bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption Site Regulations of [W–O]-Doped CoP Boosting the Hydrazine Oxidation-Coupled Hydrogen Evolution at Elevated Current Density
Authors: Meng Ge , Chang Ziwei , Zhu Libo , Chen Chang , Chen Yafeng , Tian Han , Luo Wenshu , Sun Wenping , Cui Xiangzhi , Shi Jianlin
Published: September 2023

Hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) assisted hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) offers a feasible path for low power consumption to hydrogen production. Unfortunately however, the total electrooxidation of hydrazine in anode and the dissociation kinetics of water in cathode are critically depend on the interaction between the reaction intermediates and surface of catalysts, which are still challenging due to the totally different catalytic mechanisms. Herein, the [W–O] group with strong adsorption capacity is introduced into CoP nanoflakes to fabricate bifunctional catalyst, which possesses excellent catalytic performances towards both HER (185.60 mV at 1000 mA cm−2) and HzOR (78.99 mV at 10,00 mA cm−2) with the overall electrolyzer potential of 1.634 V lower than that of the water splitting system at 100 mA cm−2. The introduction of [W–O] groups, working as the adsorption sites for H2O dissociation and N2H4 dehydrogenation, leads to the formation of porous structure on CoP nanoflakes and regulates the electronic structure of Co through the linked O in [W–O] group as well, resultantly boosting the hydrogen production and HzOR. Moreover, a proof-of-concept direct hydrazine fuel cell-powered H2 production system has been assembled, realizing H2 evolution at a rate of 3.53 mmol cm−2 h−1 at room temperature without external electricity supply.
Epistemic decentering in education for responsibility: revisiting the theory and practice of educational integrity
Authors: Hagège Hélène
Published: September 2023

There is no consensus on definitions of educational or academic integrity, and their philosophical relationship with the notion of responsibility is complex. Here, we aim to i) disentangle these three notions. We lean on a philosophical framework of ethics and our method involves different kinds of reasoning and the modeling of complex thinking. We combine this frame with a three-level epistemic dimension to allow us ii) to model the psycho-epistemic (level 1), epistemological (level 2), and phenomenological (ground 0) ways in which subjects interact with their own norms and knowledge and with those of the surrounding institutions. Finally, iii) we also aim to propose concrete educational means by which to implement educational integrity. Our theoretical findings lead us i) to consider responsibility as a process that consists of establishing a dialogical relationship between one’s inner and outer worlds, which relies on an epistemic decentering. Based on this, we argue that education for responsibility founds a new, expanded definition of educational integrity. Moreover, ii) empirical evidence suggests that this model can be operationalized by psychological indicators such as critical and complex thinking, cognitive flexibility, contextual relativism, and decentering, all of which are skills that can be fostered in spite of simplifying thinking, dogmatism, naive epistemology (and dualism) and cognitive fusion, respectively. It points to iii) the benefits of an educational approach in which subjects are encouraged to practice different types of meditation and to feel free to break institutional rules. Therefore, promoting educational integrity may require methods that lie beyond the obvious choices. After discussing the scope and limitations of our results, we propose a new research agenda for educational integrity, which could ground a field of research broader than just academic integrity, but complementary to it.
Effects of Circumferential and Longitudinal Ribs and Grooves in Swirl Cooling on Characteristics of Pressure Drop and Heat Transfer
Authors: Elwekeel Fifi N. M. , Zheng Qun , Abdala Antar M. M.
Published: September 2023

The impact of roughened swirl cooling chamber walls on heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics is explored in this study. This study compares ten roughened wall shapes against a smooth wall in a swirl cooling chamber. The roughened wall shapes are circumferential and longitudinal with and without cuts. The circumferential cases consist of four cases. The first case, designated as a circumferential groove (CG), contains eight grooves along the surface. The second case, designated as a circumferential groove cut (CGC), has eight cut grooves along the surface. The third case is called a circumferential rib (CR), and the fourth case is called a circumferential rib cut (CRC), and it has eight ribs without and with surface cuts. While the longitudinal cases consist of six cases. The first four cases, which have six longitudinal grooves and ribs with and without cuts, are longitudinal groove (LG), longitudinal groove cut (LGC), longitudinal rib (LR), and longitudinal rib cut (LRGC). The final two longitudinal cases, longitudinal rib groove (LRG) and  Longitudinal rib and groove cut (LRGC), have hybrid grooves and ribs without and with surface cuts. Bulk temperature averaged circumferential heat transfer ratio, friction factor, global thermal performance factor, and turbulent kinetic energy are among the variables that were examined. Simulations are performed using CFD codes. These examined parameters are contrasted with results from previous studies. The findings demonstrate that heat transfer is boosted by roughly 2.7, 2.6, and 2.5 times higher in cases with LG, CG, and CGC, respectively, than in the smooth case. The use of rough walls in the swirl cooling chamber boosts the global thermal performance factor; the LG case has a 2.8 times higher global thermal performance factor than a smooth case. In comparison with alternative internal cooling technologies, a grooved wall, as shown in the LG case, has the best heat transfer characteristics.
Designing Postdigital Futures—The Case of Hackathons
Authors: Krämer Hannes , Trischler Ronja
Published: September 2023

