bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinal Pigment Epithelium Melanin and Ocular Toxicity
Authors: Dayhaw-Barker Pierrette
Published: January 2003

Ocular morphology is specifically directed at facilitating the transmittance of visible light to the retina for the purposes of photoreceptor absorption and phototransduction, thereby initiating the process of vision. By absorbing excess radiation, melanin significantly enhances this process. It can also act as a photoprotector by quenching reactive oxygen species and other radicals produced as a result of the high oxygen dependency of the retina for its metabolism. However, melanin also binds numerous pharmaceuticals, a process that can result in ocular toxicity. Although our understanding of this binding remains somewhat limited, melanin chemistry, its distribution, and other factors influencing binding appear to play a significant role in predisposing ocular tissues, such as the choroid and retinal pigment epithelium, to toxicological insult. Many of the drugs that have been identified as causing these effects are known photosensitizers in which radiation plays a significant role in eliciting the pathologies. The phototoxic effects range from minor histological/chemical changes, which do not impact the quality of vision, to pigmentary retinopathies, which could potentially involve the loss of sight. Such effects, resulting from photosensitizer-drug binding to melanin, are to be separated from toxic effects, such as some ganglion cell abnormalities, that result from pharmaceuticals affecting ocular tissues directly.
Uveal Melanocytes, Ocular Pigment Epithelium, and Müller Cells in Culture: In Vitro Toxicology
Authors: Hu Dan-Ning , Savage Howard E. , Roberts Joan E.
Published: January 2003

Uveal melanocytes and the ocular pigment epithelium are located in the middle and inner layers of the eye. Müller cells (a type of glial cell) are located in the neural retina. Melanocytes, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and Müller cells do not participate directly in the detection or transfer of visual information, but they have various functions that support the neural retina and are essential for the maintenance of vision. Methods for the isolation and cultivation of melanocytes, RPE, and Müller cells have been established by us and other investigators. These cultured cells can be used as in vitro model systems for studying the toxicology of visible light, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, drugs, and other potentially toxic agents. Toxic effects on these cells may give rise to altered retinal function and result in impaired vision. Both melanocytes and pigment epithelium contain melanin, which has the ability to bind organic amines and metal ions. This results in the accumulation of these substances in the eye. Melanin may protect cells from chemical stress by binding toxic chemicals; but in chronic exposure, increased and lengthy binding may cause damage to these cells. Two different types of melanin are found in the eye: eumelanin and pheomelanin, which may have photoprotective and phototoxic effects, respectively. Pigment epithelium contains mainly eumelanin, whereas melanocytes contain both eumelanin and pheomelanin. Melanin is an antioxidant and with age, the antioxidant properties may diminish to the point that it may even become a prooxidant. There are also other functions of pigment epithelium and uveal melanocytes not related to melanin and there are also several functions of Müller cells that play a role in the toxicological aspects of the eye. Cultured uveal melanocytes, pigment epithelial cells, and Müller cells can be used to study the toxicology of these cells in vitro.
Screening for Ocular Phototoxicity
Authors: Roberts Joan E.
Published: January 2003

Normally light transmission through the eye is benign and serves to direct vision and circadian rhythm. However, with very intense light exposure, or with ambient light exposure to the aged eye and/or young or adult eye in the presence of light-activated (photosensitizing) drugs or dietary supplements, cosmetics, or diagnostic dyes, light can be hazardous, leading to blinding disorders. Light damage to the human eye is avoided because the eye is protected by a very efficient antioxidant system and the chromophores present absorb light and dissipate its energy. After middle age, there is a decrease in the production of antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes and an accumulation of endogenous chromophores that are photo-toxic. The extent to which a particular exogenous photosensitizing substance is capable of producing phototoxic side effects in the eye depends on several parameters, including (1) the chemical structure; (2) the absorption spectra of the drug; (3) binding of the drug to ocular tissue (lens proteins, melanin, DNA); and (4) the ability to cross blood-ocular barriers (amphiphilic or lipophilic). For instance, compounds that have either a tricyclic, heterocyclic, or porphyrin ring structure and are incorporated into ocular tissues are potentially phototoxic agents in the eye. The extent to which these substances might damage the eye (photoefficiency) can be predicted using in vitro and photophysical techniques. With simple, inexpensive testing, compounds can be screened for their potential ocular phototoxicity at the developmental stage. It may be that a portion of the molecule can be modified to reduce phototoxicity while leaving the primary drug effect intact. Preclinical safety testing may prevent ocular side effects that can range from mild, reversible blurred vision to permanent blindness.
How Light Reaches the Eye and Its Components
Authors: Sliney David H.
Published: January 2003

