bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Line fault location of flexible DC distribution network based on adaptive noise empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Chen Shengbin
Published: January 2024

A fault location method for flexible DC distribution network lines is proposed to address the issues of insufficient decomposition in fault signal extraction and the complexity of traveling wave head detection. The method combines adaptive noise empirical mode decomposition (CEEMDAN) and Teager energy operator (TEO). Firstly, CEEMDAN is used to adaptively denoise the line mode signal and obtain the optimal modal component to overcome modal aliasing and insufficient decomposition in signal separation. Then, the reach time of the fault traveling wave is determined by using TEO. Ultimately, the fault location is accurately determined by employing both ends of the traveling wave ranging technique. Through the combination of software PSCAD and MATLAB, the simulation experiment of the line fault is carried out. This means that the method can quickly and precisely identify the location of faults in a system.
Application of separate layer water injection in high differential pressure wells
Authors: Zheng Yong
Published: January 2024

With the development of a heavy fine-RRB-layering system and dynamic adjustment, the number of large differential pressure wells increases gradually. The effect of high-pressure difference wells on water injection development is that it is difficult to separate water injection allocation, low pass rate of layers and short effective period of separate sealing, which affects the development effect of water flooding. For this reason, the research on stratified water injection technology with large pressure differences is carried out using step-by-step throttling. The throttling pressure difference borne by the water nozzle is reduced. The large throttling pressure difference produced by the water nozzle is realized. The qualified rate of the layer section is increased to improve the anti-creep performance of the expansion Packer and the sealing effect of large pressure difference injection wells and to extend the service life of the Packer. The field application results of 216 wells in the Shengli Oil Field show that the technique can effectively improve the pass rate of the layers and the sealing effect of the layers and prolong the life of the string.
Study on the direct current properties of ultraviolet crosslinked epdm rubber
Authors: Yang Hongda , Chen Shiyu , Xu Minhu , Liu Heqian , Zhang Peng , Li Zhongyuan
Published: January 2024

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is widely used as an insulation material in power equipment due to its excellent insulation performance. This article studies the method of preparing EPDM rubber composites by UV cross-linking. It analyzes three traditional functional auxiliary cross-linking agents, namely allyl isocyanurate (TAIC), trimethylolpropane trimethyl Effects of methyl acrylate (TMPTMA), and N, N′-m-phenylene bismaleimide (N, N′) on the DC properties of EPDM rubber. Experimental results show that all three auxiliary cross-linking agents can effectively improve the DC conductivity of EPDM, and (N, N′) are the most effective. Thermal stimulation current (TSC) results show that the addition of N, N′ makes the traps of EPDM shallower. Based on density functional theory (DFT), the electrostatic potential of N, N’ molecules is calculated. The increase in DC conductivity of EPDM is because the N, N′ molecules have larger conjugated electron areas, forming a larger conductive area within the molecules, which is conducive to charge carrier transport.
Adaptability evaluation of anti-corrosion oil pipe materials for water injection wells
Authors: Sun Xinning , Qu Huimin , Wang Cong
Published: January 2024

The study considers the characteristics of complex working conditions of water injection wells in Shengli Oil Field, high salinity and hardness of water injection, corrosive gases, sulfate-reducing bacteria, and other corrosion and scaling factors. By comparing N80, the corrosion performance of four commonly used anti-corrosion tubing in Shengli Oil Field, namely, nitriding, tungsten plating, titanium nano, and titanium molybdenum, was systematically evaluated. Key factors affecting oil pipe corrosion were summarized through the grey correlation statistical analysis method. Corrosive gas is the key factor affecting N80, tungsten plating, and nitriding test pieces. Mineralization is the key factor affecting titanium nano and titanium molybdenum-coated oil pipes. Using N80 as a comparison, the scale formation on the surface of four types of anti-corrosion test pieces was evaluated. The surface of the four types of anti-corrosion test pieces was mainly composed of calcium carbonate scale. Among these, the scale crystal density of nitrided and titanium molybdenum test pieces was high, and the scale adhesion was relatively tight. The density of scale crystals on the surface of titanium nano and tungsten-plated specimens is sparse, and the adhesion is weak. On the surface of N80, there are both calcium carbonate and many corrosion products.
Ce-doped MgO films on AZ31 alloy substrate for biomedical applications: preparation, characterization and testing
Authors: Hattab Marwa , Ben Hassen Samia , Spriano Silvia , Ferraris Sara , Cernea Marin , Ben Amor Yasser
Published: January 2024

