bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional changes in prefrontal cortex following frequency-specific training
Authors: Bach-Morrow Lana , Boccalatte Francesco , DeRosa Antonio , Devos David , Garcia-Sanchez Carmen , Inglese Matilde , Droby Amgad
Published: November 2022

Numerous studies indicate a significant role of pre-frontal circuits (PFC) connectivity involving attentional and reward neural networks within attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pathophysiology. To date, the neural mechanisms underlying the utility of non-invasive frequency-specific training systems in ADHD remediation remain underexplored. To address this issue, we created a portable electroencephalography (EEG)-based wireless system consisting of a novel headset, electrodes, and neuro program, named frequency specific cognitive training (FSCT). In a double-blind, randomized, controlled study we investigated the training effects in N = 46 school-age children ages 6–18 years with ADHD. 23 children in experimental group who underwent FCST training showed an increase in scholastic performance and meliorated their performance on neuropsychological tests associated with executive functions and memory. Their results were compared to 23 age-matched participants who underwent training with placebo (pFSCT). Electroencephalogram (EEG) data collected from participants trained with FSCT showed a significant increase in 14–18 Hz EEG frequencies in PFC brain regions, activities that indicated brain activation in frontal brain regions, the caudate nucleus, and putamen. These results demonstrate that FSCT targets specific prefrontal and striatal areas in children with ADHD, suggesting a beneficial modality for non-invasive modulation of brain areas implicated in attention and executive functions.
Improvement of the aerodynamic behavior of a sport utility vehicle numerically by using some modifications and aerodynamic devices
Authors: Al-Saadi Ahmed , Al-Farhany Khaled , Idan Al-Chlaihawi Kadhim K. , Jamshed Wasim , Eid Mohamed R. , Tag El Din El Sayed M. , Raizah Zehba
Published: November 2022

The present study proposes aerodynamically optimized exterior designs of a sport utility vehicle using computational fluid dynamics analysis based on steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes turbulence models. To achieve an optimal design, modifications of the outer shape and adding some aerodynamic devices are investigated. This study focuses on modifying this vehicle model’s upper and front parts. At the same time, the rear diffuser and spare tire on the back door as a fairing are used as aerodynamic devices for improving streamlines. All these modifications and add-on devices are simulated individually or in combination to achieve the best exterior design. A variety of Reynolds numbers are used for determining the optimization variables. Tetrahedral cells are used throughout the global domain because of the sharp edges in the geometry of the Discovery car model. At the same time, prism cells around car surfaces are adopted to improve the accuracy of the results. A good agreement between the numerical drag coefficient in the present study for the baseline models and the experimental data has been achieved. Changes in the drag and lift coefficients are calculated for all models. It is clear from the numerical results that the use of combined modifications and add-on devices has a significant effect in improving the overall aerodynamic behavior. As a result, the drag coefficient for the optimal design of the Discovery 4th generation is reduced from 0.4 to 0.352 by about 12% compared to the benchmark. Simultaneously, the lift coefficient is 0.037 for optimal design, and it is an acceptable value. It is found that combining all optimal modified configurations can improve both CD and CL simultaneously.
Comparative metabolite profiling of four polyphenol rich Morus leaves extracts in relation to their antibiofilm activity against Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Salem Mohamed A. , Salama Maha M. , Ezzat Shahira M. , Hashem Yomna A.
Published: November 2022

Enterococci are a common cause of urinary tract infections. The severity of enterococcal infections is associated with their ability to form biofilms. Morus leaves are known as a natural antibacterial, however, their antibiofilm activity against Enterococcus remains unveiled. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of four polyphenol-rich Morus leaves extracts (Morus nigra,M.rubra,M.macroura,andM.alba)to inhibit biofilm formed by enterococcal clinical isolates in relation to their metabolic profiling. Results revealed that 48% of the isolates formed strong biofilm, 28% formed moderate biofilm, 20% formed weak biofilm, and only 4% did not form a biofilm. The strong biofilm-forming isolates wereE. faecalis,and hence were chosen for this study.The antibiofilm activity of the four polyphenol-rich Morus leaves extracts revealed that theM.nigraextract exhibited the highest percentage of biofilm inhibition followed byM.rubrathenM.macrouraand the least inhibition was detected inM.alba,and these results were in accordance with the phenolic and flavonoid contents of each extract.UPLC-ESI-MS/MS identified 61 polyphenolic compounds in the four extracts. Further, multivariate analysis confirmed clear segregation ofM. nigrafrom the other species suggesting disparity in its metabolome, with accumulation of flavonoids, anthocyanidins, phenolic acids and coumarin derivatives. Quercetin and kaempferol glycosides were found to be positively and significantly correlated to the antibiofilm activity. In conclusion,M. nigraethanolic extracts showed the highest phenolic content and antibiofilm activity and they could be developed as a complementary treatment for the development of antimicrobial agents.
The 3D ultrastructure of the chordotonal organs in the antenna of a microwasp remains complex although simplified
Authors: Diakova Anna V. , Makarova Anastasia A. , Pang Song , Xu C. Shan , Hess Harald , Polilov Alexey A.
Published: November 2022

