drought and no drought periods. 2) Analyze and compare the NDDI behavior against the MDM from the NMS during the same periods.

Methods: The methodology consisted of estimating the NDDI by using Landsat 8 multispectral images. Further on, NDDI drought values were compared with the MDM.

Results: Results showed that NDDI values increase from July to October during a drought period, coinciding with months when precipitation is low, and temperature is high. Additionally, it was found that the NDDI coincides with the MDM data in 46% of the municipalities having drought conditions when temperatures increased 2.1°C and precipitations decreased by 668 mm. Furthermore, the NDDI coincided in 16% of the municipalities during no drought periods with the maximum increases in temperatures at 1.4°C and precipitation reduced by 386 mm.

Discussion: The NDDI estimated by Landsat 8 images can determine drought behavior in the study zone during periods with limited reduced precipitation and temperature increases.
Hydrocarbon potential assessment of the lacustrine fan delta reservoirs in the Lower Cretaceous syn-rift Xing’anling Formation in the Beier Sag, Hailar Basin, Northeast China
Authors: Cui Xin , Li Jianghai , Jiang Hongfu , Yan Hongxing , Qi Qingpeng
Published: May 2023

Efficient exploration and development of oil and gas resources in complex geological environments continue to pose significant challenges for the energy industry. The localization and extraction of reservoirs in basins with complex structures, developed faults, and scattered sedimentary sand bodies are topics of international interest. One such basin, the Hailar Basin in northeastern China, represents a complex geological environment with heterogeneous distributions of oil and gas reserves, along with variable reservoir conditions, leading to challenges in hydrocarbon exploration and extraction. The Sudeert oil field, situated within this basin, is known for its high productivity; nevertheless, the underlying factors responsible for its success are not yet fully comprehended. Based on seismic, logging, and core data from the Sudeert oil field, as well as previous research, this study comprehensively analyzed the sedimentary environment, sedimentary facies characteristics, sand body distribution patterns, vertical stacking relationships of sand bodies, and hydrocarbon accumulation potential of the oil reservoirs in the Lower Cretaceous Xing’anling Formation in the Sudeert oil field. The Xing’anling Formation I and II oil reservoirs are deposited in a fan-delta front sedimentary environment, and the sedimentary microfacies that are conducive to the development of reservoir sand bodies include underwater distributary channels, underwater natural levees, estuary dams, front silt beds, and turbidite sands. Among them, the underwater distributary channel microfacies is the main depositional facies for the development of reservoir sand bodies. Three major depositional patterns of fan lobes can be identified within this depositional system: 1) isolated, 2) contact, and 3) superimposed lobes. Different combinations of lobes developed in different blocks and resulted in different sand body depositional patterns. The isolated lobes mainly developed in the western oil-producing (B28 block) due to the scarcity of sand and slowly increasing accommodation space. The contact lobes mainly developed in the central oil-producing block (B14 block) due to sufficient sediment supply and steadily increasing accommodation space across a wide area. The superimposed lobes mainly developed in the southeast oil-producing block (B16 block) due to sufficient sediment input and steadily increasing accommodation space within a restricted area. In the whole study area, the superimposed lobe pattern is the most favorable depositional pattern and forms the highest-quality reservoirs because of the high degree of sand body connectivity. These results also highlight the utility of sedimentary patterns and sand body assemblage studies for the oil exploration and development of similar rifted basins.
Evaluation of shear strength parameters of sustainable utilization of scrap tires derived geo-materials for civil engineering applications
Authors: Amin Hamza , Khan Beenish Jehan , Ahmad Mahmood , Hakamy Ahmad , Sikandar Muhammad Ali , Sabri Sabri Mohanad Muayad
Published: May 2023

