bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Levelized Cost of Storage of Electrochemical Energy Storage Technologies in China
Authors: Xu Yan , Pei Jiamei , Cui Liang , Liu Pingkuo , Ma Tianjiao
Published: June 2022

Large-scale electrochemical energy storage (EES) can contribute to renewable energy adoption and ensure the stability of electricity systems under high penetration of renewable energy. However, the commercialization of the EES industry is largely encumbered by its cost; therefore, this study studied the technical characteristics and economic analysis of EES and presents a detailed analysis of the levelized cost of storage (LCOS) for different EES technologies. The results show that in the application of energy storage peak shaving, the LCOS of lead-carbon (12 MW power and 24 MWh capacity) is 0.84 CNY/kWh, that of lithium iron phosphate (60 MW power and 240 MWh capacity) is 0.94 CNY/kWh, and that of the vanadium redox flow (200 MW power and 800 MWh capacity) is 1.21 CNY/kWh. A detailed analysis of the cost breakdown shows that the proportion of the Capex and charging costs of EES projects are relatively high, while the Opex and tax costs are comparatively low. The difference between EES projects lies in the proportion of replacement costs. Finally, a sensitivity analysis considering four factors is presented, with this study considering the impact of round-trip efficiency, storage duration, unit initial investment, and the storage application scenario on the LCOS of EES. Among them, the LCOS varies with different application scenarios. For transmission and distribution (T&D) application, the LCOS of lithium iron phosphate is the lowest, due to its long-life advantage compared to lead-carbon.
Solar Photovoltaic Energy Optimization and Challenges
Authors: Soomar Arsalan Muhammad , Hakeem Abdul , Messaoudi Mustapha , Musznicki Piotr , Iqbal Amjad , Czapp Stanislaw
Published: June 2022

The study paper focuses on solar energy optimization approaches, as well as the obstacles and concerns that come with them. This study discusses the most current advancements in solar power generation devices in order to provide a reference for decision-makers in the field of solar plant construction throughout the world. These technologies are divided into three groups: photovoltaic, thermal, and hybrid (thermal/photovoltaic). As a result, this article begins by outlining the approach that will be employed to undertake this research. Following that, solar energy production methods are researched and their sub-classifications are described in order to establish their resource needs and features. Following that, a detailed conversation is held. Each technology’s environmental and economic performance will be evaluated. Furthermore, a statistical analysis is conducted to emphasize the efficiency and performance of each solar technology, as well as to identify their global rankings in terms of power output. Finally, research trends in the development of solar power plants are presented. The credibility of the Photovoltaic system, types and limitations is the discussion under study system makes use of sun’s energy to generate electricity with the help of varied procedural systems; stand-alone, hybrid or grid charged. Based on this research, it is possible to infer that the primary goals of optimization approaches are to reduce investment, operation and maintenance costs, and emissions in order to improve system dependability. This paper also includes a brief overview of several solar energy optimization problems and issues.
A Game Optimization Scheduling Strategy of Active Distribution Network With Multi-Microgrid Sharing Energy Storage
Authors: Li Fei , Li Xianshan , Fang Zijian , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2022

In a multi-microgrid grid-connected system, a MGCO is formed to participate in the optimization scheduling of the ADN by sharing ES, which can promote the efficient utilization of resources and obtain win–win interests for all participants. According to the complementary characteristics of ES behaviors and energy production–consumption of MGs, a game scheduling model of the ADN with the MGCO for sharing ES is established to obtain energy reciprocity and balance the interest of both parties. The ADN formulates the ToU price policy to maximize the operational benefits, and the MGCO responds to the price to obtain each member’s energy-dispatching strategy for minimizing the total operating costs. Furthermore, all members in the MGCO distribute the cooperation surplus based on the Shapley value method. The example results show that the proposed game model can balance the benefits between the ADN and multi-microgrid with sharing ES and maximize the mutual benefits of the MGCO through energy reciprocity.
A Path Towards Green Revolution: How do Environmental Technologies, Political Risk, and Environmental Taxes Influence Green Energy Consumption?
Authors: Peng Gao , Meng Fanchen , Ahmed Zahoor , Oláh Judit , Harsányi Endre
Published: June 2022

Enhancing green energy consumption is the most important strategy to achieve environmental goals and control global temperature rise. Unquestionably, political intuitions make decisions for developing environmental technologies and imposing environmental taxes for phasing out fossil fuels and achieving energy transition. Therefore, this study explores the role of environmental technologies, political risk, and environmental taxes in green energy consumption considering the potential impacts of population density and economic growth in G7 countries. Second-generation tests are applied for analyzing the long-run equilibrium connection and stationarity features. Finally, the CuP-FM and CuP-BC estimators are applied for assessing long-run linkage and Dumitrescu-Hurlin causal test is applied to reveal causal flow among variables. The estimates uncovered that enhancing environmental technologies and environmental taxes upsurges the consumption of green energy. Reducing political risk in G7 countries also boosts green energy consumption. Economic growth is evidenced to stimulate the consumption of green energy, while population density limits the consumption of green energy. Moreover, environmental technologies and political risk Granger cause green energy utilization, while a feedback relationship exists between environmental taxes and green energy usage. Based on the results, this study suggests that G7 countries should allocate more funds to accelerate innovation in environmental technologies and, at the same time, reduce the political risk to boost green energy consumption.
Runaway Social Selection in Human Evolution
Authors: Crespi Bernard J. , Flinn Mark V. , Summers Kyle
Published: June 2022

