bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling hemp as an innovative input: an application of the diffusion of innovations in a sample of hemp aware consumers
Authors: Lacasse Hannah , Kolodinsky Jane , Reynolds Travis , Darby Heather
Published: July 2023

After decades of absence, the federal legalization of hemp in the U.S. positions the crop as an innovative, plant-based input for conventional products. Through an application of the diffusion of innovations theory, this study responds to identified research needs made by hemp stakeholders and the existing literature by modeling the influence of innovation characteristics on propensity to use hemp products among Vermont consumers. Findings reveal that attributes associated with relative advantage and trialability significantly influence propensity to use at least one type of hemp product, as well as use multiple types of hemp products. This highlights particularly salient points for hemp stakeholders engaged in the marketing and communication of hemp products. Findings contribute to informed strategy creation for producers, institutions, and other stakeholders operating in this nascent industry, where data and research continue to be limited.
Perception and acceptance of robots in dairy farming—a cluster analysis of German citizens
Authors: Langer Greta , Kühl Sarah
Published: July 2023

Societal attitude acceptance can influence the digital transformation in agriculture. Digital technologies, such as robots in dairy farming, can lead to more sustainable, animal welfare-friendly and consumer-oriented milk production. This study used the example of the milking and feeding robots to investigate whether society accepts the use of robots in dairy farming and whether there are differences in society based on perceived risks and opportunities of digitalization in dairy farming and acceptance. To this end, an online-based study was conducted with a total of 1007 citizens in Germany. Overall, the respondents in this study suspect that the use of robots in dairy farming is associated with various risks but also with opportunities for society and for farmers in particular. However, these attitudes are quite heterogeneous. Four clusters could be identified: “proponents of robots”, “indifferent citizens”, “skeptical citizens”, and “critical supporters of robots”. Proponents of robots see only opportunities and little risks, whereas the critical citizens perceive not only opportunities but also many risks of using robots in dairy farming. The indifferent citizens show a rather indifferent attitude, in contrast to the skeptical citizens, who reject the opportunities at the societal level, while they agree with the opportunities of robots for farmers. This research contributes to understanding societal attitudinal acceptance and highlights differences in society that can help inform future decisions about the development and adoption of robots in dairy farming.
The RNA binding protein MEX3A promotes tumor progression of breast cancer by post-transcriptional regulation of IGFBP4
Authors: Chen Wenhu , Hu Liqiang , Lu Xuemei , Wang Xiaofei , Zhao Changan , Guo Chen , Li Xiaoyan , Ding Yuqin , Zhao Hongguang , Tong Dongdong , Wang Lifang , Huang Chen
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignant tumor in women worldwide with exceptionally high morbidity. The RNA-binding protein MEX3A plays a crucial role in genesis and progression of multiple cancers. We attempted to explore its clinicopathological and functional significance in BC in which MEX3A is expressed.

Methods

The expression of MEX3A detected by RT-qPCR and correlated the results with clinicopathological variables in 53 BC patients. MEX3A and IGFBP4 profile data of BC patients were downloaded from TCGA and GEO database. Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis was used to estimate the survival rate of BC patients. Western Blot, CCK-8, EdU, colony formation and flow cytometry were performed to investigate the role of MEX3A and IGFBP4 in BC cell proliferation, invasion and cell cycle in vitro. A subcutaneous tumor mouse model was constructed to analyze in vivo growth of BC cells after MEX3A knockdown. The interactions among MEX3A and IGFBP4 were measured by RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation.

Results

The expression of MEX3A was upregulated in BC tissues compared to adjacent tissues and high expression of MEX3A was associated with poor prognosis. Subsequent in vitro studies demonstrated that MEX3A knockdown inhibited BC cells proliferation and migration, as well as xenograft tumor growth in vivo. The expression of IGFBP4 was significantly negatively correlated with MEX3A in BC tissues. Mechanistic investigation showed that MEX3A binds to IGFBP4 mRNA in BC cells, decreasing IGFBP4 mRNA levels, which further activated the PI3K/AKT and other downstream signaling pathways implicated cell cycle progression and cell migration.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that MEX3A plays a prominent oncogenic role in BC tumorigenesis and progression by targeting IGFBP4 mRNA and activating PI3K/AKT signaling, which can be used as a novel therapeutic target for BC.
The Digital Transformation of Instructional Materials. Views and Practices of Teachers, Families and Editors
Authors: Area-Moreira Manuel , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Jesús , Peirats-Chacón José , Santana-Bonilla Pablo
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this article is to present the design and main findings of a three-year study analyzing the transition from printed to digital educational materials for primary education in Spain. Special attention has been given to the metamorphosis of didactic materials in the context of the digital society. The research focused on two issues: (a) the opinion of educational agents regarding digital educational material, and (b) the use made of digital educational materials in schools and classrooms. Two different but complementary studies were designed and carried out. The first explored the perspectives or subjectivities of educational agents—teachers, material creators and families. The second was a multi-case study involving several schools and analyzing the educational use of materials by teachers. Our findings indicate that the dissemination of digital educational materials is carried out through both paid commercial platforms and public access platforms promoted by educational administrations and that an expository teaching model underlies most online teaching materials. Educational agents have high expectations and a positive predisposition towards digital resources. Likewise, it has been found that teachers make functional and hybrid didactic adaptations of digital resources. Finally, it is suggested that the study’s approach and methodology have potential for extrapolation to other national contexts.
Multidimensional measure of employability: internal structure and associations with motivational and emotional features in unemployed persons
Authors: Silva Ana Daniela , Carvalho Catarina Luzia , Coscioni Vinicius , Soares Joana , Taveira Maria do Céu
Published: July 2023

