bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cypermethrin inhibits Leydig cell development and function in pubertal rats
Authors: Li Shijun , Wang Yun , Zou Cheng , Zhu Qiqi , Wang Yiyan , Chen Haiqiong , Yang Wenjing , Tu Yuhan , Yan Haoni , Li Xiaoheng , Ge Ren‐Shan
Published: February 2022

Cypermethrin is a broad‐spectrum pyrethroid insecticide that is widely used. It may induce adverse endocrine‐disrupting effects on the male reproductive system. Whether cypermethrin can disrupt Leydig cell development and function in the late puberty remains elusive. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of cypermethrin exposure to male rats on the development and function of Leydig cells in late puberty and explore the underlying mechanism. Thirty‐six male Sprague–Dawley rats (age of 35 days) were gavaged with cypermethrin (0, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg/day) from postnatal day 35–49. Cypermethrin significantly lowered serum testosterone level while elevating serum luteinizing hormone level at a dose of 50 mg/kg, without altering serum follicle‐stimulating hormone level. Cypermethrin markedly decreased CYP11A1‐positive Leydig cell number at 50 mg/kg without affecting SOX9‐positive Sertoli cell number. It significantly down‐regulated the expression of Leydig cell genes, Lhcgr, Star, Cyp11a1, and Cyp17a1 and their proteins, while up‐regulating the expression of Sertoli cell genes, Dhh and Amh, and their proteins, at doses of 12.5–50 mg/kg. In addition, cypermethrin significantly increased malondialdehyde level while lowering the expression of Sod1 and Sod2 and their proteins at 50 mg/kg. Cypermethrin markedly induced reactive oxidative species at a concentration of 200 μM and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential at 25 μM and higher concentrations after 24 h of treatment to primary Leydig cells in vitro. In conclusion, cypermethrin inhibits the development and function of Leydig cells in male rats in late puberty.
The efficacy of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy to improve depression symptoms and quality of life in individuals with memory difficulties and caregivers: A short report
Authors: Ozen Lana J. , Dubois Sacha , English Megan M. , Gibbons Carrie , Maxwell Hillary , Lowey Jessica , Sawula Erica , Bédard Michel
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Depression symptoms are common for older adults with memory difficulties and their caregivers. Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) reduces the risk of relapse in recurrent depression and improves depression symptoms. We explored recruitment and retention success and preliminary effect sizes of MBCT on depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as mindfulness facets, in individuals with memory difficulties and their caregivers.

Methods

A difficulty with memory group (DG) and caregiver group (CG) were randomized into either the MBCT intervention or waitlist control. After serving as controls, participants received the intervention. Mean pre–post changes by group were compared and effect sizes computed. Correlations between mindfulness facets and depression symptoms are also presented.

Results

Only 47% of the initial participants completed the study. The intervention did not have an effect on the outcome variables examined. However, improvements in non‐judgmental scores were associated with reductions in the number of depression symptoms reported by DG participants (r = –0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.98, –0.52) and CG participants (r = –0.76, 95% CI: –0.95, –0.19). Furthermore, improvements in awareness scores (r = –0.69, 95% CI: –0.93, –0.05) and level of burden (r = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.97) also significantly correlated with reduced depression symptoms in the CG group.

Conclusions

By determining preliminary MBCT effect sizes in individuals with memory difficulties and their caregivers, research with larger, controlled samples is now justified to determine the true effects of MBCT in these populations.
Characterization of natural organic matter in South African drinking water treatment plants: Towards integrating ceramic membrane filtration
Authors: Moyo Welldone , Motsa Machawe M. , Chaukura Nhamo , Msagati Titus A. M. , Mamba Bhekie B. , Heijman Sebastiaan G. J. , Nkambule Thabo T. I.
Published: January 2022

This work presents the first comprehensive investigation of natural organic matter (NOM) fraction removal using ceramic membranes in South Africa. The rate of removal of bulk NOM (measured as UV254 and DOC % removal), the biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) fraction, polarity‐based fractions, and fluorescent dissolved organic carbon (FDOM) fractions was investigated from water abstracted from drinking water treatment plants (WTPs) in South Africa. Further, mechanisms of ceramic membrane fouling by waters of South Africa were studied. Ceramic membranes removed more than 80% DOC from samples from coastal WTPs, whereas for inland plants, the removal was between 60% and 75% of DOC. FDOM was removed to at least 80% regardless of the site of the plant. The BDOC removal by the ceramic membranes was above 85%. The hydrophobic fraction was the most amenable to removal by ceramic membranes regardless of the site of sample abstraction (above 60% for all sites). The freshness index (β:α) correlated strongly to UV254 removal (R2 = 0.96), thus UV254 removal can serve as a proxy for the susceptibility to removal of such class of NOM by ceramic membranes. This investigation demonstrated that ceramic membranes could be a valuable technology if integrated into the existing WTPs.

