bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
China and EU’s wisdom in choosing competition soft law or hard law in the digital era: a perfect match?
Authors: Zheng Kena , Snyder Francis
Published: April 2023

The development of digital technologies has led to the emergence of new business models benefiting consumers in their searching, shopping and communicating activities. However, it also challenges the applicable competition law framework and enforcement. Although there seems to be a global consensus on the need to update competition law, the EU and China have chosen different regulatory tools—hard law and soft law, respectively—to address the new and complex challenges facing the competition governance of digital markets. This paper aims to explore why the EU opted for hard law while China opted for soft law, and to further examine whether the selected regulatory tool is the most appropriate in the specific context. By analyzing and comparing characteristics of the digital market and competition institutions’ powers in the EU and China, the paper concludes firstly, that, through the use of hard law, the EU is able protect the Internal Market and at the same time overcome the inflexibility of hard law by adding review articles. Secondly, the paper concludes that, through the use of soft law, China is able to take advantage of soft law to rapidly respond to public attention in the digital market and, at the same time, overcome the non-legally binding force of soft law by strengthening the power of its competition authority.
Olfactory cues of mate quality in mammals: inflammatory response is higher in males of long-nosed bats with odorous dorsal patch
Authors: Herrera M. L. Gerardo , Hernández-Arciga Ulalume , González-Carcacía José Antonio , Nassar Jafet M.
Published: April 2023

Bats use olfactory signals to provide information of species and individual identity and quality. Males of two species of long-nosed bats, Leptonycteris curasoae and L. yerbabuenae, display an odoriferous dorsal patch during the mating season that is involved in mate choice. The dorsal patch is documented to serve as an indicator of male quality; for instance, males with dorsal patch present larger testes and lower ectoparasite loads. We evaluated the role of the dorsal patch in males of L. curasoae and L. yerbabuenae as an indicator of inflammatory response 6 and 12 h after being injected with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). We found that the inflammatory response of males of both species was not different between reproductively active bats with or without dorsal patch 6 h after PHA injection, but the response was higher in bats with dorsal patch 12 h after the injection. Our study adds to the evidence that the dorsal patch exhibited by males of long-nosed bats indicates their immune quality for mating females. Further work including other branches of the immune system and the potential role of microbiota in the strength of the inflammatory response is warranted.
Self-Healing MXene- and Graphene-Based Composites: Properties and Applications
Authors: Zarepour Atefeh , Ahmadi Sepideh , Rabiee Navid , Zarrabi Ali , Iravani Siavash
Published: April 2023

Today, self-healing graphene- and MXene-based composites have attracted researchers due to the increase in durability as well as the cost reduction in long-time applications. Different studies have focused on designing novel self-healing graphene- and MXene-based composites with enhanced sensitivity, stretchability, and flexibility as well as improved electrical conductivity, healing efficacy, mechanical properties, and energy conversion efficacy. These composites with self-healing properties can be employed in the field of wearable sensors, supercapacitors, anticorrosive coatings, electromagnetic interference shielding, electronic-skin, soft robotics, etc. However, it appears that more explorations are still needed to achieve composites with excellent arbitrary shape adaptability, suitable adhesiveness, ideal durability, high stretchability, immediate self-healing responsibility, and outstanding electromagnetic features. Besides, optimizing reaction/synthesis conditions and finding suitable strategies for functionalization/modification are crucial aspects that should be comprehensively investigated. MXenes and graphene exhibited superior electrochemical properties with abundant surface terminations and great surface area, which are important to evolve biomedical and sensing applications. However, flexibility and stretchability are important criteria that need to be improved for their future applications. Herein, the most recent advancements pertaining to the applications and properties of self-healing graphene- and MXene-based composites are deliberated, focusing on crucial challenges and future perspectives.
Course-prerequisite networks for analyzing and understanding academic curricula
Authors: Stavrinides Pavlos , Zuev Konstantin M.
Published: April 2023

Understanding a complex system of relationships between courses is of great importance for the university’s educational mission. This paper is dedicated to the study of course-prerequisite networks (CPNs), where nodes represent courses and directed links represent the formal prerequisite relationships between them. The main goal of CPNs is to model interactions between courses, represent the flow of knowledge in academic curricula, and serve as a key tool for visualizing, analyzing, and optimizing complex curricula. First, we consider several classical centrality measures, discuss their meaning in the context of CPNs, and use them for the identification of important courses. Next, we describe the hierarchical structure of a CPN using the topological stratification of the network. Finally, we perform the interdependence analysis, which allows to quantify the strength of knowledge flow between university divisions and helps to identify the most intradependent, influential, and interdisciplinary areas of study. We discuss how course-prerequisite networks can be used by students, faculty, and administrators for detecting important courses, improving existing and creating new courses, navigating complex curricula, allocating teaching resources, increasing interdisciplinary interactions between departments, revamping curricula, and enhancing the overall students’ learning experience. The proposed methodology can be used for the analysis of any CPN, and it is illustrated with a network of courses taught at the California Institute of Technology. The network data analyzed in this paper is publicly available in the GitHub repository.
Dekolonisiert Euch! Kritische Betrachtungen der Friedens- und Konfliktforschung
Authors: Buckley-Zistel Susanne , Koloma Beck Teresa
Published: April 2023

