bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE COMMON CLAIM THAT ONE MUST FULFIL ONE'S POTENTIAL AND DO ONE'S BEST TO HAVE A MEANINGFUL LIFE
Authors: Landau Iddo
Published: September 2022

The article examines whether fulfilling one's potential and doing one's best are sufficient or necessary conditions for having a meaningful life. It concludes that they are just contributing factors and can sometimes even diminish life's meaning.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND THE ARGUMENT FROM SELF-DEFENCE
Authors: Licon Jimmy Alfonso
Published: September 2022

Some philosophers hold that stifling free expression stifles intellectual life. Others reply that freedom of expression can harm members of marginalized groups by alienating them from social life or worse. Yet we should still favour freedom of expression, especially where marginalized groups are concerned. It's better to know who has repugnant beliefs as it allows marginalized groups to identify threats: free expression qua self-defence.
A Bayes‐Based Approach Against Sample Imbalance to Improving the Potential Forecasts of Gale
Authors: Liang Zhaoming , Hu Zhiqun
Published: September 2022

Sample imbalance prevents the Bayesian model from making effective potential forecasts of gale. An approach is thus proposed to modify the Bayesian model to deal with sample imbalance and verified using years (2015–2019) of reanalysis and radar data. The approach reduces sample imbalance by the resampling based on the value ranges of environmental parameters and the application of multi‐layer conditional probabilities. The samples that are insensitive to gale forecasts are excluded according to the value ranges of environmental parameters for gale occurrence. This resampling greatly improves gale occurrence hits of and suppresses its false alarms, leading to significant improvement in gale forecasting skill. On the basis of the resampling, the application of the multi‐layer conditional probabilities that forecast gale occurrence balances the samples to an equivalent magnitude. Consequently, the false alarms are further suppressed although some hits are reduced, resulting in a higher forecasting skill of gale.
Sub‐Lithospheric Small‐Scale Convection Tomographically Imaged Beneath the Pacific Plate
Authors: Eilon Zachary C. , Zhang Lun , Gaherty James B. , Forsyth Donald W. , Russell Joshua B.
Published: September 2022

Small‐scale convection beneath the oceanic plates has been invoked to explain off‐axis nonplume volcanism, departure from simple seafloor depth‐age relationships, and intraplate gravity lineations. We deployed 30 broadband ocean bottom seismometer stations on ∼40 Ma Pacific seafloor in a region notable for gravity anomalies, measured by satellite altimetry, elongated parallel to plate motion. P‐wave teleseismic tomography reveals alternating upper mantle velocity anomalies on the order of ±2%, aligned with the gravity lineations. These features, which correspond to ∼300°–500°K lateral temperature contrast, and possible hydrous or carbonatitic partial melt, are—surprisingly—strongest between 150 and 260 km depth, indicating rapid vertical motions through a low‐viscosity asthenospheric channel. Coherence and admittance analysis of gravity and topography using new multibeam bathymetry soundings substantiates the presence of mantle density variations, and forward modeling predicts gravity anomalies that qualitatively match observed lineations. This study provides observational support for small‐scale convective rolls beneath the oceanic plates.
Correcting Systematic Bias in Climate Model Simulations in the Time‐Frequency Domain
Authors: Kusumastuti Cilcia , Jiang Ze , Mehrotra Rajeshwar , Sharma Ashish
Published: September 2022

Systematic biases in General Circulation Model (GCM) simulations require some adjustment before their use in change assessment and adaptation management studies. GCM simulations of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6, although outperform the previous generations of GCMs, exhibit persistent biases in magnitude, variability, and frequency across a range of variables of interest. Here, we propose a novel continuous wavelet‐based bias correction (CWBC) approach to address such biases in the time‐frequency domain. The correction focuses on the magnitude and frequency of the modeled time series, as interpreted via the time‐varying spectrum ascertained using the continuous wavelet transform. The approach is applied to correct systematic biases in the time series of Niño 3.4 sea surface temperature and Arctic sea‐ice extent. The application of CWBC successfully reproduces observed attributes in the bias‐corrected time series of both climate variables for the current climate simulation along with providing a sensible projection for the future.
Magnetospheric Multiscale Observations of Waves and Parallel Electric Fields in Reconnecting Current Sheets in the Turbulent Magnetosheath
Authors: Wilder F. D. , Conley M. , Ergun R. E. , Newman D. L. , Chasapis A. , Ahmadi N. , Burch J. L. , Torbert R. B. , Strangeway R. J. , Giles B. L. , Le Contel O.
Published: September 2022

Downstream of the Earth’s bow shock, the magnetosheath can exhibit strong turbulence. This turbulent cascade is associated with electron‐scale current sheets where magnetic reconnection can occur. We present data from NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale mission during a turbulent magnetosheath interval that includes two electron‐scale reconnecting current sheets, one with higher guide field and one that is closer to antiparallel. We examine the characteristics of energy conversion and the role of parallel electric fields and waves in that energy conversion. The high‐guide field reconnection event shows energy conversion dominated by electric fields and currents parallel to the background magnetic field, while the lower guide field event is perpendicular dominated, consistent with observations of laminar reconnecting current sheets in the magnetosheath. Both current sheets exhibit signs of a parallel electric field acceleration channel, and the higher guide field event shows whistler‐mode waves at the x‐line. Both current sheets show variation in dissipation along the n‐direction, with perpendicular dissipation on one side and parallel on the other. Between the two is a dispersion of pitch angles from 90° to 0° or 180°. This dispersion is likely caused by the acceleration channel and rapidly suppresses whistler waves, suggesting whistler waves do not contribute to the dissipation in guide field reconnection.
Atmospheric Nitrated Phenolic Compounds in Particle, Gaseous, and Aqueous Phases During Cloud Events at a Mountain Site in North China: Distribution Characteristics and Aqueous‐Phase Formation
Authors: Li Min , Wang Xinfeng , Zhao Yanan , Du Ping , Li Hongyong , Li Jiarong , Shen Hengqing , Liu Zhiyi , Jiang Yueru , Chen Jing , Bi Yujian , Zhao Yong , Xue Likun , Wang Yan , Chen Jianmin , Wang Wenxing
Published: September 2022

