bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DABCO‐Mediated [4+1] Annulation of Cyclopropane‐1,1‐dicarbonitriles with Ethyl Glycinate to Access Ethyl (2‐Amino‐1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)acetates
Authors: Cheng Wenzhe , Xue Yuhang , Wang Cunde
Published: October 2024

An effective DABCO‐promoted (4+1) annulation reaction for the synthesis of ethyl (2‐amino‐1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)acetate derivatives from 2‐aroyl‐3‐arylcyclopropane‐1,1‐dicarbonitriles and ethyl glycinate was developed. This strategy is characterized by the readily accessible starting materials, mild conditions, and simplicity of operation.
Ligand‐Controlled Regioselective Hydroacylation Reactions of Methylenecyclobutanes under Rhodium Catalysis
Authors: Jiang Zhi‐Ping , Li Ying‐Yun , Zhao Jun , Zhang Shi‐Jiao , Li Hong‐Shuang
Published: October 2024

In this study, we report a Rh(I)/dppf catalytic system that can tune the regioselectivity of methylenecyclobutanes. Under the optimal reaction conditions, a series of 1,3‐disubstituted cyclobutanes were prepared in high yields (up to 95%) with excellent regioselectivity (>20:1 r.r.). Scale‐up synthesis of the cyclobutane product at a low catalyst loading (2 mol%) demonstrates the robustness of this dppf‐controlled hydroacylation.
Rational MOF Membrane Design for Gas Detection in Complex Environments
Authors: Kong Lei , Yu Chengyue , Chen Yupeng , Zhu Zhongpeng , Jiang Lei
Published: October 2024

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) hold significant promise in the realm of gas sensing. However, current understanding of their sensing mechanisms remains limited. Furthermore, the large‐scale fabrication of MOFs is hampered by their inadequate mechanical properties. These two challenges contribute to the sluggish development of MOF‐based gas‐sensing materials. In this review, the selection of metal ions and organic ligands for designing MOFs is first presented, deepening the understanding of the interactions between different metal ions/organic ligands and target gases. Subsequently, the typical interfacial synthesis strategies (gas‐solid, gas‐liquid, solid‐liquid interfaces) are provided, highlighting the potential for constructing MOF membranes on superhydrophobic and/or superhydrophilic substrates. Then, a multi‐scale structure design strategies is proposed, including multi‐dimensional membrane design and heterogeneous membrane design, to improve sensing performance through enhanced interfacial mass transfer and specific gas sieving. This strategy is anticipated to augment the task‐specific capabilities of MOF‐based materials in complex environments. Finally, several key future research directions are outlined with the aim not only to further investigate the underlying sensing principles of MOF membranes but also to achieve efficient detection of target gases amidst interfering gases and elevated moisture levels.
Axial compression performance of slurry‐wrapping recycled aggregate concrete‐filled steel tube short columns under freeze–thaw cycles
Authors: Wang Jinhao , Li Zhudan , Cai Jianguo , Jin Baohong
Published: October 2024

The inherent limitations of recycled aggregates restrict the application of recycled concrete in cold regions. In this paper, both steel tube confinement and slurry‐wrapping treatment were employed to improve the frost resistance of recycled concrete. The influence of different aggregate types and number of freeze–thaw cycles on the freeze–thaw effect was investigated experimentally. The results show that with the increase of freeze–thaw cycles, the axial strength of concrete‐filled steel tube (CFST) short columns decreases regardless of aggregate type. The frost resistance of slurry‐wrapping recycled aggregate concrete‐filled steel tube short columns is superior to that of recycled aggregate concrete‐filled steel tube (RACFST) short columns due to slurry‐wrapping treatment; however, they are still not as good as natural aggregate concrete‐filled steel tube short columns. The initial stiffness diminishes as the number of freeze–thaw cycles increases. As the number of freeze–thaw cycles increases, the effect of aggregate type on the ductility of CFST short columns decreases. Based on the test results, a modified formula applicable to the strength of recycled concrete is proposed and combined with Eurocode EC4 to predict the ultimate compressive strength of RACFST short columns under freeze–thaw cycles.
Poly(ionic liquid) functionalization: A general strategy for strong, tough, ionic conductive, and multifunctional polysaccharide hydrogels toward sensors
Authors: Yao Xue , Zhang Sufeng , Wei Ning , Qian Liwei , Ding Hao , Liu Jingtao , Song Wenqi , Coseri Sergiu
Published: October 2024

