bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Structural Strength and Air-tightness Analysis of a Large Axial Compressor Casing
Authors:   Xi'An Shaangu Power Co., Zhicai Yuan , Zhen Shen ,   Xi'An Shaangu Power Co., Wushuai Zhang ,   Xi'An Shaangu Power Co., Jing Xu ,   Xi'An Shaangu Power Co., Peng Zhao ,   Xi'An Shaangu Power Co., Guang Chen ,   Xi'An Shaangu Power Co., Xiaolong Zhang ,   Xi'AnShaangu Power Co., Bing Li ,   Xi'an Jiaotong University
Published: October 2022

Axial-flow compressor is a kind of large-scale air compressor, of which the casing is themain component. Accessories such as seals, bearing housings, adjustment mechanisms, and couplings are mounted on the compressor casing. Operated under various extreme temperature conditions, the reliability and working efficiency of the compressor aredirectly affected by the structural rigidity, strength, and air-tightness of the compressor casing. In the context of this problem, the FEA software ANSYS was used to calculate the temperature pattern, deformation field, and stress field of the casing under working conditions, hydrotest, and assembly state.Further, study the rigidity, strength and air-tightness of the casing. The rationality of the simplified analysis model is verified by the actual hydrotest data. The results of this analysis show that under all conditions, the deformation of the casing is within the acceptable range. After eliminating abnormal stress of local spot, the stress of all regions is lower than the yield limit of the material. The structural rigidity and strength of the casing are sufficient. The clearance between most splitting surfacesof the flange is less than 1mm, which is in accordance with the working condition of the sealing strip. These analysis results provide a theoretical basis and design reference for the structural design of the casing of this type of axial -flow compressor.
Experimental validation of a corner stall control methodology using parametrised guide fins
Authors:   University Lyon, Mondin Gabriel , Riéra William ,   Safran Tech, Energy and Propulsion Department, Duquesne Pierre ,   University Lyon, Ottavy Xavier ,   University Lyon
Published: October 2022

Corner separation is known to limit the operability of aeronautical compressors. Dedicated control devices such as guide fins are envisioned to reduce its negative effects. This paper presents a methodology based on RANS (Reynolds- Averaged Navier-Stokes) computations enabling to select guide fins efficient for that purpose. This methodology is applied to a reference case of linear compressor cascade operating at low Mach number (~0.11). A set of 17 parameters is used to define two design spaces of interest, from which guide fins are generated. From then, an automated process generates and merges an unstructured mesh built around each guide fin with a fixed, structured mesh of reference representing a single channel of the cascade. Finally, RANS results on the resulting hybrid mesh are obtained using the Computational Fluid Dynamics solver elsA. This set up has proven successful in evaluating automatically hundreds of guide fins of various shapes. Several geometries illustrate the diversity of the design space. A selection of guide fins is then evaluated experimentally. Evolutions of the losses downstream of the cascade are compared to their respective RANS predictions, and to the reference case without guide fin. These experimental results validate the implemented methodology and show encouraging results in terms of loss redistribution brought by the control device.
1D ANALYTIC AND NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF MULTILAYER LAMINATES AND THIN FILM HEAT TRANSFER GAUGES
Authors:   University of Oxford, Baker Mark , Rosic Budimir ,   University of Oxford
Published: October 2022

The impulse response method is widely used for heat transfer analysis in turbomachinery applications. Traditionally, the 1D method assumes a linear time invariant, isotropic, semi-infinite block and does not accurately model the behaviour of laminated materials. This paper evaluates the error introduced by the single layer assumption and outlines the required modifications for multilayer analysis. The analytic solution for an N layer, semi-infinite laminate is presented. Adapted multilayer basis functions are derived for the impulse response method and used to evaluate the impact of uniform, isotropic assumptions. A numerical solution to the laminate problem is also presented. A penta-diagonal inversion algorithm, for a modified Crank-Nicolson scheme, is evaluated for fast stable implementation of multilayer simulation. The scheme shows comparable performance to the impulse response, whilst removing the requirement for linear time invariance. The methods are demonstrated in the case of analysing a thin film gauge, used in laboratory analysis of heat transfer in a turbine nozzle guide vane. Thin film gauge manufacturing techniques have advanced significantly in recent years. Advanced multilayer constructions are now used however, post-processing commonly relies on outdated single layer methods. This paper provides a universal methodology, required to analyse modern-day multilayer heat transfer measurements.
PARAMETER SELECTION FOR AEROENGINE TRANSIENT STATE GAS PATH ANALYSIS
Authors:   Northwestern Polytechnical University, Yang Kun , Tu Qiuye ,   Northwestern Polytechnical University, Zeng Yunhao ,   Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xuan Jing ,   Northwestern Polytechnical University
Published: October 2022

