Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Is Capable of Inducing Cell–Cell Fusions Independent from Its Receptor ACE2 and This Activity Can Be Impaired by Furin Inhibitors or a Subset of Monoclonal Antibodies

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, efficiently spreads cell-to-cell through mechanisms facilitated by its membrane glycoprotein spike. We established a dual split protein (DSP) assay based on the complementation of GFP and luciferase to quantify the fusogenic activity of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We provide several lines of evidence that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, but not SARS-CoV-1, induced cell–cell fusion even in the absence of its receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This poorly described ACE2-independent cell fusion activity of the spike protein was strictly dependent on the proteasomal cleavage of the spike by furin while TMPRSS2 was dispensable. Previous and current variants of concern (VOCs) differed significantly in their fusogenicity. The Delta spike was extremely potent compared to Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Kappa, while the Omicron spike was almost devoid of receptor-independent fusion activity. Nonetheless, for all analyzed variants, cell fusion was dependent on furin cleavage and could be pharmacologically inhibited with CMK. Mapping studies revealed that amino acids 652-1273 conferred the ACE2-independent fusion activity of the spike. Unexpectedly, residues proximal to the furin cleavage site were not of major relevance, whereas residue 655 critically regulated fusion. Finally, we found that the spike’s fusion activity in the absence of ACE2 could be inhibited by antibodies directed against its N-terminal domain (NTD) but not by antibodies targeting its receptor-binding domain (RBD). In conclusion, our BSL-1-compatible DSP assay allowed us to screen for inhibitors or antibodies that interfere with the spike’s fusogenic activity and may therefore contribute to both rational vaccine design and development of novel treatment options against SARS-CoV-2.
Weakening of the tropical tropopause layer cold trap with global warming

Abstract. Lagrangian trajectories have previously been used to reconstruct water vapor variability in the lower stratosphere, where the sensitivity of surface radiation to changes in the water vapor concentration is strongest, by obtaining temperature histories of air parcels that ascend from the troposphere to the stratosphere through the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). Models and theory predict an acceleration of the Brewer–Dobson circulation (BDC) and deceleration of the Walker circulation with surface warming, and both of these will drive future changes to transport across the TTL. Here, we examine the response of TTL transport during boreal winter to idealized changes in the BDC and Walker circulation by comparing the temperature histories of trajectories computed with ERA5 data to those calculated using the same data but with altered vertical and zonal wind velocities. We find that lower-stratospheric water vapor mixing ratios calculated from trajectories' cold point temperatures can increase by about 1.6 ppmv (about 50 %) when only zonal winds are slowed, while changes to vertical winds have a negligible impact on water vapor concentrations. This change follows from a decrease in zonal sampling of the temperature field by trajectories, which weakens the “cold trap” mechanism of dehydration as TTL transport evolves. As the zonal winds of the TTL decrease, the fraction of air that passes through the cold trap while ascending to the stratosphere will decrease and the coldest average temperature experienced by parcels will increase. Future changes to TTL temperatures can be applied as an offset to these temperature histories, including enhanced warming of the cold trap due to El Niño-like warming, which has a secondary impact on the fraction of air that is dehydrated by the cold trap. Some of the resultant moistening may be negated by a decreased rate of temperature change following the cold point, which will allow more ice to gravitationally settle before sublimating outside of the cold trap. This result presents a mechanism for a stratospheric water vapor feedback that can exist without changes to TTL temperatures.
DIVERSITY OF ODONATA IN LANGSA URBAN FOREST, LANGSA, ACEH, INDONESIA

