bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why Sinoscepticism will Remake British Politics
Authors: Stanley Liam 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSinoscepticism is on the rise in British politics. Why is this? And what are the implications? This article shows that Sinoscepticism is not solely a result of the whims of MPs, but also stems from deep‐rooted tensions surrounding Britain's position in global order. Specifically, the British state finds itself on the horns of a dilemma: accept the status quo of staying economically open to China, but face staunch criticism and reprisals both internationally and domestically; or become more hawkish in relations, but risk worsening Britain's imbalanced and underperforming economy. Considering the Conservative Party's longstanding commitment to both the ‘special relationship’ with the US and to business and finance, this predicament is likely to provoke the party. The dilemma is seemingly about relations with one country, but, like Euroscepticism, it has the potential to become a stand‐in for debates over what sort of country the UK should be.
Keeping It Political and Powerful: Defining the Structural Determinants of Health
Authors: HELLER JONATHAN C. , GIVENS MARJORY L. , JOHNSON SHERI P. , KINDIG DAVID A. 
Published: February 2024

Policy Points
The structural determinants of health are 1) the written and unwritten rules that create, maintain, or eliminate durable and hierarchical patterns of advantage among socially constructed groups in the conditions that affect health, and 2) the manifestation of power relations in that people and groups with more power based on current social structures work—implicitly and explicitly—to maintain their advantage by reinforcing or modifying these rules.
This theoretically grounded definition of structural determinants can support a shared analysis of the root causes of health inequities and an embrace of public health's role in shifting power relations and engaging politically, especially in its policy work.
Shifting the balance of power relations between socially constructed groups differentiates interventions in the structural determinants of health from those in the social determinants of health.
The asymmetrical impact of international collaboration in green technology development on carbon dioxide emissions in the top 50 most innovative countries
Authors: Jing Zhao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to examine the asymmetrical impact of international collaboration in green technology development on carbon dioxide emissions in the top 50 most innovative countries. An augmented mean group estimator was used to compute the long‐run coefficients. The findings indicate that positive shocks in international collaboration in green technology development mitigate carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, adverse shocks in international collaboration in green technology development have an escalating effect on carbon dioxide emissions. The outcomes also imply that renewable energy consumption, domestic green innovation, digital economy, and contractionary fiscal policy were negatively associated with carbon dioxide emissions, whereas gross domestic product and expansionary fiscal policy were positively associated with carbon dioxide emissions. It is suggested that governments should have a balanced fiscal policy, lining up their goals for economic expansion and ecological responsibility and using the potential of the digital economy and domestic green innovation to drive green outcomes.
Screening of volatiles from explosive initiators and plastic‐bonded explosives (PBX) using headspace solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (SPME/GC–MS)
Authors: Hecker Alexis J. , Goodpaster John V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe detection of explosives and explosive devices based on the volatile compounds they emit is a long‐standing tool for law enforcement and physical security. Toward that end, solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) has become a crucial analytical tool for the identification of volatiles emitted by explosives. Previous SPME studies have identified many volatile compounds emitted by common explosive formulations that serve as the main charge in explosive devices. However, limited research has been conducted on initiators like fuses, detonating cords, and boosters. In this study, a variety of SPME fiber coatings (i.e., polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB), divinylbenzene/carboxin/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS), and carboxin/polydimethylsiloxane (CAR/PDMS)) were employed for the extraction and analysis of volatiles from Composition C‐4 (cyclohexanone, 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol, and 2,3‐dimethyl‐2,3‐dinitrobutane (DMNB)) and Red Dot double‐base smokeless powder (nitroglycerine, phenylamine). The results revealed that a PDMS/DVB fiber was optimal. Then, an assortment of explosive items (i.e., detonation cord, safety fuse, slip‐on booster, and shape charge) were analyzed with a PDMS/DVB fiber. A variety of volatile compounds were identified, including plasticizers (tributyl acetyl citrate, N‐butylbenzenesulfonamide), taggants (DMNB), and degradation products (2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol).
