bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weaponizing Energy: Energy, Trade, and Investment Law in the New Geopolitical Reality
Authors: Boute Anatole
Published: October 2022

Concerns over the weaponization of energy during the war in Ukraine have revived state anxieties about overreliance on certain foreign energy sources. This Essay argues that instruments of energy trade and investment protection have helped to lock states into dangerous dependencies. Trade and investment law can inhibit energy security strategies designed to diversify away from unreliable sources and to block suspicious investors. With energy used as a weapon, reform of the liberal energy regime is needed to allow states to prevent the creation of dependencies and protect their energy security in the new geopolitical reality.
Missing in Action? Investor Responses to the War in Ukraine
Authors: DeWinter-Schmitt Rebecca , Jones Samuel , Stazinski Richard
Published: October 2022

Following the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014, many investors responded by unloading their Russian sovereign debt holdings. However, data from Bloomberg show that at the time of the 24 February Russian invasion of Ukraine, ESG funds – investment funds pursuing environmental, social and governance goals – still held at least $8.3 billion in Russian assets;1 and while more than a thousand companies have curtailed their Russian operations and over 500 are holding off on new investments in the wake of Russia’s invasion,2 investors have been accused of being ‘missing in action’.3
Making Sense of Electoral Violence: The Narrative Frame of Organised Crime in Mexico
Authors: Schedler Andreas
Published: October 2022

Since the inauguration of Mexican democracy in 2000, organised criminal violence had been leaking into the political arena. Yet, it escalated in the 2018 elections, when dozens of local candidates were killed. In most of these cases, the concrete perpetrators and motives remained in the dark. How did Mexican society make sense of this opaque, unprecedented wave of electoral violence? On the basis of a qualitative content analysis of over 1,200 news reports, I examine the structuring power of a shared narrative: the frame of organised crime. By conceiving candidate killings as economic violence within the criminal community, this commonsensical frame of interpretation permitted Mexican society to ‘normalise’ these killings as ‘business as usual’ by criminal organisations.
When a Free Act Costs a Motive: Clearing Consequentialism of Conflict
Authors: McDougal Austen
Published: October 2022

Consequentialist theories that directly assess multiple focal points face an important objection: that one right option may conflict with another. Robert Adams raises an instance of this objection regarding the possibility that the right act conflicts with the right motives. Whereas only partial responses have previously been given, assuming particular views of the relation between motives and acts, an exhaustive treatment is in order. Either motives psychologically determine acts, or they do not – and I defend direct consequentialism on each assumption. Crucially, if motives determine acts, this may be compatible with the ability to act otherwise, but there remains a defense for consequentialism even on these assumptions. What clears consequentialism of conflict is not necessarily that the apparently right act is unavailable, but rather that its outcome is suboptimal once we account for necessary motives. Even if the agent remains free to perform the act, the act costs too much.
But parents need help! Pathways to caregiver mental health care in pediatric hospital settings
Authors: Salley Christina G. , Axelrad Marni , Fischer Elizabeth , Steuer Katherine B.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Research and clinical expertise have emphasized the mental health needs of parents and caregivers of medically complex children. Evidence-based interventions are available for adult mental health, including those designed specifically for caregivers caring for children with a variety of health-care needs. This paper describes practical and legal considerations of 3 possible pathways for psychologists to address the needs of caregivers within pediatric hospital settings.

Methods

Literature regarding the mental health needs of caregivers of children with medical conditions, evidence-based interventions, and pediatric subspecialty psychosocial guidelines was reviewed. Relevant legal and ethical obligations for psychologists were also summarized.

Results

The mental health needs of caregivers of medically complex children are often high, yet programmatic, institutional, legal, and ethical barriers can limit access to appropriate care.

Significance of the results

Integration of screening and treatment of caregivers’ mental health within the pediatric hospital setting is one pathway to addressing caregivers’ needs. The development of programs for caregiver mental health screening and treatment within pediatric hospital settings will enhance the well-being of children and families and reduce legal and ethical risks for pediatric psychologists. Consultation with institutional compliance, legal/risk, and medical records departments and the creation of electronic medical records for the caregiver may be useful and practical opportunities for integration.
Characteristics of overseas Chinese residents and the background behind the formation of their settlements in the Song period
Authors: Go Eunmi
Published: October 2022

To date, the research on Chinese figures residing or settling abroad and their residential settlements has mainly focused on trade merchants. Merchants frequently traveled abroad due to the characteristics of their occupation and were therefore more likely to reside in foreign countries for varying periods of time in the process. Song-era records that document figures staying overseas, however, largely center around intellectuals and bureaucrats who were trained in the Chinese systems of knowledge or administration, as opposed to merchants. Examining the records concerned, it is difficult to conclude that merchants accounted for the majority of overseas Chinese citizens at that time. This paper strived to focus on the emergence of people who looked for opportunities overseas as the background for the formation of Chinese communities in the Song period, as opposed to trade voyages by merchants. This situation is clearly revealed through the Song's ban on overseas travel for those with different traits from merchants. This indicates that the emergence of people who sought to journey abroad for new opportunities had begun even before 1078. As Chinese citizens sailed abroad to look for new opportunities, Chinese communities began to form in foreign countries around the twelfth century.
Coupling receiver–transmitter metasurface-based Fabry–Pérot resonant antenna with dual circular polarization
Authors: Yuan Zhiqiang
Published: October 2022

