bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small and state‐funded: An empirical study of liquidations in Scotland
Authors: Hardman Jonathan , MacPherson Alisdair
Published: December 2023

There is significant scope for empirical research in the field of corporate insolvency law. This paper seeks to make a valuable contribution to this field of research. It features analysis of data regarding all insolvent liquidations in Scotland that had their end point within a period of a year, specifically 1 October 2019‐30 September 2020 (even if the liquidations commenced prior to that period). A dataset was compiled using information from final accounts documentation for liquidations available from the UK's companies register. Following the introduction, the paper provides background and context for corporate insolvency in Scotland, with particular reference to liquidation and the rules relating to creditors. The section also includes comparisons with the law of England and Wales. The paper then moves on to discuss the empirical methodology adopted and how the relevant data was obtained. This is followed by results and analysis focused on: the asset values of companies in the study, the lifespan of those companies, the timespan of their liquidations, the levels of liquidation expenses, the recoveries of creditors (including secured, preferential and ordinary unsecured creditors), and the role of HMRC in liquidations, as a petitioner and in terms of paying liquidation expenses. The paper contains a number of significant findings regarding each of these matters. It supports the case for a streamlined liquidation procedure for smaller companies and for the introduction of an official receiver in Scotland (while also justifying the existence of the official receiver in England and Wales). Lastly, after the identification of some limitations regarding the analysed data, the paper highlights potential lines of further research building upon this study, including expanding the time periods examined, comparing the data for Scotland with data for other jurisdictions, most obviously England and Wales, and the consideration of corresponding data for other insolvency procedures.
Ubiquitin‐specific protease 22 promotes tumorigenesis and progression by an FKBP12/mTORC1/autophagy positive feedback loop in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ye Qianwei , Zhou Wei , Xu Shengjun , Que Qingyang , Zhan Qifan , Zhang Lincheng , Zheng Shusen , Ling Sunbin , Xu Xiao
Published: December 2023

Ubiquitin‐specific protease 22 (USP22) has been identified as a potential marker for cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It can promote HCC stemness, which is considered a driver of tumorigenesis. Here, we sought to determine the role of USP22 in tumorigenesis, elucidate its underlying mechanism, and explore its therapeutic significance in HCC. As a result, we found that tissue‐specific Usp22 overexpression accelerated tumorigenesis, whereas Usp22 ablation decelerated it in a c‐Myc/NRasGV12‐induced HCC mouse model and that the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway was activated downstream. USP22 overexpression resulted in increased tumorigenic properties that were reversed by rapamycin in vitro and in vivo. In addition, USP22 activated mTORC1 by deubiquitinating FK506‐binding protein 12 (FKBP12) and activated mTORC1, in turn, further stabilizing USP22 by inhibiting autophagic degradation. Clinically, HCC patients with high USP22 expression tend to benefit from mTOR inhibitors after liver transplantation (LT). Our results revealed that USP22 promoted tumorigenesis and progression via an FKBP12/mTORC1/autophagy positive feedback loop in HCC. Clinically, USP22 may be an effective biomarker for selecting eligible recipients with HCC for anti‐mTOR‐based therapy after LT.
Study on dynamic features and traveling wave solutions of perturbed nonlinear Biswas–Milovic equation combining Kudryashov's law of refractive index
Authors: Li Shuang , Du Xing‐Hua
Published: December 2023

This article mainly explores the Biswas–Milovic equation containing Kudryashov's refractive index law and nonlinear perturbation terms. We take the complete discrimination system for polynomial method and the trial equation method to implement qualitative and quantitative studies for the equation. We verify that the Hamiltonian of the dynamic system is conserved and apply the complete discrimination system of polynomial method to give the associated global phase diagrams, which are qualitatively analyzed to illustrate the presence of periodic solutions and solitons. In addition, we gain a classification of all single traveling wave solutions, provide optical wave patterns with specific parameters and validate the above findings.
Order‐dependent sampling control for state estimation of uncertain fractional‐order neural networks system
Authors: Ge Chao , Zhang Qi , Wang Hong , Wang Lei
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the problem of state estimation for a fractional‐order neural networks system with uncertainties is studied by a sampled‐data controller. First, considering the convenience of digital field, such as anti‐interference, not affected by noise, a novel sampled‐data controller is designed for the fractional‐order neural network system of uncertainties with changeable sampling time. In the light of the input delay approach, the sampled‐data control system of fractional‐order is simulated by the delay system. The main purpose of the presented method is to obtain a sampled‐data controller gain to estimate the state of neurons, which can guarantee the asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop fractional‐order system. Then, the fractional‐order Razumishin theorem and linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are utilized to derive the stable conditions. Improved delay‐dependent and order‐dependent stability conditions are given in the form of LMIs. Furthermore, the sampled‐data controller can be acquired to promise the stability and stabilization for fractional‐order system. Finally, two numerical examples are proposed to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the provided method.
Two distinct mechanisms of flavoprotein spectral tuning revealed by low‐temperature and time‐dependent spectroscopy
Authors: Nikolaev Andrey , Tropina Elena V. , Boldyrev Kirill N. , Maksimov Eugene G. , Borshchevskiy Valentin , Mishin Alexey , Yudenko Anna , Kuzmin Alexander , Kuznetsova Elizaveta , Semenov Oleg , Remeeva Alina , Gushchin Ivan
Published: December 2023