Magnesium ions, MgO nanoparticles and thin films, magnesium alloys and cerium compounds are materials intensively studied due to their corrosion protection, antibacterial and pharmacological properties. In this work, we have designed, prepared and investigated, novel thin films of MgO doped with cerium, deposited on Mg alloy (AZ31) for temporary implants, in order to enhance their life time. More precisely, we report on microstructure and corrosion behavior of MgO pure and doped with 0.1 at % Ce films, fabricated by sol–gel route coupled with spin-coating technique, on AZ31 alloy substrate. A modified sol–gel method that start from magnesium acetylacetonate, cerium nitrate and 2–methoxyethanol (as a stabilizer for the sol) was been used successfully for cerium doped MgO sol precursor preparation. The structure and morphology of the surface of the coatings, before and after immersion for 7–30 d in Hank’s solution at 37 °C, were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscope, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier infrared transmittance spectrum (FT–IR). A comparison between the corrosion protection of undoped MgO and MgO doped with 0.1 at % Ce coatings on the AZ31 alloy substrate is performed by electrochemical tests and immersion tests using open circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in Hank’s solution, at 37 °C. The electrochemical results showed that the protection of the AZ31 alloy substrate against corrosion was better with the doped with 0.1 at % Ce MgO film deposited than with pure MgO coting. The investigations of the films after immersion in Hank’s solution, at 37 °C, for 7, 21 and 30 d indicated that the grown layer on the film is bone like apatite that suggests a good bioactivity of 0.1 at % Ce–doped MgO coating. Our work demonstrates that the performance corrosion protection of the biodegradable magnesium alloys used for orthopedic applications, in simulated physiological environments (Hank and Ringer) can be enhanced through coating with Ce3+ doped MgO sol–gel thin film.
Cropland abandonment in the context of drought, economic restructuring, and migration in northeast Syria
Authors: Eklund Lina , Mohr Berit , Dinc Pinar
Published: January 2024

Farmland abandonment is often associated with biophysical, political, or socio-economic changes, like droughts, economic reforms, rural-urban migration, or armed conflicts. Syria has seen several such changes in the period between 2000–2011, however, few assessments of how these factors have interacted with land abandonment have been carried out. In this study we investigate land abandonment patterns in northeast Syria, using a land use classification based on satellite data to indicate agricultural drought impacts and land abandonment. We combine these data with information on land use and migration patterns collected through a unique fieldwork, including surveys and interviews with Syrian farmers who had migrated to Turkey. Our analysis shows that drought coincided with a strong drop in cultivated croplands in 2008 and 2009. We also found a comparatively high cropland abandonment between 2001 and 2013, however no strong increases during or after drought years. Local insights indicate that migration took place during both normal years and drought years, and that most migrants had abandoned their lands after leaving Syria. We suggest that long-term mismanagement of water resources along with changes in the political economy, drove land abandonment in northeast Syria between 2001 and 2010. After 2011, armed conflict likely drove abandonment, but rates remained similar to the pre-conflict period. We discuss the potential of land abandonment as an indicator of rural migration in areas where migration data is sparse and conclude that more research is needed to understand the migration-land abandonment nexus, particularly in the Middle East.
Evaluation of road performance and micro-mechanism analysis of bentonite plastic concrete subgrade
Authors: Guoming Zhang , Xiaolin Liang , Zenghui Zhang , Xincong Zhu , Min Lv , Guiyong Bao , Jiacai Yang
Published: January 2024

This study evaluated the performance of bentonite plasticized concrete with good deformation coordination as a road base material, to address the poor deformation coordination of rigid base layers in roads. Through tests such as slump, strength, permeability, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD), the study analyzed the variations in workability, mechanical properties, and durability of plastic concrete as a base material under different bentonite and cement contents, as well as the underlying micro-mechanisms. The results showed that plastic concrete exhibited good workability, which improved with increased bentonite and cement content. The 28-day mechanical properties of the plastic concrete met the design criteria for road base layers and had features of higher load-bearing capacity, good toughness, slow strength attenuation, and overall integrity. In durability, the increase of bentonite content enhanced the concrete’s permeability, but decreased abrasivenes and shrinkage. From economic, performance, and engineering perspectives, the optimal bentonite and cement contents for the plastic concrete base were in the ranges of 90 kg m−3 to 120 kg m−3 and 110 kg m−3 to 150 kg m−3, respectively.
Influence of Mg/Si ratio on the microstructure and formability of 6061 cast-rolled sheets
Authors: Sun Yu-Chong , Jin Yao-Hui , Xu Zhen , Zhao Tan , Wang Ning , Zhu Long-Hao , Geng Jie
Published: January 2024

