bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are gut dysbiosis, barrier disruption, and endotoxemia related to adipose tissue dysfunction in metabolic disorders? Overview of the mechanisms involved
Authors: Rosendo-Silva Daniela , Viana Sofia , Carvalho Eugénia , Reis Flávio , Matafome Paulo
Published: April 2023

Recently, compelling evidence points to dysbiosis and disruption of the epithelial intestinal barrier as major players in the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders, such as obesity. Upon the intestinal barrier disruption, components from bacterial metabolism and bacteria itself can reach peripheral tissues through circulation. This has been associated with the low-grade inflammation that characterizes obesity and other metabolic diseases. While circulating bacterial DNA has been postulated as a common feature of obesity and even type 2 diabetes, almost no focus has been given to the existence and effects of bacteria in peripheral tissues, namely the adipose tissue. As a symbiont population, it is expected that gut microbiota modulate the immunometabolism of the host, thus influencing energy balance mechanisms and inflammation. Gut inflammatory signals cause direct deleterious inflammatory responses in adipose tissue and may also affect key gut neuroendocrine mechanisms governing nutrient sensing and energy balance, like incretins and ghrelin, which play a role in the gut-brain-adipose tissue axis. Thus, it is of major importance to disclose how gut microbiota and derived signals modulate neuroendocrine and inflammatory pathways, which contribute to the dysfunction of adipose tissue and to the metabolic sequelae of obesity and related disorders. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding these topics and identifies new perspectives in this field of research, highlighting new pathways toward the reduction of the inflammatory burden of metabolic diseases.
How life context affects entrepreneurs' passion and performance
Authors: Schulte-Holthaus Stefan , Kuckertz Andreas
Published: April 2023

This article examines the influence of the life context on entrepreneurial passion (EP) and performance. Drawing on the person–environment fit theory, we developed a model showing how the life context fit affects EP in the domains of founding, inventing, and developing and how this translates into performance. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling, we tested our hypotheses using a sample of 406 entrepreneurs from the cultural and creative industries. Due to the presence of unobserved heterogeneity in the overall sample, we conducted prediction-oriented segmentation, which revealed four segments in which life contexts exhibit not only positive but also adverse effects on EP. Our results showed that, in contrast to the extant literature, EP generates its overall effect on performance at the intersection of positively and negatively acting domains of founding, inventing, and developing. To explain the structural relations between the four segments, we conducted qualitative post hoc analyses to evaluate idiosyncratic data on passion and the life context and aligned our insights with the extant literature delineating four categories of entrepreneurs from the cultural and creative industries: artepreneurs, culturepreneurs, creative entrepreneurs, and lifestyle entrepreneurs. Our findings contribute to overcoming the dichotomy between passion as a personality trait and a dynamic construct and to understanding passion as an individual phenomenon with multiple sources that interacts with the proximal environment and that can impact entrepreneurial performance both positively and negatively. We extend the entrepreneurship and psychology literature, facilitating people's abilities to lead more entrepreneurial and passionate lives.
The role of multisystemic resilience in fostering critical agency: UK adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Weidman Sarah , Levine Diane T. , Louwagie Fransiska , Blackmore Kara , Theron Linda C. , Stekel Dov J.
Published: April 2023

Critical agency (CA) refers to an individual’s feeling of power in relation to social inequalities. Research has demonstrated that high CA is associated with positive adolescent outcomes, however, less is known about what supports are important for its development. Moreover, a large majority of the literature is based on studies from the US and various countries in Africa; although the UK is saturated with inequalities there is little research within a UK context. In this paper we examine (a) the validity of using an existing measure of CA with a sample of UK adolescents and (b) the extent to which resilience supports account for variance in CA. Our analysis identified two distinct factors of CA: justice-oriented and community-oriented. High CA in both factors was explained by resilience supports associated with peer relationships (p < 0.01). Our findings push us towards new relational, ecological ways of understanding adolescent CA. We close by instantiating a translational framework for those devising policies in support of youth resilience and CA.
The role of cognitive appraisals and illness-related beliefs in adaptation to life with rheumatoid arthritis: variable- and person-centered approach
Authors: Pankowski Daniel , Wytrychiewicz-Pankowska Kinga , Pisula Ewa , Janowski Konrad , Fal Andrzej M. , Kisiel Bartłomiej , Tłustochowicz Witold
Published: April 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a serious chronic disease that affects daily functioning and quality of life. Two studies were conducted to analyze the role of cognitive variables (namely cognitive appraisals and illness-related beliefs) in adaptation to life with chronic disease. A total of 150 people with rheumatoid arthritis (47 men and 103 women) were assessed both stationary (N = 69) and online (N = 81). The results of study 1 indicate that cognitive appraisals explain a greater percentage of variance than coping strategies with regard to the severity of depressive symptoms and the level of acceptance of living with the disease. In turn, the second study found that social support mediates the relationship between selected cognitive appraisals (loss, challenge and value) and anxiety. The latent profile analysis showed that the subgroups distinguished according to the illness-related beliefs levels differed in cognitive appraisals, but do not in the level of anxiety. The results indicate that cognitive appraisals, in line with theoretical assumptions, seem to be the key psychological factor determining the level of adaptation to life with rheumatoid arthritis. Social resources mediate the relationship between selected cognitive appraisals and anxiety. Cognitive appraisals are modeled through illness-related beliefs, which, in turn, can be modified, e.g. as part of psychological intervention.
Keeping Your Maturity Assessment Alive
Authors: Stoiber Christoph , Stöter Maximilian , Englbrecht Ludwig , Schönig Stefan , Häckel Björn
Published: April 2023