The devastation caused by the illegal dumping and burning of tires has been staggering. In civil engineering, using tires engineering properties has become a major concern. For this investigation, the research used locally sourced tire chips and sand. Using tire chips sand as an alternative backfill material requires less pressure and has more improved properties than traditional backfill. Four specimens were utilized in this experiment: pure sand and sand mixtures containing 20%, 30%, and 40% tire chips, respectively. Both the Direct Shear and Triaxial Apparatus, two of the most important geotechnical tools, were used to compare and evaluate the shear properties of soil and sand tire chips. 50, 100, and 150 kPa Confining pressure and normal stress have been utilized to maintain a consistent stress level. Direct shear apparatus had a circular shape with an area of 16.62 cm2 and Triaxial shear apparatus had a height of 7.2 cm and a diameter of 3.2 cm. The stress-strain behavior of both apparatuses under ordinary loading and deviatoric stress was reported. The angles of internal friction (Φ′) and cohesion (c′) were measured for both equipment and specimens with and without tire chips, and the failure planes for direct shear and triaxial tests were reported. In both the direct and triaxial shear tests, 30% of the tire chips sand exhibit the best results, respectively. The addition of tire chips may significantly improve the toughness of the soil.
Fatty acids, alkanones and alcohols from a major lower Triassic low-permeability petroleum reservoir
Authors: Cesar Jaime , Robinson Rachel , Naeher Sebastian , Milovic Marina , H. Ardakani Omid
Published: May 2023

For the first time, polar organic compounds in extracted bitumen from the Lower Triassic Montney Formation have been analyzed. This stratigraphic unit is one of the most prolific low-permeability reservoirs in Western Canada. However, its organic geochemical characterization is a challenge due to low biomarker concentration in the liquids and frequent mixing of gas/condensate hydrocarbons. Since typical biomarkers were not available, this study focused on another group of molecules, polar oxygen-compounds, which were derivatized and subsequently resolved using chromatographic techniques. In the polar fractions, based on their contrasting molecular distributions, n-fatty acids and alkan-2-ones do not seem to share a common origin and do not have an apparent association with the n-alkanes. This study is also the first report of 1,13-, 1,14- and 1,15-diols in fossil organic matter; and in carbon number ranges of C15-C29, C16-C29 and C17-C29 respectively. The similar distributions of 1,14- 1,15-diols suggests a common origin for these compound classes, whereas theand 1,13-diols seem to derive from a different source or mechanism. A series of alkan-3-ols has also been identified in the C12-C28 range, sharing a common distribution pattern with the n-fatty acids. The large variability detected in the molecular distribution of oxygen-containing aliphatic compounds introduces the question whether they may record a geochemical signature that precedes thermal degradation and hydrocarbon migration events within Montney reservoirs.
Sm-Nd isotopic constraints on the metadolerite dykes from Western Dharwar Craton, Southern India: implications on the evolution of Archean subcontinental lithospheric mantle
Authors: Silpa A. S. , Satish-Kumar M. , Takahashi T. , Kamei A.
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Metadolerite dykes in the Western Dharwar Craton represent the oldest generation of mafic dyke swarms in the craton. The emplacement of these dykes after a period of crust building activity and komatiite volcanism, helps to understand the evolution of Subcontinental Lithospheric Mantle (SCLM) and Archean dynamics.

Methods: We report whole rock major, trace element geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotope characteristics for this weakly metamorphosed suite of dykes. Remnant igneous textures and mineralogy are well preserved.

Results: The trace and rare earth element concentrations and an overall flat pattern suggests depleted mantle source for these dykes. Three groups are primarily identified: Group one with initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios varying between 0.70041 and 0.70102, Group two dykes and Group three dykes with initial ratios 0.70045–0.70154, and 0.70041–0.70153 respectively. Group one dykes show a good Rb-Sr isochron relationship and an errorchron age of ca. 3,003 ± 102 Ma is obtained. The initial 143Nd/144Nd ratios varies from 0.508,245 to 0.509,172. The epsilon Nd values are mostly negative, ranging between −12 and +5. Group one and two show an epsilon Nd value ranging between −1 and +5 and 0.1 to +5 respectively and group three varies between −0.5 and −12.

