bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The corrupt politics of chemical weapons
Authors: Robinson Piers 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is a significant component of the global governance structure and considered a gold standard international body with 193 member states and scientific divisions expected to adhere rigorously to objectivity and political neutrality. However, OPCW's reputation has recently been tarnished. Dissenting scientists from within the organization have raised serious questions about the integrity of an OPCW fact‐finding mission (FFM) investigating the alleged chemical attack in Douma, Syria on April 7, 2018. The OPCW FFMs are tainted in three ways: (1) they rely upon information provided via intermediaries connected to states that are belligerents in the war in Syria; (2) the organizational structure of an FFM excludes scientific and verification divisions of the OPCW; and (3) control of FFMs is held by a bureaucratic office staffed by career diplomats who are from states involved with the Syrian war. Furthermore, officials involved with the Douma FFM investigation report the following anomalies: (a) an original interim report was secretly altered in order to make an unsubstantiated suggestion that an alleged attack had occurred; (b) A U.S. delegation was allowed to brief the FFM, an action prohibited by the Chemical Weapons Convention; and (c) formal attempts by the inspectors to obtain transparency and dialog was rejected by the OPCW. Meanwhile, the United States and its allies have dismissed questions as Russian “disinformation” or as a “conspiracy theory.” Overall, analysis of the alleged Douma attack and the OPCW's FFM supports the thesis that key international organizations have been effectively captured, or at the very least heavily influenced, by particular states that assume their own impartiality. This shortcoming poses a risk to international peace and security.
MicroRNA‐577/EIF5A2 axis suppressed the proliferation of DDP‐resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by blocking TGF‐β signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Renrui , Zhong Qiong , Liu Huafeng , Liu Shubin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDiaminodichoroplatinum (DDP) resistance of tumor cells is the culprit of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment failure. MicroRNA‐577 is lowly expressed in NPC tissues, but relevant mechanism is poorly studied. Therefore, this study investigated the role of microRNA‐577 in NPC cells with DDP resistance and its mechanism. DDP‐resistant NPC cells were established by treatment with DDP at increased concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 μg/mL). MicroRNA‐577 and EIF5A2 mRNA expressions were detected by qRT‐PCR. Cell biological behaviors were assessed via cell function experiments. Expressions of epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT)‐related proteins were quantified by western blot. The targeting relationship between eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2) and microRNA‐577 was verified through dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The tumor volume and weight were measured after subcutaneous tumorigenesis in mice. As observed from the results, microRNA‐577 expression was reduced in NPC cells and DDP‐resistant NPC cells. Up‐regulated microRNA‐577 suppressed the malignant behaviors and EMT of DDP‐resistant NPC cells, and facilitated cell apoptosis. MicroRNA‐577 targeted EIF5A2, and overexpressed EIF5A2 reversed the above effects of up‐regulated microRNA‐577 on DDP‐resistant NPC cells. Besides, EIF5A2 positively regulated TGF‐β signaling pathway, and TGF‐β treatment offset the promoting effects of EIF5A2 silencing on apoptosis of DDP‐resistant NPC cells. Up‐regulated microRNA‐577 suppressed the proliferation of DDP‐resistant NPC cells, and down‐regulated the levels of EIF5A2 and TGF‐β as well as EMT in vivo. Collectively, microRNA‐577/EIF5A2 axis hinders the EMT progression through the blockage of TGF‐β signaling pathway, so as to inhibit the proliferation of DDP‐resistant NPC.
