Judicial Approaches to the Criminalisation of Marital Rape

In India, as in different traditional cultures, women have been and still are treated in a number of inhumane ways. They are controlled, prone to assault and abuse and risk rape not only outside but within their own homes. Moreover, marital rape is not considered a crime in India. The article attempts to analyse Indian rape laws and to show that exemption for marital rape does not align with the fundamental principles of justice and equality, which is the basic feature of the Indian Constitution. The article argues that the exemption clause should be repealed, and marital rape be criminalised. The article further discusses the approach of the Indian judiciary towards the issue of criminalisation of marital rape.

Developing water, energy, and food sustainability performance indicators for agricultural systems

Water use by the agricultural sector along with inefficient irrigation methods and climate change has led to the depletion and insecurity of water resources and consequent instability of the agricultural system. Defining benchmarks and comparing them is essential for sustainable system management performance. The sustainability performance of an agricultural system depends on various factors related to water, energy, and food. This study selects and ranks sustainability performance indicators (SPIs) of agricultural systems with the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Expert opinions on agricultural sustainability were obtained from Iran's Regional Water Organization. The factors and variables affecting the management of water resources in agricultural systems in a basin area are evaluated with 17 SPIs (10 indicators of water resources sustainability, 3 energy sustainability indicators, and 4 food sustainability indicators) that measure the sustainability of agricultural systems. The AHP reduced the number of indicators to a small number of effective indicators. Results of pairwise comparison and the subsequent determination of the weight of each indicator show that the indicators of water consumption, groundwater level stability, vulnerability of water resources, and water stress have the largest weights (i.e., importance) for agricultural system sustainability at the basin scale. These selected indicators can be applied to agricultural water systems (AWSs).

Analysis of soil respiration and influencing factors in a semiarid dune-meadow cascade ecosystem

The characteristics of soil respiration (R_s) in semiarid regions are important with regard to the carbon cycle of complex underlying surfaces and estimation of carbon emissions from regional ecosystems. During the growing season (May-September 2016), in situ observations of R_s were obtained concurrently with measurements of soil bacteria (B_s), soil moisture (M_s), and soil temperature (T_s) at depths of 0-10 cm, in a dune-meadow cascade ecosystem. Results showed that R_s differences among the various ecosystems were significant (P < 0.01), the intensity of R_s in meadows was twice stronger than that in dunes. The average values of R_s presenting a declined trend follows MPA (11.19 μmol m^-2 s^-1) > MAF (7.75) > SSG (6.78) > SMAH (5.02) > SFAH (4.8) > FLC (4.28) > SBG (3.09). An extremely significant (p < 0.01) positive correlated power relationship can be found between R_s and B_s, which could explain 62.41%-86.56% of the variation in R_s in the various ecosystems. Field capacity and the saturated water content were the key demarcation points for the interactive relationship between R_s and M_s, which showing a significant (P < 0.05) positive correlated power relationship in dunes, in contrast, it presenting a significant (P < 0.05) negative correlated exponential relationship in meadows. R_s was positively exponentially correlated with T_s, significant (P < 0.05) in meadows and nonsignificant (P > 0.05) in dunes. Future research should be strengthened to consider multiple growing seasons experiencing various climatic conditions for accurate estimation of terrestrial carbon emissions in arid and semiarid ecosystems.

Comparison of an improved Penman-Monteith model and SWH model for estimating evapotranspiration in a meadow wetland in a semiarid region

Accurately estimating evapotranspiration (ET) for meadow wetland ecosystems is of great significance for water management in semiarid regions. Taking a meadow wetland ecosystem in the Horqin Sandy Land as an example, this study coupled the Ball-Berry canopy stomatal conductance model to Penman-Monteith (P-M) model and Shuttleworth-Wallace (S-W) model, and the improved P-M model and SWH model were calibrated and validated by long-term (2013-2018 growing seasons) eddy covariance (EC) measurements. The results indicated that the improved P-M model and SWH model performed well either at half-hourly or daily timescales, with high coefficient of determination (R²) and index of agreement (IA) and low root mean square error (RMSE). Generally, the SWH model performed better than the improved P-M model, especially under the low leaf area index (LAI) conditions. In addition, in the growing seasons from 2013 to 2018, the mean ET measured by the EC system was 2.78 mm/d, which was approximately equal to the mean modeled ET from the SWH model (2.75 mm/d) and slightly higher than the mean modeled ET from the improved P-M model (2.34 mm/d). The improved P-M model and SWH model were highly sensitive to the parameter in estimating canopy surface resistance and to vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in meteorological variables.

Pathophysiology and Biomarker Potential of Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester Elevation During Alcoholic Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The role of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) during human alcoholic pancreatitis is unknown. We compared FAEEs levels with their nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) precursors during alcohol intoxication and clinical alcoholic pancreatitis. The pathophysiology underlying FAEEs increase and their role as diagnostic biomarkers for alcoholic pancreatitis was investigated.

METHODS

A prospective blinded study compared FAEEs, NEFAs, and ethanol blood levels on hospitalization for alcoholic pancreatitis (n = 31), alcohol intoxication (n = 25), and in normal controls (n = 43). Serum FAEEs were measured at admission for nonalcoholic pancreatitis (n = 75). Mechanistic cell and animal studies were done.

RESULTS

Median FAEEs were similarly elevated during alcohol intoxication (205 nmol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 71.8-515 nmol/L, P < .001) and alcoholic pancreatitis (103.1 nmol/L; 95% CI, 53-689 nmol/L, P < .001) vs controls (1.7 nmol/L; 95% CI, 0.02-4.3 nmol/L) or nonalcoholic pancreatitis (8 nmol/L; 95% CI, 1.1-11.5 nmol/L). Alcoholic pancreatitis increased serum NEFAs (1024 ± 710 μmol/L vs 307 ± 185 μmol/L in controls, P < .05). FAEEs comprised 0.1% to 2% of the parent NEFA concentrations. FAEES correlated strongly with NEFAs independent of ethanol levels in alcoholic pancreatitis but not during alcohol intoxication. On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for diagnosing alcoholic pancreatitis, the area under the curve for serum FAEEs was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.78-0.95, P < .001). In mice and cells, alcohol administration transiently increased all FAEEs. Oleic acid ethyl ester was the only FAEE with a sustained increase up to 24 hours after intraperitoneal oleic acid plus ethanol administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The sustained, alcohol-independent, large (20- to 50-fold) increase in circulating FAEEs during alcoholic pancreatitis results from their visceral release and mirrors the 2- to 4-fold increase in parent NEFA. The large areas under the curve of FAEEs on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis supports their role as alcoholic pancreatitis biomarkers.

