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As climate change continues to accelerate, there is a growing need for collaboration between geoscientists and community partners to cocreate equitable science-based climate solutions that align with community priorities. However, the curriculum of many geoscience Ph.D. programs focuses almost exclusively on physical science knowledge production confined to the academic sphere with little attention to usability or applications of climate information to decision-making. A consequence is that there is often little educational support to train future generations of geoscientists with the skills needed to serve as knowledge brokers and interpret climate information into the context needed for decision-making. To address this, a group of students and faculty at the University of Michigan developed a pilot course to provide hands-on experience engaging with local communities to develop climate solutions. This project involved a collaboration with the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner's Office to discuss their high-priority objectives. The inaugural project involved identifying high- priority locations in Washtenaw County for rain garden development to be used for internal planning purposes. The process of recurring communications with partners played a critical role in tailoring the project to have ongoing use for local government after the course. This project provided a student-driven bridge between climate knowledge production, climate science usability, and community engagement. This type of formal engagement with community partners provides opportunities to train the next generation of geoscientists to have the skills to engage with practitioners and decision-makers and make climate science more accessible. KEYWORDS: Climate change; Community; Communications/ decision making; Education; Local effects; Societal impacts, 1. Introduction Climate change represents one of the most complex issues of our time, requiring an approach that goes beyond traditional scientific boundaries and requires the integration of knowledge across [...]

Anemophilous (wind‐driven) pollen is one type of primary biological aerosol particle, which can rupture under high humidity conditions and form smaller sub‐pollen particles (SPPs). Both pollen and SPPs can reach the upper troposphere under convective conditions, acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nucleating particles (INPs), thus influencing cloud formation and precipitation. However, the impacts of these biological aerosols on cold cloud formation and local climate remain unclear as there are large uncertainties on their emission flux and ice nucleating abilities. Here, we incorporate pollen emission and rupture processes in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with Chemistry (WRF‐Chem) simulations and update the Morrison microphysics scheme within WRF‐Chem using aerosol‐aware INP parameterizations to account for pollen in addition to other anthropogenic and biogenic aerosol. INP parameterizations for pollen and SPP are derived from laboratory experiments. When including pollen rupture rates as observed in a series of chamber studies, SPP concentrations increase, leading to an increase of cloud ice and water by up to 50% and potentially extending the duration of the convective system. Among all simulated hydrometeors, graupel and raindrops exhibit the largest enhancements from the inclusion of SPPs, with intensifying precipitation at the backside of the convective system and a greater spatial extent. Sensitivity simulations indicate that SPPs have a greater effect on cloud microphysical processes than whole pollen grains, and further observational evidence is needed to constrain these processes. Plain Language Summary: Pollen grains are emitted by vegetation and carry the reproductive material of plants. Under certain conditions (e.g., high humidity, lightning), pollen grains can rupture to form smaller sub‐pollen particles (SPPs). Both intact pollen grain and SPPs have been observed to influence the formation of cloud liquid droplets and ice crystals, potentially impacting cloud properties and precipitation. In this study, we include pollen emission and pollen‐cloud interactions into a meteorology‐chemistry model and investigate the effects of pollen grains and SPPs on a strong thunderstorm event associated with a mesoscale convective system. We find that SPPs have a greater impact than whole pollen grains on the convective system properties by increasing cloud ice and water content, facilitating the transition of cloud droplets and ice into graupel, and ultimately intensifying precipitation. These changes alter the impact of the convective system, leading to an extension of the storm width and lengthening of its duration. Key Points: Sub‐pollen particles (SPPs) enhance cloud microphysical processes more than intact pollen grainsSPPs influence the spatial extent and vertical structure of convective systemsSimulated SPP impacts are intensified when incorporating laboratory measured pollen rupture rates [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