Practitioner Points

The removal of bulk parameters by ceramic membrane was greater than unit conventional processes used in all the sampled water treatment plants.

The hydrophobic polarity‐based fraction of NOM was the most amenable to removal by ceramic membranes regardless of the site of the WTP.

Polarity‐based fractions, aromaticity, and initial DOC had a combined influence on the removal of organic matter by ceramic membranes as explained by principal component three.
Characterization of tie-breaking plurality rules
Authors: Saitoh Hiroki
Published: January 2022

We introduce a new condition for social choice functions, called “equal treatment of congruent distributions.” It requires some invariance between two preference profiles that share a type of congruity property with respect to the associated distributions of votes. It also implies two equal treatment conditions: one is a natural weakening of anonymity, which is the most standard equal treatment condition for individuals, and the other is a natural weakening of neutrality, which is the most standard equal treatment one for alternatives. Thus, equal treatment of congruent distributions plays the role of weak equal treatment conditions both for individuals and for alternatives. As our main results, we characterize a class of social choice functions that satisfy equal treatment of congruent distributions and some mild positive responsiveness conditions, and it is shown to coincide with the class of tie-breaking plurality rules, which are selections of the well-known plurality rule.
Effects of oral cystine and glutamine on exercise-induced changes in gastrointestinal permeability and damage markers in young men
Authors: Tataka Yusei , Haramura Miki , Hamada Yuka , Ono Miho , Toyoda Sakiko , Yamada Toshiyuki , Hiratsu Ayano , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Miyashita Masashi
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Although acute prolonged strenuous exercise has been shown to increase markers of gastrointestinal permeability and damage, little is known regarding the efficacy of nutritional supplement interventions on the attenuation of exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome. This study addressed the effects of oral amino acid supplementation on markers of gastrointestinal permeability and damage in response to exercise.

Methods

Sixteen active men aged 22.7 ± 2.6 years (mean ± standard deviation) completed placebo or cystine and glutamine supplementation trials in random order. Participants received either a placebo or cystine and glutamine supplements, three times a day for 5 days, separated by a 2-week washout period. On day 6, participants took their designated supplements 30 min before running at a speed corresponding to 75% of maximal oxygen uptake for 1 h, followed by a 4-h rest period. Blood samples were collected pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, 30 min post-exercise, and 1, 2 and 4 h post-exercise on day 6. The plasma lactulose to mannitol ratio (L:M) and plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) were used as markers of gastrointestinal permeability and damage, respectively.

Results

Plasma L:M (linear mixed model, coefficient ± standard error: − 0.011 ± 0.004, P = 0.0090) and changes (i.e., from pre-exercise) in plasma I-FABP (linear mixed model, − 195.3 ± 65.7 coefficient ± standard error (pg/mL), P = 0.0035) were lower in the cystine and glutamine supplementation trial than in the placebo trial.

Conclusion

Oral cystine and glutamine supplementation attenuated the markers of gastrointestinal permeability and damage after 1 h of strenuous running in young men.

Trial registration number

UMIN000026008.

Date of registration

13 December 2018.
The single-crystal diamond trap (SCDT): a new method to determine the composition of high-P–T fluids
Authors: Abeykoon Sumith , Audétat Andreas
Published: February 2022

In view of recently reported discrepancies in mineral solubility results obtained with the classical diamond trap method, an alternative approach to quantify the composition of high P–T fluids was developed. In this approach the high P–T fluids are trapped in laser-drilled holes within single-crystal diamond plates and subsequently analyzed by LA–ICP–MS using the same pit size as the one that was used to drill the holes, which allows more rigorous testing of the data reproducibility than in the case of the classical diamond trap, where the fluid resides in a large, open network. To reduce the spikiness of the LA–ICP–MS signals and minimize element fractionation, the aqueous solution within the holes was allowed to evaporate, and the solid residue was melted to a glass. Because this results in the partial loss of the internal standard elements that are usually used for quantifying the LA–ICP–MS signals we developed a new quantification procedure that works without any internal standard in the fluid but instead uses the carbon signal produced by the epoxy that was filled into the holes after melting the precipitates. The new method was first tested on holes filled with epoxy resins doped with known amounts of chemicals, then on holes filled with known amounts of minerals that were subsequently melted, and finally on real high P–T mineral solubility experiments at 1.0 GPa and 700–900 °C in the quartz–H2O and olivine–enstatite–H2O systems, for which reliable reference data exist. In all 15 experiments the measured concentrations agree within 1–21% (avg. 13%) with the reference values. In contrast, four mineral solubility experiments that were performed at identical conditions with the classical diamond trap method returned concentrations that deviated by 7–56% (avg. 28%) from the reference value. Furthermore, a strong fractionation effect that has been observed during the ablation of albite + H2O in a classical diamond trap is efficiently prevented in our single-crystal diamond trap (SCDT) approach. On the downside, we observe significant mobility of alkalies during the melting step in our approach.
Randomized Online Computation with High Probability Guarantees
Authors: Komm Dennis , Královič Rastislav , Královič Richard , Mömke Tobias
Published: January 2022

