bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Native Super Trees Could Provide Climate Solutions to Houston
Authors: Graycen Wheeler Graycen
Published: December 2021

A Houston nonprofit identified 14 native “super tree” species that are particularly promising for mitigating climate change and public health concerns.
Properties of Electron Distributions in the Martian Space Environment
Authors: Andreone G. , Halekas J. S. , Mitchell D. L. , Mazelle C. , Gruesbeck J.
Published: December 2021

Electron and magnetic field measurements from the Mars atmosphere and volatile environment (MAVEN) mission are utilized to study the interaction between Mars and the solar wind. Instruments like the solar wind electron analyzer (SWEA) aboard MAVEN measure properties of the electron environment over a broad range of electron energies. Measurements at low electron energies include contributions from spacecraft photoelectrons and secondary electrons that must be accounted for to accurately characterize the environment. We developed an algorithm to identify and remove secondary electron contamination to improve estimates of electron densities and temperature. We then compiled global maps of average electron density, temperature, and temperature anisotropy under different conditions, considering quasi‐parallel and quasi‐perpendicular bow shocks and upstream solar wind Alfven Mach number. Higher temperature anisotropy is observed for quasi‐perpendicular shock crossings, as expected. We find significant electron temperature anisotropy upstream of the bow shock for quasi‐perpendicular shock crossings, suggesting a heating mechanism, such as that provided by electromagnetic waves. We analyzed the influence of hi and low Alfven Mach number conditions and found the electron plasma beta to be the only electron property significantly affected. We studied the relationship between the electron distribution function and the generation of instabilities and conclude that the upstream Alfven Mach number influences the stability of electron distributions in the Martian environment.
Transfer Learning Aurora Image Classification and Magnetic Disturbance Evaluation
Authors: Sado P. , Clausen L. B. N. , Miloch W. J. , Nickisch H.
Published: December 2021

We develop an open source algorithm to apply Transfer learning to Aurora image classification and Magnetic disturbance Evaluation (TAME). For this purpose, we evaluate the performance of 80 pretrained neural networks using the Oslo Auroral THEMIS (OATH) data set of all‐sky images, both in terms of runtime and their features' predictive capability. From the features extracted by the best network, we retrain the last neural network layer using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm to distinguish between the labels “arc,” “diffuse,” “discrete,” “cloud,” “moon” and “clear sky/ no aurora”. This transfer learning approach yields 73% accuracy in the six classes; if we aggregate the 3 auroral and 3 non‐aurora classes, we achieve up to 91% accuracy. We apply our classifier to a new dataset of 550,000 images and evaluate the classifier based on these previously unseen images. To show the potential usefulness of our feature extractor and classifier, we investigate two test cases: First, we compare our predictions for the “cloudy” images to meteorological data and second we train a linear ridge model to predict perturbations in Earth's locally measured magnetic field. We demonstrate that the classifier can be used as a filter to remove cloudy images from datasets and that the extracted features allow to predict magnetometer measurements. All procedures and algorithms used in this study are publicly available, and the code and classifier are provided, which opens possibility for large scale studies of all‐sky images.
Massive Multi‐Mission Statistical Study and Analytical Modeling of the Earth's Magnetopause: 2. Shape and Location
Authors: Nguyen G. , Aunai N. , Michotte de Welle B. , Jeandet A. , Lavraud B. , Fontaine D.
Published: December 2021

The Earth magnetopause is the boundary between the magnetosphere and the shocked solar wind. Its location and shape are primarily determined by the properties of the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) but the nature of the control parameters and to what extent they impact the stand‐off distance, the flaring, and the symmetries, on the dayside and night side, is still not well known. We present a large statistical study of the magnetopause location and shape based an extensive multi‐mission magnetopause database, cumulating 17,230 crossings on 17 different spacecraft, from the dayside to lunar nightside distances. The results confirm the power‐law dependency of the stand‐off position on the solar wind pressure. The IMF clock angle itself (all amplitudes combined) does not impact the stand‐off distance, nor does the cone angle. However, the magnetopause is found to move Earthward as the IMF gets stronger and more southward. All upstream conditions combined, it is found that the function used at the root of several analytical models still holds at lunar distances. We find that the equatorial flaring is larger than the meridional one. However, the meridional flaring is found to depend on the seasonal tilt conditions, being larger in the summer hemisphere. The flaring is also found to depend on the IMF clock angle. Meridional flaring increases as the IMF turns south and is then larger than the equatorial flaring. The equatorial flaring barely changes or weakly increases as the IMF turns northward, and is larger than the meridional flaring for northward conditions. The results of the study pave the way for the elaboration of a new analytical empirical expression of the magnetopause location and shape.
Asymmetrically Varying Guide Field During Magnetic Reconnection: Particle‐In‐Cell Simulations
Authors: Spinnangr Susanne F. , Tenfjord Paul , Hesse Michael , Norgren Cecilia , Kolstø Håkon M. , Kwagala Norah K. , Jørgensen Therese Moretto , Pérez‐Coll Jiménez Judit
Published: December 2021