Used in the context of innovation-driven economies and civil society, hackathons are a good example of collaborative postdigital design processes and their focus on futures and the realization of new ideas. Hackathons are a widespread organizational form of designing the future in which digital solutions (such as apps, websites) are preferred. What becomes questionable in the process of designing, however, is the social form of the future. In our case study, we ask whichfutures are being designed and by whom. While empirically, these questions are often answered together, we disentangle them in our analysis of online announcements of hackathons. We show how a feasible, designable, and achievable future is imagined through practices of problematization and scaling. We demonstrate corresponding models of subjects that are preferred for designing the future. With our praxeological analysis, we aim to contribute to an understanding of the micropowers of designing postdigital futures. While in principle, ‘everyone’ is invited to participate in the design process at hackathons, the announcements already show that only certain participants are desired, and only certain kinds of futures are imaginable through hackathons.
Effect of type and aggregate gradation on the functional properties of porous asphalt (case study of Iran)
Authors: Ghafari Hashjin Navid , Zarroodi Roozbeh , Payami Maryam , Aghdasi Gehraz Seyyed Hassan
Published: September 2023

Porous asphalt mixtures are gaining popularity due to their ability to effectively drain surface water and mitigate traffic noise in regions with high rainfall. However, compared to conventional asphalt pavements, these types of pavements with high void content necessitate specific guidelines for achieving an optimal mix design. The performance characteristics of porous asphalt mixtures are notably influenced by the grading and composition of materials, especially with regards to their resistance to moisture damage. This study aimed to investigate the properties of porous asphalt mixtures using limestone and siliceous aggregates with varying gradations, while maintaining bitumen contents of 5% and 6%. In accordance with the regulations set forth by the National Center for Asphalt Technology, the findings indicate that siliceous-based aggregates exhibit improved void characteristics (increased by 3%) and permeability (increased by 11%). However, they also display reduced resistance to moisture-induced failures (decreased by 4%). On the other hand, adhering to the gradation recommendations provided by the National Asphalt Pavement Association guidelines, except for a slight decrease of 3% in moisture sensitivity, yields an overall enhancement of 25% in other performance characteristics. To analyze the data, statistical methods were employed, resulting in regression models with a minimum R2 value of 0.97. These models helped determine the optimal binder percentage for different aggregate types and gradations, providing valuable insights for practical implementation.
PolySeg Plus: Polyp Segmentation Using Deep Learning with Cost Effective Active Learning
Authors: Saad Abdelrahman I. , Maghraby Fahima A. , Badawy Osama
Published: September 2023

A deep convolution neural network image segmentation model based on a cost-effective active learning mechanism is proposed and named PolySeg Plus. It is intended to address polyp segmentation with a lack of labeled data and a high false-positive rate of polyp discovery. In addition to applying active learning, which assisted in labeling more image samples, a comprehensive polyp dataset formed of five benchmark datasets was generated to increase the number of images. To enhance the captured image features, the locally shared feature method is used, which utilizes the power of employing neighboring features together with one another to improve the quality of image features and overcome the drawbacks of the Conditional Random Features method. Medical image segmentation was performed using ResUNet++, ResUNet, UNet++, and UNet models. Gaussian noise was removed from the images using a gaussian filter, and the images were then augmented before being fed into the models. In addition to optimizing model performance through hyperparameter tuning, grid search is used to select the optimum parameters to maximize model performance. The results demonstrated a significant improvement and applicability of the proposed method in polyp segmentation when compared to state-of-the-art methods on the datasets CVC-ClinicDB, CVC-ColonDB, ETIS Larib Polyp DB, KVASIR-SEG, and Kvasir-Sessile, with Dice coefficients of 0.9558, 0.8947, 0.7547, 0.9476, and 0.6023, respectively. Not only did the suggested method improve the dice coefficients on the individual datasets, but it also produced better results on the comprehensive dataset, which will contribute to the development of computer-aided diagnosis systems.
“Do I need to read to do well?”: a post-pandemic case study of the reading habits and academic attainment of STEM and non-STEM students
Authors: Pilotti Maura , El Alaoui Khadija , Khan Rahat , Abdelsalam Hanadi
Published: September 2023

Little is known about the reading habits and interests of college students in the post-pandemic environment, especially those of the understudied student populations of the Middle East. Thus, a convenient sample of female undergraduate students of Saudi Arabian descent was asked to report reading habits and interests. First, the study asked whether the responses of students organized by field of study (STEM versus non-STEM) differed. Then, it assessed the extent to which reading habits (as indexing reading comprehension skills) predicted college attainment (as measured by GPA) in each of the selected subsamples. Although habits and attitudes did not differ between STEM and non-STEM students, attitudes predicted reading habits differently for the two groups. Furthermore, habits and attitudes were better predictors of academic attainment for STEM than non-STEM learners. These findings underscored the need for institutions of higher education to carry out periodical assessments of their students’ reading habits and interests. Results can then inform library policies and instructional interventions that will benefit STEM students the most.
An exploration of contextually relevant curricula in international social work education: learning from the experiences of selected Asian countries
Authors: Higashida Masateru , Poonpoksin Wanwadee , Paul Krittebas , Das Tulshi Kumar , Vasudevan Varathagowry , Ali Isahaque , Jafar Muhammad , Shoukat Aisha , Matsuo Kana
Published: September 2023