The human eye is exquisitely sensitive to light (i.e., visible radiant energy), and when dark-adapted, the retina can detect a few photons of blue-green light. It is therefore not at all surprising that ocular tissues are also more vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) and light damage than the skin. For this reason, humans have evolved with certain anatomical, physiological, and behavioral traits that protect this critical organ from the UV damage that would otherwise be certain from the intense bath of overhead solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) when we are outdoors during daylight. For example, the UV exposure threshold dose for photokeratitis (“welders' flash” or “snow blindness”)—if measured as falling on a horizontal ground surface—would be reached in less than 10 minutes around midday in the summer sun. There are three critical ocular structures that could be affected by UV exposure: the cornea, the lens, and the retina. The cornea transmits radiant energy only at 295 nm and above. The crystalline lens absorbs almost all incident energy to wavelengths of nearly 400 nm. In youth, a very small amount of UV-A reaches the retina, but the lens becomes more absorbing with age. Thus there are intraocular filters that effectively filter different parts of the UV spectrum and allow only of the order of 1% or less to actually reach the retina. Nevertheless, this small fraction of energy—if phototoxic—could still be of concern. Finally, oblique rays entering the eye from the temporal side, can actually reach the equatorial (germinative) area of the lens.
Extremal metrics for the first eigenvalue of the Laplacian in a conformal class
Authors: El Soufi Ahmad , Ilias Saïd
Published: January 2003

Let

M
M

be a compact manifold. First, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a Riemannian metric on

M
M

to be extremal for

λ
1

\lambda _1

with respect to conformal deformations of fixed volume. In particular, these conditions show that for any lattice

Γ
\Gamma

of

R

n

\mathbb {R}^n

, the flat metric

g

Γ

g_{\Gamma }

induced on

R

n

/

Γ

\mathbb {R}^n/\Gamma

from the standard metric of

R

n

\mathbb {R}^n

is extremal (in the previous sense). In the second part, we give, for any

Γ
\Gamma

, an upper bound of

λ
1

\lambda _1

on the conformal class of

g

Γ

g_{\Gamma }

and exhibit a class of lattices

Γ
\Gamma

for which the metric

g

Γ

g_{\Gamma }

maximizes

λ
1

\lambda _1

on its conformal class.
Regularity on abelian varieties I
Authors: Pareschi Giuseppe , Popa Mihnea
Published: January 2003

We introduce the notion of Mukai regularity (

M
M

-regularity) for coherent sheaves on abelian varieties. The definition is based on the Fourier-Mukai transform, and in a special case depending on the choice of a polarization it parallels and strengthens the usual Castelnuovo-Mumford regularity. Mukai regularity has a large number of applications, ranging from basic properties of linear series on abelian varieties and defining equations for their subvarieties, to higher dimensional type statements and to a study of special classes of vector bundles. Some of these applications are explained here, while others are the subject of upcoming sequels.
The library and first‐year experience courses: a nationwide study
Authors: Boff Colleen , Johnson Kristin
Published: January 2003

First‐year experience (FYE) courses are excellent venues for introducing freshman students to information literacy concepts. The authors, librarians and FYE instructors at their respective institutions, conducted a nationwide survey to determine whether FYE course curricula contained a library component and, if so, to what extent. Survey results indicate that the majority of FYE programs contain some type of library unit, though results varied broadly depending on institutional factors. Details the presence of a library unit in the overall curricula of FYE courses, who is developing the library component, who is teaching it, and what is being taught. Examines current practices within FYE courses and the results can be used by librarians and FYE professionals, as well as the larger academic community, to expand understanding of the role that libraries, and librarians play in this particular type of course. It will serve as a foundation for future development of FYE course curricula and can be used as documentation for conversations promoting further integration of information literacy.
The instruction librarian’s role in creating a usable Web site
Authors: Vassiliadis Kim , Stimatz Lisa R.
Published: January 2003

The importance of creating a usable library Web site has been well documented in the literature; however, little has been written on the role of instruction in the process of Web site evaluation and design. This paper describes experience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and highlights the significant role that instruction librarians need to play in assessing and creating usable Web sites. The authors argue that instruction librarians need to address the impact that a poorly designed Web site has on user education programs, and become actively involved in the redesign process. With their unique experience and perspective, instruction librarians have much to contribute to the process, and even more to gain. By understanding the mental model our users bring to their search for information, we can improve the instruction we offer.
Library instruction and information literacy – 2001
Authors: Johnson Anna Marie , Rader Hannelore B.
Published: January 2003

Presents a bibliography of literature published during 2001 on library instruction and information literacy. States that the majority of articles dealt with the implementation of the Association of College and Research Libraries standards for information literacy in higher education. Reveals that another theme is that students are increasingly turning to the Web for their information needs to the exclusion of other sources which has implications for those who teach those resources. Also reveals the theme in the literature of collaboration and partnerships between faculty, information technology staff, other librarians, students and administrators.
Management development in Ireland: the new organizational wealth?
Authors: Heraty Noreen , Morley Michael J.
Published: January 2003