Fusion-based framework for meteorological drought modeling using remotely sensed datasets under climate change scenarios: Resilience, vulnerability, and frequency analysis

Severe drought events in recent decades and their catastrophic effects have called for drought prediction and monitoring needed for developing drought readiness plans and mitigation measures. This study used a fusion-based framework for meteorological drought modeling for the historical (1983-2016) and future (2020-2050) periods using remotely sensed datasets versus ground-based observations and climate change scenarios. To this aim, high-resolution remotely sensed precipitation datasets, including PERSIANN-CDR and CHIRPS (multi-source products), ERA5 (reanalysis datasets), and GPCC (gauge-interpolated datasets), were employed to estimate non-parametric SPI (nSPI) as a meteorological drought index against local observations. For more accurate drought evaluation, all stations were classified into different clusters using the K-means clustering algorithm based on ground-based nSPI. Then, four Individual Artificial Intelligence (IAI) models, including Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), and General Regression Neural Network (GRNN), were developed for drought modeling within each cluster. Finally, two advanced fusion-based methods, including Multi-Model Super Ensemble (MMSE) as a linear weighted model and a nonlinear model called machine learning Random Forest (RF), combined results by IAI models using different remotely sensed datasets. The proposed framework was implemented to simulate each remotely sensed precipitation data for the future based on CORDEX regional climate models (RCMs) under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios for drought projection. The efficiency of IAI and fusion models was evaluated using statistical error metrics, including the coefficient of determination (R²), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Square Error (MSE), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The proposed methodology was employed in the Gavkhooni basin of Iran, and results showed that the RF model with the lowest estimation error (RMSE of 0.391 and R² of 0.810) had performed well compared to all other models. Finally, the resilience, vulnerability, and frequency of probability metrics indicated that the 12-month time scale of drought affected the basin more severely than other time scales.

Optimal virtual water flows for improved food security in water-scarce countries

The worsening water scarcity has imposed a significant stress on food production in many parts of the world. This stress becomes more critical when countries seek self-sufficiency. A literature review shows that food self-sufficiency has not been assessed as the main factor in determining the optimal cultivation patterns. However, food self-sufficiency is one of the main policies of these countries and requires the most attention and concentration. Previous works have focused on the virtual water trade to meet regional food demand and to calculate trade flows. The potential of the trade network can be exploited to improve the cropping pattern to ensure food and water security. To this end, and based on the research gaps mentioned, this study develops a method to link intra-country trade networks, food security, and total water footprints (WFs) to improve food security. The method is applied in Iran, a water-scarce country. The study shows that 781 × 10⁶ m³ of water could be saved by creating a trade network. Results of the balanced trade network are input to a multi-objective optimization model to improve cropping patterns based on the objectives of achieving food security and preventing water crises. The method provides 400 management scenarios to improve cropping patterns considering 51 main crops in Iran. Results show a range of improvements in food security (19–45%) and a decrease in WFs (2–3%). The selected scenario for Iran would reduce the blue water footprint by 1207 × 10⁶ m³, and reduce the cropland area by 19 × 10³ ha. This methodology allows decision makers to develop policies that achieve food security under limited water resources in arid and semi-arid regions.

Cilostazol attenuated prenatal valproic acid-induced behavioural and biochemical deficits in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder

OBJECTIVES

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is categorized as a neurodevelopmental disorder, presenting with a variety of aetiological and phenotypical features. Inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE3) with cilostazol is known to produce beneficial effects in several brain disorders. The pharmacological outcome of cilostazol administration was investigated in prenatal valproic acid (VPA)-induced ASD deficits in albino Wistar rats.

METHODS

Cilostazol was administered in two doses (30/60 mg/kg) to male rats born of females administered with VPA on gestational day 12. Behavioural assays on locomotion (open field), social interaction, repetitive behaviour (y-maze) and anxiety (elevated plus maze) were performed in all groups. Further, biochemical assessments of markers associated with neuronal function (BDNF, pCREB), inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10) and oxidative stress were carried out in frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum and cerebellum.

KEY FINDINGS

The cilostazol regimen, attenuated prenatal VPA exposure associated hyperlocomotion, social interaction deficits, repetitive behavior, and anxiety. Further, biochemical markers such as BDNF, pCREB, IL-10 and GSH were found to be significantly increased contrary to markers such as TNF-α, IL-6 and TBARS in the assessed brain regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Cilostazol rectified core behavioural traits while producing significant changes to biochemistry in the brain, suggesting benefits of cilostazol administration in experimental models of ASD.

Priming of tomato seedlings with 2-oxoglutarate induces arsenic toxicity alleviatory responses by involving endogenous nitric oxide

Metal toxicity in crop plants is a matter of scientific concern. Therefore, in recent years efforts have been made to minimize metal toxicity in crop plants. Out of various strategies, priming of seedlings with certain chemicals, like e.g. donors of signaling molecules, nutrients, metabolites or plant hormones has shown encouraging results. However, mechanisms related with the priming-induced mitigation of metal toxicity are still poorly known. Hence, we have tested the potential of 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG) priming in enhancing the arsenate (As^V ) toxicity tolerance in tomato seedlings along with deciphering the probable role of nitric oxide (NO) in accomplishing this task. Arsenate decreased growth, endogenous NO and nitric oxide synthase-like activity but enhanced the accumulation of As, which collectively led to root cell death. Arsenate toxicity also decreased some photosynthetic characteristics (i.e. F_v /F_m, qP, F_v /F₀ and F_m /F₀ , and total chlorophyll content) but enhanced NPQ. However, priming with 2-OG alleviated the toxic effect of As^V on growth, endogenous NO, cell death and photosynthesis. Moreover, arsenate inhibited the activities of enzymes of nitrogen metabolism (i.e. nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase and glutamine 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase) but increased the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase and NH₄ ⁺ content. Superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and membrane damage increased upon As^V exposure, but the antioxidant enzymes (i.e. superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase) showed differential responses. Overall, our results showed that 2-OG is capable of alleviating As^V toxicity in tomato seedlings but the involvement of endogenous NO is probably required.

Vinpocetine amended prenatal valproic acid induced features of ASD possibly by altering markers of neuronal function, inflammation, and oxidative stress

