bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Migration Data: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Rampazzo Francesco , Rango Marzia , Weber Ingmar
Published: January 2023

Migration is hard to measure due to the complexity of the phenomenon and the limitations of traditional data sources. The Digital Revolution has brought opportunities in terms of new data and new methodologies for migration research. Social scientists have started to leverage data from multiple digital data sources, which have huge potential given their timeliness and wide geographic availability. Novel digital data might help in estimating migrant stocks and flows, infer intentions to migrate, and investigate the integration and cultural assimilation of migrants. Moreover, innovative methodologies can help make sense of new and diverse streams of data. For example, Bayesian methods, natural language processing, high-intensity time series, and computational methods might be relevant to study different aspects of migration. Importantly, researchers should consider the ethical implications of using these data sources, as well as the repercussions of their results.
Social Interactions, Resilience, and Access to Economic Opportunity: A Research Agenda for the Field of Computational Social Science
Authors: Kuchler Theresa , Stroebel Johannes
Published: January 2023

We argue that the increasing availability of digital trace data presents substantial opportunities for researchers and policy makers to better understand the importance of social networks and social interactions in fostering economic opportunity and resilience. We review recent research efforts that have studied these questions using data from a wide range of sources, including online social networking platform such as Facebook, call detail record data, and network data from payment systems. We also describe opportunities for expanding these research agendas by using other digital trace data, and discuss various promising paths to increase researcher access to the required data, which is often collected and owned by private corporations.
From Lack of Data to Data Unlocking
Authors: Crato Nuno
Published: January 2023

Reliable cross-section and longitudinal data at national and regional level are crucial for monitoring the evolution of a society. However, data now available have many new features that allow for much more than to just monitor large aggregates’ evolution. Administrative data now collected has a degree of granularity that allows for causal analysis of policy measures. As a result, administrative data can support research, political decisions, and an increased public awareness of public spending. Unstructured big data, such as digital traces, provide even more information that could be put to good use. These new data is fraught with risks and challenges, but many of them are solvable. New statistical computational methods may be needed, but we already have many tools that can overcome most of the challenges and difficulties. We need political will and cooperation among the various agents. In this vein, this chapter discusses challenges and progress in the use of new data sources for policy causal research in social sciences, with a focus on economics. Its underlying concerns are the challenges and benefits of causal analysis for the effectiveness of policies. A first section lists some characteristics of the new available data and considers basic ethical perspectives. A second section discusses a few computational statistical issues on the light of recent experiences. A third section discusses the unforeseeable evolution of big data and raises a note of hope. A final section briefly concludes.
Biopolymer-based emulsions for the stabilization of Trichoderma atrobrunneum conidia for biological control
Authors: Martínez Yolanda , Heeb Markus , Kalač Tine , Gholam Zennat , Schwarze Francis W.M.R. , Nyström Gustav , De France Kevin
Published: January 2023

Trichoderma spp. are ubiquitous soil-borne fungi that are widely used in biological control to promote and regulate healthy plant growth, as well as protect against plant pathogens. However, as with many biological materials, the relative instability of Trichoderma propagules limits its practical use in industrial applications. Therefore, there has been significant research interest in developing novel formulations with various carrier substances that are compatible with these fungal propagules and can enhance the shelf-life and overall efficacy of the Trichoderma. To this end, herein, we investigate the use of a variety of biopolymers and nanoparticles for the stabilization of Trichoderma atrobrunneum T720 conidia for biological control. The best-performing agents—agar and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)—were then used in the preparation of oil-in-water emulsions to encapsulate conidia of T720. Emulsion properties including oil type, oil:water ratio, and biopolymer/particle concentration were investigated with respect to emulsion stability, droplet size, and viability of T720 conidia over time. Overall, agar-based formulations yielded highly stable emulsions with small droplet sizes, showing no evidence of drastic creaming, or phase separation after 1 month of storage. Moreover, agar-based formulations were able to maintain ~ 100% conidial viability of T720 after 3 months of storage, and over 70% viability after 6 months. We anticipate that the results demonstrated herein will lead to a new generation of significantly improved formulations for practical biological control applications.

Graphical abstract

Key points

• Various biopolymers were evaluated for improving the stability of Trichoderma conidia

• Oil in water emulsions was prepared using cellulose nanocrystals and agar as interface stabilizers

• Agar-based emulsions showed ~ 100% viability for encapsulated conidia after 3 months of storage
Radiotherapy enhances CXCR3highCD8+ T cell activation through inducing IFNγ-mediated CXCL10 and ICAM-1 expression in lung cancer cells
Authors: Wang Chih-Liang , Ho Ai-Sheng , Chang Chun-Chao , Sie Zong-Lin , Peng Cheng-Liang , Chang Jungshan , Cheng Chun-Chia
Published: January 2023

