bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profunctors Between Posets and Alexander Duality
Authors: Fløystad Gunnar
Published: April 2023

We consider profunctors "Equation missing" between posets and introduce their graph and ascent. The profunctors $$\text {Pro}(P,Q)$$

Pro
(
P
,
Q
)

form themselves a poset, and we consider a partition $$\mathcal {I}\sqcup \mathcal {F}$$

I
⊔
F

of this into a down-set $$\mathcal {I}$$
I
and up-set $$\mathcal {F}$$
F
, called a cut. To elements of $$\mathcal {F}$$
F
we associate their graphs, and to elements of $$\mathcal {I}$$
I
we associate their ascents. Our basic results is that this, suitably refined, preserves being a cut: We get a cut in the Boolean lattice of subsets of the underlying set of $$Q \times P$$

Q
×
P

. Cuts in finite Booleans lattices correspond precisely to finite simplicial complexes. We apply this in commutative algebra where these give classes of Alexander dual square-free monomial ideals giving the full and natural generalized setting of isotonian ideals and letterplace ideals for posets. We study $$\text {Pro}({\mathbb N}, {\mathbb N})$$

Pro
(
N
,
N
)

. Such profunctors identify as order preserving maps $$f: {\mathbb N}\rightarrow {\mathbb N}\cup \{\infty \}$$

f
:
N
→
N
∪
{
∞
}

. For our applications when P and Q are infinite, we also introduce a topology on $$\text {Pro}(P,Q)$$

Pro
(
P
,
Q
)

, in particular on profunctors $$\text {Pro}({\mathbb N},{\mathbb N})$$

Pro
(
N
,
N
)

.
Transitions and its indicators in mutualistic meta-networks: effects of network topology, size of metacommunities and species dispersal
Authors: Baruah Gaurav
Published: April 2023

Gradual changes in the environment could cause dynamical ecological networks to suddenly shift from one state to an alternative state. When this happens ecosystem functions and services provided by ecological networks get disrupted. We, however, know very little about how the topology of such interaction networks can play a role in the transition of ecological networks when spatial interactions come into play. In the event of such unwanted transitions, little is known about how statistical metrics used to inform such impending transitions, measured at the species-level or at the community-level could relate to network architecture and the size of the metacommunity. Here, using hundred and one empirical plant-pollinator networks in a spatial setting, I evaluated the impact of network topology and spatial scale of species interactions on transitions, and on statistical metrics used as predictors to forecast such transitions. Using generalized Lotka-Volterra equations in a meta-network framework, I show that species dispersal rate and the size of the metacommunity can impact when a transition can occur. In addition, forecasting such unwanted transitions of meta-networks using statistical metrics of instability was also consequently dependent on the topology of the network, species dispersal rate, and the size of the metacommunity. The results indicated that the plant-pollinator meta-networks that could exhibit stronger statistical signals before collapse than others were dependent on their network architecture and on the spatial scale of species interactions.
A pilot study on the evaluation of cognitive abilities’ cluster through game-based intelligent technique
Authors: Ahmad Faizan , Ahmed Zeeshan , Shaheen Momina , Muneeb Sara , Riasat Rubata
Published: April 2023

Numerous scientific studies measured cognitive abilities through administered tests. Most of these traditional tests are inappropriate for several reasons, such as cost-ineffectiveness, tiresomeness, and invasiveness. The need is to build cost-effective, exciting, and plausibly engaging techniques that could noninvasively measure cognitive abilities. This paper presents LAS, an intelligent technique that utilizes non-invasively collected game analytics to automatically evaluate the cluster of three cognitive abilities (i.e., Visual Long-term Memory (VLTM), Analytical Capability (AC), and Visual Short-term Memory in Change Detection Paradigm (VSTMiCDP)). The experimental group-based cross-generational cognitive evaluation in the game-based scenario established the potential of the proposed technique is twofold: 1) It successfully categorizes cluster of three targeted cognitive abilities within the 5-point evaluation sphere (i.e., 0–1 = very bad, 1–2 = bad, 2–3 = fair, 3–4 = good, 4–5 = excellent), and 2) It highly correlates with the results of a control group that are measured with three traditional cognitive tests.
Linalool as a novel natural factor enhancing ginsenoside production in hairy root cultures of American ginseng
Authors: Kochan Ewa , Szymańska Grażyna , Kwiatkowski Paweł , Sienkiewicz Monika
Published: April 2023