Flavins such as flavin mononucleotide or flavin adenine dinucleotide are bound by diverse proteins, yet have very similar spectra when in the oxidized state. Recently, we developed new variants of flavin‐binding protein CagFbFP exhibiting notable blue (Q148V) or red (I52V A85Q) shifts of fluorescence emission maxima. Here, we use time‐resolved and low‐temperature spectroscopy to show that whereas the chromophore environment is static in Q148V, an additional protein‐flavin hydrogen bond is formed upon photoexcitation in the I52V A85Q variant. Consequently, in Q148V, excitation, emission, and phosphorescence spectra are shifted, whereas in I52V A85Q, excitation and low‐temperature phosphorescence spectra are relatively unchanged, while emission spectrum is altered. We also determine the x‐ray structures of the two variants to reveal the flavin environment and complement the spectroscopy data. Our findings illustrate two distinct color‐tuning mechanisms of flavin‐binding proteins and could be helpful for the engineering of new variants with improved optical properties.
Construction of 2D layered metal‐organic frameworks based on the norbornene‐derived ligand with fascinating magnetic and luminescent properties
Authors: Ding Shuolei , Zhang Chuanqi , Yin Jianhang , Zhao Tao , Zhu Pengli , Sun Rong , Wang Ning
Published: December 2023

Three new two‐dimensional metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), namely [Cu3(NDIC)3 ⋅ C2H5OH ⋅ 2H2O]n (1), [Co2(NDIC)2 ⋅ 2 C3H7NO ⋅ H2O]n ⋅ nC2H5OH (2) and [(Zn3O)2(Zn(H2O)4)(NDIC)6 ⋅ C3H7NO ⋅ C2H5OH ⋅ C2H5O ⋅ 7H2O]n (3) based on the ligand 5‐norbonene‐2,3‐dicarboximide isophthalic acid (H2NDIC) have been synthesized under solvothermal condition, which have been further characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction ( PXRD) elemental analysis, ICP, TG and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The ligand displayed distinctive coordination modes to connect mononuclear metal ion, binuclear and trinuclear metal clusters to generate different 2D layered structures in compound 1–3. Compound 1 shows KGM type network based on paddle‐wheel Cu2(COO)4 as secondary building units (SBUs). Compounds 2 and 3 have the undulating 2D (4, 4) SQL topology with the point symbol (44 ⋅ 62) based on Co2(COO)4 and Zn3(μ3‐O)(COO)4 as SBUs, respectively. The magnetic properties of compound 1–2 and the luminescent property of compound 3 and its fluorescent detection for Fe3+ has been investigated and discussed.
Development of a Highly Boron Tolerant Pseudomonas sp.−Fe‐MOF Bioanode
Authors: Avcı Okan , Sezer Kürkçü Merve , Çöl Bekir , Sonay Elgin Emine , Anık Ülkü
Published: December 2023

In this work, a bioanode which was based on carbon felt electrode (CFE) that contained highly boron tolerant bacterium Pseudomonas sp. isolated from a boron mine (Pseudomonas isolate BC4B) and iron‐metal organic framework (Fe‐MOF) was developed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in which a highly boron tolerant bacterium, Pseudomonas isolate BC4B was investigated as a bioanode material. It was observed that Fe‐MOF increased the signal significantly by behaving as a catalyst. During the study, the optimization of Fe‐MOF amount, bacteria amount and substrate concentration were done. Also, the effect of different substrate amounts on the bioanode electrochemical signal was investigated. Consequently, the highest current density value was obtained with 5 mM substrate amount. Meanwhile, in order to investigate the reproducibility of developed bioanode, relative standard deviation value was calculated and found as 1.39 % (n : 3) for 4 mM concentration of H3BO3.
B‐Doping Induced Formation of Ultrafine Co Nanoparticles for Highly Sensitive Non‐Enzymatic Glucose Sensing
Authors: Yin Hang , Zhang Chongchao , Bai Xiao , Yang Ziyin , Liu Zhe
Published: December 2023

Doping is one of the effective methods to improve the performance of sensors. Here, we reported that B‐doping can induce the formation of ultrafine Co nanoparticles for realizing highly sensitivity non‐enzymatic glucose sensing. Co/NC and Co/BNC were prepared by ion exchange and pyrolysis methods. It is interesting to find that B doping can achieve spatial isolation and prevent metal aggregation during MOF pyrolysis. This made the particle size of Co nanoparticles smaller and more uniform, which enriches the active site and thus improves the sensing performance for glucose. The electrochemical results indicate that Co/BNC exhibits strong electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation and the non‐enzymatic sensor based on Co/BNC shows excellent performance for glucose analysis with a wide linear range of 0.4 μM–0.522 mM, a high sensitivity of 1064.3 μA mM−1 cm−2 and a low detection limit of 0.08 μM (S/N=3). Therefore, this study demonstrated Co/BNC as a promising glucose sensing material and also provided a novel strategy for improving electrochemical sensing performance through doping.
Effect of interfacial modification on functional properties of polyethylene and polypropylene—Fibrous silica nanocomposites
Authors: Fihri Aziz , Lazko Jevgenij , Laoutid Fouad , Mariage Jérôme , Passion Julie , Schow Tim , Malajati Yassine , Rastogi Ruchi , Alamri Haleema , Dubois Philippe
Published: December 2023