Insect antennae are astonishingly versatile and have multiple sensory modalities. Audition, detection of airflow, and graviception are combined in the antennal chordotonal organs. The miniaturization of these complex multisensory organs has never been investigated. Here we present a comprehensive study of the structure and scaling of the antennal chordotonal organs of the extremely miniaturized parasitoid waspMegaphragma viggianiibased on 3D electron microscopy. Johnston’s organ ofM. viggianiiconsists of 19 amphinematic scolopidia (95 cells); the central organ consists of five scolopidia (20 cells). Plesiomorphic composition includes one accessory cell per scolopidium, but inM. viggianiithis ratio is only 0.3. Scolopale rods in Johnston’s organ have a unique structure. Allometric analyses demonstrate the effects of scaling on the antennal chordotonal organs in insects. Our results not only shed light on the universal principles of miniaturization of sense organs, but also provide context for future interpretation of theM. viggianiiconnectome.
Eye movement behavior in a real-world virtual reality task reveals ADHD in children
Authors: Merzon Liya , Pettersson Kati , Aronen Eeva T. , Huhdanpää Hanna , Seesjärvi Erik , Henriksson Linda , MacInnes W. Joseph , Mannerkoski Minna , Macaluso Emiliano , Salmi Juha
Published: November 2022

Eye movements and other rich data obtained in virtual reality (VR) environments resembling situations where symptoms are manifested could help in the objective detection of various symptoms in clinical conditions. In the present study, 37 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 36 typically developing controls (9–13 y.o) played a lifelike prospective memory game using head-mounted display with inbuilt 90 Hz eye tracker. Eye movement patterns had prominent group differences, but they were dispersed across the full performance time rather than associated with specific events or stimulus features. A support vector machine classifier trained on eye movement data showed excellent discrimination ability with 0.92 area under curve, which was significantly higher than for task performance measures or for eye movements obtained in a visual search task. We demonstrated that a naturalistic VR task combined with eye tracking allows accurate prediction of attention deficits, paving the way for precision diagnostics.
Epigenome-wide association study of physical activity and physiological parameters in discordant monozygotic twins
Authors: Duncan Glen E. , Avery Ally , Thorson Jennifer L. M. , Nilsson Eric E. , Beck Daniel , Skinner Michael K.
Published: November 2022

An epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) was performed on buccal cells from monozygotic-twins (MZ) reared together as children, but who live apart as adults. Cohorts of twin pairs were used to investigate associations between neighborhood walkability and objectively measured physical activity (PA) levels. Due to dramatic cellular epigenetic sex differences, male and female MZ twin pairs were analyzed separately to identify differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs). A priori comparisons were made on MZ twin pairs discordant on body mass index (BMI), PA levels, and neighborhood walkability. In addition to direct comparative analysis to identify specific DMRs, a weighted genome coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify DNA methylation sites associated with the physiological traits of interest. The pairs discordant in PA levels had epigenetic alterations that correlated with reduced metabolic parameters (i.e., BMI and waist circumference). The DNA methylation sites are associated with over fifty genes previously found to be specific to vigorous PA, metabolic risk factors, and sex. Combined observations demonstrate that behavioral factors, such as physical activity, appear to promote systemic epigenetic alterations that impact metabolic risk factors. The epigenetic DNA methylation sites and associated genes identified provide insight into PA impacts on metabolic parameters and the etiology of obesity.
Long-term body tactile stimulation reduces aggression and improves productive performance in Nile tilapia groups
Authors: dos Santos Gauy Ana Carolina , Bolognesi Marcela Cesar , Gonçalves-de-Freitas Eliane
Published: November 2022

One concern of the Anthropocene is the effects of human activities on animal welfare, revealing the urgency to mitigate impacts of rearing environments. Body tactile stimulation (TS), like massage therapy, has emerged as an enrichment method to counteract stress and anxiety in vertebrates. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of long-term TS on four-member groups of male Nile tilapia, a worldwide reared species whose socially aggressive behavior is an essential source of stress. We placed a rectangular PVC frame fitted with vertical plastic sticks sided with silicone bristles in the center of aquarium to enable the fish to receive body TS when passing through the bristles. A similar apparatus without bristles was used as the control. Fish subjected to TS for 21 days showed a gradual lowering of overt fights over time, but with no reduction in cortisol or androgen levels. Nevertheless, TS improved the specific growth rate, maintained balanced length/weight gain, and increased feed efficiency, probably owing to the lowered energy expenditure during fights. Thus, we show for the first time that long-term TS provided by a simple device can be used as a tool to improve the welfare and productive performance of territorial fish.
Multi-scale fusion for RGB-D indoor semantic segmentation
Authors: Jiang Shiyi , Xu Yang , Li Danyang , Fan Runze
Published: November 2022