The evaluation of isatin analogues as inhibitors of monoamine oxidase
Authors: Prinsloo Izak F. , Petzer Jacobus P. , Cloete Theunis T. , Petzer Anél 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe small molecule, isatin, is a well‐known reversible inhibitor of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes with IC50 values of 12.3 and 4.86 μM for MAO‐A and MAO‐B, respectively. While the interaction of isatin with MAO‐B has been characterized, only a few studies have explored structure–activity relationships (SARs) of MAO inhibition by isatin analogues. The current study therefore evaluated a series of 14 isatin analogues as in vitro inhibitors of human MAO‐A and MAO‐B. The results indicated good potency MAO inhibition for some isatin analogues with five compounds exhibiting IC50 < 1 μM. 4‐Chloroisatin (1b) and 5‐bromoisatin (1f) were the most potent inhibitors with IC50 values of 0.812 and 0.125 μM for MAO‐A and MAO‐B, respectively. These compounds were also found to be competitive inhibitors of MAO‐A and MAO‐B with Ki values of 0.311 and 0.033 μM, respectively. Among the SARs, it was interesting to note that C5‐substitution was particularly beneficial for MAO‐B inhibition. MAO inhibitors are established drugs for the treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, while potential new roles in prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease are being investigated.
Segmented modelling and analysis of disperse dye concentration based on multidimensional spectrum
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Huang Xuejiao , Zheng Huayan , Qian Miao 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSince the water‐insoluble dispersing dye has both absorption and scattering characteristics, a spatial resolution hyperspectral measurement approach and experimental testing was proposed in this article, which can collect spectral and spatial data from samples simultaneously. The concentration of 81 groups of three‐component disperse dye samples were measured. However, the hyperspectral data of dye solutions in the 420–800 nm band is saturated, resulting in the inability for multispectral data processing. A segmented concentration quantitative analysis model was developed. For the unsaturated band (420–510 nm), the partial least squares (PLS), the N‐way partial least squares (NPLS), and support vector machine (SVM) models using the data points on the X‐axis of a two‐dimensional light intensity distribution map were established. The predicted performance of PLS model was worse slightly than that of the other two models, The coefficient of determination (R2) values of concentrations for red, orange and blue disperse dye were 0.888, 0.796 and 0.959, respectively. For saturated band (520–670 nm), the NPLS and SVM models using the data points on the X‐ and Y‐axis were established. Results shows that the prediction accuracy of concentrations of the three‐component disperse dye was increased by adding additional data points on the Y‐axis, with R2 values of 0.944, 0.807, and 0.912, respectively. For the strong scattering band (680–800 nm), a SVM model was established, and R2 of concentration of the three dyes reached 0.974, 0.933 and 0.995, respectively. The results showed that multidimensional spectroscopy method can improve the prediction accuracy of component concentration of disperse dye solution, by using more spectral information from X and Y directions.
Work‐related social media use and the shaping of communicative role perceptions
Authors: Pekkala Kaisa , van Zoonen Ward 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study focuses on employees' work‐related social media use. The multivalent involvement of social media in corporate processes calls for attention to how employees' social media use is conceptualized and managed. Drawing on a sample of 1179 knowledge workers, the study explores how employees perceive their communicative roles, how contextual factors shape these perceptions, and how communicative role perceptions, in turn, are associated with work‐related social media use. The findings demonstrate that leadership support and employees' perceptions of the anticipated impact of their communication are positively related to role perceptions, and the more employees define their communicative roles as an expected part of their work, the more likely they are to use social media for work‐related purposes. This study is highly relevant to scholars and managers as it draws attention to expanding workplace roles that emerge in relation to advancements in, and the adoption of, new information and communication technology.
Iatrogenic systemic botulism after intragastric botulinum neurotoxin injection: Case report
Authors: Kılboz Bekir Burak , Ervatan Zekeriya , Dumlu Rıdvan , Akan Onur 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeThe recent off‐label use of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) for intragastric obesity treatment has led to 67 cases of systemic botulism in Türkiye, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This case report highlights the potential risks and adverse effects associated with this treatment.Case reportA 36‐year‐old female presented to the emergency room with shortness of breath, fatigue, difficulty in eating and holding her head, constipation and double vision after receiving intragastric BoNT injection for obesity treatment. She had bilateral orbicularis oculi weakness, facial diplegia, weak tongue, masseter, neck and extremity muscles. Electromyography showed a presynaptic type neuromuscular junction disorder. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and administered botulinum heptavalent equine‐derived antitoxin, but the medication had to be stopped due to a reaction. The patient was started on pyridostigmine for symptomatic treatment and was transferred to an inpatient clinic after minimal improvement. She was discharged after 7 days of follow‐up.ConclusionClinicians should be cautious of the potential risks of intragastric BoNT injection for obesity treatment and consider systemic botulism as a potential adverse effect. Antitoxin treatment should be considered in clinically progressing patients despite negative botulinum toxin testing.
