THz ISAC: A Physical-Layer Perspective of Terahertz Integrated Sensing and Communication

The Terahertz (0.1-10 THz) band holds enormous potential for supporting unprecedented data rates and millimeter-level accurate sensing thanks to its ultra-broad bandwidth. Terahertz integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is viewed as a game-changing technology to realize connected intelligence in 6G and beyond systems. In this article, challenges from THz channel and transceiver perspectives, as well as difficulties of ISAC are elaborated. Motivated by these challenges, THz ISAC channels are studied in terms of channel types, measurement and models. Moreover, four key signal processing techniques to unleash the full potential of THz ISAC are investigated, namely, waveform design, receiver processing, narrowbeam management, and localization. Quantitative studies demonstrate the benefits and performance of the state-of-the-art signal processing methods. Finally, open problems and potential solutions are discussed

Hydrocarbon Detection Based on Phase Decomposition in Chaoshan Depression, Northern South China Sea

Located in the northern South China Sea, Chaoshan Depression is mainly a residual Mesozoic depression, with a construction of Meso-Cenozoic strata over 7000m thick and good hydrocarbon accumulation conditions. Amplitude attribute of -90°phase component derived by phase decomposition is employed to detect Hydrocarbon in the zone of interest (ZOI) in Chaoshan Depression. And it is found that there are evident amplitude anomalies occurring around ZOI. Phase decomposition is applied to forward modeling results of the ZOI, and high amplitudes occur on the -90°phase component more or less when ZOI is charged with hydrocarbon, which shows that the amplitude abnormality in ZOI is probably caused by oil and gas accumulation

Inverse altitude effect disputes the theoretical foundation of stable isotope paleoaltimetry

Stable isotope paleoaltimetry that reconstructs paleoelevation requires stable isotope (δD or δ18O) values to follow the altitude effect. Some studies found that the δD or δ18O values of surface isotopic carriers in some regions increase with increasing altitude, which is defined as an “inverse altitude effect” (IAE). The IAE directly contradicts the basic theory of stable isotope paleoaltimetry. However, the causes of the IAE remain unclear. Here, we explore the mechanisms of the IAE from an atmospheric circulation perspective using δD in water vapor on a global scale. We find that two processes cause the IAE: (1) the supply of moisture with higher isotopic values from distant source regions, and (2) intense lateral mixing between the lower and mid-troposphere along the moisture transport pathway. Therefore, we caution that the influences of those two processes need careful consideration for different mountain uplift stages before using stable isotope palaeoaltimetry

Salvianolic acid B plays an anti-obesity role in high fat diet-induced obese mice by regulating the expression of mRNA, circRNA, and lncRNA

Background Adipose tissue plays a central role in obesity-related metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Salvianolic acid B (Sal B), a water-soluble ingredient derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been shown to reduce obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases by suppressing adipogenesis. However, the role of Sal B in white adipose tissue (WAT) is not yet clear. Methods Illumina Hiseq 4000 was used to study the effects of Sal B on the expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and circular RNA (circRNA) in epididymal white adipose tissue induced by a high fat diet in obese mice. Results RNA-Seq data showed that 234 lncRNAs, 19 circRNAs, and 132 mRNAs were differentially expressed in WAT under Sal B treatment. The up-regulated protein-coding genes in WAT of the Sal B-treated group were involved in the insulin resistance pathway, while the down-regulated genes mainly participated in the IL-17 signaling pathway. Other pathways may play an important role in the formation and differentiation of adipose tissue, such as B cell receptor signaling. Analysis of the lncRNA–mRNA network provides potential targets for lncRNAs in energy metabolism. We speculate that Sal B may serve as a potential therapeutic approach for obesity

Brief communication: An approximately 50 Mm3 ice-rock avalanche on 22 March 2021 in the Sedongpu valley, southeastern Tibetan Plateau

On 22 March 2021, a ~50 M m3 ice-rock avalanche occurred from 6500 m asl in the Sedongpu basin, southeastern Tibet. The avalanche transformed into a highly mobile flow which temporarily blocked the Yarlung Tsangpo river. The avalanche flow lasted ~5 minutes and produced substantial geomorphological reworking. This event, and previous ones from the basin, occurred concurrently with, or shortly after recorded positive air temperature anomalies. The occurrence of future large mass flows from the basin cannot be ruled out, and their impacts must be carefully considered given implications for sustainable hydropower and associated socioeconomic development in the region

An approximately 50 Mm3 ice-rock avalanche on 22 March 2021 in the Sedongpu valley, southeastern Tibetan Plateau

On 22 March 2021, an approximately 50 Mm3 ice-rock avalanche occurred from 6500 m a.s.l. in the Sedongpu basin, southeastern Tibet. The avalanche transformed into a highly mobile mass flow which temporarily blocked the Yarlung Tsangpo river. The avalanche flow lasted ∼ 5 min and produced substantial geomorphological reworking. This event, and previous ones from the basin, occurred concurrently with, or shortly after, positive seasonal air temperature anomalies. The occurrence of future large mass flows from the basin cannot be ruled out, and their impacts must be carefully considered given implications for sustainable hydropower and associated socioeconomic development in the region

Controls on Stable Water Isotopes in Monsoonal Precipitation Across the Bay of Bengal: Atmosphere and Surface Analysis

Stable hydrogen isotopes in monsoonal precipitation (δDp) at three sites (Port Blair, Barisal and Darjeeling) reveal the factors governing δDp variations over a south-north gradient across the Bay of Bengal. We found that the δDp at each site continuously decreases from May to September and these trends become more pronounced from south to north. The decreasing trends of downstream δDp closely follow the decreasing trends of upstream stable hydrogen isotopes in water vapor (δDv), which indicates that upstream δDv properties shape initial spatiotemporal patterns of the downstream δDp (“shaping effect”). Additionally, our results demonstrate that, during moisture transport, upstream vertical air motions (convection and downward motion) and topographic relief magnify the amplitude of the decreasing trends of downstream δD (“magnifying effect”). Our findings imply that upstream δD properties and relevant atmospheric and pv topographical conditions along the moisture transport pathway need to be considered collectively to better interpret paleoclimate records

Decrease in the production of beta-amyloid by berberine inhibition of the expression of beta-secretase in HEK293 cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Berberine (BER), the major alkaloidal component of <it>Rhizoma coptidis</it>, has multiple pharmacological effects including inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, reduction of cholesterol and glucose levels, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects. It has also been demonstrated that BER can reduce the production of beta-amyloid_40/42, which plays a critical and primary role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, the mechanism by which it accomplishes this remains unclear.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Here, we report that BER could not only significantly decrease the production of beta-amyloid_40/42and the expression of beta-secretase (BACE), but was also able to activate the extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HEK293 cells stably transfected with APP695 containing the Swedish mutation. We also find that U0126, an antagonist of the ERK1/2 pathway, could abolish (1) the activation activity of BER on the ERK1/2 pathway and (2) the inhibition activity of BER on the production of beta-amyloid_40/42and the expression of BACE.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our data indicate that BER decreases the production of beta-amyloid_40/42by inhibiting the expression of BACE via activation of the ERK1/2 pathway.</p