This study presents a dual-circularly polarized (CP) Fabry–Pérot (FP) antenna, employing a novel receiver–transmitter (RT) metasurface (MS). The RT-MS unit cell consists of two identical neighboring substrates, with a three-layer metal coating printed on their surfaces. The bottom patch is adopted as a receiver to transfer electromagnetic waves to the top-corner cut patch, passing through the coupling cross-slot sandwiched in the middle. The RT-MS has high reflectivity to achieve a high gain. Through energy and a cross-slot, high aperture efficiency can be realized. A conventional corner cut patch can excite a CP mode of equal magnitude and a 90° phase difference. The RT-MS is arranged in 12 × 12 unit cells and used as a superstrate for a dual-CP antenna. Two orthogonally etched slots fed by two branch-matched orthogonally arranged feed lines are used as feeders to produce perpendicular linearly polarized waves. To enhance the bandwidth and improve the gain, double identical stack substrate patches are placed at the top side of the slot with no air gap, for a wide impedance band and high gain. Two wide CP bands, left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization, of 12.21–13.1 GHz (7.03%) and 12.35–13.1 GHz (5.89%), respectively, have maximum high gains of 16.5 and 15.97 dBic at 12.58 and 12.7 GHz, respectively, with a compact size of 2.6λ0 × 2.6λ0, suggesting better properties than recent antennas. The aperture efficiency can reach 63.2%. Thus, the RT-MS-based FP antenna is a good candidate for commercial and military communication systems.
The origins and influence of victim assistance: Contributions of the Mine Ban Treaty, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Convention on Cluster Munitions
Authors: Docherty Bonnie , Sanders-Zakre Alicia
Published: October 2022

The establishment of victim assistance as a core element of humanitarian disarmament emerged from three treaties: the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty (MBT), the 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). The MBT introduced the concept of victim assistance, and the CPRD created a framework of human rights that influenced its evolution. Drawing on its predecessors, the CCM made victim assistance a robust and rights-based legal obligation. This article analyses the negotiating history and content of the treaties to show how victim assistance evolved, particularly in the areas of inclusion and human rights. It examines the treaties’ implementation, which reveals that while the CRPD set standards for victim assistance, the MBT and CCM's victim assistance programmes have benefitted persons with disabilities in practice. Finally, it offers lessons from the MBT, CRPD and CCM for implementation and interpretation of victim assistance obligations under the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The article concludes that the three treaties have collectively established assisting victims as a feature of disarmament law, helped persons with disabilities realize their rights, and laid the groundwork for adapting victim assistance to new challenges.
Protection of persons with disabilities in armed conflict under international humanitarian law and Islamic law
Authors: Al-Dawoody Ahmed , Pons William I.
Published: October 2022

Article 11 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires that the rights and protections of the Convention not be derogated or suspended during “situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict”. Even so, persons with disabilities are still often the group most disproportionately impacted by armed conflict. This reality is not due to a failing of international humanitarian law to protect and consider persons with disabilities; rather, it is due to a failure to mainstream disability into the application of and approach to existing protection frameworks. Impactful mainstreaming of disability necessitates the inclusion of all relevant mutually reinforcing legal frameworks and traditions. By examining four main areas – military operations, evacuation, humanitarian assistance, and long-term assistance and services – this paper argues that the protection of persons with disabilities in armed conflict, and specifically within Muslim contexts, will be enhanced through the inclusion and consideration of Islamic law.
Crustal Structure Constraints From the Detection of the SsPp Phase on Mars
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Beghein Caroline , Davis Paul , Wieczorek Mark. A. , McLennan Scott M. , Kim Doyeon , Lekić Ved , Golombek Matthew , Schimmel Martin , Stutzmann Eleonore , Lognonné Philippe , Banerdt William Bruce
Published: October 2022

The shallowest intracrustal layer (extending to 8 ± 2 km depth) beneath the Mars InSight Lander site exhibits low seismic wave velocity, which is likely related to a combination of high porosity and other lithological factors. The SsPp phase, an SV‐ to P‐wave reflection on the receiver side, is naturally suited for constraining the seismic structure of this top crustal layer since its prominent signal makes it observable with a single station without the need for stacking. We have analyzed six broadband and low‐frequency seismic events recorded on Mars and made the first coherent detection of the SsPp phase on the red planet. The timing and amplitude of SsPp confirm the existence of the ∼8 km interface in the crust and the large wave speed (or impedance) contrast across it. With our new constraints from the SsPp phase, we determined that the average P‐wave speed in the top crustal layer is between 2.5 and 3.2 km/s, which is a more precise and robust estimate than the previous range of 2.0–3.5 km/s obtained by receiver function analysis. The low velocity of Layer 1 likely results from the presence of relatively low‐density lithified sedimentary rocks and/or aqueously altered igneous rocks that also have a significant amount of porosity, possibly as much as 22%–30% by volume (assuming an aspect ratio of 0.1 for the pore space). These porosities and average P‐wave speeds are compatible with our current understanding of the upper crustal stratigraphy beneath the InSight Lander site.
Modeling the Frequency‐Dependent Effective Excess Charge Density in Partially Saturated Porous Media
Authors: Solazzi Santiago G. , Thanh Luong Duy , Hu Kayian , Jougnot Damien
Published: October 2022

