The historical to future linkage of Arctic amplification on extreme precipitation over the Northern Hemisphere using CMIP5 and CMIP6 models

Arctic warming played a dominant role in recent occurrences of extreme events over the Northern Hemisphere,but climate models cannot accurately simulate the relationship.Here a significant positive correlation(0.33-0.95)between extreme precipitation and Arctic amplification(AA)is found using observations and CMIP5/6 multi-model ensembles.However,CMIP6 models are superior to CMIP5 models in simulating the temporal evolution of extreme precipitation and AA.According to 14 optimal CMIP6 models,the maximum latitude of planetary waves and the strength of Northern Hemisphere annular mode(NAM)will increase with increasing AA,contributing to increased extreme precipitation over the Northern Hemisphere.Under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway SSP5-8.5,AA is expected to increase by 0.85℃ per decade while the maximum latitude of planetary waves will increase by 2.82°per decade.Additionally,the amplitude of the NAM will increase by 0.21 hPa per decade,contributing to a rise in extreme precipitation of 1.17% per decade for R95pTOT and 0.86% per decade for R99pTOT by 2100.

Early changes in corneal densitometry after FS-LASIK combined with accelerated corneal cross-linking for correction of high myopia

AIM:To observe the effects of femtosecond laserassisted excimer laser in situ keratomileusis combined with accelerated corneal cross-linking(FS-LASIK Xtra)on corneal densitometry after correcting for high myopia.METHODS:In this prospectively study,130 patients underwent FS-LASIK or FS-LASIK Xtra for high myopia.Their right eyes were selected for inclusion in the study,of which 65 cases of 65 eyes in the FS-LASIK group,65 patients with 65 eyes in the FS-LASIK Xtra group.Patients were evaluated for corneal densitometry at 1,3,and 6mo postoperatively using Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging.RESULTS:Preoperative differences in corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK and FS-LASIK Xtra groups in different ranges were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Layer-by-layer analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the anterior(120μm),central,and total layer corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK and FS-LASIK Xtra groups at 1 and 3mo postoperatively(all P<0.05),the FS-LASIK Xtra group is higher than that of the FS-LASIK group.Analysis of different diameter ranges showed statistically significant differences between the FS-LASIK group and the FS-LASIK Xtra group at 1mo postoperatively in the ranges of 0–2,2–6,and 6–10 mm(both P<0.05);At 3mo postoperatively,the FS-LASIK Xtra group is higher than that of the FS-LASIK group in the ranges of 0–2 and 2–6 mm(P<0.05).At 6mo postoperatively,there were no statistically significant differences in corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK group and the FS-LASIK Xtra group in different diameter ranges(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:There is an increase in internal corneal densitometry during the early postoperative period after FS-LASIK Xtra for correction of high myopia.However,the densitometry values decreased to the level of conventional FS-LASIK at 6mo after surgery,with the most significant changes observed in the superficial central zone.

Diagnostic and economic value of carcinoembryonic antigen,carbohydrate antigen 19-9,and carbohydrate antigen 72-4 in gastrointestinal cancers

BACKGROUND The diagnostic and economic value of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)and CA72-4 for gastrointestinal malignant tumors lacked evaluation in a larger scale.AIM To reassess the diagnostic and economic value of the three tumor biomarkers.METHODS A retrospective analysis of all 32857 subjects who underwent CEA,CA19-9,CA72-4,gastroscopy and colonoscopy from October 2006 to May 2018 was conducted.Then,we assessed the discrimination and clinical usefulness.Total cost,cost per capita and cost-effectiveness ratios were used to evaluate the economic value of two schemes(gastrointestinal endoscopy for all people without blood tests vs both gastroscopy and colonoscopy when blood tests were positive).RESULTS The analysis of 32857 subjects showed that CEA was a qualified biomarker for colorectal cancer(CRC),while the diagnostic efficiencies of CA72-4 were catastrophic for all gastrointestinal cancers(GICs).Regarding early diagnosis,only CEA could be used for early CRC.The combination of biomarkers didn’t greatly increase the area under the curve.The economic indicators of CEA were superior to those of CA19-9,CA72-4 and any combination.At the threshold of 1.8μg/L to 10.4μg/L,all four indicators of CEA were lower than those in the scheme that conducted gastrointestinal endoscopy only.Subgroup analysis implied that the health checkup of CEA for people above 65 years old was economically valuable.CONCLUSION CEA had qualified diagnostic value for CRC and superior economic value for GICs,especially for elderly health checkup subjects.CA72-4 was not suitable as a diagnostic biomarker.