Nitrated phenolic compounds in the atmosphere are receiving increasing attention due to their light absorption and biological toxicity. In this study, particulate, gaseous, and cloud water samples were simultaneously collected during cloud events at the summit of Mount Tai in northern China in spring, summer, and winter and the contents of 11 nitrated phenolic compounds were determined. The seasonal average concentrations of the total nitrated phenolic compounds in particles were in the range of 7.3–27.1 ng m−3, a little lower than those measured in the gas‐phase (18.3–70.6 ng m−3). Their concentrations in cloud water were at the levels of 168.4–438.5 μg L−1. 4‐Nitrophenol and nitrosalicylic acids were the dominant compounds in particles, while 4‐nitrophenol and 2,4‐dinitrophenol were the most abundant in the gas phase and cloud water samples. During cloud events, most nitrated phenolic compounds were mainly distributed in the particle phase, except dinitrophenols which were mainly distributed in the gas phase in winter. The field‐derived effective Henry's law coefficients were several orders of magnitude higher than their theoretical values in pure water. Moreover, the measured concentrations of particulate nitrated phenolic compounds were substantially greater than the theoretical predictions, especially in spring. The above results indicate that nitrated phenolic compounds were partly formed via aqueous‐phase reactions inside the cloud droplets or on the wet particle surfaces, which changed their distribution patterns. The much higher ratios of 2,4‐dinitrophenol to the sum of 4‐nitrophenol and 5‐nitrosalicylic acid in cloud water than those in particles further confirm the enhanced formation via aqueous processes.
Phosphorus Enrichment Increased Community Stability by Increasing Asynchrony and Dominant Species Stability in Alpine Meadow of Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Wang Yanfen , Jiang Lili , Wang Zongsong , Song Minghua , Wang Shiping
Published: September 2022

Both climate warming and increasing nitrogen deposition promote the availability of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to plants in soil, which may affect ecosystem structure and function. However, studies on the effects of nutrient enrichment on ecosystems have mostly focused on N rather than P, especially in high‐altitude areas where N limits plant growth, which hinders the prediction of ecosystem changes under future climate conditions. Using a 5‐year experiment at an alpine meadow, we quantified the aboveground net primary production (ANPP) stability under three N levels and four P levels, including the interaction of different N and P levels. We also tested possible drivers of the ANPP stability, including plant species richness, asynchrony, dominance, and plant functional group stability. Finally, we used structural equation models to explore how different drivers affect ANPP stability. Results showed: (a) Plant growth in the alpine meadow was limited by soil available‐N but not ‐P, and N enrichment induced P limitation on plant growth. (b) P enrichment promoted species richness, asynchrony and dominant species stability, and consequently increased the ANPP stability. (c) Species asynchrony and dominant species stability were the key mechanisms driving the variation of ANPP stability. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the balance of N and P effects on ecosystem structure and function in order to better predict the impacts of global change on ecosystem stability.
Validating the LDi and LCi Indices in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Nahayo E. , Guerrero A. , Lotz S. , Cid C. , Tshisaphungo M. , Saiz E.
Published: September 2022

The validation of the Local Disturbance index (LDi) and its first time derivative Local Current index (LCi) is performed in the Southern Hemisphere. Two South African magnetic observatories, Hermanus and Hartebeesthoek contributed data for this study, and two South African power stations, Grassridge and Matimba, provided geomagnetically induced current (GIC) data. This validation focused on two major geomagnetic storms, Halloween and Saint Patrick's Day events that occurred in October 2003 and March 2015, respectively. The comparative evaluation of the LDi and LCi indices was executed with the help of the local horizontal component (H) and also comparing them to the global index SYM‐H. A direct comparison to measured GIC shows that LCi performs slightly better than dH/dt as a proxy for GIC. The comparison of the LDi 1‐hr magnetic disturbances values to ones calculated applying a Linear phase Robust Non‐Smoothing method to the H component yields a Pearson correlation coefficient R greater than 0.960 for different groups of magnetic storms based on intensity. The estimated SYM‐H index from LDi data showed a possible difference of about 300 nT from the published SYM‐H index values around 20:00 UT on 29 October 2003, during the Halloween storm. This study has shown that the LDi and LCi indices, developed in the Northern Hemisphere, can be calculated at similar latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere for studying local space weather conditions and now‐casting successfully local geomagnetic events.
Complete characterization of ultrafast optical fields by phase-preserving nonlinear autocorrelation
Authors: Gliserin Alexander , Chew Soo Hoon , Kim Seungchul , Kim Dong Eon
Published: September 2022

