bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-principles study of structural, electronic, and magnetic properties at the
(0001)Cr2O3−(111)Pt
interface
Authors: Reher Marlies , Spaldin Nicola A. , Weber Sophie F.
Published: September 2024

We perform first-principles density functional calculations to elucidate structural, electronic, and magnetic properties at the interface of (0001)Cr2O3−(111)Pt bilayers. This investigation is motivated by the fact that, despite the promise of Cr2O3−Pt heterostructures in a variety of antiferromagnetic spintronic applications, many key structural, electronic, and magnetic properties at the Cr2O3−Pt interface are poorly understood. We first analyze all inequivalent lateral interface alignments to determine the lowest energy interfacial structure. For all lateral alignments including the lowest energy one, we observe an accumulation of electrons at the interface between Cr2O3 and Pt. We find an unexpected reversal of the magnetic moments of the interface Cr ions in the presence of Pt compared to surface Cr moments in vacuum-terminated (0001)Cr2O3. We also find that the heterostructure exhibits a magnetic proximity effect in the first three Pt layers at the interface with Cr2O3, providing a mechanism by which the anomalous Hall effect can occur in (0001)Cr2O3−(111)Pt bilayers. Our results provide the basis for a more nuanced interpretation of magnetotransport experiments on (0001)Cr2O3−(111)Pt bilayers and should inform future development of improved antiferromagnetic spintronic devices based on the Cr2O3−Pt material system.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Telling different unravelings apart via nonlinear quantum-trajectory averages
Authors: Piñol Eloy , Mavrogordatos Th. K. , Keys Dustin , Veyron Romain , Sierant Piotr , Angel García-March Miguel , Grandi Samuele , Mitchell Morgan W. , Wehr Jan , Lewenstein Maciej
Published: September 2024

The Gorini-Kossakowski-Sudarshan-Lindblad master equation (ME) governs the density matrix of open quantum systems (OQSs). When an OQS is subjected to weak continuous measurement, its state evolves as a stochastic quantum trajectory, whose statistical average solves the ME. The ensemble of such trajectories is termed an unraveling of the ME. We propose a method to operationally distinguish unravelings produced by the same ME in different measurement scenarios, using nonlinear averages of observables over trajectories. We apply the method to the paradigmatic quantum nonlinear system of resonance fluorescence in a two-level atom. We compare the Poisson-type unraveling, induced by direct detection of photons scattered from the two-level emitter, and the Wiener-type unraveling, induced by phase-sensitive detection of the emitted field. We show that a quantum-trajectory-averaged variance is able to distinguish these measurement scenarios. We evaluate the performance of the method, which can be readily extended to more complex OQSs, under a range of realistic experimental conditions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Synthesis, crystal structure, and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-iminium 3-carboxy-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate
Authors: Mukhammadiev Salmon , Rajabov Sarvar , Tojiboev Akmaljon , Ashurov Jamshid , Murodov Sardor , Daminova Shahlo
Published: September 2024

The asymmetric unit of the title salt, C7H8N3
+·C7H5O6S−, comprises two 1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-iminium cations and two 2-hydroxy-5-sulfobenzoate anions (Z′ = 2). In the crystal, the molecules interact through N—H...O, O—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—O...π contacts. The hydrogen-bonding interactions lead to the formation of layers parallel to (\overline{1}01). Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that H...H contacts contribute to most of the crystal packing with 38.9%, followed by H...O contacts with 36.2%.
Research of two kinds of PANI@semiconductor based photocathodic coating corrosion protection effect and mechanism
Authors: Jin Xi , Xu Hui , Zhao Qifeng , Zeng Hao , Lin Bing , Xiao Ying , Tang Junlei , Nie Zhen , Yan Yan , Di Zhigang , Zhou Rudong
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to report the development and experimental evaluation of two kinds of PANI@semiconductor based photocathodic anti-corrosion coating, for application on stainless steel substrates.

Design/methodology/approach

PANI was in situ chemical polymerized on TiO2 and BiVO4 particles, and FT-IR and SEM/EDS were used to understand the characteristics and elemental distribution of the composite particles. Composite coatings, which consisted of epoxy, PANI@TiO2 or PANI@BiVO4 and graphene, were prepared on the 304L stainless steel. Photoelectrochemical response measurement, electrochemical tests and immersion tests were used to assess the anti-corrosion performance of the prepared coatings in 45°C 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. And the corrosion protection mechanism was further explained by combining with surface observation.

Findings

The photoelectrochemical response tests revealed the good photocathodic effect of the coatings, and the reversible oxidation-reduction properties of PANI (pseudocapacitive effect) leading to the repeated usage of the coatings. Consequently, the anti-corrosion mechanism of the composite coating is attributed to the physical barrier effect of the coating, the anodic protection effect of PANI and the photocathodic and energy store effect.