This paper reports the results of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) composites containing 5 and 10 wt.% dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS) synthesized by a hydrothermal process. The objective of this investigation is to provide a better understanding of the relationship between the structure, composition, matrix‐nanofiller interfaces, and the properties of these nanocomposites. These materials have been prepared by twin‐screw extrusion and injection molding. Their structural, thermal, mechanical, rheological, and electrical properties were evaluated, both alone and when combined with an organic compatibilizing agent. Findings have shown that the unique morphology of fibrous silica nanoparticles was preserved and not altered by melt processing, indicating the high thermal and mechanical stability of these fibrous materials. The nanocomposites containing DFNS alone exhibited higher mechanical performances compared to those containing the surface modifier, with no observable effect on their thermal properties. Findings also showed that the interactions between the nanoparticles and polymer may influence the functional properties of the final nanocomposites, and that they are dependent on both the nature of the host polymer along with the presence of the surface modifier agent.

Highlights

Well‐defined DFNS were successfully prepared.

PE and PP based nanocomposites were successfully designed by twin‐screw extrusion.

Good interfacial interactions were obtained with PP.

Functional properties of the nanocomposites were influenced by the interfacial adhesion.
A minimum specification dataset for liquid ocular endotamponades: recommendations by a European expert panel
Authors: Ferrara Mariantonia , Steel David HW , Romano Mario R ,   for the European Intraocular Tamponades Study Group, Chandra Aman , Coco-Martin Rosa M , Pastor J Carlos , Ferrara Mariantonia , Januschowski Kai , Rickmann Annekatrin , Pastor-Idoate Salvador , Romano Mario R , Smith Jonathan , Steel David HW , Spitzer Martin S
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To propose a minimum specification dataset to characterize liquid ocular endotamponades (OEs), namely silicone oil (SO), heavy SO (HSO), perfluorodecalin (PFD), and perfluoro-octane (PFO), in terms of physicochemical properties, purity and available evidence of safety, in line with ISO16672:2020.

Methods

An evidence-based consensus using the expert panel technique was conducted. Two facilitators led a committee of 11 European experts. Facilitators prepared a dataset for each compound including the list of specifications relevant for the safety, identified by the group members on the basis of expertise and a comprehensive literature review. Each item was ranked by each member using a 9-point scale from 1 “absolutely to not include” to 9 “absolutely to include” in two rounds followed by discussion. Only items reaching consensus (score ≥ 7 from ≥ 75% of members) were included in the final datasets.

Results

For all OEs, consensus was reached to include manufacturer, density, refractive index, chemical composition, dynamic viscosity, interfacial and surface tension, endotoxins, in vitro cytotoxicity assessment, and any evidence from ex vivo and/or in vivo tests for safety assessment. Additional specifications were added for SO (molecular weight distribution, content of oligosiloxanes with MW ≤ 1000 g/mol, spectral transmittance) and PFD/PFO (% of pure PFD/PFO in the final product, vapor pressure, chemical analyses performed for safety assessment).

Conclusion

The proposed evidence-based minimum specification datasets for SO, HSO, PFD, and PFO have the potential to provide surgeons and health service purchasers with an easily available overview of the most relevant information for the safety assessment of OEs.
Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Fibre-Reinforced Composite Structures for Robotic Applications
Authors: Bisoi Arnav , Tüfekci Mertol , Öztekin Vehbi , Denimal Goy Enora , Salles Loïc
Published: December 2023

This study explores the variation in mechanical properties of additively manufactured composite structures for robotic applications with different infill densities and layer heights using fused deposition modelling (FDM). Glass fibre-reinforced polyamide (GFRP), and carbon fibre-reinforced polyamide (CFRP) filaments are used, and the specimens are printed with 20%, 40%, 60% and 100% infill density lattice structures for tensile and three-point bending tests. These printed samples are examined in the microscope to gain more understanding of the microstructure of the printed composites. To characterise the mechanical properties, a set of tensile and three-point bend tests are conducted on the manufactured composite samples. Test results indicate the variations in tensile strength and Young’s modulus of specimens based on the printing parameters and reveal the tensile and bending behaviour of those printed composite structures against varying infill ratios and reinforcing fibres. The experimental findings are also compared to analytical and empirical modelling approaches. Finally, based on the results, the applications of the additively manufactured structure to the robotic components are presented.
The effect of interprofessional education on the work environment of health professionals: a scoping review
Authors: Medina-Córdoba Mariana , Cadavid Sara , Espinosa-Aranzales Angela-Fernanda , Aguía-Rojas Karen , Bermúdez-Hernández Pablo Andrés , Quiroga-Torres Daniel-Alejandro , Rodríguez-Dueñas William R.
Published: December 2023

