bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomographic Image Interpretation and Central-Western Mediterranean-Like Upper Mantle Dynamics From Coupled Seismological and Geodynamic Modeling Approach
Authors: Lo Bue Rosalia , Rappisi Francesco , Vanderbeek Brandon Paul , Faccenda Manuele
Published: June 2022

The Central-Western Mediterranean (CWM) is one of the most complex tectonic setting on Earth. Episodes of slab rollback, break-off and tearing, the opening of back-arc extensional basins (i.e., Liguro-Provencal, Alborean, Algerian and Tyrrhenian basins), the presence of large mountain ranges, active volcanoes and violent earthquakes have made the Mediterranean an ideal environment to study a wide range of geodynamic processes and an important target for seismological studies (e.g, seismic tomography). Here we build a geodynamic model which, although it does not reproduce its exact tectonic structure (e.g., due to the limits of the numerical method, approximations in the initial setup, etc), presents multiple and geometrically complex subduction systems analogous to those found in the CWM. The tectonic evolution of this model is estimated with petrological-thermo-mechanical 3D simulations, then, we dynamically compute the upper mantle fabrics and seismic anisotropy as a function of the strain history and local P-T conditions. After comparing the model with SKS splitting observations in order to quantify the discrepancies with the true Central-Western Mediterranean, we use the elastic tensors predicted for the modeled configuration to perform 3D P-wave anisotropic tomography by inverting synthetic P-wave delay times. Using the geodynamic model as reference, we evaluate the capabilities of a recently developed seismic tomography technique to recover the isotropic anomalies and anisotropy patterns related to a complex subduction environment in different conditions, such as poor data coverage and bad data quality. We observe that, although P-wave tomography still remains a powerful tool to investigate the upper mantle, the reliability of the retrieved structures strongly depends on data quality and data density. Furthermore, the recovered anisotropic patterns are consistent with those of the target model, but in general an underestimation of the anisotropy magnitude in the upper mantle is observed. In the light of future developments, our study suggests that by combining micro- and macro-scale geodynamic simulations and seismological modeling of seismic anisotropy it will be possible to reproduce, at least to a first order, the tectonic evolution of real study regions (e.g., the Mediterranean) thus providing fundamental constraints on the processes that have contributed in shaping their current geological scenario.
Triassic Revolution
Authors: Benton Michael J. , Wu Feixiang
Published: June 2022

The Triassic has long been recognized as a time during which marine and terrestrial ecosystems modernized dramatically, and it seems to have been a two-step process. First, recovery from the Permian-Triassic mass extinction (PTME) was a time of extraordinary renewal and novelty, and these processes of change were enhanced, it seems, by the effects of the Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE). After the CPE, in the oceans, not only did the carbonate factory begin to change towards its modern form, but also arguably the Mesozoic Marine Revolution (MMR) speeded up. When the MMR was proposed it was seen as a process that occurred in the Late Jurassic and Cretaceous, as modern crustaceans, gastropods, and fishes enhanced predator-prey arms races. New evidence from China and elsewhere suggests in fact the MMR was already underway in the Middle and Late Triassic, and so was coincident with Sepkoski’s classic idea that Paleozoic faunas were replaced by Modern marine faunas from the beginning of the Triassic. On land, ongoing competition between synapsids and archosauromorphs through the Triassic was marked by a posture shift from sprawling to erect, and a shift in physiology to warm-bloodedness, with insulating skin coverings of hair and feathers. Dinosaurs, for example, originated in the Early or Middle Triassic, but did not diversify until after the CPE. These arms races, the MMR in the sea, and the endothermy shift in tetrapods, were triggered by the PTME, and then enhanced by the CPE.
Gas Hydrate Accumulation Related to Pockmarks and Faults in the Zhongjiannan Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Zhang Guangxu , Wang Xiujuan , Li Lin , Sun Luyi , Guo Yiqun , Lu Yintao , Li Wei , Wang Zhaoqi , Qian Jin , Yang Taotao , Wang Wenlong
Published: June 2022

The amplitude and coherence attributes of three-dimensional (3D) seismic data are used to confirm gas hydrate occurrence and to delineate its distribution in the Zhongjiannan basin, South China Sea. High amplitude anomalies (HAAs) are distributed above or below the regional base of gas hydrate stability zone (BGHSZ), which intersect with the bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs) or are interrupted by different types of pockmarks. The maximum amplitude attribute extracted along T1 (5.5 Ma) horizon is controlled by the widely distributed faults. The layer-bound polygonal faults (PFs) show networks of small normal faults, and the dominant orientations of PFs are similar or orthogonal to the regional tectonic faults, which provide the fluid migration pathways for gas and fluids to form HAAs. BSR shows the strong amplitude and continuous reflection where the faults or PFs can reach the BGHSZ without the influence of the pockmarks. Most of the pockmarks are related to the reactivation of faults and magmation, and some pockmarks are caused by the dissociation of gas hydrate. Around the matured pockmark, the BSR is discontinuous, and HAAs locally appear within the pockmarks. The inverted acoustic impedance profile shows obviously high values of HAAs except in pockmark zones. Partial HAAs occur above BGHSZ, and the continuity is interrupted by the pockmarks with only high values around the pockmarks. We propose that BSR, HAAs, pockmarks, and different types of faults are closely related to the occurrence and distribution of gas hydrates in the study area. This work allows us to understand the relationship between gas hydrate occurrence and accumulation with pockmarks, faults, and magmatic activities.
Prediction of Favorable Positions for Hydrocarbon Accumulation Controlled by Oil-Source Faults: A Case of Dazhangtuo Fault in the Qikou Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, East China
Authors: Jiang Fei , Fu Guang , Han Guomeng , Dong Xiongying , Zhang Wei , Wang Haoran , Hu Xinlei
Published: June 2022