In the context of seismoelectric and self‐potential surveying, the effective excess charge density and the electrokinetic coupling coefficient are key parameters relating the measured electrical potential and the hydraulic characteristics of the explored porous media. In this work, we present a novel flux averaging approach that permits to estimate the frequency‐dependent effective excess charge density in partially saturated porous media. For this, we conceptualize the porous medium as a partially saturated bundle of capillary tubes under oscillatory flux conditions. We account for the pore size distribution (PSD) to determine the capillary‐pressure saturation relationship of the corresponding medium, which, in turn, permits to determine the pore scale saturation. We then solve the Navier‐Stokes equations within the saturated capillaries and, by means of a flux‐averaging procedure, obtain upscaled expressions for: (a) the effective excess charge density, (b) the effective permeability, and (c) the electrokinetic coupling coefficient, which are functions of the saturation and the probing frequency. We analyze and explain the characteristics of these functions for three different PSDs: fractal, lognormal, and double lognormal. It is shown that the PSD characteristics have a strong effect on the corresponding electrokinetic response. The proposed flux‐averaging approach has an excellent capability for reproducing experimental measurements and models in the literature, which are otherwise based on well‐known empirical relationships. The results of this work constitute a useful framework for the interpretation of electrokinetic signals in partially saturated media.
Occurrence Rates of SuperDARN Ground Scatter Echoes and Electron Density in the Ionosphere
Authors: Koustov Alexander V. , Ullrich Sydney , Ponomarenko Pavlo V. , Ghalamkarian Nejad Mehdi , Themens David R. , Gillies Robert G.
Published: October 2022

Ground scatter (GS) echoes in Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) observations have been always expected to occur under high‐enough electron density in the ionosphere providing sufficient bending of high frequency radio wave paths toward the ground. In this study, we provide direct evidence statistically supporting this notion by comparing the GS occurrence rate for the Rankin Inlet SuperDARN radar and the F region peak electron density measured at Resolute Bay by the Canadian Advanced Digital Ionosonde and incoherent scatter radars RISR‐N/C. We show that the occurrence rate increases with roughly linearly up to about and the trend saturates at larger . One expected consequence of this relationship is correlation in seasonal and solar cycle variations of the GS echo occurrence rate and . GS occurrence rates for a number of SuperDARN radars at middle latitudes, in the auroral zone and in the polar cap are considered separately for daytime and nighttime. The data indicate that the daytime occurrence rates are maximized in winter and nighttime occurrence rates are maximized in summer for middle latitude and auroral zone radars in the Northern Hemisphere, consistent with the winter anomaly (WA) phenomenon. The effect is most evident in the North American and Japanese sectors, and the quality of WA signatures deteriorates in the European and, especially, in the Australian sectors. The effect does not exist in the South American sector and in the polar caps of both hemispheres.
Targeting UHRF1-SAP30-MXD4 axis for leukemia initiating cell eradication in myeloid leukemia
Authors: Hu Cheng-Long , Chen Bing-Yi , Li Zijuan , Yang Tianbiao , Xu Chun-Hui , Yang Ruirui , Yu Peng-Cheng , Zhao Jingyao , Liu Ting , Liu Na , Shan Bin , Zhang Qunling , Song Junhong , Fei Ming-Yue , Zong Li-Juan , Zhang Jia-Ying , Wu Ji-Chuan , Chen Shu-Bei , Wang Yong , Chang Binhe , Hou Dan , Liu Ping , Jiang Yilun , Li Xiya , Chen Xinchi , Deng Chu-Han , Ren Yi-Yi , Wang Roujia , Jin Jiacheng , Xue Kai , Zhang Ying , Du Meirong , Shi Jun , Wu Ling-Yun , Chang Chun-Kang , Shen Shuhong , Chen Zhu , Chen Sai-Juan , Liu Xiaolong , Sun Xiao-Jian , Zheng Mingyue , Wang Lan
Published: October 2022

Aberrant self-renewal of leukemia initiation cells (LICs) drives aggressive acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here, we report that UHRF1, an epigenetic regulator that recruits DNMT1 to methylate DNA, is highly expressed in AML and predicts poor prognosis. UHRF1 is required for myeloid leukemogenesis by maintaining self-renewal of LICs. Mechanistically, UHRF1 directly interacts with Sin3A-associated protein 30 (SAP30) through two critical amino acids, G572 and F573 in its SRA domain, to repress gene expression. Depletion of UHRF1 or SAP30 derepresses an important target gene, MXD4, which encodes a MYC antagonist, and leads to suppression of leukemogenesis. Further knockdown of MXD4 can rescue the leukemogenesis by activating the MYC pathway. Lastly, we identified a UHRF1 inhibitor, UF146, and demonstrated its significant therapeutic efficacy in the myeloid leukemia PDX model. Taken together, our study reveals the mechanisms for altered epigenetic programs in AML and provides a promising targeted therapeutic strategy against AML.
Epithelial coxsackievirus adenovirus receptor promotes house dust mite-induced lung inflammation
Authors: Ortiz-Zapater Elena , Bagley Dustin C. , Hernandez Virginia Llopis , Roberts Luke B. , Maguire Thomas J. A. , Voss Felizia , Mertins Philipp , Kirchner Marieluise , Peset-Martin Isabel , Woszczek Grzegorz , Rosenblatt Jody , Gotthardt Michael , Santis George , Parsons Maddy
Published: October 2022