Using fully kinetic particle‐in‐cell modeling, we investigate how magnetic reconnection responds to a varying guide field in one of the inflow regions. We find that the reconnection rate varies significantly when the orientation of the magnetic field changes between being strictly antiparallel and having a guide field. These variations are fairly consistent with the scaling relation for asymmetric reconnection developed by Cassak and Shay (2007). However, the rate is also found to be nonlinearly modulated by changes in the ion inflow velocity. The spatio‐temporal change in the inflow velocity arises as the magnetic forces reconfigure to regions of different magnetic field strengths. The variations in the inflow magnetic field configuration allow for different gradients in the magnetic field, leading to asymmetries in the magnetic tension force. By momentum conservation, this facilitates asymmetries in the inflow velocity, which in turn affects the flux transport into the reconnection site. The outflow is found to be less laminar when the inflow varies, and various signatures of the inflow variations are identified in the outflow.
Insights Into Hydraulic Fracture Growth Gained From a Joint Analysis of Seismometer‐Derived Tilt Signals and Acoustic Emissions
Authors: Niemz P. , Dahm T. , Milkereit C. , Cesca S. , Petersen G. , Zang A.
Published: December 2021

Hydraulic fracturing is performed to enhance rock permeability, for example, in the frame of geothermal energy production or shale gas exploitation, and can potentially trigger induced seismicity. The tracking of increased permeabilities and the fracturing extent is often based on the microseismic event distribution within the stimulated rock volume, but it is debated whether the microseismic activity adequately depicts the fracture formation. We are able to record tilt signals that appear as long‐period transients (180 s) on two broadband seismometers installed close (17–72 m) to newly formed, meter‐scale hydraulic fractures. With this observation, we can overcome the limitations of the microseismic monitoring alone and verify the fracture mapping. Our analysis for the first time combines a catalog of previously analyzed acoustic emissions ([AEs] durations of 20 ms), indirectly mapping the fractures, with unique tilt signals, that provide independent, direct insights into the deformation of the rock. The analysis allows to identify different phases of the fracturing process including the (re)opening, growth, and aftergrowth of fractures. Further, it helps to differentiate between the formation of complex fracture networks and single macrofractures, and it validates the AE fracture mapping. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the fracturing processes, which may help to reduce fluid‐injection‐induced seismicity and validate efficient fracture formation.
Type‐Dependent Impact of Aerosols on Precipitation Associated With Deep Convective Cloud Over East Asia
Authors: Han Xinlei , Zhao Bin , Lin Yun , Chen Qixiang , Shi Hongrong , Jiang Zhe , Fan Xuehua , Wang Jiandong , Liou Kuo‐Nan , Gu Yu
Published: December 2021

Aerosol‐cloud‐precipitation interactions represent one of the most significant uncertainties in climate simulation and projection. In particular, the impact of aerosols on precipitation is highly uncertain due to limited and conflicting observational evidence. A major challenge is to distinguish the effects of different types of aerosols on precipitation associated with deep convective clouds, which produces most of the precipitation in East Asia. Here, we use 9‐yr observations from multiple satellite‐borne sensors and find that the occurrent frequency of heavy rain increases while that of light rain decreases with the increase of aerosol optical depth (AOD) for dust and polluted continental aerosol types. For average hourly precipitation amount, elevated smoke tends to suppress deep convective precipitation, while dust and polluted continental aerosols enhance precipitation mainly through the invigoration of deep convection. The invigoration effect is more significant for clouds with higher cloud base temperature (CBT), while no significant invigoration is observed when CBT is <12°C. A great contrast is found for the response of average hourly precipitation amount to aerosols over ocean and land. While the prevailing continental aerosol types other than smoke increase precipitation, the marine aerosols first enhance and then inhibit precipitation with the increase of AOD. Moreover, our analysis indicates that the above‐mentioned enhancement and inhibition effects on precipitation are mainly caused by aerosols themselves, rather than by the covariation of meteorological factors. These observed relationships between different aerosol types and precipitation frequency and amount provide valuable constraints on the model forecasting of precipitation.
Evidence From Galactic Cosmic Rays That the Sun Has Likely Entered a Secular Minimum in Solar Activity
Authors: Rahmanifard F. , Jordan A. P. , de Wet W. C. , Schwadron N. A. , Wilson J. K. , Owens M. J. , Spence H. E. , Riley P.
Published: December 2021

Since the beginning of the space age, the Sun has been in a multi‐cycle period of elevated activity (secular maximum). This secular maximum is the longest in the last 9300 years. Since the end of solar cycle 21 (SC21), however, the Sun has shown a decline in overall activity, which has remarkably increased the fluxes of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs). Here, we investigate the correlation between the modulation of GCRs, the heliospheric magnetic field, and solar wind speed for the last 24 solar cycles to find trends that can potentially be used to predict future solar activity. Specifically, we develop a tool for predicting future magnetic field intensity, based on the hysteresis in the GCR variation, during the last phases of the current cycle. This method estimates that SC25 will be as weak as or weaker than SC24. This would mean that the Sun has likely entered a secular minimum, which, according to historical records, should last for another two cycles (SC25 and SC26).
COVID-19 induces new-onset insulin resistance and lipid metabolic dysregulation via regulation of secreted metabolic factors
Authors: He Xi , Liu Chenshu , Peng Jiangyun , Li Zilun , Li Fang , Wang Jian , Hu Ao , Peng Meixiu , Huang Kan , Fan Dongxiao , Li Na , Zhang Fuchun , Cai Weiping , Tan Xinghua , Hu Zhongwei , Deng Xilong , Li Yueping , Mo Xiaoneng , Li Linghua , Shi Yaling , Yang Li , Zhu Yuanyuan , Wu Yanrong , Liang Huichao , Liao Baolin , Hong Wenxin , He Ruiying , Li Jiaojiao , Guo Pengle , Zhuo Youguang , Zhao Lingzhai , Hu Fengyu , Li Wenxue , Zhu Wei , Zhang Zefeng , Guo Zeling , Zhang Wei , Hong Xiqiang , Cai Weikang , Gu Lei , Du Ziming , Zhang Yang , Xu Jin , Zuo Tao , Deng Kai , Yan Li , Chen Xinwen , Chen Sifan , Lei Chunliang
Published: December 2021

Abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism in COVID-19 patients were recently reported with unclear mechanism. In this study, we retrospectively investigated a cohort of COVID-19 patients without pre-existing metabolic-related diseases, and found new-onset insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and decreased HDL-C in these patients. Mechanistically, SARS-CoV-2 infection increased the expression of RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST), which modulated the expression of secreted metabolic factors including myeloperoxidase, apelin, and myostatin at the transcriptional level, resulting in the perturbation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, several lipids, including (±)5-HETE, (±)12-HETE, propionic acid, and isobutyric acid were identified as the potential biomarkers of COVID-19-induced metabolic dysregulation, especially in insulin resistance. Taken together, our study revealed insulin resistance as the direct cause of hyperglycemia upon COVID-19, and further illustrated the underlying mechanisms, providing potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19-induced metabolic complications.
Global predictors of language endangerment and the future of linguistic diversity
Authors: Bromham Lindell , Dinnage Russell , Skirgård Hedvig , Ritchie Andrew , Cardillo Marcel , Meakins Felicity , Greenhill Simon , Hua Xia
Published: December 2021

Language diversity is under threat. While each language is subject to specific social, demographic and political pressures, there may also be common threatening processes. We use an analysis of 6,511 spoken languages with 51 predictor variables spanning aspects of population, documentation, legal recognition, education policy, socioeconomic indicators and environmental features to show that, counter to common perception, contact with other languages per se is not a driver of language loss. However, greater road density, which may encourage population movement, is associated with increased endangerment. Higher average years of schooling is also associated with greater endangerment, evidence that formal education can contribute to loss of language diversity. Without intervention, language loss could triple within 40 years, with at least one language lost per month. To avoid the loss of over 1,500 languages by the end of the century, urgent investment is needed in language documentation, bilingual education programmes and other community-based programmes.
Global controls on phosphatization of fossils during the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event
Authors: Sinha Sinjini , Muscente A. D. , Schiffbauer James D. , Williams Matt , Schweigert Günter , Martindale Rowan C.
Published: December 2021

Konservat-Lagerstätten—deposits with exceptionally preserved fossils—vary in abundance across geographic and stratigraphic space due to paleoenvironmental heterogeneity. While oceanic anoxic events (OAEs) may have promoted preservation of marine lagerstätten, the environmental controls on their taphonomy remain unclear. Here, we provide new data on the mineralization of fossils in three Lower Jurassic Lagerstätten—Strawberry Bank (UK), Ya Ha Tinda (Canada), and Posidonia Shale (Germany) —and test the hypothesis that they were preserved under similar conditions. Biostratigraphy indicates that all three Lagerstätten were deposited during the Toarcian OAE (TOAE), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) show that each deposit contains a variety of taxa preserved as phosphatized skeletons and tissues. Thus, despite their geographic and paleoenvironmental differences, all of these Lagerstätten were deposited in settings conducive to phosphatization, indicating that the TOAE fostered exceptional preservation in marine settings around the world. Phosphatization may have been fueled by phosphate delivery from climatically-driven sea level change and continental weathering, with anoxic basins acting as phosphorus traps.
Association of dyslipidemia, diabetes and metabolic syndrome with serum ferritin levels: a middle eastern population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Al Akl Neyla S. , Khalifa Olfa , Errafii Khaoula , Arredouani Abdelilah
Published: December 2021

Elevated serum ferritin (SFer) levels are implicated in many energy metabolism abnormalities. The association between SFer levels and metabolic disorders has not been studied in Middle Eastern populations. We aimed at exploring the association between SFer levels and serum lipids, diabetes determinants, and metabolic syndrome in a sample of Qatari adults. This study used biochemical parameters obtained from 1928 participants from the Qatar Biobank cohort. We utilized adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) according to sex-specific SFer quartiles (Q1 to Q4). Results revealed that the ORs for dyslipidemia increased progressively and significantly across the SFer quartiles, up to two folds in Q4 for women (OR 2.47 (1.68–3.62)) and men (OR 2.24 (1.41–3.55)) versus Q1 (OR:1). Exclusively in women, the ORs for IR (HOMA-IR > 3.58) increased significantly in Q4 (OR 1.79 (1.19–2.70)) versus OR 1 in Q1 as did the ORs for diabetes (OR: 2.03 (1.15–3.57) in Q4 versus OR 1 in Q1). We observed the same result when we pooled the participants with prediabetes and diabetes in one group. The OR for MetS also increased significantly across the Sfer Quartiles from OR: 1 in Q1 to 1.92 (1.06–3.02) in Q4 for women and to 2.07 (1.08–3.98) in Q4 in men. Our results suggest the elevated Sfer levels as a potential risk biomarker for dyslipidemia and MetS in adult Qatari men and women, and diabetes and IR in women only.
A family history of type 2 diabetes as a predictor of fatty liver disease in diabetes-free individuals with excessive body weight
Authors: De Pergola Giovanni , Castellana Fabio , Zupo Roberta , De Nucci Sara , Panza Francesco , Castellana Marco , Lampignano Luisa , Di Chito Martina , Triggiani Vincenzo , Sardone Rodolfo , Giannelli Gianluigi
Published: December 2021