We study the relationship between the competitive ratio and the tail distribution of randomized online problems. To this end, we identify a broad class of online problems for which the existence of a randomized online algorithm with constant expected competitive ratio r implies the existence of a randomized online algorithm that has a competitive ratio of $$(1+\varepsilon )r$$

(
1
+
ε
)
r

with high probability, measured with respect to the optimal profit or cost, respectively. The class of problems includes some of the well-studied online problems such as paging, k-server, and metrical task systems on finite metric spaces.
An eigenvalue stabilization technique to increase the robustness of the finite cell method for finite strain problems
Authors: Garhuom Wadhah , Usman Khuldoon , Düster Alexander
Published: January 2022

Broken cells in the finite cell method—especially those with a small volume fraction—lead to a high condition number of the global system of equations. To overcome this problem, in this paper, we apply and adapt an eigenvalue stabilization technique to improve the ill-conditioned matrices of the finite cells and to enhance the robustness for large deformation analysis. In this approach, the modes causing high condition numbers are identified for each cell, based on the eigenvalues of the cell stiffness matrix. Then, those modes are supported directly by adding extra stiffness to the cell stiffness matrix in order to improve the condition number. Furthermore, the same extra stiffness is considered on the right-hand side of the system—which leads to a stabilization scheme that does not modify the solution. The performance of the eigenvalue stabilization technique is demonstrated using different numerical examples.
A multivariable prediction model for recovery patterns and time course of symptoms improvement in hemifacial spasm following microvascular decompression
Authors: Al Menabbawy Ahmed , Refaee Ehab El , Elwy Reem , Salem Amany A. , Lehmann Sebastian , Vollmer Marcus , Matthes Marc , Fleck Steffen , Baldauf Jörg , Schroeder Henry W. S.
Published: February 2022

Background

Microvascular decompression (MVD) success rates exceed 90% in hemifacial spasm (HFS). However, postoperative recovery patterns and durations are variable.

Objective

We aim to study factors that might influence the postoperative patterns and duration needed until final recovery.

Method

Only patients following de-novo MVD with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included. Overall trend of recovery was modeled. Patients were grouped according to recognizable clinical recovery patterns. Uni- and multivariable analyses were used to identify the factors affecting allocation to the identified patterns and time needed to final recovery.

Results

A total of 323 (92.6%) patients had > 90% symptom improvement, and 269 (77.1%) patients had complete resolution at the last follow-up. The overall trend of recovery showed steep remission within the first 6 months, followed by relapse peaking around 8 months with a second remission ~ 16 months. Five main recovery patterns were identified.

Pattern analysis showed that evident proximal indentation of the facial nerve at root exit zone (REZ), males and facial palsy are associated with earlier recovery at multivariable and univariable levels. anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA), AICA/vertebral artery compressions and shorter disease durations are related to immediate resolution of the symptoms only on the univariable level. Time analysis showed that proximal indentation (vs. distal indentation), males and facial palsy witnessed significantly earlier recoveries.

Conclusion

Our main finding is that in contrast to peripheral indentation, proximal indentation of the facial nerve at REZ is associated with earlier recovery. Postoperative facial palsy and AICA compressions are associated with earlier recoveries. We recommend a minimum of 1 year before evaluating the final outcome of MVD for HFS.
A mode-matching method for the prediction of stick-slip relative motion of two elastic rods in frictional contact
Authors: Tsetas Athanasios , Tsouvalas Apostolos , Molenkamp Timo , Metrikine Andrei V.
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a computationally efficient mode-matching method to predict the relative axial motion of two elastic rods in frictional contact. The motion is of the stick-slip type and is non-uniform along the rods. The proposed method utilizes the piecewise linearity of the problem in time and space. The original set of nonlinear partial differential equations describing the dynamics of the coupled system is first reduced to a system of linear, per time interval, ordinary differential equations by means of modal decomposition. The global modes are used for one of the two rods, while for the other rod, different modes are identified per time interval based on the regions in stick or slip phase. Subsequently, the system response is obtained by combining the piecewise linear solutions. A comparison of the solution method proposed with standard numerical techniques shows its advantage both in terms of computational time and accuracy. Numerical examples demonstrate the capability of the method to analyse cases involving either harmonic- or impact-type forces that drive the relative motion. Although the discussion in this paper is limited to the one-dimensional configuration, the approach is generic and can be extended to problems in more dimensions.
Coagulation in gout: is there a link with disease activity?
Authors: Vedder Daisy , Gerritsen Martijn , Meijers Joost C. M. , Nurmohamed Michael T.
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the coagulation system in gout patients and associations between disease activity and levels of coagulation markers.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed with data from 30 Dutch gout patients. Levels of coagulation markers including APTT, PT, D-dimer, prothrombin F1 + 2, von Willebrand factor, and thrombin generation parameters were analyzed at baseline and 1-year visit. These markers were related to clinical markers of gout disease activity including the Gout Activity Score (GAS). Our hypothesis was that patients with gout and active disease have increased levels of coagulation markers and that a decrease in disease activity would lead to normalization of coagulation activity.