Originality/value

These kind coatings could prevent corrosion from day to night for stainless steel, which has great engineering application prospects on stainless steel corrosion protection.
An experimental investigation on surface integrity and wire wear in rough and trim cut modes of WEDM for hybrid composite
Authors: Kumar Nilesh , Kumar Jatinder
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the surface integrity features, including surface roughness (SR), recast layer (RL), material migration, topography and wire wear pattern in rough and trim-cut wire electric discharge machine (WEDM) of hybrid composite (Al6061-90%/SiC-2.5%/TiB2-7.5%).

Design/methodology/approach

Effects of four important factors, namely, rough-cut history (RCH), pulse on time (Ton), peak current (IP) and wire offset (WO) have been assessed on the responses of interest for trim-cut WEDM. Box–Behnken design (RSM) was used to formulate the experimentation plan. Quantitative indices of surface integrity, namely, SR and RL, and selected samples have been investigated for qualitative analysis, namely, surface topography, material migration and wire wear pattern.

Findings

Ton and IP are found to be most significant, whereas RCH and WO are found insignificant for SR. Ton and WO were found to be the most significant factors affecting RL. After trim cut, an RL of thickness 8.26 µm is observed if the initial rough cut has been accomplished at high discharge energy setting. Whereas the best value of RL thickness, i.e. 5.36 µm, can be realized with low level of RCH. A significant decrease in the presence of foreign materials is recorded, indicating its strong correlation with the discharge energy used during machining.

Originality/value

Investigation on surface integrity features for machining of hybrid composite through rough and trim-cut WEDM has been reported by only a limited number of researchers in the past. This study is attempted at fulfilling few vital gaps by addressing the issues such as evaluation of the efficacy of trim cutting under different discharge energy conditions (using RCH), analysis of wire wear pattern in both rough and trim-cut modes and investigation of the wire breakage phenomenon during machining.
The impact of applying blockchain technology in the tax system: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Larikaman Maryam , Salehi Mahdi , Yaghubi Nour-Mohammad
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate blockchain technology (BT) and its opportunities and weaknesses in Iran's tax system; it addresses the opportunities and challenges of BT when incorporated into Iran's tax system.

Design/methodology/approach

The statistical population consists of all the employees and managers working in tax administration, and 674 participants were selected as the sample size via Cochran sampling. The partial least square tests are used to investigate the impact of the independent variable on dependent ones.

Findings

The results show that BT positively affects three components of tax, including value-added tax, tax on shipping goods and income tax. BT’s advantages and opportunities positively affect these taxation types, while its threats negatively affect the opportunities and challenges in Iran’s tax system; this study provides helpful insights and develops the knowledge. Furthermore, this is among the initiatives addressing BT’s opportunities and challenges in three discriminative taxation sectors, including value-added tax, tax on shipping goods and payroll tax.

Originality/value

Since no study has addressed BT’s opportunities and weaknesses in Iran’s tax system, it addresses the opportunities and challenges of BT when incorporated into Iran’s tax system.
Governance’s role in bank performance: cybersecurity committee assessment
Authors: Opuni-Frimpong Joseph , Adefunso Dzorka Modupeola , Boadi Isaac
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG’s) directive on establishing a Cyber and Information Security Governance Committee (CISGC) affects banks’ financial performance (FP) and efficiency. The FP of banks is measured by return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE), while efficiency is measured by operational costs to operating revenue (CIR). The study examines the CISGC’s cyber and IT expertise, committee size, meetings and female representation features.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 20 universal banks in Ghana between 2019 and 2022 was used to examine the impact of the CISGC features on Bank FP and efficiency using generalized least squares regression and robustness test.

Findings

CISGC’s cyber and IT expertise has a positive impact on ROA, but no impact on ROE or CIR. Their size, meetings and female representation do not affect performance. This highlights the need for key measures to be instituted for effective cyber and information security governance.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations. First, the scope was initially limited to universal banks in Ghana. Future studies should cover all banks operating in Ghana.

Practical implications

When forming the CISGC, banks should ensure that cybersecurity expertise is represented, and that female representation is considered. Additionally, given the ongoing evolution of cybersecurity threats, banks should ensure comprehensive digitization and robust cybersecurity safeguards.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to investigate how CISGC impacts bank performance in Ghana following the BoG’s Cyber and Information Security directive.
Revealing the nexus: financial development and environmental sustainability as remedies for corruption – A global perspective
Authors: Mehmood Waqas , Sharif Arshian , Aman-Ullah Attia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to test the effect of financial development and environmental degradation on the control of corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a dynamic approach known as system GMM to analyze annual data from 90 developed and developing countries over 24 years, from 1996 to 2020.

Findings

The present study shows a significantly negative relationship between financial development and control of corruption and a significantly positive relationship between environmental degradation and control of corruption. The result suggests that improvement in financial development may reduce control of corruption; however, reduction in environmental degradation may reduce control of corruption. The results are consistent across both developed and developing countries.