This study describes validity and reliability evidence of the Multidimensional Measure of Employability (MME) based on the internal structure and relations to other measures in a sample of unemployed persons in Portugal. Altogether, 216 individuals participated in an online survey. The MME’s internal structure was tested by confirmatory factor analyses, suggesting good fit. The factors’ reliability was good, as assessed by four types of coefficients. Multiple linear regressions considering motivational and emotional features allowed for the identification of validity evidence based on the relationships with other constructs. Thus, MME is a valid and reliable measure to assess employability among unemployed persons.
Efficient room temperature carbon dioxide gas sensor based on barium doped CuO thin films
Authors: Abdelkarem Khaled , Saad Rana , Ahmed Ashour M. , Fathy M. I. , Shaban Mohamed , Hamdy Hany
Published: July 2023

For a safe environment, harmful-gas sensors of low cost and high performance are essential. For CO2 gas sensing applications, Ba-doped CuO thin films with 4 mol% and 6 mol% Ba were produced on glass substrates using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction approach. Utilizing various techniques, crystallographic structures, nanomorphologies, and elemental compositions were examined to assess the impact of doping on the characteristics of the films. According to the structural and morphological analyses, the nanocrystalline films consisted of irregularly shaped nanoparticles, which assembled to form a rough surface with unequal grain sizes. Because of its nanoporous nature, the CuO:6% Ba thin film exhibited the most substantial nanomorphological change and the highest gas sensing capability. At varied CO2 gas flow rates, the maximum sensor response (9.4%) and Rair/RCO2 ratio (1.12) at room temperature (RT = 30 °C) were observed at 100 SCCM. By optimizing the sensor’s operating temperature, the sensor response value reached 82.2% at 150 °C, which is approximately eight times the value at RT. Selectivity, reusability, repeatability, detection limit, and quantification limit were all tested. It shows excellent response and recovery times of 5.6 and 5.44 s. In comparison to prior literature, the improved sensor is suited for use in industrial applications.

Graphical abstract
Chronic Granulomatous Disease: a Cohort of 173 Patients—10-Years Single Center Experience from Egypt
Authors: Abd Elaziz Dalia , EL Hawary Rabab , Meshaal Safa , Alkady Radwa , Lotfy Sohilla , Eldash Alia , Erfan Aya , Chohayeb Engy , Saad Mai , Boutros Jeannette , Galal Nermeen , Elmarsafy Aisha
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited primary immunodeficiency disorder of phagocytes, characterized by recurrent fungal and bacterial infections. Our aim is to describe the different clinical presentations, non-infectious auto-inflammatory features, types and sites of infections, and to estimate the mortality among our large cohort.

Methods

This is a retrospective study conducted at the Pediatric Department of Cairo University Children’s Hospital in Egypt, including cases with a confirmed CGD diagnosis.

Results

One hundred seventy-three confirmed CGD patients were included. AR-CGD was diagnosed in 132 patients (76.3%) including 83 patients (48%) with p47phox defect, 44 patients (25.4%) with p22phox defect, and 5 patients (2.9%) with p67phox defect. XL-CGD was diagnosed in 25 patients (14.4%). The most common recorded clinical manifestations were deep-seated abscesses and pneumonia. Gram-negative bacteria and Aspergillus were the most frequently isolated species. Regarding the outcome, 36 patients (20.8%) were lost from follow-up. Among patients with known outcome, 94/137 patients (68.6%) are living, while 43/137 patients (31.4%) died.

Conclusion

AR-CGD is predominant in Egypt; CGD must always be ruled out in any patient presenting with typical or atypical mycobacterial or BCG-disease.
The Non-theory-driven Character of Computer Simulations and Their Role as Exploratory Strategies
Authors: Durán Juan M.
Published: July 2023

In this article, I focus on the role of computer simulations as exploratory strategies. I begin by establishing the non-theory-driven nature of simulations. This refers to their ability to characterize phenomena without relying on a predefined conceptual framework that is provided by an implemented mathematical model. Drawing on Steinle’s notion of exploratory experimentation and Gelfert’s work on exploratory models, I present three exploratory strategies for computer simulations: (1) starting points and continuation of scientific inquiry, (2) varying the parameters, and (3) scientific prototyping.
Association of hypothyroidism during pregnancy with preconception and early pregnancy exposure to ambient particulate matter
Authors: Sun Qi , Chen Yuanmei , Ye Fang , Liu Jing , Liu Die , Ao Bo , Hui Qin , Zhang Qi
Published: July 2023

Background

Limited research has been conducted on the association between preconception exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) and hypothyroidism. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preconception PM exposure and hypothyroidism.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study at China-Japan Friendship Hospital was performed. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and inhalable particulate matter (PM10) were obtained from the China High Air Pollution Dataset. Buffer analysis methods were used to calculate the exposure of pregnant women to PM in a circular area of 250, 500, and 750 m in diameter at preconception and in early pregnancy. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between PM and hypothyroidism. Odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the effect of PM on the risk of hypothyroidism.