An improved Simon reaction method to discriminate between methamphetamine and false‐positive substances
Authors: Saito Koichi , Mamiya Yusuke , Kawakami Marie , Ito Rie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe conventional methamphetamine (MA) detection method using the Simon reaction can be affected by false positives owing to compounds similar to aliphatic secondary amines. In this study, we examined the new Simon reaction to improve the qualitative accuracy of MA detection to discriminate substances that give false positives in a conventional Simon reaction. After the conventional Simon reaction for MA and false positives (N‐isopropylbenzylamine (NIP‐BA), N‐methylbenzylamine (NMe‐BA), L‐proline (Pro), and L‐hydroxyproline (HYP)), which are colored blue, di‐tert‐butyl dicarbonate (t‐Boc) reagent was added, and color tone changes were observed. When t‐Boc was added to the false positives (NIP‐BA, NMe‐BA, Pro, and HYP), the colors of MA, Pro, and HYP changed to purple; NIP‐BA changed to blue; and NMe‐BA changed to light pink after 3 min. These results suggested that MA can be differentiated from NIP‐BA and NMe‐BA. Furthermore, the solid‐phase chromogenic method was examined, and it was confirmed that MA could be differentiated from Pro and HYP. The method developed in this study should increase the accuracy of MA appraisal at crime scenes and contribute to the reduction of misclassifications arising from false‐positive substances.
Finding the perfect pairs: A matchmaking of plant markers and primers for multi‐marker eDNA metabarcoding
Authors: Espinosa Prieto Armando , Hardion Laurent , Debortoli Nicolas , Beisel Jean‐Nicolas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAs the scope of plant eDNA metabarcoding diversifies, so do the primers, markers and methods. A wealth of primers exists today, but their comparative evaluation is lacking behind. Similarly, multi‐marker approaches are recommended but debates persist regarding barcode complementarity and optimal combinations. After a literature compilation of used primers, we compared in silico 102 primer pairs based on amplicon size, coverage and specificity, followed by an experimental evaluation of 15 primer pairs on a mock community sample covering 268 plant species and genera, and about 100 families. The analysis was done for the four most common plant metabarcoding markers, rbcL, trnL, ITS1 and ITS2 and their complementarity was assessed based on retrieved species. By focusing on existing primers, we identify common designs, promote alternatives and enhance prior‐supported primers for immediate applications. The ITS2 was the best‐performing marker for flowering vascular plants and was congruent to ITS1. However, the combined taxonomic breadth of ITS2 and rbcL surpassed any other combination, highlighting their high complementarity across Streptophyta. Overall, our study underscores the significance of comprehensive primer and barcode evaluations tailored to metabarcoding applications.
Mitochondrial S‐adenosylmethionine deficiency induces mitochondrial unfolded protein response and extends lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Chen Tse Yu , Wang Feng‐Yung , Lee Pin‐Jung , Hsu Ao‐Lin , Ching Tsui‐Ting 
Published: February 2024

AbstractS‐adenosylmethionine (SAM), generated from methionine and ATP by S‐adenosyl methionine synthetase (SAMS), is the universal methyl group donor required for numerous cellular methylation reactions. In Caenorhabditis elegans, silencing sams‐1, the major isoform of SAMS, genetically or via dietary restriction induces a robust mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) and lifespan extension. In this study, we found that depleting SAMS‐1 markedly decreases mitochondrial SAM levels. Moreover, RNAi knockdown of SLC‐25A26, a carrier protein responsible for transporting SAM from the cytoplasm into the mitochondria, significantly lowers the mitochondrial SAM levels and activates UPRmt, suggesting that the UPRmt induced by sams‐1 mutations might result from disrupted mitochondrial SAM homeostasis. Through a genetic screen, we then identified a putative mitochondrial tRNA methyltransferase TRMT‐10C.2 as a major downstream effector of SAMS‐1 to regulate UPRmt and longevity. As disruption of mitochondrial tRNA methylation likely leads to impaired mitochondrial tRNA maturation and consequently reduced mitochondrial translation, our findings suggest that depleting mitochondrial SAM level might trigger UPRmt via attenuating protein translation in the mitochondria. Together, this study has revealed a potential mechanism by which SAMS‐1 regulates UPRmt and longevity.