Quantifying and controlling the impact of regression to the mean on randomized controlled trials in epilepsy
Authors: Goldenholz Daniel M. , Goldenholz Eliana B. , Kaptchuk Ted J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) in epilepsy for drug treatments are plagued by high costs. One potential remedy is to reduce placebo response via better control over regression to the mean (RTM). Here, RTM represents an initial observed seizure rate higher than the long‐term average, which gradually settles closer to the average, resulting in apparent response to treatment. This study used simulation to clarify the relationship between eligibility criteria and RTM.MethodsUsing a statistically realistic seizure diary simulator, the impact of RTM on placebo response and trial efficacy was explored by varying eligibility criteria for a traditional treatment phase II/III RCT for drug‐resistant epilepsy.ResultsWhen the baseline period was included in the eligibility criteria, increasingly larger fractions of RTM were observed (25%–47% vs. 23%–25%). Higher fractions of RTM corresponded with higher expected placebo responses (50% responder rate [RR50]: 2%–9% vs. 0%–8%) and lower statistical efficacy (RR50: 47%–67% vs. 47%–81%). The exclusion of baseline from eligibility criteria was shown to decrease the number of patients needed by roughly 30%.SignificanceThe manipulation of eligibility criteria for RCTs has a predictable and important impact on RTM, and therefore on placebo response; the difference between drug and placebo was more easily detected. This in turn impacts trial efficacy and therefore cost. This study found dramatic improvements in efficacy and cost when baseline was not included in eligibility.
Patient‐derived SLC6A1 variant S295L results in an epileptic phenotype similar to haploinsufficient mice
Authors: Lindquist Britta E. , Voskobiynyk Yuliya , Goodspeed Kimberly , Paz Jeanne T. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe solute carrier family 6 member 1 (SLC6A1) gene encodes GAT‐1, a γ‐aminobutyric acid transporter expressed on astrocytes and inhibitory neurons. Mutations in SLC6A1 are associated with epilepsy and developmental disorders, including motor and social impairments, but variant‐specific animal models are needed to elucidate mechanisms. Here, we report electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings and clinical data from a patient with a variant in SLC6A1 that encodes GAT‐1 with a serine‐to‐leucine substitution at amino acid 295 (S295L), who was diagnosed with childhood absence epilepsy. Next, we show that mice bearing the S295L mutation (GAT‐1S295L/+) have spike‐and‐wave discharges with motor arrest consistent with absence‐type seizures, similar to GAT‐1+/− mice. GAT‐1S295L/+ and GAT‐1+/− mice follow the same pattern of pharmacosensitivity, being bidirectionally modulated by ethosuximide (200 mg/kg ip) and the GAT‐1 antagonist NO‐711 (10 mg/kg ip). By contrast, GAT‐1−/− mice were insensitive to both ethosuximide and NO‐711 at the doses tested. In conclusion, ECoG findings in GAT‐1S295L/+ mice phenocopy GAT‐1 haploinsufficiency and provide a useful preclinical model for drug screening and gene therapy investigations.