To explore the existing literature on the effect of Interprofessional Education (IPE) on the work environment of health professionals. The research question was systematized according to the PCC (Population, Concept, and Context) format. A scoping review was performed. A search of multiple bibliographic databases identified 407 papers, of which 21 met the inclusion criteria. The populations of the 21 studies reviewed were composed of professionals in the fields of medicine, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and social work, among others. The study contexts were both academic and nonacademic hospitals, mental health institutions, and community settings, and the topics examined were organizational climate, organizational culture, organizational attachment and job satisfaction. The findings from the reviewed studies showed positive effects of IPE interventions on organizational climate and culture, but the results on job satisfaction and organizational attachment were mixed (i.e., positive and no effects following IPE interventions). Research on IPE is worth more attention as IPE could be an effective alternative for the fulfillment of the Quadruple Aim and achieving the third of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, aimed at improving health and well-being. It seems critical for IPE to be positioned as a trend in global health, aiming at boosting human health resources as one of its building blocks and calling the attention of health decision-makers.
Regulating antimicrobial resistance: market intermediaries, poultry and the audit lock-in
Authors: Hinchliffe Steve , Bard Alison , Chan Kin Wing , Adam Katie , Bruce Ann , Reyher Kristen , Buller Henry
Published: December 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become one of the defining challenges of the twenty-first century. Food production and farming are a key if troubling component of that challenge. Livestock production accounts for well over half of annual global consumption of antimicrobials, though the contribution of the sector to drug resistance is less clear. As a result, there is an injunction to act in advance of incontrovertible evidence for change. In this paper we engage with the role of market actors in the precautionary regulation of farming practices and AMR threats. The paper takes the UK poultry sector as exemplary of an audit-led process that has, in recent years, achieved impressive reductions in antimicrobial use. Using qualitative interview data with farmers and veterinarians we chart the changing practices that have accompanied this reduction in treatments. We use this analysis to raise some cautions around audit-led systems of regulation. Audits can lock farms and animals into particular versions of farming and animal health; they can elevate harmful compensatory practices (including disinfectant uses); and they can reproduce an actuarial approach to an issue that does not fit the conventions of risk management. The paper presents the considerable successes that have been achieved over a short period of time in a livestock sector, while generating notes of caution concerning the audit-led management of livestock-related AMR threats.
Examining current bias and future projection consistency of globally downscaled climate projections commonly used in climate impact studies
Authors: Berio Fortini Lucas , Kaiser Lauren R. , Frazier Abby G. , Giambelluca Thomas W.
Published: December 2023

The associated uncertainties of future climate projections are one of the biggest obstacles to overcome in studies exploring the potential regional impacts of future climate shifts. In remote and climatically complex regions, the limited number of available downscaled projections may not provide an accurate representation of the underlying uncertainty in future climate or the possible range of potential scenarios. Consequently, global downscaled projections are now some of the most widely used climate datasets in the world. However, they are rarely examined for representativeness of local climate or the plausibility of their projected changes. Here we explore the utility of two such global datasets (CHELSA and WorldClim2) in providing plausible future climate scenarios for regional climate change impact studies. Our analysis was based on three steps: (1) standardizing a baseline period to compare available global downscaled projections with regional observation-based datasets and regional downscaled datasets; (2) bias correcting projections using a single observation-based baseline; and (3) having controlled differences in baselines between datasets, exploring the patterns and magnitude of projected climate shifts from these datasets to determine their plausibility as future climate scenarios, using Hawaiʻi as an example region. Focusing on mean annual temperature and precipitation, we show projected climate shifts from these commonly used global datasets not only may vary significantly from one another but may also fall well outside the range of future scenarios derived from regional downscaling efforts. As species distribution models are commonly created from these datasets, we further illustrate how a substantial portion of variability in future species distribution shifts can arise from the choice of global dataset used. Hence, projected shifts between baseline and future scenarios from these global downscaled projections warrant careful evaluation before use in climate impact studies, something rarely done in the existing literature.
Otolith biochronology for the long-term reconstruction of growth and stock dynamics of fish
Authors: Smoliński Szymon , Gutkowska Julita
Published: December 2023

Long-term biological time series are essential to evaluate previous responses of organisms to alterations in the environment. Biochronological methods based on archival fish otoliths allow setting such time series, but their predictive potential as proxies of past environmental conditions is still underexploited. In this study, we reconstructed growth variation in European sprat (Sprattus sprattus) in the Baltic Sea from 1956 to 2020 based on measurements of the archived otoliths. We used otolith annual increment widths as a proxy of fish somatic growth. We showed significant negative relationships between sprat growth and sprat spawning stock biomass (SSB) associated with strong intraspecific competition for limited food resources. We also identified a link between sprat growth and water salinity—indicator of the ecosystem's hydrological situation. For the first time, we estimated the SSB prior to the period of available historical data based on the otolith-derived information on the past growth variation. This estimation was based on the strong relationships between SSB and fish growth, complemented with temperature and salinity variables as predictors (R2 = 0.62). A model trained on at least 40 years of data from the more recent past allows us to robustly back-estimate SSB. This study provides new multidecadal data, giving insights into environmental factors affecting the growth of Baltic sprat, and demonstrates the potential of otolith-based biochronology for the provisioning of independent indices of the historical fish stock size. The proposed methodological approach broadens the portfolio of possible applications of the biochronology time series to indicate past changes in the aquatic environment.

