bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jargon in Military: A Comparative Analysis of English Varieties in Pakistan based on Hallidiyan’s Functional Perspective
Authors: Ali Sikandar , Satti Sumra M. J.
Published: January 2022

Pakistani English is (also known as Paklish or Pinglish) is the group of English language varieties that are spoken or written in Pakistan. It was recognized in terms of different varieties and forms first time in the 1970s and 1980s. This paper elucidated the phenomenon of transition that Pakistani English was undergoing in the current scenario because of its contact with other Pakistani languages in general, Urdu and Punjabi in particular.  This study attempted to explore and interpret the varieties of Pakistani English in the Military at two different levels i.e. Officers to Officers Communication and Officers to Rank (Soldier). These constantly diverging forms and functions of English may not have reached stability and recognition among its users probably bilinguals or multi-linguals as Pakistan is a multi-lingual state. This study endeavored to use a Qualitative approach and data will be collected through observation from Pakistani English varieties used in the Military. This paper aimed to apply Halliday’s (1960) theory of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) to conduct a comparative study of varieties of English to describe, interpret and explain the forms and functions of Pakistani English at two different levels. The findings revealed that the variations of Military language were unique and distinct from all other varieties of English. In addition, these variations were acceptable by the whole language community shared by individuals in the Military.
The Grand Strategy of China Towards Central Asia: An Assessment of Chinese New Regionalism Strategy and its Geopolitical Implications for US in the Post-9/11 Era
Authors: Ali Hashim , Muhammadi Muhammad , Masood Yasir , Ali Sarfaraz
Published: January 2022

The main objective of this study is to investigate ‘why does China adopted the strategy of new regionalism, and is it looking for an era of US decline in the region in the post 9/11 era’? Both US and China have made noticeable diplomatic, foreign policy, and cultural advances in their appeal and influence in the region since the 9/11 era. In addition, the Chinese regional integration approach (SCO) with the Central Asian states and Russia and its implication for US geopolitical interest are closely analyzed in this paper. It is markedly considered that Beijing has adopted a couple of measures to undermine the US attention in the region, either in the form of a new regionalism policy (SCO), soft power, to the advanced multipolar system, to promote mutual and multifaceted dealings with its bordering countries. The results of this descriptive study indicate that the dynamic role of China has ultimately weakened the emerging role of the US in the region where Washington has already triggered and enhanced its bilateral relations with the Central Asian states. Moreover, this inclusive study examined China’s regionalism approach from distinguishing perspectives such as Economic assistance, oil diplomacy, and economic and political strategies in its rapid ascendance in world politics.
Socio-Industrial Impacts of CPEC on the Pakistan: A Macro-Economic Study Within the Theoretical Context of Structural Anthropology
Authors: Saeed Tariq , Li Dong Qian , Asim Muhammad , Zaheer Muhammad Akram
Published: January 2022

Since the inauguration of CPEC as a plan to reconstruct the olden road between Kashgar and Gwadar, Pakistan is also experiencing socio-industrial impacts at the macro level. In fact, Chinese industries have built such a technical structure within the Pakistani markets that largely affects the nature of the masses. Likewise, socio-cultural life including the business environment in Pakistan has also been rapidly affected by the Chinese arrival. Therefore, by collecting primary sources from Pakistani and Chinese ministries regarding Chinese imports towards Pakistan; the study examines how it is encircling daily route life along with human nature. At the same time, consultation with different organizations and think tanks assists the study in practically investigating the socio-industrial impacts of CPEC within the theoretical context of structural anthropology in different regions of Pakistan.
Mengapa Jepang Memilih Hadratussyaikh: Analisa Sejarah Ditunjuknya KH. Hasyim Asy’ari Menjadi Ketua Masyumi
Authors: As'ad Muhammad
Published: January 2022

This article seeks to answer why the Japanese chose KH. Hasyim Asy’ari as the chairman of Masyumi during their occupation in Indonesia (1942-1945). The data was collected from library research by scrutinizing paper and academic works that discuss Indonesia from the 1920s to its independence in 1945. This period is important to understand the historical and political conditions of the country at that time. This article also refers to two magazines of Suara MIAI that began publishing in December 1942 and Suara Masyumi Magazine issued from December 1943 onward. This article argues that the Japanese decision to choose Hadratussyaikh was based on political motivation, especially to get the support of the Muslim community for Japanese efforts to fight Allied forces in the Pacific war.
Adaptasi Model Pembelajaran Tutorial Online UT pada Masa Pembelajaran Darurat Covid-19
Authors: Salwa Athiyah
Published: January 2022

The Covid-19 outbreak today changes a lot in the way teaching and learning progress in Indonesia. In most parts of the country, teachers still use the traditional ways to transfer knowledge from the collaboration of the conventional means of learning such as textbooks, boards, and situated in a classroom. In this pandemic situation, Government proposes that all teaching and learning activities in the schools should be conducted online. It makes stakeholders of education sectors, especially primary and secondary, manage learning strategies and systems. Based on the situation, Universitas Terbuka as the pioneer of open learning system has one program to facilitate students come from different places all around. It has an online tutorial where students can access material not only from the textbook but also supplementary materials such as teacher’s tutorial video, online tasks and exercises, and also online assessment. This kind of system can be adapted for traditional schools in the Pandemic era so that learning loss will not happen since students and teachers can still get connected to achieve learning goals. This article describes how the online tutorial UT can be implemented for primary, secondary, and even higher education in the Pandemic era to replace the traditional learning systems.
Motivasi Dan Ketahanan Belajar Mahasiswa Pendidikan Jarak Jauh: Studi Kasus Di Kepulauan Maluku
Authors: Pribadi Benny Agus , Sarah Hiariey Lilian
Published: January 2022