Three kinds of 6061 aluminum alloy cast-rolled plates with Mg/Si mass ratios of 1.23, 1.45, and 1.7 are prepared using NF6–300 vertical twin-roll casting and rolling mill. Metallurgical microscope (OM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), room temperature tensile test, and other analysis methods studied the influence law and mechanism of Mg/Si ratio on the microstructure and texture of 6061 cast-rolled sheet. The best Mg/Si ratio cast-rolled sheet is then analyzed for formability. Research indicates that with increasing Mg/Si ratio, the grain size shows first decreasing and then increasing trend. Morphology of precipitated phases at the edge and the central of the sheet are different, however, the texture type has no obvious change, and a strong {112} 〈110〉 texture and weaker rotating cube {001} 〈110〉 texture is always observed. When the Mg/Si ratio is 1.45, the average grain size is the smallest, the edge size is 39.78 μm, the central size is 31.31 μm, and the precipitated phase is evenly distributed at the edge and central of the cast-rolled sheet. In addition, the elongation reaches 8.9%, the n-value is 0.072, and the r-value is 1.161 when the cast-rolled sheet reaches 90° along the cast-rolled direction under T6 state heat treatment.
Effects of yttrium doping on high-temperature oxidation, friction, and wear properties of CrAlN films
Authors: Wang Yuxing , Wang Dong
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the deposition of CrAlYN nanomultilayer films with different yttrium (Y) contents on M2 tool steel and single-crystal Si wafer using unbalanced magnetron-sputtering ion-plating technology. Transmission and scanning electron microscopic and scanning morphologies, x-ray diffraction pattern, energy dispersive spectra, nanoindentation, high-temperature oxidation, and high-temperature tribological analyses show that CrAlYN nanomultilayer films have a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure with a modulation period of CrN/YN+AlN/CrN/AlN. CrAlYN films exhibit optimal mechanical performance when Y content is 1.13at%. However, a substantial drop occurs when Y content increases to 2.67at%. As Y content increases, the high-temperature oxidation resistance, friction, and wear of CrAlYN films first increase and then decrease. Notably, films with the Y content of 1.13at% have optimal resistance to high-temperature oxidation, friction, and wear.
Integrating subsystem embedding subalgebras and coupled cluster Green’s function: a theoretical foundation for quantum embedding in excitation manifold
Authors: Peng Bo , Kowalski Karol
Published: January 2024

In this study, we introduce a novel approach to coupled-cluster Green’s function (CCGF) embedding by seamlessly integrating conventional CCGF theory with the state-of-the-art sub-system embedding sub-algebras coupled cluster (SES-CC) formalism. This integration focuses primarily on delineating the characteristics of the sub-system and the corresponding segments of the Green’s function, defined explicitly by active orbitals. Crucially, our work involves the adaptation of the SES-CC paradigm, addressing the left eigenvalue problem through a distinct form of Hamiltonian similarity transformation. This advancement not only facilitates a comprehensive representation of the interaction between the embedded sub-system and its surrounding environment but also paves the way for the quantum mechanical description of multiple embedded domains, particularly by employing the emergent quantum flow algorithms. Our theoretical underpinnings further set the stage for a generalization to multiple embedded sub-systems. This expansion holds significant promise for the exploration and application of non-equilibrium quantum systems, enhancing the understanding of system–environment interactions. In doing so, the research underscores the potential of SES-CC embedding within the realm of quantum computations and multi-scale simulations, promising a good balance between accuracy and computational efficiency.
GLC London, 1981–4
Authors: Brooke Stephen
Published: January 2024

This chapter provides a historical background to the history of London up to 1984. It concentrates, in particular, on the state of London’s economy and social structure in the 1980s and the impact of the election of the Labour GLC led by Ken Livingstone in 1981. The chapter reviews the controversies generated by the Labour GLC and the criticism it faced from the Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher and the print media. It explores how the impact of the GLC might be assessed in terms of a social democratic experiment and concludes with an account of the battle over the abolition of the GLC in 1984 which led to its demise two years later.
Lincoln Estate
Authors: Brooke Stephen
Published: January 2024

Racial violence was a recurring and tragic motif of life in 1980s London. It was particularly intense on housing estates, where racial harassment and violence were meted out to British Asian people. This chapter looks at the violence on a particular estate, the Lincoln Estate in the East End, in 1984, as revealed in a series of studies of racial violence in the East End. The chapter uses this particular example to examine the larger question of racial violence in late twentieth-century Britain and how this highlighted problems of whiteness, policing, and state policy.
Morphology: the mother of all biomarkers
Authors: Miller Iben M , Jemec Gregor B E
Published: January 2024

Recognition of morphology is important. This Perspectives article discusses the history of morphology in dermatology and the vital role of clinical morphology in the education of the next generation of dermatologists.
‘Seen’ through Records: Parents’ Access to Children’s Social Care Records in an Age of Increasing Datafication
Authors: Gorin Sarah , Edwards Rosalind , Gillies Val , Vannier Ducasse Hélène
Published: January 2024

General Data Protection Regulations state that parents may submit a Subject Access Request (SAR) to see personal records held about them. In this article, we draw on interviews with parents who have made an SAR in order to view their children’s social care records. Their experiences reveal the significant barriers of time, energy and bureaucracy that they faced in accessing their children’s records. The parents felt that they were ‘seen’ through their records, reported inaccuracies in information about them and relayed the devastating impact that false allegations of maltreatment continued to have in their lives. Datafication becomes an integral part of the unequal power dynamic between parents and professionals, further shifting the balance towards professionals, damaging fragile trust and engagement. Crucially, there are ethical questions raised for the social work profession about the accessibility and accountability of local authority processes when parents seek justice and reparation for harm. Given the importance of records in decision making about intervention in families lives and increasing datafication of public services working with families through electronic systems including predictive analytics, our indicative findings point to the need for further investigation.
Top-down modulation of DLPFC in visual search: a study based on fMRI and TMS
Authors: Tian Yin , Tan Congming , Tan Jianling , Yang Li , Tang Yi
Published: January 2024