In computer vision, convolution and pooling operations tend to lose high-frequency information, and the contour details will also disappear with the deepening of the network, especially in image semantic segmentation. For RGB-D image semantic segmentation, all the effective information of RGB and depth image can not be used effectively, while the form of wavelet transform can retain the low and high frequency information of the original image perfectly. In order to solve the information losing problems, we proposed an RGB-D indoor semantic segmentation network based on multi-scale fusion: designed a wavelet transform fusion module to retain contour details, a nonsubsampled contourlet transform to replace the pooling operation, and a multiple pyramid module to aggregate multi-scale information and context global information. The proposed method can retain the characteristics of multi-scale information with the help of wavelet transform, and make full use of the complementarity of high and low frequency information. As the depth of the convolutional neural network increases without losing the multi-frequency characteristics, the segmentation accuracy of image edge contour details is also improved. We evaluated our proposed efficient method on commonly used indoor datasets NYUv2 and SUNRGB-D, and the results showed that we achieved state-of-the-art performance and real-time inference.
Dielectric property and energy storage performance enhancement for iron niobium based tungsten bronze ceramic
Authors: Feng Wenbin , Cheng Lilin , Hua Xiu-Ni , Chen Xin , Zhang Hui , Duan Haibao
Published: November 2022

Lead free Sr3SmNa2Fe0.5Nb9.5O30 ceramic was synthesized and characterized, and high total energy storage density, recoverable energy storage density, energy storage efficiency and good thermal stability are synchronously achieved.
Predicting visual difference maps for computer‐generated images by integrating human visual system model and deep learning
Authors: Li Ling , Chen Chunyi , Peng Jun , Zhang Ripei
Published: November 2022

The quality of images generated by computer graphics rendering algorithms is mainly affected by visible distortion at some pixel locations. Image quality assessment (IQA) metrics are commonly utilized to assess the quality of rendered images, but their results are a global difference value, which does not provide pixel‐wise differences to optimize the renderings. In contrast, visibility difference models including visual perception models and deep learning models can calculate pixel‐wise visibility difference between distorted images and reference images. However, they either are only applied to a single type of visible distortion or are seriously dependent on datasets. To this end, the authors propose a novel model, dubbed Human Visual Perception and Deep Learning Image Difference Metric (HPDL‐IDM), which combines the Human Visual System (HVS) model and deep learning. HPDL‐IDM primarily consists of two modules: (i) the visual perception feature calculation module, which calculates difference maps between various kinds of features extracted from the reference image and the distorted image according to the visual characteristics of human eyes and concatenates them, and (ii) the deep learning module, which utilizes a neural network of encoder–decoder structure to train on the LocvisVC and VisTexRes datasets whose input and output are these concatenated feature difference maps and the final image distortion visibility difference map respectively. Additionally, the authors pool the final difference map into a global difference value between 0 and 1 to apply their model to many image processing tasks related to Image quality metrics (IQMs). Experimental results show that HPDL‐IDM's generalization capacity and accuracy are improved by a large margin compared to other models.
A reweighted matrix completion algorithm for sparse inverse synthetic aperture radar imaging
Authors: Lv Mingjiu , Chen Wenfeng , Ma Jianchao , Yang Jun , Ma Xiaoyan , Cheng Qi
Published: November 2022

Sparse inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging can be generally achieved by compressed sensing (CS) methods because sparse sampling disables the approach of conventional range Doppler. However, the CS‐based methods have to convert the matrix into a vector when the random sampling is adopted, which results in huge memory usage and high computational complexity. Note that matrix completion (MC) is suitable for matrix operations, which can recover random sparse data directly based on the low‐rank property of the echo matrix. In order to improve the performance of the conventional MC approaches, a novel reweighted matrix completion method for sparse ISAR imaging is proposed in this paper. To avoid using the same singular value thresholding of the traditional MC method to achieve a low‐rank solution, the reweighted scheme for singular values is applied to restrain the rank. Furthermore, the weights of the current iteration are updated with their singular values obtained in the former iteration, rather than using a fixed value. Then, the alternating direction method of multipliers is utilised to alternatively optimise the proposed model, which has an improved computational efficiency. Once the full data is recovered, the ISAR image can be achieved via the conventional 2D inverse fast Fourier transform. Experimental results based on measured data validate the proposed approach that can result in improving imaging performance within several seconds, which is tens of times faster than some reported low‐rank‐based methods.
La fabrication additive : nouvelle donne pour l’assemblage de combustible ?
Authors: Rebeyrolle Véronique
Published: November 2022

Dans la centrale nucléaire de Forsmark, en Suède, Framatome vient d’achever l’introduction du premier composant d’assemblage de combustible en acier inoxydable imprimé par fabrication additive. Une technologie qui permet d’optimiser la fabrication mais aussi d’accéder à des géométries plus complexes.
Selbstbestimmung im Rahmen pflegerischer Versorgung: Die Bedeutung von Einwilligungsfähigkeit und Freiwilligkeit
Authors: Hempeler Christin , Gather Jakov , Kleditzsch Andrea Marie , Scholten Matthé
Published: November 2022