Maturity models are valuable management tools for assessing and managing capabilities and therefore creating a basis for their identification, prioritization, and further development. Numerous maturity assessment methods have been developed to support organizations in applying maturity models. However, these methods are mostly used for unique assessments and only provide a snapshot of the current state of capabilities and their maturity. Certainly, this does not reflect the continuous change of capabilities within dynamic organizational environments. Moreover, the systematic selection of suitable maturity models and the identification of the actions that should be targeted following the maturity assessment require more attention. To fill these research gaps, this study proposes the generally applicable Continuous Maturity Assessment Method (CMAM) that enables comprehensive and continuous maturity assessments. The CMAM comprises five steps that extend and advance existing principles of maturity assessment and can be implemented as an organizational routine. The rigorous development of the CMAM followed basic principles of the design science research methodology, including an evaluation of six organizations in different industry sectors and an extensive industrial case study.
Utilizing orange peel waste biomass in textile wastewater treatment and its recyclability for dual biogas and biochar production: a techno-economic sustainable approach
Authors: Kalengyo Roice B. , Ibrahim Mona G. , Fujii Manabu , Nasr Mahmoud
Published: April 2023

Orange peel is a fruit-based biomass produced in huge quantities worldwide, requiring an appropriate management strategy to meet the waste-to-wealth approach. In the current study, this agricultural waste was used (as an adsorbent) to treat dye-laden wastewater, followed by its regeneration and recyclability for dual biogas and biochar production. An adsorbent material was prepared by mixing orange peel powder (OPP) with biochar (1:1, w/w) and used to remove various pollutants from textile wastewater (TWW) within 30 min. This adsorption system achieved chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, and color removal efficiencies of 38.56±1.73%, 29.31±1.25%, 91.92±4.75%, and 74.81±3.96%, respectively. The spent adsorbent was cleaned and mixed with cow dung (as inoculum) to generate biogas via anaerobic co-digestion. This system maintained a bio-CH4 of 411.5±21.7 mL/g volatile solids (VS), equivalent to 14.3±1.1% of CODinitial. Because the digestate of the co-digestion process contained volatile suspended solids (VSS), with a VSS/CODinitial percentage of 45.2±3.2%, it was efficiently pyrolyzed to obtain biochar. The adsorption/co-digestion/pyrolysis combined system revealed a financially feasible scenario, with a payback period of 7.5 years. The study outputs would fulfill various sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to waste minimization, environmental protection, and affordable energy supply.

Graphical abstract
Durability study of quasi-isotropic carbon/epoxy composites under various environmental conditions
Authors: Aithal Shreepannaga , Hossagadde Padmaraj Narampady , Kini Manjeshwar Vijaya , Pai Dayananda
Published: April 2023

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are gaining more attention for civil, automobile, aircraft and marine applications due to their excellent properties. The present work investigated the effect of ageing on mechanical properties of the autoclave-cured quasi-isotropic carbon/epoxy prepreg composites. The specimens were aged at artificial seawater under ambient, sub-zero (− 15 °C), and humid conditions (70% RH. and 40 °C) for 12 months. The tensile, flexural and impact properties were determined at regular intervals. The gravimetric study revealed that moisture absorption behaviour depended on the medium and duration of ageing condition. The moisture absorption for the quasi-isotropic carbon/epoxy composite specimens followed a non-fickian distribution. The moisture absorption of the carbon/epoxy composite laminate specimens showed an adverse effect on their mechanical properties. The moisture absorption results revealed that composite specimens aged under ambient condition absorbed more moisture compared with sub-zero and humid conditions. It was evident from the results that there was a 36.06% reduction in tensile properties of the composite specimens aged under ambient condition in comparison with pristine specimens. In contrast, the flexural properties were affected largely at sub-zero condition, and the impact properties were largely degraded at humid condition. The failure surface morphology revealed that matrix cracking and inner fibre debonding were the major causes of degradation in mechanical properties.

Graphical abstract
Assessment of Agricultural Drought Vulnerability Based on Crop Growth Stages: A Case Study of Huaibei Plain, China
Authors: Wei Yanqi , Jin Juliang , Li Haichao , Zhou Yuliang , Cui Yi , Commey Nii Amarquaye , Zhang Yuliang , Jiang Shangming
Published: April 2023