Drawing upon survey data, we assess the current state of management development in Ireland and we identify policy, practice and structural contingencies that help to explain variations in the volume of management development activity undertaken at organizational level. The data show that the level of management development, as measured by the number of days per annum, has increased in recent years with 70 percent of managers in our sample now receiving between one and five days training per year. The mean number of days per annum in Ireland now stands at 4.5. With respect to those factors that appear to affect the level of management development activity, preliminary analysis points to the importance of policy and practice variables over structural ones. Materially, in the human resource domain, our data suggest that organizations with actual policies on personnel/human resource strategy and on management development have higher levels of management development activity and, given the recent tightening in the labor market, many were promulgating their use of developmental interventions as an aid to recruitment/retention. The existence of formal career plans and succession plans, the relative emphasis on the analysis of human resource development needs and the filling of senior and middle management posts via the internal labor market all emerged as predictors of higher levels of management development. Organizations using international experience schemes also ran a significantly higher number of days of management development interventions. In the structural characteristics domain, the data indicate that management development in indigenous companies is at similar levels to internationally owned enterprises in our sample. Here structural explanations such as total employment, sector and unionization did not emerge as being statistically significant.
Predicting Nearest Agent Distances in Artificial Worlds
Authors: Schulz Reiner , Reggia James A.
Published: January 2003

In a number of multi-agent artificial life studies where agents interact over limited distances, the emergence and/or evolution of a specific behavior may depend critically upon interagent distances. Little theoretical analysis has been done previously concerning how to predict such distances. In this paper, we derive a probabilistic method that, for an agent at an arbitrary location in a two-dimensional cellular world, predicts the expected distance to a nearest other agent. Our method works for many world topologies, and we apply it to determine the expected distance for six commonly used ones. Further, the method is readily adapted to handle special restrictions. Over a wide variety of agent densities we show that the theoretically predicted distances are largely in agreement with the distances measured in computational experiments with randomly placed agents. We then utilize our prediction method to interpret recent observations that an imprecise threshold in the density of agents exists for the evolution of communication. We thus illustrate that, despite its conceptual simplicity, our method can aid the analysis and even the design of complex artificial environments populated by agents that have the potential to interact with one another.
Genetic Redundancy in Evolving Populations of Simulated Robots
Authors: Miglino Orazio , Walker Richard
Published: January 2003

A number of authors have argued that redundancy in biological organisms contributes to their evolvability. We investigate this hypothesis via the experimental manipulation of genetic redundancy in evolving populations of simulated robots controlled by artificial neural networks. A genetic algorithm is used to simulate the evolution of robots with the ability to perform a previously studied task. Redundancy is measured using systematic lesioning. In our experiments, populations of robots with larger genotypes achieve systematically higher fitness than populations whose genotypes are smaller. It is shown that, in principle, robots with smaller genotypes have enough computational power to achieve optimal fitness. Populations with larger (redundant) genotypes appear, however, to be more evolvable and display significantly higher diversity. It is argued that this enhanced evolvability is a direct effect of genetic redundancy, which allows populations of redundant robots to explore neutral networks spanning large areas of genotype space. We conjecture that, where cost considerations allow, redundancy in functional or potentially functional components of the genome may make a valuable contribution to evolution in artificial and perhaps in biological systems. The methods described in the article provide a practical way of testing this hypothesis for the artificial case.
Experimental and numerical investigations into the drag characteristics of a pair of ellipsoids in close proximity
Authors: Molland A F , Utama I K A P
Published: January 2003

Investigations into the drag of ellipsoids in proximity have been carried out experimentally using a low-speed wind tunnel and numerically using a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code (CFXTM). The purpose of the investigations was to improve the understanding of the viscous resistance and viscous interaction effects between twin bodies in proximity, such as the hulls of a catamaran, and consequently to improve the techniques for estimating the resistance and powering of commercial catamarans. The wind tunnel tests were carried out on a single ellipsoid with a length-diameter ratio ( L/D) of 6.0 and a pair of similar ellipsoids in proximity at separation-length ratios ( S/L) of 0.27, 0.37, 0.47 and 0.57 at Reynolds number values up to 3.2 ×106. The ellipsoids thus represented a reflex (or reflected) model of a catamaran hull. In the numerical work, investigations were carried out on ellipsoids with the same geometry as those tested in the wind tunnel and ellipsoids with a larger length-diameter ratio. Results of the wind tunnel tests and numerical investigations are presented and compared. It is found from the investigations that viscous form effects and viscous interactions are present for such bodies and that CFD techniques can make very useful contributions to the investigations of these effects.
Natural vibration of a flexible beam-water coupled system with a concentrated mass attached at the free end of the beam
Authors: Zhao S , Xing J T , Price W G
Published: January 2003

The dynamical behaviour of a flexible beam-water interaction system having a concentrated mass (with accompanying moment of inertia) at the free end of the beam is examined. In the water domain, the coupled system is subject to an undisturbed boundary condition at infinity and a zero surface wave or linear surface disturbance condition on the free surface. The governing equations describing the behaviour of the system are analysed using the separation of variables method and their solutions presented. The eigenvalue equation of the natural vibration of the beam-water system is derived and exact solutions for each combination of boundary conditions are obtained. Calculations show that, for the undisturbed condition at infinity in the water domain, the natural frequencies of the coupled beam-concentrated mass dynamical system are lower than those of the beam alone. With constant ratio of concentrated mass to mass of the beam, as the beam changes from thick to thin, the concentrated mass and moment of inertia become less influential on the natural vibration behaviour of the coupled system.
A discussion of the ultimate strength of ageing ships, with particular reference to the corrosion model
Authors: Qin S-P , Cui W-C
Published: January 2003