Die Gegenwart der kolonialen und imperialen Vergangenheit ist in den letzten Jahren auch in Deutschland zunehmend zum Gegenstand öffentlicher Diskurse geworden. So überrascht es nicht, dass sich auch die Friedens- und Konfliktforschung vermehrt mit diesem Thema befasst, richtet sich ihr Fokus doch häufig auf Konflikte, die sich außerhalb Europas oder an den Peripherien des Kontinents ereignen, diesen aber oft direkt betreffen und mit der europäischen Geschichte aufs Engste verflochten sind. Vor diesem Hintergrund wirft dieses Forum Schlaglichter auf einige aktuelle Debatten, die sich der postkolonialen Gegenwart stellen. Die Zusammenstellung der Beiträge ist einem interdisziplinären Verständnis des Forschungsfelds verpflichtet, neben den Sozialwissenschaften kommen auch die Geschichts- und die Rechtswissenschaften zu Wort. Der Titel des Forums – Dekolonisiert Euch! – ist bewusst herausfordernd gewählt. Er will das bereits Erreichte nicht leugnen, sondern daran erinnern, dass Entwicklungen in der Gegenwart immer wieder neu zur Reflexion der kolonialen Vergangenheit auffordern.
Phenological responses of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) to climate warming in China based on long-term historical data
Authors: Cai Pumo , Song Yunzhe , Meng Litao , Lin Jia , Zhao Mengting , Wu Qingfeng , Nie Chuanpeng , Li Yanyan , Ji Qinge
Published: April 2023

It is well accepted that the phenology of insects whose life activities are closely related to temperature is changing in response to global climate warming. To investigate the impacts of climate warming on the phenology of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) across large temporal and spatial scales, this study collected historical data on the occurrence and population dynamic of this pest in China, and systematically explored its phenological responses. The results showed a delayed trend for the dates of first occurrence, end occurrence, population initial growth, and population peak of B. dorsalis in China during 40 years, and the changes of the latter two phenological parameters were significant. The mean temperature in spring and summer were the key climatic factors affecting the occurrence and population growth of B. dorsalis in China, respectively. Moreover, the B. dorsalis data in eastern, southern, central, and southwestern China showed spatial heterogeneity of phenological responses to climate warming at a regional scale. B. dorsalis phenology and their changing patterns with climate warming varied by geographical location. This study provides valuable information for future monitoring, prediction, and prevention of the oriental fruit fly in the context of climate warming.
Good Governance in Nigeria
Authors: Roelofs Portia
Published: April 2023

Drawing on original fieldwork in Nigeria, Portia Roelofs argues for an innovative re-conceptualisation of good governance. Contributing to debates around technocracy, populism and the survival of democracy amidst conditions of inequality and mistrust, Roelofs offers a new account of what it means for leaders to be accountable and transparent. Centred on the rise of the 'Lagos Model' in the Yoruba south-west, this book places the voices of roadside traders and small-time market leaders alongside those of local government officials, political godfathers and technocrats. In doing so, it theorises 'socially-embedded' good governance. Roelofs demonstrates the value of fieldwork for political theory and the associated possibilities for decolonising the study of politics. Challenging the long-held assumptions of the World Bank and other international institutions that African political systems are pathologically dysfunctional, Roelofs demonstrates that politics in Nigeria has much to teach us about good governance.
Ukraine and Russia
Authors: D'Anieri Paul
Published: April 2023

In this fully revised and updated in-depth analysis of the war in Ukraine, Paul D'Anieri explores the dynamics within Ukraine, between Ukraine and Russia, and between Russia and the West that emerged with the collapse of the Soviet Union and eventually resulted in Russia's invasion in 2022. Proceeding chronologically, this book shows how Ukraine's separation from Russia in 1991, at the time called a 'civilized divorce,' led to Europe's most violent conflict since WWII. It argues the conflict came about because of three underlying factors-the security dilemma, the impact of democratization on geopolitics, and the incompatible goals of a post-Cold War Europe. Rather than a peaceful situation that was squandered, D'Anieri argues that these were deep-seated pre-existing disagreements that could not be bridged, with concerning implications for the prospects of resolution of the Ukraine conflict.
Selection of vortex ripple dimensions in sinusoidal oscillatory flows. Part 1. Ripple dimensions and fluid kinematics
Authors: Yue Liangyi , Hsu Tian-Jian , Horner-Devine Alexander R.
Published: April 2023

Subaqueous vortex ripples in equilibrium are characterized by their unique geometry and dimensions. Motivated by the recent direct numerical simulation study of oscillatory turbulent flow over a wavy bottom by Önder & Yuan (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 858, 2019, pp. 264–314), the objective of this study is to further investigate the fluid dynamical controls that determine the distinctive equilibrium dimensions of vortex ripples. We use direct numerical simulations to investigate the differences in flow kinetics between sinusoidal oscillatory flow over equilibrium and out-of-equilibrium vortex ripples. In comparison with the equilibrium case, the spanwise coherent vortices, the averaged bottom shear stress on overlying flow and the shear stress distribution on the ripple surface are identified as the key fluid dynamical controls on equilibrium dimensions. Based on these controls, we propose mechanisms in the selection of vortex ripple dimensions. We observe that the flow adjusts in such a way that the interaction between overlying flow and vortex ripples tends to generate the strongest coherent vortices while the ripple surface (or overlying flow) experiences the smallest shear stress averaged over ripple wavelength during the selection process. Through a triple decomposition of the flow, the component of the ripple-induced fluctuation is found to dictate these fluid dynamical controls, which implies that this component plays an important role in the evolution of vortex ripples.
Multi-Model Reasoning in Economics: The Case of COMPASS
Authors: Jhun Jennifer S.
Published: April 2023