Climate change can lead to and intensify drought disasters. Quantifying the vulnerability of disaster-affected elements is significant for understanding the mechanisms that transform drought intensity into eventual loss. This study proposed a growth-stage-based drought vulnerability index (GDVI) of soybean using meteorological, groundwater, land use, and field experiment data and crop growth model simulation. The CROPGRO-Soybean model was used to simulate crop growth and water deficit. Four growth stages were considered since the sensitivity of soybean to drought is strictly related to the growth stage. The GDVI was applied to the Huaibei Plain, Anhui Province, China, with the goal of quantifying the spatiotemporal characteristics of soybean drought vulnerability in typical years and growth stages. The results show that: (1) The sensitivity of leaf-related parameters exceeded that of other parameters during the vegetative growth stage, whereas the top weight and grain yield showed a higher sensitivity in the reproductive growth stage; (2) A semi-logarithmic law can describe the relationship between the drought sensitivity indicators and the GDVI during the four growth stages. The pod-filling phase is the most vulnerable stage for water deficit and with the highest loss upper limit (over 70%); (3) The 2001 and 2002 seasons were the driest time during 1997−2006. Fuyang and Huainan Cities were more vulnerable to drought than other regions on the Huaibei Plain in 2001, while Huaibei and Suzhou Cities were the most susceptible areas in 2002. The results could provide effective decision support for the categorization of areas vulnerable to droughts.
Construction of a multifunctional MXene@β-cyclodextrin nanocomposite with photocatalytic properties
Authors: Lele N. , Bambo M. F. , Mmutlane E. M. , Dlamini L. N.
Published: April 2023

Designing a multimodal photocatalyst material with enhanced optical properties and surface area is among the important methods for removing dangerous organic contaminants under visible light irradiation. A simple synthetic method was used to electrostatically fabricate well-defined WO3 nanoparticles in and over Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets to form a 2D/2D hybrid with varying Ti3C2 contents (1–5 wt %). These nanoparticles were then bifunctionally linked with beta-cyclodextrin to create a WO3-Ti3C2@-CD nanocomposite. The as-synthesized WO3-Ti3C2@β-CD nanocomposite shows significantly enhanced optical properties such as low band gap and high absorption intensity. Also, shows photocatalytic properties such as decreased charge carriers (3.70 × 1019 cm−3 for 5% WO3-Ti3C2@ β-CD nanocomposite compared to 2.25 × 1020 cm−3 for pristine WO3). Photoelectrochemical properties were improved for the nanocomposite, such as photoinduced carriers’ separation, and transfer ability, and this could mean that the high conductivity of Ti3C2 and a large surface area between WO3 and Ti3C2 MXene that interacts to promote the separation of charges and boost reactive sites that are crucial for increasing the photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite. Various characterization techniques analysis such as XRD and TEM further verified the interfacial interaction between WO3, Ti3C2, and beta-cyclodextrin and actively encouraged the spatial charge separation. Additionally, this work creates opportunities for building a versatile and reliable MXene-based photocatalyst for water purification.

Graphical Abstract
Quantum pattern recognition on real quantum processing units
Authors: Das Sreetama , Zhang Jingfu , Martina Stefano , Suter Dieter , Caruso Filippo
Published: April 2023

One of the most promising applications of quantum computing is the processing of graphical data like images. Here, we investigate the possibility of realizing a quantum pattern recognition protocol based on swap test, and use the IBMQ noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices to verify the idea. We find that with a two-qubit protocol, swap test can efficiently detect the similarity between two patterns with good fidelity, though for three or more qubits, the noise in the real devices becomes detrimental. To mitigate this noise effect, we resort to destructive swap test, which shows an improved performance for three-qubit states. Due to limited cloud access to larger IBMQ processors, we take a segment-wise approach to apply the destructive swap test on higher dimensional images. In this case, we define an average overlap measure which shows faithfulness to distinguish between two very different or very similar patterns when run on real IBMQ processors. As test images, we use binary images with simple patterns, grayscale MNIST numbers and fashion MNIST images, as well as binary images of human blood vessel obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also present an experimental set up for applying destructive swap test using the nitrogen vacancy (NVs) center in diamond. Our experimental data show high fidelity for single qubit states. Lastly, we propose a protocol inspired from quantum associative memory, which works in an analogous way to supervised learning for performing quantum pattern recognition using destructive swap test.
Evaluation of Camera Pose Estimation Using Human Head Pose Estimation
Authors: Fischer Robert , Hödlmoser Michael , Gelautz Margrit
Published: April 2023

We introduce and evaluate a novel camera pose estimation framework that uses the human head as a calibration object. The proposed method facilitates extrinsic calibration from 2D input images (NIR and/or RGB), while merely relying on the detected human head, without the need for depth information. The approach is applicable to single cameras or multi-camera networks. Our implementation uses a fine-tuned deep learning-based 2D human facial landmark detector to estimate the 3D human head pose by fitting a 3D head model to the detected 2D facial landmarks. Our work focuses on an evaluation of the proposed approach on real multi-camera recordings and synthetic renderings to determine the accuracy of the pose estimation results and their applicability. We assess the robustness of our method against different input parameters, such as varying relative camera positions, variations of head models, face occlusions (by masks, sun glasses, etc.), potential biases and variance among humans. Based on the experimental results, we expect our approach to be effective for numerous use cases including automotive attention monitoring, robotics, VR/AR and other scenarios where ease of handling outweighs accuracy.
Personality and demographic correlates of support for regulating artificial intelligence
Authors: Bartneck Christoph , Yogeeswaran Kumar , Sibley Chris G.
Published: April 2023

