bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A copper pyramidal fractal antenna fabricated with green-laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Johnson Kerry , Burden Edward , Shaffer Michael , Noack Tobias , Mueller Matthias , Walker Jason , MacDonald Eric , Cortes Pedro , Quintana Joel
Published: February 2022

Recent advances in additive manufacturing have enabled a new generation of electromagnetic applications to flourish. Complex geometries for dielectrics and conductors can now be simulated and rapidly fabricated from digital data. Powder bed fusion of metals is arguably the most widely adopted additive process by industry and can provide intricately-detailed structures in a wide range of high performance alloys. Copper and copper alloys have remained a challenge in this additive process, as the typical laser wavelength (approximately 1070 nm) used fails to provide sufficient absorption. Moreover, the high thermal conductivity of copper does not allow for the required heat generation for a stable melt pool. However, the recent commercial introduction of the green laser (515 nm wavelength) is enabling the printing of copper, which is particularly interesting for electrical and electromagnetic applications due to the high electrical conductivity and solderability. This paper describes the use of a green laser powder bed fusion system used to fabricate a complex fractal Sierpinski gasket ground structure with an isolated internal pyramid antenna built simultaneously—within and dielectrically isolated from the external ground element: a ship-in-the-bottle design paradigm. The electromagnetic performance, surface finish, dimensional compliance, and conductivity were measured and reported to inform the design of freestanding, geometrically-complex antennas.
U.S. Security Policy: The Dual-Use Regulation of Cryptography and its Effects on Surveillance
Authors: Riebe Thea , Kühn Philipp , Imperatori Philipp , Reuter Christian
Published: February 2022

Cryptography has become ubiquitous in communication technology and is considered a necessary part of information security. However, both the regulation to restrict access to cryptography, as well as practices to weaken or break encryption, are part of the States’ security policies. The United States (U.S.) regulate cryptography for export in international trade as a dual-use good. However, the regulation has been increasingly loosened and transferred to bilateral agreements with Information and Communication Technology companies. At the same time, the National Security Agency attempted to implement a government encryption standard to guarantee itself easier access to data, thus progressively expanding surveillance on non-U.S. citizens. In this paper, using comparative policy analysis, we examine the evolution of both security policies by tracing the historical development of U.S. regulation of cryptography as a dual-use good, and surveillance technologies, and practices used from the 1990s to today. We conclude that the impact of the dual-use regulation has affected the efficiency of surveillance technology, by loosening regulations only for mass communication services, thereby supporting the proliferation of surveillance intermediaries, while working on strategies to collaborate and exploit their coverage.
Pre- and Post-Injection Needle Pain in Patients Undergoing First Intracavernosal Injection
Authors: Baird Bryce , Wajswol Ethan , Ericson Christian , Anderson Augustus , Broderick Gregory
Published: February 2022

Background

Intracavernosal injections (ICI) are a well-established treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction (ED); however, the anticipation of pain with injection remains a significant barrier to the use of ICI.

Aim

To evaluate the patient-anticipated degree of pain versus the experienced degree of pain pre- and post-ICI in men undergoing their first injection with an erectile agent.

Methods

We studied 51 patients who underwent their first ICI in our men’s health clinic. Anticipated needle-associated pain was judged with a pre-injection score, and pain experienced during the injection was judged with a post-injection score. All patients graded their pre- and post-ICI pain using a standard 10-point scale (0–10).

Outcomes

Pre- and post-ICI pain was defined with the visual analogue scale (0–10) in men undergoing their first penile injection.

Results

Medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) of the patients’ age [65 years (54.5–68.0)], pre-injection pain [5 (4–7)], and post-injection pain [1 (1–2)] were recorded. Most men in the study had erectile dysfunction (68.6%) and/or Peyronie’s Disease (64.7%). The average pre-injection prediction pain score was 5.45 ± 2.15; the average post-injection perceived pain score was 1.20 ± 0.73. Thus, there was an average discrepancy of over 4 points in predicted pain vs perceived pain. A paired t-test was performed which showed a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-injection scores (P < .05). A Wilcoxson Signed Rank Test showed statistical significance in the difference between pre- and post-injection pain scores (P < .05).

Clinical Implications

ICI is a safe, effective treatment for patients with ED and is associated with significantly less pain than is anticipated by patients.

Strengths & Limitations

This is the first report to describe the discrepancy between pre-ICI anticipated pain and post-ICI experienced pain. Limitations include an overall small sample size.

Conclusion

Patients experience significantly less pain with ICI than they anticipate having. This represents an important factor to consider when counseling patients about available ED treatments.
Thermally Enhanced Water Weakening of the Solnhofen Limestone
Authors: French Melodie E. , Zhu Wenlu , Xiao Xiaohui , Evans Brian , Prior David J.
Published: February 2022