Comprehensive screening for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may help prompt clinical management of fatty liver disease. A family history, especially of diabetes, has been little studied as a predictor for NAFLD. We characterized the cross-sectional relationship between a family history of type 2 diabetes (FHT2D) and NAFLD probability in 1185 diabetes-free Apulian (Southern-Italy) subjects aged > 20 years with overweight or obesity not receiving any drug or supplementation. Clinical data and routine biochemistry were analysed. NAFLD probability was defined using the fatty liver index (FLI). A first-degree FHT2D was assessed by interviewing subjects and assigning a score of 0, 1, or 2 if none, only one, or both parents were affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study population featured most females (70.9%, N = 840), and 48.4% (N = 574) of the sample had first-degree FHT2D. After dividing the sample by a FHT2D, we found a higher BMI, Waist Circumference (WC), and diastolic blood pressure shared by FHT2D subjects; they also showed altered key markers of glucose homeostasis, higher triglyceride levels, and worse liver function. FLI scores were significantly lower in subjects without a first-degree FHT2D. After running logistic regression models, a FHT2D was significantly associated with the NAFLD probability, even adjusting for major confounders and stratifying by age (under and over 40 years of age). A FHT2D led to an almost twofold higher probability of NAFLD, regardless of confounding factors (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.63 to 2.89). A first-degree FHT2D acts as an independent determinant of NAFLD in excess weight phenotypes, regardless of the age group (younger or older than 40 years). A NAFLD risk assessment within multidimensional screening might be useful in excess weight subjects reporting FHT2D even in the absence of diabetes.
Deep learning-based landslide susceptibility mapping
Authors: Azarafza Mohammad , Azarafza Mehdi , Akgün Haluk , Atkinson Peter M. , Derakhshani Reza
Published: December 2021

Landslides are considered as one of the most devastating natural hazards in Iran, causing extensive damage and loss of life. Landslide susceptibility maps for landslide prone areas can be used to plan for and mitigate the consequences of catastrophic landsliding events. Here, we developed a deep convolutional neural network (CNN–DNN) for mapping landslide susceptibility, and evaluated it on the Isfahan province, Iran, which has not previously been assessed on such a scale. The proposed model was trained and validated using training (80%) and testing (20%) datasets, each containing relevant data on historical landslides, field records and remote sensing images, and a range of geomorphological, geological, environmental and human activity factors as covariates. The CNN–DNN model prediction accuracy was tested using a wide range of statistics from the confusion matrix and error indices from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The CNN–DNN model was evaluated comprehensively by comparing it to several state-of-the-art benchmark machine learning techniques including the support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression (LR), Gaussian naïve Bayes (GNB), multilayer perceptron (MLP), Bernoulli Naïve Bayes (BNB) and decision tree (DT) classifiers. The CNN–DNN model for landslide susceptibility mapping was found to predict more accurately than the benchmark algorithms, with an AUC = 90.9%, IRs = 84.8%, MSE = 0.17, RMSE = 0.40, and MAPE = 0.42. The map provided by the CNN–DNN clearly revealed a high-susceptibility area in the west and southwest, related to the main Zagros trend in the province. These findings can be of great utility for landslide risk management and land use planning in the Isfahan province.
The production of biodiesel from plum waste oil using nano-structured catalyst loaded into supports
Authors: Saeed Aasma , Hanif Muhammad Asif , Nawaz Haq , Qadri Rashad Waseem Khan
Published: December 2021

