bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pyroptosis-Related Long Noncoding RNA Signature Predicts Prognosis and Indicates Immunotherapeutic Efficiency in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Tao , Yang Yi , Sun Ting , Qiu Haizhou , Wang Jian , Ding Cheng , Lan Ren , He Qiang , Wang Wentao
Published: May 2022

Pyroptosis was recently demonstrated to be an inflammatory form of gasdermin-regulated programmed cell death characterized by cellular lysis and the release of several proinflammatory factors and participates in tumorigenesis. However, the effects of pyroptosis-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not yet been completely elucidated. Based on the regression coefficients of ZFPM2-AS1, KDM4A-AS1, LUCAT1, NRAV, CRYZL2P-SEC16B, AL031985.3, SNHG4, AL049840.5, AC008549.1, MKLN1-AS, AC099850.3, and LINC01224, HCC patients were classified into a low- or high-risk group. The high-risk score according to pyroptosis-related lncRNA signature was significantly associated with poor overall survival even after adjusting for age and clinical stage. Receiver operating characteristic curves and principal component analysis further supported the accuracy of the model. Our study revealed that a higher pyroptosis-related lncRNA risk score was significantly associated with tumor staging, pathological grade, and tumor-node-metastasis stages. The nomogram incorporating the pyroptosis-related lncRNA risk score and clinicopathological factors demonstrated good accuracy. Furthermore, we observed distinct tumor microenvironment cell infiltration characteristics between high- and low-risk tumors. Notably, based on the risk model, we found that the risk score is closely related to the expression of immune checkpoint genes, immune subtypes of tumors, and the sensitivity of HCC to chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy. In conclusion, our novel risk score of pyroptosis-related lncRNA can serve as a promising prognostic biomarker for HCC patients and provide help for HCC patients to guide precision drug treatment and immunotherapy.
Interaction of Colchicine-Site Ligands With the Blood Cell-Specific Isotype of β-Tubulin—Notable Affinity for Benzimidazoles
Authors: Montecinos Felipe , Loew Maura , Chio Tak I. , Bane Susan L. , Sackett Dan L.
Published: May 2022

Tubulin, the main component of microtubules, is an α-β heterodimer that contains one of multiple isotypes of each monomer. Although the isotypes of each monomer are very similar, the beta tubulin isotype found in blood cells is significantly divergent in amino acid sequence compared to other beta tubulins. This isotype, beta class VI, coded by human gene TUBB1, is found in hematologic cells and is recognized as playing a role in platelet biogenesis and function. Tubulin from the erythrocytes of the chicken Gallus gallus contains almost exclusively βVI tubulin. This form of tubulin has been reported to differ from brain tubulin in binding of colchicine-site ligands, previously thought to be a ubiquitous characteristic of tubulin from higher eukaryotes. In this study, we sought to gain a better understanding of the structure-activity relationship of the colchicine site of this divergent isotype, using chicken erythrocyte tubulin (CeTb) as the model. We developed a fluorescence-based assay to detect binding of drugs to the colchicine site and used it to study the interaction of 53 colchicine-site ligands with CeTb. Among the ligands known to bind at this site, most colchicine derivatives had lower affinity for CeTb compared to brain tubulin. Remarkably, many of the benzimidazole class of ligands shows increased affinity for CeTb compared to brain tubulin. Because the colchicine site of human βVI tubulin is very similar to that of chicken βVI tubulin, these results may have relevance to the effect of anti-cancer agents on hematologic tissues in humans.
MLKL Regulates Rapid Cell Death-independent HMGB1 Release in RSV Infected Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Simpson Jennifer , Spann Kirsten M. , Phipps Simon
Published: May 2022

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced bronchiolitis is a significant contributor to infant morbidity and mortality. Previously, we identified that necroptosis, a pro-inflammatory form of cell death mediated by receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and RIPK3, and mixed lineage kinase domain like protein (MLKL), occurs in RSV-infected human airway epithelial cells (hAECs), mediating the release of the alarmin high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Here, we show that RSV infection of hAECs induces the biphasic release of HMGB1 at 6 (“early”) and 24 (“late”) hours post infection (hpi). The early phase of HMGB1 release at 6 hpi is cell death-independent, however, this release is nonetheless attenuated by inhibition of MLKL (primarily associated with necroptosis). The early release of HMGB1 promotes the late phase of HMGB1 release via the activation of RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation endproducts) and occurs with cell death. Treatment of hAECS with exogenous HMGB1 combined with a pan-caspase inhibitor induces hAEC necroptosis, and is attenuated by the RAGE antagonist, FPS-ZM1. Together, these findings demonstrate that RSV infection of hAECs leads to the early release of HMGB1, followed by a paracrine feed-forward amplification loop that further increases HMGB1 levels and promotes cell death. As the inhibition of MLKL or targeting of HMGB1/RAGE pathway attenuates the release of pro-inflammatory HMGB1 and decreases viral load, this suggests that the pharmacological targeting of these pathways may be of benefit for the treatment of severe RSV bronchiolitis.
HMGB3 is a Potential Therapeutic Target by Affecting the Migration and Proliferation of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gong Wenjing , Guo Yang , Yuan Hang , Hu Xinye , Chai Rui , Zheng Boan , Wan Ziang , Tu Shiliang
Published: May 2022