Radiotherapy (RT) not only damages tumors but also induces interferon (IFN) expression in tumors. IFNs mediate PD-L1 to exhaust CD8+ T cells, but which also directly impact tumor cells and potentially activate anti-tumor immune surveillance. Little is known about the contradictory mechanism of IFNs in regulating CD8+ T-mediated anti-tumor activity in lung cancer. This study found that RT induced IFNs and CXCL9/10 expression in the RT-treated lung cancer cells. Specifically, RT- and IFNγ-pretreated A549 significantly activated CD8+ T cells, resulting in significant inhibition of A549 colony formation. RNAseq and consequent qPCR results revealed that IFNγ induced PD-L1, CXCL10, and ICAM-1, whereas PD-L1 knockdown activated CD8+ T cells, but ICAM-1 knockdown diminished CD8+ T cell activation. We further demonstrated that CXCR3 and CXCL10 decreased in the CD8+ T cells and nonCD8+ PBMCs, respectively, in the patients with lung cancer that expressed lower reactivation as co-cultured with A549 cells. In addition, inhibitors targeting CXCR3 and LFA-1 in CD8+ T cells significantly diminished CD8+ T cell activation and splenocytes-mediated anti-LL/2shPdl1. In conclusion, we validated that RT suppressed lung cancer and overexpress PD-L1, CXCL10, and ICAM-1, which exhibited different roles in regulating CD8+ T cell activity. We propose that CXCR3highCD8+ T cells stimulated by CXCL10 exhibit anti-tumor immunity, possibly by enhancing T cells-tumor cells adhesion through CXCL10/CXCR3-activated LFA-1-ICAM-1 interaction, but CXCR3lowCD8+ T cells with low CXCL10 in patients with lung cancer were exhausted by PD-L1 dominantly. Therefore, RT potentially activates CD8+ T cells by inducing IFNs-mediated CXCL10 and ICAM-1 expression in tumors to enhance CD8+ T-tumor adhesion and recognition. This study clarified the possible mechanisms of RT and IFNs in regulating CD8+ T cell activation in lung cancer.
Sarcopenia indicate poor survival in patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatic malignancies
Authors: Loosen Sven H. , Jördens Markus S. , Schoon Berenike , Antoch Gerald , Luedde Tom , Minko Peter , Loberg Christina , Roderburg Christoph
Published: January 2023

Background

Patient selection for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has remained challenging. Currently used markers mainly reflect liver function and turned out as less reliable in larger clinical trials. The patients´ body composition has been linked with patient outcome in different cancers. Now, we analyzed the function of different parameters of the patient’s body composition as prognostic and/ or predictive parameters in patients that received TACE.

Methods

CT scans were used to assess five parameters of the individual body composition (skeletal muscle index (SMI), median muscular attenuation (MMA), bone mineral density (BMD) as well as the visceral and subcutaneous fat area) in 89 patients undergoing TACE. Results were correlated with tumor response to TACE and outcome of patients.

Results

SMI and visceral fat area were significantly higher in male patients and among patients undergoing TACE for HCC compared to patients with liver metastases. While all parameters of the body composition did not predict response to TACE, patients with an SMI below the ideal cutoff value of 37.76 cm2/m2 had a significantly reduced long-term outcome with a median overall survival of 404 days compared to 1321 days for patients with a high SMI. Moreover, the pre-interventional SMI turned out as an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate Cox regression model including clinicopathological parameters and laboratory markers of organ dysfunction and systemic inflammation (HR: 0.899, 95% CI 0.827–0.979, p = 0.014).

Conclusion

The pre-interventional SMI represents an independent prognostic factor for overall survival following TACE. Assessment of the individual body composition using routine CT scan might help to identify the ideal patients for TACE.
Pupal productivity of larval habitats of Aedes aegypti in Msambweni, Kwale County, Kenya
Authors: Mwakutwaa Alawih S. , Ngugi Harun N. , Ndenga Bryson A. , Krystosik Amy , Ngari Moses , Abubakar Laila U. , Yonge Shadrack , Kitron Uriel , LaBeaud A. Desiree , Mutuku Francis M.
Published: January 2023

Aedes aegypti is an important vector of several arboviruses including dengue and chikungunya viruses. Accurate identification of larval habitats of Ae. aegypti is considered an essential step in targeted control. This study determined Ae. aegypti productivity in selected larval habitats in Msambweni, Kwale County, Kenya. Three sequential larval habitat surveys were conducted. The first survey was habitat census (baseline) through which 83 representative larval habitats were identified and selected. The second and third surveys involved estimating daily productivity of the 83 selected larval habitats for 30 consecutive days during a wet and a dry season, respectively. Of 664 larval habitats examined at baseline, 144 larval habitats (21.7%) were found to be infested with Ae. aegypti larvae. At baseline, majority (71%) of the pupae were collected from two (2/6) larval habitat types, tires and pots. Multivariate analysis identified habitat type and the habitat being movable as the predictors for pupal abundance. During the 30-day daily pupal production surveys, only a few of the habitats harbored pupae persistently. Pupae were found in 28% and 12% of the larval habitats during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. In the wet season, drums, tires, and pots were identified as the key habitat types accounting for 85% of all pupae sampled. Three habitats (all drums) accounted for 80% of all the pupae collected in the dry season. Predictors for pupal productivity in the wet season were habitat type, place (whether the habitat is located at the back or front of the house), habitat purpose (use of the water in the habitat), and source of water. Although the multivariate model for habitat type did not converge, habitat type and habitat size were the only significant predictors during the dry season. Drums, pots, and tires were sources of more than 85% of Ae. aegypti pupae, reinforcing the “key container concept.” Targeting these three types of habitats makes epidemiological sense, especially during the dry season.
Random vibration of hysteretic systems under Poisson white noise excitations
Authors: Chen Lincong , Yuan Zi , Qian Jiamin , Sun J. Q.
Published: January 2023

