bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Minimum Number of Earthquakes in Empirical Site Response Assessment: Input for New Requirements for Microzonation in the Swiss Building Codes
Authors: Perron Vincent , Bergamo Paolo , Fäh Donat
Published: July 2022

Site-specific hazard analyses and microzonation are important products for densely populated areas and facilities of special risk. The empirical amplification function is classically estimated using the standard spectral ratio (SSR) approach. The SSR simply consists in comparing earthquake recordings on soil sites with the recording of the same earthquake on a close-by rock reference. Recording a statistically significant number of earthquakes to apply the SSR can however be difficult, especially in low seismicity areas and noisy urban environments. On the contrary, computing the SSR from too few earthquakes can lead to an uncertain evaluation of the mean amplification function. Defining the minimum number of earthquake recordings in empirical site response assessment is thus important. We compute empirical amplification functions at 60 KiKnet sites in Japan from several hundred earthquakes and three Swiss sites from several tens of earthquakes. We performed statistical analysis on the amplification functions to estimate the geometric mean and standard deviation and more importantly to determine the distribution law of the amplification factors as a function of the number of recordings. Independent to the site and to the frequency, we find that the log-normal distribution is a very good approximation for the site response. Based on that, we develop a strategy to estimate the minimum number of earthquakes from the confidence interval definition. We find that 10 samples are the best compromise between minimizing the number of recordings and having a good statistical significance of the results. As a general rule, a minimum of 10 uncorrelated earthquakes should be considered, but the higher the number of earthquakes, the lower the uncertainty on the geometric mean of the site amplification function. Moreover, the linear site response is observed to be independent to the intensity of the ground motion level for the analyzed dataset.
Evaluation of BER for the EHF Communication System Serving Sharp-Coned Reentry Vehicles
Authors: Yang Xiaocui , Yuan Kai , Wang Yuhao , Liu Yiwen
Published: July 2022

“Communication blackout” could lead to severe risks to reentry vehicles. Previous studies have shown that EHF (extremely high frequency) communication is a potential solution to the “communications blackout” and was mostly used for blunt-coned vehicles. EHF communication with sharp-coned vehicles was rarely concerned before. In the present study, the propagation characteristics of the modulated EHF signals in a time-varying plasma sheath covering sharp-coned vehicles were studied numerically. The plasma sheath was obtained by solving a hypersonic fluid dynamics model. The signals propagation model is developed based on geometric optical theories. The carrier frequencies concerned in the present study are the “atmospheric window” frequencies, which are 94, 140, and 225 GHz, respectively. Based on the signal propagation characteristics, the EHF communication system was modeled. The modulation modes concerned in the present study are the 2ASK, 2PSK, and 2FSK, respectively. The results show that 1) the transmission coefficient of EHF signals in the side channel of the plasma sheath of the sharp-coned reentry vehicle increases with carrier frequency, 2) the gap between different channels at specific carrier frequency decreases with time, 3) the phase shift tends to be stable as the carrier frequency increases, and 4) the bit error rate (BER) varies with time and is affected by the location of the onboard antenna, carrier frequency, and modulation mode. The study shows that, in order to achieve good BER performance for the EHF communication system, 2PSK modulation of the signal at 140 GHz is recommended, and the onboard antenna is suggested to be installed on the wall and close to the bottom of the sharp-coned vehicle.
Developing an Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm for Probabilistic Energy Management of Microgrids Considering Demand Response
Authors: Alamir Nehmedo , Kamel Salah , Megahed Tamer F. , Hori Maiya , Abdelkader Sobhy M.
Published: July 2022

This study proposes an artificial hummingbird algorithm (AHA) for energy management (EM) for optimal operation of a microgrid (MG), including conventional sources and renewable energy sources (RES), with an incentive-based demand response (DR). Due to the stochastic nature of solar and wind output power and the uncertainty of prices and load, a probabilistic EM with hybrid AHA and point estimation method (PEM) is proposed to model this uncertainty by utilizing the normal and Weibull distribution functions. The PEM method is considered a good tool for handling stochastic EM problems. It achieves good results using the same procedures used with the deterministic problems while maintaining low computational efforts. The proposed AHA technique is employed to solve a deterministic incentive DR program, with the goal of reducing the overall cost, which includes the cost of conventional generator fuel and the cost of power transaction with the main grid while taking into account the load demand. Two different case studies are tested. The simulation results of the proposed AHA is compared with the results of well-known metaheuristic algorithms to demonstrate its efficacy. According to AHA’s results, a total reduction of energy consumption by 104 KWh for the first case study and 2677 MWh for the second case study is achieved while achieving the lowest overall operating cost. The results demonstrate that the AHA is adequate for tackling the EM problem. Then, to examine the effect of uncertainty on the MG state, a probabilistic EM problem is solved using AHA-PEM.
Preliminary Study on the Co-Location Offshore Wind and Wave Farms in Zhejiang Province
Authors: Jiang Bo , Ding Jie , Fang Yizhou , Wu Guowei , Wang Xiaoyong , Ke Shitang , Li Ye , Hou Erhu , Zheng Chongwei , Zhou Hongli , Wang Meng , Bi Dayong , Fang Fang
Published: July 2022