Effective visual search is essential for daily life, and attention orientation as well as inhibition of return play a significant role in visual search. Researches have established the involvement of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in cognitive control during selective attention. However, neural evidence regarding dorsolateral prefrontal cortex modulates inhibition of return in visual search is still insufficient. In this study, we employed event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic causal modeling to develop modulation models for two types of visual search tasks. In the region of interest analyses, we found that the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and temporoparietal junction were selectively activated in the main effect of search type. Dynamic causal modeling results indicated that temporoparietal junction received sensory inputs and only dorsolateral prefrontal cortex →temporoparietal junction connection was modulated in serial search. Such neural modulation presents a significant positive correlation with behavioral reaction time. Furthermore, theta burst stimulation via transcranial magnetic stimulation was utilized to modulate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex region, resulting in the disappearance of the inhibition of return effect during serial search after receiving continuous theta burst stimulation. Our findings provide a new line of causal evidence that the top-down modulation by dorsolateral prefrontal cortex influences the inhibition of return effect during serial search possibly through the retention of inhibitory tagging via working memory storage.
Dynamic multilayer functional connectivity detects preclinical and clinical Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Canal-Garcia Anna , Veréb Dániel , Mijalkov Mite , Westman Eric , Volpe Giovanni , Pereira Joana B ,   For the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2024

Increasing evidence suggests that patients with Alzheimer’s disease present alterations in functional connectivity but previous results have not always been consistent. One of the reasons that may account for this inconsistency is the lack of consideration of temporal dynamics. To address this limitation, here we studied the dynamic modular organization on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging across different stages of Alzheimer’s disease using a novel multilayer brain network approach. Participants from preclinical and clinical Alzheimer’s disease stages were included. Temporal multilayer networks were used to assess time-varying modular organization. Logistic regression models were employed for disease stage discrimination, and partial least squares analyses examined associations between dynamic measures with cognition and pathology. Temporal multilayer functional measures distinguished all groups, particularly preclinical stages, overcoming the discriminatory power of risk factors such as age, sex, and APOE ϵ4 carriership. Dynamic multilayer functional measures exhibited strong associations with cognition as well as amyloid and tau pathology. Dynamic multilayer functional connectivity shows promise as a functional imaging biomarker for both early- and late-stage Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.
Genomic insights into the evolution and adaptation of secondary metabolite gene clusters in fungicolous species Cladobotryum mycophilum ATHUM6906
Authors: Christinaki Anastasia C , Myridakis Antonis I , Kouvelis Vassili N
Published: January 2024

Mycophilic or fungicolous fungi can be found wherever fungi exist since they are able to colonize other fungi, which occupy a diverse range of habitats. Some fungicolous species cause important diseases on Basidiomycetes, and thus, they are the main reason for the destruction of mushroom cultivations. Nonetheless, despite their ecological significance, their genomic data remain limited. Cladobotryum mycophilum is one of the most aggressive species of the genus, destroying the economically important Agaricus bisporus cultivations. The 40.7 Mb whole genome of the Greek isolate ATHUM6906 is assembled in 16 fragments, including the mitochondrial genome and 2 small circular mitochondrial plasmids, in this study. This genome includes a comprehensive set of 12,282 protein coding, 56 rRNA, and 273 tRNA genes. Transposable elements, CAZymes, and pathogenicity related genes were also examined. The genome of C. mycophilum contained a diverse arsenal of genes involved in secondary metabolism, forming 106 biosynthetic gene clusters, which renders this genome as one of the most BGC abundant among fungicolous species. Comparative analyses were performed for genomes of species of the family Hypocreaceae. Some BGCs identified in C. mycophilum genome exhibited similarities to clusters found in the family Hypocreaceae, suggesting vertical heritage. In contrast, certain BGCs showed a scattered distribution among Hypocreaceae species or were solely found in Cladobotryum genomes. This work provides evidence of extensive BGC losses, horizontal gene transfer events, and formation of novel BGCs during evolution, potentially driven by neutral or even positive selection pressures. These events may increase Cladobotryum fitness under various environmental conditions and potentially during host–fungus interaction.
Independent and additive effects of binge drinking and obesity on liver enzymes: a cross-sectional analysis using the Korean National Health Insurance Service data
Authors: Kityo Anthony , Lee Sang-Ah
Published: January 2024

Background

Binge drinking (BD) has been associated with elevated liver enzymes, but the joint association of BD and adiposity with liver enzymes is understudied. We aimed to examine the combined association of BD and obesity with elevated liver enzymes.

Methods

Data were obtained from 285,600 patients in the Korean National Health check-up program during 2009–2015. Level I BD (BD I) was defined as alcohol consumption of >60 g (men) or >40 g (women) on one occasion in the previous year. High-intensity BD (HIBD) corresponded to at least two times the BD I levels. General and abdominal obesity were defined by body mass index and waist circumference. Logistic regression was used to examine the independent and joint associations of BD and obesity with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels. Relative excess risk (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (SI) were calculated to estimate the additive interaction effects.