Odonata is important as environmental bioindicator as well as pest control. Langsa Urban Forest (LUF) is a 10-ha green open space in Langsa City, Aceh Province which serves the purpose of tourism and support biodiversity conservation, in which Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) is included. Thereis a lack of Odonata research in Langsa, especially at the LUF area, therefore this study offers a baseline information for wildlife management. Field observations had been conducted between February to March 2022 using line-transect method. As a result, this study recorded 19 Odonata species from four families, of which Orthetrum sabina (Libellulidae) became the most prominent species observed. Odonata diversity in LUF was medium (H’ = 1.863-2.252) with population of each species presumed to be nearly even (J = 0.71-0.79). Odonata diversity in LUF serves as additional information on Odonata species found in Indonesia, especially Aceh Province. Also, the medium category of Odonata diversity index in LUF can be used as a reference for LUF management to support more ecosystems as Odonata habitat.
Pengaruh Self Efficacy, Self Esteem dan Employee Engagement Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Pada Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum Kota Magelang

Sebagai salah satu perusahaan pada pelayanan publik, PDAM Kota Magelang tentunya membutuhkan sumber daya manusia yang menghasilkan kinerja maksimal untuk perusahaan. Namun, kinerja karyawan pada PDAM Kota Magelang belum optimal yang ditunjukkan dari keluhan pelanggan yang naik turun dan target karyawan yang tidak tercapai. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi pengaruh self efficacy, self esteem dan employee engagement terhadap kinerja karyawan pada PDAM Kota Magelang. Metode penelitian ini kuantitatif dengan desain penelitian asosiatif. Teknik pengambilan sampel yaitu sample random sampling dengan jumlah 67 responden menggunakan rumus Slovin. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi linear berganda. Hasil uji t menunjukkan bahwa secara parsial self efficacy, self esteem dan employee engagement berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan. Hasil uji F menunjukkan bahwa self efficacy, self esteem dan employee engagement secara simultan berpengaruh terhadap kinerja karyawan pada PDAM Kota Magelang. PDAM Kota Magelang dapat mempertimbangkan aspek self efficacy, self esteem dan employee engagement dalam meningkatkan kinerja karyawan.Kata Kunci: Self Efficacy, Self Esteem, Employee Engagement, Kinerja Karyawan
Fibrous Ag/AgCl Reference Electrode Guided by Failure Analysis for Real-Time Wearable Sweat Analysis

The reference electrode (RE) in an electrochemical sensor provides the potential standard for the measurement and is closely related to the stability and reliability of the detection results. Although commercial REs have reached a high level of technical maturity, the acquisition of miniaturized RE for skin-attachable sensors is still challenging. Herein, we apply a failure analysis process to summarize the risks affecting the stability of Ag/AgCl REs in wearable sensors. Accordingly, the fibrous Ag/AgCl REs with excellent potential stability against the changes in curvature, ionic environment, temperature, and so on are developed, which allows a skin-attached four-ion-channel organic field-effect transistor to monitor the concentrations of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{K}^{+}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, Na<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{+}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, NH<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{{4}}^{+}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{H}^{+}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> (pH) in human sweat instantly and simultaneously. To assess the interfacialintegrity of the fibrous Ag/AgCl RE, a theoretical model is further established. The results herein demonstrate that failure analysis does not just help us to construct miniaturized REs with high stability, but also offers a feasible strategy for the design of electrochemical microsensors operable in harsh and dynamic environments.
'Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose'? Continuities and discontinuities in the funerary record of the northern half of Iberia

An evolutionary approach on the study of the funerary systems in Late Prehistory allows recognizing diverse contexts of social crises in the north of Iberia. The analysis of the radio-chronological data that we have compiled indicates five phases of use—with the newness of identifying two different cycles during the Late Neolithic—and of subsequent ‘abandonment’ in the megaliths; this is reduced to two phases in the case of the sepulchral caves. We interpret the radio-chronological results through an examination of the material culture present in the graves and dynamics of the megalithic architecture. In addition, we contrast our results with different approaches, carrying out a complementary multidisciplinary approach. In this regard, we found that megalithism served as a vehicle for responding to the different crisis and changes faced by increasingly complex and unequal human groups.
High rejection self-oscillating up-conversion mixer for fifth-generation communications