Hysteresis widely exists in civil structures, and dissipates the mechanical energy of systems. Research on the random vibration of hysteretic systems, however, is still insufficient, particularly when the excitation is non-Gaussian. In this paper, the radial basis function (RBF) neural network (RBF-NN) method is adopted as a numerical method to investigate the random vibration of the Bouc-Wen hysteretic system under the Poisson white noise excitations. The solution to the reduced generalized Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov (GFPK) equation is expressed in terms of the RBF-NNs with the Gaussian activation functions, whose weights are determined by minimizing the loss function of the reduced GFPK equation residual and constraint associated with the normalization condition. A steel fiber reinforced ceramsite concrete (SFRCC) column loaded by the Poisson white noise is studied as an example to illustrate the solution process. The effects of several important parameters of both the system and the excitation on the stochastic response are evaluated, and the obtained results are compared with those obtained by the Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs). The numerical results show that the RBF-NN method can accurately predict the stationary response with a considerable high computational efficiency.
The Practice and Feasibility of Screening, Treatment, and Referral for Gaming Problems in Gambling, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Youth Services
Authors: Park Jennifer J. , King Daniel L. , Wilkinson-Meyers Laura , Rodda Simone N.
Published: January 2023

Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is a comprehensive approach to identifying people at risk of addiction, but its feasibility for gaming disorder is unknown. This study surveyed 88 clinicians from gambling, alcohol and other drugs, and youth services in New Zealand. Results indicated that the most frequent GD screening method was an unstructured interview (61%), but 74% stated they would use a standardized tool if available. Responsivity to the detection of GD was an immediate intervention (84%), and rates of referral were low (28%). Around 50% of clinicians indicated high confidence in administering motivational approaches and relapse prevention. There was strong support for screening training (85%), treatment guidelines (88%), self-help materials (92%), and access to internet-delivered CBT that could be used in conjunction with other treatment (84%). Clinicians appear motivated and willing to implement SBIRT for GD but report lacking necessary training and resources, including access to screening tools and treatment guidelines.
Advances in HIV Research Using Mass Cytometry
Authors: George Ashley F. , Roan Nadia R.
Published: January 2023

Purpose of Review

This review describes how advances in CyTOF and high-dimensional analysis methods have furthered our understanding of HIV transmission, pathogenesis, persistence, and immunity.

Recent Findings

CyTOF has generated important insight on several aspects of HIV biology: (1) the differences between cells permissive to productive vs. latent HIV infection, and the HIV-induced remodeling of infected cells; (2) factors that contribute to the persistence of the long-term HIV reservoir, in both blood and tissues; and (3) the impact of HIV on the immune system, in the context of both uncontrolled and controlled infection.

CyTOF and high-dimensional analysis tools have enabled in-depth assessment of specific host antigens remodeled by HIV, and have revealed insights into the features of HIV-infected cells enabling them to survive and persist, and of the immune cells that can respond to and potentially control HIV replication. CyTOF and other related high-dimensional phenotyping approaches remain powerful tools for translational research, and applied HIV to cohort studies can inform on mechanisms of HIV pathogenesis and persistence, and potentially identify biomarkers for viral eradication or control.
Anti-tumor effect of Wasabi component, 6-(methylsulfinyl) hexyl isothiocyanate, against endometrial carcinoma cells
Authors: Ono Motoki , Miyamoto Tsutomu , Fuseya Chiho , Asaka Ryoichi , Ando Hirofumi , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Shinagawa Manaka , Yokokawa Yusuke , Takeuchi Hodaka , Horiuchi Akiko , Shiozawa Tanri
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Wasabi is a traditional plant seasoning with an anti-septic function. Recent studies revealed several functions of Wasabi, such as anti-inflammation; however, the anti-tumor effect against endometrial carcinoma (EMC) cells has not been examined. In the present study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of 6-(methylsulfinyl) hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MITC), a major chemical compound of Wasabi, against various EMC cell lines in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

The effect of 6-MITC on cell viability was measured by the WST-1 assay in EMC and HUVEC cells. The impact of 6-MITC oral administration in nude mice was measured to assess the growth of the EMC xenograft and natural killer (NK) cell activity in the spleen.

Results

The addition of 6-MITC suppressed the proliferation of EMC cells (Ishikawa, HEC265, HEC108, KLE, and HEC1B) dose-dependently, but not HUVEC cells. 6-MITC (5 µM) enhanced the cisplatin sensitivity of EMC cells. 6-MITC induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion in EMC cells other than HEC1B cells and was associated with increased expression of cleaved-caspase3 and decreased expression of BCL2. Oral administration of 6-MITC (2 and 4 µmol/kg) to Ishikawa and HEC1B xenografting mice resulted in a reduced tumor volume compared with the control (P < 0.05, 4 µmol/kg). Immunohistochemical staining of resected tumors revealed increased expression of Ki-67 and reduced cleaved-caspase3. Furthermore, 6-MITC treatment enhanced NK cell activity, especially when administered before tumor xenografting.