Oil-source faults play an important role in controlling hydrocarbon accumulation, and traps near these faults are often the most favorable positions for hydrocarbon accumulation. However, not all nearby traps can accumulate oil and gas. Therefore, it is necessary to predict favorable positions of hydrocarbon accumulation controlled by oil-source faults. Based on the analysis of hydrocarbon accumulation patterns near oil-source faults, a new method coupling hydrocarbon transportation positions of oil-source faults and favorable traps to predict favorable hydrocarbon accumulation positions is proposed. In this method, the hydrocarbon transportation positions are identified by the paleo activity rate during the hydrocarbon accumulation period; the favorable traps are identified by superimposing the position of fault traps, the lateral sealing position of faults, and the distribution of sand bodies with the ability to store oil and gas. Finally, the sites of overlap between the hydrocarbon transportation positions and the favorable traps are regarded as favorable positions for hydrocarbon accumulation under the control of oil-source faults. This method is applied to predict the favorable positions of hydrocarbon accumulation in the Ban 2 oil group of the Shahejie Formation near the Dazhangtuo fault, in the Qikou Sag (Bohai Bay Basin, East China). The results showed that the favorable positions of oil and gas accumulation along the Dazhangtuo fault in the Ban 2 oil group are mainly distributed in the northeast and center of the fault, and match well with the locations of the discovered oil and gas. Therefore, this method is useful to predict favorable hydrocarbon accumulation positions controlled by oil-source faults.
Processing Method of Soil Temperature Time Series and Its Application in Geothermal Heat Flow
Authors: Yang Liming , Song Rongcai , Dong Ben , Yin Likun , Fan Yifan , Zhang Bo , Wang Ziwei , Wang Yingchun , Dong Shuyi
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, geothermal resources have become one of the important means for mankind to solve global energy problems and environmental problems, and the exploration and development of geothermal resources are of great significance for sustainable development. However, in view of the complex geological background of the plateau region, the number of heat flow measurement points in this area is small or even blank, thus becoming an important factor limiting the exploration of geothermal resources in this region. In this article, a new model based on Fourier analysis and heat conduction principle is established to process and analyze the long-term monitoring data of soil temperature and eliminate the influence of temperature change on soil temperature as far as possible, so as to improve the calculation accuracy of soil conduction heat dissipation. The experimental results show that the fluctuation range of soil temperature at 20 cm before the correction was large, and the fluctuation range was 2.58°C–14.284°C, which was because the soil here was closer to the land surface and was affected too much by the temperature fluctuation, and as the soil depth deepened, the temperature fluctuation slowly became smaller, and the fluctuation range was 6.67°C–11.15°C at 50 cm, but the effect of temperature fluctuation was still obvious. Also, the fluctuation range was basically reduced within 0.3°C after temperature correction. In this method, the thermal diffusion coefficients of the soil at different depths can be obtained, and the calculated temperatures at the corresponding depths can also be obtained, which can be used to infer the approximate ground temperature gradient of the measured area. This study aims to develop a convenient and fast model for processing soil temperature time series and to provide technical support for developing geothermal resources in highland areas or assessing the geothermal potential of the region.
The Effect of Quartz Particle Size on the Frictional and Electrically Conductive Properties of Mixed Graphite–Quartz Gouges
Authors: Chen Jinyu
Published: June 2022

Mature faults usually contain fault rocks with a wide range of mineral grain sizes. Despite the importance of mineral grain sizes in affecting fault slip behaviors, little is known about the potential mechanism(s). To better understand this problem, electrical conductivity measurements on synthetic carbon-bearing gouges were conducted along a fault-parallel direction under progressive fault slip. All experiments were carried out under a slip rate of 1 mm/s, a normal stress of 2 MPa, ambient temperature, and a pure N2 atmosphere. The specimens that were used were mixtures of identical 6 wt% graphite (Gr) powders and 94 wt% quartz (Qz) particles with five different particle sizes (#100–12500 mesh). As Gr has a low friction coefficient and high electrical conductivity, the approach in this study may provide a favorable opportunity to examine the relation between the evolutions of friction and shear textures. The experimental results indicated that the reduction in Qz particle sizes causes gradual segregation of the Gr powders in the skeletal frame formed by granular Qz particles, resulting in the decreased interconnectivity of the anastomosing Gr-film networks and the destruction of Gr-lubricated slip surface(s). Then, it eventually manifests as an increase in the steady-state frictional coefficient (μss) and a logarithmic decrease in the steady-state electrical conductivity (σss) for Gr-bearing specimens. Furthermore, the Gr-bearing gouges containing >3 μm Qz particles first develop foliated layers, and subsequent Gr films penetrate around the boundary of the Qz particles to form conductive interconnected networks during a progressive fault slip. These experimental results implied that carbonaceous materials (CMs) represented by Gr may complicate the frictional properties of fine-grained fault gouges in mature faults.
The Discovery and Geochemical Characteristics of an Eocene Peridotite Xenolith-Bearing Mafic Volcanic Neck in Coastal Southeast China
Authors: Li Chuanshun , Zhao Xilin , Jiang Yang , Xing Guangfu , Yu Minggang , Duan Zheng
Published: June 2022