Menschen dürfen selbst bestimmen, welche medizinischen oder pflegerischen Maßnahmen durchgeführt oder unterlassen werden sollen. Einwilligungsfähigkeit und Freiwilligkeit sind Voraussetzungen, um dieses Recht auf Selbstbestimmung auszuüben – sie lassen sich jedoch besonders in der psychiatrischen Versorgung nicht immer einfach beurteilen. Eine Hilfestellung bietet der folgende Artikel.
A Case Series of Stereotactic Biopsy of Brainstem Lesions through the Transfrontal Approach
Authors: Escobar-Vidarte Oscar Andrés , Griswold Dylan Paul , Orozco-Mera Javier , Mier-Garcia Juan Felipe , Peralta Pizza Fernando
Published: November 2022

Background and Importance Brainstem lesions may be unresectable or unapproachable. Regardless, the histopathological diagnosis is fundamental to determine the most appropriate treatment. We present our experience with transfrontal stereotactic biopsy technique for brainstem lesions as a safe and effective surgical route even when contralateral transhemispheric approach is required for preservation of eloquent tissue.

Clinical Presentation Twenty-five patients underwent surgery by transfrontal approach. Medical records were reviewed for establishing the number of patients who had postoperative histopathological diagnosis and postoperative complications. Twenty-four patients (18 adults and 7 children) had histopathological diagnosis. There were 18 astrocytomas documented, of which 12 were high grade and 6 low grade. The other diagnoses included viral encephalitis, post–renal transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, nonspecific chronic inflammation, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and two metastases. No case was hindered by cerebrospinal fluid loss or ventricular entry. Complications included a case of mesencephalic hemorrhage with upper limb monoparesis and a case of a partially compromised third cranial nerve in another patient without associated bleeding.

Conclusion Stereotactic biopsy of brainstem lesions by transfrontal ipsilateral or transfrontal transhemispheric contralateral approaches is a safe and effective surgical approach in achieving a histopathological diagnosis in both pediatric and adult populations.
4 Organocatalytic Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Transformations
Authors: Córdova A. , Zhang K. , Deiana L.
Published: November 2022

Dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformations (DYKAT) are an important way of converting simple organic molecules into complex small molecules as single diastereo- and enantiomers. Herein we describe selected examples that are catalyzed by small organic molecules, which utilize activation mechanisms similar to enzymes for accomplishing the high stereoselectivity. The research area of DYKAT is growing and remarkable examples for producing important organic molecules and pharmaceuticals are demonstrated. In this context, organocatalysis will play an important role.
5 Chemoenzymatic Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Amines
Authors: Adriaensen K. , De Vos D.
Published: November 2022

Enantiopure amines are valuable intermediates in the fine-chemical industry but can be challenging to obtain. The combination of racemization techniques with enzymatic resolution into a chemoenzymatic dynamic kinetic resolution yields an invaluable and efficient method to achieve enantiopure amines. This chapter discusses the main differences between the recent dynamic kinetic resolution approaches, as well as their respective (dis)advantages, with a focus on the overall applicability to a wide substrate scope. Additionally, various industrially relevant examples cement the value of the chemoenzymatic dynamic kinetic resolution of amines.
Preaching to the Choir and Beyond
Authors: Zeng Ruoyan , Winner Ellen
Published: November 2022

Do narratives about suffering enhance empathy? Readers experience empathy for story characters, but does that
empathy spill over into the “real” world? We investigated whether a narrative in the form of a memoir by an undocumented immigrant
in the United States (compared to an expository account about undocumented immigrants) softens attitudes towards this group.
Across three studies, the narrative yielded greater attitude change in the direction of empathy than did the expository reading,
with this effect in some cases still visible one month later. We conclude that, compared to an expository account, a narrative
about the suffering of an individual in a marginalized group renders attitudes towards members of this group more positive for
those already sympathetic (Study 1) and for those initially unsympathetic (Studies 2 and 3). Study 3 demonstrated that this effect
generalized to attitudes about Black Americans despite no mention of race relations in the narrative.
Gene editing to improve drought tolerance
Authors: Núñez-Muñoz Leandro , Calderón-Pérez Berenice , Ruiz-Medrano Roberto , Xoconostle-Cázares Beatriz
Published: November 2022

Drought is by far one of the main agricultural problems affecting crop production worldwide, generating even more economic losses than all biotic factors combined. Humankind has pursued the improvement of crops to enhance plant productivity under water-limiting conditions since the dawn of agriculture, initially through conventional breeding and more recently, using tools such as transgenesis and gene editing. Among gene editing techniques, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system has seen a boom in plant breeding, thus, contributing to improve tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This review provides a broad view of drought tolerance mechanisms. The molecular factors mediating this complex quantitative trait and biochemical mechanisms related to drought-tolerant phenotypes are described. Likewise, gene editing tools to confer drought tolerance, limitations, and further direction of gene editing technique with CRISPR/Cas are discussed. Considerations about epigenetics of drought tolerance are mentioned as a new emerging mechanism to understand memory to stress and its possible application to obtain stress-tolerant crops via genome editing.
Observation of charge density wave in layered hexagonal Cu1.89Te single crystal
Authors: Gao Wenshuai , Chen Zheng , Wei Wensen , Yan Chao , Wang Shasha , Tang Jin , Zhang Ranran , Cheng Lixun , Nan Pengfei , Wang Jie , Han Yuyan , Xi Chuanying , Ge Binghui , He Lin , Du Haifeng , Ning Wei , Zhu Xiangde , Tian Mingliang
Published: November 2022

