bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmentally Enhanced Turbines for Hydropower Plants: Current Technology and Future Perspective
Authors: Quaranta Emanuele , Pérez-Díaz Juan I. , Romero–Gomez Pedro , Pistocchi Alberto
Published: October 2021

Environmentally enhanced turbines (EETs) have gained attention in the past two decades in order to reduce environmental impacts of hydropower plants on fish communities and on water quality. In this mini-review the main EETs are discussed, focusing on the Alden and Minimum Gap Runner turbines to reduce fish injury and on self-aerating and self/free-lubricant turbines to improve water quality. The review shows that EETs can be efficiently adopted instead of traditional turbines: EETs are cost-effective, efficient in terms of energy generation and have shown to reduce environmental impacts. Scientific gaps are also highlighted and case studies reported to better support refurbishment and new projects.
Prospects and Design Insights of Neat Ionic Liquids as Supercapacitor Electrolytes
Authors: Lethesh Kallidanthiyil Chellappan , Bamgbopa Musbaudeen O. , Susantyoko Rahmat Agung
Published: October 2021

Ionic liquids present an opportunity to design efficient electrolytes for supercapacitors, which are among the most extensively studied electrochemical energy storage systems. Ionic liquids are promising candidates for supercapacitor electrolytes because they can eliminate issues associated with aqueous and organic solvent-based electrolytes, such as narrow operating potential windows, safety, and performance. The full potential of ionic liquids as electrolytes in supercapacitors need to be further explored due to promising previous efforts invested in ionic liquid-based electrolyte systems for supercapacitor. This review aims to provide an outlook on neat (pure) ionic liquids applied as supercapacitor electrolytes to isolate the prospects and influences of ionic liquids in supercapacitor electrolyte systems. This work primarily focuses on ionic liquid chemistry links to their performance in supercapacitor electrolytes. Deduced features of importance to supercapacitor performance include the presence of functional groups in the ionic liquids, the ionic liquids physicochemical and electrochemical properties. With the different classes of ionic liquids evaluated, ion size-pore size matching of ionic liquid electrolytes and electrode materials, respectively, affect resulting capacitances and energy densities. Several design strategies to enhance supercapacitor performance by improving ionic liquid transport and electrochemical properties are proposed. The proposed strategies and obtained insights consequently informed further discussions on challenges associated with the commercialization of ionic liquids electrolytes.
Robust Optimal Dispatching of Wind Fire Energy Storage System Based on Equilibrium Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Chen Xiaojiao , Huang Liansheng , Zhang Xiuqing , He Shiying , Sheng Zhicai , Wang Zhenshang , Chen Tao , Dou Sheng
Published: October 2021

The uncertainty of wind resources is one of the main reasons for wind abandonment. Considering the uncertainty of wind power prediction, a robust optimal dispatching model is proposed for the wind fire energy storage system with advanced adiabatic compressed air energy storage (AA-CAES) technology. Herein, the operation constraints of the power plant and constraints of the reserved capacity are defined according to the operation characteristics of AA-CAES. Based on the limited scenario method, a solution framework is proposed to achieve the optimal robustness and economical operation of the system, which provides a new way for the application of the intelligent algorithm in the robust optimal dispatching. Specifically, a novel equilibrium optimization algorithm is employed to solve the optimal dispatching problem, which has good global search performance. The proposed solution is validated through simulations based on the IEEE-39 node system. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed dispatching model and the intelligent solver.
Differences in Floral Scent and Petal Reflectance Between Diploid and Tetraploid Chamerion angustifolium
Authors: Palmqvist Björn , Brazeau Hannah A. , Parachnowitsch Amy L.
Published: October 2021

Genome duplication in plants is thought to be a route to speciation due to cytotype incompatibility. However, to reduce cross-pollination between cytotypes in animal-pollinated species, distinctive floral phenotypes, which would allow pollinator-mediated assortative mating between flowers, are also expected. Chamerion angustifolium is a Holarctic species that forms a hybrid zone between diploid and tetraploid populations in the North American Rocky Mountains. Extensive research has shown that these cytotypes differ in many ways, including some floral traits, and that pollinators can discriminate between cytotypes, leading to assortative mating. However, two signals commonly used by insect pollinators have not been measured for this species, namely petal colour and floral scent. Using greenhouse-grown diploids and tetraploids of C. angustifolium from the ploidy hybrid-zone in the North American Rocky Mountains, we show that both floral scent signals and petal reflectance differ between cytotypes. These differences, along with differences in flower size shown previously, could help explain pollinator-mediated assortative mating observed in previous studies. However, these differences in floral phenotypes may vary in importance to pollinators. While the differences in scent included common floral volatiles readily detected by bumblebees, the differences in petal reflectance may not be perceived by bees based on their visual sensitivity across the spectra. Thus, our results suggest that differences in floral volatile emissions are more likely to contribute to pollinator discrimination between cytotypes and highlight the importance of understanding the sensory systems of pollinators when examining floral signals.
Precision Mapping of a Maize MAGIC Population Identified a Candidate Gene for the Senescence-Associated Physiological Traits
Authors: Caicedo Marlon , Munaiz Eduardo D. , Malvar Rosa A. , Jiménez José C. , Ordas Bernardo
Published: October 2021