Results

A total of 3,180 participants were studied, and they comprised 795 hypothyroid patients and 2,385 matched controls. The mean age was 31.01 years (standard deviation: 3.66) in the control group and 31.16 years (standard deviation: 3.71) in the case group. Logistic regression analysis showed that exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 in the 60-day period before the last menstrual period month (LMPM), 30-day period before the LMPM, and LMP, across all distance buffers, was associated with an increased risk of hypothyroidism (all P < 0.05). The most pronounced effect was observed during the LMPM, with PM2.5 (OR: 1.137, 95% CI: 1.096–1.180) and PM10 (OR: 1.098, 95% CI: 1.067–1.130) in the 250-m buffer. Subgroup analysis in the Changping District yielded consistent results with the main analysis.

Conclusion

Our study shows that preconception PM2.5 and PM10 exposure increases the risk of hypothyroidism during pregnancy.
A simple framework to distinguish ‘individualistic’ from a ‘uniform rate’ of ageing within or between study populations
Authors: Degens Hans , Onambélé-Pearson Gladys L.
Published: July 2023

Ageing is accompanied by a progressive decline in physiological functions. It is often argued that the rate of ageing differs between people and is ‘highly individualistic’. This view is not unequivocally shared, and others have argued that the rate of ageing is rather ‘uniform’. Distinguishing conclusively between these views requires longitudinal data, but these are difficult to obtain as they require decades of data collection from individuals. Here, a simple framework is proposed to assess in cross-sectional data whether in a given population the rate is ‘highly individualistic’ or rather ‘uniform’. It is illustrated that an age-related decrease in the standard deviation (SD) of a certain parameter combined with a non-changing coefficient of variation (COVAR) reflects a ‘uniform’ rate of ageing, whilst an increase or decrease in COVAR with or without a concomitant increase in SD reflects a ‘highly individualistic’ rate of ageing. This framework is applied to some published data, focussing on muscle strength, power and physical function for the sake of illustration, and it is suggested that most studies do in fact show a ‘highly individualistic’ rate of ageing, perhaps apart from a ‘uniform’ rate of ageing in master athletes.
Value of serum free prostate-specific antigen density in the diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Zou Bing-Zi , Wen Hong , Luo Huan-Jia , Luo Wan-Chao , Xie Qi-Tong , Zhou Meng-Ting
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To investigate the value of serum free prostate-specific antigen density (fPSAD) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

The data of 558 patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy were retrospectively analyzed. According to the pathological results, the patients were divided into a PCa group and a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) group. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted, based on which the sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, concordance, and kappa values of free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA), the free-to-total f/tPSA, prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD), the free-to-total (f/t)/PSAD ratio, and fPSAD were compared. The patients were divided into three groups by PSA levels (PSA < 4 ng/mL, PSA = 4–10 ng/mL, and PSA > 10 ng/mL), into three groups by age (age < 60 year, age = 60–80y, and age > 80 years), and into two groups by prostate volume (PV) (PV ≤ 80 mL and PV > 80 mL) to compare the sensitivity, specificity, and concordance of indicators.

Results

tPSA, PSAD, (f/t)/PSAD, and fPSAD had high accuracy in predicting PCa with AUC values of 0.820, 0.900, 0.846, and 0.867. fPSAD showed lower diagnostic sensitivity but significantly higher specificity and concordance for PCa than tPSA, f/tPSA, (f/t)/PSAD, or PSAD. Thus, fPSAD had the highest accuracy in the diagnosis of PCa. In the groups with different PSA, age, and PV stratification, the concordance of fPSAD was significantly higher (88.61%, 90.74%, and 90.38%) than that of other indicators.

Conclusion

With the optimal cutoff value of 0.062, fPSAD has a higher diagnostic value for PCa than tPSA, f/tPSA, (f/t)/PSAD, and PSAD, and can well predict the risk of PCa, significantly improve the clinical diagnostic rate of PCa, and reduce unnecessary biopsy.
Opportunities to strengthen trade policy for food and nutrition security: an analysis of two agricultural trade policy decisions
Authors: Johnson Ellen , Thow Anne Marie , Nisbett Nicholas
Published: July 2023