Discussion: The geochemical characteristics suggest that the group one dykes are derived from a homogenous depleted SCLM source, group two formed by a lower degree of partial melting of a source mantle with enriched components. Group three may have formed from a progressively enriched group one source. All these dykes can be considered as exposed remnants of feeders for the greenstone volcanism in the Western Dharwar Craton.
Volcanic earthquake catalog enhancement using integrated detection, matched-filtering, and relocation tools
Authors: Tan Darren , Fee David , Hotovec-Ellis Alicia J. , Pesicek Jeremy D. , Haney Matthew M. , Power John A. , Girona Társilo
Published: May 2023

Volcanic earthquake catalogs are an essential data product used to interpret subsurface volcanic activity and forecast eruptions. Advances in detection techniques (e.g., matched-filtering, machine learning) and relative relocation tools have improved catalog completeness and refined event locations. However, most volcano observatories have yet to incorporate these techniques into their catalog-building workflows. This is due in part to complexities in operationalizing, automating, and calibrating these techniques in a satisfactory way for disparate volcano networks and their varied seismicity. In an effort to streamline the integration of catalog-enhancing tools at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), we have integrated four popular open-source tools: REDPy, EQcorrscan, HypoDD, and GrowClust. The combination of these tools offers the capability of adding seismic event detections and relocating events in a single workflow. The workflow relies on a combination of standard triggering and cross-correlation clustering (REDPy) to consolidate representative templates used in matched-filtering (EQcorrscan). The templates and their detections are then relocated using the differential time methods provided by HypoDD and/or GrowClust. Our workflow also provides codes to incorporate campaign data at appropriate junctures, and calculate magnitude and frequency index for valid events. We apply this workflow to three datasets: the 2012–2013 seismic swarm sequence at Mammoth Mountain (California), the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano (Alaska), and the 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano (Alaska); and compare our results with previous studies at each volcano. In general, our workflow provides a significant increase in the number of events and improved locations, and we relate the event clusters and temporal progressions to relevant volcanic activity. We also discuss workflow implementation best practices, particularly in applying these tools to sparse volcano seismic networks. We envision that our workflow and the datasets presented here will be useful for detailed volcano analyses in monitoring and research efforts.
Geochronology and geochemistry of the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Sangxiu Formation volcanic rocks of the Chegu region, Southern Tibet
Authors: Wu Feng , Wang Lixin , Huo Zhitao , Liao Jia , Tang Yao , Yang Tao , Li Xin , Wang Shijie , Xiao Hongji , Cao Binhua
Published: May 2023

The evolution patterns of the Neo-Tethys Himalayas have been a major topic of research, particularly in the Neo-Tethys Ocean. The geological field investigations were conducted in the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Sangxiu Formation in the Tsomei Longzi area of Tibet. A stratigraphic hierarchy of the Sangxiu Formation was established based on an analysis of the sedimentary lithology in this area. Based on the geochemical characteristics and chronology of the felsic-mafic volcanic rocks of the Sangxiu Formation, the genesis, tectonic background, and evolutionary pattern of the volcanic rocks of the Sangxiu Formation were revealed. Basalts, dolerite, and volcanic debris constitute the volcanic rocks of the Sangxiu Group in the Zhegu area. The Early Cretaceous Sangxiu Formation basalts were determined using SHRIMP zircon U-Pb ages of 141 ± 1 Ma and 142 ± 1 Ma. Volcanic rocks of the Sangxiu Formation, which are intraplate rifting products of the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous period, originated from the mantle and mixed with crustal materials. The rock type is an intraplate alkaline basalt that formed during the rifting activity of the passive continental margin extension. There was a crucial growth episode in the Neo-Tethys Ocean during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. The Neo-Tethys Ocean expansion from the Late Triassic to the Early Cretaceous was caused by a younger rifting along the passive continental edge rather than a continuation of the early Mid-Ocean Ridge development, thus demonstrating the expansion of the Neo-Tethys Ocean at various stages.
Mineralogical and spectral characteristics of Changbai jade, Jilin province, Northeast China
Authors: Cao Miaocong , Gu Zhongyuan
Published: May 2023