We report the strength and deformation behavior of Solnhofen limestone across its brittle (localized) to ductile (distributed) transition. We conducted conventional triaxial compression tests on water‐saturated and nominally dry cores of Solnhofen at temperatures up to 200°C and effective confining pressures up to 350 MPa to evaluate the roles of pore water and temperature on the deformation mechanisms of low‐porosity limestone at conditions of the upper crust. The combined effects of water and temperature on deformation and strength of the limestone are complex and reflect the concurrent operation of microfracturing, which is enhanced by both pore water and temperature, crystal plasticity, which is enhanced by temperature but not pore water, and likely also dissolution which is enhanced by water but inhibited by temperature. At ambient temperature, water causes a small reduction in the yield strength and the strength in the ductile field, but has no measurable effect of the brittle peak strength or the effective pressure of the brittle to ductile transition. At elevated temperatures, water‐saturated Solnhofen exhibits weakening in both the brittle and ductile fields up to 200 MPa effective pressure. In addition, the combined effects of pore water and temperature reduce the pressure of the brittle to ductile transition dramatically. We propose that under dry conditions temperature reduces the pressure of the brittle to ductile transition by enhancing crystal plasticity and under water‐saturated conditions enhanced microcracking is responsible. At effective pressures greater than 200 MPa, ductile deformation becomes temperature strengthening indicating the onset of dissolution mediated deformation.
Data‐Driven Method With Numerical Model: A Combining Framework for Predicting Subtropical River Plumes
Authors: Lu Wenfang , Wang Jian , Jiang Yuwu , Chen Zhaozhang , Wu Wenting , Yang Liyang , Liu Yong
Published: February 2022

Numerical models are of fundamental usage for estuarine and coastal sciences. Although numerical simulations are widely applied, analyzing and improving them are often challenging tasks given their large volume and huge parameter space. In this study, a novel data‐driven framework is introduced to study the Minjiang River Plume (MJRP). The framework combines Self‐Organizing Map (SOM) clustering with a Hidden Markov Model (HMM). A three‐dimensional Regional Ocean Model System for MJRP is first configurated with realistic atmospheric, oceanic, and riverine forcings. By applying SOM clustering to the modeled sea surface salinity (SSS) with ∼2,000 2‐day averaged records from 2010 to 2020, we identify six major patterns of MJRP. Each pattern exhibits distinct circulation and plume structures. These MJRP patterns contain not only seasonal signals, but also rich short‐term variabilities driven by the riverine inputs and oceanic dynamics. Then, the SOM‐HMM method was applied to predict the future of the hidden state (i.e., patterns of MJRP) from the observable states (wind and river runoff). With a hypothetic SSS product from a geostationary satellite as the ground truth, we show that the SOM‐HMM method can predict MJRP patterns considerably high prediction accuracy and computational efficiency. Further, these patterns were translated back to SSS with high forecast skills. Combining a conventional numerical model with a data‐driven method, this approach can be promisingly applied in the short‐term marine forecast to support the utilization and management of other estuaries.
Rain‐Induced Stratification of the Equatorial Indian Ocean and Its Potential Feedback to the Atmosphere
Authors: Shackelford Kyle , DeMott Charlotte A. , van Leeuwen Peter Jan , Thompson Elizabeth , Hagos Samson
Published: February 2022

Surface freshening through precipitation can act to stably stratify the upper ocean, forming a rain layer (RL). RLs inhibit subsurface vertical mixing, isolating deeper ocean layers from the atmosphere. This process has been studied using observations and idealized simulations. The present ocean modeling study builds upon this body of work by incorporating spatially resolved and realistic atmospheric forcing. Fine‐scale observations of the upper ocean collected during the Dynamics of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation field campaign are used to verify the General Ocean Turbulence Model (GOTM). Spatiotemporal characteristics of equatorial Indian Ocean RLs are then investigated by forcing a 2D array of GOTM columns with realistic and well‐resolved output from an existing regional atmospheric simulation. RL influence on the ocean‐atmosphere system is evaluated through analysis of RL‐induced modification to surface fluxes and sea surface temperature (SST). This analysis demonstrates that RLs cool the ocean surface on time scales longer than the associated precipitation event. A second simulation with identical atmospheric forcing to that in the first, but with rainfall set to zero, is performed to investigate the role of rain temperature and salinity stratification in maintaining cold SST anomalies within RLs. Approximately one third, or 0.1°C, of the SST reduction within RLs can be attributed to rain effects, while the remainder is attributed to changes in atmospheric temperature and humidity. The prolonged RL‐induced SST anomalies enhance SST gradients that have been shown to favor the initiation of atmospheric convection. These findings encourage continued research of RL feedbacks to the atmosphere.
The Fate of Sediment After a Large Earthquake
Authors: Francis Oliver , Fan Xuanmei , Hales Tristram , Hobley Daniel , Xu Qiang , Huang Runqiu
Published: February 2022

Large earthquakes rapidly denude hillslopes by triggering thousands of coseismic landslides. The sediment produced by these landslides is initially quickly mobilised from the landscape by an interconnected cascade of processes. This cascade can dramatically but briefly enhance local erosion rates. Hillslope and channel processes, such as landsliding and debris flows, interact to influence the total mass, caliber, and rate of sediment transport through catchments. Calculating the sediment budget of an earthquake lends insight into the nature of these interactions. Using satellite imagery derived landslide inventories, channel surveys and a literature review combined with a Monte Carlo simulation approach we present a constrained sediment budget of the first decade after the 2008 Mw7.9 Wenchuan earthquake. With this sediment budget we demonstrate that debris flows are dominant process for delivering sediment into channels and that large volumes of sediment remain in the landscape. In our study area over 88% (469.7 Mega tonnes) of the coseismically generated sediment remains on the hillslopes in 2018. Of the 12% of the sediment that was mobilised, 67% (45.2 ± 22 Mt) was mobilised by debris flows. Despite the large proportion of sediment remaining on the hillslope, the frequency of debris flows declined significantly over our observation period. The reduction in debris‐flow frequency is not correlated to reductions in the frequency of triggering storms, suggesting changes in the mechanical properties of hillslope sediment may drive this observation. The stabilization of coseismically generated sediment greatly extends its residence time and may influence catchment sediment yields for centuries or millennia.
Reduced Soil Gross N2O Emission Driven by Substrates Rather Than Denitrification Gene Abundance in Cropland Agroforestry and Monoculture
Authors: Luo Jie , Beule Lukas , Shao Guodong , Veldkamp Edzo , Corre Marife D.
Published: February 2022