Ionic conductive hydrogels (ICHs) prepared from natural bioresources are promising candidates for constructing flexible electronics for both commercialization and environmental sustainability due to their intrinsic characteristics. However, simultaneous realization of high stiffness, toughness, conductivity, and multifunctionality while ensuring processing simplicity is extremely challenging. Here, a poly(ionic liquid) (PIL)‐macromolecule functionalization strategy within a NaOH/urea system is proposed to construct high‐performance and versatile polysaccharide‐based ICHs (e.g., cellulosic ICHs). In this strategy, the elaborately designed “soft” (PIL chains) and “hard” (cellulose backbone) structures as well as the dynamic covalent and noncovalent bonds of the cross‐linked networks endow the hydrogel with high mechanical strength (9.46 ± 0.23 MPa compressive modulus), exceptional stretchability (214.3%), and toughness (3.64 ± 0.12 MJ m−3). Ingeniously, due to the inherent conductivity, design flexibility, and functional compatibility of the PILs, the hydrogels exhibit high conductivity (6.54 ± 0.17 mS cm−1), self‐healing ability (94.5% ± 2.0% efficiency), antibacterial properties, freezing resistance, water retention, and recyclability. Interestingly, this strategy is extended to fabricate diverse hydrogels from various polysaccharides, including agar, alginate, hyaluronic acid, and guar gum. In addition, multimodal sensing (strain, temperature, and humidity) is realized based on the stimulus‐responsive characteristics of the hydrogels. This strategy opens new perspectives for the design of biomass‐based hydrogels and beyond.
Adaptation and Peace: Extending the Agenda for Capacity‐Building in Climate and Conflict‐Affected Communities
Authors: Bedoya Taborda Luisa Fernanda , Barnes Michele L. , Morrison Tiffany H.
Published: October 2024

Climate change impacts on the social–ecological conditions that communities depend on may increase the vulnerabilities to new conflicts. Yet, the communities that will be most impacted by climate change, as noted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), are already conflict‐affected communities. Here, we present the results of a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies (n = 212) in Spanish and English on the climate–conflict relationship. We found that most studies are focused on a direct relationship between climate change and violent conflict, and there has been less attention on a contextual or indirect relationship in already conflict‐affected communities. Studies on this contextual or indirect relationship suggest a climate change–conflict cycle that is negatively reinforcing, whereby violent conflict increases climate change vulnerability and feedback from climate change increases violent conflict vulnerability. While limited in number, such studies provide important insights enabling further conceptual development and empirical examination of how climate impacts interact with violent conflict, and how governance efforts can simultaneously support peacebuilding and climate change adaptation. Drawing this work together with the latest frameworks in conflict studies and adaptation, we sketch out a promising synthetic agenda, focusing on how to design policies and projects that build synergistic capacities and address cumulative and interactive impacts of climate change and violent conflict. Without such insight, efforts to treat climate and conflict in parallel may be ineffective or even counterproductive, worsening violent conflict and, in turn, further reducing the capacities of communities to build peace and resilience.
Pentoxifylline in COVID-19 and considerations for its research in long COVID
Authors: Ramzi Ahmed , Maya Subhia , Balousha Nadeen , Amin Mufreh , Shiha Mostafa Ramzi
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Pentoxifylline (PTX) affects most blood components and the blood vessels, potentially modulating various conditions. Due to its impact on markers linked to COVID-19 severity, research has explored PTX for acute COVID-19. Following the widespread administration of COVID-19 vaccinations, there has been a notable and consistently growing increase in research focusing on long COVID. Consequently, our examination of relevant acute COVID-19 data shall additionally be contextualized into long COVID research.

Methods

Various Databases were searched until July 2024 for all primary clinical studies on Pentoxifylline (PTX) in COVID-19.

Results

Studies were on acute infection with SARS-CoV-2 where PTX was an adjuvant to standard therapy for ethical and practical reasons under the circumstance. PTX generally reduced hospitalization duration and improved some inflammatory markers, but its impact on mortality was inconsistent. Adverse events were minimal. Meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in hospitalization duration.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that adding pentoxifylline (PTX) to standard COVID-19 therapy may significantly reduce hospitalization duration and improve some inflammatory markers. However, its impact on mortality rates is inconclusive. Adverse events are minimal. PTX can be favorable as an add-on in managing acute COVID-19 and could reduce the risk of long COVID, as well as assist in managing many of its most common symptoms.
Mid-holocene changes in the global ITCZ: meridional structure and land–sea rainfall differences
Authors: Bian Jianpu , Räisänen Jouni
Published: October 2024

Changes in the global and annual Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) during the mid-Holocene are quantified in this study, using simulations from the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project Phase 4. We find an ensemble mean northward migration of ITCZ position by 0.2$$^\circ $$

∘

, 0.3$$^\circ $$

∘

, and 0.8$$^\circ $$

∘

using three different metrics, which is consistent with proxy evidence of a slight (within one degree) northward shift during the mid-Holocene. The width of the ITCZ exhibits no changes during this period, while the strength has a minor weakening by 0.9% and 0.6% based on precipitation and streamfunction metrics, respectively. Moreover, there is an ensemble mean increase in northern-to-southern hemisphere precipitation (4.6%) and $$\omega $$
ω
ratio indices (12%) during the mid-Holocene, suggesting a more uneven and right-skewed meridional structure of the ITCZ with a greater asymmetry. Additionally, the moisture budget analysis indicates the eddy flux term and dynamic term primarily enhance the inter-hemispheric asymmetry of precipitation and poleward migration of both the northern and the southern rain belts within the ITCZ. Further investigation reveals that the northward migration of annual rainfall within the ITCZ predominantly occurs over terrestrial regions, which therefore dominate the change towards more asymmetric structure of the zonally averaged ITCZ. Moisture budgets for land and ocean separately indicate that the land-sea difference in the annual rainfall changes is primarily due to different changes in evaporation.
Eco-Friendly Analytical Approach for Sensitive Spectrofluorimetric Determination of the Flavonoid Chrysin in Capsules and Human Plasma
Authors: El-Aziz Heba Abd , Hammouda Nada E. , Belal Fathallah , Elama Heba Samir
Published: October 2024