Nonlinear autocorrelation was one of the earliest and simplest tools for obtaining partial temporal information about an ultrashort optical pulse by gating it with itself. However, since the spectral phase is lost in a conventional autocorrelation measurement, it is insufficient for a full characterization of an ultrafast electric field, requiring additional spectral information for phase retrieval. Here, we show that introducing an intensity asymmetry into a conventional nonlinear interferometric autocorrelation preserves some spectral phase information within the autocorrelation signal, which enables the full reconstruction of the original electric field, including the direction of time, using only a spectrally integrating detector. We call this technique Phase-Enabled Nonlinear Gating with Unbalanced Intensity (PENGUIN). It can be applied to almost any existing nonlinear interferometric autocorrelator, making it capable of complete optical field characterization and thus providing an inexpensive and less complex alternative to methods relying on spectral measurements, such as frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG) or spectral phase interferometry for direct electric-field reconstruction (SPIDER). More importantly, PENGUIN allows the precise characterization of ultrafast fields in non-radiative (e.g., plasmonic) nonlinear optical interactions where spectral information is inaccessible. We demonstrate this novel technique through simulations and experimentally by measuring the electric field of ~6-fs laser pulses from a Ti:sapphire oscillator. The results are validated by comparison with the well-established FROG method.
TAOK2 rescues autism-linked developmental deficits in a 16p11.2 microdeletion mouse model
Authors: Scharrenberg Robin , Richter Melanie , Johanns Ole , Meka Durga Praveen , Rücker Tabitha , Murtaza Nadeem , Lindenmaier Zsuzsa , Ellegood Jacob , Naumann Anne , Zhao Bing , Schwanke Birgit , Sedlacik Jan , Fiehler Jens , Hanganu-Opatz Ileana L. , Lerch Jason P. , Singh Karun K. , de Anda Froylan Calderon
Published: September 2022

The precise development of the neocortex is a prerequisite for higher cognitive and associative functions. Despite numerous advances that have been made in understanding neuronal differentiation and cortex development, our knowledge regarding the impact of specific genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders on these processes is still limited. Here, we show that Taok2, which is encoded in humans within the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) susceptibility locus 16p11.2, is essential for neuronal migration. Overexpression of de novo mutations or rare variants from ASD patients disrupts neuronal migration in an isoform-specific manner. The mutated TAOK2α variants but not the TAOK2β variants impaired neuronal migration. Moreover, the TAOK2α isoform colocalizes with microtubules. Consequently, neurons lacking Taok2 have unstable microtubules with reduced levels of acetylated tubulin and phosphorylated JNK1. Mice lacking Taok2 develop gross cortical and cortex layering abnormalities. Moreover, acute Taok2 downregulation or Taok2 knockout delayed the migration of upper-layer cortical neurons in mice, and the expression of a constitutively active form of JNK1 rescued these neuronal migration defects. Finally, we report that the brains of the Taok2 KO and 16p11.2 del Het mouse models show striking anatomical similarities and that the heterozygous 16p11.2 microdeletion mouse model displayed reduced levels of phosphorylated JNK1 and neuronal migration deficits, which were ameliorated upon the introduction of TAOK2α in cortical neurons and in the developing cortex of those mice. These results delineate the critical role of TAOK2 in cortical development and its contribution to neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD.
N6-methyladenosine modification of circ_0003215 suppresses the pentose phosphate pathway and malignancy of colorectal cancer through the miR-663b/DLG4/G6PD axis
Authors: Chen Baoxiang , Hong Yuntian , Gui Rui , Zheng Huabin , Tian Shunhua , Zhai Xiang , Xie Xiaoyu , Chen Quanjiao , Qian Qun , Ren Xianghai , Fan Lifang , Jiang Congqing
Published: September 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recently discovered kind of regulatory RNAs that have emerged as critical biomarkers of various types of cancers. Metabolic reprogramming has gradually been identified as a distinct hallmark of cancer cells. The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) plays an indispensable role in satisfying the bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands of cancer cells. However, little is known about the role of circRNAs and PPP in colorectal cancer (CRC). The novel circ_0003215 was identified at low levels in CRC and was negatively correlated with larger tumor size, higher TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis. The decreased level of circ_0003215 was resulted from the RNA degradation by the m6A reader protein YTHDF2. A series of functional assays demonstrated that circ_0003215 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and CRC tumor metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, circ_0003215 regulated the expression of DLG4 via sponging miR-663b, thereby inducing the metabolic reprogramming in CRC. Mechanismly, DLG4 inhibited the PPP through the K48-linked ubiquitination of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). Taken together, we have identified m6A-modified circ_0003215 as a novel regulator of metabolic glucose reprogramming that inhibited the PPP and the malignant phenotype of CRC via the miR-663b/DLG4/G6PD axis.
Regulatory mechanisms and function of hypoxia-induced long noncoding RNA NDRG1-OT1 in breast cancer cells
Authors: Chao Hsing-Hua , Luo Jun-Liang , Hsu Ming-Hsuan , Chen Li-Han , Lu Tzu-Pin , Tsai Mong-Hsun , Chuang Eric Y. , Chuang Li-Ling , Lai Liang-Chuan
Published: September 2022