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with complex etiology and phenotypes. Phosphodiesterase-1 (PDE1) inhibitors are known to provide benefits in various brain conditions manifesting similar behavioral phenotypes. The pharmacological consequences of vinpocetine administration a PDE1 inhibitor in prenatal-valproic acid (pre-VPA) induced ASD related behavioral phenotypes (social behavior deficits, repetitive behavior, anxiety, hyperlocomotion, and nociception) was assessed. Also, effects on important biochemical markers of neuronal function (DCX-neurogenesis, BDNF-neuronal survival, synapsin-IIa-synaptic transmission, pCREB-neuronal transcription factor), inflammation (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) and oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TBARS] and glutathione (GSH) were studied in important brain areas (frontal cortex, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum). Further, neuronal cell viability was determined in dentate gyrus using Nissl staining. Pre-VPA administration resulted into impaired behavior, brain biochemistry, and neuronal cell viability. Administration of vinpocetine resulted in improvements of pre-VPA impaired social behavior, repetitive behavior, anxiety, locomotion, and nociception. Also, vinpocetine resulted in a significant increase in the levels of BDNF, synapsin-IIa, DCX, pCREB/CREB, IL-10, and GSH along with significant decrease in TNF-α, IL-6, TBARS, number of pyknotic and chromatolytic cells in different brain areas of pre-VPA group. Finally, high association between behavioral parameters and biochemical parameters was observed upon Pearson's correlation analysis. Vinpocetine, a PDE1 inhibitor rectified important behavioral phenotypes related with ASD, possibly by improving neuronal function, brain inflammation and brain oxidative stress. Thus, PDE1 may be a possible target for further understanding ASD. LAY SUMMARY: ASD is a brain developmental disorder with a wide array of genetic and environmental factors. Many targets have been identified till date, but a clinical treatment is still afar. The results of this study indicate that vinpocetine administration resulted in amelioration of ASD associated symptomatology in rats, prenatally exposed to VPA. Our research adds a widely expressed brain enzyme PDE1, as a possible novel pharmacological target and opens-up a new line of enquiry for ASD treatment.

Assessment of the total organic carbon employing the different nature-inspired approaches in the Nakdong River, South Korea

Total organic carbon (TOC) has vital significance for measuring water quality in river streamflow. The detection of TOC can be considered as an important evaluation because of issues on human health and environmental indicators. This research utilized the novel hybrid models to improve the predictive accuracy of TOC at Andong and Changnyeong stations in the Nakdong River, South Korea. A data pre-processing approach (i.e., complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN)) and evolutionary optimization algorithm (i.e., crow search algorithm (CSA)) were implemented for enhancing the accuracy and robustness of standalone models (i.e., multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) and M5Tree). Various water quality indicators (i.e., TOC, potential of Hydrogen (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), water temperature (WT), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and suspended solids (SS)) were utilized for developing the standalone and hybrid models based on three input combinations (i.e., categories 1~3). The developed models were evaluated utilizing the correlation coefficient (CC), root-mean-square error (RMSE), and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). The CEEMDAN-MARS-CSA based on category 2 (C-M-CSA2) model (CC = 0.762, RMSE = 0.570 mg/L, and NSE = 0.520) was the most accurate for predicting TOC at Andong station, whereas the CEEMDAN-MARS-CSA based on category 3 (C-M-CSA3) model (CC = 0.900, RMSE = 0.675 mg/L, and NSE = 0.680) was the best at Changnyeong station.

Immature Follicular Origins and Disrupted Oocyte Growth Pathways Contribute to Decreased Gamete Quality During Reproductive Juvenescence in Mice

Egg quality dictates fertility outcomes, and although there is a well-documented decline with advanced reproductive age, how it changes during puberty is less understood. Such knowledge is critical, since advances in Assisted Reproductive Technologies are enabling pre- and peri-pubertal patients to preserve fertility in the medical setting. Therefore, we investigated egg quality parameters in a mouse model of the pubertal transition or juvenescence (postnatal day; PND 11-40). Animal weight, vaginal opening, serum inhibin B levels, oocyte yield, oocyte diameter, and zona pellucida thickness increased with age. After PND 15, there was an age-associated ability of oocytes to resume meiosis and reach metaphase of meiosis II (MII) following in vitro maturation (IVM). However, eggs from the younger cohort (PND 16-20) had significantly more chromosome configuration abnormalities relative to the older cohorts and many were at telophase I instead of MII, indicative of a cell cycle delay. Oocytes from the youngest mouse cohorts originated from the smallest antral follicles with the fewest cumulus layers per oocyte, suggesting a more developmentally immature state. RNA Seq analysis of oocytes from mice at distinct ages revealed that the genes involved in cellular growth signaling pathways (PI3K, mTOR, and Hippo) were consistently repressed with meiotic competence, whereas genes involved in cellular communication were upregulated in oocytes with age. Taken together, these data demonstrate that gametes harvested during the pubertal transition have low meiotic maturation potential and derive from immature follicular origins.

Nitric oxide (NO) and salicylic acid (SA): A framework for their relationship in plant development under abiotic stress

The free radical nitric oxide (NO) and the phenolic phytohormone salicylic acid (SA) are signal molecules which exert key functions at biochemical and physiological levels. Abiotic stresses, especially in early plant development, impose the biggest threats to agricultural systems and crop yield. These stresses impair plant growth and subsequently cause a reduction in root development, affecting nutrient uptake and crop productivity. The molecules NO and SA have been identified as robust tools for efficiently mitigating the negative effects of abiotic stress in plants. SA is engaged in an array of tasks under adverse environmental situations. The function of NO depends on its cellular concentration; at a low level, it acts as a signal molecule, while at a high level, it triggers nitro-oxidative stress. The crosstalk between NO and SA involving different signalling molecules and regulatory factors modulate plant function during stressful situations. Crosstalk between these two signalling molecules induces plant tolerance to abiotic stress and needs further investigation. This review aims to highlight signalling aspects of NO and SA in higher plants and critically discusses the roles of these two molecules in alleviating abiotic stress.

Effect of papaverine on developmental hyperserotonemia induced autism spectrum disorder related behavioural phenotypes by altering markers of neuronal function, inflammation, and oxidative stress in rats

Hyperserotonemia, in the early developmental phase, generates a variety of behavioural and biochemical phenotypes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in rats. Papaverine is known to provide benefits in various brain conditions. We investigated the role of a selective phosphodiesterase-10A (PDE10A) inhibitor, papaverine on ASD related behavioural phenotypes (social behaviour deficits, repetitive behaviour, anxiety and hyperlocomotion) in developmental hyperserotonemia (DHS) rat model. Also, effects on important biochemical markers related with neuronal function (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-neuronal survival and phosphorylated-cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB)-neuronal transcription factor), brain inflammation (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α) and brain oxidative stress (TBARS and GSH) were studied in important brain areas (frontal cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus and striatum). Administration of a non-selective serotonin receptor agonist, such as 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MT) to rats prenatally (gestational day 12 - day of parturition) and during early stages (postnatal day (PND) 0 -PND20) of development, resulted in impaired behaviour and brain biochemistry. Administration of papaverine (15/30 mg/kg ip) to 5-MT administered rats from PND21 to PND48, resulted in improvement of behavioural deficits. Also, papaverine administration significantly increased the levels of BDNF, pCREB/CREB, IL-10, GSH and significantly decreased TNF-α, IL-6 and TBARS levels in different brain areas. Papaverine, in both doses rectified important behavioural phenotypes related with ASD, the higher dose (30 mg/kg ip) showed significantly greater improvement than 15 mg/kg ip, possibly by improving neuronal function, brain inflammation and brain oxidative stress. Thus, PDE10A could be a probable target for pharmacological interventions and furthering our understanding of ASD pathogenesis.