Compared with steady state data, engine transient state data cover a wider working scope of components, more complex operating conditions, and therefore can provide more abundant information regarding engine health status. In order to make the fullest use of engine transient data, this paper presents the methods on how to choose the proper measurements and health parameters when constructing an aeroengine gas path analysis system. The measurement selection based on sensitivity analysis is conducted, compared to which an effortless measurement selection method termed Minimum Identifiability Loss (MIL) is proposed. Aiming to reduce the estimation uncertainty, the analysis of maximal linearly independent group is presented to select optimal health parameters under the condition of limited measurements. Finally, the component health status identifiability analysis base on transient data also gives a good explanation to gas path analysis “smearing effect”.
Research on the Aero Design System for the Ultra-Highly-Loaded Aspirated Fan
Authors:   Xi'an Shaangu Power Co.,Ltd, Wang Lei , Liu Bo ,   Northwestern Polytechnical University
Published: October 2022

Each design steps in the aspirated design method are discussed in detail, through comparison with the conventional aerodynamic design system, the uniqueness of each design link after the use of boundary layer suction technology is summarized. The essence of the MIT aspirated design method is extracted, and its shortcomings are improved, and a relatively complete adsorption design method was initially established. The design of an adpirated fan with a stage pressure ratio of 3.5 and a load factor of more than 0.7 is completed. The suction hole is simulated in the form of the addition of the source term, and the non-linear harmonic method that takes into account the unsteady effect is used for full three-dimensional analysis and verification. By incorporating the boundary layer suction concept into the through-flow and blade design stages, a peak efficiency of 85.34% and a peak pressure ratio of 3.55 can be achieved using only 1.5% of the suction capacity.
Effects of impeller blades with bow trailing edge on centrifugal compressor performance
Authors:   Key Laboratory of Light-duty Gasturbine/ Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, LI ZiLiang , LU XinGen ,   Key Laboratory of Light-duty Gasturbine/ Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Han Ge ,   Key Laboratory of Light-duty Gasturbine/ Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhu Junqiang ,   Key Laboratory of Light-duty Gasturbine/ Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Published: October 2022

The performance of centrifugal compressors can be improved by reducing the reverse flow intensity of their impellers’ outlet. This study used numerical simulations to investigate the effects of applying bow trailing edge to the impeller blades on the performance of a centrifugal compressor with a wedge diffuser. A peak efficiency 0.87% higher than that of the baseline centrifugal compressor is gained by using positive bow trailing edge on impeller blades. Flow in both the impeller and the diffuser is improved. The results of numerical simulations show that blades with positive bow trailing edges strengthen secondary flow near the blade suction surface in the radial part of the impeller, weaken reverse flow due to the “jet-wake” flow structure, reduce blockage, and render the flow field of the impeller outlet more uniform in spanwise direction. Furthermore, the impeller with positive bow trailing edge blades reduces the separation in the diffuser by improving the distribution of the flow angle at the impeller outlet. This study provides a valuable reference for applying impeller blades with bow trailing edge to advanced centrifugal compressors design in future research.
PENETAPAN KADAR ALKALOID TOTAL PADA EKSTRAK N-HEKSAN DAN ETANOL BIJI KETUMBAR (Coriandrum sativum) MENGGUNAKAN SPEKTROFOTOMETER UV-Vis
Authors: Setyaningrum Lindawati , Susanti Dhina Ayu
Published: October 2022

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is one of the medicinal plants which is known to contain secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, and alkaloids. Alkaloids have therapeutic effects as antimalarials and cancer. Research in determining the alkaloids in coriander was carried out by separating the alkaloids from other substances using the soxhlet method extraction with two solvents ethanol and n-hexane. The total alkaloid content is determined using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer at wavelength 351,5 nm. The reaction of alkaloids with Bromocresol green (BCG) is obtained to form a yellow product. The use of berberine standard was obtained the total alkaloid content of ethanol and n-hexane extract in coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum) were 0.524% and 0.583% respectively, and the ratio of total alkaloid content of ethanol extract was smaller than that of n-hexane extract.
Bayesian inference for fluid dynamics: A case study for the stochastic rotating shallow water model
Authors: Lang Oana , van Leeuwen Peter Jan , Crisan Dan , Potthast Roland
Published: October 2022

In this work, we use a tempering-based adaptive particle filter to infer from a partially observed stochastic rotating shallow water (SRSW) model which has been derived using the Stochastic Advection by Lie Transport (SALT) approach. The methodology we present here validates the applicability of tempering and sample regeneration using a Metropolis-Hastings procedure to high-dimensional models appearing in geophysical fluid dynamics problems. The methodology is tested on the Lorenz 63 model with both full and partial observations. We then study the efficiency of the particle filter for the SRSW model in a configuration simulating the atmospheric Jetstream.
A facile synthesis of PEGylated Cu2O@SiO2/MnO2 nanocomposite as efficient photo−Fenton−like catalysts for methylene blue treatment
Authors: Wu Mingzhou , He Shuqing , Ha Enna , Hu Junqing , Ruan Shuangchen
Published: October 2022