The present study was undertaken with aims to produced catalyst loaded on low-cost clay supports and to utilize plum waste seed oil for the production of biodiesel. For this purpose, Bentonite–potassium ferricyanide, White pocha-potassium ferricyanide, Granite-potassium ferricyanide, Sindh clay-potassium ferricyanide, and Kolten-potassium ferricyanide composites were prepared. Transesterification of plum oil under the different conditions of reactions like catalysts concentrations (0.15, 0.3 and 0.6 g), temperature (50, 60, 70 and 80 °C), reaction time (2, 4 and 6 h) and oil to methanol ratio (1:10) was conducted. The maximum biodiesel yield was recorded for Bentonite–potassium ferricyanide composite. This composite was subjected to calcination process to produce Calcinized bentonite–potassium ferricyanide composite and a further improvement in biodiesel amount was recorded. The fuel quality parameters of all biodiesel samples were in standard range. Gas chromatographic mass spectrometric analysis confirmed the presence of oleic and linoleic acids in the plum seed oil. The characterization of composite was done using FTIR, SEM and EDX. Two infrared bands are observed in the spectrum from 1650 to 1630 cm−1 indicates that the composite materials contained highly hydrogen bonded water. The presence of surface hydroxyls groups can also be confirmed from FTIR data. SEM image clearly show the presence of nano-rods on the surface of Granite-potassium ferricyanide and Kolten-potassium ferricyanide composites. Another interesting observation that can be recorded from SEM images is the changes in surface characteristic of Bentonite–potassium ferricyanide composite after calcination (at 750 °C, 1 atm for 4 h). Calcinized bentonite–potassium ferricyanide composite found to contain more nano rod like structures at its surface as compared to Bentonite–potassium ferricyanide composite which contained spherical particles. EDX data of Bentonite–potassium ferricyanide composite and Calcinized bentonite–potassium ferricyanide composite show that after calcination carbon and oxygen was reduced. The other lost volatile compounds after calcination were of Na, Mg, Al, Si, and S. The XRD spectrum of pure bentonite showed the average crystal size of 24.46 nm and calcinized bentonite of 25.59 nm. The average crystal size of bentonite and potassium ferricyanide composite and its calcinized form was around 33.76 nm and 41.05 nm, respectively.
Super-Nernstian ion sensitive field-effect transistor exploiting charge screening in WSe2/MoS2 heterostructure
Authors: Sanjay Sooraj , Hossain Mainul , Rao Ankit , Bhat Navakanta
Published: December 2021

Ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFETs) have gained a lot of attention in recent times as compact, low-cost biosensors with fast response time and label-free detection. Dual gate ISFETs have been shown to enhance detection sensitivity beyond the Nernst limit of 59 mV pH−1when the back gate dielectric is much thicker than the top dielectric. However, the thicker back-dielectric limits its application for ultrascaled point-of-care devices. In this work, we introduce and demonstrate a pH sensor, with WSe2(top)/MoS2(bottom) heterostructure based double gated ISFET. The proposed device is capable of surpassing the Nernst detection limit and uses thin high-k hafnium oxide as the gate oxide. The 2D atomic layered structure, combined with nanometer-thick top and bottom oxides, offers excellent scalability and linear response with a maximum sensitivity of 362 mV pH−1. We have also used technology computer-aided (TCAD) simulations to elucidate the underlying physics, namely back gate electric field screening through channel and interface charges due to the heterointerface. The proposed mechanism is independent of the dielectric thickness that makes miniaturization of these devices easier. We also demonstrate super-Nernstian behavior with the flipped MoS2(top)/WSe2(bottom) heterostructure ISFET. The results open up a new pathway of 2D heterostructure engineering as an excellent option for enhancing ISFET sensitivity beyond the Nernst limit, for the next-generation of label-free biosensors for single-molecular detection and point-of-care diagnostics.
In vitro functional analysis of gRNA sites regulating assembly of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Patel Nikesh , Clark Sam , Weiß Eva U. , Mata Carlos P. , Bohon Jen , Farquhar Erik R. , Maskell Daniel P. , Ranson Neil A. , Twarock Reidun , Stockley Peter G.
Published: December 2021

The roles of RNA sequence/structure motifs, Packaging Signals (PSs), for regulating assembly of an HBV genome transcript have been investigated in an efficient in vitro assay containing only core protein (Cp) and RNA. Variants of three conserved PSs, within the genome of a strain not used previously, preventing correct presentation of a Cp-recognition loop motif are differentially deleterious for assembly of nucleocapsid-like particles (NCPs). Cryo-electron microscopy reconstruction of the T = 4 NCPs formed with the wild-type gRNA transcript, reveal that the interior of the Cp shell is in contact with lower resolution density, potentially encompassing the arginine-rich protein domains and gRNA. Symmetry relaxation followed by asymmetric reconstruction reveal that such contacts are made at every symmetry axis. We infer from their regulation of assembly that some of these contacts would involve gRNA PSs, and confirmed this by X-ray RNA footprinting. Mutation of the ε stem-loop in the gRNA, where polymerase binds in vivo, produces a poor RNA assembly substrate with Cp alone, largely due to alterations in its conformation. The results show that RNA PSs regulate assembly of HBV genomic transcripts in vitro, and therefore may play similar roles in vivo, in concert with other molecular factors.
IQ-Switch is a QF-based innocuous, silencing-free, and inducible gene switch system in zebrafish
Authors: Hong Jeongkwan , Lee Jae-Geun , Sohn Kyung-Cheol , Lee Kayoung , Lee Seoee , Lee Jinyoung , Hong Jihye , Choi Dongju , Hong Yeseul , Jin Hyo Sun , Choi Dae-Kyoung , Lee Su Ui , Kee Yun , Jung Jangham , Bae Young-Ki , Hwang Ran Hee , Hur Gang Min , Lee Jeong-Soo , Ro Hyunju
Published: December 2021