Ginsenosides are triterpenoid saponins, accumulated in root of Panax qiunquefolius. These secondary metabolites have numerous pharmacological properties such as: antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anticancer. They have been found to regulate the functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems, thus maintaining homeostasis. Root harvesting for ginsenoside extraction for pharmaceutical industry destroys the entire plant, limiting its natural occurrence and impacts on wild populations of ginseng. The present study showed that hairy root cultures of P. quinquefolius, after using linalool as elicitor, can increase ginsenoside yield without the use of field-grown plants and independently of the vegetative season. The content of seven ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Rg1, Re) was determined. We found linalool to stimulate most studied saponin accumulation regardless of exposure time (24 and 72 h). Shorter time of elicitation and 0.1 µM linalool in medium proved to be optimum conditions to obtain the highest total saponin content (29% higher level than that of untreated roots) and Rg-group metabolites (2.28 fold higher amount than untreated roots). Ginsenosides, belonging to protopanaxadiol derivatives, were found to have different dynamics of their content changes depending on linalool concentration. The highest increase in untreated roots was noted for compound Rd. Therefore, elicitation with linalool can be an effective method of enhancing ginsenoside production in P. quinquefolium hairy root cultures cultivated in shake flasks.
Impact of Guaranteed Income on Health, Finances, and Agency: Findings from the Stockton Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: West Stacia , Castro Amy
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this experiment was to test the effects of a $500 per month guaranteed income for 2 years on health and financial outcomes. A mixed-methods randomized controlled trial in Stockton, CA, USA enrolled 131 individuals to the treatment condition and 200 to control to receive a guaranteed income from February 2019 to January 2021. Quantitative data collection began 3 months prior to allocation at 6-month intervals concluding 6 months after withdrawal of the intervention. Qualitative data collection included 105 interviews across 3 stages. The primary outcomes were income volatility, physical and mental health, agency, and financial wellbeing. The treatment condition reported lower rates of income volatility than control, lower mental distress, better energy and physical functioning, greater agency to explore new opportunities related to employment and caregiving, and better ability to weather pandemic–related financial volatility. Thus, this study provides causal evidence of positive health and financial outcomes for recipients of guaranteed income. As income volatility is related to poor health outcomes, provision of a guaranteed income is a potentially powerful public health intervention.
Intracranial Germinomas: Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, Clinical Presentation, and Management
Authors: Kremenevski Natalia , Buchfelder Michael , Hore Nirjhar
Published: April 2023

Purpose of Review

Intracranial germinomas constitute a rare brain tumor entity of unknown etiology, characterized by unique histopathology and molecular biology. In this manuscript, we review the literature focusing on the epidemiology, histopathology with molecular biology, clinical presentation with emphasis on tumor location, diagnostic workup, and current treatment strategies with related clinical outcomes of intracranial germinomas.

Recent Findings

Although the optimal treatment strategy remains a matter of debate, intracranial germinomas respond well to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both and are characterized by very high cure and survival rates. It is well-known that early discrimination of germinomas from other intracranial neoplasms facilitates the timely initiation of appropriate treatment, thereby contributing to the reduction of morbidity as well as mortality.

Ongoing research will need to be directed towards discovering and refining reliable parameters for early diagnosis and evaluation of prognosis in patients with intracranial germinomas.
Addressing child and maternal nutrition: a qualitative study on food prescriptions and proscriptions determining animal source food consumption in rural Kenya
Authors: Musyoka Mercy M. , Bukachi Salome A. , Muga Geoffrey Otieno , Otiang Elkanah , Kwoba Emmah N. , Thumbi Samuel M.
Published: April 2023

Animal source foods (ASFs) can play a critical role in the nutritional well-being of women and children. Although livestock ownership may translate to high availability of ASFs, community food prescriptions and proscriptions may determine consumption patterns and subsequent human nutritional status. This study sought to understand the existing dietary practices and underlying prescriptions and proscriptions of ASFs among women and children in Siaya County in western Kenya. The study was carried out among the Luo ethnic group in Siaya, western Kenya, within a livestock-keeping community where more than 90% of households kept at least one livestock species. Qualitative data collection was completed through 35 key informant interviews and 6 focus group discussions conducted between October and December 2018. Thematic analysis was used to establish and interpret patterns and relationships from emerging themes. We found male favoritism in food allocation and prohibition of eggs and (parts of) chicken, fish and meat for women and children, potentially contributing to low consumption of ASFs. Customary rites and ceremonies like funeral provided opportunities for the less fortunate to consume otherwise unaffordable and highly valued ASFs like meat. Religious beliefs and practices, unlike other cultural food beliefs and practices, remain rigid to change and thus contribute to low consumption of own-produced or locally available ASFs. To address protein malnutrition among these groups, our findings suggest improvement of animal production should be accompanied by interventions that address customary food prescriptions and proscriptions that may perpetuate low intake of ASFs especially among women of child-bearing age, mothers, pregnant women and children.
Probiotics and Prebiotics in Subclinical Hypothyroidism of Pregnancy with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Authors: Ouyang Qian , Xu Yajuan , Ban Yanjie , Li Jingjing , Cai Yanjun , Wu Bo , Hao Yingqi , Sun Zongzong , Zhang Miao , Wang Mengqi , Wang Wentao , Zhao Yinkai
Published: April 2023

Evaluating efficacy of probiotics combined with prebiotics in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in the second trimester. We collected data from 78 pregnant women with SCH (SCH group) and 74 normal pregnant women (control group) in second trimester, compare the differences in high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), result of lactulose methane-hydrogen breath test and gastrointestinal symptoms assessed by GSRS scale between two groups. In SCH group, 32 patients with SIBO were selected as intervention group. Treatment with probiotics + prebiotics for 21 days; The differences of lipid metabolism, hsCRP, thyroid function level, methane-hydrogen breath test results and GSRS scores before and after treatment were compared to evaluate the therapeutic effect. (1) The positive rate of SIBO and methane, hsCRP levels in SCH group were higher than those in control group (P < 0.05), the total score of GSRS scale, mean score of indigestion syndrome, and constipation syndrome in SCH group were higher (P < 0.05). (2) The mean abundance of hydrogen and methane were higher in SCH group. (3) After treatment, serum levels of thyrotropin(TSH), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and hsCRP in intervention group were decreased, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was increased compared with before treatment (P < 0.05). (4) After treatment, methane positive rate, total score of GSRS scale, mean score of diarrhea syndrome, dyspepsia syndrome, and constipation syndrome were decreased (P < 0.05). (5) The average abundance of methane and hydrogen were lower. Probiotics combined with prebiotics are effective in the treatment of SIBO in pregnant SCH patients.