Hypoxia is a classic feature of the tumor microenvironment that has profound effects on cancer progression and is tightly associated with poor prognosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a component of the noncoding genome, have been increasingly investigated due to their diverse roles in tumorigenesis. Previously, a hypoxia-induced lncRNA, NDRG1-OT1, was identified in MCF-7 breast cancer cells using next-generation sequencing. However, the regulatory mechanisms of NDRG1-OT1 remain elusive. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory mechanisms and functional roles of NDRG1-OT1 in breast cancer cells. Expression profiling of NDRG1-OT1 revealed that it was upregulated under hypoxia in different breast cancer cells. Overexpression and knockdown of HIF-1α up- and downregulated NDRG1-OT1, respectively. Luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays validated that HIF-1α transcriptionally activated NDRG1-OT1 by binding to its promoter (−1773 to −1769 and −647 to −643 bp). Next, to investigate whether NDRG1-OT1 could function as a miRNA sponge, results of in silico analysis, expression profiling of predicted miRNAs, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays indicated that NDRG1-OT1 could act as a miRNA sponge of miR-875-3p. In vitro and in vivo functional assays showed that NDRG1-OT1 could promote tumor growth and migration. Lastly, a small peptide (66 a.a.) translated from NDRG1-OT1 was identified. In summary, our findings revealed novel regulatory mechanisms of NDRG1-OT1 by HIF-1α and upon miR-875-3p. Also, NDRG1-OT1 promoted the malignancy of breast cancer cells and encoded a small peptide.
Structural basis of adhesion GPCR GPR110 activation by stalk peptide and G-proteins coupling
Authors: Zhu Xinyan , Qian Yu , Li Xiaowan , Xu Zhenmei , Xia Ruixue , Wang Na , Liang Jiale , Yin Han , Zhang Anqi , Guo Changyou , Wang Guangfu , He Yuanzheng
Published: September 2022

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) are keys of many physiological events and attractive targets for various diseases. aGPCRs are also known to be capable of self-activation via an autoproteolysis process that removes the inhibitory GAIN domain on the extracellular side of receptor and releases a stalk peptide to bind and activate the transmembrane side of receptor. However, the detailed mechanism of aGPCR activation remains elusive. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of GPR110 (ADGRF1), a member of aGPCR, in complex with Gq, Gs, Gi, G12 and G13. The structures reveal distinctive ligand engaging model and activation conformations of GPR110. The structures also unveil the rarely explored GPCR/G12 and GPCR/G13 engagements. A comparison of Gq, Gs, Gi, G12 and G13 engagements with GPR110 reveals details of G-protein engagement, including a dividing point at the far end of the alpha helix 5 (αH5) of Gα subunit that separates Gq/Gs engagements from Gi/G12/G13 engagements. This is also where Gq/Gs bind the receptor through both hydrophobic and polar interaction, while Gi/G12/G13 engage receptor mainly through hydrophobic interaction. We further provide physiological evidence of GPR110 activation via stalk peptide. Taken together, our study fills the missing information of GPCR/G-protein engagement and provides a framework for understanding aGPCR activation and GPR110 signaling.
Systematic profiling of conditional degron tag technologies for target validation studies
Authors: Bondeson Daniel P. , Mullin-Bernstein Zachary , Oliver Sydney , Skipper Thomas A. , Atack Thomas C. , Bick Nolan , Ching Meilani , Guirguis Andrew A. , Kwon Jason , Langan Carly , Millson Dylan , Paolella Brenton R. , Tran Kevin , Wie Sarah J. , Vazquez Francisca , Tothova Zuzana , Golub Todd R. , Sellers William R. , Ianari Alessandra
Published: September 2022

Conditional degron tags (CDTs) are a powerful tool for target validation that combines the kinetics and reversible action of pharmacological agents with the generalizability of genetic manipulation. However, successful design of a CDT fusion protein often requires a prolonged, ad hoc cycle of construct design, failure, and re-design. To address this limitation, we report here a system to rapidly compare the activity of five unique CDTs: AID/AID2, IKZF3d, dTAG, HaloTag, and SMASh. We demonstrate the utility of this system against 16 unique protein targets. We find that expression and degradation are highly dependent on the specific CDT, the construct design, and the target. None of the CDTs leads to efficient expression and/or degradation across all targets; however, our systematic approach enables the identification of at least one optimal CDT fusion for each target. To enable the adoption of CDT strategies more broadly, we have made these reagents, and a detailed protocol, available as a community resource.
Small soluble α-synuclein aggregates are the toxic species in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Emin Derya , Zhang Yu P. , Lobanova Evgeniia , Miller Alyssa , Li Xuecong , Xia Zengjie , Dakin Helen , Sideris Dimitrios I. , Lam Jeff Y. L. , Ranasinghe Rohan T. , Kouli Antonina , Zhao Yanyan , De Suman , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Vendruscolo Michele , Ruggeri Francesco S. , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , Williams-Gray Caroline H. , Klenerman David
Published: September 2022

Soluble α-synuclein aggregates varying in size, structure, and morphology have been closely linked to neuronal death in Parkinson’s disease. However, the heterogeneity of different co-existing aggregate species makes it hard to isolate and study their individual toxic properties. Here, we show a reliable non-perturbative method to separate a heterogeneous mixture of protein aggregates by size. We find that aggregates of wild-type α-synuclein smaller than 200 nm in length, formed during an in vitro aggregation reaction, cause inflammation and permeabilization of single-liposome membranes and that larger aggregates are less toxic. Studying soluble aggregates extracted from post-mortem human brains also reveals that these aggregates are similar in size and structure to the smaller aggregates formed in aggregation reactions in the test tube. Furthermore, we find that the soluble aggregates present in Parkinson’s disease brains are smaller, largely less than 100 nm, and more inflammatory compared to the larger aggregates present in control brains. This study suggests that the small non-fibrillar α-synuclein aggregates are the critical species driving neuroinflammation and disease progression.
Smart soft contact lenses for continuous 24-hour monitoring of intraocular pressure in glaucoma care
Authors: Zhang Jinyuan , Kim Kyunghun , Kim Ho Joong , Meyer Dawn , Park Woohyun , Lee Seul Ah , Dai Yumin , Kim Bongjoong , Moon Haesoo , Shah Jay V. , Harris Keely E. , Collar Brett , Liu Kangying , Irazoqui Pedro , Lee Hyowon , Park Shin Ae , Kollbaum Pete S. , Boudouris Bryan W. , Lee Chi Hwan
Published: September 2022