Graphical abstract
Measurements and linearized models for golf ball bounce on a green
Authors: Biber Stanisław W. , Jones Kristian M. , Champneys Alan R. , Green Riku , Szalai Robert
Published: December 2023

A detailed set of experiments are described that capture over a 1000 different instances of the bounce of a golf ball on a green. Video analysis was used to capture ball’s velocity and spin just before and after each bounce for a wide variety of landing conditions. Data are presented from two different turfs; one artificial and one from a typical tee. Measurement errors and repeatability are analysed. The data are compared to predictions from models of rigid bounce with friction, including Penner’s modification to account for elasto-plasticity. Coefficients of restitution and friction, and Penner’s effective contact angle are fit from the data. A better fit to the data is found using a non-physical piecewise-affine landing to lift-off relationship, which distinguishes between cases that bounce in pure slip from those that undergo rolling. Nevertheless, even balls that undergo rolling are typically found to lift-off slipping, having undergone spin reversal. The findings suggest that further effort needs to be spent on finding simple physics-based models of golf ball bounce on a green.
Kaemtakols A–D, highly oxidized pimarane diterpenoids with potent anti-inflammatory activity from Kaempferia takensis
Authors: Jongsomjainuk Orawan , Boonsombat Jutatip , Thongnest Sanit , Prawat Hunsa , Batsomboon Paratchata , Charoensutthivarakul Sitthivut , Ruchisansakun Saroj , Chainok Kittipong , Sirirak Jitnapa , Mahidol Chulabhorn , Ruchirawat Somsak
Published: December 2023

Four highly oxidized pimarane diterpenoids were isolated from Kaempferia takensis rhizomes. Kaemtakols A–C possess a tetracyclic ring with either a fused tetrahydropyran or tetrahydrofuran motif. Kaemtakol D has an unusual rearranged A/B ring spiro-bridged pimarane framework with a C-10 spirocyclic junction and an adjacent 1-methyltricyclo[3.2.1.02,7]octene ring. Structural characterization was achieved using spectroscopic analysis, DP4 + and ECD calculations, as well as X-ray crystallography, and their putative biosynthetic pathways have been proposed. Kaemtakol B showed significant potency in inhibiting nitric oxide production with an IC50 value of 0.69 μM. Molecular docking provided some perspectives on the action of kaemtakol B on iNOS protein.

Graphical Abstract
Natural product rhynchophylline prevents stress-induced hair graying by preserving melanocyte stem cells via the β2 adrenergic pathway suppression
Authors: Li Xinxin , Shi Runlu , Yan Lingchen , Chu Weiwei , Sun Ruishuang , Zheng Binkai , Wang Shuai , Tan Hui , Wang Xusheng , Gao Ying
Published: December 2023

Norepinephrine (NA), a stress hormone, can accelerate hair graying by binding to β2 adrenergic receptors (β2AR) on melanocyte stem cells (McSCs). From this, NA-β2AR axis could be a potential target for preventing the stress effect. However, identifying selective blockers for β2AR has been a key challenge. Therefore, in this study, advanced computer-aided drug design (CADD) techniques were harnessed to screen natural molecules, leading to the discovery of rhynchophylline as a promising compound. Rhynchophylline exhibited strong and stable binding within the active site of β2AR, as verified by molecular docking and dynamic simulation assays. When administered to cells, rhynchophylline effectively inhibited NA-β2AR signaling. This intervention resulted in a significant reduction of hair graying in a stress-induced mouse model, from 28.5% to 8.2%. To gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms, transcriptome sequencing was employed, which revealed that NA might disrupt melanogenesis by affecting intracellular calcium balance and promoting cell apoptosis. Importantly, rhynchophylline acted as a potent inhibitor of these downstream pathways. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that rhynchophylline has the potential to mitigate the negative impact of NA on melanogenesis by targeting β2AR, thus offering a promising solution for preventing stress-induced hair graying.

Graphical Abstract
A subgeometric convergence formula for finite-level M/G/1-type Markov chains: via a block-decomposition-friendly solution to the Poisson equation of the deviation matrix
Authors: Masuyama Hiroyuki , Katsumata Yosuke , Kimura Tatsuaki
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study is to present a subgeometric convergence formula for the stationary distribution of the finite-level M/G/1-type Markov chain when taking its infinite-level limit, where the upper boundary level goes to infinity. This study is carried out using the fundamental deviation matrix, which is a block-decomposition-friendly solution to the Poisson equation of the deviation matrix. The fundamental deviation matrix provides a difference formula for the respective stationary distributions of the finite-level chain and the corresponding infinite-level chain. The difference formula plays a crucial role in the derivation of the main result of this paper, and the main result is used, for example, to derive an asymptotic formula for the loss probability in the MAP/GI/1/N queue.
If Long-Term Suppression is not Possible, how do we Minimize Mortality for Infectious Disease Outbreaks?
Authors: Handel Andreas , Miller Joel C. , Ge Yang , Fung Isaac Chun-Hai
Published: December 2023

Objective:

For any emerging pathogen, the preferred approach is to drive it to extinction with non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) or suppress its spread until effective drugs or vaccines are available. However, this might not always be possible. If containment is infeasible, the best people can hope for is pathogen transmission until population level immunity is achieved, with as little morbidity and mortality as possible.