The arrival of artificial intelligence (AI) in our society has sparked many hopes and fears, with people having diverging views on the need to strictly regulate AI. The current study investigates how demographic and personality traits are associated with a desire to strictly regulate AI using a representative sample of adults from New Zealand (N = 47,951 participants). Data revealed that support for strict regulation of AI is positively related with agreeableness, neuroticism, and honesty–humility. However, it is negatively related to openness to experiences. A wide range of demographic factors including gender, age, ethnicity, religiosity, neighbourhood level economic deprivation, living rural, relationship status, and parental status were additionally related to support for regulation of AI. However, all these effects were fairly small suggesting that both personality and socio-demographic factors contribute to support for regulating AI, but other factors beyond these characteristics should also be considered for understanding people’s support for regulating AI.
Orthogonal stochastic configuration networks with adaptive construction parameter for data analytics
Authors: Dai Wei , Ning Chuanfeng , Pei Shiyu , Zhu Song , Wang Xuesong
Published: April 2023

As a randomized learner model, SCNs are remarkable that the random weights and biases are assigned employing a supervisory mechanism to ensure universal approximation and fast learning. However, the randomness makes SCNs more likely to generate approximate linear correlative nodes that are redundant and low quality, thereby resulting in non-compact network structure. In light of a fundamental principle in machine learning, that is, a model with fewer parameters holds improved generalization. This paper proposes orthogonal SCN, termed OSCN, to filtrate out the low-quality hidden nodes for network structure reduction by incorporating Gram–Schmidt orthogonalization technology. The universal approximation property of OSCN and an adaptive setting for the key construction parameters have been presented in details. In addition, an incremental updating scheme is developed to dynamically determine the output weights, contributing to improved computational efficiency. Finally, experimental results on two numerical examples and several real-world regression and classification datasets substantiate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed approach.
Implementation of single IRB review for multisite human subjects research: Persistent challenges and possible solutions
Authors: Green Jonathan M. , Goodman Polly , Kirby Aaron , Cobb Nichelle , Bierer Barbara E.
Published: April 2023

Revisions to the Common Rule and NIH policy require the use of a single Institutional Review Board (sIRB) for the review of most federally funded, multisite research, with the intent of streamlining the review process. However, since initial implementation in 2018, many IRBs and institutions continue to struggle with the logistics of implementing this requirement. In this paper, we report the findings of a workshop held in 2022 to examine why sIRB review remains problematic and propose possible solutions. Workshop participants identified several issues as major barriers, including new responsibilities for study teams, persistent duplicative review processes, the lack of harmonization of policies and practices across institutions, the absence of additional guidance from federal agencies, and the need for greater flexibility in policy requirements. Addressing these problems will require providing additional resources and training to research teams, the commitment of institutional leaders to harmonize practice, and policymakers to critically evaluate the requirement and provide flexibility in applicability.
Acknowledging language variation and its power: Keys to justice and equity in applied psycholinguistics
Authors: Tripp Alayo , Munson Benjamin
Published: April 2023

Recent studies have demonstrated incontrovertibly thatperson perceptioninfluences language perception. Much of this research is predicated on the notion that social categories are stable constructs that are perceived similarly by members of various speech communities. Power differentials necessarily impact the legibility of the social performances circumscribed by macrosociological categories and thus bely any claim to objectivity in these categorization systems. Developing a more just applied psycholinguistics requires researchers to explicitly consider the role of power in language, how power shapes fields’ notions of what research questions are important and meaningful, and therefore how research data are collected, analyzed, and disseminated. We argue that psycholinguists should widely adopt approaches to studying linguistic processing in ways which acknowledge the role of social ideologies in shaping their outcome, and which reckon with how asymmetrical power relations shape the perception, acquisition, and judgment of both social and linguistic variation. We conclude with a series of guidelines intended to promote characterizations of social and linguistic diversity which accurately reflect the importance of power differentials and which engage ethically with sociopolitical goals of justice and equity.
Revisiting the bipolarity of Roaldia revoluta (Mitt.) P.E.A.S. Câmara & Carv.-Silva (Bryophyta, Pylaisiaceae)
Authors: Câmara Paulo E.A.S. , Carvalho-Silva Micheline , Valente Daiane Valente , Henriques Diego Knop , Amorim Eduardo Toledo De , Fava Wellington Santos , Kruijer Hans (J.D.) , Stech Michael
Published: April 2023

The occurrence of species in both polar regions (bipolarity) is a common phenomenon in the Antarctic flora. Considering the high morphological variation in polar regions due to extreme conditions, the use of molecular tools is indispensable for testing whether Arctic and Antarctic populations indeed belong to the same species. However, few phylogeographic studies of bipolar bryophytes have been conducted so far, especially when comparing molecular and morphological variation. Here, we assess the bipolarity and intraspecific variation of Roaldia revoluta, a strictly bipolar species of pleurocarpous mosses. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS sequences clearly resolve R. revoluta as monophyletic and confirm its bipolar distribution pattern. Low intraspecific molecular variation in the markers ITS/26S and rpl16 was observed, and most specimens from both polar regions belong to a single haplotype, making it difficult to infer the origin and dispersal routes between both polar regions of R. revoluta. Morphometric analysis furthermore suggests that there are no significant morphological differences among populations from both polar regions and that morphological variation is mainly influenced by local environmental conditions. Our data do not unequivocally support the recent separation of the former intraspecific taxon Hypnum revolutum var. dolomiticum at the species level as Roaldia dolomitica.
Genetic purity of yam (Dioscorea spp.) multiplied through different seed multiplication techniques based on DArT SNP markers
Authors: Maroya Norbert G. , Agre Paterne A. , Morufat Balogun
Published: April 2023