Conclusion

These results indicate that 6-MITC has a marked anti-tumor effect against EMC cells and a novel effect to enhance NK cell activity. These effects suggest the therapeutic potential of 6-MITC.
How to Study Religion? Notes on Research Methodology in the Context of Latin American Religions
Authors: Rodrigues Donizete
Published: January 2023

The aim of this paper is to discuss on the main methodological procedures used in Anthropology and Sociology and applied in studies of Latin American religions, particularly in the context of diasporic Brazilian Protestantism-Pentecostalism. After introduce the two principal categories (quantitative and qualitative) – which include various types of procedures, such as the case study, interdisciplinary, historical, comparative and cross-cultural—and based on ethnographic experiences of the author in America, Europe and Asia, examine the world scale and ‘glocal’ multi-situated ethnography and the traditional localized participant-observation, including the ‘outsider-insider dichotomy’ and Asia, the article examines. However, today, with new digital technologies and the broad cultural and religious manifestations in the Internet, the researcher can complement the search for information (ethnographic data)—and accompany of the daily life of the group, of the community under study—using the Internet, the various social networks, namely, Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. The principal contribution of this work is to present the specificities of the ethnographic field in the studies of religious movements, evangelical churches, in particular, where issues and problems posed to researchers requiring appropriate ethical and methodological procedures for overcoming them.
Geriatric care for surgical patients: results and reflections from a cross-sectional survey in acute Belgian hospitals
Authors: Fagard Katleen , Deschodt Mieke , Geyskens Lisa , Willems Sarah , Boland Benoît , Wolthuis Albert , Flamaing Johan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To explore geriatric care for surgical patients in Belgian hospitals and geriatricians’ reflections on current practice.

Methods

A web-based survey was developed based on literature review and local expertise, and was pretested with 4 participants. In June 2021, the 27-question survey was sent to 91 heads of geriatrics departments. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were performed.

Results

Fifty-four surveys were completed, corresponding to a response rate of 59%. Preoperative geriatric risk screening is performed in 25 hospitals and systematically followed by geriatric assessment in 17 hospitals. During the perioperative hospitalisation, 91% of geriatric teams provide non-medical and 82% provide medical advice. To a lesser extent, they provide geriatric protocols, geriatric education and training, and attend multidisciplinary team meetings. Overall, time allocation of geriatric teams goes mainly to postoperative evaluations and interventions, rather than to preoperative assessment and care planning. Most surgical patients are hospitalised on surgical wards, with reactive (73%) or proactive (46%) geriatric consultation. In 36 hospitals, surgical patients are also admitted on geriatric wards, predominantly orthopaedic/trauma, abdominal and vascular surgery. Ninety-eight per cent of geriatricians feel that more geriatric input for surgical patients is needed. The most common reported barriers to further implement geriatric-surgical services are shortage of geriatricians and geriatric nurses, and unadjusted legislation and financing.

Conclusion

Geriatric care for surgical patients in Belgian hospitals is mainly reactive, although geriatricians favour more proactive services. The main opportunities and challenges for improvement are to resolve staff shortages in the geriatric work field and to update legislation and financing.
New Explicit and Approximate Solutions of the Newton-Schrödinger System
Authors: Bougoffa Lazhar , Khanfer Ammar , Bougouffa Smail
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we consider the Newton-Schrödinger system $$\begin{aligned} \left\{ \begin{array}{rcl} \nabla ^{2} \Psi & =& \left( \gamma \Phi +a(x)\right) \Psi ,\\ \nabla ^{2} \Phi & =& \mid \Psi \mid ^{2}, \end{array} \right. \end{aligned}$$

∇
2

Ψ

=

γ
Φ
+
a
(
x
)

Ψ
,

∇
2

Φ

=

∣
Ψ

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2

,

which arises in certain quantum transport and chemistry problems. Explicit analytic solutions, which contain an auxiliary parameter, are obtained. An existence and uniqueness theorem to this nonlinear system subject to the boundary conditions is proved. Also, we introduce approximate solutions to the modified Newton-Schrödinger system in the case of spherically-symmetric stationary and time-independence by the Adomian decomposition method.
The Brussels Effect, European Regulatory Power and Political Capital: Evidence for Mutually Reinforcing Internal and External Dimensions of the Brussels Effect from the European Digital Policy Debate
Authors: Bendiek Annegret , Stuerzer Isabella
Published: January 2023