Results

A higher GAS was associated with increased levels of thrombin generation parameters including ETP (ß = 0.48, p = 0.01), peak thrombin (ß = 0.60, p = 0.001), and velocity index (ß = 0.57, p = 0.002). Tophaceous gout and higher SUA levels were associated with thrombin generation parameters. After 1 year, thrombin generation parameters showed a small procoagulant trend despite a moderate decrease in disease activity. Prospectively measured changes in disease activity according to the GAS were not associated with any of the coagulation markers.

Conclusion

Patients with active gout have higher levels of thrombin generation markers, indicating a link between disease activity and coagulation. A change in disease activity after 1 year was not associated with significant changes in coagulation markers, probably due to prolonged low-grade inflammation. Future studies should focus on levels of coagulation markers in comparison with the general population and the effect of adequate gout treatment.

Key Points• Patients with gout have an increased risk of cardiovascular events.• High disease activity was associated with higher levels of thrombin generation markers.• Over time, small decreases in inflammation were associated with a decrease in D-dimer and thrombin generation.
Increased cerebrovascular reactivity in selected brain regions after extracranial-intracranial bypass improves the speed and accuracy of visual cancellation in patients with severe steno-occlusive disease: a preliminary study
Authors: Shimonaga Koji , Hama Seiji , Furui Akira , Yanagawa Akiko , Kandori Akihiko , Atsumori Hirokazu , Yamawaki Shigeto , Matsushige Toshinori , Tsuji Toshio
Published: January 2022

The effect of the change in cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) in each brain area on cognitive function after extracranial-intracranial bypass (EC-IC bypass) was examined. Eighteen patients who underwent EC-IC bypass for severe unilateral steno-occlusive disease were included. Single-photon emission CT (SPECT) for evaluating CVR and the visual cancellation (VC) task were performed before and after surgery. The accuracy of VC was expressed by the arithmetic mean of the age-matched correct answer rate and the accurate answer rate, and the averages of the time (time score) and accuracy (accuracy score) of the four VC subtests were used. The speed of VC tended to be slower, whereas accuracy was maintained before surgery. The EC-IC bypass improved CVR mainly in the cerebral hemisphere on the surgical side. On bivariate analysis, when CVR increased post-operatively, accuracy improved on both surgical sides, but the time score was faster on the left and slower on the right surgical side. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the number of the brain regions associated with the time score was 5 and that associated with the accuracy score was 4. In the hemodynamically ischemic brain, processing speed might be adjusted so that accuracy would be maintained based on the speed-accuracy trade-off mechanism that may become engaged separately in the left and right cerebral hemispheres when performing VC. When considering the treatment for hemodynamic ischemia, the relationship between CVR change and the speed-accuracy trade-off in each brain region should be considered.
Conceptualizing Emotion Regulation and Coregulation as Family-Level Phenomena
Authors: Paley Blair , Hajal Nastassia J.
Published: January 2022

The ability to regulate one’s emotions is foundational for healthy development and functioning in a multitude of domains, whereas difficulties in emotional regulation are recognized as a risk factor for a range of adverse outcomes in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Caregivers play a key role in cultivating the development of emotion regulation through coregulation, or the processes by which they provide external support or scaffolding as children navigate their emotional experiences. The vast majority of research to date has examined coregulation in the context of caregiver–child dyads. In this paper, we consider emotion regulation and coregulation as family-level processes that unfold within and across multiple family subsystems and explore how triadic and whole family interactions may contribute to the development of children’s emotion regulation skills. Furthermore, we will examine the implications of a family-centered perspective on emotion regulation for prevention of and intervention for childhood emotional and behavioral disorders. Because emotion regulation skills undergo such dramatic maturation during children’s first several years of life, much of our focus will be on coregulation within and across the family system during early childhood; however, as many prevention and intervention approaches are geared toward school-aged children and adolescents, we will also devote some attention to later developmental periods.
Slurry acidification outperformed injection as an ammonia emission-reducing technique in boreal grass cultivation
Authors: Keskinen Riikka , Termonen Maarit , Salo Tapio , Luostarinen Sari , Räty Mari
Published: January 2022

