bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faktor Resiko Kejadian Diabetes Mellitus Pada Lansia
Authors: Meilani Ni’ma , Azis Wa Ode Azfari , Saputra Rifandi
Published: March 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor resiko kejadian diabetes mellitus (DM) pada lansia di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Wajo Kota Baubau. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian analitik dengan pendekatan case control. Populasi dan atau sampel dalam penelitian ini terdiri atas kasus dengan jumlah 82 orang dan kontrol dengan jumlah 82 orang dengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Data dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan kuesioner dan dianalisis menggunakan analisis data univariat dan analisis data bivariat dengan nilai α  ≤ 0,05. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa ada hubungan antara pengetahuan dengan kejadian DM pada lansia (PValue = 0,004; OR = 0,390), ada hubungan antara sikap dengan kejadian DM pada lansia (PValue = 0,003; OR = 0,339), ada hubungan antara pola makan  dengan kejadian DM pada lansia (PValue = 0,000; OR = 0,241) dan ada hubungan antara aktivitas dengan kejadian DM pada lansia (PValue = 0,007; OR = 0,336). Kesimpulan penelitian menunjukan bahwa ada hubungan yang signifikan antara pengetahuan, sikap, pola makan dengan kejadian DM pada lansia di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Wajo Kota Baubau. Saran agar melakukan pendekatan personal terhadap lansia untuk mengembangkan keterampilan, membangun kepercayaan diri dan melakukan kontrol gula darah secara rutin dan pola makan dan melakukan aktivitas fisik dan berolahraga sesuai jadwal
Efektifitas Pemberian Kapsul Tepung Daun Kelor Terhadap Stres Ibu Primigravida
Authors: Hasni Hasni , Evie Sova
Published: March 2022

Daun kelor merupakan tanaman yang memiliki kandungan nutrisi tinggi termasuk Polyphenol dan GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) tinggi yang dapat menurunkan tingkat stress. Penelitian ini bertujuan Menilai efektivitas pemberian kapsul tepung daun kelor terhadap stres Primigravida. Penelitian dilaksanakan di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Baolan Kabupaten Tolitoli. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Quasi eksperimen dengan pre test and post test with control group design. Sampel penelitian ini adalah ibu hamil trimester III sebanyak 38 orang yang dibagi 2 kelompok, yaitu kelompok tepung daun kelor (n=19) dan kelompok control (n=19), kelompok intervensi diberikan tepung daun kelor dengan dosis 1 x 2 kapsul (1 kapsul = 500 mg) pada malam hari selama 60 hari. Stres diukur dengan kuesioner. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan Uji-T independen dan Chi Square. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Rerata stres pada kelompok kapsul tepung daun kelor menurun (17.95 ± 6.341 menjadi 12.91 ± 4.188) dengan selisih 5.04± 2.153, (p<0.05), dan pada kontrol rerata stres mengalami penurunan dari 18.38 ± 7.350 menjadi 15.86 ± 6.163, dengan selisih perubahan 2.52 ± 1.187, (p>0.05). Dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapat efek pemberian kapsul tepung daun kelor terhadap penurunan stress ibu primigravida
Социально-антропологический поворот в исследованиях глоттогенеза: коммуникативные заботы и ступени языковой сложности
Authors: Розов Николай Сергеевич
Published: March 2022

В статье структурированы и обобщены накопленные в мировой науке результаты исследований происхождения языка в связи с произошедшим сдвигом интереса: изучение орудийных технологий, костных останков и геномов гоминид дополняется реконструкцией их социальных взаимодействий и коммуникативных практик на основе разнообразных косвенных данных. Поставлены перспективные цели дальнейших исследований и намечены исходные идеи: 1) эскиз охватывающей понятийной конструкции с базовыми понятиями «социальные ниши», «коммуникативные заботы», «вызовы-угрозы», «вызовы-возможности», «ответные стратегии», «обеспечивающие структуры», «ингредиенты», «пробы», «механизмы фиксации», «ступени языковой сложности», «глотто-ароморфозы»; 2)  преодоление «языкового Рубикона» между коммуникативной системой животных и первой ступенью членораздельной речи; 3) ступени языковой сложности от различения слогов в коллективных сигналах (не)одобрения через протослова, реактивные и уводящие протофразы и протоязык типа пиджина – к языку со сложными синтаксисом и грамматикой. In English: The studies of the language origin have accumulated a substantial volume of ideas and results. Recently, the main interest of these studies has shifted from hominids’ tool technologies, bone remains, and genomes to the reconstruction of their social interactions and communication practices based on indirect evidence. The article sets the future goals for prospective research and outlines the basic ideas: A sketch of an encompassing conceptual structure with the basic concepts of «social niches», «communicative concerns», «challenges-threats», «challenges-opportunities», «response strategies», «providing structures», «ingredients», «endeavors», «fixation mechanisms», «stages of linguistic complexity», «glotto-aromorphoses»; Overcoming «the language Rubicon» between the communicative system of animals and the first stage of articulate human speech; The steps of linguistic complexity from distinguishing syllables in collective signals of (dis)approval through proto-words, reactive and diverting proto-phrases, and a pidgin-like proto-language – to a language with complex syntax and grammar.
Straw Incorporation Effects on Net Photosynthetic Carbon Assimilation and Maize Growth
Authors: Wang Xin-Xin , Li Jiaqi , Wang Danlei , An Tingting , Qin Wei , Zou Hongtao , Rengel Zed
Published: March 2022

