bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel method for measuring bowel motility and velocity with dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in two and three dimensions
Authors: Willis David , Cameron Donnie , Kasmai Bahman , Vassiliou Vassilios S. , Malcolm Paul N. , Baio Gabriella
Published: December 2021

Increasingly, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has potential as a noninvasive and accessible tool for diagnosing and monitoring gastrointestinal motility in healthy and diseased bowel. However, current MRI methods of measuring bowel motility have limitations: requiring bowel preparation or long acquisition times; providing mainly surrogate measures of motion; and estimating bowel‐wall movement in just two dimensions. In this proof‐of‐concept study we apply a method that provides a quantitative measure of motion within the bowel, in both two and three dimensions, using existing, vendor‐implemented MRI pulse sequences with minimal bowel preparation. This method uses a minimised cost function to fit linear vectors in the spatial and temporal domains. It is sensitised to the spatial scale of the bowel and aims to address issues relating to the low signal‐to‐noise in high‐temporal resolution dynamic MRI scans, previously compensated for by performing thick‐slice (10‐mm) two‐dimensional (2D) coronal scans. We applied both 2D and three‐dimensional (3D) scanning protocols in two healthy volunteers. For 2D scanning, analysis yielded bi‐modal velocity peaks, with a mean antegrade motion of 5.5 mm/s and an additional peak at ~9 mm/s corresponding to longitudinal peristalsis, as supported by intraoperative data from the literature. Furthermore, 3D scans indicated a mean forward motion of 4.7 mm/s, and degrees of antegrade and retrograde motion were also established. These measures show promise for the noninvasive assessment of bowel motility, and have the potential to be tuned to particular regions of interest and behaviours within the bowel.
Intraventricular topotecan in the successful treatment of recurrent CNS pleuropulmonary blastoma
Authors: Shim Jenny , Reisner Andrew , Esiashvili Natia , Rapkin Louis , Olson Thomas
Published: December 2021

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare pediatric tumor of the pleura and pulmonary mesenchyme, associated with pathogenic germline DICER1 mutations. Although the most common site of metastasis is the central nervous system (CNS), patients with CNS metastasis have dismal outcome. We report a case of a patient presenting with type II PPB and intracranial and bone metastases. We describe a multimodal therapy approach and highlight the use of intraventricular topotecan for isolated CNS recurrence. In addition, a new pathogenic germline mutation heterozygous for the c.1234delT of DICER1 was identified. Patient remains in remission 3 years after recurrence.
Boredom proneness and core self‐evaluation as mediators between loneliness and mobile phone addiction among Chinese college students
Authors: Li Xinwei , Zhou Hui , Xiao Weilong
Published: December 2021

Although loneliness is related to mobile phone addiction among college students, little is known about the mediating mechanisms underlying this association. on the basis of the Interaction of person–affect–cognition–execution model for addictive behaviors, self‐verification theory, and previous results of empirical studies, the present study examined the mediating roles of boredom proneness and core self‐evaluation in the relationship between loneliness and mobile phone addiction among college students. A sample of 1300 Chinese college students (mean age = 20.40 years, SD = 0.97) were recruited to complete a series of questionnaires measuring loneliness, boredom proneness, core self‐evaluation, and mobile phone addiction. These results showed that loneliness was positively correlated with mobile phone addiction; boredom proneness and core self‐evaluation partially mediated this relationship when they operate in a parallel fashion. The relationship between loneliness and mobile phone addiction was mediated totally by boredom proneness and core self‐evaluation when they operate sequentially. These findings help us to better understand the relationship between loneliness and mobile phone addiction and provide implications for the prevention and intervention of mobile phone addiction.
Precise Preparation of Various Morphological Silver Sulfide Nanostructures, Investigation of Formation Mechanism, and Comparative Study of Photothermal Performance for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Gao Minjie , Du Jiyuan , Han Zehua , Wang Zhihua , Zhao Yanbao , Zou Xueyan , Sun Lei
Published: December 2021

As a bio‐nanomaterial with low toxicity, Ag2S has attracted more and more attention due to its intensive absorption of near‐infrared (NIR) light. Meanwhile, it has become a novel and excellent photothermal transduction agent due to its local surface plasma resonance effect. However, little research is conducted with respect to the influences of factors such as shapes on photothermal property. In this paper, a novel and convenient strategy is proposed to prepare three shapes of Ag2S (i.e., hollow nanospheres, nanoplates, and porous nanoplates), and their formation mechanisms are revealed through various characterizations. Furthermore, the in vitro capabilities of hollow Ag2S nanospheres are compared with nanoplates and porous nanoplates as photothermal transduction agents for theranostic applications. All these Ag2S nanostructures can absorb and convert 808 nm NIR light into heat. Among them, porous Ag2S nanoplates possess the highest photothermal conversion efficiency, whereas hollow Ag2S nanospheres have the maximum temperature difference. In addition, hollow Ag2S nanospheres exhibit the highest cellular uptake and the best treatment effect. Combined, it can be concluded that hollow Ag2S nanospheres are promising candidates for cancer treatment.
Mechanical Properties of HTPB Propellant under Shear Loading at Low Temperature
Authors: Wang Jia‐xiang , Qiang Hong‐fu , Wang Zhe‐jun
Published: December 2021