Economists often consult multiple models in order to combat model uncertainty in the face of misspecification. By examining modeling practices at the Bank of England, this paper identifies an important, but underappreciated modeling procedure. Sometimes an idealized model is manipulated to reproduce the results from another distinct auxiliary model, ones which it could not produce on its own. However, this procedure does not involve making the original model “more realistic,” insofar as this means adding in additional causal factors. This suggests that there are ways to make models more representationally adequate that do not involve de-idealization in the straightforward sense.
Associations between aberrant working memory-related neural activity and cognitive impairments in somatically healthy, remitted patients with mood disorders
Authors: Macoveanu Julian , Petersen Jeff Zarp , Fisher Patrick M. , Kessing Lars Vedel , Knudsen Gitte Moos , Miskowiak Kamilla Woznica
Published: April 2023

Background

Persistent cognitive deficits are prevalent in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and unipolar disorder (UD), but treatments effectively targeting cognition in these mood disorders are lacking. This is partly due to poor insight into the neuronal underpinnings of cognitive deficits.

Methods

The aim of this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study was to investigate the neuronal underpinnings of working memory (WM)-related deficits in somatically healthy, remitted patients with BD or UD (n = 66) with cognitive and functional impairments compared to 38 healthy controls (HC). The participants underwent neuropsychological testing and fMRI, while performing a visuospatial and a verbal N-back WM paradigm.

Results

Relative to HC, patients exhibited hypo-activity across dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as well as frontal and parietal nodes of the cognitive control network (CCN) and hyper-activity in left orbitofrontal cortex within the default mode network (DMN) during both visuospatial and verbal WM performance. Verbal WM-related response in the left posterior superior frontal gyrus (SFG) within CCN was lower in patients and correlated positively with out-of-scanner executive function performance across all participants.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that cognitive impairments across BD and UD are associated with insufficient recruitment of task-relevant regions in the CCN and down-regulation of task-irrelevant orbitofrontal activity within the DMN during task performance. Specifically, a lower recruitment of the left posterior SFG within CCN during verbal WM was associated with lower cognitive performance.
The Picard group of vertex affinoids in the first Drinfeld covering
Authors: TAYLOR JAMES
Published: April 2023

LetFbe a finite extension of${\mathbb Q}_p$. Let$\Omega$be the Drinfeld upper half plane, and$\Sigma^1$the first Drinfeld covering of$\Omega$. We study the affinoid open subset$\Sigma^1_v$of$\Sigma^1$above a vertex of the Bruhat–Tits tree for$\text{GL}_2(F)$. Our main result is that$\text{Pic}\!\left(\Sigma^1_v\right)[p] = 0$, which we establish by showing that$\text{Pic}({\mathbf Y})[p] = 0$for${\mathbf Y}$the Deligne–Lusztig variety of$\text{SL}_2\!\left({\mathbb F}_q\right)$. One formal consequence is a description of the representation$H^1_{{\acute{\text{e}}\text{t}}}\!\left(\Sigma^1_v, {\mathbb Z}_p(1)\right)$of$\text{GL}_2(\mathcal{O}_F)$as thep-adic completion of$\mathcal{O}\!\left(\Sigma^1_v\right)^\times$.
The effect of childhood maltreatment on adult survivors’ parental reflective function, and attachment of their children: A systematic review
Authors: Janse van Rensburg Elmie , Woolard Alix , Hill Nicole T.M. , Reid Carol , Milroy Helen , Ohan Jeneva L. , Lin Ashleigh , Chamberlain Catherine
Published: April 2023

Background:

Parental reflective function (PRF) is a candidate mechanism in the transmission of intergenerational trauma. This systematic review examined (1) the association between parental history of childhood maltreatment and PRF, (2) how PRF relates to attachment in children of parent survivors, and (3) whether PRF moderates the association between parental maltreatment history and child attachment.

Methods:

Ten databases were searched (from inception to 10th November 2021). Inclusion criteria were primary study, quantitative, parent participants, measures of childhood maltreatment, and postnatal PRF. Exclusion criteria were qualitative, intervention follow-up, gray literature, or a review study. Risk of bias was assessed using recommended tools. Data were narratively synthesized.

Results:

One-thousand-and-two articles were retrieved, of which eleven met inclusion criteria (N = 974 participants). Four studies found a significant association between parental childhood maltreatment and disrupted PRF, six did not, one found mixed results. One study reported the association between childhood maltreatment and attachment (nonsignificant results).

Discussion:

There is no clear evidence PRF is routinely disrupted in parent survivors, though there is high heterogeneity in studies. Future research should standardize design to better understand whether PRF is a candidate mechanism in intergenerational trauma.