With the commercialization of offshore wind and the continued advancement of wave energy technologies, the option of locating both in the same sea area has emerged. The joint development of offshore wind and wave energy can effectively address the challenges faced by offshore wind and wave energy development, reduce costs, and improve the stability of power generation and output. This article introduces the current status of sea area utilization and marine functional zoning in Zhejiang Province and proposes a site selection method to identify the most suitable sea area for the construction of co-located offshore wind and wave farms in Zhejiang. First, a geographic information systems database was developed to identify unsuitable areas for co-located offshore wind and wave farms. Then, a literature review was conducted to establish a system of resource, economic, and technical selection indicators, and the Delphi method was used to determine the weight of each indicator. Finally, the sea areas suitable for the construction of co-located offshore wind and wave farms were evaluated and ranked, and the order of power plant development was given. The results of the study illustrate the potential of developing co-located offshore wind and wave farms in Zhejiang, especially in the northern part of Zhoushan and the southern part of Taizhou.
Analysis of Energy Sharing Impacts in a Commercial Community: A Case of Battery Energy Storage System Deployment for Load Leveling
Authors: Li You , Wang Yafei , Fukuda Hiroatsu , Gao Weijun , Qian Fanyue
Published: July 2022

Energy use differences between day and night have been a key point in the efficient use of utilities. The battery energy storage system (BESS) is an attractive solution to level the grid load and has been introduced independently into many communities, although with high costs. Battery sharing presents the possibility of integrating independent energy storage systems to save money and improve energy use. Battery sharing highlights the interactions between a smart grid, smart buildings, and distributed energy storage to produce better energy management practices. In this work, we provide an analysis of battery sharing by establishing a coordinated control model for a distributed battery system. In our case study design, we selected 39 buildings with different capacities of energy storage systems as a battery-sharing community to optimize sharing schedules and the load-leveling performance. The results indicate that battery sharing could achieve a 13.2% reduction in building battery capacity compared with independent operation. We further investigate the impact of a building’s load profile patterns on the battery capacity in a battery-sharing community. It is economical to introduce a larger capacity battery system into buildings with no closing days and higher electricity consumption throughout the year. The optimal BESS capacity in commercial buildings depends on the lowest daytime power consumption. Commercial buildings with closing days have limitations regarding BESS deployment. On closing days, buildings can only use BESS by sharing. Buildings with two closing days a week lose 14.3% more energy than those with one closing day.
Performance Enhancement of Doubly Fed Induction Generator–Based Wind Farms With STATCOM in Faulty HVDC Grids
Authors: Pavan Kumar Yellapragada Venkata , Kumar Lagudu Venkata Suresh , Ananth Duggirala Venkata Naga , Reddy Challa Pradeep , Flah Aymen , Kraiem Habib , Al-Asad Jawad F. , Kotb Hossam , Aboras Kareem M.
Published: July 2022

In this study, an investigation of different faults for a wind turbine–based doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) system is studied and the performance using a static compensator (STATCOM) is observed. The DFIG network is connected to a voltage source converter high-voltage dc link with a fault occurring near the wind generator network. The ride through capability of DFIG is promising with STATCOM using the proposed control strategy. The ac and dc voltage and torque oscillations are damped effectively, and improved power flow is observed. The low voltage AC grid fault occurs for an HVDC transmission, and the DFIG performance without and with STATCOM is compared, where the DFIG converter control schemes are developed using the proposed improved field-oriented control (IFOC) method. In this, the reference rotor flux value alters to a new synchronous speed value or a slighter value or a standstill depending on the stator voltage dip due to grid disturbance. This speed variation leads to introducing rotor current at that new rotor slip frequency as there is a change in the rotor speed because of the fault, which further decreases the stator flux dc component. Hence, this dc-offset constituent in the stator flux is alleviated and decays rapidly in scheming the divergence of the speed of the rotor to a new orientation speed with decay in the rotor flux. This operation is done in the inner control scheme of the rotor converter, which is quicker in response to the faults. Apart from this, the stator’s real and reactive power also changes accordingly based on the lookup table mechanism–based closed-loop control action of the pulse generator, and this power change is done in the outer loop. The analysis for DFIG and HVDC operation is verified under different faults without and with STATCOM.
Gas Permeability Test Protocol for Ion-Exchange Membranes
Authors: Park Eun Joo , Komini Babu Siddharth , Kim Yu Seung
Published: July 2022