The removal of toxic organic dyes from wastewater has received much attention from the perspective of environmental protection. Metal oxides see wide use in pollutant degradation due to their chemical stability, low cost, and broader light absorption spectrum. In this work, a Cu2O−centered nanocomposite Cu2O@SiO2/MnO2−PEG with an average diameter of 52 nm was prepared for the first time via a wet chemical route. In addition, highly dispersed MnO2 particles and PEG modification were realized simultaneously in one step, meanwhile, Cu2O was successfully protected under a dense SiO2 shell against oxidation. The obtained Cu2O@SiO2/MnO2−PEG showed excellent and stable photo−Fenton−like catalytic activity, attributed to integration of visible light−responsive Cu2O and H2O2−responsive MnO2. A degradation rate of 92.5% and a rate constant of 0.086 min−1 were obtained for methylene blue (MB) degradation in the presence of H2O2 under visible light for 30 min. Additionally, large amounts of •OH and 1O2 species played active roles in MB degradation. Considering the enhanced degradation of MB, this stable composite provides an efficient catalytic system for the selective removal of organic contaminants in wastewater.
Identification of lipid metabolism-associated genes as prognostic biomarkers based on the immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gu Xiangqian , Jiang Chenshan , Zhao Jianguo , Qiao Qian , Wu Mingyu , Cai Bing
Published: October 2022

Lipid metabolism has been associated with progression of various cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms of the impact of lipid metabolism-associated genes (LMAGs) on the tumor immune microenvironment have not been well-elucidated. This study aimed to determine the effects of lipid metabolism on the progression and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Expression profiles and clinical data of 371 and 231 patients with HCC were obtained from the TCGA and Internal Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases, respectively. Using Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses, a prognostic risk model was constructed based on the LMAG data. The tumor mutation burden (TMB), immune cell infiltration levels, and immune response checkpoints of the identified risk groups were determined and compared. A total of two clusters were identified based on the LMAG expression, showing significant differences in tumor stage and immune cell infiltration. A prognostic risk model based on four LMAGs was constructed and proven to have a significant prognostic value. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates in the high-risk group were 62.2%, 20.5%, and 8.1%, respectively, whereas those in the low-risk group were 78.9%, 28.1%, and 13.5%, respectively. The survival differences between the two risk groups were likely associated with TP53 mutation status, TMB score, degree of immunocyte infiltration, and immune checkpoint level. Likewise, the expression level of every LMAG included in the model had the same effect on the overall survival and immune cell infiltration levels. More importantly, the prognostic value of the signature was verified in an independent ICGC cohort. Thus, the expression levels of LMAGs are closely related to the tumor microenvironment in HCC and may serve as promising biological indicators for prognosis and immune therapy in patients with HCC.
Identification and functional analysis of m6A in the mammary gland tissues of dairy goats at the early and peak lactation stages
Authors: Wang Shujun , Zhang Lu , Xuan Rong , Li Qing , Ji Zhibin , Chao Tianle , Wang Jianmin , Zhang Chunlan
Published: October 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common reversible epigenetic RNA modification in the mRNA of all higher eukaryotic organisms and plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression and cell function. In this study, m6A-modified methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) were used to identify the key genes with m6A modification during mammary gland development and lactation in dairy goats. The results showed that m6A methylation occurred at 3,927 loci, which were significantly enriched in the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) and the termination codon region. In the early stage and peak stage of lactation, m6A methylation occurred extensively in mammary tissues, and a total of 725 differentially expressed m6A-modified genes were obtained, all negatively correlated with mRNA expression. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that different methylated genes were mainly involved in the growth and apoptosis of mammary epithelial cells through signaling pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phospholipase D pathways, and then affected the development and lactation of mammary gland. All in all, we identified and analyzed the methylation events related to the development and lactation regulation of mammary gland at the early and peak lactation stages, and provided a theoretical basis to reveal the physiological regulatory system of mammary gland development and lactation in dairy goats.
Existential reflection and morality
Authors: Sopcak Paul , Kuiken Don , Douglas Shawn
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a series of three studies describing how reading literature promotes empathy and moral outcomes. We add three contrasts to this field of empirical study: (a) an explanatory and interpretative form of narrative reading engagement (Integrative Comprehension) is contrasted with an expressive and explicative form of aesthetic reading engagement (Expressive Enactment); (b) an explanatory and interpretive form of cognitive perspective-taking (a component of Integrative Comprehension) is distinguished from an expressive and explicative form of empathy (a component of Expressive Enactment); and (c) a local form of moral outcome (involving changes in attitude toward a specific group or outgroup) is distinguished from a global form of moral outcome (involving an inclusive respect for human subjectivity). These contrasts are clarified and contextualized within existential-phenomenological discussions of sense-giving lived experience, agency, and morality. In conclusion, we offer a framework that specifies the potential impact on wellbeing of a form of literary reading that involves existential reflection, especially as conceived within the emerging field of existential positive psychology.
Are platelet volume indices of clinical use in COVID-19? A systematic review
Authors: Daniels Sarah , Wei Hua , van Tongeren Martie , Denning David W.
Published: October 2022

Background

The incidence of thrombotic complications is high in COVID-19 patients with severe disease. As key regulators of thrombus formation, platelets likely play a crucial role as mediators of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 associated pathogenesis. Studies have reported that parameters reflecting platelet size, known as platelet volume indices (PVI), are raised in patients with thrombosis and can predict poor outcomes. This systematic review evaluates the potential for PVI to be used as a predictor of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.