The mantle beneath coastal SE China evolved from enriched to depleted between the Cretaceous and the Neogene, although the precise timing of this change remains unclear. Here, we focus on a newly discovered Eocene mafic volcanic neck that contains peridotite xenoliths in the Fuding area of Fujian Province, and present new whole-rock Ar–Ar data which indicate that flood basalts formed during the Eocene (ages of 38.5 ± 1.2 and 42.3 ± 2 Ma). The basalt, gabbro, and diabase in the Fuding area are geochemically similar to ocean island basalt (OIB) and have SrI values that range from 0.703794 to 0.703911 (average of 0.703865) and εNd(t) values from 3.05 to 4.56 (average of 3.90). These samples yield two-stage Nd model (TDM2) ages of 0.61–0.73 Ga (average of 0.67 Ga). These data indicate that all of these units formed from magmas derived from an OIB-type mantle source, with both the gabbro and diabase units recording minor amounts of crustal contamination. Its OIB type geochemical characteristics may be inherited from crustal materials with similar characteristics. Peridotite xenoliths within the Fuding basalts provide evidence of the nature of the Eocene mantle in this area, especially the post late-Mesozoic evolution of the mantle beneath coastal SE China. The mantle beneath coastal SE China evolved from enriched in the Cretaceous to depleted in the Neogene, with this change occurring during the Eocene.
Teacher Perspectives When Learning Trauma-Informed Practice Pedagogies: Stories of Meaning Making at Work
Authors: Brunzell Tom , Waters Lea , Stokes Helen
Published: June 2022

This qualitative study focused upon ways teachers make meaning when working with students who are affected by trauma. An 11-month longitudinal design was used to explore teachers’ perspectives (N = 18 teachers) as they reflected upon the impacts of trauma within their classrooms and as they learned about trauma-informed practice strategies. Data from group interviews and participant journals were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results emerged that suggested common pathways in the ways teacher perspectives evolved; and these pathways were then analyzed in light of the meaningful work literatures to further suggest how work became more meaningful to these teachers when learning trauma-informed practice strategies. Teachers fostered a greater sense of meaning at work via two pathways: first by increasing their own wellbeing via personal use of trauma-informed strategies; then second, by incorporating trauma-informed strategies into their pedagogy to more effectively engage their students with learning. Increasing meaningful work for teachers who are working with trauma-affected students has promising implications for teacher professional development and workforce sustainability in schools experiencing high rates of teacher turnover and burnout as a result of teacher exposure to adverse student behavior.
Dynamic Methods for Childhood Hypoglycemia Phenotyping: A Narrative Review
Authors: Rossi Alessandro , Rutten Martijn G. S. , van Dijk Theo H. , Bakker Barbara M. , Reijngoud Dirk-Jan , Oosterveer Maaike H. , Derks Terry G. J.
Published: June 2022

Hypoglycemia results from an imbalance between glucose entering the blood compartment and glucose demand, caused by a defect in the mechanisms regulating postprandial glucose homeostasis. Hypoglycemia represents one of the most common metabolic emergencies in childhood, potentially leading to serious neurologic sequelae, including death. Therefore, appropriate investigation of its specific etiology is paramount to provide adequate diagnosis, specific therapy and prevent its recurrence. In the absence of critical samples for biochemical studies, etiological assessment of children with hypoglycemia may include dynamic methods, such as in vivo functional tests, and continuous glucose monitoring. By providing detailed information on actual glucose fluxes in vivo, proof-of-concept studies have illustrated the potential (clinical) application of dynamic stable isotope techniques to define biochemical and clinical phenotypes of inherited metabolic diseases associated with hypoglycemia. According to the textbooks, individuals with glycogen storage disease type I (GSD I) display the most severe hypoglycemia/fasting intolerance. In this review, three dynamic methods are discussed which may be considered during both diagnostic work-up and monitoring of children with hypoglycemia: 1) functional in vivo tests; 2) in vivo metabolic profiling by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM); 3) stable isotope techniques. Future applications and benefits of dynamic methods in children with hypoglycemia are also discussed.
Irisin, Exercise, and COVID-19
Authors: Alves Hugo Rodrigues , Lomba Guilherme Schittine Bezerra , Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque Cassiano Felippe , Burth Patricia
Published: June 2022

