bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S6 kinase 1 at the central node of cell size and ageing
Authors: Fumagalli Stefano , Pende Mario
Published: August 2022

Genetic evidence in living organisms from yeast to plants and animals, including humans, unquestionably identifies the Target Of Rapamycin kinase (TOR or mTOR for mammalian/mechanistic) signal transduction pathway as a master regulator of growth through the control of cell size and cell number. Among the mTOR targets, the activation of p70 S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) is exquisitely sensitive to nutrient availability and rapamycin inhibition. Of note, in vivo analysis of mutant flies and mice reveals that S6K1 predominantly regulates cell size versus cell proliferation. Here we review the putative mechanisms of S6K1 action on cell size by considering the main functional categories of S6K1 targets: substrates involved in nucleic acid and protein synthesis, fat mass accumulation, retrograde control of insulin action, senescence program and cytoskeleton organization. We discuss how S6K1 may be involved in the observed interconnection between cell size, regenerative and ageing responses.
Aggregation-Induced Polarization (AIP): Optical Rotation Amplification and Adjustment of Chiral Aggregates of Folding Oligomers and Polymers
Authors: Tang Yao , Zhang Sai , Xu Ting , Yuan Qingkai , Wang Jia-Yin , Jin Shengzhou , Wang Yu , Pan Junyi , Griffin Isaac , Chen Daixiang , Li Guigen
Published: August 2022

The phenomenon of aggregation-induced polarization (AIP) was observed showing optical rotation amplification and adjustment. The relationship between optical rotations of chiral aggregates of multilayered chiral folding oligomers and polymers with water% in THF (fw) has been established accordingly. New multilayered chiral oligomers were synthesized under the asymmetric catalytic systems established by our laboratory recently. These products were well-characterized by UV-vis, NMR, and MALDI-TOF spectra. Absolute stereochemistry (enantio- and diastereochemistry) was assigned by comparison with similar asymmetric induction by the same catalyst in our previous reactions. The present AIP work can serve as a new tool to determine chiral aggregates, especially for those that cannot display emission. AIP would also complement AIE-based CPL since AIP serves as a new tool providing enhanced right- or left-hand polarized lights with individual wavelengths. It will find many applications in chemical and materials science in the future.
PVDF/MOFs mixed matrix ultrafiltration membrane for efficient water treatment
Authors: Cheng Lilantian , Zhou Zixun , Li Lei , Xiao Pei , Ma Yun , Liu Fei , Li Jian
Published: August 2022

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), with excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability and chemical corrosion resistance, has become an excellent material for separation membranes fabrication. However, the high hydrophobicity of PVDF membrane surface normally leads a decreased water permeability and serious membrane pollution, which ultimately result in low operational efficiency, short lifespan of membrane, high operation cost and other problems. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have been widely applied for membrane modification due to its large specific surface area, large porosity and adjustable pore size. Currently, numerous MOFs have been synthesized and used to adjust the membrane separation properties. In this study, MIL-53(Al) were blended with PVDF casting solution to prepare ultrafiltration (UF) membrane through a phase separation technique. The optimal separation performance was achieved by varying the concentration of MIL-53(Al). The surface properties and microstructures of the as-prepared membranes with different MIL-53(Al) loading revealed that the incorporation of MIL-53(Al) enhanced the membrane hydrophilicity and increased the porosity and average pore size of the membrane. The optimal membrane decorated with 5 wt% MIL-53(Al) possessed a pure water permeability up to 43.60 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, while maintaining higher rejections towards BSA (82.09%). Meanwhile, the prepared MIL-53(Al)/LiCl@PVDF membranes exhibited an excellent antifouling performance.
Emergence of uncommon KL38-OCL6-ST220 carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter pittii strain, co-producing chromosomal NDM-1 and OXA-820 carbapenemases
Authors: Tian Chongmei , Xing Mengyu , Fu Liping , Zhao Yaping , Fan Xueyu , Wang Siwei
Published: August 2022

Objective

To characterize one KL38-OCL6-ST220 carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter pittii strain, co-producing chromosomal NDM-1 and OXA-820 carbapenemases.

Methods

A. pittii TCM strain was isolated from a bloodstream infection (BSI). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were conducted via disc diffusion and broth microdilution. Stability experiments of blaNDM-1 and blaOXA-820 carbapenemase genes were further performed. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on the Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was analyzed based on the Pasteur and Oxford schemes. Resistance genes, virulence factors, and insertion sequences (ISs) were identified with ABRicate based on ResFinder 4.0, virulence factor database (VFDB), and ISfinder. Capsular polysaccharide (KL), lipooligosaccharide outer core (OCL), and plasmid reconstruction were tested using Kaptive and PLACNETw. PHASTER was used to predict prophage regions. A comparative genomics analysis of all ST220 A. pittii strains from the public database was carried out. Point mutations, average nucleotide identity (ANI), DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) distances, and pan-genome analysis were performed.