Conversion of monoculture to agroforestry (integrating trees with crops) is promoted as a promising management in reducing N2O emissions from croplands. How agroforestry influences gross N2O emission (N2O + N2 from N2O reduction) and uptake (N2O reduced to N2) compared to monoculture is unknown. We used the 15N2O pool dilution technique to quantify these processes using soil cores (top 5 cm) incubated in the field with monthly measurements over two growing seasons (2018–2019) at two sites (each with paired agroforestry and monoculture) and one site with monoculture only. The unfertilized tree rows showed the lowest gross N2O emissions (P ≤ 0.002). Although tree rows occupied only 20% in agroforestry, gross N2O emissions tended to decrease by 6–36% in agroforestry (0.98–1.02 kg N2O‐N ha−1 yr−1) compared to monoculture (1.04–1.59 kg N2O‐N ha−1 yr−1). Gross N2O emissions were influenced by soil mineral N, soil respiration, and moisture content rather than by denitrification gene abundance. Soil gross N2O uptake was highest in the tree row and decreased with distance into crop rows (P = 0.012). The agroforestry tended to increase gross N2O uptake by 27–42% (0.38–0.44 kg N2O‐N ha−1 yr−1) compared to monoculture (0.30–0.31 kg N2O‐N ha−1 yr−1). In tree rows, soil gross N2O uptake correlated with nirK gene abundance which was indirectly influenced by the low mineral N‐to‐soil CO2‐C ratio. Adjusting the tree and crop areal coverages of agroforestry and optimizing fertilization can further augment the benefits of agroforestry in reducing emission and increasing uptake of N2O in soils.
Higher Levels of Soluble Reactive Phosphorus Promote Labile Organic Nitrogen Cycling in Subsurface Coastal Waters
Authors: Lu Kaijun , Gardner Wayne S. , Liu Zhanfei
Published: February 2022

Remineralization of labile organic nitrogen is a key part of nitrogen cycling in seawater, yet factors controlling this process remain poorly understood. The degradation and fate of amino acids in coastal waters were investigated with incubation experiments using 15N‐labeled alanine (Ala). The cycling of Ala, including the release of NH4+ through remineralization, the subsequent removal of NH4+ via assimilation and nitrification, and the formation of refractory dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), was more rapid in subsurface (mid‐depth 8 m and bottom 17 m) than in surface coastal waters (2 m) of the northern Gulf of Mexico in summer. This pattern is attributed to the different levels of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) observed at different depths of the water column. The addition of orthophosphate to the surface water with low SRP (<0.1 μmol L−1) significantly accelerated the remineralization of amino acid, nitrification, and the formation of refractory DON. The rapid remineralization of amino acid and further nitrification in SRP‐replete waters are linked to the rapid growth of heterotrophic bacteria and ammonia‐oxidizing archaea, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that subsurface coastal waters enriched with SRP are pre‐primed for rapid organic N metabolisms, providing mechanistic insights into nitrogen cycling in marine waters.
Investigating Effects of Solar Proton Events and Forbush Decreases on Ground‐Level Potential Gradient Recorded at Middle and Low Latitudes and Different Altitudes
Authors: Tacza J. , Odzimek A. , Tueros Cuadros E. , Raulin J.‐P. , Kubicki M. , Fernandez G. , Marun A.
Published: February 2022

High‐energetic charged particles, such as solar protons, and phenomena such as Forbush decreases are eligible candidates to affect the global electric circuit. These effects have been studied by analyzing disturbances of the potential gradient in ground‐based measurements in fair weather regions. In this paper, we investigate deviations in the potential gradient diurnal curve, during solar proton events, and Forbush decreases, from the mean values obtained in fair weather conditions. In each situation, we select only events which are not accompanied or followed by the other. Using the superposed epoch analysis, in order to enhance the visualization of small effects, we study the potential gradient data recorded between January 2010 and December 2019 at two stations located at low and middle‐latitudes, and at two different altitudes: the Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito (CASLEO), Argentina: 31.78°S, 2550 m a.s.l., and the Geophysical Observatory in Świder (SWIDER), Poland: 52.12°N, 100 m a.s.l., respectively. For intense solar proton events (>100 MeV) we found a statistically significant increase of the potential gradient after solar proton events recorded at CASLEO and no such deviation in the potential gradient recorded at SWIDER. For Forbush decrease events (greater than 4%), no significant deviation of the potential gradient after the start of the event was found in both stations, however for very intense Forbush decreases (>7%) we found an increase of the potential gradient recorded at CASLEO.
Which Came First, the Eruption or the Landslide?
Authors: Sidik Saima
Published: February 2022

Anak Krakatau’s eruption was accompanied by a devastating tsunami. But was the eruption to blame?
A New Journey Around (and Around) the Sun
Authors: Telloni Daniele , Valentini Francesco , Marino Raffaele
Published: February 2022