Obtaining high-quality planting material for cultivation is a persisting challenge for yam (Dioscorea spp.) production in Africa. Efforts to provide a solution to this challenge have led to varying seed multiplication techniques but whose efficiency in maintaining the genetic purity of yam genotypes during the rapid multiplication process is yet unknown. Three improved varieties Swaswa, Kpamyo and Asiedu were multiplied through tissue culture, aeroponics system, field condition and vine cutting techniques. Leaf samples were collected at every stage of multiplication in the different techniques as well as the original mother plant for DNA fingerprinting. From a total of 16,922 SNP markers, an average heterozygosity of 0.091 was obtained with minor allele frequency of 0.119, and polymorphic information content of 0.166. The transition to transversion ratio was 62:38%. Hierarchical clustering of the genotypes and technologies discriminated the multiplied materials into three clusters with the first cluster consisting of only the variety Asiedu multiplied through aeroponics, vine and tubers collected from vine cutting and grown from the field. The second cluster consisted predominantly of the variety Kpamyo, with a little admixture from Asiedu. The third cluster consisted of only Swaswa. The different seed multiplication methods showed great potentials in conserving the genetic purity of genotypes used. Therefore, the use of these seed multiplication techniques could offer a lasting solution to the low multiplication ratio of yam without compromising the genetic integrity and offers a great opportunity for establishing a formal yam seed system.
The Emancipation of Christian Learning in Anglican Parishes, from the ‘Lay’ Era to Another Discipleship Era without the ‘Lay’ Tag
Authors: Littleton John
Published: April 2023

Discipleship is a key topic for the worldwide Anglican Church. Approaches to Christian learning have varied over the centuries. The time has come to liberate Christian formation, education, and training from the constraints of the clergy and laity dualistic narrative, where lay people are defined negatively as Christians who are not clergy, not ordained, and not qualified. Inequality of discipleship exists in this clergy/laity disposition. The laity need to be educated. The paper explores the biblical, theological, and educational background for the need to emancipate Christian learning in parishes from the ‘lay’ era, with its limitations on Christian growth, to another ‘discipleship’ era where equality of discipleship exists, like the early church prior to around 96 ce. Disciples know that they are learners and ministers and engage in Christian learning as people who are ordained through baptism-confirmation, commissioned through Holy Communion, and qualified through their Christian faith, abilities, and skills, uniquely participating in the missio dei. The implications are discussed and illustrated in three practical examples of ‘emancipatory space’: A Learning Community Approach; Theology and the People of God; and Democratizing Christian Learning. The Church is called to help people become and be disciples, not laity!
Monitoring Seasonal Fluctuation and Long‐Term Trends for the Greenland Ice Sheet Using Seismic Noise Auto‐Correlations
Authors: Luo Bingxu , Zhang Shuo , Zhu Hejun
Published: April 2023

One important feature of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) change is its strong seasonal fluctuation. Taking advantage of deployed seismographic stations in Greenland, we apply cross‐component auto‐correlation of seismic ambient noise to measure in‐situ near surface relative velocity change (dv/v) in different regions of Greenland. Our results demonstrate that dv/v measurements for most stations have less than 3 months lag times in comparison to the surface mass change. These various lag times may provide us constraints for the thickness of the subglacial till layer over different regions in Greenland. Moreover, in southwest Greenland, we observe a change in the long‐term trend of dv/v for three stations, which might be consistent with the mass change rate (dM/dt) due to the “2012–2013 warm‐cold transition.” These observations suggest that seismic noise auto‐correlation technique may be used to monitor both seasonal and long‐term changes of the GrIS.
Determination of Cirrus Occurrence and Distribution Characteristics Over the Tibetan Plateau Based on the SWOP Campaign
Authors: Yang Zhen , Li Dan , Luo Jiali , Tian Wenshou , Bai Zhixuan , Li Qian , Zhang Jinqiang , Wang Haoyue , Zheng Xiangdong , Vömel Holger , Wienhold Frank G. , Peter Thomas , Hurst Dale , Bian Jianchun
Published: April 2023