Degree of style coiling is associated with corolla-tube length in the nectarless flowers of Roscoea schneideriana

The plant-pollinator‘arms race’model posits that a major driver of the evolution of elongated corollas in flowers is reciprocal selection for‘morphological fit’between pollinator-tongue length and access distance to nectar(usually corolla-tube length).Evidence for the pollinator-mediated selection on tube length and evolution of multiple,correlated floral traits remains inconclusive.To gain possible insights into the strength of stabilizing selection by assessing standing phenotypic variation,we measured a series of functionally important floral traits,including corolla tube length and‘effective’tube depth and degree of style coiling.We then calculated coefficients of variation(CV)for these traits in three field populations of R.schneideriana.Unlike in most long-tubed flowers,the bottom part of the corolla tube is completely occupied by the style,with no room for nectar.The length of this portion of the corolla tube was more variable(higher CV)than the upper part of the corolla tube,suggesting that functional tube depth was under stronger stabilizing selection.The degree of style coiling was negatively related to the corolla-tube length in all three populations of R.schneideriana,suggesting that there may be conflicting selection acting on style length and corolla-tube length,which are otherwise usually tightly correlated.Given the lack of nectar in the flowers of this species,the long corolla tubes and long styles may represent morphological holdovers from ancestors that were pollinated by long-tongued pollinators,as is still seen in related species in the western Himalayas.

Pre-and post-pollination barriers between two exotic and five native Sagittaria species:Implications for species conservation

Anthropogenic introduction of species has resulted in a breakdown of geographical barriers and hybridization in previously allopatric species.Thus,examining hybridization proneness of exotic species contributes to revealing its potential threat.Moreover,reproductive barriers may be strengthened or weakened due to long-term geographical isolation for these newly sympatric species.However,few studies have evaluated multiple barriers between alien and native species.In this study,we quantified the importance of four pre-pollination barriers(phenological,floral traits,pollen production,and floral constancy)and four post-pollination barriers(pollen-pistil incompatibility,seed set,seed viability,and seedling survival)between two introduced and five native Sagittaria species.Results showed that introduced S.platyphylla was cross-compatible with two native species,whereas introduced S.montevidensis was incapable of hybridizing with any native species.Different barriers were asymmetric within species pairs and multiple barriers acted in concert to maintain species boundaries.Postpollination barriers contributed more to total reproductive isolation in native species,whereas prepollination barriers played a stronger role in total reproductive isolation for two introduced species.Seed set was the only barrier that was positively correlated with genetic distance.Our results provide a perspective to better understand reproductive barriers for secondary contact species.We highlight the importance of monitoring hybridization events before human introduction and the possible conservation strategies to remove invasive species with hybridization proneness.

Signaling cross-talk between TGF-β/BMP and other pathways

Transforming growth factor-beta （TGF-β）/bone morphogenic protein （BMP） signaling is involved in the vast majority of cellular processes and is fundamentally important during the entire life of all metazoans. Deregulation of TGF-β/ BMP activity almost invariably leads to developmental defects and/or diseases, including cancer. The proper functioning of the TGF-β/BMP pathway depends on its constitutive and extensive communication with other signaling pathways, leading to synergistic or antagonistic effects and eventually desirable biological outcomes. The nature of such signaling cross-talk is overwhelmingly complex and highly context-dependent. Here we review the different modes of cross-talk between TGF-β/BMP and the signaling pathways of Mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/ Akt, Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, and the interleukin/interferon-gamma/tumor necrosis factor-alpha cytokines, with an emphasis on the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Design of the Full-disk Magneto Graph (FMG) onboard the ASO-S

The Full-disk Magneto Graph(FMG),a payload onboard the Advanced Space Solar Observatory(ASO-S),will measure the vector magnetic field in the photosphere.The instrument consists of a frontwindow filter,a telescope,an LCVR polarimeter,an image-stabilization system,a seven-stage tunable Lyot filter,a CMOS camera with 4096×4096 pixels and a pair of calibration/focus wheels.In this paper,we describe the design of the FMG instrument and provide a summary of test observations carried out with the FMG prototype.