Practical implications

The study’s findings have significant implications for financial institutions, governmental policy departments and environmental regulatory agencies. The policy outcomes are closely linked to the economic prosperity of countries. In general, developing countries can implement strategies to promote financial development and environmental regulations, even though they may temporarily tolerate corrupt activities. Conversely, developed nations may have differing implications from developing countries.

Originality/value

This study is different from the past literature as none of the studies have been conducted previously focusing on developed and developing countries’ financial development, environmental degradation and control of corruption.
A comprehensive analysis on coast side contact behaviour of thermoplastic gears against steel gear: a FEA approach
Authors: Vignesh S. , Johnney Mertens A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The research paper comprehensively investigates the gear tooth deflection of standard thermoplastic gears with steel gear as the driver and driven companions. An accurate mapping of characteristic contact regions between the meshing gears was done, and the behaviour of the gear tooth in the premature and prolonged contact zones was studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the finite element method to conduct a quasi-static 2D analysis of meshing gear teeth. The finite element model was created in AutoCAD and analysed using the ANSYS 19.1 simulation package.

Findings

In the polymer-polymer gear combinations, premature and prolonged contact primarily occurs along the addendum radii of meshing gears, whereas a novel contact phenomenon was observed in the coast side for polymer-metal and metal-polymer combinations, exhibiting a path perpendicular to the standard drive side contact. As well, the deflection of the tooth alters the load distribution across the interlocking gears, leading to a decrement in the root stresses.

Originality/value

The Lewis bending equation demonstrates that bending stresses depend solely on the applied load and the geometry of the tooth. It does not consider the effects of deflection. However, the computational results showed that the gear tooth deflection caused by different gear pair combinations also affects the bending stresses. The contact stresses observed in the polymer-polymer gear combination were observed to be within the material’s proportional limit. However, when a steel gear is paired with a polymer gear, the contact stresses exceed the proportional limit due to coast side contact.
Neutralization mechanism of human monoclonal antibodies against type B botulinum neurotoxin
Authors: Matsumura Takuhiro , Kitamura Mayu , Amatsu Sho , Yamaguchi Aki , Kobayashi Nobuhide , Yutani Masahiro , Fujinaga Yukako
Published: September 2024

Botulism is a deadly neuroparalytic condition caused by the botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) produced by Clostridium botulinum and related species. Toxin‐neutralizing antibodies are the most effective treatments for BoNT intoxication. We generated human monoclonal antibodies neutralizing type B botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT/B), designated M2 and M4. The combination of these antibodies exhibited a strong neutralizing effect against BoNT/B toxicity. In this study, we analyzed the mechanisms of action of these antibodies in vitro. M4 binds to the C‐terminus of the heavy chain (the receptor‐binding domain) and inhibits BoNT/B binding to neuronal PC12 cells. Although M2 recognized the light (L) chain (the metalloprotease domain), it did not inhibit substrate (VAMP2) cleavage in the cleavage assay. M2 increased the surface localization of BoNT/B in PC12 cells at a later time point, suggesting that M2 inhibits the translocation of the L chain from synaptic vesicles to the cytosol. These results indicate that M2 and M4 inhibit the different processes of BoNT/B individually and that multistep inhibition is important for the synergistic effect of the combination of monoclonal antibodies. Our findings may facilitate the development of effective therapeutic antibodies against BoNTs.
Land cover is the main driver of the distribution patterns of larval Odonata assemblages in freshwater wetlands of the Brazilian Pampa
Authors: Pires Mateus Marques , Dalzochio Marina Schmidt , Salvi Luana Carla , Sganzerla Cléber , Sahlén Göran , Périco Eduardo
Published: September 2024

Aquatic insects are key to wetland ecological functioning, and the distribution of amphibious insects such as Odonata jointly depends on environmental conditions in the aquatic and terrestrial settings. Therefore, untangling the relative effects of within‐wetland and landscape composition can help predict the responses of Odonata to environmental alterations in wetlands. Using data from 19 wetlands spanning over the southern Brazilian Pampa (center‐western Rio Grande do Sul state), we assessed the relative importance of water chemistry and land‐cover variables to the richness and composition of larval Odonata assemblages (and suborders Anisoptera and Zygoptera). Anisoptera richness decreased with pH and bare soil area. Water pH and areas of bare soil, mosaic of agricultural land use, and waterbodies land cover were the main drivers of Odonata and Zygoptera composition. Our results indicate that land cover is the main driver of the assemblage structure of larval Odonata, although a complex interplay of mechanisms associated with land conversion and water quality drive the distribution of larval Odonata in freshwater wetlands of the Brazilian Pampa. The major implication of our findings is that land cover modification is the major threat to Odonata distribution in Pampean wetlands, with potential impacts on the trophic structure and functioning of these ecosystems.
The impact of COVID restrictions on children with special educational needs in the early years: Evidence from educators' perspectives in Hong Kong
Authors: Jangbarwala Fatema Y. , Reichert Frank
Published: September 2024