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menggambarkan kegigihan miring peserta didik jarak jauh yang berdomisili di wilayah kepulauan Indonesia-pulau Maluku. 24 siswa pembelajaran jarak jauh yang tinggal di Pulau Maluku berpartisipasi dalam penelitian ini. Pendekatan kualitatif diterapkan dalam penelitian ini. Observasi dan wawancara jarak jauh digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data dan informasi yang diperlukan terkait dengan tingkat motivasi dan ketekunan belajar para peserta. Studi ini menemukan bahwa siswa pembelajaran jarak jauh yang tinggal di Pulau Maluku pada umumnya mengalami kesulitan dalam mendapatkan materi pembelajaran dan mempersiapkan ujian belajar mereka. Namun demikian, kurangnya fasilitas belajar tidak membuat ketekunan mereka yang condong rendah dalam mencapai harapan studi mereka. Dengan kata lain, mereka masih memiliki ketekunan dan motivasi belajar yang tinggi untuk menyelesaikan studi mereka di Universitas Terbuka (UT).
UNIVERSITAS TERBUKA SEBAGAI PELOPOR PENDIDIKAN 4.0
Authors: Apriandhini Megafury , Majidah Majidah
Published: January 2022

Pada masa Revolusi Industri 4.0 dunia pendidikan mengalami perubahan tren pembelajaran yang berbanding lurus dengan perkembangan teknologi, yang dikenal dengan Pendidikan 4.0. Universitas Terbuka memiliki peranan penting sebagai pendidikan tinggi jarak jauh yang sudah menerapkan metode e-learning jauh sebelum era pembelajaran Daring (dalam jaringan) diterapkan oleh sebagian besar perguruan tinggi di Indonesia. Tren pembelajaran yang berbasis pada teknologi cyber sudah diterapkan secara menyeluruh dalam pembelajaran di Universitas Terbuka. Dalam artikel ini penulis menggambarkan Universitas Terbuka sebagai pelopor Pendidikan 4.0 yang menggunakan e-learning sebagai pilar utama. E-learning sangat sesuai dengan kebutuhan mahasiswa UT dan siapapun yang membutuhkan pendidikan tinggi karena; a) fleksibilitas waktu, b) meningkatkan kemanjuran pengetahuan dan kualifikasi, c) memberikan peluang lebih antar mahasiswa dan pengajar, d) efektif biaya, e) mempertimbangkan perbedaan mahasiswa, dan f) membantu mengkompensasi kelangkaan staf akademik.
PEMETAAN EFEK SPASIAL KEMISKINAN SELURUH KABUPATEN DI INDONESIA
Authors: Hasibuan Sarah , Hasibuan Mutia Harum
Published: January 2022

Kemiskinan menjadi salah satu penghambat sulitnya suatu daerah/negara untuk maju. Kemiskinan menyebabkan menurunnya kualitas sumberdaya manusia, akibat ketidakmampuan mengakses pendidikan, kesehatan, nutrisi yang baik yang berimbas pada produktivitas yang melemah. Studi ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pola sebaran kemiskinan seluruh kabupaten di Indonesia dengan memakai metode Moran’s Index. Selain itu studi ini juga melihat sebaran spasial kemiskinan secara lokal di setiap kabupaten dengan pendekatan Local Indicator of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA). Adapun periode data yang digunakan adalah tahun 2019. Hasil studi mengemukakan kantong-kantong kemiskinan di Indonesia sebagian besar terletak di Provinsi Papua, Papua Barat dan Nusa Tenggara Timur. Kabupaten dengan kemiskinan terendah terdapat di kabupaten Provinsi Bali dan Kalimantan Selatan. Hasil perhitungan Uji Moran terdapat autokorelasi positif sebesar 0,474259 yang menunjukkan adanya keterkaitan spasial secara umum di seluruh kabupaten di Indonesia dengan pola yang menggerombol (clustred). Sementara hasil  uji LISA memetakan tingkat kemiskinan penduduk dalam empat kelompok, yakni: terdapat 50 Kabupaten yang berada pada kriteria kabupaten dengan kemiskinan tinggi dikelilingi kabupaten kemiskinan tinggi (high-high), 69 kabupaten yang masuk dalam kriteria kemiskinan rendah dikelilingi kabupaten kemiskinan rendah (low-low), 12 kabupaten pada kriteria kemiskinan rendah, dikelilingi kabupaten kemiskinan tinggi (low-high) dan 5 kabupaten kemiskinan tinggi dikelilingi kabupaten kemiskinan rendah (high-low). Perbedaan tingkat kemiskinan menunjukkan penanganan/penuntasan kemiskinan tidak dapat diseragamkan setiap daerah
Верования и обряды каракалпаков, связанные с рыболовством
Authors: Есбергенова С.Х.
Published: January 2022