Data reduction and calibration of the FMG onboard ASO-S

The Full-disk vector Magneto Graph(FMG)instrument will carry out polarization observations at one wavelength position of the Fe I 5324.179?spectral line.This paper describes how to choose this single wavelength position,the relevant data-processing and the magnetic field calibrations based on the measured polarization signals at one single wavelength position.It is found that solar radial Doppler velocity,which can cause the spectral line to shift,is a disadvantageous factor for the linear calibration at one wavelength position.Observations at two symmetric wavelength positions may significantly reduce the wavelength shift effect(~75%),but simulations show that such polarization signals located at the solar limbs(e.g.,beyond the longitude range of±30°)are not free from the effect completely.In future work,we plan to apply machine learning techniques to calibrate vector magnetic fields,or employ full Stokes parameter profile inversion techniques to obtain accurate vector magnetic fields,in order to complement the linear calibration at the single wavelength position.

MiR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism increases risk of gastric cancer:A meta-analysis

AIM: To systematically evaluate the association between the miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and susceptibility to gastric cancer.

A special issue on TGF-β signaling

TGF-β-initiated signaling is undoubtedly one of the most important and well investigated signaling events as TGF-β controls cell proliferation, differentiation, death and motility, and therefore plays an essential role in embryonic patterning and homeostasis of adult tissues. Deregulation of TGF-β signal- ing has been shown to be associated with several major diseases. Much has been learnt about the Smad-mediated canonical TGF-β signaling pathway in the last decade. However, modulation of this pathway via regulation of protein stability and subcellular localization,

Treatment of Scrapie Pathogen 263K With Tetracycline Partially Abolishes Protease-resistant Activity in vitro and Reduces Infectivity in vivo

Objective To study the possible effect of tetracycline on protease-resistant activity in vitro and infectivity in vivo of a scrapie strain 263K. Methods Scrapie pathogens were incubated with tetracycline at different concentrations for various periods of time and protease-resistant PrP signals were evaluated with proteinase K-treatment and Western blots. The preparations treated with tetracycline were intracerebrally inoculated into golden hamsters and typical TSE manifestations were noted. PrP^5c in brain tissues of the infected animals was detected by PrP specific Western blot assays. Results Protease-resistant PrP was significantly reduced in or removed from the preparations treated with tetracycline in a dose-dependant manner. Compared with the control group after incubated for 53.75±0.50 days, the preparations treated with 5 mmol/L and 20 mmol/L tetracycline prolonged the incubation time of 61.5±1.73 and 59.5±0.58 days （P〈0.05）. Conclusion Treatment of scrapie pathogen 263K with tetracycline reduces or removes its protease-resistant activity in vitro.

Automatic detection and correction algorithms for magnetic saturation in the SMFT/HSOS longitudinal magnetograms

A longitudinal magnetic field often suffers the saturation effect in a strong magnetic field region when the measurement is performed at a single-wavelength point and linear calibration is adopted.In this study,we develop a method that can judge the threshold of saturation in Stokes V/I observed by the Solar Magnetic Field Telescope(SMFT)and correct it automatically.The procedure is to first perform the second-order polynomial fit to the Stokes V/I vs.I/I_(m)(I_(m) is the maximum value of Stokes I)curve to estimate the threshold of saturation,then reconstruct Stokes V/I in a strong field region to correct for saturation.The algorithm is demonstrated to be effective by comparing with the magnetograms obtained by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager(HMI).The accuracy rate of detection and correction for saturation is~99.4%and~88%respectively among 175 active regions.The advantages and disadvantages of the algorithm are discussed.

Experimental study on the effect of cryoablation on lung cancer mice based on MAPK/ERK signaling pathway

Objective:To study the regulatory effect of cryoablation on MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in mice with lung adenocarcinoma.Methods:Lewis mouse lung adenocarcinoma cell line was used to establish subcutaneous transplanted tumor model in C57BL/6 mice.Ten mice were randomly divided into two groups:sham operation group and cryoablation group,with 5 mice in each group.The cryoablation group was treated with double circulation-rewarming ablation,and the sham operation group was treated with incision and suture at the transplanted tumor.The tumor tissues were taken 14 days after operation.Detect the effect of cryoablation on MAPK/ERK pathway related proteins by Western blot,such as KRAS,RAF1,MEK1,ERK1/2,P-RAF1,P-MEK1,P-ERK1/2.The expression of KRAS gene was further verified by qRt-PCR.Results:Compared with the sham operation group,the phosphorylated proteins P-RAF1,P-MEK1 and P-ERK1/2 in tumor tissue after cryoablation were decreased(P<0.05),and the key molecule KRAS in MAPK/ERK pathway was decreased in protein and gene expression(P<0.05).Conclusion:Cryoablation can negatively regulate MAPK/ERK signaling pathway by down-regulating KRas expression.