Influence of hard phase size and spacing on the fatigue crack propagation in tool steels—Numerical simulation and experimental validation
Authors: Brackmann Lukas , Wingender Dennis , Weber Sebastian , Balzani Daniel , Röttger Arne 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this study, the fatigue crack growth rate in four different tool steel microstructures (hot rolled, powdermetallurgically processed, as‐cast, and carbide‐free) is experimentally measured and correlated with hard phase size and spacing, as well as with the roughness of the fracture surface that is created by crack kinking. Numerical simulations of crack growth in carbide‐containing microstructures are conducted and investigated. The results indicate a favorable influence of carbides with a larger size and higher degree of roundness, as they create the largest mean free path between the individual carbides at the same hard phase volume content. This facilitates the formation of a plastic zone in the matrix, which dissipates crack energy and reduces the effective stress intensity. In addition, the effect of crack kinking is increased at larger carbide sizes. Concerning practical application, the results suggest that a high degree of deformation is favorable regarding the fatigue growth resistance of tool steels, and that the use of powder metallurgically (PM) grades with small carbides is discouraged, if the lifetime of a tool is mainly controlled by the crack growth rate and not crack initiation.
Long‐term assessment of relationships between changing environmental conditions and the physiology of southern Beaufort Sea polar bears (Ursus maritimus)
Authors: Fry Tricia L. , Friedrichs Kristen R. , Ketz Alison C. , Duncan Colleen , Van Deelen Timothy R. , Goldberg Tony L. , Atwood Todd C. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractClimate change is influencing polar bear (Ursus maritimus) habitat, diet, and behavior but the effects of these changes on their physiology is not well understood. Blood‐based biomarkers are used to assess the physiologic health of individuals but their usefulness for evaluating population health, especially as it relates to changing environmental conditions, has rarely been explored. We describe links between environmental conditions and physiologic functions of southern Beaufort Sea polar bears using data from blood samples collected from 1984 to 2018, a period marked by extensive environmental change. We evaluated associations between 13 physiologic biomarkers and circumpolar (Arctic oscillation index) and regional (wind patterns and ice‐free days) environmental metrics and seasonal and demographic co‐variates (age, sex, season, and year) known to affect polar bear ecology. We observed signs of dysregulation of water balance in polar bears following years with a lower annual Arctic oscillation index. In addition, liver enzyme values increased over time, which is suggestive of potential hepatocyte damage as the Arctic has warmed. Biomarkers of immune function increased with regional‐scale wind patterns and the number of ice‐free days over the Beaufort Sea continental shelf and were lower in years with a lower winter Arctic oscillation index, suggesting an increased allocation of energetic resources for immune processes under these conditions. We propose that the variation in polar bear immune and metabolic function is likely indicative of physiologic plasticity, a response that allows polar bears to remain in homeostasis even as they experience changes in nutrition and habitat in response to changing environments.
From globalisation to the planetary: Towards a critical framework of planetary thinking in geography
Authors: Mould Oli 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWith climate change and pandemics, the last few years has ushered in a planetary age. Moreover, the concept of the ‘globalisation’—a totalising and capitalist‐centric concept that homogenises the entire planet into a territory to conquer—has become incapable of adequately accounting for the planetary events taking place. To date, geographical literature has used the term ‘planetary’ in important, but disparate ways; and in so doing, underplaying the emancipatory potential the concept has in resisting the totalising concept of the ‘globalisation’. This paper looks to the wider humanities and social science to offer four propositions—materiality, human as praxis, antinational and safeguarding—the planetary can be more coherently conceptualised geographically.
Black soybean cooking water (aquasoya) powder as a novel clean‐label ingredient in plant‐based vegan patties
Authors: Echeverria‐Jaramillo Esteban , Shin Weon‐Sun 
Published: July 2023

SummaryBlack soybean cooking water (BSCW), a by‐product of the soybean paste industry, is a novel foaming and emulsifying material. Its application, however, is limited to sauces and bakery goods. To expand its use, this research explored its binding and texturising abilities on a plant‐based patty. This vegan patty was developed including methylcellulose (MC) at 3% or BSCW powder at 3, 6 and 12%, and their functional and textural characteristics were analysed. Adding BSCW powder at 12% resulted in enhanced fluid retention parameters, namely, decreased cooking loss (9.98 ± 0.72%; control: 12.64 ± 0.36%) and increased binding capacity (86.18 ± 0.47%; control: 83.26 ± 1.94%). Texturally, BSCW powder enhanced the hardness and adhesiveness of the patties. Consequently, BSCW powder could improve the characteristics of a minced‐type vegan food similar to MC constituting an alternative plant‐based ingredient that is environmentally friendly due to being sourced from an upcycled material.