Chrysin is a plant flavonoid that has different therapeutic effects as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and immune booster. Spectrofluorimetry has received a lot of interest lately because of its ecological greenness and analytical performance. This approach employed the native fluorescence of chrysin at 339 nm following excitation at 231 nm in distilled water. Modern advances in analytical chemistry have been used to lessen occupational and environmental concerns by employing distilled water as a dilution solvent through method development and application. The approach was found to be excellent green supported by eco-scale score of 97 and 0.94 AGREE rating, in addition to an overall whiteness score of 88.80. The design aimed to analyze chrysin in raw materials, Chrysin® capsules and human plasma. The method was linear over 0.5–7.0 ng mL⁻1 chrysin, with LOD of 0.06 ng mL⁻1 and LOQ of 0.20 ng mL⁻1. The offered method was effectively applied for determination of chrysin in the commercial capsules Chrysin® and spiked human plasma samples with average recoveries of 99.76% and 99.98%, respectively for capsules and spiked human plasma. Up to date, no spectrofluorimetric method has been described for chrysin analysis, then, this presented an opportunity to develop a sensitive, quick, reliable, environmentally friendly, and valid fluorescence-based method.
An analysis of the relative effects of connectivity and coupling interactions on spin networks emulating the D-Wave 2000Q quantum annealer
Authors: Park Jessica , Stepney Susan , D’Amico Irene
Published: October 2024

From available data, we show strong positive spatial correlations in the qubits of a D-Wave 2000Q quantum annealing chip that are connected to qubits outside their own unit cell. Then, by simulating the dynamics of three different spin networks and two different initial conditions, we then show that correlation between nodes is affected by a number of factors. The different connectivity of qubits within the network means that information transfer is not straightforward even when all the qubit-qubit couplings have equal weighting. Connected nodes behave even more dissimilarly when the couplings’ strength is scaled according to the physical length of the connections (here to simulate dipole-dipole interactions). This highlights the importance of understanding the architectural features and potentially unprogrammed interactions/connections that can divert the performance of a quantum system away from the idealised model of identical qubits and couplings across the chip.
Family background, education, and earnings: the limited value of “test-score transmission”
Authors: Friedman-Sokuler Naomi , Justman Moshe
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the relationship between the inter-generational transmission of educational achievement (“test-score transmission”) and the inter-generational transmission of higher earnings (“income transmission”). We use administrative data from Israel to track the evolution of education and earnings gaps between “second-generation” (SG) students, whose parents have some tertiary education, and “first-generation” (FG) students, whose parents have none. We find that SG students achieve much better results on the screening tests that regulate access to selective tertiary education than FG students with similar eighth-grade test scores. Consequently, they enjoy greater access to the most selective tertiary degree programs, crowding out FG students with higher eighth-grade achievement. Yet this advantage does not manifest itself in earnings differentials at age 29, similarly conditioned on eighth-grade achievement, which are not statistically significant, and we find no evidence that these patterns are driven by SG students choosing study fields with steeper earnings curves. We find evidence of two mechanisms that mediate the relationship between achievement gains and earnings: FG students compensate for fewer options in tertiary education by accumulating more labor market experience; and SG students are more likely to forgo higher earnings for non-pecuniary benefits in employment, particularly by choosing public-sector employment.
Projected trends in ecosystem service valuation in response to land use land cover dynamics in Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, India
Authors: Lahon Durlov , Meraj Gowhar , Hashimoto Shizuka , Debnath Jatan , Baba Abid Muslim , Farooq Majid , Islam Md. Nazrul , Singh Suraj Kumar , Kumar Pankaj , Kanga Shruti , Chandan Pankaj , Sharma Sanjeev , Sahariah Dhrubajyoti
Published: October 2024