Food insecurity and the double burden of malnutrition have emerged as prevailing global health challenges of the twenty-first century. These have been influenced by trade policy decisions, particularly in relation to agriculture, which are highly political and can have large effects on global, national, and local food systems. The aim of this study was to analyse two multilateral trade policy decisions relevant to food and nutrition security, to understand the political and power dynamics in the spaces in which these decisions are being made at the global level, in order to strengthen trade-related food systems governance to improve population nutrition. This qualitative policy analysis drew on data from a targeted literature and policy review, as well as in-depth interviews with eight individuals with expert knowledge and/or involvement in the case studies. The analysis focussed on policy processes and power dynamics, drawing on two frameworks from political science. This study found that power dynamics were shifting, such that developing countries had more of a voice at these multilateral negotiations, and decisions reflected growing resistance from developing countries who were unable to protect their most vulnerable. Contextual factors such as level of food insecurity, socio-economic situation, and historical institutional processes at the World Trade Organisation, were influential in shaping actor agendas. The study suggests that engagement with the historical context of agricultural trade policy, the global spaces in which these policy decisions take place, and creating strong coalitions will be essential to create sustainable and equitable future food systems.
Anti-noise twin-hyperspheres with density fuzzy for binary classification to imbalanced data with noise
Authors: Zheng Jian
Published: July 2023

This paper presents twin-hyperspheres of resisting noise for binary classification to imbalanced data with noise. First, employing the decision of evaluating the contributions created by points for the training of the hyperspheres, then the label density estimator is introduced into the fuzzy membership to quantize the provided contributions, and finally, unknown points can be assigned into corresponding classes. Utilizing the decision, the interference created by the noise hidden in the data is suppressed. Experiment results show that when noise ratio reaches 90%, classification accuracies of the model are 0.802, 0.611 on the synthetic datasets and UCI datasets containing Gaussian noise, respectively. Classification results of the model outperform these of the competitors, and these boundaries learned by the model to separate noise from majority classes and minority classes are superior to these learned by the competitors. Moreover, efforts gained by the proposed density fuzzy are effectiveness in noise resistance; meanwhile, the density fuzzy does not rely on specific classifiers or specific scenarios.
Characterisation and pathogenicity of Verticillium dahliae isolates associated with Verticillium wilt of tomato in the Limpopo Province of South Africa
Authors: Retief Estianne , Lamprecht Sandra , McLeod Adele
Published: July 2023

In the Limpopo Province of South Africa, the sustainable production of tomatoes is threatened by a soilborne disease known as Verticillium wilt. Limited information is available regarding the Verticillium species involved, their genetic diversity and aggressiveness. Therefore, a pathogen survey was conducted in the three major tomato production regions in Limpopo (six fields in the Lowveld and two fields each in the Highveld and Soutpansberg). Verticillium dahliae was identified as the only Verticillium species associated with Verticillium wilt of tomatoes. Conventional vegetative compatibility group (VCG) testing identified 38 isolates as VCG 4B and two isolates as VCG 2B. Pathotype-genotype specific PCR analysis indicated that all the isolates belonged to the non-defoliating pathotype, specifically genotype C. These characteristics allowed for the classification of almost all the isolates from the Lowveld, Highveld and Soutpansberg regions into clonal lineage 4B (38 isolates). The exception was for two isolates from the Lowveld that belonged to lineage 2B824. Based on a race-specific PCR analysis, all 40 isolates belonged to race 2. Sequencing of the race-specific PCR amplicon revealed the presence of two haplotypes namely I and II. Evaluation of seven inoculation methods (agar plug, millet, node-inoculation, root-dip, sand-bran, soil-drench and toothpick methods) using three isolates showed that the root-dip method was the only method that consistently identified all the isolates as pathogenic based on disease severity as well as an increase in plant height. Assessment of the aggressiveness of the 40 characterised V. dahliae isolates showed that the isolates varied in aggressiveness to the cv. Floradade.
Connection in Transnational Families. Face-to-Face and Digital Spaces in Portuguese Emigrants
Authors: Barros Carlos
Published: July 2023

The use of new communication technologies promotes dynamics with presence between face-to-face and digital ways in transnational families. Relationships are perceived by migrants in these families as enriching, but also as points of contradiction and paradox. This study aims to explore, through the dimensions of the intergenerational solidarity (IS) model, how emigrants perceive the interaction with their parental figures in their country of origin and how the digital space impacts family dynamics. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with young Portuguese adults emigrating in the European space (N = 22), and thematic analysis was performed under a constructivist perspective, with the support of theN-Vivosoftware. The results suggest the need to understand family cohesion in a continuum between solidarity-conflict-ambivalence and, above all, how family dynamics are altered by the challenges of transnational dynamics. It is important to consider the experience of family rituals in person and digitally. Digital communication mitigates differences and isolation, since it promotes more contact, leading to less cultural shock, which can promote more connection.
Setting Dengue Fever Epidemic Thresholds Between 2016 and 2021 in the Central Health Region, Burkina Faso: An Ecological Study
Authors: Ouédraogo Jean Claude Romaric Pingdwindé , Ilboudo Sylvain , Ouédraogo Espérance , Ouédraogo Wendlasida Thomas , Ouédraogo Salfo , Samadoulougou Benoit Césaire , Kaboré Mikaila , Savadogo Léon G. Blaise
Published: July 2023

Background

Dengue fever (DF) is endemic in Burkina Faso, with 70% of its burden supported by the Central Health Region. Then, a single confirmed case can no longer mean an epidemic. This study aimed at describing trends and setting epidemic thresholds of DF in the Central Health Region.