В данной научной статье освещается проблема изучения древних реликтов, верований, обрядов и культов каракалпаков, связанных с рыболовством. До недавнего времени многие из них бытовали в народной среде, а сегодня сохраняются в мифологии и фольклоре. Автор анализирует особенности почитания рыб в образах духов-покровителей, зооморфные черты в культе предков, а также исследует историко-культурные связи каракалпаков с другими народами для установления общих закономерностей в истории религиозных верований, связанных с рыболовством.
«РЫЦАРИ БЕЗ СТРАХА»: ВОСПОМИНАНИЯ УЧИТЕЛЕЙ – УЧАСТНИКОВ ВЕЛИКОЙ ОТЕЧЕСТВЕННОЙ ВОЙНЫ
Authors: Белова Н.А.
Published: January 2022

В статье на основании эго-документов рассказываются фронтовые истории учителей, принимавших участие в Великой Отечественной войне. Эти истории были записаны еще к 20-летию победы, но цензура советского времени не допустила сборник к печати. Мемуары, сохранившиеся в Государственном архиве Костромской области (ГАКО), свидетельствуют об ужасных событиях того времени, когда выражение «мирное небо» становится символичным. Важность этих эго-документов заключается в том, что они являются прямым свидетельством тех событий, которые произошли 75 лет назад. В каждой российской семье есть герои-участники этого исторического события, кто-то из них сражался, а кто-то работал в тылу и наша задача рассказывать об этих подвигах, чтобы они не предавались забвению. Именно поэтому мы подготовили статью, в которой советские учителя вспоминают о жизни, подвигах, быте на фронтах Великой Отечественной войны. Мы попытались рассказать об основных аспектах того трудного периода, о том как людям приходилось выживать и выходить из душевного кризиса после пережитых потрясений.
Региональные аспекты демографической модернизации бурятского населения на примере Иркутской и Читинской областей во второй половине XX – начале XXI веков
Authors: Лыгденова В.В. , Дашинамжилов О.Б.
Published: January 2022

В статье рассматриваются особенности демографического перехода бурят, проживающих в Иркутской и Читинской областях в 1959–2010 гг. Выявлено влияние социально-экономических и историко-культурных особенностей на демографическую динамику бурятского населения и представлен сравнительный анализ с демографической ситуацией в Бурятской АССР (Республикой Бурятия). Обнаружены и проанализированы территориальные различия численности, естественного движения и охарактеризованы темпы демографической модернизации бурят. Результаты исследования подтвердили, что интенсивность демографического перехода у бурят была разной, хотя данный процесс во всех районах преимущественного расселения имел много общих черт. Во всех трех регионах он соответствовал “японско-мексиканской” модели, которая характерна для обществ догоняющего типа. Определенные отличия возникли в основном из-за особенностей исторического развития Иркутской и Читинской областей в XX столетии.
Главными особенностями демографического развития бурят в Предбайкалье являлись исторически тесные контакты с русским населением. Следствием этого стали: интенсивное развитие земледелия и распространение русскоязычия. Кроме того, Иркутская область исторически являлась одним из самых промышленно развитых регионов Сибири. Все это опосредованно оказало воздействие на социальный и образовательный состав, культурное развитие и, соответственно, воспроизводственные процессы бурятского населения. Демографический переход шел медленнее в Читинской области. индустриализация и урбанизация, распространение городского образа жизни в меньшей степени затронули область, что стало основными причинами сохранения высокой рождаемости у бурятского населения. Если в Иркутской области скорость демографического перехода первоначально была более высокой, чем в Республике Бурятия, то с середины 1970-х годов темпы его развития сравнялись.
ДИНАМИКА ЭТНОДЕМОГРАФИЧЕСКОЙ СИТУАЦИИ В МЕДЖУДСКОМ УЩЕЛЬЕ ЮЖНОЙ ОСЕТИИ (1886–2015 гг.)
Authors: Багапш Н.В.
Published: January 2022

В работе исследуется динамика демографической ситуации и этнического состава населения в Меджудском ущелье Южной Осетии с 1886 по 2015 гг. Меджудское ущелье на протяжении всего рассматриваемого периода имело периферийное экономико-географическое положение. В советское время ущелье не имело непосредственного транспортного сообщения с другими частями Южной Осетии и в экономическом плане было ориентировано преимущественно на Горийский район Грузии, что сильно осложнило гуманитарное положение в микрорегионе в изменившихся после распада СССР политико-географических реалиях. Вышеперечисленные причины определили неуклонную депопуляцию населения Меджудского ущелья начиная с 1940-х годов. Сокращение числа жителей особенно усилилось с начала 1990-х годов.
240 ЛЕТ НА РОССИЙСКОЙ ЗЕМЛЕ (ИЗ ИСТОРИИ ОСНОВАННОГО АРМЯНАМИ ГОРОДА НОВОГО НАХИЧЕВАНА)
Authors: Тер-Саркисянц А.Е.
Published: January 2022