In an era where global biodiversity hotspots are under unprecedented threat, understanding the intricate balance between land use land cover (LULC) changes and their implications on ecosystem services value (ESV) becomes paramount. The region of Jammu and Kashmir, with its distinctive ecological importance, is well known for these challenges and opportunities. This region embodies various conservation reserves and national parks, and one of the most ecologically rich is called Kishtwar High Altitude National Park. It is often considered an example of biodiversity richness in the Indian subcontinent, as it protects a myriad of species and provides essential ecosystem services. However, despite its significance, it faces pressures from both peripheral human activities, such as seasonal grazing by nomadic communities and broader climatic changes. This study aims to investigate the complex relationship between these LULC shifts and their consequent effects on the park’s ESV. We used the cellular automata (CA)–Markov model to simulate the LULC for the future. Using the LULC from 1992 to 2020 and projecting for 2030, 2040, and 2050, we employed the global value coefficient method to understand the ESV contributions of different LULC types. Our results revealed a 7.43% increase in ESV from 1992 to 2020, largely due to the increase of forests and waterbodies. In contrast, our projections for 2020 to 2050 intimate a 7.55% decline in ESV, even amidst anticipated grassland expansion. These results highlight the role of forests in securing resilient ecosystem services. These findings shall help offer informed conservation strategies, that are relevant both regionally and globally.
Neurotoxicity, Cytotoxicity, and Genotoxicity of Phyto-radio Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles in Culex pipiens Complex
Authors: Awad H. H. , Abulyazid I. , El-Kholy E. M. S. , Mohammed H. S. , Abdelhakim H. K. , Fadl A. M.
Published: October 2024

Effective mosquito management strategies are crucial to minimize the number of mosquito-borne diseases. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are promising in mosquito control because they are effective and eco-friendly rather than synthetic insecticides. The current study was conducted to evaluate the impact of SeNPs on the detoxification enzymes, acetylcholine esterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and α-carboxyl esterase (α-CarE), in larval instars of Culex pipiens complex at the LC50 concentration. In 3rd instar larvae treated with microwave-assisted selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs-MW) and gamma-assisted selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs-G), it was found that AChE activity was significantly inhibited. On the other hand, significant increases in GST and α-CarE activities were observed. Additionally, genotoxic and ultrastructure studies of midgut epithelial cells in 3rd instar larvae revealed DNA damage and cell lysis, including destruction of the cell membrane, microvilli, and nuclei. These findings suggest that SeNPs have an adverse effect on AChE gene expression, resulting in its downregulation. This downregulation can be attributed to the formation of reactive oxygen species induced by SeNPs that can modulate the host defense mechanism leading to apoptosis and subsequent larval mortality. The present study was the first to use phyto-microwave-assisted and gamma-assisted synthesis of SeNPs which provides an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to reduce the risk of chemical insecticides. Furthermore, an integrated pest management program (IPM) using nanocides can be successfully developed for mosquito control.
Pilot evaluation of an innovative school-based mental health literacy program for teachers and students: The Decode Mental Health and Wellbeing Program
Authors: Habgood Emily , Gandhi Sarthak , Smith Rachel , Hearps Stephen , Hiscock Harriet , Oberklaid Frank , Raniti Monika , Darling Simone
Published: October 2024

Mental health literacy interventions in school settings are growing in number and scope, yet challenges in user engagement and real-world implementation persist. The Decode Mental Health and Wellbeing Program (Decode) is a novel and innovative mental health literacy program for teachers and students that harnesses the power of social media platform-style content delivery and lived experience influencers to engage young people. Using a multi-site, multi-informant, pre-post cohort study design over a 4-week implementation period, Decode was evaluated in five Victorian government and Catholic primary and secondary schools (years 5–8) in Victoria, Australia. Data collected using surveys (teacher n = 14, student n = 159) and focus groups/interviews (teacher n = 14, student n = 41) provided insights into the program’s feasibility (acceptability, implementation) and impact. Findings indicated that Decode was acceptable to both teachers (86%) and students (67%), with strong endorsement of the program’s relatability, engagement, and appropriateness. The program led to improvements in student and teacher mental health literacy including knowledge of help-seeking strategies, reductions in stigma, and improved teacher-observed student mental health and wellbeing. Implementation challenges were related to timetabling of course lessons and difficulties with teachers’ use of the platform hosting Decode. Ultimately, Decode shows promise as an effective intervention for bridging the gap between evidence-based mental health content and student engagement, though further work is needed to optimise its delivery and assess its long-term effects.
Characterization of the Hyperbolic Step of Parabolic Functions
Authors: Contreras Manuel D. , Cruz-Zamorano Francisco J. , Rodríguez-Piazza Luis
Published: October 2024

A classical problem in complex dynamics on hyperbolic domains is to characterize the hyperbolic step of parabolic functions. This topic has been studied by several authors, leading to different results and providing characterizations that depend on the behaviour of the iterates of such functions. In this work we provide new characterizations in terms of intrinsic properties of the functions.
A comparative study on microstructure and mechanical properties of 17-4PH processed by a laser powder bed fusion vs rolling process
Authors: Sghaier Thabet A. M. , Sahlaoui Habib , Mabrouki Tarek , Sallem Haifa , Rech Joël
Published: October 2024