The membrane-based electrolysis of water is a growing topic of interest due to the advantages of employing membranes in hydrogen production efficiency and system safety over the traditional alkaline water electrolysis. Ion-exchange membranes with low gas permeability are highly desirable for stable and safe operation of membrane-based water-splitting technologies, hence gas permeability through ion-exchange membranes needs to be properly assessed with standardized methods. We addressed three methods to measure gas permeability of ion-exchange membranes, a pressure permeation cell, chronoamperometry microelectrodes, and in situ testing of the membrane electrode assembly, and provide a guideline for choosing the appropriate method for the targeted operating conditions of the water electrolyzers.
Data-Driven Optimization of Transmission Section Limits and Their Adaptability for New Power Systems With High Penetration of Renewable Energy
Authors: Ma Xiaowei , Ke Xianbo , Ren Chong , Wang Jili
Published: July 2022

In traditional power systems, the transmission section limits are often set to predetermined values according to the typical peak-to-valley demand modes, which may be difficult to adapt to the complex and diverse operation modes of the new power systems with high penetration of renewable energy, and it cannot consider the coupling characteristics of AC and DC transmission sections also. In order to make better use of the efficiency of the transmission sections, a mathematical model for optimizing the adaptability of the transmission section limit is firstly proposed, in which a data-driven typical demand mode extraction method based on K-means clustering is proposed according to the load forecast, renewable energy forecast and market transaction data. Then, the adaptability assessment of the section limit and the transmission requirements are carried out. Finally, the power perturbation method is used to calculate the influence factor matrix of associated transmission section limit and stability margin of its dominant fault. And the influence factors are optimized according to section limit adaptability and stability margin influence, and the best adaptable limit of the associated transmission sections are obtained. The calculation and optimization results of the actual case of the interconnection corridor between Xinjiang and the northwest main power system of China verify the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed limit optimization model, which is able to improve the flexibility and adaptability of the actual power system operation.
Evaluating the Cooling Performance of Green Roofs Under Extreme Heat Conditions
Authors: Feng Ye , Wang Jia , Zhou Weiqi , Li Xiaoma , Yu Xiaoying
Published: July 2022

The local rise in urban temperature is increasingly exacerbated due to the combined effect of urban heat islands and global climate change. Numerous studies have shown that green roofs (GRs) have great potential for facilitating urban heat mitigation. However, little is known about whether such cooling effects can be achieved under extreme heat conditions. With the expected occurrence of more extreme heat events under climate change, such understanding is crucially important for the effective design of heat mitigation. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the pedestrian-level cooling effect of GR under two weather conditions (i.e., typical summer weather conditions and extreme heat conditions). This research employed a three-dimensional simulation model, ENVI-met, to simulate pedestrian-level air temperature for three typical residential areas with different roof heights in Beijing. We conducted the simulations in two different roof scenarios, conventional roofs versus green roofs. The results showed that green roofs could provide large cooling exceeding 0.2°C on downwind sides and in the daytime, although the average cooling intensity was small. The pedestrian-level cooling intensity of GR decreased significantly under extreme heat conditions compared to typical summer weather conditions. It varied diurnally following an inverted W-shape for both weather conditions. Results also showed that the pedestrian-level cooling intensity of GR decreased with the increase in roof height in a nonlinear way and became 0 when roof height reached ∼50 m for both weather conditions. The results of our research can provide important insights for cooling-oriented urban design in the future, as we are expecting such extreme weather conditions nowadays may be the new normal in the future.
Modulation of Various Phytoconstituents in Tomato Seedling Growth and Meloidogyne incognita–Induced Stress Alleviation By Vermicompost Application
Authors: Tikoria Raman , Kaur Arvinder , Ohri Puja
Published: July 2022

In addition to chemical pesticides and fertilizers, the use of vermicompost can help in the management of root-knot nematodes (RKN) while also augmenting plant growth. The present study is carried out to determine the role of neem-based vermicompost on plant growth during stress produced by Meloidogyne incognita. Vermicompost (Vcom) and soil were mixed in various proportions (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%) and used to treat tomato plants against nematode infestation. After 10 days of inoculation of second-stage juveniles of M. incognita, several morphological parameters such as root length, shoot length, root weight, shoot weight, number of galls, and number of leaves were evaluated to investigate the plant growth. Various photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid content) and gaseous exchange parameters (photosynthesis rate, intercellular carbon dioxide intensity, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate) were also investigated in order to better understand plant respiration and response to nematode stress. In biochemical studies, the protein content and unit activity of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase, ascorbate peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase were investigated. The analyses of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents were also performed to examine the stress caused by nematodes and the effect of vermicompost in overcoming that stress. Aside from that, the influence of vermicompost on several bioactive components of plants was investigated by quantifying non-antioxidative enzymes (ascorbic acid, glutathione, and tocopherol levels) and secondary metabolites (total phenolic, total flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents). The results of the foregoing experiments reveal a significant increase in all morphological, biochemical, and photosynthetic parameters except MDA and H2O2, which tend to decrease with increasing vermicompost concentration as compared to untreated and nematode-infected plants. The current study reveals that vermicompost has a high potential for lowering the nematode stress and enhancing plant growth and development through the augmentation of different bioactive components in plants.
Generation of the Forest Cover Map of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Based on the Multisource Dataset and Random Forest
Authors: Guo Yantao , Jiao Weili , Long Tengfei , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: July 2022

