bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate responsibility and humanitarian action. What relations between
the business and humanitarian worlds?
Authors: Carbonnier Gilles
Published: July 2022

Les milieux économiques exercent depuis longtemps une influence majeure
sur l'évolution géopolitique mondiale. Aujourd'hui, la communauté
internationale et les médias s'intéressent de plus près aux questions de
responsabilité des entreprises privées, et depuis peu au rôle des acteurs
économiques dans les conflits armés. En parallèle, de nombreuses compagnies
se sont dotées de codes de conduite qui s'inspirent de normes reconnues au
plan international, notamment dans le domaine du droit du travail et des
droits de l'homme. Sur cette toile de fond, il s'agit de bien cerner les
divers objectifs qui motivent le monde des affaires et les organisations
humanitaires a établir des ponts entre eux.

Les compagnies privées sont amenées à engager du personnel de sécurité
pour protéger leurs installations et leur personnel lorsqu'elles opèrent
dans des zones instables. De ce fait se pose la question de la pertinence du
droit international humanitaire dans le contexte d'activités économiques
privées. Le CICR a décidé de mettre en œuvre une stratégic spécifique envers
lesfirmes qui opèrent en zones conflictuelles, et ce dans le but d'améliorer
sa capacité à protéger et assister les victimes de conflits armés. Cette
stratégie comprend entre autres la promotion des principes humanitaires
fondamentaux ainsi que l'établissement d'un dialogue sur le terrain visant à
sensibiliser les acteurs économiques sur des préoccupations humanitaires
spécifiques.
Humanity: What is it and how does it influence international law?
Authors: Coupland Robin
Published: July 2022

Pour I'auteur, le principe de l'humanité inclut la possibilité et la volonté de réduire la capacité de se livrer à la violence armée et d'en limiter les effets sur la sécurité et la santé. L'humanité ainsi interprétée englobe l'humanitarisme, la moralité, le développement, les droits de l'homme et la sécurité humaine. À ce titre, elle est une des principales sources du droit international en général et du droit international humanitaire en particulier. Dans cet article, l'auteur décrit les conséquences du lien étroit qui existe entre humanité et droit international.
Application du droit international humanitaire par la Cour
interaméricaine des droits de l'homme
Authors: Martin Fanny
Published: July 2022

Does the Inter-American Court of Human Rights has the authority to apply
international humanitarian law in a case before it? The author examines a
recent decision where the Court concludes that it has no power to apply
rules other than the American Convention on Human Rights and general
international law (Las Palmeras case). This decision overturns the position
taken by the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights which concluded that
international humanitarian law must be refered to insofar as human rights
law does not satisfactorily answer the problem. The article examines the
pros and cons of the question, with ample reference to the practice of the
European Court of Human Rights.
The right to food in situations of armed conflict: The legal
framework
Authors: Pejic Jelena
Published: July 2022

La guerre est l'un des obstacles majeurs à la réalisation du droit de
chacun á une alimentation adéquate. Cet article examine les dispositions
pertinentes des différents traités de droit international, qu'elles
appartiennent au droit des droits de l'homme ou au droit international
humanitaire. L'auteur conclut que les instruments de droit international
humanitaire en vigueur ont codifié un corps de règies suffisant pour assurer
une alimentation adéquate aux personnes touchees par un conflit arme.
Contrairement aux traités relatifs aux droits de l'homme, les conventions de
droit humanitaire ne créent pas des droits subjectifs pour les personnes
concernées, mais des obligations qui lient les États.
Biodegradable and biobased mulch residues had limited impacts on soil properties but reduced yield of the following crop in a low fertility soil
Authors: Reid E. V. , Samuelson M. B. , Blanco-Canqui H. , Drijber R. , Kadoma I. , Wortman S. E.
Published: July 2022

Biodegradable and biobased mulch films and fabrics (BDMs) are potentially sustainable alternatives to polyethylene plastic mulch film (PE) in vegetable production because BDMs can be incorporated into the soil by tillage at the end of the growing season for decomposition. However, grower adoption has been limited in part by concerns about slow degradation rates and possible adverse effects on soil health and productivity. The objective of this study was to measure the effects of soil incorporated residues from two BDMs and compost on soil chemical and physical properties and vegetable crop yield across two diverse locations [Lincoln (LNK) and Scottsbluff (SBF), NE, USA] during a 2-yr study. The BDMs, including a polylactic acid biofabric with embedded wood particles (PLA; 1.14 mm thick and 298 g m−2), and a starch-polyester bioplastic mulch film (STP; 0.015 mm thick and 20 g m−2), were applied in May 2017 for vegetable production. Mulches were incorporated in soil by tillage in September 2017 in half of the experimental plots and removed in the other half as a control. Compost was applied in fall 2017 and 2018 at rates between 42 and 60 Mg ha−1 to establish high and low (no compost) fertility soil environments within each location. Sweet corn (Zea mays) was grown in 2018 and cabbage (Brassica oleraceae) in 2019, and yield data were collected. The soil was sampled at ~6 month intervals for two years. The BDM residues had little effect on soil pH, organic matter or physical properties, but the incorporation of PLA in the soil at SBF reduced soil nitrate 6 months after the incorporation of residues. Nitrogen immobilization likely contributed to the 16% ± 5% reduction in sweet corn yield observed at SBF in plots without compost where BDM residues were incorporated compared to removed. No additional yield differences were detected in sweet corn (2018) or cabbage (2019) across locations or treatments, which suggests that BDM residues are less likely to immobilize nitrogen and reduce yield in high fertility soil environments. Given the potential environmental benefits of BDMs as an alternative to PE, future research should seek to mitigate the negative effects of BDM residues on crop yield, particularly in lower fertility soils.
Seashells and Penguin Bones Reveal Thwaites Glacier’s Quiet Past
Authors: Barbuzano Javier
Published: July 2022