Colorectal cancer is one of the common malignant tumors in the digestive system, with high incidence and mortality rate. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and develop new molecular targets for colorectal cancer treatment. Previous studies have pointed out the important role of HMGB3 in tumors, and how it works in colorectal cancer needs to be studied in depth. In this study, we found that HMGB3 was highly expressed in COAD in the cBioPortal and GEPIA2 databases. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that compared with patients with lower HMGB3 levels, patients with higher HMGB3 levels had poorer OS (p = 0.001). We also found a correlation between HMGB3 expression and immune infiltration of CRC. To investigate the mechanism of HMGB3 knockdown-mediated colorectal cancer inhibition, we detected a downregulation of N-cadherin, Vimentin and β-catenin proteins after knockdown of HMGB3. Taken together, HMGB3 can be an effective target for CRC treatment in the future, and we have reason to believe that HMGB3 will be of greater value in more tumors in the near future.
The Evolution of Classical Spiro-OMeTAD: Synthesis of Arylamine Endcapped Indenone Spirofluorene
Authors: Liu Shihui , Yi Xiaoqing , Wang Hao , Ye Tao , Wang Kui , Cao Wei , Guan Jing , Fan Ruiqing , Yang Yulin , Hao Sue , Xia Debin
Published: May 2022

Spiro-OMeTAD is the well-known hole transporting material (HTM) in perovskite solar cells. In this work, its derivatives, namely four D-A shaped triphenylamine or biphenylamine endcapped indenone spirofluorene (SFD-TPA, SFD-OMeTPA, SFD-TAD, and SFD-OMeTAD), were designed and synthesized. With the introduction of electron-donating moieties and the extension of conjugation length, a series of changes in photophysical and electrochemical properties could be detected. Notably, in comparison with the optical gap (2.96 eV) of the reported spiro-OMeTAD, SFD-OMeTAD presents an optical gap as low as 1.87 eV. Moreover, density functional theory simulations were employed to further investigate their geometric and electronic structures. Finally, steady-state photoluminescence measurements proved the efficient charge separation and collection processes at the perovskite/HTM interface. It can be predicted that all four compounds with enhanced sunlight absorption capability and suitable frontier energy levels can be used as hole-transporting materials for perovskite solar cells.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Pt-Deposited TiO2 Nanotubes (TNT) for Rhodamine B Degradation
Authors: Qiu Xiaojian , Wan Zhenning , Pu Mengjie , Xu Xiuru , Ye Yuanyao , Hu Chunhua
Published: May 2022

Dye wastewater has attracted more and more attention because of its high environmental risk. In this study, a novel TiO2 nanotube (TNT) catalyst was prepared and its morphology and structure were characterized. The synthetic catalyst was used to degrade Rhodamine B (RhB) under UV light and evaluated for the application performance. According to the characterization results and degradation properties, the optimum synthetic conditions were selected as 400°C calcination temperature and 10 wt% Pt deposition. As a result, the degradation efficacies were sequenced as TNT-400-Pt > TNT-500-Pt > TNT-400 > TNT-300-Pt. In addition, the effect of pH and initial concentration of RhB were explored, and their values were both increased with the decreased degradation efficacy. While the moderate volume of 11 mm of H2O2 addition owned better performance than that of 0, 6, and 15 mm. Scavengers such as tertbutanol (t-BuOH), disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA-Na2), and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) were added during the catalytic process and it proved that superoxide radical anions (O2–•), photogenerated hole (h+) and hydroxyl radical (OH•) were the main active species contributing for RhB removal. For the application, TNT-Pt could deal with almost 100% RhB, Orange G (OG), Methylene blue (MB), and Congo red (CR) within 70 min and still kept more than 50% RhB removal in the fifth recycling use. Therefore, TNT-Pt synthesized in this study is potential to be applied to the dye wastewater treatment.
The Detection of Food Additives Using a Fluorescence Indicator Based on 6– p–Toluidinylnaphthalence-2-sulfonate and Cationic Pillar[6]arene
Authors: Duan Qunpeng , Xing Yibo , Guo Kainan
Published: May 2022

The current study investigated host-guest complexation in 6-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-2-sulfonate (TNS), a fluorescence probe used to investigate hydrophobic regions that contain the water-soluble cationic pillar[6]arene (CP6). After complexation with CP6, the fluorescence intensity of TNS was significantly increased. The decreases in the fluorescence intensity of the TNS•CP6 complex when phenolic food-additives are added have been used in indicator displacement assays to detect food additives in the water.
Biophysical Tools and Concepts Enable Understanding of Asexual Blood Stage Malaria
Authors: Introini Viola , Govendir Matt A. , Rayner Julian C. , Cicuta Pietro , Bernabeu Maria
Published: May 2022