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) plays a significant role in global climate change and biodiversity conservation. As the third pole of the Earth, it has a wide range and complex terrain. QTP has a vertical distribution of vegetation, and its forest ecosystems play a key role in the region. Forest extraction in this region is still a comprehensive problem because of the phenological periods of different forest types in distinct regions of the QTP and the characteristics of frequent rain and cloudy weather in the south. Taking these factors into consideration, multiple features, including reflectance, spectral indices, statistical backscattering coefficients, topographic slope, and aspect, derived from a multisource dataset incorporating optical remote sensing data, synthetic radar, and digital elevation models, were applied to extract forest in the QTP based on the random forest (RF) classification method. As more than 30 features were involved, the 5-folded cross-validation method was used to determine the optimal parameters and features for the RF model. Using 14,919 forest samples and a multifeature optimized RF classification model, a 10-m resolution forest cover map of QTP in 2021 was generated based on the Sentinel series of satellite datasets and digital elevation model datasets on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. After verification, the overall accuracy of the forest cover map generated in this article is 98.3%, and the Kappa coefficient is 0.95, which is better than the European Space Agency (ESA) WorldCover forest layer.
Ecotoxicity Studies for On-Site Disposal of Decant Water During Oil Spills: A Review
Authors: Liu Bo , Chen Bing , Ling Jingjing , Ye Xudong , Dong Guihua , Matchinski Ethan James , Zhang Baiyu
Published: July 2022

Mechanical oil recovery, a most used tool for oil spill response, can generate a considerable proportion of oil-contaminated water (10–70%). Large storage space is commonly required to transport the recovered oil and water mixture to shore. Transit and transportation consume loads of time, money, and resources while reducing oil recovery’s overall efficiency and capacity. Techniques of on-site treatment and disposal of oily wastewater provide benefits for oil recovery by freeing storage space. However, the high petroleum content of decant water can lead to uncertain risks, if discharged into the marine ecosystem. Insufficient ecological toxicity data and research limit the standardization and establishment of regulative tools. To fill the knowledge gaps, this review comprehensively summarized recent studies on the potential impacts of the organic composition in decant water, including oil–water accommodated fractions, dispersed oil droplets, and other related chemicals, on various marine species (i.e., bacterium, invertebrates, fishes, plants, reptiles, and mammals). The toxicity effects and the ecological endpoints of oils, TPH, and PAHs on different species were discussed. Recommendations for future ecological impacts and decant water composition were provided to support the on-site disposal of the water fraction.
The Green and Low-Carbon Development Effect of Comprehensive Sports Events: A Quasi-Natural Experiment From China
Authors: Zhang Xingmin , Wu Yihan
Published: July 2022

Large-scale sports events can improve public environmental awareness, strengthen urban governance, and push green innovation. However, it may also increase the burden on infrastructure, cause energy consumption, and lead to some pollution. Using the panel data of 278 cities in China from 2006 to 2019, this study systematically discusses how comprehensive sports events affect the green and low-carbon development of Chinese cities. First, the green total factor productivity and carbon emission efficiency calculated by the SBM-DEA model are taken as proxy variables of green and low-carbon development. And then, the spatial difference-in-differences (SDID) model is used to undertake empirical analysis and further test the impact mechanism and heterogeneity. Four main results are derived from this study: 1) the hosting of comprehensive sports events can significantly enhance the green and low-carbon development of cities. This result is still valid after a whole string of robustness tests; 2) comprehensive sports events have a significant positive spatial spillover effect on the green and low-carbon development of adjacent cities; 3) the mechanism analysis shows that comprehensive sports events can encourage green development of cities through technological innovation, sports industry development, and foreign investment, but through foreign investment, sports events cannot significantly affect the green total factor productivity and carbon emission efficiency of host cities; and 4) heterogeneity exists between the city rank and the event level. The promotional effect of comprehensive sports events on cities’ green and low-carbon development is more significant in first-tier cities and for international events.
The Potential to Encode Detailed Information About Parasites in the Acoustic Signals of Chinese Horseshoe Bats (Rhinolophus sinicus)
Authors: Fan Baozhu , Wang Yujuan , Huang Xiaobin , Zhang Xianzheng , Yang Jinting , Jiang Tinglei
Published: July 2022