Methods:

A simple computational model was used to explore how people should choose NPI in a non-containment scenario to minimize mortality if mortality risk differs by age.

Results:

Results show that strong NPI might be worse overall if they cannot be sustained compared to weaker NPI of the same duration. It was also shown that targeting NPI at different age groups can lead to similar reductions in the total number of infected, but can have strong differences regarding the reduction in mortality.

Conclusions:

Strong NPI that can be sustained until drugs or vaccines become available are always preferred for preventing infection and mortality. However, if people encounter a worst-case scenario where interventions cannot be sustained, allowing some infections to occur in lower-risk groups might lead to an overall greater reduction in mortality than trying to protect everyone equally.
Cardiometabolic disease in Black African and Caribbean populations: an ethnic divergence in pathophysiology?
Authors: Reed Reuben M. , Whyte Martin B. , Goff Louise M.
Published: December 2023

In the UK, populations of Black African and Caribbean (BAC) ethnicity suffer higher rates of cardiometabolic disease than White Europeans (WE). Obesity, leading to increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and intrahepatic lipid (IHL), has long been associated with cardiometabolic risk, driving insulin resistance and defective fatty acid/lipoprotein metabolism. These defects are compounded by a state of chronic low-grade inflammation, driven by dysfunctional adipose tissue. Emerging evidence has highlighted associations between central complement system components and adipose tissue, fatty acid metabolism and inflammation; it may therefore sit at the intersection of various cardiometabolic disease risk factors. However, increasing evidence suggests an ethnic divergence in pathophysiology, whereby current theories fail to explain the high rates of cardiometabolic disease in BAC populations. Lower fasting and postprandial TAG has been reported in BAC, alongside lower VAT and IHL deposition, which are paradoxical to the high rates of cardiometabolic disease exhibited by this ethnic group. Furthermore, BAC have been shown to exhibit a more anti-inflammatory profile, with lower TNF-α and greater IL-10. In contrast, recent evidence has revealed greater complement activation in BAC compared to WE, suggesting its dysregulation may play a greater role in the high rates of cardiometabolic disease experienced by this population. This review outlines the current theories of how obesity is proposed to drive cardiometabolic disease, before discussing evidence for ethnic differences in disease pathophysiology between BAC and WE populations.
Thomas Blanky (1804–1848/51?)
Authors: Schuster Frank M.
Published: December 2023

Much has been written about the so-called Franklin expedition (1845–), but not about the master mariners, who joined as “Greenland pilots,” as experienced whaling masters on Royal Navy expeditions were usually called in the 19th century. Having been on Royal Navy expeditions to the Arctic before, Thomas Blanky, the ice master of HMS Terror, was mentioned here and there in contemporary sources. But who he was and how and why he joined the expedition are still widely unanswered questions, to be dealt with for the first time here.
PARADOXES OF EGALITARIANISM: PRACTICE, MORAL ANALYSIS, AND POLICY PRESCRIPTIONS
Authors: Paul Jeffrey
Published: December 2023

This essay seeks to answer the question of how the behavior of wealthy advocates of some version of socialism can be reconciled with their advocacy of those ideas. The answer is that the conception of egalitarianism under which they choose to live is one that redistributes income, not wealth, while the egalitarianism that they advocate for others is that in which all wealth is the property of one person who decides how much will be distributed to others.
MAKING INEQUALITY VISIBLE WITHOUT MAKING IT WORSE
Authors: Chambers Clare
Published: December 2023

Egalitarian commitments have often been thought compatible with practices that are later identified as inegalitarian. Thus, a fundamental task of egalitarianism is to make inequality visible. Making inequality visible requires including marginalized people, questioning what equality requires, and naming inequality. At the same time, egalitarianism is a movement for change: egalitarians want to make things more equal. When egalitarians seek change at the institutional level, the two egalitarian tasks are complementary: making inequality visible is part of campaigning to make things better. However, at the level of social norms there is a dilemma because making inequality visible can make things worse. Making inequality visible can reinforce unequal norms and fail to address intersectionality. The case of gendered pronouns illustrates this dilemma.
BEYOND HAYEKIAN EQUALITY
Authors: Haeffele Stefanie , Storr Virgil Henry
Published: December 2023

Friedrich A. Hayek argues that “equality of the general rules of law and conduct” is the only kind of equality compatible with liberty and, moreover, that attempting to pursue equality along any other dimension is likely to destroy liberty. For Hayek, then, as a social philosopher and political economist who was principally concerned with understanding and promoting liberal order, the question “What kind of equality?” has a straightforward answer. Equality before the law, perhaps equality of opportunity in a procedural sense, is the equality that we should pursue, not material equality and certainly not equality of outcomes. One wonders, though, whether Hayek dismisses too quickly the more substantive forms of equality and, more importantly, whether we can achieve the liberal society that Hayek envisions without concerning ourselves with more than just the presence or absence of equality of the general rules of law and conduct. This essay will explore, criticize, and expand upon the way that Hayek makes use of equality in his conception of a free society. Specifically, we argue that Hayek may need a more substantive conception of equality than he is willing to deploy in order to arrive at the liberal society he hopes to bring about.
THE DEMANDS OF EQUALITY
Authors: Sypnowich Christine
Published: December 2023