Results

A. pittii TCM was ST220Pas and ST1818Oxf with KL38 and OCL6, respectively. It was resistant to imipenem, meropenem, and ciprofloxacin but still susceptible to amikacin, colistin, and tigecycline. WGS revealed that A. pittii TCM contained one circular chromosome and four plasmids. The Tn125 composite transposon, including blaNDM-1, was located in the chromosome with 3-bp target site duplications (TSDs). Many virulence factors and the blaOXA-820 carbapenemase gene were also identified. The stability assays revealed that blaNDM-1 and blaOXA-820 were stabilized by passage in an antibiotic-free medium. Moreover, 12 prophage regions were identified in the chromosome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that there are 11 ST220 A. pittii strains, and one collected from Anhui, China was closely related. All ST220 A. pittii strains presented high ANI and DDH values; they ranged from 99.85% to 100% for ANI and from 97.4% to 99.9% for DDH. Pan-genome analysis revealed 3,200 core genes, 0 soft core genes, 1,571 shell genes, and 933 cloud genes among the 11 ST220 A. pittii strains.

Conclusions

The coexistence of chromosomal NDM-1 and OXA-820 carbapenemases in A. pittii presents a huge challenge in healthcare settings. Increased surveillance of this species in hospital and community settings is urgently needed.
Gut microbiota and derived metabolomic profiling in glaucoma with progressive neurodegeneration
Authors: Zhang Yinglei , Zhou Xujiao , Lu Yi
Published: August 2022

Glaucoma is a multifactorial, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Crosstalk between the gut microbiota and host is involved in the progression of many neurodegenerative diseases, although little is known about its role in glaucoma. To investigated the alterations of the gut microbiota and derived metabolites in glaucomatous rats, and the interaction with RGCs, we performed 16S rRNA (V1-V9) sequencing and untargeted metabolomic analyses. The microbial composition differed significantly between the two groups, and the diversity of cecal bacteria was dramatically reduced in glaucomatous rats. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, Verrucomicrobia phylum, and some bacterial genera (Romboutsia, Akkermansia, and Bacteroides) were dramatically increased in the glaucomatous rat model compared with the control, which showed negative correlation with RGCs. Untargeted metabolomic analysis identified 284 differentially expressed metabolites, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed considerable enrichment mainly in bile secretion pathways. The relationships among the metabolites enriched in the bile secretion pathway, differentially expressed cecal microbiota, and RGCs were investigated, and glutathione (GSH) was found to be negatively correlated with Bacteroides and F/B and positively correlated with RGCs. Reduced GSH level in the blood of glaucoma rats is further established, and was negatively correlated with Romboutsia and the F/B ratio and positively correlated with RGCs. This finding suggests the potential role of the gut microbiota and derived metabolites in glaucoma, and GSH, a major antioxidant metabolite, was related to their effects, indicating the potential for the development of gut microbiota-targeted interventions for glaucoma.
Organoids as tools to investigate gastrointestinal nematode development and host interactions
Authors: White Ruby , Blow Frances , Buck Amy H. , Duque-Correa María A.
Published: August 2022

Gastrointestinal nematodes are a diverse class of pathogens that colonise a quarter of the world’s human population and nearly all grazing livestock. These macroparasites establish, and some migrate, within host gastrointestinal niches during their life cycles and release molecules that condition the host mucosa to enable chronic infections. Understanding how helminths do this, and defining the molecules and mechanisms involved in host modulation, holds promise for novel strategies of anthelmintics and vaccines, as well as new knowledge of immune regulation and tissue repair. Yet the size and complexity of these multicellular parasites, coupled with the reliance on hosts to maintain their life cycles, present obstacles to interrogate how they interact with the gastric and intestinal epithelium, stroma and immune cells during infection, and also to develop protocols to genetically modify these parasites. Gastrointestinal organoids have transformed research on gastric and gut physiology during homeostasis and disease, including investigations on host-pathogen interactions with viruses, bacteria, protozoa and more recently, parasitic nematodes. Here we outline applications and important considerations for the best use of organoids to study gastrointestinal nematode development and interactions with their hosts. The careful use of different organoid culture configurations in order to achieve a closer replication of thein vivoinfection context will lead not only to new knowledge on gastrointestinal nematode infection biology, but also towards the replication of their life cyclesin vitro, and the development of valuable experimental tools such as genetically modified parasites.
Salivary microbiota of periodontitis aggravates bone loss in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Wang Nannan , Zheng Lichun , Qian Jun , Wang Min , Li Lili , Huang Yuezhen , Zhang Qian , Li Yanfen , Yan Fuhua
Published: August 2022

The mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between periodontitis and osteoporosis remain unclear. Recently, the gut microbiota has been recognized as a pivotal regulator of bone metabolism, and oral and gut mucosae are microbiologically connected. In this study, we investigated the effects of periodontitis on osteoporosis through the oral-gut axis. The salivary microbiota of patients with periodontitis was collected and then pumped into the intestine of Sprague–Dawley rats via intragastric administration for 2 weeks. An osteoporosis model was established using ovariectomy. Changes in the maxillae and femora were evaluated using microcomputed tomography (micro CT) and HE staining. Intestinal barrier integrity and inflammatory factors were examined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. The gut microbiota was profiled by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Metabolome profiling of serum was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry sequencing. Micro CT and HE staining revealed osteoporotic phenotypes in the maxillae and femora of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Our results confirmed that the salivary microbiota of patients with periodontitis aggravated femoral bone resorption in OVX rats. In addition, intestinal inflammation was exacerbated after periodontitis salivary microbiota gavage in OVX rats. Correlation analysis of microbiota and metabolomics revealed that lipolysis and tryptophan metabolism may be related to the bone loss induced by the salivary microbiota of patients with periodontitis. In conclusion, periodontitis can aggravate long bone loss through the oral-gut axis in OVX rats.
An eddy pathway to marine heatwave predictability off eastern Tasmania
Authors: Zhao Zijie , Holbrook Neil J. , Oliver Eric C. J.
Published: August 2022

A systematic analysis of historical and modeled marine heatwaves (MHWs) off eastern Tasmania has been performed based on satellite observations and a high–resolution regional ocean model simulation, over the period from 1994–2016. Our analysis suggests that the distribution of large and intense mesoscale warm core eddies off northeast Tasmania contribute to the development of MHWs further south associated with changes in the circulation and transports. Importantly, we find that eddy distributions in the Tasman Sea can act as predictors of MHWs off eastern Tasmania. We used self-organizing maps to distinguish sea surface height anomalies (SSHA) and MHWs into different, but connected, patterns. We found the statistical model performs best (precision ~ 0.75) in the southern domain off eastern Tasmania. Oceanic mean states and heat budget analysis for true positive and false negative marine heatwave events revealed that the model generally captures ocean advection dominated MHWs. Using SSHA as predictor variable, we find that our statistical model can forecast MHWs off southeast Tasmania up to 7 days in advance above random chance. This study provides improved understanding of the role of circulation anomalies associated with oceanic mesoscale eddies on MHWs off eastern Tasmania and highlights that individual MHWs in this region are potentially predictable up to 7 days in advance using mesoscale eddy-tracking methods.
Development of hydrogen sulfide donors for anti-atherosclerosis therapeutics research: Challenges and future priorities
Authors: Yang Ye-Wei , Deng Nian-Hua , Tian Kai-Jiang , Liu Lu-Shan , Wang Zuo , Wei Dang-Heng , Liu Hui-Ting , Jiang Zhi-Sheng
Published: August 2022

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gas transmitter found in eukaryotic organisms, plays an essential role in several physiological processes. H2S is one of the three primary biological gas transmission signaling mediators, along with nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. Several animal and in vitro experiments have indicated that H2S can prevent coronary endothelial mesenchymal transition, reduce the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules, and stabilize intravascular plaques, suggesting its potential role in the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS). H2S donors are compounds that can release H2S under certain circumstances. Development of highly targeted H2S donors is a key imperative as these can allow for in-depth evaluation of the anti-atherosclerotic effects of exogenous H2S. More importantly, identification of an optimal H2S donor is critical for the creation of H2S anti-atherosclerotic prodrugs. In this review, we discuss a wide range of H2S donors with anti-AS potential along with their respective transport pathways and design-related limitations. We also discuss the utilization of nano-synthetic technologies to manufacture H2S donors. This innovative and effective design example sheds new light on the production of highly targeted H2S donors.
Short-coupled variant of torsade de pointes: A systematic review of case reports and case series
Authors: Wang Guangqiang , Zhong Lin , Chu Hongxia , Wang Chunxiao , Zhu Xuefeng
Published: August 2022

Background

The short-coupled variant of torsade de pointes (scTdP) is characterized by a particular electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern that shows a short-coupling interval of the initial Tdp beat and that can degenerate into ventricular fibrillation without the presence of structural heart disease. However, its etiology, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, underlying mechanism, treatment, and prognosis remain unclear. This study aimed to systematically review case reports and series of scTdP to synthesize existing data on the demography, clinical characteristics, ECG features, management, and outcomes.

Methods

A literature search was conducted for eligible published articles using the Medline, Embase, and PubMed databases. All eligible case reports and case series were included without any language restrictions. SPSS 24 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 22 case reports and 103 case series of patients with scTdP were identified and included in the analysis. All selected cases had acceptable quality of evidence. Most young patients without sex differences had no trigger or a negative programmed simulation. The ECGs of all selected patients showed a short first-coupling interval (302 ± 62 ms) and a long QRS duration of ventricular extrasystole (VE) (135 ± 17 ms). The first coupling interval levels and QRS duration levels of VE were significantly longer and wider in patients with scTdP originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) than in those with scTdP originating from the Purkinje fibers (380 ± 70 vs. 274 ± 28 ms, P < 0.001; 147 ± 8 vs. 131 ± 17 ms, P < 0.001), respectively. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the optimal cutoff values of the first coupling interval triggering TdP and QRS duration of VE were more than 319 ms and 141 ms (92% sensitivity, 95.7% specificity; 82.6% sensitivity, 77.8% specificity) for predicting the RVOT origin, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve revealed increased survival in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation than in patients without ICD implantation (log-rank =10.127, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Some agreements were confirmed in selected case reports regarding the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of scTdPs. Further large-scale and long-term follow-up studies are required to clarify the existing arrhythmogenic entities.
Progress in murine models of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Yin Li , Kent Eric William , Wang Bowen
Published: August 2022