Senescence is an important trait in maize (Zea maisL.), a key crop that provides nutrition values and a renewable source of bioenergy worldwide. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) can be used to identify causative genetic variants that influence the major physiological measures of senescence, which is used by plants as a defense mechanism against abiotic and biotic stresses affecting its performance. We measured four physiological and two agronomic traits that affect senescence. Six hundred seventy-two recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were evaluated in two consecutive years. Thirty-six candidate genes were identified by genome-wide association study (GWAS), and 11 of them were supported by additional evidence for involvement in senescence-related processes including proteolysis, sugar transport, and sink activity. We identified a candidate gene, Zm00001d043586, significantly associated with chlorophyll, and independently studied its transcription expression in an independent panel. Our results showed that Zm00001d043586 affects chlorophyl rate degradation, a key determinant of senescence, at late plant development stages. These results contribute to better understand the genetic relationship of the important trait senescence with physiology related parameters in maize and provide new putative molecular markers that can be used in marker assisted selection for line development.
Comparative Performance of the MGISEQ-2000 and Illumina X-Ten Sequencing Platforms for Paleogenomics
Authors: Zhu Kongyang , Du Panxin , Xiong Jianxue , Ren Xiaoying , Sun Chang , Tao Yichen , Ding Yi , Xu Yiran , Meng Hailiang , Wang Chuan-Chao , Wen Shao-Qing
Published: October 2021

The MGISEQ-2000 sequencer is widely used in various omics studies, but the performance of this platform for paleogenomics has not been evaluated. We here compare the performance of MGISEQ-2000 with the Illumina X-Ten on ancient human DNA using four samples from 1750BCE to 60CE. We found there were only slight differences between the two platforms in most parameters (duplication rate, sequencing bias, θ, δS, and λ). MGISEQ-2000 performed well on endogenous rate and library complexity although X-Ten had a higher average base quality and lower error rate. Our results suggest that MGISEQ-2000 and X-Ten have comparable performance, and MGISEQ-2000 can be an alternative platform for paleogenomics sequencing.
Case Report: Successful Treatment of Refractory Interstitial Lung Disease With Cyclosporine A and Pirfenidone in a Child With SLE
Authors: Deng Linxia , Chen Yaxian , Hu Xiufen , Zhou Jianhua , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2021

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) as an initial manifestation of lupus is rare, especially in young children. Here, we report a case of a 3-year-old boy who presented with fever, shortness of breath, and facial erythema. Clinical examination suggested a diagnosis of active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with butterfly rash, anemia, positive antinuclear antibody, positive anti-double-stranded DNA, and hypocomplementemia. On retrospective review of the patient’s records, multiple chest computed tomography (CT) images showed non-specific interstitial pneumonia + organizing pneumonia pattern, with no further autoimmune work-up during the visit to a respiratory department. In our opinion, persistent interstitial pneumonia may be a clue to connective tissue disease. The patient received steroid treatment for 1 year, and the radiological and immunological resolution was noted. However, he still suffered from cough and dyspnea. After a 1-year follow-up, he was hospitalized again for SLE relapse. While continuing corticosteroid therapy, the patient was given combination therapy consisting of cyclosporine A (CsA) and monthly-pulse cyclophosphamide for 6 months, and decreased proteinuria was noted. However, the patient’s respiratory symptoms and pulmonary radiologic findings did not improve significantly. With continued steroid therapy, the patient was started on a daily regimen of CsA and pirfenidone. Both drugs were sufficiently effective to allow gradual reduction of steroid dosage. After 2 years of treatment, marked improvements in symptoms, pulmonary function and chest CT images were observed. Our experience with this case emphasizes that prompt work-up for connective tissue disease (CTD) should be considered in young children with ILD, and pirfenidone might be a useful add-on therapy with immunosuppressive agents for refractory CTD-ILD in pediatric patients. Nevertheless, further clinical trials including larger numbers of patients need to assess the efficiency and safety of this combination therapy for refractory CTD-ILD.
Myeloid Clonal Infiltrate Identified With Next-Generation Sequencing in Skin Lesions Associated With Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia: A Case Series
Authors: Martin de Frémont Grégoire , Hirsch Pierre , Gimenez de Mestral Santiago , Moguelet Philippe , Ditchi Yoan , Emile Jean-François , Senet Patricia , Georgin-Lavialle Sophie , Hanslik Thomas , Maurier François , Adedjouma Amir , Abisror Noémie , Mahevas Thibault , Malard Florent , Adès Lionel , Fenaux Pierre , Fain Olivier , Chasset François , Mekinian Arsène
Published: October 2021

Background

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) are associated with cutaneous manifestations. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a tool capable of identifying clonal myeloid cells in the skin infiltrate and thus better characterize the link between hematological diseases and skin lesions.

Objective

To assess whether skin lesions of MDS/CMML are clonally related to blood or bone marrow cells using NGS.