Airway inflammation and remodelling are important pathophysiologic features in asthma and other respiratory conditions. An intact epithelial cell layer is crucial to maintain lung homoeostasis, and this depends on intercellular adhesion, whilst damaged respiratory epithelium is the primary instigator of airway inflammation. The Coxsackievirus Adenovirus Receptor (CAR) is highly expressed in the epithelium where it modulates cell-cell adhesion stability and facilitates immune cell transepithelial migration. However, the contribution of CAR to lung inflammation remains unclear. Here we investigate the mechanistic contribution of CAR in mediating responses to the common aeroallergen, House Dust Mite (HDM). We demonstrate that administration of HDM in mice lacking CAR in the respiratory epithelium leads to loss of peri-bronchial inflammatory cell infiltration, fewer goblet-cells and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine release. In vitro analysis in human lung epithelial cells confirms that loss of CAR leads to reduced HDM-dependent inflammatory cytokine release and neutrophil migration. Epithelial CAR depletion also promoted smooth muscle cell proliferation mediated by GSK3β and TGF-β, basal matrix production and airway hyperresponsiveness. Our data demonstrate that CAR coordinates lung inflammation through a dual function in leucocyte recruitment and tissue remodelling and may represent an important target for future therapeutic development in inflammatory lung diseases.
Field-induced ultrafast modulation of Rashba coupling at room temperature in ferroelectric α-GeTe(111)
Authors: Kremer Geoffroy , Maklar Julian , Nicolaï Laurent , Nicholson Christopher W. , Yue Changming , Silva Caio , Werner Philipp , Dil J. Hugo , Krempaský Juraj , Springholz Gunther , Ernstorfer Ralph , Minár Jan , Rettig Laurenz , Monney Claude
Published: October 2022

Rashba materials have appeared as an ideal playground for spin-to-charge conversion in prototype spintronics devices. Among them, α-GeTe(111) is a non-centrosymmetric ferroelectric semiconductor for which a strong spin-orbit interaction gives rise to giant Rashba coupling. Its room temperature ferroelectricity was recently demonstrated as a route towards a new type of highly energy-efficient non-volatile memory device based on switchable polarization. Currently based on the application of an electric field, the writing and reading processes could be outperformed by the use of femtosecond light pulses requiring exploration of the possible control of ferroelectricity on this timescale. Here, we probe the room temperature transient dynamics of the electronic band structure of α-GeTe(111) using time and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Our experiments reveal an ultrafast modulation of the Rashba coupling mediated on the fs timescale by a surface photovoltage, namely an increase corresponding to a 13% enhancement of the lattice distortion. This opens the route for the control of the ferroelectric polarization in α-GeTe(111) and ferroelectric semiconducting materials in quantum heterostructures.
Human cooperation in changing groups in a large-scale public goods game
Authors: Otten Kasper , Frey Ulrich J. , Buskens Vincent , Przepiorka Wojtek , Ellemers Naomi
Published: October 2022

How people cooperate to provide public goods is an important scientific question and relates to many societal problems. Previous research studied how people cooperate in stable groups in repeated or one-time-only encounters. However, most real-world public good problems occur in groups with a gradually changing composition due to old members leaving and new members arriving. How group changes are related to cooperation in public good provision is not well understood. To address this issue, we analyze a dataset from an online public goods game comprising approximately 1.5 million contribution decisions made by about 135 thousand players in about 11.3 thousand groups with about 234 thousand changes in group composition. We find that changes in group composition negatively relate to cooperation. Our results suggest that this is related to individuals contributing less in the role of newcomers than in the role of incumbents. During the process of moving from newcomer status to incumbent status, individuals cooperate more and more in line with incumbents.
Hepatic thyroid hormone signalling modulates glucose homeostasis through the regulation of GLP-1 production via bile acid-mediated FXR antagonism
Authors: Yan Ying , Niu Zhoumin , Sun Chao , Li Peng , Shen Siyi , Liu Shengnan , Wu Yuting , Yun Chuyu , Jiao Tingying , Jia Sheng , Li Yuying , Fang Zhong-Ze , Zhao Lin , Wang Jiqiu , Xie Cen , Jiang Changtao , Li Yan , Feng Xiaoyun , Hu Cheng , Jiang Jingjing , Ying Hao
Published: October 2022