Muscle and adipose tissue produce irisin during exercise. Irisin is thermogenic adipomyokine, improves glucose and lipid metabolism, and ameliorates the effects of obesity-driven inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. In addition, exercise-induced irisin activates anti-inflammatory pathways and may play an essential role in improving the outcomes of inflammatory conditions, such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 infection can activate different intracellular receptors and modulate various pathways during the course of the disease. The cytokine release storm (CRS) produced is significant because it promotes the context for systemic inflammation, which increases the risk of mortality in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). In addition, viral infection and the resulting organ damage may stimulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/toll interleukin receptor (TIR)-domain-containing adaptor (MyD88) pathways while negatively modulating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, leading to increased inflammatory cytokine production. Exercise-induced irisin may counteract this inflammatory modulation by decreasing cytokine production. Consequently, increased irisin levels, as found in healthy patients, may favor a better prognosis in patients with SARS-CoV2. This review aims to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of irisin in mitigating CRS and preventing severe outcomes due to infection with SARS-CoV2.
Improvement of Bone Health and Initiation of Puberty Development in Camurati-Engelmann Disease With Glucocorticoid and Losartan Treatment: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Cui Lijia , Li Qian , Guan Wenmin , Yu Wei , Li Xiang , Xia Weibo , Jiang Yan
Published: June 2022

Camurati-Engelmann Disease (CED) is a rare sclerosing bone disease, sometimes associated delayed puberty. The treatment effect of glucocorticoid and angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) in bone health and puberty development remain unclear. We report a case of an 18-year-old girl who presented for a history of an enlarged head, pain of lower limbs, and no menstrual onset or breast development. Radiographs revealed thickening of skull and cortices in the diaphysis but sparse bone trabeculae in the spine and metaphysis. Sanger sequencing detected a mutation of c. 652C>T (p. R218C) in the gene TGFB1 and confirmed the diagnosis of CED. After treatment of a medium-to-small dosage of prednisone and losartan for 28 months, we observed improvement of bone mass in spine and hip and body fat mass and found initiation of puberty development. By a systemic review of current treatment strategies in patients with CED, we found that most cases reported relief of bone pain with treatment of glucocorticoid or ARB, but none has reported the outcome of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. We propose that long-term use of glucocorticoid combined with ARB may inhibit the activation of TGFβ1 in CED, improve adipogenesis, and thus initiate puberty development and improve the bone mass in spine and hip.
The Combination of the CDK4/6 Inhibitor, Palbociclib, With the Vitamin D3 Analog, Inecalcitol, Has Potent In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Effects in Hormone-Sensitive Breast Cancer, But Has a More Limited Effect in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Vanhevel Justine , Verlinden Lieve , Loopmans Shauni , Doms Stefanie , Janssens Iris , Bevers Sien , Stegen Steve , Wildiers Hans , Verstuyf Annemieke
Published: June 2022

Active vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], and its synthetically derived analogs possess potent anticancer properties. In breast cancer (BC) cells, 1,25(OH)2D3 blocks cell proliferation and induces apoptosis through different cell-type specific mechanisms. In this study, we evaluated if the combination of the potent vitamin D3 analog, inecalcitol, with a selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib, enhanced the antiproliferative effects of both single compounds in hormone-sensitive (ER+) BC, for which palbociclib treatment is already approved, but also in triple-negative BC (TNBC). Inecalcitol and palbociclib combination treatment decreased cell proliferation in both ER+ (T47D-MCF7) and TNBC (BT20-HCC1143-Hs578T) cells, with a more pronounced antiproliferative effect in the former. In ER+ BC cells, the combination therapy downregulated cell cycle regulatory proteins (p)-Rb and (p)-CDK2 and blocked G1-S phase transition of the cell cycle. Combination treatment upregulated p-mTOR and p-4E-BP1 protein expression in MCF7 cells, whereas it suppressed expression of these proteins in BT20 cells. Cell survival was decreased after inecalcitol treatment either alone or combined in MCF7 cells. Interestingly, the combination therapy upregulated mitochondrial ROS and mitotracker staining in both cell lines. Furthermore, in vivo validation in a MCF7 cell line-derived xenograft mouse model decreased tumor growth and cell cycle progression after combination therapy, but not in a TNBC BT20 cell line-derived xenograft model. In conclusion, we show that addition of a potent vitamin D3 analog to selective CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment results in increased antiproliferative effects in ER+ BC both in vitro and in vivo.
Teneurin and TCAP Phylogeny and Physiology: Molecular Analysis, Immune Activity, and Transcriptomic Analysis of the Stress Response in the Sydney Rock Oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) Hemocytes
Authors: Abramov Tomer , Suwansa-ard Saowaros , da Silva Patricia Mirella , Wang Tianfang , Dove Michael , O’Connor Wayne , Parker Laura , Lovejoy David A. , Cummins Scott F. , Elizur Abigail
Published: June 2022