Darwin posited that social competition among conspecifics could be a powerful selective pressure. Alexander proposed a model of human evolution involving a runaway process of social competition based on Darwin’s insight. Here we briefly review Alexander’s logic, and then expand upon his model by elucidating six core arenas of social selection that involve runaway, positive-feedback processes, and that were likely involved in the evolution of the remarkable combination of adaptations in humans. We discuss how these ideas fit with the hypothesis that a key life history innovation that opened the door to runaway social selection, and cumulative culture, during hominin evolution was increased cooperation among individuals in small fission-fusion groups.
LncRNA Snhg1 Plays an Important Role via Sequestering rno-miR-139-5p to Function as a ceRNA in Acute Rejection After Rat Liver Transplantation Based on the Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Wu Wu , Wang Menghao , Li Chunming , Zhu Zhu , Zhang Yang , Wu Di , Ou Zhibing , Liu Zuojin
Published: June 2022

In order to explore the molecular mechanism of acute rejection after liver transplantation (ARLT) in rats, we employed the GSE36798 data set in the Gene Expression Omnibust (GEO) database to construct a related ceRNA network. This dataset contained a total of 16 samples (8 graft samples and 8 plasma samples). Each kind of sample was divided into acute rejection (AR) groups and non-acute rejection (NR) groups, and each group had 4 replicates. First, we performed principal component analysis (PCA) with downloaded data to compare the difference between samples in a macroscopic way. Then, we used the “limma” R package to screen out differentially expressed miRNAs among different groups and used the “pheatmap” R package to perform bidirectional hierarchical clustering analysis for these differentially expressed miRNAs. The miRWalk database and the LncBase V.2 database were applied to predict downstream target genes and upstream-related lncRNAs, respectively. Meanwhile, the String database was used to predict the relationship between target genes, and the aforementioned results were processed for visualization by Cytoscape software. In addition, we exhibited the ultimate ceRNA network, including two lncRNAs, two miRNAs, and 77 mRNAs. Finally, we constructed a rat model of ARLT and applied graft specimens to relevant experimental verification. We found that the lncRNA Snhg1/rno-miR-139-5p axis might be involved in the regulation of ARLT in rats. In short, we demonstrated the differentially expressed miRNA profile, constructed a related ceRNA network, and screened out a possible regulatory axis. In view of the conservation of genes among species, this work was expected to provide a new strategy for the treatment and prevention of ARLT in the clinical setting.
Risk Factors Affecting Alternate Segregation in Blastocysts From Preimplantation Genetic Testing Cycles of Autosomal Reciprocal Translocations
Authors: Xie Pingyuan , Hu Liang , Peng Yangqin , Tan Yue-qiu , Luo Keli , Gong Fei , Lu Guangxiu , Lin Ge
Published: June 2022

Reciprocal translocations are the most common structural chromosome rearrangements and may be associated with reproductive problems. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze factors that can influence meiotic segregation patterns in blastocysts for reciprocal translocation carriers. Segregation patterns of quadrivalents in 10,846 blastocysts from 2,871 preimplantation genetic testing cycles of reciprocal translocation carriers were analyzed. The percentage of normal/balanced blastocysts was 34.3%, and 2:2 segregation was observed in 90.0% of the blastocysts. Increased TAR1 (ratio of translocated segment 1 over the chromosome arm) emerged as an independent protective factor associated with an increase in alternate segregation (p = 0.004). Female sex and involvement of an acrocentric chromosome (Acr-ch) were independent risk factors that reduced alternate segregation proportions (p < 0.001). Notably, a higher TAR1 reduced the proportion of adjacent-1 segregation (p < 0.001); a longer translocated segment and female sex increased the risk of adjacent-2 segregation (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively). Female sex and involvement of an Acr-ch enhanced the ratio of 3:1 segregation (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). In conclusion, autosomal reciprocal translocation carriers have reduced proportions of alternate segregation in blastocysts upon the involvement of an Acr-ch, female sex, and lower TAR1. These results may facilitate more appropriate genetic counseling for couples with autosomal reciprocal translocation regarding their chances of producing normal/balanced blastocysts.
Establishment and Phenotypic Analysis of the Novel Gaucher Disease Mouse Model With the Partially Humanized Gba1 Gene and F213I Mutation
Authors: Guo Jia-ni , Guan Ming , Jiang Nan , Li Na , Li Ya-jun , Zhang Jin , Ma Duan
Published: June 2022