The Solar Orbiter just completed its commissioning phase while en route to the Sun. It has already provided valuable looks at solar campfires and Venus’s magnetic fields, and it promises much more.
A Fresh View of Microbial Life in Yellowstone’s Hot Springs
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: February 2022

Research on the habitat ranges of microorganisms in Yellowstone’s hot springs reveals an overlap between cyanobacteria and algae.
Caffeine treatment started before injury reduces hypoxic–ischemic white-matter damage in neonatal rats by regulating phenotypic microglia polarization
Authors: Yang Liu , Yu Xuefei , Zhang Yajun , Liu Na , Xue Xindong , Fu Jianhua
Published: February 2022

Background

Reducing neuroinflammatory damage is an effective strategy for treating white-matter damage (WMD) in premature infants. Caffeine can ameliorate hypoxia–ischemia-induced brain WMD; however, its neuroprotective effect and mechanism against hypoxic–ischemic WMD remain unclear.

Methods

We used 3-day-old Sprague–Dawley rats to establish a model of cerebral hypoxia–ischemia-induced brain WMD after unilateral common carotid artery ligation and hypoxia exposure (8% O2 + 92% N2) for 2.5 h. Mechanism experiments were conducted to detect M1/M2 polarization and activation of microglia and NLRP3 inflammasome.

Results

Caffeine inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reduced microglial Iba-1 activation, inhibited microglia M1 polarization, and promoted microglia M2 polarization by downregulating CD86 and iNOS protein expression, inhibiting the transcription of the proinflammatory TNF-α and IL-1β, upregulating CD206 and Arg-1 expression, and promoting the transcription of the anti-inflammatory factors IL-10 and TGF-β. Importantly, we found that these caffeine-mediated effects could be reversed after inhibiting A2aR activity.

Conclusions

Caffeine improved long-term cognitive function in neonatal rats with hypoxic–ischemic WMD via A2aR-mediated inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reduction of microglial activation, regulation of the phenotypic polarization of microglia and the release of inflammatory factors, and improvement of myelination development.

Impact

The direct protective effect of caffeine on hypoxic–ischemic white-matter damage (WMD) and its mechanism remains unclear. This study elucidated this mechanism using neonatal rats as an animal model of hypoxia–ischemia-induced cerebral WMD.

The findings demonstrated caffeine as a promising therapeutic tool against immature WMD to protect neonatal cognitive function.

We found that caffeine pretreatment reduced WMD in immature brains via regulation of microglial activation and polarization by adenosine A2a receptor, thereby, providing a scientific basis for future clinical application of caffeine.
Catabolic protein degradation in marine sediments confined to distinct archaea
Authors: Yin Xiuran , Zhou Guowei , Cai Mingwei , Zhu Qing-Zeng , Richter-Heitmann Tim , Aromokeye David A , Liu Yang , Nimzyk Rolf , Zheng Qingfei , Tang Xiaoyu , Elvert Marcus , Li Meng , Friedrich Michael W
Published: February 2022

Metagenomic analysis has facilitated prediction of a variety of carbon utilization potentials by uncultivated archaea including degradation of protein, which is a wide-spread carbon polymer in marine sediments. However, the activity of detrital catabolic protein degradation is mostly unknown for the vast majority of archaea. Here, we show actively executed protein catabolism in three archaeal phyla (uncultivated Thermoplasmata, SG8-5; Bathyarchaeota subgroup 15; Lokiarchaeota subgroup 2c) by RNA- and lipid-stable isotope probing in incubations with different marine sediments. However, highly abundant potential protein degraders Thermoprofundales (MBG-D) and Lokiarchaeota subgroup 3 were not incorporating 13C-label from protein during incubations. Nonetheless, we found that the pathway for protein utilization was present in metagenome associated genomes (MAGs) of active and inactive archaea. This finding was supported by screening extracellular peptidases in 180 archaeal MAGs, which appeared to be widespread but not correlated to organisms actively executing this process in our incubations. Thus, our results have important implications: (i) multiple low-abundant archaeal groups are actually catabolic protein degraders; (ii) the functional role of widespread extracellular peptidases is not an optimal tool to identify protein catabolism, and (iii) catabolic degradation of sedimentary protein is not a common feature of the abundant archaeal community in temperate and permanently cold marine sediments.
Short-term exposure to an obesogenic diet during adolescence elicits anxiety-related behavior and neuroinflammation: modulatory effects of exogenous neuregulin-1
Authors: Vega-Torres Julio David , Ontiveros-Angel Perla , Terrones Esmeralda , Stuffle Erwin C. , Solak Sara , Tyner Emma , Oropeza Marie , dela Peña Ike , Obenaus Andre , Ford Byron D. , Figueroa Johnny D.
Published: February 2022