Ever since the publication of G. A. Cohen’s essay “If You’re an Egalitarian, How Come You’re So Rich?” the matter of personal responsibility for the amelioration of economic disadvantage has become a question for egalitarian political philosophers to wrestle with both theoretically and personally. This essay examines “the demands of equality” in light of an egalitarian philosophy that focuses on human flourishing. I consider Cohen’s call for personal commitments to the egalitarian project to show both the power and problems of his approach and propose an alternative view, where individuals’ concern for living well involves an engagement with the demands of equality, but also some respite from its strictures.
Hope, Pessimism, and the Shape of a Just Climate Future
Authors: Lenzi Dominic
Published: December 2023

The urgency of climate change has never been greater, nor the moral case for responding to it more compelling. This review essay critically compares Darrel Moellendorf's Mobilizing Hope and Catriona McKinnon's Climate Change and Political Theory. Moellendorf's book defends the moral importance of poverty alleviation through sustainable economic growth and argues for a mass climate movement based on the promise of a more prosperous future. By contrast, McKinnon provides a political vocabulary to articulate the many faces of climate injustice, and to critically examine proposed policy solutions—notably including the indefinite pursuit of economic growth. While both find reasons to be hopeful, their wide-ranging accounts reflect different visions of what a just and sustainable future might look like. They reflect different understandings of sustainable development and the significance of environmental values; the scope of permissible climate activism; and the ethics of geoengineering. Building upon them, I argue in favor of a more pluralistic vision of a just climate future, one that is capable of speaking to the range of moral interests bearing upon the climate and biodiversity crises, and that supports sustainable development that is inclusive of diverse human-nature relationships.
Fine mapping and discovery of candidate genes for rind trait in watermelon
Authors: Wang Zhi Qiang , Du Huiying , Li Cheng
Published: December 2023

Fine mapping and discovery of watermelon rind trait candidate genes are of great significance for modern watermelon breeding and development. In this study, we used the high-resolution genetic mapping and genome-wide genetic variation detection technology, combined with genome survey and sequencing technology, to locate and discover the candidate genes for rind traits of star watermelon varieties ‘Su XuanBai’ and ‘SHLX21’. Firstly, we identified a total of eight quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to watermelon rind traits on chromosome 6. Secondly, a total of 208,240 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 75,345 small Indels (insertions/deletions) were detected in the two parents by high-coverage re-sequencing, respectively. Based on the genetic variation of the two parents and combined with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis using the planta database, the QTL region was reduced to 0.02 Mb. Finally, we identified the six potential regulatory factors for watermelon rind traits using real-time quantitative PCR. In conclusion, our results revealed the fine localization of candidate genes for watermelon rind traits and the successful discovery of candidate genes for regulating watermelon rind traits, which is of importance for watermelon rind traits and breeding-improved watermelon varieties.
Analysis of agro-morphological variability and inter-trait relationships in Ghanaian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) accessions
Authors: Adu Amoah Richard , Nelimor Charles , Gymafi Bright Adu , Boampong Richard , Osei Collins Yeboah , Yeboah Abraham , Sackey Victoria , Ansah Eric Osafo , Awuah Samuel , Mensah Abednego Opoku , Kwateng Yaw , Aboagye Lawrence Misa
Published: December 2023

Germplasm characterization and evaluation are essential for the genetic improvement of crops. In this study, a collection of 204 groundnut accessions including 13 checks held by Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, Ghana were evaluated under optimal conditions for 2 years. The objectives were to characterize the groundnut collection using 18 qualitative and 14 quantitative traits and to determine the relationships between the traits. Combined analysis of variance based on augmented design revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the accessions for majority of the traits. Results of principal component analysis showed that all the quantitative traits were relevant in discriminating the accessions. Primary seed colour was the most diverse qualitative trait based on Shannon diversity index (n = 0.77). Frequency distribution analysis showed predominance of decumbent growth habit and pale tan seeds. Cluster analysis using qualitative traits identified five major groups of accessions and three each based on quantitative traits and joint analysis of quantitative and qualitative traits. Number of main branches (NMB) and pod width (PW) appeared the most important traits with positive contribution to yield based on correlation and path coefficient analysis. Ten promising trait-specific accessions were identified for earliness along with desirable pod and seed traits. GH 9672 and GH 9665 were identified as promising for higher grain and fodder yield. Five accessions (GH 9833, GH 9829, GH 9830, GH 9835 and GH 9750) produced ~5–30% more grain yield than the best check. This study underscored ample phenotypic variation that would ultimately be exploited for genetic improvement of groundnut.
Supernatant of activated platelet-rich plasma rejuvenated aging-induced hyposalivation in mouse
Authors: Kim Sungryeal , Kim Jeong Mi , Jeon Eun Jeong , Kim Ji Won , Choi Mi Eun , Park Jin-Mi , Choi Jeong-Seok
Published: December 2023