Diurnal activity budgets for the giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa, in the Kalahari region of southern Africa
Authors: Deacon Francois , Smit Gert Nicolaas , Grobbelaar Andri 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe diurnal activity budgets of giraffes were effectively studied from June 2012 until August 2013, in the Kalahari Region of southern Africa. Direct field observations identified how the daily activity budgets varied amongst the different subgroups of giraffes and the effects of seasonal changes and the time of the day. Feeding was the highest‐performed activity whilst non‐feeding activities were, however, also prominent. This study aimed to determine why giraffes are willing to sacrifice time on non‐feeding activities. A deeper look into the social and non‐feeding‐related behaviour of giraffes might prove that giraffes devote significant time to various other activities to improve their health and comfort. It unveils trade‐offs between digestion efficiency and foraging, impacting energy gain. Understanding this balance informs conservation strategies, habitat management and their well‐being. Investigating the motivations behind these behavioural choices unveils adaptive mechanisms, shedding light on the intricate interplay between physiological and ecological needs, ultimately contributing to a holistic comprehension of giraffe's ecological roles and promoting their coexistence with their environment. Such investigations also aid in highlighting why giraffes' social structures should be considered as complex and why further research is needed to better understand these relationships, amongst subspecies.
Prostaglandin E2 may clinically alleviate dry eye disease by inducing Th17 cell differentiation
Authors: Chen Jingyao , Gong Yu , Sun Xiaoyu , Chen Nuo , Zhao Zijun , Zhang Weijia , Zheng Yixin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDry eye (DE) is a multifactorial ocular surface disease characterised by an imbalance in tear homeostasis. The pathogenesis of DE is complex and related to environmental, immunological (e.g., T helper 17 cells) and other factors. However, the DE disease pathogenesis remains unclear, thereby affecting its clinical treatment. This study aimed to explore the mechanism through which prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) affects DE inflammation by regulating Th17. The DE mouse model was established through subcutaneous injection of scopolamine hydrobromide. The tear secretion test and break‐up time (BUT) method were used to detect tear secretion and tear film BUT, respectively. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the concentrations of PGE2, interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α) in tear fluid and those of PGE2 and IL‐17 in the serum. RT‐qPCR and western blotting were used to test the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL‐17 and retinoid‐related orphan receptor‐γt (RORγt). PGE2 was highly expressed in the DE mouse model. The mRNA and protein levels of IL‐17 and the key Th17 transcription factor RORγt were increased in tissues of the DE mice. Moreover, PGE2 promoted tear secretion, reduced the BUT, increased the IL‐17 concentration in tears and increased the Th17 cell proportion in DE, whereas the PGE2 receptor inhibitor AH6809 reversed the effects of PGE2 on tear secretion, BUT, and the Th17 cell proportion in draining lymph node (DLN) cells. Taken together, the study findings indicate that PGE2 could induce DE‐related symptoms by promoting Th17 differentiation.
Basic principles of artificial intelligence in dermatology explained using melanoma
Authors: Hartmann Tim , Passauer Johannes , Hartmann Julien , Schmidberger Laura , Kneilling Manfred , Volc Sebastian 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThe use of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to establish itself in the most diverse areas of medicine at an increasingly fast pace. Nevertheless, many healthcare professionals lack the basic technical understanding of how this technology works, which severely limits its application in clinical settings and research. Thus, we would like to discuss the functioning and classification of AI using melanoma as an example in this review to build an understanding of the technology behind AI. For this purpose, elaborate illustrations are used that quickly reveal the technology involved. Previous reviews tend to focus on the potential applications of AI, thereby missing the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter that is so important for clinical application. Malignant melanoma has become a significant burden for healthcare systems. If discovered early, a better prognosis can be expected, which is why skin cancer screening has become increasingly popular and is supported by health insurance. The number of experts remains finite, reducing their availability and leading to longer waiting times. Therefore, innovative ideas need to be implemented to provide the necessary care. Thus, machine learning offers the ability to recognize melanomas from images at a level comparable to experienced dermatologists under optimized conditions.