Current global uncertainties such as increasing socio-economic and political difficulties have amplified the significance of researching the nature of international social work education. This pilot study collaboratively investigated the educational characteristics of international social work curricula in Asia to identify the prevailing conditions related to this discipline. Data were collected in February 2023 at an international academic forum that included presentations delivered by researchers from five Asian countries. An exploratory and qualitative-descriptive analysis was performed to identify the contexts and contents of curricula related to international social work. The study findings elucidated the need to explore curricula that may differ from mainstream syllabi taught in international social work education programmes in Western countries. The findings of this study underscore the importance of dialogic processes and continual collaborative research projects.
Thresholds of Accusation
Authors: Pavlich George
Published: September 2023

This critical socio-legal history probes pretrial accusations through which colonial criminal law forged social orders for settler-colonialism across western Canada, focusing on Alberta, 1874–1884. Following military intelligence, a Northwest Mounted Police force was established to compel Dominion law. That force began by deploying accusatory theatres to receive information about crimes, arrest suspects, and decide via preliminary examination who to send to trial. George Pavlich draws on exemplary performances of colonial accusation to show how police officers and justices of the peace translated local social lore into criminal law. These performances reflected intersecting powers of sovereignty, disciplinarily, and biopolitics; they held accused individuals legally culpable for crimes and obscured social upheavals that settlers brought. Reflecting on colonial legacies within today's vast and unequal criminalizing institutions, this book proposes that we seek new forms of accusation and legality, learning from Indigenous laws that tackle individual and collective responsibilities for societal disquiet.
Late Soviet Britain
Authors: Innes Abby
Published: September 2023

Why has the United Kingdom, historically one of the strongest democracies in the world, become so unstable? What changed? This book demonstrates that a major part of the answer lies in the transformation of its state. It shows how Britain championed radical economic liberalisation only to weaken and ultimately break its own governing institutions. The crisis of democracy in rich countries has brought forward many urgent analyses of neoliberal capitalism. This book explores for the first time how the 'governing science' in Leninist and neoliberal revolutions fails for many of the same reasons. These systems may have been utterly opposed in their political values, but Abby Innes argues that when we grasp the kinship in their closed-system forms of economic reasoning and their strategies for government, we may better understand the causes of state failure in what remains an inescapably open-system reality.
Safe and valid? A systematic review of the psychometric properties of culturally adapted depression scales for use among Indigenous populations
Authors: Yang Michelle , Seon Quinta , Gomez Cardona Liliana , Karia Maharshee , Velupillai Gajanan , Noel Valérie , Linnaranta Outi
Published: September 2023

Background

Implementing culturally sensitive psychometric measures of depression may be an effective strategy to improve acceptance, response rate, and reliability of psychological assessment among Indigenous populations. However, the psychometric properties of depression scales after cultural adaptation remain unclear.

Methods

We screened the Ovid Medline, PubMed, Embase, Global Health, PsycInfo, and CINAHL databases through three levels of search terms: Depression, Psychometrics, and Indigenous, following the PRISMA guidelines. We assessed metrics for reliability (including Cronbach’s alpha), validity (including fit indices), and clinical utility (including predictive value).

Results

Across 31 studies included the review, 13 different depression scales were adapted through language or content modification. Sample populations included Indigenous from the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Most cultural adaptations had strong psychometric properties; however, few and inconsistent properties were reported. Where available, alphas, inter-rater and test–retest reliability, construct validity, and incremental validity often indicated increased cultural sensitivity of adapted scales. There were mixed results for clinical utility, criterion validity, cross-cultural validity, sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, predictive value, and likelihood ratio.

Conclusions

Modifications to increase cultural relevance have the potential to improve fit and acceptance of a scale by the Indigenous population, however, these changes may decrease specificity and negative predictive value. There is an urgent need for suitable tools that are useful and reliable for identifying Indigenous individuals for clinical treatment of depression. This awaits future work for optimal specificity and validated cut-off points that take into account the high prevalence of depression in these populations.
Magnetic field considerations for a multi-cell Penning–Malmberg trap for positrons
Authors: Witteman D.R. , Singer M. , Danielson J.R. , Surko C.M.
Published: September 2023

Multi-cell positron traps have been proposed to accumulate and store large numbers of positrons (e.g.

${\ge }10^{10}$

). This design arranges lines of Penning–Malmberg traps (‘cells’) on and off the magnetic axis in a vacuum chamber in a common, uniform magnetic field. Confinement considerations impose additional constraints on the magnetic field beyond the usual on-axis homogeneity requirements. These requirements are discussed. A prototype magnetic field and associated coil geometry is suggested to achieve good single-component plasma confinement in all cells. Experimental confinement data as a function of electrode alignment with respect to a nominally uniform magnetic field are also presented. These results are related to the field-alignment considerations of the magnet design study.
Early-life participation in cognitively stimulating activities and risk of depression and anxiety in late life
Authors: Qiu Xinye , Robert Andrea L. , McAlaine Kaleigh , Quan Luwei , Mangano Joseph , Weisskopf Marc G.
Published: September 2023

Background

Early-life stressful experiences are associated with increased risk of adverse psychological outcomes in later life. However, much less is known about associations between early-life positive experiences, such as participation in cognitively stimulating activities, and late-life mental health. We investigated whether greater engagement in cognitively stimulating activities in early life is associated with lower risk of depression and anxiety in late life.