Cytomegalovirus haemorrhagic enterocolitis associated with severe infection with COVID-19

We present a case of haemorrhagic enterocolitis in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 who recovered from respiratory failure after support with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We describe clinicopathological features consistent with the systemic coinfection/reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) concurrent with COVID-19 infection and the protracted clinical course of resolution of gastrointestinal inflammation after the treatment of CMV infection. Stool PCR, abdominal CT perfusion scan and histological examination of ileal and colonic tissues excluded enterocolitis secondary to other causes of infection (common viral, bacterial and protozoal gastrointestinal pathogens), macrovascular and microvascular ischaemia and classic inflammatory bowel disease, respectively. We propose possible synergistic pathophysiologic mechanisms for enterocolitis complicating severe COVID-19 infection: (1) T lymphocyte depletion and immune response dysregulation, (2) use of immunomodulators in the management of severe COVID-19 infection and (3) high concentration of ACE-2 receptors for COVID-19 virus in the gastrointestinal tract.

Soil loss and sediment yield in a perennial catchment in southwest Piauí, Brazil

Soil and water are vital natural resources. However, due to their indiscriminate use, these resources are being seriously threatened. Therefore, it is essential to manage them in a sustainable way and leave them for future generations. Population and agricultural areas have expanded, deforesting native landscapes for cultivation and pastures. As a result, soil loss from agricultural areas is increasing the amount of sediment transport in water courses. The objective of this study was to quantify soil loss and sediment yield from the Corrente dos Matões sub-basin (CMSB). These measurements are essential to quantify the environmental impact of advancing agricultural frontiers. The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) was applied due to its wide use, compatibility with GIS, and data availability. The suspended sediment transport was calculated by collecting samples with DH-48 sampler. From the application of USLE, the average soil erosion contributed very little to sediment delivery in the watercourse, with a magnitude of only 0.37 t ha^-1 year^-1. The highest soil loss was associated with greater slope and was observed in areas with agriculture or under the absence of vegetation cover. The low transport of suspended sediments in CMSB is due to the existence of preserved sites. About 99% of the sub-basin had a low degree of erosion. The high degree of soil loss was attributed to the cliffs and the development of agricultural activities leaving the soil uncovered. This work will help identify the most susceptible areas to water erosion for optimizing the allocation of financial resources for the preservation of this natural resource.

Catalytic and highly regenerable aminic organoselenium antioxidants with cytoprotective effects

N-Methyl ebselenamines carrying an aminic group in very close proximity to selenium as excellent chain-breaking and glutathione peroxidase-like antioxidants could reduce the production of ROS in C6 astroglial cell lines with minimal toxic effects.

Adipose saturation reduces lipotoxic systemic inflammation and explains the obesity paradox

Obesity sometimes seems protective in disease. This obesity paradox is predominantly described in reports from the Western Hemisphere during acute illnesses. Since adipose triglyceride composition corresponds to long-term dietary patterns, we performed a meta-analysis modeling the effect of obesity on severity of acute pancreatitis, in the context of dietary patterns of the countries from which the studies originated. Increased severity was noted in leaner populations with a higher proportion of unsaturated fat intake. In mice, greater hydrolysis of unsaturated visceral triglyceride caused worse organ failure during pancreatitis, even when the mice were leaner than those having saturated triglyceride. Saturation interfered with triglyceride's interaction and lipolysis by pancreatic triglyceride lipase, which mediates organ failure. Unsaturation increased fatty acid monomers in vivo and aqueous media, resulting in greater lipotoxic cellular responses and organ failure. Therefore, visceral triglyceride saturation reduces the ensuing lipotoxicity despite higher adiposity, thus explaining the obesity paradox.

Pancreatic triglyceride lipase mediates lipotoxic systemic inflammation

Visceral adipose tissue plays a critical role in numerous diseases. Although imaging studies often show adipose involvement in abdominal diseases, their outcomes may vary from being a mild self-limited illness to one with systemic inflammation and organ failure. We therefore compared the pattern of visceral adipose injury during acute pancreatitis and acute diverticulitis to determine its role in organ failure. Acute pancreatitis-associated adipose tissue had ongoing lipolysis in the absence of adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL). Pancreatic lipase injected into mouse visceral adipose tissue hydrolyzed adipose triglyceride and generated excess nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), which caused organ failure in the absence of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PNLIP) increased in adipose tissue during pancreatitis and entered adipocytes by multiple mechanisms, hydrolyzing adipose triglyceride and generating excess NEFAs. During pancreatitis, obese PNLIP-knockout mice, unlike obese adipocyte-specific ATGL knockouts, had lower visceral adipose tissue lipolysis, milder inflammation, less severe organ failure, and improved survival. PNLIP-knockout mice, unlike ATGL knockouts, were protected from adipocyte-induced pancreatic acinar injury without affecting NEFA signaling or acute pancreatitis induction. Therefore, during pancreatitis, unlike diverticulitis, PNLIP leaking into visceral adipose tissue can cause excessive visceral adipose tissue lipolysis independently of adipocyte-autonomous ATGL, and thereby worsen organ failure.

Low-dose ACTH test for evaluation of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis preoperatively and 3-month follow-up in non-functioning pituitary adenomas

BACKGROUND

Peri-operative glucocorticoids are routinely administered to patients undergoing trans-sphenoidal surgery for non-functional pituitary adenomas (NFPA) irrespective of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis status.

PURPOSE

Evaluation of HPA axis before and 12 weeks after endoscopic trans-sphenoidal adenomectomy (E-TSA) utilizing low-dose (1 μg) ACTH stimulation test (LDACTH) to determine the need for glucocorticoid administration in patients with NFPA. We also determined the factors that can predict occurrence of hypocortisolism at 12 weeks after surgery.

METHODS

Sixty-three consecutive patients with NFPA requiring surgical excision were enrolled in this study. Glucocorticoids were administered to patients with demonstrable hypocortisolism [preoperative peak cortisol < 16 μg/dL during LDACTH test, postoperative day 3 (POD-3) 0800 hrs Cortisol < 8 μg/dL or stimulated cortisol (LDACTH) < 16 μg/dL at 12 weeks].

RESULTS

Hypocortisolism was present in 43 patients (68.2%) pre-operatively and persisted in 33 patients (52.4%) on POD-3. Thirty-three patients (52.4%) had hypocortisolism at 12 weeks after surgery. Eleven patients (17.4%) did not require glucocorticoids during the entire study period and 30 patients (47.6%) did not require glucocorticoids after 3 months. None of the patients developed adrenal crisis during the study. Hypocortisolism on the third post-operative day was the single significant predictor of hypocortisolism at 12 weeks after the surgery. There was a significant correlation between POD-3 0800 hrs cortisol ≥ 8μg/dL and stimulated cortisol (LDACTH) ≥16μg/dL at 12 weeks (r = 0.62, p < 0.0001). POD-3 0800 hrs cortisol ≥ 8 μg/dL had 73% sensitivity and 79% specificity in predicting eucortisolism at 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

HPA function is preserved in significant proportion of NFPA patients undergoing E-TSA. Perioperative glucocorticoids should be given only in patients with demonstrable preoperative hypocortisolism on 1 μg ACTH test. Postoperative day 3 0800 hrs cortisol is a reasonable predictor of HPA axis status at 12 weeks after surgery.