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a focal dilation of the aorta that is prevalent in aged populations. The progressive and unpredictable expansion of AAA could result in aneurysmal rupture, which is associated with ~80% mortality. Due to the expanded screening efforts and progress in diagnostic tools, an ever-increasing amount of asymptomatic AAA patients are being identified yet without a cure to stop the rampant aortic expansion. A key barrier that hinders the development of effective AAA treatment is our incomplete understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of its pathogenesis and progression into rupture. Animal models provide invaluable mechanistic insights into AAA pathophysiology. However, there is no single experimental model that completely recapitulate the complex biology behind AAA, and different AAA-inducing methodologies are associated with distinct disease course and rupture rate. In this review article, we summarize the established murine models of ruptured AAA and discuss their respective strengths and utilities.
Signaling and structures underpinning conducted vasodilation in human and porcine intramyocardial coronary arteries
Authors: Dora Kim A. , Lin JinHeng , Borysova Lyudmyla , Beleznai Timea , Taggart Michael , Ascione Raimondo , Garland Christopher
Published: August 2022

Background

Adequate blood flow into coronary micro-arteries is essential for myocardial function. Here we assess the mechanisms responsible for amplifying blood flow into myogenically-contracting human and porcine intramyocardial micro-arteries ex vivo using endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilators.

Methods

Human and porcine atrial and ventricular small intramyocardial coronary arteries (IMCAs) were studied with pressure myography and imaged using confocal microscopy and serial section/3-D reconstruction EM.

Results

3D rendered ultrastructure images of human right atrial (RA-) IMCAs revealed extensive homo-and hetero-cellular contacts, including to longitudinally-arranged smooth muscle cells (l-SMCs) found between the endothelial cells (ECs) and radially-arranged medial SMCs (r-SMCs). Local and conducted vasodilatation followed focal application of bradykinin in both human and porcine RA-IMCAs, and relied on hyperpolarization of SMCs, but not nitric oxide. Bradykinin initiated asynchronous oscillations in endothelial cell Ca2+ in pressurized RA-IMCAs and, as previously shown in human RA-IMCAs, hyperpolarized porcine arteries. Immunolabelling showed small- and intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa) present in the endothelium of both species, and concentration-dependent vasodilation to bradykinin followed activation of these KCa channels. Extensive electrical coupling was demonstrated between r-SMCs and l-SMCs, providing an additional pathway to facilitate the well-established myoendothelial coupling. Conducted dilation was still evident in a human RA-IMCA with poor myogenic tone, and heterocellular contacts were visible in the 3D reconstructed artery. Hyperpolarization and conducted vasodilation was also observed to adenosine which, in contrast to bradykinin, was sensitive to combined block of ATP-sensitive (KATP) and inwardly rectifying (KIR) K+ channels.

Conclusions

These data extend our understanding of the mechanisms that coordinate human coronary microvascular blood flow and the mechanistic overlap with porcine IMCAs. The unusual presence of l-SMCs provides an additional pathway for rapid intercellular signaling between cells of the coronary artery wall. Local and conducted vasodilation follow hyperpolarization of the ECs or SMCs, and contact-coupling between l-SMCs and r-SMCs likely facilitates this vasodilation.
Impact of borderline pulmonary hypertension due to left heart failure on mortality in a multicenter registry study: A 3-year survivorship analysis
Authors: Lin Yangyi , Pang Lingpin , Huang Shian , Shen Jieyan , Wu Weifeng , Tang Fangming , Su Weiqing , Zhu Xiulong , Sun Jingzhi , Quan Ruilin , Yang Tao , Han Huijun , He Jianguo
Published: August 2022

Background

Patients with left heart failure (LHF) are often associated with the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) which leads to an increased risk of death. Recently, the diagnostic standard for PH has changed from mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) ≥25 mmHg to >20 mmHg. Nonetheless, the effect of borderline PH (mPAP: 21–24 mmHg) on the prognosis of LHF patients is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between borderline PH and 3-year clinical outcomes in LHF patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort study was done for LHF patients who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) between January 2013 and November 2016. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality; the secondary outcome was rehospitalization.