We report comprehensive transport, electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy studies on the transition-metal chalcogenides Cu1.89Te single crystals. The metallic Cu1.89Te displays successive metal-semiconductor transitions at low temperatures and almost ideal linear MR when magnetic field up to 33T. Through the electron diffraction patterns, the stable room temperature phase is identified as a 3×3×2 modulated superstructure based on Nowotny hexagonal structure. The superlattice spots of Transmission electron microscopy and Scanning tunneling microscopy clearly show the structural transitions from the room temperature Commensurate Ⅰ (C-Ⅰ) phase to the low temperature Commensurate Ⅱ (C-Ⅱ) phase. All the results can be understood in term of charge density wave (CDW) instability, yielding intuitive evidences for the CDW formations in Cu1.89Te. The additional Raman modes below room temperature further reveal that the zone-folded phonon modes may play an important role on the CDW transitions. Our research sheds light on the novel electron features of Cu1.89Te at low temperature, and may provide potential applications for future nano-devices.
Impact of immunosuppressive treatment and type of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on antibody levels after three vaccinations in patients with chronic kidney disease or kidney replacement therapy
Authors: Bouwmans Pim , Messchendorp A Lianne , Imhof Céline , Sanders Jan-Stephan F , Hilbrands Luuk B , Reinders Marlies E J , Vart Priya , Bemelman Frederike J , Abrahams Alferso C , van den Dorpel René M A , Ten Dam Marc A G J , de Vries Aiko P J , Rispens Theo , Steenhuis Maurice , Gansevoort Ron T , Hemmelder Marc H ,   the RECOVAC Collaborators, ter Meulen Rik C G , Cheng Jennifer , Konings Constantijn J A M , Peters Vincent J P , Remmerswaal Ester B M , Frölke Sophie C , Rots Nynke , van der Klis Fiona , Konijn Wanda S , de Ronde Anthony , Vervoort Hanneke J P M , Braks Marion H J , Kho Marcia L , Baan Carla C , Malaha Reshwan S R K , Janssen Wilbert M T , Til Erik , Zwerink M , Brinkman J Niels , Siegert Carl , Fritsen Hein R , den Biggelaar L , Jan Bos Willem , Willems Manou , van der Molen Renate G , Diavatopoulos Dimitri A , van Baarle Debbie
Published: November 2022

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney replacement therapy demonstrate lower antibody levels after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination compared with healthy controls. In a prospective cohort, we analysed the impact of immunosuppressive treatment and type of vaccine on antibody levels after three SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations.

Methods

Control subjects (n = 186), patients with CKD G4/5 (n = 400), dialysis patients (n = 480) and kidney transplant recipients (KTR) (n = 2468) were vaccinated with either mRNA-1273 (Moderna), BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) or AZD1222 (Oxford/AstraZeneca) in the Dutch SARS-CoV-2 vaccination programme. Third vaccination data were available in a subgroup of patients (n = 1829). Blood samples and questionnaires were obtained 1 month after the second and third vaccination. Primary endpoint was the antibody level in relation to immunosuppressive treatment and type of vaccine. Secondary endpoint was occurrence of adverse events after vaccination.

Results

Antibody levels after two and three vaccinations were lower in patients with CKD G4/5 and dialysis patients with immunosuppressive treatment compared with patients without immunosuppressive treatment. After two vaccinations, we observed lower antibody levels in KTR using mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) compared with KTR not using MMF [20 binding antibody unit (BAU)/mL (3–113) vs 340 BAU/mL (50–1492), P < .001]. Seroconversion was observed in 35% of KTR using MMF, compared with 75% of KTR not using MMF. Of the KTR who used MMF and did not seroconvert, eventually 46% seroconverted after a third vaccination. mRNA-1273 induces higher antibody levels as well as a higher frequency of adverse events compared with BNT162b2 in all patient groups.

Conclusions

Immunosuppressive treatment adversely affects the antibody levels after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with CKD G4/5, dialysis patients and KTR. mRNA-1273 vaccine induces a higher antibody level and higher frequency of adverse events.
Allocative efficiency or misallocation of resources? The emergence of forestland rental markets and the forest devolution reform in China
Authors: Yi Yuanyuan , Carlsson Fredrik , Köhlin Gunnar , Xu Jintao
Published: November 2022

This paper evaluates whether the devolution reform of forestland to household management improves allocative efficiency and household welfare through participation in forestland rental markets. Using a household panel dataset from three Chinese provinces, we find positive effects of the emerging forestland rental markets: with the reform, forestland was transferred to forestland-constrained and labour-rich households and households with higher levels of productivity in forestry. Participation in forestland rental markets increases household per-capita income and decreases the likelihood of income falling below the poverty line. We do not find any support for forestland captured by land-richer, wealthier, larger or powerful households.
The Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions in Context
Authors: Bellal Annyssa , Casey-Maslen Stuart
Published: November 2022