Results

The mean age was 42.1 ± 0.03 years and 50.2% were women. Elevated ALT [odds ratio (OR) 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.16], AST (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.11–1.23), and GGT (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.05–1.94) were associated with HIBD. Higher odds of elevated ALT (OR 3.57, 95% CI 3.43–3.71), AST (OR 3.47, 95% CI 3.37–3.58), and GGT (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.98–2.12) were observed in individuals with general obesity. A similar trend was observed for abdominal obesity. The RERI, AP, and SI for the interaction effect of BD and general obesity were 23%, 7%, and 13% for elevated AST levels, and 67%, 24%, and 58% for elevated GGT levels, respectively. Similar effects were observed for the interaction between BD and abdominal obesity.

Conclusions

Obesity aggravated the odds of elevated liver AST and GGT levels in HIBD.
Dynein directs prophase centrosome migration to control the stem cell division axis in the developing Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis
Authors: Carvalho Cátia , Barbosa Daniel J , Celestino Ricardo , Zanin Esther , Xavier Carvalho Ana , Gassmann Reto
Published: January 2024

The microtubule motor dynein is critical for the assembly and positioning of mitotic spindles. In Caenorhabditis elegans, these dynein functions have been extensively studied in the early embryo but remain poorly explored in other developmental contexts. Here, we use a hypomorphic dynein mutant to investigate the motor's contribution to asymmetric stem cell–like divisions in the larval epidermis. Live imaging of seam cell divisions that precede formation of the seam syncytium shows that mutant cells properly assemble but frequently misorient their spindle. Misoriented divisions misplace daughter cells from the seam cell row, generate anucleate compartments due to aberrant cytokinesis, and disrupt asymmetric cell fate inheritance. Consequently, the seam becomes disorganized and populated with extra cells that have lost seam identity, leading to fatal epidermal rupture. We show that dynein orients the spindle through the cortical GOA-1Gα–LIN-5NuMA pathway by directing the migration of prophase centrosomes along the anterior–posterior axis. Spindle misorientation in the dynein mutant can be partially rescued by elongating cells, implying that dynein-dependent force generation and cell shape jointly promote correct asymmetric division of epithelial stem cells.
The cellular and molecular basis of the spur development in Impatiens uliginosa
Authors: Li Yang , Huang Wu-lue , Li Xin-yi , Zhang Ying-duo , Meng Dan-chen , Wei Chun-mei , Huang Mei-juan , Huang Hai-quan
Published: January 2024

The nectar spur is an important feature of pollination and ecological adaptation in flowering plants, and it is a key innovation to promote species diversity in certain plant lineages. The development mechanism of spurs varies among different plant taxa. As one of the largest angiosperm genera, we have little understanding of the mechanism of spur development in Impatiens. Here, we investigated the initiation and growth process of spurs of Impatiens uliginosa based on histology and hormone levels, and the roles of AUXIN BINDING PROTEIN (ABP) and extensin (EXT) in spur development were explored. Our results indicate that the spur development of I. uliginosa is composed of cell division and anisotropic cell elongation. Imbalances in spur proximal-distal cell division lead to the formation of curved structures. Endogenous hormones, such as auxin and cytokinins, were enriched at different developmental stages of spurs. IuABP knockdown led to an increase in spur curves and distortion of morphology. IuEXT knockdown resulted in reduced spur length and loss of curve and inner epidermal papillae structures. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of spur development in core eudicots.
Insufficiency of informal alignment: why did Finland choose formal NATO membership?
Authors: Pesu Matti , Iso-Markku Tuomas
Published: January 2024

In May 2022, less than three months after Russia started its war of aggression against Ukraine, both Finland and Sweden applied for membership in NATO, thereby revoking their longstanding policies of non-alliance. What led to this shift? And what made formal NATO membership more attractive to these countries than their previous relationship with the alliance, which already amounted to informal alignment between them and NATO? To answer these questions, this article reviews the process and debates preceding the Finnish NATO application, which also proved decisive for Sweden's alliance bid. In doing so, the article contributes to the existing literature on Finland's NATO process as well as the broader scholarly debate about alliance formation. It argues that two factors prompted the Finnish NATO application: first, a dramatic shift in Finnish public opinion on NATO membership and, second, the emergence of a broadly shared view among Finland's elites of the insufficiency of Finland's existing security arrangements in view of Russia's increased threat potential, with NATO membership seen as the only viable remedy. The article duly highlights the role of public opinion in shaping a state's alignment preferences. Moreover, it finds strong evidence for realist (threat) and rationalist (efficiency) explanations for alliance formation.
Distinct Inflammatory Phenotypes Are Associated With Subclinical and Clinical Cardiovascular Disease in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: McGettrick Padraig , Tinago Willard , O’Brien Julie , Miles Sarah , Lawler Leo , Garcia-Leon Alejandro , Mahon Niall , Lambert John , Sheehan Gerard , Landay Alan , Sabin Caroline A , Cotter Aoife G , Mallon Patrick W G ,   for the HIV Understanding the Pathology of Comorbid Disease in HIV-Infected Individuals With Coronary Artery Disease (UPBEAT) Study Group and the All Ireland Infectious Diseases (AIID) Cohort Study, McGettrick P , Alvarez Barco E , Tinago W , Garcia-Leon A , McDermott A , McGinty T , Cotter A G , Macken A , Mallon P W G , Kavanagh E , McCarthy G , Sheehan G , Lambert J , Powderly W , Compston J , Sabin C , Cotter A , Muldoon E , Sheehan G , McGinty T , Lambert J S , Green S , Leamy K , Kenny G , McCann K , McCann R , O’Broin C , Waqas S , Savinelli S , Feeney E , Mallon P W G , Garcia Leon A , Miles S , Alalwan D , Negi R , de Barra E , McConkey S , Hurley K , Sulaiman I , Horgan M , Sadlier C , Eustace J , Kelly C , Bracken T , Whelan B , Low J , Yousif O , McNicholas B , Courtney G , Gavin P
Published: January 2024