Ammonia (NH3) constitutes the single largest loss of manure nitrogen (N), making measures targeted at reducing its emissions meaningful for the environment and the overall efficiency of manure N use. In this study, the performance of two emission-reducing techniques, acidification and injection, were studied in a field experiment with grass ley over two growing seasons. Emissions of NH3, crop growth, and N use efficiency were determined from plots fertilized with cattle slurry either band spread, injected or band spread after acidification. The approximate cumulative NH3 losses from the plots with band-spread untreated slurry amounted to about 22 kg NH3-N ha−1 over the observation periods in 2017 and 10 kg NH3-N ha−1 in 2018. The injection and acidification reduced the estimated cumulative NH3 emissions by 43 and 95% respectively in 2018, and both by 97% in 2017. In 2017, the emission-reducing techniques had no impacts on crop growth, but in 2018, acidification increased dry matter yield by 29% and apparent N recovery by 65% compared with band-spread untreated slurry. According to the current results, acidification consistently produced the lowest NH3 emissions and a discernible positive yield effect. It can therefore be recommended instead of injection for reducing NH3 emissions in boreal grass cultivation.
An adaptation-mitigation game: does adaptation promote participation in international environmental agreements?
Authors: Borrero Miguel , Rubio Santiago J.
Published: January 2022

This paper studies how the investment in adaptation can influence the participation in an international environmental agreement (IEA) when countries decide in adaptation before they choose emissions. Three types of agreements are studied, a mitigation agreement for which countries coordinate their decisions only on emissions; an adaptation agreement for which there is only coordination when countries decide their levels of adaptation and a complete agreement when there is coordination in both emissions and adaptation levels. In every case, we assume that the degree of effectiveness of adaptation is bounded from above, in order words, adaptation can alleviate the environmental problem, but it cannot solve it by itself leading the vulnerability of the country to almost zero. Our first results show that in our symmetric model where signatories select the same level of adaptation there are not signatory-signatory international externalities and the complete agreement coincides with the mitigation agreement, and moreover it does not matter when adaptation is chosen with respect to emissions. The main contribution of this paper is to show that the grand coalition could be stable for all types of agreement, but only for extremely high degrees of effectiveness of adaptation. If this condition is not satisfied, the model predicts low levels of membership. The standard result of three countries is found for the mitigation/complete agreement. For the adaptation agreement participation can be higher than three, but not higher than six countries. In any case, we can conclude that under reasonable values for the degree of effectiveness of adaptation, in our model adaptation does not promote participation in an IEA.
Replies to Timmerman and Gorman
Authors: Fischer John Martin
Published: February 2022

In my reply to the thoughtful comments of Timmerman and Gorman, I take up, and further explore, some main questions, including: Can a horribly immoral person (a moral monster) lead a meaningful life? Similarly, can a significantly deluded person lead a meaningful life? What role do judgments of meaningfulness play in our normative framework? How can we understand the debate between those who would embrace the possibility of immortality and those who would reject it? What is the role of narrativity in evaluating meaning in human lives, and how would this concept apply to immortal lives? If death can be a bad thing for the deceased, should we fear death (the status of being dead)?
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Ocimum basilicum L. and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Extracts and Their Antibacterial Activity in Combination with Phage ZCSE6 and Sensing Properties
Authors: Abdelsattar Abdallah S. , Hakim Toka A. , Rezk Nouran , Farouk Warda M. , Hassan Yara Y. , Gouda Shrouk Mohamed , El-Shibiny Ayman
Published: January 2022

One of the dangerous pathogens that display high resistance to antibiotics is Salmonella enterica (S. enterica), which infects humans and animals. In this study, a new approach was proposed to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria by using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with adding the phage ZCSE6. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by analysis of spectroscopy profile of the UV–Vis, visualize the morphology, and size with transmission electron microscopy. Both minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were assessed. In addition, the AgNPs were able to control the biofilm formation of S. enterica, also, heavy metals detection by AgNPs and their application in milk. UV–Vis spectra showed a surface resonance peak of 400 and 430 nm corresponding to the formation of AgNPs capping with Ocimum basilicum L. and Hibiscus sabdariffa L., respectively. The MIC and MBC values were 6.25 µg/ml to inhibit the growth of S. enterica and 12.5 µg/ml from killing the bacteria and it was decreased to 1.5 µg/ml when combined with the phage. In the present study, AgNPs were combined with phage ZCSE6 to obtain a synergetic antimicrobial activity. Moreover, it increases the milk’s shelf-life and senses the Cd2+ at a concentration of 1 mM in the water.