Returning straw into soil could increase soil organic carbon (SOC) and promote crop growth. However, little has been reported on the source of C for increased SOC (straw C or crop photosynthetic C). To investigate the assimilation of photosynthetic C and its distribution in soil in the maize growth season, we set up a 1-year 13C pulse-labeling experiment in a consecutive maize-straw-returning long-term trial. Four treatments were included: no straw return (control), straw mulching on the soil surface (cover), return in 0–20 cm layer (shallow), and 20–40 cm layer (deep). We found that the deep straw incorporation significantly (P < 0.05) increased maize 100-grain weight (by 7.8%), yield in the coming year (by 10.5%), and SOC (by 13.4%) compared with the control. During the growing season, the deep straw incorporation increased photosynthetic 13C assimilation in shoots by 17.4% and the partitioning of photosynthetic 13C to soil by 7.9% at early jointing, and by 11.5% at maturity. The contribution of photosynthetic C to microbial biomass C (MBC) and dissolved organic C (DOC) was highest at jointing, and at harvest amounted to 39.1 % of MBC and 28.8% of DOC. The results highlighted the importance of regulating the soil carbon dynamics via the deep straw return strategy. In conclusion, deep straw incorporation significantly increased photosynthetic efficiency and facilitated partitioning of photosynthetic C to roots and soil, thus promoting maize growth and yield.
Understanding the Role of Humic Acids on Crop Performance and Soil Health
Authors: Ampong Kwame , Thilakaranthna Malinda S. , Gorim Linda Yuya
Published: March 2022

Humic acids (HA) are organic molecules that play essential roles in improving soil properties, plant growth, and agronomic parameters. The sources of HA include coal, lignite, soils, and organic materials. Humic acid-based products have been used in crop production in recent years to ensure the sustainability of agriculture production. Reviewed literature shows that HA can positively affect soil physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, including texture, structure, water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity, pH, soil carbon, enzymes, nitrogen cycling, and nutrient availability. This review highlights the relevance of HA on crop growth, plant hormone production, nutrient uptake and assimilation, yield, and protein synthesis. The effect of HA on soil properties and crops is influenced by the HA type, HA application rate, HA application mode, soil type, solubility, molecular size, and functional group. This review also identifies some knowledge gaps in HA studies. HA and its application rate have not been tested in field experiments under different crops in rotation, nitrogen fertilizer forms, sites and climatic conditions. Furthermore, HA chemical and molecular structures, their water and alkaline soluble fractions have not been tested under field experiments to evaluate their effects on crop yield, quality, and soil health. The relationship between soil-plant nutrient availability and plant nutrient uptake following HA application should also be further studied.
On Lyapunov Exponents for RNNs: Understanding Information Propagation Using Dynamical Systems Tools
Authors: Vogt Ryan , Puelma Touzel Maximilian , Shlizerman Eli , Lajoie Guillaume
Published: March 2022

Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) have been successfully applied to a variety of problems involving sequential data, but their optimization is sensitive to parameter initialization, architecture, and optimizer hyperparameters. Considering RNNs as dynamical systems, a natural way to capture stability, i.e., the growth and decay over long iterates, are the Lyapunov Exponents (LEs), which form the Lyapunov spectrum. The LEs have a bearing on stability of RNN training dynamics since forward propagation of information is related to the backward propagation of error gradients. LEs measure the asymptotic rates of expansion and contraction of non-linear system trajectories, and generalize stability analysis to the time-varying attractors structuring the non-autonomous dynamics of data-driven RNNs. As a tool to understand and exploit stability of training dynamics, the Lyapunov spectrum fills an existing gap between prescriptive mathematical approaches of limited scope and computationally-expensive empirical approaches. To leverage this tool, we implement an efficient way to compute LEs for RNNs during training, discuss the aspects specific to standard RNN architectures driven by typical sequential datasets, and show that the Lyapunov spectrum can serve as a robust readout of training stability across hyperparameters. With this exposition-oriented contribution, we hope to draw attention to this under-studied, but theoretically grounded tool for understanding training stability in RNNs.
Multifunctional Baicalin-Modified Contact Lens for Preventing Infection, Regulating the Ocular Surface Microenvironment and Promoting Corneal Repair
Authors: Luo Yue , Liu Luying , Liao Yuzhen , Yang Ping , Liu Xiaoqi , Lu Lei , Chen Jiang , Qu Chao
Published: March 2022