Teneurin C-terminal associated peptide (TCAP) is an ancient bioactive peptide that is highly conserved in metazoans. TCAP administration reduces cellular and behavioral stress in vertebrate and urochordate models. There is little information for invertebrates regarding the existence or function of a TCAP. This study used the Sydney rock oyster (SRO) as a molluscan model to characterize an invertebrate TCAP, from molecular gene analysis to its physiological effects associated with hemocyte phagocytosis. We report a single teneurin gene (and 4 teneurin splice variants), which encodes a precursor with TCAP that shares a vertebrate-like motif, and is similar to that of other molluscan classes (gastropod, cephalopod), arthropods and echinoderms. TCAP was identified in all SRO tissues using western blotting at 1-2 different molecular weights (~22 kDa and ~37kDa), supporting precursor cleavage variation. In SRO hemolymph, TCAP was spatially localized to the cytosol of hemocytes, and with particularly high density immunoreactivity in granules. Based on ‘pull-down’ assays, the SRO TCAP binds to GAPDH, suggesting that TCAP may protect cells from apoptosis under oxidative stress. Compared to sham injection, the intramuscular administration of TCAP (5 pmol) into oysters modulated their immune system by significantly reducing hemocyte phagocytosis under stress conditions (low salinity and high temperature). TCAP administration also significantly reduced hemocyte reactive oxygen species production at ambient conditions and after 48 h stress, compared to sham injection. Transcriptomic hemocyte analysis of stressed oysters administered with TCAP demonstrated significant changes in expression of genes associated with key metabolic, protective and immune functions. In summary, this study established a role for TCAP in oysters through modulation of physiological and molecular functions associated with energy conservation, stress and cellular defense.
Empagliflozin Attenuates Obesity-Related Kidney Dysfunction and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Through the HO-1–Adiponectin Axis
Authors: Ye Tongtong , Zhang Jingwen , Wu Di , Shi Junfeng , Kuang Zengguang , Ma Yuting , Xu Qian , Chen Bing , Kan Chengxia , Sun Xiaodong , Han Fang
Published: June 2022

Empagliflozin (EMPA) is a novel sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) that produces protective cardiovascular-renal outcomes in patients with diabetes. However, the effects of EMPA on obesity-related kidney disease have not been determined. The heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)–adiponectin axis is an essential antioxidant system with anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. This study explored whether EMPA improves obesity-related kidney disease through regulation of the renal HO-1-mediated adiponectin axis. C57BL/6J mice were assigned to control, high-fat diet (HFD) groups, and EMPA (10 mg/kg) groups. HFD mice showed metabolic abnormality and renal injury, including increased urinary albumin excretion, morphologic changes, and lipid accumulation. EMPA treatment improved metabolic disorders and attenuated lipotoxicity-induced renal injury. Furthermore, EMPA treatment ameliorated renal NLRP3 inflammasome activity and upregulated the HO-1–adiponectin axis. Our findings indicate that EMPA improves obesity-related kidney disease through reduction of NLRP3 inflammasome activity and upregulation of the HO-1–adiponectin axis, suggesting a novel mechanism for SGLT2i-mediated renal protection in obesity.
Activation Versus Inhibition of IGF1R: A Dual Role in Breast Tumorigenesis
Authors: Bulatowicz Joseph J. , Wood Teresa L.
Published: June 2022

Historically, the body of literature surrounding the insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF1R) has described a largely pro-tumorigenic role in breast cancer cells and in several transgenic or xenograft mouse models of breast cancer. Interestingly, however, more recent evidence has emerged that suggests an additional, previously undescribed, tumor and metastasis suppressive function for IGF1R in both human breast tumors and mammary oncogenesis in mice. These seemingly conflicting reports can be reconciled when considering what is currently known about IGF1R function in the context of tissue development and cancer as it relates to cellular growth, proliferation, and differentiation. In this mini review, we will summarize the currently existing data with a particular focus on mouse models that have been developed to study IGF1R function in mammary development, tumorigenesis, and metastasis in vivo and propose hypotheses for how both the tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing schools of thought regarding IGF1R in these histological contexts are compatible.
Adrenocortical Tumors and Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma Initially Mistaken as Neuroblastoma—Experiences From the GPOH-MET Registry
Authors: Kuhlen Michaela , Pamporaki Christina , Kunstreich Marina , Wudy Stefan A. , Hartmann Michaela F. , Peitzsch Mirko , Vokuhl Christian , Seitz Guido , Kreissl Michael C. , Simon Thorsten , Hero Barbara , Frühwald Michael C. , Vorwerk Peter , Redlich Antje
Published: June 2022

In children and adolescents, neuroblastoma (NBL), pheochromocytoma (PCC), and adrenocortical tumors (ACT) can arise from the adrenal gland. It may be difficult to distinguish between these three entities including associated extra-adrenal tumors (paraganglioma, PGL). Precise discrimination, however, is of crucial importance for management. Biopsy in ACT or PCC is potentially harmful and should be avoided whenever possible. We herein report data on 10 children and adolescents with ACT and five with PCC/PGL, previously mistaken as NBL. Two patients with adrenocortical carcinoma died due to disease progression. Two (2/9, missing data in one patient) patients with a final diagnosis of ACT clearly presented with obvious clinical signs and symptoms of steroid hormone excess, while seven patients did not. Blood analyses indicated increased levels of steroid hormones in one additional patient; however, urinary steroid metabolome analysis was not performed in any patient. Two (2/10) patients underwent tumor biopsy, and in two others tumor rupture occurred intraoperatively. In 6/10 patients, ACT diagnosis was only established by a reference pediatric pathology laboratory. Four (4/5) patients with a final diagnosis of PCC/PGL presented with clinical signs and symptoms of catecholamine excess. Urine tests indicated possible catecholamine excess in two patients, while no testing was carried out in three patients. Measurements of plasma metanephrines were not performed in any patient. None of the five patients with PCC/PGL received adrenergic blockers before surgery. In four patients, PCC/PGL diagnosis was established by a local pathologist, and in one patient diagnosis was revised to PGL by a pediatric reference pathologist. Genetic testing, performed in three out of five patients with PCC/PGL, indicated pathogenic variants of PCC/PGL susceptibility genes. The differential diagnosis of adrenal neoplasias and associated extra-adrenal tumors in children and adolescents may be challenging, necessitating interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary efforts. In ambiguous and/or hormonally inactive cases through comprehensive biochemical testing, microscopical complete tumor resection by an experienced surgeon is vital to preventing poor outcome in children and adolescents with ACT and/or PCC/PGL. Finally, specimens need to be assessed by an experienced pediatric pathologist to establish diagnosis.
Vertical Protection Level Optimization and Availability Analysis for Advanced RAIM
Authors: Wang Ershen , Shu Wansen , Deng Xidan , Wang Zhi , Xu Song , Wang Huan
Published: June 2022