Other:

PROSPERO CRD42020223594
Performance evaluation of Marwari lambs for growth traits and impact of inbreeding
Authors: Vyas Jayesh , Pannu Urmila , Saran Ram Kumar , Narula H.K. , Chopra Ashish , Gowane G.R.
Published: April 2023

This study aimed at the performance evaluation of a closed flock of Marwari sheep and also to study the effect of accumulated inbreeding on the growth traits using a linear mixed model methodology. The data generated for 39 years (1981 to 2020) on Marwari sheep maintained at ICAR-Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Arid Region Campus (CSWRI, ARC), Bikaner, Rajasthan, India were used for analysis on growth traits. The overall least-squares means (LSM) of live weights at birth (BWT), weaning (3MWT), 6 months (6MWT), 9 months (9MWT) and 12 months (12MWT) were observed to be 3.02 ± 0.01, 14.30 ± 0.04, 20.12 ± 0.05, 23.68 ± 0.06 and 26.39 ± 0.07 kg, respectively. Overall LSM for average daily gain from birth to 3 months (ADG1), 3 to 6 months (ADG2) and 6 to 12 months (ADG3) were 125.44 ± 0.40, 67.37 ± 0.40 and 35.83 ± 0.29 g/day, respectively. Kleiber ratio (KR) from birth to 3 months (KR1), 3 to 6 months (KR2), and 6 to 12 months (KR3) were 16.78 ± 0.02, 6.58 ± 0.04 and 3.05 ± 0.02, respectively. Results revealed a 4.36, 25.83, 36.33, 31.50 and 28.99% improvement in the live weights since the inception of the improvement programme. This is also reflected by a significant effect of sire on all the growth traits. The estimate of inbreeding in the flock was 1.55%. Highly inbred animals were 5.13% (>5% Fi). The study revealed the non-significant effect of inbreeding level on all growth traits except for BWT and KR3. For BWT, inbreeding classes had variation; however, a negative effect was not seen. The inbreeding class (>5% Fi) was reduced by 0.05 units for KR3 as against its preceding class. Dam’s age at lambing and weight influenced the birth weight and subsequent weights. The study concluded that the selection programme of Marwari sheep is in the right direction; however, regular monitoring of inbreeding is necessary and factors affecting growth must be monitored to attain better growth rates in the nucleus.
RARENESS IN THE INTELLECTUAL ORIGINS OF WALRAS’S THEORY OF VALUE
Authors: Cervera-Ferri Pablo , Insa-Sánchez Pau
Published: April 2023

Historians of economic thought have carried out detailed studies of classical and marginalist approaches to value based on production cost and utility, respectively, not to mention about the fusion of both interpretations by the neoclassical school. This is not the case with rareness value, a theory commonly attributed to Léon Walras, although Aristotle surely had rareness in mind when he first attempted to explain chrematistics. This article focuses on how our understanding of rareness has evolved from the earliest economic formulations to those of Auguste and Léon Walras, contesting Murray Rothbard’s thesis that there is only one way in which the transmission of the utility theory of value can be tracked from scholasticism to the Austrian school. On the contrary, the concept of rareness continued to figure in some theories of value of the French Enlightenment, especially those that emerged within Calvinist circles, and was recovered in times of reaction against the dominant classicism.
Res@t: Resource-Strengthening Training for Adolescents with Problematic Digital-Media Use and their Parents
Authors: Paschke Kerstin , Cloes Jan-Ole , Thomasius Rainer
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Aims: Given rising prevalence of digital-media related disorders (DMRD, i. e. the problematic use of digital games, social media, and streaming platforms) in children and adolescents, the new therapy program Res@t (Resource strengthening program for adolescents with DMRD and their parents) aims to close a significant evidence-based treatment gap. It addresses affected adolescents and their parents in different settings. Methods: Res@t is a fully manualized CBT program based on current research results and clinical experiences. It was initially developed for adolescents with problematic gaming (Res@t-A) and their parents (Res@t-P) in a face-to-face group setting. A digital translation into a fully automated application (Res@t digital [Res@pp]) should allow support independently of available local therapy options or the use within blended therapy. Besides DMRD symptom reduction in adolescents through Res@t-A, Res@t-P shall increase parental self-efficacy. Pilot-study data of Res@t-P within a pre-post-follow-up design showed promising effects on a decrease of parental stress perception and an increase of family functioning, as well as on DMRD symptom reduction in affected adolescents. However, a missing control group and rather small sample size reduces interpretability. Res@t-A is currently being evaluated within a comparable design. Multi-center randomized controlled studies are planned to evaluate the effectiveness of all offline and digital program versions. Conclusion: Res@t is the first manualized treatment program focusing on adolescents with DMRD and their parents for different settings (group therapy, digital application). Effective treatments addressing both target groups are highly warranted.
Benefits and Limitations of Environmental Magnetism for Completing Citizen Science on Air Quality: A Case Study in a Street Canyon
Authors: Letaïef S. , Scotto‐d’Apollonia L. , Dosias‐Perla D. , Pinero C. , Perier R. , Nicol P. , Camps P.
Published: April 2023