Because of several losses of old bulk carriers, ultimate strength assessment of the remaining ageing ships has received considerable attention recently. For ageing ships, two important factors that degrade the ultimate strength of ship hulls are corrosion and fatigue. Paik and Thayamballi [1] have made significant contributions in both aspects by publishing a series of papers related to the subject. This paper provides a comprehensive summary of their work. This discussion is mainly confined to their corrosion models. It is intended to show that further improvements are possible.
Intramolecular Charge-Transfer Behavior of 1-Pyrenyl Aromatic Amides and Its Control through the Complexation with Metal Ions
Authors: Morozumi Tatsuya , Hiraga Hisafumi , Nakamura Hiroshi
Published: January 2003

New fluorescent ionophores containing 1-pyrenyl aromatic amides based on oligoethylene oxide (1 and 2) have been synthesized and its photochemical behaviors have been studied. In the absence of metal ion, 1-pyrenylbenzamide moiety showed almost no fluorescence emission. However, complexation with Ca2+ induced a large enhancement effect on the fluorescence intensity of 1 and 2 from the pyrene ring. This behavior can be explained by in terms of the similar twisted intramolecular charge-transfer relaxation mechanism.
Roles of Axial Ligands on Intercalation of Cationic Metalloporphyrin into Smectite Clay Layers
Authors: Shiragami Tsutomu , Nabeshima Keiko , Yasuda Masahide , Inoue Haruo
Published: January 2003

Adsorption and intercalation of +1 charged cationic dihydroxo(tetraphenylporphyrinato)antimony(V) bromide (1a) into an artificially synthesized smectite clay was studied. The red shift of Soret band of 1a was observed in an aqueous clay suspension owing to the adsorption onto the clay. Analyses of X-ray diffraction of the obtained complex between 1a and the clay indicate the intercalation of 1a into the clay interlayer. Hydroxo group as an axial ligand led to the effective intercalation of 1a into the clay.
Formation of Nanofibrillar Aggregates by Water-Soluble β-Structural Oligopeptide, (l-Leu-l-Lys)8
Authors: Sakurai Toshihiko , Koga Masaki , Takafuji Makoto , Ihara Hirotaka
Published: January 2003

The alternating oligopeptide Pyr-(LK)8 doped by a pyrenyl group at the terminal formed helical tape-like aggregates in an aqueous solution at pH 7. Addition of NaCl induced random coil-to-β-structure transition to show the excimer peak of pyrenyl groups, although no similar result was observed by the corresponding random oligopeptide Pyr-(L8K8).
Shigella sonnei: another cause of sexually acquired reactive arthritis
Authors: Chen M , Delpech V , O'Sullivan B , Donovan B
Published: January 2003

We report a case of reactive arthritis attributable to sexually-acquired Shigella sonnei infection. This occurred in the context of an outbreak of S. sonnei among homosexually-active men in Sydney, Australia, in 2000.
What proportion of episodes of gonorrhoea and chlamydia becomes symptomatic?
Authors: Korenromp Eline L , Sudaryo Mondastri K , de Vlas Sake J , Gray Ronald H , Sewankambo Nelson K , Serwadda David , Wawer Maria J , Habbema J Dik F
Published: January 2003

The effectiveness of syndromic treatment as an STD control strategy depends on the proportion of episodes which become symptomatic; few studies have measured this directly. We estimated these proportions for gonorrhoea (NG) and chlamydia (CT), synthesizing data on the point prevalence of self-reported discharge and dysuria among infected cases in rural Uganda, the durations of symptoms, incubation period and asymptomatic episodes, and the effect of treatment on symptom duration. Estimated proportions of episodes that become symptomatic were 45% for males with NG, 11% for males with CT, 14% for females with NG and 6% for females with CT. This was on average 1.5-fold higher than symptom prevalence at cross-section among infected cases in this population. Estimates were sensitive to assumptions on the relative durations of asymptomatic and symptomatic episodes, but were invariably inconsistent with previous direct estimates based on a US cohort study. These results show that the probability of recognizing symptoms in NG and CT episodes varies between settings. In populations with low treatment rates like Uganda, these probabilities can be very low. Here, health education should have priority in STD management programmes.
Does bar-based, peer-led sexual health promotion have a community-level effect amongst gay men in Scotland?
Authors: Flowers P , Hart G J , Williamson L M , Frankis J S , Der G J
Published: January 2003

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a bar-based, peer-led community-level intervention to promote sexual health amongst gay men. The intervention consisted of peer education within bars, gay specific genitourinary medicine (GUM) services and a free-phone hotline. Data were collected at baseline (1996) and at follow-up (1999) in gay bars in Glasgow (intervention city) and Edinburgh (control city). During the intervention peer educators interacted with 1484 men and new clients increased at the gay specific GUM service. However, the hotline was under-utilized and abused. The outcome measures were: reported hepatitis B vaccination; HIV testing; unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with casual partners; negotiated safety; and amongst men reporting UAI with a regular partner, the proportion who knew their own and their partner's HIV status. Significant differences in sexual health behaviours were observed across locations and across time, but the only significant intervention effects were amongst men who had direct contact with the intervention, with higher uptake of hepatitis B vaccination and HIV testing. The intervention did not produce community-wide changes in sexual health behaviours. These results question the replication and transferability of peer-led, community-level sexual health promotion for gay men outwith the USA and across time.
What is new with antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea in Newcastle, England?
Authors: Elawad B B , Narayanan M , Pattman R S , Sankar K N , Freeman R
Published: January 2003

Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates that were resistant to ciprofloxacin and/or penicillin were analysed to investigate the escalating problem of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea in the north east of England. Opa-typing (outer membrane opacity protein) was carried out on isolates resistant to ciprofloxacin and of nutrient non-requiring (NR) auxotype. In the year 2000 there were 265 cases of gonorrhoea, of which 44 (16.6%) were resistant to penicillin and 12 (4.5%) were resistant or had reduced sensitivity to ciprofloxacin (with only four of these acquired outside the UK). Three (7.5%) of the non-beta-lactamase penicillin-resistant isolates were imported from abroad. By Opa-typing of ciprofloxacin-resistant strains, one pair of the isolates was similar, two were unique and one was similar to the Oldham/Rochdale outbreak strain described early in 2000. This marked increase in the prevalence of indigenous ciprofloxacin resistance requires continued surveillance and may soon necessitate an alteration in our first line treatment.
Prevalences of and risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases among Japanese female commercial sex workers in middle- and high-class soaplands in Japan
Authors: Miyazaki Motonobu , Takagi Shigeru , Kato Masumi , Une Hiroshi
Published: January 2003

A cross-sectional study among Japanese female commercial sex workers (CSWs) working in soaplands (massage parlours with baths) was conducted between July 1999 and June 2000. The study subjects included 135 CSWs aged from 20 to 36 years. A questionnaire included sexual characteristics in addition to real name, working name, and date of birth. We serologically or bacteriologically confirmed prevalences of HIV-1, HIV-2, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, syphilis, and trichomonads. Anti-HCV positive was 0.7%. Although anti-HBs positive was 15.6% no HBsAg was confirmed. Seroprevalence of C. trachomatis was 8.9% and of syphilis was 4.4%. The other STDs studied were not detected. A statistically significant difference was observed between middle-class CSWs and high-class ones about condom use ( P < 0.01). Prevalences of STDs among Japanese female CSWs working in middle- and high-class soaplands were evidently lower than those reported previously.
The diagnosis of hepatitis C in a semi-rural genitourinary medicine clinic
Authors: Markos A R
Published: January 2003

A retrospective casenote study was conducted to examine the risk factors for patients who were diagnosed as hepatitis C (HCV)-positive (between 1999 and 2001) in a semi-rural genitourinary medicine (GUM) setting in Staffordshire, UK. There was a remarkable escalation in the number of reported HCV-positive cases, year on year, in our study. The majority of the positive cases (20/21) gave a history of previous intravenous drug use (IVDU). The incidence of other sexually transmitted infections were reportedly high in our HCV-positive patients. The increasing number of reported HCV-positive cases in the GUM clinic of the semirural Staffordshire setting, may reflect a national pattern that needs further investigations. We advise that HCV serology should be offered to GUM clients (who have a history of IVDU), and to their sex partners. They should also be advised to take tests to exclude other STDs. The case for offering HCV serology as a routine test for patients who request 'the exclusion of STDs' is still undecided.
Human bite-induced penile ulceration: report of a case and review of literature
Authors: Kaur Charandeep , Kaur Sukhjot , Thami Gurvinder P
Published: January 2003

Human bite on genitalia is a rare cause of penile ulceration, but is increasingly being reported, probably due to the increasing frequency of orogenital sex. The great morbidity associated with it brings it under the category of high-risk bite wounds, similar to those on hands, feet and joints. We report a case and review the literature on human bite-induced penile ulceration.
Oral donovanosis
Authors: Veeranna S , Raghu T Y
Published: January 2003

A 23-year-old male presented with oral ulcers. Tissue smear showed Donovan bodies. The patient was treated with oral tetracycline.
Insight into the function of the Golgi membrane protein GOLM1 in cholangiocytes through interactomic analysis
Authors: Nagaraj Meghana , Emmagouni Sharath Kumar Goud , Chaurasiya Vaishali , Li Luyang , Nguyen Van Dien , Keskitalo Salla , Varjosalo Markku , Zhou You , Haridas P. A. Nidhina , Olkkonen Vesa M.
Published: February 2025