Gaucher disease (GD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GBA1 gene, which produces the glucocerebrosidase (GCase) protein. There are more than 500 mutations reported in GBA1, among which L444P (p.Leu444Pro) and F213I (p.Phe213Ile) are the most common in the Chinese population, while the function of F213I mutation remains elusive. This study aims to establish the GD mouse model of partially humanized Gba1 gene with F213I mutation. In vitro GCase activity assays showed that the product of partially humanized Gba1 gene, in which the mouse exons 5-7 were replace by the corresponding human exons, displayed similar activity with the wild-type mouse Gba1, while the F213I mutation in the humanized Gba1 led to significant decrease in enzyme activity. ES cell targeting was used to establish the mice expressing the partially humanized Gba1-F213I. Gba1F213I/+ mice did not show obviously abnormal phenotypes, but homozygous Gba1F213I/F213I mice died within 24 h after birth, whose epidermal stratum corneum were abnormal from the wild-type. The GCase activity in Gba1F213I/F213I mice greatly decreased. In conclusion, our results showed that the partially humanized GD mouse model with the F213I mutation was developed and homozygous F213I mutation is lethal for newborn mice.
Haematopoiesis in Zebrafish (Danio Rerio)
Authors: Stosik Michał , Tokarz-Deptuła Beata , Deptuła Wiesław
Published: June 2022

Haematopoiesis in fish and mammals is a complex process, and many aspects regarding its model and the differentiation of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) still remain enigmatic despite advanced studies. The effects of microenvironmental factors or HSCs niche and signalling pathways on haematopoiesis are also unclear. This review presents Danio rerio as a model organism for studies on haematopoiesis in vertebrates and discusses the development of this process during the embryonic period and in adult fish. It describes the role of the microenvironment of the haematopoietic process in regulating the formation and function of HSCs/HSPCs (hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells) and highlights facts and research areas important for haematopoiesis in fish and mammals.
Estimating Deep-Sea Fish Population Density From the Odour Extension Area: A Theoretical Basis and Comparison With the Conventional Methods
Authors: Aoki Kunihiro , Fujiwara Yoshihiro , Tsuchida Shinji
Published: June 2022

Accurately estimating the population density of deep-sea fish with a baited camera system has long been a significant challenge. Although several theoretical models have been developed using the first arrival time of an individual fish or time-varying fish abundance at the bait, none of the models allows for the spatio-temporal variability of the odour plume area extending from the bait. This study shows theoretically that the population density can be formulated as the inverse of the sample mean of the odour plume area extended until it reaches a first fish under the condition that fish at rest have a random dispersion. Each area estimate is governed by the homogeneous Poisson process and, hence, its probability density follows an exponential distribution. A large uncertainty can occur for each area estimate (sample), but the uncertainty decreases as the number of samples used to derive the sample mean increases by the law of large numbers. Numerical experiments conducted in the study indicate that the proposed method for inferring population density is also potentially applicable to cases in which the fish have a uniform or large-scale clumped dispersion. The experiments also show that the conventional method based on first arrival time fails to estimate the population density for any of the dispersion cases. This study also indicates that the reliability of the most popular inference method for estimating population density from the time-profile of fish abundance at the bait site was found to depend on the extension of the odour plume area and the dispersion pattern.
Seasonal and Spatial Production Patterns of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon and Total Alkalinity in a Shallow Beach Aquifer
Authors: Kim Kyra H. , Heiss James W. , Michael Holly A. , Ullman William J. , Cai Wei-Jun
Published: June 2022

Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (AlkT) fluxes to the nearshore ocean can directly impact the rates of primary production, coral reef formation, coastal ocean acidification, and continental shelf ecology. Current understanding of the transformations that DIC and AlkT undergo as they move from land to sea are limited, leading to difficulties in estimating future DIC and AlkT export that may be altered under a changing climate. While much research has focused on carbon fluxes in carbon-rich mangroves and coastal wetlands, DIC and AlkT transformations and distributions in sandy beach aquifers, which are comparatively carbon-poor, have not been studied as extensively. We monitored DIC and AlkT concentrations in a sandy beach system over six sampling events spanning two years. Substantial changes to DIC and AlkT occurred along subsurface flowpaths due to aerobic respiration and anoxic reactions, resulting in an additional mean flux to the ocean of 191 and 134 mmol/d per meter length of shoreline, respectively. The chemical alterations occurred within the saltwater-freshwater mixing zone beneath the beach surface. Both aerobic and anaerobic reactions actively contributed to DIC and AlkT production within the system, as indicated by DIC: AlkT and dDIC:dAlkT ratios relative to the theoretical dilution line. The work indicates that beach aquifers support active transformation of inorganic carbon and highlights a potentially important and overlooked source of DIC and AlkT to coastal systems.
Drainage-Improved Sediment Strength Enhances Saltmarsh Seedling Establishment Chance
Authors: Cao Haobing , Zhu Zhenchang , Hu Zhan , Wang Heng , Bouma Tjeerd J.
Published: June 2022