Continuous monitoring of intraocular pressure, particularly during sleep, remains a grand challenge in glaucoma care. Here we introduce a class of smart soft contact lenses, enabling the continuous 24-hour monitoring of intraocular pressure, even during sleep. Uniquely, the smart soft contact lenses are built upon various commercial brands of soft contact lenses without altering their intrinsic properties such as lens power, biocompatibility, softness, transparency, wettability, oxygen transmissibility, and overnight wearability. We show that the smart soft contact lenses can seamlessly fit across different corneal curvatures and thicknesses in human eyes and therefore accurately measure absolute intraocular pressure under ambulatory conditions. We perform a comprehensive set of in vivo evaluations in rabbit, dog, and human eyes from normal to hypertension to confirm the superior measurement accuracy, within-subject repeatability, and user comfort of the smart soft contact lenses beyond current wearable ocular tonometers. We envision that the smart soft contact lenses will be effective in glaucoma care.
Hydrothermal synthesis of CuO@MnO2 on nitrogen-doped multiwalled carbon nanotube composite electrodes for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Kakani Vijay , Ramesh Sivalingam , Yadav H. M. , Bathula Chinna , Basivi Praveen Kumar , Palem Ramasubba Reddy , Kim Heung Soo , Pasupuletti Visweswara Rao , Lee Handol , Kim Hakil
Published: September 2022

Nitrogen-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (N-MWCNTs) have been used to fabricate nanostructured materials for various energy devices, such as supercapacitors, sensors, batteries, and electrocatalysts. Nitrogen-doped carbon-based electrodes have been widely used to improve supercapacitor applications via various chemical approaches. Based on previous studies, CuO@MnO2and CuO@MnO2/N-MWCNT composites were synthesized using a sonication-supported hydrothermal reaction process to evaluate their supercapacitor properties. The structural and morphological properties of the synthesized composite materials were characterized via Raman spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and SEM–EDX, and the morphological properties of the composite materials were confirmed by the nanostructured composite at the nanometer scale. The CuO@MnO2and CuO@MnO2/N-MWCNT composite electrodes were fabricated in a three-electrode configuration, and electrochemical analysis was performed via CV, GCD, and EIS. The composite electrodes exhibited the specific capacitance of ~ 184 F g−1at 0.5 A g−1in the presence of a 5 M KOH electrolyte for the three-electrode supercapacitor application. Furthermore, it exhibited significantly improved specific capacitances and excellent cycling stability up to 5000 GCD cycles, with a 98.5% capacity retention.
Incidence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome among Royal Thai Army personnel
Authors: Sakboonyarat Boonsub , Rangsin Ram , Mittleman Murray A.
Published: September 2022

Metabolic Syndrome is a clustering of obesity, hyperglycemia/insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. We aimed to determine the incidence of metabolic syndrome among Royal Thai Army (RTA) personnel and its risk factors. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from 2017 to 2021. Metabolic syndrome was defined by NCEP ATP III (2005 Revision). A total of 98,264 participants were enrolled in the present study. The overall incidence rate of metabolic syndrome was 3.7 per 100 person-year (95% CI 3.7–3.8). The statistically significant risk factors for metabolic syndrome included male sex (aHR 1.40; 95% CI 1.29–1.51), age > 35 years, current alcohol consumption, and no exercise. When stratified by sex, the incidence rate of metabolic syndrome among participants aged ≥ 45 years was higher than those aged < 35 years with aHR 6.34; 95% CI 6.01–6.70 for males and aHR 9.59; 95% CI 7.55–12.19 for females. Our data demonstrated that metabolic syndrome is a common health issue, especially among RTA personnel over 35 years. Alcohol consumption and sedentary behavior played an essential role in facilitating metabolic syndrome in this study population and are potential targets for intervention to enhance primary prevention of the sequelae of metabolic syndrome.
Evaluation of ecological quality in southeast Chongqing based on modified remote sensing ecological index
Authors: Ye Xi , Kuang Honghai
Published: September 2022

Rocky desertification is a serious ecological and environmental problem in Southwest China. Quickly and scientifically reveal the distribution and changes of ecological environment quality in rocky desertification areas, which is of great significance to rocky desertification restoration, ecological environment governance and sustainable development. Based on the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI), in addition to greenness, humidity, dryness, and heat, combined with the degree of rocky desertification, this study used the principal component analysis (PCA) method to construct a modified remote sensing ecological index (MRSEI). Then, the temporal and spatial variation characteristics and imaging factors of the ecological environment quality in the typical rocky desertification region of southeastern Chongqing from 2001 to 2021 were explored. The results revealed that the greenness and humidity indicators had a positive effect on the ecological quality, while the indicators of dryness, heat and rocky desertification had the opposite impact. From 2001 to 2021, the ecological environment quality in southeastern Chongqing showed a trend of gradual improvement, and the improvement area accounted for about 70% of the total area. The elevation, slope, monthly average precipitation, and land use pattern were the main factors influencing the quality of the ecological environment in the region.
Identification and characterization of a novel cell binding and cross-reactive region on spike protein of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wang Hanlu , Yang Tiantian , Jiang Wenhong , Qin Meng , Sun Ziyong , Dai Wei , Jiang Yongping
Published: September 2022