Antarctica’s Thwaites and Pine Island Glaciers are melting faster than they have in the past 5,500 years, new evidence shows. Against expectations, their pasts have been remarkably stable.
The shaping of cancer genomes with the regional impact of mutation processes
Authors: Lee Soo-Youn , Wang Han , Cho Hae Jin , Xi Ruibin , Kim Tae-Min
Published: July 2022

Mutation signature analysis has been used to infer the contributions of various DNA mutagenic-repair events in individual cancer genomes. Here, we build a statistical framework using a multinomial distribution to assign individual mutations to their cognate mutation signatures. We applied it to 47 million somatic mutations in 1925 publicly available cancer genomes to obtain a mutation signature map at the resolution of individual somatic mutations. Based on mutation signature-level genetic-epigenetic correlative analyses, mutations with transcriptional and replicative strand asymmetries show different enrichment patterns across genomes, and “transcribed” chromatin states and gene boundaries are particularly vulnerable to transcription-coupled repair activities. While causative processes of cancer-driving mutations can be diverse, as shown for converging effects of multiple mutational processes on TP53 mutations, the substantial fraction of recurrently mutated amino acids points to specific mutational processes, e.g., age-related C-to-T transition for KRAS p.G12 mutations. Our investigation of evolutionary trajectories with respect to mutation signatures further revealed that candidate pairs of early- vs. late-operative mutation processes in cancer genomes represent evolutionary dynamics of multiple mutational processes in the shaping of cancer genomes. We also observed that the local mutation clusters of kataegis often include mutations arising from multiple mutational processes, suggestive of a locally synchronous impact of multiple mutational processes on cancer genomes. Taken together, our examination of the genome-wide landscape of mutation signatures at the resolution of individual somatic mutations shows the spatially and temporally distinct mutagenesis-repair-replication histories of various mutational processes and their effects on shaping cancer genomes.
m6A methyltransferase METTL3-induced lncRNA SNHG17 promotes lung adenocarcinoma gefitinib resistance by epigenetically repressing LATS2 expression
Authors: Zhang Heng , Wang Shao-Qiang , Wang Li , Lin Hang , Zhu Jie-Bo , Chen Ri , Li Lin-Feng , Cheng Yuan-Da , Duan Chao-Jun , Zhang Chun-Fang
Published: July 2022

Gefitinib has been widely applied for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the long-term application of gefitinib usually leads to acquired drug resistance in tumour patients, resulting in clinical treatment failure. Small nucleolar host gene 17 (SNHG17) has been shown to play a regulatory role in LUAD progression. Nevertheless, the role of SNHG17 in LUAD gefitinib resistance remains elusive. The expression pattern of SNHG17 was examined in tissues and cell lines of gefitinib-sensitive and gefitinib-resistant LUAD, respectively. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were employed to assess the biological functions of SNHG17 in cell proliferation and apoptosis, as well as aggressive phenotypes of LUAD cells. MeRIP-qPCR and colorimetric quantificational analysis were performed to detect m6A modifications and contents. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and subcellular fractionation analysis were used to reveal the distribution of SNHG17. RIP and ChIP assays were performed to further validate the SNHG17/EZH2/LATS2 regulatory axis. A xenograft tumour growth assay was conducted to evaluate the role of SNHG17 in LUAD gefitinib resistance in vivo. SNHG17 was upregulated in gefitinib-resistant LUAD tissues and cell lines. Functional assays showed that SNHG17 aggravated the malignant phenotypes of gefitinib-resistant LUAD cells. In addition, METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine modification could induce the upregulation of SNHG17by stabilising its RNA transcript. Mechanistically, SNHG17 epigenetically repressed the expression of LATS2 by recruiting EZH2 to the promoter region of LATS2. The regulatory role of the SNHG17/EZH2/LATS2 axis in LUAD gefitinib resistance was further supported in vivo. Collectively, our findings suggested that SNHG17 induced by METTL3 could promote LUAD gefitinib resistance by epigenetically repressing LATS2 expression.
Palmitic acid control of ciliogenesis modulates insulin signaling in hypothalamic neurons through an autophagy-dependent mechanism
Authors: Ávalos Yenniffer , Hernández-Cáceres María Paz , Lagos Pablo , Pinto-Nuñez Daniela , Rivera Patricia , Burgos Paulina , Díaz-Castro Francisco , Joy-Immediato Michelle , Venegas-Zamora Leslye , Lopez-Gallardo Erik , Kretschmar Catalina , Batista-Gonzalez Ana , Cifuentes-Araneda Flavia , Toledo-Valenzuela Lilian , Rodriguez-Peña Marcelo , Espinoza-Caicedo Jasson , Perez-Leighton Claudio , Bertocchi Cristina , Cerda Mauricio , Troncoso Rodrigo , Parra Valentina , Budini Mauricio , Burgos Patricia V. , Criollo Alfredo , Morselli Eugenia
Published: July 2022