Статья посвящена истории города Нового Нахичевана, основанного в 1779 г. переселенными по указу Екатерины II из Крыма в Россию армянами, получившими при этом от правительства ряд льгот и привилегий. Новый город успешно развивался и благоустраивался за счет купеческой торговли, развития ремесел, промышленности, благотворной деятельности меценатов, способствовавших строительству в нем учебных заведений, церквей, театра, музея и других культурных объектов, в результате чего он вскоре стал одним из экономически и культурно важных центров на Юге России. Но с присоединением Нового Нахичевана в декабре 1928 г. к соседнему городу Ростову-на-Дону, в котором он первое время существовал в виде Нахичеванского района, а затем с переименованием в 1929 г. в ни о чем не говорящий Пролетарский район, историческое название города, в котором прочно сохранялся национальный быт его жителей и уроженцами которого были многие выдающиеся армяне, исчезло, а в дальнейшем, особенно в 1920–1930-е гг. сталинских репрессий, существенно пострадали и сам город, и его известные горожане. В наше время, на фоне возрождающегося интереса к своей истории, донскими армянами все чаше стали высказываться пожелания о возвращении городу его прежнего названия, что стало бы актом большого нравственного значения.
1D Generalised Burgers-Huxley: Proposed Solutions Revisited and Numerical Solution Using FTCS and NSFD Methods
Authors: Appadu Appanah R. , Tijani Yusuf O.
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we obtain the numerical solution of a 1-D generalised Burgers-Huxley equation under specified initial and boundary conditions, considered in three different regimes. The methods are Forward Time Central Space (FTCS) and a non-standard finite difference scheme (NSFD). We showed the schemes satisfy the generic requirements of the finite difference method in solving a particular problem. There are two proposed solutions for this problem and we show that one of the proposed solutions contains a minor error. We present results using FTCS, NSFD, and exact solution as well as show how the profiles differ when the two proposed solutions are used. In this problem, the boundary conditions are obtained from the proposed solutions. Error analysis and convergence tests are performed.
From the Discovery of Extremozymes to an Enzymatic Product: Roadmap Based on Their Applications
Authors: Espina Giannina , Muñoz-Ibacache Sebastián A. , Cáceres-Moreno Paulina , Amenabar Maximiliano J. , Blamey Jenny M.
Published: January 2022

With the advent of the industrial revolution, the use of toxic compounds has grown exponentially, leading to a considerable pollution of the environment. Consequently, the development of more environmentally conscious technologies is an urgent need. Industrial biocatalysis appears as one potential solution, where a higher demand for more robust enzymes aims to replace toxic chemical catalysts. To date, most of the commercially available enzymes are of mesophilic origin, displaying optimal activity in narrow ranges of temperature and pH (i.e., between 20°C and 45°C, neutral pH), limiting their actual application under industrial reaction settings, where they usually underperform, requiring larger quantities to compensate loss of activity. In order to obtain novel biocatalysts better suited for industrial conditions, an efficient solution is to take advantage of nature by searching and discovering enzymes from extremophiles. These microorganisms and their macromolecules have already adapted to thrive in environments that present extreme physicochemical conditions. Hence, extremophilic enzymes stand out for showing higher activity, stability, and robustness than their mesophilic counterparts, being able to carry out reactions at nonstandard conditions. In this brief research report we describe three examples to illustrate a stepwise strategy for the development and production of commercial extremozymes, including a catalase from an Antarctic psychrotolerant microorganism, a laccase from a thermoalkaliphilic bacterium isolated from a hot spring and an amine-transaminase from a thermophilic bacterium isolated from a geothermal site in Antarctica. We will also explore some of their interesting biotechnological applications and comparisons with commercial enzymes.
Manipulating CD4+ T Cell Pathways to Prevent Preeclampsia
Authors: Murray Eileen J. , Gumusoglu Serena B. , Santillan Donna A. , Santillan Mark K.
Published: January 2022

Preeclampsia (PreE) is a placental disorder characterized by hypertension (HTN), proteinuria, and oxidative stress. Individuals with PreE and their children are at an increased risk of serious short- and long-term complications, such as cardiovascular disease, end-organ failure, HTN, neurodevelopmental disorders, and more. Currently, delivery is the only cure for PreE, which remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant individuals and neonates. There is evidence that an imbalance favoring a pro-inflammatory CD4+ T cell milieu is associated with the inadequate spiral artery remodeling and subsequent oxidative stress that prime PreE’s clinical symptoms. Immunomodulatory therapies targeting CD4+ T cell mechanisms have been investigated for other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, and the application of these prevention tactics to PreE is promising, as we review here. These immunomodulatory therapies may, among other things, decrease tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cytolytic natural killer cells, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production [e.g. interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-6], stimulate regulatory T cells (Tregs), inhibit type 1 and 17 T helper cells, prevent inappropriate dendritic cell maturation, and induce anti-inflammatory cytokine action [e.g. IL-10, Interferon gamma (IFN-γ)]. We review therapies including neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against TNF-α, IL-17, IL-6, and CD28; statins; 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, a synthetic hormone; adoptive exogenous Treg therapy; and endothelin-1 pathway inhibitors. Rebalancing the maternal inflammatory milieu may allow for proper spiral artery invasion, placentation, and maternal tolerance of foreign fetal/paternal antigens, thereby combatting early PreE pathogenesis.
The Future Potential of Biosensors to Investigate the Gut-Brain Axis
Authors: Wang Jiefei , Childers W. Seth
Published: January 2022

The multifaceted and heterogeneous nature of depression presents challenges in pinpointing treatments. Among these contributions are the interconnections between the gut microbiome and neurological function termed the gut-brain axis. A diverse range of microbiome-produced metabolites interact with host signaling and metabolic pathways through this gut-brain axis relationship. Therefore, biosensor detection of gut metabolites offers the potential to quantify the microbiome’s contributions to depression. Herein we review synthetic biology strategies to detect signals that indicate gut-brain axis dysregulation that may contribute to depression. We also highlight future challenges in developing living diagnostics of microbiome conditions influencing depression.
H3K9 Methyltransferases Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 Control the Differentiation of Neural Progenitor Cells in the Adult Hippocampus
Authors: Guerra Miguel V. , Cáceres Matías I. , Herrera-Soto Andrea , Arredondo Sebastián B. , Varas-Godoy Manuel , van Zundert Brigitte , Varela-Nallar Lorena
Published: January 2022