Though various transgene expression switches have been adopted in a wide variety of organisms for basic and biomedical research, intrinsic obstacles of those existing systems, including toxicity and silencing, have been limiting their use in vertebrate transgenesis. Here we demonstrate a novel QF-based binary transgene switch (IQ-Switch) that is relatively free of driver toxicity and transgene silencing, and exhibits potent and highly tunable transgene activation by the chemical inducer tebufenozide, a non-toxic lipophilic molecule to developing zebrafish with negligible background. The interchangeable IQ-Switch makes it possible to elicit ubiquitous and tissue specific transgene expression in a spatiotemporal manner. We generated a RASopathy disease model using IQ-Switch and demonstrated that the RASopathy symptoms were ameliorated by the specific BRAF(V600E) inhibitor vemurafenib, validating the therapeutic use of the gene switch. The orthogonal IQ-Switch provides a state-of-the-art platform for flexible regulation of transgene expression in zebrafish, potentially applicable in cell-based systems and other model organisms.
A shortcut to the thermodynamic limit for quantum many-body calculations of metals
Authors: Mihm Tina N. , Schäfer Tobias , Ramadugu Sai Kumar , Weiler Laura , Grüneis Andreas , Shepherd James J.
Published: December 2021

Computationally efficient and accurate quantum mechanical approximations to solve the many-electron Schrödinger equation are crucial for computational materials science. Methods such as coupled cluster theory show potential for widespread adoption if computational cost bottlenecks can be removed. For example, extremely dense k-point grids are required to model long-range electronic correlation effects, particularly for metals. Although these grids can be made more effective by averaging calculations over an offset (or twist angle), the resultant cost in time for coupled cluster theory is prohibitive. We show here that a single special twist angle can be found using the transition structure factor, which provides the same benefit as twist averaging with one or two orders of magnitude reduction in computational time. We demonstrate that this not only works for metal systems but also is applicable to a broader range of materials, including insulators and semiconductors.
Multi-NSAID-based Zn(ii) coordination complex-derived metallogelators/metallogels as plausible multi-drug self-delivery systems
Authors: Biswas Protap , Datta Hemanta Kumar , Dastidar Parthasarathi
Published: December 2021

Metallogelators/metallogels derived from a series of NSAID-based Zn(ii) coordination complexes have been developed as plausible multi-drug self-delivery systems.
Pinpointing photothermal contributions in photochemical reactions on plasmonic gold nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Hao , Cao Zheng , Zheng Liqin , Wang Xian , Su Mengke , Liu Honglin
Published: December 2021

Laser-induced photocatalytic reduction of PNTP to DMAB on plasmonic GNP arrays through hot electron transfer and direct photothermal conversion.
Aluminum metal anode rechargeable batteries with sulfur–carbon composite cathodes and inorganic chloroaluminate ionic liquid
Authors: Tsuda Tetsuya , Sasaki Junya , Uemura Yuya , Kojima Toshikatsu , Senoh Hiroshi , Kuwabata Susumu
Published: December 2021

Combination of the sophisticated SPEG (sulfur composite material made from sulfur and polyethylene glycol)-based cathodes and the inorganic IL electrolyte offers the opportunity to readily enhance the performance of aluminum metal anode battery.
A bimodal probe for fluorescence and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging of dopaminergic neurons in the brain
Authors: Yan Meiling , Zuo Tingting , Zhang Jichao , Wang Yiyang , Zhu Ying , Wang Lihua , Zhou Yi , Sun Yanhong
Published: December 2021

A bimodal probe, the erythrosine B (EB) conjugated immunoglobulin G complex (EB/IgG), has been developed for the fluorescence and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) imaging of dopaminergic neurons in the brain.
Chemical conversion based on the crystal facet effect of transition metal oxides and construction methods for sharp-faced nanocrystals
Authors: Wang Huixiang , Ren Xiaobo , Liu Zhong , Lv Baoliang
Published: December 2021

The facet effects of several important transition metal oxides in many chemical reactions are presented, and typical synthesis methods for their sharp-faced nanocrystals are summarized.
Engineering Mn atomic sites in multi-dimensional nitrogen-doped carbon for highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Ma Huixin , Deng Daijie , Zhang Honghui , Chen Feng , Qian Junchao , Li Henan , Xu Li
Published: December 2021

Nitrogen-coordinated single-atom manganese in multi-dimensional nitrogen-doped carbon exhibited excellent oxygen reduction reaction activity with a half-wave potential of 0.88 V.
On the effect of metal loading on the reducibility and redox chemistry of ceria supported Pd catalysts
Authors: Clark Adam H. , Marchbank Huw R. , Thompsett David , Fisher Janet M. , Longo Alessandro , Beyer Kevin A. , Hyde Timothy I. , Sankar Gopinathan
Published: December 2021

The effect of Pd loading on the redox characteristics of a ceria support was examined using in situ Pd K-edge, Ce L3-edge XAS and in situ X-ray diffraction techniques.
A PH-functionalized dicationic bis(imidazolio)diphosphine
Authors: Cicač-Hudi Mario , Feil Christoph M. , Birchall Nicholas , Nieger Martin , Gudat Dietrich
Published: December 2021

Dicationic bis(imidazolio)-substituted dihydro-diphosphines were synthesized by a P–P bond formation reaction. Their deprotonation to yield previously known monocationic bis-imidazolio-diphosphides demonstrates the amphoteric nature of the latter.
Determination of carbon isotopes in carbonates (calcite, dolomite, magnesite, and siderite) by femtosecond laser ablation multi-collector ICP-MS
Authors: Lu Jue , Chen Wei , Zhang Wen , Liu Hong , Simonetti Antonio , Hu Zhaochu , Liu Yongsheng , Zhao Kuidong , Jiang Shaoyong
Published: December 2021