Identify critical factors driving seedling establishment is essential for saltmarsh restoration. Recent studies highlight drainage can facilitate seedling establishment for different saltmarsh species, yet the underling mechanism remains largely unknown. By a manipulative mesocosm experiment with contrasting sediment drainage treatments, we investigated the impacts of drainage onSpartina anglicaseedlings survival, growth and stability. Surprisingly, neitherS. anglicaseedling survival nor seedling growth were observed to be directly promoted by well drained treatment. However, the critical erosion depth (maximum erosion tolerance) ofS. anglicaseedlings was found to positively correlate with seedling root length. Measurements on the sediment properties revealed that drainage increased the critical shear strength of sediments with lower water content and higher dry bulk density. These findings indicate that, by dewatering, drainage aids to sediment consolidation and critical shear strength, and thereby facilitate seedling establishment in tempering sediment dynamics. The latter is supported by a field study, in which we found that the magnitude of the sediment dynamics on two tidal flats were positively related to water content of sediment. Overall, present study suggests that drainage could be a key factor that determines seedling stability during the critical windows of opportunity for seedling establishment, and that it could be integrated into future designs for saltmarsh restoration to enhance establishment success.
Using Argo Floats to Characterize Altimetry Products: A Study of Eddy-Induced Subsurface Oxygen Anomalies in the Black Sea
Authors: Capet Arthur , Taburet Guillaume , Mason Evan , Pujol Marie Isabelle , Grégoire Marilaure , Rio Marie-Hélène
Published: June 2022

The identification of mesoscale eddies from remote sensing altimetry is often used as a first step for downstream analyses of surface or subsurface auxiliary data sets, in a so-called composite analysis framework. This framework aims at characterizing the mean perturbations induced by eddies on oceanic variables, by merging the local anomalies of multiple data instances according to their relative position to eddies. Here, we evaluate different altimetry data sets derived for the Black Sea and compare their adequacy to characterize subsurface oxygen and salinity signatures induced by cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies. In particular, we propose that the theoretical consistency and estimated error of the reconstructed mean anomaly may serve to qualify the accuracy of gridded altimetry products and that BGC-Argo data provide a strong asset in that regard. The most recent of these data sets, prepared with a coastal concern in the frame of the ESA EO4SIBS project, provides statistics of eddy properties that, in comparison with earlier products, are closer to model simulations, in particular for coastal anticyclones. More importantly, the subsurface signature of eddies reconstructed from BGC-Argo floats data is more consistent when the EO4SIBS data set is used to relocate the profiles into an eddy-centric coordinate system. Besides, we reveal intense subsurface oxygen anomalies which stress the importance of mesoscale contribution to Black Sea oxygen dynamics and support the hypothesis that this contribution extends beyond transport and involves net biogeochemical processes.
Differences in Fatty Acids and Lipids of Massive and Branching Reef-Building Corals and Response to Environmental Changes
Authors: Liu Chengyue , Zhang Yuyang , Huang Lintao , Yu Xiaolei , Luo Yong , Jiang Lei , Sun Youfang , Liu Sheng , Huang Hui
Published: June 2022

Reef-building corals present various colony morphologies that may greatly influence their nutritional ecology. Fatty acids (FAs) and lipids are important components of corals and have been increasingly used to research the nutritional ecology of corals. In this study, we examined the symbiodiniaceae density, corallite area, total lipid content, and FAs composition of 14 species of corals with different colony morphologies. The results showed that the different colony morphology of coral was significantly correlated with the corallite area but not with the symbiodiniaceae density. Massive corals, with a large corallite area (7.16 ± 6.29 mm2), could ingest a high quantity of food, leading to high levels of total lipid content and unsaturated FAs [particularly n-6 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) and monounsaturated FAs]. For branching corals, the total lipid content and saturated FAs (SFAs, 16:0 and 18:0) were significantly positively correlated with the Symbiodiniaceae density, indicating that branching corals are predominantly autotrophic. Moreover, compared with healthy corals, bleached corals consume larger amounts of stored energy (such as lipids and SFAs) to maintain their normal physiological functions. Although bleached corals may obtain PUFAs from heterotrophic assimilation or biosynthesize, the efficiency is too low to sufficiently replenish essential PUFAs in a short time. Overall, massive corals with more initial total lipid content and PUFAs exhibit an advantage under adverse environmental conditions.
Dietary Use of the Microalga Chlorella fusca Improves Growth, Metabolism, and Digestive Functionality in Thick-Lipped Grey Mullet (Chelon labrosus, Risso 1827) Juveniles
Authors: García-Márquez Jorge , Galafat Alba , Vizcaíno Antonio Jesús , Barany André , Martos-Sitcha Juan Antonio , Mancera Juan Miguel , Acién Gabriel , Figueroa Félix L. , Alarcón Francisco Javier , Arijo Salvador , Abdala-Díaz Roberto Teófilo
Published: June 2022