Methods

English and Chinese databases were searched electronically to identify studies reporting data on mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width or platelet-large cell ratio in COVID-19 patients. Included articles underwent a quality rating and descriptive narrative analysis.

Results

Thirty-two studies were included in the systematic review. The results show a general trend for PVI to be raised in severe COVID-19 patients and non-survivors, with 14 studies reporting significant differences of baseline PVI between severe and mild disease. Nonetheless, longitudinal studies showed varying PVI trends over the course of the disease and evidence for PVI to be associated with disease progression was limited. The quality rating of 12 studies was poor, 16 were rated fair and four were good. Most studies were retrospective in design, used small study populations and did not consider confounding factors that influence platelet volume. Studies also contained technical flaws in PVI measurement, limiting the reliability of the results.

Conclusion

The evidence on the clinical usefulness of PVI is greatly limited by the lack of prospective evaluation, together with technical problems in measuring PVI. Carefully designed prospective studies are warranted.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=304305, identifier CRD42022304305.
Prospects for remodeling the hypertrophic heart with myosin modulators
Authors: Sewanan Lorenzo R. , Shimada Yuichi J.
Published: October 2022

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex but relatively common genetic disease that usually arises from pathogenic variants that disrupt sarcomere function and lead to variable structural, hypertrophic, and fibrotic remodeling of the heart which result in substantial adverse clinical outcomes including arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. HCM has had few effective treatments with the potential to ameliorate disease progression until the recent advent of inhibitory myosin modulators like mavacamten. Preclinical investigations and clinical trials utilizing this treatment targeted to this specific pathophysiological mechanism of sarcomere hypercontractility in HCM have confirmed that myosin modulators can alter disease expression and attenuate hypertrophic remodeling. Here, we summarize the state of hypertrophic remodeling and consider the arguments for and against salutary HCM disease modification using targeted myosin modulators. Further, we consider critical unanswered questions for future investigative and therapeutic avenues in HCM disease modification. We are at the precipice of a new era in understanding and treating HCM, with the potential to target agents toward modifying disease expression and natural history of this most common inherited disease of the heart.
Case report: Acute toxic myocardial damage caused by 5-fluorouracil—from enigma to success
Authors: Lasica Ratko , Spasic Jelena , Djukanovic Lazar , Trifunovic-Zamaklar Danijela , Orlic Dejan , Nedeljkovic-Arsenovic Olga , Asanin Milika
Published: October 2022

Considering the pandemic of both cardiovascular diseases and oncological diseases, there is an increasing need for the use of chemotherapy, which through various pathophysiological mechanisms leads to damage to heart function. Cardio toxicity of chemotherapy drugs can manifest itself in a variety of clinical manifestations, which is why establishing a valid diagnosis is a real mystery for clinicians. Acute systolic heart failure (AHF) due to the use of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a rare occurrence if it is not associated with myocardial infarction, myocarditis or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Therefore, we decided to present a case of an 52-year-old male who was diagnosed with stage IV RAS wild-type adenocarcinoma of the rectum and in whom the direct toxic effect 5-FU is the main reason for the appearance of toxic cardiomyopathy.
Identification of copper-related biomarkers and potential molecule mechanism in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Ming Jie , Sana Si Ri Gu Leng , Deng Xijin
Published: October 2022

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic microvascular complication in patients with diabetes mellitus, which is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. However, the role of copper-related genes (CRGs) in DN development remains unclear.

Materials and methods

CRGs were acquired from the GeneCards and NCBI databases. Based on the GSE96804 and GSE111154 datasets from the GEO repository, we identified hub CRGs for DN progression by taking the intersection of differentially expressed CRGs (DECRGs) and genes in the key module from Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis. The Maximal Clique Centrality algorithm was used to identify the key CRGs from hub CRGs. Transcriptional factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting hub CRGs were acquired from publicly available databases. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to perform comparative immune cell infiltration analysis between normal and DN samples.

Results

Eighty-two DECRGs were identified between normal and DN samples, as were 10 hub CRGs, namely PTGS2, DUSP1, JUN, FOS, S100A8, S100A12, NAIP, CLEC4E, CXCR1, and CXCR2. Thirty-nine TFs and 165 miRNAs potentially targeted these 10 hub CRGs. PTGS2 was identified as the key CRG and FOS as the most significant gene among all of DECRGs. RELA was identified as the hub TF interacting with PTGS2 by taking the intersection of potential TFs from the ChEA and JASPAR public databases. let-7b-5p was identified as the hub miRNA targeting PTGS2 by taking the intersection of miRNAs from the miRwalk, RNA22, RNAInter, TargetMiner, miRTarBase, and ENCORI databases. Similarly, CREB1, E2F1, and RELA were revealed as hub TFs for FOS, and miR-338-3p as the hub miRNA. Finally, compared with those in healthy samples, there are more infiltrating memory B cells, M1 macrophages, M2 macrophages, and resting mast cells and fewer infiltrating activated mast cells and neutrophils in DN samples (all p< 0.05).

