More than a decade ago it was established that intact nef genes are critical for efficient viral persistence and greatly accelerate disease progression in SIVmac-infected rhesus macaques and in ...HIV-1-infected humans. Subsequent studies established a striking number of Nef functions that evidently contribute to the maintenance of high viral loads associated with the development of immunodeficiency in the 'evolutionary-recent' human and the experimental macaque hosts. Recent data show that many Nef activities are conserved across different lineages of HIV and SIV. However, some differences also exist. For example, Nef alleles from most SIVs that do not cause disease in their natural monkey hosts, but not those of HIV-1 and its simian precursors, down-modulate TCR-CD3 to suppress T cell activation and programmed death. This evolutionary loss of a specific Nef function may contribute to the high virulence of HIV-1 in humans.
Metal release from total hip replacements (THRs) is associated with aseptic loosening (AL). It has been proposed that the underlying immunological response is caused by a delayed type IV ...hypersensitivity-like reaction to metals, i.e., metal allergy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immunological response in patients with AL in relation to metal release and the prevalence of metal allergy. THR patients undergoing revision surgery due to AL or mechanical implant failures were included in the study along with a control group consisting of primary THR patients. Comprehensive cytokine analyses were performed on serum and periimplant tissue samples along with metal analysis using inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Patient patch testing was done with a series of metals related to orthopedic implant. A distinct cytokine profile was found in the periimplant tissue of patients with AL. Significantly increased levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, IL-8, IFN-γ and TNF-α, but also the anti-inflammatory IL-10 were detected. A general increase of metal concentrations in the periimplant tissue was observed in both revision groups, while Cr was significantly increased in patient serum with AL. No difference in the prevalence of metal sensitivity was established by patch testing. Increased levels of IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α point to an innate immune response. However, the presence of IL-2 and IFN-γ indicates additional involvement of T cell-mediated response in patients with AL, although this could not be detected by patch testing.
Assessing the effects of the energy transition and liberalization of energy markets on resource adequacy is an increasingly important and demanding task. The rising complexity of energy systems ...requires adequate methods for energy system modeling leading to increased computational requirements. Furthermore, with complexity, uncertainty increases likewise calling for probabilistic assessments and scenario analyses. To adequately and efficiently address these various requirements, new methods from the field of data science are needed to accelerate current modeling approaches. With our systematic literature review, we want to close the gap between the three disciplines (1) resource adequacy assessments, (2) artificial intelligence (AI), and (3) design of experiments. For this, we conduct a large-scale systematic review of selected fields of application and methods and make a synthesis that relates the different disciplines to each other. Among other findings, we identify metamodeling of complex probabilistic resource adequacy assessment models using AI methods and applications of AI-based methods for forecasts of storage dispatch and (non-)availabilities as promising fields of application that have not yet been sufficiently covered. Eventually, we define a new methodological pipeline for adequately and efficiently addressing the present and upcoming challenges in the assessment of resource adequacy accounting for modeling the complexity and uncertainties of future developments.
•Large-scale systematic review of AI-based methods and design of experiments for resource adequacy assessments.•Data consolidation, forecasting, and metamodeling can benefit from AI-based methods and design of experiments.•Metamodels in combination with design of experiments can accelerate complex resource adequacy models.•AI-based methods for forecasting storage dispatch and (non-)availabilities are underexplored in literature.•New methodological pipeline for integrating AI-based methods into the assessment of resource adequacy.
KEY MESSAGE : We review causes of synergies in mixed-species stands, develop guiding hypotheses for revealing their mechanisms and present a rainfall exclusion experiment along with a transect ...(KROOF) for exploring drought effects. While monocultures have dominated forest research and practice in the past, in face of growing resource scarcity and climate change, mixed-species stands are on the advance. Long-term observations show that mixed-species stands frequently over-yield monocultures, and they further suggest that the over-yielding is often higher on poor than on fertile sites and in low-growth than in high-growth years. However, the underlying causes have not yet been clarified. We start with a review of, among others, hydraulic redistribution, complementary eco-physiological traits, and ectomycorrhizal networks as possible causes behind the observed productivity gains in mixed-species stands. Then, we develop guiding hypotheses for further exploration of synergies in mixed-species stands. Finally, we introduce into the concept and model approach of the rainfall exclusion experiment for examining the role of water supply in mixed versus pure forest stands of spruce and beech. At the Kranzberg site, six plots are equipped with water retention roofs, which only close during rain events. The remaining six plots serve as non-roofed control. Together with the rainfall exclusion experiment, an ecological gradient with five sites extending through SE-Germany forms the “Kranzberg Roof Experiment” (in short KROOF). Kranzberg Forest is a part of this gradient from moist to dry conditions, with each site providing mixed and pure associations each of spruce and beech. The ecophysiological approach will be complemented by tree ring analysis and modelling of productivity of the tree associations under intense drought.
Summary
Retention of dissolved organic carbon in soil depends on the chemical and physical environment. We studied the release of organic carbon from three carbonate‐free forest subsoil materials ...(Bs1, Bs2, Bg) in unsaturated column experiments as influenced by (i) variations of the flow regime and (ii) varied chemical properties of the irrigation solution. We investigated the effect of flow initiation, constant irrigation, interruptions to flow, and variation in the effective pore water velocity on the release of organic C. The influence of ionic strength and cation valence in the irrigation solution was studied by stepped pulses of NaCl and CaCl2. The release of C from all materials was characterized by an initial large output and a decline to constant concentrations under long‐term irrigation. Interrupting the flow increased its release when flow was resumed. The release from the Bs1 material was not related to the duration of the interruption. The Bs2 material, in contrast, released organic carbon in a way that was successfully described by a kinetic first‐order model. Increased pore water velocity decreased the concentrations of C in the effluent from it. The pH of the irrigation solution had negligible effects on the mobilization of C. Increased ionic strength reduced the release, whereas rinsing with distilled water increased the concentrations of C in the effluent. The response of dissolved C to pulses of weak solutions, however, was sensitive to the type of cation in the previous step with strong solutions. The results suggest that the release of organic matter in the soils depends on its colloidal properties.
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