Methods

Comparisons of blood or bone marrow and skin samples NGS findings from patients presenting with MDS/CMML and skin lesions in three French hospitals.

Results

Among the 14 patients recruited, 12 patients (86%) had mutations in the skin lesions biopsied, 12 patients (86%) had a globally similar mutational profile between blood/bone marrow and skin, and 10 patients (71%) had mutations with a high variant allele frequency (>10%) found in the myeloid skin infiltrate. Mutations in TET2 and DNMT3A, both in four patients, were the most frequent. Two patients harbored a UBA1 mutation on hematopoietic samples.

Limitations

Limited number of patients and retrospective collection of the data. Blood and skin sampling were not performed at the exact same time point for two patients.

Conclusion

Skin lesions in the setting of MDS/CMML are characterized by a clonal myeloid infiltrate in most cases.
Humoral and Cellular Response Following Vaccination With the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Patients Affected by Primary Immunodeficiencies
Authors: Amodio Donato , Ruggiero Alessandra , Sgrulletti Mayla , Pighi Chiara , Cotugno Nicola , Medri Chiara , Morrocchi Elena , Colagrossi Luna , Russo Cristina , Zaffina Salvatore , Di Matteo Gigliola , Cifaldi Cristina , Di Cesare Silvia , Rivalta Beatrice , Pacillo Lucia , Santilli Veronica , Giancotta Carmela , Manno Emma Concetta , Ciofi Degli Atti Marta , Raponi Massimiliano , Rossi Paolo , Finocchi Andrea , Cancrini Caterina , Perno Carlo Federico , Moschese Viviana , Palma Paolo
Published: October 2021

Mass SARS-Cov-2 vaccination campaign represents the only strategy to defeat the global pandemic we are facing. Immunocompromised patients represent a vulnerable population at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 and thus should be prioritized in the vaccination programs and in the study of the vaccine efficacy. Nevertheless, most data on efficacy and safety of the available vaccines derive from trials conducted on healthy individuals; hence, studies on immunogenicity of SARS-CoV2 vaccines in such populations are deeply needed. Here, we perform an observational longitudinal study analyzing the humoral and cellular response following the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in a cohort of patients affected by inborn errors of immunity (IEI) compared to healthy controls (HC). We show that both IEI and HC groups experienced a significant increase in anti-SARS-CoV-2 Abs 1 week after the second scheduled dose as well as an overall statistically significant expansion of the Ag-specific CD4+CD40L+ T cells in both HC and IEI. Five IEI patients did not develop any specific CD4+CD40L+ T cellular response, with one of these patients unable to also mount any humoral response. These data raise immunologic concerns about using Ab response as a sole metric of protective immunity following vaccination for SARS-CoV-2. Taken together, these findings suggest that evaluation of vaccine-induced immunity in this subpopulation should also include quantification of Ag-specific T cells.
Identification of Differential Responses of Goat PBMCs to PPRV Virulence Using a Multi-Omics Approach
Authors: Eloiflin Roger-Junior , Auray Gaël , Python Sylvie , Rodrigues Valérie , Seveno Martial , Urbach Serge , El Koulali Khadija , Holzmuller Philippe , Totte Philippe , Libeau Genevieve , Bataille Arnaud , Summerfield Artur
Published: October 2021

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute transboundary infectious viral disease of small ruminants, mainly sheep and goats. Host susceptibility varies considerably depending on the PPR virus (PPRV) strain, the host species and breed. The effect of strains with different levels of virulence on the modulation of the immune system has not been thoroughly compared in an experimental setting so far. In this study, we used a multi-omics approach to investigate the host cellular factors involved in different infection phenotypes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Saanen goats were activated with a T-cell mitogen and infected with PPRV strains of different virulence: Morocco 2008 (high virulence), Ivory Coast 1989 (low virulence) and Nigeria 75/1 (live attenuated vaccine strain). Our results showed that the highly virulent strain replicated better than the other two in PBMCs and rapidly induced cell death and a stronger inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation. However, all the strains affected lymphocyte proliferation and induced upregulation of key antiviral genes and proteins, meaning a classical antiviral response is orchestrated regardless of the virulence of the PPRV strain. On the other hand, the highly virulent strain induced stronger inflammatory responses and activated more genes related to lymphocyte migration and recruitment, and inflammatory processes. Both transcriptomic and proteomic approaches were successful in detecting viral and antiviral effectors under all conditions. The present work identified key immunological factors related to PPRV virulence in vitro.
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Modulating Trained Immunity by Various Cell Types in Response to Pathogen Encounter
Authors: Acevedo Orlando A. , Berrios Roslye V. , Rodríguez-Guilarte Linmar , Lillo-Dapremont Bastián , Kalergis Alexis M.
Published: October 2021