The Additional Protocols to the 1949 Geneva Conventions remain a landmark in the development of international humanitarian law. The first two Additional Protocols were adopted by States in 1977. These protocols encompass the rules governing the treatment and protection of those in the power of an enemy, as well as the conduct of hostilities. Crucially, they address non-international armed conflicts and wars of national liberation. In 2005, a third Additional Protocol designating an additional distinctive humanitarian emblem was adopted in controversial circumstances. This book interprets the key rules and issues of the Additional Protocols and considers their application and implementation over the past 40 years. Taking a thematic approach, the book examines subjects including the protection of women, relief operations, and prohibited weapons. Each chapter discusses the pertinence of existing laws, the challenges raised by the rules in the Additional Protocols, and what more could be done to better protect civilians. This book also considers whether new technologies, such as offensive cyber operations and autonomous weapons, need new treaty rules to regulate their application in armed conflict.
Introduction: The Development and Significance of the Additional Protocols
Authors: Bellal Annyssa , Casey-Maslen Stuart
Published: November 2022

This chapter introduces the two 1977 Additional Protocols to the four Geneva Conventions, which remain a landmark in the development of the law of armed conflict. It identifies the first two Additional Protocols as being significant on the law governing the hostilities on law and air. Meanwhile, the third Additional Protocol sought to resolve long-standing concerns over the proliferation of protective symbols for neutral and impartial humanitarian relief agencies and operations. In the 1970s, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Switzerland Government were instrumental in promoting the progressive development of international humanitarian law (IHL). The chapter suggests taking a thematic approach to the scope of application of the three Additional Protocols.
The Protection of Children
Authors: Bellal Annyssa , Casey-Maslen Stuart
Published: November 2022

This chapter expounds on the protection of children under the two 1977 Additional Protocols and their provisions reflected in customary law. It starts with the international humanitarian law’s (IHL) prohibition of recruiting children under the age of 15 into armed forces and hostilities. According to the Additional Protocol II of 1977, children affected by armed conflict must be provided with the care and aid they require. Parents or guardians must also take measures of removing their children temporarily from the area of hostilities. The chapter considers armed conflict as a cause of disability and the context for further abuse and neglect. It also includes the considerations of the prohibition on the imposition of the death penalty for acts committed while the person in question is under 18 years old.
Starvation and Sieges
Authors: Bellal Annyssa , Casey-Maslen Stuart
Published: November 2022

This chapter covers sieges and starvations as methods of warfare. It explains that international humanitarian law (IHL) does not exactly prohibit sieges, while the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) affirmed that the prohibition of starvation as a method of warfare does not render siege warfare unlawful. Moreover, the Additional Protocols in 1977 outlawed the starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare since it was a serious violation of IHL and a war crime. The chapter acknowledges the possibility of sieges becoming the likely future for the conduct of military operations, especially considering the devastation it would be to civilians. It notes the duty of States and armed groups to not arbitrarily withhold consent to humanitarian relief for a starving civilian population in a besieged area.
National Implementation
Authors: Bellal Annyssa , Casey-Maslen Stuart
Published: November 2022

This chapter discusses the national implementation of the rules within the two 1977 Additional Protocols. It notes the lack of national implementation provisions in the Additional Protocol II, which only focused on the duty to disseminate the Protocol as widely as possible. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) broadly treats the concept of implementation in line with encompassing respect for the rules of the international humanitarian law (IHL). The chapter then considers the dissemination of rules and the requisite instructions and legal advisors to the armed forces. It highlights the importance of every State having national legislation in place to give effect to its obligations under the IHL.
Application of International Humanitarian Law to United Nations Operations
Authors: Bellal Annyssa , Casey-Maslen Stuart
Published: November 2022

This chapter explores the operation of the United Nations (UN) to enforce peacekeeping. It covers the key issues determining the responsibility of the UN under international law on forces enacting peace-enforcement operations under effective control. Additionally, the chapter recognises the moment when a UN force becomes a party to armed conflict and is subjected to international humanitarian law (IHL). Similarly, a UN force loses its civilian status when pursuing an armed group engaged in a non-international law of armed conflict. The chapter then looks into the application of the 1977 Additional Protocols’ rules and the customary law to UN operations. It acknowledges the frequency of peacekeeping operations crossing the line into peace enforcement under the guise of protecting civilians.
International Criminal Law
Authors: Bellal Annyssa , Casey-Maslen Stuart
Published: November 2022

This chapter tackles international criminal law, which governs the criminal responsibility of individuals for the perpetration of international crimes. War crimes primarily comprise serious violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) that are executed in relation to an armed conflict and individual criminal responsibilities under international law. Moreover, crimes against humanity and genocide could be committed during armed conflict, while aggression may also be involved in the commission of war crimes. The chapter explains the key issues to determine when such acts occur, such as identifying whether an armed conflict exists under international humanitarian law. It notes how the 1977 Additional Protocol I explicitly defined and enumerated specific war crimes, while the Additional Protocol II codified prohibition that became war crimes under customary international law.
Tri-Co Robots for the future: an interview with Guang-Zhong Yang
Authors: Li Tiefeng
Published: November 2022

Future robots will effectively interact with the environments, tasks and other agents, either people or robots. Robots with coexisting designs can safely operate with human and environments. Cooperation enables robots to collaborate with other agents. Cognition enables the robots to perceive and predict the behaviour. The concept of Tri-Co (Coexisting–Cooperative–Cognitive) benefits future studies and applications of robots.