Children with special educational needs (CSEN) in the early years have been identified as vulnerable to the pandemic restrictions. This study explored the lived experiences of educators teaching CSEN online in Hong Kong during the COVID‐19 school closures. Semi‐structured interviews with 21 educators revealed that educators perceived the prolonged school closures and online learning as adversely affecting CSEN's development. In educators' observations, during school closures and upon returning to school, CSEN's academic learning was less affected compared to CSEN's social skills. Still, educators found that some autistic children coped better than CSEN with other types of needs (e.g. with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder) in academic learning due to fewer classroom distractions and less social pressure. The insights from the educators provide key areas of focus for CSEN in the early years to recover from the aftermath of the pandemic and for future unforeseen school closures.
Can energy intensity, clean energy utilization, economic expansion, and financial development contribute to ecological progress in Iceland? A quantile‐on‐quantile KRLS analysis
Authors: Somoye Oluwatoyin Abidemi , Ayobamiji Awosusi Abraham
Published: September 2024

Global challenges, such as the COVID‐19 impacts, climate crisis, and geopolitical tensions, have prompted economic transformations. These issues have led to macroeconomic data assuming non‐normal distributions, necessitating a nonlinear analytical approach. As a result, this study unveils the influence of energy intensity, renewable energy, economic growth, and financial development on carbon dioxide emissions in Iceland from 1995Q1 to 2020Q4 using the Quantile‐on‐Quantile Kernel‐Based Regularized Least Squares (QQKRLS) and Wavelets Quantile Correlation (WQC) methods. The QQKRLS results showed that energy intensity, renewable energy, and economic growth are negatively associated with carbon dioxide emissions across various quantiles, while financial development is positively linked with carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, the WQC outcomes confirm the results of the QQKRLS. In addition, in the short and medium term, financial development negatively affects carbon dioxide emissions across various quantiles, while in the long term, financial development positively influences carbon dioxide emissions. In light of the results gleaned from this study, Iceland should continue on its path of renewable energy investments, create policies that will completely decouple economic growth from carbon dioxide emissions, and ensure that the development of the financial system is funding clean energy activities. This provides a roadmap for sustainable economic and environmental development.
Robust characterisation of forest structure from airborne laser scanning—A systematic assessment and sample workflow for ecologists
Authors: Fischer Fabian Jörg , Jackson Toby , Vincent Grégoire , Jucker Tommaso
Published: September 2024

Forests display tremendous structural diversity, shaping carbon cycling, microclimates and terrestrial habitats. An important tool for forest structure assessments are canopy height models (CHMs): high resolution maps of canopy height obtained using airborne laser scanning (ALS). CHMs are widely used for monitoring canopy dynamics, mapping forest biomass and calibrating satellite products, but surprisingly little is known about how differences between CHM algorithms impact ecological analyses.

Here, we used high‐quality ALS data from nine sites in Australia, ranging from semi‐arid shrublands to 90‐m tall Mountain Ash canopies, to comprehensively assess CHM algorithms. This included testing their sensitivity to point cloud degradation and quantifying the propagation of errors to derived metrics of canopy structure.

We found that CHM algorithms varied widely both in their height predictions (differences up to 10 m, or 60% of canopy height) and in their sensitivity to point cloud characteristics (biases of up to 5 m, or 40% of canopy height). Impacts of point cloud properties on CHM‐derived metrics varied, from robust inference for height percentiles, to considerable errors in above‐ground biomass estimates (~50 Mg ha−1, or 10% of total) and high volatility in metrics that quantify spatial associations in canopies (e.g. gaps). However, we also found that two CHM algorithms—a variation on a ‘spikefree’ algorithm that adapts to local pulse densities and a simple Delaunay triangulation of first returns—allowed for robust canopy characterisation and should thus create a secure foundation for ecological comparisons in space and time.

We show that CHM choice has a strong impact on forest structural characterisation that has previously been largely overlooked. To address this, we provide a sample workflow to create robust CHMs and best‐practice guidelines to minimise biases and uncertainty in downstream analyses. In doing so, our study paves the way for more rigorous large‐scale assessments of forest structure and dynamics from airborne laser scanning.
Impact of robotic gastrectomy in patients with primary T3 or more advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Nishi Masaaki , Takasu Chie , Wada Yuma , Yoshikawa Kozo , Tokunaga Takuya , Nakao Toshihiro , Kashihara Hideya , Yoshimoto Toshiaki , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: September 2024

Background

The use of robotic surgery (RS) for gastric cancer (GC) has been rapidly increasing. However, the utility of RS for advanced GC (AGC), especially T3 or more AGC, is unclear.