In the dentate gyrus of the adult hippocampus new neurons are generated from neural precursor cells through different stages including proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells and maturation of newborn neurons. These stages are controlled by the expression of specific transcription factors and epigenetic mechanisms, which together orchestrate the progression of the neurogenic process. However, little is known about the involvement of histone posttranslational modifications, a crucial epigenetic mechanism in embryonic neurogenesis that regulates fate commitment and neuronal differentiation. During embryonic development, the repressive modification trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me3) contributes to the cellular identity of different cell-types. However, the role of this modification and its H3K9 methyltransferases has not been elucidated in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. We determined that during the stages of neurogenesis in the adult mouse dentate gyrus and in cultured adult hippocampal progenitors (AHPs), there was a dynamic change in the expression and distribution of H3K9me3, being enriched at early stages of the neurogenic process. A similar pattern was observed in the hippocampus for the dimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me2), another repressive modification. Among H3K9 methyltransferases, the enzymes Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 exhibited high levels of expression at early stages of neurogenesis and their expression decreased upon differentiation. Pharmacological inhibition of these enzymes by chaetocin in AHPs reduced H3K9me3 and concomitantly decreased neuronal differentiation while increasing proliferation. Moreover, Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 knockdown in newborn cells of the adult mouse dentate gyrus by retrovirus-mediated RNA interference impaired neuronal differentiation of progenitor cells. Our results indicate that H3K9me3 and H3K9 methyltransferases Suv39h1 and Suv39h2 are critically involved in the regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis by controlling the differentiation of neural progenitor cells.
Beyond PARP1: The Potential of Other Members of the Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Family in DNA Repair and Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Richard Iain A. , Burgess Joshua T. , O’Byrne Kenneth J. , Bolderson Emma
Published: January 2022

The proteins within the Poly-ADP Ribose Polymerase (PARP) family encompass a diverse and integral set of cellular functions. PARP1 and PARP2 have been extensively studied for their roles in DNA repair and as targets for cancer therapeutics. Several PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have been approved for clinical use, however, while their efficacy is promising, tumours readily develop PARPi resistance. Many other members of the PARP protein family share catalytic domain homology with PARP1/2, however, these proteins are comparatively understudied, particularly in the context of DNA damage repair and tumourigenesis. This review explores the functions of PARP4,6-16 and discusses the current knowledge of the potential roles these proteins may play in DNA damage repair and as targets for cancer therapeutics.
Spatially Resolved Operando Synchrotron-Based X-Ray Diffraction Measurements of Ni-Rich Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Leach Andrew Stephen , Llewellyn Alice V. , Xu Chao , Tan Chun , Heenan Thomas M. M. , Dimitrijevic Alex , Kleiner Karin , Grey Clare P. , Brett Dan J. L. , Tang Chiu C. , Shearing Paul R. , Jervis Rhodri
Published: January 2022

Understanding the performance of commercially relevant cathode materials for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is vital to realize the potential of high-capacity materials for automotive applications. Of particular interest is the spatial variation of crystallographic behavior across (what can be) highly inhomogeneous electrodes. In this work, a high-resolution X-ray diffraction technique was used to obtain operando transmission measurements of Li-ion pouch cells to measure the spatial variances in the cell during electrochemical cycling. Through spatially resolved investigations of the crystallographic structures, the distribution of states of charge has been elucidated. A larger portion of the charging is accounted for by the central parts, with the edges and corners delithiating to a lesser extent for a given average electrode voltage. The cells were cycled to different upper cutoff voltages (4.2 and 4.3 V vs. graphite) and C-rates (0.5, 1, and 3C) to study the effect on the structure of the NMC811 cathode. By combining this rapid data collection method with a detailed Rietveld refinement of degraded NMC811, the spatial dependence of the degradation caused by long-term cycling (900 cycles) has also been shown. The variance shown in the pristine measurements is exaggerated in the aged cells with the edges and corners offering an even lower percentage of the charge. Measurements collected at the very edge of the cell have also highlighted the importance of electrode alignment, with a misalignment of less than 0.5 mm leading to significantly reduced electrochemical activity in that area.
CRISPR/Cas12a-Assisted Visual Logic-Gate Detection of Pathogenic Microorganisms Based on Water-Soluble DNA-Binding AIEgens
Authors: Jiao Zhe , Yang Jialing , Long Xiaojuan , Lu Yingfang , Guo Zongning , Peng Yonglin , Huang Xuelin , Yin Yi , Song Chao , Zhang Pengfei
Published: January 2022

Here, we developed a rapid, visual and double-checked Logic Gate detection platform for detection of pathogenic microorganisms by aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) in combination with Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated (Cas). DNA light-up AIEgens (1,1,2,2-tetrakis[4-(2-bromo-ethoxy) phenyl]ethene, TTAPE) was non-emissive but the emission was turned on in the presence of large amount of DNA produced by recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). When CRISPR/Cas12a was added, all long-stranded DNA were cut leading to the emission quenched. Thus, a method that can directly observe the emission changes with the naked eye has been successfully constructed. The detection is speedy within only 20 min, and has strong specificity to the target. The result can be judged by Logic Gate. Only when the output signal is (1,0), does it represent the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the test object. Finally, the method was applied to the detect pathogenic microorganisms in environmental water samples, which proved that this method has high selectivity, specificity and applicability for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms in environmental water samples.
Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors for the Analysis of Tea Components: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Shao Jinhua , Wang Chao , Shen Yiling , Shi Jinlei , Ding Dongqing
Published: January 2022