Conclusion

The 10 identified hub copper-related genes provide insight into the mechanisms of DN development. It is beneficial to examine and understand the interaction between hub CRGs and potential regulatory molecules in DN. This knowledge may provide a novel theoretical foundation for the development of diagnostic biomarkers and copper-related therapy targets in DN.
Soil characteristics and response thresholds of salt meadow on lake beaches of the Ordos platform
Authors: Zhao Mingtao , Wang Chaoqun , He Yushi , He Tonghui
Published: October 2022

Salt meadow on lake beaches is the most dynamic plant community. Studying its soil characteristics and response threshold allows us to understand the external driving forces of vegetation stable-state maintenance and dynamic changes, and provide a theoretical basis for the utilization and ecological restoration of lake beach wetland resources. In this study, the community diversity, physical and chemical properties of soil, and ecological response thresholds of key soil indexes of four groups of meadows are discussed: (I) succulent salt-tolerant plant meadow, (II) Carex meadow, (III) grass meadow, and (IV) weed grass meadow. The major findings are as follows. First, Group I is easy to form a single-optimal community in the inland salt marsh beach, with patchy distribution. Group II has a lot of associated species, and most of them grew in clusters. Group III often has obvious dominant species, and the populations and individuals are evenly distributed in the community. The dominant species of Group IV are diverse, and the distribution is the most uniform. Second, there are significant differences in water content, salinity, nutrient and particle size composition of the four types of salt meadows. For Groups I-IV, the soil water content (WC) follows I > II > IV > III; the total salt content (TS) of soil follows I > III > II > IV; the pH value follows III > II > IV > I. Third, the diversity of salt meadow plants in lake beaches is closely related to the contents of WC, TS, Na+, HCO3−, particle size, available potassium (AK), alkali hydrolyzable nitrogen (AN) and available phosphorus (AP) in soil. The vegetation of the four formation groups shows different ecological response threshold intervals. Fourth, the response thresholds of salt meadow vegetation to water content, salt content and sand content of soil are inherently related (but the response threshold to nutrients in soil is unclear).
Simulation study of the multi-driver regulation strategy for an urban water pollution system
Authors: An Min , Huang Xiaokang , Jia Limin , Zhang Yue , Huang Jin , Khanal Ribesh
Published: October 2022

Water resources serve as the foundation for high-quality urban development. As water pollution has become a major impediment to high-quality urban development, solving the problem of urban water pollution is critical for attaining high-quality urban growth. This research analyzes both point and non-point sources of pollution and constructs an urban water pollution simulation system model from four subsystems: population, industry, cultivated land, and livestock and poultry. This study selects 2020 as the base year and the current year’s development situation as the base scenario and then sets the other five simulation scenarios according to the research area development plan. Using Yichang data in this model, the research simulated and predicted the total amount of urban COD pollution under different scenarios. The results show that: 1) The difference between the simulation results of the constructed urban water pollution system and the 2010–2020 historical data is within 10%, which shows that the constructed system can analyze the reality. 2) Under the benchmark scenario, from 2020–2030, the total amount of urban COD shows a downward trend. The pollution from population and livestock subsystems are reduced by 20.20 and 35.29%, respectively, the industrial subsystem is increased by 40.60%, and the cultivated land subsystem is increased by 0.56%. 3) Compared with the benchmark scenario, the urban COD pollution in five scenarios has been reduced by 8,400, 42,000, 21,700, 100, and 72,300 tons, respectively, among which water pollution control measures in scenario five have the best effect. 4) Only by comprehensively controlling all pollution sources (scenario 5) can the total amount of urban COD pollution be controlled within 450,000 tons in 2030, which will be reduced by over 20% compared with 2020. An urban water pollution system can be used to simulate the source composition and total change amount of water pollution in the process of urban development, which is of great significance for government departments to provide accurate counter-measures for urban water pollution control and management decisions.
Compound-specific stable isotope analysis of amino acid nitrogen reveals detrital support of microphytobenthos in the Dutch Wadden Sea benthic food web
Authors: Riekenberg Philip M. , van der Heide Tjisse , Holthuijsen Sander J. , van der Veer Henk W. , van der Meer Marcel T. J.
Published: October 2022