Childhood obesity leads to hippocampal atrophy and altered cognition. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these impairments are poorly understood. The neurotrophic factor neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and its cognate ErbB4 receptor play critical roles in hippocampal maturation and function. This study aimed to determine whether exogenous NRG1 administration reduces hippocampal abnormalities and neuroinflammation in rats exposed to an obesogenic Western-like diet (WD). Lewis rats were randomly divided into four groups (12 rats/group): (1) control diet+vehicle(CDV); (2) CD + NRG1(CDN)(daily intraperitoneal injections: 5 μg/kg/day; between postnatal day, PND 21-PND 41); (3) WD + VEH(WDV); (4) WD + NRG1(WDN). Neurobehavioral assessments were performed at PND 43–49. Brains were harvested for MRI and molecular analyses at PND 49. We found that NRG1 administration reduced hippocampal volume (7%) and attenuated hippocampal-dependent cued fear conditioning in CD rats (56%). NRG1 administration reduced PSD-95 protein expression (30%) and selectively reduced hippocampal cytokine levels (IL-33, GM-CSF, CCL-2, IFN-γ) while significantly impacting microglia morphology (increased span ratio and reduced circularity). WD rats exhibited reduced right hippocampal volume (7%), altered microglia morphology (reduced density and increased lacunarity), and increased levels of cytokines implicated in neuroinflammation (IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-6). Notably, NRG1 synergized with the WD to increase hippocampal ErbB4 phosphorylation and the tumor necrosis alpha converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM17) protein levels. Although the results did not provide sufficient evidence to conclude that exogenous NRG1 administration is beneficial to alleviate obesity-related outcomes in adolescent rats, we identified a potential novel interaction between obesogenic diet exposure and TACE/ADAM17-NRG1-ErbB4 signaling during hippocampal maturation. Our results indicate that supraoptimal ErbB4 activities may contribute to the abnormal hippocampal structure and cognitive vulnerabilities observed in obese individuals.
Protracted abstinence in males with an opioid use disorder: partial recovery of nucleus accumbens function
Authors: Tolomeo Serenella , Baldacchino Alex , Volkow Nora D. , Steele J. Douglas
Published: February 2022

Opioid use disorder (OUD) affects more than 27 million people globally accounting for more than 300,000 deaths annually. Protracted abstinence among individuals with OUD is rare due to a high relapse rate among those not receiving medications for OUD. Extensive preclinical studies form the basis of the allostasis theory, which proposes long-lasting functional brain abnormalities that persist after opioid withdrawal and contribute to relapse. Few studies have tested the allostasis theory in humans using neuroimaging. Here, we used fMRI and an instrumental learning task to test allostasis theory predictions (ATP) of functional abnormalities in both positive valence (PVS) and negative valence (NVS) accumbens systems in OUD patients with protracted abstinence (n = 15), comparing them with OUD patients receiving methadone treatment (MT) (n = 33), and with healthy controls (n = 23). As hypothesized, protracted abstinence OUD patients showed incomplete recovery of nucleus accumbens function, as evidenced by the blunted response to aversive events (NVS) during negative reinforcement, as observed in MT patients. In contrast, their accumbens response to rewarding events (PVS) during positive reinforcement was similar to that of controls and different from that in MT patients whose response was blunted. Protracted abstinence OUD patients also showed improvements in depression symptoms compared to MT patients. Residual depressive symptoms and pre-MT intravenous drug measures were associated with worse accumbens function in protracted abstinence. These results support the ATP of long-lasting dysfunction of NVS after withdrawal and show preliminary evidence of recovery of PVS function with protracted withdrawal. Therapeutic strategies that target NVS may facilitate recovery.
Grey matter covariation and the role of emotion reappraisal in mental wellbeing and resilience after early life stress exposure
Authors: Park Haeme R. P. , Quidé Yann , Schofield Peter R. , Williams Leanne M. , Gatt Justine M.
Published: February 2022

Resilience is a process of adaptive recovery crucial in maintaining mental wellbeing after stress exposure. A psychological factor known to buffer stress and promote positive wellbeing outcomes is the ability to regulate emotions. However, the neural networks underlying resilience, and the possible mediating role of emotion regulation, remain largely unknown. Here, we examined the association between resilience and grey matter covariation (GMC) in healthy adults with and without early life stress (ELS) exposure, and whether emotion regulation mediated this brain-resilience association. Source-based morphometry was used to identify spatial patterns of common GMC in 242 healthy participants. Wellbeing was measured using the COMPAS-W Wellbeing Scale. Linear mixed models were run to establish associations between GMC and wellbeing scores. Moderated mediation models were used to examine a conditional mediating effect of emotion regulation on the brain-wellbeing relationship, moderated by ELS exposure. Distinct ELS-related morphometric patterns were found in association with resilience. In participants without ELS exposure, decreased GMC in the temporo-parietal regions was associated with wellbeing. In participants with ELS exposure, we observed increased patterns of covariation in regions related to the salience and executive control networks, and decreased GMC in temporo-parietal areas, which were associated with resilience. Cognitive reappraisal mediated the brain-wellbeing relationship in ELS-exposed participants only. Patterns of stronger GMC in regions associated with emotional and cognitive functioning in ELS-exposed participants with high levels of wellbeing may indicate possible neural signatures of resilience. This may be further heightened by utilising an adaptive form of emotion regulation.
Identification of ultra-rare disruptive variants in voltage-gated calcium channel-encoding genes in Japanese samples of schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Wang Chenyao , Horigane Shin-ichiro , Wakamori Minoru , Ueda Shuhei , Kawabata Takeshi , Fujii Hajime , Kushima Itaru , Kimura Hiroki , Ishizuka Kanako , Nakamura Yukako , Iwayama Yoshimi , Ikeda Masashi , Iwata Nakao , Okada Takashi , Aleksic Branko , Mori Daisuke , Yoshida Takashi , Bito Haruhiko , Yoshikawa Takeo , Takemoto-Kimura Sayaka , Ozaki Norio
Published: February 2022