Changbai jade is a type of jade ore with good economic value that is found in the tuff of the Upper Triassic Changbai Formation of the Mesozoic period in Jilin Province, China. However, the mineral composition of the kaolinite group in Changbai Jade has not been definitively identified, and there has been a lack of systematic mineralogical and spectral analysis. To analyze the mineralogical and spectroscopic characteristics of Changbai jade, this study utilized several modern testing methods, including X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectrum test (Raman), and Ultraviolet visible (UV-vis). Mineralogical and spectroscopic analyses were conducted on Changbai jade ore samples CB21 and CB22. The results indicated that the main metamorphic minerals of the two samples are dickite and the color-causing factor of the yellow part is pyrite. This research provides basic theoretical research data for jade processing technology and the geological origin of Changbai jade.
“Winning could mean success, yet losing doesn’t mean failure”—Using a mobile serious game to facilitate science learning in middle school
Authors: Liu Sa , Grey Brian , Gabriel Mina
Published: May 2023

Researchers have recognized the potential of using Mobile Serious Games (MSG) in teaching various subject matters. However, it is not clear how MSG impacts students differently based on their in-game performance. To fill this gap, the current study examined the MSG “SpacEscape” that teaches middle school students about the solar system through problem-solving activities. To understand whether SpacEscape could facilitate middle school student science learning based on their in-game performance, this study adopted a randomized experimental design and collected pre-test, post-test and game play data from the participants. Independent sample t-test and MANOVA with repeated measures (N = 228) were conducted. The results showed that SpacEscape significantly improved science learning for middle school students. In addition, the game significantly improved students’ science knowledge test scores regardless of their in-game performance. Furthermore, students enjoyed playing SpacEscape in the class, and we hope this study will inform the direction of future study in the field.
Chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia ameliorates osteoporosis after spinal cord injury through balancing osteoblast and osteoclast activities in rats
Authors: Zhang Li , Yin Yingchao , Guo Jialiang , Jin Lin , Hou Zhiyong
Published: May 2023

Introduction

As a common complication of spinal cord injury (SCI), most SCI patients suffer from osteoporosis. In our previous study, chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (CIHH) could promote bone fracture healing. We speculated that it may act a role in the progression of osteoporosis. The current study purposed to explore the role of CIHH in the osteoporosis triggered by SCI in rats.

Methods

A SCI-induced SCI model was established by completed transection at T9-T10 spinal cord of Wistar rats. One week after SCI, the rats were conducted to CIHH treatment (PB = 404 mmHg, Po2 = 84 mmHg) 6 hours a day for continuously 7 weeks.

Results

The results of X-radiography and Micro-CT assessment demonstrated that compared with sham rats, the areal bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume to tissue volume, volumetric BMD, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, and trabecular connectivity were decreased. Trabecular bone pattern factor, trabecular separation, as well as structure model index were increased at the distal femur and proximal tibia of SCI rats, which were effectively reversed by CIHH treatment. Histomorphometry showed that CIHH treatment increased bone formation of SCI rats, as evidenced by the increased osteoid formation, the decreased number and surface of TRAP-positive osteoclasts. Furthermore, ELISA and real time PCR results showed that the osteoblastogenesis-related biomarkers, such as procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide, osteocalcin in serum, as well as ALP and OPG mRNAs in bone tissue were decreased, while the osteoclastogenesis-related biomarkers, including scleorostin in serum and RANKL and TRAP mRNAs in bone tissue were increased in SCI rats. Importantly, the deviations of aforementioned biomarkers were improved by CIHH treatment. Mechanically, the protective effects of CIHH might be at least partly mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The present study testified that CIHH treatment ameliorates osteoporosis after SCI by balancing osteoblast and osteoclast activities in rats.
Model of ligand-triggered information transmission in G-protein coupled receptor complexes
Authors: Jones Roger D. , Jones Alan M.
Published: May 2023