Methods

We surveyed former participants of the St. Louis Baby Tooth study, between 22 June 2021 and 25 March 2022 to collect information on participants' current depression/anxiety symptoms and their early-life activities (N = 2187 responded). A composite activity score was created to represent the early-life activity level by averaging the frequency of self-reported participation in common cognitively stimulating activities in participants' early life (age 6, 12, 18), each rated on a 1 (least frequent) to 5 (most frequent) point scale. Depression/anxiety symptoms were measured by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7). We used logistic regressions to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of outcome risk associated with frequency of early-life activity.

Results

Each one-point increase in the early-life composite cognitive activity score was associated with an OR of 0.54 (95% CI 0.38–0.77) for late-life depression and an OR of 0.94 (95% CI 0.61–1.43) for late-life anxiety, adjusting for age, sex, race, parental education, childhood family structure, and socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

More frequent participation in cognitively stimulating activities during early life was associated with reduced risk of late-life depression.
How reliable is assessment of children’s sentence comprehension using a self-directed app? A comparison of supported versus independent use
Authors: FRIZELLE Pauline , BUCKLEY Ana , BIANCONE Tricia , CERONI Anna , DAHLY Darren , FLETCHER Paul , BISHOP Dorothy V. M. , MCKEAN Cristina
Published: September 2023

This study reports on the feasibility of using the Test of Complex Syntax- Electronic (TECS-E), as a self-directed app, to measure sentence comprehension in children aged 4 to 5 ½ years old; how testing apps might be adapted for effective independent use; and agreement levels between face-to-face supported computerized and independent computerized testing with this cohort. A pilot phase was completed with 4 to 4;06-year-old children, to determine the appropriate functional app features required to facilitate independent test completion. Following the integration of identified features, children completed the app independently or with adult support (4–4;05 (n = 22) 4;06–4;11 months (n = 55) and 5 to 5;05 (n = 113)) and test re-test reliability was examined. Independent test completion posed problems for children under 5 years but for those over 5, TECS-E is a reliable method to assess children’s understanding of complex sentences, when used independently.
The other side of the mirror. Maya Late Classic iron-ore artifact production: an insight from Cancuen
Authors: Andrieu Chloé , Cadalen Naya
Published: September 2023

Although iron-ore mirrors are commonly found in the Maya area, very few workshops are known to date. Cancuen, Guatemala, is one of the few sites to show evidence of iron-ore production during the Late Classic (a.d.600–800). This article reviews all the available data on this material in Cancuen in light of the recent excavations, and, by combining spatial and technological analysis, proposes to shed new light on the spatial organization of this production. By comparing the composition and the social context of production in Cancuen with that of Aguateca (Inomata and Eberl 2014), we suggest that there was a division of tasks between sites in which Cancuen's artisans were involved in the first stage of the production of luxury goods, whereas other stages, such as the arrangement of the tesserae on the supports and their repolishing, were more socially invested and made by elite artists at the recipient sites.
High‐Resolution Thermal Imaging in the Antarctic Marginal Ice Zone: Skin Temperature Heterogeneity and Effects on Heat Fluxes
Authors: Tersigni Ippolita , Alberello Alberto , Messori Gabriele , Vichi Marcello , Onorato Miguel , Toffoli Alessandro
Published: September 2023

Insufficient in situ observations from the Antarctic marginal ice zone (MIZ) limit our understanding and description of relevant mechanical and thermodynamic processes that regulate the seasonal sea ice cycle. Here we present high‐resolution thermal images of the ocean surface and complementary measurements of atmospheric variables that were acquired underway during one austral winter and one austral spring expedition in the Atlantic and Indian sectors of the Southern Ocean. Skin temperature data and ice cover images were used to estimate the partitioning of the heterogeneous surface and calculate the heat fluxes to compare with ERA5 reanalyses. The winter MIZ was composed of different but relatively regularly distributed sea ice types with sharp thermal gradients. The surface‐weighted skin temperature compared well with the reanalyses due to a compensation of errors between the sea ice fraction and the ice floe temperature. These uncertainties determine the dominant source of inaccuracy for heat fluxes as computed from observed variables. In spring, the sea ice type distribution was more irregular, with alternation of sea ice cover and large open water fractions even 400 km from the ice edge. The skin temperature distribution was more homogeneous and did not produce substantial uncertainties in heat fluxes. The discrepancies relative to reanalysis data are however larger than in winter and are attributed to biases in the atmospheric variables, with the downward solar radiation being the most critical.
Impacts of Stratospheric Ozone Recovery on Southern Ocean Temperature and Heat Budget
Authors: Li Feng , Newman Paul A. , Waugh Darryn W.
Published: September 2023