Palmitic acid (PA) is significantly increased in the hypothalamus of mice, when fed chronically with a high-fat diet (HFD). PA impairs insulin signaling in hypothalamic neurons, by a mechanism dependent on autophagy, a process of lysosomal-mediated degradation of cytoplasmic material. In addition, previous work shows a crosstalk between autophagy and the primary cilium (hereafter cilium), an antenna-like structure on the cell surface that acts as a signaling platform for the cell. Ciliopathies, human diseases characterized by cilia dysfunction, manifest, type 2 diabetes, among other features, suggesting a role of the cilium in insulin signaling. Cilium depletion in hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons triggers obesity and insulin resistance in mice, the same phenotype as mice deficient in autophagy in POMC neurons. Here we investigated the effect of chronic consumption of HFD on cilia; and our results indicate that chronic feeding with HFD reduces the percentage of cilia in hypothalamic POMC neurons. This effect may be due to an increased amount of PA, as treatment with this saturated fatty acid in vitro reduces the percentage of ciliated cells and cilia length in hypothalamic neurons. Importantly, the same effect of cilia depletion was obtained following chemical and genetic inhibition of autophagy, indicating autophagy is required for ciliogenesis. We further demonstrate a role for the cilium in insulin sensitivity, as cilium loss in hypothalamic neuronal cells disrupts insulin signaling and insulin-dependent glucose uptake, an effect that correlates with the ciliary localization of the insulin receptor (IR). Consistently, increased percentage of ciliated hypothalamic neuronal cells promotes insulin signaling, even when cells are exposed to PA. Altogether, our results indicate that, in hypothalamic neurons, impairment of autophagy, either by PA exposure, chemical or genetic manipulation, cause cilia loss that impairs insulin sensitivity.
Health professionals’ views and experiences of the Australian moratorium on genetic testing and life insurance: A qualitative study
Authors: Dowling Grace , Tiller Jane , McInerney-Leo Aideen , Belcher Andrea , Haining Casey , Barlow-Stewart Kristine , Boughtwood Tiffany , Gleeson Penny , Delatycki Martin B. , Winship Ingrid , Otlowski Margaret , Jacobs Chris , Keogh Louise , Lacaze Paul
Published: July 2022

Australian life insurance companies can legally use genetic test results in underwriting, which can lead to genetic discrimination. In 2019, the Financial Services Council (Australian life insurance industry governing body) introduced a partial moratorium restricting the use of genetic testing in underwriting policies ≤ $500,000 (active 2019–2024). Health professionals (HPs), especially clinical geneticists and genetic counsellors, often discuss the implications of genetic testing with patients, and provide critical insights into the effectiveness of the moratorium. Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, we interviewed 23 Australian HPs, who regularly discuss genetic testing with patients and had previously completed an online survey about genetic testing and life insurance. Interviews explored views and experiences about the moratorium, and regulation, in greater depth. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Two key themes emerged from views expressed by HPs during interviews (about matters reported to or observed by them): 1) benefits of the moratorium, and 2) concerns about the moratorium. While HPs reported that the moratorium reassures some consumers, concerns include industry self-regulation, uncertainty created by the temporary time period, and the inadequacy of the moratorium’s financial limits for patients’ financial needs. Although a minority of HPs felt the current industry self-regulated moratorium is an adequate solution to genetic discrimination, the vast majority (19/23) expressed concern with industry self-regulation and most felt government regulation is required to adequately protect consumers. HPs in Australia are concerned about the adequacy of the FSC moratorium with regards to consumer protections, and suggest government regulation is required.
A Transparent Electrode Based on Solution-Processed ZnO for Organic Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Chen Zhi , Wang Jie , Wu Hongbo , Yang Jianming , Wang Yikai , Zhang Jing , Bao Qinye , Wang Ming , Ma Zaifei , Tress Wolfgang , Tang Zheng
Published: July 2022

Achieving high-efficiency indium tin oxide (ITO)-free organic optoelectronic devices requires the development of high-conductivity and high-transparency materials for being used as the front electrode. Herein, sol-gel-grown zinc oxide (ZnO) films with high conductivity (460 S cm−1) and low optical absorption losses in both visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectral regions are realized utilizing the persistent photoinduced doping effect. The origin of the increased conductivity after photo-doping is ascribed to selective trapping of photogenerated holes by oxygen vacancies at the surface of the ZnO film. Then, the conductivity of the sol-gel-grown ZnO is further increased by stacking the ZnO using a newly developed sequential deposition strategy. Finally, the stacked ZnO is used as the cathode to construct ITO-free organic solar cells, photodetectors, and light emitting diodes: The devices based on ZnO outperform those based on ITO, owing to the reduced surface recombination losses at the cathode/active layer interface, and the reduced parasitic absorption losses in the electrodes of the ZnO based devices.
Breaking the fundamental scattering limit with gain metasurfaces
Authors: Qian Chao , Yang Yi , Hua Yifei , Wang Chan , Lin Xiao , Cai Tong , Ye Dexin , Li Erping , Kaminer Ido , Chen Hongsheng
Published: July 2022