This paper presents the design of a pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) self-oscillating mixer (SOM) for millimeter wave wireless communication systems. The 180° out-of-phase technique is chosen to both improve the desired lower sideband (LSB) signal and to achieve a satisfactory rejection of the unwanted signals (LO, USB and IF). This SOM is designed on the PH15 process of UMS foundry which is based on 0.15 µm GaAs pHEMT. The signal is up-converted from 2 GHz-IF frequency to 26 GHz-LSB frequency, using an autogenerated 28 GHz-LO signal. Simulations were performed using the advanced design system (ADS) workflow. They show 6.4 dB conversion gain and a signal rejection rate of 29.7 dB for the unwanted USB signal. the chip size is 3.6 mm2.
Establishment and Characterization of Free-Floating 3D Macrophage Programming Model in the Presence of Cancer Cell Spheroids

Reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Several studies have shown that cancer cells induce/support the formation of immunosuppressive TAMs phenotypes. However, the specific factors that orchestrate this immunosuppressive process are unknown or poorly studied. In vivo studies are expensive, complex, and ethically constrained. Therefore, 3D cell interaction models could become a unique framework for the identification of important TAMs programming factors. In this study, we have established and characterized a new in vitro 3D model for macrophage programming in the presence of cancer cell spheroids. First, it was demonstrated that the profile of cytokines, chemokines, and surface markers of 3D-cultured macrophages did not differ conceptually from monolayer-cultured M1 and M2-programmed macrophages. Second, the possibility of reprogramming macrophages in 3D conditions was investigated. In total, the dynamic changes in 6 surface markers, 11 cytokines, and 22 chemokines were analyzed upon macrophage programming (M1 and M2) and reprogramming (M1→M2 and M2→M1). According to the findings, the reprogramming resulted in a mixed macrophage phenotype that expressed both immunosuppressive and anti-cancer immunostimulatory features. Third, cancer cell spheroids were shown to stimulate the production of immunosuppressive M2 markers as well as pro-tumor cytokines and chemokines. In summary, the newly developed 3D model of cancer cell spheroid/macrophage co-culture under free-floating conditions can be used for studies on macrophage plasticity and for the development of targeted cancer immunotherapy.
Label-free quantification of protein binding to lipid vesicles using transparent waveguide evanescent-field scattering microscopy with liquid control

Recent innovations in microscopy techniques are paving the way for label-free studies of single nanoscopic biological entities such as viruses, lipid-nanoparticle drug carriers, and even proteins. One such technique is waveguide evanescent-field microscopy, which offers a relatively simple, yet sensitive, way of achieving label-free light scattering-based imaging of nanoparticles on surfaces. Herein, we extend the application of this technique by incorporating microfluidic liquid control and adapting the design for use with inverted microscopes by fabricating a waveguide on a transparent substrate. We furthermore formulate analytical models describing scattering and fluorescence intensities from single spherical and shell-like objects interacting with evanescent fields. The models are then applied to analyze scattering and fluorescence intensities from adsorbed polystyrene beads and to temporally resolve cholera-toxin B (CTB) binding to individual surface-immobilized glycosphingolipid GM1 containing vesicles. We also propose a self-consistent means to quantify the thickness of the CTB layer, revealing that protein-binding to individual vesicles can be characterized with sub-nm precision in a time-resolved manner.
Anomalous phonon behavior in superconducting CaKFe4As4: An optical study

Run Yang,1,2 Yaomin Dai,2 Bing Xu,3 Wei Zhang,1 Ziyang Qiu,1 Qiangtao Sui,1 Christopher C. Homes,2,* and Xianggang Qiu1,4,† 1Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 603, Beijing 100190, China 2Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Division, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upon, New York 11973, USA 3Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research, Beijing 100094, China 4Collaborative Innovation Center of Quantum Matter, Beijing 100084, China (Received 14 October 2016; revised manuscript received 23 January 2017; published 8 February 2017)
Approximation of discrete BSDE using least-squares regression