The impacts of stratospheric ozone recovery on Southern Ocean surface and interior temperature, heat content, heat uptake, and heat transport are investigated by contrasting two ensemble chemistry‐climate model simulations in 2005–2099: one with fixed ozone depleting substances (ODSs) and another with decreasing ODSs. In our simulations ozone recovery significantly affects Southern Ocean temperature, with large latitudinal and vertical variations. Ozone recovery causes a dipole change of the full‐depth ocean heat content (OHC) with an increase south of 60°S and a decrease between 45°S and 60°S. Integrated over latitudes south of 40°S, OHC decreases in response to ozone recovery. This ocean heat loss is shown to be driven by weakened poleward ocean heat transport (OHT) across 40°S, which is partly canceled by enhanced heat uptake. The weakening of poleward OHT into the Southern Ocean is caused by the ozone‐induced equatorward shift of the meridional overturning circulation.
Fundamental Development of “Floating‐Mode” Avalanche Photodiode for Low‐Energy Electron Measurements in Space Plasma
Authors: Tanaka Seishiro , Hirahara Masafumi , Kasahara Satoshi , Kubo Shin
Published: September 2023

We conducted developmental experiments using avalanche photodiode (APD) for electron measurements applicable in future space plasma explorations. Electrons with energies of 10 eV to a hundred keV could be detected by applying “floating” voltages up to +5 kV to APD to achieve wide‐energy electron measurements. We detected 10‐eV electrons from an electron source as energized electrons of an energy of approximately 5 (5.01) keV due to the 5‐keV electrostatic acceleration (=Source energy: 0.01 keV + Acceleration energy: 5 keV; hereafter, (0.01 + 5) keV) with an energy resolution of ∼4.6 keV by simplified assumption and calculation based on peak energy and full width at half maximum of the pulse height distribution. The energy resolution for (5 + 0)‐keV electrons, ∼5.3 keV in our experiments, was equivalent to the previous results. On the other hand, we concluded that for (5 + 5) keV, the energy resolution was significantly improved to 1.3 keV compared with that for (5 + 0) keV. For (1 + 5)‐keV electrons, the energy distribution showed a broadening toward lower energies than that for (6 + 0) keV because the backscattered electrons produced secondary electrons at the APD chassis surface, which were accelerated to 5 keV by the floating voltage to be detected by the APD. We verified that the floating‐mode APD can contribute to space plasma measurements as a detector with characteristics different from those of microchannel plates. This is the first achievement to establish advanced in‐situ observation techniques based on APD for wide‐energy (a few eV to a hundred keV) electron measurements in space.
Petrogenesis, Sampling Depth, Thermal and Redox Evolution of Spinel Peridotite Xenoliths From Jiaohe, NE China: Insights From Trace Elements in All Rock‐Forming Silicate Minerals
Authors: Lin A‐Bing , Aulbach Sonja , Zheng Jian‐Ping , Uenver‐Thiele Laura , Woodland Alan B. , Zhang Hong‐Fu
Published: September 2023

Olivine and orthopyroxene (Opx) are the most abundant minerals in lherzolitic to harzburgitic peridotites, and their compositions represent an important—and sometimes only—source of information for the origin and physicochemical evolution of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). We report a high‐quality in situ trace element data set for Opx and olivine of well‐characterized spinel‐peridotite xenoliths, including eight lherzolites and four harzburgites, which were entrained in the Cenozoic basalts from Jiaohe, NE China. While the lherzolites and harzburgites show contrasting evolution involving various metasomatic agents, reflected in different trace element relationships, both experienced early cooling followed by recent (pre‐entrainment) heating, as unraveled by a combination of mineral thermometers with inherently different diffusion rates. The sampling depth of spinel‐facies peridotites is obtained by olivine‐spinel thermobarometry, taking into account post‐melting subsolidus processes and pre‐emplacement thermal disturbance, using an empirical correction for the Ca content in olivine, which yields a pressure range of 1.1–2.0 GPa. The V contents (92–116 μg/g) and V/Sc ratios (5.7–6.4) in lherzolitic Opx are higher than those in harzburgitic Opx (V: 56–76 μg/g; V/Sc: 3.4–5.9), qualitatively reflecting the reducing and oxidizing effect, respectively of refertilization versus metasomatic interaction with a small‐volume melt. Thus, comparative thermobarometry, together with trace element systematics of Opx and olivine can be effective tools to reveal the architecture, chemical, thermal, and redox evolution of the shallow SCLM, as sampled by spinel peridotite xenoliths.
Adherence to ketogenic diet in lifestyle interventions in adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes: a scoping review
Authors: Li Shiyu , Du Yan , Meireles Christiane , Sharma Kumar , Qi Lu , Castillo Alondra , Wang Jing
Published: September 2023

Background/Objectives

Despite the evidence supporting the efficacy of the ketogenic diet (KD) on weight and type 2 diabetes (T2D) management, adherence to the KD is challenging. Additionally, no studies have reported changes in PA among individuals with overweight/obesity and T2D who have followed KD. We mapped out the methods used to assess adherence to the KD and level of physical activity (PA) in lifestyle interventions for weight and T2D management in individuals with overweight/obesity and T2D and compared levels of KD adherence and PA in these interventions.

Methods

Articles published between January 2005 and March 2022 were searched in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus. Studies that included KD in lifestyle interventions for adults with T2D and overweight/obesity and measured ketone levels were included.