In recent years, a clear emphasis has been placed on replacing fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeeds with other alternative ingredients, including algae, particularly in low trophic omnivorous fish species. This work aimed at evaluating the effects of moderate dietary supplementation with the green microalga Chlorella fusca on growth, metabolism, and digestive functionality in juvenile thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus). Fish were fed a control diet (CT) or a diet containing 15% C. fusca (C-15) biomass during 90 days. C. labrosus fed with the C-15 diet showed higher growth performance (in terms of final weight and length, weight gain, and specific growth rate) than the control group. Somatic indices and muscle proximate composition were similar at the end of the feeding trial. Regarding fatty acids profile, C. fusca-fed fish showed a selective retention of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the liver, and arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and DHA in the muscle. Dietary inclusion of this microalga significantly increased intestinal total alkaline protease, leucine aminopeptidase, and alkaline phosphatase activities in specimens fed with C-15 diet. Furthermore, intestine histological analysis revealed the absence of damage signs on gut morphology in fish fed the microalgae supplemented diet. Thick-lipped grey mullets fed the C-15 diet increased plasma glucose and decreased plasma lactate. Overall, the effects observed on liver (lipid metabolism, glycolysis and glycogenolysis) enzyme activities, together with adequate fatty acid profile, metabolic response, and gut morphology, and a significant increase in the intestinal mucosa’s digestive and absorptive capacity, could explain the positive effects on growth performance obtained in fish fed the microalgae-supplemented diet. In conclusion, the results obtained showed that C. fusca is suitable as dietary ingredient for feeding thick-lipped grey mullet juveniles.
Seawater Acidification Exacerbates the Negative Effects of UVR on the Growth of the Bloom-Forming Diatom Skeletonema costatum
Authors: Li Futian , Li Hangxiao , Xu Tianpeng , Li Shihu , Xu Juntian
Published: June 2022

Climate changes such as seawater acidification caused by rising atmospheric CO2 and increased ultraviolet radiation (UVR) intensity resulting from shoaling of the upper mixed layer may interact to influence the physiological performance of marine primary producers. But few studies have investigated long-term (>30 days) effects of UVR under seawater acidification conditions, along with less attention on the differential effects of long- and short-wavelength UVA. In the present study, four spectral treatments (>280, >320, >360, and >400 nm) under two pCO2 levels (400 and 1,000 μatm) were set to investigate the interactive effects of seawater acidification and UVR on the bloom-forming diatom Skeletonema costatum. The results showed that UVR decreased growth and effective quantum yield of Photosystem II (PSII) by 9%–16% and 11%–24%, respectively, but it enhanced cell sizes significantly. Long- and short-wavelength UVA showed differential effects on cell volume and the effective quantum yield of PSII, especially at the elevated CO2 level. Generally, seawater acidification depressed the effective quantum yield of PSII and cell volume by 6%–18% and 8%–39%, respectively. Additionally, the contents of key PSII proteins (D1 and D2) decreased at the elevated CO2 level. Elevated CO2 significantly increased the inhibition of UVR on growth in the >280 nm spectral treatment when compared with ambient CO2, while it showed no effects in other spectral treatments. Overall, the results indicate that the effects of seawater acidification on the ubiquitous diatom are light wavelength-dependent.
An Updated Real-Time Forecasting System for Marine Environments in the North Indian Ocean
Authors: Li Yineng , Li Shaotian , Peng Shiqiu , Zhu Yuhang , Zhou Fenghua , Tang Shilin
Published: June 2022

An updated real-time Experimental Platform of Marine Environment Forecasting system for the North Indian Ocean, called EPMEF-NIO, is introduced in this study. The main changes of the updated system include the following: 1) aside from the eastern Indian Ocean (EIO), the western Indian Ocean (WIO) is added to the regions for weather, surge, and wave forecasts, and the horizontal resolutions for the two-domain weather forecast are increased from 24 and 8 km to 18 and 6 km; 2) a three-domain-nested wave forecast is added to the system with spatial resolutions of 1/3°, 1/12°, and 1/36° for the Indo-Pacific, EIO and WIO, and Sri Lanka and northern Arabian Sea regions, respectively; 3) the length of forecast time is increased from 72 to 120 h. The assessment based on substantial observations shows that the performance of the EPMEF-NIO in weather, wave, and storm surge forecasts is promising and robust, with comparable (or even better) forecast skills for typhoons and waves to some other official agencies or reanalysis. This is mainly attributed to some spectacular techniques employed in the system including the simplified scale-selective data assimilation scheme and the sophisticated dealing with the swell from southern Indian Ocean. Therefore, the EPMEF_NIO can provide a valuable information of the marine environment forecasts in the North Indian Ocean region.
Fishers’ Local Ecological Knowledge to Support Mangrove Research in the Galapagos
Authors: Pontón-Cevallos José , Ramírez-Valarezo Nathaly , Pozo-Cajas Mireya , Rodríguez-Jácome Gabriela , Navarrete-Forero Gabriela , Moity Nicolas , Villa-Cox Gonzalo , Ramírez-González Jorge , Barragán-Paladines María José , Bermúdez-Monsalve Jorge R. , Goethals Peter L. M.
Published: June 2022