GOLM1, a Golgi membrane protein, is upregulated in cancers and liver diseases. Analysis of public RNAseq data from healthy human liver suggested that GOLM1 is predominantly expressed in cholangiocytes. Therefore, this study was initiated to understand the molecular functions of GOLM1 in cholangiocytes through protein interactomics. The findings reveal a number of putative GOLM1‐interacting partners involved in cellular regimes such as mitochondrial and Golgi functions, ribonucleoprotein biogenesis, cell cycle, and basement membrane organization. Further, to validate select key roles, GOLM1 was silenced in MMNK‐1 cholangiocytes and the effects on cell functions were studied. The silencing resulted in impaired mitochondrial function, reduced mitochondrial and P‐body markers, increased apoptosis, and reduced cell adhesion, suggesting crucial roles of GOLM1 in maintaining normal cholangiocyte metabolism and function.
In Situ Formation of a Melt‐Solid Interface Toward Stable Oxygen Reduction in Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells
Authors: Feng Desheng , Li Mengran , Peterson Vanessa K. , Lin Rijia , D'Angelo Anita , Marenych Olexandra , Yago Anya , Appadoo Dominique , Zhu Tianjiu , Zulkifli Muhammad Yazid Bin , Gao Shuai , Wu Yuming , Tian Xiaohe , Du Xiaoyang , Zhu Zhonghua
Published: February 2025

Protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) are one of the promising routes to generate power efficiently from various fuels at economically viable temperatures (500–700 °C) due to the use of fast proton conducting oxides as electrolytes. However, the power density and durability of the PCFCs are still limited by their cathodes made from solid metal oxides, which are challenging to address the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction and susceptibility to CO2 simultaneously. Here, an alternative approach is reported to address this challenge by developing a new melt‐solid interface through the in situ alkali metal surface segregation and consecutive eutectic formation at perovskite oxide surface at PCFC operating temperatures. This new approach in cathode engineering is successfully demonstrated over lithium and sodium co‐doped BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3‐δ perovskite as the model material. These experimental results unveil that the unique in situ formed melt‐solid surface stabilizes the catalytically active phase in bulk and promotes catalytically active sites at surface. The novel engineered melt‐solid interface enhances the stability of the cathode against poisoning in 10% CO2 by a factor of 1.5 in a symmetrical cell configuration and by a factor of more than two in PCFC single cells.
Strain Release via Glass Transition Temperature Regulation for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shao Cong , Ma Jiaxin , Niu Guosheng , Nie Zongxiu , Zhao Yao , Wang Fuyi , Wang Jizheng
Published: February 2025

Thermally induced tensile strain that remains in perovskite films after annealing is one of the key reasons for diminishing the performance and operational stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a glass transition temperature (Tg) regulation (TR) strategy is developed by introducing two polymerizable monomers, 2‐(N‐3‐Sulfopropyl‐N,N‐dimethyl ammonium)ethyl methacrylate (SBMA) and 2‐Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), into the perovskite layer. SBMA and HEA undergo in situ polymerization, which regulates the nucleation and crystal growth of the perovskite film. In addition, adjusting the ratio of SBMA and HEA to lower the Tg of the resulting polymer effectively releases the strain in the perovskite film. The modified film exhibits significantly reduced tensile strain, decreased trap density and improved stability. As a result, the optimized PSCs achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.15% (certified as 25.59%). Furthermore, the encapsulated device demonstrates prominent enhanced operation stability, maintaining 90.3% of its initial efficiency after 500 h of continuous sunlight exposure.
Study of Supercooled Water Drop Impact on Icephobic Gradient Polymer Coatings
Authors: Rodríguez Gabriel Hernández , Ding Mingyue , Roisman Ilia V. , Hussong Jeanette , Coclite Anna Maria
Published: February 2025

Supercooled liquid water drops, with temperatures below freezing point, are common in high‐altitude clouds. These drops, despite being in a metastable state, can remain liquid for extended periods if temperatures are above the homogeneous nucleation point. Impact of such liquid drops with a cold solid surface is one of the reasons for ice accretion, which in many cases can represent a safety hazard. The study of supercooled drop impact dynamics is key to developing materials that provide resistance against the formation and accumulation of ice. In this work, the impact of supercooled water drops on dry icephobic coatings based on gradient polymers deposited via initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) under several conditions is analyzed. Experimental results show that coated surfaces potentially decrease the freezing probability upon impact. The gradient polymer surfaces with higher roughness and lower wettability do not increase the freezing probability upon impact but result in rebound and eventual roll off the surface, indicating that surface hydrophobic properties prevailed over the impact. The findings demonstrate the remarkable efficacy of gradient polymer coatings in inhibiting drop freezing, even under high wind velocities, and provide insights for the design of durable and effective anti‐icing coatings across diverse applications.
The Impacts of Health and Environmental Information Nudges on Meat Choices: Where Does Goat Meat Fit?
Authors: Khanal Binod , Dhoubhadel Sunil P. , Nayga Rodolfo M.
Published: February 2025

Amidst a recent surge in US goat meat imports to meet growing demand, this study contributes to the meat demand literature by examining consumer preferences for goat meat, a relatively healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to other popular meats. We employed a discrete choice experiment on representative US meat consumers and randomly assigned respondents to health and environmental information treatments. Further, information treatments were categorized into goat‐focused comparative and generic information treatments. Estimates from the random parameter logit model reveal that health information treatments outperform environmental information treatments in influencing consumer preferences for goat meat. Additionally, the results show that goat‐focused comparative information is more effective than generic information treatment. The market share simulations under different price scenarios suggest decreasing goat meat price to $4/lb. and informing respondents of the health benefits of goat meat over beef can yield up to 21% market share of the total US meat market for goat meat. These findings underscore the potential of goat meat in the US meat market, particularly when coupled with health information nudges.
Using K‐Means Clustering to Explore Farmers' Behavior and Intention Towards Online Credit in China Based on Extended Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Yang Shaoxiong , Turvey Calum G. , Kong Rong
Published: February 2025