Professor Guang-Zhong Yang (FREng, FIEEE, FIET, FAIMBE) is Dean of the Institute of Medical Robotics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU); he was also the co-founder and director of the Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London, as well as the founding editor of Science Robotics. Currently he is appointed full-time as chair professor of SJTU. Professor Yang's main research interests are in medical imaging, sensing and robotics. Prof. Yang discussed with NSR the interesting fields of Tri-Co Robots, as well as sharing ideas on his own research.
Single-cell profiling reveals a potent role of quercetin in promoting hair regeneration
Authors: Zhao Qian , Zheng Yandong , Zhao Dongxin , Zhao Liyun , Geng Lingling , Ma Shuai , Cai Yusheng , Liu Chengyu , Yan Yupeng , Izpisua Belmonte Juan Carlos , Wang Si , Zhang Weiqi , Liu Guang-Hui , Qu Jing
Published: November 2022

Hair loss affects millions of people at some time in their life, and safe and efficient treatments for hair loss are a significant unmet medical need. We report that topical delivery of quercetin (Que) stimulates resting hair follicles to grow with rapid follicular keratinocyte proliferation and replenishes perifollicular microvasculature in mice. We construct dynamic single-cell transcriptome landscapes over the course of hair regrowth and find that Que treatment stimulates the differentiation trajectory in the hair follicles and induces an angiogenic signature in dermal endothelial cells by activating HIF-1α in endothelial cells. Skin administration of a HIF-1α agonist partially recapitulates the pro-angiogenesis and hair-growing effects of Que. Together, these findings provide a molecular understanding for the efficacy of Que in hair regrowth, which underscores the translational potential of targeting the hair follicle niche as a strategy for regenerative medicine, and suggest a route of pharmacological intervention that may promote hair regrowth.
SCIATIC DENERVATION-INDUCED SKELETAL MUSCLE ATROPHY IS ASSOCIATED WITH PERSISTENT INFLAMMATION AND INCREASED MORTALITY DURING SEPSIS
Authors: Osa Sumika , Enoki Yuki , Miyajima Taichi , Akiyama Masahiro , Fujiwara Yukio , Taguchi Kazuaki , Kim Yun-Gi , Matsumoto Kazuaki
Published: November 2022

Background: Patients with underlying skeletal muscle atrophy are likely to develop aggravated sepsis. However, no study has experimentally verified the association between the prognosis of sepsis and muscle atrophy, and the mechanism of aggravation of sepsis under muscle atrophy remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of skeletal muscle atrophy induced by sciatic denervation (DN), an experimental muscle atrophy model, on sepsis prognosis. Methods: Skeletal muscle atrophy was induced by DN of the sciatic nerve in C57BL/6J male mice. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was performed to induce sepsis. Results: The survival rates of the sham and DN groups 7 days after CLP were 63% and 35%, respectively, wherein an approximately 30% reduction was observed in the DN group (P < 0.05, vs. sham-CLP). The DN group had a higher bacterial count in the blood 48 h after CLP (P < 0.05, vs. sham-CLP). Notably, NOx (a metabolite of nitric oxide) concentrations in DN mice were higher than those in sham mice after CLP (P < 0.05, vs. sham-CLP), whereas serum platelet levels were lower 48 h after CLP (P < 0.05, vs. sham-CLP). In organ damage analysis, DN mice presented increased protein expression of the kidney injury molecule (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a kidney injury marker, after CLP (NGAL 48 h after CLP, P < 0.05, vs. sham-CLP; KIM-1 24 h after CLP, P < 0.01, vs. sham-CLP). Furthermore, nitro tyrosine levels in the kidneys of DN mice were higher 48 h after CLP compared with those in sham-CLP mice, indicating the accumulation of nitrative stress (P < 0.05, vs. sham-CLP). Serum cytokine levels were increased in both groups after CLP, but decreased in the sham group 48 h after CLP and remained consistently higher in the DN group (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α: P < 0.05, sham-CLP vs. DN-CLP; interleukin (IL)-1β: P < 0.01, sham-CLP vs. DN-CLP; IL-6: P < 0.05, DN vs. DN-CLP; IL-10: P < 0.05, sham-CLP vs. DN-CLP). Conclusions: We verified that skeletal muscle atrophy induced by DN is associated with poor prognosis after CLP-induced sepsis. Importantly, mice with skeletal muscle atrophy presented worsening sepsis prognosis at late onset, including prolonged infection, persistent inflammation, and kidney damage accumulation, resulting in delayed recovery.
Homophilic interaction of E-Cadherin prevents cell-cell fusion between developing germline and surrounding epithelia inDrosophilaovary
Authors: Antel Matthew , Norris Rachel , Inaba Mayu
Published: November 2022