Data and Methods

An ecological study was conducted using monthly data from DF surveillance between 2016 and 2021. Three methods were applied to set alert and intervention thresholds of DF monthly incidence rate: mean [mean + 2 SD], median [3rd quartile] and cumulative sum (C-sum) [C-sum + 1.96 SD]. These thresholds were plotted with the monthly incidence rates for 2021.

Results

In total, 54,429 cases were reported between 2016 and 2021. Dengue cases increased biannually. The median annual incidence rate did not vary significantly across years [Kruskal–Wallis: χ2(5) = 9.825; p = 0.0803]. Within a year, the monthly incidence rate fell under 48.91 cases per 100,000 inhabitants between January and September and peaked in October or November. With the mean and C-sum methods, the 2021 monthly incidence rate remained below the intervention thresholds (Mean + 2 SD and C-sum + 1.96 SD). With the median method, the incidence rate exceeded the alert and intervention thresholds in July–September 2021.

Conclusions

If the DF incidence varied within a year due to the seasons, it was relatively stable between 2016 and 2021. The mean and C-sum methods based on the mean were subject to extreme values, giving high thresholds. The median method seemed better for capturing the abnormal increase in dengue incidence.
MRI-guided robot intervention—current state-of-the-art and new challenges
Authors: Huang Shaoping , Lou Chuqian , Zhou Ying , He Zhao , Jin Xuejun , Feng Yuan , Gao Anzhu , Yang Guang-Zhong
Published: July 2023

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is now a widely used modality for providing multimodal, high-quality soft tissue contrast images with good spatiotemporal resolution but without subjecting patients to ionizing radiation. In addition to its diagnostic potential, its future theranostic value lies in its ability to provide MRI-guided robot intervention with combined structural and functional mapping, as well as integrated instrument localization, target recognition, and in situ, in vivo monitoring of the therapeutic efficacy. Areas of current applications include neurosurgery, breast biopsy, cardiovascular intervention, prostate biopsy and radiotherapy. Emerging applications in targeted drug delivery and MRI-guided chemoembolization are also being pursued. Whilst promising progress has been made in recent years, there are still significant basic science research and engineering challenges. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state-of-the-art in MRI-guided robot intervention and allied technologies in actuation, sensing, new materials, interventional instruments, and interactive/real-time MRI. Potential future research directions and new clinical developments are also discussed.
Material design for oral insulin delivery
Authors: Ji Kangfan , Yao Yuejun , Wei Xinwei , Liu Wei , Zhang Juan , Liu Yun , Zhang Yang , Wang Jinqiang , Gu Zhen
Published: July 2023

Frequent insulin injections remain the primary method for controlling the blood glucose level of individuals with diabetes mellitus but are associated with low compliance. Accordingly, oral administration has been identified as a highly desirable alternative due to its non-invasive nature. However, the harsh gastrointestinal environment and physical intestinal barriers pose significant challenges to achieving optimal pharmacological bioavailability of insulin. As a result, researchers have developed a range of materials to improve the efficiency of oral insulin delivery over the past few decades. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in material design that aim to enhance insulin protection, permeability, and glucose-responsive release. We also explore the opportunities and challenges of using these materials for oral insulin delivery.
A Rawlsian Solution to the New Demarcation Problem
Authors: Cabrera Frank
Published: July 2023

In the last two decades, a robust consensus has emerged among philosophers of science, whereby political, ethical, or social valuesmustplay some role in scientific inquiry, and that the ‘value-free ideal’ is thus a misguided conception of science. However, the question of how to distinguish, in a principled way,whichvalues may legitimately influence science remains. This question, which has been dubbed the ‘new demarcation problem,’ has until recently received comparatively less attention from philosophers of science. In this paper, I appeal to Rawls’s theory of justice (1971) on the basis of which I defend a Rawlsian solution to the new demarcation problem. As I argue, the Rawlsian solution places plausible constraints on which values ought to influence scientific inquiry, and, moreover, can be fruitfully applied to concrete cases to determine how the conflicting interests of stakeholders should be balanced. After considering and responding to the objection that Rawls’s theory of justice applies only to the “basic structure” of society, I compare the Rawlsian solution to some other approaches to the new demarcation problem, especially those that emphasize democratic criteria.
Effects of topography on dynamics and mass loss of lake-terminating glaciers in southern Patagonia
Authors: Minowa Masahiro , Schaefer Marius , Skvarca Pedro
Published: July 2023