The impact of stigma on the management of type 1 diabetes: A systematic review
Authors: Embick Ronda , Jackson Mike , Stewart Rose 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsTo systematically review the literature investigating the links between stigma and the management of type 1 diabetes.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Both quantitative and qualitative data were considered. Included papers were subject to quality assessment using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and a narrative synthesis of results was reported.ResultsNineteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Amongst these, one study used mixed methods, nine were qualitative, and nine were quantitative. All studies found a negative relationship between stigma and type 1 diabetes management. Qualitative studies provided a further understanding of the effects observed in the quantitative studies and found that stigma can affect self‐care activities, disclosure of diabetes, and the uptake of diabetes technology. Systemic causes of stigma and intersectional stigma were also observed.ConclusionsThis review highlights that people with type 1 diabetes are negatively affected by stigma, irrespective of their age, gender, culture, or use of diabetes technology. Quantitative studies were limited, in that all studies were cross‐sectional, and there was a lack of standardisation across outcome measures. There is a need for interventions to target stigma on both an individual and a systemic level, particularly where people experience multiple intersecting stigmas.
Association of serum magnesium with metabolic syndrome and the role of chronic kidney disease: A population‐based cohort study with Mendelian randomization
Authors: Shugaa Addin Nuha , Niedermayer Fiona , Thorand Barbara , Linseisen Jakob , Seissler Jochen , Peters Annette , Rospleszcz Susanne 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the association of serum magnesium with prevalent and incident metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its individual components in the general population and to examine any effect modification by chronic kidney disease (CKD) status.MethodsWe analysed longitudinal data from the population‐based KORA F4/FF4 study, including 2996 participants (387 with CKD) for cross‐sectional analysis and 1446 participants (88 with CKD) for longitudinal analysis. Associations with MetS, as well as single components of MetS, were assessed by adjusted regression models. Nonlinearity was tested by restricted cubic splines and analyses were stratified by CKD. Causality was evaluated by two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR).ResultsSerum magnesium (1 SD) was inversely associated with prevalent MetS (odds ratio [OR] 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83, 0.98). The association was more pronounced in individuals with CKD (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59, 0.94). Among MetS components, serum magnesium was negatively associated with elevated fasting glucose (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.71, 0.88) and, again, this association was more pronounced in individuals with CKD (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53, 0.84). Serum magnesium was not associated with incident MetS or its components. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a significant nonlinear inverse relationship of serum magnesium with MetS and elevated fasting glucose. MR analysis suggested an inverse causal effect of serum magnesium on MetS (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85, 0.97).ConclusionSerum magnesium is associated with prevalent, but not incident MetS, and this effect is stronger in individuals with CKD. MR analysis implies a potential, albeit weak, causal role of magnesium in MetS.