The Wadden Sea is the world’s largest intertidal ecosystem and provides vital food resources for a large number of migratory bird and fish species during seasonal stopovers. Previous work using bulk stable isotope analysis of carbon found that microphytobenthos (MPB) was the dominant resource fueling the food web with particulate organic matter making up the remainder. However, this work was unable to account for the trophic structure of the food web or the considerable increase in δ15N values of bulk tissue throughout the benthic food web occurring in the Eastern regions of the Dutch Wadden Sea. Here, we combine compound-specific and bulk analytical stable isotope techniques to further resolve the trophic structure and resource use throughout the benthic food web in the Wadden Sea. Analysis of δ15N for trophic and source amino acids allowed for better identification of trophic relationships due to the integration of underlying variation in the nitrogen resources supporting the food web. Baseline-integrated trophic position estimates using glutamic acid (Glu) and phenylalanine (Phe) allow for disentanglement of baseline variations in underlying δ15N sources supporting the ecosystem and trophic shifts resulting from changes in ecological relationships. Through this application, we further confirmed the dominant ecosystem support by MPB-derived resources, although to a lesser extent than previously estimated. In addition to phytoplankton-derived particulate, organic matter and MPB supported from nutrients from the overlying water column there appears to be an additional resource supporting the benthic community. From the stable isotope mixing models, a subset of species appears to focus on MPB supported off recycled (porewater) N and/or detrital organic matter mainly driven by increased phenylalanine δ15N values. This additional resource within MPB may play a role in subsidizing the exceptional benthic productivity observed within the Wadden Sea ecosystem and reflect division in MPB support along green (herbivory) and brown (recycled/detrital) food web pathways.
Allelopathic potential and allelochemical composition in different soil layers of Rhododendron delavayi forest, southwest China
Authors: Quan Wenxuan , Wang Anping , Li Chaochan , Xie Lijuan
Published: October 2022

Forests habituated by Rhododendron delavayi often lack understory vegetation, which could possibly be a consequence of allelopathy. It is a phenomenon by virtue of which certain plant species produce allelochemicals that affect the growth and behavior of surrounding plants. To elucidate the allelopathic potential and allelochemicals present in the different layers of a R. delavayi forest, extracts obtained from three layers of the forest were used for seed germination bioassays and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Aqueous extracts of the litter and humus layers significantly inhibited the seed germination of R. delavayi, Festuca arundinacea, and Lolium perenne, with the litter layer causing the strongest inhibitory effect. A total of 26 allelochemicals were identified in the litter, humus, and soil layers by GC–MS analysis. The primary allelochemicals in the soil and humus layer were organic acids, while the main allelochemicals in the litter layer were phenolic acids. The redundancy analysis revealed the significance of total nitrogen (TN) and relative water content (RWC) in explaining the distribution of the allelochemicals. The results indicated that the litter layer exerted the maximum allelopathic effect due to presence of maximum amount of allelochemical especially the phenolic acids.
A pan-cancer analysis of copper homeostasis-related gene lipoyltransferase 1: Its potential biological functions and prognosis values
Authors: Liu Ying , Luo Gengqiu , Yan Yuanliang , Peng Jinwu
Published: October 2022

As a key copper homeostasis-related molecule, lipoyltransferase 1 (LIPT1) is an essential enzyme for the activation of mitochondrial 2-ketoacid dehydrogenase, participating in fatty acylation. However, the biological significances of LIPT1 in the pan-cancer are unclear. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the functional characteristics of LIPT1 in human cancers and its roles in immune response. We found that LIPT1 was down-regulated in some cancers. And LIPT1 overexpression is associated with favorable prognosis in these patients, such as breast cancer, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer and gastric cancer. We also explored the mutational status and methylation levels of LIPT1 in human cancers. Gene enrichment analysis indicated that abnormally expressed LIPT1 was significantly associated with immune cells infiltration, such as B cells, CD8+ T cells and cancer-associated fibroblast cells. The result from single cell sequencing reflected the important roles of LIPT1 in the regulation of several biological behaviors of cancer cells, such as DNA damage response and cell apoptosis. Taken together, our research could provide a comprehensive overview about the significances of LIPT1 in human pan-cancer progression, prognosis and immune.
An insight into the runs of homozygosity distribution and breed differentiation in Mangalitsa pigs
Authors: Addo Sowah , Jung Lisa
Published: October 2022