This study provides a comprehensive benchmark comparison of microstructure, mechanical properties, and their evolution during subsequent heat treatment of 17-4PH Martensitic stainless steel (MSS) processed by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and its commercially rolled counterparts. The results reveal that LPBF samples exhibit a finer martensitic microstructure with presence of structural defects, pores, and some non-metallic inclusions randomly distributed at the grain boundaries and within the grains and an almost absence of austenite, compared to rolled samples. Additionally, after identical heat treatment, LPBF samples maintain a relatively unchanged microstructure while aging of rolled samples leads to a reduction in martensite in favor of austenite and Cu- and Si-rich precipitates. The LPBF samples demonstrate slightly elevated hardness (HV0.5 + 20%), mechanical strength (UTS + 15%) compared to rolled ones. Nevertheless, LPBF samples display a distinct behavior, characterized by abrupt fracture and reduced elongation at failure (El% max. 4% vs. 17.5%). Specifically, failure in LPBF samples is attributed to cleavage and cavities’ coalescence contrasting with the progressive failure mechanism observed in rolling ones driven by plasticity and damage evolution. Furthermore, the impact resistance of LPBF samples is notably weak (K max. 12.5 J/cm2 vs. 155 J/cm2), which is likely caused by macro- and microstructural defects generated by the LPBF process and the nucleation of harmful precipitates. The study proposes that the ductility of LPBF samples could be improved by implementing appropriate heat treatment and reducing defects through parameter optimization and by specific thermal cycle control during the LPBF process.
The Troubling Influence and Impact of the UK’s Modern Slavery Agenda on Caribbean Anti-Trafficking Law and Practice
Authors: Haynes Jason
Published: October 2024

Although the England and Wales Modern Slavery Act (MSA) has been heralded a landmark statute with the potential to influence anti-trafficking developments globally, its impact on the Commonwealth Caribbean has not been as profound or positive as one might have imagined, notwithstanding the longstanding relationship between the UK and the Caribbean. This article explains that the UK’s framing of exploitation as ‘modern slavery’ does not sit well with the Caribbean, whose history is characterised by the transatlantic slave trade and slavery. It contends that, instead, it is the United States Trafficking Victims Protection Act that has had a more significant and enduring impact on Caribbean anti-trafficking law and practice, in part due to its imperialist and exceptionalist nature. That said, there are some areas where Caribbean anti-trafficking legislation and the MSA overlap. Through an examination of UK case law, this article demonstrates that the narrow interpretation of the non-punishment provision adopted by British courts has had a tangible, and, indeed, negative impact on Caribbean victims of trafficking. It concludes by cautioning that transplantation of the British ‘modern slavery’ agenda to the Caribbean must necessarily be approached with utmost caution.
Suicidal ideation and mental illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada
Authors: Dopko Raelyne , Liu Li , Contreras Gisèle
Published: October 2024

Background

The presence of a mental illness is a known risk factor for suicide mortality and other suicide-related behaviours, including suicidal ideation. We examined prevalence of mental illnesses among adults with and without suicidal ideation in Canada during the pandemic.

Data and methods

We used pooled data from the 2020, 2021, & 2023 Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health to estimate the prevalence of moderate to severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder among adults who reported suicidal ideation, compared to those who did not report suicidal ideation. We also conducted the analyses across sociodemographic factors and COVID-19 pandemic-related experiences.

Results

Among adults in Canada who reported suicidal ideation, 83.0% also screened positive for at least one of the three mental illnesses. The prevalence of mental illnesses did not differ significantly across sociodemographic factors or pandemic-related experiences. In contrast, the prevalence of at least one mental illness among adults without suicidal ideation was much lower (21.2%), and this prevalence differed by sociodemographic factors and pandemic-related experiences.

Interpretation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most adults in Canada with suicidal ideation had moderate to severe symptoms of mental illness.
Macroeconomic impact of forced migration on Lebanon with a focus on labor market dynamics and policy strategies for sustainable economic growth
Authors: Zreik Mohamad
Published: October 2024

This article explores the profound macroeconomic consequences of forced migration on Lebanon's economy, with a specific focus on labor market dynamics. Drawing from extensive research and analysis, the study examines the factors driving migration, its impacts on the labor market, and the resultant economic challenges. It delves into the wage disparities, employment rates, and the informal sector's expansion due to the influx of migrants. The article also evaluates existing public policies and proposes strategic interventions aimed at fostering migrant integration and promoting sustainable economic growth. By addressing these critical issues, the forced aims to provide comprehensive policy recommendations to mitigate the adverse effects of forced migration and enhance Lebanon's economic resilience.
Prolonged treatment of compactin, atorvastatin, lovastatin or simvastatin decreased glucose consumption and expressions of proteins for glucose metabolism and insulin signaling in L6 skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Chen Junbin , Zha Longying , Xu Jinhong , Chen Guoxun
Published: October 2024