Thyroid hormones (TH) regulate systemic glucose metabolism through incompletely understood mechanisms. Here, we show that improved glucose metabolism in hypothyroid mice after T3 treatment is accompanied with increased glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) production and insulin secretion, while co-treatment with a GLP-1 receptor antagonist attenuates the effects of T3 on insulin and glucose levels. By using mice lacking hepatic TH receptor β (TRβ) and a liver-specific TRβ-selective agonist, we demonstrate that TRβ-mediated hepatic TH signalling is required for both the regulation of GLP-1 production and the insulinotropic and glucose-lowering effects of T3. Moreover, administration of a liver-targeted TRβ-selective agonist increases GLP-1 and insulin levels and alleviates hyperglycemia in diet-induced obesity. Mechanistically, T3 suppresses Cyp8b1 expression, resulting in increased the levels of Farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-antagonistic bile acids, thereby potentiating GLP-1 production and insulin secretion by repressing intestinal FXR signalling. T3 correlates with both plasma GLP-1 and fecal FXR-antagonistic bile acid levels in people with normal thyroid function. Thus, our study reveals a role for hepatic TH signalling in glucose homeostasis through the regulation of GLP-1 production via bile acid-mediated FXR antagonism.
Revisiting the COVID-19 fatality rate and altitude association through a comprehensive analysis
Authors: Bridgman Carson , Gerken Jacob , Vincent Joshua , Brooks Amanda E. , Zapata Isain
Published: October 2022

The emergence of COVID-19 virus has led to a pandemic with staggering morbidity and mortality. There is evidence showing that pre-existing conditions and environmental factors are associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Among these conditions, altitude is of particular interest. Altitude has been shown to influence the morbidity and mortality of multiple chronic pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. COVID-19 fatality rate has been associated with as altitude as well, but findings are disputed. Therefore, we revisit this assessment with a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between COVID-19 fatality rates and altitude for the Mountain region of the United States while considering the effect of additional comorbidities and sociodemographic factors. A Generalized Additive Model (GAM) approach using one year of county data adjusted by population density was performed to evaluate associations within states and for the whole region. Our analysis revealed a consistent effect where COVID-19 case-fatality rate is decreased with higher altitude, even when controlling for pre-existing conditions and certain demographic variables. In summary, the work presented provides evidence that suggests that the protective effects of high altitude are likely to be influenced by physiologic factors but demographic trends that are associated with life at high altitude must also be considered.
ATG101-related signature predicts prognosis and therapeutic option in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Bin , Fu Jiantao , Lin Yuanji , Lou Yi , Lu Anqian , Yang Jin
Published: October 2022

Autophagy plays a critical role in tumor pathogenesis. However, autophagy-related signature in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been revealed yet. We quantified the levels of various cancer hallmarks and identified ATG101 as the major risk factor for overall survival in HCC. A robust ATG101-related gene signature (ATS) for prognosis was constructed using a combination of bioinformatic and statistical approaches. Additionally, genetic and immunological properties were measured between ATS-high and ATS-low groups. The ATS signature was associated with shortened overall survival in HCC patients independently of clinicopathological characteristics. ATS status defines an inflamed yet exhausted tumor microenvironment, in which the activities of the exhausted CD8+ or CD4+ T cells were strongly associated with ATS. The ATS signature predicts the drug resistance to the immunotherapy, thus a combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy might be suitable for ATS-high patients. This work shed light on the function of ATG101-related genes in HCC and revealed that the ATS signature may be a useful prognostic biomarker for differentiating molecular and immunological features and predicting probable response to the therapy.
Clinical association between trace elements of tear and dry eye metrics
Authors: Chen Ying-Jen , Chen Yuan-Yuei , Lai Ching-Huang
Published: October 2022

Trace elements exposure is proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of the systemic disease. Emerging studies have suggested that trace metal exposure may contribute to dry eye disease. Our study primarily aimed to investigate the association between trace metal exposure in tear samples and the presence of dry eye metrics in the shipyard industry. Overall, 84 eligible participants from the shipyard industry were included in this cross-sectional study. The parameters for identifying dry eye symptoms included O.S.D.I., SPEED, N.I.B.U.T., and ocular surface conditions, such as tear meniscus height, eye blinking, and meibomian gland area were performed by S.B.M. sistemi ocular surface analyzer. The concentration of tear trace elements was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The association between tear trace elements and dry eye parameters was investigated using regression models. Participants in the exposure group had significantly higher levels of tear Pb than the control group. In the exposure group, tear Pb was significantly associated with increased SPEED and O.S.D.I. score with beta coefficients of 0.144 (95% CI 0.092, 0.197), 0.121 (95% CI 0.049, 0.194), respectively, and decreased lower and upper meibomian gland area with beta coefficients of − 0.158 (− 0.283, − 0.033) and − 0.228 (− 0.396, − 0.061), respectively. Tear trace elements exposure is considered to impact the appearance of dry eye metrics. Improving the occupational environment and monitoring the ocular surface health may benefit workers under exposure to trace elements.
Morphometric description of the koala humerus using microcomputed tomography
Authors: Hawkins Jason , Basa Rachel M. , Norton Matthew J. , Johnson Kenneth A.
Published: October 2022