A long-held tenet in physics asserts that particles interacting with light suffer from a fundamental limit to their scattering cross section, referred to as the single-channel scattering limit. This notion, appearing in all one, two, and three dimensions, severely limits the interaction strength between all types of passive resonators and photonic environments and thus constrains a plethora of applications in bioimaging, sensing, and photovoltaics. Here, we propose a route to overcome this limit by exploiting gain media. We show that when an excited resonance is critically coupled to the desired scattering channel, an arbitrarily large scattering cross section can be achieved in principle. From a transient analysis, we explain the formation and relaxation of this phenomenon and compare it with the degeneracy-induced multi-channel superscattering, whose temporal behaviors have been usually overlooked. To experimentally test our predictions, we design a two-dimensional resonator encircled by gain metasurfaces incorporating negative- resistance components and demonstrate that the scattering cross section exceeds the single- channel limit by more than 40-fold. Our findings verify the possibility of stronger scattering beyond the fundamental scattering limit and herald a novel class of light-matter interactions enabled by gain metasurfaces.
Photocatalytic dehydrogenative C-C coupling of acetonitrile to succinonitrile
Authors: Zhou Xian , Gao Xiaofeng , Liu Mingjie , Gao Zirui , Qin Xuetao , Xu Wenhao , Ye Shitong , Zhou Wenhua , Fan Haoan , Li Jing , Fan Shurui , Yang Lei , Fu Jie , Xiao Dequan , Lin Lili , Ma Ding , Yao Siyu
Published: July 2022

The coupling of acetonitrile into succinonitrile, an important terminal dinitrile for value-added nylon production, via a dehydrogenative route is highly attractive, as it combines the valuable chemical synthesis with the production of green hydrogen energy. Here, we demonstrate that it is possible to achieve a highly selective light driven dehydrogenative coupling of acetonitrile molecules to synthesize succinonitrile using anatase TiO2 based photocatalysts in aqueous medium under mild conditions. Under optimized conditions, the formation rate of succinonitrile reaches 6.55 mmol/(gcat*h), with over 97.5% selectivity to target product. Mechanism studies reveal that water acts as cocatalyst in the reaction. The excited hole of anatase semiconductor oxidizes water forming hydroxyl radical, which subsequently assists the cleavage of sp3 C-H bond of acetonitrile to generate ·CH2CN radical for further C-C coupling. The synergy between TiO2 and Pt cocatalyst is important to enhance the succinonitrile selectivity and prevent undesirable over-oxidation and hydrolysis. This work offers an alternative route to prepare succinonitrile based on renewable energy under mild conditions and avoid the use of toxic reagents and stoichiometric oxidative radical initiators.
Inverse altitude effect disputes the theoretical foundation of stable isotope paleoaltimetry
Authors: Jing Zhaowei , Yu Wusheng , Lewis Stephen , Thompson Lonnie G. , Xu Jie , Zhang Jingyi , Xu Baiqing , Wu Guangjian , Ma Yaoming , Wang Yong , Guo Rong
Published: July 2022

Stable isotope paleoaltimetry that reconstructs paleoelevation requires stable isotope (δD or δ18O) values to follow the altitude effect. Some studies found that the δD or δ18O values of surface isotopic carriers in some regions increase with increasing altitude, which is defined as an “inverse altitude effect” (IAE). The IAE directly contradicts the basic theory of stable isotope paleoaltimetry. However, the causes of the IAE remain unclear. Here, we explore the mechanisms of the IAE from an atmospheric circulation perspective using δD in water vapor on a global scale. We find that two processes cause the IAE: (1) the supply of moisture with higher isotopic values from distant source regions, and (2) intense lateral mixing between the lower and mid-troposphere along the moisture transport pathway. Therefore, we caution that the influences of those two processes need careful consideration for different mountain uplift stages before using stable isotope palaeoaltimetry.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of phonophoresis on patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Yang Fu-An , Chen Hung-Lun , Peng Chih-Wei , Liou Tsan-Hon , Escorpizo Reuben , Chen Hung-Chou
Published: July 2022

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effect of phonophoresis when various gel types were used. Medline (using PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were used to search for relevant studies from the date of their inception to June 28, 2021. We included studies that were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), included patients with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis, included treatment with either phonophoresis or therapeutic ultrasound with placebo gel, and reported clinical and functional outcomes. Continuous variables are expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. We initially retrieved 2176 studies and finally analyzed nine RCTs including 423 patients. The intervention group significantly outperformed the control group in pain scores with NSAID gel (SMD = − 0.53, 95% CI [− 1.02, − 0.05], I2 = 73%) and in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) function score with corticosteroid gel (SMD = − 0.96, 95% CI [− 1.47, − 0.44], I2 = 20%). Phonophoresis alleviated pain and improved functional performance. Because of some limitations of this study, additional high-quality, large-scale RCTs are required to confirm the benefits.
100 Million-year-old straight-jawed lacewing larvae with enormously inflated trunks represent the oldest cases of extreme physogastry in insects
Authors: Haug Joachim T. , Haug Carolin
Published: July 2022