This study reports a method for in situ determination of stable carbon (δ13C‰) isotope compositions for various carbonate matrices including calcite, dolomite, magnesite and siderite by fs-LA-MC-ICP-MS with a precision of 0.37–0.68‰.
Dual-functional inorganic CuSCN for efficient hole extraction and moisture sealing of MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells
Authors: Krishna Battula Ramya , Veerappan Ganapathy , Bhyrappa P. , Sudakar C. , Ramasamy Easwaramoorthi
Published: December 2021

Superior retention of 70% PCE in inorganic CuSCN HTM PSCs for 1500 h over organic and HTM-free counterparts.
Retraction: Non-thermal microwave effects in radical polymerization of bio-based terpenoid (meth)acrylates
Authors: Castagnet Thibault , Agirre Amaia , Ballard Nicholas , Billon Laurent , Asua José M.
Published: December 2021

Retraction of ‘Non-thermal microwave effects in radical polymerization of bio-based terpenoid (meth)acrylates’ by Thibault Castagnet, et al., Polym. Chem., 2020, 11, 6840–6846, DOI: 10.1039/D0PY01192D.
Organocatalytic difluorobenzylation of 1,2-diketones via mild cleavage of carbon–carbon bonds
Authors: Zhang Yong , Lai Guo-Wei , Nie Long-Jun , He Qifang , Lin Mei-Juan , Chi Rong , Lu Dong-Liang , Fan Xiaolin
Published: December 2021

Difluoroacetophenones (DFAPs) are developed as a class of novel and practical reagents for organocatalytic difluorobenzylation reactions.
Na2.4Al0.4Mn2.6O7 anionic redox cathode material for sodium-ion batteries – a combined experimental and theoretical approach to elucidate its charge storage mechanism
Authors: Soares Cindy , Silván Begoña , Choi Yong-Seok , Celorrio Veronica , Seymour Valerie R. , Cibin Giannantonio , Griffin John M. , Scanlon David O. , Tapia-Ruiz Nuria
Published: December 2021

Al substitution and subsequent Na excess in Na2Mn3O7 were achieved by a ceramic method, realizing the high-performance Na2.4Al0.4Mn2.6O7 oxygen-redox cathode for Na-ion batteries. A comparison between the two cathodes revealed the role of Al doping.
VDAC2 and the BCL-2 family of proteins
Authors: Yuan Zheng , Dewson Grant , Czabotar Peter E. , Birkinshaw Richard W.
Published: December 2021

The BCL-2 protein family govern whether a cell dies or survives by controlling mitochondrial apoptosis. As dysregulation of mitochondrial apoptosis is a common feature of cancer cells, targeting protein–protein interactions within the BCL-2 protein family is a key strategy to seize control of apoptosis and provide favourable outcomes for cancer patients. Non-BCL-2 family proteins are emerging as novel regulators of apoptosis and are potential drug targets. Voltage dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2) can regulate apoptosis. However, it is unclear how this occurs at the molecular level, with conflicting evidence in the literature for its role in regulating the BCL-2 effector proteins, BAK and BAX. Notably, VDAC2 is required for efficient BAX-mediated apoptosis, but conversely inhibits BAK-mediated apoptosis. This review focuses on the role of VDAC2 in apoptosis, discussing the current knowledge of the interaction between VDAC2 and BCL-2 family proteins and the recent development of an apoptosis inhibitor that targets the VDAC2–BAK interaction.
A feature‐based on potential and differential entropy information for electroencephalogram emotion recognition
Authors: Li Dongdong , Xie Li , Chai Bing , Wang Zhe
Published: December 2021

Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals by virtue of its good time resolution can provide a more comprehensive way for emotion recognition. To further mine the emotion‐relevant information of EEG signals, a kind of innovative and effective feature named mean differential entropy (MDE) is proposed for EEG emotion recognition (EER). The MDE feature extracted from EEG signals supplements the additional potential information of each EEG frame on the basis of time‐frequency information. To verify its effectiveness, extensive experiments are conducted on DEAP (database for emotion analysis using physiological signals) dataset. The experiment results of the proposed methods on public EEG emotion dataset DEAP reached accuracies of 94.56% and 91.84% in valence dimension and four emotion labels with gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), and 95.15% in arousal dimension with Random Forest (RF), which proved that the MDE feature is helpful to improve the performance of EER.
Transient stability emergency control for AC/DC grids considering successive commutation failures
Authors: Ma Yunfei , Geng Guangchao , Jiang Quanyuan , Yan Rong
Published: December 2021

The prevalence of Line‐Commutated Converter (LCC) HVDC makes the coupling and interaction phenomenon between AC system and DC system of particular complicated. There are significant challenges to determine control strategy using state‐of‐the‐art approaches especially when discrete events (e.g. switching and state resetting) happen frequently due to successive commutation failures (CFs). An enhanced transient stability emergency control (TSEC) for AC/DC grids based on the optimal control is presented to maintain the transient stability and mitigate the successive CFs caused by AC faults. In the proposed TSEC method, an extinction advance angle constraint is added to the TSEC model to mitigate the successive CFs. The emergency power control of LCC‐HVDC is employed as an additional control measure to reduce generator‐tripping and load‐shedding amount. The direct sequential approach is adopted to obtain the optimal solution of TSEC to improve the calculation efficiency. In the direct sequential approach, the modified adjoint sensitivity analysis (MASA) with the consideration of adjoint jump conditions is utilized to increase the gradient calculation accuracy. The effectiveness of the control strategies and the accuracy of the sensitivity calculation are verified on two test systems.
Stacking‐based ensemble learning method for the recognition of the preceding vehicle lane‐changing manoeuvre: A naturalistic driving study on the highway
Authors: Zhang Hongjia , Guo Yingshi , Wang Chang , Fu Rui
Published: December 2021