Balloon sounding with the Compact Optical Backscatter Aerosol Detector (COBALD) and Frost Point hygrometers (FPs) provides in situ data for a better understanding of the vertical distribution of cirrus clouds. In this study, eight summer balloon‐borne measurements in Kunming (2012, 2014, 2015, and 2017) and Lhasa (2013, 2016, 2018, and 2020) over the Tibetan Plateau were used to show the distribution characteristics of cirrus clouds. Differences of cirrus occurrence were compared by different indices: the backscatter ratio (BSR) at a 455 nm/940 nm wavelength (BSR455 > 1.2/BSR940 > 2), the color index (CI > 7), and the relative humidity with respect to ice (RHice > 70%). Analysis of the profiles indicated that BSR455 > 1.2 was the optimal criterion to identify the cirrus layer and depict the distribution of the CI and RHice within cirrus clouds. The results showed that the median CI (RHice) within the cirrus clouds at both sites was mostly in the 18–20 (90%–110%) range at pressures below 120 hPa. Furthermore, the balloon‐borne measurements combined with Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) measurements indicated a high frequency of cirrus occurrence near the tropopause in Kunming and Lhasa. The top height of cirrus occurrence at both sites was above the cold point tropopause and the lapse rate tropopause. Both Kunming and Lhasa had the highest frequency of thin cirrus clouds in the 0–0.4 km vertical cirrus thickness range.
Meso‐Cenozoic Tectonic History of the Altai: New Insights From Apatite U‐Pb and Fission Track Thermochronology for the Fuyun Area (Xinjiang, China)
Authors: Glorie Stijn , Nixon Angus L. , Jepson Gilby , Gillespie Jack , Warren Cameron , Meeuws Fun , Simpson Alexander , Xiao Wenjiao
Published: April 2023

The Altai is an enigmatic, relatively young mountain belt with sharp relief (up to 4,500 m high) that developed thousands of kilometers away from the nearest current plate margins. The Fuyun area, at the interface between the southern margin of the Chinese Altai and the Junggar Basin, represents a key locality for understanding the Meso‐Cenozoic deformation and exhumation history of the Altai. The complex structural architecture of the Fuyun area suggests that multiple deformation events affected the area, which ultimately led to the exhumation of the Altai. Furthermore, the area hosts orogenic‐type mineralization, suggesting a history of fluid alteration. However, in contrast to the well‐constrained Palaeozoic history, the timing of Meso‐Cenozoic deformation, metasomatism and exhumation has not been comprehensively studied. This study presents new apatite U‐Pb, trace element and fission track data for the Fuyun area and integrates these with previous studies for the Altai to shed more light on the Meso‐Cenozoic tectonic history. The apatite U‐Pb dates, associated with LREE‐depleted trace element profiles, suggest that a phase of Middle–Late Jurassic (∼170–160 Ma) metasomatism affected the Keketuohai area, which is potentially linked to the timing of rare‐metal mineralization. The apatite fission track results and thermal history models reveal rapid early Late Cretaceous (∼100–75 Ma) cooling linked to tectonic exhumation throughout the Chinese Altai, associated with distant plate‐margin processes. In addition, samples taken in vicinity to the frontal thrusts of the Altai record evidence for Cenozoic partial resetting of the apatite fission track system.
On the Upwelling of the F Layer Base and Prediction of Equatorial Plasma Bubble
Authors: Patra A. K. , Das S. K.
Published: April 2023

Prediction of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) continues to be a challenge for the scientific community. We present a novel data analysis approach, employed on the collocated radar and ionosonde observations from Gadanki, providing new experimental results for characterizing the overhead upwelling of the bottomside F layer and linking it to EPB formation. Using this new approach we propose a new parameter based on ionosonde observations to predict overhead occurrence of fresh EPB. Employing this new parameter on a fairly large data set of a single ionosonde station we could successfully predict overhead occurrence of all the fresh EPBs about an hour in advance. We also propose how this technique can be used for EPB prediction in a broader longitude zone.
Clonal architecture evolution in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: from a driver mutation to a complex heterogeneous mutational and phenotypic landscape
Authors: Maslah Nabih , Benajiba Lina , Giraudier Stephane , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques , Cassinat Bruno
Published: April 2023

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are characterized by the acquisition at the hematopoietic stem cell level of driver mutations targeting the JAK/STAT pathway. In addition, they also often exhibit additional mutations targeting various pathways such as intracellular signalling, epigenetics, mRNA splicing or transcription. The natural history of myeloproliferative neoplasms is usually marked by a chronic phase of variable duration depending on the disease subtype, which can be followed by an accelerated phase or transformation towards more aggressive diseases such as myelofibrosis or acute leukemia. Besides, recent studies revealed important new information about the rates and mechanisms of sequential acquisition and selection of mutations in hematopoietic cells of myeloproliferative neoplasms. Better understanding of these events has been made possible in large part with the help of novel techniques that are now available to precisely decipher at the single cell level both the clonal architecture and the mutation-induced cell modifications. In this review, we will summarize the most recent knowledge about the mechanisms leading to clonal selection, how clonal architecture complexity can explain disease heterogeneity, and the impact of clonal evolution on clinical evolution.
Astrocytes express aberrant immunoglobulins as putative gatekeeper of astrocytes to neuronal progenitor conversion
Authors: Capuz Alice , Osien Sylvain , Karnoub Mélodie Anne , Aboulouard Soulaimane , Laurent Estelle , Coyaud Etienne , Raffo-Romero Antonella , Duhamel Marie , Bonnefond Amélie , Derhourhi Mehdi , Trerotola Marco , El Yazidi-Belkoura Ikram , Devos David , Zilkova Monika , Kobeissy Firas , Vanden Abeele Fabien , Fournier Isabelle , Cizkova Dasa , Rodet Franck , Salzet Michel
Published: April 2023