Physogastry is a phenomenon occurring in Euarthropoda and describes an extreme inflation of (parts of) the trunk. It is best known from ticks, termite queens, or honey-pot ants, but can also be found in several other representatives of Euarthropoda. Physogastry has so far rarely been seen in the fossil record. We describe here an example of physogastry in two lacewing larvae (Neuroptera) enclosed in a single piece of Kachin amber (ca. 100 Ma old). We measured head and trunk ratios of different physogastric and non-physogastric representatives of Euarthropoda. Plotting these ratios shows that the new larvae, which display quite extremely inflated trunks, are very similar to ticks or honey-pot ants, but also to certain lacewing larvae of the group Berothidae (beaded lacewings). Outline analysis of head capsule and mouthparts (stylets) further suggests a position within Berothidae. Physogastry is presumed to be linked with living in confined spaces such as wood galleries or soil. Indeed, at least some larvae of Berothidae are known to live inside termite nests for part of their larval life phase, a habit the new larvae may also have had. The new record represents the oldest case of extreme physogastry in insects known to date.
Ordering and topological defects in social wasps’ nests
Authors: Krishna Shivani , Gopinath Apoorva , Bhattacharjee Somendra M.
Published: July 2022

Social insects have evolved a variety of architectural formations. Bees and wasps are well known for their ability to achieve compact structures by building hexagonal cells.Polistes wattii, an open nesting paper wasp species, builds planar hexagonal structures. Here, using the pair correlation function approach, we show that their nests exhibit short-range hexagonal order (no long-range order) akin to amorphous materials. Hexagonal orientational order was well preserved globally. We also show the presence of topological defects such as dislocations (pentagon-heptagon disclination pairs) and Stone-Wales quadrupoles, and discuss how these defects were organised in the nest, thereby restoring order. Furthermore, we suggest the possible role of such defects in shaping nesting architectures of other social insect species.
Expression of antioxidant enzymes in lesions of multiple sclerosis and its models
Authors: Moezzi Dorsa , Dong Yifei , Jain Rajiv W. , Lozinski Brian M. , Ghorbani Samira , D’Mello Charlotte , Wee Yong V.
Published: July 2022

Oxidative stress promotes tissue injury in the central nervous system in neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). To protect against this, antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), peroxiredoxin-5 (PRDX5) and glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPX4) may be upregulated. However, whether antioxidant enzyme elevation in mouse models of neurodegeneration corresponds to their expression in human diseases such as MS requires investigation. Here, we analyzed and compared the expression of SOD1, HO-1, PRDX5 and GPX4 in the murine spinal cord of three models of MS: focal lesions induced by (1) oxidized phosphatidylcholine or (2) lysophosphatidylcholine (lysolecithin), and (3) diffuse lesions of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Notably, CD68+ microglia/macrophages were the predominant cellular populations that expressed the highest levels of the detected antioxidant enzymes. Overall, the expression patterns of antioxidant enzymes across the models were similar. The increase of these antioxidant enzymes was corroborated in MS brain tissue using spatial RNA sequencing. Collectively, these results show that antioxidant capacity is relatively conserved between mouse models and MS lesions, and suggest a need to investigate whether the antioxidant elevation in microglia/macrophages is a protective response during oxidative injury, neurodegeneration, and MS.
Biocompatibility of novel albumin-aldehyde surgical adhesive
Authors: Szymanski Lukasz , Gołaszewska Kamila , Wiatrowska Anna , Dropik Monika , Krakowiak Patrycja , Małkowska Justyna , Matak Damian
Published: July 2022

Many medical procedures could benefit from the use of tissue sealants which allow for reduced surgery time, limited blood loss, easier tissue handling, and fewer postoperative complications. The safety and biocompatibility of surgical sealants are of paramount importance therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the biocompatibility of NE’X Glue Surgical Adhesive. Chemical characterization (VOC and elements), cytotoxicity (MEM elution), genotoxicity (AMES and MLA), endotoxin contamination, sensitization potential, intracutaneous reactivity, acute and subchronic systemic toxicity with implantation as well as pyrogenicity were evaluated to investigate the biocompatibility of the NE’X Glue Surgical Adhesive. Studies were conducted according to ISO 10993 standards. The biocompatibility requirements with accordance to ISO 10993-1 for NE'X Glue were met. In vitro studies showed that NE'X Glue surgical adhesive is non-cytotoxic and non-mutagenic. Also, in vivo studies demonstrated that NE'X Glue shows no signs of toxicity, has no pyrogenic potential, and is non-sensitizing and non-irritating. The chemical characterization showed that no compounds were identified above Analytical Evaluation Threshold (AET), and no elements with concentrations higher than element-specific PDE (µg/day) were detected. NE'X Glue Surgical Adhesive is a versatile and promising new surgical sealant with a wide range of potential applications and very good biocompatibility.
Cooperative phenotype predicts climate change belief and pro-environmental behaviour
Authors: Claessens Scott , Kelly Daniel , Sibley Chris G. , Chaudhuri Ananish , Atkinson Quentin D.
Published: July 2022

Understanding the psychological causes of variation in climate change belief and pro-environmental behaviour remains an urgent challenge for the social sciences. The “cooperative phenotype” is a stable psychological preference for cooperating in social dilemmas that involve a tension between individual and collective interest. Since climate change poses a social dilemma on a global scale, this issue may evoke similar psychological processes as smaller social dilemmas. Here, we investigate the relationships between the cooperative phenotype and climate change belief and behaviour with a representative sample of New Zealanders (N = 897). By linking behaviour in a suite of economic games to self-reported climate attitudes, we show robust positive associations between the cooperative phenotype and both climate change belief and pro-environmental behaviour. Furthermore, our structural equation models support a motivated reasoning account in which the relationship between the cooperative phenotype and pro-environmental behaviour is mediated by climate change belief. These findings suggest that common psychological mechanisms underlie cooperation in both micro-scale social dilemmas and larger-scale social dilemmas like climate change.
Carrier dynamics in (Ga,In)(Sb,Bi)/GaSb quantum wells for laser applications in the mid-infrared spectral range
Authors: Rogowicz E. , Kopaczek J. , Polak M. P. , Delorme O. , Cerutti L. , Tournié E. , Rodriguez J.-B. , Kudrawiec R. , Syperek M.
Published: July 2022