An ecological footprint approach for cropland use sustainability based on multi-objective optimization modelling

Croplands are heterogeneous in productivity and their sustainable use holds a prominent place in supporting a virtual society-economy-ecology-environment circle. This study developed a model for the evaluation of cropland use sustainability by integrating the revised ecological footprint model with multi-objective optimization. The model enabled to gain insights into changes of the supply-demand balance of cropland use ecologically from a planning perspective, and also enables policy makers to determine the optimal patterns of cropland use in order to reconcile contradictions between multiple dimensions in agroecosystems, such as resource utilization, economy, society, and environment. The model was demonstrated by solving a real-world problem of cropland use management in Heilongjiang Province, northeast China. Results of demonstration were found to be satisfactory for generating sustainable cropland use patterns in promoting the equilibrium of water use efficiency, net economic benefit, land resource allocation equity, and greenhouse gas emissions. Then, whether various cropland use patterns were ecologically safe based on crop ecological footprint and crop ecological carrying capacity were determined. The status and scenario-based trend of cropland use sustainability provided alternatives for policy makers to allocate cropland efficiently and sustainably. The model is applicable for similar planting-centered regions with limited land and water resources.

Estimation of evaporation from saline water

Evaporation, as the main source of water loss from closed lakes, makes a significant contribution to the water balance equation of the lake and can lead to changes in the chemical composition thereof. The objective of the study was to develop an equation for estimation of evaporation from the water surface with different depths and concentrations. To that end, 48 barrels were used to model evaporation at 6 different depths and 8 different concentrations of salinity. The experiments have been conducted in the same meteorological condition for all the barrels near the Urmia Lake. Data were collected in March 1, 2019, to Aug 31, 2019. Different equations fitted to data for each concentrations of salinity separately with different depths, and the equations with the least errors were selected. A model was then developed for the estimation of evaporation, considering the effect of salinity and depth, and the results were compared with daily measurements. The results were evaluated using the root mean square error (RMSE), correlation coefficient (CC), and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NS). The results indicated that evaporation (Horizontal row) from water surface with high concentrations of salinity to low concentrations of salinity in different depths had an incremental trend. However, it can be seen in the vertical row that evaporation increased from low depth to high depth, and then decreased at a certain depth (120 cm) while the maximum evaporation rate belonged to 90-cm barrels for each concentration of salinity (in the vertical and horizontal row). At the end, the comparison of evaporation computed from the model and measured data showed that the model estimated evaporation at different depths and concentrations of salinity satisfactorily.

Assessing the biochemical oxygen demand using neural networks and ensemble tree approaches in South Korea

The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), one of widely utilized variables for water quality assessment, is metric for the ecological division in rivers. Since the traditional approach to predict BOD is time-consuming and inaccurate due to inconstancies in microbial multiplicity, alternative methods have been recommended for more accurate prediction of BOD. This study investigated the capability of a novel deep learning-based model, Deep Echo State Network (Deep ESN), for predicting BOD, based on various water quality variables, at Gongreung and Gyeongan stations, South Korea. The model was compared with the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) and two ensemble tree models comprising the Gradient Boosting Regression Tree (GBRT) and Random Forests (RF). Diverse water quality variables (i.e., BOD, potential of Hydrogen (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), water temperature (WT), chemical oxygen demand (COD), suspended solids (SS), total nitrogen (T-N), and total phosphorus (T-P)) were utilized for developing the Deep ESN, ELM, GBRT, and RF with five input combinations (i.e., Categories 1-5). These models were evaluated by root mean square error (RMSE), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), coefficient of determination (R²), and correlation coefficient (R). Overall evaluations suggested that the Deep ESN5 model provided the most reliable predictions of BOD among all the models at both stations.

Impact of climate change on net primary production (NPP) in south Iran

Climate change is a natural hazard which threatens the sustainable development of human health, food security, economic well-being, and natural resources. It also affects photosynthesis, plant respiration, and decomposition of organic matter that contribute to atmospheric carbon flow. The net primary production (NPP) is one of the main components of carbon balance. This study investigated the impact of climatic change on the net production in the Hormozgan county in south Iran. To obtain NPP, MODIS NPP product (MOD17A3) was used and future temperature and precipitation values were obtained using the HadGEM2-ES model under the RCP4.5 scenario. These values were downscaled using the LARSWG 6 statistical model, and precipitation and temperature were simulated for the RCP4.5 scenario. For further analysis, NPP was simulated based on the BIOME-BGC model and compared with the NPP data obtained from the MODIS images. Comparison of the climatic parameters of the basic (2001-2015) and future (2016-2030) periods indicated an increase in precipitation, minimum temperature, and maximum temperature of the study area and subsequently an increase in the NPP value in all biomes (averagely 17.73%) in the future. The highest NPP values were observed in the central and western parts of the region in biomes 4 (mangrove forest cover), 10 (broadleaf forest vegetation), and 6, 5, and 1 (rangeland vegetation), respectively, and the lowest values were observed in the eastern parts. Results showed that the increase in future NPP could be due to the increase in precipitation.

Drought index prediction using advanced fuzzy logic model: Regional case study over Kumaon in India

A new version of the fuzzy logic model, called the co-active neuro fuzzy inference system (CANFIS), is introduced for predicting standardized precipitation index (SPI). Multiple scales of drought information at six meteorological stations located in Uttarakhand State, India, are used. Different lead times of SPI were computed for prediction, including 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months, with inputs abstracted by autocorrelation function (ACF) and partial-ACF (PACF) analysis at 5% significance level. The proposed CANFIS model was validated against two models: classical artificial intelligence model (e.g., multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN)) and regression model (e.g., multiple linear regression (MLR)). Several performance evaluation metrices (root mean square error, Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency, coefficient of correlation, and Willmott index), and graphical visualizations (scatter plot and Taylor diagram) were computed for the evaluation of model performance. Results indicated that the CANFIS model predicted the SPI better than the other models and prediction results were different for different meteorological stations. The proposed model can build a reliable expert intelligent system for predicting meteorological drought at multi-time scales and decision making for remedial schemes to cope with meteorological drought at the study stations and can help to maintain sustainable water resources management.

Continuous monitoring of suspended sediment concentrations using image analytics and deriving inherent correlations by machine learning

The barriers for the development of continuous monitoring of Suspended Sediment Concentration (SSC) in channels/rivers include costs and technological gaps but this paper shows that a solution is feasible by: (i) using readily available high-resolution images; (ii) transforming the images into image analytics to form a modelling dataset; and (iii) constructing predictive models by learning inherent correlation between observed SSC values and their image analytics. High-resolution images were taken of water containing a series of SSC values using an exploratory flume. Machine learning is processed by dividing the dataset into training and testing sets and the paper uses the following models: Generalized Linear Machine (GLM) and Distributed Random Forest (DRF). Results show that each model is capable of reliable predictions but the errors at higher SSC are not fully explained by modelling alone. Here we offer sufficient evidence for the feasibility of a continuous SSC monitoring capability in channels before the next phase of the study with the goal of producing practice guidelines.