A new type of shear loading fixture and tensile testing machine with a refrigeration system was utilized to conduct Hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) propellant low strain rate (0.01∼1.00 s−1) shear loading tests at low temperature (223 K∼298 K). The shear strength and shear modulus of the HTPB propellant under different loading conditions were studied, and the master curves of the shear mechanical properties were constructed. It is found that the shear strength of HTPB propellant increases with increasing of shear strain rate and decreasing of temperature. The change of shear strength with temperature and strain rate conforms to the linear double logarithmic relationship. The initial shear modulus has a good linear double logarithmic relationship with the strain rate but changes nonlinearly with the logarithmic temperature. The shift factor of HTPB propellant shear strength and initial shear modulus changes exponentially with temperature after taking logarithm. The master curve of the initial shear modulus of HTPB propellant shows an “S”‐shaped change trend, and a linear equation is used to fit the master curve of shear strength to obtain a better fitting effect.
Enhanced Li Adsorption in Single‐Walled Blue Phosphorus Nanotubes by B, C, N, and Si‐Doping
Authors: Hao Junhua , Wang Zhengjia , Xu Jihua , Wang Yufang
Published: December 2021

The lithium adsorption energies, electronic structures, and properties for single‐walled blue phosphorus nanotubes (SWBPNTs) doped with B, C, N, and Si upon Li intercalation on the inside and outside surfaces are investigated using density functional methods. It is found that the dopants of B, C, N, and Si have negative formation energies. The structure and properties of the SWBPNT will undergo certain changes after doping. Due to the interaction of dopant atoms and P atoms, the bandgap of the nanotubes doped with B and N will be reduced, and the nanotubes doped with C and Si have defects (dopant) state in the forbidden band. For the dopant atoms in SWBPNT, B and Si lose electrons, while C and N gain electrons. Compared with pristine SWBPNT, when Li is adsorbed internal to the tube, the lithium adsorption energies in the doped SWBPNT have a larger negative value, especially for C and Si doping. Consequently, our work suggests that the B‐, C‐, N‐, and Si‐doped SWBPNT have the capability to enhance the Li adsorption capacity.
Design, Synthesis and In Vivo Cardiovascular Evaluation of Some Novel Aryloxy Propanol Amino Acid Derivatives
Authors: Soltani Hekmat Ava , Farjam Mojtaba , Javanmardi Kazem , Behrouz Somayeh , Zarenezhad Elham , Soltani Rad Mohammad Navid
Published: December 2021

The design, synthesis and biological evaluation of some aryloxy propanol amino acid derivatives have been described. Synthetic pathways is consisted of the reaction of phenol derivatives with epichlorohydrin and/or epibromohydrin produced the various O‐phenol ether adducts. In continue, the reaction of amino acid with O‐phenol ether adducts generated the new class of β‐blocking agents. The products were evaluated for their cardiovascular property. The 2‐kidney‐1‐clip method was used to induce renovascular hypertension in rats. New analogues of propranolol were evaluated in order to find the most appropriate ones for reducing the hypertension. Our results showed that compound 4 d [i. e.: (2‐hydroxy‐3‐phenoxypropyl) glycine] was effective in blood pressure lowering, even lower than propranolol as a standard drug. All the modelling study was performed at physiological pH (pH∼7.0–7.4).The MEP and docking analysis have shown the appropriate fitting of (2‐hydroxy‐3‐phenoxypropyl) glycine in human β2‐adrenergic receptor active site.
Innovative Synthesis of PANI/Cu2O Nanocomposite and Its Antibacterial Properties**
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Han Sha , Niu Xiaohui , Li Hongxia , Zhang Deyi , Fan Haiyan , Wang Kunjie
Published: December 2021

To fight various bacteria‐caused inflammations and overcome drug resistance, the present work develops a simple in‐situ growth method to synthesize Cu2O nanoparticles involved nanocomposite using polyaniline (PANI) matrix. The morphology of the as prepared composite was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X‐ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD), and the molecular structure was identified using Fourier‐Transforms Infrared FT‐IR, X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and UV‐Visible Spectroscopy (UV‐Vis). The antibacterial properties of PANI/Cu2O nanocomposite were tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The combination of PANI and Cu2O indicated a synergistic antibacterial effect. The analysis of the antimicrobial mechanism revealed that the positive charge released from the nanocomposite takes the main responsibility. This work provides new ideas for the design of metal oxide and polymer nanocomposites and the development of antibiotics.
Copper‐Catalyzed Cleavage of Aryl C(OH)−C Bonds to Access Aryl Nitriles
Authors: Zheng Yi , Liu Wenbo , Ren Yun‐Lai , Guo Yinggang , Tian Xinzhe
Published: December 2021