Condition-dependent acoustic signals that potentially reveal information about the signaler’s physical or physiological condition are common and important in the animal kingdom. Given the negative effects of parasites on the health and fitness of their hosts, it is reasonable to expect animal acoustic signals to reflect detailed information concerning parasite infection. However, despite previous studies having verified the potential of sexually selected vocalizations to provide information on parasitism based on the correlations between call acoustic properties and parasitism in some animal taxa, less is known about whether acoustic signals used in a non-sexual context also reflect parasite infection especially for highly vocal bats. We thus investigated the relationships between the acoustic properties of distress calls and echolocation pulses and the infestation intensity of gamasid mites and bat flies in Chinese horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus sinicus) to determine whether acoustic signals potentially contain information about parasite infection. We found that bats infected with more gamasid mites uttered significantly shorter echolocation pulses, suggesting that echolocation pulses may contain information on the intensity of mite infection. Additionally, bats infected with more gamasid mites emitted distress calls with narrower bandwidth, while bats with more bat flies emitted calls with longer pause duration. These results suggest that distress calls may not only reflect a signaler’s parasite infection intensity but also may provide information concerning infection with specific parasites. In short, our findings suggest that acoustic signals of bats potentially reflect detailed information about parasite infection.
Differential Impacts of HHV-6A versus HHV-6B Infection in Differentiated Human Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Bahramian Elham , Furr Mercede , Wu Jerry T. , Ceballos Ruben Michael
Published: July 2022

Within the family Herpesviridae, sub-family β-herpesvirinae, and genus Roseolovirus, there are only three human herpesviruses that have been described: HHV-6A, HHV-6B, and HHV-7. Initially, HHV-6A and HHV-6B were considered as two variants of the same virus (i.e., HHV6). Despite high overall genetic sequence identity (~90%), HHV-6A and HHV-6B are now recognized as two distinct viruses. Sequence divergence (e.g., >30%) in key coding regions and significant differences in physiological and biochemical profiles (e.g., use of different receptors for viral entry) underscore the conclusion that HHV-6A and HHV-6B are distinct viruses of the β-herpesvirinae. Despite these viruses being implicated as causative agents in several nervous system disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and chronic fatigue syndrome), the mechanisms of action and relative contributions of each virus to neurological dysfunction are unclear. Unresolved questions regarding differences in cell tropism, receptor use and binding affinity (i.e., CD46 versus CD134), host neuro-immunological responses, and relative virulence between HHV-6A versus HHV-6B prevent a complete characterization. Although it has been shown that both HHV-6A and HHV-6B can infect glia (and, recently, cerebellar Purkinje cells), cell tropism of HHV-6A versus HHV-6B for different nerve cell types remains vague. In this study, we show that both viruses can infect different nerve cell types (i.e., glia versus neurons) and different neurotransmitter phenotypes derived from differentiated human neural stem cells. As demonstrated by immunofluorescence, HHV-6A and HHV-6B productively infect VGluT1-containing cells (i.e., glutamatergic neurons) and dopamine-containing cells (i.e., dopaminergic neurons). However, neither virus appears to infect GAD67-containing cells (i.e., GABAergic neurons). As determined by qPCR, expression of immunological factors (e.g., cytokines) in cells infected with HHV-6A versus HHV6-B also differs. These data along with morphometric and image analyses of infected differentiated neural stem cell cultures indicate that while HHV-6B may have greater opportunity for transmission, HHV-6A induces more severe cytopathic effects (e.g., syncytia) at the same post-infection end points. Cumulatively, results suggest that HHV-6A is more virulent than HHV-6B in susceptible cells, while neither virus productively infects GABAergic cells. Consistency between these in vitro data and in vivo experiments would provide new insights into potential mechanisms for HHV6-induced epileptogenesis.
Conversion Surgery Following Immunochemotherapy in Initially Unresectable Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma—A Real-World Multicenter Study (RICE-Retro)
Authors: Huang Shujie , Wu Hansheng , Cheng Chao , Zhou Ming , Xu Enwu , Lin Wanli , Wang Guangsuo , Tang Jiming , Ben Xiaosong , Zhang Dongkun , Xie Liang , Zhou Haiyu , Chen Gang , Zhuang Weitao , Tang Yong , Xu Fangping , Du Zesen , Xie Zefeng , Wang Feixiang , He Zhe , Zhang Hai , Sun Xuefeng , Li Zijun , Sun Taotao , Liu Jianhua , Yang Shuhan , Xie Songxi , Fu Junhui , Qiao Guibin
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The present study sets out to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of conversion surgery following induction immunochemotherapy for patients with initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in a real-world scenario.

Materials and Methods

In this multi-center, real-world study (NCT04822103), patients who had unresectable ESCC disease were enrolled across eight medical centers in China. All patients received programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor plus chemotherapy every 3 weeks for at least two cycles. Patients with significant relief of cancer-related clinical symptoms and radiological responsive disease were deemed surgical candidates. Feasibility and safety profile of immunochemotherapy plus conversion surgery, radiological and pathological tumor responses, as well as short-term survival outcomes were evaluated. Moreover, data of an independent ESCC cohort receiving induction chemotherapy (iC) were compared.