We present a model for the effects of ligands on information transmission in G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) complexes. The model is builtab initioentirely on principles of statistical mechanics and tenets of information transmission theory and was validated in part using agonist-induced effector activity and signaling bias for the angiotensin- and adrenergic-mediated signaling pathways, within vitroobservations of phosphorylation sites on the C tail of the GPCR complex, and single-cell information-transmission experiments. The model extends traditional kinetic models that form the basis for many existing models of GPCR signaling. It is based on maximizing the rates of entropy production and information transmission through the GPCR complex. The model predicts that (1) phosphatase-catalyzed reactions, as opposed to kinase-catalyzed reactions, on the C-tail and internal loops of the GPCR are responsible for controlling the signaling activity, (2) signaling favors the statistical balance of the number of switches in the ON state and the number in the OFF state, and (3) biased-signaling response depends discontinuously on ligand concentration.
Tibial plateau fracture and RNA sequencing with osteogenesis imperfecta: a case report
Authors: Chen Yixiao , Li Guoqing , Wei Liangchen , Weng Jian , Liu Su , Gu Mingxi , Liu Pei , Zhu Yuanchao , Xiong Ao , Zeng Hui , Yu Fei
Published: May 2023

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a hereditary skeletal dysplasia with an incidence of approximately 1:15,000 to 20,000. OI is usually caused by the mutation of COL1A1 and COL1A2, which would encode the α-chain of type I collagen. OI is clinically characterized by decreased bone mass, increased risk of bone fragility, blue sclerae, and dentinogenesis.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old male patient was diagnosed with right tibial plateau fracture caused by slight violence. Physical examination revealed the following: height, 140 cm; weight, 70 kg; body mass index (BMI), 35.71 kg/m2; blue sclera and barrel chest were observed. X-ray examination showed left convex deformity of the thoracic vertebrae with reduced thoracic volume. Laboratory examinations revealed a decrease in both vitamin D and blood calcium levels. Bone mineral density (BMD) was lower than the normal range. After the preoperative preparation was completed, the open reduction and internal fixation of the right tibial plateau fracture were performed. Meanwhile, whole blood samples of this OI patient and the normal control were collected for RNA transcriptome sequencing. The RNA sequence analysis revealed that there were 513 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between this OI patient and the normal control. KEGG-enriched signaling pathways were significantly enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM)–receptor interactions.

Conclusion

In this case, DEGs between this OI patient and the normal control were identified by RNA transcriptome sequencing. Moreover, the possible pathogenesis of OI was also explored, which may provide new evidence for the treatment of OI.
Machine learning-based signature of necrosis-associated lncRNAs for prognostic and immunotherapy response prediction in cutaneous melanoma and tumor immune landscape characterization
Authors: Cui Zhiwei , Liang Zhen , Song Binyu , Zhu Yuhan , Chen Guo , Gu Yanan , Liang Baoyan , Ma Jungang , Song Baoqiang
Published: May 2023

Background

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is one of the malignant tumors with a relative high lethality. Necroptosis is a novel programmed cell death that participates in anti-tumor immunity and tumor prognosis. Necroptosis has been found to play an important role in tumors like CM. However, the necroptosis-associated lncRNAs’ potential prognostic value in CM has not been identified.

Methods

The RNA sequencing data collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx) was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes in CM. By using the univariate Cox regression analysis and machine learning LASSO algorithm, a prognostic risk model had been built depending on 5 necroptosis-associated lncRNAs and was verified by internal validation. The performance of this prognostic model was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic curves. A nomogram was constructed and verified by calibration. Furthermore, we also performed sub-group K-M analysis to explore the 5 lncRNAs’ expression in different clinical stages. Function enrichment had been analyzed by GSEA and ssGSEA. In addition, qRT-PCR was performed to verify the five lncRNAs’ expression level in CM cell line (A2058 and A375) and normal keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT).