Calving glaciers are highly sensitive to bedrock geometry near their terminus. To understand the mechanisms controlling rapid calving glaciers’ mass loss, we measured the lake topography in front of four lake-terminating glaciers in the southern Patagonian icefield. Using remotely sensed surface elevation data, we calculated flotation height and surface slope and compared those with changes in ice-front position, surface speed and surface elevation. Rapid retreat accompanied by rapid flow acceleration and ice surface steepening was observed at Glaciar Upsala from 2008–2011, and at O'Higgins and Viedma glaciers from 2016–present. Surface lowering in the lower part of Glaciar Upsala reached 30 m a−1 and was 18 m a−1 and 12 m a−1 at O'Higgins and Viedma glaciers, respectively. Near- or super-buoyant conditions were observed prior to these events, leading to gradual flow acceleration due to low effective pressure and decoupling from the bed. The super-buoyant condition and gradual acceleration imply full-thickness buoyant calving, which causes the ice front to retreat from the shallow bedrock topography with substantial flow acceleration. We conclude that the buoyancy force plays an important role in the rapid mass loss of lake-terminating glaciers in southern Patagonia.
On large solutions for fractional Hamilton–Jacobi equations
Authors: Dávila Gonzalo , Quaas Alexander , Topp Erwin
Published: July 2023

We study the existence of large solutions for nonlocal Dirichlet problems posed on a bounded, smooth domain, associated with fully nonlinear elliptic equations of order $2\,s$, with $s\in (1/2,\,1)$, and a coercive gradient term with subcritical power $0< p<2\,s$. Due to the nonlocal nature of the diffusion, new blow-up phenomena arise within the range $0< p<2\,s$, involving a continuum family of solutions and/or solutions blowing-up to $-\infty$ on the boundary. This is in striking difference with the local case studied by Lasry–Lions for the subquadratic case $1< p<2$.
Investigation of the collisionless plasmoid instability based on gyrofluid and gyrokinetic integrated approach
Authors: Granier C. , Numata R. , Borgogno D. , Tassi E. , Grasso D.
Published: July 2023

In this work, the development of two-dimensional current sheets with respect to tearing modes, in collisionless plasmas with a strong guide field, is analysed. During their nonlinear evolution, these thin current sheets can become unstable to the formation of plasmoids, which allows the magnetic reconnection process to reach high reconnection rates. We carry out a detailed study of the effect of a finite

$\beta _e$

, which also implies finite electron Larmor radius effects, on the collisionless plasmoid instability. This study is conducted through a comparison of gyrofluid and gyrokinetic simulations. The comparison shows in general a good capability of the gyrofluid models in predicting the plasmoid instability observed with gyrokinetic simulations. We show that the effects of

$\beta _e$

promotes the plasmoid growth. The effect of the closure applied during the derivation of the gyrofluid model is also studied through the comparison among the variations of the different contributions to the total energy.
Changsha Xiang Chinese
Authors: Wu Nankai
Published: July 2023

Changsha Chinese is a Xiang dialect (ISO 639-3: [hsn]) spoken in the city of Changsha (CN-430100), the capital of Hunan province (CN-43) in China. Changsha is the political, economic, cultural, scientific, and educational centre of Hunan. As of 2021, Changsha had a resident population of approximately seven million in urban areas. Figure 1 shows the location of Changsha on the map of China.
Region, religion, and locality: revisiting Punjab politics and the Unionist Party, 1923–1947
Authors: Talbot Ian
Published: July 2023

This article revisits a series of articles published in the early 1980s on Punjab politics in the pre-partition decade that grew out of my thesis ‘The Growth of the Muslim League in the Punjab’ which was supervised by Francis Robinson. It initially locates the publications in the existing literature, before assessing the extent to which subsequent research has enriched academic understanding. The article concludes with some brief reflections on the conceptualisation of the Unionist Party's power-sharing as a form of consociationalism.
Paleo‐Pacific Plate Subduction and Basement Mobilization Triggered Large‐Scale Formation of Mesozoic Gold Deposits in the Northern Margin of the North China Craton
Authors: Xiao Tingting , Sun Deyou , Lehmann Bernd , Tian Zhendong , Gao Lingjian , Zhang Duo , Deng Changzhou , Luo Anbo , Xu Yang , Yin Runsheng
Published: July 2023

The northern margin of the North China Craton (NNCC) hosts Mesozoic gold deposits of significant economic importance. The metal sources of these gold systems have long been debated with mainly magmatic‐hydrothermal versus metamorphic fluid models. Mercury (Hg) isotopes, which undergo unique mass‐independent fractionation, can provide important insights into the source of metals in gold deposits due to the close association between Hg and Au in such systems. Here, we investigated the Hg isotopic composition of six gold deposits of the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous age and potential source rocks in the NNCC. Variable ∆199Hg values were observed in bulk ore and pyrite samples (−0.28‰ to 0.34‰, n = 51) and coeval granites (−0.21‰ to 0.13‰; n = 25). The negative ∆199Hg values of bulk ore and pyrite samples mostly agree with that observed for metamorphic basement rocks (−0.37‰ to 0.11‰; n = 32). The positive ∆199Hg values of bulk ore and pyrite samples agree with those reported in marine sediments (0‰–0.3‰). So the data suggest binary mixing of ocean‐recycled Hg originated from the subducted oceanic slab, and terrestrial‐recycled Hg from the Precambrian basement in Mesozoic gold deposits. The contribution of Hg (and Au, by analogy) from both reservoirs varies depending on active continental arc versus intracontinental setting and is ultimately controlled by translithospheric heat flow driven by paleo‐Pacific plate subduction.
The Association Between Ambient Temperature and Snakebite in Georgia, USA: A Case‐Crossover Study
Authors: Landry Mariah , D’Souza Rohan , Moss Shannon , Chang Howard H. , Ebelt Stefanie , Wilson Lawrence , Scovronick Noah
Published: July 2023