The induction of trained immunity represents an emerging concept defined as the ability of innate immune cells to acquire a memory phenotype, which is a typical hallmark of the adaptive response. Key points modulated during the establishment of trained immunity include epigenetic, metabolic and functional changes in different innate-immune and non-immune cells. Regarding to epigenetic changes, it has been described that long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) act as molecular scaffolds to allow the assembly of chromatin-remodeling complexes that catalyze epigenetic changes on chromatin. On the other hand, relevant metabolic changes that occur during this process include increased glycolytic rate and the accumulation of metabolites from the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, which subsequently regulate the activity of histone-modifying enzymes that ultimately drive epigenetic changes. Functional consequences of established trained immunity include enhanced cytokine production, increased antigen presentation and augmented antimicrobial responses. In this article, we will discuss the current knowledge regarding the ability of different cell subsets to acquire a trained immune phenotype and the molecular mechanisms involved in triggering such a response. This knowledge will be helpful for the development of broad-spectrum therapies against infectious diseases based on the modulation of epigenetic and metabolic cues regulating the development of trained immunity.
Development and Functional Properties of Intestinal Mucus Layer in Poultry
Authors: Duangnumsawang Yada , Zentek Jürgen , Goodarzi Boroojeni Farshad
Published: October 2021

Intestinal mucus plays important roles in protecting the epithelial surfaces against pathogens, supporting the colonization with commensal bacteria, maintaining an appropriate environment for digestion, as well as facilitating nutrient transport from the lumen to the underlying epithelium. The mucus layer in the poultry gut is produced and preserved by mucin-secreting goblet cells that rapidly develop and mature after hatch as a response to external stimuli including environmental factors, intestinal microbiota as well as dietary factors. The ontogenetic development of goblet cells affects the mucin composition and secretion, causing an alteration in the physicochemical properties of the mucus layer. The intestinal mucus prevents the invasion of pathogens to the epithelium by its antibacterial properties (e.g. β-defensin, lysozyme, avidin and IgA) and creates a physical barrier with the ability to protect the epithelium from pathogens. Mucosal barrier is the first line of innate defense in the gastrointestinal tract. This barrier has a selective permeability that allows small particles and nutrients passing through. The structural components and functional properties of mucins have been reviewed extensively in humans and rodents, but it seems to be neglected in poultry. This review discusses the impact of age on development of goblet cells and their mucus production with relevance for the functional characteristics of mucus layer and its protective mechanism in the chicken’s intestine. Dietary factors directly and indirectly (through modification of the gut bacteria and their metabolic activities) affect goblet cell proliferation and differentiation and can be used to manipulate mucosal integrity and dynamic. However, the mode of action and mechanisms behind these effects need to be studied further. As mucins resist to digestion processes, the sloughed mucins can be utilized by bacteria in the lower part of the gut and are considered as endogenous loss of protein and energy to animal. Hydrothermal processing of poultry feed may reduce this loss by reduction in mucus shedding into the lumen. Given the significance of this loss and the lack of precise data, this matter needs to be carefully investigated in the future and the nutritional strategies reducing this loss have to be defined better.
Interaction Between Chronic Endometritis Caused Endometrial Microbiota Disorder and Endometrial Immune Environment Change in Recurrent Implantation Failure
Authors: Chen Peigen , Chen Panyu , Guo Yingchun , Fang Cong , Li Tingting
Published: October 2021

Objective

To investigate the Interaction between chronic endometritis (CE) caused endometrial microbiota disorder and endometrial immune environment change in recurrent implantation failure (RIF).

Method

Transcriptome sequencing analysis of the endometrial of 112 patients was preform by using High-Throughput Sequencing. The endometrial microbiota of 43 patients was analyzed by using 16s rRNA sequencing technology.

Result

In host endometrium, CD4 T cell and macrophage exhibited significant differences abundance between CE and non-CE patients. The enrichment analysis indicated differentially expressed genes mainly enriched in immune-related functional terms. Phyllobacterium and Sphingomonas were significantly high infiltration in CE patients, and active in pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism and/or fat metabolism. The increased synthesis of lipopolysaccharide, an important immunomodulator, was the result of microbial disorders in the endometrium.

Conclusion

The composition of endometrial microorganisms in CE and non-CE patients were significantly different. Phyllobacterium and Sphingomonas mainly regulated immune cells by interfering with the process of carbohydrate metabolism and/or fat metabolism in the endometrium. CE endometrial microorganisms might regulate Th17 response and the ratio of Th1 to Th17 through lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Effects of Natural and Anthropogenic Stressors on Fucalean Brown Seaweeds Across Different Spatial Scales in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Orfanidis Sotiris , Rindi Fabio , Cebrian Emma , Fraschetti Simonetta , Nasto Ina , Taskin Ergun , Bianchelli Silvia , Papathanasiou Vasileios , Kosmidou Maria , Caragnano Annalisa , Tsioli Soultana , Ratti Stefano , Fabbrizzi Erika , Verdura Jana , Tamburello Laura , Beqiraj Sajmir , Kashta Lefter , Sota Denada , Papadimitriou Apostolos , Mahmoudi Ezzeddine , Kiçaj Hajdar , Georgiadis Konstantinos , Hannachi Amel , Danovaro Roberto
Published: October 2021