Forces and mechanical properties of cells and tissues set constraints on biological functions, and are key determinants of human physiology. Changes in cell mechanics may arise from disease, or directly contribute to pathogenesis. Malaria gives many striking examples. Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, are single-celled organisms that cannot survive outside their hosts; thus, thost-pathogen interactions are fundamental for parasite’s biological success and to the host response to infection. These interactions are often combinations of biochemical and mechanical factors, but most research focuses on the molecular side. However, Plasmodium infection of human red blood cells leads to changes in their mechanical properties, which has a crucial impact on disease pathogenesis because of the interaction of infected red blood cells with other human tissues through various adhesion mechanisms, which can be probed and modelled with biophysical techniques. Recently, natural polymorphisms affecting red blood cell biomechanics have also been shown to protect human populations, highlighting the potential of understanding biomechanical factors to inform future vaccines and drug development. Here we review biophysical techniques that have revealed new aspects of Plasmodium falciparum invasion of red blood cells and cytoadhesion of infected cells to the host vasculature. These mechanisms occur differently across Plasmodium species and are linked to malaria pathogenesis. We highlight promising techniques from the fields of bioengineering, immunomechanics, and soft matter physics that could be beneficial for studying malaria. Some approaches might also be applied to other phases of the malaria lifecycle and to apicomplexan infections with complex host-pathogen interactions.
Clinical Characteristics of Hospitalized Pediatric Patients With Hypertensive Crisis—A Retrospective, Single-Center Study in China
Authors: Ba Hongjun , Peng Huimin , Xu Lingling , Qin Youzhen , Wang Huisheng
Published: May 2022

Background

A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency that causes acute damage to multiple organs. However, the etiology, clinical features, and prognosis of hypertensive crisis in Chinese children remain relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of pediatric hypertensive crisis patients from a single center in China.

Methods

We analyzed data from 70 children with hypertensive crisis between January, 2000, and January, 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: those diagnosed with a hypertensive emergency (n = 46) and those diagnosed with hypertensive urgency (n = 24). Baseline etiologies and risk factors were compared between the two groups. The following data were collected and analyzed: age, sex, weight, height, family history of hypertension, blood pressure, clinical manifestations of hypertensive crisis, underlying causes, biochemical indicators, and antihypertensive drugs.

Results

The major symptoms of hypertensive crisis were headache (n = 31, 44.29%), followed by visual symptoms (n = 15, 21.43%), and dizziness (n = 13, 18.57%). Further analysis showed that the incidence of convulsions was significantly higher in patients with hypertensive emergency than those with hypertensive urgency (χ2 = 5.38, p = 0.02). The leading underlying causes were renal disease (n = 34, 48.57%), followed by vascular disease (n = 11, 15.71%), essential hypertension (n = 9, 12.86%), oncological disease (n = 9, 12.86%), central nervous system disease (n = 3, 4.29%), endocrine and metabolic diseases (n = 2, 2.86%), and other (one case with lead poisoning, one case with histiocytosis). End-organ damage occurred in 46 patients with hypertensive crisis, including retinal damage (n = 20, 43.48%), brain damage (n = 19, 41.30%), heart damage (n = 15, 32.61%), and renal damage (n = 3, 6.52%). Hypertensive crisis was most common among children aged 7–12 years. Among children aged 13–18 years, hypertensive urgency was more common than hypertensive emergency. The incidence of dyslipidemia, elevated serum creatinine, and elevated uric acid did not differ significantly between the two groups. Most patients with hypertensive crisis need combined antihypertensive therapy (n = 60, 85.71%). There were no cases of mortality.

Conclusions

Hypertensive crisis is caused by secondary diseases, especially renal disease and vascular disease, in the majority of pediatric patients. Combination therapy with antihypertensive agents and treatment of secondary etiology results in a good prognosis.
A Mild Dyssynchronous Contraction Pattern Detected by SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Predicts Super-Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Hu Xiao , Qian Zhiyong , Zou Fengwei , Xue Siyuan , Zhang Xinwei , Wang Yao , Hou Xiaofeng , Zhou Weihua , Zou Jiangang
Published: May 2022

Background

Using single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT MPI) with phase analysis (PA), we aimed to identify the predictive value of a new contraction pattern in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response.

Methods

Left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (LVMD) was evaluated using SPECT MPI with PA in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) indicated for CRT. CRT super-response was defined as LV ejection fraction (EF) ≥50% or an absolute increase of LVEF >15%. The LV contraction was categorized as the mild dyssynchronous pattern when the phase standard deviation (PSD) ≤ 40.3° and phase histogram bandwidth (PBW) ≤ 111.9°, otherwise it was defined as severe dyssynchronous pattern which was further characterized as U-shaped, heterogeneous or homogenous pattern.

Results

The final cohort comprised 74 patients, including 32 (43.2%) in mild dyssynchronous group, 17 (23%) in U-shaped group, 19 (25.7%) in heterogeneous group, and 6 (8.1%) in homogenous group. The mild dyssynchronous group had lower PSD and PBW than U-shaped, heterogeneous, and homogenous groups (P < 0.0001). Compared to patients with the heterogeneous pattern, the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CRT super-response were 10.182(2.43–42.663), 12.8(2.545–64.372), and 2.667(0.327–21.773) for patients with mild dyssynchronous, U-shaped, and homogenous pattern, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, mild dyssynchronous group remained associated with increased CRT super-response (adjusted OR 5.709, 95% CI 1.152–28.293). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that mild dyssynchronous group demonstrated a better long-term prognosis.