Results

Among 344 patients, 62.5% were identified with a proportion of PH (mPAP ≥ 25), 10.8% with borderline PH (21–24), and 26.7% with non-PH (≤20), respectively. Multivariable Cox analysis revealed that borderline PH patients had a higher adjusted mortality risk (HR = 3.822; 95% CI: 1.043–13.999; p = 0.043) than non-PH patients. When mPAP was treated as a continuous variable, the hazard ratio for death increased progressively with increasing mPAP starting at 20 mmHg (HR = 1.006; 95% CI: 1.001–1.012). There was no statistically significant difference in adjusted rehospitalization between borderline PH and non-PH patients (HR = 1.599; 95% CI: 0.833–3.067; p = 0.158).

Conclusions

Borderline PH is independently related to increased 3-year mortality in LHF patients. Future research is needed to evaluate whether more close monitoring, and managing with an intensifier improves clinical outcomes in borderline PH caused by LHF.

Clinical trials registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02164526.
Hidden molecular clues in marine sediments revealed by untargeted mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Liu Weimin , Alfken Susanne , Wörmer Lars , Lipp Julius S. , Hinrichs Kai-Uwe
Published: August 2022

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) in sedimentary archives can produce records of molecular proxies at μm-scale resolution. For example, in annually varved sediments of the Santa Barbara Basin, such a fine resolution allows deciphering sub-annual distributions of archaeal tetraether lipids, haptophyte-derived alkenones, and sterols. Herein, we reported the establishment of an untargeted data processing workflow aimed at dissecting the MSI datasets and extracting information beyond that obtained by targeted analysis of known molecular proxies. The combination of MSI and the untargeted workflow not only increases the spatial resolution for molecular stratigraphy but also dramatically broadens the number and diversity of molecular signals evaluated, enabling us to discover unique molecular signatures imprinted by various biogeochemical processes. We applied the proposed workflow to two MSI datasets that were both measured on the uppermost ∼10 cm of the Santa Barbara Basin sediments while covering different mass ranges. Two matrices of 18625×293 and 18963×323 (number of spectra × number of peaks) were, respectively, extracted after peak alignment using bin-wise kernel density estimation and subsequent peak picking by peak prominence filtering combined with geochemical context-based filtering. Feature extraction by non-negative matrix factorization revealed in total 15 stable molecular clusters with distinct spatial distributions in the sediments. Each cluster typically comprised several to dozens of compounds, with the majority of compounds in each cluster likely belonging to similar chemical taxonomies. Some of these clusters can be linked to specific biogeochemical processes. For example, chlorin-like compounds are possibly related to diatom production, alkenones are related to coccolithophorid production, and steranes and long-chain fatty acids likely represent terrigenous input. Supervised learning from these data mining results further extracted molecular signatures with proxy potential that appear to be linked to specific environmental conditions inferred from historical oceanographic data. However, generalizability to other sedimentary settings will require further investigation.
In situ stress measurement method of deep borehole based on multi-array ultrasonic scanning technology
Authors: Wang Jinchao , Wang Chuanying , Huang Junfeng , Han Zengqiang , Zeng Wenhao , Wang Yiteng
Published: August 2022

In order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of deep in-situ stress measurement, based on the wall collapse in deep borehole, a deep borehole in-situ stress measurement method based on multi-array ultrasonic scanning technology is proposed in this paper. The solution idea of using the combination of multiple elements for borehole contour scanning is put forward, and a multi-array ultrasonic scanning technology suitable for fine horizontal section scanning of deep geological borehole contour is formed. Through the analysis of the calculation principle of hole wall caving method and the derivation of multi-array element ultrasonic scanning solution algorithm, a multi-array ultrasonic scanning device is developed by using the effective fusion of multi-array ultrasonic full waveform scanning signals and the reconstruction of horizontal section contour. The measurement method of in-situ stress in deep borehole combined with hole wall caving method is studied. Finally, the feasibility and accuracy of this method are verified by physical experiments. The results show that: the effective fusion of multi-array ultrasonic full waveform scanning signals and horizontal section contour reconstruction can break through the limitations of conventional in borehole probe placement and in borehole medium sound velocity calibration, and improve the fine reconstruction and accurate measurement of 360° wall shape. The multi-array ultrasonic scanning technology can obtain the borehole shape data at any borehole depth, and then obtain the three-dimensional shape measurement of borehole wall, which can provide a new technical means for the three-dimensional detection of borehole wall and in-situ stress measurement.
Atmospheric conditions conducive to marine fog over the northeast Pacific in winters of 1979–2019
Authors: Li Xinbei , Zhang Suping , Koračin Darko , Yi Li , Zhang Xin
Published: August 2022