It was found that aryl nitriles could be synthetized by cleavage of aryl C(OH)−C bonds in the presence of oxygen gas, (NH4)2CO3 and Cu(OAc)2. The present protocol allowed various secondary aryl alcohols to undergo the present transformation to give aryl nitriles in low to high yields. Lignin‐related β‐O‐4 and β‐1 linkages could be converted to benzonitriles under the present conditions, which provides an avenue to obtain value nitrile products via fragmentation of lignin.
Large‐Grain Spanning Monolayer Cu2ZnSnSe4Thin‐Film Solar Cells Grown from Metal Precursor
Authors: Li Jianjun , Huang Jialiang , Cong Jialin , Mai Yaohua , Su Zhenghua , Liang Guangxing , Wang Ao , He Mingrui , Yuan Xiaojie , Sun Heng , Yan Chang , Sun Kaiwen , Ekins‐Daukes Nicholas J. , Green Martin A. , Hao Xiaojing
Published: December 2021

The persistent double layer structure whereby two layers with different properties form at the front and rear of absorbers is a critical challenge in the field of kesterite thin‐film solar cells, which imposes additional nonradiative recombination in the quasi‐neutral region and potential limitation to the transport of hole carriers. Herein, an effective model for growing monolayer CZTSe thin‐films based on metal precursors with large grains spanning the whole film is developed. Voids and fine grain layer are avoided successfully by suppressing the formation of a Sn‐rich liquid metal phase near Mo back contact during alloying, while grain coarsening is greatly promoted by enhancing mass transfer during grain growth. The desired morphology exhibits several encouraging features, including significantly reduced recombination in the quasi‐neutral region that contributes to the large increase of short‐circuit current, and a quasi‐Ohmic back contact which is a prerequisite for high fill factor. Though this growth mode may introduce more interfacial defects which require further modification, the strategies demonstrated remove a primary obstacle toward higher efficiency kesterite solar cells, and can be applicable to morphology control with other emerging chalcogenide thin films.
Biomolecular Electron Controller Composed of Nanobiohybrid with Electrically Released Complex for Spatiotemporal Control of Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Lim Joungpyo , Yoon Jinho , Shin Minkyu , Lee Ki‐Bum , Choi Jeong‐Woo
Published: December 2021

In vitro spatiotemporal control of cell differentiation is a critical issue in several biomedical fields such as stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine, as it enables the generation of heterogeneous tissue structures similar to those of their native counterparts. However, the simultaneous control of both spatial and temporal cell differentiation poses important challenges, and therefore no previous studies have achieved this goal. Here, the authors develop a cell differentiation biomolecular electron controller (“Biomoletron”) composed of recombinant proteins, DNA, Au nanoparticles, peptides, and an electrically released complex with retinoic acid (RA) to spatiotemporally control SH‐SY5Y cell differentiation. RA is only released from the Biomoletron when the complex is electrically stimulated, thus demonstrating the temporal control of SH‐SY5Y cell differentiation. Furthermore, by introducing a patterned Au substrate that allows controlling the area where the Biomoletron is immobilized, spatiotemporal differentiation of the SH‐SY5Y cell is successfully achieved. Therefore, the proposed Biomoletron‐mediated differentiation method provides a promising strategy for spatiotemporal cell differentiation control with applications in regenerative medicine and cell therapy.
Recent Trends in Synthesis and Applications of Porous MXene Assemblies: A Topical Review
Authors: Chen Zhenyu , Asif Muhammad , Wang Ruochong , Li Yong , Zeng Xu , Yao Wentao , Sun Yimin , Liao Kin
Published: December 2021

MXene possesses high conductivity, excellent hydrophilicity, rich surface chemistry, hence holds great potential in various applications. However, MXene materials have low surface area utilization due to the agglomeration of ultrathin nanosheets. Assembling 2D MXene nanosheets into 3D multi‐level architectures is an effective way to circumvent this issue. Incorporation of MXene with other nanomaterials during the assembly process could rationally tune and tailor the specific surface area, porosity and surface chemistry of the MXene assemblies. The complementary and synergistic effect between MXene and nanomaterials could expand their advantages and make up for their disadvantages, thus boost the performance of 3D porous MXene composites. Herein, we summarize the recent progress in fabrication of porous MXene architectures from 2D to 3D, and also discuss the potential applications of MXene nanostructures in energy harvesting systems, sensing, electromagnetic interference shielding, water purification and photocatalysis.
Support degree reclamation with disaggregated data, degree mining
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2021

About 36 million adults in the United States have accrued some college credits but have not yet earned a degree. Degrees When Due, an initiative out of the Institute for Higher Education Policy, a nonprofit nonpartisan research and advocacy organization, seeks to empower colleges and universities by offering administrators tools to help degree reclamation efforts.
Consider how ‘credential as you go’ options help students
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2021

Educational credentials in the United States are based on a four‐tiered degree system. If people don't have an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, their learning is not recognized, said Nan Travers, from the Center for Leadership in Credentialing Learning at the State University of New York, Empire State College. The time to degree can be insurmountable for many students who are enrolled while focusing on work, family, and their communities, Travers added.
Career serving as institution's conscience brings satisfaction
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2021