Results

We constructed a prognostic model based on five necroptosis-associated lncRNAs (AC245041.1, LINC00665, AC018553.1, LINC01871, and AC107464.3) and divided patients into high-risk group and low-risk group depending on risk scores. A predictive nomogram had been built to be a prognostic indicator to clinical factors. Functional enrichment analysis showed that immune functions had more relationship and immune checkpoints were more activated in low-risk group than that in high-risk group. Thus, the low-risk group would have a more sensitive response to immunotherapy.

Conclusion

This risk score signature could be used to divide CM patients into low- and high-risk groups, and facilitate treatment strategy decision making that immunotherapy is more suitable for those in low-risk group, providing a new sight for CM prognostic evaluation.
Design of AUVs based on 3D coils positioning and distributed base station control for nuclear spent fuel pools
Authors: Shen Shijun , Chen Jiaoyuan , Wang Chaofan , Wang Chenyang , Gong Dawei
Published: May 2023

An underwater magnetic induction positioning and communication system and an energy-efficient distributed control algorithm for underwater base stations are proposed in this paper. The positioning and communication system consists of a number of base stations and an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) equipped with three-axis source coils respectively. The AUV receives this signal and based on its amplitude and phase information is able to locate the AUV and communicate with the base station. Due to the short positioning distance of magnetic induction positioning technology, a large number of base stations need to be installed underwater, which puts high demands on the control of the base stations. In this paper, an energy-efficient distributed control algorithm for underwater base stations is proposed to enable the AUV to meet the operational requirements while minimizing the total energy consumption of the base station. According to the simulation results, the design solves the problem that traditional underwater positioning and communication equipment cannot work stably for long periods of time in a high radiated environment, with a positioning error of no more than 10 cm within a preset operating range, and the algorithm proposed in this paper is able to reduce energy wastage by about 20%.
Optimal operation of cascaded hydropower plants in hydro-solar complementary systems considering the risk of unit vibration zone crossing
Authors: Haoting Qin , Tianzhi Li , Jianhua Li , Yunxia Wu , Hongtao Song
Published: May 2023

With the undergoing adjustment of the national energy structure of China, developing cascaded hydropower plants in hydro-solar complementary systems becomes an important way to optimize the energy structure. This study focuses on the risk that solar energy disturbances induce large load transfers between hydropower units that can cause hydropower units to frequently cross their vibration zones. Vibration zone crossing can further cause wear of mechanical components of hydropower units. To this end, considering the requirement of avoiding vibration zone crossing, the concept of the vibration zone crossing risk coefficient is introduced and a cascaded hydropower plant optimal operation model considering the risk of vibration zone crossing is proposed. Moreover, this is two-layer algorithm. This layer of algorithms includes improved migration model and migration operator is proposed to solve this mean a cascaded hydropower plant optimal operation model considering the risk of vibration zone crossing. Numerical simulation results based on the data of an actual hydropower plant are used to validate the proposed model and (IBBO-DP) algorithm.
Steady-state deduction methods of a power system based on the prediction of large-scale wind power clusters
Authors: Feng Rongqiang , Yu Haiping , Wu Xueqiong , Huang Chenxi , Du Tianchi , Ding Wei
Published: May 2023