Using multi-omics analyses including RNAseq, RT-PCR, RACE-PCR, and shotgun proteomic with enrichment strategies, we demonstrated that newborn rat astrocytes produce neural immunoglobulin constant and variable heavy chains as well as light chains. However, their edification is different from the ones found in B cells and they resemble aberrant immunoglobulins observed in several cancers. Moreover, the complete enzymatic V(D)J recombination complex has also been identified in astrocytes. In addition, the constant heavy chain is also present in adult rat astrocytes, whereas in primary astrocytes from human fetus we identified constant and variable kappa chains as well as the substitution lambda chains known to be involved in pre-B cells. To gather insights into the function of these neural IgGs, CRISPR-Cas9 of IgG2B constant heavy chain encoding gene (Igh6), IgG2B overexpression, proximal labeling of rat astrocytes IgG2B and targets identification through 2D gels were performed. In Igh6 KO astrocytes, overrepresentation of factors involved in hematopoietic cells, neural stem cells, and the regulation of neuritogenesis have been identified. Moreover, overexpression of IgG2B in astrocytes induces the CRTC1-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway known to be involved in gliogenesis, whereas Igh6 KO triggers the BMP/YAP1/TEAD3 pathway activated in astrocytes dedifferentiation into neural progenitors. Proximal labeling experiments revealed that IgG2B is N-glycosylated by the OST complex, addressed to vesicle membranes containing the ATPase complex, and behaves partially like CD98hc through its association with LAT1. These experiments also suggest that proximal IgG2B-LAT1 interaction occurs concomitantly with MACO-1 and C2CD2L, at the heart of a potentially novel cell signaling platform. Finally, we demonstrated that these chains are synthesized individually and associated to recognize specific targets. Indeed, intermediate filaments Eif4a2 and Pdia6 involved in astrocyte fate constitute targets for these neural IgGs. Taken together, we hypothese that neural aberrant IgG chains may act as gatekeepers of astrocytes' fate.
Excessive reactive oxygen species induce transcription-dependent replication stress
Authors: Andrs Martin , Stoy Henriette , Boleslavska Barbora , Chappidi Nagaraja , Kanagaraj Radhakrishnan , Nascakova Zuzana , Menon Shruti , Rao Satyajeet , Oravetzova Anna , Dobrovolna Jana , Surendranath Kalpana , Lopes Massimo , Janscak Pavel
Published: April 2023

Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduce replication fork velocity by causing dissociation of the TIMELESS-TIPIN complex from the replisome. Here, we show that ROS generated by exposure of human cells to the ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor hydroxyurea (HU) promote replication fork reversal in a manner dependent on active transcription and formation of co-transcriptional RNA:DNA hybrids (R-loops). The frequency of R-loop-dependent fork stalling events is also increased after TIMELESS depletion or a partial inhibition of replicative DNA polymerases by aphidicolin, suggesting that this phenomenon is due to a global replication slowdown. In contrast, replication arrest caused by HU-induced depletion of deoxynucleotides does not induce fork reversal but, if allowed to persist, leads to extensive R-loop-independent DNA breakage during S-phase. Our work reveals a link between oxidative stress and transcription-replication interference that causes genomic alterations recurrently found in human cancer.
Exploiting volumetric wave correlation for enhanced depth imaging in scattering medium
Authors: Lee Ye-Ryoung , Kim Dong-Young , Jo Yonghyeon , Kim Moonseok , Choi Wonshik
Published: April 2023

Imaging an object embedded within a scattering medium requires the correction of complex sample-induced wave distortions. Existing approaches have been designed to resolve them by optimizing signal waves recorded in each 2D image. Here, we present a volumetric image reconstruction framework that merges two fundamental degrees of freedom, the wavelength and propagation angles of light waves, based on the object momentum conservation principle. On this basis, we propose methods for exploiting the correlation of signal waves from volumetric images to better cope with multiple scattering. By constructing experimental systems scanning both wavelength and illumination angle of the light source, we demonstrated a 32-fold increase in the use of signal waves compared with that of existing 2D-based approaches and achieved ultrahigh volumetric resolution (lateral resolution: 0.41 $$\mu m$$
μ
m
, axial resolution: 0.60 $$\mu m$$
μ
m
) even within complex scattering medium owing to the optimal coherent use of the broad spectral bandwidth (225 nm).
A pyrolysis-free Ni/Fe bimetallic electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Zang Ying , Lu Di-Qiu , Wang Kun , Li Bo , Peng Peng , Lan Ya-Qian , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: April 2023