Anu Bradford has described the European Union’s ability to externalise its norms and standards as the so-called Brussels effect. We apply the Brussels effect to select issues discussed via the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and show that its capacity to project power stems not only from the EU’s market size but also from its domestic decision-making structure. The political capital accumulated in the EU’s consensus-based and inclusive deliberations functions as an effective instrument for motivating other states to adopt European regulations, as legislative acts resulting from European inter-institutional and multi-level policy-making hold high standards of legal certainty and signal European strategic goals and political commitments credibly. Knowing that European consensus is an important condition for externalisation, Brussels can facilitate consensus by calling for internal compromise in order to be able to take the European compromise to the international stage. Thus, the internal and external dimensions of the Brussels effect are mutually reinforcing. This twofold appearance demarcates it from the California effect and the Beijing effect.
Mapping Multi-Factor-Mediated Chromatin Interactions to Assess Dysregulation of Lung Cancer-Related Genes
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Jingwen , Zhang Wei , Wang Mohan , Wang Shuangqi , Xu Yao , Zhao Lun , Li Xingwang , Li Guoliang
Published: January 2023

Studies on the lung cancer genome are indispensable for developing a cure for lung cancer. Whole-genome resequencing, genome-wide association studies, and transcriptome sequencing have greatly improved our understanding of the cancer genome. However, dysregulation of long-range chromatin interactions in lung cancer remains poorly described. To better understand the three-dimensional (3D) genomic interaction features of the lung cancer genome, we used the A549 cell line as a model system and generated high-resolution chromatin interactions associated with RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), and histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) using long-read chromatin interaction analysis by paired-end tag sequencing (ChIA-PET). Analysis showed that EZH2/H3K27me3-mediated interactions further repressed target genes, either through loops or domains, and their distributions along the genome were distinct from and complementary to those associated with RNAPII. Cancer-related genes were highly enriched with chromatin interactions, and chromatin interactions specific to the A549 cell line were associated with oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, such as additional repressive interactions on FOXO4 and promoter–promoter interactions between NF1 and RNF135. Knockout of an anchor associated with chromatin interactions reversed the dysregulation of cancer-related genes, suggesting that chromatin interactions are essential for proper expression of lung cancer-related genes. These findings demonstrate the 3D landscape and gene regulatory relationships of the lung cancer genome.
Art research collections in Mexico City
Authors: Vidal Gabriela Betsabé Miramontes
Published: January 2023

Research collections in art reflect, in part, the cultural and artistic activities of a country and by themselves constitute a heritage. Two of the most important research collections in Mexico for arts are in the custody of the Institute of Aesthetic Research (IIE) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Library of Arts (BA) of the National Center for the Arts (CENART, Ministry of Culture). This paper gives an overview of these collections to expose their relevance and the potential they offer for research in the arts.
Optimizing team science in an academic medical center: A qualitative examination of investigator perspectives
Authors: Surratt Hilary L. , Otachi Janet K. , Slade Emily , Kern Philip A. , King Victoria , Kelly Thomas H. , DiPaola Robert S.
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Optimizing the effectiveness of a team-based approach to unite multiple disciplines in advancing specific translational areas of research is foundational to improving clinical practice. The current study was undertaken to examine investigators’ experiences of participation in transdisciplinary team science initiatives, with a focus on challenges and recommendations for improving effectiveness.

Methods:

Qualitative interviews were conducted with investigators from twelve multidisciplinary teams awarded pilot research funding by the University of Kentucky College of Medicine to better understand the barriers and facilitators to effective team science within an academic medical center. An experienced qualitative researcher facilitated one-on-one interviews, which lasted about one hour. Structured consensus coding and thematic analysis were conducted.

Results:

The sample was balanced by gender, career stage (five were assistant professor at the time of the award, seven were senior faculty), and training (six were PhDs; six were MD physicians). Key themes at the team-level centered on the tension between clinical commitments and research pursuits and the limitations for effective team functioning. Access to tangible support from home departments and key university centers was identified as a critical organizational facilitator of successful project completion. Organizational barriers centered on operationalizing protected time for physicians, gaps in effective mentoring, and limitations in operational support.

Conclusions:

Prioritizing tailored mentoring and career development support for early career faculty, and particularly physician faculty, emerged as a key recommendation for improving team science in academic medical centers. The findings contribute to establishing best practices and policies for team science in academic medical centers.
Antidote to Backsliding: Ethnic Politics and Democratic Resilience
Authors: ROVNY JAN
Published: January 2023

Recent years have witnessed significant democratic erosion, particularly in eastern Europe. This article suggests that the explanations of democratic backsliding, largely focused on historical and post-communist experiences of the this region, fail to note the striking and counterintuitive influence of ethnic politics. Departing from an observation that democratic practices have deteriorated significantly more in eastern European countries without mobilized ethnic minorities, this article argues for the central role of ethnic politics in buttressing democracy in the region. In countries with politically organized ethnic minorities, democratic institutions and practices remain more resilient. This is because mobilized ethnic minorities provide socially rooted electorates with almost an existential need for political rights and civil liberties. Active minority engagement in politics reinforces a constitutionally liberal pole of political competition and provides a counterbalance to the primary carriers of democratic regression—illiberal parties.
Reviewing the experience with the repatriation of sacred ceremonial objects: A comparative legal analysis of Canada and South Africa
Authors: Ingelson Allan , Owosuyi Ifeoma
Published: January 2023