The integration of a high proportion of wind power has brought disorderly impacts on the stability of the power system. Accurate wind power forecasting technology is the foundation for achieving wind power dispatchability. To improve the stability of the power system after the high proportion of wind power integration, this paper proposes a steady-state deduction method for the power system based on large-scale wind power cluster power forecasting. First, a wind power cluster reorganization method based on an improved DBSCAN algorithm is designed to fully use the spatial correlation of wind resources in small-scale wind power groups. Second, to extract the temporal evolution characteristics of wind power data, the traditional GRU network is improved based on the Huber loss function, and a wind power cluster power prediction model based on the improved GRU network is constructed to output ultra-short-term power prediction results for each wind sub-cluster. Finally, the wind power integration stability index is defined to evaluate the reliability of the prediction results and further realize the steady-state deduction of the power system after wind power integration. Experimental analysis is conducted on 18 wind power farms in a province of China, and the simulation results show that the RMSE of the proposed method is only 0.0869 and the probability of extreme error events is low, which has an important reference value for the stability evaluation of large-scale wind power cluster integration.
Comprehensive assessment of climate extremes in high-resolution CMIP6 projections for Ethiopia
Authors: Rettie Fasil M. , Gayler Sebastian , Weber Tobias K. D. , Tesfaye Kindie , Streck Thilo
Published: May 2023

Climate extremes have more far-reaching and devastating effects than the mean climate shift, particularly on the most vulnerable societies. Ethiopia, with its low economic adaptive capacity, has been experiencing recurrent climate extremes for an extended period, leading to devastating impacts and acute food shortages affecting millions of people. In face of ongoing climate change, the frequency and intensity of climate extreme events are expected to increase further in the foreseeable future. This study provides an overview of projected changes in climate extremes indices based on downscaled high-resolution (i.e., 10 × 10 km 2) daily climate data derived from global climate models (GCMs). The magnitude and spatial patterns of trends in the projected climate extreme indices were explored under a range of emission scenarios called Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). The performance of the GCMs to reproduce the observed climate extreme trends in the base period (1983–2012) was evaluated, the changes in the climate projections (2020–2100) were assessed and the associated uncertainties were quantified. Overall, results show largely significant and spatially consistent trends in the projected temperature-derived extreme indices with acceptable model performance in the base period. The projected changes are dominated by the uncertainties in the GCMs at the beginning of the projection period while by the end of the century proportional uncertainties arise both from the GCMs and SSPs. The results for precipitation-related extreme indices are heterogeneous in terms of spatial distribution, magnitude, and statistical significance coverage. Unlike the temperature-related indices, the uncertainty from internal climate variability constitutes a considerable proportion of the total uncertainty in the projected trends. Our work provides a comprehensive insight into the projected changes in climate extremes at relatively high spatial resolution and the related sources of projection uncertainties.
Simulation study of summer microclimate in street space of historic conservation areas in China: A case study in Changsha
Authors: Liu Junyou , Tang Haifang , Zheng Bohong
Published: May 2023

Under the background of global warming, the thermal comfort in summer in historical conservation areas in China has also been significantly negatively affected. How to optimize the spatial pattern of the street space of historical conservation areas to improve the thermal comfort in summer in these areas undoubtedly deserves the consideration of scholars. In this study, Taiping Street, a historical conservation area in Changsha, China was taken as an example. Combined with the actual conditions of Taiping Street, the models with different street interface densities, different sizes and positions of open space, and different D/H (the ratio between the width of a street and the height of its surrounding buildings) were built through ENVI-met. The measured meteorological data from 10:00 to 20:00 on July 12, 2022 in Changsha are used as the initial meteorological data for simulation. The effects of the difference in the above factors on the thermal comfort of street space of historical conservation areas were explored through simulation analysis and comparison of the thermal comfort in different models. In the study, it was found that the thermal comfort of street space in such a historical street space with narrow roads was significantly affected by architectural shadows. As a result, among the simulated models, the higher the street interface density in the street in the east-west direction is, the better the overall thermal comfort of the area is. The lower the street interface density of the street in the north-south direction is, the better the overall thermal comfort of the area is. by adding a small open space in the middle of the north-side of the building, the thermal comfort of the area can be improved. The higher the D/H ratio is, the better the thermal comfort of the model is. During the renewal of historical conservation areas, people should make full use of the architectural shadows in such historical blocks to improve the thermal comfort of the area. Besides, the commonly-used method of constructing ventilation corridors to improve the thermal comfort of the block did not have an obvious effect in this study and might not make obvious improvements in similar street spaces of historical conservation areas.
Updated spatial distribution and health risk assessment of heavy metals in soils of the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Sun Yifan , Liu Dongsheng , Wu Yuanzhu , He Xiaowei , Luo Yang , Zhou Xiaoguo , Chen Wenran , Chen Wei , Li Sen
Published: May 2023