Catalysts capable of electrochemical overall water splitting in acidic, neutral, and alkaline solution are important materials. This work develops bifunctional catalysts with single atom active sites through a pyrolysis-free route. Starting with a conjugated framework containing Fe sites, the addition of Ni atoms is used to weaken the adsorption of electrochemically generated intermediates, thus leading to more optimized energy level sand enhanced catalytic performance. The pyrolysis-free synthesis also ensured the formation of well-defined active sites within the framework structure, providing ideal platforms to understand the catalytic processes. The as-prepared catalyst exhibits efficient catalytic capability for electrochemical water splitting in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes. At a current density of 10 mA cm−2, the overpotential for hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution is 23/201 mV and 42/194 mV in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1 M KOH, respectively. Our work not only develops a route towards efficient catalysts applicable across a wide range of pH values, it also provides a successful showcase of a model catalyst for in-depth mechanistic insight into electrochemical water splitting.
Shared molecular signatures between coronavirus infection and neurodegenerative diseases provide targets for broad-spectrum drug development
Authors: Deng Li , Ding Ling , Duan Xianlai , Peng Yousong
Published: April 2023

Growing evidences have suggested the association between coronavirus infection and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanism behind the association is complex and remains to be clarified. This study integrated human genes involved in infections of three coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV from multi-omics data, and investigated the shared genes and molecular functions between coronavirus infection and two neurodegenerative diseases, namely Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Seven genes including HSP90AA1, ALDH2, CAV1, COMT, MTOR, IGF2R and HSPA1A, and several inflammation and stress response-related molecular functions such as MAPK signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, responses to oxidative or chemical stress were common to both coronavirus infection and neurodegenerative diseases. These genes were further found to interact with more than 20 other viruses. Finally, drugs targeting these genes were identified. The study would not only help clarify the molecular mechanism behind the association between coronavirus infection and neurodegenerative diseases, but also provide novel targets for the development of broad-spectrum drugs against both coronaviruses and neurodegenerative diseases.
Love and affectionate touch toward romantic partners all over the world
Authors: Sorokowska Agnieszka , Kowal Marta , Saluja Supreet , Aavik Toivo , Alm Charlotte , Anjum Afifa , Asao Kelly , Batres Carlota , Bensafia Aicha , Bizumic Boris , Boussena Mahmoud , Buss David M. , Butovskaya Marina , Can Seda , Carrier Antonin , Cetinkaya Hakan , Conroy-Beam Daniel , Cueto Rosa María , Czub Marcin , Dural Seda , Espinosa Agustín , Esteves Carla Sofia , Frackowiak Tomasz , Contreras-Garduño Jorge , Guemaz Farida , Hromatko Ivana , Iskra Herak , Jiang Feng , Kafetsios Konstantinos , Kavcic Tina , Kervyn Nicolas , Köbis Nils C. , Kostić Aleksandra , Láng András , Lindholm Torun , Manesi Zoi , Meskó Norbert , Misra Girishwar , Monaghan Conal , Natividade Jean Carlos , Nizharadze George , Oberzaucher Elisabeth , Oleszkiewicz Anna , Pagani Ariela Francesca , Pakalniskiene Vilmante , Parise Miriam , Pejičić Marija , Pisanski Annette , Pisanski Kasia , Popa Camelia , Prokop Pavol , Sargautyte Ruta , Sharad Shivantika , Simonetti Franco , Sorokowski Piotr , Stefanczyk Michal Mikolaj , Szagdaj Anna , Tadinac Meri , González Karina Ugalde , Uhryn Olga , Vauclair Christin-Melanie , Yoo Gyesook , Zupančič Maja , Croy Ilona
Published: April 2023

Touch is the primary way people communicate intimacy in romantic relationships, and affectionate touch behaviors such as stroking, hugging and kissing are universally observed in partnerships all over the world. Here, we explored the association of love and affectionate touch behaviors in romantic partnerships in two studies comprising 7880 participants. In the first study, we used a cross-cultural survey conducted in 37 countries to test whether love was universally associated with affectionate touch behaviors. In the second study, using a more fine-tuned touch behavior scale, we tested whether the frequency of affectionate touch behaviors was related to love in romantic partnerships. As hypothesized, love was significantly and positively associated with affectionate touch behaviors in both studies and this result was replicated regardless of the inclusion of potentially relevant factors as controls. Altogether, our data strongly suggest that affectionate touch is a relatively stable characteristic of human romantic relationships that is robustly and reliably related to the degree of reported love between partners.
Varying genesis and landfall locations for North Atlantic tropical cyclones in a warmer climate
Authors: Weaver Mackenzie M. , Garner Andra J.
Published: April 2023

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are one of the most dangerous hazards that threaten U.S. coastlines. They can be particularly damaging when they occur in densely populated areas, such as the U.S. Northeast. Here, we investigate seasonal-scale variations in TC genesis and subsequent first landfall locations of > 37,000 synthetic TCs that impact the U.S. Northeast from the pre-industrial era (prior to 1800) through a very high emissions future (RCP8.5; 2080–2100). TC genesis in the Main Development Region decreases across all parts of the season from the pre-industrial to the future, with the greatest decreases in the proportion of genesis (up to 80.49%) occurring in the early and late seasons. Conversely, TC genesis in a region near the U.S. southeast coast increases across all parts of the season from the pre-industrial to the future, with the greatest increases in the proportion of genesis (up to 286.45%) also occurring in the early and late seasons. Impacts of changing TC genesis locations are highlighted by variations in where TCs make their first landfall over the same time periods, with an increase in landfalls along the mid-Atlantic seaboard from Delaware to North Carolina during all parts of the season from the pre-industrial to the future.