Conclusions

The mild dyssynchronous pattern in patients with DCM is associated with an increased CRT super-response and better long-term prognosis.
A Data-Based Minimal Model of Episodic Inflation Events at Volcanoes
Authors: Walwer Damian , Ghil Michael , Calais Eric
Published: May 2022

Space geodetic time series, be they ground-based or space-based, have increased in length and accuracy. These series can now be mined for information on the qualitative dynamics of volcanic systems directly from surface deformation data. Here, we study three volcanoes: Akutan and Okmok that are part of the Aleutian arc, and Piton de la Fournaise on la Reunion Island. All three are continuously monitored by the Global Positioning System (GPS) and exhibit common stair step–shaped inflation cycles sometimes referred to as to as “episodic inflation events”. Here we seek to characterize the corresponding dynamical regime of pressure build-up within their plumbing system. To do so, we make use of Multichannel Singular Spectrum Analysis (M-SSA), a data-adaptive, non-parametric time series analysis methodology that allows for 1) the reliable detection and extraction of such patterns even when the corresponding signal lies close to, or even below, the data scatter; and 2) the extraction of information relevant to the underlying qualitative dynamics without a priori assumptions on the underlying physical mechanisms. For our three volcanoes, we find that the inflation cycles resemble the relaxation oscillations of a simple oscillator that involves a nonlinear dissipative mechanism. This finding provides important guidelines for physics-based models of episodic inflation cycles. In fact, the three volcanoes share a plumbing system composed of several interconnected storage bodies. Guided by the qualitative M-SSA–inferred dynamics, we formulate a simple physical model of two magma bodies connected by a conduit in which the viscosity of the fluid varies with temperature or magma crystallization. We show that such a model possesses internal relaxation oscillations similar to those of a simple oscillator. These oscillations correspond to repetitive events with sharp variations in the rate of magma transport and they can account for episodic events of pressure build-up in magma bodies, with no need for a time-dependent magma flux into or out of the system. We also show that the model’s number of degrees of freedom is consistent with the amount of information extracted from M-SSA data analysis. The approach presented here relies on the robust statistical analysis of deformation time series to constrain the phenomenology of pressure build-up within a volcanic plumbing system; it provides a novel framework for understanding the dynamics of volcanic systems.
Modulation of Pacific Sea Surface Temperature on Two Types of Tropical Cyclone Tracks Affecting Northeast China
Authors: Yu Yiqiu , Fang Yihe , Zhao Chunyu , Lin Yi , Lin Yitong , Gong Zhiqiang , Li Yang
Published: May 2022

In this study, the northward-moving tropical cyclones (TCs) that influence Northeast China (NEC) in July–September are identified based on the distance between the TC center and the boundaries of NEC. Then, based on a machine learning algorithm named hierarchical agglomerative clustering, the tracks of northward-moving TCs that influence NEC are classified into the eastern-track type and the turning type. In NEC, the precipitation induced by eastern-track type TCs gradually decreases from east to west, and the precipitation induced by turning-type TCs gradually decreases from south to north. For eastern-track type TCs, negative Niño3 sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in preceding January–March can induce cyclonic circulation anomalies and positive vorticity anomalies over the Philippine Sea during subsequent July–September, which favors the genesis of TCs. Moreover, the westerly anomaly in the subtropical western north Pacific and the strengthening of cyclonic steering flow over the Philippines jointly steer the TCs to move northward along the northerly airflow on the west of the western Pacific subtropical high, which favors the genesis of eastern-track type TCs. For turning-type TCs, the positive SST anomalies in the West Wind Drift area during preceding May–July cause positive vorticity anomalies from the northern Philippines to Taiwan from July to September. The cyclonic steering flow over the Philippines and the anticyclonic steering flow over the Sea of Japan lead the TCs to move northwestwards and then turn to northeast, which is conducive to the genesis of turning type northward-moving TCs. Finally, the results of numerical experiments have confirmed these findings.
Hydrocarbon Gases in Seafloor Sediments of the Edge Shelf Zone of the East Siberian Sea and Adjacent Part of the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Yatsuk Andrey , Gresov Alexander , Snyder Glen Tritch
Published: May 2022