We consider the dynamic programming equation arising from the time-discretization of backward stochastic differential equations. When the sequence of conditional expectations is computed using empirical least-squares regressions, we show that the Multi step-forward Dynamic Programming (MDP) equation yields better error estimates than the usual One-step forward DP (ODP) equation. We provide full error estimates, depending on the time-grid, the number of simulations and the approximation spaces for regression. The generator is assumed to be locally Lipschitz, which includes some cases of quadratic drivers.
Using Ozone instead of Chlorine for Drinking Water Treatment under Egyptian Conditions

The aim of this study was to improve disinfection techniques by using ozone in water treatment instead of chlorine. Current study for Nile water treatment revealed that the optimum dose was 10 mg/L and 4.6 mg/L for ozone and chlorine, respectively. The concentration of ozone and chlorine were under permissible limits according to the Egyptian standards for drinking water. The current work was shown to monitor TBC, TCs, FCs, and non-FCs by removal percentage reaching to 99.87, 99.97, 99.96, and 99.02% for each, respectively, for chlorine. While with ozone the removal percentage reaching to 99.9, 99.95, 99.93, and 98.92%, respectively. Microbiological examinations include: Total plate count, total coliform, total algal count, and microscopic examination. The ozone Algal counting analysis revealed that, total algae, green algae, blue- green algae, and diatoms with removal efficiencies of 91.07, 90.24, 100, and 88.24%, respectively, chlorine counting analysis show removal efficiencies of 94.42, 95.08, 100, and 91.62%, respectively. It’s concluded that using ozone is one of the future ways to meet the environmental water standards and supply the water requirements of the growing population.
Assessment of Microstructural, Mechanical and Electrochemical Properties of Ti–42Nb Alloy Manufactured by Electron Beam Melting

The β-type Ti–42Nb alloy has been successfully manufactured from pre-alloyed powder using the E-PBF method for the first time. This study presents thorough microstructural investigations employing diverse methodologies such as EDS, XRD, TEM, and EBSD, while mechanical properties are assessed using UPT, nanoindentation, and compression tests. Microstructural analysis reveals that Ti–42Nb alloy primarily consisted of the β phase with the presence of a small amount of nano-sized α″-martensite formed upon fast cooling. The bimodal-grained microstructure of Ti–42Nb alloy comprising epitaxially grown fine equiaxed and elongated equiaxed β-grains with an average grain size of 40 ± 28 µm exhibited a weak texture. The study shows that the obtained microstructure leads to improved mechanical properties. Young’s modulus of 78.69 GPa is significantly lower than that of cp-Ti and Ti–6Al–4V alloys. The yield strength (379 MPa) and hardness (3.2 ± 0.5 GPa) also meet the criteria and closely approximate the values typical of cortical bone. UPT offers a reliable opportunity to study the nature of the ductility of the Ti–42Nb alloy by calculating its elastic constants. XPS surface analysis and electrochemical experiments demonstrate that the better corrosion resistance of the alloy in SBF is maintained by the dominant presence of TiO2 and Nb2O5. The results provide valuable insights into the development of novel low-modulus Ti–Nb alloys, which are interesting materials for additive-manufactured implants with the desired properties required for their biomedical applications.
AN ALTERNATIVE DIGITAL FEEDBACK THROUGH SCREENCAST: BLENDED LEARNING PRACTICES ON ACADEMIC WRITING

Aiming at elucidating screencast use as alternative digital feedback in the academic writing class throughout blended learning, screencast was investigated in classroom action research with three cycles. The results discovered that screencast feedback was successfully implemented and evidenced to enhance students' writing skills. The success was proved by the higher number of students who passed the passing score as competent writers. Given screencast feedback, students found it was helpful, clear, and easy. Also, they felt an increased teacher-student interpersonal relation, improved teacher praise, and a conversation-like atmosphere during screencast feedback with an additional teacher’s visual presence. Several teachers’ reflections from each cycle were also discussed further. In short, screencast was implemented successfully in academic writing courses and was able to enhance students’ scientific article writing.
Perceptions of a good life: Associations with culture, age, wellbeing, and health