Mangroves provide multiple ecosystem services to coastal communities and their fisheries. In the Galapagos, mangroves have been primarily prized for their role as nursery grounds; though, the importance of cultural benefits, including the development of knowledge systems among fishers, needs to be further explored. Fishers’ local ecological knowledge (LEK) has been employed in the past to answer questions about the marine environment; not yet about mangroves. In such regard, this ethnoecological approach can contribute to unveil mangrove habitat-dependence relationships among fishery taxa across the life cycle, connectivity among habitats, and productivity spatial patterns across the archipelago. To access fishers’ LEK, we conducted 35 semi-structured interviews and 2 facilitated community workshops comprising 3 activities. A photo-elicitation method allowed us to extract values given to mangroves (i.e., ecosystem services), from which indirect use values were considered more relevant for fisheries. As such, the accumulation of LEK might have been crucial for the establishment of these values among fishers. By using a species-habitat association method, we revealed a high perceived connectivity between mangroves and other coastal and marine habitats in the Galapagos. Although this suggests an overall weak dependence to the ecosystem, fishers’ anecdotes allowed us to recognize novel species occurrences and exclusive habitat uses (e.g., spawning inCentropomus viridis). By applying Social Network Analysis to species-habitat association results, we learned that certain migratory commercial species (e.g.,Lutjanus argentiventris,Seriola rivoliana) might constitute critical links in marine trophic webs and across seascapes. Finally, through scoring and participatory mapping methods, we revealed the prominence of western islands’ mangroves for fishery productivity, which were linked to biophysical attributes, like forest canopy and freshwater. Yet, other locations in central and southeastern islands might also be important, as they hold similar attributes. Interviews to other mangrove users (e.g., naturalist guides, park rangers, scientists; N = 33), and past scientific studies allowed us to triangulate LEK and to find complementarity among knowledge sources. Despite having an explorative focus, our work already showcases the potential of fishers’ LEK in improving mangrove research in the Galapagos, and the arising opportunities for ecosystem-based fisheries management and mangrove protection.
Acoustic Hologram Reconstruction With Unsupervised Neural Network
Authors: Li Boyi , Lu Mengyang , Liu Chengcheng , Liu Xin , Ta Dean
Published: June 2022

An acoustic hologram is crucial in various acoustics applications. The reconstruction accuracy of the acoustic field from the hologram is important for determining the performance of the acoustic hologram system. However, challenges remain in acoustic hologram reconstruction where the conventional reconstruction methods generally lack accuracy, complexity, and flexibility. Although the deep learning (DL)–based method has been used to overcome these limitations, it needs the labeled training data to optimize the network with a supervised strategy. To address the problem, we put forward a new unsupervised DL-based reconstruction method in this work, termed PhysNet-AH, which is implemented by integrating a convolutional neural network with a physical model representing the process of acoustics hologram formation. The results demonstrate that we only need to provide PhysNet-AH with a single acoustic field recorded from the hologram, the network parameters can be optimized automatically without the labeled training data, and finally implement the acoustic hologram reconstruction with high accuracy, in terms of SSIM and mean squared error indicators. Furthermore, with the trained model, the robustness and generalization capability of PhysNet-AH have also been well-demonstrated by reconstructing the acoustic fields from different diffraction distances or different datasets. As a result, PhysNet-AH opens the door for fast, accurate, and flexible acoustic hologram–based applications.
Features of Gut Microbiome Associated With Responses to Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Jindong , Guo Yangyang , Duan Liping
Published: June 2022

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been seen as a novel treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The results on microbial alterations and their relationship to treatment efficacy are varied among studies. We performed a systematic review to explore the association between microbial features and therapy outcomes. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to November 2020. Studies that investigated the efficacy of FMT and baseline microbial features or dynamic alteration of the microbiome during FMT were included. The methodological quality of the included cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Cochrane risk of bias tool, respectively. A total of 30 studies were included in the analysis. Compared to non-responders, the microbial structure of patients who responded to FMT had a higher similarity to that of their donors after FMT. Donors of responders (R-d) and non-responders (NR-d) had different microbial taxa, but the results were inconsistent. After FMT, several beneficial short-chain fatty acids- (SCFA-) producing taxa, such as Faecalibacterium, Eubacterium, Roseburia, and species belonging to them, were enriched in responders, while pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Escherichia-Shigella) belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria were decreased. Alterations of microbial functional genes and metabolites were also observed. In conclusion, the response to FMT was associated with the gut microbiota and their metabolites. The pre-FMT microbial features of recipients, the comparison of pre- and post-FMT microbiota, and the relationship between recipients and donors at baseline should be further investigated using uniform and standardized methods.
The Efficacy and Psychoneuroimmunology Mechanism of Camouflage Combined With Psychotherapy in Vitiligo Treatment
Authors: Chang Yuqian , Zhang Shaolong , Zhang Weigang , Li Shuli , Li Chunying
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives

The efficacy of camouflage combined with psychotherapy and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood in vitiligo management. This study aimed to investigate the joint efficacy and further explore psycho-neuro-endocrine-immune-skin interactions.