Observations show that the northeast Pacific (NEP) is a fog-prone area in winter compared with the northwest and central Pacific where fog rarely occurs in winter. By synthesizing observations and reanalysis results from 1979 to 2019, this study investigates the atmospheric circulation and marine atmospheric boundary layer structure associated with marine fog over the NEP in winter. Composite analysis shows that the eastern flank of the Aleutian low and the northwestern flank of the Pacific subtropical high jointly contribute to a northward air flow over the NEP. Under such conditions, warm and moist air flows through a cooler sea surface and facilitates the formation of advection-cooling fog. The air near the sea surface in foggy areas is cooled by the downward sensible heat flux. The smaller upward latent heat flux (∼10 W m−2) compared to the surrounding area (>60 W m−2) demonstrates that the moisture originates from the advection instead of local evaporation. The lower (at 925 to 875 hPa) and stronger (up to 0.08 K hPa−1) inversion layer, compared with cloudy cases and the turbulence in the lower atmosphere (below 975 hPa), also promotes fog formation and evolution. Approximately 68% of all fog cases (42242) show positive differences between surface air temperature (SAT) and sea surface temperature (SST), while 32% are negative, during southerly winds. Composite analysis of the latter shows lower specific humidity above the inversion bottom compared to the former. Dry air enhances longwave radiative cooling from the fog top, favoring cooling of the fog layer, gradually causing SAT to fall below SST.
Charting the psychological literacy landscape: Systematic review highlighting psychology education
Authors: Cranney Jacquelyn , Morris Sue , Norris Kimberley , Connolly Caitlin E.
Published: August 2022

The aim of this systematic review is to provide, for the first time, a broad overview of the scope and nature of the current English language concept of ‘psychological literacy' (PL) as evidenced in the literature, primarily since 2010. Covidence systematic review methodology yielded 112 papers that were scored on 23 specific criteria/questions relevant to addressing predetermined research questions. PL has been conceptualized as both a general capability (e.g., ethical application of psychological knowledge) and a group of capabilities (discipline-specific knowledge and research methods, and more generic capabilities such as communication). Variability in the constellation of group capabilities has led to challenges in operationalization and thus measurement, signaling the need for international consensus and improved measurement. We propose a model for how PL is related to psychologically literate citizenship and global citizenship. Key papers explore PL as an integrative concept in psychology. All papers were relevant to psychology education, with most prevalent being undergraduate level, and least prevalent being graduate level. There were numerous papers providing practical PL teaching and assessment strategies. PL as a pedagogical approach has been a necessary and richly diverse focus. Finally, a revisioning of PL within the context of psychology education, as well as recommendations for further research and development, are suggested.
Moving to remote learning in adult education: Challenges and solutions of limited technological resources and capabilities
Authors: Durgunoğlu Aydin Yücesan , Cantürk Meltem , Kaya Uğur , Yazıcı Betül , Şahin Kübranur
Published: August 2022

COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in educational systems; hence, educators have developed innovative ways to address this new reality. Around the world, many adult education programs try to reach women who could not complete their education because of poverty and sociocultural issues, such as patriarchal barriers. COVID-19 was especially challenging for such lifelong learning programs because they operate with limited technological resources and work with learners with weaker digital proficiencies. In this paper, we describe how we rapidly adapted our face-to-face empowerment program for women to remote learning despite technological limitations. We also discuss the outcomes as evaluated by pre- and post-tests, participant observations and interviews. We finish by summarizing the successes and challenges of addressing this new reality in education.
History education done different: A collaborative interactive digital storytelling approach for remote learners
Authors: Petousi Dimitra , Katifori Akrivi , Servi Katerina , Roussou Maria , Ioannidis Yannis
Published: August 2022

Social interaction has been recognized as positively affecting learning, with dialogue–as a common form of social interaction–comprising an integral part of collaborative learning. Interactive storytelling is defined as a branching narrative in which users can experience different story lines with alternative endings, depending on the choices they make at various decision points of the story plot. In this research, we aim to harness the power of dialogic practices by incorporating dialogic activities in the decision points of interactive digital storytelling experiences set in a history education context. Our objective is to explore interactive storytelling as a collaborative learning experience for remote learners, as well as its effect on promoting historical empathy. As a preliminary validation of this concept, we recorded the perspective of 14 educators, who supported the value of the specific conceptual design. Then, we recruited 15 adolescents who participated in our main study in 6 groups. They were called to experience collaboratively an interactive storytelling experience set in the Athens Ancient Agora (Market) wherein we used the story decision/branching points as incentives for dialogue. Our results suggest that this experience design can indeed support small groups of remote users, in-line with special circumstances like those of the COVID-19 pandemic, and confirm the efficacy of the approach to establish engagement and promote affect and reflection on historical content. Our contribution thus lies in proposing and validating the application of interactive digital storytelling as a dialogue-based collaborative learning experience for the education of history.
Building inclusive preschool classrooms: How desirable and feasible is a set of strategies that facilitate teacher-child relationships?
Authors: Sanches-Ferreira Manuela , Gonçalves Joana L. , Araújo Sara Barros , Alves Sílvia , Barros Sílvia
Published: August 2022