When Pinhas Friedenberg started college, he wanted to go into the foreign service. But a summer job in a New York City office with no air conditioning led him to a different career. Reflecting back after his retirement more than 50 years later, Friedenberg feels fortunate to have had “a wonderful career helping students and helping the faculty.”
The Environmental Justice Dimension of the Mexican Emissions Trading System
Authors: Hernandez-Cortes Danae , Rosas-López Erick
Published: December 2021

Emissions trading systems have the potential of increasing air quality given that GHG emissions are often co-produced with local pollutants such as NOx, SOx, and Particulate Matter (PM). Can emissions trading systems exacerbate or alleviate environmental justice concerns in emerging economies? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Justice is achieved when no group is disproportionately affected by an environmental policy or phenomenon. The main objective of this chapter is to estimate the pollution burden faced by marginalized neighbourhoods in Mexico. This is relevant for Mexico given the beginning of the pilot program of the Mexican Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the country’s history of income inequality and poverty. Using linear regression and two-way fixed effects methods, we found that the highest emitters regulated under the ETS are located near poor populations. We estimated a 5$$\%$$
%
CO2 emissions-reduction scenario corresponding to national targets and associated NO2 emissions to that scenario. We find that this scenario is consistent with a decrease in the exposure of NO2 pollution for the most marginalized neighbourhoods. This chapter also discusses other potential sources of environmental injustice that could result after the beginning of the ETS and the potential to address them.
Bringing Emissions Trading Schemes into Mexican Climate Policy
Authors: Elizondo Alejandra
Published: December 2021

Emissions trading schemes (ETS) have become popular as a policy instrument to tackle climate change. This chapter analyses the decision to deploy carbon markets and their interaction with other instruments in Mexico’s climate policy. Instrument selection has been thoroughly explored in the regulation and public policy literature (Kern et al. in Res Policy 48, 2019; Capano and Lippi in Policy Sci 50(2):269–293, 2016; Wurzel et al. in German Policy Studies 9:21–48, 2013; Harker et al. in Climate Policy 17(4):485–500, 2017; Baldwin et al. in Understanding regulation, Oxford University Press, 2012; Jordan et al. in Policy instruments in practice. Oxford handbooks online 536–549, 2011), but its application to carbon markets is mainly focused on environments such as Europe, the US and, more recently, China. The decision to adopt an ETS relies not only on specific characteristics of each instrument but also on institutional constraints and messy political considerations. A combination of preferences and institutional factors affect the choice of instruments, and the ultimate decision must be legitimate and instrumental for each context. I analyse the considerations involved in the deployment of the ETS pilot project, looking at its distinctive characteristics and those it shares with other available instruments, as well as the requirements for its implementation.
MicroRNA-193b impairs muscle growth in mouse models of type 2 diabetes by targeting the PDK1/Akt signalling pathway
Authors: Yang Shu , Yang Guangyan , Wu Han , Kang Lin , Xiang Jiaqing , Zheng Peilin , Qiu Shanhu , Liang Zhen , Lu Yan , Jia Lijing
Published: December 2021

Aims/hypothesis

Type 2 diabetes is associated with a reduction in skeletal muscle mass; however, how the progression of sarcopenia is induced and regulated remains largely unknown. We aimed to find out whether a specific microRNA (miR) may contribute to skeletal muscle atrophy in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated skeletal muscle miR-193b overexpression in C57BLKS/J mice, and skeletal muscle miR-193b deficiency in db/db mice were used to explore the function of miR-193b in muscle loss. In C57BL/6 J mice, tibialis anterior-specific deletion of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1), mediated by in situ AAV injection, was used to confirm whether miR-193b regulates muscle growth through PDK1. Serum miR-193b levels were also analysed in healthy individuals (n = 20) and those with type 2 diabetes (n = 20), and correlations of miR-193b levels with HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), body composition, triacylglycerols and C-peptide were assessed.

Results

In this study, we found that serum miR-193b levels increased in individuals with type 2 diabetes and negatively correlated with muscle mass in these participants. Functional studies further showed that AAV-mediated overexpression of miR-193b induced muscle loss and dysfunction in healthy mice. In contrast, suppression of miR-193b attenuated muscle loss and dysfunction in db/db mice. Mechanistic analysis revealed that miR-193b could target Pdk1 expression to inactivate the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70S6 kinase (S6K) pathway, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis. Therefore, knockdown of PDK1 in healthy mice blocked miR-193b-induced inactivation of the Akt/mTOR/S6K pathway and impairment of muscle growth.

Conclusions/interpretation

Our results identified a previously unrecognised role of miR-193b in muscle function and mass that could be a potential therapeutic target for treating sarcopenia.