Results

One hundred and fifty-five patients were enrolled in the final analysis. Esophagectomy was offered to 116 patients, yielding a conversion rate of 74.8%. R0 resection rate was 94%. Among the 155 patients, 107 (69.0%) patients experienced at least one treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) and 45 (29.0%) patients reported grade 3 and above TRAEs. Significant differences in responsive disease rate were observed between iC cohort and induction immunochemotherapy (iIC) cohort [objective response rate: iIC: 63.2% vs. iC: 47.7%, p = 0.004; pathological complete response: iIC: 22.4% vs. iC: 6.7%, p = 0.001). Higher anastomosis fistula rate was observed in the iC group (19.2%) compared with the iIC group (4%). Furthermore, Significantly higher event-free survival was observed in those who underwent conversion surgery.

Conclusion

Our results supported that conversion surgery following immunochemotherapy is feasible and safe for patients with initially unresectable locally advanced ESCC. Both radiological and pathological response rates were significantly higher in the iIC cohort compared with those in the traditional iC cohort.
Safety and Efficacy of Programmed Cell Death 1 and Programmed Death Ligand-1 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Cancer: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Ou Shun-Long , Luo Jing , Wei Hua , Qin Xiao-Li , Du Su-Ya , Wang Song , Jiang Qian
Published: July 2022

Background

An influx of systematic reviews (SRs) of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment with or without meta-analysis and with different methodological quality and inconsistent results have been published, confusing clinical decision making. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate and summarize the current evidence of PD-(L)1 inhibitors in the treatment of cancer.

Methods

A comprehensive search of SRs, which included meta-analyses of PD-(L)1 inhibitors on cancer, was performed on eight databases with a cutoff date of 1 January 2022. Two authors independently identified SRs, extracted data, assessed the report quality according to the guidance of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, evaluated the methodological quality by the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), and appraised the quality of evidence by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

A total of 172 SRs with meta-analysis met the inclusion criteria. The report quality of included SRs was quite good, with 128 (74.42%) SRs of high quality and 44 (25.58%) of moderate quality. The methodological quality was alarming, as only one (0.58%) SR had high quality, five (2.91%) SRs had low quality, and the other 166 (96.51%) SRs had critically low quality. For GRADE, 38 (3.77%) outcomes had high-quality evidence, 288 (28.57%) moderate, 545 (54.07%) low, and 137 (13.59%) critically low-quality evidence. Current evidence indicated that treatment with PD-(L)1 inhibitors were significantly effective in non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and urothelial carcinoma, breast cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with PD-L1 expression level≥1%, whereas the evidence in gastroesophageal and colorectal tumors is still controversial. Monotherapy with PD-(L)1 inhibitors was associated with a lower frequency of any grade and high-grade adverse events (AEs). The incidence of any grade and high-grade AEs caused by PD-(L)1 inhibitors in combination with other therapies was no lower than the controls. However, PD-(L)1 inhibitors were associated with a higher frequency of any grade and high-grade immune-related AEs.

Conclusions

PD-(L)1 inhibitors appeared to be effective and safe for cancer treatment, except for gastrointestinal tumors; however, the quality of the evidence is not convincing. Future studies should improve methodological quality and focus on the sequential trial analysis of subgroups and safety.

Systematic Review Registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42020194260.
Intraspecific Trait Variability of a Diatom and a Dinoflagellate Along a Salinity Gradient
Authors: Orizar Iris Delos Santos , Lewandowska Aleksandra M.
Published: July 2022

The phytoplankton community is a highly diverse group of microscopic, photosynthetic organisms responsible for 50% of the global primary production. The predicted shift in ocean salinity due to climate change threatens phytoplankton, resulting in compositional shifts and changing biodiversity patterns. This study investigates intraspecific multi-trait variability and plasticity of Alexandrium ostenfeldii and Skeletonema marinoi along a salinity gradient. Multiple traits were measured for five strains of each species grown at six salinity levels (0, 5, 15, 20, 30, and 35 psu) and combined in the principal component analysis. Cell size contributed 52% to the total variation in traits composition and significantly differed between species. The trait plasticity of A. ostenfeldii was significantly higher than S. marinoi, and the highest trait plasticity was observed at 15 psu in both species. In addition to morphological traits, A. ostenfeldii was characterized by high plasticity of cellular carbon content and a higher C:P ratio at low salinity levels. Overall, the results suggest a high variation in traits plasticity between phytoplankton strains, emphasizing the importance of intraspecific diversity to maintain ecosystem functions under changing environmental conditions.
Effects of Heavy Metal Ions on Microbial Reductive Dechlorination of 1, 2-Dichloroethane and Tetrachloroethene
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Li Xiuying , Yan Jun , Yang Yi
Published: July 2022