Results

The eleven included studies comprised eight randomized controlled trials. They mainly used self-reported measures to evaluate adherence to the KD and level of PA. We found studies reported higher carbohydrate intake and lower fat intake than the KD regimen. Great inconsistencies were found among studies on the measurement and reporting of ketone and PA levels.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated the need to develop intervention strategies to improve adherence to the KD, as well as the necessity of developing standardized diet and PA assessment tools to establish a stronger evidence base for including KD in lifestyle interventions for weight and T2D management among adults with overweight/obesity and T2D.
HLF promotes ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance via regulating Hippo signaling pathway
Authors: Han Tao , Chen Tingsong , Chen Lujun , Li Kerui , Xiang Daimin , Dou Lei , Li Hengyu , Gu Yubei
Published: September 2023

Hepatic leukemia factor (HLF) is aberrantly expressed in human malignancies. However, the role of HLF in the regulation of ovarian cancer (OC) remains unknown. Herein, we reported that HLF expression was upregulated in OC tissues and ovarian cancer stem cells (CSCs). Functional studies have revealed that HLF regulates OC cell stemness, proliferation, and metastasis. Mechanistically, HLF transcriptionally activated Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) expression and subsequently modulated the Hippo signaling pathway. Moreover, we found that miR-520e directly targeted HLF 3′-UTR in OC cells. miR-520e expression was negatively correlated with HLF and YAP1 expression in OC tissues. The combined immunohistochemical (IHC) panels exhibited a better prognostic value for OC patients than any of these components alone. Importantly, the HLF/YAP1 axis determines the response of OC cells to carboplatin treatment and HLF depletion or the YAP1 inhibitor verteporfin abrogated carboplatin resistance. Analysis of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) further suggested that HLF might predict carboplatin benefits in OC patients. In conclusion, these findings suggest a crucial role of the miR-520e/HLF/YAP1 axis in OC progression and chemoresistance, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for OC.
CXCR1 drives the pathogenesis of EAE and ARDS via boosting dendritic cells-dependent inflammation
Authors: Zhuang Wei , Zhou Jinfeng , Zhong Lan , Lv Jie , Zhong Xuan , Liu Guangyu , Xie Ling , Wang Chun , Saimaier Kaidireya , Han Sanxing , Shi Changjie , Hua Qiuhong , Zhang Ru , Xie Xin , Du Changsheng
Published: September 2023

Chemokines secreted by dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in the regulation of inflammation and autoimmunity through chemokine receptors. However, the role of chemokine receptor CXCR1 in inflammation-inducing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains largely enigmatic. Here we reported that compared with healthy controls, the level of CXCR1 was aberrantly increased in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Knockout of CXCR1 not only ameliorated disease severity in EAE mice but also suppressed the secretion of inflammatory factors (IL-6/IL-12p70) production. We observed the same results in EAE mice with DCs-specific deletion of CXCR1 and antibody neutralization of the ligand CXCL5. Mechanically, we demonstrated a positive feedback loop composed of CXCL5/CXCR1/HIF-1α direct regulating of IL-6/IL-12p70 production in DCs. Meanwhile, we found CXCR1 deficiency in DCs limited IL-6/IL-12p70 production and lung injury in LPS-induced ARDS, a disease model caused by inflammation. Overall, our study reveals CXCR1 governs DCs-mediated inflammation and autoimmune disorders and its potential as a therapeutic target for related diseases.
The structure of a Plasmodium vivax Tryptophan Rich Antigen domain suggests a lipid binding function for a pan-Plasmodium multi-gene family
Authors: Kundu Prasun , Naskar Deboki , McKie Shannon J. , Dass Sheena , Kanjee Usheer , Introini Viola , Ferreira Marcelo U. , Cicuta Pietro , Duraisingh Manoj , Deane Janet E. , Rayner Julian C.
Published: September 2023

Tryptophan Rich Antigens (TRAgs) are encoded by a multi-gene family found in all Plasmodium species, but are significantly expanded in P. vivax and closely related parasites. We show that multiple P. vivax TRAgs are expressed on the merozoite surface and that one, PVP01_0000100 binds red blood cells with a strong preference for reticulocytes. Using X-ray crystallography, we solved the structure of the PVP01_0000100 C-terminal tryptophan rich domain, which defines the TRAg family, revealing a three-helical bundle that is conserved across Plasmodium and has structural homology with lipid-binding BAR domains involved in membrane remodelling. Biochemical assays confirm that the PVP01_0000100 C-terminal domain has lipid binding activity with preference for sulfatide, a glycosphingolipid present in the outer leaflet of plasma membranes. Deletion of the putative orthologue in P. knowlesi, PKNH_1300500, impacts invasion in reticulocytes, suggesting a role during this essential process. Together, this work defines an emerging molecular function for the Plasmodium TRAg family.
DNA methylation profiling to determine the primary sites of metastatic cancers using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues
Authors: Zhang Shirong , He Shutao , Zhu Xin , Wang Yunfei , Xie Qionghuan , Song Xianrang , Xu Chunwei , Wang Wenxian , Xing Ligang , Xia Chengqing , Wang Qian , Li Wenfeng , Zhang Xiaochen , Yu Jinming , Ma Shenglin , Shi Jiantao , Gu Hongcang
Published: September 2023