Despite inflammation being implicated in cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH), considerable heterogeneity within populations of PWH exists. Stratifying CVD risk based on inflammatory phenotype could play an important role. Using principal component analyses and unsupervised hierarchical clustering, we examined 38 biomarkers to identify inflammatory phenotypes in 2 independent cohorts of PWH. We identified 3 distinct inflammatory clusters present in both cohorts that were associated with altered risk of both subclinical CVD (cohort 1) and prevalent clinical CVD (cohort 2) after adjusting for CVD risk factors. These data support precision medicine approaches to enhance CVD risk assessment in PWH.
Introduction of a novel neonatal warming device in Malawi: an implementation science study
Authors: Mvula Mc Geofrey , Frade Garcia Alejandro , Namwali Lemekeza , Matanje Beatrice Lydia , Mphande Isaac , Munyaneza Fabien , Kapira Sitalire , Hansen Anne
Published: January 2024

Background

Neonatal hypothermia significantly contributes to infant morbidity and mortality in low-resource settings like Malawi. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is essential but faces challenges in providing continuous thermal support. The Dream Warmer is a neonatal warming device that was developed to complement KMC. We studied its implementation outside a research environment.

Methods

Using an implementation science approach, we conducted a prospective interventional cohort study in two hospitals and four health centres in Malawi. Through audits and surveys, we assessed the effect of the Dream Warmer on neonatal hypothermia as well as healthcare provider (HCP) and parent attitudes regarding thermoregulation and related issues.

Results

The Dream Warmer raised no safety concerns and effectively treated hypothermia in 90% of uses. It was positively received by HCPs and parents, who reported it had a favourable effect on the care of small and sick newborns. Challenges identified included a scarcity of water and electricity, lack of availability of the device and HCPs forgetting to prepare it in advance of need or to use it when indicated. Feedback for future training was obtained. The Dream Warmer's strong safety and effectiveness performance is consistent with results from strict research studies. Training materials can be adapted to optimize integration into daily practice and provide educational content for parents.

Conclusions

The Dream Warmer is a safe and effective device to treat neonatal hypothermia, particularly when KMC is insufficient. We gained an understanding of how to optimize implementation through robust HCP and family education to help combat hypothermia.
Comparative Analysis of Site-Specific N-glycosylation of LAMP1 from Breast Cancer Tissues
Authors: Ohashi Shoko , Takakura Daisuke , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Tokuhisa Motohiko , Ichikawa Yasushi , Kawasaki Nana
Published: January 2024

Glycosylation changes in cancer proteins have been associated with malignant transformation. However, techniques for analyzing site-specific glycosylation changes in target proteins obtained from clinical tissue samples are insufficient. To overcome these problems, we developed a targeted N-glycoproteomic approach consisting of immunoprecipitation, glycopeptide enrichment, LC/MS/MS and structural assignment using commercially available analytical software followed by manual confirmation. This approach was applied to the comparative site-specific glycosylation analysis of lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 1 (LAMP1) between breast cancer (BC) tumors and normal tissues adjacent to tumors. Extensive determination of glycan heterogeneity from four N-glycosylation sites (Asn84/103/249/261) in LAMP1 identified 262 glycoforms and revealed remarkable diversity in tumor glycan structures. A significant increase in N-glycoforms with multiple fucoses and sialic acids at Asn84/249 and high-mannose-type glycans at Asn103/261 were observed in the tumor. Principal component analysis revealed that tumors of different subtypes have independent distributions. This approach enables site-specific glycopeptide analysis of target glycoprotein in breast cancer tissue and become a powerful tool for characterizing tumors with different pathological features by their glycan profiles.
The ATPase activity of ABCA1 is increased by cholesterol in the presence of anionic lipids
Authors: Sakata Kazuki , Kioka Noriyuki , Ueda Kazumitsu , Kimura Yasuhisa
Published: January 2024