Recent global interest in preserving cultural identity and heritage for the future of previously colonized Indigenous groups has prompted the resuscitation of local and Indigenous cultures from the brink of extinction. The pertinence of protecting and managing cultural heritage as an endowment that transcends generations of people and serves as a ligature between their past, present, and future cannot be overstated. In this respect, the repatriation or restitution of sacred ceremonial objects (SCOs) and cultural artifacts constitutes an integral aspect of reviving Indigenous people’s cultural and living heritage, which has been eroded by colonialism and other forms of occupation. In Alberta, Canada, the First Nations Sacred Ceremonial Objects Repatriation Act is the foremost legislation that provides a formal mechanism for the return of SCOs to the First Nations. Thus far, it has successfully facilitated the repatriation of several hundred repatriated several SCOs. In contrast, South Africa’s primary heritage legislation, the National Heritage Resources Act, lacks direction and detail on the restitution of SCOs, specifically to cultural communities. With the aid of a comparative approach, this article critically examines one successful approach to the repatriation of specific sets of heritage objects in Canada and analyzes South Africa’s legal frameworks that consider SCOs as a component of its national estate within its framework for restitution and the promotion of cultural revival in cultural communities.
The protection of movable cultural property in wartime: Pre-conflict planning in Sweden
Authors: Legnér Mattias
Published: January 2023

Modern warfare has prompted states to protect collections of cultural property by evacuating them to safe locations at times of war. Building on previously classified documents in archives, inquiries and other sources, this article investigates how planning for such evacuation was carried out in Sweden from 1939 to the 1990s. After the end of the Cold War, existing evacuation plans were finally scrapped. Due to the worsening security situation in the region, Swedish heritage institutions today need to build preparedness anew. It is shown that the evacuation of large volumes of property out of cities for practical reasons never was a realistic scenario, but probably should be restricted to a minimum of carefully selected objects, records and books. The process of selecting, transporting, finding safe locations to take the property to, and determining how to monitor it needs to be carefully planned during peaceful conditions in order to efficiently safeguard the collections in wartime. The relationship between Swedish planning and the 1954 Hague Convention, and how other states can learn from this study, is finally discussed.
International Conference “Decolonizing Heritage: The Return of Cultural Objects to Africa – An International Law Perspective,” 23–24 September 2021, Université de Genève
Authors: Plata Agnieszka
Published: January 2023

The conference report from the international conference “Decolonizing Heritage: The Return of Cultural Objects to Africa – An International Law Perspective,” which was held on 23–24 September 2021 at the Université de Genève.
First nests of Endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank Tringa guttifer found in over 40 years indicate nesting plasticity
Authors: Maslovsky Konstantin S. , Maleko Philipp N. , Pronkevich Vladimir V. , Slaght Jonathan C. , Powell Abby N.
Published: January 2023

Knowledge of the breeding ecology of Endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank Tringa guttifer is necessary to develop a comprehensive species-specific conservation plan. We found nine greenshank nests in Schaste Bay, Russian Far East during the summers of 2019–2021. These are the first nests found in over 40 years and the only discovered to date on mainland Russia. In contrast to previous nest descriptions, we found greenshanks do not exclusively nest in trees, but also place nests on the ground at the base of mature or sapling larches. Our results indicate greenshanks may be larch obligates during the breeding season, and protecting coastal larch forest ecosystems near bogs, meadows, and mudflats throughout the Russian Far East may be critical to the species’ conservation.
The Dobbs Decision: Can It Be Justified by Public Reason?
Authors: Fleck Leonard M.
Published: January 2023

John Rawls has held up as a model of public reason the U.S. Supreme Court. I argue that the Dobbs Court is justifiably criticized for failing to respect public reason. First, the entire opinion is governed by an originalist ideological logic almost entirely incongruent with public reason in a liberal, pluralistic, democratic society. Second, Alito’s emphasis on “ordered liberty” seems completely at odds with the “disordered liberty” regarding abortion already evident among the states. Third, describing the embryo/fetus from conception until birth as an “unborn human being” begs the question of the legal status of the embryo/fetus, as if an obiter dictum settled the matter. Fourth, Alito accuses the Roe court of failing to exercise judicial restraint, although Alito argued to overturn Roe in its entirety. In brief, the Dobbs opinion is an illiberal, disingenuous, ideological swamp that swallows up public reason and the reproductive rights of women.
Uncertainty in Simulating Twentieth Century West African Precipitation Trends: The Role of Anthropogenic Aerosol Emissions
Authors: Monerie Paul‐Arthur , Dittus Andrea J. , Wilcox Laura J. , Turner Andrew G.
Published: January 2023

Anthropogenic aerosol emissions from North America and Europe have strong effects on the decadal variability of the West African monsoon (WAM). Anthropogenic aerosol effective radiative forcing is model dependent, but the impact of such uncertainty on the simulation of long‐term WAM variability is unknown. We use an ensemble of simulations with HadGEM3‐GC3.1 that span the most recent estimates in simulated anthropogenic aerosol effective radiative forcing. We show that uncertainty in anthropogenic aerosol radiative forcing leads to significant uncertainty at simulating multi‐decadal trends in West African precipitation. At the large scale, larger forcing leads to a larger decrease in the interhemispheric temperature gradients, in temperature over both the North Atlantic Ocean and northern Sahara. There are also differences in dynamic changes specific to the WAM (locations of the Saharan heat low and African Easterly Jet, of the strength of the West African westerly jet, and of African Easterly Wave activity). We also assess effects on monsoon precipitation characteristics and temperature. We show that larger aerosol forcing results in a decrease of the number of rainy days and of heavy and extreme precipitation events and warm spells. However, simulated changes in onset and demise dates do not appear to be sensitive to the magnitude of aerosol forcing. Our results demonstrate the importance of reducing the uncertainty in anthropogenic aerosol forcing for understanding and predicting multi‐decadal variability in the WAM.
Effect of Pore‐Wall Roughness and Péclet Number on Conservative Solute Transport in Saturated Porous Media
Authors: Ghanbarian Behzad , Mehmani Yashar , Berkowitz Brian
Published: January 2023