Given that COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc around the world, it is imperative to search for a conserved region involved in viral infection so that effective vaccines can be developed to prevent the virus from rapid mutations. We have established a twelve-fragment library of recombinant proteins covering the entire region of spike protein of both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV from Escherichia coli. IgGs from murine antisera specifically against 6 spike protein fragments of SARS-CoV-2 were produced, purified, and characterized. We found that one specific IgG against the fusion process region, named COVID19-SF5, serologically cross-reacted with all twelve S-protein fragments. COVID19-SF5, with amino acid sequences from 880 to 1084, specifically bound to VERO-E6 and BEAS-2B cells, with Kd values of 449.1 ± 21.41 and 381.9 ± 31.53 nM, and IC50 values of 761.2 ± 28.2 nM and 862.4 ± 32.1 nM, respectively. In addition, COVID19-SF5 greatly enhanced binding of the full-length CHO cell-derived spike protein to the host cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, COVID19-SF5 and its IgGs inhibited the infection of the host cells by pseudovirus. The combined data from our studies reveal that COVID19-SF5, a novel cell-binding fragment, may contain a common region(s) for mediating viral binding during infection. Our studies also provide valuable insights into how virus variants may evade host immune recognition. Significantly, the observation that the IgGs against COVID19-SF5 possesses cross reactivity to all other fragments of S protein, suggesting that it is possible to develop universal neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to curb rapid mutations of COVID-19.
SGLT2 inhibitors attenuate nephrin loss and enhance TGF-β1 secretion in type 2 diabetes patients with albuminuria: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Tian Yuan , Chen Xiao-min , Liang Xian-ming , Wu Xiao-bin , Yao Chun-meng
Published: September 2022

To evaluate the effect of SGLT2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) on albuminuria, nephrin (NPH) and transforming-growth-factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) levels in urine and low-grade inflammation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. A randomized, blank-controlled clinical trial included 68 T2D patients and 10 controls. Based on the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), 68 diabetic patients were stratified into three levels, UACR < 30 mg/g, UACR ≧ 30 mg/g to ≦ 300 mg/g and UACR ˃ 300 mg/g, who were randomized (1:1:1) to receive SGLT2i treatment for 12 weeks. The concentrations of NPH and TGF-β1 in urine were measured as indications of podocyte injury and renal fibrosis. Low-grade inflammation was assessed by the levels of IL-6, TNFα and hsCRP. After 12 weeks of SGLT2i treatment, the levels of UACR and NPH decreased, UTGF-β1 increased in the T2D with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria groups, NPH (1.12 [0.59, 1.29] vs. 0.71 [0.41, 1.07] µg/ml, P = 0.022) and (1.29 [0.99, 1.96] vs. 0.93 [0.57, 1.31] µg/ml, P = 0.002), UTGF-β1 (4.88 ± 1.31 vs. 7.27 ± 1.21 pg/ml, P  < 0.001) and (4.30 ± 1.34 vs. 6.78 ± 2.59 pg/ml, P  < 0.001), respectively. The changes in NPH were positively correlated with the UACR and negatively correlated with UTGF-β1 in T2D with albuminuria. SGLT2i alleviate nephrin loss and enhance TGF-β1 excretion in urine in T2DM with albuminuria. The anti-albuminuric effect of SGLT2i could be attributed to mitigating podocyte apoptosis and attenuating renal fibrosis.

Trial registration This clinical trial was registered on 15/10/2019, in ClinicalTrials.gov, and the registry number is NCT04127084.
Towards understanding various influences on mass balance of the Hoksar Glacier in the Upper Indus Basin using observations
Authors: Romshoo Shakil Ahmad , Murtaza Khalid Omar , Abdullah Tariq
Published: September 2022

Mass balance is a good indicator of glacier health and sensitivity to climate change. The debris-covered Hoksar Glacier (HG) in the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) was studied using direct and geodetic mass balances. During the 5-year period from 2013 to 2018, the glacier’s mean in situ mass balance (MB) was − 0.95 ± 0.39 m w.e. a−1. Similarly, the glacier’s mean geodetic MB from 2000 to 2012 was − 1.20 ± 0.35 m w.e. a−1. The continuously negative MB observations indicated that the HG is losing mass at a higher rate than several other Himalayan glaciers. The glacier showed increased mass loss with increasing altitude, in contrast to the typical decreasing MB with increasing elevation, due to the existence of thick debris cover in the ablation zone, which thins out regularly towards the accumulation zone. Rising temperatures, depleting snowfall and increasing black carbon concentration in the region, indicators of climatic change, have all contributed to the increased mass loss of the HG. During the lean period, when glacier melt contributes significantly to streamflow, the mass loss of glaciers has had a considerable impact on streamflow. Water availability for food, energy, and other essential economic sectors would be adversely affected, if, glaciers in the region continued to lose mass due to climatic change. However, long-term MB and hydro-meteorological observations are required to gain a better understanding of glacier recession in the region as climate changes in the UIB.
Effect of PbO-nanoparticles on dimethyl polysiloxane for use in radiation shielding applications
Authors: El-Khatib Ahmed M. , Abbas Mahmoud I. , Hammoury Sabbah I. , Gouda Mona M. , Zard Kareman , Elsafi Mohamed.
Published: September 2022