Experimental study on the improvement of insomnia model mice's symptoms by Sanwei Anmian Decoction and its disassembled prescription

Background:Insomnia is a sleep disorder,which seriously affects people's physical and mental health.Our experimental study will further explain the efficacy and mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine prescription Sanwei Anmian Decoction as well as the single drug treatment for insomnia,and provide scientific basis for TCM decoction to cure more insomnia patients.Methods:42 mices,half male and half female,were randomly divided into 7 groups,6 in each group,Blank group,Model group,Positive group,Sanwei Anmian Decoction group(abbreviated as Sanwei group),Suanzaoren group,Maidong group,Yuanzhi group.Intraperitoneal injection(ip)of PCPA 350 mg·kg^-1 in other groups except Blank group to establish a mice model of insomnia.On the next day after the successful modeling,10ml·kg^-1 corresponding decoction was given to Sanwei group,Suanzaoren group,Yuanzhi group and Maidong group respectively,0.8mg·kg^-1 estazolam for Positive group,Blank group and the Model group with the same amount of normal saline,three times a day for two days.The body weight and the number of autonomous activities of mice were observed.The sleep rate,sleep latency and sleep time were recorded after the last administration,and the contents of serum 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)and dopamine(DA)were detected.Results:The changes of hair yellowing,alarm,food loss and weight loss in mice showed that the model was successful.After the last administration,compared with the Model group and the Blank group,the weight of mice in Sanwei Anmian Decoction and each disassembled prescription group increased,the autonomous activity decreased,the number of mice fell asleep increased,the concentration of 5-HT in serum increased and the concentration of DA decreased,P<0.01,which was statistically significant.Conclusions:Sanwei Anmian Decoction can effectively improve the symptoms of PCPA insomnia mice model.For single drug,Suanzaoren Decoction has the most obvious effect on the treatment of insomnia.

Cellular senescence:from anti-cancer weapon to anti-aging target

Cellular senescence(CS)is a state of stable cell cycle arrest characterized by the production and secretion of inflammatory molecules.Early studies described oncogene-induced senescence(OIS)as a barrier to tumorigenesis,such that the therapeutic induction of CS might represent a rational anti-cancer strategy.Indeed,the validity of this approach has been borne out by the development and approval of the cyclin-dependent kinase(CDK)inhibitor palbociclib for the treatment of breast cancer.Apart from tumors,senescent cells have also been shown to accumulate during natural mammalian aging,where they produce detrimental effects on the physiology of surrounding tissues.Thus,pharmacological senescent cell depletion has been proposed as an approach to delay age-related functional decline;this has been formally demonstrated in animal models.In this review article,we describe the current mechanistic understanding of cellular senescence at the molecular level and how it informs the development of new therapeutic strategies to combat cancer and aging.

Inflammatory models drastically alter tumor growth and the immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma

Initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is intimately associated with a chronically diseased liver tissue. This diseased liver tissue background is a drastically different microenvironment from the healthy liver, especially with regard to immune cell prevalence and presence of mediators of immune function. To better understand the consequences of liver disease on tumor growth and the interplay with its mi- croenvironment, we utilized two standard methods of fi- brosis induction and orthotopic implantation of tumors into the inflamed and fibrotic liver to mimic the liver condition in human HCC patients. Compared to non-diseased con- trols, tumor growth was significantly enhanced under fi- brotic conditions. The immune cells that infiltrated the tumors were also drastically different, with decreased numbers of natural killer cells but greatly increased num- bers of immune-suppressive CDllb^＋ Gr1^hi myeloid cells in both models of fibrosis. In addition, there were model- specific differences： Increased numbers of CD11b^＋ mye- loid cells and CD4^＋ CD25^＋ T cells were found in tumors in the bile duct ligation model but not in the carbon te- trachloride model. Induction of fibrosis altered the cytokine production of implanted tumor cells, which could have far- reaching consequences on the immune infiltrate and its functionality. Taken together, this work demonstrates that the combination of fibrosis induction with orthotopic tumor implantation results in a markedly different tumor mi- croenvironment and tumor growth kinetics, emphasizing the necessity for more accurate modeling of HCC pro- gression in mice, which takes into account the drastic changes in the tissue caused by chronic liver disease.