The current prognosis for successful return to function in koalas with appendicular fractures is poor despite being the most common fracture type to result in successful rehabilitation. The forelimb, particularly the humerus, plays a critical role in stabilisation and support while climbing trees. Successful rehabilitation therefore requires adequate internal stabilisation to promote bone healing and faster return to function. Current knowledge of koala limb bone morphometry is lacking and would provide useful clinical insight for future orthopaedic research, particularly with regards to recommendations regarding implant size and type. In this study microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) was used to describe bone length, internal and external diameters, and cortical thickness at five transverse levels along the humerus of skeletally mature koala cadavers. Qualitative descriptions were also made regarding bone features deemed clinically relevant to potential fracture repair techniques. Mean humeral length was 114.3 mm (95% CI 107.29–121.31 mm). Mediolateral diameters were greater than craniocaudal diameters at each measurement level, and the diaphysis has a distally tapering medullary cavity. Diaphyseal cortices were relatively homogenous with slight distal thickening, and medial cortices were thickest along the entire bone. The bone protuberances of the deltoid and supinator ridges projected most of the way down the lateral surface of the bone while the medial surface remained relatively uniform. Distal to the deltoid ridge the humerus curved caudally, terminating at a craniocaudally flattened distal epiphysis. Morphometric descriptions provided in this study will serve as a useful reference for future research, guiding orthopaedic surgery and improving prognosis of koala humeral fractures.
Investigation of bactericidal effect of a mid-infrared free electron laser on Escherichia coli
Authors: Toyama Toshizo , Fujioka Jun , Watanabe Kiyoko , Yoshida Ayaka , Sakuma Takaaki , Inaba Keitaro , Imai Takayuki , Nakajima Takashi , Tsukiyama Koichi , Hamada Nobushiro , Yoshino Fumihiko
Published: October 2022

The rapid increase in the number of bacteria that are resistant to many commonly used antimicrobial agents and their global spread have become a major problem worldwide. In particular, for periodontal disease, which is a localized infection, there is a growing need for treatment methods that do not primarily involve antimicrobial agents, and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is attracting attention. In this study, the bactericidal effects of a mid-infrared free electron laser (MIR-FEL) on E. coli were investigated as a basic study to examine the applicability of MIR-FELs, which can selectively excite molecular vibrations due to their wavelength tunability, to aPDT. The optimal irradiation wavelengths to be examined in this study were determined from the infrared spectrum of the bacteria, which was obtained using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Five irradiation wavelengths (6.62, 6.88, 7.14, 8.09 and 9.26 µm) were selected from the FT-IR spectrum, and we found that the bactericidal effects at a wavelength of 6.62 µm were markedly stronger than those observed at the other wavelengths. At this wavelength corresponding to the Amide II band, the bacterial survival rate decreased significantly as the irradiation time increased. On the contrary, irradiation of a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) laser at 1.06 µm exhibited no distinct bactericidal effect. No morphological changes were observed after MIR-FEL irradiation, suggesting that a bacterial organelle molecule may be the target of MIR-FEL irradiation, but the exact target was not identified. Furthermore, the temperature change induced in the culture medium by the laser irradiation was ± 1.5 °C at room temperature. These results suggest that the bactericidal effects of MIR-FEL are derived from photochemical reactions involving infrared photons, since E. coli is usually killed by heating it to 75 °C for 1 min or longer.
LncRNA ANRIL-mediated miR-181b-5p/S1PR1 axis is involved in the progression of uremic cardiomyopathy through activating T cells
Authors: Xu Ying , Cao Luxi , Ji Shuiyu , Shen Wei
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to explore the regulatory role of lncRNA ANRIL/miR-181b-5p/S1PR1 in UC. UC mouse model was established by 5/6th nephrectomy. We detected body weight, serum levels of renal function and inflammatory factors (biochemical analyzer/ELISA), and cardiac parameters (echocardiography). HE and Masson staining showed the pathological changes and fibrosis in myocardial and nephridial tissues. The expression of ANRIL, miR-181b-5p, and S1PR1 were detected by qRT-PCR or Western blot/immunofluorescence. T cells activation was analyzed by Flow cytometry. ANRIL/S1PR1 were up-regulated and miR-181b-5p was down-regulated in UC mice. ANRIL silencing up-regulated miR-181b-5p and down-regulated S1PR1 (a target of miR-181b-5p). ANRIL silencing increased the body weight, recovered renal function [decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr)] and cardiac function [decreased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), LV end-systolic diameter (LVESD), LV systolic anterior wall thickness (LVAWS), LV end-diastolic anterior wall thickness (LVAWD), myocardial performance index (MPI), and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT); increased LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LVEF/MPI, fractional shortening (FS), and E- and A-waves (E/A)], inhibited the inflammation [decreased interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α], and relieved pathological injuries and fibrosis. ANRIL silencing also recovered the viability and inhibited the inflammation of activated T cells in vitro, and inhibited T cell activation in UC mice in vivo. In addition, miR-181b-5p overexpression exhibited same effects with ANRIL silencing in UC. ANRIL silencing inhibited T cell activation through regulating miR-181b-5p/S1PR1, contributing to the remission of UC.
A cross-sectional study of Chinese women facial skin status with environmental factors and individual lifestyles
Authors: Yi Fan , Yang Xiao-xiao , Yang Ru-ya , Zhao Meng-meng , Dong Yin-mao , Li Li , He Yi-fan , Guo Miao-miao , Li Jing , Zhang Xiao-hui , Lu Zhi , Gu Jie , Bao Jing-lin , Meng Hong
Published: October 2022