Patients and Methods

In a prospective, non-randomized and concurrent controlled trial, patients were divided into two groups. Quality of life (QOL) was evaluated using the Chinese version of the Vitiligo Life Quality Index (VLQI-C). Serum levels of neuropeptides and cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

A total of 149 patients were included for final evaluation. After treatment for 4 weeks, total and subcategory quality of life scores in the intervention group were much lower than in the control group. Serum levels of neuropeptide-Y (NPY) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) significantly decreased, and serum level of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) increased in both active and stable patients of the intervention group, but not in the control group. In addition, the serum levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) decreased in both the active and stable patients of the intervention group and only in the active patients of the control group.

Conclusions

The combination of camouflage and psychotherapy provided a clinically meaningful improvement in quality of life and ameliorated the outcome by likely modulating the psycho-neuro-endocrine-immuno-skin system during vitiligo management.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03540966, identifier: NCT03540966.
Organoids From Mucinous Appendiceal Adenocarcinomas as High-Fidelity Models for Individual Therapy
Authors: Liu Guangyao , Xiao Xing , Xia Yujian , Huang Weibing , Chen Wei , Xu Jiannan , Chen Songyao , Wang Huijin , Wei Jitao , Li Huan , Shu Man , Lu Xiaofang , Zhang Changhua , He Yulong
Published: June 2022

Background

Mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma (MAA) is a rare, heterogeneous disease. Patients with unrespectable mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma presenting with peritoneal spread are treated by intraperitoneal chemotherapy, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, systemic chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. However, there are no guidelines for efficacious drugs against mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma. Therefore, relevant high-fidelity models should be investigated to identify effective drugs for individual therapy.

Methods

Surgical tumor specimens were obtained from a mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma patient. The tissue was digested and organoid culture was established. H&E and immunohistochemistry staining as well as DNA sequencing was performed on tissue and organoid. The pathological characteristics and gene mutations of the organoid were compared to those of the original tumor. Drug sensitivity tests were performed on organoid and the patient clinical responds to chemotherapy and targeted therapy was compared.

Results

Organoids were successfully established and stably passaged. Pathological characteristics of organoids including H&E staining and expression of protein markers (CK20, CDX-2, STAB2, CD7, PAX8) were consistent to those of the original tumor. Moreover, the organoids carried the same gene mutations as the primary tumor. Sensitivity of the organoids to chemotherapeutic drugs and tyrosine kinase inhibitors included: 5-FU (IC50 43.95 μM), Oxaliplatin (IC50 23.49 μM), SN38 (IC50 1.02 μM), Apatinib (IC50 0.10 μM), Dasatinib (IC50 2.27 μM), Docetaxel (IC50 5.26 μM), Regorafenib (IC50 18.90 μM), and Everolimus (IC50 9.20 μM). The sensitivities of organoid to these drugs were comparable to those of the patient's clinical responses.

Conclusion

The mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma organoid model which retained the characteristics of the primary tumor was successfully established. Combined organoid-based drug screening and high throughput sequencing provided a promising way for mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma treatment.
Machine Learning to Analyze Factors Associated With Ten-Year Graft Survival of Keratoplasty for Cornea Endothelial Disease
Authors: Ang Marcus , He Feng , Lang Stephanie , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Cheng Ching-Yu , Arundhati Anshu , Mehta Jodhbir S.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Machine learning analysis of factors associated with 10-year graft survival of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in Asian eyes.

Methods

Prospective study of donor characteristics, clinical outcomes and complications from consecutive patients (n= 1,335) who underwent DSAEK (946 eyes) or PK (389 eyes) for Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy (FED) or bullous keratopathy (BK) were analyzed. Random survival forests (RSF) analysis using the highest variable importance (VIMP) factors were determined to develop the optimal Cox proportional hazards regression model. Main outcome measure was 10-year graft survival with RSF analysis of factors associated with graft failure.

Results

Mean age was 68 ± 11 years, 47.6% male, in our predominantly Chinese (76.6%) Asian cohort, with more BK compared to FED (62.2 vs. 37.8%,P< 0.001). Overall 10-year survival for DSAEK was superior to PK (73.6 vs. 50.9%, log-rankP< 0.001). RSF based on VIMP (best Harrell C statistic: 0.701) with multivariable modeling revealed that BK (HR:2.84, 95%CI:1.89–4.26;P< 0.001), PK (HR: 1.64, 95%CI:1.19–2.27;P= 0.002), male recipients (HR:1.75, 95%CI:1.31–2.34;P< 0.001) and poor pre-operative visual acuity (HR: 1.60, 95%CI:1.15–2.22,P= 0.005) were associated with graft failure. Ten-year cumulative incidence of complications such as immune-mediated graft rejection (P< 0.001), epitheliopathy (P< 0.001), and wound dehiscence (P= 0.002) were greater in the PK compared to the DSAEK group.