Graphical abstract
Glycation of N-ε-carboxymethyllysine
Authors: Hellwig Michael , Nitschke Julia , Henle Thomas
Published: December 2021

The Maillard reaction is traditionally subdivided into three stages that start consecutively and run in parallel. Here, we show that N-ε-carboxymethyllysine (CML), a compound formed in the late stage of the reaction, can undergo a second glycation event at its secondary amino group leading to a new class of Amadori rearrangement products. When N-α-hippuryl-CML was incubated in the presence of reducing sugars such as glucose, galactose, ribose, xylose, maltose, or lactose in solution for 1 h at 75 °C, the compound was degraded by 6–21%, and N-ε-carboxymethyl-N-ε-deoxyketosyl lysine derivatives were formed. Under the same conditions, lysine was 5–10 times more reactive than CML. N-α-hippuryl-N-ε-carboxymethyl-N-ε-(1-deoxyfructosyl)-l-lysine (hippuryl-CMFL) and N-ε-carboxymethyl-N-ε-(1-deoxyfructosyl)-l-lysine (CMFL) were synthesized, isolated and characterized by MS/MS and NMR experiments. Depending on the reaction conditions, up to 21% of CMFL can be converted to the furosine analogue N-ε-carboxymethyl-N-ε-furoylmethyl-l-lysine (CM-Fur) during standard acid protein hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid. Incubation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with glucose for up to 9 weeks at 37 °C revealed the formation of CMFL in the protein as assessed by HPLC–MS/MS in the MRM mode. Under these conditions, ca. 13% of lysine residues had been converted to fructosyllysine, and 0.03% had been converted to CMFL. The detection of glycation products of glycated amino acids (heterogeneous multiple glycation) reveals a novel pathway in the Maillard reaction.
Completion surgery vs. primary TME for early rectal cancer: a national study
Authors: Lossius William J. , Stornes Tore , Myklebust Tor A. , Endreseth Birger H. , Wibe Arne
Published: December 2021

Purpose

While local excision by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) or transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is an option for low-risk early rectal cancers, inaccuracies in preoperative staging may be revealed only upon histopathological evaluation of the resected specimen, demanding completion surgery (CS) by formal resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of CS in a national cohort.

Method

This was a retrospective analysis of national registry data, identifying and comparing all Norwegian patients who, without prior radiochemotherapy, underwent local excision by TEM or TAMIS and subsequent CS, or a primary total mesorectal excision (pTME), for early rectal cancer during 2000–2017. Primary endpoints were 5-year overall and disease-free survival, 5-year local and distant recurrence, and the rate of R0 resection at completion surgery. The secondary endpoint was the rate of permanent stoma.

Results

Forty-nine patients received CS, and 1098 underwent pTME. There was no difference in overall survival (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.27–2.01), disease-free survival (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.32–1.63), local recurrence (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.14–8.27) or distant recurrence (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.21–2.18). In the CS group, 53% had a permanent stoma vs. 32% in the pTME group (P = 0.002); however, the difference was not significant when adjusted for age, sex, and tumor level (OR 2.17, 0.95–5.02).

Conclusions

Oncological results were similar in the two groups. However, there may be an increased risk for a permanent stoma in the CS group.
A heuristic approach to the hyperparameters in training spiking neural networks using spike-timing-dependent plasticity
Authors: Połap Dawid , Woźniak Marcin , Hołubowski Waldemar , Damaševičius Robertas
Published: December 2021

The third type of neural network called spiking is developed due to a more accurate representation of neuronal activity in living organisms. Spiking neural networks have many different parameters that can be difficult to adjust manually to the current classification problem. The analysis and selection of coefficients’ values in the network can be analyzed as an optimization problem. A practical method for automatic selection of them can decrease the time needed to develop such a model. In this paper, we propose the use of a heuristic approach to analyze and select coefficients with the idea of collaborative working. The proposed idea is based on parallel analyzing of different coefficients and choosing the best of them or average ones. This type of optimization problem allows the selection of all variables, which can significantly affect the convergence of the accuracy. Our proposal was tested using network simulators and popular databases to indicate the possibilities of the described approach. Five different heuristic algorithms were tested and the best results were reached by Cuckoo Search Algorithm, Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm, and Polar Bears Algorithm.
Abundance and use pattern of wildcats of ancient human-modified cattle pastures in northern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Jiménez-Albarral José J. , Urra Fermín , Jubete Fernando , Román Jacinto , Revilla Eloy , Palomares Francisco
Published: December 2021

The wildcat is typically found in low densities. Here, we estimated wildcat abundance in cattle pastures interspersed between forests in northern Iberian Peninsula, and their patterns of intra-annual and daily use. We censused wildcats three times daily (morning, afternoon, and night) from a car during 4 years in summer season. We also carried out four monthly tracks (two in the morning and two in the afternoon) for a complete year. Overall, we recorded 191 wildcats in pastures and 5 on the road in forest zones. Thirteen different individual wildcats were identified during the summer censuses, but only 29.9% of the wildcats observed (n = 196) could be assigned to an individual wildcat. The number of wildcats sighted decreased especially during the last year, when sightings were 52–67% lower than in previous years. Wildcats were seen significantly more during the morning and night censuses than during the afternoon ones. Estimated annual summer densities in pasture areas ranged between 0.11 and 0.46 sightings/km2. Throughout the year, wildcats were observed 5.9 times more during summer-autumn than during winter-spring, and they could be observed in any time of the day, but more often close to dusk. It is noteworthy that the ancient human-transformed landscapes for cattle pastures could be an important habitat for wildcats in northern Iberian Peninsula, and conserving these areas should be important to maintaining wildcat populations.
Stranded Assets: How Policy Uncertainty affects Capital, Growth, and the Environment
Authors: Bretschger Lucas , Soretz Susanne
Published: December 2021