In this work, morphological and attenuation parameters of gamma ray protection were studied. Dimethyl polysiloxane (Silicon Rubber) Mixed with micro-size and nano-size lead oxide particles at different weight percentage were prepared. The morphological structure of PbO/SR composites was investigated by SEM test, according to SEM images the nano PbO particles are more uniform micro PbO particles. The radiation attenuation test was carried out using 3ʺ × 3ʺ NaI (TI) detector for (Am-241), (Cs-137), (Co-60), (Ba-133), and (Eu-152). The effect on attenuation property of SR-PbO shown that the increase of PbO filler significantly increases the linear attenuation coefficient and improve the other radiation protection parameters especially at low gamma energy. It's found that a significant agreement between the experimental result and theoretical result from Xcom program. In this study it's found matrix filled with nano-PbO have higher gamma shielding ability compared to micro-PbO matrix at the same filler concentration. It can say that SR-nano PbO has a higher radiation protection than SR-micro PbO compositions.
Structural design and effect analysis on a new type of hydraulic oscillator driven with double valve groups
Authors: Lingxia Hou , Qiaolei Sun , Long Deng , Yuwei Liu , Ding Feng
Published: September 2022

A new hydraulic oscillator was designed, which was able to adjust pressure fluctuations through two sets of dynamic and fixed valves. Hydraulic oscillators can meet the frequency and axial force requirements of drilling at lower drilling fluid flow than general hydraulic oscillators. Oscillator structure was described in detail and over-flow area between the two sets of dynamic and fixed valves was calculated. Based on drilling fluid flow difference, the influence of different fluid flows on oscillator pressure drops was analyzed, its influence law was determined by the finite element software Fluent, and its effect was verified by numerical simulations. The related research is of great significance in the selection of dynamic and fixed valves and provides the theoretical basis for the optimization of the structural parameters of double-valve hydraulic oscillators.
Culexarchaeia, a novel archaeal class of anaerobic generalists inhabiting geothermal environments
Authors: Kohtz Anthony J , Jay Zackary J , Lynes Mackenzie M , Krukenberg Viola , Hatzenpichler Roland
Published: September 2022

Geothermal environments, including terrestrial hot springs and deep-sea hydrothermal sediments, often contain many poorly understood lineages of archaea. Here, we recovered ten metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from geothermal sediments and propose that they constitute a new archaeal class within the TACK superphylum, “Candidatus Culexarchaeia”, named after the Culex Basin in Yellowstone National Park. Culexarchaeia harbor distinct sets of proteins involved in key cellular processes that are either phylogenetically divergent or are absent from other closely related TACK lineages, with a particular divergence in cell division and cytoskeletal proteins. Metabolic reconstruction revealed that Culexarchaeia have the capacity to metabolize a wide variety of organic and inorganic substrates. Notably, Culexarchaeia encode a unique modular, membrane associated, and energy conserving [NiFe]-hydrogenase complex that potentially interacts with heterodisulfide reductase (Hdr) subunits. Comparison of this [NiFe]-hydrogenase complex with similar complexes from other archaea suggests that interactions between membrane associated [NiFe]-hydrogenases and Hdr may be more widespread than previously appreciated in both methanogenic and non-methanogenic lifestyles. The analysis of Culexarchaeia further expands our understanding of the phylogenetic and functional diversity of lineages within the TACK superphylum and the ecology, physiology, and evolution of these organisms in extreme environments.
Chemical Approaches for Beta-cell Biology
Authors: Vetere Amedeo , Parekh Vishal S. , Modell Ashley E. , Shoba Veronika M. , Choudhary Amit , Wagner Bridget K.
Published: September 2022

There is good evidence that targeting the beta cell could be an important component to developing the future of diabetes therapeutics. In this chapter, the authors review the principles of chemical biology that enable small-molecule discovery, the current state of the art for therapeutic approaches, novel beta cell-focused approaches to use small molecules that improve phenotypes, and more recent efforts to deliver therapeutics selectively to the beta cell.
Amyloidosis Inhibition and Detection of Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide with Nanomaterials
Authors: Kakinen Aleksandr , Andrikopoulos Nicholas
Published: September 2022

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a metabolic disorder that is associated with progressive β-cell failure, manifests as a decline in insulin secretion and increasing hyperglycemia. A growing body of evidence suggests that β-cell failure in T2D correlates with the formation of pancreatic islet amyloid deposits, indicating that islet amyloid may have an important role in β-cell loss in this disease. Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP; amylin), the major component of islet amyloid, is co-secreted with insulin from β-cells. The mechanism(s) responsible for islet amyloid formation in T2D is still unclear. Inhibitors of islet amyloid fibril formation might prevent the progression to β-cell failure in T2D and should therefore be considered as a therapeutic approach to treat this disease. In addition to the mitigation efforts, sensing and imaging of IAPP amyloidosis is another important research area central to the development of anti-T2D theranostics.
Inhalation of Insulin for Diabetes Management
Authors: Bahman F. , Taurin S.
Published: September 2022