This paper details the operating experience about a case study carried out as a citizen science approach to monitor magnetic particulate matter (PM) in a street canyon in Montpellier, France. A total of 60 passive filters and 12 Hedera Helix pot plants were deployed in 29 households for a period of 3 months, from December 2020 to March 2021. This street canyon was chosen by the academic team because dwellers were already mobilized against the street traffic and its adverse environmental effect on air quality, and because they were in conflict on this issue with policy makers. Despite the project aimed at including all the stakeholders through co‐construction, dwellers, elected officials, and staff from technical department of the city were not fully embedded. The announcement of the closure of the street to through traffic during the metrological campaign and the absence of agreement curbed their involvement and motivation. However, the feedbacks from the citizen partners promote the fact that this study supported their claims and brought them a deeper understanding on the micro‐scale air quality monitoring. Indeed, it is increasingly difficult for citizens, who seemed specifically interested in what is happening right outside their front door, to understand this measure with the emergence of ever more low‐cost sensors. For that reason, we examined the citizen's degree of confidence in magnetic monitoring of air quality and how can this technique be useful in their claims. The results show that magnetism can be a measurement technique favorable to citizen participation because it provides a large amount of data at the micro‐scale of the street, while the data from the certified associations for monitoring air quality requires a spatial interpolation to map variations on a neighborhood scale. In this study, we proposed a magnetic air quality index to standardize and democratize the magnetic monitoring of air quality to facilitate the dialogue with all stakeholders.
Development and validation of anthropometric-based fat-mass prediction equations using air displacement plethysmography in Mexican infants
Authors: Rodríguez-Cano Ameyalli M. , Piña-Ramírez Omar , Rodríguez-Hernández Carolina , Mier-Cabrera Jennifer , Villalobos-Alcazar Gicela , Estrada-Gutierrez Guadalupe , Cardona-Pérez Arturo , Coronado-Zarco Alejandra , Perichart-Perera Otilia
Published: April 2023

Background/Objectives

Fat-mass (FM) assessment since birth using valid methodologies is crucial since excessive adiposity represents a risk factor for adverse metabolic outcomes. Aim: To develop infant FM prediction equations using anthropometry and validate them against air-displacement plethysmography (ADP).

Subjects/Methods

Clinical, anthropometric (weight, length, body-mass index –BMI–, circumferences, and skinfolds), and FM (ADP) data were collected from healthy-term infants at 1 (n = 133), 3 (n = 105), and 6 (n = 101) months enrolled in the OBESO perinatal cohort (Mexico City). FM prediction models were developed in 3 steps: 1) Variable Selection (LASSO regression), 2) Model behavior evaluation (12-fold cross-validation, using Theil-Sen regressions), and 3) Final model evaluation (Bland-Altman plots, Deming regression).

Results

Relevant variables in the FM prediction models included BMI, circumferences (waist, thigh, and calf), and skinfolds (waist, triceps, subscapular, thigh, and calf). The R2 of each model was 1 M: 0.54, 3 M: 0.69, 6 M: 0.63. Predicted FM showed high correlation values (r ≥ 0.73, p < 0.001) with FM measured with ADP. There were no significant differences between predicted vs measured FM (1 M: 0.62 vs 0.6; 3 M: 1.2 vs 1.35; 6 M: 1.65 vs 1.76 kg; p > 0.05). Bias were: 1 M −0.021 (95%CI: −0.050 to 0.008), 3 M: 0.014 (95%CI: 0.090–0.195), 6 M: 0.108 (95%CI: 0.046–0.169).

Conclusion

Anthropometry-based prediction equations are inexpensive and represent a more accessible method to estimate body composition. The proposed equations are useful for evaluating FM in Mexican infants.
A novel variant in NBAS identified from an infant with fever-triggered recurrent acute liver failure disrupts the function of the gene
Authors: Ji Juhua , Yang Mingming , Jia JunJun , Wu Qi , Cong Ruochen , Cui Hengxiang , Zhu Baofeng , Chu Xin
Published: April 2023

Mutations in the neuroblastoma amplified sequence (NBAS) gene correlate with infantile acute liver failure (ALF). Herein, we identified a novel NBAS mutation in a female infant diagnosed with recurrent ALF. Whole-exome and Sanger sequencing revealed that the proband carried a compound heterozygous mutation (c.938_939delGC and c.1342 T > C in NBAS). NBAS c.938_939delGC was presumed to encode a truncated protein without normal function, whereas NBAS c.1342 T > C encoded NBAS harboring the conserved Cys448 residue mutated to Arg448 (p.C448R). The proportion of CD4 + T cells decreased in the patient’s peripheral CD45 + cells, whereas that of CD8 + T cells increased. Moreover, upon transfecting the same amount of DNA expression vector (ectopic expression) encoding wild-type NBAS and p.C448R NBAS, the group transfected with the p.C448R NBAS-expressing vector expressed less NBAS mRNA and protein. Furthermore, ectopic expression of the same amount of p.C448R NBAS protein as the wild-type resulted in more intracellular reactive oxygen species and the induction of apoptosis and expression of marker proteins correlating with endoplasmic reticulum stress in more cultured cells. This study indicated that p.C448R NBAS has a function different from that of wild-type NBAS and that the p.C448R NBAS mutation potentially affects T-cell function and correlates with ALF.
Ripply suppresses Tbx6 to induce dynamic-to-static conversion in somite segmentation
Authors: Yabe Taijiro , Uriu Koichiro , Takada Shinji
Published: April 2023