While modeling solute transport has been an active subject of research in the past few decades, the influence of pore‐wall roughness on contaminant migration has not yet been addressed. We therefore conduct particle tracking simulations in three porous domains that have different pore‐wall roughness characteristics. Specifically, we consider five surface fractal dimensions ds = 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6, and four different Péclet numbers Pe = 10, 102, 103, and 105. Overall, arrival time distributions are simulated for 60 scenarios (3 domains  5 surface fractal dimensions  4 Péclet numbers) some of which show heavy‐tailed patterns indicating non‐Fickian transport. To interpret the simulations and quantify the transport behavior, we analyze the resulting arrival time distributions by the continuous time random walk (CTRW) approach. Results show that, on average, as the surface fractal dimension increases from 1.0 to 1.6, the CTRW model parameters , an exponent showing the degree of anomalous transport, v, the average solute velocity, and t2, the cut‐off time to Fickian transport, remain nearly constant. However, the dispersion coefficient, D, increases and the characteristic transition time, t1, decreases. We found t1 and D are more sensitive to pore‐wall roughness compared to the other CTRW parameters. We also found that as the Péclet number increases from 10 to 105, on average, v and D increase, t1 and decrease, and t2 remains nearly constant. The simulations demonstrate that the exponent and the dispersion coefficient are correlated to the average solute velocity.
Light People: Professor Peter Delfyett
Authors: Wang Hui
Published: January 2023

Editorial

In this Information Age, computers and mobile phones are important carriers of data transmission and many scientists work hard to speed up that process. Professor Peter Delfyett of the University of Central Florida has done just that. A member of the US National Academy of Engineering, he developed the world’s fastest and most powerful mode-locked semiconductor laser. I have known Professor Delfyett since 2011, when he took part in the CIOMP-OSA International Summer Session. His sincere and friendly attitude, humorous and optimistic nature and excellent academic style left a deep impression. Driven by curiosity, human beings are constantly exploring the unknown, and asking questions. Einstein once suggested, defining what the problem is can be more important than solving it. And this is what Professor Delfyett has been advocating: pursue the ultimate academic goal, ask questions, believe in yourself and never give up. In addition, he has been striving to integrate industry and scientific research, so that scientific research results can truly benefit mankind. And now, please follow Light People to the latest cutting-edge progress in optics.
Hepatic TNFRSF12A promotes bile acid-induced hepatocyte pyroptosis through NFκB/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling in cholestasis
Authors: Liao Min , Liao Junwei , Qu Jiaquan , Shi Pan , Cheng Ying , Pan Qiong , Zhao Nan , Zhang Xiaoxun , Zhang Liangjun , Tan Ya , Li Qiao , Zhu Jin-Fei , Li Jianwei , Zhang Chengcheng , Cai Shi-Ying , Chai Jin
Published: January 2023

Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member-12A (TNFRSF12A) plays a critical role in inflammation and cell death. It is expressed in multiple tissues yet extremely low in normal liver. To date, little is known about its role in cholestasis. Therefore, we sought to delineate the role of TNFRSF12A in cholestasis and its underlying mechanisms. Human liver tissues were collected from patients with obstructive cholestasis (OC) or primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Tnfrsf12a knockout (KO) mice were generated. Cholestasis was induced by bile-duct ligation (BDL) or 0.1% 5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-feeding. Human hepatoma PLC/PRF/5-ASBT and THP1 cell lines or primary mouse hepatocytes were used for mechanistic studies. Hepatic TNFRSF12A expression was markedly increased in OC or PBC patients. Genetic ablation of Tnfrsf12a in BDL- and 0.1%DDC-induced cholestatic mice significantly attenuated cholestatic liver injury with remarkable reduction of hepatocyte pyroptosis but without changing scores of necroptosis and apoptosis. Morphological features of hepatocyte pyroptosis and increased levels of pyroptosis-related proteins, NLRP3, cleaved-Caspase-1, and cleaved-GSDMD in OC patients and BDL-mice confirmed this observation. Further mechanistic studies revealed that bile acids (BAs) induced TNFRSF12A expression by enhancing the transcription factor c-JUN binding to the TNFRSF12A promoter and subsequently initiated hepatocyte pyroptosis by the NFκB/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling. Interestingly, TWEAK, a typical ligand of TNFRSF12A, secreted by infiltrated macrophages in cholestatic livers, enhanced TNFRSF12A-induced hepatocyte pyroptosis. Taken together, we report, for the first time, that hepatic TNFRSF12A is dramatically increased in human cholestasis. Deletion of TNFRSF12A inhibits BAs-induced hepatocyte pyroptosis through the NFκB/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling and thereby ameliorates cholestatic liver injury. As such, targeting TNFRSF12A could be a promising approach to treating cholestasis.
METTL3 knockdown promotes temozolomide sensitivity of glioma stem cells via decreasing MGMT and APNG mRNA stability
Authors: Shi Jia , Zhang Peng , Dong Xuchen , Yuan Jiaqi , Li Yongdong , Li Suwen , Cheng Shan , Ping Yifang , Dai Xingliang , Dong Jun
Published: January 2023