Corneal injury inevitably leads to disruption of the ocular surface microenvironment, which is closely associated with delayed epithelial cell repair and the development of infection. Recently, drug-loaded therapeutic contact lenses have emerged as a new approach to treating corneal injury due to their advantages of relieving pain, promoting corneal repair, and preventing infection. However, few therapeutic contact lenses could modulate the ocular surface’s inflammation and oxidative stress microenvironment. To address this, in this study, we covalently immobilized multifunctional baicalin (BCL), a flavon molecular with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and antibacterial capabilities, onto the surface of the contact lens. The BCL-modified contact lens showed excellent optical properties, powerful antibacterial properties, and non-toxicity to endothelial cells. Furthermore, the BCL-modified contact lens could significantly modulate the ocular surface microenvironment, including inhibition of macrophage aggregation and resistance to epithelium damage caused by oxidative stress. In animal models, BCL-modified corneal contact lens effectively promoted corneal epithelial cells repair. These excellent properties suggested that multifunctional BCL molecules had great application potential in the surface engineering of ophthalmic medical materials.
Promoter Hypomethylation of TGFBR3 as a Risk Factor of Alzheimer’s Disease: An Integrated Epigenomic-Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Song Hui , Yang Jue , Yu Wenfeng
Published: March 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the abnormal deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau tangles in the brain and accompanied with cognitive impairment. However, the fundamental cause of this disease remains elusive. To elucidate the molecular processes related to AD, we carried out an integrated analysis utilizing gene expression microarrays (GSE36980 and GSE5281) and DNA methylation microarray (GSE66351) in temporal cortex of AD patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We totally discovered 409 aberrantly methylated and differentially expressed genes. These dysregulated genes were significantly enriched in biological processes including cell part morphogenesis, chemical synaptic transmission and regulation of Aβ formation. Through convergent functional genomic (CFG) analysis, expression cross-validation and clinicopathological correlation analysis, higher TGFBR3 level was observed in AD and positively correlated with Aβ accumulation. Meanwhile, the promoter methylation level of TGFBR3 was reduced in AD and negatively associated with Aβ level and advanced Braak stage. Mechanically, TGFBR3 might promote Aβ production by enhancing β- and γ-secretase activities. Further investigation revealed that TGFBR3 may exert its functions via Synaptic vesicle cycle, Calcium signaling pathway and MAPK signal pathway by regulating hub genes GNB1, GNG3, CDC5L, DYNC1H1 and FBXW7. Overall, our findings highlighted TGFBR3 as an AD risk gene and might be used as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for AD treatment.
The Emerging Role of OTUB2 in Diseases: From Cell Signaling Pathway to Physiological Function
Authors: Li Jun , Zhang Na , Li Meihua , Hong Tao , Meng Wei , Ouyang Taohui
Published: March 2022

Ovarian tumor (OTU) domain-containing ubiquitin aldehyde-binding protein Otubain2 (OTUB2) was a functional cysteine protease in the OTU family with deubiquitinase activity. In recent years, with the wide application of molecular biology techniques, molecular mechanism regulation at multiple levels of cell signaling pathways has been gradually known, such as ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation and phosphorylation-mediated protein activation. OTUB2 is involved in the deubiquitination of many key proteins in different cell signaling pathways, and the effect of OTUB2 on human health or disease is not clear. OTUB2 is likely to cause cancer and other malignant diseases while maintaining normal human development and physiological function. Therefore, it is of great value to comprehensively understand the regulatory mechanism of OTUB2 and regard it as a target for the treatment of diseases. This review makes a general description and appropriate analysis of OTUB2’s regulation in different cell signaling pathways, and connects OTUB2 with cancer from the research hotspot perspective of DNA damage repair and immunity, laying the theoretical foundation for future research.
Tumor Suppressing Subtransferable Candidate 4 Expression Prevents Autophagy-Induced Cell Death Following Temozolomide Treatment in Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Chen Yongqiang , Gibson Spencer B.
Published: March 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of brain cancer in adults, with temozolomide (TMZ) being widely used as the standard chemotherapy drug for its treatment. However, GBM frequently becomes resistant to TMZ treatment due to various mechanisms including amplification and mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), where EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII) is the most common EGFR mutation. Autophagy (macroautophagy) is an intracellular “self-degradation” process involving the lysosome. It mainly plays a pro-cell survival role contributing to drug resistance in cancers including GBM, but, under some conditions, it can induce cell death called autophagy-induced cell death (AuICD). We recently published that TSSC4 (tumor suppressing subtransferable candidate 4) is a novel tumor suppressor and a novel autophagy inhibitor that inhibits cancer cell growth through its interacting with the autophagy protein LC3. In this brief research report, we demonstrate that cell death induced by TMZ in GBM cells is inhibited by overexpression of TSSC4. TSSC4 overexpression also prevents TMZ-induced autophagy but not when TSSC4 is mutated in its conserved LC3-interacting region. When EGFRvIII was expressed in GBM cells, TSSC4 protein was increased and TMZ-induced cell death was decreased. Knockout of TSSC4 in EGFRvIII-expressing GBM cells increased TMZ-induced autophagy and cell death. This cell death was decreased by autophagy inhibition, suggesting that TSSC4 downregulation promotes TMZ-induced AuICD. This indicates that TSSC4 is a novel target to sensitize GBM cells to TMZ treatment.
Identification of a Methylation-Regulating Genes Prognostic Signature to Predict the Prognosis and Aid Immunotherapy of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Li , Su Zhixiong , Hong Fuyuan , Wang Lei
Published: March 2022