The World Health Organization has identified snakebite envenoming as a highest priority neglected tropical disease, yet there is a dearth of epidemiologic research on environmental risk factors, including outdoor temperature. Temperature may affect snakebites through human behavior or snake behavior; snakes are ectotherms, meaning outdoor temperatures influence their internal body temperature and thus their behavior. Here we investigate the relationship between short‐term temperature and snakebites in Georgia, one of the most biodiverse US states in terms of herpetofauna. We acquired emergency department (ED) visit data for Georgia between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2020. Visits for venomous and non‐venomous snakebites were identified using diagnosis codes. For comparison, we also considered visits for non‐snake (e.g., insects, spiders, scorpions) envenomation. Daily meteorology from the Daymet 1 km product was linked to patient residential ZIP codes. We applied a case‐crossover design to estimate associations of daily maximum temperature and snakebite ED visits. During the 7‐year study period, there were 3,908 visits for venomous snakebites, 1,124 visits for non‐venomous bites and 65,187 visits for non‐snake envenomation. Across the entire period, a 1°C increase in same‐day maximum temperature was associated with a 5.6% (95%CI: 4.0–7.3) increase in the odds of venomous snakebite and a 5.8% (95%CI: 3.0–8.8) increase in non‐venomous snakebite. Associations were strongest in the spring. We also observed a positive and significant (p < 0.05) association for non‐snake envenomation, albeit slightly smaller and more consistent across seasons compared to those for snakebites.
Will Future Southwestern Europe Large‐Scale Circulations Resemble Past Circulations? A Focus on the Circulations Driving Extreme Precipitation in the Northern French Alps
Authors: Blanchet J. , Blanc A. , Boulard J. , Creutin J.‐D.
Published: July 2023

Detecting trends in regional large‐scale circulation (LSC) is an important challenge as LSC is a key driver of local weather conditions. In this work, we focus on two LSC characteristics that are linked to the generation of extreme precipitation in the northern French Alps and that allow interpreting changes in flow direction and flow intensity. Considering 500 hPa geopotential height fields, we show that CNRM‐CM6‐1 climate model simulates that future circulations (2015–2100) will tend to feature stronger flows with more marked westerly component. They will visit up to 30% more often the atmospheric states that are characteristic of extreme precipitation in the northern French Alps with particularly over‐recurrence in winter (+60%) and spring (+50%). In a “fictive” world where only these characteristics would change, this would induce an overall over‐recurrence of extreme precipitation of up to 15% (30% in winter), which corresponds to about 20% of the change in extreme precipitation simulated directly by CNRM‐CM6‐1. Applying the present methodology to an ensemble of climate models appears as the next step to account for simulation uncertainties both in LSC and precipitation extremes.
Observed Dawn and Twilight Pressure Sudden Peaks in the Global Martian Surface and Possible Relationships With Atmospheric Tides
Authors: Yang Chengyun , Sun Cong , Wu Zhaopeng , Li Tao
Published: July 2023

Multilanders and rovers on Mars have observed the diurnal variation in surface pressure with two significant peaks at dawn and twilight (around 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.) at different locations near the equinox. The Dynamic Meteorology Laboratory Martian General Circulation Model (GCM) simulates similar phase‐locked surface pressure fluctuations. The surface pressure peaks at a certain local time occur at most mid‐ and low‐latitude locations, as GCM simulations suggested. By reconstructing the surface pressure variation from the horizontal mass flux obtained in the GCM simulations, we find that the pressure fluctuations are due to the diurnal variation in the horizontal wind divergence and convergence in the Martian tropical troposphere. The diurnal variation in surface pressure corresponds to the migrating diurnal tidal wind, with the enhanced convergence due to the overlap of the 4‐hr and 6‐hr tides before 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Although the amplitudes of the 4‐hr and 6‐hr tides are smaller than those of diurnal tides, the convergences/divergences caused by the 4‐hr/6‐hr tidal winds at different altitudes are in phase and added up together to create a mass flux comparable to that induced by diurnal/semidiurnal components and lead to rapid pressure fluctuations. The 4‐hr/6‐hr tidal amplitudes and the two pressure peaks at dawn and twilight are the strongest near the equinox.
Humans Adapted to Diverse Habitats as Climate and Landscapes Changed
Authors: Padmanaban Deepa
Published: July 2023

Long-term changes in Earth’s climate affected the dispersal of human ancestors and their adaptation to diverse habitats, a new study finds.
Barchan Dunes Cruising Dune‐Size Obstacles
Authors: Assis W. R. , Borges D. S. , Franklin E. M.
Published: July 2023