Although online credit is recognized as one of the promising approaches to solving the problem of difficult access to loans for Chinese farmers in theory, there is still actually a lack of enthusiasm among farmers for its adoption. This study is dedicated to exploring the reasons why farmers don't adopt online credit from the perspective of perceptions. Based on field survey data involving 698 farmers in Shaanxi province, six constructs derived from the extended theory of planned behavior are designed to identify the specific characteristic typologies of farmers’ online credit perceptions using the K‐means clustering method. Furthermore, the characteristics associated with farmers online credit behavior and intention are examined by an ordered logistic regression model. The results of cluster analysis reveal that five groups with differentiated perception characteristics are partitioned and labeled as (1) Socially influenced non‐believers, (2) Socially independent non‐believers, (3) Just see fraud skeptics/Socially independent skeptics, (4) Suspicious but socially influenced, and (5) Neutral independent and no distinctive perception. The results of ordered logistic regression show that distrust and suspicion among farmers towards online credit have significant relationships with shaping their behavior and intention. Concurrently, it cannot be overlooked the association between subjective norms and farmers’ online credit attitudes and perceptions. Additionally, farmers’ online credit behavior and intention also have correlations with various socio‐demographic factors, including gender, age, education, physical health condition, off‐farm work, and broadband coverage.
An improved theoretical model for eddy‐induced bubble breakup in turbulent flows
Authors: Zhang Xi‐Bao , Wang Xu‐Qing , Chen Hao , Luo Zheng‐Hong
Published: February 2025

This work aims on establishing an improved model for bubble breakup in turbulent flows. To achieve this goal, the impact of bubble shape on the critical size for distinguishing large and small eddies, cross‐sectional area of eddy‐bubble collision tube, energy increment breakage criterion, and force breakage criterion is deeply studied, and accurate formulas quantifying these effects are incorporated into the developed model. Moreover, a dimensionless number is proposed to overcome the limitation of the collision cube mechanism model which neglects the influence of bubble oscillation in the radial direction of the tube. The results indicate that the developed model exhibits high prediction accuracy with a mean absolute relative error (MARE) of 18.88% for the breakage frequency, and the predicted bubble size distribution aligns closely with experimental trends.
The c.529G>A (p.Ala177Thr) RNASEH2B Gene Pathogenic Variant as a First‐Line Genetic Test for Aicardi‐Goutières Syndrome: A Case Series of Four Moroccan Families
Authors: Ouhenach Mouna , Nada Amllal , Lyahyai Jaber , Sefiani Abdelaziz
Published: February 2025

Aicardi‐Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a hereditary encephalopathy characterized by marked clinical variability, mainly cerebral calcifications, cerebral atrophy, and leukodystrophy. The clinical diagnosis is difficult and can lead to high mortality. To date, nine genes are implicated, including RNASEH2A, RNASEH2B, RNASEH2C, TREX1, SAMHD1, ADAR1, IFIH1, LSM11, and RNU7‐1. However, the p.A177T (c.529G>A) RNASEH2B gene mutation was described as the most recurrent mutation in several populations. Overall, there is a lack of research data on AGS in Morocco. Seven Moroccan patients from four families were referred for evaluation of Aicardi‐Goutières syndrome (AGS). The first patient, a 1.5‐year‐old boy with leukodystrophy, underwent exome sequencing. The remaining six patients (a 2.5‐year‐old boy, three sisters aged 14, 10, and 2, and two sisters aged 5 and 3, along with another 2.5‐year‐old boy) were tested for the recurrent p.A177T (c.529G>A) RNASEH2B gene mutation using polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. Of the seven patients, five (two unrelated and three siblings) were homozygous for this pathogenic variant. Symptoms ranged from isolated spasticity with brain calcification to typical encephalopathy, with an average onset age of 1.5 years. Clinical variability was observed within one family. These findings demonstrate the phenotypic diversity of AGS and indicate that the first step of the diagnostic strategy should be genetic testing for the p.A177T (c.529G>A) RNASEH2B recurrent mutation.
Total Syntheses of Asparenyn, Gobicusin B, and PPAR‐Agonist NNC 61‐4655 Through a FeCl3‐Assisted Electrophilic Fluorine‐Catalyzed 1,3‐Rearrangement of Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Sun Hanyang , Han Hezhen , Yin Shengbo , Zhang Shuhao , Lin Bin , Cheng Maosheng , Yang Lu , Liu Yongxiang
Published: February 2025