Statins inhibit mevalonate synthesis and successfully lower plasma cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases in humans, but also lead to myalgia in some patients. We hypothesize that statins may modulate glucose metabolism and insulin signaling in the skeletal muscle cells during and after differentiation, and in turn lead to side effects. Here, differentiating and differentiated L6 muscle cells were treated with 1 μM of different class of statins (compactin, pravastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin) with or without insulin or mevalonate for extended periods of time. The glucose consumption and expression levels of proteins for glucose metabolism and insulin receptor (IR)/Akt signaling were determined. The prolonged statin treatments (except pravastatin) decreased glucose consumption in L6 skeletal muscle cells. In differentiating L6 cells, compactin, lovastatin or simvastatin decreased the expression levels of proteins involved in glucose metabolism and insulin signaling, including glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), glycogen synthase (GS), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and insulin receptor β subunit (IRβ). In differentiated L6 cells, long-term treatment of compactin or simvastatin also decreased levels of proteins in glucose metabolism and IR/Akt signaling, including GLUT4, GSK3β, IRβ and PI3K p110α. Insulin treatment restored statin-mediated impairments in L6 cells. The insulin-mediated phosphorylation of Akt Ser473 was attenuated in differentiating and differentiated L6 cells in the presence of atorvastatin (differentiated only), compactin, lovastatin or simvastatin. In addition, mevalonate supplementation reversed the statin-mediated impairments in differentiated and differentiating L6 cells. Statin affected glucose usage and insulin signaling by inhibiting mevalonate synthesis in L6 cells. Our results provides a possible mechanism of adverse effects of statins in skeletal muscle and calls for cautious use of the medication in patients with impaired insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
Making and Remaking Empire in Early Qajar Iran
Authors: Ashraf Assef
Published: October 2024

In 1722, the Safavid empire collapsed. An empire that ruled for over two centuries, in its heyday it spanned parts of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and present-day Iran. The decades following its fall were ones of unrest and discord, and it was only with the rise of the Qajars in the 1780s that a level of stability was restored. Assef Ashraf devotes this book to an analysis of the making of the Qajar empire. It adopts a socially-oriented approach to political history - an approach that examines the discourse and political practices, and the centers and peripheries, of empire. Each chapter focuses on a particular practice that was at the heart of Qajar governance - land administration, gift giving, marriage, political correspondence, provincial diplomacy, and territorial conquest and tribal relations. By situating the formation of Qajar Iran in its early nineteenth-century context, Ashraf highlights the overarching themes of transition and change.
Just In Time: Empowering the Public to Save Lives
Authors: Goralnick Eric
Published: October 2024

Each year, disasters impact over 50 million, and conflicts are indirectly related to 1,000,000 deaths. Traditionally, humanitarians help in two ways: Deployment: sending healthcare workers to provide direct care, and Development: training local healthcare workers. But these routes limit who can be reached and how quickly. We envision a scalable solution that moves beyond traditional humanitarian avenues to empower the public to save lives and reduce suffering through equitable, open-access education.

Learning Objectives

Provide the justification for just in time digital education.

Provide various examples of JIT education.

Summarize current JIT domestic and global initiatives.
Key Note | Preparing the Nation for an Uncertain Future
Authors: Freeman Jeffrey D
Published: October 2024

Disasters are growing more frequent, severe, and unpredictable, yet our nation lacks a sustainable model for preparedness. This talk will address the advancement of science, practice, and education in the pursuit of a coordinated and scalable approach to preparedness.
Contextual influences on trade-offs in engineering design: a qualitative study
Authors: Nickel Jordan , Hurst Ada , Duimering P. Robert
Published: October 2024

Design occurs in complex socio-technical contexts with conflicting stakeholder goals, requirements and other constraints. These limit solution options and create trade-offs where improvements relative to one goal come at the expense of performance on another. Little is known about how the design context influences trade-offs, or how designers interact with context to manage trade-offs. This article reports on an exploratory qualitative interview study investigating design trade-offs in relation to their socio-technical context. We identified nine themes reflecting engineering designers’ perceptions of the influence of the design context on their ability to resolve trade-offs. Findings suggest that the design context is both a source of trade-offs, and of knowledge and information that helps designers clarify ambiguous requirements to navigate and resolve trade-offs. The results provide insight into how designers interact with the design context to learn about the structure of their design problems and the degrees of freedom available to resolve trade-offs. The findings also contribute to understanding the effects of path dependencies in trade-off situations, and how the sequential distribution of design decisions over time constrains trade-off resolution. We discuss some of the goals and challenges of conducting rigorous qualitative research in design and identify potential directions for further research.
Discrimination and Political Engagement: A Cross-national Test
Authors: Besco Randy
Published: October 2024

What is the effect of personal discrimination on the political engagement of ethnic and racial minorities? Existing research theorizes increased engagement, but evidence is mixed. The discrimination and political engagement link is tested across six countries: Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Interest in politics and political actions (e.g. protest and donations) show constant relationships: people who have experienced discrimination have more interest in politics and take more political actions. There is no clear evidence of different effects of political vs social discrimination. However, the link between turnout and discrimination varies systematically across countries: a positive correlation in three separate American datasets, but mixed and null in other countries. This may be the result of the distinctive American conflict over voting rights for racial minorities. The conclusion discusses priorities for future research, including a focus on establishing causal relationships and testing mechanisms.
The fundamental parameters of astrophysical plasma turbulence and its dissipation: non-relativistic limit
Authors: Howes Gregory G.
Published: October 2024