The incessant rise of diabetes mellitus foretells the need for new management approaches. Subcutaneous insulin injections are the mainstay for type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes with poorly managed glucose levels. However, this route of administration is often associated with poor compliance. In the last two decades, the efficacy of inhaled insulin has been rediscovered, leading to the emergence of new insulin formulations, delivery devices, and regimens. The first inhaled insulin device, Exubera, was approved in the United States and Europe in 2006. The initial studies were encouraging and demonstrated efficacy like the fast-acting insulin and patient satisfaction likely to improve compliance. However, the bulky design of the inhaler, poor commercial planning, and concerns over the long-term effects of inhaled insulin on the lung tissue led to its withdrawal in 2007. Others also cancelled their inhaled insulin projects in the wake of the Exubera withdrawal, while a few continue their development. In 2014, Afrezza became the only inhaled insulin delivery system approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). The device design was user-friendly, and clinical trial results demonstrated that the inhaled insulin was non-inferior to the subcutaneous injection. Therefore, there is hope that inhaled insulin can contribute to diabetes management.
An electrochemical chiral sensor based on competitive host–guest interaction for the discrimination of electroinactive amino acids
Authors: Jing Pengjing , Zhao Chengqi , Yin Zheng-Zhi , Yang Baozhu , Li Junyao , Cai Wenrong , Kong Yong
Published: September 2022

An electrochemical chiral sensor based on competitive host–guest interaction is developed for the discrimination of electroinactive amino acid isomers.
Unsupervised convolutional variational autoencoder deep embedding clustering for Raman spectra
Authors: Guo Yixin , Jin Weiqi , Wang Weilin , Guo Zongyu , He Yuqing
Published: September 2022

Unsupervised deep learning methods place increased emphasis on the process of cluster analysis of unknown samples without requiring sample labels.
Rapid determination of ethanol content based on an optical fiber-device and R6G-indicator
Authors: Yan Mingming , Li Minglu , Wang Dongning , Chen Huifang
Published: September 2022

The detecting system is compact and low-cost, the detecting method is rapid, accurate and repeatable, and the R6G indicator is safe and cheap. There is a good prospect of applications for the determination of ethanol content on-site.
Incorporation of inorganic elements onto titanium-based implant surfaces by one-step plasma electrolytic oxidation: an efficient method to enhance osteogenesis
Authors: Huang Tianyu , Wang Haibo , Zhang Ziyi , Feng Keqin , Xiang Lin
Published: September 2022

Properties of elements-incorporated PEO coatings are regulated by different parameters, and these coatings enhance osseointegration from protein adsorption to osteogenesis.
Metal-mediated rearrangement of 1,2-diphenylhydrazine to ortho-semidine upon reaction with dichlorotris(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(ii)
Authors: Cena Nicolas , Peloquin Andrew J. , Boatz Jerry A. , Costa Sarah , Gralinski Steven R. , Balch Alan L. , Ghiassi Kamran B.
Published: September 2022

1,2-Diphenylhydrazine rearranges to ortho-semidine upon reaction with RuCl2(PPh3)3. Crystals of two polymorphs show chiral resolution, producing an enantiopure form, in addition to a racemic, “disappearing” form.
Shaping particle size distribution of a metastable polymorph in additive-assisted reactive crystallization by the Taguchi method
Authors: Lee Hung Lin , Yang Chia Ling , Lee Tu
Published: September 2022

Particle size and size distribution (PSD) are two crucial attributes to be controlled for both particulate and formulated products, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry.
Discovering crystal forms of the bio-based nylon 5O monomer 1,5-pentanediamine-O-phthalate: insight into the crystal structures, transformations and stability
Authors: Li Zihan , Fang Xincao , Yang Pengpeng , Li Shushu , Wen Qingshi , Zhuang Wei , Wu Jinglan , Zhu Chenjie , Ying Hanjie
Published: September 2022

Crystal forms, phase transformation mechanisms and computational studies for PDA-OPA salts have been fully identified and analyzed.
An in situ study of thermal crystallization of amorphous calcium phosphates
Authors: Degli Esposti Lorenzo , Fosca Marco , Canizares Aurélien , Del Campo Leire , Ortenzi Marco , Adamiano Alessio , Rau Julietta V. , Iafisco Michele
Published: September 2022

Time-resolved energy dispersive X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy were employed to study in situ the thermal crystallization of amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles.
Time-dependent density functional theory studies of the optical and electronic properties of the [M25(MPA)18]− (M = Au, Ag, MPA = SCH2CH2COOH) clusters
Authors: Orellana Carlos , Miranda-Rojas Sebastián , Sundholm Dage , Mendizabal Fernando
Published: September 2022

[M25(MPA)18]− (M = Au, Ag; MPA = SCH2CH2COOH) clusters are modeled and their electronic and optical properties are described.
Using diketopyrrolopyrroles to stabilize double excitation and control internal conversion
Authors: do Casal Mariana T. , Toldo Josene M. , Plasser Felix , Barbatti Mario
Published: September 2022

Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) units can be used to stabilize the doubly excited state (2Ag) and control internal conversion by increasing the number of π-electrons.
Characterisation of intergrowth in metal oxide materials using structure-mining: the case of γ-MnO2
Authors: Magnard Nicolas P. L. , Anker Andy S. , Aalling-Frederiksen Olivia , Kirsch Andrea , Jensen Kirsten M. Ø.
Published: September 2022

A methodology for characterisation of γ-MnO2 intergrowths has been developed. By combining supercell modelling, structure-mining and machine learning, both qualitative and quantitative information on intergrowth domain distributions are extracted.
Capacity-enhanced and kinetic-expedited zinc-ion storage ability in a Zn3V3O8/VO2cathode enabled by heterostructural design
Authors: Yang Linyu , Jian Jikang , Wang Shuying , Wang Shiyu , Abliz Ablat , Zhao Fengjun , Li Haibing , Wu Jiadong , Wang Yujian
Published: September 2022

A Zn3V3O8/VO2heterostructure with abundant phase boundaries was designed as an advanced cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.