Algal habitat-forming forests composed of fucalean brown seaweeds (Cystoseira, Ericaria, and Gongolaria) have severely declined along the Mediterranean coasts, endangering the maintenance of essential ecosystem services. Numerous factors determine the loss of these assemblages and operate at different spatial scales, which must be identified to plan conservation and restoration actions. To explore the critical stressors (natural and anthropogenic) that may cause habitat degradation, we investigated (a) the patterns of variability of fucalean forests in percentage cover (abundance) at three spatial scales (location, forest, transect) by visual estimates and or photographic sampling to identify relevant spatial scales of variation, (b) the correlation between semi-quantitative anthropogenic stressors, individually or cumulatively (MA-LUSI index), including natural stressors (confinement, sea urchin grazing), and percentage cover of functional groups (perennial, semi-perennial) at forest spatial scale. The results showed that impacts from mariculture and urbanization seem to be the main stressors affecting habitat-forming species. In particular, while mariculture, urbanization, and cumulative anthropogenic stress negatively correlated with the percentage cover of perennial fucalean species, the same stressors were positively correlated with the percentage cover of the semi-perennial Cystoseira compressa and C. compressa subsp. pustulata. Our results indicate that human impacts can determine spatial patterns in these fragmented and heterogeneous marine habitats, thus stressing the need of carefully considering scale-dependent ecological processes to support conservation and restoration.
Assessing the Role of Sampling Uncertainty When Predicting Behavioral Responses of Tagged Cetaceans Exposed to Naval Sonar
Authors: Bouchet Phil J. , Harris Catriona M. , Thomas Len
Published: October 2021

Concerns over cetacean mortality events coincident with maritime warfare exercises have motivated efforts to characterize the effects of anthropogenic noise on free-ranging whales and dolphins. By monitoring the movement, diving, and acoustic behaviors of individual whales before, during, and after sound exposure, behavioral response studies (BRSs) have supported significant progress in our understanding of the sensitivity of various cetacean species to high-powered naval sonar signals. However, differences in the designs and sampling capabilities of animal-borne tags typically used in BRS experiments prompt questions about the influence of data resolution in quantitative assessments of noise impacts. We conducted simulations to examine how uncertainty in the acoustic dose either measured on high-resolution multi-sensor biologging tags or modeled from position-transmitting satellite telemetry tags may affect predictions of behavioral responses in Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) exposed to low- and mid-frequency active sonar. We considered an array of scenarios representative of real-world BRSs and used posterior estimates of dose-response functions obtained under an established Bayesian hierarchical modeling framework to explore the consequences of different tag choices for management decision-making. Our results indicate that (1) the zone of impact from a sonar source is under-estimated in most test conditions, (2) substantial reductions in the uncertainty surrounding dose-response relationships are possible at higher sample sizes, and (3) this largely holds true irrespective of tag choice under the scenarios considered, unless positional fixes from satellite tags are consistently poor. Strategic monitoring approaches that combine both archival biologging and satellite biotelemetry are essential for characterizing complex patterns of behavioral change in cetaceans exposed to increasing levels of acoustic disturbance. We suggest ways in which BRS protocols can be optimized to curtail the effects of uncertainty.
Seasonal Predictions of Holopelagic Sargassum Across the Tropical Atlantic Accounting for Uncertainty in Drivers and Processes: The SARTRAC Ensemble Forecast System
Authors: Marsh Robert , Addo Kwasi Appeaning , Jayson-Quashigah Philip-Neri , Oxenford Hazel A. , Maxam Ava , Anderson Romario , Skliris Nikolaos , Dash Jadu , Tompkins Emma L.
Published: October 2021

The holopelagic macroalgae sargassum has proliferated across the tropical Atlantic since 2011, of consequence for coastal populations from West Africa to the Caribbean with limited early warning of major beaching events. As part of an interdisciplinary project, ‘Teleconnected SARgassum risks across the Atlantic: building capacity for TRansformational Adaptation in the Caribbean and West Africa’ (SARTRAC), an ensemble forecast system, SARTRAC-EFS, is providing seasonal predictions of sargassum drift. An eddy-resolving ocean model hindcast provides the winds and currents necessary to generate ensemble members. Ensemble forecasts are then obtained for different combinations of ‘windage’, the fractional influence of winds on sargassum mats, and in situ rates of growth, mortality, and sinking. Forecasts for north and south of Jamaica are evaluated with satellite-observed distributions, associated with beaching events in specific years of heavy inundation, 2015 and 2018-20. These seasonal forecasts are evaluated, on lead times of up to 180 days. Forecasts are subject to leading modes of tropical climate variability, in particular the Atlantic Meridional Mode (AMM). More accurate forecasts for a given year are obtained with ensemble members from hindcast years with a similar spring AMM-index. This is most clearly evident during negative AMM phases in spring of 2015 and 2018, when positive sea surface temperature anomalies and anomalously weak trade winds were established across the northern tropics. On this evidence, SARTRAC-EFS is potentially useful in providing early warning of high sargassum prevalence. Extended to sargassum drift off West Africa, extensive cloud cover limits availability of the satellite data needed for full application and evaluation of SARTRAC-EFS in this region, although experimental forecasts off the coast of Ghana are found highly sensitive to the windage that is associated with strong onshore winds during boreal summer. Alongside other forecast systems, SARTRAC-EFS is providing useful early warnings of sargassum inundation at seasonal timescale.
Extreme Sea-Surface Cooling Induced by Eddy Heat Advection During Tropical Cyclone in the North Western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Qiu Chunhua , Liang Hong , Sun Xiujun , Mao Huabin , Wang Dongxiao , Yi Zhenhui , Wirasatriya Anindya
Published: October 2021