The paper considers stochastic environmental policy and its effects on the environment, portfolio composition, and economic growth. Capital accumulation causes pollution which is reduced by private green services and public abatement. The government subsidizes green services and taxes dirty capital albeit at a rate which may become random, causing unexpected capital write-offs. Tax jumps depend on natural degradation and environmental activism. We derive how uncertainty and political activism affect the risk premia for investors. We analyze the incentives for firms to increase the greenness of production in order to reduce political uncertainty. Stochastic taxation is shown to act as a substitute for green subsidies when uncertainty decreases in the ratio of green services to capital and agents use their green activities strategically. Tax uncertainty may trigger precautionary savings, causing additional growth and enhanced environmental deterioration.
The production of contraceptive cyborgs in Swedish upper secondary sexuality education
Authors: Planting-Bergloo Sara , Orlander A. A. , Jakobson B.
Published: December 2021

In this study we examine upper secondary students’ notions of contraceptive methods, as human reproduction and contraception are common content in sexuality education in Sweden and worldwide. Our data were constructed during an extensive educational sequence in natural science sexuality education and include audio recordings of 17–18-year-old students’ stories. Since the main body of the stories was about hormonal and digital contraception and contraceptive responsibility, these stories are the focal point of our analysis. Our study further aims to problematize, challenge, and develop education on contraceptive methods, and Donna Haraway’s theoretical perspectives have been particularly useful. We have in the analytical process linked Haraway’s cyborg image with her later work on tentacular thinking. Our result shows that scientific facts about human reproduction are important for the students’ ability to navigate between the advantages and disadvantages of various contraceptive methods. However, sexuality education turns out to not only be a matter of scientific facts. This study accentuates how natural science, historical, political, cultural, and market-oriented intertwinings affect students’ notions of contraception—and thereby also the construction of natural science sexuality education.
Effects of Inter-Parental Conflict on Children’s Social Well-Being and the Mediation Role of Parenting Behavior
Authors: Hess Stephanie
Published: December 2021

Inter-parental conflicts can have devastating effects on children’s well-being and social behavior. This study explores the association between an increased frequency of inter-parental conflict and peer problems and prosocial behavior in children, and whether parents’ emotional warmth and negative communication with their children mediates this association. Data for a total of 1,157 children between the ages of 7 and 16 (4,016 observations) was drawn from the eighth to the twelfth waves of the German Family Panel so as to perform fixed-effects regressions and mediation analyses. The analyses reveal that increased inter-parental conflict is strongly related to decreased emotional warmth and increased negative communication in parents, and to increased peer problems and decreased prosocial behavior in children. The results also suggest that the association between inter-parental conflict and children’s social well-being is mediated by the parenting behavior of mothers and fathers, indicating that increased inter-parental conflict leads to less warm parenting and more negative communication in parents, which ultimately reduces children’s social well-being.
Correlation of Cerebral and Subcutaneous Glycerol in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury and Association with Tissue Damage
Authors: Hägglund Linda , Olivecrona Magnus , Koskinen Lars-Owe D.
Published: December 2021

Background

This study is a substudy of a prospective consecutive double-blinded randomized study on the effect of prostacyclin in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). The aims of the present study were to investigate whether there was a correlation between brain and subcutaneous glycerol levels and whether the ratio of interstitial glycerol in the brain and subcutaneous tissue (glycerolbrain/sc) was associated with tissue damage in the brain, measured by using the Rotterdam score, S-100B, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), the Injury Severity Score (ISS), the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Score (APACHE II), and trauma type. A potential association with clinical outcome was explored.

Methods

Patients with sTBI aged 15–70 years presenting with a Glasgow Coma Scale Score ≤ 8 were included. Brain and subcutaneous adipose tissue glycerol levels were measured through microdialysis in 48 patients, of whom 42 had complete data for analysis. Brain tissue damage was also evaluated by using the Rotterdam classification of brain computed tomography scans and the biochemical biomarkers S-100B and NSE.

Results

In 60% of the patients, a positive relationship in glycerolbrain/sc was observed. Patients with a positive correlation of glycerolbrain/sc had slightly higher brain glycerol levels compared with the group with a negative correlation. There was no significant association between the computed tomography Rotterdam score and glycerolbrain/sc. S-100B and NSE were associated with the profile of glycerolbrain/sc. Our results cannot be explained by the general severity of the trauma as measured by using the Injury Severity Score or Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Score.