A specific set of dimensionless plasma and turbulence parameters is introduced to characterize the nature of turbulence and its dissipation in weakly collisional space and astrophysical plasmas. Key considerations are discussed for the development of predictive models of the turbulent plasma heating that characterize the partitioning of dissipated turbulent energy between the ion and electron species and between the perpendicular and parallel degrees of freedom for each species. Identifying the kinetic physical mechanisms that govern the damping of the turbulent fluctuations is a critical first step in constructing such turbulent heating models. A set of ten general plasma and turbulence parameters are defined, and reasonable approximations along with the exploitation of existing scaling theories for magnetohydrodynamic turbulence are used to reduce this general set of ten parameters to just three parameters in the isotropic temperature case: the ion plasma beta, the ion-to-electron temperature ratio and the isotropic driving wavenumber. A critical step forward in this study is to identify the dependence of all of the proposed kinetic mechanisms for turbulent damping in terms of the same set of fundamental plasma and turbulence parameters. Analytical estimations of the scaling of each damping mechanism on these fundamental parameters are presented. The power of this approach is illustrated in the development of the first phase diagram for the turbulent damping mechanisms as a function of the ion plasma beta and isotropic driving wavenumber for unity ion-to-electron temperature ratio, showing the regions of this two-dimensional parameter space in which ion Landau and transit-time damping, electron Landau and transit-time damping, ion cyclotron damping, ion stochastic heating, collisionless magnetic reconnection and kinetic ‘viscous’ heating play a role in the damping of the turbulent fluctuations.
Childhood neglect is associated with alterations in neural prediction error signaling and the response to novelty
Authors: Aloi Joseph , Crum Kathleen I. , Blair Karina S. , Zhang Ru , Bashford-Largo Johannah , Bajaj Sahil , Hwang Soonjo , Averbeck Bruno B. , Tottenham Nim , Dobbertin Matthew , Blair R. James R.
Published: October 2024

Background

One in eight children experience early life stress (ELS), which increases risk for psychopathology. ELS, particularly neglect, has been associated with reduced responsivity to reward. However, little work has investigated the computational specifics of this disrupted reward response – particularly with respect to the neural response to Reward Prediction Errors (RPE) – a critical signal for successful instrumental learning – and the extent to which they are augmented to novel stimuli. The goal of the current study was to investigate the associations of abuse and neglect, and neural representation of RPE to novel and non-novel stimuli.

Methods

One hundred and seventy-eight participants (aged 10–18, M = 14.9, s.d. = 2.38) engaged in the Novelty task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. In this task, participants learn to choose novel or non-novel stimuli to win monetary rewards varying from $0 to $0.30 per trial. Levels of abuse and neglect were measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire.

Results

Adolescents exposed to high levels of neglect showed reduced RPE-modulated blood oxygenation level dependent response within medial and lateral frontal cortices particularly when exploring novel stimuli (p < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons) relative to adolescents exposed to lower levels of neglect.

Conclusions

These data expand on previous work by indicating that neglect, but not abuse, is associated with impairments in neural RPE representation within medial and lateral frontal cortices. However, there was no association between neglect and behavioral impairments on the Novelty task, suggesting that these neural differences do not necessarily translate into behavioral differences within the context of the Novelty task.
Optical scattering methods for the label-free analysis of single biomolecules
Authors: Gordon Reuven , Peters Matthew , Ying Cuifeng
Published: October 2024

Single-molecule techniques to analyze proteins and other biomolecules involving labels and tethers have allowed for new understanding of the underlying biophysics; however, the impact of perturbation from the labels and tethers has recently been shown to be significant in several cases. New approaches are emerging to measure single proteins through light scattering without the need for labels and ideally without tethers. Here, the approaches of interference scattering, plasmonic scattering, microcavity sensing, nanoaperture optical tweezing, and variants are described and compared. The application of these approaches to sizing, oligomerization, interactions, conformational dynamics, diffusion, and vibrational mode analysis is described. With early commercial successes, these approaches are poised to have an impact in the field of single-molecule biophysics.
A Quiet Convergence of Interests: Makassar as an Emporium for Chinese Trade, 1613–1669
Authors: Holroyd Ryan
Published: October 2024

This article describes the evolution of the commercial connections between China and the southern Sulawesian port of Makassar from the beginning of the seventeenth century until 1669, when the Dutch Vereenigde Oost Indische Compagnie conquered Makassar. It attempts to show that these connections went through several transformations. Initially direct Chinese shipping supplied Makassar with Chinese goods, but this direct trade lasted only about a decade. However, commerce carried by Macanese ships and trade in Indochinese ports that were frequented by both Sulawesian and Chinese vessels maintained the commercial connection. This connection in its different forms allowed Makassar to act as an entrepôt that supplied Chinese goods and Japanese copper to more distant parts of Southeast Asia, especially those in the eastern Indonesian archipelago. The article concludes by arguing that after the conquest of Makassar, Banjarmasin in southern Borneo developed as a new regional entrepôt connecting China to the eastern archipelago.
From Piracy to Mechanization: The Atlantic Logwood Trade, 1550–1775
Authors: Dodge Cameron J. G.
Published: October 2024