Analysis and comparison of fungal communities in wheat Qus and Lin‐fan yeast starters used as traditional starter cultures of Shaoxing Huangjiu
Authors: Yang Huanyi , Kong Xiangwei , Sun Guochang , Du Zhenna , Fu Zukang , Shao Shengnan , Shen Chi , Zang Wei , Sun Jianqiu , Zhou Jiandi 
Published: July 2023

SummaryThe wheat Qu and Lin‐fan yeast starter are two vital components of Huangjiu brewing, the microbiome composition of which can have a major impact on the end product's quality. This investigation aimed to investigate and compare the fungal diversity of eight starters, including four wheat Qus and four Lin‐fan yeast starters collected from different manufacturers of Shaoxing Huangjiu using high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) technology. Significant variation was observed in the fungal community composition among different starter samples. Fusarium, Epicoccum, Aspergillus and Alternaria were the most predominant fungal genera in wheat Qus. In contrast, Lin‐fan yeast starters possessed relatively simple fungal communities and were predominated by Saccharomyces and Saccharomycopsis. LEfSe analysis showed that nine genus‐level fungal taxa could be retrieved to differentiate the two starter types. Furthermore, the complicated association among the dominant fungi in traditional starters was revealed by utilising Spearman's correlation‐based network analysis. A total of 42 positive and 28 negative correlations were identified respectively. Ultimately, this investigation described the fungal communities in wheat Qus and Lin‐fan yeast starters and will aid in screening fermentation strains, which can remarkably enhance the quality of Shaoxing Huangjiu.
Recent advance in the biological activity of chlorogenic acid and its application in food industry
Authors: Li Ziqiang , Niu Li , Chen Yangfeng , Qiu Xiaoyan , Du Tiantian , Zhu Miaohua , Wang Minglei , Mo Huiying , Xiao Shengen 
Published: July 2023

SummaryIn recent years, people have been paying more attention to food safety and dietary health. An increasing number of natural active ingredients are used in the field of food and nutrition. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), as a phenolic acid compound extensive present in the diet, has been reported to have a variety of beneficial biological activities in alleviating and preventing various diet‐related chronic diseases. Moreover, it has various applications in food safety and food nutrition as a new type of food additive. In this context, this paper reviews the role of CGA as an antioxidant, antibacterial, hypotensive, hypoglycaemic, antiobesity and gastrointestinal health agent starting from its distribution, source, in vivo metabolism and isolation. Furthermore, the practical application of chlorogenic acid in active food packaging, food quality control and nutritional dietary supplements is discussed. Finally, the future development and challenges of CGA in the field of food is described, providing new ideas for the application of CGA in food safety and dietary supplements and future research.
It takes two to tango: Reconceptualizing union power and union effectiveness in a relational perspective
Authors: Jemine Grégory 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper reports on a public transport company in which local unions, by repeatedly threatening to strike, managed to significantly enhance their negotiating position and exert considerable power over their management. While extant literature has mostly paid attention to ‘weak’ unions struggling for renewal and revitalization, the present study rather explores a situation in which unions manage to become ‘strong’ by making aggressive uses of power, as well as the implications for union effectiveness. It is shown that management deficiencies can provide unions with unprecedented opportunities for exerting power, yet hamper their ability to reach greater effectiveness as the absence of an engaged managerial line makes it difficult to secure decisions favouring workers and the organization. This paper contributes to theory on union power and effectiveness by offering an alternative to the resource‐based view of union power that has been prevalent in prior research. Union power and effectiveness in the workplace appear to be deeply rooted in the power relations that unions sustain with other organizational actors, demonstrating the relevance of a relational perspective that goes beyond union‐centred action, resources and capabilities to include the complex dynamics of their interactions with other organizational actors.