Methylation is one of the most extensive modifications of biological macromolecules and affects cell-fate determination, development, aging, and cancer. Several methylation modifications, including 5-methylcytosine and N6-methyladenosine, play an essential role in many cancers. However, little is known about the relationship between methylation and the prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Here, we established a methylation-regulating genes prognostic signature (MRGPS) to predict the prognoses of ccRCC patients. We obtained ccRCC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas and identified methylation-regulatingd genes (MRGs) from the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis database. We also determined differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and performed cluster analysis to identify candidate genes. Subsequently, we established and validated an MRGPS to predict the overall survival of ccRCC patients. This was also verified in 15 ccRCC samples collected from the Fujian Provincial Hospital via quantitative real-time transcription (qRT-PCR). While 95 MRGs were differentially expressed (DEGs1) between tumor and normal tissues, 17 MRGs were differentially expressed (DEGs2) between cluster 1 and 2. Notably, 13 genes common among DEGs1 and DEGs2 were identified as hub genes. In fact, we established three genes (NOP2, NSUN6, and TET2) to be an MRGPS based on their multivariate Cox regression analysis coefficients (p < 0.05). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed this MRGPS to have a good prognostic performance. Moreover, the MRGPS was associated with characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment and responses to inhibitor checkpoint inhibitors. Data from “IMvigor 210” demonstrated that patients with a low MRGPS would benefit more from atelozumab (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a multivariate analysis revealed that MRGPS was an independent risk factor associated with ccRCC prognosis (p < 0.05). Notably, a nomogram constructed by combining with clinical characteristics (age, grade, stage, and MRGPS risk score) to predict the overall survival of a ccRCC patient had a favorable predictive value. Eventually, our qRT-PCR results showed that tumor tissues had higher NOP2 and NSUN6 expression levels and lower TET2 expression than normal tissues of ccRCC samples. While the proposed MRGPS comprising NOP2, NSUN6, and TET2 can be an alternative prognostic biomarker for ccRCC patients, it is a promising index for personalized ICI treatments against ccRCC.
Dynamic Changes in Myofibroblasts Affect the Carcinogenesis and Prognosis of Bladder Cancer Associated With Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling
Authors: Du YiHeng , Sui YiQun , Cao Jin , Jiang Xiang , Wang Yi , Yu Jiang , Wang Bo , Wang XiZhi , Xue BoXin
Published: March 2022

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a tumor that possesses significant heterogeneity, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the development of BLCA. The TME chiefly consists of tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells admixed with stromal components. Recent studies have revealed that stromal components, especially cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), affect immune cell infiltration and modulate the extracellular matrix in the TME of BLCA, ultimately impacting the prognosis and therapeutic efficacy of BLCA. Among the subgroups of CAFs, myofibroblasts (myCAFs) were the most abundant and were demonstrated to play an essential role in affecting the prognosis of various tumors, including BLCA. However, the dynamic changes in myCAFs during carcinogenesis and tumor progression have been less discussed previously. With the help of bioinformatics algorithms, we discussed the roles of myCAFs in the carcinogenesis and prognosis of BLCA in this manuscript. Our study highlighted the pathogenesis of BLCA was accompanied by a decrease in the abundance of myCAFs, revealing potential protective properties of myCAFs in the carcinogenesis of BLCA. Meanwhile, the reduced expressions of myCAFs marker genes were highly accurate in predicting tumorigenesis. In contrast, we also demonstrated that myCAFs regulated extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor metabolism, cancer stemness, and oncological mutations, ultimately impacting the treatment responsiveness and prognosis of BLCA patients. Thus, our research revealed the bimodal roles of myCAFs in the development of BLCA, which may be associated with the temporal change of the TME. The in-depth study of myofibroblasts and the TME may provide potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BLCA.
Trust: A Double-Edged Sword in Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Reiersen Jon , Roll Kristin , Williams Jesse Dylan , Carlsson Michael
Published: March 2022

We examine the impact of trust in combating the SARS-CoV-2 virus, that can cause COVID-19. Under normal circumstances trust is a crucial component for society to function well, but during a pandemic trust can become a double-edged sword. On the one hand, a high level of trust in society may lead to greater acceptance among citizens for public measures that aim to combat a virus. If people believe that their respective governments implement unbiased and well-informed measures, and people also believe that their fellow citizens will follow these measures, this may lead to a high general compliance in society and less people will be infected. On the other hand, trust may affect people's perception of risk and hence their behavior. If people believe that most people are trustworthy, they may be less willing to think of everyone else as a potential health threat. If people also trust the government to manage the pandemic in a competent way, their perception of the risks related to the pandemic weaken. Taken together, this may lead people in high trust societies to consider personal protective measures less important, and more people will be infected. The ambiguous effect trust may have on the outcome of a pandemic calls for a closer empirical analysis. Drawing on data from 127 countries we find that the number COVID-19 deaths decrease with trust in government and trust in science, while the number COVID-19 deaths increase with social trust. Implications of these findings for risk communication and management during a pandemic are discussed.
Interval Extension of Neural Network Models for the Electrochemical Behavior of High-Temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: Rauh Andreas , Auer Ekaterina
Published: March 2022