Methods

Ninety patients who underwent curative upfront minimally invasive surgery (MIS) (D2 lymph node dissection) for fStage II or III GC were enrolled in this study. Among these patients, 68 underwent MIS for T3 or more AGC. Thirty‐six patients underwent RS, and 32 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery (LS). The short‐term and long‐term surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

In the T3 or more AGC cohort, there were no significant intergroup differences in the operative time or blood loss volume. The number of retrieved lymph nodes tended to be higher in the RS than LS group (38.5 vs. 33.0, p = .11). The drain amylase content on postoperative day 1 was significantly lower in the RS than LS group (243.5 vs. 521.0 IU/L, p < .01). The morbidity rate (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥2) was similar between the groups. There were no significant differences between the LS and RS groups in the 3‐year overall survival rate (80.7% vs. 74.5%, respectively; p = .95) or 3‐year disease‐free survival rate (75.0% vs. 69.7%, respectively; p = .95).

Conclusions

RS for primary T3 or more AGC was safe and contributed to similar short‐term and long‐term outcomes compared with LS.
Rafoxanide negatively modulates STAT3 and NF‐κB activity and inflammation‐associated colon tumorigenesis
Authors: Pacifico Teresa , Stolfi Carmine , Tomassini Lorenzo , Luiz‐Ferreira Anderson , Franzè Eleonora , Ortenzi Angela , Colantoni Alfredo , Sica Giuseppe S. , Sambucci Manolo , Monteleone Ivan , Monteleone Giovanni , Laudisi Federica
Published: September 2024

In the colorectal cancer (CRC) niche, the transcription factors signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) are hyperactivated in both malignant cells and tumor‐infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) and cooperate to maintain cancer cell proliferation/survival and drive protumor inflammation. Through drug repositioning studies, the anthelmintic drug rafoxanide has recently emerged as a potent and selective antitumor molecule for different types of cancer, including CRC. Here, we investigate whether rafoxanide could negatively modulate STAT3/NF‐κB and inflammation‐associated CRC. The antineoplastic effect of rafoxanide was explored in a murine model of CRC resembling colitis‐associated disease. Cell proliferation and/or STAT3/NF‐κB activation were evaluated in colon tissues taken from mice with colitis‐associated CRC, human CRC cells, and CRC patient‐derived explants and organoids after treatment with rafoxanide. The STAT3/NF‐κB activation and cytokine production/secretion were assessed in TILs isolated from CRC specimens and treated with rafoxanide. Finally, we investigated the effects of TIL‐derived supernatants cultured with or without rafoxanide on CRC cell proliferation and STAT3/NF‐κB activation. The results showed that rafoxanide restrains STAT3/NF‐κB activation and inflammation‐associated colon tumorigenesis in vivo without apparent effects on normal intestinal cells. Rafoxanide markedly reduces STAT3/NF‐κB activation in cultured CRC cells, CRC‐derived explants/organoids, and TILs. Finally, rafoxanide treatment impairs the ability of TILs to produce protumor cytokines and promote CRC cell proliferation. We report the novel observation that rafoxanide negatively affects STAT3/NF‐κB oncogenic activity at multiple levels in the CRC microenvironment. Our data suggest that rafoxanide could potentially be deployed as an anticancer drug in inflammation‐associated CRC.
Factors Associated With Screen Time Among Preschool Children in Lima, Peru
Authors: Yabiku‐Soto Kiomi , Saavedra‐Garcia Lorena , Guerra Valencia Jamee , Hernández‐Vásquez Akram , Diez‐Canseco Francisco
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aims to identify factors associated with excessive screen time among preschoolers in Lima, Peru.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis from a 2019 panel study in Lima, Peru, was conducted focusing on women, aged 18 and above, who are mothers of 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds in mid‐high and mid‐low districts. There were two outcome variables: excessive TV and excessive electronic devices screen time, defined as ≥ 1 h of screen exposure for each one. Explored factors included the mother’s age, education and wealth index and the children’s age, sex, physical activity, day care attendance and ultra‐processed food consumption. Crude (cPR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were estimated for the association between associated factors and excessive screen time using the GLM Poisson of with a logarithmic link.

Results

Excessive TV screen time and electronic devices prevalence was 74% and 36.9%, respectively. For TV screen time, a high wealth index (aPR 1.13; 95%CI: 1.03–1.23) and children’s age (aPR 1.18; 95%CI: 1.08–1.29 for 4 years, PR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.07–1.28 for 5 years) were significant. For electronic devices, significant associations included mothers with more than 3 children (aPR 0.77; 95%CI: 0.62–0.96), being single (aPR 1.27; 95%CI: 1.01–1.58) and a high wealth index (aPR 1.38; 95%CI: 1.13–1.68). Furthermore, significant associations were found between excessive electronic device screen time and consumption of candies and chocolates (aPR 1.38; 95%CI: 1.08–1.77).