Conclusions

We have shown that peripheral glycerol may flux into the brain. This effect is associated with worse brain tissue damage. This flux complicates the interpretation of brain interstitial glycerol levels. We remind the clinicians that a damaged blood–brain barrier, as seen in sTBI, may alter the concentrations of various substances, including glycerol in the brain. Awareness of this is important in the interpretation of the data bedside as well in research.
Atomically Dispersed Transition Metal-Nitrogen-Carbon Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts for Zinc-Air Batteries: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Dong Fang , Wu Mingjie , Chen Zhangsen , Liu Xianhu , Zhang Gaixia , Qiao Jinli , Sun Shuhui
Published: December 2021

Rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are currently receiving extensive attention because of their extremely high theoretical specific energy density, low manufacturing costs, and environmental friendliness. Exploring bifunctional catalysts with high activity and stability to overcome sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction is critical for the development of rechargeable ZABs. Atomically dispersed metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) catalysts possessing prominent advantages of high metal atom utilization and electrocatalytic activity are promising candidates to promote oxygen electrocatalysis. In this work, general principles for designing atomically dispersed M-N-C are reviewed. Then, strategies aiming at enhancing the bifunctional catalytic activity and stability are presented. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of M-N-C bifunctional oxygen catalysts for ZABs are outlined. It is expected that this review will provide insights into the targeted optimization of atomically dispersed M-N-C catalysts in rechargeable ZABs.
Load-dependent Variable Gearing Mechanism of Muscle-like Soft Actuator
Authors: Wang Yingjie , Liu Chunbao , Ren Luquan , Ren Lei
Published: December 2021

Pennate muscle is characterized by muscle fibers that are oriented at a certain angle (pennation angle) relative to the muscle’s line of action and rotation during contraction. This fiber rotation amplifies the shortening velocity of muscle, to match loading conditions without any control system. This unique variable gearing mechanism, which characterized by Architecture Gear Ratio (AGR), is involves complex interaction among three key elements: muscle fibers, connective tissue, and the pennation angle. However, how three elements determine the AGR of muscle-like actuator is still unknown. This study introduces a Himisk actuator that arranges five contractile units at a certain pennation angle in a flexible matrix, the experiment and simulation results demonstrated that the proposed actuator could vary AGR automatically in response to variable loading conditions. Based on this actuator, we present a series of actuators by simulations with the varying pennation angle (P), elastic modulus of the flexible matrix (E), and number of contractile units (N) to analyze their effects on AGR, and their interaction by three-factor analysis of variance. The results demonstrated that P and N effect on the AGR significantly, while E effects on AGR slightly, which supported the idea that the P is the essential factor for the AGR, and N is also an important factor due to the capability of force generation. This provides a better understanding of mechanical behavior and an effective optimizing strategy to muscle-like soft actuator.
AI Development and the ‘Fuzzy Logic' of Chinese Cyber Security and Data Laws
Authors: Parasol Max
Published: December 2021

The book examines the extent to which Chinese cyber and network security laws and policies act as a constraint on the emergence of Chinese entrepreneurialism and innovation. Specifically, how the contradictions and tensions between data localisation laws (as part of Network Sovereignty policies) affect innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). The book surveys the globalised R&D networks, and how the increasing use of open-source platforms by leading Chinese AI firms during 2017–2020, exacerbated the apparent contradiction between Network Sovereignty and Chinese innovation. The drafting of the Cyber Security Law did not anticipate the changing nature of globalised AI innovation. It is argued that the deliberate deployment of what the book refers to as 'fuzzy logic' in drafting the Cyber Security Law allowed regulators to subsequently interpret key terms regarding data in that Law in a fluid and flexible fashion to benefit Chinese innovation.
Dreamworld or Dystopia?
Authors: Livingston Michael A.
Published: December 2021

The Nordic Model was originally understood as a compromise between Western and Soviet systems. The Soviet Union has been gone for a generation, but the Nordic Model survives. Much of this has to do with the Model's change from an economic to a largely cultural model. In particular the Model has come to emphasize human (especially women's) rights; environmental consciousness; and cultural innovation. While these each contain an element of fantasy, they retain sufficient substance to provide encouragement to 'progressive' circles in the United States, United Kingdom, and other countries. Important in its own right, the Nordic Model provides a fascinating case study of the transmission of goods and ideas between different regions, and the ability of a small and out of the way region to maintain its own identity in a globalized world.
The Three Ages of International Commercial Arbitration
Authors: Schinazi Mikaël
Published: December 2021

Drawing on a wide range of previously unpublished sources, this unique history of international commercial arbitration in the modern era identifies three periods in its development: the Age of Aspirations (c. 1780–1920), the Age of Institutionalization (1920s–1950s), and the Age of Autonomy (1950s–present). Mikaël Schinazi analyzes the key features of each period, arguing that the history of international commercial arbitration has oscillated between moments of renewal and anxiety. During periods of renewal, new approaches, instruments, and institutions were developed to carry international commercial arbitration forward. These developments were then reined in during periods of anxiety, for fear that international arbitration might be overstepping its bounds. The resulting tension between renewal and anxiety is a key thread running through the evolution of international commercial arbitration. This book fills a key gap in the scholarship for anyone interested in the fields of international arbitration, legal history, and international law.
Heritage and the Making of Political Legitimacy in Laos
Authors: Wilcox Phill
Published: December 2021