A FeCl3‐assisted electrophilic fluorine‐catalyzed 1,3‐rearrangement was developed, characterized by its mild catalytic system and broad substrate scope. The functional group tolerance of this approach was evaluated through a series of allylic alcohols readily prepared in situ from commercially available enones. Various nucleophiles, including water, amides, and Hantzsch esters, were utilized in the reaction. A plausible mechanism was proposed to elucidate the observed transformations, and the versatility of this methodology was demonstrated through the syntheses of asparenyn, gonicusin B, and the PPAR‐agonist NNC 61‐4655.
Exploring the Mechanism of Surface Cationic Vacancy Induces High Activity of Metastable Lattice Oxygen in Li‐ and Mn‐Rich Cathode Materials
Authors: Zhao Tian , Zhang Jilu , Wang Kai , Xiao Yao , Wang Qin , Li Longfei , Tseng Jochi , Chen Meng‐Cheng , Ma Jian‐Jie , Lu Ying‐Rui , Hirofumi Ishii , Shao Yu‐Cheng , Zhao Xiaoxian , Hung Sung‐Fu , Su Yaqiong , Mu Xiaoke , Hua Weibo
Published: February 2025

Li‐ and Mn‐rich layered oxides exhibit high specific capacity due to the cationic and anionic reaction process during high‐voltage cycling (≥4.6 V). However, they face challenges such as low initial coulombic efficiency (~70 %) and poor cycling stability. Here, we propose a combination of H3BO3 treatment and low temperature calcination to construct a shell with cationic vacancy on the surface of Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 (LLNMO). The H3BO3 treatment produces cationic vacancy and lattice distortion, forming an oxidized On− (0<n<2) on the surface, accompanied by electrons redistribution. Low temperature calcination eliminates lattice distortion, activates metastable On− and promotes coherent lattice formation. In addition, the cationic vacancy shell reduces the diffusion energy barrier of Li+, allowing more Li+ and oxygen to participate in deeper reactions and increasing the oxidation depth of oxygen. The modified material (LLNMO‐H10‐200) exhibits an initial coulombic efficiency of up to 88 % and a capacity of 256 mAh g−1. Moreover, similar enhancements were observed with Co‐containing lithium‐rich materials, with a 280 mAh g−1 discharge capacity and 89 % coulombic efficiency. These findings reveal the correlation between cationic vacancy, metastable oxygen activation and bulk phase activity, offering a novel approach to enhancing the initial coulombic efficiency and cycle stability of Li‐rich materials.
The association between early memory loss, financial exploitation, and financial exploitation vulnerability
Authors: Hall LaToya , Rorai Vanessa , Lichtenberg Peter A
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION

Older adults lose billions of dollars to financial exploitation (FE) annually. It has been described as a “burgeoning public health crisis” and “virtual epidemic.” This study evaluated a conceptual framework investigating early memory loss and personal financial behaviors and their association with financial exploitation and financial exploitation vulnerability.

METHODS

The study used a cross‐sectional design and included 150 participants, with t‐tests and chi‐squared tests being used in bivariate analysis and logistic and multiple regressions being used in multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Early memory loss was related to financial exploitation and financial exploitation vulnerability in univariate analysis. However, early memory loss was only related to financial exploitation vulnerability in multivariate analysis. Personal financial behaviors also showed significant associations with financial exploitation and financial exploitation vulnerability in multivariate analysis.

DISCUSSION

Results support the proposed framework that early memory loss and personal financial behaviors share a relationship with financial exploitation and financial exploitation vulnerability.
Green Branding and Consumer Behavior, Unveiling the Impact of Environmental Marketing Strategies on Purchase Decisions
Authors: Baca Granit , Reshidi Nail
Published: February 2025

The study explores the relationships between green branding practices (GBP) and consumer behavior, aiming to extend knowledge on the interaction between green branding and purchase decisions. The research involved 521 students from the University of Prishtina using stratified random sampling. Data analysis employed SmartPLS to examine the relationships within the model. The study found significant relationships between green positioning and consumer attitudes, green packaging's influence on purchasing behavior, and the impact of brand commitment on green purchase decisions. In contrast, the hypothesis linking brand attachment, green brand trust, and green brand equity to green purchase decisions was rejected. The findings suggest that green branding can be a competitive advantage by aligning with growing consumer preferences for environmentally responsible products. This study highlights the importance of sustainable brand strategies and advocates for authentic environmental initiatives in marketing communications.
TREM2 as a Therapeutic Target in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Xu Siting , Yang Bo , Yu Wenhua , Gao Yun , Cai Honghua , Wang Zhongqun
Published: February 2025

Atherosclerosis is driven by the expansion of cholesterol‐loaded foamy macrophages in the arterial intima. Single‐cell RNA sequencing has recently revealed the transcriptional landscape of macrophages in these atherosclerotic plaques and uncovered a population of foamy cell‐like myeloid cells expressing triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐2 (TREM2)—TREM2hi macrophages. Fundamental research has brought essential insight into the significance of TREM2 for foam macrophage survival and atherosclerosis progression, making TREM2 as a therapeutic target in atherosclerosis possible. This review retraces TREM2's winding route from pure knowledge to therapeutic interventions, as well as the potential feasibility of its clinical application for atherosclerosis.