Tradeoff for water resources allocation based on updated probabilistic assessment of matching degree between water demand and water availability

Water resources allocation is very important for water resources management. However, it is subject to the uncertainty in water availability (WA) or water demand (WD), as well as the pressure exerted by multi-stakeholders. Therefore, we propose a general framework as following: (i) applying Bayes theorem to develop a forecasting model for WA and WD probability distributions; (ii) constructing the matching matrix showing matching degree between WA and WD and assessing the probabilistic behavior of water resources allocation solutions based on the matching matrices; and (iii) performing the trade-off analysis among the solutions under different stakeholders' objectives to meet requirements of multi-stakeholders. Longgang River basin is selected as a case study area to demonstrate the proposed framework. Results show that, the forecast probability distributions of WA and WD may be updated timely with newly introduced data, and reflect their statistical characters well. Furthermore, the matching matrices illustrate the probabilities of the possible outcomes of each allocation solution clearly. From the probabilistic assessment; the results suggest: 21160×10⁴ m³ diverted water are required to surely satisfy the current water demands, which is exactly the amount currently diverted for the study area. The proposed framework provides the updated probabilistic assessment for the possible outcomes, contributing to stakeholders to perform the tradeoff with each other. It makes significant contributions to address water allocation issues under uncertainty and is worthy to be applied broadly.

EarLy Elimination of Fatty Acids iN hypertriglyceridemia-induced acuTe pancreatitis (ELEFANT trial): Protocol of an open-label, multicenter, adaptive randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a life-threatening inflammatory disease, with no specific pharmacological treatment. However, concerning some etiologies, early specific intervention (such as ERCP in biliary AP) has proven to be remarkably beneficial. Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) induces severe pancreatic damage by several direct (cellular damage) and indirect (deterioration of microcirculation) mechanisms. Published data suggest that early removal of triglycerides (TGs) and toxic free fatty acids (FFAs) may be advantageous; however, high-quality evidence is still missing in the literature.

METHODS

Design: ELEFANT is a randomized controlled, multicenter, international trial testing the concept that early elimination of TGs and FFAs from the blood is beneficial in HTG-AP. The study will be performed with the adaptive "drop-the-loser" design, which supports the possibility of dropping the inferior treatment arm, based on the results of the interim analysis. Patients with HTG-AP defined by TG level over 11.3 mmol/l (1000 mg/dL) are randomized into three groups: (A) patients who undergo plasmapheresis and receive aggressive fluid resuscitation; (B) patients who receive insulin and heparin treatment with aggressive fluid resuscitation; and (C) patients with aggressive fluid resuscitation. Please note that all intervention must be started within 48 h from the onset of abdominal pain. Exclusion criteria are designed logically to decrease the possibility of any distorting effects of other diseases. The composite primary endpoint will include both severity and mortality.

RESULTS

Our null hypothesis is that early elimination of HTG and FFAs reduces the risk of mortality and severity of AP. Sample size calculation suggests that 495 patients will need to be enrolled in order to confirm or reject the hypothesis with a 10% dropout, 80% power and 95% significance level. The general safety and quality checks required for high-quality evidence will be adhered to. The study will be organized between February 2020 and December 2025.

CONCLUSION

Our study would provide the first direct evidence for or against early intervention in HTG-induced AP.

Gamma-ray attenuation properties of some NLO materials: potential use in dosimetry

Mass attenuation coefficients ([Formula: see text]) for some nonlinear optical materials such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, zinc tris-thiourea sulphate, and zinc thiourea chloride were measured using a [Formula: see text] NaI(Tl) scintillation detector at gamma energies of 122 keV, 356 keV, 511 keV, 662 keV, 840 keV, 1170 keV, 1270 keV, and 1330 keV. In addition, GEANT4 simulations were carried out to mimic the experiment at these energies. As a result, good agreement between the experimental and GEANT4 results was observed. The measured [Formula: see text] values were used to compute effective atomic numbers ([Formula: see text]) for the selected materials. It was found that the [Formula: see text] values were in the range typical for dosimetric materials.

Involvement of nitrate reductase-dependent nitric oxide production in magnetopriming-induced salt tolerance in soybean

In the present study, experiments were performed to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in magnetopriming-induced seed germination and early growth characteristics of soybean (Glycine max) seedlings under salt stress. The NO donor (sodium nitroprusside, SNP), NO scavenger (2-[4-carboxyphenyl]-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, CPTIO), inhibitors of nitrate reductase (sodium tungstate, ST) or NO synthase (N-nitro-L-Arg-methyl ester, LNAME) and NADPH oxidase inhibitor (diphenylene iodonium, DPI) have been used to measure the role of NO in the alleviation of salinity stress by static magnetic field (SMF of 200 mT, 1 h). Salt stress (50 mM NaCl) significantly reduced germination and early growth of seedlings emerged from non-primed seeds. Pre-treatment of seeds with SMF positively stimulated the germination and consequently promoted the seedling growth. ST, LNAME, CPTIO and DPI significantly decreased the growth of seedling, activities of α-amylase, protease and nitrate reductase (NR), hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), superoxide (O2 •- ) and NO content in roots of seedlings emerged from non-primed and SMF-primed seeds. However, the extent of reduction was higher with ST in seedlings of SMF-primed seeds under both conditions, whereas SNP promoted all the studied parameters. Moreover, the generation of NO was also confirmed microscopically using a membrane permanent fluorochrome (4-5-diaminofluorescein diacetate [DAF-2 DA]). Further, analysis showed that SMF enhanced the NR activity and triggered the NO production and NR was maximally decreased by ST as compared to LNAME, CPTIO and DPI. Thus, in addition to ROS, NO might be one of the important signaling molecules in magnetopriming-induced salt tolerance in soybean and NR may be responsible for SMF-triggered NO generation in roots of soybean.

Ringer's Lactate Prevents Early Organ Failure by Providing Extracellular Calcium

OBJECTIVE

Ringer's lactate may improve early systemic inflammation during critical illnesses like severe acute pancreatitis, which are associated with hypocalcemia. Ringer's lactate is buffered and contains lactate and calcium. We, thus analyzed extracellular calcium or lactate's effects on the mechanisms, intermediary markers, and organ failure in models mimicking human disease with nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) elevation.