The metameric pattern of somites is created based on oscillatory expression of clock genes in presomitic mesoderm. However, the mechanism for converting the dynamic oscillation to a static pattern of somites is still unclear. Here, we provide evidence that Ripply/Tbx6 machinery is a key regulator of this conversion. Ripply1/Ripply2-mediated removal of Tbx6 protein defines somite boundary and also leads to cessation of clock gene expression in zebrafish embryos. On the other hand, activation ofripply1/ripply2mRNA and protein expression is periodically regulated by clock oscillation in conjunction with an Erk signaling gradient. Whereas Ripply protein decreases rapidly in embryos, Ripply-triggered Tbx6 suppression persists long enough to complete somite boundary formation. Mathematical modeling shows that a molecular network based on results of this study can reproduce dynamic-to-static conversion in somitogenesis. Furthermore, simulations with this model suggest that sustained suppression of Tbx6 caused by Ripply is crucial in this conversion.
Extracellular vesicles engineering by silicates-activated endothelial progenitor cells for myocardial infarction treatment in male mice
Authors: Yu Bin , Li Hekai , Zhang Zhaowenbin , Chen Peier , Wang Ling , Fan Xianglin , Ning Xiaodong , Pan Yuxuan , Zhou Feiran , Hu Xinyi , Chang Jiang , Ou Caiwen
Published: April 2023

Extracellular vesicles have shown good potential in disease treatments including ischemic injury such as myocardial infarction. However, the efficient production of highly active extracellular vesicles is one of the critical limitations for their clinical applications. Here, we demonstrate a biomaterial-based approach to prepare high amounts of extracellular vesicles with high bioactivity from endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) by stimulation with silicate ions derived from bioactive silicate ceramics. We further show that hydrogel microspheres containing engineered extracellular vesicles are highly effective in the treatment of myocardial infarction in male mice by significantly enhancing angiogenesis. This therapeutic effect is attributed to significantly enhanced revascularization by the high content of miR-126a-3p and angiogenic factors such as VEGF and SDF-1, CXCR4 and eNOS in engineered extracellular vesicles, which not only activate endothelial cells but also recruit EPCs from the circulatory system.
Metabolomics analysis reveals metabolite changes during freeze-drying and oven-drying of Angelica dahurica
Authors: Wu Qinghua , Yan Qi , Jiang Lan , Chen Cuiping , Huang Xulong , Zhu Xinglong , Zhou Tao , Chen Jiang , Yan Jie , Wen Feiyan , Pei Jin
Published: April 2023

Angelica dahurica (Angelica dahurica Fisch. ex Hoffm.) is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine and the secondary metabolites have significant pharmacological activities. Drying has been shown to be a key factor affecting the coumarin content of Angelica dahurica. However, the underlying mechanism of metabolism is unclear. This study sought to determine the key differential metabolites and metabolic pathways related to this phenomenon. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) based targeted metabolomics analysis was performed on Angelica dahurica that were freeze-drying (− 80 °C/9 h) and oven-drying (60 °C/10 h). Furthermore, the common metabolic pathways of paired comparison groups were performed based on KEEG enrichment analysis. The results showed that 193 metabolites were identified as key differential metabolites, most of which were upregulated under oven drying. It also displayed that many significant contents of PAL pathways were changed. This study revealed the large-scale recombination events of metabolites in Angelica dahurica. First, we identified additional active secondary metabolites apart from coumarins, and volatile oil were significantly accumulated in Angelica dahurica. We further explored the specific metabolite changes and mechanism of the phenomenon of coumarin upregulation caused by temperature rise. These results provide a theoretical reference for future research on the composition and processing method of Angelica dahurica.
Prevalence of long COVID complaints in persons with and without COVID-19
Authors: Magnusson Karin , Turkiewicz Aleksandra , Flottorp Signe Agnes , Englund Martin
Published: April 2023

We studied the prevalence and patterns of typical long COVID complaints in ~ 2.3 million individuals aged 18–70 years with and without confirmed COVID-19 in a Nation-wide population-based prospective cohort study in Norway. Our main outcome measures were the period prevalence of single-occurring or different combinations of complaints based on medical records: (1) Pulmonary (dyspnea and/or cough), (2) Neurological (concentration problems, memory loss), and/or (3) General complaints (fatigue). In persons testing positive (n = 75 979), 64 (95% confidence interval: 54 to 73) and 122 (111 to 113) more persons per 10 000 persons had pulmonary complaints 5–6 months after the test compared to 10 000 persons testing negative (n = 1 167 582) or untested (n = 1 084 578), respectively. The corresponding difference in prevalence of general complaints (fatigue) was 181 (168 to 195) and 224 (211 to 238) per 10 000, and of neurological complaints 5 (2 to 8) and 9 (6–13) per 10 000. Overlap between complaints was rare. Long COVID complaints were only slightly more prevalent in persons with than without confirmed COVID-19. Still, long COVID may pose a substantial burden to healthcare systems in the future given the lasting high incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
GIS model for geothermal advantageous target selection
Authors: Li Xuan , Huang Changsheng , Chen Wei , Li Yanan , Han Jihong , Wang Xianguang , Bai Ximin , Yin Zhibin , Li Xiaozhe , Hou Pingping , Tong Jue
Published: April 2023