Conclusions

Seven out of 10 preschool children exceeded the recommended television screen time. Certain characteristics of the children, their mothers and the family’s socio‐economic situation are related to excessive television screen time and excessive electronic device screen time.
Investigating the effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhu Cheng , Liu Jie , Lin Jixin , Xu Jiaxi , Yu Enyan
Published: September 2024

Aims

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with limited treatment options. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) on AD and explore its potential mechanisms of action.

Methods

Key chemical components of GBE, including quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol, were identified using network pharmacology methods. Bioinformatics analysis revealed their potential roles in AD through modulation of the PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB signaling pathway.

Results

Mouse experiments demonstrated that GBE improved cognitive function, enhanced neuronal morphology, and reduced serum inflammatory factors. Additionally, GBE modulated the expression of relevant proteins and mRNA.

Conclusion

GBE shows promise as a potential treatment for AD. Its beneficial effects on cognitive function, neuronal morphology, and inflammation may be attributed to its modulation of the PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB signaling pathway. These findings provide experimental evidence for the application of Ginkgo biloba leaf in AD treatment and highlight its potential mechanisms of action.
Featured Cover
Authors: Liu Yuhao , Li Kechen , Zhuang Weijie , Liang Lulu , Chen Xiangyi , Yu Dongsheng
Published: September 2024

The cover image is based on the article Tetrahedral framework nucleic acid–based small‐molecule inhibitor delivery for ecological prevention of biofilm by Yuhao Liu et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cpr.13678.

image
Changes in the rates and characteristics of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)‐related death in Australia, 2001–2023
Authors: Darke Shane , Duflou Johan , Chrzanowska Agata , Farrell Michael , Lappin Julia , Peacock Amy
Published: September 2024

Introduction

In recent years gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use appears to have increased. This study aimed to determine: (i) population rates of GHB‐related death in Australia, 2001–2021; and (ii) whether there have been changes in the characteristics of GHB‐related death in Australia over the period 2001–2023.

Methods

Retrospective study of all Australian cases in which GHB was a mechanism contributory to death retrieved from the National Coronial Information System (n = 217). Joinpoint regression models were used to analyse trends in overall rates.

Results

Death rates were stable between 2001 and 2015 (‘stable period’) (annual percent change [APC] = 3.7) but showed marked acceleration between 2016 and 2021 (‘accelerated period’) (APC = 44.4). Circumstances of death were: unintentional toxicity (81.6%), intentional toxicity (5.1%), self‐harm (6.0%), traumatic injury (7.4%). Compared to the stable period, later cases were slightly older (34.2 vs. 30.7 years, p < 0.05), less likely to be employed (odds ratio [OR] 0.4), but more likely to have substance use problems (OR 3.9), a history of injecting drug use (OR 3.5), mental health problems (OR 3.6), and to have present in their blood at toxicological screening opioids (OR 3.2) and hypnosedatives (OR 3.7). The median blood GHB concentration was 170 mg/L, (range 0–3210), which did not change significantly. There were no differences in major organ pathology, but the proportion with aspiration pneumonia declined (OR 0.4).

Discussion and Conclusions

GHB‐related death rates increased from 2016, accompanied by changes in case characteristics. In recent years GHB use appears to have extended to a population more likely to have substance use problems and use other respiratory depressants.
Twenty‐four‐month effortful control predicts emerging autism characteristics
Authors: Perry Roisin C. , Johnson Mark H. , Charman Tony , Pascoe Greg , Tolmie Andrew , Thomas Michael S. C. , Dumontheil Iroise , Jones Emily J. H. ,   The BASIS Team
Published: September 2024

Longitudinal research can assess how diverging development of multiple cognitive skills during infancy, as well as familial background, are related to the emergence of neurodevelopmental conditions. Sensorimotor and effortful control difficulties are seen in infants later diagnosed with autism; this study explored the relationships between these skills and autism characteristics in 340 infants (240 with elevated familial autism likelihood) assessed at 4–7, 8–10, 12–15, 24, and 36 months. We tested: (1) the relationship between parent‐reported effortful control (Rothbart's temperament questionnaires) and sensorimotor skills (Mullen Scales of Early Learning), using random intercept cross‐lagged panel modelling; (2) whether household income and maternal education predicted stable individual differences in cognition; (3) sensorimotor and effortful control skills as individual and interactive predictors of parent‐reported autism characteristics (Social Responsiveness Scale) at 3 years, using multiple regression; and (4) moderation of interactions by familial likelihood. Sensorimotor skills were longitudinally associated with effortful control at the subsequent measurement point from 12–15 months. Socioeconomic status indicators did not predict stable between‐infant differences in sensorimotor or effortful control skills. Effortful control skills were longitudinally related to 3‐year autism characteristics from the first year of life, with evidence for an interaction with sensorimotor skills at 24 months. Effects of effortful control increased with age and were particularly important for infants with family histories of autism. Results are discussed in relation to different theoretical frameworks: Developmental Cascades and Anterior Modifiers in the Emergence of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. We suggest a role for 24‐month effortful control in explaining the emergent autism phenotype.