Hyposalivation is a common complaint among the elderly, but no established treatment prevents age-induced hyposalivation. Platelet derivatives such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and plasma rich in growth factor (PRGF), are used widely in different areas of regenerative medicine to enhance the wound healing processes. This study examined whether the local injection of the supernatant of activated PRP (saPRP) into the salivary gland (SG) could help prevent aging-induced SG dysfunction and explored the mechanisms responsible for the protective effects on the SG hypofunction. The platelets were separated from the blood of male SD rats (220 ± 20 g). saPRP was manufactured by removing the fibrin clot after activating platelet with calcium ionophore 10 μM (A23187). The total protein and TGF-β1 levels were significantly higher in saPRP than in PRP. Human salivary gland epithelial cell(hSGEC) was treated with saPRP or PRP after senescence through irradiation. The significant proliferation of hSGEC was observed in saPRP treated group compared to irradiation only group and irradiation + PRP group. Cellular senescence, apoptosis, and inflammation significantly reduced in saPRP group. The SG function and structural tissue remodeling by the saPRP were investigated with naturally aged mice. The mice were divided into three groups: 3 months old (3 M), 22 months old (22 M), and 22 months old treated with saPRP (22 M + saPRP). Salivary flow rate and lag time were significantly improved in 22 M + saPRP group compared to 22 M group. The histologic examinations showed the significant proliferation of acinar cell in 22 M + saPRP group. The decrease of senescence, apoptosis, and inflammation observed by western blot in 22 M + saPRP group. The saPRP induced the proliferation of hSGECs, leading to a significant decrease in cellular senescence via decrease inflammation and apoptosis, in vitro. Moreover, the acini cells of the salivary gland were regenerated, and the salivary function increased in aged mice. These results showed that saPRP could be a treatment agent against aging-induced SG dysfunction.
Epidemiology and genetic diversity of Streptococcus suis in smallhold swine farms in the Philippines
Authors: Sedano Susan A. , Cantalejo Mary Grace Concepcion T. , Lapitan Christine Grace Angela R. , de Guzman Angelo Miguel Elijah S. , Consignado Jennielyn T. , Tandang Nancy A. , Estacio Maria Amelita C. , Kerdsin Anusak , Silva Benji Brayan Ilagan
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to determine the presence and characteristics of locally circulating strains of Streptococcus suis, the most important streptococcal pathogen in swine. Oral swab samples were collected from pigs from 664 representative smallhold farms across nine provinces in the Philippines. Isolates were identified and characterized using PCR assays. The study revealed an isolation rate of 15.8% (105/664, 95% CI: 13.0–18.6) among the sampled farms. Two hundred sixty-nine (269) S. suis isolates were recovered from 119 unique samples. Serotype 31 was the most prevalent (50/269, 95% CI: 13.9–23.2) among the other serotypes identified: 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 21, 27, 28, and 29. The detection of the three ‘classical’ S. suis virulence-associated genes showed that 90.7% (244/269, 95% CI: 87.2–94.2) were mrp-/epf-/sly-. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis further revealed 70 novel sequence types (STs). Notably, several local isolates belonging to these novel STs formed clonal complexes (CC) with S. suis strains recovered from Spain and USA, which are major pork-exporting countries to the Philippines. This study functionally marks the national baseline knowledge of S. suis in Philippines.
Proton pump inhibitors and chronic kidney disease risk: a comparative study with histamine-2 receptor antagonists
Authors: Kweon Takhyeon , Kim Yerim , Lee Kyung Joo , Seo Won-Woo , Seo Seung In , Shin Woon Geon , Shin Dong Ho
Published: December 2023

This observational study explored the association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) use and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Using the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) and six-hospital electronic health record (EHR) databases, CKD incidence was analyzed among PPI and H2RA users. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline characteristics, with 1,869 subjects each in the PPI and H2RA groups from the NHIS-NSC, and 5,967 in EHR databases. CKD incidence was similar for both groups (5.72/1000 person-years vs. 7.57/1000 person-years; HR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.35–1.30). A meta-analysis of the EHR databases showed no significant increased CKD risk associated with PPI use (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.87–1.23). These results suggest PPI use may not increase CKD risk compared to H2RA use, but the potential role of PPI-induced CKD needs further research. Clinicians should consider this when prescribing long-term PPI therapy.
Fostering sustainable investments through micro-investing platforms
Authors: Gonzalez-Arcos Claudia , Meath Cristyn , Leszczyc Peter Popkowski , Haruvy Ernan , An Jake
Published: December 2023

We uncover the underlying factors that influence perceived trade-offs between sustainability and financial returns and risks, and the resulting real-world investment behaviour of micro-investors. Given the direct-to-consumer nature of new age investment platforms, the context for our study is framed within a consumer-centric context. Through a survey and conjoint experiment (383 investors), and analysis of actual investment decisions (for 89,744 micro-investors), we show that individual motives—specifically sustainability values and feelings of empowerment—are key drivers for sustainable investments, influencing willingness to forgo financial returns and the duration of investment. We provide practical implications for fostering sustainable investments through micro-investing platforms.