As the particularly popular green energy, geothermal resources are gradually favored by countries around the world, and the development model centered on geothermal dew point cannot meet the increasing geothermal demand. In this paper, a GIS model combining PCA and AHP is proposed, aiming to select the advantages of geothermal resources at the regional scale and analyze the main influencing indicators. Through the combination of the two methods, both data and empirical can be considered, then the geothermal advantage distribution on the area can be displayed through GIS software images. A multi-index evaluation system is established to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the mid-high temperature geothermal resources in Jiangxi Province, and carry out the evaluation of the dominant target areas and the analysis of geothermal impact indicators. The results show that it is divided into 7 geothermal resource potential areas and 38 geothermal advantage targets, and the determination of deep fault is the most critical index of geothermal distribution. This method is suitable for large-scale geothermal research, multi-index and multi-data model analysis and precise positioning of high-quality geothermal resource targets, which can meet the needs of geothermal research at the regional scale.
Performance analysis of the BDSBAS-B1C message in trial operation stage
Authors: Xin Jie , Guo Rui , Chen Jinping , Tian Yijun , Cao Yueling , Liu Yuchen , Li Xiaojie , Wang Dongxia , Cai Hongliang
Published: April 2023

BeiDou Satellite-based Augmentation System (BDSBAS) has come into the trial operation stage since July, 2020. To evaluate the characteristic of the augmentation message in BDSBAS-B1C signal, the effectiveness of the message content was firstly analyzed, and then the validity of the broadcasting strategy was estimated. Finally, the accuracy of the user equivalent ranging error (UERE) and the single frequency positioning error with different correction parameters in BDSBAS-B1C message was evaluated. Based on the above analysis, the effectiveness of the augmentation message was preliminarily verified with the results showing that: (1) the BDSBAS-B1C message type, information content and update interval have basically met the international standard; (2) the accuracy of the UERE obtained with the augmentation message had an obvious improvement in contrast to that of the UERE obtained with the usual navigation message of the GPS satellites, and the ionospheric delay was one of the important factors which affected the accuracy of the UERE; (3) the positioning accuracy obtained with the augmentation message was also improved, and the improvement was more obvious in the service areas with high availability of the ionospheric parameters.
Chitosan-based nano-sorbents: synthesis, surface modification, characterisation and application in Cd (II), Co (II), Cu (II) and Pb (II) ions removal from wastewater
Authors: Chandra Dipesh , Molla Md. Tamzid Hossain , Bashar Md. Abul , Islam Md. Suman , Ahsan Md. Shameem
Published: April 2023

In contemplation of treating hazardous industrial wastewater, sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and vanillin (V)-modified chitosan-based magnetic nano-sorbents (TPP-CMN and V-CMN) were prepared, and the physical and surface properties of both nano-sorbents were characterised. The results of FE-SEM and XRD showed an average size of between 6.50 and 17.61 nm for Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles. The Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) was carried out, and the saturation magnetisations for chitosan, Fe3O4 nanoparticles, TPP-CMN, and V-CMN were 0.153, 67.844, 7.211, and 7.772 emu.g−1, respectively. By using multi-point analysis, the BET surface areas of the synthesised TPP-CMN and V-CMN nano-sorbents were found to be 8.75 and 6.96 m2/g, respectively. The synthesised TPP-CMN and V-CMN were investigated as effective nano-sorbents to uptake Cd (II), Co (II), Cu (II), and Pb (II) ions, and the results were investigated by AAS. The adsorption process of heavy metals was investigated by the batch equilibrium technique, and the sorption capacity values of Cd (II), Co (II), Cu (II), and Pb (II) ions by TPP-CMN were 91.75, 93.00, 87.25, and 99.96 mg/g. By V-CMN, the values were 92.5, 94.00, 88.75, and 99.89 mg/g, respectively. The equilibrium times for adsorption were found to be 15 minutes for TPP-CMN and 30 minutes for V-CMN nano-sorbents. The adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics were studied to understand the adsorption mechanism. Furthermore, the adsorption of two synthetic dyes and two real wastewater samples was studied and obtained significant results. These nano-sorbents’ simple synthesis, high sorption capability, excellent stability, and recyclability may provide highly efficient and cost-effective nano-sorbents for wastewater treatment.
Properties of odor identification testing in screening for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Audronyte Egle , Pakulaite-Kazliene Gyte , Sutnikiene Vaiva , Kaubrys Gintaras
Published: April 2023

Odor identification (OI) is impaired in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, data regarding the diagnostic properties of OI tests are lacking, preventing their clinical use. We aimed to explore OI and determine the accuracy of OI testing in screening for patients with early AD. In total, 30 participants with mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI-AD), 30 with mild dementia due to AD (MD-AD), and 30 cognitively normal elderly participants (CN) were enrolled, and cognitive examination (CDR, MMSE, ADAS-Cog 13, and verbal fluency tests) and assessment of OI (Burghart Sniffin’ Sticks odor identification test) were performed. MCI-AD patients scored significantly worse in OI than CN participants, and MD-AD patients had worse OI scores than MCI-AD patients. The ratio of OI to ADAS-Cog 13 score had good diagnostic accuracy in differentiating AD patients from CN participants and in differentiating MCI-AD patients from CN participants. Substitution of ADAS-Cog 13 score with the ratio of OI to ADAS-Cog 13 score in a multinomial regression model improved the classification accuracy, especially of MCI-AD cases. Our results confirmed that OI is impaired during the prodromal stage of AD. OI testing has a good diagnostic quality and can improve the accuracy of screening for early-stage AD.
Laboratory simulation of the swampy forest system for the passive treatment of acid mine drainage in coal mine reclamation areas
Authors: Noor Ihsan , Arifin Yudi Firmanul , Priatmadi Bambang Joko , Saidy Akhmad Rizalli
Published: April 2023