Clinical Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR1900026326.
RUNX1-IT1 favors breast cancer carcinogenesis through regulation of IGF2BP1/GPX4 axis
Authors: Wang Shengting , Wang Yufang , Li Qian , Zeng Kaixuan , Li Xiaoming , Feng Xinghua
Published: April 2023

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women and the leading cause of cancer deaths, with complicated pathogenesis that is largely unknown. In this study, we identified a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) as a critical driver of breast cancer tumorigenesis. RUNX1 intronic transcript 1 (RUNX1-IT1) was notably overexpressed in human breast cancer tissues, and knockdown of RUNX1-IT1 inhibited breast cancer cell viability and invasion, as well as tumor growth in orthotopic transplantation model. Further, RUNX1-IT1 repressed ferroptosis, a novel iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, via increasing glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression. Specifically, RUNX1-IT1 directly bound to N6-methyladenosine m6A reader IGF2BP1 and promoted the formation of (insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1) IGF2BP1 liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) biomolecular condensates, resulting in more IGF2BP1 occupation on GPX4 mRNA, increasing GPX4 mRNA stability. Moreover, high RUNX1-IT1 was linked to poor prognosis, and a strong positive correlation between RUNX1-IT1 and GPX4 was observed in clinical breast cancer tissues. Taken together, our data reveal that RUNX1-IT1 promotes breast cancer carcinogenesis through blocking ferroptosis via elevating GPX4, targeting of the previously unappreciated regulatory axis of RUNX1-IT1/IGF2BP1/GPX4 may be a promising treatment for patient with breast cancer.
Cross-sector collaborations via Facebook: teachers’ use of social media
Authors: Nicholas Maria , Rouse Elizabeth , Garner Rosemarie
Published: April 2023

This paper reports on a study that explored the user-driven inter-organisational professional learning that teachers from two education systems collectively engaged in via social media. A dedicated Facebook group was established to enable Australian early childhood teachers (sector one) and primary school teachers (sector two) to engage in collaborations that would support children’s transition to school. Using an Activity Theory framework, findings showed that the site was mainly used by early childhood teachers to seek peer support in meeting reporting requirements, and that school teachers rarely posted. As such, the capacity of the Facebook group to support inter-organisational cross-sector collaboration and learning was challenged as determined by the most active participants within the site, while reinforcing the group’s capacity to support ‘just in time’ intra-organisational professional learning. This highlights a need for further research to explore the ways and means by which social media may best facilitate cross-sector collaboration between education systems, such as a more focussed and integrated use of social media during face-to-face cross-sector professional learning.
Enabling higher degree pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Authors: Andrews Shawana , Mazel Odette , Padgham Warwick
Published: April 2023

Increasing the numbers of Indigenous people enrolled in research higher degrees in Australia is important for building the Indigenous academic workforce, broadening the scope of knowledge production in academic institutions and ensuring effective research outcomes for Indigenous Australians. While the numbers of Indigenous research higher degree students are increasing, universities still have a lot to do to bring that number up to parity. In this paper, we explore the value of a pre-doctoral program developed for Indigenous people interested in doing a PhD that provides them the information they need to inform their choices about undertaking a doctoral project. As the only program of this kind in Australia, this research contributes to the emerging literature on the factors that have an influence on why Indigenous people choose to undertake PhD programs and the effectiveness of initiatives to support their pathway to higher degree research. The research outcomes build on the evidence base for improving initiatives across the university sector, highlighting the need for tailored, Indigenous-led pre-doctoral support programs for Indigenous students, the value of cohort experiences and the importance of universities that value Indigenous people and their knowledge systems.
Duplex Interpenetrating-Phase FeNiZn and FeNi3 Heterostructure with Low-Gibbs Free Energy Interface Coupling for Highly Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhou Qiuxia , Xu Caixia , Hou Jiagang , Ma Wenqing , Jian Tianzhen , Yan Shishen , Liu Hong
Published: April 2023