In various research projects, it has been demonstrated that feedforward neural network models (possibly extended toward dynamic representations) are efficient means for identifying numerous dependencies of the electrochemical behavior of high-temperature fuel cells. These dependencies include external inputs such as gas mass flows, gas inlet temperatures, and the electric current as well as internal fuel cell states such as the temperature. Typically, the research on using neural networks in this context is focused only on point-valued training data. As a result, the neural network provides solely point-valued estimates for such quantities as the stack voltage and instantaneous fuel cell power. Although advantageous, for example, for robust control synthesis, quantifying the reliability of neural network models in terms of interval bounds for the network’s output has not yet received wide attention. In practice, however, such information is essential for optimizing the utilization of the supplied fuel. An additional goal is to make sure that the maximum power point is not exceeded since that would lead to accelerated stack degradation. To solve the data-driven modeling task with the focus on reliability assessment, a novel offline and online parameterization strategy for interval extensions of neural network models is presented in this paper. Its functionality is demonstrated using real-life measured data for a solid oxide fuel cell stack that is operated with temporally varying electric currents and fuel gas mass flows.
Case Report: Identification of the First Synonymous Variant of Myosin Binding Protein C3 (c.24A>C, p.P8P) Altering RNA Splicing in a Cardiomyopathy and Sudden Cardiac Death Case
Authors: Jin Jie-Yuan , Xiao Jiao , Dong Yi , Sheng Yue , Guo Ya-Dong , Xiang Rong
Published: March 2022

Background

Sudden cardiac death (SCD), based on sudden cardiac ejection cessation, is an unexpected death. Primary cardiomyopathies, including dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), are one of main causes of SCD. The DCM is characterized by a cardiac dilatation and a reduced systolic function with a prevalence of 1/250 in adults. The DCM has been reported with more than 60 disease-causing genes, and MYBPC3 variants are one of the most common and well-known causes of DCM.

Methods

We identified a 29-year-old female who died of SCD. We performed a whole-exome sequencing (WES) to detect her genetic etiology and used minigene modeling and immunohistochemistry staining to verify the pathogenicity.

Results

We determined that the woman died of SCD caused by DCM due to an identified novel synonymous variant of MYBPC3 (NM_000256.3: c.24A>C, p.P8P) in the deceased. The variant can result in abnormal splicing, which was confirmed by minigene models and immunohistochemistry staining.

Conclusion

We may have identified the first deleterious synonymous variant of MYBPC3 in an SCD case and verified its significant impact on RNA splicing. Our description enriched the spectrum of MYBPC3 variants and emphasized the significance of synonymous variants that are always disregarded in genetic screening.
Geochemistry of Formation Water and Its Implications for Petroleum Source Rocks in the Fengcheng Formation, Mahu Depression, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhou Lu , Liu Jin , Zhang Xinji , Luo Xiaojing , Zhu Rong , Wu Yong , Ren Zhaoyan , Dick Jeffrey
Published: March 2022

Geochemical properties of formation water reflect the sedimentary environments and the sealing conditions of the formation, which are of great significance for oil and gas exploration. In this research, the formation waters in the deep Permian Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Depression were studied by analysis of chemical composition, stable isotopes, and the homogenization temperatures and salinities of fluid inclusions. The results show that the formation water is NaHCO3-type with high salinity, high HCO3-, low concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ and high pH. The overall sealing of the formation is well maintained. Na2SO4-type water was found in some places with poor preservation of oil and gas. The fluid geochemistry and alkaline mineral distribution in the strata, which are dominated by deep fine-grain mixed deposits, indicate that the main body of the Fengcheng Formation was deposited in an alkaline lake sedimentary environment. The isotopic signatures are characterized by high δ13C, negative δ18O, and light strontium and heavy boron isotopes in the strata near the deep fault zone, which indicate that the Fengcheng formation may have been affected by deep hydrothermal fluids. From the first member to the third member of the formation, the salinity first increases and then decreases. This low-high-low trend corresponds to the initial stage of alkaline lake development followed by strong alkali formation and a final stage of water retreat. The coincidence between the spatial distribution of alkaline minerals, high-salinity formation water and source rocks indicates that the alkaline lake environment can form high-quality source rocks with good petroleum generation capacity.
Origin and Periodic Behavior of Short Duration Signals Recorded by Seismometers at Vestnesa Ridge, an Active Seepage Site on the West-Svalbard Continental Margin
Authors: Domel P. , Singhroha S. , Plaza-Faverola A. , Schlindwein V. , Ramachandran H. , Bünz S.
Published: March 2022