In theDrosophilaovary, developing germline cysts are encapsulated by somatic follicle cell epithelia and E-Cadherin localizes to the interface of these tissues. E-Cadherin mutants have been shown to have multiple defects in oogenesis. Therefore, it is difficult to determine E-Cadherin function on germline-soma interaction. In this study, we characterize E-Cadherin function, specifically focusing on germline-soma interaction. Unexpectedly, knockdown of E-Cadherin either in the germline or follicle cells results in excess formation of membrane protrusions at the interface of these cells, which leads to a cell-cell fusion and indicates that homophilic interaction of E-Cadherin is required for maintenance of the tissue boundary between these two adjacent tissues. The fate of follicle cells fused to the germline becomes compromised, leading to a defective individualization of germline cysts. We propose that homophilic interaction of E-Cadherin facilitates a barrier between adjacent tissues, demonstrating a unique model of cell-fate disturbance caused by cell-cell fusion.
Polygenic Prediction of Molecular Traits using Large-Scale Meta-analysis Summary Statistics
Authors: Pain Oliver , Gerring Zachary , Derks Eske , Wray Naomi R. , Gusev Alexander , Al-Chalabi Ammar
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) integrates expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data with genome-wide association study (GWAS) results to infer differential expression. TWAS uses multi-variant models trained using individual-level genotype-expression datasets, but methodological development is required for TWAS to utilise larger eQTL summary statistics.

Methods

TWAS models predicting gene expression were derived using blood-based eQTL summary statistics from eQTLGen, the Young Finns Study (YFS), and MetaBrain. Summary statistic polygenic scoring methods were used to derive TWAS models, evaluating their predictive utility in GTEx v8. We investigated gene inclusion criteria and omnibus tests for aggregating TWAS associations for a given gene. We performed a schizophrenia TWAS using summary statistic-based TWAS models, comparing results to existing resources and methods.

Results

TWAS models derived using eQTL summary statistics performed comparably to models derived using individual-level data. Multi-variant TWAS models significantly improved prediction over single variant models for 8.6% of genes. TWAS models derived using eQTLGen summary statistics significantly improved prediction over models derived using a smaller individual-level dataset. The eQTLGen-based schizophrenia TWAS, using the ACAT omnibus test to aggregate associations for each gene, identified novel significant and colocalised associations compared to summary-based mendelian randomisation (SMR) and SMR-multi.

Conclusions

Using multi-variant TWAS models and larger eQTL summary statistic datasets can improve power to detect differential expression associations. We provide TWAS models based on eQTLGen and MetaBrain summary statistics, and software to easily derive and apply summary statistic-based TWAS models based on eQTL and other molecular QTL datasets released in the future.
Transformer-based spatial-temporal detection of apoptotic cell death in live-cell imaging
Authors: Pulfer Alain , Pizzagalli Diego Ulisse , Gagliardi Paolo Armando , Hinderling Lucien , Lopez Paul , Zayats Romaniya , Carrillo-Barberà Pau , Antonello Paola , Palomino-Segura Miguel , Grädel Benjamin , Nicolai Mariaclaudia , Giusti Alessandro , Thelen Marcus , Gambardella Luca Maria , Murooka Thomas T. , Pertz Olivier , Krause Rolf , Gonzalez Santiago Fernandez
Published: November 2022

Intravital microscopy has revolutionized live cell imaging by allowing the study of spatial-temporal cell dynamics in living animals. However, the complexity of the data generated by this technology has limited the development of effective computational tools to identify and quantify cell processes. Amongst them, apoptosis is a crucial form of regulated cell death involved in tissue homeostasis and host defense. Live-cell imaging enabled the study of apoptosis at the cellular level, enhancing our understanding of its spatial-temporal regulation. However, at present, no computational method can deliver robust detection of apoptosis in microscopy time-lapses. To overcome this limitation, we developed ADeS, a deep learning-based apoptosis detection system that employs the principle of activity recognition. We trained ADeS on extensive datasets containing more than 10,000 apoptotic instances collected both in vitro and in vivo, achieving a classification accuracy above 98% and outperforming state-of-the-art solutions. ADeS is the first method capable of detecting the location and duration of multiple apoptotic events in full microscopy time-lapses, surpassing human performance in the same task. We demonstrated the effectiveness and robustness of ADeS across various imaging modalities, cell types, and staining techniques. Finally, we employed ADeS to quantify cell survival in vitro and tissue damage in vivo, demonstrating its potential application in toxicity assays, treatment evaluation, and inflammatory dynamics. Our findings suggest that ADeS is a valuable tool for the accurate detection and quantification of apoptosis in live-cell imaging and, in particular, intravital microscopy data, providing insights into the complex spatial-temporal regulation of this process.