Graphical Abstract
Characterizations of the Set Less Order Relation in Nonconvex Set Optimization
Authors: Jahn Johannes
Published: January 2022

For nonconvex set optimization problems based on the set less order relation, this paper presents characterizations of optimal sets and gives necessary conditions for set inequalities and non-optimal sets using directional derivatives. For specific order cones, the directional derivatives of known functionals describing the negative cones are also given.
Who wins the race for knowledge-based competitiveness? Comparing European and North American FDI patterns
Authors: Coveri Andrea , Zanfei Antonello
Published: January 2022

The geographical dispersion of value-added activities triggered by the ‘great unbundling’ of production has made the race for competitiveness increasingly shaped by the capability of multinational corporations (MNCs) to orchestrate global innovation networks at world scale. However, major differences in the distribution of foreign investments across value chain functions undertaken by MNCs based in different economic areas have drawn little attention in the empirical literature. This work attempts to fill this gap by focusing on the FDI patterns of European and North American MNCs, which have historically played a key role in the internationalization of production and innovation. To this aim, we compare outward FDI flows of European and North American MNCs in manufacturing and knowledge-intensive activities over the period 2003–2017. We show that while European MNCs are key players in global networks of production, they do not reach the heights of North American investors in the dispersion of knowledge-based activities. Most importantly, European MNCs rely on emerging economies more to offshore production than to set up R&D labs in these countries; by contrast, US-based MNCs are more prone to engage in knowledge-intensive FDIs towards the most dynamic emerging countries (especially China and India, as well as the Four Asian Tigers). Further, we account for the growing role of new entrants in global FDI markets by comparing the advanced economies’ foreign investment decisions with those from Chinese MNCs. Drawing from the literature on the globalization of R&D and cross-border knowledge transmission, a discussion is finally offered on the potential implications of the detected differences in internationalization patterns, together with possible directions for future research.
Leader tracking control for heterogeneous uncertain nonlinear multi-agent systems via a distributed robust adaptive PID strategy
Authors: Lui Dario Giuseppe , Petrillo Alberto , Santini Stefania
Published: January 2022

This paper addresses the leader tracking control problem for heterogeneous uncertain nonlinear multi-agent systems sharing information via a communication network, modeled as a directed graph. To solve the problem, we propose a novel distributed PID-like control strategy which, enhanced with a Lyapunov-based adaption mechanism for the control parameters, is able to counteract the uncertainties acting on the agents dynamics. The stability analysis analytically proves the effectiveness of the proposed PID protocol in ensuring the leader-tracking as well as the boundedness of the adaptive control gains. Numerical simulations, involving both the synchronization control problem for nonlinear harmonic oscillators and the practical engineering problem of the cooperative driving for autonomous connected vehicles, confirm the theoretical derivation and disclose the capability of the proposed strategy in achieving the control objective.
On Cotnoir’s two notions of proper parthood
Authors: Carrara Massimiliano , Smid Jeroen
Published: January 2022

A.J. Cotnoir has argued that we should distinguish between two notions of proper parthood: outstripped part and non-identical part. Outstripped parthood is an asymmetric relation, but non-identical parthood is not. We argue, first, that the intuitions Cotnoir uses to motivate these notions do not always give the right verdict; and, second, that systematic reasons for distinguishing these two notions of parthood have further counter-intuitive consequences. This means the distinction between two notions of proper parthood currently lacks adequate motivation.
Upgrading bio-based acetone to diacetone alcohol by aldol reaction using Amberlyst A26-OH as catalyst
Authors: Eisenacher M. , Venschott M. , Dylong D. , Hoelderich W. F. , Schütz J. , Bonrath W.
Published: January 2022

The aldol reaction of bio acetone in presence of a strongly basic ion exchange resin was carried out with and without the addition of water in a temperature range between − 30 °C and 45 °C. The conversion, selectivity and service time of the ion exchange resins were investigated in a stirred batch reactor and a continuous fixed bed reactor. For the batch experiments, both conversion and selectivity increased with decreasing temperature. Furthermore, the addition of water to the reaction medium has a positive effect on selectivity and catalyst service time of the resins. For the continuous flow experiments carried out in a fixed bed reactor, the selectivity towards diacetone alcohol is higher than in a batch reactor. This high selectivity is favored by a short contact time which inhibits as expected most of the consecutive reactions.
Neuroprotective Effects of Purpurin Against Ischemic Damage via MAPKs, Bax, and Oxidative Stress Cascades in the Gerbil Hippocampus
Authors: Kim Woosuk , Kwon Hyun Jung , Jung Hyo Young , Hahn Kyu Ri , Yoon Yeo Sung , Hwang In Koo , Choi Soo Young , Kim Dae Won
Published: January 2022