The continental margins of the East Siberian Sea and Arctic Ocean are among the Earth’s most inaccessible marine environments for hydrocarbon research due to the almost year-round presence of ice cover. Despite this, limited preliminary assessments which have been carried out to date have all yielded some indication of high oil and gas production potential in these regions. This article presents the results of gas-geochemical studies of seafloor sediments of the East Siberian Sea, obtained in three expeditions onboard the R/V “Akademik Lavrentiev” in 2008 (LV45), 2016 (LV77), and 2020 (LV90). The composition of sorbed hydrocarbon gases in seafloor sediments was analyzed. In addition, the stable isotopic composition of carbon was determined for CH4, C2H6, and CO2 in gases, which were desorbed from marine sediments. The sediments were also analyzed for organic matter content. Despite the absence of observable gas seepage directly into the water column, at some stations, increased concentrations of methane and hydrocarbon gases were encountered, indicating the widespread predominance of thermogenically derived gases. We present a hydrocarbon classification system which delineates eight identifiable sources of regional gas occurrences (coal gas, igneous rocks, solid bitumen, condensate-gas, gas-condensate, oil gas, gas oil, and oil gases). A stable isotopic analysis of carbon in CH4, C2H6, and CO2 indicates varying degrees of mixing between a shallow, early-kerogen gas source and a deeper mantle carbon source in some areas of the study.
Sedimentary Signatures of Persistent Subglacial Meltwater Drainage From Thwaites Glacier, Antarctica
Authors: Lepp A. P. , Simkins L. M. , Anderson J. B. , Clark R. W. , Wellner J. S. , Hillenbrand C-D. , Smith J. A. , Lehrmann A. A. , Totten R. , Larter R. D. , Hogan K. A. , Nitsche F. O. , Graham A. G. C. , Wacker L.
Published: May 2022

Subglacial meltwater drainage can enhance localized melting along grounding zones and beneath the ice shelves of marine-terminating glaciers. Efforts to constrain the evolution of subglacial hydrology and the resulting influence on ice stability in space and on decadal to millennial timescales are lacking. Here, we apply sedimentological, geochemical, and statistical methods to analyze sediment cores recovered offshore Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica to reconstruct meltwater drainage activity through the pre-satellite era. We find evidence for a long-lived subglacial hydrologic system beneath Thwaites Glacier and indications that meltwater plumes are the primary mechanism of sedimentation seaward of the glacier today. Detailed core stratigraphy revealed through computed tomography scanning captures variability in drainage styles and suggests greater magnitudes of sediment-laden meltwater have been delivered to the ocean in recent centuries compared to the past several thousand years. Fundamental similarities between meltwater plume deposits offshore Thwaites Glacier and those described in association with other Antarctic glacial systems imply widespread and similar subglacial hydrologic processes that occur independently of subglacial geology. In the context of Holocene changes to the Thwaites Glacier margin, it is likely that subglacial drainage enhanced submarine melt along the grounding zone and amplified ice-shelf melt driven by oceanic processes, consistent with observations of other West Antarctic glaciers today. This study highlights the necessity of accounting for the influence of subglacial hydrology on grounding-zone and ice-shelf melt in projections of future behavior of the Thwaites Glacier ice margin and marine-based glaciers around the Antarctic continent.
Landslide Susceptibility Prediction Based on Frequency Ratio Method and C5.0 Decision Tree Model
Authors: Sheng Mingqiang , Zhou Jianqi , Chen Xiaogang , Teng Yuxin , Hong Anyu , Liu Gengzhe
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to propose an efficient landslide susceptibility prediction (LSP) model based on the frequency ratio method and C5.0 Decision Tree (C5.0 DT) model. Taking Ruijin City as the study area, local landslide inventory and 12 environmental factors are collected. Then the nonlinear correlations between landslide inventory and environmental factors are established by frequency ratio (FR) method. Thirdly, the FR values of these environmental factors are taken as the input variables of the C5.0 DT/SVM models; landslide samples and non-landslide samples are set as the output variables with values of 1 and 0, respectively. The mathematical relationship between input variables and output variables is established by C5.0 DT/SVM models. Finally, the performance of LSP of both models is evaluated by the Area Under Receiver Operation Characteristic Curve (AUC). Results show that: 1) The landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) of the C5.0 DT and the SVM models are similar on the whole, high and very high susceptibility levels are mainly distributed in the north and in the edge of the study area. 2) The AUC values of C5.0 DT and SVM are 0.886 and 0.819, respectively. Both models have good LSP accuracy, however, the overall LSP accuracy of the C5.0 DT model is better than that of SVM. 3) It is significant and reliable to carry out LSP based on frequency ratio method and C5.0 DT model.
Genesis Analysis of Ground Collapse in Wuhan Based on 3D Geological Model
Authors: He Qi , Tan Fei , Peng Zhaoliang , Tao Liang , Jiao Yuyong , Liu Shunchang , Peng Hanfa
Published: May 2022