METHODS

Meta-analyses and experimental studies were performed. Experimentally, extracellular calcium and lactate were compared in their interaction with linoleic acid (LA; a NEFA increased in human severe pancreatitis), and its subsequent effects on mitochondrial depolarization and cytosolic calcium signaling resulting in cell injury. In vivo, the effect of LA was studied on organ failure, along with the effect of calcium or lactate (pH 7.4) on severe acute pancreatitis-associated organ failure. A meta-analysis of human randomized control trials comparing Ringer's lactate to normal saline was done, focusing on necrosis and organ failure.

RESULTS

Calcium reacted ionically with LA and reduced lipotoxic necrosis. In vivo, LA induced organ failure and hypocalcemia. During severe pancreatitis, calcium supplementation in saline pH 7.4, unlike lactate, prevented hypocalcemia, increased NEFA saponification, reduced circulating NEFA and C-reactive protein , reduced pancreatic necrosis adjacent to fat necrosis, and normalized shock (carotid pulse distension) and blood urea nitrogen elevation on day 1. This, however, did not prevent the later increase in serum NEFA which caused delayed organ failure. Meta-analysis showed Ringer's lactate reduced necrosis, but not organ failure, compared with normal saline.

CONCLUSION

Hypocalcemia occurs due to excess NEFA binding calcium during a critical illness. Ringer's lactate's early benefits in systemic inflammation are by the calcium it provides reacting ionically with NEFA. This, however, does not prevent later organ failure from sustained NEFA generation. Future studies comparing calcium supplemented saline resuscitation to Ringer's lactate may provide insights to this pathophysiology.

Developing a dual entropy-transinformation criterion for hydrometric network optimization based on information theory and copulas

Hydrometric information collected by monitoring networks is fundamental for effective management of water resources. In recent years, entropy-based multi-objective criterions have been developed for the evaluation and optimization of hydrometric networks, and copula functions have been frequently used in hydrological frequency analysis to model multivariate dependence structures. This study developed a dual entropy-transinformation criterion (DETC) to identify and prioritize significant stations and generate candidate network optimization solutions. The criterion integrated an entropy index computed with mathematical floor function and a transinformation index computed with copula entropy through a tradeoff weight. The best fitted copula models were selected from three Archimedean copula families, i.e., Gumbel, Frank and Clayton. DETC was applied to a streamflow monitoring network in the Fenhe River basin and two rainfall monitoring networks in the Beijing Municipality and the Taihu Lake basin, which covers different network classification, network scale, and climate type. DETC was assessed by the commonly used dual entropy-multiobjective optimization (DEMO) criterion and was compared with a minimum transinformation (MinT) based criterion for network optimization. Results showed that DETC could effectively prioritize stations according to their significance and incorporate decision preference on information content and information redundancy. Comparison of the isohyet maps of two rainstorm events between DETC and MinT showed that DETC had advantage of restoring the spatial distribution of precipitation.

Management of Unstable Middle Turbinate in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

To propose a simple technique for preservation, medialization and stabilization of the middle turbinate through a planned medial synechiae formation using suction electrocautery between middle turbinate and nasal septum. Study design is Case series. 150 cases of chronic rhino sinusitis who underwent ESS were selected and stabilization of the middle turbinate through a planned medial synechiae formation using suction electrocautery was done as last step and results studied. Adequate medialization was achieved in 141 cases with 94% success rate. This technique of medialization of middle turbinate through a planned medial synechiae formation using cautery between middle turbinate and nasal septum is simple, quick to perform, do not require any special or costly instrument, do not require any special training and thus can be easily done by beginners also and most importantly with good success rate and surgery outcome.

Evaluation of information transfer and data transfer models of rain-gauge network design based on information entropy

Rainfall is one of the most fundamental components of the water cycle and is one of the fundamental inputs of hydrological models. A well-designed network can not only depict the regional precipitation characteristics, but also economically yield maximum needed rainfall information. In regions where either there is limited data or data is not available, it is a common challenge to add stations. The entropy theory-based information transfer model and geostatistical interpolation techniques are two solutions to meet the challenge. In this study, we used a representative rain gauge network to do the network design. Two models, based on information transfer and data transfer, were compared for network design. Other rain gauges in the study area were used as reference ("true values") for assessing the model. Results showed that the information transfer model estimated transinformation between station pairs better than did the data transfer model. Different representative gauges were evaluated separately by the directional information transfer index (DIT). The candidate gauges selected with least information redundancy were similar for both information transfer and data transfer models. Though both models captured some least information-redundant areas, other areas may be bypassed because of model errors or estimation errors.

Sensitivity analysis of the reference crop evapotranspiration in a humid region

This study examined the sensitivity of reference crop evapotranspiration (ET₀) to climatic variables in a humid region in Iran. ET₀ was estimated using the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith (PMF-56), Blaney-Criddle (BC), and Hargreaves-Samani (HG) methods. Sensitivity analysis was performed by two distinct methods which were (i) changing the value of a certain climatic parameter in a range between ± 20% of its long-term mean with an increment of 5%, and calculating the percentage of change in ET₀, while the other parameter values were kept constant; and (ii) calculating the sensitivity coefficients (SCs) for each of the climatic variables. For each of the climatic parameters, the Iso-SC maps were plotted using the Arc-GIS software. Results indicated that the most sensitive parameter for ET₀ was the maximum air temperature (T_max) by PMF-56 and HG methods. Increasing T_max up to 20% led to an increase in ET₀ between 8.5 and 15%, at the selected stations by PMF-56. In contrast, the less sensitive parameter for ET₀ was the minimum air temperature (T_min) for PMF-56 and T_mean for HG. For PMF-56, increasing the minimum relative humidity (RH_min) to 20% led to a decrease in ET₀ in the range between 0.5 and 5%. The highest values of SC in the cases of T_max and T_min were found to be equal to 0.8 and 0.53, respectively. Similarly, the SC in the case of RH_min varied between - 0.29 and - 0.0038. This range for wind speed was between 0.06 and 0.22 and in the case of sunshine hours it was between 0.272 and 0.385. These findings would be useful in the scientific management of water resources in the region.

Watershed scale assessment of rare earth elements in soils derived from sedimentary rocks

Despite the rare earth elements (REEs) being considered as emerging contaminants, their natural values and possible anthropogenic enrichments in soils have not been studied well in Brazil. The intensive use of conditioners and fertilizers in agricultural frontiers from Brazilian Cerrado can increase the concentration of REE in soils of the region. In this context, the objectives of this study were to determine the natural content and establish quality reference values (QRV) for REEs in soils of a watershed from Brazilian Cerrado composed of sedimentary rocks and to evaluate the influence of agricultural cultivation and the spatial variability of these elements. Thirty and twenty-six composite soil samples were collected under native vegetation and soybean cultivation, respectively. The background concentrations followed the order (mg kg^-1) Ce > Nd > La > Pr > Sm > Yb > Er > Eu > Dy. The QRVs established were as follows (mg kg^-1): La (1.76), Ce (5.20), Pr (0.74), Nd (1.35), Sm (0.38), Eu (0.06), Dy (0.15), Er (0.12), and Yb (0.14). Lantanium, Ce, and Er exhibited strong spatial dependence, while Eu, Dy, and Yb showed weak or total absence of spatial dependence. The spherical model was most suitable for the spatial characteristics of REEs. The parent material, mainly characterized by soils derived from sedimentary rocks (i.e., sandstone), was the primordial source of REEs for soils and that there was no or little effect of agricultural practices on these levels. Our data reinforced the need for geochemical mapping at the watershed scale, since they are important conservation units.