We investigate the behavior of subaqueous barchans reaching dune‐size obstacles by carrying out experiments where we varied the obstacle shape and size, the flow strength, and the grains' properties. We found that a subaqueous barchan can pass over or bypass a dune‐size obstacle, or even be blocked, with some intermediate situations. In the bypass cases, the original barchan can split in two or more bedforms, redistributing sand in space. Finally, we propose a classification map in which the barchan behavior depends basically on two dimensionless parameters. Our results represent a step toward understanding how barchans behave in the presence of large obstacles, such as retaining walls, tubes and bridge pillars.
Fetal cannabidiol (CBD) exposure alters thermal pain sensitivity, problem-solving, and prefrontal cortex excitability
Authors: Swenson Karli S. , Gomez Wulschner Luis E. , Hoelscher Victoria M. , Folts Lillian , Korth Kamryn M. , Oh Won Chan , Bates Emily Anne
Published: July 2023

Thousands of people suffer from nausea with pregnancy each year. Nausea can be alleviated with cannabidiol (CBD), a primary component of cannabis that is widely available. However, it is unknown how fetal CBD exposure affects embryonic development and postnatal outcomes. CBD binds and activates receptors that are expressed in the fetal brain and are important for brain development, including serotonin receptors (5HT1A), voltage-gated potassium (Kv)7 receptors, and the transient potential vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1). Excessive activation of each of these receptors can disrupt neurodevelopment. Here, we test the hypothesis that fetal CBD exposure in mice alters offspring neurodevelopment and postnatal behavior. We administered 50 mg/kg CBD in sunflower oil or sunflower oil alone to pregnant mice from embryonic day 5 through birth. We show that fetal CBD exposure sensitizes adult male offspring to thermal pain through TRPV1. We show that fetal CBD exposure decreases problem-solving behaviors in female CBD-exposed offspring. We demonstrate that fetal CBD exposure increases the minimum current required to elicit action potentials and decreases the number of action potentials in female offspring layer 2/3 prefrontal cortex (PFC) pyramidal neurons. Fetal CBD exposure reduces the amplitude of glutamate uncaging-evoked excitatory post-synaptic currents, consistent with CBD-exposed female problem-solving behavior deficits. Combined, these data show that fetal CBD exposure disrupts neurodevelopment and postnatal behavior in a sex specific manner.
The role of chromatin remodeler SMARCA4/BRG1 in brain cancers: a potential therapeutic target
Authors: Navickas Sophie M. , Giles Katherine A. , Brettingham-Moore Kate H. , Taberlay Phillippa C.
Published: July 2023

The chromatin remodeler SMARCA4/BRG1 is a key epigenetic regulator with diverse roles in coordinating the molecular programs that underlie brain tumour development. BRG1 function in brain cancer is largely specific to the tumour type and varies further between tumour subtypes, highlighting its complexity. Altered SMARCA4 expression has been linked to medulloblastoma, low-grade gliomas such as oligodendroglioma, high-grade gliomas such as glioblastoma and atypical/teratoid rhabdoid tumours. SMARCA4 mutations in brain cancer predominantly occur in the crucial catalytic ATPase domain, which is associated with tumour suppressor activity. However, SMARCA4 is opposingly seen to promote tumourigenesis in the absence of mutation and through overexpression in other brain tumours. This review explores the multifaceted interaction between SMARCA4 and various brain cancer types, highlighting its roles in tumour pathogenesis, the pathways it regulates, and the advances that have been made in understanding the functional relevance of mutations. We discuss developments made in targeting SMARCA4 and the potential to translate these to adjuvant therapies able to enhance current methods of brain cancer treatment.
Cortical structural and functional coupling during development and implications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Soman Shania Mereen , Vijayakumar Nandita , Thomson Phoebe , Ball Gareth , Hyde Christian , Silk Timothy J.
Published: July 2023

Functional connectivity is scaffolded by the structural connections of the brain. Disruptions of either structural or functional connectivity can lead to deficits in cognitive functions and increase the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To date, very little research has examined the association between structural and functional connectivity in typical development, while no studies have attempted to understand the development of structure-function coupling in children with ADHD. 175 individuals (84 typically developing children and 91 children with ADHD) participated in a longitudinal neuroimaging study with up to three waves. In total, we collected 278 observations between the ages 9 and 14 (139 each in typically developing controls and ADHD). Regional measures of structure-function coupling were calculated at each timepoint using Spearman’s rank correlation and mixed effect models were used to determine group differences and longitudinal changes in coupling over time. In typically developing children, we observed increases in structure-function coupling strength across multiple higher-order cognitive and sensory regions. Overall, weaker coupling was observed in children with ADHD, mainly in the prefrontal cortex, superior temporal gyrus, and inferior parietal cortex. Further, children with ADHD showed an increased rate of coupling strength predominantly in the inferior frontal gyrus, superior parietal cortex, precuneus, mid-cingulate, and visual cortex, compared to no corresponding change over time in typically developing controls. This study provides evidence of the joint maturation of structural and functional brain connections in typical development across late childhood to mid-adolescence, particularly in regions that support cognitive maturation. Findings also suggest that children with ADHD exhibit different patterns of structure-function coupling, suggesting atypical patterns of coordinated white matter and functional connectivity development predominantly in the regions overlapping with the default mode network, salience network, and dorsal attention network during late childhood to mid-adolescence.