Ground collapse has been one of the main types of geological disasters in Wuhan City. It can be characterized by complex disaster-inducing environment, diverse disaster-causing factors, fragile disaster-bearing bodies, and serious consequences. In this study, a 3D geological structure model of the area was established by collecting data from major ground collapse incidents in Wuhan that have occurred over the years and by combining them with geological data obtained from boreholes. The model was used to analyze the distribution of ground subsidence in the city and reveal the geological causes of ground subsidence accidents in this area. The results showed that ground collapse is mainly distributed in the karst development area along the Yangtze River in Baishazhou. The karst was most developed at the intersection between the Yangtze River fault and the Hanyang fold belt. The ground collapse incidents showed two main characteristics in terms of their spatial distribution. Most of the collapse areas developed in the central third limestone belt. Most of the collapses are located on the first terrace of the Yangtze River. Most collapse points were controlled by geomorphic units (first terrace), stratigraphic age (Holocene) and stratigraphic combination (a binary structure composed of clay as the upper part and fine sand as the lower part, and the bottom is a gravel layer, containing pore confined water). The karst collapse in Fenghuo Village was selected as a case study to analyze the evolution process and disaster-causing mechanism of the karst collapse. Groundwater extraction was found to be the main reason for the karst collapse. The research results provide a geological basis for the planning layout and urban construction in Wuhan City.
Physics Education and Sustainable Development: A Study of Energy in a Glocal Perspective in an Angolan Initial Teacher Education School
Authors: Malavoloneque Gilberto , Costa Nilza
Published: May 2022

Education is a key element to address sustainable development goals (SDG). This is particularly relevant in developing countries (e.g., Angola) where politicians signed agendas (2030 and 2063), but their commitment is far from expected. One issue of these agendas is the sustainable production and use of energy, where Angola faces a serious situation given the strong petroleum dependence and the weak use of alternative energy resources. Despite recent national policies, physics education in Angola is characterized by traditional practices. Therefore, this study questions how electric energy may be taught in a physics course of an initial teacher education program to develop teacher educators’ conceptions and practices. Empirically, the study included a case study (CS) in a physics course for future physics teachers in an Angolan school and an exploratory study (ES) 1 year later. Data collection used a variety of techniques and instruments in the CS (e.g., documental analysis, questionnaire, and physics teachers’ documents produced in an intervention action where a didactic sequence about energy was negotiated) and, in the ES, a focus group with physics teachers involved in the CS. Data were treated by statistics and content analysis. Although the results cannot be statistically generalized, they suggest that: with the traditional approach, the future teachers learned academic concepts, but do not know/nor see the importance of local energy resources and do not value their role as active citizens; the teacher educators agreed with the didactic sequence to improve their teaching; 1 year later, teachers referred to have changed their practices. Recommendations pointed to promoting teacher professional development in order to contribute to the SDG and educational research as a collaborative process to support and sustain new practices.
TMPRSS2 Expression and Activity Modulation by Sex-Related Hormones in Lung Calu-3 Cells: Impact on Gender-Specific SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Treppiedi Donatella , Marra Giusy , Di Muro Genesio , Catalano Rosa , Mangili Federica , Esposito Emanuela , Barbieri Anna Maria , Arosio Maura , Mantovani Giovanna , Peverelli Erika
Published: May 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although males and females are at equivalent risk of infection, males are more prone to develop a higher severity disease, regardless of age. The factors that mediate susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and transmission are still under investigation. A potential role has been attributed to differences in the immune systems response to viral antigens between males and females as well as to different regulatory actions played by sex-related hormones on the two crucial molecular effectors for SARS-CoV-2 infection, TMPRSS2 and ACE2. While few and controversial data about TMPRSS2 transcript regulation in lung cells are emerging, no data on protein expression and activity of TMPRSS2 have been reported. Aim of the present study was to search for possible modulatory actions played by sex-related hormones on TMPRSS2 and ACE2 expression in Calu-3 cells, to test the effects of sex-steroids on the expression of the 32kDa C-term fragment derived from autocatalitic cleavage of TMPRSS2 and its impact on priming of transiently transfected spike protein. Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of methyltrienolone (R1881) or estradiol for 30 h. No difference in mRNA and protein expression levels of full length TMPRSS2 was observed. However, the 32 kDa cleaved serine protease domain was increased after 100 nM R1881 (+2.36 ± 1.13 fold-increase vs control untreated cells, p < 0.05) and 10 nM estradiol (+1.90 ± 0.64, fold-increase vs control untreated cells, p < 0.05) treatment. Both R1881 and estradiol significantly increased the activating proteolytic cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) transfected in Calu-3 cells (+1.76 ± 0.18 and +1.99±,0.76 increase in S cleavage products at R1881 100nM and 10 nM estradiol treatment, respectively, p < 0.001 and p < 0.05 vs control untreated cells, respectively). Finally, no significant differences in ACE2 expression were observed between hormones-stimulated cells and untreated control cells. Altogether, these data suggest that both male and female sex-related hormones are able to induce a proteolityc activation of TMPRSS2, thus promoting viral infection, in agreement with the observation that males and females are equally infected by SARS-CoV-2.
Novel Targeting of DNA Methyltransferase Activity Inhibits Ewing Sarcoma Cell Proliferation and Enhances Tumor Cell Sensitivity to DNA Damaging Drugs by Activating the DNA Damage Response
Authors: Cristalli Camilla , Manara Maria Cristina , Valente Sergio , Pellegrini Evelin , Bavelloni Alberto , De Feo Alessandra , Blalock William , Di Bello Elisabetta , Piñeyro David , Merkel Angelika , Esteller Manel , Tirado Oscar M. , Mai Antonello , Scotlandi Katia
Published: May 2022