Conclusion

In our study, RSF combined with Cox regression was superior to traditional regression techniques alone in analyzing a large number of high-dimensional factors associated with 10-year corneal graft survival in Asian eyes with cornea endothelial disease.
The Impact of Undergraduate Tutor System in Chinese 8-Year Medical Students in Scientific Research
Authors: Liao Yuxuan , Zhou Hu , Wang Fang , Zhao Mingyi , Wu Jianzhen , Rong Pengfei
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the effect and influence of the undergraduate tutor system on the undergraduate stage of Chinese 8-year medical program students in scientific research.

Methods

We collected related data from 194 medical students in the Xiangya Medical School of Central South University. The questionnaire was composed of three parts, namely, eight questions for basic information about individual and undergraduate tutor system, five questions for the subjective feeling impact of the undergraduate tutor system, and 22 questions for accessing the scientific research ability and academic results. The students were mainly divided into three groups to compare different kinds of undergraduate tutor systems, namely, single tutor for multiple students' system (group A), multiple tutors for multiple students' system (group B), and no tutor system for comparison (group C).

Results

The type of tutorial system, the frequency of guidance, and the way of guidance were independent influence factors of the view of 8-year medical students on scientific research. Group B behaved better than group C in literature processing (P = 0.012), experimental operation (P < 0.001), statistical analysis (P < 0.001), and manuscript producing (P = 0.019). Group A and B joined in more National college students' innovation and entrepreneurship training programs (P = 0.003, P < 0.001). The most popular types of articles published by students were bioinformatics, meta-analysis, and reviews.

Conclusion

Undergraduate tutor system has made tremendous achievements in cultivating students' scientific research capacity; however, implement improvement should be considered to better educate students.
Non-invasive Tear Film Assessment in Normal Population: Effect of Age, Sex, and Interparametric Relationship
Authors: Singh Swati , Srivastav Saumya , Mohamed Ashik , Basu Sayan
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

To investigate age- and sex-related differences in tear film parameters of normal Indian population and study interparametric relationships.

Methods

Healthy subjects with no ocular disease (median ocular surface disease index = 0) were subjected to an automated evaluation of tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive tear breakup time (NIBUT) using Keratograph 5M (OCULUS GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany), and tear osmolarity using the TearLab Osmolarity System (TearLab Corporation, California, USA). A mixed-effects model with random intercepts at the patient level was used to evaluate the relationships between explanatory (age, gender, and tear osmolarity) and outcome variables (TMH and NIBUT).

Results

A total of 237 subjects (474 eyes; 150 males) were enrolled with a mean age of 40 ± 17 years (range, 10-78 years). The mean values (± standard deviation) of TMH, NIBUT, and tear osmolarity were 0.34 ± 0.07 mm, 10.95 ± 2.02 s and 289.0 ± 5.8 mOsm/L, respectively. Age had a significant positive relationship with TMH (p < 0.0001; 0.002 mm/year; r = 0.12), but there was no effect on NIBUT (p = 0.26) and tear osmolarity (p = 0.27). There were no sex-based differences in tear film parameters. Interparametric relationship revealed no significant association between TMH and NIBUT (p = 0.12) or tear osmolarity and TMH (p = 0.83) or tear osmolarity and NIBUT values (p = 0.48).

Conclusions

In a normal Indian population, TMH is weakly affected by age and is independent of sex, NIBUT, and tear osmolarity. Tear breakup time and osmolarity show no significant age- and sex-related variation.
Role of Serum Ferritin in Predicting Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection Among Sickle Cell Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Jun Xin , Chieng Wei Keong , Abdul Jalal Muhammad Irfan , Tan Chai Eng , Lau Sie Chong Doris
Published: June 2022

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at higher risk of getting severe COVID-19 infection. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the role of serum ferritin in predicting ICU admission and mortality among patients with SCD following COVID-19 infection. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, WHO COVID-19 database, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library for articles published between 1st December 2019 to 31st November 2021. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklists. Eleven articles (7 cohorts and 4 case series) were included in this review. Pooled mean serum ferritin level on admission was 1581.62 ng/mL while pooled proportion of ICU admission and mortality were 0.10 (95% CI 0.06; 0.16, prediction interval 0.04; 0.23, p = 0.29, I2 = 17%) and 0.07 (95% CI 0.05; 0.11, prediction interval 0.04; 0.12, p = 0.68, I2 = 0%) respectively. Meta-regression showed that serum ferritin did not predict for both ICU admission (regression coefficient = 0.0001, p = 0.3523) and mortality (regression coefficient = 0.0001, p = 0.4029). Our analyses showed that serum ferritin may not be a useful marker to predict the outcomes of COVID-19 infection among patients with SCD. More data are required to identify a reliable tool to identify patients with SCD who are at risk of getting severe COVID-19 infection.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=287792, PROSPERO Registration: CRD42021287792.