Several large-scale whole-exome sequencing studies in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have identified rare variants with modest or strong effect size as genetic risk factors. Dysregulation of cellular calcium homeostasis might be involved in SCZ/ASD pathogenesis, and genes encoding L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) subunits Cav1.1 (CACNA1S), Cav1.2 (CACNA1C), Cav1.3 (CACNA1D), and T-type VGCC subunit Cav3.3 (CACNA1I) recently were identified as risk loci for psychiatric disorders. We performed a screening study, using the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM), of exon regions of these four candidate genes (CACNA1C, CACNA1D, CACNA1S, CACNA1I) in 370 Japanese patients with SCZ and 192 with ASD. Variant filtering was applied to identify biologically relevant mutations that were not registered in the dbSNP database or that have a minor allele frequency of less than 1% in East-Asian samples from databases; and are potentially disruptive, including nonsense, frameshift, canonical splicing site single nucleotide variants (SNVs), and non-synonymous SNVs predicted as damaging by five different in silico analyses. Each of these filtered mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. If parental samples were available, segregation analysis was employed for measuring the inheritance pattern. Using our filter, we discovered one nonsense SNV (p.C1451* in CACNA1D), one de novo SNV (p.A36V in CACNA1C), one rare short deletion (p.E1675del in CACNA1D), and 14 NSstrict SNVs (non-synonymous SNV predicted as damaging by all of five in silico analyses). Neither p.A36V in CACNA1C nor p.C1451* in CACNA1D were found in 1871 SCZ cases, 380 ASD cases, or 1916 healthy controls in the independent sample set, suggesting that these SNVs might be ultra-rare SNVs in the Japanese population. The neuronal splicing isoform of Cav1.2 with the p.A36V mutation, discovered in the present study, showed reduced Ca2+-dependent inhibition, resulting in excessive Ca2+ entry through the mutant channel. These results suggested that this de novo SNV in CACNA1C might predispose to SCZ by affecting Ca2+ homeostasis. Thus, our analysis successfully identified several ultra-rare and potentially disruptive gene variants, lending partial support to the hypothesis that VGCC-encoding genes may contribute to the risk of SCZ/ASD.
Circ-PKD2 promotes Atg13-mediated autophagy by inhibiting miR-646 to increase the sensitivity of cisplatin in oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Gao Ling , Zhang Qian , Li Shaoming , Zheng Jingjing , Ren Wenhao , Zhi Keqian
Published: February 2022

Autophagy is an evolutionally conserved catabolic process that degrades cells to maintain homeostasis. Cisplatin-activated autophagy promotes the expression of circ-PKD2, which plays a role as a tumor suppressor gene in the proliferation, migration, and invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the role of circ-PKD2 in regulating the sensitivity of OSCC patients to cisplatin remains to be elucidated. Overexpression of circ-PKD2 increased the formation of autophagosomes in OSCC cells and activation of proteins, such as LC3 II/I. Its activation effect on autophagy was, however, alleviated by 3-MA. Bioinformatics analyses and double luciferases reporter assays conducted in this study confirmed the existence of targeted relationships between circ-PKD2 and miR-646 and miR-646 and Atg13. Functional experiments further revealed that miR-646 reversed the autophagy and apoptosis effects of circ-PKD2 in OSCC cells treated with cisplatin. In addition, circ-PKD2 promoted the expression of ATG13 by adsorption of miR-646. Its interference with Atg13 alleviated the activation effects of circ-PKD2 on autophagy and apoptosis of miR-646. Notably, the in vivo animal experiments also confirmed that circ-PKD2 inhibited tumor proliferation and activated autophagy in OSCC cells. This study provides a theoretical basis for using circ-PKD2 as a target to regulate the sensitivity of OSCC patients to cisplatin, thus increasing its chemotherapeutic effects.
CircCYP24A1 hampered malignant phenotype of renal cancer carcinoma through modulating CMTM-4 expression via sponging miR-421
Authors: Wu Xiaorong , Zhou Jiale , Zhao Ling , Yang Zhaolin , Yang Chen , Chen Yonghui , Xue Wei
Published: February 2022

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a lethal urinary malignancy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) contribute to the malignant phenotype and progression of several types of human cancers, including RCC. In this study, we identified relatively low hsa_circ_0060927 (circCYP24A1) expression in RCC tissue through high-throughput sequencing and RT–qPCR. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to validate the expression and subcellular localization of circCYP24A1 in RCC tissues. CCK-8, Transwell, EdU, and wound-healing assays indicated that circCYP24A1 overexpression inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of RCC cells. Dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), FISH, and RNA-pulldown assays verified that circCYP24A1 inhibited RCC progression by sponging miR-421, thus inducing CMTM-4 expression. Xenograft assays and metastasis models further indicated that circCYP24A1 significantly inhibited the metastasis and proliferation of RCC cells in vivo. Taken together, circCYP24A1 is a prognosis-related circRNA in RCC that functions through the circCYP24A1/miR-421/CMTM-4 axis to modulate RCC progression.
CDC7 kinase (DDK) inhibition disrupts DNA replication leading to mitotic catastrophe in Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Martin Jeffrey C. , Sims Jennie R. , Gupta Ajay , Hagoel Tamara J. , Gao Lingqiu , Lynch Miranda L. , Woloszynska Anna , Melendy Thomas , Kane Jeremy F. , Kuechle Joseph , Ohm Joyce E.
Published: February 2022