DNA methylation is an important component of the epigenetic machinery that regulates the malignancy of Ewing sarcoma (EWS), the second most common primary bone tumor in children and adolescents. Coordination of DNA methylation and DNA replication is critical for maintaining epigenetic programming and the DNMT1 enzyme has been demonstrated to have an important role in both maintaining the epigenome and controlling cell cycle. Here, we showed that the novel nonnucleoside DNMT inhibitor (DNMTi) MC3343 induces a specific depletion of DNMT1 and affects EWS tumor proliferation through a mechanism that is independent on DNA methylation. Depletion of DNMT1 causes perturbation of the cell cycle, with an accumulation of cells in the G1 phase, and DNA damage, as revealed by the induction of γH2AX foci. These effects elicited activation of p53-dependent signaling and apoptosis in p53wt cells, while in p53 mutated cells, persistent micronuclei and increased DNA instability was observed. Treatment with MC3343 potentiates the efficacy of DNA damaging agents such as doxorubicin and PARP-inhibitors (PARPi). This effect correlates with increased DNA damage and synergistic tumor cytotoxicity, supporting the use of the DNMTi MC3343 as an adjuvant agent in treating EWS.
Potential Role of N-Cadherin in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Ali Hamad , Abu-Farha Mohamed , Hammad Maha M. , Devarajan Sriraman , Bahbahani Yousif , Al-Khairi Irina , Cherian Preethi , Alsairafi Zahra , Vijayan Vidya , Al-Mulla Fahd , Attar Abdulnabi Al , Abubaker Jehad
Published: May 2022

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of diabetes affecting about half the people with diabetes and the leading cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD). Albuminuria and creatinine levels are currently the classic markers for the diagnosis of DN. However, many shortcomings are arising from the use of these markers mainly because they are not specific to DN and their levels are altered by multiple non-pathological factors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify better markers for the accurate and early diagnosis of DN. The study was performed on 159 subjects including 42 control subjects, 50 T2D without DN and 67 T2D subjects with DN. Our data show that circulating N-cadherin levels are significantly higher in the diabetic patients who are diagnosed with DN (842.6 ± 98.6 mg/l) compared to the diabetic patients who do not have DN (470.8 ± 111.5 mg/l) and the non-diabetic control group (412.6 ± 41.8 mg/l). We also report that this increase occurs early during the developmental stages of the disease since N-cadherin levels are significantly elevated in the microalbuminuric patients when compared to the healthy control group. In addition, we show a significant correlation between N-cadherin levels and renal markers including creatinine (in serum and urine), urea and eGFR in all the diabetic patients. In conclusion, our study presents N-cadherin as a novel marker for diabetic nephropathy that can be used as a valuable prognostic and diagnostic tool to slow down or even inhibit ESRD.
Effects of Digitalization on Energy Efficiency: Evidence From Zhejiang Province in China
Authors: Niu Yi , Lin Xiangyi , Luo Hongyun , Zhang Jianhua , Lian Yinghuan
Published: May 2022

The rapid development of digitalization has brought disruptive changes to the economy and life. The effect of digitalization on energy efficiency is explored using a time series dataset from 2003–2019 in Zhejiang Province and is discussed in four aspects: physical foundation, participant, medium, and pathway. The ridge regression estimation results show that digitalization has a positive effect on energy efficiency. Network infrastructure, communication service development, information technology industry development, and digital technology innovation have various degrees of positive contribution to energy efficiency. This study provides valuable insights for improving energy efficiency. Enhancing the physical foundation, participant, medium, and pathway of digitalization are confirmed as ways to improve energy efficiency. This study enriches the theory of energy efficiency in the context of digitalization and has practical implications for improving regional energy efficiency in the digital era.
Causes of the Extreme Hot Event on February 9, 2020, in Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Bae Hyo-Jun , Kim Seong-Joong , Kim Baek-Min , Kwon Hataek
Published: May 2022

On early February of 2020, two consecutive extreme warming events of three day interval at the similar location occurred over the Antarctic Peninsula (AP). The later event, that occurred on February 9, 2020, exhibited a second-highest temperature record of 15.5°C at Marambio station, located on Seymour Island, northeast of the AP. To understand the possible cause of the extreme warming event, we analyzed extreme warming events that occurred on Seymour Island during February over the past 40 years by using observational data from Marambio station alongside the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) data. The results revealed that the extreme warming event on February 9, 2020 occurred due to the foehn and large-scale horizontal advection. In foehn winds, radiative heating and isentropic drawdown occur simultaneously. The horizontal advection of heat, which leads to extreme warming events, is associated with the strong blocking high in the upper and lower atmosphere. Contrary to the average characteristics of extreme warming events in February over the past 40 years, the extreme warming on February 9, 2020, occurred not only in the AP but also throughout entire West Antarctica.
How Does Environmental Regulation and Digital Finance Affect Green Technological Innovation: Evidence From China
Authors: Ma Ruowei , Li Feifei , Du Mingyue
Published: May 2022