Identifying the primary site of metastatic cancer is critical to guiding the subsequent treatment. Approximately 3–9% of metastatic patients are diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary sites (CUP) even after a comprehensive diagnostic workup. However, a widely accepted molecular test is still not available. Here, we report a method that applies formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues to construct reduced representation bisulfite sequencing libraries (FFPE-RRBS). We then generate and systematically evaluate 28 molecular classifiers, built on four DNA methylation scoring methods and seven machine learning approaches, using the RRBS library dataset of 498 fresh-frozen tumor tissues from primary cancer patients. Among these classifiers, the beta value-based linear support vector (BELIVE) performs the best, achieving overall accuracies of 81-93% for identifying the primary sites in 215 metastatic patients using top-k predictions (k = 1, 2, 3). Coincidentally, BELIVE also successfully predicts the tissue of origin in 81-93% of CUP patients (n = 68).
Action initiation and punishment learning differ from childhood to adolescence while reward learning remains stable
Authors: Pauli Ruth , Brazil Inti A. , Kohls Gregor , Klein-Flügge Miriam C. , Rogers Jack C. , Dikeos Dimitris , Dochnal Roberta , Fairchild Graeme , Fernández-Rivas Aranzazu , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate , Hervas Amaia , Konrad Kerstin , Popma Arne , Stadler Christina , Freitag Christine M. , De Brito Stephane A. , Lockwood Patricia L.
Published: September 2023

Theoretical and empirical accounts suggest that adolescence is associated with heightened reward learning and impulsivity. Experimental tasks and computational models that can dissociate reward learning from the tendency to initiate actions impulsively (action initiation bias) are thus critical to characterise the mechanisms that drive developmental differences. However, existing work has rarely quantified both learning ability and action initiation, or it has relied on small samples. Here, using computational modelling of a learning task collected from a large sample (N = 742, 9-18 years, 11 countries), we test differences in reward and punishment learning and action initiation from childhood to adolescence. Computational modelling reveals that whilst punishment learning rates increase with age, reward learning remains stable. In parallel, action initiation biases decrease with age. Results are similar when considering pubertal stage instead of chronological age. We conclude that heightened reward responsivity in adolescence can reflect differences in action initiation rather than enhanced reward learning.
Decarboxylation of β-boryl NHPI esters enables radical 1,2-boron shift for the assembly of versatile organoborons
Authors: Guo Yu , Wang Xiaosha , Li Chengbo , Su Jianke , Xu Jian , Song Qiuling
Published: September 2023

In recent years, numerous 1,2-R shift (R = aliphatic or aryl) based on tetracoordinate boron species have been well investigated. In the contrary, the corresponding radical migrations, especially 1,2-boryl radical shift for the construction of organoborons is still in its infancy. Given the paucity and significance of such strategies in boron chemistry, it is urgent to develop other efficient and alternative synthetic protocols to enrich these underdeveloped radical 1,2-boron migrations, before their fundamental potential applications could be fully explored at will. Herein, we have demonstrated a visible-light-induced photoredox neutral decarboxylative radical cross-coupling reaction, which undergoes a radical 1,2-boron shift to give a translocated C-radical for further capture of versatile radical acceptors. The mild reaction conditions, good functional-group tolerance, and broad β-boryl NHPI esters scope as well as versatile radical acceptors make this protocol applicable in modification of bioactive molecules. It can be expected that this methodology will be a very useful tool and an alternative strategy for the construction of primary organoborons via a novel radical 1,2-boron shift mode.
A landscape of complex tandem repeats within individual human genomes
Authors: Ichikawa Kazuki , Kawahara Riki , Asano Takeshi , Morishita Shinichi
Published: September 2023

Markedly expanded tandem repeats (TRs) have been correlated with ~60 diseases. TR diversity has been considered a clue toward understanding missing heritability. However, haplotype-resolved long TRs remain mostly hidden or blacked out because their complex structures (TRs composed of various units and minisatellites containing >10-bp units) make them difficult to determine accurately with existing methods. Here, using a high-precision algorithm to determine complex TR structures from long, accurate reads of PacBio HiFi, an investigation of 270 Japanese control samples yields several genome-wide findings. Approximately 322,000 TRs are difficult to impute from the surrounding single-nucleotide variants. Greater genetic divergence of TR loci is significantly correlated with more events of younger replication slippage. Complex TRs are more abundant than single-unit TRs, and a tendency for complex TRs to consist of <10-bp units and single-unit TRs to be minisatellites is statistically significant at loci with ≥500-bp TRs. Of note, 8909 loci with extended TRs (>100b longer than the mode) contain several known disease-associated TRs and are considered candidates for association with disorders. Overall, complex TRs and minisatellites are found to be abundant and diverse, even in genetically small Japanese populations, yielding insights into the landscape of long TRs.
Class III hybrid cluster protein homodimeric architecture shows evolutionary relationship with Ni, Fe-carbon monoxide dehydrogenases
Authors: Fujishiro Takashi , Takaoka Kyosei
Published: September 2023