Research Highlights

Sensorimotor skills longitudinally predicted effortful control from 12–15 months onward but effortful control did not longitudinally predict sensorimotor skills during infancy.

Measures of effortful control skills taken before the age of 1 predicted continuous variation in autism characteristics at 36 months, with associations increasing in strength with age.

Effortful control (measured at 12–15 and 24 months) was a stronger predictor of 36‐month autism characteristics in infants with elevated familial likelihood for autism.

The relationship between 24‐month sensorimotor skills and 36‐month autism characteristics was stronger in infants with weaker effortful control skills.
Uncovering Xi Jinping's Policy Agenda: Text As Data Approach
Authors: Lim Jaehwan , Ito Asei , Zhang Hongyong
Published: September 2024

How many agendas has Xi Jinping put forth and promoted since taking office in 2012, and what are the types of agendas? How much of political attention has each agenda received, and how has the allocation of attention changed over time? We utilize a dataset of presidential statements, speeches, and reports from 2012 to 2022 and employed automated text analysis to identify major topics and terms associated with each topic. Our analysis reveals the identification of about 25 distinct policy agendas across diverse policy domains, with remarkable temporal variations between agendas in terms of the amount of leadership attention. Particularly, we find a significant shift in both the substance and relative weight of policy agendas between the first and second terms of Xi's tenure, indicating his adaptation and responses to changing domestic and foreign policy environments.
Cost‐effectiveness of the tandem t: Slim X2 with control‐IQ technology automated insulin delivery system in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in Sweden
Authors: Adolfsson Peter , Heringhaus Alina , Sjunnesson Karin , Mehkri Laila , Bolin Kristian
Published: September 2024

Aims

The present analysis estimated the cost‐effectiveness of treatment with the Tandem t: slim X2 insulin pump with Control IQ technology (CIQ) in children with type 1 diabetes in Sweden.

Methods

A four‐state Markov model and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were used to assess the cost‐effectiveness of CIQ use compared with treatment with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in conjunction with CGM. Data sources included clinical input data from a recent retrospective, observational study, cost data from local diabetes supply companies and government agencies, and published literature. Outcomes measures were quality adjusted life years (QALYs) at 10, 20 and 30‐year time horizons based on cost per QALY and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER).

Results

A total of 84 type 1 diabetes children were included (CIQ, n = 37; MDI, n = 19; CSII, n = 28). For all time horizons, the use of CIQ was a dominant strategy (e.g. more effective and less costly) compared with MDI or CSII use: 10‐year ICER, SEK ‐88,010.37 and SEK ‐91,723.92; 20‐year ICER, SEK −72,095.33 and SEK −87,707.79; and 30‐year ICER, SEK −65,573.01 and SEK ‐85,495.68, respectively. PSA confirmed that CIQ use was less costly compared with MDI and CSII.

Conclusions

Initiation of CIQ use in children with type 1 diabetes is cost‐saving, besides previously shown improved glycaemic control, and increased quality of life. Further investigations are needed to more fully elucidate the cost‐effectiveness of these technologies in different countries with existing differences in payment models.
Japanese version of the Equity Sensitivity Inventory Adapted for Married Couples
Authors: Kanazawa Yuki , Shibayama Taiga
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to modify the Japanese version of the Justice Sensitivity Inventory for married couples raising children to help them become more aware of their partner's sensitivity to fairness.

Background

In Japan, couples with children tend to have prejudice about the division of roles, perceiving each other based on the fairness of child care, housework, and work.

Method

Our participants comprised married couples who lived together with a child aged between 1 month and 3 years. A Web company commissioned a survey, with 1,200 and 500 participants included in the first and second rounds of testing, respectively, conducted 1 week apart. We examined the correlation between each subscale of the Japanese version of the Equity Sensitivity Inventory Adapted for Married Couples (J‐ESIA), the Japanese version of the Quality Marriage Index (J‐QMI), the Japanese version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (J‐IRI), and the short form of the Japanese Big‐Five Scale (S‐JBFS). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted.

Results

Three factors were identified: ES‐Perpetrator, ES‐Victim, and ES‐Beneficiary. Cronbach's α for each subscale ranged from .95 to .96.

Conclusion

A couple‐specific correlation was confirmed for comorbid validity.