Positive teacher-child relationships promote children’s engagement, as children feel more secure to explore and participate in free or oriented activities. For children with disabilities, a context wherein they can receive the support to maintain a positive engagement in different activities is even more relevant. A scarcity of research exists on how to promote ECEC quality, namely, how to facilitate teacher-child interactions in inclusive environments. This study aims to evaluate preschool teachers’ opinions about thedesirabilityandfeasibilityof a set of empirically validated strategies to improve teacher-child interactions in ECEC classrooms, for the group and children with disabilities. The participants were 89 Portuguese preschool teachers. Based on a non-systematic literature review, a questionnaire composed of 22 strategies to facilitate teacher-child interactions (in 4 dimensions: emotionally responsive interactions, classroom management, attend to children’s perspectives, and scaffolding learning) was developed. Along with the questionnaire, a set of socio-demographic variables was also collected. ECEC teachers scored significantly higher in thedesirabilitysubscale compared with thefeasibilitysubscale in all dimensions and at both thechildand thegrouplevel. This gap between teachers’ perceiveddesirabilityandfeasibilityprovides important insights regarding the dimensions which are important to reinforce in ECEC teachers’ education and professional development. The mean difference between thedesirabilityandfeasibilitysubscales registered a higher effect size at thechild’s level than at thegroup’slevel, confirming that the inclusion of children with disabilities in preschool settings remains a challenge. Moreover, the effect size was small to moderate in theEmotionally Responsive Interactionsdimension for bothchildandgrouplevels. These results are aligned with previous studies stating that among different self-identified dimensions for improvement, emotional support is the less evoked by ECEC teachers. Across all dimensions, the main reason teachers give for difficulty infeasibility, both at thegroupandchild’slevel, is lack ofknowledge. Overall, understanding the reasons teachers attribute to the difference between the strategies’desirabilityandfeasibilityinforms the assessment of teacher education needs and might be operationalized as a new observation instrument.
Comprehensive analysis of endoplasmic reticulum-related and secretome gene expression profiles in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Gao Rong , Wang Jin , He Xuemin , Wang Tongtong , Zhou Li , Ren Zhitao , Yang Jifeng , Xiang Xiaoxin , Wen Shiyi , Yu Zhuojun , Ai Heying , Wang Yuchan , Liang Hua , Li Shasha , Lu Yan , Zhu Yanhua , Shi Guojun , Chen Yanming
Published: August 2022

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the principal organelle for protein synthesis, such as hepatokines and transmembrane proteins, and is critical for maintaining physiological function. Dysfunction of ER is associated with metabolic disorders. However, the role of ER homeostasis as well as hepatokines in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains to be elucidated. Here we comprehensively analyzed the RNA-seq profiles of liver biopsies from 206 NAFLD patients and 10 controls from dataset GSE135251. The co-expression modules were constructed based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis and six co-expression modules were identified, of which brown module stood out to be significantly associated with fibrosis stage and NAFLD activity score (NAS). Subsequently, cytoscape with cytoHubba plugin was applied to identify hub genes in the brown module. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of the top 20 hub genes were performed and showed the involvement of extracellular matrix formation, collagen synthesis and decomposition, etc. Further, the expression of the top 20 hub genes were found to be a consistent increasing trend as the fibrosis stages and NAS increased, which have been validated both in HFD fed and HFHC fed mice. Among these genes, THY1, PTGDS, TMPRSS3, SPON1, COL1A2, RHBDF1, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL1A1 and IGFBP7 performed well in distinguishing fibrosis stage, while COL1A2, COL3A1, THY1, RHBDF1 and COL1A2 exhibited good capacity to discriminate NAS. Besides, RHBDF1, COL3A1, QSOX1, STING1, COL5A1, IGFBP7, COL4A2, COL1A1, FKBP10 and COL1A2 also showed a strong power in the diagnosis of NAFLD. In addition, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL8A2, IGFBP7, PGF, PTGDS, SPON1, THY1 and TIMP1 were identified as secretome genes from the top 20 hub genes. Of them, circulated THY1 and collagen III level were validated to be significantly elevated in the MCD diet-induced mice. Thus, we provided a systemic view on understanding the pathological roles and mechanisms of ER as well as secretome in NAFLD progression. THY1, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1 and RHBDF1 could be served as candidate biomarkers to evaluate the progression of NAFLD.
Formation pressure distribution and productivity prediction of fractured horizontal wells in stress sensitive reservoirs
Authors: Huzhen Wang , Tiancheng Liu , Zhuangzhuang Sun , Chunyao Wang , Zhenyu Liu , Zhijun Zhou , Changjun Diao , Zhiming Zhao
Published: August 2022