With the introduction of global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) in aviation, there has been increased dependency on GNSS position. Multi-constellation GNSS services and equipment will remain a solution for many aircraft positions in safety. Multi-constellation GNSS can improve robustness and navigation performance. Therefore, advanced receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (advanced RAIM or ARAIM) technology is being developed as an augmentation method for GNSS users under multi-constellation. ARAIM can allow increased service level globally and provide vertical guidance during the approach phase for aircrafts. Since the traditional ARAIM algorithm uses the average allocation strategy to allocate integrity and continuity risk, an allocation approach based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is presented in this article. Different allocation strategies for integrity and continuity risk are chosen as different particles, and the weighted sum of vertical protection level corresponding to different fault subsets is selected as the fitness function to optimize the allocation strategy and the corresponding VPL. Based on real GNSS data, the ARAIM algorithm under multi-constellation is analyzed. The experimental results demonstrate that the integrity and continuity risk allocation method based on the proposed algorithm optimizes the VPL and improves the global availability of ARAIM under multi-constellation.
Shear Performance of Zirconium Alloy Welds Under Different Strain Rates
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Zhao Tianfei , Cao Shuanghui , Ren Quan-yao , Liu Menglong , Zhang Jibin , Zheng Yong , Li Yuanming , Wei Lianfeng
Published: June 2022

Welding is one of the important connection methods for zirconium alloy, and the shear failure under the dynamic load is a typical failure mode of the weld. Aiming at clarifying the shear failure of zirconium alloy welds, three kinds of double-notched shear weld specimens with welding sizes of 2, 4, and 6 mm were designed, respectively; the shear performance of specimens under quasi-static and dynamic loading was tested by tensile testing machine and split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The stress–strain curves and shear strength were determined for the weld under quasi-static and dynamic loading. It was demonstrated that 1) an obvious strain rate strengthening effect was observed for the shear strength performance of zirconium alloy weld; 2) the shear performance of zirconium alloy weld was not sensitive to its length, but the tolerance to micro defects in the weld was improved with the increase of the weld length, which gave rise to a small increment of shear strength; 3) the failure mode of zirconium alloy welds under quasi-static loading was the typical lamellar tearing failure, and the angle between the fracture and base metal was about 17°; however, the shear failure mode showed obvious brittle characteristics under dynamic loading and the angle between fracture and base metal was almost parallel to the loading direction.
Predicting Emerald Ash Borer Adult Emergence and Peak Flight Activity in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Authors: MacDonald Brett , Baydack Rick , Westwood A. Richard , Walker David
Published: June 2022

The invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennisFairmaire; Coleoptera: Buprestidae) has killed tens of millions of ash (Fraxinus spp.)trees across North America.A. planipenniswas first detected in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2017 and has the potential to become a serious threat to the city's ash canopy which accounts for ~30% of the public tree inventory. The goal of this study was to predict when adultA. planipennisemergence and peak activity would occur in Winnipeg to help logistical planning for the implementation of a city-wide management program. The management program would focus on detection and limiting the spread of the beetle with the objective of preserving ash trees as long as possible allowing for more proactive management of the EAB infestation. To predict adult emergence and peak activity ofA. planipennis, we used local weather station data to calculate the number of degree-days accumulated in each year for the 1970–2019 period using three different degree-day accumulation models. Developmental thresholds forA. planipenniswere derived from previous North American studies. The estimated mean emergence dates for the 50-year period were June 14 ± 8.5 days (double sine model), June 14 ± 8.5 days (single sine model), and June 19 ± 9.1 days (standard model) whereas the peak activity dates were July 16 ± 8.8 days (double sine model), July 17 ± 8.7 days (single sine model), and July 21 ± 9.4 days (standard model). Meteorological records indicate that temperatures in the Winnipeg region have increased over the study period. However, our predicted emergence dates do not significantly differ over the 50 years examined in the study, although estimated peak activity dates are significantly earlier, suggesting that EAB movement may benefit from climate change. The results from this study will provide managers with information regarding the temporal behavior ofA. plannipennisin Winnipeg allowing for improved timing of control measures and monitoring, thereby extending the projected life span of a significant ash tree population within the Winnipeg urban region. The management model developed for Winnipeg could serve as an example for other locations in the prairie region of North America.
Effects of Habitat and Competition on Niche Partitioning and Community Structure in Neotropical Ants
Authors: Salas-López Alex , Violle Cyrille , Munoz François , Menzel Florian , Orivel Jérôme
Published: June 2022