Tea is a popular beverage all around the world. Tea composition, quality monitoring, and tea identification have all been the subject of extensive research due to concerns about the nutritional value and safety of tea intake. In the last 2 decades, research into tea employing electrochemical biosensing technologies has received a lot of interest. Despite the fact that electrochemical biosensing is not yet the most widely utilized approach for tea analysis, it has emerged as a promising technology due to its high sensitivity, speed, and low cost. Through bibliometric analysis, we give a systematic survey of the literature on electrochemical analysis of tea from 1994 to 2021 in this study. Electrochemical analysis in the study of tea can be split into three distinct stages, according to the bibliometric analysis. After chromatographic separation of materials, electrochemical techniques were initially used only as a detection tool. Many key components of tea, including as tea polyphenols, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and others, have electrochemical activity, and their electrochemical behavior is being investigated. High-performance electrochemical sensors have steadily become a hot research issue as materials science, particularly nanomaterials, and has progressed. This review not only highlights these processes, but also analyzes and contrasts the relevant literature. This evaluation also provides future views in this area based on the bibliometric findings.
Meningococcal Carriage in ‘Men Having Sex With Men’ With Pharyngeal Gonorrhoea
Authors: Morselli Sara , Gaspari Valeria , Cantiani Alessia , Salvo Melissa , Foschi Claudio , Lazzarotto Tiziana , Marangoni Antonella
Published: January 2022

We assessed the characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis pharyngeal carriage in a cohort of ‘men having sex with men’, including patients with pharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. In the period 2017-2019, among all the oropharyngeal samples tested for gonorrhoea from MSM attending a STI Clinic in Bologna (Italy), we randomly selected 244 N. gonorrhoeae-positive samples and 403 negatives (n=647). Pharyngeal specimens were tested for N. meningitidis presence, by the detection of sodC gene. N. meningitidis-positive samples were further grouped by PCR tests for the major invasive genogroups (i.e., A, B, C, W, and Y). A molecular assay, targeting capsule transporter gene, was used to determine meningococcal capsular status. Overall, 75.8% (491/647) of samples tested positive for sodC gene, indicating a pharyngeal meningococcal carriage. Meningococcal colonisation was significantly more frequent in younger subjects (P=0.009), with no association with HIV infection. Non-groupable meningococci represented most of pharyngeal carriages (about 71%). The commonest N. meningitidis serogroup was B (23.6%), followed by C (2.1%), Y (1.8%) and W (1.1%). Meningococci were often characterized by the genetic potential of capsule production. Interestingly, a negative association between N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae was found: pharyngeal gonorrhoea was significantly more present in patients without meningococcal carriage (P=0.03). Although preliminary, our data added knowledge on the epidemiology of meningococcal carriage in MSM communities at high risk of gonococcal infections, gaining new insights into the interactions/dynamics between N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae.
African Swine Fever Virus MGF360-14L Negatively Regulates Type I Interferon Signaling by Targeting IRF3
Authors: Wang Yang , Cui Shuai , Xin Ting , Wang Xixi , Yu Hainan , Chen Shiyu , Jiang Yajun , Gao Xintao , Jiang Yitong , Guo Xiaoyu , Jia Hong , Zhu Hongfei
Published: January 2022

African swine fever (ASF) is a devastating infectious disease caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). The ASFV genome encodes multiple structural and non-structural proteins that contribute to evasion of host immunity. In this study, we determined that the viral non-structural protein MGF360-14L inhibits interferon-β (IFN-β) promoter activity induced by cGAS-STING signaling. MGF360-14L was also found to downregulate expression of the IRF3 protein and promote its degradation through ubiquitin-meditated proteolysis. Moreover, MGF360-14L was shown to interact with and destabilize IRF3 by facilitating E3 ligase TRIM21-mediated K63-linked ubiquitination of IRF3. Overall, our study revealed that MGF360-14L promotes degradation of IRF3 through TRIM21, thereby inhibiting type I interferon production. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying ASFV immune evasion.
Threats to Neglected Biodiversity: Conservation Success Requires More Than Charisma
Authors: Costante Delaney M. , Haines Aaron M. , Leu Matthias
Published: January 2022