Ewing sarcoma is the second most common bone malignancy in children and adolescents. In recent years, a large body of evidence has emerged that suggests Ewing tumors harbor large amounts of replication stress (RS). CDC7, also known as DDK (DBF4-dependent kinase), is a serine/threonine kinase that is involved in a diverse array of cellular functions including the regulation of DNA replication initiation and activation of the RS response. Due to DDK’s diverse roles during replication, coupled with the fact that there is an increased level of RS within Ewing tumors, we hypothesized that Ewing sarcoma cells would be particularly vulnerable to DDK inhibition. Here, we report that DDK inhibition resulted a significant reduction in cell viability and the induction of apoptosis, specifically in Ewing sarcoma cells. Treatment with DDK inhibitors dramatically reduced the rate of replication, prolonged S-phase, and led to a pronounced increase in phospho-CDC2 (Y15), indicating delay of mitotic entry. The induction of cell death corresponded to mitotic exit and G1 entry, suggesting improper mitotic progression. In accordance with this, we find that DDK inhibition caused premature mitotic entry resulting in mitotic abnormalities such as anaphase bridges, lagging chromosomes, and cells with >2 poles in Ewing sarcoma cells. This abnormal progression through mitosis resulted in mitotic catastrophe as evidenced by the formation of micronuclei and induction of DNA damage. Together, these findings suggest that DDK activity is required for the faithful and timely completion of DNA replication in Ewing cells and that DDK inhibition may present a viable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Ewing sarcoma.
MYSM1 induces apoptosis and sensitizes TNBC cells to cisplatin via RSK3–phospho-BAD pathway
Authors: Guan Xiaolin , Meng Xin , Zhu Keyu , Kai Jinyan , Liu Yixuan , Ma Qian , Tong Ying , Zheng Hui , Xie Suhong , Ma Xiaolu , Wang Yanchun , Lu Renquan , Guo Lin
Published: February 2022

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among women. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is responsible for a large percentage of all breast cancer deaths in women. This study demonstrated the function of Myb-like, SWIRM, and MPN domains 1 (MYSM1), an H2A deubiquitinase (DUB), in TNBC. MYSM1 expression was drastically decreased in breast cancer, especially in TNBC, suggesting a potential anticancer effect. Overexpressing and suppressing MYSM1 expression in TNBC cell lines led to significant biological changes in cell proliferation. Furthermore, MYSM1 overexpression increased cisplatin-induced apoptosis, which might be attributed to RSK3 inactivation and the subsequently decreased phosphorylation of Bcl-2 antagonist of cell death (BAD) (Ser 112). The findings suggest that MYSM1 is a potential target for regulating cell apoptosis and suppressing resistance to cisplatin in TNBC.
NVP-AUY922 alleviates radiation-induced lung injury via inhibition of autophagy-dependent ferroptosis
Authors: Li Li , Wu Dongming , Deng Shihua , Li Jin , Zhang Feng , Zou Ye , Zhang Ting , Xu Ying
Published: February 2022

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common complication of radiotherapy for which no effective interventions are available. NVP-AUY922, a resorcinylic isoxazole amide drug, exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and therapeutic effects against various types of cancers. In this study, we explore the role and underlying mechanisms of NVP-AUY922 in the treatment of RILI. We established a model of BEAS-2B cell injury and a mouse model of RILI. Cell proliferation, death, gross weight, and survival rates of mice, and histological parameters were assessed. Additionally, inflammation-related indices and indicators related to ferroptosis were evaluated. Furthermore, immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation were used to determine the interaction between GPX4, LAMP-2A, and HSC70. NVP-AUY922 significantly ameliorated radiation-induced lung tissue damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, proinflammatory cytokine release, and lung epithelial BEAS-2B cell damage. NVP-AUY922 markedly limited the activation of ferroptosis, which is involved in RILI. Mechanistically, NVP-AUY922 prevented chaperone-mediated autophagy of the GPX4 pathway in vitro and in vivo, and the autophagy inhibitor Baf-A1 significantly increased the level of GPX4 and alleviated lung inflammation. NVP-AUY922 can alleviate RILI by inhibiting chaperone-mediated lysosomal degradation of GPX4, demonstrating its potential as a novel protective agent against RILI.
Loss of Ripk3 attenuated neutrophil accumulation in a lipopolysaccharide-induced zebrafish inflammatory model
Authors: Wen Wanying , Chen Jiakui , Zhou Yuxin , Li Gaofei , Zhang Yiyue
Published: February 2022

Neutrophils are important effector cells during inflammation, which play complex roles. Therefore, investigating the regulation of neutrophil accumulation during inflammation might provide targets for treating related diseases. In the present study, we generated aripk3-deficient zebrafish line to study the roles of Ripk3 in neutrophil-related inflammation. The homeostatic hematopoiesis and cytokine expression of theripk3-deficient larvae were unaltered. Theripk3-deficient larvae with caudal fin fold injury exhibited similar neutrophil enrichment with wild-type larvae, suggesting that Ripk3 is not essential for non-infectious inflammatory responses. When challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), theripk3-deficient larvae showed significantly less neutrophil accumulation in the injection site and differential expression of several key cytokines. Ripk3 inhibitors could also attenuate neutrophil accumulation in wild-type larvae, indicating that Ripk3 could serve as a candidate target for inflammation treatment. In summary, our study indicated that Ripk3 has an essential role in LPS-induced inflammatory responses. It was suggested that theripk3-deficient zebrafish might be applied in developing infectious disease models, while Ripk3 also has potential as an inflammation-treatment target.
A visible-light-responsive molecularly imprinted polyurethane for specific detection of dibenzothiophene in gasoline
Authors: Si Yamin , Jiang Feng , Qiang Liang , Teng Xiaotong , Gong Chengbin , Tang Qian
Published: February 2022