Short duration events (SDEs) are reported worldwide from ocean-bottom seismometers (OBSs). Due to their high frequency (4–30 Hz) and short duration, they are commonly attributed to aseismic sources, such as fluid migration related processes from cold seeps, biological signals, or noise. We present the results of a passive seismic experiment that deployed an OBS network for 10-month (October 2015–July 2016) at an active seepage site on Vestnesa Ridge, West Svalbard continental margin. We characterize SDEs and their temporal occurrence using the conventional short-time-average over long-time-average approach. Signal periodograms show that SDEs have periodic patterns related to solar and lunar cycles. A monthly correlation between SDE occurrences and modelled tides for the area indicates that tides have a partial control on SDEs recorded over 10 months. The numbers of SDEs increase close to the tidal minima and maxima, although a correlation with tidal highs appears more robust. Large bursts of SDEs are separated by interim quiet cycles. In contrast, the periodicity analysis of tremors shows a different pattern, likely caused by the effect of tidally controlled underwater currents on the instrumentation. We suggest that SDEs at Vestnesa Ridge may be related to the dynamics of the methane seepage system which is characterized by a complex interaction between migration of deep sourced fluids, gas hydrate formation and seafloor gas advection through cracks. Our observation from this investigated area offshore west-Svalbard, is in line with the documentation of SDEs from other continental margins, where micro-seismicity and gas release into the water column are seemingly connected.
A Polarization Migration Velocity Model Building Method for Geological Prediction Ahead of the Tunnel Face
Authors: Wang Bo , Huang Lanying
Published: March 2022

It has been difficult to establish velocity models that use reflected seismic signals with advanced prediction ahead of the tunnel face. The accurate establishment of advanced velocity models face issues including artifacts in migration results and incorrect calculation of velocity. This study presents a polarization migration velocity model building method to solve these issues. First, the artifacts in migration interfaces were eliminated by the polarization characteristics of three-component reflected signals. Second, the optimum velocity ahead of the tunnel face was determined according to the energy stack characteristics of common interface points. Finally, the velocity model was established based on optimum velocity parameters and corresponding polarization migration interfaces using a three-dimensional and three-component numerical simulation conducted on faults with high dip and different inclinations. The results indicate that the velocity errors in the advanced velocity model were 1 and 2% for each of the two layers, and the position errors of the two interfaces were smaller than 3 and 2%. The experimental results of the Maanshan tunnel verified the effectiveness of the polarization migration velocity model building method.
Combustion Characteristics of Methane-Air Mixtures in Millimeter-Scale Systems With a Cavity Structure: An Experimental and Numerical Study
Authors: Chen Junjie , Li Tengfei
Published: March 2022

The management of internal features of a cavity structure for channels offers the possibility of inherently effective operation within the flammable limits of a combustible fluid stream while preserving high stability for the flame. However, the precise mechanism by which the cavity method generally provides increased flame stability for millimeter-scale systems remains unclear. The combustion characteristics of methane-air mixtures in millimeter-scale systems with a cavity structure were investigated experimentally and numerically to gain a greater understanding of the mechanisms of flame stabilization and to gain new insights into the characteristics of combustion within spaces with extremely small dimensions. The quenching distance was determined both experimentally and numerically. Stable temperature profiles were obtained from thermographic measurements using infrared radiation. The measurements were compared with the model predictions. Subsequent model calculations demonstrate the effects of variations in wall thermal conductivity, heat losses, flow velocity, equivalence ratio, and channel dimensions. Design recommendations were made. The experimental and numerical results indicated that the quenching distance is slightly larger than commonly believed. The cavity structure has little effect on the quenching distance, but can improve the efficiency and performance of the systems considerably. The cavity structure can effectively extend flammability limits, with an increase of about 18% in the operating range defined by the equivalence ratio of the mixture. The length scale of the systems plays a vital role in stabilizing the flame. The thermal conductivity of the solid material is vital in determining the efficiency and performance of the systems. The design with anisotropic thermal conductivity has significant performance advantages. The flow velocity of the fluid and the equivalence ratio of the mixture are important factors affecting the efficiency and performance of the systems.
Research of Thermal Hydraulic Conditions Effect on PWR CIPS Risk
Authors: Meng Shuqi , Yan Yalun , Hu Yousen , Hu Yisong , Ruan Tianming
Published: March 2022

In order to reveal the effect of thermal hydraulic conditions on the PWR CIPS risk, the evaluation of a PWR CIPS risk in the first cycle under different core flow rates, average primary temperatures, power levels, and primary pressures was conducted by combining thermal hydraulic codes LINDEN and CRUD (Chalk River unidentified deposit) analysis software CAMPSIS. The research result illustrating the essential effect of thermal hydraulic conditions on CIPS is changing the SNB (subcooled nucleate boiling) level of the fuel assembly’s surface; thus, boron precipitation and local power distribution will be affected. Theoretical evidence and statistical support of the effect of thermal hydraulic conditions on the PWR CIPS risk could be obtained via this research.
Regional Ultra-Short-Term Wind Power Combination Prediction Method Based on Fluctuant/Smooth Components Division
Authors: Li Yalong , Yan Licheng , He Hao , Zha Wenting
Published: March 2022