Our planet is home to an incredible array of species; however, relatively few studies have compared how anthropogenic threats impact taxonomic groups over time. Our objective was to identify temporal trends in threats facing the four most speciose phyla protected by the United States Endangered Species Act: angiosperms, arthropods, chordates, and mollusks. We determined presence or absence of threats for each species in these phyla by reviewing Final Rule listing decisions. For each phylum, we evaluated whether there was a linear, quadratic, or pseudo-threshold association between year of listing and the presence of 24 anthropogenic threats. We identified temporal trends for 80% of the 96 threat-phylum combinations. We classified threats as topmost (probability of being included in a species' listing decision peaking at ≥ 0.81) and escalating (probability of being included in a listing decision increasing by ≥ 0.81 between a species' first and most recent years of listing). Angiosperms, arthropods, and mollusks each had more topmost and escalating threats than chordates. Percentages of topmost threats were 42.9% (N = 21) for mollusks, 36.4% (N = 22) for angiosperms, and 33.3% (N = 21) for arthropods. Percentages of escalating threats were 22.7% (N = 22) for angiosperms and 14.3% (N = 21) for arthropods and mollusks. In contrast, percentages of topmost and escalating threats were only 4.2% (N = 24) for chordates, this one threat being climate change. Our research suggests potential conservation successes; some overutilization and pollution threats showed only gradually increasing or declining trends for certain phyla. We identified authorized take impacting angiosperms as the sole threat-phylum combination for which the threat had been consistently decreasing since the phylum's first year of listing. Conversely, species interactions, environmental stochasticity, and demographic stochasticity threats have seen drastic increases across all phyla; we suggest conservation efforts focus on these areas of increasing concern. We also recommend that resources be allocated to phyla with numerous topmost and escalating threats, not just to chordates.
Nitric Oxide in Selective Cerebral Perfusion Could Enhance Neuroprotection During Aortic Arch Surgery
Authors: Linardi Daniele , Mani Romel , Murari Angela , Dolci Sissi , Mannino Loris , Decimo Ilaria , Tessari Maddalena , Martinazzi Sara , Gottin Leonardo , Luciani Giovanni B. , Faggian Giuseppe , Rungatscher Alessio
Published: January 2022

Background

Hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) in aortic arch surgery has a significant risk of neurological injury despite the newest protective techniques and strategies. Nitric oxide (NO) could exert a protective role, reduce infarct area and increase cerebral perfusion. This study aims to investigate the possible neuroprotective effects of NO administered in the oxygenator of selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SCP) during HCA.

Methods

Thirty male SD adult rats (450–550 g) underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), cooling to 22°C body core temperature followed by 30 min of HCA. Rats were randomized to receive SCP or SCP added with NO (20 ppm) administered through the oxygenator (SCP-NO). All animals underwent CPB-assisted rewarming to a target temperature of 35°C in 60 min. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed, and brain collected. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed in blind conditions.

Results

Neuroinflammation assessed by allograft inflammatory factor 1 or ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 expression, a microglia activation marker was lower in SCP-NO compared to SCP (4.11 ± 0.59 vs. 6.02 ± 0.18%; p < 0.05). Oxidative stress measured by 8oxodG, was reduced in SCP-NO (0.37 ± 0.01 vs. 1.03 ± 0.16%; p < 0.05). Brain hypoxic area extent, analyzed by thiols oxidation was attenuated in SCP-NO (1.85 ± 0.10 vs. 2.74 ± 0.19%; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the apoptotic marker caspases 3 was significantly reduced in SCP-NO (10.64 ± 0.37 vs. 12.61 ± 0.88%; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Nitric oxide administration in the oxygenator during SCP and HCA improves neuroprotection by decreasing neuroinflammation, optimizing oxygen delivery by reducing oxidative stress and hypoxic areas, finally decreasing apoptosis.
Tailoring Cardiac Synthetic Transcriptional Modulation Towards Precision Medicine
Authors: Schoger Eric , Lelek Sara , Panáková Daniela , Zelarayán Laura Cecilia
Published: January 2022

Molecular and genetic differences between individual cells within tissues underlie cellular heterogeneities defining organ physiology and function in homeostasis as well as in disease states. Transcriptional control of endogenous gene expression has been intensively studied for decades. Thanks to a fast-developing field of single cell genomics, we are facing an unprecedented leap in information available pertaining organ biology offering a comprehensive overview. The single-cell technologies that arose aided in resolving the precise cellular composition of many organ systems in the past years. Importantly, when applied to diseased tissues, the novel approaches have been immensely improving our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of common human diseases. With this information, precise prediction of regulatory elements controlling gene expression upon perturbations in a given cell type or a specific context will be realistic. Simultaneously, the technological advances in CRISPR-mediated regulation of gene transcription as well as their application in the context of epigenome modulation, have opened up novel avenues for targeted therapy and personalized medicine. Here, we discuss the fast-paced advancements during the recent years and the applications thereof in the context of cardiac biology and common cardiac disease. The combination of single cell technologies and the deep knowledge of fundamental biology of the diseased heart together with the CRISPR-mediated modulation of gene regulatory networks will be instrumental in tailoring the right strategies for personalized and precision medicine in the near future. In this review, we provide a brief overview of how single cell transcriptomics has advanced our knowledge and paved the way for emerging CRISPR/Cas9-technologies in clinical applications in cardiac biomedicine.
Exercise Cardio-Oncology: Exercise as a Potential Therapeutic Modality in the Management of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Kang Dong-Woo , Wilson Rebekah L. , Christopher Cami N. , Normann Amber J. , Barnes Oscar , Lesansee Jordan D. , Choi Gyuhwan , Dieli-Conwright Christina M.
Published: January 2022

Anthracyclines are one of the most effective chemotherapy agents and have revolutionized cancer therapy. However, anthracyclines can induce cardiac injuries through ‘multiple-hits', a series of cardiovascular insults coupled with lifestyle risk factors, which increase the risk of developing short- and long-term cardiac dysfunction and cardiovascular disease that potentially lead to premature mortality following cancer remission. Therefore, the management of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is a serious unmet clinical need. Exercise therapy, as a non-pharmacological intervention, stimulates numerous biochemical and physiologic adaptations, including cardioprotective effects, through the cardiovascular system and cardiac muscles, where exercise has been proposed to be an effective clinical approach that can protect or reverse the cardiotoxicity from anthracyclines. Many preclinical and clinical trials demonstrate the potential impacts of exercise on cardiotoxicity; however, the underlying mechanisms as well as how to implement exercise in clinical settings to improve or protect against long-term cardiovascular disease outcomes are not clearly defined. In this review, we summarize the current evidence in the field of “exercise cardio-oncology” and emphasize the utilization of exercise to prevent and manage anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicities across high-risk and vulnerable populations diagnosed with cancer.
A Hierarchical Framework for CO2 Storage Capacity in Deep Saline Aquifer Formations
Authors: Wei Ning , Li Xiaochun , Jiao Zhunsheng , Stauffer Philip H. , Liu Shengnan , Ellett Kevin , Middleton Richard S.
Published: January 2022