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) transports excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver, and plasma HDL levels are inversely related to cardiovascular disease incidence. ATP-binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) is a member of the ABC protein superfamily, and generates nascent HDL, which consists of several hundreds of phospholipids and cholesterol wrapped by apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). However, it remains unclear whether cholesterol is a transport substrate of ABCA1. Since ATP hydrolysis of ABC proteins is typically increased by their transport substrates, we characterized the effects of cholesterol on the ATPase activity of purified ABCA1 using liposomes of various lipid compositions. ABCA1 showed substantial ATPase activity (20–30 nmol$\cdot$min−1$\cdot$mg−1) only in liposomes containing anionic lipids, including phosphatidylserine. Cholesterol increased the ATPase activity by 1.6- to 3-fold in the presence of anionic lipids. Moreover, phosphatidylserine addition to BHK/ABCA1 cells increased phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol efflux to apoA-I. Next, we investigated the sterol specificity of ABCA1. The ATPase activity of ABCA1 was strongly enhanced by desmosterol and zymosterol, similar to cholesterol. In contrast, 7-dehydrocholesterol and lathosterol weakly increased the ATPase activity, and no increase was observed with stigmasterol or brassicasterol. These findings suggest that ABCA1 transports cholesterol and prefers cholesterol over plant sterols as a transport substrate.
Tillson on religious initiation
Authors: Hand Michael
Published: January 2024

In Children, Religion and the Ethics of Influence, John Tillson argues that initiating children into religion is morally wrong. His argument overlaps and intersects at various points with my own argument against confessional religious education in schools. In this brief reply I consider two notable differences between our arguments.
Puerarin alleviates diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting Caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis
Authors: Chen QiuYan , Wang Lu , Wei Xiaojie , Chen Ming , Zhang Xiaoping , Mo Rou , Huang Renbin , Liang Tao , Xu Xiaohui
Published: January 2024

Background and purpose

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an important cause of end-stage renal disease, with podocyte injury as the main feature. Pyroptosis plays a non-negligible role in the process of diabetic nephropathy. Puerarin (PR) treatment of diabetic nephropathy has great potential, but the mechanism is not very clear. This article aims to study the protective effect and mechanism of puerarin on DN.

Methods

Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced C57 BL/6J mouse model of DN was given PR, Necrosulfomide (NSA), Nigericin for 12 weeks; A 60 mM high glucose(HG) induced MPC5 cell injury model was administered to PR, NSA, and Nigericin interventions for 24 h.

Results

After 12 weeks of administration, PR reduced fasting blood glucose levels in DN mice, alleviated glomerular lesions, reduced podocyte damage, and protected renal function. Meanwhile, PR also inhibits the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins. In addition, PR alleviated the release of Interleukin 18 (IL-18), Interleukin 1beta (IL-1β), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in MPC5 cells under HG conditions, downregulated the expression of pyrozozois-related proteins, and improved Caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis in MPC5 cells.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the beneficial effects of PR in diabetic nephropathy may be associated with inhibition of Caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis.
Elucidation the mechanism of the active ingredient imperatorin promoting drug absorption in cell model
Authors: Ta Wenjing , Wang Jie , Song Jihong , Li Xingyue , Wang Jianxiang , Lu Wen
Published: January 2024

Imperatorin (IMP) is the main bioactive furanocoumarin of Angelicae dahuricae radix, which is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of IMP in promoting absorption and the possible mechanism on the compatible drugs of Angelicae dahuricae radix. The influence of IMP on drugs’ intestinal absorption was conducted by the Caco-2 cell model. The mechanism was studied by investigating the transcellular transport mode of IMP and its influence on P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated efflux, protein expression of P-gp and tight junction, and cell membrane potential. The result showed IMP promoted the uptake of osthole, daidzein, ferulic acid, and puerarin and improved the transport of ferulic acid and puerarin in Caco-2 cells. The absorption-promoting mechanism of IMP might involve the reduction of the cell membrane potential, decrease of P-gp-mediated drug efflux and inhibition of the P-gp expression level in the cellular pathway, and the loosening of the tight junction protein by the downregulation of the expression levels of occludin and claudin-1 in the paracellular pathway. This study provides new insights into the understanding of the improved bioavailability of Angelicae dahuricae radix with its compatible drugs.
Deuterium fractionation in cold dense cores in the low-mass star-forming region L1688
Authors: Petrashkevich I V , Punanova A F , Caselli P , Sipilä O , Pineda J E , Friesen R K , Korotaeva M G , Vasyunin A I
Published: January 2024

In this work, we study deuterium fractionation in four starless cores in the low-mass star-forming region L1688 in the Ophiuchus molecular cloud. We study how the deuterium fraction (RD) changes with environment, compare deuteration of ions and neutrals, core centre and its envelope, and attempt to reproduce the observed results with a gas–grain chemical model. We chose high and low gas density tracers to study both core centre and the envelope. With the IRAM 30 m antenna, we mapped N2H+(1–0), N2D+(1–0), H13CO+ (1–0) and (2–1), DCO+(2–1), and p-NH2D(111–101) towards the chosen cores. The missing p-NH3 and N2H+(1–0) data were taken from the literature. To measure the molecular hydrogen column density, dust and gas temperature within the cores, we used the Herschel/SPIRE dust continuum emission data, the Green Bank Ammonia Survey data (NH3), and the COMPLETE survey data to estimate the upper limit on CO depletion. We present the deuterium fraction maps for three species towards four starless cores. Deuterium fraction of the core envelopes traced by DCO+/H13CO+ is one order of magnitude lower (∼0.08) than that of the core central parts traced by the nitrogen-bearing species (∼0.5). Deuterium fraction increases with the gas density as indicated by high deuterium fraction of high gas density tracers and low deuterium fraction of lower gas density tracers and by the decrease of RD with core radii, consistent with the predictions of the chemical model. Our model results show a good agreement with observations for RD(N2D+/N2H+) and RD(DCO+/HCO+) and underestimate the RD(NH2D/NH3).
GMF G214.5-1.8 as traced by CO: I – cloud-scale CO freeze-out as a result of a low cosmic-ray ionization rate
Authors: Clarke S D , Makeev V A , Sánchez-Monge Á , Williams G M , Tang Y -W , Walch S , Higgins R , Nürnberger P C , Suri S
Published: January 2024