A tropical cyclone (TC) usually induces strong sea-surface cooling due to vertical mixing. In turn, surface cooling influences the intensities and tracks of TCs. Therefore, the relationship between sea-surface temperature (SST) and TC is one of the important components of air-sea interaction. Sea-surface cooling associated with three TCs (Bailu, Lingling, and Mitag) was investigated based on wave-glider observations, satellite altimetry, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology General Circulation Model (MITgcm) numerical experiments from August 3rd to October 10th, 2019. Surface cooling varied among the three TCs. TC Lingling had the nearest distance to the wave-glider position, the slowest translation speed, and the strongest intensity of three TCs, but extreme cooling (1.4) occurred during TC Bailu. Although MITgcm underestimated the extreme cooling, the SST trend driven by the net heat flux, advection, and vertical mixing within the mixed layer was greater during TC Bailu than during other TCs. Advection was the largest of the three heat balance terms during TC Bailu, while it was quite small during the other two TCs. Interestingly, the extreme cooling occurred at the position of preexisting warm eddy. Based on heat balance analysis, we found that the eddy-induced heat advection transport reached −0.4/day, contributing 60% of the heat balance; this was attributed to extreme coolingviaeddy disturbance. We suggest TC Bailu leads to the decrease in SST and increase in the area of the cold eddy, and then, the cooled-enlarged eddy is advected to the neighbored position of wave glider, which observes the extreme cooling. These findings provide the utilization of wave gliders and help improve air-sea coupled models during TCs.
Modeling the Pathways and Accumulation Patterns of Micro- and Macro-Plastics in the Mediterranean
Authors: Tsiaras Kostas , Hatzonikolakis Yannis , Kalaroni Sofia , Pollani Annika , Triantafyllou George
Published: October 2021

The Mediterranean is considered a hot-spot for plastic pollution, due to its semi-enclosed nature and heavily populated coastal areas. In the present study, a basin-scale coupled hydrodynamic/particle drift model was used to track the pathways and fate of plastics from major land-based sources (coastal cities and rivers), taking into account of the most important processes (advection, stokes drift, vertical and horizontal mixing, sinking, wind drag, and beaching). A hybrid ensemble Kalman filter algorithm was implemented to correct the near- surface circulation, assimilating satellite data (sea surface height, temperature) in the hydrodynamic model. Different size classes and/or types of both micro- and macroplastics were considered in the model. Biofouling induced sinking was explicitly described, as a possible mechanism of microplastics removal from the surface. A simplified parameterization of size-dependent biofilm growth has been adopted, as a function of bacterial biomass (obtained from a biogeochemical model simulation), being considered a proxy for the biofouling community. The simulated distributions for micro- and macroplastics were validated against available observations, showing reasonable agreement, both in terms of magnitude and horizontal variability. An 8-year simulation was used to identify micro- and macroplastics accumulation patterns in the surface layer, water column, seafloor and beaches. The impact of different processes (vertical mixing, biofouling, and wind/wave drift) was identified through a series of sensitivity experiments. For both micro- and macroplastics, distributions at sea surface were closely related to the adopted sources. The microplastics concentration was drastically reduced away from source areas, due to biofouling induced sinking, with their size distribution dominated by larger (>1 mm) size classes in open sea areas, in agreement with observations. High concentration patches of floating plastics were simulated in convergence areas, characterized by anticyclonic circulation. The distribution of macroplastics on beaches followed the predominant southeastward wind/wave direction. In the water column, a sub-surface maximum in microplastics abundance was simulated, with increasing contribution of smaller particles in deeper layers. Accumulation of microplastics on the seafloor was limited in relatively shallow areas (<500 m), with bottom depth below their relaxation depth due to defouling. The simulated total amount of floating plastics (∼3,760 tonnes) is comparable with estimates from observations.
Comparison of Primary Production Using in situ and Satellite-Derived Values at the SEATS Station in the South China Sea
Authors: Shih Yung-Yen , Shiah Fuh-Kwo , Lai Chao-Chen , Chou Wen-Chen , Tai Jen-Hua , Wu Yu-Shun , Lai Cheng-Yang , Ko Chia-Ying , Hung Chin-Chang
Published: October 2021