Carbon dioxide (CO2) storage in deep saline aquifers is a vital option for CO2 mitigation at a large scale. Determining storage capacity is one of the crucial steps toward large-scale deployment of CO2 storage. Results of capacity assessments tend toward a consensus that sufficient resources are available in saline aquifers in many parts of the world. However, current CO2 capacity assessments involve significant inconsistencies and uncertainties caused by various technical assumptions, storage mechanisms considered, algorithms, and data types and resolutions. Furthermore, other constraint factors (such as techno-economic features, site suitability, risk, regulation, social-economic situation, and policies) significantly affect the storage capacity assessment results. Consequently, a consensus capacity classification system and assessment method should be capable of classifying the capacity type or even more related uncertainties. We present a hierarchical framework of CO2 capacity to define the capacity types based on the various factors, algorithms, and datasets. Finally, a review of onshore CO2 aquifer storage capacity assessments in China is presented as examples to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed hierarchical framework.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Parathyroid Glands to Treat a Patient With Hypercalcemia Caused by a Novel Inactivating Mutation in CaSR
Authors: Hao Yu , Lei Zhikai , Shi Nanjing , Yu Lingying , Ji Weiqin , Zhang Xianfeng
Published: January 2022

Objective

We identified a novel inactivating mutation in the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) gene in a patient with refractory hypocalciuric hypercalcemia and analyzed its function. The effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation of the parathyroid glands to treat hypercalcemia caused by this mutation was explored.

Methods

Clinical data of patients before and after radiofrequency ablation were retrospectively analyzed. The CaSR mutation (D99N) found in the patient was studied in cell lines. HEK-293 cells were transfected with plasmids containing wild-type (WT) or mutant CaSR genes (D99N and W718X). Expression levels of the respective CaSR proteins were measured, and their functions were assessed by examining the effect of NPS R-568 (a CaSR agonist) on intracellular Ca2+ oscillations and that of exogenous parathyroid hormone (PTH) on intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels.

Results

The effectiveness of pharmacological treatment was poor, whereas radiofrequency ablation of the parathyroid glands resulted in controlled blood calcium and PTH levels in the patient. In cell lines, upon NPS R-568 administration, the amplitude of intracellular Ca2+ oscillations in the D99N group was lower than that in the WT group and higher than that in the W718X group. Upon administration of PTH, intracellular cAMP levels in the D99N group were higher than those in the WT group and lower than those in the W718X group.

Conclusion

The homozygous mutation D99N reduced CaSR activity and caused more severe hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. For patients with this type of hypercalcemia and poor response to pharmacological treatments, radiofrequency ablation of the parathyroid glands may be a suitable treatment option.
Co-Administration of Clomiphene Citrate and Letrozole in Mild Ovarian Stimulation Versus Conventional Controlled Ovarian Stimulation Among POSEIDON Group 4 Patients
Authors: Lin Hsin-Ta , Wu Meng-Hsing , Tsai Li-Chung , Chen Ta-Sheng , Ou Huang-Tz
Published: January 2022

This retrospective study assessed the effect of the co-administration of clomiphene citrate (CC) and letrozole in mild ovarian stimulation, compared to conventional regimens, among Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing Individualized Oocyte Number (POSEIDON) Group 4 patients. There were 114 POSEIDON Group 4 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatments with 216 stimulation cycles recruited from a Taiwan’s reproductive center during 2016-2020. Main outcomes were the numbers, quality of retrieved oocytes and embryo development. Pregnancy outcomes were assessed after embryo transfers. Per stimulation cycle, patients receiving mild stimulation with a combination of CC and letrozole (study group) versus those with COS (control group) had lower numbers of pre-ovulatory follicles (2.00 ± 1.23 vs. 2.37 ± 1.23, p=0.0066) and oocytes retrieved (1.83 ± 1.17 vs. 2.37 ± 1.23, p=0.0017), and lower follicular output rate (58.6% vs. 68.38%, p=0.0093) and mature oocyte output rate (44.29% vs. 52.88%, p=0.0386) but a higher top-quality metaphase II oocyte ratio (66.7% vs. 54.59%, p=0.0444) and a similar fertilization rate (91.67% vs. 89.04%, p=0.4660). With adjustment for significant between-group baseline differences using multivariable logistic generalized estimating equation model analyses, there was no statistical difference in oocytes retrieved and embryo development between the study and control groups, and insignificant increases in successful pregnancies in the study group were found compared to the control group (i.e., odds ratios [95% CIs]: 1.13 [0.55, 232] and 1.50 [0.65, 3.49] for ongoing pregnancy and live birth, respectively). For POSEIDON Group 4 patients, cotreatment of CC and letrozole in mild stimulation may increase the high-quality oocyte ratio and yield comparable fertilization rate and pregnancy outcomes.