When multiple scattered wind farms are connected to the power grid, the meteorological and geographic information data used for power prediction of a single wind farm are not suitable for the regional wind power prediction of the dispatching department. Therefore, based on the regional wind power historical data, this study proposes a combined prediction method according to data decomposition. Firstly, the original sequence processed by the extension methods is decomposed into several regular components by Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN). All the components are classified into two categories: fluctuant components and smooth components. Then, according to the characteristics of different data, the long short-term memory (LSTM) network and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model are used to model the fluctuant components and the smooth components, respectively, and obtain the predicted values of each component. Finally, the predicted data of all components are accumulated, which is the final predicted result of the regional ultra-short-term wind power. The feasibility and accuracy of this method are verified by the comparative analysis.
Is It Time for Ecotremology?
Authors: Šturm Rok , López Díez Juan José , Polajnar Jernej , Sueur Jérôme , Virant-Doberlet Meta
Published: March 2022

Our awareness of air-borne sounds in natural and urban habitats has led to the recent recognition of soundscape ecology and ecoacoustics as interdisciplinary fields of research that can help us better understand ecological processes and ecosystem dynamics. Because the vibroscape (i.e., the substrate-borne vibrations occurring in a given environment) is hidden to the human senses, we have largely overlooked its ecological significance. Substrate vibrations provide information crucial to the reproduction and survival of most animals, especially arthropods, which are essential to ecosystem functioning. Thus, vibroscape is an important component of the environment perceived by the majority of animals. Nowadays, when the environment is rapidly changing due to human activities, climate change, and invasive species, this hidden vibratory world is also likely to change without our notice, with potentially crucial effects on arthropod communities. Here, we introduce ecotremology, a discipline that mainly aims at studying substrate-borne vibrations for unraveling ecological processes and biological conservation. As biotremology follows the main research concepts of bioacoustics, ecotremology is consistent with the paradigms of ecoacoustics. We argue that information extracted from substrate vibrations present in the environment can be used to comprehensively assess and reliably predict ecosystem changes. We identify key research questions and discuss the technical challenges associated with ecotremology studies.
Network Preservation Analysis Reveals Dysregulated Synaptic Modules and Regulatory Hubs Shared Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Harutyunyan Anna , Jones Nigel C. , Kwan Patrick , Anderson Alison
Published: March 2022

Background: There is increased prevalence of epilepsy in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although shared pathological and clinical features have been identified, the underlying pathophysiology and cause-effect relationships are poorly understood. We aimed to identify commonly dysregulated groups of genes between these two disorders.

Methods: Using publicly available transcriptomic data from hippocampal tissue of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), late onset AD and non-AD controls, we constructed gene coexpression networks representing all three states. We then employed network preservation statistics to compare the density and connectivity-based preservation of functional gene modules between TLE, AD and controls and used the difference in significance scores as a surrogate quantifier of module preservation.

Results: The majority (>90%) of functional gene modules were highly preserved between all coexpression networks, however several modules identified in the TLE network showed various degrees of preservation in the AD network compared to that of control. Of note, two synaptic signalling-associated modules and two metabolic modules showed substantial gain of preservation, while myelination and immune system-associated modules showed significant loss of preservation. The genes SCN3B and EPHA4 were identified as central regulatory hubs of the highly preserved synaptic signalling-associated module. GABRB3 and SCN2A were identified as central regulatory hubs of a smaller neurogenesis-associated module, which was enriched for multiple epileptic activity and seizure-related human phenotype ontologies.

Conclusion: We conclude that these hubs and their downstream signalling pathways are common modulators of synaptic activity in the setting of AD and TLE, and may play a critical role in epileptogenesis in AD.
A Systematic Review of Tissue and Single Cell Transcriptome/Proteome Studies of the Brain in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Elkjaer Maria L. , Röttger Richard , Baumbach Jan , Illes Zsolt
Published: March 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating and degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Although inflammatory responses are efficiently treated, therapies for progression are scarce and suboptimal, and biomarkers to predict the disease course are insufficient. Cure or preventive measures for MS require knowledge of core pathological events at the site of the tissue damage. Novelties in systems biology have emerged and paved the way for a more fine-grained understanding of key pathological pathways within the CNS, but they have also raised questions still without answers. Here, we systemically review the power of tissue and single-cell/nucleus CNS omics and discuss major gaps of integration into the clinical practice. Systemic search identified 49 transcriptome and 11 proteome studies of the CNS from 1997 till October 2021. Pioneering molecular discoveries indicate that MS affects the whole brain and all resident cell types. Despite inconsistency of results, studies imply increase in transcripts/proteins of semaphorins, heat shock proteins, myelin proteins, apolipoproteins and HLAs. Different lesions are characterized by distinct astrocytic and microglial polarization, altered oligodendrogenesis, and changes in specific neuronal subtypes. In all white matter lesion types, CXCL12, SCD, CD163 are highly expressed, and STAT6- and TGFβ-signaling are increased. In the grey matter lesions, TNF-signaling seems to drive cell death, and especially CUX2-expressing neurons may be susceptible to neurodegeneration. The vast heterogeneity at both cellular and lesional levels may underlie the clinical heterogeneity of MS, and it may be more complex than the current disease phenotyping in the clinical practice. Systems biology has not solved the mystery of MS, but it has discovered multiple molecules and networks potentially contributing to the pathogenesis. However, these results are mostly descriptive; focused functional studies of the molecular changes may open up for a better interpretation. Guidelines for acceptable quality or awareness of results from low quality data, and standardized computational and biological pipelines may help to overcome limited tissue availability and the “snap shot” problem of omics. These may help in identifying core pathological events and point in directions for focus in clinical prevention.
Eosinophil-Derived Osteopontin Induces the Expression of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators and Stimulates Extracellular Matrix Production in Nasal Fibroblasts: The Role of Osteopontin in Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Yang Hyun-Woo , Park Joo-Hoo , Jo Min-Sik , Shin Jae-Min , Kim Dae Woo , Park Il-Ho
Published: March 2022