The sluggish kinetics of both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) generate the large overpotential in water electrolysis and thus high-cost hydrogen production. Here, multidimensional nanoporous interpenetrating-phase FeNiZn alloy and FeNi3 intermetallic heterostructure is in situ constructed on NiFe foam (FeNiZn/FeNi3@NiFe) by dealloying protocol. Coupling with the eminent synergism among specific constituents and the highly efficient mass transport from integrated porous backbone, FeNiZn/FeNi3@NiFe depicts exceptional bifunctional activities for water splitting with extremely low overpotentials toward OER and HER (η1000 = 367/245 mV) as well as the robust durability during the 400 h testing in alkaline solution. The as-built water electrolyzer with FeNiZn/FeNi3@NiFe as both anode and cathode exhibits record-high performances for sustainable hydrogen output in terms of much lower cell voltage of 1.759 and 1.919 V to deliver the current density of 500 and 1000 mA cm−2 as well long working lives. Density functional theory calculations disclose that the interface interaction between FeNiZn alloy and FeNi3 intermetallic generates the modulated electron structure state and optimized intermediate chemisorption, thus diminishing the energy barriers for hydrogen production in water splitting. With the merits of fine performances, scalable fabrication, and low cost, FeNiZn/FeNi3@NiFe holds prospective application potential as the bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting."Image missing"
Enhancing Hydrophilicity of Thick Electrodes for High Energy Density Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Lee Jungeun , Lee Hyeonsoo , Bak Cheol , Hong Youngsun , Joung Daeha , Ko Jeong Beom , Lee Yong Min , Kim Chanhoon
Published: April 2023

Thick electrodes can substantially enhance the overall energy density of batteries. However, insufficient wettability of aqueous electrolytes toward electrodes with conventional hydrophobic binders severely limits utilization of active materials with increasing the thickness of electrodes for aqueous batteries, resulting in battery performance deterioration with a reduced capacity. Here, we demonstrate that controlling the hydrophilicity of the thicker electrodes is critical to enhancing the overall energy density of batteries. Hydrophilic binders are synthesized via a simple sulfonation process of conventional polyvinylidene fluoride binders, considering physicochemical properties such as mechanical properties and adhesion. The introduction of abundant sulfonate groups of binders (i) allows fast and sufficient electrolyte wetting, and (ii) improves ionic conduction in thick electrodes, enabling a significant increase in reversible capacities under various current densities. Further, the sulfonated binder effectively inhibits the dissolution of cathode materials in reactive aqueous electrolytes. Overall, our findings significantly enhance the energy density and contribute to the development of practical zinc-ion batteries.
Whole-Body Vibration Training Protocols for People with Cerebral Palsy: a Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Shaw Lloyd , O’Leary Karen , Stewart Sarah , Poratt Daniel
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) has been emerging as a promising therapeutic modality for cerebral palsy (CP); however, reported efficacy is inconsistent and methodological approaches differ substantially. This study aimed to review the methodological protocols adopted by randomised controlled trials reporting on the efficacy of WBVT for people with CP.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials reporting on the efficacy of WBVT for people with CP. Data were extracted from included studies related to study and participant characteristics and WBVT protocols including training programmes, patient positioning, and machine and vibration specifications.

Results

Eighteen randomised controlled trials were identified. Training programmes varied considerably, including duration, number of sessions per week, session length, and whether static, dynamic, or combination exercises were performed. Positioning of participants on the vibration platform also varied, including foot, knee, hip, and hand positioning. The machine specifications were poorly reported, with variations in frequency, amplitude, and peak acceleration settings.

Conclusions

This review highlights the inconsistency in the use and reporting of training protocols, machine specifications, and patient positioning when investigating the efficacy of WBVT for people with CP. Current clinical trials continue to poorly acknowledge WBVT research recommendations, which may contribute to ongoing misunderstanding of basic WBVT principals and safety considerations, as well as contribute to the inconclusive results with regard to treatment efficacy.
Hyperloop transportation technologies: practices for open organizing across VUCA contexts
Authors: Griffith Terri L. , Majchrzak Ann , Giustiniano Luca
Published: April 2023

Open organizations are structures in which members of the public engage in work for the organization. Examples include open-source software, Amnesty International, Wikipedia, and Lego communities. Much research focuses on structural design characteristics of open organizations, such as pre-specified task divisions and integration teams. These practices require the organization to a priori structure in response to its mission. Increasingly, however, open organizations like CrowdDoing and Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) require public involvement across volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous (VUCA) contexts. These open organizations must respond to changing political, competitive, and socio-economic events. Structural clarity is more difficult, and contributors may participate in the creative development of new technologies, new policies, and new sources of funding. Working from practices supporting participant engagement in more stable environments, we qualitatively observe HyperloopTT to understand internal practices for open organizing in more VUCA contexts. We observe four practices allowing for the flexibility, versatility, and accommodations needed for open organizing in such settings. The HyperloopTT practices allow more porosity and self-determination—not simply in how people divide and integrate tasks, but also in the exploration and experimentation of the work itself. More than task workers, we see a new class of open organizing participants: creative work designers.
Nurse-Task Matching Decision Support System Based on FSPC-HEART Method to Prevent Human Errors for Sustainable Healthcare
Authors: Koseoglu Salih Cihan , Delice Elif Kılıc , Erdebilli Babek
Published: April 2023