A visible-light-responsive molecularly imprinted polyurethane was prepared and used for the detection of dibenzothiophene in gasoline.
Microswimming by oxidation of dibenzylamine
Authors: Wittmann Martin , Heckel Sandra , Wurl Felix , Xiao Zuyao , Gemming Thomas , Strassner Thomas , Simmchen Juliane
Published: February 2022

Photocatalytic BiVO4 microparticles with an inherent asymmetries can actively move by catalysing the oxidation of dibenzylamine.
Persulfate oxidation enhanced extraction to improve the removal of high concentration phenol wastewater
Authors: Bao Kai , Yan Chongchong , Niu Deli , Yin Yajie , Wan Jun
Published: February 2022

An efficient and low-cost method for utilization of waste sludge and treatment of high salt and high phenol wastewater.
Anti-inflammatory and intestinal microbiota modulation properties of high hydrostatic pressure treated cyanidin-3-glucoside and blueberry pectin complexes on dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis mice
Authors: Tan Chang , Wang Mingyue , Kong Yanwen , Wan Meizhi , Deng Haotian , Tong Yuqi , Lyu Chunmao , Meng Xianjun
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and blueberry pectin (BP) complexes on mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis before and after high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment.
Fluorine-free synthesis of ambient-stable delaminated Ti2CTx (MXene)
Authors: Xue Ni , Li Xuesong , Han Liuyuan , Zhu He , Zhao Xiangyan , Zhuang Ji , Gao Zeliang , Tao Xutang
Published: February 2022

The delaminated O-Ti2CTx aqueous solution can be stably stored for 30 days, which is much higher than that of HCl- and LiF-etched Ti2CTx (F-Ti2C) (completely oxidized within 24 hours).
Using machine learning to screen non-graphite carbon materials based on Na-ion storage properties
Authors: Liu Xiaoxu , Wang Tian , Ji Tianyi , Wang Hui , Liu Hui , Li Junqi , Chao Dongliang
Published: February 2022

Study of non-graphite carbon materials for sodium ion batteries. A structure–property relationship database was analyzed and applied with machine learning.
18.42% efficiency polymer solar cells enabled by terpolymer donors with optimal miscibility and energy levels
Authors: Liao Zhihui , Hu Dingqin , Tang Hua , Huang Peihao , Singh Ranbir , Chung Sein , Cho Kilwon , Kumar Manish , Hou Licheng , Chen Qianqian , Yu Weiyang , Chen Haiyan , Yang Ke , Kan Zhipeng , Liu Feng , Xiao Zeyun , Li Gang , Lu Shirong
Published: February 2022

A thiazole-functionalized terpolymer donor enables 18.4% efficiency polymer solar cells.
Effective conversion of CO2 into light olefins over a bifunctional catalyst consisting of La-modified ZnZrOx oxide and acidic zeolite
Authors: Zhang Wenyu , Wang Sen , Guo Shujia , Qin Zhangfeng , Dong Mei , Wang Jianguo , Fan Weibin
Published: February 2022

Addition of proper amount of La produces more oxygen vacancies on ZnZrOx(nLa), hence promoting the formation of methanol. Upon coupling with H-SAPO-34, ZnZrOx(0.3La)/H-SAPO-34 catalyst shows a C2=–C4= selectivity in hydrocarbons as high as 83.2%.
One-pot synthesis of biomass-derived porous carbon-based composites as an efficient acid–base bifunctional catalyst for self-condensation of n-butyraldehyde
Authors: Hou Mengchao , Li Fang , Jia Aizhong , Wang Yingying , Wang Yanji
Published: February 2022

Biomass-derived porous carbon-based composites with a large surface area and abundant pores, as well as both acid sites and base sites exhibited high efficiency in the reaction of n-butyraldehyde self-condensation.
Single-atom catalysts for high-efficiency photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical water splitting: distinctive roles, unique fabrication methods and specific design strategies
Authors: He Jingsheng , Liu Pengyun , Ran Ran , Wang Wei , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: February 2022

A comprehensive review about the recent advances of single-atom catalysts for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical water splitting is presented by highlighting the distinctive roles, unique fabrication methods and specific design strategies.
SWOT analysis of e‐commerce development of rural tourism farmers' professional cooperatives in the era of big data
Authors: Li Kai
Published: February 2022

In the era of big data, strategy is an indicator that determines business growth and directly guides the sustainable development of business. This paper aims to study the construction of the SWOT (S stands for strength, W stands for weakness, O stands for opportunity, and T stands for threat.) structure analysis model of e‐commerce tourism development strategy based on the experience of big data. Through empirical analysis, it explores the factors that affect the development strategy of e‐commerce business, and proposes practical measures and development directions. Based on big data theory, this paper uses SWOT analysis to analyze the e‐commerce development strategy of China's rural tourism cooperatives in detail, and uses the analytic hierarchy process to analyze the green development direction of e‐commerce tourism enterprises. The experimental results of this paper show that the order of enterprise development strategy selection in the context of big data for tourism electronics is: SO strategy, ST strategy, WO strategy and WT strategy.