Geographical, environmental and pollution conditions affect facial skin health, but their effects on skin appearance have not been elucidated. This study aimed to describe the skin barrier and skin tone characteristics of Chinese subjects according to lifestyle and environmental conditions using in vitro measurements. In total, 1092 women aged 22–42 years were recruited from 7 representative Chinese cities. Eight skin parameters (hydration, sebum, pH, transdermal water loss, individual type angle, melanin index, erythema index, yellowness) were measured using noninvasive instruments; individual lifestyle data were also collected. Data on four meteorological factors (air temperature, relative humidity, sunshine duration, wind speed) and seven air pollution indicators (air quality index, fine particulate matter, breathable particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone) were collected in each city from the China Meteorological Administration. Facial skin characteristics differed significantly between cities. Facial skin barrier characteristics and skin tones showed regional differences, with a better skin barrier associated with the western region, as indicated by high skin hydration and sebum secretion and a low pH value. According to the value of transdermal water loss, lighter and darker skin tones were found in the western and southern regions, respectively. Environmental conditions affected facial skin status. Air pollution induced facial skin issues, with fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide contributing the most. Individual lifestyles affected the facial skin barrier and skin tone.
Evaluation of coal seam floor water bursting in multi-aquifer Gequan coal mine, China
Authors: Lv Situ , Zeng Yifan , Zhang Longqiang , Zhao Haonan
Published: October 2022

A water-bursting evaluation of the coal seam floor is critical to ensure safety of coal mine production. The vulnerability index method based on AHP is selected for this study’s evaluation method. Water pressure, measured specific yield, equivalent thickness of effective aquiclude, brittle rock thickness under mining pressure damage zone, distribution of faults, distribution of collapse column, distribution of endpoints, and the intersection of fault are taken as the evaluation index based on the analysis of geological data in the study area. The authors assessed the threat posed by the two aquifers in the lower portion of the coal seam. Separate evaluations were conducted on the Benxi and Ordovician limestone aquifers. The results’ veracity was confirmed by comparing the obtained results to the water bursting point and a few boreholes. The evaluation results provide recommendations for the safe operation of coal mines.
Exploiting the Bayesian approach to derive counts of married women of reproductive age across Cameroon for healthcare planning, 2000–2030
Authors: Nsashiyi Raïssa Shiyghan , Rahman Md Mizanur , Ndam Lawrence Monah , Hashizume Masahiro
Published: October 2022

Estimates of married women of reproductive age (MWRA) are needed for policy decisions to enhance reproductive health. Given the unavailability in Cameroon, this study aimed to derive MWRA counts by regions and divisions from 2000 to 2030. Data included 1976, 1987, and 2005 censuses with 606,542 women, five Demographic and Health Surveys from 1991 to 2018 with 48,981 women, and United Nations World Population Prospects from 1976 to 2030. Bayesian models were used in estimating fertility rates, net-migration, and finally, MWRA counts. The total MWRA population in Cameroon was estimated to increase from 2,260,665 (2,198,569–2,352,934) to 6,124,480 (5,862,854–6,482,921), reflecting a 5.7 (5.2–6.2) percentage points (%p) annual rise from 2000–2030. The Centre and Far North regions host the largest numbers, projected to reach 1,264,514 (1,099,373–1,470,021) and 1,069,814 (985,315–1,185,523), respectively, in 2030. The highest divisional-level increases are expected in Mfoundi [14.6%p (11.2–18.8)] and Bénoué [14.9%p (11.1–20.09). This study’s findings, showing varied regional- and divisional-level estimates of and trends in MWRA counts should set a baseline for determining the demand for programmes such as family planning, and the scaling of relevant resources sub-nationally.
Association of health asset value with subjective well-being, depression, health management strategy and habits in South Korea
Authors: Yun Young Ho , Yoon Hyejeong , Park Eunwoo
Published: October 2022

This study aims to measure the monetary value of health asset based on the self-reported health status and rate of health asset value (HAV), and to evaluate its application to the subjective well-being and health competency of a representative sample of South Korea. From March to April 2021, 1000 participants were randomly sampled nationwide in South Korea and administered questionnaires including self-reported rate of health asset value and health status, the Subjective Well-Being Index (SWBI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Smart Management Strategy for Health Assessment Tool (SAT), and 11 health habits. In multiple stepwise logistic regression model adjusted for basic demographic variables (age, sex, region, monthly income level, and comorbidity), current HAV was independently associated positively with SWBI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.32; confidence interval [CI] 2.27–8.23) and negatively with PHQ-9 (aOR 0.68; 95% CI 0.51–0.90). Core (aOR 1.66; CI 1.25–2.19), Preparation (aOR 1.79; CI 1.24–2.59), and Implementation Strategy scores of SAT (aOR 1.79; CI 1.26–2.55) were independently associated positively with current HAV. All 11 health habits were independently associated positively with current HAV (aOR range from 1.80 to 3.19). The HAV approach offers a new monetary value of health that can be used in making individual or political decisions of improving health or reducing health inequity.
Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of gabactyzine, a benactyzine-GABA mutual prodrug, as an organophosphate antidote
Authors: Weitman Michal , Eisenkraft Arik , TaShma Zeev , Makarovsky Igor , Last David , Daniels Dianne , Guez David , Shneor Ran , Mardor Yael , Nudelman Abraham , Krivoy Amir
Published: October 2022