To increase the levels of sustainability of service quality as well as to ensure satisfaction and assurance of patients in the health sector, minimizing the probability of making mistakes nurses is of great importance. The extent of this probability is considerably affected by task types, physical conditions of the working environment, workload, and working conditions. Moreover, the physical and mental characteristics of nurses also have a colossal influence on this probability. It is also possible to increase the sustainability of health services by matching nurses appropriately to a specific task according to related risk levels, and by balancing their workload accordingly. This study proposes FSPC-HEART method in that purpose, as a new type of human error reduction and assessment technique (HEART) application based on fuzzy step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis and principal component analysis methods. Unlike the methods in the literature, this new method offers a person-specific proactive error prevention approach. With FSPC-HEART, the probability of each nurse to make a mistake, that is, the human error probability (HEP) values are calculated separately for each task. Also, the combined effect of physical and mental workload factors for each employee was taken into account. In the proposed method, the effect of the subjective judgments of the decision-makers on the objectively obtained HEP values was tried to be reduced. The developed nurse-task matching decision support system enables the FSPC-HEART method to be easily used by decision-makers, and to assign employees to tasks with low error probabilities.
Potential Stratospheric Ozone Depletion Due To Iodine Injection From Small Satellites
Authors: Feng Wuhu , Plane John M. C. , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Saiz‐Lopez Alfonso , Booth Jean‐Paul
Published: April 2023

We use the 3‐D Whole Atmospheric Community Climate Model to investigate stratospheric ozone depletion due to the launch of small satellites (e.g., CubeSats) with an iodine propulsion system. The model considers the injection of iodine from the satellites into the Earth's thermosphere and suggests a 4‐yr timescale for transport of the emissions down to the troposphere. The base case scenario is 40,000 small satellite launches per year into low orbit (100–600 km), which would inject 8 tons I yr−1 above 120 km as I+ ions and increase stratospheric inorganic iodine by ∼0.1 part per trillion (pptv). The model shows that this scenario produces a negligible impact on global stratospheric ozone (∼0.05 DU column depletion). In contrast, a 100‐fold increase in the launch rate, and therefore thermospheric iodine injection, is predicted to result in modeled ozone depletion of up to 14 DU (approximately 2%–7%) over the polar regions.
Direct Observational Evidence of Altered Mesosphere Lower Thermosphere Mean Circulation From a Major Sudden Stratospheric Warming
Authors: Gasperini Federico , Jones McArthur , Harding Brian J. , Immel Thomas J.
Published: April 2023

Sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) are large‐scale phenomena characterized by dramatic dynamic disruptions in the stratospheric winter polar regions. Previous studies, especially those employing whole atmosphere models, indicate that SSWs have strong impacts on the circulation of the mesosphere lower thermosphere (MLT) and drive a reversal in the mean meridional circulation (MMC) near 90–125 km altitude. However, the robustness of these effects and the roles of SSW‐induced changes in global‐scale wave activity to drive the reversal have been difficult to observe simultaneously. This work employs horizontal lower thermospheric (∼93–106 km altitude) winds near 10°S‐40°N latitude from the Michelson Interferometer for Global High‐resolution Thermospheric Imaging instrument onboard the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) to present observational evidence of a prominent MLT MMC reversal associated with the January 2021 major SSW event and to demonstrate connections to semidiurnal tidal activity and possible associations with a ∼3‐day ultra‐fast Kevin wave.
Estimation of Anthropogenic CH4 and CO2 Emissions in Taiyuan‐Jinzhong Region: One of the World's Largest Emission Hotspots
Authors: Hu Cheng , Xiao Wei , Griffis Timothy J. , Xiao Qitao , Wang Shumin , Zhang Yuzhong , Wang Weifeng , Zhu Lingyun , Chen Xin , Yu Xueying , Lee Xuhui
Published: April 2023

Coal mining ranks as the largest anthropogenic CH4 source in China with emission factors (EFs) varying up to 30‐fold among inventories when applied to different provinces. The lack of independent evaluation of coal mining CH4 EFs in China is one of the main uncertainties in estimating national total CH4 emissions. Shanxi province, which supplies 25% of the national coal production, is the largest coal mining CH4 emission region in China and even among the world's largest coal production regions. This area is also a significant anthropogenic CO2 source because of high‐density power and industrial activities. Given the large uncertainties in CH4 and CO2 inventories from provincial to city scales, questions remain whether state‐of‐the‐art inventories have accurately estimated these emission hotspots. Here, we evaluate CH4 and CO2 emissions from one of the world's largest coal production regions near Taiyuan City, the capital of Shanxi province, China. CH4 and CO2 concentrations were measured from March 2018 to February 2019 from a 30‐m tower. These data were used within an inverse modeling framework to simulate both CH4 and CO2 concentrations and to evaluate EFs for this region. Results show generally good agreement between observed and simulated CH4 concentrations. However, the CO2 simulations were much lower compared to the observations. Given the minor role of NEE‐induced CO2 enhancements, we believe that the large difference is attributed to the underestimation of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. In general, the derived posteriori anthropogenic CH4 emissions were 85.2(±18.1)% of a priori emissions, where fugitive CH4 from coal mining accounted for ∼92.7% of total anthropogenic emissions. The derived coal mining EF was 23.2(±4.9) m3 CH4/ton coal, close to the default value of high CH4‐content coal, but twofold the province average that were reported by previous observation‐based studies in Shanxi province, indicating large spatial inhomogeneity in the coal mining CH4 EF. The posteriori CO2 emissions were 1.6‐fold of the a priori emissions, highlighting underestimation of CO2 emissions in industrial cities and some potential large emission sources that are missing from state‐of‐the‐art inventories. Finally, we also emphasize the use of satellite observations and denser tower‐based networks are essential in resolving the spatial inhomogeneity of greenhouse gas emissions.
Floodplain Connecting Channels as Critical Paths for Hydrological Connectivity of Deltaic River Networks
Authors: Gao Weilun , Wang Zheng Bing , Kleinhans Maarten G. , Miao Chiyuan , Cui Baoshan , Shao Dongdong
Published: April 2023