Competition for limited resources can yield two contrasting outcomes in community structure, namely, either (i) dominance of most competitive species (with functional convergence of the traits conferring this ability), or (ii) niche partitioning of species using distinct resources. In addition, varying resource availability in different environmental contexts is expected to yield varying community dynamics and composition between the contexts (habitat filtering). We addressed resource-based ant community structure in a tropical ecosystem. We expected ant species to display varying trophic preferences and foraging behaviors, allowing habitat selection and niche differentiation in ant assemblages. Furthermore, we expected habitat filtering to occur between open and forested areas in the landscape mosaic, and competition to further influence local species co-occurrence. We assessed resource use in nine ant assemblages distributed in two habitats (i.e., forests and croplands), devising two separate experiments using bait-traps to characterize ant species’ trophic preference (e.g., eating prey, seeds, sugars) and their ability to obtain a same resource in heterogeneous forms (e.g., on vegetation, litter, with variable amounts…). The majority of baits offered were rapidly exploited in the two habitats suggesting important resource limitations. Forest and cropland ant communities differed, however, in the proportions of resources exploited, suggesting different competitive pressures toward specific resources between habitats. Within each habitat, ants preferentially exploited the same resources, suggesting habitat filtering, but locally, interspecific resource partitioning resulted in a reduction of resource overlap compared to habitat scale. Our study provides evidence of the effects of habitat filtering and competition for resource in tropical ant community structure. Our findings also suggest that niche filtering and niche partitioning are co-variant forces determining the identity of the species present in local assemblages.
Comprehensive Profiling Analysis of CD209 in Malignancies Reveals the Therapeutic Implication for Tumor Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Li Jinyuan , Chen Shuzhao , Li Yang , Zhu Ziang , Huang Hanying , Wang Weida , Yang Yao , Liang Yang , Shu Lingling
Published: June 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is known to be caused by the virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is characterized by pneumonia, cytokine storms, and lymphopenia. Patients with malignant tumors may be particularly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and possibly more susceptible to severe complications due to immunosuppression. Recent studies have found that CD209 (DC-SIGN) might be a potential binding receptor for SARS-CoV-2 in addition to the well-known receptor ACE2. However, pan-cancer studies of CD209 remain unclear. In this study, we first comprehensively investigated the expression profiles of CD209 in malignancies in both pan-carcinomas and healthy tissues based on bioinformatic techniques. The CD209 expression declined dramatically in various cancer types infected by SARS-CoV-2. Remarkably, CD209 was linked with diverse immune checkpoint genes and infiltrating immune cells. These findings indicate that the elevation of CD209 among specific cancer patients may delineate a mechanism accounting for a higher vulnerability to infection by SARS-CoV-2, as well as giving rise to cytokine storms. Taken together, CD209 plays critical roles in both immunology and metabolism in various cancer types. Pharmacological inhibition of CD209 antigen (D-mannose), together with other anti-SARS-CoV-2 strategies, might provide beneficial therapeutic effects in specific cancer patients.
Genome-Wide Identification of MAPK, MAPKK, and MAPKKK Gene Families in Fagopyrum tataricum and Analysis of Their Expression Patterns Under Abiotic Stress
Authors: Wang Zhen , Yan Song , Ren Weichao , Liu Yan , Sun Wei , Liu Meiqi , Lu Jiaxin , Mi Yaolei , Ma Wei
Published: June 2022

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is a highly conserved signal transduction pathway, ubiquitous in eukaryotes, such as animals and plants. The MAPK cascade has a dominant role in regulating plant adaptation to the environment, such as through stress responses, osmotic adjustment, and processes that modulate pathogenicity. In the present study, the MAPK cascade gene family was identified in Fagopyrum tataricum (Tartary buckwheat), based on complete genome sequence data. Using phylogenetic tree, conservative motif, and chromosome location analyses, a total of 65 FtMAPK cascade genes, distributed on five chromosomes, were classified into three families: MAPK (n = 8), MAPKK (n = 1), and MAPKKK (n = 56). Transcriptome data from Tartary buckwheat seedlings grown under different light conditions demonstrated that, under blue and red light, the expression levels of 18 and 36 FtMAPK cascade genes were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. Through qRT-PCR experiments, it was observed that FtMAPK5, FtMAPKK1, FtMAPKKK8, FtMAPKKK10, and FtMAPKKK24 gene expression levels in the Tartary buckwheat seedlings increased under three types of abiotic stress: drought, salt, and high temperature. A co-expression network of FtMAPK cascade genes was constructed, based on gene expression levels under different light conditions, and co-expressed genes annotated by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses, which identified numerous transcription factors related to plant abiotic stress. The authors conclude that FtMAPK cascade genes have important roles in the growth and development of Tartary buckwheat, as well as its responses to abiotic stress.
Investigating CENPW as a Novel Biomarker Correlated With the Development and Poor Prognosis of Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Luyang , Wang Hairui , Yang Chen , Wu Yunyi , Lei Guojie , Yu Yanhua , Gao Yan , Du Jing , Tong Xiangmin , Zhou Feifei , Li Yanchun , Wang Ying
Published: June 2022

Breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) is a carcinoma with a fairly high incidence, and the therapeutic schedules are generally surgery and chemotherapy. However, chemotherapeutic drugs tend to produce serious toxic side effects, which lead to the cessation of treatment. Therefore, it is imperative to develop treatment strategies that are more effective and have fewer side effects at the genetic level. Centromeric protein W (CENPW) is an oncogene that plays an important part in nucleosome assembly. To date, no studies have reported the prognostic significance of CENPW in breast carcinoma. In this study, we verified that CENPW expression is up-regulated in breast carcinoma and positively associated with the level of immune cell infiltration. The clinicopathological characteristics further suggest that CENPW expression is correlated with a worse prognosis of breast carcinoma. Interestingly, the CENPW mutation contributes to the poor prognosis. Next, we discovered that the genes interacting with CENPW are mainly concentrated in the cell cycle pathway, and CENPW is co-expressed with CDCA7, which is also highly expressed in breast carcinoma and leads to a worse prognosis. Our subsequent studies verified that knockdown of CENPW significantly inhibits the proliferation and migration of breast carcinoma cells and promotes their apoptosis rate. Notably, inhibition of CEMPW sensitizes breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs that have been found to induce cell cycle arrest. In summary, these results provide extensive data and experimental evidence that CENPW can serve as a novel predictor of breast cancer and may act as a prospective therapeutic target.
Molecular Phylogeny and Adaptive Mitochondrial DNA Evolution of Salmonids (Pisces: Salmonidae)
Authors: Wang Ying , Xiong Fei , Song Zhaobin
Published: June 2022

Salmonids are composed of anadromous and freshwater fishes, which is an important model for studying adaptive evolution. Herein, 49 salmonid complete mitochondrial genomes and those of two outgroups were used to infer a robust phylogeny for the family Salmonidae. The BI and RAxML phylogenetic trees based on 13 concatenated mitochondrial protein-coding genes showed well-supported nodes, and topologies were highly congruent. The concatenated 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes,ND2,ND3, andND5genes were shown to have significantly largerdN/dSratios in anadromous species than in freshwater species of Salmonidae, but theCYTBgene had significantly smallerdN/dSin anadromous species. The FEL analysis identified positively selected sites and negatively selected sites in each mitochondrial protein-coding gene separately. The RELAX program revealed that theATP8andCYTBgenes supported intensified selection of the anadromous lineages. Our results demonstrated the phylogeny of Salmonidae and explored the mitochondrial DNA evolution pattern between anadromous and freshwater salmonids.
UVB-Induced Skin Autoinflammation Due to Nlrp1b Mutation and Its Inhibition by Anti-IL-1β Antibody
Authors: Murase Yuya , Takeichi Takuya , Koseki Jun , Miyasaka Yuki , Muro Yoshinao , Ohno Tamio , Shimamura Teppei , Akiyama Masashi
Published: June 2022

NLRP1 (NACHT and leucine-rich repeat-containing protein family, pyrin domain-containing protein 1) is an innate immune sensor that is involved in the formation of inflammasome complexes. NLRP1 hyperactivity has been reported to cause inherited autoinflammatory diseases including familial keratosis lichenoides chronica and NLRP1-associated autoinflammation with arthritis and dyskeratosis. We generated Nlrp1b (the mouse homologue of human NLRP1) gain-of-function knock-in (Nlrp1b KI) mice with UVB irradiation-induced autoinflammatory skin lesions. We demonstrated that UVB irradiation induces IL-1β upregulation and IL-1β-dependent inflammation via caspase-1 activation in these Nlrp1b KI mice. RNA sequencing revealed the upregulation of inflammasome pathway-related genes, keratinocyte stress marker genes, and keratinocyte differentiation marker genes in the Nlrp1b KI mice after UVB irradiation. The skin inflammation and hyperkeratosis from UVB irradiation in the Nlrp1b KI mice were inhibited by both intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration of anti-IL-1β antibodies before UVB irradiation. UVB irradiation and the IL-1β pathway are important in the pathogenesis of NLRP1-associated autoinflammatory skin lesions.
A Robust Method to Store Complement C3 With Superior Ability to Maintain the Native Structure and Function of the Protein
Authors: Adler Anna , Manivel Vivek Anand , Fromell Karin , Teramura Yuji , Ekdahl Kristina N. , Nilsson Bo
Published: June 2022

Complement components have a reputation to be very labile. One of the reasons for this is the spontaneous hydrolysis of the internal thioester that is found in both C3 and C4 (but not in C5). Despite the fact that ≈20,000 papers have been published on human C3 there is still no reliable method to store the protein without generating C3(H2O), a fact that may have affected studies of the conformation and function of C3, including recent studies on intracellular C3(H2O). The aim of this work was to define the conditions for storage of native C3 and to introduce a robust method that makes C3 almost resistant to the generation of C3(H2O). Here, we precipitated native C3 at the isoelectric point in low ionic strength buffer before freezing the protein at -80°C. The formation of C3(H2O) was determined using cation exchange chromatography and the hemolytic activity of the different C3 preparations was determined using a hemolytic assay for the classical pathway. We show that freezing native C3 in the precipitated form is the best method to avoid loss of function and generation of C3(H2O). By contrast, the most efficient way to consistently generate C3(H2O) was to incubate native C3 in a buffer at pH 11.0. We conclude that we have defined the optimal storage conditions for storing and maintaining the function of native C3 without generating C3(H2O) and also the conditions for consistently generating C3(H2O).