Mangalitsa pigs exhibit three distinct coat color patterns based on which they are described as Red, Blond, and Swallow-bellied. The current study investigated genome-wide diversity and selection signatures in the three breeds using fixation index, runs of homozygosity and population structure analyses. The analyses were originally based on quality-controlled data on 77 Mangalitsa animals from Germany, including 23 Blond, 30 Swallow-bellied and 24 Red Mangalitsa genotyped with a customized version of the ProcineSNP60 v2 Genotyping Bead Chip. Also, 20 Hungarian Mangalitsa genotypes were included as outgroup data for comparison. Estimates of observed heterozygosity were 0.27, 0.28, and 0.29, and inbreeding coefficients estimated based on runs of homozygosity were 24.11%, 20.82%, and 16.34% for Blond, Swallow-bellied and Red Mangalitsa, respectively. ROH islands were detected in all breeds, however, none of these were shared amongst them. The KIF16B gene previously reported to play a role in synaptic signaling was found in a ROH island (SSC17: 16–26) in Swallow-bellied Mangalitsa. The same gene was found to harbor a significantly differentiated SNP (MARC0032380) while contrasting either Blond or Red to Swallow-belied Mangalitsa. In the Red Mangalitsa, some ROH islands were associated with genes that play a role in meat quality traits, i.e., ABCA12, VIL1, PLSCR5, and USP37. Our population structure analysis highlighted a separation of the three breeds, but also showed the closest relatedness between Red and Blond Mangalitsa pigs. Findings of this study improve our understanding of the diversity in the three breeds of Mangalitsa pigs.
Integrated analysis of the whole transcriptome of skeletal muscle reveals the ceRNA regulatory network related to the formation of muscle fibers in Tan sheep
Authors: Cui Ran , Kang Xiaolong , Liu Yufang , Liu Ximing , Chan Shuheng , Wang Yubei , Li Zhen , Ling Yao , Feng Dengzhen , Li Menghua , Lv Fenghua , Fang Meiying
Published: October 2022

Meat quality is highly influenced by the kind of muscle fiber, and it can be significantly improved by increasing the percentage of slow-twitch fibers. It is still not known which genes control the formation of muscle fibers or how those genes control the process of forming in sheep until now. In this study, we used high-throughput RNA sequencing to assess the expression profiles of coding and noncoding RNAs in muscle tissue of Tan sheep and Dorper sheep. To investigate the molecular processes involved in the formation of muscle fibers, we collected two different muscle tissues, longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris, from Tan sheep and Dorper sheep. The longissimus dorsi of Tan sheep and Dorper sheep displayed significantly differential expression levels for 214 lncRNAs, 25 mRNAs, 4 miRNAs, and 91 circRNAs. Similarly, 172 lncRNAs, 35 mRNAs, 12 miRNAs, and 95 circRNAs were differentially expressed in the biceps femoris of Tan sheep and Dorper sheep according to the expression profiling. GO and KEGG annotation revealed that these differentially expressed genes and noncoding RNAs were related to pathways of the formation of muscle fiber, such as the Ca2+, FoxO, and AMPK signaling pathways. Several key genes are involved in the formation of muscle fibers, including ACACB, ATP6V0A1, ASAH1, EFHB, MYL3, C1QTNF7, SFSWAP, and FBXL5. RT-qPCR verified that the expression patterns of randomly selected differentially expressed transcripts were highly consistent with those obtained by RNA sequencing. A total of 10 lncRNAs, 12 miRNAs, 20 circRNAs, and 19 genes formed lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-gene networks, indicating that the formation of muscle fiber in Tan sheep is controlled by intricate regulatory networks of coding and noncoding genes. Our findings suggested that specific ceRNA subnetworks, such as circ_0017336-miR-23a-FBXL5, may be critical in the regulation of the development of muscle fibers, offering a valuable resource for future study of the development of muscle fibers in this animal species. The findings increase our understanding of the variety in how muscle fibers originate in various domestic animals and lay the groundwork for future research into new systems that regulate the development of muscle.
Pitfalls in complement analysis: A systematic literature review of assessing complement activation
Authors: Brandwijk Ricardo J. M. G. E. , Michels Marloes A. H. M. , van Rossum Mara , de Nooijer Aline H. , Nilsson Per H. , de Bruin Wieke C. C. , Toonen Erik J. M.
Published: October 2022

Background

The complement system is an essential component of our innate defense and plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Assessment of complement activation is critical in monitoring both disease progression and response to therapy. Complement analysis requires accurate and standardized sampling and assay procedures, which has proven to be challenging.

Objective

We performed a systematic analysis of the current methods used to assess complement components and reviewed whether the identified studies performed their complement measurements according to the recommended practice regarding pre-analytical sample handling and assay technique. Results are supplemented with own data regarding the assessment of key complement biomarkers to illustrate the importance of accurate sampling and measuring of complement components.

Methods

A literature search using the Pubmed/MEDLINE database was performed focusing on studies measuring the key complement components C3, C5 and/or their split products and/or the soluble variant of the terminal C5b-9 complement complex (sTCC) in human blood samples that were published between February 2017 and February 2022. The identified studies were reviewed whether they had used the correct sample type and techniques for their analyses.

Results

A total of 92 out of 376 studies were selected for full-text analysis. Forty-five studies (49%) were identified as using the correct sample type and techniques for their complement analyses, while 25 studies (27%) did not use the correct sample type or technique. For 22 studies (24%), it was not specified which sample type was used.