Microbial reductive dechlorination has been considered an effective process for the clean-up of organohalide-contaminated sites. Heavy metal ions are commonly present as co-contaminants in various organohalide-contaminated sites. To understand the impacts of heavy metal ions on the environmental fate of organohalides, we investigated the effects of Zn2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ on reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethene (PCE) and 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) in sediment microcosms and transferred enrichment cultures. PCE and 1,2-DCA-dechlorinating enrichment cultures could be consecutively transferred in the presence of up to 10 mg/L Cu2+ or 10 mg/L Zn2+; by comparison, up to 50 mg/L Cd2+ had minor impacts on the microbial reductive dechlorination of PCE and 1,2-DCA. The inhibitory effects of tested heavy metal ions on microbial reductive dechlorination ranked in descending order are Zn2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+. Community profiling and principal component analysis indicate that the concentration and type of contaminants (e.g., heavy metal ions, organohalides) shaped the microbial community structure, an observation similar to a prior report. The enrichment of certain organohalide-respring bacteria (e.g., Dehalococcoides, Dehalogenimonas) during continuous transfers exposed to heavy metal ions suggests that they are capable of tolerating high concentrations of heavy metal ions. Our findings provide insights into the impacts of heavy metal ions on microbial reductive dechlorination and may be helpful for in situ bioremediation at sites contaminated with organohalides and heavy metals.
Reproductive Traits of the Vent Crab Segonzacia mesatlantica (Guinot, 1989) From the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Cruz Mariana , Le Bris Nadine , Colaço Ana
Published: July 2022

Characteristics of the life-history biology of hydrothermal vent species are a prerequisite to understanding the dispersal, population connectivity, and ecology of these insular populations. The vent crab Segonzacia mesatlantica (Guinot, 1989; Brachyuran: Bythograeidae) is one of the most dominant endemic predators at deep-sea hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). However, the biological life-history characteristics remain poorly understood for this species. The objective of this study was to reveal relevant biological characteristics of the reproductive ecology of S. mesatlantica, contributing to a better understanding of its ecology and the importance of the maintenance of healthy populations. The reproductive ecology of S. mesatlantica from the Broken Spur vent field such as the in situ behavior of brooding female crabs, gametogenesis, fecundity, and the embryonic and larvae development was studied. In contrast to non-brooding crabs, brooding crabs of S. mesatlantica were observed at the vent periphery exhibiting a sequence of specific brooding behaviors, suggesting that they might be providing oxygen to their embryo mass. Results from histological analysis reveal the presence of oocytes in different stages of development within the gonad. Once extruded, the mature oocytes form an egg mass underneath the abdomen. Similar to other bythograeid crabs, the egg mass of S. mesatlantica was composed of a high number of relatively small eggs in different stages of embryonic development. The eggs hatch as a first zoea that undergoes at least four stages of development.
Chemometric-Guided Exploration of Marine Anti-Neurofibroma Leads
Authors: Chen Lo-Yun , Peng Bo-Rong , Lai Guan-Yi , Weng Hao-Jui , El-Shazly Mohamed , Su Chun-Han , Su Jui-Hsin , Sung Ping-Jyun , Liao Chung-Ping , Lai Kuei-Hung
Published: July 2022

In-depth analysis of metabolomics diversity of marine species through advanced mass spectrometric analysis is one of the most promising new tools for the development of marine drugs against mild and life-threatening diseases. Neurofibromas are a common type of tumor in the peripheral nervous system. Currently, there are very limited treatment options for neurofibromas. In our course of exploring potential therapeutic agents for neurofibroma treatment, the multi-informative molecular networking (MIMN) approach was proposed. The MIMNs of the Lendenfeldia sp. sponge extract and sub-fractions were established according to their inhibitory activity against several inflammatory chemokines (CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL1, CXCL8, and CXCL10) in neurofibroma cell line hTERT-NF1-ipNF95.11b-C (CRL-3390). The visualized MIMN revealed the anti-inflammatory potential of scalarane-enriched fractions, and the follow-up annotation and isolation led to the identification of a scalarane, 24-methyl-12,24,25-trioxoscalar-16-en-22-oic acid (2). Our results revealed that the most abundant scalarane (2) dominated the anti-chemokine effect of Lendenfeldia sp. extract together with other scalaranes, indicating the potential application of sponge-derived scalaranes to be developed as therapeutic agents for neurofibromas.
Impact of High Methane Flux on the Properties of Pore Fluid and Methane-Derived Authigenic Carbonate in the ARAON Mounds, Chukchi Sea
Authors: Kim Ji-Hoon , Park Myong-Ho , Lee Dong-Hun , Minami Hirotsugu , Jin Young-Keun , Hachikubo Akihiro , Hur Jin , Ryu Jong-Sik , Kang Moo-Hee , Jang Kwangchul , Kida Masato , Seo Yongwon , Chen Meilian , Hong Jong Kuk , Song Yungoo , Park Sanghee
Published: July 2022