The recognition of the preceding vehicle lane‐changing manoeuvre (LCM) is essential for improving the rationality and safety of the decision‐making of driverless vehicles. However, traditional recognition researches for preceding vehicle LCM are generally characterized by problems such as low recognition accuracy and poor research foundation. In response to these problems, this paper carried out naturalistic driving study (NDS) on the highway, from which a large amount of on‐road data consisting of lane‐keeping (LK) and lane‐changing left and right (LCL, LCR) manoeuvres were collected. A stacking‐based ensemble learning method for the recognition of the LCM of the preceding vehicle, which integrates the random forest, support vector machine, long and short‐term memory network (LSTM), and bi‐directional LSTM based on attention mechanism (AT‐Bi‐LSTM) algorithms, is proposed. Compared with traditional machine learning methods, the proposed method exhibits greater advantages in terms of its recognition accuracy. It is particularly of note that the recognition accuracy of the model at 0.4 s and 0.8 s after the LCM reached 90.77% and 95.54%, respectively. The study reported is of great significance for the construction of more intelligent vehicle‐vehicle collaboration and the promotion of the industrial applications of intelligent vehicle technology.
An enhanced single gate driven voltage‐balanced SiC MOSFET stack topology suitable for high‐voltage low‐power applications
Authors: Wang Rui , Jørgensen Asger Bjørn , Munk‐Nielsen Stig
Published: December 2021

In the fabrication of some high‐voltage low‐power applications, low cost is much concerned, and thus using silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET stack consisting of series connected low‐voltage devices is preferred rather than using an expensive single high‐voltage device. Therefore, a cost‐efficient single gate driven voltage‐balanced SiC MOSFET stack topology is proposed in this paper, where only some passive components are equipped with the stack. With a concept of single gate driver, the gate driver design of an SiC MOSFET stack is simplified. With an automatic balancing circuit which operates well with the sequential lagging single gate driver, good voltage balancing of SiC MOSFETs in the stack is realized without causing much extra loss and no additional active control is required. The working principle is illustrated in detail and the parameter selection together with design consideration is presented. Next, this topology is compared with RCD snubber method and active delay adjusting method to better illustrate its advantages. Finally, in a typical high‐voltage low‐power application, auxiliary power supply, the simulation and experimental results further verify the effectiveness of the proposed topology.
Impact of the global pandemic situation of COVID-19 on the growth of the economic level of private security services in the selected region
Authors: Boros Martin , Velas Andrej , Zvakova Zuzana , Mendel Robert
Published: December 2021

Research background: The research presented in the article is focused on assessing the impact of measures implemented against the spread of COVID-19 in the conditions of the Slovak Republic. We will focus primarily on curfews, work at home and the like, which are directly related to private security services and have affected the company’s economic situation. An important factor influencing the economic level of society is also the ban on organizing sports events, at which private security services ensure the safety and protection of visitors, athletes and organizers.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the article is to determine the degree of impact of the pandemic situation caused by COVID-19 on the economic level and profitability of the mentioned companies in the selected Slovak region by means of a multi-year financial analysis of private security services.

Methods: The article will use several methods such as financial analysis, profitability analysis, comparison and other scientific methods such as forecasting the future situation in case they would take long-term anti-pandemic measures.

Findings & Value added: The result of the research presented in the article will be an evaluation of the degree of impact on companies operating on the Slovak market in the field of security from the point of view of profitability due to the impossibility of performing employment. Among other things, the expected estimate of the time period that private security services can manage if they would last long-term compared to pandemic measures will be presented.
COVID-19 pandemic is a stimulus for sustainable development of rural areas and labor markets
Authors: Chekmarev Oleg , Manilov Alexander , Ulimbashev Akhmedkhan , Timoshenko Svetlana
Published: December 2021

Research background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges of maintaining the sustainability of urban agglomerations and provides a fresh look at the feasibility of developing rural areas and their labor markets. This situation stimulates the authorities, the population and business to pay attention to the benefits of the development of rural areas

Purpose of the article: The main goal of the presented article is assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the stimulus and opportunities for the sustainable development formulation of rural areas and its labor markets.

Methods: For research statistical materials and the results of scientific research by Russian and foreign scientists on the problems of the development of rural areas and their labor markets in the pre-covid period are used. The dynamics and dependence of the incidence of COVID-19 on the population's residence in rural and urban areas in certain regions of Russia, the growth in demand for suburban real estate, the problems of limiting migration during the development of the coronavirus pandemic and changes in labor markets that stimulate the relocation of the population to rural areas are investigated.

Findings & Value added: The results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has created stimulus for the intensive development of rural areas, both on population of the countries and authorities. To maintain the positive trends, the state authorities is needed to invest in sustainable development infrastructure of rural areas, as well as the legislative consolidation of the rights and obligations of freelancers.