Systemic biomarker associated with poor outcome after futile reperfusion
Authors: Hervella Pablo , Sampedro‐Viana Ana , Rodríguez‐Yáñez Manuel , López‐Dequidt Iria , Pumar José M. , Mosqueira Antonio J. , Fernández‐Rodicio Sabela , Bazarra‐Barreiros Marcos , Serena Joaquín , Silva‐Blas Yolanda , Gubern‐Merida Carme , Rey‐Aldana Daniel , Cinza Sergio , Campos Francisco , Sobrino Tomás , Castillo José , Alonso‐Alonso Maria Luz , Iglesias‐Rey Ramón 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundSuccessful recanalization does not lead to complete tissue reperfusion in a considerable percentage of ischemic stroke patients. This study aimed to identify biomarkers associated with futile recanalization. Leukoaraiosis predicts poor outcomes of this phenomenon. Soluble tumour necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK), which is associated with leukoaraiosis degrees, could be a potential biomarker.MethodsThis study includes two cohorts of ischemic stroke patients in a multicentre retrospective observational study. Effective reperfusion, defined as a reduction of ≥8 points in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) within the first 24 h, was used as a clinical marker of effective reperfusion.ResultsIn the first cohort study, female sex, age, and high NIHSS at admission (44.7% vs. 81.1%, 71.3 ± 13.7 vs. 81.1 ± 6.7; 16 [13, 21] vs. 23 [17, 28] respectively; p < .0001) were confirmed as predictors of futile recanalization. ROC curve analysis showed that leukocyte levels (sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 55%) and sTWEAK level (sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 88%) can discriminate between poor and good outcomes. Both biomarkers simultaneously are higher associated with outcome after effective reperfusion (OR: 2.17; CI 95% 1.63–4.19; p < .0001) than individually (leukocytes OR: 1.38; CI 95% 1.00–1.64, p = .042; sTWEAK OR: 1.00; C I95% 1.00–1.01, p = .019). These results were validated using a second cohort, where leukocytes and sTWEAK showed a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 66.7% and 75% respectively.ConclusionsLeukocyte and sTWEAK could be biomarkers of reperfusion failure and subsequent poor outcomes. Further studies will be necessary to explore its role in reperfusion processes.
Arthropods and ultraviolet radiation: Survival, growth and development
Authors: Holford Paul , Parajuli Sabina , Beattie George Andrew Charles , Cen Yijing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has positive and negative impacts on organisms and affects entire ecosystems. It is currently receiving attention because of the interactions of UVR with changes in climate that are likely to affect agriculture and food security.
A review is provided on the effects of different types of UVR on the survival, development and reproduction of insects, collembolans and mites. The foci are on how UVR is used in pest control and how it affects arthropod coloration and distribution.
Direct exposure to UV‐A, UV‐B and UV‐C delays development and reduces survival and host‐seeking ability of arthropods; immature stages are more sensitive than the adults. Increased exposure of crops to UVR has indirect effects on herbivory, and regions with high UVR levels may permit crop production in the absence of certain pest insect species.
The Bunsen‐Roscoe law of reciprocity was upheld for Diaphorina citri and Tetranychus urticae under the range of irradiances and durations of exposure used in two studies, which showed that, for a constant dose, the effects of low irradiances of long durations were equivalent to those of higher irradiances of shorter durations.
DNA damage caused by UV‐C and UV‐B can be repaired by photoreactivation; both white light and UV‐A are effective.
Non‐canonical amino acids uncover the significant impact of Tyr671 on TaqDNA polymerase catalytic activity
Authors: Chen Wanyi , Chen Binbin , Li Xinjia , Xu Gang , Yang Lirong , Wu Jianping , Yu Haoran 
Published: February 2024

Responsible for synthesizing the complementary strand of the DNA template, DNA polymerase is a crucial enzyme in DNA replication, recombination and repair. A highly conserved tyrosine (Tyr), located at the C‐terminus of the O‐helix in family A DNA polymerases, plays a critical role in enzyme activity and fidelity. Here, we combined the technology of genetic code extension to incorporate non‐canonical amino acids and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to uncover the mechanisms by which Tyr671 impacts substrate binding and conformation transitions in a DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus. Five non‐canonical amino acids, namely l‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (l‐DOPA), p‐aminophenylalanine (pAF), p‐acetylphenylalanine (pAcF), p‐cyanophenylalanine (pCNF) and p‐nitrophenylalanine (pNTF), were individually incorporated at position 671. Strikingly, Y671pAF and Y671DOPA were active, but with lower activity compared to Y671F and wild‐type. Y671pAF showed a higher fidelity than the Y671F, despite both possessing lower fidelity than the wild‐type. Metadynamics and long‐timescale MD simulations were carried out to probe the role of mutations in affecting protein structure, including open conformation, open‐to‐closed conformation transition, closed conformation, and closed‐to‐open conformation transition. The MD simulations clearly revealed that the size of the 671 amino acid residue and interactions with substrate or nearby residues were critical for Tyr671 to determine enzyme activity and fidelity.