Logwood, a dyestuff extracted from its namesake tree native to the Yucatán Peninsula, was a commodity valued in the textile centres of early modern Europe. The trade in logwood began as an extractive endeavour attempted by merchants and former pirates on the margins of Spanish colonial authority, but by the late eighteenth century it had expanded to become a wide-reaching activity with connections to broader trends on both sides of the Atlantic. In the New World, the trade's growth fuelled Anglo-Spanish imperial rivalries and led to the introduction of slave labour to harvest dwindling logwood stands. The ecological consequences of human exchange also spread logwood's range to Caribbean islands, turning a frontier trade into a domesticated plantation industry. In the Old World, logwood was a versatile dye source that contributed to a range of hues. Initial regulations to protect consumers eased as dyers improved the quality of logwood dyes. The logwood trade expanded global textile supply chains and brought innovation to Europe's proto-industrial textile industry. It gave the continent's dyers new ways to meet consumer demand and spurred the development of mechanical methods to expedite refining.
Spatiotemporal risk of human brucellosis under intensification of livestock keeping based on machine learning techniques in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Shen Li , Jiang Chenghao , Weng Fangting , Sun Minghao , Zhao Chenxi , Fu Ting , An Cuihong , Shao Zhongjun , Liu Kun
Published: October 2024

As one of the most neglected zoonotic diseases, brucellosis has posed a serious threat to public health worldwide. This study is purposed to apply different machine learning models to improve the prediction accuracy of human brucellosis (HB) in Shaanxi, China from 2008 to 2020, under livestock husbandry intensification from a spatiotemporal perspective. We quantitatively evaluated the performance and suitability of ConvLSTM, RF, and LSTM models in epidemic forecasting, and investigated the spatial heterogeneity of how different factors drive the occurrence and transmission of HB in distinct sub-regions by using Kernel Density Analysis and Shapley Additional Explanations. Our findings demonstrated that ConvLSTM network yielded the best predictive performance with the lowest average RMSE of 13.875 and MAE values of 18.393. RF model generated an underestimated outcome while LSTM model had an overestimated one. In addition, climatic conditions, intensification of livestock keeping and socioeconomic status were identified as the dominant factors that drive the occurrence of HB in Shaanbei Plateau, Guanzhong Plain, and Shaannan Region, respectively. This work provided a comprehensive understanding of the potential risk of HB epidemics in Northwest China driven by both anthropogenic activities and natural environment, which can support further practice in disease control and prevention.
Precision game engineering through reshaping strategic payoffs
Authors: Eshoa Elie , Zomorrodi Ali R.
Published: October 2024

Nash equilibrium is a key concept in game theory fundamental for elucidating the equilibrium state of strategic interactions, with applications in diverse fields such as economics, political science, and biology. However, the Nash equilibrium may not always align with desired outcomes within the broader system. This article introduces a novel game engineering framework that tweaks strategic payoffs within a game to achieve a pre-defined desired Nash equilibrium while averting undesired ones. Leveraging mixed-integer linear programming, this framework identifies intricate combinations of players and strategies and optimal perturbations to their payoffs that enable the shift from undesirable Nash equilibria to more favorable ones. We demonstrate the effectiveness and scalability of our approach on games of varying complexity, ranging from simple prototype games such as the Prisoner’s Dilemma and Snowdrift games with two or more players to complex game configurations with up to $${10}^{6}$$

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entries in the payoff matrix. These studies showcase the capability of this framework in efficiently identifying the alternative ways of reshaping strategic payoffs to secure desired Nash equilibria and preclude undesired equilibrium states. Our game engineering framework offers a versatile toolkit for precision strategic decision-making with far-reaching implications across diverse domains.
The role of losses in determining hyperbolic material figures of merit
Authors: Jackson E. M. , Tischler J. G. , Ratchford D. C. , Ellis C. T.
Published: October 2024

Uniaxial materials have achieved new prominence in photonics because they can have hyperbolic spectral regions with metallic (ε<0) and dielectric (ε>0) permittivities along different crystal axes. In the lossless case, this results in an open hyperboloid dispersion relation, allowing materials to support highly confined modes with extremely large wavevectors. However, even small losses change the character of the hyperbolic dispersion from open hyperboloids to closed surfaces with finite maximum k, significantly limiting the extent to which highly-confined modes can be achieved. Here, we derive a simple analytic formula for the dispersion relation in the presence of loss and show that for some typical materials the maximum wavevector in hyperbolic materials is roughly ten times the free-space. The scaling of the maximum wavevector is derived, and it is shown that there is a universal scaling relation between the propagation length and the wavelength, which implies that the shortest wavelengths in any hyperbolic material are strongly attenuated.