We investigated the pore fluid and methane-derived authigenic carbonate (MDAC) chemistry from the ARAON Mounds in the Chukchi Sea to reveal how methane (CH4) seepage impacts their compositional and isotopic properties. During the ARA07C and ARA09C Expeditions, many in situ gas hydrates (GHs) and MDACs were found near the seafloor. The fluid chemistry has been considerably modified in association with the high CH4 flux and its related byproducts (GHs and MDACs). Compared to Site ARA09C-St 08 (reference site), which displays a linear SO42- downcore profile, the other sites (e.g., ARA07C-St 13, ARA07C-St 14, ARA09C-St 04, ARA09C-St 07, and ARA09C-St 12) that are found byproducts exhibit concave-up and/or kink type SO42- profiles. The physical properties and fluid pathways in sediment columns have been altered by these byproducts, which prevents the steady state condition of the dissolved species through them. Consequently, chemical zones are separated between bearing and non-bearing byproducts intervals under non-steady state condition from the seafloor to the sulfate-methane transition (SMT). GH dissociation also significantly impacts pore fluid properties (e.g., low Cl-, enriched δD and δ18O). The upward CH4 with depleted δ13C from the thermogenic origin affects the chemical signatures of MDACs. The enriched δ18O fluid from GH dissociation also influences the properties of MDACs. Thus, in the ARAON Mounds, the chemistry of the fluid and MDAC has significantly changed, most likely responding to the CH4 flux and GH dissociation through geological time. Overall, our findings will improve the understanding and prediction of the pore fluid and MDAC chemistry in the Arctic Ocean related to CH4 seepage by global climate change.
Mechanism and Molecular Targets of Ejiao Siwu Decoction for Treating Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia Based on High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph, Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Cytokines Validation
Authors: Wang Ming Jing , Sun Yan , Song Ying , Ma Ju Ning , Wang Zi Qing , Ding Xiao Qing , Chen Hai Yan , Zhang Xue Bin , Song Min Min , Hu Xiao Mei
Published: July 2022

We explored the mechanisms and molecular targets of Ejiao Siwu Decoction (EJSW) for treating primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Active compounds of EJSW were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and their targets were obtained from HERB and SwissTargetPrediction, and ITP targets were obtained from Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and GeneCards. STRING and Cytoscape were used for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses by WebGestalt yielded a gene-pathway network, Autodock molecular docking was applied to screen targets and active compounds, and cytokines were detected using a cytometric bead array (CBA) human inflammation kit. We identified 14 compounds and 129 targets, and 1,726 ITP targets. RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL6), caspase-3 (CASP3) and tumour suppressor protein (TP53) were core targets (nodes and edges). Functional annotation identified cofactor binding and coenzyme binding, and 20 significantly enriched pathways. Active compounds of EJSW were successfully docked with ITP targets. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were upregulated in ITP patients, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D) were downregulated, and EJSW treatment reversed these trends. EJSW may regulate key ITP targets based on the in silico analyses, and protect vascular integrity through AGE-RAGE signalling, complement and coagulation cascades, and VEGF signalling by downregulating TNF-α, IL-1β and other inflammatory factors.
CTLs From Patients With Atherosclerosis Show Elevated Adhesiveness and Distinct Integrin Expression Patterns on 2D Substrates
Authors: Potashnikova Daria M. , Saidova Aleena A. , Tvorogova Anna V. , Anisimova Alexandra S. , Botsina Alexandra Yu , Vasilieva Elena Yu , Margolis Leonid B.
Published: July 2022

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular disease that is characterized by plaque formation in the blood vessel wall. Atherosclerotic plaques represent sites of chronic inflammation with diverse cell content that is shifted toward the prevalence of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) upon plaque progression. The studies of CTL recruitment to atherosclerotic plaques require adequate in vitro models accounting for CTL interactions with chemokine-ligands and extracellular matrix fibers via surface chemokine receptors and integrins. Here we applied such a model by investigating CTL adhesion and migration on six types of coated surfaces. We assessed adhesion and motility metrics, the expression of chemokine receptors, and integrins in CTLs of patients with atherosclerosis and healthy donors. Using fibronectin, platelet-poor plasma from patients with atherosclerosis, and conditioned medium from atherosclerotic plaques we revealed the role of substrate in CTL adhesiveness: fibronectin alone and fibronectin combined with platelet-poor plasma and conditioned medium elevated the CTL adhesiveness – in patients the elevation was significantly higher than in healthy donors (p = 0.02, mixed 2-way ANOVA model). This was in line with our finding that the expression levels of integrin-coding mRNAs were elevated in the presence of fibronectin (p < 0.05) and ITGB1, ITGA1, and ITGA4 were specifically upregulated in patients compared to healthy donors (p < 0.01). Our experimental model did not affect the expression levels of mRNAs CCR4, CCR5, and CX3CR1 coding the chemokine receptors that drive T-lymphocyte migration to plaques. Thus, we demonstrated the substrate-dependence of integrin expression and discriminated CTLs from patients and healthy donors by adhesion parameters and integrin expression levels.