Coal mining that applies the open pit method has the potential to generate acid mine drainage. Acid mine drainage (AMD) treatments must include processes to mitigate significant challenges; these treatments include active treatment with high costs and process uncertainty and passive treatment with its limitations. The new concept of the swampy forest system involves the development of passive treatment for AMD, which lowers costs, increases capacity, and provides a natural process to mitigate the AMD that has been generated. A laboratory simulation experiment was carried out to obtain the basic data required for the swampy forest system treatment. The basic reference data determined in this study, including the total volume of water, the water debt flows into the swampy forest scale laboratory system and the retention time, were obtained to bring the parameter values that failed to meet the quality standards into compliance, according to the applicable regulations. The AMD swampy forest treatment design in the pilot project at the treatment field can apply a scaled-up version of the basic data from the simulation laboratory experiment results.
CZK, a novel alkaloid derivative from Clausena lansium, alleviates ischemic stroke injury through Nrf2-mediated antioxidant effects
Authors: Chen Haodong , Liu Yangbo , Feng Juling , Wang Hongyun , Yang Yantao , Ai Qidi , Zhang Zhao , Chu Shifeng , Chen Naihong
Published: April 2023

Anti-oxidant stress is a potential strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Here, we found a novel free radical scavenger termed as CZK, which is derived from alkaloids contained in Clausena lansium. In this study, we first compared cytotoxicity and biological activity between CZK and its parent’s compound Claulansine F. It was found that CZK had lower cytotoxicity and improved anti-oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury than its parent’s compound. Free radical scavenging test showed that CZK had a strong inhibitory effect on hydroxyl free radicals with the IC50 of 77.08 nM. Intravenous injection of CZK (50 mg/kg) significantly alleviated ischemia–reperfusion injury, manifested by reduced neuronal damage and decreased oxidative stress. Consistent with the findings, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were increased. Molecular docking predicted that CZK might be combined with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) complex. Our results also confirmed that CZK upregulated the contents of Nrf2 and its target gene products Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H: Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). In conclusion, CZK had a potential therapeutic effect for ischemic stroke by activating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant system.
Heat variation on MHD Williamson hybrid nanofluid flow with convective boundary condition and Ohmic heating in a porous material
Authors: Rashad Ahmed M. , Nafe Mohamed A. , Eisa Dalia A.
Published: April 2023

The aim of the present study is to explore the variation of heat on MHD Williamson hybrid nanofluid (Ag-TiO2/H2O) model for steady two-dimensional and incompressible flow with a convective boundary condition in a curved coordinate porous system with Ohmic heating. Nusselt number is distinguished by the process of thermal radiation. The partial differential equations are controlled by the curved coordinate’s porous system, which depicts the flow paradigm. Employing similarity transformations, the acquired equations were turned into coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations. The governing equations were disbanded by RKF45 via shooting methodology. The focus is on examining physical characteristics such as heat flux at the wall, temperature distribution, velocity of flow, and surface friction coefficient for a variety of related factors. The analysis explained that increasing permeability, Biot and Eckert numbers enhance temperature profile and slowdown heat transfer. Moreover, convective boundary condition and thermal radiation enhance the friction of the surface. The model is prepared as an implementation for solar energy in processes of thermal engineering. Morever, this research has enormous applications in the industries of polymer and glass, also in the field of heat exchangers styling, cooling operations of metallic plates, etc.
Quantification of extracellular matrix remodeling for the non-invasive identification of graft fibrosis after liver transplantation
Authors: Engel Bastian , Falk Villesen Ida , Fisker Nielsen Mette Juul , Karsdal Morten , Taubert Richard , Jaeckel Elmar , Leeming Diana Julie
Published: April 2023

Detecting patients with early post-transplant fibrosis after liver transplantation (LT) is very important. Non-invasive tests are needed to avoid liver biopsies. We aimed to detect fibrosis in liver transplant recipients (LTR) using extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling biomarkers. ECM biomarkers for type III (PRO-C3), IV (PRO-C4), VI (PRO-C6) and XVIII (PRO-C18L) collagen formation and type IV collagen degradation (C4M) were measured by ELISA in prospectively collected, cryopreserved plasma samples (n = 100) of LTR with paired liver biopsies from a protocol biopsy program. Fibrosis ≥ F2 was present in 29% of patients (median 44 months post-LT). APRI and FIB-4 neither identified significant fibrosis nor were correlated with histopathological fibrosis scores, while ECM biomarkers (AUCs 0.67–0.74) did. The median levels of PRO-C3 (15.7 vs. 11.6 ng/ml; p = 0.002) and C4M (22.9 vs. 11.6 ng/ml; p = 0.006) levels were elevated in T-cell-mediated rejection compared to normal graft function. The median levels of PRO-C4 (178.9 vs. 151.8 ng/ml; p = 0.009) and C4M (18.9 vs. 16.8 ng/ml; p = 0.004) levels were increased if donor-specific antibodies were present. PRO-C6 had the highest sensitivity (100%), NPV (100%) and negative likelihood-ratio (0) for graft fibrosis. To conclude, ECM biomarkers are helpful in identifying patients at risk of relevant graft fibrosis.