Implications

Couples can recognize each other's sensitivity to fairness and bring about behavioral change in their relationship.
Phosphorylation of cytosolic hPGK1 affects protein stability and ligand binding: implications for its subcellular targeting in cancer
Authors: Pacheco‐García Juan Luis , Cano‐Muñoz Mario , Loginov Dmitry S. , Vankova Pavla , Man Petr , Pey Angel L.
Published: September 2024

Human phosphoglycerate kinase 1(hPGK1) is a key glycolytic enzyme that regulates the balance between ADP and ATP concentrations inside the cell. Phosphorylation of hPGK1 at S203 and S256 has been associated with enzyme import from the cytosol to the mitochondria and the nucleus respectively. These changes in subcellular locations drive tumorigenesis and are likely associated with site‐specific changes in protein stability. In this work, we investigate the effects of site‐specific phosphorylation on thermal and kinetic stability and protein structural dynamics by hydrogen–deuterium exchange (HDX) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We also investigate the binding of 3‐phosphoglycerate and Mg‐ADP using these approaches. We show that the phosphomimetic mutation S256D reduces hPGK1 kinetic stability by 50‐fold, with no effect of the mutation S203D. Calorimetric studies of ligand binding show a large decrease in affinity for Mg‐ADP in the S256D variant, whereas Mg‐ADP binding to the WT and S203D can be accurately investigated using protein kinetic stability and binding thermodynamic models. HDX and MD simulations confirmed the destabilization caused by the mutation S256D (with some long‐range effects on stability) and its reduced affinity for Mg‐ADP due to the strong destabilization of its binding site (particularly in the apo‐state). Our research provides evidence suggesting that modifications in protein stability could potentially enhance the translocation of hPGK1 to the nucleus in cancer. While the structural and energetic basis of its mitochondrial import remain unknown.
A sedimentary DNA perspective about the influence of environmental and food‐web changes on the microbial eukaryotic community of Lake Biwa
Authors: Capo Eric , Picard Maïlys , Nakane Kai , Kuwae Michinobu , Bertilsson Stefan , Kagami Maiko , Liu Xin , Sakai Yoichiro , Tsugeki Narumi
Published: September 2024

The impacts of environmental change on Lake Biwa have been explored for decades, with water monitoring and palaeolimnological studies revealing how environmental forcing, including climate warming, eutrophication, water level manipulation and human manipulation of fish populations, has influenced the food web of Lake Biwa. However, these studies have rarely accounted for microbial food‐web components. This knowledge gap is mostly due to the lack of time series spanning more than a couple of decades, coupled with the high taxonomical expertise required to identify organisms belonging to very diverse groups.

The use of a sedimentary DNA approach allows for the reconstruction of past changes in the diversity, composition and structure of the microbial eukaryotic community of aquatic systems. The application of 18S metabarcoding has been proven successful to describe the response of unicellular eukaryotes (protists) and aquatic fungi in lake ecosystems, encompassing a large taxonomic and functional diversity such as phototrophs, heterotrophs and mixotrophs.

We applied 18S metabarcoding to 31 sediment core samples from Lake Biwa, spanning the past 100 years and explored the response of microbial eukaryotic communities to changes in multiple environmental stressors, including nutrient levels, lake water level, climate, as well as fish and zooplankton biomass for the period 1973–2010.

We found that the manipulation of the water level and changes in fish community composition were the primary factors impacting (indirectly) the structure of the lake microbial eukaryotic community with minor, but significant, effects of climate warming and phosphorus levels. Co‐occurrence network analysis highlighted the potential food web impacts on the microbial eukaryotic community, suggesting that organisms from this compartment were impacted by both bottom‐up and top‐down processes.
Otolith reliability is context‐dependent for estimating warming and CO2 acidification impacts on fish growth
Authors: Tang Bangli , Ding Liuyong , Ding Chengzhi , He Dekui , Su Haojie , Tao Juan
Published: September 2024

Otoliths are frequently used as proxies to examine the impacts of climate change on fish growth in marine and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. However, the large sensitivity differences in otolith growth responses to typical changing environmental factors (i.e., temperature and CO2 concentration), coupled with unclear drivers and potential inconsistencies with fish body growth, fundamentally challenge the reliability of such otolith applications. Here, we performed a global meta‐analysis of experiments investigating the direct effects of warming (297 cases) and CO2 acidification (293 cases) on fish otolith growth and compared them with fish body growth responses. Hierarchical models were used to assess the overall effect and quantify the influence of nine explanatory factors (e.g., fish feeding habit, life history stage, habitat type, and experimental amplitude and duration). The overall effects of warming and acidification on otolith growth were positive and significant, and the effect size of warming (effect size = 0.4003, otolith size of the treatment group increased by 49.23% compared to that of the control group) was larger than that of acidification (0.0724, 7.51%). All factors examined contributed to the heterogeneity of effect sizes, with larger responses commonly observed in carnivorous fish, marine species, and young individuals. Warming amplitudes and durations and acidification amplitudes increased the effect sizes, while acidification durations decreased the effect sizes. Otolith growth responses were consistent with, but greater than, fish body growth responses under warming. In contrast, fish body growth responses were not significant under acidification (effect size = −0.0051, p = .6185) and thus cannot be estimated using otoliths. Therefore, our study highlights that the reliability of applying otoliths to examine climate change impacts is likely varied, as the sensitivity of otolith growth responses and the consistency between the growth responses of otoliths and fish bodies are context‐dependent.