We present an analysis of the outer Galaxy giant molecular filament (GMF) G214.5-1.8 (G214.5) using IRAM 30m data of 12CO, 13CO, and C18O. We find that the 12CO (1-0) and (2-1) derived excitation temperatures are near identical and are very low, with a median of 8.2 K, showing that the gas is extremely cold across the whole cloud. Investigating the abundance of 13CO across G214.5, we find that there is a significantly lower abundance along the entire 13 pc spine of the filament, extending out to a radius of ∼0.8 pc, corresponding to Av ≳ 2 mag and Tdust ≲ 13.5 K. Due to this, we attribute the decrease in abundance to CO freeze-out, making G214.5 the largest scale example of freeze-out yet. We construct an axisymmetric model of G214.5’s 13CO volume density considering freeze-out and find that to reproduce the observed profile significant depletion is required beginning at low volume densities, n ≳ 2000 cm−3. Freeze-out at this low number density is possible only if the cosmic-ray ionization rate is ∼1.9 × 10−18 s−1, an order of magnitude below the typical value. Using time scale arguments, we posit that such a low ionization rate may lead to ambipolar diffusion being an important physical process along G214.5’s entire spine. We suggest that if low cosmic-ray ionization rates are more common in the outer Galaxy, and other quiescent regions, cloud-scale CO freeze-out occurring at low column and number densities may also be more prevalent, having consequences for CO observations and their interpretation.
Modelling stellar variability in archival HARPS data: I - Rotation and activity properties with multidimensional Gaussian processes
Authors: Yu Haochuan , Aigrain Suzanne , Klein Baptiste , Barragán Oscar , Mortier Annelies , O’Sullivan Niamh K , Cretignier Michael
Published: January 2024

Although instruments for measuring the radial velocities (RVs) of stars now routinely reach sub-metre per second accuracy, the detection of low-mass planets is still very challenging. The rotational modulation and evolution of spots and/or faculae can induce variations in the RVs at the level of a few m s–1 in Sun-like stars. To overcome this, a multidimensional Gaussian Process framework has been developed to model the stellar activity signal using spectroscopic activity indicators together with the RVs. A recently published computationally efficient implementation of this framework, S + LEAF 2, enables the rapid analysis of large samples of targets with sizeable data sets. In this work, we apply this framework to HARPS observations of 268 well-observed targets with precisely determined stellar parameters. Our long-term goal is to quantify the effectiveness of this framework to model and mitigate activity signals for stars of different spectral types and activity levels. In this first paper in the series, we initially focus on the activity indicators (S-index and Bisector Inverse Slope), and use them to (a) measure rotation periods for 49 slow rotators in our sample, (b) explore the impact of these results on the spin-down of middle-aged late F, G, and K stars, and (c) explore indirectly how the spot to facular ratio varies across our sample. Our results should provide valuable clues for planning future RV planet surveys such as the Terra Hunting Experiment or the PLATO ground-based follow-up observations programme, and help fine-tune current stellar structure and evolution models.
Thiolutin has complex effects in vivo but is a direct inhibitor of RNA polymerase II in vitro
Authors: Qiu Chenxi , Arora Payal , Malik Indranil , Laperuta Amber J , Pavlovic Emily M , Ugochukwu Scott , Naik Mandar , Kaplan Craig D
Published: January 2024

Thiolutin is a natural product transcription inhibitor with an unresolved mode of action. Thiolutin and the related dithiolopyrrolone holomycin chelate Zn2+ and previous studies have concluded that RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) inhibition in vivo is indirect. Here, we present chemicogenetic and biochemical approaches to investigate thiolutin's mode of action in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We identify mutants that alter sensitivity to thiolutin. We provide genetic evidence that thiolutin causes oxidation of thioredoxins in vivo and that thiolutin both induces oxidative stress and interacts functionally with multiple metals including Mn2+ and Cu2+, and not just Zn2+. Finally, we show direct inhibition of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription initiation by thiolutin in vitro in support of classical studies that thiolutin can directly inhibit transcription in vitro. Inhibition requires both Mn2+ and appropriate reduction of thiolutin as excess DTT abrogates its effects. Pause prone, defective elongation can be observed in vitro if inhibition is bypassed. Thiolutin effects on Pol II occupancy in vivo are widespread but major effects are consistent with prior observations for Tor pathway inhibition and stress induction, suggesting that thiolutin use in vivo should be restricted to studies on its modes of action and not as an experimental tool.