With the deteriorating ecological environment, green technological innovation (GTI) has become an effective way to strengthen environmental protection and promote economic development. Based on the 2011–2019 panel data of 30 provinces in China, this study constructs a spatial Durbin model to examine the spatial spillover effect of environmental regulation and digital finance on green technological innovation. Meanwhile, a moderating effect model and threshold effect model are employed to explore the function of digital finance in terms of the impact of environmental regulation on green technological innovation. The empirical results show that: 1) environmental regulation has significantly promoted local GTI, green invention patents (GIP) and green utility model patents (GUP), while having had negative spatial spillover effects on those three things in neighboring regions. Digital finance promotes GTI and GIP in both local and neighboring areas, but digital finance’s direct and spatial spillover effects on GUP are not significant. 2) A regional analysis shows that different intensities of environmental regulation and different digital finance levels in different regions lead to the heterogeneity of green technological innovation’s response to them. 3) Digital finance produces a positive moderating effect on environmental regulation affecting GTI and GIP in local and neighboring regions. However, digital finance’s moderating effect in terms of the influence of environmental regulation on GUP is not significant. 4) When digital finance reaches a certain threshold, environmental regulation will have a stronger role in promoting GTI. Therefore, to improve regional green technology innovation and environmental governance, the government should strengthen the integration of digital technology and financial services, and promote the construction of environmental supervision systems and green innovation policy systems.
The Movement of Western Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.) Among U.S. States and Territories: History, Benefits, Risks, and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Marcelino Jose , Braese Charles , Christmon Krisztina , Evans Jay D. , Gilligan Todd , Giray Tugrul , Nearman Anthony , Niño Elina L. , Rose Robyn , Sheppard Walter S. , vanEngelsdorp Dennis , Ellis James D.
Published: May 2022

Beekeeping is a cornerstone activity that has led to the human-mediated, global spread of western honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) outside their native range of Europe, western Asia, and Africa. The exportation/importation of honey bees (i.e., transfer of honey bees or germplasm between countries) is regulated at the national level in many countries. Honey bees were first imported into the United States in the early 1600’s. Today, honey bee movement (i.e., transport of honey bees among states and territories) is regulated within the United States at the state, territory, and federal levels. At the federal level, honey bees present in the country (in any state or territory) can be moved among states and territories without federal restriction, with the exception of movement to Hawaii. In contrast, regulations at the state and territory levels vary substantially, ranging from no additional regulations beyond those stipulated at the federal level, to strict regulations for the introduction of live colonies, packaged bees, or queens. This variability can lead to inconsistencies in the application of regulations regarding the movement of honey bees among states and territories. In November 2020, we convened a technical working group (TWG), composed of academic and USDA personnel, to review and summarize the (1) history of honey bee importation into/movement within the United States, (2) current regulations regarding honey bee movement and case studies on the application of those regulations, (3) benefits associated with moving honey bees within the United States, (4) risks associated with moving honey bees within the United States, and (5) risk mitigation strategies. This review will be helpful for developing standardized best practices for the safe movement of honey bees between the 48 contiguous states and other states/territories within the United States.
Stable Isotopic Evidence for Human and Animal Diets From the Late Neolithic to the Ming Dynasty in the Middle-Lower Reaches of the Hulu River Valley, NW China
Authors: Dong Jiajia , Wang Shan , Chen Guoke , Wei Wenyu , Du Linyao , Xu Yongxiang , Ma Minmin , Dong Guanghui
Published: May 2022

The study of human and animal paleodiets, representing the unique subsistence strategies and human-environment interactions adopted over evolutionary time, has attracted intensive research attention. Historically, the western Loess Plateau (WLP) served as a key area for the evolution of human-land relationship. The human subsistence patterns in the WLP changed significantly from prehistoric to historical periods based on archaeobotanical data. However, the trajectory and influencing factors of ancient human and animal diets in the WLP remain unclear, mainly due to the lack of isotopic data in the upper reaches of the Wei River. In this paper, we reported 172 human and animal isotope samples (C and N) and 23 radiocarbon dates from three sites in the middle-lower reaches of the Hulu River Valley (HRV). At least three periods of dietary patterns for humans were observed in the WLP from the late Neolithic to Ming Dynasty. During 5300–4000 Before Present (BP), humans and domesticated animals such as pigs and dogs consumed a greater proportion of millets and millet byproducts. Between 3000 and 2200 BP, the diets of pigs and dogs remained largely comprised of C4 foods, while humans consumed both C3 and C4 foods, which contradicted the evidence of an overwhelming proportion of wheat and barley (C3 crops) from the contemporaneous cultural sediment. The contradictions between plant remains and human diets are probably related to geopolitical factors. Between 1000–500 BP, human diets were more diverse and heterogeneous in this region. Combined with environmental and archaeological evidence, the changes in diets and subsistence strategies over the three periods can be attributed to the comprehensive influence of regional cultural development, geopolitics and technological innovation. This paper not only reveals the trajectory and influencing factors of ancient human and animal diets in the middle-lower HRV, but also explores how subsistence strategies, particularly in terms of dietary structure, will change in the context of cultural exchange and diffusion, and emphasizes the important influence of geopolitical interactions in the WLP.