Satellite-based observations of primary production (PP) are broadly used to assess carbon fixation rate of phytoplankton in the global ocean with small spatiotemporal limitations. However, the remote sensing can only reach the ocean surface, the assumption of a PP vertically exponential decrease with increasing depth from the surface to the bottom of euphotic zone may cause a substantial and potential discrepancy between in situ measurements and satellite-based observations of PP. This study compared euphotic zone integrated PP derived from measurements based on ship-based in situ incubation (i.e., PPin situ) and those derived from the satellite-based vertically generalized production model (VGPM; PPVGPM) for the period 2003∼2016 at the South East Asian Time-series Study (SEATS) station. PP values obtained during the NE-monsoon (NEM: Nov∼Mar; PPin situ = 323 ± 134; PPVGPM = 443 ± 142 mg-C m–2 d–1) were ∼2-fold higher than those recorded during the SW-monsoon (SWM: Apr∼Oct; PPin situ = 159 ± 58; PPVGPM = 250 ± 36 mg-C m–2 d–1), regardless of the method used for derivation. The main reason for the higher PP values during the NEM appears to have been a greater abundance of inorganic nutrients were made available by vertical advection. Note that on average, PPin situ estimates were ∼50% lower than PPVGPM estimates, regardless of the monsoon. These discrepancies can be mainly attributed to differences from the euphotic zone depth between satellite-based and in situ measurements. The significantly negative relationship between PP measurements obtained in situ and sea surface temperatures observed throughout this study demonstrates that both methods are effective indicators in estimating PP. Overall, our PPin situ analysis indicates that a warming climate is unfavorable for primary production in low-latitude open ocean ecosystems.
Risk Factors for Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Large Scale Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Bing , Yu Ying , Liu Wen , Deng Tuo , Xiang Daoman
Published: October 2021

Objective: We conducted a meta-analysis to explore all the potential risk factors for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) based on the published literature.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search through the online databases was performed to obtain studies concerning the risk factors of NAION up to June 2020. Pooled unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) or rate ratios (RRs) were calculated to evaluate the weight of risk factors. This study was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD42018084960.

Results: Our meta-analysis included 49 original studies comprising of more than 10 million patients. The following risk factors were proved to be significantly associated with NAION: male gender (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.50–1.85, P < 0.00001), hypertension (RR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.20–1.37, P < 0.00001), hyperlipidemia (RR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.26–1.62, P < 0.00001), diabetes mellitus (DM) (RR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.36–1.73, P < 0.00001), coronary heart disease (CHD) (RR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.24–2.27, P = 0.0008), sleep apnea (RR = 3.28, 95% CI: 2.08–5.17, P < 0.00001), factor V Leiden heterozygous (RR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.19–4.09, P = 0.01), and medication history of cardiovascular drugs.

Conclusion: We concluded that the above risk factors were significantly related to NAION. Better understanding of these risk factors in NAION can help the direct therapeutic approaches.
Diagnosability of Keratoconus Using Deep Learning With Placido Disk-Based Corneal Topography
Authors: Kamiya Kazutaka , Ayatsuka Yuji , Kato Yudai , Shoji Nobuyuki , Mori Yosai , Miyata Kazunori
Published: October 2021

Purpose:Placido disk-based corneal topography is still most commonly used in daily practice. This study was aimed to evaluate the diagnosability of keratoconus using deep learning of a color-coded map with Placido disk-based corneal topography.

Methods:We retrospectively examined 179 keratoconic eyes [Grade 1 (54 eyes), 2 (52 eyes), 3 (23 eyes), and 4 (50 eyes), according to the Amsler-Krumeich classification], and 170 age-matched healthy eyes, with good quality images of corneal topography measured with a Placido disk corneal topographer (TMS-4TM, Tomey). Using deep learning of a color-coded map, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, for keratoconus screening and staging tests, in these eyes.

Results:Deep learning of color-coded maps exhibited an accuracy of 0.966 (sensitivity 0.988, specificity 0.944) in discriminating keratoconus from normal eyes. It also exhibited an accuracy of 0.785 (0.911 for Grade 1, 0.868 for Grade 2, 0.920 for Grade 3, and 0.905 for Grade 4) in classifying the stage. The area under the curve value was 0.997, 0.955, 0.899, 0.888, and 0.943 as Grade 0 (normal) to 4 grading tests, respectively.

Conclusions:Deep learning using color-coded maps with conventional corneal topography effectively distinguishes between keratoconus and normal eyes and classifies the grade of the disease, indicating that this will become an aid for enhancing the diagnosis and staging ability of keratoconus in a clinical setting.
COVID-19 Disruptions in Health Professional Education: Use of Cognitive Load Theory on Students' Comprehension, Cognitive Load, Engagement, and Motivation
Authors: Hadie Siti Nurma Hanim , Tan Vina Phei Sean , Omar Norsuhana , Nik Mohd Alwi Nik Aloesnisa , Lim Hooi Lian , Ku Marsilla Ku Ishak
Published: October 2021