The Lao People's Democratic Republic is nearly fifty years old, and one of the few surviving one-party socialist states. Nearly five decades on from its revolutionary birth, the Lao population continues to build futures in and around a political landscape that maintains socialist rhetoric on one hand and capitalist economics on the other. Contemporary Lao politics is marked by the use of cultural heritage as a source of political legitimacy. Researched through long term detailed ethnography in the former royal capital of Luang Prabang, itself a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site since 1995, this book takes a fresh look at issues of legitimacy, heritage and national identity for different members of the Lao population. It argues that the political system has become sufficiently embedded to avoid imminent risk of collapse but suggests that it is facing new challenges primarily in the form of rising Chinese influence in Laos.
Gender Ideologies and Polish Political Parties
Authors: Gwiazda Anna
Published: December 2021

This article explores the gender dimension of ideology and representation by analysing the political parties that ran in the 2019 Polish parliamentary elections, using a novel analytical framework based on gender claims and gender-related policy pledges. This article demonstrates that a left and liberal ideology largely determines feminist and pro-LGBTQ+ promissory representation. However, the gender ideologies of right-wing political parties vary in their traditional types and can include a populist element. This article contributes to comparative gender and politics scholarship by examining gender ideologies in the Central and Eastern European context, where on the one hand, populism and anti-gender campaigns have taken hold, and, on the other, feminist and progressive movements have challenged traditionalism and illiberalism. This article also differentiates a scholarly meaning of gender ideology from its populist meaning.
Plasma vitamin B12 concentration is positively associated with cognitive development in healthy Danish 3-year-old children: the SKOT cohort studies
Authors: Larnkjær Anni , Christensen Sophie H. , Lind Mads V. , Michaelsen Kim F. , Mølgaard Christian
Published: December 2021

Adequate vitamin B12 (B12) and folate concentrations are essential for neural development in early childhood, but studies in well-nourished children are lacking. We investigated the relation between plasma B12 and folate at 9 and 36 months and psychomotor development at 36 months in well-nourished Danish children. Subjects from the SKOT cohorts with B12 measurement and completed Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 3rd edition (ASQ-3) at 36 months were included (n 280). Dietary intake, B12 and folate concentrations were collected at 9 and 36 months, and ASQ-3 was assessed at 36 months. Associations between B12 and folate at 9 and 36 months and ASQ-3 were analysed using regression models. Associations between diet and B12 were also investigated. No children had insufficient B12 (<148 pmol/l) at 36 months. B12 at 36 month was positively associated with total ASQ-3 corresponding to an increase of 100 pmol/l B12 per 1·5 increase in total ASQ-3 score (P = 0·019) which remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders including 9 months values. B12 at 9 months or folate at any time point was not associated with total ASQ-3. Intake of milk products was associated with B12 at 36 months (P = 0·003) and showed a trend at 9 months (P = 0·069). Intake of meat products was not associated with B12. In conclusion, B12 was positively related to psychomotor development at 3 years in well-nourished children, indicating that the impact of having marginally low B12 status on psychomotor development in well-nourished children should be examined further.
Who are the 3 Per Cent? The Connections Among Climate Change Contrarians
Authors: Young Laura D. , Fitz Erin B.
Published: December 2021

Despite 97 per cent of scientists agreeing on anthropogenic global warming, the remaining 3 per cent play a critical role in keeping the debate about climate consensus alive. Analysis of climate change contrarians from multi-signatory documents reveals 3 per cent of signees to be climate experts, while the remaining 97 per cent do not meet expert criteria and are also involved with organizations and industries who make up the climate change countermovement. The data also reveal most contrarians to be aged sixty-five or older. As a result, we explore other factors (for example, collective memories and ideological views) that may have also contributed to expert and non-expert views.
Prenatal predictors of childhood anxiety disorders: An exploratory study of the role of attachment organization
Authors: Galbally Megan , Watson Stuart J. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Tharner Anne , Luijk Maartje , de Kloet E. Ron , van Rossum Elisabeth F.C. , Lewis Andrew J.
Published: December 2021

Childhood anxiety disorders (CAD) are a common childhood mental disorder and understanding early developmental pathways is key to prevention and early intervention. What is not understood is whether early life stress predictors of CAD might be both mediated by infant cortisol reactivity and moderated by infant attachment status. To address this question, this exploratory study draws on 190 women recruited in early pregnancy and followed together with their children until 4 years of age. Early life stress is operationalized as maternal depression measured using the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Parenting Stress Index, and antenatal maternal hair cortisol concentrations. Infant cortisol reactivity was measured at 12 months together with the Strange Situation Procedure and CAD assessed at 4 years of age using the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment. There was no direct association between attachment classification and CAD. Furthermore, infant cortisol reactivity neither mediated nor attachment moderated the association of early life stress predictors and CAD. However, only for infants with organized attachment classifications, higher maternal antenatal depression, and hair cortisol were associated with a higher risk of CAD.