Purpurin has various effects, including anti-inflammatory effects, and can efficiently cross the blood–brain barrier. In the present study, we investigated the effects of purpurin on oxidative stress in HT22 cells and mild brain damage in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 region induced by transient forebrain ischemia. Oxidative stress induced by H2O2 was significantly ameliorated by treatment with purpurin, based on changes in cell death, DNA fragmentation, formation of reactive oxygen species, and pro-apoptotic (Bax)/anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) protein levels. In addition, treatment with purpurin significantly reduced the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK), and p38 signaling in HT22 cells. Transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils led to a significant increase in locomotor activity 1 day after ischemia and significant decrease in number of surviving cells in the CA1 region 4 days after ischemia. Administration of purpurin reduced the travel distance 1 day after ischemia and abrogates the neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region 4 days after ischemia based on immunohistochemical and histochemical staining for NeuN and Fluoro-Jade C, respectively. Purpurin treatment significantly decreased the activation of microglia and astrocytes as well as the increases of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p65 in the hippocampal CA1 region 4 days after ischemia and ameliorated the ischemia-induced transient increases of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the hippocampus 6 h after ischemia. In addition, purpurin significantly alleviated the ischemia-induced phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38 in the hippocampus 1 day after ischemia. Furthermore, purpurin treatment significantly mitigated the increases of Bax in the hippocampus 1 day after ischemia and the lipid peroxidation based on malondialdehyde and hydroperoxides levels 2 days after ischemia. These results suggest that purpurin can be one of the potential candidates to reduce neuronal damage and inflammatory responses after oxidative stress in HT22 cells or ischemic damage in gerbils.
The phubbing phenomenon: a cross-sectional study on the relationships among social media addiction, fear of missing out, personality traits, and phubbing behavior
Authors: Chi Li-Chiu , Tang Tseng-Chung , Tang Eugene
Published: January 2022

Pathological phubbing behavior has become an increasingly prevalent issue in recent years yet research surrounding these technological concerns remains scarce. The current study seeks to contribute to this limited body of research by providing insight into the antecedents of excessive and severe phubbing behavior and potential risk factors of pathological technology use as a whole. 938 undergraduate students participated in a cross-sectional study to determine whether demographic variables, personality traits, and degrees of social media addiction and fear of missing out could explain phubbing behavior. Participants responded to a survey that included the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMO), Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI), and Phubbing Scale (Phubbing). Bivariate correlations identified that BSMAS and FoMO were significantly positively correlated with phubbing while TIPI displayed a significantly negative correlation with phubbing. Further, hierarchical multiple regression analyses established that BSMAS holds the most predictive power for phubbing while FoMO displayed a significantly less robust predictive power. TIPI was shown to be significant but served less to explain the variance in phubbing behaviors.
Erratum to: Single Polymer Composites Made of Melt-blown PP Mats and the Modelling of the Uniaxial Tensile Behaviour by the Fibre Bundle Cells Method
Authors: Virág Ábris Dávid , Kara Yahya , Vas László Mihály , Molnár Kolos
Published: February 2022

The article Single Polymer Composites Made of Melt-blown PP Mats and the Modelling of the Uniaxial Tensile Behaviour by the Fibre Bundle Cells Method, written by Ábris Dávid Virág, Yahya Kara, László Mihály Vas, and Kolos Molnár, was mistakenly originally published without open access. After publication in Vol.22, No.10, page 2700–2714 this was corrected and the article was made an open access publication. Therefore, the copyright of the article has been changed to and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.

The original article has been corrected.
The relationship between polymorphism of insulin-like growth factor I gene and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in Uygur population, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wang Tingting , Maimaitituersun Gulixiati , Shi Haonan , Chen Cheng , Ma Qi , Su Yinxia , Yao Hua , Zhu Jia
Published: January 2022

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) susceptibility varies among different populations and is affected by gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 gene, which has many SNP loci, is involved in T2DM pathogenesis. However, the relationship of IGF-1 gene polymorphism with T2DM in Uyghur population is less studied.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between T2DM susceptibility and polymorphism of IGF-1 gene in Uyghur population of Xinjiang, China.

Methods

This study enrolled 220 cases (122 males (55.46%) and 98 females (44.54%); mean age of 53.40 ± 10.94 years) of T2DM patients (T2DM group) and 229 (124 males (54.15%) and 105 females (45.85%); mean age of 51.64 ± 10.48 years) healthy controls (control group). Biochemical indexes were determined. IGF-1 gene polymorphism was analyzed by SNP genotyping.

Results

The levels of TG, HDL, LDL, BUN, and Cr were statistically significant between the T2DM group and the control group. In terms of IGF-1 polymorphism, T2DM group had higher frequency of AA genotype (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.19–4.84) and allele A (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.17–2.06) of rs35767 loci, suggesting that rs35767 is related to the occurrence of T2DM. A total of 5 gene interaction models was obtained through analyzing the interaction of 5 SNP loci with the GMDR method. Among them, the two-factor model that included rs35767 locus and rs5742694 locus had statistical difference with a large cross-validation consistency (10/10). The combination of GG/CC, GA/AA, AA/AA, and AA/AC genotype was in high-risk group, whereas the combination of GG/AA, GG/AC, GA/AC and GA/CC genotype was in the low-risk group. The risk of T2DM in the high-risk group was 2.165 times than that of the low-risk group (OR = 2.165, 95% CI = 1.478–3.171).