We present experimental studies on low-temperature ($$T={4.2}\hbox { K}$$

T
=

4.2

K

) carrier dynamics in (Ga,In)(Sb,Bi)/GaSb quantum wells (QWs) with the nominal In content of 3.7% and the Bi ranging from 6 to 8%. The photoreflectance experiment revealed the QW bandgap evolution with $$-{33}\pm {1}\hbox { meV}/\hbox {at}$$

-
33
±
1

meV
/
at

% Bi, which resulted in the bandgap tunability roughly between 629 and $${578}\hbox { meV}$$

578

meV

, setting up the photon emission wavelength between 1.97 and $${2.2}\,\upmu \hbox {m}$$

2.2

μ
m

. The photoluminescence experiment showed a relatively small 3–10$$\hbox { meV}$$

meV

Stokes shift regarding the fundamental QW absorption edge, indicating the exciton localisation beneath the QW mobility edge. The localised state’s distribution, being the origin of the PL, determined carrier dynamics in the QWs probed directly by the time-resolved photoluminescence and transient reflectivity. The intraband carrier relaxation time to the QW ground state, following the non-resonant excitation, occurred within 3–25$$\hbox { ps}$$

ps

and was nearly independent of the Bi content. However, the interband relaxation showed a strong time dispersion across the PL emission band and ranging nearly between 150 and $${950}\hbox { ps}$$

950

ps

, indicating the carrier transfer among the localised state’s distribution. Furthermore, the estimated linear dispersion variation parameter significantly decreased from $$\Delta \tau \approx {20}$$

Δ
τ
≈
20

to $${10}\hbox { ps}/\hbox {meV}$$

10

ps
/
meV

with increasing the Bi content, manifested the increasing role of the non-radiative recombination processes with Bi in the QWs.
Strong interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya induced in Co due to contact with NiO
Authors: Kowacz M. , Mazalski P. , Sveklo I. , Matczak M. , Anastaziak B. , Guzowska U. , Dhiman A. K. , Madej E. , Maziewski A. , Kuświk P. , Gieniusz R.
Published: July 2022

The magnetic properties of NiO/Co/Pt as a function of Co layer thickness were investigated by polar magneto-optical Kerr effect (PMOKE) (magnetometry and microscopy) and Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) spectroscopy. PMOKE measurements revealed strong surface anisotropy (1.8 mJ/m2) favoring perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and asymmetric domain wall propagation explained by anticlockwise chirality. BLS measurements show that this chirality is induced by strong interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (+ 2.0 pJ/m). This is one of the highest values reported so far for Co layers surrounded by different layers. The observed chirality is opposite to what has been found in Co/oxide interfaces. These results and data published earlier, indicate that the strength of interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction increases with the amount of stoichiometric NiO. Therefore, this work shows that NiO is the source of the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction.
The method of lines extension for the analysis of multilayered graphene-loaded structures in cylindrical coordinates
Authors: Mehrdadian Ali , Forooraghi Keyvan , Bideskan Mehri Ziaee
Published: July 2022

In this paper the extended method of lines (E-MoL) is proposed for the analysis of multilayer graphene-loaded three dimensional structures in cylindrical coordinates. Accordingly, the impedance and admittance matrices are defined as the ratios of the electric and magnetic fields at each plane of the stack. The impedance and admittance parameters are transformed from the input to the output of the structure through layers and interfaces, from which, the scattering parameters are extracted. It is assumed that there is an anisotropic graphene layer at the interface of two successive layers. The impedance and admittance transformations at the interfaces are extracted in the cylindrical coordinates. Then the impedance and admittance values at all planes of the stack and consequently, the scattering parameters of the whole structure are derived. To validate the presented method, two validation benchmarks are provided at the microwave frequency band. A circular waveguide and a coaxial cable loaded with graphene plates are analyzed and the results are compared with those of CST simulation software which show good accordance. It is observed that the E-MoL, as a semi-analytical semi-numerical method, is much more time-efficient than the CST software numerical procedure.
Synthesis of innovative triphenylamine-functionalized organic photosensitizers outperformed the benchmark dye N719 for high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Badawy Safa A. , Abdel-Latif Ehab , Fadda Ahmed A. , Elmorsy Mohamed R.
Published: July 2022