This study explored the impact of online lectures that were developed using principles of cognitive load theory (CLT) and cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML) on health profession students' lecture comprehension, cognitive load, cognitive engagement, and intrinsic motivation in learning. A total of 215 first-year undergraduate students in medical, dentistry, and nutrition programs participated in this pre-post quasi experimental study. The students attended a typical face-to-face lecture on Day-1 of the intervention, followed by a CLT-based online lecture 8 weeks thereafter. Their comprehension of the lecture topics was measured through pre- and post-lecture assessments, and their cognitive load, cognitive engagement, and motivation were measured immediately after each lecture session. The analysis revealed that the CLT-based online lectures promoted the students' comprehension of the lecture content (p < 0.001), self-perceived learning (p < 0.001), engagement toward the learning material, and motivation to learn (p = 0.025). It was also effective at reducing the students' intrinsic and extraneous cognitive loads (p < 0.001). Hence, designing online lectures using CLT and CTML principles could be an effective method to promote students' knowledge and comprehension, cognitive engagement, and learning motivation. However, further research is needed to investigate the applicability and impact of CLT-based online lectures in non-health profession disciplines.
Acute Diffuse Renal Tubulopathy in a Patient With Lung Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Tseng Po-Jung , Yan Ming-Tso
Published: October 2021

Immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICPIs), as either a frontline or adjuvant therapy, showed favorable outcomes among diverse malignancies. Immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) are increasingly encountered, but the kidneys are rarely affected. A 67-year-old man with stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the lung presented with acute kidney injury and hypercalcemia secondary to bone metastasis. After an aggressive saline infusion and subcutaneous denosumab 60mg administration, his renal function and serum calcium level were recovered on day 4. Due to his intolerance to chemotherapy, immunotherapy with a monoclonal antibody targeting programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), pembrolizumab 2mg/kg, was used on day 4. On day 11, polyuria, non-albumin dominant proteinuria, and severe deficiencies of electrolytes (potassium 2.5 mmol/L, calcium 5.5 mg/dL, magnesium 1.3 mg/dL, and phosphate 1.5 mg/dL) along with concomitant renal wasting were developed acutely. Except for postponing the next pembrolizumab, prednisolone at 1 mg/kg/day was given on day 13. On day 27, his polyuria subsided and urine protein loss resolved. Serum levels of potassium, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium all returned within the reference range. This case highlighted that renal IRAEs, even though uncommon, could be severe and potentially life-threatening if left unrecognized and untreated. Early recognition of renal IRAEs and prompt withdrawal of ICPIs may result in lower renal morbidity.
Molecular Evolution of the Influenza A Virus Non-structural Protein 1 in Interspecies Transmission and Adaptation
Authors: Evseev Danyel , Magor Katharine E.
Published: October 2021

The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of influenza A viruses plays important roles in viral fitness and in the process of interspecies adaptation. It is one of the most polymorphic and mutation-tolerant proteins of the influenza A genome, but its evolutionary patterns in different host species and the selective pressures that underlie them are hard to define. In this review, we highlight some of the species-specific molecular signatures apparent in different NS1 proteins and discuss two functions of NS1 in the process of viral adaptation to new host species. First, we consider the ability of NS1 proteins to broadly suppress host protein expression through interaction with CPSF4. This NS1 function can be spontaneously lost and regained through mutation and must be balanced against the need for host co-factors to aid efficient viral replication. Evidence suggests that this function of NS1 may be selectively lost in the initial stages of viral adaptation to some new host species. Second, we explore the ability of NS1 proteins to inhibit antiviral interferon signaling, an essential function for viral replication without which the virus is severely attenuated in any host. Innate immune suppression by NS1 not only enables viral replication in tissues, but also dampens the adaptive immune response and immunological memory. NS1 proteins suppress interferon signaling and effector functions through a variety of protein-protein interactions that may differ from host to host but must achieve similar goals. The multifunctional influenza A virus NS1 protein is highly plastic, highly versatile, and demonstrates a diversity of context-dependent solutions to the problem of interspecies adaptation.
Endophytic Bacterial Communities of Ginkgo biloba Leaves During Leaf Developmental Period
Authors: Deng Yan , Huang Haonan , Lei Fangying , Fu Shaodong , Zou Kai , Zhang Shuangfei , Liu Xueduan , Jiang Luhua , Liu Hongwei , Miao Bo , Liang Yili
Published: October 2021

Plant-specialized secondary metabolites have ecological functions in mediating interactions between plants and their entophytes. In this study, high-throughput gene sequencing was used to analyze the composition and abundance of bacteria from Ginkgo leaves at five different sampling times. The results indicated that the bacterial community structure varied during leaf developmental stage. Bacterial diversity was observed to be the highest at T2 stage and the lowest at T1 stage. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were found as the dominant phyla. The major genera also showed consistency across sampling times, but there was a significant variation in their abundance, such as Bacillus, Lysinibacillus, and Staphylococcus. Significant correlations were observed between endophytic bacteria and flavonoids. Especially, Staphylococcus showed a significant positive correlation with quercetin, and changes in the abundance of Staphylococcus also showed a strong correlation with flavonoid content. In order to determine the effect of flavonoids on endophytic bacteria of Ginkgo leaves, an extracorporeal culture of related strains (a strain of Staphylococcus and a strain of Deinococcus) was performed, and it was found that the effect of flavonoids on them remained consistent. The predicted result of Tax4Fun2 revealed that flavonoids might lead to a lower abundance of endophytic microorganisms, which further proved the correlation between bacterial communities and flavonoids. This study provided the first insight into the bacterial community composition during the development of Ginkgo leaves and the correlation between the endophytic bacteria and flavonoids.