Aiming at the problems of formation pressure distribution and productivity prediction after Horizontal Well Volume Fracturing in stress sensitive reservoirs, the methods of dynamic permeability and dynamic threshold pressure gradient are used to deal with the influence of stress sensitivity, a numerical simulation method of oil-water two-phase flow based on finite element method is established. History matching is performed on the basis of the prediction of formation pressure distribution after horizontal well volume fracturing of, which ensures high matching accuracy. Taking the ultra-low permeability sandy glutenite reservoir of Baikouquan Formation in M18 area of Aihu Oilfield as research object, the influence law of formation pressure level on productivity and stress sensitivity on formation pressure distribution is studied. Analysis of the calculation results shows that: the influence of formation pressure level on well productivity is mainly in the first year of production, and the effect of energy increasing by volume fracturing is clarified. Stress sensitivity mainly affects the middle and later stage of production. With the increase of sensitivity, the permeability loss of the formation tends to be concentrated in the low-pressure area near the artificial fracture, forming an isolation zone with high flow resistance, which make the development effect of far well zone worse.
Decoupling of CO2, CH4, and N2O agriculture emissions in the EU
Authors: Andrei Jean Vasile , Avram Sorin , Băncescu Irina , Gâf Deac Ioan I , Gheorghe Carmen Adriana , Diaconu Anișoara Ionela
Published: August 2022

This research addresses the problem of CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions in the EU for the 2008–2018 period, and their contributing factors, through extensive and complex analysis. The research incubated in the manuscript answers the question of whether new state members managed to catch up with old state members regarding technology innovation and mitigation of N2O emissions from agriculture activities. The methodology used includes Tapio decoupling index and the metafrontier non-radial Malmquist N2O emission performance index. The research considers short-term, medium-term, and long-term decoupling analyses. Results suggest a shift of decoupling status is worse for the 2013–2018 period compared to the 2008–2013 period which should concern low-carbon agriculture policy-makers. Also, it was noticed an increase in total-factor N2O emission performance for the 2008–2018 period. New state members managed to catch up with old state members regarding technology innovation and mitigation of N2O emissions from agricultural activities; however, not all countries managed to do so. For example, Romania has experienced an efficiency loss due to a technology change and from this perspective, Romania should address first managing N2O and CO2 emissions. The findings extend the traditional framework of investigating the effects of CO2, CH4, and N2O in agriculture and highlight the necessity of addressing environmental aspects from a broader perspective of the policymakers and in developing innovative decoupling indexes. The research investigation is reporting from a post-transition country by prioritizing the measures to be implemented.
“Born with a silver spoon in the mouth has bad sides too”: Experimentally increasing growth rate enhances individual quality but accelerates reproductive senescence in females of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor
Authors: Crosland Agathe , Rigaud Thierry , Balourdet Aude , Moret Yannick
Published: August 2022

Senescence occurs because of the decline of the strength of selection with age, allowing late-life reduced performances not being counter selected. From there, several phenomena may explain late-life reduced performances, such as the accumulation of deleterious mutations, the expression of pleiotropic genes or the existence of resource trade-offs between early and late performances. This latter phenomenon is at the core of the disposable soma theory of aging, which predicts that growth and early-life reproduction have costs that increase reproductive and actuarial senescence. Whereas the impact of the cost of early reproduction on reproductive and actuarial senescence has been extensively studied, that of the cost of growth remains overlooked and often inconclusive, possibly because of confounding effects associated with the procedures used to manipulate growth rate. Here, we investigated the cost of growth rate and its impact on reproductive senescence and longevity of females of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor. For this purpose, we generated insects with contrasted growth rates by raising groups of them in conditions below, above and optimal relative humidity (RH: 55, 85 and 70%, respectively) during the larval stage. The resulting adult females then bred, under the same optimal RH conditions, early in life, then later in life and were followed there until death. We found that larvae grown under the highest relative humidity exhibited the highest larval growth rate, thanks to both shorter growth duration and the achievement of heavier pupae mass. Adult females from this favorable growing condition lived longer, were more fecund early in life, but suffered from lower late-life reproductive investment. Our study shows that growth rate, which is highly dependent on the early-life environment, is an important factor modulating adult reproductive senescence, through the occurrence of early-late life trade-offs.
KMT5B is required for early motor development
Authors: Hulen Jason , Kenny Dorothy , Black Rebecca , Hallgren Jodi , Hammond Kelley G. , Bredahl Eric C. , Wickramasekara Rochelle N. , Abel Peter W. , Stessman Holly A. F.
Published: August 2022

Disruptive variants in lysine methyl transferase 5B (KMT5B/SUV4-20H1) have been identified as likely-pathogenic among humans with neurodevelopmental phenotypes including motor deficits (i.e., hypotonia and motor delay). However, the role that this enzyme plays in early motor development is largely unknown. Using a Kmt5b gene trap mouse model, we assessed neuromuscular strength, skeletal muscle weight (i.e., muscle mass), neuromuscular junction (NMJ) structure, and myofiber type, size, and distribution. Tests were performed over developmental time (postnatal days 17 and 44) to represent postnatal versus adult structures in slow- and fast-twitch muscle types. Prior to the onset of puberty, slow-twitch muscle weight was significantly reduced in heterozygous compared to wild-type males but not females. At the young adult stage, we identified decreased neuromuscular strength, decreased skeletal muscle weights (both slow- and fast-twitch), increased NMJ fragmentation (in slow-twitch muscle), and smaller myofibers in both sexes. We conclude that Kmt5b haploinsufficiency results in a skeletal muscle developmental deficit causing reduced muscle mass and body weight.