W-Re alloys are one of the most important refractory materials with excellent high-temperature performance that were developed to improve the brittleness of tungsten. In the present work, we firstly summarized the research progress on the preparation and strengthening methods of a W-Re alloy. Then, the strengthening mechanisms of the W-Re alloy were discussed, including the influence of Re, solid solution strengthening, second-phase reinforcement and fine-grain strengthening. The results showed that the softening effect of Re was mainly related to the transformation of the preferred slip plane and the introduction of additional d-valence electrons. Some transition elements and refractory metal elements effectively strengthened the W-Re alloy. Carbides can significantly enhance the high-temperature mechanical properties of W-Re alloys, and the reasons are twofold: one is the interaction between carbides and dislocations, and the other is the synergistic strengthening effect between carbides and Re. The objective of this work was to enhance the comprehension on W-Re alloys and provide future research directions for W-Re alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen, one type of primary biological aerosol particle (PBAP), is emitted from the terrestrial biosphere and can undergo physical changes in the atmosphere via particle rupture. To examine the fate of pollen and its atmospheric processing, a pollen emission and transport scheme is coupled to the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with Chemistry (WRF‐Chem). We simulate the emission of pollen and its impacts on the cloud properties and precipitation in the Southern Great Plains from 12 to 19 April 2013, a period with both high pollen emissions and convective activity. We conduct a suite of ensemble runs that simulate primary pollen and three different pollen rupture mechanisms that generate subpollen particles, including (a) high humidity‐induced surface rupture, (b) high humidity‐induced in‐atmosphere plus surface rupture, and (c) lightning‐induced rupture, where in‐cloud and cloud‐to‐ground lightning strikes trigger pollen rupture events. When relative humidity is high (>80%), coarse primary pollen (∼1 μg m−3) is converted into fine subpollen particles (∼1.2e−4 μg m−3), which produces 80% more subpollen particles than lightning‐induced rupture. The in‐atmosphere humidity‐driven rupture predominantly produces subpollen particles, which is further enhanced during a frontal thunderstorm. During strong convection, vertical updrafts lift primary pollen and subpollen particles (∼0.5e−4 μg m−3) to the upper troposphere (∼12 km) and laterally transports the ruptured pollen in the anvil top outflow. In regions of high pollen and strong convection, ruptured pollen can influence warm cloud formation by decreasing low cloud (<4 km) cloud water mixing ratios and increasing ice phase hydrometeors aloft (>10 km). Plain Language Summary: Biological aerosols like pollen are released from the terrestrial biosphere into the atmosphere and affect atmospheric processes, hydrology, and climate. For example, large primary pollen ruptures in different atmospheric conditions to produce multiple small‐sized pollen fragments. Moreover, these ruptured particles can trigger thunderstorm asthma. In this study, a Weather Research and Forecasting Model with Chemistry was used to evaluate the fate of pollen in the atmosphere. Model simulations indicate that the three pollen rupture mechanisms, including high humidity‐induced surface rupture, in‐atmosphere plus surface rupture, and lightning‐induced rupture, influence the overall pollen load over the Southern Great Plains during convective days with high pollen emissions. The SPP are produced in the highest concentrations in the atmosphere and on the surface due to the high relative humidity‐induced‐rupture. Even though in‐cloud and cloud‐to‐ground lightning strikes trigger pollen rupture events, they cannot produce as much as humidity‐induced ruptures. The ruptured pollen is transported to higher altitudes by vertical updrafts, horizontally through the outflows from the top of the clouds, and finally to the surface by the downdraft. In regions of high pollen and strong convection, ruptured particles can further alter the hydrometeors and influence cloud formation. Key Points: The greatest amount of subpollen particles is formed from surface and in‐atmosphere humidity‐driven primary pollen ruptureVertical updrafts lift pollen to the upper troposphere (∼12 km) during convective eventsRuptured pollen can reduce cloud water mixing ratios and slightly increase ice phase hydrometeors aloft [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of primary aldosteronism concurrent with subclinical Cushing's syndrome was higher than previously thought. Through analyzing a rare clinical case, we summarized the diagnosis and management of primary aldosteronism with subclinical Cushing's syndrome.Case Presentation: A 54-year-old Chinese man of Han nationality was diagnosed as having primary aldosteronism with subclinical Cushing's syndrome. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a mass in his left adrenal gland and a mass in his right adrenal gland. After finishing sequential adrenal venous sampling without adrenocorticotropic hormone, the result reminded us that the left and right nodules were responsible for hypercortisolism and aldosterone hypersecretion, respectively. Right and left adrenalectomy were performed successively. The pathological diagnosis was adrenocortical adenoma for both. Histological findings revealed that the right one had positive immunostaining for CYP11B2 and the left one had positive immunostaining for CYP11B1. The immunohistochemistry result helped us to confirm the diagnosis. Somatic KCNJ5 mutation (Leu168Arg) was found in the right tumor; there was no KCNJ5 mutation in the left adrenal tumor.Conclusions: We suggest that patients with primary aldosteronism should have a low-dose overnight dexamethasone suppression test to screen for hypercortisolism. It can help avoid misdiagnoses and contribute to proper understanding of the adrenal vein sampling result. Making sure of the nidus of aldosterone and cortisol secretion is crucial for the therapy of patients with primary aldosteronism and subclinical Cushing's syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study was designed to determine the relationships between sarcopenia and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic foot disease (DFD) respectively. Patients and Methods: A total of 1104 patients with T2DM and 257 patients with DFD were included in the study, which was designed as a cross-sectional study. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray-absorptiometry (DXA). The diagnosis of sarcopenia was based on the Baumgartner criteria. DPN was assessed by Neuropathy symptom score (NSS) and Neuropathy disability score (NDS), and the severity of neuropathy was divided into non-neuropathy symptom (NS), Mild NS, Moderate NS and Severe NS according to NSS. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine the relations of sarcopenia and DPN in patients with T2DM and NSS in patients with DFD, respectively. Results: The prevalence of DPN was 80.0% in T2DM patients with sarcopenia and 70.3% in non-sarcopenia patients (P=0.007). Logistic regression analyses showed DPN was one of the independent risk factors for sarcopenia in T2DM patients (OR 1.564 [95% CI: 1.004, 2.435], P=0.048). The prevalence of DPN had no statistical significance in DFD patients with or without sarcopenia. However, the NSS of DFD patients with sarcopenia was higher than that of non-sarcopenia patients. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, NSS was determined to be associated with sarcopenia in DFD patients (OR 1.387[95% CI: 1.074, 1.789], P=0.012). The appendicular lean mass (ALM) of DFD patients without NS was higher than patients with mild, moderate and severe NS (20.71± 2.73 vs 16.57± 3.62 vs 17.99± 3.54 vs 17.23± 3.29 Kg, P=0.028). Conclusion: DPN is an independent risk factor for sarcopenia in patients with T2DM and NSS is also independently correlated with sarcopenia in patients with DFD, with the latter being more obvious with the aggravation of neurological symptoms in DFD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: CRISPR‐Cas9 and Cas12a are two powerful genome editing systems. Expression of CRISPR in plants is typically achieved with a mixed dual promoter system, in which Cas protein is expressed by a Pol II promoter and a guide RNA is expressed by a species‐specific Pol III promoter such as U6 or U3. To achieve coordinated expression and compact vector packaging, it is desirable to express both CRISPR components under a single Pol II promoter. Previously, we demonstrated a first‐generation single transcript unit (STU)‐Cas9 system, STU‐Cas9‐RZ, which is based on hammerhead ribozyme for processing single guide RNAs (sgRNAs). In this study, we developed two new STU‐Cas9 systems and one STU‐Cas12a system for applications in plants, collectively called the STU CRISPR 2.0 systems. We demonstrated these systems for genome editing in rice with both transient expression and stable transgenesis. The two STU‐Cas9 2.0 systems process the sgRNAs with Csy4 ribonuclease and endogenous tRNA processing system respectively. Both STU‐Cas9‐Csy4 and STU‐Cas9‐tRNA systems showed more robust genome editing efficiencies than our first‐generation STU‐Cas9‐RZ system and the conventional mixed dual promoter system. We further applied the STU‐Cas9‐tRNA system to compare two C to T base editing systems based on rAPOBEC1 and PmCDA1 cytidine deaminases. The results suggest STU‐based PmCDA1 base editor system is highly efficient in rice. The STU‐Cas12a system, based on Cas12a' self‐processing of a CRISPR RNA (crRNA) array, was also developed and demonstrated for expression of a single crRNA and four crRNAs. Altogether, our STU CRISPR 2.0 systems further expanded the CRISPR toolbox for plant genome editing and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: CRISPR/Cas9 and Cas12a (Cpf1) nucleases are two of the most powerful genome editing tools in plants. In this work, we compared their activities by targeting maize glossy2 gene coding region that has overlapping sequences recognized by both nucleases. We introduced constructs carrying SpCas9‐guide RNA (gRNA) and LbCas12a‐CRISPR RNA (crRNA) into maize inbred B104 embryos using Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. On‐target mutation analysis showed that 90%–100% of the Cas9‐edited T0 plants carried indel mutations and 63%–77% of them were homozygous or biallelic mutants. In contrast, 0%–60% of Cas12a‐edited T0 plants had on‐target mutations. We then conducted CIRCLE‐seq analysis to identify genome‐wide potential off‐target sites for Cas9. A total of 18 and 67 potential off‐targets were identified for the two gRNAs, respectively, with an average of five mismatches compared to the target sites. Sequencing analysis of a selected subset of the off‐target sites revealed no detectable level of mutations in the T1 plants, which constitutively express Cas9 nuclease and gRNAs. In conclusion, our results suggest that the CRISPR/Cas9 system used in this study is highly efficient and specific for genome editing in maize, while CRISPR/Cas12a needs further optimization for improved editing efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The gastrointestinal (GI) tract represents the first barrier against the penetration of organisms by dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs), but the tissue accumulation of AGEs and AGE‐induced effects on the GI tract have yet to be completely elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the tissue accumulation of AGEs and AGE‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the GI tract of rats after long‐term consumption of AGEs from bread crust (BC). The GI tract was then removed to analyse carboxymethyllysine (CML) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and the levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). This study demonstrates that the oral intake of AGEs promotes their accumulation in the GI tract, and AGEs attenuate the first‐line antioxidant defence and stimulate the inflammatory response of the GI tract by downregulating enzymatic antioxidative pathways and increasing inflammatory cytokine levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless network virtualization enables mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) to develop new services on a low-cost platform by leasing virtual resources from mobile network owners. In this paper, we investigate a two-stage spectrum leasing framework, where an MVNO acquires spectrum resources through both advance reservation and on-demand request. To maximize its surplus, the MVNO needs to jointly optimize the amount of spectrum resources to lease in the two stages by taking into account traffic intensity, random user locations, wireless channel statistics, quality-of-service requirements, and the price differences. Meanwhile, to maximize the utilization of the acquired resources, the MVNO dynamically allocates the spectrum resources to its mobile subscribers (users) according to fast wireless channel fading. We formulate the MVNO’s surplus maximization problem as a tri-level nested optimization problem consisting of dynamic resource allocation (DRA), on-demand request, and advance reservation subproblems. To solve the problem efficiently, we first analyze the DRA problem, and then use the optimal solution to find the optimal leasing decisions in the two stages. In particular, we derive a closed-form expression of the optimal on-demand request, and develop a stochastic gradient descent algorithm to find the optimal advance reservation. For a special case when the proportional fairness utility function is adopted, we show that the optimal two-stage leasing scheme is related to the number of users and is irrelevant to user locations. Simulation results show that the two-stage spectrum leasing scheme can adapt to different levels of traffic and on-demand price variations, and achieve higher surplus than conventional one-stage leasing schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ultra-dense networks (UDNs), distributed radio access points (RAPs) are configured into small virtual cells around mobile users for fair and high-throughput services. In this correspondence, we evaluate the performance of user-centric joint transmission (JT) in a UDN with a number of virtual cells. In contrast to existing cooperation schemes, which assume constant RAP transmit power, we consider a total transmit power constraint for each user, and assume that the total power is optimally allocated to the RAPs in each virtual cell using maximum ratio transmission (MRT). Based on stochastic geometry models of the RAP and user locations, we resolve the correlation of transmit powers introduced by MRT, and derive the average user throughput. Numerical results show that user-centric JT with MRT provides high signal-to-noise ratio without generating severe interference to other co-channel users. Moreover, we show that MRT precoding, while requiring channel-state-information (CSI), is essential for the success of JT. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To investigate the effects of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on skeletal muscle structure and function in D-galactose (D-gal)-induced C57BL/6J mice., Methods: Eighteen male C57BL/6J mice of specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade, aged 8 weeks, were selected and divided into three groups: a control group (0.9% saline gavage for 16 weeks), a D-gal group (subcutaneous injection of 200 mg/kg D-galactose in the upper neck region, once daily for 8 weeks), and a D-gal + APS group (subcutaneous injection of 200 mg/kg D-galactose, once daily for 8 weeks, with concurrent administration of 100 mg/kg APS by gavage for 8 weeks). Body composition of the mice was assessed using the ImpediVET Laboratory Composition Measurement Analyzer. The pathological structure of the skeletal muscles was examined using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the microstructure and mitochondrial alterations in skeletal muscle were observed under transmission electron microscopy. Protein expression levels of LC3II and PINK1 in skeletal muscle tissues were analyzed using Western blotting analysis., Results: Compared to the control group, the D-gal-treated mice demonstrated substantial declines in grip strength, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of gastrocnemius muscle fibers, gastrocnemius weight, and the gastrocnemius weight-to-body weight ratio. APS administration markedly improved these parameters in the D-gal-treated mice. H&E staining showed muscle atrophy and senescence in the D-gal-treated mice, accompanied by deformed muscle cell morphology, which was mitigated by APS gavage. The D-gal-treated mice displayed swelling, cristae fracture, lysis, or complete loss, alongside reduced autophagy and increased lengths of bright bands, myofibrillar myonules, and H bands. However, administration of APS alleviated mitochondrial damage, promoted mitophagy, and reduced the lengths of these muscle tissue bands. Additionally, D-gal treatment significantly reduced LC3II and PINK1 protein expression in muscle tissues, while APS treatment notably elevated their expression levels., Conclusion: APS gavage ameliorates the structural and functional impairments in muscle tissues of the D-gal-treated mice by promoting mitochondrial autophagy., Competing Interests: None., (AJTR Copyright © 2024.)