Hybrid cluster proteins (HCPs) are Fe-S-O cluster-containing metalloenzymes in three distinct classes (class I and II: monomer, III: homodimer), all of which structurally related to homodimeric Ni, Fe-carbon monoxide dehydrogenases (CODHs). Here we show X-ray crystal structure of class III HCP from Methanothermobacter marburgensis (Mm HCP), demonstrating its homodimeric architecture structurally resembles those of CODHs. Also, despite the different architectures of class III and I/II HCPs, [4Fe-4S] and hybrid clusters are found in equivalent positions in all HCPs. Structural comparison of Mm HCP and CODHs unveils some distinct features such as the environments of their homodimeric interfaces and the active site metalloclusters. Furthermore, structural analysis of Mm HCP C67Y and characterization of several Mm HCP variants with a Cys67 mutation reveal the significance of Cys67 in protein structure, metallocluster binding and hydroxylamine reductase activity. Structure-based bioinformatics analysis of HCPs and CODHs provides insights into the structural evolution of the HCP/CODH superfamily.
KMT2A associates with PHF5A-PHF14-HMG20A-RAI1 subcomplex in pancreatic cancer stem cells and epigenetically regulates their characteristics
Authors: Mouti Mai Abdel , Deng Siwei , Pook Martin , Malzahn Jessica , Rendek Aniko , Militi Stefania , Nibhani Reshma , Soonawalla Zahir , Oppermann Udo , Hwang Chang-il , Pauklin Siim
Published: September 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PC), one of the most aggressive and life-threatening human malignancies, is known for its resistance to cytotoxic therapies. This is increasingly ascribed to the subpopulation of undifferentiated cells, known as pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs), which display greater evolutionary fitness than other tumor cells to evade the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy. PCSCs are crucial for tumor relapse as they possess ‘stem cell-like’ features that are characterized by self-renewal and differentiation. However, the molecular mechanisms that maintain the unique characteristics of PCSCs are poorly understood. Here, we identify the histone methyltransferase KMT2A as a physical binding partner of an RNA polymerase-associated PHF5A-PHF14-HMG20A-RAI1 protein subcomplex and an epigenetic regulator of PCSC properties and functions. Targeting the protein subcomplex in PCSCs with a KMT2A-WDR5 inhibitor attenuates their self-renewal capacity, cell viability, and in vivo tumorigenicity.
Pre-activated nanoparticles with persistent luminescence for deep tumor photodynamic therapy in gallbladder cancer
Authors: Juengpanich Sarun , Li Shijie , Yang Taorui , Xie Tianao , Chen Jiadong , Shan Yukai , Lee Jiyoung , Lu Ziyi , Chen Tianen , Zhang Bin , Cao Jiasheng , Hu Jiahao , Yu Jicheng , Wang Yanfang , Topatana Win , Gu Zhen , Cai Xiujun , Chen Mingyu
Published: September 2023

Phototherapy of deep tumors still suffers from many obstacles, such as limited near-infrared (NIR) tissue penetration depth and low accumulation efficiency within the target sites. Herein, stimuli-sensitive tumor-targeted photodynamic nanoparticles (STPNs) with persistent luminescence for the treatment of deep tumors are reported. Purpurin 18 (Pu18), a porphyrin derivative, is utilized as a photosensitizer to produce persistent luminescence in STPNs, while lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) exhibit bioimaging properties and possess high photostability that can enhance photosensitizer efficacy. STPNs are initially stimulated by NIR irradiation before intravenous administration and accumulate at the tumor site to enter the cells through the HER2 receptor. Due to Pu18 afterglow luminescence properties, STPNs can continuously generate ROS to inhibit NFκB nuclear translocation, leading to tumor cell apoptosis. Moreover, STPNs can be used for diagnostic purposes through MRI and intraoperative NIR navigation. STPNs exceptional antitumor properties combined the advantages of UCNPs and persistent luminescence, representing a promising phototherapeutic strategy for deep tumors.
Atomically dispersed Cu coordinated Rh metallene arrays for simultaneously electrochemical aniline synthesis and biomass upgrading
Authors: Mao Qiqi , Mu Xu , Wang Wenxin , Deng Kai , Yu Hongjie , Wang Ziqiang , Xu You , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing
Published: September 2023

Organic electrocatalytic conversion is an essential pathway for the green conversion of low-cost organic compounds to high-value chemicals, which urgently demands the development of efficient electrocatalysts. Here, we report a Cu single-atom dispersed Rh metallene arrays on Cu foam for cathodic nitrobenzene electroreduction reaction and anodic methanol oxidation reaction. In the coupled electrocatalytic system, the Cusingle-atom-Rh metallene arrays on Cu foam requires only the low voltages of 1.18 V to reach current densities of 100 mA cm−2 for generating aniline and formate, with up to ~100% of nitrobenzene conversion/ aniline selectivity and over ~90% of formate Faraday efficiency, achieving synthesis of high-value chemicals. Density functional theory calculations reveal the electron effect between Cu single-atom and Rh host and catalytic reaction mechanism. The synergistic catalytic effect and H*-spillover effect can improve catalytic reaction process and reduce energy barrier for reaction process, thus enhancing electrocatalytic reaction activity and target product selectivity.