A river bifurcation is critical for distributing water, sediment and nutrients to the downstream branches of deltaic river networks. However, the downstream branches of a bifurcation can be linked by a connecting channel cutting through deltaic floodplains. The floodplain connecting channel as a downstream control can affect water partitioning at the river bifurcation and hence the hydrological connectivity of the river network. However, its effects are still largely elusive. In this study, we explored how a connecting channel linking downstream branches affects water partitioning at the upstream bifurcation and water distribution along the two branches. The investigation was conducted through idealized numerical simulations using Delft3D, followed by analysis of the cascading effects on the hydrological connectivity of river networks using graph theory. The results show that connecting channels can mitigate asymmetric water partitioning at the upstream bifurcation. However, this happens at the expense of inducing more uneven flow at the downstream outlets. The flow adjustment is due to the altered spatial water surface slope in the two branches associated with the flow exchange from one channel to the other via the connecting channel. Further analysis of hydrological connectivity shows that connecting channels can generally reduce the vulnerability of the channel network to hydrological alterations, especially changing inflow, by enhancing flow exchange between the two branches. Our results suggest that connecting channels are critical paths for hydrological connectivity, which have important implications for the management of deltaic river networks and their floodplains.
Diabetic vascular diseases: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Li Yiwen , Liu Yanfei , Liu Shiwei , Gao Mengqi , Wang Wenting , Chen Keji , Huang Luqi , Liu Yue
Published: April 2023

Vascular complications of diabetes pose a severe threat to human health. Prevention and treatment protocols based on a single vascular complication are no longer suitable for the long-term management of patients with diabetes. Diabetic panvascular disease (DPD) is a clinical syndrome in which vessels of various sizes, including macrovessels and microvessels in the cardiac, cerebral, renal, ophthalmic, and peripheral systems of patients with diabetes, develop atherosclerosis as a common pathology. Pathological manifestations of DPDs usually manifest macrovascular atherosclerosis, as well as microvascular endothelial function impairment, basement membrane thickening, and microthrombosis. Cardiac, cerebral, and peripheral microangiopathy coexist with microangiopathy, while renal and retinal are predominantly microangiopathic. The following associations exist between DPDs: numerous similar molecular mechanisms, and risk-predictive relationships between diseases. Aggressive glycemic control combined with early comprehensive vascular intervention is the key to prevention and treatment. In addition to the widely recommended metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, for the latest molecular mechanisms, aldose reductase inhibitors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonizts, glucokinases agonizts, mitochondrial energy modulators, etc. are under active development. DPDs are proposed for patients to obtain more systematic clinical care requires a comprehensive diabetes care center focusing on panvascular diseases. This would leverage the advantages of a cross-disciplinary approach to achieve better integration of the pathogenesis and therapeutic evidence. Such a strategy would confer more clinical benefits to patients and promote the comprehensive development of DPD as a discipline.
Long noncoding RNA DIAPH2-AS1 promotes neural invasion of gastric cancer via stabilizing NSUN2 to enhance the m5C modification of NTN1
Authors: Li Ying , Xia Yiwen , Jiang Tianlu , Chen Zetian , Shen Yikai , Lin Jie , Xie Li , Gu Chao , Lv Jialun , Lu Chen , Zhang Diancai , Xu Hao , Yang Li , Xu Zekuan , Wang Linjun
Published: April 2023

Neural invasion (NI) is a vital pathological characteristic of gastric cancer (GC), which correlates with tumor recurrence and a worse prognosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in various biological processes. However, the involvement of lncRNAs in NI of GC (GC-NI) remains unclear. DIAPH2-AS1 was upregulated in NI-positive GC tissues, which was confirmed by qRT-PCR. The higher expression of DIAPH2-AS1 predicted NI and worse survival for GC patients. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments, including wound-healing assay, Transwell assay, DRG-GC cells co-culture model, the mouse sciatic nerve model, and the lung metastasis model, indicated that DIAPH2-AS1 promoted the migration, invasion, and NI potential of GC cells. Mechanistically, pulldown assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay revealed that DIAPH2-AS1 interacted with NSUN2. Subsequent experiments indicated that DIAPH2-AS1 stabilized NSUN2 from ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation via masking the K577 and K579 of NSUN2. The protection of DIAPH2-AS1 on NSUN2 improved the stability of NTN1 mRNA via m5C modification, which finally induced GC-NI. Our work uncovered DIAPH2-AS1 as a novel oncogenic lncRNA in GC-NI and validated the DIAPH2-AS1-NSUN2-NTN1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for NI-positive GC.
Blocking the CXCL1-CXCR2 axis enhances the effects of doxorubicin in HCC by remodelling the tumour microenvironment via the NF-κB/IL-1β/CXCL1 signalling pathway
Authors: Zhao Huiyong , Wei Sheng , Zhou Dachen , Liu Yongfan , Guo Zicheng , Fang Chuibao , Pang Xiaoxi , Li Fei , Hou Hui , Cui Xiao
Published: April 2023