Background

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is a subtype of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and is a refractory or intractable disease. However, a reliable clinical marker or an effective treatment strategy has not yet been established. ECRS is accompanied by excessive eosinophil infiltration and Th2 inflammatory response, which is closely related to tissue remodeling in the upper airways.

Objectives

We sought to investigate the effect of eosinophils on tissue remodeling in ECRS. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of eosinophils on the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and extracellular matrix (ECM) in nasal fibroblasts and the key mediators that stimulate them.

Methods

Butyric acid was used to differentiate EOL-1 cells into eosinophils. We co-cultured differentiated EOL-1 cells and fibroblasts to measure the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and ECM in fibroblasts. Among the cytokines secreted from the differentiated EOL-1 cells, factors that induced tissue remodeling of fibroblasts were identified.

Results

Treatment with butyric acid (BA) differentiated EOL-1 cells into eosinophils. Differentiated EOL-1 cells induced fibroblasts to produce pro-inflammatory mediators, IL-6 and IL-8, and tissue remodeling factor, VEGF. It also induced myofibroblast differentiation and overexpression of ECM components. Differentiated EOL-1 cells overexpressed osteopontin (OPN), and recombinant OPN increased the expression of IL-6, IL-8, VEGF, and ECM components in nasal fibroblast. OPN was overexpressed in the nasal tissue of patients with ECRS and was associated with the severity of CRS.

Conclusions

Eosinophil-derived OPN stimulated nasal fibroblasts and contributed to inflammation and tissue remodeling in ECRS. Moreover, the expression level of OPN was proportional to the severity of ECRS. Therefore, OPN regulation is a potential treatment for ECRS.
Efficacy and Safety of Anti-PD1/PDL1 in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jiang Qi , Huang Jinsheng , Zhang Bei , Li Xujia , Chen Xiuxing , Cui Bokang , Li Shengping , Guo Guifang
Published: March 2022

Background

Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand (anti-PD1/PDL1) have been proposed as a promising therapeutic option for advanced biliary tract cancer (aBTC). Given the scarce quantitative analyses of anti-PD1/PDL1 in aBTC, we thus did a meta-analysis to assess the benefits and risks of this emerging treatment strategy in patients with aBTC.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and meeting resources were searched for relevant studies. The main endpoints were median progression-free survival (mPFS), median overall survival (mOS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), any-grade adverse events (AEs), and grade 3–4 AEs.

Results

Twenty-eight studies with 1,338 participants were included. The best curative effect was found in the anti-PD1/PDL1 combined with anti-CTLA4 and chemotherapy group (mPFS: 12.4 months; mOS: 16.0 months; ORR: 45.1%; DCR: 95.0%), followed by the anti-PD1/PDL1 plus chemotherapy group (mPFS: 8.2 months; mOS: 14.8 months; ORR: 36.3%; DCR: 84.6%), the anti-PD1/PDL1 plus antiangiogenesis group (mPFS: 4.9 months; mOS: 10.2 months; ORR: 17.5%; DCR: 68.7%), the anti-PD1/PDL1 plus anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (anti-CTLA4) group (mPFS: 2.9 months; mOS: 8.3 months; ORR: 9.9%; DCR: 36.8%), and the anti-PD1/PDL1 monotherapy group (mPFS: 2.5 months; mOS: 7.6 months; ORR: 6.8%; DCR: 34.7%). Compared with anti-PD1-containing regimens, anti-PDL1-containing regimens achieved preferable mPFS (11.1 vs. 3.8 months), mOS (12.2 vs. 9.8 months), and ORR (23.7% vs. 17.4%), despite a similar DCR (61.1% vs. 61.3%). The mPFS, mOS, ORR, and DCR were 10.6 months, 15.8 months, 42.3%, and 88.6% of first-line anti-PD1/PDL1 and 3.0 months, 9.1 months, 11.6%, and 51.1% of second-line therapy or beyond, respectively. There were 80.6% and 34.0% of the patients suffering any-grade AEs and grade 3–4 AEs. Anti-PD1/PDL1 monotherapy might be considered as a safer alternative than combination regimens. Meanwhile, obvious toxicities in the first-line setting could not be neglected.

Conclusions

Anti-PD1/PDL1 showed encouraging efficacy and acceptable safety profile in aBTC and, thus, could be an alternative treatment.