Aim: To explore the effects and mechanisms of different concentrations of uric acid on skeletal muscle cells., Methods: C2C12 myoblasts were differentiated into myotubes and then exposed to a medium containing uric acid (0 μM, 200 μM, 400 μM, 600 μM, 800 μM, 1000 μM, 1200 μM, 1400 μM). The myotube diameters were observed under light microscopy; the expressions of myosin heavy chain (MyHC), autophagy-related proteins (LC3BII/LC3BI, P62), cGAS, and p-Sting/Sting proteins were analyzed using Western blotting or immunoprecipitation; and oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage were evaluated using ROS, mtDNA and JC-1 assays. Cell viability was measured via CCK8 assay, and 1000-μM uric acid was selected for follow-up experiments. Furthermore, C2C12 myotubes were divided into a blank control group (Ctrl), a high-uric-acid group (HUA), and an HUA plus cGASn inhibitor group (HUA + RU.521). Then, the myotube diameter was observed, oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage were evaluated, and MyHC and autophagy-related protein expressions were analysed., Results: C2C12 myotubes cultured in 400-μM uric acid medium had the greatest myotube diameter and the highest MyHC protein expression. At 1000-μM uric acid, the diameter and MyHC protein expression were significantly decreased, LCB3II/LCB3I expression was notably increased, and the level of p62 protein expression was considerably decreased. RU.521 partially alleviated the HUA-induced C2C12 myotubes changes., Conclusions: Uric acid bidirectionally affected C2C12 myotubes: 400-μΜ uric acid promoted myotube growth, while 1000-μΜ uric acid triggered myotube atrophy with increased autophagy. Inhibiting cGAS-Sting signaling attenuated HUA-induced C2C12 myotube autophagy and atrophy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 430-439., (© 2024 Japan Geriatrics Society.)

Cas12a, also known as Cpf1, is a highly versatile CRISPR-Cas enzyme that has been widely used in genome editing. Unlike its well-known counterpart, Cas9, Cas12a has unique features that make it a highly efficient genome editing tool at AT-rich genomic regions. To enrich the CRISPR-Cas12a plant genome editing toolbox, we explored 17 novel Cas12a orthologs for their genome editing capabilities in plants. Out of them, Ev1Cas12a and Hs1Cas12a showed efficient multiplexed genome editing in rice and tomato protoplasts. Notably, Hs1Cas12a exhibited greater tolerance to lower temperatures. Moreover, Hs1Cas12a generated up to 87.5% biallelic editing in rice T 0 plants. Both Ev1Cas12a and Hs1Cas12a achieved effective editing in poplar T 0 plants, with up to 100% of plants edited, albeit with high chimerism. Taken together, the efficient genome editing demonstrated by Ev1Cas12a and Hs1Cas12a in both monocot and dicot plants highlights their potential as promising genome editing tools in plant species and beyond., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Li, Zhang, Dailey and Qi.)

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether sarcopenia affects the all-cause mortality rate of patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs)., Research Design and Methods: The clinic-based observational study included 217 patients treated at the Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University during a 4-year period. All subjects underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to determine their body composition during hospitalization. Diagnosis of sarcopenia was based on the Baumgartner diagnostic criteria. Patients were followed up regularly by phone calls until April 1, 2019, and their survival status was recorded.Univariate and multivariate Cox risk ratio regression models were used to analyze factors influencing the all-cause mortality rate of patients with DFUs., Results: Of the 217 patients, 158 people survived (82.7%), 33 died (17.3%), and 26 were lost to follow-up. The median follow-up time was 23 (Range 11-34) months. The majority of patients were male (68.6%), with a mean age of 67.29 ± 11.14 years. The 5-year survival rate was 68.3% and 45.9% for all study patients ( n = 217) and sarcopenia patients ( n = 81), respectively. Multivariate Cox risk regression model showed that age (HR 1.042[95%CI:1.006, 1.078], P = 0.021), sarcopenia (HR 5.051[95%CI:1.968, 12.961], P = 0.001), and serum creatinine (HR 1.007[95%CI: 1.003, 1.010], P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality rate of patients with DFUs. Kaplan-Meier survival curve indicated that the survival rate of patients with sarcopenia was significantly lower than non-sarcopenia patients ( P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality of patients with DFUs and hence an important prognostic factor for patients with DFUs. Active prevention and improvement of sarcopenia can potentially improve the survival outcomes of this patient population., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Yang, Ni, Zhang, Zhu, Zeng, Yang, Shi, Zhang, Cai, Hu, Li, Jiang, Cheng and Cheng.)