Inflammation is a core mechanism for oncogenesis. Chemokines act as important mediators of chronic inflammation and the tumour inflammatory response. However, there is limited information on chemokines in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a disease for which almost all cases are derived from chronic liver inflammation. Here, we explored the protumor effects of CXCL1, a commonly elevated inflammatory chemokine in cirrhosis, in HCC. The protumor role was confirmed in clinical samples from HCC patients. CXCL1 enhanced tumorigenesis in the hepatic inflammatory microenvironment directly by acting on tumour cells and indirectly through promoting the recruitment of macrophages. The increase in the number of macrophages in the tumour microenvironment (TME) promoted tumour cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and significantly increased CXCL1 levels in the TME partly through NF-κB/IL-1β activation. To investigate the potential therapeutic value of CXCL1 in HCC with an inflammatory background, an antibody blocking CXCL1 was used alone or combined with the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin (DOX), with the goal of reshaping the TME. It has been shown that blocking CXCL1-CXCR2 inhibits tumour progression and reduces macrophage recruitment in the TME. The combination regimen has been shown to synergistically reduce the number of pro-tumour macrophages in the TME and suppress tumour progression. This provides insight into therapeutic strategies for treating HCC patients with high CXCL1 expression.
Function and dynamics of the intrinsically disordered carboxyl terminus of β2 adrenergic receptor
Authors: Heng Jie , Hu Yunfei , Pérez-Hernández Guillermo , Inoue Asuka , Zhao Jiawei , Ma Xiuyan , Sun Xiaoou , Kawakami Kouki , Ikuta Tatsuya , Ding Jienv , Yang Yujie , Zhang Lujia , Peng Sijia , Niu Xiaogang , Li Hongwei , Guixà-González Ramon , Jin Changwen , Hildebrand Peter W. , Chen Chunlai , Kobilka Brian K.
Published: April 2023

Advances in structural biology have provided important mechanistic insights into signaling by the transmembrane core of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs); however, much less is known about intrinsically disordered regions such as the carboxyl terminus (CT), which is highly flexible and not visible in GPCR structures. The β2adrenergic receptor’s (β2AR) 71 amino acid CT is a substrate for GPCR kinases and binds β-arrestins to regulate signaling. Here we show that the β2AR CT directly inhibits basal and agonist-stimulated signaling in cell lines lacking β-arrestins. Combining single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), NMR spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations, we reveal that the negatively charged β2AR-CT serves as an autoinhibitory factor via interacting with the positively charged cytoplasmic surface of the receptor to limit access to G-proteins. The stability of this interaction is influenced by agonists and allosteric modulators, emphasizing that the CT plays important role in allosterically regulating GPCR activation.
Programming bacteria for multiplexed DNA detection
Authors: Cheng Yu-Yu , Chen Zhengyi , Cao Xinyun , Ross Tyler D. , Falbel Tanya G. , Burton Briana M. , Venturelli Ophelia S.
Published: April 2023

DNA is a universal and programmable signal of living organisms. Here we develop cell-based DNA sensors by engineering the naturally competent bacterium Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) to detect specific DNA sequences in the environment. The DNA sensor strains can identify diverse bacterial species including major human pathogens with high specificity. Multiplexed detection of genomic DNA from different species in complex samples can be achieved by coupling the sensing mechanism to orthogonal fluorescent reporters. We also demonstrate that the DNA sensors can detect the presence of species in the complex samples without requiring DNA extraction. The modularity of the living cell-based DNA-sensing mechanism and simple detection procedure could enable programmable DNA sensing for a wide range of applications.
Supercritical fluids behave as complex networks
Authors: Simeski Filip , Ihme Matthias
Published: April 2023

Supercritical fluids play a key role in environmental, geological, and celestial processes, and are of great importance to many scientific and engineering applications. They exhibit strong variations in thermodynamic response functions, which has been hypothesized to stem from the microstructural behavior. However, a direct connection between thermodynamic conditions and the microstructural behavior, as described by molecular clusters, remains an outstanding issue. By utilizing a first-principles-based criterion and self-similarity analysis, we identify energetically localized molecular clusters whose size distribution and connectivity exhibit self-similarity in the extended supercritical phase space. We show that the structural response of these clusters follows a complex network behavior whose dynamics arises from the energetics of isotropic molecular interactions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a hidden variable network model can accurately describe the structural and dynamical response of supercritical fluids. These results highlight the need for constitutive models and provide a basis to relate the fluid microstructure to thermodynamic response functions.
KIAA1199 deficiency enhances skeletal stem cell differentiation to osteoblasts and promotes bone regeneration
Authors: Chen Li , Shi Kaikai , Ditzel Nicholas , Qiu Weimin , Figeac Florence , Nielsen Louise Himmelstrup Dreyer , Tencerova Michaela , Kowal Justyna Magdalena , Ding Ming , Andreasen Christina Møller , Andersen Thomas Levin , Kassem Moustapha
Published: April 2023