What does a good life look like? The present research investigated individual differences in people’s perceptions of the factors that are most important for living a good life using two waves of data in probability samples from the US (MIDUS; N = 4041) and Japan (MIDJA; N = 381). We examined country- and age-related similarities and differences in perceptions of a good life and associations of perceptions of a good life with experiences of wellbeing and physical health. Some factors were considered important for living a good life in both countries and across age (e.g., positive relationships with family), whereas other factors varied between countries (e.g., U.S. participants were more likely to perceive faith as important) and by age (e.g., younger adults were more likely to perceive having a good job as important). Further, perceptions of a good life were related to experiences of wellbeing and physical health concurrently and prospectively. This research informs our understanding of how people differ from one another in their perceptions of a good life, and how these differences may matter for individuals’ experiences of a good life.
Chronic Neuroinflammation Induced by Systemic Administration of Lipopolysaccharide Leads to Behavioral Impairments in Mice

Background: There is evidence that chronic neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In this regard, animal models are considered important tools for the study of neuroinflammation associated with these diseases. The injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the most commonly used approach for inducing neuroinflammation in animal models. However, there are limited and inconsistent studies regarding the effect of the chronic administration of LPS on behavioral parameters. Accordingly, this experimental study aimed to compare the effect of the chronic injection of LPS in two different doses on behavioral alterations, including spatial learning and working memory in mice. Methods: Thirty-six male BALB/c mice were used in this study. After acclimatization for a week, mice were randomly divided into three groups. Control mice were intraperitoneally (IP) injected with saline for seven consecutive days, and mice of the second group received 250 μg/kg LPS (IP) dissolved in saline for a week. Finally, mice of the third group were administered 750 μg/kg LPS (IP) dissolved in saline for a week. Morris water maze (MWM) and Y-maze were performed to assess spatial learning and working memory alterations in treated mice, respectively. Results: It was found that LPS treatment with a high dose (750 μg/kg) results in working memory impairment (P=0.0024) and cognitive dysfunction (P=0.0030) based on Y-maze and MWM test results. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the LPS-induced model of chronic neuroinflammation can be used as an important tool for the investigation of the pathomechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders and the development of new pharmacotherapeutic options.
The Use of Drama in Developing the Skill of Speaking in Standard Arabic Among Third Grade Arabic Speaking Students

This research aims to develop the skill of speaking Standard Arabic among third-grade Arabic-speaking students through using drama. The research sample consisted of 60 third-grade Arabic native students. Their ages ranged between 8-9 years, with a mean of 8.55, and a standard deviation of 0.50. They were divided into two equal groups; experimental and control groups. Each group consists of 30 students. Moreover, the research tools consisted of a test of speaking skill in Standard Arabic, and a drama program (prepared by the researcher). The results related to the post-measurement revealed the effectiveness of drama in developing speaking Standard Arabic language in the experimental group, compared to the control group. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences between the post and follow-up measurements.
The Impact of Moist Frontogenesis and Tropopause Undulation on the Intensity, Size, and Structural Changes of Hurricane Sandy (2012)

AbstractThis study examines the relative roles of moist frontogenesis and tropopause undulation in determining the intensity, size, and structural changes of Hurricane Sandy using a high-resolution cloud-resolving model. A 138-h simulation reproduces Sandy’s four distinct development stages: (i) rapid intensification, (ii) weakening, (iii) steady maximum surface wind but with large continued sea level pressure (SLP) falls, and (iv) reintensification. Results show typical correlations between intensity changes, sea surface temperature, and vertical wind shear during the first two stages. The large SLP falls during the last two stages are mostly caused by Sandy’s northward movement into lower-tropopause regions associated with an eastward-propagating midlatitude trough, where the associated lower-stratospheric warm air wraps into the storm and its surrounding areas. The steady maximum surface wind occurs because of the widespread SLP falls with weak gradients lacking significant inward advection of absolute.