Supporting ecological protection and restoration has been at the heart of China’s ambitious Yangtze River conservation strategy. Knowledge of the current status of heavy metal distribution is important for planning remediation practices and allocation to waste treatment facilities. Through an extensive and systematic review of literatures, this study depicts the up-to-date spatial distribution and characteristics of typical heavy metals in soils of the Yangtze River Basin, China. A total of 7,694 geo-referenced records of heavy metal in soils of the Yangtze River Basin were compiled from the literatures published between 2000 and 2020. The results show the spatially-heterogeneous concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, As, Hg and Cd. The degree of heavy metal pollution was relatively higher in the middle reaches, while it was relatively lower in the upstream and downstream. According to the limits set by the state to ensure agricultural production and maintain human health, the average concentration of Cd greatly exceeded its limit. Overall, a certain number of heavily polluted areas were found to occur in regions with frequent human economic activities, posing potential health risks. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of children are 1.4 times and 1.6 times higher than those of adults, respectively, and the heavy metal with the highest risk to human health was Cr. This study provides an important basis for the field of soil pollution prevention and control in the Yangtze River Basin. It updates the current understanding of the spatial pattern of major pollutants in a large ecologically protected region in China, which is conducive to the precise prevention and control of public health risks.
In utero arsenic exposure and early childhood motor development in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Butler Erin E. , Karagas Margaret R. , Demidenko Eugene , Bellinger David C. , Korrick Susan A.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

High-level prenatal and childhood arsenic (As) exposure characteristic of several regions in Asia (e.g., Bangladesh), may impact motor function. However, the relationship between lower-level arsenic exposure (characteristic of other regions) and motor development is largely unstudied, despite the potential for deficient motor skills in childhood to have adverse long-term consequences. Thus, we sought to investigate the association between prenatal As exposure and motor function among 395 children in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study, a rural cohort from northern New England.

Methods

Prenatal exposure was estimated by measuring maternal urine speciated As at 24–28 weeks of gestation using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and summing inorganic As, monomethylarsonic acid, and dimethylarsinic acid to obtain total urinary As (tAs). Motor function was assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd Edition (BOT-2) at a mean (SD) age of 5.5 (0.4) years.

Results

Children who completed this exam were largely reported as white race (97%), born to married mothers (86%) with a college degree or higher (67%). The median (IQR) gestational urine tAs concentration was 4.0 (5.0) µg/L. Mean (SD) BOT-2 scores were 48.6 (8.4) for overall motor proficiency and 48.2 (9.6) for fine manual control [standard score = 50 (10)], and were 16.3 (5.1) for fine motor integration and 12.5 (4.1) for fine motor precision [standard score = 15 (5)]. We found evidence of a non-linear dose response relationship and used a change-point model to assess the association of tAs with overall motor proficiency and indices of fine motor integration, fine motor precision, and their composite, fine manual control, adjusted for age and sex. In models adjusted for potential confounders, each doubling of urine tAs decreased overall motor proficiency by –3.3 points (95% CI: –6.1, –0.4) for tAs concentrations greater than the change point of 9.5 µg/L and decreased fine motor integration by –4.3 points (95% CI: –8.0, –0.6) for tAs concentrations greater than the change point of 17.0 µg/L.

Discussion

In summary, we found that levels of prenatal As exposure above an empirically-derived threshold (i.e., the change point) were associated with decrements in childhood motor development in a US population.