Herein, we present a thorough photovoltaic investigation of four triphenylamine organic sensitizers with D–π–A configurations and compare their photovoltaic performances to the conventional ruthenium-based sensitizer N719. SFA-5–8 are synthesized and utilized as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. The effects of the donor unit (triphenylamine), π-conjugation bridge (thiophene ring), and various acceptors (phenylacetonitrile and 2-cyanoacetamide derivatives) were investigated. Moreover, this was asserted by profound calculations of HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) and LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) energy levels, the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), and natural bond orbital (NBO) that had been studied for the TPA-sensitizers. Theoretical density functional theory (DFT) was performed to study the distribution of electron density between donor and acceptor moieties. The sensitization by the absorption of sensitizers SFA-5–8 leads to an obvious enhancement in the visible light absorption (300–750 nm) as well as a higher photovoltaic efficiency in the range of (5.53–7.56%). Under optimized conditions, SFA-7 showed outstanding sensitization of nanocrystalline TiO2, resulting in enhancing the visible light absorption and upgrading the power conversion efficiency (PCE) to approximately 7.56% over that reported for the N719 (7.29%). Remarkably, SFA-7 outperformed N719 by 4% in the total conversion efficiency. Significantly, the superior performance of SFA-7 could be mainly ascribed to the higher short-circuit photocurrents (Jsc) in parallel with larger open-circuit voltages (Voc) and more importantly, the presence of different anchoring moieties that could enhance the ability to fill the gaps on the surface of the TiO2 semiconductor. That could be largely reflected in the overall enhancement in the device efficiency. Moreover, the theoretical electronic and photovoltaic properties of all studied sensitizers have been compared with experimental results. All the 2-cyanoacrylamide derivative sensitizers demonstrated robust photovoltaic performance.
Analytical solutions of PDEs by unique polynomials for peristaltic flow of heated Rabinowitsch fluid through an elliptic duct
Authors: Akhtar Salman , Shahzad Muhammad Hasnain , Nadeem Sohail , Awan Aziz Ullah , Almutairi Shahah , Ghazwani Hassan Ali , Sayed Mohamed Mahmoud
Published: July 2022

In this research, we have considered the convective heat transfer analysis on peristaltic flow of Rabinowitsch fluid through an elliptical cross section duct. The Pseudoplastic and Dilatant characteristics of non-Newtonian fluid flow are analyzed in detail. The Rabinowitsch fluid model shows Pseudoplastic fluid nature for $$\sigma > 0$$

σ
>
0

and Dilatant fluid behaviour for $$\sigma < 0.$$

σ
<
0
.

The governing equations are transformed to dimensionless form after substituting pertinent parameters and by applying the long wavelength approximation. The non-dimensional momentum and energy equations are solved analytically to obtain the exact velocity and exact temperature solutions of the flow. A novel polynomial of order six having ten constants is introduced first time in this study to solve the energy equation exactly for Rabinowitsch fluid flow through an elliptic domain. The analytically acquired solutions are studied graphically for the effective analysis of the flow. The flow is found to diminish quickly in the surrounding conduit boundary for Dilatant fluid as compared to the Pseudoplastic fluid. The temperature depicted the opposite nature for Pseudoplastic and Dilatant fluids. The flow is examined to plot the streamlines for both Pseudoplastic and Dilatant fluids by rising the flow rate.
High prevalence of mgrB-mediated colistin resistance among carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is associated with biofilm formation, and can be overcome by colistin-EDTA combination therapy
Authors: Shein Aye Mya Sithu , Wannigama Dhammika Leshan , Higgins Paul G. , Hurst Cameron , Abe Shuichi , Hongsing Parichart , Chantaravisoot Naphat , Saethang Thammakorn , Luk-in Sirirat , Liao Tingting , Nilgate Sumanee , Rirerm Ubolrat , Kueakulpattana Naris , Srisakul Sukrit , Aryukarn Apichaya , Laowansiri Matchima , Hao Lee Yin , Yonpiam Manta , Ragupathi Naveen Kumar Devanga , Techawiwattanaboon Teerasit , Ngamwongsatit Natharin , Amarasiri Mohan , Ounjai Puey , Kupwiwat Rosalyn , Phattharapornjaroen Phatthranit , Badavath Vishnu Nayak , Leelahavanichkul Asada , Kicic Anthony , Chatsuwan Tanittha
Published: July 2022

The global prevalence of colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (ColRkp) facilitated by chromosomal and plasmid-mediated Ara4N or PEtN-remodeled LPS alterations has steadily increased with increased colistin usage for treating carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRkp). Our study demonstrated the rising trend of ColRkp showing extensively and pandrug-resistant characteristics among CRkp, with a prevalence of 28.5%, which was mediated by chromosomal mgrB, pmrB, or phoQ mutations (91.5%), and plasmid-mediated mcr-1.1, mcr-8.1, mcr-8.2 alone or in conjunction with R256G PmrB (8.5%). Several genetic alterations in mgrB (85.1%) with increased expressions of Ara4N-related phoPQ and pmrK were critical for establishing colistin resistance in our isolates. In this study, we discovered the significant associations between extensively drug-resistant bacteria (XDR) and pandrug-resistant bacteria (PDR) ColRkp in terms of moderate, weak or no biofilm-producing abilities, and altered expressions of virulence factors. These ColRkp would therefore be very challenging to treat, emphasizing for innovative therapy to combat these infections. Regardless of the underlying colistin-resistant mechanisms, colistin-EDTA combination therapy in this study produced potent synergistic effects in both in vitro and in vivo murine bacteremia, with no ColRkp regrowth and improved animal survival, implying the significance of colistin-EDTA combination therapy as systemic therapy for unlocking colistin resistance in ColRkp-associated bacteremia.
Prediction algorithm for ICU mortality and length of stay using machine learning
Authors: Iwase Shinya , Nakada Taka-aki , Shimada Tadanaga , Oami Takehiko , Shimazui Takashi , Takahashi Nozomi , Yamabe Jun , Yamao Yasuo , Kawakami Eiryo
Published: July 2022