Chemo-resistance hinders the therapeutic efficacy of temozolomide (TMZ) in treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Recurrence of GBM even after combination of maximal tumor resection, concurrent radio-chemotherapy, and systemic TMZ applocation is inevitable and attributed to the high therapeutic resistance of glioma stem cells (GSCs), which can survive, evolve, and initiate tumor tissue remodeling, the underlying mechanisms of GSCs chemo-resistance, have not been fully elucidated up-to-now. Emerging evidence showed that METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification contributed to the self-renew and radio-resistance in GSCs, however, its role on maintenance of TMZ resistance of GSCs has not been clarified and need further investigations. We found that the cell viability and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of GSCs against TMZ significantly decreased after GSCs underwent serum-induced differentiation to adherent growth of tumor cells. Besides, METTL3 expression and total m6A modification declined dramatically in consistence with GSCs differentiation. Knockdown of METTL3 weakened self-renew, proliferation and TMZ IC50 of GSCs, whereas enhanced TMZ induced γH2AX level, indicating upregulation of double-strand DNA damage. We also found that mRNA stability of two critical DNA repair genes (MGMT and APNG) was regulated by METTL3-mediated m6A modification. In conclusion, we speculated that METTL3-mediated m6A modification of MGMT and APNG mRNAs played crucial roles on suppression of TMZ sensitivity of GSCs, which suggest a potential new therapeutic target of METTL3 against GBM.
MiXcan: a framework for cell-type-aware transcriptome-wide association studies with an application to breast cancer
Authors: Song Xiaoyu , Ji Jiayi , Rothstein Joseph H. , Alexeeff Stacey E. , Sakoda Lori C. , Sistig Adriana , Achacoso Ninah , Jorgenson Eric , Whittemore Alice S. , Klein Robert J. , Habel Laurel A. , Wang Pei , Sieh Weiva
Published: January 2023

Human bulk tissue samples comprise multiple cell types with diverse roles in disease etiology. Conventional transcriptome-wide association study approaches predict genetically regulated gene expression at the tissue level, without considering cell-type heterogeneity, and test associations of predicted tissue-level expression with disease. Here we develop MiXcan, a cell-type-aware transcriptome-wide association study approach that predicts cell-type-level expression, identifies disease-associated genes via combination of cell-type-level association signals for multiple cell types, and provides insight into the disease-critical cell type. As a proof of concept, we conducted cell-type-aware analyses of breast cancer in 58,648 women and identified 12 transcriptome-wide significant genes using MiXcan compared with only eight genes using conventional approaches. Importantly, MiXcan identified genes with distinct associations in mammary epithelial versus stromal cells, including three new breast cancer susceptibility genes. These findings demonstrate that cell-type-aware transcriptome-wide analyses can reveal new insights into the genetic and cellular etiology of breast cancer and other diseases.
DNMT3B supports meso-endoderm differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Lauria Andrea , Meng Guohua , Proserpio Valentina , Rapelli Stefania , Maldotti Mara , Polignano Isabelle Laurence , Anselmi Francesca , Incarnato Danny , Krepelova Anna , Donna Daniela , Levra Levron Chiara , Donati Giacomo , Molineris Ivan , Neri Francesco , Oliviero Salvatore
Published: January 2023

The correct establishment of DNA methylation patterns during mouse early development is essential for cell fate specification. However, the molecular targets as well as the mechanisms that determine the specificity of the de novo methylation machinery during differentiation are not completely elucidated. Here we show that the DNMT3B-dependent DNA methylation of key developmental regulatory regions at epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs) provides an epigenetic priming that ensures flawless commitment at later stages. Using in vitro stem cell differentiation and loss of function experiments combined with high-throughput genome-wide bisulfite-, bulk-, and single cell RNA-sequencing we dissected the specific role of DNMT3B in cell fate. We identify DNMT3B-dependent regulatory elements on the genome which, in Dnmt3b knockout (3BKO), impair the differentiation into meso-endodermal (ME) progenitors and redirect EpiLCs towards the neuro-ectodermal lineages. Moreover, ectopic expression of DNMT3B in 3BKO re-establishes the DNA methylation of the master regulator Sox2 super-enhancer, downmodulates its expression, and restores the expression of ME markers. Taken together, our data reveal that DNMT3B-dependent methylation at the epiblast stage is essential for the priming of the meso-endodermal lineages and provide functional characterization of the de novo DNMTs during EpiLCs lineage determination.