An improved model based on the support vector machine and cuckoo algorithm for simulating reference evapotranspiration

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) plays a fundamental role in irrigated agriculture. The objective of this study is to simulate monthly ET0 at a meteorological station in India using a new method, an improved support vector machine (SVM) based on the cuckoo algorithm (CA), which is known as SVM-CA. Maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and sunshine hours were selected as inputs for the models used in the simulation. The results of the simulation using SVM-CA were compared with those from experimental models, genetic programming (GP), model tree (M5T) and the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The achieved results demonstrate that the proposed SVM-CA model is able to simulate ET0 more accurately than the GP, M5T and ANFIS models. Two major indicators, namely, root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), indicated that the SVM-CA outperformed the other methods with respective reductions of 5-15% and 5-17% compared with the GP model, 12-21% and 10-22% compared with the M5T model, and 7-15% and 5-18% compared with the ANFIS model, respectively. Therefore, the proposed SVM-CA model has high potential for accurate simulation of monthly ET0 values compared with the other models.

Organ Failure Due to Systemic Injury in Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis may be associated with both local and systemic complications. Systemic injury manifests in the form of organ failure, which is seen in approximately 20% of all cases of acute pancreatitis and defines "severe acute pancreatitis." Organ failure typically develops early in the course of acute pancreatitis, but also may develop later due to infected pancreatic necrosis-induced sepsis. Organ failure is the most important determinant of outcome in acute pancreatitis. We review here the current understanding of the risk factors, pathophysiology, timing, impact on outcome, and therapy of organ failure in acute pancreatitis. As we discuss the pathophysiology of severe systemic injury, the distinctions between markers and mediators of severity are highlighted based on evidence supporting their causality in organ failure. Emphasis is placed on clinically relevant end points of organ failure and the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiological perturbations, which offer insight into potential therapeutic targets to treat.

Carboxyl Ester Lipase May Not Mediate Lipotoxic Injury during Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Acute lipolysis of visceral fat or circulating triglycerides may worsen acute pancreatitis (AP)-associated local and systemic injury. The pancreas expresses pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase (PNLIP), pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (PNLIPRP2), and carboxyl ester lipase (CEL), which may leak into the visceral fat or systemic circulation during pancreatitis. We, thus, aimed to determine the pancreatic lipase(s) regulating lipotoxicity during AP. For this AP, associated fat necrosis was analyzed using Western blot analysis. Bile acid (using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) and fatty acid (using gas chromatography) concentrations were measured in human fat necrosis. The fat necrosis milieu was simulated in vitro using glyceryl trilinoleate because linoleic acid is increased in fat necrosis. Bile acid requirements to effectively hydrolyze glyceryl trilinoleate were studied using exogenous or overexpressed lipases. The renal cell line (HEK 293) was used to study lipotoxic injury. Because dual pancreatic lipase knockouts are lethal, exocrine parotid acini lacking lipases were used to verify the results. PNLIP, PNLIPRP2, and CEL were increased in fat necrosis. Although PNLIP and PNLIPRP2 were equipotent in inducing lipolysis and lipotoxic injury, CEL required bile acid concentrations higher than in human fat necrosis. The high bile acid requirements for effective lipolysis make CEL an unlikely mediator of lipotoxic injury in AP. It remains to be explored whether PNLIP or PNLIPRP2 worsens AP severity in vivo.

Is Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau "drying"? Historical estimations and future trends of surface soil moisture

The Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau (HTP), often known as the "Third Pole" and the "Asian Water Tower", is the source of water resources for many Asian rivers and in turn for hundreds of millions of people living downstream. The HTP has direct impacts on the establishment and maintenance of Asian monsoon, and therefore on the climate of its surrounding areas. Besides, soil moisture plays a critical role in the hydrological cycle and is a critical link between land surface and atmosphere. Hence, soil moisture was greatly emphasized by Global Climate Observing System Programme as an Essential Climate Variable. However, little is known about soil moisture changes on the HTP from a long-term perspective. By comparing remotely sensed and modelled soil moisture datasets against in-situ observations from 100 observation stations, here we find that Noah performed better than other soil moisture datasets. In past years, soil moisture first decreased and then increased obviously. In most regions on HTP, precipitation changes can be taken as the major cause behind soil moisture variations. In future, there is persistently decreasing soil moisture trend since ~2010 with a decreasing rate of -0.044 kg/m²/10a, -0.031 kg/m²/10a and -0.0p 88 kg/m²/10a under RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively, in CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparision Project Phase 5). Specifically, a sudden decrease of soil moisture with a rate of -0.372 kg/m²/10a can be expected after ~2080 under RCP8.5 scenario. Amplifying terrestrial aridity due to increasing precipitation but more significant increasing potential evapotranspiration potentially results in drying HTP. Potential water deficiency for Asian rivers due to drying HTP should arouse considerable concerns.

Interactive effects of hydrological conditions on soil respiration in China's Horqin sandy land: An example of dune-meadow cascade ecosystem

Soil moisture (M_s) strongly influences dynamic changes in soil respiration (R_s) and is thus an important factor when predicting soil carbon emissions. However, the various sources of M_s (rainfall, groundwater, and condensation) exert complicated and uncertain effects on R_s. This study examined the growth seasonal variation (from April to October) of R_s and the diurnal variation in a cascade ecosystem consisting of sandy bare ground, a transitional artificial Populus forest, and a meadow Phragmites communis community in China's Horqin sandy land. Simultaneous measurements of the 0-10 cm depth soil temperature (T_s) and M_s, rainfall, the surface air relative humidity and the groundwater depth were collected. The results revealed that in sandy bare ground with M_s below field capacity, M_s had a greater impact on R_s than T_s, and rainfall could increase R_s. The effect of condensation on R_s during periods of continuous drought could not be ignored. In the meadowlands with M_s above field capacity, the groundwater affected R_s indirectly by regulating M_s and the relationship with T_s, and rainfall had an adverse effect on R_s. The effects of rainfall, M_s and T_s on R_s were minimum as M_s approached the saturation water content. In the transitional forest, M_s and T_s were the main factors controlling R_s. The most favorable M_s for R_s was close to the field capacity. The results emphasize that field capacity and saturation water content are the demarcation points of a soil carbon emissions prediction model, and the effect of different hydrological conditions and T_s on R_s at each segment are reconsidered accordingly. Ultimately, the carbon emission patterns of the cascade ecosystems in arid and semi-arid areas are extremely complicated and have to be considered specially for estimating terrestrial carbon emissions.