Conclusion

A substantial part of the reviewed studies did not use the appropriate sample type for assessing complement activation or did not mention which sample type was used. This deviation from the standardized procedure can lead to misinterpretation of complement biomarker levels and hampers proper comparison of complement measurements between studies. Therefore, this study underlines the necessity of general guidelines for accurate and standardized complement analysis
Neonatal sepsis and transient immunodeficiency: Potential for novel immunoglobulin therapies?
Authors: Beudeker Coco R. , Vijlbrief Daniel C. , van Montfrans Joris M. , Rooijakkers Suzan H.M. , Flier Michiel van der
Published: October 2022

Neonates, especially preterm neonates, have the highest risk of sepsis of all age groups. Transient immaturity of the neonatal immune system is an important risk factor. Neonates suffer from hypogammaglobulinemia as nor IgA nor IgM is transferred over the placenta and IgG is only transferred over the placenta late in gestation. In addition, neutrophil numbers and complement function are also decreased. This mini-review focuses on strategies to improve neonatal host-defense. Both clinical and preclinical studies have attempted to boost neonatal immunity to lower the incidence of sepsis and improve outcome. Recent advances in the development of (monoclonal) antibodies show promising results in preclinical studies but have yet to be tested in clinical trials. Strategies to increase complement activity seem efficient in vitro but potential disadvantages such as hyperinflammation have held back further clinical development. Increase of neutrophil numbers has been tested extensively in clinical trials but failed to show improvement in mortality. Future research should focus on clinical applicability of promising new prevention strategies for neonatal sepsis.
Lactate from the tumor microenvironment - A key obstacle in NK cell-based immunotherapies
Authors: Jedlička Marek , Feglarová Tereza , Janstová Lucie , Hortová-Kohoutková Marcela , Frič Jan
Published: October 2022

Recent findings about the new roles of lactate have changed our understanding of this end product of glycolysis or fermentation that was once considered only a waste product. It is now well accepted that lactate acts as a signaling molecule and fuel source for cancer cells in a glucose-restricted environment. Moreover, lactate and lactate dehydrogenase are markers of poor prognosis of many cancers and regulate many functions of immune cells. The presence of lactate in the tumor microenvironment (TME) leads to polarization of the immunosuppressive phenotypes of dendritic cells and impairs the cytotoxic abilities of T cells and NK cells, and as such lactate is a major obstacle to immune-cell effector functions and the efficacy of cell-based immunotherapies. Emerging evidence suggests that lactate in the TME might be a novel therapeutic target to enhance the immunotherapeutic potential of cell-based therapies. This review describes our current understanding of the role of lactate in tumor biology, including its detrimental effects on cell-based immunotherapy in cancer. We also highlight how the role of lactate in the TME must be considered when producing cell therapies designed for adoptive transfer and describe how targeted modulation of lactate in the TME might boost immune-cell functions and positively impact cellular immunotherapy, with a focus on NK cell.
Characterization of sialylation-related long noncoding RNAs to develop a novel signature for predicting prognosis, immune landscape, and chemotherapy response in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhou Mingxuan , Lv Silin , Hou Yufang , Zhang Rixin , Wang Weiqi , Yan Zheng , Li Tiegang , Gan Wenqiang , Zeng Zifan , Zhang Fang , Yang Min
Published: October 2022

Aberrant sialylation plays a key biological role in tumorigenesis and metastasis, including tumor cell survival and invasion, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and resistance to therapy. It has been proposed as a possible cancer biomarker and a potential therapeutic target of tumors. Nevertheless, the prognostic significance and biological features of sialylation-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. This study aimed to develop a novel sialylation-related lncRNA signature to accurately evaluate the prognosis of patients with CRC and explore the potential molecular mechanisms of the sialylation-related lncRNAs. Here, we identified sialylation-related lncRNAs using the Pearson correlation analysis on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Univariate and stepwise multivariable Cox analysis were used to establish a signature based on seven sialylation-related lncRNAs in the TCGA dataset, and the risk model was validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that CRC patients in the low-risk subgroup had a better survival outcome than those in the high-risk subgroup in the training set, testing set, and overall set. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the sialylation-related lncRNA signature was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival, progression-free survival, and disease-specific survival prediction. The sialylation lncRNA signature-based nomogram exhibited a robust prognostic performance. Furthermore, enrichment analysis showed that cancer hallmarks and oncogenic signaling were enriched in the high-risk group, while inflammatory responses and immune-related pathways were enriched in the low-risk group. The comprehensive analysis suggested that low-risk patients had higher activity of immune response pathways, greater immune cell infiltration, and higher expression of immune stimulators. In addition, we determined the sialylation level in normal colonic cells and CRC cell lines by flow cytometry combined with immunofluorescence, and verified the expression levels of seven lncRNAs using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Finally, combined drug sensitivity analysis using the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer, Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal, and Profiling Relative Inhibition Simultaneously in Mixtures indicated that the sialylation-related lncRNA signature could serve as a potential predictor for chemosensitivity. Collectively, this is the first sialylation lncRNA-based signature for predicting the prognosis, immune landscape, and chemotherapeutic response in CRC, and may provide vital guidance to facilitate risk stratification and optimize individualized therapy for CRC patients.