Organophosphates (OPs) are inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and have deleterious effects on the central nervous system. Clinical manifestations of OP poisoning include convulsions, which represent an underlying toxic neuro-pathological process, leading to permanent neuronal damage. This neurotoxicity is mediated through the cholinergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic (NMDA) systems. Pharmacological interventions in OP poisoning are designed to mitigate these specific neuro-pathological pathways, using anticholinergic drugs and GABAergic agents. Benactyzine is a combined anticholinergic, anti-NMDA compound. Based on previous development of novel GABA derivatives (such as prodrugs based on perphenazine for the treatment of schizophrenia and nortriptyline against neuropathic pain), we describe the synthesis and preliminary testing of a mutual prodrug ester of benactyzine and GABA. It is assumed that once the ester crosses the blood–brain-barrier it will undergo hydrolysis, releasing benactyzine and GABA, which are expected to act synergistically. The combined release of both compounds in the brain offers several advantages over the current OP poisoning treatment protocol: improved efficacy and safety profile (where the inhibitory properties of GABA are expected to counteract the anticholinergic cognitive adverse effects of benactyzine) and enhanced chemical stability compared to benactyzine alone. We present here preliminary results of animal studies, showing promising results with early gabactyzine administration.
Estimates of regeneration potential in the Pannonian sand region help prioritize ecological restoration interventions
Authors: Csákvári Edina , Molnár Zsolt , Halassy Melinda
Published: October 2022

Restoration prioritization helps determine optimal restoration interventions in national and regional spatial planning to create sustainable landscapes and maintain biodiversity. Here we investigate different forest-steppe vegetation types in the Pannonian sand region to provide restoration recommendations for conservation management, policy and research. We create spatial trajectories based on local, neighbouring and old-field regeneration capacity estimates of the Hungarian Habitat Mapping Database, compare the trajectories between different mesoregions and determine which environmental predictors possibly influence them at the mesoregion level using a random forest model. The trajectories indicate which types of passive or active restoration intervention are needed, including increasing connectivity, controlling invasive species, or introducing native species. Better restoration results can be achieve in the vicinity of larger (semi-)natural areas, but the specific site conditions must also be taken into account during prioritization. We also propose large-scale grassland restoration on abandoned agricultural fields instead of industrial forest plantations and afforestation with non-native species.
Green synthesis of a redox-active riboflavin-integrated Ni-MOF and its versatile electrocatalytic applications towards oxygen evolution and reduction, and HMF oxidation reactions
Authors: Sekar Pandiaraj , Vasanthakumar Punitharaj , Shanmugam Ramasamy , Senthil Kumar Shanmugam , Agnoli Stefano , Deepak Rajasekharan Jayakumari , Murugan Karthik , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Karvembu Ramasamy
Published: October 2022

A quick and solvent-free mechanochemical method was employed for the post-synthetic modification of a Ni-MOF. The Ni-MOF was utilized as an electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution and reduction, and biomass conversion applications.
Sustainable preparation of cellulose nanocrystals: state of the art and perspectives
Authors: Gao Mengge , Shang Yazhuo , Li Bin , Du Haishun
Published: October 2022

Recent strategies for the sustainable preparation of cellulose nanocrystals were comprehensively reviewed. Current challenges and future perspectives on this research topic were discussed as well.
Tailored point-of-care biosensors for liquid biopsy in the field of oncology
Authors: Singh Sima , Podder Pritam Saha , Russo Matt , Henry Charles , Cinti Stefano
Published: October 2022

In the field of cancer detection, technologies to analyze tumors using biomarkers circulating in fluids such as blood have developed rapidly based on liquid biopsy.
Liquid metal droplet motion transferred from an alkaline solution by a robot arm
Authors: Tao Ye , Shi Changrui , Han Feiyang , Yang Ruizhe , Xue Rui , Ge Zhenyou , Guo Wenshang , Liu Weiyu , Ren Yukun
Published: October 2022

A robot arm structure is designed to transfer the liquid metal driving force from the alkaline solution, breaking the limitation of the alkaline liquid environment to the liquid metal.
Advances in research on 3C-like protease (3CLpro) inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 since 2020
Authors: Chen Roufen , Gao Yali , Liu Han , Li He , Chen Wenfa , Ma Junjie
Published: October 2022

The representative SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors reported since 2020 and their biological activities and binding models are reviewed, providing new insights into the design and development of more effective 3CLpro inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2.
Recent advances in pyrazole synthesis employing diazo compounds and synthetic analogues
Authors: Chandrasekharan Sanoop P. , Dhami Anamika , Kumar Sandeep , Mohanan Kishor
Published: October 2022

This review summarizes the recent developments in the construction of pyrazoles using diazo compounds, nitrile imines and their synthetic equivalents.
Defect-engineered surfaces to investigate the formation of self-assembled molecular networks
Authors: Yu Li-Hua , Cai Zhen-Feng , Verstraete Lander , Xia Yuanzhi , Fang Yuan , Cuccia Louis , Ivasenko Oleksandr , De Feyter Steven
Published: October 2022

We showcase the use of covalently modified HOPG for the investigation of domain size controlled 2D self-assembly, nucleation and growth kinetics, molecular adsorption/desorption thermodynamics, and tip-induced selective recrystallization.