Machine learning can predict outcomes and determine variables contributing to precise prediction, and can thus classify patients with different risk factors of outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the predictive accuracy for mortality and length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) patients using machine learning, and to identify the variables contributing to the precise prediction or classification of patients. Patients (n = 12,747) admitted to the ICU at Chiba University Hospital were randomly assigned to the training and test cohorts. After learning using the variables on admission in the training cohort, the area under the curve (AUC) was analyzed in the test cohort to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the supervised machine learning classifiers, including random forest (RF) for outcomes (primary outcome, mortality; secondary outcome, length of ICU stay). The rank of the variables that contributed to the machine learning prediction was confirmed, and cluster analysis of the patients with risk factors of mortality was performed to identify the important variables associated with patient outcomes. Machine learning using RF revealed a high predictive value for mortality, with an AUC of 0.945 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.922–0.977). In addition, RF showed high predictive value for short and long ICU stays, with AUCs of 0.881 (95% CI 0.876–0.908) and 0.889 (95% CI 0.849–0.936), respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was identified as a variable contributing to the precise prediction in machine learning for both mortality and length of ICU stay. LDH was also identified as a contributing variable to classify patients into sub-populations based on different risk factors of mortality. The machine learning algorithm could predict mortality and length of stay in ICU patients with high accuracy. LDH was identified as a contributing variable in mortality and length of ICU stay prediction and could be used to classify patients based on mortality risk.
Solid-state bonding behavior between surface-nanostructured Cu and Au: a molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Tatsumi Hiroaki , Kao C. R. , Nishikawa Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

In recent years, solid-state bonding has attracted attention for various electronic packaging applications as an alternative to conventional solders. Surface-nanostructured materials enable solid-state bonding without complex surface modifications and operate at a low bonding temperature and pressure. Therefore, in this study, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the solid-state bonding behavior between surface-nanostructured Cu and Au, with a focus on diffusion phenomena. A periodic ligament-cavity nanostructured Cu (NS-Cu) model was prepared at the bonding interface between Cu and Au slabs. The simulation results indicated that the larger the specific surface area of NS-Cu, the faster the densification at the bonding interface. Atomic displacement analysis showed that rapid densification occurred via the displacement of Cu and Au atoms in the vicinity of NS-Cu. The preferential diffusion of atoms along NS-Cu cavities contributed to this phenomenon. At this stage of densification, the diffusion coefficients were higher than the surface diffusion coefficients estimated based on literature, which indicates that this behavior is specific to surface-nanostructured materials. The highly disordered atomic arrangement at the bonding interface enabled significant atomic diffusion. Therefore, this study confirmed that the use of surface-nanostructured materials would contribute to a promising bonding technology for application in electronics.
High-performance Mach–Zehnder modulator using tailored plasma dispersion effects in an ITO/graphene-based waveguide
Authors: Mohammadi-Pouyan Sohrab , Bahadori-Haghighi Shahram , Heidari Mohsen , Abbott Derek
Published: July 2022

A high-performance electro-optic Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM) with outstanding characteristics is proposed. The MZM is in a push-pull configuration that is constructed using an ITO/graphene-based silicon waveguide. A novel idea for engineering of the plasma dispersion effect in an ITO/graphene-based waveguide is proposed so that the modulation characteristics of the MZM are highly improved. Plasma dispersion effects of ITO and graphene layers are tailored in such a way that a large difference between real parts of guided mode effective index of the two arms is achieved while their corresponding imaginary parts are equal. As a result, a very low $${{\mathrm {V}}}_{\pi }L_{\pi }$$

V
π

L
π

of $$10 \, \hbox {V} \upmu \hbox {m}$$

10

V
μ
m

is achieved. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the lowest $${{\mathrm {V}}}_{\pi }L_{\pi }$$

V
π

L
π

reported for an electro-optic modulator. In addition, the proposed modulator exhibits a very high extinction ratio of more than 30 dB, low insertion loss of 2.8 dB and energy consumption of as low as 10 fJ/bit, which are all promising for optical communication and processing systems.
Forms of application of silicon in quinoa and benefits involved in the association between productivity with grain biofortification
Authors: Lata-Tenesaca Luis Felipe , de Mello Prado Renato , de Cássia Piccolo Marisa , da Silva Dalila Lopes , da Silva José Lucas Farias , Ajila-Celi Gabriela Eugenia
Published: July 2022

Multiple aspects of the physiological and nutritional mechanisms involved with silicon (Si) absorption by quinoa plants remain poorly investigated, as well as the best way of supplying this element to crops. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating whether the application of Si increases its uptake by quinoa plants and consequently the use efficiency of N and P, as well as the levels of phenolic compounds in the leaves, crop productivity and the biofortification of grains. For this purpose, the concentration of 3 mmol L−1of Si was tested, according to the following procedures: foliar application (F), root application in the nutrient solution (R), combined Si application via nutrient solution and foliar spraying (F + R), and no Si application (0). The provision of Si through the leaves and roots promoted the highest uptake of the element by the plant, which resulted in an increased use efficiency of N and P. Consequently, such a higher uptake favored the productivity of grains. The optimal adoption of the application of Si through leaves and roots promoted the highest Si concentration and ascorbic acid content in quinoa grains.