Upon transplantation, skeletal stem cells (also known as bone marrow stromal or mesenchymal stem cells) can regulate bone regeneration by producing secreted factors. Here, we identify KIAA1199 as a bone marrow stromal cell-secreted factor in vitro and in vivo. KIAA1199 plasma levels of patients positively correlate with osteoporotic fracture risk and expression levels of KIAA1199 in patient bone marrow stromal cells negatively correlates with their osteogenic differentiation potential. KIAA1199-deficient bone marrow stromal cells exhibit enhanced osteoblast differentiation in vitro and ectopic bone formation in vivo. Consistently, KIAA1199 knockout mice display increased bone mass and biomechanical strength, as well as an increased bone formation rate. They also exhibit accelerated healing of surgically generated bone defects and are protected from ovariectomy-induced bone loss. Mechanistically, KIAA1199 regulates osteogenesis by inhibiting the production of osteopontin by osteoblasts, via integrin-mediated AKT and ERK-MAPK intracellular signaling. Thus, KIAA1199 is a regulator of osteoblast differentiation and bone regeneration and could be targeted for the treatment or management of low bone mass conditions.
High-density frustrated Lewis pairs based on Lamellar Nb2O5 for photocatalytic non-oxidative methane coupling
Authors: Chen Ziyu , Ye Yutao , Feng Xiaoyi , Wang Yan , Han Xiaowei , Zhu Yu , Wu Shiqun , Wang Senyao , Yang Wenda , Wang Lingzhi , Zhang Jinlong
Published: April 2023

Photocatalytic methane conversion requires a strong polarization environment composed of abundant activation sites with the robust stretching ability for C-H scissoring. High-density frustrated Lewis pairs consisting of low-valence Lewis acid Nb and Lewis base Nb-OH are fabricated on lamellar Nb2O5 through a thermal-reduction promoted phase-transition process. Benefitting from the planar atomic arrangement of lamellar Nb2O5, the frustrated Lewis pairs sites are highly exposed and accessible to reactants, which results in a superior methane conversion rate of 1456 μmol g−1 h−1 for photocatalytic non-oxidative methane coupling without the assistance of noble metals. The time-dependent DFT calculation demonstrates the photo-induced electron transfer from LA to LB sites enhances their intensities in a concerted way, promoting the C-H cleavage through the coupling of LA and LB. This work provides in-depth insight into designing and constructing a polarization micro-environment for photocatalytic C-H activation of methane without the assistance of noble metals.
Realizing efficient blue and deep-blue delayed fluorescence materials with record-beating electroluminescence efficiencies of 43.4%
Authors: Fu Yan , Liu Hao , Tang Ben Zhong , Zhao Zujin
Published: April 2023

As promising luminescent materials for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials are booming vigorously in recent years, but robust blue ones still remain challenging. Herein, we report three highly efficient blue and deep-blue delayed fluorescence materials comprised of a weak electron acceptor chromeno[3,2-c]carbazol-8(5H)-one with a rigid polycyclic structure and a weak electron donor spiro[acridine-9,9’-xanthene]. They hold distinguished merits of excellent photoluminescence quantum yields (99%), ultrahigh horizontal transition dipole ratios (93.6%), and fast radiative transition and reverse intersystem crossing, which furnish superb blue and deep-blue electroluminescence with Commission Internationale de I’Eclairage coordinates (CIEx,y) of (0.14, 0.18) and (0.14, 0.15) and record-beating external quantum efficiencies (ηexts) of 43.4% and 41.3%, respectively. Their efficiency roll-offs are successfully reduced by suppressing triplet-triplet and singlet-singlet annihilations. Moreover, high-performance deep-blue and green hyperfluorescence OLEDs are achieved by utilizing these materials as sensitizers for multi-resonance delayed fluorescence dopants, providing state-of-the-artηexts of 32.5% (CIEx,y = 0.14, 0.10) and 37.6% (CIEx,y = 0.32, 0.64), respectively, as well as greatly advanced operational lifetimes. These splendid results can surely inspire the development of blue and deep-blue luminescent materials and devices.
Type I interferon shapes brain distribution and tropism of tick-borne flavivirus
Authors: Chotiwan Nunya , Rosendal Ebba , Willekens Stefanie M. A. , Schexnaydre Erin , Nilsson Emma , Lindqvist Richard , Hahn Max , Mihai Ionut Sebastian , Morini Federico , Zhang Jianguo , Ebel Gregory D. , Carlson Lars-Anders , Henriksson Johan , Ahlgren Ulf , Marcellino Daniel , Överby Anna K.
Published: April 2023

Viral tropism within the brain and the role(s) of vertebrate immune response to neurotropic flaviviruses infection is largely understudied. We combine multimodal imaging (cm-nm scale) with single nuclei RNA-sequencing to study Langat virus in wildtype and interferon alpha/beta receptor knockout (Ifnar–/–) mice to visualize viral pathogenesis and define molecular mechanisms. Whole brain viral infection is imaged by Optical Projection Tomography coregistered to ex vivo MRI. Infection is limited to grey matter of sensory systems in wildtype mice, but extends into white matter, meninges and choroid plexus in Ifnar–/– mice. Cells in wildtype display strong type I and II IFN responses, likely due to Ifnb expressing astrocytes, infiltration of macrophages and Ifng-expressing CD8+ NK cells, whereas in Ifnar–/–, the absence of this response contributes to a shift in cellular tropism towards non-activated resident microglia. Multimodal imaging-transcriptomics exemplifies a powerful way to characterize mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and tropism.