Conclusion

TG, HDL, LDL, BUN, and Cr are influencing factors of T2DM in Uyghur population. The rs35767 locus of IGF-1 gene may be associated with T2DM in Uyghur population. The high-risk group composing of rs35767 locus and rs5742694 locus has a higher risk of T2DM.
Bibliometric analysis of metabolic surgery for type 2 diabetes: current status and future prospects
Authors: Song Yuling , Zhao Fangkun
Published: January 2022

Metabolic surgery has become a powerful treatment for obese type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Experts have been devoting to the research of metabolic surgery in the treatment of T2DM. The debate continues, and there is no comprehensive statistical and intuitive analysis for it. To explore the current research status, the latest hotspots and the changing trend in this field, we conducted a bibliometric analysis. This paper made a bibliometric analysis based on the data source from Science Core Collection Network (WoSCC). Vosviewer v.1.6.10 software is used to construct a knowledge map. From 2011 to 2020, 1424 peer-reviewed papers on metabolic surgery for T2DM were retrieved. The United States contributed the most publications and gained global impact with the most citations. Obesity Surgery was the most prolific journal in this field. Prof. Schauer Philip R., Prof. Buchwald H. and Prof. Sjostrom L. were the most renowned experts in this aspect. The top cited references discussed the status of metabolic surgery for the treatment of T2DM worldwide and the importance of regular evaluation. The extracted keywords mainly formed three clusters: (1) research on the selection of different metabolic surgery methods; (2) possible mechanisms; (3) improvement of T2DM complications by metabolic surgery. Our study makes a comprehensive and objective analysis of metabolic surgery in obese patients with T2DM, providing valuable information for further clinical application and related scientific research. Researchers can quickly locate research hotspots in a large number of relevant literature.
The promotional effect of microRNA-103a-3p in cervical cancer cells by regulating the ubiquitin ligase FBXW7 function
Authors: Ren Li , Yang Jinjin , Meng Xiyan , Zhang Junjun , Zhang Yiran
Published: January 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the initiation and progression of human tumors including cervical cancer (CC). However, the mechanisms underlying of their actions in CC remain to be fully elucidated. Herein, the differentially expressed miRNAs that were screened based on GSE55940 microarray data retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and miR-103a-3p was significantly upregulated in CC tissues which was selected as the target miRNA for further research. We also found that high expression of miR-103a-3p was closely associated with histological grades, FIGO stage and distant metastasis as well as reflected poor overall survival. Moreover, miR-103a-3p inhibition decreased the growth capacity of SiHa and HeLa cells by inducing cell apoptosis. And F-box and WD repeat-domain containing protein 7 (FBXW7), a well-known tumor suppressor in many cancer types, was identified as a direct target of miR-103a-3p. It was further found that FBXW7 was significantly downregulated in CC tissues, and it was inversely correlated with miR-103a-3p expression levels. Further investigation demonstrated that FBXW7 upregulation could simulate the roles of miR-103a-3p knockdown in cell viability and apoptosis. Moreover, FBXW7 knockdown efficiently abrogated the influences of CC cells proliferation caused by miR-103a-3p inhibition. Notably, miR-103a-3p could block FBXW7 mediated the downstream transcription factor pathways. Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-103a-3p functions as an oncogene in CC by targeting FBXW7.
Quality of pro-market national institutions and firms’ decision to invest in R&D: evidence from developing and transition economies
Authors: Castellacci Fulvio , Oguguo Prince C. , Freitas Isabel Maria Bodas
Published: February 2022

Does institutional quality affect firms’ decision to invest in R&D? This paper investigates the idea that well-functioning pro-market institutions spur firms’ R&D propensity by reducing transaction costs and uncertainties related to research and innovation activities. Evidence from the World Bank Enterprise Surveys on a large sample of firms in 57 developing and transition economies between 2002 and 2017 corroborates this idea. Controlling for countries’ level of economic development, industry fixed effects and a number of firm-level characteristics, the results show that firms’ propensity to invest in R&D is higher in countries in which national institutions ensure socio-political stability and enforcement of law and contracts.
Evaluation of Road Safety Education Program with Virtual Reality Eye Tracking
Authors: Skjermo Jo , Roche-Cerasi Isabelle , Moe Dagfinn , Opland Robert
Published: February 2022

Traffic rules are essential and part of today’s road safety education programs at school. However, learning how to properly use attention in complex traffic situations has never before been a focus when teaching pupils. A new road safety education program based on latest findings in Neuro-Education has been developed. In the program, pupil learned three new concepts: risk, orientation and attention. This to stimulate the pupil’s reflection about own behavior on school roads, before attended a session at a traffic center, where teachers encouraged pupil’s reflection about how to practically use their new knowledge about the three concepts. This new program design was evaluated in a Virtual Reality laboratory. This paper presents the approach for evaluation using VR and eye-tracking, including scenario building, measurement approach, and procedure for measurements in addition to a look at the actual evaluation results. The results showed that pupils managed to cycle in a safer way by putting their attention at the right places after the course compared to student following existing curriculum. As such the selected validation approach utilizing VR gave clear support for the proposed education program.